Category: Daily Monitor

A Catholic priest in Ntungamo Town has asked Christian pilgrims not to abandon the Martyrs Day sacrifice just because the government suspended the walk to Namugongo over Ebola.

Instead, he urged them to ‘walk in faith’ and redirect the money for transport, food and time toward church projects or helping neighbours.

Speaking during the Pre-Martyrs Day Mass at Sacred Heart Ntungamo Town Catholic Parish, Rev Fr John Baptist Tumusiime said hundreds of pilgrims think government stopped them, without seeing God’s test in it.

‘Walking to Namugongo is an event, the sacrifice is the faith one gets in the walk, we can still have the sacrifice, walk in the heart and come to church, cerebrated the mass and give all you wanted to use for the walk, transport, food, time and the same thing you wanted in the walk will be done to you,’ Fr Tumusiime said.

The Dean of Ntungamo Catholic Deanery said the parish will still celebrate Masses for the Holy Martyrs Day and encouraged Christians to use the moment to donate and turn to God. ‘We are walking to Namugongo, even those who never had a chance to walk there, our Namugongo shall be in our churches, we shall cerebrate two masses on the day, walk from home to church, we shall also use the opportunity to have the walk to mass and that will be your day, the martyr’s day. Let’s remember how holy the walk is by walking in our hearts,’ he said.

At St Mathew Cathedral Kyamate, South Ankole Diocese Bishop Rt Rev Nathan Ahimbisibwe cautioned Christians against failing to give what they had prepared. ‘If you swear that you will give to God, let what you have sworn be given. The story of Ananias and his wife in the bible (Acts 5:1) reminds us that it’s better not to prepare to give than prepare and not fulfil what you have already prepared,’ Bishop Ahimbisibwe said.

The nine Catholic parishes in Ntungamo have organized different Masses for Martyrs Day, while Anglican churches have lined up overnight prayers and fasting.

At All Saints Church in Ntungamo Town, Parish Priest Rev Ezra Mwesigwa said the church organized a 24-hour dry fast for able Christians ‘in remembrance of endurance of the Christian martyrs.’ The prayers will also be offered ‘for the end of the Ebola pestilence,’ he said.

Rev Augustus Ainebyoona, the Diocesan Missions and Outreach Coordinator, said prayers will be held in all parishes with a focus on resilience and full salvation under the provincial theme, ‘anchored in Christ for peace, unity and development.’

Every year, over 1,000 Catholics and at least 500 Anglican faithful walk from Ntungamo to Namugongo for Martyrs Day. This year, none of them will make the journey due to government restrictions aimed at controlling Ebola.

Artisanal sand miners have scaled up their illegal operations in Lwera Wetland in both Kalungu and Mpigi districts, leaving open pits that appear like mini-lakes along the Kampala-Masaka highway.

In April, the National Environment Management Authority (Nema), in conjunction with other authorities, carried out operations against illegal sand miners in Lwera that saw the arrest of six people and the impounding of several machines.

However, illegal activities resumed in just days in total violation of environmental protection guidelines. At all illegal sand mining sites in Lwera run by artisanal miners, pits have expanded into mini-lakes measuring approximately two to four football pitches.

At such openly visible mining sites, just about 30 metres from the highway, miners who previously used rudimentary methods and tools such as spades and canoes have advanced to bigger boats to boost extraction as experts warn that the damage being caused will have far-reaching impacts.

Due to the water levels in Lwera, which is located a few kilometres away from the shores of Lake Victoria, there are fears that the ongoing heavy rains may cause floods that could submerge the Kampala -Masaka highway if degradation is not checked.

Mr Emmanuel Mukasa, a resident of Kamuwunga Village in Lukaya Town Council, Kalungu District, urged the government to swiftly review and strengthen its environmental protection policies.

‘The heavier damage is being done inside the ecosystem where you can’t see while on the highway. Heavy machines are being used and what remains there are big open pits, which turn into breeding grounds for mosquitoes,’ he said.

Mr James Frank Kasibante, a programmes manager at Biodiversity Conservation Foundation (BCF), a local conservation initiative, warned that unregulated sand and clay mining in Lwera is causing severe environmental degradation, which is threatening the ecological system.

‘This is a very vital ecology that supports the local economy in various ways, on top of regulating weather patterns, and we’re wondering how authorities can be reluctant in enforcing existing laws,’ she said.

