Category: Daily Monitor

Police in Kabale District have arrested a primary school headteacher for allegedly blocking a P.7 pupil from sitting the Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE) over a Shs 70,000 coaching fee.

The suspect, identified as Drake Kishija, headteacher of Rwababa Primary School in Kyanamira Sub-county, allegedly denied candidate Ezekiel Ahimbisibwe access to the national exams after he failed to pay the fee during the recent teachers’ industrial action.

Kigezi region police spokesperson Elly Maate confirmed the arrest saying: ‘When questioned about the incident, the headteacher claimed that the boy was nowhere to be seen until police brought him to the examination room when the paper was about to end.’

‘It is very unfortunate for the young boy to miss his exams, and police strongly condemn such acts. We shall not sit back and watch other school administrators subject innocent pupils to similar mistreatment,’ he added.

The matter came to light after the boy’s relative, Gerald Natuhumuza Esau, reported the incident at Kabale Police Station, accusing the headteacher of unlawfully denying the pupil his ‘right to education despite being fully registered.’

Investigations into the case are ongoing to establish the facts and determine the next course of action.

Kabale District Education Officer (DEO) Moses Tumwijukye Bwengye confirmed that 3,354 candidates are sitting the 2025 PLE across the district on Monday and Tuesday.

He noted that the cohort includes seven inmates from Ndorwa Government Prison and two candidates with disabilities, one at Hornby High School Junior and another at Lower Bugongi Primary School.

Tumwijukye expressed confidence that the rainy weather would not disrupt the exams, saying all materials were properly packaged and secured.

Kabale District Distribution Monitor, Felix Aruho, urged all invigilators and field officers to maintain integrity during the exercise.

‘We advise all invigilators and field officers to strictly adhere to the Uganda National Examinations Board rules and regulations to ensure a smooth and credible examination exercise,’ he said.

Kisoro teachers detained over photocopied PLE Answers

Two primary school teachers were arrested Monday in Kisoro District for allegedly orchestrating malpractice during the ongoing Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE).

Bernard Katabire, 41, a teacher at Real Quality Primary School, and Samuel Baker Munyantari, 52, headteacher of Seseme Primary School, were taken into custody from Seseme Primary School premises in the afternoon.

According to Maate, the incident unfolded at Seseme Girls Primary School, where Katabire was deployed as an invigilator.

‘Around 1:00 p.m., Uganda National Examinations Board (Uneb) scout George Kisakye entered Classroom 4 and noticed Katabire holding several suspicious papers. Upon inspection, one document was found to be a photocopied answer sheet containing pre-written solutions to Mathematics questions 31 and 32,’ ASP Maate said.

Kisakye reported the matter to the headteacher and alerted the police officer stationed at the centre. Both suspects were detained for questioning.

‘Investigations are actively ongoing,’ ASP Maate added. Authorities have intensified nationwide efforts to curb examination malpractice.

PLEexams are expected to end on November 4.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in Uganda and a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. The Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) is working to raise awareness, promote early detection, and improve treatment outcomes. Here are key facts every man should know.

What is prostate cancer?

Prostate cancer develops in the prostate gland, a small organ located below the bladder and in front of the rectum that produces part of the semen. When prostate cells begin to grow uncontrollably, they form a tumour that can spread to other parts of the body if not detected early.

Who is at risk?

Any man can get prostate cancer, but the risk increases with age, especially after 50 years. Men with a close relative, such as a father, brother, or son who has had prostate cancer, are more likely to develop it. Black men, including Africans, face a higher risk and tend to get the disease at a younger age. Unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as eating fatty foods, being overweight, and not exercising, can further increase the likelihood of developing prostate cancer.

What are the symptoms?

In its early stages, prostate cancer may not cause noticeable signs. As the tumour grows, men may experience difficulty starting or stopping urination, weak or interrupted urine flow, frequent urination (especially at night), pain or burning when urinating, or blood in the urine or semen. Pain in the lower back, hips, or thighs can also occur when the cancer spreads. Men with these symptoms should visit a health facility immediately.

How is it detected?

Early detection saves lives. Screening methods include the Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test, which measures the level of a protein produced by the prostate.

