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Seven National Resistance Movement (NRM) party candidates across the country have been given a bye to the 12th Parliament without any contest in their respective constituencies. Mr Julius Mucunguzi, the spokesperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), said: ‘To be unopposed is provided for in the law. So far, I don’t have an updated list of the MPs who were newly nominated unopposed, but they will be declared next year as MPs.’

Earlier, Mr Mucunguzi had said: ‘Section 31 of the Parliamentary Elections Act states that if a candidate is unopposed by the time of the close of nomination, the returning officer declares them the duly elected MP of that electoral area, effective the polling date, and this case is January 15, 2026,’ he said. The EC conducted the nomination of parliamentary candidates across the country on Wednesday and Thursday last week. But some of the circumstances under which the seven legislators were declared unopposed have attracted criticisms of use of strong-arm tactics to secure the seats.

Speakers untouchable

Among those who sailed through unopposed were Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among (Bukedea District Woman MP), Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa (Ruhinda North County), Moses Magogo (Budiope East), Lillian Paparu Obiale (Arua District Woman MP), Emmanuel Banya (Koboko County), Jeniva Arinaitwe Nalongo (Rubirizi District Woman MP), and Ruth Mushabe Rujoki (Kiruhura District Woman MP). The top leadership of Parliament, Speaker Anita Among and her deputy Thomas Tayebwa, were among the first to be declared unopposed. Both were announced to have secured their parliamentary seats without challenge for the second consecutive term.

Ms Among, who has represented Bukedea District since 2016, has maintained a firm hold in her home district, where no other aspirant was reported to have returned nomination papers. Similarly, Mr Tayebwa, the Ruhinda North County MP, remained unchallenged, continuing his unbroken streak in Mitooma District politics.

In Budiope East County, Mr Moses Magogo, who is also the president of Fufa and husband of the Speaker of Parliament, was declared unopposed for the second term after no other candidate filed nomination papers by the deadline. Mr Magogo was first elected Fufa president in 2013, succeeding Mr Lawrence Mulindwa, and was re-elected in July 2025 for a fourth unopposed term, which will run until 2029. The Returning Officer said the nomination process was peaceful and concluded without any contest, ensuring Mr Magogo’s smooth path to the 12th Parliament.

Arua and Koboko follow suit

In Arua District, Lillian Paparu Obiale also retained her seat unopposed. Born in 1978, Ms Paparu first joined elective politics in 2021 and, just like in the previous election, faced no challenger.

The District Returning Officer, Ms Marion Janis Audo, confirmed that no other candidate turned up for nomination, clearing Paparu to represent Arua for another term. In neighbouring Koboko District, Emmanuel Banya, a newcomer to elective politics, was also declared unopposed. Mr Raymond Kasirale, the Koboko District Returning Officer, said no one appeared for nomination against Mr Banya by 5pm, prompting his declaration unchallenged.

In Rubirizi District, Ms Jeniva Arinaitwe Nalongo emerged as the sole nominee for the District Woman MP seat. According to the Returning Officer, Mr Nicolas Twinomujuni, three people initially picked up nomination papers, but only Ms Arinaitwe submitted hers before the deadline. ‘Ms Arinaitwe is the only one who returned the papers for nomination, and we duly nominated her on Wednesday. By close of business, no other candidate had shown up, so she is unopposed,’ Mr Twinomujuni said. Ms Arinaitwe’s victory follows her earlier win in the NRM primaries, where she defeated former Woman MP Grace Kesande Bataringaya and Judith Amanya, who had contested twice before.

Ms Ruth Mushabe Rujoki, 44, was also declared unopposed. Daughter of the late Canon John Rujoki and sister of John Musinguzi Rujoki, the Commissioner General of the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), Ms Mushabe aims to build on her father’s legacy of service. She defeated incumbent Jovanice Rwenduru in the NRM primaries, and Rwenduru later withdrew from the race. District Returning Officer Alex Komuhangi said the nomination exercise ended peacefully. ‘Nomination exercise in Kiruhura District has been completed without any challenge. We nominated Ruth Mushabe Rujoki as the NRM candidate and duly declared her unopposed,’ Ms Komuhangi said. Ms Mushabe Rujoki had earlier defeated incumbent Rwenduru in the NRM primaries. Ms Rwenduru, who was expected to run as an Independent, later withdrew from the race on October 7 to honour the NRM party regulations.

