Category: Daily Monitor

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.

As Uganda approaches its general election on January 15, 2026, the political terrain is once again animated by the familiar rhythm of rallies, manifestos and strategic alignments. The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), with its entrenched grassroots networks and incumbency advantage, is widely expected to retain a commanding majority in Parliament. But this numerical dominance, while politically advantageous, should not obscure a deeper democratic imperative: the need for quality representation across the aisle.

The architecture of Uganda’s Parliament-like its Westminster progenitor-was not merely designed for arithmetic supremacy, but as a deliberative forum: a space where the nation’s conscience is voiced, contested and refined. But now, with the game reduced to numbers, debate is often eclipsed by dominance, and the chamber echoes less with reasoned argument than with rehearsed applause.The etymology of the word Parliament, from the French parler (to speak), is instructive. It reminds us that speech, not silence; argument, not acquiescence; scrutiny, not submission-are the lifeblood of legislative democracy.In this regard, the Opposition’s role is not diminished by its minority status.

On the contrary, it is elevated. Where the ruling party may legislate, the Opposition political parties must interrogate. Where the majority may consolidate, the minority must illuminate. This is not obstructionism; it is democratic oxygen.The National Unity Platform (NUP), People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) and Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), among others, were unable to match the NRM seat for seat in this election. But they can-and must-compensate with few but quality candidates, disciplined caucuses and articulate parliamentary performance.In the outgoing 11th Parliament, Opposition MPs like Mathias Mpuuga, Joel Ssenyonyi, Jonathan Odur, and Asuman Basalirwa, and a handful of the NRM MPs, like Jessica Ababiku, Theodore Ssekikuubo, Amero Susan have demonstrated that a single voice, well-prepared and principled, can shift national conversations.

Their interventions have not only exposed governance gaps but have also elevated the standards of debate in the House. This is the model the Opposition must replicate and scale. Every seat they win should be a platform for excellence, not a place holder for political symbolism. The electorate, especially in urban constituencies, is increasingly discerning. They are not merely voting for parties-they are voting for competence, courage and clarity.As a reformist within the NRM, I must also acknowledge a hard truth: numerical dominance can breed complacency.

Too many of NRM MPs have retreated into silence, content to ride the wave of party loyalty without contributing meaningfully to parliamentary discourse. This is not sustainable. The NRM must not only win elections; it must earn its majority through performance, not just presence. The upcoming elections should not just be a contest of manifestos; they should be a referendum on the quality of Uganda’s legislative culture.

Will Parliament be a chamber of rubber stamps or a crucible of ideas? Will MPs be party delegates or national stewards?What the Opposition lacks in numbers, it must make up for in quality of its MPs in the House. And what the ruling party enjoys in numbers, it must justify with substance. For in the end, a healthy democracy is not measured by the size of its majorities, but by the strength of its debates, the integrity of its representatives, and the accountability of its institutions.

I recently had a conversation with a long-time friend who runs a wholesale merchandise business. He shared his frustrations about sourcing quality supplies in sufficient volumes here in Uganda. He often finds himself waiting for imported items such as rice and salt from neighbouring countries, particularly Kenya and Tanzania.

Curious, I looked into Uganda’s recent trade patterns, and some findings were striking. Despite abundant land, favourable climate, and raw materials, our local production falls short of growing domestic demand.

Uganda remains a net importer of several key commodities: cereals (especially wheat and rice), potatoes, onions, salt, cement, and animal or vegetable fats and oils. In 2024 alone, cereal imports totalled $486 million, animal and vegetable olis $390 million, and salt, cement, and related products $206 million.

Potato imports reached $10 million. This trend highlights a critical issue: We continue to invest a significant share of our national capital in small-scale, low-value projects with limited impact, while large-scale manufacturing, industrial infrastructure, and transformative investments remain underdeveloped. Much of the responsibility for the large projects has been left to the private sector, which itself is constrained by financing, scale, and capacity.

Kenya offers a useful example: The Kenyan government has made deliberate and sustained investments in large-scale infrastructure, industrialisation, and agro-processing. Through special economic zones, industrial parks, and value-add manufacturing, Kenya is successfully integrating agriculture into manufacturing sectors such as textiles, leather, and processed foods.

