Category: Daily Monitor

This is breast cancer awareness month and specialists at the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) have highlighted poor breastfeeding as one of the major reasons behind the 4,000 new breast cancer cases registered annually in the country.

The country is struggling with general increases in cancer cases, with an estimated 34,000 people developing different types of cancers each year, according to UCI. The cancer survival rate of around 20 percent means most of these patients die. Many patients do not get the right diagnosis and care due to gaps in our health system and poor health-seeking behaviour.

There are many risk factors (causes) of cancer that can be prevented, and those that are beyond our control.

Lifestyle-related factors such as not breastfeeding, smoking and physical inactivity are some of the known risk factors for cancer that can be prevented. Health experts say breastfeeding for a year and beyond offers stronger protection against breast cancer. They recommend breastfeeding for at least a year and up to two years.

But findings in the 2022 Uganda Demographic and Health Survey (UDHS) report show that close to 20 percent of mothers were not breastfeeding their children by the 12th month, the minimum time required to optimise the benefit of breastfeeding as a preventive measure for breast cancer. Breastfeeding declined further.

According to the UDHS report, by 18 months, more than 57 percent of mothers were no longer breastfeeding their children, meaning many mothers are not maximising the potential of this cancer prevention method.

Mothers should be encouraged to breastfeed their babies. For some time, activists have been advocating for the creation of breastfeeding areas at workplaces for privacy, but the implementation has been very slow, or not implemented at all.

Researchers have highlighted that there are other obstacles related to employment, with issues like short maternity leave, inflexible schedules, and a lack of private spaces for breastfeeding or pumping at work, as well as childcare limitations.

Husbands, communities and the government should continue encouraging mothers to breastfeed while addressing structural barriers to breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding is not only important for the prevention of cancer but also for the development of the baby by offering essential nutrients and imparting immunity to the baby for a healthier life.

But as we continue to advocate for the prevention of breast cancer by embracing longer breastfeeding, UCI scientists have also recommended frequent self-examination of one’s breasts to detect changes early and report to a nearby health facility if one senses lumps in the breast.

This applies to both men and women since all of them can be affected by breast cancer. Dr Jackson Orem, the UCI director, says with early detection and timely treatment, up to 90 percent of breast cancers are curable.

When his presidential caravan found its way in the eastern town of Bugiri a fortnight ago, National Unity Platform presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, also known as Bobi Wine, told voters in no uncertain terms to oust Asuman Basalirwa of the Justice Forum (Jeema). ‘Back our flag-bearer, Marcelino Mangeni Egesa,’ Bobi Wine told the crowd.

The relationship between Bobi Wine and Basalirwa could be traced back to 2018 when Bugiri Municipality held a by-election that ended with the latter becoming a lawmaker of the urban constituency that had been carved out of Bukholi North.

Basalirwa is a familiar face in Ugandan politics. The president of Jeema since 2010, Basalirwa is a former Makerere University Guild President. Until the 2018 by-election, his attempts to make it to Parliament had been futile.

His first shot at Parliament came in 2006 where he was outfoxed by Abdul Balingira Nakendo of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) in Bukholi North, Bugiri District. Nakendo’s happiness was short-lived as his victory was cancelled after all courts agreed with Uganda Peoples Congress (UPC) stalwart Patrick Mwondha that Nakendo’s academic papers were forged.

The by-election organised in 2008 gave Basalirwa another chance to join the House, but, still, NRM’s Stephen Baka Mugabi, who came in as Nakendo’s substitute, foiled those plans. Mugabi also defeated Basalirwa in the 2011 elections.

Another loss in the 2016 electoral cycle, this time suffered at the hands of Gaster Mugoya, who stood on the NRM ticket after the party had dumped Mugabi, left Basalirwa licking his wounds. Questions were posed about whether Basalirwa would ever translate his oratory and political skills that had seen him gain traction with the urban populace into electoral victory in rural Bugiri.

Despite losing at the ballot umpteen times, Basalirwa’s credibility within the Opposition ranks was on an upward spiral.

In 2010, aged 33, Basalirwa was appointed as Jeema president, replacing former presidential candidate Kibirige Mayanja.

In doing so, Basalirwa joined other party leaders like UPC’s Olara Otunnu and Norbert Mao of the Democratic Party (DP), for whom the Makerere guild leadership provided a stepping stone to the national stage.

Basalirwa, a lawyer, was a key cog in Opposition activism. If he wasn’t in the streets defying security forces, he was always available to rescue Opposition activists who had been jailed.

People Power tonic

By 2013, Basalirwa’s mentors-Dr Kizza Besigye, former Makindye West lawmaker Hussein Kyanjo, and former South African President Nelson Mandela affirmed his belief in activism and defiance.

