Category: Daily Monitor

Many couples believe love is enough to weather any storm. But as real-life experiences reveal, relationships often fail not because love disappears, but because trust, communication, emotional readiness, shared values, and life’s pressures slowly erode the foundation beneath it.

‘She loved him. He loved her. Yet it still ended.’

For many people, that is the hardest truth about relationships to accept. We grow up believing that love conquers all; that if two people care deeply enough for each other, they can overcome any obstacle. Yet real life often tells a different story.

For Felix Eapul, founder of Besania Counselling and Wellness Centre, the relationship once felt like everything love promises.

‘There was a woman who fell for me in 2014,’ he recalls. ‘She handed me everything; her heart, her body, her soul, as if love were something sacred placed carefully in my palms.’

For a time, it felt complete. ‘The kind of connection that makes the world look dipped in gold.’

But beneath that glow were wounds he had not yet faced.

‘Two years before I met her, I lost my mother. She was my compass, anchor and true north. Without her, I was a ship cast into a violent sea.’

Grief lingered, unprocessed, alongside parts of himself he had not yet outgrown.

‘There was always a shadow trailing behind me; my reckless, playboy nature.’

Love, in that moment, could not steady him. It could not heal what he had not confronted. Slowly, the relationship gave way.

‘It ended in January 2018,’ he says quietly.

‘She will always have a place in my heart. I look at her from a distance now; she is settled, married, and I hope she found what she was looking for.’

There is no bitterness in his reflection, only recognition that love, however genuine, is not always enough.

Love needs more than feeling

‘Sometimes love just ain’t enough,’ Patty Smyth sings alongside Don Henley. It is a line that has lingered far beyond the song itself because, for many people, it rings painfully true.

‘I always say love is important, but love alone is not enough,’ says Martha Namukose, director of Gold Oak Decor and More.

For her, love is only the beginning. What sustains a relationship is everything that surrounds it.

Communication is not merely talking. It is expressing feelings, needs, expectations and frustrations honestly. Effort and consistency matter too; the discipline of showing up, making time and choosing each other, both when it is easy and when it is not.

Trust goes beyond fidelity. It is emotional safety; the ability to be vulnerable and still feel secure.

Respect follows closely behind. It is how partners honour boundaries, value each other’s opinions and preserve dignity even during disagreements.

Then there is compatibility.

‘You may love each other,’ she says, ‘but if your values on family, finances, lifestyle or faith differ, there will always be a clash.’

It is a practical view of love; one that acknowledges its beauty without overlooking its limitations.

When trust disappears

For Timothy Jumba, a voice-over artist, the missing piece was trust.

‘It was not once, not twice,’ he says. ‘The missing element was always trust.’

Relationships that began with affection gradually became defined by suspicion. Conversations turned into interrogations.

Questions carried hidden accusations

‘We both felt too exposed,’ he explains. ‘It became about questioning each other.’

And with that, something essential began to disappear.

‘Men do not want to be interrogated. They want to feel comfortable with the person they love.’

Comfort is often overlooked in conversations about relationships, yet it may be one of the most important ingredients.

People want to feel accepted rather than constantly scrutinised.

Without that sense of ease and security, even genuine love can become strained.

‘There is a lot of jealousy when it comes to lovers,’ he adds. ‘And that is where the fight begins.’

The pressure of modern relationships

For poet Mitch Isabirye, the challenges facing relationships extend beyond the individuals involved.

‘We have glorified not caring,’ he says. ‘Relationships feel like a competition; who cares less, who texts first.’

In today’s digital culture, love is often performed rather than lived. Social media rewards appearances, while vulnerability increasingly feels risky.

‘Social media sells us a fantasy far from reality. It does not give people time to cultivate genuine relationships,’ he says.

Then come the financial realities that quietly shape romantic expectations.

‘A bare minimum date in Kampala is like Shs100,000,’ he notes. ‘If you earn one million, going out four times a month is half your salary.’

For some, maintaining a relationship can begin to feel financially overwhelming.

‘To some extent, it feels like something I cannot afford.’

Yet his most striking observation is not about money.

‘Love is a feeling that can diminish,’ he says. ‘So, when that happens, you need someone who will not be mean to you.’

It is a reminder that long-term relationships depend as much on character as they do on emotion.

At some point, the intensity of romance settles. What remains is how people choose to treat each other.

‘People are not allowed to be vulnerable,’ he adds, ‘because at some point, someone will use it against you.’

The cost of poor communication

For Ruth Mugabi Sanyu, a beauty queen, the breakdown was quieter.

‘Yes, I have been in a relationship where there was love, but it still did not work out,’ she says.

Looking back, she believes understanding was the missing ingredient.

‘My partner did not fully appreciate the importance of open, detailed conversations.’

The problems did not arrive dramatically. They accumulated slowly through misunderstandings, assumptions and issues that were never fully discussed.

‘External influences were never clearly addressed, and this gradually created distance.’