Elevated PSA levels can indicate an issue, though not always cancer. Another method is the Digital Rectal Exam (DRE), where a doctor feels the prostate through the rectum to check for abnormalities. If results are suspicious, further tests such as an ultrasound, MRI, or biopsy are done to confirm the diagnosis.

When should men start screening?

Men aged 45 and above should have annual prostate screenings. Those with a family history of prostate cancer or who are considered high-risk, especially African men, should start screening at 40 years. Detecting the disease early greatly improves the chances of successful treatment and recovery.

Can it be prevented?

There is no sure way to prevent prostate cancer, but men can reduce their risk by adopting healthy habits. These include eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding smoking, and limiting alcohol intake. Regular check-ups and screening after the age of 40 also play an important role in prevention.

Is prostate cancer curable?

Yes. Prostate cancer is highly treatable when detected early. Treatment options depend on how advanced the disease is and may include surgery to remove the prostate, radiotherapy to destroy cancer cells, hormone therapy to slow their growth, or chemotherapy for advanced cases. UCI provides these treatments and comprehensive care for patients.

What should I do if diagnosed?

A diagnosis can be overwhelming, but remember you are not alone. Seek treatment from specialised centres such as UCI, follow your doctor’s recommendations, and consider counselling or joining a support group. Staying positive and adhering to treatment significantly improves recovery chances. Many men continue to live healthy, fulfilling lives after treatment.

UCI’s role

UCI leads national efforts to combat prostate cancer. It runs screening and early detection programmes across the country, conducts public awareness campaigns, and offers advanced diagnostic and treatment services both at UCI and regional cancer centres. The Institute also trains healthcare professionals to improve early detection and management while conducting research on prostate cancer among African men.

Every time Kampala floods, we act shocked. We blame the rain. We tweet. Then we go silent, until the next storm comes and the city drowns again. Let’s humbly swallow this pill: Uganda’s floods are no longer unpredictable weather events; they are a structural failure that plays out consistently, season after season.

The rain comes exactly when it’s expected, and Kampala drowns! But let’s be honest here: the floods are not the problem. They are the ‘works of our hands’-a direct result of gaps in our planning, our priorities, and our politics. The evidence is as overwhelming as the floodwaters. Between January and May, more than 52,000 people were affected.

Twenty-three Ugandans died and 241 were injured. Countless traders with shops downtown lost millions in stock. Roads turned to rivers. Some even made us think of buying boats! Kampala came to a standstill. That is the cost of our collective failure. A failure to plan, a failure to enforce, a failure to hold power to account. Uganda’s bimodal rain seasons are well-documented and predictable. What has changed is what we have done with that knowledge. We have declared war on our wetlands and treat every downpour as an act of God’s wrath. It is not. It is an act of negligence and greed. Look at Nakivubo. When a private businessman was handed the drainage channel project, some people clapped.

They said, ‘Finally, a private investor doing what government has failed to do’. Now look at us. Recently, the rains provided the answer. The same channel overflowed. Drainage systems failed, floodwaters invaded markets, traffic stalled, shops flooded, stock floated away, and business ground to a halt. Billions of shillings were lost. The same stories, the same pain. Only this time, after a multimillion-dollar intervention designed to prevent exactly that. It forces us to ask: Was the project structurally vetted by independent engineers? Were the environmental and hydrological impact assessments made public? Was the redesign consistent with Kampala’s topography?

Was this project designed to drain water, or to drain public resources? We are witnessing a dangerous shift: infrastructure designed to serve real estate ambitions first, and public good as an afterthought. Kampala’s problems lie not in a lack of government capacity to fund these projects, but in a lack of governance, weak regulation, and lax enforcement. Let me say it more plainly: The problem is not one channel. Kampala’s drainage challenge is systemic. Wetlands like Lubigi and Kinawataka-the functional kidneys of the city’s water system-have been swallowed by factories and malls. We treat these wetlands as optional green zones, yet they are core parts of the city’s water management ecosystem.

Even the National Environment Management Authority (Nema)-the very body meant to protect the environment-has watched in silence as wetlands disappear under concrete! It has struggled, or chosen not, to enforce its own guidelines.

“Investors” fill wetlands with soil and call it development. Where does the water go? It will find its way into your house and into your shop. Kampala is not an island. It is the country’s economic heart, contributing over 22.5 percent of our GDP.

