Category: Daily Monitor

‘Familiarity breeds contempt’ is an old adage that Kataka seems to have taken to heart by deciding that after years of near-misses and unfulfilled potential in the Fufa Big League, it’s time for a full squad overhaul.

The club, now regarded as the ‘oldest club in the Big League,’ celebrates ten years in the division since their promotion after defeating Kamuli Park (now Wakiso Giants) in the 2015/16 Eastern Regional finals. The journey has been far from smooth.

Kataka’s closest brush with promotion came in 2022 when they finished fourth behind Kyetume on the last day.

Last season, a poor start gave way to a mid-season revival, only for the team to slip again and end the campaign ninth, with 36 points, fourteen shy of the promotion slots.

This year, however, a new approach is underway. Head coach Godfrey ‘Toldo’ Awachango remains at the helm but the squad has been rejuvenated with promotions from the junior ranks.

Rising stars Osama Kayondo, Michael Achama, Junior Wanendeya and Abdulrahman Maloba have been tasked with carrying the club to the ‘promised land.’

Kataka’s ambitions are further fueled by Fufa’s recent reforms that will see four teams, up from three, promoted at the end of the season.

‘We’ve fought very hard in the past and come close, finishing just shy of promotion,’ Awachango reflected.

‘The increase in promotion spots helps but it’s no guarantee. We’ve refreshed the squad to give it new energy and I’m confident we shall go up this time.’

Currently, Kataka sits second with six points from two games, just a point behind early leaders and debutants Bunyagururu.

This weekend, they head to West Nile to face an old foe in Onduparaka while Bunyagururu travels to Luzira to test their promotion credentials against Soltilo Bright Stars.

Meanwhile, recently relegated sides Mbale Heroes and Wakiso Giants will relive old memories in Mbale as Blacks Power host newcomers Iganga United following last season’s collapse.

FUFA BIG LEAGUE

Weekend fixtures

Onduparaka vs. Kataka, Green Light Stadium

Blacks Power vs. Iganga United – Lira

Soltilo Bright Stars vs. Bunyaruguru United – Maroons Stadium

Mbale Heroes vs. Wakiso Giants – Mbale City Stadium

Kigezi Homeboyz vs. Ntugasaze – Kabale

Young Elephant vs. Kaaro Karungi – Nwoya

When the top heads government agencies met at the National Water and Sewerage Corporation headquarters early this week for the 4th Heads of Government Agencies meeting, the conversation took an unexpected but crucial turn – toward gaming.

It wasn’t about jackpots or lucky numbers. It was about people, accountability, and a rapidly evolving industry that, if left unchecked, could spin out of control.

At the heart of that conversation was Denis Mudene Ngabirano, the National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board (NLGRB) chief executive officer, who issued a timely appeal: collaboration is no longer optional.

‘While gaming is a regulated activity, irresponsible gaming poses both social and economic risks that demand collective action to mitigate,’ he said.

His message was clear: gaming may fill the national coffers, but if it empties households or compromises lives, then the cost is too high.

Few Ugandans realise just how fast the gaming industry has grown.

Under the stewardship of the NLGRB, gaming has transformed from a loosely governed pastime into a structured, high-revenue sector.

Ministry of Finance data shows that annual revenue from gaming has soared sixfold, rising from Shs50.6b in the 2019/20 financial year to Shs323b in the 12 months to June 2025.

In the same period, industry turnover exploded from Shs500b to Shs8 trillion.

The introduction of the National Central Electronic Monitoring System, a digital platform that tracks gaming transactions in real time, has been a game-changer, enhancing transparency, compliance, and revenue accountability.

But even as the industry booms, the risks multiply. Ngabirano warns that the human impact, such as addiction, underage gaming, and financial distress, can easily outpace the regulatory gains if awareness and enforcement don’t keep up.

Thus, Ngabirano wants key agencies such as Uganda Revenue Authority, National Identification and Registration Authority, National Information Technology Authority, Bank of Uganda, and the Financial Intelligence Authority (FIA) to join hands in combating illegal operators and tightening oversight.

