Category: Daily Monitor

The Head of State House Investors’ Protection Unit, Col Edith Nakalema, has tasked two newly appointed ministers to closely work with her office to promote a conducive environment for both local and foreign investors. The duo include the Minister for Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, Mr Sanjay Tanna, and the State Minister for Privatisation and Investment, Mr Aminah Mukalazi.

While holding an initial engagement with the two ministers and key stakeholders in the manufacturing and digital technology at her office in Kampala, Col Nakalema said the duo ought to support efforts meant to weed out rackets of individuals who extort money from investors, among other vices that may cripple the sector.

‘Mr Sanjay came with a great zeal to look at how we have been mobilising and protecting investors from wrong elements or the corrupt and how we are leveraging technology. He was followed by Ms Mukalazi. We are glad to receive these two ministers because they are key to our work,” she said. Col Nakalema also noted that the government would dialogue with manufacturers and agree on how their long-term concern of taxes levied on textiles and plastics is resolved.

Manufacturers in Uganda have consistently raised an alarm over the heavy tax burden imposed on the textile and plastics industries, warning about rising production costs, job losses, and massive price increases. Mr Sanjay pledged to promote an open-door policy where the concerned investors will be free to air out their concerns and seek guidance.

Taxation

On the issue of taxation, the minister said: ‘We are going to make sure you make money, but while you make money, we all make money responsibly, and we make sure we contribute our coins to Uganda Revenue Authority to ensure a peaceful, profitable, and pleasant Uganda.’ He also tasked Huawei to consider establishing call centres in Uganda to create jobs for millions of jobless graduates. Ms Mukalazi called for coordinated efforts among government ministries, departments, and agencies to ensure investors receive the support that they deserve. ‘We can all shine and win together. Division and uncoordinated ways of working are the ones that frustrate our investors,” she said.

Tree cutting

On the issue of a ban on tree cutting, the minister said President Museveni has promised to meet the affected investors and agree on the way forward.

Background

In 2023, the National Policy Committee on Environment resolved to ban the exportation of timber and cancelled all licenses and permits, and called for value addition to timber exports.

Mr Joseph Kiyimba, a tree farmer and an exporter of veneer (sliced wood for making plywood), said he is optimistic that their proposed engagement with top leadership will bear fruit to enable them to resume work.

The Uganda Law Society (ULS) and the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) have strongly condemned the charging of former Kampala Lord Mayor and senior lawyer Erias Lukwago with misprision of treason.

They described the prosecution as an attack on the legal profession and the administration of justice. In separate statements issued yesterday, the two bar associations questioned the circumstances surrounding Mr Lukwago’s arrest and subsequent prosecution, warning that the case could have a chilling effect on lawyers representing clients in politically sensitive cases.

Mr Lukwago, who is one of the lead defence lawyers for Opposition politician Dr Kizza Besigye and his co-accused Obeid Lutale, was yesterday charged with misprision of treason and remanded to Luzira Prison until Monday next week when the state is expected to respond to his bail application. he charge followed his arrest on Monday from his home in Wakaliga, Rubaga Division, Kampala, by armed men dressed in military uniform.

In a strongly-worded letter addressed to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Lino Anguzu, the president of the Uganda Law Society, Mr Isaac Ssemakadde, condemned the decision to prosecute Mr Lukwago.

“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, a senior member of the Bar and lead counsel for Dr Kizza Besigye and Hajji Obeid Lutale in the ongoing treason trial,’ Mr Ssemakadde wrote.

He argued that Mr Lukwago’s actions as a lawyer could not reasonably form the basis of a treason-related charge. 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 said.

The Uganda Law Society warned that prosecuting advocates for carrying out their professional duties threatens the independence of the legal profession and undermines public confidence in the justice system.

“An attack on one advocate is an attack on the entire Bar and on the rule of law,’ Mr Ssemakadde added. The Society demanded the immediate withdrawal of the charges against Mr Lukwago.

‘The profession demands the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of all charges against Advocate Erias Lukwago, full disclosure of his treatment in detention, and a public undertaking that prosecutors will cease using their offices to advance partisan political objectives,’ the letter reads.

Across the border, the Law Society of Kenya echoed similar concerns, saying the case transcends the personal circumstances of Mr Lukwago and touches on the ability of lawyers to represent clients without fear of intimidation or retaliation.

In a statement signed by its president, Charles Kanjama, the Kenyan Bar Association stressed that advocates must be free to discharge their professional obligations regardless of the nature of the cases they handle.

“The administration of justice depends upon advocates being able to represent their clients fearlessly, particularly in matters that are politically sensitive or attract significant public attention,’ Mr Kanjama said.

The Society noted that the proceedings involving Dr Besigye have attracted regional attention and involve lawyers from across East Africa.

