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The fate of 431,856 Senior Four candidates scheduled to sit for the 2025 Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) examinations next week remains uncertain as the nationwide teachers’ strike continues to paralyse learning across the country.

The strike, which started on August 6, has seen government teachers in most parts of the country lay down their tools in protest against the government’s failure to enhance their salaries.

Consequently, many schools, particularly in rural areas, did not reopen for the third term, forcing candidates to teach themselves in the crucial weeks leading to final examinations.

Sources from various upcountry districts revealed that some teachers who attempted to return to classrooms were attacked by unidentified assailants, forcing many to stay away completely. This predicament has left candidates in government schools without guidance, with revision and exam preparation largely left in their own hands.

The UCE examinations are set to begin on October 10, with the official briefing of candidates, a mandatory exercise that precedes the written papers. This will be followed by the briefing for Primary Leaving Examination(PLE) candidates on October 31. The Uganda Certificate of Advanced Education (UCAE) will commence with a briefing on November 7.

However, questions remain over whether the government will convince teachers to return to classrooms before it’s too late, as teachers play a critical role not only in preparing learners but also in supervising and administering the pre-examination tests.

The crisis is compounded by the looming deadline for submission of Continuous Assessment (CA) scores and coursework marks to the Uganda National Examinations Board (Uneb). In a statement released this week, Uneb reminded heads of examination centres that September 30 (yesterday) was the final date for submitting results for Senior Four, Senior Three, and Senior Six candidates.

Failure to submit the required records will mean that affected candidates cannot be graded, regardless of their performance in the final exams.

‘Uneb will not grade candidates with partial or no CA scores or coursework marks at all, at both UCE and UACE levels,’ warned Ms Jennifer Kalule-Musamba, the board’s principal public relations officer, urging schools to make good use of the remaining time.

With just days to the start of examinations, anxiety is mounting among candidates, parents, and education stakeholders, many of whom fear that the standoff between government and teachers could jeopardise the academic future of nearly half a million learners.

Dr Gorreti Nakabugo, the executive director of Uwezo Uganda, said breaking barriers to education access is important, noting that both the government and teachers should ensure learners resume classes. ‘We really hope that teachers are motivated to do their job, and at the same time we call upon the teachers to ensure that issues of the learners are prioritised because if children are not at school or not in class, it is very difficult for them to learn,’ Dr Nakabugo told journalists after a debrief of a three-day national conference on what works in girls education.

The event is being held in Kampala from October 1 to 3 under the theme, ‘Breaking barriers, building benefits, evidence and action for girls’ education”. ‘We must work together as a system, the government, the teachers themselves, and the private sector to ensure that teachers are back in school and the children are back in class to learn and get what they deserve,” Dr Nakabugo added. Associate Professor and Dean of the School of Education at Kyambogo University, George Wilson Kasule, said issues that triggered the strike should be addressed to normalise the situation.

‘Our appeal is to let us try to solve those issues that led the teachers to strike so that we have a normal functioning of the education system,’ Mr Kasule said.

Mr Amos Akahangiromutwe, the head teacher of Kazo Secondary School, in Kazo District, said his teachers were conducting lessons, but the effect of the ongoing strike tarnishes the image of education. ‘The strike is mainly affecting primary schools. The situation is really not good,’ he said. The State Minister of Higher Education, Mr Chrysostom Muyingo, said the Minister of Public Service, Mr Wilson Muruli, is expected to give another government position on the teachers’ strike.

Last week, Mr Muruli directed teachers to call off the strike and resume teaching, saying a 25 percent salary increment would be effected in the 2026/2027 budget, a proposal that the arts teachers rejected and demanded a 300 percent increment like their science counterparts received.

The leadership of the Uganda National Teachers Union (Unatu) has insisted that the union members will resume work only if their pay is increased to the level of their science counterparts.

Mr Filbert Baguma, the general secretary of Unatu, said the proposed 25 percent increment is too little to improve the members’ welfare.

