Category: Daily Monitor

Road accidents continue to raise serious concerns about road safety in Uganda. Last week’s head-on collision involving two buses and a Toyota Surf highlights the dangers faced by commuters and public transport users.The fatal accident involved a Nile Star bus attempting to overtake a Tata lorry while at the same time a Planet bus from Gulu was also overtaking a Toyota Surf from the opposite direction.

Both buses collided head-on during the manoeuvres, killing at least 46 people, in what authorities describe as one of the deadliest crashes on the 273km Kampala to Gulu route in Kiryandongo.

Survivors, including Sebeet Kawawa and Zubeir Omia, expressed disbelief at having survived the crash.

‘When this happened, I thought I was waking up from a dream,’ Kawawa said as he was rescued from under the wreckage.

Skills that save lives

Benson Kilama, a road safety expert in Kampala, explains that while accidents may sometimes be unavoidable, defensive driving techniques can reduce their impact and even prevent collisions. Defensive driving equips drivers with extra skills to navigate challenging road conditions and anticipate errors from other road users.

‘Attending a driving school alone is insufficient; drivers should also undertake defensive driving training to stay updated on road survival tactics during emergencies,’ Kilama says.

Human error

The Uganda Traffic Police reports that many traffic crashes are caused by human error. This suggests that a lack of defensive driving skills among drivers contributes significantly to Uganda’s high crash rates.

The 2024 police report recorded 25,107 road traffic crashes, a 6.4 percent increase from 2023, with more accidents occurring during daytime than at night.

Kilama urges public transport operators to make defensive driving a formal policy. He believes the Kiryandongo crash could have been prevented if both drivers had hooted to alert incoming traffic and anticipated potential hazards.

Defensive driving requires recognising hazards early and making split-second decisions to avert collisions, skills that can only be learnt through advanced training beyond standard driving lessons.

Road safety starts with the driver

Lawrence Niwabiine, the police 8director of traffic and road safety, emphasises that road safety begins with road users themselves. Some buses violate laws by making long-distance return journeys, a practice banned in 2019 to reduce driver fatigue. Traffic police monitor such violations through checkpoints and inspections along key routes.

SP Michael Kananura, a community liaison officer at the Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety, advises motorists to avoid dangerous overtaking and always signal while overtaking.

‘Overtake only on straight roads, and avoid bends or corners where it is difficult to judge oncoming traffic,’ he says.

Road safety expert Kilama adds that defensive driving not only helps avoid accidents but also improves overall road discipline, helping drivers make safer decisions even in unforeseen situations.

Enforcement and vehicle inspections

Traffic police have introduced measures, including inspections at the Inspectorate of Vehicles (IOV) in Naguru, Kampala. These checks assess the mechanical roadworthiness of buses and verify that drivers possess the correct licenses.

James Okiru, a traffic officer, notes that daytime driving reduces the likelihood of accidents because drivers can better judge oncoming traffic.

For night journeys, he advises adherence to speed limits, making stopovers to check tyres, and following all traffic rules. Uganda follows British driving conventions: drive on the left with right-hand-drive vehicles, observe 30km/h in urban areas, and 80km/h on highways. Drivers should respect police checkpoints and comply politely to avoid misunderstandings.

Proper training, testing essential

James Mulakha, a driving school instructor, highlights challenges in driver testing. Some people hold permits without completing mandatory tests, and some companies employ drivers without verifying their skills. He urges driving schools and stakeholders to ensure all trainee drivers are properly tested before issuing driving permits.

Mulakha emphasises that combining proper training, defensive driving, and strict adherence to traffic regulations can drastically reduce accidents and save lives on Uganda’s highways.

I have been married for three years, and recently, my wife has developed a habit that is starting to unsettle me. Every night, she lights a candle and speaks softly to what she refers to as her ‘protector spirit.’ She claims it has guided her since childhood and shields us from harm. At first, I thought it was just her way of praying, but it has grown increasingly strange. Sometimes she laughs, whispers, or even cries during these ‘conversations.’ When I ask her about it, she insists that I should not interrupt; that I might ‘offend the spirit.’ There are nights when she even asks me to sleep on the couch so the spirit can ‘rest peacefully.’ I love my wife deeply, but this behaviour is starting to frighten me. I am not sure whether to view it as a sincere spiritual belief or a warning sign. How can I support her without losing my peace of mind or making her feel like she is being attacked?

David

Dear David,

I understand why this is disturbing your peace; it does not seem like a normal occurrence. When the person you love begins to communicate with something that is not visible, and it does not resemble a typical prayer to God, it can be unsettling.

