Category: Daily Monitor

The National Resistance Movement (NRM) has bounced back at the grassroots in Jinja City, winning 113 of the 141 Local Council I seats, a sharp contrast to the presidential and parliamentary polls where opposition parties dominated.

While the opposition swept all parliamentary constituencies and Division Mayor seats in the city, village-level results told a different story. The remaining 28 LC1 seats were shared between independent candidates and opposition flag bearers.

Mr Medi Mbentyo, the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) national deputy head of mobilisation, blamed the opposition’s losses on disunity at the grassroots.

“This tendency of division among opposition supporters at the grassroots costs them seats. I have always said this and will continue to remind our members,” he said.

He explained that the divisions create indiscipline among members, leading to the rejection of candidates fronted by the parties.

Mr Mbentyo, a resident of Kyamagwa in Jinja North Division, added that some locals view opposition candidates as unruly and unfit to lead, giving an advantage to the more organised NRM candidates.

He advised opposition members to work with elected chairpersons to promote unity instead of attacking them.

Mr. Peter Okocha Kasolo, a retired politician formerly affiliated with the National Unity Platform (NUP), agreed, saying opposition candidates focused more on attacking President Yoweri Museveni instead of selling their own plans.

“Opposition flag bearers had nothing to tell residents apart from criticising President Museveni and his government. This made them lose seats because locals viewed them as leaders without a clear agenda,” Mr. Kasolo said.

The former Jinja City mayor observed that NRM candidates came with credible manifestos that helped them convince voters.

Mr. Kasolo said the NRM remains strong at the grassroots where voters consider practical community issues.

He cited lack of integrity and discipline among opposition candidates as another factor.

He explained that opposition parties often pick outspoken individuals as flag bearers, while the NRM carefully selects candidates for village elections, ‘recognising that grassroots leadership is the foundation of governance.’

Jinja City NRM General Secretary Mr. Medi Ntuyo said issuing party cards to trusted community members played a key role in the victories.

‘We realised that the candidates chosen as flag bearers in the first elections were not carefully selected. In fact, I personally wrote a minority report advising party members about the mistake we had made, but my concerns were ignored. This time, we took time to identify the best candidates, and that is what helped us secure the victories,’ Mr. Ntuyo said.

He added that the party intensified voter mobilisation after selecting individuals with integrity and a strong reputation.

Mr. Ntuyo said flag bearers also approached city party leaders for support in vote canvassing, ‘unlike some parliamentary candidates who were given party cards but expected party members to look for them.’

The head of ideology and training at NUP, Pastor Andrew Muwanguzi, was non-committal on the party’s poor showing at LC1 level.

‘Thank you very much for giving me the opportunity to comment on our candidates defeated in Jinja City, but there is not much I can say at the moment,’ Mr. Muwanguzi said in a brief telephone interview.

Mr Badiru Nabugo, the elected LC1 chairperson for Mainstreet West Village in Jinja South Division, attributed his unopposed victory to community relations.

‘For me, I respect everyone in the village. This is why my opponents were discouraged by the residents themselves, who described me as a gentleman,’ he said.

The incumbent chairperson said offering free stamping services to residents also helped him win support.

Uganda recorded a 6.85 percent decline in human trafficking cases reported to law enforcement in 2025, according to a new report by the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

The National Report on Countering Trafficking in Persons in Uganda, released on July 30 in Kampala during the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, indicates that reported cases decreased from 1,068 in 2024 to 1,002 in 2025.

The report, compiled by the Coordination Office for Prevention of Trafficking in Persons (COPTIP) in collaboration with partner Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), highlights evolving trends in trafficking patterns, prosecution efforts, and victim demographics across the country.

A decade-long trend

The 2025 decline follows a volatile decade of reported trafficking statistics in Uganda. Police records show that 125 cases were registered in 2016, rising to 177 in 2017 and 286 in 2018, before dipping to 252 in 2019.

The COVID-19 pandemic period saw a sharp drop to 21 reported cases in 2020, followed by a surge to 421 in 2021 and a historic peak of 1,200 cases in 2022. The numbers stabilized slightly at 1,006 cases in 2023 before the recent downturn.

