Category: Daily Monitor

Police in Kiboga District are searching for three suspects while a 17-year-old girl remains in custody following an alleged illegal abortion that led to the recovery of a fetus from a pit latrine in Kajjere Village, Kibiga Sub-county.

The suspects on the run have been identified as Jesca Nakibuule, Justine Nalugo and an unidentified medical worker.

Police said the teenager, whose identity has been withheld because she is a minor, was arrested as investigations continue.

According to Wamala Region Police spokesperson SSP Lameck Kigozi, the case came to light after residents reported suspicions to police, prompting officers to visit the scene.

Police recovered the fetus of a female unborn child from a pit latrine belonging to Wasswa Ibrahim, a resident of Kajjere Village.

‘Preliminary investigations indicate that the 17-year-old allegedly confessed to terminating the pregnancy with assistance from her mother, sister and a medical worker,’ Mr Kigozi said in a Friday statement.

He added that investigators believe drugs intended to induce the abortion were administered twice on June 15, during the day and at night.

Police said the abortion allegedly occurred at about 2am on June 16, after which the fetus was dumped in the pit latrine.

Officers later documented the scene and retrieved the fetus for examination.

Investigators are also examining allegations from residents that family tensions may have contributed to the incident.

According to police, some villagers claimed that Nakibuule had previously been in a relationship with a man identified as Bakuza Brian, who later allegedly became involved with her daughter.

‘Some residents claim the mother had on several occasions expressed anger over the situation, allegedly making remarks suggesting she did not want the pregnancy to proceed,’ Mr Kigozi said.

Police said the three suspects fled the area shortly after the incident and efforts to trace them are ongoing.

Authorities condemned abortion-related crimes and infanticide, warning that such acts are illegal and punishable under Ugandan law.

The teenager remains in custody as investigations continue.

Beneficiaries of the government’s livestock restocking programme in Soroti have been warned against diverting funds meant for purchasing livestock, with authorities announcing strict monitoring to ensure compliance.

The warning affects 598 beneficiaries in Soroti City and Soroti District who are receiving government compensation under the cattle restocking initiative targeting households that lost livestock in past conflicts and cattle raids.

The beneficiaries include female-headed households, child-headed families, persons with disabilities, unemployed youth, former abductees and elderly residents. Each household receives Shs5 million through verified mobile money accounts to purchase three heifers and two bulls.

In Soroti City, 256 of the 350 targeted beneficiaries in the East and West divisions have already received the funds.

Mr Badru Ochengel, the focal person for the restocking programme and Assistant Deputy Town Clerk, said Shs1.28 billion had so far been disbursed and the remaining beneficiaries would receive their funds before the end of the month.

“We have all the data and we shall follow beneficiaries wherever they will be. Just do the right thing,” Mr Ochengel said.

He said a monitoring team comprising the Resident City Commissioner (RCC), the mayor and the town clerk would track the use of the funds to ensure beneficiaries purchase livestock as required.

Meanwhile, Soroti District has so far compensated 342 households under the programme.

District Communications Officer Abraham Ekwaru said the district received approximately Shs2.4 billion for the first phase of the exercise, of which Shs1.7 billion has already been disbursed.

“The compensation is paid directly to beneficiaries after a verification process conducted by district authorities and other responsible officials,” Mr Ekwaru said.

He noted that vulnerable groups were prioritised during the initial phase but stressed that all verified households would eventually receive compensation.

However, authorities have raised concerns over alleged corruption linked to the programme.

Soroti City Resident City Commissioner John Michael Okurut said his office had received complaints of extortion involving some beneficiaries.

He cited the arrest of a town agent from Central Ward in Soroti City East Division who allegedly extorted Shs4.5 million from a beneficiary, leaving her with only Shs500,000.

“I received a complaint that Michael Ewalu, a town agent, had taken the money from a beneficiary. In implementing zero tolerance to corruption, we arrested him and ensured the money was refunded immediately,” Mr Okurut said.

The compensation programme forms part of the government’s Shs80 billion cattle restocking initiative targeting households in the Teso, Acholi and Lango sub-regions.

While presenting the 2026/27 national budget last week, Finance Minister Henry Musasizi said more than 2,000 households had already benefited from the programme.