These investments generated over $13 billion in export earnings in 2024 and created thousands of skilled jobs. Uganda’s development budget, by comparison, remains modest. In FY 2024/25, the Uganda Investment Authority reported $3 billion in licensed projects, mostly spread across small-scale industrial parks. Public allocations for agro-industrialisation, such as the $500 million FY2025/26 budget, represent less than 1 percent of GDP-far below Kenya’s investment share. Developing large-scale projects requires effective planning, significant capital, and access to affordable financing.

Yet, borrowing in Uganda remains prohibitively expensive. With interest rates averaging around 21 percent, a loan of Shs1 billion carries an immediate interest obligation of about Shs210 million, even before the money is deployed. Addressing this calls for government intervention and instituitional support. Recapitalising institutions like the Uganda Development Bank to enable them offer affordable, long-term financing to qualifying projects at single-digit interest rates, denominated in local currency.

Another critical avenue is encouraging public listing. Globally, most of the world’s largest corporations, such as Apple, Microsoft, and Amazon, are publicly listed, benefiting from wider access to capital, diverse boards of directors, and professional risk management. Uganda has only 18 listed companies (Kenya has 63), highlighting a major gap in our capital market development.

Expanding public listings would support large-scale projects with stable financing, stronger governance, and institutional longevity beyond their founders. To maximise the impact of large-scale investments, Uganda must also prioritise sectors where it holds a clear comparative advantage, including agro-processing, renewable energy, and ICT.

Developing integrated industrial and agro-processing parks would allow firms to share utilities, reduce production costs, strengthen supply chains, and link rural producers to national and regional markets. Finally, Uganda must reallocate its national budget to strike a strategic balance between supporting small businesses and investing in large-scale projects.

While initiatives such as the Parish Development Model have channelled significant resources to small enterprises, over-reliance on them limits broader economic transformation. Redirecting part of the budget towards capital-intensive, high-impact initiatives would create sustainable jobs, drive value addition, and strengthen economic resilience, while still nurturing the small business sector.

Despite efforts to modernise, Uganda is yet to fully adapt to electoral technologies.

All aspects of the electoral process, including communications, verification, and the exercise itself, can be secured and made accountable with technology.

As the government slowly adopts electoral technology, innovators are developing products and services that, if adapted by authorities, could redefine how the population engages in the process.

With the country now in the thick of the campaign period, Events Gallery innovator and architect Zakaria Mukasa Kyeyune said in an interview week that his app prescribes a solution for campaign violence, malice, and misinformation.

‘We are eliminating situations that could lead to disruptions, violence, and even littering during the electioneering period,’ says the innovator, also known as Haji Salongo

He continues: ‘You will be able to know what, where and when everything pertaining to the candidates participating in the election across all the levels is.’

Because it is election period, this is just one of the menus that the app innovation offers, by the innovator who is not just a tech enthusiast but also a professional architect.

If you are a candidate, through the app you can digitally reach out to an audience at any time with your programme and messages, eliminating inconveniences that comes with electoral violence and misinformation during the electioneering period.

‘We bring the candidates to somebody’s hands as opposed to somebody going out for the candidates.

Especially for busy people at work and therefore cannot afford to physically attend campaigns or our people working and living in diaspora this innovation addresses your concern.’

Motivation

We wanted to make it easier for people to navigate events in the most convenient way. And now that we are in the digital era, all you need in gallery of events to select from just like you would do in an art gallery or a shop.

On collaboration and partnership

This is a technology that we wouldn’t mind collaborating or partnering with whoever wishes to work with us. It has value that several sectors both in the public and private sector can immensely benefit from.

‘Can you imagine the value that political parties or electoral agencies wanting peaceful campaigns or clean electoral exercise can extract from this product?’

Or even can you imagine a collaboration with the Nation Media Group the kind of impact we will generate for the better.

‘So, we don’t mind partnerships with anybody or any agencies for as long as we are positively changing or impacting society by way of fostering peaceful democratic processes devoid of voter bribery and violence,’ says Haji Salongo.

Controls

Because we care about the country and the community, the app has controls that ensure sanity prevails.

‘Only registered people can post information and messages. And even when you post it doesn’t go to everyone but the targeted audience. And even then, the administrator will be mindful of foul languages and related insanity.

The administrator ensures community rules which are a set of guidelines and a code of conduct that define acceptable behaviours and content for members of an online community are strictly observed.

