Category: Daily Monitor

A crisis has hit the ministries of Public Service and Finance, as well as the Bank of Uganda (BoU), following the failure to pay some civil servants their December salaries, with different entities trading blame over the delays.

While local governments say the problem originated from the Ministry of Finance and the Bank of Uganda, the ministry insists its systems are operating normally and that any challenges must be isolated to specific local governments.

‘As far as I am aware, there are no system failures at MoFPED, BoU, or Public Service. We are fully operational and processed salaries as expected and to our usual standards,’ said Mr Jim Mugunga, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED), yesterday.

However, sources who spoke on condition of anonymity said the system failure was at the ministry level. They claimed that while some districts received funds last week, others that delayed payment and planned to process salaries this week were affected by the system failure.

In Bukedea District, the delay has been attributed to failure to access the payment system. Mr Joseph Ochom, the acting chief administrative officer, called for calm as the district works with the Ministry of Finance to resolve the matter.

‘This is to inform you that due to challenges related to invoicing rights in the Integrated Management System (IMS), payment of December salaries will be delayed. The district is working hand- in-hand with the Ministry of Finance to ensure the problem is resolved as fast as possible to enable payment of salaries and other obligations,’ Mr Ochom said.

However, Mr Mugunga dismissed the Bukedea issue as an isolated case caused by indiscipline among district officials. He said the district had been sanctioned and would only regain access to the system after addressing issues raised by the ministry.

‘In as far as Bukedea is concerned, the local government is under sanctions due to failure to comply with mandatory statutory submissions. This is a localised issue that the accounting officer is well aware of. Non-timely performance cannot be blamed on MoFPED but should be recognised as an obligation the local government must fulfil to trigger rights to effect payments, including invoicing rights on the system,’ Mr Mugunga said.

‘The ministry is saddened to note that this local government-originated problem has persisted and calls upon the responsible officers to immediately meet statutory requirements. This delay can easily be resolved by the relevant Bukedea leadership if it elects to fulfil requirements as expected, rather than resort to claims of non-existent system faults,’ he added.

However, it has emerged that Bukedea is not the only affected district. Mr Filbert Baguma, the secretary general of the Uganda National Teachers’ Union, said on Tuesday that the problem is widespread, with teachers in several districts yet to receive their December salaries.

‘We have received complaints from our members, and we are compiling a list of districts that have not paid their teachers and other civil servants,’ Mr Baguma said.

He added that even in districts where salaries have been paid, anomalies have been reported.

‘We are engaging the government, including the ministries of Finance and Public Service, to establish where the problem originates and how it can be addressed so that civil servants receive their money before Christmas,’ Mr Baguma added.

Mr Hassan Madimba, the secretary general of the Uganda Local Government Workers’ Union, also acknowledged receiving complaints from members and said he was engaging the Ministry of Public Service to resolve the situation.

However, Mr Mugunga maintained that ministry records show only four local governments have not paid salaries due to failure by accounting officers to meet statutory obligations. These include Bukedea District, Kumi Municipal Council, Karenga District, and Kotido District.

‘As far as I am concerned, only the above have not paid salaries due to statutory non-compliance. It should be recalled that the PSST has in the past warned accounting officers to behave professionally, be accountable, or risk sanctions and disappointment. Overall, salary payment stands at 97 percent,’ Mr Mugunga said.

Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Public Service, Ms Catherine Bitarakwate Musingwiire, said she was still verifying claims of non-payment and would respond after completing the process.

‘I am still verifying your claims and will revert. Since I am still at the verification stage, you will have to give me time,’ she said.

Earlier, Ms Musingwiire had directed accounting officers to ensure that all civil servants are paid by December 23.

The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Mr Norbert Mao, has warned the Electoral Commission (EC) and the security forces against enforcing a directive that bars voters from remaining at polling stations after casting their votes.

The warning comes after the EC and the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, warned voters, especially the Opposition supporters, against remaining at the polling stations after voting.

Mr Robert Kyagulanyi, alias Bobi Wine, the National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate, had directed his supporters to vote and remain at the polling centres to protect their votes, a decision that drew swift response from the security forces and the EC that is mandated to manage the polls.