When the capital floods, the entire nation feels the chokehold. Goods rot, transport halts, businesses die. This isn’t just bad for Kampala, it’s bad for Uganda. President Museveni’s legacy of stability is well established.

But what is stability worth if our capital city drowns in its own waste? What does it protect if the gains we are told to defend are washed away every rainy season? We can no longer call these floods natural disasters. They are the direct result of corruption, impunity, and mediocrity.

The solution requires a fundamental shift: radical transparency in every public contract, empowered and accountable institutions, and consequences for those whose projects fail the first test. Water is science. It will always find its path.

Our continued surprise is a testament to our refusal to learn. If we keep building shopping malls in waterways, we must also be ready to hold funerals in parking lots. The price of our inaction is already being paid. The question is, for how long?

James Bogere was once that small boy chasing a ball with nothing but dreams. But right now he stands among the stars whose small structure is expected to carry the weight of the dreams of 50 million people as Uganda Cubs prepare to debut at the Fifa U-17 World Cup in Qatar.

This is the first time the country that got independence in 1962 will be playing at a Fifa tournament.

It’s a dream come true to all the players in the camp but it will carry as much raw emotion for the lively forward who is coming to terms with the realization of a dream born on the rough pitches of Wairaka Village in Jinja District.

‘This achievement personally means a lot because coming here for the World Cup is a big stage,’ Bogere says with emotions engulfing him.

‘We’re going to face good nations like Canada and France. It’s a chance to show myself. You never know what can happen. Maybe I can get a good team because back in Uganda, I’m playing for an academy.’

Wiseman follows star

Bogere’s path to the world stage has been anything but easy. ‘I started playing for an academy called Oxford United under Coach Vasco,’ he recalls.

‘It was difficult waking up early in the morning, sometimes without anything to eat but you just had to keep going and believe.’

That belief carried him to Jinja District, where he joined Coach Boban Tamale’s Amerigo Youth Program. From there, Bogere’s talent and determination earned him opportunities at top youth academies and schools across Uganda.

After completing primary school in Wairaka, he joined El Cambio Academy in Masaka, a turning point he vividly remembers. But unlike in the Bible story when the wise men came from the east and followed the star, this time the wiseman was coach Abbey Kakumirizi who went eastwards in search.

‘There was a tournament called the Zein Cup in Jinja and a coach from El Cambio came to watch,’ Bogere says. ‘We played against a team called Castilla and I scored five goals. After the game, the coach asked me ‘Can you come to El Cambio Academy for trials?’ That was a dream coming true. The next day, he talked to my family and they agreed. That’s when everything started changing for me.’ By that time, he had moved to the famous Blessed Sacrament School in Masaka.

Breaking ranks

Bogere broke the ranks with no time as his talent earned him a call to the Uganda Cubs’squad for the 2024 Cecafa U17 tournament that also doubled as an Afcon qualifier. He went on to score seven goals in four games to win the golden boot.

‘It was amazing for me,’ he says proudly. Bogere went on to score his debut goal against Tanzania in the team’s 3-0 group victory before taking matters into his own hands with a brace as Uganda came from down to beat Gambia 2-1 in the crucial World Cup play-off that sent the team to Qatar.

‘In Morocco, I was the Man of the match against Tanzania and Gambia, in the game which led us to the World Cup So it was amazing for me.’

Better preparation, Okello chemistry

Bogere feels Uganda is now ready for the big stage after the proper preparations by Fufa.

‘This preparation has been different,’ he explains. ‘We traveled early to Dubai and played against teams who are also going to the tournament. The level has been higher. Spending two weeks together has helped us bond and it’s been perfect.’

A big part of that bond lies in his attacking partnership with captain and playmaker Richard Okello.

‘My chemistry with Okello is simple, just about knowing what your teammate can do,’ he says. ‘I know his abilities. We understand each other. I know what he wants and he knows what I want, so it’s easy to combine.’

Bigger dreams

This tournament has given birth to some of the World’s finest talents. From Emmanuel Petit in France’s 1998 World beaters to Spain’s septet of Casillas, Xavi, Pepe Reina, Iniesta, Fernando Torres, Fàbregas and David Silva in South Africa 2010 to Argentina’s golden gloves of Emiliano Martínez in Qatar 2022, the U-17 World Cup has acted as a doorway to success. He knows what is at stake.

