Category: Daily Monitor

Uganda Cycling Association president Sam ‘Mahaba’ Muwonge spent the last week of September watching the 2025 UCI Road World Championships in Kigali and could not stop imagining such a marvel happening in Kampala.

‘What’s happening in Ugandan cycling is encouraging. Being in the World Championship when we didn’t qualify is special,’ said an excited Muwonge as 100 Ugandan cyclists were flagged off for the Jubilee Live Free Race in Nairobi last weekend.

‘Mrs Byaruhanga said this is the third time Jubilee Insurance is sponsoring a Ugandan team for the Nairobi race. It’s a great job they are doing. But I request that instead of Nairobi, let’s have this race in Kampala. Like Kigali gazetted all the roads for the world event, we can have it in Kampala as well,’ Muwonge said.

Of course this is a multi-sectoral, multi-departmental decision to make if such an important event is to happen here.

Feasibility

But how feasible is it? Are the sponsors willing?

‘We are in talks with Jubilee, our main sponsors, to have particular events here in Uganda. And very soon we shall come out with the plans. Hopefully, very soon we shall announce the event to be organised here,’ said Lance Ismael Ssebayiga, director Moonlight Events, who are the Ugandan coordinators of the race.

But the sponsor thinks the journey is still long.

‘This is the second year in a row we are hearing this suggestion and we’re in talks with Moonlight and the cycling association,’ Jubilee marketing and communications manager Camilla Mindru told Daily Monitor.

‘But we needed to build capacity and have a solid ground to start this conversation. We need more organised clubs like Masaka Cycling Club, which has strong structures: a president, a funding source, a medical team and a technical team, etc.’

She said that would give Uganda more chances to win the race once it’s hosted here.

Meanwhile, Mindru added that even as more people enter the Nairobi race every year, the event happens successfully.

‘That means there’s a certain standard they have set and a skillset we need to tap into if we are to organise an equally successful race here,’ Mindru said.

Nairobi conquest

The 2025 Jubilee Nairobi Race last Sunday attracted thousands of cyclists from 20 nationalities. Uganda’s Jordan ‘Schleck’ Ssekanwagi raced to gold in the 75km main race in 1 hour, 30 minutes and 39 seconds, while 2024 Olympian Charles Kagimu came second, just a second later to take silver. Kenya’s John Muchiri came third in 1:33:50.

The duo are slowly writing a story of Uganda’s growing dominance of the race. Ssekanwagi won the inaugural edition in 2019, while Kagimu was the champion last year.

Ethiopia’s Merhamit Hadush won the women’s 75km race in 1:38:25, Uganda’s Maria Aleper took silver in 1:48:55 as Kenya’s Jamila Abdula got bronze in 1:47:28.

Willy Kato and Dominik Mugonda got gold and silver respectively in the Black Mamba category, while defending champion Aziz Ssempijja settled for bronze.

Muwonge wonders how much Ugandans can achieve if they are the hosts.

Counterfeit and substandard medicines pose significant risks to our health because they may contain incorrect ingredients, have incorrect dosages, or may lack active ingredients entirely. The presence of fake drugs continues to be a major challenge in the pharmaceutical industry, particularly in rural areas, as reported by Ismail Bategeka.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), substandard products are those that do not meet quality standards and specifications, often due to poor manufacturing practices or inadequate quality control.

Falsified medical products deliberately misrepresent their identity, composition, or source. These products are often created and distributed with the intention of deceiving consumers for financial gain.

Substandard and falsified medical products pose significant threats to public health globally. They can be ineffective at treating the illness, as they may contain incorrect ingredients or incorrect dosages. They can even be directly harmful to patients if they contain contaminants or toxic substances. They may be indirectly harmful through increased risk of antimicrobial resistance.

Masindi Town, once known for its quiet streets and thriving markets, is currently facing a deadly invasion from medicine bottles and blister packs lined neatly on some shelves in drug shops. From behind the brightly painted doors of the pharmacies, fake, expired, and substandard medicines, smuggled from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) through porous points in neighbouring Buliisa District, are slipping into clinics and roadside stalls.

In a small rented room in Kijura cell, 29-year-old Jane Afisa clutches a faded photo of her three-year-old son, Brian. Tears well in her eyes as she remembers the day she lost him to malaria.

‘He developed a fever and was vomiting. I rushed to a nearby pharmacy and bought anti-malarial drugs. I gave him the full dose. However, his condition worsened progressively. By the time I took him to Masindi (General) Hospital, it was too late,’ she laments.

A postmortem, performed by the hospital, later revealed that the drugs Afisa had given her son were counterfeit and expired. ‘I thought I was saving my child. I did not know that I was killing him, instead,’ she says.

The drugs were probably brought in through Waaki Landing Site on Lake Albert, smuggled in as part of an underground supply chain from the DRC.

According to the 2024 Annual Crime Report, the Directorate of INTERPOL intercepted traffickers on seven occasions, in which eight suspects were arrested and charged in court.

Four of the suspects were sentenced to fines between Shs10m and Shs20m, one case was dismissed, and one case is still pending in court. On May 6, 2025, five districts bordering the DRC signed an agreement aimed at curbing cross-border crimes.

At the time, Gen Taban Amin, the deputy director general for Special Operations in the Internal Security Organisation (ISO), said the deal would stop cross-border theft of vehicles and livestock, and smuggling, among other crimes.

According to Titus Musiime, Buliisa District’s health officer, records at Buliisa General Hospital indicate that in the last two years, there has been a 20 percent rise in drug-resistant infections.

‘We have many patients who come back after completing the treatment cycle, complaining that the drugs did not work. When we perform laboratory tests, we discover drug resistance. We think this is linked to substandard and fake medication, especially common with antibiotics,’ he says.

