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As Uganda prepares to face Botswana in a crucial 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifier today in Francistown, all eyes will be on a battleground that often dictates football outcomes – the midfield.

While goals win games, it is in the engine room where matches are controlled, dictated, and often decided.

For Uganda, the trio of Allan Okello, Travis Mutyaba, Ronald Ssekiganda, Bobosi Byaruhanga, and Kenneth Semakula will be tasked with a delicate but vital mission – to impose tempo, manage transitions, and unlock Botswana’s physical midfield structure.

And make no mistake, Botswana’s midfield will be anything but accommodating.

Botswana coach Morena Ramoreboli has assembled a squad heavy on grit and home-grown cohesion.

The Zebras’ midfield features a compact, hard-working unit made up of Gilbert Baruti, Ronaldo Fortune, and Kutlwelo Mpolokang – all based at Mochudi Centre Chiefs, which gives them club-level chemistry to translate into the national team.

They are joined by Lebogang Ditsele and Thero Setsile, both known for their aggressive pressing and physical duels in the Botswana Premier League.

Add to that the experienced Gape Mohutsiwa, who plies his trade at Mouloudia Club d’Oran in Algeria, and you have a unit that thrives on disrupting rhythm, breaking down play, and forcing turnovers.

For Uganda, that means any attempt to settle into a passing rhythm will be under constant threat.

In contrast, Uganda’s midfield is built less on brute force and more on technical discipline, positional awareness, and game intelligence.

Ssekiganda brings an all-action presence, often deployed as a box-to-box disruptor. His energy will be critical in matching Botswana’s physicality. Alongside him, Semakula – currently with Al Arabi SC in Kuwait – adds defensive balance and composure.

Often the shield in front of the backline, Semakula’s ability to read danger and recycle possession will be essential to resist Botswana’s pressing traps.

But the key orchestrator is returning Byaruhanga, currently at Oakland Roots SC in the USA. A deep-lying operator by nature, Bobosi can turn into Uganda’s metronome.

Add Okello, if he can escape the attentions of Botswana’s ball-hunters and get time on the ball, Uganda will gain the ability to stretch the game, play through the press, and feed the attacking trio.

Coach Paul Put will likely urge his midfielders to keep it simple early on – short passes, maintain shape, absorb pressure.

Transitions will be key. Botswana, though combative, can be caught out of shape when pressing fails. That is where Okello’s anticipation and outlet passes can spring Uganda’s wide men or launch counter-attacks through the middle.

National Unity Platform (NUP) flag bearer Robert Kyagulanyi, alias Bobi Wine, has promised to lower power tariffs for Ugandans if elected President in the January 2026 polls.

He questioned the current high power tariffs, saying they are a burden to both ordinary and industrial users.

‘The new Uganda will be different. The high power tariffs, where you are purchasing a unit at Shs1,000, will be reduced to Shs500. We must get a new independence because we are not yet liberated. Your vote will be the beginning of a new meaningful liberation,’ he told the crowd at Bamusuta Playground in Kiboga Town Council, Kiboga District, on Wednesday.

Mr Kyagulanyi, who vowed to reach out to at least 20 million voters in the remaining two months to the General Election, rallied his supporters not to be intimidated, but to turn out in big numbers on the polling day and cast their ballot.

‘These people are trying to find a means of interrupting the vote. The other time (2021 polls), they used the COVID-19 pandemic to disrupt the campaigns and voting. We don’t know about their next plans. Ensure that you support each other during the voting period. We must turn out in big numbers and overwhelm their machinations,’ he said.

Mr Kyagulanyi, who will be campaigning in Nakaseke District on October 9, urged the electorate to shun ruling National Resistance Movement flag bearers, arguing that many are either children or grandchildren of individuals who have plundered the country’s wealth or directly benefited from President Museveni’s government in the last four decades.

‘Ensure that your respective votes go to the NUP candidates,’ he added.

Earlier in the day, before crossing to Kiboga, Mr Kyagulanyi first campaigned in Kyankwazi District, where he held a rally and made several stopovers.

He said he was shocked to find many roads in both districts in a sorry state despite the four decades NRM has been in power uninterrupted.

