Category: Daily Monitor

We all tell ourselves stories to get through life. We believe our children are safe, that our bodies are healthy, and that the faith we talk about is a strong foundation, not just a pretty decoration. But sometimes, reality breaks through. For me, it was a phone call. A voice telling me my daughter was very sick.

As a parent, you learn to sort illnesses into types. There are the small, annoying colds that go around the house. There are the standard childhood sicknesses, such as chickenpox, that you almost look forward to for the protection they give. And then, very rarely, there is the sickness that changes everything. It splits your life into ‘before’ and ‘after.’ This was that sickness.

I will not focus on all the difficult details. I do not want to just complain. But the simple, cold truth was this; my daughter, who had walked to school that morning, suddenly had to spend years learning everything all over again. Walking was no longer natural; it was a painful, step-by-step effort. Putting a sentence together was a huge struggle. Basic things such as feeding herself became enormous challenges, and I could only watch.

This experience dug down deep inside me and showed me what faith really is. I used to think of faith as something soft, like a warm blanket. We often believe in things because it is easy or because they are a comfortable support we have always known.

But faith that is tested is different. It is not soft. It is hard and sharp. It is a belief you have to build in the middle of your worst fears. You hold onto it not because it makes you feel good, but because letting go would mean falling into despair.

My belief became a single, repeating thought, worn into my mind: My child will not just get better; she will be completely healed, and I will see her walk at her graduation. This was a fact I built my life around. It was a strong wall I built against all the uncertainty.

And then, last week, that wall held strong. My belief became real. There she was, graduating from Nkumba University.

Hardship is a tough teacher, but you learn powerful lessons; you learn to see something amazing in a small step, and to never take the ordinary things in life for granted.

As the ceremony ended, the air was filled with the loud, joyful cheers of the parents around me; a sound of pure happiness.

Our sisters from the north and the east understand something deep in their bones. They know that some feelings are too big for words. Those ululations are a whole language of emotion. They speak of family pride, of sacrifices I can barely understand, of hard work in the fields, of mothers who went without food so their children could have an education. They say more than words ever could.

I looked at the young graduates, so proud in their caps and gowns, and I wondered if they could understand the meaning in that sound. Could they hear the hope, the fear, and the entire lifetime of investment in that beautiful noise?

My eyes stopped on one couple that looked old before their time, their faces showing a life of difficulty. They cheered, but they also cried, wiping away tears of joy with their rough hands. I imagined their whole story. I wondered if their smart, beautiful daughter, fixing her cap, truly understood what that graduation gown represented. Their hopes were not just for a job or a comfortable life but were for a payoff, a reason for every hard thing they had ever gone through.

The graduates probably think their days of struggle are over. They might be. But in a country where it is hard to find a job even with a degree, it is not likely. Their struggle might just be changing into a new, more confusing kind.

Lastly, to everyone facing a trial my advice is, persevere. The dawn will come. Your mission now is not to see the whole path, but to find one unwavering truth to hold onto; ‘I can survive this,’ ‘My worth is not defined by this,’ ‘This too shall pass.’

Let that truth be your compass. The other side of this pain is not just relief; it is a version of you forged by fire, wiser and more resilient for the battle. This struggle is not the end of your story; it is the test that will shape its next, most powerful chapter.

A rift has emerged between the Buvuma District health department and the office of the district chairperson over the utilisation of Primary Health Care (PHC) funds amounting to Shs85m. The disagreement stems from differing priorities for the funds.

The district health department, led by district health officer Dr Baker Kanyike, wants the money used to construct a mortuary at Buvuma Health Centre IV, one of the most pressing needs at the district referral facility. However, the district chairperson, Mr Adrian Ddungu, insists that the funds should instead be allocated to acquiring a land title for the same facility.

Both officials agree that the funds belong to the health department, but Dr Kanyike argues that PHC funds are already captured in the district budget with specific allocations that leave little room for diversion to unrelated activities. ‘The existing guidelines instruct us to utilise PHC funds for renovation of hospital buildings, staff houses, and the purchase of essential equipment needed at the facility. It is true that the land title is a pressing need, but it falls outside the PHC budget framework,’ Dr Kanyike said in an interview on Wednesday.

He added that the district should seek alternative sources of funding for the land title acquisition, noting that while securing the land is important to prevent encroachment, the department may have to proceed with renovations and staff housing if the mortuary project is blocked. ‘We plan to meet district officials to advise and possibly forge a way forward without causing unnecessary conflict or delays,’ he said.

