Category: Daily Monitor

In the Greater Luweero Districts, President Museveni allocated three ministerial slots, with the Luweero District securing two.

Mr Abdul Karim Wasswa, an NRM party mobiliser in Greater Luweero, is jubilant, saying: ‘We have the State Minister for Higher Education, Dr Chrysostom Muyingo, Ms Cissy Mulondo, the State Minister for Finance, Economic Planning, General Duties and Mr Kabuye Kyofatogabye, the State Minister for Kampala City and Metropolitan Affairs.”

Noting that: ”This is a big achievement for Greater Luweero. We expect more from the NRM government on top of the new appointments.’

Dr Chrysostom Muyingo and Ms Cissy Mulondo are not Members of Parliament, and both come from Bamunanika County, Luweero District, while Mr Kabuye Kyofatogabye is the MP for Nakaseke Central in Nakaseke District.

But Mr Robert Ssetaala, a resident of Makulubita Sub-county and a bush war veteran, said Greater Luweero demands a bigger political cake at the level of Senior Cabinet Ministers and possibly a slot among the Deputy Prime Ministers.

For Buvuma, an island district in the northern waters of Lake Victoria, the appointment of one of their own, Mr Robert Migadde Ndugwa, to a ministerial position was a surprise.

Mr Samuel Ssenoga, a resident of Buvuma Sub-county, believes that appointing Migadde to the portfolio of State Minister for Fisheries is their biggest surprise and a blessing.

‘We have got our own and a fisherman with whom we can share our challenges as fishermen. We have previously had ministers in charge of Fisheries, yet the persons appointed even fear the waters. They could not easily deliver since they were foreign to the plight of the local fishermen,’ he said.

In Mpigi District, President Museveni appointed Mawokota South MP, Suzan Nakawuki Nsambu, as State Minister for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities.

Here, a section of residents believes the appointment could be a vote of confidence for the electorate that ensured that the NRM party performs better in the 2026 general election.

Mr Moses Mukwaya, a resident of Soweto Zone in Kayabwe Town Council, said that Nakawuki, unlike many other politicians, is a leader who is visible and development-oriented.

‘Our area is likely to benefit more if the government considers appointing our own at key government departments,’ he said.

CABINET MINISTERS

Gen Edward Katumba Wamala for Public Service

Judith Nabakooba for Lands, Housing and Urban Development Minister

Minsa Kabanda as Kampala Minister and Sam Mayanja

Kiryowa Kiwanuka as Attorney General and Defence Minister

STATE MINISTERS

Desire Muhooza from Kiboga as State Minister for Agriculture

Amina Mukalazi, as State Minister for Privatisation and Investment

Shartis Kutesa Musherure for Microfinance

Justine Nameere for Local Government

Suzan Nakawuki Nsambu for Tourism

Diana Mutasingwa

Amos Lugolobi

Haruna Kasolo,

Aisha Ssekindi

Joyce Ssebugwawo

Kabuye Kyofatogabye

Amos Lugoloobi

Cissy Mulondo

Robert Migadde Ndugwa

Diana Mutasingwa

Dr Lawrence Muganga.

Throughout the day, dozens of motorcycles, trucks, tricycles and pedestrians stream through unofficial crossing points in Nebbi, Adjumani, Maracha, Koboko, Yumbe, Arua, Moyo and Zombo districts.

Some carry sacks of cassava flour, smoked fish, beans, timber, cooking oil and fuel from Congo. Others head to South Sudan with sugar, soap and manufactured goods bought from Ugandan markets.

For many border communities, crossing between countries is part of daily life. On weekends, crowds flock to both sides for leisure and religious functions. Revelers from the DRC cross for discos in Mangasaba, Ayivu West Division in Arua City, while Kampala Market in Logiri Sub-county operates on both sides of the border and cultural ties run deep.

But health officials fear the same movement could provide the fastest route for Ebola to spread into Uganda’s West Nile region.

Now religious and cultural leaders are closing doors to such gatherings. Leaders across the region have announced a ban on all traditional, secular and religious events.

In Nebbi, the Marian Rosary Crusade scheduled for May 30 at Nebbi Cathedral Parish has been postponed to August. The event was expected to draw thousands of faithful from Uganda and the DRC.

‘The request arises from the prevalence of Ebola which calls for vigilance and care knowing that our Diocese falls within the districts that are grouped as highly risky,’ said Fr. Michael Citia, Spiritual Director in Nebbi Catholic Diocese, on May 25.

