Category: Daily Monitor

Two early strikes from Yona Sabri and a brilliant solo effort by captain Martin Lado in the first half were enough for South Sudan to beat Uganda 3-0 in the opening match of the 2025 IBSA Blind Football African Championship Division II at Hamz Stadium in Nakivubo on Monday afternoon.

The shocking scoreline forced Uganda’s coach Ali Zinda to make early changes with goalkeeper Moses Musasizi replacing the porous Adam Kainerugaba in the first stanza.

The hosts returned stronger and more organised, no wonder Lado, who stood out for his commanding height, cornrows and exceptional ball retention skills, did not pose much danger in the second half.

Daniel Niwamanya, who replaced Gad Tumusiime, at the start of the second half was also solid at the back, locking out Sabri and Joseph Mubarak in most duels.

Uganda created several chances but their strikers lacked the sharpness to test Charles Bepo in goal. Midway into the second half, captain Rashid Ssemakula nearly scored but fiercely shot the side net.

In blind football, each team has a guide behind the opponent’s goalposts who directs his or her players to shoot or pass whenever the ball is in their area. Beyond that the guide must remain silent. However, Uganda complained that Sudan’s guide continued shouting instructions no matter where the ball was, gaining an unfair advantage over the opponent.

‘When he was warned, he stopped it and they never entered our territory as often as they did in the first half,’ a source told us.

Ssemakula is, however, positive. ‘It was a hard start for us. But we must get better and qualify for Division I,’ he told Daily Monitor post-match.

His opposite number Lado was even more confident. ‘We didn’t find any trouble against Uganda because they lacked coordination on the pitch,’ he said. ‘We came from South Sudan with just one goal: winning this tournament and qualifying to the next level.’

At the opening ceremony, Rogers Mulindwa, the Hamz Stadium chairman, assured all nations of a comfortable stay and commended them on exhibiting a unique talent. ‘Your story has given us a story to tell; ‘to ask then nondisabled that ‘if the blind can play football, what about you?”

About six nations were expected to grace the event but due to financial constraints only South Sudan turned up. Uganda Paralympic Committee president Bumali Mpindi mourned it but at the same time it could be a blessing in disguise for Uganda to qualify for Division I.

The tournament played in a round robin format ends Wednesday. The top two sides qualify for Division I on the road to the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics.

OPENING MATCH

Uganda 0-3 South Sudan

Leading scorer: Martin Lado

It all began on a Sunday morning. The congregation at the church had gathered as usual, each person carrying their own quiet prayer. Among the orderly ushers stood a young man named Henry Jassa, looking sharp in his suit, exuding the calm assurance of someone who serves out of calling. In one of the pews sat Linda Ochen, radiant in her quiet grace, unaware that destiny had seated itself beside her story.

With a smile, she recalls: ‘I remember thinking that he was kind, funny, and confident without trying too hard.’ That day, he offered her a bottle of water, an act so small it could have easily gone unnoticed, yet it lingered in her memory.

It was not the water itself that touched her; it was the thought behind the gesture. That simple act would later take root in her heart, like a seed of something divine. For Jassa, this moment is just as vivid.

‘The story started in church in 2018,’ he reflects. ‘I believe it was God who brought us together.’ His voice softens when he speaks her name, Linda, just as someone sharing a prayer that has finally been answered.

Love in the details

For her, love did not come as a whirlwind of grand gestures but through something much rarer: consistency. He kept showing up at church and in her life. She says: ‘He remembered small details about me. He encouraged my dreams and made time to really listen. That is when I knew he was not here to play games.’

Jassa smiles at the memory. ‘Her love and commitment to serving God left me with no other choice,’ he says, shaking his head in quiet amusement at his good fortune.

‘The more I got to know her, the more I realised she was kind, honest, patient, and hardworking, a woman bringing peace and light into my life.’ While so many people chase love that glitters, they found each other in the gentle glow of shared purpose.

The lovebirds prayed, laughed, and grew together like two branches reaching toward the same sky. The day he professed his love was fittingly another Sunday. After the service, when the last song had faded and the congregation had drifted away, he asked if they could talk.

‘I told her plainly,’ he recalls, ‘that I wanted to build a future with her, not just date casually.’ There was no pretense or dramatic flair, just truth. She smiled, her heart quietly catching up to what her spirit already knew.

