Category: Daily Monitor

What should a country like Uganda do in an environment where trade with the US is becoming more difficult?

The good news for Uganda is that very few Ugandan exports have been directed to the US-only about 2 percent in 2024. This is relatively favourable compared to regional peers; for instance, Kenya has a much higher percentage, while Tanzania falls somewhere in between. Moreover, Uganda’s exports do not directly compete with US production. There is no significant movement in America to produce coffee domestically, which is reassuring.

Another key point to consider, though not specific to Uganda, is the importance of identifying new opportunities. Recent data shows that one of the fastest-growing markets for Ugandan exporters is not the US, Europe, or even China, but India.

Over the last five years, exports to India have increased by an average of 50 percent annually. While we want to continue exporting to the US and hope for that market to grow, we must explore new partnerships and opportunities elsewhere. Countries that can successfully navigate this transition are likely to thrive in the future.

How should Uganda position itself for the huge opportunities in India?

To capitalise on the significant opportunities in India, where trade has been rapidly expanding, Uganda should work on building relationships there. This can be achieved by sending groups of Ugandan businesses, rather than individual companies, as trade envoys to India to explore opportunities and promote Uganda’s interests. Additionally, it is essential to ensure that Uganda has the right supply chains in place.

Many assume that placing an order with a local supplier is straightforward. But exporting in sufficient quantities to new markets requires that legislation, regulations, product standards, and logistics are properly managed. This process may take time, but Uganda has a strong trading history and is poised to remain a successful trading nation. Uganda needs to concentrate on identifying and seizing these new opportunities.

Regarding the impact of the upcoming election season on the economy-specifically concerning government spending and fiscal policy-elections play a significant role in every country.

However, we do not expect much change in our forecasts for public finance in Uganda. Discussions with institutions like the International Monetary Fund about funded programs may become more challenging during this period.

Traditionally, incumbent governments tend to spend more leading up to elections to attract undecided voters, which is a natural political strategy.

Another observation during elections is that investors often adopt a wait-and-see attitude, pausing their investments for several weeks or even months as they assess the situation. This may result in a temporary weakness in the Ugandan shilling-not necessarily due to active bets against Uganda, but because there are fewer incentives for investment during the election period.

Finally, we must consider the behaviour of Ugandans during this time. Will people be more inclined to make significant purchases? Will businesses commit to major investments, or will they take a wait-and-see approach? These factors will influence the economy during the election season.

What are your predictions for Uganda’s economy looking at the current trends and uncertainties?

Currently, we expect the Ugandan economy to grow at about 6.5 percent this year and approximately 6.75 percent next year. A significant growth surge, expected in 2027 as commercial oil production ramps up, could see the economy grow by over 10 percent.

This anticipated growth is exciting and transformative for the country. We are also optimistic about the performance of sectors like agriculture and construction, with the latter benefiting from infrastructure investments. Additionally, there is a strong focus on enhancing agricultural value through manufacturing and agro-processing to capture more value domestically before exporting products.

Do you think the Bank of Uganda’s decision to maintain the Central Bank Rate at 9.75 percent will be effective in controlling inflation while supporting economic growth?

Balancing inflation control with economic growth is challenging. We believe that the current rate is appropriate for managing inflation, which is projected to remain around 4 percent in the near term.

While a slight adjustment to the rate may not drastically change the macroeconomic outlook, we anticipate that a stable interest rate will be necessary for the time being.

How might the tightening of liquidity conditions and high lending rates affect private sector credit growth and overall economic activity?

The credit performance in our economy is driven by two things: one is the interest rate and the other is the availability of finance. There is only so much money in the economy to lend, to move around. So in that space, that money can go to the private sector, the government, or it can go to a mix of those things.

Currently, due to significant government deficits, a large portion of the available savings is directed towards government needs rather than private sector growth. This dynamic creates challenges for private companies seeking credit, as limited financing availability can hinder their expansion and overall economic activity.

What are your thoughts on the Uganda shilling in relation to the forex rate and its trading performance against other major currencies?

The shilling has experienced a remarkable year, showing a 4 percent increase in strength as of early September.

