Category: Daily Monitor

One day, while sitting at home with her cousin, Wamala offered to accompany her cousin to a job audition for television presenters at Record TV, one of the private Ugandan television stations. Initially hesitant, Wamala agreed to tag along.

As her cousin auditioned, she waited patiently – until a manager approached her and asked why she was not auditioning too. On a whim, Wamala gave it a try. To her surprise, she aced the voice test and landed the job. Ironically, her cousin did not make the cut.

This unexpected turn of events marked the beginning of Wamala’s career in communications. Who knew that a chance encounter would lead her down a path she never planned for, but ultimately loved?

While at Record Television, Wamala began as a news anchor, later transitioned to hosting an evening show, and eventually became the host of the popular morning programme Day-Breaker, which revolutionised morning television in Uganda.

Day-Breaker marketed Wamala to professionals in the Public Relations (PR) industry who head-hunted for her to join Scanad Uganda, an advertising agency. Here, she learned the ropes of PR and communications. She quickly rose through the ranks, from a PR executive to a PR manager and handled major accounts such as Uganda Breweries Limited (UBL), DStv, and KCB.

With extensive experience in public relations, stakeholder engagement, and crisis management, Wamala has established herself as a leader in her field.

‘I have always been drawn to the dynamic nature of communications,’ she says. ‘Every day is different, and there is always something new to learn,’ she notes.

After years at Scanad, Wamala joined Multichoice Uganda, where she worked as a communications professional, handling crisis communications and stakeholder engagement.

While transitioning to Multichoice Uganda, she faced skepticism from some quarters. Someone doubted her ability to fill the shoes of her predecessor, but Wamala proved them wrong, making a lasting impact as the company’s mouthpiece and earning industry recognition.

She later joined the British High Commission, where she serves as the communications manager.

For the last six years at the British High Commission, Wamala has had the opportunity to work with various stakeholders, navigating complex communication challenges and achieving significant results. She attributes her success to her ability to adapt and learn quickly.

‘In communications, you need to be agile and responsive,’ she advises. ‘You can’t be afraid to take calculated risks and try new things.’

Wamala’s love for public relations is evident.

‘PR is one of the greatest professions out there.’ She believes that the diverse exposure, continuous learning, and professional growth that the field offers make it incredibly rewarding.

‘Regardless of where you find yourself, you adapt and learn so much about various sectors you represent,’ she notes.

Presidency at PRAU

Wamala served as the president of the Public Relations Association of Uganda (PRAU) from 2023 to 2025. Her theme was ‘Revival,’ and she focused on reviving the association’s past glories and improving its services to members.

Throughout her career, Wamala has demonstrated her ability to adapt to different environments and organisations, and her willingness to learn and take on new challenges.

As a result, she is a respected figure in the PR ecosystem where she has made significant contributions to the development of the profession in Uganda.

Wamala attributes her success to a combination of competence and soft skills, particularly humility.

‘Being approachable, respectful, and kind can indeed leave a lasting impression on people,’ she advises.

Trends in communications

Wamala says that as a communicator, one of the key trends shaping the future of the industry is the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and ESG (Environment, Social, and Governance). She believes that AI is here to stay and will continue to transform the way people work.

‘We need to leverage AI to enhance our effectiveness and efficiency,’ she advises.

‘It’s about augmenting our capabilities,’ she elaborates.

Data analytics is another area that Wamala thinks is crucial for communications professionals. By analysing data, PR professionals can demonstrate the value and impact of their work, making it easier to secure buy-in from stakeholders.

‘Data analytics helps us measure the success of our campaigns and make data-driven decisions,’ she explains.

Her experience in crisis management has taught her the importance of being prepared.

‘You can’t anticipate every crisis, but you can prepare for it,’ she advises, adding: ‘Having a crisis committee and regularly testing your crisis approach can help you respond more effectively.’

As a working mother, Wamala has learned to prioritise and manage her time effectively.

She schedules her day, week, and month, making sure to leave time for her loved ones.

‘Being present for your loved ones is essential,’ she advises. ‘It is not about achieving perfect work-life balance, but about making time for what is important.’

Her commitment to mentorship and volunteerism is inspiring. She believes that giving back to the community and sharing her knowledge with others can lead to unexpected opportunities and benefits.

‘Mentorship is crucial in helping young professionals navigate their careers,’ she notes.

