Author: user user

Jinja North Constituency has recorded the highest number of parliamentary aspirants in the Busoga Sub-region ahead of the 2026 general elections.

According to the Jinja City Returning Officer, Ms Flavia Nakasi, a total of 16 candidates were nominated to contest for the Jinja North parliamentary seat during the two-day exercise held at Jinja City Hall.

‘We nominated a total of 42 candidates in Jinja City to contest for various constituencies, but sixteen of them are from Jinja North,’ Ms Nakasi said.

She noted that the nomination process was generally smooth, except for a few cases where aspirants submitted uncoordinated academic documents.

Some of the candidates vying for the Jinja North seat include Mr. Ronnie Kakooza (Independent), Mr. Dwrin Lufafa (NRM), Mr. Mudasiru Gwaivu (Justice Forum), Mr. Isaac Imack (Independent), Mr. Hussein Muyonjo (NUP), Mr. Peter Bwana (UPC), Mr. Moses Hanington Nabet (DP), Mr. Swaibu Zirabamuzaale (PFF), and Mr. Ronald Isiko, among others.

Records from the Electoral Commission indicate that Budiope County in Kamuli District followed closely with 15 candidates, making it the second constituency in Busoga with the highest number of contestants. The region comprises 11 districts and one city.

In contrast, Bulamogi North West Constituency registered the fewest number of candidates-only two. These include the State Minister for Cooperatives, Mr. Fredrick Gume Ngobi (Independent-NRM), and his rival, Mr. Patrick Kasaja (NRM flagbearer).

Bulamogi County in Kaliro District and the Luuka Woman MP seat each attracted four candidates, while Bugweri County had six. Most other constituencies in Busoga recorded an average of six to ten candidates.

The Kiira Regional Election Officer, Mr. Deo Naturinda, who also doubles as the regional supervisor, attributed the high number of aspirants in Jinja North to the growing number of political parties and strong trust in the Electoral Commission.

‘If you analyze closely, nine of the Jinja North candidates belong to political parties. This explains the large number. People also have confidence in the Electoral Commission, so those who feel cheated during party primaries turn up to be nominated as independents,’ Mr. Naturinda said.

He added that the nominations were conducted peacefully, as aspirants complied with police guidelines limiting gatherings at nomination venues.

The Jinja North Division Mayor, Mr. Ayoub Wabika, also attributed the large number of candidates to the constituency’s size and population.

‘When you look at Budondo Ward alone, it is twice the size of Jinja South Division, which has two constituencies. People here want to fit into this one big county represented by a single Member of Parliament instead of two,’ he explained.

Mr Wabika added that because Jinja North is vast, many residents feel disconnected from their leaders and, as a result, aspire to represent themselves in Parliament.

‘Previously, Jinja North comprised Budondo, Mafubira, and Bugembe Town Council-each with its own leadership. Residents in these areas believe their MP should come from their locality, which is why we have many candidates,’ he said.

He also pointed out that the mixture of urban and semi-urban communities fuels competition, as each group seeks its own representation.

Mr Wabika advised the government to consider creating an additional constituency to address the increasing number of aspirants and ensure effective representation.

Few Ugandan leaders embody the spirit of enterprise like Dr Maggie Kigozi, a medical doctor turned industrialist, investor, and mentor.

As former Executive Director of Uganda Investment Authority and a director at Crown Beverages (Pepsi), she has spent decades shaping Uganda’s private sector while championing women’s empowerment and youth entrepreneurship.

Today, she reflects on her journey, the evolution of Uganda’s business landscape, and what it takes to build sustainable success in today’s economy.

You’ve had a long and successful career in both business and development. How have you sustained it? What advice would you give to young Ugandans starting?

It’s been God’s grace, but also hard work. To young people, my first question is: Is what you want to do your passion? Don’t start a business just because others are doing it.

Second, save money. Too many Ugandans don’t save. Even a small cushion helps when starting. Third, get the right skills.

When I joined Pepsi, I studied commerce under Prof Wasswa Balunywa at Makerere Business School. Those short courses in entrepreneurship, PR, and economics helped me bridge the gap from medicine to business.

Learn, plan, and prepare before launching. And if you have assets like land, start from there; agriculture remains a solid foundation for business in Uganda.

Crown Beverages has thrived under your leadership. What’s behind that success?

