Category: Daily Monitor

Uganda and the Chinese city of Hangzhou have signed several cooperation agreements aimed at boosting tourism, investment, technology transfer and hospitality development, following a tourism and investment conference held in China.

The agreements were signed on Wednesday during the ‘Pearl of Africa: Uganda-Hangzhou Tourism and Investment Conference’ hosted by the Ugandan Embassy in Beijing at the WTC Narada Hotel in Hangzhou.

The conference brought together government officials, investors, tourism operators, and business leaders from Uganda and China to explore opportunities for cooperation in tourism, trade, innovation, and cultural exchange.

Uganda’s Ambassador to China, Ms Oliver Wonekha, and the Deputy District Chief of Xihu District People’s Government, Lu Jun, officiated at the event and called for closer collaboration between the two sides.

Speaking at the conference, Ambassador Wonekha said Uganda was committed to attracting quality investment and expanding partnerships that support sustainable tourism growth.

A key presentation was delivered by Ambassador Richard Kabonero, the Head of the Regional Economic Cooperation Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who outlined investment opportunities available in Uganda.

Mr Kabonero said Uganda offers opportunities in tourism, agriculture, manufacturing, mineral development, renewable energy, infrastructure, and information and communications technology.

He told potential investors that Uganda’s location at the centre of East Africa, coupled with access to regional markets and ongoing policy reforms, makes the country an attractive investment destination.

‘Uganda offers tremendous opportunities for investors seeking sustainable and high-growth ventures. By combining Uganda’s rich natural and tourism assets with Hangzhou’s expertise in technology, innovation, hospitality management and investment capital, we can build partnerships that create value for both sides while contributing to sustainable economic development,’ Mr Kabonero said.

Officials said discussions focused on how Hangzhou’s expertise in smart tourism, digital technologies, hotel management and investment financing could support Uganda’s efforts to modernise its tourism sector and expand visitor numbers.

The conference ended with the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding between Ugandan and Hangzhou-based partners covering hotel development, tourism promotion, tour operator cooperation, and technology partnerships.

Officials said the agreements are expected to increase tourism flows between the two countries, strengthen business linkages, and support the development of tourism infrastructure and services in Uganda.

The Ugandan Embassy in Beijing said the conference marked another step in deepening economic cooperation between Uganda and China and is expected to spur new investment opportunities in the country.

Blending sedan refinement with SUV-inspired styling, the 2023 Toyota Crown delivers a premium hybrid driving experience defined by comfort, advanced tech and strong performance.

The Toyota Crown 2023 does not behave like a typical sedan, and it does not fully commit to being an SUV either. Instead, it sits in that increasingly popular middle space, blending both identities into a single, polished package.

With its slightly raised ground clearance and coupe-like side profile, it presents itself more like a sleek crossover than a traditional saloon.

What is immediately striking is how un-Toyota it looks at first glance.

There is no bold exterior badge announcing its identity, yet the Crown remains one of the brand’s most prestigious nameplates. It is a car that leans heavily on understated confidence rather than visual noise.

Inside, that sense of quiet luxury continues.

Cabin built for comfort

Stepping into the Crown, the cabin feels deliberately designed to reduce fatigue and elevate the driving experience. The dashboard is dominated by two screens; a digital instrument cluster directly behind the steering wheel and a 12.3-inch multimedia display at the centre.

A digital rear-view mirror doubles as a live camera feed, giving a wide and clear view of what is happening behind the car.

Comfort is clearly a priority here. The seats are ventilated, heated and cooled, offering year-round usability regardless of weather conditions. The cabin combines black and cream tones with subtle gold accents, giving it a premium but not overly flashy finish. Even the driver’s seat features automatic adjustment that raises it into a more natural driving position.

Small details reinforce the sense that this is a modern luxury cruiser. The wireless charging pad is placed vertically on the centre console, a departure from the usual flat layout. The steering wheel is wrapped in soft leather, and beyond heating it for cold conditions, it also carries infotainment and cruise control buttons, including Apple CarPlay controls.

Hybrid power

Under the bonnet, the Crown runs a 2.5-litre petrol hybrid system producing 236 horsepower, paired with an all-wheel-drive setup. It is not just about efficiency; it has real pace, accelerating from 0 to 100km/h in about six seconds depending on driving conditions and selected mode.