‘Once all the boxes are ticked the administrator clicks the button and everyone who is supposed to see your message will see it as you intended it.

‘Note that only two people can alter or edit your message – first is you the person who sends and the second person is the administrator. And that’s all.’

So, for the case of the candidate, you can post all sort of information for as long as it doesn’t offend the community rules. And so are other events.

The app is also interactive. You get to see your messages instantly and can engage with your audience.

Future

For now, because we are in the political season, it may seem like we are all about the election. The app does more than that – it’s actually a gallery of events.

With the population increasingly having access to phones it means more Ugandans are going digitally.

‘Almost 12 million people have smartphones. So, this is why we believe information can be brought to people’s hands via mobile phone rather than people chasing after it,’ he says in interview last week on Thursday.

He continued: ‘So far this is the biggest app in the country, if not in the region. We haven’t seen something like this around the continent yet

The architect and the innovator

Who is this guy? He quipped, when asked if there is any other thing he wishes to say.

‘I’m an architect by profession. It’s my talent and love. This is because I like solving problems. And because of that I can also describe myself as an innovator.

‘My father, Haji Abbas Kazibwe Musisi was an innovator all through his life. His m

The High Court in Kampala has set December 22 as the date to deliver its ruling in a petition challenging the Electoral Commission’s (EC) decision to disqualify Busiro East Member of Parliament aspirant Mathias Walukagga.

Justice Simon Peter Kinobe set the ruling date on Tuesday after hearing submissions from lawyers representing the petitioner and respondents, following concerns raised over service of court documents and computation of statutory timelines.

The petitioner, Walukagga, represented by lawyer Alex Luganda, appeared alongside counsel Erias Nalukoola and Jonathan Erut. The respondents include the Electoral Commission as the first respondent and registered voter John Lubowa Kilimiro as the second respondent.

Lawyers Asuman Nyoyintono and Allan James Mwiiko represented the second respondent, while Patrick Wetaka and Hamid Lugoloobi appeared for the Electoral Commission.

At the start of proceedings, Wetaka informed the court that the Commission had not been aware of the petition, which is why they came to court late.

“We were not aware of the matter. We have just gotten to know it from other platforms,” Wetaka told the court.

Justice Kinobe questioned the explanation, asking why the Commission had not checked the Electronic Court Case Management Information System (ECCMIS), where the matter had been filed.

Luganda explained that the petition had been fixed for hearing on Tuesday, noting that summons had been signed only a day earlier.

“The petition has been fixed for today for hearing. We got summons signed yesterday, and we have effected service today. The respondents have not been able to respond, and we seek timelines for responding,” Luganda submitted.

He also raised a substantive issue regarding computation of time, pointing out that although the EC’s ruling was dated November 25, the petitioner only received it on December 9.

“Does this still stand?” Luganda asked, seeking clarification on when statutory timelines should begin to run.

Justice Kinobe invited the Electoral Commission to respond. Wetaka said the Commission had no objection: “We begin counting the days right from the date they received the ruling.”

The judge ruled that the issue was settled and turned to the question of timelines for filing responses.

Nyoyintono, appearing for the second respondent, requested three days to file a response. “We would pray for three days,” he said.

Justice Kinobe directed that the Electoral Commission be given only one day to reply, prompting Lugoloobi to protest the tight schedule.

“We have many petitions to handle. A day will not be enough,” Lugoloobi argued.

In his ruling, Justice Kinobe maintained the compressed timelines, stressing the urgency of electoral disputes.

“By close of business tomorrow, December 17, file your response. On the 18th, any rejoinder should be filed and served. By the 19th, the EC should serve. If you comply with the timelines given, you will have the judgment on December 22,” the judge ordered.

The petition arises from the Electoral Commission’s decision to disqualify Walukagga from contesting for the Busiro East parliamentary seat, on grounds that he lacked the requisite minimum academic qualifications.

Walukagga argues that he was duly nominated on October 23, 2025, and that his academic documents, including a Mature Age certificate issued by the Islamic University in Uganda and equated by the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE), were valid.

The court’s ruling on December 22 is expected to determine whether Walukagga remains disqualified or is reinstated as a candidate in the Busiro East parliamentary race.

