Category: Daily Monitor

The Uganda railway revival story continues to gather momentum, but its biggest challenge is no longer rebuilding tracks or attracting cargo.

It is finding enough money to finance an ambitious transformation that Uganda Railways Corporation (URC) believes could reshape the country’s logistics and industrial economy over the next five years. URC’s return to transporting coffee exports after an eight-year hiatus illustrates the potential. Earlier last week, URC dispatched a block train carrying 606.6 tonnes of coffee from Kampala to the Port of Mombasa, replacing about 17 heavy-duty trucks. According to URC, moving the consignment by rail reduced transport costs by more than $62,000 (Shs223.4m), highlighting the commercial advantage rail could offer exporters if services become reliable and regular.

However, that successful shipment represents only a small step in a much larger plan. According to a report to the Physical Infrastructure Committee of Parliament presented by URC Managing Director Benon M. Kajuna, the corporation has developed a five-year strategy that seeks to transform rail into the backbone of Uganda’s industrialisation, export logistics and regional trade. The report argues that URC already has a clear commercial pipeline, but what threatens its success is a persistent funding gap that continues to delay rehabilitation, rolling stock renewal and network expansion. Unlike previous attempts to revive the railway network, the current strategy places freight rather than passenger transport at the centre of URC’s business model.

In his report, Kajuna told Parliament that the rail network is expected to remain a key link in supporting agro-industrialisation by transporting coffee, cocoa, cotton and wheat bran, while also serving manufacturers, steel producers, fuel distributors and the oil and gas sector through lower-cost bulk transport. URC ultimately wants to shift more than 1.2 million tonnes of cargo annually from roads onto rail and inland waterways, reducing transport costs by as much as 40 percent, while strengthening Uganda’s position as the logistics gateway to the Great Lakes region. Planned industrial sidings for manufacturers, logistics companies and the Buyala oil terminal form part of that strategy.

The report also shows that URC increasingly views railway investment as an industrial policy rather than simply a transport programme. Under government’s Ten-Fold Growth Strategy and National Development Plan IV, rail is expected to support manufacturing, agriculture, tourism, mining, regional integration and urban mobility. Lower logistics costs could improve the competitiveness of exports while reducing the cost of imported industrial inputs. Planned expansion of commuter rail services around Greater Kampala is also intended to reduce congestion and improve labour mobility. But URC’s ambitions contrast sharply with the present state of Uganda’s railway network.

Kajuna’s report shows that only 269 kilometres of the country’s 1,266-kilometre metre-gauge railway network is operational, equivalent to just 21 percent of the system. The remaining lines require extensive rehabilitation after decades of underinvestment, deferred maintenance and encroachment. Progress is nevertheless visible. The Tororo-Kumi section of the Tororo-Gulu rehabilitation project has already been handed over, while the wider 382-kilometre corridor had reached 75.63 percent physical progress and 83.14 percent financial progress by June 2026, with completion expected in October. URC is also preparing projects to rehabilitate the Gulu-Pakwach line, modernise Port Bell, expand Greater Kampala commuter rail services, automate level crossings and rehabilitate locomotives and wagons.

One of the report’s most significant conclusions is that demand for rail services increasingly exceeds URC’s operational capacity. During the reporting period, freight volumes reached 266,318 tonnes, almost half URC’s estimated break-even level of about 540,000 tonnes annually. Kajuna attributes the gap not to insufficient customers but to shortages of locomotives, wagons and operational assets that prevent URC from serving existing demand. Rolling stock remains one of URC’s biggest weaknesses. Out of 46 locomotives, only 10 were operational during the review period. URC also operated only 298 wagons against a target of 1,067, while passenger services relied on just five operational coaches.

These shortages continue to limit freight growth despite growing interest from exporters and manufacturers. Kajuna identifies financing as the principal reason these constraints persist. Between the 2020/21 and 2025/26 financial years, government approved approximately Shs1.141 trillion for URC. However, only about Shs465.8b, URC noted in the report, was released, leaving a cumulative financing deficit of roughly Shs675.4b. Although URC secured an additional Shs100b supplementary allocation during the 2025/26 financial year, Kajuna argues that years of underfunding continue to affect rehabilitation, maintenance and asset acquisition.

The report identifies several structural obstacles beyond funding, which include ageing rolling stock, deferred maintenance estimated at Shs1.5 trillion, vandalism of railway infrastructure, encroachment on railway land, a limited operational network and shortages of specialised railway skills. Together, these constraints reduce service reliability and limit URC’s ability to capture available freight opportunities. To reduce dependence on government financing, URC plans to increase internally generated revenue through higher freight volumes, commercialisation of its property portfolio, digital revenue collection, industrial last-mile connectivity and public-private partnerships for logistics parks, terminals and railway sidings.

URC also proposes introducing a Railway Development Levy to establish a predictable source of long-term infrastructure financing while seeking additional government support for rolling stock acquisition and counterpart funding for ongoing projects. The successful return of coffee exports to rail demonstrates that exporters remain willing to shift cargo when competitive services are available.

The challenge now is whether URC can secure the financing needed to convert isolated successes into a nationwide logistics system capable of supporting industrialisation and regional trade. Kajuna’s presentation to Parliament suggests the corporation has already identified the commercial opportunities, strategic projects and policy reforms required to restore rail as a key driver of the economy. Whether that vision materialises, however, may depend less on engineering than on whether government can provide the sustained financing needed to close a funding gap that continues to define the railway’s future.

Five higher institutions of learning have partnered with Sino-Uganda Mbale Industrial Park to equip science students with practical skills for employment and innovation.

The institutions are Busitema University, Kyambogo University, Sogavi College of Technology Kumi, Uganda Technical College Elgon (UTC Elgon) and Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU).

The first group of students admitted to the park are pursuing programmes in civil, mechanical, electrical, refrigeration, and cement engineering.

The Mbale-Sino Industrial Park, which was commissioned in 2018 with a total investment portfolio of $600m (Shs2.2 trillion), sits on 619 acres. It currently hosts 85 factories producing glass, textiles, household detergents, mobile phones, smart televisions, baby diapers, clothes, LED bulbs, tubes, electrical meters and socks, among others. The park employs over 14,000 skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled workers.

