Category: Daily Monitor

French oil giant TotalEnergies is among 35 international companies excluded from investment by Sweden’s public pension fund AP7, a decision welcomed by Ugandan environmental activists opposing the controversial East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) project.

AP7 said it had expanded the basis for excluding companies with high and difficult-to-assess sustainability risks, citing increasingly unpredictable, conflict-driven global developments.

‘For companies with significant climate impact, a stricter selection will mean that more companies are excluded and resources are concentrated on fewer companies with greater transition potential,’ AP7 said in a statement.

It added that the fund will gradually implement a broader framework for norm-based exclusions, initially focusing on human rights risks in conflict areas, before extending to labour rights, the environment and anti-corruption.

Johan Florén, AP7’s head of communications, said the fund needed additional tools to respond to complex risks.

‘We need more tools to manage risks that are becoming increasingly complex and unpredictable. In addition, we want to be able to allocate more resources to the opportunities that exist,’ Florén said.

TotalEnergies, ranked 25th on the exclusion list and one of only two European firms named, was excluded on the basis of climate and environmental concerns, according to AP7.

While EACOP has not publicly commented on the matter, Uganda’s Energy Minister Ruth Nankabirwa has repeatedly said the pipeline is a priority project for the country and is proceeding as planned.

On Thursday, Ugandan environmental activists, who have protested against the EACOP project since 2022, described the move as long overdue.

‘We have for a long time pleaded with TotalEnergies to abandon the EACOP project which has a devastating environmental impact on society and caused cries to the ordinary people where it is being constructed, but they refused and instead ignored our calls and we think this is timely,’ said Yudah Kaye, chief mobiliser of Students Against EACOP Uganda.

Kaye said the continued detention of activists protesting the project underscored what he described as deeper flaws surrounding EACOP.

‘The continuous detention of our 11 members who were arrested in August while protesting at the head offices of Stanbic Bank is a clear testimony that indeed the project is lacking and needs to be stopped,’ he told Monitor.

TotalEnergies holds a 62 percent stake in the $5 billion (Shs18 trillion) EACOP project, a 1,443-kilometre pipeline designed to transport Uganda’s waxy crude oil from fields in the country’s mid-west to Tanzania’s Indian Ocean port of Tanga.

Other partners include Uganda National Oil Company (15 percent), China National Offshore Oil Corporation (8 percent) and Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (15 percent) under EACOP Ltd.

The project has faced growing funding challenges after several international banks and insurers pulled out following sustained protests and criticism.

Human rights concerns

The AP7 announcement came hours after the Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court further remanded 11 anti-EACOP activists to January 6, 2026, extending their detention to 155 days.

Lawyer Eva Kakuuma said the decision was communicated on December 16 by Magistrate Dan Mwesigwa, after the activists failed to appear for a bail hearing scheduled for December 15 or 16.

‘The attitude with which this case has been handled from its inception aims at frustrating the activists,’ Kakuuma said, adding that some had entered plea bargain agreements with prosecutors.

The activists were arrested on August 1 at Stanbic Bank headquarters, which they accuse of funding EACOP, and charged with common nuisance under the Penal Code Act.

Last month, Human Rights Watch condemned the prolonged detention, urging Ugandan authorities to respect the rights of environmental defenders.

‘Instead of harassing EACOP protestors, the Ugandan authorities should listen to these concerns and respect protesters’ rights to freedom of expression and assembly,’ said Agathe Bounfour, a senior researcher at HRW.

KCCA will head into the month-long break as Startimes Uganda Premier League log leaders after 1-0 win over struggling Buhimba helped open up a five-point advantage at the top.

Vipers can close that gap back to two points with victory away to Lugazi on Wednesday but that will be the least of KCCA’s worries after picking up a fifth straight win.

Three of those victories have been achieved without first choice centre forward Ivan Ahimbisibwe as the rest of the team have stepped up in his absence with the Cranes team at Afcon.

The latest match-winner was Rogers Mugisha on his first start since joining his coach Brian Ssenyondo from Kitara.

The forward finished calmly after chesting down a blocked shot before rolling the ball past Buhimba goalkeeper Jamil Kiyimba on 27 minutes.

It looked like it would open the floodgates against a Buhimba side that has conceded 27 goals the most in the top division thus far.

It also followed a couple of chances missed when Sammy Ssebaduka headed wide a Lazaro Bwambale cross and Kiyimba smothered a Derrick Nsibambi effort.

To their credit. Buhimba, who last week appointed Robert Mukasa as their new coach, stayed compact, limiting KCCA to few goal-scoring opportunities thereafter.

