Category: Daily Monitor

The Financial Year (FY)2025/2026 has been a mixed bag of achievements and setbacks, marked by ambitious government programmes, strong performances in key sectors, growing public debt, and persistent concerns over corruption and service delivery. As the financial year draws to a close, government can point to progress in wealth creation initiatives, oil and gas development, agriculture and tourism. However, these gains have been overshadowed by rising debt obligations, revenue collection shortfalls, deteriorating infrastructure and allegations of widespread misuse of public funds.

One of the biggest stories of the year has been the struggle by the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) to meet its collection targets.

Between July and December 2025, URA collected Shs16.8 trillion in net revenue against a target of Shs17.9 trillion, leaving a shortfall of slightly more than Shs1 trillion. Although the tax body achieved a 94 percent performance rate, better than the same period in the previous year, the deficit was significant.

The revenue gap was roughly equivalent to the amount allocated to the Parish Development Model (PDM), government’s flagship poverty alleviation programme that dominated the election-year Budget.

The PDM remained one of the most visible government interventions during the year. Despite numerous reports of fraud, kickbacks and beneficiaries receiving less than the amounts approved for them, the programme succeeded in injecting substantial sums of money into rural economies. Government allocated Shs1.1 trillion to the initiative during the financial year, including Shs1.059 trillion for the Parish Revolving Fund. In November 2025, the Ministry of Finance released an initial Shs529b, with each of the country’s 10,589 verified parish Saccos receiving Shs50m directly into their accounts.

To date, government says more than Shs3.26 trillion has been transferred to PDM Saccos since the programme was launched, with every parish receiving at least Shs300m. According to the Ministry of Finance, about 3.2 million Ugandans have accessed the funds and begun transitioning from subsistence farming to participation in the money economy.

Beyond PDM, Uganda continued making progress towards commercial oil production. The 2025/2026 Budget allocated approximately Shs876b towards mineral-based industrial development and the oil and gas sector, particularly the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (Eacop) and refinery projects.

Despite continued opposition from international environmental groups, implementation of the projects has advanced steadily, keeping hopes alive that Uganda could begin earning oil revenues in the near future.

Tourism also continued to demonstrate its importance to the economy.

The sector earned approximately $1.7b in foreign exchange last year, maintaining its position among Uganda’s leading foreign exchange earners alongside coffee, gold and remittances. However, the recent Ebola outbreak has created uncertainty for the industry. Although Uganda is not the epicentre of the outbreak, fears surrounding the disease have already triggered booking cancellations worth billions of shillings, threatening the recovery momentum the sector had built.

Agriculture, another pillar of the economy, remained relatively resilient throughout the year. Government allocated Shs1.8 trillion to the Agro-industrialisation Programme and an additional Shs1.4 trillion directly to the Agriculture ministry and Fisheries and its affiliated agencies. Favourable weather conditions and strong export earnings boosted the sector, with coffee alone generating $2.4b in export revenues during 2025. Nevertheless, experts warn that Uganda’s heavy dependence on rain-fed agriculture remains a major vulnerability. Prolonged droughts or erratic weather patterns could quickly undermine production, employment and broader economic growth.

Infrastructure spending

Out of the approved National Budget of Shs72.4 trillion, the transport and infrastructure sector received Shs6.92 trillion. Of this amount, Shs4.28 trillion was earmarked specifically for road construction and maintenance. Yet many road users say the investment has not translated into noticeable improvements on the ground. Several roads across the country have deteriorated over the past year, while many rural access roads remain in poor condition and become nearly impassable during heavy rains.

But perhaps the biggest concern emerging from the FY2025/2026 is Uganda’s rapidly expanding public debt. According to projections, public debt is expected to reach approximately Shs130 trillion in FY2026/2027. Debt servicing obligations are projected at more than Shs33.6 trillion, including Shs14.1 trillion in interest payments and Shs4.18 trillion in principal repayments.

This means nearly 40 percent of domestic revenue collections will be spent servicing debt, leaving less money available for healthcare, education, agriculture, infrastructure and job creation. While Uganda is not currently classified as being in debt distress, analysts are increasingly concerned about the pace at which public debt is growing. The Civil Society Budget Advocacy Group (CSBAG), working alongside AHF Uganda Cares, notes that public debt has risen from about Shs86.8 trillion in FY2022/2023 to Shs94.9 trillion in FY2023/2024 and is projected to climb further to around Shs130 trillion in the coming financial year.

Uganda’s debt-to-GDP ratio has also risen above 50 percent, a level that requires careful fiscal management. Experts warn that growing debt increases exposure to exchange rate fluctuations, interest rate shocks, refinancing risks and revenue uncertainties, while reducing government’s ability to respond to future economic challenges.

The effects are already being felt across public services. CSBAG notes that government is projected to spend Shs33.6 trillion on debt servicing in FY2026/2027 compared to Shs13.5 trillion for Human Capital Development, Shs2.26 trillion for agro-industrialisation and about Shs2.5 trillion for wealth creation programmes. This growing debt burden raises concerns that repayments are increasingly crowding out investments needed to improve service delivery and stimulate economic transformation. Evidence from recent audit reports paints a worrying picture.

Auditor General’s report

According to the Auditor General’s report for FY2024/2025, Mulago National Referral Hospital received only Shs18.25 billion against a requirement of Shs72.4 billion for specialised medicines and medical supplies, leaving a funding gap of approximately 75 percent. The same report found that 136 secondary schools lacked science laboratories, 182 schools had no libraries and 380 schools faced classroom shortages. The Universal Secondary Education and Universal Post O-Level Education and Training programmes also registered a capitation funding gap of about Shs26.65 billion.

