Category: Daily Monitor

General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defence Forces, could play a crucial role in solving the transitional impasse between Uganda Professional Boxing Commission (UPBC) and the Uganda Boxing Federation (UBF), Patriotic League of Uganda’s director of mobilisation, Michael Mawanda, promised.

PLU is a political pressure group within the ruling NRM, chaired by Gen. Muhoozi.

UPBC has been the custodian of professional boxing since 1988, but is fighting an existential war with UBF-the default amateur body-claiming mandate over anything boxing, according to the National Sports Act 2023, which requires a single body to regulate identical sports disciplines.

While the law does not explicitly delete UPBC, which is licensed by the Ministry of Trade, it prioritises UBF to regulate all boxing activities, because it is the body registered under the old 1964 NCS Act, which was repealed in 2023.

UBF exploited that ambiguity in the law to usurp the powers of UPBC and dictate the terms of transition, which has stalled and divided the boxing fraternity, as many boxers and promoters loyal to UPBC have been punched out of business.

Mawanda, who is also the Igara East MP, assured ‘the oppressed’ that the PLU chairman is aware of their plight and willing to help.

‘Greetings from our Chairman, General Muhoozi. He was not able to come, but he sent me to represent him,’ Mawanda told an expectant audience at an event co-hosted by UPBC and Friends of Boxing (FOB) in Madhvani Hall, UMA Showgrounds, Lugogo on Friday.

‘He calls upon athletes and promoters to take this sport as a profession, one we can exploit, and to create jobs for all of us. He pledges total support to help you develop this talent.’

Mawanda, accompanied by Maj George Kiguddu, famous in boxing circles, added: ‘Fortunately, the Minister of State for Sports is a senior member of PLU. So, I want to assure you that these differences in boxing will be ably handled by our chairman,’ Mawanda said, attracting loud and passionate cheers from the boxers, promoters, and ring officials, among others. He later assured the media that he would immediately give a report to Gen Muhoozi, before meeting with the sports minister, Peter Ogwang, to sort out whatever wrangles and forge a way forward.

On February 27, Ogwang met UBF president Moses Muhangi and his detractors to further understand the cause of the disputes. He then issued four resolutions to guide the protracted transition into a single body. But Muhangi expressly objected to all the minister’s recommendations, arguing that UPBC is simply a group of promoters who simply need to get licenses from UBF and resume operations. But UPBC is equally hesitant to be licensed by a body whose formation and regulations they never contributed to.

Lasting bond

The bond between professional boxing and the army is almost as old as the NRM regime. Col Jet Mwebaze, a famous Bush War hero, was one of the founders of UPBC in 1988. Even after his fatal death, UPBC reportedly courts bigwigs in the army, including Muhoozi’s uncle Gen Salim Saleh.

UPBC’s boxers’ representative, Aldin Muzeeyi, belongs to the UPDF’s Air Force. On March 6, Pte Brian Akankwasa, attached to the Special Forces Command, was one of the main fighters on that UPBC-sanctioned event, which UBF attempted to block.

But it was a one-off-not the permanent breakthrough UPBC announced on that chilly night at De Rain Eco Beach in Kitubulu, Entebbe.

Nearly three months later, only UBF-sanctioned events have happened, as UPBC slowly navigates the mandatory transition to merge with the unwilling UBF to form a single federation, as the new law demands.

For more than 16 years, a bitter property war between businessman Mukesh Shukla of Shumuk Group and the family of the late businessman Bonny Mwebesa Katatumba has consumed courtrooms, divided public opinion, triggered criminal prosecutions, and drawn in some of Uganda’s most influential legal and political figures.

Now, the long-running dispute, after an out-of-the-press hiatus, appears poised to be back in the news this time with the suspension of lawyer Charles Odera, the managing partner of Landwell Advocates.

Last week, the Law Council published a notice in which it suspended Odera from legal practice for 12 months after its Disciplinary Committee found him guilty of ‘professional misconduct’ in a matter linked to the Shumuk-Katatumba property dispute.

The suspension has sent shockwaves through legal circles, with some lawyers questioning whether an advocate can fairly be punished for actions undertaken while representing a client in a highly contentious matter.

It has also opened a fresh front in one of Uganda’s longest-running commercial disputes.

While Odera declined over the weekend to discuss the substance of the case, saying he did not wish to litigate the matter through the media, documents filed in court show he has already launched a formal challenge against the decision.

‘These are court matters, and I don’t want the Council to think I am explaining things on the sidelines,’ he said.

A notice of appeal filed in the High Court on May 18 shows that he intends to challenge the entire decision of the Law Council’s Disciplinary Committee.

