Category: Daily Monitor

Uganda, like many African countries, has committed itself to a range of regional and international frameworks designed to strengthen investment in key sectors such as agriculture, health, and education.

These commitments include the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP), the Maputo Declaration, the Abuja Declaration, and the Dakar Framework for Action, each of which sets specific spending targets intended to promote sustainable development and improve service delivery.

Despite repeatedly endorsing these commitments, Uganda’s actual budget allocations have consistently fallen short of the agreed benchmarks.

This gap between policy commitments and budgetary priorities raises important questions about the government’s ability and willingness to translate development pledges into tangible financial investments.

Across Africa, the gap between policy commitments and implementation remains persistent. Under the Maputo Declaration, governments committed to allocating at least 10 percent of public expenditure to agriculture; the Abuja Declaration set a target of 15 percent for health; and the Dakar Framework for Action called for a minimum of 20 percent investment in education. Yet many countries have struggled to meet or sustain these spending thresholds, even decades after adopting them.

The recent World Health Organisation (WHO) and the 2024 4th Biennial Review Report by African Union assessments show that the core concerns identified a decade ago largely persist. Most African countries remain below the Abuja target of allocating 15 percent of government expenditure to health, and the African Union’s 2024 Biennial Review concluded that the continent is not on track to meet the Malabo Declaration’s 2025 agricultural financing and productivity goals.

Uganda’s persistent failure to meet international spending commitments is rooted in a fiscal reality that leaves policymakers with little room to maneuver.

A large share of the national budget is pre-committed to debt servicing and externally financed projects before sector allocations are made, leaving limited fiscal space for the government to fund agreed priorities in health, education, and agriculture.

Much of this spending is also non-discretionary, tied to fixed obligations and project-specific financing arrangements that cannot be redirected to other sectors, meaning the government has little flexibility over how the money is spent, even when funding gaps emerge.

In the 2026/27 financial year, the government plans to finance approximately Shs12 trillion through domestic borrowing, equivalent to about 14 percent of the Shs84.3 trillion national budget.

Unlike domestic revenue, external funds are tied to predetermined projects and expenditure categories, limiting the government’s flexibility to redirect resources in response to emerging priorities or changing budgetary needs.

‘Government cannot reallocate it to health, education, or agriculture because it is tied to predetermined projects,’ explains Hilda Tumuhe, programme officer for Debt and Aid at SEATINI-Uganda.

The result, she says, is a growing mismatch between national priorities and available flexible funding. Once debt servicing and project-tied financing are deducted, the government is left with about Shs47 trillion in discretionary resources.

‘This is the money available for the government to flexibly allocate across programmes. But when you compare it to the competing priorities and expenditure demands, the fiscal space becomes very tight,’ she notes.

That pressure is now being amplified by the government’s ambitious tenfold growth strategy, which prioritises productive sectors and key enablers meant to drive economic transformation. At the same time, Uganda must still meet its debt obligations-something that is consuming an increasingly large share of the budget. In FY2026/27 alone, debt servicing is projected at Shs38.4 trillion out of Shs84.39 trillion.

‘We have a shrinking fiscal space in Uganda,’ Tumuhe says.

At the heart of the strain is a domestic revenue base that has not grown fast enough to match rising expenditure needs. While the government continues to set higher tax targets, experts warn that taxation must move in step with economic performance.

Uganda Revenue Authority is expected to collect Shs45.96 trillion in the next financial year 2026/27, up from Shs37.5 trillion this year.

‘You cannot tax an economy that is not doing well. Growth and revenue mobilisation have to move hand in hand,’ she says.

But Uganda’s tax structure adds another layer of complexity. A large share of revenue comes from indirect taxes-such as fuel levies and consumer goods taxes-which cut across all income groups. These taxes are often met with public resistance, especially when citizens feel service delivery does not reflect what they pay.

Beyond this, questions persist over tax exemptions and incentives granted to investors, with critics arguing that some may be costing the country more than they deliver in return. Tumuhe says closing these leakages and rationalising tax expenditures could unlock significant resources without increasing the burden on ordinary citizens.

Attention is also turning to emerging revenue streams, particularly oil. Government expects about Shs1.4 trillion from the Petroleum Fund in FY2026/27-modest in comparison to overall spending needs, but potentially significant if directed strategically. Yet experts caution that revenue growth alone will not fix Uganda’s fiscal challenges.

According to Tumuhe, the real test lies in how efficiently public resources are used. Persistent delays in project implementation, procurement bottlenecks, weak oversight, and corruption continue to drain value from public spending especially in debt-financed projects.

‘Improving public investment management could create additional fiscal space without necessarily increasing revenue collection,’ she argues.

Education

Government has allocated Shs6.66 trillion to the education sector, prioritising the strengthening of STEM and vocational education, improving teacher welfare, and expanding access to Universal Primary Education (UPE) amaong others.

To enhance service delivery, government rolled out the National Costed Service Delivery Standards, a framework aimed at improving budgeting, accountability, and monitoring.

However, stakeholders argue that implementation remains weak, with many schools still receiving funding below the levels required to effectively deliver quality education. Reports suggest government often falls short of minimum service delivery standards. Under the framework, the capitation grant is set at Shs23,000 per pupil and Shs123,000 for learners with special needs.

‘There is growing public frustration over government priorities, particularly in social service delivery,’ says Jenice Ishimimaana, head of advocacy and communications at Uganda Debt Network.