However, Mr Ddungu insisted that acquiring a land title should be the top priority, citing government restrictions on constructing public facilities on land without proof of ownership. ‘Government restricts investment in facility construction on land where ownership through a land title is not clear. We have already engaged Buganda Kingdom officials on securing a 99-year lease, which requires Shs50 million. This should be our priority,’ he said.

Mr Ddungu said the district currently lacks proof of ownership of the land where Buvuma Health Centre IV sits. Although the land has been surveyed, the title acquisition can only be finalised after paying the lease fees. He also hinted that the district hopes to elevate the facility to hospital status, a move he expressed fear could be opposed by the government if ownership of the land remains unverified.

‘The directive to divert funds from the mortuary to land title acquisition may be painful to some health officials, but securing the land is urgent. We should not lose the chance of a possible presidential directive to elevate the facility to hospital status,’ Mr Ddungu said. Meanwhile, Mr Issa Mbooge, the Buvuma District chief administrative officer, said both issues are important but reaffirmed that PHC funds cannot be diverted to activities outside the government’s set guidelines.

‘We shall use other discretionary funds within our budget to acquire the land title without diverting PHC funds. Both activities are crucial and will be addressed without breaching government policy,’ he said.

Buvuma Health Centre IV has faced criticism over its lack of a mortuary, forcing health workers to place dead bodies in sections of patients’ wards.

‘We are sometimes forced to place bodies in parts of the wards while still attending to patients,’ a health worker, who preferred anonymity, told the Daily Monitor.

The facility serves as the main referral centre for Buvuma District’s island communities, making the absence of a mortuary a major health and dignity concern for both staff and patients.

World Marathon champion Jacob Kiplimo, Africa champions Jemimah Nakawala and Farahat Manirola were on Wednesday crowned as October’s Fortebet Real Stars Monthly Winners at Lazio Restaurant.

The 2023 and 2025 Chicago Marathon conqueror continues to script history, after clocking 2:02:23 to become the world’s seventh fastest marathoner and also setting a new national record – breaking his own mark that he set in April 2025.

‘This is about excellence and Uganda’s sports landscape continues to shine on the regional and global stage,’ said Real Star Sports Agency CEO Isaac Mukasa, underlining the weight that these awards carry.

Nakawala’s new class

Table tennis ace Jemimmah Nakawala sealed the accolade after delivering three straight victories which stood superior and decisive for Team Uganda’s qualification to the 2026 London World Table Tennis Championship. Her efforts also helped Uganda clinch a historic bronze at the 2025 ITTF Africa Seniors Championships in Rades, Tunisia.

She beat teammates Pervin Nangonzi and Judith Mirembe for the monthly gong – but her levels of performance were unmatched.

Manirola the stylist

In boxing, stylist pugilist Farahat Manirola was again unplayable. He scooped gold at the East Africa Zone 3 Championship in Kenya and overcame fellow contenders Willy Kyakonye and Aziz Ringo to bag his second Real Stars accolade – having first won one in May last year after lifting a professional belt.

From marathon to table tennis to boxing – these are not random awards. They are a scoreboard of excellence.

TALKING POINT – Consistency counts

The Fortebet Real Stars Awards are now rewarding athletes that are stacking up performances, month-on-month, year-on-year – not one-off results. Uganda rising – you cannot benchmark sporting growth without benchmarking consistency at elite level.

OUTSTANDING NUMBER – 2:02:23

That is Kiplimo’s winning mark in Chicago this year – time that placed him 7th fastest marathoner in world history.

October Winners (Fortebet Real Stars)

Athletics: Jacob Kiplimo

Table Tennis: Jemimmah Nakawala

Boxing: Farahat Manirola

Following the conclusion of the nomination exercise last month, several aspiring Members of Parliament (MPs) in the Bukedi Sub-region have launched their manifestos for the 2026 General Election. From Budaka to Kibuku, Pallisa to Butebo, the candidates are pledging to address what they call the key problems slowing down community development. Campaigns across the region have now gained momentum, with parliamentary hopefuls making big promises to improve roads, schools, health services, and tackle youth unemployment.

Iki-Iki

Mr Dauson Nabucha, the National Unity Platform (NUP) flag-bearer for Iki-Iki County in Budaka District, said he plans to revive agriculture to boost household incomes. ‘We are in a race not to enrich ourselves but to serve the people. A good leader must direct the community on what to do that could benefit them. Agriculture is the backbone of this region,’ Mr Nabucha said. He added: ‘Our communities have stayed in a vicious cycle of poverty not because of their own making but because of lack of guidance and support, and it is the reason I have joined the race to offer good leadership.’

