Category: Daily Monitor

Sudanese photographer Amar Abdalla has won the grand prize in the 2025 East African Photography Award (EAPA) competition for his captivating work titled ‘Temporary Homes.’ Chosen from a competitive pool of submissions from across the region, Amar’s collection of photographs are a chilling reminder of the consequences of civil unrest through his exploration of his family’s displacement by the war, highlighting their daily experiences in the new environment and how they adapt to their new home while keeping vivid memories of their old one.

His story also reflects on how they cope with the challenges of displacement and find ways to live and belong even in temporary places. Amar takes home a Fujifilm X-T5 camera and XF 16-50 kit, courtesy of Fujifilm Middle East FZE. EAPA now in its eighth year, is open to East African visual storytellers Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Sudan, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda. It celebrates documentary and artistic work that reflects the contemporary existence of people, the planet, and other stories of life in East Africa.

This year, EAPA continues to grow steadily with Sudanese photographers taking centre stage this year, showcasing their talent and resilience despite the challenging circumstances in their country. The winners of the 14th edition of the Uganda Press Photo Award (UPPA), EAPA, and 10th edition of the Young Photographer Award (YPA) were announced on September 25, 2025 at MoTIV Uganda in Kampala. Badru Katumba (Uganda)’s portrait, ‘What Next,’ winner of the Planet category, was also selected as the overall Single Image winner. The powerful image captures people looking for their loved ones after flooding and landslides in Masugu on November 29, 2025. Through this poignant portrait you get to share the sense of loss in the wake of devastation.

UPPA continues its tradition of recognizing the best documentary photography and photojournalism in Uganda. Timothy Akolamazima won the top UPPA prize with a story ‘Beyond the Barre: Stories of Ballet in Uganda’ that explores the quiet rise of ballet in a country where it exists on the cultural fringe, documenting the resilience, passion, and determination of young dancers who pursue the art despite economic, social, and structural barriers.

Katumba and Akolamazima each took home a Fujifilm X-T50 camera and XF 16-50 kit, courtesy of Fujifilm Middle East FZE. Agaba Joel Gabriel took home the 2025 YPA top prize. Agaba is a Kampala-based DJ, photographer, and theatre maker whose multidisciplinary practice explores memory, place, and belonging through experimental works rooted in preservation and everyday life.

YPA is an educational initiative aimed at nurturing emerging photographers with a passion for documentary photography or photojournalism. The winner, along with the runners-up, will have the opportunity to participate in an intensive Mentorship Programme. This programme offers a bootcamp-style course, providing hands-on learning about photography, while also guiding participants in developing a documentary photography project under the mentorship of an industry professional.

An exhibition presenting all the winning images from this year’s competitions opened to visitors from September 25 at MoTIV Uganda until October 13.

The show also features work from Barbra Mercy Leni, a winner of last year’s YPA, showcasing the outcome of her participation in this year’s Emerging Photographer Mentorship Programme.

WINNERS

EAPA

1. Amar Abdalla (Sudan)

2. Jeremiah Onyango (Ke)

1. Israa Alrrayah (Sudan)

2. Don Odhiambo (Kenya)

1. Katumba Badru (Uganda)

2. A. Ochieng Onyango (Ke)

1. Natnael Ashebir (Ethiopia)

Uganda Press Photo Award

1. Timothy Akolamazima

2. Serina Efrance Kirabo

Young Photographer Award

1. Agaba Joel Gabriel

2. Victor Kibalama

Mourners at the funeral of Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIGP) Charles Kataratambi on Friday expressed outrage over the corruption probe and long suspension that shadowed his final years, describing the allegations as ‘insulting’ and ‘nonsensical.’

Kataratambi, who served as the police director of human rights and legal services, died of cancer on October 2, 2025.

During the service at Watoto Church on Bombo Road, his widow, Christine Kataratambi, spoke passionately against accusations that her husband had received bribes or owned multiple properties.

‘It is very bad because if you insult an officer, who has put his life on the line to work for this country. It is an insult not only to the officer, but also to his family,’ she said.

She recounted how the former Inspector General of Police Martins Ochola had cleared her husband and offered him his Prados, which he refused, stating, ”by the way, I don’t own those cars. Find out who the owners of those cars.”

Mrs Kataratambi also rejected claims that her husband owned 13 apartments in Buziga or had received US$750,000 in bribes.

‘I wish I had that one. But I know my father in heaven you will give us that one. He did not have it. They never recovered any money at our home and no policeman showed up in the house to come and check,’ she said.

