Category: Daily Monitor

The National Unity Platform (NUP) has condemned the arrest of Charles Muvawala, a Ugandan-born US citizen, who was violently arrested from Rubaga on Monday for recording security operatives beating up and tear-gassing supporters.

According to eyewitnesses, Muvawala was recording the incident when he was approached by security personnel, who assaulted him and took away his phone. He was subsequently charged with computer misuse and remanded to Luzira Prison until December 23, when his case will come up again.

According to the charge sheet, Muvawala recorded videos of security personnel and shared them with people who had not solicited them.

“Unsolicited information contrary to section 26B (1) (2) of the Computer Misuse Act Cap 96. Particulars of offence: Bukenya Charles on December 15, 2025 at Kabusu, Rubaga division in the Kampala district, filmed, photographed, recorded videos of the security personnel to wit police and UPDF army, and sent or shared with other persons unsolicited information through a computer to which mobile phone without authority.”

NUP leadership has described the charges as “laughable”, saying the regime is trying to criminalise the recording of police brutality.

“More reason why our people must use their cameras to record every incident because even these criminals understand how effective it is,” a statement read.

The arrest comes amid growing international condemnation over police brutality in Uganda. Rights groups have accused the government of using excessive force to suppress opposition and dissent.

Muvawala’s arrest has sparked outrage among opposition supporters, who see it as another example of the government’s attempts to silence critics and clamp down on freedom of expression.

Background

In March 2025, Muvawala who is also the Vice President of the Uganda North America Association (UNAA) was allegedly abducted by security operatives from Nakulabye, Kampala.

NUP deputy spokesperson, Waiswa Mufumbiro at the time told this publication that Muvawala was ‘abducted’ while on his way to withdraw money from an ATM.

“In a distress message before his communication was cut off, he told friends that he was surrounded by armed men,” Mr Mufumbiro said in March 2025.

Mr Mufumbiro in an interview with the Monitor, condemned the abduction, linking it to the increasing wave of abductions targeting opposition figures.

“We strongly condemn the brutal acts of abduction in Uganda… whatever we read in history is back. The insurgency of security in this 21st century in Uganda is the worst experience the world will never forget. We learned from history about the abductions, unfortunately, history has repeated itself.”

Mufumbiro is also currently on remand on charges of illegal military drilling following his arrest for allegedly participating a parade staged by NUP supporters as they marked the party presidential candidate, Robert Kyagukanyi’s 43rd birthday.

However, Mufumbiro denied the charges, insisting he was taking care of his wife who was hospitalised at the time.

As the festive season approaches, Ugandans prepare themselves for the annual transport fare hike, something that has become as predictable as the Christmas lights that illuminate the city’s streets.

The norm has not changed with most Bus terminals across Kampala, whose transport fares have increased, affecting travellers and impacting routes such as Kampala to Gulu, Arua, Lira, Kitgum, Apac, and Kampala to Mbale, Soroti, Moroto, Kotido, and Kabong.

At Namayiba, a park housing several bus operators, including Mokome Buses, Gateway, OPIT, HMK, Teso Coach, and Kakiise, the fare increment is consistent across all bus operators at the terminal, regardless of the specific route.

For a traveller from Kampala to Gulu, fares have changed from Shs35,000 to Shs50,000, Arua from Shs50,000 to Shs80,000, Moroto from Shs40,000 to Shs60,000, Kabong from Shs50,000 to Shs70,000, Kotido from Shs45,000 to Shs60,000, Mbale from Shs25000 to Shs40,000, and Soroti from Shs35000 to Shs50,000. At the Jaguar Bus terminal, transport fares from Kampala to Kisoro increased to Shs60,000 from Shs50,000, Kampala to Kabale increased from Shs40,000 to Shs50,000, and Kampala to Mbarara increased from Shs30,000 to Shs40,000.