According to the National Drug Authority (NDA) Annual Report 2024­-2025, there has been a 21 percent increase in adverse drug reactions (ADR) compared to those received in 2023-2024, mostly from antibiotics, painkillers, and even life-saving anti-malarial tablets. In Bwijanga Sub-county, Moses Kabagambe, a 45-year-old farmer, still walks with difficulty after suffering complications from fake antibiotics. After he developed an infection in a wound on his leg, he went to a local drug store.

‘The attendant gave me capsules, which he said would clear the infection. After a few days, my leg began swelling. I was running a high fever. I could not walk. I almost lost my leg,’ he recalls. The doctors informed Kabagambe that the capsules had no active ingredient at all, only starch and colouring.

Smuggled drugs At Runga Landing Site in Buliisa District, small boats cross from the DRC, ferrying fish, fruits, and other items to Wanseko Market. This trade forms the livelihood of several families in the area.

Some locals, though, claim that besides the goods, the boats also ferry drugs, because they are not always inspected at the official customs point.

‘Some traders hide medication inside boxes of deodorants, fuel containers, and other goods. They pass through ungazetted points at night. From Buliisa, they load their merchandise onto trucks or boda bodas to Masindi, Hoima, and beyond,’ says Nicholas Aliganyira, the chairperson of the district health committee.

Along the way, the drugs are repackaged to look like genuine brands, complete with fake seals and expiry dates. In Masindi District, apart from drug shops, fake medicines also circulate openly in informal markets.

On market days, tablets and syrups are spread out on tables alongside vegetables, soap, and sugar.

These tablets include antibiotics, painkillers, and anti-malarial. Some medicine packages have faded labels and missing leaflets, while others are repackaged into small plastic bags.

The common denominator is that the drugs are cheap. Several pharmacists admit that they are struggling to detect these counterfeits.

‘The profit margins in this business are small, and the demand is high. If someone gives you a box of amoxicillin at a cheaper price than the market price, it is tempting.

However, we later discover that some of the drugs do not work,’ says an owner of a drug shop on Station Road in Buliima town council, who asks not to be identified.

These small, mostly unregulated outlets are the last stop in the long journey of the fake drugs. From here, tablets and syrups of unknown quality find their way into people’s hands without checks.

Health workers say that this is where the real danger lies. Dr Alex Felix Ruhuhura, the acting Masindi district health officer, explains that counterfeit medicines can turn a simple illness into a severe health condition.

‘When counterfeit medicines are used for diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, or HIV, they cause treatment failure, drug resistance, and sometimes death. They also waste resources because patients pay for drugs that do not work and then pay again for proper treatment,’ he says.

For Dr Ruhuhura, the solution starts with creating awareness. People need to know that cheap drugs sold in unlicensed shops are risky.

‘Sometimes wholesalers set very low prices for the drugs they are selling. We do not have the equipment to test the medication before we buy it. Communities, local leaders, and regulators must work together to stop this hidden trade before it claims more lives,’ he notes. Without laboratory equipment, many pharmacies rely on visual checks, which counterfeiters are masters at dodging.

Government reaction

However, the National Drug Authority (NDA) insists that there are no fake drugs in the country. Instead, Abiaz Rwamwiri, NDA’s public relations manager, cautions residents living on the shores of Lake Albert against using drugs from unlicensed traders. ‘We do not have fake drugs. The challenge is that some patients misuse drugs by failing to follow the prescribed dosage, and when treatment fails, they wrongly assume the drugs are fake. Residents and refugees should seek medical care from government health facilities, which are well-stocked with drugs approved by NDA,’ he says.

Besides smuggled drugs coming from across the border, drug shops are also selling expired drugs that have the government seal. Dr Warren Namara, the director of the State House Health Monitoring Unit, says sometimes, the expired drugs are often stolen instead of being destroyed.

‘The drugs are then repackaged and sold, posing a danger to patients. In the 2024/25 Financial Year, equipment and medicines worth about half a billion shillings have been recovered, with several cases currently in court. We have embossed our medicines with clear distinguishing marks, to the extent possible,’ he says.

According to the Parliament Watch, in July 2021, the Cabinet withdrew the Anti-counterfeiting Goods Bill, 2015 from Parliament, stating that there were other laws that can address the gap.

The Bill had been introduced to combat the importation and sale of counterfeit products on the domestic market.

Health officials are urging the government to increase inspections, strengthen border security, and provide drug-testing kits to district hospitals and major pharmacies.

Scope of the problem

Substandard and falsified medical products are a significant global health problem, impacting millions of people and compromising health systems worldwide. These products can be found in all countries, impacting all types of medical products, including life-saving treatments such as vaccines, antibiotics, and cancer therapies.

In 2017, the World Health Organisation estimated that one in 10 medicines in low- and middle-income countries failed quality control tests. The economic burden is also substantial, with billions of dollars lost annually due to ineffective treatments, increased healthcare costs, and loss of productivity.

The issue of substandard and falsified medical products is pervasive and challenging to address due to sophisticated falsification techniques that are difficult to detect and insufficient national resources to respond effectively.

This problem significantly undermines health systems, erodes trust in healthcare, and results in financial losses for both patients and legitimate industries.

The rise in online sales through unauthorised sites has further exacerbated the issue, allowing falsified products to reach consumers more easily. Tackling this problem necessitates robust legal frameworks, regional and international cooperation, heightened public awareness, and stronger enforcement measures.

A new controversy has erupted over the government’s decision to allocate part of Kitubulu Central Forest Reserve in Entebbe to a Chinese investor for building government offices and a shopping mall.

This move has sparked outrage among environmentalists, policy experts, and local leaders.

