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When he steps onto the stage, mic in hand and grin in place,Hillary Okello, better known asDr Hillary, has one mission – to heal through humor. He’s not just another stand-up comic; he’s literally a trained medic who swapped the stethoscope for a spotlight, prescribing laughter instead of pills.

Offstage, he’s calm, thoughtful, and analytical – traits that hint at his medical background. But once he begins to perform, he becomes an unstoppable force of sharp wit and storytelling, diagnosing life’s everyday absurdities and transforming them into roaring laughter.

For the man fondly known as ‘the doctor who prescribes jokes,’ comedy isn’t just an escape – it’s a calling. With a white coat traded for stage lights, he’s steadily become one of Uganda’s most exciting comedy exports, taking Ugandan humor across borders and winning hearts in the process.

‘Comedy has become full-time now,’ he admits with a chuckle. ‘But the medical discipline helps me stay organized and grounded. Once a medic, always a medic.’

From open mics in Kampala to international stages across Southern Africa, his rise has been a steady journey of growth, grace, and grind. In recent months, he’s performed in Botswana and South Africa, and in December, he’ll headline a show in Harare before embarking on a world comedy tour next year – a dream that will see him perform in over ten African countries and five European cities, including London, Oslo, and Berlin, before heading to North America and Australia.

‘It feels amazing to take Ugandan comedy to the world,’ he says. ‘Laughter truly travels. When people from different countries connect with Ugandan stories, it shows how powerful humor can be.’

While his punchlines are rooted in Uganda’s everyday experiences – taxi conductors, family drama, and village weddings – his delivery is universal. ‘I focus on shared human experiences,’ he explains. ‘I may start with something Ugandan, but by the end, everyone sees themselves in it. That’s the magic.’

His fans love that authenticity – humor that is both funny and familiar. Whether he’s dissecting politics, love, or life’s small struggles, there’s always a truth that lands between the laughter. ‘I use humor to say serious things in a way people can laugh, think, and still go home happy,’ he adds.

Asked about the current state of Uganda’s comedy scene, he beams with pride but stays realistic. ‘We’ve come far – the talent is undeniable. What we need now is more structure, better industry support, and platforms to take our craft global. I want to see Ugandan comedians on Netflix and touring the world.’

His inspirations range from homegrown legends like Salvador, Pablo, and Anne Kansiime to international giants like Trevor Noah, Kevin Hart, and Dave Chappelle – all masters of blending truth with laughter.

As for what drives him, it’s the joy of connection. ‘Uganda is rich in humor, heart, and humanity,’ he says. ‘We laugh through everything. Hopefully, we can change how the world views Africa – one joke at a time.’

And for those eager to catch him live, the doctor of laughter has a prescription ready. He returns to Theatre Labonita this Friday, November 7, for a night of pure comedy, sharp storytelling, and surprises that promise to leave fans in stitches.

‘Expect pure laughter, clever storytelling, and that signature Ugandan humor that makes us laugh at our own realities,’ he teases. ‘This show is for all of us – Uganda must laugh!’

The Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development (PACEID) has urged Ugandan farmers to increase the cultivation of soybeans and cassava, key raw materials in fish feed production, to reduce the country’s dependence on imported inputs.

PACEID Chairman Mr Odrek Rwabwogo emphasised that localizing feed raw materials like soybeans, maize, and cassava would reduce production costs, strengthen farmer incomes, and improve the competitiveness of Ugandan fish on regional and global markets.

“This is a huge opportunity for farmers, especially in Busoga to supply cassava and maize, while Acholi and other regions can focus on soybeans and grains,” Mr Rwabwogo said during a PACEID visit to the De Heus Uganda Ltd, a newly established Tilapia feed factory in Njeru Municipality in Buikwe district.

“Countries that don’t produce animal feeds cannot sustainably increase food production,” he added. “Uganda must build its own feed base. If we grow enough soybeans, maize, and cassava, we can replace imports, feed our fish, and strengthen food security for our population.”

