Category: Daily Monitor

Civil Society group Little Hands Go Green in partnership with the Commonwealth Games Federation of Uganda (CWGF-U), National Forestry Authority (NFA), and the Ministry of Water and Environment undertook a soft launch of the Commonwealth Forest Initiative (CFI) in Mabira Forest, Buikwe District on Thursday.

As part of the launch, 74 indigenous trees were planted in Mabira Forest to represent the 74 nations and territories of the Commonwealth as a way to them through forest restoration, climate action, biodiversity conservation, and youth engagement. Mabira Forest is one of Uganda’s most important natural forests. It is a national treasure that supports biodiversity, regulates climate, protects water systems, provides livelihoods, and serves as an ecological classroom for present and future generations.

“The trees will serve as a living symbol of unity, shared responsibility, and collective action in addressing the global climate crisis,” Joseph Masembe, the Team Leader at Little Hands Go Green, said.

“The CFI is designed to extend far beyond the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. It aims to establish Mabira Forest as the permanent home of a growing Commonwealth Forest where participating nations can plant commemorative trees in honour of their athletes and para-athletes, creating a lasting environmental legacy that strengthens the bond between sport, nature, and sustainable development. Just as athletes train for excellence, we must also work consistently to restore and protect our forests,” he added.

Masembe, who founded the organisation in 2012, believes that major sporting events must not only inspire excellence in competition but also contribute positively to climate action and environmental stewardship.

“This is a timely initiative to green our sports. It fits within our goal to keep the environment sustained and mitigate the adverse effects of what climate change is doing,” Commonwealth Sport and CWGF-U president Donald Rukare, who was flanked by officials and staff from the CWGF-U, said.

This initiative, which has children at the heart of it, is built around three important actions: Plant, Protect, and Inspire.

It seeks to recognize each tree planted by an athlete or para-athlete as a living symbol of commitment, discipline, resilience, and responsibility.

“When children learn to plant and protect trees, they grow up understanding that nature is part of their future,” Derrick Rukundo, the regional forest officer, who represented Permanent Secretary

Ministry of Water and Environment Alfred Okot Okidi at the function, said.

Hon. Emmanuel Biara Wephukulu, Member of Parliament for Bulambuli Constitutency who did a Bachelor of Science Degree in Forestry from Makerere University re-echoed the same message with examples.

“Uganda and where I come in Bulambuli, we have been affected by mudslides and floods since 2010. These have spread from Bududa across the Elgon area. You experience the adverse effects of weather through floods in Kampala too.

“So, I come here to appreciate the efforts of the Commonwealth Games Association and Little Hands Go Green. When we use young ambassadors to appreciate afforestation, we are building the real force to reckon with in conservation and mitigation of climate change effects. Joseph always says that the brains of kids are like wet cement, what you tell them stays there forever,” Wephukulu said.

The effects of climate change are vast and also a reality in Ugandan sports. In fact the national netball team She Cranes, who will represent Uganda in Glasgow, were in the past years victims of cancelled training sessions due to heavy rains.

In the wider sports spectrum, even match schedules across various sports are affected by climate change. Issues of how athletes travel and dispose off waste are some of the concerns in the conservation debate.

An emotional scene unfolded at the Uganda Martyrs Catholic Shrine in Namugongo yesterday when security and health personnel turned away a Congolese man who had travelled to the shrine seeking prayers for healing amid heightened restrictions linked to Ebola concerns.

The man, whose identity could not immediately be established, arrived at the shrine on a boda boda motorcycle accompanied by a caretaker.

However, upon reaching the entrance, the pair were denied access and instructed to leave.

Witnesses said the caretaker attempted to help the visibly weak man dismount the motorcycle before security personnel intervened and ordered them to turn back.

The caretaker, who spoke amid tears, said his relative had battled an unexplained illness for several years despite seeking treatment from various health facilities.

‘My relative has been sick for the last five years. We have gone to different hospitals, but there has been no improvement. Doctors have not been able to identify what is wrong with him. That is why I brought him here for prayers and healing,’ he said.

According to the caretaker, the patient was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) but grew up in Uganda.

Having exhausted medical options, he said, the family had turned to faith in the hope of finding relief.

‘We did not know where else to go. We believed that by coming here, he could receive healing through the prayers of the Uganda Martyrs. We thought today would be the day things changed for him, but now we have been turned away,’ he said.

Efforts to obtain an official explanation from security personnel at the shrine were unsuccessful, as those on duty said they were not authorised to speak to the media.

The incident occurred as authorities maintained strict health measures at Namugongo following the cancellation of this year’s public Uganda Martyrs’ Day celebrations due to concerns over the Ebola outbreak in the neighbouring DRC.

Although public access to the shrines was heavily restricted, limited prayer services continued under tight health protocols.

At the Catholic shrine, organisers disinfected chairs and designated worship areas after each Mass before allowing another group of worshippers to enter.

The morning rush in Arua City begins long before sunrise. By 5:00am, traders are already spreading tarpaulins along the edges of Idi Amin and Lemerijoa streets.

At Arua Central Market, youths are offloading sacks of onions, cabbages and tomatoes from Mbale and Masaka, smoked fish from South Sudan and Panyimur market. Along Adumi Road, second-hand clothes transported overnight from Kampala are also offloaded.

