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One of the shocks of the 2021 General Election came from the newly constituted Jinja South West, where the National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidate Moses Grace Balyeku lost to Timothy Batuwa from the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC). The difference in the number of votes was 1,699. Formerly known as Jinja West, Balyeku had represented this constituency from 2011 when he wrestled it from FDC’s Harry Kasigwa. To become a political force in Jinja, Kasigwa had wrestled it from the NRM’s Henry Kyemba (deceased) in 2001. By the 2006 elections, Kasigwa had buttressed himself in the politics of Jinja so much so that he ensured all the Local Council divisions were under FDC’s control.

In the runup to the 2011 elections, in an effort to wrestle Jinja West from the firm grip of Kasigwa, Balyeku dug into his deep pockets and constructed 120 market stalls in Mpumudde market. He also extended water stand pipes to Kimaka B Village. His success came as no surprise. In 2016, Balyeku easily defended his seat, beating FDC’s Paul Kawanguzi with a difference of 2,742 votes. But Balyeku couldn’t repeat the same feat in 2021 because by that time, he had been involved in some land wrangles.

Land wrangles

Balyeku’s footprints in Busoga land wrangles were exposed in 2018 during the Land Commission inquiry led by Justice Catherine Bamugemereire. The NRM politician was summoned after accusations emerged that he influenced the issuance of a freehold title over plot 24 B Kyabazinga Way in Nalufenya to businessman Thummar Jay Magnalal Patel. This was over a running lease of Jinja Municipal Council and a sub-lease to Tirupati Development. Justice Bamugemereire moved to issue criminal summons after Balyeku snubbed repeated summons by the Commission to provide evidence on the transfer of the land. Justice Bamugemereire also warned Balyeku of attempting to compromise members of the Commission through unnecessary phone calls. As if that wasn’t enough, Balyeku would get entangled in a standoff with then Jinja Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Eric Sakwa, still over land wrangles.

Sakwa, who had appeared before Justice Bamugemereire to pin Balyeku, was thereafter charged with manslaughter. The DPP claimed that between March 22 and April 17, 2020, while in Lwanda Village in Jinja, Sakwa and his co-accused, Bazimbyewa Bumali, alias Chris Umar Dindodi, a resident of Mafubira Zone C in Mafubira Sub-county, Jinja District and businessman Mohammed Simba, alias Meddie, also from the same place, caused the death of Charles Isanga when they stormed his kiosk and tortured him.

The charges were later dismissed by the High Court, but Sakwa said they were cooked by the DPP at the behest of Balyeku. ‘Balyeku is the one who engineered everything; of course, he denies he is the one who does all of that,’ Sakwa said, prompting Balyeku, who owns Baba Television and Baba Radio, to offer a rebuttal.

Balyeku said: ‘I have no problem with Sakwa that necessitates me to go to that level of arresting him. I’m not a police officer, minister in government or army officer, but an ordinary backbencher in Parliament. I don’t have those powers to make the court sit at 4pm.’

When Sakwa was temporarily jailed, there were protests outside the court premises by some civilians who had no kind words for Balyeku. Once the legislator lost to Batuwa, observers familiar with Jinja West politics attributed Balyeku’s loss to the way he handled the Sakwa standoff. Another contributing factor in Balyeku’s downfall was his open support for the removal of presidential age limits from the Constitution. Balyeku had teamed up with Kyaka South MP Jackson Kafuuzi to second the Bill that was tabled by Raphael Magyezi, allowing Museveni’s continued presidency. ‘Age shouldn’t be a factor that hinders the rights and freedom of any Ugandan to vie for the post of President,’ Balyeku said.

A cold shoulder

In the aftermath of amending the Constitution, Museveni rewarded Kafuuzi with the post of Deputy Attorney General. Balyeku was, however, ignored. Even when he lost his parliamentary seat, Museveni didn’t award him with any ministerial job like he did with his NRM cadres who lost in Buganda such as Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo and Ruth Nankabirwa. Still, Balyeku didn’t abandon the NRM; he stood in its primaries and defeated his closest rival, Daniel Kanu, with 9,020 votes against his 2,240 to win the NRM flag for next year’s elections. Other contestants in the race were David Talenga, who placed third with 78 votes. Sakwa trailed in fourth position with 71 votes.

Once he was declared the winner, Balyeku rallied all NRM supporters in Jinja South West to unite and rally behind him. Yet Balyeku’s NRM rivals weren’t contended with his victory, accusing him of importing rowdy youth from other areas, who allegedly threatened voters from participating in the electoral process. Kanu’s petition to an NRM tribunal that handled the disputes that arose from the ruling party’s primaries was thrown out for want of evidence, giving Balyeku a sigh of relief.

This means Balyeku is once again going to face Batuwa, who changed his political home from the FDC to the National Unity Platform (NUP). When he joined NUP, Batuwa insisted that he wasn’t just interested in retaining his seat but rather to see that the NRM is kicked out of power.

