Category: Daily Monitor

Uganda is entering a decisive moment in its political history. After more than four decades under one president, public debate is increasingly focused on the prospect of succession-particularly the possibility that power could shift to his son, who currently serves as Commander of the Defence Forces. This situation raises profound questions about democracy, stability, and the country’s long-term development.

One of the most pressing concerns is the risk of dynastic or hereditary rule. When leadership appears to pass within a family rather than through open, competitive elections, democratic principles are weakened. Citizens may begin to feel that political power is inherited rather than earned, discouraging participation and eroding trust in public institutions. Over time, this perception can hollow out democracy, even if elections continue to be held.

Closely linked to this is the growing militarisation of politics. A serving military commander playing an overt political role blurs the crucial line between civilian authority and military power. An apolitical, professional military is a cornerstone of national unity and constitutional order. When that neutrality is questioned, it can intimidate opponents, distort political competition, and undermine confidence in the armed forces as a national, rather than partisan institution.

Uganda has also experienced a steady shrinking of democratic space. Long-term rule often goes hand in hand with weakened checks and balances, constrained opposition, restricted media, and pressure on judicial independence. For many citizens-especially young people-this creates a sense of exclusion from decision-making. Such exclusion does not simply produce apathy; it can fuel unrest, disengagement, or the search for opportunities beyond the country’s borders. The youth question is particularly urgent. Uganda has one of the youngest populations in the world, yet political and economic power remains concentrated among an aging elite.

If young people continue to see limited pathways to leadership, employment, and influence, frustration will grow. A demographic dividend can quickly turn into a demographic burden if aspirations are consistently blocked. Supporters of continuity often argue that it guarantees stability. In the short term, this may be true. But history across Africa and beyond shows that systems built around individuals rather than strong institutions are inherently fragile. When succession is unclear or perceived as predetermined, uncertainty increases. Elite rivalries intensify, public confidence declines, and the risk of abrupt political crises rises.

Uganda’s future, therefore, is not predetermined. There are constructive paths forward. Strengthening independent institutions such as the courts, parliament, and electoral bodies would help restore public trust. Ensuring that the military remains professional and firmly outside partisan politics is essential. Expanding political space, encouraging genuine dialogue, and allowing peaceful, constitutional transitions of power would signal a commitment to long-term stability. Equally critical is addressing youth unemployment and inclusion, so that the country’s largest generation sees a stake in its future.

Uganda stands at a crossroads. One path leads toward deeper militarisation and dynastic politics; the other toward institutional strength and democratic renewal. The choice made today will shape the nation for generations. Ultimately, sustainable progress will depend not on who holds power, but on whether power is accountable, lawful, and grounded in the consent of the governed.

Mr Samuel Begiira, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag bearer has won the Central Region youth MP race with a landslide victory, defeating six other contenders.

A total of 1,105 delegates from 27 districts of Buganda took part in the election conducted at Masaka Sports Arena -Kitovu in Masaka City on Wednesday, January 28.

Begiira, the current chairperson Gomba Youth League, polled 1,001 votes while his closest challenger, Isaac Nazimuura (Ind) got 46 votes. Makerere Guild President James Churchill Sentamu (Ind) came third with 34 votes, while the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate Edward Kulabako garnered 12 votes. Andrew Bbaale of DP got two votes, while independents Gloria Nawanyaga, Tony Raymond Jjagwe got four votes and one vote respectively. After being declared the winner by Ms Harriet Kashagire, the central region EC returning officer, Begiira promised to prioritise job creation for youth who constitute 75 per cent of Uganda’s population.

‘I am very excited about this new journey, and I promise to use this new position to help the youth get jobs and also fight poverty through the existing programmes like Parish Development Model,’ he said.

Begiira replaces Agnes Kirabo, who contested for the Luweero District Woman MP seat in the January 15 Election and lost to NUP’s Brenda Nabukenya.

However, Kulabako decried the monetisation of elections, saying this vice is denying the country good leaders.