‘During this period, we ask you Christians and people of goodwill to pray for the country’s personalities that are on the forefront in the pursuit against Ebola. We too pray for our Diocese, the Bishop and all pastoral agents whose ministry exposes them either directly or indirectly,’ he added.

Dr. Amos Nyathirombo, Minister of Health in Alur Kingdom, said the outbreak was a matter of great concern given the kingdom’s shared cultural and economic ties with the DRC’s Ebola epicentres.

‘We advise against organizing any cultural gatherings like Agwara and Ndara dances, last funeral rites, and celebrations that bring in large public gatherings,’ Nyathirombo said.

The 11th Edition Alur Cultural Festival, set for May 31, has also been postponed to the end of June pending a situational analysis.

‘Given that Paidha is a border area and is a red-zone, the organizing committee has chosen to prioritize the health, safety and wellbeing of all participants, guests and community,’ said Francis Ringulango II, CEO of the Cultural Festival.

Events cancelled beyond West Nile

In Soroti, the Catholic Diocese has called off the thanksgiving mass for the homecoming of Bishop Simon Peter Engurait, who was ordained and installed as Bishop of Houma-Thibodaux in Louisiana in 2025.

‘The recent outbreak and ongoing prevalence of Ebola cases in some parts of our country has had some setback on our planned program,’ said Msgr. Fr. Robert Ecogu, Vicar General for Soroti Catholic Diocese.

‘Bishop Simon will not be able to travel to Uganda as scheduled. In other words, we cannot celebrate his homecoming yet, until the country is declared Ebola-free and we are able to reschedule,’ he said.

The thanksgiving mass was due for June 19, 2026, in Ngora District.

Schools and border points feel the impact

Last week the Ministry of Health issued Standard Operating Procedures for schools. But in Kumi Municipality, turnout has dropped sharply due to Ebola fears.

‘Out of 1,689 learners, only 477 have reported,’ said Francis Oligo, head teacher of Bazaar Ward Primary School.

At Elegu border post in Amuru District, authorities have banned public gatherings to curb possible spread. The border is one of the busiest crossings linking East Africa to South Sudan.

‘Gatherings including night discos, church gatherings and music concerts have been banned,’ said Amuru RDC Osborn Ocheng, who chairs the district task force enforcing preventive measures.

Refugee influx raises new risks

From the north to the east and west, government measures have intensified following an increase in Congolese refugees arriving at Nyakabande Transit Center in Kisoro District.

‘We have enhanced Ebola prevention measures such as mandatory handwashing for anyone entering the facility, strict medical screening of new arrivals for Ebola symptoms, wearing face masks for staff and visitors, and community sensitization,’ said commandant John Bosco Kyaligonza.

He said most refugees are fleeing hunger and armed militias in areas including Kisigari, Binza, Kiseguro and Kiwanja in the DRC. Screening continues before relocation to settlement camps.

But overstretched resources remain a challenge.

‘We lack manpower because many development partners laid off some of their employees citing funding gaps. We are also faced with the challenge of congestion – the facility for about 850 individuals is now accommodating 1,775 Congolese from 1,239 households,’ Kyaligonza said.

Media rights defenders and journalists’ bodies have cautiously welcomed a pledge by newly elected Speaker of Parliament Jacob Marksons Oboth, alias Oboth-Oboth, to foster a transparent relationship with the media. They described the remarks as a potential turning point after years of strained relations between Parliament and journalists.

In his maiden speech as Speaker of the 12th Parliament on Monday, Mr Oboth said the media should not be treated as an adversary but as a critical pillar of accountability and public access to information.

His remarks appeared to signal a departure from the restrictive posture associated with the 11th Parliament under former Speaker Anita Among, during whose tenure journalists from the Nation Media Group-Uganda (NMG-U) were blocked from accessing parliamentary proceedings under unclear circumstances.

Mr Joseph Beyanga, the secretary general of the National Association of Broadcasters, said: ‘What has happened over the last couple of years, and if you check the World Index on Media Freedom, Uganda has been declining year after year.

And I think at the moment we have one of the worst ratings. But what he said sounds exciting, given the background of where we came from.’

‘The test is always when it comes to the practical, when the different political interests start conflicting with the demand for accountability. That’s when we see people behaving differently,’ he added.

Mr Beyanga said the media sector expects more than symbolic openness, calling for reforms that promote press freedom, sustainability, and improved funding for the industry.

