Category: Daily Monitor

President Museveni on Thursday delivered a stinging rebuke to political leaders who prioritize financial allowances over serving their constituents, declaring that the era of political complacency and self-interest is officially over.

Addressing the nation at the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds during his State of the Nation Address, the 81-year-old leader revealed his deep frustration with current leaders who demand government funds just to mobilize local populations. Reflecting on his early days in the 1960s as a 22-year-old activist, Mr Museveni who has been in power for four decades recalled how he and his late colleague Mwesigwa Black relied on a meager Shs20 donation from Mzee Byanyima to jumpstart wealth creation campaigns in the cattle corridor.

Mzee Byanyima is the father-in-law of one of Mr Museveni’s political adversaries, Dr Kizza Besigye, a four-time presidential contender who has been on remand since November 2024 when he was abducted by Ugandan security operatives from Nairobi.

“Therefore, when I hear leaders talking of allowances to reach their People and get them out of poverty, I almost get nausea,” Mr Museveni stated candidly on June 4.

He criticized politicians who stay in Kampala despite receiving government allowances, as well as those who mistakenly give personal money to constituents instead of teaching them sustainable wealth-creation methods.

‘God has kept me here and I am now 82 years old (almost) in spite of the efforts we expended in the Resistance. The most important contribution to the People was the diagnosis of their problems and the prescriptions we offered. They were enough to rouse their enthusiasm and expectations. That was the reason they massively joined the young Party we formed in 1980, known as UPM, after the Parties were, again, allowed to exist; No money given to them but accurate analysis and prescription that was a projected solution,’ he said.

The President contextualized this warning within his broader post-election directive: “no more sleep”. He clarified that this mandate is not merely about physical sleeplessness but demands an absolute end to the systemic friction choking Uganda’s socio-economic transformation. Under this rule, Museveni outlined strict targets: “no more corruption (obusi kuzi); no more Kukongola (leaning on your hoe when others are digging); no more Kugumaaza (diverting attention from real targets); and no more kutuhenda (overburdening workers while others sit idle)”.

Mr Museveni, like in other public addresses before, promised an end to “politeness to non-performers,” warning that leaders driven by personal ego and interests must vacate their positions. He noted that accurate diagnosis and prescription-not hand-outs-are what successfully transitioned 67 per cent of Ugandan homesteads into the money economy, elevating the country to a Lower Middle-Income status with a GDP of USD 69.3 billion.

According to Mr Museveni, leadership is strictly for the people and the country. He implored all leaders to “download” national development programs like the Parish Development Model (PDM) into their respective areas to secure rapid, cross-country transformation.

The story of Rolls-Royce ownership in Uganda stretches back more than 60 years. While sightings of the luxury marque are rare today, a handful of models have left a lasting mark on the country’s motoring history, from the royal fleet of Buganda Kingdom to modern SUVs owned by wealthy enthusiasts.

Among the most notable owners was the 35th Kabaka of Buganda and Uganda’s first post-independence President, Sir Edward Muteesa II. Historical records show that he owned four Rolls-Royce models: a 1936 Rolls-Royce III Series, a 1951 Silver Wraith, a 1962 Silver Cloud and a Phantom IV that was delivered to him in January 1965.

Today, the whereabouts of three of those vehicles remain unknown. The Phantom IV, however, survives as one of Uganda’s most significant automotive treasures.

The king’s Rolls-Royce

The Phantom IV returned to public attention in September 2020 when the government handed it back to Buganda Kingdom. It was later shipped to England for restoration and returned as a gift marking Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi’s 67th birthday in 2022.

According to Prince David Kintu Wasajja, who spearheaded the restoration effort, the vehicle now resides at the Buganda Kingdom palace in Mengo.

“After restoring the Rolls-Royce Phantom IV in England, it was returned to Uganda and is parked in the Buganda Kingdom palace at Mengo. It belongs to the Kabaka, and he uses it at his discretion, just like any other car in his fleet,” Wasajja says.

Manufactured in the 1950s and delivered to Muteesa II in 1965, the Phantom IV is one of the rarest Rolls-Royce models ever built. Restoring it reportedly cost about £300,000, funds largely raised through contributions from Buganda Kingdom well-wishers.

For Wasajja, the restoration was about more than preserving a vehicle.

“There was more to it than just the vehicle. It was restored in the spirit of preserving Buganda’s heritage,” he says.

When the restoration team inspected the car at the Uganda Museum, they found much of its original structure remarkably intact.