‘I last used some of these roads when I came here for musical shows several years ago, but indeed, nothing has changed. I am here not to ask for votes, but to give me an opportunity to fix these bad roads in three years,’ Mr Kyagulanyi said.

Kyagulanyi’s campaign tour-running under the theme ‘Building a New Uganda Together’- has, since last week, seen him crisscross several districts in Busoga and now in Buganda, drumming up support ahead of the January polls.

Kyankwanzi and Kiboga form part of the Luweero Triangle, which was the epicentre of the five-year guerrilla war (between 1981 and 1986) that catapulted Mr Museveni to power. Residents in both districts experienced significant losses during the war with thousands of lives lost, and the survivors were left to cope with the loss of family members, destruction of property, amid a shattered economy. While the war ended 40 years ago, its effects have haunted generations.

Mr Kyagulanyi, like many other opposition politicians who came before him, said the government has deliberately neglected the area despite the significant role it played in bringing the incumbent President Museveni into power. Many civilian veterans still demand compensation for their contribtion and losses they suffered.

Many lack basic needs and social amenities like decent housing, health centres, electricity, safe water supply, while many roads are impassable. For example, in Kyankwanzi District, the biggest health facility is a health centre IV and patients who need special medical care travel to either Kiboga District or Hoima City. Residents are also facing eviction threats from their ancestral land by largely powerful individuals within Mr Museveni’s government.

Despite all these, the area has over the last three decades largely been loyal to Mr Museveni, generously contributing to his vote pool, until the 2021 national election, when NUP made some inroads, specifically in Kiboga, where the party won the district woman MP seat.

Makerere University has completed the formulation of an anti-tick vaccine, marking a major milestone in its contribution to Uganda’s livestock sector.

During the quarterly press conference yesterday, the vice chancellor of the university, Prof Barnabas Nawangwe, said the vaccine that was developed by the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity has demonstrated an efficacy rate of 86 percent. It is expected to reduce calf mortality by 14 percent while improving productivity across the livestock value chain.

Uganda’s livestock industry contributes 19.4 percent to the national GDP, valued at about $17 billion (Shs59.37 trillion). Researchers said the vaccine could cut product losses in milk and meat by 11 percent and 29 percent, respectively, while reducing reliance on imported acaricides, chemicals used to kill ticks and mites.

Prof Nawangwe indicated that the vaccine is now awaiting clinical trials and regulatory approval before commercialisation.

Production facilities have already been set up in partnership with AlphaSun, a company that has received government support to establish production lines.

‘Once approved, this vaccine will transform the livestock economy across Uganda and the region,’ Prof Nawangwe said. He explained that the vaccine is expected to benefit farmers, boost productivity, and strengthen the livestock value chain. Its introduction comes as Uganda’s livestock sector seeks homegrown solutions to improve efficiency and reduce losses caused by ticks, a persistent challenge for farmers.

Ban on open guild campaigns

Meanwhile, Makerere University has lifted the ban on open guild campaigns, reinstating a practice that had been suspended following the tragic death of a student during previous elections. Prof Nawanwge said the decision follows consultations with student guild leadership and reflects its commitment to nurturing responsible leaders while ensuring a safe and vibrant democratic culture on campus. Students are expected to conduct peaceful and respectful campaigns that do not disrupt academic programmes or endanger people and property.

‘Makerere values dialogue, democracy, and responsible citizenship, and we want students to exercise their freedoms in a way that strengthens leadership and academic excellence,’ Prof Nawangwe said. According to the university, the move does not compromise academic freedom. He explained that the students are more engaged than ever in intellectual debate, taking part in guild dialogues and forums that discuss national and international issues. Makerere has hosted politicians and business leaders in these discussions, as well as events such as the Geopolitics of Kampala, which focus on regional and global governance issues.

Officials note that disruptive activities have been limited for safety reasons, and the university has opened avenues for constructive debate rather than rowdy meetings. Concerns had also arisen regarding student allowances for government-sponsored students, but Prof Nawangwe clarified that it distributes allowances as funds are received from the government, and about 60 percent of payments have already been made. The balance is expected in the second quarter of the financial year, and management says there is no cause for alarm.

Buses for learners with disabilities

Prof Nawangwe also indicated that they have acquired three modern buses from Kiira Motors to support students and staff with special needs on campus.

