Category: Daily Monitor

Kikuube District stands to benefit more from government programs under National Resistance Movement (NRM) leadership, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja has told residents as campaigns close for Thursday’s LC5 by-election.

Speaking at a campaign rally at Kaseeta Primary School in Kabwoya Sub-county on Tuesday, Nabbanja urged voters to elect NRM flag bearer Paddy Kisembo, saying his victory would strengthen service delivery and ensure continuity of government projects.

‘If women want to benefit from funds from the Office of the Prime Minister, they should vote for the NRM flag bearer. If you want improved health services and more administrative units, then support Paddy Kisembo,’ she said.

The by-election is scheduled for Thursday, June 18, 2026, and pits Kisembo against Fenekansi Timanyire of the National Unity Platform. According to the Electoral Commission, Kikuube has 330 polling stations and 140,999 registered voters.

Nabbanja praised NRM’s record in the Albertine region, citing road construction, infrastructure development and the creation of Kikuube District as key gains. She warned voters against handing leadership to the opposition.

‘The NRM has done many things in the Albertine region, including tarmacking roads and creating Kikuube District. I want to urge voters not to vote for the opposition candidate. Do not risk giving the district to people who may not continue the development path,’ Nabbanja said.

She also encouraged residents to turn up in large numbers, saying strong turnout would secure ongoing programs initiated by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. ‘I encourage all voters to come out and vote for the NRM candidate so that ongoing government programs can continue benefiting the people of Kikuube,’ she added.

Agriculture and water top Kisembo’s agenda

For Kisembo, the campaign has focused on agriculture, which supports most households in the district. He said his background in farming places him in a good position to transform the sector.

‘My main focus will be ensuring that agriculture is boosted in Kikuube District. Most people in Kaseeta Parish and surrounding areas depend on farming, and I want to help farmers embrace technology to increase production,’ he said.

Kisembo noted that farmers still face challenges with limited irrigation, poor methods and inadequate markets, and pledged to work with government agencies and development partners to promote modern practices.

He also highlighted water shortages and poor roads as urgent issues. ‘The people of Kaseeta Parish face serious water shortages for both domestic use and irrigation. Some areas also have poor roads despite the existence of a district road unit. These are issues that require urgent attention,’ he said.

Grace Mary Mugasa echoed those concerns, saying land conflicts remain a major problem. ‘The people of Kikuube continue to face challenges such as land grabbing, poor roads and inadequate water sources. These are issues that need to be addressed to improve livelihoods,’ Mugasa said.

Land disputes have grown in the Albertine region as population and investment increase competition for land.

Local leaders in Kabwoya Sub-county also used the rally to call for more administrative units. LC3 Chairperson Francis Twesige Mukooto said some villages and parishes have become too large to manage effectively.

‘We have villages that are almost the size of parishes and parishes that are equally very large. Subdividing them would bring services closer to the people and improve administration,’ Mukooto said.

The absence of a sustainable school feeding programme at two Universal Primary Education schools on Lake Victoria’s islands is contributing to declining enrolment and poor attendance, with many pupils skipping afternoon classes due to hunger.

At Kisima I and Kisima II Primary Schools in Jinja Southern Division, Jinja City, pupils often leave during lunch hours to look for food at home but fail to return for afternoon lessons.

School authorities say enrolment at Kisima II has dropped from about 300 pupils to fewer than 200, while daily attendance has fallen to less than 70 learners a day from P.1 to P.7.

Teachers attribute the decline to lack of meals. They recall attendance was much higher years ago when a non-governmental organisation provided food.

‘When the programme ended, many children gradually lost interest in attending school because food was no longer available,’ a teacher said.

The concerns were raised during a visit by a security team led by Paul Balidawa, Assistant Resident City Commissioner for Jinja Southern Division, who toured the islands on Tuesday to assess challenges faced by pupils, parents and teachers.

Mr Balidawa expressed concern over the low turnout and the unusually quiet school environment, particularly during lunchtime.

Stephen Tabu, headteacher of Kisima II Primary School, said the administration has repeatedly engaged parents on providing adequate meals, but little progress has been made.

‘We have talked to parents about ensuring their children have enough food before and during school hours, but many have not taken the matter seriously,’ Mr Tabu said.

He noted that some parents send children to school expecting the institution to provide all necessities despite UPE schools not receiving funding for feeding programmes.

