Category: Daily Monitor

As Africa faces worsening droughts, floods, and water insecurity, ministers and leaders from across the continent are uniting ahead of the 2025 Sector Ministers’ Meeting (SMM), scheduled for October 22-23 in Madrid, Spain.

The meeting, co-convened by the Government of Spain, UNICEF, and the Sanitation and Water for All (SWA) partnership, will bring together ministers responsible for water, sanitation, environment, climate, and finance from more than 60 countries. Under the theme ‘Breaking Silos: Uniting Political Leadership to Integrate Water, Sanitation, and Climate Action,’ the meeting will emphasise the need for coordinated action to strengthen climate resilience and safeguard vulnerable communities.

According to the WHO/UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme, nearly 400 million people in sub-Saharan Africa still lack access to safe drinking water, while more than 700 million do not have access to safely managed sanitation. At the same time, climate change continues to exacerbate existing vulnerabilities – from prolonged droughts in the Horn of Africa to devastating floods in the Sahel and chronic water shortages in Southern Africa. These interlinked crises are undermining health, education, food security, and economic growth across the region. In response, African governments are working to align national policies on water, sanitation, and climate adaptation.

The SMM will serve as a key platform to showcase progress, share innovations, and mobilize partnerships to close access gaps.

‘Water, sanitation, and climate change are deeply connected. This meeting is a chance for African governments to show leadership in building systems that protect people and the planet,’ said Muyatwa Sitali, Acting CEO of the Sanitation and Water for All (SWA) partnership.

Governments attending the SMM are expected to endorse a Leaders’ Pact on Water Security and Resilience, committing to measurable actions that expand access to safe water and sanitation while strengthening climate resilience. A Mutual Accountability Mechanism will also be launched to track progress and promote transparency among governments, donors, and civil society organisations. The SMM will further link to major global processes, including COP30 in Brazil and the UN 2026 Water Conference, ensuring that Africa’s perspectives shape international water and climate policy.

Across the continent, countries are already advancing national initiatives to address water and climate challenges. Kenya is investing in climate-resilient water infrastructure, Ghana is prioritising universal sanitation coverage, and Ethiopia is integrating water management into its climate adaptation strategy.

The SMM will provide an opportunity for African ministers to exchange lessons, strengthen south-south cooperation, and accelerate progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) – ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.

For the past 15 years, the Sanitation and Water for All (SWA) partnership – hosted by UNICEF – has brought together governments, civil society, private sector actors, and development partners to advance the human rights to water and sanitation. With a network of more than 500 partners worldwide, SWA promotes political commitment, institutional strengthening, and accountability to deliver lasting results for people and communities.

On a bright and joyful day recently, Oswald Ssebwolero Ssemmanda, 95, and Florence Eugenia Nambi Ssemmanda, 84, celebrated an extraordinary milestone; 69 years of marriage. The occasion, filled with warmth, laughter, and heartfelt tributes, was a testament to enduring love, resilience, faith, and unwavering commitment. The celebration brought together family, friends, and community members, with Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga as the chief guest. Reflecting on the milestone, he said:’Today, we honour and celebrate 69 remarkable years of the Ssemmandas.

This is indeed a milestone celebration; 69 years of marriage is no mean achievement. These must have been years of an intimate bond between you, years of deep love, unwavering faithfulness, devotion, commitment, resilient, steadfast work and shared memories. It is a privilege for me to celebrate this special milestone with you. I wish you a wonderful celebration and continued blessings in your marriage journey ahead.’

A union rooted in faith, tradition

The Ssemmandas’ journey began long before their wedding day. In the 1950s, arranged marriages through family connections were the norm. Oswald, then 25, and Florence, just 15, first met during their introduction ceremony, a practice designed to ensure compatibility, family reputation, and adherence to clan rules.

Ssemmanda was born on August 9, 1930, at Kisubi Hospital to Joseph Bakatema Balirwana Ssalongo and Musubika Alibaayagadde Balirwana Nnaalongo of Nkozi. Florence, the seventh of 10 children, was born in Busujju on June 5, 1941, to Daudi Bukenya Masiko and Maria Nababi.

‘This method helped strengthen marriages and made them long-lasting,’ Ssemmanda explains. ‘It was taboo for a girl to run away from her husband or divorce once legally married.’ Their formal wedding took place on June 1, 1956, at Lubaga Cathedral, Kampala, one of Uganda’s oldest and most historic churches. By then, Oswald had already built a foundation for his life and career, ready to share it with a partner who shared his values and faith.

Early life and ambitions

After completing Primary Six, Ssemmanda had hoped to join Kisubi Technical School. Although he did not qualify for a scholarship, he did not give up on his dreams. He apprenticed as a shoemaker under Leo Kayondo, a respected craftsman, with support from his father, a prominent cotton farmer. ‘After my 12 months of training, I started making shoes independently,’ Ssemmanda recalls. ‘I supplied shoes to schools, police, and prisons. It was by God’s grace that I managed to grow my business and support my family.’