Mr Nabucha noted that he will encourage people to diversify into projects such as poultry, piggery, and cattle keeping, supported by agricultural extension workers. He also plans to promote the use of fertilisers and improved seeds. He added that he will lobby for tractors to promote mechanised farming, boost productivity, and help farmers engage in commercial agriculture. On health, Mr Nabucha said many health centres are poorly equipped, often lack medicines, and do not have enough staff to handle the large number of patients.

‘I will lobby for Iki-Iki Health Centre IV to be upgraded to a general hospital and have health facilities fully stocked with essential drugs,’ Mr Nabucha said.

The Iki-Iki County MP aspirant said he will advocate for a salary increment for teachers. ‘The government should invest heavily in the teachers’ welfare to have quality education. All these are possible if people have good representation,’ he said. Mr Nabucha said he will also push for routine inspection of schools to identify challenges and solutions.

‘If I carry out a feasibility study, it will guide me to identify these challenges at all levels, both primary and secondary, because I could have diagnosed before seeking treatment,’ he said. He added that he will push for the cattle compensation programme since many residents lost their animals during insurgencies in the area. On unemployment, Mr Nabucha said he plans to establish a skilling centre and provide start-up funds to trainees after completing their courses, saying this will help change people’s mindset towards self-employment.

The incumbent Iki-Iki MP, Mr Robert Kasolo, who is contesting as an Independent after losing the National Resistance Movement (NRM) ticket during the party primaries, said he has supported several schools, health centres, and sports activities in his area. On roads, Mr Kasolo pledged to continue lobbying the government to tarmac roads such as the Kamonkoli-Kabwangasi road, which he said is in a poor state and often impassable. ‘I promise to serve them effectively and also promote unity as it has been,’ he said.

He urged the people to desist from the politics of divisions. Mr Swaibu Abdul Kampanya, who seeking to represent the people of Iki-Iki on the NRM ticket, said he intends to address the concerns of the people. Former Iki-Iki MP, Mr Jeremiah Twa-Twa, who has returned to the race as an Independent candidate, said he wants to revive what has collapsed since he left office. He said the school feeding programme he introduced during his previous term has since fallen apart. ‘We had initiated this programme to improve the academic performance, but since I was shown the exit, the school feeding programme collapsed. But if mandated again, I will revamp the programme,’ Dr Twa-Twa said.

He also pledged to revamp the vegetable growing projects that he had also initiated during his term to address the issue of food insecurity.

Another aspirant, Mr Sam Gagi Mujomba, described Iki-Iki County as a sick-bay that needs to be put in intensive care in order to save the lives of people.

Mr Mujomba also noted that the poverty situation in Iki-Iki County is so worrying, and needs effective leadership that could guide and support the communities to engage in viable enterprises.

‘The youth unemployment could be addressed with the establishment of a vocational skills centre. People should look out for a capable leader who can drive their agenda in the right direction,’ he said.

Butebo

The incumbent Butebo District Woman MP, Ms Agnes Amede, who is seeking re-election on the National Resistance Movement (NRM) ticket, said her third term will focus on improving key social services such as health, education, and roads, as well as supporting vulnerable women with income-generating projects. She pledged to ensure areas without electricity are connected to the national power grid and to follow up on the tarmacking of the Ladoto-Nakaloke road. ‘The President had pledged to have this road tarmacked, but I will have to continue reminding the government to fulfil this pledge,’ Ms Amede said.

She added: ‘I have offered good representation in Parliament and in tandem with projects initiated on the ground, are visible. It’s from this background that the people of Butebo still have trust in my leadership’. Ms Amede said she will set up an irrigation scheme in Kachulu to support women groups to continue planting vegetables, which could earn them money and also as a source of food for home consumption.

She added that many Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisations (Saccos) have been trained in partnership with Microfinance Support Centre to enable them benefit from various government projects like Emyooga and the Parish Development Model (PDM). ‘I have personally supported the people of Butebo with various interventions in all sectors. This is why people will still vote me back to Parliament,’ she said.

Budaka

Ms Stella Namutamba, an Independent candidate seeking the Budaka District Woman MP seat, pledged to address the collapsing and declining education standards in the district. She promised to prioritise education by improving school infrastructure and advocating for more classrooms and desks. ‘The education standard has drastically declined to a level of structures evidently collapsing,’ she said. On health, she said the entire system is ‘broken’ and requires urgent attention.