The $500m (about Shs1.7063t) project, spearheaded by Mr Paul Zhang, the head of Tian Tang Group, is part of a broader plan championed by State Minister for Investment and Privatisation, Ms Evelyn Anite, who said it is aimed at creating an ‘alternative capital city’ in Entebbe.

Ms Anite confirmed that the government had allocated about 150 acres of Kitubulu forest land to Tian Tang Group for what she described as a ‘government campus’, a complex meant to host ministries, departments, and agencies currently renting space in Kampala.

‘The government has allocated land in Entebbe to Chinese investors for the construction of modern facilities, including a five-star hotel, hospital, conference centre, and housing estates,’ Ms Anite said.

‘Unless you are in a government-constructed facility, your office will have to move to Entebbe. The aim is to decongest Kampala,’ she added.

Mr Zhang said construction is expected to commence next month, describing Entebbe’s proximity to the international airport as a ‘strategic advantage’ for investors.

‘Some time ago, I approached the minister with a proposal to build an international conference centre along with other amenities such as hospitals, international schools, and modern housing in Entebbe,’ Mr Zhang said.

‘We believe this will transform Entebbe into a modern administrative hub. He added that his company was facilitated through the minister’s office and was later introduced to President Museveni, who approved the allocation. In July, more than five developers expressed interest in acquiring parts of the forest. The National Forestry Authority (NFA) reportedly issued licences to various private developers to establish eco-lodges within the forest.

During a meeting convened by Entebbe Municipality Mayor Fabrice Rululinda, and attended by the Katabi Town Council Mayor, NFA, and the developers, the forestry body acknowledged that it had allocated sections of the forest reserve to various developers.

Local leaders protest

The decision has angered Entebbe authorities and environmental activists who accuse the government of sacrificing a vital ecological asset for short-term commercial gain. Kitubulu is a protected central forest reserve, gazetted under the National Forestry and Tree Planting Act, and managed by the NFA.

It is one of the few remaining natural habitats on the shores of Lake Victoria, providing a crucial buffer zone that helps maintain water quality and biodiversity. Mr Rululinda condemned the move, saying Entebbe leaders were not on consulted about the allocations.

‘We are not allowing this forest giveaway, that’s clear. It is disrespectful that no one from NFA has ever come to discuss with us or even inform us of any plans regarding this forest,’ he said.

‘We are appealing for the cancellation of all land titles and letters issued in connection with this forest because we are determined to put up a spirited fight to ensure nothing of this sort happens in Entebbe,’ he said.

He added that Kitubulu was not a naturally grown forest but one planted by the people of Entebbe decades ago.

‘This forest was planted by our people, and we had hoped it would be preserved for posterity. Whoever claims to have bought land in that forest has been duped because we will not allow any developer to take over,’ he said.

Mr Rululinda added that his office had written several letters to NFA seeking clarification, but had received no response. ‘All the letters we have seen authorising activities in that forest are coming from NFA. We appeal to them to cancel all permissions because this forest is not for destruction,’ he added.

NFA defends allocation

When contacted, Mr Emmanuel Mangiraguha, the executive director of NFA, defended the authority’s decision, saying the plan for Kitubulu allows for ‘wise use’ through eco-tourism.

‘The forest management plan talks about conservation through wise use. The best way to save Kitubulu is through sustainable utilisation, and eco-tourism is one of those approaches,’ Mr Mangiraguha explained.

He added that developers were given strict conditions before being allowed to operate within the forest.

‘Every developer is required to carry out environmental and social impact assessments, and all this was done,’ he said. Environmentalists, however, insist that the government must suspend all ongoing allocations and conduct a comprehensive environmental audit.

They argue that converting a protected forest reserve into commercial property sets a dangerous precedent. They warn that clearing Kitubulu could worsen flooding in Entebbe, accelerate wetland degradation, and undermine Uganda’s commitments under international environmental conventions.

As the debate rages on, Kitubulu, once a quiet, lush green forest hugging the shores of Lake Victoria, has become the latest battleground in Uganda’s escalating struggle between conservation and commercial development.

Efforts to reach out to State Minister for Water and Environment, Ms Beatrice Anywar for a comment on the ongoing developments in Kitubulu forest were futile as she never picked up our repeated phone calls to her by press time yesterday.

Families facing rare diseases often endure a double struggle: keeping their loved ones alive while navigating a health system unequipped to diagnose or treat uncommon conditions.

For Ms Miria Mukiibi Kibirige, that struggle is a daily reality. She cares for two children living with epidermolysis bullosa (EB), a rare genetic skin disorder causing painful, life-threatening wounds.

When Ms Mukiibi gave birth to her second child, she expected the joy she had with her firstborn. Instead, she was confronted by a mysterious disease. ‘Her skin began peeling off wherever I touched her,’ she recalls.

‘At first, I thought it was temporary, but the wounds only worsened,’ she adds. For months, she sought help at multiple hospitals.

Doctors treated the baby for eczema and allergic reactions, but nothing worked. At 17 months, her child died from complications of the undiagnosed disease.

Two years later, Ms Mukiibi faced heartbreak again. Her third child, Analicia Ayebazibwe, was born with fragile skin that blistered at the gentlest touch. Medical staff struggled to provide care without causing more injuries. Six months later, her fourth child, Abba Mirembe Kibirige, was born with a similar condition.

‘Every day is a struggle. I can’t hug them the way a mother should because every touch brings pain. They are distanced from normal childhood experiences,’ she says.

The children’s condition makes feeding, bathing, and playing difficult. Even soft fabrics or sunlight can trigger blisters, and prolonged friction causes fingers and toes to fuse.