After the 2016 General Election, the People Power movement, which would later morph into NUP, was up and running under Bobi Wine’s stewardship. In 2017, Kyagulanyi won the Kyadondo East parliamentary elections and sensed an opportunity to influence the politics of the country.

In the run-up to the 2021 elections, the government carved Bugiri Municipality from Bukholi North. This presented Basalirwa with another chance to join the House. The rural parts that left Basalirwa nursing a political migraine on account of being NRM strongholds were to remain in Bukholi North. Bobi Wine’s movement embraced Basalirwa on account that it was time for the young generation to take over.

Propelled by the movement, Basalirwa barnstormed the tiny constituency with 28 polling stations and 16,222 registered voters. He would go on to easily defeat the NRM’s Francis Oketcho with a margin of 3,267 votes.

Basalirwa also easily won re-election in 2021, having forged an alliance with NUP. Yet, a fortnight ago, Bobi Wine publicly declared that there was no thaw in relations between the two parties.

‘I camped here in 2018. You took me to the ghettos here in Bugiri, and I pleaded with you to vote for Asuman [Basalirwa] though you had rejected him previously. You agreed with me and voted for him, but he has since changed. He is no longer on the side of the people. And once I realise that a person is no longer on the side of the people, I come back here and I tell you. Basalirwa has betrayed us,’ Bobi Wine said.

‘Unholy’ alliance

We understand that differences emerged after Basalirwa developed a close relationship with the Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among and Moses Magogo, her partner.

Basalirwa’s closeness with Among came as a shock, considering that earlier, he had positioned himself as a supporter of Rebecca Kadaga.

During this current term, it has been commonplace to see Basalirwa join other NRM-leaning legislators, like David Kabanda of Kasambya County, while exchanging pleasantries with Speaker Among.

In January 2023, Basalirwa, together with a motley crew of lawmakers, accompanied the House Speaker as she traversed the Teso Sub-region, holding a number of fundraising ceremonies.

Still, in 2022, Basalirwa’s parents visited Among in her office and had their kodak moments. Whilst Basalirwa thinks his hobnobbing with Among is normal since she is the Speaker, NUP honchos have made it clear she is an obstacle in their resistance against the NRM.

The latest standoff NUP has with Among stems from what the Opposition’s leading political party says are underhanded methods of blocking any possible challenger to her political seat in Bukedea, including their member Marion Alupo. NUP alleges that, through stooges, Among has filed cases in the High Court to block any competition.

This, they add, explains why the Electoral Commission (EC) has ruled that Among’s competitors can’t be nominated because they are not natives of Bukedea. In an X post, Bobi Wine described the House Speaker as a ‘shameless woman’ after the EC pronounced itself on the matter. ‘We’re dealing with unprecedented impunity,’ Bobi Wine further roared.

Frosty relationship

NUP’s frosty relationship with Ms Among can be traced to the fallout the Speaker had with Francis Zaake, the Mityana Municipality lawmaker, a close associate of Bobi Wine. A social media post that Mr Zaake put out is believed to have riled the Speaker to the point that he was ousted from the parliamentary commission.

The House also adopted the report of the Committee on Rules, Discipline, and Privileges, presented by Abdu Katuntu, the Bugweri County MP. The report damned Zaake. The Constitutional Court, following a petition filed by Zaake, quashed this parliamentary resolution, saying there was no requisite quorum.

Speaker Among has also rumbled with NUP spokesperson Joel Ssenyonyi over the presentation of the report on the management of Uganda Airlines. Ssenyonyi, the Nakawa West MP, who then headed the House Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (Cosase), accused Among of refusing to put the issue on the Order Paper.

Among said her decision was informed by the fact that the report had been leaked. She went ahead to accuse Ssenyonyi, who is making his debut in Parliament, of being lazy.

With this kind of relationship, NUP has made it clear that Basalirwa should have distanced himself from the Speaker. The Bugiri Municipality lawmaker, however, remains calm.

Basalirwa reacts

Basalirwa has also accused Bobi Wine, who blocked him on social media, of being intolerant.

‘I have no problem with Kyagulanyi, but he has been consistent in attacking me and my people. He even did the same two years ago while in Bugiri. I was told it’s because I work well with the Speaker. But I advise him to focus on the presidency – he won’t lead Uganda without the rest of us.’

Nation Media Group Uganda (NMG-U) has been recognized among a group of forward-thinking organizations championing disability inclusion in the workplace through a year-long associates program spearheaded by Light for the World.