Saidi Mayaja hit the side netting from a tight angle while at the other Anwar Ntege forced KCCA goalkeeper Antony Emojong to keep out his header.

Substitute Alex Yiga then forced a fingertip save from Kiyimba late on as KCCA comfortably saw out the game to move to 26 points after 11 games while Buhimba are third from bottom with 10 points.

Earlier on Tuesday, Police condemned Bul to a fifth straight defeat with a 3-1 win at the Fufa technical Centre in Njeru.

Congolese striker Bedia Ikamba marked his return from injury by sweeping home a cross from Richard Matovu before Karim Ndugwa levelled for Bul with a tap in.

The striker was however guilty of missing a similar chance when he sent over a cross from Martin Aprem with the goal at his mercy.

Bul were then punished at the other end when Daniel Jakony headed in Saidi Kyeyune’s corner before Biran Obedi put the icing on the cake in added time after being set up by a deft touch from Ramsey Jemba.

Police temporarily rise to second with 21 points after 11 games while Bul are 12th on the 16-team log with just 10 points.

UPL Results

KCCA 1-0 Buhimba

Bul 1-3 Police

UPDF 0-0 Nec

Uganda’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Kamuli District Woman MP, Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, is resting after a strenuous presidential campaign tour and is not bedridden, her aide said Wednesday, dismissing circulating rumours as false and defamatory.

Kadaga, one of Uganda’s longest-serving legislators with more than three decades in Parliament, recently led the Busoga sub-region campaign trail for veteran President Museveni and continued mobilisation activities across other regions.

Speaking at a press briefing in Kamuli, her chief campaigner, Felix Isabirye, described the social media claims of her being in critical condition as ‘exaggerated propaganda’ and an infringement on her privacy.

‘Mama Kadaga is on health leave due to campaign fatigue. Her medical team advised her to take bed rest and undergo routine check-ups. Just as God rested on the Sabbath, and civil servants take leave, she too deserves time to rest,’ Isabirye said on Wednesday.

He emphasised that, despite being a workaholic, Kadaga last week presided over the distribution of 50,000 chicks by the National Animal Genetic Resources Centre and Data Bank (NAGRC and DB) to farmers in Kamuli Township before going on leave.

Isabirye declined to disclose her exact location, citing concerns that public disclosure would invite interruptions and disrupt her recovery given her high-profile status.

He warned against what he called ‘harmful propaganda and inhumane pressure’ targeting Kadaga through artificial intelligence-generated video clips, sensational messages, and false death announcements allegedly attributed to the Kyabazinga (king) of Busoga.

‘These falsehoods are being cooked up to portray her as too weak to effectively support President Museveni’s campaign,’ Isabirye said, adding: ‘As for her own race, voters have already assured her of their support and even asked her not to over-exert herself.’

Earlier this week, social media posts claimed Kadaga had been airlifted to Aga Khan Hospital in Nairobi in a worrying condition, reports that Isabirye categorically denied.

Kadaga, who has served in Parliament continuously since 1989, remains a central figure in Ugandan politics, balancing her legislative duties with active participation in national campaigns.

Kadaga is seeking to retain her seat as Kamuli District Woman MP in Uganda’s General Election on January 15, 2026, which will decide the next parliament and president.

Police in Kira Division, Wakiso District, are investigating the death of a two-year-old girl who drowned in an unfinished swimming pool.

The deceased has been identified as Elsie Apio, daughter of Oki David, a pharmacist and resident of Kira Cell, Kira Municipality.

Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Racheal Kawala said the tragedy occurred on December 16, 2025.

Preliminary reports indicate that around 10:00 a.m., Apio and her twin sibling were taken by their father to play at a neighbour’s unfinished building.

The twins were later returned home, but about an hour later, after receiving a call from his wife asking about Apio’s whereabouts, the father rushed home and joined neighbours to search the construction site.

‘The child was found floating in a pool of water that had collected in an under-construction swimming pool,’ Kawala said, adding: ‘Police examined and documented the scene before conveying the body to KCCA Mortuary in Mulago for postmortem examination.’

She added that investigations are ongoing. ‘We are currently awaiting the postmortem results and any other critical evidence. Updates will be provided as investigations progress.’

Kawala urged parents, guardians, and caretakers to exercise extra caution and ensure the safety of children, particularly around unfinished buildings and water-filled areas.

According to the police annual crime report 2023, drowning remains the most significant water-related offence in Uganda, despite a drop of 119 cases in 2024.

