Category: Daily Monitor

It’s almost noon and the swelter tells the rest of the story of Limpopo, South Africa’s tropical province. Just two hours ago, we were departing Johannesburg, a bustling jungle of sky-smooching shiny buildings. That frame has now given way to sweeping savannah views on either side of N1 – a highway that spans 2,000km, from Cape Town via Joburg to Musina, a border town. N1, a part of the Cape-to-Cairo network, traces ancient trade routes that predate Kilwa Kisiwani, Mwenemutapa and Biharwe Eclipse.

Regular flights ply the Entebbe-Joburg route. Visitors fly then connect to local airports like Polokwane, the provincial capital. But, a road trip to this destination – flanked by Botswana, Moçambique and Zimbabwe – is meditative.

Home to Mapungubwe, Cradle of Humankind, the planet’s only savannah biosphere reserve, a massive national park and umpteen ancient rock paintings, this destination brags a year-round summer. Fields of varying sizes and hectares of farms pervade.

Young and old take to waterbodies to boat or just for gambolling. Icons such as broadcaster Aletta Motimele and Charlotte Maxeke, freedom fighter and teacher, hail from here. So does music maestro Master KG, known for Jerusalema, a hit during Covid-19.

The sky is a stunning blue today and the air cleaner here. Sites of ancient history and unparalleled beauty, with birdsong adding a melody to that frame, reign.

Inter-continental trade

Our ancestors must have been as enchanted. Traders, hunters and artists from the Kingdom of Mapungubwe traversed these lands centuries ago. Some of them participated in the intercontinental trade and exported gold to China, Egypt and beyond, taking in coastal states like the 1,100-year-old Mombasa.

Yanking us to the present, Limpopo-born youngster and anthropology student Vhuthuhawe Ramuli explains that these days a trip to Mapungubwe is akin to ‘a history lesson with a side of lions”: that site welds history and wildlife. Keeping true to their age-old tradition, baobab trees raise their hands in benediction.

‘If you love nature and enjoy great weather, you’ll love Limpopo place: the landscape, the scenery, sweet birdsong,’ marvels Grace Nakidde, a Kampala-based entrepreneur.

On the downside, visa restrictions between SA and Uganda stifle tourism, business leader Damali Ssali once noted in Monitor.

At last count, the annual tally of Azania-bound Ugandans was 13,000. VFS Global’s prohibitive fees and mistreatment of travellers from Uganda and other countries dampen traffic.

Strangely, VFS claims deep commitment to supporting’ the development of ‘travel and tourism to and from the continent’.

Further, Pretoria requires visas from DRC nationals while offering open access to many in the Global North. Malawi and Zambia’s recent visa waivers exclude the Congolese despite geographic and cultural proximity, exposing an ironic disjuncture.

Broadly, SA’s inbound traffic is over-reliant on Southern Africa which in turn accounts for almost two-thirds of the 9-million arrivals. Europe is the source of 1.3-million visitors (14%) and Asia 3%, exposing Mzansi’s lazy marketing in petrodollar-rich UAE or China, with 145-million outbound travelers. It’s about time today’s leaders learned from Mapungubwe which, centuries ago, penetrated global markets.

The numbers

For context, Uganda scrapes 4.2-million international and domestic holidaymakers to Zambia’s 2.4-million tourists.

Africa hosts an estimated 84-million annual visits with Morocco hosting 17.4-million of them. That’s double Azania’s tally but the latter should by now be approaching the 30-million mark given its numerous advantages: air connectivity, world-class infrastructure, cool pricing, visa exemptions for the subcontinent and most of the Global North and a diversity of attractions.

The medical tourism sector and the 2010 soccer jamboree, the globe’s biggest PR campaign, are yet to be capitalised on.

‘There’s so much that makes me want to come back. The experience was breath-taking,’ Ms Nakidde says of an achingly beautiful Magoebaskloof, a misty town east of Polokwane, reachable via the scenic R71 road.

Ubiquitous marula trees, amid little beneficiation, claim their share of the dreamscape. The young Ramuli is charmed.

“If I showed someone around, I’d take them to Blyde River, Mapungubwe and Magoebaskloof,’ she says, singling the latter for people who ‘love adventure like zip-lining, or just screaming your lungs out’.

These sights inspired the genius of Moses Tladi who went on to produce ‘poignant yet charming’ works, reported the Mail and Guardian.

‘His repertoire brings to life panoramic vistas of many sites in Limpopo’s Sekhukhuneland, the Free State and in Magaliesberg (Mogalesberg, actually). The Crown Mines painting is a reminder why the newspaper Umteteli wa Bantu described him as a ‘native genius’.’

Valleys, glades, ravines, hills and mountains blend delectably here. It’s as if this destination is a frame from Tladi’s canvas. While it’s off the beaten track, Waterberg – a birders’, hikers’ and photographers’ favourite and an oasis for city rats – is wondrous: the landscape gets greener and temperature warmer as you venture deeper. The province’s lushness and terrain remind Ms Grace of the Western Region.

On the savannah reserve’s eastern frontier sits Tiveka Game Lodge, a hit with travelers since its launch in 2006. “Some guests fall in love with our game drives and seeing the animals up close. Everyone seems to find their own special experience here,’ says founder MD Tiveka Mathumbu, listing Kruger’s Mopani Camp and Echo Caves as her personal favourites.

