Category: Daily Monitor

JustMarkets, one of the leading international brokerages, is pleased to inform its clients about the upcoming launch of the trading in SpaceX (SPCX) CFD shares. Starting from 17 June 2026, traders will be able to trade on the one of the most watched private aerospace enterprises on the JustMarkets trading platform, thus gaining access to trading in the innovative sphere that may affect the development of the global economy in the future.

SpaceX IPO is seen by many experts as a landmark moment in global financial markets. With SpaceX being one of the leading private enterprises in the aerospace field, satellite manufacturing and private space explorations, its entry to the public market may draw significant attention to the company from traders, investors, institutions and financial analysts.

A representative of JustMarkets commented on the upcoming launch:

“Financial markets continue to grow, and traders are increasingly interested in companies that are driving innovation across industries. SpaceX is one of the most recognized names in modern aerospace and technology. By adding SpaceX stocks CFDs to our product lineup, we are providing our clients with access to new market opportunities while continuing to expand the range of instruments available for trading.”

Including SpaceX stocks CFDs in the trading portfolio, JustMarkets will allow its clients to track the dynamics of price movement, study the situation on the market and perform transactions with the instrument, utilizing all the trading instruments offered by the company.

This instrument will complete the existing portfolio of the CFDs products offered by the brokerage firm including forex, raw materials, precious metals, indices, crypto-currencies and stocks. The arrival of SpaceX CFDs demonstrates the commitment of the company to providing its clients with relevant, popular and internationally discussed market instruments.

Starting from 17 June 2026, JustMarkets clients will be able to trade SpaceX (SPCX) stocks CFDs and take part in one of the most significant stock market launches of history.

As registration of 2026 Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) continues in schools, officials in the education sector are urging Senior Four candidates and their parents to look beyond the traditional A-level pathway but also consider Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions as a viable option after O-Level.

While most students continue to aspire to join Advanced Level studies, and fill in their best schools options for A-Level during registration, officials say that technical and vocational training offers opportunities for employment, entrepreneurship and further education, especially at a time when the government is investing heavily in skills development. Mr Narasi Kambaho, the head of communications at the Uganda Vocational and Technical Assessment Board (UVTAB), says candidates registering for UCE should use this period to begin thinking about the education pathway they intend to pursue after completing O-Level.

‘At Senior Four, S.6 and P.7 learners have an opportunity to choose different pathways. Some may proceed to A-Level, while others pursue technical and vocational training’ Mr Kambaho said. ‘What is important is that learners and parents understand that TVET is not a second option but a pathway to successful careers and employment.’

However, Mr Kambaho insists that TVET training remains open to any one regardless of their academic qualifications.

‘TVET is open for anyone at any one time you want. We look at the flexibility and access, as well as the equity, ‘ Mr Kambaho said.

Mr Kambaho explained that learners who fill vocational institutions have an opportunity of government sponsorship that supports learners pursuing skills-based training. ‘When they are making choices, they select TVET institutions, whether at P7, after Senior 4, Senior 6, so they are able to be admitted on government sponsorship scheme under the student arrangement,’ he said. Over the years, the government has increased investment in TVET institutions across the country through the construction of technical schools, vocational institutes and training centres aimed at producing a skilled workforce to support Uganda’s industrialisation agenda.

The government also provides scholarships and sponsorship opportunities in public TVET institutions, enabling learners from different backgrounds to access skills training. However, school administrators note that such opportunities remain underutilised, as many students and parents continue to prioritise the academic route leading to university without adequately considering labour market demands. Mr Evaristo Ngabirano, the Deputy Headteacher of St Barnabas Secondary School in Kabale District, said the challenge remains the perception that vocational education is only for learners who perform poorly in academic examinations.

‘A big number of my students register for TVET but, by the end of the day, they opt for A-Level when the results are released. They look at technical training as a dirty job. Most of them do not like working for long hours; they prefer sitting in offices,’ Mr Ngabirano said. Mr Ngabirano emphasised the need for continuous sensitisation and promotion of vocational training. Mr Kambaho agrees, adding that UVTAB is running promotional campaigns and providing career guidance in schools to educate students about vocational opportunities. ‘We need learners to appreciate that skills are marketable. Whether it is electrical installation, welding, building and construction, automotive technology, agriculture or information technology, these are areas where the country requires trained professionals,’ Mr Kambaho said.

