Category: Daily Monitor

Want to find out where many members of Uganda’s chattering class on social media live? Camp on the timeline of the power distributor UEDCL any day and, soon enough, you will see the groans of despair over power surges destroying equipment, low voltage supply unable to run stuff, or just no power at all.

This is an old problem — before UEDCL, it was Umeme, the listed concessionaire, that Ugandans loved to hate — but an evolving one. If your lights went out 15 years ago, it was probably because of load shedding or power rationing. Today, it is likely to be down to a creaky last-mile distribution network, or an errant driver wrapping their car around an electricity pole and bringing down the line.

This is because we have, in the space of those 15 years, gone from an electricity deficit to a surplus after the commissioning of the 183-megawatt Isimba dam and the 600MW Karuma.

There is no justification for a country with a surplus of electricity to have routine power outages. In its ‘ode to joy’ note to shareholders as it rode off into the sunset, Umeme noted that power losses — in transmission and unpaid bills — had halved during its concession to around 16 percent. Significant, but still much higher than the industry average of 10 percent.

Given that most customers are now on pre-paid electricity metres, this persistently high loss factor suggests under-investment in the last-mile power grid under Umeme, which has now carried over into the new publicly owned distributor.

This is one of at least three power problems we must confront if we want to build a Uganda that works. Wasted electricity keeps the bills high for everyone because the power generated must be paid for, whether it is used or not. Irregular power also stymies economic growth, especially in small businesses, and even in larger ones, which must carry the additional expense of auxiliary power systems. To avoid wasting the current electricity surplus, we must quickly and rapidly upgrade the last-mile distribution network.

The second problem is the misalignment between where the power is generated and where it is used. Building industrial parks and heavy usage off takers nearer to the power generation sites would reduce the financial and technical cost of transmission. It will also create downstream economic opportunities and demand to end the current farce of power lines running above mud-and-wattle houses.

You need to manufacture stuff in Jinja and Karuma, then figure out a way to expand solar for the mostly domestic users upcountry. Figuring out how to assemble and then manufacture solar equipment locally will reduce the cost and accelerate electrification, with the bonus of saving what’s left of our trees (another topic, another day).

Our bigger problem with power, however, circles back to how much of it is available. On current projections, demand will match available supply in under a decade — shorter if extra heavy-duty industries, whose number has stagnated since before Covid, increase, including the entry of power-hungry data centres, or if rising incomes grow demand exponentially.

The problem is that it takes, on average, at least a decade to build a major power dam in Uganda, and they always come in way above budget, with technical snafus. Bujagali is a good example. First approved in 1994, it was not commissioned until 2012, by which time the cost had more than doubled to more than a billion dollars.

Opaque procurement processes lead to delays as rival bidders wrangle. It also leads to corners being cut (for example, the road over Isimba Dam that was conveniently ‘forgotten’) as adjustments are made to accommodate rent bills. They also lead to above-market prices.

For instance, the current price tag on the proposed 840MW Ayago hydropower project — which is already years behind schedule — is, according to one estimate, U$5 billion. This is roughly the same cost as Ethiopia’s Grand Renaissance Dam, which produces more than 5,000MW.

Even if the price tag drops, it will have to do so significantly to get back within the million-dollar-per-megawatt range that would make the power produced relatively cheap, and Ugandan producers using it competitive within the region and beyond.

So, as annoying as flickering lights are, we have a looming problem of powering Uganda’s economic growth by building bigger dams faster and better. There can be no economic growth, jobs and poverty reduction without cheap and reliable power. Of course, we have other problems with other forms of power, but electricity is one we do not have to leave for God to solve.

It was a breakthrough weekend for first-time winners Kruthum Nalumansi and Muzafaru Lubega, who capitalized on the absence of former champions Fadilah Shamika Mohamed Rafi and Augustus Owiny, who were abroad chasing glory at the Algeria and Egypt International Opens.

Nalumansi, a standout from CFK Academy, and Lubega, a Kampala Club prodigy, delivered thrilling performances, pocketing Shs1m each for their efforts in the lucrative Professional Category.

Tactical acumen

In the men’s singles final, Lubega’s precision smashes and tactical acumen overwhelmed highly-rated Reagan Michael Nsubuga, sealing a straight-sets victory 21-11, 21-6. Nalumansi, on her part, navigated a challenging draw including Awori Brenda, Zainab Wesonga, and Meble Namakoye, overcoming Namakoye in a three-game final 21-13, 18-21, 21-10 to lift the women’s crown.

Coach Simon Mugabi, also Uganda Badminton Association (UBA)’s CEO lauded the performance of all 1,118 players, noting the remarkable growth evident at the four-day long eighth edition, which also celebrated Linglong’s 50th anniversary.

National pride

The national shuttlers further cemented their dominance in the Nations Challenge, sweeping through Kenya and India with emphatic 2-0 wins to finish unbeaten.

Uganda’s perfect record of four points from the eight games won showcased tactical superiority and consistency, thrilling the home crowd and lifting the continental trophy.

Reddy rule

In the Asian Nationals category, the unstoppable pair Sruthi Reddy and Sunaina Reddy stormed to victory in the Women’s Doubles.