On the road, the Crown feels like a car with multiple personalities. In Eco mode, it settles into a relaxed, fuel-saving rhythm, prioritising smoothness over urgency. Switch to Sport mode, and the change is immediate. The throttle sharpens, the response tightens, and the car feels noticeably more aggressive, something that became clear during a drive on the Northern Bypass from Naalya towards Kisaasi.

Normal mode sits neatly in between, offering a balanced everyday drive. There is also an EV mode, which allows short electric-only operation under the right conditions, reinforcing its hybrid efficiency credentials.

Visibility and control are further boosted by a 360-degree camera system, which proves especially useful when navigating tight parking spaces. The cabin layout also includes a practical centre console with USB ports and a storage compartment that doubles as an armrest.

In traffic, Toyota has also made life easier. Instead of constantly holding the brake, the driver can engage the ‘hold’ function using a button marked ‘H’ next to the gear lever. It keeps the vehicle stationary until the accelerator is pressed again, reducing fatigue in stop-start traffic.

Luxury touches, pricing

For all its refinement, the Crown still makes a strong case for itself in the premium segment. According to car dealer Mujib Tusuubira of mujibexotics.com, the 2023 model goes for about Shs200m with taxes included, placing it in the territory of used high-end German sedans such as the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, S-Class, BMW 5 Series, or even an ML.

‘What makes it costly is the attention to detail in most of its features compared to other Toyota brands of the same classification,’ he explains. ‘It has automatic synthetic leather seats that adjust according to the driver’s stature, allowing you to drive long distances without feeling back pain or the need to stretch.’

The Crown comfortably seats five passengers, although the rear middle seat is best treated as an armrest for comfort. At the rear, the boot is generously spacious and thoughtfully equipped, including a power outlet for charging devices and tools for emergency tyre repair.

However, one compromise stands out. Like the Toyota Vanguard, the Crown does not come with a spare tyre. Instead, it relies on tyre repair solutions, making careful tyre maintenance essential for long-distance travel.

Crown’s biggest rivals

At approximately Shs200m, the Toyota Crown finds itself competing in a segment traditionally dominated by premium European brands. Buyers with that budget could just as easily opt for a Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the more luxurious S-Class, a BMW 5 Series, or even a Mercedes-Benz ML. Those looking to stay within the Japanese luxury fold may also consider the Lexus ES Hybrid, which shares some of the Crown’s focus on comfort and efficiency.

What sets the Crown apart is its blend of Toyota’s renowned reliability, hybrid fuel economy and modern technology. While its German rivals often carry greater prestige and a more established luxury-car image, the Crown offers a compelling alternative for buyers who value lower running costs, dependability and everyday usability without sacrificing comfort and refinement.

In this space, the Crown positions itself as a pragmatic luxury choice that quietly prioritises long-term ownership value over badge-driven appeal.

Did you know?

The Toyota Crown is one of Toyota’s oldest and most prestigious nameplates, dating back to 1955. For decades, it has served as Toyota’s flagship sedan in Japan and has often been associated with executives, government officials and luxury-oriented buyers.

The 2023 model marks one of the biggest shifts in the Crown’s history, moving away from the traditional sedan formula and adopting a crossover-inspired design. It also reflects Toyota’s effort to modernise the Crown for a broader global audience by blending traditional sedan comfort with the practicality and stance of an SUV.

Kenyan lawyer Martha Karua has petitioned Ugandan Chief Justice Flavian Zeija and Attorney General Sam Mayanja, urging their intervention over the arrest and prosecution of lawyer Erias Lukwago and what she described as Uganda’s deteriorating rule of law.

In a June 16 letter seen by this publication, Karua, who holds a special practising certificate allowing her to appear before Ugandan courts, said the judiciary’s independence was being eroded and called on the country’s top legal officials to act urgently.

“The abduction of Mr Lukwago constitutes a direct affront to the authority and dignity of the courts. It amounts to brazen intimidation, not only of Mr Lukwago and his legal team, including myself, but also of advocates generally who undertake representation of persons perceived to be unpopular with the government,” Karua wrote.

Lukwago, Kampala’s former Mayor and one of the defence lawyers in the treason case involving detained opposition figure Dr Kizza Besigye, was arrested from his home in Wakaliga on Monday and taken to an undisclosed location.

Shortly after the arrest, Chief of Defence Forces Muhoozi Kainerugaba posted on X that he had captured “a fool” before sharing photographs purportedly showing Lukwago, posts that drew criticism from activists and opposition supporters.

