Category: Daily Monitor

UNICEF is pushing Uganda to act now on water, sanitation, and hygiene, saying poor WASH is fueling child deaths and school absenteeism.

Country Representative Dr Robin Nandy made the call Wednesday at the close of the National High-Level Dialogue on climate-resilient water and sanitation services at Sheraton Hotel, Kampala.

He said focus must go beyond high-profile outbreaks. ‘While Ebola and previous outbreaks of M-pox get national and global attention, there are other diseases like diarrhea and respiratory diseases that are two of the biggest killers of children in Africa that deserve similar attention,’ Mr Nandy said.

‘We know the areas at risk of certain communicable diseases, whether it’s cholera or Ebola. We need to make sure as part of health preparedness, health facilities, schools, and communities in high-risk areas have access to water, sanitation and practice good hygiene,’ he said.

Mr Nandy stressed that WASH also affects learning. ‘WASH is a huge factor that improves school performance and outcomes and the lack of WASH facilities, particularly lack of menstrual hygiene facilities leads to school absenteeism among girls and this declines their performance,’ he said.

But infrastructure alone isn’t enough. After visits to schools and health facilities in southwest and northwest Uganda, he found many WASH systems already broken down.

‘It’s a combination of aspects like infrastructure, human behaviour, accountability and ownership. I visited a number of schools and health facilities where WASH infrastructure were set up but they are now dysfunctional because there was no mechanism for operations and maintenance,’ Mr Nandy said. He urged parent-teacher associations and district governments to budget for running and maintenance costs.

Minister of State for Water Aisha Sekindi said the gaps are wide. In cities, old water systems can’t keep up with growth. In rural areas, ‘approximately 15 percent of improved safe water sources deemed non-functional,’ she said.

‘There is a need for us to unite and respond to these challenges. Lack of access to clean and safe water and proper and safe hygiene and sanitation, particularly for children affects all aspects of their lives and well-being,’ Sekindi said.

Dr Callist Tindimugaya, Commissioner for Water Resources Planning at the Ministry of Water and Environment, said population growth and climate change are stretching resources thin.

‘There are challenges of high population growth, environmental degradation, climate change and rural-urban migration… This raises the need to scale up more partnerships especially with the private sector,’ Mr Tindimugaya said.

The two-day dialogue, organized by the Ministry of Water and Environment with UNICEF, ran June 24-25, 2026 under the theme ‘Advancing climate resilient water and sanitation services for sustainable and inclusive development in Uganda.’

Uganda is now rolling out its WASH National Climate Adaptation Plan 2026-2030 to expand climate-adaptive systems in high-risk districts like Kabong in Karamoja and Sembabule in the cattle corridor.

Top international Pentecostal televangelists Pastor Benny Hinn and Pastor Kenneth Copeland have cancelled their miracle healing crusades in Uganda citing Ebola outbreak fears.

The Miracle Centre Cathedral led by Pastor Robert Kayanja was expected to host Hinn, Copeland and Pastor Paul Enenche this weekend for an event dubbed: “Global Conference on the Holy Spirit.”

In a statement issued by Pastor Hinn’s ministry, organizers said they consulted health experts and followed CDC guidance to postpone the event.

‘Due to the recent Ebola outbreak in regions of Africa, and after careful consultation with health experts, event leadership, and guidance from the CDC, the decision has been made to postpone the Holy Spirit Conference in Uganda, originally scheduled for June 27-29, in the interest of public safety and well-being,’ a statement on Pastor Benny Hinn’s website reads.

Pastor Benny Hinn is known for holding crusades worldwide and has claimed miracle healings, including resurrecting a dead man in Ghana. He was expected to appear with Pastor Kenneth Copeland, one of the world’s richest televangelists, and Dr Paul Enenche, Senior Pastor of Dunamis International Gospel Centre in Nigeria.

The Ebola virus Bundibugyo strain broke out in the Democratic Republic of Congo, killing a dozen people. Some patients travelled to Uganda for treatment. Uganda has confirmed 20 Ebola cases since the outbreak, with 15 imported from DRC, two deaths and 14 recoveries.