‘ I have lost [the election ] not because I did not have support, but because I lacked money. We are supposed to campaign in all the districts in the region, which is costly, yet the youth lack enough resources to facilitate this whole process. Even on Election Day, a candidate who has a lot of money to give to delegates is the one who wins the election; it has been like this over the years, and it has to change,’ he said

Mr Bbaale castigated the EC for delaying to share the voters’ register with candidates, blaming it for his loss.

‘I think it was deliberate to give us the register late so that we don’t campaign and talk to the delegates. We need serious reforms to have elections that reflect the will of youth in Uganda,’ he said.

Ms Kashagire commended the delegates for observing discipline, describing the exercise as largely peaceful.

‘There could have been some hiccups here and there, but all in all it has been a successful exercise, where we made mistakes, we shall improve in future polls,’ she said.

All three incumbent Members of Parliament (MPs) and the LC5 chairperson in Butaleja District have lost their seats in the just-concluded general elections, marking a significant political shift in the area.

The defeated incumbents are Mr Yusuf Mutembuli, the MP for Bunyole East; Mr Geoffrey Mutiwa, the MP for Bunyole West; Ms Florence Nebanda Andiru, the Butaleja District Woman MP; and Mr Micheal Bory Higenyi, the LC5 chairperson of Butaleja District.

In Bunyole East, Mr Mutembuli was defeated by Mr Ronald Mutengo, while in Bunyole West, Mr Mutiwa lost to Mr James Waluswaka. Ms Nebanda was unseated by Ms Sarah Logose, who won the District Woman MP seat. Meanwhile, Mr Higenyi was defeated by youthful newcomer Mr Elvis Were in the LC5 chairperson race. The defeat of the three MPs and the LC5 chairperson follows their earlier loss of the NRM flag during party primaries held last year, marking their second consecutive political setback.

Mr Mutembuli lost the NRM flag to former MP Moses Nagwomu Musamba, who also failed to reclaim the seat in the general election. Ms Nebanda lost the party flag to Ms Logose, who went on to defeat her in the final poll, while Mr Mutiwa lost the flag to Mr Waluswaka, who has now reclaimed the Bunyole West seat. Mr Higenyi lost the NRM flag to Joseph Muyonjo, who passed away shortly after the primaries, prompting the NRM Electoral Commission to organise fresh elections. Mr Were emerged victorious and became the party’s flag bearer for the LC5 position.

Mr Mutiwa had replaced Mr Waluswaka in the 2021 General Election, but Mr Waluswaka has now staged a comeback by defeating him in the 2026 General Election. Similarly, Mr Mutembuli secured the NRM flag in 2021 and went on to defeat Mr Nagwomu, but the political tide shifted against him this time. During the recent NRM primaries, Mr Nagwomu won the party flag after defeating political newcomer Mr Faustine Mutabazi, who came second. However, Mr Mutabazi was later disqualified by the Electoral Commission just two days before the general election.

Political analyst Jimmy Mango attributed Mr Mutengo’s victory partly to Mr Mutabazi’s disqualification. ‘Mutengo benefited from the Electoral Commission’s decision to disqualify Mutabazi. Once he was removed from the race, his supporters had limited options and largely shifted their support to Mutengo,’ Mr Mango said. He added that Mr Mutabazi enjoyed stronger grassroots support than any other candidate, arguing that disqualifying him on the basis of rumours so close to polling day was a mistake.

The election outcome signals a strong voter appetite for change in Butaleja District, with all incumbent legislators swept out of office. Daily Monitor also learnt that most incumbent LC5 councillors lost their seats in this year’s elections. Mr John Paul Osinde, the Butaleja District returning officer, said the elections were conducted peacefully.

In Bunyole West, Mr Waluswaka (NRM) was declared the winner after polling 20,270 votes against the incumbent Mr Mutiwa (Independent), who garnered 15,757 votes. Other candidates included Mr Peter Kaita Munghesi (NUP) with 1,933 votes, Mr Joel Fuuna (Independent) with 131 votes, and Mr Yasini Mabaale (FDC) with 65 votes.