Ms Namutamba also pledged to lobby for the establishment of an industrial hub in the district to address market and unemployment challenges. Ms Hajira Musenero (Independent), also seeking the Budaka District Woman MP seat, said improving health services is one of her top priorities. Mr Joshua Kasibo (Independent), who is trying for the fourth time to represent the people of Budaka County in Budaka District, said his main focus will be to fight the ‘nkolera kida kyonka’ attitude – a local phrase meaning working only for the stomach – by promoting income-generating projects.

‘I have come to work for the people rather than enriching myself. We need to overhaul the situation right from health, education, and roads because the situation is so bad. This can be attributed to poor leadership,’ he said. He added: ‘I am a tested leader and parliamentary material who has shown that I have that capacity to deliver to the people’s expectation. We are tired of sleeping MPs who only wake up to seek re-election.’

Mr Moses Goire (NRM), who is seeking to represent the people of Budaka County in Budaka District, has promised to promote unity among people at all levels.

‘We have to implement the NRM manifesto to serve the people better. Notwithstanding, we shall also establish income-generating projects to empower communities to drive out of poverty,’ Mr Goire said.

Kibuku

The incumbent Kibuku District Woman MP, Ms Jennipher Namuyangu, who is running as an Independent after losing in the NRM party primaries, said what she has done in the district speaks volumes Ms Namuyangu, who is also the Minister of State for Bunyoro Affairs, explained that just like in most areas, health, roads, education, income generating projects have transformed communities. ‘It is from this background that the people of Kibuku still have that confidence of voting me back to Parliament. Much as I lost the NRM ticket, those elections were a sham,’ she said.

Ms Namuyangu urged the communities to embrace commercial farming by engaging trainers to train them on viable enterprises like fish farming, poultry and many others. Mr Charles Tamwenya, who is seeking to represent the people of Kibuku County on the NRM ticket, noted that he will implement the NRM manifesto.

Kabweri County

Mr Mathias Daka, an Independent candidate for the Kabweri County MP seat in Kibuku District, pledged to fight for the vulnerable, including orphans and widows.

He also pledged to prioritise road construction and maintenance to ease transport challenge in the largely rural district. ‘Once we improve the learning environment, it will help to reduce drop-outs, especially among girls. This is why I appeal to voters to entrust me and vote me to serve them,’ he said.

Mr Patrick Wakida, who is contesting for Kabweri County MP seat on the NRM ticket, said his priority areas are education, poverty reduction, youth unemployment, roads, health, which he says are the most key. ‘The people of Kabweri County and Kibuku in general have been grappling with these concerns because of the poor leadership but once I am entrusted with that mandate, we will see a fundamental change,’ Mr Wakida said.

EC comments

The Budaka District Returning Officer, Ms Norah Lunyoro, said a total of 19 candidates were nominated during the two days of nominations.

She, however, urged the candidates to avoid open campaigns until the harmonisation process is completed. Ms Lunyoro also commended all stakeholders for maintaining law and order.

‘During the two-day exercise, the EC didn’t register any major incident or challenge. The exercise was smooth and was completed in time,’Ms Lunyoro said.

Uganda’s construction sector, once the heartbeat of infrastructure growth and job creation, is now gasping for financial oxygen.

Contractors across the country say delayed government payments, limited financing, and dominance by foreign firms have crippled operations, threatening local players.

The industry contributes about 13 percent to GDP, directly employing tens of thousands and driving growth in allied sectors such as cement, steel, transport, and real estate.

Yet, despite its importance, the sector is struggling to survive under the weight of unpaid arrears.

‘Delayed payments remain a big challenge, constraining the construction sector. Some contractors have certificates dating as far back as 2013 that remain unpaid,’ said Uganda National Association of Building and Civil Engineering Contractors (UNABSEC) president Ms Kiara Binta Nkuranga.

The backlog of government arrears, she said, has disrupted cash flow, prevented timely tax and NSSF remittances, and forced contractors into expensive loans.

‘Construction is capital-intensive, requiring heavy upfront investment long before returns come in. When you have to borrow to complete a project while still waiting for arrears from previous ones, you are operating in survival mode,’ Nkuranga said.

The result has been a vicious cycle of debt and delay, with contractors cutting costs, postponing work, and in some cases compromising quality.

Government has previously committed to clear arrears, but industry players say the financial scars run deep.

Ms Mable Nimwesiga, the UNABSEC executive director, said apart from delayed payments, local contractors face stiff competition from well-financed foreign companies that dominate major infrastructure projects due to superior access to capital.

‘Most of the work is going to foreign companies. Yet, if local contractors were supported, especially through low-interest financing, they could deliver competitively,’ she said.

Sector players also cited the rising compliance pressures resulting from tax and mandatory contributory schemes such as NSSF.

