Category: Daily Monitor

Agro-industrialisation has emerged as a cornerstone of Uganda’s ten-fold growth strategy, as the country targets a $500 billion economy by 2040.

To turn this ambition into reality, the World Bank Group has outlined a set of foundational enablers and strategic pathways it says are essential for transforming Uganda’s agro-industrial sector, boosting value addition, and accelerating inclusive economic growth.

The 26th Edition of the Uganda economic update, themed: Cultivating Prosperity through Agro-Industrialisation, the World Bank states that Uganda’s transition to a modern, competitive, and climate resilient agro-industrial economy relies on three interlinked pillars.

The first of these three pathways is the government should strengthen foundations and infrastructure, including developing and disseminating climate-smart agriculture technologies and innovations to increase productivity.

It should also invest in irrigation to build agro-climatic resilience, establish co-located infrastructure (rural roads, energy, and water), develop skills, and enable digital solutions for the delivery of agricultural services.

The government should improve the policy and enabling environment by reforming policies, strengthening institutions, supporting farmer cooperatives, enabling competition among private sector players, and strengthening public institutions to deliver high-quality public goods.

Policy reforms should improve private sector participation in seed development (especially multiplication), strengthen public sector’s role in seed certification, de-risk the sector and increase access to finance, and harmonise with regional policies to remove trade barriers.

Private capital

The third pathway, the World Bank says, is the need for the country to mobilise private capital and market linkages by scaling up innovative financing, leveraging digital platforms, and enhancing trade competitiveness.

The World Bank recommends strengthening private capital mobilisation by developing financing instruments that support the entire agricultural value chain, while expanding access to finance through innovative solutions such as lease-to-own guarantees, insurance products, and blended finance mechanisms.

The World Bank country manager for Uganda, Dr Francisca Ayodeji Akal said: ‘Transformation of the economy to higher value-added activities is needed to deliver on the country’s ten-fold growth strategy.

Agro-industrialisation can be a key cornerstone of this transformation, leveraging agriculture as a platform for industrial growth and job creation.’

The World Bank Group remains optimistic that this edition of the Economic Update for Uganda focuses on identifying and addressing constraints to agro-industrialisation, which has enormous potential for job-creation, value addition, and inclusive growth.

‘The building blocks to pursue the agro-industrial agenda in Uganda are consistent with the World Bank’s AgriConnect initiative, which aims to integrate smallholders into agribusiness and transform the sector into an engine of sustainable growth, job-creation, and food security,’ said Ms Armine Juergenliemk, a senior agricultural economist and a co-author of the Uganda Economic Update.

She adds: ‘This initiative opens opportunities for productive partnerships between the public and private sector to facilitate technology adoption, de-risk value chains, expand service delivery, and ultimately create more jobs in agriculture and the rural economy.’

Agriculture as a cornerstone

Agriculture is the cornerstone of Uganda’s economy, driving economic growth, job creation, food security, and providing essential raw materials for the agro-industrial sector.

It remains the main source of livelihood for most Ugandans, particularly in rural communities.

Beyond its economic significance, agriculture plays a critical role in poverty reduction by enabling smallholder farmers to transition from subsistence to commercial farming.

The sector contributes approximately 24 percent to Uganda’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), accounts for 35 percent of export earnings, and employs 68 percent of the labour force (UBOS 2021; 2024).

Food and seasonal crops, though vulnerable to climatic shocks, represent 47 percent of agricultural GDP, followed by livestock (17 percent), cash crops (12 percent), and fisheries (8 percent) (World Bank 2025).

About 77 percent of poor households rely on agriculture, primarily subsistence and smallholder farming and households headed by individuals working in agriculture have the highest poverty rates.

Strategic investments in agro-industrialisation, adoption of modern farming techniques, and targeted support for smallholders can unlock the sector’s full potential and reduce poverty.

Uganda’s long-term development frame- works-Vision 2040, Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV), and the ten-fold growth strategy-aim to position the country as an upper-middle-income economy.

Ten-fold growth strategy

The ten-fold growth strategy aims for agro-industrialisation to contribute $20 billion annually to GDP by 2040. A key target of the NDP IV is to raise growth in agriculture, forestry, and fisheries from 6.6 percent to 10.13 percent by 2030.

