Category: Daily Monitor

Martha Kay, be honest… Range Rover ekyali yo?

This is genuinely one of the top three questions I get almost every day.

I never know whether people ask because they are happy for me or because they want to laugh at me. But one thing is for sure. I am definitely a Range Rover girl for life.

When was the last time you sat on a boda boda?

I actually sat on a boda boda two weeks ago.I had a photoshoot that day, and the photographer had a very tight window for me, so while rushing between the hairstylist and makeup artist, I got caught in insane traffic and ended up taking one. It was thrilling, and it definitely saved me a lot of time.

What is the most dramatic thing you have ever done because of love? And do not protect yourself.

I am generally not very externally dramatic. I am quite composed and not very impulsive. But I have noticed that whenever I am in love, I tend to cancel plans and stay on trips or at events much longer than I should, simply because I want a little extra time with my person.

Kiss, marry, kill: Michael B. Jordan, Maurice Kirya, and Patrick Mukasa. Explain your choices properly, please.

I would marry Michael B. Jordan because that man is fine, rich and successful. I do not know much about his character, but I think I would be set up for life.

I would kiss Maurice Kirya because everything about him feels romantic. The voice, the calmness, the whole vibe are very soft, life-coded. His face is a much-welcome plus.

Patrick Mukasa has to die.

I just looked him up on X, and apparently, I blocked him at some point. I genuinely do not remember why, but it looks like he is already dead to me.

Do you have a ‘peasant habit’ you are willing to confess?

I do not know if this counts as a peasant habit, but I genuinely enjoy Kasuku, Zubeda and Uncle Chumi TikToks. They are chaotic, hilarious and every day I learn a new Luganda word/insult I look forward to them daily.

What is one Kampala rumour you heard about yourself that even you were impressed?

At one point, people had me as the second wife of a certain government official that I had actually never met in person. Apparently, he had bought me a house and a Range Rover.

Meanwhile, I was and still I am living in my mother’s house, and at the time, I was driving a car I personally could not stand. More recently, since the weight loss, there have also been plastic surgery rumours, which honestly impressed me a little. I was like wow… Ugandans really believe in my financial capacity.

What is the most toxic thing Kampala dating has normalised?

I think Kampala dating has normalised ‘tugabane’ a little too much. People no longer care whether somebody is married or actively seeing someone else.

The new mentality is that as long as you are good to me while you are with me, the rest does not matter, and I find that really sad. Also, relationships have become very transactional.

It feels less like a genuine connection and more like an exchange. That is why so many people are bitter now. Romance is dying. I miss the good old days!

Wama, do you kneel for your man when serving him his food?

Honestly, if I really love someone, I become very soft naturally, so I cannot confidently say never. I just think those things mean more when they happen genuinely, not when they feel like a compulsory performance expected from women.

What is the brokest you have ever been?

I am actually very financially disciplined; I save 60 percent of all my earnings. But in 2023, I lived in Nairobi for almost a year without working due to health complications, so I was surviving mostly on my savings.

That is my definition of broke; when nothing is really coming in, and I have to become extremely cautious about how I spend. If I have to ask myself if I really need something, then I am broke and suffering and I know I must apply more pressure.

If all your exes sat on one table, what is the first thing they would agree on about you?

They would probably agree that I am very different privately from what people assume publicly. I’m actually very playful and easy-going.

People usually assume I am more intimidating than I actually am, so that normally surprises them.

What is one thing people think is ‘soft life’ but is actually financial indiscipline?

I think a lot of people have confused soft life with aesthetics. New hair, brunches, trips, designer bags…The moment your lifestyle is driven more by appearances than peace, it stops being a soft life. It becomes pressure.

I was once there, and trust me, it was not worth it at all. There is soooo much more you can use your money for than pleasing strangers who will scroll by in two minutes. Avoid!

What is your biggest ‘I cannot believe I did that in public’ moment?

More recently, I was seated next to a big Kenyan artiste at an event and the MC, who was on stage wearing sunglasses, reached over to greet him. Because of the shades, I genuinely thought he was greeting me.

So, I stood up to high five him at the exact same moment the artiste did and ended up knocking all the drinks over the table onto basically everybody around us while the whole event watched. (Including the Kenyan star) I wanted the ground to open up and swallow me because I could have simply remained seated and minded my business.

Which Kampala friendship red flag do people ignore too much?

I am very big on loyalty, so I find it strange how casually people speak badly about the same friends they publicly claim to love.

And nowadays, when you question it, people just say, ‘But everyone talks about everyone,’ as though that somehow makes it okay.

What is the pettiest reason you have ever stopped talking to someone?

If I have to keep explaining my jokes to you multiple times, I am going to cut you off. Life is too short, man.

In Kampala, what disappears faster; genuine friendships or that ka end-of-month salary?

