Category: Daily Monitor

A storm is brewing within the corridors of power across Africa following revelations that the United States government is tightening its grip on lifesaving health assistance, conditioning vital aid on broad access to domestic surveillance data and extractive rights to pathogen samples.

An assessment by Human Rights Watch (HRW) released on June 8, 2026, reveals that seven bilateral health agreements signed in late 2025 with Uganda, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, and Liberia come with troubling, unprecedented conditions that jeopardize national sovereignty and human rights.

According to the report, these deals grant the US sweeping surveillance powers over local health systems, unannounced inspections of medical facilities, and direct access to biological samples and data. Officially, Washington claims these measures ensure compliance with the Helms Amendment-a controversial US law that bans foreign assistance funds from being used for abortion services.

However, rights groups and global health experts argue that the clauses mask a deeper agenda of strategic extraction for Western pharmaceutical development.

“These agreements are a ticking time bomb,” said Ms Julia Bleckner, senior health researcher at HRW. “The US is trading health security for data and samples, leaving vulnerable populations to pay the price.”

Secret pacts and sovereignty fears

The agreements were negotiated under strict secrecy, with details only surfacing recently through whistleblowers, leaks, and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests in the US. Washington has reportedly refused to disclose the full scope of the deals, sparking outrage among African civil society organizations (CSOs) and policymakers.

The inclusion of Uganda in these pacts raises the stakes for a country heavily reliant on donor funding to run its public health sector, particularly in HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis management.

“Development aid should empower nations, not create dependencies or serve as a vehicle for strategic extraction,” Zimbabwe’s Information Secretary, Mr Nick Mangwana, told HRW, echoing a sentiment reverberating across the continent.

Historically, US foreign aid agreements have required compliance with domestic US laws, including the Helms Amendment. However, HRW notes that the late 2025 agreements take enforcement to an aggressive level. Compliance is now policed through extensive surveillance without proper privacy safeguards. More critically, the contracts state that a country’s failure to provide this data could result in the total withdrawal of funding.

For nations like Uganda, Nigeria, and Ethiopia, this creates a precarious situation where access to lifesaving medications for millions of citizens could be cut off with as little as 180 days’ notice.

Pathogen mining and pharmaceutical profits

Beyond the Helms Amendment enforcement, the agreements with Uganda, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Nigeria, and Mozambique explicitly reference “specimen sharing arrangements.” This clause legally binds recipient countries to provide the US with biological samples and data of detected pathogens with epidemic potential as a strict condition for continued health funding.

The exact terms of these pathogen-sharing arrangements have been shielded from the public. However, a draft template of the terms published by Emily Bass, an acclaimed journalist, HIV/AIDS expert, and activist, indicates that there is no guarantee African countries will receive equitable or affordable access to diagnostics, vaccines, or treatments developed from their own biological resources.

Furthermore, HRW warns that the terms of this pathogen-access system threaten to undermine ongoing, delicate negotiations at the World Health Organization (WHO). The WHO has been working to establish a global Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing System that commits member states to a fairer distribution of healthcare goods derived from shared pathogens. Analysts say the US is using its financial leverage to bypass these multilateral frameworks in favor of bilateral extraction.

Privacy safeguards ignored

The agreements have also raised red flags regarding patient privacy. The documents allow the use of citizens’ private health data without clear limits, uniform safeguards, or meaningful protections for patient confidentiality. This is particularly dangerous for several signatory African nations that still have weak or non-existent domestic data protection laws.

Alarmingly, the agreements contain no prohibition on this sensitive medical data being shared with US multinational pharmaceutical companies without patient consent. The data grab has already met resistance elsewhere; in April, Ghana abruptly withdrew from negotiations, citing deep concerns over Washington’s overreaching demands for data access.

‘Governments negotiating health assistance agreements with the United States face difficult choices,’ Ms Bleckner observed. ‘They should be wary of terms asking them to sign away their populations’ rights and push for the inclusion of civil society representatives and multilateral global health organizations like the Global Fund in deliberations.’

