Category: Daily Monitor

Jacob Kiplimo is back on the lips of the globe after he conquered any barriers present to win the Chicago Marathon in Illinois, USA on Sunday.

Kiplimo ran a superb second half of the 42km race to win his first global marathon on the second attempt in a time of two hours, two minutes and 23 minutes.

‘To come here to win the race is a big achievement for me,’ Kiplimo said after the race. ‘He ran very well,’ his coach Peter Chelangat said. When road races come his way, Kiplimo rarely misses the target.

Since missing a medal at the 10000 metres final during the Paris Olympics in France, Kiplimo has won four of seven road races in 13 months.

Kiplimo for long threatened the marathon world record (WR) mark of 2:00:35 set by Kenyan the late Kelvin Kiptum during his victory in Chicago two years ago.

With about 8km left to complete the race, Kiplimo threatened Kiptum’s time, with the predictor placing his finish at 2:00:13, totally blistering yet unimaginable.

But even if he mathematically withered out of that momentous pursuit, Kiplimo still finished strong to become the seventh fastest marathoner in history.

For a 24-year-old who only debuted with second place in a pretty respectable 2:03:37 at the London Marathon in England on April 27, Kiplimo is now only bettered by six names: Kiptum, Kenyan Eliud Kipchoge, Ethiopians Kenenisa Bekele and Sisay Lemma, Kenyans Sabastian Sawe and Benson Kipruto in that order.

‘I told you we only needed a better run an improvement from that of London,’ Chelangat stated, ‘We were hoping for an improvement from the previous one.’

In Chicago, Kiplimo’s mark was the quickest a marathoner has run on that flat course with long straights. Whereas Kiplimo was visibly worn out in the final mile evidenced by his collapse to the floor after the tape, the man from Bukwo had done his hard work much earlier.

A half-marathon WR holder at 56:42, Kiplimo had been pitted against defending champion Kenyan John Korir. The goal was to attempt Kiptum’s mark.

They kept in their own lead group and went out first, under WR pace by 10 miles with the cast comprising pace setters and other Kenyans Philemon Kimaiyo, Amos Kipruto and Timothy Kiplagat.

After the halfway mark, Korir who won the Boston Marathon in Massachusetts, USA in April, and Kiplimo, broke away and held a 10-second gap over the rest of the group.

Thereafter, Kiplimo just charged forward by calmly exuding his customary poetry on the road and left Korir for dead, thereby establishing a 12-second lead over Korir over the next 5km up to 30km. His pace at that stage was projected for a 2:00:16 finish.

And for that entire period, even if he kept looking back in check of a potential challenger, Kiplimo was purely against the clock for the WR. He breezed past the 35km mark in 1:39:53 and still under the WR pace – a predicted finish of 2:00:30.

His legs however gave way in the closing stages but neither in the race could deny him the victory, a history feat making him the first Ugandan to ever win a World Marathon Major (WMM).

The WMMs are seven: Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Sydney, Chicago and New York. A pile of Ugandans including 2012 Olympic champion Stephen Kiprotich, Jackson Kiprop, Stephen Kissa, Victor Kiplangat and Joshua Cheptegei have run there before but none had taken the ribbons away at the finish-line.

In history, no man has ever held both WRs over the 21km and 42km at the same time and Kiplimo lived within that space for the greater part of yesterday. ‘Yes, almost,’ added Chelangat about the WR.

Put simply, it is only a matter of time before Kiplimo shatters that mark, barring of course, any unforeseen circumstances. The courses in London, Berlin and Chicago suite that debate.

