Category: Daily Monitor

On Monday morning, the arrest of former Kampala Lord Mayor and lawyer Erias Lukwago has raised concerns among the defence team of jailed opposition politician Dr Kizza Besigye, who said the development threatens the right to a fair trial and could have far-reaching implications for the ongoing treason case.

Mr Eron Kiiza, one of Dr Besigye’s lawyers, described Mr Lukwago’s arrest as part of a pattern targeting members of the defence team and warned that it was creating fear among lawyers handling the high-profile case. Mr Lukwago is also the acting president of the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) party, one of the new opposition parties in the country.

“It has a chilling effect on all of us, and we are now watching our backs since all of us are rumoured to be arrested. The first one to be arrested was Geoffrey Iduli, who was later released by the police, then myself, Eron Kiiza, and now Mr Lukwago. Those are three lawyers arrested in one case,” Mr Kiiza said in a telephone interview.

He added that the repeated arrests undermine the prospects of a fair hearing as demanded by the 1995 Constitution.

“The arrests and abductions greatly undermine a fair trial,” he warned.

Mr Kiiza also criticised the Judiciary for remaining silent despite the fact that Mr Lukwago was reportedly carrying out court-ordered duties when he was arrested.

“The Judiciary has not come out to condemn this act of arresting lawyers who are enforcing court directives. It’s about time the Judiciary defended its space. Counsel Lukwago is an officer of the court who was serving judicial documents when he was arrested,” he said.

Mr Lukwago’s arrest came days after High Court judge Emmanuel Baguma directed Dr Besigye’s lawyers to serve court documents on the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, in an application in which the opposition politician accuses the military chief of issuing death threats and making prejudicial public statements against him.

Last Thursday, Justice Baguma directed Gen Muhoozi, the Attorney General, and two Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) officers-Col Peter Ahibisibwe and Lt Col Ephraim Byaruhanga-to file their responses to the application by June 18.

“The respondents take note and are given one week to file a reply by June 18,” Justice Baguma ruled.

The judge further directed Dr Besigye’s lawyers to file any rejoinder by June 25 and scheduled the hearing for June 30.

Following Mr Lukwago’s arrest, former Kenyan Justice Minister Martha Karua called upon Uganda’s Judiciary to defend constitutionalism, equality before the law, and the independence of the legal profession.

However, Judiciary spokesperson James Ereemye Mawanda said any explanation regarding the arrest should come from the authorities responsible for carrying it out.

“The best comment should come from those who made the arrest. They could have had their reasons. The authorities responsible for that will take any necessary action,” Mr Mawanda said.

Despite the setback, Mr Kiiza said the defence team would ensure that Gen Muhoozi is served with the court documents.

“The service of the court documents will have to happen by all means. Dr Besigye has many lawyers, and we shall ensure the service happens,” he vowed.

He noted that the law provides alternatives where personal service becomes difficult, including publication through newspapers and other substituted means approved by the court.

“Court can also proceed to hear the case even without the response of a party if it is convinced that the circumstances for service were very difficult,” he added.

Earlier yesterday, social media platforms were flooded with messages attributed to Gen Muhoozi regarding Mr Lukwago’s arrest.

‘I have captured a FOOL and taken him to the basement!. This one will learn Kiswahili. Please serve the papers, and I will arrest both you and whoever serves them,’ a post on the CDF’s X account stated.

The Uganda Law Society (ULS) condemned the arrest, describing it as an attack on the administration of justice and the right to legal representation.

“Detaining defence counsel mid-trial for attempting to serve court documents strikes at the heart of the right to a fair trial under Article 28(3)(d). A trial without counsel is no trial at all. The military has no mandate to arrest, detain or threaten lawyers appearing before civilian courts,” the lawyers’ body said in a statement.

The ULS argued that the arrest violated constitutional protections and international standards governing the role of lawyers.

The lawyers further said the incident was not isolated, citing previous arrests of legal practitioners and describing the trend as a direct assault on the rule of law and constitutional order.

