Category: Daily Monitor

Professor Fredrick Ssempebwa, a former member of the 1995 Constitutional Commission, has criticised Parliament for failing to provide effective checks and balances on the executive.

Speaking at the second commemoration conference on constitutional governance, Ssempebwa noted that Parliament’s actions are now driven by sectarian interests rather than a commitment to holding the executive accountable.

“It’s simply that if the proposal is coming from the President, we members of the ruling party must agree to it at whatever cost,” Ssempebwa said, highlighting the lack of independence in Parliament. He emphasized that the Constitution had envisioned a different role for Parliament, one that would provide a strong check on the executive.

Ssempebwa pointed out that the decentralization system proposed in the Constitution has been undermined by the lack of financial capacity and autonomy for local government units.

“We had at the initiation of the constitution, 35 local government units or 36, something like that, and these were conceived as relatively sufficient for us to be able to play the role,” he said.

However, Ssempebwa criticized President Museveni for not walking the talk on the number of local government units.

“I saw him on TV last night complaining about the cost of districts. He had just said oh, it’s so expensive, we have too many districts and recently, the president has awarded new districts,” Ssempebwa said, referencing the President’s recent announcement on creating a new district in Oyam.

The conference, themed “Guardians of the Constitution: Strengthening Institutions for Democracy, Justice and Rule of Law,” brought together stakeholders to discuss the progress and challenges of Uganda’s constitutional governance.

The former Principal Judge of the High Court, Justice James Ogoola, emphasized the importance of the judiciary speaking its mind in judicial resolutions.

According to Justice Ogoola, the judiciary’s performance over the 30 years of the Constitution’s existence has been a “mixed bag.” He cited notable cases, including the presidential election petition of 2006, where the court was perceived to have failed in its duty to stand for the courage of its conviction.

In contrast, Justice Ogoola highlighted the constitutional court’s recent ruling on military jurisdiction over civilians, saying, “This time, the court means no words. It quickly, courageously, and succinctly ruled against military jurisdiction over civilians and compelled the state to immediately continue cases that were ongoing and turn them over to the appropriate civilian courts.”

Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, also expressed concerns about the number of members of Parliament, citing the high cost of administration in the country.

“We’ve had a very big debate on the issue of number of members of parliament, they also bother me because the cost of administration in this country, I want to be honest is extremely high,” he said.

The conference highlighted the need for institutions to work together to strengthen democracy, justice, and the rule of law in Uganda. As the country celebrates 30 years of its Constitution, stakeholders are calling for a renewed commitment to upholding the principles of good governance and accountability.

She Maroons and She Corporate started the 2025/26 Finance Trust Bank Fufa Women Super League (FTBFWSL) season by reminding us all that they can make as many headlines as anyone.

She Corporate won the title in 2022 while She Maroons with their squad full and fit can match anyone. So, whoever, meets them must know they are ‘sleeping’ giants.

Both sides started the season with heavy wins. She Corporate, playing at their new home Fufa Technical Centre – Njeru dispatched Uganda Martyrs Lubaga 4-1 with a brace from talisman Jesca Namanda, a belter of a freekick from Rebecca Nakato, and a goal from new signing Sandra Kisakye while She Maroons beat Asubo 5-0 at Kampala Quality Ground Kisaasi with a brace from Norah Alupo and goals from Lillian Mutuuzo, Immaculate Kizza, and Lillian Kasubo – who has returned from a long-term injury.

This Sunday, Corporate – who used to host their matches at Makerere University Business School Nakawa – visit She Maroons at Luzira Prison in what used to be a Nakawa Division derby.

The sides have met four times in the past; drawing twice and She Corporate winning twice. On Sunday, both sides will see the resolve of their aforementioned forwards to score every weekend tested.

More fire for Martyrs, Mawejje

Still on Sunday, Uganda Martyrs return home to host Amus College. Their players must play to the sum of their parts to clear the doubts that escorted them into the season.

Amus have every reason to believe they can challenge for the title but this, like last weekend’s 1-all home draw with St. Noa, is another test against a familiar opponent from schools’ football.

But the Kachumbala-based side should come with confidence as they won 3-1 in Lubaga and drew 2-2 at home against this side in what was their first topflight season.