‘They have been promising Ugandans things they can’t deliver. They are the reason why Busoga [Sub-region] has really lagged in terms of development. We need to get them out of power,’ Batuwa said.

A doctor’s touch

In his constituency, Batuwa says, since he is a physician, he has directed his energies in improving the condition of health centres that include Jinja regional referral hospital.

‘In the health sector, I have advocated for two health facilities: Jinja Referral Hospital and Kimaka Health Centre III. Kimaka Health Centre III got an allocation of over Shs300m, which has enabled us to place houses for staff and a wall fence. Staff houses enable staff to deal with cases that emerge at night.

In the entire Sub-region [Busoga], it’s only Kimaka Health Centre III that got support of that nature. In Jinja referral, I have been able to mobilise budget support to fund one of the Intensive Care Units. We now have 10 Intensive Care Units and they are operating. We also have oxygen manufacturing equipment. We are no longer ferrying in oxygen. I managed to secure budget support to secure a scan and to ensure that ours is functional,’ Batuwa said.

In Parliament, Batuwa was among the legislators who authored a minority report asking the House to impose a time limit within which alcohol is sold in Uganda. He argued that the same proposal was supported by Nile Breweries Limited and Uganda Breweries Limited, which are the top alcohol manufacturers in Uganda.

‘Suffice to note is that when Uganda Breweries Limited, Nile Breweries Limited and the Uganda Alcohol Industry Association appeared before the Committee as the major players in the alcohol sector, they welcomed the clause on limitation of time and made a few proposals for adjustment in the time, which we have captured in the recommendation. In addition, the literature review revealed that many countries have prescribed a restriction of time for sale of alcohol, and hence Uganda will not be the first country to restrict the time of sale of alcoholic drinks,’ the minority report reads in part.

In the spirit of national pride after recent Independence Day celebrations, it is important to reflect not only on what unites us but also on practices that might unintentionally harm our health.

Some cultural customs, rooted in long-standing beliefs about health, teething, and beauty, have notable effects on oral health.

These practices are often carried out with the aim of protecting children or enhancing well-being, yet they can cause serious dental issues, including infections, tooth loss, and difficulties accessing modern dental care.

Infant oral mutilation (Ebiino)

Widespread among the Banyankole and other Southwestern communities, infant oral mutilation involves the forceful removal or mutilation of primary canine tooth buds, often referred to as ‘false teeth’ in children under two years.

This stems from the belief that these teeth are worms or supernatural objects causing fever, diarrhoea, vomiting, or other childhood ailments, and that removing them ‘cures’ the child.

In reality, these symptoms are usually normal occurrences related to teething or unrelated illnesses.

The procedure is performed without anaesthesia using unsterilised tools such as knives or heated needles, leading to severe pain, bleeding, infections, abscesses, and, in extreme cases, death from sepsis.

Long-term consequences include missing permanent canine teeth, misaligned teeth, shifting of posterior teeth, disrupted bites, and an increased risk of decay and gum disease later in life.

Gi Dog and Gi Dwon

More prevalent in northern Uganda, these practices involve the crude removal of tonsils, tonsillitis stones (Gi Dwon), or sometimes lower incisors (Gi Dog) in children. Like infant oral mutilation, they are rooted in teething myths, where swollen gums or throat structures are mistakenly viewed as harmful ‘false teeth.’

Performed by untrained practitioners using sharp objects, these procedures carry risks of excessive bleeding, airway obstruction, infection, and scarring.

They can also lead to chronic throat problems and discourage preventive dental care, as children may associate oral health with pain and risk.

Cutting the uvula

Across Uganda, traditional healers sometimes cut the uvula (a fleshy extension at the back of the soft palate which hangs above the throat) in response to inflamed tonsils, mouth swellings, or tonsillar stones.

This practice poses risks of infection, structural damage, and loss of uvula function, affecting swallowing, speech, and saliva secretion.

By prioritising treatment from qualified dental professionals, communities can protect children, break free from dangerous myths, and ensure healthier smiles for future generations.

Let us embrace evidence-based care and work together to safeguard oral health across Uganda.

Senior Four students across the country begin their Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) examinations today amid an ongoing teachers’ strike, which has caused uncertainty over the supervision and administration of the national exams.

The examinations, conducted by the Uganda National Examinations Board (Uneb), mark the official start of the 2025 national examination season. Candidates are slated to sit for Geography Paper One in the morning and Biology (Theory) in the afternoon.

The examinations come just days after briefing sessions were held by head teachers last Friday, during which candidates were taken through the rules, regulations, and timetable instructions guiding the conduct of the exams.

Uneb Executive Director Daniel Odongo said a total of 432,159 candidates are registered to sit for this year’s UCE examinations, compared to 379,748 last year, an increase of 12.1 percent. Of these, 52.7 percent are females, while 47.3 percent are males.