The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) presidential candidate, Yoweri Museveni, has encouraged families of the bush war veterans to support the NRA/M revolution born and nurtured from the Greater Luweero areas as the country prepares for the 2026 General Election.

While addressing the NRM supporters at two separate rallies in Kyankwanzi and Kiboga districts on December 16, 2025, Mr Museveni, 81, said the mammoth gatherings that braved the heavy rains to turn up to listen to his message was a clear sign that the war veterans families are ready to protect the peace and gains ushered in by the NRM government that cannot be thrown away in an election.

‘When the NRM government came to power, the first major contribution was peace. I thank the people of Kyankwanzi for turning up in big numbers despite the heavy rains. You have shown the world that when you decide to do something, you do it wholeheartedly,’ he said while addressing his first rally at Butemba Sub-county in Kyankwanzi District on December 16, 2025.

According to the president, from the 1966 crisis, when Obote fought Kabaka Mutesa, the 1971 fighting between Milton Obote and Idi Amin, the 1979 wars and the 1981-1986 liberation war, the country experienced turmoil. The people only tested peace after the NRM government captured power.

‘The country has, for the last 40 years, experienced peace that cannot be destabilized. The neighbouring countries admire the peace in Uganda. We should work to protect this peace as one people,’ said Mr Museveni who is seeking to extend his rule to 2031.

According to him, one of the key pillars for the current peace is because of his party’s ideology, through which members have been urged to reject sectarianism and politics of identity, which partly contributed to the earlier instability in the country.

For the people of Kyankwanzi, it is very easy to audit what the NRM government has done in the last 40 years. When the NRM government came to power in 1986, there was no tarmac throughout Kyankwanzi District. The tarmac ended at Busunju- Kampala, with the rest of the road in poor condition. The people of Kyankwanzi now boast of good roads and other infrastructure. The tarmac now cuts through Busunju, Kiboga, Hoima, and Buliisa to Lake Albert.

Because the people should be able to live good lives, the NRM government ensured that these areas have electricity.

‘Our plan was to first extend electricity to the Sub-county headquarters but we now have the power beyond the Sub-county headquarters. It is true that in some villages, the power lines have not reached but we are certain that power will get to all these areas,’ he said.

Out of the 486 villages in Kyankwanzi District, 420 have access to safe water, representing 84% water coverage.

‘In the next term, the remaining villages will access clean water,’ he said.

Mr Museveni rallied Kyankwanzi and Kiboga residents to embrace the government-led wealth creation programmes to ensure that each family has side income activities that support the family welfare while generating additional income for better livelihoods. The Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga are largely aimed at engineering wealth creation for better livelihoods.

‘When you look at other countries, they construct schools, roads and health facilities and end at that. It is the NRM government in Uganda that has gone a step further to ensure that individuals generate their own wealth for better livelihoods. When individual wealth comes together, the Country benefits which partly explains the ongoing success in the coffee industry. Uganda now produces 10 million bags of coffee compared to the 3 million bags in 1986,’ Mr Museveni said.

The second national vice chairperson of the NRM party, Moses Kigongo and Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, earlier told President Museveni that Kyankwanzi is among the areas with many absentee landlords, with a bigger section of the residents experiencing land-related disputes. She commended the President for championing the land purchase programme through the land fund, which will ensure that people in Kyankwanzi benefit. Ms Among revealed that some of the residents are settled on land claimed by the National Forestry Authority (NFA) and face eviction.

While on his different campaign trails, President Museveni has said that the land disputes in many areas where absentee landlords are settled will be resolved through the land fund. ‘Government will buy land from the landlords,’ he said while addressing supporters in Mubende District on December 15, 2025.

Earlier a section of residents and NRM supporters at Butemba Sub-county revealed that while they support the NRM government because of the peace and wealth creation programmes, senior officials within the same government are evicting and grabbing land from the less privileged residents.

Ms Elizabeth Tushabe, a resident of Butemba Town Council, claimed that many land grabbers hide in the name of big offices such as State House to evict the poor from their respective Bibanja.

‘We want the president to help the poor Bibanja holders to safely utilize the land without any evictions. Many people, including those working in government offices use the army and police to intimidate the poor and take away their land. The powerful people have the ability to bribe all government offices, including courts of law,’ she said.

Kyankwanzi and Kiboga districts are part of the cattle corridor areas that register high illegal evictions and land grabbing cases. In Kyankwanzi District, the Sub-county of Butemba is among the areas affected by the land related disputes.

