Category: Daily Monitor

For the first time in her four-decade history, Watoto Church’s iconic Christmas Cantata is breaking free from indoor walls and stepping boldly into the heart of the city.

After months of rehearsals, training and preparation, more than 1,300 volunteers aged seven to 70, drawn from Watoto’s 18 campuses, are ready to deliver a production designed not just for a congregation, but for Kampala itself.

Set across five days, the outdoor Christmas Cantata will take place at the playgrounds of Old Kampala Senior Secondary School, opening up space for over 10,000 people per sitting. It’s a deliberate shift aimed at making one of the city’s most-loved Christmas traditions accessible to thousands who, over the years, missed out due to limited indoor capacity.

‘This move outdoors is about more than numbers,’ says Julius Rwotlonyo, senior pastor and team leader at Watoto Church Ministries. ‘It reimagines the Cantata as a shared, city-wide experience; one where families and communities can freely gather and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ through music, drama and creativity.’

At a time when division often dominates public life, Rwotlonyo believes unity is the message Kampala needs most.

‘There are many things that divide us, but Jesus unites us,’ he says. ‘The Cantata is a reminder that despite our differences, we can come together to build our communities and our nation.’

The city’s Christmas Carols

The festive curtain-raiser comes on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, with the debut of The City’s Christmas Carols-a bold new opening night that signals a fresh chapter in Watoto’s Christmas celebrations.

For the first time, 10 choirs from across Kampala, bringing together about 180 singers, will share one stage for a two-hour evening of carol singing. The result: a massive, blended choir representing churches from across the city, united in worship.

‘This is bigger than Watoto,’ says Pastor Brian Abaho, head of creatives at Watoto Church. ‘We are part of the wider body of Christ in Kampala. Imagine voices from across the city singing as one, it is powerful, and it is something truly special to experience.’

Participating choirs include All Saints’ Cathedral, Deliverance Church Makerere, Community Life Church Busega, Light Church Namasuba, House of Revival Kisaasi, Africa’s Choir, Elim Evangelical Church, and the Watoto Children’s Choir.

Adding to the moment, about 40 gospel artistes and several church leaders from the wider Christian music community will also take the stage, underscoring the spirit of collaboration and shared worship that defines the night.

Lighting the tallest Christmas tree

One of the evening’s most striking moments will be the ceremonial lighting of what organisers say is likely the tallest Christmas tree in Kampala and possibly the country. Standing at an impressive 20 metres high and wide, the tree is meant to do more than sparkle.

‘Christmas is not just a holiday,’ says Pastor Rwotlonyo. ‘It’s the celebration of the birth of the Son of God.’

He explains that the lighting symbolises Christ as the light in moments of darkness, whether financial strain, emotional struggle or unmet expectations.

‘Jesus came as the light that drives out darkness. His birth brings light, life and hope, and that is why we light the tree.’

This journey from darkness to hope is woven throughout the Cantata’s creative storytelling, drawing from the biblical account of Christ’s birth: angels announcing peace, shepherds spreading the news, and wise men travelling far to witness the arrival of hope.

A city-wide effort

With thousands expected each night, Watoto Church is working closely with the Uganda Police and city authorities to ensure safety and smooth operations. Support will include traffic management, crowd control, patrol teams and emergency response units.

‘We are committed to ensuring the event is secure and peaceful,’ says Luke Owoyesigyire, public relations officer for the Kampala Metropolitan Police Area.

To ease movement, multiple parking lots have been secured, while SafeBoda will provide safe and affordable transport to and from the venue. Karis Medical will also be on-site with first aid and medical services.

Giving back this Christmas

Beyond music and spectacle, the City Carols Night carries a deeper purpose. All contributions collected during the event will go toward supporting five baby homes in Kampala, providing care for abandoned children.

‘These children are gifts from God,’ says Pastor Rwotlonyo. ‘Supporting them is an expression of love and responsibility.’

In that spirit, the Christmas Cantata becomes more than a celebration-it becomes a call to compassion, generosity and shared hope, reminding the city that the true joy of Christmas is found not only in gathering, but in giving.

Masaka High Court has cautioned lawyers over declining ethical standards, with Justice Fatuma Nanziri urging law firms to ensure only qualified advocates appear in court.

Justice Nanziri spoke as Guest of Honor at the Second Edition of the Greater Masaka Annual Legal Awards Dinner, organized by the Greater Masaka Court Reporters Guild (GMCRG) at Maple Leaf Hotel in Masaka City.

She expressed concern that some advocates operate without practicing certificates, a practice that undermines young lawyers’ careers and the integrity of the legal profession.