‘Contractors are expected to remit taxes and NSSF contributions monthly, yet they can go months or even years without payment for completed work. This mismatch creates unbearable financial stress,’ said Nkuranga.

However, Works Minister Edward Katumba Wamala acknowledged the sector’s pain but promised reforms, noting that ‘payment delays stifle business growth’.

‘As a government, we are committed to addressing these arrears to restore confidence in the sector,’ he said.

Used Japanese cars have steadily grown in popularity on Ugandan roads over the years. In fact, used vehicles, regardless of brand, far outnumber those sold in showrooms. Most of the cars imported into Uganda have been previously used in Asia or Europe, where markets are more developed. Considering Uganda’s income levels and market dynamics, many enthusiasts opt for used cars, which are more affordable and accessible.

A prime example is the Toyota Aqua hybrid, a mini hatchback that is slowly winning over Ugandan drivers. Its appeal lies in user-friendly features such as low fuel consumption and affordability when it comes to maintenance, making it an ideal choice for first-time car owners.

Dorcus Birungi, who has owned her Aqua for six months, praises its fuel efficiency and suitability for city driving.

‘When I refuel with Shs200,000, which fills the tank, I can commute from my home in Komamboga, Kampala, to the city centre for work and back for an entire month without refuelling,’ she says.

Fuel efficiency

The Aqua runs on a 1,500cc petrol engine. In urban areas, with slow-moving traffic, it averages about 16 km per litre of fuel. On highways, fuel efficiency jumps to approximately 25 km per litre as the system switches between engine and battery power.

Birungi adds that maintenance has been minimal.

‘Since acquiring the car, the only major services I have done were replacing the tyres, brakes, engine coolant, and spark plugs. Each tyre cost Shs180,000, and the other components came to about Shs200,000. Since then, I have not had any major repairs.’

Comfort, style

Proportionally, the Toyota Aqua hybrid is smaller than the Toyota Spacio and the Duet, yet it offers more comfortable legroom for both the driver and co-driver. Its compact size does not compromise style; it looks sleek and feels stable even at relatively higher speeds compared to most cars in its class.

During a test drive at the weekend, I noticed the Aqua’s regenerative braking system. When you press the brake pedal, the energy generated to slow or control the car is redirected to recharge the battery.

As the vehicle accelerates, the system seamlessly switches between the engine and the battery. Running on the battery provides smoother acceleration, quicker speed pick-up, and enhanced power. Its aerodynamic design also helps it slice through wind resistance more efficiently.

Thanks to its small footprint, the Aqua is easy to manoeuver and turn in tight spaces. For those who live in congested areas or park in public spaces with limited room, it proves exceptionally convenient for parking.

Maintenance tips

Peter Kasoma, a mechanic on Jinja Road, advises that keeping the Toyota Aqua in good mechanical condition starts with using high-octane fuel.

‘High-octane fuel not only ensures better engine performance compared to adulterated fuel, but it also helps components such as the fuel filter last longer due to fewer contaminants,’ Kasoma explains.

While the Aqua is not as common as other Japanese used cars in Uganda, most spare parts are available. The key is finding a genuine local dealer or a reliable online source.

Limitations

One drawback of the Aqua is its low ground clearance, which can make driving on rough roads challenging. The front and rear bumpers, along with other underbody components, are prone to wear and tear when frequently exposed to uneven surfaces.

Because the car has a hybrid system, it is also not recommended to drive in flooded areas. Water contact with the battery or electrical components can lead to costly damage.

The trunk is modest in size but adequate for average luggage. However, due to its relatively soft suspension, carrying heavy loads regularly may shorten the lifespan of the suspension system.

Maximising fuel efficiency

According to sbtjapan.com, owners can optimise fuel efficiency by adopting eco-driving techniques such as gentle acceleration, maintaining steady speeds, and anticipating traffic to avoid sudden braking.

‘Using eco mode and cruise control can further improve fuel consumption. Proper tyre inflation is critical, as under-inflated tyres increase rolling resistance and fuel use. Check and maintain tyre pressure according to the manufacturer’s recommendations,’ the portal advises.

Daniel Tashobya Niwamanya, a car dealer in Naguru, notes that the Toyota Aqua is priced between Shs30m and Shs35m, depending on the year of production.

Quick facts

The name Aqua comes from Latin for ‘water,’ intended to evoke an image of clean transparency and universal appeal.

The vehicle is known as the Toyota Prius c in some overseas markets, but in Japan, it retains the Aqua nameplate.

