Category: Daily Monitor

The NRM presidential candidate, Mr Yoweri Museveni, has hit out at Opposition politicians who he described as inferior and inexperienced to lead the masses.

Mr Museveni cautioned voters to desist from giving mandate to inexperienced politicians, especially from the Opposition whose focus he claimed is frustrating government’s development initiatives.

‘Don’t take decisions by gambling, which you will later regret. Vote the NRM to be sure because our track record on development is known and seen,’ said Mr Museveni who is seeking his 7th term. Accompanied by his wife, the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Ms Janet Museveni, Mr Museveni made the remarks yesterday as he kicked-off his campaigns in Greater Mpigi, beginning with Butambala District.

His campaign Butambala came barely two days after his closest rival Mr Robert Kyagulanyi of the National Unity Platform (NUP), campaigned in the same district last Saturday.

Mr Kyagulanyi who got 72 percent of the total vote cast in Mpigi beat Mr Museveni with a margin of 614,677 votes in the 2021 General Election

Mr Museveni got 838,858 votes against Mr Kyagulanyi 1,453,535. The NUP leader lost the national polls after emerging as the second in the race, securing 3.6 million votes, against Mr Museveni’s 6.01 million votes.

The NRM also lost at least 10 central region parliamentary seats to NUP, including those that were being held by ministers and Mr Museveni’s then vice president of 10 years, Mr Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi.

The ministers and ministers of state who lost include Ms Judith Nabakooba (Land, Housing and Urban Development), Mr Vincent Bamulanzeki Ssempijja (then minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs), Mr John Chrysostom Muyingo (State for Higher Education), Ms Beti Olive Kamya (former IGG), Ms Nakiwala Kiyingi (then State for Sports), and Mr Haruna Kasolo (State for Microfinance).

The other is the former Government Chief Whip, Ms Ruth Nankabirwa, who is the current Energy minister. This huge victory made NUP the largest Opposition party with 57 MPs. Speaking at the rally yesterday, President Museveni said it’s crucial for voters to elect ideologically-oriented leaders aligned to the NRM party to support all development interventions.

He emphasised that the NRM’s pledges were not mere promises but extensions of the achievements already delivered.

‘What we are talking about are not promises; we show that we have delivered over the years, and now we are adding on to our promises,’ he said.

On peace, the President reflected on Uganda’s turbulent past and the unity achieved under NRM leadership.

‘Uganda was ungovernable at some point. Today, we are all united regardless of tribes, religion, or gender. Everyone can see it, it’s not about saying, it’s about doing,’ he added.

Highlighting Butambala’s progress, the President pointed to infrastructure, electricity, and water supply.

‘We passed here in Butambala while working on the Kisozi-Mpigi-Kibibi- Gombe-Kyanje-Mpenja-Kanoni-Kabulasoke road,’ he said.

‘All sub-counties in Butambala now have electricity, and 82 percent of villages enjoy safe water.’

President Museveni also outlined projects that shall be worked on very soon including the Mitala-Maria and Bulo- Kanoni roads, as well as water initiatives in Butambala District.

On personal initiatives, the President shared his own example of productive farming.

‘I have a personal model farm, one acre for coffee, one for bananas, one for pasture, and one for cattle and fish. I earn Shs100m per year and after costs, I remain with Shs70m.’

He also underscored the NRM’s role in promoting coffee farming in Buganda, saying, ‘Masaka, Sembabule, and Rakai people are coffee growers because of the NRM. Those who claim they introduced coffee are not telling the truth.’ President Museveni further highlighted the importance of wealth creation as a complement to development.

He cited Ms Rashidah Namubiru, a PDM beneficiary from Butambala, who transformed her life using PDM funds.

‘I visited Rashidah myself. She started with goats and land, and today she has multiplied her livestock and income. She is a living example of how PDM changes lives,’ he said. Addressing misconceptions about employment, the President noted the limits of government jobs. ‘Uganda has about 480,000 government jobs for a population of 50 million. You cannot talk about jobs without talking about wealth. Jobs come from commercial agriculture, factories, services, and ICT,’ he said.

He cited Mbale Industrial Park, which houses 75 factories and has created thousands of jobs.