A total of 190 maritime-related offences were recorded last year, marking an 8 percent increase from 176 cases in 2023.

Consumer behaviour in Uganda has shifted so sharply that the traditional December shopping cycle is losing some of its former relevance.

Ugandans are no longer saving for one big festive spend; they are buying continuously, driven by daily needs, stretched incomes, and the influence of global retail culture.

This is driven by rising day-to-day living costs, stretched household incomes, and the need to prioritise essentials. Many consumers now make smaller, continuous purchases rather than a single large outlay, balancing affordability with necessity. This shift is further reinforced by global retail culture, where constant promotions, online shopping, and year-round sales events encourage ongoing spending rather than seasonal saving.

As a result, the festive season has become less about one major financial moment and more about a gradual build-up shaped by economic pressure and changing consumer habits.

Yet, this festive season, businesses across Uganda are still gearing up for what remains one of the most lucrative windows of the year.

Christmas is still synonymous with enjoyment, family gatherings, and festivities, creating predictable patterns of consumer behaviour and clear business opportunities.

Christmas in Uganda is more than a holiday-it is a cultural spectacle that turns December into a month of heavy spending, travel, and celebration.

‘I’m telling traders and businesspeople,’ says Abubakar Muhammad Moki, executive director of the Uganda Network of Businesses, ‘it is not about discovering new markets. It is about positioning yourself to meet the needs Ugandans already prioritise every December.’

For most Ugandans, Christmas is a cultural event marked by enjoyment, family gatherings, and seasonal indulgence.

This tradition-driven mindset creates predictable spending patterns, with the commercial upswing starting roughly two weeks before Christmas and stretching about two weeks beyond, energising nearly every sector of the economy.

Here are some that consistently cash in on the Christmas boom, proving that even amid changing habits, the festive economy still holds plenty of promise.

Clothing

Clothing is always in fashion when it comes to festive spending. No matter their income, Ugandan families feel the irresistible urge to step out in something new-or at least new to them.

The desire to look their best at Christmas gatherings and church services sends demand soaring in both urban markets and rural trading centers. Even the smallest upcountry traders enjoy rare sales spikes as travellers return home bearing gifts and new outfits.

Food and drink vendors

Food and drink vendors also enjoy exceptional business. Although tastes vary across regions-with some households favouring rice while others prioritise posho-the overall surge in consumption is unmistakable.

Chapati becomes a fast-moving street item, and meat sales rise dramatically as families seek goat, beef, chicken, pork and even mutton to anchor their Christmas meals.

Alongside these staples, beverages dominate shopping lists, with both sodas and alcoholic drinks recording some of their highest annual turnovers during this period.

Transport operators

Transport operators arguably enjoy the biggest seasonal windfall. The mass movement of people from cities to their rural homes creates unprecedented demand for transport, often pushing routes and terminals beyond capacity. Taxi drivers, bus companies, boda boda riders and fuel station owners report significant increases in business as travellers rush to beat the festive crowds.

In many rural areas, the influx of returning residents injects fresh cash into local trading centres, temporarily boosting their micro-economies.

Accommodation providers also find themselves in an advantageous position. With transport systems overwhelmed, many travellers end up stranded in transit towns and are forced to seek short-term lodging.

Lodges and guesthouses fill up quickly, and even modest room operators in small trading centres can make unusually high profits during this period.

Grooming and cosmetics

Moki also points to grooming and cosmetics as a quietly thriving industry during Christmas. Beauty shops, salons and barbershops experience heavy traffic as people prepare themselves for church services, visits and end-of-year events. For many, appearance becomes part of the celebration, turning personal care into yet another dependable seasonal business.

From his perspective, the Christmas economy offers a rare chance even for small or first-time entrepreneurs to earn meaningful income. The combination of cultural obligation, family tradition and widespread travel ensures that demand is both strong and predictable.

For those seeking quick business opportunities, the festive season is less about discovering new markets and more about positioning oneself to serve needs that Ugandans unfailingly prioritise every December.

One of the clearest casualties of this year’s shifting behaviour is the events sector – usually a Christmas powerhouse.

Events industry

This industry is marked by bookings, postponements, and election anxiety.

To understand how festive business is shifting in Uganda, look no further than the events industry-one of the season’s biggest service providers.

Lilian Kansiime Bagota, chief executive officer of Lian Events, which has planned some of the city’s most talked-about parties, says the landscape is changing.

‘These days the biggest chunk of wedding budgets goes to decoration and photography,’ she explains.

‘Clients care more about aesthetics and capturing memories than anything else.’

