Category: Daily Monitor

The air is thick with noise, dust, and urgency. ‘Pants, Shs10,000!’ yells one trader. Another calls for space to pass. Everyone moves with purpose-some to sell, others to buy-all chasing that day’s profit.

That is the Kikuubo that built empires and dreams. Once a busy regional hub, it drew buyers from Rwanda, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and beyond, with trucks loaded with goods in cartons. Today, that rhythm has changed. Kikuubo has not lost its importance entirely, but the market is evolving quickly, facing new challenges while thriving during peak seasons like back-to-school and Christmas seasons.

In a small corridor of Papa Plaza, one of the arcades in downtown Kampala, Eddie Dollar-known fondly by fellow traders-arranges neatly folded men’s shirts in his tiny shop. ‘We used to sell to Rwandese and South Sudanese buyers who would clear everything,’ he says, sorting shirts by colour. ‘They would come with trucks every day. Now? Twice a week, if we are lucky. Rwanda instructed its people to buy directly from China, and South Sudan did the same. As a result, they cut back because our prices continued to rise. The more the government taxed us, the more we increased prices-they found it cheaper elsewhere.’

Despite its potential as a regional hub, Kikuubo is not a tax haven, but a large informal retail and wholesale trading centre where tax collection is harder and compliance is inconsistent. The government, through Uganda Revenue Authority, (URA) is working to formalise trade, improve digital receipting, and educate traders to ensure fair contribution to national revenue.

According to research by the Economic Policy Research Centre, over 50 percent of Uganda’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is generated in the informal economy, much of which remains untapped for taxation.

Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) notes that Uganda loses an estimated Shs5 trillion annually due to tax evasion, with a significant portion stemming from the informal sector. This sector encompasses areas like Kikuubo, where many small businesses operate outside the formal tax system.

Uganda’s domestic revenue has been rising steadily in recent years. In the 2024/25 financial year, the country collected Shs21.25 trillion from domestic taxes, a 15.59 percent increase compared to the previous year.

Total revenue collection, including international trade taxes, reached Shs31.37 trillion. For this current FY 2025/26, URA has a tax collection target of around Shs36.71 trillion, much more than Shs31.37 trillion collected in the previous year, with expectations of Shs40.090 trillion in FY 2026/27.

But all these ambitions still place the country among those with a narrow tax base compared to many other countries, with tax collections totaling less than 14 percent of GDP. The average for sub-Saharan countries is 18 percent and this is because a large share of economic activity is informal and untaxed.

As part of the revenue strategy, Parliament approved new tax policy measures expected to raise an additional Shs538.6 billion. A key component of the financing strategy includes improving tax administration to raise an additional Shs1.89 trillion.

While traders attribute the disappearance of the regional market to high taxes, Brian Sserunjogi, a research fellow at the Economic Policy Research Centre, explains that the challenges are not only about higher taxes.

‘Globally, aid and financing from developed countries has declined, putting pressure on countries such as Uganda to mobilise resources internally. That has led to tighter tax administration-not necessarily higher taxes-but reforms like the Electronic Fiscal Receipting and Invoicing Solution (EFRIS) to increase transparency and compliance. These measures have slowed down the clearance of goods.

Take the groupage scandal where URA insisted that each person in a container clears individually delaying access to goods. Traders get frustrated, and buyers from Rwanda and South Sudan simply divert to other markets.’

Sserunjogi adds, ‘URA needs to improve efficiency, streamline tax clearance, and educate traders on the new processes.’

Competition

Competition and infrastructure are also shaping Kikuubo’s evolution. Physical limitations, such as congested lanes, limited storage, and chaotic logistics, slow down business.

‘Kikuubo is so small, so congested, with limited storage-which becomes a problem,’ says Isaac Shinyekwa, head of trade and regional integration at the Economic Policy Research Centre.

He suggests building purpose-built trading hubs outside the city center, near borders, to attract regional buyers. Improved infrastructure, such as border posts, processing facilities, and better transport, could make it easier for neighboring traders to access Ugandan goods without navigating Kampala’s crowded streets.

Meanwhile, regional competition and policy changes are eroding Kikuubo’s uniqueness.

Jemba Kanakulya Mulondo, board member of Kampala City Traders Association notes that Uganda’s adoption of the EAC common external tariff leaves little incentive for foreigners to shop locally.

‘If we are all applying a 25 percent tariff, why would anyone come to Uganda?’ he asks. Regional buyers are learning from Ugandan traders and establishing similar markets in their own countries. ‘To bring regional players back, Uganda should produce goods that are unique,’ Mulondo adds.

Digital disruption compounds the challenge. Platforms like Kikuubo Online and Jumia reduce the need for physical visits, while foreign traders with easier access to credit intensify competition. Government strategies such as import substitution-raising taxes to protect local industries-have also reshaped trade, sometimes making re-exporting less attractive.