‘The Society is particularly concerned because the proceedings in which Lukwago serves as lead counsel have drawn regional attention and involve legal practitioners from across East Africa. Notably, Senior Counsel Martha Karua, one of Kenya’s most distinguished advocates, is part of the defence team in the same proceedings,’ the statement reads.

It adds, ‘Any development affecting members of that legal team is therefore a matter of legitimate concern to the Kenyan Bar and to the wider legal profession in the region.’

Prosecutors allege that between 2021 and November 2024, Mr Lukwago knew that Dr Besigye, Joel Wakayima, Frank Kihehere Atukunda and Obeid Lutale intended to commit treason but failed to disclose the information to relevant authorities.

His arrest came as he was reportedly preparing to serve court documents on Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba in a separate legal matter connected to Dr Besigye’s ongoing treason case where he alleges death threats against him.

For years, residents of Kali village along the disputed border between Yumbe and Obongi districts lived side by side, sharing water sources, markets, and social ties despite lingering questions over administrative boundaries. Today, however, the atmosphere is tense.

What should have been a celebration of development- the opening of community access roads and the construction of VIP latrines has instead reignited a long-standing land conflict, drawing local leaders, residents, and government officials into renewed disagreement over who owns the land where the projects are being implemented.

As excavators clear paths through the bush and construction workers lay foundations for improved sanitation facilities, a familiar dispute has resurfaced, threatening both community cohesion and service delivery.

A conflict rekindled

Residents say the conflict had remained largely dormant for several years. Although disagreements over the exact boundary between Yumbe and Obongi persisted, communities had found ways to coexist peacefully, but that changed when development projects arrived.

The conflict created a lot of insecurity for the community living in that place for about one week, prompting the District Security Committee to organise a security meeting to handle the matter.

The Obongi RDC, Mr Hashaka Mpimbaza, said the insecurity began due to a road project opened by Obongi District.

He said the road, which is about 7km, was opened from Kali up to River Kochi, with bush clearing already done, but what is remaining is shaping and grading.

‘The opening of the road created insecurity in the sense that the two districts are claiming ownership of the land where the road project is being undertaken. As the two security committees of Yumbe and Obongi, we decided to call a security meeting to sort out this problem,’ he said.

He said this is not the first time such a thing has happened. During the 2024 census, a similar incident happened in this disputed area.

‘We can’t as a security committee decide whether this land belongs to Yumbe or Obongi. When there is a conflict between two districts, it is the Ministry of Lands that sorts out the matter by doing a demarcation,’ he said.

‘There is a lot of confusion in this place. The suggestion is, we maintain the status quo, and we all put our efforts together, request the Ministry of Lands quickly to come and sort out this problem because enough is enough; this confusion must not continue,’ he added.

The security committee had a suggestion that the road project should continue because it benefits everybody because there is no proper community access road in the area, but the idea has been rejected by the leaders from the Yumbe side.

The Yumbe district speaker, Mr Samadu Aguku, who represented the district chairperson at the meeting, said one of the issues of contention between Yumbe and Obongi is the opening of the road.

He said it is not right to say Obongi should continue grading this road because Yumbe may think they have lost their independence, and if they say Yumbe should take over, it becomes a problem.

‘Now that the Local Government Act has given us a mandate, you give us an opportunity as District Executive Committee (DEC) members of the two districts to sit and accept whether the road should continue or we suspend it. We are saying this is because the funding of this road project is not clear,’ he said.

‘It is stated that the fuel for opening the road came from the MP Obongi County. Two toilets have been dug here now, and the security team is not aware who owns the land. The ongoing works must be suspended with immediate effect,’ he added.

He said the LCs within the disputed area from the side of Yumbe have been threatened that their stamps shall be collected, saying it’s not a good move and that the leaders from Obongi should be restrained from that bad act.

Community living in fear

Mr Ibrahim Atiku Dalilu, a resident of the area, said the matter started during the census, and UPDF soldiers were brought here by the leaders of Obongi, and they wanted to count us forcefully, but they rejected.

‘When it came to the opening of the road, UPDF and Police officers were again brought here to scare us. These people came with full force to start the work,’ he said.

Mr Sunday Bran, another resident of Ombechi West village, said he is the landlord of the area where the two pit latrines have been dug.

‘These people came with security personnel, but without consultation, they started digging the pits. The aim of these people is not to promote sanitation but to reclaim the area,’ he said.

Mr Bran said he has stayed in this area for over 30 years and that they don’t want interference from Obongi Local Government.

During the security meeting that took place last week, Mr Hassan Kaps Fungaroo, the MP for Obongi constituency, was not allowed to talk; however, when Monitor Publication contacted him at the weekend, he said people already know the truth about the land in question.

He insists that Kali is deeply inside Obongi and the road they have opened is inside Obongi and that there is no border of Yumbe across River Kochi.