These findings suggest that the consequences of rising debt are increasingly being felt by ordinary citizens through weakened public services and missed development opportunities. Alongside debt, corruption continues to pose a major threat to public finances. Billions of shillings intended for essential public services continue to be lost through inflated budgets, procurement irregularities, domestic arrears and abuse of public funds.

The Inspectorate of Government has repeatedly warned that political protection of high-profile individuals in Parliament and government programmes has fuelled large-scale corruption. Some estimates place the annual cost of corruption at as much as Shs10 trillion. As the country prepares for another financial year, the story of the FY2025/2026 Budget is one of both progress and warning. While government has made gains in wealth creation, agriculture, oil development and economic expansion, rising debt, persistent corruption and service delivery gaps continue to threaten the sustainability of those achievements.

The challenge going forward will not simply be spending more money, but ensuring public resources deliver meaningful results for citizens while keeping the country’s debt burden within manageable limits.

Leaders in Kyotera District have tasked government officials implementing the Parish Development Model (PDM) to abandon English and use local languages, particularly Luganda, during community sensitisation meetings. They argue that the continued use of English is severely limiting public understanding and stalling the progress of the flagship poverty alleviation initiative.

The concerns were raised during a heated district stakeholders’ meeting on June 8, 2026. Local leaders accused some technical officers of failing to effectively communicate crucial operational guidelines to the intended beneficiaries.

Mr Moses Kyewalyanga, the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) chairperson for Nabigasa Sub-county, noted that many residents are unable to fully comprehend the procedures and requirements of the programme due to language barriers.

“Most of the people we serve are ordinary villagers whose level of formal education is limited. When officers stand before them and explain government programmes in English, many leave the meetings without understanding anything,” Mr Kyewalyanga said.

He warned that communication gaps could derail the initiative. “PDM was designed to uplift households from subsistence to commercial production. If beneficiaries cannot understand how the programme operates, we risk excluding the very people it was intended to help. Officers should use Luganda or other local languages to make the information accessible.”

Launched by President Yoweri Museveni in February 2022, the PDM is the government’s premier strategy aimed at moving the 39 percent of Uganda’s population living from hand-to-mouth into the money economy. Under the initiative, each of the 10,694 parishes across Uganda receives Shs100 million annually, which is lent to selected beneficiaries to invest in lucrative agricultural value chains and income-generating enterprises.

Despite the nationwide rollout, local leaders argued that many Kyotera residents still lack basic knowledge about its implementation.

However, the Kyotera District Commercial Officer, Mr Mathias Kisekulo, dismissed allegations that technical staff were failing to communicate effectively with communities.

“Our officers understand the communities they serve and are trained to engage beneficiaries appropriately. We continuously assess the situation on the ground and ensure that information reaches the intended people,” Mr Kisekulo countered.

Mr Kisekulo revealed that Kyotera District has so far received Shs23.57 billion under the PDM programme since 2022, with the funds distributed across all the district’s 66 parishes.

The language debate drew mixed reactions, prompting a wider discussion on political accountability. The district NRM vice chairperson, Mr Enos Mugisha, challenged the local politicians to stop shifting blame and take greater responsibility for monitoring activities within their jurisdictions.

“It is surprising that some leaders claim they do not know what is happening in their own areas,” Mr Mugisha said. “You are elected to represent these communities. Demand accountability reports from your sub-county chiefs and parish officials. You should be the first source of information for your people, not the last.”

Mr Mugisha also urged leaders to actively utilise Parish Development Committees to gather information on wider service delivery issues, including education, healthcare, and access to clean water.

On his part, the acting Kyotera Chief Administrative Officer, Mr Mohammad Nfitumukiza, warned civil servants against negligence, promising disciplinary action against those who fail to perform their duties.

“We shall not tolerate complacency among public servants. Any officer who neglects their responsibilities will face disciplinary measures, including dismissal where necessary,” Mr Nfitumukiza warned.

The Kyotera Resident District Commissioner, Mr Apollo Mugume, urged all implementers to uphold transparency and strict accountability to ensure the project yields visible results.

“This is a presidential initiative and the government expects results. Every officer handling PDM funds must remain vigilant and ensure the programme achieves its intended purpose of transforming livelihoods,” Mr Mugume said, adding that rigorous monitoring would continue to prevent irregularities.

Right from its inception in 2022, a section of Ugandans, especially Opposition politicians, have expressed skepticism about whether PDM will succeed where previous wealth-creation programmes faltered. In Kyotera, leaders maintain that bridging the communication gap is the first step toward proving the skeptics wrong.

Lira University has been plunged into a leadership crisis that has split senior management and drawn battle lines in WhatsApp groups and other informal fora.

The standoff at the 11-year-old institution stems from Vice Chancellor Prof Jasper Ogwal Okeng’s decision to handpick Senior University Librarian Dr Andrew Ojulong as acting vice chancellor, bypassing the Deputy Vice Chancellor in-charge of Academic Affairs, Associate Prof Okaka Opio Dokotum. Documents and investigations seen by this newspaper reveal that whenever the vice chancellor previously went on leave, he delegated authority to the deputy vice chancellor (Academic Affairs). This time, however, he appointed Dr Ojulong to act on his behalf ‘until further notice’, a decision the University Council revoked on May 29.

That same evening, Prof Ogwal Okeng fired back via WhatsApp, issuing an ‘important notice to Lira University staff’ in which he openly challenged the council.

‘It has come to my notice that the council has held a meeting where they have backed the illegality of removing Dr Andrew Ojulong from carrying out the assignment in the office of the vice chancellor,’ he wrote. He added: ‘As far as I am concerned, l am urging all staff to disregard the illegal action of the council chair, and we should support Dr Andrew Ojulong in the assignment given by the vice chancellors.’