For the eastern route, the fares increased by Shs5,000; Kampala to Mbale, Soroti, the fares are at Shs30,000 from Shs25,000, Kampala to Tororo, Namutumba, Iganga, Busia, at Shs25,000 from Shs20,000, and Jinja at Shs15,000 from Shs12,000. At Tausi Bus Services, fares to Ishaka and Bushenyi have risen to Shs50,000 from Shs40,000, while tickets to Mbarara now cost Shs30,000, up from Shs25,000. At Freedom Buses terminal on Namirembe road, passengers travelling to Kazo and Ibanda are now paying Shs50,000 up from Shs35,000. Cross-border travellers have also been affected. Volcano Bus Services has increased fares to Goma, in the DR Congo, and destinations in Rwanda to Shs100,000, up from Shs80,000.

Mr Dickson Kasajja, a taxi driver in the New Tax Park, said despite making slight increments of Shs5,000 as compared to last year, the turnout remains low.

‘Many people travelled to villages last month in November, fearing the election chaos. I have been parked here almost since morning. I am not seeing passengers, the prices are high, the car owners need money, but customers are nowhere,’ he said. In contrast, YY Coaches have maintained their fares. Mr Musa Kasirye, the operations manager for YY Coaches in Kampala, said for a long time, the transport fares have never changed.

‘From the beginning, at YY coaches we do not increase transport unlike other terminals, this is partly because we don’t have unnecessary costs like broker fees, and so the amount charged is agreed upon with the Transport Licensing Board (TLB),” he said

The fares have been maintained for travellers to Mbale at Shs30, 000, Soroti Shs35, 000, Lira at Shs40, 000, Arua at Shs60, 000 and Yumbe-Koboko at Shs 70,000. However, commuters have expressed frustration over the fare increase, citing the economic challenges they face.

‘We are already struggling to make ends meet, and this fare increase is a heavy burden on us. We need to provide for our families and communities in the villages, but now we have to spend more on transport,’ said Denis Omwatum, a passenger travelling to Soroti District. Another traveller added: ‘The festive season is a time for celebration, not for increased expenses. We urge the transport operators to reconsider their decision and find alternative solutions to their challenges.’

Gen Edward Katumba Wamala, the minister of Works and Transport, urged transport operators not to double fares, adding that the ministry is set to have discussions with them and provide further guidance.

‘Operators should not double the fares; we are yet to have a harmonisation discussion with them, and thereafter we shall have a press conference to give appropriate guidance and directives,’ he said.

Mr Nixon Kiiza, a transport officer at Namayiba Bus Terminal, said the festive season is a peak period that increases demand for services, but also causes additional costs for operators, including extra staffing, maintenance, and the challenge of returning empty vehicles to Kampala. These expenses, he said, necessitate a fare increase.

There was a special feeling of identity and high vibes in the terraces and across the country when the hosts Uganda Cranes found new gears to reach the quarterfinal stage of the African Nations Championship (Chan) finals at Namboole Stadium back in August.

About five months later, the Cranes will kick-off their eighth Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) appearance on Tuesday against Tunisia at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Tunisia.

Whereas most Ugandans won’t be in Morocco to the anticipated thrillers, MultiChoice Uganda hopes to sparkle the festive season by powering national pride for the Cranes through world class broadcast of the championship via its DStv and GOtv platforms.

‘I want to thank our customers for supporting MultiChoice throughout the year – they are our true heroes,’ stated MultiChoice head of marketing Colin Asiimwe during the tournament launch on Thursday.

‘With Afon coinciding with the festive season, we have a unique opportunity to appreciate them through exciting offers that ensure they can watch the Uganda Cranes in action at the tournament,’ he said.

‘Customers can now purchase a DStv decoder for only Shs25,000 and a GOtv decoder for just Shs19,000 – a reduction of over 40 percent – opening them up to a world of entertainment that we hope will bring families together this festive season,’ he added ahead of the December 18 – January 19 tournament.

MultiChoice will broadcast all the 54 Afcon matches via SuperSport, showcasing every goal like Cranes’ attacker Allan Okello’s, emotions and every celebration like Cranes dancing in the corner to a Jude Ssemugabi strike.