‘Most of the pupils go home expecting to find something to eat, but many households have no food available. As a result, they do not return for afternoon lessons,’ he added.

Mr Tabu observed that some UPE schools have successfully introduced feeding programmes through contributions agreed upon by School Management Committees and Parent-Teacher Associations, creating a more conducive learning environment.

A teacher at Kisima II who requested anonymity said attempts to encourage parents to contribute towards school meals are often met with resistance.

‘Many parents insist that education under UPE is completely free. They do not understand that feeding their children is their responsibility,’ the teacher said. The teacher added that low pupil attendance makes effective teaching difficult. ‘What can teachers do when fewer than 100 pupils are present and can be managed by less than three teachers?’ the teacher asked.

A lunchtime visit revealed fewer than half of learners return for afternoon classes. Some boys reportedly spend the rest of the day fishing on the lake instead of returning to school.

At Kisima I Primary School, headteacher Scovia Nabwire raised similar concerns, blaming parents for failing to provide basic scholastic materials, school uniforms and meals.

‘Many parents here neither have the means nor fully appreciate the value of education. Some never attended school themselves and expect their children to follow the same path, without realizing that times have changed,’ Ms Nabwire said.

She also raised concerns about sanitation, saying community members increasingly use school toilets, leading to rapid filling of facilities and fears of disease outbreaks. ‘Our sanitation facilities are under pressure, and if nothing is done, the risk of disease outbreaks will increase,’ she warned.

Teachers on the islands also complained they do not receive hardship or risk allowances they are entitled to for working in hard-to-reach areas. Ms Nabwire said many teachers fear speaking out because complaints can result in transfers.

School administrators are now appealing to parents, local leaders and development partners to support the establishment of a sustainable school feeding programme to improve attendance, retention and academic performance.

Meanwhile, Josephine Mirembe, a parent at Kisima II, said the economic situation of many families has worsened due to restrictions affecting fishing on Lake Victoria.

‘Many parents inherited fishing from their fathers and relatives and depended on it as their main source of income. They never expected the industry to become so difficult. Today, life has changed and many families are struggling to provide for their children,’ Ms Mirembe said.

She urged government and development partners to support vulnerable families and schools on the islands to ensure children remain in school and complete their education.

The wife of detained former Kampala Mayor and senior lawyer Erias Lukwago has petitioned the High Court in Kampala, seeking orders compelling security agencies to produce and release her husband, whom she says was unlawfully arrested and detained by military operatives.

Ms Zawedde Lukwago Lubwama filed the application on Wednesday, naming Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Inspector General of Police and the Attorney General as respondents.

In her application, Ms Lukwago asks the court to intervene and order the authorities to release her husband ‘dead or alive’, arguing that his continued detention is illegal, unconstitutional and in violation of his fundamental rights.

‘The Applicant remains in illegal, unconstitutional, incommunicado and arbitrary detention at a place unknown to his family, doctors and lawyers and is said to be in a military or security facility under the control of the respondents,’ she states in an affidavit supporting the application.

According to Ms Lukwago, armed men dressed in military uniform raided their home in Wakaliga, Rubaga Division in Kampala on Monday morning, scaled the perimeter wall and forcefully entered the bedroom before taking away her husband.

She says she watched as operatives bundled Mr Lukwago into a waiting vehicle, commonly known as a drone, and drove him to an unknown destination.

‘At the material time, the Applicant (Mr Lukwago) was preparing to effect service of court process in Miscellaneous Application No. 0227 of 2026 upon the first Respondent (Gen Muhoozi) in the matter where the Applicant represents Dr Kizza Besigye and others,’ she states.

Ms Lukwago further contends that Gen Muhoozi later claimed responsibility for the operation through posts on his social media platform X, where he allegedly published photographs of her husband in what she described as a frail and distressed condition.

‘The first respondent has publicly claimed responsibility for the operation, boasted of mistreating the Applicant, and published photographs depicting the Applicant in a frail and distressed condition,’ she states.

She also raises concerns about her husband’s health, saying he suffers from gastritis and is recovering from a herniated disc operation that was carried out at Fortis Hospital in Gurugram, India.

According to her, Mr Lukwago requires prescribed meals and medication administered at specific intervals, which she fears may not be available under his current detention conditions.

‘I know that the torture and humiliation of my husband, including the release of his photographs in a despicable state, some in pampers, is unlawful, arbitrary and unconstitutional,’ she states.