But this year, the festive calendar is feeling the strain.

Most people are preparing for a modest Christmas, as they plan to cut back on Christmas spending.

Bagota attributes the slowdown to two factors: elections and tighter finances.

‘It is not as busy as last year because of the elections,’ she says. ‘I’m booked, but not overly booked. It is going to be hectic, but not overwhelming.’

Even fully booked dates don’t tell the whole story. The spending power of clients has shrunk compared to previous years.

‘I’m not seeing the high-end clients. Weddings are now for 50 to 100 guests. Events are not as exaggerated as they used to be,’ she adds.

Election anxiety has also forced some couples to reschedule entirely.

‘A couple who was supposed to wed on December 13th moved their date to February,’ Bagota says.

She notes that the diaspora, often the biggest spenders, is further slowing the season.

‘People have relatives flying in from the UK, Qatar, and other places. They’re saying, ‘Because of elections, I’ll go to Uganda after.’ That is why so many are postponing,’ she explains.

For event planners like Bagota, the festive season is still profitable-but the patterns are shifting, and businesses must adapt to the new reality of cautious spending and election-related uncertainty.

A shift in spending patterns

But is Christmas still the same?

Christmas remains one of Uganda’s busiest spending seasons. But senior economist Dr Fred Muhumuza warns that consumer behaviour is evolving.

‘The trends we are seeing today reflect reality,’ he says. ‘People buy both online and offline. Ugandans no longer save all year for one big festive spend-needs arise, and they spend as they go.’

Items once reserved for Christmas are now purchased throughout the year.

‘Traditionally, a cow would only be slaughtered at Christmas. But now, families slaughter a cow almost every weekend. People buy what they need and move on,’ Muhumuza explains.

Global retail culture is also leaving its mark.

‘The December buying cycle is no longer the main driver,’ he adds.

Even in a country with summer all year, these global trends have taken root. Early discounts are drawing shoppers away from the traditional festive rush. ‘Any Ugandan trader insisting on the Christmas rush risks missing out. People are already spending,’ he cautions.

Financial strategy is changing too. ‘Many are saving for land, others for school fees. Financial literacy is growing. Traders in school supplies still have a strong market-January is for buying school items before schools open in February,’ Muhumuza notes.

Reflecting on the changes, he adds thoughtfully, ‘As for Christmas shopping, I’m no longer very certain.’

The High Court has halted the cutting down of a central forest and the National Agricultural Research Organisation research by Victorious Car Bond in Mukono District.

In an interim injunction order issued by Judge Stephen Mubiru last Wednesday, Victorious Car Bond activities on Kifu Central Forest Reserve land FRV 1585 Folio 23, Block 535 Plot 219 at Malaje and Kasayi, Kaggwe, Mukono, have been restrained until the case has been disposed of.

‘It is hereby ordered that the respondent, its servants, agents, employees, assignees, successors in title and such other persons claiming under it, are hereby restrained from dealing in, transacting, alienating, developing, or in any way destroying or interfering with applicant’s property, research trials and natural forest found on land comprised in Kifu Central Forest Reserve (specifically the area claimed by the respondent under Freehold Certificate of Title FRV 1585 Folio 23, Block 535 Plot 219 at Malaje and Kasayi, Kaggwe, Mukono until the final hearing and determination/disposal of the main application,’ the court interim injunction reads.

The court ruling followed NARO suing Victorious Car Bond Ltd for ownership of 114.9 hectares of forested land. In 2017, Victorious Car Bond claimed ownership of 114.9 hectares of the 1,419 hectares of forest reserve located in Nama and Mpoma sub-counties in Mukono District. The car bond is said to have obtained land titles for the forested land from the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development.

The investors claimed that the forest had been deforested since it was near urban areas. But the government had earlier rejected proposals to deforest the central forest reserve for human development.

Part of the Kifu Central Reserve Forest was licensed by the National Forestry Authority to the National Forestry Resources Research Institute (NaFORRI), a public research arm of the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO), to study local trees and protect the catchment area of Lake Victoria.

When the ownership wrangle escalated, the NFA and NARO invited the police and the army to protect the forest from encroachment. The security personnel blocked the erasing of the forest and the research centre.

Victorious Car Bond owners petitioned the Minister of Internal Affairs, claiming that the police were being misused to prevent them from developing their land. In a letter dated October 17, 2025, the Minister of Internal Affairs, Maj Gen Kahinda Otafiire, wrote to the police directing them not to interfere with the investor’s operations, but they should give him protection.

