Category: Daily Monitor

Authorities in southwestern Uganda have destroyed a banana plantation belonging to a Catholic church after determining it had been established inside a protected wetland, as officials intensify efforts to restore degraded ecosystems and combat the effects of climate change.

The operation, carried out on Friday in Kagarama Parish, Buhara Sub-county, targeted a plantation owned by St. Peter Kabasigaba Catholic Church within the Kabanyonyi-Kyanamira wetland.

District Natural Resources Officer Henry Tumwesigye Kamutoro said the exercise was conducted jointly with police as part of a broader campaign to restore wetlands that have been degraded through human activity.

‘The Kabanyonyi-Kyanamira wetland covers about 24 hectares and is the largest wetland restoration project currently being undertaken in the district. Any activities that compromise its ecological functions cannot be allowed to continue,’ Tumwesigye said.

He said Kabale District is restoring 19 degraded wetlands with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), aimed at mitigating the impacts of climate change, including flooding, soil erosion and environmental degradation.

Officials said investigations had uncovered additional encroachment within the wetland, including residential houses and perimeter fences erected along River Kirururuma, which passes through the protected ecosystem.

According to Tumwesigye, affected residents have been given 21 days to voluntarily remove the structures or face enforcement action.

‘We have given all encroachers 21 days to remove their houses and fences. Failure to comply will leave the district with no option but to enforce the law. Wetlands are critical ecosystems that must be protected for the benefit of current and future generations,’ he said.

He stressed that authorities were not completely barring communities from using wetlands but said any proposed activities must first be assessed and approved by relevant agencies.

‘We are not closing wetlands to communities. Activities such as beekeeping, fish farming, and bamboo planting may be permitted after assessment and approval to ensure they do not interfere with the ecological integrity of the wetland,’ he added.

Contacted for comment, the parish priest of Maziba Catholic Parish, Rev. Fr. Ignatius Leoson Mbabazi, said he had not yet received a detailed report about the destruction of the plantation.

‘I am still waiting for a formal report from the catechist at St. Peter Kabasigaba Catholic Church. Once I receive all the details concerning the incident, I will be in a position to comment comprehensively on the matter,’ Fr. Mbabazi said.

The action underscores growing efforts by local authorities to enforce environmental protection laws as Uganda seeks to restore wetlands that play a critical role in water conservation, biodiversity protection and climate resilience.

Residents in Jinja City have expressed growing concern over organised criminal gangs targeting bank customers after police arrested a woman suspected of being part of a syndicate that allegedly trails victims withdrawing cash before stealing or conning them.

The suspect, identified as Mariam Bahati, was arrested and detained at the Kiira Regional Police headquarters as detectives investigate a string of incidents reported in Jinja and Kampala.

Police said they recovered a bag containing local herbs, suspected charms and foreign currencies during the operation.

Investigators believe the items may have been used by the group while carrying out its activities, although police have not yet disclosed whether any criminal charges have been formally filed against the suspect.

According to police and victims, members of the alleged gang monitor customers withdrawing money from banks before following them and exploiting moments of distraction to steal cash or valuables.

Ali Naika said her sister recently lost Shs1.6 million shortly after withdrawing the money from Opportunity Bank on Alice Muloki Road in Jinja.

‘She had just withdrawn money from the bank when she was approached and later realised the cash was missing,’ Ms Naika said.

Residents said the gang has been operating around Jinja’s main banking district along Alice Muloki Road, which hosts several financial institutions, including Opportunity Bank, DFCU Bank and Finance Trust Bank.

Witnesses and victims said the suspects typically operate in groups, with some members stationed near banking halls to identify potential targets while others follow victims after they leave the premises.

Police officers involved in the arrest said they recovered foreign currencies, including US dollars and Sudanese pounds, alongside the suspected charms.

Authorities said the suspect allegedly told investigators that the group had been operating in both Kampala and Jinja for an extended period, though police have not independently confirmed the claims.

Jinja Deputy Resident City Commissioner Paul Balidawa urged the public to exercise caution when conducting banking transactions.

‘Cases involving organised criminal gangs are increasing across the Busoga sub-region. People should avoid displaying money openly after withdrawals,’ Mr Balidawa said.

He called on banks, private security personnel and members of the public to cooperate with law enforcement agencies by reporting suspicious individuals loitering around banking premises.

Police said investigations are continuing and efforts are underway to trace other suspects believed to be linked to the alleged network.

The arrest comes amid growing concerns over theft and fraud targeting bank customers in urban centres, where criminals often exploit surveillance gaps and victims’ movements after withdrawing cash.

In a major milestone for transboundary conservation, Dr Alfred Okot Okidi, the Permanent Secretary of Uganda’s Ministry of Water and Environment, has been awarded a prestigious regional accolade for his outstanding contribution to the sustainable development of the Lake Victoria Basin.

The coveted award was presented by the Prime Minister of the United Republic of Tanzania, Dr Mwigulu Nchemba, during the historic commemoration of the maiden Regional Lake Victoria Day held at the Nane Nane Grounds in Mwanza. The high-profile recognition underscores Dr Okidi’s tireless efforts in steering regional dialogue and advocating for the collective preservation of Africa’s largest freshwater body.