Over time, the emotional gap widened. Her conclusion today is straightforward.

‘Love alone is not enough.’

The common thread

Across all these voices, one truth emerges. Love is present. It is real, felt and undeniable. Yet it is not always sufficient on its own.

What often determines the fate of a relationship is everything surrounding love: trust, communication, emotional readiness, shared values, kindness and the willingness to keep choosing one another over time.

Sometimes love is there; deep, genuine and overwhelming; and still it does not last. Love may begin a relationship. But it is not always what holds it together.

What experts say

Relationship counsellors often observe that while love may bring people together, successful relationships require a broader set of skills and commitments. Emotional maturity, effective communication, conflict resolution, trust and shared goals often determine whether a relationship survives difficult seasons.

Love may create the connection, but healthy habits help sustain it.

Without those habits, even relationships built on deep affection can struggle under the weight of unresolved issues, changing circumstances and unmet expectations.

When Emmanuel Katongole, 54, completed his 20-year IT consultancy job at the Ministry of Finance in 2023, the Zoology and Botany graduate embarked on research into any project that could give him a return on investment with minimal supervision.

First, he thought of venturing into goat rearing but soon found out that the business was feasible with at least 200 goats for a start-up. However, he chose to keep a few of them for emotional support because it feels good looking at them.

His idea was of a project which can be supervised most cost-effectively without a lot of travel and investing time.

This was a departure from his initial 2015 idea of building a 29-bedroom hotel in Kisaasi trading centre, which he started but stopped at the foundation level.

As he continued to research, he stumbled upon the idea of fish rearing, specifically catfish, because Tilapia required a lot of water management, which would bother him, while the Nile perch, on the other hand, had not yet been domesticated for rearing at home.

He settled for Catfish because of their carnivorous nature-they eat anything which is almost rotting.

When he scanned his environment in Kisaasi, Katongole found out that there were a lot of intestines of chicken and fish which were being thrown away.

During the onset of the 2020 lockdown, there were idle youths who approached him and requested him to allow them to roof the hotel structure and sleep there while providing security, something he willingly accepted because the place had become bushy.

Later, when he asked the youths whether they could collect intestines for him to feed the fish, they accepted, which to him was more or less free labour he had locked into his project.

He also learnt that unlike Tilapia and Nile Perch, which are top feeders, Catfish are bottom feeders.

Katongole decided to seal off the partitions on the would-be first floor to prevent the water from seeping, and introduced 11,000 fish fingerlings into the project in March this year.

Through Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Gemini, Katongole researched the behaviour of fish feeding; he discovered that in Southeast Asia, fish feed is very cheap.

The fingerlings need startup feed to depend on for their foundation, which is imported from the Netherlands, but afterwards, they can feed on anything.

He then bought a meat mincer at Shs1m, which can mince up to one ton of intestines or meat in one hour.

He mixes the minced intestines with cassava flour to bind them and lets the mixture dry up under the sun. It is the same machine which turns the mixture into pellets.

To him, the feeding aspect for the fish was done because he was getting the feeds more or less free of charge, and now he is off the commercial feeds.

Asked why he abandoned the hotel business, he said he was motivated by the 24-year-old boy in Busega, a city suburb, who calls himself Mr Big Fish, who buys a kilo of fresh Catfish at Shs7,000 and sells a kilogram of smoked fish at Shs40,000 for export to Europe.

He observes that at Busega, which is now the Kampala Fish auction market, trading starts at 3 am and by 7 am business is done.

Katongole hopes that by September, when the fish mature, he will be able to harvest between 8,000 and 10,000 and sell at Shs7,000 per kilogram.

He boasts that unlike other animals like cows and goats where farmers are price takers, he does not need to drive his fish to the market.

The buyers will have to drive to his farm and take them at his price, and if they are not interested in his price, he will continue feeding them and even attract higher prices.

He intends to install a water recycling system and establish vertical beds for growing vegetables, which will also become part of his farm produce.

From a chance meeting at a Makerere University career fair to a carefully planned wedding, Juma Ssegujja and Mercy Jorine Nassolo chose patience, simplicity and intentionality, building a relationship that grew quietly over time into marriage without pressure or spectacle.

It began as a chance meeting that neither of them was seeking.

In March 2023, at a career fair at Makerere University, Juma Ssegujja, 28, known to many as Jomma, a banker and economist at the Bank of Uganda, shared insights with students about what awaited them after graduation.

Among the crowd was Mercy Jorine Nassolo, 25, a final-year student in Agribusiness Management, who had only intended to stop by briefly. She had travelled from Kakiri in Wakiso District that day, balancing errands and ambition, unsure if she would even stay.

However, she lingered long enough for a conversation that would quietly change the course of her life.

‘I was asked to speak at the fair about what lay ahead for students after graduation,’ Juma recalls.

After his talk, Mercy approached him for guidance and requested his contact information.

‘I had no intentions towards her at the time, but I helped her through the application process,’ Juma says.

