Category: Daily Monitor

Police in northern Uganda’s Apac District are holding two mayoral candidates over allegations of inciting violence during polling, following a string of election-related clashes that left several people injured.

Those in custody are Patrick Ongom Eyul, the incumbent Apac Municipality mayor and flagbearer of the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC), and Andrew Awany, an independent candidate, police said.

The two were arrested at around 10am on Election Day (Tuesday) after what police described as ‘a series of violent incidents’ reported since the previous day.

Authorities allege the candidates appeared on local radio stations on polling morning and made statements deemed to have incited violence.

They are being held at Apac Central Police Station, as investigations continue.

At least five people were injured in attacks blamed on suspected goons allegedly hired by one of the candidates now in custody.

The victims were assaulted overnight and beaten severely, according to police and eyewitness accounts.

One of the victims, Ambrose Okello, said he was attacked while travelling to town to vote.

‘I was travelling back to town from the village to come and vote but these people, whom I suspect were hired by the current mayor, waylaid our vehicle and pelted stones at us, injuring many people,’ he said.

Another victim, John Arum, said he sustained head injuries and chest pain following the attack.

‘I had gone to the village to dig, but when we hired a truck to bring us back to town where we are registered voters, Ongom and his group attacked us, accusing us of being hired by his competitors,’ he said.

Police also arrested four other suspects accused of being part of the group that stormed Teitek Polling Station in Angayiki Ward, where they allegedly attempted to interfere with the voting process.

North Kyoga regional police spokesperson Patrick Jimmy Okema confirmed the arrests, saying the matter was under investigation.

‘I can confirm to you that we have those suspects in our custody. They went to the radio station and made some statements yet they are not allowed to campaign or make media statements on polling day,’ Okema said.

Despite the incidents, police said voting in Apac Municipality largely proceeded smoothly. Officials also said the biometric voter verification kits, which had earlier malfunctioned during presidential, parliamentary and local government polls, were functioning properly on polling day.

Authorities at Gulu Regional Referral Hospital have attributed the persistently high prevalence and rising mortality rates of tuberculosis (TB) in the Acholi Sub-region to poor health-seeking behaviour among the population.

TB-related deaths have increase by about five percent. Hospital officials say deeply rooted cultural beliefs and myths, particularly linking TB to witchcraft, are causing many patients to seek medical care only when the disease has reached an advanced stage. On average, the hospital registers about 800 new TB cases every quarter, translating to roughly 266 new cases each month across the sub-region.

According to data from 2021, TB prevalence in the Acholi Sub-region stood at 7.4 percent, with a higher prevalence among females at 9.3 percent compared to 5.3 percent among males.

Dr Phillip Okot, the medical officer in charge of TB and leprosy at Gulu Regional Referral Hospital, said the region remains heavily burdened by the disease. ‘With an average of 800 new TB cases every quarter, it means more effort is required to fight this disease,’ Dr Okot said. He expressed concern over a rise in drug-resistant TB cases, alongside increasing deaths linked to TB complications.

‘We immediately start treatment for patients who test positive. However, we are seeing an increase in drug-resistant TB in the community, and TB-related mortalities are also rising. Currently, we record between five and eight percent mortality due to TB complications,’ he adds.

Dr Okot called upon political leaders in the former war-ravaged sub-region to intensify community mobilisation efforts to encourage early health-seeking behaviour. ‘Our political leaders should encourage people to go for screening. Early detection will prevent complications associated with TB,’ he said.

Despite the challenges, Dr Okot expressed optimism that the newly acquired mobile TB clinic will significantly improve TB detection and treatment in the region. Uganda continues to record about 200 new TB cases per 100,000 people annually, a figure considered high as the country works towards ending TB by 2030. Mobile TB clinics On Thursday, the Ministry of Health delivered a Shs1.8 billion mobile TB clinic truck to Gulu Regional Referral Hospital.

The vehicle is equipped with a modern X-ray machine, a laboratory, and AI-assisted medical equipment aimed at strengthening community outreach services. Mr Nelson Modi, the clinical coordinator for the mobile TB clinic at the Ministry of Health, said the government has so far procured 16 mobile TB vans for regional referral hospitals nationwide to enhance early TB detection.

‘This state-of-the-art mobile lab will reach deep into communities as we move towards ending TB by 2030. It allows for early detection, and patients can be started on treatment immediately,’ Modi said.