That salary disappears with unbelievable confidence. It is truly traumatising.

One permanent message from your new body to your old body.

It is possible, my love. You can, and you will do this. Stop obsessing over how long it is going to take because the time will pass anyway. Put the fork down. That extra slice of bread, that soda… none of it will matter as much as the self-control you build along the way.

One day, you will look in the mirror and realise that the hardest part was simply deciding not to give up. And trust me, the pride you will feel in yourself will be worth every difficult day. Of course, the hot body is a sweet, sweet bonus. Just start. Now.

Government has moved to reform and modernize Uganda’s veterinary sector with the launch of an online database platform aimed at improving animal health, public health and trade in animal products.

The online system is designed to improve regulation, licensing and monitor veterinary practitioners across the country.

State Minister for Animal Industry Mr Bright Rwamirama called it a milestone for professionalism and accountability.

‘It reflects Uganda’s commitment to strengthening professional regulations, improving public service and delivery, modernizing government systems and enhancing public trust in veterinary services. We have been having challenges in trade in animal products and this is one of the ways we are going to achieve,’ Mr Rwamirama said.

The Uganda Veterinary Council was established under the Veterinary Practitioners Act 2024, which gave it a broader mandate for professional regulation.

Supported by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the platform will maintain an updated national database of licensed practitioners and establishments, improve verification of professionals, and support inspection and compliance monitoring.

Mr Rwamirama said farmers can now use the system to confirm if a vet is registered and licensed, a move expected to weed out quacks.

‘I have seen people calling themselves doctors or veterinarians, riding in the bushes on motorcycles and treating animals with no competence at all. And this has escalated the problem of microbial resistance,’ he said.

He stressed the sector’s role in national development: ‘Veterinary professionals occupy a uniquely important place in Uganda’s national development agenda. They are indispensable to livestock production, animal health, welfare, veterinary and public health, food safety, trade and livelihood of millions of Ugandan households. The profession is central to our agricultural transformation agenda, public health, security and Uganda’s participation in regional and international trade in livestock and animal products.’

Government is also finalizing plans to establish a Veterinary and Food Authority to consolidate oversight of animal health, food safety and veterinary public health. Mr Rwamirama noted that more than 75 per cent of human diseases are of animal origin, making the One Health approach critical for trade and consumer confidence.

‘If we are to trade and reassure consumers that our standards and practitioners are very conscious of this, then we shall reach instant markets and improve our international trade in animal and animal products,’ he said.

Dr Caroline Asiimwe, chairperson of the UVC digital systems and data governance committee, said the platform ends the era of manual records and fragmented systems.

‘Technological platform marks the beginning of a new era in the regulation and coordination, the transparency and the modernisation of the veterinary practice in Uganda,’ she said.

The system will also improve communication between the council and practitioners while giving the public access to verified professional information.

UVC Chairperson Dr Halid Kirunda said the expanded mandate under the 2024 Act requires a modern, data-driven regulatory system.

‘This marks the operationalisation of the Veterinary Practitioners Act 2024. It is strongly believed that it will help to strengthen the oversight of the UVC, improve compliance, and support Uganda’s broad animal health and veterinary public health and food safety systems,’ Dr Kirunda said.

FAO Uganda Country Representative Mr Ezana Kassa said strengthening veterinary governance is critical for public health, food systems and resilient agriculture.

‘This system will enhance registration, licensing, renewals and the tracking of continuous professional development for veterinary professionals to support the efficient management of well over 4,600 registered professionals across the country while improving efficiency, transparency, accountability and access to regulatory services,’ he said.

For years, 72-year-old Matovu was a familiar face in the bustling commercial hubs of Bweyogerere, a vibrant township just east of Uganda’s capital. As an independent businessman, he moved freely, anchored his family’s financial survival, and navigated life on his own terms.

That reality shattered when a devastating stroke left him partially paralyzed. His misfortunes compounded soon after when a horrific road accident severely fractured his left leg.

‘My leg bone broke, and part of it actually came out,’ Matovu recalled softly, gesturing to his scarred limb. ‘Since then, life has been very difficult. I cannot walk beyond one or two kilometers without intense pain.’

With Matovu sidelined, the grueling burden of survival shifted entirely to his wife. Compounding the family’s crisis, she too struggles with limited mobility due to injuries sustained in a separate accident. For the Matovu family, the world had effectively shrunk to the perimeter of their immediate homestead.

On Tuesday, however, Matovu’s world expanded once again. He was one of dozens of beneficiaries whose lives were transformed during a community outreach event organized by the Ramadan Foundation, a local non-profit dedicated to uplifting marginalized groups.

Amidst a crowd of cheering volunteers and emotional family members, Matovu was handed the keys to a brand-new, hand-cranked mobility cart.

‘The mobility cart I have received today is so nice and easy to ride,’ Matovu said, a brilliant smile replacing years of etched exhaustion.