Veteran journalist and former Kira Municipality MP Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda said friction between the media and political leaders is unavoidable in Uganda whenever journalists pursue accountability.

‘There will always be problems with the media, everywhere you go, if you do your job. You may not be chased from Parliament as Anita Among did, but there is bound to be a collision one way or the other,’ Mr Ssemujju said.

‘Mr Oboth is an appointee brought by Museveni and his son. I highly doubt that he’s going to create conditions that are different from conditions obtained in the country,’ he added.

The Secretary General of the Uganda Journalists Association, Mr Emmanuel Kirunda, said: ‘As the media, we are open to dialogue and collaboration because we are not enemies of the State.

We are not enemies of any other organs of government, like Parliament as it had been portrayed by the previous leadership.’ Meanwhile, Uganda Law Society president Isaac Ssemakadde said Parliament’s commitment to transparency would ultimately be measured by whether sensitive parliamentary processes are opened to public scrutiny.

‘The proof of the pudding is in the eating. Will Speaker Oboth-Oboth finally open the proceedings of the Appointments Committee to the media? Will he permit and facilitate public participation in the appointment process? That’s the litmus test for open Parliament in Uganda today,’ Mr Ssemakadde said.

The Kalangala District Resident District Commissioner, Mr Fred Badda, has warned that the government will again close landing sites found engaging in illegal fishing practices.

‘We shall not be merciful to any landing site that still shields fishermen involved in illegal fishing in Kalangala. When we find anyone engaging in illegal fishing, that landing site will be closed until they repent,’ Mr Badda said.

The RDC issued the warning while officially reopening Lulindi and Kagoonya landing sites in Bufumira Sub-county, Kalangala District on May 24.

The landing sites had been closed since 2017 during operations conducted by the Fisheries Protection Unit (FPU), which was later integrated into the UPDF 155 Battalion.

Mr Badda said illegal fishing continues to frustrate renewed government efforts aimed at restoring fish stocks in Lake Victoria.

‘We are fighting hard to ensure that fish stocks recover in the lake and continuing illegal fishing activities takes us backwards in achieving our goal,’ he said.

According to the RDC, the landing sites were closed because of persistent illegal fishing. He said the government only agreed to reopen them after fishermen pledged to comply with new fisheries regulations. During the reopening exercise, new fisheries committees were selected to spearhead the fight against illegal fishing practices.

Under the new guidelines, the landing site committees will be supervised by parish, sub-county and district fisheries committees with support from the UPDF 155 Battalion. The landing site committees comprise indigenous fishermen who voluntarily work to eliminate illegal fishing practices in their communities.

Mr Badda warned that any fisherman found violating fisheries laws would face individual prosecution, while committee members who fail to enforce the regulations risk dismissal from office.

Mr Tadius Mwesigwa, the chairperson of Lulindi Landing site, said the closure of the landing site greatly affected fishermen and their families after many lost their main source of livelihood .

‘We became very poor and many children stopped going to school because fishermen had no source of income. Most landlords could only allow us to grow crops like beans, rice and soya beans, which bring low income,’ he said.

Before its closure, Lulindi Landing Site had more than 50 boats, many of which were undersized and linked to illegal fishing activities.

The landing site has now resumed operations with only 10 legally approved boats, while residents are preparing to construct more boats that meet fisheries standards.

‘They have started buying timber to make boats that are allowed on the lake. We hope that if these operations continue, we shall have a clean and productive lake and people will again earn a living,’ Mwesigwa said.

According to local leaders, more than 30 people directly depend on the 10 boats through fishing, fuel supply, boat repair and net preparation.

The Kalangala District Fisheries Officer, Mr Adrian Kavuma, said illegal fishing practices continue to heavily contribute to the depletion of fish stocks in Lake Victoria.

‘For example, illegal fishing nets catch about 250 million immature fish daily, leaving Lake Victoria’s most valuable species- Nile Perch, under serious threat,’ he said.

Mr Kavuma explained that most illegal fishing nets are cheap, accessible and often handmade, making them popular among low-income fishermen. Among the illegal fishing gear commonly used are monofilament nets, beach seines, trawling nets, cast nets, hooks below number 10 and gill nets with undersized mesh.

‘These mainly target tilapia below five inches and Nile Perch below seven inches, which are considered juveniles,’ he said.

Mr Kavuma said authorities believe fish stocks can significantly recover if illegal fishing is controlled. ‘If we can save 250 million fish every day over a period of six years, we shall have enough fish stock in the lake,’ he said.