Dr Ojulong quickly replied: ‘Dear vice chancellor, thank you very much for your wise guidance, confidence and steadfast leadership. I sincerely appreciate the trust you have placed in me and the management oversight even while you are attending to your health. ‘Your encouragement strengthens my resolve to continue executing the responsibilities you have entrusted to me with utmost dedication, profound appreciation and respect. May the Almighty God restore your health and bless you.’ To which the vice chancellor responded: ‘Thank you Andrew for your resolve. Those fellows have no authority to cause any changes in the university. Good night.’

A senior source at the institution wondered what this portends for the university. According to Section 40.1 of the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act, the council is the supreme organ of the university. The Act states that, ‘. . . in the absence of the vice chancellor, the deputy in-charge of Academic Affairs shall act.’ ‘In the absence of the vice chancellor, the deputy vice chancellor (Academic Affairs) shall perform the functions of the vice chancellor. It is the law, and the council is supreme; we have a real crisis of leadership,’ the source said.

He added: ‘The main argument is whether a deputy vice chancellor’s reappointment should involve a senate search committee and fresh competition with others for the position. To me, that is the process of recruiting a deputy vice chancellor, not the process of reappointment.’ The council’s decision to revoke Dr Ojulong’s appointment has left Assoc Prof Dokotum battling those who oppose his bid for another five-year term, with his current tenure set to expire on June 30. When contacted for a comment on Sunday, June 7, 2026, Assoc Prof Dokotum acknowledged authoring letters challenging the developments, although he appeared reluctant to divulge details.

‘These are all facts in the public domain. That’s why you were also aware of the Dr Ojulong acting vice chancellorship. The council revocation has already been discussed on radio Voice of Lango. I don’t want to be seen as venting in the media. Frankly, I’d rather you cite what I wrote,’ he said. In a letter to the university secretary, Assoc Prof Dokotum asserted that he is the substantially appointed and serving deputy vice chancellor (Academic Affairs), having been appointed in 2021.

‘I am now seeking for a statutory reappointment under Section 32 of the Universities and Other Institutions Act, Cap 26, through a service evaluation process without recourse to competition from new applicants. The law ring-fences and protects my position subject to performance appraisal,’ his five-page May 4, 2026 letter reads in part.

Assoc Prof Dokotum was responding to an opinion by the university’s legal department, which had sought an interpretation of Section 32 of the Act following an April 10, 2026 letter from the chairperson of the Lira University Academic Staff Association to the chancellor. The legal department challenged Assoc Prof Dokotum’s direct reappointment for a second term, advising instead that the position be opened to competition through a formal senate search process.

Assoc Prof Dokotum countered that such guidance ‘had no basis, considering that there is a sitting deputy vice chancellor eligible for reappointment.’

‘I received a formal notification from the vice chancellor dated February 2, 2026, that my current contract as deputy vice chancellor (Academic Affairs), which commenced on July 1, 2021, will expire on June 30, 2026, in accordance with the terms and conditions of my contract,’ Assoc Prof Dokotum’s letter reads in part.

It adds: ‘In that letter, he (the VC) also quoted Sections 3.5 of Lira University Human Resource Management Manual, 2017, which states that I am eligible for reappointment pending successful performance appraisal by my supervisor. He then stated that I should express interest in the job accompanied by my performance appraisal.’ For context, Assoc Prof Dokotum cites Articles 31 and 32 of the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act, which stipulate that a vice chancellor and deputy vice chancellor are appointed by the chancellor.

‘Any previous appointments not done by the chancellor are in caretaker capacity,’ he adds. The University Council has since granted Assoc Prof Dokotum an additional three-month contract effective July 1, 2026, to allow the vice chancellor to complete his appraisal. Assoc Prof Dr Judith Abal, the dean of the Faculty of Management Sciences, was reportedly introduced at the 104th top management meeting as Assoc Prof Dokotum’s successor during the planned transition, with the intention of advertising the deputy vice chancellor (Academic Affairs) position. He was instructed to ‘work with her’ to prepare for the transition.

Dr Abal told this publication that the only person who could respond to the allegations was the university’s senior communications officer, Mr Patrick Opio.

Mr Opio, however, declined to comment, saying he was ‘somewhere in the village.’ Dr Ojulong did not respond to repeated calls, texts, or WhatsApp messages. Instead, he sent the university’s senior security officer, Mr Emmanuel Peace Opolo, to confirm that he owned the correspondence posted in the WhatsApp group. According to Mr Opolo, the University Council recently convened at Gracious Palace Hotel in Lira City. During the meeting, some staff, including the Secretary, Mr Augustine Oyang Atubo, were reportedly forced out.

‘They deliberated and came up with a position as council to extend these people’s contract for three months, awaiting the recovery of Prof Ogwal Okeng and the transition. But three people declined the offer for three months. They said their term is over,’ Mr Opolo said. ‘So, the council did not have a meeting at the time the university secretary was pushed out. It was adjourned for storytelling and peddling lies,’ he added. Mr Opolo downplayed the crisis, saying: ‘First of all I assure the country that there is no chaos at the university. The university is operating normally. Our roles of conducting research, teaching and scientific innovations are going on normally. Staff are working very well.’

He added: ‘I confirm that there is peace at the university. What we want is that if Assoc Prof Dokotum has issues, the university has structures and systems that he should submit to.’ According to Mr Opolo, nobody hates Assoc Prof Dokotum. ‘We still recognise him as our deputy vice chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs until the expiry of his contract this month. And we shall continue to accord him assistance, honour him and continue to work with him even after the expiry of his contract.’

