Category: Daily Monitor

The Regional Traffic Officer (RTO) of the Albertine region, Mr Joram Tumwebaze, has called on local communities to embrace road safety education, beginning with children in schools, to help curb the growing number of road crashes caused by reckless road use.

Mr Tumwebaze said that during rush hours, it is common to see school pupils walking along busy roads in their communities, a practice that puts them and other pedestrians at great risk.

‘We always get a lot of confusion and traffic mix on roads. If we start with the young ones, we will be training future responsible and careful road users. Whatever you have learned, let it not end with you; carry the message to your parents and everyone else in your communities,’ he said.

He made the remarks during the National Safe Mobility Competition for the Albertine region held at Hoima Resort Hotel in Hoima District. The Albertine region covers the districts of Hoima, Buliisa, Kikuube, Kakumiro, Kiryandongo, Masindi, and Kagadi.

His comments came just days after a devastating multi-vehicle crash in Kiryandongo District along the Gulu Highway that claimed 46 lives on the night of October 21, 2025, one of the deadliest road accidents in recent years.

In 2022, Safe Way Right Way (SWRW), with support from the TotalEnergies Foundation and Michelin Foundation, launched Via, a global road safety program designed to educate young people on safe road use. The initiative was introduced in 138 schools across the Albertine region and eight schools in Kampala Central Division.

The program aims to promote safer journeys to and from school as a foundation for children’s access to quality education. So far, 269 teachers have been trained as Via educators, and more than 60,000 children have benefited from the program.

Twelve schools in Buliisa District identified as high-risk have also been fenced off from nearby vehicle traffic to enhance safety.

Mr Alex Onen, the Headteacher of Ngwedo Primary School in Buliisa District, said the program has greatly reduced accidents involving schoolchildren.

‘Since the Via program was introduced, pupils now walk on the right-hand side of the road when going to and from school because it’s the safer side to face oncoming traffic,’ Mr Onen said.

‘Cases of crashes involving children have reduced. The lessons children learn stay with them and spread to their families and communities. As a result, we haven’t recorded any crashes involving our pupils.’

Mr Bashir Gwandaye, a sociologist with Safe Way Right Way Uganda, said the Via program empowers young people to create posters and present their ideas for safer mobility in schools.

‘The authors of the best posters in each country participate in the Via international finals and join a network of young ambassadors for safe mobility,’ he said.

‘These ambassadors are pupils who volunteer to receive training and lead awareness activities aimed at improving travel safety for all young people around their schools and communities. The approach is built on the belief that children can be active problem-solvers in their communities.’

Last year, St Ludovico’s Kitana Primary School in Kigorobya Town Council, located along the Hoima, Buliisa highway, represented Uganda at the African regional Via competition.

Uganda’s education sector has lately embraced a more systematic and modern approach – moving from rote learning to a hands-on, skill-based, research-driven model.

The new assessment methods emphasise practical learning, critical thinking, and innovation. This shift is commendable and positions the next generation to adapt better to a changing world. However, while celebrating these reforms, we must reflect on balance. Has the growing emphasis on science and technology created an unequal narrative that undervalues the arts and humanities?

Globally, according to the OECD (Education at a Glance 2025), teachers with 15 years of experience earn between $55,000-$64,000 annually. In contrast, Ugandan teachers earn a fraction of this.

Unesco data shows that Uganda’s primary teachers earn $4,347 yearly, slightly above other low-income countries, but far below living needs. Locally, science teachers earn around Shs4 million, while arts teachers with equal qualifications earn about Shs1 million monthly. This disparity is stark and has led to low morale and attrition. Even sciences head teachers earn far more than their arts counterparts.

These figures reveal two issues: Teachers remain among Uganda’s poorest-paid professionals, and pay inequality threatens unity in the teaching profession.

While it is reasonable to reward scarce STEM expertise, the divide must not demean non-science teachers who equally shape national character. Uganda’s move toward skills-based and competency-driven learning is well aligned with global trends. Learners today must be problem-solvers and innovators, not mere exam passers.