Mr Mao said there is no legality in the directives by both the EC and Gen Kainerugaba.

‘And for them, protecting the vote means they must watch every step and there is no law that stops you from watching every step. That’s why even our courts are open,’ Mr Mao said.

He explained that the law allows voters to witness the vote counting process regardless of their numbers, adding that the law must be respected.

‘The law says when the voting has ended, the presiding officer will count the ballots in the presence of voters who are present to witness. And it does not even say that those who should witness are 2, 5, 10 or 20. Even if a polling station has 500, if the 500 are interested in witnessing, the law does not stopped them from being around.

It’s very important that we implement the law as it is. Laws are not suggestions, laws are commands. So we should not create any anxiety in the minds of the public,’ he said.

Mr Mao warned that sending voters away from the polling stations only aggravates the suspicion of vote rigging and said such could attract legal actions from the citizens.

‘Nobody needs to tell me that go home. Now when you tell people to go home, you are activating unnecessary suspicion in the minds of the people. Remember based on the cases in court, there are many instances of rigging in our country. And the reason why people want to be with their witnesses is because they want to avoid that rigging,’ he said.

Warning

‘It may even be a ground for petitioning the results of an election, that voters were denied the right to witness. Somebody may even demand a recount and say we never witnessed, so please come and count in our presence. So we need to avoid controversies,’ he added.

The EC and the security forces have spent much of the recent times warning Ugandans to desist from hanging around the polling stations after casting their votes.

Gen Kainerugaba warned Ugandans against staying at the polling stations after voting, adding that security forces would not tolerate those causing chaos and violence at polling stations.

‘The international observers will be present and so will the media. So, there is no need to hang around saying that they are protecting votes. The process will be transparent. Those who will try to cause trouble, as I have heard some people proclaim, will be dealt with swiftly and decisively with all the tools at our disposal, and in accordance with the law,’ Gen Kainerugaba said.

When the issue was taken to Parliament, the Attorney General, Mr Kiryowa Kiwanuka, reiterated the order. He however said a person who is 20 metres away is not at the polling station and therefore can stay, contrary to the demands by the EC and the army.

‘I can say without fear of contradiction that after voting, even you, the members of Parliament, you must not stay at the polling station,’ he said.

‘You are 20 metres away, that’s not the polling station. So we are telling you and you must encourage everyone not to stay at the polling station after voting. If you want, when you finish voting… you leave the polling station. 20 meters away, 100 meters, that’s perfectly fine, but not at the polling station,’ he added.

However, the EC says the 20 meter distance is difficult to enforce and therefor asked the voters to completely stay away from the polling areas after voting.

EC Chairman Justice Simon Byabakama said while the law provides for 20 minutes distance, its practicality is impossible to enforce.

‘Let the process of counting the votes be for the polling officials and the candidates’ agents or the observers, if any, who will be at that polling station. Please, let us respect the laws. Voter protector is alien in the electoral laws, it’s not a law. You have your agents, if you want voter protectors, your agents can play that role,’ he said.

The Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Mr Thomas Tayebwa, has dismissed reports that the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party is bribing candidates from opposition parties, particularly the National Unity Platform (NUP), to quit parliamentary and local government races, saying those crossing to the ruling party do so out of personal choice rather than financial inducement.

‘I want to thank you for joining National Resistance Movement (NRM) without being given money as people say. We don’t buy people to join NRM; people make personal decisions,’ Mr Tayebwa said. He urged the defectors to mobilise votes for President Museveni, noting that many of them had previously been NRM coordinators in their respective areas.

Mr Tayebwa made the remarks on Wednesday while addressing more than 250 former opposition coordinators and candidates from Kyenjojo, Bunyangabu and Bundibugyo districts who had reportedly defected to the NRM. He also appealed to voters in districts such as Kyenjojo, which has a high number of registered voters but low turnout, to come out in large numbers to vote on January 15.

