Category: Daily Monitor

Religious leaders have urged Christians to celebrate Uganda Martyrs Day through prayers at local churches, family devotions and virtual services after this year’s national pilgrimage to Namugongo was called off due to the Ebola outbreak.

Today’s commemoration will be the second time since the Covid-19 pandemic that thousands of pilgrims are unable to gather physically at the Namugongo Catholic Martyrs Shrine and the Namugongo Anglican Martyrs Site, where annual celebrations traditionally attract worshippers from across Uganda and beyond.

On May 17, President Museveni announced the postponement of the national Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations, citing public health concerns arising from the outbreak of the Ebola Bundibugyo virus disease.

Following the postponement, both the Catholic and Anglican churches advised Christians to participate in prayers from their local places of worship and homes while following services through television, radio and online platforms.

Rev Fr Vincent Lubega, the parish priest of Namugongo Catholic Parish, urged Christians who will remain at home to follow prayers through television and radio broadcasts, including Radio Maria, which will air Mass live.

“During the time of Covid-19, we used to follow virtual celebrations. You can switch on your television when Mass begins and follow the ceremony wherever you are,” Fr Lubega said.

He also encouraged Catholics to pray through the intercession of the Uganda Martyrs, noting that there are special prayers dedicated to them.

“There are prayers for the Uganda Martyrs, including the Litany of the Uganda Martyrs. Even if you do not have access to a television or radio, you can use a prayer booklet and pray through the litany,” he said.

The Anglican Church has similarly encouraged believers to participate in the celebrations virtually by following services on television and online platforms.

Rev Canon Henry Segawa, the Namirembe Diocesan Secretary, said the service from the Namugongo Anglican Martyrs Site will be broadcast live on television and digital platforms starting at 9am.

He urged Christians to dedicate time to personal prayer and reflection despite the absence of the traditional pilgrimage.

Rev John Kitayimbwa, the chairperson of the organising committee, said prayers at the Anglican site will be led by the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, the Most Rev Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu.

He encouraged Christians to actively participate in the celebrations from their homes.

“If you are celebrating at home, participate in the singing and dancing, celebrate with your family, listen to the Word of God and spend time in personal prayer,” Rev Kitayimbwa said.

Religious leaders noted that although believers will miss the experience of gathering physically at Namugongo, the essence of Uganda Martyrs Day remains rooted in faith, prayer and reflection on the courage and sacrifice of the martyrs who died for their beliefs.

They said the commemoration offers Christians an opportunity to renew their faith and reflect on the witness of the martyrs, regardless of where they celebrate from.

Every year on June 3, thousands of pilgrims from across Uganda, Africa and other parts of the world travel to the Namugongo Catholic Martyrs Shrine and the Namugongo Anglican Martyrs Site in Wakiso District to commemorate Uganda Martyrs Day.

UTILITY

The celebrations honour the 45 Uganda Martyrs who were killed between 1885 and 1887 because of their Christian faith. The martyrs were executed on the orders of Kabaka Mwanga II of Buganda after refusing to renounce their beliefs, and they remain a powerful symbol of faith, courage and religious conviction for millions of Christians across the world.

‘Today I officially join X to take part in the conversation of the Uganda we want,’ was Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda’s first sentence on any social media platform.

Posted 11:28 am June 1, it captioned a video in which the maverick politician introduced himself to the X republicans, many of whom were fearing missing his usually bold, insightful and well-researched submissions on the floor of Parliament, some of which he extends them into mainstream media platforms.

He carved his name, first as a fearless investigative journalist, and then an opposition legislator since 2011, where his sharp commentary did not spare even the most feared figures of the land.

But in this social media era, Ssemujju’s absence on Facebook, or X, formerly Twitter, was too conspicuous, even though some of his videos have been trending on the platform.

‘This is the official handle for Ssemujju Ibrahim Nganda, the Secretary General of the People’s Front for Freedom-PFF and Former MP Kira Municipality,’ said his profile, beneath a mugshot in his trademark posture, his eyes not directly into the camera.

His handle is @SsemujjuIN. If any post by Ibrahim Ssemujju rubbed you the wrong way, blame someone else behind that parody account. Of course, Ssemujju is aware of that impersonation, hence this disclaimer. ‘There are many people operating platforms in my name until today and I was not operating any social media accounts,’ he said in the video.

So, ‘Please take note that this is my official Twitter X account and I will be updating you, where necessary share with you information.’

Well, in this era of truths, lies and contradictions, you have not believe him. But until you find concrete alternative truth, your suspicion will remain just that-suspicion.

But Ssemujju’s star is already shinning in the X skies. At 4:17, the account had hit the 10,000 mark, just over fours, of his debut.

‘Ssemujju Nganda (@SsemujjuIN has 10k followers in less than a day. Yalogeddewa?’ one Festo Kato wondered, insinuating this is witchcraft.

Comments

The comments that welcomed Ssemujju were typical of X Republic. Some flattering. Some shattering.

‘You spent 15 years discussing Uganda in a wrong place. Welcome comrade, one said.

‘Well done on your first tweet. Now pay Elon and verify the account,’ wrote another.

‘Long overdue. Welcome aboard,’ one Patrick Oyulu commented.

‘Well, when life comes at you,’ wrote Jacobs Odongo Seaman, a seasoned and gifted journalist.

