Category: Daily Monitor

Col. (Rtd) Dr. Kizza Besigye was discharged from Mulago National Referral Hospital and returned to Luzira Prisons Hospital on August 7, 2026, after a 10-day admission, the Uganda Prisons Service has said.

In a statement dated August 11, 2026, prisons spokesperson Frank Baine said Besigye is continuing with treatment under the care of the UPS medical team.

“The Uganda Prisons Service (UPS) medical team is fully in charge as he continues with treatment and his health condition is steadily improving,” Mr Baine said.

He added that Besigye’s immediate family members and personal doctors are being allowed access to him.

“His immediate family members and personal doctors are having due access to him,” the statement reads.

Mr Baine also urged the public to disregard reports circulating about Besigye’s health.

“UPS urges the public to disregard misinformation and disinformation regarding his whereabouts and apparent worrying health condition,” he said.

Backgrround

Tensions flared last Friday night following the sudden transfer of ailing veteran opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye from Mulago National Referral Hospital back to Luzira Prison, drawing sharp condemnation from his family and political associates.

The four-time presidential candidate, who collapsed in court 10 days before, was reportedly taken from the hospital’s High Dependency Unit (HDU) shortly after 7:00 PM by security personnel, despite concerns raised by his doctors and family over his fragile health.

The transfer sparked outrage, with his family and opposition figures accusing the government of risking his life by overriding medical advice.

“Shocked and distressed”

Writing on X (formerly Twitter) late Friday evening, Dr Besigye’s wife, Ms Winnie Byanyima, described the ordeal as cruel, questioning the rationale behind returning a helpless patient to a facility ill-equipped to care for him.

‘I am shocked and deeply distressed. After 7pm tonight, my partner Kizza Besigye was bundled up and taken back to Luzira Prison,’ Ms. Byanyima posted. ‘When I left KB at 4:30pm, he still could not walk or talk. At lunch, I fed him soft food with a spoon because his arms and hands remain very weak. He cannot yet care for himself.’

Ms. Byanyima detailed that prison officials had previously acknowledged Luzira’s inability to support Dr. Besigye’s required rehabilitation programme during a joint meeting with doctors from Mulago Hospital and his personal physician. According to her, the official recommended he remain hospitalized at Mulago.

However, she noted that the situation turned dramatically following a morning visit by the Minister for Health, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi.

‘We believed medical judgment would prevail. We were wrong. Today, after Minister Chris Baryomunsi visited, everything changed. An order came to remove Kizza Besigye from Mulago and return him to Luzira, against the recommendation we had heard from the prisons official,’ she added. ‘Taking a helpless patient from where he can receive rehabilitation… and returning him to a prison that cannot support his condition, is cruel.’

Ms Byanyima also rejected Minister Baryomunsi’s presence at the bedside, asserting that he “imposed himself on him again” without an invitation.

Clash over medical status

Earlier on Friday morning, Dr. Baryomunsi posted on X indicating that the opposition figure was on the mend.

‘I paid a visit to Dr. Kizza Besigye today morning at Mulago Hospital, where he is hospitalised. He is steadily recuperating and I wished him quick recovery. I thank the team of Medical workers that are attending to him,’ Dr. Baryomunsi stated.

His account starkly contradicted statements from both Dr. Besigye’s family and his political platform, the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF).

In a statement issued on Friday evening, the PFF condemned the transfer, characterising it as a “forcible evacuation” carried out under secrecy by armed prison and military personnel.

‘Ten days after his medical collapse in court, Dr. Besigye has still not fully regained consciousness. He remains in a critical condition unable to speak, walk or receive the specialized care required for his recovery,’ the PFF statement read in part.

The party accused the government of deliberately concealing Dr. Besigye’s health status and demanded his immediate release and transfer abroad for specialized life-saving treatment.

‘Rather than facilitating his immediate transfer to an advanced medical facility capable of managing his severe condition, the regime has chosen to abduct a critically ill patient from a hospital bed under the cover of secrecy,’ the statement added, holding the Ugandan government, the Uganda Prisons Service, and the military collectively accountable for his safety.

Growing concerns

Dr. Besigye’s health woes follow weeks of intense legal and political friction. His detention and subsequent medical emergency have once again put Uganda’s human rights record and treatment of political prisoners under a global spotlight.

By press time, neither the Uganda Prisons Service spokesperson nor police had issued an official statement clarifying who authorized the transfer or responding to allegations that medical advice was bypassed.

Dr Besigye has been in continuous custody/remand, having been abducted on November 16, 2024, in Nairobi, Kenya, before being brought to Uganda.

He’s charged with treason and misprision of treason, alongside his aide Hajj Obeid Lutale and UPDF Captain Denis Oola.

The state accuses him of plotting to overthrow the Government of Uganda between 2023 and November 2024 through meetings allegedly convened across multiple international cities (including Nairobi, Geneva, and Athens) and Kampala.

When he was first presented before the General Court Martial in November 2024, he faced military charges related to security and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition (two pistols). However, after the Supreme Court ruled against trying civilians in military courts, the matter was moved to the civilian High Court, where formal treason charges were laid in February 2025.

The treason trial officially commenced in the High Court Criminal Division. However, the defense has repeatedly raised objections over the denial of counsel of choice, following the arrest/disbarment of lead defense lawyers.

