During the month that Daily Monitor was absent from newsstands and its digital platforms remained offline, Uganda witnessed a wave of major developments across politics, governance, the courts, security, business and health.
As we return, we look back at some of the biggest breaking news stories, defining moments and key follow-ups that shaped the national conversation during our month-long absence.
In court
Suspects in the Joan Kagezi murder ordered to defend themselves
The International Crimes Division of the High Court ordered three men accused of participating in the 2015 murder of Senior Principal State Attorney Joan Kagezi to enter their defence after finding that the prosecution had established a prima facie case against them on the murder charge.
In their ruling delivered on July 3, a panel comprising Justice Dr Andrew Bashaija, Justice Duncan Gaswaga and Justice Joyce Kavuma held that there was sufficient evidence linking John Kibuuka, John Massajjage and Nasur Abdallah Mugonole to Kagezi’s killing.
The judges observed that the accused were not innocent bystanders but active participants in the events that culminated in the unlawful killing of Joan Namazzi Kagezi.
As a result, the court directed the three accused persons to defend themselves against the murder charge. However, the judges acquitted them of terrorism, finding that the prosecution had failed to prove a key element of the offence, namely that the accused intended to influence government policy or intimidate the public.
The ruling followed the close of the prosecution’s case, during which 26 witnesses testified. A key witness was Daniel Kisekka Kiwanuka, a former co-accused who entered a plea bargain agreement and admitted involvement in the murder. Kisekka told the court that Kibuuka recruited members of the group in early 2015 to assassinate Kagezi because of her role in prosecuting Muslim-related cases.
He testified that motorcycles and firearms were procured for the operation and that Kibuuka promised payment to participants.
According to Kisekka, Kibuuka and Massajjage carried out the attack while he and Mugonole acted as backup. He alleged that Kibuuka fired the fatal shot before the group fled on motorcycles.
Although the court acknowledged evidence suggesting Kagezi’s prosecution work may have influenced the decision to target her, it found no evidence that the accused intended to coerce the government or terrorise the public. Instead, the judges concluded that the killing appeared to have been motivated by financial gain.
The trial will now proceed to the defence stage before a final verdict is delivered.
Besigye given two weeks to choose from over 700 State-funded lawyers in treason trial
On July 15, High Court Judge Emmanuel Baguma gave opposition politician Dr Kizza Besigye and his co-accused, Hajji Obeid Lutale, two weeks to select lawyers of their choice from a list of 786 advocates available under the State-funded legal aid scheme.
The directive was issued during proceedings in the duo’s treason case after they opted to part ways with their previous legal team, citing security concerns that they said had made it difficult for their lawyers to continue representing them.
On July 13, Justice Baguma ordered that the accused be provided with State-funded legal representation to ensure a fair trial and avoid further delays in the case.
During the hearing, the court registrar proposed that lawyers Sarah Awelo, Julius Sserwambala and Sylvia Namwejje be assigned to represent Dr Besigye under the State brief scheme.
However, Besigye objected to an immediate appointment, arguing that he needed time to assess the competence and suitability of the advocates before making a decision.
“I would like to acquaint myself with the competence of the lawyers proposed to represent me before making a choice,” Besigye told the court.
The former four-time presidential candidate also questioned the need for the government to fund his defence, saying he and Lutale were capable of hiring lawyers of their own if circumstances permitted.
“In a country where people are dying of hunger in Karamoja, it is surprising that the State wants to provide us with lawyers when we have the capacity to engage counsel of our choice,” Besigye submitted.
He further maintained that the decision to dispense with his previous lawyers was not due to a lack of resources but was influenced by what he described as an increasingly difficult environment for legal representation.
Justice Baguma granted the request for more time and directed the accused to review the list of available advocates before the next hearing scheduled for July 29.
Dr Besigye and Lutale face charges of treason and misprision of treason, allegations they deny.
