Category: Daily Monitor

Authorities in Namutumba District have resolved to deny Parish Development Model (PDM) funds to residents without pit-latrines as part of efforts to improve sanitation and curb hygiene-related diseases.

The move comes amid growing concern over poor sanitation coverage in the district, where health officials say nearly 38 percent of homesteads lack pit-latrines, exposing communities to diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and diarrhoea.

The directive was announced during the district’s commemoration of National Sanitation Week held at Bugiri Church grounds in Kagulu Sub-county at the weekend.

The event was held under the theme: ‘Accelerating safely managed sanitation for a healthier Uganda.’

The annual sanitation campaign was revitalised by the Ministry of Health in 2025 following its launch in Katanga slum in Kampala, with the aim of mobilising communities to improve hygiene and reduce preventable diseases linked to poor sanitation.

Representing the chief administrative officer, Mr Ali Balimumit, the assistant secretary in the CAO’s office, said the district would use access to PDM funds as leverage to compel households to construct pit-latrines.

‘To fight open defecation, our strict enforcement is that people without latrines will not receive PDM money,’ Mr Balimumit said.

He added that district leaders, the resident district commissioner’s office, and other stakeholders had agreed to enforce the measure during the next round of PDM disbursements.

‘PDM money is meant to improve livelihoods, but some beneficiaries are unwilling to improve sanitation in their homes. We want residents to first meet basic hygiene standards,’ he said.

Officials argue that poor sanitation is undermining government poverty alleviation programmes, with many households reportedly spending PDM funds on medical treatment for diseases associated with poor hygiene.

Mr Paul Waiswa, the deputy RDC for Namutumba, said linking sanitation to PDM eligibility was necessary because open defecation is rampant ‘People have embraced the PDM programme, so we are saying that the first qualification for receiving the money is having a toilet,’ Mr Waiswa said.

The district health officer, Dr James Kirya, warned that open defecation continues to fuel outbreaks of diseases, particularly among children.

‘Children are in hospitals suffering from diarrhoea because of poor sanitation and open defecation. Besides denying them PDM money, we are also going to arrest offenders under the Public Health Act,’ Dr Kirya said.

The district launched a sanitation enforcement campaign in March targeting households without pit-latrines.

Under the exercise, affected homes were initially given 14 days to construct toilets or face prosecution.

The campaign, supported by NGO ALBOH Uganda, has seen vulnerable households receive tools such as spades and pick mattocks to facilitate latrine construction. However, authorities say progress remains slow despite the intervention.

Cultural beliefs

Officials attribute resistance partly to poverty and cultural beliefs. According to local leaders, there are members of a certain clan who traditionally do not use pit-latrines, while others cite religious and cultural reasons for resisting sanitation measures.

Residents, however, say the cost of constructing modern washable pit-latrines is beyond the reach of many poor households. Ms Mary Nairuba, a resident, said constructing a standard washable pit-latrine costs about Shs2 million.

‘How do you expect a poor man living in a grass-thatched house to raise Shs2 million for a pit-latrine?’ she wondered.

Another resident, Mr Waiswa Kisubi of Kagulu Village, argued that denying residents PDM funds contradicts the programme’s guidelines.

‘PDM money has nothing to do with owning a pit-latrine. Government should instead give us enough time to construct them,’ he said.

Residents also appealed to the government to increase access to clean water by constructing more boreholes in underserved communities.

Despite the concerns, authorities have now extended the ultimatum to 21 days for households without pit-latrines to comply, warning that defaulters risk prosecution under the Public Health Act in addition to being excluded from future PDM funding.

Under the PDM initiative, the government sends Shs100 million in revolving funds to each parish annually to help households trapped in the subsistence economy transition into the money economy.

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.

Two individuals have petitioned the Ministry of Public Service to reject the confirmation of Frederick Ogwal Oyee as chairperson or member of the Lira City Service Commission, arguing that his appointment is inconsistent with laws governing traditional and cultural leaders.

Phillips Ogile, a former LC3 chairman of Abok Sub-county in Oyam District, and Tony Oming challenged the process that led to Ogwal Oyee’s appointment by Lira City Council.

