Category: Daily Monitor

The Electoral Commission (EC) on Wednesday night received a consignment of 193 sealed pallets containing more than 21.6 million presidential ballot papers ahead of the January 2026 General Election.

The ballots, which shall be cast on January 15, 2026, arrived at Entebbe International Airport on December 24 at around 9 pm aboard a chartered plane from Dubai. There are more than 21.6 million voters registered by the EC for the forthcoming polls.

EC Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama said that the arrival of the ballot papers is a great milestone and shows his commission’s readiness to organise the presidential, parliamentary, and local government polls.

‘Today we received the presidential ballot papers, and tomorrow, we shall receive the ones of Parliamentary.,’ Justice Bybakama said on Wednesday night.

There are eight presidential candidates, all representing different political parties. They include: Robert Kyagulanyi of the National Unity Platform (NUP), Nathan Nandala Mafabi of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), Maj Gen (rtd) Gregory Mugisha Muntu of the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT), and Mubarak Munyagwa of the Common Man’s Party.

Others are: Frank Bulira Kabinga of the Revolutionary People’s Party (RPP), incumbent Yoweri Museveni of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), Elton John Mabirizi of the Conservative Party, and Robert Kasibante of the National Peasants Party (NPP).

The EC nominated 83,597 candidates to contest in 45,505 positions in presidential, parliamentary, and local government polls. More than 2,000 of these are in parliamentary candidates, eight are presidential and the rest are contestants for local government positions.

“We are moving these materials immediately to our designated warehouses,’ Justice Byabakama said, adding that the ballots will be stored under strict security arrangements. He emphasised that safeguarding the materials from the point of arrival through to polling day remains a top priority for the commission.

Addressing public concerns about the volume of ballot papers printed, the EC Chairperson clarified that the number exceeds the 21.6 million citizens currently on the national voters’ register by design. The surplus, he explained, is a legal requirement intended to ensure a smooth voting process.

By printing additional ballots, the commission aims to eliminate the risk of voters being turned away because of simple clerical or manual errors, thereby protecting the right of all registered Ugandans to participate in the democratic process.

As the representatives of Mr Museveni wholeheartedly welcomed the arrival of the ballots, his counterparts from ANT and NPP expressed reservations.

Mr Nelson Agaba from ANT said, ‘We asked the Commission to go with us to witness the printing and the arrival, but they only invited us to witness the arrival.’

At the end of the year, many families reunite to enjoy time together. These times can be happy, yet sometimes they reveal tensions, unsatisfied needs and difficult relationships. The reality is that being together does not necessarily mean you are connected. Families can be both joyful and anguished or distressed at the same time. These contradictions are brought into focus during festive periods. They show just how strong the ties of a family are, and remind us that family life is not just a social structure but a continuous practice of connecting and caring.

In our work at the Centre of Interdisciplinary Studies of Children, Families and Society at the University of the Western Cape in South Africa, we pose what seems on the surface a very simple question; what do families do to not only survive, but thrive together? We find repeated themes in our research; families thrive (or do well) when trust is fostered, when care is given and when all members feel they belong. Family cohesion enables individuals to feel safe and connected. It is not about being perfect or agreeing always, but being able to trust and get along with each other.

We have found that more unified families can:

Communicate openly

Adapt to change

Support each other in the trials of life.

These virtues are not something to be assumed. An example is trust, which is not automatic. It is constructed gradually, by respecting each other, the consistency of a present caregiver, the fairness of shared tasks, the assurance that a person’s voice is heard. In cases where trust breaks down, families tend to say that they feel uncertain, or even unsafe, in their own homes. Yet when trust is strong, it creates the invisible thread which helps families to survive change. Our studies show that disagreement can coexist with closeness, provided families have ways to repair relationships after tension. One parent in our research said it best: We fight, we cry, but we still sit together for supper. That small act of sitting together is part of the work of care that holds families intact.

African families

African families and households are diverse in their structures: nuclear, single-parent, multigenerational, child-headed or based on emotional connection and choice. In our qualitative research in urban communities, families mixed both traditional values and contemporary realities. Grandmothers are usually key figures in care-giving and young people contribute meaningfully to family and household life. But families face significant pressures. Many struggle to meet basic needs, such as shelter and food, as well as intangible needs such as love, respect and understanding. Family cohesion may be eroded when these needs are not met.

Unmet needs also reflect what we call ‘bad care’.