The official broadcasters announced SuperSport will introduce a dedicated pop-up channel SuperSport Afcon (SS Afcon) for all matches live packaged with in-depth pre and post-match analysis on both DStv and GOtv.

‘At MultiChoice, we take pride in being Uganda’s happy place this festive season. From 21st December 2025, SuperSport will be the destination where families come together to enjoy all the AFCON action,’ said MultiChoice head customer value management Nellie Mwandha.

‘We witnessed the incredible spirit with which Ugandans rallied behind the national team during Chan, and we are committed to ensuring they can enjoy the Cranes’ journey in Africa’s most prestigious football tournament from the comfort of their homes,’ she added.

The Cranes reached the last 16 stage where they lost 1-0 to Senegal in Cairo, Egypt, at their last Afcon appearance in 2019.

AFCON 2025 – UGANDA’S MATCHES

Dec 23: Tunisia vs. Uganda, Rabat (11pm)

Dec 27: Uganda vs. Tanzania, Rabat (8.30pm)

Dec 30: Uganda vs. Nigeria, Fes (7pm)

With just four weeks to Uganda’s polls, Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka has urged the Judiciary to avoid delays in handling election petitions, warning that missed deadlines could erode public confidence and destabilise the country.

Speaking to High Court judges during a specialised election petitions management training at the Court of Appeal in Kampala on Wednesday, Kiwanuka said courts must brace for a surge in litigation immediately after voting day, stressing that timely justice underpins electoral democracy.

The government’s chief legal adviser cautioned that any mishandling of disputes, including failure to observe statutory timelines, could cast doubt on the legitimacy of election outcomes.

‘Election petitions are constitutional stress tests meant to stabilise the State after disputed polls. Electoral timelines are mandatory and non-extendable. Any petition filed outside the prescribed period becomes incurably defective irrespective of the gravity of the allegations raised,’ he said.

He added: ‘Electoral disputes are constitutional instruments for safeguarding democracy. If we protect our processes and uphold precedent, justice will not stumble.’

Kiwanuka warned that delayed rulings inflame political tension beyond the courtroom.

‘After six months, it is not the lawyer on trial; it is the judge. The country is watching, and people want certainty,’ he said.

Uganda’s electoral laws impose strict timelines. Parliamentary election petitions must be filed within 30 days after winners are gazetted and concluded within six months, while local government petitions must be filed within 14 days and determined within three months.

According to the Attorney General, these limits are deliberately tight to prevent protracted disputes that risk paralysing governance. He urged judges not to entertain applications aimed at stretching deadlines.

Kiwanuka also criticised what he termed speculative petitions supported by disorganised affidavits and voluminous submissions, saying they burden courts and slow proceedings.

‘Election petitions are not political rallies. They are judicial inquiries governed strictly by rules of evidence. Lawyers who interfere with witnesses or tamper with evidence must face consequences,’ he said.

He reminded judges that while losing candidates have automatic standing, voter-led petitions require at least 500 verified signatures from the constituency.

‘It is not the court’s job to reorganise pleadings or manufacture evidence. If a witness signs an affidavit they do not understand, the advocate who drafted it must explain,’ he added.

At the same training, Principal Judge Jane Frances Abodo said 39 pre-election matters have already been filed before the High Court, compared with two at the same stage ahead of the 2021 polls.

She said filings this cycle could surpass the 179 heard in 2021, prompting the Judiciary to consider recalling judges from leave.

‘The law prioritises election petitions above all other court business. Ordinary cases may be halted to ensure electoral disputes are determined expeditiously,’ Abodo said, citing heightened political competition and growing public reliance on courts for electoral accountability.

Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo called for consistency and clarity in rulings.

‘We cannot have the High Court saying different things on the same question. When we speak, we speak as one institution. Election decisions must be written clearly, not just for lawyers and academics, but also for the public,’ he said.

During the engagement, the Electoral Commission demonstrated biometric voter verification for 2026, saying systems will operate offline.