The 2024 National Housing and Population Census puts the population for Kyankwanzi District at 275,432 while the Electoral Commission updated register for Kyankwanzi District puts the number of registered voters at 133,173 voters. In 2021, Mr Museveni got 39,859 votes (60.99%) while the leading opposition candidate, Mr Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu got 31,842 votes (37.53%).

A new health sector performance report shows that more people have died in hospitals between July 2024 and June this financial year than in the same period in the previous financial year. The 2025 report shows there were 51,718 deaths in the FY 2024/2025, compared to 47,991 in the FY 2023/2024.

‘Regional Referral Hospitals and General Hospitals account for 60.5 percent of all facility deaths. The country recorded a 7.2 percent increase in the number of deaths compared to the previous 2023/2024 financial year,’ the report states.

Not all hospitals fully report admissions and deaths, with only 71 percent of facilities reporting fully to the Health ministry systems. This indicates the figures presented in the performance report for the sub-programme may not be the exact number of deaths in the population, but a good pointer to what is killing many people.

Although the new report indicates the health sector generally performed poorer than in the previous financial year, our assessment also shows there was nearly a 10 percent increase in the number of admissions, which could partly explain the rise in hospital deaths.

‘Overall, the leading causes of death remain the same (when compared with the previous financial year). If aggregated, motorcycle accidents, motor vehicle accidents, and other injuries could be the next leading causes of death after malaria,’ the report reads.

‘Neonatal deaths increased from 4,208 in 2023/2024 to 4,447 in 2024/2025 financial years. This is a 5.7 percent increment in the number of neonatal deaths,’ the report reads further. More than 32 percent of neonatal deaths are premature babies; a condition that requires management. Injuries from all causes accounted for 4.8 percent of the deaths, after malaria at 5 percent.

The report also says death due to hypertension is on the rise, accounting for 4.5 percent of all inpatient deaths compared to 2.8 percent in the previous year. To gauge the overall performance of the health sub-programme, the report authors reviewed 27 out of the 32 key outcome indicators.

The five not assessed due to lack of data were prostate and breast cancer screening rates, young people accessing age-appropriate sexual and reproductive health information, vaccination against Covid, and comprehensive knowledge of malaria prevention methods.

Among the indicators assessed were vaccine coverage for different population types and different types of vaccines, use of insecticide-treated bed nets, coverage and adherence to ARVs for the general population living with HIV/Aids and for preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV/Aids.

They also assessed TB, leprosy, trachoma, disease outbreaks management, tobacco non-smoking rate, cancer screening rates, anaemia screening in antenatal visits, health facility deliveries, maternal and newborn deaths, vitamin A coverage, and folic acid uptake in pregnant women.

‘Out of the 27, the sector achieved 25.9 percent compared to 40.8 percent in the 2023/24 Financial Year; made some progress, though did not achieve the annual target for 40.8 percent compared to 25.9 percent the previous year,’ the report reads.

The report also shows there was ‘minimal, no progress or decline in 33.3 percent of outcome indicators, same as the 2022/2023 financial year. This shows some decline in performance over the last year.’

Why poor performance

The Health ministry highlighted in the report disruptions in donor funding (the dismantling of United States Agency for International Development [USAID]), limited human resources, inadequate equipment, and patients arriving late at hospitals as some of the main reasons for the poor performance.

The health system relies heavily on foreign donations, with USAID serving as one of the major partners. USAID had been supporting the health sector through placement of health workers in Ugandan health facilities, which remain largely understaffed; supporting community health interventions and bridging gaps in drug supplies.

‘Slow progress or non-achievement of some targets was due to low coverage of HIV-positive pregnant women initiated on ARVs for EMTCT (91 percent), HIV-exposed infants with first DNA/PCR test within 2 months (83 percent), ART retention rate at 12 months (80 percent) which declined compared to the previous year due to partner funding shortfalls resulting from the work stop orders that affected access of HIV/Aids commodities and supplies,’ the report reads further.

The report further indicate that performance was also affected by the high numbers of leprosy patients in West Nile and Tooro region due to influx of refugees from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and South Sudan, stock-out of HepB vaccines upon roll out of HepB birth dose, limited awareness about cancer screening services, as well as poorly equipped facilities.