The exchange rate compared to the dollar today is not far off from where we were four or five years ago. As we approach the end of the year, we expect the shilling to weaken slightly against the dollar, with forecasts predicting a low of around 3,600.

Four people have been charged before the Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court in connection with the death of 35-year-old Ritah Nansubuga, who died after undergoing a caesarean section at Sunset Consultant Clinic in Kampala earlier this month.

The group appeared on Tuesday before Chief Magistrate Ronald Kayizzi and denied charges of manslaughter contrary to sections 170 and 173 of the Penal Code Act, and conspiracy to commit a felony contrary to section 363 of the Penal Code Act.

The accused are Dr. Henry Francis Kadaga, 47, an obstetrician and gynaecologist; Joel Kyowanika, 35, a medical imaging technologist and proprietor of Sunset Consultant Clinic; Hassan Budhugo, 43, an orthopaedic technologist; and businessman Ahamed Lutaaya Kalebu, 59.

According to the charge sheet, the four and others still at large, on September 4, 2025, at Sunset Clinic in Kampala, unlawfully caused the death of Nansubuga through negligence. They are accused of subjecting her to a major surgical procedure in unsuitable premises, with inadequate equipment, unqualified personnel, and poor care, which led to her death.

On the second count, prosecution alleges that the group willfully and unlawfully conspired to commit a felony by negligently conducting a caesarean section in an unfit environment, which resulted in Nansubuga’s death.

Prosecution, led by Ms Grace Amy, told court that investigations are still ongoing and asked for an adjournment regarding Lutaaya.

‘Your worship, investigations in this case are still ongoing and because of this, we seek an adjournment. We also seek criminal summons against Lutaaya, who is not in court, to appear and take plea,’ Ms Amy submitted.

Court records show the case arose from a complaint filed on September 9, 2025, by Ms Naomi Campbell Nambooze, a 36-year-old nursing officer based in Dubai and resident of Kakiri, Wakiso District.

Nambooze reported that her friend Ritah died on September 4 at Sunset Consultant Clinic, located in Mulago II Zone opposite the KCCA mortuary.

According to the case details, Ritah had been attending antenatal reviews in Dubai. She was introduced to Lutaaya by a friend, Hanifah Nakacwa. Lutaaya allegedly posed as a doctor at Mulago Specialized Women and Neonatal Hospital.

When Ritah returned to Uganda on August 2, 2025, Lutaaya, acting as Public Relations Officer of Sunset Consultant Clinic, reportedly persuaded her to seek delivery services there.

‘On September 2, 2025, Ritah was admitted to Sunset Consultant Clinic. Kyowanika, the clinic’s proprietor, engaged Dr. Kadaga from Mulago Mobile Hospital to attend to her,’ the court documents state.

They add: ‘On September 4, Dr Kadaga performed a caesarean section at the clinic. While a baby boy was successfully delivered, the mother died during the procedure.’

During the session, Magistrate Kayizzi issued criminal summons against Lutaaya to appear. Dr. Kadaga, Kyowanika, and Budhugo were remanded to Luzira Prison until October 8, 2025, when their bail application will be heard.

When Bunyama Primary School opened its gates in 2022, residents of Bunyama Island in Kalangala District celebrated what they thought was the dawn of better education.

Built to accommodate more than 200 children in Bunyama Parish, Bujumba Sub-county, the school was meant to save parents from ferrying their children to Bugala Island, five miles away, in search of learning facilities. Three years later, that promise feels broken. Enrolment has never exceeded 95 pupils. A visit to the school last week revealed only three teachers on duty, handling all classes. Both Baby Class and Primary One learners share a single room, while Primary Two and Three occupy another.

Primary Four and Five are separated by a wooden partition, with only Primary Six enjoying its own space. The entire school has just four classrooms. Primary Five and Six were only introduced this year after a parents-teachers meeting aimed at boosting enrolment. But the effort has not stopped families from putting their children in boats every day to cross to Bugala Island for schooling. ‘More than 30 children cross daily from Kagoonya Landing Site to Bugala. Others are even taken to schools outside Kalangala,’ said Ms Judith Naziwa, the LC3 councillor for women.