The government plans to compensate 16,000 households across the three sub-regions, with each beneficiary household receiving Shs5 million to rebuild livestock stocks and improve household incomes.

Officials say the programme is intended to restore livelihoods and strengthen economic recovery in communities that suffered significant livestock losses over the years.

The East African Law Society (EALS) has joined growing regional and international criticism of the arrest, detention, and prosecution of outgoing Kampala Lord Mayor and senior advocate Erias Lukwago, describing the circumstances surrounding his arrest and charging with misprision of treason as a threat to the rule of law and the independence of the legal profession.

In a statement issued on June 19 and signed by its president, Mr Ramadhan Abubakar, the regional Bar association expressed concern over what it termed the arbitrary arrest and prosecution of Mr Lukwago, one of the lead defence lawyers for opposition politician Dr Kizza Besigye and businessman Hajj Obeid Lutale.

The EALS, which brings together national law societies and bar associations from across East Africa, said the manner in which Mr Lukwago was arrested, detained and prosecuted raises concerns that extend beyond his individual case.

‘The manner of his arrest, detention, and continued prosecution raises serious concerns that extend beyond the circumstances of one individual. It also raises fundamental questions relating to the confidentiality of advocate-client relations, access to justice, the right to a fair hearing, independence of the legal profession, and the integrity of constitutional safeguards against the arbitrary exercise of public power,’ the statement reads in part.

The lawyers’ body noted that the charge against Mr Lukwago appears to stem from matters connected to his professional role as legal counsel to Dr Besigye and Hajj Lutale.

‘The confidentiality of advocate-client communications is a cornerstone of the administration of justice. It is not a privilege of the legal profession, but a right of the client and a foundational guarantee of the right to counsel and due process of law,’ the EALS stated.

The regional organisation based in Arusha, Tanzania, warned that exposing lawyers to criminal sanctions or intimidation for actions undertaken in the course of representing their clients undermines the legal profession and weakens public confidence in the justice system.

‘A lawyer’s duty is to uphold the law and ensure that every person receives its protection, regardless of the nature of the allegations or the identity of the client. Where legal practitioners are exposed to sanction or intimidation arising from their professional duties, the independence of the legal profession is compromised, and the right of every person to effective legal representation is diminished,’ the statement added.

Mr Lukwago was arrested on the morning of June 15 from his home in Wakaliga, Rubaga Division, Kampala, by military personnel.

After spending two days in detention without access to family members or lawyers, Mr Lukwago resurfaced at Kira Police Station on June 17, before being transferred to Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court, where he was formally charged with misprision of treason in connection with the ongoing treason case against Dr Besigye.

The court subsequently remanded him to Luzira Prison until Monday next week, when the State is expected to respond to his bail application and further issue directions.

In its statement, the EALS has called upon the Ugandan government and relevant state institutions to guarantee Mr Lukwago’s constitutional rights throughout the proceedings.

The lawyers urged authorities to ensure that his bail application is handled fairly and expeditiously, provide unrestricted access to legal counsel, family members and medical care, and institute an independent investigation into the circumstances of his arrest, detention and treatment while in custody.

The regional body also called for the protection of advocate-client privilege and the independence of the legal profession in accordance with constitutional, regional, and international legal standards.

‘Refrain from any action that undermines public confidence in the impartial administration of justice and the rule of law,’ the statement said.

The EALS concluded by warning that the treatment of political opponents and their lawyers remains a critical measure of democratic governance.

‘The true test of constitutional democracy is not how a State treats those with whom it agrees, but how it protects those with whom it disagrees. Equally, the true test of the rule of law lies not in ordinary cases, but in moments when power is most tempted to depart from legal restraint,’ the statement noted.

Police in Njeru are investigating the murder of a 20-year-old boda boda rider who was allegedly attacked by unknown assailants and robbed of his motorcycle along the Njeru-Nyenga-Katosi Highway in Buikwe District.

The victim, identified as Wycliffe Nyende, a resident of Bujuuta Village in Nyenga Division, Njeru Municipality, was found dead at around 5 a.m. on Thursday in Bukaya East Village.

