Category: Daily Monitor

Internal rifts within the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) have burst into the public domain following the acrimonious resignation of Kasambya County MP David Kabanda from his powerful position as the movement’s General Secretary.

Mr Kabanda announced his departure on Sunday, June 14, 2026, launching a blistering attack on fellow insiders whom he accused of selfishness, financial greed, and extortion.

“There are some people in PLU who think that I am the one blocking their chances of getting what they want. Many are there for other interests like money-to con people,” Mr Kabanda stated during his exit announcement. “They say, ‘You give me money, I take you to Muhoozi,’ but now they see it is Kabanda blocking them. They can even kill you.”

The fallout inside the civic-turned-political movement triggered a swift and sweeping response from the PLU Chairman and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba. By Monday morning, June 15, Gen. Muhoozi had not only accepted Kabanda’s resignation but announced a radical overhaul of the PLU Central Committee, replacing Kabanda with Tingey County MP Fadil Twalla.

The leadership shuffle comes at a critical juncture for Uganda’s political future. Originally founded as the “MK Movement” before rebranding into the PLU, the group has served as the primary vehicle mobilizing support for Gen. Muhoozi-President Yoweri Museveni’s son.

While the PLU has consistently maintained that it operates as a civic organization allied with the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), political analysts view it as a powerful pressure group navigating a complex presidential succession landscape.

In his statement, Gen. Muhoozi sought to frame the restructuring as a strategic evolution rather than damage control, indicating that the movement is pivoting toward stricter governance and state oversight.

“In the next few months, I will appoint a new membership of the Central Committee of PLU. We achieved what we set out for with the previous team. The new challenges that face us need a fresh team,” Gen. Muhoozi announced.

He notably expanded the group’s political footprint by appointing heavy-hitting government officials to the PLU Central Committee. In a move that blurs the lines between state machinery and the mobilization group, Gen. Muhoozi appointed Speaker of Parliament Jacob Marksons Oboth alongside Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa as his “special envoys to Parliament.’

Other key political figures drafted into the new central committee include the Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs Kiryowa Kiwanuka (appointed Vice Chairman for Buganda), Agriculture Minister Frank Tumwebaze, and newly appointed Trade Minister Sanjay Tanna, who will represent the business community.

Despite the corruption allegations raised by the outgoing General Secretary, Gen Muhoozi directed PLU’s National Vice Chairperson, Michael Nuwagira (Toyota), to immediately organize a formal handover ceremony from Mr Kabanda to Mr Twalla, mandating that all PLU-leaning Ministers and Members of Parliament attend.

Gen. Muhoozi also dropped a clear hint about his expanding role in civil governance, declaring that the PLU’s ultimate mandate aligns with the presidency’s grand economic targets.

“PLU’s strategic alliance with NRM is based on achieving results for our people. Our members in the cabinet and parliament must follow the President’s instructions to return to the grassroots and effectively monitor government programmes,” Gen. Muhoozi stated. “Our task as PLU is to achieve Mzee’s target of a $500 billion GDP by 2031! I will supervise ALL government departments to achieve that goal.”

For months, political observers have debated whether the PLU would clash with the traditional NRM establishment or smoothly integrate into it. By absorbing top parliamentary leaders and cabinet ministers into its core committee, the PLU appears to be consolidating its grip on the state apparatus.

While Mr. Kabanda has been retained as an ordinary member of the Central Committee, his public complaints of extortion and “gatekeeping” within the first family’s political circle expose the high-stakes financial and political lobbying happening behind the scenes.

As Uganda edges closer to the next political cycle, the total re-engineering of the PLU signals that Gen Muhoozi is tightening discipline and positioning his closest allies to dominate both the legislature and the executive.

As football fans pour into stadiums across the United States, Canada and Mexico for the 2026 Fifa World Cup, environmental experts are watching a very different scoreboard.

The expanded tournament, featuring 48 teams, 104 matches and 16 host cities, is projected to become the most carbon-intensive World Cup ever staged. While Fifa has unveiled its most ambitious sustainability programme to date, critics argue that the unprecedented scale of the event could overwhelm many of those environmental gains.

Independent assessments estimate the tournament could generate nearly 7.8 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO2e) more than double the emissions officially reported for Qatar 2022 and significantly higher than any previous edition.

The figure would not only represent a World Cup record; it would place the tournament among the most polluting sporting events ever organised.

Environmental price

The biggest factor behind the projected emissions surge is simple: growth.

For the first time in history, the World Cup has expanded from 32 to 48 teams, increasing the number of matches from 64 to 104. More teams mean more flights, more accommodation, more logistics and millions of additional supporter journeys.