As the top technocrat leading Uganda’s water and environment docket, Dr. Okidi has been instrumental in shifting the East African Community (EAC) away from isolated, country-specific campaigns toward highly coordinated, cross-border resource management frameworks.

A unified triad against ecological decay

Dr. Okidi’s collaborative leadership culminated this week in the historic rollout of three transformative digital and structural shields designed to salvage the basin from severe ecological decay:

The State of the Lake Victoria Basin Report: A data-heavy scientific audit exposing environmental degradation trends to inform regional planning.

The Lake Victoria Basin Water Information System (LVB-WIS): A cross-border digital network built to facilitate real-time hydrological data sharing across member states.

The Integrated Water Resources Management Strategy: A harmonized master plan mapping out coordinated investments and wetland reclamation campaigns.

A matter of national security

Throughout his tenure, Dr. Okidi has aggressively lobbied EAC partner states to establish blended, sustained regional financing models to build massive transboundary waste treatment plants and scale up pollution controls. He has consistently championed conservation by framing the lake’s health as an existential economic issue, warning that a compromised ecosystem is a direct threat to the region’s industrial future.

“For Uganda, a compromised Lake Victoria would mean not only environmental degradation, but also energy insecurity and economic disruption,” Dr. Okidi warned in his address to regional leaders.

The stakes for Uganda are remarkably high. The country oversees approximately 45% of the lake’s surface area, which acts as the sole feeder for the River Nile at Jinja. This vital resource powers Uganda’s sequential hydroelectric dams-including Nalubaale Kiira, Bujagali, Isimba, and Karuma-which collectively generate more than 90% of the electricity running the national grid.

Dr. Okidi’s signature guiding principle remains a cornerstone of the region’s current conservation narrative: the financial cost of repairing a completely dead ecosystem far outweighs the budget required to protect a functioning one.

A sweeping win for Uganda

Uganda’s prominent role in safeguarding the basin was further cemented with additional prestigious awards at the event. Ms. Edith Mwanje, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of East African Community Affairs, was recognized for her diplomatic contributions.

Additionally, a posthumous honor was awarded to Dr. Tom Okurut, the first Executive Secretary of the Lake Victoria Basin Commission, celebrating his foundational and outstanding contribution to regional cooperation.

Entebbe Municipality Mayor Fabrice Brad Rulinda has been sworn in for a second term alongside an unprecedented council composed entirely of ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) councillors, a political sweep that has sparked heated debate over accountability and institutional checks and balances.

All 15 elected councillors in the newly inaugurated council belong to the NRM. This absolute majority marks a significant shift in Entebbe’s political landscape, an urban centre historically known for highly competitive multi-party politics.

Mr Rulinda and the NRM councillors took their oaths of office during a modest ceremony held at the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre (UWEC). The venue was temporarily shifted due to ongoing renovation works at the municipal headquarters.

The NRM’s clean sweep signals the party’s growing influence in urban centres, which have traditionally leaned toward the opposition or independent candidates. Mr Rulinda secured his mayoral seat after polling 6,704 votes, comfortably defeating independent candidate Michael Kabwama, who garnered 2,746 votes.

The complete absence of opposition voices has raised red flags among local political actors, civil society, and former leaders. Opponents warn that without dissenting views to scrutinise budgets, procurement, and municipal projects, the new council risks becoming a mere rubber stamp for the executive.

Political analysts note that opposition representation in local councils plays a vital role in monitoring public expenditure and ensuring transparency. However, some observers counter that the outcome reflects a shifting voter preference for service delivery over partisan gridlock.

Speaking shortly after taking his oath, Mayor Rulinda acknowledged the immense pressure that comes with an all-NRM chamber, admitting that the public’s expectations are higher than ever.

‘The people of Entebbe really trusted us. The outcome of the election was amazing,” Mr Rulinda said. “We don’t take it for granted and we want to serve and deliver for them. But it’s also a challenge because now all eyes are on us. For the councillors, I expect extreme work because we have to prove that the trust the people gave the NRM was deserved.’

Mr Rulinda outlined his administration’s immediate agenda, promising to fast-track urban development projects that stalled during the previous term.

During the council’s first sitting, Mr George William Tamuzadde, the councillor representing older persons, was elected Speaker of Council, while Mr Ibrahim Mwagalwa was voted Deputy Speaker. The duo will now guide a house where consensus is guaranteed, but public scrutiny remains at an all-time high.

By the time dessert arrived at Kardamom and Koffee on Saturday night, strangers were leaning across the communal table like old friends. Art collectors traded thoughts with marketers. Guests laughed loudly over shared plates and raised glasses in an impromptu toast to World Whisky Day, celebrated earlier this month on May 16. That atmosphere captured exactly what The Chef’s Table Africa has become known for in Kampala; creating connection through food.

This latest edition, headlined by Nairobi-based Chef Marcelino Dgedge, unfolded less like formal fine dining and more like an intimate dinner party shaped carefully around conversation, storytelling and experimentation. And while the food naturally commanded attention, the evening’s quiet stars were the cocktail pairings. In most dining experiences, drinks exist in the background. Saturday night was different. Before guests settled fully into the evening, bartender Preston Okot explained how the cocktails were designed not to overpower the dishes but to complete them.