Lukwago was later transferred to Kira Police Station before being charged with misprision of treason at Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court.

Karua told the Chief Justice that safeguarding the authority and independence of the judiciary, and ensuring advocates can perform their duties without intimidation, falls squarely within his mandate.

“Your Lordship, the responsibility of safeguarding the authority and independence of the Judiciary, and ensuring that advocates, as officers of the court, are able to discharge their duties without let or hindrance, rests squarely with the office you hold,” she wrote.

Addressing the Attorney General, Karua said the government’s chief legal adviser had a duty to advise state officials whenever their actions violate the Constitution and laws of Uganda.

She cited Article 208(2) of the Constitution, which requires the Uganda People’s Defence Forces to remain non-partisan, professional and subordinate to civilian authority.

“The Uganda People’s Defence Forces, including the Chief of Defence Forces, are subject to the laws of Uganda as administered by the courts of judicature. They have no lawful authority to arrest an advocate in the course of carrying out his professional duties. Their actions can only properly be described as an abduction,” Karua said.

At the time of his arrest, Lukwago of Lukwago and Co. Advocates was part of the legal team representing Besigye and Obeid Lutale in proceedings before the High Court’s Criminal Division presided over by Justice Baguma.

Officials from the opposition People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), where Lukwago serves as president, said he was preparing to serve court summons on Kainerugaba, one of the respondents in the matter, when he was arrested.

Karua urged both the Chief Justice and Attorney General to act swiftly to protect the rule of law and fundamental freedoms.

“I therefore urge Your Lordship and the Honourable Attorney General to act with urgency in defence of the rule of law and the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms, particularly Mr Lukwago’s rights to liberty, dignity and due process,” she wrote.

She added that advocates must be protected and respected while carrying out their professional duties as guaranteed under Uganda’s Constitution and laws.

The Leader of the Opposition in Parliament (LoP), Mr Joel Ssenyonyi, has asked Speaker Jacob Oboth-Oboth to urgently reconvene the House to discuss what he describes as escalating human rights violations and growing disregard for the rule of law by security agencies.

In a June 17 letter addressed to the Speaker and seen by the Daily Monitor, Mr Ssenyonyi argues that the country is witnessing an increase in abductions, arbitrary arrests, unlawful detentions and other alleged abuses that require immediate parliamentary intervention.

He specifically cited actions by the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, which he said have raised serious concerns about constitutional governance and respect for human rights.

“I write to request that Parliament be urgently reconvened to consider and address the growing incidents of human rights violations and disregard for the rule of law that I raised on the Floor of the House during the fourth sitting of the first meeting of the first session of the 12th Parliament, where the Vice President directed the Minister for Security to return with a statement,’ Mr Ssenyonyi wrote.

‘At the time, I brought to the attention of the House disturbing reports of abductions, arbitrary arrests, unlawful detentions, excessive use of force by security agencies and other actions that undermine the fundamental rights and freedoms guaranteed under the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda. Regrettably, indications suggest that these violations have not abated and are, in fact, escalating,’ he added.

Mr Ssenyonyi’s request comes a day after former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago was arrested from his home in Wakaliga, Kampala, by security operatives on Monday and taken to an undisclosed location. Shortly after the arrest, Gen Muhoozi posted on his official X account that he had captured ‘a fool’, before later sharing photographs purportedly of Mr Lukwago accompanied by captions that critics described as demeaning.

‘Not isolated’

Mr Ssenyonyi said the incident was not isolated, arguing that several Opposition politicians and supporters had faced similar treatment in recent years. While Parliament is scheduled to reconvene on July 7, waiting until then presents a significant risk.

“The continued absence of parliamentary intervention and oversight could create an environment in which further violations occur unchecked, thereby exposing more Ugandans to potential abuses and undermining public confidence in the rule of law and constitutional governance,’ he said.

Mr Lukwago was yesterday arraigned before the Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court and charged with misprision of a felony.

Addressing journalists yesterday, Mr Ssenyonyi claimed that a number of Ugandans, particularly supporters of the Opposition National Unity Platform (NUP), remain missing or are being held incommunicado.

Missing NUP supporters

‘We know that a number of Ugandans have been missing for a while, including John Bosco Kibalama, Kanata, Muhammad, John Damulira and Amos Rwangumani, among others. They are being held incommunicado, tortured and rotting in jails, yet it seems to be business as usual,’ he said.

