Category: Daily Monitor

A 36 kWp solar power generation system with a 13 kVA standby generator for cloudy days has been installed at Buvuma Health Centre IV by Makerere University, in a move expected to accelerate efficient health service delivery at the facility.

Officials say the project is a game changer for one of Uganda’s most hard-to-reach health centres, which has long grappled with unreliable electricity, unsafe water, and poor cold storage for medicines and vaccines.

Through the Sustainable Off-grid Solutions for Pharmacies and Hospitals in Africa (SophiA) Project, Makerere University officially handed over the modern solar-powered water and energy facility to Buvuma Health Centre IV on October 6.

The health centre serves thousands of island residents but has for years operated under difficult conditions – limited electricity, no reliable cold room for medicines, and no modern neonatal unit to care for premature babies.

To address these challenges, Makerere University partnered with 13 organisations from Europe and Africa under the SophiA Project, funded by the European Union (Project: 101036836 -SophiA-H2020-LC-GD-2-3-2020).

The project, which began in October 2021 and concluded in September 2025, was piloted in four African countries, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Malawi, and Uganda, to provide sustainable off-grid energy solutions for rural and remote health facilities.

According to officials, the new SophiA system at Buvuma Health Centre IV will supply 36 kWp of solar power, backed by a 13 kVA generator for cloudy days. It also provides safe drinking water for patients and staff, hot water and steam for bathing, sterilization, and cooking, cooling systems for medicine storage (+5°C), blood plasma (-30°C), and sensitive vaccines such as Covid-19 and Ebola, as well as ice production and Scheffler solar shields for outdoor cooking.

Assoc. Prof. Nicholas Kiggundu, the project’s Principal Investigator from Makerere University’s Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, said the SophiA system’s uniqueness lies in its containerized design, which integrates multiple energy and water systems into a single modular unit.

‘This container houses power generation, water purification through ultrafiltration, cooling and refrigeration using natural refrigerants, de-ionized water production, and steam generation for sterilization, all managed through a computerized SCADA system,’ he said.

The Supervised Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system monitors and controls all operations, ensuring efficiency, safety, and data-driven decision-making.

‘To enhance safety when handling flammable natural refrigerants like propane (R290), the compressor and condenser are installed in a separate ventilated compartment outside the main container,’ he added.

Dr Dyanabo Remigio, the Senior Medical Officer and in charge of Buvuma Health Centre IV, said the project has already transformed the hospital’s operations.

‘We can now store blood and vaccines safely, sterilize equipment, and provide clean drinking water, all powered by solar energy. Before SophiA, we struggled to operate critical units like the laboratory and neonatal ward due to lack of electricity,’ he said.

Mr Waswa Adrian Ddungu, the District Chairperson, thanked Makerere University and the European Union for prioritizing Buvuma.

‘This facility now gives us hope. We pledge to maintain and protect this investment so it can continue to serve our people for generations,’ he said.

Mr Mboge Issa, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of Buvuma District, announced the formation of a local supervisory committee to ensure the smooth operation and sustainability of the facility.

Makerere University Vice Chancellor Prof Barnabas Nawangwe, in a speech read by Prof Julia Kigozi, the Dean of the School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bio-Engineering, said the SophiA Project reflects Makerere’s vision as a research-led institution contributing to Africa’s sustainable development.

‘We are here today to celebrate a landmark innovation that strengthens health systems in remote areas,’ said Prof. Kigozi.

‘The SophiA project is timely, given that many African health facilities still operate without reliable electricity or clean water. This project brings real, life-changing solutions.’

She noted that only 28 percent of health facilities in Sub-Saharan Africa have reliable electricity, while Uganda’s rural health centres continue to experience frequent blackouts and low voltage, challenges the SophiA system directly addresses.

Prof Kigozi also revealed that Makerere University has implemented a similar project at Mua Mission Hospital in Dedza, Malawi, and that both installations will serve as learning laboratories for Makerere students and researchers across disciplines.

Jinja North Member of Parliament, Mr David Isabirye Agha, has officially conceded defeat in the National Unity Platform (NUP) party primaries and pledged full support for the winner, Mr Hussein Muyonjo, popularly known as Swengere.

Mr Agha, who has served one term in Parliament, becomes the first incumbent legislator in the Busoga sub-region to publicly accept the outcome of the NUP primaries and throw his weight behind the party’s official flag bearer.

