Category: Daily Monitor

Hello Joshua, a 360-degree camera system does not rely on a single camera. Instead, it uses multiple wide-angle cameras positioned around the vehicle, typically at the front grille, rear number plate area, and beneath each side mirror. These cameras capture different views of the surroundings, and the vehicle’s software combines, or ‘stitches,’ the images together to create a seamless bird’s-eye view around the car.

Because the system depends on multiple cameras and sophisticated software, even minor issues can cause image distortion. One of the most common causes is dirty or obstructed camera lenses. Since the cameras are mounted low on the vehicle, they are constantly exposed to dust, mud, rainwater, and road debris.

Even a small amount of dirt, a fingerprint, or water droplets on a single lens can interfere with image quality. When one camera provides a compromised image, the software struggles to blend it with the others, resulting in warped lines, stretched objects, or mismatched angles. This problem is particularly common in Uganda, where dusty roads and rainy conditions frequently affect vehicle-mounted cameras.

Another major cause of distortion is camera miscalibration. The system requires each camera to remain precisely aligned at a fixed angle. A slight shift in position can affect the accuracy of the stitched image. Misalignment can occur after hitting potholes, brushing curbs during parking, or even following suspension repairs and wheel alignment work. Although such incidents may appear minor, a movement of just a few millimetres can distort the composite image. Drivers may notice that the vehicle appears off-centre on the display or that surrounding objects look stretched or incorrectly positioned.

In some cases, displayed distances may not accurately reflect real-world distances, creating potential risks while parking or reversing. Correcting calibration issues usually requires specialised diagnostic equipment and professional workshop assistance.

Stitching errors

Software-related image stitching errors can also contribute to distortion. Modern 360-degree camera systems rely heavily on software to merge multiple video feeds into a single image. If there is a software glitch, an incomplete system update, or a problem within the infotainment system, the processing of camera images may be affected.

Distortion may appear intermittently, particularly when starting the vehicle, changing gears, or operating other electronic systems. In some cases, performing a system reset or installing a software update can resolve the issue.

Persistent problems, however, may indicate deeper calibration or hardware faults. Hardware failure is another possibility.

Each camera contains sensitive electronic components that can deteriorate over time. Moisture ingress is a common concern, especially during heavy rains or when seals around camera housings begin to fail. Water entering the camera can cause internal fogging, blurred images, or intermittent distortion.

Electrical problems such as poor grounding, damaged wiring, or voltage fluctuations may also affect image quality and synchronisation between cameras. A useful clue is when distortion affects only one section of the 360-degree view while the remaining sections appear normal. This often suggests a fault with a single camera rather than the entire system.

Although a distorted image may indicate that the system is still technically functioning, its effectiveness depends on accuracy and precision. Even small distortions can cause drivers to misjudge distances and obstacles, reducing the safety benefits of the technology. This is particularly important in tight parking situations where centimetres can make a significant difference.

If your 360-degree camera display appears distorted, start by thoroughly cleaning all camera lenses, including the front, rear, and side-mirror units. If the image returns to normal, dirt was likely the cause.

If the problem remains, have the system professionally inspected and recalibrated.

Should calibration fail to resolve the issue, technicians should examine individual cameras for moisture damage, wiring faults, or sensor deterioration. Early diagnosis and repair will help restore accurate imaging and maintain the system’s reliability.

The Government has unveiled its budget priorities for the Financial Year 2026/27, committing trillions of shillings to key sectors aimed at accelerating economic transformation under the Ten-Fold Growth Strategy through the Agro-Industrialisation, Tourism, Minerals, and Science (ATMS) framework.

The financial year 2026/27 budget, which was presented on June 11 at the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds by the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Mr Henry Musasizi who presented the budget, said the budget places significant emphasis on agriculture, industrialisation, infrastructure development, human capital, and value addition, while introducing several tax measures to boost domestic revenue mobilisation.

