Category: Daily Monitor

President Yoweri Museveni has called on Ugandans to take charge of their economic destiny by harnessing the potential of the Parish Development Model (PDM) to create wealth and prosperity. The PDM is a poverty alleviation program aimed at transforming the lives of millions of Ugandans and propelling the country towards economic growth.

Addressing a rally in Amolatar District on October 1, 2025, President Museveni emphasised the importance of the PDM in empowering citizens, especially those in rural areas, to break free from poverty and join the money economy.

“So, therefore, what I’m appealing to all of you Ugandans, chase poverty from your home, and do it by doing something that will bring food on your table but also money in your pocket,” he said. “The government has already given you how to start.”

The President highlighted the potential of the PDM, which allocates Shs100 million per parish, to transform the lives of Ugandans.

“This PDM money, one hundred million per parish. In five years, that is five hundred million in one parish. And in the third year, the ones who get first, go back to the circle. The money will never come back to the government. It will remain in your parish,” he explained.

The PDM is a seven-pillar strategy that focuses on production, processing, and marketing, as well as infrastructure and economic services, financial inclusion, social services, mindset change, and governance.

President Museveni urged Ugandans to tap into these pillars to unlock their potential and become active participants in the country’s economic growth.

However, concerns have been raised about the implementation of the PDM, particularly regarding the allocation of funds to vulnerable groups such as persons with disabilities and older persons.

Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Betty Amongi, previously stated that these groups are not consuming all their allocations, with some funds being returned or given to other interest groups.

The President also touched on other issues affecting the region, including the upgrade of the Namasale-Amolatar-Ochero-Dokolo road to bitumen and the ongoing conflict between the fishing community and the Fisheries Protection Unit (FPU).

While acknowledging the promise to upgrade the road, President Museveni did not commit to a timeline for its completion. Regarding the conflict, he said he would consult with leaders in the districts surrounding the water bodies before committing to a solution.

The International Crimes Division (ICD) of the High Court has directed the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) to visit Luzira Prison and investigate the conditions under which former Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) commander Jamilu Mukulu is being held.

The order was issued on Wednesday by a panel of four judges as the long-running terrorism trial against Mukulu and 31 others resumed.

When the case was called, defence lawyer Caleb Alaka raised preliminary matters, including an application relating to Mukulu’s detention conditions. He informed the court that Mukulu had previously complained of being denied special food, kept in isolation, and exposed to harsh prison conditions.

The court received a written response from the Uganda Prisons Service, presented by ASP Dennis Arinaitwe, Officer in Charge of Upper Prison. In the response dated October 1, 2025, prison authorities denied allegations of mistreatment, stating that contraband items had been discovered in food brought by visitors, leading to a ban on outside food.

“The prices being high is not true, there are open markets where one can get items at affordable prices,” the response read in part.

The response added that Mukulu declined a self-contained room but was accommodated in a ventilated cell and allowed into the courtyard for exercise. It further stated that he is not kept in isolation but is restricted in line with prison regulations.

Having considered both sides, the judges acknowledged Mukulu’s complaints but stressed that their mandate was to try the criminal charges, not to manage prison facilities. “We have taken cognizance of the complaints and the response,” the panel ruled. “We advise him to use the Uganda Human Rights Commission, which can make relevant recommendations that Uganda Prisons must abide by. As a court of justice, we are here to try the culpability of the accused.”

The panel then issued an order granting UHRC visitation rights to Luzira Prison to assess Mukulu’s detention conditions and prepare a report.

Meanwhile, the prosecution informed the court that 13 of the 38 original accused persons had entered a plea bargain agreement with the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and were already convicted and sentenced. The defence informed the court that Mukulu and another accused had earlier filed a 2022 application challenging their extradition and the enforcement of their fundamental rights.

The judges adjourned the case to Thursday for parties to agree on facts before the hearing could resume. The case resumes on Thursday, with the parties expected to harmonize agreed facts before trial witnesses are called.