This call aligns closely with Finance Minister Matia Kasaija’s own charge to the newly inaugurated NLGRB board, which, in July, he urged to anchor its next phase of growth on three national pillars: Domestic Revenue Mobilisation Strategy, the ten-fold growth strategy, and the Fourth National Development Plan.

Through these strategies, Kasaija noted that technology and data should be leveraged to optimise non-tax revenue, seal leakages, and ensure that gaming revenues directly support key social sectors like education, health, and sports.

‘The future of regulation lies not in silos but in strategic partnerships. A well-regulated gaming sector benefits everyone,’ he said.

That future is exactly what Ngabirano envisions; one where enforcement agencies, regulators, and social institutions work in tandem to make gaming safer, fairer, and more accountable.

Reforming the industry

Government has, in the last five years, sought to institute several reforms, among which require all active operators of gaming, casino, and betting outlets to start channeling all payouts through a Bank of Uganda centrally-managed system this financial year.

The requirement was contained in the Tax Procedures Code Amendment Bill, 2025, noting that: ‘An operator of a casino, gaming or betting activity shall only receive a wager or money staked and only make payouts through the gaming and betting centralised payments gateway system licensed by the Bank of Uganda under the National Payments Systems Act.’

The payment system is linked to the URA electronic notice system, and the amendments put a condition that national identification numbers shall be used to serve in the place and or replace Tax Identification Numbers (TIN) that are currently issued by the URA.

NLGRB also, in July, inaugurated a new board under the leadership of Kenneth Kitariko with a target of doubling down on responsible gaming initiatives.

Building a culture of responsible play

In the end, the NLGRB’s story is no longer just about numbers and systems; it’s about values.

It’s about ensuring that gaming, which now contributes billions of shillings to the economy, remains a regulated form of entertainment rather than a societal burden.

And that is why Ngabirano’s voice matters. It was not just a call to regulate, it was a call to protect.

The gaming landscape continues to evolve, and as such, NLGRB says, it must remain fair, clean, and players, especially the most vulnerable, must be safe.

Police in Jinja have launched investigations into two separate murders that occurred on the night of October 14, which claimed the lives of two residents.

The first incident happened in Lwanda Ward, where Ms Nusula Nakaziba, a mobile money agent, was attacked while returning home with her young daughter.

When the thugs attacked them, her daughter fled while making an alarm. This alerted residents who came to their rescue.

However they arrived too late. They found her dead and her bag, which reportedly contained a large sum of money, missing. She was reportedly hit on the head with a hammer.

In the second incident, Mr Fred Itwalume, a security guard at Mafubira Rural Cooperative Sacco, was found dead in Nakabango Ward.

He had been hacked on the head with a hoe, and four motorcycles were also reported missing from the Sacco that was under his custody.

Police investigations

Police deployed a sniffer dog to assist with the investigation, and the dog led investigators to Grace’s Furniture Workshop, located across the road, and later to a residence in Lwanda Village.

The dog stopped at a residential house, and the angry locals started accusing its occupants of being involved in the crime.

They stoned the house, breaking windows, and looted property, forcing the occupants to run for their dear lives.

Mr Dan Mulangira, a Nakabango resident, expressed frustration over the death of the security guard, describing him as a law-abiding citizen.

In protest, residents blocked the Kamuli-Jinja Highway using timber and furniture taken from Grace’s Furniture Workshop, which they accused of harbouring criminals. Police intervened, but the situation escalated as some residents set fire to parts of the workshop, while others looted timber and furniture.

The Jinja Northern Division Deputy RCC, Mr Hamisi Kiganira, condemned the incidents, blaming them on the rising youth unemployment and indiscipline in the community.

‘It’s alarming that many of our youth have turned into criminals. They don’t want to work, instead they spend their days betting and later resort to robbing and even murdering innocent people,’ Mr Kiganira said.

Mr Kiganira added that security forces have launched regular patrols in the area to restore peace and prevent further violence.