The hurdles

According to Bujumba Sub-county records, Bunyama Parish has more than 2,000 residents, including more than 400 children. Yet Bunyama Primary struggles to keep even a quarter of them in class. The only other learning centre on the island is a small private nursery near Kagoonya fishing village, which teachers say also affects enrolment. ‘We receive pupils at the start of term, but after six weeks they disappear when parents migrate to other islands in search of better fish catches,’ complained Mr Joseph Nsubuga, one of the teachers.

‘The long distances children walk also discourage attendance. From landing sites like Kisujju or Kagoonya, pupils trek four to seven kilometres daily through thick forests. Parents fear for their safety,’ he added. Mr Nsubuga believes a boarding section would be a game-changer. ‘If we had a boarding section, children would stay here and wouldn’t miss school even when their parents move away for fishing on distant islands,’ he said. Local leaders argue the school was neglected soon after construction.

‘It has no fence, no security. Even the solar panels were stolen and the water system destroyed by locals, which has worsened the school environment,’ said Mr John Lutalo, the speaker for Bujumba Sub-county. Kalangala District chairperson Rajab Semakula said all government-built schools in the district are designed as day schools, even though they are expected to serve multiple islands. ‘How can children from another island access a school daily? We have repeatedly asked the government to bend the rules and allow Kalangala to have boarding sections in all our schools,’ he said.

Parents’ struggles

For many parents, poverty is the bigger hurdle. ‘I cannot afford the requirements at Bunyama Primary School,’ said Ms Brenda Nakajubi, a mother from Kagoonya fishing village. ‘It’s cheaper for me to send my children to another school, even if it means crossing by boat every day,’ she added. Others fear the journey itself. ‘Some of us cannot risk letting young children walk long distances,’ said Mr Farouk Mulijo.

‘And the standards at Bunyama Primary School are not convincing. That’s why I don’t take my children there,’ he added. Even children question the school’s standards. Cain Ssentumbwe, who once studied at Bunyama Primary School but later transferred to Kibanga Primary on Bugala Island, said poor teaching drove him away. ‘Sometimes teachers would ask the best pupils to teach others. There were not enough textbooks. I lost interest,’ he claimed.

Pupils’ concerns

Maria Naziwa, a Primary Four pupil, recalled dangers on the way to class. ‘We sometimes meet snakes on the paths or even in classrooms. After that, we fear to return. I had to leave the school for another, for safety,’ she said. District Education Officer Emmanuel Nseko said the funding model makes survival harder for island schools. ‘The government allocates capitation grants depending on pupil numbers. A school like Bunyama, with fewer than 100 children, gets about Shs1 million a term, yet operational costs are the same as schools with hundreds of pupils,’ he explained. He urged the government to give special consideration.

‘One sub-county can have seven islands and only one day school. Without tailored funding for island schools, Universal Primary Education will remain a dream here,’ he added.

The opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) on Monday unveiled a four-member elections tribunal committee to receive complaints from parliamentary aspirants who failed to secure the party flag in the recently released results.

The nominations saw some incumbents like Allan Ssewanyana, Medard Ssegona, Joyce Bagala, and Aloysius Mukasa replaced due to performance concerns and perceived incompetence.

Other MP hopefuls like David Musiri, musician Ibrahim Mayanja aka Big Eye and comedian Obedi Lubega, better known as Reign, also failed in their bid to be party flagbearers in their respective constituencies.

The committee is headed by Dr Moses Kanaabi, NUP organizing secretary, alongside lawyers Marvin Saasi, Fatuma Cassim, and Jonathan Elotu. They are tasked with receiving petitions, harmonizing complaints, and maintaining unity among defeated aspirants.

Speaking at party headquarters in Makerere-Kavule before traveling to Jinja, NUP president Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, alias Bobi Wine, urged aggrieved candidates to report complaints only to the committee, not on social media.

‘The data show us in some places we had over ten MP contenders vying for the same seat, but the party flag can only go to one best candidate. To those who did not win, we encourage you to be decent, disciplined and stay on the voyage seeking for change, not for survival,’ he said on Monday.