After defeating Raji Gudeti and Rashmi Kori in a tense three-game match, the sisters finished the competition unbeaten, claiming four points and a superior game tally of 87-67, demonstrating flawless coordination and power on court.

Corporate kings

Hosts City Tyres proved they could play as well as sponsor, dominating the Corporates Category. The top-seeded team advanced past Foodhub, City Oil, and Ruparelia Group before facing Supreme in a thrilling final.

After an intense five-game showdown, City Tyres emerged victorious 22-20, 21-18, 18-21, 25-23, 21-19, claiming both glory and bragging rights at their own event.

8th CITY TYRES EAST AFRICA BADMINTON CHALLENGE

WINNERS – PROFESSIONAL CATEGORY

Men’s Singles: Lubega Muzafaru

Women’s Singles: Kruthum Nalumansi

Men’s Doubles: Calvin Simiyu and Edwin Waitathu

Women’s Doubles: Olivia Nakajja and Meble Namakoye

Mixed Doubles: Muzafaru Lubega and Rajab Mbiira Shamsa

NATIONAL CHALLENGE CATEGORY

Winner: Uganda

Runner up: Kenya

Third Place: India

CORPORATES CATEGORY

Winner: City Tyres

COACHES CATEGORY

Unisex Doubles: Allan Nkire and Ronald Lule

VETERANS CATEGORY

Unisex Doubles: William Kabindi and Godfrey Kivumbi

ASIAN NATIONAL RESIDENTS’ CATEGORY

Men’s Doubles (20-45 Years): Mohamed Nowfal and Nazeem Nowfal

Men’s Doubles (Above 45 Years): Thomas Biju and Naveen Krishnan

Women’s Doubles: Sruthi Reddy and Sunaina Reddy

UNIVERSITY CATEGORY – TEAM EVENTS

Winner: Ndejje University

SCHOOLS CATEGORY – TEAM EVENTS

Boys Team Winner: Kinaawa High School Kawempe

Girls Team Winner: Mbogo High School

INDIVIDUAL EVENTS

U-10 Boys Singles: Sofian Nsubuga

U-10 Girls Singles: Agatesi Blessing

U-13 Boys Singles: Malik Juma Amjd

U-13 Girls Singles: Berindah Nakintu

U-15 Boys Singles: Abu Althaf

U-15 Girls Singles: Abigail Ndagire Mawanda (Seroma Christian High School)

U-19 Boys Singles: Mboowa Najjimu (Kinaawa High School Kawempe)

U-19 Girls Singles: Claire Namirembe (Kakungulu Memorial School)

Boys Doubles: Abdulrazak Mabuya and Kadoli Frederick (Kinaawa High School Kawempe)

Girls Doubles: Tricia Kyuuka and Bayat Nandagire (Mbogo High School)

Twelve environmental activists who were arrested during protests against the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) in August 2025 have decried delayed justice after their fourth bail application was rejected.

The presiding Senior Principal Grade One, Magistrate Winnie Nankya Jatiko, at Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court, said the suspects’ case was in an advanced stage and therefore, there was no need to grant them bail despite the fact that they have spent nearly three months on remand.

The activists, most of whom are students from various universities in the country under their umbrella body, Students Against Eacop Uganda, an environmental pressure group, were arrested on August 1 after staging a peaceful protest near Stanbic Bank in Kampala, over what they described as the bank’s continued funding of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (Eacop). They were first arraigned in court on charges of being a public nuisance and remanded to Luzira till September 5.

The suspects, who include Teopista Nakyambadde, Shammy Nalwadda, Dorothy Asio, Shafik Kalyango, Habibu Nalungu, Noah Kafiiti, Ismail Zziwa, Ivan Wamboga, Akram Katende, Baker Tamale, Keisha Ali and Mark Makoba, accused the bank of funding the ongoing construction of the 1,443km Eacop, claiming that the project is destructive to the environment.

They reappeared before the same court on August 18, and Ms Nankya denied them bail because some of them were perennial protestors who had repeatedly abused their bail terms.

She, on September 5, declined to hear their fresh bail application and adjourned the court session to October 1 after hearing evidence of three state witnesses.

Some of the state witnesses said they had seen some of the activists participating in more than one anti-Eacop protest.

Mr Kato Tumusiime, the lead lawyer for the activists, condemned the decision by the magistrate to rejects his clients’ bail application and described it as absurd and unfortunate.

‘Failing to entertain the bail application prejudices the rights of the accused guaranteed by our Constitution, and the same is not only harsh but also illegal and unacceptable. It suggests that the activists have been found guilty before even hearing their case,’ he said

He added, ‘This is unacceptable in our legal regime. We must fight for our judiciary to be independent and act in line with the law and not to please the people in power.’

The magistrate fixed November 6 when she will rule whether they have a case to answer.

Background

The activists have on several occasions protested in Kampala streets, including at Parliament, the French and Chinese Embassies, Stanbic and KCB Banks, over their substantial support for the Eacop project, which they say is harmful. This time, the bank announced its funding after key financiers withdrew.