‘Anyone with an objection to their proprietorship or occupancy of the land ought to pursue the same in courts of law and refrain from misusing the Uganda Police. Police do not decide on land matters; it only protects decisions of the Ministry of Lands and courts of law,’ Maj Gen Otafiire wrote to the Inspector General of Police Abas Byakagaba.

The police withdrew their forces. Last month, the workers of Victorious Car Bond started cutting down part of the central forest reserve, which they say they acquired from the Ministry of Land, Housing, and Urban Development.

But the Ministry of Water and Environment says that an individual can’t own part of the forest, which hasn’t been degazetted. Last month, the Ministry of Water and Environment wrote to the police Inspector General of Police seeking urgent deployment of officers to save a forest reserve and agricultural research centre that Victorious Car Bond had started destroying.

The Monitor understands that the Environment Protection Police Unit has agreed to deploy troops today (Tuesday) in accordance with the court order.

Uganda and Syria have pledged to deepen their diplomatic relations and open diplomatic missions in the two countries. Currently both countries have no diplomatic representations. While Syria has a consulate in Uganda, all Uganda’s relations with Syria are handled by its mission in Cairo.

During the Syrian day celebrations over the weekend in Kampala, the state minister for foreign affairs in charge of international relations, Henry Okello Oryem said though the two have never had diplomatic missions, they have had warm relations over the years, with Uganda opening its door to the Syrian businesses and refugees.

‘So in terms of bilateral cooperation between Uganda, we hope that this opens new doors towards a bilateral trade between our two countries, because we have not had a bilateral or diplomatic missions between our two countries since independence,’ he said.

‘But we hope that with this new development, Uganda can now open a mission in Syria and the consulate here in Uganda can be upgraded to a full embassy,’ he added.

Delve in food export, reconstruction

Oryem urged Ugandans to exploit the opportunity and start exporting agricultural products to Syria, saying that is a virgin area that has never been tapped.

‘There is a lot of opportunities in agriculture, which we hope that we can sell a lot of our agriculture products. It’s a market that we can never satisfy in terms of our agriculture opportunities. Our bananas, our fruits, our vegetables, our cereals, a lot of opportunities. And if we strategically place ourselves properly, we can have opportunity to export numerous and enormous amount of our products,’ he said.

Oryem said Syria is undergoing reconstruction under years of conflicts and that qualified Ugandans, especially engineers and IT experts should take the advantage to go to the country and participate in the reconstruction works.

He also said Syria has highly qualified professionals from whom Ugandan students can learn to improve their skills.

‘And also, similar to hope in terms of this, are highly educated and trained individuals. And we hope that by that we can also have opportunities to send our students to work closely with them in order for our students to educate and gain experience in that country,’ he said.

Dr Tamouh Mustafa, the Syrian honorary consul in Kampala said the years of civil war and dictatorship under the Assad family had ruined the country and that now is the time to rebuild what was once avibrant economy in the Middle East.

‘I bring you greeting perfumed with the jasmine of Damascus. A greeting from the people who refuse humiliation. A people whose nature is to love all. For nearly 14 years, the world has seen little of Syria except violence and events until the mention of her name became unwelcome among many nations. Her people found few countries willing to receive them,’ he said.

Painfully for Syrians, and people who have always opened their homes and hearts to nations suffering from war throughout history. One year ago, on this very day, Syria opened a new page in our history, written by heroes who feared none but Allah. They give their lives and their wealth to grant us this great gift, opening the way for us to rebuild Syria. We salute them with respect and we are certain their sacrifices will never be in vain, neither in the world nor the hereafter,’ he added.

He said amidst the chaos and the events that unfolded far in the Middle East, Uganda never abandoned the people of Syrian, even when many across the globe turned their backs on the citisens from the country.

‘Uganda opened its doors to Syrians from the very beginning of the revolution until it became a second home for many. Brotherly family ties have grown between Syrians and Ugandans. On this occasion, I extend heartfelt thanks to the government and people of Uganda. In my name and in the name of Syrians government and in the name of all Syrians, Syria strong as iron, looks forward to building strong relationships with Africa in general and with Uganda in particular,’ he said.

Dr Mustafa said Uganda has received delegations from top Syrian government officials in the recent time and this can only help in furthering relationship between the two countries.

‘Many Syrians officials have visited Uganda in the past year, including the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Syria. Numerous meetings and discussions have been taking place, which we hope will result in agreements across all in the future,’ he said.

Medical workers have reported a significant decline in cases of hospital-acquired infections following the introduction of on-site chlorine generators by the Ministry of Health and in partners.