The factory, officially commissioned by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on September 2, 2025, is the first of its kind in Uganda. Mr. Rwabwogo stressed that the establishment of such factories is crucial for the country’s agricultural production.

“It is very important for the country, because nations that cannot produce enough animal feed can never increase their overall agricultural production. Uganda, which has about two rainy seasons, can only grow to a certain extent if we continue relying on grass-fed animals and wild catch,” he said.

Mr. Rwabwogo added that if about 5 to 10 of such factories can be established across the country, Uganda could produce millions of tons of fish, potentially earning an additional USD 1.2 billion dollars in foreign exchange.

Mr Bon Tjeenk Willink, Managing Director of De Heus Uganda Ltd, said the facility still imports some materials from Vietnam, which takes 3-4 months to arrive. He added that the factory is operating under low production due to a lack of raw materials for fish feed production.

“We had a dream of producing over one million tons of fish feed annually by 2035, marking a new chapter in Uganda’s aquaculture value chain; it has been widely adopted in some parts of the country,” Mr Tjeenk said.

He cited the availability of raw materials, growing demand in rapidly increasing aquaculture, and improved farmer production as reasons why Uganda was chosen for the establishment of the factory.

Families of individuals identified among the machete-wielding attackers in last week’s wave of coordinated violence across Kasese, Fort Portal, and Bundibugyo districts are pleading with the government to release the bodies of their relatives for decent burial.

The deadly assaults, which occurred last Saturday morning, were carried out by groups of men armed with machetes, dressed in black jackets and gumboots, and carrying rudimentary weapons such as catapults, stones, and even African eggplants.

In Buhuhira Sub-county, Busongora North, believed to be the origin of some of the attackers, families are grieving and demanding that the government releases the bodies of their relatives who were shot dead during the counter-operations. Mr Hudson Musale, the Buhuhira Sub-county chairperson, identified four of the deceased from his area.

‘In this incident, four of the people from my area were killed. They are Charles Mbene of Kahondo Village; Agard Kirongotse, son of Nuha Bilhwana Sibendire of Buhuhira Village; Abel Sibaminya of Kikoka; and Maate Kighoma of Kikoka Village,’ he said. Mr Musale said the sub-county executive committee met on Monday to review the incident and agreed to visit the bereaved families to extend condolences and support.

Families in shock

At the home of the late Maate Kighoma, one of the suspected attackers, relatives were still in disbelief. His brother, Mr John Monday Wakighoma, said they first learned of Maate’s death through a neighbour’s phone call. ‘We were informed by a neighbour, who testified that he had seen Maate’s dead body,’ Mr Monday recounted.

He said his brother, 35, a father of five and an active member of the Adventist Church, was killed on Saturday in Rugendabara. ‘Everyone at home assumed he was busy attending to his business. We were all shocked when the news of his death by shooting started circulating,’ he added. Mr Monday, who also chairs Kitswamba Town Council, condemned the attacks, describing them as senseless acts of violence against the state.

‘I wish to make it clear that as a family, we didn’t know anything about this. Maate was a master guide in the church. Four days before the incident, we were looking for him because he was supposed to help cement our grandparents’ graves. His wife, too, did not know where he had gone,’ he added.

He said the family’s only wish now is to give him a dignified burial. Other residents also expressed disbelief. Mr James Kule, a businessman at Buhuhira Trading Centre, said no one could have imagined Kighoma being involved in violence. His elder brother, Mr Jofesi Kighoma, described the death as a ‘major blow’ to the family. ‘Maate had become a hardworking, compassionate, and respected man. We worshipped with him a week ago during a church event. He supported us fully. His death has left us heartbroken,’ he said.

According to the UPDF Mountain Division, the death toll among suspected attackers has risen to 41, and at least 90 suspects have been arrested across the three districts. One UPDF soldier and a woman, reportedly the wife of a soldier in Bundibugyo District, were killed when the assailants struck Malindi and Kakuka army detachments. Six police officers in Kasese were injured, while several soldiers’ houses in Malindi and Kakuka (Sindila Sub-county, Bundibugyo) were set ablaze. A unit post at Kasese Police Barracks was also torched.

