Category: Daily Monitor

Several years ago, cow dung was seen as simply animal excreta among cattle keepers, who did not value it as an organic source of manure. Some farmers could give it away as they heavily relied on chemical fertilisers to improve yields. Only a few livestock farmers who integrate cattle rearing with growing bananas were using it in their plantations as organic fertiliser.

However, today, this durable natural fertiliser has become a valuable resource with more Ugandans venturing into coffee farming where it (cow dung) complements artificial fertilisers to achieve better yields.

Today, many coffee farmers use cow dung, especially for soil preparation and fertility enhancement, alongside other organic materials.

This practice, which is gaining traction, helps to create a nutrient-rich environment that supports the growth of coffee plants. In Mpigi District, one coffee farmer, Mr Moses Ssendiwala is among a growing number of farmers who have embraced the use of animal manure as a cornerstone of their farming system.

From pig and goat dung to cattle manure, he believes organic fertilisers are helping farmers build healthier soils while reducing dependence on costly chemical inputs.

Standing in his coffee plantation in Bulerejje Parish, Muduuma Sub-county, Mr Ssendiwala points to the dark, fertile soil beneath his coffee trees as evidence of years of organic soil management.

‘The strength and performance of a coffee plantation begins with the soil. When the soil is healthy, the coffee trees become stronger and more productive,’ he told Monitor on Wednesday.

For Mr Ssendiwala, the journey towards organic farming was driven by concerns about declining soil quality and increasing production costs. Like many farmers, he once depended heavily on inorganic fertilisers.

However, over time, he noticed that maintaining soil fertility required increasingly higher quantities of chemical inputs. ‘I realised that chemicals alone could not sustain the soil for many years. Organic manure improves the soil structure and continues benefiting the crops for a long time,’ he added.

Today, his coffee plantation depends largely on manure collected from pigs, goats and other livestock raised on the farm. According to him, goat manure is particularly valuable because of its long-lasting impact on soil fertility.

‘Goat manure remains active in the soil for many years and continues nourishing plants. It is one of the best organic fertilisers a coffee farmer can use,’ he said.

He added that pig manure is equally beneficial because it decomposes quickly and releases nutrients needed by crops. However, he cautions that farmers must apply it carefully. ‘If too much pig manure is applied in one area, it can damage crops. Farmers should use the correct quantities and ensure proper decomposition before application,’ he explained.

One of the key lessons from Mr Ssendiwala’s farming model is the importance of integrating livestock and crop enterprises. His farm combines coffee, bananas and livestock production, creating a cycle in which waste from one enterprise becomes an input for another. Animal manure collected from pigsties and livestock shelters is processed and applied to coffee and banana gardens, reducing expenditure on purchased fertilisers.

Mr Ssendiwala estimates that manure from 10 pigs can adequately support one acre of farmland, while larger piggery enterprises can generate enough manure for extensive coffee plantations.

‘If someone keeps 100 pigs on a 10-acre farm, there may be little need to buy manure from outside,’ he said. The integrated approach is becoming increasingly popular among farmers seeking to lower production costs while improving environmental sustainability.

Agricultural experts say combining livestock and crop farming helps recycle nutrients, minimise waste and improve overall farm productivity. But in addition to manure, Mr Ssendiwala applies mulch around coffee trees to conserve soil moisture and suppress weed growth.

The combination of manure and mulching has helped his plantation remain productive even during periods of prolonged dry weather.

‘When moisture is retained in the soil, coffee trees continue growing well even when rainfall reduces,’ he said. Farmers in several coffee-growing districts report similar experiences. Many say trees grown in soils enriched with organic manure develop stronger root systems and maintain healthier foliage than those grown in depleted soils.

Agronomists explain that organic manure supports beneficial microorganisms that improve nutrient availability and overall soil biological activity. These organisms play a critical role in maintaining healthy ecosystems that support crop growth. Over the past few years, high coffee prices have encouraged thousands of farmers to establish new plantations or expand existing gardens.

As a result, manure has become an increasingly valuable commodity. In livestock-keeping areas, traders now purchase truckloads of cow dung and transport them to coffee-growing districts where demand remains high throughout the year. What was once considered waste is now generating additional income for livestock farmers.

Many cattle keepers say manure sales have become an important supplementary enterprise.

‘People used to collect manure for free. Today, buyers come looking for it and are willing to pay cash,’ Mr Moses Kafeero, a livestock farmer at Kasubikamu Cell, Bongole Ward in Buwama Town Council, said.

The demand typically rises during planting seasons and periods of prolonged dry spells when farmers seek to improve moisture retention in their gardens. But while organic manure offers numerous benefits, increasing demand has also pushed prices upwards.