Ssezibwa Region Police spokesperson Hellen Butoto said preliminary investigations indicate that Nyende was attacked by unidentified assailants who killed him before dumping his body in a trench and fleeing with his motorcycle.

“The deceased was attacked by unknown assailants who killed him, dumped his body in a trench and fled with his motorcycle,” Ms Butoto said.

The stolen motorcycle, a red Bajaj Boxer registration number UGE 722N, is valued at about Shs4 million.

Police officers, accompanied by a canine unit, visited the scene shortly after the incident was reported. However, investigators said the crime scene had already been tampered with before their arrival.

“Unfortunately, the scene had already been tampered with before the arrival of police officers, which affected some aspects of the preliminary investigations,” Ms Butoto said.

The body was taken to Jinja Regional Referral Hospital mortuary for a postmortem examination as investigations continue.

Police appealed to members of the public to provide any information that could help identify and apprehend the suspects.

“We appeal to anyone with information that may assist the investigations to report to the nearest police station. We also advise boda boda riders to remain vigilant and avoid using isolated or less busy roads, especially during odd hours,” Ms Butoto added.

Residents said Nyende is believed to have picked up passengers heading towards the River Nile area in the early hours of Thursday before he was attacked.

“We suspect he picked passengers travelling towards the Nile side. Unfortunately, he never returned home and was later found dead,” said Charles Lwanga, a resident of Bujuuta Village.

Lwanga urged boda boda riders to observe security precautions, especially when operating at night.

“Boda boda riders have on several occasions been sensitised not to carry two passengers at night, especially to isolated places. Some riders, however, ignore these security measures and fail to properly assess the people they transport,” he said.

The killing adds to a series of attacks targeting boda boda riders across the country, where motorcycles are often stolen after riders are lured to remote locations by criminals posing as passengers.

According to the Police Crime Report of 2025, a total of 7,863 cases of robbery were reported to police, compared to 8,163 cases in 2024

Mbarara District Local Government has asked police to investigate its Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), David Muhwezi, over the controversial allocation of district land to several government and private institutions.

The move follows a resolution by the District Public Accounts Committee (DPAC), which this week questioned the legality of land allocations made during the 2024/25 financial year.

Appearing before the committee at Kamukuzi Council Hall, Mr Muhwezi was accused of overseeing the allocation of district land to nine institutions without following the required procedures.

The institutions cited include the Uganda Management Institute, Makerere University Business School, Megger Technical Services, Kampala International University, the Ministry of Internal Affairs’ Mbarara Regional Analytical Laboratory, the Office of the Solicitor General, Police Barracks, the Inspector General of Government, and Education Standards.

DPAC chairperson Herbert Kamugisha said the committee’s findings were based on internal audit queries which raised concerns over how the land was allocated.

“We have made a resolution here that the CAO be handed over to police and record a statement on why he gave out Mbarara district land without following the right procedures. He has a case to answer. Local governments have no mandate to give out public land; only the Uganda Land Commission and Parliament have that authority,” Mr Kamugisha said on Wednesday.

He added that the committee was unable to trace documentation or files showing how the land allocations were processed and approved.

In his defence, Mr Muhwezi told the committee that the allocations were made following formal requests from the beneficiary institutions and with guidance from the relevant authorities.

“We made those land allocations with guidance from the Uganda Lands Commission. There was nothing wrong I did in these allocation processes,” he said.

However, the committee said it was not satisfied with the explanation and directed that the CAO record a statement with police to facilitate investigations.

Rwizi Region Police spokesperson Samson Kasasira confirmed that police had received the matter.

“It is true the CAO was handed over to us and we are helping them carry out further investigations into the accusations,” Mr Kasasira said.

The committee also demanded a comprehensive valuation report for all government land located on Kamukuzi Hill in Mbarara City.

Mr Kamugisha expressed concern that some district land had allegedly been leased at rates as low as Shs30 million per acre, raising questions about whether the district was obtaining fair value from its assets.

The investigations are expected to establish whether the allocations complied with public land management laws and whether any public assets were improperly disposed of.

The long-awaited completion of the Shs200 billion Kira-Kasangati-Matugga Road project is among the major infrastructure priorities earmarked for funding under the government’s Shs84 trillion budget for the 2026/27 financial year. The road, whose construction was launched by President Museveni in December 2020, forms part of a wider package of transport infrastructure projects that the government says will improve connectivity, lower transport costs and support economic growth.

