Category: Daily Monitor

Judicial officers have been urged to avoid wielding the authority of their office when conducting out-of-court settlement mediation sessions and instead adopt a more approachable and humane posture to help parties resolve disputes amicably.

Former Uganda Law Society president Francis Gimara said some judges become overly defined by their positions and carry the aura of judicial authority into mediation rooms, yet mediation requires a less formal and less intimidating environment.

‘There is one thing also: when you become a judge, I say this with a lot of respect, some judges lose the humanity bit of it. The judgeship defines who they are. Everything is: ‘I’m a judge,’ and you rub it in our faces, and we are reminded all the time, and we respect that, and our protocol to training respects that,’ Mr Gimara said.

He added: ‘But we would like you to move from that way of leadership. We are reminding judges that when you go into the mediation room, forget you are a judge; humanise yourself.’

The call was made on Monday during a training workshop for judicial officers on the effective handling of land matters, ahead of a major mediation exercise by the Land Division of the High Court.

His remarks sparked discussion among participating judges, with Justice Christine Kaahwa questioning how far judicial officers should go in lowering the barriers between themselves and litigants during mediation.

‘How far can you lower yourself as a judge because you might overdo it and the public starts to familiarise you, which is not good?’ Justice Kaahwa asked.

In response, Mr Gimara said judicial officers should strike a balance between being approachable and maintaining the dignity of their office.

‘There are things to avoid. Servant leaders share power unlike traditional leaders,’ he said, adding that judges should establish personal boundaries while embracing a more collaborative style of leadership during mediation.

Justice Olive Kazaarwe also sought guidance on how female mediators should conduct themselves, particularly during menopause, which she noted can be accompanied by mood swings that may affect interactions with parties.

The training comes as the Land Division of the High Court prepares for a two-week mediation exercise aimed at resolving about 500 land disputes through alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.

Speaking at the event, Justice Prof. Andrew Khaukha, the Executive Director of the Judicial Training Institute (JTI), underscored the need for mediation as a tool to reduce the judiciary’s mounting case backlog.

Citing the Judiciary’s Annual Performance Report for the 2024/2025 financial year, Justice Khaukha said the courts are grappling with approximately 190,000 pending cases, of which about 35,000 are land-related disputes.

He noted that around 8,600 of those land matters are currently pending before the High Court’s Land Division.

‘Assuming the judiciary has all the money and everything is in place, and we make an assumption that a case is concluded every day, which is impossible, it will take us over 8,000 days to conclude the cases at the division,’ Justice Khaukha said.

Meanwhile, at a separate training for selected judicial officers on the handling of criminal matters, Justice Mike Chibita, the chairperson of the Governing Council of the Judicial Training Institute, stressed the growing importance of forensic science in modern criminal adjudication.

‘My Lords and Your Worships, we expect that at the end of this training you will have a functional understanding of forensic science. You will not become scientists. But you must understand what fingerprint identification, DNA analysis, computer forensics, and toxicology reports can and cannot tell you,’ Justice Chibita said.

He added that judicial officers would also be exposed to practical demonstrations of forensic tools and techniques.

Justice Chibita further challenged judges and magistrates to improve their understanding of digital evidence, warning that traditional approaches to electronic exhibits are increasingly inadequate.

‘Printing a screenshot of a messaging application and tendering it as an exhibit is no longer adequate. You must understand metadata, the chain of custody for electronic evidence, and the applicable admissibility standards under Ugandan law,’ he said.

The trainings are part of ongoing efforts by the Judiciary to strengthen the capacity of judicial officers in handling increasingly complex land and criminal cases while improving efficiency in the administration of justice.

As national secondary schools continue to embrace lavish prom and ‘sosh’ parties, a growing number of international schools are deliberately steering away from the trend.

Instead, they describe such events as outdated and inconsistent with their educational philosophy. In recent weeks, schools such as St Juliana High School, Seeta High School, Elite High School and Makindye High School have hosted colourful and costly celebrations featuring music, fashion showcases and high-energy social gatherings. The parties fly in the face of guidelines issued by the Ministry of Education and Sports, which caution schools against practices that may compromise discipline or place unnecessary financial pressure on learners and their families. Despite this, prom-style celebrations continue to gain popularity in many secondary schools.

Students typically arrive in elegant gowns, tailored suits and designer-inspired outfits, transforming school compounds into venues resembling formal social galas. However, administrators in international schools say such celebrations are not central to their learning environment. International schools, on the other hand, are increasingly focusing on structured, value-based events such as graduation ceremonies, themed dinners and parent-student engagements. Mr Ahmed Lwasa, the director of Kabojja International School, said prom parties belong to a traditional school culture that does not align with the operational model of most international schools. ‘Prom is an old-school tradition. We have dispensed with those kinds of parties. We are focused on graduation and transition ceremonies,’ he said.

He noted that most international schools operate as day schools, with learners returning home after classes, unlike boarding schools, where social traditions such as prom parties may emerge more naturally. ‘In many international schools, students go home after school. There is no boarding culture that naturally supports such parties. Instead, we organise graduation ceremonies and sometimes dinners where parents are involved,’ he said. According to him, parental involvement remains central to school activities, making elaborate student-only celebrations less relevant. ‘Everything is guided by vision. We ask ourselves: what is the purpose of the event, and what comes next?