“Surprisingly, the engine still had oil. It was tested and was still as powerful as when it was manufactured. The chrome rims, front and rear bumpers and the grille were equally in good condition. Most of the work involved restoring the interior and dashboard, while the body mainly required repainting,” Wasajja recalls.

The vehicle was taken from the Buganda Kingdom palace during the 1966 attack on the palace by government forces under Milton Obote. How it eventually ended up in the Uganda Museum remains unclear.

Wasajja believes the appeal of classic Rolls-Royces lies in their timeless design.

“Vintage Rolls-Royce brands were engineered with basic technology. Almost all components were manually operated. Their beauty was in their elegance and durability. Road users would often give way simply because of their presence,” he says.

The Survivor

Another rare Rolls-Royce still residing in Uganda is a 1965 Silver Shadow owned by the daughter of a prominent businessman.

Powered by a 4.6-litre petrol engine and paired with a four-speed automatic transmission, the Silver Shadow remains one of her most cherished possessions.

“I have driven many cars and own a few, but I prefer the Silver Shadow because of its comfortable interior,” she says.

The car’s suspension and seating comfort continue to impress her despite its age.

“All the seats were made with soft springs underneath, so that when I drive over potholes or road bumps, I do not feel any discomfort. It is technology you do not find in many modern saloon cars manufactured after 2000,” she says.

The owner rarely drives the vehicle, often taking it out only once every two to four months. To keep it in good condition, she starts the engine every two days and allows it to idle so lubricants circulate throughout the engine.

Routine maintenance is carried out once or twice a year, costing between Shs1.5m and Shs2m, depending on the parts being replaced. Major components are sourced directly from the United Kingdom.

“I will keep it for as long as I can,” she says.

The modern era

While classic Rolls-Royces embody history and craftsmanship, newer models showcase the brand’s embrace of modern luxury and technology.

Moses Tayebwa (not his real name) owns a 2023 Rolls-Royce Cullinan, one of the most expensive and exclusive SUVs on Ugandan roads.

His fascination with the brand began while studying and working in Birmingham in the United Kingdom, during the early 2000s.

“The day I hitched a ride when a classmate was being picked from college after graduation, I fell in love with Rolls-Royce,” Tayebwa recalls.

Before acquiring the Cullinan in November 2025, he owned a 2014 Ghost Series II. He says the Cullinan’s higher ground clearance made it better suited to Ugandan conditions.

To him, comfort remains the vehicle’s greatest selling point.

“The comfort of the Cullinan is unequalled, especially among SUVs,” he says.

The luxury SUV is equipped with four individual bucket seats featuring massage functions and an advanced camera system that scans the road surface ahead. The system automatically adjusts ride settings and suspension height to improve comfort and help navigate uneven road surfaces.

“It is the most user-friendly feature I love about the Cullinan, given the condition of Kampala’s roads,” Tayebwa says.

He acknowledges that ownership comes at a cost. The vehicle’s large 6.7-litre engine consumes significant amounts of fuel, making it impractical as a daily driver.

Despite the expense, Tayebwa believes the experience justifies the investment.

For most Ugandans, Rolls-Royce vehicles remain a distant dream. Yet from the royal Phantom IV preserved at Mengo to a carefully maintained Silver Shadow and a modern Cullinan cruising Kampala’s streets, these rare automobiles continue to tell a unique story of luxury, history and prestige in Uganda.

Rolls-Royce models at a glance

Over more than a century, Rolls-Royce has produced some of the most recognisable luxury vehicles in automotive history, each reflecting the design language and engineering priorities of its era.

The Silver Ghost, introduced in the early 1900s, earned its reputation as ‘the best car in the world’ for its unmatched reliability and smooth performance, setting the foundation for the brand’s global prestige.

The Phantom series, launched in the 1920s and refined across generations, became the ultimate symbol of power and exclusivity, often reserved for royalty, heads of state and high-profile dignitaries. The Phantom IV, in particular, was built in extremely limited numbers for royal use only.

The Silver Cloud (1950s-1960s) marked a shift toward more refined comfort and modern styling while retaining traditional craftsmanship, making it one of the most elegant post-war Rolls-Royce models.

The Silver Shadow, introduced in the mid-1960s, was a technological leap forward with monocoque construction and improved ride comfort, bringing Rolls-Royce into a more modern driving era.

Today’s Cullinan SUV represents the brand’s evolution into contemporary luxury mobility, combining advanced technology with off-road capability while preserving the signature Rolls-Royce experience.

Stigma and discrimination remain widespread across Ugandan communities and continue to undermine efforts to combat HIV, tuberculosis (TB) and malaria, particularly among vulnerable and key populations, a new study has revealed.