In a petition dated May 4, 2026, submitted through Ssekyewa, Matovu and Company Advocates, the duo asked the ministry to halt the confirmation process, alleging that the appointment was “fundamentally flawed” and tainted by legal irregularities.

The petitioners argue that Ogwal Oyee’s position as a cultural leader makes him ineligible to serve on a public service commission.

They contend that Ogwal Oyee is the de facto Paramount Chief of Lango, commonly referred to as Won Nyaci me Lango, a role they say is incompatible with appointment to a local government service commission.

The dispute comes amid a long-running leadership contest within the Lango cultural establishment.

Lango currently has two rival claimants to the position of Paramount Chief, including Eng. Dr Michael Moses Odongo Okune, who is recognised by the government and was elected head of the Lango Cultural Institution in March 2024.

The petitioners also cited a 2025 High Court judgment delivered in Lira by Justice Philip Odoki, which they said affirmed that under the Lango Cultural Foundation constitution, the late Yosam Odur Ebii remained the recognised Paramount Chief.

According to the same constitution, they argue, the office automatically passes to the prime minister of the cultural institution upon the death of the Paramount Chief.

At the time of Odur’s death, Ogwal Oyee was serving as prime minister, a position the petitioners say effectively elevated him to Paramount Chief.

They further claim that Ogwal Oyee has since performed cultural functions associated with the office, including the installation of clan leaders and appointment of ministers.

The petition also references correspondence sent in February 2026 by lawyers representing the Lango Cultural Foundation to the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, seeking official recognition of Ogwal Oyee as Paramount Chief.

Legal objections

The petitioners argue that Section 11 of the Institution of Traditional and Cultural Leaders Act, 2023 prohibits cultural leaders from exercising administrative, legislative or executive functions within central or local government structures.

“This means that the appointment of Frederick Ogwal Oyee to the Lira City Service Commission directly contravenes the law and places him in a position of conflict of interest,” the petition states.

The petitioners further argue that his position could raise concerns over impartiality in public service recruitment and create perceptions of favouritism based on clan or cultural affiliation.

They have asked the Ministry of Public Service to reject the confirmation and order a fresh appointment process conducted in compliance with the Institution of Traditional and Cultural Leaders Act, the Local Government Act and the Standard Rules of Procedure for Local Government Councils.

“Failure to address these glaring irregularities and illegalities will not only undermine the rule of law but also set a dangerous precedent for governance and public administration in Uganda,” the petition states.

Cultural foundation dismisses challenge

Jacob Ocen, spokesperson for the Lango Cultural Foundation, dismissed the petition, saying it would have no impact on Ogwal Oyee’s position.

“Everyone is entitled to his or her opinion. I am sure legal experts will establish whether Lira City Council and the Ministry of Public Service erred in appointing Ogwal Oyee as chairperson of the Lira City Service Commission,” Ocen said in a telephone interview.

He added that Ogwal Oyee was already serving a second term in the role.

“That letter has no effect on the Paramount Chief’s new role because he is now serving his second term as chairperson of the Lira City Service Commission,” Ocen said, adding: “Those behind the petition are simply seeking relevance and attention.”

The Ministry of Public Service had not publicly responded to the petition by Wednesday.

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.

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 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.

Although many farmers across the country are happy after the first 2026 rainy season facilitated good crop growth, some are reporting poor yields. This is blamed on insufficient rain experienced between March and May in some districts. In Teso Sub-region, farmers who planted early are already harvesting legumes and grain. Ms Grace Ariokot says they are already buying fresh green gram from farmers, an indication that some people took advantage of the early February rains to plant cereals and legumes.

Currently, she says that they are buying green gram at Shs1,800 per kilogramme, which three weeks ago was selling at Shs4,000.

However, millet goes for Shs3,000 per kilogramme because most farmers who grow millet have not yet harvested. Mr Samson Ochoma, another produce dealer, says in the districts of Kumi and Ngora, the farmers have started to harvest groundnuts. However, the prospects for better groundnut harvest this year are not so clear due to the leaf blight attack in the sub-region. In Kamuli and Buyende, farmers are complaining over rains which were in excess in May yet it is usually the fruiting and maturing season.

