Category: Daily Monitor

About 110km west of Kampala City, hundreds of people spend long hours in pit mines earning a living in Kassanda District.

While a large proportion of artisanal and small-scale miners remain in the informal sector, many are optimistic about the proposed mineral markets and buying centres.

Under the Mineral Markets and Buying Centres Regulations 2026, the government is pushing for the establishment of mineral markets and buying centres in mining districts.

However, some artisanal and small-scale miners argue that the regulations and guidelines governing the facilities should be transparent, non-discriminatory, and accessible to all.

Ms Anna Kobusingye Kibwika, a member of the Mubende United Miners Assembly, said while miners welcome the government’s initiative to establish mineral markets and buying centres closer to mining areas, including the proposed facility in Kassanda District, the centres should also help address many challenges facing the industry.

‘The mineral industry is infiltrated with scammers, unrealistic middlemen, and unscrupulous traders taking advantage of the existing gaps within the mineral industry. The local artisanal and small-scale miners should have representatives at the management level of the markets and buying centres,’ she said.

Puzzle of markets

In Kassanda and Mubende districts, hundreds of artisanal and small-scale miners are concerned about unscrupulous middlemen who could seek to undermine the authority of the gazetted mineral markets and buying centres.

Mr Baker Kabala, a small-scale miner at Kitumbi Gold Mines, wants the government to clarify the issue of standard market prices.

‘Because gold is among the most precious minerals, scammers and speculators have always taken advantage of the market by determining the price of gold. We want the mineral markets and buying centres to stay clear of unscrupulous traders by sticking to the set guidelines and standards,’ he told this publication.

However, Ms Agnes Alaba, the commissioner for Mines and Geological Survey at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, said the proposed one-stop mineral hubs are intended to protect miners from exploitation, illicit financial flows, and fraud within the mining industry.

‘The mineral markets and buying centres will promote fair prices, transparency, and security against exploitation. Illicit financial flows and fraud-related activities in the mineral trade will effectively be checked after the successful establishment of one-stop mineral hubs,’ she said during a stakeholder meeting held at Bukuya Town Council in Kassanda District in May 2026.

The one-stop hubs will operate under the Mineral Markets Regulations 2026, enacted under the Mining and Minerals Act 2022, and will be established in selected regions with significant mineral deposits.

For the Mubende-Kassanda mining region, the mineral market and buying centre will be located in Bukuya Town Council.

Some artisanal and small-scale miners claim the industry has long relied on speculators who influence market prices and trading practices while encouraging fraudulent activities that undermine fair trade in gold and other minerals mined in Kassanda, Mubende, and other mineral-rich areas.

‘The government has, in the past, remained silent and protective of gold traders. Unscrupulous traders have always taken advantage of the many existing gaps in the mining industry to dictate market prices,’ said Mr Abdul Kaliisa, a member of the Mubende United Miners Assembly (MUMA).

Licensed investors

This publication has learnt that under the new guidelines, only licensed investors and individual dealers will be allowed to trade at the one-stop hubs.

All mineral transactions will take place at government-regulated buying centres, with trading hours ending at 5pm.

For compliance purposes, the one-stop mineral markets and buying centres will be the only authorised trading centres where buyers and sellers can access information on market trends for specified minerals.

Government officials from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development say only refined gold will be traded to improve monitoring of the country’s mineral industry.

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.

The government has announced a nationwide recruitment exercise for 10,200 personnel into the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), with the process set to run between June and July 2026.

The recruitment programme was communicated through a circular issued by the Office of the President following a formal request from the Chief of Joint Staff, Lt Gen Jack Agonza Bakasumba, who said the exercise will target holders of Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) and Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE), with preference given to candidates with science backgrounds.

“The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces is scheduled to conduct a nationwide general recruitment of 10,200 personnel comprising holders of UCE and UACE with a bias in sciences,” Lt Gen Bakasumba stated in a letter dated May 22, 2026.

He appealed for support from local government leaders to mobilise eligible applicants and facilitate the recruitment exercise.

“Pursuant to the above, this is to seek your indulgence to inform the Resident District Commissioners to mobilise the population in their respective areas to apply, as well as supporting the physical recruitment exercise at respective centres when due,” he added.

Following the request, the Office of the President directed all Resident District Commissioners (RDCs), Deputy RDCs, City Commissioners, and Deputy City Commissioners to spearhead mobilisation efforts and oversee implementation of the recruitment guidelines.

In a circular signed by the Secretary to the Office of the President Haji Yunus Kakande, district leaders were instructed to encourage eligible youth to participate in the exercise.

“All Resident District Commissioners/City Commissioners and Deputy Resident District Commissioners/Deputy City Commissioners are required to mobilise the eligible population in their respective jurisdictions to apply for recruitment in accordance with the prescribed UPDF recruitment guidelines and requirements,” Mr Kakande stated.

He further tasked District Security Committees with coordinating and supporting recruitment activities at designated centres.

“As Chairpersons of the District Security Committees, you are required to coordinate and provide the necessary support towards the conduct of the physical recruitment exercise at the designated recruitment centres within your areas of jurisdiction,” he added.

According to the recruitment roadmap, online applications will run from June 10 to June 24, 2026. District and city authorities will then upload and display lists of shortlisted candidates on official notice boards and the UPDF website between July 1 and July 14.

The physical recruitment exercise is scheduled to commence on July 20 at designated recruitment centres across the country, where successful candidates will undergo final selection procedures.

Officials say the phased process is intended to enhance transparency, improve coordination and ensure wider national participation.

