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Former Arrow Boys commander warns hiding Lt Gen Elwelu to surrender or face security forces

Tensions are escalating in the Teso sub-region after former State Minister for Works and former Arrow Boys commander Musa Ecweru issued a strict 24-hour ultimatum to retired Lt Gen Peter Elwelu to surrender to authorities or risk being hunted down and killed by security forces.

Addressing a press conference in Soroti City, Mr Ecweru-who lost his Amuria County parliamentary seat in the last election after serving four terms-warned that any attempt to launch a rebellion or destabilize peace in Teso would face decisive force. He urged the former Deputy Commander of Defence Forces (CDF) to abandon any alleged subversive plans immediately.

“My prayer to him is that if it is true, he should abandon that prayer before evening today,” Mr Ecweru said. He advised Lt Gen Elwelu, if fearful of harassment by law enforcement, to report to respected religious and political leaders such as the Bishop of Soroti Catholic Diocese, Right Reverend Joseph Oliach Eciru, or Vice President Jessica Alupo to facilitate a meeting with President Yoweri Museveni to request a pardon.

Mr Ecweru confirmed that members of the former Arrow Boys reserve force would join the police, internal security, and military units starting tomorrow to hunt down the retired general. Drawing a direct parallel to the late Smith Oponacak, who was killed by security forces after attempting to start an armed rebellion, Mr Ecweru warned that a similar fate awaits Lt Gen Elwelu if he refuses to surrender when cornered. He also noted that several missing youth in the region are suspected to have been lured into subversive activities and trafficked to western Uganda, promising to reveal their names on Monday.

However, Mr Ecweru’s hostile posture has drawn heavy backlash from local residents and community leaders, who accuse him of political opportunism and framing a retired military officer to gain state favor following his electoral defeat.

Samuel Ariko, a retired teacher, questioned the legal authority under which Mr Ecweru is operating and defended Lt Gen Elwelu’s record as a loyal officer to President Museveni. He questioned why treason accusations are surfacing now, suggesting the pushback against Elwelu stems from his alleged opposition to the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) agenda. Local resident Hellen Apiding urged independent security agencies to investigate the matter without bias, warning against using threats to persecute political opponents or disrupt civilian life.

The public threats follow confirmation from family members that Lt Gen Elwelu went into hiding earlier this year due to severe fears for his personal safety. Relatives revealed that the retired general noticed unknown individuals tracking his movements at his primary residence in Awoja, Soroti District, and his ancestral home in Anyara Village, Kalaki District, forcing him to avoid community gatherings and retreat from his security detail.

Since January, security operations targeting Elwelu have intensified, resulting in the arrest of his personal drivers, wife, and members of his security detail, along with the seizure of electronic devices. The operational dynamic worsened following social media statements by Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who described Elwelu as a traitor, claimed security forces recovered arms from his house, and asserted that Elwelu had been demoted to the rank of Private.

Family members have strongly denied the weapons recovery claims, describing them as an orchestrated attempt to destroy the general’s legacy after years of dedicated service. The underlying rift between Gen Muhoozi and Lt Gen Elwelu traces back to their time sharing high command responsibilities, during which disagreements over administrative protocols required direct intervention from President Museveni. Elwelu was subsequently reassigned to a presidential advisor role before formally retiring from active military service in August 2025.

In Soroti, neighbors in Awoja confirmed that the general has been absent for months, noting that his weekly gospel broadcasts on local radio ended abruptly around the same time.

Gen Muhoozi’s public claim that Lt Gen Elwelu was summary-demoted to the rank of Private faces strong legal hurdles under Ugandan military law. Under the UPDF Act (Cap. 330), as amended by the UPDF (Amendment) Act 2025, a commissioned general officer cannot be stripped of rank or demoted through executive statements or administrative directives. Legal provisions strictly require a formal trial, conviction, and sentencing by a competent Court Martial, which must subsequently be confirmed by the High Command.

