Category: Daily Monitor

Recently, I travelled from Kampala to Mbale, a journey I have made many times before. Yet this trip was different. It left me reflecting deeply on how much Uganda has changed over the last decade.

The last time I spent significant time in Mbale was nearly 10 years ago. I was then a young, busy lawyer handling several matters before the High Court in Mbale.

At the time, Mbale was a typical old provincial town-dusty, poorly maintained, and lacking the dynamism one would expect from a major regional centre. Returning today, I could hardly believe what I was seeing.

Mbale has undergone a remarkable transformation. The streets are cleaner, the town is busier, and commercial activity appears to be thriving.

Well-lit roads, numerous commercial banks, financial institutions, modern buildings, and a vibrant business community have given the town an entirely new character.

The impressive Sino-Mbale Industrial Park stands as a visible symbol of industrialisation and economic ambition.

Even the Mbale Golf Club, which I intend to visit for a game, appears remarkably well-maintained and active. The transformation, however, is not confined to Mbale itself.

Driving along the Tirinyi-Mbale Road, I was struck by the scale of development taking place throughout the region. Roads that once felt lonely now carry heavy traffic.

Trading centres have expanded into bustling townships. New administrative units and districts have accelerated urbanisation and service delivery.

Areas that were once quiet and underdeveloped are now characterised by construction, commerce, and growing populations.

Perhaps most striking was the transformation in agriculture. The traditional sight of cassava spread along the roadside for drying-a familiar feature of the eastern Uganda landscape-has become far less common.

In its place are vast stretches of productive farmland. Maize plantations, rice fields, and sugarcane farms dominate the landscape. Land that was once idle or bush-covered is now actively cultivated.

What I witnessed this time challenges many of the narratives frequently heard in urban discussions.

There remains a tendency among some Ugandans, particularly those whose perspective is shaped primarily by life in Kampala, to believe that little is changing in the country.

Those who continue to view rural Uganda through the lens of the past may be in for a surprise.

The distinction between ‘town’ and ‘village’ is becoming increasingly blurred. Across much of the country, communities are becoming more connected, more productive, and more commercially active.

As a researcher and academic, I recognise the limitations of relying solely on personal observation.

One area that deserves serious consideration is the revival of the cooperative movement and the establishment of a strong cooperative banking system.

My doctoral research focused on financial access, and I remain convinced that affordable and accessible credit can fundamentally transform communities.

Around the world, cooperative institutions have demonstrated their ability to mobilise savings, extend credit, and support local enterprise.

Government programmes such as the Parish Development Model, Emyooga, and related initiatives are often discussed alongside Uganda’s politics, which many people find frustrating and, at times, deeply discouraging.

While political debates often dominate public attention, profound changes are taking place on the ground.

The earlier we wake up and engage constructively rather than merely lamenting, the better, because some individuals, communities, and institutions have already moved into a fully transformative mode.

I know many people who are equally disgusted with the state of politics in the United States and in several parts of Europe.

Politics can be better, and it should be better. However, it would be unfortunate if dissatisfaction with politics prevented us from recognising genuine progress or participating in shaping a better future.

These programmes may well have contributed to some of the progress now visible in many parts of the country.

Their precise impact requires careful evaluation. However, one persistent challenge remains the perception among some beneficiaries that such programmes are merely handouts.

A cooperative-based lending model could help address this challenge.

When communities borrow through cooperatives or cooperative banks, there is often greater accountability, stronger peer monitoring, and a clearer appreciation that loans must be repaid and invested productively. This creates a culture of ownership and responsibility that can accelerate development.

My journey to Mbale was more than a road trip. It was a reminder that Uganda is changing, often in ways that are not immediately visible to those who remain within the confines of the capital city.

The transformation may not be uniform, and many challenges remain. Yet it would be a mistake to overlook the progress taking place across the country.

The Uganda of today is not the Uganda of 10 years ago. Anyone who doubts that should take a drive from Kampala to Mbale and see for themselves.

Hello SB, for many car owners, especially in dusty environments or busy urban settings, washing a car feels like basic maintenance done as often as possible. In places such as Kampala, where roads can quickly cover vehicles in dust, mud, and pollution residue, some drivers even wash their cars daily. While cleanliness is important, there is a point where excessive or improper washing can begin to work against the vehicle rather than protect it.