2025 CHICAGO MARATHON

MEN’S 42KM RACE RESULT

1 Jacob Kiplimo (UGA) 2:02:23

2 Amos Kipruto (KEN) 2:03:54

3 Alex Masai (KEN) 2:04:37

4 Conner Mantz (USA) 2:04:43

5 Huseydin Mohamed Esa (ETH) 2:04:50

KIPLIMO IN 2025

Oct 12, 2025: Chicago Marathon (1st, 2:02:23)

Aug 27, 2025: Buenos Aires 21K (1st, 58:29)

Apr 27, 2025: London Marathon (2nd, 2:03:37)

Feb 16, 2025: Barcelona Half-Marathon (1st, 56:42)

FASTEST MARATHONERS – BEST TIME

2:00:35 by Kelvin Kiptum (KEN) at Chicago Marathon on Oct 8, 2023

2:01:09 by Eliud Kipchoge (KEN) at Berlin Marathon on Sep 22, 2022

2:01:41 by Kenenisa Bekele (ETH) at Berlin Marathon on Sept 29, 2019

2:01:48 by Sisay Lemma (ETH) at Valencia Marathon on Dec 3, 2023

2:02:05 by Sabastian Sawe (KEN) at Valencia Marathon on Dec 1, 2024

2:02:16 by Benson Kipruto (KEN) at Tokyo Marathon on Mar 3, 2024

2:02:23 by Jacob Kiplimo (UGA) at Chicago Marathon on Oct 12, 2025

Every day, across the West Nile Sub-region, desperate teachers seeking to borrow money throng financial institutions for loans. Some of these teachers have multiple loans. They are trapped in a vicious cycle of debt.

Financial institutions ask for security in the form of ATM cards, academic documents, and land agreements, although some teachers claim their money is deducted unfairly even after they have completed payments as per agreed terms.

One of the teachers at Teremunga Primary School, in Koboko Municipality, Mr Henry Adutia, claimed that he is expected to pay more than Shs10m by Premier Credit Financial Services after picking a loan of Shs900,000.

‘I picked the Shs900,000 loan in 2017 and made a top-up of Shs600,000, and it increased to Shs1.5m in 2019, payable in a period of 70 months. They have been deducting Shs143,000 monthly. This is exploitation,’ he said on Tuesday.

Another teacher, Mr Henry Dramaza, a resident of Maracha District, who borrowed Shs2.9m from Bayport Financial Services Uganda in 2015, payable for a period of 60 months, said he ended up unfairly paying Shs10,650,000 million.

Some of the teachers said they are forced to borrow multiple loans because they have to take care of their families and dependants, which creates a big strain on their meagre finances.

The Uganda National Teachers Union Chairperson for Terego District, Mr Gabriel Eriku, said several financial institutions in West Nile exploit teachers.

He advised the teachers against borrowing multiple loans from financial institutions or money lenders to avoid such occurrences.

Recently, the Terego District Woman Member of Parliament, Ms Rose Obiga stormed the offices of Premier Credit Financial Services in Arua City to protest ”unfair treatment’ of Mr Justine Inima, a teacher who claimed he was being cheated by the financial institution.

Mr Inima, who reportedly borrowed Shs1 million from the financial institution, alleged that officials of the financial institution claimed he still owed them money even after completing repaying the loan and accruing interest.

‘These poor people are being cheated. I will drag you people before the Bank of Uganda and the Ministry of Finance to explain,’ Ms Obiga said.

The Koboko District Education Officer, Koboko, Mr Wayi Dragamulai, advised teachers to live within their means.

‘Do not borrow the lifestyle of other people, and loans should be picked with focus and investment. It is not good to borrow loans for marriage purposes,’ he said.

In Obongi District, the Chief Administrative Officer, Mr Benson Otim, said: ‘We have got a problem with financial institutions that come to our civil servants, mainly teachers, to deceive them. Once the teachers get the money, the loan doesn’t get completed. As a result, we don’t see teachers in the classroom because they escape from loan officers.’

Responses

When contacted for a comment, Bayport Financial Services Uganda official Francis Okalebo, said: ‘We do not speak to the media over the phone.’

The loan officer of Premier Credit Financial Services in Arua City, Ms Brenda Angucia, said she was occupied with other activities and not ready to offer a statement about the matter.

‘We are handling the matter and will get back to you later because I am still busy,’ Ms Angucia told Monitor. She had not responded to our reminders about the matter by press time.