In the notice, filed through Tusasirwe and Co Advocates, Odera avers that he is dissatisfied with the decision that suspended him from legal practice and intends to seek relief before the High Court.

His lawyers have also written to the Chief Registrar arguing that the disciplinary proceedings were conducted in his absence and that the Law Council failed to furnish him with a copy of the ruling and typed proceedings despite his request.

The dispute over Odera’s suspension has once again thrust the spotlight back onto a conflict that has outlived court terms, governments and even some of the principal actors involved.

A multi-billion-shilling dispute

The conflict stretches back to the late 2000s and revolves around some of Kampala’s most valuable commercial properties.

At the centre of the dispute are Hotel Diplomate in Muyenga and Shumuk House on Colville Street, formerly associated with Katatumba Suites and Blacklines House.

Court records show that in August 2008, the late Katatumba agreed to sell the Colville Street property to Shumuk Springs Development for approximately $5m.

The arrangement reportedly required an initial payment of $101,000, with the balance to be cleared within 60 days.

However, subsequent litigation would reveal sharply differing accounts of what followed.

Court proceedings over the years have revolved around whether payment obligations were fulfilled, whether subsequent transactions were valid, and whether certain properties were lawfully transferred.

The dispute later expanded into claims involving a contested Shs3b loan allegedly advanced to the late Katatumba using family properties as collateral, which Katatumba and later members of his family have consistently challenged in courts.

The matter has, over the years, generated injunctions, evictions, appeals, criminal complaints, and multiple court proceedings stretching across more than a decade.

The conflict has also, at some point, been escalated to President Museveni, with Shukla seeking intervention in a matter where he said in public statements that his companies had spent years fighting for properties they had lawfully purchased from the late Katatumba.

Criminal allegations

The dispute became even more controversial when criminal allegations emerged alongside the civil proceedings.

At one stage, Shukla faced prosecution over allegations relating to forged court documents allegedly used in litigation connected to Hotel Diplomate.

The allegations transformed the dispute from a commercial disagreement into a national controversy.

Shukla, however, denied wrongdoing and described the criminal proceedings as malicious and intended to damage his reputation.

Meanwhile, both sides continued securing victories and suffering setbacks in different courts, ensuring that the dispute remained far from resolved.

Enter Odera

It was within this highly charged environment that Odera became involved.

Odera, according to a public notice published last Friday, acted for the late Katatumba in various proceedings connected to the dispute, and represented his client ‘diligently and professionally’ throughout the prolonged litigation.

But it is from his representation that disciplinary proceedings, whose legitimacy he questions, were lodged against him.

According to Odera, the complaint originated from Shukla, who was never his client, raising questions about whether professional misconduct provisions intended to protect advocate-client relationships were properly invoked.

He further argues that he was denied a fair hearing and has raised concerns regarding potential conflicts of interest in the handling of the complaint.

The Law Council’s decision, nevertheless, for now until otherwise, bars Odera from holding himself out as an advocate, filing new matters, signing pleadings, or handling client files during the suspension period.

We could not independently verify the circumstances under which Odera was suspended.

Calls to Principal State Attorney Law Council Naome Kyompaire and Shukla’s known mobile phone numbers remained unanswered by press time.

Odera’s suspension has, however, unsettled sections of the legal fraternity.

Pius Olaki, a former partner at LAX Advocates who formerly worked alongside Odera on aspects of the Katatumba-Shumuk dispute in 2016, says he was shocked by the suspension and believes it ‘is very unfair’.

Odera, Olaki says, was merely carrying out his professional duty by representing a client in a fiercely contested commercial dispute, and ‘to accuse and punish him for performing that duty amounts to punishing a lawyer for being a lawyer’.

A dispute that won’t go silent

Even after more than a decade and a half of litigation, the Katatumba-Shumuk battle continues to generate new controversies, court decisions, and public debate.

With Odera preparing to challenge his suspension before the High Court, the conflict has once again expanded beyond the ownership of land and buildings.

And as the latest appeal heads to court, one thing is becoming increasingly clear: the Katatumba-Shumuk saga is a case that simply refuses to go silent.

The appointment of Balaam Barugahara as Uganda’s minister for Local Government has raised expectations that he will confront corruption widely viewed as entrenched within district administrations, where recruitment scandals, procurement irregularities and misuse of public funds continue to undermine service delivery.

Speaking in Masindi shortly after his appointment by President Museveni last week, Balaam pledged to strengthen accountability and ensure public resources reach intended beneficiaries.

“I am committed to fighting corruption in local governments and ensuring that public resources reach the people they are meant for. My ministry will work closely with accountability institutions and local leaders to ensure transparency and proper use of public funds,” he said.

His pledge comes against a backdrop of persistent corruption complaints involving local governments, which continue to account for the largest share of cases reported to the Inspectorate of Government (IGG).