The reaction left him filled with joy. ‘She smiled, and I knew then I had found my partner.’ In that simple exchange, words spoken in the courtyard of their church, began a love story not born of convenience but of conviction.

Marriage rooted in faith

Both Ochen and Jassa entered marriage not as flawless individuals, but as partners eager to learn and grow together. For Ochen, marriage represents a friendship strengthened by faith. She explains: ‘A marriage rooted in love, friendship, and faith is essential. It is a partnership where we communicate openly, grow together, and create a home filled with laughter and respect.’

Jassa shares this vision with tenderness, saying: ‘I envision a partnership where we support each other’s dreams and face challenges as a team. I want our marriage to be peaceful, purposeful, and inspirational.’

Their shared vision serves as the guiding principle of their union. At the heart of their home lies faith, not merely as a ritual, but as a steady rhythm; a quiet pulse that sustains their love, especially when life becomes chaotic.

Weathering life’s storms

Like any couple, they have faced their share of challenges. ‘Balancing our careers and spending quality time together has been one of the biggest obstacles,’ Ochen admits. As a monitoring and evaluation officer, her days often blend into reports, deadlines, and strategy meetings. Jassa on the other hand works in the hospitality industry, where he frequently has long shifts and irregular hours.

‘Sometimes, we need to remind ourselves that love requires time, not just promises,’ she says

.

He nods thoughtfully. ‘We have learnt to accept that challenges will arise, but we do not blame each other. We take a moment to pause, talk, and forgive quickly. It is not always easy, but it is worth it.’

They have come to understand that marriage is not a fairytale; it is faith in action. It is about choosing patience when tempers flare, showing kindness when silence would be easier, and selecting love even when the day feels long.

Teamwork

One of their greatest strengths as a couple is their transparency. She explains: ‘We are open about finances. We both contribute to household expenses based on our incomes and plan for significant financial goals together. We also maintain a joint account for family needs and separate accounts for individual projects.’

This approach has fostered not just trust, but also teamwork. ‘It is about honesty. You cannot claim to be united in love while being divided in your plans,’ he adds.

When asked what keeps their marriage thriving, he responds without hesitation: ‘Teamwork, patience, and faith.’

‘We treat our marriage like a living thing; it needs care, time, and attention to grow.’ She agrees, saying: ‘Commitment is not about just having butterflies in your stomach. It is about choosing each other every day, even when emotions fade and challenges arise. Do not just marry someone who makes you laugh; marry the one who inspires you to be better.’

This advice seems to resonate deeply with them, forged through prayer, laughter, and late-night conversations about the future.

Looking ahead

Henry and Linda Jassa’s love story is one deeply rooted in faith and purpose. As they look ahead, they hope to expand their family ‘by God’s grace’ and build a home that extends beyond themselves, a haven where others can experience warmth, wisdom, and the beauty of faith-built love.

To them, marriage is more than companionship; it is a ministry that shows love still works when two people walk together in purpose.

Their bond thrives not on perfection but on presence; shared laughter, prayer, forgiveness, and simple daily acts of care. From meeting in church to building a joyful home, their journey is a testament to enduring love, one grounded in faith, grace, and the quiet strength of commitment.

A consignment of 60,000 biometric voter verification machines arrived in the country on Monday, marking a major step in preparations for Uganda’s January 15, 2026, General Election. Justice Simon Byabakama, the Electoral Commission (EC) chairperson, who led officials to receive the equipment, said the machines will verify voters using fingerprints and facial recognition, particularly for those whose fingerprints cannot be captured. The consignment, part of 109,142 units procured from Simi Valley Company, is expected to enhance the credibility of the 2026 polls.

Justice Byabakama said each polling station will receive two machines to ensure efficiency and reduce disruptions such as those experienced in 2016 and 2021.

‘The new devices are designed to function efficiently even under difficult conditions. We are going to embark on extensive training and voter education to ensure both polling officials and the public understand how the kit works,’ he said, adding that the remaining units will arrive in the country by the end of November.

How the machines work

The EC will demonstrate how the biometric machines work at a later date, but according to the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA), biometrics involves ‘the measurement and analysis of unique physical or behavioural characteristics, especially as a means of verifying and identifying an individual.’ These characteristics include fingerprints, palm prints, iris and retina scans, voice patterns, and DNA profiles.