A total of 64 candidates are set to contest for 11 parliamentary seats across the Greater Luweero area, setting the stage for intense political competition in the 2026 General Election.

The two-day nomination exercise, which ended last Thursday, saw Luweero District registering the highest number of aspirants with 29 candidates vying for four parliamentary seats. The nominations signal intensified political activity across the Greater Luweero region, with the National Unity Platform (NUP) and the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) fielding candidates in most constituencies.

They are joined by several candidates on the independent ticket and from other political parties, including the Democratic Party (DP), Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), People’s Front for Freedom and Democracy (PFF), and the Democratic Forum (DF). However, the proliferation of independent candidates-many of whom remain aligned to their former political parties-threatens to fragment the electoral landscape and significantly impact the prospects of official party flagbearers.

This is particularly concerning the NRM, which is battling to reclaim parliamentary seats in Luweero District, widely regarded as the party’s political Mecca (cradle land) and historical stronghold. Of the 29 candidates nominated in Luweero District, 13 are running as independents, with six of them reported to be NRM-leaning after losing in the July party primaries. In Katikamu South Constituency, the NRM-leaning candidates who have been nominated as independents include Patricia Magara, Alfred Muwanga, Mugisha Marvin, and Zena Ali Merycillar. In Katikamu North Constituency, former Luweero District chairperson and ex-Luweero NRM chairperson Ronald Ndawula has rejoined the race as an independent candidate after losing in the party primaries.

Mr Ndawula alleges he was robbed of victory during the primary elections. His candidacy is expected to split the NRM vote and potentially undermine the chances of the party’s official flagbearer, Mr Gaddafi Nassur, winning. A similar scenario is unfolding in Bamunanika Constituency, where Ms Elizabeth Anyine Salabwa has been nominated to contest as an independent candidate, citing unfair treatment during the party primaries. Her decision poses a significant threat to the NRM flagbearer, Mr Robert Kiyini, whose prospects of securing victory could be jeopardised by the divided party vote.

Despite various efforts and multiple reconciliation meetings aimed at persuading defeated aspirants to support official flagbearers, most have refused to step down. Apart from Ms Cissy Mulondo, who was prevailed upon by President Museveni to withdraw from the Luweero Woman MP race, all other dissatisfied candidates who lost in the NRM primaries have returned to contest as independents.

NRM responds

The surge of independent candidates with NRM affiliation is a critical concern for the ruling party as it seeks to reclaim parliamentary seats in the Greater Luweero area. Ms Rose Namayanja, the NRM deputy secretary general, attributes the party’s loss of all four MP positions to NUP in the 2021 General Election to this same phenomenon. ‘During the last elections, when you combine the votes of all NRM members, including those who ran as independent candidates, they were more than what the NUP candidates who won the seat got.

This means if we had fielded one candidate in each of the constituencies, the NRM would have won,’ Ms Namayanja explained. The trend extends beyond Luweero, with Nakasongola District registering 13 independents out of 19 candidates, 11 of whom are identified as NRM-leaning. In Nakaseke District, four of the 16 candidates are running as independents, with one being NRM-leaning after losing in the party primaries. Nevertheless, party leaders said they are going to embark on an intensive grassroots mobilisation campaign in the next two months to secure victory for all party flagbearers.

They plan to undertake door-to-door outreach and ward-level meetings to consolidate support and rally voters behind the party’s candidates in what has become a fight to reclaim its former stronghold. ‘We aim to reach everyone in less than two months, explaining to the people the reasons why they should vote for the NRM,’ Ms Namayanja said. According to the Electoral Commission, official campaigns for MP races will run from November 10 to January 13, 2026. Polling is scheduled for January 15, 2026.

Every election cycle across Africa paints familiar picture — candidates traversing towns and villages unveiling manifestos, and promising transformative leadership. For incumbents, it’s a moment of accountability, a chance to highlight achievements and justify continuity.

For challengers, it’s a platform to spotlight the gaps left unaddressed. Yet, beneath the applause and rhetoric, one recurring theme dominates political conversations: ‘the health sector has failed.’

While this statement reflects a harsh reality, it too often remains rhetorical rather than reformative. Uganda, like many African countries, grapples with limited health financing, shrinking donor support, and competing national priorities.

However, not every solution to Uganda’s health crisis requires billions in funding. A manifesto that includes actionable commitments on public health, TB prevention, HIV awareness, or gender-based violence would not only serve as a campaign tool but also as a living framework for change proving leadership in practice, not just in promise.