‘TVET produces people with skills for the right occupations.’ The push for TVET comes as Uganda seeks to address youth unemployment through skills development. The government has repeatedly identified skilling as a key pillar in transforming the economy and creating jobs for the country’s growing youth population. Mr Kambaho argues that as UCE candidates prepare for their final examinations, schools should strengthen career guidance programmes to help learners make informed decisions about their future. According to Mr David Akope, the deputy headteacher of Wera Seed School in Amuria District, the current trend is for students to make their choices during the placement period for the next cycle of education.

He explained that while some students view TVET as a pathway to acquiring skills that can secure self-employment, it has long been overlooked because of the enduring preference for white-collar jobs. ‘There has, however, been a recent surge in the number of students transitioning to A-Level due to favourable government policy towards science education. Most learners now take mainly science combinations at A-Level as a result of the lucrative benefits and earnings associated with science-oriented jobs,’ Mr Akope said.

He added: ‘I look at this rush for A-Level studies as somewhat disadvantageous to the country because some students who would not ordinarily qualify for the science combinations they choose are taking them due to pressure. In the end, we may have a workforce that is ill-equipped.’ Mr Akope urged schools to place students according to their abilities to ensure quality outcomes, particularly through effective career guidance for both parents and students. He emphasised that, in order to increase enrolment, TVET institutions are expected to play a critical role in producing the skilled workforce needed to drive industrial growth, reduce unemployment and support national development. Over the years, there has been an increase in the number of students joining TVET institutions in Uganda. As perceptions towards vocational training gradually change, enrolment continues to rise.

The government has urged female motorists in the Kampala Metropolitan Area to become the leading champions of road safety awareness, citing their disciplined track record as a potential secret weapon in reducing the country’s soaring traffic fatalities.

The call was made by Ms Adrine Kobusingye, the chairperson of the NRM Women’s League, during a meeting with the Kampala Twezimbe Women Boda Boda Riders Association. The engagement focused on equipping female riders with the skills and support needed to thrive in a heavily male-dominated sector while promoting professionalism, safety, and self-reliance.

‘As women, we must continue to lead by example, embrace discipline, support one another, and contribute positively to safer roads and stronger communities,’ Ms. Kobusingye said. She praised the resilience of the riders, many of whom are mothers, noting that their presence in the transport sector is a testament to the success of government affirmative action.

‘I am so thankful to our government and to our President. In the past, women were left behind, but now they can be part of everything. I have seen women plumbers and women who climb electricity poles. It is exciting,’ she added.

The power of the minority

According to statistics from the local boda boda industry, there are currently only 104 registered female riders in the metropolitan area, representing a tiny fraction compared to the estimated 90,000 male riders who dominate 83 percent of the business.

Despite their small numbers, Ms. Kobusingye noted that female riders hold a distinct competitive advantage over their male counterparts due to public trust.

‘If they package themselves, build a brand, become innovative, and connect directly to homes, they can grow their numbers rapidly. Personally, I would feel more comfortable calling a woman to deliver an item than a man,’ she explained.

Disciplined driving saves lives

This sentiment was backed by traffic police data. Speaking at the event, SP Michael Kananura, the spokesperson for the Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety, revealed that women are among the most cautious road users in the country.

SP Kananura noted that traffic incident reports from last year showed male riders dying in much higher numbers due to risky behavior. Furthermore, women are rarely registered as traffic offenders.

‘If we have more women in the boda boda industry, traffic crashes are likely to reduce significantly,’ SP Kananura stated.

The push for discipline comes at a critical time. According to the 2025 Annual Police Crime and Safety Report, Uganda registered a grim spike in road carnage. At least 5,383 people died in traffic accidents in 2025, translating to roughly 15 deaths daily. This was an increase from the 5,144 fatalities recorded in 2024, which averaged 13 deaths a day.