‘We are not going back to class. After three years of waiting, you cannot tell us that 25 percent is enough when our counterparts received 300 percent. Why did the government raise science teachers’ salaries when they knew there was no money? We cannot call off the industrial action for 25 percent. Forget it,’ he said.

Salary disparities

Currently, an arts teacher with a degree qualification earns a gross pay of Shs1,078,162 monthly and takes home a net pay of Shs841,931, while his/her science counterpart gets Shs4 million and takes home a net pay of Shs2,858,000.

Similarly, an arts teacher with a diploma qualification gets gross pay of Shs784,214 and takes home a net pay of Shs639,108, while their science counterpart earns Shs2.2 million and takes home a net pay of Shs1,616,000.

Presidential candidate Mubarak Munyagwa of the Common Man’s Party is today expected to resume his campaign trail in Iganga District in the Busoga sub-region, his second stop after launching in Kawempe on Monday.

Munyagwa confirmed the development in a phone interview, saying preparations had been finalised. ‘I will be in Iganga today, I will sleep there,’ he said.

The candidate had earlier cancelled visits to Bugiri and Bugweri districts, choosing instead to campaign in Namuwongo, Kampala on Wednesday.

Iganga, with a population of 426,958 people according to the 2024 National Population and Housing Census, faces a string of challenges that residents hope will be addressed during the campaigns.

Poor road infrastructure remains one of the district’s biggest concerns, with rural roads often impassable in rainy seasons, limiting trade, transport, and access to health and education services.

Youth unemployment and poverty are also widespread, forcing many households to rely on subsistence farming.

The health sector is under pressure from drug shortages, understaffed facilities and long distances to access care. Education is equally affected by a lack of qualified teachers, dilapidated classrooms, and high dropout rates, especially among girls.

Communities continue to struggle with access to clean water as broken boreholes push families to depend on unsafe sources. Land disputes, corruption in public offices, teenage pregnancies, and cases of gender-based violence further complicate life in the district.

Agriculture, the main livelihood for many, remains unproductive due to poor markets, low prices, and limited access to modern tools or extension services.

Locals who spoke ahead of Munyagwa’s visit voiced frustration with unfulfilled promises by President Museveni and other politicians.

‘We have a problem of poor roads, they are small and are murram, this hinders us from transporting our merchandise across the district,’ said George Ivulabe, who also called for security lights to curb robbery.

At Iganga market, vendor Brenda Nangobi accused local leaders of failing to deliver services because of graft. ‘We have an issue of corruption in this district, we would be far with the money given to us but we are in absolute poverty,’ she said.

Munyagwa launched his campaign on September 29 in Kampala, promising to address both national and local concerns as he challenges President Museveni in the 2026 elections.

For Iganga’s residents, the key test remains whether campaign pledges will bring lasting change.

Mr Ashish Monpara, Chairman of the Modern Group of Industries, has been named Global Leader of the Year 2025. This was during the 26th Edition of the Asian Business and Social Forum on the 19th of September, 2025 at the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel in Business Bay, Dubai.

The Indo-UAE Summit was held under the theme ‘Celebrating the Spirit of Asia,’ where they spotlighted the strengthening of bilateral trade, investment, and innovation between India, the UAE, and the wider GCC region. They also look to foster strategic partnerships across Asia, Africa, and the Americas.

Mr Monpara was recognised for his significant contributions to industrial growth and private sector development across East Africa.

Commonly referred to as the ‘King of Sugar’, he has redefined industrial investment in Uganda, establishing at least one factory every year since 2017. Mr Monpara has set a bold vision for the Modern Group and for Uganda’s economic potential on the global stage.

His company Modern Group of Industries was also recognized as the World’s Greatest Brands 2025. Under his visionary leadership, the Modern Group has grown into one of Uganda’s most renowned industrial conglomerates, expanding across multiple sectors including sugar, alcohol distillation, aluminium profiling, tile manufacturing, and organic fertiliser.