Crown Beverages was one of the first companies to be privatised in Uganda, owned by my husband and two partners. After he passed, I joined them, and our diverse skills became our strength.

Being part of the global Pepsi brand means maintaining world-class standards, from production to customer experience. We invested in equipment, training, and the ‘cold chain’ so every drink is served chilled.

That commitment to quality built trust with consumers. We have expanded to Kenya, South Sudan, DRC, Rwanda, and Burundi, diversified into bottled water, and embraced new technology.

What lessons can other businesses learn from your journey?

Partnerships matter. They bring different perspectives and strengths. Additionally, understand the law and stay compliant, particularly with tax regulations.

Know your market and keep innovating. As Uganda’s middle class grows, so does demand. We have expanded from producing five million crates a year to over 100 million, including water.

We have also gone greener, shifting from glass to recyclable plastic and partnering with recyclers to protect the environment. Success requires innovation, discipline, and integrity.

You helped shape UIA’s vision over a decade ago. Has it endured?

Some initiatives, like the Women Entrepreneurs Network we founded, seem to have faded, which is unfortunate.

It was a powerful platform where women shared experiences, gained confidence, and built skills.

However, I am pleased that industrial park development, one of our flagship programmes, has progressed well. We planned for 25 parks, and many are now operational, attracting significant investment.

Looking ahead, what are Uganda’s biggest economic opportunities and challenges?

The future is bright, especially in oil, gas, and minerals. But to realise that potential, we must fix infrastructure and ensure reliable electricity.

The construction industry is booming, and small-scale entrepreneurs, market women, shop owners, and artisans are driving growth. Supporting them with affordable credit and training will transform our economy.

If we manage our resources responsibly and invest in our people, Uganda can achieve real, sustainable transformation.

You have long championed women’s empowerment. What works best in promoting women’s participation in business?

When I led UIA, we started the Women Entrepreneurs Network to connect and empower women.

Initially, few joined, but over time, more came, and many of them are now leading major enterprises. We brought in bankers, tax officials, and regulators to engage with them directly, which gave women confidence and practical knowledge.

Today’s generation is even more inspiring, educated, ambitious, and bold. Women are excelling in agribusiness, manufacturing, and creatives.

It’s wonderful to see them standing tall, speaking up, and leading with impact. I am very proud of how far Ugandan women have come.

As an investment expert, where do you see the biggest opportunities for foreign investors?

Uganda offers immense potential, from natural resources like oil, gas, and minerals to its fast-growing consumer market. Our central location in East Africa makes us a natural trade hub.

Agriculture offers huge value-addition opportunities in coffee, cocoa, and shea butter processing, while tourism, ICT, and the creative economy are expanding rapidly. Uganda’s beauty, wildlife, and talent are unmatched.

With proper preparation and patience, investors can thrive here. Uganda rewards those who come to build, not just to earn.

The Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) presidential candidate, Maj Gen (rtd) Mugisha Muntu, has said his campaign strategy for the 2026 General Election is focused on delivering a clear message to voters rather than pulling massive crowds at rallies.

In an interview with this publication at the weekend, Mr Muntu emphasised that Ugandans are more interested in solutions to their everyday challenges than in large campaign gatherings at rallies.

‘Our strategy is not about the size of the crowds we attract. It is about ensuring that our message reaches the people. We want voters to understand our solutions to their personal problems so that they make informed choices at the ballot box,’ he said.

Mr Muntu explained that the party’s focus is to engage directly with voters through smaller, more interactive meetings across the country, targeting to reach about 14 million voters physically by the end of the campaign, rather than large rallies that often attract confrontations with security forces.

‘We have realised that the current regime fears big crowds around presidential candidates. Such situations sometimes lead to clashes between security and candidates, preventing voters from hearing our message,’ the ANT presidential candidate added.

He said his approach involves conducting between eight and nine meetings per day within a district.

‘Our style doesn’t depend on huge rallies. We are focused on reaching 14 million voters, both physically and through mainstream and social media. Once we achieve that, we shall be satisfied by the end of the campaign,’ Gen Muntu said.

Gen Muntu, who launched his campaign tour in the Tooro and Rwenzori sub-regions on October 23, is expected to conclude the tour in Bundibugyo District tomorrow.

In the 2021 polls, Muntu finished third with 67,574 votes, representing 0.65 percent of the total votes cast. He acknowledged that large crowds can have symbolic importance in campaigns, but reiterated that his priority is effective communication of ideas.