Shifting mindsets

Ms. Dativah Mukeshimana, the Chairperson of the Kampala Twezimbe Women Boda Boda Riders Association, emphasized that the group aims to dismantle stereotypes while boosting the economy.

‘We want to cause a behavioral change and a shift in mindset in how people see the role of women in society. These female riders deserve to be seen as professional, safe, and responsible,’ Mukeshimana said.

To support this vision, representatives from the Ministry of Works and Transport sensitised the riders on the upcoming reintroduction of the Express Penalty Scheme (EPS). The system is being fine-tuned to enforce compliance, punish reckless driving, and lower crash rates.

During the engagement, the female riders underwent comprehensive training covering road safety regulations, customer care, mental health management, and defensive riding.

Economists, experts, and business leaders have implored government to exercise a high degree of transparency while formulating predictable policies if Uganda is to achieve its ambitious tenfold growth strategy, which targets expanding the economy from $50 billion in 2023 to $500 billion by 2040.

Discussing the impact of the FY2026/27 national budget on employment reforms and sovereignty legislation during the 2026 Foreign Chambers Policy Summit, the experts said Uganda can meet the target if transparency and accountability are upheld.

Ms Eve Zalwango, General Manager at the American Chamber of Commerce of Uganda, said the country holds strong potential as an investment destination driven by its youthful population and expanding regional trade opportunities.

‘However, unlocking this potential requires consistent policy implementation. Policies that attract investors into the country are good for us all,’ she said.

In a rejoinder, Mr Mark Turyamureba, Head of Legal at AmCham Uganda, said opportunities emerging from the economic transformation agenda will require a supportive policy environment.

‘It will require policies that are predictable, transparent, consultative, and practical,’ he said. ‘It will require a regulatory environment that supports innovation while safeguarding national interests, and it will require strong partnerships between government and the private sector.’

Stakeholders said policy certainty will be critical in attracting investment, creating jobs and sustaining long-term economic growth as Uganda pursues industrialization, value addition, export promotion, digital transformation, infrastructure development and regional trade integration.

Uganda in 2023 launched the Tenfold Growth Strategy, a plan to expand GDP from roughly $50 billion to $500 billion by 2040. To realise it, government zeroed its focus on four priority sectors code-named ATMS: Agro-industrialisation, Tourism, Mineral development, and Science/Technology innovation.

Government has been aligning budgets and development plans to these areas. The fourth National Development Plan, launched last year and running from FY2025/26 to FY2029/30, aims at accelerating socio-economic transformation. The Shs84 trillion budget read by the Finance Minister last week is also aimed at advancing this growth agenda.

Mr Turyamureba described the national budget as more than a fiscal document because businesses closely monitor government spending priorities when making decisions on expansion, hiring and long-term investments.

‘Uganda has set itself an ambitious vision of transforming into a 10-fold economy, and the timing of this summit could not be more important as stakeholders come together to strengthen the investment climate and build the policy environment needed for sustainable economic growth and development,’ he said.

Business leaders noted that employment reforms remain central to Uganda’s growth agenda, adding that creating a more competitive labour market, strengthening workforce development, and fostering an environment where businesses can thrive is key to tackling unemployment that undermines growth.

Economists and bankers emphasised policy predictability and transparency, noting that confidence remains the foundation for investment and long-term development.

Investors, they said, need assurance through clear policies, reliable institutions, respected contracts, and sustained dialogue between public and private sectors to attract and retain them.

The policy and investment summit was organized by AmCham Uganda in collaboration with the British Chamber of Commerce, the French Chamber of Commerce and the Netherlands-Uganda Trade and Investment Platform.

Anna Grodzki, Managing Director of Matooke Tours and a NUTIP board member, said collaboration among chambers over the past 18 months had strengthened private sector advocacy and engagement with government institutions.

‘We take our role very seriously in policy engagement and advocacy because we do see that this is one of the main advisors we can give to our membership spaces,’ Grodzki said.

She said joint engagements with the Ministry of Finance, Parliament and government agencies had enabled businesses to raise concerns and recommendations on issues affecting investment and operations.

