Category: Daily Monitor

When Uganda announced temporary restrictions along parts of its border with the Democratic Republic of Congo following the resurgence of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, many people viewed the move as the country’s strongest defence against the disease.

Border controls, screening points, surveillance systems and movement restrictions are important.

They help reduce the risk of cross-border transmission and buy valuable time for health authorities.

But Uganda’s experience with Ebola has shown that outbreaks are rarely defeated at border posts. They are defeated in communities.

They are defeated in villages where trusted volunteers walk door-to-door dispelling myths.

They are defeated in crowded trading centres where local leaders convince families to report symptoms early.

They are defeated in schools, churches, mosques, refugee settlements, taxi parks, and burial grounds where ordinary people begin trusting health messages over fear, misinformation, and stigma.

That is where the real battle now lies. With borders partially shut and movement tightly controlled, Uganda’s Ebola response is entering a phase where community-based interventions will determine whether the country succeeds in containing the outbreak or faces wider transmission.

The Bundibugyo strain presents a particularly difficult challenge because, unlike the Zaire strain, there is currently no approved vaccine available for widespread use.

This means that prevention, early detection, community surveillance and public cooperation become even more critical.

Past Ebola outbreaks across the region have demonstrated that fear and misinformation can spread faster than the virus itself.

Communities sometimes hide sick relatives, avoid health workers, resist contact tracing efforts or rely on unverified information circulating through social networks and informal channels.

Such actions, though often driven by fear, create opportunities for the disease to spread.

The most effective response therefore depends not only on hospitals, laboratories and emergency operations centres, but also on trust between communities and the people working to protect them.

Uganda has seen this before. Uganda Red Cross Society (URCS), like in the previous outbreaks, already has troops on ground, During Uganda’s seventh Ebola outbreak, URCS trained and deployed more than 3,000 volunteers to support risk communication, community engagement, surveillance, and contact tracing in affected districts.

The volunteers are currently supporting community sensitisation, public awareness campaigns, community-based surveillance, contact tracing support, hygiene promotion, coordination with district health teams and VHTs, screening at the points of entry and dissemination of verified public health information.

However, volunteers cannot succeed alone. Communities must be willing to listen, cooperate and support those working to keep them safe.

When volunteers visit homes, they should be welcomed. When health workers advise on preventive measures, their guidance should be followed. When rumours emerge, they should be verified before being shared. When symptoms appear, they should be reported immediately.

The coming weeks will require vigilance from all of us. Parents should talk to their children about Ebola prevention. Religious leaders should continue sharing accurate health information.

Community leaders should encourage openness and early reporting. Media organisations should prioritise facts over speculation.

Above all, communities must stand with the volunteers and frontline workers who often place themselves at risk to protect others. These individuals are not outsiders.

They are members of our communities serving on the frontlines of public health. Uganda has successfully contained Ebola outbreaks before.

The country has the experience, the expertise and the community networks needed to respond effectively.

And that is why the most important frontline in Uganda’s Ebola response is not found at a checkpoint or a border crossing. It is found in our homes, our villages, our markets, our places of worship and our communities.

Repeated bushfires are threatening efforts to restore forest cover and combat environmental degradation in Uganda’s cattle corridor district of Nakasongola, where farmers and conservationists say years of tree planting initiatives are being undone by unchecked burning practices.

Mary Namulemo, a businesswoman and farmer in Migeera Town Council, says she has twice lost an indigenous tree plantation established on her six-acre property in Nabiswera Sub-county to bushfires since 2023.

The fires, which local residents often associate with mobile livestock grazers and farm workers, have dealt a significant blow to her plans to establish an eco-farm and future eco-tourism centre.

“This is a big setback in our campaign to harness nature,” Namulemo said on Wednesday.

She added: “I have twice fallen victim to bushfires at my six-acre tree plantation in Nabiswera. My aim was to plant indigenous trees while engaging in environmentally friendly income-generating activities and eventually establish an eco-tourism centre.”