At the centre of the dispute is an application filed by Dr Besigye against Gen Muhoozi, who is also President Museveni’s son. In the application, Dr Besigye accuses the CDF of repeatedly using his X account to threaten him and publicly comment on his guilt before the conclusion of court proceedings.

According to court documents, Dr Besigye argues that the statements violate his constitutional rights and compromise his entitlement to a fair hearing before an independent and impartial court.

“The 1st respondent’s adverse and prejudicial public statements threatening death, violence, torture and execution, and characterising the 1st applicant as a criminal, individually and cumulatively, give rise to violations of, and continuing threats to, human rights and freedoms,” the application states.

Dr Besigye further contends that public declarations of guilt by a senior military officer risk influencing ongoing judicial proceedings.

“Public pronouncements of guilt, and of a predetermined fatal outcome, made by such a figure while assessors are yet to be empanelled and witnesses heard, contaminate the atmosphere of an independent and impartial court and pressure the trial court,” the court documents add.

Among the social media posts cited in the application is one allegedly published on January 16, 2025, stating: “We will hang KB on Heroes’ Day. That’s the best day for him to die.”

Another post allegedly made on February 19, 2026, reportedly stated: “Besigye wanted to kill Mzee, so as far as we are concerned, UPDF, he is a dead man walking.”

Dr Besigye is seeking declarations that the statements violated his constitutional rights and that the treason and misprision of treason charges against him are inconsistent with the principles of a fair trial, human rights, the rule of law, and extradition law.

The application also challenges the circumstances under which Dr Besigye and his co-accused, Obeid Lutale, were allegedly arrested in Nairobi, Kenya, in November 2024 and transferred to Uganda without formal extradition proceedings.

With the hearing of the application scheduled for June 30, legal observers say the arrest of one of Dr Besigye’s lead lawyers has introduced a fresh dimension to an already politically sensitive case, raising questions about legal representation, judicial independence and the integrity of the trial process.

For many years, the word cancer has been associated with fear, hopelessness, and death. In many communities across Uganda and beyond, a cancer diagnosis is often viewed as the end of life rather than the beginning of a medical journey. This perception causes some people to avoid screening, ignore symptoms, or delay seeking care because they believe cancer is always fatal.

The reality is very different.

Cancer does not always mean death. Advances in medical science, earlier diagnosis, improved treatment options, and growing awareness have transformed cancer outcomes. Today, millions of people around the world survive cancer and continue to live productive lives. At the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI), many patients complete treatment and return to their families, careers, and communities.

A key fact often overlooked is that cancer is not a single disease. There are many different types, each behaving differently and responding to treatment in its own way. Some cancers grow slowly, while others progress rapidly. Some are highly treatable, especially when detected early. Outcomes depend on factors such as the type of cancer, the stage at diagnosis, access to treatment, and the patient’s overall health.

Early diagnosis

One reason cancer remains strongly associated with death is that many patients seek medical attention too late. In Uganda, people may ignore symptoms for months, self-medicate, or first consult traditional healers. By the time they reach a health facility, the disease may already be advanced, making treatment more difficult.

Early detection remains one of the most effective tools in improving survival.

Cervical cancer, one of the most common cancers among Ugandan women, can often be prevented or treated successfully when detected early through regular screening. Breast cancer outcomes also improve significantly with early diagnosis. Many childhood cancers, including leukaemia and lymphomas, can be treated successfully when children receive prompt medical care.

Treatment options have improved considerably over the past few decades. Depending on the type and stage of cancer, patients may receive surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, hormonal therapy, or targeted therapy. These treatments are becoming increasingly effective and tailored to individual patients.

UCI continues to expand cancer services through improved diagnostics, specialised healthcare workers, better treatment planning, and partnerships that strengthen cancer care. Regional cancer centres are also bringing services closer to communities, reducing barriers to access.

It is also important to understand that survival does not always mean complete cure. In some cases, cancer can be managed for many years, much like other chronic conditions. With appropriate treatment and follow-up care, patients can continue working, caring for their families, and enjoying a good quality of life.