The allegations stemmed from a 2015 bank fraud investigation Kataratambi oversaw as Senior Commissioner of Police.

Bank officers allegedly offered him a bribe to halt the probe. President Museveni later ordered a full investigation, resulting in Kataratambi’s arrest, detention at Nsambya Police Barracks, and a suspension lasting over eight years.

The Solicitor General, Pius Biribonwoha, a school friend of Kataratambi, praised his resilience saying:

‘We thank the President and the CDF for eventually bringing him out of that limbo and back into the service of the country. I was imagining, if Charles was here and still in that confusion,’ he said, adding that Kataratambi had rejected bribes worth up to Shs1b.

Friend Ignatius cited the long struggle to clear Kataratambi’s name. ‘Now, those who created the nonsense around Charles, it took eight years to debunk. .Personally, I thought this matter would be looked at for the nonsense it was. After six years, I gave up. I told Charles, you leave the Uganda Police Force,’ he said, noting that Kataratambi refused a lucrative international job.

State Minister of Internal Affairs, Gen David Muhoozi, urged the public to focus on Kataratambi’s resilience. ‘Somebody lamented and said ‘the nonsense of life.’ What lessons do we pick? I want to dwell more on the positives of that nonsense, the lessons we learnt, the resilience of Charles. His endurance, his grace and also his absolution at the end of the day. For the system, thanks to Charles’ sacrifice. We learnt our lessons,’ he said.

Gen Muhoozi also thanked President Museveni for clearing and promoting Kataratambi, and police leadership for supporting him.

On his part, Deputy Inspector General of Police James Ocaya called for unity among officers. ‘There others in this world who are busy fighting other people. .That could have resulted in the eight years Charles was on suspension. So colleagues, let us not fight each other,’ he said.

Ocaya highlighted Kataratambi’s integrity and discretion telling mourners that ‘even in his sickness.we tried our level best to be with him, to visit him, but he could not allow us.’

He added: ‘And even in his sickness.Charles was an unshakeable person of integrity. He was a pillar of honesty. A leader who led by example and couldn’t be compromised. He was a calm strategic thinker.’

Promoted to AIGP in 2024, Kataratambi held the post of Director of Human Rights and Legal Services briefly before illness claimed his life.

His burial was set for October 11, 2025 at his ancestral home in Kanga Village, Rushozi-Rubaya Kashari Mbarara District.

Uganda’s newly vetted Inspector General of Government (IGG), Justice Aisha Naluzze Batala, has pledged a tougher approach to corruption, signalling more aggressive prosecutions across the public sector.

‘It’s not going to be business as usual. Public servants should brace themselves. The team is ready to tackle corruption and revamp the institution (Inspectorate) and bring changes,’ Justice Naluzze said following her parliamentary vetting on Friday.

‘The task ahead is huge but we are ready,’ she added.

Justice Naluzze, who currently serves in the Land Division of the High Court, takes over an Inspectorate that has been without substantive leadership since the previous IGG, Beti Olive Namisango Kamya, left office late last month.

Kamya’s tenure drew praise for public advocacy on corruption but was criticised for limited action against high-profile government officials.

‘The team is big and we have a lot of strategies in stock especially to do with prosecution. One of our strategies is to do a lot of prosecution,’ Justice Naluzze emphasized.

Her appointment comes amid growing public pressure for accountability and stronger action against misuse of public funds in Uganda, where prosecutions of senior officials have often been minimal.

‘Justice Naluzze must resign’

Uganda Law Society (ULS) Vice President Anthony Asiimwe urged Justice Naluzze to resign from the Judiciary before assuming office, citing potential constitutional conflicts.

‘ULS welcomes the appointment of Judge Naluzze as IGG. Following her confirmation today by Parliament, ULS notes that her continuation in the Judiciary Service while serving as IGG would be unconstitutional,’ Asiimwe said in a statement on Friday.

He cited the Constitutional Court’s decision in Jim Muhwezi and 3 others v Attorney General and another (Constitutional Petition 10 of 2008), which held that appointing a sitting judge as IGG violates the separation of powers.

‘Section 20 of the Administration of the Judiciary Act requires a judicial officer appointed to an institution outside the Judiciary to apply for leave of absence without pay for no more than three years, or retire from the Judiciary. Given the four-year term of the IGG office, Judge Naluzze’s appointment effectively terminates her judicial office,’ Asiimwe added.