Newly promoted St. Noa host Lady Doves, who have made clear of their ambition to win the title this season, at Wankulukuku Stadium on Sunday. St. Noa’s coach Tony Mawejje should expect more scrutiny this week as his highly talented side play in the Capital.

Stubborn sides for KQ, Kawempe

Meanwhile on Saturday, champions Kampala Queens (KQ) host Makerere University at MTN Omondi Stadium in a Kampala derby.

KQ barely have to look at their head-to-head record, for motivation, when they play in the FWSL as they have not lost to any side that is not Kawempe Muslim since 2022. But Makerere have picked two draws away at KQ in three seasons and could take a similar result as a useful point.

Kawempe, on the other hand, make one of their most dreaded league visits to Olila High School in Soroti on Saturday too. Kawempe have drawn in their last three visits to Olila.

After holding Lady Doves to a goalless draw in Masindi last weekend, Olila have every reason to go into the Kawempe encounter with belief.

For Kawempe, the forward line looks great on paper but from their first match against KQ, creativity and coordination are concerns that they hope do not cost them points at the start of the season.

Elsewhere, it could go from worse to worst for Asubo as they visit Rines SS at Kabaka Kyabaggu Stadium in Wakiso in the other Saturday encounter.

FTBFWSL FIXTURES, 10AM

SATURDAY

Rines vs. Asubo, Kabaka Kyabaggu Wakiso

Kampala Queens vs. Makerere University, MTN Omondi Lugogo

Olila HS vs. Kawempe Muslim, Olila Ground Soroti

SUNDAY

St. Noa vs. Lady Doves, Wankulukuku Stadium

Uganda Martyrs vs. Amus College, UMHS Lubaga

She Maroons vs. She Corporate, Luzira Prison

In today’s fast-paced world, mental health remains one of the most overlooked pillars of human wellbeing, especially in high-pressure workplaces.

Though I am not a public advocate in the traditional sense, my journey through demanding corporate environments has quietly shaped a deep commitment to mental wellness. Behind the scenes, I have witnessed how emotional strain builds, how resilience is tested and how recovery begins not with grand gestures, but with access, empathy, and awareness.

Across industries, whether in service roles, corporate operations, or high-risk environments, one truth remains constant that mental health matters. It is the silent foundation of productivity, safety, and human connection. Yet too often, it is overlooked until a crisis forces us to pay attention.

This year’s World Mental Health Day theme, ‘Access to Services: Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies,’ reminds us that support must extend beyond hospitals. It must be embedded in every workplace and community. Emergencies do not always come with flashing lights. Sometimes, they arrive quietly as burnout, anxiety, or depression.

Mental disorders like depression are more common than we think. They affect people from all walks of life and can be triggered by stress, isolation, trauma, or sudden change. Depression does not always look like sadness, it can manifest fatigue, irritability, withdrawal, or even physical pain.

Many suffer in silence, fearing stigma or judgment. I have seen how emotional strain builds in environments where pressure is constant and support is scarce.

Long hours, high expectations and limited resources can turn everyday stress into something far more serious. When disaster strikes whether it is a workplace accident, personal loss or national emergency mental health support must be ready for the response.

Recovery is possible. I have witnessed it in colleagues who found the courage to speak up, in teams that created safe spaces for dialogue and in organisations that invested in mental health awareness. Recovery does not happen overnight, but it begins with access with knowing that help exists and that seeking it is not weakness but strength.

My friend and I often joke that when we are stressed, one of us goes silent while the other talks at 1,000 words per minute. It is our way of checking in because we have learned to pay attention to each other’s personalities.

Mental maturity teaches you to listen beyond words, to notice shifts in behaviour, and to discern when someone is struggling even if they say, ‘I am fine.

‘This kind of awareness does not just help in friendships it transforms workplaces. In every industry I have worked in, there is a shared understanding that without mental maturity, we are vulnerable to emotional breakdowns. Depression does not always hit like a storm it creeps in when signs are ignored, when stress is normalised and when people are expected to ‘just cope.’