When applied in elections, biometric voter registration and ID systems help detect duplicate registrants, confirm voter identity and eligibility, and prevent multiple voting or identity theft. Uganda first applied biometric verification during the 2016 polls, using the Biometric Voter Verification System (BVVS) to authenticate voters via fingerprints. The national voter register was compiled using biometric data extracted from the National Identification and Registration Authority (Nira).

However, that initial rollout was marred by an Internet outage on polling day, forcing officials to revert to manual verification. Justice Byabakama said lessons from previous challenges informed the latest procurement.’In areas with limited access to electricity, these machines have a power bank which will keep them on, and we procured two per polling station, so in case one breaks down, the other continues to be used and the voting continues,’ he said.

Timing questioned

The procurement comes amid renewed debate over electoral integrity. Some political actors have linked the move to persistent allegations of vote rigging in past elections. President Museveni, who has ruled Uganda since 1986, has repeatedly claimed, without evidence, that the National Unity Platform (NUP) rigged the 2021 elections. Speaking during a thanksgiving ceremony for the late Gen Aronda Nyakayirima in Kampala on September 12 last year, Mr Museveni accused NUP of stealing up to one million of his votes.

He did not provide evidence but challenged NUP to take him to court. Mr Museveni was announced as the winner of the 2021 elections with 6.01 million votes against NUP leader Robert Kyagulanyi’s 3.6 million. However, in Buganda Sub-region, Mr Kyagulanyi, alias Bobi Wine, defeated the incumbent by 614,677 votes, garnering 1,453,535 votes to Mr Museveni’s 838,858. The National Resistance Movement (NRM) also lost several parliamentary seats.

The NUP victory made it the largest Opposition party in Parliament with 57 MPs. Mr Museveni later repeated his claims in March this year after NUP’s Elias Nalukoola defeated the NRM’s Faridah Nambi in the Kawempe North by-election. The President directed the Directorate of Criminal Investigations to probe alleged ballot stuffing and result manipulation.

While addressing a religious event at Kololo on May 25, Mr Museveni insisted that voting should be halted wherever biometric machines fail. Political players and analysts have questioned the timing of the EC’s procurement of the machines, and the short window for testing and training. Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) spokesperson John Kikonyogo said the machines should have been acquired much earlier.

‘Some of us did study engineering, so we know how machines misbehave. That is why we needed these machines to be procured early and even used as pilot studies in the by-elections we had, like in Kawempe North,’ he said. ‘But as we speak, we don’t know how the machine works, how many people it can handle in a minute, yet some polling stations have more than 900 voters,’ he added Dr Juma Kakuba Sultan, a lecturer of Political Science at Kyambogo University, acknowledged that technology enhances credibility but warned about operational lapses.

‘The use of technology is important since it helps in ensuring accuracy and people do not question the election results. But since we saw some faulty machines in previous elections, we needed to understand the efficiency and effectiveness of these and the competency of the people who are going to use them, so I doubt they will deliver a credible election,’ he said.

Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) secretary general Fred Ebil said his party supports technology that promotes transparency but is concerned about implementation. ‘UPC welcomes any initiative that aims at eliminating vote rigging that has undermined the credibility of the elections, but our concerns are in areas where there is poor Internet and no electricity,’ he said.

EC defends the rollout

EC spokesperson Julius Mucunguzi dismissed concerns about timing, saying three months is sufficient for training and deployment. ‘The Commission believes the three months are enough to train its staff, who will use these machines, so there is no need to worry. We shall roll out a massive media campaign and teach Ugandans how these machines work, and I want to assure the country that they will be deployed and work effectively,’ he said.

The procurement coincides with Parliament’s pending debate on proposed amendments to the Electoral Commission Act. Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Norbert Mao has proposed changes to Section 12(1) to formally authorise the EC’s use of biometric systems in managing elections. Mr Mao told this publication in July that his proposal is part of broader electoral reforms aimed at eliminating ballot stuffing, ghost voters, and double voting.

‘We have been using these biometric machines in previous elections, but the only change coming is to make it compulsory, and in these amendments, we shall leave no option of excluding the biometric verification,’ he said. ‘The committee chaired by [Kinkizi East MP and ICT minister] Dr Chris Baryomunsi will soon report to the Cabinet, and then we will go to Parliament,’ he added. Mr Mao said the new law will create offences for election officials who preside over discrepancies between ballot counts and biometric records.