He warned that failure to resign prior to swearing-in could halt the operations of the Inspectorate and ‘leave a permanent blemish on her integrity.’

Justice Naluzze did not immediately respond to the ULS’ concerns.

Uganda’s IGG is constitutionally mandated to promote good governance and combat corruption in the public sector.

Observers say the new IGG faces high expectations to deliver on prosecutions, especially of high-profile officials, and strengthen the Inspectorate’s capacity, which has been constrained by interference.

The agricultural sector has long relied on traditional farming practices, with farmers using old technologies to cultivate land. However, climate change, population growth and food security concerns are driving the need for innovations. Drones are now emerging as transformative tools for the country’s agriculture sector. Instead of using traditional methods, farmers can now use drones to scan fields, monitor crops performance, fertilizer application as well as monitor water usage in irrigation systems. One such initiative is where experts from Pan African Trade and Development Group (PAD and T) are teaming up with scientists from the National Crops Research Institute conducting research on how drones can be used to monitor water usage in farms when irrigating.

Background

Growing populations in developing countries including Uganda rely on rain fed agriculture and those venturing into irrigation rely on freshwater stored in small water bodies for agricultural, domestic, mining and industrial use. These water resources are highly susceptible to climate variations and pollution and are generally insufficient to withstand these pressure. Climate change is likely to affect the water cycle processes through precipitation, evaporation, runoff and water demand. Warmer temperatures increase the rate of evaporation of water into the atmosphere, in effect increasing the atmosphere’s capacity to hold water.

Increased evaporation may dry out some areas and fall as excess precipitation in other areas

Heavy downpours can increase the runoff into rivers and lakes, washing sediment, nutrients, pollutants, trash, animal waste, and other materials into water supplies, making them unusable, unsafe for use. Therefore drones equipped with advanced sensors and imaging technologies enable real-time monitoring and precision management of crops, soil, irrigation and pests in agriculture. It is the reason PAD and T is teaming up with experts at NaCRRI to study how drones can be used to moderate water usage in farmer fields when irrigating.

Research process

Mark Grace Kiyiga logistics Manager at PAD and T explained that drones are particularly beneficial in challenging terrains and hazardous conditions where human intervention is difficult. These semi-automated devices are evolving towards fully autonomous systems, offering substantial potential for agricultural planning and spatial data collection. They enable timely operations that can predict and prevent crop damage, optimise chemical inputs and reduce environmental pollution. Dr Geoffrey Asea who is leading the research team at NaCRRI explained that they have so far imported and scoured the necessary drones and trained two experts who are going to fly it.

The experiment will be administered in cereal crops especially Maize where they are in process of setting up the field trial at the Institute. It will also be tested in coffee farms to establish if there is enough water for the coffee to flower and give better yield. Once water is lacking then the coffee farmers can opt to irrigate the farms. The introduction of ethical drone technologies and precision irrigation system is designed for farmers growing cereals across the country

The innovation reduces water waste, combat climate change and increase crop yield by up to 20% but more importantly it transfers ownership and skills to local farmers to ensure long term impact for farmer.

This research will be conducted and validated at the research Institute before going to test in coffee farms in Masaka. Dr Asea contends that once the research is complete, with time farmers are expected to acquire the drones which they can use for decision making whether to irrigate their farms or not because once it is connected to the sensor, it will read whether the soil has enough water or not. Mr Kiyaga further explained that the team testing the drone usage to collect data separating particular spots in the farm which are semi-arid and require much water and the part of the field which already has some existing wetness which will require less water.

This data can be used to guide the farmer during irrigation to apply less water in areas that are already wet and more water in areas that is drier. The scientists in the testing field fly the drone over it and the thermos camera is able to see which part of the field is water stressed and which one is not through the condition of the plant in the field. This information is then fed into the irrigation for appropriate water release. The team has irrigation machinery which contain turbines and the water pressure from the turbine will pull the machinery automatically. It will stop at irrigation point and the farmer is expected to locate it in the next point until the entire field is done.

This research work began in 2023 and will end in 2026 where thereafter it will be rolled out to farmers. The team, however, is looking for ways of using local materials for making these drones for them to be affordable to farmers.