By that we mean not getting care, or getting inadequate care. The impact of bad care on people is among the most interesting things that we discovered during our research. It occurs when care-giving responsibilities are not shared equally, when intangible needs are not met or when family members can’t talk to each other. The consequences of unmet intangible needs are usually quite powerful. For example, a grandmother may make sure her grandchildren are fed, dressed and safe every day. But if her desire for love, connection, or relaxation is not met, she may feel like no one cares about her or that she is being taken for granted.

As one grandmother described it, being ‘the glue’ that kept the family together meant her personal needs for rest, emotional support, or simply being cared for were overlooked.

Some families expect their younger members (daughters in particular) to take care of other people, even if they are not prepared or haven’t consented. In our study, one interviewee said that since the death of her grandmother, she was supposed to be the one who would keep the family together though she did not consider herself ready. Her personal needs such as being heard, respected and given space to grieve were placed on hold. A care-giver who feels as though no one is noticing or supporting them might end up feeling depressed, angry, or burned out. They might not ask for help, for fear of being judged or rejected. One woman said she never talked to her family about her concerns since they ‘have their own problems’ and ‘do not want to listen’. This silence, which can be caused by pride, fear, or a lack of trust, can hurt relationships and make people feel even more alone.

Bad care also refers to being given care that is not responsive to all the needs of a family member. Families who only consider aspects such as food, shelter and money might lose sight of emotional and spiritual needs. And as those are not fulfilled, the emotional fabric of the family starts to fall apart. During the holidays, these family behaviours tend to get worse. Being back under one roof brings out disparities in money, values, or hopes. Adult children come home with fresh experiences, parents remember the sacrifices they made, and grandparents hope their traditions will live on.

Care becomes the language that connects people of all ages in this mix. It can be said in words, like when people talk, laugh, or say they are sorry. It often happens softly, like when people share a meal made with love, offer to help, or take a moment to listen. Care is not seasonal. It is every day and intentional. The family is not a luxury; it is the pillar of wellbeing. Once the decorations are packed away and the noise fades, what remains are the relationships we have tended.

My car is mechanically sound, but I have persistent electrical malfunctions with the power locks, power windows, and interior dome lights. They work intermittently and seem to fail every few months. I have replaced fuses and parts before, but the problems always come back. Based on these specific symptoms, what is the most likely root cause (like a bad ground, faulty relay, or wiring issue), and what is the correct diagnostic process to find and fix it permanently?

Kasozi

Hello Kasozi, persistent failure of electrical accessories and features such as central locking, electric windows and interior lights on an old car can be irritating. These electrical failures are more common if this old car is driven often in dusty, hot and sometimes humid or rainy conditions typical to our Ugandan setting. There are several reasons why these electrical gremlins come to bite when your car ages. The wiring and insulation can fail due to age. Exposure of the electrical wires in your car to the hot, humid and dusty conditions will make the insulation brittle, which leads to cracking and short circuits when the exposed wires with different polarity make contact.

The moisture from humidity and aggressive car wash jets causes damage of copper wires due to oxidation. The problem will be worsened when splices, poor insulation with ageing tape from previous repairs further exposes the wires in the different harnesses. Attempts to replace window switches or interior lights will only cause temporary relief as they are bound to fail again due to the damaged wiring. This can explain the intermittent electric window, interior lights and central locking failure. When the old car’s earthing or grounding points fail, this can lead to a break of the circuit. This problem is caused by rusting or corrosion damage or painting over of the car body earthing points.

Often, with age, ground straps between the engine, body and battery become loose. The many electrical systems that share the common grounds such as dash board electronics, audio system, interior lights, windows and central locking will begin to flicker or work intermittently. Extreme heat round the year from our summer temperatures will make door, window and wind shield seals become brittle or hardened. This causes leakage points where moisture and dust can penetrate the doors and windows. This moisture and dust will gradually damage the window motor or its circuit points, central locking actuators and door control modules.

The intermittent failure during wet seasons precedes total failure, eventually. Mechanical failure of circuitry switches and their relays can cause intermittent failure of electric windows, central locking and other electrical systems. Internal wear or damage of switches and cracking or loosening of buttons than operate them will cause gradual intermittent failure. Relays can become sticky overtime which leads to failure. As you replace one window switch, button or relay, another one is bound to fail down the road because of exposure to the same ageing conditions. It is like putting out a fire and another one starts elsewhere.

To resolve the intermittent electrical system faults permanently you need to carry out a comprehensive electrical system health check, rather than random repairs. Asses the charging system with an Alternator charging output and load test. Carry out a voltage drop test across the important circuits. Inspect all grounding points and evaluate their resistance. Finally check the battery age as well as carry out a battery load test. Renew or improve grounding connections. This can take away some of the persistent electric gremlins. Clean major earthing points, especially those that have been painted over. Sand them down to bare metal. You can upgrade grounding by adding grounding straps.