Bobi Wine emphasized that parliamentary contests should not be ‘do-or-die’ and tasked both successful and unsuccessful candidates to unite behind the party’s vision for a new Uganda through a ‘protest vote’ in 2026.

NUP Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya said the committee has two days, starting today, to register complaints.

‘The results will be released in segments; the committee has set only two days to register complaints and petitions from the aggrieved aspirants and then later will give its judgement as we did in the local government elections,’ he said.

NUP Election Management Committee (EMC) member Harriet Chemutai stressed that the process was conducted democratically and transparently, with candidates assessed on 60 percent ground strength and 40 percent vetting to select credible contenders.

‘The unsuccessful candidates would line up behind the party-selected ones,’ she said, urging unity ahead of the 2026 polls.

The parliamentary nomination exercise began on June 1, culminating yesterday with the release of the results. Nomination by the Electoral Commission (EC) for all political parties is scheduled for October 15 and 16.

NUP flagbearers: Key constituency results

Kampala

Woman Rep: Shamim Malende

Kawempe North: Elias Nalukoola Luyimbaazi

Kawempe South: Fred Nyanzi Ssentamu

Nakawa East: Alex Waiswa Mufumbiro

Nakawa West: Joel Ssenyonyi

Lubaga North: Abubakar Kawalya

Lubaga South: Euginia Nassolo

Makindye West: Zahara Maala Luyilika

Makindye East: Ali Kasirye Nganda

Kampala Central: David Lewis Rubongoya

Wakiso

Woman Rep: Betty Ethel Naluyima

Entebbe Municipality: Joyce Nabatta Namuli

Busiro County South: Charles Matovu

Busiro County East: Mathias Walukagga

Busiro County North: Ronald Ssemaganda

Kyadondo County East: Muwadda Nkunyinji

Makindye Ssabagabo Municipality: David Sserukenya

Nansana Municipality: Zambali Bulasio Mukasa

Kira Municipality: George Musisi

Mukono

Woman Rep: Re-evaluate

Mukono County North: Abdallah Kiwanuka

Mukono County South: Robert Maseruka

Nakifuma County: Sulaiman Kiwanuka

Mukono Municipality: Betty Nambooze Bakileke

Mityana

Woman Rep: Proscovia Namukisa (Nabbosa)

Mityana County North: Isaac Tomusange

Mityana County South: Freddie Grace Kintu

Mityana Municipality: Francis Zaake Butebi

Busuju County: David Lukyamuzi Kalwanga

Kassanda

Woman Rep: Flavia Kalule Nabagabe

Bukuya County: Robert Mutebi

Kassanda County North: Patrick Nsamba Oshabe

Kassanda County South: Frank Kabuye

Kayunga

Woman Rep: Harriet Nakwedde

Bbale County: Charles Tebandeke

Ntenjeru County North: Frederick Ssali Kafeero

Ntenjeru County South: Patrick Nsanja

Butambala

Woman Rep: Aisha Kabanda

Butambala County: Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi

Gomba

Woman Rep: Betty Ssentamu

Gomba East County: Godfrey Saazi

Gomba West County: Lukwago Gonzaga

Mpigi

Woman Rep: Re-evaluate

Mawokota County North: Hillary Innocent Kiyaga (Dr Hilderman)

Mawokota County South: Martin Ssejjemba

KL Lady Dolphins will start their chase for a fifth National Basketball League title when they face UCU Lady Canons in the semifinal series that tip off on Wednesday at YMCA, Wandegeya.

Henry Malinga’s charges have dominated the division in the last six years, winning four of the five championships on offer.

Only the Lady Canons have managed to stop them by winning the league in 2022 after a thrilling seven-game series.

Led by four-time MVP and Gazelles assistant captain Hope Akello, JKL go into the series as favourites, riding on the experience and embarrassment of riches in every possession.

Akello is averaging a double-double of 15 points and 12 rebounds this season and possesses JKL’s key to the finals.

She is also surrounded by several other winners on the team, including Ritah Imanishimwe, Agatha Kamwada, Brenda Ekone and Evelyne Nakiyingi. Veteran Flavia Oketcho is also still in the fold.