During court proceedings on July 29, 2026, Dr. Besigye collapsed in the courtroom after protesting being forced to proceed with state-appointed lawyers. He was subsequently rushed to Mulago National Referral Hospital, where he was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

Embattled Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) Chairperson Mariam Wangadya has revealed that President Museveni personally rejected her resignation during a phone call, instructing her to immediately return to office and resume her duties.

Appearing before Parliament’s Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE) on Tuesday, August 11, Ms Wangadya addressed the cloud of uncertainty surrounding her leadership at the national human rights body following reports that she had tendered her resignation in July.

Her appearance before the accountability committee followed a dramatic directive issued on Monday by COSASE Chairperson Muwada Nkunyingi to Parliament’s Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and Police Division to arrest and produce her after she repeatedly skipped committee summons.

Probed by Mr Nkunyingi on whether she had received formal, written communication from the appointing authority rejecting her resignation, Ms Wangadya disclosed that the communication was delivered verbally by the President himself and later reinforced on the floor of Parliament by the Attorney General, Mr Sam Mayanja.

‘Mr Chairman, it is true I wrote a letter of resignation to His Excellency the President, and my resignation was rejected,’ Ms Wangadya told the committee.

‘The response I received from the appointing authority was through a phone call. It was not in writing. Sometimes His Excellency the President communicates through phone calls, and I was instructed, if I had left office, to return to office immediately. And I complied with the directive of the Fountain of Honor,’ she added.

She further noted that the Attorney General spoke on behalf of President Museveni when he informed Parliament that she remained the substantive chairperson of the commission.

‘He did not speak just on his own behalf. The words he spoke were the words of His Excellency the President… And I respect the Fountain of Honor, so I am in office,’ she maintained.

Operational dysfunction and internal rift

Ms Wangadya, who was appointed UHRC boss on July 15, 2021, and sworn in on September 29, 2021, faces severe scrutiny over governance and financial management. COSASE is currently examining accountability queries arising from the Auditor General’s report for the financial year ended December 31, 2025.

Beyond the financial queries, Tuesday’s proceedings laid bare deep-seated internal dysfunction and personal friction within the human rights watchdog.

The commission has reportedly not held a single formal leadership or decision-making meeting since December 2025-a prolonged paralysis that has effectively frozen the commission’s tribunal system and operational mandate.

The rift was visibly displayed in the committee room when UHRC Commissioner Stephen Basaliza requested permission from the committee leadership to greet Ms Wangadya, only to be publicly snubbed with a cold wave from the UHRC chief. The frosty exchange underscored a near-total breakdown in working relations between Ms Wangadya and her subordinate commissioners.

Despite the internal turbulence and parliament’s intense oversight pressure, Ms Wangadya maintained before the committee that she remains legally and substantively in charge, executing the mandate entrusted to her by the President.

At least 50 candidates who turned up for the ongoing Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) recruitment exercise in Kabale District were on Monday disqualified for failing to meet the required criteria.

According to the UPDF recruitment team spokesperson for Western Uganda, Maj Edward Birungi, the affected individuals were eliminated due to health complications and missing out on the official shortlist.

‘We expected about 51 candidates from Kabale, 34 from Rukiga, and 46 from Rubanda District. Although the turnout was not 100 percent, it was over 90 percent. After health screening, about 20 candidates were disqualified because of health-related issues, while about 30 candidates were disqualified because they were not shortlisted. We appeal to those who failed to make it to try again next time,’ Maj Birungi said.

Maj Birungi explained that the recruitment team carefully verified all academic credentials and recommendation letters submitted through the online application portal to confirm their authenticity before final enlistment into the force.

Following their disqualification, dozens of frustrated youths gathered at the Kabale Stadium main gate, blaming their plight on the online application system used by the military. Candidates including Mr. Spencer Arinda, 24, who holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, Mr. Francis Katushabe, 24, Mr. Brave Tumukunde, 24, Mr. Blair Niwenyesiga, 27, and Mr. Amama Mbabazi, 25, expressed shock after discovering their names were missing from the shortlist despite submitting all necessary credentials.

‘I am completely disappointed to find that I was not shortlisted for the UPDF recruitment exercise, yet I submitted all that was required through the online application platform which was provided by the UPDF. I am not happy because my dream to join the UPDF has been frustrated,’ Mr. Arinda said.

In a recruitment advertisement issued by the UPDF on June 5, applicants were required to be Ugandan citizens holding a valid National Identification Card, physically and medically fit, law-abiding with no criminal record, and backed by written recommendations from Local Council chairpersons, Internal Security Officers, and the Resident District Commissioner.

Four Civil Society Organisations from Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania have petitioned the East African Court of Justice (EACJ), asking it to stop the Ugandan government from further implementing the Protection of Sovereignty Act, 2026.

The CSOs are Centre for Environmental Research and Agriculture Innovations and Youth for Green Communities from Uganda, Natural Justice from Kenya, and the Organization for Community Engagement from Tanzania.

In their July 21 petition, which came to light on August 11, the four organisations told the court that the Protection of Sovereignty Act violates key provisions of the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community.