To young professionals in communications, Wamala says, ‘Be self-aware, patient, and committed to learning. Stay agile and curious, and keep sharpening your skills to stay ahead in the field.’

Her parting words are a testament to her positive attitude and enthusiasm for the industry: ‘The opportunities are endless, and the learning is continuous.’

Challenges

Wamala acknowledges that challenges exist in PR, including navigating the ‘noise’ in communications. However, she emphasizes the need to stay focused and adapt to changing circumstances.

Crisis management is the other challenge she encounters. ‘Having a team with diverse perspectives and expertise can help organisations respond more effectively,’ she notes.

Wamala’s career offers valuable lessons for aspiring communications professionals. By embracing continuous learning, developing soft skills, and building strong relationships, individuals can achieve success in this dynamic field.

Wamala’s experience and insights offer a valuable guide for anyone looking to build a successful career in this exciting field.

Then there is Cameroon’s long standing and suffering President Paul Barthelemy Biya’a bi Mvondo who goes by the political stage name Paul Biya. Two days ago at the ripe old age of 92, he was on the ballot paper, seeking his 8th term of office. The terms are now 7 years long. Biya who has been President for 43 years; since 1982 was previously the prime minister from 1975 to 1982.

He is the second longest serving ruling African President after Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasongo of Equatorial Guinea. Insah Allah, if he wins then goes on to complete the next term, he will be 99-years-old at its end. Biya is no ordinary President. He rarely appears in public because he is reportedly away in France most of the time. He only returns to attend to important occasions like these elections which take place every after 7 years.

His party is a movement like Uganda’s ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM.) In English it is the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM.) In French it passes off as Rassemblement democratique du Peuple Camerounais (RDPC). It has dominated Cameroon politics since the 1960s when it was called the Cameroonian National Union (CNU) before it mutated for relevance. Like NRM it dominates the legislature. Currently it controls the Senate with about 94 representatives out of 100 and the National Assembly with 152 seats out of 180. Like NRM, it almost by default, always endorses Biya as the only leader with a vision to prosper Cameroon. Cameroon is one hell of a mess with Biya at the helm. A third of the 29.9 million population lives on less than $2 dollars a day. Youth unemployment is rampant.

The government is grappling with a Jihadist insurgency in the north of the country and the Anglophone separatist in the West. In one of those rare moments Biya’s daughter, Brenda Biya took to social media App TikTok and claimed that her father had made too many people suffer. In a post that was later taken down, she urged the voters to reject him at the polls. Over the years the voter turn up has kept dropping amidst violence visited on government opponents. The opposition itself is fractured with 11 opposition figures vying against Biya this time round. There is hardly a realistic chance of giving the nonagenarian a contest worth its name. What makes these leaders go on even when it looks obvious that they are well past their sell-by date is their mastery of entrenched and perpetual dictatorship with good benefits for a few.

They also carry the steel along the way to deal with the many who are bound to raise questions. It thrives not necessarily by having the masses behind the autocrat. Only a critical mass is needed in the right and decisive places. The president losing power is equivalent to loss of wealth, opportunity and privilege by an ethnic group. In striving to guard it jealously, they fight to keep the main man; the aging patriarch, warts and all, in power. Most important is to create a very weak populace. One with very little or no economic power, for it is easier to load it over very impoverished people. However much the economy grows by impressive figures, he makes sure most of the cream goes into the pockets of a few people, the cronies and foreign investors many of whom act as faces for the former. The rest especially the elite and middle class, should be hustling from day break till dawn; year after year, living from hand to mouth.

Any slight slip pushes them into unimaginable poverty. So they live and grumble quietly and are an ineffective force as far as opposing the government is concerned. They run a system that keeps the taxes high accompanied by costly, endless regulations on everything in place. The people who read and run the rules are well fed from their salaries and with lucrative opportunities of corruption. The proceeds of corruption which is never punished despite the pretence and pronouncements, is used to strengthen the ruling clique. It is used to weaken the rest by buying them off their lands, distorting markets to crowd out the rest using the vast amounts of easily acquired, ill-gotten money. The ruling clique are grateful for the indulgence granted by the dictator. They will do everything to ensure that he remains in power as the best option for the country even if he is visibly and realistically incapable.