The challenge is not unique to her farm.

In the sub-counties of Katuugo, Kalungi and Wabinyonyi, district officials say bushfires frequently destroy plantation forests and natural vegetation during dry seasons, frustrating efforts to regenerate lost tree cover.

Charles Andama, Nakasongola District’s natural resources officer, said authorities have conducted repeated sensitisation campaigns in areas most affected by bushfires, but the problem persists.

“We have conducted a series of sensitisation meetings targeting communities where bushfires are common, but the vice continues, leading to destruction of vegetation and plantation forests,” he said, adding: “While we have limited control over private landowners clearing land for development, we continue to encourage tree planting and environmental conservation.”

Environmentalists argue that weak enforcement of conservation regulations on private land has contributed to widespread destruction of indigenous vegetation.

George Ssembiro, a conservationist and tree plantation owner in Wabinyonyi Sub-county, said private landowners often clear large areas of vegetation with little regard for environmental consequences.

“When all vegetation is cleared for farm development, the law should be able to take effect even if the land is privately owned,” Ssembiro said.

“According to him, “this remains a major challenge in many parts of Nakasongola, where indigenous trees have been cut down for charcoal production under the guise of land clearing.”

Since 2021, Nakasongola District has implemented a tree-planting initiative under its Go Green Campaign, requiring every household to plant at least five trees.

The programme, supported by the National Forestry Authority (NFA), aims to restore degraded landscapes and reverse years of forest loss.

However, conservationists say enforcement remains weak, with few mechanisms to ensure compliance among households and private landowners.

Ibrahim Ssentalo, a farmer in Katuugo Sub-county, believes limited public awareness about climate change has slowed conservation efforts.

District officials say the NFA supplies a significant proportion of the seedlings distributed to residents and supports awareness campaigns discouraging bush burning.

“We lose a large number of trees through bushfires, particularly in Katuugo, Wabinyonyi and Kalungi,” Andama said, noting that: “We have intensified sensitisation campaigns targeting livestock keepers and farm owners to protect existing forest cover and support tree planting efforts.”

According to Global Forest Watch data, Nakasongola lost about 44,900 hectares of tree cover between 2002 and 2024, contributing significantly to greenhouse gas emissions and reducing the area’s ability to absorb atmospheric carbon.

Environmental experts warn that deforestation, charcoal production, unsustainable livestock farming and recurrent bushfires are accelerating land degradation and worsening climate-related challenges across the district.

Uganda is estimated to have nearly 97% of its land area affected by some form of human-induced degradation, according to environmental assessments.

Conservationists say reversing the trend will require stronger law enforcement, greater community awareness and sustained investment in restoring indigenous forests.

Without those interventions, they warn, districts such as Nakasongola risk losing even more of their natural vegetation, undermining efforts to build resilience against climate change while threatening livelihoods that depend on healthy ecosystems.

Digital trade across the East African Community (EAC) has surged to $11b (Shs41.47 trillion), underscoring the region’s growing role in the global digital economy.

At the heart of this transformation, Uganda is emerging as a significant player, recording a digital trade value of $1.39b (Shs5.251 trillion) in 2024.

A report from the Eastern Africa Regional Digital Integration Project highlights Uganda’s rapid progress in e-commerce and digital services.

While the country ranks second only to Kenya in regional digital trade, the findings also reveal a heavy reliance on imported digital services, a reminder that Uganda’s digital economy is still more consumer-driven than producer-led.

The Eastern Africa Regional Digital Integration Project report offers a detailed picture of how Uganda and the wider region are positioning themselves within the fast-growing global digital economy.

For Uganda, the report by e-commerce expert Sammy Mulanga highlights both major progress and significant challenges as the country seeks to strengthen its role in regional e-commerce and digital trade.

Mulanga report shows that Uganda recorded digitally delivered service exports worth $285m (1.074 trillion) in 2024, while imports stood at $1.11b, giving the country a total digital trade value of $1.39b (Shs5.251 trillion).