Despite the marginal drop in 2025, officials caution against assuming the crime rate is declining.

Speaking at the launch, Mr. David Basalirwa, the Deputy National Coordinator of the Coordination Office for Countering Trafficking in Persons, noted that numbers can be deceptive.

‘The decrease does not necessarily mean that trafficking cases are reducing,’ Mr. Basalirwa explained. ‘In fact, it may mean that the public is now better equipped to detect them, identify traffickers, and avoid falling victim to trafficking schemes.’

Children and domestic exploitation dominate

Of the 1,002 cases reported to police in 2025, child trafficking accounted for more than half of all offences. A total of 555 cases (55.38 percent) involved children, while adult human trafficking accounted for 447 cases (44.61 percent).

A breakdown of victim demographics shows that a total of 1,272 victims were identified and registered in 2025. Under child trafficking, 618 juvenile victims were rescued-comprising 479 female juveniles and 139 male juveniles-underscoring that young girls remain the most vulnerable demographic.

Among adult victims, 654 individuals were registered, including 344 males and 310 females.

Data from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) reveals that domestic trafficking remains the primary threat, outstripping cross-border operations. Out of 1,042 total files registered by the ODPP in 2025, domestic cases accounted for 1,019 (over 97 percent), while transnational trafficking accounted for just 23 cases (slightly over 2 percent).

This mirrors 2024 trends, where 941 of 966 cases (97 percent) were domestic, and continues a multi-year trend of high domestic exploitation compared to 2022, when transnational cases reached a high of 10 percent (63 out of 589 cases).

Monthly records show that trafficking registrations peaked in January 2025 with 100 cases (58 child and 42 adult cases), followed closely by July (97 cases), and March and October (92 cases each). Reported incidents dropped to their lowest point in December with 61 cases.

Prosecutions and conviction record

Out of the 1,002 cases reported to the police in 2025, 393 were prosecuted in court. This yielded 42 convictions, 5 acquittals, and 21 dismissals, while 335 cases remain pending in court.

Mr. Basalirwa highlighted the 42 successful convictions secured by the ODPP as a major breakthrough for regional justice efforts.

‘This is the highest number of convictions when it comes to trafficking in persons in the region-an indication that multi-stakeholder engagements in addressing trafficking in persons are yielding tangible achievements,’ he said.

Technology as a new frontier

Stakeholders at the event warned that human traffickers are increasingly moving away from physical coercion to digital exploitation.

Mr. Damon Wamara, Board Chairperson of the Coalition Against Trafficking in Persons in Uganda (CATIPU), cautioned that digital platforms have become primary recruitment grounds.

‘Technology is an enabler of this crime,’ Wamara warned. ‘Traffickers are no longer operating in the shadows or coming with physical chains. Instead, they recruit openly through online platforms such as Facebook and WhatsApp.’

Officiating as the Chief Guest, Cabinet Minister Prof. Ephraim Kamuntu likened modern human trafficking to historical atrocities.

‘As I listen to the presentations and the testimonies given by survivors, it reminds me of the slave trade,’ Prof. Kamuntu said. ‘Human trafficking is not merely a criminal offence; it is a serious violation of human dignity and fundamental human rights that demands our collective effort.’

Prof. Kamuntu expressed deep government concern over online recruitment scams targeting young Ugandans for forced labor and sexual exploitation abroad, committing to stronger border control, enhanced investigations, and international bilateral cooperation.

Five-year strategy launched

To counter the evolving threat, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Chairperson of the National Task Force on Combating Trafficking in Persons, Lt. Gen. Joseph Musanyufu, announced a new five-year strategic intervention.

Lt. Gen. Musanyufu noted that the newly launched National Action Plan (2026-2031) will establish a comprehensive roadmap focusing on prevention, victim protection, prosecution of perpetrators, and multi-agency partnerships.

This year’s commemoration was held under the theme: ‘Trapped behind the scam: Strengthening Governance, Digital Innovation and Partnerships to Prevent Human Trafficking.’