Agriculture Receives Record Funding

The Government has allocated Shs 2.26 trillion to the Agro-Industrialisation Programme, marking the highest funding ever provided to the sector.

Key interventions include agricultural research and innovation, commercialisation of the anti-tick vaccine, expansion of irrigation and water for production, recruitment and facilitation of extension workers, provision of quality agricultural inputs, post-harvest handling and storage facilities, agro-processing and value addition, quality assurance, and market expansion.

The objective is to transition Uganda from exporting raw agricultural commodities to exporting processed and value-added products.

Tourism Sector Gets Shs 567 Billion

To strengthen Uganda’s position as a tourism and investment destination, the Government has allocated Shs 567.32 billion to the tourism sector.

Priority areas include branding and marketing Uganda internationally, tourism infrastructure development, construction of highway sanitation facilities and refreshment centres, hospitality training and standards enforcement, wildlife conservation, health tourism, and economic diplomacy.

Focus on Mineral-Based Industrial Development

The Government has allocated Shs 473.51 billion for mineral-based industrial development, mining, and the oil and gas sector.

The funding will support continued mineral exploration and certification, capitalisation of the Uganda National Mining Company, establishment of mineral markets and buying centres, operationalisation of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), and development of the national oil refinery.

Officials say the goal is to transform Uganda’s mineral wealth into industrial wealth through value addition and processing.

Digital Transformation and Innovation

Government investment in digital infrastructure continues to yield results. During the year, an additional 879 kilometres of fibre optic cable were installed, bringing the national fibre backbone to approximately 62,941 kilometres.

Internet costs have declined from $70 to $35 per megabit per second, while mobile internet subscriptions now stand at 18.5 million. Smartphone connections have reached 20 million and total mobile telephone subscriptions have risen to 57.3 million.

Mobile money transactions increased by 29 percent to Shs 392.7 trillion during the year ending March 2026, while active mobile money accounts reached 36.7 million.

For FY2026/27, the Government has allocated Shs 1.14 trillion to Science, Technology and Innovation (STI), ICT, and the creative industries.

Priority projects include commercialisation of innovations such as Kiira Motors vehicles, Dei BioPharma products, coffee and banana value-added products, establishment of a Hi-Tech City, expansion of research and development, digital infrastructure growth, business process outsourcing (BPO), expansion of free-to-air television coverage, and strengthening intellectual property protection.

Security and Rule of Law Receive Shs 10.21 Trillion

Government has allocated Shs 10.21 trillion to security, governance, and rule of law institutions.

The funding will support modernisation of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), completion of the National Referral Military Hospital and UPDF Headquarters, strengthening border security, counter-terrorism operations, community policing, cybersecurity, immigration services, anti-corruption efforts, and cattle restocking in Acholi, Lango, and Teso sub-regions.

Infrastructure Development Remains a Priority

Transport Sector

The Government has allocated Shs 8.79 trillion for transport infrastructure development. Key projects include construction of the Malaba-Kampala Standard Gauge Railway, rehabilitation of the Meter Gauge Railway, construction and maintenance of roads and bridges, expansion of water transport systems, operationalisation of Kabalega International Airport, upgrading regional aerodromes, and expansion of Uganda Airlines.

Energy Sector

A total of Shs 2.07 trillion has been earmarked for energy development.

The funds will support construction of the 380-megawatt Kiba Hydroelectric Power Plant, a floating solar power facility at Isimba, utility-scale solar projects in Elgon and Acholi, preparatory work for nuclear energy generation in Buyende, expansion of transmission networks, rural electrification, and industrial power connections.

Investing in Human Capital (Health Sector)

The Government has allocated Shs 5.23 trillion to the health sector. Priority areas include maternal and child health, nutrition, immunisation, prevention and treatment of non-communicable diseases, provision of essential medicines, specialised healthcare services, emergency response systems, and efforts toward Universal Health Coverage.

