Category: Daily Monitor

The 23rd Fifa World Cup kicks off in Mexico City on Thursday but the headlines are mostly being made off the pitch in the United States of America (USA).

The football audience and world at large has been left in awe in the past weeks in the wake of implementation of tough restrictions to officials, fans and players before kick-off.

Artan stunned

The USA will stage 78 of the 104 matches of the expanded 48-team World Cup but the travel restrictions are biting more than expected.

The refusal of Somalian referee Omar Artan into the USA by immigration authorities at Miami International Airport in Florida has struck the world to the core.

Somalia is among the 20 countries under a total travel ban by the President Donald Trump II’s government but Artan, who was voted as 2025 Confederation of African Football (Caf) men’s referee of the year, had a valid U.S visa.

‘Fifa is not involved in host country immigration processes, including visa adjudications, and has been informed by authorities that Mr. Artan’s status will not be changed at present,’ Fifa said in a statement.

‘In line with previous Fifa events, a host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and who is admitted into their country.’

Fans aggrieved

That’s only a piece of the several barricades the global football audience is facing with getting access into the USA.

‘Every few hours, it’s another story. Another story about fans being denied, players denied, officials denied, journalists denied, now refs?’ retired Arsenal FC and England striker Ian Wright said in a video via social media platform TikTok.

Fans from Africa seeking to support their countries at the World Cup have faced a mountain to climb. Ivory Coast, Senegalese and Moroccan fans have topped the list for visa rejections to the World Cup.

Both West African countries are facing partial bans, with restrictions to getting the B-visa type through which, B-1 covers business (meetings, conferences) and B-2 for tourism (vacations and medical treatment).

At the height of the matter, the world was reminded that Morocco under Sultan Mohammed III was the first nation in the world to officially recognize the newly independent USA in 1777.

Meanwhile, the ongoing diplomatic row with Iran and the USA is not over yet. As missiles fly across the Middle East, 26 Iranian squad players were issued late U.S visas ahead of their Group G business in California but a dozen support staff were denied.

Journalist woes

In the broader scale of things, accredited Iranian journalists and colleagues from some African countries have been denied visas too.

International Sports Press Association (AIPS) president Gianni Merlo expressed these concerns about U.S’ tight immigration laws to FIFA’s director of media relations Bryan Swanson and Fifa’s head of media operations Jochen Steinhoff.

‘Politicians always say that sport unites and builds bridges between young people in countries in conflict, but in this case, we are going in the opposite direction,’ Merlo’s letter said.

A foreign media representative non-immigrant U.S visa type I has most, including Uganda’s Clive Kyazze, with single entry into the USA.

However, it has journalists at a disadvantage for example Ivory Coast who face Germany in Toronto, Canada yet matches against Ecuador on June 14 and Curacao on June 25 are scheduled for the Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, USA.

Senegal too will face France and Norway at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey yet their last Group I match against Iraq will be in Toronto and they may need to return to the USA for the knockout stage.

Tunisia’s first two matches will be in Mexico but they wrap up Group F against the Netherlands in Kansas City, Missouri.

Meanwhile, Kyazze and a bunch of other accredited journalists from DRC and Uganda face a 21-day barrier out of their home countries and temporary visa restrictions to the USA, in the wake of the Ebola virus outbreak.

Those who have made it through to the USA, such as Senegal and Iraq teams, have been subjected to heavy security scrutiny, leaving the world stunned again.

But the hiked prices for match tickets as well as high transport costs for trains and cabs await fans too. ‘It’s actually not funny, something has to be said. Most expensive (World Cup match) tickets ever, expensive accommodation, transport through the roof,’ television football pundit Wright reacted.

Is this how the hosts behave, really for the greatest tournament in the world? Is this the spirit of football?’ he added. America is sneezing and the World Cup is catching a rare cold.

CHALLENGES TO THE WORLD CUP

High Costs: Tickets to group-stage matches are pricey, those for opening matches easily cost upwards of $600 to $2,000 each.

Accommodation and Logistics: Fans in different host cities face inflated accommodation rates for a 40-day tournament.

Immigration Policies: Strict border screenings and present visa barriers are keeping fans, media and officials out

Massive Distances: The tournament will be played across three vast North American countries, evoking costly cross-country flights or long drives between stadiums.

The Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development has announced plans to fast-track the establishment of a national disability data system aimed at improving budgeting, program design, and service delivery for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).

The revelation was made by the newly appointed State Minister for Gender, Labour and Social Development in charge of Disability, Ms Joyce Okeny Acan, as she unveiled her 10-point strategic programme.

Ms Acan emphasized that effective planning relies heavily on accurate data. The ministry will partner with the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) and the National Information Technology Authority-Uganda (NITA-U) to build the system and support PWD-led research to eliminate systemic barriers.

“The school dropout rate among learners with disabilities remains unacceptably high due to stigma, discrimination, poverty, and inaccessible learning environments,” Ms. Acan said.

Data from the UBOS 2024 National Population and Housing Census paints a grim picture of the educational landscape for PWDs, revealing that only 9% of children with disabilities who enroll in Primary One complete Primary Seven. The situation worsens at the secondary level, where just 6% finish Senior Six.

To combat this, the Minister announced the launch of a nationwide “Take Them to School / Soma Omwana” campaign in collaboration with local councils, religious institutions, and cultural leaders. The ministry also plans to expand Special Needs Education (SNE) units, train specialized teachers, and increase access to assistive devices.

According to the 2024 census, the number of PWDs in Uganda increased from 4.4 million in 2014 to 5.5 million. The statistics show that 1.7 million are children aged between two and 17 years. The report further highlights specific challenges, noting that over 434,000 Ugandans face walking difficulties, while hundreds of thousands of others grapple with visual, hearing, speech, and cognitive impairments.

Beyond education, Ms Acan committed to enforcing accessibility standards across public infrastructure, transport, and ICT platforms. She also pledged to strengthen Business, Technical, Vocational Education and Training (BTVET) programs to boost employment.

“Accessibility is a right, not a privilege,” Ms. Acan stated, adding that her office will focus on developing strict regulations and district ordinances to ensure existing disability laws are fully implemented rather than remaining on paper.

As Uganda prepares for the 2026/27 budget rollout, government is tightening coordination across ministries to align spending with the ATMS framework: Agriculture, Tourism, Minerals, Manufacturing, Science, Technology, and Innovation.

The shift marks a deliberate move away from fragmented planning toward an integrated development model designed to accelerate the Ten-Fold Growth Strategy.

Government says the goal is to connect investments across sectors to boost productivity, expand exports, and deepen industrialisation.

Agriculture as a driver

At the Ministry of Agriculture, officials say agriculture remains the backbone of Uganda’s industrialisation drive.

Assistant Commissioner for Budget and Finance, Collins Amenya, says focus is on boosting production while strengthening value chains for agro-processing and exports.

Key interventions include scaling up fertiliser use, expanding climate-smart agriculture, improving extension services, and investing in solar-powered irrigation systems.

Government is also strengthening agricultural laboratories, including the National Agricultural Laboratories, to improve certification and compliance with international standards.

‘We are strengthening production systems through modern inputs and institutional reforms to improve quality and expand export opportunities,’ Amenya says.

Other priority areas include expanding palm oil production under the Kalangala model, supporting agro-processing facilities, and boosting fisheries and dairy production, which currently stands at about 5.4 million litres and remains a key export driver.

Tourism

The Ministry of Tourism is betting on destination marketing and infrastructure development to grow earnings in the 2026/27 financial year.

Permanent Secretary Doreen Katusime says increasing arrivals, improving visitor experiences, and extending tourist stay duration are top priorities.

A major boost is expected from preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), with government assessing hotels, transport systems, and hospitality capacity.

Beyond Afcon, government is upgrading major tourism sites and conservation efforts targeting wildlife protection, anti-poaching, and human-wildlife conflict reduction, continue alongside heritage site development.

Minerals and energy

The Ministry of Energy is positioning Uganda’s natural resources as a key driver of industrial expansion.

Assistant Commissioner for Finance and Planning, Felix Joel Okurut, says mineral mapping and quantification will be critical in attracting investors and guiding sustainable extraction.

Plans are underway to formalise mineral markets, improve regulation, and expand commercial production in oil and gas, particularly linked to the East African Crude Oil Pipeline.

Energy investments will focus on expanding electricity supply to industrial parks in Nakasongola, Kapeeka, and Kaweweta, alongside major transmission projects such as Masaka-Mbarara and Karuma-Tororo lines.