The Dolphins ended the season as the top seed and went on to sweep UPDF Lady Tomahawks in the quarterfinals.

A clash with the Lady Canons will present a much tougher challenge, though, and the defending champions will be required to engage second gear in order to progress to the semis.

The ever-changing face of the Lady Canons has never been an excuse at the big stage. Regardless of who leaves and who stays, the university side remains competitive.

And despite losing Shakirah Nanvubya and Azidah Nabayunga at the end of last season, the team has remained competitive and cannot be written off in the series.

Nicholas Natuhereza’s charges have largely relied on young talent this season, with the likes of Shillah Lamunu, Matrina Anyango and Sylivia Nakituuka handed big responsibilities.

The experience of Hajara Najjuko and Bridget Aber has also come in handy on several occasions and will be crucial at this stage of the season.

In the other semifinal clash, the JT Lady Jaguars will face off with Magic Stormers, who eliminated KCCA Leopards 2-1 in the quarterfinals.

National Basketball League Playoffs

Women semifinals

Game One, YMCA

Stormers vs. JT L. Jaguars, 7pm

JKL vs. UCU, 9pm

Dear Tingasiga: I have never voted in a Ugandan general election. I was a little boy when Uganda went to the polls in 1961 and 1962. However, my interest in these things was already bubbling within me, thanks to my father who invited me to attend political party leaders’ campaigns. We attended rallies by Benedicto Mugumba Kiwanuka, the leader of the Democratic Party (DP), and Apolo Milton Obote, the leader of the Uganda Peoples Congress (UPC.) The rallies, held in our local marketplace, were simple affairs, presenting humble men who spoke with smiles, and made their promises before working the crowds. However, that election was shocking, even to a little boy whose mother was a Roman Catholic and the father a Native Anglican.

The ecumenical life which we had been accustomed to was overthrown by a frightening level of conflict. Friends and neighbours became enemies. The next election, held on April 25, 1962, was marred by worse conflict, election rigging, complete with underage ‘voters,’ and results that ended Kiwanuka’s leadership. He had served our country as chief minister for one year and as our first prime minister for just under one month. There is a marvellous photograph, taken in May 1962, that shows a smiling Apolo Milton Obote hoisted by several jubilant men celebrating the recent electoral victory of the UPC/Kabaka Yekka (KY) alliance. I have written about that photo in the past, but it is worth repeating, for it has a strong message for us.

The men in the photograph are cabinet ministers in the new government, probably certain of many happy years ahead, free men in the finest country on the continent. Alex A Ojera from Acholi bears most of the prime minister’s weight. Felix Kenyi Onama from West Nile/Madi looks into the camera, his arms steadying the victorious prime minister. Ali Akbar Adoko Nekyon from Lango, the prime minister’s cousin, lends a brotherly hand. Behind him is Grace Stuart Katebariirwe Ibingira from Ankole, age 30, waving in triumph. James Joseph Trevor Simpson from Buganda, the only European in the cabinet, grins with satisfaction. He is the Kabaka Yekka member of parliament for Kyaggwe North East .

Dr Joshua Ssejjengo Luyimbazi Zake from Buganda, perhaps the most academically accomplished member of the first cabinet, suppresses a smile. Matthias Mbalule Ngobi Ikoona from Busoga, arms thrust forward, appears to be dancing with joy. The Isebantu Sir William Wilberforce Bwamiki Kadhumbula Nadiope, the Kyabazinga of Busoga, beams as he offers a triumphant royal wave. The only man in the photograph whose facial expression hints at ambivalence, if not outright displeasure, is Dr Emmanuel Bijjugo Sajjalyabene Lumu from Buganda. Does he have misgivings about the prognosis that awaits the delicate arrangement that has placed their fate in the hands of Obote, a man who had not had any leadership or other executive experience?