Over the past few years, Uganda’s payment landscape has undergone a significant transformation. Data from the Bank of Uganda indicates that mobile banking users have surged to 2.1 million, with transactions hitting Shs15.5 trillion by June 2025. This shift reflects a growing preference for digital channels as customers value convenience. For many consumers, the ability to pay quickly and seamlessly has become non-negotiable.

Whether purchasing goods online, paying at a point of sale, or settling bills remotely, digital payments have reduced friction and expanded access. For merchants, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, digital acceptance tools have opened new opportunities to serve customers beyond cash-based transactions, improve record-keeping, and manage seasonal demand more efficiently. Across the financial services sector, banks and payment providers have responded.

It is imperative that we respond by strengthening card infrastructure, expanding merchant acceptance, and introducing tools such as virtual cards, contactless payments, and pay-by-link solutions. These innovations are particularly relevant during the festive period, when queues are longer, fraud risks increase, and consumers prioritise ease and reliability.

Gone are the days of long bank queues to draw enough cash to tide you over during the festive season. Regardless, convenience also brings new challenges. The ease of digital payments can blur the line between planned spending and impulse purchases. A few taps on a phone or card can quickly add up, and many households feel the consequences in January when financial pressure sets in.

This reality underscores the importance of financial discipline alongside payment innovation. Digital channels are not just transaction tools; they can also support better money management. Customers should have access to tools to help them stay in control, even during periods of heightened expenditure. Financial literacy and practical guidance are just as critical as technology.

By planning ahead, prioritising needs, and tracking spending, you can ensure that the joy of the festive season does not turn into financial stress in the months that follow. As transaction volumes rise during the holidays, so do risks related to fraud and cybercrime. Trust in digital payments depends on robust security frameworks, real-time monitoring, and informed users.

For businesses, especially those onboarding to digital payments for the first time, simple and secure systems can make a significant difference. Faster onboarding, transparent pricing, and reliable settlement processes allow businesses to focus on growth while meeting customer expectations. As consumers and businesses prepare for the holidays, a few simple steps can make festive spending more secure and manageable. For merchants, using contactless and digital payment options can reduce cash handling risks and improve customer experience. The festive season should be a time of connection and celebration, not financial strain.

As Uganda’s economy continues to digitise, the focus must remain on balance, enabling fast and convenient payments while promoting responsible spending and strong consumer protection. Banks and financial institutions play a critical role in this ecosystem, not only by powering transactions but by supporting long-term financial well-being. When digital payments are designed and used thoughtfully, they can help households and businesses enjoy the festive season with confidence and start the new year on stronger financial footing.

The Archbishop of the Kampala Archdiocese, Paul Ssemogerere, has called on political leaders, security agencies, and all political actors to uphold peace, respect for human rights, and the rule of law ahead of the 2026 general elections.

While leading Christmas Mass at Rubaga Cathedral, Archbishop Ssemogerere said it is the responsibility of every Ugandan, especially leaders to ensure peace during the ongoing campaigns, on polling day, and after the elections.

He warned that the selective application of the law is a major source of injustice and unrest, particularly during the current campaign period.

‘No authority, uniform, or office grants anyone the right to torture, degrade, or unlawfully harm another human being. The rule of law must be applied consistently, without fear or favour. History reminds us that when the law becomes selective, the nation drifts into fear and instability,’ he said.

Archbishop Ssemogerere reminded Ugandans that elections are a defining national moment.

‘In a few weeks, on January 15, Ugandans will go to the polls. Elections are not just political events; they are monumental moments. Let us remember who we are and treat one another with dignity. Political leaders must put the nation above self, reject incitement, and speak words that heal rather than divide,’ he said.

He also appealed to security agencies to execute their duties with honesty and fairness, in strict adherence to the law, and to fulfil their core mandate of protecting life and property.

Violence, he said, has no place in Ugandan society and must be condemned and avoided in the strongest terms.

‘The Electoral Commission must act with transparency and dignity so as to inspire public confidence. Uganda does not need enemies within; it needs unity,’ he said.

He added: ‘Uganda needs calm hearts, responsible leadership, and a shared commitment to the common good. As we approach January 15, let us choose dialogue over conflict, law over lawlessness, and unity over division so that whatever the outcome, our nation remains together.’

The Archbishop’s message comes three days after the Kabaka of Buganda, Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, in his December 22 Christmas message, condemned ongoing political violence targeting opposition actors.