Hello Paul, my handbrake does not hold well anymore, especially when I park on a slope. A friend told me the cable might be stretched or worn out. How does the hand brake cable work, and what risks do I face if it fails? Can it be adjusted or only replaced? Steven

Hello Steven, it is quite unnerving as well as risky to park on a slope with a bad handbrake or parking brake. To understand how the handbrake works, it is useful to appreciate its importance. The car’s handbrake is a mechanical system that works independently of the hydraulic foot brake system. Older handbrake designs use a hand lever or foot pedal, while newer designs with electronic parking brakes (EPB) use a button. All handbrake systems will mechanically or electronically (EPB) operate a cable, which is connected to the rear brakes.

When you pull the steel cable or set of cables, this pulls a lever or mechanism which engages the rear brake pads or shoes against the rear disc rotors or drums, depending on the rear brake design. Briefly described, pulling the handbrake lever, kicking the parking foot brake pedal or pressing the parking brake button will tension a cable, which will apply the rear brakes to secure the rear wheels and your vehicle. Although handbrake systems are intended to securely hold the rear wheels when you park, there are a couple of serious risks you face if they fail. The handbrake helps you secure the vehicle after you park.

This is most important when you park on an incline where there is a risk of the car rolling away or downhill and causing severe injury to occupants or other road users and property damage. The handbrake or parking brake helps you during hill starts, where your car does not have the anti-roll back feature. This is crucial for avoiding rolling backwards when you are in situations such as a traffic jam on a hilly road. There is also a risk of damaging the transmission if you park on a slope, have a faulty hand (parking) brake and leave the car in gear one (manual) or Parking (automatic). This would put a strain on the gearbox and reduce its lifespan over time.

On very rare occasions, the main hydraulic brakes could fail, and you need to resort to the handbrake or parking brake as a last resort to stop the vehicle. If you have neglected repairing the faulty handbrake, you will not be able to use it as a brake of last resort, when the primary hydraulic brake system fails. Your car’s handbrake or parking brake will need urgent attention to prevent the above risks. Sometimes the handbrake or parking brake system needs adjustment to make it work better.

Over time, the cables that pull the mechanical levers tend to slacken. Using recommended know-how and tools, the cables can be adjusted by a mechanic to create enough tension to apply the hand or parking brake promptly and securely. In cases where the cables are frayed or broken, mechanical components such as the levers, springs or handbrake shoes have failed, they can be replaced to restore normal operation. Below are pictures of worn-out handbrake components.

The Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) presidential candidate, Maj Gen (rtd) Mugisha Muntu, has promised to help children of fallen National Resistance Army (NRA) war veteran’s access the benefits promised to their late fathers.

Many war veterans and their relatives have for decades been pushing for compensation for property they lost during the five-year guerrilla war between 1981 and 1986 that brought the current government into power.

A large number of claimants are living in the districts of Luweero, Nakasongola, Kiboga, and Nakaseke, which were the epicentre of the five-year rebellion.

While canvassing for voters in Kalungu District on Wednesday, Gen Muntu, a former army commander, said funds for veterans’ payments exist, but blamed the delays for compensation on mismanagement.

‘I am very sure the money for compensating war veterans is there, but there could be unscrupulous individuals in the system who divert it for personal gain. That’s why it never reaches the rightful beneficiaries here,’ Gen Muntu said.

This came to the fore after some families of the bush war veterans who attended the rally complained that they are living in poverty despite their fathers’ sacrifices in the liberation struggle.

He assured the families that his leadership would prioritise transparency. ‘If you trust me with the presidency, I will ensure every soldier and their family receives what they are owed. We must restore fairness and integrity,’ he said.

One of the affected family members, Ms Rest Namuddu, narrated to Gen Muntu how her late father, Laulensiyo Lukwago, fought bravely during the bush war, but died before receiving his benefits.

‘My father served with courage and loyalty. He fought until the end, thinking that his children would enjoy his fruits under the government he brought to power. But since his demise, we have received nothing,’ Ms Namuddu said.

‘We have tried every office from veterans’ affairs to the district headquarters, but we are always told our documents are still being processed. We feel tired now,’ she added.

