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National Unity Platform presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi, alias Bobi Wine, has decried the poor state of infrastructure in Busoga Sub-region, saying it continues to undermine the region’s vast economic potential. Speaking during the second day of his campaign tour of Busoga in Buyende District yesterday, Mr Kyagulanyi highlighted poor road infrastructure, lack of electricity, and neglected public services as key barriers keeping Busoga in a cycle of poverty and underdevelopment.

He expressed concern over the underutilisation of Busoga’s vast natural resources. ‘Busoga is endowed with valuable resources, but poor road networks have hindered its economic growth. These roads must be upgraded and connected to major highways through tarmacking to stimulate development,’ he said. He urged the people of Busoga to safeguard their land from encroachment, warning that land grabbing could jeopardise the region’s future development.

Mr Kyagulanyi criticised the lack of access to electricity in the sub-region, highlighting the irony that electricity is generated in Busoga but many residents live in darkness, especially in the rural communities. He pledged that under his leadership, every homestead would be connected to electricity. He also promised to release all prisoners currently incarcerated across the country, though he did not elaborate on the conditions for such releases.

In his proposed government, Mr Kyagulanyi aims to improve the health system in Busoga and other regions, particularly to eliminate maternal deaths. He emphasised the need to uplift the welfare of security personnel by ensuring the lowest-ranking ones receive a monthly salary of at least Shs1m and are provided with proper housing and benefits. The lowest paid police officers are the police constables who take home Shs440,000, which the NUP leader said is too low to meet their needs. He further pledged to create regional cities based on geographical location and promote equitable employment opportunities.

‘Jobs should be given to all Ugandans, regardless of their region. It’s unacceptable that some government offices are dominated by individuals from only one region. That will not be tolerated in our government,’ he stated.

Meanwhile, security forces stopped Mr Kyagulanyi’s team from accessing Bukungu Landing Site in Buyende District, where two ferries are still waiting to be commissioned and a long-promised ice plant has reportedly been vandalised. The road heading to the site was blocked by armoured vehicles, preventing Mr Kyagulanyi and his team from inspecting the area. Instead, he was diverted to Bukungu Primary School, where he addressed a large crowd.

Despite this unforeseen incident, Mr Kyagulanyi said it spoke volumes about the government’s neglect of the region. ‘This regime doesn’t want us to expose the rot, the neglect, the exploitation, and the suffering they’ve subjected you to in your own land and community,’ Mr Kyagulanyi said. ‘But the statement has already been made. What you’ve seen today is evidence enough and that’s why we rally under the umbrella for shelter from this political storm.’ While addressing separate rallies in Kidera Town (Budiope West) and Irundu Town (Budiope East), Mr Kyagulanyi described his campaign as the beginning of a ‘new dawn’ in Uganda’s political landscape.

He called on all citizens, regardless of political or ideological affiliation, to join the struggle for regime change and national liberation. In Kamuli, security personnel were heavily deployed.

Expecting his arrival, crowds filled the streets and gathered at the town roundabout, eager to catch a glimpse of the singer-turned-politician. While addressing supporters in Budiope and Kamuli, Mr Kyagulanyi made several promises. He pledged to provide clean drinking water so that communities no longer rely on swamp water shared with cows, frogs, and mosquitoes.

He also promised to invest in irrigation systems to boost household incomes and reduce dependence on seasonal rains. For fishing communities, he vowed to provide free fishing gear to ease the burden of state-imposed restrictions. On education, he promised major reforms, including school feeding programmes and efforts to address inequalities in teachers’ welfare. But after his rally in Namwendwa, his convoy was placed under tight escort. He was driven through at high speed while sticking his head and upper part of his body through the sunroof of his vehicle and was not allowed to make any stopovers, leaving the waiting crowd disappointed.

About Busoga

The Busoga Sub-region has a population of 4.37 million people as of May 2024, representing 9.51 percent of the national population. In the 2021 presidential elections, Mr Robert Kyagulanyi (NUP) emerged victorious in eight out of 12 districts within the Busoga sub-region.