The sites

Busloads of tourists sample curated ‘authenticity’ where hotel bosses gather Africans to sing, dance and, sometimes, serve offal to guests. That’s not authentic. Visitors from across Africa can tell.

Anyway, materialising just south of Polokwane as we hit the culturally-rich Mokopane, is the escarpment named Lebopo and Maloti. The Cradle of Humankind heritage is named Makapansgat and Makapans Valley (since the Dutch and French mispronounced the eponym). The site is off the radar but brace yourself if you choose to go. By the time you’re done – if your guide is the affable Mariri Peter Molomo, who melds palaeontology, geography, economics and politics with ease and captivating storytelling skills – you’d feel you’ve traced the timeline from date to Stone Age.

Limpopo tourism boss Moss Ngobeni predicts annual domestic and global traffic will have grown by a third, to hit 10-million, by December. Overreliance on wildlife can harm the planet and stunt sectors like gastronomy, meetings, and creative industries. Barring wildlife, what is the province actively marketing to East Africans, Asians and others? Of the 70-million Europeans who holiday overseas, only a trickle visit Limpopo.

With this year’s G20 summit imminent, will government officials (tourism, arts, economic development, youth, etc.) host, in this province, politicians and captains of industry from Aotearoa, Brazil, Côte d’Ivoire, Denmark, Ethiopia, France, Ghana, Japan or Uganda? Like baobab trees with their raised hands, young hospitality graduates are praying. Savannah vistas and gems are waiting: historic Mapungubwe, a slice of Eden called Waterberg (including Bela Bela, a resort town of hot mineral springs), museums and events aplenty. Well, top dogs don’t care. Look at the VFS mess and squandered job opportunities.

Yet, beyond safaris, Limpopo’s menu is long: magical sunrises, mountain camping, heart-pounding abseiling, magical hot-air ballooning, stargazing, and so on. This is the junction of adventure and laughter, it’s the place where the present hangs out with the past.

“My entrepreneurial journey began eight years ago, shortly after completing Senior Six. I left Ntungamo for Fort Portal to help my uncle start a business, but the venture never took off. With only Shs40,000 to my name and nowhere to stay, a friend offered me shelter in an abandoned house. He was making liquid soap and encouraged me to learn the skill as a means of survival.

Using the little money I had, I bought ingredients and began experimenting. Within a few months, I was producing liquid soap and packaging it in reused mineral water bottles. I hawked my products around Fort Portal City, determined to make ends meet. When I tried to access financing from a bank, the requirements were discouraging. I later secured a small loan of Shs480,000 from a microfinance institution-far less than I needed-but I worked hard and repaid it faithfully.

My breakthrough came when a friend introduced me to Equity Bank’s Youth Loan. The process was straightforward, and the Relationship Officer guided me patiently. After mobilising a few friends, we received financial literacy training from the bank. With group guarantors, I successfully applied for my first youth loan of Shs2.5m.

That loan changed everything. I increased production, improved packaging, and expanded my market. Soon, I was invited by the Tooro Women’s Group to train them in soap making, which enhanced my visibility. My client base grew rapidly as I began supplying hotels, supermarkets, and other businesses. I hired my first employee-first temporarily, then permanently.

After repaying my first loan, I secured another for Shs4.5m to scale up production. Over time, I have accessed six youth loans ranging from Shs2.5m to Shs5m, and six digital loans between Shs1m and Shs3m. My working capital has since grown from Shs1.5m to Shs40m.

Today, my business, Klean Star Products, operates three branches-in Fort Portal, Kyenjojo, and Mbarara-and serves 11 districts across western Uganda. We’ve diversified our product line to include Jik, body lotion, jelly, shampoo, candles, and bar soap. I now employ eight full-time staff and supply raw materials to other soap makers.

From living in an abandoned house to owning land, a car, and livestock, my life has transformed. Equity Bank believed in me when others didn’t.

Their Youth Loan empowered me to dream bigger-and now I’m working towards turning Klean Star Products into a fully-fledged factory that creates jobs and serves the nation.”

Two years ago, a power struggle erupted between two factions of Sudan’s military. Today, this conflict is spiralling out of control, with thousands being killed in what a United Nations report has called ‘slaughterhouses’.

Last week, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), the paramilitary group battling Sudan’s army, captured the city of El Fasher, the last hold-out in the western Darfur region held by the military.

Soon after, reports of ethnically motivated massacres emerged. The World Health Organization said 460 people were killed in just one incident at the city’s hospital. Witnesses described widespread executions and sexual violence targeting certain ethnic groups.

A UN fact-finding mission found already last year that both sides in the conflict have committed war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Rights groups and analysts are now sounding the alarm about a possible genocide taking place. Some say the killings are reminiscent of the start of the Rwanda genocide in 1994, which killed a staggering 800,000 people.

The atrocities are also following the same troubling pattern as in Darfur 20 years ago, which killed an estimated 300,000 people.

Back then, celebrity activists such as George Clooney helped put Darfur on the map. It became a major foreign policy issue in the United States, Europe, Africa and elsewhere. The genocide in Rwanda was still relatively fresh in people’s minds. The slogan ‘never again’ was still taken somewhat seriously.