Background

Mukulu, jointly charged with 31 others, faces 20 counts, including terrorism, murder, aggravated robbery, attempted murder, and membership of a terrorist organization. Prosecution alleges that as ADF commander, he issued orders for attacks that left clerics, police officers, and civilians dead in several districts. The group is further accused of robbing firearms, ammunition, money, and property. Prosecution maintains the offenses were carried out with political, economic, and religious aims intended to cause fear among the public and government.

The trial of 12 environmental activists accused of staging an unlawful demonstration against the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) took a new turn on Wedensday after the defence rejected a prosecution request to introduce a CCTV footage request letter as evidence.

During the hearing before Buganda Road Court, presided over by Grade One Magistrate Winnie Nankya Jatiko, two police officers narrated how the accused were arrested on Nile Avenue in Kampala while allegedly blocking traffic and carrying placards.

Police Constable Delma Oceng testified that while on patrol duty around Yusuf Lule Road and Nile Avenue, he found a group of protesters seated in the middle of the road.

“They were holding banners, others putting on orange t-shirts and reflectors,” Oceng said. “We parked our motorcycles and told the accused to leave the road, but they refused.”

The witness identified the banners bearing inscriptions against the pipeline, which the prosecution sought to tender as exhibits. Defence lawyers objected, but the magistrate overruled them and admitted the banners, ruling that the witness had properly identified the items.

During cross-examination by the defence led by Mr Samuel Wanda, Oceng admitted he did not personally arrest any suspect but only removed placards from the protesters. He named his colleagues as Aturo Rebecca and Commander Alex Bende. Asked whether wearing an orange t-shirt amounted to an offense, Oceng replied, “It depends on where you are.” He further told the court that, in his view, peaceful demonstration also constituted a public nuisance.

Another witness, Detective Ronald Tayebwa, the investigating officer from the CID department at Central Police Station Kampala, testified that he received the protesters after they were brought in by field officers. “They were seated in the middle of the road, their act was inconveniencing other road users,” Tayebwa said. “When I received them, I recovered seven t-shirts, 18 placards, four banners, and two reflectors.”

Tayebwa added that he interviewed two suspects, Akram Katende and Noah Katiti, who admitted to possessing the t-shirts after reading an online call to join the demonstration and deliver petitions to Stanbic Bank and the European Union. It was during his testimony that the prosecution made reference to a letter allegedly requesting CCTV footage, which the defence immediately opposed.

Defence lawyer Wanda told the court, “We do not understand the letter being referred to in court. It was never disclosed to us, and the witness is not even the author. The state has now brought in another request for evidence CCTV footage which was made on September 8, a few days after we had appeared for the first hearing. This is to fabricate evidence we do not have control over.”

The prosecution countered that the accused persons had not denied signing the statements, arguing that the issue raised was about whether the statements were read back to them. However, the trial magistrate directed the state to ensure full disclosure, saying, “In the interest of justice, prosecution should make disclosures to the defence team.”

The case was adjourned to October 16 for continuation of the hearing, with the 12 activists returned to remand.

Background

The activists, including members of the group Students Against EACOP Uganda, were arrested in August during a sit-in protest at Stanbic Bank’s headquarters in Kampala. They demanded that the bank withdraw financing for the $5 billion pipeline project, citing environmental harm, forced evictions, and unfair compensation of affected communities. Police dispersed the protesters with tear gas before arresting a dozen of them. They were remanded to Luzira Prison in the absence of legal representation and charged with unlawful assembly and public nuisance.

The EACOP project, spearheaded by TotalEnergies and CNOOC, has drawn global criticism, with 43 banks and 29 insurers reportedly ruling out support. Activists say Stanbic’s continued participation violates climate and human rights obligations. The case returns on October 16, when the state is expected to have shared all requested disclosures with the defence.

Alur King Phillips Olarker Rauni III has introduced by-laws granting clan chiefs additional powers to monitor antenatal care visits of expectant mothers in an effort to curb HIV infections in the kingdom.