Government also reaffirmed its commitment to increasing domestic financing for essential medicines to reduce dependence on donor support.

Water and Sanitation

To expand access to safe water and sanitation services, the Government has allocated Shs 1.013 trillion.

Currently, the government says 71 percent of households have access to improved water sources, with coverage standing at 68 percent in rural areas and 74.5 percent in urban areas.

Education, Skills and Sports

The education sector will receive Shs 6.66 trillion. Priority interventions include expanding access to quality Universal Primary Education (UPE) and Universal Secondary Education (USE), strengthening STEM and vocational education, improving teacher welfare and training, curriculum reforms, support for public universities and research institutions, and completion of sports infrastructure ahead of AFCON 2027.

The Government has also allocated an additional Shs 568.65 billion for salary enhancements for primary school teachers and arts teachers in secondary schools and BTVET institutions.

Social Protection

A total of Shs 173.55 billion has been allocated to social protection programmes. The funds will support economic empowerment initiatives, labour standards enforcement, youth employment programmes, women’s economic participation, social protection systems, and establishment of a Labour Market Information System.

Overall, the Government has allocated Shs 13.56 trillion to health, education, water and sanitation, and social protection.

Manufacturing and Industrial Development

The Government has allocated Shs 1.03 trillion to manufacturing and industrial development.

In this sector, Priority interventions include additional capitalisation of the Uganda Development Corporation (UDC), industrial park development, value addition to agricultural and mineral products, market access for locally manufactured goods, strengthening Special Economic Zones, and establishment of regional industrial incubation hubs.

The number of formal factories in Uganda has risen to 10,437, with 690 operating within industrial parks.

Environmental Protection and Disaster Preparedness

To strengthen environmental conservation and climate resilience, the Government has allocated Shs 494.08 billion.

The funds will support protection of 1.26 million hectares of forests and wetlands, restoration of 10,000 hectares of degraded wetlands, demarcation of riverbanks and lakeshores, and enhancement of weather forecasting and early warning systems.

An additional Shs 361.88 billion has been allocated to the Contingency Fund for disaster response.

Justice and Parliament Funding

Government has allocated Shs 665.55 billion for administration of justice, focusing on recruitment of judicial officers, reduction of case backlog, court digitisation, anti-corruption efforts, and expansion of access to justice.

Parliament has been allocated Shs 1.23 trillion to support its constitutional roles of legislation, appropriation, oversight, and representation.

Economists and budget analysts have warned that the proposed Shs84.3 trillion budget for the 2026/27 financial year may have a limited impact on the lives of ordinary Ugandans despite being the largest in the country’s history.

They argue that a significant share of the budget will be consumed by debt servicing and long-term industrialisation programmes, leaving limited resources for sectors that directly address household welfare and the rising cost of living.

Civil Society Budget Advocacy Group executive director Julius Mukunda says the budget reflects ambitions to accelerate industrialisation, infrastructure development, and wealth creation.

However, he questions whether the budget is affordable, sustainable, and capable of delivering meaningful results.

Centre for Policy Analysis executive director Timothy Chemonges shares similar concerns, saying the budget highlights development ambitions while exposing growing pressure on public finances.

Debt burden

Mukunda says public debt had reached Shs130.22 trillion by January 2026, noting that of the proposed Shs84.3 trillion budget, debt servicing alone is projected to consume Shs33.4 trillion, representing nearly 40 percent of total expenditure.

For every Shs100 collected in taxes, he says, Shs25 goes to interest payments alone, warning that increasing debt obligations are crowding out spending on critical sectors such as healthcare, education, and agriculture.

Prioritising livelihoods

Both Mukunda and Chemonges argue that government should emphasize sectors that directly improve household incomes and living standards.

Chemonges says agriculture, health, education, and job creation should receive greater attention because they have the most direct impact on livelihoods.

He argues that the success of the budget should be measured by improvements in citizens’ daily lives and not its overall size.