Regional political leaders, including Members of Parliament from Teso, have declined to issue official statements regarding the standoff, maintaining that military directives issued over social media platforms require formal clarification from the Executive branch or the Ministry of Defence before Parliament can respond. Meanwhile, the Paramount Chief of the Iteso Cultural Union (ICU), Emorimor Paul Sande Emolot, has requested additional time to monitor the situation before issuing a formal guidance to the region.

Jilted lover docked for allegedly assaulting girlfriend

A 29 year-old man, Yusuf Ajisafe was on Wednesday docked in a Mapo Grade A Customary Court in Ibadan for allegedly beating up and inflicting injuries on his girlfriend who terminated their relationship.

Ajisafe pleaded not guilty to the three-count charge of malicious damage, assault and escape from lawful custody.

The prosecution counsel, Insp Ayodele Ayeni told the court that the defendant committed the crime on Oct. 15, at about 4.30 p.m., at Idiaro area in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Ayeni stated that Ajisafe allegedly assaulted his girlfriend, Titiloye Balogun after she informed him that she was no longer interested in the relationship.

The police alleged that the defendant also inflicted injuries on Balogun using a sharp object and also destroyed goods in her shop worth N300,000.

Ayeni explained that Ajisafe escaped from police custody where he was being held, but was rearrested after an intense search.

He noted that the offence contravened the provisions of sections 451 and 249 of the criminal code cap 38 vol. ii laws of Oyo State of Nigeria 2000.

The court’s President, Mrs O.E. Owoseni, admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N200,000 with two reliable sureties in like sum.

Owoseni said that one of the sureties must be a relative. She adjourned the matter until Dec. 10 for trial.

Barau FC GM, Iorfa, clears air on technical bench presence

The General Manager of Barau FC, Dominic Iorfa, has attributed his recent presence on the technical bench to logistical hurdles rather than an encroachment on coaching duties.

In a candid interview session, the former Nigerian international addressed the talking points surrounding his matchday positioning, and his relationship with the technical crew.

According to Iorfa, the decision to sit on the bench was born out of sheer necessity after being locked out of dressing rooms during crucial away fixtures.

‘When I initially took charge of Barau FC, I usually watched matches from the stands before proceeding to the dressing room at half-time to interact with the players,’ Iorfa explained.

‘However, I was denied access to the dressing room on several occasions, particularly during away matches in Jos, Maiduguri, Aba and Owerri.’

He emphasised the tactical importance of half-time communication, noting that observations made from the stands often require immediate relay to the squad.

‘Sometimes, while watching a game, you observe certain things that you believe should be communicated to the coach at half-time. You may want to encourage the players, share observations or motivate them to ensure they approach the second half in high spirits. Unfortunately, I was prevented from doing so on several occasions,’ he said.

To bypass these restrictions, Iorfa said he took a pragmatic administrative step: ‘Since then, I have decided to be among the seven registered officials on matchdays. That way, nobody can deny me access to the dressing room when I need to speak with the players.’

Addressing whispers of friction between him and the technical crew, he said he only took charge of the team’s training while the head coach was attending a coaching course in Abuja.

‘There is no reason to suggest that there is a rift between us. The speculation may have arisen following reports that I took charge of the team’s training session after our encounter against Rangers International,’ Iorfa clarified.

‘The truth is that Coach Eugene Agagbe was away attending his CAF A Licence course, and I had to oversee the team’s fitness training in his absence. As General Manager, I believe in doing whatever is necessary to ensure that the team remains in good shape and continues to make progress,’ Iorfa noted.

The former Chairman of Lobi Stars of Makurdi said that the extra effort paid off with an encouraging performance against Rivers United where the ‘Maliya Boys’ forced their hosts to a goalless draw.

NDLEA: Enforcement alone cannot stop drug abuse

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has said enforcement alone cannot stop drug abuse, calling for greater involvement of young people in prevention efforts.

The agency’s chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), said this at the opening of the 12th National Youth Summit on Drug and Substance Abuse Prevention in Abuja.

Marwa, represented by the agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, said the agency arrested traffickers, dismantled drug cartels and rehabilitated people struggling with addiction, but enforcement was not enough.