The Government is also targeting growth in the steel, cement, and graphite industries to support industrialisation.

Science and innovation

Under the Office of the President, the Science, Technology and Innovation Secretariat is advancing research-driven industrialisation. Industrial Value Chains Superintendent Cosmas Mwikirize says the focus is on transforming Uganda from a consumer to a producer of technology.

The emerging automotive industry, which has already begun producing buses locally, is set for expansion, including the development of a locally manufactured SUV platform.

Other priorities include pharmaceutical research, especially herbal-based treatments for diseases such as malaria and diabetes, alongside investments in artificial intelligence, electronics manufacturing, advanced computing, and satellite technology.

Human capital

The Ministry of Education says skills development is central to delivering the ATMS agenda.

Commissioner for Education Planning Michael Aliyo says AFCON-related investments have already triggered over Shs900b in sports infrastructure.

Nine new training grounds are also being developed in universities and secondary schools, while reforms in Technical and Vocational Education and Training are giving employers a stronger role in shaping curricula.

Over the next three years, government plans to construct 116 new schools and rehabilitate 106 secondary schools.

Transport infrastructure

The Ministry of Works remains central to the ATMS implementation strategy. Key priorities include advancing the Standard Gauge Railway project, completing land acquisition, and financing arrangements ahead of construction.

Road development continues under the District, Urban and Community Access Roads programme, alongside major infrastructure projects such as the Kampala-Jinja Expressway, Kampala Flyover, and strategic oil roads.

Uganda Airlines is also set for further capitalisation to improve regional and international connectivity, while tourism roads leading to national parks are being upgraded to support economic activity.

House Speaker Mr Jacob Marksons Oboth-Oboth has pledged to rally the 12th Parliament to combine efforts with the Executive arm to strictly tackle corruption as repeatedly tasked by President Museveni since he renewed his mandate early last month.

The West Budama North legislator used his opening remarks at the plenary sitting that convened at the Kololo Independence Grounds yesterday to unreservedly empower staff and all legislators to confront and wipe out graft that continues to cripple government entities, thereby frustrating service delivery and obstructing economic growth.

Mr Oboth-Oboth aligned his speech to President Museveni’s clarion call made at the State of Nation Address (SONA) last week, in which strong condemnation was made against corrupt and underperforming government officials like ministers plus accounting officers.

‘I take the privilege of informing you that the members of this 12th Parliament not only heard, but also listened keenly and embraced your words of wisdom,’ Mr Oboth-Oboth pledged after President Museveni delivered his remarks.

Speaker Oboth-Oboth therefore undertook, saying, ‘the fight against corruption and non-performance is not the Executive’s fight alone; it is Parliament’s fight as well. And together, in harmony, as a nation, we will win it.’

Plan to empower committees

In rather specific terms, Mr Oboth-Oboth promised to energise committees of Parliament with the requisite resources to press for accountability in all major units of government in a bid to arrest all financial leakages and other forms of resource abuse.

He added,is ‘The 12th Parliament will focus on public expenditure tracking and budget oversight through the various parliamentary committees, to ensure that public funds are used for the purpose for which they are intended and in line with the approved work plans.’

Considering that the committees of the 12th Parliament are yet to be constituted, all political party whips in Parliament were tasked to swiftly designate and deploy MPs to form both standing and sectoral committees of Parliament.

Ordinarily, committees of Parliament can be viewed as specific smaller working units that are designed to discharge duties or mandates of a specific nature or related matters such as committee on health, budget and trade among others.

Committees shoulder the biggest bulk of Parliament’s work that involves oversight, legislation and accountability.

He also promised to ensure that ‘the relationship between the 12th Parliament and the other arms of government is complementary and people-centred.’

It is against this backdrop that Mr Oboth-Oboth committed to lead a House that fully supports government’s ten-fold development strategy.

‘The 12th Parliament is firmly aligned to the government’s objective of moving the approximately 38 per cent of our population from subsistence to the formal money economy,’ he stated.

He went on: ‘The 12th Parliament will empower its committees to effectively support government programmes through efficient and effective monitoring, especially through the high-impact projects under the National Development Plan IV. These core flagship projects are strategic catalysts for our tenfold growth strategy.’