‘Many of our people have been harmed, including beatings, blocking candidates from reaching campaign venues, and other illegal acts and human rights violations,’ the Kabaka said.

Meanwhile, five Secretary Generals of political parties under the Inter-Party Organisation for Dialogue (IPOD) have also jointly condemned security brutality against candidates and supporters during the ongoing campaigns.

In a Christmas message, IPOD said such actions undermine the electoral process and erode public trust.

‘IPOD unequivocally condemns acts of brutality, excessive force, or intimidation by security agencies during political campaigns and electoral activities. Such actions undermine democratic principles and the right of citizens to freely participate in political processes,’ said Dr Gerald Siranda, IPOD Council Chairperson and Secretary General of the Democratic Party (DP).

The condemnation by religious, cultural, and political leaders comes amid growing concern over reports of violence against opposition figures, particularly the National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate, Mr Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, and his supporters.

One of the most notable incidents occurred earlier this month when security personnel blocked Mr Kyagulanyi from accessing a scheduled campaign venue in Gulu and allegedly assaulted him and his supporters.

Christmas Mass at Rubaga Cathedral was attended by several dignitaries, including Mr Kyagulanyi and his wife, Barbie Itungo Kyagulanyi; the Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, and his wife; and the State Minister for Higher Education, Dr Chrysostom Muyingo, among others.

For several households in Kampala, preparing a hearty Christmas feast is becoming increasingly unaffordable.

For Mr Henry Mbaziira, a father of five, the cost of a proper Christmas meal has doubled over the last three years-from Shs300,000 to more than Shs600,000.

A Monitor survey conducted across urban households indicates that eight out of 10 respondents said food costs make up the largest portion of their festive expenses.

Over the last three years, respondents said Christmas meal budgets have risen by 30 to 50 percent.

Ms Lucy Nambalirwa, with a family of three, reported her household expenses for Christmas food jumped from Shs75,000 the previous year to Shs125,000 last year.

Meanwhile, Ms Hilda Nantongo, mother of three, said her budget has remained constant at Shs150,000, though it now buys less than before. For households in slums and low-income areas, even Shs20,000 is considered expensive.

‘The rising cost of living forces many families to cut back or forgo certain food items to stay within budget,’ Ms Nambalirwa said.

Job losses and stagnant incomes, among others, exacerbate the crunch. Mr Mbaziira, who lost his job following the mid-year USAID exit, said the loss of income has forced him to drastically cut festive spending.

According to the Civil Society Budget Advocacy Group (CSBAG), about 15,000 jobs were lost across non-governmental organisations (NGOs), research institutions, and project agencies after the donor exit, with 55 percent of local NGOs downsizing or suspending operations.

Several employees have also gone without Christmas bonuses or salary increments since the Covid-19 pandemic struck five years ago.

‘My salary has not increased, and I have not received a 13th-month bonus. This makes festive spending difficult,’ Ms Nambalirwa said.

Even with relatively low inflation, averaging 3.5-3.9 percent this year, households still feel the pressure.

‘If income is constant but prices rise, the real value of income decreases, especially for low-income earners,’ explained Dr Adam Mugume, director of policy and research at the Bank of Uganda.

Food prices on the rise

According to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS), food crops and related items saw inflation of 4.0 percent in the year ending November 2025. Prices of staples like matooke, tomatoes, mangoes, onions, sweet potatoes, and beans are 5-10 percent higher than in previous months.

Charcoal prices have jumped nearly 20 percent, while beef, chicken, millet, and transport fares have risen by at least 5 percent.

‘The cost of transport is a major driver. Many people travel to their villages for Christmas, pushing fares and grocery costs higher,’ Dr Mugume explained. Rising energy prices, particularly charcoal, further escalate festive expenses.

Sources said reliance on imports is eroding domestic food security, CSBAG analysis points to Uganda’s growing reliance on imported food as a key factor driving food inflation.

From 2014 to 2024, imports of staples such as rice, beans, and horticultural products consistently outpaced exports. For example, rice imports totalled Shs1.55 trillion compared to Shs594 million in exports, while beans shifted from a surplus to a Shs122 billion deficit.

Even traditionally strong sectors like fish have weakened, with exports falling from a Shs117 billion surplus in 2015 to Shs4.5 billion in 2025, while imports increased by 275 percent.

CSBAG noted that this dependence on imports from Kenya and Tanzania exposes households to regional price fluctuations and drains foreign exchange that could otherwise support domestic agricultural productivity.

The bottom line

For many Ugandans, Christmas is no longer just a season of celebration-it is also a period of financial juggling, with households cutting back on festive feasts, managing travel costs, and trying to balance school fees, savings, and food security.

