Category: Daily Monitor

Head teachers in Fort Portal City and Kabarole District have appealed to the government to deploy armed security officers at every school, citing rising insecurity in the Rwenzori sub-region following weekend deadly attacks by panga-wielding assailants.

The coordinated assaults across Kasese, Bundibugyo and Fort Portal districts left at least 30 attackers dead and about 60 suspects arrested.

One Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) officer and a female soldier were also killed when the attackers raided army detachments in Malindi and Kakuka, Bundibugyo District, setting several soldiers’ houses ablaze before fleeing.

The same attackers targeted Nyakasura School and Canon Apollo institutions in Fort Portal City, as well as police facilities in Kasese, where officers were injured and property destroyed.

During a joint security meeting on Monday, education leaders said the wave of violence has exposed schools to possible attacks, warning that limited budgets make it difficult to hire private guards.

‘If our government can send soldiers to the Democratic Republic of Congo to fight the ADF rebels, why can’t they also deploy soldiers to protect our children here? Our schools are at risk,’ saidElizabeth Bagaya, head teacher of Kitumba Secondary School.

Yoweri Asiimwe, a teacher at Holy Guard Kasenda Secondary School, said schools near forests were particularly vulnerable.

‘Some schools are surrounded by thick forests and swamps, which could provide hiding places for attackers. We cannot afford armed guards-it’s costly. Let the government take responsibility and deploy UPDF soldiers to protect us,’ he said.

Mr. Hebert Mukasa, Principal of Canon Apollo Core PTC, said anxiety remains high even after the situation stabilized. ‘We request a permanent army detachment near our school. We are surrounded by a swamp where we suspect some attackers could be hiding,’ he noted.

However, Pius Bihembo, the Fort Portal North Division Police Commander, said manpower shortages make it impossible to deploy soldiers to every school. ‘We don’t have enough personnel to station at every school. We are conducting joint patrols day and night and assessing all public spaces for potential threats,’ he said.

Deputy RCC Emmanuel Businge said Uganda’s deployment in DR Congo aims to block rebel infiltration, while the government works to reinforce domestic security.

Local Government Minister Victoria Businge Rusoke urged schools to prioritize hiring security guards using their existing budgets. ‘Every time you increase fees, include the cost of hiring armed guards. It’s true some schools need army detachments, but this is a long-term strategy,’ she said.

As some of our candidate children lay down their pens after weeks of exams, others are just picking them up. Exams, in many ways, mirror life itself.

Some people are celebrating completion, others are still pressing on, and a few are just beginning their next big test. What matters is not only how we finish or start, but the spirit with which we do both.

The Bible says that ‘Finishing is better than starting .’ (Ecclesiastes 7:8NLT). For those who have completed their exams, congratulations! You’ve endured sleepless nights, early mornings, and the weight of expectations. Whether you feel you performed well or not, this is a good time to rest and reflect.

Finishing well is not only about your final mark but about the lessons you carry forward, and hope keeps you moving on, no matter what.

Parents, this is not the time to interrogate your children about which questions they failed or to compare them with others. Instead, affirm their effort. Every child needs to hear, ‘You did your best, and we’re proud of you.’

That reassurance builds confidence, especially for those who might be anxious about results. Encourage them to rest responsibly, reconnect with family, and help around the home.

For the Senior Six candidates beginning their exams, this is your moment to bring all your preparation to life. You have walked a long road since Senior One.

Don’t let fear undo what you’ve built. Stay focused, keep a calm mind, and remember that one exam cannot define your entire destiny. Exams are not just about academic recall-they test emotional maturity, focus, and composure. Starting strong is also a mindset for those about to enter new seasons, whether joining A-level, university, or the world of work. It’s about approaching the next phase with purpose, integrity, and a teachable spirit.

Every finish line is also a starting point. Now starting to think about how you would want your future to look like because you are no longer anymore after Senior Six.

In both finishing and starting seasons, the role of parents is critical.

Children look to us as adults not only for financial provision but for emotional stability and reassurance of the future.