‘You cannot win a war against drugs without winning the hearts and minds of young people,’ he said.

He said young people should be involved in implementing the 2026-2030 National Drug Control Master Plan because they were exposed to the risks of substance abuse and could influence their peers.

Marwa urged youth leaders to educate themselves about drugs, take prevention messages to their schools and communities, and help people experiencing addiction access treatment.

He added that stigma could prevent people struggling with addiction from seeking help, stressing the need for treatment and support.

The summit, organised by the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR) in partnership with the African Youth Initiative on Crime Prevention, runs from October 27 to 29 under the theme, ‘Policy and Advocacy, Youth Voices in the 2026-2030 Master Plan.’

The Director-General of BPSR, Dasuki Arabi, represented by the Acting Director of Finance and Administration, Omene Gloria, said drug abuse affected public health, education, security, family stability, productivity and national development.

Arabi said addressing the problem required prevention, early intervention, treatment, rehabilitation and collaboration among government institutions, families, schools, healthcare providers and communities.

He added that young people should participate in developing drug prevention policies and that government programmes should produce measurable outcomes.

The Founder and Executive Director of the African Youth Initiative on Crime Prevention, Ambassador Chris Ibe, said many state governments lacked designated officers and programmes for drug demand reduction.

Ibe urged state governments to provide funding, coordination structures and sustained prevention programmes to complement the efforts of the NDLEA.

Chinese national charged over Shs210m botched forex deal

A Chinese national has been charged with stealing Shs210 million from a fellow countryman in botched foreign currency exchange.

Cheng Yi Wei, 36, appeared before Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court presided over by Senior Principal Magistrate Winnie Nankya Jatiko where theft charge was read to him. He denied charge.

Court heard alleged offence occurred between October 22 and 23, 2026 at King Fahad Plaza in Kampala Central Division, where Cheng is accused of stealing Shs210 million belonging to Gong Cheng Tao.

Cheng, tourist and resident of Matugga-Sanga Village in Wakiso District, was remanded until November 11 after magistrate said prosecutor was indisposed.

He faces charge of theft contrary to Sections 237(1) and 244 of Penal Code Act.

Complainant Gong Zheno Tao who deals in wholesale bed covers at Muzinga Building along William Street said he also operates factory in Namanve, Wakiso District.

In statement, Gong said he was looking to convert shillings into US dollars when he contacted Cheng who allegedly offered to help.

Deal began October 22 when Cheng allegedly arranged for Shs41 million to be taken to forex bureau identified as Jabrill at King Fahad Plaza.

Following day, further Shs170 million was delivered to same bureau.

Gong said he expected dollars in exchange but was left waiting.

“To my surprise, the dollars were not given to me,” he told police, adding he contacted his uncle who alerted police.

According to complainant, Cheng was involved in taking money to forex bureau and instructed him to hand it to attendant.

Gong further alleged he initially encountered Chinese man on WeChat who claimed he could exchange shillings for dollars at rate lower than market rate.

Man reportedly asked him to share location so someone could collect money. Cheng allegedly arrived at complainant’s shop before cash was taken to bureau.

Complainant said he intended to exchange Shs210 million and expected equivalent in dollars. However, money was not returned and currency not delivered.

Police subsquently arrested Cheng following complaint.

Cuba wins UN vote against US embargo

The UN General Assembly on Wednesday adopted a new resolution calling for an end to the US embargo against Cuba, although support for the communist-ruled island fell to its lowest level in three decades.

Nearly every year since 1992 similar resolutions have been put to a vote and passed, but support for the measure this year was markedly lower.

The resolution, which has called for lifting the economic, trade and financial embargo against the island, received 130 votes in favor, with 17 against and 25 abstentions. It was the lowest level of support since 1995.

This year’s Cuban resolution included a reference to the impact of restrictions on fuel supplies to the island imposed by the United States since January.

In recent weeks, Havana accused Washington of mounting a diplomatic offensive to pressure countries into withdrawing their support for the Cuban resolution.