‘Regions that have already received these mobile clinics have recorded improvements in TB detection and treatment.’

He said rural communities have especially benefited from the mobile TB clinics.

‘We have had individuals who tested positive, received treatment, got cured, and returned to productive lives within their communities,’ he said.

Mr Modi added that Uganda is on track to defeat TB, citing increased funding and investment in healthcare infrastructure. ‘If these investments are fully utilised, we will significantly reduce TB prevalence. We have the necessary lab technicians, clinicians, and radiologists to address the burden,’ he said.

The mobile clinic is expected to address challenges related to access to TB services, especially in hard-to-reach areas.

‘This van can travel to rural communities and test over 100 people for TB in a day, and even conduct up to 200 laboratory tests daily. No positive case should be missed,’ Mr Modi said. ‘We will also provide integrated services, including screening for hepatitis B and hypertension,’ he added. A recent Ministry of Health report indicates that about 60 percent of HIV patients in Uganda have also been diagnosed with TB. Dr Peter Mukobi, the director of Gulu Regional Referral Hospital, said the mobile clinic will help bridge healthcare access gaps in rural communities. ‘Poor health-seeking behaviour is influenced by factors such as distance, poverty, and myths.

This mobile TB clinic will enable us to reach underserved populations and counter misinformation through accurate health messages delivered by trained professionals,’ Dr Mukobi explained.

The mobile TB clinic will also serve neighbouring sub-regions, including West Nile and Lango. Nationally, an estimated 50,000 people are diagnosed with TB each year, while the disease claims over 10,000 lives annually, making it one of Uganda’s leading causes of death. Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by bacteria that primarily affects the lungs and spreads through the air when infected individuals cough, sneeze, or spit.

TB is both preventable and curable. Globally, about a quarter of the world’s population is estimated to be infected with TB bacteria. While most do not develop symptoms, about five to 10 percent will eventually develop active TB.

According to the World Health Organisation, approximately 1.23 million people died from TB in 2024, including 150,000 people living with HIV. TB was also the leading cause of death among people with HIV and a major contributor to deaths related to antimicrobial resistance.

The director of the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) has defended the Ugandan government’s decision to shut down the Internet during the recent presidential and parliamentary elections, saying the move helped maintain peace and security.

Addressing the media during India’s Republic Day celebrations at the Indian High Commission in Kampala yesterday, Air Commodore KR Thaakar, said the decision resulted in relatively peaceful elections.

‘Security concerns of any nation are perceived by the leadership, and the solutions are also determined by the leadership. In their wisdom, they decided on the measures to adopt, and at the end of it, we had a fairly peaceful election, which is the most important thing in my view,’ Mr Thaakar said.

Mr Thaakar explained that NFSU, the only such institution established by the Indian government outside India, is a strategic collaboration between the Governments of Uganda and India. The university is mandated to offer graduate academic programmes in forensic sciences, cyber security, digital security and online security to Uganda’s security agencies, including the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and the Uganda Police Force. Meanwhile, the Indian High Commissioner to Uganda, Mr Uppender Singh Rawat, said January 26 holds great historical significance for India, as it marks the adoption of the Indian Constitution in 1950 and the country’s transition into a sovereign republic.

As Uganda also marked its 40th Liberation Day, Mr Rawat congratulated President Museveni on his seventh consecutive election victory, adding that peace and stability in the country have strengthened bilateral relations between India and Uganda in areas such as trade, politics and community development. ‘We are doing very well in offering support to the Staff College Kimaka. We have strong civil relations, India is offering scholarships in various technical fields, and the National Forensic Sciences University in Jinja is providing support in cyber and homeland security,’ Mr Rawat said.

The Chairman of the Indian Association of Uganda, Mr Paresh Mehta, thanked Ugandans for conducting peaceful elections. He said the Indian community, which has lived in Uganda for over 100 years, remains committed to continuing its charitable initiatives, including free heart surgeries, blood donation drives and scholarships for Ugandans to study in India. He said that, as a business community, they are committed to supporting the government’s Vision 2040 and creating employment, adding that Indian-owned businesses currently contribute about 65 per cent of Uganda’s tax revenue.

Police on Tuesday said they have arrested five suspects in connection with a string of aggravated robberies in the Kampala Metropolitan Policing Area, recovering three firearms in a major crackdown on organized urban crime.