‘For the 2026 elections, voter verification will be strictly electronic. Any polling station that bypasses biometric verification risks cancellation of results,’ an EC official said.

The Anglican Church of Uganda has called on the heads of its educational institutions to exploit available resources and launch income-generating projects to alleviate poverty among staff and boost school operations.

Speaking at the Church of Uganda Educational Institutions Conference on Wednesday, Rt Rev Nathan Ahimbisibwe, Bishop of South Ankole Diocese and Chairperson of the provincial board, urged headteachers to utilize school assets to inspire communities and improve livelihoods.

‘They have big chunks of land they can utilize instead of poverty looking over their heads. They should find means of creating wealth. Some head teachers do not buy matooke, others eat meat every weekend because they are keeping animals, they are not spending money on food,’ he said.

Bishop Ahimbisibwe highlighted that agricultural ventures such as coffee growing, poultry, piggery, avocado, and mango farming could generate additional income to support staff salaries and enhance school operations, citing his personal involvement in such projects.

The conference also saw the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Vivo Energy and the Anglican Church, aiming to transition church-owned schools from firewood to LPG gas for cooking.

Joanita Mukasa Menya, Managing Director of Vivo Energy, said the initiative is part of broader efforts to prepare schools for the anticipated reduction in LPG costs once Uganda begins oil production next year.

‘Vivo Energy signed a memorandum of understanding with UNOOC to manage the gas when the oil comes next year. We shall lower the price of LPG gas but it is important for us to prepare before the first oil comes out. In East Africa, Uganda has the lowest penetration of gas,’ she said.

Menya added that clean cooking solutions are crucial not only for environmental protection but also for shaping students’ values. ‘As educators, the environment where students learn influences learning outcomes, and what is taught in classrooms should reflect the choices that learners make outside the classroom, of which caring for the planet is one of them,’ she said.

The MoU is expected to improve sustainability in Anglican schools, reduce reliance on firewood, and demonstrate environmentally responsible practices to students and staff.

Bishop Ahimbisibwe’s advice comes as the Church seeks to combine education, economic empowerment, and environmental stewardship, encouraging headteachers to leverage school resources while fostering practical lessons in self-reliance and ecological responsibility.

The December 13-14 Jaguar Sprints at Rockwood Swimming Pool served a great end to the 2025 inter-club competition calendar.

The competition, organised by Jaguar Swim Club, brought back the “preliminaries and finals” format that has long been missed in domestic swimming.

They also stretched some of the age groups like the 14 and Over, which allowed for some interesting races especially among the girls, and the 11-13, which pushed the limits of the 11 and 12 year olds.

To cap it off, the organizers included prize money; Shs120,000 for topping a race in the 9-10 and 11-13 age groups while those that topped races in the 14 and Over group got Shs150,000 each. The podium finishers in the lower 8 and Under age group received medals.

14 and Over

Gliders’ Tyrah Muganzi (30.61) beat an elite field of Zara Mbanga (Jaguar), Mackayla Ssali, Crystal Ssemanda (Dolphins), and Karen Mwangi (individual) in the 14 and Over girls’ 50m fly final.

Mbanga led the 50m back (33.40) with Muganzi and Mwangi finishing second and third respectively ahead of Crystal and Black Panthers’ Abigail Kyosimye. In the 100m individual medley (IM), Mbanga (1:12.89) and Muganzi (1:14.60) were joined on the podium by Ssali (1:16.27) in a final that also included Mwangi and Jaguar’s Alexis Akol.

In the 50m breaststroke, Mbanga clocked 37.03 to top the age group with Ssali and Muganzi keeping on the podium with her.

Tara Kisawuzi made one appearance in the gala and cashed in with 27.90 in the 14 and Over girls’ 50m free final ahead of Mbanga and Crystal. But her moment of pride had come earlier in the prelims where she clocked a 26.38 personal best.