The decision to stage the tournament across three countries has further magnified the challenge.

Unlike recent editions held largely within a single host nation, supporters following their teams across North America may be required to travel thousands of kilometres between matches. Teams, officials, sponsors and media personnel face similar demands.

Distances between host cities stretch from Mexico City to Vancouver and from Toronto to Miami, with some journeys exceeding 4,000 kilometres. Aviation experts expect air travel alone to account for the largest share of the tournament’s carbon footprint.

Growing trend

The environmental burden of football’s biggest event has steadily increased over the years.

The 2010 World Cup in South Africa generated an estimated 2.75 million tonnes of carbon emissions. Brazil 2014 produced approximately 2.27 million tonnes, while Russia 2018 was responsible for around 2.16 million tonnes.

The trend reversed sharply in Qatar, where Fifa reported emissions of roughly 3.6 million tonnes for the 2022 tournament.

Now, projections for 2026 suggest the World Cup could more than double that figure.

To put the scale into perspective, the expected emissions would exceed the annual carbon output of several small nations and eclipse the environmental footprint of many Olympic Games.

Fifa’s sustainability gamble

Tournament organisers insist that the World Cup can still deliver a positive environmental legacy.

Through its Sustainability and Human Rights Strategy, Fifa has placed environmental protection at the centre of tournament planning.

Host cities were required to develop environmental action plans, while stadium operators have been encouraged to meet internationally recognised sustainability standards.

The strategy focuses on reducing emissions, improving waste management, promoting sustainable transport and maximising the use of existing infrastructure.

A key pillar of Fifa’s defence is that all 16 stadiums selected for the tournament were already operational before the World Cup was awarded.

Unlike Qatar 2022, where several venues were purpose-built, the 2026 tournament avoids the substantial carbon costs associated with large-scale stadium construction.

Fifa has also aligned its environmental agenda with the United Nations Sports for Climate Action Framework, committing to cut emissions by 50% by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2040.

Host cities have introduced a range of initiatives, including expanded public transport systems, renewable energy projects and enhanced recycling programmes.

Despite those efforts, environmental groups remain unconvinced.

Much of the criticism centres on carbon offsets, schemes through which organisations compensate for emissions by investing in projects such as reforestation, conservation and renewable energy.

Fifa has increasingly relied on offsets as part of its sustainability strategy, arguing that emissions can be measured, mitigated and compensated.

Critics counter that offsets cannot fully erase the environmental consequences of millions of long-haul flights.

The debate intensified after Qatar 2022, when environmental organisations challenged claims that the tournament was carbon-neutral, arguing that some emissions had been underestimated and that offsetting mechanisms were insufficient to balance the overall impact.

For many climate experts, offsets should complement emissions reductions, not replace them.

Climate change is now affecting football itself

There is a growing irony. The same climate crisis that football helps fuel is increasingly affecting how the game is played.

Scientists have warned that rising temperatures and more volatile weather patterns could disrupt matches in several host cities. Organisers have already incorporated heat-management measures into tournament planning, including hydration breaks, cooling strategies and the possibility of adjusting kick-off times.

Climate change is becoming an operational challenge, with heat becoming a tactical and operational factor. The introduction of water breaks, first formally used in Fifa competitions in 2018 and later embedded into the Laws of the Game, has evolved from an occasional emergency measure into a regular feature of elite tournaments in hot climates, including the World Cup.

At the 2026 edition, cooling breaks are a must, while kick-off times are increasingly being adjusted to avoid peak daytime heat.

Future tournaments may increasingly need to consider extreme heat, air quality concerns, water availability and severe weather events when selecting host cities and scheduling matches.

Dear Kakule,

The back, composed of skin, bones, muscles, and nerves, is the area of the human body that extends from the base of the neck to the top of the buttocks. It serves as the body’s structural support and plays a crucial role in movement while also protecting the spinal cord.

The most common cause of back pain typically involves issues related to the skin, bones, muscles, and nerves. However, many Ugandans mistakenly attribute back pain to a lack of intimacy among adults. It is a misconception that abstaining from sex leads to back pain. In reality, chronic back pain can lead to reduced sexual activity, as engaging in sex may not only trigger back pain but can also worsen it if pain is already present.

Treating back pain requires proper diagnosis of the underlying cause, which can be determined through ultrasound scans, CT scans, X-rays, or MRIs. Identifying the cause is essential for effective treatment. To help prevent back pain, it is advisable to engage in regular physical activity (such as walking or swimming), maintain good posture while sitting, standing, or lying down, and bend at the knees and hips instead of the back. Additionally, managing obesity can also reduce the risk of back pain.