In 1950, he joined an Asian-owned shoe company in Kampala as a supervisor. His earnings allowed him to buy a Raleigh bicycle for Shs333. At the time, this was a substantial amount of money, equivalent to several months’ wages for many workers. Owning a Raleigh bicycle in the 1950s was not just practical; it was a symbol of success, mobility, and status. He also managed to build a modest thatched house on a portion of land given to him by his father at Kabulamuliro on Entebbe Road.

Meeting the love of his life

Once his home was ready, Ssemmanda sought a wife. In those days, elders arranged marriages based on family reputation, discipline, and clan compatibility. Through a trusted intermediary, he was introduced to Florence, then a teenager who had just completed Primary Three. ‘I saw her and liked her immediately,’ Ssemmanda says. ‘After a month, I wrote to her family expressing my love. She replied she loved me too and was ready to marry.’

Faith played a crucial role in their union.

‘I loved my devotion to the Holy Bikira Maria,’ Ssemmanda adds. ‘I prayed for guidance to find the right wife, and God answered my prayers. It was not just me seeking her; she, too, prayed for a husband who would be the right life partner. And that was me.’ After fulfilling all traditional requirements, including paying ‘omutwalo’ (bride price) of Shs550, local brew, gomesi, and kanzu, Oswald and Florence officially became husband and wife on June 1, 1956.

Building a life together

After the wedding, the couple focused on building their home and family. Ssemmanda continued building his shoemaking business, securing contracts to supply shoes to schools, prisons, and police. He also cultivated crops to provide for the family. ‘It is by the grace of God that we have managed to live together happily,’ he says.

‘We were brought up in God-fearing families, so respect for God and for each other has been paramount.’ Despite humble beginnings, the Ssemmandas were blessed with 13 children, a gift that arrived after three years of waiting, a period filled with worry and gossip. ‘We thank God for our children,’ Ssemmanda reflects. ‘Whenever I see them, I remember the years without a child and the words we heard from people saying my wife was barren. God answered our prayers, and almost every year, a child came.’

Florence has been a steadfast partner throughout: ‘All through the 69 years, my husband has been loving, kind, and peace-loving. He is tolerant, which has helped us stay together. Trusting in God and praying have guided our lives. I have never regretted any day in my marriage.’

Ssemmanda, in turn, praises her:

‘You are not just my spouse but my best friend, greatest adventure, and sweetest dream come true. Growing old with you is not just a promise, it is my greatest privilege and sweetest blessing.’ Florence smiles and recalls the qualities she sought in a husband: ‘When I was ready to marry, I wanted three things: a God-fearing man, a man working in Kampala, and a man who did not have children. God gave me all three.’

A celebration to remember

Their anniversary celebration was vibrant, with family, friends, and community members attending. Katikkiro Mayiga shared heartfelt words recognising the milestone: ‘It is a privilege to celebrate this milestone with you. I wish you continued blessings in your marriage journey ahead.’ Ssemmanda expressed his gratitude: ‘We do not take your visit for granted, knowing how busy you are with Kabaka’s duties. Today will remain in our family history forever.”

Children celebrate their parents

On behalf of the 13 children, Maria Muzeeyi Ssempewo said: ‘We admire our parents’ character. They are exemplary and have taught us what true partnership means. Even five years of marriage can be a challenge in today’s generation, but you have shown us that lasting love is possible.

Seeing you stick together for 69 years gives us hope. You have raised us well, built a strong legacy, and your relationship remains our family’s greatest treasure. Watching your love grow stronger each day gives us all hope for lasting happiness. God must have had a hand in your union from the very beginning.’

Words of wisdom

Having spent nearly seven decades together, the couple shares valuable advice for young couples: ‘Love and submission are key virtues in a lasting relationship,’ says Florence. ‘Without them, a marriage cannot survive life’s storms.’ Ssemmanda adds: ‘To the best of my memory, we have never been hospitalised for any serious illness. My wife is careful with her diet, and that is why we are still strong.’

They also stress that disagreements are natural but manageable. ‘Harmony depends on self-control and forgiveness. No marriage is free from misunderstandings, but what matters is finding solutions and moving on.’ They caution against seeing wealth as the goal of marriage: ‘Couples can rise from grass to grace through hard work. Affluence as the alpha and omega of marriage is unsustainable.’

For 69 years, Oswald and Florence Ssemmanda have exemplified what committed marriage looks like. Their life together is a living testament to faith, endurance, and mutual respect. From humble beginnings, they built a family, a home, and a legacy that inspires everyone around them. Their love story is not just a celebration of longevity but a blueprint for enduring happiness, showing that marriage thrives on faith, shared purpose, and courage to face life’s challenges together.