On his part, Mukunda notes that agriculture remains the primary source of livelihood for more than 60 percent of Ugandans but still faces a Shs273b funding gap for zonal mechanisation centres and breeding hatcheries.

He also highlights a Shs20b funding shortfall required to operationalise 158 constituency ambulances, arguing that the gap reflects misplaced spending priorities.

The education sector faces similar challenges, with Mukunda pointing out that the National Curriculum Development Centre requires Shs3.5b to complete the stalled A-Level syllabus review, while Uganda National Examinations Board needs Shs11.8b to train examiners on the new secondary school curriculum.

However, Mukunda says these relatively modest funding requirements remain unmet as debt servicing consumes an increasing share of public resources.

Pushing the alternative approach

The concerns raised by civil society mirror proposals previously advanced by the Opposition.

In April, Leader of Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi unveiled an alternative budget framework under the theme Safeguarding Lives, Livelihoods and Institutions, arguing that a leaner Shs71.4 trillion budget would be more realistic and better suited to address the challenges faced by Ugandans.

Public concern has also intensified following government’s decision to discontinue payments to medical interns, with some fearing that the decision could place additional pressure on already overstretched public health facilities.

Some see opportunity

Not everyone shares the doubtful outlook for the budget themed: Full monetisation of Uganda’s economy through commercial agriculture, industrialisation, expanding services, digital transformation, and market access.

Serere District Woman MP Esther Lucy Achom says the budget presents opportunities for Ugandans to increase their incomes in line with the ten-fold growth agenda, noting that programmes such as Emyooga and Parish Development Model will help to lift communities out of poverty if implemented effectively.

She also points to allocations for agro-industrialisation, tourism, and mineral development as evidence that government is investing in productive sectors, even as she acknowledges concerns about the growing debt burden.

The police, backed by area local leaders led by Moroto Resident District Commissioner Benson Kwikiriza, on Thursday conducted a court-ordered disposal of 160 jerricans of illicit Waragi at Moroto District Headquarters.

The exercise was carried out in line with Presidential Executive Order No. 3 of 2021, which prohibits the manufacture, sale, and consumption of illicit alcohol.

Speaking during the disposal, RDC Moroto Benson Kwikiriza said, “This exercise is carried out every three months by court order. Illicit Waragi has continued to claim lives and destroy families across the Karamoja Sub-Region. We commend our security forces for their vigilance in impounding and destroying these dangerous products.’

Moroto Region Police Spokesperson, Mr Mike Longole, said that security remains committed to ridding Karamoja of illicit Waragi.

He explained that this is aimed at protecting public health and maintaining law and order across the Karamoja sub-region.

He attributed rampant cases of domestic violence in the area to the uncontrolled consumption of the illicit waragi.

Sixteen years after the sound of vuvuzelas announced the arrival of the first Fifa World Cup on African soil, Mexico and South Africa will once again step into the spotlight to open football’s biggest tournament.

When the 2026 Fifa World Cup kicks off at the iconic Azteca Stadium on Thursday night, it will revive memories of June 11, 2010, when the same two nations met in Johannesburg. That match ended 1-1, with Siphiwe Tshabalala’s thunderous strike for Bafana Bafana becoming one of the most iconic opening goals in World Cup history before Rafael Márquez rescued a draw for Mexico.

This time, the script is reversed. In 2010 South Africa were hosts welcoming Mexico. In 2026, Mexico are the hosts extending the invitation to South Africa.

Yet the sense of history remains unmistakable. Fifa described the fixture as football “looking over its shoulder” as the same opponents reunite to raise the curtain on the global showpiece once again.

History repeats

The repeat is one of the more remarkable coincidences in World Cup history.

According to Fifa records, Mexico and South Africa are reprising the exact opening fixture from 2010, making it one of the rare occasions that a World Cup curtain-raiser has been repeated.