Here’s how parents can support their children during this transition: After exams, some children fear disappointing their parents.

Create an environment where they can speak freely about their experiences, fears, and expectations. Keep sharing with them how they would like to progress their life in anticipation of a new one at another career level.

Recognize the process, not only the outcome. Praise them for their discipline, their resilience, and their commitment. Teach them some new skills that can show them that, beyond academics, they have untapped potential that is equally vital for their lives. Idle time after exams can lead to risky behavior.

Encourage purposeful activities, reading, volunteering, short courses, or even family projects. This world is full of opportunities that can keep your child engaged in creative life and livelihood skills.

Ask gentle questions like, ‘What did you learn about yourself this year?’ or ‘What would you like to improve next time?’ This turns the post-exam period into a time of growth.

Presence communicates love. Whether it’s waking up early to pray with them or simply preparing a favorite meal before and after an exam, these gestures build emotional strength.

Don’t be that parent full of negative confessions. Children read their parents’ emotions. If you panic about their results or compare them with others, you multiply their anxiety. Instead, show faith and confidence that their future is in good hands. When the last paper is written, life goes on.

Some students will celebrate, others will wish they had done better, and some will fear the unknown. But every ending carries new opportunities.

The real exam is how we use what we’ve learned, discipline, time management, perseverance to shape our future.

As a nation, we should remind our children that education is not a race but a journey. Each child moves at their own pace, and success has many paths.

Whether they become doctors, artists, teachers, entrepreneurs, or farmers, what matters most is that they walk their path with integrity, diligence, and faith.

So to every candidate, whether you’re closing or starting an exam chapter, choose to finish well and start strong. And to every parent, your encouragement, prayers, and guidance are the invisible fuel that powers your child’s journey.

The Southern Africa Development Cooperation SADC electoral observers have said the Tanzania polls didn’t meet the organisation democratic elections standards.

In a statement, the head of SADC Electoral Observation Mission (SEOM), Mr Richard Msowoya, said in some areas in Tanzania, the voters could not express their democratic will.

‘… it is the SEOM’s tentative conclusion that, in most areas, voters could not express their democratic will. Overall, the 2025 General Election in the United Republic of Tanzania fell short of the requirements of the SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections,’ read a statement by Mr Msowoya, the former speaker of Malawi.

Tanzania is a member of SADC. Tanzania incumbent president, Samia Suluhu Hassan was declared the winner of the elections by 98 percent of the cast votes and she was sworn in yesterday. The protests against the manner in which the elections were conducted left over 700 people killed.

Some of the major opposition parties were blocked from participating in the elections while others declined to participate without electoral reforms. The elections were also marred by violence as protestors went the streets claiming that they were not free or fair. The SADC observers said their mission noted a low voter turnout.

The observers’ said stakeholders told them that the detention and trial of Mr Tundu Lissu, the leader of the main opposition party, CHADEMA, on treason charges, and the disqualification of some opposition candidates, particularly of Mr Luhaga Mpina of ACT Wazalendo also raised questions about the fairness of the electoral landscape, especially on the mainland of Tanzania.

‘Some stakeholders viewed the seven arrests and disqualification as undermining the URT’s multi-party system by removing legitimate competition in the electoral process. This appears to create an uneven political playing field, which in turn also discourages public participation and voter turnout,’ the statement stated.

They said blocking the opponents in an election by a member state is contrary to their principles that ‘guarantee an environment of open contest with no undue exclusion and restrictions on anyone to vote as well as the right of eligible and qualified citizens to stand as candidates in any election”.

But the Tanzania electoral body claimed there was a high turnout, with 37.6 million voters, of which 31.9 million chose President Suluhu. SADC observers also said there was ballot stuffing.

‘The Mission observed that in some polling stations, there were multiple orderly stacked ballots in the ballot box during voting, which created a perception of ballot stuffing, and an impression that individual(s) cast more than one vote at a time with the intention to cheat the election system,’ the statement reads.