A shifting aid landscape

The tightening of strings on US aid comes at a time when the global funding architecture is undergoing volatile shifts. Local experts note that unexpected disruptions in aid are already crippling third-sector operations in East Africa.

Speaking on the changing dynamics of international aid, Ms Frida Nakkazi, a communication expert and development professional, previously told this publication that recent work stop orders from donors highlight an unpredictable global landscape. This has left advocacy workers and NGOs grappling with deep uncertainty on how to sustain programs.

‘The truth is, sustainable advocacy relies on funding,’ Ms Nakkazi noted. ‘The landscape of advocacy is evolving, and with the current, unexpected disruptions in aid, there is going to be a lasting impact on the work of development communicators, particularly those who are into advocacy.’

Adding a geopolitical dimension to the crisis, Mr Joel Okao Tema, a seasoned journalist and political analyst, suggested that U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration may have inadvertently played into the hands of African regimes eager to stifle internal dissent. He argued that the broad funding cuts and aggressive terms could help some African governments tame civil society organizations (CSOs) they previously viewed as rogue or overly critical.

With the stroke of a pen, Donald Trump’s termination or conditioning of foreign aid may have hit governments hard, but to CSOs, this is a devastating killer blow, Mr Okao explained.

However, he pointed out that the domestic civic space was already fractured. ‘Long before Donald Trump cut off foreign aid, CSOs in Uganda were already in crisis. Years of negative regulation, intimidation of CSO workers followed by extra-judicial action such as illegal raids on NGO offices, and covert actions… had conspired to undermine and weaken the sector,’ Mr Okao said. ‘Many CSOs that once fought to expand the democratic space have gone silent.’

As Africa grapples with the dual threats of health vulnerabilities and shrinking civic spaces, critics argue the US is prioritizing national and commercial interests over the well-being of millions. Global health advocates warn that if these agreements are enforced as written, the consequences will be dire: delayed treatments, denied care, and a catastrophic erosion of trust in global health systems.

Congratulations, Kiryowa Kiwanuka SC, on your appointment as Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs.

As Attorney General, yours has been a consequential innings. Much good has been done and much credit is owed to you.

We ask that as you hand over to your successor, you include the following unfinished business.

The Kabaziguruka decision must be urgently and fully implemented. On January 31, 2025, the Supreme Court directed the transfer to the civil courts of all civilians facing trial in the court martial, and necessarily, the release of all persons convicted by the court martial who were challenging their convictions.

More than one year later, no account of compliance has been given and dozens still languish, trapped in legal limbo.

Enforced disappearances: one ministry must own this. At a recent Uganda Law Society (ULS) function, you and former Minister of Internal Affairs Kahinda Otafiire traded blame for failure to account to the families of victims of enforced disappearances.

That public disagreement, in front of the legal fraternity, was itself an indictment. Ugandan families are waiting. The family of Sam Mugumya is waiting. ‘Not my docket’ is not an answer.

We add to this Uganda’s dismal record on torture and safe houses, on which you had a tough time before the UN Committee Against Torture (CAT) in Geneva in November 2022.

Uganda’s third periodic report to CAT is due this year. We await an official account of what happened to Eddie Mutwe.

Unresolved constitutional and electoral reform. The recommendations of the Supreme Court since as early as 2001, regarding transparent tallying processes, militarisation of elections and effective sanctions for electoral offences, all remain unresolved.

The ULS leadership crisis must be resolved, not managed. There is a governance crisis affecting lawyers and, importantly, the appointment of judicial officers.

The AG’s office, as the ministry responsible for the legal profession, cannot be a passive observer of this dysfunction.

Settlement of court judgments against government must be expedited. While the Auditor General acknowledges a substantial reduction in unsatisfied judgments, the balance of Shs400 billion is still unacceptable. The Protection of Sovereignty Act: A constitutional test is urgently required.

We commend your massive and rapid work responding to objections to this law. However the Act still carries provisions whose compatibility with Articles 29, 38, and 40 of the Constitution is doubtful.

There is an urgent and critical need for a full consultative review both for guidance to the market and also to avert unnecessary litigation in the Constitutional Court. The regulations to implement the Act should be passed urgently.