Ms Linus Nasimiyu, the Principal Education Officer for Mbale City, said on Sunday that the internship programme will help institutions produce more competitive graduates.

‘The collaboration is giving students access to modern equipment, research facilities and opportunities to develop solutions to community and industrial challenges,’ Ms Nasimiyu said.

Mr Siraji Mukhwana, the Dean of Students at IUIU, said students need practical experience to complement classroom theory.

‘ýThis program will improve skills, increase employment prospects and also encourage students to become innovators and entrepreneurs,’ he said.

Mr Laurent Zhang, the administration manager at Sino-Uganda Mbale Industrial Park, said over 100 students from the benefiting institutions have already started hands-on training in different factories.

He said the program is aimed at three goals: creating jobs by enabling more Ugandan youth to find decent work close to home, developing talent by passing advanced technology and management expertise to the younger generation, and technology transfer by transforming classroom knowledge into production skills.

‘We will deepen school-industry collaboration, expand the internship program, continue providing employment opportunities for outstanding interns hence creating a seamless transition from internship to employment,’ Mr Zhang said.

Mr Shen Xingying, Director of Timber Paper Industries, said students will get mentorship through open access to facilities and technology.

‘They should treat an internship as the starting point of your career, not a temporary arrangement. The science students are the protagonists of Uganda’s industrialization,’ Mr Shen said.

Mr Abdallah Sharaf, the Deputy Mayor of Mbale City, applauded the park for the opportunity and tasked students to do their best as they transition from school to the job market.

For decades, the performance of schools has been measured largely by examination results. A school’s reputation rose or fell depending on the grades its learners posted at the end of the academic year.

As such, the poor outcomes have not helped improve their reputation. But the Uganda Muslim Education Association (UMEA) says that this approach is no longer sufficient.

The association is now rolling out a new strategy aimed at transforming its schools through what it describes as ‘holistic improvement’, a model that goes beyond academics to focus on governance, infrastructure, teacher development, leadership and learner welfare.

According to Mr Nasser Kiwanuka, the UMEA Assistant Secretary General, improving examination performance remains important, but it can only be sustained if schools are strengthened in every aspect of their operations.

‘These days we no longer talk about academic improvement alone. We want to improve infrastructure, service delivery and strengthen the overall functioning of our schools. Academic performance will then come as a bonus.’ Mr Kiwanuka says.

Strengthening school governance.

The UMEA assistant secretary general adds that the shift in thinking comes as education stakeholders increasingly recognise that learning outcomes are influenced by several factors beyond classroom instruction.

At the centre of UMEA’s strategy is strengthening school governance. The association is improving the process of appointing Boards of Governors for secondary schools and School Management Committees for primary schools.

While community representation remains important, Mr Kiwanuka says competence and track record will now carry greater weight.

‘There are times when we tolerated some people because they were respected members of the community or because of other considerations but now we have to screen all those who are to be appointed,’ he said.

‘We are looking for people who have proven records in institutional governance and understand how the education sector works.’

He also revealed that to improve their effectiveness, UMEA is also investing in capacity building for governors and committee members.

‘We conduct proper induction and orientation programmes. We provide guidelines and continuous support so that they are able to execute their responsibilities effectively,’ Kiwanuka explained.

The problem, according to Kiwanuka, was particularly pronounced in lower primary classes. ‘We found challenges in reading and writing, especially in the lower sections. We therefore conducted a full year of capacity building for the teachers handling those classes,’ Mr Kiwanuka said.

Strategic planning

According to Mr Kiwanuka, every institution under UMEA is being encouraged to develop and implement long-term strategic plans that guide growth and development.

‘We are putting a lot of emphasis on strategic planning and ensuring that those plans are implemented,’ he says.

He adds that the plans are expected to address critical areas such as infrastructure expansion, maintenance, resource mobilisation and academic improvement. Infrastructure development remains one of the most visible aspects of the strategy.

‘Many schools across the country continue to grapple with inadequate classroom space, limited laboratory facilities and outdated learning environments. Holistic development means that these schools must improve their infrastructure. We have to modernise them,’ Mr Kiwanuka said.

He also explained that the association is also looking at the buildings themselves, but also the academic infrastructure. Schools need laboratories, libraries and other educational facilities that support effective learning.

‘Our ultimate goal, is to establish learning institutions equipped with modern facilities that meet contemporary educational standards. We are moving towards having state-of-the-art educational facilities in our schools. That is the direction we are taking,’ he says

However, physical infrastructure alone will not deliver better outcomes without investment in people. For that reason, Uganda Muslim Education Association is also prioritising human resource development.

Mr Kiwanuka believes teachers remain the backbone of any education system and must continuously be equipped with new skills and knowledge.

Training focus

He added that the training focuses on modern teaching methods, school leadership, curriculum implementation and learner support. UMEA has also strengthened its inspection and support supervision mechanisms.

‘Dedicated teams regularly visit schools to assess performance, identify challenges and provide technical guidance. There is a strong department responsible for inspection and capacity building. The teams go to the field to assess institutions and support them,’ Kiwanuka explained.

Inspection Mr Kiwanuka explains that inspection helps them to understand the status of a school, while capacity building helps management and staff address identified gaps. The approach, he says, is designed to be supportive rather than punitive.

‘One of the lessons informing the current strategy came from interventions undertaken in the Greater Masaka region, where UMEA discovered weaknesses in foundational literacy and numeracy,’ he says.

The problem, according to Kiwanuka, was particularly pronounced in lower primary classes. ‘We found challenges in reading and writing, especially in the lower sections. We, therefore, conducted a full year of capacity building for the teachers handling those classes,’ he said.

‘We want to build model schools that others can visit, learn from and emulate, such schools will demonstrate best practices in governance, infrastructure, teaching and learner support.’

He also noted that as a Muslim-founded education body, UMEA continues to promote the integration of religious and secular education, where they are not forcing anybody, but encouraging a dual approach where learners receive both formal education and religious instruction.