Children

1.Mary Claudius Nabulime: Fashion designer

2.Charles Kyeyune: Deceased

3.Joseph Kalega Kiwanuka: Church catechist

4.Josephine Namuyanja: Home economics fashion and design teacher

5.John Mary Ssempewo: Accountant

6.Norah Margaret Nambi: School matron

7.Joseph Gyaviira Ssemmanda: Health worker

8.Elizabeth Namyalo: Accountant

9.David Ssenyonga: Print production

10.Jude Thaddeo Kafuuma: Mental health clinician, books publisher

11.Ann Marie Nandegeya: Health worker

12.Berna Nanziri: Court stenographer

13.Jacent Nampewo: Home health aide

The death of former Kenya Prime Minister Raila Amollo Odinga has brought business to a standstill at the Busia border.

Trucks on both the Kenya and Uganda sides of the border remained parked as supporters of the leading opposition leader mourned his passing.

In Busia, Uganda, businesses were at their lowest, with trucks destined for Kenya forming a queue stretching over 1 kilometre.

“Movement of trucks across the border is at its lowest because the Kenyans are mourning the death of Raila Odinga,” said Mr Yahaya Kamba, a clearing agent at the Busia border.

Mr David Oundo, a money changer at the border, said his business had been affected, as few Kenyans were crossing the border to exchange money.

“We depend on Kenyans who cross the border looking for exchange of money and that is how we get profits,” Mr Oundo said.

Ms Aisha Junika, who operates a garments shop along the customs road, said she had not made any sales since Odinga’s death.

“I have been selling my clothes to Kenyans and making good sales each day but following the death of Odinga, the business was at its lowest,” she said.

In Busia, Kenya, supporters waved tree branches and held a peaceful march to mourn Odinga’s passing.

Governor Paul Nyongesa Otuoma described Odinga as a political icon and a true Kenyan.

“It’s sad and indeed sad that the giant of democracy, the true leader of our nation has left us,” he said.

The governor urged Kenyans to stand for the values Odinga stood for and to continue his legacy.

“Dear countrymen and people of Busia county, the best respect and honour is to stand for the values Raila stood for,” he said.

On the streets of Kenya, supporters of Raila Odinga, some waving his posters, filled the roads, paralysing transport along the Busia-Kisumu highway.

“People have closed shops, trucks have been parked because of the death of Baba,” said Mr Joseph Omondi, one of the Raila’s supporters.

Odinga died of a heart attack at Devamatha hospital in Southern India, where he had been hospitalised.

He was a key figure in Kenyan politics, having waged five unsuccessful presidential bids and played a crucial role in shaping the country’s leadership.

August 31 was a fateful day for women’s cricket in Uganda. Far away in Namibian capital Windhoek, the senior national women’s team – Victoria Pearls – fell short of victory by a run – despite an impressive batting display against Tanzania in the continent’s ICC Twenty20 Women’s World Cup Qualifier.

The Victoria Pearls didn’t recover and consequently fell in the path of a more robust Zimbabwe, thereby missing out on progressing to the Global Qualifier.

National coach Deus Muhumuza and his assistant Brian Masaba knew their players had given their all only to fall short.

Seven weeks later, Muhumuza insists the Pearls can still get into more room at the top and they can do with as much competitive schedules as possible.

On Monday, Uganda will welcome the Canada Women’s team for a five-match Victoria T20 Bilateral Series at Lugogo Oval.

‘It marks the beginning of a great partnership between Uganda and Canada as we continue to offer our women players valuable international exposure. We look forward to a competitive and enjoyable

week of cricket, capped by our joint CSR activities,’ Cricket Uganda honorary secretary Denis Musali said of the showpiece setting a stage for international relations.

For technical aspects, Muhumuza and Masaba are keen on purifying processes with urgency on how to limit top orders in the opening power play phase of six overs as well as making it a norm to exceed 120 runs when batting first.

If there was any other reason for Muhumuza and Masaba to maintain stringency around the Victoria Pearls, it is their next call of duty at the ICC Women’s Emerging Trophy in Thailand next month.

‘This series will help us track our progress in key areas such as mental toughness, communication, and role-specific execution,’ said Muhumuza.

The former Cricket Cranes mid-order batsman and pace bowler Muhumuza has taken has rung three changes with Jumia Mohammed, Teddy Oyella, and Sarah Tino offered a chance to prove themselves in familiar home conditions at the expense of Irene Mutoni, Malisa Ariokot and Phiona Kulume.

With familiarity of pressure as skipper, opening batter and wicket-keeper at the U19 national stage, Mohammed comes in with demands offering room to grow.

Oyella was top of her spinning game at the local T20 stage in 2024 yet Tino is hoping to grab the all-rounder chance with both arms.

Yet, the responsibility weighs heavier on the mainstays including captain Janet Mbabazi who must consistently anchor the innings at one or three.

The same for a remodeled Esther Illoku, Immaculate Nakisuyi, Rita Musamali and Stephannie Nampiina and Proscovia Alako.