These figures place Uganda among the leading digital economies in East Africa, second only to Kenya.

However, the large gap between exports and imports underscores Uganda’s growing dependence on imported digital services, showing that the country remains more of a consumer than a producer.

Digital transformation

Uganda’s digital economy is being driven by increased internet penetration, rapid fintech growth, mobile money adoption, and investments in ICT infrastructure.

Government has intensified efforts to align digital transformation with the country’s broader socio-economic development agenda.

A key policy framework supporting this transition is the Digital Transformation Roadmap, launched in August 2023 by the Ministry of ICT with support from the United Nations Development Programme.

The roadmap sets ambitious targets, including achieving a 90 percent digital literacy rate and nationwide broadband coverage by 2040.

ICT permanent secretary Aminah Zawedde says the framework is aligned with the Fourth National Development Plan, the Ten-Fold Growth Strategy, the 2026/27 Budget Strategy, and the Digital Uganda Vision 2040, demonstrating government’s intention to integrate digital transformation into Uganda’s long-term economic development strategy.

To support this vision, Uganda’s digital infrastructure has seen significant growth in recent years.

Data from Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) indicates that the national fibre capacity increased from 28,353 km in 2021 to over 62,900 km in 2025.

Additionally, mobile subscriptions surged to 57.3 million, and mobile internet users reached 18.5 million. It’s also important to note that fixed internet connections have continued to expand, especially among businesses.

Uganda’s digital payments landscape is experiencing significant growth, with over 35 million active mobile money users and annual transaction values nearing sh70 trillion.

This expansion has laid a solid groundwork for e-commerce and digital trade, especially through social media platforms such as WhatsApp, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

The Eastern Africa Regional Digital Integration Project report also highlights regional trends, showing that Eastern Africa’s digital economy is expanding rapidly, largely driven by mobile money adoption.

‘By 2023, the region had more than 294 million registered mobile money users and nearly 100 percent SIM penetration, positioning Eastern Africa among the world leaders in digital financial inclusion,’ reads the report in part.

To address challenges, the Eastern Africa Regional Digital Integration Project is focusing on harmonising regional digital trade frameworks under the African Continental Free Trade Area Protocol on Digital Trade.

Regional performance

Regionally, Kenya remains the digital leader, recording exports worth $1.8b and imports worth $2.17b, pushing it to a total trade value of $3.9b.

Uganda follows, followed by Tanzania with exports of $472m and imports of $629m, giving a total of $1.1b. Rwanda, South Sudan, Burundi, Somalia, and DR Congo follow.

Rwanda registered total digital trade worth $163m, while South Sudan posted $191m, Burundi $102m, and Somalia $1.04b (entirely imports).

DR Congo recorded one of the region’s largest imbalances, with exports of just $4m against imports of $3.12b.

UCC head of public and international relations Ibrahim Bbosa says Uganda’s digital economy has evolved beyond basic connectivity to enable real digital transactions and active participation in regional trade.

He stresses that integration between regional systems will be essential for seamless cross-border transactions with markets.

Digital barriers

Despite notable progress, Uganda’s private sector continues to highlight obstacles slowing digital adoption.

High smartphone taxes and costly internet remain major hurdles, limiting participation in e-commerce, especially among young people who depend on entry-level devices. Reducing these costs is seen as vital for building a more inclusive digital economy.

Digital policy experts warn that taxation and regulatory fragmentation could undermine Uganda’s ambitions.

CIO-CxO Digital Leadership Forum executive secretary Gideon Nkurunungi argues that reverse taxation has quietly stifled marketplace growth by shifting compliance costs onto platforms and consumers.

He suggests that Uganda should prioritise tax incentives, lower transaction levies, and stronger infrastructure support to allow platforms to scale before imposing heavier taxes.

