Category: Daily Monitor

From the perspective of an exiled Ugandan who witnessed them firsthand, this account revisits the 1985 Nairobi peace talks and explains why mistrust, political manoeuvring and the reality of war ensured their failure.

I was one of the exiled Ugandans who witnessed the Nairobi peace talks. Most of us who attended were sceptical from the word go. The talks, later dubbed by some pessimists as the Nairobi Peace ‘Jokes’, began on August 26, 1985, with President Daniel Arap Moi as chair, and ended on December 17.

Before that, the initial meeting with Museveni was held at the home of Mathew Rukikaire, chairman of the NRM External Wing, where he briefed us about the progress of the war. He said the NRA was confident of victory and that it was only a matter of time.

Museveni explained that Okello could neither win nor surrender, which was why he had earlier appealed to President Moi to persuade the NRA to surrender.

Museveni had already held discussions with those in the bush and now wanted to hear the views of exiles in Nairobi.

Background

On July 27, 1985, a section of the Uganda National Liberation Army (UNLA), commanded by Brigadier Bazilio Olara-Okello, staged a coup d’état against Milton Obote’s government. The National Assembly was dissolved, and a Military Council was established to rule the country, first with Olara Okello and later with Gen Tito Okello as chairman.

Meanwhile, Museveni’s National Resistance Army (NRA) rebels were gaining ground, taking advantage of the chaotic situation caused by a power struggle within the government and a demoralised, disintegrating UNLA.

Tito Okello openly invited all parties involved in Uganda’s violence to join in national reconciliation and nation-building. All the major armed groups accepted, except the National Resistance Movement (NRM), the political wing of the NRA.

Okello approached President Julius Nyerere of Tanzania to facilitate a negotiated agreement between the NRM/A and the Military Council. Museveni and the NRM failed to attend the first round of talks in Dar es Salaam, possibly suspicious of Nyerere’s friendship with the ousted Milton Obote.

Alternative arrangements were made for discussions presided over by a mutually acceptable Kenyan delegation, headed by President Daniel Arap Moi.

Negotiations

On realising Museveni’s strength in the bush, Okello asked President Moi to persuade him to cease fire and negotiate an agreement with the Military Council. The gruelling negotiations continued from August 26 to December 17.

Museveni and the NRM/A were angered that the revolution they had fought for four years had been ‘hijacked’ by the UNLA, which they viewed as discredited by gross human rights violations during Obote II.

The talks occasionally degenerated into slanging matches. Museveni denounced previous Ugandan regimes as ‘primitives’ and ‘backward,’ initially refusing to negotiate with the ‘criminal’ Military Council.

Museveni and the NRM adopted a mercurial negotiating position, changing demands and reintroducing supposedly resolved issues. Okello’s team accused the NRM of unnecessarily prolonging the discussions. On one occasion, Museveni disappeared for three days, only to return with new demands. Both sides accused each other of maintaining links with soldiers loyal to former president Idi Amin. These details are drawn from eyewitness accounts and memoirs of those present.

Talks fall apart

Article 17(c) of the agreement called for a commission of inquiry into human rights violations in Uganda since independence. This created a disincentive for the UNLA to implement the plan, as many of its leaders were likely to be implicated in abuses under Obote II.

The prospects of a lasting agreement were further weakened by the context of the negotiations. The Kenyan team lacked in-depth knowledge of Uganda’s situation, the key personalities involved, and their views, failing to build meaningful relationships with the parties to the conflict.

When Museveni asked those in exile if the NRA could cease fire while the talks continued, the general consensus was ‘NO’, to continue fighting. Quoting from the late Besweri Mulondo’s book Semusota GuliMuntamu, he wrote: ‘Let us have the peace talks, but fighting should go on.’

During the meeting, Besweri Mulondo informed Museveni that he had stopped referring to him as vice-chairman of the NRM and instead recognised him as chairman, following Yusuf Lule’s death. Mulondo’s proposal was not challenged.

The Nairobi accord collapsed just weeks after it was signed. The NRM accused the Military Council of not honouring its terms, though memoirs provide much of the detail about what the parties were thinking and feeling.

‘The peace talks did not amount to much. Each side was trying to deceive the other. Museveni went knowing he was close to victory. He knew his fighters were making good progress, closing in on Kampala,’ Rukikaire recalled.

Tito Okello, on the other hand, despised the fighters, seeing them as young boys with no military skills. He suggested incorporating them into the government army, which Museveni deemed impossible.

‘So, the peace talks were just on the surface, but underneath, they were peace jokes,’ Rukikaire said. Accusations flew from both sides of working with Amin’s former soldiers, seen as architects of dictatorship and torture.

Uganda had gone to the dogs, a situation both sides wanted to change, and neither wanted association with the discredited army. ‘We are here to talk, we are going to talk, but I must tell you that if you continue to kill people, this peace cannot hold. You must stop killing people,’ said Museveni, naming those killed by the Okellos.

The talks were notoriously acrimonious. The resultant ceasefire broke down almost immediately. The final agreement, signed in Nairobi, had called for a ceasefire, demilitarisation of Kampala, integration of the NRA and government forces, and absorption of NRA leadership into the Military Council. None of these conditions were met.