The new health initiative will be formally launched during the 15th anniversary of the Alur king’s coronation in November, with clan heads working alongside Village Health Teams (VHTs) to ensure couples attend joint antenatal appointments.

‘By-laws will act as a working document to encourage husbands and wives to attend antenatal care together and know their HIV/AIDS status,’ said Vincent Ochaya Orach, Deputy Prime Minister of Alur kingdom.

The rules were outlined to clan heads and cultural chiefs during a series of cultural dialogue meetings focusing on voluntary HIV testing and awareness campaigns, chaired by the Uganda AIDS Commission (UAC).

Dr Amos Nyathirombo, Health Minister for the kingdom, said the by-laws aim to reduce HIV infections by compelling men to escort their wives for antenatal care, a step often avoided due to fear of disclosing their HIV status.

‘The issue of antenatal care is real, and cultural chiefs must closely monitor mothers who visit health facilities with their husbands. Records must be well documented as mobilization tools to fight HIV/AIDS,’ Nyathirombo said.

He added the regulations would also tackle harmful cultural practices, including underage marriages, by ensuring a signed consent letter from couples and background checks.

Dr Hope Murungi, UAC Coordinator for Civil Society and Private Sector, highlighted national and regional HIV statistics indicating that ‘Five people are infected hourly, 711 weekly, and 37,000 yearly, with 54 daily deaths linked to HIV/AIDS. Cultural leaders must act positively to reduce this scourge.’

Murungi reported district-level infection rates of 3% in Pakwach and Nebbi, and 4% in Zombo. ‘Factors like cross-border trade and social functions, including traditional marriages and dances, contribute heavily to the spread,’ she noted.

Cultural Chief of Kebu Chiefdom, Luciano Macakadho, welcomed the initiative but emphasized the need for cooperation from both the government and VHTs.

‘Cultural leaders are strong in their areas when supported by their subjects. Health issues cut across all sectors, and joint efforts are essential,’ he noted.

Kingdom officials suggest that the initiative is a bottom-up approach by the Alur kingdom to address rising HIV rates through community-level oversight and engagement, combining traditional leadership structures with modern health strategies.

Koboko Municipality has been named among six global cities set to benefit from a $3 million (over Shs11b) fund supporting city-led projects that boost economic inclusion for migrants and refugees, the Mayors Migration Council (MMC) announced in New York.

The investment, channeled through the MMC’s Global Cities Fund for Migrants and Refugees (GCF), will provide each city up to $500,000 (more than Shs1.8b) over two years, alongside technical support from international partners.

Other beneficiaries include Boston in the United States, Kanifing in The Gambia, Manta in Ecuador, Quezon City in the Philippines, and Turin in Italy.

Koboko, which lies in Uganda’s West Nile region and hosts more than 64,000 urban refugees and forced migrants, has been developing green jobs for women and youth through briquette making, composting and clean energy kiosks.

Local leaders say these initiatives power livelihoods, reduce pollution and create sustainable income in communities affected by displacement.

‘Thanks to the support of the Global Cities Fund for Migrants and Refugees, Koboko Municipality will accelerate climate resilience while opening new economic opportunities,’ Koboko Mayor Wilson Sanya revealed on Monday.

Through what the municipality calls its ‘Waste to Wealth’ project, Sanya said, environmental challenges will be turned into livelihoods.

‘We will power a green, circular economy with briquette making, composting and clean-energy kiosks,’ he explained.

A 2022/2023 survey by Makerere University’s Urban Action Lab found that Arua City, Koboko and Gulu together host more than 87,000 urban refugees and forced migrants.

Sanya stressed that municipalities must not be sidelined in migration and climate debates.

‘This initiative shows that mayors and cities must be at the center of solutions to both migration and climate crises-not on the sidelines,’ he said.

The MMC said cities generate more than 80 percent of global GDP and provide migrants with better access to diverse labor markets, healthcare, and entrepreneurial opportunities than refugee camps or rural areas.

‘Mayors continue to deliver solutions that include in their local economies those who are often overlooked,’ said MMC Executive Director Vittoria Zanuso, adding that: ‘We are proud to help cities turn migration into a competitive advantage, unlocking prosperity not just for newcomers, but for all.’