The NRA, which later became the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), waged a five-year guerrilla war that ended in 1986, bringing Mr Museveni and the NRM to power.

Since then, the government has been promising to compensate families of fallen fighters. However, several reports indicate bureaucratic delays have hindered the process.

On September 18, Luweero Triangle Minister Alice Kaboyo announced that the government had released Shs6.1 billion for payment of the civilian war debt claimants from the districts of Luweero, Nakaseke and Nakasongola.

Residents of Yumbe District have praised the government for restoring peace in the formerly war-torn area and upgrading Yumbe Hospital to regional referral status, improving access to healthcare for thousands of people.

More than two decades have passed since the guns fell silent after the government signed a peace agreement with the now-defunct Uganda National Rescue Front II (UNRF II). The accord ended years of insurgency and brought stability to the sub-region.

Residents credit President Museveni and the NRM government for maintaining peace and delivering key infrastructure projects.

Among the most visible achievements is the ongoing tarmacking of the Koboko-Yumbe-Moyo road, a project expected to ease movement and spur trade across West Nile.

Local driver Adinan Dina said the new road would cut travel time and open markets for farmers and traders. Residents also want the Yumbe-Terego-Arua road completed to boost regional connectivity.

Health services have improved following the elevation of Yumbe Hospital to a regional referral facility. Built in 1969, the hospital now serves more than one million people from Yumbe and neighbouring districts. Residents say the upgrade has reduced the cost and distance of seeking specialised care.

Power boost

In addition, electricity extension under the Rural Electrification Programme has boosted small businesses, though residents still complain of unstable supply and limited coverage. The government’s payment of UNRF II ex-combatants has also been welcomed, along with the establishment of Yumbe District in 2000 and creation of more constituencies to enhance representation. The construction of a mango juice factory has further strengthened the local economy by promoting value addition and providing a market for fruit farmers.

President Museveni has also cited the Koboko-Yumbe-Moyo road as one of his administration’s major achievements for the region.

Education progress

In education, Yumbe now has 102 primary schools-77 government, three private, and 22 community-alongside 11 secondary schools. However, residents say many government pledges remain unfulfilled.

Former UNRF II political commissar Noah Achikule recalled that during the 2002 peace signing, President Museveni promised to turn Yumbe into a ‘model district,’ with better infrastructure and livelihoods for ex-combatants.

Those promises, he said, remain unfulfilled, including the construction of houses for former UNRF II commanders and support for PRAFORD, an organisation that helped in the peace process.

District leaders have outlined new priorities. Chief Administrative Officer Sulai Ijosiga highlighted border tensions with South Sudan, limited mechanised farming, and the need for additional districts given Yumbe’s large population-now estimated at over 945,000.

He appealed for more funding under the Parish Development Model and support for agricultural mechanization, saying the district has only two working tractors. In the 2021 General Election, President Museveni won 71.2 percent of the 113,855 votes cast in Yumbe, while Opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi received 23.7 percent.

Despite peace and development gains, residents say unfulfilled pledges continue to test their patience.

Pending Museveni pledges in Yumbe

Model district: Infrastructure and services are still incomplete.

Ex-combatant housing: Not yet built.

PRAFORD support: Promised backing has not been delivered.

Roads: Yumbe-Terego-Arua road remains unfinished; town tarmac is minimal.

Mechanised Farming: Only two tractors are available.

Electrification: Incomplete and unreliable in many villages.

Health services: Access remains limited despite the regional referral hospital upgrade.

Kenyan High Court has rejected an attempt to halt former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s burial, ruling that the petitioner failed to demonstrate sufficient grounds for intervention.

Justice Chacha Mwita dismissed the application filed by Michael Onyango Otieno, who claimed the planned 72-hour burial period violated Luo customs.

‘I am not satisfied on the urgency of the matter. The applicant has not demonstrated that the process is being undertaken contrary to the wishes of the deceased (Mr Odinga) to enable this court act on the request for the conservatory orders,’ said the judge.

Mr Otieno, identifying himself as a Luo community elder and constitutional defender, argued that the accelerated burial schedule would deny proper observance of traditional mourning rites like “tero yuak” – a crucial Luo ceremony for deceased men.