How drones monitor irrigation systems

Giving the background Kiyaga explained that drones are used in Uganda’s agricultural sector to monitor irrigation systems by capturing aerial imagery with thermal and multispectral sensors to detect areas of dryness, irrigation flaws and leaks, providing high-resolution data for water resource management. Drones help identify soil erosion and plant stress, enabling farmers to make timely, data-driven adjustments to irrigation, thereby improving crop health and conserving water

In comparison to satellite imaging systems, drones offer superior resolution covering 1- 5 m, immediate availability and flexible deployment, making them suitable for detailed, field-specific monitoring They can carry modular sensors with payloads and operate manually or autonomously at relatively low to moderate costs.

In contrast, satellite systems provide broader coverage with moderate to high resolution covering 10-30 m and operate on fixed schedules, often limited by cloud cover.

Although satellites support multiple high-capacity sensors, they are costly to deploy and maintain. Apart from irrigation drones support tasks such as spraying, fertilisation, pollination, mapping and livestock monitoring, offering sustainable and efficient alternatives to conventional agricultural practices.

The etok (headdress) from Acholi in northern Uganda, which is made of human hair, decorated with beads and an ostrich feather, is among the 15 artefacts recently returned to Uganda from England and which are on show at a three-week exhibition in Kampala.

The etok is a moulded cap of hair decorated with spirals of white, red, blue, green and pink glass beads sewn into discs of leather; bird bone with the cut end affixed through one of the leather discs, ostensibly for the attachment of the feather.

Also on display is the royal Queen Mother’s drum from Bunyoro Kingdom in western Uganda. The drum made of a round wooden body covered in hide was played by the Queen Mother.

The two pieces of the hide are held in place with straight lacing, made from thin twisted strips of leather. The body is decorated with strings of plaited fibre, strings of cowrie shells, small pink beads, back seeds and a horn of a ram.

The royal oval wooden meat dish of musogo wood, possibly used by the King of Bunyoro, Andereya Bisereko Duhaga II. The body is tapered and strained red with grooved scorched festoons along the rim, with 12 broadly triangular legs upon a concave oval base.

The royal drum from Buganda Kingdom in central Uganda consists of a wooden semi-cylinder covered with hide. The drum is covered with cowries and ancient bead work, very beautifully executed. The top is covered with hide on which are sewn beads, and decorated with four hair tassels.

Emomi, a shield made from thick hippopotamus hide with a wooden handle is from Bunyoro. The hide shield is roughly circular in shape with a curved cross-section; there are two lobes and a folded edge.

The reverse has a centred wooden handle across the diameter that has been bound and secured in place with strips of brown and black leather. It is decorated with scored, tightly intersecting lines.

There is the glazed black earthware (pot) from Ankole in western Uganda. The top half of the body is decorated with three incised semi-ovals; each semi-oval is filled with incised lines, small chips in the rim, and minor scratches in the exterior.

The engyemeko (water pot) made from black earthenware from Ankole. Conical in shape with a long tapering neck, everted rim and small pedestal base; decorated with incised designs filled with white pigment; three horizontal bands with raised dots alternating with triangles filled with hatching, vertical bars and grid motif.

Ngato is a divination card from Buganda, made out of thick leather, used for throwing to obtain the favour of god Mwanga.

There is a shield from Bunyoro resembling Buganda’s type of shield. The shield was made from a plant fibre, with leather attached, used for protection during wars.

A Selection of quick and easy to make egg based recipes as we celebrate World Egg Day (October 10)

Soufflé Omelet

This delectable soufflé omelet is light and delicate enough to simply melt in your mouth.

Ingredients

Serves 2

2 eggs separated

2 tablespoons cold water

1 tablespoon chopped cilantro

½ tablespoon olive oil

2 tablespoon mango chutney

¼ cup Jarlsberg or Swiss cheese, grated

Method

Beat the egg yolks together with the cold water, cilantro and seasoning. 2. Whisk the egg white until stiff but not dry and gently fold into the egg yolk mixture. 3. Heat the oil in a frying pan, pour in the egg mixture and reduce the heat. Do not stir. Cook until the omelet becomes puffy and golden brown on the underside (gently and carefully lift one edge with a spatula to check). 4. Spoon on the chutney and sprinkle on the cheese. Fold over and slide onto a warm plate and eat at once.

Chocolate Mousse on the Loose

Super light, dark, creamy and delicious, this treat is always popular and should maintain a high profile on any dessert menu.