However, the government and key stakeholders have dismissed the activists’ claims, defending their participation in the project, which is expected to transform the country’s economy once oil begins flowing.

The $5 billion (Shs18 trillion) EACOP project is a 1,443 km pipeline that will transport Uganda’s waxy crude oil from the oil fields in mid-western Uganda to Tanga port on the Indian Ocean in Tanzania.

The project is jointly owned by French oil giant, TotalEnergies (62 percent), the Uganda National Oil Company Limited (UNOC – 15 percent), China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC – 8 percent), and Tanzania’s Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC – 15 percent) under EACOP Ltd.

At least 113 candidates have been nominated to contest for 10 parliamentary seats in Kampala, following the close of the two-day nomination exercise on Thursday evening.

According to Rashid Hasakya, the Kampala Returning Officer, nominations that started on Wednesday attracted a big number of aspirants seeking to represent the capital’s different constituencies in the next Parliament.

‘By close of today, we had nominated 67 candidates, and when added to yesterday’s total, the number stands at 113,’ Mr Hasakya told journalists shortly after concluding the exercise.

The nominations covered all the ten constituencies across the five divisions of Kampala.

Mr Hasakya said Makindye East recorded the highest number of aspirants with 22, followed by Kampala Central with 15, Makindye West 13, Kawempe South 12, and Nakawa East 12.

Others include Rubaga North 10, Rubaga South 9, Nakawa West 8, Makindye West 8, and Kawempe North 5.

Seven candidates were nominated for the Kampala District Woman MP seat.

‘We are finalising the breakdown by political party and independents, which will be released shortly,’ Mr Hasakya added.

He said candidates who have not yet submitted their tentative campaign programmes have until Monday, after which the Commission will harmonise schedules to avoid clashes.

‘Campaigns for parliamentary candidates will officially begin on November 12, 2025 and close on January 12, 2026,’ he said.

Hotly contested divisions

Kampala Central

The Kampala Central seat has drawn several big names, setting the stage for one of the fiercest contests in the city.

Kampala minister Minsa Kabanda, who is running on the NRM ticket for the city’s Central parliamentary seat, has been nominated but faces stiff competition from National Unity Platform (NUP) Secretary-General David Lewis Rubongoya, who is seeking to ride on the party’s dominance in the capital.

Rubongoya said his focus will be on ‘giving the people of Kampala a representative who listens to them, not one who speaks for the powerful.’

Kabanda, on the other hand, pledged to consolidate ongoing government programmes in the city, saying her re-election ‘will ensure continuity and service delivery.’

Makindye East

Makindye East attracted the largest number of aspirants, with 22 people eyeing the seat currently held by Derrick Nyeko of NUP.

Kawempe North

In Kawempe North, the race is shaping up as a rematch between the NUP’s Elias Luyimbazi Nalukoola and NRM’s Faridah Nambi Kigongo. The constituency has historically been an opposition stronghold, but the ruling party is hoping to make inroads.

Ms Kigongo said her campaign will centre on service delivery.

‘Kawempe deserves better health facilities and better roads. That’s what I’m offering,’ she said.

Nalukoola, who won a by-election that was later nullified earlier this year, insists he remains the popular choice.

‘The people gave me a mandate, and I’m confident they will renew it,’ he said after nomination.

Nakawa East and Nakawa West

Both Nakawa East and Nakawa West have also attracted a mix of veteran and youthful contenders. Former MPs Michael Kabaziguruka and Fred Muwema are among those seeking to return, while several newcomers are promising to champion accountability and improved service delivery.

The Kampala nominations were part of the nationwide exercise that the Electoral Commission set for October 22 and 23. The process, which started Wednesday morning, saw hundreds of supporters escort their candidates to the EC offices in Ntinda.

Security was tight but calm throughout the exercise, with police maintaining order as supporters danced, waved party flags, and chanted slogans in support of their preferred candidates.

By Thursday evening, EC officials were packing up nomination forms, marking the official close of the process in Kampala. Mr Hasakya said the final list of nominated candidates would be gazetted in the coming days

‘We are satisfied with how the process went. The candidates were cooperative, and there were no major incidents,’ he said.

He urged aspirants to focus on issue-based campaigns once the official period kicks off next month.

‘We encourage all candidates to engage peacefully and follow the harmonised campaign schedule. The Electoral Commission will continue to guide them throughout the process,’ he added.

With nominations now concluded, Kampala braces for a heated campaign season. Analysts say the capital remains the heart of Uganda’s political contest, and its outcome often mirrors national political trends.

The Electoral Commission (EC) yesterday started the two-day nominations for candidates for parliamentary elections, and Special Interest Groups (Youths, Persons with Disabilities, Workers, and Older Persons) ahead of the 2026 General Election. However, as the exercise got underway in Koboko District, National Resistance Movement (NRM)-leaning Ocur Rasul, seeking the Koboko North seat, and Mr Omar Kassim (Independent), who was vying for the Koboko Municipality seat, withdrew from the race.

While Mr Kassim gave no reasons for withdrawing his candidature, Mr Occur cited ‘promises of a brighter future’. ‘I have been very steadfast and progressive with processing my papers until Monday when I had a communication with some NRM party leaders, and we reflected very deeply about issues of the party, which culminated in my withdrawal,’ Mr Ocur said on Tuesday.