The program, launched in September 2024, was designed to provide people with disabilities with practical work experience, professional mentoring, and employability skills across seven partner organizations, including War Child Holland, Restless Development, Uganda Breweries Limited, the Federation for Uganda Employers, Outbox, and Light for the World itself.

At a recognition event held at Four Points by Sheraton, human resource professionals and associates shared lessons from the initiative aimed at strengthening inclusive employment practices.

NMGU hosted four associates across its editorial, finance, and production departments – a first for the media group.

Stella Mbekeka, HR at NMGU, said the experience had transformed workplace culture.

‘It was a journey of learning, unlearning, and relearning, which is now a key part of NMGU’s mission,’ she said, adding that all four associates were retained after completing the program.

The Media Fellowship Associates Program (MFAP) benefited 25 young professionals with disabilities, offering hands-on experience and 12 enrichment sessions covering financial management, work etiquette, individual development, and communication.

Participants also received stipends and disability-awareness support from Light for the World, which conducted accessibility audits and employer training.

Isaac Muhumuza, one of the associates placed at Light for the World, said the experience was transformative.

‘I was able to work with different partners such as the National Union for Disabled Persons (NUDIPU) and the African Disability Forum,’ he said.

Others, like Gloria Mutesi, who was retained by Outbox, said the program helped her perfect her public speaking and expand her professional network.

Madina Mutesi, attached to War Child Holland, said she gained experience in human resource management and networking opportunities, while Fiona, another participant, secured a university scholarship through program networks.

Twelve associates have since transitioned into full-time employment, while six others await confirmation.

Silver Kasozi, Executive Director of Light for the World, commended the host organizations for their commitment despite initial challenges. ‘We understand that this is a journey that we need to keep moving,’ he said, adding: ‘The moment people see what we are doing, they will know that this is possible.’

Light for the World, which has worked in Uganda since the early 2000s, focuses on economic empowerment, inclusive education, and eye health.

According to UBOS (2024), the number of people with disabilities in Uganda has risen by 13.2 percent since 2014, underscoring the urgency of inclusive employment.

Proceedings in the long-running case in which nine men are accused of fabricating sodomy claims against Pastor Robert Kayanja, the head of Rubaga Miracle Centre Cathedral, took a new twist when one of the accused abruptly changed his testimony format.

Isreal Wasswa a land broker and resident of Makerere Kavule in Kampala had earlier informed court that he would give a sworn testimony.

However, after observing the intense cross-examination of his co-suspect Alex Wakamala, he immediately changed his mind and opted to give unsworn evidence.

Appearing before Grade One Magistrate Adams Byarugaba at Mwanga II Court on Friday, Wasswa introduced himself as a Land broker and businessman dealing in wholesale and retail goods.

‘I own wholesale and retail shops. I was brought to this court without being summoned by police to make a statement,’ he told court, adding that: ‘The investigating officer is my village mate in Sebina Zone, yet he never called me to record a statement at police.’

Wasswa denied claims that he had ever impersonated a lawyer or presented himself as an advocate of the Uganda Law Society.

‘I have never represented myself as a lawyer at Old Kampala Police Station or claimed to represent my co-accused. I never showed anyone any identification to that effect,’ he said.

He further denied allegations that he followed the alleged sodomy victims to Mulago Hospital and Nsambya hospital for examination saying: ‘I never followed any of the alleged victims to hospital.’

Wasswa told court that the accusations against him were intended to damage his name.

‘The allegations are meant to spoil my name for reasons that I am not aware of. I have learnt of further allegations while here in court,’ he said.

He distanced himself from the other accused persons except Kanene, whom he said he only knew from church.

‘I only know Kanene because we pray in the same church. I saw the rest of the co-accused here in court,’ he told the magistrate.

Wasswa also dismissed earlier prosecution claims that he coerced fellow suspects to implicate Pastor Kayanja.

‘It is not true that I forced co-suspects to record statements framing Pastor Kayanja,’ he said, adding: ‘I have never been at any hotel in Old Kampala organising youths to make allegations against him.’

He further denied holding any press conference at Kolping Hotel, as prosecution alleges.

His testimony followed that of defence witness number six, Wakamala, a 30-year-old boda boda rider, who faced lengthy cross-examination by Chief State Attorney Jonathan Muwaganya. Wakamala is among the nine accused of making false claims against the pastor.

In an earlier session, Wakamala alleged that Pastor Kayanja had sodomised him but struggled to give specific dates, times, or evidence under questioning.

Prosecutors say the nine men unlawfully entered Rubaga Miracle Cathedral on September 17, 2021, and later falsely reported to Kawempe Police Station that the pastor had sodomised them.

The case – rooted in allegations first made in 2009 – has drawn public attention for its longevity and the high profile of the complainant.