Imagine if campaign rallies are used to add a voice on health education, if every politician campaign speech included a minute of TB awareness, HIV prevention messaging, or hygiene promotion. The outcome would be transformative. A manifesto that integrates community health and preventive education wouldn’t just seek votes; it would save lives even before Election Day.

Elections should never be mere theatre, where words glitter like icing on a cake sweet to the ear but empty of substance, they should mark the beginning of practical change. Instead, campaigns should spark conversations about sustainable solutions, a forward-thinking candidate could, for instance, integrate Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) initiatives into their agenda.

Promoting clean water, sanitation, and hand washing during campaigns requires no funding but immense willpower and coordination.

Politicians already command influence during this campaign period that could amplify such community health drives. For example, simple Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) interventions like promoting clean water access, hand washing, and safe waste disposal require more mobilization than money.

Politicians already possess the networks and influence to champion such preventive actions. Yet, many, including qualified professionals and even ministers, fail to use their platforms effectively. Instead, they echo familiar criticism without offering sustainable alternatives.

In doing so, they miss opportunities to connect policy with humanity and to lead by example. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Uganda witnessed a rare and inspiring moment: government and opposition leaders spoke with one voice.

Political divisions momentarily disappeared as all sides’ emphasized one national priority saving lives. This unity showed that when leadership channels collective energy into public health, real transformation is possible even amid scarcity.

That same model of cooperative governance can be replicated in fighting TB, HIV, and other preventable diseases that silently erode our national resilience. As the 2026 General Election campaigns gain storm, there’s an opportunity for political candidates to redefine their campaign strategies. The new political frontier should not be based on amplifying problems, but on offering actionable, measurable solutions.

Politicians can become champions of community-led health interventions, youth-driven TB awareness campaigns, or partners in strengthening community extension work.

A manifesto that inspires health-conscious citizenship is not just visionary it’s revolutionary. True leadership does not begin after the oath of office it starts with what one does before the ballot is cast.

If a politician cannot lead small interventions that require no funding, how will they handle complex issues that demand substantial resources? A strong manifesto must reflect not only what a leader intends to do but what they have already started to do. A nation that neglects the wellbeing of its people is campaigning for its own decline.

The future of Ugandans or Africa at large democracy lies not in louder promises but in smarter, life-saving action where health awareness, community mobilization, and preventive leadership become the true symbols of political progress.

If our politicians begin acting today not after the elections then democracy will no longer be a race for power, but a race to protect life itself.

As May began, Daniel Kyambadde diligently continued to excel in his work as an accountant. The 40-year-old resides in Nammengo Kiteredde, Lugazi Municipality, in Buikwe District.

A confessed workaholic, Kyambadde admits that he has never taken a leave of absence from his job. His wife, Sylvia Mirembe, points out that he often brings work home with him, even after long days at the office.

“I never got enough rest. I was always present at the workplace and never went for medical check-ups, even though my job required me to sit from morning until evening,” he says.

Despite being diagnosed with high blood pressure, Kyambadde did not consider it a serious concern. Mirembe shares that at one point, he even stopped taking his hypertension medication.

“Many people advised him to stop taking the medication, suggesting that it was fine to take it for just a few months. Perhaps if he had not stopped, our lives would still be perfect,” she reflects.

On May 5 of this year, Kyambadde went to work as usual, though he was suffering from a painful tooth that he planned to have extracted during his lunch break.

“I walked out of my office at 1pm, leaving my mobile phone with a colleague. I expected to return to my desk within a few minutes. The dentist did not ask about any preexisting conditions before giving me a local anaesthetic,” he recalls.

Despite the numbing medication, Kyambadde felt discomfort as the dentist began to extract the tooth, which raised his concerns.

“The dentist was also surprised that I was in pain. She managed to extract a quarter of the tooth but then told me to come back in two weeks to finish the procedure. She wrote me a prescription for more painkillers,” he explains.

As he reached out to take the prescription, Kyambadde noticed that his fingers were unable to grasp it. After several attempts, he finally managed to pick up the paper.

‘I walked to the counter to withdraw money from my wallet to pay the cashier. Instead, I collapsed. Fortunately, I remained conscious and was able to whisper my mobile number. The cashier immediately called my colleagues, who rushed me to a clinic in Kiwatule, Kampala,’ he recalls.