Grodzki noted that policymakers had shown willingness to listen, though more structured engagement and data-sharing were needed.

‘We often find that there’s a lack of data or a lack of engagement with the private sector in a very sustainable and substantial way,’ she said.

Ugandans are yet again facing higher fuel prices, largely driven by tensions in the Middle East. The ongoing US/Israel-Iran conflict has unsettled global oil markets, disrupting supplies. For fuel-importing countries like Uganda, such shocks quickly transmit into higher pump prices, transport costs, and economy-wide inflation.

Recent data from the Uganda Bureau of Statistics shows that monthly energy fuel and utilities (EFU) Inflation experienced a 1.8 percent increase in April, up from 1.0 percent in March. This was largely due to a 4.8 percent increase in the monthly Liquid Energy Fuels Inflation, with petrol and diesel prices experiencing the biggest jumps.

Between January and June 2026, the average retail price of petrol rose from nearly Shs5,058 to Shs6,617, while diesel rose from Shs4,693 to Shs6,490 per litre. These increases translate into higher living costs in form of high food prices, manufactured products, and services for the average household. Could global oil price swings boost Uganda’s adoption of electric vehicles? The recent surge in global fuel prices is already accelerating the shift toward e-mobility in Europe, Latin America, and the Asia-Pacific region, as consumers seek alternatives to petrol and diesel vehicles. In Uganda, the economic case is particularly compelling when comparing electric vehicles (EVs) with traditional fossil fuel-powered vehicles. A recent study by the Economic Policy Research Centre (EPRC) shows that EVs are cheaper to operate and maintain than their fuel counterparts, mainly in terms of annual maintenance costs and energy consumption per kilometre.

A typical petrol or diesel vehicle consumes approximately 10 litres of fuel every 100 kilometres, costing the owner about $2,400 (Shs8.75m) a year in fuel alone. In contrast, EVs run on electricity worth just $400 (Shs1.45m) annually. The gap is even wider for buses, with the overall cost of ownership, operation and maintenance of an electric bus (E-bus) only 60 percent of its equivalent diesel-powered bus. For every 100 kilometres, the E-bus spends nearly Shs38,630 on energy, while its diesel counterpart requires energy worth Shs229,500. In addition, E-motorcycle riders earn on average Shs135,445 in weekly profit, compared to Shs93,855 for riders using petrol motorcycles. For many motorcycle riders, fuel is the biggest daily expense. Reducing that burden by switching to electric could mean more money for other needs such as food.

The EPRC study finds that the country’s EV adoption readiness has a moderate score of 0.67, which is above the African average (0.58), though still behind regional peers like Kenya and Rwanda. In addition, the e-mobility ecosystem is gradually taking shape, with over 80 active players spanning manufacturing, financing, energy provision, policy, infrastructure and transportation. Charging stations and battery-swapping networks are expanding. However, significant barriers remain,including affordability with over 60 percent of respondents indicating that EVs are still too expensive at initial purchase.

Most potential users prefer leasing or other financing plans rather than outright purchases, highlighting a need for innovative financing models. Infrastructure gaps are equally critical. Inadequate charging/swapping stations (existing ones mainly located within urban areas), limited repair and maintenance services outside urban areas, and power reliability, continue to hinder EV adoption. To unlock the full potential of e-mobility, Uganda should accelerate investment in charging and battery-swapping infrastructure, expand access to affordable financing. Consistent and supportive policy measures, including tax incentives , will also be essential in lowering entry barriers and encouraging private sector participation.

Manchester United have acquired “the majority” of land needed to build a proposed new 100,000-seater stadium, the club announced on Monday.

United have secured 25 acres of land close to Old Trafford as they push on with plans to build the largest sporting arena in the UK.

Club bosses expect the project to cost around £2 billion ($2.64bn), although specific details about proposed funding have not been released.

“Today’s news highlights the progress we’re making towards a world-class new home for Manchester United and represents a significant milestone as we move into the next phase of development,” CEO of the new stadium development Collette Roche said.

“Being able to build so close to Old Trafford allows us to preserve the heritage, traditions and rituals that are so important to our fans.