In Kitswamba Sub-county, mourners gathered at the home of Zephas Kambere, 53, whose death was confirmed by security forces. Kambere, a father of seven and resident of Kihyo Village, was found dead in the compound of Grace Cathedral on Kasese-Kilembe road. His wife, Ms Peluce Muhasa, said she last saw her husband on Wednesday, October 29. ‘He told me he was going to visit family in Kasese. That was the last time I saw him alive,’ she said.

Ms Muhasa described her husband as a trained health worker and a man known for his kindness. ‘He was not only my husband but a friend and provider who cared for everyone, regardless of clan or status,’ she added. Fighting back tears, Ms Muhasa recounted the moment she learned of his death. ‘A relative called me and said my husband had been seen lying dead in Kasese Town. At first, I didn’t believe it. But when my son confirmed, I asked if thieves had killed him. Later, we heard rebels had attacked the police,’ she said. Now left to care for seven children, she appealed for help.

‘You can see our home and the children. I don’t know how to make their future bright. All we ask is to be allowed to bury our loved ones with dignity,’ Ms Muhasa said.

Clandestine meetings

Some community leaders suspect the attackers had been holding clandestine gatherings before the assaults. Mr Richard Bakulha, an elder in Buhuhira Village, said:’I cannot say for sure what was discussed, but we know they were meeting regularly. We are urging families to account for their members and report anyone missing so we can initiate a proper search,’ he said.

Residents caught in the crossfire have appealed for government assistance. Ms Ireen Kasundi, a resident of Rugendabara-Kikongo Town Council, said her home was hit during the shootout between security forces and the attackers. ‘The gunshots damaged our house, but no one was hurt because we were in another room. A bullet got stuck in the wall, and I keep worrying that it might explode. The government should either renovate the house or compensate us – it wasn’t our fault,’ she said.

Maj Robert Kijuma, the acting spokesperson for the UPDF Mountain Division and Operation Shujaa, said arrangements were underway to transport the bodies of the deceased attackers to Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital for identification and subsequent burial. South Rwenzori Diocese Bishop Nason Baluku condemned the attacks and questioned the logic of confronting armed soldiers with crude weapons.

‘You have only a machete and a catapult-and you want to fight someone with a gun? That mentality must stop. Before engaging in such acts, think about the consequences,’ he warned. Meanwhile, the Obusinga Bwa Rwenzururu (OBR) cultural institution has strongly distanced itself from the attacks, describing claims linking the kingdom to the violence as baseless and misleading. In a statement, prime minister Benson Kule Baritazale dismissed social media allegations connecting it to the attackers.

‘These acts of criminality being linked to OBR, whether motivated by history, prejudice, or misinformation, only serve to mislead people,’ the statement read.

The institution clarified that it remains committed to peace, unity, and reconciliation under the leadership of Omusinga Charles Wesley Mumbere, who emphasised that such acts threaten the region’s stability and development.

Members of the Rwenzururu Veterans Development Association also issued a separate statement denouncing the attacks. Mr Noah Nzaghale, speaking on behalf of the veterans, said: ‘This act was carried out by people who are against peace, unity, and development in our sub-region. We stand firmly with the government and the people of Rwenzori in promoting lasting peace.’ As investigations continue, security forces maintain a heavy presence in Kasese and neighbouring districts.

BACKGROUND

Armed men wielding machetes (pangas), stones, and catapults launched coordinated attacks on several security installations in the Rwenzori Sub-region.

Security installations targeted included Malindi and Kakuka army detachments in Bundibugyo, and a unit post at Kasese Police Barracks.

The UPDF confirmed 41 suspected attackers killed and 90 suspects arrested across the three districts.

One UPDF soldier and a soldier’s wife in Bundibugyo were killed.

Six police officers were injured, and several soldiers’ homes were burnt.

Uganda’s historic debut at the Fifa U17 World Cup ended in heartbreak as technology took centre stage, with the Video Support System influencing decisive moments in a 2-1 loss to Canada in Qatar.