Graduation speeches, for example, are meant to motivate learners for the next stage of life,’ he added. While international schools prioritise structured ceremonies, etiquette and parental engagement, many national schools view prom-style events as an opportunity for student expression and celebration. Mr Lwasa said that where celebrations are held in international schools, they are usually formal dinners rather than parties. ‘If there is any celebration, it is usually a dinner with parents. Students interact with their families in a formal setting. But we do not organise parties like prom or leavers’ events in the traditional sense,’ he said. He added that any additional celebrations are typically initiated through consultation between students and their parents. ‘If students want something, they consult their parents. If parents agree, it can happen. But as a school, we do not prioritise parties,’ Mr Lwasa said.

Themed and structured events

Some schools, including Mengo Senior School, have reportedly discouraged or limited such events, opting instead for formal academic ceremonies and structured school programmes. At Vienna College International, administrators say their approach is focused on themed and carefully supervised events . Ms Susan Nuwatamba, a school administrator, said international schools organise formal dinners and graduation ceremonies designed to bring together students, teachers, and parents. ‘We have graduation ceremonies and welcome dinners. These are not just parties. They are structured events that bring students, teachers, and parents together,’ Ms Nuwatamba explained.

‘In addition, the students develop themes and work with administrators to plan. We may hire an events company for lighting, décor, and entertainment, but everything is structured,’ she said. Ms Nuwatamba explained that students are involved in planning the events through committees, working closely with school administrators. Vienna College has previously organised themed events such as ‘Christmas in August’, allowing students to explore cultural and seasonal concepts within a controlled educational environment.

‘One year it can be a red-carpet night, another year a black-and-white dinner. The aim is not just entertainment but etiquette and learning,’ Ms Nuwatamba said. She added that etiquette training is often incorporated into such events, with schools partnering with organisations such as the Uganda Etiquette Centre to teach students social skills. ‘If you are invited to a formal dinner, you should know how to behave. We teach them dining etiquette, how to sit, how to eat a three-course meal and how to interact respectfully,’ she said.

Cost and structure

Ms Nuwatamba added that most international schools fund the events, unlike some national schools where students contribute towards the costs.

‘For welcome dinners, the school usually covers the cost. For graduation ceremonies, students may contribute to gowns and other logistics. These are part of the school programming. They are not extra parties,’ she said.

Keeping up with trend

Although international schools appear to look down on prom celebrations, many national secondary schools continue to embrace prom-style events, particularly for Senior Four and Senior Six students. Often organised as farewell events marking the completion of academic cycles, the parties have become key highlights on school calendars. However, critics argue that the growing emphasis on fashion, luxury dressing, and entertainment risks overshadowing the academic purpose of schooling while creating financial pressure on parents and students.

My former primary school, from where I earned the only First Grade in the entire sub county, no longer exists. The land that once housed its classrooms is now occupied by a fuel station, following a crisis it was ill-prepared to handle. In 2007, officials from an organisation approached the school management with what appeared to be a life changing opportunity.

They promised to connect the school to international donors to support infrastructure development, exchange programmes, and even pay fees for learners. To establish credibility, the organisation introduced another beneficiary school in Mukono, with which we held debating competitions, board games, and other activities that built rapports among learners and school leaders. The only requirement was Shs50,000 subscription fee per learner.

Many parents embraced the idea and paid for their children. Funds were handed over to the intermediaries, who promised to return once numbers increased, to allow donors plan properly. They never returned, their phones went off, and the promised donor support never materialised. The school management was left in a dire situation. They had to compensate parents for the lost money. Then, School fees ranged between Shs15,000 and Shs30,000, meaning some students had to study for a year without paying fees. The financial burden crippled operations. Teachers went unpaid, resources dwindled, and within a few years, the institution collapsed, partly because of their inability to manage this crisis.

While this scam occurred nearly two decades ago, the crises facing educational institutions, from universities to daycare centres today, is even more complex. The rise of digital communication means crises spread faster and attract greater public scrutiny than ever before. Crisis management data compiled by AMW indicate that nearly three-quarters of organisations have experienced reputational incidents, underscoring the reality that crises are no longer exceptional occurrences. Every institution, regardless of size, should expect and prepare for potential crises. Many crises rotate around student welfare, fire outbreaks, deaths, disease outbreaks, strikes, security concerns, among others, which affect public trust. Fortunately, some higher institutions manage them through public relations offices.

The challenge becomes more pronounced in secondary and primary schools, where communication responsibilities often fall entirely on head teachers, proprietors, or other administrators who may have little or no training in crisis communication. In many cases, panic becomes the first response, triggering issuance of contradictory statements, avoid engagement with key stakeholders, or failure to communicate, which often damages institutional reputation more than the incident itself. Many school leadership structures position the head teacher as the face and voice of the institution, expected to comment on everything, from academic performance to crises. However, majority lack basic training in crisis communication.