According to IGG annual reports, districts and municipalities generated nearly half of all corruption complaints received during the 2023/24 financial year, with allegations ranging from abuse of office and bribery to procurement fraud and mismanagement of public funds.

The anti-corruption watchdog says local government cases contributed significantly to national financial losses running into billions of shillings annually.

In March, the IGG reported concluding 308 corruption cases within six months and recovering more than Shs2.4 billion from public officials, many of them working in local government institutions.

Recent investigations have highlighted the scale of the challenge.

In April this year, the IGG ordered officials in Jinja City to refund more than Shs33 million after funds were reportedly withdrawn for activities that were never implemented.

In another case, former Nakazigo Primary School head teacher Ramadhan Ngobi was convicted after admitting to embezzling Shs176 million meant for classroom construction and sanitation facilities in Mayuge District.

Recruitment under scrutiny

One of the biggest tests facing the new minister will be reforming District Service Commissions (DSCs), which are responsible for recruiting, promoting and disciplining district civil servants.

The IGG’s January-June 2025 performance report identified district recruitment as one of the country’s most corruption-prone sectors.

The report found that 82% of applicants surveyed cited bribery as the most common form of corruption during recruitment processes, including shortlisting, interviews and issuance of appointment letters.

The watchdog estimates that approximately Shs29 billion was paid in recruitment-related bribes between 2018 and 2022.

Officials warn that the practice undermines merit-based recruitment, contributes to poor service delivery and allows unqualified personnel to enter public service.

“Bribery remains widespread and systemic in local government recruitment,” the report noted.

Government has proposed reforms including electronic recruitment systems, stronger oversight and tougher penalties for offenders.

Procurement headaches

Procurement remains another major challenge. Reports by the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Authority (PPDA), the Auditor General and the IGG have repeatedly flagged inflated contracts, manipulated tender processes, ghost suppliers and abandoned projects across districts.

Former Masindi District chairperson Cosmas Byaruhanga said procurement systems often lack transparency.

“Communities sometimes only learn about contractors after projects have already started,” he revelead.

Several district officials across the country have faced investigations over allegations of irregular contract awards, inflated project costs and non-existent projects.

Observers argue that Uganda’s decentralised governance system, while designed to bring services closer to citizens, has also created multiple centres of decision-making that complicate accountability.

“The challenge is that local governments involve politicians, technical officers, procurement units and service commissions operating simultaneously,” said Johnson Mugohya, a retired town clerk. “That makes oversight difficult.”

High expectations

Balaam’s appointment comes as Uganda continues to lose vast sums of public money to corruption.

The IGG has previously estimated that corruption costs the country more than Shs10 trillion annually across public institutions.

Analysts say success in his new role will depend less on public statements and more on whether he can strengthen oversight mechanisms, support anti-corruption agencies and push through reforms in recruitment and procurement.

For many Ugandans, particularly in districts where complaints of bribery, ghost projects and misuse of public funds are common, the new minister’s tenure may ultimately be judged by whether local governments become more transparent and accountable than they are today.

The National Unity Platform (NUP) last Thursday unveiled Ms Irene Nampala, the elder sister of the late Kalangala Woman Member of Parliament, Hellen Nakimuli, as its flag bearer for the forthcoming Kalangala District Woman MP by-election. The announcement at the party headquarters in Makerere-Kavule, Kampala, by the NUP Election Management Committee chairperson, Ms Harriet Chemutai, followed an internal vetting and ground survey process that involved 14 aspirants.

According to Ms Chemutai, 13 candidates successfully appeared before the vetting committee before proceeding to the next stage of field assessments conducted in Kalangala District. ‘Fourteen ladies applied to carry the NUP ticket, but out of those 14, we had 13 come through for vetting and proceed to the next level of the ground survey. Eventually, we came out with the best candidate,’ Ms Chemutai said last week. She explained that the party allocated 40 percent of the final score to vetting and 60 percent to the ground survey conducted among voters in Kalangala.

‘The ground survey accounts for 60 percent because we gave the people of Kalangala an upper hand since they are the ones to decide. We also wanted someone who can articulate issues very well and represent the people of Kalangala effectively,’ she added. According to the results released by the party, Ms Nampala scored 68 points ahead of her closest challenger, Ms Jesca Nassiwa Tusabe, who scored 48.7 points. Other contenders included Dr Mary Nakitende (45.7), Irene Nakanwagi Kiwanuka (35.8), Maria Nakitende (35.2), Aisha Nantayi (30.9), Beatrice Kirabo Nanyomo (29.1), Namuddu Goreti (28.8), Roy Nakigozi (28), Barbra Nabasirye (27.4), Sharifah Babirye kaala (26), Betty Nalugwa (22.7), and Brenda Nalusembo (16.5).