They want the Court to direct the Ugandan government to take the legislative, administrative or other measures necessary to bring the Protection of Sovereignty Act into conformity with the EAC Treaty. They also asked the court to order the government to refrain from applying or enforcing 25 sections of the Act that the CSOs believe violate the EAC Treaty.

The now operational law, whose passing attracted opposition from political actors and human rights activists, defines ‘agents of foreigners’ and places various restrictions on their operations in Uganda with heavy punishments for violations. It provides for the registration and regulation of agents of foreigners, and to regulate the funding and any other assistance to agents of foreigners.

The government argues that the law mainly aims at protecting the interests of Uganda, but the CSOs say it provides vague and ambiguous definitions, imposes extensive reporting and regulation on anyone funded by or working with ‘foreign agents,’ and requires foreign agents to register in Uganda.

Treaty violations cited

The East African CSOs argue that various sections of the Sovereignty Act violate Articles of the EAC Treaty, including Article 5(3)(g) which obliges EAC states to strengthen partnerships with civil society and the private sector to achieve sustainable socio-economic and political development. They also cite Articles 6(d) and 7(2) which establish the fundamental and operational principles of the EAC, including good governance, democracy, accountability, transparency, the rule of law, social justice and popular participation in development.

The law, they say, also violates Article 8(1)(a) and (c) which oblige EAC member states to create conditions favourable for the development and achievement of the EAC’s objectives while abstaining from measures likely to jeopardise those objectives, and Article 127 which obliges partner states to provide an enabling environment for civil society participation within the EAC.

Mr Brighton Aryampa, the founder of Youth for Green Communities, said the law could undermine regional work.

‘The effect of the Sovereignty Act is that, the CSOs in the countries that make up the EAC could face challenges in cooperating across borders, implement joint conservation and environmental management projects, respond to climate disasters and crises and engage in sustainable development initiatives,’ he said.

Mr Gerald Barekye of CERAI said their work would be affected. ‘Our organisation has been collaborating with Ugandan and other organisations across East Africa to promote clean energy access. We have undertaken research, community awareness raising and distribution of clean energy technologies,’ Mr Barekye said.

Mr Richard Sekondo of OCE added that the law threatens climate justice work across the region.

‘This work is key to ensuring that East African communities are part and parcel of the clean energy transition. Uganda’s Sovereignty Act threatens this and other climate justice work. In the interest of all East Africans therefore, we filed the case and we hope that it will be successful,’ Mr Sekondo said.

The CSOs have also asked the EACJ to consider the actions of the Secretary General of the EAC in failing to investigate Uganda’s Protection of Sovereignty Act’s compatibility with the EAC Treaty and to refer the matter to the Court. They further want the Secretary General to be directed to monitor and report on Uganda’s compliance with the court’s orders.

A record 55,788 candidates began sitting vocational and technical examinations yesterday under the Uganda Vocational and Technical Assessment Board (UBTEB), with assessments taking place at more than 600 centres countrywide.

The July-August 2026 assessment series is the largest conducted by the board since its establishment under the TVET Act No. 3 of 2025.

Candidates are sitting Competence Based Training assessments for National Certificate Level Three and Community Polytechnic Certificate Level Two qualifications.

Of the total candidates, 38,957 are male and 16,831 are female, while 153 candidates are learners with special needs, including hearing and visual impairments, physical disabilities and other conditions.

The assessments, running under the theme Assessment for Employable Skills, began in July and will continue until August 21. Candidates are being examined in trades ranging from motor vehicle mechanics and electrical installation to tailoring, plumbing and welding.

Speaking to reporters in Kampala at the weekend, UBTEB Executive Secretary Onesmus Oyesigye said the rising number of candidates reflected growing public confidence in vocational training as a pathway to employment.

However, deputy executive secretary Wilfred Nahamya said the surge in registrations had created logistical challenges, with many candidates registering late, complicating timetabling, assessor deployment, and centre readiness.

At Nakawa Vocational Training College, Deputy Principal Michael Biratune Rujumba said the institution had registered 733 candidates for the current assessment cycle.

He said about 38 percent of the college’s learners had been registered across seven trades: Electronics Technology, Electrical Installation, Machining and Fitting, Motor Vehicle Mechanics, Woodworking, Plumbing, and Welding.

Preparation included mock examinations, continuous internal assessments, practical project evaluations and industrial training placements, allowing students to demonstrate their skills in real workplace environments before sitting the final board assessments.

Mr Rujumba said the college had established an examination task force and installed CCTV cameras in assessment rooms to curb malpractice.

He added that UBTEB had adopted a modular assessment system, with internal college assessments conducted alongside the Board’s external assessments each semester.

Mr Rujumba also highlighted staffing shortages, saying the government had not deployed enough technical trainers, forcing the college to rely on private sector instructors.

He expressed hope that ongoing governance reforms, including the establishment of boards of governors for TVET institutions, would help address the shortage.

The Chief Magistrate’s Court in Butambala District has further remanded former Butambala County MP Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi to August 14 as it considers his bail application in a case where he is accused of inciting violence and managing an unlawful society.

Kivumbi, 52, appeared before Magistrate Aminah Wahab on Tuesday amid tight security as court checked on the progress of police investigations into the charges against him.