His decision comes shortly after Jinja City Woman MP, Ms Manjeri Kyebakutika, announced that she would contest as an independent candidate in the forthcoming general elections, having lost the NUP ticket to Ms Sarah Lwansasula.

Other incumbents opting to run as independents include State Minister for Cooperatives, Mr Fredrick Ngobi Gume, Iganga District Woman MP, Ms Sauda Alibawo, and Bunya South MP, Mr Iddi Isabirye.

Speaking to the press, Mr Agha explained that his decision to step down was based on an understanding reached among NUP primary contestants.

‘During the party vetting process, we agreed that whoever loses would support the winner. That’s exactly what I am doing,’ Mr Agha said.

He also dismissed circulating social media claims that he had defected to the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), where he was allegedly vying for a parliamentary seat.

‘There are fake photos on social media suggesting I’m running under a different party symbol. That’s not true. I am supporting Swengere, as I said earlier,’ he clarified.

Meanwhile, Mr Daniel Musinguzi, the NRM Vice Chairperson for Jinja City, urged party supporters not to underestimate the ongoing developments in opposition politics, warning that continued divisions within the NRM ranks could lead to a loss of the seat.

‘Among our members, three who lost in the primaries are standing as independents. If this disunity continues, we risk losing the constituency,’ Mr Musinguzi cautioned.

He appealed to NRM supporters to prioritize the party’s official candidate, Mr Edwin Lufafa, rather than splitting votes among independents.

The three independent NRM aspirants include Mr David Livingstone Zijani, the incumbent Butembe MP who has chosen to contest in Jinja North, Mr Ronnie Kakooza, and Mr Ronald Isiko.

Mr Samuel Gubi, a senior resident of Jinja North, however, downplayed the potential impact of Mr Agha’s decision to back Mr Muyonjo (Swengere) in the upcoming parliamentary race.

According to Mr Gubi, both politicians initially gained popularity not through long-term grassroots mobilization or community development efforts, but rather through their prominence as media personalities on local radio stations.

He argued that such excitement has since waned, with voters becoming more critical and discerning in their choices.

Mr Gubi added that Mr Agha’s term as MP was characterized by a growing disconnect with the electorate, leading to disappointment among constituents.

He cautioned that Mr Swengere could face a similar challenge if he fails to present a clear plan for community engagement and development, noting that media fame alone is no longer enough to secure victory in Jinja North.

A wave of silence swept through the Christian community in Jinja City following the election of Rev Dr Grace Lubaale as the new Bishop of Busoga Diocese.

The announcement, made earlier on Tuesday, confirmed that Dr Lubaale, born October 9, 1978, in Bugombya Zone, Butansi Parish, Bugabula County, Kamuli District, will succeed Rt Rev Paul Samson Naimanye, who retires in December.

A visit to Christ Church Cathedral in Bugembe on Tuesday revealed an unusually quiet atmosphere, far from the vibrant celebrations normally expected after a bishopric announcement.

The cathedral compound was largely deserted, the church remained locked, and only a few Christians arrived before quietly leaving.

At the diocesan administration block, only the reception door was open. Attempts to reach senior church officials by phone went unanswered, with many lines busy or switched off.

Dr Lubaale is not widely known among many Christians in Busoga Diocese.

Several congregants, speaking on condition of anonymity, expressed dissatisfaction, noting that the new bishop had not been active in local ministry and that other Rev. Canons might have been more familiar to the community.

However, some welcomed the decision, emphasizing the spiritual nature of church leadership. ‘Leadership comes from God,’ said Richard Gulume, Resident City Commissioner and a regular worshipper at Christ Church Cathedral, Bugembe.

‘It is not the role of Christians to elect bishops. That responsibility lies solely with the House of Bishops. Our duty is to receive and welcome the person God has chosen to lead us,’ he added.

Busoga Diocese, established in 1972, has had three bishops: the late Bishop Cyprian Bamwoze, Rev Dr Michael Kyomya, and Rt Rev Paul Naimanye.

Rev Dr Lubaale becomes the fourth bishop of the diocese and is expected to officially assume office in December.

With just two weeks to the parliamentary nominations, Democratic Front (DF) president Mathias Mpuuga has declared his intention to contest for a fourth term as Nyendo-Mukungwe Member of Parliament in the 2026 general elections, while setting his sights on a future presidential bid.