‘Crowds have their place, but what matters most is that voters receive the message. Even if we don’t hold massive rallies, once Ugandans understand our message through the media and social platforms, they will make the right choice,’ Mr Muntu added.

He contrasted ANT’s approach with that of other candidates who rely heavily on large rallies, arguing that those candidates can only hold two major gatherings per day, reaching 20,000 people by the end of the campaign period. He said they may have reached about 2.9 million people, mostly without direct interaction. The former army commander also accused the security agencies of disrupting campaign activities of Opposition candidates, saying it undermines democratic engagement.

Appeals for financial support Mr Muntu acknowledged that his party continues to face financial challenges in the ongoing campaign, saying Ugandans must take responsibility for investing in their country’s future.

‘We don’t have any Member of Parliament yet to get money from the government, and we rely solely on contributions. These contributions have not grown much, but we must keep pushing. If people believe we are the right solution to their problems, they should also support us financially so that we can continue this struggle,’ he said.

He added that the challenges facing Ugandans are largely similar across all districts he has visited, including unemployment, poor infrastructure, and inadequate health services.

‘Everywhere we go, we find the same problems – young people without jobs, no drugs in health facilities, poor pay for teachers, and widespread corruption. In many districts, job seekers are asked to pay bribes to get employment,’ Mr Muntu said.

On October 18, something special unfolded within the gates of Uganda Christian University (UCU). Hundreds of students, staff, alumni, and friends laced up their shoes not for medals or corporate prizes, but for a single purpose: to help a student stay in class.

The Annual Tuition Run, themed ‘Hope in every stride,’ sought to raise funds for learners struggling with tuition. It was not just another charity race; it was a collective expression of compassion and community. While Uganda hosts many runs for health, awareness, and solidarity, this one carried a quieter, yet profound message.

It was a reminder that education remains one of the most powerful equalizers and one of the most fragile dreams when finances fail. Behind each running kit was a story: a student facing deferred dreams, a parent praying for provision, a sponsor moved by empathy.

The tuition run symbolised what can happen when people refuse to stand by and watch potential fade. It was a small example of how collective action can restore hope in times when so many young people are being pushed out of school by economic hardship.

This attracted my attention to how our communities can make a difference in the lives of many struggling with financial challenges. As I stood at the starting line, watching waves of runners stretch and smile before setting off, I was struck by something deeper.

Every step, every bead of sweat, was more than a physical act; it was a sermon of hope. Some participants ran for their friends; others for their children; others simply to say, ‘I care.’

Each stride was an investment in another’s future, a declaration that no dream should die because of tuition. In that moment, running became a language of love, a way of saying that community still matters, that faith and action still walk hand in hand.

Education is often discussed as an individual pursuit: study hard, get good grades, secure your future. Yet events like this remind us that learning thrives where compassion lives. When communities rally to support those who struggle, they teach powerful lessons that no textbook can capture: empathy, stewardship, and shared responsibility.

We may admire elite runners who conquer marathons, but the real champions are those who give of themselves so that others can keep running their own race in life. Small acts, one registration, one kilometre, one contribution can make a lifelong difference.

A single act of generosity can open a classroom door that might otherwise stay shut. Therefore, I write to implore other institutions having students with tuition or fees challenges to embrace such runs and raise funds to support their students. It takes a simple initiative from members with a heart and compassion for vulnerable learners.

As the dust settled and medals were handed out, one could feel something greater than excitement, a quiet gratitude that together, we had helped rewrite someone’s story. That is what makes such runs stand out among Uganda’s many marathons. They are not simply about endurance; they are about enduring love. But this message extends far beyond one university or event.

It speaks to the larger truth that education must become a shared social mission. The future of our children and our nation depends on whether we are willing to move together, to run not just for ourselves but for others so they too can live happily and achieve their dreams.

You don’t have to be an athlete to run for a cause. Running, in this sense, is about commitment and compassion taking initiative where others hesitate, stepping forward when it would be easier to stay still. It is about being part of something bigger than ourselves. When communities choose to move together toward a common good, the finish line keeps expanding. Hope keeps running. Futures keep unfolding.

So, as Uganda continues to host charity runs and social marathons, let’s pause for reflection. Beyond the branded T-shirts, selfies, and medals – what are we really running for? Perhaps we are running for the student who nearly dropped out, for the young dreamer chasing a scholarship, for the mother selling vegetables to keep her child in school. Perhaps, without even realising it, we are running for a generation whose dreams depend on our steps.