Cybersecurity is also a critical concern. Johnson Tumusiime, the National Information Technology Authority manager of governance and risk, says Uganda’s national framework is designed to integrate Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) into the digital ecosystem.

This, he notes, is essential for building resilience and trust in the country’s expanding digital economy.

The cancellation of national Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations at Namugongo over Ebola concerns has left traders, food vendors and hospitality operators counting losses after investing heavily in anticipation of the annual pilgrimage.

The June 3 event typically attracts hundreds of thousands of pilgrims to the Catholic and Anglican shrines at Namugongo, generating significant business for local enterprises ranging from guest houses and restaurants to transport operators and informal vendors.

This year’s celebrations, however, were restricted following government and church decisions to suspend the traditional national gathering as a precaution against the spread of Ebola.

Many traders who had already stocked merchandise and secured selling spaces near the Catholic shrine said customer numbers fell far short of expectations.

Denis Abada, who operates a recreation centre near the Catholic shrine, said the cancellation had significantly affected business.

“Losses are there because we normally benefit from the large numbers of pilgrims who come to Namugongo during Martyrs Day,” he said.

Abada said the facility usually hosts entertainment activities and receives bookings from visitors during the pilgrimage period.

“We had received bookings, but after the announcement that the celebrations had been cancelled, many clients withdrew and stopped making reservations,” he said.

According to Abada, the business typically earns about Shs20 million during the annual event.

The pilgrimage has long served as an important source of income for local businesses, with food vendors, accommodation facilities and temporary market operators relying on the influx of visitors.

Rashida Nalongo, who runs a restaurant opposite the main entrance to the Catholic shrine, said she had purchased large quantities of food in preparation for the celebrations.

“We expected to earn money to support our families and pay school fees for our children, but the cancellation has left us with losses,” she said.

The government and religious leaders suspended the national celebrations following concerns over Ebola cases linked to cross-border transmission from the neighbouring Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Health authorities said the restrictions were intended to reduce the risk of disease transmission associated with large public gatherings.

Among those affected were temporary vendors who had already paid for business spaces near the shrine.

Rosette Namugga, a chapati vendor, said she paid Shs250,000 for a small trading space and hired two workers ahead of the celebrations.

“The money was not refunded after the cancellation. I also have workers whom I must continue paying,” she said.

Local leaders urged residents and traders to comply with public health measures despite the economic impact.

Isaac Lumanyika, the newly elected chancellor of Namugongo Buloli, said the restrictions were necessary to protect public health.

“Normally we expect many pilgrims to join us in Namugongo, but because of Ebola the celebration was restricted to invited guests. The community should understand the reasons behind the decision,” he said.

He expressed hope that the annual pilgrimage would return to its normal scale next year if public health conditions permit.

Uganda Martyrs Day commemorates a group of Christian converts executed between 1885 and 1887 on the orders of Kabaka Mwanga II and is one of the largest religious events in East Africa, attracting pilgrims from across Uganda and neighbouring countries.

Dr Lawrence Muganga (PhD), a State Minister for Internal Affairs-designate, has commenced on the process to renounce his Canadian citizenship after appearing before the Parliament Appointment Committee on June 2, Daily Monitor has learnt.

The Parliament Appointments Committee chaired by Speaker Markson Jacobs Oboth rejected Mr Muganga’s appointment allegedly on grounds of failing to avail evidence that he renounced his multiple citizenships of Canada and Rwanda.

Mr Muganga was not convinced by the decision of the committee, accusing the deputy speaker of Parliament, Mr Thomas Tayebwa of discriminating against him on ethnic basis.

‘We have it ON RECORD – Hon. @Thomas_Tayebwa’s own words: ‘In every vetting session we have to fail someone, and this time it had to be you, Mr Muganga.’ Read that again. This rejection was decided before the process even began. It was never about passports, qualifications, or integrity. It was personal. It was calculated. It was discriminatory. And in due course, we shall release the audio that proves it,’ Mr Muganga posted on his X social media platform.