‘Under maternal health services, there is late antenatal care attendance affecting uptake of IPTp (vaccine), and inadequate supplies for anaemia screening during prenatal visits,’ the report reads.

Injuries

A total of 2,106 deaths due to injuries were reported by hospitals between July 2024 and June 2025. But the Police Crime report says 5,144 people were killed in road accidents in 2024 compared to 4,806 people killed in 2023. Some of the people who die in accidents may not be captured in the Ministry of Health system, which largely relies on reports from hospitals. Officials, experts speak Dr Diana Atwine, the permanent secretary at the Health ministry, while commenting on the report, said they have tried their best to ensure the services remained uninterrupted amid challenges faced in the 2024/2025 Financial Year. ‘We are looking at what we have achieved and where we have not achieved; we are strategising again to see that we can achieve.

We want to deliver health services that are anchored on patient-centeredness, on quality, efficiency and a resilient system,’ she notes. Dr Atwine says they want to address the headache of health financing, with the revival of the push for a national health insurance scheme. She adds that they will do this immediately after the January 2026 General Election to follow up on the Bill, which they have already submitted to Cabinet, but has not yet attracted any feedback. ‘In a space where the financing is volatile and unpredictable, we need to make sure we look at alternative health financing because we still have a big percentage of our population that is experiencing catastrophic spending –out-of-pocket spending,’ she says. ‘So one of the areas we want to focus on in the next five years is to ensure we have predictable health financing, and one of them is to resurrect National Health Insurance Scheme discussions,’ she addes.

Dr Atwine also highlighted mindset issues among health workers, which have been affecting service delivery and general performance. ‘We may have infrastructure, but our human resource is the greatest asset that we have. And we just need to, as leaders in the health sector, on a day-to-day basis, start realigning our thinking in a manner that brings and aligns our values with the values of the institutions to achieve the results,’ she says. ‘One of the values of our sector is patient-centred. It is a process, and we continue to mentor and coach our staff so that they really understand what we mean when we talk about a people-centred approach, which encompasses value, quality, excellence, respect, selflessness and sacrifice,’ she adds.

Prof Rhoda Wanyenze, the Dean of Makerere University School of Public Health, highlights inequalities in accessing healthcare, gaps in quality of care and inefficiencies in service delivery. ‘Quality and equity are critical pieces in universal health coverage, and a resilient system must be able to deliver that. We need integrated systems and efficiency,’ she says. ‘To improve efficiency, we need to innovate and be able to adopt technologies and also improve over time,’ she says. Among the efficiency issues that Prof Wanyenze highlights are inappropriate surgeries, gaps in procurement and distribution of medicines and health supplies, and inappropriate and overuse of medicines.

‘When we do caesarian sections that we don’t need, you are wasting supplies, you are wasting people’s time, and you are doing many things. There is absenteeism and skills and cadre mix, and how they are allocated to the jobs they do, are the other areas of inefficiencies,’ she says. ‘There are administrative costs in fragmented parallel systems, and there are also leakages -inadequate performance management systems, fraud and corruption,’ she adds. Prof Wanyenze also says many drivers of illnesses such as pollution, climate change, and tobacco smoking, are outside the control of the health sector and require more stakeholders to be brought on board to address.

‘We need a multi-sectoral approach and a call for us to focus more on promotion and prevention. Our system cannot cope with just curative services unless we turn off the tap,’ she says. ‘We have been talking a lot about pollution. Some people feel that maybe we should start wearing masks in some places in Kampala. Have you reflected on the food we eat and how it’s handled right from the garden? These days, we use herbicides, pesticides, heavy spraying, and we don’t know what we are eating. We need to think about some of these issues,’ she adds.

Dr Paul Onzubo, the Maracha District Health Officer (DHO), who doubles as the deputy national chairperson for the Association of DHOs, highlights the low funding for health service delivery in local governments, yet the majority seek care in health centres and district hospitals. He says at least 40 percent of the health budget should be earmarked for service delivery in local governments if the ministry is serious about reducing deaths and improving access to quality care. ‘Finance is the engine. Financing for health service delivery in local governments is on a negotiation basis, but we need to have a fixed allocation that should go to local governments’ service delivery,’ he says.