Football supporters were quick to notice the similarity after the draw was made, with many describing the fixture as “running it back from 2010” and the “world’s longest two-legged tie.”

While rare, World Cup opening matches have crossed paths before.

The most notable example involved Brazil and Mexico. The two countries featured in opening-day encounters on three occasions between 1950 and 1962, a consequence of the tournament format at the time, when multiple matches were played simultaneously on the opening day. Brazil won all three meetings.

However, the Mexico-South Africa reunion stands apart because it recreates the exact official curtain-raiser of a previous World Cup.

Since Fifa adopted the modern format of a single showcase opening match, such repetitions have become extraordinarily uncommon.

Full Circle for Broos

The occasion also carries personal significance for South Africa coach Hugo Broos.

The Belgian leads his side to Mexico City knowing he had previously played at the Azteca Stadium during the 1986 World Cup when Belgium faced Mexico. Four decades later, he returns to the same venue as South Africa’s head coach in another World Cup opener.

For Broos, who has indicated that he plans to retire after the tournament, it is a fitting full-circle moment.

Tshabalala’s shadow

No discussion of the fixture can escape the shadow of Tshabalala’s goal.

The left-footed strike against Mexico in 2010 remains one of the defining images of modern World Cups. Fifa has repeatedly highlighted the goal as a symbol of South Africa’s historic tournament and a moment that captured the imagination of football fans worldwide.

Whether the sequel can produce another moment as memorable remains to be seen.

But as the lights come on at the Azteca, football will witness something rare, the continuation of a story that began 16 years ago in Johannesburg.

2026 Fifa World Cup

Opening match

Mexico vs South Africa

Venue: Azteca Stadium

Date: June 11, 2026

Time: 10:00pm

NOTES

Previous World Cup Meeting: Opening match, South Africa 2010

2010 Result: South Africa 1-1 Mexico

2010 Scorers: Siphiwe Tshabalala (S. Africa), Rafael Márquez (Mexico)

Previous repeated W. Cup opening-day matchups

1950, 1954, 1962: Brazil vs Mexico

2010, 2026: Mexico vs South Africa

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.

The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) and the leading opposition party, the National Unity Platform (NUP), have intensified their mobilization efforts ahead of the highly anticipated Kalangala District Woman Member of Parliament by-election, with both camps issuing passionate calls for internal unity.

The political temperature in the island district escalated following a high-profile defection that has handed the ruling party early momentum. The NRM camp officially welcomed the former Kalangala District Speaker, Mr Richard Katumba, who crossed over from the NUP.

Speaking during a welcoming ceremony at the Kalangala District NRM headquarters on June 9, the NRM Vice Chairperson for Buganda Region, Mr. Haruna Kasolo, officially received Mr. Katumba and immediately tasked him with dismantling the opposition’s grassroots structures.

“You are now a general. So, I task you to bring those that you left on the other side to this side, and also lead the mobilization efforts among the opposition side for our candidate,” Mr. Kasolo said.

However, Mr. Kasolo warned local party leaders against double standards, cautioning them against conducting clandestine mobilization for personal gain.

“You deceive us that you are working, yet you are secretly selling us to our enemies, and thereafter you begin demanding for a reward, speaking of how you worked tirelessly and have not been helped,” Mr. Kasolo warned.

Expressing absolute confidence in the NRM flagbearer, Ms. Aidah Nabayiga, Mr. Kasolo stated that she remains the best candidate to represent the unique interests of the islanders. He took a swipe at the opposition, suggesting they were fielding outsiders.

“We want to see that this time NRM wins with 90 percent because it is not proper to impose someone from Luweero on the people of Kalangala, yet that person does not know the cultures and norms of the place,” he added.

The NRM National Mobilizer, Ms. Rosemary Sseninde, attributed the party’s previous losses in Kalangala to internal bickering and intrigue, urging members to bury the hatchet.