The suspects, identified by Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Ms Racheal Kawala as discharged former army personnel Robinson Amutuhaire; Daniel Okello, a security guard at Fortebet Company; Arafat Kasango; Joseph Luyirika Innocent; and Daniel Alphonse, were apprehended during an operation between January 24 and 27, 2026, in Kiti A Zone, Kirinya Parish, Bweyogerere Division, Wakiso District.

‘During the operation, police recovered three guns and three magazines, along with other exhibits,’ Ms Kawala told reporters.

Authorities say the suspects are linked to a series of violent attacks targeting commuters and businesses in Kampala, including ‘boda boda’ (motorcycle taxi) riders ambushing motorists in traffic jams, break-ins at residential homes, illegal roadblocks, and smashing car windows to rob passengers.

Police further revealed that the suspects confessed to involvement in the murder of ASP Emmanuel Bagenda, Officer-in-Charge of Ntawo, Mukono Central Division, Mukono District.

Bagenda was shot dead on November 23, 2025, around 10:00 a.m. while patrolling Ntawo-Nyenje Road in Ntawo Cell, responding to an armed robbery incident.

Ms Kawala said the suspects also admitted to participating in numerous aggravated robberies, including mobile money heists across Kampala.

Law enforcement officials warn that criminal tactics have grown more sophisticated. Instead of opportunistic crimes, networks are now using coordinated strategies, exploiting urban security loopholes, and leveraging technology to evade police detection.

‘The rise in financially motivated and organized crime is particularly alarming, as criminal networks refine their methods to avoid detection,’ police officials said.

Investigators noted that the gangs often operate from isolated black spots, using them both as launch points for attacks and as escape routes.

Data from Uganda Police’s annual crime report for 2024 indicates that robbery cases increased by five percent, from 7,772 in 2023 to 8,163 in 2024.

Armed robberies targeting businesses and travelers have become increasingly sophisticated, highlighting a growing challenge for law enforcement in Kampala’s metropolitan area.

Police have urged citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities while continuing to invest in preventive measures, including strategic patrols and community policing initiatives.

Ugandans will elect municipal mayors today. In Apac, candidates Patrick Ongom Eyul of Uganda Peoples Congress (UPC), Bonny McLain Odongo of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party, and Andrew Awany (Independent) – are vying for the seat.

Incumbent Ongom is seeking re-election, citing progress on projects like new roads under the World Bank-financed Uganda Support to Municipal Infrastructure Development (USMID).

‘During the eight years I have been in office we have registered a very fast development in Apac Municipality, and I need to continue,’ he said. Mr Awany pledged to ‘guard public resources and correct the messes,’ once elected into office while Mr Odongo has promised infrastructural development such as roads.

Businessman Patrick Otim of Agulu Division wants a leader who will address the sorry state of public schools and roads, among others. In Kumi, candidates include George Okurut (Independent), Julius Okello (NRM), Godfrey Oluka of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) and John Bosco Emenyat (Independent). Mr Okello, who has been serving as deputy mayor, said he was ‘confident of victory on condition that the people who belief in me turn up to vote’. However, Mr Oluka said the Electoral Commission should ensure the people’s will prevails.

In Lira, Soroti, Gulu, Mbarara, Jinja, Mbale, Hoima, Fort Portal, Masaka, and Arua cities, the mayoral elections will be held in the respective divisions. In Jinja, the EC has confirmed that it will use biometric voter verification (BVVK) machines in today’s polls. ‘These machines ensure that only eligible voters cast their ballots, and previous technical issues have now been resolved,’ said Ms Flavia Nakasi, Jinja City returning officer. According to Iganga returning officer Assey Nekesa, voters in the municipality will choose from 15 candidates contesting in the mayoral seat and the various council positions.

The Iganga municipal mayoral candidates are: Nasser Kongola (NUP), Grace Mivule (CMP), Sowedi Maganda (FDC), Michael Katumba Esagala (PFF), Asuman Dhabasadha (NRM), Wilberforce Mugonzi Wagoina (DF), Abubakar Kisambira (JEEMA) and Musa Ssengooba (Ind). Others are David Balaba (Ind), Enoch Ndhazuula (Ind), Taibu Khalifan (Ind), Sebata Fred (Ind), Kaziba Umar Wagoodo (Ind), Ngobi Paul (Indep), and Mawanda James Keith (Ind). Mbale City returning officer Micheal Arinatwe told Daily Monitor yesterday that everything was in place to ensure the polls are peacefully.