She argues that despite government’s characterisation of the budget as a people’s budget, many Ugandans expected greater investment in essential services such as education and health.

She further notes that although funding for UPE has been increased over the years, many schools are yet to receive the promised allocations, while the current funding levels remain insufficient to effectively deliver free and quality education.

Health

The health sector has been allocated Shs5.23 trillion, targeting maternal and child health, nutrition, immunisation, prevention of non-communicable diseases, and provision of essential medicines.

Despite the funding, the sector receives only about 6.2 percent of the national budget, well below the 15 percent Abuja Declaration target, leaving households burdened with out-of-pocket healthcare costs and the system dependent on donor support.

Agriculture

The government has allocated Shs2.26 trillion to the Agro-Industrialisation programme to support agricultural research, innovation, extension services, irrigation, agro-processing, value addition, and market access.

While the funding reflects government’s commitment to agricultural transformation, analysts question whether it is sufficient given the country’s fiscal constraints.

Economist Fred Muhumuza argues that many international spending targets were set decades ago under different economic conditions.

‘Many of these commitments were made over 20 years ago. A lot has changed, and even countries that made such pledges are struggling to meet them because the realities on the ground have changed,’ he says.

According to Aloysious Kitengo, programme coordinator at SEATINI, many of the gaps begin at the negotiation stage, where weak representation undermines the ability to effectively domesticate international commitments.

‘This all starts from negotiations. Most of our negotiators are not present in these discussions, which is why it is hard to domesticate these commitments,’ he says.

He adds that even where budget allocations appear aligned to agreed thresholds, questions remain over whether they translate into real sector outcomes.

‘When you say you’re supposed to allocate 10 percent according to the Maputo Protocol, they will tell you, ‘We have money here, we have money this side.’ When we calculate, it looks like the percentage is met on paper, but the question is: are they delivering on the objectives of the sector? Are they responding to the real needs that would actually help achieve that target?’

Elsewhere

Christina Namubiru, a Research Associate at the Civil Society Budget Advocacy Group, says while some countries are gradually improving, most are still falling short of their commitments.

‘Countries like Rwanda allocate about six percent or so, but for us we have never even gone beyond five percent. So that puts us at a disadvantage. Every time we go for those meetings and commit that we shall allocate 15 percent to health or 10 percent to agriculture, back home when we plan, it doesn’t come out as expected,’ she says.

She adds that while international commitments remain important, stronger domestic prioritisation is urgently needed.

The Inter-University Council for East Africa has wrapped up a four-country sprint to decide which universities will host the next cohort of students under the expanded EAC Scholarship Programme, a pound 9 million initiative funded by Germany.

Between June 15 and 18, IUCEA teams crisscrossed Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda, inspecting lecture halls, labs, hostels and support systems at 22 shortlisted universities. The visits mark the final vetting stage before IUCEA picks which institutions will admit scholars in Phase II of the programme.

The assessments followed an open call that drew applications from 37 IUCEA member universities. A desk review cut the list to 22, triggering the on-site inspections that ended yesterday.

What exactly were they checking? IUCEA’s teams audited academic and research capacity, student welfare services, grievance handling, and the administrative capacity needed to ensure scholars complete their programmes. The goal: guarantee that scholarship recipients land in universities equipped for quality teaching, innovation, and a smooth student experience.

In Kenya, the assessment covered Murang’a University of Technology, Dedan Kimathi University of Technology, Strathmore University, Egerton University, United States International University-Africa, Daystar University, KCA University, Kibabii University, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology, Chuka University and Kabarak University.

In Rwanda, visits were conducted at the University of Rwanda and Institut Supérieur d’Enseignement de Ruhengeri.

In Tanzania, the institutions visited were Dar es Salaam University College of Education, the Eastern Africa Statistical Training Centre, the University of Dar es Salaam, the Nelson Mandela African Institute of Science and Technology, the University of Dodoma and Sokoine University of Agriculture.

In Uganda, the exercise included Busitema University, Mbarara University of Science and Technology and Nkumba University.

The EAC Scholarship Programme is designed to fuel regional integration through student mobility, widen access to quality higher education, and build a skilled workforce to drive East Africa’s socio-economic transformation. Phase II expands that ambition with fresh German funding.

Beyond picking host institutions, IUCEA says the exercise has deepened ties with universities to advance the East African Common Higher Education Area.

Findings from this week’s assessments will determine which universities make the final cut to host the upcoming cohorts. Selected institutions will be expected to provide ‘high-quality learning environments that support academic success, innovation, and regional integration,’ IUCEA noted.

The Council reaffirmed its commitment to working with partner states, universities and development partners to build the human capital East Africa needs for sustainable growth.

For the 22 universities on the list, the next step is a waiting game. For students eyeing the scholarships, the pool of possible destinations just got clearer.

Residents of Busoga Sub-region have been urged to diversify their sources of income instead of relying solely on sugarcane farming, with experts warning that dependence on a single cash crop exposes households and the region’s economy to significant risks.

The call was made on Monday during a business training session under the Generating Growth Opportunities and Productivity for Women Enterprises (GROW) Project, which brought together more than 800 women entrepreneurs from across Busoga in Jinja City.

Busoga accounts for about 35 percent of Uganda’s sugarcane milling capacity and hosts major processing plants, including Kakira Sugar Works.

While sugarcane remains a major source of income for thousands of households, experts say its rapid expansion has contributed to environmental degradation, food insecurity, and economic vulnerability among smallholder farmers.