‘After losing elections, now you are coming back to people, now you want us to interact with you when you’re no longer in parliament why didn’t you open it up when you were in parliament?’ one PLU Ambassador wrote.

‘I don’t think you will ever be elected as a member of parliament again…,’ said Offroad Saints, triggering venomous replies from Ssemujju fanatics. ‘Stupid,’ one said. ‘You can now replace him in parliament,’ said another. ‘Mental illness is dangerous,’ said another, among others.

When I pitched the story to our online editor at 8:20pm, the account had over 18000 followers. Barely 30 minutes later, it had hit the 20,000 follower mark. Two hours later it was approaching 25000 followers. Phenomenal.

You may wonder why the arguably boldest and most vocal legislator of the past three parliaments had left the social media bandwagon to pass. But one his former journalism students at the Islamic University In Uganda, described him as old school. ‘Not the kind easily excited by any trend.’

It makes sense. You will mostly see him in blue suits, blue tie and a sky blue or white shirt. During the Tojikwatako chaos in 2017, he added a red tarboush, a Muslim cap, that also served as a symbol defiance against the removal of the presidential age limit from the Constitution.

Following, especially famous, accounts is one of the ways of attracting followers on X. But the eccentric Ssemujju had not followed anyone by 11pm on his first day.

‘Follow me back nkuwe ku masannyalaze,’ said one Gabriel Buule, who has garnered 177,000 followers since 2011, claiming that following him back would give Ssemujju’s account more visibility and traffic. But as it stands, Ssemujju may not need anyone’s masannyalaze. His voltage is above the rest, so far.

For decades, crop farming has been the backbone of livelihoods in Kibuku District. Yet unpredictable weather patterns, declining soil fertility, pests and fluctuating market prices have continued to frustrate farmers, leaving many households struggling to escape poverty.

Now agricultural experts and local leaders are promoting fish farming as a viable alternative, arguing that aquaculture could transform rural incomes while improving food security in the eastern Uganda district.

The growing demand for fish across Uganda has created a ready market for farmers willing to invest in fish ponds, with officials saying the district’s wetlands, favourable climate and water resources provide ideal conditions for aquaculture.

Unlike conventional crop farming, fish farming requires relatively small land space and can generate substantial returns within a relatively short period.

Kibuku District Production Officer Michael Mbayo said fish farming offers households an opportunity to diversify their income sources while improving nutrition.

“Fish farming not only diversifies household income but also improves food security. Fish provide an affordable source of protein and help families improve nutrition,” Mr Mbayo said.

He said income from fish sales has enabled some farmers to pay school fees, improve housing conditions, access healthcare and invest in other businesses.

“The fish farming enterprise is a very lucrative activity that can help farmers earn extra household income and complement efforts aimed at fighting poverty,” he added.

Among those championing aquaculture is Dr Stephen Birungi, a veterinary doctor and model farmer in Nakisenyi Village, Saala Parish, Kirika Sub-county.

Dr Birungi believes fish farming offers one of the most effective pathways out of poverty.

“Fish farming is such a lucrative enterprise. People should learn and embrace this activity if communities are to fight household poverty,” he said, adding: “We need to recognise fish as an important food source for millions of people. The market is available.”

Dr Birungi established his fish farming project in October 2022 and has since developed four ponds, each measuring 30 feet by 60 feet.

The ponds were initially stocked with about 5,000 fingerlings but now hold an estimated 20,000 fish following natural multiplication.

“I don’t regret starting fish farming because it has turned into a training centre for the region. Many local residents frequently come here to acquire skills. This is the way to push people out of poverty,” he said.

According to Dr Birungi, each pond cost approximately Shs1.6 million to construct.

His farm now combines fish farming with cattle rearing and a hatchery, generating income throughout the year.

The veterinarian said he was inspired to venture into commercial farming after visiting successful farms in western Uganda while providing veterinary services.

“I was motivated when I visited people’s farms. When I came back, I decided to start seriously and it has started paying off,” he said.

Beyond income generation, the project has also improved access to fish within the community, where residents previously relied on supplies from distant markets.

Dr Birungi hopes more farmers will adopt aquaculture as a commercial enterprise.

“My vision is to see more people embrace fish farming because it is a viable business,” he said.

However, some challenges remain. Project supervisor Geoffrey Kalele said prolonged drought has reduced water levels and increased operational costs.

“The biggest challenge is the long dry spell. Water levels have dropped significantly and it has become expensive to pump water into the ponds,” he said.

He warned that prolonged water shortages could threaten fish survival.

Feeding costs have also risen, with fish feed now costing about Shs3,500 per kilogramme.

Kirika Sub-county extension worker Reagan Wekubisya said fish farming aligns with government efforts to commercialise agriculture and increase household incomes.

“We need to realise that fisheries is now a commercial activity and farmers should take advantage of it,” he said.

District Fisheries Officer Joseph Wandira said his department is ready to support farmers interested in establishing fish ponds.

“We are encouraging people to embrace fish farming and we shall provide technical support to farmers,” he said.

The district also plans to distribute fingerlings to prospective fish farmers, particularly those living near wetlands.

About Uganda’s fishing sector

According to the National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS), Uganda produces about 15,000 tonnes of fish annually through aquaculture, including production from small-scale and commercial farmers.