For consistency with totals above 120 runs, it simply means that beyond the first six batters, Kevin Awino and the bowling lot of Sarah Akiteng, veteran spinner Consy Aweko, Kevin Amuge and all should come to the batting party.

Of course, discussions will be dictated by the state of the wicket in the morning as well as Kampala’s weather lately.

That Canada presents an unfamiliar challenge unlike Namibia, Nepal or Thailand, Muhumuza’s team will be a different place by the close of the coming week.

Canada has played 21 T20 internationals this year, winning 11 and they are tutored by former national batsman Rizwan Cheema. Uganda is ranked 18th in the ICC T20 rankings, 13 places above Canada.

CANADA WOMEN’S TOUR OF UGANDA

VICTORIA T20 BILATERAL SERIES

FIXTURES ITINERARY – AT LUGOGO (10AM)

Uganda Women vs. Canada Women

Dates: Oct 20, 21, 23, 24, 26

VICTORIA PEARLS SQUAD: Janet Mbabazi (C), Esther Iloku, Immaculate Nakisuyi, Rita Musamali, Stephanie Nampiina, Proscovia Alako, Kevin Awino, Consy Aweko, Sarah Tino, Sarah Akiteng, Naome Amongin, Kevin Amuge, Jimia Mohammed, Teddy Oyella

For Dr Robert Ngobi (PhD), jazz is not just a genre; it is a method; a way of thinking, surviving, and transforming silence into meaning. He believes this method belongs to every African who has ever improvised rhythm, language, survival, or joy. His classroom at the African Institute of Music in Kampala is not only shaping instrumentalists; it is also nurturing individual voices.

In a jazz world where academic training often leads to polished imitation, his question to students is refreshingly radical: ‘There are thousands of musicians. But who are you in the music?’ Perhaps this is the true essence of Uganda’s jazz awakening: moving away from simply copying standards created thousands of miles away and instead focusing on creating new ones in our own style, with the drums still pulsating beneath the harmony.

Roots in rhythm

At the intersection of memory and improvisation, we find Dr Ngobi: the son of a traditional instrument maker, a scholar of American jazz, and the architect of a new African jazz education. Before he ever touched a Steinway piano, he discovered rhythm. In his childhood home, music did not come from sheet music but from breath, wood, and craftsmanship.

His father crafted amadinda xylophones and tuned thumb pianos, treating sound as something alive; something that could be carved and passed on like wisdom.

‘We did not say we were musicians. We just played,’ he recalls. There was no formal structure, yet everything was precise. Children learnt by ear through repetition and felt how the community resonated through sound. Jazz, though it was not named at the time, was already present, not as a style, but as a way of life.

Finding jazz abroad

Life rarely offers artists a straightforward path. After finishing Senior Six, he found that university admissions did not come together as he had hoped. He explored different options and dabbled in practicality, but the piano, along with the memories of communal rhythms, continued to beckon him. In 2004, he made a quiet but pivotal decision: to enrol at the African Institute of Music. He chose classical piano over jazz because, at the time, that was the form of music that seemed to carry legitimacy. However, that perception eventually changed. A scholarship later took him to the United States for graduate studies.

There, in practice rooms, he encountered jazz, but not the kind that thrived in Kampala’s improvisational spirit. Instead, it was codified, arranged, and meticulously annotated, having been lifted from bar stages into academic lecture halls. ‘I even asked my professor, ‘Where is the orchestra?” he laughs. ‘I came with a classical mindset. But something about jazz felt more like home.’

Reclaiming African authorship

As he delved deeper into his studies, it became increasingly clear: jazz had come full circle. The rhythms that originated in Africa with the enslaved had been refined in America and were now being returned to Africa through textbooks and educational curricula. But what if the circle did not stop there? What if Africa not only received jazz back but also reclaimed its authorship?

Dr Ngobi focused his doctoral dissertation on the formal jazz education system developed by American jazz pianist Lenny Tristano, which was one of the first frameworks to treat jazz as an academic discipline. He studied this system not to adopt it without question, but to adapt it to align with African perspectives.

“If someone can formalise our rhythms into their curriculum, then we can formalise our rhythms into ours and teach jazz in a way that preserves identity rather than promoting erasure.”

Teaching jazz

As the Dean of Academic Affairs at the African Institute of Music, he emphasises the importance of teaching jazz not merely as an American art form, but as a cultural return to its African roots. He reminds his students that improvisation is an African inheritance rather than a Western innovation. He is frank about the current state of Uganda’s jazz scene: it is small but vibrant. “We are still in our infancy. We do not have many prominent names,” he admits, but then smiles; seeing infancy not as a sign of weakness, but as a starting point.

While musicians such as Isaiah Katumwa are celebrated as icons, Dr Ngobi is more focused on the subtle yet significant movement occurring beneath the surface: in classrooms, rehearsals, and through quiet acts of bravery. In a society where pursuing music is often met with skepticism, each new student represents not just a personal choice, but a small act of rebellion, or more accurately, a small act of return.