Two of the buses are diesel-powered and costed Shs500m each, while the third is an electric vehicle which was a donation and designed to improve mobility for learners with disabilities. The acquisition was finalised on September 23, 2025, as part of the university’s ongoing efforts to strengthen partnerships with local innovators and improve campus facilities.

University officials explained that diesel buses remain necessary because charging infrastructure for electric vehicles is not yet widely available. ‘Our students often travel to remote areas, including villages, forests, and national parks, where electric charging points are unavailable. On campus, however, the electric bus will make a real difference for our students with special needs,’ Prof Nawangwe said. The initiative aligns with Makerere’s values of inclusivity, equity, and care for all members of the university community.

By providing safe and accessible transport, the university aims to ensure that every student and staff member can participate fully in academic life. Makerere University is a shareholder in Kiira Motors, holding four percent of its shares. Dr Winifred Namuwonge Kabumbuli, the dean of students, said the university has a total of about 140 students with disabilities on both government and private scheme. She indicated that these have been finding challenges accessing the classrooms and other facilities.

‘It will help all students with physical disabilities, and those with visual impairment and auditory challenges. We got a donation from Kira Motors. We have already put in place charging facilities and the person who will be in charge of the buses,’Dr Kabagamba said. The guild president of the university, Mr Churchill James Sentamu, commended the university for lifting the ban on the open campaigns as well as getting buses for learners with disabilities.

Mr Ronald Mwebembezi, a student with disability, who is doing a Masters of Arts in Literature, expressing relief that the university had made efforts to address their needs. He commended the government and university management for the gesture, saying this will ease their movement from halls of residence to the classrooms.

Awaits approval.

Once approved, this vaccine will transform the livestock economy across Uganda and the region – Prof Barnabas Nawangwe, vice chancellor of Makerere University.

After years in electronic, print, and new (online) media, I cannot help but relate to what happens to the people on the ground. The journalists.

Even after crossing over to the advocacy and communication space, the journalist in me cannot just look on as our friends in the media get brutalised for one reason or another in their quest to bring information closer to us, in our boardrooms, on radio, or on television.

But then I remembered one quote that addresses both media and communication practitioners and possibly points to where these issues arise from.

‘Journalism is printing what someone else does not want printed; everything else is public relations’ is a popular quote attributed to George Orwell. Orwell (real name Eric Arthur Blair) was a British journalist, author, poet, and critic. This particular quote reminded me of what is going on between Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja and Galaxy TV journalist David Mwesigwa, with the latter having exposed the inefficiencies in the government hospitals in Mukono and Kayunga.

You and I probably have an idea about our government health facilities, but that is a subject for another day.

Mwesigwa has reportedly been directed to record a police statement and apologise to the prime minister and to the President. Mwesigwa already feels threatened and intimidated.

Yet, his exposé, in a set of questions he put before the President recently, prompted the prime minister to make unannounced visits to these health facilities. First, it was at Mukono General Hospital.

She was welcomed by patients and expectant mothers on the floor and along the corridors. As though those in Kayunga were tipped off, Kayunga Hospital was all clean and organised. What the premier found at Mukono hospital is exactly what Mwesigwa was talking about.

I thought the government now has somewhere to start from, rather than having the messenger be the subject? Anyway, this is just one of the recent happenings.

We have not yet forgotten what happened to journalists in Kawempe during the Kawempe North by-election. Journalists were brutalised, equipment confiscated, and the public denied information. During the same period, a licence belonging to Pearl FM was withdrawn over an alleged breach.

The station was carrying out a live broadcast of what was going on in Kawempe. In Rukungiri, Boona FM, a local radio station, was shut down over an alleged power struggle between two prominent rival politicians.

Back in Kampala, Dream TV was made to suspend a political show. The essence of having news reporters in the field and all these mediums is to give public access to reliable information.

When you block journalists from covering events that are of public interest, you do not just deny them a right to seek, receive, and share information; you also threaten media freedom. I suppose it is going to get worse as the country gets ready for the 2026 elections. It will most likely become predictable. Radio shows banned. Journalists suspended.