NAADS estimates there are about 20,000 fish ponds across the country, with an average surface area of 500 square metres each.

However, experts say the sector remains underdeveloped despite increasing demand for fish.

Rising population growth and pressure on natural fish stocks have heightened the need for alternative sources of fish production.

Globally, the 2022 State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture report showed fisheries and aquaculture production reached a record 214 million tonnes in 2020 despite disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

For residents such as Julius Mwigo, fish farming presents an opportunity, but one that remains out of reach for many due to limited access to start-up capital.

“The project is a good initiative, but many local people lack the money needed to begin,” Mr Mwigo said.

“We call upon the government to support young people who want to venture into fish farming. Without financing, it will remain difficult for many to participate.”

As Kibuku searches for solutions to persistent rural poverty, local leaders believe fish farming could provide the next wave of agricultural transformation, turning underutilised water resources into a source of jobs, nutrition and economic growth.

The day we buried Kadumukasa Kironde, the sun shone over Manyangwa in Wakiso District. There was no angry weather, just a golden glow, washing over the procession of mourners as they lined up first, to see him off at the graveside, and later as they drove off, leaving him behind in his eternal home.

Prayers had been said and speeches made over several days but this gentle falling of the curtain signalled the close of Kadumukasa’s final act. Finally, on Saturday, May 30, 2026, in the cool shade of an avocado tree in Gayaza, we laid a good man to rest. That is when it began to sink in. Apollo Kadumukasa Kironde is gone.

From our last conversation, one of many, that will forever be seared in my memory, I can hear his deep, clipped British accented voice over the phone, brimming with a smile that I could not see but was sure was there on the other end of the line. He teased me about being flaky and not calling enough, then pitched a story idea. With our laughter trailing off into the distance, he introduced me to someone and got off the line. And that was my final chat with Kadumukasa Kironde at the end of April this year.

I first met Kironde in the early 2000s at Sunday Vision. I was a budding writer then. My interview with him for the weekend column titled ‘Turning Point’ kicked off a friendship spanning a little over two decades. Born on August 20, 1946, Kadumukasa would have been 80 this year. Even though he was several decades my senior, we related as equals.

For more than two decades, Kadumukasa Kironde served as a food critic for the New Vision and later the Daily Monitor. If you followed his food adventures, he dined at all the best hotels, fancy restaurants, interesting local food joints and everything in between. He was not just a food critic. He was a great chef. When he started to cook, no matter what talents you thought you had, you had better surrender the kitchen and let him create art. Food was one of his great loves. It never let him down and he loved it back.

Officially, I was one of several editors who oversaw the publication of Kadumukasa’s food column in the Sunday Monitor for more than a decade. As a columnist, he was diligent. An editor’s dream. He submitted his column in time every week. The grammar and diction were top notch. He was creative too. Sometimes he switched things up, just so, giving his readers variety and flair. He also gave regular, spirited feedback on the rest of our publication. It was good to have him out there, giving constructive criticism on the content and responding to his contacts on our behalf when there were errors or miscommunication in our publications. As an editor, it was useful to have his ear.

Outside of his regular column, Kadumukasa was overflowing with ideas. In March this year, when I pitched him an idea, not only did he reply with typical enthusiasm, he also researched around it and sent me more than 10 recommendations on the subject.

More than once, he engaged me on extracurricular projects and even took me on a field trip to a fine café in the suburbs of Kampala. Once there, he introduced me to another of his contacts. When he was sold on a dream, he came along and devoted much time and energy. Kadumukasa never did anything in half measures. He always gave 110 per cent.

Besides being a celebrated chef, he was a most generous and meticulous host. As a professional, Kadumukasa had honed his craft but when he cooked for friends and family, that is when he truly came alive. At his invitation, I dined at his house more than once. Many of his close friends will tell you they were similarly treated.

He kept in touch with family and friends, called regularly and sent news updates. He remembered his manners all the time, cared deeply for his children and still had enough to share with the rest of the world.

On Tuesday May 26, a few hours after Kadumukasa’s demise, Sentie’s Kitchen, a popular culinary establishment in Boston, Massachusetts, in the United States, posted on the news of his death on their Instagram page. A brainchild of Senteza ‘Sentie’ Kironde, son of Kadumukasa Kironde, who followed his father into the kitchen at the tender age of nine, Sentie’s Kitchen is the next generation of Kadumukasa Kironde’s culinary legacy.

Kadumukasa Kironde is survived by seven children and his wife Mirembe Nekesa Kironde. Even though he had had some physical complaints towards the end, the high energy with which he functioned, makes the concept of his death almost unbelievable.

Kadumukasa breathed his last on Monday, May 25, 2026 at Rubaga Hospital in Kampala but even though he is gone, it is not the end. He taught many, inspired thousands and fed the multitudes.

A Bible reference has never been more apt as the one quoted by the Very Rev. Dr Alex Kasirye-Musoke, grandfather of Kadumukasa’s children: In his funereal sermon, Rev Kasirye drew parallels between Jesus’ example of feeding the multitudes in the gospel of John, Chapter six, verse 5 and Kadumukasa’s cooking:

‘When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward him, he said to Philip, ‘Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?’ He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do…’

Apolo Kadumukasa Kironde never struggled with the question of feeding others. He just did it. While his earthly work is done, his works will live on for a long time. For me, it is goodbye but with a twist, Kadum style. In my messages, he left me more than 10 recommendations and two contacts worth of unfinished business. Fare thee well Kadumukasa. Your afterglow is still here with us. You made sure of that.

