Category: Daily Monitor

Health and fiscal policy experts have urged the government to adopt a stronger tobacco taxation framework in line with Article 6 of the World Health Organisation Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC), arguing that effective pricing and tax measures can significantly cut cigarette consumption while increasing domestic revenue.

The experts argue that making tobacco products more expensive would discourage new smokers and help prevent cancer and other tobacco-related illnesses.

Speaking during an engagement meeting with stakeholders in Kampala yesterday, Mr Ezekiel Musaasizi from the Centre for Tobacco Control in Africa (CTCA), said they are now pushing for a 100 to 200 percent increase in cigarette taxes to make smoking more expensive and less attractive, especially to young people.

‘Last year, we requested an increase in tobacco taxation, and only a 10 percent rise was imposed, but we have realised that this small increment was absorbed by manufacturers and did not reach consumers,’ he said.

In July 2024, the government introduced a 10 percent excise tax increase on cigarettes as part of its FY2024/25 budget, with the aim of aligning national policy with WHO FCTC recommendations, in a move to discourage smoking by making tobacco products more expensive.

Mr Musaasizi added that as stakeholders they want the government to ensure that the tax is fully passed on to buyers so that they can truly begin reducing tobacco consumption in Uganda. Ms Robinah Kaitiritimba, the executive director of Uganda National Health Consumers Organisation (UNHCO), said the 10 percent excise increase in FY2025/26 did not translate into higher retail prices.

She added that the UNHCO survey showed that low-priced brands such as Super match and Sportsman registered negligible price changes, while premium brands such as Dunhill and Marlboro saw price increases of only 23 to 30 percent. ‘Since these premium brands account for less than 3 percent of the market, the overall impact on smoking rates remained insignificant,’ she said. Ms Kaitiritimba emphasised that Uganda has been slow to implement the progressive tax increases it committed to under WHO guidelines.

‘Uganda agreed to steadily raise tobacco taxes, but progress has been slow, for eight years, the country did not increase tobacco taxes, and last year’s 10 percent adjustment was too little to make a difference,’ she said.

Mr Aziz Agaba, a public health policy analyst, said this reform would be a win-win for health and fiscal growth.

‘A substantial tax increase discourages tobacco use and boosts government revenue. Uganda can meet both its public health and domestic revenue goals through smarter taxation,’ he said.

He added that collapsing Uganda’s tiered cigarette tax system into a single uniform specific tax rate would simplify administration and close loopholes exploited by manufacturers. ‘A uniform tax reduces price variability and ensures fairness across all brands and it’s the most sustainable approach to reducing tobacco use and fulfilling our obligations under the WHO,’ he said.

Dr George Didi Bhoka, a Member of Parliament’s Health Committee, said the ultimate goal of tax reforms is to reduce consumption and improve public health. ‘Tobacco is a major public health threat, and Ugandans must understand its risks, we need strict regulations, by-laws, and ordinances to enforce anti-smoking laws because people are still smoking in public places without realising the harm caused to others,’ he said. He called for stronger collaboration between legislators, health agencies, and civil society to ensure that tobacco control efforts reach every community.

Learners are usually curious to find out more about scientific issues. With the shift to ‘new’ curricula at secondary school levels, more emphasis is on learners being at the centre rather than the teachers.

This means that learners are expected to search and find out more about certain concepts. One of the ways of doing this is exposing learners to designs of simple experimental set-ups to understand ideas and making learners to see in real life some of the equipment which are sometimes in the form of pictures in textbook.

Universities and higher institutions of learning are the next destinations for these learners coming from secondary schools. If universities want good and excellent learners coming from secondary schools, then they should be involved in offering a helping hand as a deliberate effort aimed at contributing to the learners’ achievement at secondary schools. How can this be done?

Universities offering science courses are expected to have fully functional and well-equipped laboratories as guided by the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE).

In fact, before a programme is accredited, a team of experts from NCHE must assess the readiness to have such a programme in terms of laboratories and equipment, among other things.