During the meeting, three opposition parliamentary candidates announced their withdrawal from the race: Mr George William Musabe (Mwenge South), Mr Ashimeal Mbago (Mwenge Central), and Ms Jenifer Kabasinguzi, who had been contesting for the Bundibugyo District Woman Member of Parliament seat. Several other candidates, including sub-county chairpersons, councillors and NUP coordinators from Kyenjojo, also declared their withdrawal.

Following these withdrawals, the Mwenge South race now has the NRM candidate Ms Kamuli Kutesa competing against Mr Byamukama James Kwebiha (Independent) and Mr James Kalija (FDC). In Mwenge Central, NRM’s Kasukali Misusera remains in the race alongside Ms Doreen Nyajura (PFF) and Mr Patrick Sisa (Independent).

Earlier, two candidates in Mwenge North-the incumbent David Muhumuza (Independent) and Mr Shimiye Clod Araali (Independent)-also withdrew, leaving a two-man contest between Mr Innocent Natikunda Bitariho (NUP) and Mr Lawrence Akugizibwe (NRM).

Similar withdrawals have been witnessed in Fort Portal City and Kabarole District. These include Mr Kahwa Kasegerwa (NUP), who was contesting for Mayor of Central Division, Fort Portal City; Mr Ronald Muhumuza (NUP), who was vying for Burahya County; and Mr Richard Rwabuhinga (Independent), who was also contesting in Burahya. Ms Lillian Kobugabe (Independent) withdrew from the Kabarole District Woman MP race, leaving NRM’s Pamela Kirungi unopposed.

Explaining his decision, Mr Musabe said NUP failed to financially support him during the campaigns, yet he was facing personal challenges. He said after meeting Mr Tayebwa, he was promised employment and solutions to some of his personal problems.

‘NUP made me known, but after my concerns were addressed by NRM, I saw no reason to remain,’ Mr Musabe said, adding that over 40 jobs for youths were promised during the meeting.

Ms Jenifer Kabasinguzi also cited lack of financial support from NUP as the main reason for her withdrawal, saying campaigning requires resources.

‘Without money, even your agents can be bought and you lose an election. I also needed a job, and I have been promised one. My future will be okay,’ she said.

However, Mr Davis Rwamuhumbu, the head of the NUP campaign task force for the Tooro and Rwenzori sub-regions, said the alleged strategy by the ruling NRM to entice opposition candidates would not weaken the party, insisting instead that NUP was growing stronger.

He said that out of 31 constituencies in the Tooro and Rwenzori sub-regions, NUP issued party flags to 29 aspirants, but only 17 were successfully nominated. Of these, only four parliamentary candidates have since defected to the NRM, while 13 remain in the race.

‘It is true that four of our MP candidates have defected, but our supporters are still there and will vote for us. The money being used to buy individuals should instead be invested in industrial parks and road infrastructure, which are the real needs of the people of Tooro,’ Mr Rwamuhumbu said.

He added that in the Tooro sub-region alone, NUP nominated 148 councillors at sub-county and district levels. In the Rwenzori sub-region, he said Kasese District had 412 party flag bearers, of whom 200 were successfully nominated as councilors and sub-county chairpersons. Ntoroko District has eight councillors, while Bundibugyo District has three sub-county chairpersons and 16 councillors who have not defected.

Mr Rwamuhumbu further noted that some candidates who have publicly announced their defection to the NRM will still appear on the ballot paper.

‘These are still our candidates legally, because the party secretary general has not written to the Electoral Commission to notify them of their withdrawal. They were nominated under the NUP ticket,’ he said.

Mr Innocent Natikunda Bitariho, the NUP coordinator for the Tooro sub-region and Mwenge North candidate, acknowledged that financial challenges contributed to the defections, attributing them to the party’s failure to receive IPOD funding.

‘Buying candidates is not a solution. Next time, we shall conduct thorough ground checks before issuing party cards,’ he said, adding that despite the defections, NUP’s presence in the region remains strong as many supporters still want change.