The radio or TV station closed, and licences revoked. Internet shutdown, etc. What we should all be concerned about is the accuracy of information, and we should fight misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation. In summary, fake news. Otherwise, access to information is a fundamental human right that we must all jealously guard, pay attention to the message, and not the messenger.

Otherwise, all these provisions in the Ugandan Constitution (Right of Access to Information), also guaranteed in the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), all become useless.

Above all, let us empower citizens through the media to participate in public affairs and hold the government accountable.

Uganda’s mission is simple – beat Botswana or risk slipping out of contention for the Fifa 2026 World Cup playoff race.

The Cranes arrived in Francistown with 15 points from eight games, level with Mozambique but ahead on goal difference.

That tally, however, only places them seventh among Caf’s nine second-placed teams, with just four to advance to the playoff gauntlet.

With Algeria widely expected to dispatch Somalia in Bir El Djir and seal top spot with a match to spare, Uganda’s survival hinges on victory over the Zebras on Thursday – and, ideally, by a margin big enough to improve goal difference.

Anything less, and the Cranes could be out of the conversation before their final group tie away to Algeria next week.

‘We have to keep believing’ – Sibbick

Defender Toby Sibbick had tongues wagging with his solid performance alongside John Jordan Obita, Elio Capradossi and Aziz Kayondo against Somalia, and his focus remains unwavering.

‘It’s a good experience,’ said the Burton Albion man. ‘We know it’s two games left and we want to win both and put ourselves in the best possible position for the World Cup qualifiers.

‘Who knows? We can still win the group. We have to keep believing, and if we win these two games we’ll carry good form into Afcon (in December-January, 2026) as well.’

Sibbick’s confidence mirrors a camp that rediscovered rhythm in September – a 4-0 demolition of Mozambique and a professional 2-0 dispatch of Somalia at Namboole.

The numbers game

The equation is brutal. Uganda’s +5 goal difference currently ranks them behind Namibia (+8), Cameroon (+10), Burkina Faso (+12) – the three teams on 15 points, and others in the playoff table.

Gabon (19 pts, +10 GD), Madagascar (16 pts, +7 GD) and DR Congo (16 pts, +7 GD) already occupy the top three second-best placed teams.

With Algeria almost unreachable, Paul Put’s side must look over their shoulders too – Mozambique, who face Guinea and Somalia, could easily leapfrog the Cranes with two wins.

That’s why Thursday’s clash in Francistown is not merely about points; it’s about margin, momentum, and survival.

Aucho’s call to arms

Captain Khalid Aucho, who scored in Uganda’s memorable 2-1 win over Botswana in the 2017 Afcon qualifiers, knows the weight of the moment.

‘These two games are very important for the nation because we have a chance to qualify for the World Cup or go to the playoffs,’ he said.

‘It’s important for all of us to have the mindset that we want to win. Scoring against Botswana before gives me motivation to try and score again and push my teammates for three points.’

The stakes

Victory in Francistown would lift Uganda to 18 points and keep them within striking distance of the playoff cutoff, while a draw or defeat could end hopes with a game to spare.

Win both – Botswana and Algeria – and the Cranes might just sneak into the top four second-placed teams, depending on goal difference elsewhere. Lose in Francistown, and it’s likely over.

‘As a team we believe in ourselves,’ added Sibbick. ‘Maybe you’ve seen it this year – we’ve played big teams and people wrote us off, but we kept the belief and got those wins.’ Now, that belief faces its sternest test yet.

How Put could set up

Put is unlikely to tinker much with the lineup that delivered in September. Against Mozambique and Somalia, he favoured a compact 4-2-3-1 built on stability, energy in midfield, and quick transitions.

This structure allowed Allan Okello to float between lines, Rogers Mato and Jude Ssemugabi to stretch defences, and Stephen Mukwala to occupy centre-backs – an approach that might again suit the Zebras’ direct but open style.

Aucho and Kenneth Ssemakula are expected to provide that balance in the middle, with Salim Jamal maintaining the gloves behind Capradossi and company.

Botswana coach Morena Ramoreboli expects Uganda to bring the game to them but is confident.

‘We know Uganda are strong, but playing at home gives us confidence. We have added fresh legs to the squad and hope to take advantage of every opportunity.’