Things fell apart rather quickly. JT Simpson, who was both chairman of the Uganda Development Corporation, and minister of Finance, resigned his seat in 1964, left the government, and repaired to Nairobi, Kenya. That became his home for the rest of his life. Obote imprisoned Ibingira, Ngobi and Lumu, together with Ministers George Magezi and Balaki Kirya, on February 22, 1966. They had been allegedly plotting to overthrow him from the prime minister’s office. Nekyon resigned from the Obote cabinet in April 1967, remained politically active for decades, and died of illness in Kampala on May 4, 2018. Onama had an uneasy relationship with Obote, even when the latter made him one of the most powerful men in the country.

According to the late Cuthbert Obwangor, Onama (and Basil Bataringaya) were behind the assassination attempt on Obote on December 19, 1969. Onama was believed to have been involved in the successful plot coup d’état that ended Milton Obote’s first presidency on January 25, 1971. Ibingira, released from prison in February 1972, served briefly as an ambassador to the UN, but remained at the periphery of Uganda’s power structure. He never rose to the role that his brief shining moment in our history had promised. He died of natural causes in Bujumbura, Burundi on an uncertain date in December 1995. After his release from political prison in February 1971, Dr Lumu returned to his professional career, and shunned active politics for the rest of his life.

He practiced medicine in Kisenyi in central Kampala and retired at 80 years of age. He died of natural causes at his home in Kampala on December 11, 2019. He was 103 years old. Alex Ojera, the only one in that photo who appeared to have remained loyal to Obote, joined the ill-fated armed force that invaded Uganda from Tanzania on September 17, 1972, with the goal of regaining power. Ojera surrendered to the Uganda Army, was arrested and executed sometime in October 1972. Milton Obote, overthrown twice by his soldiers, died of a natural cause in a South African hospital on October 10, 2005, ending 20-years of a second exile that he had spent in Lusaka, Zambia.

On the other hand, JT Simpson was knighted with The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (KBE) on January 1, 1965. He enjoyed a successful business career as chairman of Simpson and Company in Kenya and died in Nairobi at the age of 86 on April 10, 1994. In addition to his vast wealth in Kenya, Sir James’ estate in England and Wales alone was valued at £302,858 (equivalent to £769,259 today.) We remember the early 1960s with nostalgia. We rightly consider the first parliament and executive branch to have been populated with patriotic gentlemen. Yet they engaged in political battles that kept the country on the edge of our seats.

The leaders’ conflicts had supporting acts at district levels. In Kigezi we had the Banyama-Baboga wars that left deep and wounds in their wake. The Catholic-Anglican tensions hibernated a little when the UPC people were engaged in their suicidal factional fights. However, that religious tension occupied subterranean territory, with episodic eruptions, usually triggered by political campaigns and so-called elections. Just like the chief protagonists in the early post-independence battles are all dead and largely forgotten, their cheerleaders and foot soldiers are long forgotten. All gained from those fights were damaged relations and wasted opportunities.

Many believed the lies of opportunistic politicians without stopping to ask themselves what the fight was about. Whereas I understand the complexities of politics and the struggles for control that trigger epic battles between comrades and fellow kinspeople, I wish I could persuade all Ugandans that these religious and ethnic verbal fights are just not worth it. That is as true for the under-employed youth in Mparo and Bukedea, as it is true for those battling for control of State House or the parliamentary speaker’s chair. It is not worth it.

President Yoweri Museveni has directed the Ministry of Lands to issue leases to interested squatters on public land across Uganda.

According to Lands Minister Judith Nabakooba, anyone seeking a lease is free to apply.

‘We are going to start opening boundaries and give out those leases. This is in a bid to reduce conflicts and evictions on land,’ Ms. Nabakooba said while presiding over a National Resistance Movement (NRM) party function in Ssekanyonyi and Maanyi sub-counties in Mityana District over the weekend.

The minister explained that this move will enable people to use their land without threats of eviction, noting that squatters often have no guarantee of staying peacefully and permanently on land.

The development follows the government’s recent purchase of machines to facilitate boundary opening, which are now available to residents in Mityana District.

‘Mityana is lucky to be among the first beneficiaries of these machines. It has been a challenge to open boundaries because we lacked these machines in the area, but the issue is now resolved,’ Ms Nabakooba added.