Speaking during the training, Enterprise Uganda Director General Mr Charles Ocici encouraged residents to explore alternative enterprises and make informed investment decisions based on market opportunities and profitability.

“As many Ugandans appreciate, the Busoga region, including the areas around Jinja City, is known for sugarcane cultivation. The land is suitable for the crop and farmers can earn money from it,” Mr Ocici said.

“However, if that one source of income faces challenges, whether in terms of market demand or processing capacity, the entire region suffers. People should not limit themselves to one crop. They should assess what other opportunities can compete with sugarcane and invest in them as well.”

Mr Ocici advised farmers and entrepreneurs to carry out proper market research before investing in any venture.

“Whatever business you choose, you must understand the market. Do not assume that because there is a sugar processor nearby, your produce will automatically be purchased. Understand the value chain and how it operates,” he said.

The training focused on business planning, financial literacy, market research, record keeping, risk assessment, and enterprise growth strategies aimed at helping women build sustainable businesses.

Mr Ocici also challenged common perceptions about business financing, noting that many entrepreneurs mistakenly believe capital can only come from grants or loans.

“There are many ways of generating capital for a business, but the most important is capital generated through profits and then reinvested. Entrepreneurs should focus on building businesses that can sustain and grow themselves,” he said.

He urged women entrepreneurs to use opportunities under the GROW Project to establish banking records and strengthen their financial credibility.

“Build a banking history. Open and actively use a bank account, make deposits and withdrawals, and establish a financial track record. With that history, you can access bigger financing opportunities in the future,” he said.

Jinja City National Resistance Movement (NRM) chairperson Mr Edwin Lufafa called on participants to apply the knowledge acquired during the training to improve livelihoods in their communities.

“I am calling upon the people of Busoga to utilise the knowledge they have gained and share it within their communities so that together we can fight poverty in our region,” Mr Lufafa said.

Several participants said the training had equipped them with practical business management skills.

Ms Edith Tukahirwa, a businesswoman with nearly three decades of entrepreneurial experience, said the training highlighted the importance of record keeping and customer retention.

“I have been in business for almost 30 years, but I have learned the importance of keeping proper records and maintaining customer relationships. I also learned that the money used in a business should be treated as business money, not personal money,” she said.

Another participant, Ms Maria Nantale, said the training had strengthened her understanding of financial discipline, savings, and accountability.

“We have always had money and resources, but many of us did not know how to save effectively, borrow responsibly, and remain accountable. These are lessons I will share with my team and community,” she said.

The GROW Project is a government initiative funded by the World Bank and implemented by the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development in partnership with the Private Sector Foundation Uganda.

The programme supports women entrepreneurs through business training, access to affordable financing, and shared production facilities aimed at helping enterprises grow from micro to small and medium-sized businesses.

Ugandans a few years ago joined the world in the tradition of marking Father’s Day, every 3rd Sunday of June. Social media has made it prominent. It celebrates the care-giving, emotional support and far-reaching influence of father figures on especially their biological children. It is also a day to focus on or condemn those who sire children and irresponsibly leave them to their mothers or society to father them.

In the home setting in patrilineal societies, fathers are viewed as leaders, teachers, providers, protectors and influencers. The main purpose of this is to prepare children into good and productive citizens, ready for the world, especially when their parents are no longer around. But on a more philosophical level father should do more than that. In preparing their children for the world, it is also incumbent upon them to prepare the world for their children.

The ideal child is basically taught to have discipline and be consistent. Develop a learning, progressive mind. Value hard and honest work. Love, respect and care for self and others, especially the vulnerable. Obey the law and those in leadership. Belong to and be a good member of society plus respect public property. At the end of the day with all these virtues, one who was properly fathered may look back and pat themselves on the back for having created or left behind a world better than the one they were born into or lived in. To make fatherhood meaningful beyond the confines of a home and nucleus or extended family, fathers should seriously reflect on these issues. If in your estimation, you have done all you should for the betterment of your children, don’t you think you waste your effort if they inherit a world worse than one you found?

The challenges facing the world today are mainly man made. High up on the list is the problem of climate change caused by the abuse of the environment. The world is facing adverse weather conditions due to increase in production and use of ozone depleting gases. Forest cover is shrinking. Wetlands are encroached etc. The world is becoming warmer and unpredictable weather disrupt agricultural plus food production pattens. You risk leaving your child in a world afflicted by drought and food scarcity. The same applies to governance issues. The rational behind corruption or stealing from the public is to horde money as a way of planning for their own children.

The trouble is that corruption affects the social safety of communities. The effects are on everyone. When young and underprivileged people are unemployed, lack basics like housing, access to food, water, clothing and shelter they become desperate. Crime may be their last resort. They may target your well brought up planned child and even kill them for their vehicle or mobile phone as a way to survival. If fathers don’t handle authority properly it endangers the future of their own children as much as that of others.

Anyone, especially those with power at whatever level who misuses it does a disservice to their own children. It opens up an account of vengeance to those who are abused and creates hatred and animosity. It is very sad if we don’t empathise with the victims of abuse and overreach. The relevance of this to any well-meaning father is that proper governance and a viable, functional society is not just an academic exercise. It is for the good of everyone, especially their own children. Ugandan fathers have to reflect on their understanding of fatherhood. Your appreciation of fatherhood should not be limited to the comfort and confines of your home. It should be an exemplary and empathetic service to society.

Canada has allowed Ugandans who are bound for deportation to reapply to stay, citing rising human rights violations in Uganda.