Emotional toll

Ms Mukiibi describes social stigma as a constant burden. ‘People whisper that we are cursed, bewitched, or have offended spirits. Even some doctors treat us as if it’s our fault,’ she says.

Her children cannot attend school because of the condition. Ms Mukiibi spends her days dressing wounds and preventing infections that could turn deadly. A breakthrough occurred when an international organisation assisted in sending samples to India for genetic testing, confirming EB in Abba and Analicia.

‘EB is inherited and can remain hidden for generations,’ explains Dr Umaru Byarugaba, a medical geneticist. ‘Parents can carry the defective gene without symptoms until two carriers have children,’ he adds.

Dr Byarugaba highlights Uganda’s lack of genetic testing facilities and official recognition for rare diseases, leaving families without diagnostic tools, policies, or data.

‘Many rare diseases mimic common illnesses like skin infections or diabetes. Doctors treat symptoms without seeing the underlying cause,’ he says.

Rare diseases in Uganda

The World Health Organisation defines a rare disease as one affecting fewer than 1 in 2,000 people. Globally, more than 7,000 rare diseases impact 300 million people, with 70 percent beginning in childhood.

Currently, there is no cure for EB. Management focuses on preventing infection and minimising skin damage, as even indoor clothing and bedding pose risks.

Ms Mukiibi explains daily care: ‘Bathing must be done by sponging. Every step requires extreme care to avoid new wounds.’

Two approved treatments exist in the US: Zevaskyn, a gene therapy costing $3.1 million per child (about Shs10.5 billion), and a topical cream priced at $600,000 (around Shs2.04 billion).

Option

Her most realistic option is a clinical trial at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, costing $250,000 (about Shs850 million) for treatment, travel, and accommodation.

‘I don’t want to lose another child. Every day I pray for a miracle. Doctors have even told us to give up because the cost is too high,’ Mr Daniel Kibirige says.

Dr Byarugaba adds: ‘Even this trial is not a guaranteed cure, but it is their only chance at survival. Uganda urgently needs to recognise rare diseases, invest in diagnostics, and train health workers. Without action, more children will suffer in silence like Abba and Analicia.’ The story of the Kibirige family underscores the emotional, financial, and social burden rare diseases impose, highlighting the urgent need for awareness, policy, and healthcare investment in Uganda.

Background

Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) is a rare genetic skin disorder that causes extremely fragile, blistering skin. It affects fewer than one in 2,000 people and currently has no cure.

Even minor friction, sunlight, or contact with clothing can trigger painful wounds. Treatment abroad ranges from $250,000 to $3.1 million (Shs850 million to 10.5 billion), making it largely inaccessible for most families.

Children living with EB face social stigma, cannot attend school, and require constant, intensive care.

Residents of Busoga have expressed hope that the ongoing upgrade of the Iganga-Luuka-Kamuli Road from murrum to tarmac will spur economic growth in the sub-region.

The Shs300 billion project, which is being undertaken by Arab Contractors Ltd, is expected to be completed within 36 months.

Ms Lydia Mbwali, a resident of Walugogo Valley in Iganga District, said for decades, residents of Busoga Sub-region have endured poor roads characterised by potholes, dust, and a muddy, virtually impassable state during the rainy season.

‘The road is expected to boost trade, agriculture, and transport across the Busoga region, one of Uganda’s most densely populated areas,’ Mr Mbwali said.

Mr Johnson Bukusuba, a businessman in Luuka Town, said farmers, traders, transporters and travellers have long complained about high transport costs, vehicle breakdowns, and difficulty accessing markets.

‘We have been waiting for this road for many years. Its completion will completely change our lives,’ Mr Bukusuba, said.

‘The farmers will finally transport their produce to markets in Iganga and Kamuli without losses, and traders like us will be able to restock our shops more easily,’ Mr Bukusuba added.

The locals expect transport fares to reduce after the project is completed. They also look forward to improved access to social services such as schools and health centres, especially for residents in remote villages.

Currently, travelling from Iganga Town to Luuka Town costs Shs10,000 on a motorcycle. This high fare is due to the poor state of the road, forcing boda boda riders to charge exorbitantly for the short distance.

Boosting economic growth

Locals believe the new road will become an economic lifeline for Busoga, a region that relies heavily on agriculture and trade.

Mr Medi Balikoowa, a boda boda rider in Kamuli Town, said the improved transport network will ease the movement of sugarcane, maize, rice, and other produce to major markets in Jinja and Kampala.

‘It will also attract investors to establish new businesses and industries along the corridor. This is a game-changer for Busoga,’ Mr Balikoowa said.

The road project falls under the government’s broader infrastructure development plan aimed at improving rural connectivity and supporting regional integration.

Ms Scovia Nabirye, a teacher in Kamuli District, said the upgraded road will ensure safety of travellers.

She added: ‘It will open up new economic opportunities for traders, farmers, and ordinary residents.’ Busoga leaders expressed hope that the upgraded road would resolve rampant poverty and unemployment in the sub-region by spurring economic development. The Iganga-Luuka-Kamuli Road is also expected to foster social unity by connecting previously isolated communities.

The LC5 Chairperson of Luuka District, Mr Simon Wakaze, said the people of Busoga are grateful to the NRM government for fulfilling its long-awaited promise of upgrading the road.

‘This is a promise that has taken long to be fulfilled, but we are now happy that it has finally become a reality,’ Mr Wakaze said.

He urged leaders and residents in the region to support the contractor and ensure that the project is completed smoothly and on time.

Mr Wakaze said Luuka is a major sugarcane-growing area, and the new road will greatly benefit farmers by improving the transportation of sugarcane and other agricultural produce to factories and markets. He explained that the road will connect to Kayunga District and serve as one of the key highways in the region, enhancing trade and movement between districts.