In entirety, Mr Oboth-Oboth pledged to tackle graft firmly and aligned his promise made in his first speech he delivered shortly after he was elected as Speaker of the 12th Parliament. He promised to restore sanity in the House and wipe out the dirt believed to have been stained on the legislative arm by 11th Parliament Speaker Anita Among.

On May 25th, Mr Oboth-Oboth said whereas it is important to press for sound leadership and accountability from other arms of government, it would be important for Parliament to start ridding itself of graft.

‘We must start with ourselves. As they say, charity begins at home. We cannot hide from accountability of government resources, yet we expect it from other agencies and departments. That will not work,’ he told Parliament late last Month.

In the same manner, his deputy Mr Thomas Tayebwa, who also served with Ms Among, acknowledged that the House required sanitising.

‘I promise honourable colleagues that I know all the corners of the House. I know where we need to meet. I know where we need to maintain the status quo,’ he said last month.

Speaker Oboth-Oboth also aligned his speech to President Museveni’s persistent call for uptake and proper implementation of the wealth creation programs such as Emyooga and the Parish Development Model (PDM).

‘In addition, Members of Parliament will strengthen oversight of government wealth creation and development funds under the Parish Development Model, Uganda Women’s Entrepreneurship Programme, Emyooga, among others,’ he said.

Museveni presses opposition

Minutes after he took to the stand, Mr Museveni tasked all legislators, both in opposition and ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party, to be result-oriented. He vowed to crack a tough whip on opposition legislators that may appear reluctant in the push against graft and abuse of state resources.

‘The ones of the NRM, I will struggle with them. But even those in opposition, as long as you are getting allowances from Parliament and you don’t go to check on what is happening [state-funded programs], I will ask the Attorney General to see how I can deal with you also,’ Mr Museveni said.

He added, ‘If you don’t want to monitor [government programs and how they are performing], then don’t take the allowances, so say. So, it seems I have got a legal basis where to demand performance from both the NRM and opposition.’

In response, House Speaker Mr Oboth-Oboth said: ‘On behalf of Parliament, I pledge to effectively apply our mandate to realise all your progressive intentions for our beloved country and its gallant citizens.’

Hello Paul, a friend mentioned wheel bearings. What are they and how do they wear out? Can they affect safety if ignored? Esther Nankya

Hello Esther, wheel bearings or hub bearings are components fitted in the knuckle or wheel carrier. They are designed to allow your wheels to rotate easily with little friction while carrying the weight of the vehicle. Wheel bearings are positioned in the wheel hub assembly. They are designed to carry the stress of constant loads, road shocks, and high rotational speeds. Wheel bearings help to support the vehicle weight, facilitating free spinning of wheels while reducing friction.

Wheel bearings also keep the wheels aligned to ensure vehicle stability and good handling. Although wheel bearings are designed to last many years, over time they need to be replaced due to a few factors. During operation, wheel bearings succumb to normal wear and tear due to high mileage.

Contaminants that penetrate the wheel bearing casing such as water, mud, or dust will eventually cause failure. Wheel bearings can also be damaged by sudden stress or impact when you drive fast over potholes, hit road curbs, or after a collision during accidents.

Poor installation or failure to tighten wheels correctly during repairs can lead to a wobble which damages wheel bearings. An overloaded vehicle also stresses the wheel bearings as they carry weight beyond their design limit, which leads to premature failure.

There are a few signs which can help you tell that your car’s wheel bearings are worn out. As you increase speed, you may experience a humming, grinding, or growling noise which steadily increases as you drive faster.

Shaking or vibration sensation can be felt in the steering wheel or vehicle body at certain speeds when the front or rear axle wheel bearings are worn out. Damaged wheel bearings can also cause uneven tyre wear. This can be corroborated during garage inspection if the mechanic detects uneven tyre surface wear when the wheel is rolled on the floor.

Wheel bearing wear can also be detected by a mechanic when they rock the wheel and detect excessive sideways play. In some rare cases, worn out wheel bearings can cause the ABS warning light to appear on the dashboard. This is because many modern cars have the ABS wheel speed sensors integrated with the wheel bearings, while most of them read notches that are built on the wheel bearing casing. A damaged or incorrectly spinning wheel bearing will distort ABS sensor readings and cause the ABS fault light to display.

