Category: Daily Monitor

President Museveni has called for a joint report from the Head of Public Service and the Solicitor General on the fate of four minister-nominees whose citizenship stretches beyond Uganda’s borders.

Ms Lucy Nakyobe, the head of Public Service, said yesterday that she and the Solicitor General met the affected ministers designate before drafting a brief, which was submitted to the President for guidance.

‘Seventy-eight newly appointed Cabinet members are present and ready to take oath. One is indisposed. The four others, as guided by the President, were engaged over the weekend by myself and the Solicitor General. A brief has been submitted for further guidance from the President,’ Ms Nakyobe said.

Multiple sources tcld Monitor last evening that the President’s decision on the report could take up to two weeks, or less, depending on responses from the countries where the minister nominees are renouncing citizenship, as well as other due diligence steps.

On May 29, 2026, the Ministry of Internal Affairs sent a letter to the Clerk to Parliament after conducting a verification of the appointed ministers upon request by the Legislature.

The letter, seen by Daily Monitor, revealed that three ministers designate hold citizenships of other countries in addition to Uganda.

These are Ambassador Adonia Ayebare (Foreign Affairs), Shartsi Musherure (State for Micro Finance), and Dr Lawrence Muganga (State for Internal Affairs).

The document says although Mr Calvin Echodu (State for Foreign Affairs International Affairs) holds an American passport, there was no information on his dual citizenship status.

The four ministers skipped the oath taking yesterday. According to the Internal Affairs Ministry letter, Ambassador Ayebare holds both Ugandan and American citizenship, obtained on April 23, 2025.

Ms Musherure is also an American citizen, granted on March 14, 2025, while Dr Muganga holds Ugandan, Rwandan, and Canadian citizenship, with the Ugandan one obtained on November 12, 2024.

Uganda’s immigration laws are clear; a citizen with dual nationality cannot hold the positions of president, vice president, prime minister, cabinet minister, or other ministerial posts.

The same red line applies to the Inspector General of Government, deputy Inspector General, technical heads of the armed forces, commanding officers of battalion strength, and several other key posts. The affected ministers were expected to renounce their foreign citizenships and submit certificates of renunciation to the Uganda Immigration Board.

This publication understands that the ministers designate have already begun the process of cutting ties with their second passports and are burning the midnight oil to meet the deadline. In a June 1, 2026 letter to the Chief Citizenship and Immigration Control Office, Dr Muganga initiated the process of voluntarily renouncing his Canadian citizenship with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.

‘This decision has been made freely and deliberately. My intention is to hold a single citizenship, being Ugandan citizenship, which I hold by right of birth, and which reflects my permanent roots, my national identity, and my enduring commitment to Uganda,’ reads part of the letter.

He further informed the officer that he had formally submitted his renunciation application to IRCC in Canada, in accordance with Section 9 of the Citizenship Act of Canada, which allows an adult refugee who has clocked 18 years of age to freely change their citizenship.

The ongoing trade order enforcement in many urban centres across the country has led to a surge in rental fees as thousands of evictees look for work space. Majority traders were previously operating on streets, verandas, pavements and other undesignated spaces in non gazetted areas.

In many municipalities and regional cities, some rental houses which had previously been shunned, are now fully occupied.

Acquiring space for business is now a hustle. Some traders who were previously operating in makeshift structures, have painfully secured loans to erect permanent buildings which conform to required urban standards.

Rent fees doubles in Mbarara City, Ibanda Municipality A snap survey in Mbarara City and Ibanda Municipality indicate that rent has almost doubled, leaving some tenants contemplating relocating their businesses to the outskirts of the central business area.

In some of the places in Ibanda Municipality for example, rent in commercial buildings along Main Street ranges between Shs1 million to Shs2 million, up from Shs700,000 to Shs1.5 million while on Jubilee Street, work space which was costing between Shs150,000 and 200,000 monthly six months ago, now costs between Shs200,000 and 350,000.

For accommodation, on average a single room which was costing Shs150,000 per month, has since increased to Shs250,000 while double rooms cost Shs300,000 up from Shs250,000.

According to Mr Godwin Tumuhirwe, a house broker in Ibanda Municipality, landlords are taking advantage of the sudden increase in demand for both business and residential spaces to raise rental fees.

‘People are scrambling for a few formal spaces that were not demolished and landlords are exploiting this desperation to abnormally increase rental fees. All commercial and residential houses are affected and some people are now moving to the outskirts like Nyabuhikye, Igorora and Bisheshe, looking for space,’ he explains.

Mr Steven Kazooba, a landlord in Bufunda II Ward, Ibanda Municipality says ome of their actions were unavoidable because the demolitions were abrupt and affected them economically.

‘I had to refund money to some of my tenants who had paid rent in advance, I have looked for money to renovate some of the structures which were affected and that is how some of us have been forced to increase monthly rental fees,’ he explains.

In Mbarara City, some spaces that were previously used for residential purposes have been converted into commercial spaces.

‘I saw a number of people looking for business space. I hatched an idea to convert my residential house into commercial rentals. I have four rental spaces now and each goes at Shs400,000 per month,’ Mr Bosco Asiimwe, a landlord on Biafra Street in Kakiika, Mbarara City North Division, says.

Mr Julius Besigomwe says he had a restaurant on Ntare Road, but the trade order evictions forced him to relocate his business to Biharwe Township on the outskirts of Mbarara City.

‘The landlord immediately gave us notice when the trade order enforcement had started, saying rent had increased from Shs300,000 to Shs500,000, which looked totally abnormal. I looked at an alternative space around the central business district, but I couldn’t get one and decided to relocate,’ he says.

Mr Julius Mwine, who had a retail shop on Katete Road, now operates during night on Kakoba-Buremba Road after failing to get an affordable space to house his business.

‘I used to pay Shs300,000 as rent when they demolished the premises. I tried to look for an alternative space in Katete Town, but here rent has been increased by almost half, a room that could go for Shs300,000 now costs Shs450,000,’ Mr Mwine says.

Mr Cosmas Deo Tugume, the Ibanda Municipality principal commercial officer, advises traders to form associations where they can influence rent or to shift businesses to other areas that are affordable.

‘The traders should know that as a council, we do not have control over rent, through their associations they can influence rent fees. However, the problem with them is that, they do not have associations that can help them advocate for their rights,’ he says.