When we run for others, every stride counts. And when we move with compassion, we discover that the real finish line is not at the stadium gate, it is in the heart of someone whose hope we helped keep alive.

After fleeing civil war in South Sudan, young refugees at Alere Refugee Settlement Camp in Pachara Sub-county, Adjumani District, are again caught in a cycle of violence, this time within their own homes.

Most of the 7,000 individuals are young men and women who have never known peace. Many witnessed horrific violence before escaping their homeland, and with limited psychosocial support in the camp, some have become perpetrators of gender-based violence (GBV) against their partners.

A group of determined youth is leading efforts to change this narrative. One of them is Mr Mawut Thon Mawut, 23, a father of one. As a ‘role model boy’ trained under the SAY Programme implemented by CARE and CHAFORD, Mr Mawut is working to curb domestic violence in the settlement. ‘I serve my community as one of the role model boys in Alere Refugee Settlement. We identified 10 peers from different blocks and trained them using the manual provided by CARE and CHAFORD,’ he explains.

Impact

After training in topics such as body changes, gender-based violence, and sexual and reproductive health rights, Mr Mawut and his peers began sensitising the community. ‘People used to fight every day and night, but now we’ve seen a big reduction in violence,’ he says.

According to Mr Mawut, cases of domestic violence have dropped from 80 percent to 30 percent in the past year and a half. He attributes much of the violence to harmful cultural norms. ‘In our culture, boys are not supposed to do domestic chores. But since this programme started, at least half of the people understand that this mindset must change,’ he adds, thanking Denmark and UNFPA for their support.

Mr Mawut admits he once abused his partner but says the training changed him. Ms Kabeng (not real name), a mother of three and a peer educator, also credits the programme for transforming her marriage.

‘I married my husband when I was 18, and he used to beat me a lot. One time, I was heavily pregnant, and he asked me to fetch water for him. When I refused, he beat me up,’ she says. But after participating in the peer education sessions, Ms Kabeng’s husband changed.

‘Our men had learned bad culture, but things are now improving. Women were really suffering. I appreciate the Danish government and UNFPA for this initiative,’ she says.

Ms Kabeng, however, believes more needs to be done to tackle child marriages. ‘Young girls are still being traded for cattle. Some fathers demand up to 50 cows before marrying off their daughters to older men. This must stop,’ she says.

Changing attitudes

Mr William Draga Droma, another role model, has dedicated himself to sensitising fellow men about peaceful marriages and the dangers of child marriage.

‘I move from block to block telling men why peace at home is important. I’ve seen positive changes-men are starting to love and respect their wives,’ he says.

While progress has been made, Mr Droma admits cultural change is slow.

‘We still have a long way to go. Changing traditions that approve of wife beating takes time,’ he notes.

Alere Refugee Settlement is one of 22 camps hosting more than 250,000 South Sudanese refugees in Adjumani District, outnumbering the local population.

Ms Pauline Idia, the principal nursing officer at Adjumani General Hospital, says the SAY Programme has empowered both refugees and host communities. ‘Through peer-to-peer learning, young men and women have become role models,’ she explains.

‘We’ve not only seen a reduction in domestic violence but also in teenage pregnancies-from 15 percent to 13 percent,’ she adds. However, Ms Idia warns that child marriage remains rampant. ‘Girls as young as 14 are being married off because their culture allows it, though it’s illegal in Uganda,’ she says. Mr Ben Anyama, the Adjumani District chairperson, says reduced donor funding has affected their efforts to fight GBV.

‘You find older men going after young girls. The problem is mindset; we must change harmful cultural practices. Among South Sudanese, girls as young as 14 can be married, which is against Ugandan law,’ he explains. Mr Charles Adama, the deputy camp commandant at Alere, agrees the SAY Programme has brought peace to the settlement. ‘This project benefited nearly 80 percent of refugees here. Families are coexisting more peacefully. But we still face high school dropout rates, children are leaving school, and we need more support,’ Mr Adama says.

Ms Signe Winding Albjerg, the Danish Ambassador to Uganda, reaffirmed her government’s commitment to supporting projects that address teenage pregnancies, reproductive health, and gender equality. ‘Under our new programme, Women Uganda 2025+, we will involve male role models in the fight for women’s rights,’ she said.