Aloysious Kitengo, a trade policy expert, emphasizes that local industries must produce at scale, quality, and price to remain competitive.

Yet, Kikuubo’s resilience remains. During peak seasons, crowds return in full force, a reminder of its enduring appeal for household items and clothing at fair prices.

The market may be changing, but its potential for relevance remains if Uganda invests in infrastructure, streamlines policies, supports local industries, and adapts to digital trends. Kikuubo’s old model may be fading, but its story of trade, hustle, and opportunity is far from over.

A 29-year-old law student at Kampala International University (KIU) has been charged before Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s court for allegedly obtaining personal data belonging to Justice Andrew Khauka of the High Court.

Herbert Arinaitwe, a resident of Bulwa Zone, Rubaga Division in Kampala District, appeared before Grade One Magistrate Alex Niyonzima on Tuesday and pleaded not guilty to the charge of unlawful obtaining of personal data contrary to Section 7(1) of the Data Protection and Privacy Act, Cap 97, and Regulation 34(1) of the Data Protection and Privacy Regulations No. 21 of 2021.

According to the charge sheet, the prosecution alleges that on October 10, 2025, while at Room 3, High Court Kampala, Arinaitwe without prior consent of Justice Khauka, unlawfully obtained personal data, to wit, a video recording of the said judge.

Representing the State, Jane Francis Itae informed the court that investigations into the matter were still ongoing.

‘The inquiries in this matter are still ongoing,’ Itae told court, opposing the bail application made by the defence.

She further objected to Arinaitwe’s release on bail, arguing that the documents presented by the accused purporting to show that he was a student at Kampala University required verification.

‘The accused has presented documents from the university, but we do not have proof from the university indicating that he is their student. We want to verify with the university. If granted bail, he may interfere with investigations,’ Itae submitted.

Defence counsel Norbert Rwabitti applied for bail on behalf of Arinaitwe, arguing that his client was a bona fide student at Kampala University and had provided proof of admission and identification.

‘The accused is a law student at Kampala International University and has provided a copy of his admission letter and university identity card,’ Rwabitti said.

‘He even has a paper for Criminal Law on October 15. The accused has two sureties who are aware of their responsibilities,’ he added.

Responding to the prosecution’s objection, Rwabitti insisted that the documents presented were original and that bail was a constitutional right.

‘The accused has presented his original university ID and admission form, which are primary evidence. There is nothing useful to verify. The issue of ongoing inquiries is not the duty of the accused, and he has a right to apply for bail. It is within the court’s discretion to grant it,’ he submitted.

In his ruling, Magistrate Niyonzima noted that the sureties presented by the accused were substantial and accordingly granted bail.

‘It is uncontroverted that the sureties are substantial and for that reason, I am inclined to grant the accused a non-cash bail of Shs1 million,’ the magistrate ruled.

‘Given that he is a student, I will grant a non-cash bail of Shs1 million, and each of the sureties are bonded at Shs5 million not cash. Sureties, if you do not do what you are supposed to do, you pay this money and forfeit it,’ he added.

The case was adjourned to November 25, 2025, for hearing.

The chief executive officer of the National Union of Disabled Persons of Uganda (NUDIPU), Ms Esther Kyozira, has implored the government to walk the talk and ensure that the challenges faced by Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) while accessing health care are eliminated once and for all.

Ms Kyozira made this call while addressing journalists in Kampala on Monday. She noted that despite Uganda’s progressive legal and policy frameworks, many PWDs still face significant barriers when seeking healthcare.

“These barriers include inaccessible facilities, limited assistive equipment, communication challenges, and, at times, negative attitudes from health workers,” she said. “These challenges are not just statistics; they are living experiences of our brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers, children and youth who deserve better.”

Ms Kyozira emphasised that inclusive healthcare is a human right, not a privilege.

“We need to remind ourselves that inclusive healthcare is a human right, not a privilege,” she said. “It’s essential that we work together to ensure that all PWDs have access to quality healthcare services that meet their needs.”

She also highlighted the importance of disability-inclusive healthcare, noting that it’s crucial for promoting the dignity and well-being of PWDs.

“As NUDIPU, we reaffirm our commitment to work hand in hand with the government of Uganda, the Ministry of Health, and all stakeholders to ensure that disability-inclusive healthcare becomes a lived reality, not just an aspiration,” she said.

Ms Charlotte Kangume, an amputee, shared her experience, highlighting the importance of accessible healthcare services for PWDs.

“Getting my artificial limb was a lifesaver and helped me regain my life,” she said. “I urge the government to prioritise accessible healthcare services for PWDs, including providing affordable and accessible assistive devices.”