She added that many people get fish they sell for a living, as well as raw materials for the craft industry from the wetland, so its degradation poses both macro and micro multi-sectoral impacts, and urged Nema and local authorities to adopt sustainable measures.

‘Look at how close the extraction site is to the road. It means we shall always be repairing it. What about the local economy supported by the wetland? We demand viable mechanisms to ensure adherence to the law and enforcement guidelines,’ she said.

Mr Ahmed Nyombi Mukiibi, the chairperson of Kalungu District, castigated Nema and other authorities over the discriminatory application of the law during enforcement by focusing on small-scale encroachers while leaving big companies operating freely.

‘I’m not satisfied with the operations in Lwera because there are areas where sand mining companies are guarded by the armed men, sometimes in military uniform and are no-go areas even for enforcement officers, so seizing canoes and spades will not save the wetland,’ he said.

However, he advised Nema officials to engage local leaders so that they can sustain the fruits of the enforcement.

Ms Naomi Karekaho, the head of corporate communications at Nema, last week asked for more time to first consult her superiors. However, she had not offered a response by press time.

As Uganda settles into a new political term and a new Cabinet takes office, attention will naturally turn to what comes next. Citizens want jobs, higher incomes and better opportunities.

Ministers will be judged by their ability to deliver results. But perhaps an uncomfortable question deserves more attention: What if Uganda has already spent the last two decades doing the hard part? For years, the country’s development agenda focused on building foundations.

Roads were expanded, industrial parks established, digital connectivity improved and electricity generation increased significantly.

According to the Electricity Regulatory Authority’s Uganda Electricity Sector Overview 2025, Uganda’s installed generation capacity has grown substantially over the past two decades, transforming the country’s energy landscape.

This achievement should not be underestimated. Building infrastructure is expensive, complex and time-consuming. It requires political commitment, financing, technical expertise and years of implementation. Yet, history shows that building infrastructure is only one phase of development.

The bigger challenge is ensuring that infrastructure creates value. Electricity generation is an achievement. Economic transformation is the test.

A power plant can generate electricity, but it cannot create prosperity on its own. Its true value is realised when it powers factories, supports agro-processing, enables innovation and helps businesses become more productive. The same principle applies across the economy. Roads create connections, but businesses create wealth. Industrial parks provide space, but investors create jobs.

Infrastructure creates possibilities; people create prosperity. This distinction matters because many Ugandans are no longer asking whether infrastructure exists. They are asking whether they can feel its impact. Can farmers earn more through value addition?

Can manufacturers become more competitive? Can young people find meaningful employment? Can Uganda export more finished products instead of raw materials? These are the questions that will increasingly define the country’s next phase of development. The World Bank has long argued that reliable energy is essential for economic growth and poverty reduction.

However, energy is most valuable when it supports productive economic activity. As the new Cabinet begins its work, its success may not be measured by the number of projects it launches. It may be measured by how effectively it helps Ugandans extract value from the investments already made.

If the last two decades were about building the foundation, the next chapter must be about building prosperity upon it. That may prove to be the harder task.

The budget of Parliament has within six years doubled to Shs1.2 trillion, despite the number of elected members of the House remaining constant at 529 within the same period. Our analysis shows the budgets for the Speaker, who is the administrative head of the Legislature, and the Deputy, have increased by about 7 and 8-fold, respectively. There was, however, a modest rise by roughly Shs1 billion in allocations to the Offices of the Leader of Government Business and that of the Leaders of Opposition in Parliament (LoP). The 10th Parliament had a total 443 elected MPs and 16 ex-officio members appointed to the Cabinet by the President, making a total of 459 members. However, ahead of the 2021 elections, 86 new constituencies were created, taking the total number of elected legislators to 529, increasing the burden on the Treasury to cater for the additional numbers.

Officials, including Mr Chris Obore, the spokesperson of Parliament, which is undergoing a leadership transition following the May 24 inauguration of the 12th Parliament, were unavailable to explain the reasons for the substantial increase in spending by the people’s representatives. The Parliamentary Building is currently undergoing expansion at Shs220 billion to add space to seat the current total of 555 MPs, including ex-officios, with LoP Joel Ssenyoni last week questioning why the engineering works have stalled despite yearly allocations to fast-track it. These budgetary revelations come to light following months of scrutiny of the financial behaviour of the Legislature, and only weeks after the Speaker of the 11th Parliament Anita Annet Among, under whom the multi-billion increase in allocations happened, was placed under formal inquiry for alleged illicit enrichment, corruption and abuse of office.