‘While the government employs 480,000 people, new factories across the country have already created 1.3 million jobs, nearly three times more than the public sector.’

President Museveni revealed that the government was going to set up a Presidential Zonal Industrial Skilling Hub in Greater Mpigi to train the youth in the area. Furthermore, President Museveni urged Ugandans to embrace the opportunities provided by NRM programmes, emphasising that peace, development, and wealth creation remain the pillars of the party’s agenda.

The President also handed over the NRM flags to aspiring Members of Parliament, LC5 chairperson, councillors, and other party candidates in Butambala District, formally endorsing their participation in the upcoming elections.

On her part, the First Lady called on residents of Butambala to turn out in large numbers and support President Museveni and the NRM, saying the party remains the strongest guarantor of Uganda’s unity and peace.

‘As you come here today, remember that this enthusiasm should translate into votes. We are looking at 70 percent and above,’ she said. She cautioned NRM supporters against limiting mobilisation to rallies, urging them to ensure that no one is left behind on polling day. ‘These numbers you see here should not be for this rally only. When January 15, 2026 comes, go out and vote. Do not leave anyone at home. Let everyone participate,’ she said.

The NRM First National Vice Chairperson, Mr Moses Kigongo also rallied residents to support the ruling party, describing it as a movement founded on truth, discipline and service to the people. ‘We have come here at the right time to ask for your votes. We need disciplined people who are patriotic and love their country,’ Mr Kigongo said.

State House has denied claims that President Yoweri Museveni’s convoy caused the traffic gridlock on the Kampala-Masaka Road, calling the reports “inaccurate and misleading”.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, State House explained that limited and time-bound road closures during presidential movements are standard procedures and were carefully coordinated to minimise disruption.

“Very limited and time-bound road closures during presidential movements are standard operating procedures world over and are carefully coordinated to minimise disruption,” the statement reads.

The State House attributed the congestion to other factors, including heavy end-of-month traffic, poor road discipline, and a heavy downpour that reduced visibility.

“These included the heavy end-of-month traffic as many motorists were returning from upcountry holidays, poor road discipline by some drivers who failed to respect other road users and created multiple lanes, and a heavy downpour that reduced visibility and compelled some motorists to temporarily park and wait for the storm to subside,” the statement adds.

State House urged the public to consider the full context and exercise patience and responsible road use during periods of heavy traffic and adverse weather conditions.

“Significant overnight delays occurred at the same time last year, when there were no presidential campaigns in districts along the route. It is therefore incorrect to politicize and wrongly attribute this unfortunate event,” the statement concludes.

The Ministry of Works and Transport echoed State House, stating; “We categorically dismiss claims that the gridlock was caused by road closures for presidential activities. The President has consistently demonstrated responsibility and strict adherence to protocols, conducting public engagements exclusively at designated venues.”

According to the ministry, the gridlock was primarily caused by traffic indiscipline, with motorists blocking intersections and encroaching into oncoming lanes, especially at choke points in Mpigi.

“The Uganda Police Traffic Directorate has deployed aerial surveillance and ground officers to identify and clear gridlock points, restore lane discipline, and traffic flow is steadily improving,” the statement issued on Tuesday reads.

The ministry appealed to motorists to ensure orderly driving, respect lane discipline, and comply with traffic officers’ directions, especially during the festive season.

“We call upon motorists to ensure orderly driving, respect for lane discipline, and compliance with traffic officers’ directions,” the ministry urged.

Background

Traffic along one of Uganda’s busiest transport corridors, the Kampala-Masaka Highway, remained paralysed for a second consecutive day on Tuesday, forcing hundreds of motorists to spend the night in their vehicles as an unprecedented gridlock stretched for more than 30 kilometres.

The congestion, which began around 6:00 pm on Monday, left traffic virtually at a standstill between Buwama Township in Mpigi District and Kyengera Township in neighbouring Wakiso District.

By 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, long queues of stranded vehicles remained in both directions, while police conducted aerial patrols along the highway to pinpoint the ‘root cause of the crisis.’

