Category: Daily Monitor

NTV Uganda and Spark TV were forced off air by 5:00am local time on Sunday after an overnight security crackdown at Nation Media Group (NMG) Uganda premises in Namuwongo and Kampala Serena Hotel, following a shutdown order by first son and Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba against the media group’s outlets.

NTV Uganda and Spark TV viewers were met with blank screens displaying the message ‘video unavailable’, while uncertainty surrounded the operations of NMG’s other platforms, including the Daily Monitor, which Gen Muhoozi had also targeted in his late-night declarations.

The security operation began shortly after midnight, with personnel deployed at the NMG premises and staff reporting “that no one was being allowed to enter or leave the compound.”

The deployment followed a series of posts on X by Gen Muhoozi in which he declared that NTV Uganda and the Daily Monitor would be shut down amid a long-term ban from covering his father, President Museveni.

“NTV and Monitor are being shut down from today!” Gen Muhoozi wrote in a 1:07am post.

Gen Muhoozi, who is well-known to Ugandans for his incendiary social media posts, followed with another post stating: “Both NTV and Monitor will not re-open without my permission.”

In another post earlier, he said: “In Uganda, I DO NOT believe in a free press! The press should be guided by cadres of the revolution.”

The remarks marked an escalation of threats made over the past week, during which Gen Muhoozi repeatedly claimed he was awaiting permission from his father, President Museveni, before moving against the media house that employs hundreds of people.

In Uganda, NMG owns the 20-year-old NTV Uganda, the Daily Monitor, The East African, Spark TV, 93.3 KFM, 90.4 Dembe FM, Ennyanda newspaper and the Nation Courier, among other media platforms and investments.

Spark TV and NTV Uganda remained on air even as an unprecedented attack on Uganda’s leading independent media house continued through the early hours of Sunday during a prolonged security operation.

At 4:45am local time, nearly four hours after the siege began, the broadcaster was still carrying an Al Jazeera simulcast despite the security presence around the media group’s premises.

Shortly afterwards, NTV Uganda and Spark TV went off air.

90.4 Dembe FM and 93.3 KFM also appeared to have gone off air during the operation with no reason immediately given by Ugandan authorities.

By daybreak, security personnel remained deployed at the NMG premises in Namuwongo and Serena Hotel, with staff inside reporting they were unable to move in or out as the operation continued.

Neither the Uganda People’s Defence Forces, the Uganda Police Force nor the Uganda Communications Commission had immediately issued a formal statement explaining the operation or announcing any legal order affecting the broadcaster or newspaper.

It’s not yet clear how long the State-enforced blackout will last and NMG Uganda, which employs more than 500 people in the country alone, had also not issued an official statement by the time of publication.

Not the first time

The latest operation is not the first time NMG Uganda operations have been targeted by State agents. In May 2013, police raided the Daily Monitor and Dembe FM over the publication of a letter allegedly linking senior government officials to a succession plan dubbed the “Muhoozi Project.”

The premises remained sealed for more than a week before the outlets were allowed to resume operations after signing police search certificates and other documents.

In February 2007, barely two months after NTV Uganda launched in December 2006, the broadcaster was forced off air by the government following accusations that its news coverage was negative.

Over the years, Museveni has also repeatedly criticised the Daily Monitor, at one point referring to it as an “enemy and evil newspaper” over its critical journalism.

Despite repeated confrontations with the authorities, NMG-Uganda has consistently maintained its commitment to independent, public-interest journalism, describing itself as “Uganda’s Bold Voice” ahead of the disputed January 2026 presidential polls.

Past raids drew widespread condemnation from local and international media freedom organisations and rights groups.

‘Qweshunga’ is a word which comes from Runyankole-Runyakitara to mean ‘play’, which would conventionally evoke images of childhood games, bouncing castles or moments of amusement. But Penelope Sanyu is using her creativity to give it a fresh twist, arguing that even adults need the time to play, surrender to curiosity as they connect. At the new space called Qweshunga Book Bar, adults are welcome to bounce on castles, play board games and basically bring out the child in them in the gardens. There is a library where they can read a book, enjoy wine, sip on coffee or tea or simply sit and work. There is also a sanctuary for anyone looking for a place of solace to connect with themselves or reflect.

‘I wanted to reclaim play as something that is not luxury. I wanted to reclaim it as a lifeblood for curiosity, relationship building, mental well-being and connection,’ says Sanyu, a lawyer-cum creative.