NDP IV projects the creation of 208,409 to 983,396 jobs annually, with agriculture, fisheries, and forestry contributing to 35.6 percent of these new opportunities, especially in agro-processing.

In the foreword of the report, the World Bank division director Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, and Uganda (Africa Region), Mr Qimiao Fan, said that despite ongoing global challenges, Uganda’s economy maintained robust and broad-based growth in FY25 driven by strong domestic demand and resilient performance across agriculture, tourism, industry, and services.

He further wrote that the medium-term outlook is positive, with growth expected to further accelerate as oil production commences.

Current projections reflect production starting in the financial year of 2027 and significant oil revenues starting in the financial year of 2028.

Risks

Yet, significant risks to the overall outlook persist, including fiscal slippage, delays in oil sector development, unsure overseas development assistance, global trade uncertainty, and climate shocks.

‘Uganda must advance its economic transformation by accelerating the transition of workers from low-productivity subsistence agricultural activities to higher-productivity industry and services jobs. Investing in human capital and infrastructure will be key to this transformation, to harness its demographic dividend, and to create more and better jobs,’ he said.

Mr Qimiao says agroindustrialisation is central to Uganda’s development strategy, offering opportunities for job creation, higher incomes, value addition, export earnings, and import substitution.

Challenges

However, progress has been constrained by a range of challenges, including: weak foundations in primary agricultural production and poor access to complementary services (irrigation, roads, energy; an enabling environment that remains challenging, marked by policy uncertainty; and inadequate private sector investments across agricultural value chains, including input supplies, primary production, processing and value addition, and exports.

‘Addressing these challenges will require strong and sustained investments and enabling policies. Key areas include improving access to agricultural extension services, use of modern inputs (including seeds and breeds), and access to irrigation and mechanisation. Development of financial instruments for delivering agricultural finance and insurance across various segments of agribusiness value chains is also needed, especially in primary production,’ Mr Qimiao wrote.

About 80 percent (193,200 km2) of Uganda’s land is arable, which is far higher than in Kenya where less than 10 percent (53,954 km2) of the land is arable and Tanzania, where 47 percent (440,000 km2) is arable, indicating significant expansion potential.

The Ministry of Finance has said government spending on public services remains on track despite the ongoing election season, after the Treasury released Shs16.537 trillion to fund activities in the third quarter of the 2025/26 financial year. Officials said there has been no diversion or shortfall of funds for either recurrent or development programmes, with all activities approved in the national budget continuing as planned and aligned to the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV).

Recurrent expenditure caters for day-to-day government operations such as salaries and maintenance, while development expenditure supports long-term investments in infrastructure, health, education and other growth-enhancing sectors.

Speaking during the Quarter Three expenditure release on January 9, the Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury, Mr Ramathan Ggoobi, urged Accounting Officers to prioritise and fast-track programme implementation.

‘This is to sustain momentum for the realisation of the development results envisaged under the ten-fold growth strategy, especially those targeting wealth and job creation,’ Mr Ggoobi said, adding that government would continue to align spending with available financing to safeguard macroeconomic stability.

He also encouraged citizens and stakeholders to actively monitor budget execution through available public information platforms, reiterating government’s commitment to transparency and regular communication on economic performance.

‘We shall endeavour to live within our means. However, I have noted that some Accounting Officers are still delaying the payment of salaries and pensions against our guidelines. I am working with the Ministry of Public Service to devise appropriate measures and sanctions,’ he said.

According to the Treasury, the Shs16.537 trillion released for the quarter has been distributed across key expenditure lines: wages (Shs2.175 trillion), non-wage recurrent (Shs2.898 trillion), GoU development (Shs514 billion), external financing (Shs3.277 trillion), treasury operations including debt servicing (Shs7.591 trillion), and local revenue (Shs82 billion).

Funding for statutory obligations includes Shs7.59 trillion for debt and treasury operations, Shs318.24 billion for pensions and gratuity, Shs91.65 billion for Parliament, Shs28.27 billion for the Judiciary, and Shs18.35 billion for the Office of the Auditor General.

With half of the financial year completed, Mr Ggoobi said the Treasury has so far released 58.1 percent of the approved national budget, while 63.4 percent of the Government of Uganda budget has been disbursed.

He also dismissed concerns that election-related spending could disrupt service delivery, adding that all election costs had been fully provided for and that government workers had been paid. In FY 2025/26, government budgeted Shs18.24 trillion for development expenditure, of which 77 percent has already been released.