Kyambadde credits his life to the quick actions of the cashier and his colleagues, who had to make critical decisions in a matter of seconds. The clinic referred him to a hospital in Kololo, where a computed tomography (CT) scan was performed.

‘The CT scan revealed that I had a blood clot in my brain. I was then referred to Mulago National Referral Hospital. In the ambulance, I kept worrying about the work on my desk. I attempted to ask my colleagues about a client I was supposed to meet that afternoon, but they told me to relax because I was not in good condition,’ Kyambadde explains.

A 2015 study published in The Lancet, titled “Long Working Hours and Risk of Coronary Heart Disease and Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Published and Unpublished Data for 603,838 Individuals,” found that employees who work long hours (55 hours or more a week) have a higher risk of stroke compared to those who work standard hours.

‘The association with coronary heart disease is weaker. These findings suggest that more attention should be paid to managing vascular risk factors in individuals who work long hours,’ the report states.

Researchers have discovered that sudden death from overwork is often caused by strokes, which may result from the continuous triggering of the stress response. Behavioural factors, such as physical inactivity, also connect long working hours to stroke risk. Evidence supports the idea that individuals who sit for extended periods at work face an increased risk of stroke.

The report explains, ‘Physical inactivity can increase the risk of stroke through various biological mechanisms, and heavy alcohol consumption, a risk factor for all types of stroke, might contribute to the issue, as employees working long hours tend to engage in riskier drinking behaviours than those working standard hours.’

Additionally, the researchers noted that although the evidence is inconsistent, individuals who work long hours may be more likely to ignore symptoms of illness and experience delays in seeking medical attention for acute cardiovascular events compared to those working regular hours.

As he breaks down in tears, Kyambadde shares how his brother, who lives abroad, returned to support him during his recovery and help cover his hospital bills.

‘As I lay in the hospital bed, my sister whispered in my ear that my brother was coming home. He was not going to abandon me. When my brother arrived at the hospital, I was discharged and taken back home to Lugazi,’ he recalls.

Once home, Mirembe and her brother-in-law discussed the next steps regarding Kyambadde’s treatment and rehabilitation. They decided to take him to the Stroke Rehabilitation Centre in Wampeewo, located on Gayaza Road.

‘After two days at home, I was taken to the Centre. There was nothing I could do for myself. When we entered the gates, my brother looked at the people struggling to walk in the compound and offered me words of encouragement, assuring me that I would walk again. However, I was not convinced,’ Kyambadde explains.

He confided to his wife that he felt useless and believed his life was over. After a few days, he realised it was depression that made him feel that way.

‘At first, he hated himself and thought his life was over. But we kept encouraging him. Every milestone he reached gave me hope to continue caring for him. I have always wanted to see him back on his feet,’ she says.

Although the doctors and physiotherapists at the Centre encouraged the patients, Kyambadde says the news that he had a blood clot on his brain plunged him into depression.

‘I had heard about people undergoing brain surgery, but few came out alive. I thought about many things, including death. It drove me almost to madness,’ he reflects.

However, the doctors’ encouraging words pierced through his depression, bringing a spark of hope that perhaps there was still a second chance for him.

‘I knew that stroke caused some people to lose their memory, and I wanted to prove that my brain was still functioning. Whenever someone visited me, I made sure to call out their name to show them they were dealing with a normal person. I took physiotherapy seriously because I wanted to get well and leave that place,’ he says.

Life now

By the time Kyambadde was discharged, he was able to walk short distances and had regained his sense of touch and feeling. Although he tires easily, he has made an effort to return to work.

“I can use a laptop for about three to four hours at a time. I do not want to push myself to work longer because I understand the consequences of extended hours. Currently, I am working on two projects, and in June, I was able to personally inspect one of them,” he explains.

However, when tasks become challenging, Kyambadde delegates them with specific instructions.

“My memory of my work is still intact, and my brain is functioning properly. However, when I am loading data on my mobile phone and get interrupted, instead of letting it frustrate me, I call my daughter to help. If I am working in Excel and face a challenge, I delegate it to someone else,” he notes.

Kyambadde emphasises that his current goal is to live a healthy life for his family, as he sees himself as the driving force behind them.

Cancer treatment can be a long and challenging journey, physically, emotionally, and financially. However, sticking to your treatment plan is one of the most important decisions for your recovery and survival. Many patients, unfortunately, interrupt or stop their treatment for various reasons such as side effects, lack of transport, financial strain, or feeling better before completing therapy.