Modern cancer care goes beyond treating the disease itself. Managing pain, ensuring good nutrition, providing psychological support, and involving family members are all essential parts of treatment. Palliative care services help patients remain comfortable and maintain dignity, even when a cure is no longer possible.

Despite these advances, myths and misinformation continue to discourage people from seeking care. Some believe cancer spreads when doctors operate on it, while others think treatment is more dangerous than the disease. Such misconceptions often lead to delays that reduce the chances of successful treatment.

Many cancer survivours in Uganda are living proof that treatment works. Their experiences challenge the belief that a cancer diagnosis automatically means death and demonstrate the importance of seeking care early.

Families and communities also play a critical role. Patients need support, encouragement, and understanding throughout treatment. Stigma and isolation only add to the burden of illness and may discourage others from seeking help.

Cancer awareness must, therefore, move beyond fear. Communities need accurate information about prevention, early detection, and treatment. Adopting healthier lifestyles, avoiding tobacco, limiting alcohol consumption, maintaining physical activity, receiving recommended vaccines such as HPV, and attending regular medical check-ups can all help reduce cancer risk.

A fortnight ago, in this column, I explored the curious phenomenon of how Uganda appears to have made a Revolutionary out of a General.

The argument was not really about one individual. It was about a deeper shift in how citizens increasingly perceive power, legitimacy, and change. But perhaps Uganda is not the anomaly. Perhaps the world itself is changing.

For much of the 20th Century, politics revolved around familiar categories: capitalism versus socialism, Left versus Right, military versus civilian rule, democracy versus authoritarianism. Following the end of the Cold War, many believed history had settled on a winning formula. Nations were expected to follow a broadly similar path towards governance, economics, and development

Today, that confidence appears to be fading.

In the United States, ”America First” reflects a growing desire to place national priorities above global commitments. China openly argues that modernity does not require Westernisation. India increasingly presents itself as a civilisation with its own historical identity and destiny. In the Sahel, countries such as Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger speak the language of sovereignty and self-determination.

Across parts of South America, indigenous traditions and local philosophies are re-entering national conversations once dominated by imported ideologies.

Different countries. Different histories. Yet remarkably similar questions.

Who are we? And how should we govern ourselves?

What if the defining political divide of the 21st Century is no longer between Left and Right but between imitation and adaptation?

Uganda’s journey makes this question particularly interesting.

Unlike many nations, Uganda has never belonged comfortably to a single political tradition. Within little more than a century, it has experienced powerful kingdoms, colonial administration, Westminster democracy, military governments, the Movement system, multiparty politics, and the coexistence of traditional and modern institutions.

Few countries have experimented with so many models in such a short period.

The result is a population that is often less ideological and more pragmatic than outsiders realise. Ugandans have watched various systems arrive with promises of salvation. Each produced achievements. Each produced disappointments.

Perhaps that is why several citizens increasingly ask a simpler question: Does it work?

This may explain why a serving General can attract anti-establishment enthusiasm, why a ruling movement can still present itself as revolutionary after four decades in power, and why traditional institutions continue to command respect alongside modern political structures.

To outsiders, these contradictions appear confusing. To some Ugandans, they may simply reflect experience.

The same trend is becoming visible elsewhere. Countries increasingly seem less interested in whether a system resembles someone else’s model and is more interested in whether it reflects local realities, protects national interests, and delivers results.

This does not mean democracy is disappearing, nor that sovereignty automatically produces good governance. History is full of leaders who wrapped poor performance in the language of national pride.

But it does suggest that the age of political standardisation may be giving way to an age of political experimentation.

Ironically, Uganda may have arrived at this conversation earlier than most.

For decades, critics argued that Uganda did not fit neatly into established political categories. Today, neither does America. Neither does China. Neither does India. Neither does much of the developing world.

For generations, developing countries were told to study the world. Today, the world itself appears to be studying new ways of governing. From Washington to Beijing, from New Delhi to Ouagadougou, old certainties are fading, and new experiments are emerging.

The real question is no longer whether nations conform to a universal model.

It is whether they can build systems that reflect who they are, where they came from, and where they hope to go.