For the boys, Silverfin Academy’s Larry Graig Feni (26.97) edged Mathew Mwase, Torpedoes duo Jonathan Kaweesa and Kyle Kimuli, plus Black Panthers’ Kyle Lugonjo in the 50m fly.

In the 50m back, Mathew (29.10) topped with Feni (30.40) and Dolphins’ Kyle Kiwagama (30.49) completing the podium in a final that also included Kaweesa (31.00) and Arthur Mwase (31.23).

Feni (1:04.71) returned to the top of the age group in the 100m IM with Arthur, 16, (1:05.57) marginally beating his older brother Mathew, 18, to second by 27 microseconds.

Arthur threatened to keep on the podium by finishing 3rd in a 50m breaststroke prelims but he ended up 4th (33.43) as Feni (29.95), Kimuli (30.59), and Kaweesa (33.07) took the first three positions.

After a restful morning, Mathew came back to top the 50m free final (25.33) ahead of fastest qualifier Feni and Kaweesa.

11-13 Years

Ozpreys’ Gabriella Opolot, 13, topped the 11-13 girls’ 50m fly (32.52) finishing ahead of Jaguar’s Shivon Nagginda (32.78) and Aquatic Academy Kampala (AAK)’s 11 year old Mushirah Nabatanzi (33.70).

Despite being second qualifier behind Shivon in the prelims, Gabriella also won the 50m back (33.95) with Black Panthers’ Daniela Munguci and Dolphins’ Jinan Nakato finishing second and third respectively.

Gabriella made it three in three on Day One of the gala with another win in the 100m IM (1:15.87) ahead of Nakato (1:16.06) and Munguci (1:19.22).

Gabriella started her Sunday by topping the 50m breaststroke (37.69) and was joined on the podium by Gliders’ Francesca Nazziwa, and Nabatanzi.

Gabriella ensured she had a clean sweep of the available Shs600,000 for her age group by touching at the same time as freestyle sensation Nakato, 12, in their 50m free final.

For the boys, the 50m fly was topped by Dolphins’ Manuel Ssemanda who clocked 29.65 in both the prelims and finals to finish ahead of 13 year old agemate Baraka Oboke from Tumaini Aquatic Academy and Torpedoes’ Elijah Ayesiga, 12.

Altona’s William Sanford made amends for missing the fly podium by winning the 50m back (32.90) ahead of Manuel (34.15) and another Altona swimmer Raymond Ssali (34.80). Sanford also topped the 100m IM (1:11.35) ahead of Manuel and Ayesiga.

Ayesiga (36.16) got his first win in the 50m breaststroke with Manuel and Baraka joining him on the podium. Sanford returned to the top of the podium in the 50m free (27.10) ahead of Manuel and Baraka.

9-10 Years

Aya Adams, of Blue Whale Aquatic Venture, edged the 9-10 girls in the 50m fly qualifying for the final in 34.91 and edging it in 35.57 seconds ahead of the Gliders’ duo Talitha Siima (37.03) and Sonia Amaro (39.48).

Adams also topped the 50m back (37.09) with AAK’s Husnah Kajumbi finishing second ahead of Siima.

Vision for Africa had three finalists in the 50m breaststroke with Blessing Namugga (43.33) topping the race ahead of Siima and Adams as Bella Nalunkuma and Shafiga Nagginda finishing 4th and 5th respectively.

Adams collected her third envelope in the 50m free ahead of Amaro and Namugga.

The boys’ 50m fly was dominated by Jaguar’s Ashley Kimuli who clocked 35.01 in the finals after qualifying with a 36.43. His teammate Austin Wanyama was second (36.60) ahead of Dolphins’ Daniel Sebaana (38.27).

Kimuli made it two in two in the 50m back (38.45) with Wanyama (40.66) edging Ozpreys’ Geremiah Opolot, 9, to second by just 17 microseconds.

Geremiah topped the 50m breaststroke (42.46) – microseconds ahead of Dolphins’ Gabriel Isabirye, and Wanyama.