Coffee farmers who do not own livestock are often forced to purchase manure from external suppliers, adding to production costs. Mr John Ssekindi, a coffee farmer at Wassozi Cell, Nabusanke Ward in Kayabwe Town Council, said acquiring sufficient manure is exceedingly expensive.

‘Buying the cow dung is one thing, but transporting it to the farm and paying labourers to apply it adds significant costs,’ he said.

According to him, a two-acre coffee plantation may require several truckloads of well-decomposed manure depending on soil conditions and the age of the coffee trees. Despite these costs, many farmers continue investing in organic fertilisers because of the long-term benefits. They argue that healthier soils ultimately lead to improved yields and higher profits.

Mad rush for cow dung in Ankole

Cow dung is becoming an unusual item that has recently attracted a lot of demand in the sub-region. In September 2024, Kiruhura District instructed its sub-county chiefs and town clerks to start collecting cow dung loading fees. The then chief administrative officer, Mr Charles Kiberu, argued that the move was intended to enhance local revenue.

‘It is good that the Kiruhura leadership has identified this source of revenue, there are many lorries that are taking cow dung from the district. There is nothing special with taxing cow dung, we are doing this like we are doing with other identified sources of revenue like cattle loading,’ Mr Kiberu said then.

In Mbarara City, Mr Vincent Mugabe, the city’s agricultural officer, said farmers are rushing for cow dung because it’s organic and convenient in application.

‘Farmers are using cow dung, even goats and sheep droppings because they see it as purely organic. There are no chemicals, which at times they doubt of its possible negative effects to the soils. But it is also more convenient to apply than fertilisers that require lots of precautions like measurements and safety,’ added Mr Mugabe.

But he warned that as farmers rush for cow dung they have to be cautious because the application of it randomly has negative effects on soils.

‘With the increasing demand, extension workers need to come in and offer guidance because cow dung may affect the soil PH, also some cow dung has no nutrients required because it is mishandled at the source. For example, it should be covered as it decomposes to stop it from losing some nutrients like nitrogen,’ advised Mr Mugabe.

Mr Suleiman Muhoozi , a farmer in Ibanda District, said animal droppings do not have the same prices, indicating that goat’s droppings are more expensive than for cows. He said a Forward truck of cow dung goes for Shs270,000, while an Elf tipper costs Shs170,000. For goat/sheep dung, it is Shs290,000(a Forward truck) and Shs200,000 for a (Elf tipper), he said.

Mr Muhoozi explained that these costs do not cover transportation, a farmer has to meet those costs separately. According to our findings, to have a truckload of cow dung delivered at your farm, one has to part with between Shs500,000 to Shs700,000 in Isingiro District, while in Mbarara, it costs Shs400, 000.

Agricultural experts such as Mr Valentine Ssekivuuvu, the Mpigi District senior agriculture officer, and Mr Emmanuel Mutebi Jjuuko, the Mpigi District agriculture officer, support this integrated approach. They say organic manure enhances soil structure, water retention and microbial activity, while inorganic fertilisers supply readily available nutrients required for rapid plant growth.

Goat dung versus cow dung

Among coffee farmers, discussions frequently arise about which type of manure offers the greatest benefits. Agronomists note that different manures possess varying nutrient compositions. Goat manure is generally regarded as nutrient-rich because of its relatively high concentrations of nitrogen and potassium. It is also less bulky and decomposes relatively quickly.

Cow dung, however, remains the most widely available organic fertiliser in Uganda. Its abundance makes it easier to obtain in large quantities, particularly in livestock-keeping areas. Agricultural extension officers say cow dung contributes substantial amounts of organic matter that improve soil texture and water-holding capacity.

‘Each type of manure has strengths. The most important factor is ensuring that the manure is properly decomposed before application,’ Mr Ssekivuuvu said.

With Uganda’s coffee industry continuing to expand, demand for sustainable soil fertility management practices is expected to grow. Government agencies, researchers and agricultural extension workers continue encouraging farmers to adopt methods such as composting, mulching and manure application. These practices are seen as critical for maintaining long-term productivity in coffee-growing regions.

For livestock farmers, the growing demand has created a new income stream. For coffee growers, it has become an important tool in the quest for sustainable productivity.

While agriculture is the backbone of Uganda’s economy and employs more than 65 percent of Ugandans and feeds more than 80 percent of the country’s industries with raw materials, most farmers practice it without any training, something that has limited their opportunities of transiting from subsistence farming to large scale merchandised commercial agriculture.

The government has proposed sweeping reforms to bolster the safety of school transport, including mandatory specialised certification for drivers, stricter vehicle inspections, and the expanded deployment of speed cameras, following a wave of fatal crashes involving learners.