The report titled Documentation of Human Rights and Equity Violations: An Assessment of Access to HIV/Aids, TB and Malaria Services by Vulnerable Populations in Uganda, conducted by the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) in March, states that stigma remains one of the biggest obstacles to healthcare access across the country.

The study, which covered 40 selected districts and cities, found that discrimination, fear of exposure and social exclusion continue to affect access to essential health services among women, children, youth, persons with disabilities, older persons, people living with HIV, and communities in hard-to-reach and enclosed settings.

‘The findings illustrate how these challenges manifest across diverse contexts and disproportionately affect vulnerable populations,’ the report states.

Beyond stigma, the report highlights persistent systemic weaknesses within the healthcare system, including recurrent drug stock-outs, staffing shortages and inadequate health infrastructure.

These challenges, according to the researchers, continue to compromise service quality and patient confidentiality.

The study documents varying forms of discrimination across districts. In Kasese District, stigma within health facilities, judgmental attitudes from some health workers and poor treatment experiences were found to discourage female sex workers, cross-border traders and young people from seeking healthcare services.

In Busia District, the report notes that truck drivers, female sex workers, men who have sex with men (MSM) and other mobile populations often avoid health facilities due to fear of being identified or targeted.

Meanwhile, fishing communities in Namayingo District face social exclusion and fear of disclosure, factors that have contributed to limited uptake of malaria prevention interventions.

The report notes that fisherfolk, youth and island communities remain particularly vulnerable to infection. In Lwengo and Kalungu districts, fear of disclosure linked to gender-based violence (GBV), household-level stigma and lack of partner support were found to undermine treatment adherence among women, adolescent girls and caregivers.

Speaking about the findings, EOC chairperson Safia Nalule Jjuuko said Uganda has made progress in controlling HIV, TB and malaria, but social and structural barriers continue to hinder efforts to eliminate the diseases.

‘The latest evidence demonstrates that HIV, TB and malaria continue to impose a heavy and unequal burden on different population groups,’ Ms Jjuuko said. ‘Uganda’s greatest remaining challenges are social, behavioural and structural.

Communities still confront stigma, discrimination, mobility constraints, gender inequality, food insecurity, harmful cultural norms, weak social support systems and geographical isolation,’ she added.

The report indicates that TB remains one of Uganda’s leading infectious killers, with an estimated 90,000 new cases recorded annually.

However, more than 30 percent of TB cases remain undetected, raising concerns about continued transmission within communities.

The HIV situation has improved considerably over the years, although challenges persist. According to the Uganda Aids Commission (UAC), the national adult HIV prevalence currently stands at 4.9 percent, with an estimated 1.5 million people living with HIV in the country.

Despite this achievement, the report notes that approximately 100 people still contract HIV every day, translating into nearly four new infections every hour.

Malaria, meanwhile, remains the leading cause of outpatient visits and hospital admissions in Uganda.

According to the report, the disease accounts for about 30 percent of outpatient visits and 20 percent of inpatient admissions nationwide.

Malaria cases

Uganda records between 12 million and 16 million malaria cases annually, with significant variations across districts.

Health advocates say addressing stigma remains critical if Uganda is to sustain gains made in the fight against HIV.

Mr Abdallah Ochoggia, the advocacy and communications specialist at the Aids Information Centre, said many people living with HIV still travel long distances to seek treatment.

‘Many people living with HIV still feel compelled to seek services in distant districts out of fear of being recognised. This disrupts continuity of care and heightens health risks,’ Mr Ochoggia said.

He argued that the Ministry of Health’s strategy of integrating HIV services into general healthcare systems could help reduce stigma and improve access to treatment.

Ms Flavia Kyomukama, the executive director of the National Forum of People Living with HIV/Aids Networks in Uganda (NAFOPHANU), said fear of disclosure remains a major challenge among people living with HIV.

‘Fear of being recognised discourages many individuals from collecting their medication in nearby health facilities,’ she said.

The script for the 2025/26 Uganda Premier League (UPL) season wasn’t supposed to end with a sea of red and white celebrating at St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende.

On the final matchday, a commanding 2-0 victory over Express sealed an incredible narrative: Vipers SC had successfully defended their crown, capturing an historic eighth league title.

Yet, looking back at where this journey began, the Venoms’ triumph feels less like a routine title defence and more like a masterclass in defiance.

Facing a disastrous start, structural league overhauls, and mounting frustrations, Vipers SC stared down adversity anchored by the unflinching bravery of their club president, Lawrence Mulindwa.