The global attention eventually led the International Criminal Court to indict Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir for allegedly directing the campaign of mass killings in Darfur, the first sitting head of state to be indicted.

Sudan is now home to the worst humanitarian crisis in the world. Hundreds of thousands have been killed since 2023, 12 million people have been displaced and 21 million people face what the UN calls ‘high levels of acute food insecurity’.

Yet, compared to the early 2000s, the international community has been largely silent.

Why global attention matters

It would be tempting to say the wars and suffering in Gaza and Ukraine have overshadowed Sudan in the minds of global leaders and concerned citizens alike. But this does not mean the world can’t do anything.

Global awareness did not solve anything by itself in Darfur 20 years ago, but it was a first step. It led to the eventual deployment of a peacekeeping mission by the United Nations and the African Union.

The mission was too small and limited, but it showed that international peacekeepers can still have a positive impact in the 21st century. They can monitor ceasefires, implement disarmament programs, protect civilians and prevent further escalations of violence.

More attention – and pressure – also needs to be placed on the external actors supporting both sides in the current conflict. These countries are pursuing their own strategic interests in Sudan and consider the power struggle a chance to increase their influence in the region and exert control over Sudan’s natural resources.

The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) are backed by Egypt, Turkey, Iran and Russia. The United Arab Emirates, meanwhile, has been accused of funding and providing weapons to the Rapid Support Forces in clear violation of an arms embargo.

While these countries deny arming both sides, rights groups say a flood of weapons has nonetheless entered the country. The United Arab Emirates, in particular, is accused of covertly supplying drones, howitzers, heavy machine guns and mortars to RSF fighters in Darfur.

The United Arab Emirates has only just started to distance itself from the RSF following the recent atrocities in El Fasher.

What’s needed to bring peace

A ceasefire must urgently be agreed to, so humanitarian corridors can be opened to allow aid organisations to do their work.

All outside military support to the warring parties must end immediately. The current arms embargo is too limited and has been poorly implemented – it needs to be strengthened.

And more sanctions should be imposed, especially on the perpetrators reportedly responsible for international crimes. In January, the Biden administration levied sanctions on the RSF commander and several UAE-based companies supporting him – these must now be expanded.

This would make it more difficult for Sudan’s lucrative gold trade to continue to be used by both sides to sustain the war.

For the peace to hold in the long term, both sides must also agree on a mechanism to disarm or integrate the RSF fighters into the regular forces.

Establishing some form of justice and reconciliation process can also contribute to preventing further violence. This sends a clear signal that committing crimes will not be rewarded. It can also help communities heal and give peace a better chance.

Nothing of this sort has really happened in Darfur over the past couple decades. Instead, political actors continued to exploit and aggravate ethnic tensions. The RSF, in particular, has recruited fighters from the infamous Janjaweed militias responsible for the Darfur atrocities in the early 2000s.

A further complication is the increasing fragmentation of the situation, as the Sudanese Armed Forces and RSF are not perfectly integrated armies. They do not have centralised control over their various coalitions of fighters.

This means that while getting the leaders to agree on a ceasefire is important, it may not be sufficient.

As a result, peace initiatives must include local agreements with individual rebel leaders and smaller factions of fighters, which can greatly increase the security of the population in particular areas.

To be clear, lasting peace does not come from some miracle peacemaker. In fact, nothing tangible came out of previous attempts at peace talks aimed at ending the conflict this year.

But this is where other actors can play an important role. The United Arab Emirates, for example, may now feel pressured to exert a more positive influence on the RSF and urge it to come to the negotiating table. The same applies to Egypt and the Sudanese Armed Forces.

And a more comprehensive plan then needs to be worked out, ideally through an international organisation like the United Nations or the African Union, with the goal of empowering the people of Sudan to make their own political decisions.

Sudan is a stark reminder that making lasting peace takes huge efforts. The devastating situation in the country demands the world keep trying.

In a bid to bridge Africa’s digital divide and empower young innovators, Kampala International University (KIU) has partnered with Utrecht University of the Netherlands to strengthen research and capacity in digital education and innovation between Uganda and European youths.

The ten-day cross-continental programme has been designed to explore opportunities in digital transformation, entrepreneurship, and cross-cultural exchange, bringing together academics, policy makers, and technology experts for inclusive digital growth across Uganda and beyond.

KIU hosted Utrecht University for the 2025 International Summer School over the weekend under the Theme ‘Bridging Continents: African-European Youths Collaborating for a Diverse and Digital Future,’ an initiative that creates opportunities for young people in Uganda.

During the launch in Uganda, Ms Christine Mugimba, the director of ICT and research at the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), hailed both universities for connecting young people through digital learning and innovation. She noted that such collaborations are vital for addressing barriers that limit youth participation in the digital economy and sustainable means that ensure inclusivity in technology-driven futures.

‘The future of Uganda’s development goes beyond academics – it is about giving our young people tools to create solutions that matter, and this lies in how we leverage technology to improve access to education, health, and employment,’ she said.

‘Such collaborations bridge a gap between innovation and community impact in ensuring that digital technologies reach marginalized communities, especially women, youth, and people with disabilities.’