‘The world has once again spoken out overwhelmingly against the blockade, even despite the most blatant pressure and blackmail from the US to change the course of this vote,’ Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel said in a celebratory post on X Wednesday, later adding that the US engages in ‘gangster-like coercion.’

Speaking in New York, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez accused Washington of seeking to ‘determine the nation’s destiny’ and ‘seize’ its wealth.

In the minutes before the vote, US ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz denied that Cuba was under a blockade and said ‘The plight of the Cuban people is exclusively the fault of this corrupt communist regime.’

‘The reality is, today as we speak, there is no ring of US Navy warships around Cuba. Their ports are open. In recent months, data shows that shipments have arrived,’ from around the world, he added.

The vote came a day after a dramatic shouting match on the floor of the UN General Assembly that at one point saw Rodriguez approach Waltz and shout, ‘You are a liar!’ as Waltz shouted for him to back away.

Amid the interruptions, the chair briefly suspended the session and instructed both countries’ representatives to return to their places.

In his speech arguing against the resolution on Tuesday, Waltz held up pictures of Cuban leaders past and present, including Diaz-Canel, wearing luxury watches, prompting the Cuban delegation to repeatedly smack their desk in protest and interrupt.

Waltz later held up satellite images and detailed luxury estates, boats and vacations that he claimed the Castro family and Cuban officials enjoy.

‘The regime can never find enough fuel for Cuban ambulances. They can never find enough fuel for Cuban buses. But when the Castro family, the elites that are sitting at that table, want to go yachting, suddenly, it’s no problem.’ Waltz said.

Tinubu to present 2027 budget before year end

President Bola Tinubu is expected to present the 2027 Appropriation Bill to the National Assembly before the end of 2026.

The Minister of State for Budget and Economic Planning, Doris Uzoka-Anite, disclosed this on Wednesday when she briefed State House correspondents on some of the outcomes of the Federal Executive Council meeting.

Uzoka-Anite said the administration is already assembling the proposal, which President Tinubu is expected to present to lawmakers before December 31.

She also said that the FEC had officially endorsed the National Development Plan 2026-2030 alongside new legal frameworks designed to tackle child stunting and boost national food security.

Why FG is borrowing $21.7bn loan

Earlier, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, clarified that the $21.7 billion borrowing proposal transmitted to the National Assembly by President Tinubu is an investment in assets and not for spending.

Oyedele explained that the proposed $21.7 billion plan represented a multi-year investment plan spanning roughly five years rather than an immediate drawdown.

He disclosed that $10.6 billion of the money was slated for critical transport links, including the Sokoto-Badagry Highway, Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, and the Kano-Kaduna Metro Rail.

Oyedele said that over $7.9 billion of the loan would be sourced from multilateral and bilateral development partners (led by $5 billion from the World Bank) at an average interest rate of just 2.1 per cent.

The minister said the government was prioritising favourable financing terms to reduce borrowing costs and ensure that the projects delivered lasting economic benefits.

Cash transfer: 10m households receive over N600bn

The minister also disclosed that more than 10 million households had received over N600 billion in cash transfers, while the Nigerian Education Loan Fund had disbursed N372.6 billion to more than 1.5 million students.

He added that more than 800,000 micro, small and medium-sized enterprises had benefited from subsidised loans at single-digit interest rates.

Gomba chase sixth crown, Kyaggwe seek to end 22-year wait

Gomba will chase a record-extending sixth Masaza Cup title while Kyaggwe seek to end a 22-year wait for glory when the two sides meet in Saturday’s final at Muteesa II Wakulukuku Stadium.

For Gomba, the occasion offers an opportunity to reclaim a trophy they last won in 2020, when they beat Buddu 3-1. For Kyaggwe, it is a chance to crown a remarkable campaign by lifting their first title since 2004.

The stakes extend beyond the trophy, with both camps mobilising supporters and promising substantial rewards in a final expected to attract a sizeable crowd.