‘People want to run away from using the right methods. There are maps of Uganda and the districts, including historical backgrounds of the districts in West Nile that can clearly define the borders of the districts,’ he said.

He added: ‘There were Aringa people who came to Obongi a long time ago; they were welcomed and given land under right of use, and they know the facts. They are not happy about what’s happening now, but they have decided to create villages with new names here.’

He noted that the community access road that has brought problems was opened by Itula Sub-county and that he only came to assist them with fuel because the Sub-county doesn’t have enough resources to undertake the project.

‘What’s true and is personal is the opening of Pit latrines, which is to help our Kapalanga and Miricha clans because we have members of those clans there doing farming in that place,’ he said.

Calls for lasting solutions

Leaders from both districts have appealed for calm and urged residents to avoid violence.

Many are calling upon the central government, survey authorities, and the Ministry of Lands to conduct a comprehensive boundary verification exercise and establish a permanent solution.

The Obongi district Chairperson, Mr Khemis Abibu Buga, said they had viewed that the projects would benefit the local community, but the long-existing border dispute has frustrated their efforts in implementing the project.

‘Writing to the Ministry of Lands will not help us. I have written more than four times, including to my counterpart, the chairperson of Yumbe District, but up to now, there is no feedback,’ he said.

‘My suggestion is that a team that comprises the RDCs, MPs, LC 5 chairpersons, CAOs of the two districts must go to meet those officials in the ministries of local government, lands, including the Prime Minister with immediate effect if we want to succeed,’ he added.

Call for peace and security

Hajji Sulaiman Lubwama Bukya, the Yumbe RDC, said the issue that has happened isn’t a big one, urging the residents in the area to be calm.

‘We have come here not to solve that border dispute but rather the insecurity concerns that are threatening the lives of the people emanating from the contested area. We want people here to co-exist and live peacefully,’ he said.

The security committee, however, resolved that the ongoing project work be suspended for two weeks and that a team from the two districts should go and meet the concerned ministries over the matter and that they will come back with a report for the community.

Police have reduced the number of its officers deployed at the Parliament of Uganda, from the current 400 to about 200, with the rest being taken back to the police headquarters for further redeployment.

Officials say the reduction follows reassessment of the security situation and the frugality promised by the new Speaker of Parliament, Marksons Jacob Oboth Oboth.

Shortly after being elected Speaker, Oboth had promised to review Parliament’s budget and redirect some of what he called wasteful expenditure to committees and other departments that need the money more.

Chris Obore, the Director of Communications and Public Affairs at the parliament, confirmed the reduction in the number of police officers and said this fulfils the promises made by the speaker.

‘I think to understand the reduction in the number of police personnel here should be understood in three contexts. One, you need to listen to the speaker, the new speaker, and what he says. He’s been consistently, since elected, kept saying he would operate on financial frugality.” He explained.

”So, by reducing the number of police, we achieve in that direction what we promised. Two, the reduction is always done in consultation with the police authorities. And if that happens, it means the police authorities are satisfied with the numbers required here, because they are the ones who assess the security threat levels,’ Obore said.

He, however, did not say how many forces the parliament exactly has, but said they could be more or less.

‘Normally, we report the round figures. There could be 205, but you say 200. There could be 199, you can say 200. So let’s go with that,’ he said.

Obore said Parliament and Police authorities agreed that not all the four hundred officers were needed, after a careful analysis of the security situation in the Parliament, neccesitating the reduction.

‘If there were higher security threats, maybe the police would advise otherwise. The fact that they have gone with that decision means they are satisfied equally, and that serves the promise of the Speaker that he would prefer to live humble and be efficient,’ Obore said.

Sources at Parliament who did not want to be named said the police officers have been given until the end of the week to vacate Parliament and report back to the headquarters at Naguru.

Obore on his part said deployment of the forces normally takes immediate effect from the time of announcement.

He, however, neither confirmed nor denied whether the directive for immediate vacation of the parliament had been issued.

‘Forces operate on directives, not as civilians who behave on procedural matters. I am sure when a commander-in-chief issues directives, they are always with immediate effect. That’s what I understand with police deployments,’ he said.

Apart from guarding the parliament, VIP and VVIP officers are deployed to guard and protect both the homes of top parliamentary leadership, including the Speaker, the deputy, LoP, and the parliamentary commissioners, among others.

Our attempts to get clarifications on who will be deployed and retained were unsuccessful because the police spokesperson, Rusoke Kituuma, did not respond to our calls.

Obore, on his part, said it is the duty of the police to know who is deployed where and to guard who.

‘First of all, you see, VIP protection is done at the VIP directorate, so I will not go into the determination of who has what protection is not entirely parliamentary. It has different levels of analysis, of threat assessment, and the appropriate deployment,’ he said.