‘Our profession is designed in a way that we follow procedure in handling matters. Unfortunately, some young lawyers are sent to the High Court without a practicing certificate. This affects their name as well as that of the firm. Let us try to remain professional. I had to stand over a matter for three times because the lawyer appeared without a practicing certificate,” she said on Tuesday.

Justice Nanziri also applauded GMCRG for organizing the awards program, which she said encourages lawyers to appreciate their peers across all levels of practice.

The Vice President of the Uganda Law Society (ULS), Anthony Asiimwe, whose remarks were delivered by ULS Masaka Chapter President Alexander Lule, commended journalists for promoting transparency and accountability in the justice system.

‘The collaboration between the media and the Bar enhances transparency and accountability in society. I also appreciate journalists for taking a lead in enhancing the relationship between the advocates, judiciary and the press in the region,’ he said.

Esther Namugwe, Head of Research at GMCRG, said the annual awards recognize excellence within the legal profession and promote responsible court reporting in the Masaka region.

‘This program is intended to appreciate exceptional lawyers and highly performing advocates, law firms in the various aspects of legal practice within the Greater Masaka region. The initiative also strengthens cooperation between journalists and legal practitioners in the administration of justice,’ she said.

In the awards, John Baptist Kawanga of Kawanga and Kasule Advocates and Legal Consultants was named Senior Lawyer of the Year 2025 for over three decades of legal practice, mentoring young advocates, and handling complex litigation up to the Supreme Court.

Dorah Kimani of Justice Centers Uganda was named Female Lawyer of the Year 2025 for her work in legal aid, representing indigent clients and juvenile offenders.

Alexander Lule received the Human Rights Defender of the Year 2025 award for his consistent advocacy and leadership during the lawyers’ strike protecting economic rights.

Sam Ssekyewa of Ssekyewa, Matovu and Co. Advocates won Outstanding Lawyer of the Year 2025, while his firm was named Leading Law Firm of the Year 2025 for its strong advisory and litigation work in Masaka and Kampala.

‘We give it our all when handling cases to ensure our clients are satisfied. We carry out proper analysis and assessment of cases to determine whether they are worth pursuing in court, and where a matter lacks merit, we advise our clients accordingly, that might be the reason for us standing out,’ Ssekyewa said after receiving the awards.

It is its beautiful open and wide lands that will draw you in. There’s a Karamoja beyond headlines and stereotypes. Those who stay long enough to listen and observe have since noted that Karamoja is not just a destination, but a journey into one of Uganda’s most untouched cultural landscapes.

That understanding only comes with time, when one walks and sits with locals and watches life unfold without urgency. Yes, Karamoja offers access to one of Uganda’s most remote, least visited and most strikingly beautiful sub-regions, with plains that stretch far into the horizon and mountains rising suddenly.

The ancient Moroto, Napak, Kadam and Morungole mountains dominate the skyline. And tour guides will caution you to hike them slowly because they are tough. Even the guides often stop while submitting them; they are not for racing.

The mountaineers will break a sweat but there are folks who reside along the slopes- the Tepeth and the Ik, whose daily life involves farming small gardens, keeping bees and reading the seasons from trees and birds. To understand Karamoja properly, you sleep where the locals live. Similar to their pastoral cousins- the Maasai of Kenya, in a kraal, animals are brought in before dark through fences woven from dry branches.

Fires are lit. Men sing softly to cattle while children drift between huts. In Nakapelimoru, one of the largest traditional settlements in the sub-region, life is unhurried and still communal. Cattle are treasured possessions and dictate how happy or sad the community will be because they are rooted in tradition and a community of trade. On market days, people travel long distances to trade cattle, grain and tools.

Kidepo

In Karamoja you get to visit a number of tourist attractions, namely Kidepo Valley National Park that is famed for its scenic landscapes and so for Pian Upe, Bokora and Matheniko reserves that are also spread with wildlife, bird species, and more. On some days, these sites are generous while on others, they call on you to keep driving. The surprises might include the rare cheetahs crossing the road or an ostrich standing alone in the heat. Kidepo, deep in the north, feels even more remote. There, buffaloes move in huge herds and lions rest in open grassland.

You are cautioned to take it slow because at times, animals show up with or without much searching so a game ranger will plainly tell you to be patient and keep your eyes and ears open. The travel itinerary in Karamoja will have the obvious wildlife attractions but it is the communities that showcase the people of the land. The agile cultural dancers entertain tourists, and they sometimes invite them to check their fitness levels as they jump high and dance the Edonga and Akiriket- heavy and grounded, characterised by feet striking the earth in rhythm.