Ms Lukwago argues that the military has no lawful mandate to arrest and detain civilians and that her husband’s detention violates constitutional guarantees on personal liberty and due process.

By press time, police had confirmed that Mr Lukwago was being held at Kira Divisional Police Headquarters and was expected to be arraigned before court on treason-related charges similar to those facing opposition politician Dr Kizza Besigye, his client.

Court records indicated that the application had been filed, but a hearing date had not yet been fixed by press time.

The latest development comes amid growing public concern over Mr Lukwago’s arrest, which his lawyers and political allies have described as politically motivated.

He was 27 years old, a father and a rising figure in Ugandan rugby. And on a night that should have been unremarkable, Sydney Gongodyo Gyabi was killed in a mob action incident, a fate that friends and family say stood in cruel contrast to the gentle nature they knew.

In the days since his death, tributes have poured in from teammates, fans, and relatives. They describe a young man of uncommon warmth, tactical brilliance on the pitch, and a quiet confidence that manifested in everything from his game to his famously short shorts. Those who loved him now carry two burdens; grief and a demand for justice. But in the testimonials gathered here, what emerges is a portrait of a life that touched many, and a loss that has left a void across Uganda’s rugby community and beyond.

Christine Muyama, an aunt who was only a year older than Gongodyo, recalled their first real connection at a family gathering in 2016.

“You had a gift for turning ordinary moments into unforgettable memories,” she wrote. “Whenever you called saying, ‘I am at Mary Stuart,’ I knew you were coming to raid my snacks. You never missed a chance to call me your ‘short aunty.’ Today, I would give anything to hear it one more time.”

She added: “Family gatherings will never be the same without you. But the joy you brought will never be forgotten.”

The heart of the team

To his teammates, Gongodyo was more than a player. Marvin Desire Akol said he “celebrated every victory, carried every loss, and always stood by those around him. With kindness, humility, and unwavering loyalty, he made everyone feel like family.”

Frank Kidega described meeting Gongodyo as a young man determined to become one of Uganda’s greatest rugby players.

“He was a pillar for us all at Pirates and on the national team,” Kidega said. “A good friend, brother, teammate, and father. He will be missed dearly both on and off the green.”

John Paul Atim called Gongodyo “the brilliant architect of our lineouts and an immovable fort in defense. His tactical mind and fearless grit anchored our team. Alongside that fierce competitive drive was a man who brought endless light to our camp, always jovial, carrying infectious energy, and a bright smile capable of lifting the entire team.”

Brian Olenge Ochan, the local council chairman of Naguru II parish, where the incident occurred, expressed sorrow that he had not been there to defend his friend in his time of need. Isaac Kimeze offered a simple epitaph: “He was a good man and lived a good life. We hope he continues winning wherever God has placed him.”

Mubarak Wandera said he would carry Gongodyo’s words forward: “Never be afraid of moving on; take opportunities and express yourself.”

A legacy beyond the pitch

Off the field, those who knew Gongodyo remembered a man of easy kindness and unexpected humour.

“Humanity failed you, but we shall edit that,” wrote Posha Aloyo. “Eat all the food in heaven and please wear some pants. I will love you forever.”

Mercy Mutonyi, who like Gongodyo came from the slopes of Mount Elgon, said: “I will forever remember your smile, your jokes about our village, speaking Lugisu together, and your constant updates about your progress. Though you are gone, I will always love you, my brother, and celebrate your life.”

Guma Amooti noted: “You gave your all for the Pirates and proudly served your country. Your passing leaves a void that can never be filled.”

Mangeni Joel observed that Gongodyo’s star was only beginning to rise; earning national team recognition, excelling with Black Pirates, and attracting international attention.

“Beyond rugby, he was a devoted young father,” Joel said. “Uganda has lost a remarkable talent and future leader.”

Bridget Bagonza struck a tone both grieving and affectionate: “I am sorry that the nation you served wholeheartedly let you down so badly. I hope heaven has a never-ending stock of Fanta. Sail high, my friend, till we meet again. For the love of everything holy, do not you dare wear those shorts up there.”

Conrad Wanyama, vice-captain of the national rugby team, reflected on Gongodyo’s bearing.