Traffic police had earlier advised motorists travelling to Kampala to divert via the Kasanje-Nakawuka route, while those heading to Masaka were urged to use the Gomba-Sembabule Road.

President Museveni has praised businessman Dr Amos Nzeyi for his contributions to Uganda’s economy, describing him as a ‘genuine indigenous investor’ who has helped create jobs and foster economic transformation.

Museveni, represented by Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa, spoke at a thanksgiving ceremony for the late Nathaniel Sebugunzu, Dr Nzeyi’s father, held on December 28 at St Peter’s Cathedral Rugarama, the headquarters of the Diocese of Kigezi in Kabale town.

Sebugunzu, who died in 1997 at the age of 110, was remembered as a hardworking man who labored at the White Horse Inn hotel in Kabale, ironing and washing guests’ clothes, not knowing that his son would one day purchase the hotel.

‘It is indeed befitting to thank God for sustaining Amos Nzeyi and enabling him to make a commendable contribution to the social economic transformation of Uganda. His book titled Learning Beyond the Classroom is more than a personal story because it shows Uganda’s remarkable journey of transformation from economic and political turmoil to stability and prosperity,’ Museveni observed.

The president added that Dr Nzeyi belongs to a category of investors who have worked with government to usher in Uganda’s industrial revolution.

‘Through his business enterprise, he has been able to boost the creation of jobs and incomes for our people. The NRM is always willing to work with people who have entrepreneurial foresight to see opportunities in Uganda. I therefore thank the indigenous entrepreneurs like Amos Nzeyi for leading and showing the way in exploiting Uganda’s resources to create wealth and jobs,’ Museveni said.

Other speakers highlighted the influence of Sebugunzu’s parenting in shaping his son’s success. Church of Uganda Anglican Archbishop Grace Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu encouraged parents to guide their children through work, humility, and discipline.

‘Don’t allow your children now on holiday to sleep because you have house helpers. Doing domestic work is not punishment; teach your children how you make money. disciplining a child is not child abuse,’ Archbishop Kaziimba said.

He also called for political tolerance and peace during the electoral period as Uganda prepares for the Janaury 15, 2026 General Election.

‘We need to work together to have peace in Uganda regardless of our religious denominations. Let’s forgive each other,’ the archbishop added.

The ceremony concluded with the official opening of the Sebugunzu Convention Centre at White Horse Inn, built by Dr Nzeyi in memory of his late father.

The event was attended by former Prime Ministers Amama Mbabazi and Dr Ruhakana Rugunda, Commissioner General of Prisons Dr Johnson Byabasheija, Works and Transport Minister Gen Katumba Wamala, and other dignitaries.

About Nzeyi

Dr Amos Nzeyi, born December 25, 1945, is a wealthy Ugandan businessman and entrepreneur.

He serves as the chairman of Crown Beverages, widely recognised for leading Pepsi Uganda and for his investments in the tourism sector.

Grief overwhelmed hundreds of mourners on December 29 as seven members of the same family who died in a road crash were mourned during a church service at Kyoogo Church of Uganda in Kamwezi Sub-county, Rukiga District.

Tears streamed down faces as relatives and friends laid wreaths on seven caskets containing the bodies of Ivan Niwagaba, his wife Brendah Ainembabazi, their five children – Agaba Keron, Masiko Kenen, Atuheire Keisha, Keith Agaba – and Niwagaba’s cousin, Sayuni Turihohabwe. The family perished in a motor road crash on December 27 along the Kampala-Mbarara Highway.

The caskets were lined beside the altar as Kigezi Diocese Bishop Gaddie Akanjuna, led the Anglican service. Government was represented by Rukiga Member of Parliament Roland Ndyomugyenyi.

Some mourners at the service questioned their faith, saying it was difficult to comprehend why an entire family would be taken by God at once. But Amos Mwesigwa, a close family friend, said the deaths should be accepted as God’s will.

‘It was purely God’s plan to take the deceased in such a way because Ivan who was driving the vehicle in which all perished was a senior driver, not just a learner. We are so grateful to all the people that supported us during this time of grief. We strongly believe it was purely God’s plan to take them in that arrangement,’ Mwesigwa said.