Dr Onzubo says the five percent of the resources going to local governments is too low. He proposes up to 40 percent should be spent in local governments since the bulk of health services are delivered at that level. The new report says Health Centre (HC) IIIs accounted for the largest share of inpatient admissions at 32.8 percent, followed by HC IVs (24.8 percent) and General Hospitals (24.5 percent). Although tertiary level facilities like national and regional referral hospitals contributed a smaller overall proportion (4.3 percent and 11 percent respectively), they carried the heaviest caseload, averaging 58 and 70 new admissions per day, far exceeding the 14 daily admissions at general hospitals. Clinics and HC IIs have minimal inpatient admissions, less than 2 percent combined.

Police have intensified patrols and redeployed officers across major cities and towns as security agencies brace for the Christmas and New Year festivities, which coincide with preparations for the 2026 General Elections.

Addressing the media in Kampala yesterday, police spokesperson, Mr Rusoke Kituuma, said officers had been redeployed from various units based on threat assessments to ensure public safety during the festive period.

‘With only about 10 days to Christmas and roughly 17 days to the New Year 2026, all security agencies are on heightened alert to ensure Ugandans celebrate in a peaceful and orderly manner,’ Mr Rusoke said.

He added that the festive season, marked by travel, family reunions, and public celebrations, often comes with a spike in criminal activity, including theft, house break-ins, and acts of violence. ‘Crime does not occur randomly. It follows identifiable patterns influenced by time and season. During major holidays, particularly in December, property-related crimes such as burglary, shoplifting, and personal theft tend to increase,’ Mr Rusoke said. He said the enhanced deployment is intended to deter crime and swiftly respond to any security threats during what is traditionally a high-risk period. Police also urged members of the public to remain vigilant, cautioning against carrying large sums of money or moving with valuable property.

The overlap between the festive season and the election period, police said, presents additional security challenges that require heightened alertness, responsible behaviour and increased situational awareness, particularly on the roads.

Meanwhile, the Directorate of Traffic Police and Road Safety has announced stepped-up enforcement during the Christmas period. Traffic police spokesperson Michael Kananura said officers would be deployed on major highways and urban roads to curb crashes.

‘Do not rush. Leave early, drive safely, and arrive home in peace, not in pieces. Stop and stretch every two hours, avoid night driving where possible, stay hydrated, and always wear your seat belt,’ Mr Kananura said, urging the public to cooperate with security personnel to ensure an incident-free festive season.

Devis Kipsang is a 12-year-old hailing from Eastern Uganda. Kipsang is battling a serious heart condition that has left him in constant pain and unable to live a normal life. While he had been relatively stable, in June 2025, his health began to deteriorate rapidly.

His family first noticed that his stomach was swelling abnormally, causing him intense pain and discomfort. The swelling worsened over time, making it difficult for him to eat and move freely. Alarmed, his caregivers sought medical attention, and opted for a scan which later revealed that the problem was not originating from his heart.

The doctors explained that Kipsang has a congenital heart defect, where openings developed in the walls of the heart. This condition leads to oxygen-rich blood mixing with de-oxygenated blood, reducing the amount of oxygen circulating in the body. As a result, vital organs particularly the liver are overworked. This strain caused his liver to enlarge, leading to the visible swelling of his abdomen.

Kipsang was initially taken to Kapchorwa Hospital, but due to the complexity of his condition, he was referred to Mulago National Referral Hospital for specialized care. Here, a detailed medical assessment and an A4 medical report confirmed that his heart condition requires corrective surgery, which must be performed in India.

Since then, Kipsang’s condition has continued to worsen. He now spends most of his time lying at home in the village, battling persistent pain, extreme fatigue and a severely reduced appetite. His caregivers say he has grown visibly weaker, and his life has significantly declined.

While his family is overwhelmed financially as Kipsang’s father is physically disabled and unable to work, his has left the family without a steady source of income. His grandfather, who has been supporting him, says their only asset is a small piece of land which, even if sold, would raise no more than Shs10 million, far below what is required.

The doctors have estimated that the family needs Shs48m to cover medical expenses, including visa processing, travel costs and hospital bills for the surgery in India.

With limited options, the family is appealing to the public for help to save Kipsang’s life.

Arat Sukukon, Kipsang’s grandfather says, ‘I am seeking support in terms of funds to enable us to contribute towards Kipsant’s heart surgery.’