The Micro Finance Institutions and the Moneylenders Act Cap 6, prescribe a maximum interest rate of 2.8 percent per month or 33.6 percent per annum on the principal or actual sum of money advanced to the borrower, according to the available legal notice by the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development.

In July 2022, the government of Uganda implemented a 300 percent salary increase for science teachers. This boosted the gross monthly salary of a graduate science teacher from approximately Shs1.1 million to Shs4 million and that of a Grade V science teacher from approximately Shs796,000 to Shs2.5 million.

This policy created a significant pay gap with arts teachers, who did not receive a corresponding increase and earn a lower gross salary. Currently, arts teachers are on strike, demanding that their salaries be increased to correspond with that of their science counterparts

The Ntungamo Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Ms Miriam Kagaiga, has warned headteachers in the area against stopping students from sitting for examinations due to outstanding school fees.

Ms Kagaiga made the call during a meeting with headteachers at the examination store at Ntungamo Police Station on Monday morning.

“We all know what is happening in our families, we understand the struggles schools are going through, but more especially the struggles we are all going through as parents,” Ms. Kagaiga said. “I ask you to bear with parents, especially during these exams, that no student is turned away from doing exams over school fees.”

The RDC noted that some head teachers have been failing to register students for examinations and turning them away at the examination hall, a practice she said would not be tolerated.

“We can’t allow this vice to happen in our district,” she warned. “We must make sure that all students who were eligible for registration sit their exams. If anyone has committed that offense, they will be dealt with.”

Ms Kagaiga had summoned the headteacher of Ruhanga Adventist Secondary School over a student who had complained about not being registered despite paying for registration.

The student, Precious Kembabazi, had been turned away from school and told she wouldn’t be allowed to sit for exams.

In response, headteachers expressed optimism about the start of the exams, citing timely delivery and preparation of candidates.

“We are blessed that the exams arrived in time, our candidates are prepared, hope the exams will be done well, and students shall get good results,” said Ntungamo High School headteacher, Mr Wilson Byamukama.

At Kyamate Secondary School, 350 students sat for the first Geography paper, with the school’s deputy headteacher, Mr Jonas Kasasira, noting that it was the biggest number ever, and the students were well-prepared.

Since its February 2022 launch, the Parish Development Model (PDM) has raised hopes across Uganda. This flagship programme aims to shift 39 percent of households from subsistence to a money-based economy. Each subsistence household in an enterprise group or parish PDM Sacco has received Shs1m on a two-year grace period, and six percent annual interest.

Most funds target agricultural enterprises. Across Ugandan villages, most people have received the cash. But PDM is not just about handing out money. Cash is only one piece of the puzzle. Transformation depends on access to land, skills, quality inputs, market access, and the ability to overcome deep-rooted structural challenges-especially in agriculture, which remains largely rain-fed. The hidden crisis is land pressure and fragmentation.

One of the most urgent challenges facing PDM beneficiaries is the issue of land tenure security and land pressure. Land is a fundamental resource underpinning agricultural production and is vital for economic growth and investment, especially of farm enterprises. According to a 2024 Uganda Bureau of Statistics (Ubos) report, only 58 percent of adults have secure land tenure, with just 17 percent owning agricultural land. Uganda’s 2.9 percent population growth rate is among the highest globally, contributing to land fragmentation, particularly in rural areas. With a population density of 190 people per square kilometre, pressure on land is mounting. As a result, households cultivate smaller plots, and in many parishes, farmland is overused or no longer viable for sustained production. Farmers are cultivating land continuously, depleting soil fertility.

Although Ubos reports an average household size of 4.2 acres, some families of up to ten survive on less than half an acre. Land that once produced both food and cash crops is now depleted and yields little. Small parcels hinder the adoption of modern farming practices that could transform production into profitable enterprises, creating a major contradiction to the PDM’s goals.

With soils depleted, farmers are turning to fertilisers, pesticides, and herbicides. But the market is flooded with unregulated counterfeit, overpriced products, often misused due to inadequate training. The result is poor yields, environmental damage, health risks, and unsustainable farming. Farmers spend more on soil fertility, pests, and weeds, yet harvests remain low-trapping low-income households who hoped PDM would lift them from poverty.