The operation of Patriotic League Uganda (PLU) under the leadership of Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba violates the Political Parties and Organisations Act (Cap. 178) (PPOA) To the extent that PLU acts as a political organisation under the PPOA, its leadership by Gen Muhoozi is a breach of the PPOA.

This Act expressly prohibits a member of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) from being a founder, promoter, or member of a political organisation; holding office in a political organisation; or engaging in canvassing in support of a candidate standing for public election sponsored by a political party or organisation.

The recent speakership race and the roll of the PLU says it all. Allocation of Nakivubo Channel to Ham Enterprises is a violation of the Constitution and should be reversed.

Article 237(2)(b) of the Constitution places in public trust all lands preserved for ecological purposes.

The allocation of the channel is a breach of the Constitution, and the building over it is an environmental disaster, as has already been seen in recent flood incidents in downtown Kampala.

It is unacceptable for the Government to use taxpayers’ monies to make good damage done by a private individual.

It is also the highest order of hypocrisy for government to demolish shacks and shanties in Lubigi swamp while ignoring the construction over Nakivubo Channel. Nobody is above the law.

The Advocates (Senior Counsel) Regulations need to be revamped: As mentioned at the burial of Peter Mulira, the revamping of the Advocates (Senior Counsel) Regulations to ensure a process that is fair, transparent and profession-led is overdue.

Mulira practised law with distinction for over five decades and died without being conferred the title. This is a symptom of a broken process.

All the best in your new posting, keeping foremost as always, that you hold public office in trust for the people and that as an advocate, it is fidelity to the law that comes first.

Edward Kato Sekabanja, Paul Mukiibi, Ronald Samuel Wanda, Kato Tumusiime, Henry Onoria, Mafabi Shaidu, Lillian A. Drabo, Peter Arinaitwe, Amanya Timothy, Sarah Bireete, Eron Kiiza, Anthony Odur, Yvonne Mpambara and Phillip Karugaba

A Ugandan construction company has petitioned government and Parliament to intervene in a dispute over a road contract in DR Congo, claiming it is owed more than Shs10.5 billion and that over 100 Ugandan workers faced arrests and deportation.

Tiger Contractors and Architects says it signed a two-year partnership in December 2024 with a Congolese contractor to modernise 20 kilometres of urban roads in Isiro City, Haut-Uele Province.

In a petition dated June 5 addressed to Parliament and government officials, the firm alleges it mobilised personnel, equipment and resources but was never paid the agreed initial $2.88 million, about Shs10.5 billion, for the first phase.

Managing director Mr Austine Moses Ssengendo said the company deployed more than 100 Ugandan workers after being assured of payment and logistical support.

According to the petition, payment was due after mobilising staff and equipment for the first four kilometres.

‘We fulfilled our part by mobilising equipment and over 100 personnel from our country across all sectors of activity,’ the company states.

However, Tiger Contractors claims the Congolese partner failed to provide agreed support, including transport, accommodation, food, medical care and payment for completed work.

As a result, Ssengendo said the firm incurred debts after renting offices, accommodation and buying materials on credit to keep the project running.

He further alleges the Congolese partner repeatedly claimed Kinshasa had not released funds, only for the Ugandan contractor to later learn payments had allegedly been made.

The petition says relations deteriorated and employees faced frequent arrests and interrogations.

‘From that point, hostile actions were clearly directed against our staff and our company,’ the petition reads.

The company alleges some workers were arrested almost daily by police, intelligence personnel and immigration officials, while others were eventually deported.

Ssengendo also claims that despite a contract specifying seven-metre road width, field conditions forced the company to widen sections to nine metres at extra cost. Work was later suspended without clear guidance on how operations would continue.

Tiger Contractors has asked government to help recover the funds and protect its interests, saying the dispute has left it facing losses and pressure from suppliers who provided materials on credit.

Officials from the Ugandan government had not commented by press time. Efforts to reach the Congolese contractor mentioned in the petition were unsuccessful.