Earlier, Justice Baguma dismissed their application seeking to halt their ongoing treason trial, ruling that allegations of human rights violations cannot be used to terminate criminal proceedings.
The duo had sought the nullification of their trial, unconditional release from detention, and orders compelling the government to facilitate their treatment and rehabilitation.
The application had been filed against the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Col Peter Ahimbisibwe, Lt Col Ephraim Byaruhanga and the Attorney General.
Besigye and Lutale unsuccessfully argued that their constitutional rights had been violated and that the alleged violations rendered the criminal proceedings against them unfair.
However, Justice Baguma ruled that the law provides alternative remedies for alleged violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms, which do not include terminating a criminal trial.
“The allegations of violation of human rights and freedoms cannot lead to nullification or termination of a criminal trial where other parties’ rights that need to be protected are involved,” Justice Baguma held.
The judge further found that the application was misconceived and intended to delay the trial.
“It is my considered opinion that this application is incompetent and an abuse of court process intended to delay the trial,” he ruled.
Justice Baguma noted that full disclosure in the criminal case was completed on June 1, 2026, while the preliminary hearing concluded on June 8, paving the way for the commencement of the main trial.
In a separate ruling, Justice Baguma also dismissed another application filed by Besigye and Lutale seeking release on bail, finding that they had failed to prosecute it.
On July 30, Besigye collapsed in the court dock as he protested the commencement of the treason trial, saying he did not have defence lawyers of his choice. He was rushed unconscious to Mulago Hospital.
Obore and six others sent to Luzira over alleged embezzlement of more than Shs37.5 billion
On July 2, seven senior officials from the Parliament of Uganda were charged before the Anti-Corruption Court over alleged embezzlement and money laundering involving more than Shs37.5 billion.
The accused are Chris Ariko Obore, the Director of Communications and Public Affairs at Parliament; Daniel Adilo, Director of Human Resources; Leonard Okema, Executive Secretary in the Office of the Speaker; Rajab Kaaya Ssemalulu, Principal Research Officer; Emmanuel Emuron Okwi, Principal Protocol Officer; Stella Itute, an Office Supervisor in the Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms; Vincent Otebata, Capacity Development Officer; and Methods Murebe, the Chief Executive Officer of the Parliamentary SACCO.
However, Ms Stella Itute was not in court, leading to the issuance of a production warrant.
They appeared before Grade One Magistrate Esther Asiimwe. Seven counts of embezzlement, one count of causing financial loss, and one count of money laundering were read to them. However, they were not allowed to take a plea because the magistrate had no jurisdiction to hear the money laundering charge.
“Because of lack of jurisdiction for count nine, you will not enter a plea. Those are the charges for which you will not take a plea due to lack of jurisdiction, as I said,” Ms Asiimwe ruled.
Prosecutors allege that Obore, between 2023 and May 2026, embezzled Shs5.25 billion from Parliament while serving as Director of Communications and Public Affairs.
Adilo is accused of embezzling Shs14.6 billion during the same period while serving as Director of Human Resources, while Okema allegedly stole Shs3.49 billion.
Ssemalulu is accused of embezzling Shs2.17 billion, while Okwi allegedly stole Shs1.1 billion from Parliament funds to which they had access by virtue of their positions.
The charge sheet also contains a money laundering count in which Okema, Obore, Adilo, Ssemalulu, Otebata, and Murebe are accused of processing, approving, and receiving Shs10.89 billion, allegedly knowing that the funds were proceeds of crime.
The group was remanded until July 7 for the mention of their case. When they reappeared, prosecutors from the Inspectorate of Government, led by Ms Daisy Asio, said investigations were still incomplete.
Obore’s case was further adjourned to August 10 for mention pending committal to the High Court for trial.
Court grants bail to Muwanga Kivumbi in Butambala terrorism case, rearrested
Justice Susan Okalany of the International Crimes Division of the High Court on July 9 granted bail to former Butambala MP Muwanga Kivumbi Muhammad and 16 co-accused persons facing terrorism charges arising from the January 2026 violence in Butambala District.