As a result, schools often provide conflicting accounts of events, with different staff members speaking independently to the media before establishing a common understanding of what happened. Instead of convening a crisis management committee to assess the situation and agree on key messages, institutions sometimes react emotionally and defensively. I recently watched a news story about a school where a learner died mysteriously in a security guard’s room. It is the matron who spoke to the media while the head teacher went in hiding, and other staff members were attacking journalists to stop them from recording footage.

This incident highlighted institutions’ unpreparedness for communication challenges that involve crises. Previously, a school crisis would remain within the local community. Today, a single video, photo, or social media post can reach millions of people within seconds. While many schools face financial challenges to run communication departments, a crisis will not send a notification when coming. They can begin by investing in communication training for head teachers, deputies, and other key admins, establish crisis response committees, develop communication protocols, and prepare basic crisis management plans before emergencies occur.

Public relations practitioners and academic institutions can also support to design specialised crisis management training for school administrators. Schools invest years in building trust among parents, learners, staff, and communities. In today’s digital environment, that trust can be tested within hours. Crisis communication training is, therefore, no longer an optional leadership skill, but rather an essential component for building and maintaining reputation for learning institutions.

Makindye Chief Magistrates Court has further remanded opposition powerhouse and former Kampala Lord Mayor, Erias Lukwago, after the presiding magistrate deferred her ruling on his bail application, citing chaotic courtroom conditions and an overwhelming number of complex procedural issues.

In a high-stakes legal twist, the trial magistrate announced that the long-awaited bail decision will instead be delivered electronically via the Electronic Court Case Management Information System (ECMIS) within the next 24 hours.

The chief magistrate Sarah Basemera ordered that Lukwago return to court physically on June 30, 2026, for the mention of his case. Crucially, this date aligns with the scheduled court appearance of his high-profile client, four-time presidential candidate Dr. Kizza Besigye. The convergence of both opposition kingpins’ legal battles is expected to draw massive security deployments and intense political interest, setting up a potentially explosive dual showdown at the courthouse.

The Chief Magistrate noted that the environment inside the courtroom had become completely untenable, forcing the abrupt adjournment. She added that her chambers required additional time to systematically review the extensive legal arguments raised by both the defense and state prosecutors during a heated morning session.

Addressing journalists at court, lead defense counsel Medard Lubega Sseggona expressed frustration over the delay but urged supporters to remain calm while they await the digital notification. Sseggona also raised red flags over Lukwago’s deteriorating health in custody, drawing grim parallels to past high-profile detainees.

“Her Worship the Chief Magistrate advised that her ruling is not ready. Owing to the sensitivity of the case and the environment, she undertook to deliver the ruling by email via ECMIS within 24 hours,” Sseggona said. “It’s not pleasant news to us. We have only remained brave because we are duty-bound to be brave.”

Sseggona added a stark warning regarding Lukwago’s medical condition:

“Meanwhile, for the Honorable Lukwago, the health situation gets worse day by day. We had a German national who was denied bail in Kalangala and died. We had the Honorable Muhammad Ssegirinya, who kept telling courts that he was in bad health, and they refused until it was too late. We have put all these materials before court, and we trust that the court will understand.”

The case took on a broader regional diplomatic dimension following revelations that prominent Kenyan politician and lawyer Martha Karua, who had traveled to Kampala to join Lukwago’s defense team, was blocked by state operatives.

Sseggona fiercely condemned the state’s actions, describing it as an affront to both the law and the spirit of regional integration.

“An accused person is entitled to have a lawyer of his or her choice from anywhere; that’s why there is room for accreditation,” Sseggona noted. “I know that the Honorable Martha Karua has not been denied entry but detained at the airport and deported. It is not within the spirit of the East African Community. As a professional, I am deeply concerned.”

Both Lukwago and Besigye continue to battle serious state charges that their supporters have roundly labeled as politically motivated maneuvers to cripple the opposition ahead of future political contests. All eyes now shift to the ECMIS portal for the crucial bail verdict.

Physiotherapy at Aga Khan Hospital is helping patients recover from chronic pain, regain movement and rebuild independence through tailored rehabilitation programmes for conditions ranging from stroke to post-surgical recovery and maternal care.

When Moreen gave birth to her first child via C-section, like many new mothers, she expected a smooth recovery. However, months after adjusting to motherhood and healing from surgery, she developed persistent back pain that would not subside.

At first, she assumed the discomfort was a normal part of postpartum recovery. But as she resumed physically demanding tasks such as gardening and carrying her baby for long periods, the pain worsened until it became a constant part of daily life. Concerned, she sought medical attention and was eventually referred to a physiotherapist.

Moreen’s experience reflects a challenge faced by many people who continue to struggle with pain, weakness or limited mobility long after an injury, surgery or major life event such as childbirth. Yet physiotherapy, often associated only with athletes and sports injuries, plays a much broader role in helping people regain function and improve their quality of life.

More than sports injuries

At Aga Khan University Hospital Nakawa Speciality Centre, Dr Isaac Ssenoga, a physiotherapist with more than a decade of experience, describes physiotherapy as a healthcare profession that treats injuries, diseases and disabilities through physical methods rather than relying solely on medication.