Ms Nampala was born on Bukasa Island in Kyamuswa Sub-county, Kalangala District, to Rev Fr Christopher Walusimbi and the late Geraldine Natembo. She attended Kaganda Learning Centre for primary education before joining Bishop Dunstan Secondary School for O-Level and Chwa II Memorial College for A-Level studies.

After completing school, she worked in the tourism and hospitality sector with Gorilla Tours and Habari Travel as a receptionist before rising to the position of overall supervisor. Through her work, she coordinated travel logistics and linked tourists from different countries to Bukasa Island. Speaking shortly after being unveiled, Ms Nampala said her decision to join politics followed consultations with family members, supporters and leaders in Kalangala following the death of her sister. ‘I made consultations with my family members, supporters, leaders and the people of Kalangala following the untimely death of my beloved young sister, the late Hon Hellen Nakimuli, who dedicated her life to serving the people of Kalangala with commitment, courage and love,’ she said.

Her candidature had earlier been hinted at by her father, Rev Fr Christopher Walusimbi, during burial arrangements for the late MP, when he told mourners that the family still had ‘good seeds’ capable of continuing Nakimuli’s legacy.

In an interview with Daily Monitor over the weekend, Ms Nampala said she intends to continue the unfinished work started by her sister. ‘I want to continue advocating for improved health services and medical access within the islands. These include, education opportunities for young people and women, better transport and communication networks, women and youth empowerment programmes, tourism and economic empowerment initiatives,’ she said. She added that, like her late sister, she hopes to remain close to ordinary residents by collecting their views and presenting them on the floor of Parliament.

‘I am going to be a voice and a source of hope for the people of Kalangala,’ Ms Nampala said. Mr Photius Sekabira, a brother to Ms Nampala, said the family fronted her candidature after receiving requests from residents who wanted a family member to continue Nakimuli’s political journey. ‘As the family of Rev Fr Christopher Walusimbi, we received voices from the people of Kalangala requesting us to front a family member who would depict the image and values of the late Hon Hellen Nakimuli,’ Mr Sekabira said. ‘They believe Nampala can fit in the unmatched shoes of the late because of her leadership abilities, social mobilisation skills, problem-solving abilities and interpersonal communication,’ he added.

Mr Sekabira further said many voters see Ms Nampala as the candidate most likely to help NUP retain the seat within the short campaign period.

‘They [voters] believe she is the only candidate who can secure victory for NUP because voters still emotionally connect her to the late Hellen Nakimuli. She has an advantage of sympathy and many people want to honour the legacy of the late MP,’ he said.

Reactions from electorate

On the ground, news of Ms Nampala’s emergence as the NUP flag bearer has been received with mixed reactions among party supporters and residents across Kalangala District. Mr Frank Muzinda, a supporter from Semawundo Landing Site in Bufumira Sub-county, said he had backed aspirant Roy Nakigozi during the internal party processes. ‘I was supporting Roy Nakigozi, but from the beginning she faced resistance that made it difficult for her to secure the NUP ticket. Although she tried to show she belonged to the party structures, many supporters continued to speak against her, which affected her support on the ground,’ he said.

Ms Judith Namukasa, a resident of Betta Village, said she had hoped the party would front Ms Jesca Nassiwa, whom she described as more familiar to grassroots supporters. ‘She [Nampala] has never come to my village and I have never seen her before. NUP has ignored some people we have grown up seeing and working with on the ground and instead gave the ticket to someone many residents do not know,’ Ms Namukasa said. However, some supporters called for unity despite disagreements that emerged during the vetting process.

‘We all had people we wanted to see carry the party flag, but now that the ticket has been given to Nampala, we need to rally behind her and make sure NUP retains the seat,’ Mr Frank Tusabe, a resident of Bwendero Village, said. The Kalangala Woman MP seat fell vacant following the death of Ms Nakimuli last month after an unsuccessful surgery at Alexandria Medical Centre in Kampala, cutting short what many residents believed would have been a more vocal second term in Parliament for the NUP legislator. Mr Bambalazaabwe Semakula, a political analyst, said it is common for political parties to front relatives of deceased politicians in by-elections because voters emotionally associate them with the unfinished work of the departed leader.

‘When a leader dies in circumstances that leave people with pain and unanswered questions, voters tend to rally behind family members, this has been the trend,’ he said. ‘When a family member is given the party ticket, people believe it is one way of healing and ensuring that the promises of the late leader are fulfilled.’ he added. Another political analyst Godfrey Sekisonge said political succession following the death of a popular leader is not new in Kalangala.