He added: ‘I was requested to step down, mobilise for the party with a promise of a brighter future; and as a son of the soil, I value discipline and decided to do so.’

Mr Ocur first ran for the seat in 2021 under the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) ticket and lost to Dr Noah Musa, the incumbent. He then defected to the ruling NRM, and participated in the primaries that attracted three others, including Dr Musa, Mr Elias Asiku (Independent), and Mr Emmanuel Abele Moro. Asked if he is going to back the NRM candidate, Mr Occur said he is going to back the ‘NRM party and presidential candidate, Yoweri Museveni’.

By the close of business on Tuesday, Mr Asiku and Dr Musa had been nominated to contest for the Koboko North constituency seat, while incumbent Ms Sharifa Aate Taban (Independent) and Ms Sauda Ropan (NRM) were cleared to contest for the Koboko Woman MP seat. Dr Charles Ayume (NRM) was also nominated for the Koboko municipality seat.

Nantaba’s watch symbol ‘hijacked’

In Kayunga, incumbent district woman MP, Ms Ida Nantaba, accused EC officials of conspiring with her political rivals to assume her symbol of a watch. Ms Nantaba, who had already printed posters with a watch as her symbol, was ‘shocked’ when she went for nomination and found the watch symbol already taken by Ms Teddy Bukirwa, an Independent candidate. ‘They have taken my symbol, thinking this will reduce my votes, but I want to tell them that this trick will not in any way affect my votes, besides affecting me financially, since I have to print new campaign posters with my new symbol.’ However, Mr Douglas Twine, the district returning officer, said the symbol had already been taken by the time Ms Nantaba expressed her interest in using it.

Masaka observes EC regulations

In Masaka City, the contenders were strictly allowed two vehicles and 10 people to access Ssaza Grounds, the venue EC gazetted for the two-day parliamentary nomination exercise. Mr Maurice Oryem, the Masaka Central Police Station commander, said they banned big processions in Masaka City during the two days to avoid ‘interrupting other Ugandans going on with other businesses’. ‘The processions you have been conducting after nominations are completely banned in the city’s business centre. We shall agree on venues for their rallies, and that’s where candidates shall link up with their supporters,’ Mr Oryem said.

He added that all parliamentary aspirants are required to submit to the city’s joint security committee the proposed venues for their rallies and campaigning programme for approval, warning that failure to do so will prevent public gatherings from taking place. He cited the Senior Four candidates who are sitting their national examinations across various centres, and businesses which would be paralysed if complacency prevailed. Nine candidates had been nominated in Masaka City by 2pm. However, at Masaka District headquarters in Kyanamukkaka, National Unity Party (NUP) flagbearer for Bukoto Central, Mr Alex Kalinzi Ntamu, arrived at the venue when another party member, Mr Jamil Kivumbi, from whom the party withdrew the ticket, had already been nominated in his place.

Mr Ntamu accused EC officials of ‘betrayal’, saying he had already notified them that he was the official party flag bearer. ‘I am going to raise this with my party to discipline our registrar who stamped Kivumbi’s documents to enable him to get nominated.’ By 12:53pm, both Mr Moses Kabuusu, the incumbent MP for Kyamuswa County, and Mr Julius Opondo Mukasa, the incumbent MP for Bujumba Constituency, had been nominated. NUP’s Daudi Nkambo Ssenungi (Kyamuswa County) was also scheduled for nomination, but was asked by the district EC officials to first rectify inconsistencies in his documents. It emerged that some of his academic and identification papers bore three names, while others carried four, prompting a request for clarification before formal nomination.

Veteran politician and former Kyamuswa MP, Mr Israel Mayengo, who accompanied Mr Ssenungi to the nomination grounds, urged residents to elect representatives capable of effectively participating in parliamentary debates. ‘An MP needs to be able to read and understand what is written, and change bad laws to benefit his or her people.’ He described MPs who cannot contribute during plenary sessions or committees, or who have never sponsored or amended a policy, as ‘weak

Independents dominate Mukono

In Mukono, by midday, 13 candidates, mostly Independents, had been nominated, including Rev Peter Bakulaba, who has been the LC5 chairperson, seeking to unseat NUP’s Betty Nambooze from Mukono Municipality, and Ms Hanifa Nabukeera, who has been Mukono District Woman MP, to challenge Ms Nambooze.

Former State Minister for Water, Mr Ronald Kibuule (NRM), was also nominated to reclaim the Mukono North constituency seat, which he lost to Abdallah Kiwanuka (NUP) in 2021. Mr Kibuule said he wants to start from where he stopped and promised to boost employment, secure jobs in industries and factories.

Peaceful nomination

In Buikwe, 14 aspirants vying for various parliamentary seats were nominated in an exercise described by the EC as ‘the most peaceful exercise ever held in the district’. Mr Richard Senteza (Independent) was nominated for the Lugazi Municipality seat after losing the NRM flag to former area MP Isaac Mulindwa Ssozi.