They said some of their colleagues were threatened with violence. ‘Most of our observers could not observe closing and counting due to incidents and threats of violence in some areas; and The Mission did not observe the presence of domestic observers in most of the polling stations,’ Mr Msowoya said. They added that their observers were also harassed by security personnel, who forced them to delete photographs taken during their tasks. They asked the aggrieved parties ‘to channel their concerns through established legal procedures and processes and not resort to violence or threats thereof’.

However, the Tanzania government changed laws so that the results released by their electoral body can’t be contested in courts of law.

It takes a leap of faith to cross from Namiti Island on Lake Victoria to the Masese landing site in Jinja. The boats that make that journey are often unlicensed, overloaded and beaten by years of water and sun but for many, hope is far stronger than fear.

It was that same hope that pushed Richard Okello Sr. and his wife Jessica Namuko to leave Namiti, part of the Buvuma Islands group, to seek a future on the mainland.

Bare feet, big dreams

Years later, on those same dusty shores where fishmongers call out prices and children chase tyres for play, their son Richard Okello began chasing a ball.

He played barefooted, without proper gear but with an engine of belief that matched the restless heartbeat of his surroundings. Masese, by extension, is part of the larger football-mad Walukuba estate, a place where talent finds a way to breathe even when resources are scarce.

Now, maybe this past may be forgotten but on Wednesday at 8.45pm, history will remember a special moment. That, Uganda will be debuting at a Fifa World Cup tournament and at the front of it all is that boy from Masese named Richard Okello.

He will go into history as the first-ever captain of a Ugandan team at a World Cup when he guides the Uganda Cubs onto the pitch in Al Rayyan, Qatar to take on Canada on Wednesday night. Uganda is in group K with Canada, Chile and France.

‘I grew up in Masese but it is a tough place,’ Okello recalls in this interview. At Masese, Okello joined one of the rapidly growing but under-resourced football academies to start his journey.

‘We lacked equipment and proper facilities but I wanted to play. Sometimes it was hard because you feel you want to do something but you don’t have enough.’

Opportunity knocks

Hardships didn’t discourage Okello instead, they sharpened him.

His breakthrough came when he was spotted by Coach Boban Tamale, now head coach at Jinja SSS, who took him to Lugazi Community School where he could combine football and education under a scholarship to complete his primary level.

Okello’s talent began to attract attention and was later awarded another scholarship at Lweru SS in Buikwe for his Senior One. But it was during a local but famous street tournament Zein Cup organized by Jinja’s politician and philanthropist Abdallah Zein that fortune knocked again.

‘A scout called Coach Abbey [Kakumirizi] came after a match. I didn’t even know he was watching but I scored and assisted. He told me I played well and wanted me to join their academy. I was scared because I thought I would find many challenges there. But I went.’

Fear turned into opportunity as the famous El Cambio Academy in Masaka became part of his family in 2020. Okello knows what he wants and how he wants. A disagreement over his position forced him to leave the academy.

‘There was a misunderstanding because the coaches thought he would be better as a defensive midfielder but he preferred an advanced role,’ his first coach and mentor Boban Tamale told Daily Monitor.

Okello decided to move back Jinja and joined Jinja Progressive and has captained the two big wins over city rivals Jinja SSS and carried them to the nationals as captain.

Captain of a nation

Through the partnership that the school has with Uganda premier League side Bul, Okello joined the club’s Junior Team and immediately rose to its captaincy.

Okello has captained Bul to back-to-back Fufa Junior League titles in 2023 and 2024 as he swept the most valuable player of the tournament award on both occasions.

Before that, his national team stars had started shining. In October 2022, he was summoned to the Uganda Cubs under coach Hamza Lutalo.

Okello scored his debut and only goal in a 4-0 win over Burundi but unfortunately, the team failed to qualify for Afcon U-17 2023 losing to Somali in the semis.

He was summoned to the Uganda Rhinos (U-15) for the Cecafa U-15 2023 scoring two goals but the team lost to Zanzibar in the final.

That was just a setback but didn’t drag Okello behind as he was called to the Cecafa U-18 two months later in December and captained the team to victory in Kisumu, Kenya.