Prosecution alleges that on July 9, 2026, Kivumbi, who is also the National Unity Platform deputy president for Buganda Region, addressed a public gathering where he allegedly incited members of the public to be violent against the government. He is also accused of managing an unlawful society at Bugoye Village in Gombe Ward, Butambala District.

Kivumbi denied the charges and applied for bail, presenting four sureties, including NUP acting president John Baptist Nambeshe, Leader of the Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi, Mityana Municipality MP Francis Zaake and his sister, Mastulah Nalutaaya.

Magistrate Wahab adjourned the matter to August 14 when she is expected to deliver a ruling on the bail application.

During Tuesday’s proceedings, prosecution, represented by Ms Rachel Bikhole, also asked court to restrict journalists from broadcasting live in the courtroom during the proceedings.

Kivumbi’s latest court appearance follows his arrest after he was intercepted at a roadblock in Mpigi District by armed security personnel. His whereabouts were reportedly unknown for several weeks before he was taken to Nateete Police Station and later transferred to Butambala, where he was produced in court.

The circumstances surrounding his arrest have drawn attention from his supporters and opposition politicians, who have demanded clarity on his detention and access to due process.

Earlier case

This is Kivumbi’s second stint in custody this year. He was arrested in January and charged in connection with allegations arising from the death of more than seven people at his home in Butambala and the destruction of public property.

Arab Contractors, the firm undertaking the construction of the Iganga-Luuka-Kamuli Road, has attributed the delay in works to delays in compensating people affected by the project.

The clarification follows concerns raised by Luuka South MP Stephen Kisa Bakubalwayo in Parliament over delays in the implementation of road construction projects.

During a site inspection led by Luuka District LCV chairman Peter Kafuko Mulyandawo, Arab Contractors’ community liaison officer, Ms Grace Mutale, told journalists that the project could not proceed at full capacity unless all affected landowners were compensated.

Ms Mutale said delays in compensating project-affected people were limiting the contractor’s access to some sections of the road corridor.

‘Some affected people have been compensated, while others are still waiting. We urge leaders to engage the Ministry of Works and Transport to expedite compensation so that the project can proceed,’ Ms. Mutale said.

She said lack of full compensation had restricted the contractor’s access to some sections of the road corridor, affecting mobilisation and continuity of construction works.

Ms. Mutale also condemned acts of vandalism along the road, which she attributed to some members of the local community.

‘We are concerned about people removing road signs for firewood. The signs are vital for road safety, and their removal increases the risk of accidents and disrupts our work,’ she said.

The 54-kilometre Iganga-Luuka-Kamuli Road, stretching from Walugogo in Iganga District to Budhumbula in Kamuli District, is being upgraded to a tarmac road. The upgrade is expected to improve connectivity among the three districts, ease the transportation of agricultural produce and boost trade in the Busoga sub-region.

Luuka District LCV chairman Peter Kafuko Mulyandawo commended the contractor for the progress made so far and urged the government to expedite the compensation process. ‘As a district, we appreciate the progress made, but we urge the government to expedite compensation because delays are hindering the project,’ Mulyandawo said.

Mr. Mulyandawo said district leaders would continue encouraging residents to cooperate with the contractor and protect project property.

Christopher Mugaga, a councillor for Nawampiti Sub-county in Luuka District, said the contractor had committed to addressing challenges faced by residents during construction.

‘The contractor has agreed to water Luuka towns to control dust and maintain the Kiyunga-Iganga Road to keep it passable during construction,’ Mr Mugaga said.

Residents along the road have also raised concerns about excessive dust, particularly during the dry season, as well as poor alternative routes that affect movement.

Luuka South MP Stephen Kisa Bakubalwayo had earlier told Parliament that constituents were frustrated by the slow pace of works, saying the road is crucial to farmers and traders in Luuka, Kamuli and Iganga districts.

‘The road is expected to improve lives and businesses along its route, so delays in completing it are frustrating. We are disappointed by the slow progress,’ Mr Kisa said.

Officials from the Ministry of Works and Transport have said compensation for people affected by the Iganga-Luuka-Kamuli Road project is being paid in phases, prioritising areas where construction is scheduled to begin.

Local leaders said they would engage the Ministry of Works and Transport and Parliament to ensure all remaining project-affected people are compensated, allowing the contractor to complete the road within the set timeframe.

Earlier, Senior Communications Officer at the Ministry of Works and Transport, Mr Allan Ssempebwa, urged residents to remain patient, saying compensation would be paid as funds became available.

‘So far, data has been collected for affected people along 28 kilometres from the Kamuli side, but compensation has been completed for only about eight kilometres. More people will be paid as funds become available,’ he said.

The 54-kilometre road project, valued at Shs300 billion, started in October 2025 and is being implemented by Arab Contractors. It is expected to be completed within 36 months.

Raphael Ouma Bwire was the kind of man who could make a room full of powerful people pause.

At the height of age cheating in schools sport, when the temptation to bend rules for a winning team was immense, Bwire sat on disciplinary panels with the calm demeanour of a tough judge.

He listened. He scrutinised the evidence. Then he made his ruling.

And he did not care whose school was involved.

For years, Bwire formed part of a formidable Copa Coca-Cola Schools Championship administrative trio alongside former National Council of Sports (NCS) general secretary Nicholas Muramagi and Coca-Cola’s former Promotions Manager Kennedy Mutenyo.