‘Many parents want their children to excel academically while also understanding their faith. The objective is to produce balanced individuals capable of contributing positively to society. We want to produce wholesome learners.’

Holistic improvement model

The ‘holistic improvement’ model in Ugandan schools shifts the focus from rote memorization and exam scores to nurturing a child’s heads, hearts, and hands.

Driven by the National Curriculum Development Centre (NCDC) and initiatives like Schools2030, the model integrates academic knowledge, socio-emotional learning, and practical skills.

Performance

Some UMEA schools have maintained a strong academic record over the last two years, with traditional institutions such as Kibuli SS, Kawempe Muslim SS, Gombe SS and Nabisunsa Girls School continuing to excel in national examinations.

In the 2025 UACE results, Gombe Secondary School recorded 33 A grades in Biology, while Kawempe Muslim SS registered 30 As in the same subject. In Islamic Religious Education, Gombe ranked third nationally with 35 As from 71 candidates, while Kibuli SS ranked fourth with 27 As from 63 candidates.

Beyond academics, UMEA schools also dominated co-curricular activities, with Gombe SS emerging overall champion at the 2026 UMEA Games after winning five gold medals.

These achievements underscore the association’s continued contribution to academic excellence, leadership development and holistic education in Uganda.

But Mr Mubiru is not alone in this historic village leadership, with some of his long-serving contemporaries also retaining their LC1 top seats in the just-concluded Local Council elections held in 71,214 villages across the country.

The residents attribute the unparalleled records of service to accessibility and commitment to community development. But some of these leaders have also barely scraped through after a tight race to defend the seats they have occupied for decades.

Mr Mubiru of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party traces his leadership journey of Kalangala Village to more than four decades ago.

‘During the [Milton] Obote regime, I served as one of the Mayumba Kumi leaders. From there, I joined the National Resistance Army (NRA), and my leadership journey formally began in 1985. I have continued serving the people up to today,’ he proudly says.

Mr Mubiru attributes his longevity in office to regular consultation with the residents and his ability to work closely with the leaders at higher levels of local government.

‘I have always held village meetings where the residents identify their priorities. We then agree on resolutions and I follow up with the relevant authorities to ensure they are implemented. Working together with other leaders has enabled us to improve service delivery in our village,’ he said.

Still going strong

Mr Mubiru says his new priority will be completing the construction of the LC1 offices, a project he initiated about 10 years ago but which has stalled due to funding constraints.

Similarly, Mr Jacob Senyanjja, another NRM diehard, was also re-elected after defeating the opposition National Unity Platform flag bearer for LC1 chairperson of Kizzi Village, Kalangala Town Council.

Mr Senyanjja has led the village since 2001, when he first snatched the seat from his brother. Since then, he has continued to secure re-election unopposed until the 2026 elections, when two contenders showed upin the race.

‘I have made it easy for the residents to access the services of the LC1 chairperson’s office. I believe that is why they continue to entrust me with leadership,’ he explains.

Mr Lwembaawo Sserwanga Kaweesa has also served as the village chairperson of Nabweru North 1 Cell for the past 40 years after he assumed office in 1986.

During the recent LC1 elections, he collected 587 votes, beating three other contenders, with each getting only one vote each.

He names fighting insecurity in Nansana among the achievements that have kept him in power, and says the area was one of the darkest spots in the country but today, the narrative has changed.

In Mityana District, Mzee Emanuel Ssemambo, 80, was re-elected chairperson of Nabbale Village to extend one of the longest-serving tenures of any village leader in the district.

For more than 40 years, Mr Ssemambo has been at the centre of village leadership and in last week’s polls, he trounced three contenders.

Mr Ssemambo says his servant leadership, being honest and result oriented have endeared his people to him. ‘This victory is not mine alone, but belongs to every resident who believes in unity, service and the continued development of our village,’ he says. Mr Dauson Kateremo, through protecting the newly elected Busang A Village in Magogo Sub-county, Kamuli District, has been the chairman since the inception of the LC1 leadership.

For his long service, Mr Kateremo got 175 votes to defeat the youthful opponent who secured only 5 votes in the just-concluded elections.

Mr Kateremo’s survival in leadership was attributed to humility and transparency in leadership.

‘Mr Kateremo gives everyone respect in the village besides handling cases in a transparent way, so the residents maintain him in this office at every election,’ Mr Ali Mwagale, his son, says.

In Kisima I Village, Jinja South Division in Jinja City, the veteran LC1 chairperson, Mr Watmon Okidi, also retained his seat, extending a leadership tenure that began in 1986.

His latest victory makes him one of the longest-serving village leaders in the Busoga Sub-region and Uganda.

Mr Okidi said he sought re-election after the residents urged him to continue serving them because of his leadership record.

In Masindi, Mr Mansul Kawesa, 68, the LC1 chairperson of Central Cell in Masindi Municipality, says he first served for 10 years on the village executive committee before being elected LC1 chairperson, a position he has now held for 30 years, bringing his total service in local leadership to 40 years.

‘I have been in local leadership since President Museveni came to power in 1986. I served on the executive committee for 10 years before becoming LC1 chairperson, and I have now completed 30 years as chairperson of Central Cell,’ he says.

Mr Kawesa says the biggest challenge of leading an urban community is the constantly changing population. Despite the challenges, he says he has enjoyed the support of residents because he has maintained good working relationships with them.

‘I have decided that I will retire from leadership when President Museveni retires from the presidency,’ Mr Kawesa says.

Mr Francis Biryetega, 57, the LC1 chairperson of Katama Cell in Masindi Municipality, has led his village since 1987.

‘After my election in 1987, I underwent one year of Local Defence Unit training at Kigulya in Masindi. After completing the training, I was issued with a firearm and 60 rounds of ammunition to help protect the community. I carried that responsibility for seven years because security was still fragile,’ Mr Biryetega says.

He says today’s challenges are different, with many residents showing little interest in community activities.

‘People elect leaders but rarely attend meetings or participate in development programmes. Without community participation, it becomes difficult to implement good ideas,’ he warns.