Serves 4

Ingredients

200g best quality plain chocolate, plus extra for flaking

3 eggs

2 tablespoons dark rum or whisky

¼ cup superfine sugar

1 ½ cups whipping cream

Confectioners’ sugar for dusting

Method:

1. Break the chocolate into a bowl and stand over a saucepan of simmering water and melt. 2. Separate the egg whites into a large mixing bowl, remove the chocolate from the heat and stir in the egg yolks and the alcohol. 3. Whisk the egg white until firm, gradually add the sugar and whisk until peaks form. 3. Whip the cream to a firm consistency and set aside. 4. Give the egg whites a final beating with a rubber spatula, add the chocolate and fold all the ingredients together gently, retaining as much air as possible. 5. Fold in the loosely whipped cream, turn into four glasses or bowls and chill until ready to serve. 6. Decorate with flaked chocolate and dust with confectionery sugar.

Mediterranean Salad with Basil

This is a type of Salade Nicoise made with pasta, conjuring up all the sunny flavors of the Mediterranean,

Serves 4

INGREDIENTS

220g pounds chunky pasta shapes

200g French beans

2 large ripe tomatoes

Fresh basil leaves

1 can tuna fish in oil, drained

2 hard-boiled egg, shelled and sliced or quartered

50g can anchovies, drained

Capers and black olives

Dressing:

6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons white wine vinegar or lemon juice

2 garlic cloves crushed

½ teaspoon Dijon mustard

2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil

Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

Whisk the ingredients for the dressing together and leave to infuse while you make the salad. 2. Cook the pasta in plenty of boiling salted water according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Drain, cool and set aside. 3. Trim the beans and blanch in boiling salted water for about 3 minutes. Drain and refresh in cold water. 4. Slice or quarter the tomatoes and arrange at the bottom of a bowl. Toss with a little dressing and some of the basil leaves and then cover with the French beans. Toss with a little more dressing and cover with a bit more of the remaining basil. 5. Cover with the pasta tossed in a little more dressing, half of the remaining and the roughly flaked tuna. 6. Arrange the eggs on top and then finally scatter over the anchovies, capers and black olives. Pour over the rest of the salad dressing and garnish with what is left of the basil. Serve at once. There is no need to chill this salad; unfortunately, all the flavors shall be dulled.

The disappearance of Opposition activist Sam Mugumya, a close ally of Dr Kizza Besigye, has stirred fresh concern within Uganda’s political circles ahead of parliamentary nominations later this month.

Mugumya, who recently declared his intention to contest for the Rukungiri Municipality seat under the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), reportedly went missing at the backend of August under unclear circumstances.

According to colleagues in Rukungiri, Mugumya was last seen in late September during a consultative meeting with party supporters.

He had been traversing the municipality, mobilising grassroots networks for his campaign. But since then, his phone lines have gone silent, and family members say they have not heard from him.

‘We are worried because he had no known health or personal issues,’ said a close associate who requested anonymity. ‘He was focused on the campaign and preparing documents for nomination.’

Mugumya, a former student activist and outspoken critic of the government, is no stranger to controversy. In 2014, he was arrested in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and detained for nearly eight years on allegations of rebellion.

He was released in 2022 and has since tried to re-establish himself in public life, presenting himself as a symbol of resilience and political renewal.

‘In Uganda, no person should disappear without a trace, whether Sam Mugumya or anyone else. Our stand is that all Ugandans are free to live in their country because God gave us this gift,’ Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) spokesperson John Kikonyogo said.

Mugumya’s re-entry into politics-especially in Rukungiri, a traditional Opposition stronghold-unsettled both ruling and Opposition party structures.

Analysts saw his candidacy as potentially reshaping the race in a constituency long dominated by Opposition figures but divided by internal rivalries.

‘Mugumya’s disappearance just days before his nomination raises serious questions about political intimidation and the state of our democracy,’ said political analyst Alex Opolot.

‘Such incidents create fear among Opposition supporters and weaken public confidence in the fairness of the electoral process. When a candidate can vanish without trace, it sends a chilling message to others who might wish to challenge the establishment.’

Worrying pattern

Opolot noted that Mugumya’s case is part of a worrying pattern.

‘Over the past few years, we’ve seen several Opposition figures being arrested, detained without trial, or going missing under unclear circumstances. This breeds public suspicion and deepens political mistrust.’

The political analyst added that the timing of Mugumya’s disappearance-just before vetting and nomination-cannot be ignored.

Opolot said the government’s failure to provide clear answers reflects institutional weakness and a disregard for accountability.

‘If the State truly has nothing to hide, it should allow an independent investigation into Mugumya’s disappearance. Ugandans deserve to know what happened. Democracy cannot thrive where citizens vanish for expressing political ambition.’