Ramoreboli added two new midfielders in Thapelo Mabedi of Botswana Defence Force XI and Shanganani Ngada of Mochudi Centre Chiefs, while Gaborone United duo Mpho Kgaswane and Thabo Maponda returned to the squad after lengthy absence.

While the Zebras are only playing for pride as they are already out of the running for the World Cup, it is serious business for the Cranes, who simply can’t afford to blink in Francistown – not least on Independence Day.

Probable XI (4-2-3-1)

Salim Jamal Magoola, Toby Sibbick, Toby Sibbick, Jordan Obita, Aziz Kayondo, Khalid Aucho, [C], Kenneth Ssemakula, Jude Ssemugabi, Allan Okello, Rogers Mato, Stephen Mukwala

Full Squad

Goalkeepers: Denis Onyango (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa), Salim Omar Magoola (Richards Bay FC, South Africa), Nafian Alionzi (Defence Forces FC, Ethiopia)

Defenders: Elio Capradossi (Universitatea Cluj, Romania), Rogers Torach (Vipers SC, Uganda), Toby Sibbick (Burton Albion, England), Hilary Mukundane (Vipers SC, Uganda), Jordan Obita (Hibernian, Scotland), Aziz Kayondo (Slovan Liberec, Czech Republic), Herbert Achayi (KCCA FC, Uganda), Gavin Kizito (KCCA FC, Uganda)

Midfielders: Ronald Ssekiganda (APR FC, Rwanda), Kenneth Semakula (Al Arabi SC, Kuwait), Allan Oyirwoth (New England Revolution, USA), Enock Ssebagala (Vipers SC, Uganda), Bobosi Byaruhanga (Oakland Roots SC, USA)

Forwards: Denis Omedi (APR FC, Rwanda), Allan Okello (Vipers SC, Uganda), Joseph Mpande (PVF-CAND FC, Vietnam), Rogers Mato (FK Vardar, North Macedonia), Reagan Mpande (SC Villa, Uganda), Jude Ssemugabi (Kitara FC, Uganda), Uchechukwu Ikpeazu (St Johnstone, Scotland), Travis Mutyaba (CS Sfaxien, Tunisia)

Fifa 2026 World Cup Qualifiers (Caf)

Remaining group fixtures (2025)

October 9

Botswana vs Uganda, Obed Itani Chilume Stadium, Francistown, 7pm EAT

Somalia vs Algeria, Miloud Hadefi Olympic Complex, Bir El Djir, 7pm

Mozambique vs Guinea, Estadio do Zimpeto, Maputo, 7pm

October 14

Algeria vs Uganda, Stade Hocine-Aït-Ahmed, Boukhalfa, 7pm

Guinea vs Botswana, Stade Mohamed V, Casablanca, 7pm

Somalia vs Mozambique, Miloud Hadefi Olympic Complex, Bir El Djir, 7pm

Group G Standings after 8 matches

Algeria 19 points

Uganda 15 points (GD +5)

Mozambique 15 points (GD -3)

Guinea 11 points

Botswana 9 points

Somalia 1 point

Best second placed teams after Matchday 8

Gabon (19 pts, +10 GD)

Madagascar (16 pts, +7 GD)

DR Congo (16 pts, +7 GD)

Burkina Faso (15 pts, +12 GD)

Cameroon (15 pts, +10 GD)

Namibia (15 pts, +8 GD)

Uganda (15 pts, +5 GD)

Benin (14 pts, +4 GD)

Assistant Superintendent of Police Clive Nsiima has been arrested and detained following a viral video in which he is seen slapping a female attendant in a petrol station shop in Kyanja, a Kampala suburb.

The spokesman of the Police, Mr Kituuma Rusoke, said on Wednesday that they had arrested their officer as investigations continue.

‘Our preliminary investigations point to ASP Nsiima, a police officer, as a suspect. The officer was apprehended and detained in police custody. He will be brought to account as soon as investigations are complete,’ Mr Kituuma said.

In a viral video, a man in civilian clothes, who has since been identified ASP Nsiima is seen pointing at a female shop attendant, accusing her of insisting on demanding money from him. He then slapped her twice.

Mr Rusoke said the police are in contact with the victim to record a statement.