To better understand the situation, it is important to consider the time before your marriage, specifically during your dating days. Could her family have been involved in any activities related to what she is currently experiencing? You have not provided enough details, but when discussing faith, have you noticed any tendency within the family to appeal to spirits? This is relevant because she claims to have had a protector since childhood. This insight could help you determine whether her actions are an individual choice or if they are rooted in her family’s traditions and values.

One important factor to consider is how her behaviour aligns with your own values, both moral and religious. Are you comfortable with the idea of being “protected” by her spirit? What if this is just the beginning, and embracing this might lead to situations that you find difficult to tolerate? Additionally, consider the potential impact on your children, if you have any.

If her behaviour does have a spiritual aspect, relying solely on psychological approaches may not provide enough guidance for addressing this matter. It may be necessary for you to seek spiritual advice from your religious leader or another suitable person, especially if your wife’s conduct could have significant consequences.

However, could it be that your wife is seeking special attention from you? If that is the case, she has certainly succeeded in capturing it. You have not provided much context, but it is possible there are issues between the two of you that have not received the necessary attention. This might be the case, especially if you can confirm that there is no connection in her family history to speaking with ‘spirits.’ You may need to explore the possibility that something has been neglected, and she is trying her best to get your attention. If this is true, you should take action to address the underlying issues so that her conversations with spirits cease.

Another possibility, aside from the two mentioned above, is that your wife may be experiencing a mental health condition that manifests as hallucinations. Hallucinations involve seeing, feeling, hearing, or even smelling things that are not actually there. This might lead someone to speak to a non-existent person, believing they are having a conversation.

Such symptoms can be indicative of conditions such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. However, these symptoms typically do not appear suddenly; you may have noticed inconsistencies in her behaviour over time.

If it turns out that your wife might have a mental health disorder, professional help would be necessary.

Before taking any steps to address this situation, it could be beneficial to gather some background information from your wife’s friends and possibly her family.

Understanding the context of her behaviour will help you decide on the appropriate approach to take based on your findings. Throughout this process, it is essential to continue loving her and remain committed to addressing whatever is at the root of her behaviour.

Pray for deliverance

Victorious Judy. Make secret prayers and separate that spirit from your wife. Some battles are not physical but spiritual. Go on your knees, pray for deliverance, and ask God to break every ungodly tie that binds her. Remember, not every spirit in a marriage comes from love; some come to destroy.

This is a warning sign

Shalot Shaz Kirungi. These things of empewo (evil spirits) are prevalent among some tribes. When you see such signs, do not ignore them. It is either witchcraft or a serious mental condition. Whichever it is, take it seriously because it is a clear warning sign.

Seek professional help

Jacob Obalin. Seek help from Butabika National Referral Hospital before things get worse. What you are describing could be a mental health issue, not witchcraft. Many people struggle silently until it is too late. A medical evaluation and counselling could help you understand what is really happening. Do not delay; early intervention could save your marriage and her life.

Pray together

Donavan Alecs Nyakojo. Do you know you might have married a ghost? Sometimes spirits take on human form and live among us. If that is the case, your children could face spiritual attacks or misfortune. Protect yourself through prayer, fasting, and seeking divine discernment before it is too late.

For better, for worse

Nachie Urshie Mpanga. What are you running from, really? Marriage is not just for the good days; it is also about standing firm when strange things happen. Maybe she needs love, help, or healing, not abandonment. Face it with courage and find out the truth before you decide to walk away.

Leave before its too late

Phoebe Miriam. David, your wife is a Satanist. Leave before her darkness consumes you. The signs are clear; her actions and words reveal who she truly serves. Run for the hills while you still can and start a new chapter free from that evil bond.

This could be stress

Ronald Kato. Calm down. Not everything strange is witchcraft. Sometimes women go through stress or postpartum depression and start acting differently. Sit her down, talk to her with love, and if possible, take her for counselling. You might be fighting emotions, not demons. Pray, but also think wisely.

Take her to church

Brian Mugisha. Take her to church, not to shrines. I saw my cousin go through something similar until pastors prayed for her. Sometimes spirits attack marriages to destroy peace. Keep fasting, keep believing, and cover your home with the blood of Jesus. The devil fears unity; do not give him a chance.

Recently we woke up to alarming news: the United Nations is planning to shut down UNAIDS by the end of 2026 as part of a broader restructuring motivated by funding shortfalls. This is deeply disturbing. For nearly three decades, UNAIDS has coordinated the global HIV response while championing human rights, data visibility, and inclusion for marginalised communities. Removing or diluting its mandate would mean erasing decades of progress and weakening accountability in the fight against HIV.