According to district authorities, more than 90 people have been arrested in the past month under the new guidelines for engaging in illegal fishing.

But data from the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) Annual Data Book 2024/25 reveal that Uganda’s export economy is evolving from a predominantly crop-based export structure into one driven by minerals, processed products, and manufactured goods.

URA data paints the picture of an economy in transition, one that is becoming more industrial, more regionally integrated, and more connected to global commodity markets.

The data book covering four years to June 2025, shows that Uganda’s exports more than tripled from Shs13.16 trillion in June 2022 to Shs40.33 trillion.

The openness index, which measures how integrated an economy is with global trade, has subsequently increased from 28.25 percent in June 2022 to 42.93 percent in June 2025, reflecting Uganda’s growing participation in international commerce.

Even though the country still recorded a trade deficit of Shs16.5 trillion, export growth has accelerated at a pace rarely seen in recent years.

This growth coincides with broader economic expansion, in which gross domestic product at market prices rose to Shs226.34 trillion in June 2025, while real GDP growth stood at 6.3 percent, underlining the increasing role that trade is playing in Uganda’s economic transformation.

Precious metals: The new darling

The most striking shift in Uganda’s export structure is the rise of precious metals and jewellery. For decades, coffee was Uganda’s undisputed export king.

Today, precious metals and jewellery dominate export earnings by a massive margin.

URA data shows that precious metals and jewellery generated Shs15.82 trillion in the year to June 2025, accounting for 39.24 percent of total exports.

Coffee, tea, and spices followed with Shs7.63 trillion, contributing 18.92 percent of total exports.

The rise of mineral exports, particularly gold-related trade, signals a structural transformation in Uganda’s external sector. Much of this trade is linked to gold refining, mineral processing, and re-export activities, with UAE and Hong Kong emerging as leading destinations.

Other fast-growing export products reveal how Uganda is steadily moving beyond raw commodity dependence.

Printed books and newspapers earned Shs3.12 trillion, cocoa and chocolate generated Ss1.96 trillion, while sugar and confectionery brought in Shs778.42b.

Industrial and manufactured exports are also becoming increasingly visible. Uganda exported Shs696.75b worth of motor vehicles and tractors, Shs693.21b in petroleum oils and fuels, Shs676.78b in iron and steel products, Shs586.7b in milling products such as flour and starch, and Shs542.46b in machinery and mechanical appliances.

Together, the top 10 export products generated approximately Shs32.5 trillion, accounting for more than 80 percent of Uganda’s total export earnings in the year ended June 2025.

The export figures point to a quiet but important industrial transformation. Uganda is increasingly exporting processed foods, industrial products, and semi-manufactured goods. Products such as cocoa and chocolate, processed sugar products, iron and steel, petroleum products, machinery, and milling products indicate the gradual expansion of domestic processing and manufacturing capacity.

URA data indicates that manufacturing generated Shs7.19 trillion in gross revenue collections during the 2024/25 financial year, up from Shs5 trillion in the 2021/22 financial year.

Mining and quarrying revenues more than doubled during the same period, rising from Shs321.36b to Shs704.94b, while agriculture, forestry, and fishing revenues also expanded from Shs132.23b to Shs527.84b.

The data suggests that Uganda’s economic transformation is not about abandoning agriculture, but rather about diversifying and adding more value to what the country produces.

New geography of Uganda’s trade

Uganda’s export destinations are changing just as rapidly as its export products. Regional markets remain critically important, but Uganda is increasingly trading with major international commercial hubs in the Middle East, Europe, Asia, and North America.

UAE remains Uganda’s largest export destination, importing goods worth Shs12.12 trillion by June 2025, much of which is linked to precious metals, gold, and jewellery.

Hong Kong follows with imports worth Shs2.7 trillion, reinforcing the growing importance of mineral exports in Uganda’s trade structure.

During the period, Italy imported Ugandan goods worth Shs2.33 trillion, largely driven by coffee, cocoa products, and processed agricultural goods. DR Congo imported goods worth Shs2.33 trillion, mainly cement, steel products, foodstuffs, and manufactured goods.

Kenya continues to be one of Uganda’s most important regional trading partners, importing goods worth Shs1.98 trillion, including sugar products, fuels, processed foods, and industrial goods.

Exports to US stood at Shs1.72 trillion, while UK imported Ugandan goods worth Shs1.66 trillion, dominated by coffee, tea, and cocoa products.