“We understand that some of these missing persons were killed, which is why they have failed to produce them before courts of law,’ he added.

Previous incidents

Mr Ssenyonyi also referenced the case of Edward Ssebufu, popularly known as Eddie Mutwe, the chief bodyguard of NUP president Robert Kyagulanyi, alias Bobi Wine. utwe disappeared in April before resurfacing days later in detention.

During that period, Gen Muhoozi posted on social media claiming that he had captured him and was keeping him in a basement. he incident sparked public outrage and prompted legislators on Parliament’s Defence and Internal Affairs Committee to seek explanations from the military leadership.

However, efforts to summon the CDF reportedly failed after Gen Muhoozi publicly dismissed the legislators and questioned their authority to summon him. Mutwe was later presented before the Masaka Chief Magistrate’s Court in visibly frail condition and charged with treason, a case that remains before the courts. he Opposition leader also blamed President Museveni, as the appointing authority, for what he described as a failure to rein in the conduct of senior security officials.

Mr Ssenyonyi further accused Gen Muhoozi of engaging in partisan political activity while serving as a military officer.

‘You cannot settle political scores using the office you hold. If you want to engage in politics, resign from the army, form a political party and compete with the rest of us on equal terms,’ he added.

By press time, Parliament had not publicly responded to Mr Ssenyonyi’s request for an extraordinary sitting.

Hello Prossy, the situation you have described often occurs when the rear brake components stick together after a vehicle has been parked for some time. This is particularly common after overnight parking, especially in rainy, wet, and humid weather conditions.

One of the primary causes of sticking brakes is when the brake pads or shoes bind to the discs or rear drums. During the night, especially in rainy seasons, small layers of rust can form on brake discs and drums. The brake pads may briefly adhere to the rusty surface, making the vehicle feel stuck when you start to drive away. Unfortunately, there is not much you can do about this issue unless you can park your car in an indoor garage.

As you drive and apply the brakes, the surface rust will wear off, and the brakes should return to normal, unrestricted, and quiet operation. Therefore, the sticking condition in this case is usually temporary and often self-resolving.

The handbrake or foot parking brake systems can also become temporarily stuck, especially in older cars. This happens when the handbrake cable, levers, or return springs fail to release properly after being engaged, particularly if they have been exposed to dirt, water, and corrosion. Regularly washing the brakes and occasionally using brake system cleaners can help reduce dirt accumulation.

In vehicles equipped with rear disc brakes, the rear brakes may drag for a few meters when you first set off. This is often due to faulty rear brake caliper systems. Occasionally, a malfunctioning caliper piston or seized guide pins can prevent the brake pads from fully retracting, causing temporary brake binding. This can lead to uneven and premature brake pad wear as well as an increase in fuel consumption.

For cars designed with rear drum brakes, worn components such as ageing return springs or a build-up of brake dust can cause the brake shoes to maintain contact with the drum even after you release the handbrake or parking brake.

You can typically tell that your car brakes are sticking if the vehicle feels reluctant to move after releasing the handbrake. This is often accompanied by a subtle snapping or popping sound. In extreme cases, you may notice a burning smell coming from the wheels after driving for a little while, especially from the rear wheels.

Sticking or binding brakes can also cause the vehicle to pull slightly to one side, particularly after rain or overnight parking. This is generally a temporary issue and should not cause alarm unless it persists. If it does continue, it is advisable to visit a garage for a brake system inspection.

When you take your car to a mechanic, they should carefully check the condition and free movement of the handbrake cable and linkage. It is also important to examine the rear brake calipers and guide pins to ensure they move freely. The mechanic should clean or lubricate these components with high-temperature grease or brake system cleaner.

Additionally, they should assess the overall condition of the brake pads and shoes, as well as other mechanical components such as brake discs, drums, return springs, and adjustment mechanisms.

Hello Paul, it is true that faulty oxygen (O2) sensors can increase your car’s fuel consumption and emissions. To understand how oxygen sensors affect your car’s fuel economy, it is helpful to understand their function.