Addressing DF supporters in Masaka on Monday, October 6, Mr Mpuuga, who also serves as the opposition commissioner in Parliament and a former National Unity Platform (NUP) MP, said he will contest under his new party, the DF, to allow himself more time to prepare for a presidential run.

He explained that the DF had directed him to seek another five-year term in Parliament, adding to his 15 years of legislative experience since first joining Parliament in 2011.

‘The party directed me to seek five more years as Nyendo-Mukungwe MP as we prepare for what’s next. Contesting for Uganda’s presidency is not a ritual; I will contest when ready,’ Mr Mpuuga said.

‘Politics is on purpose. When the time comes and I am ready for president, even the dust will stir up because I will be more than ready,’ he added.

Mr Mpuuga accused the NUP leadership of failing to handle internal party matters effectively, saying the intolerance and branding of dissenting members as disloyal forced him and several allies to defect.

He joined NUP during the 2021 elections from the Democratic Party Bloc (DP Bloc), along with other senior politicians who went on to win parliamentary seats on the NUP ticket. However, many of them have since defected to DF.

Mpuuga’s declaration comes after DF opted not to front a presidential candidate for the 2026 elections, sparking public speculation about his political ambitions.

His close associates in Masaka, including Mr Abed Bwanika, who will contest for Kimanya-Kabonera Division MP, and Ms Juliet Nakakande, who is vying for Masaka City Woman MP, have also announced their bids under the DF ticket.

From NUP to DF

Mr Mpuuga, a former key figure in the National Unity Platform (NUP), broke away from the party last year following controversy over a Shs1.7 billion ‘service award’ that he received as former Leader of the Opposition in Parliament.

The award, shared among four parliamentary commissioners, Mr Mpuuga, Ms Prossy Mbabazi Akampurira (Rubanda Woman MP), Ms Esther Afoyochan (Zombo Woman MP), and Mr Solomon Silwanyi (Bukooli Central MP), sparked public outrage after each reportedly pocketed between Shs400 million and Shs500 million.

The NUP leadership summoned Mr Mpuuga to explain his involvement, demanding that he apologize and return the money, citing a breach of the party’s anti-corruption values.

However, he refused, accusing the party of unfair treatment and internal witch-hunts.

Amidst the fallout, Leader of the Opposition Mr Joel Ssenyonyi initiated a move to collect signatures to impeach Mr Mpuuga as opposition commissioner. NUP later attempted to replace him with Mr Francis Zaake, but Parliament rejected the replacement, leaving Mpuuga in the position.

He will now face off with Mr Gyavira Ssebina Lubowa of NUP, Ms Rachael Nakitende of NRM, and other aspirants when nominations for MPs take place on October 23 and 24.

Karamoja Sub-region, located in the north-eastern part of Uganda and currently comprising nine districts, has long been a stronghold of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) government.

Despite this unwavering support, many residents feel that key issues affecting the region remain unaddressed. According to the 2024 census, the sub-region has a population of approximately 1,496,117 people, with a total land area of about 27,900 square kilometres. However, literacy remains a significant concern.

As per the 2019/2020 data, literacy levels stood at just 30.4 percent, far below the national average of 76.1 percent. Male literacy was estimated at 40.3 percent, while female literacy lagged at 22.6 percent. This means only about three in 10 residents can read and write.

Karamoja is solely dependent on agro-pastoralism and has endured the effects of cattle raids, insecurity as a result of the porous borders where illegal ammunition is secretly traded, unpredictable weather patterns, which have often exposed the sub-region to shocks of famine, resultant effects of malnutrition, and child trafficking perpetuated by the high levels of illiteracy.

Mr Paul Ongorok, a resident of Abim District, said there are several factors that, under the ideal political party dispensation, would influence the 2026 elections in Karamoja but being a sub-region that almost 100 percent supports the ruling party, the issues raised by some of the locals will be ignored.

‘The issue of Abim District hospital remains a big challenge, the hospital has no standby generator, the theatre is completely dilapidated and so are the wards, often the entire hospital gets bushy with little attention paid,’ he explained.

Mr Ongorok added that the roads in the northern part of Karamoja are a testament that the area politically is stale because there are no serious Opposition leaders on ground to hold the ruling NRM accountable. He said in situations of referrals, it is a nightmare for both the ambulance driver and the sick patients themselves.