‘Affording a hearty Christmas meal today is a challenge for most families,’ said Mr Mbaziira. ‘We try to celebrate, but we do it with caution and compromise.’

Inflation rate in 2025

According to UBOS figures, between June and November 2025, Uganda’s annual inflation rate generally eased, starting at 3.9 percent in June, rising slightly to 3.9 percent – 4.0 percent in July-September, and then easing to 3.1 percent by November, driven by fluctuations in food and energy prices.

According to UBOS, this means that the general increase in prices for goods and services in the country slowed down between June and November 2025.

Food prices

In December 2024, the price of a bunch of matooke in most Kampala markets was between Shs15,000 and Shs40,000.

Prices for local chickens hovered between Shs35,000 and Shs40,000 up from about Shs20,000 in previous months. Beef was sold between Shs15,000 and 25,000 per kg while prices for turkeys varied, with smaller birds at about Shs40,000- Shs60,000, mature birds from Shs150,000-Shs250,000 A kilogramme of rice was priced at around Shs4,000, depending on the brand

December 2025 prices

Matooke: A bunch is sold between Shs35,000 and Shs45,000

Chicken: Each bird is sold at around Shs40,000

Beef: It is sold at Shs20,000 per kilogramme

Turkey: A bird costs Shs150,000 and above

Rice: A kilogramme ranges from Sh2,000 and Shs5,000, depending on brand and origin

A wave of violent crimes has gripped Jinja City, leaving five people dead, dozens critically injured, and residents living in fear.

The attacks, allegedly carried out using hammers and other blunt objects, have claimed three residents in one week this month, with Phillip Waiswa Bamwete, a scrap dealer and resident of Mvule Crescent, being the latest victim.

Mr Baker Kintu, the LC1 chairperson of Mvule Cell, said Bamwete was reportedly attacked at his mother’s gate at around 4am after leaving a bar on December 21. He later succumbed to his injuries that same day.

‘They hit him with a paver and dumped his body in the middle of the road,’ Mr Kintu said on Monday, while blaming such crimes, especially near the railway line, on the closure of the area police post.

Lawrence Oketcho, an apparel dealer, was also attacked while returning to his home in Bugembe Ward, roughly 1.5KM from the initial crime scene, at around 8:30pm, with eyewitness accounts suggesting that he sustained severe injuries to his stomach. Oketcho was rushed to a nearby clinic, but despite prompt medical attention, he was pronounced dead an hour later. Yusuf Mukasa, a motor vehicle spare parts dealer, was also attacked along the railway line near his home in Wanyange Lake Cell on the night of December 14. Reports suggest that two youth wearing dark hooded clothing ambushed him and struck him on the head with a blunt object before fleeing the scene. He was later found dead.

Survivors narrate ordeals

Mr Paddy Isaac Kasalirwe, a resident of Wakitaka in Jinja City, said he had just handed his vehicle to someone else. As he was waiting for a motorcycle on the roadside, a boda boda rider stopped in the middle of the road, saying his bike was out of fuel and needed to return to get some. ‘While I was on a call, I was ambushed and blacked out. A few minutes later, I regained consciousness and noticed that my phone was gone. My body was bruised and bleeding. I tried to run, but I was too weak to move,’ Mr Kasalirwe recounted. He emphasised the need for improved security in the area, specifically around Wakitaka, Buwekula, Mailo Mbili, and Nile Aluminum Factory, among others.

Ms Farida Namulondo, a journalist with a local radio station in Jinja City, and resident of Buwekula, Namulesa Ward in Jinja City, said she was attacked and robbed of her phones in 2017, 2019, and 2021. In one incident, she said a motorcycle rider pretended to help her place her bag in front, only to speed off with her laptop and documents, and that she has formally filed at least five cases at Bugembe Police Station.

Mr George Mubiru, the assistant resident city commissioner of Jinja, said in over a week, five people, including three youth, succumbed to hammer attacks in Wairaka. The youth were attacked within three days. He described the situation as ‘urgent’ and called for heightened security to stop further attacks and loss of lives.

The road narrows and the hurry falls away. Gardens stretch out, cooking fires send thin lines of smoke into the air, and voices can be heard as they travel easily across open space.

Empaako Village reveals itself slowly with people seated in conversation, a pot simmering nearby as people curiously interact and learn. The village is shaped by names, and they are not the kind that fill registers or identity cards, but names spoken with intention and acknowledge you before anything else.