The Anti-Corruption Division of the High Court has fixed June 17 for mention of the case in which former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives Geraldine Ssali and five others are accused of causing government financial loss and conspiring to defraud the State of billions of shillings.

According to a hearing notice issued by the Anti-Corruption Division, the matter will come up before Justice Jane Okuo Kajuga, paving the way for the long-running criminal proceedings to move closer to trial.

The accused are Ssali, Igara East MP Michael Mawanda Maranga, Elgon County MP Ignatius Wamakuyu Mudimi, former Busiki County MP Paul Akamba, lawyer Julius Taitankoko Kirya and principal cooperative officer Leonard Kavundira.

“Take notice that the above matter before Hon. Lady Justice Jane Okuo Kajuga has been fixed for mention on June 17, 2026 at 9:00am or soon thereafter,” reads part of the court notice issued.

The development comes days after the Constitutional Court delivered a landmark ruling that removed a major legal obstacle which had threatened to halt the prosecution.

In its decision, a panel of five Constitutional Court judges struck down Section 11(2) of the Human Rights Enforcement Act, a provision that required courts to terminate criminal proceedings and acquit accused persons whenever violations of non-derogable rights were established.

The justices held that the provision was inconsistent with the Constitution because it allowed acquittals without a full trial.

“The Constitution is unequivocal that an acquittal may only ensue upon the conclusion of a trial in which the court has received, scrutinised and evaluated the evidence,” the court ruled.

The constitutional challenge had arisen from proceedings involving Akamba, who argued that he had been tortured by security operatives during his arrest and was therefore entitled to an acquittal under the impugned provision.

The ruling effectively cleared the way for prosecutors to proceed with the substantive corruption and money laundering case against all six accused persons.

The prosecution alleges that during the 2021/2022 financial year, Ssali abused her office by introducing Buyaka Growers Cooperative Society Limited onto a list of entities eligible for government compensation despite the cooperative not appearing in the approved supplementary budget.

She is further accused of authorising payments amounting to Shs3.8 billion to Kirya and Company Advocates in contravention of Treasury Instructions.

It is further contended that between 2019 and 2023, the accused conspired to defraud government of more than Shs3.4 billion earmarked for compensating cooperatives affected during the 1981-1986 liberation war and subsequent insurgencies.

The case has suffered several delays, including adjournments caused by the pending Constitutional Court proceedings and the absence of prosecutors. At one stage, the hearing was postponed after state attorneys attended a national prosecution symposium.

The June 17 appearance is expected to provide direction on the next phase of the proceedings and possible dates for the commencement of the trial.

The Ministry of Works and Transport has suspended operations of MV Obongi, the ferry serving the Obongi-Sinyanya crossing between Obongi and Adjumani districts, after the vessel developed a technical fault.

In a public notice issued on June 13, Permanent Secretary Waiswa Bageya said the suspension took immediate effect and will remain in force until further notice.

‘The vessel has developed a technical fault requiring immediate attention,’ Mr Bageya said, adding that the decision was taken in the interest of public safety.

The ministry said technical teams had been deployed to carry out maintenance and repairs on the ferry before services can resume.

Authorities said the public would be informed once the vessel is cleared for operations.

In the meantime, travellers have been advised to use alternative routes, including Kampala-Gulu-Adjumani-MV Laropi Ferry-Moyo-Obongi and Kampala-Pakwach Bridge-Nebbi-Arua-Koboko-Yumbe-Moyo-Obongi.

The suspension is expected to affect movement of people and goods between Obongi, Adjumani and Moyo districts, where river transport remains a key link for access to services and trade.

MV Obongi is one of the major ferry services operating along the River Nile in the West Nile sub-region.

Seven years after its inaugural edition in Uganda in 2019, the Cecafa U-17 Women Championship returned – in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania – over the weekend.

But with Uganda eliminated from the Fifa U-17 Women’s World Cup (WWC) Qualifiers by Kenya on the away goals rule (after a 1-all draw) last month and Tanzania also eliminated 2-0 on aggregate by South Africa at the same time in the penultimate qualification stage, one cannot help but feel that Cecafa have put the cart before the horse in this case.