Uganda’s gaming industry is expanding at an unprecedented pace, driven by rapid technological growth, widespread internet access and a youthful population eager for entertainment and quick financial gains. Yet beneath the rising tax revenues and employment figures lies growing concern over addiction, mental health and the increasing dominance of the betting culture among young people.

According to the National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board (NLGRB), about 1.7 million Ugandans engage in gaming activities daily, with nearly 93 percent of that online and believed to be young people. The figures paint a picture of a booming sector that has become deeply embedded in Uganda’s urban and rural life.

Speaking in response to inquiries by BD Life on May 26, the chief executive officer of the National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board, Mr Denis Mudene Ngabirano, described the industry as one of the country’s fastest-growing economic sectors.

‘As of today, connecting the number of operator systems, we have about 1.7 million people engaged in gaming,’ Mr Mudene said.

While the legal participation age for gaming in Uganda remains 25 years, authorities acknowledge that youth still dominate the sector. Earlier research conducted by the regulator in 2023 found that 99 percent of gamblers were male, while 78 percent were youth. This trend has intensified with the spread of online betting platforms and mobile gaming applications.

A billion-shilling industry

Beyond the concerns surrounding addiction, the gaming industry has become a significant contributor to Uganda’s economy. The regulator says the sector currently employs more than 23,000 people directly, while supporting landlords, internet service providers, advertisers and technology companies.

Mr Mudene noted that betting shops generate rental income for property owners and create business opportunities for multiple sectors linked to the gaming ecosystem.

‘Every shop in the city has an internet connection, so it’s a multiplier effect,’ he explained.

Government revenue collections from the sector have also steadily increased. According to the board, gaming taxes collected last financial year amounted to about Shs323 billion, while collections in the current financial year had reached approximately Shs271 billion within nine months.

The regulator says all revenues collected are remitted to the Consolidated Fund and not retained by the board itself.

‘Like many other agencies, we collect and remit. At the end of the day, we prepare our budgets, go to Parliament, and through appropriation we receive our budget,’ Mr Mudene explained.

In addition to taxes, the government earns non-tax revenue through licensing and application fees from operators. Officials attribute the growth in collections to the automation of licensing systems and integration with the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA).

Responsible gaming takes centre stage

Despite the economic benefits, the NLGRB’s primary focus is not revenue generation but responsible gaming and public protection.

‘Our focus remains responsible gaming. We want to protect the public from adverse effects,’ Mr Mudene said.

The board regularly receives complaints from players, particularly involving delayed or denied payouts by betting companies. According to officials, some operators disappear after collecting money from gamblers, leaving winners unpaid.

‘That is where we come in and ensure they are paid,’ he said.

The regulator is investing heavily in surveillance systems and complaint handling automation to reduce harmful gambling behaviour.

As gaming increasingly shifts online, the regulator says the future of the industry will be shaped by technology and digital innovation.

The board plans to automate nearly all regulatory processes, including licensing, surveillance and complaint management systems.

Officials are exploring ways of monetising digital entertainment through gaming-linked musical events and online innovations.

However, Mr Mudene admitted that the sector is largely dominated by foreign investors with greater financial muscle and technological expertise.

‘We have sat back and become technology consumers. We need to become innovators,’ he said.

To encourage local participation, the regulator has introduced lower licensing fees for Ugandan nationals compared to foreign investors, hoping to support local software developers and gaming innovators.

‘The only way we can support locals is by supporting their innovation because that is the key driver of this industry,’ he added.

One of the regulator’s biggest enforcement challenges is illegal gaming machines entering Uganda disguised as ordinary electronic equipment.

According to officials, imported gaming motherboards are often hidden inside harmless-looking hardware to evade detection at border points.

‘When these items enter the country, they appear harmless,’ Mr Mudene explained. ‘Once they arrive here, carpenters build cabinets around them.’

The board says it has inspected more than 7,000 machines so far, though enforcement remains constrained by limited staffing and resources.

Authorities also continue to battle misleading betting advertisements, particularly from foreign operators broadcasting football betting promotions across Uganda and the wider African market.

The regulator insists all advertisements must carry responsible gaming warnings similar to those used on alcohol and cigarette adverts.

Can gambling ever be banned?

Even as criticism of betting intensifies, regulators argue that banning gaming is unrealistic.

‘No country in the world has been fully successful in banning gaming,’ Mr Mudene said.

He pointed to China’s decision to establish Macau as a controlled gaming hub after attempts to suppress gambling reportedly led to the growth of illegal gaming networks.

‘Macau now collects about $25 billion annually from gaming,’ he noted.

For Uganda, the challenge lies in balancing economic gains with social responsibility. As gaming platforms become more accessible through smartphones and internet connectivity, concerns are growing that the country’s youth may be paying the highest price for the industry’s rapid growth.

Gaming in Uganda is no longer a fringe activity but a powerful economic force, a technological frontier and, increasingly, a social debate that the country can no longer ignore.