The oxygen sensor is located in the exhaust system and measures the amount of unburnt oxygen in the exhaust gases after combustion. It sends this information to the engine control unit (ECU), which uses it to determine whether the air-fuel mixture is too rich (too much fuel) or too lean (too much air). Here is how oxygen sensors impact fuel economy:

The ECU continuously regulates fuel delivery based on the information from the oxygen sensors. If the air-fuel mixture is too lean, the ECU will increase the amount of fuel delivered. Conversely, if the mixture is too rich, the ECU will decrease fuel delivery.

When an oxygen sensor is faulty, it provides incorrect readings, causing the ECU to deliver more fuel than necessary. This results in decreased fuel economy and poor engine performance. A malfunctioning oxygen sensor can also lead to symptoms such as rough idling, hesitation, or black exhaust smoke.

Faulty oxygen sensors can negatively affect emissions by delivering more fuel than can be burned, leading to incomplete combustion. This incomplete burning of fuel can increase emissions of harmful hydrocarbons (HC) and carbon monoxide (CO).

This may damage components of the emission system, such as the catalytic converter (CAT), which can become filled with excess fuel. This can result in CAT meltdown or blockage in the emission system. Often, a check engine light will illuminate because the emissions no longer flow freely, causing backpressure in the combustion system.

Your car is likely to fail an emissions test because its emission levels may exceed legal limits.

Common causes of oxygen sensor failure include normal wear and tear or ageing. Leaking oil from worn piston rings or coolant leaks from damaged cylinder head gaskets can contaminate and damage oxygen sensors. Additionally, the use of adulterated or smuggled leaded petrol can harm them.

Broken circuits, damaged wiring, or faulty connectors can also prevent oxygen sensors from functioning correctly.

While faulty oxygen sensors may not pose immediate safety issues such as problems with brakes or steering, they should not be ignored. They can lead to poor engine performance, increased running and maintenance costs, and potentially expensive damage to the catalytic converter.

In many modern vehicles, if the check engine light comes on, it is advisable to check the oxygen sensors and carry out a computer diagnostic test.

Police are hunting for a secondary school teacher accused of fatally assaulting a 16-year-old student at a private school in Luweero District, in a case that has reignited concerns over the continued use of corporal punishment in schools.

The deceased, identified as Nicholas Nakibinge, a Senior Four student at New Life Secondary School, allegedly died after being beaten by a teacher, Mr Abraham Mukalazi, who remains at large.

According to the boy’s father, Mr Joseph Serubogo, his son was allegedly assaulted on both June 15 and June 16 before collapsing.

“As parents, the school has never informed us of any case of indiscipline involving our child. Our son was beaten by the same teacher on Monday and Tuesday according to the deceased’s classmates,” Mr Serubogo said.

He accused the school of failing to notify the family about the alleged punishment and instead informing them that the student had fainted in class.

“We did not get any information until the school bursar made a call informing us that our son had fainted in class. This was wrong information relayed to us by a school administrator,” he added.

The incident has sparked outrage among parents and residents, some of whom claim corporal punishment remains common at the school despite government directives banning the practice.

Ms Deborah Nakato Nanjego, a resident of Luweero Town Council, said some teachers were known for excessive punishment.

“Some of the teachers are very reckless and obsessed with caning as a way of punishment. Government should make it clear to schools that corporal punishment is not the best way of disciplining children,” she said.

Monitor could not independently verify the allegations regarding the school’s disciplinary practices.

Mr Paul Mukungu, the Luweero Town Council LCIII chairperson, described the incident as tragic and called for accountability.

“It is sad that we have lost a student in one of our schools due to the reckless behaviour of a teacher. Corporal punishment was outlawed. We are waiting for a postmortem report,” he said.

The body was transferred to Kampala City Mortuary for a postmortem examination.

Savannah Regional Police spokesperson Mr Sam Twineamazima confirmed the incident, saying preliminary investigations indicate that the student was allegedly assaulted by a teacher who is now on the run.

“The suspect reportedly assaulted the student leading to his death. The victim collapsed and was pronounced dead shortly after being evacuated to hospital. We have arrested two other suspects to help with the investigation process,” Mr Twineamazima said.

Despite the tragedy, some classes reportedly continued at the school on Wednesday, while several students stayed away and others joined the bereaved family in mourning.

Mr Edward Kabanda, a retired teacher and resident of Luweero Town Council, said schools should involve parents in disciplinary matters rather than resorting to corporal punishment.

“The conditions under which many of our children live are very different. School administrators should learn to always contact the parents in cases of any disciplinary process in the same way they contact parents for school fees,” he said.