Rukiga District, now in its eighth year since its formal creation on July 1, 2017, has been the focus of my reflections during our celebration of Uganda’s 63 years of independence. Rukiga, the place that has been my primary home in Uganda since I was a toddler, was one of the six counties of Kigyezi during the colonial and early post-colonial years. Its physical size shrank when its two sub-counties of Nyakishenyi and Nyarushanje were hived off to form Rubabo in 1980, which then became part of Rukungiri District. Our two lost sub-counties deprived us of a significant population of talented people, and productive land and water resources. Our loss was Rujumbura’s gain, for the latter, which had been another county of Kigyezi, would soon become Rukungiri District, founded on priceless transfer of intellectual and entrepreneurial capital that had made Rukiga County one of the best endowed in earlier years.

The loss of Nyakishenyi and Nyarushanje sub-counties was not very bothersome when Kigyezi was a single district. It became important once the balkanization of Uganda into tiny, mostly non-viable districts began in earnest. Tiny Rukiga, with a surface area of 426.3 square kilometres, covers only 0.2 percent of Uganda. One can walk from its northern to southern borders in just 10 to 12 hours, and cross from the west to the east in less than six hours. Rukiga District’s population of 132,255 lived in 29,495 households in 2024. The National Population and Housing Census last year showed a high unemployment rate and many youth not in employment, education, or training. The district’s socio-economic status was found wanting in measures such as improved water and sanitation; use of clean, non-polluting energy for lighting and cooking; and non-subsistence economic activities.

Fewer than 5,000 Banyarukiga had health insurance policies. There was a high burden of mental health, with 10,913 (8.2 percent) reporting psychological distress. Fewer than 5,000 people had access to the internet, a tool that is no longer optional in this era of rapid social, information, communication, and overall economic transformation. Whereas superficial improvements have occurred, such a proliferation of beautiful ‘permanent’ houses, boda boda transportation, and numbers of primary and secondary schools, contemporary Rukiga remains far behind where it ought to have been. One is not surprised by this situation. Like many Ugandan districts, Rukiga came into being without a detailed district-specific development plan. Granting district status to Rukiga was a political decision, not an economic one.

Furthermore, the district lacked an economic and taxation base upon which it would build and sustain its development programme. In the eight years since we celebrated the birth of Rukiga District, we have depended almost entirely on limited funds from the central government treasury. A significant chunk of that money has been spent on the administration of what is essentially Rukiga County, notwithstanding its more romantic designation of a ‘district.’ Interestingly, most district administrators do not live in Mparo, the location of the district headquarters. Many live in Kabaare, and others live in their rural homes a fair distance from their place or work. The road to the district headquarters remains very dusty and rugged in the dry season. It is a muddy, treacherous, pot-holed affair that is no match for what it was like during its colonial and early postcolonial life. Just last week, an elderly woman nearly died when she attempted to wade through a water-filled patch on a bridge not far from the district headquarters.

Simple maintenance of that bridge’s drainage culverts would have prevented such risks. Without changing the current way of doing things, the dependence on Kampala for small amounts to run the district and to fund a few social services like education and healthcare will likely continue for many years. The district administrators and other politicians will be paid their salaries, but most citizens of Rukiga will continue to struggle on the periphery of Uganda’s much praised economic progress. What measures should the people of Rukiga consider pursuing to achieve transformative growth and development? First, Rukiga can only be developed by the people of the district. The government in Kampala has a very limited budget that it has elected to transfer to the districts. Complaining about the unfairness of that practice is unlikely to alter the government’s attitude towards districts like Rukiga that are assumed to be politically inconsequential.

So, Banyarukiga should roll up their collective sleeves, think and plan together, and embark on achievable development projects in their home area. We have done a marvellous job of investing in Kampala, other Ugandan towns and foreign lands. We need to do likewise in the homeland that gave us the foundation upon which we have built our lives in the big towns and cities that we presently call home. It is critically important that we come up with a focused, actionable plan before we proceed with a collective development programme. I strongly believe that the single most important development project that Rukiga needs is construction of all-weather (tarmac) roads. All else will fall in place. None of this absolves the current ruler and his government of their obligation to remember Rukiga District as being part of Uganda.

The current presidential and parliamentary campaigns offer Banyarukiga opportunities to engage the politicians in serious conversations about our district’s sorry state. I urge everyone to take off their partisan colours, wear white as the symbolic colour of our shared district, and peacefully but firmly demand written commitment by the president and his political opponents to ensure that tarmacking Rukiga District’s roads is included in the 2026-2027 national budget. However, even as we work with the rulers and our representatives to try to obtain government funding for all-weather roads, we must invest our intellectual, financial, and human resources into an organised, collective, and cooperative agenda for building Rukiga without waiting for external assistance.

To do so demands that we maintain peace and practice politics of tolerance in our district. Political opponents must not be seen as enemies. They should be considered allies that simply have different perspectives on solutions for our common problems. Our problems in Rukiga affect us together, regardless of our party colours, religious beliefs, or other superficial cleavages. The solutions to those problems need collective action, not continued complaints, and certainly not more empty promises by politicians. Citizens should reject such recycled promises, and insist on written commitments.

The Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) examinations on October 13 commenced as scheduled, with a few isolated incidents of two schools in Central Buganda, which failed to register 23 learners with the examinations body, to sit for their final exams, and some registered candidates who did not turn up for the final exams for various reasons.

Cream Field Vocational Senior School in Nakifuma, Mukono District, for instance, was closed on October 13 after it failed to register 15 candidates to sit for the 2025 UCE examinations, even after they met their fee obligations.

Another eight candidates at Bizmark High School in Mityana District faced a similar fate after they learnt that their school had not been registered with the Uganda National Examinations Board (Uneb) to sit for the final UCE exams.

Overall, candidates sat for Geography Paper I in the morning hours, followed by Biology Paper I (Theory) in the afternoon. This is the second cohort of candidates to sit UCE under the competence-based Lower Secondary Curriculum rolled out by the government in 2020, which is a competency based system that promotes critical thinking and ICT.

In most central region districts of Mpigi, Kyotera,Rakai,Mityana, Buikwe, Masaka,Gomba,Lyantonde and Kalungu, exams started a few minutes after the stipulated 9am.

In the island district of Kalangala, examination papers arrived at the weekend and were distributed on Monday morning to the existing three examination centres including Sserwanga Lwanga Memorial SS, Bishop Dunstan Memorial SS, and Bukasa SS.

By 8:30 am, candidates across the district were already inside their examination halls. Ms Cathy Kabashoka, the Uneb district examination supervisor, said the exercise started without any challenges.

‘All examination materials reached our Uneb centres on time, and over 200 candidates have sat for exams,’ she said.

At Bishop Dunstan Memorial SS, the director of studies, Mr Muhammad Muleme, said of the 84 registered candidates, only one student failed to show up. ‘We missed this candidate because he was active during the first term, but in the second term, he started missing lessons.

The parents informed us at the weekend that he had fallen sick,’ he said. He added that one of their candidates sitting the exams is under special Uneb care provided to those with disabilities.

Despite the ongoing nationwide Arts teachers’ strike over salary disparities, Mr Muleme said the school worked hard to ensure candidates are well-prepared.

‘We ensured that our candidates sit more than seven mock exams, organised study tours, and made sure teachers for candidate classes are available,’ he said.

However, not all school heads share his optimism. Ms Josephine Nalunga, the head teacher of Serwanga Lwanga Memorial SS, said she is uncertain about how her candidates will perform this year.

‘The ongoing teachers’ strike indeed affected our teaching schedule. Lessons that should have been completed a month earlier were taught late,’ she said.

Meanwhile, some schools have reported an increase in the number of girls completing Senior Six. At Bishop Dunstan Memorial SS, for example, 42 of the 84 candidates sitting this year are girls, a significant rise from the 12 who sat last year.

Mr Muleme attributed this improvement to combined efforts between the school and several non-governmental organisations.

‘We keep a close eye on our girls. If any of them stopped attending classes, we engaged parents or NGOs, with some paying fees for about 14 candidates,’ he said.

Mr Yusuf Gayinamungu, the Mpigi District inspector of schools, said the exercise started well on the first day.

‘There was some delay at some centres due to the long distance and the briefing of head teachers at the collection centres, but this did not affect the candidate so much. Also, some candidates were involved in an accident, but were not severely injured and have been able to write their exams. Uneb has allowed us to give them an extra 15 minutes to complete their first paper,’ he said.

Buvuma

In Buvuma Islands, candidates at one of the four centres (Bweema Seed School) wrote their first paper an hour late due to strong waves on Lake Victoria, which delayed the distribution of materials, according to Mr Hussein Bugembe, the district education officer.

A total of 225 were registered to sit UCE exams in the district. In several parts of the Acholi Sub-region, police and examination officials struggled to deliver examination sets at the destination centres with several feeder roads cut off due to a recent downpour.

In Agago District, for example, Mr Calvin Okot, the district education officer, told this publication that while examination materials were delivered promptly at the two centres (Kalong and Patongo Town Councils), distribution to the 12 (public and private) schools across the district was hampered by the bad state of the roads.

‘In some schools, papers arrived late due to bad weather,’ Mr Okot said. In some selected schools in Lango Sub-region, the examinations kicked off with negligible challenges.

In Kole District, for instance, the Executive Director of Wisdom High School, Mr Ambrose Ogwal, said some candidates have not cleared their tuition but were allowed to write their paper.

A total of 276 candidates are sitting UCE, and an additional 444 have registered for Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) at the private school in Akalo Town Council. ‘Some of the parents have not cleared school fees, but as a Christian institution, we have allowed all the children to sit for examinations,’ he said.

West Nile Sub-region

At Maji SS in Adjumani District, the head teacher, Mr Norbert Evuma, said of five supervisors assigned to oversee the exams, two were absent and were substituted by teachers from Windle Trust International.