‘We shall give him a salute if he comes. The media is not a solution to the problem. He is a man in the boardroom. Let him come to the boardroom. Let him also come along with people to support his proposals or advise on his proposals. For us as management, we have people who are competent enough to be part of the mediation team,’ he added. Mr Opolo also emphasised the need for reconciliation, saying: ‘We are a Christian-based institution. Let him not fear anybody. So, he should feel safe and comfortable with the team.’

Lira University, based in Lira City, was first established in 2009 as a constituent college of Gulu University. It officially opened its doors to pioneer students in August 2012 and later attained full autonomous status as a public university through an Act of Parliament in 2015.

When Charles Kwoyelo smiles, the gap left by two missing teeth tells part of a story he would rather forget. Leaning on a walking stick, the resident of Panykel Village in Pajimo Parish, Labongoakwang Sub-county, recalls the violent nightclub brawl six years ago that left him injured and symbolised a life that was spiralling out of control. For years, Mr Kwoyelo lived a troubled life marked by alcoholism, violence, hooliganism and crime. ‘I was a gang leader and we used to waylay young girls and women at night. My parents and the community had given up on me,’ he says.

‘I convinced myself that because I was a person with a disability, I had no value,’ he adds. Today, however, Mr Kwoyelo is now a respected community leader, councillor representing persons with disabilities in Labongoakwang Sub-county, and chairperson of a male action group (MAG) championing the fight against sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). His journey began in 2024 when the sub-county community development officer (CDO) encouraged him to join one of the newly established male action groups.

‘When the groups were being formed, the CDO ensured I attended every training and outreach programme. Many people in the community knew me because of my past, so they used me as an example that people can change,’ he says. To encourage his participation, group members elected him chairperson. ‘They made me the head of the group and that changed everything. I developed a love for the trainings and lessons on good conduct, leadership and life skills. It made me appreciate the value of working with others.’

The group members underwent regular training in conflict resolution, mediation, leadership and community mobilisation. They also used drama performances in churches, markets and public gatherings to raise awareness about peaceful coexistence and the dangers of gender-based violence.

The experience transformed Mr Kwoyelo’s outlook and unlocked leadership abilities he never knew he possessed. ‘Leading the group gave me confidence. I later contested for a position representing persons with disabilities in my parish and won. Earlier this year, I was elected councillor for persons with disabilities at the sub-county,’ he says.

He adds that the leadership role has enabled him to mentor idle youth, encourage school attendance and promote positive behaviour among young people.

‘Whenever we find young boys loitering in video halls and trading centres, we talk to them about hard work and avoiding bad practices,’ he says.

His story mirrors a broader social transformation taking place in parts of northern Uganda, where communities are increasingly challenging cultural practices and social norms that perpetuate gender inequality and violence against women and girls.

In Labongoakwang Sub-county, men and women are working together to promote gender equality and address practices that have historically disadvantaged women. Ms Rose Odano, the head of the Women’s League under Pajimo Chiefdom, says the changes have become increasingly visible over the last two and a half years. ‘Today, women participate in land mediation and conflict resolution alongside men. We even have female elders who help resolve land boundary disputes,’ she says

Ms Odano adds that many traditional practices that humiliated women are gradually being abandoned. She cites cultural ceremonies performed after the birth of twins, where women were traditionally subjected to degrading treatment, including being stripped naked and publicly ridiculed through offensive songs and rituals. ‘Today, many of these practices are disappearing because women have become more aware of their rights and are willing to challenge harmful traditions,’ she says. Mr Charles Oyoo Adot, the representative of persons with disabilities in Pajimo Chiefdom Council, says the intervention has strengthened community efforts to protect girls from child marriage and other forms of abuse.

‘Our capacities as a cultural institution have improved, and we work closely with male action groups to encourage men to reject harmful practices that disadvantage women and girls,’ he says. According to Mr Oyoo, community-based initiatives such as youth farming groups are helping reshape attitudes among young men. ‘The groups teach responsibility through hard work. The proceeds help young people support themselves and their families, but they also create opportunities to discuss equality and respectful relationships,’ he says.

The male action groups are part of the Spotlight Initiative-2 programme implemented by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the European Union, ACORD Uganda and Marie Stopes Uganda. Ms Dinah Teddy Atek, the community development officer for Labongoakwang Sub-county, says the groups have become an important tool in the fight against gender-based violence. ‘They have received training on gender-based violence and sexual and reproductive health rights. Today, they conduct community dialogues and awareness campaigns, including in schools,’ she says.

Musician Ykee Benda reflects on his first car, a Toyota Harrier bought from music savings, describing it as both a breakthrough and a costly early decision that taught him hard lessons about money, timing and success in Uganda’s entertainment industry.

For many Ugandan artistes, the first real sign that the hustle is finally paying off is not a mansion or a sold-out concert. It is the first car. The first time you stop jumping on boda bodas. The first-time friends begin taking your calls more seriously. The first time the industry starts treating you differently.

But while many celebrities romanticise that milestone, Ykee Benda, real name Wycliffe Tugume, looks at his first car with a mix of pride and laughter, pressure and pain, and a few lessons he says only money can teach you properly. His first car was a Toyota Harrier, bought from savings made through music. It changed how he moved around Kampala, boosted his confidence, and upgraded his public image overnight.

But even as he now drives a fleet that includes a Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC, a Camaro and a Noah for business trips, he says that Harrier arrived a bit too early in his financial story.

What was your very first car, and how did you get it?

My first car was a Toyota Harrier. I bought it from music savings. I really worked for that money; it was not a gift or anything like that.

Was it your dream car at the time?

Dream car? No. At that time my dream was simpler, just to stop using boda bodas and feel like I had achieved something in life.

Where did you buy it from?