It is an unusual mission for a lawyer. Then again, she has never been interested in fitting neatly into conventional definitions. She describes herself as a lawyer, feminist, author, entrepreneur and child of God. She leads the Qweshunga Initiative, founded Femme Forte Uganda and now serves as curator of the Qweshunga Book Bar. They are different but united by a common thread of creating spaces where people can thrive.

Inspiration

The idea of Qweshunga was born from a simple observation where society encourages children to play but discourages adults from doing the same. As children, people are told to run, laugh, imagine and explore because play is seen as essential to development. Yet somewhere along the journey to adulthood, play becomes associated with irresponsibility.

‘We become adults and we are told playing is unserious. Playing is not for adults. You are being unreasonable. You are being unprofessional,’ she says.

Sanyu believes that mindset comes at a cost. The loss of play, she argues, often leads to the loss of wonder, creativity and emotional well-being. The more serious people become, the more disconnected they risk becoming from themselves and from others.

She argues: ‘The more you play, the freer you are.’

Her determination to restore that freedom gave birth to the broader Qweshunga movement, which organises annual adult play festivals complete with trampolines, bouncing castles and traditional childhood games.

Freedom

Participants are encouraged to leave behind job titles and responsibilities for a day and simply play. Yet the Book Bar may be her most ambitious expression of the idea because books occupy the centre of the space, both literally and philosophically. The creative’s love affair with reading began years ago when books began shaping her worldview. She wants others to have access to the same transformative experience and hence the result is a library stocked largely from donations and her personal collection. The beauty is that visitors can browse and read without paying. For Sanyu, that decision is also a challenge to another persistent stereotype.

‘You have heard people say that if you want to hide a thing in Africa, hide it in books. For me, this is a resistance to that narrative,’ she explains.

She also rejects the notion that Ugandans do not read. Instead of complaining about declining reading culture, she has chosen to create a place where reading is celebrated, accessible and woven into community life. The free books are intended to help people ‘free their minds from the shackles that hold them.’ Of course, free books alone do not sustain a business. The challenge was finding a model that could keep the doors open while preserving access to literature. Her solution was to blend books with coffee and wine.

‘You are either reading a book with a cup of tea or a cup of coffee, or you’re reading a book with a glass of wine,’ she says.

Activities

The venue also includes gardens for conversation, spaces for poetry and music events, and even a prayer wall where visitors can leave requests or messages of gratitude. These features reveal another side of Sanyu’s thinking.

The space is about reading and restoration. Although legally trained, Sanyu says her work rarely resembles traditional courtroom practice.

‘I am the lawyer who fights for people’s rights. I am the lawyer who speaks up against injustice,’ she explains.

For her, promoting mental health, literacy and human dignity is a form of advocacy. Creating spaces where people can heal, learn and connect is another way of pursuing justice.

Revenue model

Revenue from the café, wine bar, co-working spaces and podcast studio helps cover operational costs while allowing visitors to continue enjoying free access to books. It is a social enterprise model designed to ensure that the mission survives beyond good intentions. The venue also includes gardens for conversation, spaces for poetry and music events, and even a prayer wall where visitors can leave requests or messages of gratitude. These features reveal another side of Sanyu’s thinking. The space is about reading and restoration. Although legally trained, Sanyu says her work rarely resembles traditional courtroom practice.

‘I am the lawyer who fights for people’s rights. I am the lawyer who speaks up against injustice,’ she explains.

For her, promoting mental health, literacy and human dignity is a form of advocacy. Creating spaces where people can heal, learn and connect is another way of pursuing justice. Perhaps that is why Qweshunga resonates beyond its literal meaning. What began as a word meaning ‘play’ has evolved into a philosophy about what it means to be fully human, and she inviting people to rediscover it, one book, a conversation and moment of play at a time.

Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have signed a cross-border Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly combat the current Ebola Bundibugyo strain outbreak, which has so far sickened 20 people in Uganda.

Out of the 20 confirmed cases registered in Uganda as of June 27, 15 are classified as imported cases from the neighbouring DRC.

The cross-border pact coincided with the official launch of the Continental Incident Management Support Team (IMST) at the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) at Makerere University in Kampala on Saturday. The IMST is a joint initiative by African governments, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), and the World Health Organization (WHO) designed to streamline emergency health interventions.