For decades, beauty pageants have largely been judged by glamorous evening gowns, dazzling smiles and the coveted crown that ultimately lands on one contestant’s head. But for Ugandan pageantry personality and women’s empowerment advocate Ronah Vivian Kisakye , the crown should be the beginning of a journey-not its destination.

That philosophy came to life over the weekend when she hosted the inaugural Queens Affair 2026 at Kampala Serena Hotel, an event that sought to redefine the role of beauty queens by shifting the conversation from physical beauty to leadership, entrepreneurship and personal growth.

Held under the theme “Beyond the Crown: Women Thriving in Professional, Creative and Business Spaces,” the gathering attracted beauty queens, entrepreneurs, professionals, creatives and policymakers for an evening dedicated to celebrating women making meaningful contributions in their respective fields.

For Kisakye, the event was born out of a desire to challenge long-held stereotypes surrounding pageantry.

“Pageantry has often been viewed as a competition centered around beauty, but a crown represents much more. It symbolizes leadership, service, resilience, purpose and influence,” she said.

She believes many titleholders possess the potential to become influential leaders, entrepreneurs and advocates but often lack the mentorship, exposure and networks needed to transition successfully beyond the pageant stage.

It is that gap that Queens Affair hopes to bridge.

Rather than focusing solely on crowns and titles, the initiative aims to connect young women with accomplished leaders who can equip them with practical skills in business, leadership, advocacy and the creative economy.

The inaugural event featured several notable speakers, among themKenya’s High Commissioner to Uganda, H.E. Hon. Ababu Namwamba,who encouraged women to embrace regional partnerships and view East Africa as a shared space for innovation, enterprise and leadership.

Also taking to the stage was Irene T. Kauma , Permanent Secretary in the Office of the First Lady and the Ministry of Education and Sports, who delivered a keynote address titled Leading Beyond the Crown. She challenged participants to pursue leadership rooted in purpose and to build legacies that extend far beyond their years in pageantry.

Business and leadership mentor Manuela P Mulondo added another dimension to the discussions, urging participants to discover their purpose and use their talents to create positive change within their communities.

One of the evening’s defining moments came with the unveiling of theEmpower Her Initiative , a mentorship programme designed to nurture young girls in the pageantry industry into confident leaders, professionals and changemakers.

According to Kisakye, the programme will not end with a single annual event.

Instead, it is envisioned as a long-term movement that will continue through mentorship programmes, leadership forums, networking opportunities, business masterclasses and community outreach initiatives aimed at empowering women across Uganda and the wider region.

Her vision reflects a broader shift taking place within modern pageantry, where beauty queens are increasingly expected to become advocates for social change rather than simply ambassadors of fashion and elegance.

Across the globe, pageant winners are using their platforms to champion education, mental health, climate action, gender equality and entrepreneurship. Kisakye believes Uganda’s pageantry industry should embrace the same evolution.

For her, true queenship is measured not by the sparkle of a tiara but by the lives one touches after the spotlight fades.

With Queens Affair, she hopes to create a generation of women who understand that while a crown may open doors, it is leadership, service and purpose that ultimately define the legacy they leave behind.

Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has called on regional military leaders to unite, innovate, and demonstrate unwavering resolve to safeguard peacekeeping operations in Somalia as the mission faces shrinking international funding and a changing diplomatic landscape.

Speaking on Wednesday at the opening of the Extraordinary Meeting of Chiefs of Defence Forces from Troop-Contributing Countries (TCCs) to the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) at Speke Resort Munyonyo, Gen. Kainerugaba warned that tightening financial constraints are already undermining frontline operations.

“These are difficult circumstances, but they also call for our unity, creativity, and resolve,” Gen. Kainerugaba told regional military chiefs. “The future of our mission, and the sacrifice and progress we have all made together in Somalia, depend on the quality of the decisions we make at moments like this.”

The high-level military gathering comes at a critical juncture as the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) prepares to wrap up its logistical operations by December 31, 2026. The shift presents a pivotal window for African troop contributors to fast-track self-sustaining, African-led logistical frameworks.

Gen. Kainerugaba revealed that UNSOS has already slashed its financial and operational support to AUSSOM and the United Nations Guard Unit by 25 percent. The reductions have forced frontline commanders to adjust operational priorities, threatening the gains made against the Al-Shabaab insurgency over the last two decades.