Yet, if this agenda is confined only to science subjects, it risks widening gaps and excluding arts teachers from the reform benefits.

Every teacher – science or arts – must be trained, motivated, and equipped to deliver practical learning. Now, let’s address the question: Does everyone need to be a scientist? The answer is no. A nation thrives on a diversity of professions.

Scientists develop innovations, technologies, and solutions to global challenges – from health to environment and industry. They drive progress, inspire creativity, and anchor national competitiveness. Uganda rightly values and supports them.

But society also depends on lawyers, teachers, artists, historians, linguists, social scientists, and administrators.

Lawyers uphold justice and governance. Artists preserve culture and identity. Social scientists analyse human behaviour and design social policy. Language and arts teachers nurture communication, empathy, and civic understanding – essential for peace and cohesion. Science alone cannot build a nation. When we glorify only one path, we alienate many capable minds and risk losing talent to business or informal ventures, as has already happened for many teachers.

Therefore, the narrative must shift. Every discipline contributes to national growth. The goal should be equity, not uniformity. Teachers of all subjects deserve respect, fair pay, and professional development. Equal motivation leads to balanced education outcomes.

A more equitable pay structure – rewarding effort, performance, and experience rather than only subject area – would restore morale. Investment in continuous training, modern teaching tools, and improved welfare is vital to keep teachers in classrooms. Moreover, Uganda’s future depends on collaboration between disciplines. Scientists need communicators, ethicists, and policy thinkers. Arts and humanities give meaning and direction to technological progress.

True innovation happens when the two sides meet – when science gains social context and arts gain technical strength. Uganda’s education reforms are promising. But to fully succeed, we must honour all teachers, all subjects, and all minds. Science deserves its credit, but so do the humanities, law, languages, and social sciences.

Police in Uganda on Wednesday mistakenly declared 17 survivors of a road crash dead after two buses collided in Kiryandongo District.

In their initial statement, police reported that at least 63 people had been confirmed dead and several injured after two buses belonging to different transport companies collided at Kitaleeba Village along the Kampala-Gulu highway.

A Toyota Land Cruiser and a lorry truck also overturned at the scene, killing some of their occupants as the two buses reportedly tried to overtake at the wrong spot.

“The fatal crash involved four motor vehicles; UBF 614X Isuzu bus (Nile Star Coaches), CGO 5132AB 07 Toyota Surf, UBK 647C Tata Lorry and UAM 045V, Isuzu bus (Planet Company),” said the PRO director of traffic and road safety, SP Michael Kananura.

However, hours after the 8 am statement, police said some of the injured had been mistakenly declared dead after they were found unconscious.

“We confirm that the total number of fatalities resulting from the tragic fatal crash along the Kampala-Gulu Highway at Kitaleeba Village stands at 46, according to the latest update from the hospital. At the time of the crash, several victims were found unconscious, and some may have been mistakenly included in the initial fatality count. We are working in close coordination with health and emergency services to ensure accurate and timely updates as the situation develops,” reads part of the updated statement issued following the 12:15 am Wednesday crash.

President Museveni has directed the State House Comptroller to give Shs5 million to each bereaved family and Shs1 million to the injured.

“I have learnt with sadness about the tragic accident that occurred this morning along the Kampala-Gulu highway, claiming many lives. I extend my condolences to the bereaved families and wish the injured a quick recovery. I have directed the State House Comptroller to give Shs 5m to each bereaved family and Shs 1m to the injured. I urge all road users to exercise utmost caution to prevent such tragedies. May the souls of the departed rest in eternal peace,” Mr Museveni posted on X.

According to their recently released annual crime report, police recorded 25,107 road traffic crashes in 2024, reflecting a 6.4 percent increase from 2023. There were 25,808 casualties in 2024, compared to 24,728 the previous year, marking a 4.4 percent rise. More crashes were reported during daylight than at night, with the highest number (3,780) occurring between 6pm and 8pm.