What followed was nothing dramatic, just a series of messages, consistency, and silence that gradually filled up with familiarity. Mercy smiles as she remembers, ‘Jomma was consistent in texting, and he still is to this day.’

A love that started simply

By June, something had shifted. Juma began to see in Mercy the qualities he admired; she was disciplined, intelligent, and grounded. He described her as ‘my tribemate,’ noting that their age difference was just right.

Mercy, in turn, recognised Juma as intentional, thoughtful, and steady.

‘He was visionary, intelligent, and solution-oriented,’ she says. There was no rush and no grand declarations, just the slow unfolding of two lives getting to know each other. Their first date reflected everything they would later become.

Juma chose Forest Park in Buloba for their outing. They met at Old Kampala Taxi Park and travelled together by taxi, side by side, like any ordinary couple beginning something they did not yet fully understand.

‘It was simple but memorable,’ Mercy reflects. ‘Despite our financial situation at the time, I felt comfortable because I knew we would build together.’ Under the shade of trees, over shared meals and easy laughter, something unspoken took root.

Distance, growth

Their love did not flourish in comfort; it grew through distance, time, and patience.

After graduation, Mercy moved upcountry for a farm management job. The miles between them tested what had begun so gently.

Juma worried about her career path and encouraged her to return to Kampala’s job market. Eventually, she did, securing a role with ABSA Bank.

Despite the distance, they remained close through long phone calls, prayer, and conversations that stretched into the late hours of the night. Later, when Juma acquired a car, it felt less like a possession and more like a bridge connecting their hearts, preventing them from drifting apart.

Turning point

Three years into their relationship, life began to weigh heavily upon them. Friends were getting married, expectations grew louder, and time felt burdensome. During the 2025 Hallelujah Challenge, Mercy prayed for direction and clarity about the future of her love story. In March 2026, she received an answer she did not expect.

Juma invited her to KK Beach to meet his father. She arrived unaware that everything had already been set in motion.

At the beach, she found both families waiting.

‘I was still processing everything when they told me that our kukyala would be in March and the introduction in May,’ she recalls. Her heart was racing, but her story was already moving into its next chapter.

Kukyala and introduction

On March 7, Juma and his family arrived at Mercy’s aunt’s home in Vvumba for the kukyala ceremony. Despite the short notice, she approached the preparations with calm determination, using savings from their joint account and working within a modest budget. It was not about extravagance; it was about meaning.

Weeks later, on May 16, the introduction ceremony took place at her father’s home in Matugga. Juma’s family aimed for simplicity, with few meetings, clear planning, and fulfilled commitments. His parents were deeply involved, providing support and ensuring every detail was taken care of. In contrast, Mercy’s family infused the day with warmth and celebration, even hiring artistes such as Haruna Mubiru and Jovan Luzinda. For Juma, it was a moment of admiration.

‘Everything was very well organised,’ he remarks.

When it came to their wedding, the couple opted for something uncommon: they prioritised calm over spectacle. After visiting several venues, they chose Fairway Hotel, not for its grandeur, but for the ease, control, and peace of mind it offered. Their guest list remained intimate, with around 60 people. Invitations were sent digitally, not out of convenience, but by intention. Juma encapsulated their approach by saying, ‘Information is an asset only if you have the finances.’ This was their way of ensuring love would not become a performance.

On June 21, they exchanged vows at the Wakiso District Headquarters with only a few witnesses present. There were no crowds or noise, just two people choosing each other. Later, they took photos at Rock Stone Gardens and enjoyed a small lunch together.

That evening, they received a blessing at Antioch Church before preparing for a private reception the following day.

At the reception, close friends served as MCs. The entrance was simple, the speeches heartfelt, and the atmosphere calm, almost sacred. What left a lasting impression on them was not the decor or the schedule, but the absence of pressure. ‘We were stress-free because everything had been planned early,’ Mercy says. In that calm, their love felt complete in a way that noise never could.

What love means to them now

To Juma and Mercy, love is no longer a question; it is a practice. It is commitment. Trust. Patience. Communication. Intentionality.

In their quiet life together, they read, pray, attend marriage cell meetings, watch football, listen to podcasts, and simply enjoy being at home.

They advise couples to talk openly, save together, seek counselling, and prepare early. Looking ahead, they dream of a honeymoon they have not yet taken, children they hope to raise, land they plan to buy, and a home they will one day build together.

The beauty of choosing simplicity

In a world that often measures love in noise, expense and spectacle, Juma and Mercy chose something softer. They chose consistency over chaos. Planning over pressure. Meaning over display.

And somewhere between a career fare and a quiet taxi ride, their story became what many hope for, but few build: A love that did not rush but arrived fully formed in its own time.

More than a decade after the discovery of rare earth mineral deposits in eastern Uganda raised hopes of economic transformation, mining operations in the Busoga sub-region have yet to begin, leaving local leaders and residents frustrated over missed opportunities and prolonged uncertainty.