He maintained there was no verified evidence supporting Mr Odinga’s alleged preference for swift interment.

‘The proposed burial timeframe denies Luo communities across Africa the opportunity to accord Mr Odinga the send-off befitting his stature,” Otieno said in court documents.

He cited Mr Odinga’s 2020 installation as a Luo elder in Siaya County as evidence of the former PM’s cultural commitment.

The petition invoked Article 44 of the Constitution, which safeguards cultural rights, arguing the burial plan infringed on Luo traditions. Mr Otieno compared the situation to the extended mourning periods granted to other Kenyan leaders like Jomo Kenyatta and Mwai Kibaki.

‘To inter the body of the late Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga’s calibre so quickly denies the general Luo Communities in Africa an opportunity to give him a befitting send-off, which he religiously adored during his 80 years of life, particularly his adult life, and even more admirably as an icon and a political leader,’ he stated.

Justice Mwita directed Mr Otieno to serve court papers to the Attorney-General and Mr Odinga’s family representatives ahead of an October 23, 2025 hearing date. The judge emphasised that the petitioner had not proven the burial arrangements violated constitutional protections.

Court documents reveal that Mr Otieno sought declarations that the 72-hour burial violates constitutional cultural rights and that the funeral committee’s decision is unlawful.

The ruling clears the way for burial preparations to continue as planned while preserving the petitioner’s right to pursue his constitutional challenge.

The petition is pending hearing and determination.

Residents of Njeru Municipality in Buikwe District are living in fear due to persistent discharge of untreated industrial waste into various water bodies in the area.

The strong foul smell from this waste has engulfed at least six villages in Njeru Central Division, sparking serious health and environmental concerns.

The most affected villages include Model Farm, Nile Town, Triangle Village, Upper Naava, Lower Naava, and Jinja Mpya (UEB Quarters). Residents say the issue has persisted for over eight years, evolving from water contamination to unbearable air pollution, especially in the early mornings and afternoons.

“We have complained to every relevant office, including Njeru Municipality and NEMA, but no action has been taken,” said Ms Mary Kasolo, a resident near the River Nile. “Instead, officials use our reports to extort bribes from factory owners.”

Ms Kasolo added that whenever residents raise concerns, more factories begin discharging waste directly or indirectly into the River Nile.

“NEMA collected samples six years ago, but we’ve never received any feedback,” she said.

Buikwe is one of Uganda’s fastest-growing industrial districts, with dozens of factories located in Lugazi and Njeru municipalities. However, residents say the rapid development has come at the cost of their health and environment.

Ms Allen Kyobutungi of Naava Road described daily life under the pollution as a nightmare.

“The stench causes stomach pain, breathing issues, and skin and eye irritation. We have no safe water from the streams,” she said.

Local leaders also admit being powerless.

Mr Fred Kabagambe, a Njeru Municipal Councilor, said factories are protected by powerful government officials who don’t listen to local persons’ cries because they are not residents.

To raise awareness, residents have formed a WhatsApp group to document and share pollution incidents. Protests have also been held, including a major one in 2024 at Naminya, demanding stricter enforcement and cleaner industrial practices.

In response, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) temporarily shut down some factories and introduced new guidelines, including proper drainage systems and protection around water wells. However, implementation remains poor, according to locals.

Njeru Municipal Council’s Senior Health Inspector, Mr Andrew Kaita, confirmed that many factories fail to meet basic waste disposal standards.

“Untreated waste poses a threat to public health, crops, and aquatic life,” he said.

Mr Kaita added that over 50 factories are currently operational in Njeru, with more under construction, employing over 20,000 people. He noted that pollutants such as lead, mercury, and cadmium are being released into water sources used for domestic and agricultural purposes.

“Long-term exposure to these substances can cause cancer, kidney and liver damage, neurological disorders, and respiratory diseases,” he warned. Local leaders have called on the central government to intervene.