Fatal crashes (894) were also most frequent during this time. Sundays saw the most accidents in 2024 (3,790), followed by Saturdays (3,765) and Mondays (3,686). Tuesdays recorded the fewest (3,330). Collisions with pedestrians accounted for 19.5 percent of all crashes. Rear-end collisions and sideswipes made up 16.2 percent and 17.7 percent, respectively, while head-on collisions and angle crashes constituted 13 percent and 10.5 percent. At least 9 percent of all crashes involved a single vehicle. Other collisions included those with parked vehicles (1.6 percent), objects on the road (1.5 percent), objects off the road (1.8 percent), and animals (0.8 percent).

The Indian Association of Uganda has described this year’s Diwali festival as the largest gathering it has ever organised in the country.

Association chairperson Paresh Mehta said the festival, dubbed Mini-India, attracted more than 8,000 people, including Indian nationals, other foreign communities, and more than 20 diplomats. The celebration also featured spectacular Gujarati New Year’s fireworks, which lit up the skyline over Speke Resort Munyonyo Marina and Mulungu waterfronts.

‘We had 108 Indian food stalls, communities, volunteers, and restaurants serving dishes from all corners of India,’ Mr Mehta said. ‘We hosted more than 20 diplomats and their deputies, had Bollywood singers perform, and showcased beautiful decorations symbolising Indo-Ugandan friendship. There were 21 cultural performances representing every Indian state,’ he added.

Mr Mehta added that Diwali, the festival of lights, reminds people not only to illuminate their homes but also to brighten their hearts and spread joy, kindness, and love among one another. Mr Upender Singh Rawat, the Indian High Commissioner to Uganda, who coordinated the event alongside property mogul Sudhir Ruparelia, commended the organisers for uniting the various Indian communities across Uganda.

Government speaks

State Minister for Finance Evelyn Anite, the chief guest, praised the Indian community for their investments in Uganda, which she said have created jobs and contributed significantly to the national economy. She revealed that President Museveni is organising a special dinner with representatives of the Indian community on Sunday to celebrate their contributions.

Mr Anand Nainani, the chairperson of the organising committee, explained that the event aimed to represent the diversity of Indian culture. ‘Every stall told a story; each represented a culture, a dance, or a flavour that connects all Indians-and the community greatly appreciated these efforts,’ he said.

President Museveni has said the government will revive the Atiak Sugar Factory in Gem Parish, Atiak Sub-county, Amuru District, to create more jobs despite the slow progress made over the last seven years. Addressing residents of Amuru District at Pabbo Primary School playgrounds in Pabbo Town on Monday afternoon, the ruling NRM party presidential candidate said the government would ensure that the factory is back on its feet.

Mr Museveni said the multi-billion-shilling sugar factory is part of a major plan by the government to revive the economy of the formerly war-affected region.

He was responding to Mr Wilfred Odiya Baguma, the Amuru District NRM chairperson, who had called for an audit of the factory to establish whether it was still a viable venture. However, Mr Museveni advised that if the factory had not met expectations, there was a need to look into the matter.

‘Atiak factory will be revived. If there are challenges, we will look into it,’ he said. He insisted that the government would ensure the factory meets its projected production capacity, adding that it was part of a broader NRM strategic plan to scale up industrialisation in northern Uganda. The President said the government had laid a strong foundation for the industrialisation of the Acholi Sub-region and the greater north, including electricity, motorable roads, peace, and security.

‘The NRM government intends to scale up industrialisation of the Acholi Sub-region and has rallied the people to protect the gains by re-electing the NRM government to foster the country forward,’ he added. The government, through the National Agricultural Advisory Services (Naads) and the Uganda Development Bank (UDB), has in the last five years injected Shs553 billion into the factory. The funds were spent on modern farm equipment, production machinery, sugarcane multiplication, irrigation systems, wages, and other operational costs.

Background

The multibillion-shilling sugar project is a joint venture between the Government of Uganda (GoU) and Horyal Investment Holding Company Limited. The government holds a 40 percent stake in the investment, while Horyal holds 60 percent. According to the Auditor General’s report for the 2022/2023 Financial Year, the funds were injected between 2017 and 2023. The money was released to the project through Naads and the UDB.