The Canadian government issued the relief on the deportation of Ugandans on Friday on grounds that there are serious human rights violations in Uganda.

‘Due to the evolving security and political situation in Uganda, including recent concerns about serious human rights violations, some Ugandan nationals and former residents of Uganda may face increased risks if required to return to the country. As a result, the Government of Canada is temporarily exempting some people from the usual waiting period to apply for a pre-removal risk assessment (PRRA),’ a statement by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) stated.

A foreigner in Canada whose application for asylum has been rejected has to wait for 12 months to apply for a PRRA.

A PRRA is an assessment to determine whether someone would face risks such as persecution, torture or serious harm if removed from Canada.

But the Canadian government has lifted the time limit for Ugandans who fled Uganda to Canada between June 20, 2025, and June 19, 2026, to apply for the PRRA given human rights concerns in Uganda.

Between June last year and May this year, Uganda held General Elections which many election observers and human rights groups said were marred with state-inspired violence against opposition figures and their supporters.

The 2026 General Elections observers report by the African Union, the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (Comesa), and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) shows reports of intimidation, arrests and abductions by the security forces.

‘Reports of intimidation, arrests and abductions of opposition leaders, candidates, supporters, media and civil society actors by the security forces instilled fear and eroded public trust in the electoral process,’ the report released on January 17, 2026, read.

The three institutions found the security agencies were operating outside the law and their mandate during the General Elections, and recommended that they abide by the laws.

According to the opposition, persecution has continued since the General Elections with several opposition figures arrested or abducted, including the former Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago.

Mr Lukwago, who is currently on remand, told his lawyers that he was tortured during incarceration at a non-gazetted facility.

Several Ugandans fled to Canada and other countries during the General Elections.

The Canadian government would look into the claims of such people on a case-by-case basis.

‘These changes are the result of the current political and social conditions, and are unrelated to immigration measures aimed at stopping the Ebola outbreak. Ugandan nationals and former residents of Uganda may now be eligible to apply for a PRRA if, between June 20, 2025, and June 19, 2026, they received a final negative decision on an asylum (refugee) claim from the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada; a previous PRRA application or a Federal Court decision related to their case, the statement reads.

The Canadian government’s statement paints a bad human rights record of Uganda, which might affect its tourism sector.

On October 23, 2018, Mr Museveni wrote to all security agencies and warned them to refrain from violations of rights that would damage Uganda’s image abroad.

‘The fundamental starting point is the NRA principle of being an army of the people, the masses (the farmers, the factory workers, the patriotic public servants and the Ugandans that are struggling to get a foothold in the emerging money economy) but also serving well the law-abiding foreigners that visit our country,’ Mr Museveni wrote. ‘Each of these is like our father, mother, sister, brother, son, daughter or grandchild if they are Ugandans. If they are not Ugandans, then they are our honoured guests – amafura. These must never be beaten, pushed or be barked at for any reason.’

In a development that has sent shockwaves through East Africa’s diplomatic and legal corridors, Ugandan immigration and security authorities at Entebbe International Airport on Monday morning denied entry to and subsequently deported prominent Kenyan politician and Senior Counsel Martha Karua.

The high-handed action has drawn fierce condemnation from regional legal fraternities, with the Uganda Law Society (ULS) describing it as a direct assault on the foundational principles of the East African Community (EAC) integration.

Ms. Karua, a former Kenyan Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs and the current leader of the People’s Liberation Party (PLP), was intercepted immediately upon arrival aboard a morning Kenya Airways flight.

Speaking to journalists upon her return to Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Monday afternoon, Ms. Karua gave a harrowing account of her ordeal, revealing that she was held incommunicado for several hours in a restricted transit area.

“I arrived at Entebbe Airport at 8:50 AM aboard KQ and I was with three others. I only had hand luggage and while waiting for my colleagues, an immigration officer came and told me there was a note on me,” Ms. Karua said.

According to her account, she was taken to the office of the principal immigration officer, where officials informed her she could not enter Uganda.

“By then, two of his juniors had already snatched my phones by force. They did not even ask me. They are very ill-behaved fellows,” she said.

Ms. Karua stated that security officials temporarily confiscated her mobile phones and switched them off to prevent any external communication. She later declined to take the devices back, citing fears that they may have been tampered with.

She added that officials initially sought to place her in a holding cell, but she requested to remain in the transit lounge instead.

“My flight had been scheduled for the night. I asked them to let me go sit at the KQ lounge and wait for the next flight to Kenya because I am a regular customer… He called the KQ manager there and I was taken to the passenger transfers section. Behind me were two airport immigration officers.”

The immigration officers remained with her until she boarded the return flight. Ms Karua revealed that she was only handed a letter declaring her persona non grata while already seated on the aircraft.

According to separate statements released on Monday, June 22, 2026, by the ULS and Ms. Karua’s executive office in Nairobi, the veteran legislator was selectively singled out from a high-profile delegation of Kenyan legal professionals. Other members of the delegation-including the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President, Charles Kanjama SC, and Advocate John Gicheru-were cleared by immigration officials without incident.

By press time, Uganda’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control had not issued a formal statement clarifying the legal or security grounds for her denial of entry and subsequent deportation.

The Uganda Law Society, through a strongly worded statement signed by its Vice President, Asiimwe Anthony, expressed profound concern over the incident, warning that Kampala’s actions directly undermine the Jumuiya (EAC) spirit.