“We are committed to building a world-class stadium with our supporters, not just for them, with atmosphere, affordability and accessibility at the heart of our thinking.”

United are hopeful that Andy Burnham’s departure as mayor of Greater Manchester will not affect their plans to build a new stadium.

Burnham has been a key supporter of the project — which was announced in March 2025 — but will step down as mayor after winning the Makerfield by-election.

The 56-year-old is expected to become the UK’s next prime minister after Sir Keir Starmer announced his resignation on Monday.

Authorities at Kigulu College in Namungalwe sub-county, Iganga District, are grappling with a severe accommodation crisis that has forced hundreds of students to study in emergency tents and makeshift structures.

The government-aided institution, which implements the Universal Secondary Education (USE) program, is currently overwhelmed by a skyrocketing student population of about 2,800 learners. This massive enrolment has triggered severe congestion in classrooms, acute shortages of desks, and heavily constrained the capacity of the existing science and computer laboratories.

Popularly referred to as the ‘Giant’ by locals in the Busoga sub-region due to its outstanding performance in both academic and co-curricular activities, the school’s stellar reputation has ironically become its biggest undoing.

Speaking over the weekend, the headteacher, Ms. Rehema Kasuubo Rebecca, explained that while student admissions have surged over the years, infrastructure development has crawled at a painfully slow pace.

‘We are a USE-implementing institution and therefore not supposed to charge any school fees. We have tried to put up six more classrooms using local collections and also received two classrooms from the district, but there is still a severe shortage to accommodate these big numbers,’ Ms. Kasuubo said.

To cope with the daily influx, the school sought assistance from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), which stepped in to donate large emergency tents to serve as temporary classrooms. Other students are forced to take lessons in makeshift structures assembled out of wood, timber, and iron sheets.

Ms. Kasuubo noted that beyond the shortage of space, many of the permanent older structures are dilapidated due to age and require urgent renovation-resources for which the school completely lacks.

‘When the classes are crowded, it heavily affects the teaching and learning process because both the teacher’s and learner’s movements are restricted,’ Ms. Kasuubo explained.

The school administration has formally written to the Ministry of Education and Sports requesting urgent intervention. Currently, the school operates without a main hall and has very few computers to support the digital demands of the lower secondary curriculum.

According to the school management, the primary requirements needed to stabilize the situation include:

Shs2 billion to commence construction of a storied building to house eight classrooms and administrative offices.

An upgraded computer laboratory with adequate functional computers for ICT lessons.

A main assembly hall for student gatherings and examinations.

An immediate supply of double-seater desks to eliminate floor-sitting during lessons.

“We are optimistic that we shall be assisted because the ministry has promised to come to our rescue when funds are available. This is a public school and we cannot stop any student who wants to join it,” the headteacher added.

On staffing, Ms. Kasuubo commended the government for providing textbooks and retooling teachers to implement the new curriculum content. However, she revealed that out of the school’s 65 teachers, only 40 are on the government payroll. The remaining 25 are paid through internally generated funds by the Board of Governors (BoG).

‘If I get all my teachers on the government payroll, I would redirect the money which is currently paid to the BoG teachers to develop the school’s infrastructure,’ she noted.

Despite these daunting bottlenecks, Kigulu College has maintained its academic prowess. Mr. Baker Kasadha, the Iganga Municipal Education Officer, confirmed that the school continues to post excellent results in both Ordinary (O) and Advanced (A) level national examinations. He attributed the massive enrolment to the deep confidence parents have in the institution’s track record.

However, Mr. Kasadha offered little immediate hope for local government infrastructure funding in the short term.

“This financial year we have a limited budget and we don’t have any plan to construct classrooms for that school. But we have also informed relevant authorities about the congestion in classrooms and I think something will be done,” Mr. Kasadha said.

The Chairperson of the Board of Governors, Rev. Godfrey Wabukolo, stated that they are actively working with all stakeholders to create a more conducive learning environment.