South Sudan imported Shs1.56 trillion worth of goods, mainly food products, beverages, cement, and manufactured consumer goods.

Germany imported goods worth Shs1.19 trillion, while Rwanda imported Shs1.04 trillion worth of processed foods, petroleum products, and manufactured goods.

Fueling industrial growth

One of the most important developments emerging from URA data is Uganda’s growing role as a regional supply and manufacturing hub.

Exports to neighboring countries have risen significantly over the last four years, especially to DR Congo, South Sudan, Rwanda, and Kenya.

Exports to DR Congo alone rose from Shs1.31 trillion in June 2022 to Shs2.33 trillion in June 2025. Uganda’s regional trade is now increasingly driven by cement, steel, processed foods, beverages, petroleum products, and manufactured consumer goods.

This shift suggests that East and Central Africa are becoming critical engines of Uganda’s industrial growth.

Emerging diversified economy

URA data further reveal a country steadily building a more diversified export economy. Traditional agriculture remains a cornerstone of Uganda’s external trade, particularly coffee, tea, and spices. However, it is no longer the sole driver of export earnings.

Uganda is increasingly positioning itself as a mineral-exporting economy, a regional manufacturing supplier, a processor of agricultural commodities, and a growing participant in international industrial value chains.

The expansion of exports to the Middle East and Asia reflects a deeper integration into global commodity markets, while growing exports to neighbouring African countries demonstrate the increasing strength of regional trade.

The transformation is also visible in the rising trade openness, expanding manufacturing revenues, growing mining activity, and increasing customs revenues.

Muslims across Uganda have commemorated the IDD-ul-Adhuha celebrations with a call for unity, peace and repentance.

Tororo District Khadi Sheikh Nasur Koire said the Muslim community should disassociate itself from disunity and renew its morals.

He emphasised the need for forgiveness and constructive dialogue. ‘IDD-ul-Adhuha reminds us that true strength lies in compassion and togetherness.’

Emphasising that supporting vulnerable neighbours helps build social cohesion and reduce tensions.

At Uthman Mosque, in Kitgum District, Uthman`s Dream Incorporated, a diaspora-based Islamic charity organisation, donated 40 cows to the Islamic community as part of this year`s IDD-ul-Adhuha celebration.

Imam Hassan Batali said the support was timely and urged more people to support the vulnerable.

At the Gaddafi National Mosque, hundreds of Muslims attended the prayer officiated over by the Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Shaban Mubajje, who urged Muslims to engage effectively in governance affairs.

He also criticised President Yoweri Museveni over what he described as unfair representation of Muslims in the new appointment of Ministers announced on Tuesday evening.

‘Yesterday I saw the lineup of the new Cabinet list, but when I looked, I was looking for somebody like Hajjat or Haji Muslim; not until the ninth line did I start seeing a few. The whole list has got a few Muslims,’ Sheikh Mubajje said.

The Uganda Mufti also urged the appointed Muslim leaders who were appointed to champion unity among the Muslim fraternity, rather than divisions, while implementing government programmes.

In Ntagamo and Rukiga Districts, Muslims celebrated the day without slaughtering animals for their feasts due to the quarantine on the movement, and sale of animals and animal products because of the outbreak of foot and mouth disease in the area.

The Ntungamo District Khadi Sheikh Swales Kahangirwe noted that expensive acaricides and vaccines make farmers fail to have their animals vaccinated, which makes control of the diseases difficult.

He called on the government to support the farmers, noting that their livelihoods have been affected.

Tour guides are the first smile at the airport. They are responsible for introducing visitors to Uganda and giving them an unforgettable seamless experience.

‘In tourism, we sell a promise. When visitors come to Uganda, they expect to see lions, gorillas, wildlife and extraordinary experiences. The guide must carry all that expectation,’ says tour guide and operator Peter Mugogo.

Tour guides play a pivotal role in promoting Uganda as a tourism destination. Seasoned tour guide Johnnie Kamugisha observes that the pressure has become impossible to ignore. He speaks from the experiences of guiding visitors across national parks, cultural sites and communities, planning safaris, solving problems on the road and witnessing firsthand how one guide can shape an entire visitor experience. Mugogo and Kamugisha observe that tourist guides are among the most visible faces of Uganda’s tourism experience, yet often among the least recognised within the industry itself. Much of Uganda’s tourism narrative has traditionally centred on attractions such as gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park, the source of the Nile in Jinja or the snow-capped peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains. Yet behind nearly every memorable encounter is usually a guide translating those places into stories, emotions and meaning. Without that interpretation, Mugogo believes, destinations risk becoming little more than scenery.