If back pain occurs, gentle exercises (rather than prolonged bed rest), physiotherapy, and the application of heat or ice can be beneficial. Over-the-counter pain relievers or muscle relaxants, as recommended by a doctor, may also help.

It is important to note that engaging in sexual activity to alleviate back pain may actually worsen or delay recovery. Consulting a doctor for further evaluation and treatment is advisable if you experience back pain.

As Uganda marks Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, attention is turning to fathers of premature babies. While mothers and newborns receive care, many fathers quietly carry fear, stress, and exhaustion in neonatal wards.

Every morning at exactly 6am, before heading to work, a father would sit quietly in the neonatal intensive care unit with his premature son pressed against his bare chest. For one and a half hours, he barely moved. After that, he would leave for work, spend the day providing for his family, and return in the evening for another six hours of kangaroo care.

Inside the neonatal unit, the atmosphere is a mix of soft alarms, whispered instructions and constant monitoring.

Premature babies often arrive with underdeveloped lungs, weak immune systems and difficulty regulating their body temperature. Even the smallest change in condition can require urgent intervention. For parents, every beep of a monitor becomes a source of anxiety, turning each hour into a quiet battle between hope and fear.

His wife, Mary Lizzie Kawooya, is recovering from severe high blood pressure after delivery and could not hold their baby immediately, so he stepped in. From 6am to 7:30am, he practiced kangaroo care. Then, he would go to work and return from 5:15pm to 11:00pm for more kangaroo care, as she recalls.

Their son had been born prematurely and sometimes struggled to breathe. His heart rate would occasionally drop, making each day feel uncertain. While doctors monitored the baby and relatives checked in on the mother, very few people stopped to ask how the father was coping.

As Uganda marks Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, stories such as his highlight an often-overlooked reality: fathers of premature babies also experience fear, anxiety, and emotional strain, but many carry that burden quietly.

The hidden emotional cost

Preterm birth can be a traumatic experience for an entire family. Parents often find themselves surrounded by medical equipment, complex terminology, and uncertainty regarding their child’s survival.

While much attention is understandably given to mothers and newborns, fathers frequently assume the roles of providers, caregivers, and decision-makers all at once. Research from various countries indicates that fathers of premature infants are more likely to experience anxiety, stress, and depressive symptoms compared to fathers of full-term babies.

John Nuwabiine recalls the fear he felt when his son was born at seven months’ gestation.

‘He was very tiny. Every time a doctor called us, I worried it would be bad news,’ he shares. During this time, he struggled to balance work responsibilities with long hours spent at the hospital. ‘You want to be there for your child and wife, but you also have to think about the bills and everything else that depends on you. It was one of the most stressful periods of my life.’

His perspective changed when nurses introduced him to kangaroo care. ‘They taught me how to hold him skin-to-skin. It was the best feeling to see him grow stronger each day.’

More than kangaroo care

Kangaroo care involves holding a premature or low-birth-weight baby upright against a caregiver’s bare chest for extended skin-to-skin contact. This method helps to regulate the baby’s temperature, breathing, and heart rate, and is recognised by the World Health Organisation as one of the most effective interventions for vulnerable newborns.

In Uganda, where more than 226,000 babies are born each year prematurely, the practice of kangaroo care has become especially important.

Dr Patrick Baingana, a neonatologist, emphasises the importance of fathers as active participants in neonatal care.

‘We encourage both mothers and fathers to participate in kangaroo care,’ he says. ‘Not only does it help the baby thrive, but it also allows parents to contribute to their child’s recovery actively.’

For many fathers, the hours spent holding a fragile newborn become more than just a medical procedure; they provide a sense of purpose during an otherwise frightening experience.

The pressure to stay strong

Despite their involvement, fathers often receive little emotional support during family health crises. Clinical psychologist Sarah Nakanjako notes that many men struggle in silence during these challenging times.

‘Men are often expected to be strong and focus on problem-solving. As a result, they may suppress feelings of fear, anxiety, and emotional distress instead of seeking help,’ she explains.

Many fathers are juggling hospital expenses, transportation costs, work responsibilities, and concerns for both the mother and baby. Some spend nights at the hospital and days at work, functioning on very little rest. Because they rarely discuss these challenges openly, family members may mistakenly assume they are coping well when, in reality, they are not.