The year is closing and, in a few days, the campaign season will end as well. On January 15, 2026, Ugandans will vote for their next President and Members of Parliament. Having read through the manifestos I could get hold of, one thing stands out. None offers a bold or fundamentally different vision of Uganda’s future. President Yoweri Museveni promises to “Protect the Gains”, which is code for continuity and safeguarding achievements from his long rule. Robert Kyagulanyi, better known as Bobi Wine, offers a “New Uganda Now”. His manifesto materials speak of systemic change and a “reset”, painting Bobi Wine as the candidate for transformative “renewal”. Renewal and reset are partly about reverting to factory settings.

They might be at each other’s throats, but Museveni and Bobi Wine are possibly 55 percent in agreement, as neither is truly disruptive. They argue about who should drive the bus, not about where power should sit. That is why it might be helpful to revive an old idea and look at it afresh. Whoever wins should revisit “federo”, not the political federalism that triggers Ugandan republicans and unitarists who read it as Buganda exceptionalism, but federo as economic decentralisation. People who are many times cleverer than your columnist call it “market-preserving federalism” or “authoritarian decentralisation”. The essence is simple. Local units enjoy wide economic freedom, while the centre keeps firm political control.

Under such an arrangement, Museveni or Bobi Wine would retain the army, the flag, and the authority to appoint, promote, or dismiss officials. But regional and district leaders would operate like CEOs of competing regional firms, measured relentlessly by how fast and sustainably they grow their local economies. This idea is stolen from the Chinese book. Beijing appoints officials and tolerates little political dissent, yet provinces and cities operate under “hard budget” constraints. They must primarily fund themselves. They are allowed to experiment with market reforms, set local regulations and compete for investment. Provincial leaders were told that strong growth meant promotion, while stagnation meant dismissal.

The result was fierce competition. Local leaders built roads, cut red tape, and aggressively courted investors. That mix turned China from a mess of poor provinces with Beijing at the top, micro-managing every village, into a global economic power. Uganda does the opposite. We reward local leaders for delivering votes or displaying loyalty, not for opening factories in Gulu or improving health centres in Mbarara. Okay, China is far away in Asia, but here are some examples closer to home. Rwanda’s “Imihigo” system requires mayors to sign annual public performance contracts with the President. Promise 5,000 water connections and deliver 500, and your job is gone. Then there is Vietnam, which publishes a Provincial Competitiveness Index that ranks the ease of doing business in each province.

When investors follow the rankings, leaders in poorly ranked areas feel immediate pressure. Big men are forced to reform or risk the boot. Think of this as a “second-engine” strategy. If the national bus is stuck in a Kampala pothole because the driver is asleep at the wheel or the engine has failed, regions or districts should not sit helplessly at the back. They should have their own engines. Districts would retain a larger share of the taxes they generate. If Mbarara attracts a juice factory and earns an extra Shs1 billion, it should keep Shs500 million to fix roads or extend water systems, without waiting for approvals from the Treasury in Kampala. Northern Uganda has enough sun to power a small country, so Gulu province could invite a private Brazilian company to build a solar farm.

Since the power doesn’t have to travel from 500 kilometres away, there are no transmission losses. Because Gulu doesn’t have to pay for the national debt of a failing national electricity provider, the rates could be 40 percent lower, making it the cheapest place in East Africa to run a factory. Things would get very interesting in Gulu when the local government, sensing a good return on its investment, builds a bypass to speed up delivery times. The land next to the bypass becomes 10 times more expensive; Gulu could capture that windfall.

It would charge a “betterment levy” on the surrounding land, taking back a piece of the value the investment created rather than imposing levies on the sweat of ordinary people or their shops’ profits. Without this economic federo, Uganda will remain stuck in the Kampala mud. The country’s future lies in multiple competing hubs, each trying to outbuild and out-hustle the others. If I were a candidate, I would call it the “Competitive Pearl Strategy”. Then I would bring the “governor” of Gulu and appoint him Vice President, and the one from Mbarara, CEO of Uganda Airlines. I would sign a contract with her to break even in two years, or else…

As we prepare for the peak of the Christmas and New Year festivities, the Cyber Security and Forensics Association of Uganda (CSFAU) extends its heartfelt season’s greetings. While homes fill with joy and digital transactions soar, we must recognise that this period also marks the “peak season” for cybercriminals. Cybercriminals use predictable tactics, relying on urgency and emotional manipulation.