Winfred Buyonjo, an aunt to Niwagaba and Sayuni, urged mourners not to blame God. She recounted how she was meant to travel with the family from Kampala for their customary end-of-year gathering but postponed the trip.

‘Shortly after the fatal accident, some people believed that I was among the victims because they knew that it was our usual custom of travelling together during such days,’ Buyonjo said.

A recorded message from Benon Turyamureba, Niwagaba’s father and Sayuni’s uncle, was played to mourners.

Bedridden before the crash, he asked for prayers, saying the deceased children had been a source of comfort during his illness.

‘Although I am in deep pain because of my poor health, I am in deep sorrow for the untimely death of my children. I need your support and prayers amidst this situation,’ Turyamureba said.

His wife, Kyomugabe Turyamureba, described the loss as terrifying, saying it occurred while she was caring for her sick husband.

Bishop Akanjuna described death as ‘a thief’ and praised the police and well-wishers for retrieving the bodies and supporting the family.

‘Losing seven people from one family at ago is not only scaring but very unusual,’ he said.

After the service, the bodies were laid to rest at their ancestral home in Rwamasyazo Village, Kamwezi Sub-county.

The High Court has for the fourth time denied bail to veteran opposition politician Col (Rtd) Dr Kizza Besigye and his co-accused, Obeid Lutale, after ruling that their application for a stay of criminal proceedings and release from custody lacked merit.

In a ruling delivered on Monday, Kampala High Court Justice Emmanuel Baguma dismissed the application in its entirety and ordered that plea taking in the treason case proceed immediately.

‘This application seeks two orders: a stay of the hearing of the criminal trial pending the resolution of a constitutional petition and release of the applicants on bail,’ Justice Baguma said at the outset of his ruling.

The judge noted that while the applicants had filed a petition directly before the Constitutional Court, this did not automatically warrant a halt to proceedings before the High Court.

‘From the onset, I have to draw a distinction between a stay of proceedings and a constitutional petition. In the instant case, it is not in dispute that the applicants petitioned the Constitutional Court directly, which does not warrant an automatic stay as counsel laboured to convince court,’ Justice Baguma ruled.

Justice Baguma held that the decision on whether to stay proceedings in such circumstances lies within the discretion of the trial court.

‘This discretion must, however, be exercised in consideration of the severity and seriousness of the offence, in order to avoid delays in prosecution and to ensure substantive justice,’ he said.

The judge referred to Section 61 of the Trial on Indictments Act, which requires that an accused person tried before the High Court be placed at the bar and enter a plea.

According to Justice Baguma, plea taking serves a fundamental purpose in criminal proceedings.

‘In my opinion, plea taking enables an accused to know whether he admits or not,’ he stated.

Justice Baguma observed that the accused were committed to the High Court on May 29, 2025, and the matter was scheduled for plea taking on September 1, 2025. To date, no plea has been taken.

‘Instead, the accused have made application after application, making plea taking difficult,’ the judge said.

He concluded that the proper course was for the accused to take plea first before pursuing further applications, including bail.

‘It is therefore my considered view that the applicants take plea and, if they so wish, apply for bail thereafter,’ Justice Baguma ruled, adding that he was mindful of the constitutional presumption of innocence.

‘The application and the orders sought are denied, and I order that plea taking proceeds immediately,’ he concluded.

Dr Besigye and Lutale are jointly charged with treason and misprision of treason, alongside Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) officer Capt Dennis Ola.

Prosecution alleges that the accused were involved in activities intended to overthrow the government by force, charges they deny.

The Monday decision follows earlier unsuccessful attempts by the defence to secure bail and halt the proceedings pending the determination of constitutional questions raised before the Constitutional Court, including issues related to judicial recusal and the computation of time for mandatory bail.

Dr Besigye has been in custody for over a year since his arrest, with the case drawing sustained public attention due to his status as a long-time opposition figure and former presidential candidate.

With the court now directing that plea taking proceed without further delay, the case is expected to move to the next procedural stage in the High Court.

The accused, through their lawyers, previously declined to take plea urging that they had only come to receive the ruling thus the process is an ambush.

They also noted that the indictment was defective with wrong information regarding to the particulars of Captain Ola and that the accused were also not given the indictment as a requirement for for bail.