‘We call upon voters to turn up in large numbers and elect their leaders,’ he said. Among the candidates vying for Northern Division mayor seat include the NRM flag bearer, Mwanika George, Abdallah Magambo, (Ind), Chris Malinga Mbaga, (NUP) and Michael Jackson Kisolo, contesting as an independent.

Susan Knight has lived a fairly admirable long life with so much to learn. One to note from it is, she believes that there are processes worthy taking in order to achieve something or anything.

Knight cherished Saturday evening in company of some of her family members at the Entebbe Club’s halfway house adjacent to the tee-box of par-3 Hole No.10.

The senior golfer was announced as the overall winner of the year’s first Entebbe Monthly Tee presented by MTN thanks to a spectacular score of 64 nett off handicap 33.

‘I have been playing really badly lately but, (I) always hand in a card for compensations which I feel is important as a golfer,’ she told this paper late on Saturday.

‘My handicap moves accordingly, so today was a good round of golf by someone who plays regularly but not very good at golf. That is the most amazing thing about golf. You do not have to be a pro to grow and enjoy but just be honest to yourself and fellow golfers.’

Knight began playing golf almost two decades ago when she would be bored as her husband played squash at the club in DR Congo.

But the seed of love towards the game of swing sowed in 2009, had no inspiration from any individual. ‘I needed to do something while he played. The club had both sports available,’ Knight recalled.

On Saturday, Knight was most pleased with par-5 Hole No.11 where she got a bogey. Relatively, most golfers would desire much more but she thrives with least of satisfactions, after all there is much more life can give.

‘Golf is in my blood. Even if I did not win, I would always be back to try and improve my game,’ she added.

Knight a beat a field of about 190 players where Isaac Mariera was the seniors’ winner with 73 nett off handicap nine.

ENTEBBE MTN MONTHLY TEE

Overall Winner: Susan Knight 64 nett

Seniors Winner: Isaac Mariera 73 nett

Guest Winner: Joseph Luyima 67 nett

GROUP WINNERS – LADIES

GROUP A

Winner: Anne Abeja 69 nett

Runner-Up: Rukia Nalwoga 73 nett

GROUP B

Winner: Moureen Okura 66 nett

Runner-Up: Pamela Tumusiime 69 nett

GROUP WINNERS – MEN

GROUP A

Winner: Ronnie Kasirye 70 nett (c/b)

Runner-Up: Lino Anguzu 70 nett

GROUP B

Winner: Richard Mucunguzi 69 nett (c/b)

Runner-Up: Patrick Kagoro 69 nett

GROUP C

Winner: Steven Kitamirike 68 nett (c/b)

Runner-Up: Tesfaye Gurmu 68 nett

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has completed a Post-Financing Assessment (PFA) of Uganda, concluding that the country’s capacity to repay the Fund remains adequate, although subject to notable risks.

In a downside scenario involving large portfolio outflows, adverse terms-of-trade shocks, and further delays in the oil project, the IMF said repayment indicators would weaken but remain within adequate levels. On June 28, 2021, the IMF Executive Board approved a 36-month arrangement for Uganda under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF), amounting to $1b (about Shs3.54 trillion), to support the country’s post-Covid-19 economic recovery.

Staff assessments indicate that Uganda’s capacity to repay the Fund is adequate under both baseline and downside scenarios, with repayment indicators remaining below median thresholds for ECF-supported countries. Even under significant external and domestic shocks, the IMF noted that Uganda’s repayment position would remain manageable, although policy buffers could come under strain. According to the PFA completed on January 23 in Washington, DC, the IMF Executive Board observed that Uganda’s budget deficit widened to six percent of GDP in FY 2024/2025, up from 4.7 percent in FY 2023/2024, while public debt rose to 52.4 percent of GDP.

To safeguard macroeconomic stability and repayment capacity, IMF staff recommended a multi-pronged policy approach. Fiscal consolidation should be accelerated through durable domestic revenue mobilisation and rationalisation of current spending, the IMF Executive Board said. While welcoming Uganda’s updated domestic revenue mobilisation strategy, particularly its focus on improving tax administration, the IMF advised that authorities should also advance tax policy measures, including rationalising tax expenditures and broadening the tax base. The IMF further recommended prioritising Public Finance Management (PFM) reforms to enhance budget discipline and limit frequent in-year spending requests.