He is simply a figure head they rally around. The glue that holds the cabal together. All institutions of state and government are padded with cronies, relatives, people from the president’s circle and other hangers on. There include the electoral commission, the civil service and the judiciary. They take decisions to disadvantage the opposition. In Cameroon the courts barred the most serious opposition candidate Maurice Kamto from standing. The opposition in Uganda may learn from Paul Biya that the old age or health of the principal does not mean much. As long as he has fashioned an effective system of influence and control of the people manning the vital organs of the state, he has a head start. If he still appoints the ones who (dis)organise the election and (mis)count the final tally he is unbeatable.

If he commands the gunmen that police the process and has limitless and unquestioned access to public finance, his opponents have a mountain to climb. He may even buy them, plant moles and split them leaving them quarrelling amongst themselves instead of focusing on him. Above all if he has the knack to allow them enrich themselves through corruption and privilege, even at the expense of destroying the state and the country, its health, education, economy and road network, he is the man to beat. The massive crowds and undying support on social media mean very little save for good pictures. The manifestos, policy promises and messaging will all amount to nothing and end in tears. That is now the puzzle for Uganda’s opposition. How to walk through a mine field set up by the 40 years of NRM under Gen Yoweri Museveni and his appointees. Many of them act like they don’t know the difference between NRM the party plus its head and the state of Uganda they are supposed to serve.

The Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) presidential candidate, Maj Gen (rtd) Gregory Mugisha Muntu, has urged voters in Rakai and Kyotera districts to support National Unity Platform (NUP) and other Opposition candidates in the 2026 General Election.

He explained that the ANT does not have flagbearers for most positions in the two districts. While campaigning on Sunday in several trading centres, including Kifamba, Kibaale, Rakai, Lwanda, Ssanje, Kalisizo, and Kyotera, Gen Muntu emphasised the importance of unity among Opposition parties to achieve a peaceful change in Uganda’s leadership.

‘Our mission is to achieve genuine change in the governance of this country. I urge you to vote for all capable Opposition candidates who can stand firm against the regime,’ he told cheering crowds.

Among the NUP candidates he endorsed were Grace Nalubega (Rakai District Woman MP), Rose Fortunate Nantongo (Kyotera District Woman MP), Saddam Kiggundu (Rakai Town Councilor), Geoffrey Lutaaya (Kakuuto County MP), and John Paul Mpalanyi (Kyotera County MP).

He also threw his support behind Independent candidate Alexander Mackay Muhinda for the Rakai District Chairperson seat, describing him as ‘a strong voice for the Opposition.’ Rakai and Kyotera, both largely rural and agrarian, continue to struggle with poor infrastructure, low incomes, limited access to healthcare, and frequent water shortages.

‘Imagine, President Museveni has promised to tarmac these roads for nearly 40 years yet look at their state,’ Gen Muntu said.

He pledged to prioritise public service reform if elected, with a particular focus on improving the welfare of teachers and local government employees.

‘The least-paid government worker should earn at least Shs2.5 million, according to findings from one of the government’s own research institutions. It’s shameful that the state cannot fulfil such recommendations,’ he said.

Gen Muntu questioned why Ugandans continue to vote for a leader who has been in power for nearly four decades. ‘I declined a ministerial post when Museveni replaced me as army commander. Even Dr Kizza Besigye, who once stood by him, is now in prison. What makes you think things will change under the same leadership?’ he asked. He said suppression of Opposition voices and intimidation of supporters of Opposition parties reflected what he called a ‘new form of imperialism’ within the ruling establishment.

2021 polls

In the 2021 presidential elections, President Museveni received 25,598 votes in Kyotera District, representing 33.78 percent of the 124,872 total votes cast. The National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate, Robert Kyagulanyi, got 49,132 votes (64.84 percent), while Gen Muntu managed 151 votes (0.20 percent).

In Rakai District, Mr Museveni secured 47,288 votes (57.83 percent), Kyagulanyi received 33,267 votes (40.69 percent), and Gen Muntu got 232 votes (0.28 percent).

Elite long-distance runner Jacob Kiplimo is still riding high in delight after his victory at the Chicago Marathon in Illinois, USA on Sunday.

The 24-year-old broke nearly every barrier apart from the world record (WR) as he won his first 42km competitive race with a new national record and personal best mark of two hours, two minutes and 23 seconds.