Women move in and out of corridors carrying charcoal stoves with cooked food for breakfast. Boda-bodas carrying shop owners, private and government workers wade in from the suburbs of Awinidiri, Mvara, Ediofe, Onduparaka and Manibe, as shop attendants and city workers sweep dust from verandas in the city’s crowded business centre.

But underneath the growing trade activity lies a problem city authorities can no longer ignore: Arua City’s acute shortage of commercial space to meet the demand of a growing population and expanding business activity.

The shortage has been compounded by the recent trade order enforcement, which has exposed the city’s inability to accommodate traders from the informal sector.

One trader facing the reality of hardship in accessing commercial space is Mr Ahmed Angulibo, who dealt in second-hand shoes on Onzivu Street in Arua City.

Mr Angulibo told Daily Monitor on Wednesday that he had failed to find an affordable room for his business, even after attempting to pool resources with colleagues.

Several traders whose kiosks were removed from the city have had to either store their merchandise in their homes or entrust it to colleagues for sale, but many have failed to secure alternative shops in city buildings.

‘I have moved to most of the landlords in the city and in the suburbs of Ediofe, Awindiri and Mvara, but I have failed to get any room. Others are telling me to wait as they improvise,’ Angulibo said.

Angulibo is not alone. Ms Zahara Namuli, who works with a local non-governmental organisation in Arua City, said their current office is not disability-friendly and they are seeking relocation to a ground floor, but have failed to find suitable space.

‘I thought it would be very simple, like in other cities where our offices are located, but this has not been the case in Arua City. I think people here need to invest more in housing in this city, especially in the central business district. There are not enough rooms to let,’ Namuli said.

The shortage of commercial housing is also visible as landlords convert lodges into shops to cash in on traders who failed to secure alternative spaces after being evicted from streets.

However, this trend raises safety concerns, as some modifications are being done on structures with weak foundations.

The crisis has become more visible following the trade order. Operations targeting roadside vending, illegal lockups and encroachment on walkways have exposed the extent to which thousands of traders operate without formal business premises.

Similarly, Ms Flavia Adokorach of Awindiri Ward, who ran a salon business, said: ‘In my search to relocate, I found a room, but I was charged Shs 350,000 per month. The landlord demanded three months’ rent upfront. I got stuck because I could not afford it.’

Ms Adokorach said some landlords have taken advantage of the trade order due to high demand for commercial space.

‘Up to now, I have failed to get a place because of lack of space and high rental charges. In the city centre, people are being charged between Shs 500,000 and 800,000 per month. This requires a stable business,’ she noted.

Transformation from municipality to city

The chairman of Arua City business community, Mr Moses Obeta, told Daily Monitor on Tuesday that the transformation of Arua Municipality into a city came with opportunities, but people were not fully prepared for them.

He welcomed the trade order and said it had improved organisation in the city compared to the previous disorder.

‘The trade order has been a good thing, but what we expect from the city now are engagements on how to move forward. We want to know about development plans. People are buying land as it used to be without understanding the physical plan. People need to know this,’ he said.

Across the city, unfinished commercial buildings stand alongside overcrowded arcades already beyond capacity.

Traders complain that available lockups are either controlled by wealthy landlords charging exorbitant rent or taken up by established businesses, locking out low-income operators.

A landlord, Mr Salim Onzima, said: ‘It is true we have few commercial buildings because of the high population. Over the years, we have been increasing rent due to high taxes and the high cost of living.’

He noted that if rental taxes were reduced, charges would also come down.

‘The rooms are charged according to size and location. Upstairs costs about Shs 250,000 to 300,000. The ground floor is about Shs 350,000 to 800,000. Some go for up to a million per month, especially supermarkets,’ he said.

The city’s plans

The Arua City Chamber of Commerce and Industry officer, Mr Silus Onzima, said they are working with the Uganda Institute of Professional Engineers and the Uganda Society of Physical Planners to improve commercial building standards.

‘We are in the process of reviewing the whole construction process. We must ensure that those who cannot afford housing are not excluded, and that commercial and residential development is balanced,’ Onzima said.

He said the city must return to the drawing board to properly organise shopping areas, parking spaces, public areas and housing.

As the sun sets at 6:30pm, Ms Lucy Anderu from Komite Village carries her fruits to catch the last customers and avoid law enforcers.

‘I know selling on the road is wrong, but where should I go?’ asks the 40-year-old fruit seller while balancing a basin of mangoes on Ediofe Road near the Social Centre Market.

‘The rent is too high for me to afford. Some lockups cost more than Shs 300,000 a month. I simply cannot afford that,’ she added.

Though there are several upcoming multi-storey commercial buildings in the city, many traders prefer ground-floor spaces, which they say are unaffordable. Such spaces are often taken by financial institutions, while customers also avoid upper floors.

This is reflected in unoccupied stalls at the Central Market, where vendors say customers do not want to climb stairs, leading to losses. Over 100 stalls remain empty.

Population pressure and business boom

With a daytime population of 480,000 and over 25,000 refugees integrated into the city, demand for both commercial and residential housing remains high in Arua City.

For many small-scale entrepreneurs, the streets are no longer a choice but the only available option, forcing them back into informal trading.

Pressure has intensified as Arua’s population and regional trade importance continue to grow. Situated near the borders of the Democratic Republic of Congo, the city has become one of northern Uganda’s busiest commercial hubs.