If you can’t join them, you will still admire their skill and ability to preserve and keep their traditions. Speaking at a cultural event, the State minister for Gender and Culture, Ms Peace Mutuuzo, once observed that people travel to Karamoja to see and feel its unique cultural diversity. It is a diversity shaped by continuity. For Ms Akidi Rachel, who is Miss Tourism Karamoja, that continuity is the sub-region’s greatest strength. ‘Karamoja remains Uganda’s strongest cultural destination because our traditions are still lived every day,’ she says.

It is a place where culture feeds into livelihood, from craft and beadwork to guiding, farming and storytelling, and where identity is daily practice. Community-led tourism initiatives now focus on walking, cycling and staying rather than rushing through. Norma Akullo, a publicist with Kara-Tunga Safari Camp, says the intention is deliberate. ‘We are not selling sights,’ she explains. ‘We are offering time-time to walk, listen and understand.’ If you are patient, respectful and present, you will learn about the uniqueness of the Karimojong.

KEY FACTS ON COSTS

Location: Getting there by air, you can fly via Entebbe-Moroto using Aerolink Uganda which has scheduled/chartered flight that take about one and a half hours from $300 (Shs1.06m) to $450 (Shs1.57m) one way. There are flights from Entebbe to Kidepo, at Apoka, for about two hours from $350 (Shs1.23m) to $500 (Shs1.76m) one way, depending on season. By road, you will travel from Kampala-Mbale-Soroti-Moroto for nine to 10 hours. A 4×4 vehicle is recommended, especially in rainy months.

Where to stay: Kara-Tunga Safari Camp has rooms, camping and bandas/tents from $10 (Shs35,350) to $60 (Shs212,140), inclusive of meals. On the higher end, there is Kidepo Savannah Lodge and Apoka Safari Lodge for $150 (Shs530,360) to $350 (Shs1.23m) per person per night.

There are community homestays/kraal stays from Shs30, 000 to Shs60,000 per night. Mountain hikes of Moroto, Napak, Kadam, Morungole for a day cost from $30 (Shs106,070) to $50 (Shs176,780) and multi day trek $80 (Shs282,860) to $150 (Shs530,360) per day.

You can take a kraal and village experience for $20 (Shs70,715), cycling tours for half-day for $25 (Shs88,390) to $35 (Shs123,750) then full day $40 (Shs141,430) to $60 (Shs212,140), depending on the season. Wildlife viewing in Pian Upe/Matheniko/Bokora will set you back by $20 (Shs70,715) to $30 (Shs106,070) and in Kidepo, Shs20,000 entry fee for Uganda and East Africans while foreigners part with $40 (Shs141,431). Travel tips: Use local guides, ask before photographing people, carry cash, and allow extra days because Karamoja rewards slow travel.

Agriculture experts on Tuesday urged Ugandan farmers to adopt a value chain approach to boost efficiency, improve product quality, and increase export potential in a competitive international market.

Speaking at the National High-Level Event on Agro-Industrialisation and Export in Kampala, Paul Mwambu, Commissioner for Crop Inspection and Certification at the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), emphasised the importance of quality production and proper packaging for market access.

‘It’s the quality that determines the competitiveness of the products. So, from our point of view as a Ministry, is that quality right from the point of production at the farm to packaging matters,’ Mr Mwambu said.

He warned that poor handling of products from the farm through aggregation, transportation, sorting, and packaging can lead to international market rejection. ‘So from our perspective as Ministry of Agriculture, there are concerns sometimes when our products face rejection from the international market,’ he added.

Mwambu called on farmers to elevate local products to compete with international brands dominating Ugandan markets.

Dr. Victoria Ssekitoleko, Chairperson of the Uganda Agribusiness Alliance (UAA), highlighted the value of collective production and aligning output with buyers’ needs.

‘If we grow our domestic value chains here, we can easily be part of international value chains,’ Dr Ssekitoleko said. ‘Let us produce it as a value chain. For example, we know that we have many factories processing avocado. Find out exactly what type of avocado the factories want. We also know that Kenya is buying avocado, find out which avocado in Uganda is ready for factory processing.’

She also urged farmers to focus on both quantity and quality to meet international market requirements.

Former Uganda Investment Authority CEO Dr. Maggie Kigozi encouraged the use of high-quality seeds and careful plant management while minimising pesticides and fertilisers to achieve good yields.

‘Let’s keep away from too many pesticides, and fertilizers, but try to use organic products and you will have good crops,’ Dr Kigozi said.

She also advised farmers to safeguard their land. ‘If you have land and not there, or cannot look after it, plant trees on it, you will be safe,’ she emphasised.