‘It is going to help me in my day-to-day work, even if it means going to the market. It is spacious enough to carry foodstuffs and other things. I feel like I have got my energy back.’

For the recipients gathered in Bweyogerere, these robust, all-terrain carts represent far more than a mere mode of transportation. In a country where public infrastructure rarely accommodates persons with disabilities (PWDs), these devices are a passport to freedom, financial agency, and reclaimed dignity.

Among those fighting back tears was 59-year-old Mariam Nakafu, the women’s chairperson for Kiganda Zone in Bweyogerere. Before tragedy struck, Nakafu was a thriving entrepreneur, running a successful business dealing in imported office chairs and woven woolen carpets. A catastrophic accident halted her enterprise, leaving her with extensive internal injuries.

‘I have nine metal nails permanently fixed in my left leg and five in the right one,’ Nakafu explained, pointing to where the orthopedic hardware was inserted from her knees downward. ‘Movement became an agonizing chore. My business crumbled because I simply could not manage the logistics anymore.’

Testing her new mobility cart for the first time, Nakafu maneuvered it with ease. ‘This cart has come at the exact time when I need it most,’ she said. ‘Now I can move freely without depending on anyone to help me. I feel hopeful again.’

For others, the intervention corrected basic human rights violations brought on by poverty. Jamala Abdulsuliman, a refugee who fled conflict in South Sudan only to face the harsh realities of urban displacement in Uganda, spoke of the humiliation he endured daily. Unable to afford the ubiquitous boda-boda (motorcycle) taxis, Abdulsuliman often resorted to crawling on his hands through the dust to get around.

‘It was destroying my hygiene and stripping away my dignity, but I had absolutely no option,’ Abdulsuliman said quietly. ‘Now, everything changes. I can finally move through my community with confidence.’

The reach of the initiative also extended to the next generation. Samuel Manashafa, a local barber from nearby Kasangati, attended the event to receive a cart on behalf of his two-year-old daughter, Emileshi Nshemye, who was born with a debilitating congenital condition.

‘As a parent, seeing your child struggle hurts deeply,’ Manashafa said. ‘Although my daughter is still very young, this cart will be vital for her development and integration into society as she grows.’

The distribution drive, which also included essential food packages and clothing, highlights the critical role civil society organizations play in filling social welfare gaps.

Speaking at the distribution ceremony, Ms Janat Sebunya, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ramadan Foundation, emphasized that the initiative is designed to push back against the systemic neglect of PWDs.

‘We believe that disability should never stop someone from living a meaningful, independent, and productive life,’ Ms Sebunya asserted. ‘Our mission goes beyond charity; it is about empowerment. We want these families to know they are not alone. Even the smallest piece of targeted support can completely rewrite someone’s life story.’

Sebunya issued a passionate plea to corporate entities, educational institutions, and private well-wishers to partner with the foundation to expand their reach into education through bursary schemes.

Concluding the event, the chairperson of the foundation, Ms. Justin Kanyike, delivered a firm, encouraging charge to the beneficiaries, urging them to view the tools not as handouts, but as capital for self-reliance.

‘We want to see lives tangibly changing after this support,’ Kanyike emphasized. ‘Do not sell these carts. Use them to move, to work, to trade, and to actively rebuild your livelihoods. When our team returns for monitoring and follow-up, we want to find families progressing and growing stronger.’

As the afternoon sun began to set over Bweyogerere, the grounds cleared not with the slow, labored movements of the morning, but with the steady hum of rotating wheels. Laughter and quiet prayers filled the air as Kampala’s newly mobile citizens rolled toward a self-determined future.

The High Court in Kampala has ordered security agencies to produce Mr Duncan Keith Ayebare, a technical advisor at the Ministry of Education and Sports, who has been missing since February 13, 2026, after an alleged illegal detention.

In a ruling delivered on Friday via email, Justice Joyce Kavuma issued a writ of habeas corpus directing the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Chief of Defence Intelligence and Security (CDIS), Inspector General of Police, and the Attorney General to produce Mr Ayebare before court on June 2, following allegations that he was abducted by armed men and detained incommunicado for more than three months without trial.

A habeas corpus application is made in court seeking a person under detention to be brought before a judge or magistrate, especially to secure that person’s release unless lawful grounds are shown to justify their continued incarceration.

Ayebare’s family, through an application filed by his father, Rev. Robert Kayongwe Basherura, told the court that Mr Ayebare was allegedly kidnapped on February 13, 2026, by armed plain-clothed men while attending a meeting at Gayaza Junior School.

The court heard that since his disappearance, his family, friends and lawyers had failed to trace the detention facility where he was allegedly being held.

According to affidavits presented before the court, Ayebare later briefly returned home under heavy military guard before he was taken away again.