Mr Eliakim Matua, the supervisor for Arua City and Greater Arua, said a total of 2,771 candidates are sitting exams across 22 centres.

In Yumbe District, Mr Jackson Jad Andabati, the deputy head teacher of Kuru SS, said teachers fully participated in supervising the exams despite the ongoing industrial action.

‘Teachers showed up to manage the examinations at the school because they are not on strike,’ he added.

In the districts of Tororo and Mbale, UCE exams started on schedule without any major hindrances.

The Uneb supervisor for Tororo area, Ms Beatrice Akware Lumonya, who is also the head teacher of Tororo Girls’ School, said examination storage centres were open by 8am, with distant schools being served first.

A total of 5,404 candidates are sitting UEC exams in the district. In Mbale District, candidates also started their exams on time, and police said they had not registered any malpractice.

Masaka

In Masaka City, Arts teachers temporarily suspended their month-long sit-down strike to serve as invigilators. At some government-aided schools, such as Kijjabwemi SS, Masaka SS, and Kadugala SS, the invigilators reported as early as 7:30 am.

The Kijjabwemi SS Head Teacher, Mr Baker Kyaluzi, confirmed that some teachers had been deployed in other schools to invigilate.

Masaka City Principal Education Officer Steven Kakeeto said, unlike last year, where candidates were delayed to sit the first paper by 30 minutes, this time the situation was completely different. Masaka City has 40 exam centres shared by eight government-aided secondary schools and 36 private secondary schools.

At Masindi SS, Masindi District, candidates were seen writing their first paper under tight supervision.

‘The exams started on time, and all materials arrived early. Candidates were calm and set for the exams,’ said Ms Sarah Akello, a teacher at the school.

Mr John Okurut, the Masindi Central education officer, said the smooth start was a result of early coordination.

‘We ensured all schools received instructions and materials in advance to avoid any confusion,’ he said In Fort Portal City, the exams started on time and with no disruption of rain like has been in the previous years. At Fort Portal SS, the school head teacher, Mr Regan Kateregga, said all the 226 registered candidates turned up on the first day of exams.

Mr Ham Ahimbisibwe, the head teacher of Mbarara High School, said: ‘All our 362 candidates are in good spirits and they have been well prepared.’

At Ruhanga Adventist SS, police summoned the head teacher over failure to register a candidate who had paid registration fees.

Precious Kembabazi, had complained that she was turned away from the school last week and was told she will not be doing exams.

Greater Bushenyi Police Spokesperson Apollo Tayebwa said enough security had been deployed to ensure the safety of both candidates and examinations. At Soroti SS where 900 candidates are writing their final exams, materials arrived at exactly 9am.

The Principal Education Officer, Soroti City, Mr Patty Emokor, assigned to supervise the exercise at Soroti SS, said the exercise kicked off well.

At Soroti Municipal SS, the head teacher, Mr Rogers Mboizi, said the candidates delayed to start their papers by five minutes due to the slow distribution of exam materials.

At Olila High School in Soroti City, Mr Joseph Opio, the head teacher, said a total of nine candidates had lost their IDs under unclear circumstances and had to get replacements to sit the papers.

At Burema SS, Kanungu District, two candidates out of the 90 registered missed their exams and the school head teacher, Mr Baker Twehikire, blamed their parents for not fulfilling their obligation.

Kanungu

At Kinkizi High School and San Giovanni School Makiro in Kanungu District, school head teachers, Rev Emmanuel Mutabazi, and Mr Dennis Tukamushaba respectively, said although one candidate missed the exams for unknown reasons in their schools, the exercise went on smoothly on day one.

However, head teachers expressed worry at the number of fee defaulters saying they have made commitments with the parents to allow them sit for the exams. Today, candidates will sit for Physics Paper I (Theory ).

Mpigi district

Minimal challenges

‘There was some delay at some centres due to the long distance and the briefing of head teachers at the collection centres, but this did not affect the candidate so much. Also, some candidates were involved in an accident, but were not severely injured and have been able to write their exams,” Yusuf Gayinamungu, Mpigi District inspector of schools

2025 candidates.

A total of 432,159 candidates of which 154,637 are government -funded under the Universal Secondary Education (USE), registered to sit this year’s UCE exams at 4,308 centres across the country.

Uneb deployed 1,500 scouts to man exams, but the actual number of chief supervisors, invigilators and area supervisors is not clear since teachers who usually take up such tasks are on sit down strike. But according to Uneb, nearly 2,000 teachers turned up for briefing sessions last Friday.

When Adam Kato was elected the new General Secretary of the Uganda Woodball Federation (UWbF), it marked more than just a routine change in leadership. It signaled a fresh chapter for a sport that has quietly built its reputation as one of Uganda’s most disciplined and peaceful games.