Mr Alinde Malidard, the LC1 chairperson of Kitonya Village in Kibaale District, says he has served his community for 25 years and has now secured another five-year term.

He attributes his continued electoral success to fairness, transparency and impartiality while resolving disputes.

‘My transparency and fairness in handling community conflicts have earned people’s trust. That is why they continue to re-elect me,’ he says.

Ms Ben Katabarwa, the LC1 chairperson of Mabaale North Cell in Mabaale Town Council, Kagadi District, has spent 13 years in local leadership.

She says she had planned to retire from politics but was persuaded by residents to seek another term.

‘I wanted to leave local politics, but the people told me I was still capable of leading them. That is how I retained the seat unopposed for a third term,’ she says.

Mr John Baptist Kisembo, who has chaired Namilyango Cell in Kagadi Town Council for 30 years, says development has been the foundation of his leadership.

‘When I became chairperson, the village had only six related families. I encouraged landowners to sell plots to attract new settlers and promote development,’ he says.

Mr Kisembo says he has helped residents negotiate with financial institutions to prevent the auction of property when borrowers face financial difficulties.

‘The greatest reward I receive from the community is their trust. I don’t charge people for using the village stamp.

Instead, I encourage them to invest in poultry, piggery and other income- generating activities that improve household livelihoods,’ he says.

Mr Charles Bakanturaki, the chairman of Njeru Cell, Rwentuuha Town Council, Bushenyi District, has been village chairperson for 20 years.

‘For me to succeed in 20 years of leadership as chairman LC1, I first created a strong relationship with the community, and I asked them to use me as a leader and whoever would bring his complaint, I would solve it without having sides or being corrupt,’ he says.

Longevity strategy

Mr Juma Mrisho, 70, the chairperson of Kihindi Cell in Kakoba Ward, South Division in Mbarara City, who has spent 30 years serving as chairperson, attributes it to a good working relationship with residents.

Mr Francis Basiime, 63, the chairperson of Kiswahili Cell, Kakoba Ward, Mbarara City South, who has been the chairperson for 20 years, says his closeness to the people has enabled him to keep his seat.

Mr Alex Oyer, the incumbent LC1 chairperson for Awindiri Cell, Onzivu Ward in Arua City, has now served for 15 years as LC1 chairperson of the Cell.

Mr Oyer says: ‘One of the issues that we still want to address is insecurity where theft cases and burglaries, including snatching of people’s phones and bags, is common in our Cell/Ward,’ he says. In order to curtail this, he says there is a need to include youth in skill projects.

He says there is also a need to include women in government programmes so that they do not depend on loans, which, he says, have caused family problems.

Meanwhile, Mr Ratib Kiayinga, another long-serving chairperson of Enyau Cell, Kenya Ward, Arua City, also won the race again. He is usually referred to as the ‘Museveni’ of the Cell.

He has been the leader of the cell since 2001. He says he needs to focus on economic empowerment of the youth and women in the cell because they form the majority of the population.

Mr Charles Bisati, 75, who is among the Fronasa agents and a historical member of the Uganda Patriotic Movement (UPM) is also one of the longest-serving LC1 chairmen in Kabale District.

Mr Bisati served as the LC1 vice chairperson for Kanyakiriro cell, Nyabikoni Ward in Kabale Municipality in 1990, and was elected as the LC1 chairman for the same village in 1996, and has served to date.

Justification ‘Being closer to the people in all situations, resolving domestic violence and family disagreements without any bias, being a consistent supporter of the NRM party and living an exemplary lifestyle has kept me closer to the voters thus winning every election,’ Mr Bisati who is a father of six children and grandfather to eight children, says.

In Tororo, Mr Michael Ekeya retained his seat as the LCI chairperson of Angorom ‘B’ Cell in Osukuru town, a seat he has been holding for the last 20 years.

‘I had no interest to contest but my people requested me to represent them as I groom someone to take over from me’ he says.

In Soroti, Independent candidate Emmanuel Ogaram, who has been serving as LC1 for more than 20 years, won Cell II with 87 votes against Mr Julius Elweru Otija’s 81 votes.

The result sparked protests and deployment of police, army and RCC officials over allegations of voter ferrying, which Mr Ogaram denied.

Mr Otija rejected the outcome and plans to petition. But in Apac Municipality, Ms Imat Mary Okello Ojudu, the iron lady of Biacara Street Cell in Central Ward, hung up her chairperson hat after four decades of unwavering service.

Elected in 1986, soon after the NRM government took power, Ms Ojudu led with a firm but gentle hand, resolving disputes, mobilising communities, and championing development.

But after 40 years, the time has come to pass on the torch. ‘I wanted to give opportunity to the young blood,’ she says.

When John Kawalya was diagnosed with HIV, life suddenly seemed to lose its meaning. The 20-year-old student struggled to accept what the diagnosis meant for his future. He became withdrawn, frequently suffered stress-induced headaches and began losing interest in school. His academic performance deteriorated and, at his lowest point, he contemplated suicide. Although he was still attending school, Kawalya was struggling to remain there. His experience illustrates a less visible challenge in the HIV response: the psychological burden that can accompany living with a chronic condition. For some people, an HIV diagnosis can trigger shock, fear, shame, uncertainty and worries about rejection.

Even after accepting their status, concerns about disclosure, relationships, discrimination, treatment and the future can continue to weigh heavily. For others, the emotional distress may develop into a mental health condition such as depression or anxiety. And when depression sets in, the consequences can extend beyond emotional wellbeing. The World Health Organisation (WHO) says people living with HIV are at increased risk of mental, neurological and substance-use disorders. Mental health conditions can, in turn, affect general health, adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and retention in HIV care. In Uganda, a systematic review of studies among people living with HIV found a substantial burden of depression, highlighting the need to address mental health alongside HIV treatment.

When HIV becomes more than a medical diagnosis

Depression is more than ordinary sadness. It can involve persistent low mood, loss of interest in activities that were previously enjoyable, difficulty concentrating, changes in sleep and appetite, fatigue, hopelessness and, in severe cases, thoughts of death or suicide. Not everyone living with HIV will develop depression.