Mr William Wandera, a gardener and caretaker at Ayebare’s residence, stated that his boss arrived home on February 14, accompanied by armed men dressed in Uganda People’s Defence Forces uniforms and two plain-clothed men travelling in a numberless drone vehicle.

‘The applicant requested him to take care of his dogs and promised to return soon,’ Justice Kavuma noted in the ruling while summarising Wandera’s affidavit evidence.

However, the Uganda Police Force denied any involvement in Ayebare’s arrest or detention.

Through Detective Corporal Obed Nankunda, police told the court that investigations and searches conducted in police detention records established that Ayebare was not in police custody.

‘The allegations that the applicant is being detained by the Uganda Police Force are false, speculative, unsubstantiated and unsupported by any credible evidence,’ the respondents argued.

State Attorney lawyers also raised a preliminary objection, arguing that the alleged arresting officers were plain-clothed individuals whose institutional affiliation had not been clearly identified.

The Attorney General’s chambers further argued that the application had been filed nearly 90 days after Ayebare’s disappearance, which they said undermined the urgency typically associated with habeas corpus proceedings.

They also pointed to Gayaza Junior School head teacher Sarah Tebugurwa as the last known person with whom Ayebare had contact before his disappearance.

But lawyers representing Ayebare dismissed the objections, insisting that the matter involved serious allegations of unlawful detention and disappearance.

Ayebare’s lawyers argued that none of the security agencies, particularly the CDF and CDIS, had filed affidavits specifically denying custody of Ayebare.

While issuing the order, Justice Kavuma agreed with the applicant (Ayebare’s family) and faulted security agencies for failing to satisfactorily explain Ayebare’s whereabouts.

‘There has been no evidence that investigations and searches were conducted on other relevant security agencies,’ the judge ruled.

The court further observed that the evidence presented showed Ayebare was arrested by armed men linked to state security agencies and had never been formally charged before any court.

‘Where allegations of unlawful detention are made and remain uncontroverted, the court is entitled to infer that the detention complained of exists,’ Justice Kavuma held.

The judge emphasised that continued incommunicado detention without trial violates constitutional guarantees of personal liberty and fair hearing under Articles 23 and 28 of the Constitution.

‘In the circumstances of this case, the applicant has established sufficient grounds for the issuance of a writ of habeas corpus,’ she ruled.

Justice Kavuma subsequently ordered the respondents to produce Ayebare before the High Court Civil Division on June 2.

The trial judge did not make an order for the costs of the application.

President Yoweri Museveni on Tuesday unveiled the full Cabinet, finally putting the rumour mill to rest after weeks of speculation about who would land which portfolio. The appointments were a mixed bag; surprise first-timers in Parliament, seasoned old guards, and technocrats brought in to steer key ministries. Most strikingly, children of the resistance – those whose parents fought in the bush war or served as senior government officials, including former ministers – ‘ate big’ in the new Cabinet. This marks a bold step toward fulfilling Museveni’s 2021 pledge to appoint descendants of the resistance to pivotal government positions.

‘I have been discussing with my children, who are now senior adults, the timelines of creating the DRA (the Descendants’ Resistance Army I) to take forward the work of the original National Resistance Army (NRA) of their parents,’ Mr Museveni said. ‘These are people who work for passion, not money. Against resistance, I put one of them, Ms Irene Kaggwa, to manage Uganda Communication Commission (UCC). She is doing a commendable and clean job from the little I hear of. The young movementists are liberating the Uganda Airlines. It is easy for the National Resistance Movement (NRM) to defeat corruption…’

Yet, in a twist of fate, Mr Museveni later removed both Irene Kaggwa and Jenifer Bamuturaki from their posts, reinstating the old guard.

Among the new faces announced on Tuesday evening were Shartsi Kutesa Musherure, daughter of the former long serving Foreign Affairs minister, who was appointed minister of State for Finance in-charge of Micro Finance; Siraji Musa Ali, son of Gen Moses Ali, named State minister for Works; and Justine Nameere, daughter of former Defence minister Vincent Ssempijja, appointed State minister for Local Government. Dr Charles Ayume, son of former Speaker Francis Ayume, was named as State minister for Primary Health Care. The appointments raised eyebrows in some quarters while putting smiles on others.

Mr Mathias Mpuuga, the former Leader of Opposition in Parliament, told this publication the reshuffle was part of Museveni’s grand design to extend his family’s grip on power beyond 45 years.

‘That Museveni has not changed and he still has his eyes on his political agenda and programme. Whether your appointment is meant to fit into his programme, it’s upon those who are appointed to the leadership to find a way of either breaking his agenda or stopping his programme. He’s on his project,’ Mr Mpuuga said. He argued that while Mr Museveni injected ‘fresh blood’ by appointing children of political heavyweights, he has not lost sight of his old allies, keeping them on a short leash.