Chlorine is used for surface disinfection in health facilities.

In a new report by the Ministry and PATH, a nonprofit global health organisation, there was more than a 50 percent reduction in germ load on hospital surfaces following the introduction of the chlorine generator.

‘Assessment of microbial contamination on high-touch surfaces revealed that health facilities using STREAM devices saw a 56% reduction in microbial load compared to 28% reductions in control sites using standard chlorine for disinfection,’ the report reads.

‘Furthermore, surfaces cleaned with STREAM chlorine were found to meet international cleanliness thresholds (ATP – Adenosine Triphosphate, less than 50) in 93% of samples, compared to 87% for commercial chlorine, 40% for Alcohol-Based Hand Rub,’ the report reads further.

Explaining the reality on the ground, Dr Emmanuel Amalai of the Kampala-based Kisenyi Health IV, said before the introduction of the device, they struggled with frequent stock-outs of disinfectants.

‘Since the introduction of the STREAM device, we can produce 0.5% ready-to-use chlorine using the two machines that we got, producing 40 to 80 litres of chlorine from each machine daily, which was a significant increase,’ he said.

‘Previously, our workers could use normal soap for cleaning, which would not give the desired results. Currently, Jik produced using this machine is used 24-7 in all units of the facility.”

Dr Amalai said as a result, there is a notable reduction in patients acquiring infections from their facility. ‘Between November last year and February this year, I used to visit the postnatal ward and every time they are discharging a post-operative patient, you find this one who has developed sepsis,’ he explained.

‘But from around May this year, since they introduced the machine to date, I have never seen any mother reporting sepsis because they are using the disinfectants as much as possible. Previously, they would ask mothers to come with Jik, but today it is not required, and so mothers are very happy,’ he added.

His experience is not very different from that of Dr Godfrey Kisembo from Kiryandongo Hospital. He said he is also seeing declines in hospital-acquired infections, better scent when compared to the commercial Jik they were using before.

‘Many times when I go to the theatre where this Jik from the STREAM device is being utilised, you feel the difference -the environment is smelling good, and it’s not smelling Jik. This is very easy to sustain. Salt (the main ingredient used by the device) is very cheap, so I wouldn’t wish to see a facility saying they can’t afford the salt,’ he added.

According to the report, the use of the device was found to ‘generate an average of 64-83% in cost savings in operational costs for health centres and district hospitals.’

How device works

Ms Robinah Ajok, the programme officer under the stream chlorination project at PATH Uganda, explained that apart from salt, water and the device, the power source is needed to generate the disinfectant.

‘This salt is mixed with water. If you want to generate 20 litres of the hypochlorite solution for disinfection, all you need to do is 300g of salt (a third of a kilogram), and then mix with 20 litres of water to make a salt solution,’ she said. Sodium hypochlorite is the active ingredient in most household bleaches, and it kills germs even at very low concentrations and is excellent at removing stains and unpleasant odours

Many women are silently battling uterine fibroids, non-cancerous growths in the uterus that can cause heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, swelling, and even fertility problems in the Bugisu Sub-region. For instance, a 37-year-old Mukyaye first felt a sharp cramp in her lower abdomen, and she dismissed it as a normal menstrual issue. She was in her late 20s, living in Bugema B, Mbale City, and like many women, she believed painful periods were something to persevere through, no question. But the discomfort soon grew into something more alarming. ‘One day, I started having very painful cramps and heavy bleeding. I thought it was normal, but it kept happening every month,’ she says. Over time, the symptoms intensified.

After getting married, she hoped the situation would improve, but her health only worsened. She began fainting during her periods, and the bleeding became heavier and more irregular. ‘My husband took me to the hospital, and the doctors told me I had large fibroids that needed surgery,’ she says. ‘Out of fear, I asked my husband if we could first try herbal medicine.’ She used herbal remedies for months. Nothing changed. People in her community told her that getting pregnant would make the fibroids shrink, but despite trying, she did not conceive. The pressure became unbearable, and eventually she agreed to undergo surgery. Although the procedure was successful, her symptoms gradually returned.

The emotional, physical, and financial strain began to spill into her home. ‘There came a time when my husband started misbehaving. My periods lasted up to 10 days, and I still wasn’t getting pregnant. One morning, he just left. He only sent me a message saying he was tired of my problems. I was so broken,’ she says. Today, Ms Mukyaye still battles pain and is saving money to seek specialised care. ‘I just want a life without this constant suffering,’ she says. Across Bugisu, more women are opening up about the painful, sometimes life-altering impact of uterine fibroids, non-cancerous growths that develop in or around the uterus. Often unnoticed until symptoms become severe, fibroids disrupt daily life and take a toll on both physical and emotional wellbeing.