Speaking at the launch, Uganda’s Minister for Health, Dr Chris Baryomunsi, emphasized that African nations must spearhead coordinated responses to health crises to prevent localized outbreaks from turning into continental catastrophes.

“The Ebola outbreak reminds us that no country is safe until every country is prepared. It also reminds us that solidarity is not simply a principle-it is an operational necessity,” Dr Baryomunsi said. “Our preparedness and our response must, therefore, extend beyond borders. The Continental IMST embodies this spirit of solidarity.”

Under the new cross-border agreement, joint laboratory services and Ebola Treatment Centres (ETCs) are being established in Aru and Kasenyi. Health professionals from both Uganda and the DRC will work side-by-side at these facilities to detect cases early and halt transmission at the source.

“As we often say, we cannot keep mopping the floor while the roof is still leaking,” Dr. Baryomunsi noted. “As long as transmission continues on one side of the border, all neighbouring countries remain at risk.”

The IMST framework brings together 11 epidemic-prone African nations-including high-risk neighbours like Rwanda, Burundi, Angola, and the Central African Republic-to participate in cross-border preparedness, even if they have not yet registered active cases.

Dr Belizaire Marie Roseline, the Regional Emergency Director for WHO Africa, described the unified coordination model as a “game-changer” for continental health security.

‘This means we will avoid duplication in activities. We will put together our resources-which is a great mutualization of resources-and create synergy so that we become stronger together,’ Dr. Roseline said, adding that WHO’s role will ensure all field decisions remain strictly science- and evidence-based.

While the IMST experts have been coordinating virtually since the onset of the outbreak, the entire team has now physically relocated to the command center in Kampala to be closer to the epicentre.

According to Dr. Tolbert Geewleh Nyenswah, the Director of Africa CDC, the team consists of specialists specializing in case management, infection prevention, logistics, and intensive 21-day contact tracing.

The multinational communication hub will be permanently housed at Makerere University. Dr. Andrew Kambugu, the Executive Director of the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI), revealed that the institute has provided a state-of-the-art boardroom to facilitate real-time, multinational communications between field teams, regional governments, and international partners in Geneva.

“Hosting the centre at Makerere University will continue the journey of how academia can actively engage and address pressing societal challenges,” Dr. Kambugu said.

NTV Uganda and Spark TV were forced off air by 5:00am local time on Sunday after an overnight security crackdown at Nation Media Group (NMG) Uganda premises in Namuwongo and Kampala Serena Hotel, following a shutdown order by first son and Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba against the media group’s outlets.

NTV Uganda and Spark TV viewers were met with blank screens displaying the message ‘video unavailable’, while uncertainty surrounded the operations of NMG’s other platforms, including the Daily Monitor, which Gen Muhoozi had also targeted in his late-night declarations.

The security operation began shortly after midnight, with personnel deployed at the NMG premises and staff reporting “that no one was being allowed to enter or leave the compound.”

The deployment followed a series of posts on X by Gen Muhoozi in which he declared that NTV Uganda and the Daily Monitor would be shut down amid a long-term ban from covering his father, President Museveni.

“NTV and Monitor are being shut down from today!” Gen Muhoozi wrote in a 1:07am post.

Gen Muhoozi followed with another post stating: “Both NTV and Monitor will not re-open without my permission.”

In another post earlier, he said: “In Uganda, I DO NOT believe in a free press! The press should be guided by cadres of the revolution.”

The remarks marked an escalation of threats made over the past week, during which Gen Muhoozi repeatedly claimed he was awaiting permission from his father, President Museveni, before moving against the media house that employs hundreds of people.

In Uganda, NMG owns the 20-year-old NTV Uganda, the Daily Monitor, The East African, Spark TV, 93.3 KFM, 90.4 Dembe FM, Ennyanda newspaper and the Nation Courier, among other media platforms and investments.

Spark TV and NTV Uganda remained on air even as an unprecedented attack on Uganda’s leading independent media house continued through the early hours of Sunday during a prolonged security operation.

At 4:45am local time, nearly four hours after the siege began, the broadcaster was still carrying an Al Jazeera simulcast despite the security presence around the media group’s premises.

Shortly afterwards, NTV Uganda and Spark TV went off air.

90.4 Dembe FM and 93.3 KFM also appeared to have gone off air during the operation with no reason immediately given by Ugandan authorities.