‘I think he knows his allies and you are either an ally directly or through a son or daughter. He is keeping tabs on his base; that’s why he is recycling the likes of [Henry] Tumukunde, they will come back. The [Ephraim] Kamuntus will come back. That’s what they call keeping a base. Of course, some of the appointments are meant to try and expand his base without necessarily losing the old base. And for me, he’s not going to change the way he works. That’s his way. You just need to understand it,’ he said.

Meanwhile, ordinary Ugandans without political connections were left ‘out in the cold.’ Mr Mpuuga warned that while this is a pressing problem, citizens must think beyond today’s headlines and find ways to break the tightly woven scheme designed to keep power in the same hands. ‘Trouble is, the ordinary Ugandan has not accepted the fact that they are things they are not able to understand and because of that, the ordinary Ugandan is playing politics the ordinary way,’ he said. ‘That’s why, in the ordinary way of doing things, Museveni continues to achieve the same goal because he knows his nemeses have not changed their ways. So, the political position of the ordinary Ugandan must think beyond the faces they see, they must go beyond ordinary debate,’ Mr Mpuuga added.

However, not everyone sees it as a problem.

Dr Grace Lubaale, the Bishop of Busoga Diocese, said the President has constitutional authority to appoint those he can work with. ‘The Constitution is very clear. Once you have voted a person as President, then you have empowered him to make a Cabinet. So, I am sure that the President appoints ministers from his wisdom, based on institutional memory, competence, loyalty, support, and votes given. The President is empowered to appoint people to work with him,’ he said.

‘The way I am a bishop, I am empowered to appoint people to work with me and so, the position of the President is like mine. You appoint people, based on, largely, institutional memory. They are based on competence, on loyalty, on service delivery, on gender balance, you have regional balance, you have religious balance,’ Bishop Lubaale added. Similarly, Mr Alex Brandon Kintu, the former NRM Parliamentary Caucus spokesperson, said Mr Museveni knows the demands placed on government and hand-picks the best people for the job.

‘If you remember, when the President took oath, he said this is a term of no sleep. So, you find that this Cabinet is a mixture. This is a mixture because if you just look at development and you only have to deal with pure politicians, some of them also have their own intentions. Instead of service, they do things for their own benefits. So, I would like to appreciate the President that it’s a mixed and I believe it’s a very competent Cabinet. We should all support and look forward for positive outcomes,’ he said.

The trial in a corruption case involving former Trade Ministry Permanent Secretary Geraldine Ssali and co-accused before the Anti-Corruption Division of the High Court has been further adjourned due to the absence of the prosecution team.

Trial judge Jane Okuo Kajuga on Friday adjourned the matter to June 29, 2026, after state prosecutors failed to appear in court because they were attending a national prosecution symposium.

The three-day symposium, held under the theme “Enhancing Professionalism for Responsive Prosecution Services”, ended on Friday and brought together prosecutors from across the country.

The case is also awaiting guidance from the Constitutional Court on a petition filed by one of the accused persons.

At the centre of the constitutional challenge is former Busiki County MP Paul Akamba, who is contesting the legality of his prosecution.

Akamba alleges that he was tortured by security personnel during his arrest and argues that his fundamental human rights were violated. He is seeking dismissal of the charges on those grounds.

Ms Ssali is jointly charged with Igara East MP Michael Mawanda Muranga, Elgon County MP Ignatius Wamakuyu Mudiimi, lawyer Julius Taitankoko Kirya, and principal cooperative officer Leonard Kavundira.

The accused persons face charges of abuse of office, conspiracy to defraud, causing financial loss, and money laundering in connection with Shs3.8 billion meant for Buyaka Growers Cooperative Society Limited.

According to the prosecution, Ms Ssali abused her authority during the 2021/2022 financial year by irregularly introducing Buyaka Growers Cooperative Society onto a list of entities eligible for government compensation for war losses despite the cooperative not appearing in the approved supplementary budget request dated August 4, 2021.

The state further alleges that in the financial years 2021/2022 and 2022/2023, Ms Ssali authorised payments amounting to Shs3.8 billion to Kirya and Company Advocates in contravention of the 2017 Treasury Instructions.

Prosecution contends that the accused persons knew or ought to have known that their actions would occasion financial loss to the government.

Court documents further indicate that between 2019 and 2023, the accused persons allegedly conspired to defraud the government of Shs3.4 billion earmarked for compensating cooperatives affected during the 1981-1986 liberation war and subsequent insurgencies.

The case has repeatedly faced procedural interruptions.

Earlier proceedings had been adjourned following the absence of the Assistant Registrar, while on another occasion, defence lawyers successfully applied for an extension of bail after the prosecution failed to appear.

President Museveni’s latest Cabinet reshuffle has brought to an apparent end the three-decade ministerial career of former Karamoja Affairs minister Peter Lokeris.