From the bond. And honestly, everything felt like a ceremony back then. I even remember fuelling with Shs100,000 and feeling like a big boss. Today you laugh, but at that time it was serious business.

What was the biggest sacrifice you made for it?

That one is easy, I chose a car over land. Looking back, land is quietly minding its business appreciating… while a car is just there depreciating and asking for fuel. But when you are young and finally get money, you do not think like an accountant; you think like someone who has finally escaped hardship.

Did people believe you when you said you were buying it?

Oh yes. Some people even started respecting me faster. In fact, in music, some people only believe your hustle when they see it parked outside.

Did anything embarrassing or unexpected happen with it?

Yes, unfortunately. I knocked a boda boda man in Muyenga, Kampala. I do not even like revisiting that memory. Whether it was my fault or not, the trauma is shared. And then the car also decided to embarrass me on its own; it broke down at a very critical time during my early concert days. Imagine trying to look like you have arrived… and the car itself has not arrived anywhere.

How did owning it change your image?

It changed everything. In this industry, image is not optional, it is part of the job description. The car gave me confidence, but it also changed how people spoke to me, negotiated with me, even how seriously they took appointments.

Was it more of a status symbol or a work tool?

Both. It was my office, my taxi, and my billboard at the same time. In entertainment, even transport has branding value.

Would you buy that same car again today?

No chance.

Why not?

Because now I know better. That car was expensive for my level at the time. I should have started smaller, built the base, then upgraded later. But when you are young, you do not buy what you can afford, you buy what your dreams are wearing.

What does it represent to you now?

It represents growth. And proof that money from music is real, because some people only believe after seeing four wheels. But more importantly, it reminds me that consistency works.

What did it teach you about success?

To slow down. Honestly, that is it. Sometimes we are so excited to ‘arrive’ that we spend the arrival money before we actually arrive.

Favourite memory in one sentence?

Ah, taking my then-girlfriend on nice dates without boda bodas stress. That feeling was sweet. Very sweet.

Worst moment in it?

The accident. No debate.

How does it compare to what you drive now?

Now I choose cars depending on the mission. I have a Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC, a Camaro, and a Noah for business trips. Back then, it was just one car doing everything, hustle, image, survival, everything. In hindsight, that first Toyota Harrier was not just transport. It was his first taste of arrival and a very expensive lesson that sometimes success needs patience more than parking space.

Who is ykee benda?

Ykee Benda, born Wycliff Tugume, is a Ugandan singer, songwriter and music executive known for blending Afrobeat, RandB and pop influences into mainstream Ugandan music.

He rose to prominence with early hits such as Farmer, Malaika, and Banange, which helped establish him as one of the country’s most consistent contemporary artists. Over the years, he has built a reputation not only as a performer but also as a businessman in the entertainment industry.

Beyond music, Ykee Benda is the founder of Mpaka Records, a label aimed at nurturing new talent and creating structure in Uganda’s evolving music scene.

There is a question that appears simple, yet has the power to save a life:

“How are you really doing?”

As Uganda joins the rest of the world in observing Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month this June, the theme for 2026; “Breaking the Silence, Building Resilience” calls upon us to confront a reality that has remained hidden for far too long. It challenges societies, families, workplaces, and communities to acknowledge that mental wellbeing is not a luxury, nor is it a sign of weakness; it is a fundamental human necessity.

For generations, men have been taught to be strong, resilient, and dependable. These qualities are admirable. However, somewhere along the way, strength became confused with silence. Many men learned that vulnerability was weakness, that emotional pain should be endured privately, and that asking for help was somehow a failure of character.

Across the world, millions of men struggle with depression, anxiety, stress, burnout, substance abuse, loneliness, and emotional trauma. Yet many suffer quietly, often reaching a breaking point before seeking support. Mental health challenges frequently manifest not through words, but through anger, withdrawal, addiction, relationship difficulties, declining physical health, and, tragically, suicide.

The modern Ugandan man carries immense expectations. He is expected to provide for his family, lead his household, support relatives, navigate economic uncertainty, and remain emotionally composed regardless of the circumstances he faces. Whether he is a young graduate searching for employment, a father struggling with financial responsibilities, an entrepreneur battling business uncertainty, or a professional navigating workplace pressures, the burden can be overwhelming.

Phrases such as “be strong,” “man up,” and “men do not cry” may be culturally familiar, but they often discourage honest conversations about emotional wellbeing. While intended to build resilience, they can unintentionally create isolation. True resilience is built through connection, support, self-awareness, and the courage to seek help when needed. The strongest men are not those who carry every burden alone; they are those who recognise when they need support and have the courage to ask for it.

This year’s observance invites us to rethink what strength truly means. It means creating homes where fathers, husbands, brothers, and sons can speak openly without fear of judgment. It means building workplaces that recognise mental wellbeing as an essential component of productivity and performance. It means encouraging friendships where conversations go beyond work, finances, and daily routines to include genuine emotional check-ins.

Most importantly, it means listening.

Sometimes the most powerful act of support is not offering solutions but offering presence. A phone call, a conversation, a moment of sincere concern, or simply asking, “How are you really doing?” can make a profound difference. Mental health is not merely a personal issue. It is a family issue, a workplace issue, a public health issue, and a national development issue. When men thrive mentally and emotionally, families become stronger, workplaces become healthier, communities become safer, and nations become more resilient. As we commemorate Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month 2026, let us challenge the culture of silence.

Let us normalise conversations about mental wellbeing. Let us encourage help-seeking without stigma. And let us remind every man that strength is not measured by how much pain he can hide, but by the courage he demonstrates in confronting it. This June, call a man in your life.

Ask him a simple question:

“How are you really doing?”