‘It’s where everyone is watching. It’s my chance to show what I can do because you never know it might never come again. I have to use it. This is my moment to fight for my country’s flag.’

Back home in Wairaka, his mother Jane Ajiambo and the late father Hannington Nantamu, remain central to his story.

Name: James Bogere

Position: Striker

D.o.B: February 2 2008

Club: Masaka Sunshine FC, Blessed Sacrament Kimanya

Achievements: 2024 Cecafa U17 top scorer; Uganda’s top scorer at Afcon U17 with three goals; scored the winner that took Uganda to World Cup

2025 Fifa U-17 World Cup

Host country: Qatar

Dates: November 3-27

Uganda Cubs schedule;

November 5: Canada vs. Uganda

November 8: Uganda vs. Chile

November 11: Uganda vs. France

A new government initiative requiring Uganda’s coffee farmers to register their personal details before exporting coffee to Europe has sparked growing concern over data privacy and compliance with national laws.

The exercise, led by Pula Advisors Uganda Ltd, has drawn criticism after the company reportedly warned farmers that their coffee would not be bought unless they registered. Critics say the ultimatum violates Uganda’s data protection laws and risks exposing farmers’ private information to misuse.

The Personal Data Protection Office (PDPO) has since intervened, writing to the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) to comply with the Data Protection and Privacy Act, 2019, by formally registering with the PDPO as a data controller.

‘We wish to draw your attention to Section 29 (2) of the Data Protection and Privacy Act, Cap 97, which mandates every person, institution, or public body that collects or processes personal data to register with the PDPO,’ wrote Mr Baker Birikujja, the National Personal Data Protection Director, in an October 27, 2025 letter to the ministry.

‘While Pula Advisors Uganda Ltd is registered as a data processor, the ministry is required to register with the PDPO in its capacity as a data controller, since it determines the purposes and means of processing the data collected,’ he added.

The PDPO further cautioned the ministry about transferring Ugandan citizens’ data to foreign jurisdictions without proper safeguards.

‘Section 19 of the Act requires that any data controller or processor based in Uganda who transfers or stores personal data outside the country ensures that the destination jurisdiction provides data protection safeguards equivalent to those prescribed under Ugandan law,’ Mr Birikujja said.

‘Before any transfer or sharing of personal data with entities in the European Union, the ministry must conduct an adequacy assessment to confirm that the receiving country affords adequate protection.’

The complaint that triggered the PDPO’s intervention was filed by Counsel Peter Magelah, who argued that the ministry should first comply with Uganda’s data protection and privacy laws before sending citizens’ personal data to the European Union (EU).

‘We are not against digital registration,’ Mr Magelah said, ‘but the process must follow the law. You cannot force farmers to hand over their personal information to a private company without clear data safeguards.’

According to government figures, 2.8 million coffee farmers have already been registered, double the initial projection, as part of Uganda’s efforts to comply with the EU Deforestation-Free Products Regulation (EUDR), which takes effect on January 1, 2026.

The digital registration is a requirement under the new regulation, intended not for taxation but to ensure that all coffee exported to the EU can be traced to its source and verified as environmentally sustainable.

Europe remains one of Uganda’s biggest coffee markets, accounting for the majority of the country’s annual coffee exports. However, stakeholders warn that unless Uganda ensures legal and ethical compliance in its data collection process, the initiative could backfire by violating citizens’ rights and undermining public trust.

Heavy rains and plenty of goals marked the weekend in Lira as Blacks Power thrashed Young Elephants 3-1 in a match played over two days, Sunday and Monday.

The Elephants proved a tough nut to crack and held the hosts goalless in the first half. However, Paul Acire broke the deadlock just two minutes into the second half. Soon after, a torrential downpour flooded the pitch, rendering it unplayable and forcing the match to be postponed to Monday morning.

When play resumed from the 57th minute, Fazil Rajab quickly doubled Blacks Power’s lead for the Michael ‘Skills’ Lukyamuzi-coached side.

Nigerian import Innocent Maduka then sealed the victory with a third goal in the 69th minute, before the visitors pulled one back via a late penalty.