“We have leaders and members that voted for the opposition last time, and it is these issues that we have come to rectify,” Ms. Sseninde noted.

To secure victory, former ambassador James Kinobe revealed that the NRM has adopted a decentralized, village-based campaign strategy aimed at maximizing voter turnout and protecting their votes.

“The 60 leaders in every village are to mobilize at least ten people and encourage them to go to polling stations and make sure they vote,” Mr. Kinobe explained, adding that vote-protection teams have been formed to monitor results from polling stations up to the district tally center.

Meanwhile, the NUP is pulling out all the stops to retain the seat, rallying its supporters to guard their political territory. Speaking during a planning meeting at the home of the late MP Hellen Nakimuli on Tuesday, NUP National Mobilizer Mr. Habib Buwembo urged party members to remain cohesive.

“Many of our leaders are beginning to come from different areas to join the Kalangala team in seeking support for our candidate. The people of Kalangala gave us this term, so we should keep it. I urge all to be united and work towards victory,” Mr. Buwembo said.

The Kalangala District Woman MP seat fell vacant following the death of Ms. Nakimuli in April, who passed away after undergoing surgery at Alexandria Medical Centre in Kampala.

According to the Electoral Commission roadmap, nominations for candidates open today, June 10, and close on June 11. Official campaigns will run from June 12 to June 22, ahead of the polling day on June 24.

The district features a complex geographical terrain, with 42,452 registered voters expected to cast their ballots across 155 polling stations scattered across 64 habitable islands.

During the previous general election, Ms. Nakimuli narrowly defeated NRM’s Nabayiga, polling 10,609 votes against Nabayiga’s 9,245. However, NRM enters the by-election on a strong footing, having won both the Bujumba and Kyamuswa County parliamentary seats, the LC5 chairperson seat, and commanding a majority of 18 out of 24 district councilors.

Parliament on Wednesday approved a loan request allowing government to borrow up to Euro 168,976,354, approximately Shs734.2 billion, for the development of Phase II of the solar-powered irrigation systems project.

Finance Minister Henry Musasizi tabled the motion to borrow the money from UK Export Finance and Citi Bank during the fourth sitting of the 12th Parliament, presided over by Speaker Marksons Jacob Oboth-Oboth.

According to him, the proposed project will develop 427 irrigation systems across the country, aimed at enhancing rural incomes through increased production and productivity arising from irrigated agriculture for coffee growing.

He said the project is expected to directly benefit about 2,562 households, translating to about 11,785 direct beneficiaries.

The Finance Minister disclosed that the loan proposal is to finance the budget for FY 2026/2027, which starts on 1st July.

Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi emphasised the need for accountability on the money extended in phase I of the project.

Katikamu South MP Hassan Kirumira told the House that the irrigation project government is borrowing for is one of the worst-performing projects. ‘In phase I, many projects were incomplete, and as we speak now, it is redundant with no productivity,’ he said.

According to the motion, President Yoweri Museveni cleared the project for implementation in his letter dated 15th December 2021 under reference number PO/IO addressed to the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development and the Ministry of Water and Environment.

The Finance Ministry says that to date, Phase 1 of the project has achieved over 99 physical completion with 434 systems developed across the country, delivering verifiable economic benefits countrywide. These include 148 Rural Water Supply Systems benefiting 98,521 households and 433,492 individuals; 83 Urban Water Supply Systems serving 107,390 households and 472,519 people; and 203 Irrigation Systems irrigating 2,000 acres while supporting 554 households and 2,436 residents.

It adds that collectively, the initiatives have enhanced water security and productivity for 206,465 households and a total population of 908,447 across Uganda.

Uganda’s loan and current debt situation

As at end December 2025, Uganda’s total debt stock amounted to USD34.86 billion, equivalent to 52.7 per cent of GDP, according to statistics from the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development.

