Category: Daily Monitor

Mr Robert Kasibante, the National Peasants Party (NPP) presidential candidate, has halted his campaign rallies, citing internal challenges. The rallies, scheduled for Wednesday in Mubende and Kyegegwa districts, were canceled due to unforeseen difficulties within the team.

“Our roadmap was interrupted by internal challenges, which made it impossible to proceed with today’s program in Mubende and Kyegegwa,’ said Muhammad Luswa Luwemba, the party’s chief mobiliser. ‘But we remain committed to the people. Tomorrow, the candidate will be in Kyenjojo and Fort Portal City to continue with the program as planned.’

The sudden disruption has raised questions about the candidate’s organizational strength. Insiders hinted at logistical and coordination issues within Kasibante’s team, including inadequate mobilization structures and resource-related delays. Mubende and Kyegegwa, both politically significant in central and western regions of Uganda, were expected to give Kasibante a platform to connect with first-time voters and sections of the rural electorate.

By skipping the two districts, observers say Kasibante risks losing momentum in regions where early visibility is crucial for new candidates. Despite the setback, the campaign team insists that the trail remains on course.

‘We are moving forward with our timetable,’ Luwemba reassured. ‘The people of Tooro should expect us tomorrow, and we shall be there to listen to their issues and share our vision.’

Mr Robert Kasibante, one of the new entrants in the 2026 presidential race, has positioned himself as a candidate for accountability and inclusive governance.

His campaign promises include combating corruption at all levels, promising that public resources would be effectively used to benefit ordinary Ugandans. He pledged to prioritize farmers as the backbone of Uganda’s economy through improved agricultural support and better livelihoods.

The NPP candidate has also promised to roll out youth empowerment programs to create opportunities for young people and emphasized the need to uplift teachers and healthcare workers by improving their pay and working conditions.

Kasibante argued that his vision for Uganda rests on inclusivity, where ‘no citizen is left behind.’ Under his leadership, he says, the NPP would pursue policies that boost coffee production, reduce inequality, improve public service delivery, and drive growth in rural communities.

Uganda aims to attract at least 10,000 Japanese tourists by June 2027, up from fewer than 1,000 last year, following a renewed marketing push at the Aichi Tourism Expo in Nagoya.

The four-day event, held from September 25 to 28, drew over 115,000 visitors and 1,300 exhibitors from 80 countries.

Uganda’s delegation included officials from the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), the country’s embassy in Tokyo, Buganda Kingdom, and several tour operators.

Speaking at the Uganda stand, Ambassador to Japan Tophace Kaahwa said the embassy is working with Japanese travel associations to position Uganda as a long-haul destination.

‘Last year, according to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics, Uganda received close to 1,000 tourists from Japan. Our anticipation is to grow these arrivals to 10,000 tourists by June 2027. We are targeting the Japanese middle class with disposable income and appetite for cultural, wildlife and nature-based experiences,’ she explained.

UTB Chief Executive Officer Juliana Kagwa highlighted the importance of consistent market visibility saying: ‘We are grateful to our embassy for championing this showcase. The synergy will greatly enable us to increase visitor numbers to Uganda.’

At the expo, Uganda showcased its coffee, the shoebill stork, mountain gorillas, and cultural heritage.

Omulangira (prince) Joseph Mulondo, representing Buganda Kingdom, urged the use of immersive tools such as virtual and augmented reality to appeal to Japan’s tech-savvy tourism market.

Tour operator Sam Mugisha of Bic Tours highlighted Uganda’s safari and cruise experiences.

‘A combination of the big five safari and the boat cruise experience in Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls National Parks under the picturesque sunsets is an unrivalled experience in the whole world. We must promote this to Japanese tourists,’ he said.

Officials said the initiative aligns with Uganda’s Economic and Commercial Diplomacy Strategy, launched last year, which prioritises tourism promotion in overseas markets.

UTB projects that such partnerships will help Uganda achieve its long-term ambition of growing tourism arrivals 25-fold by 2040.

As the countdown to the 2026 General Election intensifies, Uganda’s political landscape is shifting from a battlefield of rallies to the theatre of narratives. The question is no longer just who has the best policies, but who can most effectively articulate them to capture the hearts and minds of the electorate. In the new political arena, I would like us to draw from the unlikely source of the Uganda Law Society presidential election. The surprise victory of the ‘legal rebel’ Isaac Ssemakadde was not a fluke. It was a revelation of precision-targeted strategic communication.

His campaign, built on a defiant, action-oriented mantra of ‘Bang the table!’, did not just promise change; it demonstrated the change. This is an approach that every political party must study for them to be triumphant. Ssemakadde identified a clear market gap: a membership (the electorate) fatigued by the talk and hungry for tangible action. His famous phrase, ‘Bang the table!’ was more than a slogan; it was a strategic positioning statement. It was memorable, actionable, and perfectly encapsulated his brand promise of assertive, uncompromising advocacy. His dress code was one that broke away from the traditional legal attire. His record of public interest litigation provided the credibility that backed his brand up.