However, the pressures associated with the condition can increase vulnerability, particularly when combined with other difficulties such as poverty, relationship problems, stigma, isolation or lack of social support. Milly Katana, an HIV activist and person living positively with HIV, says mental health remains a largely overlooked barrier to effective HIV care, particularly among adolescents and men. ‘Untreated depression can erode self-esteem and lead to interpersonal conflict, social isolation, poor health, financial instability, substance abuse and high-risk sexual behaviour,’ she says. These problems can reinforce one another.

A person who feels ashamed or hopeless may withdraw from friends and family. Someone who isolates themselves may lose access to the emotional and practical support that could help them cope. They may also become less likely to attend a health facility or take their medication consistently. Milly Katana, who is board chair of StrongMinds, a non-profit organisation providing depression treatment in low-resource communities, says some men living with HIV only reach health facilities when their problems have become severe. ‘They show up at the health facilities when things have gone out of hand, and when they get into care, when they are depressed, the likelihood that they will adhere to treatment is less than optimal,’ she says.

The treatment connection

HIV treatment has transformed the disease from what was once widely considered a fatal condition into a manageable chronic illness for people who have access to and consistently take effective treatment. But treatment requires continuity. ART works by suppressing HIV. For treatment to remain effective, patients need to take their medicines as prescribed and remain engaged in care. Depression can make this difficult. Vincent Mujune, country director of StrongMinds, says depression can become a predictor of poor treatment outcomes because of its effect on a person’s ability to remain engaged in care. ‘The moment depression sets in, it is highly predictable that your treatment outcome for HIV are going to significantly dwindle,’ he says.

He explains that people experiencing depression may struggle to maintain treatment routines, which can affect viral suppression. ‘When a person gets depressed and they are in the middle of their care process, they will struggle to remain adhering to treatment,’ he says. The problem is not that every person with depression will stop taking their medication. Rather, depression can make the routines required to manage a lifelong condition more difficult to maintain. Poor adherence can, in some circumstances, contribute to treatment failure and drug resistance, potentially limiting future treatment options. This is why identifying and treating depression can be an important part of maintaining good HIV treatment outcomes.

The burden of stigma and silence

For many people living with HIV, one of the most difficult questions is not necessarily how to take their medicine, but who to tell. Mujune says depression can push people further into isolation, making disclosure even more difficult. ‘It is a sickness of loneliness which keeps you in the corner. It keeps you by yourself and thus incapacitates you to disclose your status for the purpose of getting help and support from the people who are around you,’ he says. This can create a difficult cycle.

A person may need support but fear being judged if they disclose their HIV status. They remain silent, become more isolated and lose the social connections that could help them cope. For adolescents, the burden can be particularly complicated. A young person may already be trying to navigate relationships, sexuality, school, friendships and their identity while simultaneously dealing with a lifelong health condition. Suzan Adikin, quality assurance coordinator at StrongMinds Uganda, says some adolescents may turn to alcohol, other substances or risky sexual behaviour as a way of coping with a difficult diagnosis. ‘They may isolate themselves from friends and family, who would be the protective factors to support them during this time of need,’ she says. The result can be delayed healthcare seeking, poor adherence and further social and health problems.

It is not only about the virus The relationship between HIV and depression is not driven by one factor. There are social, psychological and biological factors that can affect a person’s mental health. A relationship breakdown, loss of employment, financial difficulties, family conflict, stigma or fear of disclosure can all add to the emotional burden. Mujune says these challenges can also affect a person’s livelihood. For someone working in Uganda’s informal sector, mental distress can quickly become an economic problem.

A trader, for example, may depend entirely on the energy and concentration they put into their business each day. Depression can leave someone exhausted, distracted and less productive. If income falls, the person may struggle to meet basic needs, including transport to a health facility. That can create another cycle: poor mental health affects work, reduced income increases stress, and increased stress can further worsen a person’s mental wellbeing. For a salaried worker, the financial effects may initially be less obvious because income continues to come in. But prolonged depression can still affect productivity, relationships and the ability to function effectively at work. The effects, therefore, extend beyond the individual. Families can experience strain. Relationships can suffer. Children may be affected when a parent becomes withdrawn or unable to meet their usual responsibilities.

The case for talk therapy

Mental health support does not always begin with medication. One approach being used by StrongMinds is interpersonal group therapy (IPT-G), a structured, time-limited form of talk therapy delivered by trained lay counsellors in communities and schools. WHO recognises psychological and psychosocial interventions as important components of mental health care and HIV services. Katana says talk therapy gives people an opportunity to identify experiences and relationships contributing to their emotional distress and develop practical ways of coping. ‘It is not chemical intervention. That is why we specifically call it talk therapy,’ she says.

‘It is not giving you medicine but helping somebody to talk through these things and slowly by slowly the aggrieved can improve.’ The aim is not necessarily to change every difficult circumstance in a person’s life. Instead, therapy can help someone understand what they are experiencing, develop coping skills and find healthier ways of responding to difficult situations. Mujune says some people may experience a relapse because the circumstances that contributed to their depression can return. However, he says people can use the skills acquired through therapy to remain well for longer and cope better when difficulties arise. Talk therapy, however, should not be presented as a replacement for medical care in every case. Some people with depression may require additional treatment, including medication or specialised mental health care, depending on the severity of their symptoms.

Finding his way back

For Kawalya, group therapy initially felt uncomfortable. He was suspicious of the idea of discussing his problems with other people. But that changed when he realised that other members of the group were experiencing challenges similar to his own. He gradually became more involved in the weekly sessions. Other group members encouraged him to live positively, adhere to his HIV medication and engage in productive activities. As his symptoms improved, Kawalya also began supporting others, sharing his experiences and offering suggestions.

Through therapy, he learnt new coping skills and ways of dealing with his problems. Slowly, school became interesting again. He became more socially engaged, regained his focus and improved academically. ‘I have even become more regular at school and I now have a higher propensity to complete my level of education because I am now more focused. StrongMinds has transformed my life,’ Kawalya says. His story demonstrates why mental health cannot be treated as an optional extra in HIV care. A person may have access to ART, but if depression, stigma, isolation or hopelessness prevents them from engaging fully with treatment, another battle is taking place outside the clinic.