The trade order was issued by the Ministry of Local Government on March 10 and it directs all local authorities to restore order in urban areas by relocating traders operating on streets and in undesignated spaces into formal gazzeted areas. In the central district of Wakiso, which is the most populous in the country, some buildings which were previously vacant have started to attract tenants and temporary structures have since been turned into permanent ones.

Mr Vincent Kasozi, Wakiso Traders Association chairperson, says rent has not yet increased, but there’s pressure to find space.

‘Getting work space is becoming difficult -which may force landlord to increase rental fees ,’ he says Mr Jude Mark Bukenya, the Wakiso District chief administrative officer, says trade order evictions are continuing in all areas they have not yet covered .

‘We have received reports that there are people in Kyengera Town Council who pose as district officials and bring back kiosks on the streets where they were earlier removed. I have already sent my enforcement team on ground to apprehend those fraudsters,’ he says

He advises the affected traders not to dare return to the road reserves, but occupy vacant spaces on buildings and in markets.

In Kabale District, the urgent need for working space has forced some landlords to increase rental fees by half the original rates and this has left some tenants stranded in Kabale Town pondering the next course of action after receiving rent increase notices.

Mr John Mutembi, who is operating a general merchandise shop in the Central Division of Kabale Municipality, says his landlady asked him to vacate the building because she wants to use the same place to run a business, but he later found out that another tenant paid double of the rent fees to influence the landlady.

‘When I asked my landlady about my remaining months that I had paid for, she said that she is ready to refund the money. I convinced her to allow me to pay any amount in case she increased the rental fees, but she insisted that she wanted to use the rooms I was occupying. I later found out that she had rented it out to someone else at double rental fees,’ he says.

Ms Jackeline Kyomuhendo, who operates a boutique in Central Division, Kabale Municipality, says her landlord has notified her that monthly rent fees have been increased from Shs150,000 to Shs250,000 effective June.

‘I am wondering why the landlord chose to increase the rental fees in the middle of the year. I am stranded because I cannot raise the amount required or get an alternative working space in the two weeks he has given me. After inquiring from my fellow tenants, I established that most landlords are being pressurised by traders whose working space was demolished as the municipal council authorities implemented the trade order,’ she says.

The chairperson of Bataka Cell Southern Division, Kabale Municipality, Mr Ivan Beigumamu ,who doubles as a commercial house owner in Central Division, attributes the surge in rental fees to increased taxes and costs of maintaining commercial premises. The Kabale Deputy Town Clerk, Mr Eric Sunday, advises landlords to follow the law while increasing rental fees.

‘Let them agree on the rental fees without causing any friction and in case of tenants’ evictions, the landlords should follow the law,’ he says.

A survey in Jinja City reveals that commercial buildings that had remained vacant for years are now fully occupied, while developers are renovating unfinished structures and converting residential premises into commercial units to meet the growing demand. Along Gabula Road, Main Street and Clive Road West in Jinja City, several previously empty buildings are being transformed into lock-up shops for traders looking for business premises.

Mr Isaac Nsubuga, a mobile phone accessories dealer on Main Street, said he was forced to relocate after enforcement officers removed traders operating on walkways and road reserves.

‘I was paying Shs150,000 a month for a small space. After relocating, I now pay Shs350,000 for a lock-up shop. The rent is high, but I have no option,’ he says.

Mr Ronald Bwire, a property owner in Jinja City, says all his commercial units are now fully occupied.

‘For nearly two years some shops remained vacant because traders preferred roadside structures. Since the trade order enforcement started, every available space has been taken up,’ he explains.

In Apac Municipality, traders are reeling from the aftermath of a trade order that led to the demolishing of their kiosks and lock-up shops. Many have been forced to rent houses in non-strategic locations, paying significantly higher rents than before.

Landlords are taking advantage of the situation, hiking rent prices despite the houses not being previously used for business. Mr James Otieno, a retail shop trader, says the new rent is eating into his profits.

‘I’m paying Shs170,000, yet I used to pay nothing. That’s money I could use for stock or school fees,’ he says.

Ms Irene Okello, a trader at Apac Hospital Gate, is now paying Shs200,000 for a room, up from Shs70,000.

‘I’m using my savings to pay rent, just to feed my family. No more money for development,’ she says.

Apac Municipality mayor Bonny McClean Odongo says demolished structures can be rebuilt with approved plans.

‘Some of the structures demolished were along the road reserve and others were erected without approved building plans. Those in the legal locations, but erected without approved building plans, we shall allow owners to get the approved building plans and reconstruct them,’ he says.

In Arua City, Ahmed Angulibo, who deals in second hand shoes on Onzivu Street, says he is still struggling to find new working space.

‘I have moved to most of the landlords in the city and in the suburbs of Ediofe, Awindiri and Mvaradri, but I have failed to get any room. Others are telling me to wait as they improvise,’ he says.

Similarly, Ms Flavia Adokorach of Wandiri Ward, who operated a salon business, says: ‘In my search to relocate, I found a room, but was asked to pay Shs350,000 per month, which I cannot afford.’

‘In the city centre people are being asked to pay Shs500, 000 to Shs800, 000 per month, this needs a stable business,’ he says.

Mr Moses Obeta, the chairperson of Arua City business community, says the elevation of Arua Municipality to a city came with opportunities, but there are challenges.

Across the city, unfinished commercial buildings stand alongside overcrowded arcades already bursting beyond capacity.

Mr Bisco Opejo, a mobile phone accessories dealer, told this paper that the issue of rent in Soroti City increased not just recently, but when the city was created a few years ago.

He said they are now paying Shs1.5 million for space on the main street that previously cost Shs500,000.

‘The issue we know is that we can’t realise the rent paid, often some months we cannot make sales worth Shs1.5m, so we operate on losses, ‘ Mr Opejo says.

In Masindi Municipality, displaced traders are also scrambling for formal business premises. As demand for working space continues to rise, landlords have increased rental charges. Mr Robert Byenkya, an electronics trader, says he was previously paying Shs150,000 per month for a small shop, but now pays Shs300,000 for premises in the town centre.

In Mbale City, the leadership has continued with enforcement operations aimed at evicting street vendors and removing illegal structures in a move intended to restore order, cleanliness, and sanity within the city.

Officials insist that the enforcement of the new trade order is not merely about clearing streets and easing congestion.