In Bunyole East, Mr Ronald Mutego Hanghujja (Independent) emerged victorious with 17,355 votes, defeating Mr Moses Musamba Nagwomu (NRM), who polled 16,087 votes. Ms Logose won the Butaleja District Woman MP seat after securing 39,894 votes, defeating incumbent Ms Nebanda, who obtained 18,652 votes. Other contenders were Ms Agatha Hamba Muloki (Independent) with 14,054 votes, Sauya Kizza (NUP) with 4,421 votes, and Christine Sannyu Nawetene (Independent) with 986 votes.

Mr Were (NRM) was declared the winner of the LC5 chairperson seat after polling 41,277 votes, defeating incumbent Mr Higenyi (Independent), who garnered 17,387 votes. Political analyst David Mulabi observed that voters are becoming more civically conscious and increasingly hold leaders accountable for their campaign promises.

‘For instance, voters repeatedly reminded Mutembuli about the tarmac road he had promised, even citing a video in which he assured them that his next nomination would be on tarmac,’ Mr Mulabi said. Similarly, Mr Higenyi was reminded of his pledge to create jobs, while Ms Nebanda struggled to convince voters of the tangible benefits she had delivered.

‘In the absence of a clear track record of service, voters appear comfortable sending in new leaders. This explains why Waluswaka was remembered and re-elected, he had delivered several kilometres of surface-dressed tarmac roads, a visible achievement that resonated with the electorate,’ Mr Mulabi added. In a congratulatory message to President Museveni on his re-election for the 2026 to 2031 term, Mr Eddy Wamushya, the acting Sehulu of the Bunyole Cultural Institution, said: ‘At the micro level of local government administration, the Banyole people elected the youthful Elvis Were, the NRM flag bearer, to the district LC5 position.

This development will help establish a leadership support structure from the grassroots to the parliamentary level, and potentially to the cabinet level, thereby creating a fully buttressed service delivery linkage for the benefit of our people. Mr Were has since called for unity among residents of Butaleja District.

‘Now that the elections are behind us, it is time to put aside political differences and unite as one people. Development does not recognise party lines,’ Mr Were said. He pledged to prioritise service delivery, improve roads, schools, health facilities and agriculture, and create opportunities for youth and women, assuring residents that no one would be left behind.

Former LC5 chairperson contestant James Wire said disunity among incumbents contributed to their defeat.

‘They were busy fighting among themselves, which affected their performance. They ignored advice from the elite community and surrounded themselves with people who lacked vision and capacity,’ Wire said.

In a press release dated January 27, the outgoing LC5 chairperson, Mr Higenyi, pledged to support the incoming leadership during the transition.

‘After careful reflection, I have deemed it appropriate to hand over the office on May 19. The date coincides with the anniversary of my swearing-in and my golden jubilee. I trust the handover will be conducted smoothly, in the spirit of continuity and cooperation,’ Mr Higenyi stated.

With an Exclusive Pre-Order Campaign Featuring Amazing Double Gifts

Kampala, Uganda – January 27, 2026 – Xiaomi today teased the upcoming arrival of the REDMI Note 15 Series, signaling a bold new chapter for the REDMI Note lineup in Uganda.

Built around the all-new REDMI Titan Durability, the forthcoming series promises a major leap forward in everyday resilience, combining longer-lasting battery performance, enhanced drop resistance, and improved dust and water protection – all engineered to meet the demands of modern life. Alongside durability, users can expect significant upgrades in imaging, performance, and immersive display experiences, designed to deliver flagship-level features to more users.

While Xiaomi is keeping full details under wraps for now, early indicators point to a REDMI Note Series that raises the bar across camera technology, battery endurance, and overall user experience – without compromise.

Pre-Orders Now Open

Ahead of the official launch, Xiaomi Uganda has opened pre-orders for the REDMI Note 15 Series.