As Uganda’s diverse political parties gear up for 2026, applying this strategic lens could be the difference between victory and defeat. The National Resistance Movement (NRM) over the past years has fronted the incumbent, whose strategy has historically been one of stability and continuity, communicated through a vast and structured network, ‘Steady progress.’

The challenge beyond 2026 will move beyond listing past achievements to crafting compelling, forward-looking narratives that resonate with the overwhelming young population. Their communication must strategically address the future opportunities, innovation and stability-making them feel inevitable and secure under the NRM umbrella. ‘Protecting the gains’ is a well thought through slogan to drive the incumbent’s 2026 campaign. The Natonal Unity Platform (NUP), fronting itself as the primary Opposition force, bears a strength in its energetic base and powerful grassroots messaging, ‘Foot Soldier.’

NUP faces a strategic challenge to evolve from a protest movement vote, as depicted in the 2021 General Election to a government in waiting. This transformation requires a disciplined, policy-centric communication strategy that expands its appeal beyond its core supporters. NUP ought to leverage its digital savvy to move from mobilising outrage to inspiring hope with a clear, actionable plan for governance. The Forum for Democratic Cchange, Democratic Party, Peoples Front for Freedom , Alliance for National Transformation, among other parties, are at risk of fading into irrelevance amid the NRM-NUP polarisation. The strategic direction of these parties is to have an established strategic plan to communicate to their niche market.

The 2026 elections will not be won by the party that speaks the loudest but by one that speaks the clearest and most convincing truth to the right people. The party that understands that politics is no longer just about patronage and mobilisation but more about branding, positioning, and strategic communication.

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.

As National Unity Platform (NUP) president Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, tours the Busoga region to rally support, his party’s flagbearer selection process has triggered outrage and division among supporters in Kamuli and Buyende districts.

Many local voters say they feel betrayed after seeing trusted grassroots candidates sidelined in favour of what they describe as ‘political opportunists.’ Some argue that this undermines the very principles NUP claims to stand for, change, transparency, and inclusivity.

In Buyende District, particularly Budiope West, supporters were dismayed after the party flag was denied to seasoned opposition politician Dr Dominic Wakabi. Instead, it was handed to Mr Anthony Kolobe, a former NRM member now branded by some as an ‘opposition schemer.’

In Kamuli Municipality, another favourite, Mr Silver Segonga, was overlooked in favour of Mr Godfrey Mugoya, also known as Ivalyadhagi, leaving grassroots supporters deeply disappointed.

For the Kamuli District Woman MP seat, many had rallied behind Ms Proscovia Naikoba Kanakutanda, famously known as Ndatike, to pose a serious challenge to First Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Kadaga. Ms Naikoba has contested against Ms Kadaga three times. However, the flag was controversially awarded to Ms Bridget Babirye, whom critics accuse of abandoning the constituency after her last electoral loss.

‘We expected NUP to front a strong challenger to the President’s Office Minister, Ms Milly Babalanda, who secured the NRM flag under questionable circumstances. Instead, NUP has worsened the situation by selecting weak candidates through a flawed and corrupt vetting process,’ said Mr Farouk Isabirye, a NUP mobiliser from Kidera Sub-County.

Mr Isabirye further criticised the absence of party structures and a credible electoral college to determine flagbearers on merit, warning that the current system demoralises supporters and leaves them ‘ideologically disoriented.’

Dr Wakabi, who has contested multiple times and consistently emerged as a strong contender, also expressed his disappointment.

‘It’s difficult to risk your political capital on a party that doesn’t guarantee fair, merit-based outcomes,’ Dr Wakabi said. He added that the so-called vetting process lacked transparency and credibility, with assessments largely based on phone calls and written recommendations rather than objective, on-the-ground evaluations.

Kamuli resident Ms Shamim Nairuba echoed the frustration, claiming that NUP flag allocations are driven more by favoritism and leadership connections than competence.

‘How does a serious opposition party drop Segonga for musician Walukaga, or sideline Naikoba for Babirye? Are they truly after state power or just promoting personal interests and political drama?’ Ms Nairuba asked.

As discontent brews in the Busoga sub-region, questions continue to mount about NUP’s internal democracy and whether it can live up to its promise of being a genuine alternative to the status quo.

Police have banned processions of supporters during the ongoing presidential campaigns across all political parties, citing reckless and violent incidents on the roads.

Police spokesperson Mr Kituuma Rusoke said on September 30 that they had registered cases of supporters riding motorcycles and driving recklessly as they escorted presidential candidates to campaign venues.

According to Mr Kituuma, preliminary investigations revealed that reckless driving by National Unity Platform (NUP) supporters caused an accident along the Kalagi-Kayunga Road near Namyoya in eastern Uganda.

Police findings indicate that a motorcycle in the convoy of NUP leader Mr Robert Kyagulanyi, who is also known as Bobi Wine, was speeding when it collided with a vehicle from behind. The crash triggered a chain reaction in which several other motorcycles collided. A white Mitsubishi vehicle, registration number UAZ 064H and bearing Mr Kyagulanyi’s campaign images, also rammed into the motorcycles.