Identity in every note

During a recent recital, the audience enjoyed well-known jazz standards such as ‘Round Midnight,’ ‘Airstream,’ and ‘Black Leaf,’ along with original compositions inspired by memories, experiments, and curiosities. Some pieces were tributes to mentors, while others were created at a kitchen sink, and some were lullabies for his daughter. All of them engaged with themes of identity.

He encourages his students, saying: ‘You can play Thelonious Monk, but what is your own note? Your own rhythm? How does your melody curve differently because you were born here and not somewhere else?’ He emphasises that jazz does not need translation to find its place; it requires memory. Young musicians should be able to say:’Yes, I studied Coltrane, but listen; this is how my grandmother’s lullaby fits into that chord, and how my family’s rhythm disrupts the typical bar line.’

The future of jazz in Uganda

The interruption and refusal to smooth out the accent are where new jazz forms are emerging in East Africa. Ultimately, this story is less about jazz itself and more about finding one’s own voice. His approach combines academic rigour with ancestral traditions.

In this musician, the amadinda (a traditional thumb piano) meets the conservatory, and oral memory intertwines with written notation. He approaches the piano not just to play, but to listen, pausing after each note to ponder a fundamental question that shapes his philosophy: ‘There are thousands of musicians. But who are you in the music?’

Perhaps this is where the future of Uganda’s jazz begins: not in volume, but in identity; not in imitation, but in accent; not solely in mastery, but in voice.

Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister, Mr Norbert Mao, has decried what he termed as unnecessary courtroom drama that continues to delay justice in Uganda, even as the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) celebrates unprecedented success in handling criminal cases.

Speaking to the media during the launch of the ODPP Strategic Plan 2025-2030 in Kampala on Thursday, October 16, 2025, Mr Mao warned that the justice system risks losing credibility if court proceedings continue to be turned into political theatres rather than legal platforms.

‘It’s good for the country that anyone accused of a crime is tried and given a chance to defend themselves, but we have a challenge where politicians are turning courtrooms into political stages instead of allowing legal matters to proceed as required,’ Mr Mao, who doubles as the opposition Democratic Party (DP) president, said.

He cited the case of former FDC president Dr Kizza Besigye, saying the ODPP already has witnesses ready to testify, but the trial continues to suffer from endless adjournments and legal diversions.

‘Those who are supposed to defend Dr Besigye keep bringing complicated issues instead of allowing the trial to proceed. If the evidence is insufficient, the law provides avenues for appeal, but this constant drama only delays justice,’ Mr Mao remarked.

Dr Besigye, a veteran opposition politician, has been on remand on charges of treason since November 2024 following his abduction from Nairobi, Kenya, alongside his aide, Hajj Obeid Lutale.

Their trial is yet to start, in addition to being denied bail.

Mr Mao also revealed that some officials from the Ministry of Justice were recently sent away from Parliament over accusations of interference, a development he said reflected growing hostility toward legal institutions.

He urged the ODPP to enhance its public communication and transparency, arguing that many Ugandans still lack understanding of legal processes and the reasons for case delays.

‘The ODPP needs a skilled communications officer, not necessarily a lawyer to explain legal matters in language that ordinary citizens understand. People deserve to know why justice sometimes takes long,’ he said.

He called for increased funding for the ODPP, arguing that the office’s Shs105 billion budget falls short of what is required to operate magistrates’ courts in every constituency and High Courts across the country.

‘We need more than Shs200 billion. Crimes are now transnational, with offenders fleeing across borders. Uganda must strengthen its capacity to prosecute effectively at every level,’ Mr Mao emphasised.

He further called for stronger anti-corruption laws, better witness protection, and deployment of senior prosecutors to rural areas to ensure timely and independent decision-making.

‘Justice delayed is justice denied. We must eliminate unnecessary drama from our courts and let the law take its rightful course,’ Mao said.

The outgoing Director of Public Prosecutions, Ms Jane Frances Abodo unveiled what she called the ODPP’s ‘remarkable record’ under its outgoing five-year plan, revealing that the institution had prosecuted over 900,000 criminal cases, surpassing its target by 269 percent and achieving a 68 percent conviction rate.

‘This reflects the tireless efforts of our prosecutors who continue to deliver justice despite limited resources and complex cases,’ Ms Abodo said.

The ODPP also processed 119 Mutual Legal Assistance requests, executed 54 extraditions, and recovered 37 percent of proceeds of crime, strengthening Uganda’s international justice cooperation.

Ms Abodo further highlighted innovations such as the Prosecution Case Management Information System (PROCAMIS) now active in 47 stations and the Virtual Learning Academy, which is building capacity and professionalism among prosecutors.

‘Our success was not accidental. It came from strategic planning, teamwork, and innovation and we have proven that an effective prosecution service is essential for peace, security, and public confidence.’ She said

Challenges

Despite some achievements, the ODPP still grapples with challenges, including understaffing with only 40.3 percent of positions filled and inadequate ICT infrastructure.