The examinations are taking place in 4,308 centres across the country under the theme, ‘Embracing security and holistic assessment of learners in a dynamic environment,’ emphasising the importance of integrity and fairness throughout the examination period.

Uneb attributes the rise in numbers to increased enrolment in both government and private schools, as well as the impact of the Universal Secondary Education (USE) programme. Out of the total candidature, 154,637 candidates (36 percent) are beneficiaries of the USE programme, while 241,246 are privately sponsored.

Additionally, Uneb has registered 679 Special Needs Education (SNE) candidates who require additional support, with 190 specialised personnel deployed to assist them throughout the examination period.

Tension over teachers’ strike

The start of the UCE exams comes at a time when teachers under the Uganda National Teachers’ Union (Unatu) are on an industrial strike demanding improved pay and better working conditions.

The strike, which has stretched into the examination season, has raised concerns about the possible disruption of the supervision process. Uneb acknowledged the teachers’ concerns but appealed to them not to link the industrial action to the conduct of the national examinations.

The Board noted that teachers remain key partners in ensuring the successful administration of national assessments.

‘We ask for their indulgence to join us for a few days to help in the effective assessment of the learners they have taught over the years,’ Mr Odongo said.

Despite the strike, Uneb officials reported that the response from teachers during the preparatory briefings was overwhelmingly positive.

Uneb spokesperson Jennifer Kalule said while the Board had initially required 1,500 scouts to monitor the UCE examinations, nearly 2,000 teachers turned up for the briefing sessions a sign that many are willing to perform their national duty.

‘Over the past two days, the Uneb executive director commissioned various categories of field staff, urging them to maintain vigilance and uphold the sanctity of the examinations,’ Ms Kalule said yesterday.

However, Unatu Secretary General Filbert Baguma maintained that teachers are still on strike and will only resume work after government responds to their demands.

He said the union is unaware of teachers who have volunteered to supervise the examinations and reiterated that the strike remains in effect until further notice. The government has yet to issue an official statement addressing the standoff.

Uneb warns against malpractice

As the exams begin, Uneb has renewed its warning against examination malpractice, describing it as one of the biggest threats to the credibility of the country’s education system.

Mr Odongo said examination security remains a major concern and called on all stakeholders to perform their duties with integrity to uphold the sanctity of the national examinations.

The Board has partnered with various security agencies, contracted professionals, and heads of centres to ensure that all examination materials and processes remain secure.

Uneb cautioned those involved in the administration of the exams against engaging in or facilitating malpractice in any form. The Board also warned members of the public against dealing with fraudsters claiming to have access to leaked exam papers, noting that several suspects have already been arrested and confessed to their crimes.

Mr Odongo said anyone found guilty of illegally gaining or attempting to gain possession of any examination paper or material faces a fine of up to two thousand currency points or imprisonment for up to 10 years, or both, under Section 25 of the Uneb Act, CAP 259.

Teachers, invigilators, or scouts who aid candidates to cheat or fail to stop unauthorised assistance face fines not exceeding one thousand currency points or imprisonment for up to five years, or both.

Uneb warned candidates that involvement in examination malpractice will lead to the cancellation of results for the entire examination.

Odongo said where malpractice is suspected, the Board will summon the candidates and any other individuals involved to appear before it for disciplinary action. Offences such as smuggling unauthorised materials into the examination room, copying or collusion, receiving external assistance, impersonation, or exhibiting disruptive behaviour during the examination will attract severe penalties.

Others are possessing mobile phones or communication gadgets in the examination room, tearing answer scripts, submitting multiple scripts, or attempting to substitute examination materials. Mr Odongo reminded the candidates that examinations are not meant to instil fear but to assess what they have learnt over the years and guide them toward their future career paths.

He urged candidates to approach the examinations with confidence and avoid panic, emphasising that success will come through honesty and adherence to the rules.

‘The purpose of the examination is to assess the candidates’ level of achievement and not to fail the learners. It is not an end in itself but a step towards aligning them to their career aspirations,’ he said. He called on candidates to carefully follow instructions, manage their time wisely, and maintain discipline throughout the examination period.

Politics

Uneb also issued a directive warning all examination personnel against engaging in political activities during the examination period.

The Board said those contracted to supervise or monitor the examinations should avoid active involvement in campaigns, rallies, or political mobilisation.

It further urged politicians and aspirants to refrain from holding rallies or meetings on school grounds to prevent disturbances during the ongoing exams.

The Board emphasised that the focus during this period should remain on ensuring a smooth, peaceful, and credible examination process that allows candidates to perform to the best of their ability.

‘This is a critical time for learners who have prepared for years. All stakeholders must ensure the environment remains conducive for their success,’ Mr Odongo said.

Jacob Kiplimo is back on the lips of the globe after he conquered any barriers present to win the Chicago Marathon in Illinois, USA on Sunday.