‘The erratic, unpredictable rains disrupted flowering and crops may not recover.

Rice fields in the swamps were flooded, crops were destroyed by storms in Balawoli and Namasagali sub-counties and famers are counting loses. That is why we advocate for irrigation, not rain-fed farming,’ Grace Musenja, an agriculture officer in Kamuli District , says Patrick Oode, a cassava farmer in Lyingo Village, says the cassava tubers rotted due to heavy rains. Ms Rebecca Babirye, the Jinja District assistant agriculture officer, says it is still too early to accurately determine the magnitude of the loss as harvesting is still ongoing.

‘Despite complaints about unstable rainfall patterns earlier in the season, crops generally received sufficient rainfall,’ she explains. She is optimistic that farmers will register good yields in the current season due to the continued rains being experienced across the district. Mr John Waiswa, a coffee and banana farmer from Budondo Sub-county, Jinja says farmers who planted early and followed proper agronomic practices managed to benefit despite the unstable rainfall.

Islands

In Kalangala District, farmers reported mixed outcomes from the recent rainfall patterns, with some recording improved harvests while others, particularly sweet potato growers, suffered poor yields due to prolonged heavy rains. Mr Adrian Matovu, a farmer in Buligo Village, Kalangala Town Council, says sweet potatoes need balanced weather, with both rain and sunshine. ‘The roots need time to separate into those that will develop into tubers and those that absorb nutrients and water from the soil. Because of the heavy rains, many farmers did not get the yields they expected,’ he says.

He explains that when rains are heavy, the soil becomes compacted. The only advantage is that farmers can preserve seedlings for the next planting season, especially as we enter a period with less rainfall. According to Mr Matovu, food crops in Kalangala generally perform better under moderate rainfall than during prolonged wet conditions. ‘Rain three times a month is enough to support high yields in Kalangala,’ he says. He adds that the district often receives rainfall when the new moon appears and in the first five days after its disappearance, a pattern many local farmers rely on when planning their farming activities.

Mr Godfrey Sebyanzi, a farmer in Mweena Village, says the recent rains helped many farmers recover from losses experienced during last year’s dry spell. ‘Now we are harvesting more and getting better yields,’ Mr Sebyanzi says Mr Paul Semanda, an agriculturalist in Kalangala District, says farming activities were severely disrupted between September and December last year due to a prolonged dry spell. ‘From September to late December, we had almost no rain, which affected the planting season. Then when rain fell during the Christmas season, it was erratic. The rains that started in February have brought relief and renewed hope among farmers,’ he says.

He adds that the improved weather conditions have boosted oil palm production across the district and they expect production to remain high until July. Mr Semanda urges farmers not to panic over predicted dry spells, but instead use the period to undertake activities that can improve productivity such as mulching and drying produce such as coffee. In the villages of Terego District, West Nile Sub-region, Mr Swaleh Adiga, a farmer in Katrini Village, says: ‘We have faced drought most of May and those who had planted beans have lost most of them to the intense sunshine. I usually desist from planting certain crops in the first rain season that starts in March or April as it is unpredictable.’

‘That first rain season is ideal for planting cassava because once it has germinated with some little rain, it can withstand the sunshine. I plan to plant beans and maize in July when rain is reliable,’ he adds Ms Gertrude Abia, a resident of Logiri Sub-county, which is regarded as the Arua District food basket, says: ‘Food is being harvested from the swampy areas as the rain in May was not much. It has been this way for most of the seasons.’

Western Uganda

Farmers across the districts of Masindi, Buliisa, Hoima and Kiryandongo have expressed concern over the unusual weather throughout May, which disrupted farming activities and raised fears of crop losses. Mr Robert Byaruhanga, a maize farmer in Kimengo Sub-county, Masindi District, says the persistent rains have made it difficult for farmers to harvest and dry their produce. ‘Unlike in previous years, this year, it rained throughout May, denying us days to dry our produce. Some of us harvested maize, but it is beginning to develop mold because drying has become difficult,’ he says.

