Category: Daily Monitor

Tom and Sarah Mayambala have been married for five years. Like many couples, they had their share of financial ups and downs in their earlier years of marriage. However, they were determined to build a strong financial future together.

‘We started by having open conversations about our spending habits, financial goals, and expectations,’ the Mayambalas’ recall.

Fist, they created a joint budget that worked for both of them. Much as they were both employed, their paycheques were not the same.

‘We tracked our income and expenses, identifying areas where we could cut back and save. Then allocated our income into different categories, such as housing, food, transportation, and entertainment,’ they shared.

To stay on track, the Mayambalas implemented a system of joint financial decision-making. They discuss every major purchase or financial decision together, considering each other’s opinions and priorities. To this day, this approach has helped them avoid financial conflicts and ensured that they are working towards common goals.

What do you bring to the table?

Lately, the phrase, ‘What do you bring to the table’ has become a common expression in modern relationships.

Some couples are open about discussing and evaluating what each partner contributes to the relationship, whether it is financial stability, emotional support, or other forms of value.

This shift reflects the changing societal norms and expectations around relationships, with many couples prioritising mutual benefit.

House of Wealth’s chief executive, Newton Buteraba, in an interview with BD Life, notes the complexities of couple budgeting, emphasizing that each couple’s approach will be unique.

‘The way a couple handles a joint budget will depend on the couple and how they decide to handle their finances,’ he explains. In some households, both partners work and contribute to the finances, while in others, one partner may be responsible for generating income.

According to Buteraba, ‘Having a clear plan can help couples make progress towards their goals.’ His recommendations are setting financial goals, prioritising needs over wants, and regularly reviewing their budget.

By following these steps, couples can develop a shared understanding of their financial situation and work together to achieve financial freedom.

He adds that financial literacy plays a crucial role in managing a joint budget effectively. Buteraba notes that many couples lack financial knowledge, leading to conflicts and avoidance of budgeting altogether.

Envelope approach

Experts say a practical approach to budgeting is the envelope system, where couples allocate specific amounts for particular expenses and track spending accordingly.

‘Some couples prefer a 50/50 split, while others may choose a different ratio based on their income levels or financial responsibilities,’ notes Buteraba.

‘Find a budgeting approach that works for both partners and helps them achieve their financial goals together.’

This promotes discipline and accountability, enabling couples to identify areas where they might be overspending.

Individual financial autonomy

Buteraba, however, emphasizes the importance of maintaining individual financial autonomy within a marriage or partnership.

‘Having a personal private account allows each partner to manage their finances and make personal purchases without needing to justify every expense,’ he explains.

This approach can reduce stress and tension in the relationship, promoting a healthy and balanced partnership.

According to Buteraba, ‘When couples budget together, it fosters responsibility and accountability,’ he notes.

By working together, couples can identify areas of unnecessary expenditure and make decisions to optimise their spending. This collaborative approach eliminates waste and promotes a more efficient use of resources.

Buteraba emphasizes that budgeting can be a powerful tool for achieving financial stability, reducing stress, and strengthening relationships.

‘By prioritising your spending, creating a clear plan, and working together, you can build a more secure and prosperous future,’ he advises. By managing expectations, promoting accountability, and reducing financial stress, budgeting can help couples mitigate the risks of financial disagreements and foster a more harmonious and stable partnership.

Buteraba illustrates the importance of budgeting when it comes to school fees.

‘If a couple has not budgeted for school fees, the woman might ask the man for Shs3 million for school fees without considering if it’s feasible,’ he says.

However, if they had sat down to budget, they would have agreed on a maximum amount they could spend on school fees, say Shs1 million. This way, they can plan and make informed decisions about their finances.

Similarly, budgeting helps couples manage other expenses, such as household expenses, utilities, and entertainment. By allocating specific amounts for each category, couples can avoid overspending and make conscious decisions about their finances. If a couple has allocated Shs700,000 for food per month, they can track their expenses and identify areas where they can cut back if they exceed their budget.

This promotes accountability and helps them stay on track with their financial goals.

Couple budgeting is a highly personal and dynamic process that depends on individual circumstances, financial goals, and personal preferences.