Uganda’s story over the last few decades shows what is possible when government commitment, civil society, and international support align. These gains were hard won through coordinated global and local efforts led in part by UNAIDS. As of late 2024, Uganda has about 1.5 million people living with HIV, according to the Uganda Aids Commission’s latest figures. Adult HIV prevalence among those aged 15 to 49 has declined to 4.9 percent, a dramatic improvement from earlier decades.

Equally encouraging is the progress in preventing mother-to-child transmission, with new infections among newborns dropping by about 77 percent, from 20,000 cases in 2010 to 5,900 in 2022, according to WHO Africa. Behind these numbers are real lives: mothers delivering HIV-free babies, young people accessing testing without stigma, and communities regaining hope. Government programmes, from preventing mother-to-child transmission to expanding male circumcision and widespread testing, have played a major role alongside civil society efforts that reach marginalised groups, push for policy change, and sustain human rights advocacy. As a member of Uganda’s Country Coordinating Council of the Global Fund, I have seen how this partnership between government, civil society, and international agencies such as UNAIDS keeps our national response grounded and effective.

Despite all this progress, the fight against HIV/Aids in Uganda is far from over. Young people, especially adolescent girls, and children are still being infected. We see all this from our engagement. Geographic disparities persist. Certain regions or hotspot communities near transport corridors or water bodies continue to show higher prevalence. Men are testing later, starting treatment later, and many drop out of care. But there is another dimension to this story that risks being completely erased if UNAIDS disappears: the critical work supporting key and vulnerable population communities. UNAIDS’ inclusive approach is what made Uganda’s broader success possible.

Without UNAIDS, who will ensure that key and vulnerable communities remain visible in HIV data? Who will push for their inclusion in prevention programmes? Who will provide the technical support to health workers serving them? Who will hold governments accountable when political winds shift against human rights? The answer, frankly, is no one. No other UN agency has this mandate. No bilateral donor has this reach. No regional body has this expertise. Now is not the moment to wind down global coordination. On the contrary, now is the time to roll up our sleeves and up our game. ing UNAIDS would erode oversight, data systems, and collaboration, the backbone of Uganda’s progress. Without it, Uganda and countries like ours risk regression: loss of funding, disruption in services, rollback of human rights protections, and silencing of vulnerable voices. I say this not just as an activist, but as a member of Uganda’s Country Coordinating Council of the Global Fund, and as someone who comes from and continues to work alongside communities often left at the margins, a platform that works closely with partners like UNAIDS to keep the fight against HIV accountable and inclusive.

If ending AIDS by 2030 remains our promise, defending UNAIDS is defending life itself. Governments, donors, and civil society must stand firm so no one is left behind. It is time for all sectors, government, donors, civil society, and communities themselves, to stand firm and demand that UNAIDS remain strong, to ensure no one is left behind.

Barely two years after The Monitor was founded in 1992, government officials deemed its independent reporting intolerable. In an attempt to financially cripple the newspaper, the government imposed a ban on advertising in The Monitor, a significant blow given that the state was, and remains, one of the country’s largest advertisers.

Despite severe financial strain, the founders of The Monitor remained committed to independent journalism, covering sensitive issues such as the war in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Lord’s Resistance Army rebellion in northern Uganda, and corruption within government institutions. They continued this work until 1997, when the government lifted the advertising ban.

Although the ban was lifted partly due to pressure from donors, who demanded that publicly funded projects meet basic standards and be equitably advertised across both public and private media, government officials maintained a hostile stance toward The Monitor. The newspaper’s coverage of human rights abuses during Uganda’s military engagements particularly angered authorities, who frequently accused it of sympathising with rebel groups. On September 21, 1997, The Monitor published a story about the war in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which the government claimed was false. Consequently, on October 24, 997, Editor Charles Onyango-Obbo and senior reporter Andrew Mwenda were charged in court with publishing false news.

Both journalists petitioned the Constitutional Court, arguing that the charges violated their rights and that the offence of false news was inconsistent with the Constitution. The petition halted their prosecution in the lower court. Years later, the courts agreed with the journalists, ruling that the offence of publishing false news infringed on fundamental rights. Amid growing state repression, The Monitor’s founders sought financial stability and protection from government pressure by partnering with investors. In 2000, they sold a portion of their shares in Monitor Publications Limited to Nation Media Group (NMG), a regional media powerhouse.

But government pressure persisted.

On October 9, 2002, during his Independence Day speech, President Museveni labelled The Monitor an ‘enemy newspaper.’ The following day, police and other security personnel raided The Monitor offices and shut them down after the paper published a story claiming rebels had shot down a UPDF helicopter. The newspaper remained closed for 10 days. Security forces seized computers, documents, and electronic equipment. Although The Monitor eventually resumed operations, several top editors resigned due to pressure on the shareholders.