‘We are now 15 years from the time the government promised to elevate the greater northern Karamoja road from Teso to Karenga to tarmac, but nothing has come forth,’ Mr Ongorok said.

Mr William Longole, from Nabilatuk District, said the electioneering period allows people to hold those in power accountable, but unfortunately, in some places in the country, it comes with intimidation. He added that Karamoja has significant untapped agricultural potential, but the greenbelts around Karamoja are ending in the hands of a few individuals leaving the majority with rocky lands where farming can’t thrive.

Mr Longole said it is his prayer that the educated elites will use this opportunity to ask the government to ensure that there is equitable distribution of the greenbelts for purposes of food production. ‘This is not happening, we are seeing instead a few people own the green spaces, get bumper harvests, which are not used to serve people,’ Mr Longole argued.

He said it is equally his hope that the issue of human rights protection is brought to the fore by all stakeholders in this election. ‘We had the court make a pronouncement on the issue of civilians being tried in military courts. We thought by now the thousands of youth being held in the various prisons across the country would have been released, but this has not happened,’ he said.

Mr Peter Adei, the titular head of the Karamoja Cultural Association of Elders, said the absence of serious Opposition leaders and parties in Karamoja Sub-region is already an assured gift for the ruling NRM party that it will once again have a lion’s share of the vote in the sub-region. He said this also plays a big role in service delivery, because there is no opposing arm to hold those in power accountable.

According to Mr Adei, what Karamoja needs in the next term of 2026 to 3031 is to ensure that every parish has a primary school, every sub-county gets a secondary school, and each village gets clean sources of water for both human use and for the agro-pastoralists.

Mr Adei said since NRM remains the majority party in Karamoja, other parties find it difficult to access the people. ‘Those who come to contests under the Opposition tickets are never taken seriously, they are ignored and have rarely succeeded in the business of election in Karamoja,’ the elder said.

Mr Ernest Ayen, a youth chairperson for Karamoja, who is also a National Unity Platform party mobiliser, said the element of money will determine the vote in Karamoja. He added that politics have been commercialised, and the ruling party will ride on that at all levels, from the presidency to the local council 1 chairperson. ‘Secondly, they will use intimidation in areas where they will find resistance using the security apparatus, those two factors will stand out in Karamoja,’ he said.

Mr Felix Mark Lochale, LC5 chairperson for Karenga District, stated that due to irregularities in the NRM primaries, several independents are likely to win in 2026. However, at the presidential level, he believes the incumbent will retain dominance, largely due to improved security, successful disarmament campaigns, and a reduction in cattle raids. He acknowledged the government’s failure to deliver on critical road infrastructure promises, including the Moroto-Kotido, Soroti-Kotido-Karenga, and Karenga-Kitgum roads.

Mr Jimmy Ochero raised concerns over mineral exploitation in Karamoja, particularly the lack of clarity regarding the share of mining revenue allocated to local districts. He also condemned the government’s silence on surface rights, which he said continue to be violated. ‘Surface rights for agro-pastoralists are being disregarded, and our leaders remain silent,’ Ochero said.

The Omukama (King) of Tooro, Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, has called on his subjects to embrace agriculture as a key strategy to eradicate poverty and boost household incomes across the kingdom.

Speaking at Humura Playground in Kyaka County, Kyegegwa District, on Monday, October 6, Omukama Oyo emphasized that agriculture remains a cornerstone of Tooro Kingdom’s 25-year Development Plan, which focuses on improving agricultural productivity as a pathway to prosperity.

‘When we embrace farming, it will help us fight and chase away poverty and increase household income. The kingdom, in partnership with the central government, started a project to empower people to cultivate coffee and cocoa here in Tooro,’ the Omukama said.

The King made the remarks during his first visit to Kyaka County, which marked the beginning of his 2025 tour of Tooro Kingdom’s nine counties, expected to conclude on October 17.

During the visit, Omukama Oyo handed over certificates of confirmation to sub-county chiefs (Abemiruka) from Kyaka County, who are also part of the Kingdom’s supreme council, Orukurato Orukuru.

He also visited farms, including that of Fr. Vincent Karatunga, where he inspected 150 acres of land with various enterprises such as coffee and cattle.