Mr Stephen Koboy, LC1 Chairperson of Lower Naava, said his office has received numerous complaints, especially about Nytil Factory, but no official environmental report has been issued.

Fisherman Mr James Waako said untreated waste flows into the river, turning it black. “We depend on this water. A jerrycan of clean water now costs Shs 500, which many can’t afford,” he said.

Mr Waako said fish consumers, especially downstream of the River Nile after the dams, no longer buy fish caught in the river, saying they are contaminated.

“They are right because on bad days when they release the waste, we could find dead fish or other living frogs floating on the top by the riverbanks,” he said.

Mr Edison Ateu, of Naava Low Zone, said his property is regularly flooded with factory waste, destroying his crops and even killing one of his dogs.

“It suffered chemical burns after swimming in the contaminated water,” he said. “We need urgent government action before it’s too late.”

When contacted, Mr John Busiku, the Njeru Municipality Environment Officer, promised to investigate the matter.

Meanwhile, Ms Naomi Namara, the Communications Officer at NEMA, admitted that the samples collected six years ago are outdated and a team will be sent to collect new samples to assess the current condition of the water sources.

Effective communication is the lifeblood of great businesses as it pays back in ways you will never imagine. Great communication builds trust and loyalty, which in turn creates good outcomes in the form of customer retention and profitability in the long run. The key reason why businesses must communicate is to nurture relationships with new prospects and maintain existing ones.

Effective communication starts with listening. Listening is the often-overlooked yet vital ingredient to success. Good communication is not only about speaking or writing, but also about listening. Listening actively means paying attention, showing interest, asking questions, and giving feedback. Listening actively can help you understand your audience better, build rapport, and identify opportunities and challenges. For example, when you listen to your customers, you can learn about their needs, preferences, and pain points.

One of the first steps to communicate successfully is to know your audience. Different audiences have different needs, expectations, and preferences. You need to tailor your message and style according to the context and goal of your communication. For example, when you pitch your idea to investors, you should highlight the value proposition, the market potential, and the competitive advantage of your business. When you talk to customers, you should focus on the benefits, the features, and the feedback of your product or service.

Crafting a compelling brand message is a delicate art that requires striking the right balance between being informative and inspiring. While it is crucial to communicate the practical benefits of your product or service, it is equally important to convey the emotional and aspirational values associated with your brand. This approach taps into the hearts and minds of your target audience, which eventually drives engagement.

Stories captivate and resonate with people. By sharing narratives illustrating how your product or service has positively impacted customers or solved their challenges, you can create an emotional connection beyond simple features and benefits. These stories humanise your brand and make it relatable, allowing your audience to envision themselves benefiting from your offerings.

To connect with your customers, there are several tools you need to use. Choose the right channel for your message. Different channels have different advantages and disadvantages, depending on the type, urgency, and complexity of your communication. For example, face-to-face communication is more personal, interactive, and expressive, but it requires more time and effort. Email communication is more convenient, fast, and formal, but it can lack tone and emotion. Social media communication is more casual, engaging, and viral, but it can also be noisy and distracting.

Social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn are now considered vital tools for businesses to connect with their audiences. Social media allows businesses to share updates, respond to customer inquiries, and conduct customer service in real-time. A common pitfall of communication is being unclear or using too many words. Aim to be clear and concise in your communication, so that your audience can easily follow and remember your message. Avoid jargon and technical terms that may be unfamiliar to others. You can also leverage technology to facilitate communication, such as video conferencing and instant messaging.

When you first see the Toyota GR Yaris, you might mistake it for a modified Vitz or an ordinary Yaris. While small cars such as the Toyota Vitz or Nissan Dualis are popular for everyday driving, the GR Yaris belongs to a different league altogether, one built for performance and speed. It is one of the few hatchbacks designed with rally-inspired engineering, placing it alongside other performance-oriented models such as the Volkswagen Golf GTI and Mercedes A45. In short, the GR Yaris is not just a city car; it is a compact powerhouse that blends everyday usability with track-ready excitement.