The Cubs looked poised for a dream debut when James Bogere fired them ahead in the 25th minute, finishing off a flowing move down the right to score Uganda’s first-ever goal at the global youth showpiece.

Uganda’s vibrant start unsettled the Canadians, who struggled to deal with the pace and pressing led by Isima Magala Mulala, the team’s standout performer before being substituted in the second half.

His trickery and movement gave Uganda a dangerous edge going forward, while Hamza Sengooba dictated play in midfield and Jovan ‘Kazungu’ Mukisa anchored the defence with maturity.

The turning point came midway through the second half when Uganda called for a video review after Bogere went down in a tangle with Canada captain Richard Chukwu inside the box. Ukrainian referee Oleksii Derevinskyi reviewed the incident on the pitchside monitor but ruled that there was no foul, to the dismay of Uganda’s technical bench.

Under the tournament’s Video Support System, coaches are allowed two review requests per game, retaining them only if the referee changes the original decision.

Canada made the most of the system in stoppage time. After Elijah Roche had levelled in the 88th minute with a powerful header, another VSS intervention confirmed a foul by James Asiimwe deep in added time. Derevinskyi pointed to the spot, and Marius Aiyenero kept his cool to convert in the 98th minute, sealing a stunning comeback victory.

Cubs coach Brian Ssenyondo admitted that while technology is part of the modern game, the decisions were difficult to accept.

“Technology is here to make football fairer, and we respect that. But it hurts when those moments go against you. The boys played bravely, and we’ll take the positives into the next match,’ Ssenyondo said.

How the Video Support System works

Coaches can make up to two video review requests per match.

If the review overturns the referee’s decision, the team keeps its request.

It works on goals, penalties, direct red cards and mistaken identity.

Fifa U17 World Cup – Group Stage

Canada 2-1 Uganda

Goals: James Bogere (25)

Elijah Roche (88)

Marius Aiyenero (98)

In a precautionary measure, Nile Star, a prominent passenger bus company operating from Kampala to the West Nile Sub-region, has suspended its transport services for two days, effective November 6 and hopes to resume on Sunday this week.

The decision comes in the wake of a series of road crashes, including one that occurred on Wednesday (November 5, 2025) near Karuma when the driver attempted to dodge a boda boda cyclist and today (November 6) around Wobulenzi and Lodonga area respectively.

According to the bus company’s operations manager, Mr Mimi Hamid, the suspension is aimed at restructuring and engaging the company drivers, Ministry of Works officials, and holding prayers for the company and its customers.

‘The management and board sat down and thought of having prayers and sit with our drivers, conductors, turn men and other crew who move in the bus. So, we are suspending our transport services for two days; that is, on Friday and Saturday and will resume on Sunday,’ he said.

The commissioner of traffic and transport is one of the key stakeholders expected to talk to.

‘You know what happened in Kiryandongo. What first came into the news was that 63 people died but what is on the ground is only 42 people who died in all four vehicles which were involved in the accident. We are doing this to make the public be aware of what is happening,’ he said.

The recent crashes involving the bus company’s vehicles have raised concerns about road safety for passengers plying between Kampala and the West Nile Sub-region.

One of the company buses on Wednesday flipped as the driver attempted to dodge a boda boda cyclist. Some passengers sustained minor injuries, according to police.

This happened two weeks after the October 22 crash involving one of the company’s buses left over 40 people dead and several injured on the busy Kampala-Gulu highway.

The morning crash at Asili farm in Kitaleba village in Kiryandongo District involved two buses of different transport companies, a lorry truck and a Toyota Land Cruiser.

‘For the company to come out and suspend its operations is something good because they are not waiting for the ministry to do that. They are doing it themselves to sort out a few things that might have been a problem because others would wait for the regulators to come in and suspend their operations. So, they have done something good and let them now sort out themselves and see what to put right to ensure that the people they transport and the vehicles are safe on the road,’ said Mr Allan Sempebwa, a senior communication officer at the Ministry of Works and Transport.

The Public Relations Officer, Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety, SP Michael Kananura said most crashes in the country have been due to reckless driving.