Migrants say opportunities in urban centers like Koboko are vital. ‘I came to Koboko in order to get social amenities like schools, health care and do business because life in the camp is not easy,’ said Salome Jackline, a refugee.

She added: ‘The refugee agencies supported us well at the arrival time, but now they expect us to engage in businesses for self-sustainability.’

Despite their contribution, many migrants face barriers such as limited access to work authorization and financial services, or vulnerability in the informal economy. Advocates warn these obstacles undermine prosperity for both newcomers and host communities.

About the fund

The MMC fund is backed by partners including C40 Cities, UN-Habitat, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), Metropolis and United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG).

The latest grants build on the council’s 2024 Clinton Global Initiative pledge to invest in economic inclusion for migrants and refugees in cities worldwide.

The Opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) is facing fresh divisions in Mukono District after two political heavyweights declared interest in the Mukono Municipality parliamentary seat ahead of next year’s general election.

District chairperson Rev Peter Bakaluba Mukasa has announced his bid to unseat the incumbent legislator Betty Nambooze, accusing her of failing to meet the expectations of voters. His decision has deepened fault lines within NUP, which is already grappling with disputes over its flagbearer selection process. The cracks first appeared when Rev Mukasa lost the party ticket for the district chairperson seat to former Mukono South MP Johnson Muyanja Ssenyonga.

Stung by the defeat, he declared he would run for the Mukono Municipality parliamentary seat as an independent, though he insists he remains ‘NUP-leaning.’ Mr Ssenyonga, on the other hand, had initially expressed interest in returning to Parliament by contesting in Mukono South. That constituency has attracted several aspirants, including NUP-leaning hopeful Wilson Male, former Makerere University guild president Robert Maseruka, Dr Living Robert Kikulwe, and Merhab Nalumu. But during a party mobilisation rally in Nakifuma on July 27, NUP’s vice president for Buganda Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi revealed that the party had convinced Mr Ssenyonga to step aside in Mukono South and instead contest the district chairperson seat.

The announcement exposed deeper rifts, with some NUP supporters questioning the fairness of the decision. Mr Julius Nkangi, a party supporter in Mukono South, said Mr Kivumbi’s statement undermined the democratic spirit of the vetting process. ‘We have different aspirants competing for the party flag in Mukono South. Declaring that Mr Ssenyonga should step aside in favour of young people creates the impression that the ticket is being handed to Robert Maseruka. That is unfair,’ he said. Others, such as Mr Bernard Ssempaka, the councillor for Nakifuma-Naggalama, also voiced concern. ‘In a party that values democracy, no leader should declare a flagbearer before the vetting process concludes,’ he noted.

Counter-accusations

Rev Mukasa himself has accused the party of sidelining him despite his contributions. ‘I have supported NUP diligently. Unlike others who shout at rallies, I quietly write cheques and stand by the party. It is unfair to treat me as an outsider,’ he argued. But Ms Nambooze, who doubles as Mukono District NUP chairperson, fired back, accusing Rev Mukasa of undermining the party’s work at the district level. She accused him of failing to set up a district service commission for three years. ‘The party president asked him to operationalise the commission, but he refused. This weakened our efforts in health and education and drained our struggle against the NRM government,’ she said.

Despite the accusations, Rev Mukasa attended the vetting exercise for the district chairperson seat in early August but lost out to Mr Ssenyonga. Soon after, he confirmed his independent bid for Mukono Municipality, claiming he had consulted with party leadership. ‘The party allowed me to contest in a constituency of my choice, just as they asked Hon Ssenyonga to switch roles. I remain loyal to NUP, and I will mobilise independents to support our president, Hon Robert Kyagulanyi, even as I contest in Mukono Municipality,’ he said. However, Mr Kyagulanyi, the NUP principal and presidential flagbearer, has repeatedly stated that the party will back only official cardholders, not independents.