Three years later, government agents returned, this time targeting The Monitor’s radio station, KFM. On August 10, 2005, Mr Mwenda, who was hosting a talk show on KFM, was arrested mid-broadcast while discussing the crash of the presidential helicopter that killed Sudan’s Vice President Dr John Garang, his entourage, and UPDF soldiers. State agents accused Mr Mwenda of sedition and promoting sectarianism, claiming KFM failed to meet minimum broadcasting standards. The Broadcasting Council shut down the station. KFM was reopened days later but fined millions of shillings. Mr Mwenda later petitioned the Constitutional Court to nullify the charges.

As pressure on The Monitor continued, NMG launched a television station under Africa Broadcasting Uganda Limited. This gave birth to NTV Uganda and was launched in December 2006. Just a month later, the government took NTV off the air, claiming the station had not met licensing standards. Investors and staff endured over three months of uncertainty until the station was allowed to resume broadcasting in April 2007. Soon after, police again targeted The Monitor. In September 2007, police accused the newspaper of incitement following a story about police recruitment. Authorities demanded a retraction or threatened legal action. The Monitor stood its ground, and police eventually backed off.

For the next four years, Uganda experienced widespread protests over the proposed destruction of Mabira Forest, the Walk-to-Work campaign, the Kayiira report, and disillusionment on the general elections. NMG journalists were frequently targeted by state agencies for their coverage. Many were summoned for police interrogations, some spending hundreds of hours in questioning, while others faced court proceedings. The most aggressive attack came on May 20, 2013, when police surrounded Monitor Publications Limited’s headquarters in Namuwongo, Kampala’s Industrial Area, and shut down its newspapers and radio stations. The raid followed a story about a letter allegedly authored by then-Coordinator of Military Intelligence Gen David Sejusa (formerly Tinyefunza). Security personnel occupied the premises for 11 days.

In March 2015, after publishing critical reports, Parliament sent away NMG journalists, part of a group of 53 reporters, from covering proceedings in the August House. Even after NMG sent a new team, Parliament’s leadership continued to express dissatisfaction with their reporting and scrutinised their accreditation.

In February 2019, the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) ordered the shutdown of the Daily Monitor website following a complaint by then-Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Kadaga. The website had published a story alleging that she failed to pay for services from a traditional healer. Ms Kadaga wrote to UCC, claiming the story was false and defamatory. The Monitor maintained that it had followed all legal and editorial standards.

This year, state actors have grown increasingly aggressive and violent.

During the Kawempe North by-election, armed security personnel targeted journalists from NMG and other outlets. Reporters, clearly marked, were beaten, and their equipment destroyed. Despite promises from security agencies to investigate the attacks, no action has been taken so far. In May 2025, the government threatened the Daily Monitor with punitive measures over headlines deemed critical of its leadership. ‘Today’s headline by the Monitor newspaper is unacceptable,’ said Minister of ICT and National Guidance, Dr Chris Baryomunsi. ‘Despite my counsel to their top management regarding yesterday’s offensive headline, the paper continues to act with impunity,’ he added. The newspaper had on May 21, published a story titled ‘Goodbye rule of law, till we meet again’ following the passage of the UPDF Amendment Bill, 2025, which reinstated the trial of civilians in military courts.

Museveni’s comments about The Monitor

1. I have told you the problem with elections in Uganda has been multiple voting. What level playing field are they talking about? The radios are everywhere, I am the one who does not have a level playing field with [Daily] Monitor newspaper…They would put Besigye on top of me. They would use a big picture of Besigye, exaggerating rallies and they shrink mine or they take away a part. That Monitor here, I have defeated them,’ President Museveni said at his maiden press briefing following his victory in the February 20, 2016, polls.

2. «There’s a paper called Monitor. That Monitor is full of foreign agents. And I have now sent people to analyse them. We know who they are now and for whom they are working…They were those headlines they were carrying recently….’Hooo! Uganda has collapsed now’. You could trace them (headlines). This where the anti-NRM foreign agents in the Monitor paper become a comic group. When the incident like the one of Nyabugando unfortunately happens, they come saying security has collapsed,» Mr Museveni on July 20, 2023 after ADF attacked Lhubiriha Secondary School in Mpondwe killing over 40 students.

