Category: Daily Monitor

The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development says despite the global fuel prices starting to drop after the US and Iran agreeing to sign a peace deal, Uganda’s pump prices will not be adjusted.

Dr Patricia Litho, the Director of Communication at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, said the global changes will not bring instant local cuts, noting that Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC), through Vitol, purchased fuel at high prices.

‘Despite the global fuel prices starting to drop after the US and Iran agreeing to sign a peace deal, Uganda’s pump prices will not be adjusted accordingly because UNOC, through Vitol, purchased it at high prices,’ Dr Litho said.

UNOC imports fuel through a government-to-government deal with Vitol. Cargoes are bought months ahead, so current retail prices reflect stock secured when global rates were high.

Uganda has kept pump prices lower than Kenya and Rwanda for three months straight, even as global oil markets remain shaky. But energy experts warn the relief at the pump may soon run out.

It’s impossible to predict the future of oil prices. Several factors determine the movement of oil, but it ultimately boils down to supply and demand. Again, when threats of economic downturn, war, etc. are high, the oil trajectory can turn rapidly.

The next two months will be key. If crude stays lower and UNOC secures cheaper cargoes, Uganda may hold its edge. If costly Vitol stock continues to supply the market, prices could rise even as neighbours see relief.

Peter Ochieng’, a Regional Fuel Marketing Expert Downstream, agrees with the ministry, saying deregulation gives dealers flexibility but also creates a lag when world prices move.

‘The market will catch up with the earlier stock. When that happens, the advantage we have seen over Kenya and Rwanda could narrow or disappear,’ he said.

Data compiled by Ochieng shows Kampala’s highest pump prices as of June 15, 2026 were Shs6,499 for premium petrol and Shs6,599 for diesel. In Kenyan shilling terms, that is Kshs217 and Kshs220 respectively.

The numbers put Uganda ahead of Kenya and Rwanda but behind Tanzania. Nairobi’s revised prices effective June 15 show petrol at Kshs214.03 and diesel at Kshs 222.86. Kampala’s petrol is just Kshs2.60 higher than Nairobi’s, while diesel is Kshs2.89 cheaper.

Dar es Salaam remains the region’s cheapest. Tanzanian motorists pay the equivalent of Kshs195 for petrol and Kshs206 for diesel. Kigali is the priciest, with petrol at Kshs 260 and diesel at Kshs 259.

‘Uganda pump prices are deregulated. In Kenya, Rwanda and Tanzania pump prices are regulated,’ Ochieng’ noted. His analysis used pump prices in Nairobi, Kigali, Dar es Salaam and Kampala, with Kampala’s figures based on the highest recorded rates.

Subsidies continue to influence the regional spread. Kenya applied a subsidy of Kshs 34.07 per litre on diesel. Tanzania gave a subsidy of Tzs 534.91, equal to Kshs 26.34, per litre on diesel. Uganda runs no direct pump subsidies.

Oil sold for $84.62 per barrel (using Brent as the benchmark, which we’ll get into momentarily). That’s 67 cents lower than yesterday and approximately an $8.63 rise over the past year.

Despite Uganda’s three-month streak as a low-cost market, Ochieng’ says the trend is fragile. ‘Much as Uganda’s pump prices have enjoyed low rates in the region for three months, this may soon not be the case,’ he said.

Using exchange rates of Kshs 1 to Shs 30, Kshs 1 to Tzs 21, and Kshs 1 to Rwf 11.3, Nairobi petrol is Shs 78 cheaper than Kampala’s highest price, while diesel is Shs 87 more expensive.

For now, motorists enjoy rare stability. The big question is how long it will last.

The Government of Uganda has welcomed a new multi-partner initiative to unlock investment in the East African country’s growing tourism sector and create opportunities for small businesses with the potential to create jobs, grow the private sector and provide an inclusive economic boost for the country.