The government announced the discovery of rare earth minerals in 2013, identifying major deposits in Bugweri, Mayuge and Bugiri districts. The find attracted investor interest and raised expectations of jobs, infrastructure development and increased local revenues.

However, despite the government signing an agreement with Rwenzori Rare Metals (RRM) to develop the project, commercial production has not commenced.

Bugweri District Natural Resources Officer Fred Wamukunyu said mining activities are now running nearly a year behind schedule.

“Mining and production of rare earth minerals in the areas where they were discovered were scheduled to begin in July last year. However, the information available to me suggests that operations may now start in October this year,” Wamukunyu said.

He attributed the delays to the slow issuance of a mining licence, amendments to Uganda’s mining laws and unresolved compensation issues affecting residents expected to be displaced by the project.

The amended Mining Act provides for local communities to receive 15 percent of proceeds from minerals extracted in their areas.

Wamukunyu said the minerals are used in the manufacture of products such as smartphones, laptops, wind turbines and automotive components, making them increasingly important in the global transition to digital technologies and clean energy.

He noted that the deposits are located in Buwaya Sub-county in Mayuge District, Buwunga Sub-county in Bugiri District and Makuutu Sub-county in Bugweri District, where a mineral testing laboratory is also being established.

But local leaders say global market conditions have also slowed the project’s momentum.

Hussein Kamali, the LCIII chairperson of Buwaya Sub-county, said company officials had cited weakening international demand for rare earth minerals during recent discussions.

“During my last meeting with officials of Rwenzori Rare Metals, they told me that the market for the mineral abroad had weakened. They said it would not make economic sense to rush into production without a ready market, considering the high costs involved in mining and processing,” Kamali said.

He warned that prolonged delays risk undermining community support for the project.

Kamali said a two-year Land Access Agreement signed between residents and RRM expired in September last year, potentially complicating future operations.

“If the project continues to delay, some residents may withdraw their support,” he said.

According to Kamali, uncertainty over compensation and relocation plans has left many affected residents unsure whether to continue developing their land or prepare for displacement.

Several commitments contained in agreements between the company and local communities also remain unfulfilled, he added.

An RRM board member, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to speak publicly, acknowledged that weaker international demand had affected the sector but said it was not the sole cause of the delays.

“While demand for the mineral has reduced on the international market, it has not caused the delays in production,” the official said.

Bugiri District chairperson Davidson Mulumba Kasaija said election-related disruptions had also slowed progress toward implementation of the project.

“We expected many benefits to come with the start of mining, which would have improved the lives of residents. The delay is denying them those opportunities,” Mulumba said.

He said local authorities had anticipated employment opportunities, improved social services and infrastructure development linked to the mining project.

Former Ibulanku Sub-county chairperson Ibrahim Ndoga said communities in Bugweri had expected roads and other public infrastructure to be upgraded to support mining operations.

“We were expecting roads to be constructed in the Makuutu area, since heavy machinery used in mining would not be able to use the current roads, which are in a poor state,” Ndoga said.

He added that the district is also missing out on expected royalty revenues that could have supported local development programmes.

For now, communities that once anticipated a rapid transformation driven by one of the world’s most sought-after mineral resources continue to wait as licensing, compensation and market challenges delay the start of production.

Millions of learners in public primary schools will have to wait longer for the much-anticipated government-funded school feeding programme after the Ministry of Education and Sports revealed that a national policy to guide its implementation is still being drafted.

The delay comes months after the government announced plans to introduce a nationwide school feeding programme in Universal Primary Education (UPE) schools, raising hopes among education stakeholders that the initiative would help address hunger and improve learning outcomes.

On December 5, 2024, while presenting the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Manifesto 2021-2026 progress report for the education sector, Education and Sports Minister Janet Museveni announced that government had approved plans to introduce school meals in all UPE schools, with implementation expected to begin in 2026. The programme is expected to benefit at least 9.1 million learners enrolled in 12,557 government primary schools, according to data from the 2025 Baseline Education Census by the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS).

The announcement marked a significant shift in government policy. For years, government maintained that feeding children was solely the responsibility of parents and guardians. However, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Kedrace Turyagyenda, said implementation cannot proceed without a comprehensive policy framework approved by Cabinet. ‘You cannot start implementing something without a policy to guide it. When it came to implementation, it became necessary to first have the policy approved by Cabinet,’ Dr Turyagyenda said in an interview.

‘This is a government commitment that must clearly explain how the programme will be implemented, who will do what, and how responsibilities will be shared,’ she added. According to Dr Turyagyenda, consultations with stakeholders are ongoing and substantial progress has been made in drafting the policy. However, she acknowledged that the programme is unlikely to be rolled out in the 2026/27 financial year because the budget has already been approved. ‘Developing a policy requires extensive consultations and technical work. Once it is completed, it will be submitted to Cabinet for approval,’ she said.