The 38-year-old administrator replaces Joseph Collins Ssemmanda, who has been a central figure in Ugandan woodball since its introduction nearly two decades ago. For many, Ssemmanda’s departure marks the end of an era. For Kato, it is an opportunity to redefine the sport’s future.

Born in Mengo, Kampala in 1987, Kato’s love for sports began early. By the age of 12, he was already involved in multiple games, shaping a career that would later straddle both administration and management.

Today, Kato wears several hats: he is the Senior Administrator and Sports Manager at Makerere University Business School (Mubs), as well as the marketing administrator at the Uganda Beach Soccer Association (UBSA).

‘I have gone through different mentors as a student representative and a manager in various sports,’ he says. ‘Sports is now a business, and I know the federation will benefit from my expertise in both fields.’

At Mubs, Kato has been instrumental in promoting woodball, making the university a hotbed of talent. Several of his protégés, including Florence Mukooya, Ronald Mutiibwa, Mary Namara and Ronald Mulindwa, among others, have progressed to the national team.

A legacy of growth

Kato is not a newcomer to pioneering work. He helped establish the Taifa Championship in Kenya, a competition that began as a friendly encounter between Ugandan teams and their Kenyan counterparts but has since become a national event.

‘I am proud of such initiatives because they prove that sports can grow from humble beginnings if you put in the right effort,’ he says.

That same philosophy underpins his plans for woodball. For him, the next four years are about teamwork, expansion, creativity and visibility.

‘I want to promote this game beyond its current reach. The new Sports Act gives us the chance to spread across the country, and woodball is well-positioned because we already have members in different regions. My vision is to make us a model federation,’ he says.

Priorities on the table

Kato’s immediate plan is to align the federation’s activities with the new Sports Act, which requires associations to have a nationwide footprint. He also wants to strengthen the strategic plan and create a competitive calendar that will attract both sponsors and government support.

‘The government has increased the sports budget. If we organise ourselves and show value, woodball will definitely benefit. A competitive calendar means better national teams, more tournaments, and eventually more visibility for the sport,’ he explains.

Woodball, classified under tier two of government sports funding, is entitled to an annual allocation of Shs320m annually.

His philosophy is to have sellable activities keep sponsors interested. With events like the national league, regional leagues, and corporate games on the calendar, he sees an opportunity to repackage woodball into an attractive proposition for investors.

Despite its growing popularity, woodball still struggles with one of the most basic challenges: equipment costs. A mallet and ball set goes for about $200 (about Shs700,000), a figure that places the sport out of reach for many upcountry enthusiasts.

Kato plans to address this by introducing authorised suppliers while also counting on the local manufacturing plant at Ndejje University.

‘We’ve had people masquerading as equipment sellers, which hurts both quality and trust. We must protect the integrity of our sport by ensuring authentic equipment is available at affordable rates,’ he notes.

Healing

Perhaps Kato’s toughest assignment will be mending divisions within the woodball community. Over time, rifts have pushed away some of the sport’s best talents due to what he calls small disagreements.

‘Some of the disgruntled players are really good. I have managed some of them before, and I will use those relationships to bring them back. Conflicts cost us talent, and I want to ensure that woodball equipment talks again by uniting everyone,’ he says, echoing his mantra that the mallet, ball, and gate should be the sport’s best ambassadors.

The recent UWbF elections saw an overhaul of the executive, with only the chairman, Paul Mark Kayongo, retaining his seat. Kato is optimistic about this fresh team.

‘These are passionate people who know the game. They’ve been working in the background and are ready to lead. With teamwork, we can succeed in every area,’ he assures.

For Kato, woodball represents more than a sport. He describes it as a calm, peaceful game that can serve as a model for other disciplines.

‘Every house has its problems, but it’s the people inside who must clean it. I want to build on the positives from my predecessor and address the areas where we fell short. Uganda has a unique chance to make woodball one of its most celebrated sports,’ he reflects.

New woodball executive committee

President: Paul Mark Kayongo

1st Vice President: Lukman Kiirya

2nd Vice President: Enid Nyendwoha Joy

General Secretary: Adam Kato

Assistant GS: Gloria Koli

Treasurer: Matthias Kalema

Technical Director: Fredrick Busuulwa

Public Relations Officer: Johnson Were

Male Club Representative: Ramadhan Shaineh Nagoso

Female Club Representative: Sylivia Kembabazi

Uganda will receive over $5.1 million (Shs17.5 billion) to support a new health initiative that seeks to transform adolescent HIV care and mental health services.

The US National Institutes of Health (NIH) has awarded the CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy (CUNY SPH) a $5,115,391 (Shs17,503,868,100) grant to fund the Streams project (Streamlined Treatment and Evidence-based Adolescent counseling and Medication Support), in Uganda that will be led by Philip Kreniske, an assistant professor at CUNY SPH.