Gomba coach Felix Ssekabuuza, who guided Buweekula to last year’s triumph, is targeting successive titles after overseeing another campaign that has raised expectations among the county’s supporters.

‘We are hungry for this victory,’ Ssekabuuza said. ‘We have worked very hard and we have given our fans hope of winning this title again.’

Gomba’s preparations have been accompanied by significant local mobilisation, with supporters rallying behind a team determined to add another championship to its collection.

Team manager Resty Mbatidde Namugema said the side had benefited from an early start to preparations and confidence in the technical team.

‘This season we had early preparations and we got the right players and coaches. We have the best coach,’ she said.

Namugema added that the team planned to spend Friday night in Kampala alongside some of its supporters as they prepare for the decisive contest.

The prospect of winning a sixth title has also attracted financial incentives. Local mobilisation has gathered momentum, with Yiga Kisakyamukama, the Special Presidential Assistant on Service Delivery and Monitoring, pledged Shs25m for every goal scored by Gomba, raising the stakes in a contest where every scoring opportunity could carry added significance.

Kyaggwe bank on defence

Kyaggwe will need to withstand Gomba’s attacking threat if they are to end their 22-year wait for the Masaza Cup title. Their campaign has been built on defensive discipline, organisation and the ability to manage tight contests.

Gomba have their own key performers, led by captain and defender Herbert Onen, one of the side’s most consistent players, and leading scorer Mohammed Kasule, who has netted six goals.

The tactical contest between Kyaggwe coach Ronald Ssali and Ssekabuuza could determine where the trophy ends up. Ssali has fashioned a well-organised unit, but his challenge will be to maintain that defensive solidity while finding ways to trouble Gomba at the other end.

‘We have prepared well for this final and the players understand what is at stake. We respect Gomba, but we believe in our team and the work we have done. We must remain disciplined, take our chances and finish what we started,’ Ssali said.

Kyaggwe will be appearing in their second final in three years after losing to Buddu in 2024. That defeat has added motivation to a team whose supporters have waited more than two decades for the county to return to the summit.

The anticipation has sparked significant mobilisation in Mukono, where supporters are preparing for what they hope will be a historic celebration. Several of the town’s popular entertainment venues have organised post-match parties in expectation of a Kyaggwe victory, while some fans plan to sleep near the stadium on Friday night to beat the National Cleaning Day restrictions.

But Gomba are also mobilising heavily, with their supporters determined to turn the final into a celebration of a sixth crown.

Final amid cleaning day restrictions

Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja has declined to grant the organisers a waiver, forcing supporters and officials to reconsider their travel plans.

With movement expected to be affected, some supporters are planning to travel to Kampala early and sleep near the stadium on Friday night.

Gomba supporters are making similar preparations, with the team and some fans planning to spend Friday night in Kampala.

Organisers have moved kick-off to 4pm to give supporters more time to access the venue, although the restriction is likely to make crowd management and early arrival critical.

Masaza Cup winners since 2004

Year

Champion

2025

Buweekula

2024

Buddu

2023

Bulemeezi

2022

Busiro

2021

Buddu

2020

Gomba

2019

Bulemeezi

2018

Ssingo

2017

Gomba

2016

Buddu

2015

Ssingo

2014

Gomba

2013

Mawokota

2012

Bulemeezi

2011

Buluuli

2010

Not held

2009

Gomba

2008

Kyaddondo

2007

Mawokota

2006

Kooki

2005

Mawokota

2004

Gomba

Jetour Dashing: A car that listens to your commands

With voice commands, pop-out door handles and a 360-degree camera, the Shs144m Jetour Dashing packs in modern technology. But how do its features, fuel economy and performance measure up on Kampala’s busy roads and muddy stretches?

From a distance, you may mistake the Jetour Dashing for a Toyota Harrier, particularly models manufactured after 2014, or some generations of the Subaru Forester. Its front-end styling also bears similarities to the Jaguar F-Pace.