The funds were used, among other things, to procure trucks, prepare land, and carry out weeding. The report also faulted Horyal for failing to provide its capital contribution to the company, despite the government having fulfilled its obligations. The sugar factory was expected to create 1,508 jobs. Of these, 750 were to be hired as farm workers. Currently, 543 people are employed by the sugar factory. The factory shut down in 2021 after suffering a massive fire outbreak that destroyed a cane plantation worth over Shs3 billion. Production was expected to restart in July 2025.

For two years, Edward Kafeero, commonly known as Owekikapu, a resident of Mweena Landing Site in Kalangala District, has relied on offloading boats to fend for his family of three and educate his relatives. But the job, which keeps him waist-deep in lake water for hours, has exposed him to recurring health problems.

‘We work eight hours a day in the lake water. Sometimes it reaches our chest as we struggle to earn something to eat. But bilharzia is one of the battles we deal with all the time,’ Kafeero said during an interview on Monday.

He recalled the first time he was diagnosed with the disease.

‘It was five months after I started offloading boats. My skin began itching, I thought it was from the algae broom. Later, I developed diarrhoea and fell very sick. I didn’t know where to get treatment and feared going to the health centre. Luckily, one day, a doctor passing by the landing site had drugs. My friends referred him to my home, that is how I was saved,’ he said.

Bilharzia is a waterborne disease caused by flatworms that thrives in contaminated water. A 2020 report from Kalangala District indicates that approximately 80 percent of the islanders had tested positive for the disease, largely due to improper human waste disposal. Kafeero said many of his fellow casual workers who offload boats have also been infected, in addition to suffering frequent injuries.

‘We are sometimes cut by broken glasses or oil palm thorns left in the lake as we rush to offload boats. Oil palm bunches that fall into the water pierce our legs, causing wounds that easily get infected,’ he said.

He added: ‘Because our legs are always in the water, they develop cracks that later start rotting. Sometimes, the nails and the skin turn green, and our feet begin to decay.’ Another casual worker, Mr Disan Katongole, commonly known as Singu, said despite the risks associated with offloading boats, the job is their only means of survival. ‘It is one of the few jobs anyone can do to earn something and maybe save to start a small business. Jobs are scarce and fishing is no longer reliable,’ he said.

Mr Katongole explained that most casual workers enter the water barefoot because they cannot afford proper protective gear. ‘We carry heavy loads, so wearing boots adds more weight. We end up barefoot because light shoes or bare feet help us move faster, but it exposes us to more danger,’ he said. The situation worsens when algae spreads green across the lake. ‘When that green algae appears, we spend the whole day and night scratching ourselves,’ Mr Katongole said.

He added that the physical strain is immense.

‘A man weighing 70 kilogrammes can be told to lift a sack of 100 kilogrammes, or an Irish potato sack weighing 350 kilogrammes, for only Shs2,000. Sometimes, we move a 200-kilogramme silverfish sack worth over Shs1 million for just Shs3,000. We end up with back and chest pains that we cannot afford to treat,’ Mr Katongole said. Casual workers said Bilharzia medicine is only brought to the landing site once a year, yet they risk infection daily. They also say proper protective wear costs more than Shs200,000, a price far beyond their means.

‘We pray that the government helps to make protective gear cheaper and accessible so that we can safeguard our lives,’ they said. Both men appealed to the government and health authorities to make Bilharzia treatment more regular and to support alternative livelihoods. ‘We request the government to set up training programmes in carpentry, construction, or electrical work so we can find safer jobs,’ one of the labourers said.

Treatment

Mr Godfrey Adubi, the Kalangala Deputy District Health Officer, said despite bilharzia being a major problem for the off loaders, it has a cure. ‘Treatment of Bilharzia is available at our health centres and we have normally received off loaders, treated, healed and cautioned on safety while executing their job,” he said.

Mr Adubi said they also carry out sensitisation on landing sites and encourage not only off loaders but all people to go to health facilities for medical check-ups.