Customers can pre-order with a deposit as low as UGX 100,000 at participating Xiaomi Partner Stores nationwide. As part of the pre-order offer, customers will receive:

FREE Redmi Band 9 Active, and

additional FREE Redmi Buds 6 Play upon device collection

The pre-order promotion runs from 27th January to 5th February 2026 and is exclusive to Xiaomi Partner Stores across Uganda.

The full unveiling of the REDMI Note 15 Series – including detailed specifications, pricing, and availability – will be announced on Feb 6th 2026

Built to endure. Designed to impress.

The next evolution of REDMI Note is almost here.

Hello Paul, some people say you should service a car every 5,000km, while others insist 10,000km is fine if you use good oil. For Ugandan conditions with dust, traffic and heat, what is the most realistic and safe service interval? Lutalo

Hello Lutalo, the debate between a 5,000km and a 10,000km service interval is an old one. Ultimately, it comes down to how hard you drive your car and the road or environmental conditions you encounter. In Uganda, our typical driving conditions include frequent heat, dust, uneven or rough suburban roads, and stop-and-go traffic jams.

These are classified as severe driving conditions. Car manufacturers generally recommend shorter and more frequent service intervals for vehicles operating under such conditions.

Additionally, the age and condition of the engine can influence the necessary oil service interval; in severe cases, some leaky engines with worn piston rings may require an oil change every 3,000km.

Industry experts and leading mechanics in Uganda recommend an engine oil and filter service every 5,000km.

This is due to the thick dust on many of our tropical roads, which can clog or penetrate old air filters and damage internal engine components.

The high temperatures and slow traffic often encountered in Kampala and other cities, also contribute to the quicker breakdown of engine oil.

For drivers who frequently navigate dusty murram roads, it might be advisable to decrease the service interval to 4,000km, based on discretion or expert recommendation.

The quality of engine oil is also important. Using high-performance full synthetic engine oils may allow you to extend your oil change interval to 7,000km, but this is contingent on the vehicle not operating in extreme dusty and hot conditions or having an old engine that burns oil.

Even when using high-quality, fully synthetic oils, it is wise to check the car every 2,000km for issues such as a dirty air filter or leaks in the lubrication and cooling systems.

Time is also a factor in determining your next oil change.

Some motorists take a long time to reach 5,000km, either because they park their car for extended periods or have short commutes without longer drives.

Engine oil deteriorates both with mileage and over time.

As a general rule, it is best to drain and service your engine oil and filter after 5,000 km or every six months, whichever comes first.

Remember that ageing, resulting in the breakdown of chemical properties, and heat can affect engine oil, even when the vehicle is not in use.

Bank of Uganda has approved Finance Trust Bank’s request to downgrade its operations from a commercial bank (Tier I) to a credit institution (Tier II).

The move makes Finance Trust Bank the fourth commercial bank to scale down its licence since the central bank raised the minimum capital requirement in 2022.

Other banks that have downgraded their operations include ABC Capital, Guaranty Trust Bank, and Opportunity Bank, all of which made the transition in 2024.

In a notice dated January 29, Bank of Uganda said Finance Trust Bank had been authorised to operate as a credit institution effective April 1, 2026, following a strategic realignment by the bank’s board, which applied for a new licence as a credit institution.

‘The change of status to a credit institution follows a decision by Finance Trust Bank’s board of directors to adopt a strategic shift and reposition the institution to better serve its core customer base,’ the notice reads in part, adding that the bank was adequately capitalised and meets the minimum capital requirements for a Tier II licence.

Finance Trust Bank will have a three-month transition period, from January 1 to March 31, 2026, during which it will phase out products and processes specific to commercial banking operations. The central bank said the transition period is intended to ensure a smooth migration for customers and to minimise disruptions to financial sector stability.

In a separate notice dated January 29, Finance Trust said its board and management ‘wish to inform our customers and the general public of our transition to a Tier II credit institution following Bank of Uganda’s issuance of a new licence.’