‘This development is of significant concern to the Uganda Law Society, as it touches upon the core principles of the East African Community-particularly the free movement of persons, labour, and services, as well as the mutual recognition of professional qualifications across member states,’ the ULS statement reads in part.

The lawyers’ body emphasized that Ms. Karua was not entering Uganda merely as a political actor, but as a fully accredited legal professional. She holds a valid Special Practising Certificate issued by the Uganda Law Council under Section 18 of the Advocates Act. The certificate, registered through Lukwago and Co. Advocates, explicitly authorizes her to practice within Uganda and appear in court.

While the ULS noted it would temporarily refrain from open confrontation to allow room for “constructive engagement” with government authorities, it reiterated its unwavering solidarity with regional advocates facing state-sponsored barriers in the line of duty.

Ms. Karua had traveled to Kampala specifically to observe and attend the bail application ruling of Kampala Lord Mayor and prominent human rights lawyer, Hajji Erias Lukwago.

The legal entanglement dates back to November 16, 2024, when veteran Ugandan opposition icon Dr. Kizza Besigye was allegedly abducted from Nairobi during Ms. Karua’s book launch and secretly smuggled into Uganda to face trial before a military court. Since then, Ms. Karua has been actively involved as co-lead counsel in Dr. Besigye’s defense team alongside Mr. Lukwago.

However, the legal defense was thrown into further jeopardy on June 15, 2026, when the Special Forces Command (SFC) conducted an early morning raid on Mr. Lukwago’s residence, arresting him. In a move that drew widespread public scrutiny, Lukwago’s arrest and whereabouts were first made public via a social media post by the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, on his official X account. Lukwago has since been charged with misprision of treason for allegedly concealing knowledge of a plot to overthrow the government.

As news of Karua’s deportation filtered through Kampala, drama was simultaneously unfolding at the Magistrate’s Court, where legal teams had gathered to receive the ruling on Lukwago’s bail application.

Addressing journalists outside the court premises, defense lawyer Medard Lubega Sseggona expressed utter disdain for the state’s tactics, linking Karua’s deportation directly to a pattern of state paranoia.

“What would you expect a coward to do? There are people who have said before that they don’t fear the law. The law is feared. At least I fear the law,” a visibly disgruntled Sseggona said. “I know that the Honorable Martha Karua has not been denied entry but detained at the airport and deported. It is not within the spirit of the East African Community. As a professional, I am deeply concerned that an accused person is entitled to have a lawyer of his or her choice from anywhere. That’s why there is room for accreditation.”

Sseggona further revealed that the highly anticipated bail ruling by Her Worship Chief Magistrate Sarah Basemera had been deferred, citing an unready ruling and security anxieties around the court premises.

“Her Worship has advised that her ruling is not ready. Owing to the sensitivity of the case and the environment as you see it, she was informed that it is not advisable to come back to court to convey the news,” Sseggona explained. “She did not want to gather the crowds that we have. So she undertook to deliver the ruling by email within 24 hours… We have requested our team to go and glue themselves to the computers.”

Beyond the legal bottlenecks, Sseggona raised a red flag regarding Lord Mayor Lukwago’s deteriorating health while in state custody, invoking grim memories of past political detainees who died due to medical neglect.

“Meanwhile, for the Honorable Lukwago, the health situation is not any better; it gets worse day by day,” Sseggona warned. “Because as I have mentioned before, there was a German national who was denied bail in Kalangala and he died. We had the Honorable Muhammad Ssegirinya, who kept telling courts that he was in bad health, and they refused until it was too late. We have put all these materials before court, and we want to trust that court will understand.”

The Chief Magistrates Court of Makindye has denied bail to former Kampala Lord Mayor and opposition politician, Ssalongo Erias Lukwago, extending his stay on remand at Luzira Prison.

The highly anticipated decision, delivered electronically on June 23, 2026, by Chief Magistrate Sarah Anne Basemera, brings to an end days of anxiety that had gripped his supporters. Lukwago did not physically appear at the Makindye court for the electronic delivery of the decision, following a tense previous session where the court premises were heavily guarded by armed security personnel.

Lukwago, 56, faces charges of misprision of treason contrary to Section 25 of the Penal Code Act. State prosecutors allege that between 2021 and November 2024, across various locations including Kampala and Nairobi, Kenya, Lukwago held prior knowledge of treasonous plots involving high-profile opposition figures including Col. (Rtd.) Dr. Kizza Besigye Kifefe, Joel Wakayima, Frank Kihere Atukunda, and Hajj Obeid Lutale Kamulegeya, but deliberately failed to alert state authorities with “reasonable dispatch.”

Through a robust defense team led by lawyer Medard Lubega Sseggona, Mr Lukwago petitioned for bail. The defense argued that Lukwago is presumed innocent, has a permanent home in Bulwa Zone, Wakaliga, Kampala, and suffers from complex medical issues including hypertension, cervical spine disease, and complications from an intricate neck surgery conducted at Fortis Memorial Hospital in India.

The state prosecution, represented by Senior State Attorneys Nyamwiza Judith and Opia Caroline alongside State Attorney Gabriel Obua, fiercely opposed the application. They cited national security threats, the severity of the offense-which carries a life imprisonment maximum sentence-and argued that Lukwago’s immense public influence as a Senior Advocate and President of the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) could jeopardize ongoing investigations and compromise state witnesses.