A total of 30 casual boat off loaders are currently operating at Mweena Landing Site in Kalangala Town Council, 15 are at Kitobo Landing Site in Kyamuswa County and 100 are at Kasenyi Landing Site in Entebbe Municipality.

Daily hustle.

‘A man weighing 70 kilogrammes can be told to lift a sack of 100 kilogrammes, or an Irish potato sack weighing 350 kilogrammes, for only Shs2,000. Sometimes, we move a 200-kilogramme silverfish sack worth over Shs1 million for just Shs3,000. We end up with back and chest pains that we cannot afford to treat,’ Mr Disan Katongole, casual worker.

In Gulu City, DP president general Norbert Mao is expected to be nominated today for the Laroo-Pece Division constituency seat.

Mao, who is also Justice and Constitutional Affairs minister will face the incumbent and Independent candidate Fr Charles Onen, Simon Opoka, the former DP Flagbearer. Others are Tony Kitara, the NRM flagbearer, Caesar Lubangakene (NUP), and Godfrey Ochola (FDC).

For the Gulu District Woman MP seat, incumbent Sharon Laker Balmoyi will face Phoebe Ayoo Obol, the current Gulu District Council Speaker. Ms Laker lost to Ayoo in the NRM primaries and will run as an Independent.

Others are Nancy Atimango and NUP’s Irene Lalam. Kilak North and South counties in Amuru District will have Gilbert Olanya of Opposition FDC party against Michael Lakony, the former FDC party chairperson for Amuru District for the Kilak South County MP seat. Lakony crossed to NRM early this year and was elected as the NRM party flag bearer. He is also the current District LC5 chairperson.

Meanwhile, Kilak North County will have Former FDC strongman Anthony Akol, now NRM flag holder, running against Kenneth Okot, who he defeated in the primaries, but will run as an Independent candidate. In Omoro District, Catherine Lamwaka, the incumbent who will run on NRM ticket for the woman MP seat, comes up against Independent Betty Layika, who lost in the NRM party primaries.

Layika reportedly went missing on Sunday evening from Gulu City under unclear circumstances. Kitgum Municipality will present a crowded field that will include minister Beatrice Anywar (NRM), Denis Amere Onekalit (FDC), and Jimmy Olanya Olenge. Ms Anywar was a staunch FDC party member before crossing to the ruling party. She lost to Onekalit in 2021.

The lead investigator in the Henry Katanga murder case yesterday revealed that the late Kampala businessman was shot at a 45-degree angle from an elevated position.

Detective Superintendent of Police Akongo Bibiana, testifying for the fifth day, told the court that the alleged shooter had been standing above Katanga when the fatal gunshot was fired.

During cross-examination by defence counsel MacDosman Kabega, Ms Bibiana was asked to demonstrate the 45-degree shooting angle using a gun. The request drew laughter in the courtroom as lawyers debated who would volunteer for the demonstration. Eventually, a lawyer stepped forward for the exercise.

Ms Bibiana explained that the entry wound was on the head, near the ear, and insisted that it would be impossible for someone to shoot themselves at a 45-degree angle. When tasked to demonstrate it herself, she admitted she failed.

‘Wasn’t your evidence that you are not a ballistic expert?’ Mr Kabega asked. ‘My lord, I’m not a ballistic expert,’ she replied. She also confirmed she had no formal training in ballistics. Another defence lawyer, Mr Elison Karuhanga, volunteered for the demonstration. He managed to pull the trigger at a 45-degree angle, eliciting chuckles in the courtroom, but the witness maintained that this did not identify who fired the fatal shot.

The court, presided over by Justice Rosette Comfort Kania, adjourned further cross-examination to November 3. On November 2, 2023, Henry Katanga was found dead at his residence in Mbuya, Kampala, following what police believe was a domestic dispute with his wife, Molly Katanga. Molly was arrested and charged with murder. She is jointly charged with her two daughters, Martha Nkwanzi and Patricia Kakwanza, who face lesser charges of destroying evidence and being an accessory after the fact.