Today, the Modern Group has reshaped Uganda’s industrial landscape. It operates seven factories across 10 industrial verticals, with total investments exceeding US $700 million (approximately Shs2.4 trillion). The group has contributed import substitution worth US $100 million (Shs356 billion) and employs over 4,000 people.

The journey began in 2017 with the launch of Modern Distillers, producing ethanol. In 2018 came Modern Gas, which also generated carbon dioxide for major clients such as Coca-Cola and Pepsi. The following year, the group introduced Modern Aluminium, producing high-quality profiles once imported from Dubai, China, India, and Europe. That same year also saw the birth of Modern Fertiliser.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, the group established two new factories. One was Modern Hygiene in 2020, producing hand sanitiser, a crucial product during the pandemic. In 2021, spotting an opportunity to substitute imported tiles with locally produced, high-quality alternatives, Mr Monpara set up Modern Tiles. The company now employs 1,600 people and controls 45 per cent of Uganda’s tile market.

In 2022, the group expanded further with Kidera Sugar in Buyende District, now awaiting commissioning, plus Lamborghini Drinks and Beverages (Modern Spirits), a partnership that manufactures products in Uganda for export to the United States and Asian markets.

The highlight came in 2023 with the takeover of Kaliro Sugar, at the request of President Yoweri Museveni and Investment Minister Evelyn Anite. From an ailing sugar factory, Kaliro Sugar was completely overhauled to run at full capacity of 2,500 TCD, directly employing 1,500 people and paying our due taxes.

Commissioned in August 2022 by President Museveni, Kaliro Sugar has restored dignity to the district’s sugarcane farmers. Expansion plans are already in motion, with the plant expected to grow to 5,500 TCD within two years and 8,000 TCD in the longer term, a combined daily output of around 200,000 tonnes of sugar.

Leveraging by-products from sugar production, Mr Monpara also launched Modern Power in 2023, generating electricity both for factory consumption and for the national grid, presently at 12MW.

His industriousness and innovation have attracted other accolades, including the Best Foreign Direct Investment Project Award for Modern Tiles at the Annual Investment Meeting Awards in 2022. Modern Group has also emerged among the top tax contributors to the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), averaging Shs12.5 billion annually.

Over the next three years, Mr Monpara plans to invest another $500 million. Priorities include a sugar refinery to reduce reliance on imported white sugar, a power plant in Buyende to expand capacity ramped up to 50 MW, new ventures in steel production, and pharmaceuticals. The ultimate goal is to cre¬ate 10,000 jobs and cement Uganda’s position as a regional industrial hub.

Reflecting on his journey, Mr Monpara, a first-generation businessman, said he started by investing his own money.

‘I bootstrapped my business by investing from my money. Now, with the business thriving, financing has become more accessible. My advice to every investor is to start with your own investment, and then you can tap into available financing options in the country.’

Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIGP) Charles Kataratambi, who was in charge of the Uganda Police Force’s Human Rights and Legal Services Directorate, has died. Kataratambi passed away yesterday, after battling long-term health complications.

The police spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner of Police Rusoke Kituuma, said in a statement yesterday said: ‘The Uganda Police Force fraternity deeply regrets to announce the untimely passing of Assistant Inspector General of Police Kataratambi Charles, director of Human Rights and Legal Services, which occurred on Thursday. Details regarding burial arrangements will be shared in due course. The UPF conveys heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the departed officer. May his soul rest in eternal peace.’

AIGP Kataratambi had been in and out of the hospital for several years. The police have not yet released details regarding the cause of death or where he passed away.

A life of service

Several senior security officers and former classmates from Namilyango College described Kataratambi as intelligent, bookish, and principled.

After completing his secondary education, he joined Makerere University in 1996 to pursue a law degree. It was during this time that he formed close friendships with two peers who would also go on to serve in public service: Senior Commissioner of Police (SPC) Fred Enanga, now Deputy Director of International Relations in the Police, and Senior Police Officer (rtd) Simeo Nsubuga, now a commissioner at the Uganda Human Rights Commission.