3. ‘In the meantime, I’m going to get from Daily Monitor money for my NRM party because they said I had hidden and vaccinated myself secretly, with my wife. Haaaa they are going to get me some money….I have already put the case in court, Monitor I’m going to make you bankrupt unless they apologize and lie down and say sorry sorry. If they don’t I really going to go for them. That I’m a selfish man who hid with my wife we injected ourselves when other Ugandans were at risk. That’s not Sabalwanyi, Sabalwanyi doesn’t behave like that,’ President Museveni during Women’s Day celebrations at State House Entebbe on 8 March 2021.

The National Peasants Party presidential candidate, Mr Robert Kasibante, has said he will abolish the office of Resident District Commissioner (RDC) and Resident City Commissioners (RCC) if elected.

Speaking to traders and residents at Jinja Central Market in Jinja City yesterday, Mr Kasibante said these positions are unnecessary and drain public resources that could instead benefit ordinary citizens. ‘The first thing I will do when I take office is to make RDCs and RCCs jobless,’ Mr Kasibante declared, drawing cheers from the crowd.

‘The money used to pay their salaries will be redirected to the youth and elderly through direct cash transfers of Shs200,000 to their phones.’ He argued that the current structure of government is bloated, costly, and inefficient, with several leaders benefiting from taxpayers’ money without delivering meaningful services.

‘We have too many Members of Parliament and ministers who enjoy public funds while the people lack quality infrastructure, healthcare, and education,’ he said.

Mr Kasibante proposed a leaner government system where each district would be represented by only one Member of Parliament, rather than the current arrangement that allocates MPs per county. He said this reform would reduce public expenditure and ensure better accountability. The presidential hopeful also criticised the widespread corruption in government institutions, promising to implement strict anti-graft measures.

Soldiers on lake

Addressing the issue of security, Mr Kasibante said under his leadership, the army would be confined to the barracks, focusing on their core duty of protecting the country and citizens’ property. Mr Kasibante criticised the current practice of deploying soldiers to enforce fishing restrictions on lakes, saying it undermines the livelihoods of poor fishermen.

‘The army should not stop fishermen from working. Fishing is their source of income, and my government will protect such economic activities,’ he said. Mr Kasibante also condemned what he called police harassment of Opposition politicians. Mr Kasibante concluded by urging Ugandans to vote for leaders committed to service delivery, transparency, and fairness. He said his government would focus on empowering citizens, not enriching politicians.

Heavily armed security personnel on Tuesday night raided Tembo Trek Courts Hotel, where the National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate, Mr Robert Kyagulanyi, alias Bobi Wine, was staying. The operation caused significant damage to the premises. Mr Kyagulanyi and his team had just returned from Alebtong District, where they had been canvassing for votes, when the raid began at around 8:30pm. The operation was reportedly led by Mr Moses Mukiibi of the Field Force Unit (FFU).

Mr Kyagulanyi, speaking via his TikTok account, said police officers were breaking into rooms without disclosing their intentions. In a statement, police said the operation was aimed at locating two individuals: Mr Geofrey Onzima, alias Tower, and Mr Andrew Natumanya, alias Ninye Tabz. While addressing the media in Kampala yesterday, police spokesperson Rusoke Kituuma described the raid as lawful. ‘Under the law, police have power to enter and exit any place, any building, so if they entered the hotel as police, they are still working within the law,’ Mr Kituuma said.

According to the Criminal Procedure Code Act, police may search premises with a warrant issued by a magistrate or, in certain circumstances, without one-such as when executing an arrest warrant, acting on reasonable suspicion of a crime, or preventing an offence. Article 27 of the 1995 Constitution of Uganda protects individuals from unlawful searches and interference with their property or communications. However, this right is not absolute and may be limited by law in the interest of national security, public order, or legal processes, as outlined in the Data Protection and Privacy Act, 2019.

Eyewitnesses, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter, said security personnel forcefully accessed the hotel and demanded keys to the guest rooms. ‘.when they opened, they teargassed all the occupants,’ a hotel worker told this publication shortly after the incident. One of the hotel occupants, a member of Mr Kyagulanyi’s team, said they were torn between escaping through the emergency exit or staying to confront the officers and understand the reason for the raid and the damage caused. ‘We could have run away but then Bobi said we shouldn’t and he said he was going to face the police. He got out and started asking them why they had broken into the hotel. After a few minutes of being quizzed by the presidential candidate and several altercations with their colleagues who provide security, they shamefully went away,’ the source told this reporter.

The raid has sparked widespread concern, with many questioning the motives behind the operation. ‘They could bang on the doors for about five to 10 minutes and when the occupants open, they again move to the next room. They told me that they were looking for two people including Tawa. I told them those people they were looking for were not on the list of the guests here but they didn’t listen to me,’ said another hotel worker. In a statement released after the latest raid, police did not provide a specific reason for the operation but said they had arrested 17 NUP supporters accused of malicious damage and robbery involving a police vehicle, Reg No UP 4816 (operating under cover registration UBK 380Q).