On the surface, washing a car often seems harmless. After all, removing dirt should preserve the paint, not damage it. However, the issue is not just how often a car is washed, but how it is washed and what products or methods are used.

Modern car paint is protected by a clear coat, which is a thin transparent layer that gives the car its shine and shields the underlying paint. Each time a car is washed, especially with rough sponges, dirty cloths, or low-quality brushes, there is a risk of creating micro-scratches. Over time, these tiny scratches accumulate, leading to a dull, faded appearance commonly known as swirl marks.

Frequent washing also increases exposure to detergents. Some cheap soaps or strong household cleaning agents are not designed for automotive paint. They can strip away wax and protective sealants that help repel water, dirt, and UV rays. Without this protection, the paint becomes more vulnerable to oxidation, fading, and staining.

The hidden wear

Beyond the paintwork, over-washing can affect other parts of the vehicle. Rubber seals around doors and windows, for instance, can dry out or lose flexibility if constantly exposed to water and strong detergents. This may eventually lead to leaks, wind noise, or reduced insulation against dust and heat.

Underbody washing, while important for removing mud and corrosive materials, can also become harmful if done excessively or improperly. High-pressure water jets used too frequently may force moisture into areas that are meant to remain sealed, potentially accelerating rust in hidden spots if the vehicle does not dry properly.

Electrical components can also be affected if water is repeatedly sprayed into engine bays or sensitive areas without care. While modern cars are designed with some level of water resistance, they are not built for constant soaking.

So how often is too often?

There is no universal rule for how many times a car should be washed, because conditions vary. A vehicle driven on dusty rural roads or parked under trees where birds and sap are common may need more frequent cleaning than one used mainly on clean urban roads.

However, washing a car every day is generally unnecessary unless it is exposed to extreme dirt conditions. For most vehicles, a thorough wash once a week or once every two weeks is sufficient, provided it is done correctly.

The key is not frequency alone but technique. Using clean microfiber cloths, proper car shampoo, and plenty of clean water reduces the risk of scratching. It is also important to rinse thoroughly before wiping to remove abrasive particles such as dust and sand that can act like sandpaper on the paint.

Protecting the car while keeping it clean

Instead of focusing only on frequent washing, car owners should think about protection. Applying wax or modern ceramic coatings helps create a barrier between the paint and environmental contaminants. This means dirt is less likely to stick, and the car stays cleaner for longer.

Parking habits also matter. Whenever possible, parking under shade reduces exposure to UV rays, bird droppings, and tree sap, all of which can damage paint more aggressively than washing itself.

In conclusion, washing a car is not harmful in itself. In fact, it is essential for maintaining appearance and preventing long-term corrosion. However, like many aspects of vehicle care, balance is key. Over-washing with the wrong methods can slowly degrade paint quality and affect delicate components. The smartest approach is not to wash more, but to wash better.

President Museveni has strongly fired back at critics who argue that his government has left Uganda economically stagnant for 40 years, specifically taking aim at a recent political commentary published in the Daily Monitor.

Delivering his State of the Nation Address at the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds on Thursday, Mr Museveni who has been in power since 1986 directly addressed an article authored by political commentator Gawaya Tegulle in the Monitor. Tegulle had claimed that Uganda has been “wandering in the Desert for forty years” under the National Resistance Movement (NRM) administration.

Dismissing the remarks as mendacious and malicious, the President retorted that those who listen to such “liars” are the ones actually wandering in the wilderness. He noted that while many leaders fail to sufficiently amplify the government’s wealth creation message, citizens who embrace NRM programmes are actively transforming their lives.

Pointing out that Tegulle hails from the Bugwere region, one of the poorest areas in Eastern Uganda, Mr Museveni challenged him to visit successful local farmers, such as Maama Nabutono and her husband in Kasasira Town Council, to see real household transformation.

To counter his critics, Mr Museveni outlined five distinct phases of positive development Uganda has achieved since the devastation of the Idi Amin era. These include economic recovery, expansion, diversification-evidenced by the cattle corridor’s thriving dairy sector-value addition, and an emerging knowledge economy focused on automobiles and vaccines.