The belief that Shs1m guarantees success ignores land shortages. True agricultural growth will depend on land security, good inputs, knowledge, infrastructure, and markets. For the PDM to succeed, loans must be seen to build lasting productivity, not an end. The Presidential Four-Acre Model suggests one acre each for cash crops, food, pasture/dairy, and fruit trees.

Yet many beneficiaries have under two acres, some less than one. Their success depends on making small plots highly productive through smart enterprise choices and sustainable practices. What needs to change? Match enterprises to land size by replacing one-size-fits-all with support tailored to land, soil, and market conditions.

Boost small-plot productivity with high-value, space-efficient enterprises like poultry, mushrooms, vegetables, and zero-grazing dairy, backed by quality inputs, irrigation, and skills training. Regulate agro-inputs and train farmers to enforce strict quality standards for fertilisers and pesticides and provide training to ensure safe and effective use.

Support soil fertility and land management by encouraging organic farming, certified compost, biofertilizers, and water harvesting. Make agricultural extension central to PDM with trained agricultural officers in every parish to give farmers guidance beyond the initial disbursement. The PDM bold ideas require planning, context, and follow-through. It should never be about asking, ‘Have people received the money?’ but rather, “Do they have what they need to succeed with it?’

Two weeks after the Opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) released the list of its approved parliamentary flagbearers for the 2026 elections, at least 82 aggrieved aspirants who were left out have petitioned the party, challenging their rejection and seeking justice.

Among them, only one incumbent-Mr Aloysius Mukasa, the Rubaga South MP-has petitioned the party after being dropped in favour of Ms Euginia Nassolo. The rest of the dissatisfied aspirants have announced plans to contest as Independents against NUP’s chosen candidates.

On September 29, NUP formed a four-member tribunal committee chaired by Dr Moses Kanaabi, with members Mr Johnathan Elotu, Mr Marvin Saasi, and Ms Fatuma Cassim, to handle complaints from the aggrieved aspirants.

The committee was given two days after the release of the list to receive petitions. Speaking to this publication yesterday, Mr Elotu, who is also NUP’s secretary for legal affairs, said of the 82 petitioners, 46 came from the central region, 32 from the eastern region, and four from the northern and western regions combined.

He explained that after receiving the petitions, the committee follows two steps: first, reviewing the evidence to determine which cases are valid, and second, holding hearings where all parties are invited to present their arguments.

‘Last week we had a hearing from eastern Uganda; we called all the aggrieved and the candidate being challenged to hear from both sides. We are still processing the information to hear from central, western, and northern Uganda. We are currently scrutinising the petitions. After our stiff process of hearing, we will be able to confirm the legitimate NUP winners,’ Mr Elotu said.

When asked when the final results would be released, Mr Elotu said: ‘The role of the committee to make the recommendations to the NUP executive board will determine the next fate to come out with the final lists.’

What the petitioners say

Mr David Musiri, who was aspiring for the Makindye West seat, expressed his disappointment over the selection process, arguing that it undermines loyal party members. ‘After the release of the results, when I was missing on the list, everyone was shocked. Maybe there was a slight mistake. Ms [Zahara] Luyirika, who was selected, had been vetted for the Kampala City Woman MP. Her selection undermines our core values and integrity,’ Mr Musiri said.

Mr Robert Ssekidde, alias Tuff B (Makindye East) said: ‘In my petition I expressed the desire to know why a person who was given a card had not shown interest in it but had just shifted three days to vetting. His education credentials were questionable.’

Ms Zuraika Nalukenge Ssekito challenged the selection of Ms Veronica Nanyondo to represent the party in the Bukomansimbi Woman MP race, arguing that she had withdrawn her signature during the Shs1.7b service award saga that led to the attempted impeachment of Mr Mathias Mpuuga as a Parliament commissioner.

‘If the party is talking about a leader being reliable and understanding the party’s core values, they won’t have made such a decision. I have been an NUP district registrar; I have followed all the party’s core values,’ Ms Nalukenge said.