Background

The dispute stems from the Isiro City road project in Haut-Uele Province. Tiger Contractors says it signed the agreement on December 30, 2024 after negotiations facilitated by Congolese officials. The company is now seeking diplomatic and legal intervention from Ugandan authorities to recover what it describes as unpaid dues and losses incurred.

A suspected Ebola patient admitted to Lira Regional Referral Hospital has tested negative for the virus, bringing temporary relief to the Lango Sub-region amid heightened national surveillance. However, despite medical interventions, the patient ultimately succumbed to liver failure.

The 42-year-old boda boda rider and resident of Lira City was rushed to the facility on June 6, 2026, presenting with severe symptoms mirroring Ebola Virus Disease (EVD). According to medical reports, the patient exhibited a high fever, headache, muscle pain, general body malaise, coughing, and vomiting blood.

In a statement issued on Monday, June 8, the Hospital Director, Dr. Andrew Odur, confirmed that strict Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) were immediately activated upon the patient’s arrival.

‘In line with national Ebola response protocols, the patient was safely evacuated and admitted to the hospital’s isolation unit, where comprehensive investigations were conducted under strict infection prevention and control measures,’ Dr. Odur said.

While laboratory results returned on June 7 confirmed the patient was free of Ebola, his condition deteriorated. Further clinical assessments later established that liver failure was the primary cause of his illness and the dramatic symptoms he exhibited. The hospital administration has since extended its heartfelt condolences to the deceased’s family.

The scare comes at a time when Uganda is on high alert. As of June 8, 2026, the country had registered 19 confirmed Ebola cases, including 14 imported from the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and five Ugandan nationals. The World Health Organization (WHO) has been actively supporting the country’s response, with Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus previously praising Uganda’s prompt containment actions.

Dr Odur emphasized that since the outbreak was declared, Lira Regional Referral Hospital has drastically strengthened its response mechanisms to isolate and investigate threats rapidly. He urged both health workers and the public to remain highly vigilant, memorize Ebola symptoms, and adhere to public health guidelines.

‘Lira Regional Referral Hospital remains committed to safeguarding public health through early detection, rapid response, and adherence to national disease surveillance,’ Dr. Odur maintained, urging the public to promptly report any unusual symptoms to the District Surveillance Team.

Members of the 12th Parliament are facing severe seating shortages and congestion in the legislative chambers, forcing many legislators to sit on the floor, stand in doorways, or squeeze into the public gallery.

The space crisis is worsened by the massive size of the current Parliament-bloated to over 529 members-compared to the original chamber, which was built during the colonial era to accommodate only about 80 people.

Because seating operates on a first-come, first-served basis, overflowing members of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party have frequently spilled over to occupy empty seats on the opposition side.

During plenary sessions on June 10, 2026, Speaker Jacob Marksons Oboth announced that to accommodate the overwhelming numbers, there will be “free sitting” on either side of the House, except for the front benches reserved for ministers and shadow ministers.

The congestion has reignited intense scrutiny over the stalled Shs220.2 billion new parliamentary chambers project contracted to Roko Construction Company. The project officially commenced in July 2017 but remains incomplete despite massive budget allocations.

The directive follows formal complaints from lawmakers, most notably Leader of the Opposition, Joel Ssenyonyi, who has continuously criticized the prolonged delays and questioned why the project has become a “bottomless pit.”

Mr Ssenyonyi previously questioned why the government continues to spend billions of taxpayers’ money renting office space in private buildings while a contractor was already paid to build the new chambers. He had even suggested that Parliament halt approving funds for the project due to a lack of accountability and slow progress by Roko.

Following these complaints during the May 28 plenary, Speaker Oboth-Oboth gave the Clerk to Parliament a two-week timeframe to present a comprehensive status report on the stalled project.

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

The concerns were raised during a heated district stakeholders’ meeting on Tuesday, June 9, 2026. Local leaders accused some technical officers of failing to effectively communicate crucial operational guidelines to the intended beneficiaries.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The long-awaited promise to beef up Uganda’s aircraft fleet has finally materialized after Uganda Airlines signed a Shs3.7 trillion deal with American manufacturer Boeing to acquire 10 new aircraft.