Mr Julius Isabirye, attached to the Criminal Investigations Directorate and deployed for surveillance during the NUP campaign rally, reported that he and his driver, Sgt Peter Muhungo, were attacked by NUP members led by Geoffrey Unzima, alias Tawa and an unidentified accomplice. ‘As a result of the attack, the vehicle was rendered immobile due to the punctured tyres and the loss of the key sensor, which will require replacement and reprogramming estimated at Shs700,000,’ read part of the statement signed by Mr Patrick Jimmy Okema, North Kyoga regional police spokesperson. Police also alleged that the NUP supporters vandalised a jammer inside the vehicle, disrupting their communication network.

According to publicly available information, jammers are devices that disrupt wireless communications by emitting radio frequencies that interfere with signals from phones, GPS devices, Wi-Fi, and other technologies. They work by overwhelming a device’s receiver with noise, preventing it from connecting to its intended network. While used in some security settings, jammers are illegal in many jurisdictions due to their potential to interfere with legitimate communications and emergency services. The NUP party relies heavily on online and social media platforms to share campaign activities with supporters across the country.

They have frequently complained about poor network connectivity, which they suspect is being deliberately disrupted by jammers. During the 2021 General Elections, the Electoral Commission emphasised the use of online platforms for campaign communication. Bobi Wine has accused police of repeatedly attacking and injuring members of his team. One such incident, captured on camera, showed a police officer head-butting Daniel Oyerot, alias Dan Magic. Mr Kyagulanyi said Oyerot was later hospitalised after suffering a headache.

In a powerful step toward inclusion and access to justice, the Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) has launched a Translation and Interpretation Unit, a programme designed to make language a bridge rather than a barrier.

The initiative, backed by the Judiciary of Uganda, seeks to promote fair access to information, strengthen cultural understanding, and ensure that every Ugandan, regardless of language, can fully participate in civic and national life.

Speaking to the media during the launch at Kampala campus on Wednesday, the Registrar of the High Court, Prossy Katushabe, described the launch as a milestone in advancing Uganda’s people-centred justice system.

‘The language of the court is English but the Constitution safeguards every person’s right to understand and be understood and this calls for translation’ she said

She added that Article 28(3)(b) provides that anyone charged with a criminal offence must be informed of the charges in a language they understand and Article 28(3)(f) further grants the right to an interpreter. That is the very foundation of justice.

Justice Katushabe said Uganda’s linguistic diversity, is over 40 local languages alongside Kiswahili, Arabic, and English, is both a blessing and a challenge.

‘In our courts, the precision of translation can determine whether justice is delivered or denied. Translation must preserve truth and intent. When done faithfully, it becomes a pillar of justice, a safeguard of rights, and a voice for the voiceless,’ she said.

Justice Katushabe urged students to approach translation as a mission of service and translation is that which transforms everything so that nothing changes.

‘You are not just learning languages, you are learning empathy. You are learning to connect worlds and to give meaning where words once divided.’ She said

The Director of IUIU Kampala Campus Ahmed Twaha Kasule said that the launch was more than an academic achievement it was an act of healing for a society divided by language and misunderstanding.

‘We are celebrating a vision of Uganda where language is not a barrier, but a bridge, where every citizen, regardless of the language they speak, can access justice, education, and opportunity,’ he said.

He added that the Translation and Interpretation Unit under the Centre for Languages was designed to promote social inclusion and cultural harmony.

‘By bridging language and connecting cultures, we are strengthening democracy and unity. We are giving citizens the confidence to engage with institutions and participate meaningfully in governance,’ he explained.

The Director also revealed that the Centre is already teaching English, Arabic, and Kiswahili, and plans are underway to introduce French, German, Chinese, Turkish, and local languages such as Luganda and Runyakitara.

‘Language is not just a skill it is empowerment and when we teach languages, we are not just translating words, we are translating dreams,’ he said.

The Director of Education at Uganda Muslim Supreme Council, Muhammod Katerega, said that language connects communities, institutions, and nations through health, law, and trade.

‘Translation bridges gaps and ensures that every citizen, especially in rural or marginalised areas, can access vital information,’ he said.

He noted that the Translation Services Office would offer verified translations for visas, academic transcripts, legal contracts, and other official documents.

‘As Uganda becomes more globally connected, language is now an economic necessity and our Translation Services Office will ensure clarity and credibility for Ugandans seeking opportunities abroad, and for international bodies working with Uganda,’ he said.