The EC maintains that the new biometric voter registration and verification systems will streamline the electoral process, reduce fraud, and ensure every registered voter can cast their ballot once – and only once. By linking biometric voter data to each individual’s unique fingerprints and facial features, the system will allow faster verification and help eliminate duplicate registrations, thereby improving the integrity of Uganda’s elections. Justice Byabakama said the Commission’s goal is to make the 2026 elections more transparent and efficient.

BACKGROUND

In the 2021 General Election, the Electoral Commission deployed the Biometric Voter Verification Systemto to identify voters at polling stations. However, the system encountered widespread technical and logistical challenges on polling day. Many machines failed to start or froze midway, forcing presiding officers to revert to manual voter verification. In several districts, especially rural areas, polling opened late because devices could not connect to the network or recognise fingerprints. The Electoral Commission attributed the failures to a nationwide Internet shutdown ordered for ‘security reasons.’

Hawa Namyalo was a beacon of hope amid adversity. Her fight against ovarian cancer inspired me to push through the rigors of life. The journey to the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) with my niece Hawa started in September 2024 after we were referred by Kiruddu Hospital . This was after she had been operated to remove fibroids in May 2024, and her tummy kept swelling with fluid. Then came endless tests, biopsies, journeys to the pathology lab, and back. The medics were not upfront, blood test results were lost, and there was a myriad of heart-wrenching experiences.

There was a time we paid for blood tests, only to come back days later, and the nurses said the results could not be traced. Some individuals in the laboratory seemed to have mixed up stuff, and we had to pay more money to redo the tests. I was so broken that I had to sit my patient down, excuse myself, and get a moment to cry but I had to stay strong for Hawa. Several weeks and months passed by without being started on any sort of treatment, even after the tests, x-ray, phlebotomy tests, and scans done on her.

I could see that the postponements in starting medication and seeing specialists were derailing her, but I encouraged her until she was later started on chemotherapy. I sat and watched her have chemotherapy. This is the time I had to tell her stories that uplifted her soul, for time to pass by quickly as the drips emptied, going on to forge good relationships with the nurses and other patients who kept giving us hope that Hawa would get better.

Fear and relief

One lady from Mbarara told me that she almost died, but chemo saved her, so there was no need to worry about Hawa. The chemo effects, like hair loss, kicked in, but thankfully, Hawa showed all the signs of improvement with an immense glow, a sharp contrast from the bony and weary patient I had entered the gates of UCI with, and I was thrilled. She suddenly had her appetite back, and we were feeding her on a high-protein diet, like the doctor had recommended. She loved boiled eggs.

With the improvement, the doctors said she would soon be ready for an operation to remove her uterus and do away with the swollen tummy and the ever-recurring build-up of fluid in her uterus. This was relieving, and we were so excited to finally see that Wednesday come through, only for the doctors to postpone the operation to the last Wednesday of October. I was infuriated, but there’s nothing much I could do since the doctors said her potassium levels were too high and this could jeopardise the success of the operation. So she had to be put on medication to stabilise that.

She was later discharged and told to return on the last Wednesday of October, only for me to receive a phone call at around 4am on Tuesday that she had breathed her last! I cried each time memories of her smiling and laughing kept crossing my mind. I cried each time I remembered how I combed through the UCI corridors trying to find a solution to the problem. I howled each time I remembered that I had deluded myself into believing that her joy and laughter was a sign that she would be alright just after the operation.

Hawa was laid to rest the same day at 4pm in Kalungu, following the Islamic rites, amid tears, but also with the satisfaction that I and other family members had done our best. As I reflect on Hawa’s journey, I am reminded of the importance of timely diagnosis and treatment. Cancer can affect anyone, and we must seek medical attention at the earliest signs of illness. I am sure if Hawa were given a second chance to live, she would ask all of us to do periodic check-ups and act swiftly in case of any diagnosis.

I am also sure she would wish for a better state of affairs in the health sector because the doctors try to do their best, but they can only do much with the meagre resources at hand. UCI has limited resources, equipment, personnel, and medication. This can lead to delays in treatment, as was the case with Hawa. Despite these challenges, most of the health workers at the UCI are dedicated to their work and strive to provide the best possible care to their patients.

I acknowledge the tireless efforts of the health workers who fought alongside her, and as a country, we must recognise the importance of investing in our healthcare system and providing the resources to support those affected by cancer. Rest with the angels, Hawa. May the Almighty God admit you to Jannah.