The agreement was signed in the presence of President Museveni on June 10, with Boeing set to supply the national carrier as part of its long-term growth strategy.

Acting Chief Executive Officer of Uganda Airlines, Mr Girma Wake, signed on behalf of the airline, while Boeing Executive Vice President and Head of Sales for Africa, Mr Anbessie Yitbarek, signed on behalf of the supplier.

Under the agreement, Uganda Airlines will acquire eight Boeing passenger aircraft, each with a seating capacity of 294 passengers, alongside two cargo freighters comprising a Boeing 767 wide-body converted freighter and a Boeing 737 Boeing Converted Freighter.

Officials said the acquisition forms part of a broader government strategy to expand the national carrier’s fleet, increase direct international connections, boost tourism and trade, and position Uganda as a key aviation hub in the region.

Works and Transport Minister Fred Byamukama described the project as a strategic investment that will enhance Uganda’s connectivity with the rest of the world.

‘It is a very expensive project, but the President said that we have no other option. We need to build our own airline. That is how Uganda can be connected to the rest of the world,’ he said.

He noted that the first phase of the agreement will involve the delivery of four large passenger aircraft before the remaining aircraft are delivered.

‘Today we have signed the contract, and they will first deliver four aircraft, each with the capacity to carry 294 passengers at once,’ he said.

The ministry in March secured Shs422.26 billion to support the expansion of Uganda Airlines’ fleet, at a time when the national carrier was grappling with aircraft shortages and operational disruptions on key international routes. The funding, part of a supplementary request of Shs1.696 trillion approved in December last year, was earmarked for the acquisition of 10 new aircraft aimed at strengthening the airline’s capacity and route network.

The airline has in recent months faced fleet constraints that affected its long-haul operations, including the temporary suspension of some international routes, and has been operating with a limited number of aircraft, making it vulnerable to disruptions caused by maintenance schedules and technical issues.

In February the airline was forced to cancel flights to Nigeria, London and Mumbai in India after some of its aircraft developed mechanical issues. This came after two of Uganda Airlines’ long-haul A330neo jets, which operate routes to the UK, UAE, India and Nigeria, were taken out of service for unscheduled maintenance.

By the time of the cancellation, the airline’s A330neo had been grounded since January 11 and required a new or spare engine. Another A330neo, grounded since February 19 following an engine borescope inspection, revealed cracks on the engine blades and required maintenance repairs.

As part of solutions to bridge the aircraft gap, the airline secured a Boeing Dreamliner from Ethiopian Airlines and temporarily resumed long-distance flights, underscoring the urgency of fleet expansion.

The money, secured through borrowing, was reflected in the Ministry of Finance’s February Performance of the Economy report. The report indicates that, as a result of the borrowing, government operations during February resulted in net borrowing of Shs1.22 trillion, exceeding the programmed target of Shs985.85 billion.

At the signing ceremony, Mr Byamukama said the expansion will significantly reduce Uganda’s dependence on transit hubs in other countries and increase direct flights into the country.

‘This means Uganda will be connected directly to the rest of the world. We shall bring many investors directly to Uganda. Previously, investors had to transit through other countries and make several stopovers. With the addition of these aircraft, we shall have more direct routes and connections,’ he said.

He disclosed that government is expected to make an initial payment of Shs460 billion as part of the implementation process.

‘Tomorrow, we are going to make the first deposit of Shs460 billion. The entire project will cost about Shs3.7 trillion. This money comes from taxpayers’ contributions through government revenue collections, which the President directed should be invested in expanding Uganda Airlines,’ he explained.

The minister emphasized that the aircraft acquisition aligns with government’s broader infrastructure development agenda, which includes the expansion of Entebbe International Airport and the completion of Kabalega International Airport in Hoima.

He expressed optimism that the investments would significantly increase tourist arrivals and enhance Uganda’s competitiveness in international aviation over the next decade.

‘We are finalizing Kabalega Airport and expanding Entebbe Airport. We know that within the next ten years, Uganda will be where it should be in terms of aviation development,’ Byamukama said.

He also revealed government plans to eventually introduce domestic air services to improve connectivity within Uganda.