The Directorate of Defence Public Information (DDPI) confirmed that a detailed briefing on the recruitment exercise would be issued at the Uganda Media Centre.

In a departure from previous recruitment exercises, the Kampala Metropolitan Area, comprising Kampala City and Wakiso District, will receive special consideration. Successful applicants from each division of Kampala City will be interviewed on specific dates at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds.

Similarly, constituencies including Busiro North, Busiro South, Nansana Municipality, Makindye-Ssabagabo and Kira Municipality will be treated as independent recruitment units and accorded the same status as districts during the selection process.

The latest recruitment comes against the backdrop of past complaints of corruption, favouritism and irregularities that prompted calls from legislators and members of the public for investigations and repeat exercises in some areas.

UPDF officials say new safeguards have been introduced to curb corruption and strengthen accountability throughout the recruitment process.

The exercise is expected to attract a large number of applicants, partly due to recent salary enhancements for lower-ranking soldiers approved by Parliament.

Under the revised salary structure, a Private is expected to earn Shs828,426 per month, up from Shs650,000, while a Corporal will earn about Shs1 million monthly.

The improved remuneration means that some entry-level soldiers will earn more than many graduate employees in the public service, making military service increasingly attractive to young Ugandans seeking employment opportunities.

However, the salary enhancements are also expected to increase the army’s wage bill to more than Shs1 trillion in the 2026/2027 financial year, adding pressure on government expenditure at a time when the economy is facing fiscal constraints and reduced donor support.

Salary Increment in the proposed pay rise

A private will earn Shs828,426 from the current pay of Shs650,000

A lance Corporal will earn Shs1.03m from Shs825000

A corporal will earn Shs1.2m

A sergeant will be earning from Shs900,000 to Shs1.3m

A staff sergeant will earn Shs1.59m

Warrant officer class 2 will earn Shs1.85m

Warrant officer class 1 will get Shs2.09m

President Museveni Thursday delivered a pivotal State of the Nation Address at the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, charting Uganda’s strategic path forward following his recent inauguration for another five-year term.

Addressing the newly inaugurated 12th Parliament, Mr Museveni focused heavily on economic sovereignty, industrialization, and wealth creation. The address comes on the heels of major legislative updates, including the newly enacted Protection of Sovereignty Bill, 2026, which Museveni emphasized would secure Uganda’s independent economic trajectory without alienating foreign investment.

“Uganda’s economy has established its foundation,” the President stated, calling on lawmakers to align the national budget with grassroots wealth creation initiatives. He urged the new legislators to champion patriotism training to foster civic responsibility and safeguard the country’s socio-economic gains.

The address officially opens the first session of the 12th Parliament, setting a firm, growth-oriented legislative tone as Uganda navigates its newly structured political and economic landscape.

Politics often teaches us to focus on victories and forget the lessons that come from defeat Election winners make headlines.

Those who lose are frequently viewed as having reached the end of their public journey. Yet some of the most important lessons in leadership emerge not from success, but from how individuals respond to disappointment.

The recent appointment of David Bahati as minister of State for Trade, Industry and Cooperatives (Industry) and his designation as an ex-officio member of Parliament presents such a lesson.

For many years, Bahati occupied important positions in Uganda’s public life. He served as Member of Parliament for Ndorwa County West Constituency, treasurer of the NRM Parliamentary Caucus, vice chairperson of the NRM Parliamentary Caucus, minister of State for Finance, Planning and Economic Development (Planning), and later minister responsible for Industry.

Like many leaders before him, he also experienced political setbacks. Following the NRM primaries, he lost his bid for re-election.

He subsequently contested as an independent candidate and lost again in the general election. To many observers, that appeared to mark the conclusion of a long chapter in public service.

Politics can sometimes be unforgiving. Society often treats defeat as the final verdict on a leader’s future.

Yet public service is larger than elections, and leadership is often measured by what one does after setbacks rather than during moments of success.

President Museveni’s decision to appoint Bahati back into government is therefore not merely a political appointment.

It is also a reminder that experience, institutional memory and commitment to service remain valuable national assets. Beyond politics, however, there is another aspect of this story that deserves reflection.

For many years, Bahati has served as chairman of the Parliamentary National Prayer Breakfast, bringing together leaders from different backgrounds around principles of faith, integrity and servant leadership.

Having worked closely with him through this platform, I have come to appreciate the role that faith has played in shaping his outlook on leadership and life. One particular experience remains vivid in my memory.

On a trip to attend this year’s Kenya National Prayer Breakfast, held on May 29, I had the opportunity to travel with Bahati and spend time reflecting on leadership, faith and public service.

As we discussed the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences that had shaped his public life over the years, I asked him a simple question: “What do you believe has been the defining factor behind your journey and the responsibilities that have been entrusted to you?” His answer was immediate and characteristically simple.

“It is the grace of God.”

There was no lengthy explanation. No attempt to attribute his journey solely to political skill, professional achievement or personal effort.

Instead, there was a quiet acknowledgment that beyond qualifications, experience and hard work, God’s favour had played a central role in opening doors and sustaining him through different seasons of public service.

Bahati’s appointment carries a lesson beyond politics. It reminds us that defeat is not necessarily final. It reminds us that leadership is not defined by a single election cycle.

It reminds us that experience remains valuable even after electoral disappointment. And for people of faith, it reminds us that grace often operates in ways that human calculations cannot fully explain.

Above all, however, this moment invites reflection on a truth that extends far beyond politics: public office may come and go, victories and defeats may alternate, but character, faith and commitment to service endure.

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.

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