SCP Enanga remembered him as “a bright, smart, and loving person.’

‘Charles always stood out. He had empathy, appreciated teamwork, and showed early signs of leadership. At some point, we thought he might venture into politics,’ Enanga said.

‘While I studied Economics and Simeo pursued Education, Charles was immersed in Law.’

After university, Kataratambi proceeded to the Law Development Centre for a Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice. The trio later reunited unexpectedly in August 2001 at the Police Training School.

‘We were surprised to see each other again in uniform. The bond continued. He liked cracking jokes and was among the brightest officers, especially with his legal background,’ Enanga said.

Kataratambi joined police as one of 58 university graduates recruited in the aftermath of the 2001 Judicial Commission of Inquiry into police corruption.

Mr Simeo Nsubuga noted that his brilliance and legal expertise quickly set him apart. He began his career at the CID headquarters in the Serious Crimes Department, an unusual posting for a recruit. His competence and professionalism led to several leadership roles within the police.

Kataratambi rose to prominence during General Kale Kayihura’s tenure as Inspector General of Police. He frequently provided legal guidance to officers during a time of intense political protests and public demonstrations. He gained public attention when he was appointed head of the Media and Political Crimes Unit at CID.

The unit often summoned journalists from leading media outlets, including Monitor Publications Limited, The Weekly Observer, The Independent, and CBS Radio, over cases related to sedition and sectarianism.

While many journalists were interrogated and released on police bond, often repeatedly extended, few of the cases were ever taken to court. Instead, the files were quietly shelved. In January 2009, Ms Anne Abeja, then company secretary of Monitor Publications, expressed frustration over the drawn-out summons.

‘It is frustrating! We have been reporting since Friday, and on Monday the bonds were extended again,’ she said at the time.

‘We appeared in Mr Kataratambi’s office, waited, and he simply told us the bonds were extended.’

Despite public criticism, insiders said he was executing a delicate balancing act between press freedom and State interests.

Leadership roles and setbacks

In August 2010, he was transferred to the Land Protection Police Unit, then later to the Flying Squad Unit. After two years, he returned to CID and also served as head of investigations for Kampala Metropolitan Police. In March 2014, he was appointed commander of the Special Investigations Unit (SIU), which was later elevated to a division.

However, in 2015, his career suffered a blow when he was arrested over allegations of mishandling a bank fraud case. Though eventually cleared, he spent nine years without deployment.

Despite this, he maintained close ties with his colleagues and continued attending events, including the 2019 funeral of his police training squad-mate, Commissioner of Police Christine Alalo.

In 2024, he was promoted to the rank of AIGP and appointed director of Human Rights and Legal Services. Though his health deteriorated soon after, he remained dedicated and continued attending work and meetings.

‘He remained respectful of authority. Even though I left the police and he held a higher rank, he would salute me at meetings since I’m now a presidential appointee,’ said Mr Nsubuga.

Both Enanga and Nsubuga expressed deep sorrow over his death. AIGP Charles Kataratambi is survived by his wife and children.

There will be a funeral service today at All Saints Church, Nakasero, and burial will take place tomorrow in Rubaya Village, Kashari, Mbarara District.

The National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate, Mr Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, aka Bobi Wine, has promised to establish value addition factories across Uganda to support farmers and improve their incomes.

While addressing a crowd at a well-attended rally in Bulumba Trading Centre in Kaliro District yesterday, Mr Kyagulanyi said one of the main reasons farmers remain poor is because they do not benefit fully from their produce.

He added that the lack of value addition facilities to improve quality and attract high profit margins had left farmers in losses. Mr Kyagulanyi cited an example of the cotton ginnery in Bulumba, which he said used to help local residents earn more money through processing their cotton locally.