The pound 15.5 million (Shs62b) Sustainable Tourism Value Chain Initiative (2026-2030) is funded by the European Union and implemented by the Belgian agency for international cooperation Enabel,  the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

The initiative seeks to address key structural barriers that continue to limit investment and growth across Uganda’s tourism ecosystem, particularly for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which remain constrained by limited access to finance, high borrowing costs, fragmented value chains and inadequate investment readiness support.

‘Uganda is taking deliberate steps to unlock the full potential of tourism as a driver of jobs, investment and inclusive growth,’ said Mrs.

Doreen Silver Katusiime, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities.

‘Our focus is on building a more coordinated, investment-ready and globally competitive sector by improving standards, strengthening partnerships and supporting the development of world-class tourism experiences that create lasting value for communities and the economy.’

The European Union said the initiative reflects its broader commitment to sustainable development, green growth and private sector development in Uganda.

‘The European Union sees tourism not only as an economic sector, but also as a tool for sustainable development,’ said H.E. Jan Sadek, Ambassador of the European Union to Uganda.

‘Over the years, EU support has contributed to heritage promotion, conservation, skills development and community-based tourism initiatives. We have seen encouraging progress in tourism infrastructure, the strengthening of local value chains and a growing recognition of the importance of sustainability in tourism planning and investment.’

Uganda’s tourism sector, especially its nature-based attractions, holds enormous potential to drive exports, earn foreign exchange, create jobs, strengthen rural livelihoods and support inclusive economic development.

The investment initiative follows a 2025 government report that showed international tourism receipts topped US$ 1.2 billion in 2024, accounting for 16% of total exports.

Without targeted support, small and locally based operators risk being left behind, particularly in the absence of stronger coordination, increased investment and improved infrastructure.

The initiative seeks to help smaller operators become more competitive in an inclusive and investable tourism ecosystem by improving tourism promotion and market access, leveraging digital platforms, and strengthening tourism value chains and community linkages.

The expanded access to finance for tourism MSMEs, and investment in standards, skills development and workforce training aims to enhance competitiveness, sustainability and Uganda’s global tourism positioning.

Access to finance remains central to the initiative. UNCDF will strengthen access to finance for tourism MSMEs through blended finance instruments, tailored financial products and investment readiness support designed to unlock investment and crowd in private capital for sustainable tourism enterprises.

Through partnerships with financial institutions, UNCDF will help reduce the risks associated with lending to tourism businesses and expand access to affordable financing, particularly for women and youth-led enterprises.

UNDP will focus on strengthening the enabling environment through support to government policies, strategies and regulatory frameworks aimed at improving the business climate for enterprise growth and investment.

‘UNDP and UNCDF are proud to walk alongside the Government of Uganda and all our partners in building a tourism sector that is not only economically powerful, but environmentally sustainable and socially inclusive. The work we are doing today, reforming policies, strengthening coordination, unlocking investment for tourism MSMEs and expanding access to innovative financing solutions, is supporting the foundation for a sector that will deliver dividends for generations,’ said Ms Nwanne Vwede-Obahor, UNDP Resident Representative in Uganda, and representing UNCDF in the country.

Enabel and UNESCO will complement these efforts by strengthening tourism value chains and Uganda’s positioning as a prime and sustainable tourism destination.

‘When tourism is built around culture, nature, and people, it creates real opportunities for jobs for young people, stronger communities, and lasting economic value. Through this initiative, UNESCO is proud to support a tourism model for Uganda that protects its heritage, benefits local communities and attracts responsible investment, making sustainability a true source of competitiveness,’ said Ms Louise Haxthausen, UNESCO Regional Director for Eastern Africa.

‘Tourism has the potential to be one of Uganda’s strongest drivers of inclusive and sustainable growth, positioning the country as a leading destination for responsible travel while ensuring that communities are at the heart of its success. Our ambition is to unlock tourism’s full potential as a catalyst for local economic transformation by connecting communities, enterprises and destinations to opportunities that create jobs, strengthen resilience and support shared prosperity,’ said Mr. Nicolas Oebel, Country Director, Enabel.