“What is ‘high sounding sloganeering’ there? These are achievements on the ground,” Museveni argued, urging his critics to look at the bustling Mbale Industrial Park.

The President backed his pushback with macroeconomic data, stating that Uganda has officially graduated from a Least Developed Country to a Lower Middle-Income status.

According to the address, Uganda’s GDP has risen from USD 3.9 billion in 1986 to USD 69.3 billion by the forex exchange method. Additionally, household poverty has dropped sharply from 56.4 per cent in 1992 to 16.1 per cent, average life expectancy has climbed to 68 years, and infant mortality has been reduced to 36 per 1,000 live births.

Reaffirming his latest directive of “no more sleep,” Museveni warned that non-performers driven by personal ego would no longer be tolerated in leadership as the country eyes a projected 10 performer economic growth rate in the next financial year.

The reconstruction of the grave of celebrated Kadongokamu musician Paul Job Kafeero has finally commenced in Nkokonjeru Town Council, Buikwe District, following the recent exhumation of his remains.

The grave reconstruction became necessary after a court-authorized exhumation was carried out on Monday. The court ordered the exhumation to obtain DNA samples, part of an ongoing legal process to verify paternity claims by individuals seeking recognition as Kafeero’s children.

A visit to the burial site on Wednesday morning initially painted a worrying picture, with no visible progress on the ground. No construction workers, relatives, or security personnel were present to oversee the site, prompting fears that the project had been abandoned.

However, Mr. Frederick Kalaala, a neighbor to the burial site, clarified that workers returned immediately after the public outcry.

‘When information circulated in the media on Wednesday morning that the grave had partially been left open, the builders came back and resumed the work,’ Kalaala said.

Rhino Funeral Services was awarded the contract for the project. While efforts to reach the company for comment were unsuccessful at the time, family members confirmed that the project is well-funded and moving forward.

Kafeero’s brother, Abubaker Nende, revealed that all funds for the reconstruction were provided by the outgoing State Minister for Youth and Children Affairs, Balaam Barugahara. The minister confirmed he personally funded the project on Monday-the same day the remains were exhumed-and noted that the work is already nearing completion.

Meanwhile, the legal battle over the fallen musician’s estate intensifies. About 20 individuals claiming to be Kafeero’s children were expected to undergo DNA testing on Thursday. The testing is scheduled to take place at the Government Analytical Laboratory in Wandegeya and the Uganda Police Forensic Laboratory in Naguru to determine their biological relationship with the musician.

The DNA results are expected to play a critical role in determining the rightful beneficiaries of his estate, potentially bringing closure to years of uncertainty within the family since Kafeero’s death in May 2007.

President Museveni Thursday delivered a firm and expansive State of the Nation Address for 2026, combining historical reflections on Uganda’s economic liberation struggle with strict administrative directives.

Addressing the nation following a series of electoral cycles earlier in the year, Mr Museveni introduced a rigorous governing philosophy under the banner of “no more sleep,” signaling an aggressive push against corruption, public sector underperformance, and structural economic vulnerabilities.

The address, which arrived as Uganda formally crossed into lower-middle-income status, served as both a victory lap for the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) and a stern warning to political opportunists, bureaucratic non-performers, and media critics.

Central to the President’s address was the elaboration of his post-election mantra, “no more sleep,” which he noted had been deliberately distorted by critics. Mr Museveni clarified that the directive is an explicit ultimatum targeting specific systemic bottlenecks:

No more corruption (obusi kuzi).

No more idleness or slacking off (kukongola), metaphorically described as leaning on one’s hoe while others work.

No more diversionary politics (kugumaaza or kuhuzya), which distracts the public from developmental targets.

No more overburdening the state (kutuhenda) by enjoying public resources while remaining unproductive. In a sharp warning to the political class, the President declared an end to “politeness to non-performers” who seek leadership positions solely to satisfy personal egos and private financial interests. Leadership, he emphasized, must strictly serve the population and the strategic goals of the country.

To contextualize Uganda’s current economic position, President Museveni traced the ideological roots of the NRM back to his youth in the early 1960s. He recalled his early efforts in 1959 to sensitize local populations against subsistence agriculture (okukolera ekidda kyoonka, or working only for the stomach). This advocacy, which began in Nyabushozi and the broader cattle corridor, focused on transitioning nomadic populations into sedentary, commercial dairy farming with strict mathematical calculation for profit (ekibaro).