Then listen.

The conversation may be more important than you realise.

The government has allocated Shs5.23 trillion towards health services in the country in the 2026/2027 financial year, an amount lower than the Shs5.87 trillion in the 2025/2026 financial year.

Finance Minister Henry Musasizi, while delivering the budget speech in Kampala on Thursday, highlighted the achievements in the 2025/2026 financial year and revealed priorities for the next financial year.

‘The government has allocated Shs5.23 trillion to the health sector in the 2026/2027 financial year. The funding will focus on: maternal and child health, nutrition improvement, expanded immunisation, and prevention and treatment of non-communicable diseases,’ he said.

The Minister also said their priority is on the provision of essential medicines, strengthening specialised healthcare services, improving emergency response systems and exploring feasible pathways towards Universal Health Coverage.

Among the key achievements in this financial year, Mr Musasizi said was an increase in domestic allocation towards drugs and health supplies in the 2025/2026 financial year to shield the country from shocks caused by the declining donor funding.

‘Government sustained its policy of progressively increasing investment in essential medicines and health supplies. Accordingly, funding through the National Medical Stores was increased by Shs145.33 billion to Shs862.93 billion in the 2025/2026 financial year,’ he said.

According to a 2025 report by Uganda National NGO Forum and the Center for Health, Human Rights and Development (CEHURD), the country’s health sector is buckling under a catastrophic drop in donor support. Donor support contributed up to 49 percent of the funding for the sector in 2022, according to the report authors.

The report shows that in 2022, the external (donor) funding towards the sector stood at Shs2.3 trillion. But in 2025, external funding had declined to Shs1.3 trillion.

The report further indicates that this sharp decline, by more than half within four years, amid insufficient increases in domestic resource allocation to plug the gaps and increasing health needs, has exposed deep structural vulnerabilities and left many vulnerable Ugandans struggling to access essential care.

But Mr Musasizi said the government will continue to increase domestic financing for essential health commodities to substantially reduce reliance on donor support.

‘This will guarantee uninterrupted access to essential medicines like antiretroviral medicines, antimalarial drugs, vaccines and immunisation supplies, laboratory commodities, and anti-tuberculosis medicines,’ he said.

The Minister also said the government continued to modernise healthcare infrastructure and equipment, where 17 Regional Referral Hospitals and 25 General Hospitals were equipped with Neonatal Intensive Care Units. He said, in addition, 14 Regional Referral Hospitals received CT scan machines.

‘Construction and upgrading of 31 health facilities across Karamoja is ongoing. The government also completed high-capacity medical waste incinerators in Fort Portal, Gulu, Mbarara, KCCA and Lira. Busolwe, Gombe and Kawolo Hospitals were also rehabilitated,’ he said.

Mr Musasizi said the government also continued to promote preventive healthcare through immunisation, disease prevention and nutrition programmes.

He also highlighted expansion of specialised healthcare services in oncology, cardiology and other fields, reducing the need for treatment abroad.

‘The Uganda Heart Institute conducted 634 cardiac interventions, including open-heart, closed-heart, vascular and catheterisation procedures. In April 2026, the Uganda Cancer Institute successfully performed the country’s first bone marrow transplant,’ he said.

Water and sanitation

Mr Musasizi said they have continued to invest heavily in water and sanitation, which largely falls under the Ministry of Water and Environment.

‘Government has allocated Shs1.013 trillion in the 2026/2027 financial year to further expand access to safe water and sanitation services across the country,’ he said. ‘The objective is to ensure universal access to safe water and sanitation services.’

The Minister also highlighted past achievements in the sector. ‘Access to clean and safe water remains fundamental to public health, human dignity and economic productivity. Government has, therefore, continued investing heavily in water supply and sanitation infrastructure across the country,’ he said.

‘Access to improved water sources continues to expand, with 71 percent of households now having access. Coverage stands at 68 percent in rural areas and 74.5 percent in urban areas,’ he said.

He also said in the 2025/2026 financial year, safe water access was extended to 553 villages. ‘Over 200 large solar-powered water and sanitation systems, several public sanitation facilities and faecal sludge treatment plants were completed in several districts,’ he added.

After a ball has been kicked, the verdict from much of the football establishment seems already written.

There remains a yawning communication gulf between the First World, which largely shapes football narratives, and the Third World, where most African countries belong.

It is therefore hardly surprising that podcasts, previews, pundits and purists have scarcely given any of Africa’s ten representatives a realistic chance of lifting the World Cup diadem.

Yet football, as the old idiom goes, is not played on paper. Indeed, it would be premature to proclaim that destiny is finally tapping Africa on the shoulder.

But the gradual transition from perennial pretenders to genuine contenders appears more permanent than fleeting. Morocco’s historic semi-final run in Qatar four years ago shattered glass ceilings and, with a record ten qualifiers at the first 48-team World Cup, Africa arrived not merely to make up the numbers but to knock on the door of history.

Still, the ghosts of colonialism and, if one prefers, the neo-colonial syndrome, continue to haunt the continent.

Millions of Africans instinctively throw their emotional weight behind France, Spain, Portugal, Germany or Argentina rather than their own. Such psychological dependence is perhaps the last empire yet to crumble.

Bad omens

Ironically, omens have already emerged to test believers. Africa’s finest referee, Somali official Omar Abdulkadir Artan, was controversially denied entry into the United States, depriving the continent of one of its proudest symbols.

Meanwhile, Morocco’s golden generation has aged and fresh controversies with Senegal over the African crown have left bruises and divisions.

More troubling is that few African squads possess the global superstars capable of matching the glittering cast assembled by Argentina, France and Brazil.