‘Physiotherapy is a vital part of healthcare and rehabilitation. It offers structured treatment that helps prevent disabilities, promotes an active lifestyle and addresses the risks associated with a sedentary lifestyle,’ he says.

Rather than focusing only on pain relief, physiotherapy aims to restore movement, improve strength and address the underlying causes of physical dysfunction. However, Dr Ssenoga notes that many patients seek help only after their symptoms have become severe, when earlier intervention could have prevented long-term complications.

A growing burden of pain

A large proportion of physiotherapy patients are treated for orthopaedic and musculoskeletal conditions, including back pain, neck pain, arthritis, joint problems and recovery after fractures or surgery.

These conditions are increasingly affecting people of all ages as sedentary lifestyles become more common. Office workers, drivers, students and others who spend long hours sitting are particularly vulnerable.

According to Dr Ssenoga, prolonged sitting can lead to muscle tightness, poor circulation, joint stiffness and chronic lower back pain. Over time, poor posture and inactivity may disrupt spinal alignment, weaken muscles and reduce mobility. In some cases, habits such as sitting on a wallet can compress the sciatic nerve, causing pain and numbness down one leg, a condition commonly known as ‘wallet syndrome.’

Many of these problems develop gradually and are often ignored until they begin interfering with daily activities. Physiotherapy helps address these issues through posture correction, targeted exercises and movement training designed to restore function and prevent further deterioration.

Regaining independence

For stroke survivours, physiotherapy is often a critical part of recovery. Using specialised techniques, physiotherapists help stimulate weakened muscles, improve balance and retrain the body to perform everyday tasks such as walking, eating, dressing and moving safely around the home.

Although recovery can be slow and requires commitment from both patients and caregivers, Dr Ssenoga says early rehabilitation significantly improves the chances of regaining independence and reducing long-term disability.

Physiotherapy is equally important after surgery or serious injuries. While medication may help control pain, recovery often depends on restoring movement safely.

‘For example, a patient recovering from a fracture may receive medication for pain, but without guided movement, the joint can become permanently stiff. Physiotherapy ensures that movement is restored safely during healing,’ he explains.

Supporting mothers and children

Physiotherapy also plays an important role in maternal health, yet many women remain unaware of its benefits.

During pregnancy, physiotherapists help women manage physical changes that place stress on the body. One common condition is Diastasis Recti, where the abdominal muscles separate as the baby grows. Through guided exercises, physiotherapy can improve flexibility, endurance and pelvic strength, helping women cope better with pregnancy and prepare for childbirth.

For the management of diastasis recti, a physiotherapist may prescribe appropriate supportive devices and design a structured exercise programme to help strengthen the abdominal muscles as they heal.

After delivery, many mothers experience back pain, neck strain and abdominal weakness due to the demands of pregnancy and caring for a newborn. Rehabilitation programmes help rebuild core strength, improve posture and reduce persistent discomfort.

Dr Ssenoga also stresses the importance of proper posture while breastfeeding and carrying babies, noting that poor positioning often contributes to chronic neck and back pain. He advises mothers not to rush back into heavy physical work immediately after childbirth because pregnancy hormones temporarily weaken ligaments, increasing the risk of injury.

Children can benefit from physiotherapy as well. The Centre manages conditions such as cerebral palsy, clubfoot, Erb’s palsy and torticollis, commonly known as wry neck. In children with mild cerebral palsy, early intervention can improve mobility and physical independence. For clubfoot, physiotherapists work alongside orthopaedic specialists during and after treatment to strengthen muscles and support normal movement as the child grows.

How physiotherapy works

Treatment varies depending on the patient’s condition and stage of recovery. It may involve hydrotherapy, massage, manual therapy, structured exercise programmes and other specialised techniques aimed at restoring function and improving quality of life.

In the early stages of recovery, especially after surgery or injury, physiotherapists often use gentle passive movements to keep joints flexible and prevent stiffness. As healing progresses, patients are introduced to active exercises that build strength, improve coordination and restore balance.

The final stage focuses on functional rehabilitation, helping patients return to daily activities such as bathing, dressing, climbing stairs, working and participating in community life.

The Centre also offers wellness and exercise programmes for people seeking to manage their weight, remain physically active and reduce their risk of future injuries.

When to see a physiotherapist?

Dr Ssenoga advises people not to wait until pain becomes unbearable before seeking help. Warning signs include persistent pain that does not improve, weakness in a limb or part of the body, difficulty performing routine activities and unusual sensations such as numbness, tingling or burning.

Symptoms that continue to worsen should always be assessed by a healthcare professional. ‘Early assessment prevents small problems from becoming permanent disabilities,’ he says.

Movement as medicine

While physiotherapy is an effective treatment, it is also a powerful preventive tool. Dr Ssenoga recommends at least 30 minutes to one hour of moderate physical activity each day. Activities such as brisk walking, swimming and light jogging help maintain healthy muscles, joints and bones.