Kiplimo ran a superb second half of the 42km race to win his first global marathon on the second attempt in a time of two hours, two minutes and 23 minutes.

‘To come here to win the race is a big achievement for me,’ Kiplimo said after the race. ‘He ran very well,’ his coach Peter Chelangat said. When road races come his way, Kiplimo rarely misses the target.

Since missing a medal at the 10000 metres final during the Paris Olympics in France, Kiplimo has won four of seven road races in 13 months.

Kiplimo for long threatened the marathon world record (WR) mark of 2:00:35 set by Kenyan the late Kelvin Kiptum during his victory in Chicago two years ago.

With about 8km left to complete the race, Kiplimo threatened Kiptum’s time, with the predictor placing his finish at 2:00:13, totally blistering yet unimaginable.

But even if he mathematically withered out of that momentous pursuit, Kiplimo still finished strong to become the seventh fastest marathoner in history.

For a 24-year-old who only debuted with second place in a pretty respectable 2:03:37 at the London Marathon in England on April 27, Kiplimo is now only bettered by six names: Kiptum, Kenyan Eliud Kipchoge, Ethiopians Kenenisa Bekele and Sisay Lemma, Kenyans Sabastian Sawe and Benson Kipruto in that order.

‘I told you we only needed a better run an improvement from that of London,’ Chelangat stated, ‘We were hoping for an improvement from the previous one.’

In Chicago, Kiplimo’s mark was the quickest a marathoner has run on that flat course with long straights. Whereas Kiplimo was visibly worn out in the final mile evidenced by his collapse to the floor after the tape, the man from Bukwo had done his hard work much earlier.

A half-marathon WR holder at 56:42, Kiplimo had been pitted against defending champion Kenyan John Korir. The goal was to attempt Kiptum’s mark.

They kept in their own lead group and went out first, under WR pace by 10 miles with the cast comprising pace setters and other Kenyans Philemon Kimaiyo, Amos Kipruto and Timothy Kiplagat.

After the halfway mark, Korir who won the Boston Marathon in Massachusetts, USA in April, and Kiplimo, broke away and held a 10-second gap over the rest of the group.

Thereafter, Kiplimo just charged forward by calmly exuding his customary poetry on the road and left Korir for dead, thereby establishing a 12-second lead over Korir over the next 5km up to 30km. His pace at that stage was projected for a 2:00:16 finish.

And for that entire period, even if he kept looking back in check of a potential challenger, Kiplimo was purely against the clock for the WR. He breezed past the 35km mark in 1:39:53 and still under the WR pace – a predicted finish of 2:00:30.

His legs however gave way in the closing stages but neither in the race could deny him the victory, a history feat making him the first Ugandan to ever win a World Marathon Major (WMM).

The WMMs are seven: Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Sydney, Chicago and New York. A pile of Ugandans including 2012 Olympic champion Stephen Kiprotich, Jackson Kiprop, Stephen Kissa, Victor Kiplangat and Joshua Cheptegei have run there before but none had taken the ribbons away at the finish-line.

In history, no man has ever held both WRs over the 21km and 42km at the same time and Kiplimo lived within that space for the greater part of yesterday. ‘Yes, almost,’ added Chelangat about the WR.

Put simply, it is only a matter of time before Kiplimo shatters that mark, barring of course, any unforeseen circumstances. The courses in London, Berlin and Chicago suite that debate.

2025 CHICAGO MARATHON

MEN’S 42KM RACE RESULT

1 Jacob Kiplimo (UGA) 2:02:23

2 Amos Kipruto (KEN) 2:03:54

3 Alex Masai (KEN) 2:04:37

4 Conner Mantz (USA) 2:04:43

5 Huseydin Mohamed Esa (ETH) 2:04:50

KIPLIMO IN 2025

Oct 12, 2025: Chicago Marathon (1st, 2:02:23)

Aug 27, 2025: Buenos Aires 21K (1st, 58:29)

Apr 27, 2025: London Marathon (2nd, 2:03:37)

Feb 16, 2025: Barcelona Half-Marathon (1st, 56:42)

FASTEST MARATHONERS – BEST TIME

2:00:35 by Kelvin Kiptum (KEN) at Chicago Marathon on Oct 8, 2023

2:01:09 by Eliud Kipchoge (KEN) at Berlin Marathon on Sep 22, 2022

2:01:41 by Kenenisa Bekele (ETH) at Berlin Marathon on Sept 29, 2019

2:01:48 by Sisay Lemma (ETH) at Valencia Marathon on Dec 3, 2023

2:02:05 by Sabastian Sawe (KEN) at Valencia Marathon on Dec 1, 2024

2:02:16 by Benson Kipruto (KEN) at Tokyo Marathon on Mar 3, 2024

2:02:23 by Jacob Kiplimo (UGA) at Chicago Marathon on Oct 12, 2025

Pupils of Ndese Church of Uganda Primary School in Nakifuma County, Mukono District have been studying in classrooms without roofs since last year. The school management said it lacks the funds to repair the classrooms, whose roofs were blown off during a storm last year.