By daybreak, security personnel remained deployed at the NMG premises in Namuwongo and Serena Hotel, with staff inside reporting they were unable to move in or out as the operation continued.

Neither the Uganda People’s Defence Forces, the Uganda Police Force nor the Uganda Communications Commission had immediately issued a formal statement explaining the operation or announcing any legal order affecting the broadcaster or newspaper.

It’s not yet clear how long the State-enforced blackout will last and NMG Uganda, which employs more than 500 people in the country alone, had also not issued an official statement by the time of publication.

Not the first time

The latest operation is not the first time NMG Uganda operations have been targeted by State agents. In May 2013, police raided the Daily Monitor and Dembe FM over the publication of a letter allegedly linking senior government officials to a succession plan dubbed the “Muhoozi Project.”

The premises remained sealed for more than a week before the outlets were allowed to resume operations after signing police search certificates and other documents.

In February 2007, barely two months after NTV Uganda launched in December 2006, the broadcaster was forced off air by the government following accusations that its news coverage was negative.

Over the years, Museveni has also repeatedly criticised the Daily Monitor, at one point referring to it as an “enemy and evil newspaper” over its critical journalism.

Despite repeated confrontations with the authorities, NMG-Uganda has consistently maintained its commitment to independent, public-interest journalism, describing itself as “Uganda’s Bold Voice” ahead of the disputed January 2026 presidential polls.

Past raids drew widespread condemnation from local and international media freedom organisations and rights groups.

Thirty-one years ago, then Commander of the Reserve Force, Maj Gen Caleb Akandwanaho, alias Salim Saleh, declared that Maj Gen David Tinyefuza would be required to answer for supporting the Democratic Party (DP).

Gen Saleh, who is also President Museveni’s younger brother, made the comments while speaking at a press conference on June 14, 1995, to debunk newspaper reports that he had called for talks between the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) and Maj Herbert Itongwa.

At the time, Maj Itongwa, a veteran of the NRM/A Bush War, who had fallen out with his former bush war colleagues amid accusations of theft and indiscipline, had in 1994 formed a rebel outfit, the Uganda National Democratic Alliance (UNDA) and declared war on the government.

Maj Itongwa’s rebels were said to have attacked several police posts and killed some police officers before making off with some guns. They were also believed to have kidnapped the Minister of Health, Dr James Makumbi, and held him hostage for five days in 1995.

Maj Itongwa’s rebel outfit was, however, crushed, forcing him to flee into exile in Germany via Kenya. He subsequently died in exile.

Bad light

According to a copy of The Monitor newspaper’s edition of June 16, 1995, Gen Saleh told journalists who attended the press conference that the press had portrayed him as being opposed to President Museveni.

However, he said it was impossible for him to oppose his Commander-in-Chief. He added that any soldier who went against the army’s line would face disciplinary action or be dismissed.

‘Like I hear in the newspapers, Maj Gen Tinyefuza is supporting DP. Sooner or later, he’ll have to sort that out,’ he said.

Gen Saleh’s comments were precipitated by comments Maj Gen Tinyefuza, now Sejusa, had made in a June 13, 1995, interview with The Monitor newspaper and were carried in the edition of June 14, 1995.

Ssemogerere resignation

Gen Tinyefuza appeared to be supportive of Dr Paul Kawanga Ssemogerere, who resigned from government on June 13, 1995, citing ‘ideological grounds’.

Dr Ssemogerere, who was also the President General of DP, had served as Minister of Internal Affairs, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and later Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Service in the NRM government.

He announced his resignation during a press conference held at the party’s headquarters at City House in Kampala. He was flanked by DP’s Secretary General, Mr Robert Kitariko, and lawyer and party executive Henry Kayondo.

He said he would contest for the office of President in the next general election.

‘I have called you to inform you that I have tendered my resignation as a minister in the government. I have written to the President,’ he said before reading to the press the contents of his resignation letter.

‘Your Excellency, I am writing to tender my resignation with immediate effect as a minister from Cabinet for personal reasons, in particular because I have decided to contest as a candidate in the forthcoming presidential elections,’ the letter read in part.

On why it had taken him so long to resign, Dr Ssemogerere said: ‘I didn’t feel so before. [Now] is when I thought I had to leave. For instance, I want tomorrow to be in the CA unencumbered as a minister during the debate in the draft constitution, which affects the basic human rights of individuals.’