In Buliisa District, Ms Janet Alanyo, a cassava farmer from Ngwedo Sub-county, says waterlogged gardens have affected crop growth. ‘Rain is only good for crops when it is in moderate quantities. Some gardens are flooded and farmers are worried about diseases,’ she says. Mr David Kisembo, an agricultural officer in Hoima District, says the region has experienced above-normal rainfall compared to previous years. According to a climate expert Samuel Mugisha, the prolonged rains are part of changing weather patterns associated with climate change.

In Kiryandongo District, Mary Adoch, a farmer, says the uncertainty is affecting planning for the next planting season.

‘Farmers need timely weather information to make better decisions because the seasons are no longer as predictable as before,’ she says.

Looming dry spell

Weather prediction shows that most parts of the country are expected to receive below -average rainfall during the June-July-August(JJA) season, raising concerns over agricultural production, livestock health and water availability. Water ministry officials warn farmers, livestock keepers and households to prepare for water shortages and crop stress. Dr Alfred Okot, the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Water and Environment, says the forecast points to a prolonged dry spell across large parts of Uganda.

‘A bigger part of the country will get below, or projected to get below-average rainfall. This is going to cause stress, especially to crops, animals and human beings. We therefore need to take precautions, and those involved in livestock should ensure they conserve water,’ Dr Okot explains. The ministry advises farmers to plant drought-tolerant crops and reduce dependence on rain-fed agriculture by investing in irrigation and water storage systems. Dr Okot attributes the changing weather patterns partly to climate change and urges Ugandans to adopt environmentally sustainable practices to mitigate its effects. Compiled by Al Mahdi Ssenkabirwa, Felix Warom Okello, Clement Alum, Simon P Emwamu, Opio Caleb, Robert Muhereza, Tausi Nakato, Denis Edema, Ismail Bategeka

June-August season weather outlook

According to the June-August seasonal outlook, released by Ministry of Water and Environment last week, Uganda will experience drier and warmer- than-normal conditions across much of the country in the next three months. These patterns will be influenced by warmer-than-normal sea surface temperatures in the equatorial Pacific Ocean, associated with an El Nino tendency, which is expected to suppress rainfall across much of the country. Meteorologists also note that local factors such as mountains, large water bodies and vegetation would continue to influence rainfall distribution in specific regions.

In Western Uganda, including the districts of Kabale, Kisoro,Rukungiri, Isingiro, Mbarara and Ibanda. Dry conditions are expected to persist throughout the forecast period (June to August). The Rwenzori region, covering Kasese, Bundibugyo, Ntoroko,Kabarole, and Bunyangabu, as well as parts of Bunyoro including Hoima, Kikuube and Buliisa, will experience isolated light rains in early June before dry conditions dominate for the remainder of the season. Masindi and Kiryandongo are expected to receive occasional light rainfall.

In Central Uganda, including Kampala, Wakiso, Mpigi, Mityana and Kalangala, isolated showers are forecast until mid-June before giving way to predominantly dry conditions through August. Similar conditions are expected in the cattle corridor districts of Sembabule, Lyantonde, Mubende, Kiboga and Nakasongola. Eastern Uganda is forecast to fare slightly better. Areas around Lake Victoria and eastern Kyoga, including Jinja, Mayege, Kamuli, Tororo, Pallisa, Budaka and Butaleja, are expected to receive intermittent rainfall beyond mid-June. The Mount Elgon region, including Mbale, Bududa, Sironko and Kapchorwa is also likely to continue receiving periodic rains.

Districts in West Nile and Karamoja are expected to transition from current dry conditions to isolated rains by mid-June, followed by intermittent showers through August. Northern districts such as Gulu, Kitgum, Amuru and Lamwo are expected to continue receiving on-and-off rainfall throughout the season. Overall, northern and eastern Uganda will experience near-normal to below-normal rainfall, while central and western regions are expected to remain significantly drier than usual. Meteorological officials urge local governments, farmers and water authorities to use the forecast for planning and preparedness to minimise the impact of the anticipated dry spell.