Hinn’s ministry said the gathering will be rescheduled: ‘While we are disappointed by this delay, we fully support this precautionary measure. We are encouraged to report that discussions are already underway to reschedule this historic gathering, with new dates presently being considered for late September or October.’

The US government has temporarily restricted entry of travellers recently in Uganda, DRC and South Sudan, requiring 21 days of health monitoring. Last month, Uganda’s Ministry of Health issued tough guidelines on gatherings in Kampala Metropolitan Area and other areas, warning that close physical interaction and uncontrolled crowd mixing ‘may facilitate transmission of Ebola infection where an infected person is present.’

The Senior Principal Magistrate and Officer-in-Charge of City Hall Court, Mr. Nicholas Aisu, has petitioned the Chief Registrar of the Judiciary, accusing Kampala Deputy Lord Mayor, Ms Faridah Nakabuugo, of orchestrating the forceful release of dozens of female suspects from court custody before they could take their pleas.

The shocking allegations are contained in a letter dated June 25, 2026, in which Mr. Aisu details what he described as a “disturbing incident” that disrupted judicial proceedings and left court officials stunned.

According to the letter, the incident followed a joint operation by the Uganda Police Force and the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) enforcement team, which resulted in a massive sweep of arrests.

Mr. Aisu noted that the court received an unusually high number of suspects on the day, forcing court administrators to temporarily separate female suspects from their male counterparts to ease congestion and facilitate orderly processing.

“The number was quite overwhelming given our facilities here; however, they were manageable going by the numbers we always attend to in this court on a daily basis,” Mr. Aisu wrote.

Approximately 93 adult female suspects who had already been arraigned were isolated and kept in a meeting room within the KCCA premises with permission from management, while the male suspects were being processed in open court.

The magistrate alleges that just as arrangements were finalized for the women to appear before the court to enter their pleas, Ms. Nakabuugo intervened and intercepted the judicial process.

“We were stunned when the Hon. Nakabuugo Faridah, Deputy Lord Mayor, obstructed their appearance before court and, working with some hooligans she had mobilized, forcefully freed all the female suspects who were set to appear before court this afternoon,” the letter reads in part.

Mr. Aisu stated that as a result of the interference, court proceedings were severely disrupted, paralyzing dozens of criminal cases scheduled for the day.

“Court was thus unable to take plea in all cases,” he noted, describing the development as an unprecedented breach that raises serious concerns about interference with the administration of justice.

“The incident has stunned all stakeholders. I bring this to your attention and seek your guidance over the same and to curtail future reoccurrences,” the petition added.

The letter was copied to the Registrar for Magistrates Affairs and Data Management, the Chief Magistrate of Buganda Road Court, Senior Magistrate Edgar Karakire, and attached to the official court file.

If substantiated, the allegations could trigger severe legal ramifications regarding the obstruction of court processes and the unlawful handling of suspects awaiting trial before judicial officers.

When contacted by this publication for a comment, Ms. Nakabuugo questioned how this reporter had obtained the magistrate’s letter and promised to get back with a formal response. However, she had not done so by the time of publication.

Several former Kyambogo University students, who graduated in 2019, have accused the university of dropping the ball in resolving a long-running dispute over the title of their academic qualification, a matter which has now cast a long shadow over their employment prospects.

The former students, admitted in 2017 through the Joint Admissions Board (JAB) system under a Ministry of Education and Sports scholarship scheme, say they were placed on a teaching pathway for a Diploma in Physical Education and Sports Management, with the clear understanding that they would qualify as teachers upon completion.

Instead, they graduated in 2019 with a diploma in sports management, a qualification they argue does not reflect the teaching role they signed up for.

‘We applied for physical education and sports management. We studied it. But at graduation, we were given sports management certification,’ said Mr Haruna Muwanguzi, one of the affected graduates.

‘At no point were we told the programme had changed,’ he added.

Mr Muwanguzi explained that the cohort, numbering 28 students, studied for three years between 2017 and 2019, only to discover the change in the programme’s nomenclature at graduation.