The Omukama revealed that the agricultural initiative, implemented in partnership with the central government, specifically targets young people, who make up the majority of Tooro’s population and are seen as key agents of economic transformation.

He directed the Kingdom’s Prime Minister to fast-track the distribution of coffee and cocoa seedlings to farmers before the end of the current planting season.

On October 1, Tooro Kingdom, in collaboration with the government, launched the Tooro Kingdom Youth Economic Empowerment Program, aimed at equipping young people with skills in agriculture and entrepreneurship.

The initiative will benefit youth groups in all nine counties of Tooro and includes the distribution of three million coffee seedlings, two million cocoa seedlings, and three million chickens. It will also support 50,000 young people to engage in productive agriculture.

On land matters, Omukama Oyo cautioned against evictions, stressing that all land belonging to the kingdom is meant for the benefit of its people.

He advised residents occupying kingdom land to work closely with the Tooro Kingdom Land Board to obtain proper documentation for their occupancy.

Turning to politics, the Omukama urged aspiring leaders to conduct peaceful campaigns and avoid dividing people along tribal lines ahead of the upcoming elections.

‘While looking for votes, stop the behavior of disuniting people based on tribal lines. During this political season, people need to remain one and love their kingdom,’ he said.

The Omukama also commended the people of Kyaka County for maintaining peace and harmony with refugee communities living in the district, praising them for their hospitality and tolerance.

‘The people of Kyaka have demonstrated a true spirit of unity and humanity,’ he said.

His message of peace, unity, and development was warmly received by residents, who pledged to continue working with the kingdom to advance harmony and prosperity.

‘We feel happy when the king talks about issues of unity, especially during this time of politics. People need to remain united. The king is standing with his subjects, especially those who have been living in fear of eviction from kingdom land. Our hearts can now rest and focus on development,’ said Ms Agnes Asiimwe, a resident of Kyaka County.

The government is set to issue ‘new and stricter’ guidelines on lead cars and bodyguards, a senior official at the Ministry of Works and Transport (MoWT) has announced. Mr Winstone Katushabe, the commissioner of transport regulation and safety, said the guidelines are meant to address the prevailing challenges of lead cars on roads.

‘Everybody, even those driving private vehicles, is putting sirens on; but, over the next few weeks, communication will come to that effect on the guidelines for how sirens are going to be dealt with and who actually qualifies for a lead car and escort vehicle,’ he said.

‘The government has deemed it important that this should come to an end. A paper has been presented by the minister for the Presidency (Ms Milly Babalanda), and it is supported by the MoWT,’ he added.

Mr Katushabe, who was officiating at a familiarisation tour and sensitisation meeting on the introduction of mandatory motor vehicle inspection in Namanve, Mukono District last Friday, said guidance has been given by Cabinet and the President.

‘I don’t want to pre-empt, but I know that guidelines are going to be issued, and once they are ready, the public will be informed,’ he added.

During a parliamentary sitting in February 2019, then Speaker of Parliament, Ms Rebecca Kadaga, tasked then Internal Affairs minister, Gen Jeje Odongo, to explain why many cars had a ‘right of way’, and who was entitled to lead cars. However, Gen Odongo asked for more time to scrutinise the law before providing a ministerial statement.

During the Friday event, the MoWT announced the start of the new, reduced motor vehicle inspection fees that were revised last year. The announcement comes ahead of mandatory vehicle inspections scheduled to begin before the end of this year, starting with government vehicles. Mr Kharim Kibuuka, the head of motor vehicle inspection at the MoWT, said fees will be significantly lower than those previously charged by Société Générale de Surveillance (SGS).

‘The reason why we drastically reduced the vehicle inspection fees, which were exorbitant, is to ensure that the public is compliant with inspection without raising any complaint or concern that the government intends to fleece the general public,’ he said.

‘The inspection will cover automated checks, visual assessments and advisory notes, while an automated inspection will focus on the front and rear wheels, as well as the suspension system, to ensure vehicle stability,’ he added.

In January, the government officially took over motor vehicle inspection services from SGS, ending years of controversy surrounding the company’s 10-year operations, with an aim of making the process more affordable, and accessible.

Three women seeking to remove the Speaker of Parliament, Ms Anita Among, from the Bukedea District Woman Member of Parliament seat have accused the Electoral Commission (EC) of bias after it upheld an earlier decision to delete their names from the voters’ register.