President Kaguta Museveni has unveiled a new ‘individualized water plan’ aimed at helping farmers and small-scale producers in Karamoja access water for production, saying the initiative will drive self-sufficiency and transform rural livelihoods.

Speaking during a campaign rally at Kalas Girls Primary School in Amudat District, Museveni said the government was shifting from communal water systems to household-level water facilities to enhance productivity among what he called ‘wealth creators.’

‘We are working out a plan for water in rural areas. Apart from the valley dams, people need water at each home,’ Museveni said on Tuesday.

‘Communal water systems will not solve the problem. In Ankole, we moved to individualized dams, and that’s how farmers sustained production without losing animals to disease.’

Only 18 percent of Amudat’s 415 villages currently have access to safe water, government data shows.

Recent projects such as the Kosike and Kaechom valley dams, holding 2.7 and 1.8 billion litres respectively, have boosted local capacity, while ongoing works include solar-powered irrigation systems and the Lowoyakur Dam shared with Nakapiripirit.

Museveni said the plan is part of his major wealth creation strategy under the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), which ‘prioritizes production, infrastructure, and peace in the 2026-2031 manifesto.’

‘Peace is the foundation of all progress,’ he told the crowd, adding: ‘If you want to see miracles in Africa, come to Karamoja and see what we have achieved.’

Peace and disarmament

The President credited Karamoja’s stability to the successful disarmament of warriors two decades ago, a move he described as ‘non-negotiable’ for lasting peace.

‘Some argued that Karamojong and Turkana should both keep guns to balance terror. But why have a government if people must protect themselves?’ he said.

He added: ‘I told them to hand in their guns – I will protect them against the Pokot, Turkana, and others.’

Museveni said he had raised recent cross-border killings with Kenya’s President William Ruto, demanding compensation for victims’ families.

‘I told President Ruto that if those criminals have no money, the Kenyan government must pay. We shall hold a joint ceremony here to cleanse the blood and honor the dead,’ the b2-year-old Ugandan leader said.

‘Roads, schools and hospitals’

Museveni vowed to ensure that all major roads in Karamoja remain passable throughout the year.

‘I have warned the ministries – I don’t want to hear of a major road that is impassable,’ he said.

Over 180 kilometers of tarmac have been laid in the sub-region, including the Nadunget-Iriiri and Moroto-Lokitanyala routes. Plans are underway to tarmac the Nakapiripirit-Amudat road, a key trade artery.

On education, Museveni reaffirmed the government’s commitment to universal access, targeting one primary school per parish and one secondary school per sub-county.

He pledged to abolish school fees in public institutions, saying the practice undermines poor families.

‘When we introduced UPE in 1996, education was meant to be free. But some managers started bringing back money,’ he said.

In health, Museveni announced upgrades to Amudat’s only Health Centre IV and the construction of new facilities in underserved sub-counties.

Wealth creation and empowerment

The President urged residents to embrace the Parish Development Model (PDM), highlighting success stories of farmers who used small government grants to build thriving livestock and fruit enterprises.

‘We shall support cooperatives with vehicles to access Kampala markets,’ Museveni said.

Amudat has received Shs13.49 billion under PDM, with 97 percent disbursed to over 12,000 households.

First Lady Janet Museveni, also Minister of Education, called on Karamoja to deliver a ‘100 percent NRM vote’ to consolidate peace and development.

‘The NRM government has worked to make Karamoja peaceful and productive,’ she said.

Amudat, which gave Museveni 97.6 percent of the vote in 2021, has seen its voter roll grow from 43,000 to 58,000 ahead of the 2026 polls.

Uganda will hold its General Election on January 15, 2025 to vote a new president and parliamentarians.

The National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) has announced that over five million national identity cards have been printed and are ready for collection, four months after launching a mass enrolment and renewal campaign aimed at issuing at least 33 million cards nationwide.

The ambitious exercise, which began on May 27, 2025, seeks to renew 15.8 million expiring IDs and register 17.2 million new citizens, as the country replaces cards issued a decade ago that are now expiring.

NIRA communications officer Peter Okwalinga told Monitor that the IDs have been printed and dispatched across the country, including in Kampala, Wakiso, Mityana, and Tororo, and are now ready for distribution.

‘The ID issuance was rolled out in the entire country. All districts have IDs, only that some haven’t shared how they will distribute them,’ Okwalinga said on Tuesday.