The judge held that the applicants had satisfied the legal requirements for bail and that the prosecution had failed to provide sufficient evidence that they would abscond, interfere with witnesses, compromise investigations, or endanger public safety if released.
‘The Court granted bail because the applicants have a constitutional right to apply for bail and are presumed innocent until proven guilty,’ Justice Okalany ruled.
The judge emphasized that although terrorism is a serious offence carrying severe penalties, the gravity of the charge alone is not enough to justify continued detention.
The prosecution had opposed the application, arguing that investigations were still ongoing and that the accused could interfere with witnesses or jeopardize public safety if released. However, the court found that those fears were not supported by concrete evidence.
Justice Okalany further observed that the applicants had demonstrated fixed places of residence within the court’s jurisdiction and that exceptional circumstances are not a prerequisite for the grant of bail.
However, the court deferred the release of six applicants, including Kayanja Kelvin, Ssewanyana Brian, Muwanguzi Brian, Akankwasa Ivan, Yusuf Ramathan Kiwanuka and Owori Brian, pending the production and examination of additional sureties.
The applicants were charged in connection with alleged acts of terrorism committed between January 11 and 17, 2026, in Kibibi Town Council and Gombe Town Council in Butambala District.
Under the bail terms, Muwanga Kivumbi was ordered to execute a cash bond of Shs10 million, while the remaining applicants were each required to execute cash bonds of Shs1 million.
A day after his release, Mr Muwanga Kivumbi was re-arrested at a roadblock while returning from Butambala to Kampala.
Wangadya reportedly resigns as UHRC boss
In a resignation letter dated July 6 and addressed to President Museveni, the Chairperson of the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC), Ms Fauzat Mariam Wangadya, informed the President of her decision to step down.
The letter, which has since circulated on social media, was also copied to the Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Norbert Mao.
‘I hereby tender my resignation as Chairperson of the Uganda Human Rights Commission. I thank you for the opportunity to serve Uganda over the years in the promotion and protection of human rights,’ Ms Wangadya wrote in part.
However, sources indicate that she is yet to receive a formal response from the President.
Ms Wangadya was appointed UHRC Chairperson by President Museveni on July 15, 2021, replacing the late Meddie Kaggwa. Before taking up the role, she served as Deputy Inspector General of Government.
Lukwago committed to the High Court to stand trial
On July 16, Makindye Chief Magistrates Court committed frail former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago to the High Court to stand trial in the case of misprision of treason that he is battling.
The committal process followed the conclusion of the investigations by the police.
According to the evidence of the DPP, Mr Lukwago, being the leader of PPF, knew that Dr Kizza Besigye and Hajji Lutale had travelled to Nairobi to attend a secret meeting to discuss the assassination of the president of Uganda by use of a drone, but did not inform the authorities.
Further, the DPP contends that Mr Lukwago knew and facilitated the travel of 32 recruits to Nairobi – Kenya for military training and further learnt of various meetings held outside Uganda and attended by Dr. Besigye in which details and plans of overthrowing the government of Uganda by use of firearms were discussed but he chose to keep quiet, an omission that constitutes the crime of misprision of treason, he is currently battling.
The prosecution contends that Lukwago, Besigye, Lutale and others acted with a common intention to commit offenses relating to treason.
Also in his evidence, the government chief prosecutor said at the trial before the High Court, they will rely on the voice recordings by state agents who attended the said secret meetings and immigration documents relating to their overseas travels.
Former Spy Chief Maj Gen Birungi charged with treachery before a military court
The General Court Martial in Makindye on July 6, charged and remanded former Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI) Director, Maj Gen James Birungi, on alleged charges of treachery and other security-related offences.
Birungi appeared before a panel chaired by Brig Gen Richard Tukacungurwa nearly a year after his arrest in August 2025. He was arraigned alongside three other Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) officers who are reportedly facing murder charges linked to the fatal shooting of suspected suicide bombers during separate security operations.