Other petitioners are Ms Faustina Nalubega Bitaano (Mityana Woman MP) and Ms Juliet Nanteza (Wakiso District Woman MP), among others.

A suspected case of toxic pollution in River Alupe has left residents of Busia district alarmed after dead fish and livestock were discovered along the riverbanks earlier this week. The river, which supports hundreds of families on both sides of the Uganda-Kenya border, has raised fears of a potential health crisis.

Communities in Buteba sub-county, who rely on the river for drinking water, fishing, and farming, were shocked by the sudden change in the river’s appearance. Residents reported that the water initially had an oily film, then turned green and finally dark.

“Alupe River has always had clear water, but on that morning I saw an oily film. Shortly after, it turned green, and then it became dark,” said Mr Charles Ouma Okitui, a resident of Alupe village. He witnessed fish dying in large numbers and confirmed that a cow belonging to a resident died after drinking the polluted water.

Despite warnings, some residents were seen collecting the dead fish for food. “People are scrambling to pick the fish, but we’re worried it may not be safe for human consumption,” Mr. Okitui said.

The pollution has sparked concerns about the potential health risks associated with using the river water. Mr. Emmanuel Okitui from Amagoro village suspects the pollution may have been caused by a major chemical leak from the Wagagai Gold Mining Company, a Chinese firm investing over $200m in gold extraction and processing.

“Pollution of this magnitude could only have come from Wagagai,” he claimed. However, Mr. Allan Mugarura, the environment officer at Wagagai, denied the allegations, saying the company values the river as much as the community does.

“We need clean water for our operations, so we cannot afford to pollute River Alupe,” Mr. Mugarura said. He added that the company recycles all wastewater through tailing dams and ensures it is reused within the factory.

Local officials have launched investigations into the source of the contamination. Mr. Jimmy Ngolobe, the Busia senior natural resources officer, confirmed that water samples had been collected for testing.

“We’re working with the Ministry of Water and Environment to determine what substance caused the pollution and whether the water poses a danger to human and animal health,” he said.

Environmental activists and local leaders are urging the government to impose temporary restrictions on using the river until test results are released. Ms Mary Birungi, another resident, said the river has been their only water source since boreholes dried up, allegedly due to mining activities.

“We use it for cooking, drinking, and farming. Now we fear for our health,” she said. Ms. Emily Akware echoed the concern, calling for urgent intervention.

“We are appealing to the Ministry of Water and NEMA to investigate and protect the community,” she said.

The incident has raised urgent questions about environmental monitoring around major industrial operations and the preparedness of local authorities to respond to ecological disasters.

As cancer prevalence and other life-limiting illnesses continue to rise in Uganda, palliative care has become a critical service for alleviating suffering, managing pain, and improving quality of life.

Unfortunately, many patients and families still believe that palliative care is limited or unavailable. In reality, Uganda has made remarkable strides in integrating palliative care into the health system, with multiple access points across the country.

The Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI), working with national and regional partners, is committed to ensuring that patients and their families know where and how they can receive these essential services.

What is palliative care?

Palliative care is a holistic approach that goes beyond medical treatment.

It relieves pain and other symptoms while also addressing psychosocial, spiritual, and emotional needs. It is not restricted to end-of-life care; it can begin early in the course of an illness, even alongside curative treatment.

UCI, together with partners such as the African Palliative Care Association (APCA) and the Palliative Care Association of Uganda (PCAU), continues to advocate for accessible, affordable, and high-quality palliative care for all Ugandans. Through PCAU, palliative care is now available in more than 100 districts across Uganda.

Services are offered in many public health facilities, including national and regional referral hospitals, district and general hospitals, and Health Centre IVs.

This expansion means that even in rural areas, patients may find palliative care closer to home. Families are encouraged to ask at their local health units whether such services are offered.

Specialist organisations

In addition to hospital-based care, Uganda has several hospices and specialist organisations offering comprehensive palliative care. Hospice Africa Uganda (HAU), operating in Kampala, Mbarara, and Hoima, provides outpatient care, home visits, psychosocial and spiritual support, and outreach clinics.