When Uganda and Kenya met, both sides clearly had deficiencies. Kenya were a far cry from the team that qualified for the 2014 U-17 WWC in the Dominican Republic. They did not have the pace of old on the wings, could barely control the game, and struggled to bring their physicality to the fore.

Uganda paid dearly for their profligacy in front of goal and naivety in defence that coach Sheryl Botes argued could be resolved by playing more competitive games.

A regional tournament in preparation for the qualifiers, rather than this one that has come after some sides have been eliminated from the World Cup chase, would surely do all those involved a great deal of good.

All of the Cecafa representatives had to prepare for those qualifiers without test matches. Kenyan coach Mildred Cheche decried the fact that the majority of her side had to come from school straight into high-stake games while Botes barely had a week to prepare as she was also involved with the U-20 side Queen Cranes.

Suffice to note that in the opening round of the U-17 qualifiers, Uganda eliminated Zimbabwe 6-1 on aggregate, Tanzania beat Botswana 6-2, and Kenya beat Namibia 7-1 while Burundi eliminated Malawi 4-2, and Ethiopia beat fellow Cecafa side South Sudan 8-0.

Iron sharpens iron

Cecafa could argue that their teams – bar Rwanda which lost 4-1 on aggregate at that opening stage to Zambia – have largely eliminated Cosafa sides this time and in the past despite the latter region having had six editions of their U-17 tournaments since 2019.

In fact Uganda and Tanzania won the first two Cosafa U-17 tourneys in 2019 and 2020 respectively as invited teams.

Granted that the tournaments might not be the only answer but iron sharpens iron and Cecafa sides will definitely get better by playing against each other.

‘I come from Cosafa where we have these tournaments consistently but I am happy that Cecafa is back,’ the South African coach, Botes, said.

‘I think there was a lapse in the past. I am seeing some of these teams for the first time in my life. These girls need competitions and hope this happens on a consistent basis then we can also start thinking of the best in this region playing the best in Cosafa, West Africa, and the northern region because the only time the girls get to play Ghana is in the qualifiers and they get a shock of their lives,’ Botes added.

Game model

Meanwhile, in the final U-17 WWC Qualification round, Kenya meets South Africa while Ethiopia take on Zambia. Ethiopia, like in 2019, have skipped the ongoing Cecafa tourney in Tanzania but held Uganda to a 3-3 home draw last Thursday.

Liday Eaysu and Mairhat Aeyel scored for the hosts in the first and eighth minute but Uganda responded through goals from Joan Namakula and Martha Babirye. Ethiopia restored their lead through Eaysu to lead 3-2 at the break but Flavia Yagala found an equalizer later in the second half to secure a 3-3 draw before Uganda moved to Dar-es-Salaam.

Uganda got its Cecafa title defence started in style with a 13-0 win over the hapless Djibouti. Yagala was again among the goals long after opening efforts from Justine Ayerango and Lydia Namaseruka’s penalty.

Ayerango would add another to find a brace just like Immaculate Acen while Shadia Nabirye led with a hattrick. Tracy Nabalanzi, Rashidah Nakalema, Vicky Atyeronimungu, and Brenda Nassaka got one apiece as Uganda went to the top of Group B despite South Sudan’s 1-0 win over Zanzibar following Seber Amou’s late goal.

‘It is not always about the score but the performances. All these are small building blocks towards a game model and every time you could see that there are small positives coming through,’ Botes said in the aftermath.

‘We struggled in Ethiopia because of the altitude but we managed to come back twice (to level the game). In the World Cup qualifiers, we had a challenge of scoring goals and we have been working extensively on how dynamic we can become and what combinations we can have when we get to the final third.

‘Our transitions are quicker, we had wing play, and we could find each other. This will give the girls confidence and hopefully that will still be there in the next game,’ Botes said.