When fathers need support too

The burden becomes even heavier when complications arise during pregnancy and childbirth. Kawooya recalls the fear she experienced during her delivery and the uncertainty that followed. ‘In our case, my baby’s heart rate was low, and during those early days, he would sometimes forget to breathe,’ she says.

While she was recovering, her husband became the family’s anchor. ‘He carried so much during that period, but nobody really checked on him. Everyone assumed he was fine because he stayed strong.’

Dr John Sekyanzi, a gynaecologist at Women’s Hospital International and Fertility Centre, explains that preterm births can occur for various reasons, including infections, high blood pressure, diabetes, and multiple pregnancies.

When complications arise, fathers often find themselves in emotionally intense situations without any preparation. Mental health specialists emphasise that fathers also require reassurance, counselling, and opportunities to discuss their fears without judgment.

Asking a different question

As Uganda continues to strengthen maternal and newborn healthcare, experts emphasise the importance of including fathers in discussions about mental health.

‘Neonatal units should create environments that encourage men to participate in care and seek support when needed,’ says Dr Baingana.

Families and communities also play a crucial role in this effort. While the focus often centres on the mother and baby, fathers frequently shoulder invisible emotional and financial burdens.

Every day, men sit beside incubators, comfort their recovering partners, worry about medical bills, and celebrate even the smallest signs of progress. Although they may not always express their fears, that does not mean those fears do not exist.

As Uganda strives to improve newborn survival rates, perhaps an additional question should be considered alongside concerns for the mother and child: how to support fathers in this journey.

Kangaroo care

Kangaroo care is a simple but highly effective method of caring for premature or low-birth-weight babies by placing them upright against a caregiver’s bare chest for extended skin-to-skin contact. The practice helps regulate the baby’s temperature, stabilise breathing and heart rate, and supports weight gain and early bonding between parent and child.

The World Health Organisation recognises kangaroo care as one of the most effective interventions for premature babies, especially in low-resource settings like Uganda where incubator space may be limited and access to specialised neonatal equipment can be constrained. In many neonatal units, both mothers and fathers are now encouraged to take part, turning care of the baby into a shared responsibility.

Youth groups in Masindi District have called on the Resident District Commissioner and the area Member of Parliament to enforce recovery of Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga funds, saying delayed repayments are denying other beneficiaries access to government credit.

Members of the Masindi Youth Millennium Group, village savings groups and boda boda operators said the revolving nature of the funds is being undermined by defaulting beneficiaries, weakening the programmes’ intended impact.

They argue that strict enforcement of repayment would restore circulation of the funds and enable more young people to benefit.

District records show Masindi District received Shs1.6 billion under the programme, targeting enterprises in 19 priority categories, while Masindi Municipality was allocated Shs600 million for SACCO start-ups. An additional 14 of 18 municipal SACCOs later received Shs20 million each for good performance.

Masindi District Commercial Officer Moses Kalyegira said one of the major challenges is widespread misunderstanding of the programme.

‘Some SACCO leaders wrongly assumed this was a donation or political reward. This money is a loan facility with an annual interest rate of eight percent,’ he said.

He said weak financial literacy and poor sensitisation continue to affect repayment performance.

Youth representatives said many of them remain locked out of the programmes due to defaults by earlier beneficiaries.

‘We are asking leaders to ensure those who borrowed government money repay on time. If it is not returned, others like us cannot access it,’ said Irumba Haruna Ismail, secretary of the Masindi Youth Millennium Group.

Ms Janet Namuli said the situation was discouraging and unfair to willing borrowers.

‘We are not against PDM or Emyooga. We only want fairness. If someone borrows, they should pay back so that another youth can also borrow,’ she said on Sunday.

Masindi Resident District Commissioner Darius Nandinda acknowledged the concerns, saying government has already intensified recovery efforts.

‘The intention is clear. These funds are meant to revolve so that many people benefit. When people fail to repay, the system is affected,’ he said.

He added that enforcement teams are working with parish chiefs and district officials to track defaulters.

‘We are following up on those who have not repaid. The money must come back so others can also benefit,’ he said.

Masindi Municipality MP Rogers Byamukama said enforcement must be accompanied by training and support for beneficiaries.

‘Some beneficiaries struggle due to lack of business skills and poor financial planning,’ he said.

He called for stronger supervision, training and monitoring of SACCOs to improve sustainability.

‘We need better monitoring systems. If funds are well managed, they can transform lives,’ he said.

Despite assurances from leaders, youth groups insist immediate action is needed to restore confidence in the programmes and protect the revolving fund system.

Residents of Kitoba Town Council in Hoima District have welcomed the start of construction of a Shs3.1 billion seed secondary school, saying the project will improve access to education and reduce school dropout rates.