Health workers say facilities are seeing a growing number of women seeking treatment for fibroid-related complications, especially heavy bleeding, anaemia, infertility, and severe pelvic pain. Dr Lilian Namuguzi, a retired senior gynaecologist in Mbale now helping in maternal research, says there is an upward trend in cases. ‘In our daily clinics, a high number of women present with symptoms suggestive of fibroids. Many come late, when the fibroids are already large and causing complications,’ she says. She adds that one of the biggest challenges is delayed diagnosis due to a lack of awareness. For 43-year-old Jessica Apio, life with fibroids was a cycle of fear, exhaustion, and confusion. Her menstrual periods lasted up to 10 days, accompanied by heavy bleeding and severe pain that radiated from her back into her legs.

A medical examination later revealed a fibroid almost the size of a grapefruit. Her doctor recommended a hysterectomy, the complete removal of the uterus. ‘It felt drastic. Losing my uterus felt like losing part of my identity,’ she recalls. ‘I was not ready for such a life-changing decision.’ Fear made her postpone surgery. She kept going for check-ups, hoping the fibroid would stop growing. During one visit, her doctor cautioned her about the risks of not treating fibroids. Eventually, she learnt about Uterine Fibroid Embolisation (UFE), a less invasive procedure that shrinks fibroids without surgery. ‘After the treatment, the recovery was so quick. My heavy bleeding reduced immediately, and the back pain disappeared,’ she says.

Ms Sharon Tuwebaza, 34, a resident of Mbale City, who lived with a fibroid that destabilised her life for years, says she experienced symptoms including frequent urination, backaches, and fatigue. ‘I went to the bathroom every two hours. I was always tired, and my productivity at work dropped,’ Ms Tuwebaze, says. Doctors say the rise in fibroid cases is influenced by a combination of factors including genetics, hormonal imbalance, delayed childbirth, and lifestyle changes. Despite the growing prevalence of fibroids, awareness remains low. Many women do not know the symptoms, and others rely on misinformation passed down through generations.

According to a 2022 study at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital in Uganda, about 28.2 percent of women attending the gynaecology clinic were found to have uterine fibroids, that is 90 out of 319 women screened via ultrasound. Of those diagnosed, around 74 percent reported symptoms such as pelvic pain (72 percent), heavy or irregular menstrual bleeding (63 percent), pelvic mass (22 percent), or difficulty conceiving (10 percent). These findings suggest that fibroids are a common and significant health concern for reproductive-age women in Uganda, underscoring the importance of accessible screening, early diagnosis, and proper care for women across different regions.

Dr Samuel Mugabi, a reproductive health specialist, says cultural beliefs often delay treatment. ‘Many women are told that fibroids are a normal part of womanhood, or that they will disappear after childbirth,’ he says. Cost is another critical barrier. Private hospitals charge between Shs3m and Shs7m for a myomectomy (fibroid removal), depending on complexity. Advanced procedures like UFE are available in a few facilities and can cost even more.

How relevant is a bank in supporting the economy play its rightful role?

Banks play a critical role in shaping the kind of economy we want to build as a country. Financing is not just about extending credit; it is about enabling transformation. For Uganda, that means supporting sectors that drive inclusive growth, create jobs, and build resilience in communities.

We are intentional about channeling capital towards sectors that are central to Uganda’s development priorities. Our lending strategy aligns closely with the government’s ten-fold strategy, particularly in areas such as agro-industrialisation, manufacturing, digital transformation, trade expansion, and infrastructure. This ensures that our financing directly contributes to national growth ambitions.

Over the past year, lending to the trade sector increased significantly and now makes up 26 percent of our loan portfolio, reflecting our commitment to fuelling commerce and strengthening private-sector competitiveness. Personal and household loans also grew to 27 percent, up from 24 percent, as we responded to rising demand for accessible financial solutions.

Agriculture and manufacturing, two sectors critical to Uganda’s long-term development, currently account for 10 percent and 9 percent of our loan book, respectively.

We continue to support agribusinesses, value chains, and industrial players through tailored financing, and we are actively exploring new opportunities to expand in these areas.

Promoting an inclusive economy requires expanding access to financial services. We are deepening partnerships with fintechs, mobile network operators, and community-based institutions to bank the unbanked and underserved.