Should be continuous

Cancer treatment, whether it is chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery, hormone therapy, or targeted therapy, works best when given continuously and consistently. When you miss a dose or a session, cancer cells continue to grow and spread. The treatment becomes less effective over time, and the cancer may develop resistance to the drugs, making it harder or even impossible to treat later. In some cases, patients may have to restart treatment or use stronger medicines with more severe side effects.

Consistency is critical in cancer care because cancer grows silently and rapidly. Interrupting treatment allows cancer cells to multiply. Continuous therapy helps keep the disease under control, reduces the risk of recurrence, improves survival rates, and ensures the best possible response to treatment. Every dose and every session counts; missing even one can reduce the success of the entire treatment plan.

At the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI), doctors and counsellors have observed several reasons why patients interrupt treatment. Some stop because of side effects such as nausea, fatigue, or hair loss. If this happens, it is important to report these side effects immediately. Doctors can adjust the dose or prescribe medicines to help manage them. Others stop treatment when they begin to feel better, believing the cancer is gone. However, cancer may still be present even when symptoms improve, so it is essential to complete treatment as prescribed.

Financial challenges can also cause patients to abandon care, but help is available. UCI social workers and counsellors can guide patients to support programmes and referrals. For those struggling with transport or distance, planning ahead and connecting with regional cancer centres in Gulu, Mbarara, Mbale, or Arua can make a big difference. Fear, stigma, and misinformation also play a role in treatment interruption. Patients are encouraged to seek clarification from their doctors or nurses and avoid relying on rumours, herbal remedies, or unverified advice.

Stopping or skipping treatment can lead to severe consequences. The disease may progress rapidly, the cancer can become resistant to medication, and the risk of relapse increases. These factors significantly reduce a patient’s chances of recovery and can make treatment later more expensive and complex.

Support

UCI provides several forms of support to help patients complete their treatment safely and successfully. These include free treatment for certain cancers and essential medicines, counselling and patient education to manage fear, anxiety, and side effects, and social support services for those facing psychosocial challenges. The institute also offers follow-up care and appointment reminders, and through regional cancer centres in Gulu and Mbarara, is bringing cancer care closer to communities.

Caregivers and family members play a vital role in helping patients stay on track. They can accompany patients to appointments, help manage transport and medication schedules, offer encouragement during difficult times, and provide emotional reassurance. Staying informed about the treatment process enables caregivers to provide more effective support.

As UCI emphasises, every dose counts, every session matters, and every appointment saves a life. Cancer treatment is a journey; do not stop halfway. Together, we can beat cancer through commitment, consistency, and care.

Experts in the agricultural sector have urged the government to develop deliberate policies that promote sustainable farming, strengthen farmer training, and safeguard indigenous seeds and land rights as part of broader efforts to build a resilient and climate-friendly food system.

Speaking during the launch of the Agroecology Week of Action 2025 on October 27, Ms Josephine Akia, the Country Coordinator of Participatory Ecological Land Use Management (PELUM Uganda), said the government must prioritize the protection of indigenous and organic food systems, which are vital for both environmental sustainability and public health.

‘Agroecology promotes sustainable farming that protects nature while feeding communities,’ Ms Akia said.

‘Agroecology as a holistic and integrated approach simultaneously applies ecological and social concepts and sets of principles to the design and management of sustainable agriculture and food systems.’

She added that without strong policies and investment in farmer education, Uganda risks losing traditional food systems that are crucial to local nutrition and biodiversity.

Last year, the government, in partnership with PELUM Uganda, announced plans to develop the country’s first-ever National Agroecology Strategy to regulate and strengthen the largely private-sector-led field. The strategy aims to increase the adoption of agroecological practices across the country, support more research, and open new markets for organic and sustainably produced foods-both locally and internationally.

The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) defines agroecology as ‘a holistic and integrated approach that simultaneously applies ecological and social concepts and principles to the design and management of sustainable agriculture and food systems.’

This year’s Agroecology Week of Action (AWA) 2025, which also marks 30 years of PELUM Uganda’s existence, seeks to provide an inclusive platform for diverse stakeholders to promote agroecology across Uganda. It will be held under the theme ‘Championing Agroecological Innovations and Approaches for Sustainable Food Systems.’

‘This week, dedicated to the promotion of agroecology, will serve as a vital mobilisation and constituency-building ground to persuade more actors to embrace agroecology and demonstrate the interconnected nature of our food systems,’ Ms Akia said.