This hardline stance casts doubt on Rev Mukasa’s claim of continued loyalty. Mukono Municipality has been under Opposition control since its creation, with Ms Nambooze as its only MP. But her grip is now under threat, not only from Rev Mukasa but also from a crowded field of contenders. So far, the race has drawn Dr Sarah Daisy Nabatanzi Sonko of the NRM, Allan Mawanda of the Democratic Front, George Fred Kagimu of DP, independent Andrew Ssenyonga, and independents Daniel Lugoloobi and James Katete. More aspirants are expected to join in the coming months.

BACKGROUND

The clash between Ms Nambooze and Rev Mukasa is not new. The two first faced off in 2006 for the Mukono North constituency. Rev Mukasa initially won but was later thrown out by the Supreme Court over electoral malpractice, paving the way for Ms Nambooze’s by-election victory in 2009. When Mukono Municipality constituency was created in 2010, Ms Nambooze shifted there and has retained the seat ever since. Rev Mukasa meanwhile moved to Mukono South, winning in 2011 but losing the seat to Mr Ssenyonga in 2016. He later ran for the district chairperson position in 2021, winning on the NUP ticket.

Residents along the 8.4-kilometre Kabale-Lake Bunyonyi tourism road are accusing contractors of extending mark stones beyond agreed boundaries, sparking fears of illegal land acquisition and unfair compensation.

The road, launched on June 14 by Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa and Works Minister Gen Katumba Wamala, is being built by Egyptian firm Samcrete Egypt Engineers and Contractors. It is expected to take between 18 months and three years to complete.

‘We agreed to the first land measurement, but later the boundary was extended beyond the mark stones, affecting my house which is now at risk of collapsing,’ said Mariam Akacungura, a resident.

She added: ‘I have nowhere to go and I am appealing for government assistance.’

Another landowner, Jeniffer Turinawe, said she bought her land for Shs40 million but was compensated only Shs37 million.

‘The amount given does not reflect the actual value of my property,’ she told Monitor.

Several residents accused officials of making them sign compensation documents without clear explanations.

‘We needed to be sensitized,’ said Agness Sucess, who lost farmland to the project. She said the demolition of houses and loss of agricultural land had left families stranded.

Community Liaison Officer Brian Nicholas Okabaki said Samcrete had cleared bushes and begun works up to five kilometres from Kabale town, but admitted challenges remained.

‘We have encountered unresolved compensation issues. We urge government to expedite payments to avoid delays,’ he said.

Okabaki denied accusations of land grabbing, saying extended pegs were meant to provide sufficient working space.

From the government side, Engineer Alison Abenawe, the Works Ministry’s Kabale station manager, confirmed most residents had been paid but also acknowledged disputes.

‘Some issues have arisen from the contractor going beyond the original boundaries. While this was done to create more space for construction, it has caused distress among residents,’ he said. He assured alignment would be reviewed and landowners’ concerns addressed.

Despite the government’s assurances, residents say compensation and communication remain inadequate.

They are demanding a transparent process that protects livelihoods as the road, intended to boost tourism at Africa’s second deepest lake, progresses.

In the rapidly evolving digital age, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer just for tech giants and multinationals with big budgets.

From streamlining workflows to informing key business decisions with deep insights, AI has leveled the playing field for small businesses. It gives them timely business insights, optimised operations, reduced costs, and increased sales, giving the multinationals a run for their money.

Globally, India leads in AI adoption at 92 percent, with gross concerns about job loss. Although there is still no comprehensive data on the adoption rate in Uganda, debates continue over issues like data security and user privacy, with the country yet to come up with an AI policy.

AI is expected to lead to a rise of $15.7 trillion to the global economy, and contribute $1.2 trillion to Africa’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2030, a rise of 5.6 percent.

Despite this, AI adoption is evident across various sectors, especially with the rise of tech-based business models such as SafeBoda, Jumia, and Rocket Health. Even in small details, it is common to find merchandise dealers with fully set-up WhatsApp business accounts, including a catalog, business hours, and pinned location. Many of these dealers also use chatbots and quick replies to assist customers. This is AI in motion, slowly creeping into our midst.