He also advises taking short breaks every 30 to 60 minutes to stretch, walk around and reset posture. ‘No sitting position is perfect if maintained all day. The body was designed to move,’ he says.

Good workplace ergonomics, proper lifting techniques, supportive sleeping surfaces and a balanced diet also contribute to long-term musculoskeletal health.

As chronic diseases, sedentary lifestyles and an ageing population continue to increase the demand for rehabilitation services, physiotherapy is becoming increasingly important. Whether helping a new mother recover after childbirth, supporting a stroke survivour on the road to independence or preventing workplace-related injuries, it enables people to move better, function more effectively and enjoy a better quality of life.

Upon the prospective peak of Joshua Cheptegei’s long-distance running career on track, his coach Addy Ruiter began searching for replacements around the Covid-19 period.

One name that has stood for long is Keneth Kiprop. The 21-year-old has occasionally been held back by a spate of injuries but he has remained focused and patient.

The feeling is that Kiprop could eventually announce his grand arrival at the senior level of track long-distance running next month at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.

Ahead of the trip to the Scottish capital, Kiprop struck delight when he won at the men’s 5000 metres race during the Fanny Blankers-Koen (FBK) Games in Hengelo, Netherlands on Sunday.

Guided by Ruiter’s notes, he measured the hot conditions well to beat a field of 19 runners to win in a time of 13 minutes and 13.43 seconds at the FBK Stadium.

‘It was not easy, the weather was tough,’ a happy Kiprop said. This marked Kiprop’s first 5000 metres race win at an international race since he professionally started out in 2022.

‘When we were at the start line, I said to myself: ‘I must win this race’. It was my first time racing in Hengelo, and I enjoyed the race,’ he said.

‘During the last metres, the only thing in my mind was: ‘I must sprint to win this race’. For the upcoming season, I want to race well at the Commonwealth Games,’ he added.

Kiprop beat Eritrean Saymon Amanuel to the win while the Ugandan’s compatriot Dolphine Chelimo earned a personal best mark of 13:13.72.

‘The boys ran very well and smart,’ Ruiter heaped praise on Kiprop and Chelimo, 20, who came seventh in the senior men’s race during the World Athletics Cross-Country Championships in Florida, USA back in January.

They thrived in hot conditions of 30 degrees Centigrade. ‘I told them not to run too fast in the first 3km because of the conditions. Slowly, they moved up and took the lead, beating guys with PBs below 13 minutes,’ Ruiter added.

In the early periods, Dutch man Lars Laros led, taking the field through 1000 metres in 2:37.31 minutes and Ethiopian Teshager Alemayehu controlled the middle stages.

By the 4000 metres, Kiprop was in the lead and handled the pressure impressively. With a bronze medal to show from the 2024 World Athletics U20 Championships in Lima, Peru, Kiprop could have the nation’s attention in Glasgow.

That’s irrespective of the fact that he has not yet dipped under 13 minutes in his career. However, the victory on the Hengelo track is a huge confidence booster.

Meanwhile, Halimah Nakaayi withered in the last 65 metres to finish sixth in a time of 1:59.88 during the women’s 800 metres race won by crowd’s favourite Dutch Femke Broeders-Bol.

2026 FBK GAMES HENGELO RESULTS

MEN’S 5000 METRES

1 Keneth Kiprop (UGA) 13:13.43

2 Saymon Amanuel (ERI) 13:13.48

3 Dolphine Chelimo (UGA) 13:13.72

WOMEN’S 800 METRES

1 Femke Broeders-Bol (NED) 1:57.41

2 Abbey Caldwell (AUS) 1:58.22

3 Clara Liberman (FRA) 1:58.69

4 Majtie Kolberg (GER) 1:58.78

5 Valentina Rosamilia (SUI) 1:59.75

6 Halimah Nakaayi (UGA) 1:59.88

KIPROP AT A GLANCE

Full Name: Keneth Kiprop

Date of birth: May 13, 2005

Major Race: 5000 Metres, 10000 Metres

Personal Bests: 13:00.49, 27:47.91

Coaches: Denis Okudach, Addy Ruiter

International Manager: Valentijn Trouw

Management: Global Sports Communication

KIPROP HIGHLIGHTS

2026: 1st 5000 Metres International Win – FBK Games Hengelo

2025: 5000 Metres Heat 1 – World Athletics Championships Debut

2025: Semi-Marathon International de Lille – 10km Win

2024: 5000 Metre Bronze – World Athletics U20 Champs

2023: Junior Men’s 8km – 6th at World Athletics Cross-country Champs

Cancer cannot be fully prevented in every case, but scientific research indicates that many cancers can be avoided or detected early by reducing risk factors and adopting healthier lifestyles. This challenges the widespread belief in some communities that cancer is solely determined by fate, curses, or witchcraft, or that it is entirely inherited and unavoidable.

In reality, cancer develops when body cells grow abnormally due to damage to their DNA. While some of this damage occurs naturally with age, a significant portion is linked to preventable causes, such as lifestyle choices, infections, and environmental exposure.