He noted that NIRA is improving communication systems to notify applicants once their cards are ready.

‘We are currently improving our feedback channels to make sure whoever’s card is printed gets a message about where to pick it up. In the meantime, people can check for their cards manually at their registration areas,’ he added.

The authority’s renewed push comes amid growing public concern over expired cards.

Uganda’s first batch of national IDs, issued between 2014 and 2015, began expiring in August 2024, leaving many citizens inconvenienced to access essential services that require valid identification, including banking, travel, and voting.

NIRA officials say the mass exercise is crucial ahead of the 2026 general elections, where IDs will be mandatory for voter verification.

According to NIRA Executive Director Rosemary Kisembo, the exercise will cost the government Shs666.85 billion, covering new card production, upgraded technology, and personnel.

Out of that, Shs183 billion will go toward purchasing new IDs, Shs293 billion for data centres and registration kits, and Shs190.85 billion to pay 13,864 workers engaged in the nationwide operation.

The rollout is seen as critical for improving service delivery, security, and electoral integrity.

Still, citizens across several districts have complained of slow feedback and limited information on collection schedules, a challenge NIRA says it is ‘addressing through enhanced communication systems and partnerships with local governments.’

‘Our focus is to make sure every Ugandan who registered gets their card on time,’ Okwalinga said.

The promise by the Government of Uganda (GoU) that it will meet a target of adding slightly under 650 midwives to its payroll in the Financial Year (FY) 2025/2026 is reassuring. It signals much-needed intent to focus minds on the urgent need to improve birth outcomes and experiences in the country. While maternal and neonatal deaths have, in recent years, dipped, with a 2023 World Bank report putting the latter at 18 per 1,000 live births, deeply troubling failures in maternity services still stick out like the metaphorical sore thumb.

It is refreshing that-at last week’s staging of the fifth National Safe Motherhood Conference in Kampala- the GoU acknowledged that the sheer number of birth traumas and deaths still gives obstetrics in Uganda a bad rap. Grave shortcomings in maternity services are still the order of the day at various units, including but not limited to those in the GoU’s care. The failure to guarantee patient safety has led to a number of preventable deaths and injuries at a range of maternity units. The rise in medical mistakes has particularly been deeply disturbing, with a number of severe vaginal tears reported.

The GoU reckons that a new structure that was approved for health centre IIIs (HCIIIs) and health centre IVs (HCIVs) will considerably improve birth outcomes and experiences. Thanks to the new structure, up to 200 midwives will be added to the roster of national and regional referral hospitals. It’s not just the central-level institutions that are primed to get a much-needed tonic. Each of the country’s 146 districts is also set to get, on average, three midwives apiece. As noted earlier, this is commendable. The bump in the number of midwives should, however, not be treated as a magic wand.

Maternal and neonatal deaths in Uganda can be traced back to a range of other problems. Not just inadequate staffing. Weak leadership is writ large in Uganda. It has predisposed maternity services in the country to other attendant problems. Take, for one, the almost palpable lack of monitoring. The poor collaboration between clinicians can also be traced back to feebleness in leadership. A strong leadership would ensure there is openness, and it would, doubtlessly, actualise learning from medical mistakes.

With the proportion of caesarean section deliveries increasing, the country needs strong leadership now more than ever before. Caesarean section deliveries are known to present challenges by the truckload. Our leaders should be alive to such crucial yet seemingly ‘trivial’ details. Things like expectant mothers being heavier than ever before, older than ever before, point to changing demographics that must not be overlooked. Of course, the staffing vis-à-vis unmanageable workloads matter a great deal, too. The numbers say so. Last year, 2.2 million pregnancies were recorded in Uganda.

This represented an increase from the 1.5 million pregnancies recorded in 2023. More bodies are definitely needed in the maternity units. As is the leadership.

The GoU should outrightly resist the temptation to rest on its laurels, even as data shows that inroads are being made. The Uganda Demographic Health Survey 2022, for one, shows that maternal mortality declined to 189 deaths per 100,000 live births. In 2016, it was 336 deaths per 100,000 live births. All things considered, this is a telling drop. But look deeper and you will see that there is work to be done.

Kyaggwe fans are turning to the streets to demand justice in the Masaza Cup. As the tournament inches toward its grand finale on Saturday, supporters of the Mukono-based side are furious that their petition against Buweekula remains unheard.