Therefore, all universities offering science courses have state-of-the-art laboratories. This means that science departments such as physics, chemistry, and biology, among others, can be actively involved in offering science outreach programmes in the form of academic trips where learners and teachers are able to come to the university departments to learn about certain specific concepts that require practical approaches, yet the equipment needed for such practicals is not available in their schools. In this way, learners and teachers will be able to connect theory with practicals.

Furthermore, science-related departments at universities should deliberately design workshops for science teachers to demystify certain hard-to-understand concepts by providing easier ways of dealing with them. This can be done through designing and documenting simple experimental setups aimed at improving and maintaining the quality and standard of the science subjects taught.

For learners and teachers who are very far away from the universities, alternative approaches such as the use of online workshops and video recordings of experimental set-ups should be considered.

For instance, videos on physics experimental set-ups to support learning can also be made available in local languages. Similarly, the use of smart phones in aiding learning in the form of apps with simple physics experimental set-ups should be developed by the university lecturers.

Once this is in place, learners and teachers will be able to learn at their own comfort. This can be applied to any field of science that has the capacity to accelerate innovation in the country.

We have been experimenting with these ideas at the Department of Physics, Kyambogo University. We deliberately took an approach of welcoming secondary school learners for academic trips.

Recently, we hosted St Mary’s Ediofe Girls Secondary School, Arua City, and Our Lady Queen of Africa Rubaga Girls’ Secondary School.

The activities included the tour of Kyambogo University, career guidance by members of staff from the Physics Department, exhibitions and hands-on demonstrations of the different physics concepts, notably with solar concentrators and solar panels.

These were of great interest to the learners a lot. The feedback obtained from both the learners and teachers pointed to the fact that academic trips focusing on science outreach by learners to universities are very useful, and particularly inspire the learners. Many schools in the countryside lack such opportunities of exposure.

These kinds of initiatives are aligned to the human capital development programme of the National Development Plan (NPA) agenda of Uganda and will contribute to Uganda’s Vision 2040 on the strategic focus of knowledge generation for the purpose of transforming the Ugandan society from a peasant to a modern and prosperous country by giving hope to the young aspiring scientists.

By universities opening their doors to these learners, they are unlocking the potential for future scientists. These initiatives aim at being inclusive and equitable by making it accessible to everyone, regardless of gender and location. This is in line with sustainable development goal 4 (inclusive and equitable quality education).

Science departments at universities in Uganda should play a pivotal role in creating opportunities for science outreach programmes/academic trips. This will ensure that science subjects like physics are made interesting and accessible as a solid foundation for other courses at universities.

The global renewable power capacity growth has fallen short of the required trajectory to achieve the tripling target by 2030, according to a report published by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).

In 2024, a total of 581.9 GW of new renewable power capacity was added, representing a 15.1% annual growth rate. However, this figure is short of the target.

“If the growth rate seen in 2024 continued for the remaining years of the decade, only 10.3 TW of renewable power capacity would be installed by 2030, falling 0.9 TW (7.7%) short of the target,” the report states.

The COP28 historic UAE Consensus aims to triple renewable energy capacity and double energy efficiency by 2030. To achieve this goal, renewable capacity must expand by 16.6% annually, requiring an average annual addition of 1122 GW of renewable power capacity.

Solar energy accounted for most of the new capacity additions in 2024 with 452.1 GW added, followed by wind energy (114.3 GW) and hydropower (9.3 GW).

However, the geographic deployment of renewables remains uneven, with Asia, Europe, and North America accounting for 85.4% of installed renewable power capacity.

Key challenges and recommendations

Unlocking “first-loss” capital for early-stage projects and innovative ways of accessing concessional finance are crucial to meeting the tripling goal.

Addressing the dual challenge of finance availability and cost will be critical.

The report recommends streamlining the permitting and approval process, increasing investment, and expanding the sector’s skilled workforce.

Global progress and future outlook

IRENA Director-General Francesco La Camera notes that energy efficiency improvements have been negligible, at around 1%, well below the 4% required each year between 2022 and 2030.