The win extended Blacks Power’s lead at the top to three points, with 14 points from seven games. Wakiso Giants, recently relegated after six seasons in the top flight, held Onduparaka to a goalless draw in Arua to stay in the chase with 11 points.

As Wakiso rose to second, Kataka dropped to fourth after losing 2-1 to Iganga United in a fiery Eastern Derby.

Ashiraf Sanyu and Emmanuel Ocen secured the win for the newly promoted side, coached by former Vipers and Bul midfielder Edgar Luzige. The victory lifted Iganga to third with ten points, four behind Blacks Power.

Ntugasaze missed a chance to enter the promotion spots, collecting only one point from their West Nile double-header-losing 3-2 to new entrants Nebbi Central in Nebbi on Thursday and sharing spoils in a 1-1 draw against Paidha Black Angels.

In Nwoya, newcomers Catda earned their early crown as the kings of draws, claiming their fifth stalemate of the season with a 0-0 result away to Young Elephants. They now have five draws from five matches and remain deep in the relegation zone.

Meanwhile, in Mbale, Mbale Heroes finally halted their freefall by edging Bunyagururu United 2-1.

FUFA BIG LEAGUE

Weekend results

Mbale Heroes 2-1 Bunyaruguru United

Blacks Power 3-1 Young Elephant

Iganga United 2-1 Kataka

Onduparaka 0-0 Wakiso Giants

Paidha Black Angles 1-1 Ntugasaze

Nebbi Central 0-0 Soltilo Bright Stars

Kigezi Homeboyz 2-1 Kiyinda Boys

It didn’t take a goal for fans to notice Hadijah Nandago’s brilliance. The former Crested Cranes captain, returning from a stint in India, lit up the Old Kampala Futsal Arena on Friday as she marked her debut for QC Mbarara in the inaugural women’s Futsal Super League.

Nandago, 20, once of Rines and Kawempe Muslim, was a sight to behold with her trademark stepovers and composed playmaking, a reminder of why she remains one of Uganda’s most technically gifted players.

She trained with her teammates at QC Mbarara just two days before kickoff, ‘to keep fit’ as she eyes her next move abroad, but her influence was immediate.

Towering striker Aidah Namuwonge struck twice in the first half to hand QC Mbarara a 2-1 victory over Mengo City. Sharon Namatovu pulled one back for Mengo, but Nandago’s leadership stood out as the women’s league made a historic debut.

Nandago described the return as both emotional and refreshing.

‘It feels great to be back home and part of something new for women’s football. I’ve played in many environments, but futsal brings a special challenge – it’s fast, technical, and gives young girls a new platform to express themselves,’ she said.

In the day’s other fixture, Entebbe Cheetahs humbled La Mansia 8-0 to storm to the top of the table, while UG Kop failed to show up for their scheduled clash against Old Kampala.

With a new rule requiring every men’s team to field a women’s side as a bold step towards inclusivity.

Falcons, Kabowa stay perfect

Lubiri Falcons maintained their flawless start with a 4-3 win over Lubaga Grameen. Hassan Kalule opened the scoring early, before an own goal from William Ibrahim and his later equaliser made for a tense first half.

Goals from Emmanuel Elubu and a late decider from Kalule sealed the win, sending Falcons joint top on six points.

Kabowa Dream Team also made it two wins from two with a 3-2 victory over Kisenyi. After Sinani Kiyaga’s opener, Ibrahim Azabo and Abdallah Ali turned the tide for Kisenyi, the latter scoring a dazzling solo effort. But Victor Kazibwe equalised before converting a controversial last-minute penalty to seal Kabowa’s win.

Tempers flared after the final whistle as Kabowa coach Farouk Makumbi waved off his opposite number in a gesture widely seen as unsporting, symbolically ‘cutting off the head’.

Elsewhere, Nansana ASKA bagged their first win of the season with Muhammad Daule stealing the show. Daule struck four times in a 6-4 demolition of Edgars Youth Programme, while Lubiri Falcons and Kabowa Dream Team now share the summit with six points apiece.