Risks

One of the most significant risk factors for cancer is tobacco use. Smoking is strongly associated with cancers of the lungs, mouth, throat, oesophagus, pancreas, and bladder. Tobacco contains toxic chemicals that directly damage cells, and no level of smoking is considered safe.

Alcohol consumption also increases the risk of cancer, particularly for cancers of the liver, breast, oesophagus, and digestive system. When alcohol is combined with smoking, the risk escalates even further.

Diet and physical activity play crucial roles in cancer prevention. Diets high in processed foods, unhealthy fats, and sugars, combined with a low intake of fruits and vegetables, contribute to obesity, which is linked to cancers such as breast, colon, and uterine cancer. Lack of physical activity increases risk further, while regular exercise helps regulate body weight, strengthen immunity, and reduce inflammation.

Infections are another key factor in cancer development. In Uganda and many other countries, cervical cancer is strongly linked to the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Vaccination against HPV significantly reduces the risk of cervical cancer.

Additionally, Hepatitis B infection is associated with liver cancer, making vaccination an important preventive measure.

Health authorities, including the Uganda Cancer Institute and the Ministry of Health, continue to promote vaccination and screening to reduce infection-related cancers.

Experts advise against relying on herbal remedies or unproven ‘natural cures’ as methods of cancer prevention. There is no scientific evidence that herbal treatments alone can prevent cancer, and misinformation circulating online often leads people away from effective prevention strategies.

Screening

Regular screening is a critical component of cancer prevention. Screening helps detect early changes before they develop into cancer, or identifies cancer at an early stage when treatment is more successful. For instance, cervical cancer screening can identify pre-cancerous changes, while breast awareness helps individuals notice unusual lumps or symptoms early.

Cancer is also not limited to older individuals, contrary to common belief. Although the risk increases with age, children and young adults can also develop cancers, including blood cancers and childhood cancers.

Environmental exposures such as air pollution, harmful chemicals, radiation, pesticides, and unsafe workplace conditions also contribute to cancer risk. Protective measures and regular health monitoring are important for those working in high-risk environments.

Despite the influence of genetics, lifestyle and environmental factors still play a major role, meaning individuals can significantly reduce their risk through informed choices. Even people with a family history of cancer can benefit from maintaining healthy habits and undergoing regular medical checkups.

Prevention is a shared responsibility. Schools can promote healthy diets and physical activity, families can support better lifestyle choices, and community leaders can advocate for vaccination and screening. Governments also play a crucial role through policies such as tobacco control, vaccination programs, affordable screening services, and public health education.

While no method offers a 100 percent guarantee against cancer, evidence strongly suggests that a combination of healthy living, vaccination, early detection, and reduced exposure to known risks can significantly lower the chances of developing the disease.

Ultimately, cancer prevention is not about fear or fate, but about knowledge and action. When communities replace myths with science-based information, more lives can be saved through informed choices, early detection, and timely treatment.

The writer is the executive director, Uganda Cancer Institute

The goals have flowed, the upsets have arrived and the stars have delivered. Yet amid all the football drama at the 2026 Fifa World Cup, another trend has emerged as one of the tournament’s most striking visual features. Pink football boots.

Nike, adidas and New Balance have opted for variations of pink as their primary colour, while Puma and Skechers also lean into similar territory, incorporating pink hues into the neon looks they’ve chosen.

From forwards racing through on goal to defenders making last-ditch tackles, bright pink footwear has become almost impossible to miss at this World Cup, turning what was once considered a niche fashion choice of black shoes.

From black leather to bright pink

For much of football’s history, black leather boots dominated the game for nearly a century, prized for durability rather than appearance.

That began to change in the 1990s as football transformed into a global entertainment product. Colourful boots gradually entered the market, initially drawing scepticism from traditionalists who felt football should be about performance rather than fashion.

Players such as David Beckham and Freddie Ljungberg helped normalise the trend in the early 2000s. By the time of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, brightly coloured boots had become commonplace.

Pink, however, remained a rarity.

The billion-dollar colour war

The pink boot boom is closely linked to the intense competition among sportswear giants.

Industry leaders such as Nike, Adidas and Puma increasingly use vibrant colours for their flagship products. Pink has emerged as a favourite because it instantly attracts attention during broadcasts, photographs and social media clips.

Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal): Kylian Mbappé (France); Alphonso Davies, (Canada); Marcus Rashford (England) will wear the Mercurial Superfly 11, which is built for speed.

Most of the tournament’s high-profile pink boots belong to premium speed-focused models designed for attacking players. The logic is simple: the faster and more exciting the player, the greater the visibility for the brand.

The strategy extends beyond the World Cup. Once young fans see their heroes wearing a particular model, sales often surge in retail outlets worldwide. For manufacturers, a successful World Cup can translate into millions of dollars in boot sales long after the final whistle.

Designed for television

Modern football exists in a digital ecosystem where every touch of the ball can be clipped, shared and viewed millions of times within minutes.

Sports marketing experts say pink offers a unique advantage because it contrasts sharply against the green playing surface and most team colours. Even in crowded television shots, the boots remain visible.