Implemented in 24 rural clinics, Streams will integrate HIV treatment support with mental health care and economic empowerment for adolescents living with HIV in Uganda.

It aims to close persistent mental health gaps among young people, boost adherence to antiretroviral therapy, and develop scalable models for adolescent HIV care in sub-Saharan Africa.

‘Adolescents living with HIV face unique and intersecting challenges that go beyond clinical care,’ said Proscovia Nabunya from Washington University, who is collaborating on the project.

Despite major gains in HIV testing and treatment, adolescents remain one of Uganda’s most vulnerable groups, lagging behind adults and children in achieving viral suppression.

Data from the Ministry of Health shows that stigma, depression, economic hardship and a lack of youth-friendly services contribute to treatment drop-offs.

Rural facilities often lack integrated mental health care, leaving depression and anxiety, key drivers of poor adherence, largely undetected and untreated.

For adolescents living in poverty, mental health struggles are compounded by economic stressors such as school dropout, unemployment and food insecurity, all of which increase the risk of treatment interruption.

‘The programme will prioritise early detection and management of depression and anxiety, ensuring that young people receive the mental health support they need to remain in care,’ said a press release from CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy.

‘It will also integrate economic empowerment initiatives designed to ease financial stress, build resilience, and promote self-reliance among adolescents. In addition, the programme will provide HIV treatment support tailored to adolescents’ developmental needs, with a strong focus on adherence, peer networks, and youth-friendly services.’

‘Streams stands on the shoulders of giants,’ said Dr Kreniske. ‘From the biomedical breakthroughs in HIV treatment and Pepfar’s historic distribution, to Uganda’s adaptation of mental health programmes, our aim is to combine these proven tools. By leveraging simple mobile technology, we can integrate mental health, economic empowerment and medication support into a single, powerful system for youth.’

The findings are expected to directly inform Uganda’s adolescent health and HIV strategies, offering evidence for integrated care in resource-limited settings.

If successful, the model could guide national guidelines and be replicated in other African countries facing similar challenges.

The investment comes as donors and governments increasingly recognise the need for integrated approaches to adolescent health.

Traditional vertical programming, where mental health, economic support and HIV care operate in silos, has struggled to deliver lasting improvements.

Globally, mental health is now seen as a key determinant of HIV outcomes, with depression linked to lower adherence rates and higher viral loads, and economic stress exacerbating these risks.

Streams aims to break this cycle through coordinated interventions at the primary health care level, demonstrating that integrated models can be both effective and feasible in low-resource settings.

The initiative also comes at a critical moment when the future of the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (Pepfar), a cornerstone of HIV funding in Africa for more than two decades, faces uncertainty as Washington debates its reauthorization.

For countries like Uganda, which have relied heavily on Pepfar support, there is growing pressure to adopt sustainable, locally anchored solutions. It is believed Streams could offer a blueprint for such transitions, contributing to the global goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.

A Senior Four student at Olila High School in Soroti City West, gave birth on Monday during her first Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) paper.

The 21-year-old experienced labour pains during her geography paper.

She was rushed to Soroti Health Centre III, where she gave birth to a baby girl before returning to do her biology paper in the afternoon.

“I thank God that He has relieved me from this pain and also managed to go back for my second paper and I hope to succeed,” she said.

After completing her second paper, she returned to the facility at about 5:30pm to attend to her baby.

She explained that the pain was so sharp that she could not stand sitting for the first paper as she only wrote her name and random number then went to the health facility.

With a smile on her face, the student bravely said she will pass and hopes to be a doctor in future

Ms Joan Apolot, a midwife at Soroti Health Center III, confirmed that the girl arrived at the facility with due labour and gave birth to a baby girl at exactly 1:05pm weighing 1.9kgs.

“She gave birth normally with no tear or C-section,” Ms Apolot said.

Ms Joyce Aguti, the mother of the student narrated that when she first heard the news of pregnancy in March, she cried in shock but gathered strength for her daughter saying she could not change what had already happened.

“My daughter disclosed to me that she had conceived, I cried but after gathering courage I told her not to abort the child,’ Aguti said.

The student advises young girls to focus on their studies first and avoid temptations.

The Acholi Cultural Institution has joined forces with medical experts to fight the myths surrounding spina bifida and hydrocephalus. Many locals link the conditions to witchcraft and bad omens.

This widespread belief across communities has led to only a few parents and relatives seeking medical attention for children living with the conditions.

Hydrocephalus is a neurological disorder caused by an excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid due to abnormal secretion, circulation, or absorption. It is considered the most common reversible cause of dementia, yet remains an underestimated cause of psychiatric disorders.

Spina bifida, on the other hand, is a neural tube defect (NTD) resulting from a fault in the development of the central nervous system within the first 25 days of pregnancy.

Globally, the incidence ranges between 0.17 and 6.39 per 1,000 live births. Some causes are environmental, while others are medical.