As the world marks World Refugee Day on June 20, we are reminded that behind every refugee statistic is a human story of courage, loss, resilience and hope. This year’s theme, ‘Until everyone is safe’, is both a reminder and a call to action. It reflects the reality that millions of people around the world continue to be forced from their homes by conflict, violence and persecution in search of safety. Uganda hosts more than two million refugees and asylum-seekers, making it one of the largest refugee-hosting countries in the world. Behind this statistic are individual stories of courage, loss, resilience and hope.

Every day, people continue to seek refuge from conflict, violence and persecution. In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), insecurity and violence in the eastern part of the country continue to uproot families. Many have undertaken long and dangerous journeys, facing numerous hardships along the way, including the fear of disease outbreaks before finally reaching safety in Uganda.

To the north, South Sudan continues to experience political uncertainty, localised violence and climate-related shocks. Thousands of people have crossed into Uganda in search of protection and stability for themselves and their children. Further afield, the conflict in Sudan has now entered its fourth year. What began as a political and military crisis has evolved into one of the world’s most severe humanitarian emergencies. Millions displaced, families separated, and countless lives disrupted. Uganda has received many of those fleeing the violence, adding to the growing humanitarian needs across the country.

Each of these people matters. They are not numbers in a report or statistics in a news headline. They are mothers, fathers, children, students, teachers, farmers and entrepreneurs whose lives have been upended by circumstances beyond their control. Like all of us, they seek safety, dignity and the opportunity to rebuild their lives. Seventy-five years ago, in the aftermath of the Second World War, the international community adopted the 1951 Refugee Convention, establishing the right of people forced to flee to seek safety and protection. In doing so, it made a promise that those escaping conflict, violence and persecution would not be left without refuge. That promise remains as relevant today as it was then.

The right to seek asylum means legal protection. It means shelter, healthcare and education. It means the opportunity to work, contribute to society and live with dignity. Most importantly, it means hope – the hope that displacement does not have to define a person’s entire future. Uganda deserves recognition for keeping this promise alive. For decades, the country has maintained an open-door policy that has offered refuge to people escaping conflict and persecution. Equally deserving of appreciation are the host communities that have welcomed refugees into their villages and towns, sharing land, schools, health facilities and other public services despite facing challenges of their own.

But the responsibility does not rest with Uganda alone. Supporting refugees is a collective responsibility. Until everyone is safe, we must continue to safeguard access to asylum and pursue policies rooted in fairness, humanity and dignity. We must continue supporting host countries and communities that demonstrate extraordinary generosity. We must invest in solutions that enable refugees to move beyond survival toward self-reliance and inclusion. And we must reject fear and misinformation in favour of empathy, solidarity and facts.

Until everyone is safe, development partners and stakeholders will continue delivering on the promise made years ago – that people forced to flee have the right to seek safety and protection. This World Refugee Day, even without public gatherings, we can all play a role. We can stand with refugees. We can support the communities that host them. We can defend the right to seek safety. And we can remember that in an increasingly uncertain world, the promise of protection was never meant for a few. It was meant for all of us. Until everyone is safe, the work is not done.

Upcountry journeys are increasingly testing motorists, with long distances, unpredictable fuel stops and stretching road conditions making poor planning a costly mistake. Here is why getting your fuel strategy right before you set off can determine whether your trip is smooth or stressful.

Motorists across Uganda are increasingly facing a frustrating reality; fuel stations that unexpectedly run dry. For long-distance travellers, particularly those heading upcountry, the journey from Kampala to their destination now involves not just distance but also uncertainty.

Suzan Adikin woke up early one morning, both excited and anxious, as she prepared for her first long-distance self-drive journey to Arua City in the West Nile sub-region. Unsure of what lay ahead, she asked her colleague, Jackson Kibwota, to join her. Having someone experienced by her side gave her the confidence to handle any challenges that might arise.

Adikin had never driven more than 300kms outside Kampala, and the thought of covering the approximately 440km journey to Arua was both thrilling and daunting.

As they set off, Adikin drove with confidence, observing traffic rules and speed limits. She enjoyed the journey, relishing the freedom and sense of accomplishment that came with her first long-distance drive.

However, the trip was not without tense moments. At one point, a reckless driver nearly collided head-on with her vehicle, turning an enjoyable journey into a frightening near-miss. Fortunately, she managed to avoid the crash and continued unharmed.

A few hours into the trip, Kibwota asked how much fuel was left in the tank. It was at that moment Adikin realised she had not filled the vehicle before leaving Kampala. Given the long distance to Arua and the uncertainty of fuel availability along some sections of the route, they agreed to stop at the next fuel station to top up the tank.

The decision appeared sensible. Having adequate fuel would guarantee a smoother journey and provide peace of mind, especially when travelling through remote areas where access to fuel can be unpredictable.