The Africa gaming industry 2025 milestone is official: the continent generated $2.29 billion in revenue, with mobile accounting for nearly 60% of total market value.

According to the latest State of the African Video Game Industry 2026 report from SpielFabrique and Xsolla, Africa is growing faster than the global average – posting a 12.32 percent CAGR, compared to 7.5 percent worldwide.

The PWC perspectives from Africa Entertainment and Media (EandM) outlook 2025-29 report stated that Africa’s EandM sectors in South Africa, Nigeria and Kenya continue to outperform global benchmarks, displaying resilience in the face of ongoing macroeconomic challenges in 2024.

‘In 2024, Nigeria led the region with a remarkable 11.2 percent growth rate, followed by Kenya at 7.1 percent and South Africa at 6.2 percent. Looking ahead, the Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) through 2029 is projected to be 7.2 percent for Nigeria, 5.2 percent for Kenya and 3.5 percent for South Africa, indicating sustained momentum across all three markets,’ PWC said.

Every time President Museveni announces a new Cabinet, Ugandans perform a familiar ritual. Political commentators parse the list for regional signals. Religious communities count their representatives. Ethnic arithmetic is performed on social media and radio talk shows.

Tribal loyalists thank Museveni for ‘remembering and rewarding them’ by appointing their ethnic kin.

Two troubling questions are generally lost in the excitement. First, are the appointees the best people for the job? Second, will they be allowed to be the real leaders of their ministries? The answer to both, after four decades of Museveni’s rule, is mostly no – and the reason is not that Uganda lacks capable people. It is that capable people, have often been a liability rather than an asset. Uganda’s Cabinet appointments have long followed a recognisable logic that has little to do with merit.

Not that Museveni’s Cabinets have been short of bright, educated and able people. Most of those who have served as Cabinet ministers since 1986 rank high on academic and professional achievement scores. His recent preference for ‘fishermen’ over intellectuals and seasoned leaders should not blur that truth. But intellectual excellence and leadership ability has not been a major driver of these appointments. The President rewards personal loyalty.

He accommodates powerful interest groups whose continued support he requires. He distributes portfolios as political currency, placating rivals and binding potential dissidents through the golden handcuffs of ministerial office. What emerges from this process is not a government of Uganda’s ablest citizens. It is a court. And like all courts, it functions primarily to serve the king.

Last week’s Cabinet announcement largely confirms that tradition. The new Cabinet contains a few individuals who are supremely underqualified to serve in leadership of any public organisation. But the majority are very capable appointments, with a few placed in portfolios where their expertise matches the job very well.

For example, Henry Musaasizi at Finance is a serious technocrat who understands the machinery of Uganda’s fiscal architecture.

Katumba Wamala at Public Service brings administrative discipline to a ministry that requires structural reform.

Chris Baryomunsi, moving to Health, is a medical doctor with leadership and political experience. He succeeds Jane Ruth Aceng, another highly capable physician and experienced corporate leader.

Charles Ayume, another experienced medical doctor appointed as Minister of State for Health, is held in high esteem by colleagues and others who know him well.

Jonard Asiimwe Akiiki, at Science, Technology, and Innovation, is a certified professional in mining and petroleum engineering, with an impressive resume that would get him shortlisted by most international head-hunters.

Adonia Ayebare at Foreign Affairs is a veteran diplomat who has represented Uganda at the United Nations with distinction and is deeply embedded in the architecture of regional security and multilateral diplomacy.

These are not token appointments. These, and others I have not mentioned, are people with the knowledge and professional standing to lead their ministries – if they are allowed to. That last clause carries all the weight. The distinction between a minister and a courtier is fundamental. A minister is appointed for competence, given a mandate, resourced adequately, and held accountable for outcomes.

That was how former Kenyan President Emilio Mwai Kibaki governed – with very impressive results. A courtier is appointed for loyalty, expected to reflect the ruler’s preferences back to him, and measured not by what they achieve but by how reliably they stay in line. For the capable ministers, the appointments present a genuine and painful dilemma. They serve in a system where the President is, by all documented accounts, the ultimate micromanager.

Major decisions routinely flow from State House. Ministers who show too much independence, or attract too much public admiration, or are perceived as building their own political profile could find themselves reshuffled out at the next opportunity.

This means the capable appointees face a structurally impossible task: to be simultaneously excellent ministers and compliant courtiers. To exercise real authority without appearing to challenge or outshine the one who gave it to them. To demonstrate independence of thought without appearing to dissent from the President’s position. It is a tight rope that would test anyone, and Uganda’s political history is littered with capable figures who fell off it.

Are you a Ugandan working abroad or looking to travel beyond national borders? If so, you might already be facing the disruptions of the Ebola scare, even though Uganda is not the current epicenter.

Following the recent Ebola outbreak concentrated in the Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu provinces of the neighbouring Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Uganda remains on high alert.

According to the World Health Organisation, the outbreak is driven by the Bundibugyo ebolavirus. Going by Ministry of Health data, there are 9 confirmed cases and one reported death in Uganda as of June 1.

The vast majority of these infections are contained in the Kasese and Ntoroko districts near the DRC border, with only a single imported case detected at a hospital in Kampala.