The hearing was adjourned to October 23 for continuation of the defence case.

Erotic literature sells. I made my own bones in poetry by writing some rather explicit stuff. That means if I ever run for President, I might need to lie that Dr Stella Nyanzi hacked my account and made me err on the side of eroticism. That’s after picking up all the royalty cheques, of course.

Sex in literature indeed sells. In Uganda’s case, erotic literature is enjoyed from its explicit descriptions to the subtle ones. However, it’s all about time and place. In the secrecy of one’s home, Ugandans love the explicit sexual content. In public, it’s a whole different ball of wax, so to speak.

Ugandans prefer more subtle eroticisms when it public, eroticisms tinged with witticisms and innuendo. While reading this variant of sexual content, they are also likely to condemn the explicit use of language as un-African and Nyanzified to a degree sure to raise rancour where quiet appreciation would do. Poets and writers in Uganda have not yet understood sex scenes and sexual come-ons as revelatory of a deeper purpose, revealing character and emotion rather than focusing on titillation. Our literati are thus shock jocks when it comes to writing about carnality. Yet the possibilities with sex spill over into their utility as symbols for larger concepts like relationships or societal dynamic. Beyond the pelvic thrusts and pillow talk, there’s ‘real talk.’

This is what Kenyan author David G Maillu understands and thereby transmits this understanding to his book, After 4:30. He wrote and published it in 1974. That does not stop it from making references to computers instead of typewriters, an evident attempt at revising and updating the book that fell flat. The language is graphic, racy and swelling with the libido of the ages. However, it is also a social critique attempting to address (in full psychic undress) and specifically sensitise the upcoming urban and working girl with regard to women’s rights within the imported predatory capitalist social structure.

The title After 4:30 was based on the office working time before Saturday was abolished as a working day for civil service. Kenya’s independence was barely 10-years-old from the British colonial administration that came to an end in 1963. Following a prolonged cultural plunder lasting 70 years. In After 4:30, Maillu creates a dramatic story played mainly by four characters. The first player is an underpaid single mother in her struggle for living. She is haunted by her broken love affairs and her subsequent relations with the so-called modern man. The second player is the educated sister of the first character and works as a secretary.

She is subjected to seduction to subscribe to her boss’ infidelity. Also on the stage is the wife of the boss, demanding her conjugal rights. The book is told within the turbulent background of the new nation’s struggle for identify, resurrection and restoration of African values that had been thrown overboard by the 70-year-old colonial ships which had carried Kenyans, apparently from somewhere to nowhere. The result was the freedom fighters hijacked the ship and commandeered it to be docked. When the ship docked in no-man’s land, the victims rushed out and ran offshore looking for where, once upon a time, they had been taken as captives by the British.

In the telling of this story, written in verse, we see personal relations and relationships as microcosms of a wider society. Sex is expressed, as well as sublimated by the characters day-to-day interactions with one another and their context, both overarching enough to bestir gasps of panic and propriety. Most importantly, the story draws you in and burns something into your conscience that will make you question your own idea of what is right and what is wrong.

Uganda’s education system still produces graduates who excel at exams but struggle with real-world problems.

Students can recite notes but often cannot innovate, communicate, or think critically. A system that rewards repetition over reflection limits national progress. It is time to shift from teaching for exams to teaching for life.

The Competence-Based Curriculum (CBC) aims to develop thinkers, problem-solvers, and innovators. Yet, years on, the reform remains misunderstood, underfunded, and inconsistently implemented.

Without change, Uganda risks missing a crucial opportunity to build the skilled workforce needed for Vision 2040. In today’s world, employers value skills like communication, teamwork, and innovation more than certificates.

Yet, the National Planning Authority (2022) reports that over 60 percent of Ugandan graduates lack essential job skills, fueling youth unemployment and low productivity.

Competence-based teaching offers a solution by focusing on practical skills, values, and adaptability. It is education for survival in a changing world-but its success is threatened by serious implementation challenges.

Teachers are the heartbeat of this reform but many lack the skills to deliver it effectively. Without ongoing training, many revert to traditional methods.

Continuous professional development must therefore be mandatory to help teachers become mentors of competence, not just conveyors of content.

Competence-based learning depends on practice and innovation, yet most schools lack essential resources; laboratories, ICT tools, and libraries.

In rural areas, ‘practical lessons’ are often reduced to drawings on chalkboards. For real results, government and local authorities must invest in infrastructure, materials, and digital access.

National exams continue to reward memory over mastery. Learners cram notes instead of demonstrating understanding.

As long as Uneb maintains paper-based tests, teachers will keep ‘teaching to the exam.’ Uganda must adopt a continuous, project-based assessment that measures creativity and practical skill.