Cross-border traders arrive daily, increasing demand for storage facilities, shops and office space.

Yet urban infrastructure has struggled to keep pace. City authorities say the previous trade disorder is directly linked to the shortage of affordable commercial housing.

According to officials, enforcement alone cannot solve congestion unless investment in structured markets and business spaces increases.

Urban planners warn that unless the city adopts a long-term commercial housing strategy, the situation may worsen. They recommend satellite markets, incentives for affordable business structures, and stricter urban planning enforcement before illegal settlements become permanent.

By evening, as enforcement patrols withdraw, vendors quietly reclaim sections of pavements they vacated earlier in the day. Under solar lights, business resumes; a daily cycle reflecting both Arua’s economic energy and the clearest sign that it has outgrown its commercial infrastructure.

Awards ceremonies often try to find drama in announcement. This one had none to manufacture. When Christine Namulumba Kango’s name surfaced at Nanjing Restaurant on Tuesday, the room did not react like it was hearing something new. It reacted like it was confirming something already understood.

Three Fortebet Real Stars Awards in one career cycle is not coincidence anymore. It is proper structure. Kango did not frame it as arrival or dominance. She framed it as survival through repetition.

‘I am very grateful for this other milestone,’ she said, holding the award without the usual surprise that comes with first-time winners.

‘I thank the Commissioner of Prisons, Canon Dr. Johnson Byabashaija, for giving us the chance to represent Uganda. My teammates and coaches have played a big role.’

Her words moved like routine. Her record does not. This latest recognition follows wins in 2022 and 2023 – a pattern that has quietly separated her from the weekly noise of form and fluctuation.

More telling is where it came from. In Nairobi, at the East Africa Netball Championship, Prisons did not just dominate as they beat regional queens National Insurance Corporation (NIC) twice on their way to the title.

Towering Kango’s consistency was as admirable as the other three winners.

Okello un-ignorable

Football’s entry into May came from outside Uganda’s borders. Allan Okello’s influence at Young Africans SC in Tanzania now no longer reads like adaptation. It reads like ownership of space.

Seven goals in six matches was not a mere burst from the blue but a sign of someone making their mark over time. It pushed Yanga to the top of the league, edging Simba SC in a title race that rarely allows comfort. In the final count, he saw off Uganda U-17 captain Owen Mukisa and SC Villa’s Charles Lwanga.

Chemutai returns

On the track in Xiamen, Peruth Chemutai removed doubt that her comeback was still in question.

The Olympic champion’s 8:51.06 in the 3000m steeplechase helped her silence the Doubting Thomases. She also buried the ghosts of her injury memory and recent inconsistency on the track.

Beating world champion Winfred Yavi gave her and her fanbase comfort that good days lie ahead. May was her correction.

Muhirwa thinks

Like many games that require thinking caps, chess rarely rewards noise. It rewards what is built in silence. And Alvin Muhirwa’s African Junior Championship gold (U-16) fits that logic perfectly – no spectacle, just accumulation of correct decisions.

He outlasted Jacinta Mbabazi and Ronald Wabwire, but more importantly, he extended a trajectory that is starting to look less like emergence and more like arrival.

The ‘Ghetto Boy’from Kamwokya to continental podiums has been slow but irreversible.

The May Fortebet Real Stars Monthly Awards, organised by Real Stars Sports Agency led by CEO Isaac Mukasa and supported by Fortebet and Jude Colour Solutions are continuing to steadily stand the test of time.

They’re also inspiring many more athletes and June is destined to produce more.

FORTEBET REAL STARS AWARDS

Monthly Winners – May

Netball: Christine Namulumba Kango (Prisons)

Football: Allan Okello (Young Africans SC)

Athletics: Peruth Chemutai

Chess: Alvin Muhirwa

THE UTILITY

Different Methods. Kango’s control is repetition without decline. Okello’s is influence without geography. Chemutai’s is recovery without hesitation. Muhirwa’s is growth without noise. Together, they show something modern sport rarely admits openly – excellence does not look the same anymore. It behaves differently depending on the arena.

BY THE NUMBERS

3: Real Stars awards won by Kango

7: Goals by Okello in May

6: Matches played by Okello

8:51.06: Chemutai Diamond League winning time

1: African Junior Chess gold for Muhirwa

2: Wins over NIC by Prisons in East Africa final

Five European journalists, media influencers and culinary storytellers visited northern Uganda last week as part of a familiarisation tour aimed at promoting the country as a tourism destination in European markets.

The group crossed Lake Kyoga from Nakasongola District to Namasale in Amolatar District, where they were welcomed by local cultural performers before continuing their tour across the Lango sub-region.

During their stay in Amolatar, the visitors attended cultural performances, interacted with local communities and participated in traditional food experiences, including the preparation and consumption of millet porridge.

The delegation also visited the home of Uganda’s ambassador to France, Spain and Portugal, Doreen Ruth Amule, where they observed traditional food preparation methods and learned about local culinary practices.

The following day, the visitors toured Lira City’s main market, purchased local ingredients and participated in a cooking session under the guidance of local chefs before sharing a meal at Brownstone Hotel in Lira City.

The one-week familiarisation trip, held from May 23 to 29, was organised by the Embassy of Uganda in Paris in partnership with TANKE Creative Influence Agency.