The proposals were unveiled on Thursday during a multi-stakeholder workshop organised by the Intelligent Transport Monitoring System (ITMS) Uganda in partnership with the Ministry of Works and Transport, the Uganda Professional Drivers’ Network, the Traffic Police Directorate, and other key players.

Held under the theme “Safe Tours for a Safe Future: Making School Travel Safe Again,” the meeting focused on strengthening enforcement, raising transport standards, and curbing road crashes involving school children.

Addressing participants, the Commissioner for Transport Regulation and Safety and Chief Licensing Officer of Motor Vehicles at the Ministry of Works and Transport, Mr Winstone Katushabe, warned that unsafe vehicles and poor driving habits continue to put young lives at risk.

“Unroadworthy vehicles, overcrowding, and the lack of basic safety features continue to put school children at risk on Uganda’s roads. Safer school transport can no longer wait,” Mr Katushabe cautioned.

He emphasized that drivers entrusted with transporting learners must be held to far higher standards than those required for an ordinary driving permit.

“School transport drivers should undergo specialised certification, defensive driving training, and regular background checks before being entrusted with learners’ lives,” he noted.

Mr Katushabe cited speeding, reckless overtaking, distracted driving, and unqualified operators as primary drivers of crashes involving school transport. To mitigate these risks, he called for safer infrastructure around educational facilities, including designated pick-up and drop-off bays, pedestrian crossings, speed humps, and strict enforcement of a 30km/h speed limit in school zones.

To enforce compliance, the government plans to leverage advanced technology.

“Smart enforcement using speed cameras and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology will help identify traffic offenders and improve compliance around school transport,” Mr Katushabe explained, adding that protecting learners demands a joint effort from schools, parents, transport operators, drivers, and law enforcement agencies.

The proposed interventions come as Uganda battles a severe road safety crisis. Government data reveals that the country records over 25,000 road crashes annually, resulting in roughly 25,800 casualties and between 5,000 and 6,000 deaths-translating to roughly 14 road fatalities every day.

Public outrage over learner safety reached a boiling point last month after 20 pupils and an adult lost their lives in a tragic crash involving a vehicle transporting children from King David Junior School in Kapchorwa. Several other pupils sustained serious injuries.

In response, police have launched countrywide operations targeting vehicles carrying school children beyond their licensed passenger capacity.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education and Sports revealed that schools have been instructed to implement immediate safety guidelines under the Basic Requirements and Minimum Standards for Educational Institutions.

Ministry spokesperson Mr Denis Mugimba stated that all vehicles transporting learners must hold a valid Private Motor Omnibus (PMO) licence accompanied by Inspection of Vehicles (IOV) certification. He added that school vehicles must be fully roadworthy, and drivers must possess the precise class of permit required for the vehicles they operate.

Mr Mugimba also reiterated the government’s decision to suspend all school study trips and educational tours until further notice while broader consultations and long-term preventive measures are finalized.

Traffic Police spokesperson Mr Michael Kananura confirmed that enforcement operations will be intensified to target violations affecting school transport, focusing heavily on route compliance, speeding, overloading, and smart technology integration.

He added that expanded use of the Express Penalty System (EPS) will enforce greater accountability among motorists.

Highlighting the technological aspect, Mr Steven Turyarugayo, the Public Relations Consultant for the ITMS project, explained that artificial intelligence embedded within the EPS will play a critical role in tracking traffic offenders.

“Through our AI-powered technology, EPS can support improved vehicle identification, monitoring, and enforcement while providing relevant authorities with better tools to promote compliance and accountability. We believe the Express Penalty System will help bring about behavioural change on our roads for the safety of school-going children,” Mr Turyarugayo said.

Ms Persis Namuganza, the State Minister for Lands, Housing and Urban Development, has warned financial institutions to stop what she described as an “ugly and inhumane” practice of seizing people’s properties over defaulted loans.

Speaking while presiding over a post-budget dialogue organised by the Uganda Society of Architects on August 6 in Kampala, Ms Namuganza said it is unfair for banks and other lenders to take over properties developed by Ugandans simply because they failed to pay their loans on time.

This, she said, has pushed many developers into absolute poverty and depression, and has ended up shrinking the entire country’s development agenda.

‘So many commercial buildings have been taken due to failure to complete loans on time. They should give people longer repayment periods,’ Ms Namuganza added.

Her remarks come at a time when majority of Ugandan developers who default on loans are suffering at the hands of banks that later sell off their properties at low market value.