At the heart of the crackdown, they say, lies a bigger objective – strengthening local revenue collection and plugging long-standing financial leakages.

For years, informal street vending, unauthorised taxi stages, and boda boda riders operating in unregulated spaces have dominated major streets in Mbale City.

While this informal economy provides livelihoods for thousands, city leaders argue it has also undermined revenue mobilisation efforts. The town clerk for Industrial City Division, Mr Geoffrey Mugisa, says the informal nature of street trade has made it difficult to track and collect revenue efficiently.

‘Many vendors operating along road reserves and pavements reportedly do not pay daily market dues, trading licence fees, or operational permits. Because they operate outside designated markets, revenue officers often struggle to assess their businesses or enforce compliance,’ Mr Mugisa, says.

According to him, trade order is directly linked to revenue order.

‘If traders operate from gazetted markets, it becomes easier to register them, assess what they owe, and ensure accountability, ‘he says.

But for many street vendors, pavements and roadside spaces offer high customer traffic and quick sales, especially for perishable goods such as fruits and vegetables. Inside formal markets, vendors say foot traffic is lower, stalls are limited, and facilities are sometimes inadequate.

Mr Ivan Okech, an economist, says that Uganda’s urban workforce is heavily dependent on the informal sector.

‘Street vending, small retail trade, and transport services absorb large numbers of youth and women who lack access to formal employment,’ he says .

More than two years after a catastrophic garbage landslide in Kiteezi buried his family alive, Joshua Ariho says he remains trapped in unrelenting grief, haunted by daily nightmares and struggling with his mental health. He says he feels stuck in life.

‘I lost my family, wife Justin Mutesi, and a son, Innocent Agasha,’ the pastor recounts.

‘Since that garbage buried my people, they have never retrieved the bodies.’

The Kiteezi landfill disaster in August 2024 left dozens dead or missing when tonnes of waste collapsed onto nearby settlements. For Ariho, the pain is compounded by the fact that his loved ones’ bodies were never recovered, loss of livelihood, struggles to get compensation from the government, and hardship accessing mental health support.

‘I am not okay,’ Ariho states. ‘Every day, I get bad dreams of my wife and child.’

Mental health experts note that the combination of sudden bereavement, failure to recover the body (and do proper burial in line with culture), and bureaucratic obstacles often intensifies trauma responses.

Symptoms like recurrent nightmares, intrusive memories, and emotional dysregulation are common in complicated grief and post-traumatic stress. These struggles affect the general well-being and productivity of the affected persons.

Ariho’s experience is not isolated. It is one visible fracture in Uganda’s deepening mental health crisis. Across the country, over 90 percent of people living with mental illness never receive treatment or required professional support.

According to mental health experts, limited awareness, deep stigma, and scarce services leave most to suffer in silence. For schoolchildren and adolescents facing declining mental health, the gap is even more painful. Many struggle without support, caught between academic pressure, family breakdowns, unemployment fears, and substance abuse.

The new value for money audit report by the Office of the Auditor General on mental healthcare in Uganda paints a stark picture. Mental, neurological, and substance use (MNS) cases rose from 468,005 in 2021 to 469,932 in 2022, then surged to 594,675 in 2023-a 26 percent jump in a single year.

Dr Juliet Nakku, the Executive Director of Butabika National Referral Mental Hospital, says cases increased by 70 percent between 2021 and 2025. Young people and adolescents account for 24 percent (nearly a quarter) of these cases.

Staffing and drug shortages

At the heart of the formal response sits Butabika hospital. Dr Nakku describes both progress and overwhelming strain.

She says staff positions at the hospital remain largely unfilled, although staff numbers have grown from 533 to 833, with plans to fill them incrementally, even as they struggle with a surge in the number of patients.

‘The doctor-to-patient ratio is very high. We have recently had only 10, but since the beginning of this financial year, we have had an extra four doctors, psychiatrist specialists. So, we have 14 psychiatrists for a population of 1,000, which is a drop in the ocean,’ she reveals.

Ideally, there should be one doctor for at least 30 patients. The current ratio is almost one to 100, which is really huge for psychiatry, according to Dr Nakku.

‘The nurse-to-patient ratio right now is also huge. We should have at least one nurse for every 10 to 15 patients at the max. But we have one to 60, which is very high for nursing because nursing is very intensive in mental healthcare,’ she adds.

Ms Mercy Gracy Omona, a clinical psychologist and the national coordinator and head of the secretariat of the Uganda Parliamentary Forum on Mental Health, citing studies in the country, observes that about 24.2 percent of adults and 22.9 percent of children in Uganda are estimated to have a mental disorder.

‘Conditions such as depression, anxiety, and trauma-related disorders are increasingly reported in communities. Yet despite the growing need for care, Uganda continues to face a severe shortage of mental health professionals,’ Ms Omona states in a statement.

Dr Nakku also says there is a slight improvement in the budget for medicines, but that this is very small compared to the need.

‘We have had an increase in our budget for medicines initially from Shs2 billion to Shs3.5 billion, but we note that is not enough for medication because of the numbers that we have,’ she says.

‘We have been working very closely with the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Health and Parliament to try and get that budget up,’ she adds.

Dr Irene Apio, a forensic psychiatrist at Butabika hospital, says she’s overwhelmed by the forensic cases she has to handle because she is the only psychiatrist trained in forensic psychiatry to handle mental health patients who have committed a crime.

Patients sleeping on floor

Information from Butabika also indicates that at any one point, the number of admitted patients is double the existing bed capacity, reflecting limited plan and poor strategies to respond to the mental health care needs of the population.

‘Official bed capacity is 550 beds. However, our bed occupancy rate has been up to 230 plus, which means we have a lot of floor cases,’ Dr Nakku reveals. ‘That requires that we find ways of getting people out of the hospital to other places where they can get care or increase the staffing. At any one time, you’ll find 1,200 plus.’

Dr Nakku says the government should operationalise the plan to provide mental healthcare in lower health facilities through recruiting necessary staff and providing facilities.

Drivers of mental health issues

Information from the facility indicates that addiction has emerged as a critical driver of mental health issues and admissions. About 25 to 30 percent of patients arriving at Butabika are young people struggling with alcohol and drug abuse.

Dr Nakku notes that broader societal pressures compound the problem. ‘There’s a lot of stress in the community. We believe, because of financial strain, maybe young people who have gone to school and are looking for jobs. High unemployment rates are another one.’