Dropping dual citizenship

A day before he appeared for vetting, he kick-started the process of renouncing his Canadian citizenship. In a June 1 letter to the Chief Citizenship and Immigration Control Office, Mr Muganga initiated the process of voluntarily renouncing his Canadian citizenship with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

‘This decision has been made freely and deliberately. My intention is to hold a single citizenship, being a Ugandan citizenship, which I hold by right of birth, and which reflects my permanent roots, my national identity, and my enduring commitment to Uganda,’ reads part of the letter.

He further informed the officer that he had formally submitted his renunciation application to IRCC in Canada, in accordance with Section 9 of the Citizenship Act of Canada, which allows an adult refugee who has clocked 18 years of age to freely change their citizenship.

‘Upon approval of my renunciation by the Canadian authorities, I will hold Ugandan citizenship. I will no longer possess or benefit from any dual citizenship status… I am ready to provide any additional documents that may be required, including a certified copy of the IRCC renunciation approval once it is issued,’ the letter adds.

‘I am writing to formally forward the attached Notice of Renunciation of Canadian Citizenship and Retention of Ugandan Citizenship to your office for your consideration. I have been informed that the Canadian Consulate in Uganda is currently closed as a result of the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the country,’ reads part of the notice.

It adds: ‘As a direct consequence of this closure, I understand that any correspondence or information intended for the Consulate or your office must now be submitted by email. For this reason, I have sent this formal notice to you electronically, and it is attached here for your consideration.

I kindly request that you acknowledge receipt of this email at your earliest convenience.’ Speaking to Daily Monitor yesterday, Dr Muganga said he is a Ugandan by birth.

‘I was born here in Uganda but went to work in Rwanda but some opportunities required me to be a Rwandan. So, I had to get that citizenship. Then when I got further opportunities in Canada, I had to renounce Rwandan citizenship. While I held two citizenships (for Uganda and Canada) but now I only hold one,’ he said.

All the three passports Dr Muganga held, including that of Uganda (expires on February 18, 2031), of Rwanda (expired in 2014), and of Canada (expired in 2019) indicate that he was born on February 14, 1976 in Mukono District, Uganda.

However, in September 10, 2021, while on NTV’s On the spot talk show hosted by Mr Patrick Kamara, Dr Muganga said he was born in Butaleja District, eastern Uganda.

And the next year, his parents returned to their home in Lwabenge in Masaka District where he started school at Kibisi Primary School in 1983.

He also said he had three citizenship (Uganda, Rwanda and Canada). ‘I graduated in Uganda on April 5, 2002. I tried to look for a job in this country – in my country. I couldn’t get a job. I have a sister in Rwanda who called me and said ‘You can get a job in this country. Please, come’.

So, I crossed over and went to Rwanda. I had my passport from Uganda. I went to Rwanda and fortunately, I got a job as an internal auditor in Rwanda Revenue Authority from 2003 to 2005 before getting an opportunity to do a Master’s degree,’ Dr Muganga told Mr Kamara.

‘Before that, keep in mind, everyone, anyone to get and keep in Rwanda, you need to get their national ID, you need to get their passport. And that is what I did through the recommendation of my sister and a person called Nyumba Kumi, who is like an LC 1 of that country. Then I got a national ID and a Rwandan passport,’ he said.

He said he got the Rwanda travel documents and ID because he was desperate to get a job to help his family and parents. In September 2021, Mr Muganga was arrested by operatives of Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (which was later renamed Defence Intelligence and Security) at Victoria University over espionage and working in Uganda without a work permit. He was later released.

The then spokesperson of the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control, Mr Jacob Siminyu, said Dr Muganga automatically lost his Ugandan citizenship after he obtained dual or multiple citizenships of other countries without informing Immigration in Uganda.

‘He doesn’t have a certificate [from the Immigration Board] approving him to obtain citizenship elsewhere, therefore he lost his Ugandan citizenship,’ he said then.