‘According to police statistics, most of these crashes have occurred due to reckless driving like speeding which is avoidable,’ he said.

According to the 2024 police report, Uganda recorded 25,107 road crashes, a 6.4 percent increase from the previous year, 2023, resulting in 25,808 casualties. Fatalities rose by 7 percent to 5,144, while serious injuries increased by 1.7 percent to 17,013, and minor injuries grew by 14.6 percent to 3,651. The most frequent crashes occurred on weekends and during the evening rush hour, with collisions involving pedestrians, rear-end, and side-swipe incidents being most common.

Benjamin Franklin, one of the founding fathers of the United States, once said: ‘An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.’ This timeless truth reminds us that acquiring and nurturing knowledge yields the most valuable and enduring returns, surpassing any other form of investment.

The ‘interest’ gained from such an investment is not merely financial; it encompasses personal growth, sharper critical thinking, expanded opportunities, stronger problem-solving abilities, and enriched life experiences, all of which can never be taken away.

Robert Toru Kiyosaki, the American businessman and author of the Rich Dad Poor Dad series, once noted:’We were not taught financial literacy in school. It takes a lot of work and time to change your thinking and to become financially literate.’

Uganda remains a youthful nation. According to the 2024 Uganda Bureau of Statistics (Ubos) census report, 50.5 percent of the population are children aged 17 and below, while youth aged 18-30 make up 22.7 percent.

This means nearly three-quarters of Ugandans are under 30, a clear signal that the country’s future economic resilience depends largely on how well young people are equipped to make informed financial decisions.

In my nearly two decades of experience, I have observed how everyday challenges such as the lure of instant gratification or the pressure of maintaining flashy lifestyles can affect young people’s financial stability later in life.

I am passionate about financial literacy because I believe everyone deserves access to the right information to make better financial choices and build secure, fulfilling lives. Financial planning must begin early. Learning to save, budget, and invest wisely forms the foundation of financial well-being.

Managing day-to-day expenses, living within one’s means, and adhering to a personal budget are essential habits for financial soundness.

Equally important is planning and saving adequately for retirement, while avoiding excessive debt that can lead to financial distress such as bankruptcy, default, or foreclosure. To promote financial literacy, various online resources are now available.

Financial literacy enables individuals to manage spending, saving, borrowing, and planning for key life goals, from paying school fees and running a business effectively to reducing vulnerability to fraud. It also empowers young people to make informed decisions about managing money, investments, and long-term financial plans, fostering self-reliance and financial independence.

With these skills, the youth can set and pursue long-term goals such as saving for retirement or acquiring a home, while building wealth through smart saving and investment.

In essence, financial literacy empowers young people to make informed financial decisions, navigate an increasingly complex financial environment, and contribute meaningfully to their personal well-being and the development of society at large.

Mr Eden Kironde had no vivid recollections of Zohran Kwame Mamdani, the teenager who interned at Daily Monitor 18 years ago. When I shared with him a story he once co-authored with Mamdani, now the New York Mayor-elect, back in July 2007, he was quick to call back. ‘Are you serious that’s him?’ he asked, laughing in disbelief. I confirmed, and we both chuckled.

‘He was just a boy with a clean face. Is that the man we now see with all those beards?’ Mr Kironde said, bemused. My job was to jog his memory, which I gladly did for about ten minutes. What we both recalled most vividly was that wide, disarming smile. Like many teenagers, Zohran was exploring his passions. Still, being the son of Ugandan academic Mahmood Mamdani wasn’t something he could easily hide. The moment you saw the surname, the question was inevitable: ‘Are you the son of Professor Mamdani?’

His reply was always swift: ‘Yes, but call me Zohran or Kwame.’ Perhaps, like any young person, he wanted to be known for more than just his famous father.

Zohran had been introduced to the newsroom grind by his father, who referred him to then-political correspondent Angelo Izama. Yet even then, the young intern was eager to look beyond politics. When I once asked why he wasn’t writing for the political desk, he smiled and said he feared that doing so ‘would have Dad called out by the government.’