“Calm, decisive, and thoughtful, he pursued growth relentlessly and inspired others to do the same. On the pitch, he was speed and determination; off it, kindness and ease. Even his trademark short shorts reflected his confidence and character. Sydney set a standard many admired.”

Ceasar Chemutai, a magistrate, offered a broader assessment.

“His brilliance inspired an entire community,” Chemutai said. “More than a rising rugby star, he was a symbol of hope, pride, and limitless potential. Though his journey was cut tragically short, his impact was immense. Sydney united people through his passion and talent, leaving behind a legacy far greater than his years.”

Umar Duff, a teammate, said: “You inspired those around you. Though you have left us too soon, your legacy will live on in the memories we shared and in the game you loved. You will always be part of our team.”

Raphael Anyama, who played alongside Gongodyo after he joined Black Pirates in 2021, said: “You were far more than a teammate. You were a constant source of strength, laughter, and friendship. Your jersey may be gone, but your legacy lives on in our hearts.”

Rest in power, Gishu Sensation.

Authorities in Tororo District are investigating the deaths of two young girls in a suspected suffocation incident at Abari Zone in Kirewa Sub-county, while their mother remains hospitalised.

The deceased were identified as Nyapendi Nosiata, 4, and Akello Susan, 2, both residents of Abari C Zone in Kirewa Sub-county, according to Bukedi South Regional Police spokesperson IP Moses Mugwe.

Police said the children’s mother, Jane Awor, 22, is receiving treatment as investigations continue.

Preliminary findings indicate that Awor allegedly prepared rice for supper using a charcoal stove inside the sitting room of her house on the evening of June 15 while the children slept in a bedroom.

“Awor later developed dizziness and went to sleep before the food was fully prepared,” Mr Mugwe said.

Police said she reportedly woke up at about 4 a.m. and found both children unresponsive on their bed.

“She observed white foam coming from their noses. When she attempted to seek help from her father-in-law, she became weak and sat on the veranda before regaining some strength,” Mr Mugwe said.

Her father-in-law later rushed her to a nearby clinic and reported the matter to police.

An inquiry was opened at Kirewa Sub-county Police Station under CRR 028/2026 and Tororo DEF 025/2026.

A team of Scene of Crime Officers and homicide detectives visited and documented the scene, while statements were recorded from witnesses.

The bodies were taken to Tororo Municipal Mortuary for postmortem examination.

Police said investigators established that the family lived in a boys’ quarters structure comprising a sitting room and bedroom, with a single entrance and two windows.

Detectives observed excessive heat inside the house and signs of poor ventilation. The children’s bodies were found lying on a bed with foam around their noses, while their stomachs appeared swollen.

Investigators also recovered a charcoal stove and partially cooked rice, which had reportedly been moved to a store after the incident.

Preliminary findings suggest the children may have died from suffocation associated with excessive heat generated from cooking inside a poorly ventilated house.

However, police said the exact cause of death will only be established after postmortem results and completion of investigations.

The High Court Commercial Division has awarded more than Shs1.25 billion in damages and compensation to two traders after finding that managers of the New Park Lockup Owners Association breached a binding agreement that guaranteed pioneer members shops on the ground floor of the redeveloped New Taxi Park complex.

In his judgment, Justice Stephen Mubiru ruled in favour of Kakooza Hussein and Sarah Nabuuma Kakooza, who sued the New Park Lockup Owners Association and eight of its officials over the allocation of lockup shops following the redevelopment of the market.

The defendants are the New Park Lockup Owners Association, Mr John Fred Kiyimba, Mr John Rogers Tusingire, Ms Mada Nagadya, Mr Milton Muhwezi, Mr Wilberforce Lugayavu, Mr Ntake Lule, Mr Muhamad Semanda and Mr Sekalo Mukasa.

The dispute arose from a resolution passed by members of the association on December 11, 2010, which reserved ground-floor lockup shops measuring 10 by 10 feet for original tenants, commonly referred to as pioneer members, provided they fulfilled their financial obligations towards the redevelopment project.

The plaintiffs, Kakooza and Nabuuma, argued that although they paid the required contributions, they were denied the promised ground-floor shops while some units were instead sold to outsiders.

Justice Mubiru agreed, finding that the association and its leaders violated both contractual obligations and fiduciary duties owed to the pioneer members.

‘By continuing to receive the landlords’ contributions despite the missed deadlines, the 1st defendant implicitly indicated that time was no longer strictly of the essence,’ the judge held.