This includes Shs1.2 trillion allocated to the Ministry of Works and Transport to support ongoing road construction and maintenance. On the broader economy, Mr Ggoobi said Uganda continues to show resilience despite global uncertainties and the election-year cycle.

Economic growth stood at 6.3 percent in FY 2024/25 and is projected between 6.5 and 7 percent this financial year, with double-digit growth expected in the medium term.

The size of the economy is projected to reach $68.4 billion (Shs249.4 trillion).

Inflation remained stable at 3.1 percent in November and December 2025, a trend Mr Ggoobi described as unusual for an election year. Uganda has recorded Africa’s lowest inflation rate over the past decade, supported by increased food production, prudent monetary policy, a stable shilling, and government’s direct importation of fuel through the Uganda National Oil Company.

Exports of goods and services reached $13.4 billion in FY 2024/25, while goods exports alone stood at $12.79 billion for the year ending November 2025.

As a result, Uganda recorded a balance of payments surplus of $2.37 billion for the year ending October 2025, the highest in 15 years. Foreign direct investment rose to $3.5 billion, portfolio inflows reached $1.7 billion, and remittances from Ugandans abroad climbed to $1.6 billion in FY 2024/25.

Tourism earnings also recovered to $1.7 billion, supported by improved security, infrastructure investment and economic diplomacy. Despite the election period, business confidence remains strong.

By November 2025, the Business Tendency Index stood at 57.2, the Composite Indicator of Economic Activity rose to 183.5, and the Purchasing Managers’ Index increased to 53.8-well above the 50-point expansion threshold.

ATMs to drive tenfold growth – budget allocations

Agro-industrialisation (A)

Tourism development: Shs167 billion

Mineral-based industrial development: Shs32.8 billion

Manufacturing and agro-SMEs: Shs469.69 billion

Science, Technology and Innovation (including ICT and creative industries): Shs166.15 billion

Enablers of the ATMs

Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs: Shs270.05 billion

Uganda Police Force: Shs270.05 billion

State House: Shs177.05 billion

Uganda Prisons Service: Shs73.04 billion

Office of the President: Shs45.08 billion

External Security Organisation (ESO): Shs18.39 billion

Infrastructure

Ministry of Works and Transport:Shs1.34 trillion

GoU: Shs911.21 billion

External financing: Shs423 billion

Includes funding for Uganda Airlines, Uganda Railways, Kampala Infrastructure Services, and the Standard Gauge Railway

Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development:Shs468.48 billion

GoU: Shs239.92 billion

External financing: Shs228.56 billion

Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA):Shs90.53 billion

GoU: Shs86.82 billion

External financing: Shs3.71 billion

Ministry of Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs:Shs294.50 billion

GoU: Shs253 billion

External financing: Shs290.97 billion

Human capital development

Ministry of Health: Shs344.67 billion

GoU: Shs44.49 billion

External financing: Shs300.19 billion

National Medical Stores (NMS): Shs245.52 billion

Uganda Cancer Institute and Uganda Heart Institute: Shs77.37 billion

Regional Referral Hospitals (National and Regional): Shs39.05 billion

National Council of Sports: Shs24.68 billion

Ministry of Education and Sports: Shs115.50 billion

Public Universities: Shs107.45 billion

Local government

Shs199.86 billion released overall

Shs328.58 billion for conditional and non-conditional grants

Shs191.28 billion for capital development projects

Revenue-generating votes

Uganda Revenue Authority (URA): Shs133.18 billion (revenue collection)

National Citizenship and Immigration Control: Shs33.36 billion

Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS): Shs12.277 billion

National Planning and Management Board: Shs3.31 billion

The Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, has rallied the Busoga electorate to renew their traditional support for the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) government and turn out in large numbers to safeguard the party’s gains in the January 15, 2026, elections.

While holding mobilisation rallies across Budiope West for the NRM presidential candidate Yoweri Museveni and party flag bearers, Minister for the Presidency Milly Babirye Babalanda (Budiope West), Sarah Namulondo (Woman MP), and Sharif Mangaraine (LCV), Ms Among urged Busoga voters to embrace ideology-based politics rather than identity.

She warned against divisive politics and instead called for leadership focused on service delivery to promote harmony, improve livelihoods, and enhance the socio-economic well-being of the people.