The delay means that, for now, millions of learners in government schools will continue relying on parents and guardians for meals, with many children still attending classes on empty stomachs. The government’s pledge had been welcomed by schools, particularly those struggling to provide meals after restrictions were placed on parental contributions. According to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics National Service Delivery Survey 2021, only 49 percent of government primary schools provide lunch to learners, while 16 percent reported that pupils go without lunch altogether.

The situation is more pronounced in rural areas, where 20 percent of government primary schools reported that learners did not receive lunch, compared to eight percent in urban areas. Despite the delays, Dr Turyagyenda stressed that parents remain legally responsible for feeding their children until the policy is approved and implemented. ‘In the meantime, the law requires parents to feed their children, so every parent should make every effort to ensure that their children are eating,’ she said.

Uganda National Teachers’ Union (UNATU) Secretary General Filbert Baguma said hunger continues to undermine learning, attendance and academic performance. ‘We continue talking about school dropouts and poor performance, yet these issues are directly linked to feeding. You cannot expect much from a child who has not eaten,’ Mr Baguma said. Economist Kenneth Asiimwe of the Civil Society Budget Advocacy Group (CSBAG) said the government may be proceeding cautiously because of the financial implications of feeding millions of learners nationwide. ‘It is an expensive programme and not something government can rush into. Proper planning is necessary because poorly designed programmes often fail,’ Mr Asiimwe said.

However, he warned that repeated delays could erode public confidence. ‘When government makes commitments and implementation keeps being postponed, it creates a trust deficit between citizens and the state,’ he said.

Before halting their operations in Kampala, in a crackdown to restore degraded wetlands, the authorities responsible for environmental management and protection razed areas of Busabala in Makindye-Ssabagabo Municipality, Wakiso District.

The two-day operation conducted on June 2nd and June 4th by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) and the Ministry of Water and Environment, with assistance from police and the military, left over 100 families displaced.

Just like single mothers dominated the Kawaala II eviction saga, where a similar operation was carried out, in Busabala, men evacuated their families and remained behind to pursue justice.

Mr Fred Namuyimbwa, who was running a piggery farm in Buggu village, was one of the victims. He lost all his houses in this NEMA operation. Over the weekend, he was sharing a shelter with pigs in a temporary pigsty structure.

The enforcement team had mercy on him, and his pigsty was spared to allow him to remove his animals. He has over 50 pigs and piglets combined.

‘I had a very big family, and today they are all scattered. My wife went back to their home with some of our young children,’ he said.

He, however, said he cannot cry for the lost property. Together with other victims, they are pushing for compensation or looking for well-wishers to help them relocate.

‘The destroyed property is like losing a child; we buried them and are now looking forward to how we get compensated,’ Mr Namuyimbwa said.

The farmer has stood the test of time, including coldness due to the swampy nature of the area. Being an open structure, even rains inconvenience his stay here.

He is not sure when he plans to relocate his farm, appealing for financial assistance from any good Samaritan to get him land where he can establish a new farm.

‘I have endured the malodorous stench that comes from the waste materials, but not sure if I will not get diseases. I cannot abandon my farm because thieves will steal my pigs,’ he added.

Mr Godfrey Lumu, a father of 10 children, was also left displaced. He is planning to start from scratch after losing his residential house in the operation. He said he cannot be accepted with his family to rent anywhere.

‘Even if you are the landlord, can you accept me when I tell you that I have 10 children? Obviously no,’ he said.

Similarly, Mr Richard Katende lost his storied structure and eight rental houses. To settle in this place, he bought three plots of land and acquired an agreement signed by the area chairperson.

He used the remaining poles from his house to erect a makeshift tent where he sleeps with his wife at night, whereas the rest of the family members remain displaced.

‘I had a big number of people I was taking care of, including my children and relatives. I cannot trace them because they were all displaced,’ he said.

He appealed to the Uganda Law Society to intervene in their issue, and they seek justice in courts of law, to at least get compensated with some small funding that can buy them land elsewhere.

‘By the time I bought a plot of land in this area, it was totally dry land. However, when investors started pouring soil in the lake, Lake Victoria water levels increased,’ he said.

Mr Katende said if the government is to restore wetlands, they must first touch the big fish, with big investments near the lake. Other than that, the wetlands will keep spreading.

He said they were given two weeks to leave the evicted area.

Some women who are still stranded said they no longer have privacy with this ‘surprise’ crackdown as they now share shelter with men at night.

‘When it gets dark at night, we all gather under one tent and sleep. The situation is very bad, especially for us who had all our investments in the same area,’ Ms Agnes Kadogi said.

She said their children have dropped out of school; they don’t have food, and everything in their daily life has turned miserable ever since that fateful day.

Ms Margaret Nabukeera said their children are falling sick every day due to the cold weather and mosquitoes biting them. They cannot go anywhere to look for food because once you go, your property remains at risk of being stolen.