Adding to the mission’s uncertainty, the Ugandan army chief highlighted shifting international diplomatic dynamics, noting indications that the United States will not support renewing AUSSOM’s United Nations Security Council mandate if it remains tied to the existing UN support framework.

Against this backdrop, Gen. Kainerugaba emphasized that African nations must shoulder full responsibility to fund and sustain peacebuilding efforts beyond December 2026.

“As Chiefs of Defence Forces, we are responsible for providing clear military guidance and strategic direction at a time when the mission environment is changing,” he stated, urging delegates to approach discussions with frankness and a shared purpose.

The military chiefs’ technical deliberations form the first leg of a crucial three-day regional summit held under the theme, “To Sustain the Stabilization Process in Somalia.” The outcomes will feed into a comprehensive strategic report to be presented to Defence Ministers on July 30, which will guide regional Heads of State during the 15th Extraordinary Summit on July 31.

The summit brings together military delegates, defense ministers, and heads of state from AUSSOM member countries, including Uganda, Burundi, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Egypt, and Kenya, along with host nation Somalia. Uganda was the first nation to deploy troops to Somalia under the original African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) in 2007.

Brig. Gen. Ibrahim Mohamed Mahmoud, Commander of the Somali National Armed Forces, expressed deep gratitude to the peacekeeping forces for their long-standing sacrifices in stabilizing Somalia.

Echoing Gen. Kainerugaba’s stance, the Head of the AU Peace Support Operations Division, Brig. Gen. Cheick Dembele, stressed that unbroken African solidarity remains vital as the African Union continues its commitment to build robust Somali security institutions capable of maintaining lasting peace.

Vipers continue their quest for a first Cecafa Kagame Cup title when they take on regional giants APR in their final group game at Amahoro Stadium in Kigali on Thursday evening.

The reigning Uganda Premier League champions are in pole position to reach the semifinals and need just a point to finish top of Group A.

The Venoms started their campaign with a 3-0 thrashing of Djibouti side Garde Republicaine before edging Kenyan side Gor Mahia 1-0 on Monday.

The results left the Venoms top of Group A with 6 points, while Gor Mahia are second with three points, and ahead of APR FC with a better goal difference.

The group winners from the three groups at the competition earn direct tickets to the semifinals alongside the best second placed side from the three groups.

“The game will be difficult because the opponent needs to win to have a chance to reach the semifinal. They want to press up and have to score many goals to reach the semifinals but we are ready and motivated and want to do the best and win this game because we need a draw to finish first but the better way to finish first is to win but it’s not easy so we have to fight like we fight against Gor Mahia in the last game,” Vipers coach Denis Lavagne said before the game.

The Frenchman who is handling his first assignment after being appointed is expected to ring more changes to a deep squad that has not yet required the services of returning star striker Caesar Manzoki.

In his absence, Lavagne still made six changes to the team that started the first game with substitute Gusto Mulongo coming up clutch for the Venoms against Gor Mahia with a fine header to seal a 1-0 win deep into added time.

Another returning star boy, Farouk Miya hogged the headlines with a brace in the opening game against Garde Republicaine with Karim Watambala adding the third in a dominant first half display.

They now play an APR side whose midfield is expected to be marshaled by former SC Villa captain Ronald Ssekiganda with another former Villa attacker Hakim Kiwanuka also on the club books.

The host side are desperate to avoid an early exit after a slow start saw them suffer a surprise 5-0 loss to Gor Mahia in the first game before dispatching Garde Republicaine 3-1.

A big win on Thursday will however lift them level on six points with Vipers with APR also expected to reach that tally with a win over whipping boys Garde Republicaine in a three-way fight for the semifinals.

The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has expressed concern over the collapse of opposition politician Dr Kizza Besigye during his treason trial, urging the Judiciary to safeguard his constitutional right to a fair and public hearing.

In a statement issued on Thursday, ULS president Isaac Ssemakadde said the lawyers’ body was deeply concerned by reports that Dr Besigye collapsed in court during proceedings before High Court judge Emmanuel Baguma.