Reflecting on the challenges of the early struggle, Museveni who has been in power for four decades contrasted the historical lack of resources-recounting how he and his late colleague Mwesigwa Black traversed western Uganda on foot and via local buses using a meager 20-shilling contribution-with the modern expectations of political leaders who demand continuous state allowances to visit their constituents.

‘Therefore, when I hear leaders talking of allowances to reach their People and get them out of poverty, I almost get nausea. Even those who get Government allowances, do not go to the field. I hear that many just stay in Kampala. Another mistake, is for leaders to give personal money to constituents,’ said Mr Museveni who will be celebrating his 82nd birthday later in September.

The president underscored that the success of the cattle corridor, which now features 160 processing factories and yields 1.15 million liters of milk daily in Nyabushozi alone, serves as an empirical proof of concept for the rest of the nation. According to him, nationwide milk production has escalated from 200 million liters in 1986 to 5.4 billion liters annually, saving $1.56 billion in imports and generating $285.4 million in export revenues.

He presented robust macroeconomic data to counter what he indicated as pessimistic narratives, pointing directly to a critical opinion piece by commentator Gawaya Tegulle in the Daily Monitor which likened Uganda’s last forty years to “wandering in the desert.”

Museveni dismissed these assertions as malicious falsehoods, pointing to tangible milestones on the ground, including the bustling Mbale Industrial Park and vast improvements in public welfare indices.

‘I saw in the negative Monitor Newspaper an article by an individual known as Gawaya Tegulle who is always writing mendaciously and maliciously, saying that Uganda has been ‘wandering in the Desert for forty years’ like the children of Israel. Those who are wandering in the desert, are partly those who listen to those liars. It is true that many of the leaders do not amplify this message of how People can get out of poverty. However, those who do, change their lives. I understand Gawaya comes from the Bugwere area.

Let him visit Maama Nabutono and her husband of Bukodi cell, Kasasira ward, Kasasira Town Council. Uganda has gone through five phases of positive Development,’ he said.

According to the official figures presented:

Uganda’s GDP has expanded 17-fold over the last 40 years, rising from $3.9 billion in 1986 to $69.3 billion via foreign exchange methods, and $197.1 billion by Purchasing Power Parity (PPP).

GDP per capita has reached $1,278, comfortably surpassing the lower-middle-income threshold of $1,136.

Household poverty has experienced a steep decline, dropping from 56.4 per cent in 1992 to 16.1 per cent today.

National health indicators show a dramatic shift, with life expectancy rising from 43 years to 68 years, and infant mortality plunging from 122 deaths per 1,000 live births to 36 per 1,000.

Total national export revenue reached $18 billion in the twelve months ending March 2026, driven by an expanded basket of 31 new export products including pharmaceuticals, refined gold, steel, ceramics, and ICT services.

The economy is projected to grow by 6.4 per cent in the current financial year, with a forecasted surge to 10 per cent growth in the upcoming fiscal year, pushing the total GDP toward $80 billion before commercial oil production even begins.

The President mapped out the future of wealth creation across four key sectors: Commercial Agriculture, Manufacturing, Services, and ICT. He challenged leaders to ensure that grassroots financial interventions-such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), which has already reached 3.7 million households with 557 million shillings per parish, and the Emyooga funds-are properly downloaded and utilized. Government allocations to the Uganda Development Bank (UDB) have reached 1,600 billion shillings to provide manufacturers and large-scale agriculturalists with low-interest capital at 12%, while PDM loans remain pegged at an affordable 6 per cent.

For rural transformation, Museveni emphasized the “four-acre model” for intensive farming alongside a transition from free-range grazing (okusetura) to indoor feeding and solar-powered micro-irrigation partnerships with Nexus Green across districts like Ngora, Serere, and Masaka. Crucially, he warned against the “primitivity of property fragmentation” during inheritance, urging families to form corporate family companies to preserve agricultural land efficiency.

On infrastructure, the President highlighted the completion of core national asphalt roads linking Uganda’s northern, southern, eastern, and western borders. Current strategic efforts are now focused on revamping the meter-gauge railway, constructing the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), and partnering with Kenya and Tanzania on petroleum pipelines to migrate heavy freight off national roads.