‘Mental health matters’ is not just a slogan, it is a call to action. It means protecting your whole self-physical, spiritual, and emotional and encouraging others to do the same. We must normalise mental health conversations, train leaders to respond with empathy and build systems that treat mental health as a priority.

Mental health is not just a personal issue, it is a workplace issue, a national issue, a human issue. Let us move beyond awareness and into action. Let us build a culture were asking for help is seen as strength, not shame. Mental health is everyone’s business, and it is time we treated it that way.

Early this year, President Museveni allowed for a waiver on VAT for electric motorcycles, enabling dealers to sell these bikes at almost the same price as their fuel engine counterparts. That decision alone has seen an explosion of electric motorcycles on the road.

By some estimates, there are at least 1,000 electric motorcycles on Kampala’s roads alone. There are three types of electric motorcycles – Zembo, Spiro and Gogo, which mostly depend on the availability of a charged battery to move.

The Zembo and Spiro motorcycles average a range of between 50km and 75km per charge, depending on the rider’s mannerisms on the road. The faster it moves, the more it consumes battery power. The Gogo motorcycle, which is more robust, has a range of between 100km and 150km per charge.

Most of the riders, who have acquired these motorcycles say they are cheaper to maintain, as they don’t have to incur some of the more delicate but mandatory costs such as servicing, since they don’t have an engine.

However, their counterparts, who maintain fuel motorcycles, say they are held back from buying electric motorcycles by the shortage of charging stations for the batteries.

According to them, the shortage of charging stations, makes traveling long distances, akin to taking serious risks. They view the proliferation of fuel stations across the country as reason to stick with fuel powered bikes, even in the face of higher maintenance costs.

Each of these electric motorcycles can be charged for between Shs6,000 and Shs8,000 at the nearly 200 charging stations, spread around the country.

By contrast, there is a fuel station within a 50km radius of any peri-urban area; and in some cases even 100 metres in the more urban areas. The cost of charging an electric motorcycle is slightly more than buying a litre of fuel, which gives the rider of a motorcycle, less than 15km of range.

So this raises the question – would it be more economical to ride an electric motorcycle or a fuel one? Comparing a battery charge of Shs6,000, which offers 100km of range, and the same cost for less than 22km on a fuel motorcycle, leaves the shortage of battery charging points as the only excuse for maintaining a fuel motorbike.

So, if it looks compelling for motorcycle riders to embrace electric bikes, why are fuel stations not looking at the option of setting up charging stations?

The short-sided approach to the problem has compelled dealers of electric bikes to set up their own charging stations, even if they remain too few to deal with the growing demand. It looks like fuel stations are walking into a problem with their eyes closed.

If for instance, the dealers of electric bikes are able to set up 1,000 electric charging stations within this year, what will stop a major disruption to fuel station business, if the owners of vehicles begin their own transition to electric cars?

So, if it looks compelling for motorcycle riders to embrace electric bikes, why are fuel stations not looking at the option of setting up charging stations? The short-sided approach to the problem has compelled dealers of electric bikes to set up their own charging stations, even if they remain too few to deal with the growing demand.

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Police in Mbale City are holding Mr Kharim Mwima, a suspected witch doctor, after a woman named Jennifer Khainza reportedly died from his shrine located in Kasanja (A) village, Northern Division.

Mr Rogers Taitika, the Elgon Region Police spokesperson, confirmed the arrest of Mwima, whom he said will guide the ongoing investigation.

“We are investigating to find out the exact cause of death, and we have already forwarded the body for postmortem,” he said.

Mwima’s arrest followed a joint operation by police in partnership with Project Rescue Children Foundation and Cherished Children Foundation, with whom they have been working to end such heinous acts.

“We keep on working with various institutions so that we sensitise the masses to do the right things in terms of seeking medical help. We call upon the opinion leaders, religious leaders, clan heads to join the cause,” he said.

During the operation, Mr Taitika said that an 8-year-old juvenile was also rescued from this shrine.

“I urge all stakeholders to be vigilant and not to be misled by native doctors. You should be careful of the people you seek services from, and this will enable us to eliminate these acts,” he said.

Adam Whittington, the Chief Executive Officer of Project Rescue Children, condemned the heinous acts that reportedly even led to the death of an innocent life.