Many parents and community leaders mistake competence-based education for ‘play’ rather than real learning. When learners do projects or discussions, some fear they are wasting time.

The Ministry of Education should lead a strong communication campaign to explain the reform’s purpose and benefits, because community support is as vital as classroom practice.

Policymakers must view the Competence-Based Curriculum as a national investment, not just a classroom experiment, by funding teacher training, supporting continuous assessment, and monitoring implementation transparently.

Schools and universities should align teaching with core competencies such as communication, critical thinking, collaboration, and digital literacy.

Parents also play a crucial role by understanding that competence-based teaching enriches learning rather than replacing exams; real-life projects help children build confidence, responsibility, and problem-solving skills, far more valuable than rote memorization.

Finally, employers and the private sector must partner with schools to offer internships, mentorships, and innovation opportunities, ensuring education connects to industry and produces employable, creative graduates.

I believe that the success of this reform also depends on clear and consistent messaging. Competence-based education must be communicated strategically to transform policy into practice and curriculum into culture.

The Ministry should use media, community forums, and digital platforms to highlight successes, address misconceptions, and build nationwide ownership of the reform. If we teach children how to think, not just what to think, Uganda will not only catch up with the world but can help lead it.

Education reform requires steady, committed collaboration-not rushed policies. Uganda cannot achieve Vision 2040 with outdated, 1960s-style teaching. Competence-based education is not a foreign experiment; it is a lifeline for national progress.

Police in Gulu District have arrested two government health workers over the alleged theft of HIV/AIDS drugs worth millions of shillings from Awach Health Centre IV in northern Uganda.

The suspects, Ronald Bejja, a clinical officer, and John Komakech, an inventory officer, were arrested on Friday alongside Ms Winnie Obalim, a staff member of Health Rights Initiative (HRI), and Daniel Ismail Rubangakene, a boda-boda rider.

Police said Rubangakene was intercepted while transporting 20 boxes of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) drugs belonging to Awach Health Centre IV.

‘Upon thorough interrogation, he revealed that one Bejja sent him to collect and transport the consignments,’ said David Ongom Mudong, the Aswa West Regional Police Spokesman.

According to police, the patrol team became suspicious of the goods Rubangakene was carrying on his motorcycle, registration UMA 679 CY, prompting his arrest.

He later presented a requisition letter from Health Rights Initiative, where the drugs were reportedly destined.

However, Mudong said the police found no formal clearance or acknowledgement authorizing the transfer of the drugs through the District Health Officer.

‘The three men and a woman were arrested to help police in their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the alleged theft of drugs from the public facility. The four suspects are being interrogated and are cooperating with the police by giving relevant information that will guide our investigations,’ he said.

By Saturday morning, the suspects were being held at Gulu Central Police Station likely to face charges of being in illegal possession of government property – specifically PrEP drugs, which are used by people at risk of HIV to prevent infection.

The case has once again highlighted persistent drug theft from public health facilities in northern Uganda.

In July, two healthcare workers attached to Pudo Health Centre II in Kitgum District were also arrested for allegedly stealing government drugs valued at Shs11 million.

Government health facilities across the Acholi sub-region have faced a rising wave of drug thefts, with reports suggesting that some health workers orchestrate the illegal sale of medicines.

The stolen drugs are often sold in private clinics within Uganda or smuggled to South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for profit on the black market.

Police say investigations into the latest case are ongoing.

Tension is rising in Sheema District after more than 10,000 residents signed a petition to President Museveni and the Electoral Commission (EC) protesting the alleged unfair disqualification of independent candidate Edgar Mukundane from nomination for the district chairperson seat.

The petitioners accuse the Sheema District registrar of ‘connivance and bias,’ claiming Mukundane was unjustly denied nomination on the grounds of insufficient signatures despite presenting enough verified supporters.

The decision cleared the path for the incumbent, Jemimah Tumwijukye Buhanda, to be nominated unopposed – a move that has sparked outrage among residents and local leaders.

‘We believe there was a great connivance between the electoral commission registrar at Sheema and the NRM candidate to deny Mr Mukundane being nominated,’ said Mr Sam Kahindi, an elder and former Kabwohe Town mayor.

Speaking on Friday, he added that: ‘This was done to deny him being nominated, and this is going to bring great confusion in our district.’

Kahindi warned that declaring a candidate unopposed after disqualifying opponents could destabilize an area that has long been peaceful.

‘The registrar was doing a delegated job to nominate candidates. We believe the process can be reviewed. Everything should be done so that we get justice and avoid seeds of disorder,’ he added.