“The equitable deployment and distribution of this renewable power will depend on the international community’s ability to unlock additional financing for renewables, particularly in emerging markets and developing economies,” La Camera said.

At the current pace, the projected shortfall in capacity falls to 0.9 TW by 2030, providing hope that the tripling target can still be met.

La Camera’s comments come as IRENA launched the second Accelerated Partnership for Renewables in Africa (APRA) Investment Forum in Freetown, Sierra Leone, seeking to scale up investments to advance the energy transition and green industrialization across APRA countries.

Uganda, the undisputed Pearl of Africa, possesses a magic that transcends its majestic gorilla forests, the dramatic cascades of Murchison Falls, and the serene source of the Nile.

That magic lies in the deep, warm connection of the Ugandan spirit of hospitality, the vibrant markets, and the shared laughter over a plate of luwombo that underpins our national life.

The significance of tourism is clear in the numbers. According to the 2024 Tourism Performance Statistics by the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Uganda welcomed 1.37 million international visitors, marking a 7.7 percent increase from the previous year.

Simultaneously, tourism earnings climbed by nearly 26 percent to reach Shs 4.8trillion (USD 1.28 billion).

Tourism in Uganda is about experiences that tie us together as Ugandans and invite the world to be part of our story. And at the heart of these experiences is something we don’t always see, which is connectivity.

Whether it’s the joy of sharing a sunrise over the Nile on social media or a tour operator managing bookings seamlessly online, the invisible web of technology now shapes how Uganda’s beauty is discovered and shared.

We’ve seen this spirit in action recently. During the CHAN football tournament, Uganda’s warmth and hospitality were on full display. Visitors filled our hotels, explored our cities, and experienced first-hand the resilience and vibrancy that define our nation. Every post, livestream, and shared moment amplified our story beyond the stadiums.

Just recently, Emirates marked 25 years in Uganda, a milestone that speaks volumes about our growing importance as a destination and hub. Their celebration of air travel was about trust in Uganda’s tourism promise, about the many travellers who continue to choose the Pearl of Africa as their entry point into the region.

Technology and tourism may seem like different worlds, but together, they’re redefining how we experience travel.

The more connected we are, the easier it becomes for our stories to travel across borders, for our small lodges and local guides to reach new audiences, and for our homegrown pride to shine globally.

As we look to the future, we must remember that the true beauty of Uganda doesn’t just lie in its landscapes, but in the spirit of its people who are warm, resilient, and endlessly welcoming.

Tourism gives us a chance to celebrate that spirit, while connectivity ensures the world never stops hearing about it.

Parliament on October 30 spent about 40 minutes debating the ban imposed on Daily Monitor journalists, a move that has raised concerns about press freedom and the public’s right to information.

MPs pressed for details on the exact offence committed by the media house, but their questions yielded no clear response. The Deputy Speaker confirmed that an investigation into the matter is ongoing, urging patience as facts are verified.

The discussion highlighted growing unease among lawmakers over restrictions on journalists. Daily Monitor’s Damali Mukhaye captured the session.

Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa: I promised to cross-check with the office of the clerk regarding NMG, so I cross-checked, and I have been told that there is an active investigation going on, and that Parliament is complying with the investigation. So once the investigation is complete, parliament will be reaching out to the affected media.

But I also want to make a clarification that Parliament is not operating in silence like some people have been insinuating. We are on other TVs and media, and we are also live on social media, so not being live on one media does not mean that we are working in darkness or operating in darkness. So, we are going to wait as an institution as these matters are handled, and then we shall be communicating again. I want to thank you.

Mr Odur Jonathan, Erute County South, and Acting Leader of Opposition in Parliament: Thank you, Mr Speaker. I raise to speak to your communication, and I am going to pick one item you have communicated about, the active investigation into the ban on NMG from covering parliament. Whereas I welcome that communication, Mr Speaker, I think the nature of the investigation and by whom, and what offence needs to come out clearly. it needs to come out clearly and explain why parliament is doing that.