Now, football has stars. And then it has symbols, those players whose journey mirrors the dreams of their nation. Okello is both. His captaincy at the Fifa U-17 World Cup will forever define his young career.

‘First of all, I would like to thank God because it is not easy to be a captain because it is not common to everyone,’ the soft-spoken but agile forward says softly, almost humbled by his own reality.

Pressure? He’s known worse

Many players crumble under the World Cup spotlight but pressure isn’t new to Okello because he has known mornings without breakfast and evenings without boots.

He has known the weight of expectation in Afcon U-17 qualifiers, failed once but rose to captain the nation to the world. But above all, his experience playing for Bul and the several international tournaments.

‘I think the club has pressure and I’m learning how to handle it from my older teammates,’ he smiles. Okello made his debut at Bul in February 2023 aganst SC Villa in Uganda Cup. He has appeared 20 times for the senior team, scoring one goal.

Brotherhood

Okello did not score a goal in the Afcon but is not shaken.

‘I didn’t score but I put in work a little more and created some opportunities to score. But I still believe that I can score.’ That maturity and refusal to panic is rare at 17.

Beyond his own ambitions, Okello’s brotherhood with one of his best friends James Bogere drives him. His link-up play with Bogere, the team’s most dependable striker, fuels Uganda Cub’s attack.

‘My partnership with James is not new,’ Okello laughs. ‘We grew up together and he is like my brother. I know his movemen and his abilities. I know what makes him happy or sad so, it simplifies my work.’

‘We are aiming to reach a high level and as a person, I want to leave a legacy behind. I want to perform very well and also I want to play professional football abroad,’ He concludes before laying back on his seat to reflect.

In summary

Okello: Island boy ? slum dreamer ? dusty academy warrior ? MVP Fufa Junior? Cecafa U18 winning captain ? senior league footballer ? Afcon qualifier ? Uganda’s first captain at a World Cup.

Player profileName: Richard OkelloDate of Birth: March 27, 2008District: JinjaStrong foot: RightPosition: ForwardClub: Bul FC Junior TeamSchool: Jinja Progressive AcademyFavourite Player: Isma MugulusiHobbies: Listening to musicAcademy: Amerigo SA, El Cambio SA, Masese SAFamous Quote: Only God KnowsFavourite Food: Rice, sweet potatoes, ChickenJersey Number: 11 Uganda Cubs scheduleNovember 5: Canada vs. UgandaNovember 8: Uganda vs. ChileNovember 11: Uganda vs. France

Robert Kyagulanyi’s decision to visit Milton Obote’s grave in the middle of an election was definitely a political blunder, and I’m sure his advisors have silently acknowledged it.

Once you start setting your sights on historical injustices, you trap yourself in struggles that can never be fixed because the same river can never flow twice. You also divert your attention from things right in front of you that are pretty easy to fix.

A lot of people assume that it won’t affect him since the majority of Ugandans are below 30 years, and I kind of thought in a similar way when I first saw the video of the visit. I thought to myself, “You know what, Uganda has the second youngest population in the world. None of them knows anything about Obote.

They have only known Museveni as president. So, it won’t affect Bobi. ” But then I realised that I have also known only one president all my life.

So, how come Obote’s name has always been a thorn in my brain? I remembered that I started reading about Obote around 2009 on the Ugandans At Heart forum through our interactions with the elders.

I also started borrowing books from the university library to teach myself the history of my country – that’s the time I was doing my postgraduate studies here in the UK. That’s why I’m now in a better position to assess the gravity of the visit to Obote’s grave than some people. I’m sure that those Ugandans in their 20s have also started opening up books, consulting elders, like I did, to research about Obote and what he did while he was president.

And people shouldn’t bet on crowds and think that all will be forgotten. In any case, crowds don’t necessarily mean votes in any election. Besigye had serious crowds, but he’s now sadly in prison, and he never became president. Huge rallies are a completely useless metric.