On paper, Morocco remain Africa’s standard bearers. Drawn alongside Brazil, Scotland and Haiti, the Atlas Lions possess enough tactical maturity to survive Group C, although repeating their 2022 miracle seems unlikely.

Count it a success if they make it to the quarterfinals this time and prove that the qtara heroics were not a one off.

Senegal, despite sharing Group I with France, Iraq and Norway, retain their physicality and tournament pedigree.

But internal disputes and off-field distractions may prove costly. Naysayers doubt they can make it farthest riding on the back of Saudi Arabia based Sadio mane.

Côte d’Ivoire face Germany and Ecuador in Group E. The former African champions have quality but their margin for error is razor-thin.

Egypt’s hopes rest heavily on Mohamed Salah. Belgium and Iran represent difficult hurdles.

Tough call

Algeria must somehow navigate Argentina and Austria. Tunisia, South Africa, Ghana and Cape Verde have all landed in shark-infested waters and would regard progression as a triumph.

For Ugandans, the closest emotional attachment lies with Sébastien Desabre’s DR Congo.

The former Cranes coach has transformed the Leopards into a disciplined and resilient machine playing with structure rather than chaos. Yoane Wissa shoulders the burden while youngsters such as Ngal’ayel Mukau embody the future.

But fate has dealt the Congolese perhaps the cruelest hand. Portugal and Colombia await in Group K, with Uzbekistan no pushovers.

The return to the grand stage after a 52-year absence is itself a fairy tale, but extending it beyond the quarter-finals appears a bridge too far.

Perhaps that is the paradox of Africa’s largest contingent. There is a shared belief that these ten teams may produce fewer romantic shocks than Cameroon in 1990, Senegal in 2002, Ghana in 2010 or Morocco in 2022.

Instead, they risk becoming bridesmaids in a tournament too close to call and already overshadowed by geopolitics and visa controversies.

But football has always loved tearing up scripts. And should one African flag still be fluttering deep into July, the world may finally discover that the continent’s greatest enemy was never talent. It was doubt.

For more than two years, Leader of Opposition in Parliament (LoP) Joel Besekezi Ssenyonyi has tasked his shadow cabinet with crafting a budget that responds directly to the hardships faced by millions of Ugandans. Since assuming office on January 9, 2024, Mr Ssenyonyi has consistently framed Opposition budget priorities around building a resilient population, strengthening public institutions, fighting corruption and improving livelihoods.

This approach has also shaped the pressure the Opposition has repeatedly exerted on government to embrace fiscal discipline, reduce excessive consumption expenditure and curb the country’s growing appetite for borrowing. The same principles are reflected in the latest alternative budget. he Opposition’s proposed budget for the 2026/27 Financial Year stands at Shs71.4 trillion, significantly lower than the government’s Shs84.3 trillion spending plan for the next 12 months.

According to the Opposition, the alternative budget has the potential to restore public confidence and rebuild communities across the country. This document goes beyond criticism. It offers a credible, people-focused plan to protect families, support businesses and institutions, and rebuild trust in our democracy and financial system,’ Mr Ssenyonyi said while launching the alternative budget in April at the tail end of the 11th Parliament.

What are Opposition’s priorities?

The Opposition’s budget priorities are organised around four broad thematic areas, each bringing together related sectors under one umbrella. According to Opposition leaders, grouping sectors in this manner reduces duplication, streamlines planning, cuts bureaucratic bottlenecks and lowers administrative costs across government. Mr Ssenyonyi argues that this framework provides a practical roadmap for national development.

‘Our commitment is to advance policies that genuinely serve the interests of all Ugandans, and we will continue to hold government accountable. Our quest is to see a Uganda where every citizen can live with dignity and purpose,’ the Opposition budget document states.

The first and most prominent pillar focuses on safeguarding lives. According to the 350-page budget proposal, this includes strengthening healthcare, education, social protection and the general well-being of citizens.

The cluster encompasses sectors such as health, education and sports, gender, labour and social development, local government and the Kampala Capital City Authority.

The Opposition argues that these sectors deserve priority because they represent the areas where citizens interact most directly with the state and where service delivery failures are often most visible.

The second cluster focuses on sustaining livelihoods through economic production and rural development. It covers agriculture, fisheries, trade, tourism, lands, housing, industry, environmental management and urban development. The third thematic area seeks to strengthen institutions responsible for governance, justice and accountability. The fourth cluster concentrates on infrastructure and connectivity, including transport, energy, minerals, information and communication technology, East African Community affairs and foreign affairs.

Different from govt priorities

Running under the theme ‘Safeguarding Lives, Livelihoods and Institutions’, the Opposition budget advocates greater investment in education, healthcare and agriculture, among other sectors that directly affect citizens. This stands in sharp contrast to the government budget, which places heavier emphasis on mineral development, industrialisation, science, technology and innovation, manufacturing and digital transformation as the key drivers of economic growth.

Government’s budget is built around the theme ‘Full Monetisation of Uganda’s Economy through Commercial Agriculture, Industrialisation, Expanding Services, Digital Transformation and Market Access.’Mr Ssenyonyi argues that while economic growth remains important, government’s priorities do not adequately reflect the challenges confronting ordinary Ugandans. ‘Today, many families are struggling with the rising cost of living. Young people are searching for decent jobs and there are concerns about whether public institutions are serving people as they should.’

Meanwhile, the government has indicated that some existing programmes may be revised or withdrawn. One example is the decision to stop paying medical interns. Health Minister Dr Chris Baryomunsi recently explained that internship should be viewed as part of professional training rather than formal employment. ‘It was agreed that internship should be considered a continuation of training because the numbers are also many, given the increasing number of medical schools,’ Dr Baryomunsi said shortly after the parliamentary vetting exercise.