Together, they presided over some of the most contentious cases in schools football at a time when the competition was rapidly becoming one of the country’s biggest sporting properties.

For Mutenyo, who worked with Bwire from the time he joined Coca-Cola in 1996, there was one word that best captured his colleague: integrity.

‘Bwire was integrity at its best,’ Mutenyo says.

It was an attribute that was tested repeatedly.

One of the clearest examples came in 2005 in Masaka. A player from Old Kampala SS had his name incorrectly recorded. Rather than dismiss the discrepancy because it involved his own school, Bwire deducted points from Old Kampala in all games the player, Kampi, had played in before they were sent packing.

‘Who else does that? He was so fearless,’ Mutenyo recalls.

That willingness to apply the rules without fear or favour became central to the credibility of Copa Coca-Cola.

The Kitende test

Bwire’s resolve was perhaps most visible in the disciplinary case that resulted in the disqualification of St Mary’s Kitende from the competition in 2005.

During the tournament hosted at Masaka SS, Kitende faced accusations of fielding five mercenary players. The organising committee faced immense internal tension and delayed the ruling for three days before officially enforcing the disqualification.

Bwire insisted that sporting success could not come at the expense of honesty.

Mutenyo says Bwire’s approach helped Coca-Cola develop confidence in the people entrusted with running its flagship schools football property.

‘Copa was in safe hands with Mr Bwire and Mr Muramagi. They never compromised the sponsor expectations,’ he says.

Bwire understood football from the ground up.

He played for Nsambya, Lint and Maroons and represented Uganda Cranes between 1975 and 1978. He was a key member of the Uganda Under-23 side that won the East and Central Africa Championship in Nairobi in 1973.

At Makerere University, where he captained the football team, Bwire was named the university’s Sportsman of the Year for 1974/75.

He later became a key figure in developing young footballers at institutions including Old Kampala SS and St Peter’s Nsambya.

He also served as secretary of the National Football League Committee from 1995 to 2001, succeeding Hajji Abasi Kaawaase Mukasa.

A teacher first

Bwire was an educationist who spent 34 years in the secondary education sector.

Born on December 12, 1951, he began his education at Lumino Primary School before proceeding to St Paul’s College Mbale, Bukedi College Kachonga and Teso College Aloet.

He later obtained a Bachelor of Arts and concurrent Diploma in Education from Makerere University, a Diploma in Physical Education and Health Sciences from Western Australian College of Advanced Education and a Master of Education from Makerere University.

His teaching career began in 1975 at Old Kampala SS, where he served as a classroom teacher before becoming acting deputy head teacher and later full deputy head teacher.

He went on to become head teacher of St Peter’s SS Nsambya from 1991 to 1998, Old Kampala SS from 1998 to 2007 and Kalinabiri SS, Ntinda, from 2008 to 2011, when he retired.

His influence in education extended beyond the schools he headed.

Bwire served on boards and governing bodies of several institutions, including Kololo SS, YMCA Comprehensive Institute, St Balikuddembe Mitala Maria, St Mary’s High School Katale, Makerere College School, City Parents School, St Augustine College Wakiso, Ndejje SS and St Denis Sebugwawo SS Ggaba.

He also served as vice chairman of the management committee of St Joseph’s Girls’ Nsambya.

At Kololo SS, he had served as chairman of the Board of Governors since 2018.

He was also an examiner with the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB), an external examiner for Makerere University’s Diploma in Education and a UNEB area coordinator for O- and A-Level examinations from 2005.

His public service extended into education policy. In 2002, Bwire served on a Ministry of Education and Sports task force that worked on the strategic plan, sports investment plan and financial plan and made recommendations on the institutional arrangement for sports in the ministry.

He later helped formulate the Physical Education and Sports policy and lectured part-time at Makerere University and Uganda Christian University.

Building Copa

Bwire’s influence extended beyond individual schools.

In 2004, Mutenyo, Muramagi and Bwire began confronting the problem of age cheating through a junior competition. What started with three schools in Kampala’s five divisions eventually developed into a wider primary schools programme.

The initiative was designed to identify and track young talent before it reached secondary school.

By 2006, the programme had expanded to Mbale and later Fort Portal, Arua, Gulu, Lira, Soroti, Tororo, Entebbe, Kabale and Mbarara, among other centres.

The philosophy was to give children an opportunity to compete at the appropriate age, keep records and create a pathway into secondary school football.

Bwire also understood that sporting development required more than football.

When basketball faced challenges, Mutenyo says, the team introduced the Sprite Basketball Championship, which helped schools establish basketball courts and develop the game.

The Copa Coca-Cola itself underwent major changes over the years.

What began as the National Post Primary Sports Association competition was transformed into the Coca-Cola Schools Cup in 1999. The competition gradually moved towards a champions-only model, with Coca-Cola taking over sponsorship at the national championship.

By 2014, the expansion in the number of districts had necessitated regional competitions, creating zones stretching from West Nile and Acholi to Teso, Bugisu, Bukedi, Kigezi, Bunyoro, Tooro, Kampala and other regions.

The tournament was eventually capped at 60 schools, with teams receiving uniforms, meals and other support.

Mutenyo says the competition had become a major property by the time Bwire’s generation had built it into a national institution.