Mr Kyagulanyi also observed that the ginnery once served as a valuable economic driver for the area, but has since become dormant, allegedly due to neglect and poor policies by the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) government.

‘This ginnery in Bulumba was helping residents get more money from cotton because there was value addition right here. But now it has been made inactive by the NRM government,’ Mr Kyagulanyi said.

‘People work so hard to grow crops, but they earn very little because they are forced to sell raw materials instead of processed goods,’ he added. In Jinja District, he said Uganda’s cotton production has been falling due to low yields and abandonment of the crop by farmers.

Uganda’s cotton sector was liberalised in 1994 when the lint marketing board was disbanded.

Mr Kyagulanyi pledged that his government, once elected, would not only build value addition factories in every region of the country, but would also ensure there is a ready market for processed goods.

According to Mr Kyagulanyi, this will create jobs, raise household incomes, and reduce poverty across rural Uganda.

Mr Kyagulanyi also highlighted the challenges faced by sugarcane farmers in the Busoga Sub-region. He expressed concern that although sugarcane is widely grown in the area, farmers remain poor due to low prices offered by millers and middlemen.

Mr Kyagulanyi decried the situation where sugarcane farmers cannot even afford to buy sugar for their own households, despite being the producers of the raw material.

‘It is heartbreaking that people in Busoga grow sugarcane, but the prices remain extremely low. Yet, sugar and other products made from sugarcane are very expensive. Many of the very farmers who grow it cannot afford to buy even a kilo of sugar for tea,’ he said. Mr Kyagulanyi called on the people of Busoga and all Ugandans to make a protest vote against the current government, which he accused of failing to support the ordinary citizen.

Key issues

Kaliro District faces several development challenges, including the alleged selling of government jobs, particularly in education and local government.

Poor road infrastructure, especially in rural areas, limits access to markets, schools, and health services. Access to safe water remains low, with many communities relying on unsafe sources. In the education sector, poor performance is driven by a lack of qualified teachers and limited learning materials.

The High Court session in which Opposition leader Dr Kizza Besigye was expected to enter a plea on treason charges turned dramatic yesterday as he engaged Justice Emmanuel Baguma in a direct exchange, insisting on speaking for himself despite being represented by a team of 10 lawyers.

The fully packed courtroom was tense, with prison warders and anti-riot police monitoring closely as supporters craned their necks to catch a glimpse of the four-time presidential contender.

The case has become a rallying point for his followers, and Dr Besigye’s rare opportunity to address the judge directly drew murmurs across the public gallery.

As proceedings opened, Chief State Attorney Richard Birivumbuka announced the prosecution’s readiness: ‘The accused are in court and the case is for plea taking. We are ready to proceed.’

But Dr Besigye immediately raised his hand.

‘A very good morning, my Lord; I wish to raise a matter of concern before we proceed with this business,’ he said. Justice Baguma looked up from his notes.

‘Good morning. Are you still represented, or are you putting off your lawyers?’ ‘My Lord, I put off my representing until I finish my submission. I will be brief. It is about our presence here. To give it a background, I would like to inform this court that.,’ he added.

Before he could continue, the judge cut in: ‘We must follow the procedure. Since you are represented, you cannot simply disregard your lawyers.’ The standoff lasted several minutes as the court fell silent. Finally, the judge ruled that Dr Besigye’s legal team must handle his concerns. ‘I have listened to you. I am saying the 10 lawyers represent you, unless they put in writing that they are no longer representing you. I am directing that the 10 lawyers get all the concerns and address them to the court,’ Justice Baguma said.

The ruling prompted a flurry of submissions from the defence.

Senior Counsel Martha Karua rose first. ‘The few minutes you have given us are not sufficient to receive instructions. Our client still wants to raise the concerns himself, and he believes it is within your powers to hear him. We cannot cite any law that bars a represented person from speaking in court without dismissing his lawyers. We plead with the court,’ she said. Lawyer Ernest Kalibbala stressed that legal representation does not remove the accused’s personal right to speak.