Reconciliation is the process of restoring a relationship, system, or account to a state of agreement, consistency, or harmony after divergence, error, or conflict. Reconciliations aren’t really done during campaigns. When you do it during campaigns, it smells of opportunism. If you decide to visit Obote’s grave for purposes of reconciliation, then you have to go all the way.

You can’t limit it to the dead and past. You should reconcile with Museveni and others, too. The word reconciliation in normal life refers to the removal of any mistakes that happened between two persons. It means the restoration of friendly relations or the action of making one view or belief compatible with another.

So, if Kyagulanyi means what he says, he has to stretch during these elections and reach out to Mathias Mpuuga, Asuman Basalirwa, and several others who are his ” enemies.”

The 1966 attack on Kabaka’s palace is still painful, especially in the hearts of elders. Some Baganda haven’t forgotten and forgiven Obote for what he did to their kingdom.

Police in Iganga District have arrested a 28-year-old teacher on allegations of leaking Primary Leaving Examination (PLE) papers during the ongoing national exams.

The suspect, identified as Abdul Abdul, a teacher at Ibun Baz Primary School and resident of Bugabwe Village in Bulubandi Parish, Nakigo Sub-county, was arrested on Monday morning after intelligence linked him to the circulation of leaked examination materials.

According to Mr Michael Kasadha, the Busoga East Police spokesperson, intelligence operatives received information at around 10:45 am indicating that copies of the Mathematics and Social Studies (SST) papers, which candidates sat for that morning, were circulating on several Telegram and WhatsApp groups.

‘The leaked papers were reportedly being shared using the suspect’s mobile contact,’ Mr Kasadha said.

Following the tip-off, detectives conducted a search at Abdul’s residence and reportedly recovered a mobile phone containing soft copies of suspicious examination materials.

The suspect was immediately taken into custody and later handed over to the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) security team for further investigation.

Mr Kasadha condemned the act, saying such malpractice undermines the integrity of the country’s education system.

He urged teachers, parents, and school administrators to uphold honesty and transparency during the examination period.

‘We call upon all stakeholders to strictly comply with UNEB regulations to ensure credible results and a fair evaluation process for all candidates,’ Mr Kasadha said.

The opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) parliamentary candidate for Kachumbala County in Bukedea District is facing a petition before the Electoral Commission over alleged falsification of voter signatures used during his nomination.

The petition, filed on October 31, 2025, by George William Atum through Wamimbi Advocates and Solicitors, challenges the legality of Charles Ongelech’s nomination on October 23.

Atum alleges that several signatures submitted in support of the candidate were forged.

Under Section 11(1)(a) of the Parliamentary Elections Act, Cap 177, a candidate must submit a list of at least ten registered voters endorsing their nomination, with each providing a valid signature corresponding to their national identity card.

Atum claims that upon inspecting Ongelech’s nomination papers, he discovered discrepancies indicating that the signatures of some voters had been falsified.

‘The six out of ten listed voters have denied ever supporting or endorsing the said candidate and have further confirmed that their signatures were forged on nomination papers,’ Atum states in his petition.

The contested signatures reportedly belong to Anna Christine Atukei, Paul Aolio, John Bosco Anyapa, Brian Malinga, and Philip Isimai, among others.

Atum alleges that one of Ongelech’s campaign agents, identified as Robert Ochan, illegally obtained copies of national identity cards from residents through his solar panel business and used them to falsify endorsements.

He argues that the alleged forgery violates electoral law and renders the nomination ‘null and void.’ The petitioner has asked the Electoral Commission to strike Ongelech off the list of duly nominated candidates and conduct further verification.

In response, Ongelech denied the allegations, describing them as a politically motivated attempt to discredit his campaign.

‘We were not surprised when we were served the petition, because we saw this coming,’ he told Monitor.

He claimed that six of his supporters were abducted at gunpoint and forced to make statements implicating him.

‘These people were tortured and forced to make testimonies pinning me as one who got nominated using falsified signatures whereas not,’ he said.

Ongelech further alleged that his father had been approached and threatened to convince him to withdraw from the race.