This initiative reflects a broader shift toward integrated development approaches that combine destination competitiveness, financing, policy reform, enterprise development and sustainability to unlock private investment and build a pipeline of investable tourism opportunities across Uganda.

By aligning national priorities with coordinated international support, the initiative aims to lay the foundation for a tourism sector that is competitive, inclusive, resilient and globally investable.

The court has ordered Boss Beverage Company Limited to pay Absa Bank Uganda Ltd, formerly Barclays Bank Uganda, over Shs710million as outstanding loan obligations.

The Commercial Court division of the High Court judge, Dr Ginamia Melody Ngwatu, also allowed the bank to proceed with the sale of mortgaged property of Boss Beverages International Limited in order to recover the debt.

In her judgment, Justice Dr Ginamia Melody Ngwatu found that Boss Beverages had failed to prove allegations that the bank had unlawfully computed interest and penalties on its loan facilities.

The dispute arose from loan facilities advanced by the bank to Boss Beverages, including a Shs400 million term loan used to buy out an existing facility from DFCU Bank and a separate short-term facility of up to Shs600 million.

The beverage company, through its lawyers, had argued that the bank had imposed wrongful interest charges and penalties, resulting in an inflated debt figure.

The company sought declarations that the computations were erroneous, that the recovery process be halted, and that the mortgaged properties should not be sold.

However, the court found that the company had defaulted on its repayment obligations and failed to provide convincing evidence that the bank had applied unlawful interest rates.

‘The plaintiff, therefore, owes the defendant the sum of Shs710,176,404,’ Justice Ngwatu ruled.

Court records show that after experiencing repayment difficulties, Boss Beverages requested the bank to consolidate its loan facilities. Following the restructuring, the outstanding balance stood at Shs593.4 million.

The bank later demanded Shs710.1 million, a figure that included principal and accrued interest following continued default by the borrower.

The judge noted that although Boss Beverages commissioned an audit by Izimba and Co. Certified Public Accountants, the company subsequently wrote to the bank requesting that the audit report be disregarded.

The court also observed that efforts by both parties to conduct an independent reconciliation of accounts through another auditor stalled after disagreements and failure to complete the process.

‘Further unnecessary delay will lead to an injustice,’ the judge said while declining to order yet another reconciliation exercise.

Boss Beverages had also relied on evidence from its accountant, David Kyeera, whose qualifications were challenged by the bank. During the proceedings, Kyeera testified that he was a Senior Four dropout who had acquired accounting knowledge through training by the company’s managing director and self-study.

Although the bank argued that his evidence should be expunged because he was not a qualified accountant, the court rejected the objection.

‘The plaintiff witness did not appear in the capacity of an expert but rather as an employee of the plaintiff company who had reviewed the plaintiff’s financial transactions including the loans,’ Justice Ngwatu held.

On the substantive dispute, the court found no evidence that the bank had charged interest outside the rates agreed upon in the loan agreements.

‘In light of the foregoing, I agree with the defendant that it is the contractual interest that was applied to arrive at the amount due and the court has no power to interfere with the rates that were agreed upon by the parties,’ the judge stated.

The court further held that interest rates ranging between 19 and 23 percent per annum, as agreed by the parties, were not unconscionable.

As a result, the suit was dismissed with costs.

Justice Ngwatu also authorised the bank to proceed with the sale of the mortgaged properties located at Banda-Kireka in Kampala, which had been offered as security for the loans.

‘The defendant shall proceed with the sale of the mortgaged property according to the law to recover the outstanding sum of Shs710,176,404 and interest accrued at 20% from the date of filing this suit until payment in full,’ the judge ordered.

The company was additionally directed to pay the bank’s legal costs.

A team of environmental specialists from the Ministry of Water and Environment has launched a three-day investigation into the changing colour of Lake Bunyonyi and growing concerns over water quality supplied to thousands of residents in southwestern Uganda.