PELUM Board Chairperson Mr Christopher Kyeswa said the week offers an opportunity for agroecology actors to come together and plan for the future of sustainable agriculture in Uganda.

‘The events of the Agroecology Week of Action 2025 are expected to host at least 1,500 stakeholders ranging from small-scale farmers, producer organisations, indigenous Peoples and Traditional Knowledge holders, private sector and market actors, government and policy makers, researchers, academia, consumers, financial institutions, civil society, and the media,’ Mr Kyeswa said.

He added that the Indigenous and Traditional Food and Seed Fair, one of the week’s major highlights, promotes farmer-managed seed systems and indigenous food practices, thereby strengthening agricultural biodiversity, food security, and community resilience.

The Agroecology Week of Action 2025 will feature three major events:

The 7th National Agroecology Actors’ Symposium (Tuesday, October 28)

The 4th Agroecological Market Systems Expo (Wednesday, October 29)

The 15th Annual Indigenous and Traditional Food and Seed Fair (Thursday, October 30 and Friday, October 31).

Wakiso Giants maintained their early-season momentum in the Fufa Big League with a commanding 4-2 win over newcomers Nebbi Central at the Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo.

The visitors, led by coach Geoffrey Akena, made an early statement when strikers Samuel Obedmoth and William Mungurumo fired them into a shock 2-0 lead inside 24 minutes. But Wakiso, fresh from a 4-1 demolition of Mbale Heroes the previous week, roared back in style.

Ernest Ankunda struck twice to level the scores before Issa Bugembe put the hosts ahead. Bashir Mutanda then sealed the victory with a stunning free kick as Wakiso climbed to second place on 10 points – just one behind leaders Blacks Power, who were held to a goalless draw by Catda in Bugolobi. The Giants’ resurgence continues to highlight their attacking flair and growing belief under coach Charles Ayiekoh’s evolving philosophy.

In Mbale, Kataka continued their dominance over city rivals Mbale Heroes, snatching a narrow 1-0 win at the Mbale Stadium.

Marcus Aka converted a late penalty to hand Kataka all three points and lift them to third on nine points. Heroes, coached by Anthony Ssekitto, remain just a point above the relegation zone with four points from five games.

‘They were tougher than we expected, probably our hardest opponents so far. The result is good but the journey has just begun,’ said Kataka coach Godfrey ‘Toldo’ Awachango.

Ssekitto, on the other hand, lamented the internal struggles affecting his squad. ‘We’ve improved since the loss to Wakiso, but we still face challenges with player availability due to licensing issues. Once that’s fixed, we’ll regain stability,’ he noted.

Elsewhere, Sharif Nsereko’s lone strike earned Soltilo Bright Stars their first win of the campaign as they tamed Kiyinda Boys to climb out of the relegation zone, signaling a potential turnaround in their season.

FUFA BIG LEGUE

Weekend results

Catda 0-0 Blacks Power

Kaaro Karungi 3-0 Onduparaka

Iganga United 0-0 Paidha Black Angels

Bunyaruguru United 0-0 Kigezi Homeboyz

Kataka 1-0 Mbale Heroes

Wakiso Giants 4-2 Nebbi Central

Kiyinda Boys 0-1 Soltilo Bright Stars

Ntugasaze 1-1 Young Elephant

Ms Nagudi (not her real name), a mother of six, looks frail and exhausted. Poverty and sadness are etched on her face.

The 29-year-old resident of Kiwata Village, Bugobero Sub-county, Manafwa District, can barely provide for her six children. She says her husband abandoned them and now spend his days drinking alcohol and philandering. ‘My elder children no longer go to school because they must work to earn a living,’ Ms Nagudi says, breaking down in tears.

‘It’s a sad situation. ‘ Ms Nagudi lives in a rural part of the Bugisu Sub-region where a man’s wealth is often measured by the number of children he has. In such communities, it is taboo for women to engage in family planning.

She says her husband blocked her attempts to access contraceptives, arguing that he was an only child. However, Ms Nagudi confided in her mother and mother-in-law that she planned to seek family planning services secretly. But her mother-in-law betrayed her trust, revealing the plan to her husband. He gave her an ultimatum: Choose family planning and leave the marriage, or keep having children and stay. Out of fear and dependence, she chose to stay. Ms Nagudi’s story is far from unique.