‘We should focus on ideology and service delivery, not identity, personal issues or hate speech. Let us stop living in the past, grow out of outdated thinking, and embrace new leadership trends for the sake of development,’ the Bukedea Woman MP said.

Ms Among said that while President Museveni and the party’s candidates are poised for victory, Budiope has set its sights on achieving an ‘excellence’ result by emerging as the leading district in the region in terms of Museveni’s vote share.

‘We are here not just to mobilise a party victory, but to push it to an excellence level so that we have a strong basis to bargain for the best for Budiope. The NRM is winning, but here we want to win with distinction and lead the way,’ she said.

She dismissed the opposition’s promises as empty and anti-development propaganda, arguing that voters should look forward and rely on the improvements already delivered.

‘The Umbrella people claim that in their first 100 days, they will remove PDM. But is that really necessary? We plan to increase it and even establish a wealth fund for those who do not qualify for PDM. Ignore them and stick with Mzee and his team,’ Ms Among said.

She pledged to maintain strong ties with Budiope as a daughter-in-law committed to protecting the district’s gains.

Ms Among assured residents that this election term would focus on collective service delivery, including a district hospital, piped water, the operationalisation of the Bukungu ferry, expanded electricity coverage, and improved road networks.

She urged voters to support a winning team that would work together to deliver these services.

‘Vote for leaders who understand your needs and will deliver projects like tractors for Sub-counties and the Shs1 billion fishing fund to the right people,’ she urged.

Former Vice President Specioza Wandira Kazibwe said Busoga should unite, rally behind one another, and return to its traditional NRM support base, shunning divisions and internal conflicts to harness resources for regional development.

‘Mzee (Museveni) recently noted that internal conflicts keep Busoga lagging behind and leave its people in poverty. I will personally work with my sisters to harmonise and focus on service delivery,’ Ms Kazibwe said, offering to reconcile Busoga leaders.

East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP and former Woman MP for Buyende, Ms Veronica Babirye Kadogo, emphasised the need for a united front, urging leaders to support one another rather than fight, so they can leverage their collective strengths and serve the people in different capacities for the common good of Budiope.

With the presidential and parliamentary elections scheduled for Thursday, campaigns across the country are entering their final stretch. Promises are being repeated. The future is being argued over loudly and confidently. But malaria does not wait for polling day.

It does not pause for rallies or slogans. In villages like Karubuga in Ntungamo District, it is already at work, silently weakening, quietly disabling, long before a single ballot is cast. The World Malaria Report 2025, released by WHO last December, estimates that Uganda recorded 13.2 million malaria cases in 2024, ranking third globally after Nigeria and DRC, and accounting for about 4.7 percent of cases worldwide. These numbers are not abstract.

They translate into missed school days, lost income, overstretched health facilities, and preventable deaths, especially among children under five and pregnant women. Malaria is among the most preventable diseases Uganda faces. Clearing stagnant water, removing rain-collecting containers, keeping surroundings clean, and sleeping under insecticide-treated nets remain highly effective. Combined with rapid diagnostic tests, effective medicines, and vaccines, these tools have saved millions of lives. The WHO World Malaria Report warns that progress in high-burden countries like Uganda is under threat from declining global health financing, climate-related shocks that expand mosquito breeding, overstretched health systems, and the emerging risk of antimalarial drug resistance in Africa.

Any loss of focus, through funding gaps, supply disruptions, or policy neglect, can quickly reverse hard-won gains. World over, election periods are particularly risky, as they tend to favour short-term visibility over long-term consistency. Malaria control, however, depends on continuity of public health interventions like uninterrupted access to medicines and diagnostics, sustained distribution of mosquito nets, strong surveillance systems, and steady investment in community-level services. Uganda’s malaria story, however, is not only one of burden. It is also one of knowledge, resilience, and innovation. For more than 70 years, Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH) has been central to public health training in Uganda and the region.

Researchers trained at Makerere have contributed to malaria epidemiology, outbreak investigation, intervention design, and implementation research, shaping national strategies and informing regional responses, which must be sustained. Therefore, as campaigns intensify and Ugandans go to the polls on January 15, malaria must remain firmly on the national agenda. Voters should look beyond promises and ask practical questions of those seeking office: will malaria services be protected, health facilities kept stocked, and prevention and surveillance funded consistently? Uganda already has the tools and expertise to reduce malaria. The task now is to sustain that commitment beyond election campaigns and apply it consistently to improve lives, long after the rallies end.