‘The pairing tonight is being led by Singleton 12. Singleton 12 is known for its soothing, calming and elegant pairing, especially with desserts,’ he said while introducing a vanilla-forward whisky cocktail served alongside dessert.

The cocktail carried soft notes of vanilla, honey and citrus, balanced gently by oak to mirror the coconut gelato served later in the evening.

The menu

Chef Dgedge’s menu reflected his philosophy of restraint and ingredient-driven cooking. After arriving in Kampala earlier in the week, he spent time wandering through Nakasero Market studying local produce before finalising the menu.

‘The quality of vegetables here amazed me. So I wanted to focus on humble ingredients instead of luxury ingredients,’ he told guests.

That approach shaped nearly every course. One standout dish paired beef with peanut curry, sweet potato purée and crisp sweet potato shards. Dgedge explained how the peanut reduction was made by extracting milk from finely ground peanuts before reducing it slowly with aromatics. The result was earthy, rich and comforting without becoming heavy. The fish course revealed the chef’s more vulnerable side.

‘That was the dish I was most nervous about. You never know exactly what is happening inside the fish. It can easily become overcooked,’ he admitted.

Wrapped delicately in banana leaf, the dish balanced smoke, acidity and savoury notes with remarkable restraint. Alongside it came a citrus-led cocktail pairing designed carefully to cut through the richness without overwhelming the fish. That balance defined the evening.

The cocktails

Behind the scenes, mixologist Okot and the team reportedly debated tiny adjustments to sweetness, acidity and soda levels for nearly twenty minutes during preparations. Guests never saw that work. But they experienced the finished harmony. Perhaps that is what makes The Chef’s Table Africa increasingly important to Kampala’s growing culinary culture. It is quietly teaching diners that fine dining is not really about exclusivity or expensive ingredients. It is about intention.

The crowd

The room itself reflected that philosophy. Guests came from different professional worlds and social circles, yet by the third course, the table had settled into the warm chaos of shared experience. And unlike many chefs who disappear behind kitchen doors, Dgedge remained present throughout the evening, hosting and explaining textures, inspirations and even uncertainties to the diners.

‘The whole menu is basically my story. Mozambique, Italy, Joburg, Nairobi, now Uganda. Everything I have gathered over time is here,’ he said.

Dessert

Even dessert carried that sense of narrative. The cassava pudding, inspired by a Mozambican classic, layered coconut milk, coconut crumble and coconut ice cream with cinnamon and vanilla.

By then, however, guests were no longer analysing flavour notes too carefully. They were simply enjoying themselves. Which may ultimately be The Chef’s Table Africa’s greatest trick of all.

In the quiet villages in the eastern districts of Kibuku and Pallisa, a new wave of economic transformation is taking shape-not through large factories or expensive machinery, but through the gentle buzzing of bees.

For years, many farmers in Kibuku and Pallisa depended solely on subsistence farming, growing crops such as maize, cassava and millet.

However, unpredictable weather patterns, declining soil fertility and fluctuating market prices often left households struggling to meet basic needs.

Today, beekeeping is emerging as an alternative source of income, offering hope and financial stability to many families across the region.

Speaking during the celebration to mark the World Bee Day, organised by Bukedi Beekeeping Association [BUBA], Mr Isaac Gambengere, a bee farmers’ coordinator from Bukedi, explained the event was meant to promote a partnership that unites stakeholders in pollinator protection.

‘This day is meant to raise awareness about the ecological and economic importance of bees and also to showcase innovations in sustainable beekeeping and honey production,’ he said, adding that the meeting was aimed at engaging communities in conversation through education, and cultural expressions that advocate for practices and systems that support agriculture and pollinator-friendly practices.

The World Bee Day is commemorated every May 20, and highlights the indispensable roles of bees and other pollinations in sustaining ecosystems, agriculture and human well-being.

This year’s theme ‘Tame bees, eat honey, save environment’ emphasises collective action, partnerships among communities, governments, NGOs and individuals to safeguard pollinators.

Bees are vital for biodiversity and food security, yet they face threats from climate change, pesticides use and habitat loss.

Under the shade of mango trees, dozens of modern beehives now hang in community apiaries. Farmers who once viewed beekeeping as a minor activity are beginning to appreciate its economic value.

‘I used to rely only on crop farming, but during dry seasons I earned very little,’ said Mr Jimmy Kamwada, a local farmer from Kibuku. ‘Since I started beekeeping, I can now sell honey and support my children’s education and also meet other basic needs’.

Mr Gabengere, said the growing interest in apiculture has been driven by increased awareness, training programmes, and support from extension workers and development organizations.

The farmers are being trained in modern hive management, honey harvesting, processing and packaging techniques to improve both quality and productivity.

‘Unlike many agricultural enterprises, beekeeping requires relatively low startup capital and minimal land. He said that this has made it especially attractive to women, youth and small-scale farmers looking for affordable ways to improve household incomes,’ he said.

Mr Gabengere further explained that beyond income generation, bees also play a critical role in pollination, which improves crop yields and enhances food security.

Farmers involved in beekeeping report better harvests in nearby gardens due to increased pollination of crops such as sunflower, beans and fruits.

Local leaders believe the sector has the potential to reduce poverty and unemployment if more investment is directed toward value addition and market access.