Ms Abodo said these gaps have informed the new ODPP Strategic Plan 2025-2030, which focuses on digital transformation, victim-centred justice, and expanding PROCAMIS to 148 district offices by 2030.

‘Our goal is to build a modern, efficient, and people-centered prosecution service that contributes to a crime-free Uganda,’ she said.

The launch ended with a joint pledge from both Mao and Abodo to deepen reforms that make justice faster, fairer, and more accessible

The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) chairperson, President Museveni yesterday underlined implementation of the two-state solution as the only legitimate and peaceful settlement of the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Speaking at the opening of the 19th Ministerial Meeting of Coordinating Bureau of NAM at Speke Resort Munyonyo under the theme ‘Deepening Cooperation for Shared Global Affluence’, He said: ‘…we have continuously called on the international community to recognise the State of Palestine and for its admission as a full member state of the United Nations.’

NAM has recognised Palestine as an independent country for 70 years, and treats the Palestinian quest for global recognition as a standing issue. The beleaguered state and the Holy See (both state as Vatican City and sovereign entity) are the only two UN-non member observer states, while the US has variously vetoed the UN Security Council (UNSC) resolution to admit Palestine as the 194th member of the UN. France and UK formally started recognising Palestine last month joining other permanent UNSC members, Russia and China.

As during the NAM Heads of State summit last year in January, the reverberations of the humanitarian catastrophe arising from the Israeli-Palestinian conflict loomed large, over the NAM meeting that started on Monday and closes today, ahead of President Donald Trump’s Gaza ceasefire deal on Monday. As part of the ceasefire deal, Hamas, which runs Gaza, agreed to release the remaining Israeli captives held since the October 7, 2023 attack, which triggered Tel Aviv’s military response that killed more than 67,000 Palestinians. Israel, in return, agreed to release 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.

President Trump flew to Israel on Monday as part of enforcing the peace deal and later joined other world leaders in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt to sign the peace deal, guaranteed by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, Trkiye’s Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and the Emir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani. Nearly 3,000 miles away in Kampala, during negotiations of text for the midterm review report, the Kampala Declaration, some NAM member states such as Iran, Cuba, and Venezuela were opposed to crediting Washington, alongside Egypt and Trkiye, for Monday’s peace deal that Trump hailed as ‘historic’ and pundits have said is a good starting point despite many unanswered questions.

Representatives for Iran, Cuba, and Venezuela argued that the US has reinforced Tel Aviv’s war in Gaza for two years ‘to wipe out’ Hamas, a Palestinian liberation group, said to be a proxy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, which is opposed to Israel’s existence. Iran and Israel went to war in June, which ended after the US intervened by bombing three Iranian nuclear sites. Meanwhile, delegates from Sudan and the UAE also traded barbs over the latter’s alleged support of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which have been fighting the national army into civil war.

In his speech yesterday, President Museveni, the NAM chair until 2027, indicated that the midterm review theme ‘is the best mutually benefiting way to create global wealth and affluence, that can trickle down to all parts of the world, and in return, enhance the capacities of all economies to increase global demand, create jobs and create markets among all nations.’

The appraisal summit started with the 19th meeting of senior officials on Monday and Tuesday to thrash out the finer details of the midterm report, the Kampala Declaration, which is set for adoption today by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs.

Foreign Affairs Minister Jeje Odongo, opened the meeting on Monday to assess the progress made in implementing the outcomes of the NAM Heads of State summit held in Kampala 21 months ago. He said: ‘It is only through unity, solidarity, and a common purpose that we can project a clear, strong, and coordinated voice on the issues that affect our nations in today’s increasingly complex and volatile global environment, an environment that continues to hinder our aspirations for economic development, social progress, peace, and the full enjoyment of human rights and the rule of law.’

Uganda’s Ambassador to the UN, Adonia Ayebare, highlighted several ‘mutually reinforcing priorities, including defending multilateralism and the UN Charter, insisting on inclusive, intergovernmental decision-making, and resisting practices that would dilute participation or undermine established mandates.

NAM is an alliance of 121 developing countries. The alliance was established 69 years ago as a foreign policy instrument to ally with neither superpower in global geopolitical rivalry during the Cold War. It has since become a collective voice for poor and developing countries.

Way before most businesses need investors, they need discipline. Most entrepreneurs dream of attracting investors at some stage, but the truth is, the majority are not ready when the opportunity comes.

Getting capital is not about a polished sales pitch or a glossy presentation deck. It is about proving that your business can grow sustainably, manage risk, and deliver returns.

Investors, especially venture capital and private equity funds, operate with discipline.

Do you want capital? Prove you can disappear for a month and the lights stay on. If your business cannot operate without you, it is not ready for investment.

Think of it like parenting. You spend years teaching your child how to think, make decisions, and handle challenges.