Making mental health part of HIV care

Uganda’s HIV response has made major progress in diagnosis, treatment and viral suppression. But the experience of living with HIV involves more than laboratory results and medication. People also have relationships, families, jobs, fears and hopes. Addressing those realities is, therefore, an important part of keeping people healthy and in care. The World Health Organization recommends integrating mental health services into HIV care, including support for depression, anxiety, substance-use disorders and other mental health needs. For people living with HIV, that integration could mean that a conversation about mood, relationships, isolation or substance use becomes as routine as asking whether someone has taken their medication.

It also means health workers, families and communities need to recognise that emotional distress is not a sign of weakness, laziness or failure. A person who misses a clinic appointment or struggles to take their medication consistently may not simply be ‘non-compliant’. There may be something deeper happening. They may be struggling to get out of bed. They may be afraid to tell someone about their status. They may have withdrawn from friends and family because they feel ashamed or misunderstood. They may be overwhelmed by financial problems, relationship difficulties or uncertainty about the future. Or they may simply have lost hope. This is why asking whether someone is taking their medication may not always be enough.

Health workers may also need to ask how the person is sleeping, whether they still enjoy the things they once did, whether they feel connected to other people and whether they are coping emotionally. For people living with HIV, being asked ‘How are you coping?’ can open the door to a conversation that might otherwise never happen. And that conversation can be the beginning of getting help. Kawalya’s experience shows what can happen when that help is available. He did not stop being a person living with HIV. His diagnosis did not disappear. What changed was how he understood and responded to his circumstances.

Through therapy and support, he regained his confidence, returned his attention to school and became willing to support others facing similar challenges. That is why HIV care cannot stop at viral suppression. The goal should also be to help people live well with the condition; to remain connected to their families and communities, continue their education or work, maintain healthy relationships and have the emotional support needed to stay in care. Because treating HIV may keep the virus under control. But helping someone cope with living with HIV can help give them the strength to keep going.

What is a school without a name and a uniform? These are some of the things that give any school its identity. Of course, the founder and a few trusted parties usually come up with these long before the school doors fly open. But, eh, some school uniforms are such a pain.

Imagine wearing a uniform that is one colour in term one, another in second term, and a completely different shade in term three. Talk about fading fabric. Then, for some schools, the colours and materials have to change slightly because the original choices are no longer available on the market.

That is exactly what happened during my A-levels. At one point, the uniform was a greenish-grey. Then it became a lighter grey. By the third term, the school administration had changed it to a light brown.

Throughout all these changes, there was no communication as to what was going on, save for the announcement: ‘This is the new uniform colour.’ Clearly, whatever fabric or colour had originally been chosen seemed to be no more.

As strange as that sounds, something even stranger is the idea of students wanting to determine their school uniform. The first time I heard a conversation around that, I wondered what kind of students we have today.

Pardon my millennial mindset of questioning less and following more, but what happens if every student gets to determine what they want to wear? I know this can happen in some international schools, but then that ceases to be a school uniform.

Rather, the policy may as well read: ‘Everyone dresses as they please.’ Getting back to students having a say in what their school uniform looks like, I find myself thinking about schools that have existed for decades.

What would happen if students were given that responsibility? For starters, the school administration would never know how many uniforms to stock. After all, they cannot be sure what the next year’s lot of students will feel like wearing.

And what happens to the new entrants? Do they wait for the first term to end while the rest of the students build consensus on what works and what does not? That would be a procurement disaster waiting to happen. Then there is the question of decision-making itself.

What happens if there is no majority vote? Does the school simply do away with uniforms for that year? Does everyone show up in whatever they choose? While some school uniforms surely need a revamp, I think this idea of students having a say in everything that affects their lives is being taken to a notch higher.

And in this narrative, we might be missing a few important things. To start with, life is about choices, and every choice has consequences.

So, as you complain about how dull your school uniform is, have you stopped to think about what it takes to come up with one in the first place? There are considerations of cost, availability, durability, and practicality. Someone has to think through all of that.

The other missing piece of the puzzle is that life is not always fair. Sometimes you simply have to work with what is available.

So, get off your high horse and focus on the more important things-like understanding what you are taught, praying that your school fees are paid on time, and making the most of the opportunities before you.

I can already hear some of you saying that I am taking things a little too seriously. But I tell you this: when small things are ignored, they soon become stumbling blocks. We cannot always have our cake and eat it. I hear you when you say you hate your school uniform.

But I also want you to remember that your parents did not pay school fees so that you could love the uniform, but so that you could study. Now, if your complaint was about poorly cooked meals, perhaps we would have a much better conversation. That affects your day-to-day life in a very real way.

But for now, my advice is simple: leave matters of the generals to the generals. Till your garden well. Focus on your studies. Enjoy your school days without complicating them by wanting a choice in everything. Some decisions are best left to those tasked with making them.

Uganda Airlines, East Africa’s smallest flag carrier, recently secured a relatively favourable deal in its order for eight Boeing aircraft, getting early delivery slots despite a global backlog that has left many airlines waiting for over a decade for new planes.

The first batch of the Boeing 737-8 MAX and 787-9 Dreamliners the carrier ordered last month will be delivered in 2032, giving Uganda Airlines a six-year delivery window, well ahead of many airlines, as Boeing and Airbus grapple with an order backlogs equivalent to about 12 years of global production capacity.

The Ugandan order, announced by Boeing last week, comprises four 737-8s and four 787-9s. The airline says the delivery timeline will give it opportunity to strengthen its network, develop its workforce, build supporting infrastructure and progressively grow market demand.

‘The aircraft we have ordered are not due for delivery until 2032 and 2033, giving the airline sufficient time to strengthen our network, develop our workforce, build supporting infrastructure and progressively grow market demand,’ Uganda Airlines Chief Executive Girma Wake told The EastAfrican.

But the six-to-seven-year lead time is relatively short given the scale of orders already held by the world’s two largest aircraft manufacturers, Boeing and Airbus.