‘There is a growing demand for organic honey both locally and internationally’ Mr Gabengere explained. ‘If farmers are organised into cooperatives and supported with equipment, beekeeping can significantly transform livelihoods.’

Challenges

Despite the progress, challenges remain. Some farmers still lack modern harvesting equipment, while others struggle with limited access to reliable markets, poor storage facilities and inadequate processing technology can also affect the quality of honey produced.

Nevertheless, optimism remains high among communities embracing the practice. In several villages, Youth groups are already establishing apiaries as part of income generating projects, while women’s associations are using proceeds from honey sales to start small businesses and pay school fees.

However, as the sun sets across the rolling landscapes of Kibuku, the sound of buzzing bees has become more than just a part of nature-it is now a symbol of resilience, opportunity, and a sweeter future for farming communities.

Mr Gabengere also noted that with continued support and investment, beekeeping may soon become one of Kabuki’s most powerful tools for economic transformation and sustainable rural development.

The chairperson of Kadama youth beekeepers, Mr William Njeda said the benefits that members have realized from bee keeping have helped them to transform their lives.

‘The farmers are able to meet their basic needs like educating their children, and other bills. It’s a good enterprise which is giving hope to the farmers to move out the poverty cycle,’ Mr Njeda said.

Adding that, ‘we encourage the people to embrace bee keeping as an alternative that will drive people out of poverty.’ Mr Vincent Dudule, the chairperson of Abakali Tusimbe Amaka group said farmers are able to earn some good money out of this enterprise.

‘The Association is able to sell honey and other by-products. At the start, we sought, it was not viable but farmers are not regretting because of the tangible results,’ he said

Mr Nathan Waiswa, also the chairperson of integrated organic farmers association said that beekeeping has turned into a lucrative business that will eventually give hope to farmers.

‘Farmers at the start had negative mindset about beekeeping but interesting so many farmers are yarning to embrace the project,’ he said

Adding that, ‘We are able to earn some good money out of the project. The enterprise of beekeeping is taking a rise in the communities.’ The Kibuku district production officer, Mr Michael Mbayo, challenged farmers to take on beekeeping as one of the viable enterprises.

The High Court in Kampala has ordered the government to pay Shs40 million in general damages to four environmental activists who were unlawfully detained beyond the constitutional 48-hour limit following their arrest during an anti-EACOP protest.

The ruling, delivered by Justice Collins Acellam through the Electronic Court Case Management Information System (ECCMIS), found that the state violated the applicants’ fundamental right to personal liberty. Each of the four activists will receive Shs10 million.

The activists-Alphonse Nkurunziza, Vicent Lubega Nsamba, Gerald Wenani, and David Musiri-are members of the pressure group Rooted in Resistance. They were arrested in Kampala on October 4, 2022, while marching to the European Union (EU) offices to deliver a petition opposing the construction of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP).

Following their arrest, the group was held at the Kampala Central Police Station (CPS) until October 10, 2022, spending six days in custody without being presented before a competent court.

In his judgment, Justice Acellam emphasized that the state’s actions directly contravened the supreme law of the land.

“The court found that the applicants’ detention for six days without being produced before the court within forty-eight hours contravened Article 23(4) of the Constitution and violated their right to personal liberty,” Justice Acellam ruled. ‘I award each applicant general damages in the sum of Shs10,000,000.’

Article 23(4) of the Ugandan Constitution strictly mandates that a person arrested or detained upon suspicion of committing a criminal offense must be brought to court no later than 48 hours from the time of arrest, if not earlier released.

While the court agreed on the illegality of the detention, the activists suffered a setback regarding their claims of physical abuse. In their affidavits, the applicants alleged that they were severely tortured, beaten, and denied access to legal representation during their stay in custody. They subsequently requested the court to award punitive damages.

However, Justice Acellam declined to grant punitive awards, citing a lack of substantial proof. The judge noted that the applicants failed to provide medical reports, treatment notes, independent eyewitness affidavits, or any other cogent corroborative material to establish the nature and extent of the alleged physical injuries.

Speaking to Monitor following the receipt of the ruling, the activists’ lawyer, Mr Eron Kiiza, expressed mixed feelings about the court’s decision. While he welcomed the financial compensation for illegal detention, he criticized the court’s leniency regarding the alleged torture.

“The award is not sufficient since we don’t have punitive damages in a clear case of unconstitutional conduct that should be discouraged by punitive fines,” Mr Kiiza stated, adding that dismissing the torture claims leaves the victims without full justice.

Nevertheless, Mr. Kiiza noted that the ruling serves as a stern warning to law enforcement agencies.

“This ruling will wake up the security forces and the judiciary against illegal detentions. There is an urgent need to recognize freedom of expression by environmental activists, peaceful protestors, and human rights defenders without criminalizing them,” he added.

Growing pattern of legal rebounds

This is not the first time the High Court has penalized the state over its handling of anti-EACOP protestors. On April 27, the same court ordered the government to pay Shs10 million each to three other environmental activists who were similarly held beyond the 48-hour threshold following their arrest on November 24, 2023.

The multi-billion-dollar EACOP project, intended to transport crude oil from western Uganda to the Tanzanian port of Tanga, remains a flashpoint for intense local and international environmental protests, often met with heavy-handed policing.