At Empaako Village, culture is lived in small, human moments. Stories are shared under shades, ceremonies carried out with care and meals eaten slowly. Visitors go in expecting to learn about tradition and leave understanding that belonging, like a name, is something gently offered.

The village sits about nine kilometres outside Fort Portal, along the Kibaale-Kyenjojo/Kwemwenge Road at Kigarama-Gweri. It was started by Solomon Kajura, whose vision was to create a living heritage space, one where culture is practiced, not preserved behind glass.

‘Empaako Village is a place where culture is alive,’ Kajura says.

‘Here, we are not remembering tradition. We are living it.’ At the heart of the village is the Empaako naming tradition, shared by the Batagwenda, Batooro, Banyoro, Banyabindi and Batuku communities of western Uganda.

An Empaako is given alongside one’s personal name, but it carries deeper meaning. It is how respect is shown in daily life, how affection is expressed and people recognise each other as fully human. In many homes across the region, people greet one another by Empaako first.

The name softens conversation and establishes warmth. It reminds you that before titles, achievements or status, you belong. That philosophy shapes everything at Empaako Village.

Most visits begin with a guided walk through the village museum. It is modest and thoughtfully put together, with artefacts, symbols and stories that explain where the Empaako system comes from and why it still matters today.

Guides take their time. They speak plainly, often pausing to answer questions or invite reflection. It feels less like a lesson and more like being welcomed into a shared memory. From there, attention turns to the naming ceremonies. Elders lead these rites quietly, choosing words with care. Some visitors come simply to observe, sitting respectfully as the ceremony unfolds. Others, after guidance, take part.

For many, especially Africans from the diaspora, this becomes the emotional centre of the experience. Receiving an Empaako name is not dramatic.

There are no raised voices or hurried gestures. Instead, there is stillness, intention and meaning. People often leave surprised by how deeply the moment settles in them. As the day moves on, people gather around a fireplace.

Stories are told the old way- myths, clan histories, lessons wrapped in humour and lived experience. Sometimes drumming follows. Sometimes dance and other times just quiet listening as smoke curls upward and children move in and out of the circle.

Food brings everyone together. At the village restaurant, local dishes from the region are prepared simply and served generously. Meals are enjoyed, often shared, with conversation drifting from history to everyday life in the area.

It feels less like conventional dining out and more like being hosted. Visitors often say they did not expect to feel what they felt here. Wesley Foster ‘Abooki’ describes his visit as a spiritual return.

‘The pilgrimage felt like a true homecoming,’ he says.

‘Receiving my Empaako name connected me to something ancient. I left renewed and grounded.’

For James Anderson ‘Apuuli’, it was a discovery. ‘The journey opened my eyes to a rich heritage. Every ritual taught me something meaningful. I left with newfound cultural pride.’

Linda Davidson ‘Akiiki’ speaks of belonging. ‘I came seeking history but found family. The naming ceremony touched me deeply. I finally felt a sense of belonging.’

And Brian Beckley Kufor ‘Amooti’ calls the experience healing. ‘The pilgrimage brought clarity and healing. My Empaako name gave me purpose. I returned home feeling stronger and connected.’

These reflections echo what many visitors experience. Empaako Village attracts cultural travellers, students, researchers, families and a growing number of Africans in the diaspora seeking reconnection with ancestral traditions.

What draws them is the sincerity. The place seems to listen, and in listening, it reminds you that identity is not something you take but are given. You are allowed to capture moments so you can leave with memories and true belonging.

Key information

Location: Approximately nine kilometres from Fort Portal town, along the Kibaale-Kyenjojo/Kwemwenge Road, at Kigarama-Gweri. It is accessible by private vehicle or taxi from Fort Portal.

Opening days, hours: Tuesday to Sunday, from 9am to 6pm

Activities and experiences: Guided museum tours on the Empaako naming tradition, live naming ceremonies by observation or respectful participation, storytelling sessions around the fireplace, cultural performances of traditional music, dance and drumming as well as local cuisine experiences at the village restaurant.

Rates: Guided cultural tour cost between $15 and $25 (about Shs52,500 and Shs87, 500), curated naming ceremony experience for $40 and $80 (about Shs140, 000 and Shs280,000), half-day cultural immersion package for $60 and $120 (Shs210, 000 and Shs420, 000) for Ugandans and foreigners respectively.

Accommodation options: There are many in the Fort Portal area. Budget guesthouses range from anywhere from $20 to $40 (about Shs70,000 to Shs140,000) per night.

Mid-range hotels/lodges range from $60 to $100 (about Shs210, 000 to Shs350, 000) per night. Upmarket eco-lodges rates range anywhere from $120 to $200 and more (Shs420, 000 to Shs700, 000 and more) per night.