Effective implementation of the adopted oil revenue frameworks was described as critical to safeguarding oil revenues and preserving fiscal discipline. On monetary policy, the executive board advised maintaining a data-driven and forward-looking approach. As inflation risks recede, gradual monetary easing could support private sector credit growth. ‘Strengthening monetary policy transmission and promoting financial deepening, particularly through FinTech-enabled lending and improvements in credit infrastructure, will be critical to supporting private sector activity and fostering inclusive growth,’ the board said. The IMF also noted progress in limiting central bank financing, citing recent securitisation and repayments of Bank of Uganda (BoU) advances.

Adhering to the agreed repayment schedule and limiting BoU advances within the thresholds set under the PFM Act remains essential to mitigate fiscal dominance risks and preserve monetary policy credibility. Uganda adopted a flexible foreign exchange regime in 1993 following economic reforms undertaken between 1987 and 1994 with IMF and World Bank support. The IMF said exchange rate flexibility remains essential to absorbing external shocks and maintaining competitiveness. ‘Rebuilding foreign exchange reserves should continue in a sustainable and durable manner,’ the executive board said, adding that the pilot gold purchase programme could support reserve accumulation but must be carefully managed to mitigate financial and operational risks.

In its State of the Economy report published in December 2025, the Bank of Uganda said the financial sector remains sound and resilient, with the banking system adequately capitalised and liquid, and asset quality improving, as reflected in low non-performing loans. The central bank also reported that private sector credit expanded in the three months to October 2025, supported by stable macroeconomic conditions, stronger credit demand, and improved asset quality. The IMF Executive Board echoed this assessment, noting that Uganda’s financial sector remains resilient with strengthened capital buffers.

However, it cautioned that rising sovereign-bank linkages warrant close monitoring. Strengthening supervision, risk management, and the regulatory framework, particularly amid the expansion of FinTech lending, is necessary to safeguard financial stability. In concluding the PFA, IMF executive directors endorsed staff’s appraisal, noting that Uganda’s robust macroeconomic performance continued, supported by strong domestic demand, favourable external conditions, and prudent monetary policy.

Real GDP growth accelerated to 6.3 percent in FY 2024/2025, inflation remained contained, and the current account deficit narrowed significantly. Foreign exchange reserves increased and investor sentiment improved, reflecting high real returns and Uganda’s relative stability in a volatile regional environment. However, the directors cautioned that fiscal vulnerabilities are rising due to elevated deficits and a high debt-servicing burden. While public debt remains sustainable, they warned that it faces risks from domestic financing pressures and weaknesses in the budgetary process.

The government yesterday announced it will not compensate any individual or company that suffered financial losses during the four-day Internet shutdown.

ICT and National Guidance Minister, Dr Chris Baryomunsi, told this publication that any losses incurred between January 13 and 18 should be accepted as a sacrifice for national peace.

‘We are not compensating anybody who made losses. Digital services are integral, and we understand the implications of the shutdown, but we have to weigh them against the security concerns,’ he said.

ICYMI: Economic ramifications of Internet shutdown

Internet shutdown hurts mobile money users, security companies

Four-day internet shutdown stalled Shs1.4 trillion in fintech payments

He added: ‘Imagine if the whole country burns because of misinformation and disinformation, even the businesses cannot thrive, so all of us first secure the interest of our country, and whatever was lost should be taken as a sacrifice.’

Dr Baryomunsi’s remarks came shortly after the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) issued a statement confirming that Internet services, switched off on January 13 and partially restored on January 18, had now been fully reinstated.

‘The Uganda Communications Commission informs the General Public that internet services have been fully restored across the country, following successful completion of the necessary technical and security assessments. Members of the public can now access the Internet and all online services without the previously imposed restrictions,’ the statement, posted on UCC’s official social media platforms at exactly 12:40pm yesterday, read.

It added: ‘UCC sincerely appreciates the patience, cooperation and understanding shown during the period of limited Internet access and remains committed to monitoring the digital environment to promote a safe, stable and reliable online experience for all users.’ Uganda’s four-day Internet blackout, imposed ahead of the January 15 presidential and parliamentary elections, left a lasting scar on the economy, costing an estimated Shs57b and crippling vital digital services relied upon by millions daily. Data from the Cost of Shutdown Tool (COST) shows that the blackout, enforced more than 24 hours before polling day, drained nearly Shs15b from the economy each day, a case of money going down the drain.

