As Ugandans stepped into 2026, www.monitor.co.ug, Uganda’s most-visited news website, recorded these as the most-read stories in January.
From high-stakes politics and disputed elections to national education updates and global recognition for Ugandans, here’s a look back at January’s most-read stories, ranked by article reads in descending order of popularity:
10. Veteran gynecologist Dr Ignatius James Batwala dies
Dr Ignatius James Batwala, 89, a veteran Kampala gynecologist and former Deputy Prime Minister of Busoga Kingdom, died on December 31, 2025, at his Ntinda home, hours after returning from a burial in eastern Uganda.
Dr Batwala, who had also served as Deputy Minister of Health (1986-1988), collapsed shortly after stepping out of the family car and was pronounced dead en route to Mulago Heart Institute. His private clinic, Fiona Clinic, and decades of public service left a lasting impact on Uganda’s medical and social landscape.
9. Returning officer flees with Nalukoola’s declaration forms
Following the high stakes January 15 parliamentary elections, Elias Luyimbazi Nalukoola of NUP was declared the winner of Kawempe North MP seat with 34,985 votes.
Amid the announcement, Kampala District Returning Officer Rashid Hasakya fled the tally centre after clashes with supporters of Nalukoola’s closest rival, Faridah Nambi (NRM), before returning moments later to hand over the declaration forms.
Nalukoola hailed his victory, calling it a triumph of the people over attempts to manipulate the results.
8. Ronald Balimwezo takes early lead in Kampala mayor race
In the Kampala Mayor race, NUP candidate and eventual winner Ronald Balimwezo remained ahead of incumbent Erias Lukwago in early tallies, dominating opposition strongholds across Kawempe, Makindye, and Central divisions.
Balimwezo’s performance foreshadowed the end of Lukwago’s more than decade-long tenure. Low voter turnout was reported, yet Balimwezo secured decisive wins in multiple polling stations, while NRM’s Moses Nsubuga performed strongly in select pockets.
7. UCC orders mobile networks to suspend public internet
Just two days before Uganda’s January 15 General Election, Ugandans were thrown into a blackout as the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) directed all mobile operators and ISPs to suspend public internet access, halt SIM card sales, and restrict outbound roaming.
The directive, effective January 13, followed recommendations from the Inter-Agency Security Committee ahead of polls that saw President Museveni win another disputed term. The blackout and restrictions affected voter access to information and reporting and were blamed for failure of biometric machines on voting day.
6. Four Ugandans among 100 Most Reputable Africans 2026
Reputation Poll International recognized four Ugandans in its 2026 ‘Benchmark of Trust, Integrity and Impact’ list: Ambassador Allan Kajik, opposition leader and musician Bobi Wine, energy entrepreneur Dorothy Pinyoloya, and infrastructure finance expert Samallie Kiyingi.
The list celebrates ethical leadership, influence, and social impact across Africa. Bobi Wine was noted for advocacy on democratic reform and youth participation, while Kajik was lauded for diplomatic and development work.
5. Muhoozi stirs social media with photo of ‘captured’ Bobi Wine’s wife
Not fresh to controversy through his inflammatory posts, first son and military chief Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, sparked debate after posting an image of Bobi Wine’s wife, Barbara, claiming she had been ‘captured’ during a military operation.
The posts came after Bobi Wine fled his home and reported harassment by security forces following the January 15 election, in which he finished second.
The incident intensified scrutiny of Uganda’s security operations and raised tensions with foreign diplomats allegedly linked to his movements.
4. Uganda’s 2026 election: Bobi Wine lags behind Museveni in early tally
This was a weblog with election day coverage, which could have drawn even more readers. Its readership was constrained by a nationwide internet blackout. Main issue on voting day was technical glitches with biometric voter verification machines that forced a shift to manual voting, prompting claims from Bobi Wine and other opposition figures that the process was being manipulated.
President Museveni, whose fingerprint failed to authenticate on the voting machine, also vowed to launch a probe to determine whether the malfunction was deliberate by EC insiders.
3. PLE results set for Friday release
The long-awaited Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE) 2025 results were scheduled for release on January 30, 2026, according to UNEB spokesperson Jennifer Kalule. The announcement followed consultations with Education Minister Janet Kataha Museveni, ensuring stakeholders were informed prior to the release.
2. Uganda travellers to pay Shs18m-Shs56m as US expands visa bonds
US-Uganda relations under the spotlight again. The United States placed Uganda among 30+ countries whose citizens must post substantial financial bonds-$5,000 to $15,000-to obtain short-term B1/B2 visas starting January 21, 2026.
The move raised concerns over strained diplomatic ties and the financial burden on Ugandan travellers, particularly for business, education, and diaspora engagement. Analysts noted the policy aligned with US immigration priorities targeting overstays and national security risks.
1. Govt releases dates for 2026 school calendar
Back to school. The Ministry of Education and Sports released the 2026 academic calendar, designating February 2, 2026, as the start of the first term for primary and secondary schools. The dates were later revised due to fears over the post-election environment.
First Term will now open February `10. Permanent Secretary Kedrace Turyagyenda urged strict adherence to the calendar, emphasizing that no school term should be shortened without authorization.