He argues, ‘A mountain without interpretation is simply rock, and a forest without story is only trees.’

That thinking increasingly mirrors a wider shift happening within Uganda’s tourism sector itself.

Giving guides a voice

Over the years, some of the country’s leading tourism figures have started speaking about guides as the people who humanise Uganda for visitors. Juliana Kagwa, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) for instance, has consistently described guides as ambassadors of Uganda’s destination brand.

For James Musinguzi, the Executive Director of Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), the role of guides stretches even deeper into conservation itself, noting that the relationship between wildlife protection and tourism.

He argues that guides occupy a unique position between nature and visitor because they help travellers understand why conservation matters in the first place.

Dr Lilly Ajarova perhaps captures the emotional and strategic importance of guiding most clearly. She reminds guides that they are far more than people who simply lead visitors from one attraction to another.

‘You are storytellers, cultural interpreters, conservation ambassadors and brand custodians of Uganda,’ adding that guides are often both the first and last impression visitors carry home about the country.

Drawing from a personal travel experience in Rome, she reflects on how deeply a knowledgeable guide can shape the meaning of a place. ‘That is the power you hold as tour guides,’ she said.

Elevate experiences

For Dr Ajarova, who is also senior presidential advisor on tourism, Uganda’s tourism ambitions will require guides to evolve from simply following itineraries to curating memorable, transformational journeys. Modern travellers, she argued, are no longer searching for destinations alone, but for stories they can ‘feel, remember and share.’ She also challenged guides to think beyond information and towards emotional impact.

‘Every time you receive a guest, ‘ask yourself: ‘What story will they take back about Uganda because of me?’ Not just what they saw- but what they felt,’ the former chief executive of UTB argues.

Those endorsements matter deeply to Kamugisha and Mugogo because they reflect realities guides have lived for years. The two note that the guide neither knows what was promised in the marketing brochures abroad nor what the tour operator told the client on email but he must deliver. That delivery goes far beyond logistics. A guide must know when to speak and when silence matters and how to carry Uganda’s image even on difficult days. It is emotional labour as much as professional work.

Recognition

And yet, despite tourism remaining one of Uganda’s most important economic sectors, employing thousands directly and indirectly through hotels, transport, crafts, conservation and hospitality, many guides still operate quietly in the background. For years, much of their work has relied more on instinct, personal passion and experience than on structured professional support. That is partly why Kamugisha and Mugogo became increasingly interested in creating spaces where guides could be recognised as safari escorts, professional storytellers and custodians of Uganda’s image.

‘No single person earned from this. People fuelled their own cars, bought their own lunch and paid their own transport to organise it,’ Kamugisha says.

Perhaps that spirit explains why the gathering resonated so strongly. For many of the guides, it felt personal as they communed with like-minded professionals and key tourism sector stakeholders. For the first time, they were not invisible hands behind a growing industry but acknowledged voices at its table.

The Annual Tourist Guides Conference

Earlier this year, alongside a small team of volunteers, Kamugisha and Mugogo helped organise The Annual Tourist Guides Conference (TATGC) 2026 lasted for more than two days in Kampala. What struck them most was the turnout of more than 1, 000 delegates and the hunger within the industry itself for recognition, community and tourism conversations that finally placed guides closer to the centre of Uganda’s tourism future.

Power struggles often play out in Senegal’s political arena, both within a party and between rival parties. To summarise British foreign minister Lord Palmerston’s argument in 1848:

In politics, there are no permanent enemies, no permanent friends, only permanent interests.

The situation at the top of Senegal’s executive branch is no exception.

The Sonko-Diomaye duo, formed by president Bassirou Diomaye Faye and his prime minister Ousmane Sonko, used to speak with one voice. Today, the alliance that oversaw the fall of former president Macky Sall is plagued by deep internal divisions. These disagreements culminated on 22 May 2026 with the president’s announcement that he’d dismissed the prime minister and dissolved the government.

A political rally held by Sonko in November 2025 already showed signs of a fracture. In an interview six months later Faye removed all doubt. The president confirmed there were disagreements with his prime minister. He denounced the ‘excessive personalisation’ of power around Sonko.

I am a political scientist whose doctoral research focuses on the recent transformations of Senegal’s political system. It examines the rise of the ruling party, Pastef, and the sociopolitical realignments observed between 2021 and 2024, in a period of political instability. I analyse how this anti-establishment party succeeded in upending the traditional sociopolitical order.