A petition signed by 10,156 residents, spearheaded by Juliet Kebirungi and Naboth Muhereza, has been delivered to the presidency and copied to the EC. The petition alleges gross corruption in the nomination process and warns of voter apathy or protest votes if the issue is not resolved.

‘We ask you, Mr President, to intervene in this process and call the Electoral Commission to order. We wish the process to be reviewed and a clear answer given,’ the petition reads in part.

Another petitioner, Mr Deusdedit Nabeeta, said residents believe only Museveni can resolve the dispute.

‘To us, we think the fountain of honour can solve everything. These are all NRM candidates, and people are angry at the party. If the EC can’t do enough, then the President should come in,’ he said.

Mukundane confirmed he has formally petitioned the EC to review the decision.

‘We protested to the EC and asked them to review their decision not to nominate us,’ he said, adding that he had met all requirements but was told his documents arrived late.

On Friday, EC spokesperson Mr Julius Mucunguzi acknowledged receipt of the petition, urging patience. ‘The hearing has been done and the response will be delivered to the candidate. They must wait for the process,’ he said.

Sighting a lion in one of Uganda’s national parks has become a matter of luck. Visitors still travel from across the world to see the ‘king of the jungle’ in its natural habitat, but their chances are slimmer than ever.

Once roaming freely across the country from Buganda to Karamoja, lions have disappeared from most regions. They are confined today to just three major savannah ecosystems: Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Kidepo Valley National Park.

As a matter of fact, Uganda’s lion population, once estimated at more than a thousand individuals, now stands at fewer than 300.

That grim reality, according to the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), is the result of decades of human-wildlife conflict, habitat loss, poaching, and natural causes. Yet, even amid this decline, UWA says there is renewed hope.

A coordinated recovery plan is now in motion-one that aims to give lions another chance to thrive in the Pearl of Africa.

What numbers are we looking at here?

The African lion is more than just a tourist attraction; it is a keystone species that keeps the ecosystem balanced by preying on sick and old herbivores. In Uganda, however, the roar has grown faint.

The numbers tell a sobering story: between 1977 and 2024, lion populations in key parks have declined by more than 80 percent.

In Queen Elizabeth National Park, only about 40 lions remain, down from 400 in the late 1970s. Even the famous tree-climbing lions of Ishasha, which once drew global attention, are vanishing.

Kidepo Valley, once a stronghold for the species, now has barely a dozen individuals.

‘Lions are facing immense pressure from surrounding human activities. They need wide ranges to roam and breed, but most of their migration corridors have been blocked by farms, settlements, and urbanisation.

This limits their survival and breeding opportunities,’ says Dr James Musinguzi, UWA’s executive director.

Why the drop? The reasons for the lions’ disappearance are complex but largely human. Retaliatory killings remain the single biggest threat. When lions attack livestock, herders often poison or trap them in revenge.

Mr Bashir Hangi, UWA’s spokesperson, explains that most of the lion deaths recorded today are due to conflict with livestock owners. ‘We’ve seen incidents where entire prides were wiped out after preying on cattle,’ he says.

In the Queen Elizabeth and Kidepo ecosystems, cattle keepers have historically viewed lions as enemies rather than national treasures. Between 2006 and 2007, at least 15 lions were poisoned near Queen Elizabeth by landless herdsmen defending their cattle.

Similar incidents were reported in 2010 and again in 2021, when six lions were killed and mutilated for their body parts.

Beyond human conflict, lions also face natural and ecological pressures. Disease, limited prey, and competition from other predators such as hyenas and leopards all take their toll.

In some cases, male lions kill cubs sired by rivals as a way of asserting dominance and ensuring their own genes prevail. In Kidepo Valley, entire prides have been gored to death by herds of buffalo that gang up during hunts.

The spread of invasive plant species has worsened the situation by shrinking open grasslands, reducing the grazing grounds for herbivores and, in turn, the food available to lions. The combined effect of these pressures has pushed Uganda’s lions to the brink. But for UWA, the story does not end there.

Really? Are the proverbial green shoots of recovery popping up?

They are. Despite the challenges, Uganda is determined to bring back its lions. UWA has embarked on an ambitious Lion Population Recovery Programme, combining scientific management, law enforcement, and community engagement to rebuild the pride of the savannah.

The programme includes reintroducing lions into areas where they have disappeared and establishing controlled breeding enclosures within protected parks. These breeding sites will allow cubs to grow safely without the threat of rival predators or territorial males.

Dr Musinguzi says such measures are designed to ‘boost the small populations that exist while ensuring the cubs reach maturity in safe environments.’

UWA is also addressing one of the lions’ greatest challenges, the lack of prey. To improve the food chain, the Authority has begun reintroducing herbivores such as the Uganda kob into Kidepo Valley National Park. ‘The kob multiplies faster and provides an easier prey base than buffaloes,’ Dr Musinguzi explains. ‘A stable prey population gives lions the best chance to recover naturally.’