Unlike traditional black footwear, pink boots immediately draw the eye, helping broadcasters, photographers and social media users capture memorable images.

Beyond marketing, there may also be a psychological dimension to the trend.

Local TV pundit Fifi Phiona Pinky Namiiro, a fan of the pink colour, says the brightness of pink is a sign of success.

‘It’s a colour that I believe gives you a winning edge,’ she said despite not having paid attention to the trend.

Not everyone is convinced

Yet the rise of pink boots has not been universally celebrated.

Traditionalists argue that football has become overly commercialised, with appearance sometimes receiving as much attention as performance. Some former players still prefer the simplicity of black boots, viewing them as symbols of football’s roots.

Nimrod Kintu, a youth coach says that although modern players prefer bright colours, the performance should come ahead.

‘In our days, the white boots, for instance, were always reserved for the most talented players on the team. But now everyone wants a bright boot,’ he said.

Residents of Nyalugogo Cell in Kabujogera Town Council in Kitagwenda District have been plunged into fear after rowdy people believed to be students of Kitagwenda High School attacked the area following the alleged murder of their colleague.

It is believed that the attack was triggered by the reported murder of an 18-year-old Senior Four student identified as Alinda Anesmus, whose body was on Sunday afternoon discovered in a coffee plantation.

The attackers reportedly attacked residents and destroyed property to families of a family believed to be associated with one of the suspects in the murder case.

Ms Scovia Owamaziima, a resident of the area, said the students who first gathered at the school gate pelted stones at the residents before storming the area later in the evening, slaughtering chickens and goats and burning houses.

“Students came pelting stones at us. Police intervened, and they returned to school. However, in the evening they came back, killed our chickens, goats and rabbits, and burned our houses. We spent the night at a nearby church because everything we owned had been destroyed,” she said.

Ms Jolly Kebirungi, the owner of the coffee plantation where the body was discovered, said: “As soon as the police departed, students surrounded our home and started destroying property. They burned our house. I hid in a toilet before managing to escape to a church for safety.”

She added that her family lost most of its belongings in the fire. “Our house was the first to be set ablaze. We tried to put out the fire, but there was no water or sand nearby. We had more than 50 chickens, but everything disappeared. Even our dog was beaten and can barely walk.”

Ms Kebirungi further revealed that her husband was taken in for questioning because some residents believed he owned a nearby sugarcane plantation where the deceased had allegedly been seen before his death.

“My husband was arrested because people suspected he owned the sugarcane garden. However, we do not own any sugarcane plantations. The only connection we have to the case is that the body was found in our coffee garden,” she said.

It is alleged that the deceased had left the school premises and gone to a nearby sugarcane plantation before he was killed, although police have not officially confirmed the circumstances leading to his death.

Mr Simon Ahimbisibwe, the head teacher of Kitagwenda High School, confirmed that the deceased was a Senior Four candidate at the school, but said calm had been restored by press time.

“We have lost one of our students. The situation at the school remains calm, although some students were seen loitering around the compound and others moved outside the school premises after learning of the incident,” he said.

Rwenzori West Police Spokesperson, SP Vincent Twesige, said two suspects have been arrested over the murder incident, and are being held at Kabujogera Police Station.

“It is alleged that on June 21, 2026, at around 1:00 pm, the body of the deceased was found lying in a coffee plantation in Kicheche Cell, Kabujogera Town Council, with multiple cut wounds on the head, legs and arms. The incident was reported to Kabujogera Police Station,” Rwenzori West Regional Police Spokesperson, SP Vincent Twesige said on Monday.

“The body was conveyed to Ntara Health Centre IV pending a postmortem examination. Statements from witnesses were recorded and two suspects, both residents of the area, were arrested to aid investigations,” he added.

Uganda is entering a pivotal decade in its development journey, with a youthful population, abundant natural resources, and an economy poised for significant expansion, the country stands on the threshold of transformative growth.

Recognising this potential, the World Bank Group (WBG) Board of Executive Directors has endorsed a new Country Partnership for Uganda covering Fiscal Years 2026-2035.

The 10-year strategy is designed to support Uganda’s ambition of becoming a modern, prosperous, and competitive upper-middle-income country by 2040, in line with Uganda Vision 2040 and the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV). At the heart of the framework lies a powerful objective: creating more and better jobs through private sector-led economic transformation.

Jobs

Every year, between 600,000 and 700,000 young Ugandans enter the labour market. While this presents a significant challenge, it also offers a tremendous opportunity. The partnership recognises that productive employment remains the most effective pathway out of poverty and the strongest foundation for shared prosperity.

Despite economic growth averaging 4.5 percent annually over the last 15 years and the economy nearly doubling in size, many Ugandans remain trapped in low-productivity and informal employment. Poverty reduction has been slower than desired, underscoring the need for structural transformation that goes beyond growth statistics.

With commercial oil production expected to boost economic growth to above 6.5 percent in the medium term, Uganda has an opportunity to translate its economic gains into meaningful improvements in living standards and employment outcomes.

Harnessing extraordinary assets

Uganda’s development ambitions are underpinned by remarkable strengths. The country possesses vast arable land, substantial mineral and oil reserves, rich biodiversity, and one of the youngest populations in the world.