In an affidavit filed before the High Court in Kampala yesterday, the EC, through Acting Secretary Richard Kamugisha Baabo, stated that it had reviewed the complaints and confirmed that parish tribunals acted within the law when recommending the deletion of the names of Norma Susan Otai (Forum for Democratic Change), Marion Alupo Mercy (National Unity Platform), and Hellen Akol Odeke (Independent).

‘.the Commission, upon review of the tribunal decisions established that no evidence was lodged with the tribunals to challenge its decisions recommending deletion of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Respondents during the 10 days of natural justice,’ Mr Kamugisha’s response read in part.

It adds: ‘.the 4th Respondent (EC) did not receive contrary evidence challenging the decisions of the parish tribunals recommending the deletion of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Respondents. The Commission, during review proceedings, upheld the decision of the Parish tribunals of Kopeta Parish, Kolir Sub-County, Kotolut Parish, Kidongole Sub-County, recommending deletion of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Respondents based on the evidence adduced by the parties.’

The case was filed by Ms Zipporah Akol, a resident of Bukedea, seeking to block the nomination of the three women who intend to challenge Speaker Among, the incumbent Bukedea District Woman MP. Presiding Judge Simon Peter Kinobe has set October 27 for the final ruling. Reacting to the EC’s response, Ms Otai accused the Commission of incompetence and partiality, claiming it was being used to play political games for specific individuals.

‘It is the Speaker behind this, because Zipporah Akol is the personal assistant to her, but also a cousin to the person of the Speaker,’ Ms Otai told this publication.

She added: ‘To fool or expose themselves, they deleted the names, then called us at the EC office in Kampala, then constituted the committee whose mandate had expired to probe us.’ We did not independently corroborate claims of relationship between the Speaker and the petitioner. Ms Alupo also criticised the EC, saying it had been compromised. ‘The EC is not for us; it is for the wrong few individuals. They have exposed themselves as an entity that has been compromised.’ She questioned how she could be denied her right to vote and contest, noting that her national ID was issued in 2017 and she participated in the 2021 elections in the same village and parish in Bukedea District.

‘I wonder why it is she who is interested in knowing those who are not voters in Bukedea. This is not the first time; she did the same also in 2021, and in the most recent, against Hellen Odeke Akol in the NRM primaries,’ Ms Alupo said. Ms Odeke, who was blocked from participating in the NRM primaries, said those undermining political careers in Bukedea would be judged harshly by history.

‘I am not going to follow up on anything, because the actions of the other powerful persons are undisputable in the courts, because I will be wasting my time and money,’ she told this publication.

The Electoral Commission spokesperson, Mr Julius Mucunguzi, promised to get back to us with a comment on the fresh allegations but had not done so by press time. Retired Col Joseph Onange, a former NRM aspirant for the LC5 chairperson flag who recently lost to Mr Simon Ongura, described the situation in Bukedea politics as unfortunate.

He said the Speaker, who should be a custodian of democracy, was instead blocking competition by fabricating cases. Mr Onange said Akol had faced two cases, one in the previous elections and the current one, and criticised the EC for rushing decisions without allowing the court to rule, suggesting bias.

Efforts to reach Speaker Among’s media handler, Mr Joseph Sabiiti, via phone and SMS were unsuccessful. Mr Chris Obore, the Director of Communication and Public Affairs at Parliament, was also unavailable for comment at press time. The machinations to fend off those who dare to take on the Speaker in elections in the district are not new. In June, Ms Odeke was denied a chance to contest in the NRM primaries for the Bukedea Woman MP seat flagbearer after the ruling party said she was not a resident of the village she claimed to have registered from.

The NRM Secretary General, Mr Richard Todwong, told this publication then that for one to register as a member of NRM, he/she must be a resident of a particular village. He promised to share the legal provisions to that effect when he was in office but has not done so until today. However, Section 23 of the NRM Election Regulations 2025, stipulates that a person shall qualify for nomination if; (a) He or she is a registered member of NRM and is duly registered upon the NRM register, (b)He or she is a registered voter with the National Electoral Commission, and (C) He or she has all the national requirements (qualifications) in accordance with the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda and the National Electoral Laws.

The party laws are silent on the requirement of residency. In 2021, Ms Odeke faced a similar court challenge, which led the EC to block her nomination along with other aspirants intending to contest against Speaker Among.