“That trend started in Ssese when the late Samuel Ssemaala Kiwanuka died tragically and was succeeded by his brother, Stephen Ssaaka Ssemaala, in 1994. Times have changed though,” Mr Sekisonge said.

According to Mr Sekisonge, the NUP card holder faces a difficult task because Nabayiga has long political experience and name recognition. He said the opposition now faces a tougher political environment in Kalangala compared to previous election cycles. “For any NUP candidate to run against a former MP who has spent more than 10 years building political influence and visibility across the district is never going to be easy,” he said. In the last General Election, the ruling NRM regained significant political ground in the district after winning both the Bujumba County and Kyamuswa County parliamentary seats from opposition and independent candidates.

NRM also captured the LC5 chairperson seat from NUP and increased its representation on the district council from 13 councillors in 2021 to 18 out of the 24 council seats- a trend analysts say reflects the shrinking political space for the opposition in the island district. In the NRM camp, supporters believe the selection of Nampala presents an opportunity for the ruling party to reclaim the seat. “The NUP flag bearer does not know many of Kalangala’s villages by name and has not been as visible on the ground as our contender, who has been to every corner of this district. This is a sure win for us,” said David Byamugisha, a resident of Jaana Landing Site.

Aidah Nabayiga previously contested for the Woman MP seat but lost in both the 2021 general election and the January 15 election to late Nakimuli. Observers say both major parties are likely to rely heavily on emotion in the upcoming by-election. NUP is expected to benefit from sympathy following the death of Nakimuli, while NRM hopes to capitalise on renewed mobilisation around its candidate.

The race has also been influenced by Hellen Flavia Nagawa, whose interest in the NRM primaries initially generated excitement among young voters before she announced that she would not seek the party ticket following discussions with top party leaders. Despite that decision, Ms Nagawa has maintained that she remains politically active and has not withdrawn from the broader political contest. Ms Nampala now joins a growing list of relatives who have replaced deceased family members in Ugandan politics through by-elections, a trend analyst say is driven by public sympathy, name recognition and political continuity.

According to the Electoral Commission, nominations for candidates will take place between June 10 and 11, while campaigns will run from June 12 to 22 ahead of polling scheduled for June 24.

Gulu City authorities are seeking Shs2.2 billion to repair more than 920 solar-powered street lights that have been vandalised or rendered non-functional, leaving large sections of the city in darkness and raising concerns about public safety. The solar-powered lighting systems were installed along major roads under the World Bank-funded Uganda Support to Municipal Infrastructure Development (USMID) programme.

However, rampant theft of solar panels, batteries and other components has crippled the system, with city officials blaming organised criminal gangs operating within and outside the region. According to city authorities, at least 920 of the 2,600 solar-powered street lights installed since the 2016/2017 financial year are no longer functioning due to vandalism, battery depletion and technical faults. An assessment by the City Engineering Department indicates that only 1,680 street lights, representing 64.6 percent of the total installed, remain operational.

City Engineer Eng. Christo Omara Balmoyi said 620 street lights stopped working after their batteries reached the end of their lifespan, while 200 were vandalised and another 100 developed technical faults, including controller failures. ‘The city requires approximately Shs2.208 billion to restore all the non-functional solar street lights,’ Eng Balmoyi said. The repair of each damaged solar lighting unit costs about Shs1.3 million, according to city officials. Authorities say stolen components have been traced to several districts, including Agago, Apac and Lira, as well as parts of the West Nile sub-region during security operations targeting criminal networks.

The city has already commenced repairs on 91 damaged street lights at a cost of Shs120 million. However, officials say the current resources are insufficient to address the wider problem. Officials say lithium-ion batteries and solar panels have become attractive targets for thieves due to growing demand for solar energy equipment, particularly in areas not connected to the national electricity grid. A complete solar-powered street lighting unit costs between Shs7 million and Shs10 million on the open market.

Gulu City Town Clerk Innocent Ahimbisibwe said the city had formally requested financial support from the Ministry of Finance to undertake the restoration programme, dubbed ‘Gulu Shine’. ‘Public lighting is not an aesthetic luxury but a fundamental utility. It is security infrastructure, an enabler of extended trading hours and a visible signal of state presence and efficacy,’ he said.

He added that the project aligns with the objectives of the National Development Plan IV, which prioritises sustainable urbanisation and improved public infrastructure. The city plans to repair all the damaged street lights by June 2027 if the required funding is secured. To ensure sustainability, authorities are considering ring-fencing five percent of revenue collected from property rates and outdoor advertising to finance maintenance of the lighting system. The city is also planning to install anti-vandal cages to protect batteries and solar panels from theft, alongside community sensitisation campaigns aimed at discouraging vandalism of public infrastructure.