Family and child friendliness: The village has a family-friendly environment with open space with storytelling, music and cultural demonstrations suitable for children, ceremonies explained in ways young visitors can understand and calm, safe setting ideal for multigenerational visits.

Four women are vying for the Hoima City Woman Member of Parliament seat ahead of the January 15, 2026 General Election, with the incumbent, Ms Asinansi Nyakato, facing strong opposition from three challengers.

The candidates vying for the position are Ms Asinansi Nyakato, the incumbent, who recently crossed from the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) to the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), Princess Diana Jane Mugenyi, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag bearer, Ms Bridget Kiiza, representing the National Unity Platform (NUP), and Ms Sylvia Nalumaga Balyesiima, an Independent candidate. Hoima City currently has 73,163 registered voters across 164 polling stations, an increase from 62,018 voters recorded during the 2021 General Election.

The city comprises 16 wards and 146 cells, reflecting its growing urban population since it was officially elevated from a municipality to city status in 2020. Ms Nyakato is the first Opposition leader who, in 2021, became the first Woman MP for Hoima City, winning the seat with 18,137 votes after defeating three opponents. One of her former rivals, Ms Kiiza, who polled 1,246 votes and finished fourth in the previous election, has returned to challenge her once again, this time under a different political climate and an expanded electorate. As the incumbent seeks a second term, Ms Nyakato says her agenda this time, include lobbying for the establishment of the long-awaited Bunyoro Public University which she says its progress is slow since the government announced its establishment.

She says she will pressure the Ministry of Education and Sports to table the University Bill before Parliament. She has also pledged to advocate for the construction of a general hospital for Hoima City and the upgrading of Karongo Health Centre III and Buhanika Health Centre III to Health Centre IV status. Ms Nyakato says, patients from Hoima City heavily depend on Hoima Regional Referral Hospital, which serves patients from at least 11 districts in the sub-region and remains congested and says its main purpose is to serve referral patients only. ‘Parliament already resolved that Karongo and Buhanika health centres be elevated to division health centre IVs. What remains is follow-up with the Parliamentary Health Committee and the Ministry of Health to ensure implementation,’ Ms Nyakato says.

The incumbent has also promised to continue pressing government to address teachers’ salary disparities, following recent industrial action by teachers, and to intervene in the issue of high-interest loans charged to boda riders, which she says have negatively affected their livelihoods. However, Ms Nyakato faces strong competition from Princess Diana Jane Mugenyi, the NRM flag bearer, who says her advantage lies in representing the ruling party. Ms Mugenyi has pledged to protect government achievements and attract investors to the Albertine region, citing improved security and oil and gas development as key incentives. She also says the city faces critical infrastructure gaps, including limited access to electricity and piped water in peripheral areas, poor road conditions, and transportation challenges that hinder trade and business.

‘Some roads are impassable, electricity is missing in some areas, and water access remains a challenge. These issues must be urgently addressed,’ Ms Mugenyi says. On the other hand, Ms Kiiza (NUP) says unemployment among the youth remains a major concern in Hoima City. She criticised the lack of a general hospital for Hoima City, poor equipment in existing health facilities, and alleged misuse of public funds. Ms Kiiza also called for the decentralisation of oil sector recruitment to ensure local people benefit from oil-related jobs. Independent candidate, Ms Nalumaga, says her agenda is centred on women and youth empowerment, saying economic independence is key to reducing poverty and social inequality in the city.

Voters speak out

Many voters emphasise that their choice will not be based on political party affiliation alone, but on performance, visibility, and commitment to service delivery.

Ms Agnes Atuhaire, a resident cites the poor state of the road network, especially in the city’s fast-growing suburbs, as a major concern saying the next Woman MP should aggressively lobby government for proper waste disposal. ‘Garbage management is another pressing issue, over years we have complained about irregular waste collection, illegal dumping, and the resulting health risks. We want a leader who will push for improved solid waste management systems and adequate funding for Hoima City’s sanitation services,’ she says.

Background

Hoima Municipality was created in 2010 after being carved out of Bugahya County in Hoima District, one of the oldest districts in the country. In 2020, it was officially elevated to city status. Following the elevation of Hoima to municipal status in 2010, the first Member of Parliament was the former First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Public Service, Mr Henry Muganwa Kajura, who served under the NRM ticket. In 2016, the municipality was represented by Dr Lawrence Bategeka, also an NRM flag bearer.