The court found that while the original arrangement required members to pay within specified timelines, the association later obtained a bank loan to finance the project and continued accepting payments from members without enforcing the earlier deadlines.

According to the judgment, this conduct amounted to a waiver of the strict payment timelines, meaning the plaintiffs retained their entitlement to the promised ground-floor shops after completing payment.

Justice Mubiru noted that the association had created a legitimate expectation among pioneer members that they would occupy the ground floor once the project was completed.

‘The directors’ decision to sell the ground-floor shops to the general public was a breach of their fiduciary duties to the plaintiffs,’ he ruled.

The judge emphasised that properly passed resolutions at members’ meetings are legally binding on a company and its directors.

‘Breaching these decisions can render the directors liable for negligence or breach of fiduciary duty,’ he stated.

Evidence before the court showed that Nabuuma completed her payments in September 2016, while Kakooza cleared his obligations in January 2017 after contributing a revised amount of Shs88.5 million each towards the project.

Although the defendants claimed that the plaintiffs had already been allocated shops, the court found no evidence that possession had ever been handed over.

‘There is therefore neither evidence to show that shop units No. 763 and No. 870 have ever been handed over to the plaintiffs, nor that the plaintiffs are in physical possession as claimed by the defendants,’ Justice Mubiru ruled.

However, the court dismissed allegations of fraud against the association and its officials, holding that the plaintiffs had failed to meet the higher standard of proof required in fraud claims.

‘The defendants never acted fraudulently and did not secretly allocate shops on the ground floor to non-pioneer members,’ the judge ruled.

In the final orders, the court directed the defendants to immediately hand over vacant possession of Shop No. 763 and its condominium title to Sarah Nabuuma Kakooza.

The court further awarded her Shs283.5 million in general damages for loss of rental income dating back to January 2017.

For Kakooza, the judge found that all ground-floor units had already been disposed of by the time he completed payment, making specific performance impossible. Instead, the court awarded him Shs957.5 million as damages in lieu of specific performance and an additional Shs15 million in general damages.

The total monetary award amounts to more than Shs1.25 billion, exclusive of interest.

Justice Mubiru also ordered that all damages attract interest at 8 percent per annum from the date of judgment until payment in full and awarded costs of the suit to the plaintiffs.

The Assistant Commissioner for Children Affairs at the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Mondo Kyateka, has warned against increasing cases of children’s online grooming, trafficking, sexual extortion and exposure to harmful content due to unlimited internet access.

Speaking during a press conference in Kampala on Wednesday, Mr Kyateka called for stronger child protection measures to combat online sexual exploitation, urging parents, schools, the media and security agencies to work together to safeguard children in digital spaces.

He also stressed the need to strengthen child protection systems, promote digital safety, provide psychosocial support to survivors and ensure children exploited online are treated as victims deserving protection and justice rather than punishment.

The call comes amid growing concern over online child sexual exploitation, following the recent arrest of 27 girls and young women in Kampala over alleged online prostitution.

‘As internet access expands, so do the risks facing our children. We must strengthen child protection systems, promote digital safety, and ensure every child exploited online is treated as a victim in need of protection and justice-not punishment,’ Mr Kyateka said.

Executive Director of High Sound for Children, Hadijah Mwanje, said children involved in online sexual exploitation should not be criminalised because many are victims of trafficking, abuse and weak child protection systems.

‘We should treat these children as victims of exploitation, not offenders,’ Ms Mwanje said, urging government to strengthen digital safety laws, regulate children’s access to social media and ensure survivors receive psychosocial support, rehabilitation and legal assistance.

Tabitha Ssuubi of Raising Voices said parents also have a critical role to play in protecting children online. She noted that many parents hand over mobile phones to children to keep them occupied while attending to other responsibilities, without considering the risks.

‘Children often end up consuming content intended for adults because they use their parents’ phones without supervision,’ she said, urging parents to monitor children’s digital activities and guide them on safe internet use.

The Uganda Child Rights NGO Network Thematic Group on Ending Sexual Violence against Children also called for urgent action to address the growing challenge of online child sexual exploitation.

Executive Director of UCRNN, Wamala Domon, said widespread use of smartphones and early access to digital devices, especially in some international schools, has increased children’s exposure to harmful online content. He said many children create social media accounts without parental guidance and often misrepresent their ages to bypass age restrictions, exposing themselves to inappropriate and exploitative content.