The downgrade follows regulatory reforms introduced in 2022, when Finance Minister Matia Kasaija signed a statutory instrument increasing the minimum capital requirement for commercial banks from Shs25b to Shs150b.

The reforms were intended to strengthen the resilience of the banking sector, but have since triggered structural adjustments among some banks.

Finance Trust Bank was granted a Tier I operating licence on November 11, 2013, after taking over the business of Uganda Finance Trust, then a micro-deposit-taking financial institution.

The bank also indicated that all services will remain available across its nationwide branch network during the transition period and that it will continue to operate in full compliance with regulatory requirements.

Four more people have been arrested in connection with aggravated robberies carried out by a violent criminal gang, which one of its members allegedly said is led by one of the commanders of the Joint Anti-Terrorism Task Force (JATT).

On Tuesday, this publication broke the story about the killing of one of the suspects and the capture of another, who reportedly confessed that they carried out robberies on orders of a top JATT commander. In a new development, the spokesperson of the Kampala Metropolitan Police, Ms Rachael Kawala, issued a statement saying five suspects were arrested and three guns were recovered.

‘Security agencies have arrested five suspects in connection with a series of aggravated robberies within the Kampala Metropolitan Policing area and recovered three firearms,’ Ms Kawala said on Tuesday.

According to the police, one of the suspects is a discharged soldier. She said the suspects admitted to having participated in the gunning down of the Officer-in-Charge of Ntawo Police Post, Assistant Superintendent of Police Emmanuel Bagenda, in November last year. ASP Bagenda was shot dead by armed thugs while responding to a robbery in Ntawo in Mukono District.

Last week, the police recovered three guns from the suspects.

A police source said one of the guns is owned by the Uganda Peoples Defence Force, the second belongs to the Uganda Police Force, and the third one belongs to a private security organisation.

Ms Kawala declined to comment on the claim that a senior military officer is being behind the criminal gang. A security source, who preferred anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter, said one suspect was shot dead during the shoot-out, while another surrendered with his rifle, pleading with the police officers to spare his life and he promised that he would reveal the persons behind their criminal gang.

This is the second time in six months that the police have recovered guns owned by an anti-terrorism unit that have been found in the criminals’ hands. In July last year, two assault rifles owned by an anti-terrorism unit were recovered during an operation against criminals at Kifuta Village in Kibira Sub-County, Kyotera District. The thugs attempted to rob Shs50 million from a coffee dealer. There has been a rise in armed robberies in Kira Municipality, Wakiso District, and several parts of Mukono District.

Criminals captured on CCTV cameras

Since April last year, two men armed with assault rifles have been captured on CCTV cameras robbing different businesses in Kira Municipality, Wakiso District, and parts of Mukono District. The suspects have been targeting mobile money shops and wholesale businesses. Last year, the police were concerned about the insecurity in areas of Kampala East Police Region. Mid last year, Mr Kituuma reported similar incidents in Namugongo Division, Kira Municipality in Wakiso District, and in Goma Division, Mukono District, where the residents were attacked by thugs armed with machetes and knives, who raided their homes.

‘The attackers began their spree in Nabweru-Mukono District, then continued through Kyaliwajjala, Sonde in Wakiso, and later proceeded to Seeta Town in Mukono, as admitted by one of the suspects. On their return route to Nabweru, they committed another robbery at Namanve Industrial Park along the Kampala-Jinja highway,’ he said. The mentioned places are residential areas that are home to hundreds of people in the middle and working class, who provide labour in the city and the industrial areas of Mukono District, Wakiso District, and Kampala City.

For decades, the spread of bank branches and ATMs was the clearest sign of financial inclusion in Uganda. A new branch meant progress; an ATM meant convenience.

But over the last five years, that story begun to change. Between 2021 and 2025, according to data contained in the Bank of Uganda Annual Supervision Report 2025, the banking system has quietly shifted away from bricks-and-mortar expansion toward a more flexible, agent-driven model of access.