Look carefully at everything you spend money on – and decide which of them are ‘needs’ and which are ‘wants.’

There is no one-size-fits-all approach, and what works for one couple may not work for another.

For instance, some couples prefer a 50/50 split, while others may choose a different ratio based on their income levels or financial responsibilities. This flexibility allows couples to tailor their budgeting approach to suit their unique needs and financial objectives.

In many households, the partner who manages the finances is not necessarily the one earning the income. The person managing the finances takes care of budgeting, bill payments, and ensures the household runs smoothly. This division of labour can be an effective way to manage finances, as it allows each partner to focus on their strengths and interests. For example, one partner may handle the day-to-day financial tasks, while the other partner focuses on long-term investments and financial planning.

Cultural norms

In many Western countries, couples often share expenses 50/50, while in other cultures, the man may take on more financial responsibilities.

For instance, in some traditional households, the man is seen as the primary breadwinner and provides the bulk of the financial support, while the woman manages the household expenses. The key to successful financial management in a relationship is for couples to communicate openly and agree on a system that works for them.

‘Cultural norms and geographical location can influence the division of financial responsibilities in a relationship,’ says Buteraba.

Income levels

The division of financial responsibilities can also be influenced by individual circumstances, such as income levels and financial goals. Some couples may choose to share financial responsibilities equally, while others may divide tasks based on their strengths and interests.

For example, one partner may be more skilled at budgeting and managing expenses, while the other partner may be more knowledgeable about investments and long-term financial planning.

‘Effective communication and mutual understanding are essential components of couple budgeting,’ emphasizes Buteraba. ‘When both partners are on the same page, it can reduce stress and promote a harmonious relationship.’

By understanding each other’s financial expectations and responsibilities, couples can build a stronger and more stable financial future together.

When couples talk about what each person brings to the relationship, it helps them understand each other better, tackle challenges as a team, and build a stronger relationship.

Since the Mayambalas embraced couple budgeting, they started building an emergency fund, which would cover three to six months of living expenses in case of unexpected events, such as job loss or medical emergencies.

They also began to save for long-term goals, such as buying a house, retirement, and their children’s education.

Upon your retirement, would you rather receive a one-time payment (lump sum) or spread it out over time through smaller repeated installments?

According to BD Life’s survey, seven out of 10 say they will cash out, while the other three indicate that they would rather leave it with the Fund to grow on condition they are entitled to unrestricted regular instalments.

Then there was another set of respondents where the majority preferred to cash out half of their total savings and leave the other half with the Fund to grow it.

When responding to the question about “leave or not to leave” the hard-earned savings, it quickly became obvious that the respondent’s decision was motivated by either fear or growth, and in some cases, uncertainty of what the future holds – fear of the unknown.

While explaining their decisions to either leave or not to leave their savings with the Fund, many said it is informed by the situation they are experiencing at the time, including personal and family pressures that require immediate attention.

They were mindful of potential alternatives, with some appearing unsure of how things would unfold once they took on alternative ventures.

Not many appear to have a clear path forward except banking on hope for a better future.

Some believe the right choice comes from a place of inner peace and a trust in your ability to embrace the path ahead, whether that’s to stay and transform the current circumstances or to leave and seek a better future, no matter the stage you are at in your life.

Research indicates that over 98 percent of NSSF beneficiaries spend their benefits within two years, often using funds for immediate needs, something the Fund’s leadership wants to try to address by urging savers to not take a lump sum but rather leave it to continue growing as they get routine instalments to fix their immediate needs.

When contacted last week, the managing director of National Social Security Fund (NSSF), Mr Patrick Michael Ayota, told BD Life: ‘At retirement, the key attribute anybody should want for the money is safety.

‘At that age, one does not have the runway of a longer life. So it is not prudent to experiment with newer, riskier ventures. NSSF offers both safety and reasonable returns. So it becomes a good vehicle to manage retirement and legacy desires,’ Mr Ayota said.

Regulator’s view

In an interview with the manager corporate and public affairs at Uganda Retirement Benefits Regulatory (URBRA), Ms Lydia Mirembe, the prudent move is to leave your savings to grow while settling for routine smaller payout.

She adds: ‘Rather than receive a lump sum payout, the accumulated benefits can stay in the scheme and the retiree purchases a sustainable payout option such as annuities and income drawdowns.