However, even simple plans can quickly unravel on Uganda’s highways. The first fuel station they stopped at had completely run out of fuel. With no alternative, they continued their journey, hoping to find another station further ahead.

After travelling nearly 170kms, they finally spotted another fuel station. Their relief was short-lived when the attendants informed them that only diesel was available; the station had run out of petrol.

This development heightened anxiety, particularly for Kibwota, who warned that they needed to find petrol as soon as possible. He feared that if the vehicle ran out of fuel near the national park, they could find themselves stranded in an isolated area.

What had started as an exciting road trip was rapidly turning into a lesson about the importance of fuel planning. As the fuel gauge continued to drop, their concern grew.

Their worries finally eased upon reaching Kigumba, where they found a fuel station with petrol available. Although the fuel was selling at about Shs500 more per litre than in Kampala, they had little choice but to refuel.

Without hesitation, they filled the tank, prioritising safety and peace of mind over the additional cost. The decision proved worthwhile, especially as they were about to traverse a long stretch through a national park, where service points are sparse and assistance is difficult to access.

For Adikin, this experience was a stark reminder that fuel availability should never be taken for granted during long-distance travel. What had initially seemed like a minor decision had nearly turned into a stressful ordeal.

Fuel uncertainty on upcountry routes

As fuel stations continue to expand along Uganda’s major highways, motorists now have more options than ever before. However, fuel availability, especially petrol, can still be unpredictable in some remote areas, where pumps may run dry without warning.

Stephen Sebandeke, a road safety enthusiast in Kampala, says motorists should first determine the distance to their destination before embarking on any journey outside the city. Knowing the length of the trip helps drivers estimate the amount of fuel needed and identify refuelling points along the route.

Sebandeke emphasises that fuel planning is often overlooked when considering road safety. By understanding a vehicle’s fuel consumption rate and the distance to be travelled, motorists can avoid the anxiety and risks associated with running low on fuel in unfamiliar or remote areas.

He advises drivers to start with a full tank whenever possible and to identify reliable fuel stations before setting off, particularly when travelling through sparsely populated regions where fuel availability can be inconsistent.

Outside of Kampala and other major urban centres, petrol is generally less available than diesel. In some cases, fuel stations completely run out of petrol, forcing motorists to travel long distances in search of the next available supply.

‘The best approach is to refuel before the tank reaches critically low levels and to identify reliable fuel stations along the route. This strategy helps motorists avoid the uncertainty and inconvenience caused by fuel shortages in remote areas,’ Sebandeke advises.

Diesel vs petrol

Patrick Kimera, a mechanic, emphasises the importance of being prepared for unforeseen circumstances when travelling to remote destinations. ‘If you are travelling through areas with limited access to fuel stations, it is crucial to have an emergency backup plan,’ he says.

He recommends carrying a small reserve of fuel in an approved container, such as a specialised jerrycan, while ensuring that safety guidelines are followed. Kimera notes that diesel fuel is generally more available than petrol at many rural fuel stations, making motorists with petrol-powered vehicles more susceptible to shortages.

Moses Obet, a fuel manager at Igar Fuel Station on the northern route, explains that the station receives a larger supply of diesel than petrol because of the significantly higher demand for diesel in the area. ‘As a result, motorists driving petrol vehicles should always ensure they have enough fuel before setting off, as refuelling opportunities may not always be available,’ Obet advises.

Plan before you move

Isaac Khisa, a bus driver on the Kampala-Moroto route, reports that the situation has significantly improved in recent years due to the increasing number of fuel stations on major highways.

‘Before leaving Kampala, we always make sure to have enough fuel. However, if we encounter mechanical problems along the way and need to stop at fuel stations, we usually find that fuel is available,’ Khisa says.

Adikin’s experience serves as a reminder that while a road trip may begin with excitement and adventure, a simple oversight, such as forgetting to refuel, can quickly turn the journey into a stressful ordeal.

On Uganda’s highways, the fuel gauge is more than just a dashboard instrument; it represents careful planning, timing, and sometimes a bit of luck.

Lessons from the road

For travellers embarking on long-distance journeys, experts recommend that fuel planning be an essential part of trip preparation. It is important to fill the tank before departure, identify reliable fuel stations along the route, carry an emergency fuel reserve when necessary, and ensure the vehicle is in good mechanical condition. These steps can help prevent unnecessary stress and delays.

By the time the majority walked out of the MTN headquarters at noon on Thursday, just a few had noticed that it is exactly a year before East Africa hosts the 36th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon).

Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania will co-host the tournament, which will mark the 70th anniversary of the showpiece, from June 19 to July 17, 2027.