‘For a long time, women have led this fight alone, but now we are engaging men who demonstrate positive masculinity,’ she added.

Ms Kristin Blocknus, the UNFPA Representative to Uganda, echoed this commitment. ‘We will continue to provide young people with the information and services they need to live dignified and fulfilling lives,’ she said.

The East African Court of Justice will tomorrow hear the second reference in which the Ugandan Inspector General of Government (IGG) is seeking to join a case where former principal accountant in the Office of the Prime Minister, Geoffrey Kazinda, is challenging what he calls illegal confiscation of his properties. The regional court will consist of a panel of five justices led by Principal Judge Yohane Bokobora Masara.

Kazinda, who is representing himself, will appear via a video link from Luzira prison, where he has been confined for 13 years. Other justices on the panel include Richard Weguli, Richard Muhumuza, Gacuko Leonard, and Kayembe Ignace Kassanda. ‘Please note that if there is no appearance on your part, the court will proceed to hear the case and make necessary orders, your absence notwithstanding,’ the court notice dated October 1 reads in part.

The ombudsman’s bid to join the Kazinda case follows a ruling by the Anti-Corruption Court in November 2020, directing the confiscation of properties, including two Mercedes Benzes, a Dodge, and a BMW. The court also ordered confiscation of land titles: Plot no 190, Bukoto Estate; Plot no 264, Bukoto Sabaddu, and Plot no 2132 Bukoto Mengo.

On April 20, 2022, then Anti-Corruption Court Registrar, Pamela Lumunu Ocaya directed the bailiffs: ‘You are hereby/ commanded to forceful evict/ remove the accused (Kazinda), their agents, tenants and all those who derive authority from them in respect of the above mentioned properties or any person bound by the decrees/ orders who may refuse to vacate the same and to vest them in the names of government of Uganda.’ The confiscation orders followed the conviction of Kazinda on three counts of illicit enrichment, coupled with the issuance of confiscation orders in favour of the IGG.

Justice Margaret Tibulya sentenced Kazinda to 15 years in prison. Kazinda petitioned the Court of Appeal, which reduced his sentence to seven years, but it was non-committal on upholding the confiscation orders. Despite the non-committal on the confiscation orders, the Anti-Corruption Court had revived the confiscation process, a move that made Kazinda to seek redress from the East African Court of Justice.

Kazinda argues that Lamunu issued confiscation orders based on the Anti-Corruption Court orders, which had been varied and suspended by the Court of Appeal judgment; no 60-day confiscation notice was given to him, hence denying him the right to be heard, and that the IGG commenced execution proceedings of the confiscation orders when the appeal against them was pending.

‘.Which actions and decisions were unlawful and an interference with Articles 6 (d), and 7 (2) of the East African Community (The Treaty) in which fundamental and operational principles of the community require partner states to abide by good governance, including adherence to the principles of the rule of law, democracy, accountability..’ Kazinda stated.

He wants the regional court to issue orders restoring him to the situation he was in before the court bailiffs of Pax effected the confiscation orders of the Anti-Corruption Court, set aside the ruling and confiscation orders of registrar Lamunu. In her affidavit before the regional court, Deputy IGG Patricia Achan Okiria states that the IGG, having prosecuted Kazinda, executed and participated in the court orders that are sought to be quashed, it’s a necessary party that ought to be joined as a respondent to civil reference No. 48/2022 (Geoffrey Kazinda vs Attorney General).

‘The statement reference of the 1st respondent and the affidavit in support thereof raises issues which the applicant (IGG) is familiar with that would aid the court to completely adjudicate upon and resolve all the issues involved.’Ms Achan stated.

She added: ‘The applicant that executed the court decree and confiscated the 1st respondent’s property in performance of its constitutional mandate and functions, will suffer irrevocable damage, and it would set a wrong precedent that will affect its future operations if not given an opportunity to be heard in the civil reference as a necessary party.’

This is the second attempt by the IGG to join Kazinda’s cases at the East African Court of Justice.

In November 2023, a five-member panel of judges dismissed with costs the application, also on illicit enrichment, reasoning that the Ugandan government ombudsman is not an institution of the East African Community as envisaged under Article 30 (1) nor is it an organ of the Community as stipulated under Article 9(1) of the treaty. The court held that the Ugandan IGG has no international legal personality and hence cannot be held responsible for the government of Uganda’s acts or omissions under the Treaty. The regional court is yet to issue its ruling on the bill of costs that the IGG should pay Kazinda.