‘There are lots of issues in families. Families that are breaking up that are not supporting children well. There is also academic stress. The school programmes that do not allow young people to rest enough. You know, the prep starts at 4am. The child has slept at 11pm, then they are up at 4am to go to class. Those things cause a lot of academic stress, including the academic expectations from us the parents and the communities,’ she adds.

In March, a 20-year-old girl, who scored 19 points in the Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) exams, committed suicide because she was told she should have scored 20 points as a scientist to qualify for the course she wanted.

‘So, these cases are many and we need to support our children. So, it’s a multiplicity of conditions, not to mention the alcohol and substance abuse problem,’ Dr Nakku observes.

When questioned about cases linked to witchcraft, she responds scientifically: ‘To be honest, I do not know much about witchcraft. Ours is scientific.’

Yet Dr Nakku expresses openness to collaboration with alternative providers, recognising the realities patients bring.

Dr Hasfa Lukwata, the acting assistant commissioner of Mental Health Division at the Health ministry, says according to studies in the country, Ugandans experience a range of mental health issues.

‘About 20 percent of the people of Uganda are mainly depressed, and this is taking a toll on many women. It’s mainly women who are depressed. Then, of course, we have anxiety,’ she notes.

‘Then there are people with severe mental illness, like maybe those who are walking on the streets and so on. But these, we are told, are about two percent. In Uganda, they may have schizophrenia. But what we know are the substances, for instance, we know that for alcohol, we are the highest in the region or Africa. For tobacco, we are seeing a tobacco reduction,’ Dr Lukwata adds.

Way out

Despite the crisis, frameworks exist. The Ministry of Health policy calls for mental health services at all levels of care. Regional referral hospitals have mental health units.

Dr Nakku, however, says the challenge lies in ‘functionalisation’, turning plans into accessible, staffed services so Butabika can evolve into a true centre of excellence rather than the default destination for every severe case.

Efforts are underway to decentralise. Staffing norms for health centre IIIs, IVs, and district hospitals now include social workers, counsellors, and psychologists. Integration into primary healthcare aims to catch problems early, before patients ‘decompensate so severely.’

‘There has been an effort to integrate mental healthcare into primary healthcare. So, if we ride on and we have the finances to support that, recruit the staff and provide that care, that should help even the children,’ Dr Nakku observes.

Schools are another frontier. Guidelines developed with the Ministry of Education seek to embed mental health support for students and teachers alike.

‘We have developed guidelines to help schools be able to provide mental health care within the school setting. It should be able to help u students,’ Dr Nakku says.

Workplaces, too, face calls to address burnout, which can spiral into depression, anxiety, substance use, and suicide.

‘We actually may be contributing to what is called burnout. Burnout is that condition in any workplace where if staff are severely stressed by the conditions of the workplace, they get burnout,’ Dr Nakku observes.

‘Burnout leads to depression, anxiety, suicide, and alcoholism in the workplace. So, if we are going to help our people, we need to also mandate workplaces to incorporate mental health care for their staff. Every workplace should have a mechanism to do that,’ she adds.

Patients with life-threatening diseases

Ms Susan Adikini, a clinical psychologist and quality assurance lead at Strong Minds Uganda, observes that patients with chronic or life-threatening diseases struggle with a wide range of mental health issues, yet medical professionals tend to only focus on treating the disease.

‘Oftentimes we find that the healthcare workers are able to attend to the medical needs of the patients. However, what happens to the depression, what happens to the anxiety, and what happens to the mental health needs?’ she says.

On May 8, Strong Minds Uganda partnered with the Uganda Cancer Institute and Mulago hospital’s paediatric oncology department to train 27 healthcare workers and volunteers in mental health screening and interpersonal group psychotherapy.

Dr Racheal Kansiime, a clinical psychologist and president of the Association of Psycho-oncologists in Uganda, says they are working with Strong Minds and other partners to train health workers on managing and helping patients with chronic diseases to cope with mental health challenges they are going through.

She says this month, they have trained 27 health workers from the Uganda Cancer Institute and Mulago hospital’s paediatric oncology department in mental health screening and interpersonal group psychotherapy.

‘Cancer as a disease not only affects the physical being of patients, it also has mental health effects,’ she observes. ‘Research has shown us that the patients who have cancer and also have psychosocial support are able to sail through, and they have better treatment outcomes.’

‘We have people who will have a diagnosis of cancer, and they will live for 10, 20 years after the diagnosis because they have the mental health and psychosocial support,’ she adds.

She says some of the common issues include depression, anxiety, and emotional distress, which hit patients and caregivers alike-spouses, siblings, neighbours, and medical staff.

Low budget for mental health

According to a new value for money audit report by the Office of the Auditor General on mental healthcare in Uganda, only one percent of the annual healthcare budget goes to mental health, mostly channelled to Butabika.

‘There is no national coverage of community mental healthcare since only 28 out-patient facilities can provide follow-up care; these facilities are thinly spread and are often starved of funds for even essential medication,’ the report reads.

The audit revealed a 27 percent increase in reported MNS cases between 2021 and 2023, indicating a growing disease burden.

Despite this concerning increase, Auditor General Edward Akol notes that the Ministry of Health’s interventions have limited effectiveness in reversing this trend.

He cites five major gaps. These include inadequate operationalisation of the Mental Health Act Cap. 308, which focuses on community mental health integration.

‘While the Mental Health Act, Cap 308, was enacted in 2019, the Ministry of Health had not developed regulations for community mental health integration and emergency and voluntary treatment to fully operationalise it six years later,’ the report reads.

‘The Mental Health Advisory Board and District Mental Health Focal Persons were not fully constituted during most of the audit period. As a result, mental health units in regional hospitals operated without standardised infrastructure, safety protocols, or clear management frameworks,’ the report reads further.

There is also inadequate resource allocation and staffing. ‘During the three years reviewed (2021-2023), only two percent (Shs1.1 billion) of the total mental health budget (Shs58.5 billion) was allocated to the Mental Health Division of the Ministry of Health, which is responsible for implementing MNS activities,’ the report reads.

In addition, Uganda had only 53 psychiatrists (one per million people), well below the WHO recommendation of 1: 10,000, according to the report.