Julius Bigabwa, founder of Biglad Agri-Tourism Farm Ltd in Fort Portal City, called on farmers to supply raw materials to meet market demand.

‘They want it daily, for example when we make macadamia oil, they want like 1,000 litres per month of which it is too much and Uganda we haven’t yet got that oil,’ he said, adding: ‘We started exporting our macadamia products. All products are very expensive, for example one litre is Shs100,000 and one kilo of macadamia dry roasted also costs Shs100,000.’

The Science and Technology Initiative recently spotlighted over 2,000 Ugandan-made products-from food and beauty items to household essentials-with potential to scale internationally. Experts noted, however, that hurdles in quality control, packaging, and certification continue to limit their global reach.

Paul Put had his plans in order. He had planned for clarity. What he received instead was compromise.

Uganda’s final warm-up match before Afcon 2025 was meant to offer definition – of combinations, of roles, of who stands where when the margins narrow.

Instead, the friendly against Gabon disappeared late in the build-up, cancelled amid logistical concerns on the Gabonese side and leaving the Cranes without their last scheduled rehearsal.

For Put, it was another frustration layered onto a preparation period already shaped by constraint.

Europe-based players arrived late, release windows shifted, and carefully structured technical work had to be redrawn almost in real time.

‘Normally we have two weeks before the tournament starts to prepare our players,’ the Belgian said earlier in the camp.

‘Now, suddenly, we received a message that we can only have players from abroad on the 16th or 17th of December. All coaches are not happy with this situation.’

This was the moment

The Gabon match was meant to be the point where everything came together – the moment Put could shuffle his XI with purpose rather than necessity.

The 2-2 draw with AS Far Rabat was played without Put’s first choice defenders of Toby Sibbick, Jordan Obita, Elio Capradossi and Aziz Kayondo, while striker Melvyn Lorenzen just linked up with the team this week.

Dust self up

And yet, this is not just a story about loss. It is about adjustment. The Cranes did not come to Morocco late, nor in a rush.

They camped in Casablanca for nearly two weeks, played AS Far Rabat, and built rhythm in training rather than chaos in transit.

When the Gabon fixture fell away, Fufa confirmed a revised plan: one final training session, then relocation to Rabat, where Uganda will base themselves for their Group C campaign. That, too, is preparation.

Afcon begins on Sunday, but Uganda will not enter action until next Tuesday, when they face Tunisia in Rabat.

It is quite an opening assignment, followed by Tanzania and Nigeria in quick succession. The margins will be thin. The demands immediate.

The focus remains

Put knows that a friendly, however useful, does not define readiness. Structure does. Discipline does. Mental clarity does.

He has spoken repeatedly about combinations and reactions under pressure. About balance between youth and experience. About making decisions early enough for players to grow into them. Those conversations do not end because one match is cancelled.

The gloves debate in goal remains unresolved but alive. The back line has been assembled. Midfield options are clear. Up front, competition has been sharpened by arrivals rather than diluted by absence.

If the final rehearsal was denied, the stage itself remains unchanged.

Uganda arrive in Rabat not with everything answered, but with enough in place to compete. Afcon rarely rewards perfect preparation anyway. It rewards adaptability, composure, and belief under strain.

Put’s plans were hard done by. His campaign, however, is only just beginning.

The government is seeking stronger partnerships with private sector players to ensure sustainable water financing, particularly in Uganda’s cattle corridor districts, where access to reliable water remains a challenge.

Mr Joseph Wasswa, a principal engineer at the Ministry of Water and Environment, said many communities continue to struggle with sustainable water access due to the limited capital.

He added that private sector-led initiatives which enable cattle farmers to procure and manage their own water systems offer a more sustainable alternative to government-only interventions.

‘As the ministry, one of our biggest challenges is the sustainability of our systems. However, this initiative empowers cooperatives to not only access these funds, but we also see that they will be able to sustainably manage their systems,’ Mr Wasswa said.

He explained that although the ministry has several programmes aimed at expanding water access, funding limitations make it impossible to cover the entire country.

‘In addition to that, we have an overwhelming demand for water for production, whereby the resources that the government gives us as the Water for Production Department may not be able to meet the demands across the entire country,’ he said.

Mr Wasswa revealed that over the past five years, the ministry’s budget for water for production has reduced by more than threefold, further constraining its reach.

‘So this initiative of empowering farmers and cooperatives to access their own funding will help relieve the ministry, but also help us meet our targets in line with Vision 2040 and NDP IV, where our focus is to increase access to water for agricultural production and productivity,’ he added.