The multi-agency team, led by Ms Lilian Idrakua, Commissioner for Water Quality Management, includes experts from the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC), the Department of Environmental Support Services and the Department of Water Services.

The fresh assessment follows a mysterious incident in August last year when the waters of Lake Bunyonyi changed colour, alarming residents, tourism operators and local leaders.

Speaking during a stakeholders’ meeting in Kabale on Monday, Ms Idrakua said preliminary investigations had ruled out volcanic activity despite the lake’s volcanic origins.

“Although Lake Bunyonyi was formed through lava damming, investigations established that there is no volcanic vent beneath the lake and water temperatures remained within the normal tropical range of between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius,” she said.

According to Ms Idrakua, initial findings pointed to possible environmental stress caused by human activity around the lake, although investigators had not reached a definitive conclusion.

“The initial findings suggested that the phenomenon was more likely linked to human activities around the lake rather than geological processes, although the investigations were not conclusive,” she added.

The latest inquiry comes amid growing fears that unchecked development, poor waste disposal, soil erosion and mining activities in surrounding areas could be degrading one of Uganda’s most important freshwater ecosystems.

Lake Bunyonyi is a major tourism destination and a key water source for thousands of residents in Kabale and neighbouring districts.

Environmental experts are particularly concerned about non-compliance with regulations governing lakeshore developments.

Ms Idrakua said some developers had failed to obtain mandatory permits, conduct annual environmental audits or respect protected shoreline buffer zones.

“Many areas around the lake lack adequate water protection zones, and this accelerates environmental degradation,” she warned.

NEMA erosion mapping data for the Kigezi sub-region estimates that every hectare of degraded land within the lake’s catchment deposits nearly 18 tonnes of soil into the water annually, raising concerns about sedimentation, biodiversity loss and declining water quality.

The ministry team will also reassess the ecological status and depth of Lake Bunyonyi amid long-standing claims about its size and characteristics.

According to recent scientific studies, the lake’s deepest point measures approximately 43.6 metres, with an average depth of about 14 metres, far below the widely circulated but disputed claim that it is Africa’s second-deepest lake at nearly 900 metres.

Beyond the lake itself, investigators are examining complaints about discoloured tap water supplied by NWSC, particularly during morning hours.

Kabale District chairperson Denis Nzeirwe Ndyomugyenyi said protecting the lake was critical for public health and water security.

“We need to safeguard the source of water that serves thousands of people in Kabale and the surrounding areas. The quality of water being consumed by our communities must be guaranteed,” he said.

Kabale Chief Administrative Officer Robert Mugabe described the lake as the backbone of the region’s water supply system and warned that recurring discoloration incidents posed serious concerns.

“The discoloration incident posed a serious threat to public health. We need a comprehensive study because many residents continue to experience discoloured tap water, especially in the mornings,” Mr Mugabe said.

He also called for investigations into changing weather patterns in the Kigezi sub-region, saying environmental shifts could be affecting local water systems.

Kabale Resident District Commissioner [RDC] Maj Godfrey Katamba linked deteriorating water quality to possible gold mining activities near the Rwanda border in Kahungye, Rubaya and Butanda, arguing that runoff from mining operations could be contaminating water sources.

He also blamed poor waste management practices around the lake and urged authorities to strengthen wastewater treatment and environmental protection measures.

“If we do not improve waste management and protect this ecosystem, we risk destroying one of our most important water sources and tourism attractions,” Maj Katamba warned.

The findings of the ongoing assessment are expected to guide future conservation measures and policy interventions aimed at protecting Lake Bunyonyi, one of Uganda’s most iconic natural attractions.

Anglican Church of Uganda Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu has urged Christians to emulate the early church by promoting unity, generosity and mutual support, warning that materialism and selfishness are eroding Christian values.

Speaking during his farewell service at St James Cathedral in Ruharo, Mbarara City, on Sunday, Archbishop Kaziimba said the early church thrived because believers shared resources and cared for one another.