Production of the Aqua began in December 2011 and it quickly became a market hit: by 2017 more than 1.38 million units (including Prius c) had been sold worldwide.

For the second generation (launched 2021) the Aqua uses a 1.5 litre hybrid powertrain producing around 116 hp and achieves official fuel economy figures as low as 2.7-3.0 L/100 km (˜ 33 37 km/L) in favourable conditions.

One limitation: its ground clearance is just around 140 mm on many versions, something to note for Uganda’s rough terrain.

As global leaders convene for COP30 in Brazil, Uganda should temper its expectations. Despite years of climate negotiations, real commitments to reduce emissions, finance adaptation, and ensure climate justice for vulnerable nations have remained elusive.

While these high-level talks often end with grand promises, the gap between rhetoric and reality continues to widen.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has been unequivocal, indicating that fossil fuels are responsible for over 75 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions driving the climate crisis.

Yet, paradoxically, Uganda continues to heavily invest in fossil fuel expansion through projects like the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP).

Once completed, this 1,443-kilometre pipeline will transport crude oil from Hoima to Tanga, emitting an estimated 379 million tonnes of carbon over its 25-year lifetime.

This is a striking contradiction. On one hand, Uganda advocates for increased climate finance and loss and damage support for developing countries; on the other, it advances a project that will worsen the very crisis it seeks to address.

The country’s leaders argue that oil revenues will fund development, but this short-term gain comes at the expense of long-term environmental stability, public health, and global credibility in climate diplomacy.

At COP30, Uganda and other African countries will likely call for fairness and greater support from developed nations – a valid demand.

However, genuine climate leadership must begin at home. It is difficult to demand accountability from others while advancing fossil fuel projects that undermine global emission reduction goals.

Therefore, if Uganda is truly committed to a sustainable and climate-resilient future, it must urgently reconsider its fossil fuel trajectory and prioritise investments in other green sectors, including renewable energy, tourism, smart-agricultural practices and other community-led adaptation mechanisms.

These not only address climate change challenges but also promote environmental conservation, human rights and the livelihoods of the vulnerable communities that are at the forefront of climate impacts.

Until then, expecting major climate breakthroughs from COP30 will remain a political illusion and Uganda’s stance, a case study in climate hypocrisy.

There is no love lost between Vipers and KCCA – two heavyweights whose duels have become the very heartbeat of Ugandan football.

On Friday at the St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende, their rivalry takes on a sharper edge as Allan Okello, once Lugogo’s golden boy, prepares to bare his fangs at his former club.

The mind games began long before kickoff. Vipers’ decision to rest Okello during last weekend’s laboured 1-0 win over Entebbe UPPC was no coincidence – it was a calculated pause.

The stylish playmaker, bred and idolized at Lugogo but now a champion in Kitende colours, was granted time to rediscover his rhythm ahead of this defining clash against the table leaders he knows inside out.

In what promises to be a closely contested encounter, Vipers head coach Ivan Jacky Minnaert will bank on Okello to inject the spark and bite that were missing in that narrow victory at Bugonga.

The Belgian tactician plans to unleash his star man among a forward trio that also includes Yunus Sentamu – the provider of last week’s winning assist for Karim Watambala goal – and skipper Milton Karisa, whose pace and movement will test KCCA’s backline.

Moment of truth

For KCCA’s Jackson Magera, this is more than a league fixture; it is a statement match. Sitting atop the StarTimes Uganda Premier League table with 11 points from five games, Magera’s hungry and fearless side has impressed with its attacking intent and composure.

Now, Magera – operating without his co-trainer Brian Ssenyondo, currently on national duty in Qatar – seeks to prove that he can stand tall on his own, even against the reigning champions on their intimidating home turf.

Okello’s return adds a layer of drama and symbolism to the fixture. Having fired 20 goals last season to guide Vipers to a league and cup double, the playmaker’s influence waned slightly during the recent Caf Champions League outings against African Stars and Power Dynamos, where fatigue dulled his usual brilliance.

But insiders at Kitende suggest Okello is recharged and eager to remind his old employers of the talent they once nurtured – and lost.

The stage, then, is set for fireworks. KCCA’s vibrant attacking trio of Joel Sserunjogi, Ivan Ahimbisibwe, and Shafik Kwikiriza – fresh from orchestrating a 4-2 demolition of Calvary – will look to keep the Venoms in check, while Vipers rely on Okello’s artistry to tilt the balance.

With both teams playing expansive football and boasting attacking flair, tonight’s encounter promises fireworks early in a season still recovering from administrative chaos.