A high-stakes land dispute has erupted in eastern Uganda, pitting a high-ranking law enforcement official against a fearful community.

Senior Commissioner of Police (SCP) Timothy Halango is under intense scrutiny in Kamuli District over allegations of attempting to aggressively seize a disputed 66-acre piece of land in Mawembe Zone, Kagumba Sub-county, reportedly under the guise of a legitimate legal purchase.

Mr Halango, a prominent figure who previously served as a member of the police disciplinary standby tribunal, currently holds the influential position of Deputy Director of the Directorate of Welfare, Production, and Sports within the Uganda Police Force. He is also well-known publicly as the Chairman of Police Football Club. Local residents, who comprise both sitting tenants and customary landlords, accuse the top officer of using his immense influence to evict them from the contested property.

The standoff reached a boiling point recently when angry residents and local leaders physically blocked a tractor hired by the Police Commissioner from ploughing the disputed fields, narrowly averting a violent confrontation.

The heart of the bitter dispute lies in the authenticity of the land ownership documents. Locals accuse Mr Halango of systematically destroying their crop gardens and orchestrating the forgery of land sale agreements over time to legitimize his occupation.

According to a resident who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of retaliation, Mr Halango initially arrived in the area as an ordinary tenant, leasing land to engage in commercial sugarcane cultivation. The resident alleged that the Commissioner later colluded with a local council official to fabricate ownership documents.

‘The land sale agreement was fraudulently made by him together with the LCII chairperson. It is shocking that the document bears an official government stamp dated 2019, yet such official local government stamps were only introduced by the ministry in 2022. This is outright theft by trickery and is completely unacceptable,’ the anonymous resident alleged.

Furthermore, community members point out glaring anomalies in the paperwork, claiming that several individuals listed as witnesses on the disputed land sale agreement had actually passed away well before the death of the land’s original owner, Philip Oboi.

The controversy has already drawn casualties. On April 14, 2026, authorities in Kamuli detained George Batambule, the LCII chairperson of Kibuye Parish in Kagumba Sub-county. Batambule was arrested on the direct orders of the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) following a preliminary investigation into the alleged forgery of the 2019 land agreements.

Appearing before Kamuli Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Mr Adonia Muguwa to defend his actions, SCP Halango vehemently denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that his acquisition of the land was entirely lawful and transparent.

Mr Halango explained to the district security committee that his relationship with the land began purely as a commercial tenancy agreement with the late Oboi. However, he claimed that before the lease expired, a cash-strapped Oboi offered to sell him portions of the estate across separate transactions.

According to Mr Halango’s timeline, the late Oboi sold him an initial 45 acres. Following Oboi’s death, his sons allegedly approached the commissioner for financial assistance.

“I do not have the mandate to resolve internal family disputes, but the same person who rented me the land is the one who later sold me the initial 45 acres,” Mr Halango defended. He added that when Oboi passed away, his sons requested an additional Shs 5 million to cater for burial expenses, promising him more land in return. In total, Halango claims he paid Shs 1.6 million per acre for 56.6 acres, leaving the family with just over 10 acres.

The late Oboi’s family strongly rejects the Commissioner’s narrative. Robinah Nakitende, an 80-year-old surviving widow who has lived on and cultivated the land since time immemorial, claimed that if any transaction occurred, it was an illegal inside job. She pointed fingers at her co-wife’s son, identified as Kasiba, accusing him of clandestinely conspiring with Halango to sell off the ancestral estate without the family’s consent.

“We received our designated shares from our husband during his lifetime. I am certain they concocted this fraudulent land sale agreement with the other side of the family. We shall pursue this matter to the very end,” Ms Nakitende stated firmly.

Political leaders have voiced deep concerns over the escalating situation, with Ms Justine Mpindi, the District Female Councillor for Kagumba Sub-county, noting that during Mzee Oboi’s public funeral, his children openly stated that their father had only leased the land to the officer for six years starting in 2019.

“Questions heavily remain about how a deceased man could suddenly return to sell him the very same land,” Mpindi noted, calling for urgent state intervention.

The involvement of a high-ranking police chief has reportedly compromised local law enforcement neutrality.

Mr Bernard Kempaka, the LCIII chairperson of Kagumba Sub-county, raised the alarm over what he described as institutional intimidation, revealing that residents are currently living in absolute terror.

“We find ourselves in direct conflict with district police officers who are threatening to arrest local tenants and leaders simply to appease their big boss in Kampala. This is a gross display of impunity. We are determined to resist this illegal intimidation, as mandated by the law,” Kempaka stated.

Mr Kempaka warned that if the harassment of locals by junior police officers does not cease immediately, leadership will bypass the regional command and escalate the petition directly to the Inspector General of Police (IGP).

In an attempt to defuse the volatile situation, Mr Muguwa has called for calm, reassuring terrified residents that the district security committee will convene an all-inclusive mediation meeting with all aggrieved parties, surveying surveyors, and legal representatives to ensure justice is served transparently.

For many Ugandans who watched Maurice Ochol on television for years, journalism seemed as the career he was destined for forever.