By 2019, the sponsorship had reached about Shs1 billion, according to Mutenyo.

Selfless

Perhaps the most revealing stories about Bwire were about how he conducted himself when nobody was watching.

Mutenyo recalls Coca-Cola once offering him a fully paid trip to South Africa, together with more than $1,000 in per diem. Bwire passed the opportunity to Chris Mugisha instead.

For Mutenyo, that gesture reflected the man he knew.

‘He never wanted to enrich himself unfairly. No wonder he would return balances from the previous competition to the sponsor,’ he says.

The trust between the two men was deep. Mutenyo says funds for football programmes could be deposited on his account before being handed to Bwire in his capacity as chairman, without him ever worrying about accountability.

Even after Bwire left Coca-Cola, the relationship endured.

Mutenyo says the two remained in contact and would often discuss football, including their shared interest in Arsenal.

‘I last spoke to him one month ago,’ he says.

The administrator

Bwire’s sporting responsibilities stretched well beyond Copa Coca-Cola.

He was a member of the National Council of Sports (NCS) board from 2002 to 2007 and chaired its Finance and Administration Committee during the same period.

He was also a founding vice chairman of the Kampala Head Teachers Government Secondary Schools Association (KAHEGOSSA), later serving as chairperson from 2008 to 2010.

His contribution to basketball was equally significant. He spearheaded the formation of the Uganda Basketball Association in 1978 and was a member of Fufa from the same year.

At Old Kampala SS, he served as Games Master from 1977 to 1993.

These roles reflected a career in which education and sport were rarely separate.

Mutenyo remembers him as a man who was not afraid to invest his time in young players.

‘Even when his team was training, he would be at the session. He was very strict on discipline. He loved the game of football. He loved to give players a platform to excel,’ he says.

A final chapter

Bwire’s football legacy was inseparable from his work as an educationist.

He later concentrated much of his energy on developing his school, St Mary’s High Katale in Bunnamwaya, and had ambitions of turning it into a sports school.

His philosophy was consistent with the principles he had applied to Copa Coca-Cola: discipline, education and opportunity.

For Mutenyo, this is particularly important because Bwire belonged to a generation that began to believe seriously in the ability of young Ugandan players.

Mutenyo believes Bwire’s generation helped demonstrate that schools football could be professionally organised without losing its educational purpose. But he fears the values that guided men such as Bwire are becoming harder to find.

‘People are driven by the desire to make money and the desire for their schools to win. Schools football has been commercialised and it’s killing the schools,’ Mutenyo says.

Bwire had been unwell in recent years. According to information from those close to the family, he was receiving treatment at Translink Clinic in Zzana after being hospitalised for more than a week.

He had also suffered a fall at his school about a week before his death and sustained an arm injury. His family and friends were hopeful about his recovery.

He died at about 8pm on Saturday night.

His wife, Rose, was too heartbroken to speak to the media at the time of the interview.

Funeral arrangements were still being finalised, with the family considering a mass at Rubaga Cathedral before the body is taken to St Mary’s High School Katale and later to the family home in Bunnamwaya. A service is planned at St Gyaviira Catholic Church, Bunnamwaya, on Thursday, with burial scheduled for Majanji in Busia at 4pm on Saturday.

For Mutenyo, however, Bwire’s legacy is already settled.

‘Educationist. Integrity. Football,’ he says, when asked to describe his friend in three words.

He believes the best epitaph would be simple: ‘Here lies the man of integrity who loved the beautiful game and grassroots football.’

Mutenyo says the people who worked with Bwire were fortunate.

‘Bwire has only gone ahead of us. We need to celebrate him. They are lucky to have a man like him and we were lucky because we worked with the best man. He set standards many people cannot get.’

With Bwire gone and Muramagi now incapacitated, Mutenyo says only Michael Mpiima of Ssaku SS remains from the later generation of administrators who helped shape schools football.

For those who knew Bwire, the challenge now is not merely to remember him. It is to preserve the standards by which he lived.

BWIRE AT A GLANCE

Born: December 12, 1951 Died: August 8, 2026 Profession: Educationist and sports administrator Teaching career: 34 years Key schools: Old Kampala SS, St Peter’s SS Nsambya, Kalinabiri SS Football: Uganda Cranes player (1975-1978); East and Central Africa U23 champion (1973), Makerere football captain; Sportsman of the Year, 1974/75

Club career: Nsambya, Lint, Maroons

Major honour: East and Central Africa U23 champion, Nairobi 1973

Sports administration: NCS board member (2002-2007); secretary, National Football League Committee (1995-2001)

President Museveni has warned public officials against divided loyalty, calling for a strict re-examination of Uganda’s dual citizenship legal framework while demanding an uncompromising stand against corruption.

Speaking on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at State House Entebbe during the swearing-in ceremony of three newly appointed ministers, Mr Museveni emphasized that individuals holding public trust must maintain unwavering commitment to the nation.

The newly sworn-in officials include Amb. Adonia Ayebare, who takes over as Minister of Foreign Affairs; Shartsi Kutesa Musherure, appointed Minister of State for Finance, Planning and Economic Development in charge of Micro-Finance; and Witonze Juma Kisekka, who assumes office as Minister of State for Internal Affairs.