While a few wealthy property owners run to the Commercial Division of the High Court and secure temporary orders stopping the sale – often citing irregular procedures, unfair interest rates, or lack of spousal consent – most small-scale developers end up losing their properties.

‘This must stop with immediate effect and a lasting solution put in place,’ Ms Namuganza said.

‘We need a proper strategy on financial literacy because this has caused health problems, death and the distortion of families,’ she added.

The post-budget dialogue, held under the theme ‘Tracking Housing Commitments in the National Budget,’ brought together government officials, planners, financiers and civil society to address Uganda’s housing crisis.

On the same platform, Ms Namuganza called for orderly and planned development, emphasizing the role of architects in guiding developers before construction.

‘Before construction, people should consider the neighbourhood. A commercial building should not be mixed with residentials. Our country should have proper physical planning,’ she said.

She also raised concern over high costs of building materials, heavy taxes, and restrictions on sand extraction by the Ministry of Environment and Minerals.

‘You must demonstrate affordable housing models and prove to the President that it is possible. My ministry remains committed to supporting the sector,’ she said.

Ms Namuganza further urged architects to promote uniformity in housing, especially in slums, arguing that the current lack of order makes the country look unattractive. She suggested benchmarking with countries like Russia and Canada.

Finance Minister Mr Henry Musasizi, represented by Deputy Permanent Secretary Mr Patrick Ocailap, outlined government expectations for the sector. He cited the need to upgrade informal settlements such as Kivulu and Namuwongo, expand affordable housing, use research to guide policy, and understand real market demand, especially among students.

Ocailap also stressed housing’s contribution to Uganda’s target of a US$500 billion economy by 2040, and called for innovative approaches, lower construction costs, reduced taxation in the building sector, and measures to curb informal housing. He commended the Uganda Society of Architects for organizing the dialogue.

Architect Kenneth Amunsimire, President of the Uganda Society of Architects, said the dialogue aimed to hold government accountable on housing commitments under the National Development Plan.

‘We are here to dialogue and track government commitment to housing in the national budget and to discuss with various stakeholders what can be improved,’ he said.

‘Housing is one of the five pillars of development. We are here together with professional bodies, housing finance, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Housing, the National Planning Authority, engineers, banks and civil society so that housing is prioritised and the deficit of 2.4 million units is reduced,’ Amunsimire added.

He noted that the Society is celebrating 60 years of existence and raised concern about unregistered practitioners.

‘Only 410 members are registered out of the many who have studied architecture but are not registered. We have a board that disciplines such people. We urge the public to engage a genuine architect or seek help from us to avoid substandard work,’ he said.

Dr Joseph Muvawala, Executive Director of the National Planning Authority, encouraged citizens to prioritise decent housing as a foundation for development.

Paul Mayende, Advocacy Manager at Habitat for Humanity Uganda, said the organization has for over 43 years helped Ugandans access decent housing through interlocking blocks that lower construction costs.

He called on government to reduce taxes on building materials, particularly lower-grade products such as 32-gauge iron sheets.

Officials at the dialogue agreed that addressing Uganda’s 2.4 million unit housing deficit will require coordinated action on planning, taxation, financing, professional regulation and innovative construction methods.

Standing in Kinyole A in the Northern City Division in Mbale City, Joel Namutolo points to a vacant plot marked with a bold sign: “Land for Sale – Shs50 Million.”

What was once predominantly rural land, used for subsistence farming with a plot of 100 by 50 costing about Shs1 million to Shs3 million, has rapidly transformed into high-value property targeted by developers, investors, and homebuilders. The land has become a contested asset due to rising prices, resulting in competing claims and silent tensions among families.

Recently, an incident happened in the city suburb of Namanyonyi Ward in Makudui Village, where a family reportedly broke apart after siblings disagreed over the sale of inherited land, prompting intervention by local leaders.

As urban development pushes deeper into former villages, disputes over ownership, compensation, land use, and planning approvals have intensified.

“We are seeing more cases of family members contesting inheritance rights, siblings dragging each other to court over ancestral land, and disputes between residents and city authorities over planning regulations,” Mr Joseph Mafabi, a land dealer in Mbale City, said.

In 2020, Mbale was among the first municipalities elevated to city status after the Cabinet approved the creation of new cities.

It incorporated seven sub-counties and two town councils from the former Mbale Municipality, significantly expanding its administrative and geographic footprint. The incorporated areas included Nauyo-Bugema and Nakaloke town councils, as well as Bukonde, Lwasso, Namanyonyi, Nakaloke, Namabasa, Bukasakya and Bungokho-Mutoto sub-counties. The expansion has not only redrawn boundaries but also reshaped how land is valued and governed.