Constructed by Chongqing International Construction Corporation (CICO), the approximately 23 kilometre road stretches from Kyaliwajala Trading Centre through Kira and Kasangati to Matugga, with a spur road to Buwate. The project includes dual carriageways, five major junctions and street lighting along key sections. Initially scheduled for completion in January 2024, the project suffered delays that sparked public frustration after progress reports in August 2023 showed that work had reached only 30 per cent completion.

Now, according to the 2026/27 National Budget Framework Paper, the road is among four major highway projects expected to be completed during the coming financial year. The others are the 92-kilometre Muyembe-Nakapiripirit road linking the Bugisu and Karamoja sub-regions, the Tororo-Busia road together with the Mayuge-Busia Town road, and the 100.1-kilometre Apac-Lira-Puranga road. Together, these projects form part of a broader infrastructure programme that will consume Shs8.79 trillion under the Works and Transport sector allocation.

Focus on stalled road projects

Beyond the completion of ongoing projects, the government plans to commence construction and upgrading of an additional 697.6 kilometres of roads identified under the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV). The projects include the Kayunga-Baale-Galiraya road, Katine-Ochero road, Muko-Katuna road, Jinja-Mbulamuti-Kamuli-Bukungu corridor, Kitgum-Kidepo road, Kumi-Ngora-Brooks Corner-Serere-Kagwara road, Karugutu-Ntoroko road and its Rwebisengo link, Laropi-Moyo-Afoji road, as well as road works in Kaberamaido, Kalaki, Jinja City and Ntoroko District. Works and Transport Minister Fred Byamukama said the government’s immediate focus will be on completing projects that have stalled or suffered prolonged delays.

‘We have seen tarmac roads take four years, six years and are not finished. We even have abandoned projects such as Mubende-Mityana. I want to ensure that roads that have not been completed, for example Mubende-Mityana Road, Mutukula Road and the Jinja Express Highway, are prioritised,’ he said. The ministry is also planning extensive maintenance works across the national road network. The government intends to undertake routine manual maintenance on about 20,000 kilometres of roads, including 5,857.86 kilometres of paved roads and 13,350.6 kilometres of unpaved roads.

Another 13,844 kilometres will undergo routine mechanised maintenance, while 1,185.95 kilometres of unpaved roads will be maintained under periodic maintenance programmes. Among the major highways earmarked for rehabilitation are the Kampala-Jinja Highway, Busunju-Kiboga-Hoima road, Mityana-Mubende road and Mityana town roads, Kikorongo-Bwera-Mpondwe road, Olwiyo-Pakwach road, Matugga-Semuto-Kapeeka road, Tororo-Mbale-Soroti road, Soroti-Dokolo-Lira-Kamdini road, Masaka-Mutukula road and the Karuma-Olwiyo road. Emergency reconstruction works will also continue on Katonga Bridge, Lwera Swamp and Kalandazi Swamp sections, which have previously disrupted transport along major corridors.

The government plans to grade roads under the Force Account Unit in districts including Amuria, Katakwi, Kole, Yumbe, Gomba and Sembabule. Under the Shs1 billion road maintenance grant programme, authorities plan to rehabilitate 11,000 kilometres of district and community access roads and 2,460 kilometres of roads in cities and municipalities. A significant share of infrastructure spending will target the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area (GKMA), where the government is implementing a long-term urban development strategy approved by Cabinet in 2013. The GKMA Development Framework 2040 designated the metropolitan area as a Special Planning Area to support coordinated urban growth.

In September 2024, Vice President Jessica Alupo unveiled a broader programme under which the government plans to construct 440.19 kilometres of roads, 19 markets, two slaughter facilities and 54.5 kilometres of stormwater drainage systems across the metropolitan region.

Greater Kampala expansion

Kampala Capital City Authority is expected to receive 72.06 kilometres of roads, four markets and three drainage channels.

Mukono District will receive 59.3 kilometres of roads, two markets, a slaughterhouse and drainage infrastructure. In comparison, Makindye-Ssabagabo Municipality is slated to get 56.6 kilometres of roads, a market, a slaughterhouse and drainage systems.