He maintains that he will appear before the Electoral Commission to defend himself ‘against the schemes of Bukedea’s political kingmakers’ and insists that ‘the people must be free to elect leaders of their choice.’

Ongelech and David Stephen Omagor are challenging Patrick Isaigi Opolot, the incumbent MP for Kachumbala County and proprietor of Amus College.

The Constitutional Court has been petitioned challenging the nomination of ageing Gen (Rtd) Moses Ali as the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag bearer for Adjumani West Constituency, citing concerns over his frail health and physical incapacity.

Writer and self-exiled activist Kakwenza Rukirabashaija and human rights defender Ssuuna James Kiggala through their lawyers of Kiiza and Mugisha Advocates, lists the NRM, the Electoral Commission, and the Attorney General as co-respondents alongside Gen Ali, who currently serves as the Second Deputy Prime Minister and deputy leader of government business in parliament.

According to the petitioners, the nomination and endorsement of Gen Ali to contest for re-election in his current state violates the citizens’ constitutional right to effective and accountable representation.

‘The idea and spectacle of nominating the 1st Respondent (Gen Ali) was an embarrassing and unconstitutional act,’ the petition seen by Monitor on Tuesday reads in part.

‘The visibly frail, weak and barely audible 1st Respondent could not speak, write, move unaided or do anything that would normally be required of a Member of Parliament,’ the petitioners added.

Court documents indicate that Gen Ali was nominated by NRM electoral chairperson Dr Tanga Odoi, on June 17, 2025, from his car due to ill health. The party later confirmed his nomination as flag bearer on July 18, 2025, after he reportedly won the primaries with 8,609 votes.

The petitioners further state that the Electoral Commission officially nominated Gen Ali on October 22, 2025, as the NRM candidate for Adjumani West, despite his visible frailty.

They contend that the Electoral Commission and the Attorney General failed in their constitutional duties by approving and facilitating the nomination of a person allegedly incapable of executing the functions of a legislator.

‘The continued approval or facilitation of the 1st respondent’s candidacy by the 3rd and 4th respondents violates the constitutional duty to organize and ensure free and fair elections,’ the petition reads.

‘The people of Adjumani West and other Ugandans are entitled to effective, accountable and meaningful representation in governance, not symbolic representation.’

Kakwenza and Kiggala are seeking for Constitutional Court to declare that Gen Ali’s candidacy and potential parliamentary tenure in his current health state contravene Articles 1, 8A, 17, 38, and 79 of the 1995 Constitution.

They also seek a declaration that a person who is ‘visibly and physically frail, immobile and inaudible’ is constitutionally unfit to serve as a Member of Parliament.

In addition, the petitioners want the court to direct Parliament and the Electoral Commission to establish minimum physical fitness standards for all candidates seeking elective offices, arguing that such criteria are essential to protect the integrity of Uganda’s democratic institutions.

The petition further prays for an order halting Gen. Ali’s nomination and tenure, a permanent injunction restraining him from serving as MP, and a directive for fresh elections in Adjumani West Constituency.

In his supporting affidavit Kiggala who describes himself as a human rights activist and Executive Director of Freedom Hive Uganda, recounts that Gen Ali appeared too weak to stand or speak during nomination.

‘The position of MP is constitutionally and functionally demanding, requiring active participation in debates, physical attendance, constituency engagements, and the ability to articulate constituents’ concerns. The 1st respondent is visibly unable to perform these dutie,’ Kiggala states in the affidavit, attaching photographs of the nomination event.

Kiggala argues that allowing a person in Gen Ali’s condition to hold parliamentary office would amount to ‘constructive disenfranchisement’ of the people of Adjumani West.

The petitioners are seeking eight reliefs, including declarations nullifying Gen Ali’s candidacy, halting his tenure, and directing the establishment of physical competence benchmarks for elective officeholders.

They also seek costs of the petition and any other orders the court may deem fit in the interest of justice, constitutionalism, and good governance.

The Constitutional Court is yet to fix a hearing date for the petition, and Gen Ali was yet to comment on the development although he has previously scoffed at critics urging him to step down from elective politics.