Through these collaborations, we are enabling more Ugandans to save, borrow, transact, and access digital financial services that were previously out of reach.

Our approach to lending is anchored in impact and sustainability, ensuring that capital flows to areas that drive long-term economic value while aligning with Uganda’s broader development goals.

It was not long ago that you acquired Standard Chartered’s retail and wealth banking operations. How will this development redefine your operation?

Acquiring Standard Chartered’s retail and wealth banking operations presents a significant opportunity to strengthen our market presence and expand our customer offering.

While this transaction is still a work in progress and awaits regulatory approval, we are laying the foundations for a smooth and successful integration.

Effective leadership and teamwork are critical in such transitions, particularly in our sector where banks are custodians of customer deposits and trust is paramount. It requires aligning teams around a shared vision, clarifying roles, and fostering an environment where people feel empowered to act decisively.

Absa has demonstrated this capability across the continent, notably through the successful transition from Barclays to Absa Bank and the acquisition of HSBC operations in Mauritius. These experiences showcase the expertise we bring both locally in Uganda and across our Pan-African footprint.

I reassure Standard Chartered customers that they will experience the same high standards they expect.

Absa combines a strong heritage, a comprehensive product suite with tech-enabled solutions to ensure continuity, a seamless customer experience, and recognition as a Domestic Systemically Important Bank (DSIB) by the Bank of Uganda.

This process is about combining strong leadership, teamwork, and a customer-first approach to deliver a smooth integration, reinforce trust, and demonstrate that Absa is fully equipped to provide a modern, reliable, and high-quality banking experience for all our customers.

Financial sector is not immune to technological pressures and a high regulatory environment. How do you navigate this situation?

The financial sector today operates in an environment of constant change. Regulatory requirements are evolving, technological advancements are reshaping how we serve our customers, and customer expectations continue to rise.

While these factors create significant opportunities, they also place pressure on teams to adapt quickly while maintaining high standards.

We are working towards delivering on the four strategic pillars of our refreshed strategy. By putting the customer at the centre of everything we do, we are driving customer-led growth through tailored, relevant solutions.

We are building a diversified Pan-African business by fostering collaboration and leveraging opportunities across markets.

By embedding accountability, continuous improvement, and high standards into everything we do, we are driving excellence. By encouraging innovation, initiative, and informed risk-taking, we are unlocking new growth opportunities that will strengthen our position and impact across Uganda and the wider continent.

According to the Uganda Communications Commission, as of September 2024, there were 45.6 million registered mobile money accounts in Uganda, with 30.4 million active users.

Smartphone penetration stands at approximately 33 percent, driven by affordability and the popularity of mobile-first platforms, especially among youth, highlighting the increasing role of digital services in advancing financial inclusion.

Technology is at the heart of how we design solutions that make everyday banking seamless while strengthening our connections with customers.

We are reimagining the customer experience to provide convenience, speed, and real value that meets the needs of today’s connected lifestyle.

We are exploring Artificial Intelligence integration across areas such as credit, reporting, and our contact centre to boost productivity and efficiency. Our goal is to combine technology with human empathy, ensuring interactions are not only fast and convenient but also personalised. This digital transformation is not just about automation-it is about creating meaningful impact.

Any lessons from the bank’s digital transformation journey?

One of the biggest lessons from our digital transformation journey is that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Markets are different, so what works in Nigeria, for example, may not necessarily work in Uganda.

Digital capabilities are deeply intertwined with internet and network connectivity, and adoption can take time. People may be initially hesitant, but if we clearly demonstrate the benefits and continuously educate them, acceptance grows steadily.

Another key lesson is that technology must solve real customer problems. It should not be digital for the sake of being digital; its value lies in how it improves convenience, access, and overall customer experience.

Technology must also enable human connection – it should feel personal and empathetic to avoid losing the emotional connectivity that builds trust and loyalty with our clients.

Finally, collaboration is critical. In a market like ours, we often partner with fintechs and other innovators who bring unique capabilities.

By working together, we can deliver solutions that we could not develop alone, ensuring that our customers benefit from a modern, digitally enabled and human-centred banking experience.

Where do you see Absa Uganda in the next decade?

Our ambition is to deepen financial inclusion by making banking more accessible, convenient, and relevant for all Ugandans from urban entrepreneurs to rural farmers.

We aim to expand digital access so that everyone, regardless of location, can benefit from modern financial services.

At the same time, we shall continue to support national growth by financing sectors that drive economic transformation including agriculture, manufacturing, trade, and Small and Medium Enterprises and by doing so help to create jobs and build resilient communities.