Other beneficiaries include Wakiso District, Mukono Municipality, Nansana Municipality, Mpigi District, Entebbe Municipality and Kira Municipality.

Kira, which became the first beneficiary under the programme, is expected to receive 46 kilometres of roads and two markets.

The government will also continue implementing the Kampala City Road Rehabilitation Project (KCRRP), Kampala City Roads and Bridges Upgrading Project (KCRBUP), and the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area Urban Development Programme. Under KCRRP, more than 120 kilometres of roads are being upgraded, including Salaama Road, Spring Road, Fifth Street, Sixth Street, Seventh Street, Port Bell Road, Old Mubende Road and Sir Apollo Kaggwa Road. Construction on the Mpererwe-Kiteezi-Kiti corridor is also expected to commence.

Funded by the African Development Bank, the project goes beyond road surfacing to include drainage improvements, street lighting and signalised junctions aimed at reducing congestion and flooding. Beyond roads, government is increasingly focusing on rail transport as part of efforts to lower freight costs and reduce pressure on the road network. Finance Minister Matia Kasaija’s representative and State Minister for Finance Henry Musasizi said government remains committed to delivering the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) and rehabilitating the existing Meter Gauge Railway (MGR). According to the National Budget Framework Paper, government plans to construct 272 kilometres of SGR. The project gained momentum in 2024 when Uganda signed a 2.7-billion-euro contract with Turkish firm Yapi Merkezi for construction of the line between Tororo and Kampala.

Railway revival

The railway is expected to serve both freight and passenger transport and connect directly with Kenya’s SGR network, reducing transit times and transport costs across the region. President Museveni and Kenyan President William Ruto recently launched the extension project. Government has indicated that financing will come from a combination of domestic resources and development partner support. In March, the World Bank committed $650 million towards the project, subject to completion of technical, economic, commercial and legal feasibility studies.

The budget framework shows that the government intends to finance the construction of the first 27 kilometres of the railway from Malaba towards Kampala during the coming financial year. Speaking during the Budget Speech last week, President Museveni said anticipated oil revenues would help finance strategic infrastructure projects, particularly rail transport. ‘We need to use some of it (oil money) to do crucial infrastructure like the railway with Kenya, Tanzania, Congo, South Sudan and Rwanda so that all heavy cargo moves from the road to the railway,’ he said.

According to the President, shifting freight transport from railroads will significantly lower cargo transportation costs and improve efficiency. Mr Byamukama described the Kampala-Malaba section and the rehabilitation of the Kampala-Malaba-Tororo-Gulu meter gauge network as among the government’s highest transport priorities.

Meter Gauge Railway rehabilitation

The government also plans to complete physical maintenance works on the Tororo-Gulu railway line and rehabilitate another 245 kilometres of track between Kampala and Malaba. Additional investments include the construction of two passenger terminus stations and five passenger halts. To strengthen railway operations, the government intends to procure four 3,000-horsepower locomotives, two 2,000-horsepower locomotives and four 1,200-horsepower locomotives. The Uganda Railways Corporation will also acquire four Diesel Multiple Unit locomotives, six passenger coaches and a 100-tonne crane.

A multifunctional one-stop railway centre is also planned. The government’s transport strategy also places renewed emphasis on aviation infrastructure. The Works and Transport Ministry plans to operationalise Kabalega International Airport and rehabilitate strategic airports and aerodromes in Gulu, Kasese, Arua, Pakuba, Kidepo, Kisoro, Mbarara, Lira, Tororo, Masindi, Moroto, Jinja and Soroti. The government also intends to increase the capitalisation of Uganda Airlines to support fleet expansion and strengthen the national carrier’s route network.

Last week, Uganda Airlines signed a Shs3.7 trillion agreement with American aircraft manufacturer Boeing to acquire 10 new aircraft. Mr Byamukama described the acquisition as a strategic investment that will strengthen Uganda’s global connectivity.

‘It is a very expensive project, but the President said we have no other option. We need to build our own airline. That is how Uganda can be connected to the rest of the world,’ he said.