Absa has stepped out of the shadows and placed a bold bet on the future. The bank is acquiring Standard Chartered Bank’s wealth and retail business, a move that signals ambition, scale, and confidence in a tightening financial market.

For Absa, it’s a play for growth and credibility. For Stanchart, it’s a strategic retreat to focus on its global strengths in affluent, cross-border, and institutional banking.

On November 27, 2024, Stanchart announced plans to sell its wealth and retail business as part of a global pivot toward markets where it has a ‘distinctive client proposition.’ The sale excludes its corporate and investment banking arm. And a deal is now in place.

Under an agreement announced last Friday, and now pending regulatory approval, all Stanchart’s wealth and retail business clients and employees will move to Absa. The value of the deal was not disclosed.

The move follows Stanchart’s 2023 strategy to double down on its affluent and international banking segments.

In Uganda, retail remains profitable but too small to justify large-scale global investment.

Thus, Stanchart is pruning to focus on its high-margin core, while Absa is scaling where it sees long-term value.

Why Absa?

In 2024, three banks, Opportunity Bank, Guaranty Trust Bank, and ABC Capital, downgraded to credit institutions after failing to meet capital requirements.

Absa could have targeted any of them because it has the scale. Instead, it went for Stanchart’s profitable and premium portfolio.

The fit is deliberate. Stanchart’s high-value clients and data assets plug neatly into Absa’s hybrid model of corporate depth, consumer breadth, and digital capacity.

By acquiring these relationships, Absa gets instant scale, credibility, and access to Uganda’s top-tier retail and wealth customers.

Uganda’s top five banks, Stanbic, Centenary, Absa, Dfcu, and Equity, are in a fierce race for dominance. Stanbic still leads, but the real contest is for scale and diversification.

The 2024 financial results revealed a clear pattern: the middle ground is disappearing. Banks must grow big or fade out. Absa has chosen to grow.

With Shs4.2 trillion in assets and Shs1 trillion in borrowings by the end of 2024, Absa runs one of Uganda’s most aggressive balance sheets.

Its non-interest income of Shs230.2b trails only Stanbic but outpaces Equity and Dfcu.

That pace, however, comes with pressure. Absa’s non-performing loans reached Shs212b, triple Stanbic’s, showing that speed needs balance.

Stanchart’s low-risk, affluent portfolio offers exactly that: a stable customer base that boosts revenue without raising default risk.

Expanded presence

The acquisition is also more than a balance-sheet play. Stanchart’s SC Shilingi platform, Uganda’s first digital wealth-distribution channel, is part of the deal.

Unlike traditional unit trusts, SC Shilingi connects everyday savers to investments through the Sanlam Umbrella Fund, bridging formal and retail investing. It’s a first-mover advantage that Absa now inherits.

Denis Kizito, the Capital Markets Authority director of market supervision, says: ‘Absa’s acquisition of custodial services, alongside the Shilingi platform, expands its presence in capital markets. It will allow the bank to offer both investment advisory and custodial solutions, strengthening non-interest income.’

Once approvals are complete, Absa will gain a rare edge: the ability to distribute, manage, and safeguard assets under one framework, positioning it as a full-cycle player in capital markets.

Timing the market

The acquisition lands as Uganda’s banking sector enters a post-easy-money era. Margins are tightening, liquidity is uneven, and retail competition is heating up. Waiting longer would have meant ceding ground to Centenary’s efficiency or Stanbic’s scale.

At the group level, Absa is pursuing Pan-African consolidation, building regional dominance from local strength.

Uganda, though small, is strategically positioned between Kenya’s financial depth and Rwanda’s digital ambition, and Stanchart’s portfolio gives Absa instant access to the region’s affluent segment.

As Maria Kiwanuka, Stanchart’s Chairperson, noted earlier, in 2024, the wealth and retail business grew 7 percent. Thus, Absa is inheriting a liquid, compliant, and loyal client base that enhances its earnings overnight.

Absa’s strategy is clear: move beyond traditional retail into wealth management and digital investing.

Owning the rails of investment distribution, from deposits to advisory, is the next frontier of universal banking.