In my view, their split is a worrying sign of potential political turmoil ahead for the country, which is also battling an economic crisis.

The myth of unity

This unprecedented duo was forged when opposition leader Sonko’s candidacy to run for president against Sall was invalidated in January 2024. Sonko, the founder of Pastef, backed the party’s less well-known secretary-general, Faye, in securing the elections. In turn Faye backed Sonko to become prime minister.

Initially their relationship was built on political alignment. One handled the management of the state apparatus, the other ensured strong political legitimacy during the first months of their rule.

However, Pastef’s 2025 rally revealed the limits of the two-headed illusion championed by Sonko. As he predicted at the time, the event marked the beginning of a ‘post-November 8 era’, a turning point for the future of the partnership.

Read more: Bassirou Diomaye Faye: from prison runner-up to president of Senegal

But the relationship between the two men soon led to deadlock. First, they disagreed over who should head the ruling coalition. Then came clashes over differing visions of power. Finally, disputes emerged over political alliances.

The once unifying Wolof slogan ‘Sonko mooy Diomaye’ (Sonko is Diomaye) was Pastef’s survival strategy under Sall. That slogan has faded and is giving way to the likes of ‘Sonko is Sonko’ and ‘Ousmane is Sonko’. The work of Senegalese journalist Sidy Diop supports this view. Diop shows that:

The proclaimed unity is over. It is giving way to a duality that is now visible, almost accepted, where roles are being redefined and ambitions are becoming clearer.

However, from the perspective of the theory of domination and symbolic reproduction, Sonko built what could be called a ‘proxy capital’ (borrowed influence). Their symbolic fusion created a unique shared identity – ‘partisan habitus’ – in which Pastef supporters no longer perceived two distinct figures, but a single political force.

Rivalry between the two leaders was inevitable, despite the ‘complementarity’ that initially defined their entry into executive power. Senegal’s political system demands a clear hierarchy. The president’s authority is not shared.

The powers of the president of the republic and the prime minister are defined by Senegal’s constitution, in articles 42 through 52. This already created a kind of ‘soft rivalry’.

Faye tends to adopt a restrained posture, acting as a guarantor of proper functioning of institutions. Sonko, on the other hand, maintains a style of mobilisation and disruption. As French sociologist Pierre Bourdieu argues, institutional structures dictate individual actions, language, and posture. Not the other way round.

The office of the presidency imposes a ‘sovereign habitus’ that naturally differs from the habitus or mindset of the prime minister and party leader. In line with the principle of separation between the functions of head of state and party politics, Faye resigned from all leadership positions in Pastef, including secretary-general. By law, however, Sonko was allowed to retain his leadership positions in the party. This further fuelled their stand-off.

The boundary between the two men is mostly invisible but very real. It lies in the transition from the street-level slogan ‘Diomaye is Sonko’ to institutional communication where the image of the president comes first, as protocol demands.

Sonko brought Faye to power. But Faye now holds discretionary authority, including the power to appoint officials. This has created a political polarisation between factions of the party that support Faye or Sonko.

The limits of dual leadership

In physics, when two bodies of unequal weight occupy the same space, the heavier one compresses the lighter. Power is not static, just as human nature is not.

Through upward influence, Sonko draws his strength from his charisma, and strong grip on the party. He has given Faye popular legitimacy. In return, the president’s executive orders and state decisions have translated the party’s ‘vision’ into Senegalese law.

It soon became a tricky situation: if Sonko took up too much space, his influence would spill over into Faye’s institutional territory. The president may appear to be under his tutelage. If Faye isolated himself too much, he would lose his source of legitimacy, which is Sonko. They became locked in a system of mutual dependence and self-destruction as power shifted between the president’s office and the prime minister’s.

By mimicking each other’s desires, they become mirror image antagonists. The more they resembled each other, the deeper their divergence grew. Each saw in the other a mirror of his own ambition. Ultimately both actors want the same things: power, the presidency, leadership. After being sacked by Diomaye, Sonko quickly became speaker of parliament, rejoining the opposition battle.

The myth of a gentleman’s agreement

What has unfolded at the top of Senegal’s leadership is a stark reminder that in politics, a ‘gentlemen’s agreement’ is a myth that best serves idealists. It is the return of the ‘number two’ syndrome. The presumptive heir apparent, initially loyal and competent, climbs the ranks and turns against his leader when the latter takes all the limelight.