Timothy Chemonges, the executive director of the Centre for Policy Analysis (CEPA), said Mugumya’s disappearance just days before nominations mirrors a broader pattern in Uganda where critical moments in the political calendar are often marked by intimidation or uncertainty.

‘In Rukungiri, which has long been a symbolic Opposition constituency, his absence could tilt local dynamics-either by weakening coordination within the Opposition or by heightening public sympathy,’ Chemonges said.

‘More importantly, it signals how political contestation in Uganda remains securitised, where competition is often managed through coercion rather than fair engagement.’

As Uganda heads toward another election cycle, Mugumya’s unexplained disappearance has reignited debate about political freedoms, accountability, and the safety of dissenting voices.

‘Elections lose their meaning if participation becomes a risk. Mugumya’s disappearance is not just a personal tragedy; it becomes a national concern that reinforces fear, erodes trust, and normalises impunity,’ Chemonges said, adding: ‘During election seasons, the line between State security and regime security blurs. What we are seeing is the use of security processes to shape political outcomes-a trend that not only undermines democracy but also corrodes institutional credibility.’

Lightning strikes twice?

Maj Gen Felix Kulayigye, the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) spokesperson, told Saturday Monitor that he has ‘no information’ regarding Mugumya’s whereabouts.

‘Who told you that he’s with us? I would like to remind you that the law states the burden of proof lies with the accusers. Let them prove that he is with us. There is no way we can hold a person indefinitely; we are accountable. We do not know where Mugumya is, and he has a history of disappearing from the country and resurfacing,’ he said.

This is not the first time UPDF is denying having Mugumya in its custody. Last month, the UPDF told the High Court in Kampala that Mugumya has never been held in any of their detention facilities.

Mugumya has previously been arrested and detained on several occasions in connection with political activism. The affidavit was made in response to a writ of habeas corpus filed by Mugumya’s legal team, which asked the court to compel security agencies to produce him.

Mugumya’s family also says the silence from authorities is ‘unacceptable.’

‘We have checked all police stations in Kampala, Mbarara, and Rukungiri but have found nothing,’ a relative told this reporter. ‘If he has been arrested, let the government produce him in court. If not, then where is he?’

Human-rights organisations, including the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) and the Legal Aid Service Providers Network (LASPNET), have been urged to intervene.

PFF speak out

Michael Kabaziguruka, the chairperson of the PFF electoral commission, confirmed that by the time Mugumya disappeared, he had expressed interest in competing for the party flag to contest for the Rukungiri Municipality parliamentary seat.

‘We had four people who expressed interest-Mugumya, Ingrid Kamateneti Turinawe, Dr Wallen Nuwagaba Tumwine, and former MP for Rukungiri Municipality, Roland Mugume Kaginda,’ he said.

He added that the day Mugumya was scheduled to be vetted was the very day he went missing, and was not vetted. Kabaziguruka confirmed that Ingrid Kamateneti Turinawe is the party’s flag bearer for the Rukungiri Municipality parliamentary seat.

Political analyst Patrick Mwajje says the case highlights the continuing intersection between security and politics in Uganda.

‘When Opposition figures disappear in the middle of an election season, it sends a chilling message. The State must clarify his status. Silence only fuels suspicion.’

Elections

Parliamentary nominations are scheduled for October 22 to 23, according to the Electoral Commission. Mugumya’s absence raises doubts about whether he will appear in time to submit his papers. His name had been circulating among likely contenders in what was shaping up to be one of the most competitive races in southwestern Uganda.

Eight priests belonging to the Apostles of Jesus Congregation were ordained by the Bishop of Kabale Diocese, Rt. Rev. Callist Rubaramira, in a ceremony held at Rushoraza Cathedral headquarters in Kabale town.

The newly ordained priests were urged to honour their leaders, work without compromise, and unite people.

In his homily, Bishop Rubaramira advised the priests to restrain from sin, trust in God, and emulate Jesus Christ.

“Restrain your body from committing sin. Keep trusting in God if you are to succeed in your priesthood vocation,” he said.

The bishop also emphasized the importance of honoring their leaders and keeping their eyes focused on God.

The ordained priests include Fr. Leopold Nkurunungi, Fr. Patrick Tumushabe, Fr. Benjamin Chakuwa, Fr. Vincent Niwabeine, Fr. Silas Majoro, Fr. Deusdedit Birungi, Fr. Nicholas Byaruhanga, and Fr. Tarasisio Mucunguzi.