Wanyama saved best for last to cash in but needed a personal best 33.30 in the 50m free final to edge Isabirye and fastest qualifier Kimuli.

8 and Under

Black Panthers’ Michaela Mwesigwa edged the 8 and Under girls in the 25m fly with a time of 19:53 – just microseconds ahead of Ozpreys’ Halwah Kayondo and about a second ahead of Tumaini’s Tushiya Oboke.

Mwesigwa, 7, also won the 25m back (22.96) but Tushiya (22.98) and Kayondo (23.24) switched places to second and third respectively.

Kayondo, 8, topped the 25m breaststroke (24.26) on Sunday ahead of Swan’s Vichelle Arinaitwe and Jaguar’s Bernice Alinaitwe.

Arinaitwe won the 25m free (15.59) ahead of Tushiya and Kayondo, who had podium finishes in all the four events of her age group.

Altona’s Elisha Rukundo edged the boys in the 25m fly in a time of 17.87 seconds – finishing ahead of Silverfin’s Mathew Ssaka and Jaguar’s Samuel Mamawi.

Ssaka edged the 25m back (18.94) with Rukundo finishing second and Gliders’ Raphael Wobugaba joining the podium.

Rukundo returned to the top in the 25m breaststroke (21.48) on Sunday with Harvey Ssengendo of Jaguar edging Ssaka to second place.

The Altona eight year old later picked his third gold ahead of Ssaka and Mamawi in the 25m free.

JAGUAR SPRINTS

TOP COLLECTORS

14 and Over

B: Larry Greg Feni (Shs450,000), Mathew Mwase (Shs300,000)

G: Zara Mbanga (Shs450,000), Tyra Muganzi (Shs150,000), Tara Kisawuzi (Shs150,000)

11-13 Years

B: William Sanford (Shs360,000), Elijah Ayesiga (Shs120,000), Manuel Ssemanda (Shs120,000)

G: Gabriella Opolot (Shs600,000), Jinan Nakato (Shs120,000)

9-10 Years

B: Ashley Kimuli (Shs240,000), Geremiah Opolot (Shs120,000), Austin Wanyama (Shs120,000)

G: Aya Adams (Shs360,000), Blessing Namugga (Shs120,000)

8 and Under

B: Elisha Rukundo (3 gold), Mathew Ssaka (1 gold)

G: Michaela Mwesigwa (2 gold), Halwah Kayondo (1 gold), Vichelle Arinaitwe (1 gold)

Taekwondo, a traditional sport in Korean culture, is steadily becoming a part of Uganda’s armed forces. Last year, 13 trainees from the Military Police Brigade, Military Police Training School, Special Forces Command and Chieftaincy of Defence Intelligence and Security (formerly CMI), graduated as black belts and blue belts after nearly a year of taekwondo training at Makerere University.

Early this month, the number of graduates in the second intake rose to 18-all from the military police, a manifestation of the Uganda-Korea commitment to sharing cultures.

Taekwondo became an official Olympic sport in 2000 and has become a truly global sport practiced by nearly 80 million people across the world, about 400 of which are Ugandan.

Beyond spreading the taekwondo skills and values among the forces, the first and second cohorts have also competed and won some medals in national tournaments like the Korea Ambassador’s Cup, joining the likes of Police and Prisons, who have for years fielded fully-fledged taekwondo clubs.

Yet UPDF and the Korean embassy in Uganda believe taekwondo benefits transcend sport. ‘This a significant milestone not only for you as individuals but also for the entire UPDF. This partnership is a shining example of corporation and mutual respect,’ said Brig. Gen. Wycliffe Keita, who was the chief guest during the graduation at Onomo Hotel on December 3.

He commended Korea for generously sharing its resources and expertise to improve the capacity of Uganda’s armed forces, and called the training ‘a game changer’ for UPDF ‘as it has equipped our soldiers with world class skills like martial arts but also instilled in them discipline, respect and perseverance, which are UPDF’s core values.’