He added that full employment should begin after completion of internship and qualification as a doctor. ‘The policy has been passed and we shall see how it works as we move forward,’ he added. Also, the government recently announced plans to stop funding national public holiday celebrations beginning in the 2026/27 financial year, a move many observers will watch closely to determine whether it translates into meaningful savings.

A consistent message

Unlike the government, which has consistently promoted science, technology and innovation as the primary engines of economic transformation, the Opposition has repeatedly prioritised direct investment in citizens. The approach is not new.

In the 2024/25 alternative budget unveiled in April 2024, Mr Ssenyonyi emphasised efficient service delivery, accountability and zero tolerance to corruption. At the time, he said, the Opposition’s budget philosophy was rooted in the belief that every Ugandan deserves access to basic services, including clean water, healthcare, education and housing, regardless of economic status.

Those same principles continue to define the 2026/27 alternative budget and reinforce the Opposition’s long-standing call to the government to rethink its approach to improving livelihoods. Ultimately, Mr Ssenyonyi believes Uganda already possesses the resources needed to improve economic outcomes if spending is guided by discipline and focused on priority areas. He has consequently urged Parliament, the Executive and development partners to embrace fiscal discipline and prioritise programmes that improve the welfare of ordinary Ugandans.

Whether government will heed those calls and redirect spending towards programmes that directly tackle poverty, unemployment and the rising cost of living remains to be seen.

The government has introduced a tax holiday for developers of hotels and other ultra-luxury tourism facilities as part of new measures aimed at boosting investment in the tourism sector.

Presenting the National Budget for the 2026/27 financial year at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds on Thursday, the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Mr Henry Musasizi, said the incentive will target investors developing high-end tourism facilities in Uganda.

Under the new measure, foreign investors will qualify for the tax holiday if they invest at least $10 million (approximately Shs37.7b), while Ugandan investors must invest a minimum of $5million (approximately Shs18.8b).

‘Introduction of a tax holiday for developers of hotels and other ultra-luxury tourism facilities investing at least USD 10 million for foreign investors, and $5 million for Ugandan investors,’ the Minister said while outlining tax measures approved by Parliament.

Mr Musasizi noted that Foreign Direct Investment remained strong at USD3.2 billion in the twelve months ending March 2026, which reflects growing investor confidence in Uganda’s economy.

He emphasized that investors are increasingly showing interest in Uganda’s small and medium enterprises, adding that, ‘Kampala-based start-ups attracted about USD 30 million in 2025, up from USD 4 million the previous year, signaling growing confidence in the country’s innovation ecosystem and emergence as a destination for entrepreneurship, technology, and investment.’

The announcement comes as the government continues to highlight the recovery of the tourism sector following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mr Musasizi noted that tourism receipts increased to USD1.86 billion in 2025, up from USD1.4 billion recorded in 2018/19 before the pandemic. The sector had fallen to a low of $562 million in 2020 at the height of the COVID-19 disruptions, during global travel restrictions.

‘This remarkable recovery from the lowest receipts of $562 million recorded in 2020 demonstrates growing international confidence in Uganda as a destination for business, investment, and leisure,’ he said.

The Finance Minister noted that tourism remains one of Uganda’s most important export sectors, generating foreign exchange, creating jobs, and supporting thousands of enterprises across the country.

The government has allocated Shs567.32 billion to the tourism sector in the next financial year, with priority areas including branding and marketing of Uganda as a tourism and investment destination, tourism infrastructure development, and improvement of hospitality standards.

‘Priority interventions also include construction of highway sanitation facilities and tourism site refreshment centres, hospitality training, conservation, and wildlife protection to increase the wildlife population across the National Parks.

Other planned interventions include promotion of health tourism and strengthening economic and commercial diplomacy through Uganda’s missions abroad.

This is up from Shs430b that was earmarked for direct investment for the tourism sector in the 2025/26 financial year.

The minister also noted ongoing investments in tourism infrastructure, including development works at the Rwenzori Central Circuit Trail, Kitagata Hot Springs, the Source of the Nile in Jinja, and cultural heritage sites in Moroto and Dokolo.

‘The construction of Kidepo International Airport is also underway to boost tourism in the Karamoja region and investments are aimed at improving visitor experience and strengthening Uganda’s competitiveness as a tourism destination. Twelve regional aerodromes have been maintained to support regional connectivity for tourism and trade,’ Mr Musasizi added.

Marketing push

Mr Musasizi said many achievements have been registered in the tourism sector during the financial year, particularly in marketing Destination Uganda.

‘Uganda’s global tourism visibility is at an all-time high under the ‘Explore Uganda, the Pearl of Africa’ brand, driven by intensified international marketing and participation in major tourism exhibitions across Europe, Asia, Africa and North America,’ Mr Musasizi said.

Adding, ‘Government leveraged global platforms such as the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 in Morocco and the World Travel Market in London to promote Destination Uganda and attract visitors. We also secured bids to host international conferences, strengthening its position in the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) sector.’

He further noted that under the Economic and Commercial Diplomacy (ECD) strategy, Uganda is already seeing improved performance, including increased tourist arrivals, foreign direct investment inflows and export earnings.

‘Government will continue to leverage its Missions Abroad to market Uganda as a preferred tourism, conference and investment destination, expand market access for Ugandan products, attract strategic investors, and mobilise the diaspora to support national development,’ he said.

Mr Musasizi noted that the Budget aims to accelerate the attainment of the Tenfold Growth Strategy, where government has allocated 95.6 percent of discretionary resources to the ATMS; Agro-industrialisation, Tourism Development, Mineral-Based Industrialisation, and Science, Technology and Innovation, and their key enablers.