The numbers tell this subtle but important story.

Branch expansion reversal

Bank of Uganda data shows that in 2021, Uganda had 614 commercial bank branches, a number that rose modestly to 616 in 2022 and peaked at 621 in 2023, reflecting steady, albeit modest, physical expansion.

However, by 2024, branch numbers had fallen by 30 branches to 591, before stabilizing slightly at 592 in 2025.

Data shows that the figures above represent an overall decline of about 3.6 percent over the five years, with the most significant contraction occurring after 2023, which, the Central Bank says was driven largely by structural changes in the banking sector, particularly the transition of ABC Capital, Guaranty Trust Bank, and Opportunity Bank from tier one (commercial banks) to tier two institutions, a shift that alone removed 34 branches from the commercial banking network.

The contraction, therefore, reflects regulatory-driven consolidation and reclassification, as banks adjusted their operating models to meet higher capital requirements.

ATMs follow a similar pattern

ATMs followed a comparable trajectory. From 886 ATMs in 2021, numbers rose to 900 in 2022 and 907 in 2023, before declining to 888 in 2024. A modest rebound occurred in 2025, with ATMs increasing to 896.

Overall, ATMs increased marginally over five years, but the post-2023 dip mirrors the branch decline, which suggests that banks are increasingly growing less reliant on fixed infrastructure and more cautious about maintaining high-cost physical channels, especially as digital payments and mobile banking continue to grow.

Agents filling the gap

While branches and ATMs have stagnated or declined, banking agents have expanded at an extraordinary pace.

In 2021, Uganda had just 16,013 active banking agents. By 2022, that figure jumped to 23,515, rising again to 26,314 in 2023, 27,306 in 2024, and reaching 31,308 agents in 2025. That is a near doubling (95 percent) in just five years.

This expansion fundamentally reshapes access to financial services.

Agents now outnumber branches and ATMs combined by a wide margin and have become the primary touchpoint for everyday banking, especially in rural and peri-urban areas.

Deposits, withdrawals, bill payments, and basic account services are increasingly delivered through shops, kiosks, and mobile money-linked outlets rather than traditional bank halls.

What the shift means

Data shows that Uganda is not de-banking, it is re-banking. The decline in branches and ATMs does not imply reduced access.

It reflects cost optimisation by banks, regulatory restructuring, and a strategic pivot toward low-cost, high-reach delivery models.

Agents now carry the burden of inclusion, while branches are increasingly reserved for complex services such as corporate banking, credit appraisal, and relationship management.

The shift means that banking is now closer to consumers, operates longer hours, and has lower transaction costs, while at the same time it raises new supervisory questions around agent oversight, fraud risk, consumer protection, and operational resilience, areas Bank of Uganda has already begun to address through strengthened supervision and digital monitoring systems.

The new geography of banking

Between 2021 and 2025, Uganda’s banking map has been redrawn. Physical branches are fewer, ATMs are no longer the growth frontier, and agents have emerged as the backbone of financial access. The future of banking is no longer defined by how many branches a bank opens, but by how effectively it deploys agents, technology, and trust.

What began as his great-grandfather’s home in the 1920s is now one of Kampala’s most iconic hotels. At Fairway, Azhar Jaffer combines family legacy, loyalty, and a love for Uganda’s culture to create hospitality with a heart.

Azhar Jaffer does not introduce himself with titles. He begins with temperament, describing himself as friendly, kind, open-minded, and creative. It is an unassuming start for a man at the centre of Uganda’s hospitality conversation; a hotelier, a board member of the Uganda Tourism Association (UTA), and custodian of one of Kampala’s most storied hotels.

‘I wear many hats,’ he laughs. ‘I am a husband. I am a leader. I sit on various boards. I always try to give back.’ To Jaffer, leadership is about creating a wider circle of influence.

‘It is not just about making money; it is also about giving back to society and transferring skills. If you know something, it is essential to share it.’ This instinct resonates throughout Fairway Hotel, where a sense of history lingers.