In a market where banks are struggling to stay relevant beyond savings and loans, Absa’s acquisition gives it scale, sophistication, and reach. It’s a calculated leap into the upper tier of regional finance.

The message is unmistakable: Absa is done being the middle player. It’s betting big on data, digital platforms, and the future of wealth banking.

The East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) has passed the East African Community Customs Management (Amendment) Act, 2025, marking a major step toward deepening regional trade and economic integration. The law now awaits assent by the EAC Heads of State to become operational across the region.

The amended Act introduces wide-ranging reforms aimed at reducing trade barriers, easing customs procedures, and promoting investment across the East African Community (EAC).

One of the most significant changes is the deployment of customs officers from partner states at the first point of entry. This reform is expected to cut clearance times and costs for traders, enhance coordination among customs authorities, and facilitate smoother trade flows within the region.

The new law also recognizes electronic records and digital documentation, effectively doing away with most physical paperwork. This digital transformation will boost transparency, curb corruption, and make cross-border trade more efficient.

According to EALA, the amendments also strengthen risk management and trade facilitation measures, allowing goods to move more freely and predictably across borders. This, experts say, will improve the competitiveness of East African goods in the global market.

The Act further provides for duty waivers under specific circumstances, particularly to address production shortfalls within the region. This measure is designed to support local industries by enabling easier access to raw materials and essential machinery at reduced costs.

Other key provisions enhance the implementation of the Single Customs Territory (SCT) and Special Economic Zones (SEZs), both of which are crucial for attracting investment and creating jobs across the EAC.

The East African Business Council (EABC) played a central role in shaping the new law. The private sector umbrella body mobilized input from businesses and submitted proposals to the EALA Committee on Communications, Trade, and Investment (CTI). This process, officials said, demonstrated the importance of public-private collaboration in regional policymaking.

Welcoming the passage of the bill, Mr Adrian Njau, the Executive Director of the EABC, called on private sector players to engage actively with the law’s implementation process.

‘We urge our members to familiarize themselves with the provisions of the East African Community Customs Management (Amendment) Act, 2025, and to advocate for its assent by the EAC Heads of State,’ Mr. Njau said.

‘At EABC, we remain committed to ensuring that the private sector’s voice continues to shape an enabling business environment within the EAC region.’

Once signed into law, the East African Community Customs Management (Amendment) Act, 2025, is expected to transform the regional customs landscape, making it easier and cheaper to do business across East Africa, while promoting economic growth and regional competitiveness.

Key reforms introduced in the new customs law:

Deployment of customs officers across partner states at the first point of entry.

Recognition of electronic records and digital documentation.

Strengthened provisions for risk management and trade facilitation.

Updated procedures for bonded warehouses, exemptions, and customs valuation.

Duty waivers to address production shortfalls within the region.

Enhanced support for the Single Customs Territory (SCT) and Special Economic Zones (SEZs).

The national under-17 team, the Cubs, will make their first appearance at the grandest of stages when they feature in the 2025 Fifa U17 World Cup next Monday. The tournament taking place in Qatar will run from November 3 to 27. This, the 20th edition of the tournament, will be the first of the five consecutive U-17 World Cups held in Qatar.

The 2026, 2027, 2028 and the 2029 tournaments will also be played in the gulf nation. This edition will be the opening of the annual cycle adopted by Fifa for the U-17 World Cup. It is the first to be played in the 48-team format instead of the previous biennial 24-team tournaments. El Salvador, Fiji, Republic of Ireland, Uganda and Zambia will make their debut in the tournament.

Uganda will make their first appearance in a Fifa tournament. For everyone involved or concerned, this must be seen as the most grand of stages this generation of players will ever find to showcase their talent. Over time, openings like this have dwindled for senior players as top clubs in the world prefer to sign teenagers because they come cheaper and provide immense potential for growth.

In the group stages, Uganda face Canada, Chile and France but you cannot quantify the benefit of being in Qatar in the results the team will pick on the pitch.

There are going to be so many lessons for players, coaches and administrators in terms of how we prepare for a World Cup and that should feed into a plan that forces us to want to return to the event.

For players, there will be no progress made in a sporting sense if playing at the World Cup does not motivate them to seek greener pastures. Why play at the World Cup only to return to local schools’ football? Can you imagine where some of the players in that French team will be in a few years? There is so much this country can get in Qatar.