‘Once this road is complete, the face of Busoga will change,’ Mr Balikoowa said, adding: ‘It will bring businesses closer, make life easier, and give our youth new hope.’

The Resident District Commissioner of Luuka District, Mr Michael Kibwika, said: ‘We have already secured the contractor, who is now on site. The contractor has brought in the necessary equipment and recruited workers, creating jobs for our people in the region.’

Mr Salah Radwan, the general manager of Arab Contractors Uganda Limited, said the company would execute the project on time. ‘We are ready for work. We have already started and purchased the quarry that will supply the materials needed for construction,’ Mr Radwan said.

The site engineer, Mr Abdallah Khedr, said the company had already compensated 18 out of the 19 owners of the rock that will be used as a quarry site for stones to be used on the roadworks.

‘Out of the 19 beneficiaries, 18 have already signed and received their compensation directly into their bank accounts. Only one person has not yet signed. We have fully compensated the rightful owners of the rock,’ Mr Khedr said.

Background

According to the National Household Report of 2023/2024, Busoga Sub-region remains the poorest sub-region in Uganda, with 44 percent of its population living below the poverty line.

This means Busoga’s poverty rate is significantly higher than the national average of 21.4 percent. The report indicates that Busoga, which comprises 12 districts: Namutumba, Kaliro, Bugweri, Mayuge, Namayingo, Bugiri, Buyende, Kamuli, Luuka, Iganga, Jinja City, and Jinja District, has a total population of 3,584,730 people.

The replacement of Beti Kamya as Inspector General of Government (IGG) with Justice Aisha Naluzze Batala has generated wide debate, not least because Kamya’s tenure was anything but quiet. For four years, she gave the IG institution unusual visibility in public life, confronting corruption in ways that unsettled even those at the very top.

Kamya’s most memorable initiative was the push for a lifestyle audit, a proposal that public officials should account for their wealth against their income. It was a bold idea that went to the heart of Uganda’s corruption problem. Yet it was publicly dismissed by President Museveni, who warned that lifestyle audits could be ‘politically disruptive.’ In another moment, when Kamya proposed extending IG investigations into the military, she was bluntly told to keep her hands off the army.

These interventions may not have produced prosecutions, but they succeeded in one vital respect: they forced corruption into the national conversation, and proved that the IG office could not be ignored. Just as importantly, Kamya used her platform as IGG to challenge Ugandans to rethink their own complicity in corruption. She warned against the culture of idolising public officers who suddenly acquire wealth, treating them as symbols of ‘success,’ while dismissing honest officials who live within their means as ‘dull’ or ‘lacking drive.’

By exposing this social glorification of quick riches, she shifted the debate from government failings alone to society’s responsibility in normalising graft. It was a brave confrontation with a cultural mindset that fuels corruption as much as weak enforcement does.

In that sense, Kamya raised the IG office’s profile higher than many of her predecessors. She brought a politician’s instinct for publicity into an institution often seen as sleepy and technical. Under her, the IG was suddenly on the front pages, its voice shaping debates in Parliament and on the streets. To many Ugandans, she embodied the frustration they feel about entrenched corruption, and her sharp warnings resonated widely. Yet visibility is not the same as victory.

Despite her energy as IGG, few ‘big fish’ were convicted. Critics argued she politicised the office. Supporters countered that she was hemmed in by a system that shields the powerful and leaves the IGG fighting with one hand tied behind her back. Both perspectives contain truth. Now enters Justice Batal. Where Kamya was a politician, Batala is a career prosecutor and judge.

For nearly two decades, she worked at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, earning a reputation for diligence, integrity, and a high conviction rate. More recently, at the High Court’s Land Division, she dealt with some of Uganda’s most corruption-ridden disputes. Her appointment signals a deliberate pivot: from political visibility to legal precision. But Batala will not be starting from scratch. She inherits an IG institution that, thanks to Kamya, is once again in the public eye.

The challenge is to build on that renewed profile by producing results in courtrooms, not just headlines. Ugandans are weary of anti-corruption theatre. They want convictions, asset recoveries, and proof that no one is above the law. The hurdles remain formidable. The IG still struggles with a backlog of cases. Political shielding of senior figures has undone many brave investigations.

Whistleblowers lack protection. The very independence of the office is tested by the fact that its leadership is presidentially appointed. Batala may have the temperament and the tools, but her ability to bite will depend on how much leash she is truly given. The story, therefore, is not of Kamya’s failure but of the two stages of a struggle. Kamya dragged corruption into the light and confronted society’s dangerous admiration for illicit wealth.

Batala must now carry the baton, converting that visibility into a prosecutorial bite. If she succeeds, Ugandans may finally believe that the IG is not only a watchdog but a guard dog capable of defending the public interest. The baton has been passed from one sister to another. The question is whether the institution, not the personalities, will be allowed to run.

The 2025 Airtel Masaza Cup semi-finals delivered a thrilling day of football drama on Sunday as visitors Kyaggwe and Ssingo stunned their hosts to secure first-leg victories away from home.

In two tactical battles, Kyaggwe edged Buweekula 1-0 in Mubende, while Ssingo came from behind to defeat Bugerere 2-1 in Ntenjeru, leaving both ties delicately balanced ahead of the weekend’s return legs.

Ssenyonga lifts Kyaggwe

At Mubende National Training College grounds, Buweekula and Kyaggwe cancelled each other out in a cagey first half dominated by physical duels.

But the deadlock was broken after the break when Geofrey Ssenyonga struck the decisive goal that handed Kyaggwe a crucial away win and earned him the man of the match award.