In Kyotera, State Minister for Micro Finance Haruna Kasolo was nominated to contest for the Kyotera County seat currently held by NUP’s John Paul Mpalanyi Lukwago. Three other candidates were nominated, including the District Woman MP, Ms Fortunate Rose Nantongo, who is seeking another term.

In Sembabule, 13 candidates had been nominated by 3pm, including Brig Emmanuel Rwashande, who seeks to unseat Lwemiyaga County incumbent Theodore Ssekikubo. Ssekikubo is expected to be nominated today as an Independent candidate after losing the NRM ticket to the former. Mr Godfrey Aine Sodo Kaguta, President Museveni’s younger brother, was also nominated as the NRM flagbearer for Mawogola North Constituency.

Busoga

In Kamuli District, the First Deputy Prime Minister, Ms Rebecca Kadaga, outlined unfinished business that she wants to accomplish in the 12th Parliament, key among them is ensuring that Busoga’s pledges are met, protecting Busoga’s interests, lobbying for the tarmacking of Ambercourt-Mbulamuti-Kamuli-Bukungu, Iganga-Luuka-Kamuli, and Kamuli-Kaliro Roads.

‘My flagship project is going to be the Kimaka International Airport at Jinja, which is going to be a game changer and make Busoga an economic business hub, the five diagnostic health service centres for Busoga, and Busoga University campuses to boost education,’ she said. Common Man’s Party presidential candidate, Mr Mubarak Munyagwa, halted his campaign rallies to honour the nomination of his party’s General Secretary, Mr Moses Bigirwa, for the Kamuli Municipality seat.

‘We have brought the best of the best candidate for you as a municipality because Bigirwa here is second to Mama Kadaga in being the voice of their people. Time is now for effective parliamentary representation,’ Mr Munyagwa said.

In Mbale City, Mr Paul Wanyoto Mugoya (Independent) was nominated for the Northern City Division seat, promising to focus on improving health in the constituency, if elected. Ms Peace Khalayi, the NRM flagbearer for Namisindwa District, was also nominated and immediately decried the ‘poor representation’ in Parliament. ‘I want to fulfil the government’s vision of each sub-county having a seed school and health facility.’

Mr John Musira (NRM), the Bubulo East Constituency MP, was the first to be nominated in Namisindwa District, saying his constituency still lags behind with poor electricity connectivity (only seven sub-counties connected out of the 16), a poor road network, and high poverty. In Kagadi District, incumbent Buyaga West MP, Mr Barnabas Tinkasimiire, was nominated to contest as an Independent candidate after he lost in the NRM party primaries, and expressed confidence that the upcoming General Election will be free and fair.

He also pledged to prioritise the construction of the Muhoro-Ndaiga Road. In Kabarole District, Returning Officer, Rogers Kasoro, nominated Mr Richard Rwabuhinga (Independent) for the Burahya County seat, after he lost in the NRM party primaries to Mr Joseph Mugenyi. In Fort Portal City, Ms Majorie Annet Kasiime (Independent) was nominated for the Woman MP seat after unsuccessfully contesting in 2021 on the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) ticket.

‘I understand the issues affecting the people, have worked with communities for over 18 years, and will prioritise accountability and follow up on pending pledges for Fort Portal City and the Tooro sub-region,’ she said immediately after her nomination.

In Kasese District, Mr Sowedi Kitanywa (NRM), who was nominated for the Busongora North County seat, pledged to focus on fighting corruption. Former Minister Crispus Kiyonga (NRM) was nominated for the Bukonzo West County seat, marking his third consecutive attempt to reclaim the seat, having lost in 2016 and 2021 to Mr Godfrey Atkins Katusabe (FDC).

He said he will focus on improving household incomes, bringing services closer to the people, and strengthening the health and education sectors. ‘In Bukonzo West, coffee farming is key; we shall promote new coffee varieties to ensure better yields,’ he said. In Rubirizi, Mr Nicolas Twinomujuni, the district returning officer, said all six candidates who turned up on Tuesday were nominated. ‘We are yet to know how many will book to be nominated on Thursday, but we have six who booked for the nominations date, all turned up, and the exercise was peaceful,’ he says.

He added that the district has 8,1257 registered voters who are eligible to participate in the January 2026 polls. In Mbarara District, NRM candidates who lost in the party primaries defied the party position to run as Independents. These include incumbent District Woman MP Margret Rwebyambu, who lost to Ms Loydah Kyarikunda Muhimbura, and Kashari North MP, Mr Basil Bataringaya, who lost to Mr Patrick Musinguzi. Other candidates that were nominated include Capt (rtd) John Bosco Bamuturaki (NRM) for Kashari South, and Mr Patrick Musinguzi (NRM) for Kashari North.

The District Returning Officer, Mr William Twinamatsiko, said the exercise went on ‘smoothly’, adding that candidates followed the guidelines they were given.

In Kabale, the State Minister for Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, Mr David Bahati, was nominated as an Independent candidate for the Ndorwa West constituency parliamentary seat after losing in the NRM party primaries. ‘I opted to contest to retain the Ndorwa West parliamentary seat because I want to protect and build on the achievements so far gained that include piped water, electricity connection, roads, education, health, and agriculture,’ Mr Bahati said.