“Human sacrifice is a dark and horrific reality, often ignored by Western society. It must be brought to light if we are to stop it. This week’s case is both heartbreaking and hopeful – heartbreaking because we could not save the mother, yet hopeful because her child was rescued,” he said.

The High Court of Uganda in Mbale, in May last year, sentenced Isiko Ibrahim to life in prison for the murder of a five-year-old boy in a ritualistic sacrifice. The gruesome case involved the kidnapping and murder of a young boy, whose remains were found buried in a sugarcane plantation.

The annual murders by rituals have been fluctuating over the last three years, according to the 2024 Annual Crime Report by Police. The cases rose from 72 in 2022 to 84 in 2023, before shooting down to 74 cases last year.

The Executive Director of Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS), Mr James Kasigwa has been elected as a Council member of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). He will serve in the council responsible for global standards for two years, beginning next year.

ISO Council is the core governance body of the global standard prefect. As one of the standards experts on the Council, Mr Kasigwa will represent not only Uganda but developing countries’ interests in an effort to create relevant international standards that support process revolution and provide solutions to problems affecting developing economies around the world.

The election exercise that saw Uganda prevail over Costa Rica was held during the ISO General Assembly that took place in Kigali, Rwanda earlier today (on October 9, 2025).

‘The timing could not have been any better as Uganda celebrates 63 years of Independence,’ read a press statement issued this evening by Ms Sylvia Kirabo, Principal Public Relations Officer, Uganda National Bureau of Standards.

Uganda was formally nominated by Rwanda, Tanzania, Republic of Korea (south) and South Africa and endorsed as the sole candidate representing the African region during the 32nd African Organization for Standardization (ARSO) General Assembly held in June 2025.

‘I pledge to ably represent and amplify the voice of developing countries in the ISO Council,’ Mr Kasigwa, is quoted in a statement as having said.

He is further quoted as saying: ‘Uganda’s unique perspective, derived from its position as a developing nation with a rapidly evolving and growing economy, will enrich the Council’s policy and strategic deliberations and enhance the global relevance of ISO standards.’

Composition

Currently, developing countries constitute up to 75 percent of the organization and are dismally participating in the ISO policy and technical work, which Mr Kasigwa says jeopardizes their global relevance.

“I will ensure that we leverage our knowledge and experience in standardization to advocate for enhanced participation of members in the technical and policy work of ISO. As a Council member, my focus will be on enhancing diversity and inclusiveness in the ISO system through increased engagement of developing economies, women and the youth,” he pledged, according to the statement shared by UNBS this evening.

He further indicated the rapid digital revolution presents a unique opportunity to champion the uptake of digitalization initiatives among members to bridge the existing gap between developed and developing economies.

Uganda’s bid for membership in the ISO Council was premised on the conviction that standards are a silent yet critical force for sustainable Socio-economic transformation and empowerment

that developing economies can leverage for growth and competitiveness in a globalized world.

Mr Kasigwa also pledged to use his vast work experience and expertise to champion use of standards as enablers of enterprise, market access and economic development.

Mr Kasigwa is an electrical engineer with vast work experience in the telecom industry and public policy.

As a member of the ISO Council, Uganda will contribute to promoting the relevance and impact of ISO standards in addressing global challenges such as climate change, sustainable development and public health.

Uganda has been an active member of ISO since 1990 and is ranked in Group 4 of the ISO Council ranking. Uganda through UNBS has demonstrated its commitment in ISO work through: Active participation in 121 ISO technical committees, contributing to the development of international standards in key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, ICT and services

Ugandan scientists are increasingly conducting genetic tests on people living with HIV (PLHIV) to understand how their genes interact with HIV/Aids drugs and to guide treatment decisions.

However, a new report shows that although 98 percent of study participants want access to their test results, many are not receiving them.

Presenting the findings at Makerere University Medical School on Wednesday, Dr Sylvia Nabukenya, the study’s lead researcher, recommended that participants should be given ‘valuable and clinically actionable’ pharmacogenomic test results to help improve their care.