Currently, no specific offence has been slapped on the suspect, although the suspect is said to have reported a case of assault and threatening violence at the Kensington police post in Kyanja, Nakawa Division, Kampala.

His arrest comes amid growing condemnation of the police force by Ugandans on X over what many have described as unprofessionalism and/or impunity.

However, the Director of Criminal Investigations, AIGP Tom Magambo, condemned what he described as “such isolated behaviour” by the officer.

“Be assured that an internal investigation is ongoing to guide further action. The [police] PRO Kituuma Rusoke will provide more updates on the matter,” he added in a post on X.

During the incident, the security guard is seen visiting the shop, but he was reluctant to intervene.

The former Police Chief Political Commissar, Mr Asan Kasingye, said in an X post that the guard works for Tayari Security, a private security firm he heads.

‘I was the first person to be informed. The security guard you see in the video belongs to @TayarisSecurity. There is even more to this story. I am happy it will be investigated thoroughly. Let the police involve us at the company. For example, a pistol was drawn,’ said Mr Kasingye, a retired Assistant Inspector General of Police.

Incidents of senior police officers misusing their firearms are on the increase in the country, with citizens accusing law enforcers of impunity.

Last year, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Julius Ahimbisibwe was suspected of shooting his ex-wife and injuring her.

Months later, SSP Ahimbisibwe was found dead in his home on suspicion that he had taken his life.

In February last year, the Officer-in-charge of Alebtong District, Assistant Superintendent of Police Moses Acaye, is alleged to have shot dead a civilian he accused of killing his relative in a mob attack in Adjumani District.

ASP Acaye is also still on the run.

Another incident happened in December 2024, when a police officer attached to a judicial officer, Constable Charles Bahati, shot dead truck driver Julius Ssemwaka at Nakasero in Kampala City.

Constable Bahati is still on the run, according to police.

The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development has extended the amnesty period for electricity theft by three more months, allowing offenders to report to the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company (UEDCL) and receive free metres and connections before facing legal action.

The extension follows the success of the initial amnesty, under which more than 200,000 people who came forward were connected legally at no cost.

‘You can’t believe the number of people who have been stealing electricity because they say they can’t afford metres. This year, with the authorisation of the minister, UEDCL introduced an amnesty which was supposed to last three months. Actually, this is the last month,’ Energy Minister Ruth Nankabirwa, told the media at the Uganda Media Centre in Kampala on October 7.

In response to requests from people who have not yet regularised their connections, the minister announced the additional three-month extension, allowing more consumers to come forward without prosecution.

‘As I’ve been moving around, people have appreciated the initiative and requested an extension. I’d like to announce it today: the amnesty has been extended for another three months. Come out, admit to power theft, and we will give you a meter without judgment,’ she said. The minister urged all those illegally connected to take advantage of the amnesty window to access electricity legally. She warned that those who continue with illegal connections after the amnesty expires will face severe penalties. ‘We’ve provided the metres, which previously cost over Shs700,000. I encourage people to take this opportunity because the extension may be the last. We’ve given you a chance to come forward,’ she said.

She further highlighted the ongoing Electricity Access Scale Project, through which households that do not require multiple poles are connected free of charge. She urged residents with unconnected homes to consult the UEDCL offices and benefit from the initiative. ‘I also want to inform the public about the ongoing campaign under the Free Electricity Connection Policy. Government, through the Ministry of Energy’s Electricity Access Project, supports households that require no more than one pole to get connected. Please, visit UEDCL offices to register,’ the minister added.

President Museveni has repeated pledges he made in the 2011 and 2016 elections to construct more primary and secondary schools in Pakwach District.

The unfulfilled pledges are key sore points for locals. While campaigning at St Mary’s Omach Primary School in Pakwach Town yesterday, Mr Museveni also vowed to restore the strategic Pakwach Railway Line, which once boosted trade between Uganda and neighbouring countries but has been neglected for 22 years.

‘We are now rehabilitating it from Gulu,’ he said.

The President additionally pledged to construct the Karuma-Olwiyo-Nebbi-Arua-Koboko road and increase the number of both primary and secondary schools.

‘Once you support us in the next government, we shall push for the construction of more primary and secondary schools in Pakwach District,’ he told the crowd.