The push to restore the lighting system comes amid growing concerns over crime in Gulu City. Since the beginning of the year, violent crime has claimed at least three lives and led to the arrest of nearly 200 suspected criminals. On March 1, police arrested 101 suspects during an intelligence-led operation in the city centre.

Uganda is a remarkable country. Only here can the son of a president who has ruled for nearly 40 years begin appearing politically ‘fresh,’ while a civilian Opposition leader risks looking like part of the old landscape.

Only in Uganda can a serving General become an anti-establishment symbol without ever leaving the establishment. And yet, many Ugandans appear increasingly comfortable with this contradiction. Not long ago, Muhoozi Kainerugaba (MK) was viewed by many as the embodiment of dynastic succession, militarisation, and inherited power.

Meanwhile, National Unity Platform party president Robert Kyagulanyi, alias Bobi Wine, symbolised civilian resistance, democratic reform, and generational change.

But politics is not mathematics. It is psychology. The turning point may have come during the dramatic public humiliation surrounding former Speaker Anita Among and the wider corruption allegations engulfing Parliament. Whether selective or sincere, MK’s visible posture during that moment appeared to emotionally separate him from the very establishment he belongs to.

For many frustrated Ugandans, this mattered. Suddenly, the General no longer looked merely like the President’s son.

He began appearing – at least symbolically – as someone willing to confront the untouchable political class. In a country exhausted by corruption scandals, symbolism quickly becomes political currency.

Once corruption becomes emotionally unbearable, populations often stop asking who best represents democratic ideals and begin asking who appears willing to punish the corrupt. That is how political paradoxes collapse.

Ironically, the same system accused of producing corruption can suddenly produce a figure perceived as confronting it from within. Uganda may have discovered political self-cleansing before the Vatican.

This phenomenon is not uniquely Ugandan. History is full of ruling systems reinventing themselves through insiders who appear ‘new’ while preserving continuity underneath.

The Roman Empire mastered this art. During moments of crisis, emperors emerged from within the military establishment promising discipline and moral renewal against corrupt elites. The faces changed. The imperial structure survived. The Soviet Union attempted something similar in its final decades.

Reformers emerged from inside the Communist Party itself, speaking the language of change while still carrying the DNA of the old system. Uganda now appears to be entering its own fascinating phase of political contradiction. For nearly 60 years since independence, Ugandan politics has revolved around struggle: kingdoms versus republicans, civilians versus soldiers, democracy versus security, Opposition versus State.

But today, those traditional binaries are becoming blurred. A military figure can appear more ‘revolutionary’ than a civilian opposition leader.

A dynastic heir can look more reassuring than a democratic reformer. Parliament, once imagined as the guardian of civilian rule, increasingly appears in public conversation as a theatre of scandal, privilege, and excess. Perhaps that is the real story behind the so-called ‘MK effect.’

It may not necessarily be love for military politics. It may instead reflect public exhaustion with institutional politics itself. After decades of promises, commissions, scandals, and anti-corruption speeches, many citizens may no longer be searching for democracy in the classical sense. They may simply be searching for relief, order, humiliation of the untouchable elite, or even political entertainment.

Uganda, as always, merely performs openly what many societies quietly feel. Perhaps the old political paradoxes are not disappearing after all.

Perhaps Uganda is simply entering a political era where institutions matter less than emotional theatre and where the line between revolutionary and ruler becomes impossible to distinguish.

If that is true, Uganda may not be abandoning democracy. It may simply be reinventing it into something far more unpredictable than its founders ever imagined.

Fibroids are noncancerous growths that develop in the walls of the womb of a childbearing woman and are more common in the older age group of 30 to 40 years.

Though the cause of fibroids is unknown, a family history, ethnicity (black people), female hormones (estrogen and progesterone), obesity, or eating lots of red meat while taking fewer fruits or vegetables may increase the risk of fibroids.

Much as pregnancy and childbirth may protect a woman from getting fibroids, it is not true that taking long to get pregnant may cause fibroids. Instead, the presence of fibroids may delay a woman from getting pregnant.

Though many Ugandans believe that fibroids cause infertility, many women with fibroids can get pregnant and deliver a normal baby. That said, whether fibroids cause infertility or not may depend more on their location than their size, with small fibroids (two to three centimetres) in the inner lining of the womb (submucosal) being associated with not getting pregnant, while large ones (more than five to six centimetres) may not, especially if they are on the womb’s outer surface.

Though pregnancy and childbirth, apart from long-term use of oral or injectable contraceptives, may reduce the likelihood of fibroids, you need to visit your doctor, who may decide to use the most effective and safest method to deal with the fibroids so that they do not cause complications such as infertility.