The airline has faced significant operational challenges in recent months due to fleet shortages and maintenance-related disruptions. In March, the government secured Shs422.26 billion to support fleet expansion as part of a supplementary budget allocation.

The murder trial of businesswoman Molly Katanga ground to an abrupt halt on Friday after High Court Judge Rosette Comfort Kania walked out of a tense courtroom following a heated dispute between prosecution and defense lawyers over medical photographs.

The dramatic confrontation occurred as the defense presented its third witness, an orthopedic surgeon who treated Molly shortly after the fatal shooting of her husband, businessman Henry Katanga, at their Mbuya home on November 2, 2023.

The witness, whose identity has been withheld for security reasons, testified that he was called to the emergency unit of International Hospital Kampala (IHK)-now operating as C-Care-on the morning of the incident.

‘I was told there was a patient who needed my special attention at the Emergency Unit,’ the surgeon told the court.

He explained that when he arrived, Molly had already been placed under the care of a neurosurgeon for severe head injuries.

‘She had a heavy bandage on her head that was being taken care of by the neurosurgeon. I was called to assess her upper limbs,’ he testified.

The surgeon stated that clinical examinations and X-rays revealed extensive injuries, including multiple fractures to both hands. Molly had sustained fractures to the middle and ring fingers of her left hand, a fracture to the pinky finger of her right hand-the tip of which was partially detached-and severe soft-tissue swelling. She had also lost sensation in one of her fingers.

The doctor performed surgery on her hands and later authored a medical report dated November 13, 2023, which was admitted as evidence.

In testimony that could significantly bolster the defense’s case, the witness concluded that the wounds were classic “defense injuries,” typically sustained when a victim attempts to protect themselves from an attacker.

‘All the injuries are pathognomonic of defense injuries,’ the surgeon explained. ‘When somebody is facing assault, the natural reaction is to cover sensitive parts of the body. You try to defend your head as much as possible.’

He noted that the majority of the injuries were concentrated on the outer parts of Molly’s forearms and hands, aligning with defensive movements. He added that a nurse had photographed the injuries during treatment as part of the hospital’s official medical records.

However, proceedings took a chaotic turn when defense lawyers attempted to have the surgeon formally identify printed photographs of the injuries.

The prosecution fiercely objected, arguing that the witness could not legally identify the printouts because he had only ever viewed the digital versions stored in the hospital’s electronic database.

A prolonged, shouting exchange ensued as both sides debated the legal admissibility and identification of the photos. As tempers flared and control of the courtroom slipped away, Justice Kania abruptly rose and walked off the bench, effectively bringing the day’s proceedings to an end.

The judge later adjourned the hearing to June 23 for the continuation of the defense’s case.

The explosive session comes just days after another key defense witness, retired forensic pathologist Dr. Sylvester Onzivua, conceded under cross-examination that he had never personally examined Molly Katanga’s injuries and could not definitively determine the position Henry Katanga was in when he suffered the fatal gunshot wound.

Molly Katanga stands accused of murdering her husband, a charge she stoutly denies.

Her daughters, Martha Nkwanzi and Patricia Kakwanza, are jointly charged alongside Charles Otai and George Amanyire for being accessories after the fact and destroying evidence. All co-accused have pleaded not guilty.

Kings Park Arena has witnessed some of the biggest moments in Stanbic Black Pirates’ rise but few occasions will carry the emotional weight of this Saturday’s semifinal against Heathens.

Less than two weeks ago, it was the last place their late Sydney Gongodyo’s teammates, friends and supporters gathered around him before his final journey home.

Now they return seeking a place in the 2026 Uganda Rugby Premiership final as they navigate the difficult space between remembrance and competition.

The first leg played at Kyadondo a week ago told its own story. Before kickoff, players and supporters observed a moment of silence for Gongodyo and that is expected at Kings’ Park as well.

What followed was a tense, disciplined contest rather than an expansive spectacle. William Nkore opened the scoring with a penalty before Eric Mulamula crossed for an unconverted try to give Pirates an 8-0 lead lead.

Heathens responded through a Matthew Musasizi’s penalty to narrow the gap to 8-3 but Pirates struck decisively late on when Alex Aturinda finished off a move for their second try. Nkore added the conversion to pause it at 15-3 heading into the return leg.