As families across Uganda gather around tables laden with matooke, rice, and meat this Christmas, thousands of men and women will mark the festive season behind high prison walls, separated from loved ones and uncertain about when their cases will be heard.

For prisoners on remand, Christmas is less a celebration and more a moment of quiet endurance, reflection, and hope.

According to the Uganda Prisons Service (UPS), more than half of the country’s prison population consists of remand prisoners, people who have not been convicted of any crime but remain incarcerated due to slow investigations, delayed trials, congested courts, or inability to meet bail conditions.

For them, Christmas comes not as a holiday, but as another day counted in confinement. Inside major prisons such as Luzira, Mbarara, Gulu, and Kitalya, the festive mood is restrained.

While prison authorities make arrangements to recognise the day, the experience is far removed from the warmth and freedom associated with Christmas outside. On Christmas morning, prisoners on remand wake up early, just as they do every other day, to whistles and the clang of iron gates.

Roll call is conducted, cells are cleaned, and inmates line up for breakfast. The routine largely remains unchanged. Uganda Prisons Service spokesperson Frank Baine Mayanja says the daily schedule does not shift, even on Christmas, though the day is treated special.

‘The waking-up routine does not change. They wake up, they conduct prayers, and after the prayers, that is when they do the other part of the entertainment,’ Mr Baine said.

He explained that despite security considerations, prisons make deliberate efforts to ensure inmates feel the significance of the season.

‘For purposes of your information, Christmas is always a special time for everybody. Apart from the tight security, we have arrangements; we normally have meat, chicken, and rice. Then we have Christmas carols, general entertainment, some drama and football, which is done by the prisoners themselves,’ Mr Baine said.

At Luzira Prison, a remand prisoner who asked not to be named said the slightly improved meal is often the clearest reminder that it is Christmas.

‘We are given meat, rice, and matooke, separating this from the other days of posho and beans,’ he said. ‘It helps us remember that it is Christmas, but the heart is not at peace. ‘ Mr Baine noted that preparations begin days earlier.

On December 23 and 24, he personally oversees the distribution of cows to various prison stations to allow inmates to enjoy Christmas Eve meals.

‘We have prison farms. About three-quarters of the animals come from our own farms, and then we use the balance of our savings to service providers,’ he said.

Even so, for many remand prisoners, Christmas remains emotionally taxing. Visits from family members, often a source of comfort, are limited or absent.

Distance, lack of transport money, and stigma discourage many families from travelling to prisons.

‘You think about your children, your parents, your wife. You wonder if they are eating well, if they remember you. Some of us have been here for years without trial. Christmas reminds you of how much time you have lost,’ said a remand inmate at Luzira Prison.

This year, visits will be even more restricted.

In a December 15 press release, Mr Baine announced that the Commissioner General of Prisons had declared a Standby Class One period for all UPS staff from December 15 to February 15, 2026, in preparation for the festive season and the upcoming General Election.

Under the directive, prison authorities are required to strengthen safety, security, and intelligence coordination with sister agencies, remain vigilant at all times, and suspend hired prisoners’ labour (kibarua).

Staff leave is restricted to exceptional cases. Critically for inmates and their families, prisoners’ visitations will be suspended from December 24 to 27, January 1 to 4, and January 14 to 16.

Access to prisons and barracks by unauthorised persons has also been restricted, with officers in charge warned they will be personally held accountable for non-compliance.

Religious services remain central to how remand prisoners cope with the season. Christian inmates attend Christmas prayers or Mass, while Muslim prisoners observe the period through prayer and reflection.

For many, faith provides the only comfort.

‘I pray that God touches the hearts of judicial officers so that my case is heard,’ said a remand prisoner charged with aggravated robbery.

‘Christmas gives me hope that maybe next year I will not be here.’

Overcrowding continues to compound the hardship. Cells designed for a few hundred inmates often house more than double their capacity, intensifying discomfort during an already emotionally difficult period.

For women on remand, the season brings additional emotional strain. Mothers worry about children left behind, often with relatives or neighbours.

At Luzira Women’s Prison, inmates say the pain of separation is sharpest during festive seasons. ‘You imagine your child asking why mummy did not come home for Christmas,’ said a woman on remand for a capital offence.

‘That pain does not go away.’

As evening falls on Christmas Day, prisoners retreat to their wards carrying a mix of sadness, resilience, and hope. There are no family gatherings, no exchanged gifts, only prayers, memories, and the quiet waiting that defines life on remand.

For Uganda’s remand prisoners, Christmas is not marked by celebration, but by waiting: waiting for court dates, for bail, for judgment, and for the day they can once again celebrate the season with loved ones beyond the prison walls.