The KIU Vice Chancellor, Prof Muhammed Ngoma, noted that the partnership aligns with their vision to position Uganda as a hub for digital innovation in Africa. He explained that the programme would equip students with practical digital skills while linking local researchers to international networks for digital exposure.

‘Statistics and facts indicate that Ugandan youths have very low levels of digital literacy, actually among the lowest globally. This hinders our youths from leveraging digital tools and technologies for education and innovation,’ he said.

Prof Ngoma added, ‘Most youths in Uganda use digital tools for unproductive activities. Many lack the skills to authenticate or exercise due diligence over what they post or read on social media platforms. This collaboration goes beyond academics – it is about giving young people tools to create solutions that matter through fostering shared diversity and youth empowerment through collaboration.’

Prof Ngoma further highlighted that the Summer school is designed to equip youths with the skills to identify and filter misinformation and disinformation, while learning how to harness digital tools for education, knowledge, innovation, and other productive activities.

The 2024 Ubos statistics reveal a concerning digital divide, with only eight percent of women aged 15 and above using the internet, compared to 11 percent of men.

Representatives from Utrecht University echoed their commitment to promoting sustainable digital solutions tailored to local needs. They emphasized that digital literacy and inclusion should form the backbone of Africa’s education systems if the continent is to compete globally.

Activities of the engagement, which is to continue at the KIU Western Campus in Ishaka, where participants will engage in digital innovation boot camps, cultural exchange programs, and research clinics. These sessions aim to strengthen collaboration, encourage creativity, and promote mutual understanding between African and European students.

The KIU-Utrecht partnership marks another step in Uganda’s growing embrace of technology-driven learning, with potential ripple effects on employment, entrepreneurship, and social inclusion.

According to the 2024 National Population and Housing Census report by the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS), the unemployment rate stands at 12.3 percent with 42.6 percent of youths aged 15-24 not in employment, education, or training.

The Vice Chancellor noted that the digital skills acquired through the programme are expected to further bridge the gap between education and employment. He explained that students will learn techniques that enable them to create self-employment opportunities, secure online jobs from home, or even work while still attending university.

‘These skills will empower our youths to transform their education into tangible economic opportunities, whether through online work, entrepreneurship, or projects they develop while at university to minimize reasons of insufficient capital as contributing to unemployment,’ Prof Ngoma said.

Think about the hottest girlies you follow on Instagram, Snapchat or TikTok. Now think about them again after this feature. From Kampala to Istanbul, people are embracing cosmetic enhancements, dental makeovers, and body sculpting in the quest for perfection.

This feature explores the rise of modern beauty trends; from glass skin facials and smile makeovers to IV drips and full-body transformations, everyone is chasing fine looks and in 2025, Kampala clinics have been busier than ever.

Maybe it is the influence of social media, or our growing obsession with perfection as a society, but there has never been a time when the desire to look perfect and beautiful has been this intense. You would think make-up, filters, and a good photo editor would be enough, but not anymore. The beauty race has gone far beyond Korean skincare routines and gym memberships.

Today, beauty enhancements are not only about faces. People are getting taller, slimmer, curvier, or reshaping features that God did not quite perfect during the creation process. From smile makeovers to body sculpting, even procedures to change your eye colour or ear shape, there is a solution for almost everything.

And if you think this is something that is only happening in Hollywood, think again. A night out in Kampala will have you doing double takes, wondering how that influencer came back from her ‘social media break’ looking subtly (or not so subtly) different or why that old girl from school, the one who once earned a nickname for her not-so-slim nose, now has a perfectly chiselled one. She completely changed!

The face card

What started as a skincare craze with everyone chasing that ‘glass skin’ look that we see with K-pop stars, with serums and sheet masks, has evolved into something much more complex. Now, it is all about skin boosters, hydra facials, fillers, eye brow lifts, rhinoplasty, and chin contouring. A facial is not just a once-in-a-while indulgence anymore. The goal? Flawless, youthful skin that looks good even without filters.

Procedures we once only saw on TV shows such as Botched are now part of everyday life. You can spot the results while walking down a street in Kampala or at the airport in Istanbul, now known as one of the world’s major plastic surgery capitals. Treatments such as rhinoplasty (nose reshaping) or PRP facials, where your own blood is used to rejuvenate your skin, are slowly becoming part of regular beauty conversations. Even hairline restoration trips to Turkey are no longer just for celebrities; some local clinics now offer similar services right here in Kampala.

Veneers and braces

A bright, perfect smile has also become the latest must-have accessory. Veneers, whitening, and braces are now among the most requested dental treatments.

‘Braces are orthodontic devices placed on the teeth to correct crooked teeth or jaw abnormalities,’ explains Dr Emmanuel Kiwanuka, an orthodontist at Uriel Dental Clinic. ‘They can be metal or ceramic, and they help with both function and appearance.’

According to Dr Kiwanuka, braces are no longer just for teenagers. ‘We see adults all the time now,’ he says. ‘For most people, it is about confidence. When you fix your teeth, you do not just change your smile; you change how you carry yourself.’ He adds that modern diets, which often include soft and sugary foods, have contributed to alignment problems.

‘Many children lose their baby teeth too early, which affects how their adult teeth grow. But beyond that, social influence plays a role. Young people want braces because they have become trendy. Some even wear fake ‘fashion braces’ just for the look.’