Despite Buweekula’s late surge for an equaliser, Kyaggwe’s defense held firm, preserving their narrow lead and giving them a psychological edge ahead of the second leg.

Kyaggwe head coach Simon Peter Mugerwa hailed his team’s resilience under pressure as they chase a second consecutive appearance in the final. “This win means a lot to us because coming here and getting a result was never going to be easy,’ Mugerwa said. ‘We showed great discipline and composure, especially in the second half. Now we must finish the job at home.’

In the other semi-final, Bugerere made a strong start at Ntenjeru when Henry Wamala opened the scoring, sending the home fans into celebration. But Ssingo quickly responded through Shaban Kayondo, who levelled matters before halftime.

The turning point came in the 53rd minute when Bugerere’s Osman Mayanja missed a penalty – a costly mistake that Ssingo ruthlessly punished minutes later. Ismael Rwimitala pounced to score the winner, sealing a 2-1 comeback victory and walking away with the man of the match honour.

With both games decided by a single goal, the semi-final ties remain open heading into the return legs. Fans can expect more fireworks as all four teams – Kyaggwe, Buweekula, Ssingo, and Bugerere – fight for a place in the final at Ham Stadium on November 1.

“What a spectacle from the players and fans here in Mubende today,’ said Kenneth Amanyire, Pilsner King Marketing Representative for Mubende, who attended the Buweekula vs Kyaggwe match.

‘The first leg is now done, but the pressure is still very much on with these small margins of one goal in both games. We encourage all the fans to turn up for the last push to the final because, as Pilsner King, we can’t wait to see which team will finally claim the 2025 Masaza Cup.’

Masaza Cup semi-finals

First leg results

Buweekula 0-1 Kyaggwe (Geofrey Ssenyonga)

Bugerere 1-2 Ssingo (Henry Wamala – Shaban Kayondo, Ismael Rwimitala)

Return legs – Sunday, October 19

HARARE. The Cricket Cranes ended their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier campaign on a high note, thumping Nigeria by 66 runs in the fifth-place playoff final last Saturday.

Yet, the victory was little more than consolation after early stumbles against Zimbabwe and Tanzania denied Uganda a semi-final berth – and a shot at a coveted World Cup ticket.

Captain Riazat Ali Shah, who led the charge with a dazzling 66 off 30 balls against Nigeria, admitted, ‘This tournament is a wake-up call. We have the talent to beat anyone, but we must learn to execute our roles properly and finish the big moments.’

For a team that fielded seven new faces from the previous qualifier, the tournament highlighted both promise and inexperience.

Set up and missed chances

Uganda’s campaign began with high expectations. Facing Zimbabwe in the opener, the Cranes set a modest 152 runs in 20 overs despite having 91 runs on the board early on in the match after 9 overs, a platform that could have been stretched to 180-200 to trouble the hosts.

The failure to capitalize mirrored the heartbreak against Tanzania, where lack of awareness ignited a shocking collapse with seven wickets falling for 15 runs – a painful reminder that egos must be left behind and team strategy prioritised.

Coach Abhay Sharma reflected on these setbacks, saying; ‘If we had managed to post 180-plus against Zimbabwe, the game’s outcome would have been very different. These moments are lessons – and painful ones at that.’

Sharma, who leaves Uganda after 18 months – he signed a three-year contract – at the helm, pointed to his limited availability as a primary factor in his decision to step down.

‘Coaching is not just about match days. It’s about working with young players daily, building structures, and sharpening skills. This team needs someone who can dedicate more time on the ground,’ he explained.

Highs amid challenges

Despite the disappointments, Uganda finished strongly. Back-to-back wins against Botswana, Malawi, and Nigeria displayed their firepower, while captain Shah and new player Sumeet Verma proved that the infusion of fresh talent has potential.

Verma was a standout in the tournament, finishing second among the highest run-scorers with 206 runs in five matches at an average of 51.50 and an impressive strike rate of 153.73, just behind Zimbabwe’s Brian Bennett (314).

His consistency and ability to anchor the innings while accelerating when needed highlighted his value to the team and hinted at a promising future for Uganda cricket.

The left-arm spinners; Henry Ssenyondo and Alpesh Ramjani were lethal in the three wins once they found their groove. ‘It was really nice to see that the boys were picking up at the end. We played some quality cricket and executed key plans. But it was a little too late,’ Sharma noted.

Team Manager Charles Waiswa praised Sharma’s mentorship, saying, ‘He has impacted everyone’s career. The lessons, discipline, and belief he instilled will stay with this team long after his departure.’ Analyst Alvin Bagaya added that Sharma’s gesture of giving each player a framed photo of their family underscored the humanity behind his coaching – a reminder that cricket is played for more than just statistics.

Structural reflections

The campaign also laid bare systemic challenges. Several promising Ugandan-born players struggled with pressure, while naturalised players -known as ‘bachuba’ – in local dialect – sometimes created gaps in cohesion. The fans bore their fangs baying for their blood saying many a time that their performances were mediocre. But the ugly and undeniable truth was that in the midst of the ‘bachuba’ mediocrity the players of Ugandan descent did little to justify their continued inclusion as their tally of runs hardly accounted for 30 per cent of the team’s match-by-match aggregates.

Many fans were insistent in their arguments with analysis that Sharma’s tenure had highlighted the need to balance that ‘foreign’ experience with homegrown talent and to build deeper local pathways.

Reflecting on team selection, Sharma explained, ‘We couldn’t field all the young players at one go. But you will notice from my time that I tried to give exposure, and that’s part of developing a sustainable structure.’