Futsal Super League

Men

Edgars 4-6 Nansana ASKA

Kisenyi 2-3 Kabowa

Lubiri 4-3 Lubaga Grameen

Women

Mengo City 1-2 QC Mbarara

Lamansia 0-8 Entebbe Cheetahs

Namuwongo Blazers are on the verge of winning their first ever National Basketball League title.

The Naalya based outfit took a 3-2 series lead following a 71-68 win over City Oilers Sunday night at the Lugogo Indoor Stadium.

With the stadium packed to the rafters and fans in full voice, the Blazers took charge of the finals to move to within a win of league glory.

They can wrap up the season with victory in Wednesday night’s Game Six, which would end a decade long dominance of the Oilers.

Tormentor in chief for the Oilers was their former captain James Okello, who poured in 17 points and collected six rebounds on the night.

It was the Blazers who led 25-23 at the end of the first quarter but Chad Bowie’s floater closed the second frame to send the two sides into the locker room tied at 41-41.

Like has been the case in the last two games, the second half belonged to the Blazers, led by another former Oilers player, Tonny Drileba.

The guard’s control of possessions late in the game has been the difference as the Blazers came from a 2-0 hole.

And despite picking up two quick fouls, he was never affected and directed traffic in the second half.

Right there in the mix were two other former Oilers players, Jimmy Enabu and Ivan Muhwezi, who both made big plays to come their new paymasters in control of proceedings.

Okello’s fadeaway jump shot beat the buzzer at the end of the third frame as Stephen Nyeko’s charges established a four-point difference (58-54) going into the last 10 minutes of the game.

City Oilers attempted to get back into the game in the fourth frame but only edged it 14-13, which was not sufficient for victory.

Joel Lukoji and Anthony Chukwurah scored 10 points each to complement Okello and lead the Blazers to victory.

City Oilers’ struggles continued for a third straight game, with only Kurt Curry (15 points) and Chad Bowie (14 points) managing to score in double figures.

Andrew Tendo took Fayed Baale out of the line up and started Edgar Munaba, who contributed five points and three rebounds and ended up stuck on the bench after the first half.

Titus Lual got into early foul trouble but managed nine points and nine rebounds off the bench.

The record champions now find themselves in a spot of bother, against a highly charged Blazers side that has the momentum.

Do the Oilers still have any fight left in them? That will be answered on Wednesday, which could turn out to be historical in Ugandan basketball.

National Basketball League

Finals

Men

Game Five result

Nam Blazers 71-68 City Oilers (3-2)

When Asadu Kigozi Kisitu steps into his office at Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), he brings more than two decades of customs experience, a calm determination, and a reformer’s mindset.

His rise from a young officer to customs commissioner reflects not only personal perseverance but the evolution of Uganda’s customs system toward efficiency, integrity, and modernisation.

Kisitu’s career began humbly in 1998 as an insurance broker at First Insurance Limited. A year later, he joined URA, a decision that would define his professional life.

Over 25 years, he has worked across nearly every customs function: border management, valuation, warehousing, risk management, and tariff classification, among others.

‘I’ve risen through the ranks from officer to commissioner,’ he says, noting that the journey has shaped his understanding of Uganda’s trade ecosystem from the ground up.

He has been key in shaping Uganda’s customs for the 21st-century demands that are largely driven by technology.

Kisitu’s leadership philosophy centers on modernization and efficiency.

‘My strategy has always been to introduce modern ways of doing business,’ he says. ‘We are meeting the needs of future clients through technology and process re-engineering.’

Under his stewardship, URA has embraced a wave of digital innovation. The marine cargo insurance portal now simplifies customs procedures and ensures taxes are calculated based on real insurance costs.

Regionally, systems like the EAC Bond and Regional Electronic Cargo Tracking System have improved transparency and reduced cargo diversion.

These tools reflect his conviction that technology is not just about convenience; it’s a safeguard against corruption and inefficiency.

‘Digitisation allows us to serve traders better, collect more accurate taxes, and reduce the cost of doing business,’ he says. But beyond this, Kisitu is equally passionate about people, driving professionalism in the customs and freight forwarding industry.

‘Professionalism is the bedrock of effective customs administration,’ he says. ‘Our officers must have both competence and character. That’s how we earn the trust of traders and the public.’

One of his flagship reforms is the re-engineering of the licensing system for customs agents and freight forwarders.