‘The early church promoted spiritual liberation, sacrificial generosity and unity amongst each other, and this eradicated greed, selfishness, poverty and hatred, which are common among Christians today,’ he said.

The Archbishop cautioned that the church risks losing relevance if its members remain divided and indifferent to the suffering of others.

‘It is not enough to come to church to pray when your neighbours are suffering in poverty, do not have something to eat and are living miserably. If Christians had a sense of caring and sharing with each other as it was in the early church, all the people of God would be doing well. But some who are wealthy are selfish, greedy and corrupt, which is not Godly,’ he said.

Archbishop Kaziimba said the church should pursue a holistic ministry that addresses both spiritual and social needs.

‘We need a healthy, Christ-centred church that does not only focus on spiritual liberation. A Christian who is suffering in poverty may not fully comprehend your teachings in church, and this frustrates the gospel,’ he added.

He challenged church leaders to establish income-generating projects and support economic empowerment initiatives for congregants.

‘I am happy that some dioceses, such as Ankole, have not only established income-generating projects for the church but are also promoting household and community transformation through initiatives such as coffee growing,’ he said.

Ankole Diocese Bishop Sheldon Mwesigwa echoed the Archbishop’s message, saying the church must integrate spiritual ministry with social and economic wellbeing.

‘You cannot preach to Christians who are sick and living in poverty. We need a ministry that empowers people to live wholesome lives, to be healthy and economically empowered,’ Bishop Mwesigwa told the congregation.

He noted that during his pastoral visits he often travels with health workers to provide free medical services to Christians.

During a separate visit to North West Diocese on Saturday, Archbishop Kaziimba also appealed to the government to support infrastructure development in church-founded schools.

‘Some schools, such as Kibubura Girls Secondary School, have for a long time contributed greatly to the education of our children, but their infrastructure is inadequate and this compromises the learning environment,’ he said while preaching at St Paul Cathedral in Ibanda Municipality.

The Archbishop further called for peace and unity across religious, ethnic and social divides.

‘Be peacemakers. You are called to be reconcilers, not conflict causers. Ensure peace and unity without segregation based on religion, tribe or appearance,’ he said.

Archbishop Kaziimba announced that he will officially retire on August 15, 2027, after which he intends to focus on mentorship, discipleship and spending time with his family.

He also confirmed that seven bishops from different provinces are expected to retire next year.

The Secretary of the National Bureau for Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO Bureau), Mr Stephen Okello, has been sued in the High Court over the continued suspension of several non-governmental organisations ahead of the 2026 general elections, with the petitioner accusing him of acting outside the law.

In a petition filed on June 15, city lawyer Mr Michael Aboneka contends that Mr Okello arbitrarily suspended a number of NGOs without due process and without the authority of a legally constituted NGO Bureau.

Mr Aboneka argues that at the time the suspensions were effected, there was no duly constituted NGO Bureau to authorise the action.

‘At the time of the suspension of the NGOs, there was no NGO Bureau constituted, and therefore the respondent (Mr Okello) acted on his own volition to effect the suspension,’ Mr Aboneka states in the court documents.

He further alleges that the suspensions were carried out in disregard of the law, the constitutional right to a fair hearing, and the principles of natural justice.

‘The respondent executed the impugned suspension in disregard of the law, the constitutional right to a fair hearing under Article 28 and the rules of natural justice. The continued indefinite suspension of NGOs amounts to contempt of court, as this was prohibited by the Honourable Court in Chapter Four Uganda versus Attorney General (Miscellaneous Cause No. 202 of 2021),’ the petition reads.

The lawsuit stems from the January 9, 2026 decision by the NGO Bureau to suspend at least 10 prominent civil society and election-monitoring organisations days before the January 15 general elections.

At the time, the government cited intelligence reports alleging that the organisations were engaged in activities prejudicial to national security.

The affected organisations included Chapter Four Uganda, Alliance for Election Finance Monitoring, Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-U), the National NGO Forum and the National Coalition of Human Rights Defenders.