The judge insists on the accused taking plea, reasoning that that the accused were served with the copy of the indictment and that the case has been pending a plea take.

National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi, aka Bobi Wine, has reiterated his call to voters to linger at polling stations after casting their ballots on January 15, 2026, to guard against rigging.

Bobi Wine said having voters near polling stations will benefit all competing candidates at all levels and wondered why some key players in the electoral process are opposing the idea.

‘I insist that my votes were rigged during the 2021 General Election. Gen Museveni also claims his votes were stolen. If all of us don’t trust the Electoral Commission, let voters remain near polling stations after voting to protect the votes,’ he said while addressing one of his two campaign rallies at St John Bosco Primary School Playground in Katende, Mpigi District, at the weekend.

‘Protest vote’ strategy

Since campaign rallies kicked off in late September, Bobi Wine has been calling upon his supporters to hang around polling centres to observe whatever happens there. To him, the strategy is meant to, among others, guard against vote rigging, which he and other Opposition leaders claim has featured prominently in past elections.

At a recent campaign rally, Mr Museveni, 81, who is seeking to extend his rule beyond 40 years, also claimed Bobi Wine’s party had stolen more than two million votes in the 2021 General Election in which he was declared the winner.

The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), commanded by Mr Museveni’s son, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, and the Electoral Commission (EC), chaired by Justice Simon Byabakama, have in the recent past asked Ugandans to leave polling stations immediately after casting their ballots on January 15, 2026.

Opposition politicians said the law allows voters to observe what is happening at polling stations from a distance. While addressing another rally at Mitala Maria Playground at the weekend, Bobi Wine referenced Section 32 (4) of the Presidential Elections Act, 2005, noting the importance of adhering to electoral laws that ensure fairness.

‘We are not asking for any favour, let those with authority adhere to the law and ensure that this process is respected, free from intimidation or rigging,’ he said.

Bobi Wine also urged his supporters to prepare for a possible internet shutdown and to improvise how they will continue communicating on social media platforms without interruption.

‘They will do this so that you don’t follow what is going on elsewhere, but think about other ways of circumventing this,’ he added.

What the law says

According to section 31(4) of the Presidential Elections Act, 2010), voters are allowed to stay at least 20 metres from the polling station after casting their ballots.

National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi’s call has, in the recent past, been reinforced by several political commentators and a section of religious leaders who have questioned the intentions of the Electoral Commission and the army.

Two lawyers have petitioned the High Court in Kampala seeking orders to restrain the Simon Byabakama-led Electoral Commission (EC) from continuing to organise the 2026 General Election, citing what they term as persistent security forces’ brutality.

Mr Leonard Otee and Mr Joseph Odongo said they filed the suit in the public interest, arguing that the EC has failed in its constitutional and statutory mandate to ensure free and fair elections. They have also sued the Attorney General in his capacity as the government’s chief legal adviser.

The lawyers contend that the EC has ‘failed, neglected and/or refused’ to execute its obligations, or has done so ‘in a cursory, negligent and off-handed fashion,’ thereby allowing widespread violence and intimidation to flourish during election-related activities.

They accuse security agencies, including the Uganda Police Force and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), of threatening, intimidating, torturing, harassing, beating and, in some instances, killing members of the public participating in campaigns. The petitioners argue that the EC is vicariously liable for the actions of security forces deployed during the electoral process.

‘As a result, the public remains afraid and fearful of participating freely in the electoral process,’ the lawyers state, adding that this violates the constitutional and human rights of Ugandans.

The lawsuit follows a series of violent incidents involving supporters of the National Unity Platform (NUP) and security forces in recent weeks.

Brutality

Earlier this month, at least five NUP supporters were injured when groups of armed individuals attacked party leader Robert Kyagulanyi’s campaign team in Gulu City.

Video footage captured by NTV, Daily Monitor’s sister television station, shows security personnel beating NUP supporters who were surrounding Mr Kyagulanyi, apparently to shield him from danger. The footage also shows that some police officers assigned by the EC to provide security to the NUP presidential candidate were assaulted.