Mr Lokeris entered elective politics in 1996 as MP for Chekwii County in the then Nakapiripirit District, quickly rising to national prominence after being appointed minister of State for Karamoja Affairs. The appointment cemented his position as a key political figure and intermediary between Karamoja and the central government.

Before joining politics, Mr Lokeris served in various administrative and financial roles across Karamoja and other districts, including as cashier and internal auditor in Moroto District, a chief accountant in Kotido District, and administrative secretary in Moroto, Kasese and Jinja districts. He later lost his parliamentary seat for Chekwii East to NRM flag bearer Stephenson Lokoru in the 2026 general election but remained at the helm of Karamoja Affairs ministry, deputised by State Minister Florence Nambozo Wamala.

In a statement issued by his personal assistant Santo Obwoch, the former minister said he had received the reshuffle with ‘utmost faith and humility,’ adding that he remained a loyal cadre of the NRM. ‘I have been a loyal cadre and remain a loyal NRM cadre. Whatever decision the President made, I take it in good faith,’ he said. Mr Obwoch said his principal was in good spirits following the announcement. ‘I was with him 30 minutes ago. He is well and in a sound mood,’ he added.

Residents of Karamoja have since reflected on Mr Lokeris’s long political career, with some crediting him for playing a central role in the region’s pacification and disarmament efforts. Ms Stella Rose Nakwang, a resident of Matany Town Council in Napak District, said Mr Lokeris would be remembered for his contribution to the disarmament programme of the early 2000s. ‘Because of that, the entire Karamoja is calm. He moved from one area to another engaging elders and kraal leaders to surrender illegal guns for peace and development,’ she said.

She added that the visible transformation in the region, including infrastructure development, was partly due to his efforts.

‘We are seeing factories and tarmac roads beginning to change the face of Karamoja. That I attribute to his contribution,’ she said. Mr Paul Abura, a metal fabricator in Moroto Town, said the reshuffle could be part of a broader strategy to introduce younger leaders into the region’s political leadership. ‘Maybe the President now wants to groom a new set of leaders in Karamoja, and that is why he has decided to retire Mr Lokeris from Cabinet,’ he said.

Ugandan politics remains the greatest television series ever produced. Just vibes, spicy betrayal, dramatic speeches, mysterious illnesses, and men in oversized suits pretending everything is under control while the country watches like aunties following Two Sides of Ana oba Second Chance. Anyways ,in this week’s episode; the 12th Parliament Speaker elections at Kololo. A beautiful reminder that in Uganda, the more things change, the more they aggressively remain the same.

The President arrived like the final boss of the franchise, calmly watching the machinery continue exactly as designed. The Chief Justice presided over proceedings with the seriousness of a man supervising a family meeting where the inheritance has already been decided. But the CJ was too serious , like he was unaware the audience he was in . Bro you gotta chill! Our parliamentarians might not fully represent our concerns but they are a proper sample space of Ugandans; very unserious and such chill group of God’s creation!

From the elections, the results shocked absolutely nobody. Jacob Oboth-Oboth won with the kind of numbers that make opposition candidates start questioning their career choices midway through counting. The NRM moves through elections like students entering an exam with leaked papers already highlighted. By the time ballots were being counted, Ugandans online had already emotionally accepted the outcome and moved onto the next big thing, which could be the next big party given we have a public holiday mid-week.

The timeline became obsessed with absences, vibes, and body language analysis. Ugandans investigated facial expressions the way FBI agents study crime scenes. One awkward handshake immediately became a 12-part conspiracy thread on X. A delayed smile is a sign of political tension. Uganda has turned overanalysing politicians into a full-time sport. Then there was Mao. Ah yes, Norbert Mao. You must respect consistency. The man stood there confidently with his rugby-team-sized support base and still pushed forward like a motivational speaker who refuses to acknowledge attendance numbers. He should be adopted as the spiritual symbol of persistence. People joked that Mao’s political career is powered entirely by refusal to read the room.

But honestly, you have to admire the resilience. That man wakes up every election cycle saying, ‘One more time’, with the confidence of Arsenal fans during preseason. By evening, new leaders were sworn in, speeches were delivered with practiced seriousness, and official photos were taken with the energy of people praying not to trend for the wrong reasons. Everyone shook hands firmly, smiled convincingly, and performed unity like it had a rehearsal schedule. Then, as always, Uganda moved on swiftly, almost professionally because tomorrow there will definitely be another press conference nobody asked for, another scandal with too many statements and too few answers, or another politician explaining something that somehow makes less sense after explanation.

Across the country, children returned to school for their second term of study this week. Unlike other terms, this time there is more worry beyond the fees and school requirements. The country faces a delicate and urgent responsibility: ensuring that education continues without exposing learners to the growing threat of Ebola, while at the same time minimising panic across the country.