Mr Archer Samuel Kadhume, the head teacher, said whenever it rains the pupils have to relocate to another classroom or staff room until it stops.

”The school faces a big challenge of inadequate classrooms after the heavy rain and storm destroyed two classrooms last year,” he said during an interview at the weekend.

He added: ‘Since November last year, I have made frequent visits to the district headquarters seeking support, but they always told me that they will consider our school in the next financial year.’

Haruna Musoke, a Primary Seven pupil, explained the hardships they go through while studying in a roofless classroom.

‘Our studies are always interrupted during the rainy seasons. Lessons are sometimes postponed when it threatens to rain. Learning cannot go on when it rains heavily because we fear that the whole building may collapse.’

Alice Namakula, another pupil, said: ‘The sunshine also affects some of us, and we keep on moving to where there is a shade to continue with lesson.’

‘We urge the government to support us so that we enjoy our studies just like other pupils in other schools. Nothing can stop us from performing well when we study in a good environment,’ she added.

Mr Andrew Mukasa, who lives near the school, said: ‘The longer they take to renovate the classroom, the weaker it gets, putting children’s lives at risk. I wonder why the district and government cannot rescue our school.’

The vice chairperson of the school management committee, Ms Rose Kyeyune, said all classroom structures are in a sorry state and need urgent attention. The Mukono District Education Officer, Mr Rashid Kikomeko, said they are aware of the poor state of the school and efforts are underway to support it. ”We do not have funds at the moment,” Kikomeko said.

About the school

Ndese Church of Uganda Primary School, built in 1942, faces serious challenges.

Last year, all 82 pupils who sat for the Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE) failed to score a first grade because of problems such as poor infrastructure and a shortage of learning materials.

The school has more than 300 pupils who study in only two classroom blocks. The main block is the one which was recently damaged. There is also a small separate structure that serves as the head teacher’s office.

The Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) presidential candidate, Maj Gen (rtd) Gregory Mugisha Muntu, has called upon voters in Rakai and Kyotera districts to rally behind candidates from the National Unity Platform (NUP) and other opposition groups in the forthcoming general elections.

Muntu’s call follows failure by ANT to front candidates to compete for most positions in the area.

Speaking during his campaign tour across several trading centers including Kifamba, Kibaale, Rakai, Lwanda, Ssanje, Kalisizo, and Kyotera on Sunday, Muntu emphasised the need for opposition unity to bring about a peaceful change in Uganda’s leadership.

‘Our mission is to achieve genuine change in the governance of this country. Since ANT has only one flag bearer here, Mr Denis Muyunga, for the Chairperson of Kasasa sub-county who is also our Greater Masaka regional coordinator, I urge you to vote for all capable opposition candidates who can stand firm against the regime,’ Muntu told cheering crowds.

Among those NUP candidates he endorsed are; Grace Nalubega (Rakai District Woman MP), Rose Fortunate Nantongo (Kyotera District Woman MP), Saddam Kiggundu (Rakai TC councilor), Geoffrey Lutaaya (Kakuuto County MP) and John Paul Mpalanyi (Kyotera County MP). He also backed independent candidate, Alexander Mackay Muhinda for the Rakai District Chairperson seat, describing him as ‘a strong voice for the opposition.’

Addressing long-standing rural challenges

Gen Muntu’s message resonated deeply with residents frustrations over what they described as decades of government neglect. Rakai and Kyotera, both largely rural and agrarian, continue to struggle with poor infrastructure, low incomes, limited access to healthcare, and frequent water shortages.

Many roads in the two districts remain unpaved and impassable during the rainy seasons, making it difficult for farmers to transport produce to markets. Health centers often face medicine stock-outs, and schools grapple with low teacher pay and inadequate facilities.

‘Imagine, President Museveni has promised to tarmac these roads for decades, but look at their state,’ Muntu said as residents applauded in agreement. ‘You cannot keep rewarding failed leadership. This is the right time for the old man to retire peacefully and allow the country to move forward.’

Muntu pledged to prioritise public service reforms if elected, with a particular focus on improving the welfare of teachers and local government employees.

‘The least-paid government worker should earn at least Shs2.5million, according to findings from one of the government’s own research institutions. It’s shameful that the state cannot fulfill such recommendations,’ he said.

He argued that improving pay and working conditions for teachers and civil servants would boost morale, improve service delivery, and reduce corruption at the local level.

Muntu, a former army commander who served under President Museveni before parting ways with the ruling National ResistanceMovement (NRM), questioned why Ugandans continue to vote for a leader who has been in power for four decades.