To match the timelines, local soccer body Fufa and its partner telecom MTN launched a captivating campaign for Uganda dubbed This is a nationwide campaign which will attract creative Ugandans to compete in designing the Uganda Cranes’ jersey that will be donned during Afcon next June.

‘The most loved sport in Uganda is football and the greatest fire of our fans, of the Ugandans, is football,’ first Fufa vice-president Justus Mugisha remarked during the campaign launch.

‘We also know that the main uniting factor of the Ugandans is football. We thought, together with our partners, that the jersey, should not be designed by Fufa, not even our partners but the fans who have a lot of fire.’

The idea is conceptualized off MTN’s Free Your Fire platform that seeks to transform supporters from spectators into creators by giving them a direct role in shaping one of the country’s most visible symbols of national identity.

‘We are asking Ugandans to free their fire in terms of designing what will be selecting the next Cranes’ jersey,’ said MTN manager of sponsorships and events John Paul Okwi.

‘So creatives out there, what idea do you have? What do you have in your soul? Effective June 22, the (online competition) portal will be open. And you’ll upload jpeg images, sign up for some terms and conditions,’ Okwi explained the mechanics.

The competition will run for a period of three weeks, accompanied with guidance on logos and their placement as well as any legal implications and conditions of participation.

‘A panel of judges will be able to select seven final selected jerseys based on the criteria shared. Every participant will be informed for purposes of governance and accountability.

The seven finalists will be invited for a three-day boot camp, and their ideas will be subjected to a refinement by graphics designers to move their visualizations onto a digital template.

They will be mentored to make their designs richer with national elements before making final works and one lucky designer with the selected jersey will receive a token of Shs50m from MTN and the other six will have consolation prizes.

‘It is said that everything was once an idea,’ said Fufa CEO Edgar Watson. ‘Art is a free expression, there is no right or wrong. There is no bad or good but how you express yourself is the best in art,’ the former Cranes’ captain added.

During the event, there were artists who exhibited paintings about Uganda Cranes on canvas with pieces explained to the audience.

‘Our major colour was yellow and we were trying to play with the abstract, the Crested Cranes,’ artist Barnabas Odongkara explained one of the artworks.

‘Vuvuzela was initially out of South Africa culture, it made them stand out. For us as Uganda, we are the Cranes. A Crane has a unique feature, it has a crown and maybe that will identify us better. At least we have a set of identity,’ he added.

‘We have been able to express to the people around, what can motivate you to make something, symbolism, culture and nationality,’ Racheal Winnie Nakayenga detailed in her work.

The pair, alongside Kyambogo University student Bright Asiimwe and live painter Rolands Tibirusya are all considered ineligible for the campaign.

CRANES’ NOTEBOOK

Nickname: ‘The Cranes’

Association: Federation of Uganda Football Associations (Fufa)

Global Fifa Ranking: 89th (1264.09 points)

Head coach: Paul Put

Captain: Khalid Aucho

Most caps: Godfrey Walusimbi (105)

Top scorer: Emmanuel Okwi (28)

Home stadium: Mandela National Stadium – Namboole

ABOUT AFCON

Full Name: Africa Cup of Nations

Founded: 1957; 69 years ago

2027 Host countries: Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda

Dates: June 19 – July 17, 2027

Teams: 24

Region: Africa

Teams: 24 (finals) | 54 (eligible to enter qualification)

Current champions: Morocco (2nd Title)

Most Championships: Egypt (7 Titles)

Some moments sweep you off your feet when you least expect them. For me, that moment is now, amidst the world of sports. The World Cup is unmissable; everyone is talking about it. However, basketball has always been the sport I had zero interest in, until this month. I have been following it relentlessly, not because I suddenly love basketball, but because of the incredible story unfolding around the New York Knicks.

The team had suffered through 53 years of near-misses and heartbreak. To understand what that means, you have to grasp the particular cruelty of time. Fifty-three years is long enough for a child born in the last championship season to become a grandparent. Yet, the fans stayed. Not all of them, of course. There were defectors; fair-weather fans, the pragmatic ones who decided their emotional energy was better spent elsewhere. But enough fans remained. Enough kept showing up at the stadiums, wearing the jerseys, and believing in the face of every conceivable evidence that their belief was irrational.

When that final whistle blew, and the trophy was finally, impossibly, theirs, the celebration was the release of 53 years of pent-up breath. I watched the footage with the peculiar distance of someone who does not root for that team and has no stake in that city, yet still felt unmistakable recognition. Because we all know what it is to wait.

We all know what it is to hope against hope. We all know what it is to be told that our loyalty is misplaced, that our belief is foolish and that the numbers do not add up. We also know the small, private victory of staying, regardless.

Barack Obama called it the audacity of hope, and he was right; it is audacious. It is almost perverse. It is the refusal to accept the world as it is given to you. It is the insistence that the story you are telling yourself might actually come true.