Plots that once attracted little attention are now highly sought after. While in some areas a plot goes for between Shs10 million and Shs40 million, strategically located urban plots now cost more than Shs100 million. Ms Christine Mutonyi, a farmer in the Northern City Division, said the pressure has changed community dynamics.

“People who never thought about selling their land are now receiving offers. Families are divided, and even old boundary agreements that were once respected are now being questioned,” she said.

In many of the newly incorporated areas, customary land tenure systems continue to operate alongside formal urban planning regulations, creating friction as land values rise. The result has been a steady increase in disputes involving boundaries, inheritance, and overlapping ownership claims.

Mr Kasim Wabonga, the assistant town clerk for Mbale City, said the main challenge lies in integrating formerly rural areas into urban planning systems.

‘The creation of Mbale City did not change ownership rights. What changed was the administrative status and planning requirements,” he said.

He added: “Many of the incorporated areas were never properly surveyed. Our duty is to ensure development happens in a planned manner while protecting residents’ rights.” He adds that physical planning has become central as roads, housing estates, and commercial developments expand across the city. Ms Aisha Nabwire, a lawyer in Mbale, said many disputes stem from limited public awareness of land procedures. “Many cases before courts arise because people are not aware of the correct legal processes,” she said.

Mr Martin Ojaro, a surveyor, said many families still rely on informal markers such as trees and anthills to define boundaries.

“Most people only seek surveying after conflicts begin,” he said. Mbale City spokesperson James Kutosi said rapid expansion has placed heavy pressure on governance systems.

“Many newly incorporated areas entered the city without proper physical plans or surveyed boundaries, creating fertile ground for disputes,” he said. Mr Kutosi explained that newly incorporated areas entered the city without proper physical plans, surveyed boundaries, or updated ownership records.

This, he said, created fertile ground for disputes when development demand increased.

“The law requires the city to protect road reserves, public land, and planned infrastructure corridors, but some of these spaces had already been occupied or informally allocated over the years,” he said.

Mr Kutosi said the city, through its physical planning office, has resolved several land-related disputes, while others remain under review.

Despite the disputes, residents acknowledge that city status has brought opportunities, including infrastructure development, rising property values, and increased investment interest.

However, experts warn that without stronger land governance systems, the same land driving Mbale’s growth could become its most persistent source of conflict.

Two employees of Next Media Services lost their lives in the early hours of Friday morning, August 7, following a devastating head-on collision along the Kampala-Entebbe Road. A third staff member remains in critical condition.

According to statements released by both the Uganda Police Force and Next Media Services, the victims were identified as Badru Kasirye, a producer, and Isaac Ndamagye, a content creator. Both succumbed to their injuries at the scene.

The third staff member, Brian Ssemanda (popularly known as Makona), sustained severe injuries and is currently receiving treatment in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Kisubi Hospital.

Traffic Police spokesperson, Superintendent of Police (SP) Michael Kananura, confirmed that the fatal crash occurred at approximately 2:00 a.m. at Namulanda, near the Stabex fuel station.

“Preliminary investigations indicate that the driver of the Toyota Hilux (UAS 976W), travelling from Entebbe towards Kampala, allegedly lost control and drifted into the opposite lane while approaching the Stabex area. The vehicle subsequently collided head-on with an oncoming Toyota Allex (UA 779DE),” SP Kananura stated.

Traffic officers confirmed that while Kasirye and Ndamagye died instantly, two survivors-including Ssemanda and the driver of the Hilux-were rescued and rushed to Kisubi Hospital for emergency medical care.

The bodies of the deceased were later conveyed to the City Mortuary at Mulago for post-mortem examinations.

In an official statement on Friday, Next Media Services confirmed the loss of their staff members and noted that management remains in direct contact with the medical team treating Ssemanda.

The media house appealed to the public and media fraternity for privacy on behalf of the bereaved families and for Ssemanda as he continues to undergo critical care.

SP Kananura added that police inquiries into the exact circumstances of the crash are ongoing, extending condolences on behalf of the force:

“Police extend heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of the deceased, and wish the injured victim a quick and full recovery. Further details will be communicated as soon as inquiries are concluded.”

The tragedy along Entebbe Road comes just days after a horrific crash at Lwera Swamp along the Kampala-Masaka Highway on Monday night, which claimed 14 lives and left four others critically injured.

These latest fatalities highlight the ongoing, deadly challenge of road traffic accidents across Uganda. According to the 2025 Uganda Police Annual Crime Report, the country recorded 26,044 road crashes nationwide-a 3.7% increase from the previous year. Of those reported, 4,602 were classified as fatal, resulting in more than 5,380 lives lost on Ugandan roads over the course of the year.