Established in 1979 by the Anglican Church and later taken over by the government in 1984, Kigulu College remains a beacon of hope in Busoga. Ms. Kasuubo, who took over the school’s leadership in 2021 after serving as deputy headteacher since 2016, urged parents to change their mindset toward free education. She blamed the poor academic performance of most USE schools across the country on a negative parental attitude.

‘Some parents have up to now not understood the value of education. We keep on sensitizing them, but we still have a lot of work to do to make them appreciate the value of education,’ she concluded.

I do not think vocational education should be seen as a last resort for students who fail examinations. Many learners choose vocational subjects because they are passionate about them and their schools offer those opportunities. I chose baking because it teaches me how to prepare good meals, and I believe it can provide me with a source of income in the future. Through both theory and practical lessons, I am gaining valuable skills. Parents should support their children by allowing them to pursue the skills they are interested in, and learners should work hard to perfect those skills.’

Danley Ngaruko, S.2 Red, Greenhill Academy

‘Vocational education is important because it helps learners broaden their minds and learn things that they may not be taught at home. It equips us with practical skills that can help us earn an income and prepare for the future. I enjoy activities such as juice-making because they are engaging and practical. School activities like swimming galas and sports days also help us develop different talents and abilities.’

Shifah Agaba, S.3 Blue, Greenhill Academy

‘Vocational education should not be treated as a last option. Before deciding what a child should study, parents and teachers should first consider the child’s interests. Some students may struggle with academic subjects but excel in practical areas such as food and nutrition. Even if they do not perform well in theory, they can still use their vocational skills to earn a living and build successful careers.’

Haggai Adiira, S.4, Kakungulu Memorial Secondary School

‘I believe vocational education should be considered by all learners, not only those who have failed academically. A person can experience academic challenges and still achieve great success through vocational training. Vocational education keeps the mind active and productive rather than idle. When people acquire practical skills, they are able to create employment opportunities and earn an income.’

Mariam Namubiru, S.5 Arts, Kakungulu Memorial Secondary School

‘I do not think vocational education should be viewed as a last resort. In some cases, students who join vocational training immediately after Primary Seven gain practical experience much earlier than those who continue with the traditional academic route up to Senior Four. For example, a learner who takes an ICT course after Primary Seven may already possess advanced skills and experience by the time their peers complete Senior Four.’

Elvis Gibbs Kaluusimbi, S.5, Kakungulu Memorial Secondary School

‘No, vocational education should be taken seriously because education that only provides knowledge is not enough for us to survive; we also need practical skills. My mother has tailoring skills, from which she earns a living, and I would also love to become a designer.’

Gift Namukasa, S.2, Greenhill Academy

‘No. I do not think vocational education should be treated as a last resort because nowadays we are required to demonstrate practical skills as much as theoretical knowledge. Not everyone has to excel academically.’

Agenonwot Gimbo, S.4, Pride Academy Kisugu

‘No, but to be honest, many students see it that way. They first want to succeed academically because they also want to attain higher levels of education. However, I believe this is wrong, and students should change their mindset and focus on acquiring practical skills.’

Brian Okello, S.5, Pride Academy Kisugu

‘I believe vocational education should be prioritised rather than treated as a last resort. Acquiring practical skills alongside academic studies means that even if someone does not perform well in examinations, they can still earn a living. For example, a student with baking skills can start a business and become self-reliant despite failing their exams.’

Kaya Adikin, S.5, Kakungulu Memorial Secondary School

‘I think there should be a balance between vocational education and theoretical learning. While academic education is important, vocational training equips students with practical skills that enhance their abilities and creativity.’

Renowned Kenyan lawyer and Senior Counsel, Martha Karua, was on Monday denied entry into Uganda upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport and ordered to return to Kenya, the Uganda Law Society (ULS) has confirmed.

Ms. Karua, who serves as the lead counsel for veteran opposition politician Dr. Kizza Besigye and Hajj Obeid Lutale in an ongoing high-profile treason case, had traveled to Kampala to support the defense team of her colleague, Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago.

According to a statement released by the ULS on X (formerly Twitter), Ms. Karua was accompanied by the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President, Charles Kanjama, and other legal colleagues. While Mr. Kanjama and the rest of the delegation were cleared by immigration officials, Ms. Karua was singled out, blocked, and instructed to return to her home country without any explanation.