To sustain this momentum, the executive submitted a comprehensive legislative program for the 2026/2027 financial year, encompassing 38 distinct bills and statutory reports. Key legislative priorities include regulatory overhauls across vital sectors:

Agriculture and Health: The Food and Agriculture Regulatory Authority Bill (2026) and amendments to the Animal Diseases Act, alongside amendments to the Pharmacy and Drugs, Nurses and Midwives, and Allied Health Professionals acts.

Infrastructure and Economy: The Uganda Railways Bill (2026) and the Real Estate Bill (2025) to regulate emerging middle-class developments.

Security and Governance: The Small Arms and Light Weapons Control Bill and an updated Intelligence Services Policy Framework.

Finance: A suite of structural revenue measures including the Income Tax, Excise Duty, Value Added Tax, and Stamp Duty amendment bills for 2027.

The government is accelerating plans to introduce competence-based learning in primary schools across the country as part of wider education reforms aimed at equipping learners with practical skills, creativity, and innovation from an early age.

The initiative follows the ongoing implementation of the revised lower secondary school curriculum, which was rolled out in 2020 to shift Uganda’s education system away from rote learning and examination-driven memorisation.

Speaking during the handover of newly renovated facilities at Bukoto Muslim Primary School in Nakawa Division, Kampala, on Thursday, the Commissioner for Basic Education at the Ministry of Education and Sports, Ms Safina Mutumba, said the ministry is actively reviewing the primary school curriculum to align it with the national competenceo-based education agenda.

‘Uganda is currently placing great emphasis on the Competence-Based Curriculum, which requires learners to actively participate in the learning process through creativity, innovation, and practical application of knowledge,’ Ms Mutumba said.

According to Ms Mutumba, the ministry has already developed a competence-based pre-primary curriculum, which is currently being piloted in select schools, while work is underway to complete the revision of the primary cycle.

The reforms are expected to prepare learners with practical skills to solve real-life challenges and improve their readiness for further education and subsequent employment in a competitive job market.

However, Ms Mutumba noted that the successful implementation of the hands-on approach will heavily rely on improvements in school infrastructure and learning environments. She explained that the newly renovated facilities at Bukoto Muslim Primary School would help improve access to quality education, reduce classroom congestion, and create a more conducive environment for learning.

‘Children appreciate and thrive in beautiful, conducive learning environments, and I am certain they are excited to see their school transformed,’ she said.

The commissioner commended the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), development partners, contractors, and the local community for contributing to the school’s transformation.

She also challenged school administrators across the country to adopt innovative, low-cost approaches to address infrastructure deficits instead of waiting entirely on central government funding.

Reflecting on concerns raised by the school leadership regarding the lack of a perimeter fence, Ms Mutumba encouraged the administration to explore environmentally friendly solutions that promote resourcefulness.

‘Some schools have used recycled plastic bottles to construct sections of perimeter fences. Such initiatives not only improve the school environment but also promote innovation and environmental awareness among learners,’ Ms Mutumba suggested.

Established in 1935, Bukoto Muslim Primary School is one of the oldest educational institutions in Nakawa Division. Crucially, it stands out as one of the few public schools in Kampala that provide inclusive education for learners with special needs, specifically visual impairments.

The KCCA Executive Director, Ms Sharifah Buzeki, described the renovation of the school as a significant milestone towards promoting inclusive and quality education in the city.

Ms Buzeki recalled visiting the school during last year’s Eid al-Adha celebrations and being struck by the dilapidated state of the infrastructure.

‘While my eyes were directed towards the ceremony, my mind was fixed on the state of the school infrastructure. I saw the concern and pain in the hearts of the leaders gathered here. They deeply desired a better learning environment for the children,’ Ms Buzeki said.

‘If Uganda is to develop, this is the spirit we need-a spirit of lifting others up and ensuring that no one is left behind,’ said Sharifah Buzeki, KCCA Executive Director.

Ms Buzeki praised the unique culture of inclusion at the school, noting that sighted learners willingly support and guide their visually impaired peers. She added that the school has offered specialised support to visually impaired learners since establishing its dedicated special needs unit in 1997.