Pharmacogenomics – the study of how an individual’s genes affect drug response – enables health workers to prescribe the most effective drugs and minimise adverse reactions. ‘Returning pharmacogenomic results involves giving participants clear information on how genes interact with drugs,’ Dr Nabukenya said. ‘This helps them understand their own biology and make informed treatment decisions.’

Uganda currently has about 1.5 million people living with HIV. Dr Nabukenya noted that some patients may need to switch to alternative, often more expensive, drugs based on their genetic profile.

‘They deserve to know why a treatment change is necessary,’ she added.

Issue

The report found that many scientists hesitate to share test results because of the technical complexity of genetic information, lack of translated terminology, and concerns that results could cause anxiety or highlight treatment options unavailable under public health programmes.

Interviews with scientists and community leaders revealed that returning results fosters trust, respect, and hope among participants,especially those managing long-term conditions like HIV.

‘It is a symbol of reciprocity,’ one community leader said, adding that it encourages greater engagement between researchers and participants.

Dr Nabukenya also launched new national guidelines developed to help researchers and institutions safely return pharmacogenomic results. The framework emphasises clear communication, counselling, and linkage to care for participants receiving complex genetic information.

The guidance was developed with input from geneticists, bioethicists, research ethics committees, and PLHIV representatives from several institutions, including the Makerere University Infectious Diseases Institute, Baylor Uganda, TASO, MUJHU, and UCWRU.

‘This will not only support researchers and clinicians in communicating results but also empower participants to become co-creators of knowledge and active decision-makers,’ Dr Nabukenya said.

Over 4,000 farmers from Kasese, Bunyangabu, Kabarole, and Ntoroko districts who grow barley in the highland areas of the Rwenzori Mountain ranges have called for improved road infrastructure, saying the poor state of roads is negatively affecting production and transportation of their produce.

Barley, a key raw material used in beer manufacturing, has become a major cash crop in the region. However, despite being among the largest producers, farmers say poor road networks have continued to undermine their productivity and profits.

Mr George Begumisa, one of the barley lead farmers, said transport challenges have persisted for the past eight years, hindering both the movement of inputs and the harvested crops.

‘We started with about 200 farmers, but now we are over 4,000. The main challenge remains poor roads. We carry inputs and harvests on our heads because vehicles cannot access our gardens. If roads were improved, our production would increase significantly,’ Begumisa said.

Ms Topista Biira, another farmer from Kasese district, said the difficult terrain and poor infrastructure have increased the cost of production, limiting profits.

‘Because of the hilly nature of our area, transporting raw materials and produce is very expensive. Although a kilogram of barley sells at Shs 1,700, the high cost of production leaves us with little profit. We need better roads to connect our farmlands and access inputs like fertilizers more easily,’ Biira noted.

The Kabarole District Chairperson, Mr Richard Rwabuhinga, acknowledged the challenges, noting that barley cultivation has transformed the livelihoods of many farmers, especially in Karangura Sub-county, Kabarole district.

He said that for farmers to benefit more, there is a need for value addition to increase farmers’ incomes.

‘Barley is a profitable crop and has attracted many farmers. However, without value addition, our farmers are selling raw materials instead of finished products. We appeal to Nile Breweries to establish a processing factory here so that farmers can benefit more,’ Rwabuhinga said.

He added that with modern farming practices, guaranteed markets, and better access to resources, farmers could boost yields, create jobs, and enhance household income.

On Thursday, October 9, hundreds of barley farmers from the Rwenzori sub-region gathered in Fort Portal City to celebrate their contribution to Uganda’s barley value chain.

Mr Joseph Luzinda, Agricultural Manager at Nile Breweries Limited (NBL), noted that besides poor infrastructure, farmers face additional challenges such as climate change, unpredictable rainfall, pests, and limited access to mechanization.

‘Through our Local Raw Material Programme, we are supporting farmers with climate-smart farming techniques, affordable mechanization, and guaranteed markets for their barley,’ Luzinda said.

Mr Emmanuel Njuki, Legal and Corporate Affairs Lead at NBL, said the company sources produce worth Shs109.3 billion annually from local farmers, and in the Rwenzori sub-region alone, the brewery supports about 5,000 farmers.