What sets the GR Yaris apart from most hatchbacks is that it is essentially a rally car. It has participated in the World Rally Championship (WRC) through the homologation process. This process is defined by productipedia.com as the certification that a vehicle or its components comply with the regulatory and safety standards established by the relevant authorities. According to the site, this certification ensures vehicles are safe, environmentally friendly, and meet specific technical requirements.

Features

Typically, the Toyota Yaris comes in two versions: the standard model and the GR (Gazoo Racing) version. The GR Yaris is developed from the regular Yaris, featuring a 1.6-litre three-cylinder turbo engine. Some of the distinguishing features of the GR Yaris are visible on the exterior. For instance, while the standard Yaris has a single exhaust pipe, the GR boasts two at the rear and has tail-lights that extend from one edge of the car to the other. The GR Yaris is designed with two doors and can accommodate four passengers.

However, the driver or front passenger must tilt their seat forward for rear passengers to enter. The doors are made of aluminum, contributing to the car’s lightweight structure. The GR Yaris also has an aerodynamic shape, especially at the front, to enhance its ability to slice through the wind efficiently. Most of the materials used, including the fibre bonnet, are designed to reduce weight, which improves speed. The GR Yaris is available in both manual and automatic versions, with the manual being the more economical choice. The automatic version is equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

During my test drive on the Northern Bypass from Kireka to Busega and on the Entebbe Expressway, the GR Yaris proved its rally-bred performance. It sprinted from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.2 seconds, an impressive feat for a hatchback of its size. Unlike the standard Yaris, which is front-wheel drive, the GR Yaris features all-wheel drive, giving it exceptional grip and stability on both straight stretches and curves. With three driving modes: eco, dynamic, and sport, the car adapts seamlessly to city cruising or spirited highway runs, making every journey engaging and exhilarating. In eco mode, the car is engineered to achieve 100 km on just eight litres of fuel, meaning that with a full tank, you could drive from Kampala to Mbarara in western Uganda and back while maintaining a steady speed.

Service, maintenance

The GR comes equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and features a modern dashboard highlighted by two smart screens. One screen, located behind the steering wheel, displays performance-related information such as driving speed, while the second screen in the centre of the dashboard focuses on infotainment features.

‘It performs well on tarmac roads. However, to handle marrum roads with the same level of performance, it needs to be fitted with a heavy-duty suspension system capable of absorbing the discomfort associated with these rough terrains.

The suspension system for the front axle differs from that of the rear, so it is important to select the appropriate one based on the road conditions you frequently encounter,’ advises Peter Kasoma, a mechanic at a fuel station on Jinja Road in Kampala. ‘As a high-performance car, it is advisable to service the GR every 5,000 to 8,000 kilometres. While some specific engine oils claim to allow for service intervals of up to 10,000 kilometres, if it is your daily drive or if you often take long trips, particularly due to the rough nature of Uganda’s roads and the quality of fuel, it is best to service it at the 5,000-kilometre mark or have it inspected for any mechanical issues by a qualified mechanic,’ Kasoma adds.

It is also recommended to use high-quality air cleaners, fuel filters, and oil filters during each service. For a high-performance vehicle such as the GR, the engine must have clean air at all times, free from pollutants and dirt, to perform optimally. Instead of cleaning the air cleaner, it is best to replace it. The GR Yaris uses regular engine oil, which costs between Shs40,000 and Shs55,000 per litre, depending on the supplier. On average, a minor service costs about Shs300,000, while a major service, which includes components such as automatic transmission fluid, spark plugs, and brake pads, costs around Shs600,000.

Cost

Mujib Tusuubira, a car dealer at mujibexotics.com, the 2024 GR Yaris costs $70,000 (Shs240m) due to its limited production and collector’s appeal.

Quick facts

The GR Yaris measures 3,995mm in length, 1,805mm in width, and 1,455mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,560 mm. Despite its performance capabilities, it maintains a relatively lightweight structure of approximately 1,280kg, which contributes to its agility and spirited driving experience.

Fuel economy officially averages around 7.6 litres per 100km, though real-world driving in Uganda’s mixed city and highway conditions may bring that figure closer to 10-11 litres per 100km.