‘Once we stabilize the expanded international operations, we shall embark on domestic flights so that Ugandans can easily fly to destinations such as Gulu, Kotido, Kidepo and Mbarara,’ he added.

Byamukama credited President Museveni’s leadership and strategic vision for driving the country’s aviation development agenda.

‘We thank the Government of Uganda and His Excellency the President for his wise leadership and for continuously giving directives that place Uganda on the map and expand the country’s economic development,’ he said.

The signing ceremony also marked the beginning of what both parties described as a long-term partnership between Uganda Airlines and Boeing.

Boeing Vice President of Sales for Africa, Anbessie Yitbarek, pledged the company’s commitment to supporting Uganda Airlines beyond aircraft supply through technical expertise, training and capacity-building programmes.

He said Boeing would work closely with Uganda Airlines to ensure sustainable growth and operational excellence as the airline expands its fleet and route network.

According to Uganda Airlines, the planned acquisition will substantially increase the airline’s capacity to serve regional, continental and intercontinental markets while supporting Uganda’s economic transformation agenda.

The airline noted that the additional aircraft will facilitate trade, tourism, investment promotion and cargo transportation, directly contributing to the implementation of Uganda Vision 2040 and the country’s aspiration of attaining sustainable middle-income status.

The ceremony attracted several high-profile government officials, including Minister of Finance Henry Musasizi; former Works and Transport Minister Gen. Katumba Wamala; former Finance Minister Matia Kasaija; Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Works and Transport Waiswa Bageya; and Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury Ramathan Ggoobi.

Also in attendance were Uganda Airlines Board Chairperson Priscilla Mirembe Sseruka and board members; Boeing Commercial Sales and Marketing Africa representative Herb Wallen; and Chargé d’Affaires of the United States Embassy in Uganda, Mikael Cleverley, among other distinguished guests.

Mob action is not concerning until it victimises someone in your circle of life. The troubling news of the murder of rugby star Sydney Gongodyo, shook the sports fraternity and rugby enthusiasts within Kampala and beyond.

He was reportedly attacked by a mob and beaten to death after he was accused of snatching a woman’s handbag. A troubling video of the incident showed a group of people beating up Gongodyo.

Some were seen using their phones to capture the moment. Police arrived at the scene to rescue the victim, but he was later pronounced dead at Mulago National Referral Hospital.

The shocking news was followed by the postponement of Sunday’s Uganda Rugby Premiership semi-final between Black Pirates and Heathens.

Gongodyo was a student at Makerere University; he played for Rugby Cranes and Stanbic Black Pirates as a forward.

He is remembered as an exceptional, committed and disciplined person who featured for the Pirates’ 2025 Premiership title win, and travelled with the squad for last week’s Enterprise Cup final against Kabras Sugar in Nairobi, Kenya.

His death is another moment of reflection on the dangers of mob action and the relevance of apprehending suspects and handing them over to responsible authorities.

Mob action involves communities taking the law into their hands, often resulting in unlawful punishment, including beatings, stoning, or even death.

In Gulu, a few years ago, a teacher was murdered by a group of boda boda riders on allegations of being a motorcycle thief.

It was later established that the victim was dating the sister of one of the boda boda riders, who did not approve of the relationship and instead incited his colleagues against his-would be in-law, leading to his death.

I believe people who frame others will never have a clear conscience, especially if their victims are killed.

In many cases, the police and the Judiciary have been on the spot for fuelling mob actions due to the lack of trust in them.

People accuse police of slow response to crime scenes, delayed arrests and lack of follow-up, yet police attribute this to limited understanding of the justice system and its procedures.

Law enforcement also faults the Judiciary, arguing that the release of suspects on bail often frustrates communities.

Who will be next if this is not addressed? Mob action is a quick solution to suspected criminal cases until you (or someone you know) are the victim.

There is urgent need to conduct community policing through law enforcement organs, swift responses to crime scenes, thorough investigations and punishment of those implicated to rebuild trust.

At least three people have been arrested during Wednesday’s Lubigi Wetland sweep by the National Environment Management Authority.