Beyond its sporty exterior, the 2026 Jetour Dashing distinguishes itself with pop-out door handles, voice commands and a 360-degree camera system. Over two days, I drove it through Kampala traffic, on the Entebbe Expressway and over rough and muddy roads to see what this compact sport utility vehicle (SUV) offers motorists seeking contemporary styling and convenience.

Technology that stands out

One of the first things I noticed was the keyless entry system. The key resembles an AirPods case, and as you approach, carrying it in your pocket, bag or hand, the flush door handles pop out while the side mirrors unfold. There is no need to manually use the key to unlock the doors.

Like many contemporary vehicles, it also has parking sensors and cameras to assist with manoeuvring. When reversing, the sensors sound an alarm as the vehicle approaches an obstacle, while the camera system displays the car’s surroundings on the central screen. For motorists navigating Kampala’s crowded parking spaces, these are useful aids, though they remain just that, not substitutes for checking one’s surroundings.

The lighting system includes LED daytime running lights and adjustable headlights, which provide illumination at night, although their effectiveness in different weather conditions would require further testing.

An intelligent interior

Inside, the Dashing combines a leather-trimmed dashboard, leather-covered seats and a digital display. The steering wheel has controls for answering phone calls, adjusting radio stations and volume, and operating driving functions.

The feature I enjoyed most was the voice-recognition system, which lets the driver operate certain functions using spoken commands. Driving from Entebbe to Kyanja via Munyonyo and the Entebbe Expressway at night, I wanted to open the sunroof for fresh air without switching off the air conditioning or lowering the windows. Instead of reaching for a button, I said, ‘Hello Jetour.’ The car responded, ‘I am here. How can I help you?’

I asked it to open the sunroof, and it did. The exchange felt more like a conversation with the vehicle than a button-operated function, though it responds only to the designated wake phrase, and its usefulness depends on how reliably it recognises commands in everyday driving.

The dashboard displays driving speed, fuel level and the selected driving mode. The vehicle has normal and eco modes, the latter intended to prioritise efficiency; establishing the difference in fuel consumption between the two would require a controlled comparison.

One limitation I noticed; the fuel gauge shows only the fuel remaining in the tank, with no distance-to-empty estimate, which is useful when planning longer journeys.

Passengers also get four USB ports and wireless phone charging, convenient for motorists who rely on their phones for navigation and communication.

Engine performance

Most Dashing models have a 1,500cc turbocharged petrol engine producing 230Nm of torque. Published specifications for comparable Dashing versions list maximum power of 115kW, about 154hp, although the exact output should be confirmed for the Ugandan-market variant. The engine is paired with a six-speed dual-clutch transmission in the version listed by Jetour Uganda.

A turbocharger uses exhaust gases to drive a turbine that forces more air into the engine, allowing a relatively small-capacity unit to deliver useful performance.

I collected the Dashing from the Jetour showroom in Namanve with the fuel tank half full. Over the two days, I averaged about 12km per litre in Kampala traffic and approximately 17km per litre on faster roads, including the Entebbe Expressway and the Northern Bypass. These were my observations, not independently verified long-term fuel-economy figures; consumption varies with traffic, driving style, vehicle load, tyre pressure and road conditions.

For context, a published specification for a Dashing version in South Africa gives combined consumption of 7.8 litres per 100km, about 12.8km per litre, a manufacturer-listed figure for that market’s version, not directly comparable with my road-test results.

The gap between town and highway consumption matters most for motorists who spend their days in Kampala’s stop-start traffic, which generally demands more fuel than a steady speed on an open road.

How it handles rough roads

To assess the Dashing beyond paved roads, I drove through sections of Namanve Industrial Park, Bweyogerere Industrial Area, Kiira and Kibiri village in Busabala, among other places, some with potholes, uneven surfaces and sections under construction.

The Dashing’s SUV design and ground clearance, a published minimum of 160mm, allowed me to negotiate the rough sections without the underside scraping the road. That said, clearance alone does not determine a vehicle’s suitability for rough terrain; tyres, suspension, drivetrain configuration and driving technique all influence performance.