Other suspects include Charles Otai, a nursing officer who was among the first to arrive at the scene, and Mr George Amanyire, a shamba boy employed at the Katanga home. The case has drawn public attention due to the high-profile nature of the family and the unusual courtroom demonstrations illustrating the shooting angle.

Within four months, government has sought more than 70 percent of its annual borrowing target, balancing concessional World Bank funding with costly commercial loans as domestic bond rates climb.

Government started the 2025/26 financial year with a clear financing plan: fund just over half of the Shs72.37 trillion budget from domestic revenue and cover the rest through borrowing and grants.

The domestic borrowing target was Shs11.38 trillion, with external loans expected to contribute Shs13.4 trillion.

But in just three and a half months, government has already sought Shs8.2 trillion in new loans, highlighting the pace and intensity of the government’s funding strategy.

The loans include concessional funding from the World Bank and commercial loans from Standard Chartered and Citi, seeking to finance power lines, oil roads, and infrastructure projects.

The World Bank, resuming lending after a two-year freeze, has pledged $2b (about Shs7 trillion) over three years to support transport, energy, ICT, and agriculture, according to Ramathan Ggoobi, the Finance Ministry permanent secretary.

Government is relying on these concessional loans as domestic bond rates hover near 17.9 percent in the primary market. And experts think the domestic bond market has become a little expensive.

‘Government borrowing at 17 percent in the domestic bond market is already expensive. Anything beyond that would indicate distress. We might see 18 percent soon, but 20 percent would be intolerable. That is why concessional World Bank loans, usually at 5 to 6 percent in dollars, are the best option,’ says financial markets consultant Alex Kakande.

Commercial borrowing is also on the rise. Government has already sought Parliament’s approval to borrow Shs1.4 trillion for power line projects and Shs469b for oil roads from Standard Chartered and Shs933 billion for road projects from Citi.

Two trends stand out in government’s borrowing so far – the first is the speed.

By October, government’s loan approvals and domestic bond sales totaling Shs11.4 trillion had already consumed over 70 percent of the annual borrowing plan in just one quarter.

Finance Minister Matia Kasaija emphasized the approach in his June budget speech, saying, ‘By intentionally prioritizing investments in infrastructure, the speed of economic transformation is destined to be faster.’

Second is the mix. Concessional World Bank loans are relatively cheap and help ease pressure on local markets.

Commercial loans, by contrast, are costly and short-term, adding financial risk. Public debt had risen to Shs116 trillion (about $32 billion) by June 2025, a more than 25 percent increase from the previous year, driven largely by domestic borrowing.

Treasury bond auctions alone have raised about Shs6 trillion since July, nearly 30 percent of the domestic borrowing target. Front-loading gives government early cash to fund projects and refinance maturing debt, but burning through Shs8.2 trillion in loans plus Shs6 trillion in bonds in just four months risks overshooting the year’s borrowing envelope.

Debt service costs are already projected at Shs15 trillion for the year.

Since July, borrowing domestically has become more expensive. Interest rates on short-term bonds (2-5 years) have risen from 15 to 17 percent, and long-term bonds (15+ years) from 16.5 to 18 percent.

Higher borrowing costs translate into higher interest payments. On the Shs6 trillion borrowed from domestic bonds, interest is projected to cost between Shs954b and Shs1 trillion this year.

A third of government revenue is now allocated to domestic debt service, according to the National Budget framework.

‘For investors, this is a sweet spot. You are earning 16 to 18 percent in shilling terms while inflation is below 6 percent. That is a double-digit real return,’ says Masha Michael Katende, an investment associate with Cornerstone Asset Managers.

This has made activity at the bond market surge, with trading up 20 percent compared to last year.

The Electoral Commission today nominates parliamentary candidates across the country, with several constituencies earmarked as political hotspots.

The broader political shifts and tense contests will be in the Buganda region, where the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party has struggled to maintain its former political dominance. During the 2021 General Election, several long-standing NRM strongholds fell to Opposition candidates, particularly from NUP. Of the 78 directly elected MPs in the central region, the NRM managed to win only 23 seats.