‘These products can preserve the retiree’s benefits or capital while they withdraw the monthly income. Cashing out the lump sum and pushing it into a business can’t be ruled out entirely, but it is quite risky for retirees to start and operate active businesses in their old age,’ Ms Mirembe says.

Although Ms Mirembe believes there is need for some serious research about post-retirement business ventures, some industry players and analysts think that one should have a choice to try other viable options.

One such industry expert is the country manager of Xeno in Uganda, Mr John Muhumuza Kamara.

He says: ‘A saver would best be helped with a new portfolio that allows him/her to optimise his circumstances of how much income they need to live on, what their current assets and obligations are.’

Experts have their say

An expert in retirement benefits, financial and investment sector, Mr Mubbale Mugalya, currently the chairman of the fund managers association in Uganda, tells BD Life that the decision to cash out depends on the status of your health and whether you have a roof over your head or not.

First, he argues that, someone retiring should figure out how he or she would want to spend his or her money once that time comes.

As to whether one should cash out or not, he says it will depend on several factors including the status of their health and whether or not the retiree has a shelter to retire to.

‘For an average person with Shs20 million at retirement, it is likely that that person will cash out instead of relying on Shs2 million to Shs3 million once a year as interest. This kind of return may be unattractive to some who may opt for a small business which they manage themselves.’

He adds that the daily pressures of life determine how one goes about their savings. To other people, it makes sense to go to the village and do farming because they are guaranteed food and shelter.

‘Leaving your money with the Fund or other investment vehicles works best for people with huge savings who most probably by their retirement time already have a roof over their head and can deal with day-to-day pressure fairly easily.

Why struggle?

As for Ms Susan Khainza, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), and a finance and investment strategist, the wise decision is for you to keep your money where the return is competitive and in this case, she is tempted to stick with NSSF.

She says: ‘I support NSSF’s recommendation that at retirement rather than withdrawing our savings to invest on our own, we can leave our money growing with NSSF, withdraw periodically to fund our expenses, and if possible, live off our interest.

‘As we work, we save with, and our employer contributes a percentage to the NSSF Fund. NSSF invests this money for our retirement on our behalf. We give up this money today, so that in future, we have money to replace the salaries that we shall no longer receive when we retire. We shall use this money to cater for our expenses.

‘One of the reasons that people wish that rather than NSSF investing on our behalf, they withdraw money from NSSF and invest on their own is the belief that they can make more money on their own than what NSSF makes. As an investor, you will need a return to compensate you for the use of your money and the risk that you may lose your money if the investment fails or if inflation reduces the real value of your investment,’ she says.

‘People do not usually think about the fact that the risk of the possible higher returns they are looking for usually comes with a higher risk of losing some, if not all of their savings. As we get older, our ability to take risks is significantly lower than when we were younger. ‘

She continues: ‘We have fewer years, and at times, no years left at all to work to recover the money if we lose it in a bad investment. A person who has retired or is about to retire does not have the ability to take the higher risks that a lot of retirees want to take.

NSSF Act

‘The NSSF Act states that the interest rate declared shall be 2½ percent or higher. This means that our savings are protected. In addition, we get a minimum 2½ percent return. This is not something that we will get outside of NSSF. The investments that savers want to make on their own, such as real estate, are already being done by NSSF on a more professional level.

‘They are offering us a diversified portfolio, so that we are not at risk, as individuals with all our retirement savings concentrated in one asset. Moreover, NSSF has matched the cash flows from the assets they have invested in, to our withdrawal needs over the lifetime of our savings with them. They have walked with us over our employment journey. From the moment we started working, they knew when we were expected to retire and planned their investment decisions accordingly,’ Ms Khainza explains.

Ms Khainza is convinced that at the time when you are no longer working and need cash to fund your expenses, you can withdraw your money at a minimal cost.

‘If I need to sell a piece of land, I need to find a buyer and incur high brokerage fees,’ Ms Khainza notes.

She argues that the return from NSSF is more than adequate to compensate savers for not spending money today, the risk of inflation, to cater for the 2.5 percent minimum guarantee and within the boundaries of the acceptable risk they are able to take because their objective is to ‘fund our retirement.’

Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) presidential candidate Gen. Mugisha Muntu has pledged to prioritise road, water, and health infrastructure development in Kalangala District to unlock its economic potential. Muntu made the pledge while addressing supporters in Kalangala Town Council on Monday as part of his 2026 campaign trail.

“If we reach 100 million people in Uganda, Kampala alone will have about 15 million. The same will happen with these islands. If we don’t start planning for better road and water infrastructure, people will spend almost three hours in jam – the same time they would have used productively,” Muntu said.

Muntu faulted the government for restricting ferry operations between Bukakata and Bugoma to only daytime, saying the decision cripples Kalangala’s economy.

“If you can drive from Bukakata to Masaka or from Bugoma to Lutoboka at night, why can’t ferries operate 24 hours?” he wondered.

Muntu also emphasised the need to strengthen Kalangala’s health services to match its tourism potential. “There should be air evacuation systems or air ambulances to transfer patients to hospitals in Entebbe or Kampala. Tourists will have more confidence visiting a place where they know their lives can be saved in case of emergencies,” he said.

On tourism, Muntu proposed creating a tourism fund to support local investors. “Government should create a tourism fund from which people who want to invest in accommodation and tourism sites can borrow at low interest and repay over a long period, even up to 30 years,” he said.

Muntu also pledged to restore Beach Management Units and strengthen local enforcement mechanisms to fight illegal fishing. “Fishermen who depend on the lake wouldn’t destroy it-they just need someone who listens to them and works with them to return it to its former glory,” he said.

The ANT presidential candidate also vowed to dismantle corruption in district service commissions across the country, describing them as “gardens of officials who extort money” from job seekers.

Local leaders and residents expressed frustration over high taxes, low returns from fishing, and poor road infrastructure.

Mr Magandaazi Semilimu, a fisherman, said, “We sell it for Shs10,000, yet we spend about Shs110,000 on 20 litres of fuel to catch only 20 kilograms of fish.”

Ms Brenda Nagaba, a resident of Bugala Village, called for larger and full-time ferries on the Bukakata-Bugoma route to improve access to the mainland.

Uganda’s Lady Rugby Cranes Sevens will head into the 2025 Africa Women’s Sevens with confidence after clinching silver at the Safari Sevens over the weekend in Nairobi.

Uganda fielded three teams at the annual tournament, the men’s and women’s national sides and national sevens champions Walukuba Barbarians as an invitational team, but it was the Lady Cranes who flew the flag highest.

The Lady Cranes began strongly, edging Belgium 12-10 and sweeping Tunisia 34-12 in their pool matches before suffering a 17-5 defeat to hosts Kenya Lionesses in their final group game.

They roared back in the knockout stages, thrashing Kenya’s emerging side, the Cubs 34-0 in the quarterfinals before edging out 2024 winners Costa Blanca Barbarians 17-12 in the semifinals. That set up a rematch with the Lionesses in the final.

National Sevens top try scorer Comfort Anganyika and Lydia Namabiro both crossed the line in the final, but Uganda’s missed conversions proved costly as they fell 14-10 to a more clinical Kenyan side.

Uganda will now return to Kampala to begin immediate preparations for the Africa Women’s Sevens, scheduled for next month at the same venue in Nairobi.

Head coach Charles Onen praised his players’ resilience despite the narrow loss.

‘We didn’t really bring our A-game in the final because we lost it towards the end, but I congratulate the girls for putting up a spirited fight. A 14-10 result against the Lionesses is not bad,’ Onen said after the final.

‘Those are the results, and we can’t change anything, but we shall build from there as we gear up for the next tournament next month.’

Meanwhile, the men’s side, the Rugby Cranes Sevens, endured a difficult campaign, losing all their group matches to Kenyan sides Nyati (24-14), KCB (40-14), and Shujaa’s Shogun (35-14) before beating Apache and Reunion to settle for the Challenger Trophy.

Invitational side Walukuba Barbarians also faced a tough outing, falling 55-0 to Kenya’s A side Shujaa, 41-26 to UK Select, and 38-21 to French Renegades before suffering another heavy 50-0 defeat to Reunion in the Challenger semifinal.