Dr Besigye collapsed in the court dock during proceedings on Wednesday after protesting the commencement of his treason trial, arguing that he had been denied legal representation of his choice.

He was later rushed to Mulago National Referral Hospital for medical attention.

His choice of legal representation is Martha Karua, who has since been barred from accessing the country, and former Kampala Lord Mayor, who is currently in jail over related charges of misprision of treason.

Also in their statement, the Law Society criticised what it described as last-minute restrictive guidelines, saying they limited media access, photography, live broadcasting and public scrutiny of the proceedings.

According to ULS, the restrictions undermine the constitutional guarantee of a public hearing.

“While Article 28(1) of the Constitution guarantees every person the right to a fair hearing within a reasonable time, we must caution that haste must not be mistaken for the speediness of justice. Rushing proceedings at the expense of fundamental safeguards – such as proper legal representation, medical fitness of the accused and transparency – does not serve justice; it undermines it,” Mr Ssemakadde said.

He added that every accused person, regardless of the charges they face, is entitled to a fair and public trial under Article 28 of the Constitution.

“This includes the right to legal representation of their own choice, adequate time and facilities to prepare a defence, and open justice through transparent proceedings,” he said.

The lawyers’ body argued that proceeding with state-appointed lawyers despite Dr Besigye’s objections, while his preferred lawyers allegedly faced documented obstacles, risked undermining confidence in the judicial process.

ULS also questioned the handling of pending applications related to the case, including Miscellaneous Application No. 269 of 2026 seeking a stay of proceedings and Miscellaneous Application No. 248 of 2026 concerning alleged interference with the defence team.

According to the statement, proceeding before those applications are determined could erode the integrity of the trial.

The society called on the court to ensure that Dr Besigye receives independent and appropriate medical care following his collapse in court.

It also urged the Judiciary to review the publicity restrictions, engage the Bar and media on balanced guidelines for court coverage, and prioritise live streaming of the proceedings through official Judiciary platforms and accredited media to promote open justice.

The lawyers further asked the court to hear and determine the pending miscellaneous applications expeditiously and grant any necessary adjournments to safeguard due process.

“The Bar will continue to monitor this matter closely and stands ready to defend the independence of the legal profession and the rule of law. We urge the Judiciary leadership to heed growing public concern over this case before irreversible damage is done to the institution’s credibility,” Mr Ssemakadde said.

The four-time former presidential candidate is accused of hatching a plot to overthrow the current government by force of arms.

He is jointly charged with his political ally Hajj Obeid Lutale and UPDF officer Denis Oola.

They deny the charges.

President Yoweri Museveni has called on East African countries to remove trade barriers and resist protectionist policies, arguing that restrictions on cross-border trade are undermining the East African Common Market and limiting economic opportunities for citizens and businesses.

The President made the remarks on Wednesday while receiving credentials from four newly appointed diplomats at State House Entebbe, including Kenya’s High Commissioner-designate, Ababu Namwamba, South Korea’s Ambassador-designate, Sangho Lee, Tanzania’s High Commissioner-designate, Maj. Gen. Marco Elisha Gaguti, and Namibia’s High Commissioner-designate, Gabriel Pandureni Sinimbo.

During talks with the Kenyan envoy, Mr Museveni said regional economic integration would only succeed if member states allowed the free movement of goods and services across borders.

He said high taxes and restrictions imposed on goods traded between East African countries weaken the common market and hurt consumers and businesses.

“The United States started with only 13 states but eventually expanded to 50. That large market has made it one of the strongest economies in the world. East Africa should learn from such examples and continue building a strong common market,” Mr Museveni said.

The President cited Uganda’s decision to continue allowing imports of Tanzanian rice despite concerns from local rice farmers who have previously called for restrictions on the commodity for their lower prices.

According to Mr Museveni, banning the imports would have negatively affected Tanzanian producers and the general economy, denied Ugandan consumers access to cheaper rice and reduced competition among local producers.

He argued that regional integration requires countries to prioritise long-term economic growth over short-term protectionist interests.

His remarks come amid recurring trade disputes within the East African Community (EAC), where member states have occasionally accused one another of imposing non-tariff barriers that hinder the movement of goods.