In Rubanda District, the State Minister for Finance in-charge of General Duties, Mr Henry Musasizi (NRM), was nominated to contest for the Rubanda East seat, saying there is still more to be done to transform the constituency and improve livelihoods.

In Soroti District, incumbent Woman MP, Ms Ann Adeke Ebaju (FDC), was nominated to face Ms Jessica Leah Amigo (NRM) and Ms Joan Rose Egabu (Independent).

Mr Joseph Mukwaya, the Soroti District Returning Officer, warned candidates against bribing voters. In Arua City, Dr Ronald Debo (Independent) was the first to be nominated for Arua Central Division in Arua City, after he lost in the NRM primaries. ‘I will focus on addressing youth unemployment in the city with the establishment of skilling centres where they can become self-reliant,’ he said immediately after his nomination.

After decades of neglect marked by potholes, poor drainage, and crumbling infrastructure, the towns of Pallisa and Kumi have received a new lease of life with the completion of road works valued at Shs146 billion, officially handed over by government officials at the weekend.

For decades, Pallisa Town Council and Kumi Municipality have been characterised by impassable roads. But the completion of new tarmac roads has renewed hope among residents, especially farmers who can now transport produce more easily to markets.

According to Mr Michael Ongwara, the district engineer, the 7.5km Pallisa town road network was undertaken by Arab Contractors, with key roads including Outa, Hudson, Mutembeyi, Tueki, Olinga, Gogonyo, Hajji Muloki, Omumba, and several connecting links.

In Kumi, 12.2km of roads were upgraded from gravel to bituminous standard. Mr Paul Anguria, the deputy resident engineer, said the project was initially expected to take 21 months but was extended to 27.5 months. He noted challenges such as delayed payments, drainage complications, and compensation of affected property owners.

The 19.7km of new roads, fully funded by the government, aim to improve transport efficiency, accessibility, and business growth. Officials say the Pallisa-Tirinyi-Kumi and Pallisa-Kamonkoli roads are among the most significant infrastructure projects in the sub-region in decades. Businessman Kamusini Asani Njaye said the new roads have completely changed the face of Pallisa. ‘These roads have boosted daily business and attracted traders from other areas,’ he said.

‘The transformation has opened new economic opportunities for everyone.’

Mr Moses Okiror, a resident, echoed this view, saying the town that once looked abandoned now appears vibrant and promising.

‘The artistic design of the new roads is beautiful and has brought a fresh look to Pallisa. People are now flocking here for business,’ he said. Mr Yusuf Zomu, the Pallisa Town Council chairperson, said improved infrastructure has driven a surge in investment. ‘We’ve seen an influx of businessmen establishing new ventures, from hotels to fuel stations. Land prices have also shot up, with a plot of prime land now costing about Shs23 million,’ he said.

District Chairperson Patrick Duchu said the new roads have spurred movement and trade across neighbouring districts such as Kaliro, Iganga, and Ngora.

‘We’re urging landlords to renovate old structures so the town matches the new roads. With improved infrastructure, Pallisa is ready for municipal status,’ he said.

He added that animals have been banned from loitering in town streets to preserve order and attract more investors. Mr Richard Mugisha, the Kumi Town clerk, lauded the government for investing in the area.

‘This project has greatly improved accessibility and trade within Kumi,’ he said. The Kumi Deputy RDC, Mr James Kyoma, urged residents to protect the new infrastructure, including streetlights. ‘Let’s take pride in maintaining these roads. They represent a turning point for our towns,’ he said.

Mr Salah Radwan, the general manager of Arab Contractors, expressed satisfaction with the project’s outcome. ‘We’re proud of the quality of work delivered and remain committed to undertaking more large-scale projects,’ he said. Mr Godfrey Bihemaiso from the Ministry of Works and Transport said attention must now turn to sustainability and waste management.

The government on Tuesday seized dozens of unlicensed gambling machines in Lira City during an operation aimed at curbing the illegal activities.

The Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board (NLGRB), in collaboration with the Uganda Police Force, led the operation, which was dubbed Mashine Haramu, literally meaning ‘illegal machine.’

The operation, which commenced at around 5pm, targeted bars and hidden illegal gambling premises in Lira City. For many, the machines had been a financial drain, with operators allegedly cheating punters (players) out of their hard-earned cash.

‘There is a way these people have set their slot machines, and on average, I waste Shs20,000 on these machines. Now that they are gone, I can start saving instead of throwing my money away,” Mr Quinto Omara, a resident, said.

The NLGRB’s crackdown on illegal gaming has been welcomed by many locals in Lira City.

‘Each time I get some money, I feel like I should go and play the machine so that I get some profit, but at the end of the day, the money that should have helped you sort out some pressing needs is taken,’ Mr Innocent Ayepa, a local, said, adding: ‘The machines favour the operators but not the players. Even when you win, they don’t want to pay you.’

Another local, Mr Emma Aryom, said: ‘I am not happy with the casino. It’s no longer a game of change instead the operators want to make profit each time you are playing. The government should ban it completely because they are preying on vulnerable people, especially youth, and it is contributing to financial instability.’