From family home to iconic hotel

The structure dates back to the 1920s, once serving as his great-grandfather’s home. As the family grew, the house expanded. In 1969, Jaffer’s grandfather, Sherali Bandali Jaffer, converted it into a hotel to host Uganda’s first papal visit. Cardinals and clergy filled the rooms, and when the Pope departed, the name remained.

His Highness the Aga Khan’s brother, Prince Amyn Muhammed Aga Khan, suggested the name Fairway Hotel, inspired by the golf course across the road. Today, the property spans four acres, with 100 rooms, nine conference halls, and two restaurants. It is eco-designed, with gardens inside and around the edges, and cats wander freely through the grounds.

‘We say we are your home away from home,’ Jaffer explains, ‘and that is what we genuinely aim to create.’

Loyalty and leadership at the core

Some staff members have been with the hotel for more than two decades. They watched Jaffer grow up, and he has seen them raise their families. This loyalty is no accident.

‘An organisation has a heart. When you provide job security, give people a voice, and involve them in decision-making, they feel at home,’ he asserts. He emphasises that three groups must be served equally for a business to thrive: the paying guest, the supplier, and the staff. ‘If you fail at one, you cannot grow.’

In a neighbourhood crowded with new hotels, this philosophy is tested daily. Talent is often poached, and promises elsewhere can lure away staff. ‘Developing a resource takes time. When someone comes and poaches an individual you have nurtured from trainee to leader, it is like stealing an asset,’ Jaffer observes.

Stability over spectacle

He trusts stability over spectacle. Many newcomers promise high salaries but fail to pay them. Fairway, on the other hand, always pays on time. “People would rather stay somewhere stable than jump into the unknown.”

The competition sharpens the focus on experience. ‘People do not come just for a bed and food; they come for fast internet, good service, safety, and comfort, essentially, a feeling of being at home.’

Fairway’s motto, Defining Uganda’s Hospitality, is not just bravado; online reviews rank it among the country’s most trusted accommodations. ‘Just like I have staff who have been here for 20 years, I have customers who have chosen to stay with us for just as long,’ says Jaffer.

Influence beyond the hotel

Outside the hotel, Jaffer’s influence extends into policy-making. As a UTA board representative, he advocates for a sector that is among the country’s largest employers and taxpayers. ‘Without hotels, you cannot have tourism,’ he emphasises. UTA negotiates policies, shapes marketing strategies, and aligns various interests from tour guides to women in tourism.

His vision is straightforward: attract more visitors who leave with stories worth sharing. ‘It showcases our culture. When visitors interact with Ugandans, it exposes both sides. That exchange is important.’ While welcoming mega-events and sports tourism, he stresses diversification. ‘We should not just promote gorillas and wildlife; Uganda has mountains, biking trails, and active tourism opportunities that matter.’

Connecting guests to the country

Jaffer is candid about gaps in cities. Kampala needs more curated cultural experiences, places that people will remember and photograph. Until that happens, hotels must act as connectors, encouraging extended stays in Entebbe, Jinja, and upcountry parks.

‘Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) are significant, but conferences need additional activities. People should come for four days and add two nights to explore Fort Portal and the rest of the country,’ he explains.

In addition to Fairway, he oversees Coco Beach in Entebbe and Sambiya River Lodge in Murchison Falls National Park.

Leadership, virtues, and resilience

Running multiple ventures does not feel like a burden. ‘If you enjoy what you do, it does not feel like work,’ he says. Challenges persist; talent shortages, need for exposure, but he remains optimistic about a new generation returning with global experience.

When discussing leadership, Jaffer lists virtues rather than tactics: integrity, honesty, people-first thinking, flexibility, collaboration, and humility. During Covid-19, these values were tested. Fairway survived because decisions were made collectively. ‘It was not just me in an office making orders; we sat down together.’ He prefers being a leader over a boss. ‘When you lead, people want to follow you. When you are a boss, they feel obligated to.’ While authority is sometimes necessary, flexibility goes further.