‘I declined a ministerial post when Museveni replaced me as army commander. Even Dr. Kizza Besigye, who once stood by him, is now in prison. What makes you think things will change under the same leadership?’ Muntu asked.

He warned that continued suppression of opposition voices and intimidation of supporters reflected what he called a ‘new form of imperialism’ within the ruling establishment.

‘Museveni’s followers are now mistreating opposition supporters, the same way Milton Obote’s regime did. We cannot build a democratic nation through fear and coercion,’ Muntu said.

Hopes for a new direction

Residents who turned up for the rallies expressed a mixture of hope and skepticism. While many agreed that change was needed, they also feared government reprisals for openly supporting opposition candidates.

Still, Muntu urged them to overcome fear and vote decisively for change.

‘Rakai and Kyotera have suffered enough. The time has come to vote for leaders who will work for you, not those who only visit during campaign seasons,’ he said.

The 2025 Airtel Masaza Cup semi-finals delivered a thrilling day of football drama on Sunday as visitors Kyaggwe and Ssingo stunned their hosts to secure first-leg victories away from home.

In two tactical battles, Kyaggwe edged Buweekula 1-0 in Mubende, while Ssingo came from behind to defeat Bugerere 2-1 in Ntenjeru, leaving both ties delicately balanced ahead of the weekend’s return legs.

Ssenyonga lifts Kyaggwe

At Mubende National Training College grounds, Buweekula and Kyaggwe cancelled each other out in a cagey first half dominated by physical duels.

But the deadlock was broken after the break when Geofrey Ssenyonga struck the decisive goal that handed Kyaggwe a crucial away win and earned him the man of the match award.

Despite Buweekula’s late surge for an equaliser, Kyaggwe’s defense held firm, preserving their narrow lead and giving them a psychological edge ahead of the second leg.

Kyaggwe head coach Simon Peter Mugerwa hailed his team’s resilience under pressure as they chase a second consecutive appearance in the final. “This win means a lot to us because coming here and getting a result was never going to be easy,’ Mugerwa said. ‘We showed great discipline and composure, especially in the second half. Now we must finish the job at home.’

In the other semi-final, Bugerere made a strong start at Ntenjeru when Henry Wamala opened the scoring, sending the home fans into celebration. But Ssingo quickly responded through Shaban Kayondo, who levelled matters before halftime.

The turning point came in the 53rd minute when Bugerere’s Osman Mayanja missed a penalty – a costly mistake that Ssingo ruthlessly punished minutes later. Ismael Rwimitala pounced to score the winner, sealing a 2-1 comeback victory and walking away with the man of the match honour.

With both games decided by a single goal, the semi-final ties remain open heading into the return legs. Fans can expect more fireworks as all four teams – Kyaggwe, Buweekula, Ssingo, and Bugerere – fight for a place in the final at Ham Stadium on November 1.

“What a spectacle from the players and fans here in Mubende today,’ said Kenneth Amanyire, Pilsner King Marketing Representative for Mubende, who attended the Buweekula vs Kyaggwe match.

‘The first leg is now done, but the pressure is still very much on with these small margins of one goal in both games. We encourage all the fans to turn up for the last push to the final because, as Pilsner King, we can’t wait to see which team will finally claim the 2025 Masaza Cup.’

Masaza Cup semi-finals

First leg results

Buweekula 0-1 Kyaggwe (Geofrey Ssenyonga)

Bugerere 1-2 Ssingo (Henry Wamala – Shaban Kayondo, Ismael Rwimitala)

Return legs – Sunday, October 19

A total of 18 Senior Four candidates at Cream Field Vocational Senior Secondary School in Nakifuma, Mukono District, are stranded after learning that they were not registered for the Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) examinations starting today, Monday, October 13.

When this reporter visited the school on Sunday afternoon, no staff member was present. The school administrators had reportedly gone into hiding, with their phones switched off.

The problem stems from the school’s failure to register the candidates with the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB), a requirement for sitting the national exams. Some of the affected candidates who spoke to the Monitor on Sunday said they discovered that they were not registered with UNEB on Friday, the day they were supposed to be briefed about the exams.

“We arrived at the school and no member of staff was available to brief us. When we contacted the head teacher, we received a shocking revelation that left us stunned,” Ryan Kizito, one of the affected candidates, said.

Despite paying all school dues, including examination fees, and diligently attending lessons and completing courseworks, the candidates are now facing an impossible situation due to the school’s negligence.

Kizito said the school administrators had earlier informed them that they were to sit their papers from a neighboring public school due to lack of a sitting centre number.

“What we have learned now is that only three of our colleagues are fully registered with UNEB and are the ones supposed to sit for the national exams,” he said.

Milly Nakyanzi, another affected candidate, shared her plight, saying they have struggled with academics, revealing that they have been revising notes on their own due to a lack of teachers.