He added that repeated attempts to get clarification from the university over several months had hit a brick wall.

According to the graduates, the problem did not end with their intake alone. They claim a second cohort of about 18 students was admitted to the same programme the following year (2018), before the course was later discontinued altogether.

The issue has since been escalated to the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE), which acknowledged receipt of their complaint in 2025, but added that the programme was not accredited at the time.

However, the students say no substantive update, report or conclusion has been provided by the regulator since then.

‘We followed up several times, but there has been no response [from NCHE] on the progress of the investigation,’ Mr Muwanguzi said.

‘We feel abandoned and in limbo.’ The students further allege that NCHE recently told them the university had not responded to correspondence sent by the regulator, leaving the process stuck in the mud.

Attempts to reach NCHE for a detailed update were unsuccessful. We reached out to the NCHE spokesperson, Mr Saulo Waigolo, who insisted that the council could not comment formally on the matter.

‘The case is still under investigation and so the council cannot comment on it,’ said Mr Waigolo, said.

However, the regulator confirmed that the programme had not been accredited at the time the graduates applied and were admitted for studies. Kyambogo University did not respond to specific questions on the matter. However, the institution has rejected claims of wrongdoing.

Speaking through its principal communications officer, Mr Reuben Twinomujuni, the university said the programme originally cited by students as diploma in physical education and sports management had undergone a review that resulted in a change of nomenclature to diploma in sports management.

He said students were informed upon admission of the available programme and they proceeded to study and graduate accordingly.

‘What they studied was a diploma in sports management. They were informed and they completed their studies,’ he said.

According to him, this means the diploma in physical education and sports management was non-existent at the time the students were admitted.

Mr Twinomujuni added that communication between the department and the academic registrar supported the admission and programme alignment, and maintained that students raised no formal objections during the course of study.

He also added that employment challenges among graduates were a nationwide uphill battle, not unique to this cohort.

However, Mr Muwanguzi insisted that he had repeatedly been rejected by employers, who questioned the relevance and recognition of his qualification.

‘Everywhere I go, I am rejected. Employers see my diploma and dismiss me. My qualification is not recognised by anyone, not the Ministry of Education, not the Teachers Service Commission, not any employer in Uganda,’ he said.

Another former student, Mr Julius Kimanje, also described the experience as a ‘betrayal’ and called for institutional accountability.

‘In August 2017, I earned a government sponsorship to pursue a diploma in physical education and sports management at Kyambogo University. My family was proud. My village celebrated. But now, it’s seven years of rejection. Seven years of watching others build careers while I remain stuck,’ he said.

While some of the affected graduates agreed to speak on record, others declined, citing fear of possible repercussions from the university.

Several students said they were unwilling to be identified or to comment publicly, alleging that there had been threats linked to the dispute. Those allegations could not be independently verified.

However, in a separate professional assessment, the General Secretary of the Uganda National Teachers’ Union (Unatu), Mr Filbert Baguma, said the matter reflects broader structural cracks within teacher training and subject combinations required for registration.

Mr Baguma explained that for one to be registered as a teacher in Uganda, they must have two recognised teaching subjects, and that challenges arise where programmes fail to align with this requirement.

‘Sports management is not one of the teaching subjects. For teaching registration, you need two teaching subjects. If you do not have them, you cannot be registered as a teacher by the Ministry of Education and Sports,’ he said.

Mr Baguma advised the affected graduates to pursue further training aligned to recognised teaching subject combinations if their goal is classroom teaching, or alternatively build careers within sports management administration.

‘In some cases, the easier option is to continue and upgrade within sports management,’ Mr Baguma said.

‘Otherwise, you go back and obtain the required teaching subject combinations if your goal is teaching.’

The Unatu chief also cautioned that planned progression from diploma to degree level requires consistency in subject combinations, warning that switching disciplines midstream can create roadblocks down the line in professional practice. It is important to note that admission letters issued to students contained provisions requiring acceptance of the terms and conditions of admission.

Through this acceptance, students consented to study the programme as offered at the point of entry, rather than the initial programme title they later received after completion.