But hope should not be coflated for optimism. Optimism is the belief that things will get better. Hope is the belief that things can get better. It is a more modest proposition and, therefore, a more durable one. Optimism is a feeling; hope is a discipline.

Audacity is the only explanation for Curaçao’s place at the World Cup. A nation of just about 150,000 people, which is about four million people fewer than Kampala, stood on the world’s grandest stage and faced football superpowers without flinching.

They reminded us of something we too often forget; belief is not about numbers; it is about nerve. And that, I think, is the most inspiring thing of all because it tells us that hope is not naïve. It is a strategy, a conscious decision to reject the limitations others have drawn around you.

Then there was the Democratic Republic of Congo. Did you see them? The leopard print accessory was unmissable, and unapologetically African. The moment their feet touched the tarmac, they announced themselves to the world; we are proudly, flamboyantly Congolese, and we will not shrink to fit your expectations.

Global sporting culture often demands conformity and asks athletes to tone down their identity, to become palatable brands rather than proud representatives. Congo refused to conform and instead wore their heritage like a coat of arms, a declaration not just of where they come from but of who they are. In that refusal, they reminded us that true presence is about being seen.

I started thinking about what it means to carry that much pressure onto the field. To represent not just a team, but an entire continent. To be seen, even for just one season, as the symbol of a people who have too often been overlooked. If they felt the same weight, they never showed it, they moved with quiet confidence instead. Well done, Congo. You made us proud and reminded us that when you fully embrace who you are, that becomes your greatest strength.

That is the real gift of sports; not the fleeting victories nor the trophies, which collect dust. But the proof that hope is active and stubborn. It is the choice to keep showing up long after it has ceased to be rational. And in those moments, we will remember why we keep telling ourselves stories, because occasionally, against all odds, they turn out to be true.

Appearing weak and depressed, former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago revealed unsettling accounts of his ordeal during the 48 hours he was held in an unknown military detention.

Lukwago, who is also the defence lawyer in Dr Kizza Besigye’s treason case, was abducted by men in military uniform last Monday and charged with misprision of treason 48 hours later. In an exclusive interview with the Monitor last evening, Mr Fahad Lukwago narrated the distressing ordeal his father, Lukwago, faced in a Toyota Hiace passenger van, popularly referred to as Drone, while being transported to an undisclosed location.

Blindfolded and frazzled, Lukwago arrived to find his head shaved and his suit stripped away, leaving him in only shorts and a shirt. He was later given some posho and beans to eat, though it is unclear how many meals he actually received. Fahad, who got the story from his mother, Ms Nalongo Zawedde Lukwago Lubwama, recounted that his father was locked in a cramped room resembling those used for psychiatric patients, furnished only with a single plastic chair.

“At night, my father had to fold his jacket to use as a pillow because he struggles to lie flat due to a spinal surgery he underwent in India,’ Fahad recounted, adding that ‘whenever he [Lukwago] tried to rest, he was met with intense pain, forcing him to remain seated in the plastic chair to relieve the strain on his back….For two consecutive days, he couldn’t lie down.”

After realising his shirt was dirty, Lukwago sought permission to wash it. It was then that he was reportedly offered an NRM T-shirt. Although he hesitated to wear it, Fahad told Daily Monitor that he ultimately had no choice but to accept the yellow T-shirt.

Lukwago, is also the leader of the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), a new political party aiming to end President Museveni’s four-decade rule, is a prominent figure in the Opposition landscape. e has consistently voiced his criticism against the NRM government and its policies over the years. n the detention facility, Fahad revealed that the space was tightly constrained, making it difficult for him to stretch out. He explained that his father later began to experience breathing problems due to stomach ulcers that often led to what he called ‘acid reflux’.

Acid reflux happens when stomach acid consistently travels back up into the esophagus, the tube that connects the mouth and stomach. This backflow, according to gastroenterologists, irritates the esophagus lining, leading to a burning feeling some people often refer to as heartburn. Recounting the psychological torture his father endured, Fahad revealed that whenever Lukwago was prompted to talk about what he went through in the detention facility, he would take deep breaths and respond in a quiet, hesitant manner.

Yesterday, Lukwago faced charges of misprision of treason at the Chief Magistrate’s Court in Makindye, Kampala. His legal team and others condemned the charges as politically driven, emphasising the unjust treatment of an innocent man simply doing his job as an advocate and court officer. The former Lord Mayor was seized from his home in Wakaliga, a Kampala City suburb, on June 15, and whisked to an undisclosed detention facility. The CDF would later confirm his abduction on his X-handle.

How he was abducted

According to Fahad, his father was abducted by armed soldiers, some dressed in UPDF uniforms and others in plain clothes.