He was speaking at a workshop to disseminate findings from a study conducted by Heifer International on water financing models designed to scale up the Water for Dairy Businesses (W4DB) Project, a market-based initiative implemented primarily in Uganda with support from Aqua for All on Monday.

Under the W4DB Project, community water systems are installed and managed by dairy cooperatives to provide safe water for dairy farmers and neighbouring communities. A pilot phase of the project led to a significant reduction in milk rejection rates and time spent fetching water, resulting in increased incomes for cooperatives.

However, the study found that while water financing in cattle corridor districts such as Kiboga and Nakaseke has improved access and boosted farmers’ incomes, many cooperatives are struggling to repay water loans. High interest rates and strict collateral requirements were identified as major barriers.

‘I call upon banks to come and collaborate with the Ministry, with Heifer International as well as other key drivers and providers of water supply systems,’ Mr Wasswa said.

‘Banks will play a key role in ensuring they offer affordable interest rates to farmers. And we call upon banks to try and find a middle-ground solution, especially when it comes to interest rates, so that our farmers can be attracted to borrow funds,’ he added.

Ms Edna Nyamwaka, a project manager at Heifer International, said the study was commissioned to identify financing mechanisms that could support the expansion of the W4DB Project beyond the pilot phase. ‘So we came up with this project to improve the quality of water at the cooperative.’

She explained that the project involved installing solar-powered boreholes to improve water access at both cooperative and farm levels.

A 33-year-old businessman has been remanded on multiple charges, including aggravated trafficking in persons, rape, and theft.

On Wednesday, Ayub Kawuma, also known as Chris, appeared before Buganda Road Court Chief Magistrate Ronald Kayizzi, where the charges were read to him.

‘The offences before this court are capital in nature and triable only by the High Court. This court will therefore not take a plea,’ Chief Magistrate Kayizzi said, directing the accused on the proper procedure for applying for bail.

He was remanded until January 12, 2026, when he is expected to return for mention of his case.

According to the charge sheet presented by the prosecution, led by Ms Grace Amy, Kawuma, a Muganda and resident of Kangyundo Road opposite Moulem Heights in Nairobi, faces three counts arising from alleged incidents between July and September 2025.

On the first count, Kawuma is charged with aggravated trafficking in persons contrary to sections 2(1)(d), 3(a), and 4(1) of the Prevention of Trafficking in Persons Act, Chapter 131.

Prosecutors allege that between July and September 2025, at Hotel Mestil in Makindye Division, Kampala District, Kawuma and others still at large received, transported, transferred, and confined Armstrong Mellanese Karlisia through deception, fraud, and exploitation of her vulnerability for purposes of sexual exploitation and theft.

The second count is rape, contrary to sections 110 and 111 of the Penal Code Act. Prosecution alleges that on September 10, 2025, at Mestil Hotel, Kawuma had unlawful carnal knowledge of Karlisia without her consent.

On the third count, Kawuma is charged with theft contrary to sections 237 and 244 of the Penal Code Act.

It is alleged that on September 9, 2025, at Acacia Mall in Kampala Central, he stole a Dell laptop, bags, suitcases, clothes, shoes and cosmetic products valued at Shs106, 462,770, property belonging to the complainant.

According to court documents, prosecution further alleges that Karlisia, travelled to Uganda in July 2025 for a business transaction involving the verification of gold her company intended to purchase after refining and testing in Dubai. Court documents did not specify the nationality of the complainant.

While in Uganda, Karlisia reportedly met Kawuma, Kamulageya Ibrahim Adam, and other suspects, who allegedly obtained money from her under the false pretense of selling gold or sourcing sellers on multiple occasions.

Prosecutors claim that Kawuma guarded Karlisia from the time she was taken to stay at Mestil Hotel until he allegedly abandoned her and fled with her belongings in a vehicle they had been using together.

‘It is alleged that during this period, the accused confiscated all the complainant’s financial cards and withdrew money at will for his own use, including paying for accommodation and other expenses,’ reads in part the court documents.

Court documents further indicate that a search conducted at the apartment where Kawuma was arrested led to recovery of exhibits including a suitcase, a wireless charger and a Wi-Fi device believed to belong to the complainant.

Uganda’s Judiciary on Tuesday night formally bid farewell to 86 retired staff, honouring decades of service by both judicial and non-judicial officers in a ceremony that underscored the often unseen and thankless nature of judicial work.

Each retiree received a gift and cash in recognition of their contribution to the administration of justice. Among those honoured were former Deputy Chief Justice Richard Buteera, retired High Court judges Alexandra Nkonge Rugadya and Henrietta Wolayo.

Speaking on behalf of the retired judicial officers, Justice Buteera reflected on the realities of life on the Bench, noting that court decisions rarely leave anyone satisfied.