The Kitende terraces are expected to be packed to the rafters, the atmosphere electric, as fans from both sides descend in full voice for one of Ugandan football’s signature fixtures – a clash that, at least on paper, looks too close to call.

Elsewhere, at Midigo, newcomers Calvary finally host their first home game after four winless outings, taking on fellow debutants Entebbe UPPC, who have amassed seven points from five matches under coach Abdallah Mubiru.

StarTimes Uganda Premier League

Friday

Calvary vs. Entebbe UPPC, 4pm

Vipers vs. KCCA, 8pm

The Court of Appeal in Kampala has upheld a High Court decision that ordered Imperial Royale Hotel Limited to refund USD 1,464,363.81 (about Shs5.5billion) to the government of Uganda for breach of contract over the provision of accommodation and conference facilities during the 2007 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (Chogm).

In a unanimous ruling, delivered by Justices Moses Kazibwe Kawumi, Irene Mulyagonja, and Oscar John Kihika, the court confirmed that the hotel was not ready for occupation during the agreed period and therefore, failed to fulfil its contractual obligations.

The court also maintained the High Court’s award of Shs800 million in general damages to the government, with interest and costs.

Justice Kawumi, who wrote the lead judgment, methodically addressed each ground and found no merit in the appeal.

On the question of readiness, Justice Kawumi noted that the hotel failed to demonstrate it was operational during the agreed period.

‘The trial judge correctly evaluated the law and evidence when he found that the hotel was not ready for occupation over the period of October 26, 2007, to November 18, 2007 and that therefore, the appellant was in breach of the contract,’ he held.

Regarding the occupation permit presented by the hotel as evidence of completion, the judge found it unreliable.

‘After a careful re-evaluation of the evidence, I would come to the conclusion that the occupation permit was issued without considering what was on ground,’ Justice Kawumi ruled, concurring with testimony from a Kampala Capital City Authority official who challenged its authenticity.

The court also rejected the argument that the hotel could not have carried out construction during the CHOGM event because of security cordons. Justice Kawumi observed that this defence was never pleaded in the hotel’s written statement of defence and thus could not be raised on appeal.

The court further upheld the High Court’s finding that the hotel breached the contract by charging higher rates than those agreed in the addendum. Evidence from the audit report by Messrs Johnson and Nyende showed that executive rooms were billed at USD 433.65 instead of the agreed USD 350 per night.

‘The charge was contrary to the clear provision of the addendum which was admitted as an exhibit and thus confirming the respondent’s grievance in the plaint, that there was a breach of contract,’ Justice Kawumi stated.

The Court of Appeal also dismissed the hotel’s reliance on an email allegedly sent by Mr. Hirji to the then Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, complaining about the absence of guests.

The justices held that the contract expressly required communication through the Executive Director of the CHOGM 2007 Secretariat and by postal address, not email.

‘The appellant’s failure to express its grievance to the contact person amounted to non-communication,’ the court held.

Having failed on all grounds, the Court of Appeal dismissed the appeal and upheld the High Court’s judgment in full.

‘The appeal ought to be dismissed and the orders of the High Court upheld,’ ruled Justice Kawumi.

In 2009, the Attorney General sued Imperial Royale Hotel seeking recovery of funds paid for unutilised rooms and incomplete facilities. According to court records, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had entered into an agreement with the hotel on June 15, 2007, and an addendum on September 10, 2007, to provide accommodation and conference facilities at a total cost of USD 2,566,849.

The government alleged that the hotel failed to complete the facilities in time for CHOGM 2007, rendering them unfit for occupation between October 26 and November 18, 2007, contrary to the contract. As a result, the government sought a refund of USD 1,464,363.81, representing payment for unutilised services.

Imperial Royale Hotel, through its managing director Karim Hirji, denied the claims, insisting that the facilities were ready for use by October 24, 2007. The hotel argued that any loss incurred arose from the government’s failure to utilise the booked rooms, not from any breach on its part.

High Court Decision

In February 2016, Justice Peter Adonyo , who was then at the High Court Commercial Division ruled that the hotel had not been ready to receive guests before November 18, 2007. The court held the hotel liable to refund the government USD 1.46 million, pay Shs 800 million in general damages, and meet the costs of the suit.

Unhappy with the decision, Imperial Royale appealed on six grounds, arguing that the trial judge erred in finding the hotel unready for occupation, disregarded discrepancies in audit reports, and ignored the occupation permit showing completion. The hotel also accused the trial judge of shifting the burden of proof and relying on inadmissible evidence.

The appeal was argued by Mr Timothy Lugayizi for the hotel, while Mr George Kallemera, a Commissioner in the Attorney General’s Chambers, represented the government.