She also highlighted that many land conflicts are driven by family disputes, particularly when estate owners die and heirs claim full ownership at the expense of other relatives.

‘Being an heir doesn’t mean you torment other family members because, in most cases, they are also entitled to shares of that land. Some even forcefully sell off estates of the deceased without the knowledge of others,’ the minister explained.

Ms Nabakooba warned landlords against evicting tenants without court orders or directives from the area Resident District Commissioners (RDCs).

She further said landlords with large parcels of land that have sitting tenants could sell their land to the government through the Land Fund, urging locals to bring such landlords to her office to negotiate payments.

The NRM function was organised to reconcile party leaders, ensuring that those who failed to secure party tickets can still contest in next year’s General Elections.

Last year, the minister revealed that the government would need nearly Shs47.2 trillion to compensate landlords nationwide so that sitting tenants can settle peacefully.

Land disputes have become a major issue in Uganda over the last two decades, with wealthy landowners evicting poor tenants from ancestral land, often claiming illegal occupation. Such disputes have sometimes turned violent, with landlords being chased or harmed.

Politicians have also used land evictions as campaign tools during elections. Government officials say these reforms are aimed at curbing land grabbing.

The head of research and service development at the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), Rebecca Mayanja Mpaata, has advised secondary school and university students to seek sponsorship for technological innovations they develop, in order to contribute to Uganda’s digital transformation agenda under Vision 2040 and the National Development Plan (NDP) IV.

Speaking at the central region interschool competition, a pre-event activity of the ninth National Conference on Communications (NCC), hosted at Isbat University in Kampala on September 29, Ms Mayanja, who represented Christine Mugimba, the head of ICT and research at UCC, encouraged students to create frameworks that would allow their innovations to reach commercialisation. She warned that without such strategies, their ideas risk being taken over by foreign entities that would profit from them.

‘Don’t give up on ideas and innovations you have because they cannot be done by one person. We need a number of partners to have these innovations come to light. You [secondary and university students] come up with vibrant ideas but it stops there. When you have different entities coming together to see what’s being done, there’s an opportunity for different parties to find a role to play to bring the innovation to life,’ Ms Mayanja said.

Organised by UCC, the competition showcased innovative, science-based projects from 17 secondary schools across the central region. Trinity College Nabbingo emerged as the winner and will represent the region at the national stage of the NCC 2025, set for October 2 and 3 at the ICT exhibition in Nakawa.

The NCC, which started in 2010, was designed to bring together academia and industry players to collaborate on solutions to pressing community challenges such as unemployment. Over the years, universities including Makerere, Ndejje, and Kyambogo have hosted central region editions of the conference. The platform not only allows secondary school students to showcase their ideas but also helps the technology and innovation industry identify solutions being developed to address Uganda’s challenges.

Pradeep Kumaar, the director of academic affairs at Isbat University, said the conference is meant to instill advanced scientific thinking, promote technological mindset change, and help students align with the country’s development goals.

‘The government makes plans but national development requires that planning should be executed. The execution should be analysed to see the results and outcomes to be implemented for continuous improvement. It is where there needs to be a linkage between ICT clubs in schools, universities, corporates, and industries so that innovations are nurtured at the grassroots. Youth in Uganda are intelligent but need support,’ Mr Kumaar said.

The winners from each region will exhibit their innovations at the ICT hub in Nakawa during the October 2-3 national conference. The event aligns with Vision 2040, which recognises digital transformation through innovation as a cornerstone of national development.

The State Minister for ICT and National Guidance, Mr Godfrey Kabbyanga Baluku, has said the government may interrupt Internet connectivity during the 2026 General Election if intelligence reports point to attempts to use it to incite violence.

Mr Kabbyanga made the remarks at the weekend in Gulu City during a meeting organised by the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) to sensitise broadcasters from Acholi, Lango, West Nile and Bunyoro sub-regions on new electoral guidelines ahead of the polls. ‘The moment intelligence detects that the Internet will be used to cause violence during the election, we will interrupt connections. Our actions will be guided by intelligence agencies,’ Mr Kabbyanga said.