In the past, tribal wars and territorial disputes threatened the very existence of Masaza football in counties such as Kooki, Kabula and Buluuli. But this year, the winds of change blew across Buganda’s most prestigious football competition. Not a single violent incident was reported and the Buganda Minister for Sports, Youth and Arts Robert Sserwanga comfortably attended a fixture in Migyeera – something unthinkable just a few years ago.

The only major hiccup came late in the season when Kyaggwe lodged a petition against Buweekula’s player Shafiq Ssonko, claiming he was ineligible.

The dispute briefly threatened the legitimacy of the final, but the tournament’s disciplinary committee dismissed the case for lack of merit, allowing the competition to proceed smoothly.

This season’s Masaza Cup therefore marked a turning point. From swelling fan bases to corporate interest and community pride, the tournament has reaffirmed its position as the most unifying sporting event in the Kingdom.

Kyaggwe’s rise

With traditional giants Buddu and Gomba on a downward spiral, Kyaggwe stepped up as the new fan magnet. They travelled with over 200 loyal supporters to every away fixture, while their home matches were complete sell-outs. Their consistent following has drawn the attention of brands like Pilsener King, which are keen to tap into the growing passion that surrounds the tournament.

Herbert Ndugga, the Pilsener King representative, praised the spectacle, saying: ‘The passion we’ve witnessed, not only here today but throughout the entire tournament, has been truly remarkable.

As Pilsener King, we are proud to celebrate with these exceptional players and devoted fans, whose energy continues to elevate the spirit of the Masaza Cup. The way Kyaggwe has mobilised their people this season is remarkable. They have given the tournament fresh life.’

A universal game

One of the Cup’s biggest strengths lies in its inclusiveness. Unlike the Bika bya Baganda competition, which is restricted to clans, the Masaza Cup is open to everyone living in or beyond Buganda. This openness is exemplified by Buweekula’s decision to name Nigerian defender Pariyo Ogubezo as their captain.

Several players who began their careers in the Masaza Cup have gone on to represent Uganda at the highest level including; Shafik Kagimu (Gomba), Moses Waiswa (Mawokota) and Travis Mutyaba (Gomba), among others.

A community affair

Except for Kyaddondo, who hosted their matches at the newly refurbished Hamz Stadium, most teams played on community grounds. These local venues gave fans affordable access and a sense of belonging. For many, it was not just football – it was cultural pride.

To Kyaggwe’s chief Vincent Matovu, who was named the most supportive leader of the year, the responsibility goes beyond football.

‘Being in charge of Masaza is not a privilege; it’s a chance to serve the Kabaka and the people,’ he said.

Yet no spectacle in Uganda’s sports calendar compares to Kabaka’s presence at the Masaza Cup’s opening and closing ceremonies. On Saturday, His Majesty Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, who had just returned from the UK, presided over the final at Hamz Stadium. His appearance, even before a smaller crowd than in recent years, underscored his commitment to unity through sport.

According to the Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, the Masaza Cup is more than a football tournament.

‘Participation in the Masaza Cup tournament is open to everyone, even those who are not ethnically Baganda. It is one of Kabaka’s initiatives to unite the people of Buganda through sports,’ he said.

Despite the modest Shs12m cash prize, the competition attracts immense support from politicians, businessmen and community leaders who see it as the most unifying platform in the Kingdom.

Minister Robert Sserwanga hailed this year’s edition as a model of discipline and organisation.

‘The progress of the Masaza Cup shows how far we’ve come in building a spirit of peaceful competition. This is what the Kabaka envisioned – sport as a tool for unity and development,’ Sserwanga said.

He added that the ministry will continue working with local chiefs to ensure safety, talent development, and inclusion in all counties.

What sponsors say

For Airtel Uganda, the Masaza Cup has become a cornerstone of their community engagement. Over the years, they have introduced innovations such as the Masaza bundles, offering fans affordable data, SMS and voice packages to stay connected throughout the tournament.