Sharma’s approach was arguably similar to previous regimes, emphasizing a blend of discipline, skill-building, and tactical awareness. Under his leadership, Uganda achieved a remarkable 17-match unbeaten T20 run – a global feat of sorts, swept tours in South Africa, IL T20 in Kigali and the Pearl of Africa T20 Series in Entebbe, and maintained a 70.37% win rate across 57 matches – milestones that laid strong foundations for the team’s future.

Coach’s farewell and legacy

At a heartfelt Cresta Lodge poolside farewell meeting after the Nigeria victory in Harare, Sharma addressed the Cranes: ‘I’ve been hard on you, but it was never personal. It was always to push you higher.’ Handing framed photos to each player, he added, ‘These are the people who care about you most. Play for them.’

Shah, visibly emotional, reflected, ‘The way you treated us like your own kids has been amazing. We’ve learned, grown, and we’ll carry these lessons forward. Wherever you are, we’ll call you when we need guidance.’

Sharma leaves Uganda with both professional pride and personal attachment. ‘Uganda is my second home. The boys, the people, the fans – it’s been a family. My decision to step down was to ensure someone with greater availability can fully guide the Cricket Cranes,’ he explained.

Looking ahead

For Uganda, the qualifier exposed not only weaknesses. It brought to light admirable strengths to build on and areas for growth: the talent is evident, but game management, temperament under pressure, and nurturing local talent remain priorities.

As Team Analyst Bagaya noted; ‘This campaign reminds us that while individual brilliance shines, team cohesion and preparation are what win tournaments.’

The Cricket Cranes now face a decision point: continue blending homegrown players with overseas talent, invest in infrastructure and pathways, and learn from missed opportunities, or risk repeating similar heartbreaks in future qualifiers.

ICC T20 WORLD CUP AFRICA QUALIFIER

Uganda Results – Group B

Uganda 152/9 | Zimbabwe 157/5

Zimbabwe won by 5 wickets (with 15 balls remaining)

Tanzania 128/6 | Uganda 119/9

Tanzania won by 9 runs

Botswana 81/6 | Uganda 85/2

Uganda won by 8 wickets (with 44 balls remaining)

5th Place Playoff Semifinal 2

Uganda 192/3 | Malawi 75/6

Uganda won by 117 runs

Fifth Place Playoff Final

Uganda 196/7 | Nigeria 130/7

Uganda won by 66 runs

Sharma’s Memorable 18 Months

Historic Runs: 17-match unbeaten T20 streak

International Tours: South Africa sweep 6-0, POA T20I Series 6-0, ILT20 9-0 and flawless Challenge League B campaigns.

Player Highlights: Henry Ssenyondo’s spell vs Italy, Dinesh Nakrani six-for vs Singapore, Juma Miyaji six-wicket haul vs Tanzania, Shrideep Mangela’s century vs. Bahrain, Captain Riazat Ali Shah’s match winning performances, veteran Frank Nsubuga’s magical spell vs PNG at the World Cup and Cosmas Kyewuta’s gun-fielding among others.

Coaching Philosophy: Discipline, personal mentorship, and tactical awareness.

Quotable Quote: I never take pressure as a coach and team, I give pressure to the opposition, instead.

Legacy Gesture: Framed family photos to remind players of their support systems and why they play.

Reason for Exit: Limited availability for hands-on coaching due to personal reasons.

WRITER’S OPINION

Next Time Better. Could Uganda have done better? Absolutely. Some new faces were not fully tested, key phases of matches were squandered, and the team faltered in pressure moments. Yet, Sharma’s measured exit, his honesty, and his commitment to the players demonstrate a coach of true class. Mother cricket humbled Uganda especially against Tanzania, but the lessons – from the comical collapse to the tactical missteps – will shape a new generation. The Cricket Cranes remain a team of potential, awaiting structure, cohesion, and leadership to seize the World Cup stage next time.

As Uganda heads toward the 2026 General Election, voters in Tororo District and the wider Sebei Sub-region have outlined a list of priorities they want the next president to address to improve service delivery and livelihoods.

In the 2021 elections, President Museveni garnered 86,248 votes (58.38 percent) in Tororo District, defeating his closest challenger, Mr Robert Kyagulanyi, aka Bobi Wine, of the National Unity Platform (NUP), who received 54,556 votes.

However, many voters now say their expectations from the government remain unmet and want concrete action before the next polls. At the top of Tororo’s demands is the operationalisation of the proposed three new districts and a city, which were carved out of the old Tororo District but have yet to become functional.

Tororo Municipality MP Yeri Apollo Ofwono said residents believe implementing these administrative units would improve service delivery and reduce governance bottlenecks.

Health services under strain

Health service delivery also dominates the list of voter concerns. Mr James Onyango, the district councillor for Nagongera Sub-county, urged the government to upgrade existing health centre IVs-Mukuju, Nagongera, and Mulanda-to hospital level and elevate Tororo General Hospital to a regional referral hospital.

‘Our district hospital is overstretched. Upgrading these facilities would ease congestion and reduce the distance patients travel to access care,’ Mr Onyango said.

He added that a regional referral hospital in Tororo would serve neighbouring districts, including Busia, Namisindwa, Manafwa, Butaleja, and parts of western Kenya.

War victims’ compensation

In Lyolwa Sub-county, local leaders are demanding compensation for victims of the Alice Lakwena insurgency, which devastated parts of eastern Uganda in the late 1980s. Mr Benjamin Oketcho, the chairperson of Lyolwa, said the community has waited in vain since presenting a compensation memo to President Museveni in 2015.

‘Many lives and properties were lost during the Lakwena war. Just like the government has compensated victims elsewhere, our people also deserve justice and recovery support,’ he said.

Infrastructure development remains a sore point for many locals. Ms Miria Okumu, the district councillor for Paya and Sere sub-counties, urged government to tarmac the Tororo-Nagongera-Busolwe road, which she said has appeared in annual budgets for years without progress.