The initiative forms part of the embassy’s tourism promotion strategy aimed at increasing Uganda’s visibility in European markets through cultural, culinary, wildlife and community-based tourism experiences.

Ambassador Amule said the embassy has adopted tourism diplomacy as part of efforts to promote Uganda internationally.

“Uganda is one of the best countries in the world with happy, warm and welcoming people,” she said.

She added: “A few years ago, many European travellers knew very little about Uganda, but through strategic tourism promotion initiatives, we are witnessing growing interest in Destination Uganda.”

According to Amule, the embassy initially targeted increasing annual tourist arrivals from its accredited countries from about 1,000 to 2,000 visitors.

She said figures from the Uganda Tourism Board indicate that more than 7,400 tourists from France have visited Uganda since 2024, compared with about 1,800 previously.

“In 2024, only about 3,500 tourists were visiting Uganda from the three countries where I am accredited; France, Spain and Portugal. This growth demonstrates the effectiveness of our tourism promotion strategy, and we have now shifted our target to 10,000 tourists,” she observed.

The visitors also participated in sport-fishing activities, a boat cruise on the Victoria Nile and wildlife viewing in Murchison Falls National Park.

“We were engaged in activities like sport-fishing. We also cruised the Victoria Nile and took part in wildlife safaris in Murchison Falls National Park,” said Spanish media influencer Alvaro Espanola.

The itinerary included visits to cultural and historical sites, including the location where Kabaka Mwanga of Buganda and Omukama Kabalega of Bunyoro were captured by British colonial forces in April 1899.

At Lira Main Market, the group interacted with traders, including Betty Ajwang, an accounting graduate who operates a business in the market.

“I feel impressed, and if they could also support me and my business, I would be pleased,” Ajwang said.

Ertan Anadol, chief executive officer of TANKE Creative Influence Agency, said the programme was designed to showcase Uganda through food, culture and local experiences.

“So this time around, we’re focusing on food. We want to bring different cultures together, and we have a cook with us preparing meals using ingredients we bought in the market here in Lira,” he said.

Anadol said culinary tourism offers an additional avenue for destination marketing by introducing potential visitors to local foods, agricultural products and cultural traditions.

The delegation also visited Wandegeya Market in Kampala, where they met local traders and community leaders.

Anadol said digital platforms have become increasingly important in tourism promotion as audiences consume more travel content online.

“Today, the best way to reach travellers is through their phones and social media platforms. Every time we organise these trips, we bring different influencer teams to Uganda, and each campaign reaches more than three million followers online,” he said.

He also noted growing interest among European travellers in destinations that promote environmental conservation and sustainable tourism.

The familiarisation trip is one of several initiatives being used by Uganda’s diplomatic missions abroad to market the country as a tourism destination and attract more international visitors.

What began as flexible work while studying evolved into a career that took Meskerem ‘Messi’ Mahari from restaurant kitchens in the US and UK to Kampala’s evolving dining scene, where she is now helping shape new ways of experiencing food and hospitality.

At Kardamom and Koffee in Kololo, the rhythm of service is never entirely predictable.

On this afternoon, the conversation moves easily between football, food, and how dining experiences are built. It is interrupted often by tasting notes, small corrections, and the clink of glassware being set down and picked up again.

At the centre of it all is Meskerem Mahari, known simply as Messi, moving between roles as organiser, collaborator, and taster. Before the formal interview begins, cocktails prepared for an upcoming Chef’s Table Africa event arrive at the table. They are passed around, sampled, and immediately discussed.

‘This is the Orchard Honey Highball,’ says bartender Preston Okot.

A brief pause follows.

‘Too sweet,’ someone says.

‘Less syrup, more soda,’ another adds.

It is less a presentation than a working session, and it reflects how she now approaches hospitality: nothing is fixed until it has been tested.

A name that stayed

Messi’s nickname often raises questions, but she is quick to clarify that it is not borrowed.

‘I was Messi before him,’ she says, referring to footballer Lionel Messi. The name comes from a shortened version of Meskerem, used within her family and later adopted more widely.

Football, however, is part of her early identity. She began playing at around five years old, encouraged by her father. She initially played as a striker before being moved into midfield.

‘At first I thought it was a demotion,’ she says. ‘But later I realised midfield suited me better. It is about reading the game.’

That idea of reading situations, adjusting quickly, and finding space where none seems obvious would later become central to her professional life.

A side job that became something more

Messi did not set out to work in hospitality.

Her entry into the industry came while she was still studying, when she took on restaurant work because it was flexible and easy to access.

‘It was never planned,’ she says. ‘You could get hired quickly, and it worked around everything else.’

What started as convenience gradually turned into routine, then responsibility. She moved from casual roles into full-time kitchen and front-of-house work, learning how restaurants operate under pressure and how different types of diners behave.

Over time, what had been a side job began to feel like a path.

Learning the trade abroad

Before returning to Uganda, Messi spent several years working in hospitality in the United States and the United Kingdom. She worked across different restaurant styles, including Italian, Jamaican, French, and Belgian kitchens. The environments were fast-paced, demanding, and often unforgiving.

‘It teaches you discipline very quickly,’ she says, adding: ‘There is no room for guesswork when service starts.’