Customer service

Although this is where the most obvious threats to job loss lie, AI has been widely used in customer service. But for small businesses, here is the honey pot.

Today, companies can handle customer inquiries, address complaints, make recommendations, and issue orders through chatbots, all personalised to suit the multitude of customer needs, quickly and without incurring human labour costs, 24/7.

Zendesk CX Trends Report 2024 revealed that 51 percent of customers prefer interacting with AI over humans for immediate service, and 47 percent feel AI agents can be empathetic when addressing concerns.

John Birungi, a digital marketing professional, notes that there are software tools available to qualify leads, answer frequently asked questions, and direct customers to relevant resources.

‘This would cause increased customer satisfaction, higher engagement rates, improved conversion rates, and stronger customer loyalty,’ he adds.

Sales optimisation

According to Birungi, AI helps sales teams better plan their campaigns by anticipating client needs.

‘Companies get the best of their campaign budgets while fulfilling client needs ably,’ he says. Sharon Piloya, founder of Loyan Logistics, speaks highly about using AI in her sales campaigns.

‘With the right targeting of my sales campaigns from the analytics, I have singlehandedly attracted clients and solved their needs without a heavy budget,’ she says. Piloya notes that she had to spend heavily on campaigns, but the reward pays off in the end.

Operations efficiency

Every business strives to operate efficiently, reduce costs, increase sales, and serve customers diligently, earning their loyalty. With AI, SMEs can automate repetitive, less important tasks to give time for employees to focus on strategic, key tasks that require human creativity.

SMEs encourage innovation in how their employees solve operational bottlenecks. Global data reveals that over 80 percent of enterprises are prioritising AI for higher revenue and operational efficiency, which could heighten their productivity by 40 percent.

Financial management

Gone are the days of bulky and heavy cash books. With AI, small businesses have the platform to handle complex financial analysis and decision-making procedures that used to be a privilege only for multinationals and corporations. For Piloya, she has been able to keep her sales and inventory records and used them to monitor trends, predict and make rational financial decisions on sales, marketing, and inventory management.

Human resources

Today, human resource professionals have heavily turned to AI for certain repetitive tasks in talent acquisition, especially in sorting Curriculum Vitae for shortlisting. Currently, there are AI tools that assist in human resource management.

A Career Builder Survey revealed that 93 percent of employers reported significant time savings and improved efficiency, while 67 percent indicated cost and resource savings.

Data analysis and insights

AI can analyse and process massive datasets at a significantly higher rate and with greater precision than humans, uncovering previously unseen patterns and providing marketers with valuable insights to inform their campaigns.

According to Birungi, tools like Meta for Business and Google Analytics include AI-powered insights and anomaly detection that can help you spot big changes in your website’s performance.

‘Such AI-enabled platforms help in improving marketing strategy, decision-making, providing more in-depth knowledge of consumer behaviour, earlier detection of market trends, and more proactive resolution of problems,’ he adds.

With a simple ‘bakeries near me’ search, customers can find a list of available bakeries within the specific locality. A well-optimised Google business profile and a website, or both, can help small businesses gain a competitive advantage in attracting customers from their local communities.

HARARE. Uganda’s battered pride found a little balm yesterday as the Cricket Cranes cruised past Botswana by eight wickets at Takashinga Cricket Club, wrapping up their group campaign with a much-needed triumph.

The result did not change the fate of their failed World Cup campaign, but it ensured that skipper Riazat Ali Shah’s side carried momentum into the fifth-place semifinals scheduled for Wednesday.

Spin stranglehold

On a slow surface, Uganda’s spinners dictated terms. Veteran Frank Nsubuga (0/13 in 4 overs), playing his first match of the tournament in his 29th year of international duty, bowled with trademark guile while Shah himself struck twice in an incisive two-over spell.

The trio of Henry Ssenyondo (1/12), Alpesh Ramjani (1/14) and left-hander Dinesh Nakrani (2/13) suffocated the Botswana batting as they limped to 81 for 6 in their 20 overs.