In Uganda, an estimated 800 children are born with the condition each year, according to health officials.

Ms Stella Kijange, the minister in-charge of culture at Ker Kwaro Acholi, said many still believe the condition is caused by witchcraft or a curse.

‘Even if science points otherwise, some still believe it is witchcraft,’ she said. Ms Kijange explained that research has shown spina bifida to be either medical or biological. ‘I urge parents to take their children to health facilities so that they can be attended to by professional healthcare workers,’ she said.

The culture minister also called on relatives of affected individuals to disregard unqualified opinions.

‘A health facility with professional medical staff will provide all the answers you need. So, do not believe what those without a medical background tell you. Your children need treatment, not opinions,’ she added.

A study conducted by the Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Association of Uganda (SHAU) across 10 administrative units in Acholi involving 300 children found that cultural beliefs linking the conditions to witchcraft were widespread in the region.

The 2024 study covered the districts of Pader, Omoro, Lamwo, Amuru, Nwoya, and Kitgum, among others. Ms Justine Kamakune, the assistant programmes officer at SHAU, said some families believe the conditions is a curse.

‘Some parents believe the condition is linked to a generational curse. They think their forefathers did something bad,’ Ms Kamakune said.

She added that women are often accused of bringing a curse into their marital homes.

According to Ms Kamakune, SHAU has embarked on community sensitisation to ensure that children with spina bifida and hydrocephalus are not stigmatised but supported to complete school.

‘With culture still deeply rooted, 70 percent of women with children suffering from these medical conditions have become single,’ Ms Kamakune said.

‘We want to tell our people that there is no link between spina bifida and hydrocephalus with curses or witchcraft. We want them to understand these are purely medical conditions,’ she said. Mr Julius Ocakacon, a father of a 12-year-old boy living with the condition, said the community continues to link the condition to witchcraft.

‘My son was born on January 8, 2008 in hospital. The midwives came out and told me that my wife had produced a cursed baby boy. But I rejected the notion because I don’t believe in witchcraft. Now Brian is in P7 and will sit for his PLE this year at St Jude Primary School,’ he said.

Mr Ocakacon called for community sensitisation to correct misconceptions.

Dr Daniel Okello, the Gulu City health officer, said: ‘Lets educate these children so that they can achieve their dreams. They can live a normal life like anyone else if they are empowered.”

The Chairperson of the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC), Ms Mariam Wangadya, has said the Commission is unable to investigate the disappearance of two Kenyan activists who were reportedly abducted last week in the country by suspected plain-clothed security operatives.

Ms Wangadya told this publication that she had received a petition from the families of Nicholas Oyoo and Bob Njagi, who were allegedly kidnapped after attending a campaign rally for Opposition presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, aka Bobi Wine, of the National Unity Platform (NUP).

However, she explained that the Commission cannot take action because the matter is already before the courts.

‘They applied for Habeas Corpus in the High Court. Article 53 of the Constitution bars us from intervening in any matter that is in court, and the moment you file a court action about any matter, then you have taken us out of the jurisdiction,’ she said.

Article 53 clause 4 (a) of the Constitution states: ‘The [Uganda Human Rights] Commission shall not investigate any matter which is pending before a court or judicial tribunal.’

Ms Wangadya added: ‘Before I even look at their petition, since they filed a court case, we cannot intervene…whatever order I may give or investigation I may take, it will be of no legal consequences by virtual of these provisions…’

Her remarks came shortly after a group of activists, led by Nobert Ochieng Opeto and Tony Njagi, brothers of the detained men, alongside colleagues James Ssuuna and John Owor Masanja, submitted a petition to her office last Friday.

They urged the Commission to act swiftly and compel Ugandan security agencies to disclose the whereabouts of the missing Kenyan nationals. The activists delivered their petition while carrying Ugandan and Kenyan flags.

‘We are calling upon the Human Rights Commission to investigate the circumstances surrounding the arrest and continued incommunicado detention of the two men who had come to attend a campaign rally,’ Opeto said.

He continued: ‘On behalf of the family, we are also demanding the immediate and unconditional release of Oyoo and Njagi from unlawful custody at a military facility.’ They also asked the Commission to issue protective measures to prevent further harassment of the duo.

Background

Oyoo and Njagi were allegedly abducted on October 1 near a fuel filling station in Busoga Sub-region by plain-clothed gunmen, including military operatives and unidentified individuals.

They were reportedly bundled into a Toyota Hiace van, commonly referred to as a ‘drone’, and driven to an unknown location. On October 6, their legal team, led by Eron Kiiza, filed a habeas corpus petition demanding that the two be produced, dead or alive.

As of last evening, the respondents, led by the Attorney General, had not filed a response, despite the matter being scheduled for hearing today.Both the Uganda Police Force and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) have denied knowledge of the activists’ whereabouts.