During his inaugural speech as minister for water and environment, Rtd. Maj Gen. Kahinda Otafiire commended restoration works by NEMA to stop all developments in the wetlands by people without a valid license.

He said fragile ecosystems like wetlands are meant to filter water before it’s discharged to major water bodies and also act as habitats for only fish, frogs, and crocodiles, among others.

Uganda and the Chinese city of Hangzhou have signed several cooperation agreements aimed at boosting tourism, investment, technology transfer and hospitality development, following a tourism and investment conference held in China.

The agreements were signed on Wednesday during the ‘Pearl of Africa: Uganda-Hangzhou Tourism and Investment Conference’ hosted by the Ugandan Embassy in Beijing at the WTC Narada Hotel in Hangzhou.

The conference brought together government officials, investors, tourism operators, and business leaders from Uganda and China to explore opportunities for cooperation in tourism, trade, innovation, and cultural exchange.

Uganda’s Ambassador to China, Ms Oliver Wonekha, and the Deputy District Chief of Xihu District People’s Government, Lu Jun, officiated at the event and called for closer collaboration between the two sides.

Speaking at the conference, Ambassador Wonekha said Uganda was committed to attracting quality investment and expanding partnerships that support sustainable tourism growth.

A key presentation was delivered by Ambassador Richard Kabonero, the Head of the Regional Economic Cooperation Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who outlined investment opportunities available in Uganda.

Mr Kabonero said Uganda offers opportunities in tourism, agriculture, manufacturing, mineral development, renewable energy, infrastructure, and information and communications technology.

He told potential investors that Uganda’s location at the centre of East Africa, coupled with access to regional markets and ongoing policy reforms, makes the country an attractive investment destination.

‘Uganda offers tremendous opportunities for investors seeking sustainable and high-growth ventures. By combining Uganda’s rich natural and tourism assets with Hangzhou’s expertise in technology, innovation, hospitality management and investment capital, we can build partnerships that create value for both sides while contributing to sustainable economic development,’ Mr Kabonero said.

Officials said discussions focused on how Hangzhou’s expertise in smart tourism, digital technologies, hotel management and investment financing could support Uganda’s efforts to modernise its tourism sector and expand visitor numbers.

The conference ended with the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding between Ugandan and Hangzhou-based partners covering hotel development, tourism promotion, tour operator cooperation, and technology partnerships.

Officials said the agreements are expected to increase tourism flows between the two countries, strengthen business linkages, and support the development of tourism infrastructure and services in Uganda.

The Ugandan Embassy in Beijing said the conference marked another step in deepening economic cooperation between Uganda and China and is expected to spur new investment opportunities in the country.

Blending sedan refinement with SUV-inspired styling, the 2023 Toyota Crown delivers a premium hybrid driving experience defined by comfort, advanced tech and strong performance.

The Toyota Crown 2023 does not behave like a typical sedan, and it does not fully commit to being an SUV either. Instead, it sits in that increasingly popular middle space, blending both identities into a single, polished package.

With its slightly raised ground clearance and coupe-like side profile, it presents itself more like a sleek crossover than a traditional saloon.

What is immediately striking is how un-Toyota it looks at first glance.

There is no bold exterior badge announcing its identity, yet the Crown remains one of the brand’s most prestigious nameplates. It is a car that leans heavily on understated confidence rather than visual noise.

Inside, that sense of quiet luxury continues.

Cabin built for comfort

Stepping into the Crown, the cabin feels deliberately designed to reduce fatigue and elevate the driving experience. The dashboard is dominated by two screens; a digital instrument cluster directly behind the steering wheel and a 12.3-inch multimedia display at the centre.

A digital rear-view mirror doubles as a live camera feed, giving a wide and clear view of what is happening behind the car.

Comfort is clearly a priority here. The seats are ventilated, heated and cooled, offering year-round usability regardless of weather conditions. The cabin combines black and cream tones with subtle gold accents, giving it a premium but not overly flashy finish. Even the driver’s seat features automatic adjustment that raises it into a more natural driving position.

Small details reinforce the sense that this is a modern luxury cruiser. The wireless charging pad is placed vertically on the centre console, a departure from the usual flat layout. The steering wheel is wrapped in soft leather, and beyond heating it for cold conditions, it also carries infotainment and cruise control buttons, including Apple CarPlay controls.

Hybrid power

Under the bonnet, the Crown runs a 2.5-litre petrol hybrid system producing 236 horsepower, paired with an all-wheel-drive setup. It is not just about efficiency; it has real pace, accelerating from 0 to 100km/h in about six seconds depending on driving conditions and selected mode.

On the road, the Crown feels like a car with multiple personalities. In Eco mode, it settles into a relaxed, fuel-saving rhythm, prioritising smoothness over urgency. Switch to Sport mode, and the change is immediate. The throttle sharpens, the response tightens, and the car feels noticeably more aggressive, something that became clear during a drive on the Northern Bypass from Naalya towards Kisaasi.