My Understanding is that NMG was stopped because of the contestation they have. The administration of this Parliament acts for and on behalf of all of us as Members of Parliament, and if there is something that needs to be brought to our attention, it has to come now because the coverage given by NMG is not only for parliament, but it also infringes on the individual members of parliament. So if it pleases you, we do not get a blanket statement about investigations. They are investigating what? The country needs to know.

Deputy Speaker: I will be briefed by my colleagues about what investigation they are doing. However, colleagues, you are free to interact with NMG; you can interact with them on the phone and on social media. But also, the content released by national broadcasters is free for anyone to use. So, anyone who wants to use the information that takes place here can tap it from UBC, it is a national television, and they can get information from there.

The ICT minister, Mr Chris Baryomunsi: Like we have said, an investigation is going on, so let us wait for the report. But also properly to inform you is that we have what we call Minimum Broadcasting Standards and all media houses and practitioner are required by law to follow those standards and if there is breach of any of the Standards, then action has to be taken because we have freedom of the press, but we do not operate in vacuum, that if you breach them, then the State takes action but let’s wait for the investigation and the report shall be shared with the public.

Mr Joseph Ssewungu Gonzaga, the Kalungu West MP: We are getting a slow and sure dose of media houses, which is very dangerous. Your statement says that there are codes of standards and how they are required to operate. If you hear what the deputy speaker has said and the leader of the opposition, then there is a problem. Why not you come out with a statement and tell us the particular people who should not be written about in this country? You say that when you write about this particular person or so and so, it is a breach of media standards, and there shall be no problem.

Because you know the president stopped NMG from covering him, but remember, most of you government officials go to Aga Khan Hospital for treatment, and the hospital is part of NMG. As you continue harassing them, you must be careful about their services. I am missing NTV here. I miss them covering me here. Not because I am very ugly, but because I am speaking sense, so if you continue getting that slow by sure Mr Speaker, it’s not right. Because in the news, if a dog bites a man, it is not news, but if a man bites a dog, then it makes news. That is what happens in media houses. You are blocking them from this side, but other media houses are covering similar stories. Imagine my 78 mother is asking about NTV, the priests are asking, and a Muslim. Everybody is asking about it. Come to us, Mr Speaker, and tell us what you have done. It is your chair there to solve these challenges.

Deputy Speaker: You read the statement from NMG yesterday. They said they are unstoppable, and they said they are covering whatever we do not want them to cover. So if they are accessing whatever they need, why are they complaining? You are unstoppable. So we need restraint from everybody, that is what I would think. However, I do not know. It is up to whoever is operating it.

MP Ssewungu Gonzaga: It is okay, Mr Speaker, you have my number and I have yours, I beg you to share that kind of statement. Because I have not seen that one. I will also talk to them. Because you will stop me from speaking here in parliament, and that is the practice. Otherwise, Minister of Information, take my words seriously, your slow dose will also affect you, it will affect me, and even those people.

ICT Minister: I think there is no crisis. Just like the speaker said, he has information; there is an investigation going on, let’s wait. And like he said, NTV or any other media house is free to tap from UBC about any information they need, so there is nothing that stops them from getting content from the national broadcaster. But for emphasis, the media is regulated in Uganda, and you debate as if the media has free-range to air whatever they want. Actually, there are some radio stations we turn off, especially in this election season, when they become unruly. So Hon Ssewungu, your threats notwithstanding. I think you should let the state regulate the media in Uganda.

MP Odur: We acknowledge that the government regulates, and where there is a violation, I think it is prudent for the government to be honest and transparent. If there is any breach of Minimum Broadcasting Standards, we ought to know. If I am accused of murder and I am being investigated, I am told that we are investigating so and so. So, can you inform us what particular broadcasting standard was violated by NMG, and if amongst sanctions available are passed in the law? Why would you allow them to cover other functions of the government and single out only parliament, which is the epicenter of this government, and say we are banning them?. Can you clarify what minimum broadcasting standard they violated and your choice of sanction?