The rainy season provided another test. Some marrum roads were muddy and slippery, and at certain points the vehicle seemed to struggle to maintain progress. With gentle acceleration, the wheels kept turning and it moved forward, a reminder to avoid sudden acceleration when tyres begin to lose grip. A turbocharged engine provides power, but it does not improve traction; grip depends on the tyres’ contact with the road, the drivetrain and any traction-control systems fitted.

My test did not establish how the Dashing would perform on more demanding off-road terrain. Motorists who regularly use rural roads should confirm the drivetrain configuration, ground clearance and tyre specifications of the particular version they intend to buy.

What it costs

Richard Bamujje, the sales manager at Jetour, says the 2026 Dashing is available at a promotional price of $32,799, approximately Shs144m including taxes, for specified models. Other versions cost about $35,000, or roughly Shs154m, according to the dealer.

The package includes one year of comprehensive insurance, a five-year warranty, two years of free servicing and Shs1m worth of fuel. Prospective buyers should confirm which variants qualify for the offer, the warranty’s mileage limit and exclusions, and what the free servicing covers.

Jetour Uganda identifies Al-Mamoun East Africa as the brand’s authorised distributor and advertises a sales, service and spare-parts facility in Namanve. Access to genuine parts and qualified technicians will be important considerations for buyers assessing long-term ownership costs.

A feature-rich SUV with questions still to answer

The Jetour Dashing makes a strong first impression with its sporty styling, pop-out door handles, voice commands, sunroof and camera system. Its fuel consumption was better on faster roads than in Kampala traffic, and its ground clearance proved useful on uneven surfaces. However, the two-day test was not enough to establish long-term fuel economy, reliability or its capability on demanding off-road terrain.

Buyers should verify the exact model’s specifications, warranty conditions and servicing costs before committing.

Best suited to: Motorists seeking a modern, technology-focused compact SUV for predominantly urban driving, with occasional journeys on rough roads.

ECOWAS deploys pre-election fact-finding mission to Nigeria ahead polls

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has deployed a high-level Pre-Election Fact-Finding Mission to Nigeria from 26 to 30 October 2026 ahead of the country’s 2027 general elections.

The Mission was deployed under Article 13 of the Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, Article 53(c) of the ECOWAS Conflict Prevention Framework, and the Authority of Heads of State’s decision to send pre-election fact-finding missions to Member States holding elections.

The Mission is led by the former Vice-President of Sierra Leone, H.E. Victor Bockarie FOH.

Other members of the Mission are Madam Francess Piagie ALGHALI, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security; H.E. Julius Fofanah SANDY, High Commissioner of Sierra Leone to Nigeria and Permanent Representative of Sierra Leone to ECOWAS, representing the ECOWAS Permanent Representatives’ Committee (PRC); Mr Serigne Mamadou KA, Head of the Electoral Assistance Division at the ECOWAS Commission; Mr Ebenezer ASIEDU, Head of Democracy and Good Governance; Dr James Aji, Head of the UNOWAS Liaison Cell to ECOWAS; electoral experts from Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire; ECOWAS staff from the Directorates of Communication; Political Affairs, Peace and Security; ECOWAS Network of Electoral Commissions (ECONEC;) Early Warning; and an Assistant to the Head of Mission.

The objectives of the Mission are to assess Nigeria’s level of preparedness for the effective conduct of the forthcoming general elections; meet with leaders of political parties and coalitions, the government; the Electoral Management Body (EMB), civil society and all other stakeholders in the electoral process; gather all legal texts that govern the 2027 electoral process in Nigeria; collect all pertinent information on the conditions under which the elections shall be held; as well as information relating to the opposition candidates; gather any information necessary for assessing the political atmosphere in the build-up to the elections.

During its five-day Mission, the delegation is expected to engage political party and coalition leaders, government institutions, Nigeria’s electoral management body, civil society organisations and other relevant stakeholders and collect relevant information relating to the contending candidates, as part of its overall assessment of the electoral environment.

These consultations are intended to provide a clearer understanding of the opportunities, challenges and institutional requirements associated with the forthcoming elections.