The shutdown, ordered by UCC on the directive of security agencies, was justified as a measure to curb alleged online misinformation that authorities feared could spark electoral violence. But analysts argue the cure was worse than the disease, with economic consequences swept under the rug. For four days, Ugandans were left high and dry, unable to access mobile internet. Social media platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, and YouTube were out of bounds, SIM card registration was halted, and digital financial services ground to a halt. Mobile money transactions, the lifeblood of Uganda’s cash-lite economy, were among the hardest hit.

MoMo Uganda Managing Director Richard Yego said on Monday that the company was still counting the cost. Industry data shows MTN MoMo alone handles transactions exceeding Shs430b daily, mostly small payments below Shs50,000. These micro-transactions keep the wheels of commerce turning, especially for low-income households and informal traders. Agent banking services, which extend banking to remote communities, were also thrown off balance. As of 2026, agent banking in Uganda transacts an estimated Shs80.5b per day, an activity that was severely curtailed during what UCC called a ‘temporary suspension.’

According to COST reports, platform-specific losses were eye-watering: Facebook and YouTube accounted for more than Shs3.5b per day, while WhatsApp alone bled over Shs7b daily. Although MTN Uganda and Airtel Uganda declined to comment on their losses, this newspaper’s calculations based on financial reports suggest a combined hit of roughly Shs20b. For instance, Airtel Uganda’s half-year report (January-June 2025) showed Shs525.73b in data revenue. Spread across 181 days, that’s Shs2.9b daily. The four-day blackout, therefore, cost Airtel about Shs11.6b. MTN’s unaudited nine-month results (January-September 2025) were also used to estimate losses, though the company has yet to put a figure on the damage.

Ms Rhona Kyongera, the senior manager of communications at MTN Uganda, said yesterday the exact amount lost has not been quantified. Mr David Birungi, the public relations officer at Airtel Uganda, said the firm is in a closed period and cannot comment on financial matters. Despite the losses, Ms Kyongera confirmed that MTN clients who purchased internet bundles but couldn’t use them during the blackout will be compensated.

‘Some of our clients have already been refunded, while others will continue to receive their bundles. As long as you were affected by the blackout, you will get your internet bundles back,’ she said.

MTN Uganda currently boasts 33.5 million active clients, with 11 million internet subscribers. Airtel has 7.5 million internet subscribers. Meanwhile, two advocates last week sued UCC and major telecoms: MTN Uganda, Airtel Uganda, and Tangerine Limited (Lyca Mobile), arguing that the shutdown was unconstitutional and unlawfully disrupted communication nationwide.

On January 13, ahead of the January 15 presidential and parliamentary polls, UCC, guided by security agencies, ordered all telecom companies and internet providers, including government-owned NITA-U, to pull the plug on internet services. The blackout remained in place during tallying, which saw incumbent NRM leader Yoweri Museveni declared the winner with 7.6 million votes, extending his rule to 45 years.

Voters in Ajuri County today go back to the polls to elect their Member of Parliament following the postponement of voting at 18 polling stations. Results from the affected polling stations could swing the outcome of the directly elected Member of Parliament race in Ajuri County, Alebtong District, and alter the political fortunes of the candidates.

The Electoral Commission (EC) has scheduled today for voting in the 18 polling stations where the election was earlier halted.

These include Arwot Primary School, Agogoro Primary School (A-AW), Awei Sub-county headquarters, and Alam ‘B’, Adagani. Others are Ogogoro Primary School (AX-Z), Wigweng Chapel, Awao, Abako Corner, Amia Yahweh Church, Teongora, Alengo Church of Uganda, Owalo Primary School, Amuk-Aol ‘A’, Okwalo Aboce, Amuka-Aola ‘B’ and Obanga Ber, all located in the parishes of Awori, Acede, Ojul and Owalo.

The electoral body ordered a fresh election in the affected polling stations after uncovering serious discrepancies. The decision followed a challenge by Mr Fred Jalameso, the Uganda Peoples Congress (UPC) candidate, who alleged that the declared results did not tally with those recorded at the polling stations.

Mr Jalameso was leading with 14,321 votes (44.5 percent) when results from 160 of the 178 polling stations had been tallied, followed by the Government Chief Whip and incumbent, Mr Denis Hamson Obua (NRM), with 12,963 votes (40.25 percent).

