Category: Daily Monitor

Three former Local Council I (LC1) chairpersons in Katabi Town Council, Wakiso District, have expressed bitterness over the outcome of Tuesday’s nationwide village elections, alleging widespread vote rigging orchestrated by security personnel and Electoral Commission (EC) officials.

The complaints emerge in the wake of the highly anticipated LC1 polls, held across over 70,000 villages nationwide. Under the Ugandan Local Governments Act, village elections rely on a open lining-up voting method-where voters queue behind their preferred candidates-rather than secret ballot voting. However, former local leaders claim the established legal process was subverted during the voting and tallying exercises.

Addressing journalists on Thursday, Mr Abbey Ssebowa, the former chairperson of Abayita Ababiri village, claimed that polling officials abandoned the mandatory physical headcount and instead relied on entry slips to declare winners.

‘We had three lines of people behind me while my opponent had only one line. We patiently waited for more than 20 minutes to be counted in line to no avail,’ Mr Ssebowa said. ‘Out of nowhere, Electoral Commission officials entered the voting area and collected entry slips that had enabled residents to access the polling site.’

Mr Ssebowa alleged that an official carrying a large bag proceeded to count these admission slips instead of counting the voters physically standing behind candidates.

‘By law, LC1 elections are meant to be conducted by lining up behind candidates, unlike national elections where ballot papers are ticked and dropped in boxes,’ he added.

Mr Ssebowa further alleged that rival camps recruited underage, school-going children to inflate voter numbers, wearing religious attire to disguise their age.

‘At the time of voting, they made them wear hijabs and join the lines, which was completely wrong,’ Mr Ssebowa stated. ‘We do not refuse to lose, but let us lose in accordance with the law. Losing an election is normal, but subverting the law is unacceptable.’

Echoing similar concerns, Mr Joseph Musunku, an area councillor, noted that many legitimate village residents were chased away from polling stations by security officers before the vote count or the selection of village executive committees could take place.

‘Legally, the village executive committee is supposed to be elected right after the chairperson’s vote, but that did not happen. As a result, residents in the area remain completely unsure of who actually won the election,’ Mr Musunku said.

In Nkumba-Bufulu village, former chairperson Mr John Chrysestom Luboobi alleged military interference, claiming non-residents were bused in to tilt the vote.

‘Military lorries dropped trainees from Kasenyi who are not registered voters in our village, along with a number of students. They forcefully partook in the elections,’ Mr Luboobi alleged.

Similarly, Mr Stanley Nsubuga, the former chairperson of Kabale A, Tadeo Zone, accused election officials of announcing candidates who lacked popular support following disruptions caused by security officers.

‘We were very peaceful until the army came in and started disrupting voters,’ Mr Nsubuga said. ‘I received 261 votes, while my rivals, Bosco and Balak Jjingo, got 161 and 42 votes respectively. However, officials refused to record these results on the official Declaration of Results (DR) forms. Instead, they wrote numbers on rough paper and started celebrating with Bosco. I have not received my DR form to date.’

This publication could not independently verify the specific allegations raised by the aggrieved contestants at the time of publication.

When contacted for comment, Electoral Commission Spokesperson Mr Julius Mucunguzi urged all aggrieved candidates to submit formal petitions to the commission for review.

‘It is within the rights of anybody-whether a voter or a candidate-if they have reason to believe that whatever was done was not consistent with the law, to raise that complaint formally in writing to the commission,’ Mr Mucunguzi said. ‘The commission will hear, determine, and make a decision.’

Mr Mucunguzi added that dissatisfied candidates retain the right to seek redress in courts of law by adducing evidence to support their claims. He declined, however, to provide a specific timeline for resolving the petitions.

‘If they submit a complaint to the commission, it will be handled. But the commission will not put up a signpost saying today we start, tomorrow we do this, or the next day that,’ Mr Mucunguzi explained. ‘The commission is mandated by law to hear petitions and will communicate directly with those who file them.’

Nine supporters of the National Unity Platform (NUP) who have been in military custody since the aftermath of the 2021 general elections have been granted amnesty by the General Court Martial in Makindye.

The amnesty was approved on Friday after the State declined to oppose applications the nine had submitted to the Amnesty Commission.

A panel chaired by Brig. Richard Tukacungurwa ordered that the beneficiaries be handed over to the Amnesty Commission for rehabilitation, counselling and reintegration into their communities in accordance with the Amnesty Act.

Nathan Twinomugisha, the Principal Legal Officer at the Amnesty Commission, was present in court and formally received the beneficiaries on behalf of the Commission.

The nine had been jointly charged with treachery contrary to Section 127(a) of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Act and unlawful possession of ammunition contrary to Section 158(2)(c) of the same law.

According to the prosecution, the accused allegedly operated between March and May 2021 in Kampala Metropolitan areas including Kireka, Nakulabye, Kawempe, Natete and Nakasero, as well as Jinja and Mbale cities, where they were said to have acted as agents of a rebel group identified as “Bali Bali.”

The State alleged that the group recruited members, underwent military-style training and detonated improvised explosive devices targeting government vehicles and other infrastructure in activities considered prejudicial to national security.

Prosecutors further alleged that the accused were found in possession of improvised explosive devices between November 2020 and May 2021 in Kampala, Wakiso, Jinja and Mbale.

The applicants reportedly acknowledged participating in the rebellion and renounced involvement in armed activities, paving the way for their applications under the Amnesty Act.

They were represented by Major Simon Busagwa Nsubuga. The Director of Prosecutions at the Court Martial, Lt. Col. Raphael Mugisha, informed the court that the State had no objection to the applications.