When the season kicked off, the Venoms looked nothing like the ruthless machine that local football has come to expect.

A string of disjointed performances and dropped points left them lagging behind early pacesetters.

Panic rippled through the fan base as the team lacked cohesion, and critics were quick to write off their title credentials before the first leaf of the season had even fallen.

Compounding this poor on-pitch form was the widespread frustration surrounding the structural changes and scheduling in the league format.

Across the division, clubs voiced concerns over tactical disruption, fixture congestion, and administrative bottlenecks that threatened to turn the campaign into a lottery.

For Vipers, a club that thrives on meticulous preparation and high standards, the structural chaos was an extra hurdle. Every time the team tried to build momentum, they were met by logistical or systemic roadblocks.

Lesser clubs would have folded under the dual weight of bad form and external institutional frustration. Vipers did the opposite: they built a fortress.

What followed the chaotic start will go down in UPL folklore. Rather than succumbing to the pressure, the Venoms locked in.

Under the tactical guidance of Ivan Jacky Minnaert, they embarked on a staggering 16-match unbeaten run, completely reshaping the destiny of the title race.

Slowly but surely, the gaps closed. While rivals like KCCA, Kitara and SC Villa stumbled in the decisive final stretch, Vipers discovered a ruthless streak.

They combined ironclad defensive discipline with clutch goalscoring culminating in a decisive 3-0 clearing of Maroons to put one hand on the trophy, before finishing the job against Express to finish five points clear at the summit with 67 points.

Behind every great sporting comeback is a leader who refuses to blink. For Vipers that shield and spear was Mulindwa. True leadership isn’t measured when the stadium is cheering, it is forged when the foundation is shaking.

When the initial results were poor and the system seemed stacked with frustration, Mulindwa did not hide.

While standard football administrators often panic, cycle through knee-jerk decisions, or retreat from the spotlight, the Vipers bankroller stood defiant against the new league format. His

At a time when external frustrations and format issues threatened club revenues and morale across the league, Mulindwa ensured the team wanted for nothing.

He maintained the elite, professional environment at Kitende, keeping the players insulated from outside noise.

He absorbed the immense pressure from the media and fans during the rocky start, providing the technical bench and squad the psychological breathing room required to execute an architectural turnaround.

Mulindwa remained a vocal, brave advocate for structural clarity within Ugandan football.

He demanded excellence not just from his players, but from the institutions governing the game, refusing to let administrative shortcomings of the proposed new league format compromise the integrity of his club’s ambitions.

When captain Milton Karisa finally hoisted the trophy into the Kitende sunset amidst the roaring crowds, it felt like a personal vindication for the president’s investment, stubborn belief, and sheer courage.

Vipers’ eighth league crown is undeniably special. It won’t just be remembered for the clinical goals of Yunus Sentamu, Karim Watambala, or Gusto Mulongo. It will be remembered as the championship won in the trenches.

By conquering their own poor start and outlasting a frustrating, transitional league era, the Venoms proved that their culture of winning is bulletproof steered by a president whose bravery matches the fierce identity of the club he built.

Police in Omoro District are pursuing armed suspects who attacked a mobile money outlet at Koch-Ongako Trading Centre, killing the agent and injuring two clients in a late-evening raid, authorities said.

The incident occurred a few minutes after 8:00 pm on Wednesday at Multi-Com Enterprises, located in Koch-Ongako Sub-County, about 400 metres from Koch-Ongako police station.

Witnesses said the attackers arrived on a motorcycle before two of them entered the shop while a third remained outside.

Alfred Ojok, a bodaboda rider at the trading centre, said the assailants initially posed as customers intending to deposit money.

‘One of them remained on the motorcycle, and two entered the shop, inside which two other clients were transacting,’ he told Monitor.

Ojok said the attackers then demanded cash and opened fire when the agent resisted.

‘The robber with the gun stood by the door and shot the agent multiple times. His accomplice went behind the counter and grabbed the money. The shots also injured the two other clients,’ he said.

Police said the attackers fled with an unspecified amount of money.

A police officer at Koch-Ongako police station, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the injured were taken to St Mary’s Hospital Lacor for treatment.

The officer said the mobile money agent, identified as Raymond Okello, died shortly after being shot.

‘Police officers rushed to the scene, but the attackers had already fled. We pursued them but lost track at Koch-Goma Town Council,’ the officer said.

Omoro District Police Commander Amiir Magulu declined to comment, citing ongoing investigations.

Omoro Resident District Commissioner Emmanuel Okot confirmed the incident and said security agencies had launched a joint manhunt.