Suzan Lamunu embodies the mixed emotions shared by many urban residents as the country edges closer to the January 15 2026, polling day. While she remains hopeful that the electoral process will unfold smoothly, uncertainty clouds her expectations.

Lamunu is already contemplating travelling out of Kampala, a precaution influenced by persistent speculation among colleagues and friends that key service, most notably internet access and mobile money platforms could face temporary disruptions.

Such concerns, rooted in past election experiences, have fuelled anxiety among city dwellers who rely heavily on digital services for communication, business, and access to essential needs. With just days to the polls, the mood across the country remains one of a cautious expectation.

There are some ongoing talks by some Ugandans, increasingly dominated by speculation about what the election period may bring, including fears of possible internet disruptions reminiscent of previous years. But beyond political outcomes, a more pressing concern is emerging; will vital government services, particularly health care continue to function seamlessly during the election season?

Political commentator Thadeo Lubega observes that the current electioneering apprehension, has created fertile ground for speculation, rumours, and unverified claims, particularly on social media. On the question of whether health services may be disrupted during the election period, Lubega remains cautiously confident that essential care will continue uninterrupted.

Drawing from experience in previous poll years, he says there is little indication that health facilities will suspend operations, noting that the preservation of life has consistently remained a national priority. Nevertheless, he urges Ugandans to remain calm and to refrain from acts of violence, warning that unrest not only threatens public safety but also undermines national development. ”Peaceful conduct by citizens plays a critical role in ensuring that essential services, including healthcare, continue to function normally. I believe that Uganda, as a nation, values life, and I expect health facilities to remain operational under normal circumstances,’ Lubega says.

He cautions, however, that while hospitals and clinics may stay open, disruptions to enabling services particularly internet connectivity could indirectly affect health service delivery.

Lwanga explains that modern healthcare increasingly relies on digital platforms, with doctors often consulting colleagues online for specialist advice and referrals. In an increasingly interconnected global environment, he argues, any interruption in internet services could limit such professional collaboration, potentially affecting the quality and timeliness of care.

Government assures

Sylvia Kirabo, a medical practitioner, downplays fears of election-related disruptions to healthcare services, insisting that the sector will continue operating as normal. She says all government health workers are expected to report to their duty stations, as has been the case in previous election periods. According to Kirabo, health workers have not received any official communication directing the suspension of services on polling day, a clear indication that public health facilities will remain open to attend to patients.

She adds that continuity of health care remains a core obligation of the health sector. Emmanuel Ainebyoona, the Ministry of Health spokesperson, has assured the public that there will be no disruption of health services during the election period, stressing that healthcare is classified as an essential service. ‘All public and private health facilities will remain fully operational during and after the elections.

The mandate of health workers is to guarantee uninterrupted access to health services for all Ugandans at all times,’ Ainebyoona stated. He directed members of the public to continue seeking medical attention from their nearest health facilities whenever necessary, confirming that health workers will be deployed and on duty across the country.

Stock supplies

‘First, you must proactively manage your medications by ensuring you have at least a two-week supply of all prescription and essential over-the-counter drugs at home. This buffer is critical because pharmacies may become inaccessible,’ says Dr Mugisha.

Visit your doctor or clinic immediately to request refills for this extended period. Once secured, store medicines properly in their original containers and take clear photographs of all prescription labels. These photos provide vital information for healthcare workers in an emergency if you are separated from your physical medications.

‘Second, prepare a dedicated emergency kit that goes beyond a standard first-aid box. This kit should enable you to shelter safely at home for up to 72 hours. In addition to bandages and antiseptics, include specialised items such as a tourniquet and hemostatic gauze for serious bleeding, and saline solution or a mixture of water and liquid antacid to soothe skin and eyes exposed to tear gas,’ he says.

Your kit must also contain practical survival items, a minimum of four litres of water per person per day, ready-to-eat food, a solar-powered power bank, a battery-operated radio, and a reserve of cash in small denomination notes to cover expenses if banking services are unavailable.

Communication and transport plan

Develop a detailed plan for communication and transport, as these systems are most likely to fail during civil unrest. Save all critical contact numbers, for your preferred hospital, a trusted local clinic, and reliable private transport drivers, directly into your phone’s contacts and also write them on a physical piece of paper.