Police said investigations are ongoing as authorities await the postmortem report to establish the exact cause of death.

Corporal punishments were outlawed by the Supreme Court in 1999 and are prohibited in article 94 of the Children Act.

More than three million Ugandans who live far from traditional bank branches are set to gain immediate access to formal financial services following a landmark partnership between Interswitch Uganda and Tropical Bank Limited.

The deal, announced on Monday, effectively turns every Quickteller agent kiosk across the country into a Tropical Bank service point overnight.

Leveraging Interswitch’s massive network of 21,000 locations situated in neighborhood shops, pharmacies, and bustling markets, customers can now seamlessly deposit, withdraw, transfer funds, and pay bills at the same outlets where they already buy airtime and mobile money.

The strategic move directly tackles Uganda’s persistent financial inclusion gap. According to recent Bank of Uganda (BoU) data, only 38 per cent of adults in the country possess a formal bank account.

Rural and peri-urban communities frequently cite long distances to urban centers and high transaction costs as the primary barriers to banking.

By tapping into Interswitch’s established agent infrastructure, Tropical Bank will expand its physical footprint 300-fold without the capital-intensive burden of constructing new brick-and-mortar branches.

Moris Seguya, the Interswitch Uganda Country General Manager, noted that the initiative aims to make everyday financial transactions simple, convenient, and within arm’s reach for all Ugandans.

‘Through the Quickteller agent network, we are bringing banking services closer to communities and helping more people participate in the formal financial ecosystem,’ Seguya said during the launch.

For Tropical Bank, which is jointly owned by the Government of Uganda and the Libyan Foreign Bank (LFB), the collaboration sidesteps the high cost of traditional expansion while instantly penetrating high-traffic, underserved regions.

‘This allows us to extend our reach beyond traditional banking halls and bring our services closer to our customers,’ said Abdulaziz M.A. Mansur of Tropical Bank Limited. ‘We’re offering secure, reliable, and convenient banking through Quickteller agents across Uganda.’

Beyond convenience, the partnership aligns with the central bank’s aggressive push toward a cash-lite economy. By providing greater access to digital payments and deposits, the initiative offers significant benefits to small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Local businesses can now accept bank transfers at agent points, significantly reducing the security risks associated with holding physical cash.

Furthermore, regular use of these agent points allows informal traders, farmers, and gig workers to build verifiable transaction histories, which are crucial for qualifying for formal credit and loans in the future.

The service is already live across all 21,000 Quickteller locations nationwide, requiring no additional registration for existing Tropical Bank customers.

Agent banking has grown steadily since the Bank of Uganda formally licensed the model in 2017 to allow commercial banks to operate through third-party agents like petrol stations and retail shops.

Interswitch, which has operated in Uganda since 2002, built Quickteller as a digital rails system for payments and collections.

Analysts note that leveraging such established networks is the fastest way to onboard cash-heavy, informal sectors into the safe, regulated banking ecosystem.

This massive rollout marks one of the largest single expansions of bank agent points in Uganda this year.

The Anti-Corruption Division of the High Court has scheduled September hearing dates for the trial of former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, Geraldine Ssali and five co-accused persons facing charges related to the alleged mismanagement and theft of billions of shillings in government compensation funds.

Justice Jane Okuo Kajuga on Wednesday fixed September 9, 10, 15, 17 and 24, 2026, for the hearing of the long-running case after directing the prosecution to complete disclosure of evidence by June 26.

The judge also extended bail for all the accused persons, including principal cooperative officer Leonard Kavundira, who was absent from court.

The accused are Ssali, Igara East MP Michael Mawanda Maranga, Elgon County MP Ignatius Wamakuyu Mudimi, former Busiki County MP Paul Akamba, lawyer Julius Taitankoko Kirya and Kavundira.

The case resumed after months of uncertainty following a Constitutional Court ruling that struck down a provision of the Human Rights Enforcement Act that had previously halted the proceedings.

Addressing court, Justice Kajuga explained that the trial had been suspended because of an application filed by Akamba under the Human Rights Enforcement Act

‘The trial was halted pending the determination of that application because the Human Rights Enforcement Act enjoins this court to first halt the trial if a person raises a human rights enforcement matter,’ Justice Kajuga said.