Museveni takes power

The economy was in total shambles. When the NRM struggle began, Obote had turned into a vicious dictator, prepared to abrogate the Constitution with impunity. Most Ugandans could not see a good future, and many of us joined the NRM on that basis.

The war intensified, and it was not long before it ended, with Tito Okello going into exile. The war had lasted five years and two months. Museveni was sworn in as President of Uganda on January 26, 1986, amid cheers from the people. These events are widely documented in historical records.

The Minister of ICT and National Guidance, Dr Chris Baryomunsi, has stated that the security deployment at the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) party president Robert Kyagulanyi’s home is to protect it against Ugandans from using it as a public disorder hub.

While responding to queries raised by the Leader of Opposition in Parliament Joel Ssenyonyi, during the Thursday Parliament sitting, Dr Baryomunsi said the deployment is not intended to harass anybody.

“We are not interested in him [Kyagulanyi], that’s why I said he’s free to be in his home. At the moment, he’s not at home, but he’s free at the time as well as members of his family. There is light deployment at his home, not to harass anybody, but for Ugandans not to use the home as a public disorder hub,” Dr Baryomunsi said.

He added, “Therefore, there is some access control because when the head of the home is not there, you don’t want the whole crowd of Ugandans to converge there. So there’s some control, but harmless.”

Dr Baryomunsi insisted that the government is not interested in arresting Kyagulanyi, as there are no charges against him, noting that the NUP leader is free to go back to his home regardless, as he doesn’t break any law.

“He chose on his own volition to go into hiding. The state is not interested in him. Otherwise, the state would pick him from wherever he is, because we know. We have technology to trace people, but because we are not interested in him, that’s why I said he’s free to be in his home,” Dr Baryomunsi said.

The State Minister for Internal Affairs, Gen David Muhoozi, also responding to the same query in Parliament, said that Kyagulanyi’s family is not under any arrest, stating that his home is not a gazetted prison.

“First of all, a prison supposes that there are prisoners in a premise, that home is not a gazetted prison, Kyagulanyi himself is not there, so I want to state categorically clear that, that home is not a prison,” Gen Muhoozi said.

He added, “There may be inconveniences and security may have reasons for their presence there, and those ones we can iron out.”

However, he denied holding Ms Lina Zedriga and Ms Jolly Tukamushaba, both NUP deputy presidents for Northern and Western Uganda respectively, among others who are alleged to have been abducted, with their whereabouts still unknown.

“We don’t abduct, we arrest. If you breach the law, you get arrested and we can account for all those people under custody. It may delay, to be produced but we don’t abduct as a government,” Gen Muhoozi said.

Tucked in the heart of Kampala city, The Patio Bella, found on Arena Mall Upper Ground Floor, has proved it doesn’t just serve food, but is on a mission to curate an experience. From the moment you step through its elegant doors, it’s clear that this is more than fine dining, but also a little escape from daily life.

Today, the world of dining continues to embrace a holistic approach to food and wellness, and that is what I first noticed at The Patio Bella when one goes there. The patriots seem to be on a mission to dominate upscale hospitality by blending nature with luxury to enhance wellbeing.

Upon entering, the first aspect that grabs your attention is the delightful reception, warm interior – soft lighting, living greenery, bespoke art piece and a scent specifically tailored to evoke calmness and anticipation. The décor aligns with a broader trend which is sustainable luxury that doesn’t compromise on quality or flair.

You will be aware that this is the kind of hospitality for which this restaurant strives – a rather old-school notion that restaurants should be pure, glamorous, fragrant escapism. The Staff are elegantly attentive – anticipating needs before they’re voiced – embodying the trend of anticipatory service that defines top-tier hospitality in today’s world.

When you check the menus, items such as Organic beef steak show that sustainability is on the plate in this plush restaurant featuring local produce sourced from local farmers. You can also notice that Zero-waste principles are evident, especially by their creative use of every ingredient to form delicious treats that they serve their guests. Behind the scenes, smart kitchen workflows ensure precision timing without sacrificing the human warmth of chef-prepared dishes.

Each of their dishes tell a different story, right from the charcoal-seared grilled chicken breast paired with Avocado, eggs, steamed spinach, roasted plantain, toast, breakfast potatoes for the Patio’s Fit breakfast, to the sweet and sour sizzling pork served with assorted vegetables, onion gravy and an accompaniment of your choice. The Patio’s kitchen celebrates heritage ingredients with modern techniques, a hallmark of forward-thinking haute cuisine.

The Patio Bella stands for luxury and amazing food. Their service staff describe each course with genuine passion, a nod to the hospitality priority of authentic connection.

The price points on the menu are friendly for a luxury diner in Kampala, but what is more important to note is that the restaurant champions inclusivity. By looking at their menu, one can tell it caters to varied dietary needs regardless of background, ability, or dietary restriction. The cuisines include African, Cafe, Asian and Fusion, served at Breakfast, lunch, Brunch, late night and drinks. The other services include delivery at any of your locations, digital payments, Free WiFi, ample parking space, private dining, take-away, and accessible wheelchair, which all reflect today’s trend of inclusive experiential design in luxury dining.

There is an offer of Perfect Pairing, where one gets to enjoy mouth-watering combos that may include Jerk Chicken, Brown rice, Fries, chapatti, Avocado, onion salsa, chicken or tomato gravy served with either a classic nojito or juice of your choice at ShS55,000.

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.