Despite the isolated nature of the Ugandan cases, it has triggered concerns and global responses.

The WHO has declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), prompting increased screening at Entebbe and land borders.

Strict measures

Several countries have issued travel advisories or implemented entry restrictions for travelers from Uganda due to the ongoing Ebola (Bundibugyo) outbreak.

Last week, the U.S. State Department issued a Level 4 ‘Do Not Travel’ advisory for the country. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Department of Homeland Security also implemented enhanced screening and restricted all U.S.-bound travelers who have recently been in Uganda to specific designated airports.

Similarly, the Indian government issued an advisory urging citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Uganda and implemented enhanced screenings at major airports.

Canada and The Bahamas have temporarily suspended entry for individuals arriving from outbreak-affected areas in Uganda.

Meanwhile, entry to Jordan and Bahrain, both Gulf countries, where more than 200,000 Ugandan migrant workers earn their livelihoods, has been temporarily suspended for certain travelers arriving from affected African nations.

In Oman, another Gulf nation with a significant Ugandan workforce, the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority released directives requiring airlines and travelers to strictly comply with precautionary health measures regarding travel to and from Uganda.

Furthermore, Taiwan’s foreign ministry issued red travel warnings, urging the public to avoid traveling to the region. As a result of these sweeping travel restrictions, Uganda’s labour externalization, tourism industry, and supply and logistics chains are expected to temporarily take a hit until the situation normalizes.

Impact

Speaking to Nation Media Group on Thursday, the head of public relations at the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), Mr Simplicious Gessa, noted that the impact on the tourism industry, though still in its early stages, is already hurting.

He cited the Level 4 travel advisory issued by the U.S. Department of State-the highest level of warning-which indicates a high likelihood of life-threatening risks such as active conflict, widespread crime, severe disease outbreaks, or terrorism.

‘Because of that, we have registered several cancellations from certain markets, such as the U.S., which has gone ahead to issue a travel ban,’ Mr Gessa said.

‘Such advisories heavily affect our business here. They cause a lot of cancellations, and indeed, the impact is already felt within our tourism circles.’

He continued: ‘The damage will not only be felt in gorilla tracking permits, but also in the overall number of tourists and travelers coming into the country.’

Amidst these challenges, Mr Gessa stressed that Uganda is not the epicenter of the disease, and as a result, business continues as usual.

‘People must know that Uganda is actually safe,’ he said. ‘We are open and welcoming to every traveler coming to this country.’

Billions in losses

In another interview, the chief executive officer of the Uganda Hotel Owners Association (UHOA), Ms Jean Byamugisha, told NMGU that since last week, hotels have been getting cancellations amounting to billions of shillings, reminiscent of the Covid-19 pandemic days.

We have been on an upward trajectory. We’ve just hosted a very successful Pearl of Africa Expo. We have been bidding for more conferences and events. People have been acknowledging Uganda, and more inquiries have been made.

‘Now, all the work we have been doing in the past has evaporated because of this news about Ebola.

‘People who are supposed to go to the UK for a conference and all that have had their visas canceled because of Ebola.

‘I also think it’s because the virus is referred to as ‘Bundibugyo.’ So, when people Google the name and it brings them to, say, Uganda, they avoid the country. So, we are taking a greater hit than the DRC, or even Rwanda, which is much closer to the DRC.’

Economic shockwaves of Ebola on businesses

Ebola virus outbreaks harm businesses primarily through reduced economic activity, localised mobility restrictions, supply chain disruptions, and mass consumer aversion (fear of infection). According to the Economic Policy Research Centre (EPRC) in Uganda, such epidemics spike the cost of doing business while severely depressing both domestic and international market demand.

The specific effects of Ebola on the commercial landscape include:

The hospitality collapse

Cancellations: News of outbreaks often triggers panic, leading to a steep drop in international arrivals. Tour operators and hotels in Uganda have historically faced massive cancellation rates of up to 40 percent as foreign travelers avoid affected regions.

Revenue losses: Occupancy rates and restaurant dining volumes plummet, forcing the services sector into below-potential performance.

Supply chain disruptions

Border restrictions: Quarantine measures and regional border closures (such as those between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) significantly slow down cross-border trade.

Input costs: The cost of doing business spikes. Companies face higher operational expenses due to mandatory investments in health and safety compliance (for example disposable masks, hand sanitisers, and temperature scanners).

Labour and productivity

Workforce reductions: Mobility restrictions, localised lockdowns, and illness cause labour shortages.

Rising demands: Employees often demand higher compensation to justify the risk of working during an epidemic, exacerbating production costs for businesses.

Sector-specific shocks

Agriculture and markets: Fear-driven behaviours extend to the agricultural sector. For instance, outbreaks have previously caused sharp declines in the sales and slaughter rates of livestock (such as pigs), disrupting livelihoods in rural and peri-urban areas.

Businesses adapt by scaling up digital integration and relying heavily on government and health awareness campaigns to reassure customers that operations are safe.

The 2026 USSSA Boys Football Championship in Lira City delivered more than just a new winner and standout performances. Beneath the goals, upsets and individual brilliance, the tournament exposed shifting power dynamics, governance questions and welfare concerns.