According to the 2024 Uganda Bureau of Statistics Census, Pakwach has a population of about 206,961, 64 government primary schools, eight secondary schools, and one A-Level government school. The district, carved out of Greater Nebbi in 2017, is predominantly a fishing community.

Some residents raised concerns over unfulfilled promises, citing delayed development of the Science and Technology Industrial Park, poor roads, and lack of funding for the Wadelai Irrigation Scheme. During the rally, NRM campaign videos highlighted the government’s past successes. Residents had requested the elevation of Pakwach Health Centre IV to a district hospital, but Mr Museveni stressed that roads, electricity, and the railway were priorities. ‘I have heard the demand for the district hospital, but we must bear in mind the budget and prioritisation of resources. Sometimes the demands can be unrealistic. For me I like roads and railways, which will come to Pakwach,’ he said.

Poverty alleviation

Mr Museveni also addressed poverty, noting government support initiatives. ‘Poverty is in the homes. We are sending Shs100 million per parish per year. I will also create funds for religious and cultural leaders. It will not be for ordinary Christians or Muslims,’ he said. He added that university graduates and fishermen would also have access to special funds. ‘Everybody must be in the field praying for wealth and not poverty,’ he added.

Community appeals

Nebbi Catholic Bishop Constantine Rupiny prayed for continued development: ‘We appreciate the improved security, infrastructure, and social assistance grants. We pray that the government may do more for the growth and development of Uganda and respond to the cries of our fishing community,’ he said. Pakwach Woman MP Jane Avur highlighted the need for a district hospital. ‘The next hospital is over 40 kilometres away in Nebbi. This is far to handle emergency cases,’ she said.

Local leaders and residents also called for better roads and infrastructure. Mr Epiphany Berocan, the NRM flagbearer for Jonam County, urged improvements to roads and irrigation schemes. Vendor Harriet Fuacan cited poor roads, especially the Panyimur-Wadelai stretch, and called for upgrading the health centre to hospital status.

Pakwach District chairperson Robert Omito stressed the need to revive the railway station and port, tackle youth unemployment, and upgrade Uganda College of Commerce Pakwach to university status. ‘We appreciate his efforts in the last term, but there are areas still not tackled,’ he said. State Minister for Northern Uganda Kenneth Omona praised the district’s stability: ‘We have a stable country now in terms of peace and security. We are safe to mobilise our nation to transform our region,’ he said.

Background

In the 2021 elections, Mr Museveni took Pakwach with 32,354 votes, defeating Robert Kyagulanyi who got 12,576 votes.

The President is scheduled to return to the sub-region on October 11 for campaigns in Nebbi and Zombo districts.

The afternoon rain poured heavily. But perhaps not heavier than the pain of losing the most precious silverware, moreover on home turf. Little wonder, Arajab Nsubuga, Taibah International School’s goalkeeper, took nearly a minute lying flat on the soaked pitch as Agrolinks Academy ran, jumped and shouted after winning the Football Under 20 title at the Taibah Independence Sports Tournament on Sunday.

After a goalless draw in regular time, Taibah banked on goaltender Nsubuga to make a difference in the shootout.

And thrice, he came close to saving one of the penalties but didn’t succeed.

And after each side beautifully converted its five spot-kicks, under the pouring heavens, it came to sudden death.

Taibah’s Luke Lumu guided his left-foot effort way over the bar. The crowd went quieter as Agrolinks’ Ibrahim Yiga walked to the spot. The boy nicknamed Mendez made no mistake, slotting his kick into his mid-right side of the net. Nsubuga almost met it but missed it. And Agrolinks won 6-5, triggering wide celebrations.

Thumbs up

On their debut, the Namasuba-based school dethroned Taibah, the defending champions.

‘It feels really great to win this title,’ said Agrolinks captain Derrick Tumusiime.

‘Honestly, we played many games, but Taibah gave us such a hard time. I salute them. I also thank them for the hospitable environment during the tournament.’

Agrolinks director, Henry Kaweesa, was excited upon his school’s invitation and the tournament proper.

‘We have been to many tournaments but this is one of the fairest and well organised we’ve participated in.’

Taibah’s teammate Elija Rusa was MVP and top scorer with five goals, but that wasn’t enough for a boy who lifted his team to glory last year.