Ali Balunywa, Sales and Distribution Director – Core Markets, Airtel Uganda, said: ‘Our partnership with the Masaza Cup goes beyond sponsorship. It’s about nurturing local talent and strengthening community bonds. This tournament has become a hub for identifying the next generation of football stars, and Airtel is proud to be part of that journey.’

Centenary Bank’s Immaculate Ngulumi, Chief Manager of Branding and Marketing, echoed a similar sentiment.

‘We are proud to have been part of this tournament that continues to unite communities and promote well-being. As a long-standing partner for more than 12 years, we are committed to supporting initiatives that uplift our people, especially the youth. We also thank the fans for keeping the spirit of football alive,’ she said.

For Daniel Kayongo, Brand Manager at Plascon, the Masaza Cup aligns perfectly with their values.

He said: ‘The tournament’s ability to unite people from diverse backgrounds while unearthing raw football talent is something we deeply value. It’s not just about colour on the walls, it’s about painting communities with hope and pride.’

Even venue owners are catching on. Rogers Mulindwa, chairperson of the Hamz/Nakivubo War Memorial Stadium management committee, praised the organisation and royal presence.

‘We were honoured to host the Kabaka and his entourage in Executive Box 21 during the final. In recognition of that historic moment, the box will now be renamed The Royal Box. This is our way of preserving the Kabaka’s legacy and the spirit of unity that the Masaza Cup embodies.’

MASAZA CUP 2025

Champions: Buweekula

Runners-up: Ssingo

Final score: Buweekula 1-0 Ssingo

Top scorer and MVP: Jimmy Kalema (Buweekula)

Most supportive chief: Kyaggwe’s Ssekiboobo

Fair Play Award: Bulemeezi

Cash prize: Shs12 million (winners)

Main sponsors: Airtel Uganda, Centenary Bank, Plascon, Pilsner King

Opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) presidential candidate Nathan Nandala Mafabi has vowed to restore cotton growing in Uganda’s impoverished Bukedi region, describing the crop as the ‘backbone of the region’ and a pathway out of poverty.

Speaking during rallies in Budaka and Kibuku districts, Mafabi said the collapse of the cotton industry had left Bukedi, once a thriving agricultural hub, struggling with deep poverty and unemployment.

‘As FDC, once in power, we have to revive cotton cultivation with better prices so that people earn income. Currently, cotton being used to make clothing is just imported,’ Mafabi told his supporters on Tuesday.

He blamed the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) government, led by President Museveni, for what he called four decades of mismanagement and neglect.

‘The NRM has been in power for the last 40 years but Ugandans are poor with limited access to drugs and education. It has nothing to offer apart from plundering taxpayers’ money,’ he said.

‘It has invested in posters and advertisements, yet that money could be channelled to key services for Ugandans,’ he added.

Mafabi pledged to overhaul the country’s ailing health system, arguing that citizens should not have to fly abroad for medical treatment.

‘This government has completely neglected to improve the health sector,’ he said.

He also promised to raise teachers’ salaries across the board.

‘As FDC we are committed to have better and equal pay for all teachers,’ he declared, adding that his government would provide free education for teachers’ children from primary to university and free lunch to all pupils in public primary schools.

In a pitch to small business operators, Mafabi said if elected, the FDC government would offer affordable motorcycles to boda boda riders through a loan scheme to shield them from exploitative moneylenders.

He further pledged to expand social protection for the elderly.

‘If we are in power, the older persons above 65 years will each month get Shs 60,000,’ he told cheering supporters.

The rallies, however, were briefly marred by clashes at Kachomo Trading Centre, where police fired bullets to disperse rowdy youths who threw stones at FDC supporters. The situation was later brought under control after five ringleaders were arrested.

Mr Mafabi called for calm, urging supporters to focus on the upcoming 2026 general election, where he hopes to unseat President Yoweri Museveni. ‘I challenge Ugandans to turn up in big numbers to vote FDC into power come January 15, 2026,’ he said.

Mafabi among seven candidates officially nominated by the Electoral Commission to challenge President Museveni, who has ruled Uganda for nearly 40 years. Uganda will hold its General Election on January 15, 2026.