The tournament was overshadowed by tragedy as Belgium Women’s head coach Warren Abrahams collapsed and passed away on Friday while on the touchline.

Hosts Kenya dominated the event, winning both the men’s and women’s titles as they prepare for the upcoming World Sevens Tier 2 Series.

2025 Safari Sevens – Lady Cranes 7s results

Preliminary rounds

Uganda 12-10 Belgium

Uganda 34-12 Tunisia

Kenya Lionesses 17-5 Uganda

Quarterfinal: Uganda 34-0 Kenya Cubs

Semifinal: Uganda 17-12 Costa Blanca Barbarians

Final: Kenya Lionesses 14-10 Uganda

President Museveni has said the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) does not seek cheap popularity but instead delivers tangible results that have transformed Uganda since 1986.

Addressing thousands of ruling NRM party supporters at Nyadri Urban Secondary School Grounds in Maracha District during his presidential campaign rally on Monday, Museveni said the connection of West Nile to the national electricity grid is part of NRM’s long-term plan to industrialize and modernize Uganda, not a move to please voters.

‘For us in NRM, we don’t do things just to please people even when they are wrong. That is cheap popularity,’ Museveni said.

‘Now strong electricity has come, and the next step is to distribute it to all sub-counties.’

He explained that the 132KV transmission line from Karuma to Arua City is one of the biggest energy investments in Northern Uganda, adding that it will spur industrialization across the sub-region.

‘Now that the strong electricity has arrived, the next task is to ensure that every household benefits. This is what transformation means,’ he emphasized at a campaign rally.

Museveni further outlined achievements in the West Nile region and the NRM’s continued focus on social services, education, and infrastructure.

‘Maracha now has 62 government primary schools and seven government secondary schools. Out of 91 parishes, 34 have at least one government primary school,’ he said. ‘But we still have parishes without, and our goal in the coming government is to ensure all parishes have government schools.’

He added that Maracha’s 19 sub-counties only have seven government secondary schools, pledging that the remaining 12 sub-counties will also get theirs.

On Education and Skills

The President reiterated his commitment to free education, warning that some school authorities had frustrated the policy by reintroducing charges.

‘When we introduced free education, some head teachers started charging fees again, making it hard for poor children to study,’ he said.

The 81-year-old Ugandan leader cited the Presidential Skilling Hubs established under the State House to equip young people with practical skills in different regions of Uganda.

‘I have one area I control directly State House with no PTAs or foundation bodies. We started skilling hubs to demonstrate that free and practical education works when there is good management,’ he said.

Infrastructure and Development

The President also outlined key road projects that the government has completed or plans to undertake in the region.

‘We had to struggle to tarmac the road from Karuma all the way to Koboko, even when money was scarce. We are now going to work on the one from Atiak-Adjumani to Mwoyo,’ he said. ‘Roads from Panyimur-Packwach-Rhino Camp-Wanyara and Terego-Mwoyo are also in the pipeline.’

Museveni emphasized that NRM’s achievements are built on its four core principles patriotism, Pan-Africanism, socio-economic transformation, and democracy which he said have delivered lasting peace.

‘For the first time in 500 years, Uganda is at peace from Karamoja to West Nile. This peace was not bought with words but built through sacrifice and a clear ideology,’ he said.

PDM impact

Highlighting progress under the Parish Development Model (PDM), the President said Maracha District alone has received Shs27.9 billion, reaching more than 30,000 households.

‘In Maracha, the government has sent Shs27.9 billion under PDM. The next step is to ensure every family has a source of income. We must focus on wealth creation,’ he said.

He called on Ugandans to reject politicians who seek relevance through divisive rhetoric.

‘Politics is like medicine – you must diagnose correctly. If you take the wrong prescription, you die. Uganda’s progress will only continue if we stay focused on production,’ he cautioned.

FYI

Under the Parish Development Model, Maracha’s 91 parishes have collectively received Shs27.95 billion, according to government.

About 98.6% of these funds have already reached 30,695 households. The district has 62 government primary schools and 7 government secondary schools, with construction underway to bridge remaining gaps.

Access to safe water has reached 72% of rural villages, while solar-powered irrigation systems are being introduced to support local farmers.