ICT minister: When a matter is under investigation, as you know as a friendly lawyer, we minimise the debate in public until the matter is solved. So I request you to be patient until the matter is out.

NMG ban

The standoff between NMG journalists and government institutions began in March, when reporters from NTV and Daily Monitor were blocked from covering President Museveni’s public events without any official explanation. The ban later extended to State House activities, leaving the media house unable to directly report on presidential engagements. This week, on Monday, Parliament also stopped NMG-U journalists from accessing its premises, further escalating concerns over the shrinking media space in Uganda. On Wednesday, Daily Monitor journalists were barred from accessing Parliament after security personnel told them to leave, sparking public outcry.

The 4th edition of the Uganda-UAE Business Forum has concluded with a wave of optimism and several landmark investment deals poised to reshape Uganda’s economic landscape.

The three-day forum, held from October 27-29, 2025, at Speke Resort Munyonyo, brought together more than 300 delegates from both countries, including senior government officials, investors, and business leaders, signalling a deepening of bilateral economic cooperation.

The highlight of the forum was the signing of major investment agreements arising from business-to-business (B2B) and government-to-business (G2B) engagements.

Among the most notable was Fly 6, a Dubai-based technology company, which is finalising discussions with the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority and the Department of Citizenship and Immigration Control to invest in smart airport facilities – including modern electronic gates at Entebbe International Airport. In another landmark deal, Amba Shipping and Logistics Pvt. Ltd entered into a partnership with the Source of the Nile Hotel to develop a state-of-the-art marina on the River Nile in Jinja.

The company also reached an understanding with the Ministry of Works and Transport to modernise Port Bell Pier in Kampala under a public-private partnership (PPP) arrangement.

During the opening session, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja reaffirmed Uganda’s ambitious goal to grow its economy tenfold by 2040, increasing the national GDP from $65 billion to $500 billion.

She emphasised that partnerships such as the Uganda-UAE forum are instrumental in mobilising the capital, technology, and expertise needed to achieve that vision. Dr Monica Musenero Musanza, the Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, underscored the importance of value creation as the cornerstone of Uganda’s development agenda.

‘Creating wealth is not merely about producing goods, it’s about generating value, employment, and a sustainable GDP,’ she said, adding that wealth creation stimulates trade, taxation, and reinvestment across the economy.

On her part, Ms Evelyn Anite, the minister of State for Investment and Privatisation, urged UAE investors to leverage Uganda’s peaceful environment, strategic location, and growing economy. ‘Uganda is stable, profitable, and full of opportunity. Now is the time to invest,’ she declared.

Representing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Charges Sentongo reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting Uganda’s foreign missions to promote economic and commercial diplomacy – now a central pillar of Uganda’s foreign policy. Closing the event, Finance Minister Matia Kasaijja praised the forum as ‘a turning point in Uganda-UAE economic relations,’ saying it has shifted the partnership from simple trade exchanges to multi-sector investment and value addition.

Echoing that sentiment, Ambassador Zaake Wanume Kibedi, Uganda’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates and Permanent Representative to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), described the forum as a ‘strategic leap’ toward deepening bilateral engagement.

‘Uganda must position itself as a viable destination for UAE and Gulf capital – an attractive tourism hub and a reliable source of organic agricultural products. If we can achieve this, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) from the UAE can double from the current $3.5 billion (Shs14 trillion) to $7 billion (Shs28 trillion), and trade volumes can rise from $2.85 billion Shs11.4 trillion) in 2024 to over $5 billion Shs20.1 trillion) within three years,’ Ambassador Kibedi said.

He added that the Uganda Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General in Dubai are already implementing a strategic plan to achieve this growth trajectory. As part of that effort, the government has established the Uganda Business Center at the Consulate in Dubai to support Ugandan SMEs in accessing markets, financing, and business intelligence.