Former journalist and now LC5 aspirant Paul Gonza called for the establishment of regional nursery seed beds for coffee and cocoa, saying these crops have been identified as new cash crops for Bukedi Sub-region to replace cotton.

Leaders are also demanding revival of the Oriental Industrial and Business Park project along the Tororo-Jinja highway, which has stalled since its groundbreaking in 2024.

Mr Lukas Okamar, the chairperson of Kayoro Sub-county, said the park was expected to host 10 factories and create more than 1,000 jobs.

‘It was supposed to be built by a consortium of Chinese investors, but nothing has happened since the groundbreaking,’ he said.

In addition, residents of Malaba Town Council are calling for the long-awaited construction of the Tororo Inland Port, while others want government to revive the Osukuru Phosphate Fertiliser Factory to make affordable fertiliser accessible to farmers.

Sebei’s demands

In the neighbouring Sebei Sub-region, voters are equally frustrated by the state of roads. Key roads in poor condition include Siron-Tumboboi-Ngangta, Kapsoyoy-Mariny, Kuryondet-Sanzara, Kapchesombe-Kwoti, and Kaserem-Kawowo, among others.

Locals say the poor road network has inflated transport costs, keeping farmers in poverty despite fertile soils. Rev Martin Chelangat of the Pentecostal Assemblies of God Church said farmers face additional challenges such as fake agro-inputs, lack of storage facilities, and limited markets for their produce.

‘Many farmers incur heavy losses after harvest because of poor storage and lack of value addition. Pests and fake seeds have also worsened the situation,’ Rev Chelangat said.

Mr Osman Sayekwo, the eastern youth coordinator for the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT), said farmers are often cheated by middlemen due to the absence of local markets.

‘A bunch of matooke that costs Shs15,000 in town is sold for only Shs5,000 to middlemen in the villages. Farmers are being exploited,’ he said.

Mr Mark Cherop, a project officer with KACSOA, said the government should construct storage facilities at parish or sub-county level and support value addition to stabilise farm incomes.

Mr Fred Kiprop Sikuku, a senior agricultural engineer in Kapchorwa, said education, markets, and infrastructure must all be improved if poverty is to be reduced sustainably.

In Kween District, more than five sub-counties-including Ngenge, Chepsikunya, Giriki, Binyiny, Benet, and Sundet-still lack government-aided secondary schools. Mr Caleb Noah Cherotich, a resident of Kween County, also called for more classroom desks to improve learning environments.

Top demands

Operationalise three new districts and a city.

Upgrade Health Centre IVs to hospitals, Tororo District Hospital to regional referral.

Tarmac key roads; revive Oriental Industrial Park and Tororo Inland Port.

Establish coffee/cocoa seedbeds, build storage and value-add centres.

Supply desks, expand secondary schools in underserved sub-counties.

Compensate Lakwena war victims, address FGM cases.

Expand electricity connections.

A devastating storm swept through parts of Busia District, leaving over 100 residents homeless and causing widespread destruction.

Homes were torn apart, property damaged, and families displaced as strong winds and heavy rains battered the area for hours.

Local authorities are assessing the damage and appealing for emergency support to aid affected communities.

Ms Rehema Nankya, 40, a resident of Sigalame B, Busia District who was one of the affected persons, said the storm blew off the roof her hut.

‘Dark clouds formed, then a drizzle turned into a violent downpour. The wind was deafening, and hailstones pounded everything. I ran inside, but moments later, the roof was gone,’ Ms Nankya said.

The storm flattened homes and farms in Sigalame A and B, Busyechira, Munaka, Hutale, Sifuyo, and Buyukha villages.

Annet Makhoha, 60, said they had prayed for rains to revive their crops, but the storm brought disaster instead.

‘We have no food or shelter now,’ she said.

Ms Demitria Makhoha, 61, said it was the worst storm she had witnessed since 1979, with all her family’s houses and gardens destroyed. Opio Yuda of Sigalame A counted at least 40 homes damaged in his village alone.

Mr Paul Wafula of Sigalame B, whose family of eight spent the night in the open, fears a looming food crisis.

‘This is the third destructive storm in just one month,’ he said.

Last month, other areas across Busia District, including Masafu, Dabani, Buyanga, Busime, Lunyo, Lumino, Masinya, and Masaba were also hit by similar weather events. Villages in Rukaka Parish, Busime Sub-county, such as Bulukuyi, Busahi, Ndegero, and Buhanga, also suffered crop and property damage.

Ms Alice Namudde of Lumuli Village said hailstones destroyed cassava gardens and stripped mango trees bare. In Lunyo Sub-county, villages in Nalwire Parish saw widespread destruction. Masafu Sub-county villages including Busedu, Mawanga, and Bukalikha were similarly affected.

Mr Gabriel Mukisa from Bukalikha said, ‘We wait so long for rain, but when it comes, it’s destructive.’

While some residents blamed the storms on witchcraft and curses, others believe the changing weather is a clear sign of climate change.

Mr David Egesa from Bwaniha noted a shift in rainfall patterns over recent years.

‘We used to have two regular rainy seasons. Now the rain is either absent or too extreme,’ he said, adding that farmers are now turning to drought-resistant crops like cassava and sorghum.

Ms Aggrey Mirembe, a senior district agricultural officer, said delayed planting and crop failure due to erratic weather are becoming more common.

Mr Jimmy Ngolobe, the district natural resources officer, attributed the worsening conditions to climate change and environmental degradation.

‘Rising temperatures and declining rainfall are a result of widespread destruction of wetlands and forests. We must prioritise restoring these ecosystems to stabilize our climate,’ he said.