‘We are pursuing the robbers with the joint efforts of the police and the UPDF soldiers,’ Okot said.

He said preliminary arrests had been made but declined to provide details, citing concerns over interference with investigations.

Security incidents involving mobile money operators have been reported in several parts of northern Uganda in recent years, often targeting cash-heavy businesses in trading centres with limited night security.

Every budget season, the discussion is usually the same. How do we attract more investment? How do we create jobs? How do we grow the economy? These are important questions.

But perhaps Uganda is overlooking one of its biggest economic assets because it does not look like a conventional investment. It is not a factory. It is not an office block. It is not a technology company.

It is nature. Uganda’s forests, wetlands, rivers, grasslands, wildlife and fertile soils quietly support agriculture, tourism, energy production, water supply and millions of livelihoods every day.

Together, they provide services worth billions of shillings annually, yet they are often treated as obstacles to development rather than assets that make development possible. This mindset is becoming increasingly costly.

When wetlands are encroached upon, flooding becomes more frequent and destructive, as seen repeatedly in Kampala and other urban centres.

When forests disappear, water catchments become degraded, affecting both water availability and hydropower generation. When soils lose fertility, farmers face declining yields and rising production costs.

The Kiteezi landfill disaster was also a painful reminder that poor environmental management carries serious human, economic and public health consequences.

Environmental degradation is no longer a distant concern discussed only by conservationists. It is increasingly affecting livelihoods, businesses, infrastructure and national development.

Nature performs functions that governments and businesses would otherwise have to replace at enormous cost. Around the world, countries are beginning to recognise the value of what economists call natural capital.

Just as businesses invest in machinery and technology to improve productivity, governments are increasingly investing in ecosystem restoration, watershed protection and sustainable land management because they generate long-term economic returns.

Global investment is already shifting in this direction. Climate finance, carbon markets, biodiversity funding and nature-based solutions are attracting growing levels of public and private investment.

Countries that protect and restore natural assets are positioning themselves to access these opportunities while strengthening resilience against climate change.

Uganda is well placed to benefit. Few countries possess such a rich combination of fertile agricultural land, freshwater resources, biodiversity and favourable climatic conditions.

Tourism contributes significantly to Uganda’s economy and depends heavily on healthy ecosystems, wildlife and landscapes.

Agriculture, which employs the majority of Ugandans, also relies directly on healthy soils, reliable rainfall and functioning watersheds.

Beyond traditional sectors, nature-based investments are creating new economic opportunities in sustainable forestry, climate-smart agriculture, ecosystem restoration, waste-to-value enterprises, renewable energy and carbon projects.

These sectors also offer growing employment opportunities for young people, particularly in rural areas where livelihoods remain closely tied to natural resources.

Yet much of this potential remains underutilised. Too often, environmental protection is viewed as a cost rather than an investment. Development and conservation are presented as competing priorities.

In reality, they are deeply connected. No economy can thrive while destroying the ecosystems that sustain it. The way forward is not to choose between development and nature. It is to plan development better.

This means enforcing environmental regulations more consistently, restoring degraded wetlands and forests, integrating natural capital into public investment decisions, and supporting communities and businesses already investing in sustainable land use, climate-smart agriculture and ecosystem restoration.

This does not mean Uganda should stop developing. Far from it. The challenge is to pursue development in ways that strengthen rather than undermine the natural systems that support prosperity.

Protecting wetlands, restoring degraded landscapes, improving soil health, promoting sustainable agriculture and investing in watershed management should not be seen as environmental luxuries.

They are economic necessities. The theme for World Environment Day 2026, ‘Inspired by Nature.

For Climate. For Our Future,’ is therefore more than a slogan. It is a reminder that nature is not separate from development. It is one of the foundations upon which development depends.

As Uganda looks for new pathways to growth, job creation and climate resilience, it should begin viewing nature not merely as a resource to be consumed, but as capital to be invested in.

Because some of the country’s most valuable assets are not found in bank accounts, factories or trading floors. They are found in the landscapes that sustain life, livelihoods and economic opportunity every day.

Upon returning as the head of the President of the Uganda Archery Federation (UAF), Richard Mcbond Asiimwe is targeting schools to ease the spread of the sport across the country, as required by the National Sports Act 2023.

‘We want to take archery to schools because they have the two most important resources: the players and the facilities. There, it may be easier for us to spread the sport to different parts of the country,’ Asiimwe said upon securing another four-year term of office during the elective assembly at the Uganda Olympic Committee on Saturday.

‘We want to start grooming school children for future Commonwealth Games, Olympics [and other major tournaments].