On the other hand, the ‘Hollywood smile,’ often achieved through veneers, is also catching on. It is part of the wider shift towards curated beauty, where every feature, from teeth to hairlines, gets a little enhancement. And while some results look a little too perfect to be natural, there is no denying that having pearly white teeth is fast becoming the new standard. These days, a bright smile might just be your ticket to smiling more confidently in public.

Changing eye colour and shaping ears

If you thought teeth were as far as it goes, think again. Around the world, people are also experimenting with ways to change their eye colour, a trend that is slowly making its way to Africa. The procedure, known as iris implant surgery, was originally developed to treat eye injuries and certain conditions but is now being used for purely cosmetic reasons.

It involves placing an artificial iris over the natural one, instantly changing brown eyes to blue, green, or grey. The look can be striking, though it comes with medical risks such as inflammation or vision damage, which is why local experts strongly advise against it.

Even more surprising is the trend of ear elongation and reshaping. While it may sound odd, it has become popular among people who want their ears to appear more symmetrical or refined.

Gym body or surgery?

It is 2025, and a ‘hot body’ is not being built in the gym alone anymore. Surgical and non-surgical body sculpting options are booming. Daphine Tusiime, the head of Plastics at Daphine Medical, says the demand is growing daily. ‘Some of the most common requests we get are for the Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL), Liposuction 360, which targets fat around the stomach, back, and sides, hip dip correction, and breast lifts and reductions,’ she explains.

She adds that even more intimate procedures, like vaginal rejuvenation and hymen reconstruction, are increasingly being requested. ‘People want to feel confident in every part of their body,’ she says. But there are also the unusual requests.

‘We have had people ask to reduce their foot size so they can fit smaller shoes, or to lengthen their torso by adjusting their spine. Those are medically unsafe and we always advise against them,’ Tusiime says.

Her biggest piece of advice? ‘Always research your doctor. Disclose any underlying health issues before surgery, and never do multiple major procedures at once. The body can only handle so much,’ she warns. Tusiime adds that patients should treat cosmetic procedures with the same seriousness as any other medical operation. ‘People often come in thinking it is like getting their nails done,’ she says. ‘But these are real surgeries, with real risks if not done properly.’

She encourages clients to ask questions about the doctor’s qualifications, the clinic’s hygiene standards, and the recovery process. ‘Do not let social media posts or influencer results rush your decision,’ she says. ‘The safest surgeries are the ones done after careful thought and preparation.’

Beyond vanity

For some, however, cosmetic procedures are more than vanity; they are life-changing. Prim Nyoyozi, a content creator, knows this firsthand. For years, she struggled with obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure. ‘My feet always hurt, and I was tired all the time,’ she recalls. ‘I was really unhappy. I would have bouts of sadness and I knew I did not want to live like that forever.’

At 140 kilogrammes, even simple activities felt exhausting. ‘A friend told me about gastric bypass surgery and recommended a doctor here in Kampala. I did my research, asked questions, and finally decided to go for it.’ The results, she says, changed everything.

‘After the surgery, my health improved drastically. I now weigh 73 kilogrammes. I am more active, my energy is back, and I feel lighter; both physically and emotionally.’

For Prim, it was never about chasing beauty ideals or fitting into a certain size: ‘It was not about being more beautiful,’ she says. ‘It was about saving my life, about being the best version of myself that I could be.’

The rise of drips and detoxes

Not everyone, however, wants to go under the knife. A growing number of people are turning to IV therapy, a non-surgical wellness trend that delivers vitamins directly into the bloodstream. According to Zahra Hassan from Zaril Spa, IV drips are among their most popular treatments. ‘They help with hydration, skin brightening, energy levels, and even mood balance,’ she explains.

Different formulas serve different purposes. ‘The ‘Snow White’ drip is great for glowing skin, while the ‘Sculpt and Shine’ works best for anti-ageing and body toning. Frequency depends on what you want to achieve; some clients come weekly, others monthly.’ For many, these treatments feel like a shortcut to wellness as there is no surgery, no downtime, just a quick boost and glow.

There is no denying that today’s world puts enormous pressure on people to look a certain way. Filters, influencers, and digital comparisons have made perfection seem achievable and necessary. But whether it is surgery, skincare, or simply self-care, one thing is clear: people want to feel good about themselves. Beauty, for many, is no longer just about vanity; it is about confidence, empowerment, and choice.

At the end of the day, whether you prefer your beauty natural or enhanced, the message is the same: everyone is simply trying to look and feel their best.

And whoever said money cannot buy happiness probably had not seen the glow that confidence (and maybe a great surgeon) can buy.

I have worked with several Founder-CEOs – Individuals who started the company and are also at the helm of those companies. One of their biggest dilemmas is the inability to pluck themselves out of every decision process. It is the inability to let go of the company and entrust a new managerial class with the decision-making process.

This problem also afflicts family businesses as the thin line between family hierarchy and company management structures get blurred.

When you look at things from the Founder-CEOs perspective, you start to understand why they just cannot let go. Although great talent can be hired and entrusted with a business, you cannot bestow conviction upon this great talent, you cannot bestow that obsession with the details.