To the graduates, Keita said: ‘you are a vital part of the UPDF’s pursuit of excellence. You are going to join a growing cadre of skilled taekwondo practitioners who will drive change and inspire others to strive for greatness.’

‘Defence cooperation is strengthened not only through strategic dialogue but also through initiatives such as this training, which help cultivate discipline, readiness, and mutual understanding among our forces,’ Col. Kim Seha, the defense attaché of Korea to Uganda, thanking the UPDF leadership for their enduring partnership, and Master Kwangjoo Kim from Kukkiwon ‘for his exceptional commitment in leading this programme.’

Master Kim had few words to the graduates: ‘Displaying a strong sense of responsibility is the real essence of taekwondo. Now is the time to show it in your military service.’

BLACK BELTS

L/CPL. Peter Odokonbero

L/CPL. David Okwii

L/CPL. Edmond Gift

L/CPL. Benard Okello

L/CPL. Deogracious Omukata

L/CPL. Grace Kajubi

L/CPL. Cedrick Soyekwo

L/CPL. Shanon Kakwiri

L/cpl. Paul Okurut atoro

L/CPL. Aires Ayabaza

L/CPL. John Micheal Opolot

L/CPL. Brian Taira

L/CPL. Victor Twijukye

L/CPL. Alfred Wasswa Tabu

L/CPL. Yusufu Wandera

Pte. Godfrey Kutosi

Pte. Benard Busen Meta

BLUE BELT

L/CPL. Twairu Wagama

The Rukungiri District Health Officer, Dr Akasiima Mucunguzi, has decried persistent understaffing and inadequate staff accommodation, saying the challenges have significantly undermined health service delivery in the district. While receiving an ambulance for Bwambara Health Centre III last Saturday, Dr Akasiima said the district has very few health workers, most of whom lack proper accommodation.

‘The district’s health staffing level stands at 69.5 percent, yet government-provided accommodation caters for only 10 percent of the workforce. A housing unit meant for one health worker is often shared by several others because of the shortage,’ he said.

Dr Akasiima added that the complaints from the public stem from the fact that ‘we are too few compared to the district’s growing population”.

‘Yes, there are a few undisciplined staff who absent themselves or report late, but such issues cannot cripple service delivery where staffing levels are adequate,’ he said.

According to the 2024 National Population and Housing Census, Rukungiri District has a population of 376,110 people, of whom 169,608 (52.3 percent) are female and 169,502 (47.7 percent) are male.

The population is served by 41 Health Centre IIs, 10 Health Centre IIIs and four Health Centre IVs, staffed by a total of 417 health workers and supported by 462 Village Health Teams (VHTs). However, many facilities, particularly in hard-to-reach areas, lack electricity, have limited infrastructure and are without basic amenities such as toilets and incinerators.

At Bugangari Health Centre IV in Bugangari Sub-county, the officer in-charge, Dr Willy Rukundo, said the facility frequently experiences drug stockouts due to an overwhelming number of patients.

‘Right now, we have run out of Artesunate. We diagnose patients and refer them to drug shops to buy the medicine, but some cannot afford it,’ he said.

Similarly, at Nyakagyeme Health Centre III, a midwife, Ms Bony Kyatuhaire, said frequent stock-outs are linked to the high patient load.

‘Some essential drugs run out from time to time. In Nyakagyeme Sub-county, we receive many malaria patients, and TB cases are also on the rise. Because of this, medicines for these illnesses often run out, and patients complain when we refer them to private clinics,’ she said.

Speaking at the same event, the Minister for Security, Mr Jim Muhwezi, commended the government for funding the purchase of the ambulance.

‘This is a great achievement and a relief to mothers who have been struggling to access timely referrals during childbirth. I thank the government for taking this important step,’ he said.

Mr Muhwezi added that the issues of understaffing and drug stock-outs will be addressed. ‘On drug stock-outs, I will engage the National Drug Authority to ensure medicines are delivered on time so that patients can access them. The other concerns will be reported to the relevant ministry,’ he said.