She added that following the Constitutional Court decision, the case could now move forward, although Akamba’s pending application would still be heard separately. ‘There was an oversight and your application will still be heard in case you still want it to be heard,’ the judge told Akamba.

After consulting his lawyers, Akamba informed court that he remained interested in pursuing the application.

‘The honourable court should stick on the provisions of the Human Rights Enforcement Act. Section 8 was never nullified and yet it was one of the questions for reference,’ Akamba said.

‘It is my humble prayer that my application should be fixed for hearing.’

Akamba’s application, which seeks declarations against the Attorney General and challenges the legality of the criminal proceedings against him, was subsequently fixed for hearing on July 1, 2026.

The prosecution acknowledged that it had not yet completed disclosure of evidence to the defence Chief State Attorney Edward Muhumuza attributed the delay to the lengthy stay of proceedings.

‘My Lord, it’s true that we have not fully disclosed because there was a stay. But we can disclose by Friday. We pray the matter is fixed in August for hearing,’ Muhumuza told court.

Justice Kajuga directed the State to complete disclosure by June 26, stressing that the process was necessary before trial could commence.

The judge also revealed that one of the assessors who had previously been appointed to assist the court had died, making it necessary to appoint a replacement before the hearing begins.

‘We will however reassess the assessors. Unfortunately, we lost one of them, and I do not think it is wise to proceed with only two assessors,’ she said.

The court registrar was directed to vet two new persons for appointment as assessors. During the proceedings, Ssali’s lawyer, John Isabirye, informed court that his client is scheduled to undergo surgery on August 25 and would require at least a week of recovery.

‘I have been interacting with my client and she says she has a surgery on August 25 and she was told that she needed to rest for one week,’ Isabirye said.

He added that several defence lawyers would be engaged in election petition matters during July and August and requested that the hearing be scheduled for September.

Justice Kajuga said she intended to hear the matter in concentrated sessions.

‘I want to handle this matter in form of a session, like a week, or five days,’ she said.

ICC chairman Jay Shah’s growing emphasis on strengthening Associate Members is beginning to reshape the global cricket landscape, with Uganda emerging as one of the key beneficiaries of this renewed strategic direction.

Shah has consistently underscored the importance of expanding competitive opportunities for Associate nations, alongside building stronger cricketing structures through targeted investment, international partnerships and institutional collaborations designed to accelerate long-term development.

Steady rise

Uganda, widely regarded as one of the fastest-rising Associate cricket nations, continues to make significant strides both on and off the field. The country’s progress has been anchored in improved governance systems, structured development programmes and a clear strategic roadmap aimed at elevating its status within world cricket.

According to Cricket Uganda (CU) leadership, the ICC’s renewed approach has created meaningful opportunities for engagement with established cricket institutions, including the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA), paving the way for technical exchange, coaching development and administrative capacity building.

CU chairman Jackson Kavuma praised the ICC leadership for its proactive role in strengthening Associate cricket, singling out Jay Shah’s contribution in connecting emerging nations with established cricket structures.

‘Jay Shah has been instrumental in supporting Associate Members including Uganda,’ said Kavuma.

Strong relations

‘As part of his efforts to strengthen support for Associates, he encouraged one of India’s leading domestic associations, the MCA, to play a more active role in this agenda. Uganda was fortunate to have already established strong relations with Mumbai, particularly through Ajinkya Naik, President of MCA, which made engagement much easier.’My personal relationship with Naik also played a significant role in helping Uganda build and strengthen this partnership with Mumbai,’ Kavuma said.

He added that this model of collaboration reflects a departure from previous ICC approaches, which often lacked structured pathways for sustained engagement between Associates and full-member cricket institutions.

The partnership between Uganda Cricket and MCA is expected to focus on knowledge sharing, player and coach development, as well as strengthening institutional frameworks that support long-term growth.

With continued ICC backing and expanding international networks, Uganda is positioning itself as a leading example of how Associate nations can transition into more competitive and structured cricketing systems.

As global cricket continues to evolve, Uganda’s trajectory suggests that the gap between traditional powers and emerging nations may continue to narrow – driven by structured support, strategic partnerships and leadership-driven development agendas.

THE TALKING POINT

Global Shift. ICC chairman Jay Shah’s push to strengthen Associate Members is opening new pathways for Uganda Cricket, with strategic partnerships such as the Mumbai Cricket Association collaboration reflecting a wider shift towards empowering emerging nations through development, exposure and international cooperation.