The Ministry of Education and Sports has handed over the site for the construction of Kitoba Seed Secondary School in Kiseke Village to Dolphins Consult Engineers and Contractors Company.

Works are expected to begin on June 24 and be completed within 10 months.

The project is being implemented under the government’s programme to establish seed secondary schools in sub-counties and town councils with limited access to secondary education.

Project supervisor Patrick Bongmin from the Ministry of Education said the school will include four classroom blocks, two science laboratories, a multipurpose hall, an administration block, an ICT centre, a library, three staff housing blocks and sports facilities.

“This is a complete education package designed to provide a conducive learning environment for both learners and teachers,” Mr Bongmin said.

Hoima District chairperson Uthuman Mugisha Kadiri described the project as a major achievement for the district after years of lobbying.

“We are very grateful to the government for responding to our concerns. This school will benefit thousands of children who have been struggling to access secondary education,” he said.

Mr Kadiri said the facility would help expand access to education and support community development.

Chief Administrative Officer Hajjat Sarah Aziz Nakalungi urged parents to enrol their children once the school becomes operational.

“Education remains one of the strongest tools for fighting poverty and improving livelihoods,” she said.

She added that the district would closely monitor the project to ensure the contractor adheres to agreed standards and timelines.

Assistant Resident District Commissioner Shafih Ntuuyo said the project demonstrates government’s commitment to improving education infrastructure across the country.

“Education is a key pillar of development. By investing in schools, the government is investing in the future of Uganda,” he said on June 10.

He warned the contractor against compromising quality and called for value for money during implementation.

Residents said the school would ease the burden of transporting children to distant schools and help reduce education costs for families.

Many community members noted that long distances to existing schools have contributed to absenteeism and dropouts among learners.

The handover ceremony was attended by district leaders, officials from Kitoba Town Council, community members and representatives of the contractor.

Ms Grace Amani Katoro, a 17 year old student of Trinity College Nabbingo, Wakiso District was among the best performers in Physics in the S3-S4 category. She was representing the Central Region in the recently concluded Uganda National Physics competition organised by the Uganda Physics Society at Trinity College Nabbingo. Under the S1-S2 category, Mr Simon Ahabwe, a student at Ibanda Secondary School was also recognised for his outstanding performance. According to the organisers, 1,372 students from 48 secondary schools across Uganda participated in the qualifiers for the stage of the competition, with 598 students qualifying for Paper II of the national contest, following a highly competitive first round.

Ms Katoro, attributes her success to hard work, well equipped laboratories, computer laboratories and committed teachers at her school, who she says are always available to guide students. ‘I usually do my own research from the computer laboratory, participate in discussion groups. At the beginning of every term, the class teacher assigns us groups. Each group is given questions that we research on discuss and make presentations in class. This has helped us improve our performance,’ says Ms Katoro, who is the group head. She adds, ‘We have many science teachers who are available and we often conduct practical experiments frequently. We also have test books for reference’.

Ms Katoro advises her peers struggling to excel in the sciences to have a positive attitude towards sciences, as they have a chance to do well, as long as they put in more effort. Ms Immaculate Nassozi Lwanga, the headteacher of Trinity College Nabbingo says the school has applied different strategies to ensure that the girls excel in sciences and dispel a belief that sciences are a preserve for boys. ‘One of the things that we have done is fighting phobia around sciences telling them that they’re doable. We have also attracted female role models to come and engage students including old students who have gone through the system,’ Ms Nassozi Lwanga explains. She also asserts that a formidable team of teachers is key for learners to succeed in the sciences.

‘My students have been exposed to very good teachers. l have a team of young and vibrant teachers. It has helped them to get back to the roots and love the sciences,’ Ms Nassozi Lwanga adds.

Support to more Schools

With government continuing its push for the teaching of sciences in secondary schools to promote economic development, Ms Nassozi Lwanga says a number of gaps should be bridged to realise the science dream. She believes that if government commits to recruit more teachers and check discriminatory pay, the teachers will deliver as expected. In addition, Ms Nassozi Lwanga says government should also consider providing the infrastructure including classrooms, to other schools for the measures to succeed.

Dr Nelson Ndugu, the national coordinator of Uganda National Physics Contest (UNPC), also says that engaging students in science contests helps them to know their weaknesses, address them and excel in sciences. Dr Ndugu says learners, who actively engage in debate clubs, science clubs, vastly interact with nature and engage in collaborative academic activities tend to perform more strongly in analytical and innovation sections of the competition.