Projected revenue

Uganda’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates Ambassador Zaake Wanume Kibedi says trade volumes can rise from $2.85 billion Shs11.4 trillion) in 2024 to over $5 billion Shs20.1 trillion) within three years.

Parliament Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa has implored the government and other stakeholders to restore the spirit of humanity (Ubuntu) among Ugandans as a means of strengthening social protection for especially the elderly.

Tayebwa, while officiating at the Social Protection National Dialogue 2025 in Kampala on October 29, said that the ongoing government support of Senior Citizens Grant (SAGE) to the elderly will make more sense when Ugandans value and support each other.

‘The family structure and communities are no longer as we once knew them; especially where communities used to offer support to those who need it,’ he observed.

He added: ‘We must strengthen social protection systems that secure the well-being of all Ugandans who need them.’

The dialogue was held under the theme ‘Enhancing Access to Social Protection for Inclusive Socio-Economic Transformation,’ aimed at discussing mechanisms through which the elderly and other vulnerable groups of people like Persons Living with Disabilities can be supported so that they are productive to the economy.

‘Government continues to allocate funds to several livelihood initiatives such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), Youth Livelihood Programme (YLP), and Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Programme (UWEP), among others, which empower individuals and create resilient communities in the face of shocks. In addition, the Cabinet has approved a proposal to lower the age of eligibility for the Senior Citizens Grant from 80 years to 65 years,’ he said.

He noted that Parliament will allocate Shs15 billion to activate the National Child Disability Benefit so that parents with such children can, in addition to other benefits, hire people to take care of them and they are productive.

‘I urged the participants to be intentional because many times, they meet and have great conversations but fail to translate them into action,’ he said.

Gidudu Mafwabi, the Minister of State for the Elderly, said the government has established mechanisms to support older citizens. This has led to the rollout of the SAGE program across all 176 local governments, currently reaching over 306,759 people aged 80 and above, with a total of Shs727 billion disbursed in grants.

‘When people are protected from risks such as old age, illness, disability, unemployment, or shocks they can plan, work, invest in their future, educate their children, and contribute to national development,’ he said.

The Ugandan government is revising the National Social Protection Policy to take into consideration emerging issues like climate change, food security and nutrition, gender and inequality, effects of globalization including new forms of employment, economic disparities and refugees.

‘In spite of this progress, we still face challenges. Coverage remains low compared to the size and nature of vulnerabilities. The population covered by at least one social protection benefit stands at 4 percent which is far below the African average which stands at 17.8 percent,’ he concluded.

‘Additionally, many informal sector workers, who constitute majority of Uganda’s workforce, still remain outside formal social protection mechanisms, and only about 3 percent of Uganda’s 46 million population have access to health insurance.’

Kabale University Council Chairman Mr Adison Kakuru has appealed to the district authorities to grant the institution more land to facilitate infrastructure development, citing a significant increase in student enrollment.

The university, which was established in 2002 as a private institution with 42 students, has grown to over 7,000 students after being taken over as a public university in 2016.

Kabale district local government had initially given the university 52 acres of land on Kikungiri hill to kick-start operations.

“We appeal to Kabale district local government to give Kabale University more land to facilitate infrastructure development… We are ready to ensure that this institution grows faster in case we get more land,” Kakuru said during the 10th graduation ceremony on Friday.

University Vice Chancellor Prof. Joy Kwesiga echoed the need for more land, highlighting plans to expand the main campus and improve service delivery.

“We are so grateful to the government for the continued funding for the effective running of our university activities… Getting more land on this campus will facilitate university expansion on the main campus for effective service delivery,” Kwesiga said.

The university has established another campus in Rukungiri District to deliver education services nearer to the people.

Kabale District LCV Vice Chairperson Miria Tugume advised the university council to officially table their request for consideration.

“The Kabale university council should officially table their request to the Kabale district council for debate and possible consideration,” Tugume said.

The graduation ceremony saw 1,673 students graduate, including seven PhD holders, 151 master’s degree holders, 1,005 bachelor’s degree holders, 319 undergraduate diploma holders, and 150 certificate holders.