The newsroom had become part of his identity. From breaking news assignments to long production days and storytelling on camera, he spent years building a respected career in Uganda’s media industry. But behind the television screens was a man thinking about growth, family, and the possibility of a completely different future. The anchor’s desk, once a symbol of achievement, had slowly begun to feel like a comfort zone. And comfort, Ochol realised, is often the enemy of growth.

Today, years after leaving Uganda, the former journalist is living a life few people would have imagined for him. He now serves in the United States Navy; a transition that marked one of the biggest changes of his life after spending nearly a decade in Ugandan media. It is a journey from the studio spotlight to military discipline, from storytelling to service, and from local fame to purposeful obscurity in a foreign land.

Who Ochol is today

Still deeply connected to his roots, Ochol describes himself first as a devoted father, a man of faith, and someone passionate about personal growth. These are not idle labels. They are the scaffolding upon which he has built a new life thousands of miles from home.

‘I value living with purpose, integrity, and gratitude,’ he says. ‘I am naturally curious and always eager to learn new things and embrace new challenges.’

That curiosity, he admits, is what saved him from stagnation. While colleagues saw a successful television career, Ochol saw a loop. The same routines, the same stories, the same newsroom politics. He began asking himself a question that would not go away: Is this all there is?

Early days in Ugandan media

Ochol’s media journey began in 2007 while he was still a student at UMCAT. At the time, he volunteered at UBC Radio, slowly learning the ropes of broadcasting and newsroom life. There was no glamour in those early days, just the hum of studio equipment, the smell of old newsprint, and the quiet determination of a young man who knew he wanted more. Like many young people joining the media, he started small, taking every opportunity to gain experience. He later joined NBS TV between 2008 and 2009 as a reporter before eventually moving to NTV Uganda around 2009, where he built most of his career.

For close to a decade, he immersed himself in reporting, storytelling, and television production, becoming part of one of Uganda’s leading media houses during an era when television journalism was rapidly growing. But even while succeeding professionally, another thought kept growing in his mind. After years in the same environment, he felt he needed a new challenge beyond broadcasting.

The weight of a decision

Leaving a stable career is never easy, especially in a country where opportunities are scarce and unemployment among young people remains high. Ochol understood the risks. He knew that walking away from NTV meant walking away from visibility, influence, and a steady paycheck. Yet he also understood a quieter truth staying would cost him something harder to measure.

‘At some point, I felt I needed to challenge myself beyond the routine I had become used to in media,’ he explains.

In 2018, he made the life-changing decision to relocate to the United States. The move, however, was never simply about chasing ‘greener pastures.’ He explains that education, personal growth, and broader professional opportunities all influenced his decision. Friends who had relocated earlier also encouraged him to consider life abroad.

A family that moved together

Unlike many people who move abroad alone first before bringing their families later, he wanted to relocate together with his family from the beginning. That choice added layers of complexity to an already difficult process. Visas, housing, schools, healthcare, all had to be arranged for four people instead of one.

‘At the time, we had a two-year-old child, so stability and proper planning were very important to us,’ he says.

Fortunately, the United States was not entirely unfamiliar to him. Since 2013, he had been travelling to America almost every year, mainly for UNAA conventions and United Nations summits in New York City. Those trips helped him understand the culture and systems before eventually relocating permanently. Because of those experiences, combined with support from friends already living in the US, settling into American life became slightly easier than expected. Still, adapting to a new country came with challenges that many people rarely talk about openly.

The invisible struggles of immigration

One of his earliest frustrations involved something many immigrants struggle with; obtaining a driver’s licence.

‘I failed the behind-the-wheel driving test twice before eventually passing,’ he says. ‘It may sound simple, but adjusting to a completely different driving system was difficult initially.’

Rather than discouraging him, the experience taught him patience and resilience. At the same time, life at home was becoming even more demanding. Shortly after relocating, his wife gave birth, making the family’s first year in America particularly challenging.

Back in Uganda, family support systems and domestic help were easier to access. Grandparents, aunts, and hired help were never far away. In the United States, however, they had to adapt to doing almost everything themselves.

‘We did not have the kind of domestic support we were used to back home,’ he says. ‘No maid, no close relatives nearby. We had to rely heavily on friends while adjusting to parenting and everyday life in a new environment.’

Despite the pressure, he believes those struggles ultimately strengthened the family and taught them independence. They learned to cook, clean, budget, and parent without a safety net. That, he says, is the hidden gift of immigration: it forces you to become resourceful.

From Apple to the Navy

Professionally, he continued doing correspondent work after relocating, handling special assignments and media-related projects whenever needed. He had earlier worked at Apple under Apple TV before joining the military.

In August 2024, he officially enlisted in the United States Navy. For many people who knew him as a journalist, the decision came as a surprise, but to him, it was a carefully considered transition shaped by reflection, discipline, and the desire to continue growing in a new environment.

‘It marked a completely new chapter in my professional life,’ he says.

Life in the aviation sector

Today, his role in the Navy is within the aviation sector, where he supports aircraft maintenance coordination, administrative documentation, and aviation-related photography. It is a world away from television studios and press conferences. Instead of microphones, he handles technical manuals. Instead of interviewees, he works alongside pilots and mechanics. The transition from media to military life, however, was not easy. He admits the adjustment came with intense learning experiences and moments of fear. Among the biggest challenges were firearms training exercises, shipboard operations, emergency response drills, and adapting to military discipline and structure.