We highlight the most critical threats anticipated: Sophisticated phishing and smishing attacks. This is the most common entry point for fraud. Scammers send deceptive communications-via email (Phishing) or SMS/text message (Smishing)-to steal credentials or install malware. Festive Lures: Look out for fake messages impersonating delivery services asking for small “re-delivery fees,” or urgent communication from banks claiming your account has been suspended and needs immediate password verification.

The deception: The goal is to trick you into clicking a link that leads to a fraudulent site designed to capture your Mobile Money PIN, bank login credentials, or national ID details. Mobile money fraud and social engineering. The high volume of mobile money usage makes it a prime target. Scammers exploit trust by using “social engineering.” A criminal calls you, pretending to be a representative from your Mobile Network Operator (MNO) or a family member in an emergency, asking you to quickly approve a transaction, reverse an error, or share a secret code. These tactics pressure you to act without thinking, leading to direct theft from your account or the compromise of your SIM card. Remember: MNOs will never call and ask for your PIN or approval code.

Unsecured public Wi-Fi Networks. Many Ugandans travel or visit public spaces like hotels, cafes, and airports. Connecting to free, unsecured Wi-Fi poses a significant risk. Criminals can easily monitor the data passing through these networks or set up “rogue access points” (fake Wi-Fi hotspots). If you check your bank balance or make an online purchase on such a network, your sensitive data is exposed and vulnerable to interception. To ensure a digitally secure holiday, every Ugandan is urged to implement these practical, high-impact security measures: 1. Adopt the “Pause and Verify” rule. If a message (email, SMS, or call) creates urgency or demands sensitive information, pause.

Do not click the link or provide the details. Instead, independently verify the request by navigating to the official website of the organisation or calling their official, published customer service number. Do not use any contact details provided in the suspicious message. Activate Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). MFA requires a second layer of verification (like a one-time code sent to your phone) in addition to your password. Enable MFA on every critical account: your email, social media, and especially your mobile money and banking applications. Protect your devices with updates. Software updates often contain critical security patches that close loopholes criminals exploit.

Before the holidays, ensure all your devices-smartphones, tablets, and computers-have their operating systems (Android, iOS, Windows) and applications fully updated. Separate sensitive activity from public Wi-Fi. Never conduct banking, make Mobile Money transfers, or log into sensitive accounts while connected to free, public Wi-Fi. Alternative: Use your MNO’s data bundle (3G/4G/5G) for financial transactions, as it offers a much more secure, encrypted connection. Manage your digital footprint. While enjoying the holidays, be mindful of what you share online. The responsibility of cybersecurity is shared. By enhancing personal awareness and following these simple yet powerful steps, every Ugandan can significantly reduce their risk of becoming a victim.

December is the season of return. Villages that have sat quietly for months suddenly come alive, pots bubbling on open fires, radios humming, children laughing, doors opening and closing endlessly. Families gather not just to celebrate Christmas, but to mark survival, reunion and the promise of a new year.

Yet beneath the shared meals, warm embraces and late-night conversations, December often carries an unspoken tension. For many Ugandans, going back home also means bracing themselves for questions; personal, probing and deeply uncomfortable, that linger long after the festivities end.

1. Money-centred conversations

For 27-year-old Owen Musisi, a supervisor at a logistics company, the journey to the village comes with anxiety.

‘My family asks how much I am paid. If I haven’t been paid yet, they ask when,’ Musisi says.

To him, the questions feel less like curiosity and more like an audit of his life. Each inquiry weighs his worth against his salary, turning what should be a moment of rest into an evaluation of progress.

2. The ‘wrong’ career

Anne Marie Mirembe, a journalism student awaiting graduation next year, says family gatherings often reopen doubts she tries hard to silence.

‘I’m asked why I chose journalism, that it won’t take me anywhere,’ she shares.

Instead of celebrating her resilience and ambition, Mirembe finds herself defending her dreams in spaces meant for joy. The questions leave her discouraged, wondering why family moments must be laced with judgment.