‘Most regional and district facilities lacked trained personnel, medicines, and equipment to manage mental health conditions effectively,’ the report reads.

Mr Akol was also concerned about ‘weak treatment, rehabilitation, and supervision mechanisms.’ In the report, he states that health facilities lacked adequate infrastructure, specialised clinics for children and pregnant mothers, and functional rehabilitation programmes.

‘Only a few provided psychosocial support or follow-up services. Supervision by the Mental Health Division and regional referral hospitals was irregular, and monitoring reports were incomplete. Two hundred and sixteen unaccredited private rehabilitation centres were also operating without oversight, posing safety risks to patients,’ the report reads.

He also highlighted limited awareness and community outreach where only 19 of the 65 the sampled health facilities (29 percent) conducted mental health outreach activities, and the Ministry did not implement targeted awareness programs for faith leaders, traditional healers, or local governance structures.

‘Consequently, misconceptions and stigma remain high, with over 60 percent of individuals seeking care first from traditional healers. Most facilities and schools lacked Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials to promote awareness,’ the report reads.

Mr Akol also found weak multi-sectoral coordination. ‘Although MoH initiated plans to establish an inter-ministerial and technical working committee on mental health, there was no evidence that this committee was fully functional,’ the report reads.

Recommendations

In the audit report, the country can improve the mental health of the population by ensuring regulatory and institutional strengthening, and ensuring that the inter-ministerial and technical working committees on mental health are operationalised and fully functional.

‘Liaise with the relevant stakeholders to have the minimum standards for mental health units approved and fully implemented by all the Health facilities providing the MNS service,’ the report recommends.

The report also recommends improving funding and human resources through prioritising funding of mental health activities within the Ministry of Health budget, especially the service delivery (non-wage) activities.

‘Fast-track the operationalisation and filling of the new staffing structure, which provides for more mental health professionals at the different levels of delivery service,’ the report recommends.

The report also highlights how treatment, rehabilitation, and supervision can be improved through prioritising training of health workers at all levels in matters of mental health, which include.

Mr Akol also called for an increase in awareness and community engagement. ‘Enhance allocation of funds meant for mental health activities within the Ministry of Health budget to facilitate planned community sensitisations and dissemination of IEC materials to schools and health facilities,’ the report reads.

‘Fast-track and scale up the deployment of the Community Health extension works to supplement the VHTs in undertaking sensitisations within the communities. Review and enhance the current coordination frameworks and measures with a view of ensuring that coordination among stakeholders is more structured, harmonised, and more effective,’ the report reads further.

Dr Lukwata of the Ministry of Health says the Mental Health Division unit, which should coordinate these efforts, is struggling with low funding.

‘As a mental health unit, we should have a vote where we can really tackle the big problem of the mental health of Ugandans. Otherwise, for now, we are only dealing with the care of those who are sick,’ she says.

‘But we need to ensure that every person knows what mental health is, how they can maintain their good mental health, how they can work with other people to ensure that they are all well,’ she adds.

ISSUES

Only 28 outpatient facilities are provide follow-up care

In 2023 alone, 2,657 patients referred from Butabika hospital according to patient treatment, opened their files at KCCA. There are only 53 psychiatrists nationwide, resulting in approximately one psychiatrist for every one million Ugandans. The numbers are above the WHO minimum psychiatric-to-patient ratio of 1:10,000.

The medical and adolescent patients, the psychiatrists serve a population of 20 million.

The majority of the psychiatrists in Uganda practice at national referral hospitals, hence not accessible at the primary health care facility level (HCII, HCIII, and HCIV).

More than 90 percent of the mentally ill individuals in Uganda don’t receive treatment.

Only one percent of the annual healthcare budget is earmarked for national mental healthcare, primarily channelled to Butabika hospital.

Data from the Health Management Information Systems (HMIS) shows that the number of MNS cases reported in the same region from 148,005 in 2024 (30.5 per 1,000 pop) by 31 percent and to 594,675 in 2025 (up by 26 percent).

Drivers of mental health problems include poverty, unemployment, family break-up, academic-related stressors in children, and chronic or life-threatening illnesses like cancer.

Common adult conditions (admitted)

The most common conditions for admitted patients are severe mental health conditions, including:

Bipolar disorder/manic depressive illness

Schizophrenia

Severe depression (often with suicidal ideation)

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Severe anxiety (debilitating forms)

Alcohol and substance abuse (for rehabilitation)

Complications of epilepsy

Common child conditions (admitted)

For children, common conditions include:

ADHD

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Epilepsy

Autism

Conduct disorder

The Parliament of Uganda will on Wednesday resolve on a matter by the government to borrow up to Euro 168,976,354, approximately seven hundred thirty-four billion two hundred two million two hundred fifty-eight thousand shillings, for the development of solar-powered irrigation systems.

The Parliament issued the notice for the motion on its official X (formerly Twitter) page on Tuesday.

”Motion for a resolution of Parliament to authorise government to borrow up to EUR 168,976,354 from the UK Export Finance (UKEF) and Citi Bank for the development of the solar-powered irrigation systems project phase II.” The notice reads.

The motion to be presented by the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development will last 30 minutes.

This is item four on the order paper for the 4th sitting of the first meeting of the first session of the 12th Parliament, which will commence at 10:00 am.

Other items on the order paper include prayers, administration of oaths, communication from the chair and adjournment.

The project

According to information from the Ministry of Water and Environment, the Solar-Powered Water Supply and Irrigation Systems Project is a major initiative commissioned by the Government of Uganda (GoU) through the Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE).

It involves Nexus Green Ltd (UK) as the contractor and is funded by UK Export Finance. This project aims to significantly enhance water access for domestic use and irrigation across Uganda.

The core objective is to increase water supply coverage countrywide for domestic use and support irrigation for improved agricultural productivity.

The project, which promotes the utilisation of solar energy to power water systems, seeks to address water scarcity, mitigate drought-induced food insecurity, and contribute to Uganda’s climate resilience and food security.

The first phase of the project began around 2021 and was anticipated to be completed by 2024, running over approximately three years.

It involves the development of a large number of sites (initially aimed for 687, with some reports mentioning up to 920).

The project is implemented countrywide across Uganda, targeting numerous districts to increase water supply coverage.

Targeted beneficiaries include rural communities and farmers by providing water for irrigation to boost agricultural production.