In her detailed evaluation, Chief Magistrate Basemera systematically weighed the arguments. She first cleared the hurdles surrounding Lukwago’s residence and his three prominent sureties: Members of Parliament Betty Aol Ocan, Michael Phillip Lulume Bayiga, and Betty Bakireke Nambooze.

The prosecution had raised objections based on the geographic distance of the sureties’ homes in Gulu and Mukono, and argued that Hon. Bayiga, being a political subordinate to Lukwago in the PFF, could not adequately police his boss. Basemera firmly dismissed these state objections.

“A surety’s obligation arises from the undertaking voluntarily assumed before Court and the legal consequences attendant upon breach thereof. It is not founded upon professional seniority, political hierarchy or social status,” Basemera stated. “The law does not require that a surety exercise authority over an accused person but rather that he be a person of sufficient integrity and responsibility to ensure the accused’s attendance.”

Regarding the 68-year-old Aol Ocan, Basemera observed that “maturity, experience, and standing in society are often attributes that enhance rather than diminish the credibility of a surety.” She concluded that all three public figures met the substantiality requirements of Direction 15 of the Bail Guidelines.

However, the legal scales tipped against Lukwago when the Chief Magistrate evaluated the gravity of the treason-related charge and the incomplete status of the state’s investigation.

“The seriousness of an offense and the severity of the sentence are undoubtedly relevant considerations in an application for bail,” Basemera ruled. “A person facing a severe punishment may, depending on the circumstances of the case, be tempted to evade the course of justice rather than stand trial.”

Basemera stressed that the offense of misprision of treason directly targets the preservation of constitutional order. She pointed out that because the alleged illegal actions span nearly three years and cross international borders into Kenya, a cautious judicial approach is mandatory to allow state actors to conclude inquiries without interference.

“This Court is not making a finding that the applicant has interfered or intends to interfere with any witness,” the Chief Magistrate clarified. “Rather, it is recognizing that where investigations remain active and incomplete, and where the surrounding circumstances objectively demonstrate a real possibility that the investigative process may be affected, the Court is entitled to adopt a cautious approach in the interests of justice.”x

Addressing Lukwago’s highly publicized medical conditions, the Chief Magistrate validated his medical history, acknowledging records from Mulago National Referral Hospital and Nairobi Hospital. While she accepted that his health issues were “genuine and documented,” she ruled that they do not automatically equal an immediate right to release.

“The material before Court does not demonstrate that the applicant has been denied access to medical care, nor does it establish that the Uganda Prisons Service is unwilling or unable to facilitate specialized treatment whenever the same is medically assessed to be necessary,” Basemera noted. She concluded that the law permits individuals in lawful custody to receive advanced medical care through appropriate referrals under secure escort.

With his bail application denied, Lukwago remains remanded at Luzira Prison as the state moves to conclude its investigations before a trial date is scheduled.

Mr Lukwago is expected to be produced in court on June 30 for mention of his case.

Leaders in Kagadi District have called on government to urgently intervene and address persistent challenges facing Kagadi General Hospital, including critical staffing shortages, dilapidated infrastructure, inadequate medical equipment, and insufficient funding that continue to undermine healthcare service delivery.

Kagadi General Hospital serves an estimated population of 471,111 people, according to the 2024 National Population and Housing Census. The facility serves residents from 35 lower local government units, 16 of which lack Health Centre III facilities, making the hospital a key referral point for the district.

Local leaders say the challenges have forced many patients to seek treatment from private health facilities, exposing them to high medical costs and exploitation.

Established in 1968, Kagadi General Hospital is currently operating at only 43 percent staffing capacity. Several of its structures, including staff houses, male and children’s wards, are in a deteriorating state. The hospital also faces infrastructure challenges such as leaking roofs in the boardroom and dental unit, worn-out paint, and aging buildings requiring urgent rehabilitation.

The hospital’s accountant, Mr Musiime Miladi, said the facility operates on an annual budget of Shs1.15 billion, which is insufficient to meet its growing healthcare demands.

‘About 50 percent of the hospital budget is allocated to medicines supplied through the National Medical Stores. The remaining funds are used to facilitate essential operations, including fuel, community outreach activities, patient referrals, maintenance of infrastructure, and ambulance services,’ he explained.

The hospital administrator, Mr Simon Peter Tumusiime, cited inadequate staffing, shortages of doctors, insufficient medical equipment in the maternity ward and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, lack of a Class B ambulance, and dilapidated staff accommodation as some of the major challenges affecting service delivery.

Kagadi District Chief Administrative Officer, Ms Pauline Epodoi Opio, said the limited resources available to the hospital are largely consumed by infrastructure maintenance, leaving little funding for healthcare services.

‘Given the current status of Kagadi General Hospital, it is difficult for the facility to effectively function as a general hospital. We need adequate staffing, improved infrastructure, and increased funding. At the moment, the hospital only receives support from Baylor Uganda, which cannot address all our operational needs,’ she said.

Ms Opio added that the district’s wage bill is insufficient to recruit additional health workers despite the acute staffing shortages.

‘Unless the wage bill is increased, we cannot overcome these challenges. Government should consider supporting Kagadi in the same way it has recently supported districts such as Kiryandongo, Kamuli, and Masindi. Our Members of Parliament need to advocate for this matter,’ she added.

She further revealed that the hospital has lost several specialists due to poor working conditions, including a gynecologist who recently resigned from public service.