‘Sustainability is not an aspiration; it is an obligation. Our work in Uganda shows that when we empower farmers with the right tools, training, and partnerships, we create resilient supply chains, stronger communities, and shared prosperity,’ Ms Ingrid De Ryke, Chief Sustainability Officer at AB InBev, said.

During the celebration, the best farmers received awards of recognition, and farm materials such as knapsack sprayers and protective gear, such as gumboots and overalls.

The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) presidential candidate, Mr Nathan Nandala Mafabi, on Tuesday concluded his campaign rallies in Tooro and Rwenzori sub-regions.

He held rallies in Ntoroko, Bundibugyo on Saturday, Kasese on Sunday, Kamwenge and Fort Portal City on Monday, while on Tuesday he headed to Kyenjojo before proceeding to Kagadi District and other districts in Bunyoro Sub-region.

However, during his four-day stay in the Tooro and Rwenzori sub-regions, residents complained that his manifesto did not directly address issues affecting them.

Mr Mafabi’s manifesto gives much focus on transforming Uganda’s economy, with a slogan stating that if elected he will ensure that every citizen has ‘money in their pocket.’ The FDC candidate says his goal is to fight rampant poverty in Uganda.

Mafabi’s promise to the people

He said Uganda has many resources, but the benefits are currently enjoyed by only a small group of people, mostly in the government.

‘Our biggest problem is poverty at every level. We need a president who can fix the economy and put money directly into people’s pockets. Among all candidates, I am the only one with that knowledge. We intend to chase poverty out of Ugandan homes,’ he said on Saturday during a rally at Karugutu Trading Centre in Ntoroko District.

Mr Mafabi explained that one of his priorities will be to support small-scale businesses that often collapse under the weight of expensive bank loans.

He said his government will create a special fund to provide entrepreneurs with affordable capital to grow their enterprises.

Mr Mafabi promised that every village in Uganda would receive Shs100 million annually, and in five years, each village would benefit from Shs500m to invest in projects that raise household incomes.

‘This country loses Shs10 trillion every year through corruption. In my term of office, we shall stop that theft. Uganda has about 72,000 villages, and if we redirect that stolen money, every village will get annual funding. The balance will be given to boda boda riders,’ he said.

On education, Mr Mafabi promised to address salary disparities among teachers by introducing equal pay for equal qualifications. He also pledged to build more classrooms, staff quarters, and ensure timely pay for all civil servants.

Mr Mafabi further promised better pay and housing for security personnel, adding that his government would prioritise education of their children.

‘Security officers are not bad people, the problem is poor pay. They have families, yet their salaries are too low. We shall improve their welfare so they can serve the country effectively,’ he said.

However, some of the residents from the two sub-regions complained that Mr Mafabi’s manifesto focused much on national issues and lacked local priorities.

A section of voters who attended his last campaign rally on Monday evening at a venue on the Kamwenge-Fort Portal Road, expressed disappointment that Mafabi’s manifesto did not address the most pressing challenges affecting their communities, particularly the declining tea prices in the Tooro Sub-region.

Mr Rogers Tugume, a tea farmer from Kabarole District, said tea farming is the main source of income for many households in Tooro, but for the past three years, prices have fluctuated without any government intervention.

‘We expected him to talk about issues that affect our region. Yes, we agree he has a manifesto, but it should contain local issues. He told us he would give boda boda riders Shs5m each, which is okay… That is not our concern,’ he said.

‘If tea prices were stable, our incomes would grow and we could buy goods. But because the prices have remained low, many people have left their gardens to grow bush, and others have lost jobs,’ he explained.

In Ntoroko District, voters who attended a campaign rally on Saturday at Karugutu Trading Centre said the candidate’s manifesto focused on national issues such as education, while ignoring the persistent flooding that has devastated parts of the district since 2019.

Mr Joshua Alituha, from Kanara Sub-county, said he expected the presidential candidate to address the flood crisis and provide a clear plan for resettling affected families.

‘In Ntoroko, especially the lower sub-counties, the issue is floods. We have suffered for years since 2019, and people have demanded that the government give us land for resettlement. I was expecting Mafabi to promise that if we give him our votes, he would tell us what he would do for us.’