The surgery will remove the fibroids while leaving the uterus intact for better pregnancy outcomes. The surgery will also deal with complications of fibroids, including heavy bleeding, a distorted womb cavity, and blocked fallopian tubes, among others, which may lead to infertility.

It is true that in many cases, surgery to remove fibroids, after checking whether the tubes are open or whether your husband has any fertility issues, could be ideal for you.

Since there are no drugs that can permanently eliminate fibroids, you may be given drugs for symptoms such as heavy bleeding and those that only temporarily shrink fibroids before surgery is done.

Though fibroids do not grow back after surgery, one may develop new fibroids, requiring that you get pregnant quickly after surgery (after three to six months to give the uterus time to heal).

The Diocese of South Ankole has recognised 10,287 individuals as “church pillars” for supporting church development projects, in a move that comes after the Church of Uganda halted the installation of new lay canons and church elders over ethical concerns.

The awardees received certificates, badges and gifts during a ceremony at St Matthew’s Cathedral Kyamate on Sunday, marking a year-long fundraising campaign that supported diocesan development initiatives, including the construction of a new headquarters building.

The recognition programme follows a decision by the trustees of the Province of the Church of Uganda to stop dioceses from installing new canons and church elders after concerns emerged over the practice of awarding honorary church titles to lay people.

“The trustees of the province decided that we shall not have new canons and church elders given robes and certificates, but our development partners can never go unrecognised,” South Ankole Bishop Rt Rev Nathan Ahimbisibwe said.

He added: “People who support us every day are our great pillars and as a diocese we hold them dearly. It is through their efforts that the church has achieved a lot.”

Bishop Ahimbisibwe said those recognised had each contributed at least Shs500,000 through their parishes and archdeaconries during the Christian year.

The top fundraiser was Ms Scovia Sajja of Nyaburiza Parish, who mobilised more than Shs130 million for church projects, while Mr Jomo Kindyomunda of Kibatsi Archdeaconry raised over Shs120 million.

Diocesan Secretary Rev Canon Alfred Turyamureba said the awards were divided into categories for men, women, youth and children, with churches and clergy who excelled in fundraising also receiving recognition.

“We open the competition during Christmas and Easter seasons. People mobilise support from friends and organise thanksgiving functions, which helps keep church activities vibrant while generating resources for development projects,” Rev Canon Turyamureba said.

The diocese is currently constructing a Shs700 million multi-storey office block at the cathedral complex that will house offices, boardrooms, a gymnasium and other facilities.

Founded in 2012, the Diocese of South Ankole has undertaken several development initiatives, including coffee-growing campaigns, irrigation projects, fish farming and the establishment of schools and health facilities.

Bishop Ahimbisibwe urged Christians to balance financial support for church projects with spiritual growth.

“We should understand the scriptures and seek the Lord as our personal saviour. Some people support church development but do not fully appreciate the essence of Christianity, which is to preach the word of God,” he said.

The Anglican Church of Uganda has received conditional approval from the Ministry of Health to hold a scaled-down Uganda Martyrs’ Day commemoration at Namugongo Anglican site on June 3, despite restrictions on mass gatherings imposed during the ongoing Ebola outbreak.

The clearance allows a maximum of 200 invited participants, including clergy, organizers, security personnel and medical teams, to attend the service under strict public health measures aimed at preventing the spread of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).

Uganda cancelled the traditional service pilgrimages and large public gatherings associated with the annual commemoration after health authorities imposed restrictions in Kampala Metropolitan Area and other high-risk districts.

According to a letter dated May 29, 2026, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health Dr Diana Atwine approved the Church’s request after considering the significance of the event but required strict compliance with Ministry of Health standard operating procedures.

“As you are aware, Uganda is currently responding to an outbreak of Bundibugyo Ebola Virus Disease (BUDV), first reported in DRC around 22 March 2026, with confirmed cases subsequently recorded in Uganda,” Dr Atwine wrote.

She added: “The National Task Force has issued guidance advising that all mass gatherings in high-risk districts be postponed unless explicitly cleared by the Ministry of Health following a risk assessment.”

The Church sought permission after Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu held discussions with the ministry on May 27.

Under the approved guidelines, attendance will be strictly by invitation and accreditation, with no walk-in worshippers allowed.

Participants will undergo temperature screening and hand hygiene checks before entry. Anyone registering a temperature above 38 degrees Celsius or exhibiting Ebola-like symptoms will be denied access and referred for medical assessment.

The ministry also directed that all attendees remain seated throughout the service, maintain physical distancing and disperse immediately after prayers. Handshakes, physical contact and the laying on of hands during prayers have been prohibited.