The experience exposed her to structured systems, diverse menus, and a range of customer expectations, from everyday diners to high-profile guests. More importantly, it gave her a sense of how hospitality functions when it is treated as a serious profession rather than casual service work.

By the time she returned to Kampala in 2015, she had spent close to a decade in the industry.

Returning to a changing city

Back in Kampala, she noticed both opportunity and limitation. She points out that certain dining habits were still developing, especially around casual all-day eating and breakfast culture.

‘There were very few places focused on breakfast,’ she says.

That gap led to Holy Crepe, an all-day breakfast concept she co-founded, designed to extend breakfast beyond traditional hours and into a full dining experience. But she also observed that the industry was still defining itself.

‘There was a lot of positioning,’ she says, ‘but the systems were still catching up.’

Her view is personal, shaped by her experience abroad, and others in the industry may describe that period differently. Still, for her, it highlighted space for experimentation.

The first Chef’s Table

The idea that would later grow into Chef’s Table Africa did not begin as a business plan.

It started with a birthday dinner: one long table, close friends, a guest chef, and live music.

The atmosphere, she recalls, felt different from a typical restaurant night.

‘I thought, this could be something more,’ she says.

The first public edition followed in November 2022 at Kardamom’s garden, styled as a communal dining experience with a rotating menu and collaborative cooking. It was experimental. The format, pricing, and audience were still being tested. Chef Sholto, one of the chefs involved early on, remembers the uncertainty but also the appeal.

‘I just said I want to do the next one,’ he says.

Collaboration

From there, Chef’s Table evolved into a rotating collaboration between chefs, bartenders, and organisers.

There is no fixed selection formula, according to the team. Participants are brought in based on experience, creative direction, and willingness to work in an experimental environment.

Messi describes it as flexible rather than structured.

‘Chefs are creatives too. They need room to try things,’ she says.

But she also acknowledges the pressure it creates.

‘On paper a menu can look perfect,’ Chef Sholto says, ‘but service changes everything. It pushes you.’

The work behind the experience

Back at Kardamom, another round of drinks is tested.

‘This is for fish,’ someone explains.

Messi takes a sip.

‘Too much lime,’ she says.

A quick debate follows.

‘Cut it in half.’

‘Keep the profile, just soften it.’

Nothing is final until it is adjusted.

It is a small moment, but it reflects how the entire experience is built: iterative, collaborative, and constantly refined.

Redefining what dining feels like

Messi is careful about how she uses the term fine dining. For her, it should not be defined by exclusivity or formality.

‘It should be about attention to detail, not intimidation,’ she says.

At Kardamom, there is no dress code or minimum spend. Guests often sit at communal tables, sometimes arriving alone and leaving having met new people.

‘That’s part of it,’ she says. ‘It should feel open.’

Others involved in the project describe it as an attempt to make dining more shared than segmented.

A career still unfolding

Chef’s Table Africa has since grown beyond its original format, with conversations about expansion into other cities in the region, including Nairobi, Kigali, and Dar es Salaam.

There is no fixed timeline, and Messi is cautious about presenting it as a finished model.

Across Kampala, more chef-led dining concepts and pop-up experiences are emerging, suggesting a broader shift in how people are engaging with food.

Whether this becomes a lasting change or a passing trend is still unfolding.

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and remittance inflows declined during the second quarter of the 2025/26 financial year, while tourism receipts registered strong growth, according to the Ministry of Finance Post-Election Economic and Fiscal Update.

During the period, the Ministry of Finance indicates that FDI inflows declined by 6.8 percent to $737.8m, down from $791.88m during the same period of the previous financial year.

However, the Ministry noted that the decline was relatively modest compared to previous election cycles.

FDI fell by 8.6 percent in the quarter preceding the 2021 general elections and by 30.3 percent before the 2016 elections.

Remittance inflows from Ugandans living abroad also declined by 2.3 percent to $456.22m in the second quarter of the 2025/26 financial year, compared to $467.05m during the previous financial year.

The decline was largely attributed to weaker economic conditions in key source markets, particularly in the Middle East and Europe, which affected the earning capacity of migrant workers.

In contrast, tourism receipts recorded strong growth during the period, increasing by 13.3 percent to $395.69m from $349.19m in the same quarter of the 2024/25 financial year.

The growth was driven by higher spending per visitor, longer stays, increased international arrivals, and stronger demand for high-value leisure travel.

The report also indicates that the broader economy remained stable in the aftermath of the general elections, supported by strong economic growth, low inflation, and a stable exchange rate.

The Ministry said government remains focused on strengthening domestic revenue collection, maintaining fiscal discipline, supporting private sector development, and promoting export diversification.

Preparations for oil production have also been carefully managed to ensure that future petroleum revenues contribute to sustainable and inclusive growth.

Meanwhile, government expenditure during the third quarter of the 2025/26 financial year fell below target despite significant spending on election preparations.

Public expenditure, comprising recurrent expenses and the acquisition of non-financial assets, amounted to Shs12.282 trillion between January and March 2026, compared to the planned Shs13.672 trillion.

The lower-than-expected expenditure suggests that government finances did not come under excessive pressure from election-related spending despite the election period.

The Ministry explained that both recurrent expenditure and development spending performed below their quarterly targets.

This was partly due to the frontloading of expenditure in the second quarter of the 2025/26 financial year to finance election preparations and infrastructure projects.