Others are women and youth who are often disproportionately burdened with water collection and are expected to benefit economically from increased agricultural output, as well as communities affected by water scarcity and drought through directly addressing water access challenges.

The project involves designing integrated water supply systems, including source development, transmission pipelines, and distribution networks; solar-powered pumping infrastructure; installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems to generate electricity; deployment of water pumps; construction of storage tanks for collected water; and setting up distribution networks to deliver water for domestic use.

In July 2006, at the peak of the Lord’s Resistance Army-led insurgency in northern Uganda, Archbishop John Baptist Odama of the Gulu Catholic Archdiocese visited Joseph Kony’s hideout in DR Congo’s Garamba National Park alongside other religious and government leaders.

Archbishop Odama, who retired in 2023 after 25 years of service, has been pivotal in the restoration of peace and the preaching of peace between the government of Uganda and the LRA, which had greatly terrorised the region.

Travelling to the bush was risky but with a purpose: to restore peace in the war-torn area through advocacy for cessation of fire and eventual peace deal.

While in the bush, he, who was then the leader of the Acholi Religious Leaders Peace Initiative (ARLPI), had physical discussions with Kony and his top commanders.

He believes that a lot of progress has been made since the interface, with many abductees and rebel leaders safely returned home and reintegrated into the community, coupled with the relative peace.

Archbishop Odama rejoices but says the one thing that still bothers him is the fact that Kony has not yet returned home.

During the conversation with Kony, the Archbishop said he spoke to his face, questioning when he will return home, if he cares about the suffering people, and whether he cherishes peace.

”When it came my turn to talk, I challenged him and his commanders against destroying human lives, and demanded to know when he was coming back home, and whether he cherishes the suffering of the people. I questioned why he doesn’t want to abandon the war and come back home.” The clergyman told this publication during an interview.

He recalled saying that he was determined for the worst that will come, because his main interest was to get an answer for people back home.

”I ask you, when will you return home?” But to his dismay, Archbishop Odama received no responses, as Kony timidly looked at him.

We set off from the bush the next day, with no answer to my question, and to date, I am waiting for that response. The best response would be seeing him return home. Archbishop Odama explained.

Even in retirement, the Archbishop Emeritus says his heart still yearns to see Kony out of the bush or wherever he is. ”When will you come home? Answer my question by coming home!”

Archbishop Odama and some clerics did not just risk going to the bush, but also slept in Gulu Main Bus park for several nights with children who were night commuters.

”The children were sleeping in the bus park, in the cold, on the floor. Every evening you see them carrying these boxes on their heads. So we decided to join them, feel what they go through and advance the call for peace,” he said.

”All these efforts were to see an end to the war that had ravaged northern Uganda. My heart pains for the suffering children born in the war situation.” He added.

To Archbishop Odama, the guns have gone silent, but the effects of the war continue to bother the communities of northern Uganda, with children being the most affected.

He says the effects of the war continue to manifest through mental health problems, street children, poverty, and high crime rates.

Look at these children, we call Aguu (relating to street children); where did they come from? These are our children; some returned from the bush, others lost their parents to the LRA war. Why can’t we take them as our own? Archbishop Odama wondered.

He added that: ”What if we all become parents to these children, shall we have them in the street? We should all play our roles and support them.”

The Archbishop Emeritus ‘ love for children is embedded in a slogan, ”nginingini”, to mean little black ants. Until his retirement in 2023, he remains renowned among the children and praised for peace advocacy.

Since that time, the LRA has witnessed massive defections from fighters and abductees.

However, Kony remains tight-lipped on intentions of coming back home. At a recent interview, one of the LRA commanders in the rank of a major said he had been weakened, but was uncertain about returning home.

On June 5, 2026, the government repatriated a group of LRA rebel abductees and combatants from Juba, South Sudan, through the Juba-Nimule Highway, into Uganda, bringing the total number of defectors in the last three weeks to 19.

The LRA launched a brutal insurgency in Northern Uganda in 1987, from Odek Sub-County in the current Omoro District in the Acholi Sub-region.

It is believed that the group abducted more than 30,000 children and young adults; some were recruited into the LRA rebels as ranks while others were turned into sex slaves and porters.

Kony, a former altar boy at a local Catholic Church, has since avoided capture. He is facing war crimes and crimes against humanity charges at the International Criminal Court in The Hague, the Netherlands, for his role in the deaths of thousands and displacement of nearly two million people from their homes during the violence that engulfed northern Uganda for over two decades.

The morning mist still hung low over the dense canopy of Kikuube District as an unprecedented coalition gathered at the edge of one of western Uganda’s most vital ecological treasures.

Barely a month after the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) officially assumed management of the Bugoma Central Forest Reserve, a major environmental reclamation project breathed new life into the region. On Monday, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), alongside government agencies, the Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom, and Hoima Sugar Limited, officially launched a massive restoration programme targeting the degraded landscapes surrounding the historic forest.

The initiative comes as a direct response to a rigorous environmental audit conducted by NEMA. The audit revealed that vital sections of the Kyangwali Integrated Agriculture Project had been severely degraded. This mixed-land-use area-originally earmarked for critical forest conservation, eco-tourism, and the protection of Bunyoro-Kitara cultural heritage-had fallen victim to intense human pressure. Environmental regulators identified charcoal burning, commercial cultivation, and illegal encroachment as the primary drivers behind the ecological compromise of the landscape.

To reverse the damage, NEMA issued an Environmental Restoration Order, legally binding Hoima Sugar Limited to restore the affected conservation zones. Far from a unilateral mandate, the resulting restoration plan-approved in December 2025-was forged through extensive consultations with the Ministry of Water and Environment, the National Forestry Authority (NFA), UWA, Kikuube District Local Government, and cultural and conservation stakeholders. The strategy relies on a mix of natural regeneration and the strategic enrichment planting of indigenous tree species.

‘This restoration programme reflects a shared commitment by all stakeholders to recover and protect the ecological value of the Bugoma landscape,’ stated NEMA Executive Director Dr. Barirega Akankwasah during the launch.

Dr. Akankwasah revealed that the collaborative effort is already yielding tangible results, with three square miles of degraded land successfully restored with indigenous trees. The launch marks the expansion of this exercise to cover all remaining degraded conservation pockets. To guarantee transparency and long-term viability, NEMA has accredited the Jane Goodall Institute Uganda as an independent technical partner. The institute will monitor progress, provide technical expertise, and introduce alternative livelihood programmes to help local communities thrive without depleting the forest.