The Islamic Solidarity Fund (ISF) has officially handed over a state-of-the-art Nursing School Building to the Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU), marking a significant step in strengthening health sciences education and women’s empowerment in the country.

The handover ceremony took place at the IUIU Female Campus in Kabojja and was attended by senior officials, including Mr Muhammad Suleiman Aba Al-Khail, Executive Director of the ISF, and Mr Aftab Ahmad Khokher, Assistant Secretary-General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), alongside members of the IUIU Council.

“This nursing school is not a standalone project,” said Ambassador Nusura Tiperu, Uganda’s Ambassador to Trkiye and Chairperson of IUIU’s Estates Planning and Development Committee. “It marks the beginning of a broader vision to develop a full-fledged medical and health sciences complex on this campus, one that will serve Uganda, the region, and the wider Muslim world.”

The newly commissioned facility, supported through ISF funding, is designed to enhance training capacity for nursing students by providing modern lecture rooms, skills laboratories, and learning infrastructure aligned with national and international standards.

Mr Aftab Ahmad Khokher underscored the importance of education as a foundation for societal progress, describing the project as a strategic investment in human development.

“The global demand for skilled nurses presents opportunities for Ugandan graduates to contribute both locally and internationally,” he said.

University officials and council members commended ISF for its sustained partnership with IUIU, which has included support for land acquisition, infrastructure development, and scholarships.

They reiterated the institution’s commitment to mobilising additional resources to complement donor funding and accelerate implementation of its development master plans.

The ceremony concluded with expressions of gratitude to ISF and OIC, with speakers describing the partnership as a long-term commitment to advancing education, healthcare, and women’s empowerment in Uganda and beyond.

The leader of a suspected criminal gang that led a violent attack on supporters of the National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate, Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, in Gulu City has been arrested, police have confirmed.

Ms Fatuma Aleng, also known as the “Ghetto Youth President”, was arrested on the night of December 17, 2025, along with 41 of her alleged members.

According to police, Aleng mobilised a group of 50 youth who went on a rampage in Gulu City on December 6, when Kyagulanyi was in the city to campaign. The violence left five people seriously injured and one dead.

“We managed to arrest 41 suspects and they are currently being detained at Gulu CPS. Among those arrested is one Aleng Fatuma who allegedly led the mobilization of the suspected criminal gangs using various media platforms like TikTok among others,” said ASP David Ongom Mudong, the Aswa West Region Police Spokesperson.

In a verified 4-minute and 7-second video clip, Aleng is seen planning the attack on NUP supporters, telling her members that they will be rewarded with money for disrupting the rally.

“There will be money after the mission has been executed successfully. Small amount of money will be given and big one will follow,” she said.

Aleng also accused leaders of exploiting the youth and promised to lobby for brick making machines and motorcycles for ghetto youth leaders.

“Shs5 million will never change your life. Those who have been in the ghetto know this,” she said.

The video, recorded on December 1, shows Aleng telling her members to execute the attack on December 6, after yellow t-shirts are delivered. She warned security agencies against firing tear gas on the ghetto youth when they are executing the task.

“We are going to the ground, but no tear gas should be fired at us,” she said.

The arrest comes after intense public criticism from politicians, cultural and religious leaders, who demanded accountability and prosecution for those behind the violence.

According to research conducted between 2018 and 2019 in Gulu City, the rising number of children branded as Aguu on the streets of Gulu City is attributed to violent land wrangles and the over two decades’ long LRA insurgency in northern Uganda.

The research, titled “Aguu: From Acholi Post War Street Youth and Children to a Criminal Gangs in Modern Day Gulu City, Uganda”, found that the initial groups of street children dubbed Aguu in Gulu came from families who lost access to their lands, night commuters and those who were uprooted from their land due to the LRA conflict.

The police have called for calm, saying those responsible will face the courts of law. “As we earlier on promised that those found culpable will be either summoned or arrested, we urge the general members of the public of Acholi to remain calm as we promise to have all those culpable brought to book so that justice prevails for all,” ASP Mudong said.