Founder-CEOs have rare qualities, they understand their businesses in and out, just like a mother understands everything to do with their child. They understand their businesses to the point of developing finger-tip sensitivity, able to detect variations long before a data analyst or monthly profit or loss report gets to reveal such facts.

Thus, Founder-CEOs develop a mistrust for the people they hire – as they do not seem to match up to these same behaviours and standards that the Founder-CEOs have grown and fine-tuned over time.

Thus, even when they hire managers in the top leadership positions, Founder-CEOs maintain grip on most decisions. They become the constraint within the company, second-checking every decision, and micro-managing every bit of the company. I used to judge Founder-CEOs unfairly. But that is until I shadowed them, and realised that without these micro-management tendencies, the businesses would collapse within months of their hands off approach.

One of the things Founder-CEOs quickly learn is that in business, there are no small decisions.

Strategy is not delinked from the tactical and operational. If you close your eye to the small things, they soon grow into the big things. A Founder-CEO I know in Kampala calls this the principle of ‘No-Compromise’, arguing that if one can excel on the small things, the big things will take care of themselves.

This Founder-CEO will still be found in his restaurant taking orders, monitoring how servers handle a table, the flow of the processes in the kitchen. There is nothing he takes for granted. To some, it borders on a true embodiment of strategic paranoia.

He not only has the nose for opportunity, but he also has the ear for strange noises, and the eye for when small things go wrong.

He is micro-detailed, knowing every part of the process, with all his numbers off head to a rare exactness. If he were to let go, the company would start to suffer over time. It may not be obvious at the start as there will be momentum to ride on, but years down the road, one would notice the missing arm of such a Founder-CEO.

Yet, Founder-CEOs always realise that they must manage transitions, they must prepare for the times when they will not be around anymore. Once, I asked a Founder-CEO – ‘how can we clone you?’ Then with all humility, he confessed – ‘the person that this company needs after me will have to be completely different. That person should not be a clone of me, but one for those times, and one with a sense of the true north of this company.’

It was like the case of Apple Inc upon Steve Jobs’ demise. Apple did not need to pick another Steve Jobs (it would have been an impossible task), but it needed someone like Tim Cook to imbue it with the things it needed most at the time – distribution and supply chain resilience.

Thus, the issue with Founder-CEOs is not in letting go, but in those that commit the mistake of trying to clone themselves. No one can be the Founder-CEO, no one has the context of those trenches, of the storms the company has withered and the character development that happens in those phases.

A Founder-CEO is a creation of unique times and circumstances; they cannot be hired through a job interview. But they could always mentor someone in their stead, someone to take the mantle upon their exit.

Yet, Founder-CEOs should not be deposed while they still have lots to give, while they can still see things that others miss. Of course, there could be scenarios where Founder-CEOs become enemies of their own companies, deterring movement, but in most cases, they possess a rare advantage of knowing this business/industry in ways that the managerial class would never comprehend.

A Founder-CEO once told me of a savings they had made on their fleet. Upon reflection, he noticed that in picking a particular size of fleet, they were losing over $3m in two years. And it was hidden in the details of cumulative fuel consumption due to increased tonnage.

Perhaps, I started to learn that the greatest quality of Founder-CEOs is that they care about their companies, and care is not something that can be faked. It cannot be taught. Care comes from a deep zone. Only those who care can see what others miss and thus drive business progress. And those who care, do not easily let go.

A total of 98 people were arraigned in Dar es Salaam on Friday, November 7, on charges of treason related to violent demonstrations that marred Tanzania’s general election held on October 29.

According to the charge sheet read before the Kisutu Principal Resident Magistrate, the suspects, all aged below 30, face three counts of treason, conspiracy to commit treason, and destroying various infrastructure across the city for three consecutive days starting on election day.

One of the accused, businesswoman Jenipher Jovin Bilikwija, is also charged with leading mobilisation efforts for citizens to participate in the protests for several months before the election, beginning in August.

Bilikwija, 26, who is popularly known as Niffer, is alleged to have encouraged the public to purchase tear gas and smoke-blocking masks from her shop in Sinza, Dar es Salaam, to enable their participation in the demos.

According to Section 39(2)(d) of Tanzania’s Penal Code, treason is a non-bailable offence that carries an automatic death penalty upon conviction.

The demonstrations, which started in Dar es Salaam and spread to Arusha, Mwanza, Mbeya and Dodoma as well as areas in other regions, caused extensive damage to public and private property, including fuel stations, police stations, public offices – including those of the ruling CCM party – commuter buses and shops.

State security forces retaliated in brutal style, shooting protesters, innocent bystanders and passers-by indiscriminately, and it is estimated that the total number of casualties exceeded thousands, with the death toll running into the hundreds.

An official report has yet to be released assessing the precise extent of the damage caused by the protests, which were unprecedented in Tanzania’s election history since the country gained independence in 1961.

‘Most Wanted’

Meanwhile, the government has issued a Most Wanted notice for US-based social media influencer Mange Kimambi, a known critic of President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s administration, whom it believes instigated the protests through provocative social media messaging.

Attorney General Hamza Johari, speaking after President Samia reappointed him in her first official move after being sworn in on Monday, said catching Kimambi, whose outspoken anti-Samia stance has made her a household name in Tanzania over the years, would now become one of his office’s top priorities.