Originally gazetted in 1932, the 41,144-hectare Bugoma Forest has faced decades of mounting pressure from agricultural expansion and illegal timber harvesting. This new intervention aims to permanently reverse that trend. By rehabilitating these habitats and safeguarding community green spaces, the project secures a sustainable future where economic activities and environmental preservation coexist. As Dr. Akankwasah noted, the restoration will not cease until the ecosystem completely regains its ecological integrity, ensuring Bugoma remains a sanctuary for biodiversity and a pillar of climate resilience for generations to come.

The scorecards from Uganda’s historic tour of Mumbai will eventually find their place in archives.

A commanding 4-0 sweep of the 50-over series against the MCA Colts XI and a respectable return against Mumbai Premier League T20 franchise sides combined for an impressive 5-3 overall record in unfamiliar conditions.

Those numbers alone would have marked the trip as a success.

But long after the runs, wickets and catches are forgotten, May 26, 2026 may be remembered as the day Ugandan cricket quietly changed direction.

At the Dadoji Konddev Stadium in Thane, Cricket Uganda and the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that could reshape not only the fortunes of the senior national team but the entire cricket ecosystem back home.

Uganda did not merely secure another international tour.

It bought a seat at one of world cricket’s most influential tables.

More than matches

For years, Associate nations have struggled to find consistent, quality opposition outside ICC tournaments.

Uganda has made significant strides on the field, qualifying for its maiden ICC Men’s T20 World Cup – the 2024 edition in the USA and West Indies – and steadily building a reputation as one of Africa’s fastest-rising cricket nations.

Yet sustained growth requires more than talent. It requires systems. The partnership with Mumbai provides exactly that.

Under the agreement, both bodies will collaborate on expanding international fixtures, strengthening high-performance structures, developing sustainable player pathways, enhancing coaching and technical expertise, and promoting the growth of women’s cricket.

The Cricket Cranes are already the first beneficiaries.

MCA facilitated Uganda’s eight-match exposure tour featuring four 50-over matches and four Twenty20 contests against representative sides drawn from one of India’s strongest cricket ecosystems.

The tour itself offered a glimpse of what such collaboration can achieve.

Uganda stunned the hosts with a clean 4-0 sweep of the 50-over series, winning by 55 runs, 33 runs, nine wickets and 53 runs respectively.

The T20 challenge proved sterner against teams preparing for the Mumbai Premier League. Uganda claimed one victory but pushed experienced opposition throughout, eventually finishing with a commendable 5-3 overall record across the entire tour.

But perhaps the greater value lies in what happens after this trip.

Plans are already in place for exchange programmes involving coaches, support staff, age-group teams and administrators. MCA are also exploring the possibility of using Uganda as an off-season training base during India’s monsoon months.

For a country where cricket still competes for attention and resources, such opportunities are priceless.

Learning from the best

There is perhaps no better guide for Uganda’s journey than head coach Steve Tikolo.

The Kenyan legend knows exactly what it means to bridge the gap between Associate and Full Member cricket, having featured in five ICC Cricket World Cups.

“It gives us a lot of pleasure to be here in Mumbai and play this type of cricket,” Tikolo said during the signing ceremony.

“I have played here before and I know how tough it can be. The positives that we are taking from here will put us in good stead for the tournaments we have coming up.”

Tikolo sees the arrangement as much bigger than one tour.

“I want to believe it is going to be a non-stop partnership. Mumbai can come to Uganda and Uganda can come to Mumbai. Through such exchanges, both sides definitely get to the next level.”

Cricket Uganda’s Head of High Performance and Pathways, Richard Okia, shares the same vision.

“Our plan is to expose the Under-19s, Under-23s, the senior men’s team and the women’s team,” Okia explained.

“We want to create a holistic environment where every level of our cricket benefits from international exposure.”

That holistic approach could become the agreement’s greatest strength.

MCA president Ajinkya Naik made it clear that the relationship was never intended to be one-sided.

“When ICC Chairman Jay Shah requested us, we didn’t hesitate. Our players love playing against international teams and we are ready to support each other, including through staff exchanges.”

Changing mindsets

Ugandan cricket has never lacked ambition. What it has often lacked is access.

The value of the Mumbai partnership goes beyond batsmen facing quicker bowling and mystery spinners or bowlers testing themselves against stronger batting line-ups.

It could expose scorers to better match operations. It could allow curators to study world-class pitch preparation. Physiotherapists and strength-and-conditioning coaches could exchange ideas.

Young administrators may learn how one of cricket’s biggest associations runs its competitions. Women’s cricket could benefit from greater international interaction.

Perhaps most importantly, players and officials alike could begin thinking differently.

Cricket Uganda chairman Jackson Kavuma revealed that the partnership grew from relationships carefully nurtured over several years.

“When I first came here three years ago, it was just a casual relationship. Little did I know it would grow into something this big that can take cricket to greater heights.”

As a Board, he believes the agreement can transform attitudes.

“We believe this five-year partnership will change the mindset of our players and officials and help grow our cricket.”

That may have been the most important sentence spoken all day.

Infrastructure can be built. Equipment can be purchased.

But changing what people believe is possible often becomes the catalyst for lasting success.

A future already arriving

There is a quiet symbolism that Uganda ended the tour with a seven-wicket defeat after being bowled out for just 70 by Mumbai Triumph Knights NE.

On paper, it looked a disappointing finish. In reality, it underlined the very purpose of the exercise.

After eight matches across unfamiliar venues and conditions, the Cricket Cranes boarded their flight home with five victories, invaluable experience and a partnership that could shape the next generation.

Captain Fred Achelam perhaps summed it up best.

“As a team, we are really grateful for this opportunity. Win or lose, it is the process that matters. The boys are learning and improving.”

The numbers support him. Five wins from eight matches. A 4-0 sweep in the 50-over series. Young players exposed to pressure situations.

Senior players challenged against quality opposition. Most importantly, another layer added to Uganda’s preparation for future ICC events.

Uganda hopes to host a Mumbai representative side next year.

If that happens, young cricketers in Lugogo, Jinja, Soroti or Gulu may one day share dressing rooms with players raised in one of cricket’s greatest nurseries.

The Cricket Cranes may eventually forget the scorecard from Thane.