Attempts by Monitor to obtain a formal comment from the Ministry of Education and Sports to ascertain why students were admitted to a programme the university says did not exist were unsuccessful. Repeated phone calls to ministry spokesperson, Mr Dennis Mugimba, went unanswered, and in some instances, calls were cancelled.

A follow-up WhatsApp message seeking clarification also received no response. Similarly, the Minister of State for Higher Education, Mr John Chrysestom Muyingo, did not respond to phone calls or WhatsApp messages seeking comment on the matter.

The Education ministry permanent secretary, Ms Kendrace Turyagyenda, was also contacted, but said she was in a meeting and did not subsequently respond to further messages or a request for an in-person meeting.

Foreign-owned companies operating in Uganda recorded higher profits in 2024 but also sent unprecedented amounts of money back to their parent companies abroad, even as the country defied the global downturn in foreign direct investment (FDI).

The details are contained in a Private Sector Investment Survey 2025 by Bank of Uganda (BoU), Uganda Bureau of Statistics (Ubos), and Uganda Investment Authority (UIA).

The survey paints a picture of an economy attracting increasing foreign capital, largely on the back of oil and gas developments, while highlighting an emerging trend of multinational companies distributing more of their earnings as dividends rather than retaining them for reinvestment.

The report shows that net profits earned by foreign-owned enterprises rose by 15.2 percent to $1.43b (Shs5.22 trillion) in 2024 from $1.24b (Shs4.53 trillion) in 2023.

However, dividend declarations increased even faster, rising 32.5 percent to $933m (Shs3.41 trillion), while dividends actually paid or remitted abroad jumped 62.1 percent to $973m (Shs3.55 trillion).

Consequently, retained earnings fell by 7.7 percent to $493m (Shs1.80 trillion), suggesting companies chose to reward shareholders instead of ploughing more profits back into their Ugandan operations.

The stronger corporate earnings coincided with another year of growth in foreign direct investment inflows, making the country one of the few economies to register higher investment despite a difficult global environment.

According to the survey, net FDI inflows increased by 4.1 percent, from $2.99b (Shs10.92 trillion) in 2023 to $3.12b (Shs11.39 trillion) in 2024.

The performance stands in sharp contrast to the global investment landscape. Citing the UN Conference on Trade and Development, the report notes that global FDI fell by 11 percent in 2024 as geopolitical tensions, high borrowing costs, policy uncertainty, and weaker global economic growth discouraged international investment.

The survey says Uganda’s resilience demonstrates the country’s ability to continue attracting foreign capital even as multinational investors became more cautious elsewhere.

Oil dominates investment

The survey makes clear that Uganda’s investment story remains overwhelmingly tied to developments in the petroleum sector.

Nearly 78.5 percent of all foreign direct investment inflows recorded during 2024 were linked to oil-related activities.

Of this, 56.5 percent was invested directly in oil development-related mining activities, while another 22 percent flowed into the transport sector, mainly to finance the construction of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP). Manufacturing accounted for 8.3 percent of total FDI inflows.

The report attributes the continued growth to the transition from oil exploration to the development phase ahead of commercial production.

Equity capital, the largest component of FDI and generally regarded as fresh investment, also reflected this trend.

Mining and quarrying alone attracted 65.2 percent of all equity capital inflows during the year, followed by transport with 27.7 percent, leaving relatively small shares for manufacturing and finance.

Dutch investors lead foreign capital

Contrary to the widespread perception that Asian investors dominate Uganda’s investment landscape, the survey identifies the Netherlands as by far the country’s largest source of foreign direct investment.

Dutch investors accounted for 58.8 percent of all FDI inflows in 2024, followed by France with 19.6 percent.

Other significant sources included Kenya (5.3 percent), Switzerland (4.7 percent), UK (4.4 percent) and Tanzania (2.9 percent).

According to the survey, most investments from the Netherlands and France were directed towards the oil sector, while Tanzanian capital primarily supported transport and storage infrastructure associated with petroleum development.