He added that multilingualism drives trade, tourism, and investment, creating employment and strengthening diplomacy.

‘When businesses communicate clearly across borders, they gain trust and access new markets. Translation is not just a linguistic act, but it’s an economic strategy,’ he noted.

He also highlighted that language inclusion in schools improves learning outcomes and builds confidence among young people.

‘When students learn in languages they understand, they perform better and feel valued. That is how language builds both unity and leadership,’ he added.

Mr Ibrahim Muhammad Kafeero, the Coordinator of the Centre for Languages at IUIU said that Translations and Interpretation described the launch as a turning point in the story of Uganda’s inclusion.

‘This Unit is a bridge of strong, inclusive, and enduring. It connects Uganda’s diverse voices to a shared future and we invite all stakeholders, public and private to collaborate with us,’ he said.

Mr Kafeero also revealed that the Centre is working on new research programs and curriculum development projects, including the publication of a new book titled ‘The Art of Communication.’

Conservation groups have launched a Shs94 billion ($24.55 million) ‘One Health’ project to safeguard endangered mountain gorillas and strengthen community health systems across the Greater Virunga landscape, officials said Wednesday.

The International Gorilla Conservation Program (IGCP), in partnership with the Greater Virunga Transboundary Collaboration and with funding from the World Bank’s Pandemic Fund, said the initiative will boost preparedness against zoonotic diseases that threaten both wildlife and people living near protected areas.

‘This project will strengthen preparedness, prevention, and response to zoonotic diseases in the Greater Virunga Landscape where the mountain gorillas live and community members interact in the protected areas,’ said IGCP Executive Director Wellard Makambo during the launch in Kabale, southwestern Uganda.

He noted that diseases such as anthrax, Ebola, Covid-19, Marburg, and other respiratory infections have been detected within the region, heightening the need for early warning systems and coordinated health responses.

The Greater Virunga Landscape Coordinator, Paul Hatanga, who also serves as the World Wide Fund (WWF) project lead, said the program will span four districts in the Democratic Republic of Congo, four in Rwanda, and thirteen in Uganda, focusing on disease surveillance, veterinary capacity, and laboratory strengthening.

‘The project will focus on supporting One Health pandemic preparedness, prevention, and response in the Greater Virunga Landscape,’ Hatanga said.

He added: ‘Efforts will be focused on building veterinary and public health capacity to identify emerging zoonotic diseases that could impact both wildlife and humans.’

The World Bank-funded initiative, implemented with partners including Gorilla Doctors and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), seeks to ensure that by 2028, communities and the nature-based economies across the Greater Virunga region are resilient to diseases with pandemic potential.

The launch was attended by district and national officials, including Resident District Commissioners, health officers, and One Health coordinators from the ministries of Health, Agriculture, and Environment.

Dr David Muwanguzi, Principal Public Health Veterinary Officer at the Ministry of Health, and Dr Fred Monje, the One Health focal point officer at the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, welcomed the project and pledged government support for its successful rollout.

Officials said the two-and-a-half-year project marks a major step in linking conservation and public health in one of the world’s most biodiverse yet vulnerable transboundary ecosystems.

Police have launched investigations into the mysterious death of a 25-year-old woman who reportedly sustained severe injuries at the residence of socialite Bryan Kirumira, popularly known as Bryan White, in Kyamula, Makindye Division, Kampala.

According to Kampala Metropolitan Police deputy spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire, the death of Caroline Nalubwama is being treated with utmost seriousness, and an inquiry file has been opened at Katwe Police Station.

Nalubwama reportedly suffered critical injuries on Monday night and was rushed to Kiruddu National Referral Hospital, where she was pronounced dead on Tuesday.

Her father, Mr Tom Mutyaba, 52, reported the matter to Katwe Police the same evening, prompting immediate action from investigators.

Mr Owoyesigyire said a team of detectives, together with forensic and fire experts, visited the scene to collect evidence, and several exhibits have been recovered to aid the investigation. Preliminary findings indicate that Ms Nalubwama’s injuries may have resulted from a suspected gas explosion at Bryan White’s residence.

Police said a post-mortem was conducted at the City Mortuary, Mulago, while fire investigators retrieved burnt clothing and damaged curtains from the scene.

Bryan White, who also sustained injuries in the suspected explosion, is currently receiving treatment at Mildmay Hospital in Lweza, Wakiso District. Police have since recorded his statement and issued a medical form to support the ongoing inquiry. ‘We have retrieved CCTV footage from the area to help us establish the true sequence of events,’ Mr Owoyesigyire said.