Other clips show stick-wielding, plain-clothed individuals with covered faces attacking NUP supporters.

The incidents came days after police used water cannons and teargas to block Mr Kyagulanyi’s rallies in Kayunga and Buikwe districts. Similar disruptions occurred during his November 24 campaign activities in Kampala’s Kawempe and Nakawa divisions, as well as in parts of the Teso Sub-region.

The lawyers are asking court to declare that the Byabakama-led EC has failed to fulfil its constitutional mandate and to order a fresh campaign period free from intimidation, torture and harassment, conducted within the confines of the law.

Ugandans are scheduled to go to the polls on January 15, 2026, to elect the President and Members of Parliament.

By press time last evening, neither the EC nor the Attorney General had filed a response to the suit.

The High Court is today expected to determine whether veteran Opposition politician Col (rtd) Dr Kizza Besigye and his aide, Mr Obeid Lutale, will be released on bail or remain in prison, after Justice Emmanuel Baguma reserved his ruling on their applications seeking a stay of criminal proceedings and temporary release.

Justice Baguma reserved his ruling on their applications seeking a stay of criminal proceedings and temporary release.

The ruling, expected today, will determine whether Dr Besigye walks out of prison, after about a year in custody or continues to face the treason charges from behind Luzira Prison bars.

This is the fourth bail attempt by Dr Besigye to regain his temporary freedom following his abduction in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, in November 2024.

Last week, Justice Baguma said his decision would be communicated to the parties physically, meaning Dr Besigye and his co-accused would be produced in court to receive their bail ruling.

At the hearing, defence lawyer Mr Ernest Kalibbala informed court that the applicants had withdrawn an earlier bail application. He said the withdrawal, communicated through a letter dated December 19, had been uploaded onto the case file.

Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Thomas Jatiko said the State had no objection, prompting the judge to formally mark the application as withdrawn.

Mr Kalibbala then argued the substantive application, seeking two key orders: a stay of criminal proceedings pending the determination of a constitutional petition and the release of the applicants on bail as a consequence of the stay.

He told court that the application was supported by five affidavits and was anchored in the High Court’s inherent powers to grant remedies necessary to ensure justice and a fair trial.

‘This court has the inherent powers to grant the orders it deems just,’ Mr Kalibbala submitted, arguing that the pending constitutional petition raises fundamental questions about the applicants’ right to a fair hearing and is of both personal and public importance.

According to the defence, the petition challenges the Judicial Officers (Recusal) Directions and raises broader constitutional questions, including the computation of time for mandatory bail. Mr Kalibbala relied on the Supreme Court decision in Charles Onyango Obbo and Andrew Mujuni Mwenda v Attorney General (Constitutional Appeal No. 2 of 2002), contending that constitutional matters should take precedence over proceedings in lower courts.

‘When a stay is granted, it is not a final determination. It is to allow bona fide constitutional issues to be resolved so that a fair trial can be guaranteed,’ he said.

On bail, the defence argued that release pending trial is grounded in the presumption of innocence and the right to liberty. Mr Kalibbala told court that both applicants have fixed places of abode and no prior convictions, and cited Dr Besigye’s history of complying with bail conditions when previously charged with similar offences.

He added that given the gravity of the constitutional issues raised, the case was likely to take time to conclude, noting that investigations were completed when the accused were committed to the High Court on May 29, 2025.

The State opposed the application, with Chief State Attorney Richard Birivumbuka arguing that the High Court lacked jurisdiction to stay proceedings on the basis of a constitutional petition pending before a higher court.

‘The applicants expect you to read the petition and assume the contents are true, which is not correct,’ Mr Birivumbuka submitted, warning that granting a stay would amount to anticipating the Constitutional Court’s decision.

Rain is part of the routine at the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. When the gentle sun dominated Saturday, you could have been tempted not to carry your heavy coat.

Uganda Cranes arrived at the Al Medina Stadium in Rabat, they must have been pleased to warm up in more familiar weather.

Retreating to the dressing rooms, they re-emerged under a light drizzle at kickoff for the game against Tanzania that did not last long.

No one could have complained following the heavy rain that pounded players and photographers during the 3-1 loss to Tunisia last Tuesday.