Each organisation received a suspension letter from the NGO Bureau citing intelligence information that allegedly linked them to activities contrary to Ugandan laws and threatening national security, contrary to Section 42(d) of the NGO Act.

However, Mr Aboneka argues that the indefinite suspensions were imposed without any legal mandate and have remained in force without affording the affected organisations an opportunity to be heard.

He contends that the continued closure of the organisations violates citizens’ constitutional rights to freedom of association and participation in governance as guaranteed under Articles 29(1)(e) and 38(2) of the Constitution.

The petitioner, who says he is bringing the matter in the public interest, also argues that the suspension of NGOs that provide legal aid services has undermined access to justice, particularly for vulnerable and indigent persons.

According to the petition, the closure of organisations offering legal assistance and human rights services has denied many Ugandans essential support and representation.

Mr Aboneka is now seeking a declaration from the court that the suspension of the NGOs by Mr Okello was illegal and unlawful.

He also wants the court to declare that the halting of operations of NGOs offering legal aid and rights-based services violates the fundamental right to access justice.

‘The continued suspension of NGOs by the respondent (Mr Okello) is a continuous violation of constitutional rights and freedoms; the right to a fair hearing guaranteed under Article 28; the right to fair and just treatment in administrative decisions guaranteed under Article 42; the right of citizens to participate in the affairs of government through associations guaranteed under Article 38(2); and the freedom of association guaranteed under Article 29(1)(e),’ Mr Aboneka states in the petition.

The lawyer is also seeking a permanent injunction restraining Mr Okello from undertaking any actions affecting NGOs unless authorised by a legally constituted NGO Bureau.

By press time, Mr Okello, who is being sued in his personal capacity, had not filed his defence.

The High Court is yet to fix the matter for hearing.

Security agencies in Lira City have restored order after a protest by boda boda operators temporarily paralysed traffic along the busy Lira-Soroti Highway on Monday, leading to the arrest of 15 suspected ringleaders.

The riders blocked the highway in protest against the arrest of some of their colleagues over the non-payment of a controversial Shs35,000 registration fee.

The road blockade disrupted movement on a key transport corridor linking Uganda to Kenya and South Sudan through the eastern route, forcing security agencies to intervene.

Addressing journalists on Monday evening, police condemned the protest, describing it as unlawful and unnecessary.

North Kyoga regional police spokesperson SP Patrick Jimmy Okema said officers, together with other security agencies, cleared the blockade and arrested individuals believed to have organised the demonstration.

‘We would like to disagree with the actions of our brothers from the boda boda industry within Lira City. We therefore condemn very strongly that the approach that members have taken to show their grievance was uncalled for,’ Mr Okema said.

He added: ‘There are many other alternative dispute resolution mechanisms they could have pursued, including approaching the relevant offices so that their concerns are heard.’

Police said investigations have commenced and those arrested will be prosecuted individually based on their level of involvement in the protest.

Mr Okema said police are compiling case files and will consult the Resident Chief State Attorney before determining the specific charges to be preferred against the suspects.

Lira Resident City Commissioner Lawrence Egole dismissed reports circulating on social media suggesting that businesses had been burnt and the city shut down, describing them as misleading.

‘Security agencies intervened immediately to ensure that normal business operations could resume,’ Mr Egole said.

He added that calm had been restored shortly after the protest erupted and business activities continued as normal.

Lira City Mayor Sam Atul defended the ongoing digital registration exercise for boda boda operators, saying it is intended to improve security and eliminate duplication of rider identification records.

According to city authorities, the registration programme seeks to streamline operations in the transport sector and strengthen efforts to combat crime involving motorcycles.

The protest highlights growing tensions between some boda boda operators and city authorities over the implementation of the registration exercise and the associated fees.

Police warned against future acts of lawlessness, saying grievances should be addressed through lawful channels rather than disrupting public transport and business activities.

At exactly 10:44 am, Myleen Kyomuhendo, in red Denmark-labelled vest, wheeled her chair towards the wall that separates Makerere University’s basketball court from the swimming pool.