Do not rely on having internet access to find them. Furthermore, identify in advance the physical location and safest route to your chosen medical facility. Map out a primary and an alternative back-up route that avoids areas where protests or gatherings are likely to occur.

Formalise a support network by designating a family member or neighbour as your emergency check-in contact. Share your entire preparedness plan with this person, including your medication list, chosen hospital, and evacuation routes. Establish a simple daily check-in protocol, such as a pre-agreed text message; if you fail to check in or send a distress signal, your contact will know to try to reach you or alert authorities on your behalf.

Steps to secure your health and safeties supplies

It is good to have a full-backpack containing necessities such as food, water, first aid kit, battery-powered radio, flashlight, whistle, cell phone, medications, personal documents, and cash. Keep them in an easy-to-carry bag.

Have a plan for emergencies. Know your community plan.

Stay informed. Monitor local news and weather updates.

Practice safety drills.

Help others if you can.

For decades, Dr Jamirah Namusoke has been a lifeline to patients who walk into hospital wards in pain, fear and uncertainty. As Uganda’s first female orthopaedic surgeon, she broke barriers in a male-dominated field and dedicated her life to restoring mobility and dignity to countless people. Today, the doctor who has healed so many now urgently needs healing herself.

Dr Namusoke is battling advanced kidney disease and requires an urgent kidney transplant abroad. The life-saving procedure and related care are estimated to cost about $55,000 (approximately Shs200 million), a sum far beyond the reach of an individual public servant in Uganda. Friends, colleagues and well-wishers have therefore, launched a public appeal to raise the funds needed to save her life.

Those who know Dr Namusoke describe her as compassionate, tireless and deeply committed to service. Even as her health has deteriorated, she has continued to show up for her patients and students whenever she can, driven by a strong sense of duty and love for her work.

Her selfless service once touched a life that would later come full circle. In 2019, Dr Namusoke was part of the team that treated Samuel Leeds, a UK tourist and philanthropist who sustained serious injuries while rafting on the River Nile. Moved by the care he received, Mr Leeds, through the Samuel Leeds Foundation, later donated Shs1 billion to build and equip an orthopaedic ward at Jinja Regional Referral Hospital, where Dr Namusoke works. It was a powerful reminder that compassion often returns in unexpected ways.

Now, as she faces her own medical crisis, many are hoping that the same spirit of generosity will be extended to her.

Dr Namusoke’s journey is one of resilience and quiet excellence. She began her career in 1995 as a qualified dispenser at Entebbe Grade A Hospital. Determined to do more, she pursued medicine between 1999 and 2004, later serving as a medical officer at Kibuli Hospital. Her passion for orthopaedics led her to further studies, and she graduated with a Master of Medicine in Orthopaedic Surgery. Since 2016, she has worked at Jinja Regional Referral Hospital, helping to grow the orthopaedic department into a teaching centre for postgraduate students. She also lectures at Kampala International University, inspiring many young women to consider careers in surgery.

A mother and wife, Dr Namusoke traces her education to Bukoyo Primary School in Iganga, and later Tororo and Nabisunsa Girls’ schools. Her life story mirrors that of many Ugandans who rise through determination, faith and service to others.

To financially support Dr Namusoke, contributions can be made to her Account Number 0151386842700, Standard Chartered Bank Uganda Ltd, Kampala (Swift Code: SCBLUGKAXXX). For more information, Dr Jamirah Namusoke can be reached on 0772 560289, or Dr Suzan Kizala on 0772 968584.

The NRM party leaders in Kigezi sub-region have formed a task force of 63 members in every village to boost and canvas votes for President Yoweri Museveni and their party flag bearers, targeting 99 per cent vote in the area.

In the 2021 general elections, 666,873 registered voters in Kigezi sub-region participated in the exercise and Mr Museveni won with an average vote of 83.2 per cent – 84.5 per cent in Kabale , 84.17 per cent in Kanungu, 90.5 per cent in Kisoro, 87.17 per cent in Rubanda, 81.7 per cent in Rukiga and 71.4 per cent in Rukungiri District.

The NRM party grass root mobilisation team led by the NRM deputy treasurer Ms Jaqueline Kyatuheire appealed to the corporate class to join the mobilisation team to guide the less privileged in electing leaders that will foster national development.