Five of the newly ordained priests will be deployed in Kenya, two in Tanzania, and one in Uganda.

Representing the newly ordained priests, Fr. Patrick Tumushabe thanked God, parents, mentors, relatives, and friends for their support.

He asked for prayers for their success in their priestly journey, saying, “Pray for us so that we can be faithful and succeed in this journey of priesthood.”

The ceremony was attended by prominent figures, including the State Minister for Finance, Mr Henry Musasizi, the Shadow Attorney General, Mr. Wilfred Niwagaba, and members of parliament from the Kigezi region.

The event marked a significant milestone in the lives of the newly ordained priests, who have dedicated their lives to serving God and the people of Uganda.

In his message, Rev. Fr. Ignatius Leoson Mbabazi, the Assistant Vocations Director for the Apostles of Jesus Congregation, expressed gratitude to God for the gift of priesthood and thanked the Bishop of Kabale Diocese for his support. He also commended the formation teams for their role in shaping the young priests.

The ordination ceremony was a celebration of the priests’ commitment to their vocation and a testament to the enduring legacy of the Apostles of Jesus Congregation in Uganda.

Uganda got independence from British colonialism on October 9, 1962.

And on Thursday (October 9, 2025), Ugandans commemorated the 63rd anniversary of independence.

By 1950, there was a manifest appreciation that the British Empire was on the wane. The empire, on which the sun never set (because God couldn’t trust the Brits under darkness), had come to realise that running colonies was bad business.

India, the prize colony of the empire, got independence in 1947. Between 1950 and 1970, the British had almost completely left Africa.

In a small corner in eastern Africa, Uganda was prepped for independence as early as 1950. The job of preparing Uganda for independence fell on the shoulders of Governor Andrew Cohen. He laid the socio-economic and political foundation of what was later to be independent Uganda.

He built the national institutions on which an independent Uganda would run as a nation and State. He created the ancestor Uganda Commercial Bank, Uganda Development Corporation, Radio Uganda etc. He also consolidated the Co-operative Movement in a bid to deepen African native participation in the economy.

Unfortunately, Cohen fell out with Buganda (for exiling King Mutesa). Buganda called him ‘Kawenkene’ (a contemptuous nickname later to be bestowed on president Milton Obote after the 1966 infraction).

He even re-constituted the Legislative Council (the ancestor the Parliament of Uganda).

There exists a strong feeling in Uganda that the country is in the middle (or at the beginning) of a political transition.

Indeed, in the 2021 polls, both Mr Museveni and his opponents acted in a manner that betrayed a feeling that the 2021 elections were linked to the 2026 elections. Indeed, every term of office for which Museveni seeks re-election is always considered as his last. Except that he always rides on and on. Lol!

But all in all, no one expects Mr Museveni to rule Uganda for another 40 years. However, we need to put the dynamics of transitional politics in perspective.

The first attempt at a smooth political transition was during the reign of Cohen as governor of the British Protectorate of Uganda.

Governor Cohen hit a strong wall frame. His experience in other parts of Africa had clearly not prepared him for a strong Buganda in Uganda.

The transition initiated by Cohen culminated into Uganda’s flag independence on October 9 1962. The political dynamics of the time were characterised by manoeuvres between the nationalist political formations and what we have described as conservative or traditional nationalism. There were accusations and counter accusations against actors in the nationalist parties like DP and UPC.

Eventually, for the expediency and the dire need for the immediate attainment of independence, nationalists and conservatives made compromises.

However, these compromises were built on assumptions of goodwill on the side of conservatives. Needless to say, it must have been viewed as a case of appeasement to conservative nationalism on the side of those who called themselves (Ugandan) nationalists.

Since independence, Uganda has never had a smooth transition of power since independence. A section of Ugandans just bomb themselves into power (and stay put) until they are bombed out.

Mr. Museveni’s 40 year rule is 63.49percent of 63 years of Uganda’s independence.

British Colonialists ruled Uganda for 68 years (from 1894 to 1962). With his 40-year-rule, Museveni has ruled Uganda for 58.82 percent of the British colonial rule. And so, Museveni or the British, Uganda still limps on.