Several people were injured and rushed to St Francis Naggalama Hospital for treatment. Others with minor injuries left the scene with their motorcycles.

Mr Kituuma said the accident was registered at Naggalama Police Station, where the involved vehicles were impounded.

‘We issue a strong warning to all political actors and their entourages to strictly observe traffic laws. Irresponsible use of the roads, as demonstrated in this incident that caused multiple injuries, will not be tolerated. Police will enforce strict measures to prevent such conduct and ensure adherence to the law. Political actors are urged to comply fully with traffic regulations to avoid similar incidents in the future,’ Mr Kituuma said.

Presidential campaigns officially kicked off on Monday, ahead of what is expected to be a fierce contest between incumbent President Yoweri Museveni and his main challenger Bobi Wine, in a repeat of the 2021 elections.

The Electoral Commission has released a campaign schedule for all eight presidential candidates to organise rallies across the country while avoiding clashes in locations.

As emojis, memes, and GIFs redefine communication, a new player has emerged. Voice notes are making a comeback.

As voice technology matures, voice notes are becoming a mainstream communication tool-reshaping workflows, boosting accessibility, and challenging the dominance of typing in both personal and professional spaces.

But what is behind this shift, and how are voice notes changing the game?

Voice notes, especially when enhanced with transcription, are emerging as a powerful communication tool-not as a direct replacement for text, but as a more accessible alternative for those who find typing difficult.

According to eMarketer, as of 2025, over 3.5 billion people worldwide use messaging apps at least once a month.

In 2024, an estimated 7 billion out of nearly 150 billion messages sent by WhatsApp users around the world were voice notes, according to the data reporting solutions provider, Demandsage.

In its recent blog, WhatsApp reports that WhatsApp users end 1 billion voice notes per day.

However, this is just the tip of the iceberg, as other global messaging apps with tonnes of monthly users such as Facebook Messenger (1.53 billion), WeChat (1.29 billion), QQ (591 million), and Telegram (550 million), according to Statista, Jan 2024, have incorporated voice note features for their users.

Why are people speaking up?

Emotional connection

‘Voice notes ensure emotional expression, properly conveying feelings and tones such as happiness, disappointment, sadness, and sarcasm,’ Ms Priscilla Martha Nafuna, an avid proponent of voice messaging, shares.

As more interactions shift to voice, writing (or ‘speaking’) with colour, emotion, empathy, and personality is becom more important.

How businesses can adapt

Therefore, businesses should make their apps and services compatible with multiple voice assistants to be accessible through many ‘voice-gateways. This ensures that customers can interact with you regardless of which voice assistant they use.

Voice messages capture sighs, laughter, pauses, the nonverbal cues that get lost in text. They are small acts of love, according to recent 2025 insights from Time magazine, as audio/voice offers intimacy during distance.

Mark Nsamba, a Gen Z from Jinja highlights that voice notes are more engaging as they deliver a sense of someone being present on the other side in comparison to text messages.

Emotional connection and expression is a crucial aspect in communication, and this is largely attributed to voice rather than words.

The Albert Mehrabian’s 7-38-55 communication model shows that 38 percent of communication comes from tone of voice, which is minimal in text or words (at 7 percent).

From a business perspective, Ms Brenda Nafugo, a florist and events business lady, notes that voice messaging provides a personal and humane touch for the clients.

‘If a customer has a concern with an order, receiving a friendly voice message from a support team or business owner apologising for the inconvenience and providing a solution feels much more human and also makes the client feel valued.’

Convenience

Voice messaging is faster, as it only involves hitting the record button, speaking, and releasing the icon to send.

‘With typed messages, I find myself making grammatical errors and misspellings, but with the voice notes, I get to communicate quickly without having to worry about the errors and autocorrect or edits that I would have to do on re-reading the message,’ says Josephine Nankya, a business owner.

A 2017 study by Stanford University indicates that, on average, a person speaks 125-150 words per minute, compared to 40 words per minute when typing. One tap records a stream of thought before self editing kicks in.

Unlike typing, audio can be recorded while cooking, commuting or walking. This multi-tasking appeal and convenience is greatly suitable for persons with very busy schedules.

‘Voice messaging provides an inclusive means of communication while using social media platforms such as WhatsApp, especially for us with visual impairment,’ says Lawrence Ssematimba, a person living with visual impairment.

‘With the voice note feature in place, approximately 2.2 billion people living with visual impairment globally (as per the World Health Organisation Report 2023), have been catered for, in terms of ease and access to communication.

‘Voice notes are more accessible and quicker for elderly people rather than typing,’ says Favour Nantambi.

‘I remember, after showing my 68-year-old grandmother how to send voice notes, this became her go-to means of communication, and the phone calls too became minimal.’

When voice notes don’t cut it

Unsung etiquette guidelines for voice notes are that these should be brief. ‘Beyond five minutes, that is a phone call, Ms Nankya says.

‘When there is a lot to be said, many people tend to send several but brief voice notes,’ she adds.

When communicating with new people, supervisors or superiors, voice notes are not the ideal means of communication unless they have been previously agreed upon or accepted by the parties involved.

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.