Worn out wheel bearings can affect car handling and road safety by reducing steering precision and vehicle stability. Bad wheel bearings lead to abnormal tyre wear and increased braking distance or reduced performance.

Worn out wheel bearings can also damage the hub assembly due to overheating. Occasionally, severely worn out wheel bearings will cause excessive wheel wobble and, in extreme cases, lead to catastrophic separation of wheels from the vehicle, a very dangerous situation.

It is highly recommended that you have your car inspected at a garage when you detect bearing noise or excessive wheel play. Consider replacing a worn wheel bearing as early as possible to avoid further costly damage or a compromise of your car handling and road safety.

The much-anticipated treason trial of opposition veteran Dr Kizza Besigye and his aide, Hajj Obeid Lutale, failed to take off on Thursday after the two accused persons did not appear in court.

The High Court in Kampala had scheduled the hearing for the commencement of the prosecution’s case, but proceedings were halted after it emerged that only the third accused, Capt Denis Oola, had been produced before court.

A team of defence lawyers led by Kenyan lawyer Martha Karua and Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago immediately objected to the trial proceeding in the absence of Dr Besigye and Hajj Lutale, arguing that such a move would violate constitutional guarantees to a fair hearing.

“I notice that only Capt Oola is in court. Dr Besigye and Hajj Lutale are not here. I don’t know the explanation the prisons have,” Ms Karua told court presided over by Justice Emmanuel Baguma.

“I do know the Constitution doesn’t allow the trial of an accused in absentia unless with his or her consent or where that person conducts themselves in a manner that warrants so,” she added.

Justice Baguma then directed prison authorities to explain why the two accused persons had not been produced in court despite the matter having prior been scheduled for today.

Responding to the judge, Assistant Superintendent of Prisons Emmanuel Hiire said the two accused had declined to attend court.

“My Lord, the accused persons are not present, citing pending issues between the lawyers and court,” ASP Hiire told court.

The prosecution team, led by Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Thomas Jatiko, indicated that it was ready to proceed with the trial and had lined up two witnesses to testify.

However, the absence of the two principal accused persons meant the hearing could not continue.

Capt Oola, who was present in court, also raised concerns about what he described as restrictions imposed by prison authorities on his interaction with his co-accused and lawyers.

“My Lord, I have my personal concern I want to raise. The last time you were here, you told lawyers they are free to access prison. This has not happened. It is very hard to interact with my co-accused. The prison is making it very hard, yet we are jointly charged,” Capt Oola said.

His remarks were met with loud foot-stamping from court users in a show of support.

When Justice Baguma sought clarification on the challenges the defence team was facing at Luzira Prison, Mr Lukwago objected, saying the lawyers could only raise those concerns in the presence of their clients.

The dispute follows complaints raised by the defence team on Wednesday, in which they accused prison authorities of frustrating trial preparations by denying them access to electronic devices such as laptops and projectors needed to review the prosecution’s evidence with their clients.

The lawyers also argued that the one week granted by court to review the voluminous prosecution evidence was insufficient.

Faced with the absence of Dr Besigye and Hajj Lutale, Justice Baguma adjourned the matter to June 30 and ordered prison authorities to ensure the accused persons are produced in court on that date.

“A1 (Dr Besigye) and A2 (Hajj Lutale) are not in court and we can’t proceed without them. Court will issue a production warrant for June 30,” Justice Baguma ruled.

Education is frequently regarded as essential for development, prosperity, and national change. Governments around the world spend significant funds on education, with Unesco suggesting that at least 20 percent of a country’s national budget be allocated to it. These efforts aim to create citizens who can positively impact society. Yet a key question persists: what kind of individual should education aim to develop?

Education should do more than just enable people read, write, and succeed in exams. It should also develop individuals who are disciplined, responsible, patriotic, and of integrity. A genuinely educated person combines knowledge with character. Academic achievement alone, without moral values, can pose serious risks to a country like Uganda.

Corruption remains a major obstacle to Uganda’s social and economic development. Therefore, education should promote honesty, accountability, and a strong sense of public service. It is essential that educated individuals recognise that leadership involves serving the people not personal gain. Education should promote national unity. Uganda, with its rich cultural diversity, still faces divisions rooted in tribe, religion and politics that challenge social cohesion.