In Corner Kamdini and Teso Bar, alone, more than 30 machines were confiscated on Tuesday evening. The confiscated machines will be destroyed, and operators found guilty of running illegal gaming centres face fines or imprisonment under Section 67 of the Lotteries and Gaming Act, Cap 334. The NLGRB encourages the public to report suspicious gaming activities and promotes responsible gaming practices.

‘As a government body, for us to be able to protect you as a punter or player, we need to ensure that you work with the right operator, with the right manufacturer or supplier of these gaming machines,’ Ms Jackline Kamakune, the senior communications officer at NLGRB, said.

Role

NLGRB’s mandate is to protect the public from the adverse effects of gaming. Since September this year, more than 6,000 illegal gaming machines have been confiscated and more than 3,000 destroyed. Ms Kamakune explained that for every gaming operator, manufacturer or supplier allowed to operate, they have to be licensed. Also, the law mandates them to display their licences.

‘So, if you are here, let’s say northern Uganda, western or wherever, you have to see that licence pinned somewhere on the walls near the counters. You will be able to know that this operator is licensed,’ she said. ‘It will have our logo as the National Lottery and Gaming Regulatory Board and somewhere you will see a code that you will be able to scan and know that this operator is licensed,’ he added.

Namuwongo Blazers have no plans of showing up for the National Basketball League Finals Game One scheduled for Friday night at the Lugogo Indoor Stadium.

The Road To BAL Elite 16 bound side points to the fact that the official communication made by Fuba confirmed that the finals would tip off on October 26 and not 24.

The finals were initially scheduled to start on October 7 but were postponed to allow the Blazers time to prepare and take part in the Road To BAL Division East Group phase.

Namuwongo ended up winning one game and losing another, which was enough to send them to the Elite 16 slated for November.

‘Namuwongo Blazers BC remains committed to honoring the October 26 start date as previously agreed and communicated,’ the club announced on Thursday morning.

The statement signed off by club CEO Daniel Muttu Obol, added: ‘We are ready to play on Sunday, October 26, and we urge FUBA to respect the integrity of its commitments. Our players, fans, and partners deserve clarity, fairness, and respect.

“We call upon FUBA to reaffirm its position and restore confidence in the governance of our beloved game. We are ready to compete, but we must do so under conditions that uphold the values of sportsmanship and mutual respect.’

According to Fuba General Secretary Hudson Ssegamwenge, however, communication was done and in ample time.

‘We shared the fixture on October 17 and communicated the changes on October 20,’ Ssegamwenge told Daily Monitor.

The Blazers, though, argue that the fixture release and eventual communication came while the team was already away in Tanzania.

The 2022 losing finalists revealed: ‘This sudden change contradicted the earlier agreement and disrupted our carefully planned activities. Consequently, on October 19, 2025, we wrote to FUBA seeking clarity, citing the General Secretary’s earlier confirmation of the October 26 start date,’

The Competitions Committee chairman wrote back to the Blazers on October 21 responding to the Blazers subsequent letter indicating that the fixture released was final.

According to Fuba and the League committee, action is expected to continue as scheduled on Friday, with the JKL Lady Dolphins and JT Lady Jaguars facing off in the women’s category and later Oilers and the Blazers.

‘The game will go on as scheduled,’ Ssegamwenge confirmed.

In the event that the Blazers do not turn up for the fixture, Ssegamwenge reveals that they would start the series with 2-0 down, according to the competition rules that double the punishment for any forfeited game.

The rules stipulate that a team can lose by forfeiture if 15 minutes after the scheduled starting time, the club is not present or is unable to field five players ready to play or if its actions prevent the game from being played.

It remains to be seen whether the situation will escalate to that.

National Basketball League Finals

Game One

Friday -Lugogo

JKL v. JT L. Jaguars, 7pm

Nam Blazers vs. City Oilers, 9pm

Busoga Sub-region is mourning the death of the Rt Rev Charles Martin Wamika, the first African Bishop of Jinja Diocese, who passed away yesterday at Rubaga Hospital at around 4pm. The Rev Fr Gerald Muto, the Jinja diocesan chancellor, said Bishop Wamika, who had been battling prostate cancer and other age-related complications, had been in critical condition for several weeks.

‘A month ago, he was flown to India for cancer treatment, and when he returned, we had high hopes that he would recover. Unfortunately, his condition deteriorated until this afternoon when he passed away,’ Fr Muto said. At the diocesan offices in Jinja, news of his death plunged the community into mourning. Groups of faithful gathered in quiet reflection, recalling the late bishop’s humility, leadership, and development-oriented spirit. Mr Michael Kifubangabo, a member of the St Fatima Jinja Parish Social Communications Committee, described Bishop Wamika’s death as ‘a big blow to the people of Busoga.’

‘He was a pillar of development in the Church. His passing leaves a gap that will be very difficult to fill,’ Mr Kifubangabo said.