My little girl is only a few months old, and already I find myself thinking about how to prepare her for the world. One day, she will have to face it without me in it, and my job is to make sure she is ready for that moment.

One morning, I will watch her walk into school on her own. No one wants a parent sitting in class doing the homework.

A business that depends on the founder for every move is just like an adult who has never learned to survive on their own. That level of readiness requires maturity.

Your financial records must be accurate and transparent. Operations should be consistent and documented. Decision-making should rest on systems, not instinct.

Compliance is part of that maturity. Know the laws and regulations that govern your sector; nothing scares investors faster than a business with missing filings or unpaid tax arrears.

Investors look closely at how you manage obligations to regulators, employees, and customers. A business that cuts corners on compliance sends a signal of risk.

When investors see that your company follows the rules, pays what it owes, and keeps its governance clean, they see more than a good idea. They see reliability.

In the end, capital is not scarce. Credible, investor-ready businesses are. An investor wants a machine: something that runs when you’re on holiday, scales when you sleep, and grows when leadership changes.

Every October 15, the world celebrates the International Day of Rural Women. But for millions of Ugandan women who till the land, save seeds, and sustain families, this is more than a symbolic date; it is a reminder that their resilience remains one of the country’s most undervalued resources. Across Uganda’s countryside, women form the backbone of the nation’s food system.

They make up over 75 percent of the agricultural workforce, cultivating the crops that feed households and fuel local markets. Yet their contributions continue to exist in the shadows of inequality. While women dominate the fields, fewer than a quarter hold land titles. Most lack collateral to access credit or buy better tools. In a changing climate, these gaps are no longer just about fairness; they are about survival. Rural women are both the custodians of Uganda’s food security and the first responders to climate stress – yet they are still the least resourced to adapt.

Uganda’s farmers, particularly women, are already confronting the full force of climate disruption: erratic rainfall, soil infertility, and crop losses that threaten livelihoods. When water or fuelwood grows scarce, it is women who walk longer distances, juggle care work, and bear the brunt of hunger when harvests fail.

The gender gap in agriculture is not merely a social issue – it is an economic one. Studies show that if women farmers had the same access to productive resources as men, yields could increase by 20 to 30 percent, potentially lifting 150 million people out of hunger globally.

Across Africa, the picture is similar. In countries like Kenya, Malawi, and Rwanda, initiatives that support women with access to finance and regenerative agriculture training have transformed communities. Farmers adopting composting, intercropping, and water-conservation practices report higher yields and restored soils. These approaches do not just protect the environment; they empower women to become local leaders in sustainable farming. Uganda can draw lessons from such examples – that empowering rural women is one of the most effective ways to secure food systems in the face of climate volatility.

Projects are already proving this model works. These projects partner with small and medium enterprises to integrate women into value chains, helping them move from subsistence to commercial farming. Uganda’s government and private sector have a critical role to play in scaling up such initiatives. Policies must go beyond promises of gender mainstreaming to concrete actions: enforcing women’s land rights, expanding access to affordable agricultural credit, and providing extension services tailored to women’s needs.

Rural finance should move closer to women through digital platforms, village savings groups, and micro-loans designed around farming cycles. Moreover, public-private partnerships in agriculture should deliberately include women-led cooperatives and enterprises as core implementers. The private sector can be a catalyst by sourcing directly from women farmers, offering contract farming opportunities, and supporting mentorship networks for rural women entrepreneurs.

Empowering women also means addressing social barriers. In many communities, cultural norms still restrict women’s ownership of property or decision-making over family resources. Programmes that engage men and community leaders as allies in gender equality are showing positive results. The gains from empowering rural women extend beyond the household. They touch nearly every Sustainable Development Goal. When women have resources and agency, child nutrition improves, school attendance rises, and rural economies become more vibrant.

Their stewardship of natural resources ensures Uganda’s landscapes remain productive for generations to come. Simply put, gender equality is the most effective form of climate adaptation we can invest in. On this International Day of Rural Women, we are reminded that behind every successful harvest and every resilient community stands a woman whose labour sustains it. Uganda’s food security and climate stability depend on whether we choose to recognise and invest in her.

Looking at the psyche sheet of the 10th edition of the Africa Zone III Swimming Championships due this week at Kasarani Aquatics Centre Nairobi, calculators for points will be out from the onset for all teams.

Hosts Kenya and defending champions Uganda led by coach Thomas Tamale are the main acts for the title but Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, Sudan, and even Nigeria have fielded swimmers that can make the mathematics far from straightforward.

12 and Under

In the 12 and Under girls’ age category, Nisha Pearl Najjuma and Gabriela Eleanor Nakimuli go head to head with Tanzania’s Willbroad Gracias and the Kenyan duo of Thandiwe Kamanga and Lea Ibrahim in the 200m backstroke to start off the event on Thursday morning. Aya Adams, 9, a familiar face as she trains in Uganda represents Somalia.