Kenya’s High Commissioner-designate, Mr Namwamba, said strengthening trade ties between Uganda and Kenya would be among his key priorities towards sustainable economic growth and prosperity.

“Commercial diplomacy is going to be at the top of my priorities during my tenure of duty to promote and increase the volume of trade between the two countries,” he said.

He also pledged to advocate for the free movement of goods between the two neighbouring countries, saying eliminating unnecessary trade barriers would benefit businesses and citizens on both sides of the border.

The East African Business Council estimates that trade restrictions cost the region roughly $10 billion every year in lost opportunities.

During a separate meeting, South Korea’s Ambassador-designate, Mr Lee, reaffirmed his country’s commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation with Uganda.

‘Among my priorities is to make sure cooperation deepens between the two countries in areas of mutual interest and building on decades of friendly relations,’ he said.

Mr Museveni used the occasion to reflect on Uganda’s long-standing ties with both South Korea and North Korea, noting that Korean professionals have worked in Uganda for decades.

“Koreans have been here since 1966. I remember when I was in secondary school, many Korean doctors came to Uganda. We are very happy with South Korea, and we have good relations with North Korea as well,’ he said.

The President also received credentials from Tanzania’s Maj. Gen. Gaguti and Namibia’s Mr Sinimbo, who both pledged to strengthen cooperation between their countries and Uganda.

‘Uganda remains committed to working closely with friendly nations in advancing shared development goals and promoting regional stability,’ Mr Museveni noted.

The presentation of credentials formally authorizes ambassadors and high commissioners to represent their countries in Uganda and marks the start of their diplomatic assignments.

Watoto Church will host this year’s Buganda Kingdom thanksgiving service as the kingdom prepares to commemorate the 33rd coronation anniversary of Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II.

The thanksgiving service, scheduled for July 31, Friday, will bring together Buganda Kingdom officials, religious leaders and subjects of the Kabaka to give thanks to God for the monarch’s reign and the progress registered over the past 33 years.

The Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, said the annual commemoration of the Kabaka’s coronation has been a practice in the kingdom since 1993 and remains important because the coronation represents the heritage and continuity of Buganda.

‘We commemorate the coronation because it signifies the heritage of the Kingdom of Buganda. The coronation is a symbol of our victory as subjects of the Kabaka because the Kabaka is the custodian of our value systems,’ Mr Mayiga said.

He said the Kabaka’s enthronement gives the people of Buganda hope that their beliefs, traditions and value systems will continue to survive for generations.

‘When he was enthroned, it meant that our value systems were still alive. The coronation fills us with hope about the continuity of our beliefs and value systems as the people of Uganda,’ he said.

Mr Mayiga said the 33-year reign of Kabaka Mutebi has also yielded significant benefits in various sectors, including health, education, environmental protection, poverty eradication and employment creation.

‘We notice lots of progress in different areas: in health, education, environmental protection and poverty eradication. There has also been provision of employment through the many organisations and companies that the Kabaka has established in the last 33 years,’ he said.

He added that the Kabaka’s reign has contributed significantly to the well-being of the people of Uganda, while emphasising that the cardinal role of the monarch remains the protection and promotion of the cultural values and beliefs of his people.

Mr Mayiga said the coronation anniversary also provides an opportunity to reflect on the importance of cultural values and the need for current and future generations to protect their heritage.

The decision to hold the thanksgiving service at Watoto Church is part of the kingdom’s tradition of commemorating the coronation anniversary in different places of worship.

In 2024, the thanksgiving service was held at Namirembe Cathedral, while in 2025 the kingdom held the event at Kibuli Mosque.

This year’s celebrations will be held under the theme, ‘Fortitude as We Sustain and Promote Our Beliefs and Value Systems.’

Katikkiro said the theme calls upon the people of Buganda to remain steadfast in protecting and promoting the beliefs and values that have shaped the kingdom for generations.

The coronation anniversary organising committee is chaired by the First Deputy Katikkiro, Owek. Joseph Kawuki, deputised by Owek. Robert Serwanga. Other members include Owek. Noah Kiyimba, Owek. Israel Kazibwe Kitooke, Owek. Ahmed Magandaazi Matovu, the Permanent Secretary in the Katikkiro’s Office, the Chief of Protocol and the Commander of the Kabaka’s Protection Unit.