He recounted a personal memory of being joined in marriage by Bishop Wamika during a pilgrimage to Israel. ‘He presided over our wedding in Cana, where Jesus performed his first miracle. We even travelled on the same flight and shared many conversations,’ he said. Born on August 12, 1953, in Namengo, Budaka District, Bishop Wamika became the first African bishop to lead Jinja Diocese since the arrival of the Mill Hill Missionaries in the 1800s. He succeeded Rt Rev Joseph Willigers, who had served for four decades.

His journey to priesthood began at Iki-Iki Primary School in Budaka, where his childhood encounter with Fr Joseph Odoi inspired his vocation. ‘Fr Odoi came to our school and asked who wanted to be a priest. I raised my hand without even knowing what it meant,’ Bishop Wamika once recalled in a 2023 interview with NTV Uganda. He later joined Nagongera Seminary in 1964, proceeded to the Uganda Martyrs National Major Seminary Alokolum in Gulu, and then to Katigondo Major Seminary, where he studied philosophy. He completed a four-year theology course at Ggaba National Major Seminary in Kampala.

His ordination was delayed by political unrest during Idi Amin’s regime, but he was eventually ordained as a priest in September 1979. After his ordination, Bishop Wamika briefly served in pastoral ministry before being appointed a teacher at St Pius X Minor Seminary, Nagongera. He later travelled to London for further studies in Physics, Mathematics, and Chemistry, subjects he later taught as head teacher at Mbale College. Upon returning, he served as parish priest in Tororo and later as titular bishop of Tacapae in Italy while also serving as auxiliary bishop in Uganda. On April 25, 2010, Pope Benedict XVI appointed him Bishop of Jinja Diocese.

Funeral arrangements were still underway by press time.

Boda boda operators in Kagadi District are living in fear as motorcycle thefts escalate, despite the government’s introduction of digital number plates intended to improve vehicle tracking.

According to the boda boda leadership in the district, more than 40 motorcycles were stolen between September and October alone.

None has been recovered despite numerous reports made to the police. The rise in thefts has been linked to the approaching festive season, with local leaders claiming criminal gangs are stealing motorcycles to fund celebrations.

Mr Julius Tulinawe, 30, a father of two, recounted how he lost his motorcycle on October 14 while returning home after transporting an expectant mother to Kagadi hospital at night.

Mr Tulinawe, who operates from Kyabasaare Stage in Kyenzige Town Council, said he was ambushed by three machete-wielding men as he approached a valley on the Kyenzige, Buyaga road.

‘They were all armed and surrounded me. I had no choice but to abandon the motorcycle and run for my life,’ he narrated. Mr Hamza Ategeka, the chairperson of the Kagadi District Boda Boda Association, said more than 40 motorcycles have been stolen in just two months.

‘Cases of theft usually increase around this time of the year because criminals are desperate for money to sustain themselves during the festive season,’ Mr Ategeka explained.

He noted that fear of attacks has forced many riders to reduce their working hours. ‘Last year, we recorded about 40 thefts across the whole year. This year, we’ve hit that number in just two months,’ he said.

Mr Ategeka also criticised the government for failing to deliver on promises made during the rollout of digital number plates, which were introduced to facilitate the tracking of stolen motorcycles.

‘The government claimed digital plates would help recover stolen motorcycles. But to my dismay, not a single one of the 40 stolen motorcycles, some of which had these plates, has been recovered,’ he said.

He added that the cost of motorcycles has risen from Shs5.2m to Shs6m following the introduction of the digital tracking system.

‘When the Ministry of Works and Transport introduced these plates, they said the additional cost would enhance security. Yet they’re still urging more people to register, while failing to track the few already enrolled,’ he added.

According to the Police Annual Crime Report 2024, the Albertine Region (Bunyoro), where Kagadi is located, recorded 407 motorcycle theft cases, ranking fourth nationwide.

Across Uganda, police recorded 6,311 motorcycle thefts in 2024, up from 6,065 in 2023, marking a 4.1 percent increase.

Of the 11,214 motorcycles reported stolen last year, only 2,355 were recovered, 1,527 were found abandoned, and 7,332 remain unaccounted for.

Mr Stephen Muha, a resident, attributed the increasing thefts to high youth unemployment. Mr Muha cited a 2024 Uganda Bureau of Statistics report indicating that more than 45,000 people in Kagadi District were unemployed, mostly between the ages of 18 and 30.

‘This situation calls for increased police patrols and self-defense training among riders,’ he urged.

Mr Muha further said that criminals have started using chloroform to incapacitate riders before stealing their motorcycles.

‘Previously, they used iron bars and machetes, which sometimes resulted in fatalities. Now they use chloroform, making it harder to resist,’ he said. He also warned that thefts are increasingly occurring during the day in less populated areas.

‘Some pose as customers. Once they reach an isolated spot, they overpower the rider using chloroform. Others offer riders food or drinks laced with harmful substances,’ he added, urging riders never to accept consumables from strangers.

Albertine Regional Police spokesperson SP Julius Hakiza said police are actively investigating the reported cases.’Police investigate cases filed at official stations.

The challenge is that some victims don’t report the thefts and later claim they were not helped. We can’t be everywhere. How do we assist if you don’t file a report?’ SP Hakiza said. He also cautioned boda boda riders to be vigilant, especially at night.