Although President Museveni congratulated the new appointees, he quickly pivoted to pressing administrative and national policy matters, urging the ministers to prioritize eliminating corruption and systemic inefficiency within government departments through rigorous supervision and strict operational accountability.

The ceremony marked the end of months of delay for the trio following their appointments earlier in the year. Amb. Ayebare and Ms Musherure were appointed to the cabinet in May 2026, but their swearing-in was deliberately put on hold by the President to resolve legal scrutinies regarding dual citizenship status and ensure eligibility.

Meanwhile, Mr Witonze’s delay stemmed from a later nomination process. President Museveni named him to the cabinet after Parliament’s Appointments Committee rejected the original nominee for the Internal Affairs docket, Dr Lawrence Muganga, over his own unresolved multiple citizenship issues.

Addressing the central theme of his address-national identity, allegiance, and regional geopolitics-the 81-year-old leader questioned the current implementation of dual citizenship. He argued that the policy was originally a compassionate concession designed to accommodate Ugandans forced into political exile during the country’s turbulent past, rather than a permanent loophole for conflicting allegiances.

“On the issue of citizenship… we are going to have to clarify this issue very clearly,” Mr Museveni stated.

He recalled how historical conflicts, beginning with the 1966 Buganda crisis under Kabaka Mutesa II and subsequent political upheavals, forced waves of Ugandans to flee into neighboring states and abroad.

The President drew a firm line between the global Ugandan diaspora and citizens residing within neighboring East African states, asserting that dual citizenship should strictly apply to those in distant diaspora communities rather than adjacent countries.

“For the neighboring countries, logically, the dual citizenship does not apply… should not apply in my opinion. We should clarify it, that this one here is for the diaspora,” Mr Museveni noted.

Elaborating on regional integration, the President reiterated his long-standing advocacy for the political federation of the East African Community (EAC), challenging regional partners to pursue complete political unification rather than half-measures that compromise national sovereignty and civic loyalty.

“Now, we have been telling our neighbors that we should form the East African Federation. This is what we have been saying for the last 65 years. Let’s form the East African Federation. If you want us to be one citizenship, let’s have one country, what is the problem?” Mr Museveni argued.

Criticizing current citizenship overlaps across regional borders, the President described multi-state allegiances without political federation as irrational and detrimental to state security.

“You can’t say we continue having different kingdoms, then some of the kingdoms offload their citizens on another kingdom and then they continue with loyalty to the other kingdom. It’s not rational. It’s nonsensical,” he declared, adding that individuals must ultimately decide where their true allegiance lies.

Taking to his official X (formerly Twitter) account shortly after the ceremony, the President reaffirmed his directive, urging the new cabinet members to maintain zero tolerance for graft while reiterating that the East African Federation remains the ultimate long-term solution to identity and integration challenges across the region.

As per Monitor Publication’s assessment of the exercise, while the majority of candidates who emerged victorious subscribed to the NRM party, a good fraction was declared winners unopposed.

In Gulu City’s Queens Parish in Pece-Laroo Division, the Electoral Commission (EC) declared NRM’s Baltham Akera unopposed amidst protest from the supporters of his opponent George Ochan after his candidacy was annulled over irregular nomination.

Whereas Mr Ochan vowed to challenge the results in court, the EC explained that his candidacy was cancelled after learning that he was irregularly nominated since he did not appear in the list of his village’s executive council.

In Arua City, at Old Bus Park/Bazar ward, Mr Abu Juma was elected chairman after the formation of the executive committee, which turned chaotic as members opposed the inclusion of those who are not in the register.

This halted the exercise for some time, and it was later resolved in a meeting where the elections were concluded.

“People wanted to confuse these LC2 elections with the NRM executive committee at that level; that is why they were including members who are in their register,” Mr Mahmood Ijosiga, a member of the NRM Entrepreneurs League, said.

Information shared by Arua City Electoral Commission Returning Officer, Mr Oshurian Ezale, indicates that out of 54 parishes in Ayivu East and West divisions, 36 contestants for the LC2 positions were unopposed.

In Adjumani District, Mr Dominic Ondoga, the former LC2 chairperson for Ciaha Parish, has been re-elected unopposed to serve another five-year term.

Speaking to the Monitor Publication yesterday, Mr Ondoga said he would prioritise engaging relevant leaders to fence the parish office as a measure to curb the rampant theft of government property as well as the push for the fencing of Oliga Primary School.

He also pledged to work with other authorities to ensure that all primary schools in the parish are adequately equipped with desks.

In Soroti City, at Senior Quarters Parish that comprises 11 cells, queues had formed by 10am as residents said they were looking for leaders who could address insecurity, poor health services, and access to government programmes like the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga, etc.

Mr Alex Emuron Esekeya won with 59 votes, beating opponents Andrew Auruku (8 votes) and Patrick Asonya who got 2 votes.

Mr Emuron, who has also played a big role in restoring sanity, security and peace in the area, has pledged to treat residents of Senior Quarters equally and ensure that the elderly remain peaceful, united and secure.

In Oyam District, voters at Abela Parish in Alekt Sub-county elected NRM’s Denis Owani. Mr Owani polled 86 votes, defeating the incumbent, Mr Benson Odongo of the opposition Uganda Peoples Congress party who got 55 votes.