‘We have formed a task force of 63 members in every village in Kigezi region to boost and canvas votes for President Museveni and all the flag bearers to avoid a discord currently staged by the independent candidates. Each of the members is expected to mobilize at least 12 people or more depending on the population in that village,’ she said.

Ms Kyatuheire appealed to independent candidates to withdraw from the race and support the flag bearers, citing examples from Rwampara and Isingiro districts.

She added that denying independent candidates votes will scare away other people from contesting in the next cycle of elections after losing their party flags. She also asked the youth to avoid being used in acts of election violence to avoid related consequences.

The vice chairman for the NRM grass root mobilization team in Kigezi region Lt Col (rtd) Edward Natukunda warned that any person that involves themselves in acts of election violence shall be dealt with in accordance with the laws.

‘Do not be intimidated by the negative forces. On the voting day, come early and witness the opening of the ballot boxes, cast your votes and go home or stay 20 meters away if you wish. While at the polling stations, please respect the electoral commission guidelines. Security is guaranteed for all the voters and the election officials during the polling exercise,’ he said.

As we begin a defining week towards the January 15 General Election, the stakes could hardly be higher. This is not merely another electoral cycle marked by rallies and slogans but a moment of reckoning over the kind of nation we want to build.

After nearly four decades under the same political leadership, we are once again weighing continuity against change amid rising economic pressure and growing demands for accountability. Central to this election is the question of democratic space. In recent months, Opposition activities, particularly those linked to the National Unity Platform (NUP), have repeatedly been disrupted by security forces, with reports of blocked rallies, arrests, and the use of tear gas.

Human rights organisations have documented cases of excessive force against Opposition supporters and restrictions on peaceful assembly. These incidents have sparked debate in Parliament and concern among civil society, raising fears that political competition is being unevenly policed. Such developments matter because elections derive legitimacy not only from ballots cast, but from the freedom with which citizens can organise, speak, and choose. A peaceful election is not one without disagreement but one in which the rule of law is applied impartially, and dissent is protected rather than criminalised. Beyond politics, economic realities weigh heavily on voters. Youth unemployment remains stubbornly high, and the rising cost of living continues to strain households across the country.

From urban informal settlements to rural farming communities, many Ugandans express frustration that years of promised transformation have not translated into secure jobs, affordable healthcare, or quality education. Poverty, especially in vulnerable regions, continues to limit opportunity and fuel voter apathy. Corruption also remains a persistent concern. Repeated reports of mismanagement and loss of public funds have eroded trust in State institutions and undermined service delivery. For many citizens, the fight against corruption is no longer rhetorical but directly linked to whether hospitals have medicine, roads are completed, and public programmes reach their intended beneficiaries.

This election must, therefore, be about more than personalities. It must be about restoring trust in institutions, protecting political freedoms, and delivering an economy that works for the many, not the few because patriotism demands scrutiny, not silence. Uganda’s future will not be determined by speeches slogans or hashtags, but by the courage of its citizens to insist on fairness, accountability, and hope. The ballot may be small but its power remains immense. Let this election be a step toward that future, not a step back into the politics of the past.

My child has been experiencing fevers that appear during the cold nights and goes away during the warmer daytime hours. This has been happening repeatedly, even though blood tests for malaria came back negative. I am concerned about the ongoing symptoms and would like to understand: What could be causing this recurring nighttime fever? Is there a reason for the fever pattern related to temperature changes and should we consider other possible diagnoses, since malaria was not confirmed by testing? Asia

Dear Asia,

Fever (increase in body temperature) much as it is hated by many, is a bodies way of trying to defend itself from parasites (malaria),viral (common cold), bacteria (typhoid) and other germs that may have attacked the body. When invaded by some of the said germs, the body raises its temperature as a way to fight against the gems while boosting other body defences including the immune system.

Cold temperatures and fevers often go hand-in-hand because feeling cold or feeling chilly with sometimes shivering and fever are both ways the body tries to fight germs that infect us. That said, tissue inflammation, some cancers (Hodgkins), tissue destruction, allergies (though not directly) among others may also lead to a fever usually measured in various parts of the body by a thermometer.

Though the normal body temperature varies from person to person, by age, physical activity, the body part where it has been taken from and time of day, body temperature above 37.2°C, may signal a fever.