Boeing had a backlog of more than 6,800 aircraft orders by the time Uganda Airlines placed its order, including 4,882 B-737s and 1,145 B-787s.

Forecast International estimates that clearing Boeing’s current order book would take close to a decade at prevailing production rates.

For an airline that has operated commercially for barely seven years and still struggling to stay aloft, securing production positions for both narrowbody and widebody aircraft is significant, particularly as airlines globally compete for limited manufacturing capacity.

A source familiar with the matter, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the issue, said Uganda Airlines secured favourable terms with the help of the United States government, which is supporting the transaction through financing and guarantees.

The US Export-Import Bank is said to be involved in the transaction and is expected to provide up to $390 million in financing support towards the acquisition of the eight aircraft.

The involvement of the US government potentially gives the deal a significance beyond the purchase of aircraft, particularly given Uganda’s longstanding strategic relationship with Washington.

The source also intimated that US involvement extended beyond financing, with Washington seeking to secure strategic interests in Uganda in connection with the aircraft transaction, including potential drone operating rights in Kidepo, which has become an area of interest for surveillance operations.

‘The deal is backed by the US government and I expect military aid and rights to play a big deal in it,’ said the source. ‘Boeing can theoretically deliver anytime they want. There are plenty of customers who are in default and whose slots can be shuffled for the right considerations. Moving UR up the ladder shouldn’t be a problem.’

The EastAfrican could not independently verify the allegation that drone operating rights were linked to the aircraft transaction.

Uganda has long hosted US surveillance operations, including the use of unarmed drones from Entebbe. Security research organisation Public Intelligence has previously documented the presence of US surveillance drones in Uganda.

Mr Wake confirmed that the airline is exploring export-credit backed financing structures for the aircraft, in addition to the $119 million in budgetary support it has received from the Ugandan government to fund pre-delivery payments.

‘The options being evaluated include finance leases, operating leases, export credit-backed structures, and other industry-standard aviation financing mechanisms,’ he said.

Boeing’s involvement is also commercially significant for the US manufacturer because the Uganda Airlines order is its first direct Boeing purchase, making the carrier a new customer for both the 737 MAX and 787 Dreamliner.

The order comes as Uganda Airlines seeks to move beyond its current predominantly regional network and build Entebbe into a larger international hub. For the carrier, the fleet expansion is highly consequential. It is the gateway to expanding its network and eventually reducing its dependence on government support.

The airline currently operates a fleet of six aircraft, including two Airbus A330-800 widebodies, alongside smaller aircraft used on regional routes. It has also relied on wet-leased capacity, including aircraft from Ethiopian Airlines, while some of its owned aircraft have been unavailable for operations due to groundings.

It currently serves 17 destinations, mostly within Africa, with London among its longest routes. It is banking on the new fleet to expand beyond regional markets, with direct services to destinations such as New York among its medium-term ambitions, according to sources.

The expansion is also central to the airline’s path to profitability. While it waits for its Boeings, Uganda Airlines plans to lease additional aircraft to support network growth.

‘The airline is pursuing a phased implementation model through strategic leasing arrangements that will commence in 2026 and gradual network growth rather than introducing large amounts of capacity simultaneously,’ Mr Wake said.

‘This will allow the airline to continuously assess market performance and adjust its plans as needed.’

The strategy, however, carries its own risks. Some aviation analysts have questioned the rationale for expanding capacity before Uganda Airlines has established sustained profitability, drawing comparisons with Kenya Airways’ failed 2011 Project Mawingu expansion strategy, which left the Kenyan carrier with a heavy debt burden after its ambitious growth plans unravelled.

Mohamed Hersi, a Kenyan aviation commentator, said Uganda Airlines needed to establish a clear route development strategy and the partnerships necessary to turn Entebbe into a viable transit hub before taking on significant additional capacity.

‘In the absence of that, they’ll just own nice aircraft that bleed money. They should have their routes clear, all the rights and codeshares to develop the traffic to and from Entebbe,’ Mr Hersi said.

Mr Wake said the carrier is aware that fleet growth alone will not guarantee financial success and that expansion will be tied to the performance of individual routes.

‘Sustainable growth is not measured simply by the number of aircraft an airline acquires, but by its ability to deploy those aircraft profitably and efficiently,’ he said.

‘We recognise that aircraft acquisition by itself does not guarantee success. The critical factor is ensuring that capacity growth is directly linked to a clearly defined business strategy.’

The difference between Uganda Airlines and Kenya Airways, however, could ultimately be the extent of government support behind the expansion.

Uganda Airlines has continued to receive state financial support while it builds its network, while the involvement of US export-credit financing could further ease the cost and financing risks associated with acquiring the new aircraft.

That gives Uganda Airlines more room to pursue an expansion that may be difficult for a purely commercial carrier to finance. But it also means that the success of the Boeing order will not be measured only by whether the airline fills its new aircraft.

The bigger test will be whether Uganda can turn the favourable financing, state backing and access to new aircraft into a profitable international network, and avoid repeating the experience of airlines that expanded faster than the markets they were trying to serve.

Police in Kampala are searching for a woman who allegedly poured boiling water on her four-year-old daughter for eating rice without permission.

The suspect, identified as Macline Zabaki, a resident of K3 Zone in Kyambogo, Nakawa Division, fled the scene immediately after the incident and remains at large.

Addressing journalists at the police headquarters in Naguru on Monday, Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson Racheal Kawala revealed that preliminary investigations indicate Zabaki attacked the minor after discovering that cooked rice had been eaten without her consent.

“The suspect allegedly grabbed a boiling kettle and poured hot water directly onto the child. She fled to an unknown location right after,” Kawala said, appealing to anyone with information regarding Zabaki’s whereabouts to report to the nearest police station.

The four-year-old victim was rushed to a medical facility, where she is currently receiving treatment and recovering from her injuries.

Kawala strongly condemned the assault, urging parents and guardians to refrain from using torture under the guise of discipline.

“We urge parents, guardians, and relatives to prioritize the protection and welfare of young children and adopt non-violent discipline methods,” she added.