Watoto Church welcomes honour

Senior Pastor Julius Rwotlonyo described Watoto Church’s selection to host the Buganda Kingdom thanksgiving service as a historic honour, saying the church readily embraced the opportunity to join the kingdom in giving thanks to their King.

Pastor Rwotlonyo said the invitation from Katikkiro Mayiga reflected the spirit of unity and inclusiveness promoted by the Kabaka.

He revealed that although he initially sought time to consult church leaders before responding to the request, they unanimously agreed that hosting the thanksgiving service was consistent with the church’s mission.

‘After careful consideration, there was nothing that would stop us from hosting the Buganda Kingdom as it comes to honour God. We are grateful to Katikkiro and the organising team for entrusting us with this responsibility,’ Pastor Rwotlonyo said.

He pledged that Watoto Church would do everything possible to ensure the service glorifies God while honouring Kabaka Mutebi and the people of Buganda.

Pastor Rwotlonyo noted that although the kingdom has previously held thanksgiving services with different faith communities, Watoto Church becomes the first Evangelical Pentecostal church to host the event.

‘We do not take this opportunity lightly. It is a privilege to be part of the kingdom’s tradition of thanksgiving, and we are committed to making it a memorable occasion,’ he said.

This year’s thanksgiving service is expected to bring together Buganda Kingdom officials, religious leaders and members of the public to celebrate the Kabaka’s 33 years on the throne and pray for the continued peace, unity and prosperity of Buganda and Uganda.

Police in Kampala are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a 33-year-old man who was electrocuted while installing internet services at the African Shan Dong Industrial Park in Luzira, Nakawa Division.

The Kampala Metropolitan Police Deputy Spokesperson, Mr Luke Owoyesigyire, said the incident occurred at about 5pm on Wednesday, July 29.

According to police, the deceased had signed into the company’s visitors’ register earlier that afternoon to install internet services at one of the factories within the industrial park.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the man accessed the roof above the main gate, where partially connected internet cables had been routed, and is suspected to have come into contact with overhead three-phase power lines, resulting in fatal electrocution.

“Upon receiving the report, a team from Kitintale Police responded to the scene. Officers documented and examined it, while technical personnel from the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) and the Fire Prevention and Rescue Services assisted in retrieving the body from the roof,” Mr Owoyesigyire said.

The body was taken to Mulago City Mortuary for a post-mortem examination as investigations continue.

Police said statements have been recorded from witnesses to help establish the exact circumstances surrounding the incident.

Mr Owoyesigyire urged companies and individuals undertaking work near electricity infrastructure to strictly observe safety measures.

“We urge individuals and companies undertaking work near electrical installations to observe all safety precautions and ensure power is isolated where necessary before commencing any work to prevent similar tragedies,” he said.

The fatal incident comes amid continued concern over fire and electrical safety in the country.

According to the Police Annual Crime Report 2025, police recorded 1,310 fire incidents and rescue operations during the year, down from 1,595 cases in 2024.

Of these, 1,000 were fire incidents while 310 were rescue operations. Police successfully responded to and managed 970 fires, while 20 incidents had already been contained before emergency teams arrived and 10 turned out to be false alarms.

Kampala Metropolitan Police registered the highest number of fire incidents, recording 184 cases during the year.

Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has formally cleared Nation Media Group (NMG)-Uganda to resume operations, exactly one month after the country’s largest independent media house was shut down in a military crackdown that disrupted its television, radio and newspaper platforms.

In a July 29 letter addressed to NMG-Uganda Managing Director Susan Nsibirwa, UCC Executive Director Nyombi Thembo wrote: “I am pleased to inform you that I have received instructions from H.E. the President of the Republic of Uganda clearing re-opening of your businesses.”

The regulator’s notice came a day after Taifa Group announced that Museveni had authorized the resumption of NMG’s operations in Uganda, capping weeks of high-level engagements involving the Ugandan leader, first son and Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, and NMG majority shareholder Rostam Azizi, whose investment vehicle, Taifa Limited, this year acquired a controlling 54.08 percent stake in Nation Media Group, East Africa’s largest independent media conglomerate.