‘When you enter the court and make a decision, that decision shall displease one of the parties or both of them,’ he said, adding that even in criminal cases, neither convicts nor complainants’ families are always satisfied with sentences passed.

He said the same applies to civil disputes, where rulings over property ownership rarely excite either side. ‘So nobody is excited about our work. That is the kind of work we have been doing; we don’t expect a lot of thanks,’ Justice Buteera said.

He recalled receiving only one personal expression of gratitude throughout his judicial career, while serving as Chief Magistrate in Mubende. He narrated how hunters once helped push his vehicle out of the mud on a rainy evening, and one of them declined payment.

‘He told me he was grateful because I had once acquitted him,’ Justice Buteera said, describing the incident as rare in judicial work.

Justice Buteera commended the Judiciary for organising a collective retirement ceremony, saying it acknowledged the combined effort required to deliver justice.

‘A judgment is a combined effort. There is a driver who brings you to work, someone who cleans the office, and a secretary. So when you say thank you to all of us together, it is a pleasant moment because we are one unit in the Judiciary,’ he said.

Deputy Chief Justice Flavian Zeija, who officiated at the ceremony, described Justice Buteera as a moderating voice in the Judiciary’s leadership and stressed the importance of humility and respect for colleagues.

‘Sometimes we get titles and think it’s the titles that matter. You must always respect the people you work with; they are very important,’ Justice Zeija said, thanking organisers for recognising both judicial and non-judicial staff.

He congratulated the retirees on completing what he described as illustrious careers.

‘We thank you for making your contribution to the motherland, Uganda, and to mankind,’ Justice Zeija said. ‘You leave behind a wealth of experience, footprints in your work, and a lot of jurisprudence that will speak to generations to come.’

Judges of the High Court retire at 65 years, while justices of the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court retire at 70 years.