‘Things like general quarters, damage control drills, and standing watch require focus and composure,’ he explains.

He says one of the hardest realities of military life is the long periods away from family, especially during deployments and training. The transition from media to military life, however, was not easy. He admits the adjustment came with intense learning experiences and moments of fear. Among the biggest challenges were firearms training exercises, shipboard operations, emergency response drills, and adapting to military discipline and structure.

Things such as general quarters, damage control drills, and standing watch require focus and composure.

Staying connected to Uganda

Even after building a new life in America, Uganda remains deeply important to him. He regularly returns home whenever possible and intentionally ensures his children remain connected to their Ugandan identity and culture.

‘Home will always remain an important part of my life,’ he says.

Advice for those dreaming of moving abroad

Asked what advice he would give Ugandans dreaming of moving abroad, he speaks carefully and honestly.

‘The US offers opportunities, but people must come prepared mentally and legally,’ he says. ‘Life there is highly structured and independent. You have to be ready to work hard and adapt.’

He also warns against unrealistic expectations: ‘It is not an automatic upgrade. Success comes through discipline, consistency and patience.’

The naming of a new Cabinet in Uganda carries political meaning far beyond government administration. Beneath the appointments, dismissals, and transfers lies a deeper national conversation about power, loyalty, and succession.

After President Museveni responded to an argumentative essay that saw Mr Andrew Mwenda, a journalist, declare the Ugandan strongman ‘senile and incapable of judging right’, the naming of Uganda’s latest Cabinet has managed to reawaken the succession question in the country.

‘You will, however, discover that at 82, I am still able to defend Uganda and myself with the Bible, the AK-47 and the pen,’ Mr Museveni wrote in his May 23 response to the essay, adding, ‘As a freedom fighter, I am always stubbornly standing for patriotism, Pan-Africanism, social-economic transformation and democracy.’

On Thursday, in only the second sitting of the first meeting of the first session, the 12th Parliament serenaded Mr Matia Kasaija, wishing him a happy birthday.

The erstwhile long-serving Finance minister had just turned 82. Rumours that he is battling a condition characterised by progressive loss of intellectual functioning have not gone unchallenged. Yet, like a bad smell, they linger.

But if, indeed, Mr Kasaija was dropped for age-related reasons, the handing of full dockets to Mr Museveni’s fellow octogenarian Ephraim Kamuntu (Internal Affairs) and 79-year-old Tom Butime (Tourism) was the clearest articulation by the Ugandan strongman that age is but a number.

Balancing act

The handing of the baton to the younger generation of 50-somethings believed to be in the good graces of Mr Museveni’s son, also the Chief of Defence Forces of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, was, perhaps, overstated.

‘Muhoozi appears powerful on social media because he is the President’s son, but in reality, some decisions are beyond him. His father remains the final authority in decision-making,’ Mr Timothy Kalyegira, a political analyst, told Weekend Monitor.

He added: ‘Muhoozi remains Museveni’s son and the CDF, but the idea of him being Museveni’s automatic successor is not guaranteed. We still have Museveni for another five years. His term ends in 2031, but it is not automatic that Muhoozi will succeed him. It is not 100 percent certain.’

Yet, as he has deftly done across 40 years, Mr Museveni pulled off a balancing act that ensured that the wind was not entirely taken out of the sails of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU)-the pressure group aligned to the NRM party that his son leads.

‘Individuals seen as close to that circle have taken up important positions such as Kiryowa Kiwanuka in Defence, Ambassador Adonia Ayebare in Foreign Affairs, and Balaam Barugahara in Local Government. These ministries are not minor-they touch on security, Uganda’s external relations, and grassroots political mobilisation,’ Timothy Chemonges, the executive director of the Centre for Policy Analysis (CEPA), noted.

‘Those close to the PLU camp may feel stronger because their allies now occupy key government positions. At the same time, some older NRM figures may sense their influence diminishing. This dynamic could create quiet competition within the party between the old NRM establishment, Museveni’s current power centre, and the emerging Muhoozi-linked group,’ he added.

No change?

In a country where President Museveni has remained at the centre of political authority for decades, the latest Cabinet arrangement is already fuelling fresh debate over a number of questions. Who, for one, holds influence today? Who is being strategically positioned? What do the decisions reveal about the future direction of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party? There are no simple answers. In the complex jigsaw puzzle, though, sits Jessica Alupo, who was on Thursday confirmed as the Vice President for another term.

The position ranks second on the national order of precedence, a standing that should not be overlooked if the worries Mr Mwenda articulated in his argumentative essay are to be taken seriously. After being confirmed in the position on Thursday, Ms Alupo, also the Katakwi District Woman Representative (DWR) in the House, vowed to ‘serve with utmost desire, patriotism, and loyalty.’

She added: ‘When we work as a team, we accomplish our assignments very fast, very well, and very easily.’

It, however, remains to be seen what the team Ms Alupo envisages will look like. The in-tray of the House Appointments Committee that was approved on Thursday will be filled to the rafters when it gets to work on Monday.