What else is being done?

Alongside this, UWA is working to restore degraded habitats. Efforts are underway to clear invasive plant species from key landscapes to open up grasslands and allow herbivore populations to rebound. Reconnecting fragmented rangelands will also give lions more room to roam, reducing inbreeding and inter-pride conflict.

Human-wildlife conflict, which has long been the lion’s biggest threat, is being tackled through practical community-based interventions.

UWA is promoting the construction of stronger kraals and installing predator-deterrent lights around livestock enclosures. The Authority is also fencing off sections of park boundaries, particularly those bordering livestock-rearing communities, to minimise encounters between lions and domestic animals.

Another key step has been the enforcement of compensation for farmers who lose livestock to lions, as provided for under the Wildlife Act.

This measure, according to Hangi, ‘is helping to reduce retaliatory killings because communities now know that their losses will be addressed through lawful means.’ Community engagement remains central to UWA’s recovery efforts.

The Authority is intensifying awareness campaigns to sensitise people living near protected areas about the ecological and tourism value of lions.

‘Conservation cannot happen without the communities,’ Hangi emphasises. ‘We want people to see that lions are not enemies, but part of our shared national heritage.’

To complement these conservation measures, UWA has also strengthened its law enforcement and intelligence units.

Anti-poaching patrols have been reinforced, and specialised teams are investigating cases of poisoning and illegal trade in lion parts. Offenders now face harsher penalties under the amended Wildlife Act, which imposes heavy fines and long prison terms for wildlife crimes.

Why are lions so important to Uganda?

Beyond their ecological importance, lions are central to Uganda’s tourism economy. After gorillas, they are the most sought-after species by tourists visiting the country’s parks.

Their presence draws thousands of visitors annually, creating jobs and sustaining livelihoods around conservation areas. ‘Protecting lions isn’t just about biodiversity,’ says Dr Musinguzi.

‘It’s also about livelihoods. A single pride in Queen Elizabeth can attract thousands of visitors every year. If we lose the lions, we lose a part of Uganda’s identity and a critical pillar of our tourism economy.’

The message is clear: lions are not just wildlife; they are a national asset whose survival affects communities, ecosystems, and the broader economy.

Can Uganda bring back its roar?

Reviving lion populations is not an overnight task. It will take years of consistent protection, funding, and trust-building between UWA and surrounding communities. Yet UWA remains optimistic that the tide can turn.

‘Our vision is to see lions restored to healthy, stable populations in all major savannah parks,’ says Mr Bashir Hangi, UWA’s spokesperson. ‘It’s a long road, but we have the science, partnerships, and will to make it happen.’

Urban farming offers a unique blend of fulfilment and frustration. While more urban and peri-urban dwellers are enjoying the satisfaction of cultivating their own food, turning small spaces such as balconies and backyards into productive gardens, this can also come with challenges. Success in this endeavour often comes down to strategic plant mixing and a few simple gardening rules. Many urban gardeners must navigate the limitations of small plots, often working with rental properties that are typically around 50×100 feet. Despite the constraints, the reward of a thriving garden can make the effort worthwhile.

Francis Balinda, a crop technician at Mukono Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MuZARDI), shared his insights on how to get started during the recent Seeds of Gold Farm Clinic in Ntaawo, Mukono District. ‘Most people don’t need to buy greens from the market. It’s all about working with what you have and a little bit of planning goes a long way,’ Balinda says. He highlights that a key aspect of urban farming is adapting the growing space itself. Many urban gardeners are getting creative with their plots, using methods such as container gardening, which allows for a high degree of flexibility. Others are building raised beds to create controlled soil environments in their small yards. A popular and cost-effective method is the use of repurposed used car tyres as individual planting pots, which are durable and excellent for small-scale projects.

The first step, according to Balinda, is to think about your plants as a team. ‘Just like people, some plants are great companions and some are not. You want to create a plant mix that helps each other out,’ he says. One of the most enjoyable aspects of urban gardening is creating your own plant mixes. This is where you can be creative and strategic, combining plants that look great together while also providing mutual benefits like pest control or improved growth. This practice is known as companion planting. Here are some plant mix recommendations for your urban garden.

The salad bowl mix

This is a classic for a reason-it’s both beautiful and productive, and easily adapted to Ugandan kitchens. For this garden, combine leafy greens like loose-leaf lettuce or spinach with herbs such as parsley. For a more local touch, consider including nakati or dodo. You can add a “pop of colour” with radishes or dwarf cherry tomatoes. These plants have different growth habits, making them great companions. The shallow-rooted leafy greens and herbs fill out the top of the container, while radishes grow quickly underground and can be harvested before the other plants get too big. Dwarf cherry tomatoes can be grown on a trellis or stake to maximise vertical space.