Pirates’ defence coach Martin Karugonjo described the victory as ‘bittersweet.’

‘We won it, yes, but we would have much preferred for our brother [Gongodyo] to be here with us,’ he told Fatcats podcast after the game.

Karugonjo also defended the decision to deploy club captain Isaac Masanga-Zira at blindside flank, describing it as a deliberate attempt to utilize a modern hybrid forward capable of influencing multiple phases of play.

‘The biggest thing for us will be our execution, getting the fundamentals right and not being as profligate as we were.’

Rookies on trial

Heathens coach Tolbert Onyango had no complaints about the result. Instead, he pointed to costly mistakes in key moments.

‘There are a couple of own goals, mistakes that we made, plenty, especially around the kill zone,’ Onyango admitted, lamenting a stop-start rhythm that repeatedly disrupted his side’s momentum.

His team selection also raised eyebrows as he left a number of senior stars like Aaron Ofoyrwoth who were available after the 2026 Africa Men’s Sevens campaign was cancelled due to the Ebola outbreak.

Onyango nevertheless resisted the temptation to recall them, instead placing his faith in a development core he has worked with over the past three weeks.

‘It has not happened today but surely it is going to come one day, maybe in the second leg,’ he remarked with a tinge of a smile.

If Heathens are to prove him right, they must do something few teams have managed in recent years: beat Pirates at Kings Park.

Pirates have not lost a competitive fifteen-a-side fixture at the venue since 2023. Recent history between the two sides offers little encouragement for the visitors either.

According to Isa Metrics, Pirates and Heathens have met six times in fifteens rugby since January 2025, with Pirates winning five of those encounters.

That edge, however, sits within a rivalry that has defined an era of Ugandan rugby. Since 2017, the Premiership title has rarely left the orbit of these two clubs, with only Kobs’ Covid-disrupted triumph in 2021 interrupting their dominance.

Their meeting on Saturday will also be the 15th fifteens clash between them since 2021, making it the most-played fixture in Ugandan rugby over that period. But for all, this season has already shown how little separates them.

Earlier in the season, Heathens beat Pirates 30-26 at Kyadondo.

If Pirates win this Saturday, they will have the privilege of hosting whereas if Heathens overturn the scores, they will be guests to Buffaloes at Kyadondo.

Lawyers under the Uganda Law Society (ULS), yesterday marched to the offices of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), demanding the withdrawal of the misprision of treason charge against former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, which they described as legally untenable and politically motivated. Led by ULS vice president Anthony Asiimwe, the lawyers, dressed in black T-shirts, walked peacefully from the society’s headquarters on Acacia Avenue in Kololo, to the DPP’s offices at Workers House in Kampala.

The protest followed a June 17 petition in which the lawyers challenged the decision to charge Mr Lukwago, a senior advocate and lead defence lawyer for Opposition politician Dr Kizza Besigye. ‘Ever since we sent the letter, we have never received any communication from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. We know he has a bigger role to play,’ Mr Asiimwe said.

Upon arriving at the DPP’s offices, the lawyers found Director of Public Prosecutions Lino Anguzu leaving for another engagement. Mr Anguzu reportedly assured them that their concerns would be addressed during a meeting scheduled for Monday.

In the petition, ULS president Isaac Ssemakadde accused prosecutors of misusing the criminal justice system to target a lawyer performing his professional duties. ‘Pursuant to Section 3(c) of the Uganda Law Society Act, this is to register our strongest protest, condemnation and complaint against the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for entertaining, sanctioning or proceeding with the charging of Advocate Erias Lukwago,’ Mr Ssemakadde wrote. He argued that serving court documents and representing clients in court proceedings could not reasonably amount to a treason-related offence.

‘Serving court documents or vigorously defending a client in a high-profile political trial does not, and cannot, constitute treason. This is classic lawfare: the weaponisation of criminal justice institutions to harass, cripple and neutralise the defence team of political opponents,” he stated. Mr Lukwago was arrested on Monday by armed security operatives from his home in Wakaliga, Kampala, and held incommunicado for two days.

On Wednesday, he resurfaced at Kira Police Station before being taken to Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court, where he was charged with misprision of treason and remanded to Luzira Prison until next week when court is expected to rule on his bail application.