A group of fans have organised a protest that will begin in Mukono Town before marching to Bulange, Mengo and the Buganda Sports Office. They intend to deliver their concerns directly to Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga, hoping Buganda Kingdom’s leadership will intervene before the final is played on Saturday.

Their frustration stems from Kyaggwe’s semi final elimination at the hands of Buweekula. The two sides played to a 1-1 aggregate draw across both legs, but Buweekula prevailed 4-3 on penalties at Bishop SS Ground, earning a spot in Saturday’s final at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo.

Kyaggwe insist the result should not stand.

In a petition to the Masaza Cup Organizing Committee (MCOC), Kyaggwe claim Buweekula fielded an ineligible player, forward Shafik Ssonko, who wore shirt 9 in the decisive fixture. According to the complaint signed by Kyaggwe Secretary General Fred Mpanga, the player was registered using documents bearing the name ‘Ssonko Shafrick,’ including a National Identification Number (NIN) indicating a date of birth of January 4, 2010.

That would make him under 16, contravening Masaza Cup rules that clearly state no player below 16 may feature in the competition.

Ssonko has been one of Buweekula’s brightest sparks. He scored the only goal as they eliminated defending champions Bulemeezi in the quarterfinals and was named man of the match that day. There are claims his school may have altered his paperwork to ensure he remains eligible for post-primary competitions next season.

The delay in handling the matter has sparked rising agitation ahead of Saturday’s final.

Humal Baganzi, a vocal supporter leading the march, questioned the apparent silence from organisers.

‘How can a petition involving such a serious allegation take this long when the final is on Saturday? If they cannot give us justice on time, we are ready to boycott the third-place play-off. We cannot compete as if everything is normal when our complaint is being ignored’ Baganzi said.

In response to the growing disquiet, Hannington Musoke, the Principal Sports Officer at Buganda Kingdom, urged patience.

‘Communication to the concerned parties will be issued as soon as possible through our official channels,’ Musoke told Daily Monitor, assuring supporters the issue is being reviewed.

Meanwhile, finalists Ssingo wait in the wings after edging Bugerere in the other semifinal. They hunt a third Masaza Cup title, hoping the showdown will not be overshadowed by such drama.

Airtel Masaza Cup

Saturday November 1, 2025

Final: Ssingo vs Buweekula, 3pm

Third-place play-off

Kyaggwe vs Bugerere, 12pm

Venue: Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo

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.

The opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) has issued a stern warning to party members in who have defied party rules by running as independents or joining rival political parties ahead of Uganda’s 2026 general elections.

Speaking in Masaka City on Tuesday, while attempting to visit detained NUP members at Masaka Prison, Secretary-General David Lewis Rubongoya condemned members who, after being denied party cards, chose to contest outside the party.

Rubongoya was denied entry to the prison, which was not an official visiting day, but used the occasion to address party discipline.

‘We want to make it clear that once someone chooses to stand as an independent, they automatically cease to be a member of the National Unity Platform,’ Rubongoya said.

‘You cannot claim to support NUP while defying the same party that gave you a platform,’ he added.

Rubongoya also criticized endorsed NUP flag bearers who have reportedly campaigned alongside independent candidates in some constituencies, calling the practice a violation of party regulations.

‘It is unfortunate that some of our own flag bearers are moving with independents,’ he said, adding: ‘This goes against our principles. Once you support an independent, you are working against the party.’

Several high-profile cases illustrate the scope of defections and independent bids in central Uganda. In Masaka City, Sauya Nanyonga is running as an independent for the Masaka Woman MP seat, despite NUP endorsing Rose Nalubowa.

In Kalungu District, Aisha Waliggo, who lost NUP primaries to Shakira Namiiro Zzinga, joined the Democratic Front party and secured its endorsement for the same seat.

In Bukoto Central, Alex Kalinzi Ntamu has filed as an independent candidate, alleging that his NUP card was stolen by Jamil Kivumbi. Meanwhile, Isaac Tumusiime Museveni of Lwemiyaga County defected to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) on the final day of nominations, pledging support to NRM candidates.

Rubongoya accused those abandoning the party of prioritizing personal gain over the NUP mission.

‘We must protect our struggle and ensure that only genuine NUP candidates carry our message,’ he said. ‘Unity and discipline are what will win us victory.’

Uganda will hold its General Election on January 15, 2025 to vote a new president and parliamentarians.