The approved guest list includes 11 bishops and their spouses, 16 VVIPs, 40 Uganda Christian University staff and organisers, 40 choir members, 20 medical personnel and 20 police officers.

Provincial Secretary Rev. Canon Capt. William Ongeng confirmed the arrangements.

“It is true we have been allowed to convene but we have been given a very limited number of only 200 people to attend and people will have to follow the standard operating procedures given by the Ministry of Health,” he said.

The service will be led by Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu as chief celebrant and preacher, while Bishop Jackson Baalwa will lead the liturgy, assisted by Uganda Christian University [UCU] Chaplain Rev Canon Paul Wasswa Ssembiro.

This year’s commemoration will be held under the theme: “Christ Our Peace: Breaking the Walls, Healing the Nation.”

Church officials said the event will be broadcast live to enable Christians across Uganda and abroad to participate remotely while observing public health guidance.

The service will also be used to promote Ebola prevention measures, including hand hygiene, early reporting of symptoms and avoiding physical contact and public gatherings when unwell.

Rising fuel prices have pushed annual inflation higher, increasing business costs, squeezing household budgets, and slowing economic activity.

Details released by Uganda Bureau of Statistics (Ubos) show annual inflation rose to 3.2 percent in the 12 months to May 2026, up from 3.0 percent in April.

The increase was largely driven by higher fuel prices, which continue to ripple through transport, manufacturing, and other sectors of the economy.

Inflation updates come amid a sharp increase in pump prices, which in February, a litre of petrol retailed at Shs5,080, but has since risen by Shs1,539, equivalent to a cumulative increase of more than 30 percent.

At the weekend, major fuel retailers, including Shell and TotalEnergies, were selling petrol at around Shs6,619 per litre, while diesel retailed at about Shs6,490.

Ubos data shows annual liquid energy fuels inflation surged to 16.6 percent in May, up from 7.7 percent in April.

As a result, annual Energy, Fuel and Utilities (EFU) inflation increased to 9.1 percent from 6.1 percent the previous month.

Petrol prices rose by 16.6 percent on an annual basis, compared to 8.7 percent in April, while diesel inflation rose to 21.5 percent from 10.8 percent, and kerosene inflation jumped to 25.4 percent from 7.5 percent. Cooking gas prices also recorded a modest increase.

Month-on-month, EFU inflation rose to 3 percent in May from 1.8 percent in April, largely due to a 9.3 percent increase in liquid fuel inflation.

Ubos head of macroeconomic statistics, Samuel Echoku, said at the weekend that the increase is largely linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has disrupted global oil supply chains.

‘The increase in oil prices in Uganda is a result of the war in the Middle East, which has disrupted the supply chain of oil,’ he said.

Last week Ministry of Energy assistant commissioner for communication and information management, Patricia Litho, said tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil transit route, have increased international prices for crude oil and refined petroleum products.

As a net fuel importer, Uganda has had to absorb these external shocks through higher import costs.

Additional pressures, including rising freight charges, marine insurance premiums, regional demand, and exchange-rate movements, have further increased costs.

Litho noted that Uganda initially benefited from fuel stocks procured before the escalation of tensions, allowing domestic prices to remain relatively stable.

However, newer shipments purchased after the conflict intensified have arrived at significantly higher costs, which are now filtering through to consumers.

The impact is increasingly visible across the wider economy, with annual services inflation rising to 4.6 percent in May from 4.1 percent in April, driven largely by higher passenger transport charges, which increased by 10.6 percent compared to 2.2 percent previously.

Energy is a critical input across transport, agriculture, manufacturing, and services. Consequently, higher fuel prices raise operating costs, increase the price of moving goods, and reduce household purchasing power.

Some food prices, however, provided a measure of relief. Annual core goods inflation eased to 1.7 percent in May from 2 percent in April, reflecting slower price increases for maize flour, rice, sugar, fish, and other food products.

Annual food crops and related items inflation also slowed to 0.2 percent from 0.6 percent, largely due to falling prices for matooke, sweet potatoes, and beans.

Nevertheless, analysts warn that gains from lower food inflation could be offset if fuel prices continue rising.

But government says it has taken steps to cushion consumers, with the Ministry of Finance noting that centralised fuel procurement through UNOC has helped streamline imports and improve supply management.

Strategic fuel reserves in Jinja have also been deployed to stabilise supply and reduce shortages.

Absa acting head of trading Richard Nsubuga said international oil prices have slightly eased, with Brent crude futures recently falling below $92 per barrel amid optimism over easing tensions between the United States and Iran.

He noted that global oil prices have declined by nearly 15 percent last month on hopes of a diplomatic breakthrough, although uncertainty remains over Iran’s nuclear programme, sanctions relief, and the future security of the Strait of Hormuz.