Educational institutions ought to foster a shared national identity and encourage students to value diversity while striving for common goals. An educated Ugandan should view all fellow citizens primarily as Ugandans, not solely as members of different ethnic or religious communities. Moreover, education should cultivate critical thinkers and problem solvers. Our country faces many issues, including youth unemployment, environmental degradation, poverty, and rapid technological advancement. The nation requires graduates capable of innovating, generating jobs, and devising practical solutions, rather than just looking for jobs. Education must promote creativity, entrepreneurship, and lifelong learning.

Another concern is excessive government spending. Public resources are frequently diverted to luxuries and non – essential activities, while vital sectors lack sufficient funding. Education should teach the importance of prudence, efficiency, and responsible management. Both citizens and leaders need to recognise that public funds are public property and must be managed wisely. Education should also foster active and responsible citizenship. A democratic society relies on informed, engaged citizens who are prepared to hold leaders accountable. Schools must teach civic responsibility, respect for the rule of law, human rights, and involvement in community growth. An educated citizen should not stay silent when witnessing injustice, corruption, or abuse of power.

The family, religious organisations, and wider community also influence character development. While it cannot be solely the responsibility of schools, educational institutions are uniquely equipped to influence attitudes, values, and behaviours during young people’s formative years. As Uganda aims for higher middle – income status, education quality should be assessed not just by exams but also by the character of its graduates. The primary aim of education is to cultivate individuals who are competent, ethical, patriotic, innovative, and dedicated to the common good.

The future of our nation relies not just on the number of individuals we educate, but on the quality of the people that education cultivates.

Uganda requires citizens who will contribute positively – building instead of destroying, uniting instead of dividing, and serving instead of exploiting.

This ideal embodies the true goal of education and underpins the foundation of national transformation.

It is barely a week since the conclusion of the Junior Golf Series by NCBA Bank in Uganda.

To set the stage for the higher class of players, the financial institution this week launched the 2026 season of the NCBA Golf Series, with an opening leg at Uganda Golf Club (UGC) in Kitante this weekend.

An East Africa’s premier amateur golf tournament, it is back with bigger competition and continued focus on talent development.

‘It’s a moment that not only celebrates the sport of golf but importantly affirms our shared commitment to community and sports development in this country,’ remarked NCBA Bank Uganda executive director Julius Konyani during the launch at UGC.

‘We began the 2026 season with an electrifying start in Kenya and we are thrilled to bring the momentum to Uganda, a country which has consistently demonstrated passion for the sport, exceptional talent and a growing golfing catch-up,’ he said.

The Series also takes place in Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda, with a focus on long-term investment in human potential for this region where talent is discovered, nurtured and celebrated.

‘Beyond providing a high-quality tournament experience, it has created valuable opportunities for emerging golfers to test themselves against top talent and gain exposure at a regional level. We are delighted to once again host this prestigious event,’ said UGC board of directors chairman Paul Nuwagaba.

A field of more than 120 players is expected at the par-72 course on Saturday, with another leg to follow at Entebbe Club on October 3 with winners set to represent Uganda at the grand finale in Nairobi, Kenya later in the year.

‘We at NCBA Bank believe that golf is more than just a game. For us, it is a teacher of values, discipline, resilience, persistence and focus. And all these align perfectly with our brand but more than that, golf has become a vehicle for transformation, unlocking opportunities for players and fostering community development,’ added Konyani.

A part of the Series’ community impact will include partnering with Pendeza Uganda, a charity organization which helps vulnerable families and children, with water purifiers.

’40 families will receive water filters that will help them provide safe water and ensure the reduced burden that water borne diseases may impact on them,’ Pendeza Uganda executive team lead Christine Walubo said.

‘What may seem like a simple gift will have a lasting impact on the lives of the people that we serve,’ she added.

The Series marks its fourth anniversary this year, emerging from a board idea in 2022. Last year, Uganda had seven qualifiers for Nairobi including a junior Gabriel Amani.

The stock of government-backed loan guarantees rose significantly in the 2024/25 financial year, increasing from $120m (Shs444.4b) to $200m (Shs740.4b), Finance Ministry Annual Contingent Liabilities Report shows.

The report shows that the number of active government guarantees rose from 12 to 15 during the year, mainly due to new financing facilities secured by Uganda Development Bank (UDB).

However, two guarantees were fully repaid before the end of the period, reducing the total number of active guarantees to 13.