Cecafa U-17 Women Championship

Group A

Kenya 16-0 Sudan

Tanzania 4-0 Somalia

Group B

South Sudan 1-0 Zanzibar

Uganda 13-0 Djibouti

Next Fixtures – Tuesday, KMC Stadium

Zanzibar vs. Uganda, 1pm

Djibouti vs. South Sudan, 4pm

The president of the opposition People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) and former Kampala Mayor Erias Lukwago was Monday morning seized from his residence in Wakaliga under circumstances that remained unclear.

Details surrounding the operation and any case linked to his arrest were not immediately available.

Lukwago had been scheduled to appear for a television interview at his Kampala office but later opted to conduct it from his residence, according to sources close to him.

He was also preparing to legally serve court documents on Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, according to PFF.

Boda boda riders in the neighbourhood said they noticed security operatives in the area as early as 6:00 a.m. They reported seeing one numberless vehicle and another with registration plates, carrying an estimated eight people dressed in military uniforms and civilian clothing.

Witnesses told Monitor that the operatives entered the premises by scaling the perimeter fence before moving inside the house of the opposition politician and lawyer, who is part of the defence team representing detained veteran opposition figure Dr Kizza Besigye in his treason-related case.

Monitor journalist Ibrahim Kavuma, who was inside the house at the time of the arrest, said he heard operatives issuing loud commands to the ex-mayor’s wife and slamming doors as they demanded to know Lukwago’s whereabouts before he was later “captured.”

Operatives also momentarily seized devices from those found inside the house at the time.

In an apparent reference to the operation, Gen Muhoozi, later posted on social media: “I have captured a FOOL and taken him to the basement!”

However, Gen Muhoozi did not identify the individual he was referring to, and it was not immediately clear whether the post was related to Lukwago’s reported arrest.

PFF reacts

PFF has condemned Lukwago’s arrest, accusing the government of using security agencies to suppress political dissent.

“Instead of respecting the rule of law, the regime has chosen military might to shield themselves from legal accountability and choke the voices of democratic change. This is the height of state-sponsored lawlessness,” the party said in a statement on X.

“We want to send a clear message to the dictator and his tools of oppression: intimidation cannot and will not deter our resolve. You can blockade a house, but you cannot blockade the burning desire of millions of Ugandans fighting for freedom and democratic change,” the statement added.

Neither the police nor other security agencies had immediately commented on the reported arrest. The circumstances surrounding the operation could not be independently verified.

For 15 years, Judith Namugerwa has dedicated her life to caring for her son, David, who lives with cerebral palsy. Amid poverty, rising care costs, and limited support, her days revolve around one constant responsibility: ensuring her son survives and thrives.

The morning light slips into a small, rented room in Bwaise, Kampala, but for Judith Namugerwa, the day has already begun long before sunrise.

She bends over her 15-year-old son, David Magala, carefully adjusting his body before lifting him from the mat. His limbs do not respond. His weight settles entirely into her arms. No routine allows ease in this moment. Only repetition.

Turning him. Cleaning him. Feeding him. Moving him when she must. Watching him when she cannot leave.

Outside, Kampala is already awake. Inside, life is measured in care that does not pause.

For Namugerwa, 40, motherhood has become full-time labour without relief.

Her son, David, lives with cerebral palsy, a neurological condition that affects movement and coordination. But in this room, the diagnosis is less important than the physical reality: he depends entirely on her for survival.

A birth that changed everything

Fifteen years ago, Namugerwa believed she was building a stable future for her family.

She had already experienced the pain of losing a child during delivery when she became pregnant again. When David was born in 2010, hope returned.

But as he grew, it became clear that he faced developmental challenges. He was later diagnosed with cerebral palsy, a condition that affects movement and coordination.

The diagnosis marked the beginning of a new reality; one filled with medical appointments, uncertainty, and the lifelong responsibility of caring for a child who would require constant support.

By the time David was three years old and still unable to walk, Namugerwa’s life had become centred around his care.

The start of survival

By 2014, Namugerwa had returned to her mother’s home in Masaka with her children, carrying the weight of uncertainty and the growing demands of caring for David.

What followed was a life without stability.