Lukwago is part of the defence team representing Dr Besigye, Mr Obeid Lutale and Capt Denis Oola in an ongoing treason case.

Meanwhile, Lukwago’s wife, Zawedde Lukwago Nalubwama, criticised Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba over her husband’s arrest, saying such actions risk taking the country back to an era of fear and repression.

‘If this is Gen Muhoozi’s way of seeking approval from us, it will not work. We have come from far; people are tired,’ she said. ‘We may seem weak because we don’t have guns, but elsewhere people have risen and governments have changed. Uganda needs better governance, ‘ she added. The developments have also prompted Opposition political parties to close ranks in what they described as a collective effort to resist growing impunity, human rights abuses, and disregard for the rule of law.

At a meeting held at the headquarters of the People’s Front for Freedom in Kampala, Opposition leaders condemned Mr Lukwago’s arrest and called for a united response. Uganda Peoples Congress president Jimmy Akena said political leaders could no longer remain silent in the face of injustice. ‘There is a time to be humble and a time not to be humble. This is the time when we have to speak out with one voice,’ Mr Akena said. He added: ‘A colleague heading a political party cannot be picked from his residence under strange circumstances, humiliated and imprisoned. This is not the Uganda we aspired for.’

The National Unity Platform Secretary General, Mr David Lewis Rubongoya, said arbitrary arrests and abductions would continue unless citizens collectively opposed them. ‘This situation will not end unless we rise up. Nobody is safe until all of us are safe,’ Mr Rubongoya said. The Alliance for National Transformation national coordinator, Ms Alice Alaso, warned that the continued disregard for the rule of law posed a threat to the country’s future. ‘We are not going to watch you run down this country. It is the only country that we have. We were born here, and it must be preserved through law and good governance,’ Ms Alaso said.

The arrest and prosecution of Lukwago have triggered criticism from lawyers, Opposition politicians and civil society groups, who argue that the case raises broader concerns about the administration of justice and respect for constitutional rights in Uganda.

Five people were killed and nine others injured on Thursday when a speeding fuel tanker rammed into a commuter taxi parked along the Masaka-Kyotera-Mutukula Highway, police said.

The crash occurred at around 11:00 a.m. at Botera Village and involved a fuel tanker registration number T813 DYP and a commuter taxi registration number UBH 378W.

According to eyewitnesses, the taxi had stopped by the roadside to allow a passenger to disembark when the trailer, which was travelling from Masaka towards Kyotera, crashed into it.

“The commuter taxi overturned several times following the collision, killing five people and injuring others,” said Andrew Kityo, an eyewitness.

Kityo said the taxi was clearly parked off the road and questioned how the trailer driver failed to notice it.

“Despite the road being under construction, it was visible that the taxi was parked by the roadside. We wondered how the trailer driver ended up knocking it without noticing it,” he said.

The Southern Regional Police spokesperson, Mr Twaha Kasirye, confirmed the crash and said investigations had commenced.

“I can confirm that five people died and nine survived. Six of the injured were rushed to Kalisizo General Hospital, while others were taken to Masaka Regional Referral Hospital,” Mr Kasirye said.

Police towed the wreckage of both vehicles to Kalisizo Police Station for inspection as investigations into the cause of the crash continue.

The crash adds to growing concerns over road safety in Uganda following a rise in traffic fatalities.

According to the 2025 Annual Police Crime Report, road traffic deaths increased to 5,383 in 2025, up from 5,144 in 2024, averaging about 15 deaths per day.

The report shows a steady rise in road fatalities over the past four years, from 4,534 deaths in 2022 to 4,806 in 2023, before climbing further in 2024 and 2025.

Pedestrians remained among the most vulnerable road users, accounting for a significant proportion of fatalities. Police data shows that 43 percent of pedestrian deaths occurred while crossing roads, 32 percent while walking along roadsides, and nine percent while standing by roads.

Weekend travel continued to record the highest number of crashes, with Fridays registering 3,921 incidents, Saturdays 3,913, and Sundays 3,870. Fatalities were also highest on Sundays, with 810 deaths recorded, followed by Saturdays with 729.