Malaria a common cause of fever when its parasites invade blood, may lead to high fever (in cycles depending on the type of parasites affecting the blood) and this may coincidently happen at night regardless of whether it is cold or not.

This could be the reason why the tot’s blood was checked for malaria. Cold weather does not directly cause fever, but may create conditions for germs especially viruses to thrive, leading to fever requiring that many more tests are done by medics to get to the root cause of the fever.

The Supreme Court in Uganda has dismissed an application seeking to halt Uganda’s electoral process and invalidate the outcome of a previous General Election, ruling that the matter was a pre-election dispute that fell outside its constitutional mandate.

The decision was delivered in a brief ruling read by Justice Christopher Madurama on behalf of a seven-member bench comprising Prof Lillian Tibatemwa, Mike Chibita, Catherine Bamugemereire, Muzamiru Kibendi, Anna Mugenyi and Stephen Musota.

The case was filed by Patrick Mukisa against the Attorney General, the Electoral Commission and President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. The applicant sought wide-ranging declarations, including orders stopping the conduct of elections, nullifying the results of an earlier general election, dissolving the government formed from it, and establishing an interim administration.

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Court records indicate that the Electoral Commission opposed the application, and that all respondents consented to the Commission’s affidavit in reply being adopted as their joint response.

In its ruling, the court first addressed the question of jurisdiction. Justice Madurama stated that the Constitution establishes the Supreme Court as the final arbiter of appeals and limits the scope of its original jurisdiction.

‘The exercise of original jurisdiction by this court is specifically provided for presidential election petitions filed by candidates after a declaration of results,’ Justice Madurama ruled.

He explained that while the Supreme Court enjoys inherent jurisdiction, such authority cannot be exercised in a manner that contradicts the Constitution or statutory law.

‘The Supreme Court enjoys inherent jurisdiction, but that jurisdiction cannot be invoked to injunct an election process where the dispute is pre-election in nature,’ the ruling stated.

The bench found that the issues raised by the applicant were pre-election matters and therefore could not be entertained by the Supreme Court. Justice Madurama emphasised that elections, particularly presidential elections, are a mandatory constitutional duty.

‘To bar an election would amount to stopping a mandatory constitutional obligation,’ he said.

The court further addressed the applicant’s request to be admitted as a friend of the court.

Justice Madurama ruled that the applicant did not qualify for such admission.

‘The applicant does not qualify to be a friend of the court as he is not admitted, and there is no matter pending before this court that would permit such admission,’ he ruled.

The court added that a friend of the court must be a neutral party and can only be admitted where there is a properly constituted matter before the court.

The Supreme Court also considered the applicant’s standing to bring the application. It held that post-election matters are time-bound and must be brought by parties recognised under the Constitution and electoral laws, particularly aggrieved candidates in presidential election petitions.

On the issue of the third respondent, the court noted that President Museveni is a sitting president. Justice Madurama held that under the Constitution, a sitting president enjoys immunity from proceedings of the nature brought before the court.

‘In the circumstances, the third respondent is a sitting president and enjoys immunity. The proceedings against him are struck out,’ he ruled.

Having addressed the preliminary issues of jurisdiction, locus standi and immunity, the Supreme Court dismissed the application in its entirety.

‘The application is incompetent and is accordingly dismissed,’ Justice Madurama concluded.

Following the ruling, Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka addressed questions regarding the implementation of earlier court recommendations on electoral matters, including prisoners voting rights and Ugandans living in the diaspora.

Mr Kiwanuka said the laws of Uganda provide that elections are conducted in gazetted areas where there is access to the general population.

‘The laws of Uganda allow elections to be conducted in gazetted areas where there is access to other people,’ Kiwanuka said.

He added that prisoners who wish to vote may apply to the courts for permission to participate in the electoral process.

On the issue of diaspora voting, the Attorney General said Ugandans living abroad are free to return home to exercise their right to vote within the existing legal framework.

He noted that the current laws do not prevent citizens from voting once they are physically present in the country.

The Supreme Court did not issue any further orders beyond dismissing the application and striking out the proceedings against the sitting president.

The ruling reaffirmed the limits of the Supreme Court’s jurisdiction in electoral disputes and underscored that challenges to elections must follow the procedures and timelines set out in the Constitution and the electoral laws.