The report also shows a sharp increase in the amount of approved loans that had not yet been disbursed, which grew from $14.5m (Shs53.7b) in December 2024 to $84.5m (Shs312.65b) in December 2025 because most of the newly approved loans had not yet been drawn down.

As a result, although the value of guarantees rose, the actual amounts released remained lower.

What are contingent liabilities?

They arise from government guarantees, legal claims, loans extended to public institutions, contractual commitments, public-private partnerships, and other financial arrangements.

Financial experts often describe contingent liabilities as hidden fiscal risks because they can unexpectedly turn into government obligations during periods of economic difficulty.

If such obligations materialize, government would be required to allocate public funds to meet them, increasing pressure on public debt levels.

Thus, in notes published with the report, Finance Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury, Ramathan Ggoobi, said obligations arising from government guarantees to state-owned enterprises, legal proceedings, on-lending arrangements, and contractual commitments represent potential claims on public resources and therefore require close monitoring.

Government efforts during the year, he said, focused on supervising guarantees, monitoring state-owned enterprises and extra-budgetary units to manage on-lent facilities, assessing public-private partnership exposures, and evaluating liabilities arising from legal disputes, noting that institutional controls, stronger financial reporting, and enhanced coordination among government agencies continue to play an important role in reducing unmanaged risks.

Ggoobi also noted that careful management and transparent disclosure of contingent liabilities were essential for maintaining investor confidence.

UDB dominates guaranteed loans

The report shows that the guarantee portfolio remains heavily concentrated in two beneficiaries, including UDB and Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU).

By December 2024, UDB accounted for about $38.8m (Shs143.6b) in outstanding guaranteed debt, representing 80 percent of the total exposure.

On the other hand, IUIU held three guarantees with outstanding debt amounting to $9.5m (Shs35.15b).

By December 2025, UDB’s exposure had increased significantly to $66m (Shs244.2b) following the approval of new facilities, while during the same period, IUIU’s exposure rose slightly to $10.3m (Shs38.11b).

As a result, UDB now accounts for 86 percent of all outstanding government-guaranteed debt, increasing concentration risk within the portfolio.

Despite this, the Ministry of Finance noted that UDB continues to demonstrate strong debt-servicing capacity and maintains a high credit rating, indicating a very low likelihood of default.

Major lenders shift

The report also highlights changes in the institutions providing loans backed by government guarantees.

In December 2024, the largest lenders were the OPEC Fund for International Development, with exposure of $16.3m (Shs60.31b), Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), with $11.9m (Shs44.03b), and the Islamic Development Bank with $10m (Shs37b). Others included the African Development Bank and Exim India.

But by December 2025, the Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector had become the largest lender, with $30m (Shs111b) in guaranteed exposure linked to UDB.

At the same time, exposure to the OPEC Fund and BADEA declined due to repayments, while exposure to the Islamic Development Bank increased slightly as additional funds were disbursed under an existing facility.

The European Investment Bank also recorded a rise as disbursements began under a new credit line.

Sector allocations

The financial sector continues to receive majority of government-backed guarantees. In December 2024, it accounted for 81 percent of total guaranteed exposure.

By December 2025, this share had risen to 86 percent. The education sector, represented solely by IUIU, accounted for the remaining portion of the guarantee portfolio.

Low risk

The value of disbursed and outstanding guaranteed debt increased from $48.3m (Shs178.71b) in December 2024 to $76.3m (Shs282.31b) in December 2025 as loan disbursements outpaced repayments.

However, the Ministry of Finance noted that the overall fiscal risk remains limited, with guarantees accounting for only 0.09 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2024 and 0.14 percent in 2025, well below government’s policy ceiling of 5 percent.

According to the report, this indicates that contingent liabilities arising from government guarantees currently pose only a minimal direct burden on the budget.

The report shows that repayments under government’s guaranteed loan portfolio will be highest in the medium term, with scheduled repayments expected to peak at $16.46m (Shs60.9b) this year before gradually declining.

Annual repayments are projected to fall to $16.13m (Shs59.68b) in 2027, and $14.93m (Shs55.24b) in 2028, but the burden is expected to remain relatively high through 2029 and 2030 before easing further in 2031 and 2032.

Data highlights the growing importance of effective risk management as the portfolio of government-backed guarantees continues to expand.