In a related development, police at Kira Road are holding a 32-year-old man on allegations of defiling a six-year-old girl in Bukoto, Nakawa Division.

The suspect, identified as Lewis Madibo, had visited the victim’s mother at her residence. Police report that Madibo allegedly committed the crime late in the night after the victim’s mother had fallen asleep. He was subsequently arrested and is awaiting charges.

With schools preparing to close for the holidays, police have cautioned parents and guardians to heighten vigilance, noting a historical surge in cases of child abuse and sexual exploitation during school breaks.

Kawala called on local communities to work closely with law enforcement to ensure children remain safe throughout the holiday period.

The High Court in Kampala has convicted nine people over the gruesome 2018 kidnap and murder of businesswoman Susan Magara, bringing to a close one of Uganda’s most notorious ransom killing cases after eight years of investigations and trial.

In an 84-page judgment delivered on Monday, Justice Alex Ajiji found the accused guilty of kidnapping Magara with intent to obtain a hefty ransom before murdering her in cold blood.

Those convicted are: Yusuf Lubega, Mahad Kisalita, Ismail Bukenya, Abubaker Kyewokya, Hassan Wasswa, Abbas Musa Buwembo, Hussein Kato Miiro, Hajjara Nakandi and Muzamir Ssali.

“Accordingly, I agree with the three court assessors that the prosecution has proved the case against each of you, and you are convicted as charged,” Justice Ajiji ruled.

The judge deferred sentencing to Tuesday. Under Uganda’s Penal Code Act, a murder conviction carries a maximum sentence of death by hanging.

The nine had maintained their innocence throughout the trial.

The night of the abduction

Court heard that on the night of February 7, 2018, Magara was abducted outside her home in Lungujja, Kampala, while speaking on the phone with her friend, Yusuf Muhindo.

Mr. Muhindo testified that he heard a struggle during the call before Magara screamed in Luganda, “Temunkuba” (Don’t beat me), after which the line went dead.

Justice Ajiji noted that the evidence established beyond reasonable doubt that Magara was forcibly taken against her will.

“The screaming by the deceased and the abandoned vehicle with its engine still running prove beyond reasonable doubt that she was forcefully abducted,” the judge stated.

Magara’s Toyota RAV4 was later recovered abandoned with its engine still running, while her mobile phones were left inside.

$200,000 Ransom and severed fingers

The following day, the kidnappers contacted Magara’s family demanding a ransom of $1 million (USD), which was later negotiated down to $200,000 (about Shs700 million).

According to the prosecution, initial attempts to collect the ransom between February 15 and 17 failed after the kidnappers suspected police surveillance.

On February 19, the family received a horrific parcel containing two of Magara’s severed fingers alongside a flash drive with a video showing her pleading with her father to pay the ransom. Forensic evidence confirmed she was alive when her fingers were cut off.

“The severed fingers demonstrated the kidnappers’ determination to procure a ransom through intimidation,” Justice Ajiji observed.

The family eventually delivered the ransom money at Kanaaba in Ndejje on February 23. Despite the payment, Magara’s body was discovered four days later at Kitiko-Birongo near the Entebbe Expressway. A postmortem examination concluded she died from asphyxia caused by manual strangulation.

Overwhelming evidence

During the trial, the prosecution called 45 witnesses, while the court summoned an additional witness from the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA). The defence presented 20 witnesses.

Justice Ajiji ruled that the prosecution’s case was backed by overwhelming forensic and circumstantial evidence-including DNA analysis, telephone records, digital forensics, and crime scene findings.

The court relied heavily on telecommunications forensic expert Frank Nyakairu, whose analysis proved that the accused communicated frequently before, during, and after the kidnapping.

Additionally, some of the accused led investigators to where Magara was held, sites planned for ransom collection, and the spot where her body was dumped.

Several of the convicted individuals also acquired expensive assets-including land and motor vehicles-shortly after the ransom was paid.

“The explanations regarding the source of funds were vague and unsupported by evidence. The rapid acquisition of property shortly after the ransom strongly points to proceeds from the crime,” Justice Ajiji said.

Masterminds at large

Justice Ajiji concluded that the accused acted with a common intention to abduct Magara, hold her captive for nearly three weeks, torture her, and ultimately kill her to eliminate a key witness.

Two suspected masterminds of the operation, Yakub Byensi and Hakim Lugolobi, remain at large.

Magara’s abduction in 2018 sent shockwaves across Uganda and prompted high-level security interventions, including direct involvement from President Yoweri Museveni.

Following the verdict on Monday evening, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) welcomed the judgment, stating that “justice has been served.”

Police in Nakaseke District have launched a manhunt for a farm worker accused of hacking his colleague to death on Sunday afternoon following a dispute at a farm in Magoma Village, Kikamulo Sub-county.

The deceased has been identified as Emmanuel Ainemukama, 30, who served as the manager at Herbert’s Farm, where both men resided.

Savannah Region Police Spokesperson, ASP Sam Twiineamazima, said the fatal attack occurred at around 2:00 PM while Ainemukama was preparing herbicides for spraying.

The suspect, identified as Nicholas Kabandize, allegedly attacked Ainemukama with a sharp object, inflicting multiple severe wounds-particularly on his left wrist area-before fleeing the scene and leaving him in a pool of blood.

“A colleague came upon the scene, raised an alarm, and promptly reported the matter to Kiwoko Town Council Police Station,” ASP Twiineamazima noted.

Responding officers documented the scene, opened a murder file, and recorded statements from key witnesses. A search for the murder weapon at the scene yielded no results.

Preliminary police investigations reveal that Kabandize and Ainemukama not only worked together on the farm but also shared a residence. According to investigators, the suspect had previously issued threats against the deceased following an ongoing personal dispute between the two men.

The body of the deceased was retrieved and conveyed to Nakaseke General Hospital mortuary for a postmortem examination.

Police say search efforts are actively ongoing to trace and apprehend Kabandize to face justice in court.

ASP Twiineamazima appealed to members of the public who may have information regarding the suspect’s whereabouts to report to the nearest police station immediately, cautioning citizens against taking the law into their own hands as investigations continue.