‘While it is true we are a team of 10 lawyers, the accused retains overall authority to determine any matters he wishes to speak on,’ Mr Kalibbala argued.

‘… No law bars any accused person in the dock from raising or responding to issues in court,’ he added.

The judge softened slightly but set conditions.

‘I have listened to Besigye and his lawyers that he wants to raise his concerns,’ Justice Baguma said. ‘But on condition that they are put in writing. I am giving you until Friday, and you will come back here on October 8 for my response,’ he added. The ruling drew whispers among the packed audience before warders moved Dr Besigye back into custody under tight guard.

The dramatic exchange is the latest turn in the long-running treason case against Dr Besigye and co-accused Obeid Lutale, who are accused of conspiring to overthrow the government. Both men deny the charges.

Earlier this month, they refused to appear before the same judge for their second bail application, accusing him of bias.

Their lawyers, led by Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, have consistently sought Justice Baguma’s recusal, a request the judge has rejected.

What next

With the new directive, the court will reconvene on October 8 to consider Dr Besigye’s written concerns, alongside pending issues in the treason proceedings. Until then, the Opposition figure and his co-accused remain on remand.

Uganda grit their way through early wobbles before turning on the style to dismantle Malawi by 117 runs in Harare yesterday, booking a Saturday date with Nigeria’s Yellow Greens in the fifth-place playoff final.

After captain Riazat Ali Shah won the toss and chose to bat, Uganda lost Ronald Lutaaya (7) and Robinson Obuya (13) cheaply to slip to 32 for 2. With critics sharpening their knives and Malawi’s dugout growing louder, it needed steel and class.

Enter international debutant Sumeet Verma. The top-order batter announced himself with a breathtaking 88 off 41 balls, peppered with 3 fours and 8 booming sixes. In tandem with opener Raghav Dhawan, who anchored for a gritty 50 off 48 balls, Verma produced a 140-run partnership that flipped the contest. Shah then applied the polish with a late 19 off 8 balls, propelling Uganda to 192 for 3.

Milestone day

If the batting was inspiring, the bowling was ruthless. Left-arm spinner Alpesh Ramjani led the charge with 4 for 13, reaching a historic milestone of 100 T20I wickets in just 62 matches – a record that underlines his world-class efficiency with an economy of 4.83. Only one other Ugandan – Henry Ssenyondo has registered that feat with 121 wickets now from 90 innings. Innocent Mwebaze, making his first appearance at this tournament, snared a wicket alongside all-rounder Dinesh Nakrani as Malawi staggered to 75 for 6 in 20 overs.

Coach Jackson Ogwang credited partnerships for the turnaround: ‘We got something we had missed throughout – a big partnership. Sumeet and Raghav rebuilt when we were under pressure, and later our bowlers stuck to their plans. That’s why the margin was so huge.’

Taking responsibility

Man of the Match Verma said he enjoyed the responsibility: ‘The wicket was slow early, but once I got in I backed my intent. Batting with Raghav gave me confidence and I’m glad my debut made a difference.’

Debutant Mwebaze added; ‘I have been prepared and waiting since day one. It felt good to contribute in my first outing, and I’m excited for the final against Nigeria.’

Uganda’s emphatic win not only silenced doubters but also highlighted their depth, grit and ability to respond under fire. With Verma’s fearless batting, Dhawan’s composure, and Ramjani’s milestone, the Cricket Cranes now eye a strong finish in Harare.

World Cup-bound

Elsewhere in Harare, Zimbabwe and Namibia clinched Africa’s two qualification slots to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup due in Sri Lanka and India next year, and the pair will now face off for the tournament’s ‘Holy Grail’ in Saturday’s grand finale.

Kenya and Tanzania will tussle for bronze in the third-place playoff, while Botswana and Malawi meet in the seventh-place playoff final to avoid the wooden spoon. Uganda, meanwhile, will be eyeing proper consolation by sealing fifth spot when they clash with Nigeria in the fifth-place playoff final on Saturday afternoon at Takashinga.