‘We urged parents, schools, technology companies and government agencies to strengthen supervision, enforce age-appropriate digital safeguards and promote online safety education to protect children from exploitation,’ Mr Kyateka concluded.

Kigezi Bishop emeritus George Katwesigye and his wife Laura Kyansiimire Katwesigye, have for the past five decades, opened Scripture together every single day. As they prepare to celebrate their Golden Jubilee in December this year, the couple reveals that praying and reading the Bible together daily has been the bedrock of a marriage that has weathered every storm. Add to that a habit of apologising whenever one offends the other, and a small altar in their sitting room where they gather each evening with their grandchildren for praise and worship.

“Theological salvation, praying and reading the Bible together, working for the Church, and commitment to remain role models has kept us together for all these years,” says the retired bishop.

From poverty to the pulpit

Born on March 23, 1949, in Nyakarambi, Rukiga District, George Katwesigye is the son of the late Eliphaz Bampebwa and Zewuria Nyakaishiki. His father was a chief church warden; his mother, a dedicated member of the Mothers’ Union.

But the church’s mercy, he says, is what made him. After completing Primary Seven at Kihanga Primary School, his parents could not afford school fees. So the boy formed an association called the Nyakarambi Land Breakers, a group of young boys hired to dig for wealthier families. In 1966, he was hired as a licensed teacher at Kihiihi Primary School in Kanungu District, then transferred to Buzooba Primary School in Rukiga, closer to home. There, his hard work earned him a promotion to deputy head teacher.

Because he was a committed and well-behaved Christian, in 1968 the authorities at Kihanga Church of Uganda parish sponsored him for a two-year lay leader course. He completed it in 1969 with a certificate. By 1970, he had passed interviews, and the Rwenzori Diocese, with a recommendation from the Province of the Church of Uganda, gave him a sponsor for a three-year provincial certificate in theology. On December 12, 1972, he was ordained a deacon. In 1974, after completing a diploma in Theology, he became a priest. The then-Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Janan Luwum, appointed him diocesan secretary of Kampala Diocese, where he also served as treasurer.

A courtship of six months

In 1976, he married his fiancée, Laura, after dating for less than seven months.

“I had always dreamt of marrying a teacher because in those days, teachers were well behaved and respected,” he recalls.

Laura, for her part, was drawn to his words. “He spoke the word of God all the time,” she says. “It was my prayer to marry a born-again Christian.”

After their wedding, Katwesigye was deployed as a priest at All Saints Church, Nakasero, where he served from 1977 to 1990, rising from curate to dean. He later earned a scholarship to study a Bachelor of Theology at the University of Wales, followed by a Master’s degree in the same field. Returning to Uganda, he was posted to St Andrews Church of Uganda, Bukoto, where he spent about five years. In 1997, he was appointed provincial secretary at Namirembe Cathedral; a role in which he led a team to lobby for the establishment of Uganda Christian University, Mukono. On January 18, 1998, he was elected Bishop of Kigezi Diocese. He served until 2014.

I submitted every difficult situation to God

Katwesigye reflects on his 16 years as bishop with characteristic humility.

“I was able to serve because I presented every difficult situation to God for redress. I never used my own wisdom. I always sought God’s guidance, and forgave those who offended me.”

His advice to clergy is direct: “For a church leader to succeed, they must fully accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. Love the Christians and serve them wholeheartedly. See church ministry as a calling, not employment. The slogan ‘Let us do God’s work and allow Him to do ours’ can help any clergy succeed, by avoiding the temptation to mix God’s work with petty trade, which brings conflict among believers.”

A wife’s sacrifice

Laura Kyansiimire Katwesigye was born in 1956 in Nyabushabi village, Kyanamira Sub-county, Kabale District. Her late father, James Byandagara, was a church warden at Nyabushabi Church of Uganda. Her late mother, Joyce Byandagara, was a committed Mothers’ Union member. She completed primary school at Nyabushabi Primary School, then joined Kigezi High School, where she finished her O-levels in 1974. She began working as a licensed teacher in various primary schools.

For years, she put her own education on hold to support the family. In 1982, her husband finally allowed her to join Shimoni Primary Teachers’ College to formalise her teaching profession. She later attended Kaliro National Teachers’ College under a recess programme, obtaining a diploma in primary education in 1995.