NEMA spokesperson William Lubuulwa confirmed the incident, saying the suspects – two women and one man – are detained at Lubigi Police Station where they will be picked and taken to court.

‘We thought our people had understood why they had been asked to leave. Our visit was to reask them to vacate this place,’ he said.

Some of the returnees found in the wetland were ordered to demolish the makeshift tents they had erected after NEMA razed their houses in recent operations.

Mr Lubuulwa said at least 15 families who had returned were all asked to remove their belongings.

Mr Vincent Iruumba, a traditional healer whose house was removed, said he has been staying in an abandoned container with his seven children as he looks for where to go.

‘My village is in Kibaale District in Bunyoro Sub region but I don’t have transport,’ he said.

He said he had used the Shs1 million relief money donated by Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja during her recent visit to pay school fees for the children.

‘We are relying on well wishers to get what to eat. I’m removing my property but still I will stay on streets as I wait for my children to come back from school,’ Mr Iruumba added.

Mr Ivan Balubinzi, a National Unity Platform supporter, said one of his structures was mapped out in the earlier demolition plan and was left standing in the last operation, but he was surprised when officials asked him to remove it.

‘My house was demolished and I remained with this temporary structure where I was operating a bar,’ he said.

The same bar worked as a self-created office for NUP supporters in the area, and he appealed to the party’s top executive to come to his rescue.

Locals and leaders in Bugisu sub-region have asked government to organise a public trial of suspects accused of murdering Rugby Cranes and Stanbic Black Pirates forward Sydney Gongodyo.

Gongodyo, 27, was allegedly killed by a mob in Kampala last Friday and was laid to rest at his ancestral home in Buweri Town Council, Sironko District on Tuesday.

Mr Nathan Nandala Mafabi, the 2026 FDC presidential candidate and Secretary General of Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), said Bugisu wants justice through a fair and transparent process.

‘We want to see justice done but this should also wake up the government. Instead of putting money to fight opposition, they should invest more resources in fighting criminality in the country,’ he said during the burial.

Gongodyo was hailed as a disciplined sportsman by the rugby community, arts industry and political leaders. He was a key member of the Pirates squad that won the 2025 Premiership title, a Makerere University student, and son of Mbale-based lawyer Mr James Gyabi.

Preliminary findings indicate he was subjected to mob action after being accused of snatching a handbag, though police maintain investigations are ongoing. Suspects in custody include Roden Ayebazibwe, Noordin Ssebagala and Juliet Namukose.

Umukuuka of Bugisu Cultural Institution, Mr Jude Mike Mudoma, decried the brutal killing and called for government action.

‘This presents a painful but profound lesson for our entire nation that mob justice is a blind, lawless monster that robs society of its brightest futures based entirely on unverified assumptions,’ he said.

Umukuuka Mudoma said it was unfortunate Gongodyo was killed despite pleading innocence. ‘Mobs stifle innocence and are deaf to the truth because our son is seen pleading his innocence, but the mob appears to deliberately not listen to reason or look for evidence,’ he said.

He urged police and judiciary to handle the case expeditiously. ‘The arrest of the suspects must lead to swift, public convictions to serve as a stark warning across the country that mob participation results in severe consequences,’ Mr Mudoma said.

Mr Steven Masiga, researcher and spokesperson for Bugisu Cultural Institution, said they will not relent until justice is done.

‘We demand a full open and public trial and it should take place in the very place that the deceased was killed from,’ he said.

A public trial is a constitutional guarantee ensuring criminal proceedings are conducted in open court for transparency and fairness. It allows the community to observe justice and protects the accused from secret trials.

Mr Gyabi eulogised his son as hardworking, disciplined and a lover of rugby.

‘I have lost my son and I had a lot of hope in him. Although he had a big name and was a huge phenomenon in the Rugby game, he remained a son to me, to my family and clan,’ he said.

He added, ‘He was a very obedient boy except when it came to the game of Rugby because I didn’t support his decision to play Rugby but in his death I have realized I was wrong and he was right. I will miss him.’

The deceased is survived by a wife and two children.