A social media exhibition by Agora Discourse, a digital public forum, raised queries over expenditure of taxpayers’ money by the 11th Parliament, with several billions of shillings passed from the House coffers through private bank accounts of its employees close to the former Speaker, Ms Anita Among. The money was reportedly spent mainly on donations. The Agora activists last week published a list of more than 150 staff that it said Parliament recruited during Ms Among’s tenure, allegedly without formal advertising, thereby bulging the budget of personnel amid near-tripled departments headed by directors. According to the estimated revenue and expenditure blueprint of Parliament, which will be included in the National Budget to be presented next week, Shs744b will be spent on the 529 MPs, nearly double the Shs400b allocated to them in the 2020/2021 Financial Year, indicating rising cost of democracy.

The allocations for the other two arms of the government – the Executive and Judiciary – have similarly increased substantially, with the former taking a lion’s share funded through direct allocations and supplementary, which raise questions about public sector financial discipline. The Speaker and Deputy of the 12th Parliament will have a combined Shs50.2 billion to run their respective offices, for the second year running. The Speaker will take Shs28.5 billion while his Deputy will spend Shs21.7 billion, up from Shs19 billion for the Speaker and Shs14.5 billion for the Deputy in the 2024/2025 Financial Year. The Office of the Leader of Government Business will get Shs5.2 billion, while that of the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament will get Shs4.2 billion. When broken down, the Speaker spends daily Shs78.2 million, while the Deputy spends daily Shs59.4 million to run their respective offices.

Details of the breakdown of how the funds for the 2026/2027 Financial Year will be spent have been kept away from the approved budget documents. However, the 2025/2026 Financial Year approved budget indicates the Speaker spent Shs950 million on inland travels while Shs2.4 billion was spent on travel abroad. The Speaker also spent Shs966 million on fuel, lubricants and oils, while Shs648 million was spent on maintenance of transport equipment. Another Shs4.8 billion was spent on incapacity, death benefits and funeral expenses and a further Shs5.42 was allocated for Speaker’s donations. It is the hefty donations and other expenditures that have drawn the attention of a number of legislators, who are demanding that the budget for the Speaker, the Deputy and other elected leaders within the Parliament be downsized.

Burden of Speakers on taxpayers In the 2020/2021 Financial Year, the last year when Speaker of the 10th Parliament, Ms Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, presided over the House, the Office of the Speaker operated a budget of Shs4.4 billion, while the Deputy had a budget of Shs2.7 billion. The budget for the Leader of Opposition in Parliament in the 2020/2021 Financial Year was even bigger than that of the Deputy Speaker at the time, standing at Shs4.2 billion against Shs2.7 for the Deputy Speaker, while that of the Leader of Government Business in Parliament stood at Shs1.4 billion. In the 2021/202022 Financial Year, when Oulanyah was elected Speaker and Anita Among became Deputy, the budget for the Speaker came down to Shs3.9 billion, while that of the Deputy Speaker was increased to Shs2.9 billion.

While the total budget for MPs stood at Shs400 billion at the time Speaker Kadaga left, Speaker Oulanyah’s brief stay at the helm saw the figures only increase by an additional Shs35,2 billion to cater for the additional 86 MPs. But in the four years Speaker Among was in charge, the figures have since shot up to Shs744 billion for the same number of MPs, with no explanation given for the steep rise. At the time, in the 2021/2022 Financial Year, the Leader of Opposition had a budget of Shs3 billion, while the Leader of Government Business had Shs1.4 billion. It was during the 2022/2023 Financial Year when Speaker Among took full control of the House, deputised by Mr Thomas Tayebwa that the budget for the Speaker and that of the Deputy started rising sharply.

For example, the budget for the Speaker rose from Shs3.9 billion during the late Oulanyah’s short stay to Shs8.2 billion, while that of the Deputy rose from Shs2.9 billion to Shs7.1 billion. With a total budget of Shs915 billion, the MPs got Shs510 billion, the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament got Shs4.5 billion, while the Leader of Government Business had no variation in the Shs1.4b budget as was allocated in the previous year. In the 2023/2024 Financial Year, the budget for the Speaker shot up from Shs8.2 billion to Shs13.7 billion, while that of the Deputy increased from Shs7.1 billion to Shs10.7 billion.