When her husband died in 2017, life changed completely for 80-year-old Terisanta Okii. The grandmother from Anang Village in Alebtong District has no steady income and struggles to care for her three grandchildren. Every day, she goes to her small garden, picks pumpkin leaves, washes them in a saucepan, and cooks them over an open fire. That simple dish is what keeps her family going.

It is also the only meal they eat in a day. ‘I have one torn blanket which a neighbour’s daughter gave me seven years ago. My grandchildren sleep on a mat with only two bedsheets. I don’t have proper serving dishes, but at least I own two plastic cups and seven plates,’ she says. Her home, two small grass-thatched huts, leaks whenever it rains. In the past, she made clay pots to sell, but sickness has kept her away from the quarry where she used to dig clay soil for sell.

One of her grandchildren got pregnant while still in Primary Five. At just 16, she is now a young mother raising a baby.

‘We often go to bed hungry, but we don’t complain,’ Ms Okii says.

‘Every new day, I just wake up and try again.’

Despite the hardship, she still finds joy in her garden, watching her pumpkin leaves grow, and she leans on her faith, praying daily for a better tomorrow. Her struggles are shared by hundreds of other widows in Alebtong. According to New Jerusalem Christian Church, there are more than 400 widows in the district facing the same battles-hunger, poor shelter, and the heavy responsibility of raising children alone.

Seventy-year-old Pamela Acen from Apado Village lost her husband, Charles Akena, last year. Soon after his burial, she says her in-laws grabbed five of the eight gardens he had left her.

‘With only three gardens left, my biggest struggle now is paying school fees,’ she says.

Her son, Peter Awany, is in Senior One at Living Hope High School in Lira City. ‘Being an orphan, I can only contribute food-25 kilos of beans and 30 kilos of maize,’ the teenager says.

Another son, Oscar, sat his Primary Leaving Examinations in 2022 but had to drop out of school because there was no money for fees. In Epale Cell, 70-year-old Jenti Akao tells a similar story. Widowed since 2001, she is caring not only for her own children but also grandchildren from her mentally challenged daughter.

‘We eat once a day. When I fail to get food, we just go to bed hungry,’ she says.

Even the younger widows are not spared.

Grace Adongo, 32, lost her husband in 2018. Now bedridden, she cannot provide for her three children. Janet Akello, 40, from Alekodio Village, has been raising her two children alone since her husband died in a road accident in 2002. One son is studying at Gulu University on government sponsorship, but she is struggling to pay school fees for her daughter, who is in Senior Three in Jinja. Others, like 64-year-old Mildred Ekit of Oumo Village, are taking care of orphans left behind by relatives. ‘I have only one acre of land. We need support to start small projects like poultry or goat rearing so we can properly care for these children,’ she says.

Leaders speak out

Aloi Sub-county councillor Patrick Alengo says the situation is made worse by poverty, poor farming skills, and climate change. Rev Boniface Ongora of New Jerusalem Christian Church says many children have been orphaned by HIV/Aids and are left with poor grandparents. Some end up homeless and on the streets.

He mentions poultry and goat rearing as alternatives that can give widows income while requiring little land. Alebtong LC5 chairman David Kennedy Odongo, admits that the district has no programme specifically targeting widows and orphans.

Amid mixed reactions and scepticism over gaps in service delivery, President Museveni launched his 2026 re-election bid at Bukalasa Agricultural College in the Greater Luweero sub-region yesterday.

His ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party sees Luweero as its cradle, owing to its central role in the 1980s liberation war. Yet, 40 years later, many residents question the slow progress in infrastructure, veterans’ welfare, and social services. In 2021, the Opposition triumphed in this symbolic ‘Mecca’ of the NRM, underlining discontent over unfulfilled pledges.

Observers argue that deliberate programmes such as those rolled out in northern Uganda after the conflict were never extended to Luweero.

‘Like the Northern Uganda Reconstruction Programme that targeted rehabilitation of infrastructure and economic recovery, the people of Luweero missed out on such opportunities,’ Mr Omar Kyagulanyi, a civilian war veteran and former Katikamu Sub-county chairperson, said. Former Minister without Portfolio and Presidential Adviser Abdul Nadduli blamed poor planning and lack of goodwill due to broken promises.