Dr Francisca Ayodeji (Ayo) Akala, World Bank country manager for Uganda says: ‘Uganda has extraordinary assets: a young population full of potential, abundant natural resources, and a government committed to long-term transformation. The CPF is our commitment to walk alongside Uganda over the next decade by investing in its people, infrastructure, and institutions that will power prosperity and translate growth into jobs and better living standards.’

Four pillars

The Country Partnership Framework is based on four mutually reinforcing outcomes that will guide World Bank Group support over the next decade: Strengthened Economic Governance.

The WBG officials argue that strong institutions, sound economic management, and transparent public finances are critical for creating a favourable environment for private investment.

As such, the CPF will support reforms aimed at increasing domestic revenue mobilisation, improving public expenditure efficiency, strengthening public investment management, and ensuring prudent management of future oil revenues.

A key target is to increase non-oil tax revenues from 13.5 percent to 18 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), helping create greater fiscal space for investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and social services.

Human capital

Human capital development is essential for sustained economic growth and job creation. Yet Uganda’s Human Capital Index remains below regional and global averages.

Under the Country Partnership Framework (CPF), the World Bank Group will support the delivery of quality health, nutrition, and population services to 22 million people, while helping 10 million students gain improved education and skills. The programme will strengthen health and education systems through enhanced financing, governance, infrastructure, and digital solutions. It will also expand access to essential services for underserved communities, including refugees, women, and other vulnerable populations.

Better connected communities

Infrastructure remains one of the most important enablers of economic transformation. Although Uganda has significantly expanded electricity generation and road networks over the years, access and reliability challenges continue to constrain productivity and competitiveness.

The CPF aims to double energy access from 25 million people in 2025 to 50 million people by 2035. Improve sustainable transport infrastructure for 20 million beneficiaries. It also hopes to expand digital connectivity and promote digital literacy, strengthen regional integration through multi-modal transport corridors linking production areas, cities, and markets.

Investments in energy, transport, and digital infrastructure are expected to lower business costs, improve market access, and create employment opportunities across the country.

A more productive private sector

The private sector is expected to be the primary engine of job creation under the new framework. Currently, businesses face numerous constraints, including limited access to affordable finance, cumbersome regulations, weak contract enforcement, and inadequate infrastructure.

To address these barriers, the CPF will focus on: Expanding financial inclusion to 14 million people and businesses. Supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Strengthening agribusiness, manufacturing, and tourism. Promoting secure land tenure systems. Expanding access to credit for women, youth, and rural entrepreneurs.

Through initiatives such as AgriConnect, the framework will support climate-smart agriculture, irrigation, technology adoption, agro-processing, and stronger market linkages.

One World Bank Group Approach

A defining feature of the new Country Partnership Framework (CPF) is its ‘One World Bank Group’ approach, which brings together the full range of the institution’s resources and expertise. This includes financing from the International Development Association (IDA), investments and advisory services from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), and political risk insurance and credit enhancement guarantees from the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA).

Together, these instruments will increase investments in key productive sectors, while MIGA will expand guarantees that reduce investment risks and encourage foreign direct investment.

Ambitious targets

Over the CPF period, the World Bank Group intends to mobilise significant resources and deliver measurable outcomes in Uganda, including: 50 million people with access to electricity by 2035. It will see 22 million people benefiting from health and nutrition services, 10 million learners supported with improved education and skills. 20 million people benefiting from improved transport infrastructure.

The others are 14 million people and businesses gaining access to financial services. A 100 percent increase in agricultural yields across targeted value chains.

Financially, the CPF envisions approximately $2 billion in lending per three-year IDA cycle, building on an existing portfolio exceeding $4 billion.

Additionally, the strategy seeks to catalyse up to $1.3 billion in private investment and mobilise a further $2.5 billion from private capital markets.

During the IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington, D.C., Uganda’s delegation met with World Bank Vice President for Africa, Dr Ndiame Diop, to discuss the country’s economic outlook and implementation of the World Bank portfolio.

Uganda’s economy continues to demonstrate resilience despite global challenges, with growth projected between 6.5 and 7 percent in the current financial year and expected to reach double digits over the medium term.

Uganda’s World Bank portfolio has expanded from $3.9 billion in March 2025 to $4.74 billion, supporting 18 projects and programmes across various sectors.

The government also highlighted strategic priorities requiring continued support, including the Standard Gauge Railway, hydropower generation, urban infrastructure, transmission networks, industrial park development, and expanded access to private sector financing.

Looking ahead

The FY26-FY35 Partnership marks a significant evolution in the relationship between Uganda and the World Bank Group.

By prioritising economic governance, human capital, infrastructure, and private sector development, the partnership seeks to ensure that Uganda’s growth translates into meaningful opportunities for its people.

As Uganda pursues its ambitious vision of becoming an upper-middle-income country by 2040, the success of this partnership will be measured by one outcome above all others: the creation of millions of productive, better-paying jobs that improve livelihoods and drive inclusive prosperity across the nation.