As a result, funds released during the third quarter were lower than originally programmed, leading to reduced spending levels.

Total recurrent expenditure stood at Shs10.5 trillion against a target of Shs11.47 trillion, translating into a performance rate of 95.3 percent.

The shortfall was mainly recorded under purchases of goods and services, grants, and other expenditure categories.

Spending on the acquisition of non-financial assets reached Shs1.78 trillion against a planned Shs2.19 trillion, representing 81.3 percent of the quarterly target.

The Ministry attributed the underperformance largely to implementation challenges affecting externally financed development projects, including delays in meeting counterpart funding obligations and lengthy procurement processes that slowed project execution and disbursement.

As of April 2026, government had spent Shs1.508 trillion on election-related activities.

Of this amount, the Electoral Commission accounted for the largest share at Shs1.146 trillion. Uganda Police Force spent Shs347.91b, while Uganda Prisons Service spent Shs13.75b.

Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury Ramathan Ggoobi said the fiscal deficit for the 2025/26 financial year had been revised downward from 7.8 percent to 7 percent of Gross Domestic Product, which ‘reflects lower than projected expenditure outturns, particularly on externally financed projects whose performance remains low’.

‘The successful conclusion of the general elections allows us to continue strengthening the efficiency and effectiveness of fiscal policy to increase productivity and speed up the process of socio-economic transformation in line with government aspirations.’

Preliminary data show that government operations during the third quarter resulted in a fiscal deficit, or net borrowing requirement, of Shs3.74 trillion, lower than the planned deficit of Shs4.33 trillion.

The smaller deficit was mainly driven by lower-than-planned expenditure, which offset the impact of revenue and grant shortfalls.

Total revenue collections, including grants, amounted to Shs8.542 trillion during the January-March period, representing 91.5 percent of the quarterly target of Shs9.335 trillion. This translated into a shortfall of Shs792.51b.

Both domestic revenue and grants performed below target.

Domestic revenue collections reached 97.1 percent of the target of Shs8.714 trillion, resulting in a shortfall of Shs251.25b due to lower-than-expected collections from non-tax revenue sources.

Non-tax revenue recorded a shortfall of Shs372.25b against a target of Shs824.27b, mainly due to lower collections from mining fees and royalties, as well as reduced receipts from police express penalties and other sources.

However, tax revenue collections exceeded expectations, posting a surplus of Shs121b against a target of Shs7.89 trillion. The stronger performance was driven by higher-than-target collections from taxes on goods and services and taxes on incomes, profits, and gains.

Grant inflows remained significantly below target during the quarter, with government receiving Shs79.52b against a projected Shs620.78b due to lower-than-expected budget support disbursements stemming partly from compliance and administrative delays in meeting project-specific milestones.

To address the challenge, the Ministry said it is strengthening oversight mechanisms to accelerate project implementation and facilitate timely grant disbursements.

Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations were yesterday marked not by the traditional crowds at Namugongo but by thousands of Christians gathering in churches across the country due to Ebola concerns.

The government and religious leaders scaled down this year’s celebrations and encouraged worshippers to mark the day in their dioceses and parishes to minimise the risk of disease transmission following the Ebola outbreak in the region.

From Arua to Kabale, Lira to Masaka, and Jinja to Tororo, churches held special prayer services as Christians remembered the 45 Uganda Martyrs who were killed for their faith between 1885 and 1887.

At St Mary’s Assumpta Ragem Catholic Parish in Arua Diocese, Parish Priest Fr Thomas Opolot urged Christians to emulate the courage and steadfastness of the martyrs.

‘They were ready to die for their faith, something that is not easy to do. They teach us to remain courageous amid the challenges we encounter and not allow difficulties to divert us from our faith,’ Fr Opolot said.

He also appealed to worshippers to observe Ebola prevention measures and cooperate with health authorities.

At Christ the King Church in Arua City, Parish Priest Fr Pius Yobuta encouraged Christians to seek forgiveness and remain committed to righteous living.

Ms Terezina Munduru, a worshipper from Ojulua Chapel in Arua, said she had planned to travel to Namugongo to pray for her unemployed children.

‘I wanted to present my family’s challenges before God at Namugongo, but we have had to celebrate from here,’ she said.

In Koboko District, the Bishop of Madi and West Nile Diocese, Rt Rev Charles Collins Andaku, confirmed 153 believers into the Anglican faith during Martyrs’ Day celebrations.

In Masaka Diocese, Bishop Severus Jjumba urged Christians not to lose hope despite the challenges posed by disease outbreaks and other hardships.

He recalled how the diocese’s preparations to lead the national Martyrs’ Day celebrations in 2020 were disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic.

‘We have experienced this before. We should not lose hope because of challenges such as Ebola. God remains in control,’ Bishop Jjumba said.

Elsewhere in eastern Uganda, religious leaders used the occasion to condemn corruption and tribalism, describing them as threats to national unity and development.

Speaking at St Peter’s Cathedral in Tororo, Bukedi Diocese Bishop Samuel George Bogere urged Ugandans to reject ethnic divisions and embrace accountability.

‘Corruption and tribalism continue to undermine social cohesion and development. We must promote transparency, justice and service for the common good,’ he said.

In Bugiri, the bishop of East Busoga Diocese, Rt Rev Paul Hannington Suubi, called on Ugandans to set aside political differences and work together for national development.