‘To come here to win the race is a big achievement for me,’ said Kiplimo after he became the first Ugandan to win a World Marathon Major (WMM) and he is also the seventh fastest man in history.

In part, he nearly broke the world record only before his quest faded in the closing miles of the race. Had it happened, he would have become the first man in history to hold both world records over the half-marathon and full marathon at the same time.

Kiplimo’s WR over the 21km came on February 16 when he became the first man to run the distance under 57 minutes by posting 56:42. This time however is yet to be ratified by World Athletics.

For the mark he broke – 57:30 by Ethiopian Yomif Kejelcha – it was ratified by the sport’s global body this month.

Kejelcha won at the Medio Maratón de Valencia Trinidad Alfonso Zurich on October 24, 2024 in Spain to erase Kiplimo’s earlier WR mark of 57:31 set in Lisbon, Portugal in 2021.

It took Kiplimo just 112 days to reclaim his WR mark from Kejelcha, underlining the proficiency of the Ugandan on the road.

In that queue after Kejelcha, Kiplimo’s 21km WR mark is the next for ratification.

MEN’S HALF-MARATHON

WORLD RECORD PROGRESSION

56:42* by Jacob Kiplimo (UGA) in Barcelona (ESP) on Feb 16, 2025

57:30 by Yomif Kejelcha (ETH) in Valencia (ESP) on Oct 27, 2024

57:31 by Jacob Kiplimo (UGA) in Lisbon (POR) on Nov 21, 2021

57:32 by Kibiwott Kandie (KEN) in Valencia (ESP) on Dec 6, 2020

58:01 by Geoffrey Kamworor (KEN) in København (DEN) on Sep 15, 2019

The construction of Masaka Recreation Stadium, a flagship project aimed at boosting sports infrastructure in the region, is nearing completion, with works currently standing at 76 per cent.

The first phase of the project, which kicked off in August 2024, is expected to end next month, with the government having released Shs18.5 billion out of the total project budget of Shs150 billion.

According to Eng. John Lule, the supervising consultant for the project, despite the slow release of funds, the contractor is optimistic that the first phase will be complete by the end of November.

“We could have been at 85 percent if we had not experienced some delays. But all in all, we are progressing well and most works are nearing completion,” he said.

The project includes the construction of the eastern and western pavilions, as well as the laying of an artificial turf.

Once completed, the upgraded stadium will have a sitting capacity of 15,000 people, with space for several indoor games, including basketball and volleyball courts.

Masaka City Council Clerk, Mr. Daniel Kaweesi, expressed satisfaction with the project’s progress, praising the contractor for their hard work and dedication to completing the project on time. “We are impressed with the progress so far, and we are confident that the stadium will be a game-changer for sports in the region,” he said.

Resident Hajji Musa Gava said the stadium will enable sportspeople to enjoy various games in a better facility, leading to the development of sports tourism in the region. “We are impressed with the work that has been done so far. There is no doubt that when the stadium is completed, it will lead to the development of sports tourism in this region,” he said.

The stadium, which was opened in 1954, has not had a major renovation in 71 years. The renovation project is a welcome development for sports enthusiasts in the region, who have been longing for a state-of-the-art facility to showcase their talents.

At 63, Joy Mirembe’s lifelong yearning for motherhood was fulfilled this month with the birth of twin girls. A resident of Rwentobo, Ntungamo District, Mirembe’s hands bore the marks of decades spent nurturing others -relatives’ children, orphans from the village, even strangers’ offspring who found solace in her home.

She had educated them through primary schools, secondary institutions, and universities, watching them blossom into married adults with businesses and families of their own. Despite her boundless generosity, the one dream that remained out of reach was bearing children of her own.

‘It has been a long period of time trying to have children, but I failed to conceive,’ Mirembe narrates to the Monitor.

‘I visited many hospitals, but they couldn’t really get the real problem, which was making me not conceive and have children,’ she adds.

Mirembe says things turned right side up for her last year when a friend connected her to the fertility specialist in a Kampala-based facility, Sali International Hospital.

She was managed jointly by medical workers in Sali International Hospital in Bukoto and Mukyala Mabirizi Hospital in Makindye until she gave birth.

Dr Hassan Twineamatsiko, a doctor at the Kampala-based Mukyala Mabirizi Hospital, who also managed her, says he referred her to Sali International Hospital because the Makindye-based facility doesn’t yet provide fertility services.