‘President Museveni knows Luweero better than many of the current breed of leaders in his government,’ he said, urging him to take direct charge.

Locals accuse both the government and the NRM leaders of frustrating progress.

‘I will not spare President Museveni because he superintends the top policy-making organs. Greater Luweero has had several sons and daughters in the Cabinet. We have always questioned their relevance if they cannot lobby for affirmative action projects,’ said retired teacher John Mary Kabanda.

The erosion of NRM support was evident in 2021, when the Opposition swept all four parliamentary seats in Luweero and two of four in Nakaseke. ‘It was a protest against our own government,’ said Ms Aidah Nakandi Ssemyalo of Wobulenzi, who recounted how her father, a civilian war veteran, died without compensation. Opposition leaders echo the sense of betrayal. Luweero District Chairperson Erastus Kibirango, a NUP member, said: ‘I don’t believe that the NRM government has a chance to run away from the blame of negligence of an area that procured their victory after a long liberation war.’ He called for a special programme to address Luweero’s recovery.

However, NRM officials counter that progress is being made.

Deputy Secretary General of NRM party Rose Namayanja cited Shs6.1 billion for the district administration block, Shs2.5 billion for Luweero General Hospital, and new mechanised farming equipment. Luweero Triangle Minister Alice Kaboyo pointed to Shs6.1 billion recently disbursed to compensate civilian war veterans and the establishment of 500 factories in the last decade.

Yet electoral data tell a stark story. In 2021, Museveni managed only 27.94 percent (41,166 votes) in Luweero, compared to 70.45 percent (103,782 votes) for Robert Kyagulanyi of NUP party. Both NRM and Opposition supporters cited poor service delivery and unmet promises as decisive factors. Mr Pascal Imarach, the Zirobwe Town Council chairperson and the head of the NRM veterans’ league, admitted mistakes but insisted they will improve. ‘Our people demand effective service delivery. Our people still believe that President Museveni is their tested leader,’ he said.

Lingering challenges

Despite some fulfilled pledges, unresolved land issues dominate local grievances. The government claims to have addressed them through the 2010 Land Act, but residents cite abuses by powerful individuals who override the law. Nakasongola District Chairperson Sam Kigula said about 75 percent of residents are squatters and vulnerable to eviction by absentee landlords.

‘We can only circumvent the land-related challenges if the government rolls out the land fund. Many cannot plan to cultivate land because of insecurity,’ he said.

In Luweero and Nakaseke, land grabbing and illegal evictions are rising. Lawyer Peter Kimanje Nsibambi said his firm is handling more than 200 cases. ‘Despite having land laws that protect Bibanja holders, many are victims of illegal eviction,’ he said.

Government’s defence

The NRM highlights achievements in health, education and infrastructure. In Luweero District alone, 32,722 residents benefit from the Parish Development Model (PDM), backed by Shs31 billion. Access to safe water has reached 87 percent, with 1,436 water sources. The district now boasts 230 UPE schools serving 129,287 pupils and 24 government secondary schools with 46,648 students.

Health facilities have also expanded, with 40 public units compared to just five in 1987. The district hospital has been upgraded, alongside operating theatres at Health Centre IVs and maternity wards at Health Centre IIIs. Infrastructure projects include the 29.7km road linking Luweero to Nakaseke via Butalangu and Kiwoko, now 55 percent complete, according to Minister of State for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, Mr Joseph Kyofatogabye Kabuye.

Despite these efforts, scepticism remains over whether development has matched expectations. Many residents still perceive Greater Luweero as neglected.

Political analysts warn that Museveni’s chances of regaining ground depend on addressing core grievances: land disputes, poor roads, and unfulfilled pledges. Unless these issues are tackled decisively, the NRM party risks another setback in its symbolic heartland.

Mr Robert Kasibante, the National Peasants Party (NPP) presidential candidate, has halted his campaign rallies, citing internal challenges. The rallies, scheduled for Wednesday in Mubende and Kyegegwa districts, were canceled due to unforeseen difficulties within the team.