Normal mode sits neatly in between, offering a balanced everyday drive. There is also an EV mode, which allows short electric-only operation under the right conditions, reinforcing its hybrid efficiency credentials.

Visibility and control are further boosted by a 360-degree camera system, which proves especially useful when navigating tight parking spaces. The cabin layout also includes a practical centre console with USB ports and a storage compartment that doubles as an armrest.

In traffic, Toyota has also made life easier. Instead of constantly holding the brake, the driver can engage the ‘hold’ function using a button marked ‘H’ next to the gear lever. It keeps the vehicle stationary until the accelerator is pressed again, reducing fatigue in stop-start traffic.

Luxury touches, pricing

For all its refinement, the Crown still makes a strong case for itself in the premium segment. According to car dealer Mujib Tusuubira of mujibexotics.com, the 2023 model goes for about Shs200m with taxes included, placing it in the territory of used high-end German sedans such as the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, S-Class, BMW 5 Series, or even an ML.

‘What makes it costly is the attention to detail in most of its features compared to other Toyota brands of the same classification,’ he explains. ‘It has automatic synthetic leather seats that adjust according to the driver’s stature, allowing you to drive long distances without feeling back pain or the need to stretch.’

The Crown comfortably seats five passengers, although the rear middle seat is best treated as an armrest for comfort. At the rear, the boot is generously spacious and thoughtfully equipped, including a power outlet for charging devices and tools for emergency tyre repair.

However, one compromise stands out. Like the Toyota Vanguard, the Crown does not come with a spare tyre. Instead, it relies on tyre repair solutions, making careful tyre maintenance essential for long-distance travel.

Crown’s biggest rivals

At approximately Shs200m, the Toyota Crown finds itself competing in a segment traditionally dominated by premium European brands. Buyers with that budget could just as easily opt for a Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the more luxurious S-Class, a BMW 5 Series, or even a Mercedes-Benz ML. Those looking to stay within the Japanese luxury fold may also consider the Lexus ES Hybrid, which shares some of the Crown’s focus on comfort and efficiency.

What sets the Crown apart is its blend of Toyota’s renowned reliability, hybrid fuel economy and modern technology. While its German rivals often carry greater prestige and a more established luxury-car image, the Crown offers a compelling alternative for buyers who value lower running costs, dependability and everyday usability without sacrificing comfort and refinement.

In this space, the Crown positions itself as a pragmatic luxury choice that quietly prioritises long-term ownership value over badge-driven appeal.

Did you know?

The Toyota Crown is one of Toyota’s oldest and most prestigious nameplates, dating back to 1955. For decades, it has served as Toyota’s flagship sedan in Japan and has often been associated with executives, government officials and luxury-oriented buyers.

The 2023 model marks one of the biggest shifts in the Crown’s history, moving away from the traditional sedan formula and adopting a crossover-inspired design. It also reflects Toyota’s effort to modernise the Crown for a broader global audience by blending traditional sedan comfort with the practicality and stance of an SUV.

Kenyan lawyer Martha Karua has petitioned Ugandan Chief Justice Flavian Zeija and Attorney General Sam Mayanja, urging their intervention over the arrest and prosecution of lawyer Erias Lukwago and what she described as Uganda’s deteriorating rule of law.

In a June 16 letter seen by this publication, Karua, who holds a special practising certificate allowing her to appear before Ugandan courts, said the judiciary’s independence was being eroded and called on the country’s top legal officials to act urgently.

“The abduction of Mr Lukwago constitutes a direct affront to the authority and dignity of the courts. It amounts to brazen intimidation, not only of Mr Lukwago and his legal team, including myself, but also of advocates generally who undertake representation of persons perceived to be unpopular with the government,” Karua wrote.

Lukwago, Kampala’s former Mayor and one of the defence lawyers in the treason case involving detained opposition figure Dr Kizza Besigye, was arrested from his home in Wakaliga on Monday and taken to an undisclosed location.

Shortly after the arrest, Chief of Defence Forces Muhoozi Kainerugaba posted on X that he had captured “a fool” before sharing photographs purportedly showing Lukwago, posts that drew criticism from activists and opposition supporters.

Lukwago was later transferred to Kira Police Station before being charged with misprision of treason at Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court.

Karua told the Chief Justice that safeguarding the authority and independence of the judiciary, and ensuring advocates can perform their duties without intimidation, falls squarely within his mandate.

“Your Lordship, the responsibility of safeguarding the authority and independence of the Judiciary, and ensuring that advocates, as officers of the court, are able to discharge their duties without let or hindrance, rests squarely with the office you hold,” she wrote.

Addressing the Attorney General, Karua said the government’s chief legal adviser had a duty to advise state officials whenever their actions violate the Constitution and laws of Uganda.

She cited Article 208(2) of the Constitution, which requires the Uganda People’s Defence Forces to remain non-partisan, professional and subordinate to civilian authority.