‘Several tests were performed: ultrasound scans and hormonal essays, and they came out very fine. No fibroids, no other abnormalities,’ he explains.

Intervention Dr Twineamatsiko adds that after the tests, Mirembe was started on hormonal treatment to reactivate her reproductive system since she has already reached menopause.

‘The mother was started on hormonal therapy. And that was a treatment scheduled to happen for a full month for her to regain her menses,’ he explains.

‘She started on the treatment, and she saw her menses back. She went back to the hospital. Of course, they had planned everything to do In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) procedures,’ he adds.

IVF is a specialised medical procedure where the egg retrieved from the mother is fertilised with a man’s sperm in the laboratory and the embryo (fertilised egg) is transferred back to grow in the uterus.

The technology was first successfully applied in 1978 in England.

‘So, the egg and the sperm preparations were done, and then she had embryo transfer. And that was in early February,’ Dr Twineamatsiko says.

‘She was given a return date. Coming back next time, when they did a scan, they found two embryos, and from that time she started antenatal. Fortunately, she had a full antenatal.’

Dr Joseph Kafuuma, a fertility specialist at Women’s Hospital International and Fertility Centre in Bukoto, Kampala, says the chance of producing preterm babies is higher with IVF pregnancies. He says this is because multiple pregnancies involve multiples, ‘twins/triplets/quadruplets/quintuplets, among others. These are usually associated with premature delivery.’

According to a 2018 report by Sarah Murray from the University of Edinburgh, pre-term birth in multiple pregnancies is likely to be ‘multifactorial, different from singletons, and remains largely unknown.’

But Mirembe did not experience this. C-section birth Dr Twineamatsiko says Mirembe initially received her antenatal care at Sali International Hospital, and then later during her pregnancy and during birth she was managed at the Makindye-based hospital.

‘She was going to hit the nine months of pregnancy between September 26 and October 3. But before this, we had to start those injections we call corticosteroids, which we always give in case this baby is born premature, they are able to breathe well, and the risk of death is low,’ he explains.

‘The drug improves fetal lung development and reduces inflammation of the lungs. We also had to repeat a number of tests,” he adds.

The medical scientists also did tests to assess the performance of the heart, liver and kidneys.

‘We had to do an electrocardiogram (ECG) and echocardiogram (ECHO) to look at the performance of the heart because, as one ages, we expect these organs to weaken,’ Dr Twineamatsiko recounts.

‘We also did liver and kidney function tests on the mother. We also did other tests. ECHO came out with some significant issues, and we worked with cardiologists on this.’

The team of medical workers and experts scheduled Mirembe for elective C-section operation on October 4 at the Makindye-based facility.

Dr Twineamatsiko says they had to get a good team: an obstetrician and a paediatrician, an anaesthetist, a midwife, and a running nurse.

‘So it was a team of around six members in the theatre, so that we could get the best out of them. We went in at around 6am, and this was completed at 8am, and we came out with our two baby girls, twins, and the mother was fine,’ he shares.

The first one had a birth weight of two kilogrammes, and the second one was 2.6 kilogrammes. Surprisingly, the mother is also expressing breast milk despite her age,’ he adds.

Reward from God Mirembe, full of excitement and reflecting on her journey of how she raised other people’s children, says giving birth to the twins is a reward from God.

‘I think that’s why, even up to this age I am in, the Lord has been able to bless me with these children. It was not by my own making, but it has been really God’s blessing,’ she says.

She adds that the total cost of the IVF procedure and care until the fourth month of pregnancy was Shs30 million.

‘Then, for antenatal care, for the drugs, I used to pay for them separately. I got pregnant at the age of 63 years after trying several times and I failed to get pregnant,’ she says.

What is the British Chamber of Commerce intended to achieve?

The British Chamber of Commerce was formed with a very bold vision. The British Chamber of Commerce Uganda is a member-driven organisation that promotes trade, investment, and collaboration between Uganda and the United Kingdom.

Through events, advocacy, and partnerships, BCCU supports businesses to grow, connect, and make a lasting impact.

In many ways, we are like a family and looking to expand on our national ambitions. When you look at our five-year development plan, we are looking at the tenfold Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth that the government is focusing on. With our relationship and partnership, we can contribute towards this effort and really maximise on the relationship that we have.