“Our roadmap was interrupted by internal challenges, which made it impossible to proceed with today’s program in Mubende and Kyegegwa,’ said Muhammad Luswa Luwemba, the party’s chief mobiliser. ‘But we remain committed to the people. Tomorrow, the candidate will be in Kyenjojo and Fort Portal City to continue with the program as planned.’

The sudden disruption has raised questions about the candidate’s organizational strength. Insiders hinted at logistical and coordination issues within Kasibante’s team, including inadequate mobilization structures and resource-related delays. Mubende and Kyegegwa, both politically significant in central and western regions of Uganda, were expected to give Kasibante a platform to connect with first-time voters and sections of the rural electorate.

By skipping the two districts, observers say Kasibante risks losing momentum in regions where early visibility is crucial for new candidates. Despite the setback, the campaign team insists that the trail remains on course.

‘We are moving forward with our timetable,’ Luwemba reassured. ‘The people of Tooro should expect us tomorrow, and we shall be there to listen to their issues and share our vision.’

Mr Robert Kasibante, one of the new entrants in the 2026 presidential race, has positioned himself as a candidate for accountability and inclusive governance.

His campaign promises include combating corruption at all levels, promising that public resources would be effectively used to benefit ordinary Ugandans. He pledged to prioritize farmers as the backbone of Uganda’s economy through improved agricultural support and better livelihoods.

The NPP candidate has also promised to roll out youth empowerment programs to create opportunities for young people and emphasized the need to uplift teachers and healthcare workers by improving their pay and working conditions.

Kasibante argued that his vision for Uganda rests on inclusivity, where ‘no citizen is left behind.’ Under his leadership, he says, the NPP would pursue policies that boost coffee production, reduce inequality, improve public service delivery, and drive growth in rural communities.

President Yoweri Museveni has called on Ugandans to take charge of their economic destiny by harnessing the potential of the Parish Development Model (PDM) to create wealth and prosperity. The PDM is a poverty alleviation program aimed at transforming the lives of millions of Ugandans and propelling the country towards economic growth.

Addressing a rally in Amolatar District on October 1, 2025, President Museveni emphasised the importance of the PDM in empowering citizens, especially those in rural areas, to break free from poverty and join the money economy.

“So, therefore, what I’m appealing to all of you Ugandans, chase poverty from your home, and do it by doing something that will bring food on your table but also money in your pocket,” he said. “The government has already given you how to start.”

The President highlighted the potential of the PDM, which allocates Shs100 million per parish, to transform the lives of Ugandans.

“This PDM money, one hundred million per parish. In five years, that is five hundred million in one parish. And in the third year, the ones who get first, go back to the circle. The money will never come back to the government. It will remain in your parish,” he explained.

The PDM is a seven-pillar strategy that focuses on production, processing, and marketing, as well as infrastructure and economic services, financial inclusion, social services, mindset change, and governance.

President Museveni urged Ugandans to tap into these pillars to unlock their potential and become active participants in the country’s economic growth.

However, concerns have been raised about the implementation of the PDM, particularly regarding the allocation of funds to vulnerable groups such as persons with disabilities and older persons.

Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Betty Amongi, previously stated that these groups are not consuming all their allocations, with some funds being returned or given to other interest groups.

The President also touched on other issues affecting the region, including the upgrade of the Namasale-Amolatar-Ochero-Dokolo road to bitumen and the ongoing conflict between the fishing community and the Fisheries Protection Unit (FPU).

While acknowledging the promise to upgrade the road, President Museveni did not commit to a timeline for its completion. Regarding the conflict, he said he would consult with leaders in the districts surrounding the water bodies before committing to a solution.

Alur King Phillips Olarker Rauni III has introduced by-laws granting clan chiefs additional powers to monitor antenatal care visits of expectant mothers in an effort to curb HIV infections in the kingdom.

The new health initiative will be formally launched during the 15th anniversary of the Alur king’s coronation in November, with clan heads working alongside Village Health Teams (VHTs) to ensure couples attend joint antenatal appointments.

‘By-laws will act as a working document to encourage husbands and wives to attend antenatal care together and know their HIV/AIDS status,’ said Vincent Ochaya Orach, Deputy Prime Minister of Alur kingdom.