Tinyefuza’s position

After news of Dr Ssemogerere’s resignation broke, Gen Tinyefuza said there was a lot of division in the country. He added that if no candidate capable of uniting the people emerged in the forthcoming elections, he would not rule out the possibility of contesting for the presidency himself.

‘I am, however, satisfied with the timely action of Dr Ssemogerere and my view as Tinyefuza is that Uganda today needs a non-confrontational and long-standing democrat, and I view Ssemogerere as that, and I have no problem with his candidature,’ he said.

He, however, stressed that the remarks reflected his personal views and not the official position of the army. At the time, the outspoken General was well known in the Constituent Assembly (CA) for often breaking ranks with the Movement side and fellow National Resistance Army (NRA) delegates.

He frequently took independent and sometimes controversial positions on issues where his superiors were expected to hold a different view.

Misunderstood

During the presser, Gen Saleh said the comments he made during that year’s Heroes Day celebrations in Mukono District were that since Itongwa was familiar with the NRA’s way of operating, he should surrender and face the law. He added that the army would guarantee him a fair hearing and trial.

‘This thing of opposing; you should oppose somebody that you are better than. And for me, I know that he [Museveni] is better than me,’ Gen Saleh said.

He, however, dismissed speculation that President Museveni had directed him to retract the Heroes Day statements.

‘I haven’t even talked about it with him yet,’ he told the press.

Gen Saleh said he only wanted to correct a mistake, for which many senior army officers were strongly criticising him.

‘Yesterday Col [Peter] Kerim was here, and two hours ago, Col Pecos [Kutesa] came here because of this report,’ Gen Saleh said.

Gen Saleh said he could only hold different views from the President if he kept them private and accepted the President’s decisions, since the President was his superior.

‘For example, on a family level, I think that my mother deserves a Benz from the State House, but he doesn’t,’ Gen Saleh pointed out.

He quoted other instances, including his wish for Uganda to attack Sudan when Sudanese fighter planes were bombing Ugandans.

He added that he had earlier wanted the NRA to hit back at Kenya for causing trouble at the common border in 1987, but that he had accepted the High Command’s decision not to do so.

He scoffed at politicians who thought they could exploit the inaccurate press reports of his speech to divide the NRA. He described all politicians as leopards in sheep’s skins and that recent events had shown that some of them were already taking off their false skins to show their real spots.

‘All of them. I think they are the same,’ he said when he was asked whether he included NRM politicians in his description. He, however, said despite his personal views about politicians and politics, a military man at his level had to be interested in the politics of his country.

NRM downplays resignation

Meanwhile, top officials in the NRM were quick to dismiss as ‘baseless’ the view that Dr Ssemogerere’s resignation from the NRM government would strengthen the multiparty camp in the CA.

The Deputy National Political Commissar and Director of Legal Affairs at the NRM Secretariat, Mr Jotham Tumwesigye, said: ‘I don’t think the balance of forces in the CA is going to change because of that. All CA delegates are mandated to support certain positions, and that is not going to change,’ Mr Tumwesigye said.

According to The Monitor’s edition of June 14, 1995, Mr Tumwesigye said despite Dr Ssemogerere’s resignation from the government, it remained broad-based.

‘It is not only Ssemogerere who was making the NRM current Cabinet, NRM still has many ministers who are representative of many shades of [political opinion],’ he said.

Others argued that the resignation would teach the NRM to accept compromises and stop making ‘fictitious’ claims of being broad-based.

Mr Kitariko said DP was approached in 1986 to nominate people who were later appointed ministers.

However, he said after some of them were removed from Cabinet, the party was never again asked to provide names to replace those who had been dropped.

‘So, what seemed to be a broad-based government ended in 1988,’ he said, adding that even then, UPC was never asked to nominate its people.

The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) says it is preparing an official statement on the shutdown of Daily Monitor, NTV Uganda, Spark TV, and other Nation Media Group (NMG) outlets after a military deployment at their premises. The affected media houses were taken off air early Sunday morning after soldiers deployed at NMG offices in Namuwongo and Serena Hotel, where some of the outlets operate.

UCC spokesperson Ibrahim Bbosa declined to provide immediate details on the regulator’s position or the reasons behind the shutdown, saying a statement was being prepared.

‘We are going to issue a statement soon…in three hours time. Just wait a little bit,’ Bbosa told Uganda Radio Network in a telephone interview.