“This, in the new curriculum, means we have to go back to Senior One if we miss sitting national exams,” she said, adding, “We have been lacking teachers and had to look for notes ourselves from other schools in addition to the feeding, which the school abandoned since the beginning of term.”

Parents, who cleared all school dues, stormed the school on Sunday to demand answers from the teachers, but all were absent.

Ms. Nassuuna Mazzi, a parent, expressed her frustration, saying she had paid all the school dues, including the registration fees, and wondered why her son wasn’t registered to sit the exams.

“I started smelling a rat the day we were called for dedication prayers, only to be told that it had been postponed, and to date, it was never conducted,” she said.

The consequences of the school’s failure to register the candidates are severe. If they completely fail to sit for the exams, they’ll have to repeat a whole year or potentially restart from Senior One, a significant setback for any student.

The affected candidates are understandably anxious, feeling their future is being put on hold due to circumstances beyond their control.

As the examination period kicks off, the affected candidates couldn’t help but wonder what the future holds for them.

In Uganda’s education system, the UCE exams are a critical milestone, determining a student’s academic future and career path.

On Monday, UCE candidates will write Geography Paper I in the morning and Biology Paper I (Theory) in the afternoon.

According to UNEB statistics, a total of 432,159 candidates are expected to sit for this year’s UCE exams at 4,308 centers across the country.

Uganda has been chosen to host the 4th Edition of the Digital Government Africa (DGA) Summit in 2026, a move widely hailed as a strong vote of confidence in the country’s digital transformation journey and regional leadership in ICT.

The announcement was made at this year’s Summit held in Lusaka, Zambia, which was officially opened by President Hakainde Hichilema of the Republic of Zambia.

The 2025 edition brought together over 30 African governments, alongside leading technology firms and innovators, to deliberate on the continent’s digital future.

‘We are honored to have Uganda chosen as the next host of the Digital Government Africa Summit. This recognition affirms the progress our country has made in leveraging ICTs to transform public service delivery and improve the lives of our citizens,’ Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, Minister of ICT and National Guidance, said.

He added, ‘The Summit will provide a strategic opportunity to showcase Uganda’s achievements, share best practices, and strengthen continental collaboration in building a digitally empowered Africa.’

Uganda’s official delegation in Lusaka included Hon. Gen. David Muhoozi, Minister of State for Internal Affairs; Dr. Hatwib Mugasa, Executive Director, NITA-U; Maj. Gen. Apollo Kasiita-Gowa, Chief of Immigration; Ms. Rosemary Kisembo, Executive Director of the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA); and other senior government officials, who together accepted the hosting mantle on behalf of the government.

The selection of Uganda as the 2026 host reflects its steadfast investment in ICT, development of citizen-centric e-Government platforms, and commitment to transparency, inclusion, and innovation.

Dr Hatwib Mugasa, Executive Director of NITA-U, said, ‘Digital transformation is no longer a choice but an imperative. Hosting DGA 2026 positions Uganda at the center of Africa’s digital discourse, allowing us to demonstrate how infrastructure, interoperability, and innovation are powering inclusive growth.

He noted, ‘Uganda’s commitment to digital excellence and its track record in implementing scalable, citizen-centric ICT solutions made it a natural choice for the 2026 host. We are excited to partner with MoICT and NITA-U to make the next year’s Summit the most impactful yet.’

The upcoming Summit will provide Uganda with a platform to showcase homegrown digital solutions, share policy successes, and lead continent-wide dialogue on shaping the next decade of digital governance in Africa.

Dr Mugasa said Uganda’s achievements in areas such as digital identity systems, cybersecurity frameworks, smart service platforms, and digital payment integration were among the key factors behind the country’s successful bid.

The DGA Secretariat, in its announcement, commended Uganda’s ‘commitment to digital excellence and its track record in implementing scalable, citizen-centric ICT solutions’ describing the country as a natural and strategic host for the 2026 edition.

Background

Now in its third year, the DGA Summit has evolved into a high-level, outcome-driven gathering, unlike conventional conferences.

It features pre-scheduled bilateral engagements between governments and technology partners, fostering tangible commitments, projects, and partnerships.

Across Africa, countries are scaling up investment in digital infrastructure to address challenges in public service delivery, economic inclusion, and data governance. Key trends driving this evolution include AI-powered governance, digital ID integration, e-payments, and data protection frameworks.

The country’s readiness to take the lead in hosting the Summit comes at a time when African governments are seeking scalable, inclusive, and citizen-first digital strategies.

The 2026 edition will thus not only be a celebration of Uganda’s progress but also a defining moment for regional cooperation and knowledge sharing. Look at the stories we have had in the past five years.

In April 2022, while driving home one evening, 42-year-old Everson Bwengye felt a sharp pain in her chest. At the time, she was working as a brand manager with a local beverage company. The pain was accompanied by fatigue.