When her husband was elected bishop, she taught at Hornby Primary School from 1998 to 2004, then transferred to Kigezi High School Lower Primary School, where she taught until her retirement in 2016. She also served as president of the Mothers’ Union for two terms (1998-2006) and again from 2010 until her retirement.

Secrets for a successful marriage

The couple, who have six children and fourteen grandchildren, say trusting God in everything has made both their marriage and their careers successful.

“Saying ‘I am sorry’ whenever one of us offends the other has saved our marriage to this day,” Laura says. “I served 32 years as a primary school teacher because I worked faithfully, understood my job, and loved my profession.”

Bishop Katwesigye adds: “I never used my own wisdom. I always sought God’s guidance.”

In their sitting room stands a small altar. Every evening, they gather there with some of their grandchildren, praising, worshipping, and reminding the next generation that the same God who sustained fifty years of marriage is still in the business of keeping promises. With December 2026 drawing near, the Katwesigyes are preparing a thanksgiving for their five decades of marriage. In those 50 years, they have been blessed with six children and 14 grandchildren. As his parting short, Bishop Katwesigye stresses: “Let us do God’s work and allow Him to do ours.”

They have walked that truth long enough to know it holds.

The first thing that catches your eye at the Buganda Women Convention is the colour. Thousands of women, dressed in brown Gomesi and cream sashes, fill the venue with a sense of pride and purpose. Around them are women from different faiths, professions and communities, each wearing an outfit that reflects their identity. Yet despite the diversity, there is a visible sense of unity. For many participants, this annual gathering has become a platform for learning, networking and empowerment. As a journalist covering Buganda Kingdom affairs, I attended the convention for the first time in 2023. What I initially considered as another assignment on my reporting schedule quickly became an eye-opening experience that changed how I viewed women’s leadership, entrepreneurship and community development.

The excitement that greets the arrival of the Nnaabagereka of Buganda, Sylvia Nagginda, immediately reveals the significance of the convention. Women rise to their feet, singing and waving handkerchiefs in celebration. Their enthusiasm reflects the admiration they have for a woman many regard as a mentor and role model. Watching thousands of women gathered under one roof, I realised that the convention is not merely an annual event. It is a movement that continues to inspire women to pursue opportunities, support one another and contribute to development.

A platform for empowerment

What stood out during my first convention was the diversity of participants. Entrepreneurs sat alongside farmers. Teachers exchanged ideas with market vendors. Community leaders interacted with young women beginning their careers. The gathering served as a reminder of the important role women play in Uganda’s social and economic transformation.

One notable aspect of the convention is the support it receives from male leaders within the kingdom. The Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, has consistently used the platform to encourage women to embrace leadership, entrepreneurship and active participation in development. His message has remained consistent over the years.

“When women are empowered, families, communities and society benefit,” Mayiga has repeatedly emphasised during convention engagements.

Beyond speeches, the convention focuses on practical solutions that women can apply in their daily lives. Discussions centre on entrepreneurship, financial literacy, savings, agriculture, technology and wealth creation. The message is simple, economic independence matters.

Seeing the impact

Over the years, I have listened to numerous testimonies from women whose lives have changed after participating in the convention. Some have established small businesses after receiving encouragement and support from family members. Others have joined savings groups and cooperatives, enabling them to access capital and invest in income-generating activities.

Many have expanded farming enterprises, ventured into retail trade, tailoring and food processing, while others have strengthened their leadership roles within their communities. Their stories demonstrate how access to knowledge, mentorship and networks can create opportunities for transformation.

Celebrating 10 years

During celebrations marking the convention’s 10th anniversary, the Nnaabagereka reflected on the journey that led to its establishment. She explained that although Buganda previously had a general convention, there was no dedicated platform focused specifically on women’s issues.

“Before, there was Buganda Convention, but it would sometimes come after long intervals. Together with Christine Mugerwa, we discussed the need for a women’s convention and agreed to establish one. Today, we are celebrating 10 years,” Nnaabagereka Sylvia Nagginda said.

The initiative was spearheaded by women leaders including Sarah Nkonge Muwonge, Hajati Mariam Nkalubo and others who believed women needed a stronger voice and organised platform within the kingdom. Looking back, the Nnaabagereka acknowledged that the journey was not easy.

“We remember where we started from when things were not easy, but we remained hopeful. The current status of the Buganda Women Convention shows that initiatives built on unity and purpose can be promoted and protected,” she said.