She moved through informal work, temporary shelter, and constant financial strain. At times, she says, she had no choice but to leave her children with her mother while she searched for work in Kampala.

‘I used to pass by and check on them, even when I was not staying with them,’ she says.

In 2019, after giving birth again under difficult circumstances, life became even more unstable. She struggled to cover rent, maintain her income, and care for her children simultaneously.

Between work, shelter, and survival

Eventually, her mother moved to Kampala with David in search of better support. But life in Bwaise brought new pressures. Namugerwa worked as a house help, but when she lost her job and fell behind on rent, stability collapsed again.

She moved between low-paying jobs such as washing clothes, casual labour, and temporary shelter arrangements. At her lowest point, she says, she stayed in a shrine in Kawempe, exchanging labour for food and a place to sleep.

‘It was very difficult. I was trying to find a way to live,’ she says.

A child who needs everything

David’s needs are constant and physical. He cannot walk. He cannot sit unaided and depends entirely on others for feeding, hygiene, and movement.

Namugerwa describes the daily struggle in simple terms: survival through care she can barely afford.

‘David needs good feeding, milk, chicken, but we cannot afford that,’ she says. ‘Sometimes when he asks for chicken, I buy roasted chicken necks and make sauce so that he at least gets its taste.’

Even basic care requires strength she does not always have.

‘You have to clean him when he soils himself. Sometimes I leave him with a neighbour when I go out to work.’

Raising David has largely fallen on Namugerwa’s shoulders. Each day revolves around meeting his needs while finding ways to earn enough money to support the family.

The challenge is not only emotional but physical, requiring constant attention and strength.

When neighbours become support systems

In Bwaise, survival often depends on proximity. For neighbour Susan Nabutto, stepping in has become part of daily life.

‘I had a child with similar needs who passed on, so I understand what it means,’ she says.

She helps when Namugerwa is away, lifting David, bathing him, or keeping him in the sun.

‘At times your chest hurts from carrying him. But he is a lovely child,’ she says.

It is informal care, built not by systems, but by shared experience and necessity.

The weight of stigma and silence

Experts say Namugerwa’s experience reflects a wider reality for many families raising children with cerebral palsy in Uganda.

Daniel Sekyanzi, chief executive officer of Golden Souls Uganda, says stigma remains a major barrier.

‘Many families still associate such conditions with superstition or curses, leading to neglect and discrimination,’ he says.

‘There is need for sensitisation. Children with cerebral palsy need love and proper care, not rejection.’

‘It is not witchcraft’

Evelyn Kharono Lufafa, a counselling psychologist, says cerebral palsy is a neurological condition caused by brain development challenges before or during birth.

‘It is not witchcraft or a curse. It is a brain disorder,’ she says.

She adds that early acceptance by parents is critical for access to therapy, rehabilitation, and support services.

‘When parents accept the condition, they can support the child better. Without acceptance, children are often hidden away and neglected,’ she adds.

Despite everything, Namugerwa continues to care for her son each day, sustained by small acts of resilience and occasional help from neighbours.

Her biggest challenge remains the same: survival.

For now, life continues in cycles of care, exhaustion, and brief relief.

‘I just want him to be okay,’ she says.

And so, every morning, she lifts him again.

There are no promises that tomorrow will be easier, only the certainty that it will require her again. Yet each morning, she returns to the same task without complaint, lifting her son as gently as she can, holding together a life that has long depended on her strength.

The cost of caring for a child with cerebral palsy

Cerebral palsy is a lifelong condition caused by early brain damage that affects movement, posture, and muscle control. It varies in severity and may require therapy and support to improve mobility and daily functioning.

The condition often requires long-term support, including physiotherapy, specialised feeding, medical care, and constant daily assistance.

Physiotherapy sessions, where available in private facilities, can cost between Shs30,000 and Shs100,000 per visit, making regular treatment unaffordable for most households.

Many children require soft or blended foods, higher nutritional intake, and assisted feeding, which increases household food expenses. Items such as adult diapers, often needed for older children with mobility challenges, can cost Shs20,000 to Shs40,000 per pack, creating recurring monthly costs.