The rules were outlined to clan heads and cultural chiefs during a series of cultural dialogue meetings focusing on voluntary HIV testing and awareness campaigns, chaired by the Uganda AIDS Commission (UAC).

Dr Amos Nyathirombo, Health Minister for the kingdom, said the by-laws aim to reduce HIV infections by compelling men to escort their wives for antenatal care, a step often avoided due to fear of disclosing their HIV status.

‘The issue of antenatal care is real, and cultural chiefs must closely monitor mothers who visit health facilities with their husbands. Records must be well documented as mobilization tools to fight HIV/AIDS,’ Nyathirombo said.

He added the regulations would also tackle harmful cultural practices, including underage marriages, by ensuring a signed consent letter from couples and background checks.

Dr Hope Murungi, UAC Coordinator for Civil Society and Private Sector, highlighted national and regional HIV statistics indicating that ‘Five people are infected hourly, 711 weekly, and 37,000 yearly, with 54 daily deaths linked to HIV/AIDS. Cultural leaders must act positively to reduce this scourge.’

Murungi reported district-level infection rates of 3% in Pakwach and Nebbi, and 4% in Zombo. ‘Factors like cross-border trade and social functions, including traditional marriages and dances, contribute heavily to the spread,’ she noted.

Cultural Chief of Kebu Chiefdom, Luciano Macakadho, welcomed the initiative but emphasized the need for cooperation from both the government and VHTs.

‘Cultural leaders are strong in their areas when supported by their subjects. Health issues cut across all sectors, and joint efforts are essential,’ he noted.

Kingdom officials suggest that the initiative is a bottom-up approach by the Alur kingdom to address rising HIV rates through community-level oversight and engagement, combining traditional leadership structures with modern health strategies.

Local government workers under the Uganda Local Government Workers Union (ULGWU) have announced an indefinite sit-down strike starting October 1, 2025, citing government inaction on salary disparities within the public service.

On Tuesday, ULGWU Secretary General Hassan Mudiba said workers were left with no option but to resort to industrial action to compel the government to address their concerns.

‘We gave notice to the government through the head of Public Service and secretary to Cabinet on September 18, 2025, of workers’ intention to undertake industrial action commencing October 1, 2025, pursuant to section 14(a)(b) on serving notices between the government and Labour Union. Unfortunately, the government has not responded to the notice,’ Mudiba told journalists.

Despite a wage bill increase from Shs7.8 trillion in FY 2024/25 to Shs8.6 trillion in FY 2025/26, local government workers categorized under unconditional grant wages did not benefit from the increment, the union said.

Mudiba accused the government of creating ‘salary disparities’ through selective increases, polarizing the civil service and demoralizing employees.

He also criticized the opacity of certain salary structures.

‘Like National Planning Authority (NPA), their salary structures cannot be seen yet there are not even scientists, and I challenge government to make public their salary structure and that of National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA),’ he said.

National Treasurer of ULGWU, Miriam Mukani, said there was still room for dialogue.

‘If government comes up and says let us have a dialogue, there is room. But as of now, since there is no response, there is nothing much we can do other than keeping on the strike until the government realizes that local government workers also matter,’ she explained.

Striking in Uganda is protected under Article 40(3) of the Constitution, which guarantees workers the right to join a union, undertake collective bargaining, and withdraw labor in accordance with the law.

Article 20 further obliges all government agencies and persons to uphold these rights.

Mudiba warned against any form of intimidation during the strike stating that: ‘We would not expect any administrative authority, either Resident District Commissioners (RDCs), Chairperson LC IVs, Chief Administrative Officers, District Police commanders, among others, to interfere, intimidate or harass workers during their peaceful strike.’

Although the Ministry of Local Government has yet to officially respond, the strike is expected to disrupt local government operations nationwide.

Presidential candidate Mubarak Munyagwa of the Common Man’s Party Tuesday canceled his initial campaign visits to Bugiri and Bugweri districts in the Busoga sub-region, redirecting his efforts to Namuwongo instead.

The unexpected change left residents to go about their normal routines, with no political activity taking place in the two districts.