The escalating outbreak in neighbouring Democratic Republic of the Congo, where more than 900 cases have been confirmed, with more than 220 deaths, and the increasing risk of cross-border transmission into Uganda demand vigilance, not only from government authorities but from parents, teachers, religious leaders, and communities.

Children are among the most vulnerable during public health emergencies, not only because of their age but because schools and social gatherings naturally involve close interaction, shared facilities, and frequent physical contact. Uganda has handled Ebola outbreaks before, and one of the country’s greatest strengths has always been early prevention and public cooperation. Therefore, schools must strictly enforce Ministry of Health guidelines, including regular hand washing, temperature screening, sanitation of classrooms and dormitories, and immediate reporting of any suspected symptoms. Teachers and school administrators should not treat these measures as routine instructions, but as life-saving responsibilities.

The Health ministry has already warned that activities promoting ‘close physical interaction, uncontrolled crowd mixing and unnecessary movement’ could facilitate rapid transmission if an infected person attends such gatherings. Children showing signs of fever, weakness, vomiting, or unusual illness should never be sent to school. At the same time, social gatherings such as concerts, festivals, sports activities, and crowded celebrations must be approached with caution. While public life may not completely stop, unnecessary exposure during an active outbreak can quickly reverse the gains Uganda has made in controlling previous epidemics.

The government’s decision to keep schools open while tightening preventive measures reflects an understanding that education must continue. However, keeping schools operational will only succeed if prevention remains consistent and serious at every level. The media, religious institutions, and local leaders must intensify public awareness campaigns, especially among young people, who may underestimate the dangers of Ebola. Fear and misinformation can spread just as fast as the virus itself.

Uganda cannot afford complacency. Protecting children in schools and communities is not only a health priority but a national duty. The fight against Ebola will not be won by government directives alone, but by everyday decisions made in homes, classrooms, churches, markets, and public spaces across the country.

Advocates of equality and empowerment have warmly welcomed the rise in the number of women, who now make up 49 percent of Cabinet. An analysis of the list of proposed Cabinet members released by President Museveni on Tuesday shows that women hold 41 seats out of the total Cabinet, an increase from 36 in the 2021-2024 Cabinet. This represents a 6 percent rise. There are 83 members of the Cabinet in total, excluding the President. These include the Vice President, Prime Minister, Cabinet ministers, and ministers of State.

Of the 32 senior positions, including the vice president, prime minister, and Cabinet ministers, women occupy 11 slots, a slight dip from 13 in the 2021-2024 Cabinet. On the flip side, women now outnumber men among the State ministers, taking 30 out of 51 positions, up from 23 in the previous government. These nominees are awaiting vetting by Parliament’s Appointments Committee. Among the senior positions held by women are the vice president, prime minister, first deputy prime minister, and third deputy prime minister. Others have been entrusted with ministries such as Education and Sports, Energy and Mineral Development, ICT and National Guidance, and Lands, Housing and Urban Development. Additional senior female members include the minister for the Presidency, the minister for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, and the Government Chief Whip.

The analysis also reveals that no woman has been posted to the ministries of Trade or Foreign Affairs. However, the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development is entirely in female hands. In a speech delivered by Vice President Jessica Alupo at this year’s Women’s Day celebrations, President Museveni declared women to be better leaders and managers. ‘What we are celebrating now, when I appoint some of the women vice president or prime minister …is an outward sign that women can manage,’ Mr Museveni said in his speech on Women’s Day in March.

Ms Perry Aritua, the executive director of the Women’s Democracy Network, emphasised that these appointments reflect trust by the appointing authority, but are not mere favours; they are a fulfilment of constitutional principles. Article 33 of the Constitution mandates equal opportunities for men and women.

‘I expect that these women will lead with integrity, that they will be effective in their positions, and not only be in those positions because they are women. They really must show that they have earned these positions,’ Ms Aritua said, welcoming the increase in the number of women in Cabinet.

Overall, there has been a steady rise in the number of women in leadership under the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party-led government, with Mr Museveni often hailed as a champion of empowerment and equality. His first Cabinet in 1986 was entirely male, with only two women in deputy roles. But in 1994, he appointed the first-ever female vice president on the continent. Ms Jessica Alupo, retained as vice president, is the second woman to hold the position in Uganda’s history. The first was Ms Wandira Kazibwe, who served from 1994 to 2003. In 2021, Mr Museveni appointed the country’s first female prime minister, Ms Robinah Nabbanja.

Like Ms Wandira and Ms Alupo began as ministers of State, the trend suggests that junior positions serve as a nursery bed from which some women blossom into higher offices. To further boost women’s representation, laws have been enacted to reserve positions for them. Without such measures, their numbers in leadership would likely be far lower. The Constitution clusters women among marginalised groups due to historical, traditional, and cultural hindrances. Affirmative action seeks to redress these imbalances.