The Secretary General of Uganda Professional Science Teachers’ Union (UPSTU), Mr Aron Mugaiga, has expressed concern over alleged rising alcohol abuse among science teachers following a rise in pay for these educationists in 2022.

This follows concerns raised by the Kabale District Education Officer, Mr Moses Bwengye. The union has since called for a return to basic professional principles.

‘As a national professional body representing science teachers across Uganda, UPSTU treats matters relating to professional conduct, welfare, and learner outcomes with utmost seriousness,’ Mr Mugaiga said.

The Union leader insisted that while the science teachers’ union recognises the importance of addressing any incidents of indiscipline, such reports should not be used to generalise or stigmatize the entire fraternity of science teachers in Uganda.

He explained that the overwhelming majority of science teachers remain committed, disciplined, and professional and in discharge of their duties, despite working under demanding conditions.

According to Mr Bwengye, the district had lost some science teachers to alcohol-related causes, noting that many continue to spend their enhanced salaries on alcohol, instead of investing the money and concentrating on teaching. The government increased salaries for science teachers starting in the 2022/2023 financial year.

Currently, graduate science teachers now earn about Shs4 million per month, while science head teachers earn up to Shs6.5 million.

Mr Mugaiga suggested that alcoholism ought to be discussed within the broader context of the teaching profession, where some teachers are battling mental health challenges triggered by various factors.

‘Science teachers are currently operating in an environment characterised by increased workloads arising from rising student enrolment in science subjects, intensified practical and theoretical teaching demands, and growing administrative expectations associated with the competence-based curriculum,’ he explained. Mr Bwengye added that teachers face limited access to structured psychosocial support systems and wellness programmes within their workplaces. UPSTU has consistently highlighted that these combined pressures can contribute to stress-related challenges that may affect wellbeing and professional performance if not adequately addressed through supportive interventions.’

Mr Mugaiga noted that while professional ethics and discipline remain non-negotiable obligations for all teachers, issues relating to conduct must also be understood within the wider framework of teacher welfare and working conditions.

One person died on the spot while three others sustained serious injuries on Wednesday morning after a Fuso Fighter lorry lost brakes and crushed a motorcycle at Kyanamira Trading Centre, a few kilometers to Kabale town along the Kabale-Mbarara highway, before overturning.

The Kigezi Region Police Spokesperson, SP Nelson Tumushime, identified the deceased as Gilbert Niwagaba, 39, a boda-boda rider and resident of Kyamugaba Village, Kanjobe Parish, Kyanamira sub-county, Kabale District.

He said the three injured, including the lorry driver, were rushed to Kabale Regional Referral Hospital for treatment, but their identities had not yet been established.

‘It’s alleged the driver of the Fuso fighter lorry which was from Kampala heading to Kisoro lost control at Kyanamira trading center a few kilometers to Kabale town and rammed into a parked motorcycle, killing the rider and leaving three other people seriously injured,’ Mr Tumushime said.

He urged motorists to be cautious on the road.

‘We urge all motorists to obey traffic rules, avoid over speeding, reckless overtaking, and drunk driving. Drivers should ensure vehicles are roadworthy and avoid fatigue on long journeys. Passengers should not allow drivers to drive recklessly. We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and wish the injured a quick recovery,’ Mr Tumushime added.

Road users along the Kabale-Mbarara highway have now appealed to government to install road safety measures in the area, which they say has become a death trap.

Mr Tunga Muhwezi called for the establishment of road humps at the sharp corners of Kabaraga Hills and at Kyanamira Trading Centre.

‘The authorities at the ministry of works should put in place warning signs along the Kabale-Mbarara highway especially in the sharp corners on the Kabaraga hills to remind the new and old drivers about the dangers of over speeding in such challenging terrain,’ Mr Muhwezi said.

This is not the first fatal accident on the stretch.

In April 2025, a secondary school teacher died on the spot while 13 other passengers sustained serious injuries after a Toyota Hiace mini-bus lost control around Kabaraga Hills and overturned several times. The vehicle was heading to Mbarara City from Kabale town.

In June 2024, a 58-year-old tourist from Germany died on the spot while two colleagues sustained serious injuries after the vehicle they were traveling in lost control and overturned around Kabaraga Hills in Kabale District.

Five young men have been remanded to Tororo Main Prison after appearing before the Tororo Grade One Magistrate’s Court on charges related to illegal drug possession, highlighting the persistent struggle with substance abuse among Ugandan youth in urban centers.

Appearing before Grade One Magistrate David Grace Wanda on Friday afternoon, the accused-aged between 20 and 30 years-were charged with possession of narcotic drugs and frequenting a place used for smoking narcotics, contrary to the National Drug Policy and Authority Act.