He wanted to immerse himself in writing, sports, art, and culture. In those days, Zohran worked hard to distance himself from politics at least publicly. Mr James Raymond Ssekandi (now living in the US, with no aspirations for office there) and I joined the newsroom towards the end of 2007. Like Zohran, we were clean-faced, wide-eyed, and full of enthusiasm. We joined as sports writers and found him already there.

Through endless conversations, he discovered I knew quite a bit about cricket and rugby. ‘How can an Indian want to learn cricket from me?’ I would tease, and we’d both laugh. Eager to learn, the ‘kid,’ as we fondly called him, spent much of his time on the sports desk, then tucked away in one corner of the first floor.

‘I supervised Zohran when he was 15 to 16, and he was easily the most deep-thinking teenager I ever came across,’ recalled former Nation Media Group sports editor Mark Namanya.

‘Typically, teens that age are obsessed with the best footballer in the world, and Zohran was indeed a huge fan of Arsenal and Thierry Henry. But what blew me away was his grasp of geopolitical issues. He had a detailed understanding of global politics and articulated his often-radical views with surgical precision. I’m genuinely happy for the lad.’ Despite those insights, Zohran never shared his political opinions beyond office chatter. To us, he was just the Arsenal fan we teased mercilessly until mid-2008, when he left.

When sports was exhausted, he would drift over to chat with Moses Serugo, Henry Ssali, or Rafsanjani Abbey Tatya. His consistent request? ‘Can someone take me to the National Theatre this evening?’ That soon became his second home. His daily routine was simple: arrive at the newsroom around 10am, find a sports story or head to the field, return to trade ideas and jokes all day, and, whenever possible, end the evening at the theatre.

For a teenager, he was far ahead of his time, an unassuming boy trying to steer clear of politics, unaware that one day, it would define his life.

As news broke yesterday morning of his resounding victory in the New York mayoral race, all these memories came flooding back.

At 34, Mr Zohran Kwame Mamdani will become New York City’s youngest mayor since 1892, its first Muslim mayor, and its first mayor born in Africa, at Nsambya Hospital in Kampala, to be exact.

While many of us follow American politics, few could have seen this day coming. Perhaps only Mr Namanya did. Maybe it’s in the genes.

Hello Paul, my steering wheel sometimes gets extremely hot after parking in the sun, making it almost too hot to touch. Could this extreme heat damage the steering wheel material or affect the airbag inside? What is the most effective way to protect the interior from heat without incurring excessive costs on tinting? Stella

Hello Stella, the challenges of parking your car in our tropical sunshine are shared by many motorists who do not park under sheltered car parking lots. When your car is parked in the open under direct sunshine, the steering usually becomes extremely hot and is likely to be damaged. Here are a couple of reasons why: The dark polyurethane or plastic materials that are used to compose the steering wheel usually absorb and retain a lot of heat.

This is worsened by the heat buildup in the cabin, which can be as high as 70 degrees centigrade. When you leave your car steering exposed to this sort of heat for a long time, the materials used to make the steering begin to degrade or get damaged. If your steering is made of plastic or urethane synthetic materials, they will become sticky, warped, and lose their colour.

A steering wheel made of rubber materials will change texture or appearance and lose grip. The airbag, on the other hand, is not likely to get damaged unless the steering cover develops cracks.

The airbag is designed to withstand far more severe temperature conditions than the steering wheel itself can.

There are cost-effective ways you can protect the interior of your cabin from heat, which tends to damage the steering and dashboard. Park your car carefully and thoughtfully.

Avoid parking while facing the sun; rather, park facing away from its glare. This simple step will protect both the dashboard and steering wheel from the most intense heat.

You can also find a shade from nearby buildings, trees, or structures, or keep moving the car to positions where the sun is less intense throughout the day. Additionally, you can fit a light fabric, a lint-free steering wheel cover, or just cover the steering wheel and dashboard with a light towel or cloth.

By doing this, you can avoid expensive window or windscreen tinting solutions while still keeping your steering wheel, dashboard, and interior safe from heat damage.