For the boys, Kristian Bwisho and Giovanni Cruz Mbanga have to deal with Kenyan duo of AbdulKadir AbdulKadir and Jaeden Nygel in the 200m back. Bwisho will then compete for 50m breaststroke gold with Kenya’s Don Ndirangu as Elijah Ayesiga searches for a place on the podium against Tanzania Ariel Sykes.

Najjuma is a favourite in the girls’ breaststroke and will be joined by compatriot Alba Ihunde who has to battle Heydleen Magashi from Tanzania and the Kenyan duo of Aisha Hassan and Shah Havya for a medal.

Ihunde will then be joined by Ashton Suubi in the 100m butterfly, where Magashi and her Tanzanian teammate Leyna Borega are the ones to beat.

For the boys’ 100m fly, Ayesiga is joined by Jordan Musoke to battle Sundan’s Yassin Mohammed and the Kenyans AbdulKadir and Ndirangu.

13-14

In the 13-14 girls’ 200m back Zara Mbanga and Paula Nabukeera have Tanzania duo Crissa Dillip and Zainab Moosajee to deal with while Joanathan Kaweesa is a favourite for the boys with Tanzania’s Kaysan Kachra not expected to be too far. Jayson Aronda, 13, will also be pushing for a podium finish ahead of Tanzania’s Max Missokia and Kenya’s Tevin Waweru.

In 50m breaststroke, Mbanga will battle Dillip for girls’ gold while Mackayla Ssali and Kenya’s Nadia Vusha seek bronze. For the boys’ Kaweesa and teammate Kigundu Ssango are favourites but should watch the Kenyan duo of Adrian Irungu and Baraka Nyakundi carefully.

Mackayla will be joined by favourite Tyrah Muganzi in the 100m fly girls’ battle with Tanzania’s Nicolene Viljoen while Kaweesa and Benjamin Ssali are tasked to take on Missokia, Nyakundi, and Andrew Ogola – also from Kenya.

15-16

In the 200m back for the 15-16 girls, Rahma Nakasule will be up against TZ’s Filbertha Demello for gold while Paloma Kirabo hopes to get on the podium at the expense of Kenya’s Ruth Wangari Linddkvist.

For the boys, Daniel Rukundo and Shaun Muringi could bring home gold and silver. They face a familiar face in Joshua Andriatsitohain, who used to swim in Uganda with Dolphins.

In the girls’ 50m breast, captain Peyton Suubi battles the hosts’ Macrine Kalombo for her first assignment but Nigeria’ s Alfred Olajie Atinuke and Tanzania’s Heep Bridget are also in the mix.

Rukundo and Peterson Inhensiko challenge Kenya’s Neo Olengo and Austin Okore for honours in the boys’ 50m breaststroke then hand over to Isaiah Kuc and Ethani Ssengooba to take on Kenya’s Victor Okech and Tanzania’s Fernandes and Okore for 100m fly medals. Peyton and Kirabo will battle Demello and her compatriot Bridget Heep in the girls’ 100m fly.

17 and Over

Tara Kisawuzi is a lone wolf and a firm favourite in the 17 and Over girls’ 100m fly. But first, she takes on Rwanda’s Axela Echessah, 21, in the 200m back then the Kenyan duo of Duini Caffini and Maria Mwasha in the 50m breaststroke.

For the senior boys, Sudan’s Saleem Mohamed Ziyad is favourite and could go under a minute in 200m back where Uganda’s Pendo Kaumi and Malcolm Nahamya will be happy to be seeded above Kenya’s Ishaq Bahir. But Tanzania’s Romeo-Mihaly Mwaipasi, and Burundi’s Zacharie Harinzimana are seeded higher.

Kyle Kaweesa and captain Ampaire Namanya are challenged by Burundi’s Tony Uwineza and Nicky Irakoze in the 50m breast while Kaumi battles Kenyans Johari Masinde and Nathan Matimu in the 100m fly.

Expanded age groups

The 800m freestyle will be swum in the 14 and Under plus 15 and Over age groups.

Mackyala and Muganzi go up against Dillup and Moosajee in the 14 and Under girls’ 800m free while Elijah Mukisa and Manuel Ssemanda are up against Missokia and compatriot Zac Okumu, plus Kenya’s Ogoola and Lawrence Okumu in the boys’ category.

Peyton and Sonia Mwere are up against Sudan’s Hani Rana, and the Kenyan duo of Lindkvist and Victoria Okumu in the 15 and Over girls’ 800m free while Kuc hopes for a medal position in the boys’ race.

The day concludes with relays, which will also be done in the extended age groups. Kisawuzi can make a team with the 15-16 girls while Inhensiko, 16, can swim up with Ampaire, Kaumi, and Mathew Mwase.

The masters will also be in action in the 50m breaststroke.

Thursday’s events: 200m backstroke, 50m breaststroke, 800m freestyle, 100m butterfly, 4x50m medley relay (gender)