Prosecution informed the court that on Thursday, August 6, 2026, the suspects were arrested at Children’s Lions Park in Tororo Municipality after being found in possession of smashed and rolled sticks of marijuana without lawful authority. Police records indicate that the suspects were allegedly carrying quantities intended for local distribution.

The accused denied the charge of frequenting a narcotics joint, telling the court that they were at the venue conducting legitimate business, including selling calendars. However, Magistrate Wanda remanded them after ruling that they did not qualify for bail, citing their failure to produce required documentation, including copies of their National Identity Cards, introductory letters from their respective LCI chairpersons, and valid sureties.

Children’s Lions Park has long been identified by local authorities as a gathering point for idlers and commercial sex workers. Across many urban areas in Uganda, public green spaces have increasingly been transformed into illicit hotspots, where high youth unemployment and socio-economic pressures contribute to rising rates of drug dependency, particularly involving affordable narcotics like marijuana.

The suspects were apprehended during a wider intelligence-led security sweep that initially saw more than 19 individuals rounded up, although only five were formally charged following a screening exercise.

The Bukedi South Regional Police spokesperson confirmed that the operation demonstrates law enforcement’s firm commitment to dismantling drug trafficking rings, warning that similar crackdowns will continue across the region. Police further appealed to members of the public to report suspected drug peddling, emphasizing that community cooperation is vital to curbing the growing threat of youth drug abuse.

The Church of Uganda has announced that Archbishop Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu alongside six diocesan bishops will officially retire in August 2027 after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 65, as stipulated by the Church’s constitution.

According to Mr. Adams Sadiiki, the Church of Uganda Communications Officer, the announcement was made during the 28th Provincial Assembly held at Uganda Christian University (UCU), Mukono, on Thursday, August 6. This marks the highest number of bishops scheduled to retire in a single year in the history of the Church of Uganda.

Those slated for retirement include the Most Rev. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, who serves as the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda and Bishop of Kampala Diocese, as well as the Rt. Rev. Dan Zoreka of Kinkiizi Diocese, the Rt. Rev. Dr. Fred Sheldon Mwesigwa of Ankole Diocese, and the Rt. Rev. Patrick Wakula of Central Busoga Diocese.

The list also includes the Rt. Rev. John Wilson Nandaah of Mbale Diocese, the Rt. Rev. Gaddie Akanjuna of Kigezi Diocese, and the Rt. Rev. Amos Magezi of North West Ankole Diocese.

Under the Church of Uganda Constitution, serving bishops and the Archbishop are mandated to step down upon clocking 65 years of age. Archbishop Kaziimba, who was elected as the 9th Archbishop of the Church of Uganda on August 28, 2019, at St. Paul’s Cathedral, Namirembe, succeeded the Most Rev. Stanley Ntagali in March 2020. Ahead of his upcoming exit, Archbishop Kaziimba is currently conducting a nationwide pastoral and farewell tour across the province.

To qualify for election as a bishop in the Church of Uganda, a candidate must be an ordained priest, at least 45 years old, and hold a recognized bachelor’s degree in theology or a first degree in another field complemented by a theological diploma or postgraduate qualification. Meanwhile, an archbishop candidate must be an active, serving diocesan bishop within the province, at least 50 years old, and under the mandatory retirement age during the election year.

The Church of Uganda currently comprises 39 dioceses across the country. Namirembe Diocese, located on Namirembe Hill in Kampala, remains the oldest, having started in 1897 as the Diocese of Uganda before taking its current name in 1960.

For many Ugandan families, the latest inflation figures are more than economic statistics, they are a daily reminder of increasingly difficult financial choices. As the cost of fuel, electricity, transport and basic food items continues to rise, many households are being forced to choose between paying rent, keeping the lights on, buying food or seeking medical care. Others are reducing meal portions, cutting non-essential spending or relying on debt simply to make ends meet.

New figures released by Uganda Bureau of Statistics (Ubos) show annual headline inflation rose to 4 percent in July, up from 3.7 percent in June, signalling renewed pressure on household budgets after months of relative price stability. Although overall inflation remains within the Bank of Uganda’s medium-term target of 5 percent, the sharpest price increases have occurred in essential goods and services that account for the largest share of household expenditure. Energy, fuels and utilities recorded annual inflation of 14.9 percent, while transport costs rose 9.3 percent.