High expectations

Now the women appointed to Cabinet hold the baton, tasked with carrying forward victories won by those before them, while paving a smoother road for those yet to come. ‘If they do what is expected of them, understand what the office is about, and deliver on their mandate, it will solidify the advocacy that we have had that women can be good leaders, especially if we put the right women in the right places. It will also, you know, inspire more young women to know that others have done a good job and that they can also, when in the future they get those positions, they can also perform well,’ Ms Aritua said.

Ms Betty Aol Ocan, the Gulu City Women Representative and former Leader of Opposition in the 10th Parliament, said the appointees must focus on serving the country and meeting the needs of the people, rather than chasing self-aggrandisement. ‘I congratulate them. Ministers should focus on addressing the needs of our people. There are many issues in our constituencies. Above all, they should maintain integrity and a good name,’ she said. Even further, the new Cabinet members face the uphill task of scrubbing away the stains of corruption left by the previous government. For instance, multiple Cabinet members – both men and women – were implicated in the Karamoja iron sheets scandal, with some retained in the new line-up.

Ongoing investigations into illicit wealth accumulation and abuse of office against former Speaker of Parliament Anita Among have also cast a shadow over the women’s movement. Activists, however, caution against holding women to higher standards than their male counterparts. Ms Sarah Bireete, the executive director of the Centre for Constitutional Governance, said that these failures should not be used to tar an entire gender. She insists the Cabinet must be judged by one yardstick: how it delivers on its mandate.

‘We are going to be looking at how this Cabinet implements that dream of kisanja [term of office] no corruption, and kisanja no sleep to make sure Uganda wins at the end of the five years,’ she said. Ms Bireete added: ‘We invite this Cabinet to have respect for the Constitution and the role of Uganda and avoid any acts that would violate the fundamental rights and freedoms of Ugandans,’ she said.

While analysts argue that the appointments serve political purposes, including appealing to the women’s constituency, one cannot overlook the wealth of experience and professional qualifications the women bring to the table. Ms Alupo, for example, has served across sectors, including the army and education, giving her a comprehensive grasp of the nation’s needs. Dr Jane Ruth Aceng, appointed Government Chief Whip, is a public health specialist with proven excellence, having led the country through outbreaks such as Ebola and Covid-19.

Among the youngest ministers, Dr Mercy Lakisa will serve in the Youth and Children’s docket under the Ministry of Gender. Others, like Ms Lillian Aber and Ms Phionah Nyamutoro – both former vice guild presidents at Makerere University before becoming MPs in 2021 — are credited with valuable political experience.

In their reactions to the appointments, several women pledged to fulfil their mandates in their assigned ministries. Ms Rebecca Kadaga, reappointed first deputy prime minister and minister for East African Community Affairs, said she would fast-track the East African integration agenda. Ms Mary Mugasa, posted as minister for Bunyoro Affairs, promised to put her best foot forward, just as she did in her previous posting as State minister for Public Service.

‘At the Ministry of Public Service… we advanced the digitisation agenda in public service, strengthened performance management systems, promoted innovation and institutional efficiency, and supported reforms geared towards a more responsive and citizen-centred public service. I remain grateful for the trust and confidence the President continues to place in me as we collectively work towards transforming lives,’ Ms Mugasa said.

Gaps

Ms Bireete argued that equal representation – especially in senior and influential positions -should cut across all arms of government and institutions.

‘Women make up 51.4 percent of the population, are given this percentage in one arm of government and excluded in the two others, that is the leadership of Judiciary and Parliament, what does this mean for Uganda’s commitment to sustain a good government to qualify to aspiration 6 of the African Union Agenda 2033, but also to our own constitution in terms of gender commitments,’ she said.

Last week, activists mounted a spirited fight against an all-male leadership in the Legislature. For three decades, it had been tradition to balance the Speaker and Deputy Speaker with one male and one female. This changed when Mr Jacob Marksons Oboth, alias Oboth-Oboth, was elected Speaker on Monday and he will be deputised by Mr Thomas Tayebwa. ‘Right from the Eighth Parliament, one was always a woman. The 12th Parliament without a woman is going to have problems. We talk about equal opportunities, but where is it if we only see men?’ Ms Bireete said on May 25, after the Speaker and Deputy Speaker elections.

But the Women’s National Council, responding to the debate sparked by the all-male speakership, argued that appointments should be based on capacity and competence, not gender alone.

The women in Cabinet have also been drawn from all sub-regions of the country. Buganda leads with 12. All five ministers from Busoga are female, while Acholi has four. Three hail from Lango, while Ankole, Bunyoro, Karamoja, Kigezi, Tooro, and West Nile each have two. Rwenzori, Sebei, Bukedi, Bugisu, and Teso each have one.