Under normal regulatory procedures, UCC is expected to issue notices and provide reasons for any sanctions against broadcasters over alleged breaches of licensing conditions or broadcasting standards. The abrupt nature of Sunday’s operation, which involved military deployment instead of a publicly announced regulatory process, has raised questions over the legal basis of the shutdown.

The action followed remarks by Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who said he had received approval from President Yoweri Museveni to close the outlets. He had earlier threatened the move in June after NMG platforms reported on the arrest of Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago and other issues involving him. By Sunday morning, Daily Monitor offices remained closed, while NTV Uganda and Spark TV were off air. Soldiers were also guarding access points at the Namuwongo premises and the Serena Hotel.

The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) condemned the shutdown, saying it was seeking clarification on the circumstances surrounding the action.

‘We are deeply concerned about this action and its impact on the media ecosystem, and the rights enshrined under the 1995 Constitution of the Republic of Uganda,’ NAB said in a statement.

NAB said it had taken note of statements on the X account associated with Gen Muhoozi, indicating that the affected media houses would not resume operations without his permission. The association said it was engaging the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, UCC, and the Chief of Defence Forces to establish the facts and seek a resolution.

The Institute for Justice and Accountability Uganda (IJAU) also condemned the military deployment, describing it as a threat to press freedom.

The institute, led by exiled Ugandan writer and activist Kakwenza Rukirabashaija, said the presence of armed personnel at the media premises violated constitutional protections on freedom of the press and access to information. It called on state institutions to address what it described as interference with media operations.

Five years ago, convincing a Kampala resident to spend a weekend in Kasese was not the easiest sell. Today, thousands do exactly that every August. They book hotels months in advance. They drive across the country. Some fly in from overseas and take a long bus ride to Kasese for the marathon and, of course, believe it or not, the mad after-party.

As the Tusker Lite Mt Rwenzori Marathon prepares to celebrate its fifth edition this August, it is worth reflecting on what has happened in Kasese over the last five years. Because what started as an ambitious sporting event has evolved into something far bigger; a tourism boom, an economic catalyst, a launchpad for athletes and perhaps one of the most successful examples of place-branding Uganda has seen in recent years.

The story, fittingly, begins with a mountain.

In June 2022, tourism entrepreneur Amos Wekesa and a small team stood atop the snow-capped peaks of the Rwenzoris and raised a Tusker Lite Mt Rwenzori Marathon flag. It was a symbolic gesture, one that marked the beginning of an idea few could fully comprehend at the time. The vision was simple enough: create a world-class marathon in one of Africa’s most spectacular landscapes. The question is not why a marathon was brought to Kasese but rather why Tusker Lite chose to be part of it. For Elizabeth Mutamuliza, Marketing Manager, Beer, at Uganda Breweries, that is precisely why it made sense.

‘Tusker Lite has always been a brand for people who seek out adventure. As a low-carb beer, we naturally appeal to consumers who embrace active lifestyles and are constantly looking for new challenges and new experiences. The marathon gave us an opportunity to create something authentic to the brand while also creating long-term value for Kasese, its people and Uganda’s tourism sector,’ she says.

The first edition, held in September 2022, was a challenging adventure. Runners battled rain, mud and demanding terrain. The conditions were unforgiving, but they also became part of the event’s identity. The local community embraced it immediately. Villages transformed into cheering stations. Roads filled with spectators. Businesses opened their doors to visitors arriving from across Uganda and beyond. And when the race ended, another experience began; the after party.

The after-party, the Tusker Lite Neon Rave, is mad. Picture thousands of people from across the world dancing in the streets the whole night, chugging beer and sharing street food. One boda boda rider told me he had worked for 17 hours straight, arriving at his workstation a few hours after the marathon, he worked all evening and all night without resting. A story is told that on the night of the second edition, Kasese ran out of chicken.

By the third edition, the event had secured World Athletics course certification, giving athletes such as Abel Chelangat access to internationally recognised times and opening pathways to bigger opportunities abroad. Yet while the athletic success stories are impressive, the transformation of Kasese itself may be even more remarkable. A study by the Makerere University Tourism Research and Development Centre estimated that the marathon generated more than Shs3.5 billion for the local economy during the 2023 event weekend alone. Hotel owners, bartenders, street food venders, bodaboda riders, everyone benefits from the influx of visitors. But the impact extended beyond economics.