Park smart

Find shade: Always park in a garage or shaded area whenever possible.

Use sunshades: A reflective sunshade on the windshield dramatically reduces interior heat.

Cover up: Use a car cover or place seat covers to protect your interior from UV rays and sun damage.

Crack windows: If it is safe to do so, leaving windows slightly open can help hot air escape.

We all tell ourselves stories to get through life. We believe our children are safe, that our bodies are healthy, and that the faith we talk about is a strong foundation, not just a pretty decoration. But sometimes, reality breaks through. For me, it was a phone call. A voice telling me my daughter was very sick.

As a parent, you learn to sort illnesses into types. There are the small, annoying colds that go around the house. There are the standard childhood sicknesses, such as chickenpox, that you almost look forward to for the protection they give. And then, very rarely, there is the sickness that changes everything. It splits your life into ‘before’ and ‘after.’ This was that sickness.

I will not focus on all the difficult details. I do not want to just complain. But the simple, cold truth was this; my daughter, who had walked to school that morning, suddenly had to spend years learning everything all over again. Walking was no longer natural; it was a painful, step-by-step effort. Putting a sentence together was a huge struggle. Basic things such as feeding herself became enormous challenges, and I could only watch.

This experience dug down deep inside me and showed me what faith really is. I used to think of faith as something soft, like a warm blanket. We often believe in things because it is easy or because they are a comfortable support we have always known.

But faith that is tested is different. It is not soft. It is hard and sharp. It is a belief you have to build in the middle of your worst fears. You hold onto it not because it makes you feel good, but because letting go would mean falling into despair.

My belief became a single, repeating thought, worn into my mind: My child will not just get better; she will be completely healed, and I will see her walk at her graduation. This was a fact I built my life around. It was a strong wall I built against all the uncertainty.

And then, last week, that wall held strong. My belief became real. There she was, graduating from Nkumba University.

Hardship is a tough teacher, but you learn powerful lessons; you learn to see something amazing in a small step, and to never take the ordinary things in life for granted.

As the ceremony ended, the air was filled with the loud, joyful cheers of the parents around me; a sound of pure happiness.

Our sisters from the north and the east understand something deep in their bones. They know that some feelings are too big for words. Those ululations are a whole language of emotion. They speak of family pride, of sacrifices I can barely understand, of hard work in the fields, of mothers who went without food so their children could have an education. They say more than words ever could.

I looked at the young graduates, so proud in their caps and gowns, and I wondered if they could understand the meaning in that sound. Could they hear the hope, the fear, and the entire lifetime of investment in that beautiful noise?

My eyes stopped on one couple that looked old before their time, their faces showing a life of difficulty. They cheered, but they also cried, wiping away tears of joy with their rough hands. I imagined their whole story. I wondered if their smart, beautiful daughter, fixing her cap, truly understood what that graduation gown represented. Their hopes were not just for a job or a comfortable life but were for a payoff, a reason for every hard thing they had ever gone through.

The graduates probably think their days of struggle are over. They might be. But in a country where it is hard to find a job even with a degree, it is not likely. Their struggle might just be changing into a new, more confusing kind.

Lastly, to everyone facing a trial my advice is, persevere. The dawn will come. Your mission now is not to see the whole path, but to find one unwavering truth to hold onto; ‘I can survive this,’ ‘My worth is not defined by this,’ ‘This too shall pass.’

Let that truth be your compass. The other side of this pain is not just relief; it is a version of you forged by fire, wiser and more resilient for the battle. This struggle is not the end of your story; it is the test that will shape its next, most powerful chapter.

Used Japanese cars have steadily grown in popularity on Ugandan roads over the years. In fact, used vehicles, regardless of brand, far outnumber those sold in showrooms. Most of the cars imported into Uganda have been previously used in Asia or Europe, where markets are more developed. Considering Uganda’s income levels and market dynamics, many enthusiasts opt for used cars, which are more affordable and accessible.

A prime example is the Toyota Aqua hybrid, a mini hatchback that is slowly winning over Ugandan drivers. Its appeal lies in user-friendly features such as low fuel consumption and affordability when it comes to maintenance, making it an ideal choice for first-time car owners.