‘We will not allow anyone to disrupt peace. Do you know that Uganda is the most stable country in East and Central Africa?’ he added.

The minister further said that his ministry and the UCC have the gadgets and authority to restrict access.

‘We have the capacity to interrupt the Internet. You can have your data, but you cannot send any message using your device,’ he said, adding that the government will not sit back as the internet is used to fuel unrest. Mr Kabbyanga also cautioned media houses against violating broadcasting laws.

‘Any radio station or broadcaster that breaches the minimum standards risks being switched off or losing its licence,’ he warned. Uganda has a precedent. On the eve of the 2021 General Election, the government imposed a nationwide internet blackout that lasted about 100 hours, affecting more than 10.6 million users. Maj Gen Felix Kulayigye, the director of public information in the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs, also addressed the meeting, warning broadcasters against using airwaves to destabilise the country.

Journalists urged

‘We are in a politically charged season. In the next five months, we will see politicians campaigning. We will ensure the country remains peaceful,’ he said, urging the media to promote harmony. Meanwhile, UCC officials reminded journalists that only those accredited by the Electoral Commission will be permitted to cover the elections. ‘Any journalist who is not accredited will not be allowed access to electoral areas. This is to ensure accurate reporting,’ said Mr Medi Kagwa, the UCC manager for social media.

He added that foreign journalists must also obtain accreditation.

‘Those who fail to do so will be handed to security agencies for processing and possible deportation,’ he warned.

In the January 2021 General Election, the government imposed a nationwide blackout that lasted about 100 hours. The shutdown, which began with restrictions on social media platforms before escalating into a full internet cut, affected more than 10.6 million users across the country.

While authorities defended the move as a necessary security measure to prevent unrest, critics said it was a deliberate attempt to stifle dissent and silence Opposition voices during a sensitive political period.

Only 19 percent of Uganda’s population has access to safely managed toilets and basic sanitation facilities, while over seven million people continue to practice open defecation, Mr Timothy Kayondo, Country Leader at SATO I-Trap toilet connection system, has revealed.

Mr Kayondo said millions of Ugandans are forced to rely on unsafe pit latrines or resort to open defecation, posing severe public health risks. Poor sanitation remains one of the leading causes of cholera, dysentery, and other waterborne diseases, which continue to threaten rural and peri-urban communities.

‘Each year, inadequate sanitation contributes to over 13,000 deaths in Uganda, including 7,500 children under the age of five, from preventable diarrheal diseases. Sanitation is not just about toilets; it is about dignity, health, and opportunity,’ Mr Kayondo said.

He added, ‘Through our partnerships, we are ensuring that families have access to affordable, life-changing solutions while also supporting local jobs and industry.’

A 2023 report by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the World Health Organization revealed that five billion people globally still live without safely managed sanitation, while another 419 million practice open defecation. The report also estimated that 2.2 billion people live without safely managed drinking water, including 115 million relying on surface water.

In response, Mr Kayondo has partnered with Luuka Plastics to strengthen local production and ensure a reliable, cost-effective supply of sanitation products to the villages and towns that need them most.

‘The innovation, which can be retrofitted onto existing toilets, is designed to improve hygiene, reduce disease outbreaks, and provide protection for children who are at risk of falling into pit latrines. By offering an affordable way to upgrade existing toilets, SATO devices prevent flies from accessing fecal matter, eliminating a major route of disease transmission. They also seal off odors, making latrines more acceptable to households,’ he explained.

The Ministry of Health estimates that poor sanitation costs Uganda billions of shillings each year in healthcare expenses and lost productivity. With more than 80 percent of the population still outside the ‘safely managed’ sanitation bracket, the stakes remain alarmingly high.

Mr Kayondo also noted that many children have been injured or lost their lives after falling into poorly constructed pit latrines. SATO retrofit devices close off toilet openings, significantly improving safety for young users.

‘Most households cannot afford to construct modern toilets, but with a simple retrofit like this, we can dramatically improve both safety and hygiene,’ he said.

Experts say such affordable, user-friendly solutions can help bridge the sanitation gap, even as government authorities and development partners continue to invest in long-term sanitation infrastructure.