Asiimwe is also targeting para-archers. ‘They are also a priority because they can represent us in the Paralympic Games.’

Compliance key

UOC and Commonwealth Sport president Donald Rukare commended the archery leadership for prioritising women and PWDs. He, however, implored them to pull all strings to ensure full compliance under the National Sports Act 2023 before the June 7 deadline.

‘We shouldn’t be in sports for titles, or for money. It should be for development of the sport. Thus, your urgent priority now should be securing compliance with the law by June 7. Because if you fail and NCS deregisters you, whatever you are doing here will be in vain.’

UAF became Archery Uganda, to remain a national association, only mandated to handle amateur archery, as per the new Sports Act. (National federations are mandated to handle amateur and professional sport).

The law also requires a national association to cover 50 percent of the districts-at least 73 districts-while federations cover 75 percent, which is 109 districts.

Asiimwe said covering 50 percent is the target, but it will require more government funding. For now, archery is allocated only Shs10m. But if the association does not comply by June 7, it will lose even that little funding.

Meanwhile, Andrew Geno, the association patron, is optimistic the sport will turn that sharp corner and progress.

ARCHERY UGANDA, EXCOM

President: Mcbond Asiimwe

Vice President (admin): Peter Masaba

Vice President (Technical): Sula Blick

Secretary General: Jonathan Cula

Assistant SG: Aisha Namukwaya

Treasurer: Kenneth Opedun

REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVES

Northern: Karim Malish

Eastern: Andrew Oboth Omalla

Central: Josephine Namayanja

Western: Dan Ahimbisibwe

Kampala: Ronald Mwanje

ATHLETE REPRESENTATIVES

Male: Hamza Ndiwalana

Female: Grace Lillian Ekwaro

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION

Woman representative: Maureen Awori

A milk delivery to a feared gate in Sironko District sparked a connection that would grow into handwritten letters, long-distance conversations and years of patience.

For Mac Charles Madoyi and Patricia Onyango, love did not arrive suddenly. It unfolded slowly, one milk bottle at a time.

Although they grew up in the same sub-county of Sironko Town Council, their paths rarely crossed.

Patricia’s father, a retired District Executive Secretary (commonly known as DC), was a man of authority whose home commanded both respect and caution in the community. The compound, marked by a strict gate and firm order, was not a place young people casually accessed.

Madoyi’s family ran a dairy business. His father was known for producing and selling fresh, undiluted milk that had earned loyal customers across the area.

When Patricia’s father learnt of the quality milk, he became a regular customer, a simple decision that unknowingly opened the gate into a story that would define both their lives.

During school holidays between 1999 and 2000, Madoyi often accompanied his father on deliveries. Patricia was frequently the one receiving the milk.

‘At first it was just delivery,’ Madoyi recalls. ‘But I noticed her humility. She was different from what people assumed about children from such homes.’

Patricia remembers it differently, but just as clearly.

‘He used to bring milk during my Senior Four vacation,’ she says. ‘By Senior Six, he had already written me a letter.’

That letter changed everything.

Quiet courtship

Madoyi’s handwritten letter was detailed, expressive and, by his own admission, overly sophisticated.

‘I remember telling her that the feelings expressed in the letter were a direct replica of who I am,’ he says with a laugh.

Patricia was not immediately convinced.

‘At first I pretended not to rush into a decision,’ she says. ‘But over time I realised he was serious.’

What followed was a slow but steady courtship built on letters and occasional phone calls from public call boxes, where coins dictated the length of every conversation.

She would wait for his calls in the evenings. He would write carefully crafted letters, sometimes using complex English that left her reaching for a dictionary.

Still, it worked.

‘The English was wow,’ Patricia says, smiling.

Silent support

After Senior Six, Patricia joined National Teachers’ College Kaliro on a government sponsorship, a path Madoyi encouraged her to take.

‘I advised her mother to let her pursue education there,’ he says. ‘Little did she know I was already thinking long-term.’

Their relationship continued through letters and public phone booths. Later, Patricia got her first mobile phone, which made communication easier, though secrecy remained necessary because of her strict mother.

‘She was feared by everyone,’ Patricia recalls. ‘I would sneak out sometimes just to see him.’

Despite the distance and pressure, their bond deepened rather than weakened.

Life shifts and resilience

By 2008, Madoyi had lost his job at Sironko Progressive Secondary School following administrative changes. He relocated and stayed with Patricia, who was then teaching at Nakanyonyi Girls Secondary School in Jinja.

It was a difficult transition, but also a defining one. The couple began building life together without formal family approval.

‘We were focused on survival and growth,’ Mac says.