He added that the next president must prioritise disaster management and offer permanent solutions instead of temporary pledges.

‘Yes, he talked about building classrooms and improving teachers’ salaries, but here our schools were submerged by floods. Up to now, we don’t know the future of these schools. Some are operating in camps using tents. If he had talked about this specifically, we would know he understands our issues.’

In Bundibugyo District, residents have long demanded construction of a cocoa factory, a promise the government in about 40 years has failed to fulfil.

During his campaign in Ntandi-Bundimasoli Town, Mr Mafabi, pledged to construct the factory within two years of assuming office. Mr Alex Baluku, a resident of Ntandi Town Council, welcomed the pledge but emphasised that road infrastructure must also be addressed for the cocoa sector to thrive.

In Kasese District, it was FDC district leaders, rather than the presidential candidate, who addressed local concerns during campaign speeches. Mr Geofrey Sibendire Bigogo Thembo, the FDC candidate for district chairperson, said if elected, he would focus on resolving land conflicts that have left many residents homeless.

He pledged that under Mafabi’s regime, they would tackle the water crisis through irrigation schemes and revamp Katwe salt mining to create employment opportunities.

However, some residents expressed disappointment that the presidential candidate himself did not mention these specific local issues.

Mr Alex Bwambale, from Karusandara Sub-county, said, ‘It was our local leaders who spoke about what they want to do for us, but our president’s manifesto is full of national issues.

Uganda, like much of sub-Saharan Africa, is living through the harsh realities of climate change. Scientific evidence confirms that global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are rising due to human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and unsustainable agriculture.

These emissions are the main drivers of global warming and extreme weather. Yet the people who depend on climate-sensitive livelihoods like smallholder farmers, charcoal burners, brick makers, and fisherfolk are also bearing the greatest burden.

The National State of the Environment Report 2024, released by the National Environmental Management Authority (Nema), shows that several districts are now facing severe climate shocks with unpredictable rains, hailstorms, prolonged dry spells, droughts, and water shortages.

Uganda has recognised these threats in its Nationally Determined Contribution , updated in 2022. The country committed to reducing its GHG emissions by 24.7 percent below business-as-usual levels by 2030, an increase over its earlier target of 22 percent.

Most of the mitigation (about 82.7 percent) is expected to come from agriculture, forestry, and other land use.

Despite these commitments, a significant gap remains in access to climate finance at the grassroots. Large, complex projects dominate the funding landscape, but little of that capital reaches local innovators.

Local Governments, farmer groups, and Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) remain sidelined, despite their deep knowledge of local challenges and solutions. This is the ‘missing link’ in Uganda’s climate response. Grassroots actors are not short of ideas.

Communities in the Mount Elgon region are practicing terracing and tree planting to prevent landslides. Smallholder farmers in the north are adopting drought-resistant seeds, water harvesting, and solar dryers, reducing post-harvest losses.

Youth and women entrepreneurs are producing briquettes, eco-bricks, and paving blocks from recycled plastic. These solutions show that Uganda’s communities are not merely passive victims; they can lead both adaptation and mitigation.

Yet these initiatives remain underfunded and poorly scaled, leaving communities to shoulder the climate burden. Unlocking climate finance for grassroots solutions requires deliberate action.

Policymakers must prioritise mechanisms that decentralise resources directly to local communities. Climate funds should be channeled through Saccos, Village Savings and Loan Associations, and farmer cooperatives already embedded in local settings.

These institutions can provide ‘green microfinances’ for affordable items like solar kits, clean cookstoves, water harvesting tanks, and climate-smart seeds.

Partnerships between Local Governments, development finance institutions, civil society, academia, and the private sector can further provide technical capacity, monitoring, and scaling of local best practices.

Such shifts would empower grassroots climate ambassadors such as farmers, women, and youth innovators, who can replicate successful models nationwide. Uganda’s fight against climate change will be won or lost at the grassroots.

By decentralising climate finance, scaling local solutions, and supporting both adaptation and mitigation, the country can move from survival to proactive climate leadership. Addressing this missing link is the only way to ensure no Ugandan community is left behind in the face of a changing climate.