The ministry explains that, in line with the Debt Sustainability Analysis Report of December 2025, which reports debt statistics on a Financial Year basis, Uganda’s debt remains within sustainable limits, with the total stock at USD32.24 billion, approximately Shs116 trillion, for FY 2024/25.

This comprises USD15.46 billion, Shs55.6 trillion, in external debt and USD16.79 billion, Shs60.35 trillion, in domestic debt.

Public Debt as a share of GDP is estimated at 50.86 per cent, aligning with the targets set in the Charter for Fiscal Responsibility.

It adds that the current project is already included in the Debt Sustainability Analysis and in the Fiscal Framework for the Budget for FY 2026/27 and the medium-term fiscal framework, noting that the borrowing will not breach Uganda’s long-term debt sustainability thresholds.

To manage and reduce debt levels, the Government says it has adopted fiscal consolidation measures that include increased revenue mobilisation through the Domestic Revenue Mobilisation Strategy, controlling and reducing Government borrowing and expenditure, and prioritising interventions in growth-driving sectors.

In addition, the Government is implementing the Public Investment Management System Policy and Strategy, which aims at streamlining the preparation, appraisal, approval and management of all Government Projects and ensuring that these Projects are ready before being presented to Parliament.

Security teams at the Pakwach Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) checkpoint have arrested five Congolese nationals who were traveling to Kampala in a private vehicle.

The suspects reportedly entered the country illegally following the closure of the Uganda-Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) borders, a strategic move aimed at curbing the potential spread of the Ebola virus into Uganda.

The Pakwach Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Mr Achile Twaibu, confirmed the arrests, noting that the suspects would be deported through the Goli border post. This latest interception brings the total number of Congolese nationals deported since June 1 to 39.

“Yesterday, we intercepted a vehicle with a Ugandan registration number plate carrying five Congolese nationals heading to Kampala. We have halted their journey, and they will be deported back to Congo via the Goli border customs,” Mr. Twaibu said.

However, Mr Twaibu criticized security officials in neighboring Arua for alleged laxity, which he claims is undermining the joint regional operation.

“We want to urge our counterparts in Arua to act. In their recent security meeting, they indicated that there are more than 50 Congolese nationals currently operating in local hotels. Why wait? When you see the threat, you must act immediately. The ones we arrested today are just remnants. Leaving the burden to a single district is unfair and compromises our collective security,” Mr. Twaibu added.

Since June 1, security forces and the regional Ebola task force have subjected all passenger buses and taxis en route to Kampala and other parts of the country from the West Nile region to mandatory day-and-night screening. The operation aims to intercept illegal entrants from the DRC, where Ebola cases have been on the rise.

While travelers have complained about delays caused by the mandatory individual screenings, health experts insist the measures are vital.

Lt. Scolastica Tino, the UPDF operation commander, emphasized that documentation is thoroughly scrutinized. “We check for all the necessary movement documents, and those who lack them are subjected to additional screening before action is taken,” she said.

Dr Jimmy Opigo, the Assistant Commissioner for Health Services (Inspection and Compliance), revealed that the Ministry of Health is considering establishing a permanent testing and holding center in Pakwach due to the high volume of human traffic.

“Surveillance is being strengthened because the majority of Congolese heading to Kampala enter through West Nile and pass through Pakwach. We know these buses emerge from Koboko, Arua, and Zombo. Instructions have been issued to transport operators not to board Congolese nationals without proper clearance,” Dr. Opigo stated.

Dr. Opigo warned that the West Nile region risks a partial lockdown if a single case of Ebola is confirmed, a scenario that would devastate the local economy.

“If we prevent community spread, we can contain this threat within 105 days. However, if the virus spreads into the population, it will take Uganda at least 210 days to recover, doubling the economic and health impact. It is cheaper to cooperate and report alerts now,” Dr. Opigo warned.

In response to the growing threat, Arua City authorities have ordered all hotels to screen guests and banned accommodation for visitors from high-risk areas in the DRC. Border markets have also been suspended.