ICC T20 WORLD CUP AFRICA QUALIFIER

Result – Main Semifinal 1

Namibia 174/6 | Tanzania 111/8

Namibia won by 63 runs

Result – Main Semifinal 2

Kenya 122/6 | Zimbabwe 123/3

Zimbabwe won by 7 wickets

Result – 5th Place Playoff Semifinal 1

Nigeria 166/8 | Botswana 122/7

Nigeria won by 44 runs

Result – 5th Place Playoff Semifinal 2

Uganda 192/3 | Malawi 75/6

Uganda won by 117 runs

As Maj Gen (rtd) Gregory Mugisha Muntu, the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) presidential flagbearer, embarks on his campaign in Mitooma and Rubirizi districts today, residents are eager to hear his stance on issues that have long affected the area.

Bordering Queen Elizabeth National Park, the two districts have faced persistent human-wildlife conflict. Residents want government to erect an electric fence to prevent animals from straying into communities.

‘We want the government to intensify the process of putting up the electric fence to stop the wild animals from invading our communities,’ said Ms Jeniva Nalongo, a resident of Rubirizi. She added that the area’s tourism potential remains underdeveloped despite its proximity to major attractions. ‘Our tourism sector is underdeveloped yet we are surrounded by great features. We need a facility to help us benefit directly from the park.’

Mr John Twesigye Ntamuhiira, the MP for Bunyaruguru County, faulted the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) over what he termed excessive force.

‘Killing people on site in the national park is a very big issue. A warden should use skills to disable an intruder but not kill him. Yes, the person is wrong to enter illegally, but shooting amounts to murder,’ he said. Land ownership remains another thorny issue. Many residents cannot secure land titles because the area is still registered under the defunct Ankole Kingdom.

‘When they digitised the country, it brought out the issue that the whole district is under Ankole Kingdom. People cannot easily get land titles because they are not bona fide occupants,’ Mr Ntamuhiira explained.

He urged government to inject funds into the Road Fund so absentee landlords can be compensated. ‘This way, people who have been on the land for centuries can fully enjoy their rights.’

Poor infrastructure is also a major grievance. Residents cite the long-delayed upgrade of Katerera road, which would connect Rubirizi with Ibanda, Kitagwenda and Kamwenge.

‘Connectivity is a challenge. Kyambura-Katerera-Kabujogyera road has been a big issue and it would be the easiest route to Kampala, besides linking tourists from Kibale to Queen Elizabeth National Park,’ Ms Nalongo said.

Farmers in Ndangara and Nyakiyanja parishes also complain of wild animals destroying crops, while others clash with UWA and the National Forest Authority over access to Kalinzu Forest Reserve.

Speaking ahead of his campaign, Gen Muntu outlined his vision for the region. He pledged to promote a banking system that includes both commercial and development banks. ‘These banks will provide funding at lower interest rates with longer repayment terms, enabling entrepreneurs to create jobs,’ he said.

Health

Gen Muntu emphasised the importance of leaders with ’empathy, honesty and strong organisational skills’ to drive development.

He noted that corruption-free leadership was vital for delivering quality education, healthcare, and efficient transport. He also promised to establish a government-run national health insurance programme to ensure access to quality healthcare for all.

The government has issued a stern ultimatum to striking teachers, giving them seven days to return to class or risk dismissal for abandoning duty.

The teachers, mainly from secondary schools, laid down their tools on September 15, 2025, demanding salary enhancements and fulfillment of past government pledges.

Speaking to the media in Kampala on Thursday, Ministry for Public Service Muruli Mukasa said the ongoing industrial action was unlawful and is in breach of existing labor laws.

“Their strike has disrupted learning in several parts of the country, with pupils and students left unattended barely a month into the third term,” he said.

Mukasa added that government would consider teachers who fail to report back to school within the stipulated period to have voluntarily resigned.