Among the 27 districts that make up Buganda, the NRM secured victories in just nine for the District Woman MP seats, successfully defending only 32 seats overall, while NUP captured 55 seats, underscoring the region’s changing political landscape. Among the hotspots is Sembabule District in central Uganda – a traditional stronghold of the NRM party that has recently witnessed a rising tide of Opposition turbulence. Among the flashpoint constituencies are Lwemiyaga, Mawogola North, and Mawogola West, where familiar political heavyweights and new entrants are battling for supremacy.

Lwemiyaga County

In Lwemiyaga County, the race for the parliamentary seat has attracted five aspirants, including the long-serving incumbent, Mr Theodore Ssekikubo, who has been a permanent face of the area since 2001. This time, however, Mr Ssekikubo is contesting as an Independent candidate after he was elbowed out in the NRM party primaries by a newcomer and military veteran, Brig (rtd) Emmanuel Rwashande.

Other contenders jostling in the race are Ms Joy Kafura Kabatsi, a former State minister for Transport; Mr Isaac Museveni Tumusiime of the National Unity Platform (NUP) party; and Mr Joseph Migadde Amooti, another Independent runner. Mr Ssekikubo, 56, remains a formidable political figure in the constituency and maintains he was unfairly edged out in the NRM party primaries. ‘I did not lose – I was simply rigged out during the primaries,’ he told this publication.

Mawogola North County

In Mawogola North, the contest is shaping into a three-way race involving Mr Eddie Ssemanda (NUP) party, Mr Jet Tumwebaze (Ind), and President Museveni’s younger brother, Mr Sodo Aine Kaguta, who holds the NRM flag. Mr Sodo was declared the party flagbearer without a primary contest after the incumbent MP Shartis Kuteesa, the daughter of former Foreign Affairs minister Sam Kuteesa, stepped aside in his favour. But his rival, Mr Tumwebaze, insists the process was unfair.

‘We had no primaries in Mawogola North, so no one should claim to hold the party flag. I am also of the NRM, and let us leave it to the voters to decide,’ he said.

In areas where the NRM is dominant, the party’s primary winner often goes on to secure victory in the general election, making the Mawogola North contest particularly significant for both the ruling party candidate and challengers.

Mawogola West County

In Mawogola West, the State minister for Health (General Duties), Ms Hanifah Kawooya, the incumbent, is facing stiff competition from Mr Muhammad Mawanda (NUP), and independents Charles Turyatemba, Brait Twesigye, and Asiraf Mwebaze. Ms Kawooya had served as Sembabule District Woman MP for two decades before crossing to Mawogola West, but remains a key figure in the politics of the area. Sembabule District, part of Uganda’s cattle corridor, has long been considered an NRM bastion. However, the NUP party made notable inroads during the 2021 General Election.

One of the most remarkable wins came in Mawogola South, where Ms Gorreti Namugga (NUP) defeated her NRM rivals to secure the seat. She is now seeking a second term and faces competition from Denis Ddumba (Ind) and Dezi Byuuma (NRM). In Mubende District, Kasambya County has emerged as a key hotspot after violent scenes played out during the recent NRM primaries.

The incumbent, Mr David Kabanda (NRM), who also serves as the Secretary of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), clinched victory in a chaotic primary election against Mr Henry Muhumuza, who has vowed to contest as an Independent candidate. The primaries were marred by violence, which left several supporters injured and property destroyed, including three vehicles and a motorcycle that were torched during clashes between rival camps. Another contender in the race is Peter Kyagera of NUP.

Mukono Municipality

In Mukono Municipality, incumbent Betty Nambooze (NUP) faces one of her toughest political battles yet as she seeks re-election in a crowded field of seven aspirants. Her challengers include Sarah Daisy Nabatanzi (NRM), George Kagimu (DP), Allan Mawanda of the Democratic Front (DF), Andrew Ssenyonga (Ind, NRM-leaning), the Rev Peter Bakaluba Mukasa (Ind) but NUP-leaning), and Sarah Nakintu (PFF). Ms Nambooze, a vocal legislator known for her activism and grassroots mobilisation, will have to fend off a mix of old political rivals and new entrants, all seeking to unseat her.