JUDICIARY

LIST OF RETIRED JUDICIAL AND ADMNISTRATIVE STAFF CALENDER YEAR 2025

NAME TITLE

1 RICHARD BUTEERA DEPUTY CHIEF JUSTICE

2 ALEXANDRA NKONGE RUGADYA JUDGE OF HIGH COURT

3 WOLAYO HENRIETTA JUDGE OF HIGH COURT

4 ESTATE OF THE LATE FAIDHA JAMILAR SENIOR MAGISTRATE GRADE I

5 KITIYO PATRICK MAGISTRATE GRADE I

6 OKIPI JOHN ROBERT MAGISTRATE GRADE II

7 BBOSA CHARLES LUTALO MAGISTRATE GRADE II

8 ABAHWERE FORTUNATE K. MAGISTRATE GRADE II

9 NABUKENYA MIRIAM SENIOR ASSISTANT ACCOUNTANT

10 JALUSIGA HOWARD SENIOR ASSISTANT ACCOUNTANT

11 GGULUDDENE LAWRENCE MULINDWA ASSISTANT ACCOUNTANT

12 MUSOKE DAMALIE ASSISTANT ACCOUNTANT

13 SUNDAY GODFREY ACCOUNTS ASSISTANT

14 GAHIGI DIDAS ACCOUNTS ASSISTANT

15 BYARUHANGA FRANKILINE ACCOUNTS ASSISTANT

16 OKUNI CHARLES COURT CLERK/INTERPRETER

17 SISYE MICHAEL NYANGO COURT CLERK/INTERPRETER

18 SSEBIDDE YAKUBU COURT CLERK/INTERPRETER

19 OSEGE EMMANUEL COURT CLERK/INTERPRETER

20 WAMBI PETER COURT CLERK/INTERPRETER

21 ESTATE OF THE LATE MALINGA JAMES ASSISTANT RECORDS OFFICER

22 OLUPOT RICHARD OCEN OFFICE TYPIST

23 KYARIISMA ZUBEDAH OFFICE TYPIST

24 NAMPIJJA MARGARET OFFICE TYPIST

25 OZUNGA PASTORE TELEPHONE OPERATOR

26 NANSAMBA ROSE KALEMA POOL STENOGRAPHER

27 KITAMIRIKE FRED BWANGA CLERICAL OFFICER

28 NTULUME DANIEL CLERICAL OFFICER

29 BAIGANA CHRIS MWITA CLERICAL OFFICER

30 OCEN NELSON CLERICAL OFFICER

31 APOLLO TWINE CLERICAL OFFICER

32 NABASIRYE REBECCA CLERICAL OFFICER

33 KAVUMA MICHAEL CLERICAL OFFICER

34 NAMUSOBYA IDAH CLERICAL OFFICER

35 FRED SEMPIJJA CLERICAL OFFICER

36 NAKIYINJI PROSSY CLERICAL OFFICER

37 MOHAMED NUNGULI CLERICAL OFFICER

38 AMENYA HELLEN CLERICAL OFFICER

39 NAFUNA OLIVER CLERICAL OFFICER

40 NSEREKO MUSA CLERICAL OFFICER

41 WAKOOLI HARRIET CLERICAL OFFICER

42 NAMBALE MARTIN CLERICAL OFFICER

43 OGWAL FABIO ALAL CLERICAL OFFICER

44 TURWOMWE GEORGE CLERICAL OFFICER

45 NAKABUYE JUSTINE CLERICAL OFFICER

46 KATAIKE DOROTHY CLERICAL OFFICER

47 ARECH PAMELA OMONY CLERICAL OFFICER

48 UKETHWENGU JOEL CLERICAL OFFICER

49 NAKIBONEKA JANE CLERICAL OFFICER

50 AKIA ANN GRACE CLERICAL OFFICER

51 BWAYO WILLIAM EDWIN CLERICAL OFFICER

52 KATO STEPHEN CLERICAL OFFICER

53 KEMIGISHA BLESSED CLERICAL OFFICER

54 OCHAN STEPHEN CLERICAL OFFICER

55 LUWANGULA RONALD CLERICAL OFFICER

56 MUBOGI ELINOR CLERICAL OFFICER

57 AYEBARE JENNIFER CLERICAL OFFICER

58 EYOMA FRANCIS DRABURU CLERICAL OFFICER

59 AKULLO ROBINAH CLERICAL OFFICER

60 NANSUBUGA SAUDA SHABAN CLERICAL OFFICER

61 THEMBO WILLIAM ASANASIO CLERICAL OFFICER

62 EDWEU JOHNSON PETER RECORDS ASSISTANT

63 TINGIRABIGAMBO ODOMARO RECORDS ASSISTANT

64 RUBANGA PETER ONEGI RECORDS ASSISTANT

65 KIBIRANGO JOYCE RECORDS ASSISTANT

66 NYENDE FREDRICK RECORDS ASSISTANT

67 OLEKE DENIS RECORDS ASSISTANT

68 AGARA ONENCAN GEOFFREY RECORDS ASSISTANT

69 ODONGO HUSSEIN OFFICE ATTENDANT

70 NAMUSISI MARGARET OFFICE ATTENDANT

71 AKETCH MIRIA PROCESS SERVER

72 ABEDIGAMBA WILLIAM OYULU PROCESS SERVER

73 ESTATE OF THE LATE SAAKARI SAMUEL CLAUDE PROCESS SERVER

74 KYOSINGIRA STEPHEN KIRIMU- PROCESS SERVER

75 ESTATE OF THE LATE MUKALAZI MARIA PROCESS SERVER

76 MUGADYA SAMUEL ASKARI

77 NAKAWESI FLORENCE ASKARI

78 KIRUNDA CHARLES KAIBANDA DRIVER

79 KABAALE DAVID DRIVER

80 LUYIMBAZI LUYIMA CUTH DRIVER

81 KOMAKECH OTTO JULIUS DRIVER

82 ESTATE OF THE LATE MUKAMUTALA JANE MUHENDA PERSONAL SECRETARY

83 ESTATE OF THE LATE NANYUNJA HARRIET GLENDER ASSISTANT RECORDS OFFICER

84 ESTATE OF THE LATE WATHUM ALEX MACKEY PROCESS SERVER

85 ESTATE OF THE LATE WATEYA EMMANUEL OFFICE ATTENDANT

86 ESTATE OF THE LATE ONZI BOB OFFICE ATTENDANT

Police have arrested the father of a man who told detectives he had killed 49 girls in ritual sacrifice, including a case involving the defilement and murder of a 15-year-old Senior Two student at a lodge in Mbale City in March 2025.

The suspect’s father, a 52-year-old traditional healer, was arrested on Monday by Crime Intelligence operatives led by Assistant Superintendent of Police Ismael Ssenono at Bukoboli Village, Nakalama Parish, Nakalama Sub-county in Iganga District.

Investigators say the father was allegedly aware of the murder of Sumaya Edrisa Binti, a student at Nakaloke Secondary School, who was killed at a lodge in Mbale City on March 23, 2025.

‘The father of the suspect had knowledge that the son had killed a girl in Mbale. He was also aware that his son had been arrested in Mayuge over another human trafficking case of a girl in October 2025. But he has distanced himself from the sacrifice of the girls,’ a police source told Monitor on Wednesday.