Addressing worshippers at St Stephen’s Cathedral, he also urged Christians to support government efforts to contain Ebola.

‘We should cooperate fully with the Ministry of Health and continue praying for those affected by the disease,’ Bishop Suubi said.

At Busanzi Catholic Church in Bugiri Municipality, Rev Fr Joseph Ndase encouraged believers to remain steadfast in prayer and trust in God during difficult times.

Appeal

In Jinja City, the Dean of Bugembe Christ Cathedral, Rev Dr Joy Mukisa, delivered Martyrs’ Day messages through local radio stations, urging Christians to remain firm in their faith and draw inspiration from the sacrifice of the Uganda Martyrs.

In Lira City, hundreds of Christians gathered at Uganda Martyrs’ Cathedral for special prayers.

In Kamuli District, Parish Priest Rev Fr Ben Kyumakiyaka Wakabi said the restrictions had unexpectedly provided an opportunity for Christians to reconnect with their local faith communities.

‘Ebola has given pilgrims an opportunity to rediscover local commitment to their faith and appreciate the contribution of homegrown martyrs such as Gonzaga Gonza and Matia Mulumba,’ he said.

At St Matthew Catholic Parish in Masindi, worshippers observed social distancing while attending a special Martyrs’ Day Mass. Religious leaders urged Christians to remain steadfast despite life’s challenges.

In Mpigi District, during prayers held in remembrance of martyr Yozefu Mukasa Balikuddembe at Lusinga Village, Fr Leonard Musisi expressed concern over declining participation in church activities.

He said many believers were increasingly turning to occultism and fortune tellers instead of seeking spiritual guidance through the Church.

In Kabale District, Bishop Callist Rubaramira urged Christians to remain committed to God regardless of life’s difficulties.

At Christ the King Church in Kabale Municipality, diocesan pastoral coordinator Rev Fr Fidelis Ndagyijimana reminded worshippers that suffering is part of the Christian journey, adding that it should strengthen rather than weaken faith.

Meanwhile, at All Saints Cathedral in Mbarara City, Rev Patrick Atuhaire urged Christians to join efforts to combat corruption, describing integrity as one of the values exemplified by the Uganda Martyrs.

Driven by rising affluence, social status and passion for performance, the shift reflects a growing elite car culture, despite high taxes, poor roads and costly maintenance that still make ownership a serious commitment.

Two decades ago, seeing a luxury vehicle on Kampala’s roads was a rare occurrence. When musician Daniel Kazibwe, popularly known as Ragga Dee, released his hit song Oyagala Cash in 2004, one of the biggest attractions in the music video was a Hummer H2. At the time, such vehicles were symbols of wealth and exclusivity, owned by only a handful of people.

Today, the picture is changing. From Mercedes-Benz G-Wagons and Porsche sports cars to Rolls-Royces, Bentleys and Lamborghinis, luxury vehicles are becoming increasingly visible on Kampala’s streets, particularly in affluent neighbourhoods such as Munyonyo, Kololo and Nakasero.

While they remain beyond the reach of most Ugandans, their growing presence points to an emerging luxury car culture driven by successful entrepreneurs, celebrities and enthusiasts willing to spend heavily for exclusivity, performance and prestige.

The trend mirrors changing lifestyles among Uganda’s affluent class, where luxury vehicles have become more than a means of transport. They are increasingly viewed as symbols of success, personal identity and social status.

A show of power, passion

Few people embody this trend more than businessman Dan. Many of his vehicles carry personalised number plates bearing his initials, King AD, making them instantly recognisable.

His collection includes a Porsche 911 Turbo GT, Brabus Turbo S, Lamborghini, Aston Martin, BMW X6 M Competition, AMG G63 with a Brabus kit and Lexus LX 600, among others.

For Dan, luxury cars are less about displaying wealth and more about passion.

‘Luxury cars inspire me because of their engineering, unique design and driving experience. Since importing a 2001 Subaru Forester as my first car, I have since imported many other luxury cars over the years,’ he says.

Although he has lost count of how many vehicles he has owned, Dan says he keeps those he enjoys driving and sells others when upgrading or when a fellow enthusiast makes a worthwhile offer.

Beyond personal enjoyment, he believes the growing presence of luxury vehicles is helping shape Uganda’s automotive culture.

‘Luxury cars contribute towards making Uganda more modern and diverse in terms of automotive culture. They inspire enthusiasts not only in Uganda but across the region to explore premium vehicles for different purposes,’ he says.

The rise of social media has also amplified interest in luxury vehicles.

Photos and videos of exotic cars attract significant attention online, helping turn owners into influencers and making rare vehicles even more desirable among younger enthusiasts.

Why some stand out

Part of the attraction lies in performance. Unlike ordinary vehicles, many luxury models combine speed, engineering and exclusivity.

Mujib Tusuubira, a car dealer in Naguru, says vehicles such as the Ford Mustang GT deliver experiences that ordinary motorists rarely encounter.

‘A Mustang can accelerate from zero to 100 kilometres per hour in about four seconds because of its powerful engine and performance-oriented engineering,’ he explains.

Others, such as the Mercedes-Benz AMG G63, have built loyal followings because they combine luxury with rugged off-road capability.

According to Gilbert Wavamunno, the managing director of Spear Motors Limited, one reason the G-Wagon remains popular is its timeless design.