The renovation project was financed by Universal Multipurpose Enterprise as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme. The company’s Managing Director, Mr Muffaddal Yeolawala, pledged continued support to Uganda’s education sector.

‘Education is key to development. We pledge to continue supporting education because these children are the future of our community,’ Mr Yeolawala said.

The Nakawa Division Mayor, Mr Ali Bukeni, popularly known as Nubian Li, emphasized that upgrading school infrastructure remains critical to achieving better learning outcomes in urban public schools.

‘When we talk about building a better Uganda, we must start with our schools. Education is the greatest equaliser, but children need a safe, clean, and inspiring learning environment,’ Mr Bukeni said.

The headteacher of Bukoto Muslim Primary School, Ms Aidah Nabwami, welcomed the renovation of classrooms and learning facilities, describing it as a major boost to teaching and morale.

‘The improved infrastructure will provide a safer and more conducive environment for learners, including children with visual impairments who attend the school,’ Ms Nabwami said.

Despite these challenges, Ms Nabwami expressed optimism that continued support from government agencies, corporate partners, and civil society stakeholders will help transform the school further and match the requirements of the upcoming curriculum shift.

The Uganda Lady Volleyball Cranes are just one victory away from securing qualification for the 2026 CAVB African Nations Volleyball Championship after making a commanding start to their campaign at the CAVB Zone V Nations Championship Qualifiers in Kampala.

The hosts opened their tournament with a convincing victory over Burundi, putting themselves firmly in control of the race for the sole qualification slot available in the competition.

Coached by Protus Soita, Uganda produced a dominant display, overpowering Burundi in all facets of the game.

Receiver-attacker Catherine Ainembabazi led the charge with 12 points as the Lady Cranes underlined their status as tournament favourites.

A victory over South Sudan in their second and final match on Friday would guarantee Uganda’s return to the continental showpiece.

With only three nations-Uganda, Burundi and South Sudan-competing in the women’s category, the qualifiers are being played in a round-robin format, with the team finishing top of the standings earning qualification to the African Championship.

Backed by home support and buoyed by their impressive opening performance, the Lady Cranes head into the decisive encounter full of confidence.

Uganda are widely regarded as favourites to claim the ticket, especially with regional powerhouses Kenya and Rwanda, as well as continental giants Egypt, absent from the competition in Kampala.

‘We served well against Burundi and we have to maintain that in the next game,’ receiver-attacker Claire Najjuko said ahead of Uganda’s crucial clash against South Sudan.

For the Lady Cranes, the equation is straightforward: one more victory and a place at the African Championship will be secured.

The 2026 CAVB African Nations Volleyball Championship is scheduled to take place in Nairobi, Kenya, from August 23 to September 5.

Meanwhile, attention on Thursday shifts to the men’s competition, where Kenya face South Sudan before hosts Uganda conclude their campaign.

CAVB Zone V Nations Championship Qualifiers

Thursday Fixtures

Kenya vs South Sudan, 6pm

Uganda vs Tanzania, 8pm

The Minister for the Presidency, Ms Milly Babirye Babalanda has announced that only 25 guests will attend this year’s Heroes Day scientific celebration ceremony at State House, Entebbe, noting that there won’t be a public gathering as it has been in the previous years.

The change in the nature of the commemoration has been due to the fact that the country is observing strict Standard Operating Procedures due to the Ebola pandemic.

Heroes Day is usually marked on June 9 every year.

Addressing journalists at Uganda Media Centre today, Ms Babalanda explained that the change-like celebration is aimed at observing strict Standard Operating Procedures due to the Ebola pandemic in the country.

‘As you may recall, the President of the Republic of Uganda, after consultation with the National Epidemic Response Task Force and Religious Leaders, decided to postpone the much-anticipated Annual Uganda Martyrs’ Pilgrimage due to the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This is on account that Uganda receives thousands of Pilgrims annually from Eastern Congo, which is currently experiencing the Ebola outbreak; hence the need to safeguard everyone’s lives,’ Ms Babalanda said.

She added, “The World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, and that it constitutes a public health emergency of international concern. It does make sense to assume that it may not be possible to congregate a lot of Ugandans at Kololo on 9th of June 2026.”

Ms Babalanda further noted that this year, there will not be the awarding of medals as has been the tradition on Heroes Day celebrations.