The incidents under investigation include the shooting of a woman riding on a motorcycle near Kalerwe Market and a man near the Catholic shrine in Munyonyo during Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations. By press time, only one of Birungi’s co-accused had been identified as Byaruhanga.
Court proceedings were conducted under tight security, with journalists barred from taking photographs or covering the session from inside the courtroom. Maj Alex Echeru, who led the security team escorting the accused, restricted media access during the proceedings.
The court remanded Birungi and his co-accused to Makindye Military Barracks until August 3, 2026.
Notably, Birungi is among the state witnesses listed in the treason case against Dr Kizza Besigye, Obed Lutale and Capt Denis Oola. The development places him in the unusual position of being a prosecution witness in a treason trial while facing treachery charges himself, offences that carry severe penalties upon conviction.
Crime stories
Naalya SS student dies by suspected suicide
During the shutdown, a Senior Four student at Naalya Senior Secondary School, Bweyogerere Campus, died in what police described as a suspected suicide.
Kampala Metropolitan Police said the student’s body was discovered hanging inside the boys’ toilet block.
Deputy Police spokesperson ASP Luke Owoyesigyire said detectives recovered a handwritten note believed to have been authored by the deceased.
Police transported the body to Mulago City Mortuary for postmortem examinations as investigations continued.
The tragedy added to growing concern over students’ mental well-being.
Hawker stabbed to death at BMK Plaza
Police launched murder investigations following the fatal stabbing of a hawker at BMK Plaza in the central business district of Kampala.
According to preliminary investigations, the deceased got involved in a heated argument with a security guard after allegedly being ordered to leave the premises.
The confrontation escalated before the guard allegedly stabbed the hawker in the chest.
The suspect, identified as Ian Mugisha, a guard attached to Security 2000, was arrested at the scene while police recovered the suspected murder weapon.
The victim’s body was transferred to KCCA City Mortuary as detectives commenced investigations.
Education stories
24 primary school pupils perish in a tragic bus crash in Kapchorwa
On July 16, 2026, the country was paralysed by the sad news of a catastrophic school bus crash that claimed the lives of at least 24 pupils of King David Junior School, Ndejje, and their Director, Mr Tadeo Ssekade, among other occupants, as they returned from a study tour at Sipi Falls in the Eastern District of Kapchorwa.
The incident occurred at around 8:00 pm at Chekwatit Hill, a renowned accident black spot in Kapchorwa District.
Over 60 other pupils sustained serious injuries.
Preliminary investigations by the traffic police indicated that the school’s Isuzu bus (registration number UA 108BQ), developed a mechanical failure. The driver lost control on the steep hill, causing the vehicle to veer off the road, hit a large stone, and overturn.
The survivors were rushed to nearby health facilities in Kapchorwa and Mbale Regional Referral Hospitals.
Govt swings into action
Following the tragic accident, Education and Sports immediately convened an inter-ministerial meeting to come up with immediate and long-term interventions to prevent the recurrence of such incidents
involving learners.
Speaking to journalists during a press conference organised by the Ministries of Education and Sports, Gender, ICT and National Guidance, Works and Transport at Uganda Media Centre on July
17, barely a day after the tragic incident, the Acting Education Minister, Dr John Chrysostom Muyingo, announced the suspension of study trips and tours that involve learners having to travel in group transport by land within the country or going outside Uganda until further notice.
Politics
Long-awaited LC1 elections held countrywide
The Electoral Commission conducted the long-awaited 2026 Local Council I (LC I), Local Council II (LC II), and Women Council elections.
In order to have a good voter turnout, the government declared July 28 as a public holiday.
The polls were by lining up behind the preferred candidate, and not by way of a secret ballot as happened in the presidential and parliamentary elections that were held in January.