‘The police are still holding him to help with the investigations,’ the source added.

The arrests stem from the defilement and murder Binti. The prime suspect is accused of cutting off the victim’s index finger and collecting her blood before abandoning her body in a guesthouse room.

Lodge workers later discovered the body in the room. Binti was found naked and tied to the bed with a mosquito net, according to police.

Police said the suspect telephoned lodge workers, directing them to go to the room and collect their property.

Investigations to track down the killer began immediately but took eight months before the prime suspect was arrested.

The suspect was arrested on Saturday at Budebela cell in Mayuge Town Council, Mayuge District, where police said he confessed to the crime, claiming he had been paid Shs5 million for the victim’s blood and index finger.

Investigators also revealed that the suspect had previously been arrested for allegedly trafficking a 16-year-old girl whom he had kept in a lodge in Mayuge District on June 29, 2025.

In that case, he was produced in court and remanded to prison before being released on bail on October 16, 2025.

Police said that after securing his release, the suspect reconnected with a traditional healer to continue carrying out ritual sacrifices.

Uganda’s Afcon group is taking shape, not in theory but in personnel.

Tunisia, Nigeria and Tanzania have each named their final squads, revealing intentions as much as names.

For the Cranes, who play their final build-up match against Gabon on Wednesday before setting base in Rabat for their first two group matches, preparation now carries sharper edges.

Uganda were the first of the Group C quartet to name their squad and have already signalled intent through early organisation – an 11-day camp in Morocco rather than a late scramble.

Let’s look at what the Cranes are walking into.

Tunisia – structure, balance

Tunisia arrive with familiarity and refinement. Sami Trabelsi has resisted overhaul, choosing continuity with targeted reinforcement. The returns of Ellyes Skhiri and Hannibal Mejbri restore equilibrium to a midfield that prizes control over spectacle.

Defensively, Tunisia remain disciplined and experienced. Ali Maaloul and Yassine Meriah provide leadership, while Montassar Talbi and Dylan Bronn add physical presence. This is a side built to avoid collapse rather than chase chaos.

Uganda’s opening match on December 23 will, therefore, demand patience. Tunisia do not give games away. They suffocate them.

Tunisia squad (28)

Goalkeepers: Dahmen, Ben Saïd, Ben Hassen, Farhati

Defenders: Valery, Ben Ali, Bronn, Talbi, Meriah, Arous, Ghandri, Ben Ouanes, Abdi, Maaloul

Midfielders: Sassi, Skhiri, Tka, Hadj Mahmoud, Gharbi, Hannibal, Sliti, Ben Romdhane

Forwards: Saad, Achouri, Mastouri, Tounekti, Chaouat, Jaziri

Nigeria – depth, danger and expectation

Nigeria’s squad reads like a warning. Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman headline a frontline that few defences relish facing. There is pace, strength and unpredictability across nine forwards.

Eric Chelle’s selection balances firepower with midfield solidity. Ndidi anchors, Iwobi connects, Onyeka presses. At the back, Calvin Bassey and Semi Ajayi offer physical security.

Uganda face Nigeria last, when scenarios may be complicated and margins thinner. This is a team that overwhelms when confident, but occasionally leaves spaces when rhythm breaks.

Nigeria squad (28)

Goalkeepers: Nwabali, Obasogie, Uzoho

Defenders: Bassey, Ajayi, Osayi-Samuel, Onyemaechi, Awaziem, Sanusi, Ogbu, Alebiosu

Midfielders: Iwobi, Onyeka, Ndidi, Onyedika, Nnadi, Dele-Bashiru, Akinsanmiro, Muhammed

Forwards: Ejuke, Adams, Lookman, Chukwueze, Osimhen, Simon, Onuachu, Dessers, Lawal

Tanzania – belief and regional fire

Tanzania come without fear. Miguel Gamondi has trusted familiarity, leaning heavily on Simba, Young Africans and Azam. Mbwana Samatta’s return brings leadership and finishing.

This is a side built on cohesion rather than stars. Their derby against Uganda on December 27 will be emotional, tight and unpredictable.

Tanzania squad (28)

Goalkeepers: Suleiman, Masalanga, Foba

Defenders: Mwamnyeto, Kapombe, Mwaikenda, Hussein, Kibabage, Mkabule, Nnang, Dismas, Nashon, Msindo, Mnoga, Job

Midfielders/Forwards: Abdulla, Iddi, Allouche, Mombwa, Abraham, Salum, Pipino, Suleiman, Selemani, Samatta, Maguli, Lawi, Msuva

Group C will not forgive indecision. Uganda know exactly what awaits.