She stated that the 25 people were selected from the three arms of government, religious leaders, and representatives from the Luweero Triangle Veteran Association, highlighting that the rest of the country will receive the President’s message via the national broadcaster, the UBC, and other broadcasters that have national audiences.

She explained that the day remains a public holiday that will be marked under the theme: ‘Protecting the gains as we make a qualitative leap into high-middle-income status’, the same theme used for the presidential inauguration ceremony.

For the Moslem community, prayer will be held on Friday, June 5th, 2026, in all mosques, Seventh-day Adventists, on Saturday, June 5th, in all their churches, and other Christians, on Sunday, June 7th, in all churches.

As part of the commemoration, the government has guided that prayers and thanksgiving be held across the country by different respective religions and urged Ugandans to attend prayers in their respective places of worship.

For the Moslem community, prayer will be held on Friday June5th, 2026 in all mosques, Seventh day Adventists; on Saturday June5th in all their churches, other Christian; on Sunday June7th in all churches.

The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has called on the government to compensate victims of the ongoing demolitions in a crackdown that seeks to restore wetlands across the country.

Through their Treasurer Arthur Isiko, ULS has taken on an initiative to help the victims push for compensation for their destroyed properties before they relocate to new places as per the government directive.

He said the enforcement authorities had to first issue court orders before demolishing people’s houses. He has collected details of the victims to assist them in pushing for their next step.

‘We have come to give free legal advice. We have come to understand the grievances of the people, their challenges, and assist them in courts of law,’ he said as he addressed Lubigi evictions victims on June 3.

ULS is going to collect all the necessary information from the victims, including buying agreements for the land and all the other particulars, and come up with a court case to be filed in courts of law.

‘We all know that the Constitution of Uganda says that no person’s property shall be destroyed unless there’s a court order.’

Mr Isiko added that they have received several complaints from the people that National Environment Management Authority (Nema) didn’t notify them before demolishing their houses.

Residents of Buggu Village, Busabala Parish, Wakiso District, claim Nema conducted ‘surprise eviction’, arguing that no prior warnings were issued.

According to the affected residents, they had a meeting last month at Busabala Playground, with authorities from Nema, Ministry of Water and Environment, and local leaders and had reportedly agreed that the authorities would return for wetland demarcation on June 19, which agreement they claim was amended.

To their surprise, the enforcement team returned on Tuesday, June 2, and ordered all occupants to vacate. The operation triggered panic as residents rushed to save their belongings, including mattresses, furniture, clothes, iron sheets, and animals, among others.

Mr Ivan Ssentongo, one of the affected residents, expressed frustration over the abrupt enforcement and now wants the government to come to their rescue.

‘We are going to sleep outside. I have spent more than seven years here; how can Nema just enforce the eviction before the demarcations? We feel betrayed,’ he stated.

Makindye-Ssabagabo MP David Sserukenya asked Nema to halt the eviction exercise and adhere to the commitments made during the May 29 meeting. He challenged Nema to strengthen preventive enforcement measures by stopping illegal developments in wetlands before construction takes place, rather than waiting until residents have invested heavily in their properties.

‘People had gone to work when Nema held the operation, leaving properties destroyed.’

However, Mr William Lubuulwa, Nema’s communications officer, said he was not aware of the May 29 meeting cited by residents.

He maintained that occupants of the affected wetlands had been warned to vacate as early as 2024 but had ignored repeated directives.

‘I don’t want to speak on behalf of the locals. I don’t think Nema was part of the locals during the meeting [May 29]. If you say Nema was part of the meeting, this must have been the agreed action [enforcing the eviction],’ Mr Lubulwa stated during the interview.

Tears, uncertainty, and makeshift tents now define life for hundreds of families in Busabala, Wakiso District, following a massive enforcement operation by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA).

The two-day wetland restoration exercise, which commenced on Tuesday, June 2, and concluded on Thursday, June 4, 2026, cleared over 100 homes spanning approximately 10.3 hectares of the protected Kaliddubi Wetland in Buggu Village, Busabala Parish, Makindye Ssabagabo.

The operation has sparked intense outrage among the affected residents. Many accuse the environmental watchdog of “selective enforcement,” claiming ordinary citizens were targeted while prominent, wealthy developers along the shores of Lake Victoria were left untouched.