Meanwhile, investments from Kenya, Switzerland and UK were largely channelled into manufacturing, finance and insurance, wholesale and retail trade.

Strongest profits

While oil attracted the largest share of foreign investment, the financial sector generated the highest profits.

Finance and insurance companies accounted for 47.5 percent of all profits earned by foreign-owned enterprises, increasing their earnings from $548.9m (Shs2 trillion) in 2023 to $675.4m (Shs2.47 trillion) in 2024.

Manufacturing and ICT followed, with profits of $327.2m (Shs1.19 trillion) and $236.7m (Shs865b), respectively.

Together, the three sectors contributed almost 87 percent of the total profits reported during the year.

The survey attributes the stronger financial performance to improved economic activity across the economy during 2024, although it notes that the electricity sector continued to record significant losses.

Investment stock rises to $20b

The report also shows that Uganda’s cumulative stock of foreign direct investment continued to expand.

The total stock of FDI rose by 11.5 percent, rising from $18.2b (Shs66.43 trillion) in 2023 to $20.3b (Shs74.10 trillion) in 2024.

The increase was driven by higher equity capital, reinvested earnings, and related debt, with investments concentrated mainly in mining, transport, manufacturing, finance, and insurance.

The survey says the continued growth in FDI stock reflects sustained investor confidence in Uganda’s economy despite challenging international conditions.

Outlook remains positive

The survey notes that foreign investment will remain strong as Uganda moves closer to commercial oil production.

The survey points to continued construction of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline, progress on the central processing facility, refinery developments, and government infrastructure projects.

It cites investments in highways, electricity generation projects, and bridges as key factors expected to improve the investment climate as they are likely to stimulate growth beyond the petroleum industry by boosting construction, transport, logistics, and other support services, reinforcing Uganda’s outlook as an increasingly attractive destination for foreign investors.

As millions of tourists descend on Paris for the summer season, Uganda has launched an ambitious campaign to market its tourism attractions directly to some of the world’s biggest travel audiences.

For the next two weeks, branded buses carrying images of Uganda’s iconic tourist destinations will traverse the streets of Paris, turning the French capital into a moving showcase of the country’s tourism potential.

The campaign, launched by the Ugandan Embassy in Paris on Tuesday, features three buses wrapped in colourful images of mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains, the Source of the Nile and the wildlife-rich savannahs of Kidepo Valley National Park.

The initiative is aimed at increasing Uganda’s visibility among European travellers and positioning the country as a preferred destination for international tourists.

Uganda’s Ambassador to France, Spain and Portugal, Ms Doreen Ruth Amule, said the campaign was strategically timed to coincide with the peak summer tourism season when Paris receives millions of visitors from across the globe.

‘Paris is one of the world’s leading tourism destinations and attracts visitors from every continent. We want to take advantage of that opportunity by bringing Uganda closer to potential travellers,’ she said.

According to the ambassador, the buses will cover more than 200 square kilometres daily, targeting both residents and visitors in the French capital.

Each bus carries a Quick Response (QR) code that allows commuters and tourists to instantly access information about Uganda’s tourism products, travel opportunities and investment prospects.

The embassy believes the digital component will help convert curiosity into actual travel decisions by providing immediate access to detailed information about visiting Uganda.

Ms Amule said the decision to focus on France, Spain and Portugal was informed by the three countries’ strong performance in the global tourism industry.

France remains the world’s leading tourism destination by visitor numbers, while Spain consistently ranks among the top tourism markets. Portugal has also emerged as one of Europe’s fastest-growing travel destinations.

‘We want to understand what makes these countries attract millions of visitors every year and position Uganda to benefit from those travel flows,’ she said.

‘Our objective is to secure a share of the tourists who visit Europe annually by ensuring they know what Uganda has to offer,’ she added.

Improved visibility

The ambassador noted that Uganda’s visibility in these markets has improved significantly over the years through sustained branding campaigns, partnerships with tour operators and participation in international tourism exhibitions.

She said tourist arrivals from France, Spain and Portugal have grown from fewer than 2,000 visitors annually in the past to more than 7,400 visitors. The embassy is now targeting at least 10,000 visitors from France alone during the next financial year.