Introduction

After years of waiting, the couple held their introduction ceremony in November 2013 in Sironko. It was far from a small gathering. A convoy of vehicles arrived, and as word spread, friends and well-wishers poured into the gate. What began as a planned ceremony quickly turned into a large community celebration, with gomesis and kanzus filling the compound.

But behind the celebration were financial pressures.

Patricia recalls tension over bride price arrangements.

‘My parents had asked for four cows, but he brought fewer,’ she says. ‘At one point, there was even talk of cancelling the ceremony.’

She was pregnant at the time and emotionally overwhelmed, but the ceremony went on.

Despite the strain, the couple eventually cleared the balance within months.

The long wait for a wedding

Although the introduction took place in 2013, the wedding would only come a decade later.

Mac says the delay was intentional.

‘We wanted to build a home first,’ he explains. ‘People mocked us for spending on the introduction while renting, but I believed in doing things properly.’

Over the years, their financial stability improved and their support network grew stronger. When the time finally came, friends and colleagues contributed generously, pushing the celebration beyond expectations.

What had started as a modest budget eventually doubled, but the couple says they still ended the ceremony without debt.

The wedding celebration

On November 2023, Charles and Patricia were officially married at Mbale Central Seventh-day Adventist Church.

The church compound was filled with guests, vehicles and emotion.

‘At one point I asked myself if this was really my life,’ Madoyi says. ‘It was overwhelming.’

Some guests even assumed he held a high public office due to the scale of the celebration.

Lessons from counselling

During marriage counselling, the couple says they learnt that perfection does not exist in marriage.

Instead, they were taught patience, emotional support and the importance of building a peaceful home.

Advice to young couples

Madoyi encourages young people to remain focused and patient.

‘Patience, determination and persistence are key,’ he says. ‘Prayer has also been central in my journey.’

Patricia advises young women not to rush into decisions.

‘Always seek guidance through prayer before choosing a partner,’ she says.

At a glance

Groom: Mac Charles Madoyi

Bride: Patricia Onyango

Church: Mbale Central Seventh-day Adventist Church

Reception: Little Venice Hotel, Sironko

Introduction: November 25, 2013

Wedding: November 26 2023

Budget: Approx. Shs30m

Theme colours: Forest green (wedding), light blue (introduction)

Authorities in Namutumba District have resolved to deny Parish Development Model (PDM) funds to residents without pit-latrines as part of efforts to improve sanitation and curb hygiene-related diseases.

The move comes amid growing concern over poor sanitation coverage in the district, where health officials say nearly 38 percent of homesteads lack pit-latrines, exposing communities to diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and diarrhoea.

The directive was announced during the district’s commemoration of National Sanitation Week held at Bugiri Church grounds in Kagulu Sub-county at the weekend.

The event was held under the theme: ‘Accelerating safely managed sanitation for a healthier Uganda.’

The annual sanitation campaign was revitalised by the Ministry of Health in 2025 following its launch in Katanga slum in Kampala, with the aim of mobilising communities to improve hygiene and reduce preventable diseases linked to poor sanitation.

Representing the chief administrative officer, Mr Ali Balimumit, the assistant secretary in the CAO’s office, said the district would use access to PDM funds as leverage to compel households to construct pit-latrines.

‘To fight open defecation, our strict enforcement is that people without latrines will not receive PDM money,’ Mr Balimumit said.

He added that district leaders, the resident district commissioner’s office, and other stakeholders had agreed to enforce the measure during the next round of PDM disbursements.

‘PDM money is meant to improve livelihoods, but some beneficiaries are unwilling to improve sanitation in their homes. We want residents to first meet basic hygiene standards,’ he said.

Officials argue that poor sanitation is undermining government poverty alleviation programmes, with many households reportedly spending PDM funds on medical treatment for diseases associated with poor hygiene.

Mr Paul Waiswa, the deputy RDC for Namutumba, said linking sanitation to PDM eligibility was necessary because open defecation is rampant ‘People have embraced the PDM programme, so we are saying that the first qualification for receiving the money is having a toilet,’ Mr Waiswa said.

The district health officer, Dr James Kirya, warned that open defecation continues to fuel outbreaks of diseases, particularly among children.

‘Children are in hospitals suffering from diarrhoea because of poor sanitation and open defecation. Besides denying them PDM money, we are also going to arrest offenders under the Public Health Act,’ Dr Kirya said.

The district launched a sanitation enforcement campaign in March targeting households without pit-latrines.

Under the exercise, affected homes were initially given 14 days to construct toilets or face prosecution.