HAU also produces oral liquid morphine in partnership with the Government of Uganda, ensuring access to essential pain relief.

Rays of Hope Hospice in Jinja City serves the Busoga region with home-based palliative care and outreach services. Kabale Christian Care in southwestern Uganda offers holistic palliative services alongside psychosocial support and cancer care assistance.

Joy Health Centre and Hospice in Mbale provides specialist outpatient and inpatient palliative care, home visits, and end-of-life support. Many of these organisations extend their services to patients’ homes, making care more accessible to families who cannot travel.

The role of APCA

The African Palliative Care Association, headquartered in Kampala, plays both a continental and national role in strengthening palliative care.

APCA supports advocacy, training, and policy development, ensuring that palliative care is prioritised in national health systems. Its close collaboration with the Ministry of Health, PCAU, and UCI helps expand service availability and improve quality standards.

Uganda is one of the first African countries to integrate palliative care into its public health system. Public service structures now include positions for palliative care specialists in national and regional hospitals.

Nurses and clinical officers trained in palliative care are authorised to prescribe oral liquid morphine, making pain relief more widely accessible.

Partnerships between the government and NGOs like HAU ensure local production and distribution of affordable morphine, bringing services closer to patients and reducing the financial burden of travelling long distances for care. Patients and families can access palliative care by checking with local facilities such as Health Centre IVs, district hospitals, or regional referral hospitals to inquire about services. They can also contact hospices and specialist organisations directly for information and home-based services.

PCAU maintains an updated directory of accredited facilities across Uganda, while APCA supports regional palliative care initiatives and can link patients to service providers.

Oral liquid morphine, a key pain relief medication, is available in public and NGO facilities, often free of charge.

Challenges

Despite the progress made, only about 11 percent of Ugandans who need palliative care currently have access to it. Some health centres lack trained staff, and awareness among patients and communities remains low. Myths that palliative care is ‘only for the dying’ also discourage timely uptake, leaving many to suffer unnecessarily.

UCI’s role

At UCI, palliative care is integrated into the treatment journey for cancer patients. The institute partners with APCA, PCAU, and Hospice Africa Uganda to expand referral networks and trains healthcare workers in palliative care and pain management. It also advocates for policy and system strengthening to ensure that no patient is left behind.

The Iteso Cultural Union (ICU) is demanding a share of mining royalties from Busia District, accusing local leaders of ignoring their community. Busia, a multi-ethnic district in eastern Uganda, is rich in minerals such as gold in Tiira Town Council and Mawero in Buteba Sub-county, tin in Lunyo Sub-county, plus large deposits of sand and stone for construction.

Mr Chas Omella Itogot, an ICU minister, said the Iteso migrated to Busia around 1750, intermarried over generations, and now speak Samia/Lugwe. However, he said they are being left out of mining benefits.

‘All discussions on minerals are centred on the Samia/Bagwe and their cultural head (Obwenengo bwa Bugwe), while wishing Iteso away,’ Mr Itogot said during a stakeholder engagement workshop on mining and rural electrification in Busia District on Wednesday last week.

He added: ‘About 20 percent of the people in Busia District are Iteso, gold was discovered in an Iteso area, and the people who were displaced were Iteso. So, when talking about mining royalties, talk about Obwenengo bwa Bugwe and the ICU because there are Iteso in Busia District.’

The engagement was convened to clarify government positions on mining royalties, regulation of artisanal mining, and rural electrification and power reliability, among other issues in Busia District.

Mr Stephen Wasike Mugeni, the LC5 chairman, described Mr Itogot’s concerns as ‘genuine’, saying the intention was not to exclude anybody.

‘The area was gazetted and there is somebody in charge. If it is about royalties aimed at equal distribution between the ICU and Obwenengo bwa Bugwe, I have no problem with that.’

Mr Mugeni called for the payment of royalties on gold and an adjustment in its distribution to Busia District (15 percent), Obwenengo bwa Bugwe (five percent), the sub-county or town council (five percent) and land owners (five percent).