3. When motherhood is not enough

In a society where children-and especially boys-are often seen as achievements, even motherhood comes with conditions.

Jane Nalubega, a mother of three boys, recalls being questioned openly by relatives about why she has ‘only’ given birth to boys.

‘They ask me, ‘Why are you only giving birth to boys?” she says.

Nalubega explains that the comments hurt deeply, especially because there is nothing she can do to change it. What should be a celebration of life instead becomes a reminder of impossible expectations placed on women.

4. Going home empty-handed

For 22-year-old porter Felix Wanyama, Christmas came with quiet embarrassment. He travelled home with nothing but his transport fare.

‘I didn’t have anything else,’ he recalls.

Instead of understanding his situation, his family focused on what he had failed to bring. The absence of gifts overshadowed his presence, making him feel invisible in the very place meant to feel like home.

5. Pressured to leave

Not everyone is encouraged to stay. Some visits are marked by subtle hints that it is time to go.

Ronald Ssemwanga says his relatives are always asking how long he plans to stay.

‘They keep asking when I’m going back to Kampala,’ he says.

The repeated questioning makes him feel like a burden, turning home into a temporary stop rather than a place of belonging.

6. Body-shaming comments

Time apart often brings visible change, and bodies rarely escape scrutiny.

Metrine Anyango, 23, says she is constantly questioned about her size.

‘They ask why I’m always thin and even ask if I have ever aborted,’ she shares quietly.

What may be framed as concern cuts deeply, leaving scars that linger long after the holidays end.

7. The marriage question

For 27-year-old businesswoman Sharon Namutebi, the question never changes.

‘Every holiday, I’m asked why I’m not married,’ she says.

Over time, she has learned to emotionally shut down during these conversations. What should be moments of warmth instead become reminders of societal timelines she has not followed.

In many households, these questions surface casually, often without malicious intent. Relatives believe they are catching up, showing concern or offering guidance. But for those on the receiving end, the impact is heavy.

The December holidays are meant to be a time of rest, connection and healing. Yet for many, they also expose the silent pressures carried throughout the year-about money, success, bodies, marriage and worth.

Perhaps this season, the greatest gift we can give one another is gentler conversation and the grace to let people be, exactly as they are.

The festive season will soon be over, and the election frenzy will disappear. But the day-to-day reality of life will continue to be part of the routine fixture.

It is at this point that it quickly dawns on many that children must return to school, yet financial situations remain tight. This often leads to considering borrowing, which can pave the way to a debt trap. But is this the only way forward?

According to a seasoned personal career development and personal financial literacy coach, Mr Charles Ocici, also the director general of Enterprise Uganda, the country’s premier enterprise and business management institution, you can avoid the school fees debt trap if you choose to.

But it will require discipline and thick skin.

‘Don’t worry about being called a fool for thinking differently! You can navigate the path of education without falling into the school fees debt trap. You have choices, and you are in the best position to pick the one that fits your budget. Think of schools in three categories: high-end, average, and budget-friendly.

‘Start with the low-income option for now and use that as a base to climb your way up the ladder,’ says Mr Ocici.

He continues: ‘Do not be under pressure to take your child or children to a school that you cannot afford, even if some people think there is something wrong with you.

‘Endure that initial sacrifice while you invest some of the money in income-generating activities. As that business picks up, your standard of living and ability to afford a debt-free lifestyle-including paying fees without strain-will also improve,’ Ocici says.

No two ways about it

The idea of saving part of your salary exclusively for school fees is exciting, but not a solution for the school fees debt trap.

According to Mr Ocici, not even having an investment portfolio such as unit trusts, can solve the school fees headache for many.

The most sustainable way to solve this problem is by having a supplementary income from a routine income-generating activity.

You cannot rely on your monthly pay cheque and expect to meet your bills without going into debt.

‘To deal with school fees pressures and related challenges, you must have a supplementary income from an investment – whether it’s a poultry farm or mobile money outlet or shop – you need an extra income to support your pay cheque or else you will constantly be under pressure to supplement your budget with debt,’ he says.

Beware of December.