He cites the Uganda National Physics contest, as one of the initiatives experts have opted for to promote deeper engagement in Physics and Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines while generating insights that can support improvements in Competency-Based science education across the country. He commends the contribution of Physics teachers from schools that took part in the recent competition, highlighting the importance of mentorship, guidance, in developing scientific talent at secondary school level.

Mr Vincent Elong, the chairperson of Uganda Professional science teachers Union (UPTU) says improving performance in sciences goes beyond salary enhancement. ‘We need infrastructure, material equipment for laboratories and teachers,’ he says. However, Uganda faces a significant shortage of science teachers. While the national policy recommends a student-to-teacher ratio of 1:40, the actual ratio varies drastically. In many government-aided schools, the ratio stands at 1: 90 students. Statistics from the Ministry of Education reveal that the country has approximately 6,500 science secondary school teachers, making for a critical deficit, of 13,000. The government is continuing to push for the recruitment of more science teachers by enhancing their salaries to attract talent and improve performance in STEM subjects.

President Museveni rang the bells of anti-corruption yesterday as he officially launched a 9-day leadership retreat for the newly sworn-in Cabinet Ministers.

Mr Museveni reminded the Ministers about their cardinal roles, which he said will be best done if they turn corruption into their main enemy.

‘Leadership is not all about occupying offices, but discovering your responsibility to the people. Ugandans expect tangible results rather than empty promises,’ he said.

The president’s remarks were hinged on the fight against corruption, which he said undermines the efforts of Uganda’s development agenda.

Uganda, according to the Ombudsman’s June 2024 annual report, loses Shs10 trillion to corruption, which is almost half of its domestic revenue collection.

The report, which covered the periods of July to December 2023 and January to June 2024, calculates that Shs9.144 trillion has slipped through the cracks in the public purse.

Leakages, the report said, are most noticeable via the loss of environmental resources (Shs2.28 trillion), loss of education hours to students (Shs1.46 trillion), and corruption in contract royalties (Shs859.2b). Just as disturbing is the cost of bribing judges (Shs762.90b) and the cost of corruption in procurement (Shs614.41b).

President Museveni reminded ministers that the historical role of his ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) government and post-Independence African leadership is socio-economic transformation.

‘We cannot continue to have people trapped in subsistence production. Our mission is to move every household into the money economy through commercial agriculture, manufacturing, services and ICT. Leaders must guide the people towards wealth creation, value addition, and prosperity. We must build a middle class and a skilled working class. That is the benchmark by which leadership should be judged,’ he said.

Mr Museveni on May 26 named an 83-member Cabinet which he intends to drive the country with in this particular term.

NRM is set to implement a new manifesto under the theme: Protecting the gains as we make a qualitative leap into a high middle-income status.

The manifesto focuses on seven key pillars, including infrastructure development (expansion of roads, electricity, railways, air transport, schools, and health centres), wealth creation (Parish Development Model, Operation Wealth Creation, Emyooga, among others), creation of jobs (factories, commercial agriculture, service sector),

Others are: creation of markets (internal, regional, continental, and international), service delivery (provision of health, education, and security services), and unity and political stability (fighting against internal conflicts, divisive politics, among others).

The manifesto is in line with the ambitious Tenfold Growth Strategy, a transformative economic plan which was launched in 2023, to expand the country’s GDP from roughly $50 billion (Shs187.1 trillion) to $500 billion (Shs1,871.6 trillion) by 2040.

To realise this development, the government zeroed its focus on four key sectors code-named ATMS, including Agro-industrialisation, Tourism, Mineral development, and Science/Technology innovation.

In order to achieve the Tenfold Growth Strategy, the government has been developing its budgets and other development plans in line with these key priority areas.

For instance, the fourth National Development Plan (NDPIV), launched last year and running between FY2025/26 and FY2029/30, aims at accelerating the socio-economic transformation of the country.

This particular development plan was designed to deliver tenfold economic growth, which is expected to be achieved by doubling the size of the economy every five years.

Key objectives of the plan are to: enhance value addition in key growth opportunities; strengthen the private sector to create jobs; consolidate and increase the stock and quality of productive infrastructure; enhance the productivity and social well-being of the population; and strengthen the role of the state in guiding and facilitating development.

Uganda in the FY2025/26 attained the lower-middle-income status after its Gross National Income (GNI) per capita surpassed the $1,136 (Shs4.2 million) threshold, and this, according to the World Bank, was achieved through strong growth in industry, manufacturing, and agriculture, reaching a per capita GDP of roughly $1,306 (Shs4.9 million).