The beneficiaries are Yasin Ssekitoleko, also known as “Machete” (31), Patrick Mwase (27), Sharif Kalanzi (48), Joseph Muwonge (33), Abdalla Kintu (38), Emma Umar Kato (30), Musa Kavuma (26), Jimmy Galukande (26), and Abdallah Hakim Gibusiwa (26).

They will undergo rehabilitation, counselling and reintegration under the Amnesty Commission before returning to their families and communities.

Long road in military custody The nine are among dozens of NUP supporters arrested following the disputed 2021 general elections whose cases remained before the Makindye military court for years.

In November 2024, President Yoweri Museveni pardoned 19 of their co-accused after they pleaded guilty before the Court Martial. Those pardoned had been convicted and sentenced by a seven-member panel then chaired by Brig. Robert Freeman Mugabe.

The nine granted amnesty on Friday had remained in custody after declining to plead guilty, maintaining that the charges against them had been fabricated.

The case stemmed from allegations by the Uganda Police Force that the accused had plotted petrol bomb attacks on government vehicles and installations ahead of President Museveni’s swearing-in ceremony in May 2021 following his election victory over NUP leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu.

Police also alleged they were behind attacks on the Kasubi Royal Tombs, the former Jinja Resident City Commissioner Eric Sakwa, the Uganda Registration Services Bureau offices and Katwe Police Station, among other targets.

The suspects were arrested by operatives of the then Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI), now the Defence Intelligence and Security (DIS), and arraigned before the General Court Martial.

Several attempts by the group to secure bail over the years were unsuccessful.

However, NUP has consistently maintained that many of its supporters were wrongfully prosecuted and has alleged that some of those who pleaded guilty did so after prolonged detention and pressure to secure their release.

From the night of June 28 to July 28, we have been absent from the airwaves, newsstands and digital spaces where millions of Ugandans have come to expect timely, credible and independent journalism. Our absence has been keenly felt by our audiences who rely on our reporting to understand their country, make informed decisions and hold those in authority to account. Today, we return. We do so with gratitude for the patience, loyalty and unwavering support shown by our readers, viewers, listeners, partners, government officials and the wider public throughout this difficult period. We have been reminded, in profound ways, that journalism matters because people matter.

The trust placed in our platforms over the decades is neither assumed nor taken for granted because it is earned every day through accuracy, fairness, courage and professionalism with which we undertake our duties. Our return comes with a renewal of a commitment that has always defined the Nation Media Group, which is to pursue the truth, to provide verified information in an era of misinformation, and to create spaces for diverse voices within the framework of responsible journalism.

Over the past three decades, our newsrooms have chronicled Uganda’s triumphs and trials, celebrated its changemakers, examined the government’s institutions for accountability and development purposes, and amplified the voices of ordinary citizens. That mission remains unchanged. If anything, the events of the past month have reinforced the indispensable role of independent journalism in any society that values accountability, transparency and informed public discourse. We also recognise that moments of disruption invite reflection in the ever-changing environment like ours. They challenge institutions like NMG-U to listen more carefully, improve continually and strengthen the relationships that sustain public confidence.

We embrace that responsibility. We shall continue investing in journalism that is rigorous, balanced, insightful and relevant to the lives of our audiences. As we reopen our platforms, our commitment to serve the public interest with integrity and excellence extends across every channel; Daily Monitor, NTV Uganda, KFM, Dembe FM, and our digital platforms. You will access the newspaper’s remotely produced e-paper edition and online news updates starting today, marking the first major phase of the company’s digital restoration.

NTV Uganda will also return initially through its digital platforms with an online 7pm Akawungeezi and 9pm news bulletin before the gradual restoration of conventional broadcasting services. We will also progressively reactivate all our legacy platforms, including 93.3 KFM and 90.4 Dembe FM, as technical and operational arrangements are completed. We acknowledge the dedication of our journalists, editors, producers, camera crews, technical teams and all staff. We equally recognise the many voices across Uganda and beyond who expressed solidarity and affirmed the importance of a free, professional and responsible media. Thank you for standing with us. Our commitment remains journalism that positively influences society.

The Anti-Corruption Court in Kampala has remanded two senior officials from the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) to Luzira Prison over allegations of abuse of office and extortion involving refugee registration.

Patrick Okello, the Commissioner for Refugee Management, and Noel Ikwap, an Assistant Information Technology Officer, appeared before Grade One Magistrate Esther Asiimwe. The magistrate ordered both suspects remanded until August 10, 2026, when they are scheduled to return for case mentioning and the hearing of their bail application.

The arrests stem from a broader investigation led by the Inspectorate of Government (IG). Okello was originally apprehended in June alongside five other officers and a Pakistani national for their alleged involvement in extorting money during the registration of vulnerable displaced populations.

In court, IGG prosecutor Mikka Luteete-appearing alongside Diana Nantabazi and Pius Kaweesi-informed the magistrate that investigations remain ongoing. Luteete requested an adjournment to allow law enforcement adequate time to finalize their findings before proceeding to trial.

Under Section 11(1) of Uganda’s Anti-Corruption Act, an individual convicted of abuse of office faces up to seven years in prison, a fine, or both.

This prosecution marks the latest chapter in a series of legal and administrative challenges plaguing the OPM’s refugee management division. As Uganda hosts one of the largest refugee populations globally, the department has faced intense scrutiny from internal auditors and international donors over the misdirection of resources and administrative impunity.

IGG officials emphasized that these court proceedings underscore the watchdog’s commitment to eradicating corruption and enforcing strict accountability across all public institutions

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.