Later, when she examined her chest, she discovered a lump in her left breast. The next day was packed with work commitments, so she postponed her visit to the hospital. On Tuesday, she visited International Hospital Kampala (IHK) for a comprehensive physical examination.

To her surprise, the results appeared normal. However, the doctor noted her white blood cell count was alarmingly high. When she mentioned the lump, the doctor immediately recommended a CT scan. The scan showed that the lump had spread to her lymph nodes under the armpit.

The doctor’s question, ‘Do you have a family history of cancer?’ left her shaken. She was advised to do a mammogram, but she postponed it, unable to face the possibility of what lay ahead.

Living in denial

When she eventually did the mammogram at Norvik Hospital in Kampala, the results confirmed the doctor’s fears. Still, she sought a second opinion at Kampala Hospital, this time with her sister by her side. A biopsy was performed, and the 10-day wait for results felt like an eternity. During this period, Bwengye’s relatives offered herbal remedies. She began fasting, avoided sugar, meat, and cooking oil, and relied heavily on herbs.

‘I had a very aggressive type of cancer, but I was in denial,’ she recalls.

‘For three months, I refused medical treatment and hoped herbs would heal me.’ The fear of death consumed her thoughts. She pictured her funeral and worried about her three children. ‘I became hard on them. I taught them things they had not yet learnt and told them to prepare for the worst,’ she says. Her relationship with her husband also grew distant, as she braced herself for the inevitable.

A turning point

One herbalist encouraged her to run further tests before continuing treatment. The results revealed that her organs were still intact, but the herbalist admitted the herbs would not cure her cancer. He advised her to seek treatment at the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI). By then, the lump had nearly doubled in size.

Alarmed, she rushed back to the hospital, where the doctor advised immediate surgery to remove her breast. It was a painful decision she had to make with her husband.

After seeking another opinion, she went to the UCI, where a treatment plan was drawn up. She received six cycles of chemotherapy, three weeks apart. However, even after completing them, the lump seemed larger.

Seeking treatment abroad

Determined to find answers, Bwengye travelled to Turkey. There, she underwent four additional cycles of chemotherapy, surgery, and 35 radiotherapy sessions. She was then placed on hormone therapy, which she continues to this day. Despite the painful side effects, Bwengye worked throughout her treatment.

‘Even after chemotherapy in Uganda, I would go back to work. After coming back from Turkey, I resumed immediately,’ she says.

Her resilience, however, was met with unexpected rejection at her workplace. Her responsibilities were gradually reduced, her benefits withdrawn, and she was eventually suspended before her contract quietly expired.

‘This was an indirect way of firing me,’ she says bitterly.

The silent struggles of survivors

For many cancer survivors, workplace rejection is a silent battle.

‘After treatment, you cannot be as productive as before. Many organisations indirectly push us away, yet they boast of supporting cancer through Corporate Social Responsibility,’ she notes.

Surviving cancer does not end with treatment. For breast cancer survivors such as Bwengye, hormonal therapy is essential. She now takes a daily hormone tablet, calcium supplements, allergy medication, and receives quarterly reviews and injections.

‘Not every cancer patient dies of the disease. Many die from depression and lack of support,’ she explains. Survivors often face rejection from relatives, spouses, and workplaces. Meanwhile, the costs of post-treatment medication remain high.

Did you know

According to the Uganda Cancer Institute, about 34,000 new cancer cases are recorded every year, and breast cancer accounts for roughly 2,000 of them. Early detection and consistent follow-up treatment are key to survival, but stigma and financial hardship remain major obstacles for many patients.

Dr Edward Muwonge, an oncologist at UCI, notes that the stigma around cancer still costs lives.

‘Employers need to understand that recovery takes time. Compassion and workplace flexibility go a long way in helping survivors regain confidence,’ he says.

The irony, Bwengye adds, is that while some companies donate generously to cancer campaigns, they fail to support employees battling the disease.

‘It is painful when organisations contribute to cancer awareness but abandon their own staff fighting cancer,’ she says.

Finding strength in vulnerability

Bwengye’s story is one of courage in the face of fear, hope in the midst of despair, and resilience despite rejection. From denial and reliance on herbs to finally accepting medical treatment, her journey underscores the importance of timely medical intervention and emotional support for cancer patients.

She acknowledges that life after cancer is a daily struggle.

‘We live with the reality that we must take medicines for the rest of our lives,’ she reflects.

Yet she continues to fight for her health, for her children, and for the dignity of cancer survivors in Uganda.

Call for compassion

For Ugandans battling cancer, Bwengye’s journey is both a warning and an inspiration. It highlights the dangers of denial and delays in treatment, the limitations of herbal remedies, and the emotional toll of rejection from workplaces and families. But it also demonstrates the strength of the human spirit.

Bwengye continues to share her story so that others may find courage, seek timely medical care, and demand greater support for survivors. Her message is clear: ‘We do not only need medicine to survive cancer. We need love, support, and acceptance.’