He also sought the amendment of Regulation 45(a) of Schedule 2 (Fees and Other Payments) to the Mining (Licensing) Regulations 2023 to delete the words ‘except gold’.

‘Schedule 3 to the Mining and Minerals Act, Capt 159 should be amended to include a five percent share for the gazetted cultural institutions where they do exist like the Obwenengo bwa Bugwe in Busia District,’ Mr Mugeni said.

Mr Mugeni further proposed the creation of Busia Mining Company Limited, with capital worth $200 million (Shs680 billion), to generate more than $600 million (Shs2 trillion) in annual revenue over the next 40 years.

‘We demand a grant of 4.5 percent shareholding from the 15 percent shareholding of Wagagai shares held by the Uganda National Mining Company in line with Section 178(1) and Section 20(1) of the Mining and Minerals Act Cap 159.’ He also called ‘unfair, unconstitutional, and discriminatory’ sections of the Mining and Minerals Act, Cap 159.

Ms Agnes Alaba, the commissioner for mines in the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD), said currently, royalties on gold are zero-rated and not on board, adding that the government’s strategy is to stimulate investment. ‘There are already investors on board, but investment isn’t flowing,’ she said.

In a speech read for her by Ms Alaba, Ms Irene Bateebe, the Permanent Secretary in the MEMD, said they want to identify practical and sustainable solutions to the challenges facing the mining and energy sectors in the district.

Pupils of Ndese Church of Uganda Primary School in Nakifuma County, Mukono District have been studying in classrooms without roofs since last year. The school management said it lacks the funds to repair the classrooms, whose roofs were blown off during a storm last year.

Mr Archer Samuel Kadhume, the head teacher, said whenever it rains the pupils have to relocate to another classroom or staff room until it stops.

”The school faces a big challenge of inadequate classrooms after the heavy rain and storm destroyed two classrooms last year,” he said during an interview at the weekend.

He added: ‘Since November last year, I have made frequent visits to the district headquarters seeking support, but they always told me that they will consider our school in the next financial year.’

Haruna Musoke, a Primary Seven pupil, explained the hardships they go through while studying in a roofless classroom.

‘Our studies are always interrupted during the rainy seasons. Lessons are sometimes postponed when it threatens to rain. Learning cannot go on when it rains heavily because we fear that the whole building may collapse.’

Alice Namakula, another pupil, said: ‘The sunshine also affects some of us, and we keep on moving to where there is a shade to continue with lesson.’

‘We urge the government to support us so that we enjoy our studies just like other pupils in other schools. Nothing can stop us from performing well when we study in a good environment,’ she added.

Mr Andrew Mukasa, who lives near the school, said: ‘The longer they take to renovate the classroom, the weaker it gets, putting children’s lives at risk. I wonder why the district and government cannot rescue our school.’

The vice chairperson of the school management committee, Ms Rose Kyeyune, said all classroom structures are in a sorry state and need urgent attention. The Mukono District Education Officer, Mr Rashid Kikomeko, said they are aware of the poor state of the school and efforts are underway to support it. ”We do not have funds at the moment,” Kikomeko said.

About the school

Ndese Church of Uganda Primary School, built in 1942, faces serious challenges.

Last year, all 82 pupils who sat for the Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE) failed to score a first grade because of problems such as poor infrastructure and a shortage of learning materials.

The school has more than 300 pupils who study in only two classroom blocks. The main block is the one which was recently damaged. There is also a small separate structure that serves as the head teacher’s office.

Uganda’s World Cup dream has reached its final, most improbable chapter – a high-stakes visit to Boukhalfa’s Hocine Aït Ahmed Stadium, where group leaders Algeria await.

The North Africans, already qualified with a game to spare, have been imperious for much of the campaign, with the 2-1 defeat to Guinea in June last year their only blemish.

Stacked against the odds

The Cranes, who arrived in Algeria on Saturday, know the odds are stacked against them: only a convincing win on Tuesday can keep their faint mathematical hope of sneaking into the playoffs alive.