The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) has launched a leader’s handbook for village-based mobilisation ahead of the 2026 general elections.

The guide outlines the sequences and highlights of village-based mobilisation efforts to secure a bigger victory than that of 2021.

The launch took place at the party offices in Kampala on October 13, 2025, with party mobilisers from different parts of the country undergoing induction on the implementation of the model.

Speaking at the launch, the party director for mobilisation, Rosemary Ssenninde, said the unprecedented village-based mobilisation model speaks to the centrality of branch leadership in party affairs.

“It underscores the NRM national leader’s desire to empower grass-roots structures to take the lead in canvassing for votes during this election,” Ssenninde said. “Under this arrangement, village leaders will be tasked to ensure they get the vote out and take full responsibility for its protection.”

The party deputy secretary general, Rose Namayanja, said the strategy is guided by the party’s mass and grassroots nature.

“Why we choose this strategy is that the NRM is a mass party, it’s a grassroots party, and the votes are not in Kampala, the votes are not at the district, the votes are at the sub-county and village level,” she said.

The party’s national treasurer, Nekesa Oundo, implored foot soldiers to prepare citizens during these elections by telling them what’s contained within the manifesto.

“We are going to continue with the 100 million shillings per parish, but there is an extra 15 million shillings for the leaders, that’s the preparation,” she said. “We need to remind them about Emyooga and the procedures to benefit from them.”

The model also seeks to enhance leadership at the branch by formulating and building capacity of a 63-member village task force at each of the 72,000 villages/branches in Uganda.

The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Presidential Candidate, Mr Nathan Nandala Mafabi, has pledged to ensure equal pay for both science and humanities teachers.

While addressing locals in Bukwo Town in Bukwo District in Sebei Sub-region, Mr Nandala said it is unfortunate that children are not studying since the term began due to the ongoing teachers’ strike over low pay.

‘Our children are not going to school because our teachers are striking because they are not being paid well. For example, a mathematics teacher teaches in English. That means an English teacher is the one who taught him English to be able to teach Math in English. Why would you then pay an English teacher little money?’

Mr Nandala asked. The teachers under the Uganda National Teachers Union (Unatu) have been on strike since September 15, protesting unequal pay structure that favours science teachers over their arts counterparts.

Mr Nandala said if he is elected president, his government will invest in education so that the children get quality education to accelerate the economic development of the country. He added that the country has a lot of money but because of corruption, it is being stolen by a few.

Mr Nandala said small businesses will be capitalised and given tax exemption to grow so that the ordinary people have money in their pockets.

‘The businessmen are suffering because of loans, taxes. But we have a plan for small businesses. They will be given capital and will not be taxed until they grow; this will bring money into people’s pockets,’ Mr Nandala said.

He also revealed that the FDC manifesto includes a plan for each village to receive Shs100 million for economic development. PDM He claimed that the current Parish Development Model (PDM) was originally an FDC initiative, but the government has failed to implement it effectively.

‘Every year, Shs10 trillion is lost to corruption. If I get the opportunity to lead this country, I will ensure that this money is channelled into development,’ Mr Nandala, who is also the chairperson of Bugisu Cooperative Union (BCU), said.

He pledged that the Uganda Agriculture Bank will be established and Sebei Cooperative Union restored to act as an engine to steer economic growth in the sub-region.

‘We are going to invest money in agriculture, and the government will be in charge of marketing through cooperatives. This is the time for change and I am your own. You have suffered for 40 years, but it’s time to get money in your pocket,’ he said.

Mr Nandala, in his campaign trail, also described himself as a hardworking man, committed to working with all Ugandans, regardless of tribe or religion, to develop the country’s economy.

‘We want to transition leadership from military rule to civilian rule. President Museveni came into power to solve insecurity and that has largely been handled,’ he said.

Residents interviewed in Bukwo said the poor state of roads and bridges has increased the cost of transporting their agricultural produce, keeping them in poverty despite the region’s fertile soils and favourable weather.

They added that access to quality agricultural inputs remains a major challenge, and finding reliable markets for their produce is equally difficult.

‘This has left lots of farmers incurring heavy losses during the harvesting season. This is worsened by the absence of storage facilities and value added projects in the region,’ Mr Martin Chebet, a resident of Bukwo Town Council, said.