Personal reflection

After attending the convention over the years, I have come to understand why it continues to attract thousands of women. I learnt that this gathering has grown beyond an annual meeting. For many of us, it is now a learning centre, a networking hub, and a mentorship platform all in one. I saw that successful women in business, leadership, and community development regularly return to share their experiences, which has created a culture of peer learning and support. This stressed to me that my breakthrough can become a bridge for someone else.

The Nnaabagereka challenged me directly: If I am to spearhead change in business, agriculture, and the environment, I must start from my own home. I must become a good example and strengthen cooperation with my family members first. I cannot lead change outside if I have not modelled it inside my own house.

The convention’s financial literacy programme encouraged me to strengthen my financial management skills, embrace technology, and actively identify new market opportunities. My good intentions will not feed my family or grow my business without financial literacy.

On health and environmental conservation, the message was clear to me: “We must ensure the trees we plant are protected and allowed to grow.” I learnt that restoration requires ongoing care, not just ceremonial planting. Start the work and then stay for the maintenance.

Sarah Nkonge Muwonge, one of the convention’s pioneers, reminded me that as generations change, more women are coming on board with purpose. I am one of them. I am here to improve my income, develop my community, and transform my country.

Beyond the colourful attire, songs and celebrations lies a powerful platform that equips women with knowledge, confidence and practical skills.

For me, the Buganda Women Convention has been more than an event to cover. It has been a lesson in the power of collective action, mentorship and leadership. As the convention enters its second decade, its message remains clear; when women are equipped with opportunities, skills and support, they become powerful agents of change in their homes, communities and the nation.

Former Kampala Mayor and People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) president Erias Lukwago was expected to appear before a Kampala court on Wednesday, more than 48 hours after armed operatives seized him from his Wakaliga residence and held him at an undisclosed location that Uganda’s military chief Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba repeatedly referred to as his “basement”.

The veteran opposition politician and lawyer was arrested on Monday in an operation that drew condemnation from opposition leaders, lawyers and rights activists, with questions lingering over the circumstances of his detention and the case he could face.

Fresh details obtained by Monitor indicate that authorities have linked Lukwago, one of the defence lawyers for detained four-time President Museveni challenger Dr Kizza Besigye, to the same case in which the opposition leader is facing prosecution and has remained in detention for more than 500 days.

Speaking exclusively to Monitor early Wednesday, police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke confirmed that Lukwago is in custody at Kiira Division Police in Wakiso District, near Uganda’s capital.

Police told waiting friends and relatives that only his lawyer Medard Lubega Sseggona would be allowed to access him for now, until 1pm when new guidance would be issued by the authorities. His wife, Zawedde Lubwama Lukwago, was among those who had been denied access by press time at 11:30am.

Rusoke, speaking via phone, earlier revealed to Monitor that police were due to prefer charges against him and submit the file to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for review and sanction before court proceedings begin.

Rusoke confirmed that the charges being considered are “treason and misprision of treason.”

The development came after a dramatic operation on Monday morning in which security operatives reportedly entered Lukwago’s bedroom in Wakaliga and took him away.

After a barrage of social media posts about Lukwago’s detention, Gen Muhoozi continued commenting on the matter on Tuesday night, appearing to contradict his earlier suggestions that the opposition politician could be released.

At about 10:06pm, Gen Muhoozi posted: “Lukwago will be in prison for a minimum of 10 years!”

The post came shortly after he had indicated that Lukwago’s release was under consideration following what he described as appeals from his wife, Charlotte Kainerugaba.

“Nothing has made me release Lukwago. No pressure from anywhere. I wanted to keep him in my basement forever! It is just Jesus Christ, the Bachwezi and Charlotte,” the 52-year-old military commander wrote on X.

‘I will HANG Kizza Besigye’

Gen Muhoozi, in a post on his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Monday, made a fresh and strongly worded statement targeting Dr Besigye. He claimed that he would ‘hang’ Besigye if given the opportunity, alleging that Besigye once sought to kill his father and would not escape what he described as ‘punishment he richly deserves.’

Besigye, a longtime opponent of President Museveni, is facing treason-related charges.

Lukwago is part of his legal defence team and also represents him in a separate case against Gen Muhoozi arising from social media posts that allegedly threatened the four-time presidential candidate’s life.