Announcing the planned resumption of operations, NMG PLC Chairman Joe Muganda emphasized that the media house “would remain focused on the delivery of trusted and balanced journalism across all our platforms.”

Daily Monitor readers are expected to access the newspaper’s remotely produced e-paper edition and online news updates from 6am Thursday, marking the first major phase of the company’s digital restoration, according to NMG-Uganda General Manager Editorial Allan Chekwech.

NTV Ugandawill also return initially through its digital platforms, with its premium 7pm Akawungeezi news bulletin expected to air online on Thursday before the gradual restoration of conventional broadcasting services.

Chekwech Wednesday evening said the company would progressively reactivate all its legacy platforms, including Spark TV, 93.3 KFM and 90.4 Dembe FM, as technical and operational arrangements are completed.

The phased restoration follows a month of negotiations involving government officials, NMG’s new majority shareholder and the media group’s management.

In a July 28 statement, Taifa Group, welcomed the reopening as it reaffirmed its backing for the company’s editorial mission.

“As the majority shareholder of NMG, we fully support the Group’s commitment to fair, balanced, independent and responsible journalism that informs, educates and contributes positively to public discourse. We share the Group’s core mission of positively influencing society and believe that a strong, professional and responsible media plays an important role in supporting national development, good governance and regional integration,” the company said.

NMG’s operations were disrupted shortly after midnight on June 28 when security personnel raided Daily Monitor premises in Namuwongo and the Kampala Serena International Conference Centre, home to the NTV Uganda and Spark TV broadcast houses.

The operation resulted in a power outage that forced NTV Uganda and Spark TV off air at 5am that Sunday, while also disrupting operations across the media group’s newspaper platforms as well as its radio stations, 93.3 KFM and 90.4 Dembe FM.

The affected NMG premises were rendered inaccessible to hundreds of staff following the crackdown.

The shutdown was instituted on the orders of Gen Muhoozi, citing guidance from his father.

Gen Muhoozi said the action was prompted by what he described as a “sustained blackmail campaign by the media group against the government of Uganda and its leadership, alongside promoting opposition and foreign interests at the expense of Uganda.”

As negotiations gathered pace, NMG on June 30 internally suspended its online presence to create a conducive environment for high-level discussions aimed at resolving the impasse.

On July 1, Azizi met Gen Muhoozi at the Special Forces Command headquarters in Entebbe. The meeting was also attended by Saam Azizi and Ms Georgia Mutagaywa, Chief of Staff of Taarifa Limited, as discussions over the future of the media house continued.

Another breakthrough followed on July 17 when Museveni hosted Azizi at State House Entebbe.

While the President confirmed the meeting in a post on X, he did not disclose what the two discussed. The meeting nevertheless fuelled speculation that a resolution was imminent.

When this reporter visited the Kampala Serena International Conference Centre on July 15, security remained visibly tight.

About 15 armed infantry personnel were deployed around the premises, with at least two carrying what appeared to be sub-machine guns. Namuwongo was also out of bounds.

It was not immediately clear when the elite forces that led the June 28 operation handed over responsibility for securing the premises to the infantry personnel.

By Wednesday evening, it was not immediately clear when the remaining soldiers would withdraw from the Namuwongo and Serena premises for full resumption of operations.

Throughout the shutdown, access to NMG’s Namuwongo headquarters and Serena offices remained tightly restricted, with journalists and other staff unable to freely access their workplaces.

The closure drew concern from regional media organizations and press freedom advocates, who called for restraint and urged authorities to safeguard media freedom.

NMG Uganda, which has identified itself as “Uganda’s Bold Voice” since the run-up to the 2026 General Election, operates NTV Uganda, the Daily Monitor, The East African, Spark TV, 93.3 KFM, 90.4 Dembe FM, Ennyanda newspaper and the Nation Courier, among other critical platforms.

The resumption of operations will mark the end of one of the most significant confrontations between the Ugandan state and the country’s largest independent media organisation in more than a decade.