Across the rural areas of Uganda, many women are denied access to family planning. Some are left to raise children alone while their husbands spend their earnings on alcohol while demanding more children. Despite widespread poverty, many continue bearing children in silence, held back by ignorance, harmful cultural beliefs, or lack of access to reproductive health services.

Access to family planning methods

Ms Agnes Magagwayi, the senior district educator in Mbale, says there is no justification today for anyone being denied access to contraceptives.

‘It is the duty of medical workers to ensure that every woman is empowered to plan her family and her life,’ she says.

‘There should be no debate about whether to use family planning, it’s essential for the wellbeing of women and girls,’ she adds.

Ms Magagwayi says men, especially in rural areas, must understand that family planning is a woman’s reproductive health right that must be respected.

Dr Dennis Kutoosi of Bulamu Health Care agrees, noting that access to reproductive health services, including family planning, reduces maternal and child deaths, the burden of post-abortion care, and new HIV and STI infections. ‘It is a fundamental right for individuals to decide freely when, whether, and how many children to have,’ he says. Dr Kutoosi adds that educating people about manageable family sizes can prevent poverty and promote sustainable development.

Globally, research has shown strong links between contraception and improved maternal and child survival, household welfare, and women’s empowerment. Dr Julie Asiimwe, who works at a private hospital in Mbale City, urges the government to remove barriers to women’s empowerment and education in rural communities like Ms Nagudi’s. ‘Family planning not only prevents unwanted pregnancies but also protects the lives of mothers and children,’ she says.

Government’s plan

According to the Ministry of Health, the government plans to scale up access to family planning services to at least 50 percent, as part of efforts to improve the quality of Uganda’s population and reduce unplanned pregnancies. Family planning allows individuals or couples to control the number and spacing of their children through contraception or voluntary sterilisation. Common methods include condoms, contraceptive pills, implants, IUDs, sterilisation, and emergency contraception.

Health experts say contraception empowers couples to make informed decisions about childbearing, while also benefiting men by improving household wellbeing and fostering more stable relationships. A 2018 United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) report, ‘The Power of Choice: Reproductive Rights and the Demographic Transition,’ found that family size is closely tied to reproductive rights, which in turn are linked to other human rights such as access to education, health, and employment.

The report revealed that 28 percent of Ugandan women have an unmet need for family planning, leading many to have more children than they want. The 2011 Uganda Demographic and Health Survey similarly found that more than four in 10 births are unplanned, with Ugandan women having nearly two more children than they desire (5.4 versus 4.2). For women like Ms Nagudi, these statistics are more than numbers, they represent lives lived in quiet struggle, caught between poverty, patriarchy, and limited choices.

The Grade One Magistrate’s Court in Mukono has remanded Mukono South parliamentary candidate and outgoing Nakisunga Sub-county Chairperson, Mr Mubarak Ssekikubo, to Kauga Prison on charges of obtaining money by false pretence and conspiracy to defraud.

Court records indicate that between January and June 2025, Mr Ssekikubo, together with Mr Ronald Mugerwa Saaku, the probation and welfare officer at Lugazi Municipality, Dr Wataba Saadi, the Lugazi Municipal Medical Officer, and others still at large, allegedly conspired to defraud Dr George William Mukisa of Shs38 million.

The group reportedly promised to use their influence to secure Dr Mukisa a job as a medical officer in Mukono District.

Mr Ssekikubo, who was arrested by officials from the State House Anti-Corruption Unit immediately after his nomination outside the Mukono District Electoral Commission offices last Wednesday, appeared before His Worship Gerald Emwogu on Monday, October 27.

Through his lawyer, Mr Lawerence Tumuhairwe, Ssekikubo applied for bail, citing his ill health and his standing in the community. However, State Attorney Ms Josephine Nanyonga objected to the request, arguing that investigations were still ongoing and that the accused should be remanded.

Mr Ssekikubo pleaded not guilty to the charges. The magistrate, however, declined to grant bail, noting that the court was constrained by time. The bail application will instead be heard on November 4, 2025.

He was subsequently remanded to Kauga Prison until November 4, where he will join his co-accused, Mr Mugerwa Saaku, who is already on remand facing similar charges.

The arrests are part of a wider State House Anti-Corruption Unit investigation into a recruitment scandal that has rocked Mukono District.

In July, the unit arrested Mukono District Speaker Betty Nakasi Hope and District Service Commission Chairperson Dr Eng. Godfrey Kisuule Kibuuka in connection with the same job-for-sale racket.