The campaign, supported by NGO ALBOH Uganda, has seen vulnerable households receive tools such as spades and pick mattocks to facilitate latrine construction. However, authorities say progress remains slow despite the intervention.

Cultural beliefs

Officials attribute resistance partly to poverty and cultural beliefs. According to local leaders, there are members of a certain clan who traditionally do not use pit-latrines, while others cite religious and cultural reasons for resisting sanitation measures.

Residents, however, say the cost of constructing modern washable pit-latrines is beyond the reach of many poor households. Ms Mary Nairuba, a resident, said constructing a standard washable pit-latrine costs about Shs2 million.

‘How do you expect a poor man living in a grass-thatched house to raise Shs2 million for a pit-latrine?’ she wondered.

Another resident, Mr Waiswa Kisubi of Kagulu Village, argued that denying residents PDM funds contradicts the programme’s guidelines.

‘PDM money has nothing to do with owning a pit-latrine. Government should instead give us enough time to construct them,’ he said.

Residents also appealed to the government to increase access to clean water by constructing more boreholes in underserved communities.

Despite the concerns, authorities have now extended the ultimatum to 21 days for households without pit-latrines to comply, warning that defaulters risk prosecution under the Public Health Act in addition to being excluded from future PDM funding.

Under the PDM initiative, the government sends Shs100 million in revolving funds to each parish annually to help households trapped in the subsistence economy transition into the money economy.

Hello SB, for many car owners, especially in dusty environments or busy urban settings, washing a car feels like basic maintenance done as often as possible. In places such as Kampala, where roads can quickly cover vehicles in dust, mud, and pollution residue, some drivers even wash their cars daily. While cleanliness is important, there is a point where excessive or improper washing can begin to work against the vehicle rather than protect it.

On the surface, washing a car often seems harmless. After all, removing dirt should preserve the paint, not damage it. However, the issue is not just how often a car is washed, but how it is washed and what products or methods are used.

Modern car paint is protected by a clear coat, which is a thin transparent layer that gives the car its shine and shields the underlying paint. Each time a car is washed, especially with rough sponges, dirty cloths, or low-quality brushes, there is a risk of creating micro-scratches. Over time, these tiny scratches accumulate, leading to a dull, faded appearance commonly known as swirl marks.

Frequent washing also increases exposure to detergents. Some cheap soaps or strong household cleaning agents are not designed for automotive paint. They can strip away wax and protective sealants that help repel water, dirt, and UV rays. Without this protection, the paint becomes more vulnerable to oxidation, fading, and staining.

The hidden wear

Beyond the paintwork, over-washing can affect other parts of the vehicle. Rubber seals around doors and windows, for instance, can dry out or lose flexibility if constantly exposed to water and strong detergents. This may eventually lead to leaks, wind noise, or reduced insulation against dust and heat.

Underbody washing, while important for removing mud and corrosive materials, can also become harmful if done excessively or improperly. High-pressure water jets used too frequently may force moisture into areas that are meant to remain sealed, potentially accelerating rust in hidden spots if the vehicle does not dry properly.

Electrical components can also be affected if water is repeatedly sprayed into engine bays or sensitive areas without care. While modern cars are designed with some level of water resistance, they are not built for constant soaking.

So how often is too often?

There is no universal rule for how many times a car should be washed, because conditions vary. A vehicle driven on dusty rural roads or parked under trees where birds and sap are common may need more frequent cleaning than one used mainly on clean urban roads.

However, washing a car every day is generally unnecessary unless it is exposed to extreme dirt conditions. For most vehicles, a thorough wash once a week or once every two weeks is sufficient, provided it is done correctly.

The key is not frequency alone but technique. Using clean microfiber cloths, proper car shampoo, and plenty of clean water reduces the risk of scratching. It is also important to rinse thoroughly before wiping to remove abrasive particles such as dust and sand that can act like sandpaper on the paint.

Protecting the car while keeping it clean

Instead of focusing only on frequent washing, car owners should think about protection. Applying wax or modern ceramic coatings helps create a barrier between the paint and environmental contaminants. This means dirt is less likely to stick, and the car stays cleaner for longer.

Parking habits also matter. Whenever possible, parking under shade reduces exposure to UV rays, bird droppings, and tree sap, all of which can damage paint more aggressively than washing itself.

In conclusion, washing a car is not harmful in itself. In fact, it is essential for maintaining appearance and preventing long-term corrosion. However, like many aspects of vehicle care, balance is key. Over-washing with the wrong methods can slowly degrade paint quality and affect delicate components. The smartest approach is not to wash more, but to wash better.