Every year, thousands of people who may never have considered visiting Kasese find themselves spending a weekend there, discovering the Rwenzoris, exploring Queen Elizabeth National Park, visiting local attractions and experiencing the warmth of the community. Now, as the event prepares to mark its fifth edition on August 22, a $1 million (about Shs3.6 billion) prize kitty was announced, further elevating its profile. Party hunters from across the country are twitching impatiently. Five years ago, the idea was to organise a marathon. Today, it has become launchpad for pro athletes, for tourism, for local enterprise and unsurprisingly, wild party town.

The journey from the bustle of the city to the tranquil hills of Sipi in Kapchorwa District is not a short one. It takes about six hours or more on the road, leaving behind the concrete skyline and traffic of urban life for a landscape that grows greener with every passing kilometre. The drive may feel long, but it is a journey that rewards patience. As the road begins to climb into the rolling hills of eastern Uganda, the scenery transforms dramatically, offering a glimpse of the beauty that awaits.

Kapchorwa is best known as the home of some of Uganda’s greatest long-distance runners and for producing high-quality Arabica coffee. Perched on the slopes of Mount Elgon, the district enjoys cool temperatures throughout much of the year, making it a refreshing escape from the heat and pace of city living. It is a destination where nature takes centre stage, with sweeping views of valleys, terraced farms and mist-covered hills stretching as far as the eye can see.

For visitors looking for a memorable place to stay, Sipi Valley Resort provides an ideal base from which to explore the area. Nestled amid the hills, the resort blends rustic charm with modern comfort. Stone pathways, well-manicured gardens and cosy cottages create a welcoming atmosphere that immediately puts guests at ease. Large windows and outdoor sitting areas allow visitors to soak in the magnificent views that surround the property.

One of the highlights of staying at the resort is simply waking up to the sounds of nature. On clear mornings, guests can watch the sun rise over the valley, painting the landscape in shades of gold and orange. The dining experience is another reason many visitors remember their stay fondly. Meals are prepared using fresh local ingredients, with menus featuring a mix of Ugandan favourites and international dishes. Whether enjoying a hearty breakfast before a hike or a warm dinner after a day of adventure, the food complements the overall experience of relaxation and comfort.

Guided by local farmers, visitors gain insight into the cultivation, harvesting, roasting and brewing processes while learning about the role coffee plays in the local economy. The trails wind through villages, farms and scenic viewpoints, providing opportunities to interact with local communities and appreciate the region’s natural beauty. For those seeking an adrenaline rush, abseiling more than 100 metres down one of the waterfalls offers an unforgettable experience and a unique perspective of the falls.

The Commonwealth Lawyers Association (CLA) has strongly condemned the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) over the recent arrest of prominent opposition figure and lawyer Erias Lukwago, warning that the military’s actions threaten the fundamental fabric of the rule of law in Uganda.

In a scathing international statement issued on Friday, June 26, 2026, the CLA voiced grave concerns regarding the escalating state interference in the high-stakes treason trial of veteran opposition leader Dr Kizza Besigye and his co-accused, Hajj Obeid Lutale.

Mr Lukwago, who serves as the joint leading defense counsel for the duo, was detained by the UPDF on June 15, 2026. In a rapid succession of events that has drawn international scrutiny, his co-lead counsel, seasoned Kenyan lawyer Martha Karua-who is authorized to practice in Uganda-was subsequently denied entry into the country and held incommunicado at Entebbe International Airport.

The international legal body stated that the targeted actions against Mr Lukwago and Ms Karua represent a gross violation of established international standards guarding the independence of the legal profession.

“The right to legal representation is a cornerstone of the rule of law and a fundamental guarantee of a fair trial,” the CLA statement reads. “The targeting of defense counsel – through arrest, detention, or charge – in connection with their representation of a client strikes at the heart of the administration of justice.”

The CLA threw its weight behind an earlier protest by the Uganda Law Society (ULS), reinforcing that the military has absolutely “no role whatsoever in intimidating, threatening, or arresting members of the Bar for performing their constitutional and professional duties.”

The ongoing treason trial against Dr Besigye, a four-time presidential contender, has kept the political climate tense. Legal analysts view the state’s aggressive maneuvering against the defense team as an attempt to cripple the opposition leader’s legal shield. By cutting off access to regional legal heavyweights like Karua and locking up local counsel like Lukwago, the state faces accusations of undermining judicial fairness.