This combination also provides a continuous harvest throughout the growing season.

The pizza garden mix

Perfect for the cook who wants fresh ingredients for their homemade cooking. The main event of this mix is a determinate or Tomato Ansal F1, accompanied by herbs such as basil, oregano and parsley. Basil is a renowned companion plant for tomatoes, believed to repel pests such as tomato hornworms and even improve the flavour of the tomatoes. Oregano and parsley have similar water and sunlight needs and create a nice, aromatic ground cover around the base of the tomato plant.

The three sisters

A traditional planting method that is surprisingly effective in a large container or raised bed, especially given the prevalence of maize and beans in Uganda.

This mix requires a structure like maize or a tall, sturdy sunflower for a climber such as pole beans or peas. A small, compact squash or zucchini variety serves as the ground cover. The maize or sunflower provides a natural trellis for the beans to climb. The beans, being legumes, fix nitrogen from the air and add it to the soil, which benefits the nutrient-hungry maize and squash. The large leaves of the squash plant shade the soil, helping to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

The pest-repellent mix

This mix combines plants known for their ability to deter common garden pests, reducing the need for chemical sprays. The combination includes French marigolds, herbs such as rosemary, mint, or thyme, and any susceptible vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, or cabbage. Balinda recommends French marigolds for their ability to repel nematodes (a type of microscopic worm) in the soil and to deter other flying insects. Other great options for pest control include onions and tobacco. Many herbs also have strong scents that can confuse or repel pests. He cautions: ‘Just be sure to keep mint in its own pot, as its roots are very aggressive and can quickly take over a shared container’.

Creating your own mixes

Balinda urges farmers to consider light and water needs: ‘This is the most important factor. Make sure all the plants in a single container have similar requirements for sunlight and water,’ he says. He also says that farmers should pay attention to root depth. ‘Combine plants with different root systems. For example, pair a deep-rooted tomato plant with shallow-rooted lettuce or herbs to make the best use of the available soil volume,’ he says.

Lastly, ‘don’t forget to include flowers,’ he says. They add beauty and can also attract beneficial insects that prey on garden pests. Good choices for urban gardens include nasturtiums, marigolds and alyssum. Beyond the specific mixes, Balinda says the universal dos and don’ts of urban gardening.

The ‘dos’

Balinda highlights some key ‘dos’ for urban and peri-urban gardeners. First, choose the right pot size. While it’s tempting to cram as many plants as possible into a small space, a pot that’s too small will restrict root growth. A good rule is to pick a pot at least 8-12 inches deep for most vegetables. Adding charcoal to your soil mix is a great way to improve aeration. Additionally, use a high-quality potting mix, as it’s designed to be light and well-draining, which is essential for container gardening.

It is also critical to provide adequate drainage, as every pot must have a hole at the bottom to prevent root rot. Water consistently, as containers dry out faster than garden beds, especially during the dry season. Balinda also advises creating ridges and using mulching, which are key practices for climate adaptation and help the soil retain moisture, especially during dry spells. Finally, since many urban gardeners are renting their land, it’s wise to plan for portability by using containers that can be easily moved.

The ‘don’ts’

He also warns against several common mistakes. Don’t mix plants with wildly different needs; a sun-loving herb like rosemary will not be happy in the same pot as a water-hungry fern. Additionally, don’t forget to feed your plants, as nutrients in potting soil are quickly depleted, and a regular feeding schedule with a balanced fertiliser is crucial for healthy, productive plants. Fertilising the soil with manure should always be your first priority. Balinda says spraying with chemicals should be the last resort.

He explains that plants can be resilient, and when they are diseased on a small scale, you can use natural methods. It is only when the disease is large-scale that you should use chemicals. When it comes to fungicides, Balinda explains, there are two types. He says you use a preventive fungicide when you are expecting a disease, but your plants are still healthy. In contrast, you can use a curative fungicide when your plants are already diseased. Lastly, don’t ignore pests. He advises farmers to check plants regularly for signs of aphids, mites, or other bugs and deal with them promptly using natural methods such as neem oil or insecticidal soap.

The beginner’s luck

For those just starting, this combination is forgiving and requires minimal effort. The mix features herbs such as rosemary, thyme and sage, along with flowers such as lavender or calendula. All of these plants are drought-tolerant and thrive in full sun with good drainage. They are relatively low-maintenance and resistant to many common pests and diseases. They also attract beneficial pollinators such as bees.