Beyond work

Many guests are unaware he owns the hotel. “That is sometimes a good thing,” he smiles. Outside work, he seeks privacy in quiet corners of Entebbe, on beaches, or with a book.

Rest also means spending time with the community; dining at friends’ homes or Kampala’s restaurants. He believes culinary arts deserve greater national investment. ‘Chefs are well compensated, and their skills are transferable anywhere.’

On policy matters, he is honest. Collaboration has improved, but taxes remain high. ‘Hotels endure too many taxes and licenses. Simplifying this system would promote growth, especially for local investors.’

Sustainability is where his commitment deepens. Solar panels provide hot water at Fairway, while a full solar plant powers his lodge in Murchison. Food waste is minimised; unused food is donated or shared.

‘The Uganda I remember had clean air. Now there is smog.’ Through initiatives such as Keep Uganda Green and school partnerships, he promotes environmental education but calls for national action.

Family, mentors, legacy

Family comes first: a grandfather who exemplified integrity, a grandmother dedicated to social work, a kind father, and a mother who emphasised education.

Jaffer has three degrees and plans to pursue more. Beyond family, he values the guidance of aunties, uncles, and staff who leave to start businesses. ‘That is amazing. It is wonderful to see them leave to create something better.’

Ultimately, Jaffer’s story is about more than buildings; it is about belonging, valuing people as partners and preserving history because it is something we all share.

The Supreme Court yesterday commenced the preliminary hearing of the presidential election petition filed by former presidential aspirant Robert Kasibante.

The court, however, dismissed an application seeking an adjournment to amend a request for discovery of documents, citing strict constitutional timelines governing election petitions. The matter was heard by a nine-member panel of justices led by newly appointed Chief Justice Flavian Zeija, alongside Justices Percy Night Tuhaise, Mike Chibita, Elizabeth Musoke, Stephen Musota, Christopher Madrama, Catherine Bamugemereire, Monica Mugenyi, and Muzamiru Kibedi.

Mr Kasibante, who was present in court, is represented by a legal team led by Dr Julius Galisonga, assisted by Mr John Isabirye and Mr Ivan Bwowe. President Museveni is represented by lead counsel Mr Ebert Byenkya and Mr Edwin Karugire, while the Attorney General, Mr Kiryowa Kiwanuka, led the government legal team, assisted by Solicitor General Pius Biribonwoha and two senior State attorneys. The Electoral Commission (EC) was represented by former Deputy Attorney General Mr Mwesigwa Rukutana and Mr Eric Sabiiti.

At the start of proceedings, Mr Isabirye informed the court that the petitioner, Mr Kasibante, was seeking an adjournment to allow amendments to an application for discovery and inspection of documents, following objections raised by the respondents. He explained that responses from the respondents faulted the application for failing to specify the exact documents sought. However, Mr Byenkya argued that the request was legally untenable under the laws governing presidential election petitions. ‘This is no ordinary suit. It is governed by strict rules and timelines,’ Mr Byenkya told the court, adding that time started running on January 18 and lapses after 45 days.

He argued that allowing the adjournment would prejudice the President, who had not been informed of the specific documents being sought. Mr Rukutana, appearing for the EC, said the application was incurably time-barred and amounted to an indirect amendment of the petition. AG Kiwanuka also opposed the adjournment, noting that the discovery application had been filed even before responses to the main petition were received. After consultations, Justice Mike Chibita delivered the court’s unanimous decision. ‘The application for adjournment is dismissed due to the strict timelines within which this court must hear the petition,’ Justice Chibita ruled.

The court directed parties to proceed with the main application for discovery. Parties were ordered to meet, prepare a joint scheduling memorandum, file submissions, and return to court on February 3 for further directions. Mr Kasibante’s petition challenges President Museveni’s re-election on grounds of alleged non-compliance with electoral laws and commission of electoral offences, and seeks access to Electoral Commission documents to support the claims.