The goal is to eliminate dishonest actors and ensure that only qualified, ethical agents represent traders. This approach, he argues, builds confidence and fairness in the system.

Balancing revenue and trade

As Commissioner, Kisitu faces the constant challenge of balancing revenue collection with trade facilitation. His solution lies in smart technology and collaboration.

‘We are simplifying processes so that compliance becomes easier,’ he says. ‘A traveler should be able to declare to Customs before arrival at Entebbe, clearance should be validation, not punishment.’

His vision is to turn customs from a perceived obstacle into a trusted partner for businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises.

Fighting fraud

Kisitu’s reputation for integrity is well-earned. He has consistently taken a tough stance against fraud and corruption, which he calls ‘the biggest threat to fair trade.’

His strategy goes beyond enforcement; it’s rooted in data-driven decision-making and inter-agency cooperation. URA now uses electronic tracking systems, mobile scanners, and shared intelligence with regional partners to identify smuggling and under-declaration.

‘We must protect honest traders,’ he says. But his lasting reform depends on partnerships, not policing.

He regularly engages with freight-forwarding associations, manufacturers, and other government agencies to address bottlenecks and foster dialogue, which he describes as one of ‘open conversation and shared accountability.’

By involving stakeholders in decision-making, he believes customs can build a culture of voluntary compliance, where honesty is rewarded rather than penalised.

His long-term goal is to make Uganda’s customs administration digitally driven, regionally integrated, and globally competitive.

‘The work of customs is . about securing our borders, facilitating legitimate trade, and supporting national growth,’ he says.

Kisitu’s mission is clear: to build a customs service that balances efficiency with fairness, and modernisation with humanity.

‘We are building a cleaner, more efficient trade ecosystem; one that rewards honesty, supports innovation, and positions Uganda as a competitive player in regional and global trade,’ he says.

The Ministry of Works and Transport has announced the immediate suspension of heavy trucks and trailers from using a section of the Kampala-Gulu Highway between Karuma and Kamdini, following signs of road failure identified by engineers.

The affected stretch lies approximately 1km from the Karuma-Olwiyo/Pakwach junction, near the Kampala-side of the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) checkpoint. Mr Allan Ssempebwa, the senior communications officer at the Works ministry, said preliminary assessments point to heavy rains as the cause of the embankment failure.

‘Yes, the section of the Karuma-Kamdini Road has experienced a failure underneath, and as a result of that bottleneck, we’ve cordoned off that section, and vehicles, bus traffic especially, can only use half of the lane of the road as we mobilise for restatement of the section,’ he said.

Mr Ssempebwa added: ‘But in the interim, we are advising our friends of the trailers, buses, heavy trucks generally, not to use that section of the highway, but to consider using a diversion.’

To ensure safety, traffic at the affected site is currently restricted to a single lane. Light vehicles have been urged to proceed with caution, reduce speed, and comply with all traffic control measures in place.

Following the suspension, heavy truck and trailer drivers are advised to divert at the Karuma-Pakwach junction (URA checkpoint).

‘Now, the diversion is when you’re coming from Kampala, and you reach the URA checkpoint at Karuma, you turn off on the left, drive about 51km to Olwiyo Trading Centre, and when you reach Olwiyo Trading Centre, you turn on the right, and you drive about 62km through Anaka to connect to Gulu, and vice versa,’ he said. Mr Ssempebwa said ministry teams are mobilising to restore the damaged section.

The onset of heavy rains has begun to wreak havoc across various regions of the country. On November 1, the ministry issued a traffic alert after landslides cut off the Rubuguri-Katojo Road in South Western Uganda at multiple points.

This disrupted access to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, prompting warnings for motorists and residents to avoid the affected areas. Similarly, since last Friday, the Kapchorwa-Suam Road in Kapchorwa District (Sebei Sub-region) has continued to suffer landslides due to persistent rainfall.

Additional landslides were reported on November 1 near Kowobelyo Village in Bukwo District, rendering travel unsafe. Mr Ssempebwa confirmed that the country is now fully in its rainy season.

‘As a result, the heavy rains have caused a lot of significant flooding, and in sections where we have, for example, wetlands and swamps, some of the road assets have been easily compromised.’