The police on Sunday raided a church in Masaka City and arrested 67 Congolese nationals for illegally gaining entry and settling in Uganda.

The dozens, which include 54 adults and 13 children, were believed to have been in the country for over two years and were attending a service at Sumayiya Church in Nyendo-Mukungwe, belonging to the Born Again denomination, when the security rounded them up.

‘The group was apprehended at a church known as Sumayiya Church, which is used by Born Again Christians,’ Southern Regional Police spokesperson Twaha Kasirye said on Monday.

Security says the Congolese national fled their home country after conflicts broke out about two years ago. They are being held at Masaka Central Police Station.

The Police spokesperson explained that the suspects were residing in different parts of Nyendo Division, including Kaddugala, Mukudde, Mukungwe and Kako, among others, but would regularly gather at the church for Sunday services.

He added that Police preliminary investigations discovered that the group lacked valid immigration documents, noting that a charge of illegal entry into the country will be preferred against them.

Police have also cautioned religious institutions against hosting foreign nationals without verifying their legal status, warning that such actions could contravene immigration regulations.

‘The group will be arraigned in court and charged accordingly,’ Kasirye said.

Ayyoub Bouaddi’s accomplished midfield display against Brazil in his FIFA World Cup debut at the MetLife Stadium on Saturday came as no surprise to Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi, who insisted it was never a risk to start the 18-year-old.

It was the Lille player’s the first senior international of his career, against the five-time world champions, after spending his teens in France’s youth structures and playing for France U21 as recently as March.

The Atlas Lions took a point from the tournament’s most successful team after Ismael Saibari’s 21st-minute opener was cancelled out by Vinícius Júnior’s strike 11 minutes later, but it was the performance of wonderkid Bouaddi that left fans purring in New York.

“It was not a risk to play him just because he’s 18,” Ouahbi told journalists after the match.

“I only look at players’ performance, not the age of the player. He could be 35, and if he plays well, he’ll play, or 17.

“I’m not the guy to be afraid of playing youngsters, we were sure and certain that he’d have a big match, and so it wasn’t a risk at all – it wasn’t the kind of match for taking risks against Brazil.

“Maybe it’s because he’s a new player that everyone’s got so excited, it was his first match at international level, an important match at his young age, but he’s not short of experience.”

The Lille midfielder was imperious during the contest, getting the better of veteran Casemiro before he was replaced at half-time, and then dominating the midfield battle against his replacement — another Uefa Champions League winner in Fabinho — after the break.

Despite only turning 18 in October, the France-born youngster has already racked up 63 Ligue 1 appearances for Lille having made his debut during the 2023-24 season.

His switch in international allegiance was confirmed last month, with Bouaddi subsequently making his friendly debut in a pre-tournament game against Madagascar on June 2.

“He didn’t impress me [tonight] because we already know what a player he is,” Ouahbi continued.

“We had a lot of meetings with him to get him to choose Morocco, and he was good. He already has a lot [of experience] in Ligue 1, it’s not just about his age, he has already played more matches than others [older than him], more matches in the Champions League.

“There was also the masterclass against Real Madrid [a 1-0 victory for Lille in March 2024], and so he may only be 18, but he already has a lot of experience accumulated.”

Bouaddi began the match alongside 24-year-old Neil El Aynaoui, while the introduction of 20-year-old Strasbourg midfielder Samir El Mourabet ensured that the Atlas Lions had a very youthful look in the heart of the park come the final whistle.

“In the midfield we have many for the future,” Ouahbi concluded. “Ayyoub, El Aynaoui, Samir came in and did well, [26-year-old Azzedine] Ounahi, had a very good first half.

“We will be even better in the coming matches, and we have other midfielders as well, including [Sofyan] Amrabat, who can bring other qualities, and others with whom I won the U-20 World Cup who aren’t with us.

“For the future, we are confident.”

Morocco’s Group C campaign continues against Scotland in Foxborough on June 19, before they face Haiti in Atlanta five days later.