Category: Daily Monitor

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.

The Police have recovered 10 rounds of live ammunition and a toy pistol from three suspects believed to be masterminding criminal attacks within Kampala.

The trio, two men and a woman, were picked up from their hideout in Salaama, Makindye Division, Kampala District, on Thursday morning following an intelligence-led operation, Kampala Metropolitan Spokesperson, SP Rachel Kawala said.

“At about 2:00 a.m., police officers on patrol received information about two men who were allegedly involved in attacking people with pangas and were reportedly sleeping in a house located in Zikusooka Zone, Salaama, Makindye Division, Kampala District,” SP Kawala said.

The police team immediately responded and conducted an operation at the suspected premises, leading to the arrest of three suspects, she added.

“During a search of the house, officers recovered a backpack containing a toy gun, a metallic torch, a screwdriver, a sensor, a knife, and several test tubes. Police also recovered 10 rounds of live ammunition, “she disclosed.

The suspects are currently being held at Katwe Police Station pending further interrogation as investigations continue to establish the source of the recovered items and any possible links to criminal activities.

The arrests come at a time when the country is battling a wave of armed violence, with incidents of deaths, injuries and aggravated robberies reported.

For instance, in Agago District, on Tuesday night, Moris Ocana, a businessman in Kalongo Town Council, Agago District, fled with his bag of money.

In Kitgum District, Francis Omona, 32, a businessman and resident of Omiya Anyima Central Panyum Parish, Omiya Sub-County, reported at Omiya Police Station that unknown men armed with a gun and panga on Tuesday night robbed him of Shs8 million.

Aswa East Police Spokesperson, Joe Oloya, said two suspects were arrested and are being investigated.

A series of gun violence has been reported, especially in Gulu City and Gulu District in recent weeks, sending a cold chill among the public.

What began as a church friendship that grew into a faith-filled romance that led to a surprise proposal at Sisiyi Falls and a wedding built on love, prayer and unwavering commitment.

The moment Joshua Menya dropped to one knee at Sisiyi Falls in Bulambuli District, Mariam Mutyembu did not wait to hear the question.

She already knew her answer.

‘I did not even let him finish,’ she recalls with a laugh. ‘The moment I saw what was happening, I had already said ‘yes’.’

Years later, it remains one of the defining moments of their love story, a story that began not with grand gestures or dramatic romance, but with simple conversations after church.

A church friendship

Back in late 2015, Joshua and Mariam were just two members of the same congregation. After every service, Joshua would often check on her, asking whether she had enjoyed the fellowship. At first, they were simply friends. Neither imagined those brief exchanges would one day lead them to the altar.

‘It was in 2016 that we became really close,’ Joshua says.

As their friendship deepened, so did their faith journey. They spent time together, prayed together, and slowly discovered shared values that shaped their bond.

Friendship to forever

For Joshua, Mariam stood out for more than her beauty.

‘She was understanding, hardworking, God-fearing and loving,’ he says. ‘I saw a helper in her.’

Mariam admired Joshua’s devotion to God and steady character.

‘He was caring, focused and passionate about his faith,’ she says.

A key turning point came when Joshua expressed interest in meeting her parents, a sign Mariam took as more than casual affection.

Still, neither of them rushed the process. The relationship grew quietly, anchored in faith and patience.

Sisiyi Falls: The moment everything changed

To Mariam, the church outing to Sisiyi Falls felt like any other day of fellowship. To Joshua, it was the moment he had been preparing for.

When he got down on one knee, everything shifted.

‘Oh my God, I could not believe it,’ Mariam says. ‘I did not wait for him to ask. I had already said ‘yes’.’

The proposal became the turning point, not the beginning of love, but the confirmation of what had already been growing for years.

Wedding without debt or pressure

When wedding planning began, Joshua and Mariam agreed on one principle; live within their means.

They set a budget of Shs36m and committed to avoiding debt.

‘We wanted something we could afford comfortably,’ Joshua says.

Friends, family, church members and workmates all contributed to fundraising efforts that made the day possible.

Most of the budget went into food and décor, with the wedding held in Mbale to keep costs manageable.

No planner, just community and faith

Instead of hiring a professional planner, the couple relied on friends who helped coordinate everything, from logistics to ceremony flow.

Because both the introduction and wedding were handled closely together, planning required teamwork and trust.

Rehearsals with groomsmen at church added humour to the process.

‘They told me I still had time to change my mind,’ Joshua jokes.

But like many weddings, theirs had its challenges.

The tailor failed to deliver on time, and some décor items were not provided as agreed.

But the couple chose not to dwell on the setbacks.

‘We focused on joy,’ Mariam says simply.

The day it all became real

For Joshua, nothing compares to seeing Mariam walk into church as a bride.

‘She looked beautiful,’ he says.

For Mariam, the most emotional moment was exchanging vows.

‘It was so lovely looking at each other as we repeated the vows,’ she says.

The celebration continued at Crown Suites Hotel in Mbale, where joy filled the reception.

A surprise appearance from Mariam’s best friend, Irene, who flew in from Italy, made the day even more special.

‘Joshua knew, but he did not tell me,’ she says. ‘I was overwhelmed.’

Lessons they took into marriage

Premarital counselling helped shape their understanding of marriage. Joshua learnt about faithfulness, partnership and family life.