You made a year in September. What highs and lows were registered over the 12 months?

We are now up and running after fulfilling all legal requirements and protocols. As we mark our first Annual General Meeting, we are also celebrating 42 new members who have joined the British Chamber of Commerce. We have huge aspirations and ambitions. Collectively as a Chamber, we are spread across 17 key different sectors, employing more than 20,800 staff with 95 percent being Ugandans.

Within the last 12 months, we have had 15 high-level engagements. Eleven of these engagements were championed by the British Chamber of Commerce, and the others were championed by our partners – all for the benefits of our members and partners. We had several engagements, including with the American Chamber, the Dutch Chamber, the French Chamber, but more importantly, with our national chamber, the Private Sector Foundation of Uganda.

We also have a very good partnership with the government and President Museveni himself.

We also have a good relationship with the technical wing, especially with the Finance Ministry. The Permanent Secretary and the Secretary to the Treasury at the Ministry of Finance has been engaging with us.

We have also had an engagement with the Commissioner General of the Uganda Revenue Authority and Bank of Uganda Governor over the last year. This elevates expectation from our side. This helps us to understand the economy from different lenses. So we have had great partners,

So your priorities over the last year have been met. Is that correct?

In our plans and priorities, we have built a network of leadership and great businesses. Even the smallest business that has any relationship with the UK or any UK business that has any small relationship with Uganda can be integrated as long as it is an authentic company.

We had a pre-budget engagement, talking about what we want to see in the budget. We had a tax engagement where we engaged with URA about tax issues, challenges and opportunities. We just had a session with Trademark Africa where we spoke about trade issues and related barriers, and we also looked at trade opportunities. This is what we are trying to unlock.

How does your plan relate to the national priorities?

We have had some of the leadership forums where we brought in investors from the UK and spoke to them about many issues that relate to trade and investment.

When you want to grow from $50-$500 billion GDP, you need the right partners and the right voices.

The British High Commissioner to Uganda, Lisa Chesney has been a brilliant voice of growth for not only the chamber but also the relationship that we benefit from between the UK and Uganda.

Our members are involved in the government of Uganda’s ‘ATMS’ which refers to Agro-industrialisation, Tourism development, Mineral development, and Science, Technology, and Innovation strategy, and part of the national ten-fold Growth Strategy (TGS) to grow Uganda’s economy from $50 billion to $500 billion by 2040.

This strategic plan hopes to stimulate economic growth through these key sectors. We have members in agro-processing, tourism industry, minerals and mining, and science, technology and innovation.

We have members in education, logistics, green economy, aviation industry and audit, accounting and consulting firms. So we are in diverse sectors of the economy.

In terms of opportunities, there are plenty. Let us not forget the 10-fold growth strategy is a big opportunity. Technology is another big opportunity.

Artificial Intelligence as an enabler. With technology, we can be on the same footing with the rest of the world.

What can happen in China, in India, in the US, in Australia, can also happen in Africa. We just need a bolder vision.

Our members are keen on understanding the potential of optimising on technology, but also to embrace it. That’s why we’ve created Shared Purpose. The other area is sustainability, ESG.

Any low moments so far?

The biggest one our members have pointed out is about the stability of policies. Our members would like to see stable trade, tax, and green business policies. When you want to grow the economy from $50 billion to $500 billion, you need efficiency and transparency. We have seen some ambiguities around certain tax policies.

There are challenges around tax, and we had an opportunity to meet URA Commissioner General and we were handed a point of contact with URA for further engagement and deliberation.

The 2026 General Election is just around the corner. How confident or concerned are you?

We can see some predictability and continuity. Most of our members are investing and not holding back. When somebody is investing, he or she does so with eyes wide open and with a lot of knowledge. We have confidence in democracy and leadership. That is why investment is coming.

Uganda has set its sights on boosting agro-exports to $20 billion by 2040, with the United Kingdom. How will the chamber contribute in this regard?

So the trade value you are referring to is possible. We shall continue supporting businesses to grow, connect, and make a lasting impact.

Boyz II Men’s End of the Road won’t be making the Cranes playlist anytime soon – it would hit too close to home.

And that’s because it really is the end of the road. Uganda’s hopes of reaching the 2026 Fifa World Cup playoffs evaporated in late drama on Tuesday night, as Algeria came from behind to snatch a 2-1 victory in Boukhalfa.