Speaking at the same retreat, the Vice President, Maj (rtd) Jessica Alupo, reiterated the Government’s stance on zero tolerance for corruption, inefficiency, and delays in implementation, noting that Cabinet is committed to ensuring the timely delivery of programmes and Presidential directives.

She highlighted the Government’s commitment to the National Development Plan and the 2026-2031 development framework, aimed at accelerating Uganda’s transition to upper middle-income status and achieving sustainable economic growth.

She further highlighted priority areas including agro-industrialisation, tourism development, science, technology and innovation, as well as value addition, export promotion and import substitution.

Uganda plans to phase out allowances for medical interns by July 2026, a move that has sparked concern among young doctors and hospital staff who say the change could deepen financial strain during one of the most demanding stages of medical training.

At Mulago National Referral Hospital, the morning rush begins long before sunrise. For medical intern Simon Kilama, it starts not with patients or prescriptions, but a quiet calculation: transport, rent, and what will be left for food after the day ends.

He adjusts his white coat, checks his notes, and steps into a system that depends heavily on people like him: young doctors in transition, carrying responsibilities that often feel fully formed, even when their pay does not match the weight of the work.

For Kilama and many interns across Uganda’s public hospitals, the final year of medical training is not just about learning. It is about surviving.

Now, that survival is being questioned.

A government proposal to phase out allowances for medical interns by July 2026 has placed the most vulnerable group in Uganda’s medical pipeline at the centre of a national debate, one that blends health policy, public spending, and the lived reality of becoming a doctor.

Living on the edge

Intern doctors occupy a difficult space in Uganda’s health system. They are graduates of medical school, still under supervision, yet already embedded in the daily work of hospitals. They diagnose, assist in surgeries, manage wards, and respond to emergencies, often in understaffed facilities and under sustained pressure.

Yet for many, the financial reality remains fragile.

‘People think because you are a doctor you are fine,’ Kilama says during a brief break between rounds. ‘But internship is when you are actually struggling the most.’

Most interns rely on a monthly government allowance of about Shs1m to cover rent near hospitals, transport, meals during long shifts, and basic living costs. Without it, some say the transition from university to full professional practice becomes even more difficult.

It is this support that now hangs in the balance.

A policy shift redefining training

The proposed changes fall under broader reforms in health professional training guided by the National Education and Training for Health Policy introduced this year.

Under the new framework, the internship year is being repositioned as part of academic training rather than a paid government placement. Officials argue that interns remain trainees and that the system must reflect that distinction more clearly.

The Ministry of Health says the reforms are intended to streamline training, strengthen supervision, and create a more structured transition from classroom learning to clinical practice.

But on the ground, the shift is felt less as restructuring and more as withdrawal.

‘We are already working in hospitals that are overwhelmed,’ says another intern at a regional referral hospital, who asked not to be named. ‘If you remove the allowance, you are asking people to serve patients while worrying about how to eat.’

Question of sustainability

Government officials say the decision is driven by fiscal pressure and the rising number of medical graduates entering internship programmes each year.

Minister of Health Dr Chris Baryomunsi has argued that while interns play a critical role in the health system, the cost of sustaining allowances has become increasingly difficult to manage.

He says the reforms are part of a broader effort to align health training with available resources as government balances competing national priorities, including infrastructure, security, and service delivery.

Dr Jane Ruth Aceng has similarly stated that the internship year will now be fully integrated into university training structures, reframing it as an academic phase rather than paid employment.

Anxiety in hospital corridors

In hospitals, policy language translates into uncertainty. Interns describe growing anxiety about what comes next; whether they will afford accommodation near facilities, take on debt, or reconsider their career paths altogether.

The clinical workload remains unchanged. Patients continue to arrive in large numbers. Emergencies come without warning. Supervising doctors still expect interns to perform.

What shifts is what happens after the shift ends, when exhaustion meets financial reality.

A debate years in the making

The question of intern allowances is not new.

In 2024, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni raised concerns about the sustainability of the system while addressing medical interns at the Kyankwanzi National Leadership Institute. He noted that the growing number of interns, now in the thousands, was placing increasing pressure on public finances.

While acknowledging the importance of supporting young medical professionals, he pointed to competing national priorities, suggesting that government would struggle to maintain the arrangement indefinitely.

Those remarks are now widely viewed as an early signal of the direction policy would take.

What is at stake

Critics argue that removing allowances risks weakening morale in an already strained health system. They say interns are not only trainees but essential contributors to public healthcare delivery, often filling critical staffing gaps. Some have also questioned government spending priorities, pointing to administrative allocations and arguing that a rebalancing of resources could better support frontline health workers.