Mr Odongo became LC2 chairman following the death of Gilbert Anek in 2013.

In Malaba Town Council, the elections officer, Mr Simon Okwate, told this newspaper that in most wards, NRM flag bearers went through unopposed.

“Unlike the LC1 elections, the LC2 elections have been the most peaceful elections where my ward supervisors reported no competition for positions,” he said.

In Malaba Ward, Mr Albino Otabong was re-elected to serve his 6th term.

In Budaka and neighbouring districts, the NRM party swept the majority of LC2 chairperson seats. Out of 76 parishes in Budaka, 46 NRM flag bearers went through unopposed, and the remaining 30 were also NRM-leaning.

The Budaka District NRM chairperson, Mr Musa Kyebene, said the ruling party won in almost all parishes. “This win shows the party’s strengths and popularity,” he said.

In Mbalala, the elections were largely peaceful. The incumbent LC2 chairman of Nsoma Ward, Mr Kiti Yahaya, retained his position unopposed.

Meanwhile, in Masindi, Mr Patrick Alimawu, the incumbent chairperson of Western Ward, was elected unopposed after no candidate came forward to challenge him.

Other NRM candidates in Masindi also went through unopposed, including Mr Deogratius Jakisa (Kijura Parish), Mr Muhammad Lukumu (Kamugo Parish), and Mr Ahmed Gunya (Kiruhi Parish).

In Kibaale District, the majority of parish candidates were also elected unopposed.

Ms Jackline Aluhairwe, the district returning officer, said out of the 57 parishes in Kibaale, elections were conducted in only 11 parishes, while 46 parishes did not have elections because candidates were unopposed.

In Fort Portal City, the elections were similarly characterised by limited activity. According to the Electoral Commission Returning Officer, Mr Isaac Byamugisha, the city has 25 parishes, but polls were conducted in only seven, including the Northern Division.

In Mbarara, the EC Returning Officer for the city, Ms Violet Atuhairwe, said: “We have 23 wards in Mbarara City, and we are conducting elections in only two wards because the other 21 went through unopposed.”

In Biharwe West Ward, Mr Johnson Rushegyera Mugisha (NRM) won with 38 votes against Mr Abdul Ssegawa (independent), who garnered 27 votes.

Mr Wilber Twesigye (NRM) won in Rwakishaki Ward with 77 votes against Mr Francis Kahangwa (independent), who got 50 votes.

In Ibanda District, voting was peaceful in several parishes.

Returning Officer Ntamuh Ahas said Buhweju District has 105 parishes, but 67 parishes had unopposed candidates.

“The exercise kicked off at 9am with the arrival of participants, and by noon, the exercise came to an end. We did not register any case of violence,” he said.

In Kamwenge District, returning officer Daniel Nayebare said candidates for the LC2 chairperson’s seat in 28 out of 71 parishes went through unopposed, and the voting exercise was peaceful as voters elected their new leaders.

“All the candidates that went through unopposed belong to the NRM party. The voting exercise is peaceful as we have not registered any cases of violence or disputes,” Mr Nayebare said.

The Rubanda assistant returning officer, Mr Godfrey Arinaitwe, said elections in the 70 parishes in the district were peaceful.

The Kabale District Returning Officer, Ms Aisha Nansubuga, said around 10 candidates for the LC2 chairperson’s seat went through unopposed.

“We have 79 parishes in Kabale District and about 10 candidates vying for the LC2 seat went through unopposed, although they have to appoint their executive committee members. The election exercise has been peaceful with no challenges so far registered,” Ms Nansubuga said.

At the voting exercise that took place at Christ the King Church ground in Kabale Town, Ms Jemimah Kabakira-bo (NRM) retained her position as LC2 chairperson for Central Ward in Kabale Municipality.

She polled 37 votes, defeating her only opponent, Ms Medius Byaruganda (independent), who got 3 votes.

In Mityana Municipality, NRM’s Idi Kisekka won the Katakala Ward seat after defeating two other contenders, Noah Wamalwa and Godfrey Lumu, after garnering 54 votes.

In Mukono, NRM candidates emerged as winners in many parts of Mukono Central Division, though the exercise was marred by allegations of electoral irregularities.

At Fairland Playground in Nakabago, where elections for Ntawo Ward were conducted, Dr Paul Kiwuka got 70 votes, defeating John Ronald Ssebunnya Ssekingo, who got three votes.

However, Mr Ssebunnya rejected the results, accusing his opponent of electoral malpractice. He alleged that Dr Kiwuka influenced voters by offering free transport and claimed that some individuals who participated in the election were not on the official register. Mr Ssebunnya also questioned Dr Kiwuka’s eligibility, arguing that as a government employee, he should not have contested.

In response, Dr Kiwuka dismissed the accusations, maintaining that the election was conducted in a free and fair manner. He denied any involvement in voter bribery or manipulation.

ABOUT THE ELECTIONS

Elections for LC2 chairpersons, also known as Parish or Ward Chairpersons, were conducted in 10,718 parishes across Uganda yesterday, Electoral Commission spokesperson Julius Mucunguzi told the media.

The law provides for an executive committee at parish administrative unit consisting of eleven (11) members including the chairperson, vice chairperson. The law also requires that at least four of these members must be female.