But Robert Waibi, Taibah’s deputy head teacher, was graceful in defeat. ‘Agrolinks, you’re just keeping that trophy, next year we’re coming strong for it,’ he said in his closing remarks before thanking all the participating schools.

‘That they have beaten us at our game is a big lesson for us going forward.’

After two action-packed weekends, six of the nine schools that graced the event shared the ultimate honours. Taibah capitalised on the absence of defending champions Bethel Covenant College to win the netball title after defeating Trinity Senior Academy 11-7 in the final.

Elite High School, returning since 2019, and swept all the basketball titles, beating Taibah to the U20 and Girls titles, and Kisubi High School to the U15 gong. How could they fail under the guidance of Akech Wuoi Garang, the man who made Khaman Maluach, the new Phoenix Suns draft?

Vikas International School beat Trinity on penalties to win the inaugural girls’ football title, while Trinity avenged by beating Vikas 2-0 in the volleyball final.

TAIBAH TOURNAMENT

CHAMPIONS and MVPs

Football Girls: Vikas

MVP: Satrina Misgna (Vikas)

Football U15: Kisubi

MVP: Simon Mubiru (Kisubi)

Football U20: Agrolink

MVP: Elijah Rusa (Taibah)

Basketball Girls: Elite

MVP: Winnie Yar Gum (Elite)

Basketball U15: Elite

MVP: Lual Awor (Elite)

Basketball Boys U20: Elite

MVP: Dhok Chuol Biong (Elite)

Netball: Taibah

MVP: Junette Mulebinge (Taibah)

Volleyball: Trinity

MVP: Erias Rutiri (Trinity)

The inundation of downtown Kampala in the wake of Monday’s torrential rain makes distressingly clear outcomes of building in flood plains.

The high toll exacted in human misery should pique interest into what made a bad situation worse. While downtown Kampala has been at risk of inundation for a protracted period, the submerging of shops and stalls in the area on Monday occurred with a terrible inevitability.

Experts had, with wide-eyed certainty, warned that a dubious construction project atop the Nakivubo Drainage Channel would inflict the damage it is expected to.

One of the recommendations in a 1999 World Bank report made public in 2010, following an environmental assessment for the Nakivubo Channel Rehabilitation Project, was that the waterway of Kampala’s principal drainage channel be widened.

Constructing atop the channel, as is currently being done under the auspices of Ki-Ham Enterprises, does the exact opposite. The waterway has been narrowed, considerably, leaving everything to disintegrate with such catastrophic results. This has rightly led to a flurry of condemnations, and we join the right-thinking members of our society in registering our horror and dismay.

Above all, after a terrible secret being brought into plain view, we wonder if those responsible for making a bad situation worse will learn the error of their ways.

The capital dissolved in uproar in August after President Museveni used a blue letter to give Ki-Ham Enterprises the all-clear to embark on the dubious mess it has created in downtown Kampala. Parliament’s Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (Cosase) commendably took interest in the matter, only for the rug to be pulled from under its feet.

Nearly two months on from the intervention of Speaker Anita Among, which stopped Cosase in its tracks, Kampala residents affected by flooding are justified in questioning whether the action gave it the truth of innocence.

The Speaker’s constitution of a so-called fact-finding team was seen as a serious procedural lapse, if anything because it flew in the face of how either a select or an ad hoc committee can come into existence.

At least when doing parliamentary work. It did not help matters that the fact-finding team that Speaker Among willed into existence was entirely made up of lawmakers from the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party. Worse still is the slumber the fact-finding team appeared to have slipped into.

While it is unclear what sort of timeframe the team is/was working with, a moratorium should have been immediately put on Ki-Ham Enterprises’ construction activities pending the outcome of an environmental social impact assessment.

Little wonder, downtown Kampala finds itself struggling-unsuccessfully-to keep its head above the storm water. This is a classic example of the distinctive set of poor outcomes bound to be produced in the absence of bona fide checks and balances.

It is terribly difficult to weather a perfect storm occasioned by presidential blue letters and a Legislature that bears resemblance to an appendage of the Executive, if not the presidency. We need to return to the normative foundations that are known to stand a democracy in good stead. Short of that, we will-excuse the pun-keep drawing in a flood of problems.