To anchor its rebuke, the CLA cited multiple international covenants that Uganda is a party to, including Clause 16 of the United Nations Principles on the Role of Lawyers. The UN charter explicitly mandates that governments ensure lawyers can perform their functions without harassment and are free to travel and consult with clients both at home and abroad.

Furthermore, the association referenced the 2023 Commonwealth Declaration of Goa and the International Bar Association Standards, both of which strictly prohibit administrative, civil, or penal sanctions against legal practitioners for doing their jobs.

“No lawyer shall suffer or be threatened with penal, civil, administrative, economic or other sanctions or harassment by reason of his or her having legitimately advised or represented any client or client’s cause.” – Principle 8, International Bar Association Standards

The CLA has joined local advocates in calling upon the Chief Justice of Uganda to step in and forcefully guarantee the security of all counsel, judges, and litigants under Article 128 of the Constitution of Uganda, which protects judicial independence.

The international body concluded with a firm list of demands to the Ugandan authorities, insisting that the government:

Ensure the treason trial of Dr. Kizza Besigye and Hajji Obeid Lutale proceeds without any further interference with their legal team.

Uphold the independence of the legal profession to act without fear or favor.

Take immediate legal action against any state actors or individuals who impede lawyers from discharging their professional duties.

Comply fully with international obligations to uphold the rule of law.

The Commonwealth Lawyers Association is a London-based international non-profit organization that promotes the rule of law across Commonwealth member states, ensuring that independent legal professions can serve the public with integrity.

As pressure mounts from both domestic law societies and global watchdogs, the judiciary faces a critical test in reining in military overreach within civilian courts.

The Uganda Women’s Movement has strongly condemned what it describes as the continued harassment and intimidation of veteran politician and women’s rights advocate, Dr. Miria Matembe.

The coalition of activists called on government authorities to respect the rule of law and immediately halt “unlawful raids” on the residences of political figures and civil society actors.

Addressing a joint press conference in Kampala on Friday, women leaders and human rights defenders expressed solidarity with Dr. Matembe following a reported security raid on her home. The group warned that the incident reflects a worrying trend of shrinking civic space and escalating attacks on democratic freedoms in the country.

Dr. Sarah Bireete, the Executive Director of the Centre for Constitutional Governance (CCG), stated that arbitrary home raids and the intimidation of citizens directly violate Uganda’s constitutional guarantees.

“Any allegations against Dr. Matembe or any other citizen should be handled through established legal procedures. We reject actions that undermine due process and violate the rights and dignity of citizens,” Dr. Bireete said.

The movement demanded that security agencies uphold the constitution and cease tactics that infringe on citizens’ privacy and safety.

The incident comes amidst heightened public debate regarding the treatment of government critics and opposition figures. It follows a similar, highly publicized security operation at the home of the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) Lord Mayor, Erias Lukwago.

Speaking at the press conference, the National Unity Platform (NUP) Deputy President for Northern Uganda, Ms. Lina Zedriga, lauded Dr. Matembe as a pioneer whose courage paved the way for women in modern Ugandan politics.

“We are products of Hon. Dr. Miria Matembe’s recruitment. She awakened many women to stand for justice and dignity. We must never submit to vulnerability and fear,” Ms. Zedriga said.

She further criticized security forces for violating the privacy of Dr. Matembe’s family during the operation, terming it an infringement on basic constitutional rights.

Former Leader of the Opposition in Parliament (LoP), Ms. Winnie Kiiza, appealed to religious leaders to break their silence and defend the country’s constitutional values.

“Fear will not protect you. You have been called to stand firm and speak boldly. Religious leaders of Uganda, we as women are watching you. Please do not let us down,” Ms. Kiiza urged.

Adding to the tributes, Ms Penelope Sanyu of Femme Forte Uganda emphasized that Dr. Matembe’s legacy as a champion of gender equality predates modern policy frameworks.

“Long before it was fashionable to speak truth to power, Dr. Matembe did so. Long before gender equality became the language of development partners and policy documents, she insisted that women deserve dignity not as a favor from the state, but as a matter of justice,” Ms. Sanyu noted.

The Uganda Women’s Movement reiterated its commitment to advocating for the protection of civic space and the rule of law, regardless of political affiliation.

By press time, both the police and military authorities had not issued a public statement regarding the operation at Dr. Matembe’s residence.