‘She has been openly drumming up local support for the demonstrations that we witnessed, aimed at disrupting the election, and now she’s celebrating the impact of her efforts and even laughing at us from afar on her Instagram platform,’ Johari asserted.

‘This is totally unacceptable… we will get her by hook or crook, using all means at our disposal, including seeking help from the US government to extradite her back to Tanzania,’ he added.

Ever wondered what your favourite people snack on at midnight, who they would swap lives with for a day, or which song they secretly dance to in the shower?

In this Friday’s Totally Random section, Gloria Haguma ditches the serious stuff and gets personal (and a little nosy). No filters, no scripts, just a peek into who they really are behind the spotlight.

If you woke up tomorrow and discovered you were invisible for 24 hours, what is the first thing you would do?

I am not saying I am a thief, but for sure, lots of money would go missing and magically appear in the bank accounts of the people and sectors that truly need it the most.

You are running late but you can only grab one thing; your guitar, your shades, or your coffee. Which one wins?

My guitar always wins. Somehow my relationship with it has attracted lots of free coffees and more, I am just a few strums and sips away to a free car from my fans, I hear Lydia Jazzmen got a car from her fans! Lydia Lydia, nkuyise emirundi emekka?

If your beard could talk, what would it say?

‘Look, there goes his nostrils, let’s get in there and tickle him while he sings on stage.”

If you could teleport to any place in the world for lunch, where would it be and what are you ordering?

Right now, that would be in Europe to have lunch with my daughter Sienna. I would eat whatever she wants.

You can time travel to any concert in history, whose show are you sneaking into?

Michael Jackson, without a doubt.

If Uganda had a soundtrack, which three sounds must be in it?

The Baximba drums, Adungu harp and Choral voices.

What is something you believe in or own that people might find unusual?

I own a pendant that I call ‘The innocence’. It has been around my neck for most of my career, and it reminds me of times when I made music simply to touch lives and inspire people.

When was the last time you did something for the very first time and what was it?

Watching my daughter be born, Yooo!! EH!

What is the one thing you have read about yourself and were also shocked by it?

Some journalists once thought I was a rich kid who grew up with a silver spoon [in my mouth]. It was the total opposite for me, but I was not going to let people know that; I wanted my music to speak for itself and earn its stripes due to the magnitude of its craft and my prowess, not my struggles.

What is the weirdest thing you have ever googled out of curiosity?

I typed ”google” in the google search bar.

How many eggs in your rolex?

Two eggs, one chapati.songs will be written about this combo.

Do you spy on your neighbours through the window?

They spy on me in the day, but at night I have a better view of them, they might need to call the cops on me soon.

What is the brokest you have ever been?

Tell me, what is broker than zero?

You are a hot man, on a scale of one to 10, how hot do you think you are?

I will take a seven; my belly is not what it used to be, gravity keeps pulling it down. LOL.

What would your autobiography be called if you had to name it right now?

The King Of Mwooyo.

What is the most ‘Maurice Kirya’ thing you have ever done?

Being myself.

Do you think oli wakitalo nga bwolowoza? Are you special, Maurice?

Blood, I am who I think I am! In my dreams and in reality.

Boxers Fatuma Nabikolo and Angel Katushabe have been excluded from the ongoing Islamic Solidarity Games in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia for lack of mandatory genetic sex test certificates. That means only the two men will fight in Uganda’s name.

According to a Ugandan journalist covering the Games in Riyadh, 25 female boxers from different African countries were affected by this strict requirement.

Egypt, for instance, had fielded only female boxers. And all the eight were barred from competition.

But who is to blame? Was it negligence or malice on the part of the affected federations?

The journalist told Daily Monitor that Sudan, for instance, claims that the communication demanding the mandatory sex tests reached them on October 31. But the organisers say that was just a reminder.

The genesis

World Boxing (WB), the new international governing body that replaced the International Boxing Association (IBA) announced in May that it would introduce mandatory sex testing to determine the eligibility of male and female athletes due to take part in all its competitions. The new policy on ‘Sex, Age and Weight’ aims to ensure the safety of all participants and deliver a competitive level playing field for men and women.

On the same occasion, WB announced that Imane Khelif would not be allowed to participate in the female category at the Eindhoven

Box Cup or any WB event until she undergoes sex testing.

The Algerian made more news at the Paris 2024 Olympics for controversy surrounding her gender than her welterweight gold.

The IBA had banned her and Taiwanese Lin Yu-ting from the World Championship in 2023 because she was deemed ‘not female.’ But the International Olympics Committee (IOC) admitted them into the Olympics, which raised a huge cloud of dust especially when Khelif’s first opponent surrendered within just seconds and cried like a baby.

The IOC despises everything IBA, and in March 2025 announced WB as the new recognised body governing Olympic boxing. Two months later, WB introduced the mandatory sex test, as if to conform to US President Donald Trump’s ‘No Men in Women’s Sports Executive Order,’ which was targeting transgender people. (Trump will still be president during the next Olympics).

August 20, 2025, WB announced on website the ‘Sex Eligibility Policy’ which requires every female boxer to present a legit genetic sex test before entering any competition organised or sanctioned by WB.