Substitute Uche Ikpeazu Mubiru had other ideas. With Tanzania leading 1-0 through a Simon Msuva penalty in the 59th minute, coach Paul Put had to find something.

The Belgian brought on the gangly Uche, born to a Nigerian father and a Ugandan mother 30 years ago in England, to replace Jude Ssemugabi.

It took Uche three minutes on the pitch to bring Uganda level with 10 to play and deny Tanzania a first-ever win at the Afcon.

He flung himself full-length at Denis Omedi’s cross from the right to power home with a classic header.

‘I have been working hard,’ Uche said in the mixed zone. ‘Chances have been hard to come by as I have not played much at my club this season. I was ready when the coach picked me.’

Joy unconfined

The joy on his face touched both ears as he raced to the bench dugout to celebrate his second goal in three internationals.

There was more in store from him – NBA superstar’s Lebron James’ signature celebration – The Silencer.

It’s violent yet straightforward, intense enough to represent the enormity of the moment, but not so over the top that it bothers you.

The pushing down of the hands three times, palms facing the floor, as if the air were so thick you could touch it.

The double-tap of the right hand over the chest. The primal scream that follows.

Soon after, the clouds opened with a tinge of hailstorms. Uche had not only lifted the load on himself but also on the dark Moroccan sky.

In the first minute of added time, Uganda was awarded a penalty which Allan Okello missed. The rain stopped.

Factfile

Full name: Karl Anthony Uchechukwu Mubiru Ikpeazu

Date of birth: February 28, 1995 (age 30)

Place of birth: Harrow, England

Height : 6ft 3in

Position: Forward

With less than three weeks to the 2026 General Election, repeated statements by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) warning against plans to ‘protect votes’ are raising concern over the growing blurring of lines between legitimate political contestation and securitised state power.

The UPDF’s public rebuke of the National Unity Platform’s proposed strategy-encouraging voters to remain near polling stations after casting their ballots to deter fraud-has been communicated not simply as a procedural matter, but as a threat warranting military admonition.

Acting Defence Public Information Director Col Chris Magezi has described the Opposition’s rhetoric as ‘toxic, shallow in logic, and dangerous,’ warning that the UPDF is capable of responding to any perceived threat because it is ‘organised, proficient and lethal.’ Such language frames political mobilisation in near-military terms and sets a troubling tone for an election that should prioritise democratic participation rather than coercive power.

By casting a civilian electoral strategy as a potential security threat, the messaging risks normalising the role of the army in civic processes and expanding its influence far beyond its constitutional mandate. The army’s primary responsibility is safeguarding territorial integrity-not arbitrating political disputes-yet its repeated public interventions suggest less an effort to preserve peace than a signal of intolerance toward Opposition strategies seen as challenging the status quo.

This dynamic is particularly troubling in a context where Opposition figures and supporters have already faced arrests, brutality and legal harassment, reinforcing perceptions of uneven enforcement of law and order. In such an environment, military rhetoric risks deepening fear rather than confidence in the electoral process.

Uganda’s history offers stark reminders of the dangers that emerge when security forces supplant political solutions. Decades of instability shaped by armed conflict underscore why citizens deserve greater, not diminished, space for peaceful democratic engagement. Voters must be free to express concerns about electoral integrity without fearing that observing or reporting irregularities will be interpreted as a prelude to confrontation.

Respect for civil liberties-including freedom of assembly, expression and participation-is the cornerstone of credible elections. Observing polling processes and questioning outcomes are not acts of rebellion but essential elements of democratic accountability.

Beyond the immediate controversy, broader political reforms remain urgent. Civil society organisations and watchdogs have consistently warned of threats to electoral credibility, ranging from vote-buying to imbalanced campaign conditions, calling for safeguards that extend well beyond military commentary. Building public trust requires transparency and accountability from all institutions, including the Electoral Commission and security agencies.

As Ugandans prepare to vote, political actors and security institutions alike must recommit to democratic norms. The role of the military should remain firmly within its constitutional boundaries, not expand into policing political expression. Anything less risks undermining the credibility of the elections and steering the country away from the stable democratic future its citizens deserve.