This incident adds to a string of fatal gas-related accidents in Kampala. In October 2024, two people, including an Indian national living in Sembule A Zone, Kabowa Parish, Rubaga Division, died in a gas cylinder explosion while operating an oxygen plant. Authorities continue to warn about the dangers of gas leaks and improper cylinder handling.

The Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) attributes most incidents involving liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to poor handling either by users or suppliers.

The government yesterday broke its silence but sent mixed signals on the ban slapped on Nation Media Group-Uganda (NMG-U), stretching back to March. Mr Godfrey Kabyanga, the junior minister for ICT, who spoke on the floor of Parliament following pressure from Members of Parliament on the ban, dismissed claims that the media house had been barred from reporting on presidential activities. ‘I don’t have any communication from the State House and, therefore, NMG is free to go and cover the President,’ he said.

But Mr Faruk Kirunda, the deputy presidential press secretary, took a different line when asked about the ban. ‘To set the record straight: H.E @KagutaMuseveni stopped NMG (parent company of @DailyMonitor, @ntvuganda, @933kfm, etc) from covering him as an individual- after persistent instances of misreporting on him. One such instance was at Kisozi when he hosted MPs on a Wealth Creation tour. NMG management is aware of these problematic instances, which were brought to their attention. But the President didn’t stop NMG from working in Uganda or covering other Government institutions. Moreover, as PPU, we provide press releases and appreciate their use. ..’ Mr Kirunda posted on X.

‘President Museveni is the most media-friendly person. During his reign, he has generously guaranteed freedom of the press and overseen expansion of the sector. However, he has severally complained about biased and unfair coverage to no avail. Media should stick to professional ethics and responsible reporting to avoid unnecessary inconveniences,’ he added. The mixed government responses followed concerns raised by MPs over government restrictions on media freedom, particularly after NMG-U was denied access to cover the President, and now Parliament. Kira Municipality MP Ibrahim Ssemujju on Monday expressed concern over the timing of the Parliament ban on NMG-U journalists, noting that it comes shortly after the reported presidential restrictions. He questioned whether the move was part of a broader attempt to frustrate independent media.

Mr Ssemujju also pointed out that NMG-U has been denied advertising by the Electoral Commission (EC), raising suspicions that government advertising is being channelled only to media outlets supportive of the NRM party presidential flagbearer and frustrating independent and private media houses. ‘The coincidence is what is bothering me. That the President stops Nation Media Group from covering him conducting public business. And then we get this story that the Parliament has also now joined [in the ban],’ Mr Ssemujju said. ‘We must know, is this now an unannounced government policy that you find ways of killing private and independent media in Uganda? If it is not, we need an explanation. We see advertising now going only to the New Vision and other media outlets supporting the candidature of the NRM presidential flag bearer,’ Mr Ssemujju questioned.

His concerns were buttressed by Butambala County MP Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi, who also tasked the government to explain what sins NMG-U had committed to be banned from covering the two arms of government. ‘Freedom of speech, freedom of expression, access to Parliament by the media is so cardinal, that you can’t just let it rest on the whims of some technocrats here. We even have a gallery, where Ugandans are free to come [and sit to observe parliamentary sessions],’ Mr Kivumbi said. Despite the criticisms from the MPs, Mr Kabyanga maintained that NMG-U was free to cover both Parliament and the President and maintained that no official ban exists.

But Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa chipped in, saying the Minister for ICT is not in charge of the security of Parliament or the President and should not be held accountable. The MPs then turned the heat on the Deputy Speaker to explain why Parliament had banned NMG-U journalists from covering proceedings. Mr Tayebwa on Tuesday promised to follow up with the Clerk to Parliament to establish why the journalists were denied access. Lwemiyaga County MP Theodore Ssekikubo warned that the narrowing of media space, especially during election period, risks silencing public voices.

He observed that media houses had been closed for ‘flimsy reasons’ in the past and urged Parliament and government institutions to ensure transparency and fairness in granting media access. Mr Tayebwa said he was yet to ascertain the circumstances under which NMG-U journalists were barred and pledged to investigate the matter. He said that he had been caught up with work the whole day and that Parliament has accreditation procedures and guidelines which must be followed when accrediting journalists.

Background

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 presents, further escalating concerns over the shrinking media space in Uganda.

Yesterday, Daily Monitor journalists were barred from accessing Parliament after security personnel told them to leave, saying they were following orders. The journalists were instructed to contact the Director of Communication, Mr Chris Obore, who said he had been informed that security operatives were investigating certain matters and would only allow access after investigations were completed. He did not reveal what the security team was investigating regarding NMG journalists.