Qualms about appointees whose dual citizenship flies in the face of constitutional provisions have to be meticulously considered. The swapping of Cabinet positions by Dr Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero and Justine Kasule Lumumba has also indicated an absence of rigour that previously couldn’t be labelled against Mr Museveni.

Descendants Resistance Army

At any rate, Mr Job Kiija, an associate director at Innovations for Democratic Engagement and Action (IDEA), argued that the political message sent by the new Cabinet is one of managed continuity and synchronised institutional loyalty, carefully designed to mitigate the risk of an unguided succession crisis.

He told Weekend Monitor that the new troop deployments, uncoordinated as some appear, should not be viewed in isolation but as part of a broader systemic realignment across all pillars of State power.

Mr Kiija pointed to the recent installation of party-vetted leadership in Parliament, heavily backed by the PLU, which now functions alongside an aligned Judiciary and a professionalised military to insulate the State from external shocks.

The researcher noted that the systematic replacement of historical bush-war stalwarts like Gen Moses Ali with the literal and ideological offspring of the ruling elite-such as Justine Nameere (daughter of Vincent Sempijja), Desire Muhooza (daughter of Salim Saleh), Musa Ali (son of Moses Ali), Dr Charles Ayume (son of Francis Ayume), and Shartsi Kutesa Musherure (daughter of Sam Kutesa)-illustrates the operationalisation of the ‘Descendants Resistance Army’ philosophy.

Mr Kiija noted that the aforesaid strategy does not signal an immediate handover of power from father to son.

‘Instead, it constructs a robust institutional safety net ensuring that, in the event of an unexpected crisis, the overlapping structures of Cabinet, Legislature, and Military would seamlessly default to the President’s son, preventing internal fragmentation or opposition exploitation.’

He also described the appointments as part of a sophisticated hybrid strategy engineered to achieve absolute political consolidation for President Museveni. This, he argues, is most evident in the deliberate omission of polarising figures from both the PLU and historical NRM factions, such as David Kabanda, Matayo Kyaligonza, and Abdul Nadduli.

‘By sidelining unpredictable actors, Museveni filters out potential sources of internal friction, instead prioritising highly compliant mobilisers,’ he opined.

Contradictions

Mr Kiija argued that this prioritisation of political conformity over institutional competence is underscored by dropping seasoned security figures like Gen David Muhoozi in favour of grassroots populist actoras.

These newer appointees, while fiercely loyal to the Executive, possess fluid allegiances that can easily shift to Gen Muhoozi when the transition requires it.

The IDEA Associate Director reckons that the new Cabinet fundamentally alters internal power dynamics ahead of the 2031 polls. This, he further posited, it achieves by dismantling traditional checks and balances and formalising the alliance between the NRM and PLU.

The Judiciary and Parliament, he said, have been subordinated, operating as extensions of executive and military will rather than independent arms of government.

‘By absorbing key PLU figures like Balaam Barugahara into strategic ministerial positions, Museveni has neutralised the risk of the PLU emerging as a hostile breakaway faction, consolidating both wings under a unified command structure,’ Mr Kiija observed.

He added: ‘The inclusion of nominees holding dual citizenship directly violates Uganda’s constitutional and immigration frameworks, setting up an immediate legal battleground. Moreover, the retention of individuals implicated in major corruption scandals-such as the Karamoja iron sheets saga and the Parliamentary Exhibition-contradicts Museveni’s public pledge of a corruption-free tenure.”

On his part, Mr Marlon Agaba, the executive director of the Anti-Corruption Coalition of Uganda (ACCU), said the new Cabinet represents a good selection of ministers. He described it as a mixture of experienced figures who have served in government before and new entrants who also bring valuable expertise. ‘All in all, it’s a good selection. It’s full of experienced people, and it will deliver on the manifestos and promises of [the] government,’ Mr Agaba noted.

Reading the nuances

Mr Agaba, nevertheless, emphasised that there is little to suggest a transition in leadership. He pointed out that several long-serving figures remain in the Cabinet, including generals such as Gen Henry Tumukunde, Gen Katumba Wamala, Jim Muhwezi, and Kahinda Otafiire. ‘I don’t see anything pointing towards succession. It’s more about control and retaining experienced ministers who have been in power for some time,’ he explained. Mr Agaba noted that the new Cabinet reflects the President’s focus on service delivery, particularly in areas such as wealth creation and the fight against corruption. ‘He doesn’t want to see anyone sleeping. The emphasis is on working hard and tackling corruption.’

Mr Robert Wanjala, a political analyst, said despite the speculation, one thing remains certain: Cabinet appointments in Uganda are rarely interpreted as ordinary government decisions. Every appointment, promotion, demotion, or omission carries political meaning. They reveal who remains influential, who is gaining ground, and who may be losing favour within the ruling establishment

‘The latest Cabinet … therefore, offers more than a glimpse into government administration. It provides insight into the state of power within the NRM and the broader political calculations shaping Uganda’s future. Whether the changes signal continuity, controlled transition, or simply strategic political management, the succession question remains unresolved and deeply embedded in the country’s political discourse,’ Mr Wanjala said.

As Uganda continues to navigate questions about leadership, governance, and generational transition, Cabinet appointments will likely remain key moments through which citizens, analysts, and political actors attempt to read the future of power in the country.