Mr Mark Cherop, a project officer working with Kapchorwa Civil Society Organisations Alliance (KACSOA), said there is a need for the government to establish storage facilities per parish or sub-county in Sebei Sub-region to spur economic growth.

The Indian Association of Uganda, together with its High Commission, say they have partnered with the Ruperalia Group to organise the annual Diwali food festival involving all Indian sects this year.

In an interview with this newspaper last Saturday, Mr Paresh Mehta, the chairman of the Indian Association in Uganda, said this year’s festival, scheduled for next Sunday, will be held at Speke Resort Munyonyo.

The occasion is expected to attract all sects in the country, to showcase India’s varied regional delicacies, cultural and traditional, as well as promote the culture of unity in diversity and heritage.

‘Diwali is an Indian festival that is celebrated in all corners of the world, including in the United States. In Kenya government has gazetted it as a public holiday, and at State House Entebbe, in the past the President [Museveni] has organised Diwali celebrations for the community. We have been celebrating this festival under an umbrella association,’ he said.

He added that the impact of the partnership between the association, the High Commission and the Ruperalia Group has led to some of their projects such as blood donations and free heart surgeries for Ugandan children.

The ties have also generated a lot of demand for the celebration as a flagship festival for the community living in Uganda.

Asked to explain the significance of the festival, he said among the Indians, they celebrate it as victory of good over evil, light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance. He added that Diwalu contributes to social harmony and fosters a sense of belonging. ‘It is a festival that transcends religion and geography, offering a universal message of hope, renewal, and togetherness, and reminds people of the enduring power of light through times of darkness. It is also a time for new beginnings in business, personal growth, and spiritual enlightenment,’ he said.

Sasi Nair, the secretary of Indian Association of Uganda, explained that Dewali is an Indian culture of celebrating victory over darkness. He said it is a way of encouraging their community to always be righteous and nurture the younger and future generations to keep alive the culture of good behaviour for future generations.

‘We inherited the culture of good behaviour which we have to pass onto our children and the next generations. We have so far registered more than 100 food stalls and over 15 cultural performances from various Indian regions and every diaspora community will be represented,’ he said.

He added that Ugandans and international communities are free to attend and witness some of the biggest Indian cultural performances.

President Museveni is Wednesday expected to address the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) midterm review meeting that kicked off on Monday at Speke Resort Munyonyo under the theme ‘Deepening Cooperation for Shared Global Affluence.’

The appraisal summit started with the nineteenth 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 by the NAM countries’ Ministers of Foreign Affairs meeting starting Wednesday and closing Thursday.

NAM is an alliance of 121 developing countries. The alliance was established 69 years ago at the Bandung Conference 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.

Uganda’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Gen Jeje Odongo, opened the midterm review on Monday to assess the progress made in implementing the outcomes of the NAM Heads of State summit held in Kampala twenty-one months ago when Uganda assumed the NAM chairmanship.

‘Uganda remains fully committed to revitalizing NAM, reinforcing its unity and solidarity, and ensuring that our voice continues to influence international dialogue and decision-making,’ Gen Odongo said.

He added: ‘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.’

Delegates, Foreign Affairs ministers, deputy ministers, and ambassadors to the United Nations in New York where NAM activities are coordinated, and others in different capacities, from over eighty countries are attending the midterm review meeting in Kampala.

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 since the country assumed chairmanship.

‘In this context, the Movement has consistently emphasized equity, transparency, and the sovereign equality of States across the General Assembly’s revitalization track and related working methods discussions. The Coordinating Bureau provided a platform to consolidate positions on resourcing the Office of the President of the General Assembly, parameters for the selection and appointment of the Secretary-General, and the preservation of in-person, inclusive modalities for intergovernmental negotiations,’ Ayebare said during plenary on Monday.

Echoes of wars

As during the Heads of State summit last year in January, the reverberations of the humanitarian catastrophe arising from the Israeli-Palestinian conflict loomed large over the midterm review meeting falling before US President Donald Trump’s Gaza ceasefire deal.