Steven Mukwala gave the Cranes a dream start in the sixth minute, finishing calmly past Luca Zidane – the great Zinedine’s son – after Kenneth Ssemakula had dispossessed an Algerian player to set him up.

Jude Ssemugabi went close to doubling Uganda’s lead before halftime, narrowly missing Mukwala’s low cross, while Allan Okello also dragged his low-angled shot inches wide after gliding past three defenders early in the second half.

Algeria, already qualified for the World Cup, gradually turned the screw, with Mohamed Amoura and Riyad Mahrez – the latter later withdrawn – leading waves of pressure down both flanks.

Full-backs Toby Sibbick and the impressive Aziz Kayondo were kept busy – with Elio Capradossi and Jordan Obita solid early on in central defence – but the backline finally broke in the 81st minute when Mukwala’s handball in the box handed the hosts a lifeline.

Amoura converted the resulting penalty to make it 1-1, and deep into stoppage time, further chaos in the Ugandan area saw goalkeeper Salim Jamal penalised for a foul before being stretchered off injured.

Substitute goalkeeper Denis Onyango’s first action was to face another Amoura penalty – but the Algerian forward again sent the veteran the wrong way to seal victory in the 90+9 minute.

The defeat left Uganda on 18 points, seven behind group leaders Algeria, and outside contention for the best four runners-up slots in the Caf World Cup playoff round.

The Cranes will now shift focus to the Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco, scheduled from December 21, 2025, to January 8, 2026.

Uganda Cranes will be live in Algeria on Tuesday – but with ears and eyes also turned to Cameroon and DR Congo – as the chase for the remaining Caf World Cup playoff berths reaches fever pitch.

Burkina Faso’s 3-1 win over Ethiopia and Niger’s 1-0 victory over Zambia on Sunday moved both sides to 15 points, leaving them anxiously watching results from elsewhere. Gabon, already on 16 with a game to spare, are assured of a playoff slot.

That leaves a scramble for the remaining three places among Burkina Faso (15), Niger (15), Cameroon (14), DR Congo (13), Uganda (12) and South Africa (11) as the final group-stage fixtures unfold across the continent on Tuesday – and Monday night in Cameroon’s case.

Mathematical maze

For Uganda, the equation is brutally simple – yet painfully complicated.

Victory in Boukhalfa is non-negotiable. The Cranes ideally need to beat a team they have never beaten on home soil by a margin that improves their goal difference from +3 to at least +5 and then hope Cameroon and DR Congo fail to win.

Actually, a draw for Cameroon, who will have already played by the time Uganda face Algeria, and defeat for DRC, would be enough for the Indomitable Lions to progress on goal difference.

If both Cameroon and DR Congo triumph, Uganda’s fate is sealed regardless of their result.

This chaotic permutation is the direct consequence of a Caf rule change, quietly communicated to member associations in March 2025 following Eritrea’s withdrawal from Group I in November 2023.

The regulation – discounting matches against bottom-placed teams when ranking runners-up – erased six points and three goals from Uganda’s record after their two wins over Somalia were annulled.

The adjustment plunged the Cranes from what would have been 18 points and a healthy goal buffer to just 12 points, forcing them into a desperate race in a contest rewritten by administrative decree rather than just results on the pitch.

Against the odds

Tuesday’s clash at Stade Hocine-Aït-Ahmed in Boukhalfa, Tizi Ouzou, north-central Algeria, is daunting. Algeria, already qualified, are almost flawless at home this campaign, with the 2-1 defeat to Guinea last year the only blemish.

Uganda have never beaten Algeria away, and history makes the task formidable. Yet for Paul Put’s side, this fixture is as much about a statement of growth as it is about survival.

‘We know Algeria will be a difficult game,’ said Put. ‘They are one of Africa’s strongest sides, but football can surprise you. We just have to believe, stay organised, and take our chances.’

Onyango’s return and leadership spine

The Cranes are expected to field the same XI that edged Botswana 1-0 in Francistown last Thursday – a match that marked Denis Onyango’s first start since 2021.

The veteran goalkeeper, recalled after four years of international retirement, adds leadership behind a defensive line of Toby Sibbick, Elio Capradossi, Jordan Obita and Aziz Kayondo.