Move to remove Joel Ssenyonyi as Leader of the Opposition gains momentum
Also, while we were shut, Buyaga West MP Dennis Namara came up with a motion in Parliament to introduce the Administration of Parliament (Amendment) Bill, 2026. The proposed legislation seeks to fundamentally alter how the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) is selected and held accountable by shifting the power of designating the LoP from the largest opposition political party in Parliament to a direct vote by all Opposition and Independent MPs.
Under parliamentary rules, the Leader of the Opposition is appointed by the largest opposition party in Parliament, with the appointment communicated to the Speaker. Mr Ssenyonyi, who subscribes to the leading opposition National Unity Platform (NUP), has served as LoP since 2024. He has overseen the opposition’s legislative agenda and scrutiny of government, making any attempt to replace him a significant development within Uganda’s opposition politics.
Gen Moses Ali dies at 87, bringing to an end a five-decade political career
Uganda lost one of its longest-serving political and military figures in the name of Gen. Moses Ali at the age of 87. The veteran statesman died after being hospitalized at Nakasero Hospital, where he had been receiving treatment for several days as concerns over his health mounted.
Gen. Ali’s career spanned more than five decades, during which he served under successive governments in various senior military and political positions. A former Second Deputy Prime Minister and Deputy Leader of Government Business in Parliament, he also represented Adjumani West County in the 12th Parliament after being sworn in May this year. His political journey saw him serve as a cabinet minister, rebel leader, military officer and lawmaker, making him one of the country’s most influential and enduring public figures.
In the health sector
National cleaning day launched
The government launched the National Cleaning Days Programme on Saturday, July 25, a fresh initiative which has attracted praise for cleaner streets in several areas while exposing deep systemic gaps in urban garbage collection and management.
While launching the initiative in Kampala last week, the Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja said this would be essential in preventing common diseases and ensuring a productive population. Around 75 percent of diseases in the country are preventable, according to statistics from the government.
‘A clean Uganda cannot be achieved by the government alone,’ Ms Nabbanja noted, adding ‘it requires commitment of every citizen.’
In her passionate appeal, the Prime Minister said: ‘Let us embrace this initiative and make responsible waste management a national culture. Together, let us build a cleaner, healthier and more productive Uganda.’
Ms Nabbanja also announced that the National Cleaning Day will be observed every last Saturday of each month, with the activity running from 7 am to 10 am across the country. All movement and non-essential activities in the country, except emergencies, are stopped, and this is enforced by security (Police).
But leaders of the Seventh Day Adventists (SDA) say the government should reconsider the earmarking of Saturday because it’s their day of worship. The leaders say the scriptures do not permit them to engage in such activities, yet they also wish to participate in the cleaning event.
‘I wish to assure you (SDA members) that the Church leadership is actively engaging the Government in a spirit of mutual respect to seek an amicable solution that upholds both the national objective and our constitutional freedom of worship,’ Pr Samuel Kajoba said in a July 24 statement.
‘Among the proposals presented is that Seventh-day Adventist members participate in the cleaning exercise on either Friday or Sunday, as may be agreed upon by both parties,’ he added. But the government has not yet issued any formal statement to indicate if there is any adjustment.
The government says on cleaning days, the members of the public are encouraged to remain in their areas, take part in the cleaning exercise and resume normal activities at 10:00 a.m. The cleaning can be done around homes, on roads (unblocking drainage channels and sweeping the roads), clearing overgrown grasses in the community areas, cleaning markets and places of worship, among others.
Uganda declared Ebola-free
On July 28, Health Minister Dr Chris Baryomunsi made a huge pronouncement by declaring Uganda Ebola-free.
The Minister explained that the declaration was made after the 42 days had lapsed without registering any new infection from the time of the last discharge of a Ugandan Ebola patient from hospital on June 16.
The citizens, for the past over three months, had faced several international travel bans due to the deadly virus.
Information from the Ministry of Health indicated that a total of 20 EVD cases were registered in Uganda since the outbreak in May. The majority, 15 of the cases, came from the neighbouring DR Congo, according to the Ministry.