Government, however, maintains that comparisons between budget lines do not capture the complexity of national financing decisions, which must account for long-term sustainability.

Back to Kilama

As the afternoon wears on, Kilama returns to the ward. There is little time to dwell on policy debates. A patient needs attention. A procedure must be supervised. Another file is opened.

The rhythm of the hospital continues, regardless of uncertainty beyond its walls.

For his colleague, Lydia Birungi, the concern is more immediate. She travels about four kilometres daily to reach her training hospital and says transport costs already stretch her budget. The allowance, she says, has been essential in keeping her training manageable.

Hospital administrator Dr Joseph Obicci, based in Pader District, says interns remain central to service delivery in public facilities. He describes them as a critical layer of support in overcrowded hospitals, often stepping in during emergencies and easing pressure on senior staff.

For Uganda’s future doctors, the question is no longer theoretical. It is immediate and practical: how to train for a profession built on care while navigating the cost of sustaining oneself within it.

As the system moves toward reform, what remains unresolved is not whether interns learn medicine, but at what personal price they will continue to do so, and what that means for the future of the country’s health workforce.

Key facts

Who becomes an intern: Final-year medical graduates after completing university training

Purpose: One-year supervised clinical practice before full registration as a medical doctor

Placement sites: Public referral hospitals and accredited health facilities across Uganda

Core departments rotated: Medicine, surgery, paediatrics, and obstetrics and gynaecology

Supervision: Conducted under senior medical officers and consultants

Current monthly allowance: Approximately Shs1 million (under existing system)

Status under reform: Allowances set to be phased out under new policy framework by July 2026

Policy goal: Integration of internship into academic training and restructuring of health professional education

Key concern raised: Financial sustainability versus welfare of young medical professionals

Debate status: Ongoing between government, medical associations, and trainees.

Originally, Queen Elizabeth National Park was named Kazinga National Park until 1954 to commemorate a visit by Queen Elizabeth II. I agree with the reasoning at the time because such a gesture was appropriate because Uganda was still under British rule, and associating the park with the British monarchy at that time surely gave Uganda a mark of prestige.

However, in the 1970s, President Amin tried to rename it Mountain Rwenzori National Park, but of course, the royal name was restored later. Therefore, for over 70 years now, our very own spectacle of wilderness has carried the name Queen Elizabeth National Park.

I think we need to ask ourselves whether the name ‘Queen Elizabeth National Park’ is the brand that represents our culture, heritage, and the park. Honestly, it does not because using the name ‘Queen Elizabeth’ as your brand name tells more about British history than the Park’s verdant wilderness. Even the lakes surrounding the park seem foreign to us. What heritage connection do King George V, (where Lake George derives its name), and King Edward VII, (where Lake Edward derives it name), have with those lakes?

If not for the UPDF, Uganda Wildlife Authority marine officers, and local fishermen, I don’t think there is any other Ugandan who has been on either Lake Edward or George. Most people have only been on Kazinga Channel, perhaps because it kept the name. Some can’t even differentiate between Edward and George unless you show them a map first. That’s how bad we have lost connection to our heritage.

Similarly, the name ‘Queen Elizabeth’ doesn’t resonate with the wildlife or the culture of the local communities like Bakonzo and Banyaruguru or the ecological significance of the area, at least. It is just a commemorative label preserving a legacy of a queen who has long passed on and whose surviving family has no interest whatsoever in promoting or preserving the park. No senior British Royal has made a publicized visit to the park. No royal foundation has ever been established as a conservation partnership anchored on the park’s name. We are merely honoring a British queen in perpetuity without receiving anything in return.

By comparison, most successful safari destinations in Africa have kept their native names. Look at Serengeti in Tanzania, Maasai Mara in Kenya, the Okavango Delta in Botswana, and our own Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. They have become globally recognised precisely because they retained names rooted in local heritage and culture.

In a competitive tourism market where Uganda is already undervalued relative to its ecological wealth, I am afraid, carrying a name that doesn’t resonate with its rich tapestry is measurably putting us at a disadvantage.

We need to tell our own story, one rooted in our own history and identity.

Names matter because they shape how we understand places. They tell a story. It’s high time we changed from colonial names because we can’t sell or promote something we are not emotionally connected to.

People are promoting the Rwenzori Marathon because there is a heritage connection between the Rwenzori Mountains and the people.

It is easy to sell because we speak the name Rwenzori with pride since culturally embedded names generate stronger emotional resonance and invite national pride.