‘They are among the oldest four-wheel-drive vehicles still in production. Those sold in the 1980s are still on the road today. Their durability and iconic shape have made them attractive to enthusiasts across generations,’ he says.

The real cost of luxury

Owning a luxury vehicle in Uganda comes with challenges that many admirers never see.

Poor road conditions remain one of the biggest obstacles. Many performance cars, including the Porsche 911 and Nissan GT-R, have very low ground clearance, making them vulnerable to potholes, uneven roads and high-speed humps.

Maintenance presents another hurdle.

Leroy Mwamba, a mechanic at Otto Tuning in Kenya who services luxury vehicles across Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania, says prospective buyers must thoroughly investigate a vehicle’s history before making a purchase.

‘Check the ownership history, service records and mechanical condition before shipping. If there are parts that require replacement, stick to original equipment manufacturers or reputable aftermarket brands,’ Mwamba advises.

He adds that cutting corners on servicing often becomes more expensive in the long run.

‘Using high-quality lubricants and qualified technicians ensures reliability and protects the vehicle’s value.’

The limited number of mechanics with specialised knowledge of luxury vehicles also increases maintenance costs.

Spare parts and repair headaches

For Ragga Dee, who is also a luxury car importer, sourcing spare parts can be one of the most frustrating aspects of ownership.

‘No shop in Kampala sells spark plugs, fuel filters or air cleaners for a Lamborghini or Chrysler, yet these cars are here,’ he says.

He recalls an incident when a stone shattered the windscreen of his Lincoln Navigator.

‘It took me three months to find a replacement windscreen and it cost more than Shs15M. That amount can buy a used car. That is how delicate and expensive some luxury vehicles can be.’

According to Kazibwe, most spare parts are sourced from Kenya, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Dubai, Germany and the United Kingdom.

Because repair costs can be extremely high, many owners reserve their vehicles for weekends or special occasions when traffic volumes are lower, and the risk of damage is reduced.

‘Fixing a scratch on a Bentley is not something you take to an ordinary spray booth,’ he says.

The challenge of resale also remains significant. While common brands often attract buyers quickly, exotic vehicles can sit on the market for extended periods because of their high asking prices and maintenance demands.

More than just cars

While Uganda is still behind markets such as Kenya in terms of luxury dealerships, motorsport activity and specialised performance garages, the country is steadily carving out its own niche in East Africa’s luxury vehicle scene.

The growing visibility of G-Wagons, Bentleys, Porsches, Rolls-Royces and Lamborghinis reflects more than a taste for expensive machines. It speaks to a changing urban culture where success, individuality and aspiration are increasingly expressed through the vehicles people drive.

Taxing luxury

Robert Kalumba, the Public and Corporate Affairs Manager at the Uganda Revenue Authority, says taxes are calculated using the Cost, Insurance and Freight (CIF) value of a vehicle.

‘Following the East African Community Customs Management Act guidelines, we apply valuation methods sequentially, beginning with the actual transaction value and, where necessary, using the motor vehicle indicative value guide for rare models such as Lamborghinis,’ he explains.

For some luxury models, import-related taxes can account for a substantial share of the vehicle’s final cost.

Despite poor roads, expensive maintenance, high taxes and limited spare parts, Uganda’s appetite for luxury cars shows little sign of slowing.

Amolatar District LC5 chairman Maris Ogwal Omara has pledged to prioritise education during his five-year tenure following weak performance in the 2025 Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE).

Out of 2,505 Primary Seven candidates who sat for the exams, only 57 attained Division One. A total of 810 passed in Division Two, 342 in Division Three, and 608 in Division Four. Another 361 candidates failed outright (Division U), while 27 were absent.

Ogwal Omara said his administration would work with stakeholders to reorganise staffing and improve foundational learning outcomes across schools in the district.

He said head teachers and teachers would be reassigned where necessary to address performance gaps.

However, he stressed that improving education standards would require coordinated action involving school management committees and the District Education Office.

‘We will reorganise staffing and ensure better coordination among stakeholders to improve learning outcomes,’ Ogwal Omara said.

He was speaking during the handover of instructional materials under the Iceland government-funded UCatchUp Programme at the district headquarters on Tuesday.

Ogwal Omara thanked the Government of Iceland for selecting Amolatar as one of the beneficiary districts under the programme.

He urged head teachers in government-aided schools to effectively use the materials to improve academic performance.

Sarah Tyan, the area Resident District Commissioner, said the support aligns with government efforts to expand access to quality education in line with Vision 2040.

She called on school administrators to ensure that the investment translates into improved results.

District Internal Security Officer Anthony Wangada described the 2025 PLE results as poor and urged stakeholders to ensure better outcomes in future examinations.

Amolatar Chief Administrative Officer Roda Oroma said her office would support implementation of the programme to improve literacy and numeracy in lower primary classes.

Ezua Elly Baako, district support coordinator for the UCatchUp Programme, said instructional materials worth about Shs 19.4 million were distributed to schools.

He said the programme targets Primary Three to Primary Five learners in Amolatar and Kwania districts over 18 months, focusing on bridging literacy and numeracy gaps.

Baako added that teachers had also been trained during school holidays to conduct remedial lessons for struggling learners.

He said the programme could later be expanded to other districts in the Lango Sub-region if successful.