Read more: Senegal’s crisis: why debt restructuring may be the least bad option

The dominant player, meanwhile, in his quest to secure future elections, turns a loyal ally into an enemy. This creates a further cycle of mutual paranoia that looks set to signal a renewed period of social and political turmoil.

Written by Toumani Traoré, Doctorant en Science Politique, Université Cheikh Anta Diop de Dakar

Uganda Volleyball Cranes head coach Shilla Omuriwe has named the team that will represent Uganda in the CAVB Zone V Nations Qualifiers.

The team was revealed Tuesday morning through the Uganda Volleyball Federation social media channels.

Omuriwe, who is returning to the helm of the team she guided to fifth place in the 2021 African Championship, has gone with familiar faces.

Of the 14 players named, nine were part of the 2021 squad and will be familiar with the tactician’s ways.

George Aporu, Smith Okumu, Daudi Okello, Bernard Malinga and Emmanuel Elanyu are some of the seasoned campaigners trusted with delivering Uganda to the African championship again.

The five have been part of the national team set up for a while and carry the experience needed in the competition.

Rwandan based pair of Gideon Angiro and Marino Oboke will also play a big role.

Angiro made his debut for Uganda in 2021 and has since gone on to rise through ranks and become arguably Uganda’s most important player.

He turns out for Police Volleyball Club of Rwanda and played in the CAVB Men’s Club Championship final early this month.

Oboke features for Kepler and was Okumu’s understudy in Kigali, Rwanda five years ago.

Jonathan Tumukunde and Sharif Nabangi were also part of the team in 2021.

The new faces on the team include Duke Kyomukama, Mohammed Iga, Owen Omoding, John Bosco Opila and Willington Talemwa.

Uganda will face competition from teams like Kenya, South Sudan, Burundi and Tanzania in a bid to qualify for the continental showpiece slated for September in Kinshasa, Congo.

The zonal qualifiers will run from May 31 to June 5 at the Lugogo Indoor Stadium in Kampala.

CAVB Zone V Nations Qualifiers

Volleyball Cranes squad

Receiver Attackers

Gideon Angiro, George Aporu, Duke Kyomukama, Jonathan Tumukunde

Liberos

Emmanuel Elanyu, Sharif Nabanji

Setters

Marino Oboke, Smith Okumu

Opposites

Mohammed Iga, Daudi Okello

Middle Blockers

Owen Omoding, John Bosco Opila, Willington Talemwa, Bernard Malinga

A story titled ‘Busoga heritage site: Underutilised goldmine,’ which published in the Daily Monitor yesterday, succinctly describes how potential cash cows are not being milked in the Busoga Sub-region. Busoga, which is home to popular tourist attractions such as the Source of the Nile and Itanda Falls, also has many cultural and historical sites that can increase the number of tourists visiting the sub-region if they are promoted and the requisite infrastructure is put in place. Sites such as Mpumuire Hill, which serves as the coronation ground for the Kyabazinga (king) of Busoga, have the potential of attracting more tourists, both domestic and international, into the sub-region.

This can create more employment opportunities in the tourism value chain for locals and thereby improve standards of living in a sub-region where poverty is rampant. Other regions of the country also have several cultural and historical sites, potential cash cows, that have been neglected. Some of them have been encroached on and damaged. The central government should work with local governments and cultural institutions to ensure these sites are protected from encroachment. The authorities should invest in building infrastructure such as roads, and provide electricity and piped water to these sites. There is also a need to establish centres where locals can be taught foreign languages and how to properly guide tourists who visit these sites.

Entrepreneurs should be facilitated to build hotels, restaurants, and provide other services such as car rentals for tourists who visit these sites. These suggestions, if properly implemented, will enable tourists to enjoy their visits to these sites and come back for more of what they experienced on their previous visits. The happy tourist will also recommend the site to their relatives, friends, and colleagues. Developing these neglected sites into booming tourism sites will not only provide jobs for thousands of unemployed citizens but also increase revenue of the central government and local governments that directly manage these sites.

The revenue received from the tourism sector can be used to build more schools and hospitals. This money can be used to equip hospitals with the requisite tools, hire more health workers, and provide medicines to patients. The education sector can also benefit from the tourism revenue through procurement of textbooks, laboratory equipment, hiring of more teachers and paying them well, among others. These sites are also reservoirs of tradition and history and should, therefore, be safeguarded against destruction.