Electoral Commission’s response to the court in full

”I, Kamugisha Baabo Richard of the Electoral Commission, Plot 1-3 and 5, 7th Street Industrial Area, Kampala, Uganda, P.O. Box 22678, Kampala, do hereby swear to this affidavit and state as hereunder;

l) That I am a male adult Ugandan of sound mind, an Acting Secretary of the Commission, well versed with the facts pertaining to the above matter, and I depone this affidavit in that capacity on behalf of the 4th Respondent (EC).

2) That I have carefully read and understood the contents of the applicant’s application and equally had the benefit of reading the annexures thereto together with other relevant documents available to the Respondent, all touching the same matter, and l respond to the Application as hereunder.

3) That the 4th Respondent (EC) rolled out its election roadmap to the country, detailing all segments of the 2025 /26 general elections processes through electronic and print media to all stakeholders and political actors in the country.

4) That the 4th Respondent, (EC) through a Notice in the gazette published a period between 20th January to 17th February as the update period where all interested persons who are registered voters and wished to vote in a parish or ward other than the one in which they were registered to apply to transfer their registration to a parish or ward where they wished to vote.

5) That the 4th Respondent published guidelines to all stakeholders requiring all those registered voters who wished to transfer or change their particulars to fill the prescribed forms to be provided by the update officers.

6) That the 4th Respondent further published a Notice in the gazette appointing a period of 21 days in which a copy of the voters roll for each parish or ward was displayed for public scrutiny by all stakeholders to afford an opportunity to all those who wished to raise objections on the registration status of any voter on the roll.

7) That the 4th Respondent further allowed a period of 10 days during which any objections or complaints in relation to the names recommended to the tribunal to be included or deleted from the voters’ roll or in relation to any necessary corrections, could be raised or filed.

8) That the 4th Respondent, upon receiving returns from the Returning officer of Bukedea Electoral Area, established that the Parish Tribunal recommended the deletion of the 1st (Akol Hellen), 2nd (Norma Susan Otai), and 3rd (Alupo Mercy Marion) Respondents on account of origin and residence.

9) That the 4th Respondent, in exercise of its mandate under the law, invited the 1st ,2nd, and 3rd Respondents to a meeting at its boardroom on 2nd October, 2025, to attend review proceedings arising out of the decisions of the parish tribunals recommending their deletion

10) That the 4th Respondent heard all the parties during the review proceedings, and all the parties were given an opportunity to challenge the recommendations of the parish tribunal. 11) That the 1st Respondent (Akol Hellen) formally withdrew from review proceedings and informed the 4th respondent (EC) that she was not interested in challenging the decision of the parish tribunal.

12) That the Commission under MIN Comp/O12/2O25 noted that the 1st,2nd and 3rd Respondents were given 10 days of Natural Justice under the law to challenge the recommendations to the tribunal, and therefore a right to a fair hearing was available and not utilized.

13) That the Commission, upon review of the tribunal decisions, established that no evidence was lodged with the tribunals to challenge its decisions recommending deletion of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Respondents during the 10 days of Natural Justice.

14) That the 4th Respondent did not receive contrary evidence challenging the decisions of the parish tribunals recommending the deletion of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Respondents.

15) That the Commission, during review proceedings, upheld the decision of the parish tribunals of Kopeta Parish, Kolir Sub-County, Kotolut Parish, Kidongole Sub-County, recommending deletion of the 1st ,2nd, and 3rd Respondents based on the evidence adduced by the parties.

16) That I further certify that the contents herein are true to the best of my knowledge and belief, save for any paragraphs based on information and advice.” Sworn at Kampala by Kamugisha Baabo Richard on October 3, 2025.

Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) presidential candidate Maj Gen (rtd) Gregory Mugisha Muntu has vowed to fight corruption, which he said remains a major problem in the country.

During his campaign rallies in Rwampara and Mitooma districts, Gen Muntu assured the voters that he is ready to fight corruption, starting from the top officials in government to the lowest person in government.

‘The corruption in this country has exhausted almost all the systems, both in the private and political wing; people swindle funds and walk away freely. If the little-known person steals something, he is arrested but those who siphon billions of shillings are untouchable. Corruption will not be in my government, we shall deal with it,’ he said.