Mr Siminyu said any Ugandan who obtains dual or multiple citizenships without getting a certificate of approval from Uganda, is considered to have made false declaration and automatically loses his Ugandan citizenship.

Mr Siminyu said Dr Muganga became a foreigner in Uganda, and had to acquire a work permit to operate or do any work in Uganda.

He said Dr Muganga’s immigration case is still being handled by the relevant authorities.

However, he said if a person, who obtained another citizenship without their approval reports himself or herself to them and seeks remedies, he or she may be helped without any sanctions.

The Bronze Division was never supposed to attract this much attention. Yet with one round left before the playoffs, UKA Japan Motors-backed Pak Shaheens have become one of the stories of the season, preserving their unbeaten record with a clinical four-wicket victory over fellow contenders Chennai CC at Florida Oval in Njeru on May 31.

Chasing 194, the Shaheens looked to be losing altitude after slipping to 82 for five. But captain Mohammed Raheel Sarwar and opener Sunil Kumar refused to panic.

Raheel struck a composed 35 while Kumar anchored the innings with an unbeaten 94 as the pair rebuilt through a decisive 62-run partnership before Simon Okecho (15*) calmly guided the chase home.

“We were under a lot of pressure after collapsing early,” Raheel said.

“I am happy I took responsibility alongside Sunil. But the job is not over. We have to finish it on Sunday (June 7) against Iganga and maintain our unbeaten run.”

All-round display

Earlier, Pak Shaheens’ disciplined attack restricted Chennai to 193, with Abdul Basit Habib taking three wickets while Raheel and Akbar Ahmad claimed two apiece.

The victory leaves the Shaheens top of Bronze Division Group B with an unbeaten record and promotion firmly within reach.

A win over lowly Iganga this Sunday would not only preserve their perfect season but also set up a semifinal against Group A runners-up Tornado. Anything less would hand them a meeting with Centurion A.

More importantly, Pak Shaheens are proving that the lower divisions are no longer a home for ordinary cricket. Many of the league’s emerging talents now feature in ambitious new clubs eager to climb the pyramid.

For the Shaheens, promotion remains the objective. Doing it without losing a single game would make the flight even sweeter.

Gold staying pure

Elsewhere, weather continued to play its part across the league, with the Gold Division clashes between Ceylon Lions and Mukono Warriors at Lugogo, and Rounders against JACC, both abandoned because of unplayable conditions.

Tornado Bees, however, returned to winning ways with a crushing 60-run victory over Aboojo after defending a modest 105 in Entebbe, bowling their opponents out for just 45.

In the Silver Division, Soroti City piled up 324 before hammering St. John’s SS Mukono by 148 runs on May 29, while Avengers collected maximum points after their fixture against Nile was decided by forfeit on May 30.

CU MEN’S 50-OVER LEAGUE 2026

Matchday 14 – Results

Gold Division

Ceylon Lions vs. Mukono Warriors

Match Abandoned

Tornado Bees 105/10 | Aboojo CC 45/10

Tornado won by 60 runs

Rounders vs. JACC

Match Abandoned

Silver Division

Soroti City 324/10 | St John’s SS 176/10

Soroti won by 148 runs

Avengers vs. Nile

Avengers win by forfeit

Bronze Division

Chennai CC 193/10 | Pak Shaheens CC 194/6

Pak Shaheens won by 4 wickets

THE UTILITY

Unbeaten Flight. Bronze Division cricket is increasingly becoming a breeding ground for some of Uganda’s strongest club sides. Pak Shaheens have combined experienced players, smart recruitment and fearless cricket to challenge the old assumption that quality exists only in the upper tiers.