Overcrowding remains another major concern. Wards designed to accommodate about 100 patients are frequently overwhelmed by the growing number of admissions. In the maternity ward, some expectant mothers reportedly sleep on the floor due to a shortage of beds, while others are unable to receive recommended postnatal care because of limited space.

Despite these operational challenges, Kagadi Resident District Commissioner Ms Caroline Nanshemeza expressed concern over allegations of extortion by some health workers.

‘The biggest challenge at the facility is the extortion of patients. We have received reports that some health workers demand up to Shs300,000 from expectant mothers before offering services. Many of these patients cannot afford such payments. We are investigating these allegations and those found culpable will be arrested and prosecuted,’ she said.

She further alleged that some patients who fail to raise the requested money are referred to private clinics owned by health workers, where they face additional costs.

In response, Mr Tumusiime said all services offered at the hospital are free of charge and warned staff against engaging in any form of corruption.

‘This is a government health facility where services are provided free of charge. I strongly caution any staff member involved in illegal charges to stop immediately or face interdiction and prosecution. We have instituted investigations to identify and punish the culprits,’ he said.

Buyaga East Member of Parliament Mr Stephen Twesige, who recently visited the hospital, pledged to push for government intervention.

‘Based on my assessment, this facility does not meet the standards expected of a general hospital. The staffing levels, infrastructure, and financial support are inadequate. In fact, before treating patients, the hospital itself requires urgent treatment because it is in a sorry state,’ he said.

Mr Twesige called for a comprehensive rehabilitation plan, including construction of new buildings and provision of modern medical equipment.

‘This hospital was established in 1968 and has gone decades without major rehabilitation. Once these gaps are addressed, government can consider upgrading it to a referral facility, especially because the nearest regional referral hospitals in Hoima, Fort Portal, and Mubende are approximately 100 kilometres away,’ he added.

Kagadi General Hospital gained national recognition during its response to the Ebola outbreak in 2012, partly due to its strategic location near the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo. Legislator Mr Twesige said it is unfortunate that despite its importance in managing cross-border disease outbreaks, the facility continues to struggle with longstanding challenges that affect service delivery.

Uganda is entering a pivotal decade in its development journey, with a youthful population, abundant natural resources, and an economy poised for significant expansion, the country stands on the threshold of transformative growth.

Recognising this potential, the World Bank Group (WBG) Board of Executive Directors has endorsed a new Country Partnership for Uganda covering Fiscal Years 2026-2035.

The 10-year strategy is designed to support Uganda’s ambition of becoming a modern, prosperous, and competitive upper-middle-income country by 2040, in line with Uganda Vision 2040 and the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV). At the heart of the framework lies a powerful objective: creating more and better jobs through private sector-led economic transformation.

Jobs

Every year, between 600,000 and 700,000 young Ugandans enter the labour market. While this presents a significant challenge, it also offers a tremendous opportunity. The partnership recognises that productive employment remains the most effective pathway out of poverty and the strongest foundation for shared prosperity.

Despite economic growth averaging 4.5 percent annually over the last 15 years and the economy nearly doubling in size, many Ugandans remain trapped in low-productivity and informal employment. Poverty reduction has been slower than desired, underscoring the need for structural transformation that goes beyond growth statistics.

With commercial oil production expected to boost economic growth to above 6.5 percent in the medium term, Uganda has an opportunity to translate its economic gains into meaningful improvements in living standards and employment outcomes.

Harnessing extraordinary assets

Uganda’s development ambitions are underpinned by remarkable strengths. The country possesses vast arable land, substantial mineral and oil reserves, rich biodiversity, and one of the youngest populations in the world.

Dr Francisca Ayodeji (Ayo) Akala, World Bank country manager for Uganda says: ‘Uganda has extraordinary assets: a young population full of potential, abundant natural resources, and a government committed to long-term transformation. The CPF is our commitment to walk alongside Uganda over the next decade by investing in its people, infrastructure, and institutions that will power prosperity and translate growth into jobs and better living standards.’

Four pillars

The Country Partnership Framework is based on four mutually reinforcing outcomes that will guide World Bank Group support over the next decade: Strengthened Economic Governance.

The WBG officials argue that strong institutions, sound economic management, and transparent public finances are critical for creating a favourable environment for private investment.

As such, the CPF will support reforms aimed at increasing domestic revenue mobilisation, improving public expenditure efficiency, strengthening public investment management, and ensuring prudent management of future oil revenues.

A key target is to increase non-oil tax revenues from 13.5 percent to 18 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), helping create greater fiscal space for investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and social services.

Human capital

Human capital development is essential for sustained economic growth and job creation. Yet Uganda’s Human Capital Index remains below regional and global averages.

Under the Country Partnership Framework (CPF), the World Bank Group will support the delivery of quality health, nutrition, and population services to 22 million people, while helping 10 million students gain improved education and skills. The programme will strengthen health and education systems through enhanced financing, governance, infrastructure, and digital solutions. It will also expand access to essential services for underserved communities, including refugees, women, and other vulnerable populations.

Better connected communities

Infrastructure remains one of the most important enablers of economic transformation. Although Uganda has significantly expanded electricity generation and road networks over the years, access and reliability challenges continue to constrain productivity and competitiveness.

The CPF aims to double energy access from 25 million people in 2025 to 50 million people by 2035. Improve sustainable transport infrastructure for 20 million beneficiaries. It also hopes to expand digital connectivity and promote digital literacy, strengthen regional integration through multi-modal transport corridors linking production areas, cities, and markets.