Mukono North

Mr Abdullah Kiwanuka (NUP), the incumbent, is seeking a second term for Mukono North constituency, where he faces off with former State minister for Water, Mr Ronald Kibuule (NRM). Other aspirants include Kenneth Nsubuga Ssebagayunga (DP) and Isaac Drasi (Ind). The 2021 General Election in Mukono North was marked by chaos, including reports of abductions of NUP supporters and heavy military deployment at the tally centre. The eventual announcement of results took several days.

Mawokota North

In Mpigi District, former Trade minister Amelia Kyambadde (NRM) is eyeing a political comeback in a constituency, where she faces the incumbent and musician Hilary Kiyaga, popularly known as Dr Hilderman of NUP, and Mr Andrew Ssentumbwe (Ind). Kyambadde, who once served as President Museveni’s principal private secretary before joining his Cabinet, but lost her seat in 2021 to Dr Hilderman. Her return sets the stage for a highly watched rematch between the ruling party and NUP.

Kyotera County

In Kyotera County, the State Minister for Microfinance, Mr Harunah Kasolo (NRM), is fighting to reclaim his former seat, which he lost in 2021 to Mr John Paul Mpalanyi (then DP, now NUP). The two will again face off, alongside Ms Annet Kaliisa (DP). Mr Mpalanyi, confident of retaining his seat, has dismissed Kasolo’s challenge. ‘I cannot have sleepless nights because of Mr Kasolo. He first expressed interest in Bukoto Central in Masaka District before returning to Kyotera, which is fine. My focus remains on delivering services to my people, and I am sure they appreciate my contribution,’ he said.

Mr Kasolo, who was recently elected NRM vice chairperson for Buganda Region, is also leading PLU mobilisation in the Masaka Sub-region, using both political platforms to strengthen his campaign machinery. In Mityana District, the political spotlight is once again on the Women’s Representative seat, where Lands Minister Judith Nabakooba (NRM) is seeking a comeback after losing to Joyce Bagala of the NUP party in 2021. Ms Nabakooba, who served one term between 2016 and 2021, is campaigning to reclaim her former seat, while Ms Bagala has opted to contest as an Independent this time. Unlike in 2021, when she carried the NUP flag, the party has instead endorsed Ms Proscovia Mukisa.

In Kayunga District, Bbaale County has emerged as a potential flashpoint. The NRM, which lost the constituency to NUP in 2021, is determined to reclaim it. The incumbent, Mr Charles Tebandeke (NUP), is seeking a second term but faces stiff competition from Mr Arthur Kizza (NRM). Other aspirants include Ronald Kyagaba (Ind) and Ronald Maiteki, a NUP-leaning Independent. Another hotspot in Kayunga is Ntenjeru South County, where incumbent Patrick Nsanja (NUP) is facing off once again with his long-time political rival, Mr Fred Baseke (NRM). Nsanja first defeated Baseke in 2016 and retained the seat in 2021, but Baseke has returned, determined to reclaim it.

Bunyoro Sub-region

In Buyanja County, Kibaale District, the Finance Minister, Mr Matia Kasaija who won the party primaries, is facing his political rival, Mr Kyalimpa Paul, who will be contesting as an Independent after he lost NRM party primaries. Mr Kasaija has been in active politics for more than a decade. In Buyaga East County, Mr Stephen Twesige Rulekele won NRM party primaries, beating the incumbent, Mr Musana Eric Acaali, who has been in Parliament for two terms.

Mr Musana has declared interests to be nominated as an Independent. The Buyaga West County incumbent, Mr Tinkasimiire Banabas, who has spent two decades in Parliament, lost to Mr Namara Denis in the NRM party primaries. However, he declared interest in contesting as an Independent. In Kakumiro District, in Bugangaizi East County, the incumbent Ms Aisha Agaba, lost to Mr Onesmus Twinamastiko in the NRM party primaries and has since shown interest in contesting as an Independent.