Guests encouraged the graduates to tap into areas like agro-industrialization, tourism, and mineral development, and to embrace lifelong learning.

Parts of downtown Kampala, including the central business area, were left submerged early Friday after heavy rainfall, triggering flash floods that swept through shops, streets, and the New Taxi Park.

Angry traders arrived to find their merchandise floating in water, with basement and ground-floor shops hardest hit in several arcades.

Monitor reporter Geofrey Mutumba accessed the area beneath the Nakivubo water canal where Kisenyi Ku Mbuzi local defence chief Charles Mugume explained circumstances under which three people died during the flooding.

Videos from the scene showed traders wading through murky water to salvage goods while armed security men blocked sections of the road and buildings near the Nakivubo drainage channel.

The flooding reignited public outrage over ongoing construction works atop the Nakivubo Channel, a controversial project spearheaded by city businessman Hamis Kiggundu (Ham).

Some more than 20 goons alleged to be pro-Ham assaulted several traders who were protesting the flooding and property damage.

‘We called them for help as our goods were being destroyed by the water, but Ham’s men beat me up and took my money and phone. We have loans, no money, no food, and the rent is high. What does this government want us to do?’ said a trader, bleeding from the eyebrow and lip after the chaotic clashes.

‘Instead of bringing machines to pump out the water from the buildings, he has hired goons to beat us,’ said other traders, as hundreds of their colleagues stood high on balconies of nearby buildings, chanting in solidarity against what they termed a “harmful project.”

The development, which has seen structures rising over what was once Kampala’s key drainage artery, has previously drawn widespread criticism from environmentalists and Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) officials.

Despite warnings about legality and environmental safety, the project proceeded with backing from President Museveni, who has publicly defended it as a model of modern city redevelopment.

Traders and residents say the floods are the latest evidence that the city’s natural water pathways have been compromised.

‘We warned them, but now we are the ones paying the price,’ one trader shouted as water continued running through buildings.

Relatively controlled protests were reported in parts of the city centre as traders tried to push out water and clear mud.

Neither Ham nor the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), as well as other Ugandan authorities, had issued an official statement by press time.

The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has joined other global cities in a new initiative aimed at addressing the growing challenges of urbanisation, climate change, and sustainable development. This was revealed during the signing of the joint statement of the Parliamentary Movement of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS) at the Moscow Parliamentary Centre in Russia.

KCCA’s executive director Sharifah Buzeki, reaffirmed the city’s commitment to learning and cooperation under the new framework.

‘While Kampala continues to face challenges such as congestion, inadequate infrastructure, and rapid urbanisation, partnerships like the BRICS Capitals Movement provide vital opportunities to share experiences and innovative solutions,’ she said

Ms Buzeki stressed the importance of collaboration in building inclusive and sustainable cities for future generations. She said the movement, which brings together major capitals from the BRICS network and their partners, seeks to create a direct platform for collaboration among cities facing similar urban pressures.

‘These include infrastructure development, digital urban governance, and climate-resilient planning. The new platform is designed to supplement traditional diplomacy by fostering cooperation and partnerships at the municipal level, where cities often feel the first and hardest impact of global crises,’ she added

The Chairman of the Moscow City Duma, Mr Aleksey Shaposhnikov, emphasised the growing need for united city action.

Mr Shaposhnikov said major cities across the world face similar obstacles from rising populations and shrinking green spaces to inefficient transport systems and digital inequalities. The Ugandan delegation will continue to St Petersburg, Russia, where they will join other BRICS nations for the BRICS Municipal Forum on October 31. The forum is expected to focus on strengthening local governance, resilience building, and innovative financing models for urban development.

The high-level event attracted prominent leaders, including Russia’s Deputy Chairpersons of the Federation Council, Konstantin Kosachev and Inna Svyatenko

Uganda’s Ambassador to Russia, Moses Kizige, also attended alongside officials from Minsk, Brasilia, Havana, Addis Ababa, Tehran, and Tshwane.