Mariam remembers one lesson most clearly, ‘leave and cleave,’ a principle that redefined how she viewed marriage.

A love that was quiet before it was strong

Today, Joshua and Mariam’s story stands as a testimony of patience, friendship and faith.

A love that did not rush. A bond that did not break. And a proposal that arrived at Sisiyi Falls, only for Mariam to answer before the question was even finished.

At a glance

Groom: Joshua A Menya

Bride: Mariam Mutyembu Menya

Church: City Victory Church, Mbale

Reception: Crown Suites Hotel, Mbale

Officiating Pastors: Pastor Wandera John and Pastor Peter Wamono

Wedding Date: June 30, 2018

Guests: 300

Budget: Shs36m

Theme: Faith. Friendship. Forever.

The Uganda Medical Association (UMA) has rejected a government proposal to maintain full facilitation for government-sponsored medical interns while reviewing support for privately sponsored graduates, warning that the move could negatively affect healthcare service delivery.

The disagreement comes a day after the newly appointed Minister of Health, Dr Chris Baryomunsi, said Cabinet had agreed that government-sponsored interns would continue receiving full facilitation while the Ministry of Health assesses the financial implications of assisting privately sponsored graduates undertaking their mandatory one-year medical internship.

“Those who are on government sponsorship will proceed on internship with full support from the government. It will continue without disruption,” Dr Baryomunsi stated during the ministry handover ceremony on June 10.

‘We are going to study the financial implications of providing lunch to those who graduate from private facilities, so they meet other costs themselves, but the government can provide lunch to enable them to work.’

However, UMA president Dr Frank Asiimwe criticised the proposal, saying it creates an unfair distinction between interns who perform the same duties under similar working conditions.

“All medical interns undergo the same mandatory training, work in accredited internship facilities and provide the same services regardless of how they financed their education. Interns account for between 70 and 80 percent of frontline clinical work in many public health facilities and therefore play a critical role in sustaining healthcare services,’ he said.

Dr Asiimwe argued that privately sponsored interns face the same financial burdens as their government-sponsored counterparts, including accommodation, transport, meals and professional expenses.

He warned that uncertainty over facilitation could lower morale among young doctors, increase burnout and ultimately affect the quality of healthcare services available to patients.

“The bigger question is what happens to poor patients who depend on public hospitals when the people providing much of the frontline care are demoralised and unsupported,” he said.

In Mulago National Referral Hospital, Dr Asiimwe said interns are often told to eat food intended for patients, yet all interns deserve support regardless of whether they pursued their medical education through government sponsorship or private funding.

‘Interns are officers on probation and should be paid at least 75 per cent of the salary earned by fully qualified medical officers. The effects of this will be felt most by low-income Ugandans who depend on local healthcare because they cannot afford treatment abroad,’

Dr Asiimwe further warned that prolonged disputes over intern welfare could worsen treatment delays, increase hospital backlogs and place additional strain on an already overstretched health system.

The Federation of Uganda Medical Interns (FUMI) secretary general, Dr Allan Okwir, said interns incur substantial costs before deployment, including purchasing medical equipment worth about Shs1 million.

“Why should interns be segregated in payment when we offer the same services and are subjected to the same expectations? Starting medical requirements are already at a high expense of about Shs1 million to be met by the interns,” Dr Okwir noted.

‘This is a demanding calling that you never get time for a side hustle that can aid to support yourself and family. The unbearable emotional fatigue and mental frustration with financial constraints will rather cost the ordinary citizens when they go for healthcare,’ he added.

Dr Okwir said pre-interns would not report for deployment under the proposed arrangement unless the government guarantees equal facilitation for all interns regardless of sponsorship status.

The medical internship program in Uganda has recently faced severe strain, characterised by delayed deployments and protests from pre-interns over allowance. Dr Baryomunsi attributed these persistent bottlenecks to a sharp increase in the number of medical graduates from both public and private universities.

To resolve sustainability, the minister acknowledged the need for long-term human resource planning to align health workforce training with the country’s future staffing requirements.

“Human resource needs in the health sector should be assessed to see how many doctors, nurses and laboratory experts we need in the next five, 10 or 15 years so that there is a planned arrangement between the Ministry of Education and us that handles training,” he explained.

Under the new guidelines in the National Education and Training for Health Policy beginning in August, the government scrapped the monthly upkeep allowances and mandated that medical students complete a compulsory one-year internship before they can be awarded their degrees.

Currently, medical interns receive a monthly allowance of Shs1million. This is a significant drop from the Shs2.4 million initially agreed upon following a 2021 presidential directive, which followed protracted strikes by medical workers over poor remuneration and working conditions.

Uganda’s doctor-to-patient ratio stands at 1 to 24,000, far below the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommended standard of 1 to 1,000.

During the 4th sitting of the 12th Parliament on June 10, the leader of Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi urged the government with immediacy to drop the ‘problematic’ policy under the pretext of lack of funds, saying the Shs24 billion that had been passed for public holiday functions be allocated to that.

‘Parliament had already passed that entire budget of about Shs24 billion, so that money is available, and is going to be saved since the government recently suspended public holiday functions to save money. Now that those functions are not going to be held, why don’t we channel that money to the medical interns?’ Mr Ssenyonyi proposed.