The campaign has also received support from fellow African diplomats based in Paris. Zimbabwe’s ambassador to France and UNESCO, Dr Irene Sekai Nsenza, praised Uganda for adopting innovative approaches to tourism marketing and raising Africa’s profile in international travel markets.

‘We’ve come a long way together as African countries. Uganda has unique attractions that many countries do not have, including mountain gorillas and chimpanzees. These are experiences travellers from around the world are eager to see,’ she said.

Dr Nsenza said increased tourist arrivals would create employment opportunities and boost incomes for local communities that depend on tourism.

‘When more visitors come to Africa, local communities benefit through jobs, business opportunities and improved livelihoods,’ she said. The launch was also attended by Ambassador Charles Ssentongo, who represented the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Mr Ssentongo described the initiative as an important component of Uganda’s economic diplomacy strategy, which seeks to use foreign missions to promote trade, investment and tourism. He said the campaign is intended not only to raise awareness about Uganda but also to encourage European tour operators to include the country in their travel packages and holiday itineraries.

‘The goal is to ensure that travellers who see these campaigns eventually choose Uganda as a destination and experience the country first-hand,’ he said.

He added that the buses provide an opportunity to connect Uganda’s tourism industry with thousands of potential travellers and tourism businesses that operate across Europe.

The Government of Uganda unveiled an ambitious Shs84.39 trillion budget for the 2026/27 financial year, the largest in the country’s history. Anchored on the tenfold growth strategy, the budget aims to transform Uganda into a $500 billion economy through investments in oil production, industrialisation, commercial agriculture, infrastructure, science, technology, and human capital development. These investments reflect government’s commitment to economic transformation. However, a critical question remains: where does the informal sector fit within Uganda’s growth strategy?

The informal sector is Uganda’s largest employer and a vital pillar of the economy. More than 80 percent of the country’s workforce is employed in informal activities. While these enterprises contribute little to formal tax revenues, they provide livelihoods for millions of households and play an important role in poverty reduction. As the government pursues industrialisation and large-scale investments, it must recognise that sustainable economic growth cannot be achieved without strengthening the enterprises that support the majority of citizens. Economic transformation should not only be measured by large infrastructure projects and industrial parks, but also by improvements in the livelihoods of ordinary Ugandans.

One of the biggest challenges facing informal businesses is limited access to affordable financing. Many entrepreneurs lack collateral, business registration, and financial records required by commercial banks, forcing them to rely on expensive informal lending arrangements that limit growth and profitability. The government has attempted to address this challenge through wealth creation initiatives such as Emyooga and the Parish Development Model (PDM). Emyooga has disbursed more than Shs 550 billion to enterprise groups, while PDM continues to receive annual allocations exceeding Shs1 trillion. These programmes have expanded access to financial resources for previously excluded households and businesses. However, their impact remains limited relative to the size of the informal economy due to challenges such as inadequate business skills, market access constraints, implementation gaps, and limited funding per beneficiary.

The situation is further complicated by rising transport costs, fuel prices, rent, electricity charges, and inflation, all of which continue to erode profits for small enterprises. Infrastructure investments, including the Malaba-Kampala Standard Gauge Railway, road maintenance projects, and the operationalisation of Kabalega International Airport, are expected to stimulate economic activity and improve market access. However, these benefits will only be fully realised if small businesses are empowered to participate in the opportunities created.

Agriculture presents another important opportunity. Although the sector has received Shs 2.26 trillion, the allocation remains relatively modest given that agriculture remains Uganda’s largest employer and the backbone of the economy. Investments in irrigation, agricultural research, extension services, and anti-tick vaccines could improve productivity and household incomes. However, farmers and small agribusinesses still require access to markets, affordable financing, and value-addition

opportunities.

The Shs1.14 trillion allocated to science, technology, and innovation could also improve efficiency and profitability among small enterprises through digital platforms, mobile payments, and e-commerce solutions. Yet meaningful digital transformation will require investment in skills development and affordable technology.Another concern is the growing cost of public debt. Approximately Shs 33.4 trillion, nearly 40 percent of the budget, has been allocated to debt servicing. While borrowing can support development, the government must ensure that future debt generates tangible economic returns and employment opportunities.