Other candidates included Mr Emmanuel Ongom Okwel of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), who polled 2,848 votes, while independents Stephen Omara and Jasper Molo garnered 1,558 and 507 votes respectively. The regional elections officer, Mr Jackson Igenyi Babirye, conducted a recount following Mr Jalameso’s complaint and discovered serious discrepancies, prompting the decision to hold a re-run.

Ajuri County in Alebtong District faces significant challenges that affect the daily lives of its 154,969 residents. One major concern is limited access to reliable information, with 9,020 people relying on word of mouth, while only 75 use television and 65 access social media, according to the 2024 National Population and Housing Census (NPHC) report.

Water and sanitation crisis

The county also struggles with inadequate water and sanitation facilities. The 2024 NPHC report shows that 5,897 people rely on unimproved water sources, 21,672 lack proper sanitation, and 2,769 practise open defecation. This situation persists despite district efforts to address the problem through the construction of boreholes and the promotion of hygiene practices.

Poor road network

A poor road network further compounds the challenges, making it difficult for families to transport sick relatives to health centres and move agricultural produce to Lira City. This not only affects access to healthcare but also stifles economic growth. Like the rest of northern Uganda, agriculture is the main economic activity in Ajuri County.

Most farmers practise subsistence farming to feed their families and sell surplus produce to meet household needs such as healthcare and education.

To fully exploit the area’s agricultural potential, residents say they need a reliable road network to transport goods to markets.

‘Farmers here are facing a tough time after recent floods washed away road crossings and bridges, cutting off access to markets, health centres and schools,’ Mr Lameck Ogwal, the chairman of Aminomugo Village in Owalo Parish, Awei Sub-county, said.

‘The water uprooted everything. The cassava is rotting in the soil. The maize gardens are gone. We eat what we can salvage, but when it is finished, I don’t know what will happen to our families,’ he added.

Last month, Cameroon lost one of its leading opposition political leaders when Anicet Ekane died in custody on December 1, 2025. Ekane, born in the 1950s, led the MANIDEM party, contested for the presidency in 2004 and 2011, and spent decades demanding democratic reform. Yet he died without trial, amid allegations of inadequate medical care, legal isolation, and state neglect. Uganda needs to pay attention, because today Dr Kizza Besigye, a man of similar political generation and stature, is in a dangerously familiar place. Like Ekane, Besigye was also born in the 1950s. Like Ekane, he has spent decades pushing for democratic change through organised political struggle rather than violence.

From PAFO to Reform Agenda, to the Forum for Democratic Change and now the People’s Front for Freedom , he has been the most consistent challenger of state power in Uganda since 2001 through mass mobilisation, legal petitions and non-violent protest. His party describes his condition as critical. The prisons service downplays it. But what cannot be denied is that Besigye’s health deterioration did not begin this year but traces back across years of tear gas, pepper spray, beatings during arrests, long detentions, and repeated siege operations around his home in Kasangati.

Those incidents damage the body slowly and prison merely accelerates the poor health. Ekane died waiting for justice. Besigye risks being dragged through endless legal processes despite a Supreme Court ruling against trying civilians in military courts. The question Ugandans must ask is simple: Do we want to wake up to international headlines announcing that Besigye has died in custody, while we argue for weeks about who is to blame? And Besigye is not alone. According to the National Unity Platform, many agents and supporters were arrested between December and January 2026, many on minor or politically flavoured charges such as ‘noise making,’ ‘unlawful assembly,’ and ‘drills.’

These are political detentions by another name, and they point to a deeper system that treats dissent as a security threat. If a man as prominent as Besigye can deteriorate in custody before our very eyes, what hope do the nameless and voiceless detainees have; those without lawyers, without platforms, and without family access? And for those who say ‘if he committed crimes, he must pay,’ that’s fair but payment in a democracy is through due process, not through medical neglect or endless trial. Justice is not a slow death; it is a lawful and timely verdict. If the State believes anyone has broken the law, let it prove it openly, within constitutional standards with civility.

Also, being in the Opposition is not a crime, President Museveni himself once spent years as an Opposition figure, criticising Idi Amin and Milton Obote, organising underground structures, and mobilising youth against state excesses. Would he have tolerated the treatment now being given to today’s dissenters? Besigye and all the political prisoners need to be tried or freed. Uganda is entering a delicate transition after 4o years of one leader. That journey requires listening to one another, not issuing military-style pronouncements. A nation matures when it learns to confront opposing views, not bury them. Lasting peace grows from dialogue, not suppression.