“The operatives arrived in two “drones” – a term widely associated with the abduction and transportation of suspects by security agencies. As we reconstructed the difficult events of that day’, Fahad, whose father is currently on remand, told the Monitor that one soldier scaled the perimeter wall after cutting through the barbed wire that served as protection against intruders.

‘The section that was cut is only a few metres from the main gate. After entering the compound, the soldier opened the gate and allowed other soldiers in, along with one of the drones, to drive in and collect Dad’, Fahad recalled.

“I was terrified when I saw one soldier jump over the fence. I ran away and hid because I feared for my life,” Fahad narrated. The sliding door to the former Lord Mayor’s house was open, while the burglar-proof door had been shut but not padlocked, making it easy for the soldiers to enter the residence.

Upon entering, the operatives knocked on several rooms on the ground floor of the mayor’s storeyed mansion. He added: “They tried to force their way into my room, but they could not gain access because I had locked myself inside. They then moved upstairs, where my father’s bedroom is located.”

When asked how the soldiers appeared to know that Lukwago’s bedroom was upstairs, Fahad responded: “I think someone signalled to them that it was upstairs. I had just come down from upstairs to alert my mother and father that soldiers had invaded our home.”

When the operatives reached Lukwago’s bedroom, which is situated between two other rooms, they knocked, and Lukwago’s wife opened the door, believing it was her son, Fahad.

“They entered the room and tried to look for anything they could use as evidence against him, but they did not find anything,” Fahad’s voice quivered, as he struggled to hold back tears. The rest of the family members were ordered to remain outside the house, and their phones were confiscated. “We were warned not to go back into the house,” Fahad recalled.

As Lukwago was being taken away, his wife reportedly pleaded with the operatives to allow her to give him medication for ulcers and for a slipped spinal disc, for which he had previously undergone surgery in India. Her request was allegedly ignored.

The Monitor could not independently verify this statement, as there were no authorised security personnel or government officials willing to comment on the matter. Lukwago’s wife, who was initially denied access to him at Kira Division Police Station yesterday, was later allowed to see him.

According to Fahad, she returned and narrated his ordeal to the family.

Football in Uganda and every part of the world is part of everyday life. It lives in trading centres, roadside video halls (bibanda), university hostels, living rooms, bars, and WhatsApp groups. A Manchester United loss can ruin moods for an entire day. Arsenal fans suddenly become loud when the team is winning and not giving them heart palpitations. Every weekend, friendships are tested over English Premier League (EPL) banter, predictions, and penalty decisions. As the zeal for the 2026 Fifa World Cup continues to grow, one thing is clear. Ugandans love football, and the appetite for live sport has never been bigger. Families gather around television sets, friends meet at kafundas and the entire nation rallies behind teams and players who inspire millions.

At the same time, piracy is becoming one of the biggest threats to the future of sports broadcasting. Across the country, illegal streaming links, hacked decoders, telegram channels, and unauthorised football screenings have become increasingly common. For many people, it feels harmless. Someone sends a link in a group chat before kickoff, some use their mobile phones, while others gather around a screen, and the match goes on, but a few stop to think about what that ‘free’ football actually costs. The rise of illegal streaming platforms and unauthorised broadcast links has created the illusion of free access to premium sport. In reality, it comes with a serious cost, one that is often hidden from the viewer. Every illegal stream chips away at the economic infrastructure that makes sports broadcasting possible. Rights acquisition; production, commentary, studio analysis, transmission infrastructure, customer service, and local sports coverage all require significant investment. When piracy flourishes, that investment becomes harder to sustain.

Broadcast rights for major football competitions such as the Fifa World Cup, EPL and Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) tournaments cost billions of dollars globally. Broadcasters acquire these rights to ensure audiences enjoy reliable coverage, expert analysis, local programming and investments in production quality. Piracy undermines this model by stripping value from the very content that audiences love. In Uganda, where the creative and media sectors are still growing, this matters even more. ­ The conversation around piracy often focuses only on access and affordability, but there is also a deeper issue around value. We cannot continue demanding world-class entertainment while undermining the industries that make it possible. Delivering that experience across Africa requires continuous investment in technology, talent, infrastructure and distribution networks.

The same Ugandans who celebrate local music, local film, and Ugandan creators should also recognise the importance of protecting content rights. Piracy also comes with personal risks that many users ignore. Illegal streaming platforms are often filled with scams, malware, fake betting advertisements, and suspicious links that expose users to fraud and cybercrime. In trying to save money, many people unknowingly compromise their devices and personal information.

The future of sports broadcasting right now depends on how seriously audiences, regulators, broadcasters, and technology platforms respond to this issue. Fighting piracy is about protecting the future of entertainment, sport, and creative investment in Africa. Football deserves investment. Fans deserve quality. Broadcasters deserve protection for the content they legally acquire and distribute.