Ultimately, the success of the Tenfold Growth Strategy will depend on whether economic growth translates into improved livelihoods for ordinary citizens. With the budget now approved and presented, attention should shift to implementation. Policymakers must prioritise interventions that strengthen micro and small enterprises through affordable credit, business skills training, simplified formalisation processes, improved market infrastructure, and digital inclusion.

Uganda’s Shs 84.39 trillion budget has the potential to drive transformative growth. However, for the tenfold growth strategy to succeed, growth must be inclusive. The true measure of success will not be the size of the budget or infrastructure projects completed, but whether ordinary traders, boda boda riders, farmers, and young entrepreneurs are able to share in the nation’s economic progress.

Engineers under the Uganda Institution of Professional Engineers have called for stronger regulatory frameworks as the Ministry of Works and Transport and Parliament move to fast-track the law regulating Uganda’s construction industry.

According to Eng. Peterson Mwesigwa, President of Engineers in Uganda, the proposed law will address local content concerns for engineering professionals and streamline accountability and standards in construction.

He was speaking at the grand launch of the Uganda Institution of Professional Engineers Voice, a monthly public dialogue platform meant to spotlight UIPE’s work to members and the public.

‘Our first intention therefore under the UIPE Voice, is a direct legislative call and will be making a formal urgent appeal to the ministry of works and transport, and Parliament to fast track the law relating to the regulation of Uganda’s construction industry,’ he said.

‘We need a law that will address local content concerns of Uganda’s engineering professionals and streamline accountability and standards in the construction industry and business,’ he added.

The UIPE Voice will also provide a forum for discussion of key engineering issues that shape Uganda’s development, innovation, sustainability and national priorities. The launch introduced the vision of using the platform to explore collaboration between engineers and the media in promoting informed public discourse.

Speaking at the Kampala launch on June 25, Minister in charge of General Duties in the Office of the Prime Minister Eng. Hillary Onek acknowledged concerns on modernizing the engineering regulatory framework.

‘I have taken note of UIPE concern regarding modernization of the engineering regulatory framework and to the need to strengthen professional accountability,’ he said.

He urged engineers to prioritize ethics over money: ‘Some of the engineers have adored and honoured money more than their profession, asking them to have a second thought to it to stand out as a pillar and have respect in the society.’ He said government values UIPE as a strategic partner in delivering safe, sustainable and resilient infrastructure.

UIPE was formed in 1972 to bring the engineering fraternity together to share ideas and promote the profession. It now embraces engineers, technologists and technicians from college through senior practice, helping them build careers and advocate with government, education and private enterprise.

Membership grants professional recognition and links engineers with peers in Uganda and beyond. UIPE has over 7,466 members: 2,433 students, 3,097 graduates, 1,564 corporate members, 111 technologists, 215 technicians, and 39 fellows.

As Uganda responds to the ongoing Ebola outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo virus strain, one lesson stands out clearly: infectious diseases do not respect borders. The recent outbreak, which spread from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) into Uganda through cross-border movement, demonstrates that our strongest defence against Ebola begins long before patients reach treatment centres. It starts with strong surveillance systems in communities and at points of entry.

Uganda’s border districts, particularly in West Nile, face a unique public health challenge. Districts such as Arua, Koboko, Yumbe, Moyo, Obongi, and Adjumani experience daily movement of people crossing from DRC and South Sudan for trade, education, employment, and family visits. While this movement supports livelihoods and regional integration, it also increases the risk of infectious diseases crossing borders unnoticed.

The current outbreak highlights the importance of cross-border surveillance-the systematic detection, reporting, and response to public health threats occurring at or near international boundaries. Early detection remains the most effective tool for preventing widespread transmission. Uganda’s previous successes in controlling Ebola outbreaks have largely been built on rapid identification of suspected cases, prompt investigations, and timely response.