During the Thursday demolition, this reporter witnessed an ongoing construction project near Kaazi Resort Beach, situated immediately adjacent to the evicted wetland zone. The prominent structure was spared from the excavators, a sight that fueled resentment among residents who watched their own life savings turned to rubble.

The displaced families acknowledged that their properties sat within what is now classified as a wetland.

However, they argued that when they purchased their plots years ago, the land was dry, stable, and habitable.

Residents allege that massive earth-filling and reclamation activities by wealthy investors along the Lake Victoria shoreline systematically altered the natural water flow. This, they claim, forced water back into the settlement, artificially creating a wetland environment over time.

Mr. Augustine Ndayambaze, a long-time resident, recounted purchasing his plot in 2011 and building a three-bedroom house on dry land. He stated he received an eviction notice only in 2023. Speaking in a frail, emotional voice, Mr. Ndayambaze pointed the finger at nearby investors.

“We are not being evicted because of NEMA’s genuine environmental restoration, but rather because of the actions of a wealthy investor,” Mr. Ndayambaze lamented. “I have spent over 15 years here. We never had a wetland until they started pouring soil into the lake, forcing the water into our community. NEMA is being selective, targeting poor, struggling nationals while protecting the real encroachers.”

The sudden demolitions have left countless families stranded. Some breadwinners returned from work on Thursday evening only to find their houses reduced to debris.

Mr. Abdul Nasir Kasaagwa, a local boda-boda rider and father of three, broke down in tears as he watched his home crumble. He explained that he used his boda-boda earnings to buy a 20x50ft plot for Shs 6 million, subsequently investing Shs 30 million to construct the house.

“My children left for school this morning, and they are returning to find their home demolished. Where are we going to sleep?” Mr. Kasaagwa asked. He urged the government to provide compensation to prevent victims from falling into despair, crime, or suicide. “We see government offices squandering billions of taxpayers’ money annually. Can’t the government save some of that money to resettle evicted citizens?”

For Ms. Viola Katwesige, a mother of six who built a permanent home in 2018, rent is an unaffordable luxury. She and her family have resorted to sleeping in a makeshift plastic tent on the debris.

“Landlords won’t accept us because I have six children, and we don’t have the money to rent anyway because houses are so expensive right now,” Ms. Katwesige said.

The eviction deals a double blow to residents like Ms. Caroline Namukosi, who recently lost her livelihood during KCCA’s enforcement operations against street vendors in Kampala.

“They just banned us from selling our goods on the streets, and now they have demolished my house. Where am I supposed to go with five school-going children?” she wept.

In response to the mounting public backlash, NEMA Public Relations Officer, Mr. William Lubuulwa, vehemently rejected the allegations of selective enforcement, maintaining that the authority’s mandate is applied uniformly to restore degraded ecosystems.

Addressing the controversial structure near Kaazi Resort Beach, Mr Lubuulwa stated that the building did not fall within NEMA’s eviction criteria because of its unique topography.

“NEMA does evict the ‘big fish,’ but the building in question is located on a rocky hill, not in the swamp,” Mr. Lubuulwa explained. “Physically, it looks close to the shore, but when you cross the road, that is where the actual swamp begins, and that is where we have evicted people.”

Mr. Lubuulwa emphasized that the recovery of the 10.3 hectares in Busabala is part of a wider, uncompromising national campaign to protect critical ecological systems from human encroachment.

The Busabala operation follows a series of aggressive environmental enforcement actions across the country. Just last week, NEMA resumed its high-stakes restoration exercise in the Lubigi wetland, evicting hundreds of encroachers in an effort to curb the severe flash flooding plaguing surrounding Kampala suburbs.

Furthermore, on Monday, June 1, NEMA suspended all construction activities along the Lumpewo wetland in Kitikobirongo Village, Mutungo Parish, Makindye Ssabagabo Municipality. The developers were handed a strict 21-day ultimatum to voluntarily dismantle and remove all illegal structures or face forced demolition.

According to NEMA, the ongoing environmental crackdown will soon be extended to other heavily degraded areas across the country, including targeted zones in Wakiso District, Mbale City, and along the banks of the fragile River Rwizi in Mbarara City.