Of the 20 cases, there were two deaths, while 18 of the patients recovered after successful treatment. Although the death of two is a painful experience for families affected, the 10 percent case fatality rate is an indication of advancement in quality of treatment when compared to the previous two outbreaks of the Ebola Bundibugyo strain in Uganda and DR Congo.
In the previous outbreaks, death rates were between 30 and 50 percent among infected people.
Malaria outbreak kills school-going children
While we were away, four students died from severe malaria in top Kampala schools in what was believed to be a new strain. The affected learners were from Gayaza High School, Makerere College School, and Mengo Senior Secondary School. But the health ministry downplayed the talk that there was a new malaria strain.
Health Minister Dr Baryomunsi on July 15 confirmed that four learners in the Kampala Metropolitan Area died from severe malaria but linked this to low immunity against malaria.
Field visits
While the Ministry of Health was talking about these issues of malaria and Ebola, the Ministry of Local Government started unannounced visits to public health facilities and other infrastructure sites.
These visits, which are often accompanied by altercations (uncomfortable exchanges) and videos shared on social media platforms by State Minister of Local Government Justine Nameere, have attracted mixed reactions in the general public and among health professionals.
But many members of the public, on social media, believe this approach will address critical gaps like staff absenteeism and corruption, especially in health facilities, which increase waiting times and affect access to care.
Entertainment
Zari clarifies her facelift
Socialite and entrepreneur Zari Hassan has never shied away from conversations about beauty, aging, or cosmetic enhancement. While we were closed, the Ugandan-born businesswoman made headlines after confirming she recently underwent a cosmetic procedure that has dominated social media discussions.
But according to Zari, many people have gotten one important detail wrong.
After photos of her new look sparked intense debate online, with some fans praising her youthful appearance while others questioned the noticeable changes to her face, Zari decided to set the record straight.
Speaking during a TikTok video, the reality TV star revealed that she did not undergo a full facelift, as widely speculated. Instead, she had a temporal lift, a cosmetic procedure that subtly lifts the outer corners of the eyes to create a fresher, more youthful appearance.
“I had a facelift and slightly enhanced the corners of my eyes. It looks good. I am still a very beautiful woman,” she initially said while dismissing criticism over her appearance.
She later clarified that what she underwent was specifically a temporal lift rather than a traditional facelift.
“I didn’t do a full face. I did a temporal lift around the eyes because a full facelift involves you being cut. I’m not gatekeeping. I’m the beautiful friend that you want to have. God already made me beautiful, even before all of this. I have been gorgeous. I’m just enhancing as we get older.”
For Zari, the procedure is less about changing who she is and more about maintaining the image she has carefully built over the years.
She says cosmetic enhancements are simply another way of embracing aging on her own terms.
She also blamed some of the criticism on heavily edited or poorly captured images that quickly went viral on social media, arguing that they exaggerated the results of the procedure.
“My face has become a national discussion,” she joked before urging critics to move on.
“Can you please stop talking about my face now? It’s still gorgeous.”
The mother of five also revealed that this was the first cosmetic procedure she has ever had on her face, despite years of speculation surrounding her youthful appearance.
However, in 2024, she disclosed spending nearly $20,000 (about Shs 75 million) on body enhancement procedures, including work on her waist and teeth. Rather than hiding the surgeries, she described them as personal investments in her confidence and appearance.
Her openness reflects a growing trend among celebrities who are increasingly choosing transparency over secrecy when it comes to cosmetic work.
For decades, plastic surgery was something many celebrities preferred to deny. Perhaps no figure symbolized that era more than Michael Jackson, whose dramatically changing appearance fueled endless speculation. Although the late king of Pop publicly admitted to only two nose surgeries and attributed his lighter skin tone to vitiligo, medical professionals who reportedly worked with him later claimed he underwent numerous cosmetic procedures over the years.