Savings made during the year tend to be exhausted in December, which is the peak of the festive season in Uganda. The new year often begins with an empty kitty.

Shortly thereafter, the school term begins with many parents and guardians badly short of money after the festive season spending drift.

As for Ms Flavia Nabukwasi, a financial advisor and financial literacy trainer, you don’t have to spend money during the festive season.

‘We are going into the Christmas season where people feel they have to spend on entertainment, traveling, shopping and all sorts of expenditures – you don’t have to do that.

‘If you can save some money by celebrating Christmas here, so be it. You don’t have to travel to the village where you will spend more,’ Nabukwasi says.

Additionally, when children are on holiday, teach them how to be responsible and save money. For example, they must know that lights should only be switched when on in the house for a purpose and not for a sake of it.

They must learn to sparingly use water. They must not waste food. All these put together bring down the cost of utilities and essential items, leaving you with some saving for school fees.

Ms Nabukwesi advises that investment in unit trusts is ideal for salaried employees, primarily due to the potentially attractive returns these portfolios offer over time.’

‘Imagine you wake up one morning and you lose all your birds to coccidiosis – a poultry disease. How do you pay fees?’ She says before, adding, ‘Invest in a portfolio that will guarantee you a return instead of putting money in the piggy bank where it yields nothing.

Unlike Ms Nabukwasi, Mr Ocici believes investment in a business or income-generating activities are much more solid and sustainable than many other investment portfolios.

‘Even if diseases claim your birds, Mr Ocici points out that your network and suppliers provide a foundation, ensuring you can always bounce back stronger.’

Ms Susan Khainza, a chartered financial analyst, and investment strategist, says money will never be enough, no matter how much you earn.

She says, ‘Increased income comes with increased responsibilities. The financial stress that comes with bills, school fees, emergencies, demands from dependents and society’s expectations can break you.’

‘Without financial control, saving always seems impossible, regardless of how much you make. Prioritise saving before spending. Even small regular savings grow over time.

She continues: ‘Paying school fees is every parent’s nightmare. Banks and mobile money companies present loans as an easy, quick way out, choking parents under the pressure of high interest rates that consume half their income.

‘What if, instead of paying these high interest rates, we earned those rates on our savings?

She advises that we should first set and rank our financial goals in order of priority.

If a parent has three children, we can assume that paying school fees is likely a top priority.

For that, manage your money to meet both immediate needs, like school fees in the first term early next year, and long-term needs, such as a savings plan for school fees from nursery up to university for all three children. This should be a higher priority than having fun over Christmas and should be done first.

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.

So, you have brought home a beautiful, real Christmas tree this festive season, just as our parents used to every year without fail. I remember our house would be filled with a wonderful smell of fresh pine, which made it felt like the season had truly arrived. But by Boxing Day, that same sitting room looked like a small battlefield. We would be crawling around picking sticky pine needles out of the rug. The struggle, as many Ugandan families know, is real; you want the natural beauty and tradition of a real tree, but you do not want to spend your holiday on a constant cleaning patrol.

But do not worry, Gilbert Kigo, a natural Christmas tree vendor says with a few clever, practical tips, you can enjoy all the splendour without the constant mess. The key is a bit of preparation, consistent care, and a smart plan, just as preparing a big holiday meal.

The first defence

The single most important step in your anti-mess campaign happens before the tree ever crosses your threshold. We must treat this tree like the beautiful, but dusty, things it is. Kigo, who sells trees on the Entebbe Road every December, stresses this. He always says, ‘You must give it a proper welcome and leave its dirt outside.’ Just as you would firmly shake out a sisal mat on the line, your Christmas tree needs the same treatment to dislodge all the loose, dead needles clinging on for dear life.

This task is best done as a team effort. Enlist the children or a willing neighbour. Hold the tree firmly and give it several good, vigorous shakes. Do not be worry; the tree is strong. For the tech-savvy, use a powerful blower to blast away not only loose needles but also any tiny stowaways. Before you even bring it near the house, let the tree stand upright outdoors for a full day if you can. This allows any insects deep inside to leave, and the branches to settle naturally, shedding more loose needles outside.