Ahead of the line Khalid Aucho will anchor midfield alongside Kenneth Ssemakula, while Allan Okello, Jude Ssemugabi, and Rogers Mato carry the attacking load just behind Stephen Mukwala.

‘Regardless of whether I play or not, I remain a key member of this team,’ Onyango said. ‘The coaches have shown trust in me, and in football, anything can happen. We have given ourselves a chance.’

Algeria – star-studded and assured

For Algeria, the match is largely about maintaining rhythm and finishing the group strongly.

Coach Vladimir Petkovic may rotate lightly but will rely on Riyad Mahrez and Mohamed Amoura, scorers in the 3-0 win over Somalia last week, to lead a technically superior and experienced squad.

‘We respect Uganda,’ Petkovic said. ‘They have shown resilience and good organisation under their new coach. But we want to finish strong at home in front of our fans.’

Final push

For Uganda, victory alone is not enough – they must win, and then wait.

Their resilience will be tested under Boukhalfa’s floodlights. A win could yet drag them into the playoff conversation – or, if results elsewhere go their way, even into a historic November showdown.

Regardless of the numbers, Put’s Cranes are playing for more than points. The Cranes are playing for belief, respect, and momentum, heading into the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco in December.

Fifa 2026 World Cup Qualifiers (Caf)

Final Group G fixtures

October 14

Algeria vs Uganda, Stade Hocine-Aït-Ahmed, Boukhalfa, 7pm

Guinea vs Botswana, Stade Mohamed V, Casablanca, 7pm

Somalia vs Mozambique, Miloud Hadefi Olympic Complex, Bir El Djir, 7pm

Table for best four second-placed teams after Caf rule was applied

Team Pts GD Final opponents

Gabon (advanced) 16 +4 vs Burundi (H)

Burkina Faso 15 +6 Completed

Niger 15 +1 Completed

Cameroon 14 +9 vs Angola (H)

DR Congo 13 +4 vs Sudan (H)

Uganda 12 +3 vs Algeria (A)

South Africa 11 +1 vs Rwanda (H)

As Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) examinations began on Monday, a 21-year-old candidate in Ntungamo District was left devastated after discovering she had not been registered to sit her final exams, prompting local authorities to call for an investigation.

Precious Kembabazi, a student at Ruhanga Seventh Day Adventist Secondary School in Itojo Sub County, said she learned only last Friday that her name was missing from the Uganda National Examinations Board (Uneb) register.

‘I showed up for briefing and this is when I knew that I am not registered with Uneb after the deputy head teacher made the revelation,’ Kembabazi said.

She said the school administration had earlier suspended her for leaving the premises without permission, but later told her to return for the candidates’ briefing.

‘They had told me to come on the briefing day, which I did, but they had not registered me to sit the exams. I really don’t know whether this was intentional,’ she added.

Kembabazi, who completed her Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE) at Kagongi Preparatory Primary School and later joined Mama Janet Girls’ Secondary School in Nyakyera before transferring to Ruhanga SDA SS in Senior Three, said her aunt delayed returning her P.7 result slip – a key registration requirement.

‘Having been allowed to do mock exams and continue studying like other students, I thought things had been resolved,’ she said, adding that: ‘I was surprised to be told that my aunt brought the result slip late and that I could not be registered. No one informed me about it.’

The sixth child of Herbert Ruhinda of Kayenje in Rweikiniro Sub County, Kembabazi said she wants justice.

‘My parents may wish to give up, but I will not. I need justice, but I also need to complete this level. We are told that if you do not sit the exams, you go back to Senior One. I have been in class for four years – I need to complete this level,’ she said.

Ruhanga SDA SS deputy head teacher Jonathan N. Kamugisha confirmed that the student was not registered because she had only a photocopy of her PLE pass slip.

‘Her family said it may have been confiscated by her aunt where she stayed. The aunt was arrested but could not produce the slip in time. She only brought it in August when even late registration was done,’ Kamugisha said.

Ntungamo Resident District Commissioner Mariam Kagaiga ordered a full probe.

‘If there is anyone to be arrested, we have to arrest them,’ she said.

‘This girl comes from an area where finishing Senior Four is a miracle. If the parents, school or relatives are involved, they must be held accountable,’ he emphasized.

Rweikiniro Sub County has the district’s highest school dropout rate, with 75 percent of girls failing to complete Primary Seven.