Eight other trainees followed her as they ride along the court in a warmup before coach Charles Ojara kicked off the practice match that lasted over two hours.

‘Guys, we should begin now because for me this sun…’ Kyomuhendo, who came a little later than others, said, fearing the punishing sun that Thursday morning. Almost everybody complained about the sun. but such are the challenges of wheelchair rugby in Uganda because they train near an indoor arena, but the completion of the facility that hosted the 2018 World University Netball Championship has stalled since then.

Besides, while Uganda Wheelchair Rugby Federation (UWRF) are grateful to Makerere for offering the basketball court free, they must pay for the transportation of equipment: wheelchairs, spare parts, balls, to-and-fro the store at the Uganda Paralympic Committee in Mulago.

But life has to go on. The players must be ready for the first Wheelchair Rugby National Championship called Tugende in August, their first step on the long journey to the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles.

‘We have been training every Thursday, since February,’ Mukota Jarius Wanyera, UWF president told Daily Monitor.

‘Here, we have two clubs: Wakiso and Kampala Wheelchair Rugby clubs, while Gulu trains in Gulu City.’

The three clubs alongside a visiting club from Wales, will participate in the first-ever national championship, as they target the African zonal event in 2027, which is a qualifier for LA28 Paralympics.

Coach Ojara mostly emphasised basics: ball handling, passing, wheeling and rules.

While most players took breaks, Ramsey Nyanzi, the youngest, and Nsubuga Kizito, one of the oldest, played all minutes and led the scoring for their respective sides.

‘Here, being allowed to wheel with the ball on your lap makes the game easier. In [wheelchair] basketball, that’s not allowed,’ said Kizito, who has played basketball, para-volleyball, cricket, etc.

For Alice Najjuuko, almost everything is new. She only joined this year. And rugby is her first sport since she suffered a spinal injury.

‘I’m learning slowly, and we are enjoying it. And to me playing is health. And I think by August we will be ready,’ Najjuuko said.

Only that she does not like it when teammates scream her name when she blunders. ‘It makes me a little nervous.’

Every practice improves the players but wears the chairs, mostly due to those characteristic collisions. For instance, the push ring on Joseph Namugera’s chair broke. Yet the chairs are expensive. ‘One chair costs $10,000 (about Shs37m). We mostly depend on donations, after serious lobbying to different athletes and federations abroad,’ Wanyera said.

‘We are affiliated to Uganda Paralympic Committee. But the can’t do enough to sustain and support what we are doing. They can only help in maybe a few events for the athletes’ welfare.’

Being the umbrella body of all Paralympic sports disciplines, UPC is overwhelmed.

‘So, equipment and accessibility are big challenges. Many of these players need accessible transport. Some of them can’t use boda-bodas. It’s a risk to their life.’

TEAM

Sarah Nazziwa, Joseph Namugera, Myleen Kyomuhendo, Robert Ssekandi, Wilberforce Mbabazi, Alice Najjuuko, Sharif Kakooza, Geoffrey Waakulira, Daniel Kizza, Ramsey Nyanzi, Nsubuga Kizito

The Police in Buikwe District have arrested two people over the death of their two-year-old daughter, who was reportedly tortured.

The suspects, the father and stepmother of the deceased, were picked up after the body of Innocent Sonko was discovered at their home in Gimbo Cell on Saturday, June 13.

Police say the boy had been staying with the two for almost two weeks before her death.

Ssezibwa Regional Police spokesperson, Ms Hellen Butoto, said preliminary findings state that the suspects subjected the child to severe beating s and by pouring hot water on her, resulting in the death.

“Investigations into the matter are ongoing as the suspects remain in police custody. Preliminary findings indicate that they tortured the child and poured hot water on her, resulting in her death. We strongly condemn such actions,” Ms Butoto said.

She disclosed that the suspects will be arraigned before court once investigations are completed.

The body has been taken to Kawolo General Hospital for a postmortem examination as detectives work to establish the circumstances surrounding the child’s death.