Dorcus Birungi, who has owned her Aqua for six months, praises its fuel efficiency and suitability for city driving.

‘When I refuel with Shs200,000, which fills the tank, I can commute from my home in Komamboga, Kampala, to the city centre for work and back for an entire month without refuelling,’ she says.

Fuel efficiency

The Aqua runs on a 1,500cc petrol engine. In urban areas, with slow-moving traffic, it averages about 16 km per litre of fuel. On highways, fuel efficiency jumps to approximately 25 km per litre as the system switches between engine and battery power.

Birungi adds that maintenance has been minimal.

‘Since acquiring the car, the only major services I have done were replacing the tyres, brakes, engine coolant, and spark plugs. Each tyre cost Shs180,000, and the other components came to about Shs200,000. Since then, I have not had any major repairs.’

Comfort, style

Proportionally, the Toyota Aqua hybrid is smaller than the Toyota Spacio and the Duet, yet it offers more comfortable legroom for both the driver and co-driver. Its compact size does not compromise style; it looks sleek and feels stable even at relatively higher speeds compared to most cars in its class.

During a test drive at the weekend, I noticed the Aqua’s regenerative braking system. When you press the brake pedal, the energy generated to slow or control the car is redirected to recharge the battery.

As the vehicle accelerates, the system seamlessly switches between the engine and the battery. Running on the battery provides smoother acceleration, quicker speed pick-up, and enhanced power. Its aerodynamic design also helps it slice through wind resistance more efficiently.

Thanks to its small footprint, the Aqua is easy to manoeuver and turn in tight spaces. For those who live in congested areas or park in public spaces with limited room, it proves exceptionally convenient for parking.

Maintenance tips

Peter Kasoma, a mechanic on Jinja Road, advises that keeping the Toyota Aqua in good mechanical condition starts with using high-octane fuel.

‘High-octane fuel not only ensures better engine performance compared to adulterated fuel, but it also helps components such as the fuel filter last longer due to fewer contaminants,’ Kasoma explains.

While the Aqua is not as common as other Japanese used cars in Uganda, most spare parts are available. The key is finding a genuine local dealer or a reliable online source.

Limitations

One drawback of the Aqua is its low ground clearance, which can make driving on rough roads challenging. The front and rear bumpers, along with other underbody components, are prone to wear and tear when frequently exposed to uneven surfaces.

Because the car has a hybrid system, it is also not recommended to drive in flooded areas. Water contact with the battery or electrical components can lead to costly damage.

The trunk is modest in size but adequate for average luggage. However, due to its relatively soft suspension, carrying heavy loads regularly may shorten the lifespan of the suspension system.

Maximising fuel efficiency

According to sbtjapan.com, owners can optimise fuel efficiency by adopting eco-driving techniques such as gentle acceleration, maintaining steady speeds, and anticipating traffic to avoid sudden braking.

‘Using eco mode and cruise control can further improve fuel consumption. Proper tyre inflation is critical, as under-inflated tyres increase rolling resistance and fuel use. Check and maintain tyre pressure according to the manufacturer’s recommendations,’ the portal advises.

Daniel Tashobya Niwamanya, a car dealer in Naguru, notes that the Toyota Aqua is priced between Shs30m and Shs35m, depending on the year of production.

Quick facts

The name Aqua comes from Latin for ‘water,’ intended to evoke an image of clean transparency and universal appeal.

The vehicle is known as the Toyota Prius c in some overseas markets, but in Japan, it retains the Aqua nameplate.

Production of the Aqua began in December 2011 and it quickly became a market hit: by 2017 more than 1.38 million units (including Prius c) had been sold worldwide.

For the second generation (launched 2021) the Aqua uses a 1.5 litre hybrid powertrain producing around 116 hp and achieves official fuel economy figures as low as 2.7-3.0 L/100 km (˜ 33 37 km/L) in favourable conditions.

One limitation: its ground clearance is just around 140 mm on many versions, something to note for Uganda’s rough terrain.