There is a common saying that “diseases do not read books.” They do not follow administrative boundaries, policies, or schedules. Instead, they exploit weaknesses in preparedness systems. Equally important is the recognition that diseases start in communities. The first warning signs are often noticed by families, village health teams, community leaders, and frontline health workers. Their ability to recognise and report unusual illnesses can mean the difference between a contained incident and a major outbreak.

This is why strengthening community-based surveillance must remain a national priority. Communities should be empowered to report unusual illnesses without fear, stigma, or misinformation. Public trust and community engagement are as important as laboratories and treatment units in outbreak control. Investing in surveillance is also a sound economic decision. Prevention is more cost-effective than treatment. The resources required to strengthen surveillance systems, train health workers, and support community reporting are far less than the human and financial costs of managing a full-scale Ebola outbreak. Every case prevented saves lives, protects livelihoods, and reduces pressure on already stretched health systems.

Preparedness must therefore be continuous, not reactive. Strengthening surveillance at points of entry, improving information sharing with neighbouring countries, investing in digital reporting systems, and conducting regular preparedness exercises are critical measures that will protect Uganda from future outbreaks. The ongoing Ebola outbreak serves as a reminder that disease threats remain a reality for our region. However, it also demonstrates that early detection, rapid reporting, and community participation can significantly reduce their impact. For border regions such as West Nile, strengthening surveillance is not merely a health sector priority; it is a national security imperative.

Uganda’s ability to prevent the next Ebola outbreak will depend on how well we strengthen and sustain the systems that detect the first case before it becomes the next epidemic.

With 18 months left before the Shs850 billion GROW Project ends in December 2027, many women entrepreneurs in Busoga remain locked out despite demand for affordable financing.

Interviews with district focal persons, banks, leaders and women point to collateral requirements, limited bank access, poor awareness and fear of spouses taking the money as the main barriers.

In Mayuge, only seven women have accessed GROW loans since rollout.

“Very many women have welcomed the GROW project but are unable to benefit because of a few challenges. Most women in Mayuge do not own land, yet banks mainly require land as collateral,” said Ms Susan Namuwoya, Mayuge GROW focal person.

She added that some married women avoid applying: “Many women are afraid to access the loans because they fear their husbands will take control of the money. Some women don’t even want their spouses to know they are applying.”

In Luuka, distance to banks is a hurdle. “Many women must travel to Iganga to access banking services. Transport costs and repeated trips to the banks discourage applicants,” said Ms Janet Luwano, Luuka focal person. “Most women do not own land titles. They have to seek consent from husbands or relatives, which complicates the process.”

Namutumba’s Mr Nicholas Kairu said registration and distance are blocking applicants: “Most enterprises are not registered in their own names… Namutumba does not have a branch of any of the participating banks, forcing women to travel to Iganga.”

Kaliro’s Ms Harriet Atibwa said frustrations have eroded trust: “Women are told to return several times and some eventually lose trust in the process.”

Programme implementers insist money is available. “As of March, 349 women entrepreneurs in Busoga had received GROW loans,” said Paul Nuwagaba, Access to Finance Specialist at PSFU. He added that informal businesses can qualify: “As long as the business can be verified, women can qualify.”

Banks say documentation is the challenge. “Most women do not have formal ownership documents for land or other assets. This makes it difficult to assess business ownership,” said Mr Basil Oyet Otoo of Centenary Bank Iganga. By June 2026, Centenary had disbursed Shs1.3 billion to 61 women in Busoga.

Women leaders want SACCOs and microfinance included. “The women are eager to borrow and grow their businesses, but they need clearer guidance and financial institutions that are closer to them,” said Luuka Woman MP Annet Nabirye.

Some beneficiaries say it works. “I received a Shs20 million GROW loan, which has helped me expand my business,” said Ms Joyce Mukyala of Luuka. Others missed out: “I have never received a GROW loan because I did not know the programme existed,” said Ms Florence Namukose.

The five-year World Bank-funded GROW Project runs to December 2027. It offers loans of up to 10% interest annually through nine banks, plus training and grants.