“The Uganda People’s Defence Forces, including the Chief of Defence Forces, are subject to the laws of Uganda as administered by the courts of judicature. They have no lawful authority to arrest an advocate in the course of carrying out his professional duties. Their actions can only properly be described as an abduction,” Karua said.

At the time of his arrest, Lukwago of Lukwago and Co. Advocates was part of the legal team representing Besigye and Obeid Lutale in proceedings before the High Court’s Criminal Division presided over by Justice Baguma.

Officials from the opposition People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), where Lukwago serves as president, said he was preparing to serve court summons on Kainerugaba, one of the respondents in the matter, when he was arrested.

Karua urged both the Chief Justice and Attorney General to act swiftly to protect the rule of law and fundamental freedoms.

“I therefore urge Your Lordship and the Honourable Attorney General to act with urgency in defence of the rule of law and the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms, particularly Mr Lukwago’s rights to liberty, dignity and due process,” she wrote.

She added that advocates must be protected and respected while carrying out their professional duties as guaranteed under Uganda’s Constitution and laws.

The Leader of the Opposition in Parliament (LoP), Mr Joel Ssenyonyi, has asked Speaker Jacob Oboth-Oboth to urgently reconvene the House to discuss what he describes as escalating human rights violations and growing disregard for the rule of law by security agencies.

In a June 17 letter addressed to the Speaker and seen by the Daily Monitor, Mr Ssenyonyi argues that the country is witnessing an increase in abductions, arbitrary arrests, unlawful detentions and other alleged abuses that require immediate parliamentary intervention.

He specifically cited actions by the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, which he said have raised serious concerns about constitutional governance and respect for human rights.

“I write to request that Parliament be urgently reconvened to consider and address the growing incidents of human rights violations and disregard for the rule of law that I raised on the Floor of the House during the fourth sitting of the first meeting of the first session of the 12th Parliament, where the Vice President directed the Minister for Security to return with a statement,’ Mr Ssenyonyi wrote.

‘At the time, I brought to the attention of the House disturbing reports of abductions, arbitrary arrests, unlawful detentions, excessive use of force by security agencies and other actions that undermine the fundamental rights and freedoms guaranteed under the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda. Regrettably, indications suggest that these violations have not abated and are, in fact, escalating,’ he added.

Mr Ssenyonyi’s request comes a day after former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago was arrested from his home in Wakaliga, Kampala, by security operatives on Monday and taken to an undisclosed location. Shortly after the arrest, Gen Muhoozi posted on his official X account that he had captured ‘a fool’, before later sharing photographs purportedly of Mr Lukwago accompanied by captions that critics described as demeaning.

‘Not isolated’

Mr Ssenyonyi said the incident was not isolated, arguing that several Opposition politicians and supporters had faced similar treatment in recent years. While Parliament is scheduled to reconvene on July 7, waiting until then presents a significant risk.

“The continued absence of parliamentary intervention and oversight could create an environment in which further violations occur unchecked, thereby exposing more Ugandans to potential abuses and undermining public confidence in the rule of law and constitutional governance,’ he said.

Mr Lukwago was yesterday arraigned before the Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court and charged with misprision of a felony.

Addressing journalists yesterday, Mr Ssenyonyi claimed that a number of Ugandans, particularly supporters of the Opposition National Unity Platform (NUP), remain missing or are being held incommunicado.

Missing NUP supporters

‘We know that a number of Ugandans have been missing for a while, including John Bosco Kibalama, Kanata, Muhammad, John Damulira and Amos Rwangumani, among others. They are being held incommunicado, tortured and rotting in jails, yet it seems to be business as usual,’ he said.

“We understand that some of these missing persons were killed, which is why they have failed to produce them before courts of law,’ he added.

Previous incidents

Mr Ssenyonyi also referenced the case of Edward Ssebufu, popularly known as Eddie Mutwe, the chief bodyguard of NUP president Robert Kyagulanyi, alias Bobi Wine. utwe disappeared in April before resurfacing days later in detention.

During that period, Gen Muhoozi posted on social media claiming that he had captured him and was keeping him in a basement. he incident sparked public outrage and prompted legislators on Parliament’s Defence and Internal Affairs Committee to seek explanations from the military leadership.

However, efforts to summon the CDF reportedly failed after Gen Muhoozi publicly dismissed the legislators and questioned their authority to summon him. Mutwe was later presented before the Masaka Chief Magistrate’s Court in visibly frail condition and charged with treason, a case that remains before the courts. he Opposition leader also blamed President Museveni, as the appointing authority, for what he described as a failure to rein in the conduct of senior security officials.

Mr Ssenyonyi further accused Gen Muhoozi of engaging in partisan political activity while serving as a military officer.

‘You cannot settle political scores using the office you hold. If you want to engage in politics, resign from the army, form a political party and compete with the rest of us on equal terms,’ he added.

By press time, Parliament had not publicly responded to Mr Ssenyonyi’s request for an extraordinary sitting.