They say the best things come in threes. For instance, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. As a consequence, God is often referred to as a trio. However, sometimes the best things come in more or less than threes. That is the case with Matsiko Godwin Muhwezi’s latest poetry offering, ‘A Green Room Pentateuch ‘poems. ‘ It is five books in one. To be sure, this 539-page volume is five poetry collections in one. It is quite a feat. I have not seen any other Ugandan poet doing this. So we hope Mr. Matsiko’s collection turns the saying ‘the best things come in threes’ into ‘the best things come in fives.’ That goes for Hi-Fives and basketball teams, too.

Indeed, Matsiko’s poetry collection has provoked sufficient attention to merit this distinction. But not so fast. Poetry collections do not rely on popular attention to be said to have artistic value. The whole idea of poetry books setting a new standard based solely on their wide appeal is antithetical to their actual worth.

Poetry collections rise and fall due to how the author best manipulates the language to frame the picture s/he’s trying to paint. After all, poetry is a niche genre which gathers the high-minded around notions that art is peculiar and that is precisely what makes it different. It is for this very reason that poetry’s presumed mass appeal would be described as kitschy instead of being expressive of a new, desirable norm.

Beyond what must sound like my rambling, there is the actual collection itself and the value it holds in and of itself. Let’s look at this value. A Green Room Pentateuch is a compilation of five volumes of poetry. These volumes create an introspective escape into free-flowing streams of consciousness and intense explorations of existential inquiry. Book one, ‘Wish Me Well,’ is a collection of straightforward biographical verse. Book two, ‘A Thing of Legend,’ explores the life of work—the good, the bad, and the very bad. Book three, ‘Melodrama,’ dives into the throes of existential angst, while book four, ‘Subliminal Fear,’ rides the waves of anticipation and anxiety. Book five, ‘Parchments,’ offers a resolution with light reminiscing on the hopes and dreams that could still be. The lessons to be harnessed, and the milestones to be preserved. Essentially, this ambitious piece of literature is a gem for anyone keen on a deep dive into the turmoil of the psyche, the crevices of inner monologue, and optimism. Here, take a peek at the poem, ‘Kinsland’:

‘Where are they?

Your loyal gentry

From the golf club

From the estate

With its lush villas.

Where are they?

Your fellow CEOs

Your fellow professors

Who frowned at us

Behind snobbish rims.’

These are the first two stanzas of the poem. Mr. Matsiko’s signature writing style is to take the reader along a path of shared meaning before presenting a twist or irony. Many of his poems have often gone on in similar fashion.

The poem opens with a Socratic question, posed by the persona or speaker. The question is of a piece with mores and values the world over. It is through questions, like the ones contained in the stanzas above, that we answer unasked questions. Although there are never easy answers; we ask again: Where are they?

Well, the short answer is that ‘they’ are in this poetry collection. They show up with even more musings than before.

Answers to such musings redound to a dialectal tradition in which the questions are of more importance than the answers. That’s because there are as many answers to questions posed as there are persons who ask them. However, especially when it comes to life and living, questions posed are best answered by those whose issues they address. At this stage, the questions go from Socratic to Rhetorical (in the second stanza) as versions of the truth compete for attention in this version of the truth.In essence, this is the substance of what Matsiko’s poetry is about: searching for instead of answering questions which contend with our every effort to live better lives. It is only through this search that we discover how life is a journey, not a destination. So the questions are more important than the answers.

On page 413 of this tome, if you like, is the poem whose title underlines questions asked and answers offered: Name of the Game.

I know. It sounds like the title of an ABBA song. But the name of every game is expressive not only of those who play it and the rules by which the game is shaped. There is also the spirit behind the letter of every word that amplifies the affinity with which we face the game (life). Take a look:

‘He fills his purse

With hundred dollar bills

Slides into buttons

Of his Sunday best

She gives him a peck

Scent and tingles

She slides into a couch

And picks up a menu

It is a lovely affair

For butlers and chefs

Flipping gourmets

For finger-licking tips,’ writes the author in the first three stanzas of the poem pithily and aptly titled: Name of the game. At first glance, one might think this poem is about relationships and how they play out in what is termed as the name of the game. However, thanks to these stanzas, you can already see Matsiko’s trademark penchant for irony beginning to unfurl. By the time the poem is over, we know neither the name of the game nor the names of its players. Still, we have something as valuable where the author employs adjective (lovely) as a bridge word to connect the poem’s sentiment to widely-held values which animate the so-called game.

It is Matsiko’s technical feel for verbs, adjectives, adverbs and gerunds throughout this landmark collection that is his poetry’s saving grace. As his expressions lend meaning to the words he shares, we discover that the right words used at the right time often provide right answers.