KEY NUMBERS

94 – Runs by Sunil Kumar*

62 – Partnership between Kumar and Raheel

35 – Runs by captain Mohammed Raheel Sarwar

3 – Wickets by Abdul Basit Habib

4 – Consecutive unbeaten matches

1 – Win needed to complete the regular season unbeaten

The former minister of Internal Affairs, Maj Gen (rtd) Kahinda Otafiire, who directed the police to protect a car bond investor cutting down acres of a forest in Mukono District, has been appointed the head of the Ministry of Water and Environment that was fighting to save the trees.

The Ministry of Water and Environment alongside the National Forest Authority (NFA) and National Agricultural Research Organisation (Naro) are battling in court with the Victorious Car Bond, which wants to take over 114.9 hectares of Kifu Central Forest Reserve land in Mukono District.

Sources, who preferred anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue, said the fight to save Kifu Central Forest Reserve land might become difficult due to lack of goodwill from the political side.

One source said they have an uphill task to convince the new political leadership at the helm of saving Kifu Central Forest Reserve that it is very critical to the environment in the central region.

On Monday after appearing before the Parliament Vetting Committee, Gen Otafiire didn’t entertain any questions about his new deployment in the Ministry of Water and Environment, saying he was still in the transit lounge and once he reaches there, he would be able to tell what awaits him.

Efforts to get a comment from him were futile by press time yesterday. In 2017, Victorious Car Bond claimed ownership of 114.9 hectares of the 1,419- hectare forest reserve located in Nama and Mpoma sub counties in Mukono District.

The car bond is said to have obtained land titles for the forested land from the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development.

The investors claimed that the forest had been degazzeted since it was near urban areas. But the government had earlier rejected proposals to degazetted the central forest reserve for human development.

Part of Kifu Central Reserve Forest was licensed by the National Forestry Authority to the National Forestry Resources Research Institute (NaFORRI), a public research arm of the National Agricultural Research Organisation (Naro), to study local trees and protect the catchment area of Lake Victoria.

When the ownership wrangle escalated, the NFA and Naro asked the police and the army to protect the forest from encroachment.

The security personnel blocked the destruction of the forest and research centre. Victorious Car Bond owners petitioned the then Minister of Internal Affairs, Gen Otafiire, claiming that the police were illegally deployed to prevent them from developing their land.

In a letter dated October 17, 2025, Gen Otafiire wrote to the police directing them not to interfere with the investor’s operations.

‘Anyone with objection to their proprietorship or occupancy of the land, ought to pursue the same in courts of law and refrain from misusing Uganda Police.

Police does not decide on land matters, it only protects decisions of the Ministry of Lands and courts of law,’ Gen Otafiire wrote to the Inspector General of Police Abas Byakagaba.

The police withdrew their forces.

In November last year, the workers of Victorious Car Bond started cutting down part of the central forest reserve, which they say they acquired from the Ministry of Land, Housing and Urban Development.

But the Ministry of Water and Environment says that an individual can’t own part of the forest, which has not been degazetted.

The Ministry of Water and Environment wrote to the Inspector General of Police seeking urgent deployment of officers to save the forest reserve and agricultural research centre that Victorious Car Bond had started destroying.

Naro also rushed to the High Court where it secured an interim order halting the cutting down on the trees.

Injunction

In December 2025 interim injunction order issued by Judge Stephen Mubiru, Victorious Car Bond activities on Kifu Central Forest Reserve land FRV 1585 Folio 23, Block 535 Plot 219 at Malaje and Kasayi, Kaggwe, Mukono, were halted until the case has been disposed of.

‘It is hereby ordered that the respondent, its servants, agents, employees, assignees, successors in title and such other persons claiming under it, are hereby restrained from dealing in, transacting, alienating, developing, or in any way destroying or interfering with applicant’s property, research trials and natural forest found on land comprised in Kifu Central Forest Reserve (specifically the area claimed by the respondent under Freehold Certificate of Title FRV 1585 Folio 23, Block 535 Plot 219 at Malaje and Kasayi, Kaggwe, Mukono until the final hearing and determination/disposal of the main application,’ the court interim injunction reads.

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.