That glimmer of hope was lit in Francistown on Independence Day, when Jude Ssemugabi’s 54th-minute header from an Allan Okello corner earned Uganda a 1-0 victory over Botswana.

The win came on the back of victories over Guinea in March and Mozambique and Somalia in September, underlining the quiet progress Paul Put’s side have made through the campaign.

‘We knew it would be a tough game,’ said Cranes coach Put after the match in Francistown.

‘Botswana were dangerous with long balls, so we had to stay organised. We had chances to score earlier, and I think the victory was deserved.

Botswana gave one hundred percent and were very aggressive, but I am proud of how my players fought. Now, we prepare for Algeria. It will be a long journey and a difficult game, but in football, you never know.’

Caf rule spanner in the works

In truth, Uganda’s challenge goes far beyond the pitch. Caf’s decision to discount matches against bottom-placed teams – following Eritrea’s withdrawal in November 2023 – changed the complexion of the race for the four best runners-up spots.

The new regulation, quietly communicated to member associations in March 2025, means Uganda’s two wins over Somalia no longer count.

In one stroke, six points and three goals vanished from their tally, dropping the Cranes to 12 adjusted points and sixth in the revised ranking – behind Gabon, Cameroon, DR Congo, Madagascar, and Burkina Faso.

Onyango’s first start

That context makes Tuesday’s mission in Boukhalfa as much about pride as possibility.

The Cranes have never beaten Algeria away, and few visiting sides leave the North African giants’ home soil with anything more than hard lessons.

Yet for Put’s group, this fixture represents both a test of growth and a statement of intent – a chance to measure themselves against Africa’s elite and to carry belief into the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in Morocco later this year.

The return of legendary goalkeeper Denis Onyango has added emotional resonance to that mission.

Making his first appearance since his 2021 retirement, the Mamelodi Sundowns stalwart – despite not being truly tested – provided both experience and calm in Francistown, marshalling a back line of Toby Sibbick, Elio Capradossi, Jordan Obita and Aziz Kayondo.

‘First of all, I have to thank the team for allowing me back,’ Onyango reflected. ‘After four years of retirement, I was allowed to come back and help where I can.

‘Regardless of whether I play or not, I remain a key member of the team. The coaches have shown trust in me, and I am happy to still play active football with Sundowns.’

Regarding the mission in Algeria, Onyango opined: ‘In football, anything can happen. We do not know what the results in Algeria will be, but we have given ourselves a chance.’

His words mirror the sentiment within the camp – a balance of humility and quiet optimism.

Uganda’s blend of youth and experience has begun to find its rhythm, with players like Ssemugabi, Okello, and Rogers Mato offering attacking spark, while Onyango and the lieutenants in front of him, including captain Khalid Aucho, anchor the team’s leadership spine.

Afcon is the ultimate

While the 2026 World Cup dream may hang by the thinnest of threads, the Cranes’ mission in Algeria is as much about belief and statement-making as it is about arithmetic.

A spirited performance in Boukhalfa could underline the team’s growth and continental ambition, even if qualification ultimately slips away.

‘Now we have 18 points (12 in best four runners-up race) with one game to go,’ Onyango added, reflecting on Uganda’s broader campaign.

‘If we can make the playoffs, it will be great for the team and the country. It is important that we keep winning and stay positive going into the Africa Cup of Nations in two months.’

Uganda will need that same blend of positivity and realism come Tuesday. Against a Riyad Mahrez-inspired Algeria that has already sealed qualification, the Cranes are playing for more than just points – they are playing for progress, pride, and belief.

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 is applied

Team Pts GD Final opponents

Gabon 16 +4 vs Burundi (H)

Cameroon 14 +9 vs Angola (H)

DR Congo 13 +4 vs Sudan (H)

Madagascar 13 +3 vs Mali (A)

Burkina Faso 12 +4 vs Ethiopia (H)

Uganda 12 +3 vs Algeria (A)

Niger 12 0 vs Zambia (A)

South Africa 11 +1 vs Rwanda (H)

Namibia 9 +1 vs Tusia (A)