‘It was good to get my chance and contribute as I have done over the years,’ said Nsubuga. ‘At 44, I still feel the hunger to perform and I’m happy I delivered for the team.’

Nervy chase

If the bowlers were ruthless, the chase began with jitters. Young left-hander Ronald Lutaaya was run out without facing a ball, while right-hander Robinson Obuya fell lbw for nought, leaving Uganda at 23/2.

But Raghav Dhawan steadied the ship with a stylish unbeaten 54 off 45 balls, striking eight boundaries in partnership with Sumeet Verma (29 off 30)* as Uganda crossed the line in 12.4 overs.

Dhawan, named Player of the Match, praised the bowlers: ‘The spinners set it up for us. When I came in, it was about staying calm. After the heartbreak against Tanzania, this win was about bouncing back.’

Coach and captain speak

Coach Abhay Sharma admitted the victory was more about recovery than redemption:

‘It looks clinical on paper – bowling them out for 81 and chasing inside 13 overs – but it wasn’t flawless. Still, I’m happy the boys lifted themselves after Tanzania. The mood is better, and we carry something positive into the playoffs.’

Skipper Riazat Ali Shah, who also picked 2 for 7, added: ‘It was important to get on the board. Dhawan showed maturity, and the bowlers were excellent. We now want to finish strong in the 5th-place playoff matches.’

ICC T20 WORLD CUP AFRICA QUALIFIER

Result

Botswana 81/6 | Uganda 85/2

Uganda won by 8 wickets

NEXT FIXTURE

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2

5th Place Semifinal, Harare.

Talking Point

SPIN WEB.

Strength and Weakness. Uganda’s trio of spinners conceded just 39 runs in 12 overs, showing their craft is still the Cranes’ biggest strength. But the early dismissals of Lutaaya and Obuya underlined that Uganda’s batting frailties remain a concern despite Dhawan’s solidity.

Kisoro District Council on Monday unanimously rejected a proposal to allocate public land to Uganda’s ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) for the construction of party offices, a rare setback at the local government level.

The motion, tabled by LC5 Chairperson Abel Bizimana on behalf of the District Executive Committee, sought to grant land near the Resident Senior State Attorney’s office to the NRM following a request from the party’s district chairperson.

‘In consultations held on September 24, 2025, under Minute 06/DEC/2025/2026, the committee recommended granting the land to facilitate the construction,’ Bizimana told councillors during the meeting chaired by Speaker Amos Hakizimana.

But councillors across the political divide pushed back, saying the ruling party should not enjoy special treatment.

‘The NRM should be treated the same way other parties are handled,’ said Nyakinama Sub-County Councillor Emmanuel Ndayisaba, an Independent.

Kirundo Sub-County Councillor Bishubeho Louise warned against setting a precedent of allocating scarce public land to one political organisation.

‘It would be wrong to prioritize public land for NRM offices when land is scarce. The NRM has enough money to hire or buy land for their offices,’ he said.

Louise further suggested that the offices could instead be housed in the Resident District Commissioner’s premises, arguing: ‘Both serve the same interests of the party.’

After heated debate, Speaker Hakizimana dismissed the motion, noting the overwhelming rejection.

Mixed voices within NRM

Not all NRM councillors were united on the issue. Byamugisha Deus, the party’s district publicity secretary and Rubuguri Town Council Councillor, backed Bizimana’s motion.

‘Kisoro district supports the NRM 100 percent. Allocating public land for party offices would show our continued love for the party and President Museveni while reducing costs,’ he said.

But NRM District Treasurer Hashakimana Joachim expressed reservations. ‘The offices are important, but I don’t think they are a priority for the people of Kisoro,’ he noted.

Joachim added that he would instead propose relocating the party’s district offices to a more accessible location.

‘The current office poses challenges for persons with disabilities and the elderly,’ he noted.

The majority of councillors cited the principles of a multiparty system and insisted the NRM’s financial resources made free public land unnecessary.