Kiyindi Town Council Mayor Amir Kiggundu said the report has left the community in shock.

“We are wondering how such abuse could happen in a community without anyone reporting it to local leaders. Neighbours are the first line of protection for children and should always speak up whenever they suspect a child is being mistreated,” Mr Kiggundu said.

According to Mr Kiggundu, the child’s biological mother had left him in the care of her husband’s co-wife while she went to work.

He urged parents to regularly check on the welfare of their children regardless of who is looking after them.

The mayor also called on fathers to take a more active role in ensuring the safety and well-being of their children and to closely monitor the environment in which they are raised.

“This tragic incident should serve as a wake-up call to parents, guardians and the entire community that protecting children is a collective responsibility,” he added.

Ms Halima Nagujja, a resident of Gimbo Cell, condemned the alleged abuse, describing it as inhumane and heartbreaking.

“It is painful to imagine that someone could harm an innocent child who had done nothing wrong. Parents should always keep a close watch on their children, regardless of the circumstances,” she said.

African Chief Justices have renewed calls for the expansion of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms across the continent, arguing that traditional court systems alone can no longer cope with rising litigation and growing case backlogs.

The call was made on Monday during a briefing following the successful transition of leadership of the African Council of Judicial Alternative Dispute Resolution Fora (ACJADRF) from Uganda to Zambia.

The event brought together Chief Justice Flavian Zeija, Chief Justice Emeritus Alfonse Owiny-Dollo, Zambia’s Chief Justice Dr Mumba Malila and Deputy Chief Justice Moses Kawumi Kazibwe.

Speaking shortly after assuming the chairmanship of the continental forum, Justice Malila said African judiciaries must embrace ADR as a critical tool for improving access to justice and reducing delays in the courts.

“Our systems of justice are characterised by delays in the disposal of cases,” Justice Malila said.

He attributed the growing pressure on courts to population growth and increasing disputes, noting that judicial institutions have not expanded at the same pace.

“The levels of litigation have increased due to population growth and dispute levels have increased. The judiciaries have not expanded. Although more judges have been appointed as a way of unclogging the courts, we have to integrate Alternative Dispute Resolution,” he said.

According to the Zambian Chief Justice, ADR offers a more satisfactory outcome for litigants because it focuses on resolving disputes rather than merely determining winners and losers.

“In a formal dispute settlement, the courts will determine but not necessarily resolve a dispute. The role of the courts is to consider who is right and who is wrong, but ADR targets the satisfaction of parties. That is how relationships are preserved,” he explained.

Justice Malila said many African constitutions already encourage the use of ADR and that the forum’s work aligns with that constitutional obligation.

“The purpose is not to pass a vote of no confidence in the courts. Rather, it is to enhance the capacity of our justice systems through ADR,” he added.

Outgoing ACJADRF chairperson and former Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo described ADR as an African practice that predates modern court systems.

“ADR is a mechanism and a practice that has always been with us in Africa. The concept is to panel-beat the informal justice system and make it more effective. It has brought relative peace to our communities,” he said.

Justice Owiny-Dollo cited a land dispute that had remained in court for 21 years without a hearing.

“It had taken 21 years and the hearing was not about to begin. I engaged the lawyers and mediated the matter. Within a few months, it was resolved,” he said.

He dismissed concerns among some lawyers that ADR threatens legal practice.

“We have tried to explain to lawyers that ADR is not anti-legal. It actually enhances legal practice because when matters leave the system, lawyers get time to focus on other cases,” he said.

Chief Justice Zeija pledged Uganda’s continued support for the forum and confirmed that Uganda will retain the ACJADRF secretariat.

“I pledge that we shall continue supporting the forum and expand the space occupied by the secretariat in the near future,” Justice Zeija said.

Justice Malila also acknowledged resistance from some members of the legal profession but said public sensitisation and engagement with lawyers would be key to expanding ADR across Africa.

“We have no choice but to make this forum succeed,” he said.