Food and non-alcoholic beverages inflation increased to 3.1 percent, driven by higher prices of staple commodities. Fuel remains one of the biggest contributors to the rising cost of living. Petrol prices increased by 29 percent in July, while diesel prices surged by 39 percent. Ubos also reported higher prices for mukene (silver fish), cooking oil, laundry soap, dry Nile perch and vegetables. The July inflation reading is the highest recorded since September 2025 under the Classification of Individual Consumption According to Purpose, the international framework used to measure household expenditure.

Food, housing, utilities and fuel continue to consume the largest share of household budgets, leaving families with little disposable income for healthcare, education and other necessities. Emmanuel Erem, a research fellow at Makerere University’s Economic Policy Research Centre (EPRC), says the latest inflation trends are steadily eroding the purchasing power of ordinary Ugandans, particularly low-income earners. ‘For households, the effect is a reduction in real purchasing power. Unless wages and incomes rise at the same pace, families must spend more to purchase the same goods and services,’ he says.

Poorer households, Erem says, are especially vulnerable because they spend a larger share of their incomes on food, transport, utilities and healthcare. He cites the example of mukene, one of Uganda’s most affordable protein sources, whose price has risen by about 25 percent, from Shs17,691 to Shs22,155 per kilogramme between July 2025 and July 2026. As living costs continue to rise, many households are adopting coping mechanisms with potentially long-term consequences. ‘They may reduce the quantity or quality of food consumed, postpone medical treatment, walk instead of paying transport fares, withdraw children from some school activities or eliminate spending on recreation,’ Erem says.

Inflation, therefore, notes has the potential to translate into poorer nutrition, reduced access to healthcare and a general deterioration in living standards. On the other Erem says the higher fuel and electricity prices ripple through the economy by raising production and transport costs. Small businesses are also feeling the pressure. Many operate on thin profit margins and lack the financial capacity to absorb higher operating costs while weak consumer demand limits their ability to pass those costs on to customers. However, Makerere University Business School Economic Forum director Fred Muhumuza, argues that the official inflation rate does not fully reflect the financial strain facing households.

He explains that inflation is calculated using a basket of about 350 goods and services with different expenditure weights. As a result, essentials such as fuel, electricity, groceries and transport, which households purchase frequently, appear less significant in the headline figure despite having the greatest impact on family budgets. ‘The real prices that have gone up are the ones that touch people the most,’ Muhumuza says. ‘Between December and July, diesel prices increased by 14 percent and petrol by 11 percent, yet inflation is reported at only 4 percent. We feel the impact of diesel every day because it feeds directly into transport costs and the prices of almost everything else,’ he says, noting that inflation becomes more painful when wages fail to keep pace with rising prices.

‘If your income hasn’t risen by at least the rate of inflation, then you are effectively poorer than you were a year ago,’ he says. To illustrate the point, Muhumuza distinguishes between nominal and real income, the amount of goods and services that income can actually buy. ‘If I had Shs10,000 and fuel cost Shs5,000 per litre, my real income was equivalent to two litres. Today, when fuel costs Shs6,500 per litre, the same Shs10,000 buys less than two litres.’ He also points to ‘shrinkflation’, where products retain the same selling price but become smaller. ‘A chapati may still cost Shs1,000, but it is becoming smaller because producers cannot easily increase prices for consumers whose incomes have stagnated.’

The squeeze on household budgets reflects Engel’s Law, which holds that when incomes come under pressure, families protect spending on essentials such as food, rent, transport and school fees, while cutting discretionary purchases such as clothing and electronics. Ubos data shows food already accounts for more than 44 percent of average household expenditure. As fuel and utility costs rise, spending on non-essential goods declines sharply, affecting retailers and other small businesses. The rising cost of living is also raising questions about Uganda’s ambition to grow its economy from $50b to $500b by 2040.

Erem believes the target remains achievable but warns that sustained increases in energy and transport costs could slow progress by raising production costs, reducing export competitiveness and discouraging private investment. He also cautions that persistent inflationary pressures could translate into high interest rates, making borrowing more expensive for businesses and households. Nevertheless, he notes Uganda is not facing runaway inflation. ‘The immediate challenge is not broad-based inflation. It is a concentrated cost-of-living shock driven primarily by fuel, transport and selected food items,’ Erem says. Muhumuza agrees, saying for Uganda to achieve it targeted $500b economy, we ‘need economic growth above seven percent, and eventually double-digit growth’.

Regional perspective

Across East Africa, inflation continues to be driven mainly by food and fuel costs, although the pace differs across countries. Uganda’s annual headline inflation stood at 4 percent in July, the lowest in the region, while Rwanda recorded the region’s highest inflation at 12.9 percent in May 2026, driven by transport, housing and healthcare costs. Kenya’s reached 6.5 percent in July, while Tanzania maintained relatively stable prices, with headline inflation easing to about 4 percent.