Speaking via phone, Munyagwa told Monitor that: ‘I have canceled my trip to Bugiri. I’m campaigning in Namuwongo. I will do my tour of the Busoga sub-region next week, starting in Kamuli District on Thursday.’

According to the Electoral Commission campaign arrangment, he is scheduled to be in Jinja District/City on October 1 but the shift makes Kamuli the first district in his Busoga region outreach.

Residents in Bugiri raised concerns over long-standing local issues, including the construction of the Nankoma-Bugiri-Namutumba road and the promised Bugiri central market, pledged by President Museveni during the 2021 campaigns but not yet implemented.

Rebecca Kagoya, a tailor in Bugiri Town, said the lack of local health facilities exacerbates congestion at Bugiri General Hospital.

‘The incoming president should focus on building health centers at the parish level to reduce the burden on the main hospital,’ she said, calling for more health workers and better equipment at lower-level facilities.

She also stressed the need for improved roads, noting that ‘if the roads are improved, it will be easier for every Ugandan to boost their household income.’

Youth unemployment was another pressing concern. Hamisi Waiswa, a resident of Kayango in Kapyanga Sub-county, urged the government to create more job opportunities for young people.

‘If the government creates jobs for the youth, it will help reduce theft and other crimes among young people,’ he told Monitor.

Traders in Bugiri Town raised their frustrations over the delay in constructing the central market. Badiru Kilego, Chairperson of Bugiri Central Market, said poor working conditions continue to affect their livelihoods due to the government’s inaction.

Munyagwa’s campaign, which began in Kampala on September 29, aims to address both national and local concerns as he challenges long-serving President Museveni in the 2026 elections.

It might be just as well that this year’s World News Day, on Sunday, was treated as an afterthought by all and sundry in Uganda. The day draws attention to the power of fact-based journalism. The promotion of truth and media literacy cannot be understated, not least because we find ourselves living in a post-truth world where alternative facts, surprisingly, hold sway.

On the eve of this year’s World News Day, the story of Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja reportedly ordering the police to quiz a Galaxy TV journalist, Mr David Mwesigwa, bubbled under the radar. This was after the leader of government business in Parliament erroneously came to the conclusion that Mr Mwesigwa misled President Museveni. While fielding questions from the media following his nomination ahead of next year’s presidential poll, Mr Museveni learnt from the TV journalist that the conditions at Mukono General Hospital, Kayunga Regional Referral Hospital, and Namuganga Health Centre III left a lot to be desired.

Ms Nabbanja says a fact-finding trip she undertook established that the journalist was only partially telling the truth. She now reportedly wants the police to crack the whip, leaving the journalist on tenterhooks. The development highlights the difficulties of doing journalistic work. It is increasingly becoming dangerous to serve as a mouthpiece for the voiceless and afflicted. The ruling elite is invested in perpetuating a narrative that serves the minority.

The Nation Media Group is guided by a bifurcated goal of comforting the afflicted and afflicting the comfortable. Like Mr Mwesigwa, we are acutely aware that a fidelity to the truth typically comes at a price. And we have the bruises to show for it. When presidential candidates kick-started their campaigns on Monday with their sights firmly set on the State House, we were-as has been the case over the past months-shut out of covering the incumbent, Mr Museveni. Our crime remains choosing truth by comforting the afflicted and afflicting the comfortable.

As candidates barnstorm the country over the next 80 odd days, we can only promise to be insatiably curious and resolute in our pursuit for the truth. Everyday. The ball might be dropped on some occasions, but, on the whole, so-called alternative facts will not be our cup of tea. We do not take our calling that demands a fidelity to truth lightly. No. Access to information matters more than ever, not least because there is an infodemic of false information spreading throughout all four corners of Uganda. It is dangerous if choices are made on the basis of this type of information.

So, even in the face of growing flak from the ruling elite, we head into the current electoral cycle with words of encouragement to our journalists-and indeed other independent actors-to be brave while holding all and sundry accountable. We are consciously aware that the braveness has to be matched with impartiality since the public could do with the steady delivery of reliable information. We do not take for granted the fact that the information that our reportage will put out over the next 80 odd days will empower Ugandans to make informed decisions as they participate in a democratic process. This is why we strongly believe that Mr Mwesigwa’s travails should not be treated as an afterthought. Ditto World News Day.