Ample water

Once your tree is shaken, remember it is a living thing that is now very thirsty. Kigo says a tree is like a cut rose from your garden; it needs a fresh start to drink. If you bought your tree from a roadside vendor, the bottom has likely sealed over. Before it goes in the stand, take a sharp panga or saw and cut off an inch from the base. Make the cut straight across. This brings us to the stand. Invest in a good one! You need a stand that can hold several litres of water. Your new daily ritual must be to check the water every single morning.

A thirsty tree will drop needles faster than you can say “Ssekukkulu.” To the water, add not just a spoonful of sugar for energy, but also a teaspoon of plain household bleach. This prevents slimy bacteria from growing in the water, which can clog the trunk and cause faster needle drop. If your tree stand’s reservoir is small, keep a large, sealed plastic bottle of water nearby. Every morning, you can quickly top up the stand from the bottle without needing to move the tree or fetch water from the tank.

Daily diligence

Even with perfect care, some needle drop is natural. The trick is to not let it win. Get into a daily habit. Every morning, after you check the tree’s water, do a quick two-minute sweep around its base with a small handheld broom.

Longevity

With proper care starting from a fresh tree, a real Christmas tree can stay fresh in your home for four to six weeks, with consistent daily watering in a stand that is refilled as soon as the tree is brought home and receives a fresh cut on its trunk base being the most critical factor for longevity, while also keeping it well away from direct heat sources such as fireplaces and heaters to prevent it from drying out and becoming a fire hazard.

The strategic exit

Taking the tree down can be the messiest part. The key is to plan for it. To avoid the dry needles mess, when you are ready to remove the tree, spread an old bed sheet around the tree before anyone touches the ornaments. As you remove the decorations, every needle that falls will land on the sheet. Then, gently carry the bare tree, still on the sheet, straight to the door.

Once outside, give it a final shake over the sheet, gathering almost all the needles. You can then sprinkle them around in your garden as mulch. You return inside, roll up the sheet, and give the floor one final, satisfying mop. You are left with the sweet memory of the tree’s beauty, not the frustration of a week-long clean-up.

The International Volunteer Day was quietly observed early this month. According to the United Nations, International Volunteer Day, which is celebrated on December 5 every year, started as an international observance mandated by the United Nations General Assembly in 1985.

It is a day where volunteers are acknowledged, and the spirit of volunteerism is promoted at the local, national and international levels. The theme this year was ‘Every contribution matters.’ In Uganda, the day was commemorated at Makerere University, where panel discussions were held with various partners on volunteering for the Uganda we want: Leadership, innovation, and civic engagement for sustainable development.

One of the day’s speakers, Dr Nicholas Mugabi, the head of the Department of Sociology and Anthropology at the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, pointed to the fact that today’s workforce demands competence, adaptability, teamwork, communication, ethical leadership, and skills that classroom instruction alone cannot fully cultivate. This was to point to the fact that volunteerism is a strategic bridge between learning and labour market readiness. Dr Stephen Okello, the secretary of the National Bureau for Non-government Organisations at the Ministry of Internal affairs, noted that international volunteers continue to occupy a considerable share of opportunities in Uganda because the country lacks a structured framework for harnessing local talent.

Volunteerism experts called upon stakeholders to address key issues enabling youth to fully embrace volunteerism, such as a standardised volunteer management framework with formal placements, clear terms of reference, structured supervision, competency assessment, documented service and post-placement transition support. [‘Why volunteering may be Uganda’s missing link between youth skills and jobs.’ Daily Monitor , December 22] Youth unemployment has been and still is one of the challenges that we are grappling with, especially with our very young population.

The recommendations made by Dr Mugabi, Dr Okello and the other speakers and partners during the World International Volunteer Day give us considerable mileage in the fight against youth unemployment. This is not at all the silver bullet that will end youth unemployment, but it is part of the concerted and multi-faceted effort to tackle it. Rather than only promising proliferation of jobs for youth while traversing the country for votes, politicians who are currently baring their hearts out on campaign trails should incorporate such recommendations into their plans and actualise them if or when they are in position of power and influence.