While current exposure remains low relative to the size of the economy, the increasing concentration and the rising value of outstanding commitments underline the need for continued oversight to protect public finances.

The Vice President, Maj (Rtd) Jessica Alupo, has assured Parliament that the detained Amuria District Woman Member of Parliament, Ms Margaret ‘Maggie’ Etilu, will be released by the close of this week to resume her legislative duties.

Ms Alupo made the revelation during a heated plenary sitting on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, chaired by Speaker Jacob Oboth-Oboth. The government’s intervention followed intense pressure from the Leader of the Opposition (LoP), Mr Joel Ssenyonyi, who demanded a formal explanation regarding the whereabouts of the newly sworn-in legislator and other citizens who have gone missing under unclear circumstances.

‘Where is the Member?’ Mr. Ssenyonyi demanded. ‘If she has committed any offense… why is she not produced in court? Where is she being held?’

The LoP also pressed the government over the fate of Christopher Godi (alias King Zale), a National Unity Platform (NUP) mobiliser who was reportedly picked up by the military from Kamwokya on April 21, 2026, and remains missing.

Responding to the opposition’s concerns, Ms Alupo, who referred to Ms Etilu as her “daughter,” confirmed that the legislator is safe, healthy, and in the custody of law enforcement. She revealed that discrete diplomatic efforts had been underway to resolve the matter behind closed doors.

‘She has met some of her family members. She is safe. She is healthy and will be joining us soon,’ Ms Alupo informed the House. ‘We have been speaking to the law enforcement officers, police on phone. Some of them we have met them physically. We did not want to involve cameras. From the messages that we have received… the assurance is that she will be joining us anytime this week.’

Ms Alupo acknowledged that the situation was of grave concern to all lawmakers, irrespective of political affiliation, noting that Ms Etilu’s detention “affects all of us as members of Parliament, as leaders, as Ugandans.”

She suggested that the Attorney General would clarify the legal procedures surrounding the detention at an appropriate time.

A dark legal vacuum

Ms Etilu, a member of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), has not been seen publicly since May 23, 2026. She reportedly vanished shortly after leaving the Kampala residence of the former Speaker of Parliament, Ms Anita Annet Among. Her disappearance came amid widening security investigations involving Ms. Among’s political associates.

Her continuous detention without trial has raised serious constitutional questions. Article 23 of the 1995 Constitution of Uganda mandates that any arrested person must be produced before a competent court of law within 48 hours. By the time of the VP’s statement, Ms Etilu had been held incommunicado for over two weeks.

Echoes of past disappearances

The debate in the August House quickly pivoted to the broader, thorny issue of enforced disappearances and the state’s use of unaccountable detentions. Ms Alupo herself recalled that the issue of missing persons has plagued successive Parliaments, explicitly citing the long-standing case of John Bosco Kibalama.

Mr Kibalama, a prominent NUP supporter, went missing in June 2019 after his vehicle was found abandoned along the Kampala-Gayaza road. Despite years of persistent demands from opposition leaders and civil rights groups, his whereabouts remain unknown, and the state has never fully accounted for his disappearance.

The debate also mirrors the high-profile case of Sam Mugumya, a former aide to opposition icon Dr. Kizza Besigye.

Lawmakers noted that Ms Etilu’s case follows a familiar, worrying pattern. Only recently, newly sworn-in MP Justine Nameere was reportedly arrested under similarly opaque circumstances. Furthermore, the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) only acknowledged holding Rev. Fr. Deusdedit Ssekabira over alleged subversive activities days after he had been picked up by unidentified armed operatives in unmarked vehicles colloquially known as “drones.”

Security minister directed to report

To address the recurring crisis of missing persons, Ms Alupo requested the Leader of the Opposition to allow the security apparatus time to compile a comprehensive brief. She requested that the Minister for Security return to the House next week with a formal, definitive statement addressing the specific names raised by the opposition, including Mr. Christopher Godi and past cases.

‘Every time that matter would come up, we would agree that it is not a flimsy matter. It is a matter that should be presented to this House in black and white,’ the Vice President submitted.

For a 12th Parliament still finding its footing, the high-profile detention of a sitting NRM legislator, alongside the unresolved disappearances of opposition activists, is being viewed by political analysts as an early acid test of the House’s independence and its capacity to hold state security organs accountable to the rule of law.