Players can improve technical and tactical skills by playing against strong and diverse opponents in a competitive environment. Competing in a high-pressure setting, with the potential for both victory and defeat, builds emotional resilience, focus, and discipline. This brings mental resilience.

This is a chance for increased exposure. Success in high-profile tournaments can attract the attention of college recruiters, scouts, and media, opening doors to higher levels of competition. International tournaments also offer a chance to travel, experience new cultures, and compete against teams with different playing styles and philosophies.

A World Cup serves as a central hub where scouts can evaluate a large number of prospective players in one location. What if a few Ugandan players are picked up by scouts? Their lives and the game here would never be the same again.

Vipers’ dream of another continental adventure went up in smoke on Friday afternoon in Ndola, Zambia, where they were held to a 1-1 draw by hosts Power Dynamos – bowing out of the TotalEnergies Caf Champions League 3-2 on aggregate.

Just 90 minutes stood between the Ugandan champions and a lucrative group stage berth worth $700,000 (Shs2.4bn), but the Venoms froze when it mattered most.

After falling 2-1 at St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende five days earlier, Vipers needed a statement performance in the return leg. Instead, they offered timidity and tactical confusion – exposing both the players and their Belgian coach Ivan Jacky Minnaert to fierce scrutiny.

Four official matches into his tenure at Kitende, and already the gaffer finds himself on trial. His credentials to lift the Venoms to the heights envisioned by club president Lawrence Mulindwa are now under intense examination.

Feet of clay

On the continental stage where Vipers’ star men – Allan Okello, Milton Karisa, and Yunus Sentamu – were expected to rise to the occasion, they instead developed cold feet.

Equally disappointing were the club’s seven new signings, including Usama Arafat, Kane Hney, Odili Chukwuma, Mark Yallah, Kevin Dasylva Bady, Taddeo Lwanga, Ashraf Mandela, and Enock Ssebagala, who flattered to deceive.

Only Bady, who missed the Friday return leg fixture, has left a defining imprint across the four Caf matches, leaving fans questioning the club’s ambitious transfer strategy.

Lukewarm preps

The Belgian tactician faced genuine disruptions in his Caf preparations. Several key players – Okello, Karim Watambala (netted equalizer in Ndola), Ssebagala, Torach, and Mukundane – were involved with the Uganda Cranes, while Vipers’ boycott of league fixtures denied them valuable competitive rhythm.

Yet, given the squad’s supposed depth, the excuse rings hollow. ‘We are disappointed. We tried, but it was not working – that’s what happened in both games,’ Minnaert said post-match, his frustration evident as the reality of another early continental exit sank in.

Power Dynamos, on the other hand, looked the hungrier, sharper and more cohesive side. Coach Osward Mutapa executed his game plan with precision, nullifying Vipers’ attacking threats both home and away.

‘It was important that we qualify and give the nation the 61st birthday present,’ Mutapa said joyfully after the final whistle.

His Kenyan forward Moses Shumah – scorer in both legs – proved unplayable, punishing Vipers’ hesitant defence with pace and composure that the Ugandans simply could not contain.

Wake up call

For Minnaert, the task ahead is daunting. He must urgently address both tactical and psychological shortcomings if the Venoms are to rediscover their bite.

The goalkeeping situation remains unresolved, with the coach torn between rookie Denis Kiggundu and the experienced Congolese Alfred Mudekereza, who has been relegated to the bench.

At centre-back, clarity is needed on the pairing between Hillary Mukundane, Rogers Torach, and Kevin Dasylva Bady, while the midfield requires a complete overhaul to restore balance and creativity.

Minnaert will have to lean heavily on deputies John ‘Ayala’ Luyinda and Fred Muhumuza, revisiting the blueprint that once saw Okello plunder 20 goals en route to a domestic double.

More critically, he must assert control over a dressing room brimming with egos and cosmopolitan personalities. Failure to achieve this has primarily bred a myriad of managerial casualties at Kitende.

With the Caf dream extinguished, the pressure now shifts to domestic turf. As Vipers prepare to kick off their Uganda Premier League campaign, Minnaert is under strict instruction to instil a recognisable style, fighting spirit, and unity.

Anything less could invite the ire of Mulindwa, whose patience for mediocrity has always been short. For Minnaert, the honeymoon is officially over – and the real test has just begun.

Caf Champions League

Second Preliminary Round

Power Dynamos (2) 1-1 (1) Vipers