Voters in Rwampara and Mitooma districts asked Gen Muntu to improve service delivery if elected into office. They said poor roads and inadequate healthcare services have hindered their economic progress. Mr Innocent Arinaitwe, a resident of Kabuura in Mwizi Sub-county, said: ‘For us we want to see our health facilities stocked with medicine and our roads need to be improved to enable us to transport our agricultural products to the market.’

He added: ‘We are tired of poor governance; the taxes are very high even after 40 years. They have not improved our health facilities up to now. They are still in a bad state. If these are improved and we see value for our taxes, then we will easily develop.’

Mr Devas Kwarukunda, another resident of Kabuura, called for easy access to clean water and better maternal health in their community. ‘We suffer a lot to access water considering the landscape of our community, and still we request for better hospitals here in Mwizi. Mothers still give birth by the roadside,’ Kwarukunda said.

Mr Evaristo Turinawe, a businessman in Katenga Trading Centre, Mitooma, said they are spending a lot of money on transport because of the poor state of Bushenyi-Mbarara road, which is filled with portholes.

‘We spend a lot of money on repairing our motor vehicles, and we cannot save any money. The situation is difficult for us as residents,’ he said.

Mr Jordan Akandwanaho, a resident of Katenga in Mitooma District, said: ‘As a youth, I expect our next president should help us and stop district officials asking us for money when we apply for jobs. We are jobless looking for jobs but someone wants money before giving us jobs. That is a very big problem which I want out next president to solve.’

Mr Evaristo Turinawe, a businessman from Katenga Trading Centre in Mitooma District, said he transports goods to Kampala but is struggling with the high fuel prices and rising cost of living. ‘ I therefore do not expect President Museveni to be my next president after these elections and I believe that when we vote another president, we will have all services improved,’ he said.

He added: ‘Our children are at home because he refused to give teachers better salaries we are suffering, we need a better president.’ In response, Gen Muntu said the main cause of the problems is a lack of disciplined leadership – from the president down to local leaders. He said President Museveni, who has been in power for 40 years, removed the checks and balances that would ensure proper use of public funds and improve service delivery.

‘. when you have a disciplined president, most times people will get people who are like them in thinking and in acting. Naturally, a disciplined person will look for disciplined people to work together to implement the policy positions they take in government,’ he said.

Mr Muntu said he is the solution to the issues faced by Ugandans because of his proven record as the army commander. ‘That is why we are telling the people of Mitooma, as we keep telling them all over the country, that we are the solution to these problems, because we are disciplined, focused, resilient, we can withstand any form of temptation, whether it is temptation from money, pomp and glory or power,’ he said.

President Museveni has appointed High Court Judge Aisha Naluzze Batala as Uganda’s new Inspector General of Government (IGG), replacing Beti Olive Namisango Kamya, whose term expired last month.

Justice Naluzze, who currently serves in the Land Division of the High Court, becomes the country’s new anti-corruption chief pending parliamentary approval.

The appointment of the woman, who was appointed a High Court judge in 2023, restores leadership to the watchdog office, which had been vacant since Betty Kamya’s four-year tenure-and that of her deputies-expired on September 22.

Born in 1977, Justice Batala has been appointed to the top graft-fighting role after President Museveni exercised his constitutional powers, presidential assistant for press and mobilisation Faruk Kirunda confirmed Tuesday evening.

Kirunda also said the president retained Kamya’s two former deputies, Dr Patricia Achan Okiria and Anne Twinomugisha Muhairwe, to continue serving in their positions.

‘The names of the appointees have been forwarded to Parliament for vetting,’ he said in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter).

The Office of the Inspector General of Government (IGG) is a constitutionally established body mandated to promote good governance and fight corruption in public office.

It had been operating without substantive leadership since Kamya’s contract ended, raising concerns about its effectiveness in tackling graft.

Kamya, a former Kampala minister and presidential candidate, was appointed in 2021 and had pledged to ‘name and shame’ corrupt officials.

Her tenure drew both praise for her public advocacy and criticism over limited prosecutions in high-profile corruption cases.

Justice Batala’s appointment comes at a time when Uganda faces persistent public pressure to rein in misuse of public funds and enforce accountability across government agencies.

Since September22, the office of the IG was virtually toothless and was being administratively run by a Permanent Secretary.

Parliament is expected to vet the nominees in the coming days before Justice Batala formally assumes office.