Kitende’s trophy drought concerning

Record 11-time champions St Mary’s Kitende are going through an unfamiliar spell of decline. For three consecutive editions, they have finished third, their last triumph dating back to Fort Portal in 2023.

For a side that once set the standard for dominance, this is now a worrying trend rather than a temporary dip.

Historically, Kitende never went long without silverware. Their previous longest wait came between 2009 and 2010 before Buddo SS and Bishop Nankyama interrupted their dominance. This current three-year stretch feels different.

What stands out most is not just the results, but the leadership gap. In their peak years, Kitende had on-field generals like Noordin Bunjo and Dan Birikwalira, players who carried authority. That presence appears missing.

Head coach Hassan Zungu is now under growing scrutiny in a system where patience is scarce. At Kitende, success is not negotiated, it is expected. And with project owner Lawrence Mulindwa known for high standards, the pressure is unmistakable.

Kyaddondo mean business

While much attention has been on Kitende’s decline and Amus’ rise, one of the clearest structural shifts has been Kyaddondo SS Matugga stepping into contention.

The school, rooted in a strong sporting culture, is rapidly becoming a multi-discipline powerhouse, competing strongly in football, hockey, netball, volleyball, basketball, athletics and even emerging sports like pool.

Their progress has been steady: quarterfinalists last year and now semi-finalists after eliminating defending champions Buddo, a statement result achieved in just their third major appearance.

Kyaddondo is part of the KCCA-linked schools of excellence programme, alongside Kibuli, Masaka and Old Kampala.

Head teacher Hajji Ismail Waliggo, who also doubles as a rally driver, believes the trajectory is clear.

‘We are building athletes who can compete at both national and international level. This is not about participation; it is about producing winners,’ Waliggo said.

USSSA awards raise credibility questions

The tournament’s individual awards sparked as much debate as the football itself.

USSSA came under scrutiny for decisions that left many neutrals questioning the selection criteria.

The Most Valuable Player award went to Bukedea striker Simon Wanyama, who also won the title in 2024 with St Julian. While his impact was notable, debate remains over whether he was the standout player of the tournament.

Amus midfielder John Brian Otim, who produced one of the goals of the competition and consistently dictated games, was widely tipped as the more influential figure. Others, including Bukedea teammates Ryan Giggs Osinya and Charles Lwanga, were also cited as having more all-round impact.

The top scorer award stirred more controversy. St Peter’s Tororo forward Matthew Ethan Mukwhana was credited with 12 goals, many of which came in classification matches.

The exclusion of goals from the main championship phase raised questions about the weight given to different stages of the tournament, especially given disparities in match duration and squad strength used in classification fixtures.

Capacity building is working but …

Efforts to professionalise the tournament through capacity building in refereeing, media and administration are beginning to show results.

Student referees have improved overall match control and incidents of overt match manipulation seem limited. Results reporting and communication have also improved significantly, with more timely updates and structured pre-match briefings introduced during the final stages.

However, challenges remain in enforcement of age eligibility rules. While systems to identify ineligible players have improved, enforcement still relies heavily on team-by-team verification rather than independent audits, leaving room for inconsistencies.

There are also concerns about the growing reliance on interns across refereeing and media roles, which, while building experience, sometimes places too much pressure on inexperienced personnel in high-stakes environments. Mainstream media engagement remains limited.

Welfare is the weakest link

Despite improved organisation, player welfare continues to lag behind expectations.

Teams raised concerns about long distances between venues in Lira, with some schools commuting up to 8km for matches and struggling with scheduling that saw early kick-offs clash with meal times.

Bukedea coach Ronald Ssali also highlighted the physical strain on teams, arguing that squad depth remains a major concern in such a congested format.

‘A 20-man squad is too small for a tournament where you can play up to eight matches of 80 minutes in a short period. Fatigue becomes inevitable, and recovery is not enough,’ Ssali noted.

There were also reports of teams missing lunch entirely on matchdays, forcing some schools to prepare their own meals despite a participation fee of Shs3m per team. With 64 schools contributing up to Shs190m to the championship, questions persist over adequacy of welfare provisions.

Residents and leaders in Lwengo Town Council, Lwengo District, have issued a one-week ultimatum to the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) to restore power, warning of massive protests over a crippling three-month blackout.

The prolonged electricity outage, sparked by a faulty transformer, has brought economic activity to a virtual standstill and severely disrupted service delivery across several government institutions, security agencies, and private businesses.

Among the worst hit are the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA), the judicial courts, public schools, the police, and the Lwengo District headquarters.

To maintain basic service delivery, government departments have been forced to rely on expensive alternative energy sources, straining local budgets.

A visit by this publication to the NIRA offices revealed that the institution is running entirely on a generator. Officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, disclosed that they spend approximately Shs200,000 daily on fuel to keep registration equipment running.

Similarly, at the Lwengo District headquarters, officials revealed they are burning through Shs150,000 per day on generator fuel to sustain minimal administrative operations.

The economic toll on local traders and residents has been equally devastating. Mr Deo Ssekatawa, who operates a poultry feed processing plant and a maize flour milling business in Central Zone, said the lack of power ultimately forced him to shut down his operations entirely.

The blackout has also triggered a socio-economic ripple effect. Ms. Sylvia Nansikombi, a resident, noted that the timing of the outage has compounded the burden on parents ahead of the new school term.