Timing is everything!

The administration of Kawempe Muslim Secondary School left it late but they chose the right time to recognise their girls’ school football team for their efforts over the last six years.

“Small tokens of appreciation look unpleasant to the eyes but they help motivate and build strong bonds,” the school headteacher Hajati Zulaika Kibirige said, borrowing from a Luganda proverb, as she rewarded the players – particularly those that represented the school and finished second in girls’ football at the 2025 Federation of East Africa Secondary School Sports Association (Feasssa) Games in Kakamega in August – with Hisense 32 inch LED television screens.

This was during a function held at the campus and presided over by titular head of Muslims in Uganda Prince Kassim Nakibinge to bid farewell to old school board (2019-2025) and usher in the new one for the next five years. The debate team that includes school head prefect Hussein Kabogoza, Fahad Musasizi, and Janat Firidaus and is tutored by Ziriya Nakyejjwe was also recognized for winning the East Africa Schools Debating Championships in Arusha early last month.

In the period 2019-2025; Kawempe finished third at the 2024 Caf U-14 African Schools Championship in Zanzibar thereby winning $150,000 (about Shs550m) and topped the Cecafa zonal qualifiers for the aforementioned tournament in 2023 thereby winning $100,000 (about Shs370m). They also won at the Feasssa Games in 2019 (Arusha) and 2023 (Huye). Kawempe will again represent Uganda in the Cecafa Schools tournament later in the year after winning the national qualifiers in Tororo in July.

Domestically, Kawempe also won the girls’ football titles at the Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA) Games in 2019 and 2024, Uganda Muslim Education Association (Umea) Games for the last four years consecutively, and many more.

Motivation for the league

Part of this school team also feeds into the renowned Kawempe Muslim side that plays in the Fufa Women Super League (FWSL) and won that national title in the 2023/24 season. Others play for the side that competes in the second tier Elite League (FWEL) and is attached to Uganda Revenue Authority.

The 2023/24 feat earned the Ayub Khalifa-coached side a place at the Caf Women’s Champions League qualifiers in Ethiopia in 2024, where they finished third.

The 2025/26 FWSL season kicks off on Friday and Khalifa admits that “a surprise appreciation package came in handy” for his side that is preparing to take on rivals and current champions Kampala Queens (KQ) in their league opener at home.

“We are happy to see that our efforts are appreciated. It is another reason to keep giving everything we have on pitch for the school team and club,” talisman Agnes Nabukenya, said.

Some of the players were joined at the function by their parents. Dorcus Kisakye’s mother Jane Nakaziba sells banana leaves in Owino and “cannot believe how far football has taken my daughter, travelling beyond my dreams, from one country to another.”

Zoena Kampi’s father Ali Waiswa, a lecturer at Kyambogo University, said “the new set will resolve quarrels for television at home” while Shadia Nabirye’s father, Meddie Musomerwa said “our story starts at Kawempe and I will die supporting it,” despite his older daughter Shakirah Nankwanga moving from the school to KQ in June 2024.

Task at hand

The outgoing board led by Hajji Hasib Takuba Kabuye celebrated sucesses from their five-year strategic plan that include; infrastructure development in terms of a new dormitory for the girls, completing the Science block and renovating the administration block, plus working with its alumni to modify the gate.

The school, which has maintained a great academic standard in Kampala’s top three and Uganda’s top 15, has also acquired neighbouring lands for expansion

“The memorable parts of our leaderships included the change of leadership (from former headteacher Hajji Bruhane Mugerwa), acquiring lands – about three to four acres to develop, and putting up a sports policy that allowed us to support the girls better (with scholarships and putting them in competitions at all possible levels).

“Now I am hoping that the school playground will be turned into a stadium. We have some money and also won some (from Caf) to do this,” Hajji Takuba said challenging the new board led by Makerere University educationist Muhammad Kiggungu Musoke.

The headteacher stressed that they indeed “plan to set up one of the best stadiums in Kawempe division and probably the country” but are “yet to receive the funds from Caf” and “are in constant communication with Fufa incase of any developments.”