As part of the ceasefire deal, Hamas, which runs Gaza, agreed to release the remaining living Israeli captives held since the October 7, 2023 attack, which triggered Tel Aviv’s ruthless military response that killed more than 67,000 Palestinians, including more than 18,000 children. 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 the Red Sea resort town of Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt to sign the peace deal, guaranteed by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, Recap Tayyip Erdogan, Trkiye’s Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and the Emir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani.

But nearly 3,000 miles away in Kampala, the Palestinian question once again took center stage during the first two days of the NAM midterm review.

NAM recognises Palestine as an independent country and treats the Palestine question and quest for global recognition as a standing issue.

During negotiations of text for the midterm review report, some hardline NAM member states such as Iran, Cuba, and Venezuela vehemently opposed crediting Washington, alongside Egypt and Trkiye, for Monday’s peace deal that President Trump hailed as ‘historic.’

Representatives for Iran, Cuba, and Venezuela argued that Washington has supported and reinforced Tel Aviv’s blitzkrieg of 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 Washington intervened by bombing three Iranian nuclear sites at Fordow, Natanz.

Meanwhile, delegates from Sudan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) also traded barbs over the latter’s alleged support of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which have been fighting the national army, plunging the country into civil war.

In the 434-page draft Kampala Declaration to be adopted, the NAM Foreign Affairs Ministers expressed concerns at the growing resort to unilateralism and unilaterally imposed measures, including their over-compliance and extraterritorial effects on the enjoyment of human rights.

They underlined that globalization continues to present opportunities, challenges, and risks to the future and viability of developing countries, and trade liberalization has produced uneven benefits among and within States while the global economy has been characterized by slow and lopsided growth and instability.

When Jude Ssemugabi netted on his Uganda Cranes debut against Congo on September 9, 2024, many thought it was a flash in the pan.

Fast-forward a year later, and the once-underestimated forward is now a mainstay in coach Paul Put’s national team setup, his name now inked among Uganda’s most consistent offensive weapons.

And as the Cranes prepare to face Algeria today at the Stade Hocine-Aït-Ahmed in Boukhalfa, Ssemugabi may be one more dazzling performance away from fully cementing his reputation on the grand stage.

It has been an unconventional journey. In his late 20s, Ssemugabi is not your typical breakout star. He honed his craft quietly at Wabigalo and Lake Victoria academies before lighting up the Masaza Cup with Ssaza Ssingo in 2018.

His exploits earned him a move to Mbarara City, where he was instrumental in their rise to Uganda’s top flight. However, it was his two-season stint at Kitara that truly brought him national attention – scoring 16 goals across all competitions and leading Kitara to the Stanbic Uganda Cup triumph.

His next move, though, stunned many. Despite reportedly receiving an offer from Vipers – the Caf Champions League representatives – Ssemugabi chose a less glamorous path, signing with South Sudanese side Jamus in July. Critics quickly labeled it a backward step. But Put saw otherwise.

Impressive stats

Rather than fading into obscurity, Ssemugabi’s international stock soared. Since his debut, he has scored four times in 14 appearances: against Congo, South Africa, Somalia, and most recently, Botswana in a crucial 1-0 World Cup Qualifier win last Thursday.

His versatility – able to play across the front line – and relentless work rate have elevated him to a permanent starter under Put.

‘I know where I came from. I don’t expect everyone to understand my journey,’ Ssemugabi recently posted on X. ‘God didn’t consult anyone when He placed this dream in me. I’ll keep pushing.’

Indeed, his self-belief has borne fruit. Regardless of today’s result against Algeria – a must-win clash if Uganda are to keep their 2026 World Cup hopes alive – Ssemugabi has already made a compelling case to be on the Cranes’ plane to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco this December.

Facing Algeria’s seasoned backline of Ramy Bensebaini, Aïssa Mandi, Rafik Belghali, and Jaouen Hadjam is no easy task. But with his blistering pace, improved finishing, and tactical discipline, Ssemugabi is poised once again to lead Uganda’s attack.

Should he find the net tonight, it will not just be another goal – it could be the crowning moment of his national team redemption story.

From being doubted to becoming indispensable, Ssemugabi’s rise is not just about talent – it is a story of grit, sacrifice, and unwavering faith. And today, under Boukhalfa’s floodlights, the icing on the cake might just be waiting.