“You are hereby enjoined to call off the industrial action, and for your members especially those who are participating to resume duty immediately and not beyond one week, or else you will be regarded as having abandoned duty and resigned accordingly,” he said.

Minister Mukasa revealed that government has demonstrated commitment to improving the welfare of teachers and other public servants through a phased salary enhancement plan.

“A total of Shs 2.5 trillion has been committed to salary enhancement since the 2018/2019 financial year,” he said.

He added that the government has already drawn up an enhancement plan for the 2026/2027 financial year, which includes a pledge to raise the salaries of humanities teachers by 25 percent of the approved targets.

“These proposals have been submitted to the Ministry of Finance for consideration in the forthcoming budget,” he said.

Minister Mukasa urged that the teachers’ strike does not meet the legal requirements for industrial action.

“No certificate of dispute was issued by the Public Service Negotiating and Consultative Council before the strike commenced, making it unlawful,” he said.

The General Secretary of the Uganda National Teachers Union (UNATU), Filbert Baguma, responded to the warning, saying that government knows where the teachers are and therefore there is no reason for intimidation and threats.

“What we need are the answers and not the threats and intimidation; the industrial action continues,” he said.

As the ultimatum clock ticks, anxiety remains high among teachers who have not resumed their duties since the term started. The standoff between the government and teachers continues, with no immediate resolution in sight.

The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has postponed this year’s Kampala City Festival from October 5 to October 12, 2025, following consultations with key stakeholders, including security agencies.

The festival, initially scheduled as a pre-Independence Day celebration, will now take place days later, allowing the city to host the official national Independence Day events.

KCCA Executive Director Hajjat Sharifah Buzeki confirmed the adjustment, saying, “The festival will now take place on October 12 after the official Independence Day celebrations. We shall kick off with a grand procession starting from Buganda Road through Kyagwe up to Kololo Ceremonial Grounds.”

Buzeki added that beyond entertainment, the festival would highlight the Authority’s beautification initiatives, including tree planting along Nile Avenue and other city greening programs.

“The Kampala City Festival is one of the most popular annual social events, attracting thousands of city dwellers and visitors,” she said. “KCCA expects this year’s edition to draw even larger numbers, given the festival’s return after disruptions caused by COVID-19 and other logistical constraints.”

As crowds prepare for the festivities, police have unveiled a detailed plan to maintain order and safeguard the event. Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson, ACP Rusoke Kituuma outlined guidelines aimed at preventing crime and ensuring smooth access to Kololo Ceremonial Grounds.

“All people entering Kololo will go through access control checks, and any unauthorised objects will be confiscated,” he said.

Kituuma urged revelers to use designated entrances to avoid delays or inconveniences and cautioned parents to closely monitor their children during the celebrations.

“Take care of your children because we do not want to register cases of abandoned minors, which not only cause distress but also inconvenience the deployed security teams,” he stressed.

Traffic management around Kololo will be tightly controlled, with a security checkpoint set up at Hotel Africana and a map displayed to guide motorists.

Motorists will be diverted to Lugogo bypass for access to Kololo, with cut-off points enforced at Upper Elgon Terrace, Katikati traffic lights, and Prince Charles-Obua Road.

VIP parking will be at Kololo grounds through Elgon and Kololo Police Post Gate, but strictly for vehicles with official stickers. Non-VIP parking will be at City High School and Kabojja Junior School. Kituuma stressed that parking on road reserves is prohibited, and abandoned vehicles will be towed at the owner’s cost.

Kituuma reassured the public that all security agencies have been mobilized in a joint operation to safeguard the festival.

“Security is complete under unity and synergy, and we call upon the public to collaborate with us to make sure the festival is safe and enjoyable,” he emphasised.

With the festival now set for October 12, KCCA and police are urging city dwellers to prepare early, follow the guidelines, and embrace the celebration as both a cultural and civic event that unites the world.