This communication was sent to all stakeholders: member federations, continental and national Olympic committees and media. Uganda joined WB in May.

In September, twelve female boxers from the Dominican Republic, Nigeria, Fiji, the Philippines and the entire five-member French women’s squad were excluded from the World Boxing Championship in Liverpool for failing to present the sex certificates.

FFBoxe-the French Boxing Federation-said the French law prohibits them from conducting the tests domestically or abroad without a medical prescription. Upon WB’s recommendation, they did the tests in a laboratory in Leeds. Despite assurances that results would be delivered within 24 hours, they were delayed. And the boxers missed.

So, what did other WB member countries learn from that ordeal? Perhaps nothing.

Fact vs fiction

‘The issue is all African countries that are participating in the World Boxing competition for the first time have been affected. World Boxing says they first implemented this policy in Liverpool but they have never officially communicated to federations as regards this new development,’ Sula Kamoga, the Uganda Boxing Federation (UBF) vice president, who is in Riyadh, said on a WhatsApp group which includes journalists.

‘We suggested two options for them: having a female doctor physically testing the boxers or to take the girls’ samples to labs [but let them fight]. Since tests take two to three weeks, in case one gets a medal and the test turns out against them then the medal can be retrieved.’

Kamoga said both suggestions were trashed. Absurd. But shouldn’t UBF have avoided this drama?

UBF had applied to WB to compete in the World Championship in Liverpool in September. Their squad included female boxers. So, how had can UBF feign ignorance about the sex test requirement?

And weren’t the French and Nigerian stories enough reminders of WB’s seriousness about the test?

Moses Muhangi, the UBF president gave a slightly different excuse from his deputy’s.

On the same WhatsApp group, Muhangi admitted knowledge of WB’s August 20 communication on the mandatory sex test requirement on women. But he said that was for ‘the inaugural World Boxing Championship, not necessarily for all other competitions as each competition can have different competition rules.’

Despite claiming that boxing at the Islamic Games is neither owned nor sanctioned by WB, Muhangi said the UBF never received any competition manual from WB.

But all that is false. The technical handbook published in July 2024, states explicitly that boxing at the 2025 Islamic Games ‘shall be conducted in accordance with the latest World Boxing Competition Rules and Regulations.’

Muhangi further claimed that all communications regarding the Games were channeled through the National Olympic Committees (NOCs).

‘Everything our NOC asked of us we submitted,’ he said.

‘The NOC was also in charge of registering the participating teams and there’s no single information in regards to eligibility they asked from UBF and was not submitted.’

One journalist also wondered whether Uganda’s chief de mission met the different federations during the preps to brief them on the requirements.

‘We met [with the national federations]. They are looking for excuses,’ Sadik Nasiwu, Uganda’s chief de mission, briefly told Daily Monitor via a WhatsApp text. ‘I’m busy with the team and planning for next events.’ So, who is lying and who is not?

Time factor

Could it have been a time issue? Maybe not. When the French federation was caught offside in early September, it admitted that WB had informed it about the ‘femininity test’ on July 21, almost two months to the competition in Liverpool.

Section 5.1 of the Sex Eligibility Policy, requires all (female) boxers to undergo a PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test ‘or a functional medical equivalent genetic test to determine their sex at birth and their eligibility to compete.’

The PCR test is used to detect specific genetic material-the SRY gene-which reveals the presence or absence of the Y chromosome. If the Y chromosome is detected, then the birth sex is declared male.

The test can be conducted by nasal or mouth swab, saliva or blood.

For standard service, labs generally report results in one to two weeks from the time the sample is received, to allow for processing, quality control, and potential re-testing if the initial sample is not viable.

But there is also the expedited or “rush” option, which can deliver results in as little as the same day or within 24-72 hours, but for an additional fee.

COUNTRY AND EXCLUDED BOXERS

Egypt (8)

Palestine (5)

Chad (4)

Sudan (3)

Uganda (2)

Morocco (2)

Algeria (1)

SP Rachael Kawala has been appointed the new spokesperson for the Kampala Metropolitan Police (KMP), taking over from SSP Patrick Onyango, who served in the position for eight years.

The announcement was made by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Abas Byakagaba, as part of a wider police reshuffle.

Before her new role, Kawala served as the Wamala Regional Police Spokesperson, where she was recognised for her professionalism, effective communication, and ability to maintain strong relations between the police and the media.

SSP Onyango, who returned to the KMP spokesperson position in 2018 after a brief transfer in 2016, is credited with modernising police-media engagement and enhancing transparency during his tenure.

In her new position, Kawala will be deputized by ASP Luke Owoyesigyire, who will continue supporting the metropolitan communication operations. Meanwhile, Lamek Kigozi has been appointed to take over Kawala’s former role as Wamala Regional Police Spokesperson.

The Police Spokesperson, Rusoke confirmed the appointment of SP Kawala and said SSP have been taken to Press and Publication department.

Observers say Kawala’s appointment signals a renewed focus on timely public communication, media engagement, and fostering trust between the police and Kampala’s residents.

Background

The Kampala Metropolitan Police is Uganda’s largest police command, responsible for maintaining law and order across the capital and its suburbs. The spokesperson’s office plays a critical role in disseminating updates on security, law enforcement operations, and community policing initiatives.