The incident unfolded just minutes before the Chief Magistrate’s Court in Makindye convened to deliver a ruling on the bail application of Mr. Lukwago. Lukwago, a prominent constitutional lawyer and opposition figure, is facing charges of misprision of treason. He was remanded to Luzira Prison last week, with the state alleging that he failed to disclose information regarding an alleged treasonous plot involving Dr. Besigye.

Dr. Besigye and Hajj Lutale were themselves recently arraigned before a military court following their controversial repatriation from Nairobi, Kenya, an incident that has sparked intense regional debate over legal jurisdiction and human rights.

ULS Deputy President, Antony Asiimwe, who was at Entebbe International Airport to welcome the regional delegation, expressed shock over the development, confirming that immigration authorities provided no justification for the deportation.

“We came to receive the team from Kenya… but when we reached the airport, we were made to understand that only two members of the team were allowed. Senior Counsel Martha Karua was not allowed to enter the country and she is being deported,” Mr. Asiimwe said.

He added: “No reason was given for the denial of her entry. They just told her she can’t enter Uganda.”

By press time, both the Ministry of Internal Affairs and immigration authorities had not yet issued an official statement regarding the legal grounds for denying entry to the prominent Kenyan statesman and lawyer.

A few days ago, Britain’s Prince William spoke about his children spending time outdoors, away from mobile phones and social media. It was an ordinary family comment. Yet I could not help noticing the irony.

Across Africa, millions of parents are working hard to ensure their children acquire the very technologies that some of the world’s most privileged families are increasingly trying to limit. The same pattern appears elsewhere. While wealthy consumers in Europe and North America pay premium prices for organic foods, many Africans are abandoning indigenous foods in favour of imported and highly processed alternatives.

While some societies are rediscovering local identity and cultural confidence, Africa often continues searching for validation from elsewhere. This raises an uncomfortable question: What if Africa’s greatest export is not coffee, gold, or oil, but confidence in itself? Over recent weeks, I have written about Kabaka Mwanga and the Uganda Martyrs, Burkina Faso’s celebration of traditional culture, the search for a more relevant curriculum in our schools, and the debate over whether poverty deserves as much attention as vaccines in preventing disease outbreaks. On the surface, these appear to be unrelated issues. In reality, they all revolve around the same question: Who gets to decide what knowledge matters, what history counts, and what progress looks like? I encountered this question again while discussing curriculum reform.

We want our children to think critically, yet many leave school knowing more about distant rivers, foreign civilisations, and imported ideas than the histories, geographies, and intellectual traditions that shaped their own communities. I encountered it again during recent conversations about traditional spirituality. Whether one embraces Christianity, Islam, or African belief systems is a matter of personal conviction. Yet many Africans can comfortably discuss Greek mythology, Roman history, or Biblical genealogies while becoming uneasy when discussing their own ancestral traditions. Even the debate about Kabaka Mwanga reflects a deeper struggle. History is never merely about facts. It is also about memory. Who is remembered? Who is forgotten? Who is celebrated, and who is condemned?

The stories a society chooses to tell reveal what it believes about itself. Decades ago, Pan-African thinker Stokely Carmichael challenged the world to think differently about power. Political independence, he argued, means little if others continue to control the institutions, narratives, and economic systems that shape your life. Africa’s challenge today may be even deeper. The question is not whether we control our governments. It is whether we control our imagination. Around the world, nations are increasingly searching for development paths rooted in their own histories and priorities. From America First in the United States to cultural confidence in China, India, and, more recently, Burkina Faso, societies are asking how to engage the modern world without losing themselves.

Perhaps Africa should ask the same question. The future of the continent will not be decided by whether we become more Western, more Eastern, more capitalist, or more socialist. It will be decided by whether we can participate confidently in the modern world without surrendering confidence in who we are. People can lose wealth and rebuild it. They can lose power and recover it. But when a people lose confidence in themselves, they often spend generations borrowing the dreams of others. That may be Africa’s most important challenge, and its greatest opportunity, in the twenty-first century.