“The reopening of schools has created additional challenges for many parents. Businesses that previously provided our daily income have been completely crippled, leaving many families unable to raise school fees for their children,” Ms. Nansikombi lamented.

Beyond the economic losses, the prolonged darkness has compromised public safety. Mr Twaha Mukasa, the chairperson of Central Zone Village, reported a sharp spike in criminal activities since the transformer broke down.

“Thieves are now breaking into homes under the cover of darkness. As local security personnel, we are finding it increasingly difficult to combat crime because we cannot effectively patrol the area without streetlights or security lights,” Mr Mukasa said.

The crisis has also fueled allegations of corruption. Ms. Hadijah Nakaggwa, another Central Zone resident, accused UEDCL of discrimination, alleging that the utility company bypassed regular channels to reconnect wealthy individuals to alternative power lines while leaving less privileged residents in the dark.

Local leaders have condemned UEDCL’s sluggish response, warning that public patience has run out.

The Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Mr Bonny Venture Rwatangabo, strongly criticized UEDCL for negligence, noting that his office had written multiple letters to the company with no tangible results.

Lwengo District Chairperson, Mr Kizito Abasi, revealed that he recently had to intervene to stop furious residents from destroying power infrastructure in protest.

‘People have run out of patience. Earlier this week, residents were planning to demonstrate and cut down the electricity poles connected to the faulty transformer, but I managed to calm them down,” Mr. Kizito said.

He added: “I appeal to UEDCL to resolve this matter within one week. If they fail, I will personally lead the affected residents to storm the UEDCL offices.’

When contacted, Mr Michael Kabanda, the UEDCL manager for the Masaka region, acknowledged the crisis and stated that the company is sourcing a replacement transformer. He urged the residents of Lwengo to remain calm and patient as technical teams work to restore the grid.

Former Trade Ministry Permanent Secretary Geraldine Ssali and her co-accused will now have to defend themselves in court after the Constitutional Court struck down a provision of the Human Rights Enforcement Act that had been used to challenge criminal prosecutions over violations of non-derogable rights.

In a landmark ruling delivered on Monday, a panel of five judges declared Section 11(2) of the Human Rights Enforcement Act unconstitutional. The section had required courts to nullify criminal proceedings and acquit accused persons whenever their non-derogable rights were found to have been violated.

The judges are Oscar Kihika, Margaret Tibulya, Moses Kawumi Kazibwe, Asa Mugenyi and Musa Ssekaana.

The decision removes a key legal hurdle that had threatened to derail prosecution of Ssali, Igara East MP Michael Mawanda Muranga, Elgon County MP Ignatius Wamakuyu Mudiimi, lawyer Julius Taitankoko Kirya, principal cooperative officer Leonard Kavundira, and former Busiki County MP Paul Akamba over alleged mismanagement of Shs3.8 billion meant for Buyaka Growers Cooperative Society Limited.

The constitutional petition was filed by Faruku Muhamed and others, while the related constitutional reference arose from criminal proceedings involving Akamba. Akamba had challenged his prosecution, arguing he was tortured by security operatives during arrest and that the violation of his rights entitled him to an acquittal under Section 11(2).

The Constitutional Court ruled the provision was inconsistent with the Constitution because it allowed accused persons to be acquitted without a full trial. ‘The Constitution is unequivocal that an acquittal may only ensue upon the conclusion of a trial in which the court has received, scrutinised and evaluated the evidence,’ the judges held.

The court further found the provision unfairly denied victims of crime the opportunity to be heard and undermined accountability. ‘Any statutory provision that has the effect of denying victims of crime an opportunity to be heard, or that undermines their legitimate interests in the adjudicative process, must be scrutinized with the highest level of constitutional vigilance,’ the court stated.

The judges also rejected arguments that the right to a fair hearing belongs only to accused persons. ‘The right to a fair hearing is not confined solely to accused persons. Article 28(1) expressly guarantees a fair hearing to ‘a person’ and not merely to ‘an accused’,’ the court ruled.

For Ssali and her co-accused, the ruling means the Anti-Corruption Division of the High Court can proceed with hearing substantive corruption and money laundering charges that have been pending for months amid procedural delays.

Prosecution alleges Ssali abused her office during the 2021/2022 financial year by irregularly introducing Buyaka Growers Cooperative Society onto a list of entities eligible for government compensation for war losses despite the cooperative not appearing in the approved supplementary budget. She is also accused of authorizing payments totaling Shs3.8 billion to Kirya and Company Advocates in contravention of Treasury Instructions.

The state contends that between 2019 and 2023, the accused persons conspired to defraud government of more than Shs3.4 billion earmarked for compensating cooperatives affected during the 1981-1986 liberation war and subsequent insurgencies.

The trial has faced repeated interruptions, including adjournments caused by absent prosecutors and the pending Constitutional Court proceedings. Last week, Anti-Corruption Division Judge Jane Okuo Kajuga adjourned the case to June 29, 2026, after state prosecutors failed to appear because they were attending a national prosecution symposium.

With the Constitutional Court having resolved the legal challenge at the centre of Akamba’s defence, attention is expected to shift back to the Anti-Corruption Division, where prosecutors will seek to present evidence against Ssali and her co-accused in one of the country’s most closely watched corruption cases.