The Leader of the Opposition in Parliament had a cut by Shs300 million while the Leader of Government Business in Parliament got Shs3.7 billion, and Shs544 billion went to the MPs. The FY 2024/2025 saw another sharp increase in the budget for the Speaker and Deputy, with the Speaker getting Shs19 billion, while the Deputy took away Shs14.5 billion. Out of the total Shs977.8 billion, Shs576.9 billion was apportioned to MPs salaries and emoluments, while the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament got Shs4.2 billion and that of the Leader of Government Business had Shs3.7 billion.

Total Parliament budget

The 2026/2027 financial year budget of Parliament stands at Shs1.2 trillion, with Shs744.4 billion going to the MPs, and more than Shs60 billion distributed between the Speaker, the Deputy, Leader of Government Business and the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament. The 2026/2027 budget is double the budget Speaker Kadaga had in her final year that stood at Shs672.8 billion during the 2020/2021 financial year. Is the parliamentary commission complicit in inflating the budget?

Parliamentary Commission

Article 87A of the Constitution and Section 2(2) of the Administration of Parliament Act provide for the creation of the Parliamentary Commission, which is the principal governing body of the Parliament of Uganda. It is responsible for administration of the Legislature and the welfare of its members and employees and, among others, hires and fires staff and determines their terms of service. The Commission comprises nine members who include the Speaker (Chairperson), the Deputy, the Leader of Government Business (or the Prime Minister), the Leader of the Opposition, and the Minister of Finance. There are also four backbench members, with three from the ruling NRM party, and one from the official opposition party in Parliament.

The Commission, chaired by the Speaker, has recently come under scrutiny over what many called wasteful expenditure. For example, the back-bench commissioners in 2024 awarded themselves a Shs1.7 billion service award, which drew sharp criticism from the public. Ms Among recently dropped out of the race for Speaker of the 12th Parliament after she publicly indicated she would not be presenting herself for the position. Her decision followed a State House meeting in which the President reportedly advised her against contesting. She has since been replaced by Jacob Marksons Oboth, who was elected on May 25, and deputised by Thomas Tayebwa, who bounced back as Deputy Speaker.

What others say

Ms Among’s homes in Kampala and Kigo, off the Kampala-Entebbe Expressway in Wakiso District, and in Bukedea District, have been raided by security forces over allegations of a lavish lifestyle, illicit enrichment, and corruption. Ms Florence Asiimwe Akiiki, the Masindi District Woman MP told this publication that the Speakers cannot spend taxpayers’ money as if they are fetching water from the lake. ‘That money should be cut completely. We are not going to have that lavish lifestyle. The budget for the Speaker should be cut. We need to decide how many cars the Speaker should have. Can you imagine 13 cars? A Speaker having 13 cars,’ she wondered.

Ms Asiimwe also took issue with the budget for donations and wondered why the Speaker should become a donor using taxpayers’ money. She said while drawing the budget, the relevant committees should look at the practice in other poor nations across the continent before allocating the Speaker hefty sums of money. Mr Jackson Kafuuzi, the Kyaaka County MP, said the 11th Parliament lost credibility because of the way the leaders conducted themselves. ‘I have been in Parliament for 10 years.

Before the 2021 elections, I saw how Parliament was chaired… But lately, from 2021 onwards, a number of things have gone sideways, especially in regard to chairing the committee of the whole House of Parliament. I want to work with my colleagues to improve the performance of Parliament,’ he said. ‘In as far as the legislation is concerned, the outlook, the presentation, the demeanour, and the image we have given to the public is lacking. We need to work towards rebuilding that image,’ he added.

Restore public confidence

Mr Patrick Ogwang Obura, the Oyam County South MP, said now is the time to get a leader who will restore public confidence and trust in the Parliament that is supposed to represent them. ‘We come to show solidarity with Ugandans that we, the young people, cannot sit back and watch a Parliament of Uganda that has questionable reputation, where the public has lost confidence,’ he said.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

UTILITY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Comments

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

He warned that prolonged water shortages could threaten fish survival.

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

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

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

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

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

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

About Uganda’s fishing sector

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A billion-shilling industry

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Responsible gaming takes centre stage

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Can gambling ever be banned?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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