Investments in energy, transport, and digital infrastructure are expected to lower business costs, improve market access, and create employment opportunities across the country.

A more productive private sector

The private sector is expected to be the primary engine of job creation under the new framework. Currently, businesses face numerous constraints, including limited access to affordable finance, cumbersome regulations, weak contract enforcement, and inadequate infrastructure.

To address these barriers, the CPF will focus on: Expanding financial inclusion to 14 million people and businesses. Supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Strengthening agribusiness, manufacturing, and tourism. Promoting secure land tenure systems. Expanding access to credit for women, youth, and rural entrepreneurs.

Through initiatives such as AgriConnect, the framework will support climate-smart agriculture, irrigation, technology adoption, agro-processing, and stronger market linkages.

One World Bank Group Approach

A defining feature of the new Country Partnership Framework (CPF) is its ‘One World Bank Group’ approach, which brings together the full range of the institution’s resources and expertise. This includes financing from the International Development Association (IDA), investments and advisory services from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), and political risk insurance and credit enhancement guarantees from the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA).

Together, these instruments will increase investments in key productive sectors, while MIGA will expand guarantees that reduce investment risks and encourage foreign direct investment.

Ambitious targets

Over the CPF period, the World Bank Group intends to mobilise significant resources and deliver measurable outcomes in Uganda, including: 50 million people with access to electricity by 2035. It will see 22 million people benefiting from health and nutrition services, 10 million learners supported with improved education and skills. 20 million people benefiting from improved transport infrastructure.

The others are 14 million people and businesses gaining access to financial services. A 100 percent increase in agricultural yields across targeted value chains.

Financially, the CPF envisions approximately $2 billion in lending per three-year IDA cycle, building on an existing portfolio exceeding $4 billion.

Additionally, the strategy seeks to catalyse up to $1.3 billion in private investment and mobilise a further $2.5 billion from private capital markets.

During the IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington, D.C., Uganda’s delegation met with World Bank Vice President for Africa, Dr Ndiame Diop, to discuss the country’s economic outlook and implementation of the World Bank portfolio.

Uganda’s economy continues to demonstrate resilience despite global challenges, with growth projected between 6.5 and 7 percent in the current financial year and expected to reach double digits over the medium term.

Uganda’s World Bank portfolio has expanded from $3.9 billion in March 2025 to $4.74 billion, supporting 18 projects and programmes across various sectors.

The government also highlighted strategic priorities requiring continued support, including the Standard Gauge Railway, hydropower generation, urban infrastructure, transmission networks, industrial park development, and expanded access to private sector financing.

Looking ahead

The FY26-FY35 Partnership marks a significant evolution in the relationship between Uganda and the World Bank Group.

By prioritising economic governance, human capital, infrastructure, and private sector development, the partnership seeks to ensure that Uganda’s growth translates into meaningful opportunities for its people.

As Uganda pursues its ambitious vision of becoming an upper-middle-income country by 2040, the success of this partnership will be measured by one outcome above all others: the creation of millions of productive, better-paying jobs that improve livelihoods and drive inclusive prosperity across the nation.

Police are holding two suspects accused of orchestrating the kidnap of a seven-year-old boy and later killing him after demanding ransom.

Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke told journalists on Monday that Osber Turinayo was kidnapped on June 12 from Kisoroma village, Kitongore parish, Kisojo sub-county in Kyenjojo District as he returned with colleagues from a nearby bar where they had been watching a movie.

‘Preliminary findings indicate that Turinayo went with his brothers to watch a movie at a bar within the neighbourhood but he didn’t return home. Efforts by the family and residents to trace him proved unsuccessful,’ Rusoke said.

Three days later on June 15, the family received a call from an unknown person demanding Shs1.5 million ransom or else they would kill the seven-year-old child.

Rusoke said the family had earlier reported the matter to police and investigations had kicked off.

‘Police tracked and arrested Isaiah Manyindo, 26 and Erias Twimukye, 17 who during interrogation, confessed to having kidnapped and killed the seven-year-old. They guided police to the crime scene and the lifeless body was found covered under tree leaves,’ he said.

Mr Rusoke said investigations into the kidnap and subsequent murder continue before suspects are arraigned before courts of law.

He warned parents and guardians against negligence.

‘We send a message to parents to not allow children to move out at night. How could a child of 7 years end up at a bar at 9pm. We are going to punish suspects, but we shall not recover the life of the 7-year-old victim. This victim lost his life because some adults here and there didn’t do their work,’ Rusoke said.

The kidnap and murder add to a number of similar cases registered in the country.

Earlier this month, businesswoman Lydia Babirye Ssengendo, 52, was abducted from her home in Ntinda, Kampala. Kidnappers demanded Shs19 million ransom from her family. Despite Shs9 million being paid, they killed her. Her decomposing body was later recovered hidden in a house in Kiteredde, Kakiri Town Council, Wakiso District. Two primary suspects were tracked by security, arrested and have since been remanded to Luzira.

A week earlier, police in Katwe registered another disturbing incident involving seven-year-old girl Nancy Kenyangi who reportedly vanished after a man promised to buy her chapati. She had left briefly to buy groceries and went missing.

CCTV footage from a nearby building showed two unidentified men walking with a young girl but due to poor visibility, their identities remain unknown. Police are still investigating the case, which has now exceeded three weeks without any breakthrough.

Authorities warn that such cases are not isolated. The annual police crime report 2025 shows 118 cases of kidnap were registered compared to 159 cases in 2024.