Imperial Royale Hotel is now liable to refund USD 1.46 million to the government, pay Shs 800 million in general damages, and cover the costs of the case at both the High Court and Court of Appeal.

A day after city authorities halted all ongoing construction activities at the disputed Nakivubo drainage channel due to non-compliance with approved conditions, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja visited the project and cleared the contentious construction to proceed. The Nabbanja decision to overturn Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) directives followed floods that submerged traders’ shops and merchandise worth billions of shillings.

She asked the developer to go on with construction and called for swift action to assess damages and prevent future disasters, offering consolation to affected traders.

But in a November 3 letter addressed to Kiham Enterprises (U) Ltd, KCCA Executive Director Sharifah Buzeki raised serious concerns and instructed the city businessman Ham Kiggundu to immediately suspend all construction activities, citing violations of environmental conditions and non-compliance with planning until full adherence to the issued planning permission and building permit conditions was achieved.

This directive followed a technical inspection after heavy rains on October 31, which lasted approximately four hours, caused widespread flooding across the central business district, including Sebaana and Allen route roads, as well as adjacent properties.

According to KCCA, the flooding was partly linked to the Nakivubo channel construction activities.

The inspection revealed that the developer had blocked several stormwater discharge points, piled construction debris along the channel, and used timber formwork beneath bridge slabs, all of which disrupted the free flow of stormwater.

‘The ongoing construction of Nakivubo channel has sealed off several stormwater discharge points into the channel, causing a backflow along some parts of Sebaana and Allen roads. This explains why the water level in the channel was very low, yet the volume retained on the road was more and could not run off easily,’ the ED letter reads in part.

KCCA also noted that poor debris management and the use of vertical timber props exacerbated the situation by trapping garbage and slowing water movement.

In the letter signed by Ms Buzeki, Ham was directed to implement a series of corrective measures, including the immediate suspension of all construction works until full compliance with planning and building permit conditions is achieved, and removal of all formwork, hoardings, and timber props placed under the channel to restore the free flow of stormwater.

Others are opening of all tertiary drainage inlets on Sebaana and Allen roads to ensure unobstructed discharge of water into the channel, replacement of concrete culverts with open cut-off drains under the supervision of KCCA engineers, and the safe removal and disposal of all construction debris stockpiled along the channel edges.

To ensure enforcement, KCCA appointed a monitoring team led by Mr Maurice Kairania, the deputy director for roads and drainage, assisted by Mr Patrick Kaweesa, Mr Paul Rusoke and Mr Maximus Kwesiga, to submit progress reports to the executive director’s office.

In a phone interview, Mr Dan Nuwabine, the KCCA spokesperson, confirmed the Authority’s supervisory involvement since the construction commenced, but emphasized that the developer was operating under conditional approval.

‘We have been there to supervise because that’s our role, and as a directive or mandate of KCCA, we have to support the developer, not frustrate him. As you know, this was a conditional approval that had to be fulfilled,’ he stated.

The Nakivubo Channel is one of Kampala’s main drainage systems, running through the city center and discharging into Lake Victoria. Its ongoing redevelopment has attracted public scrutiny following recurrent flooding in the city’s business areas.

Mr Elias Lukwago, the Kampala Mayor, sharply criticised the handling of the crisis, describing the Prime Minister’s on-the-ground response as fumbling, with unpalatable directives and contradictions with the city authority.

‘Nabbanja’s approach to this crisis is as messy as Ham’s structure, which has no plan whatsoever. She has no policy agenda or action plan on how to address this particular crisis, and that is terrible. While Museveni directed that those who suffered losses should be compensated, Nabbanja stated there would be no compensation-only relief or financial support,’ he said.

Mr Lukwago added: ‘The sluggishness with which they are handling this matter is totally unacceptable, and we call for a harmonized government position on compensation and illegal structures along the Nakivubo Channel. Their position must be clear, and we must embark on implementation immediately.’

Background

The Nakivubo Channel is the main stormwater drainage channel for the city of Kampala. More than ninety-five percent (95%) of the developed central urban area of the city drains into this channel.

The main channel starts from springs located between Bat Valley, Wandegeya, and Makerere Kivulu to the northwest of the city, runs southwards for some three kilometres to Clock tower Roundabout, then turns eastwards for approximately five kilometres, through the Industrial Area of Kampala, before entering the swamp which leads to Lake Victoria, between Port Bell and Ggaba.

The existing channel is approximately 9 kilometres long, with a catchment area of approximately 27 square kilometers.