They will not forget standing shoulder-to-shoulder with one of cricket’s biggest cricket associations and hearing the words:

“Whenever you need us, please come back.’

For a country still writing its cricket story, that invitation could be the beginning of an entirely new chapter.

UGANDA’S TOUR OF MUMBAI

RESULTS – 50 OVERS

Uganda XI 221/10 | MCA Colts XI 166/10

Uganda XI won by 55 runs

Uganda XI 299/9 | MCA Colts XI 266/10

Uganda won by 33 runs

MCA Colts XI 56/10 | Uganda XI 58/1

Uganda XI won by 9 wickets

Uganda XI 194/10 | MCA Colts XI 141/10

Uganda XI won by 53 runs

Series Result: Uganda win 4-0

RESULTS – T20 GAMES

Uganda XI 112/10 | Mumbai Falcons 118/9

Mumbai Falcons won by 1 wicket

MCA Colts XI 133/9|Uganda XI 134/6

Uganda XI won by 4 wickets

Uganda XI 114/8 |MCA Colts XI 115/5

MCA Colts XI won by 5 wickets

Uganda XI 70/10 | Triumph Knights 74/3

Mumbai Triumph Knights NE won by 7 wickets

THE TALKING POINT

Hidden Gains. The scorecards show Uganda lost the T20 series 3-1. They also show a dominant 4-0 sweep in the 50-over format and an overall 5-3 tour victory. What they cannot measure is the value of competing in unfamiliar conditions, learning new systems and building relationships that may shape Ugandan cricket long after this tour is forgotten.

Dr Protazio Sande’s story does not start in a boardroom. It starts in Kiryadongo, a village in Kyenjojo District, where he was born on January 27, 1976. From these humble beginnings emerged a man whose journey would defy expectations, proving that greatness is not defined by where you start, but by the courage to pursue a bigger purpose. His father, the late Leo Gafabusa, worked with the East African Post and Telecommunications Corporation. His mother, Restituta Nyanjara, is still alive in her late 80s.

Like many children growing up in rural areas during the 1980s, he did not have access to nursery education.

At seven years old, Sande started school in Primary One at Busaiga Primary School. Although it was a rural school with limited resources, it laid the foundation for a pattern that would follow him through life: excelling despite constraints.

He completed primary school in 1990 with a first grade. That grade could have opened doors to prestigious schools like Nyakasura or St. Mary’s College Kisubi, but without the fees, his family had to choose a cheaper government school 17km away-Kyenjojo Senior Secondary School.

The distance was too far to walk daily from home, so Sande and his elder sister rented a room in town. When rent became unaffordable, they moved in with their grandmother, six kilometres from school. For four years, from Senior One to Senior Four, he walked 12 Km a day-six in the morning, six in the evening.

It paid off. In 1994, he sat his O-Level exams and became the first student in the school’s 20-year history to get a first grade.

His hard work paid off. In 1994, he sat for his O-Level examinations and became the first student in the school’s 20-year history to earn a First Grade.

‘I remember going to pick the results with my mother, the excitement was overwhelming after years of paying fees late, often being sent home, and studying through uncertainty,’ he recalls.

The then headmaster, Mr Patrick Adyeeri Rwebembera, became a father figure, allowing him to sit exams even when the fees were unpaid. Then, for A-Level, his brothers, who had left school to work and run a business, pooled resources to send him to Nyakasura School.

‘It was a step up. Boarding at a school of that standard felt like a privilege. But on the eve of my final exams, I fell ill. I pushed through, going to the sick bay for injections and coming back to write papers,’ he recalls.

The illness took a toll, and he scored 15 points in History, Economics and Geography. It was not enough for government sponsorship, and his family was disappointed.

Rather than give up, he took a year off to teach in schools around Kyenjo to raise money. With support from his brothers, he enrolled at Makerere University in 1998 for a Bachelor of Social Sciences, majoring in Economics. He graduated in 2001, narrowly missing a first-class degree by 0.04 points. By then, he wanted to become a teacher.

His first job was with an NGO called Innovative Vision Uganda, through a connection made by his brother, a policeman. ‘The pay was low, but it was a start. A year later, Professor Augustus Nuwagaba, who had taught me at Makerere, offered me a role at REEV Consult, one of Uganda’s larger research firms,’ he shares.

At REEV, Sande worked as a research associate. But when projects slowed down, Makerere called him back as a teaching assistant in the Department of Economics.

‘Teaching was where I felt at home. I rose quickly from teaching assistant to assistant lecturer to lecturer by 2010. I coordinated exams for the entire faculty for years without a hitch and acted as head of department at times,’ he recalls.

Insurance node

The next turn came in 2012, when the Insurance Regulatory Authority of Uganda (IRA) advertised for an assistant director of Research and Market Development. Over 20 people applied for one position. Sande applied, was interviewed, and two weeks later, he was selected.

Joining the IRA meant entering the corporate world after years in Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), research, and academia.

‘I immediately enrolled for professional qualifications with the Chartered Insurance Institute of the UK, and became an Associate of the Chartered Insurance Institute within five years-a tough course few in the market complete,’ he recalls.

In 2018, after an organisational review created the Department of Strategy and Market Development, he became acting director. By 2019, he was confirmed as director of strategy and market development, until last week when he was appointed IRA’s Acting chief executive officer.

That 360-degree view-NGO, research, academia, regulator-has shaped how Sande sees institutions. It also pushed him towards his doctoral research. As he interacted with boards at higher levels, he observed a pattern where well-structured public agencies were underperforming despite having the right policies and funding on paper. He wanted to know why.

For his doctorate, he studied the role of board governance in the performance of public agencies in Uganda, focusing on six agencies under the Finance Ministry. He interviewed 31 people-board chairs, CEOs, board secretaries, heads of strategy, plus oversight bodies such as the Office of the Prime Minister, Auditor General, Parliament, and governance experts. He also reviewed minutes, reports, and audit findings.

The core finding was what he calls the ‘governance paradox.’

‘Public agencies often have excellent governance structures documented, but in practice, those structures are undermined. Boards appear compliant on paper but are weakened by three realities,’ he notes.

Sande’s discoveries

First, political influence in appointments. Laws say boards should be appointed based on qualifications. But in practice, political connections often override merit. This leads to boards lacking the technical expertise needed for real oversight, with management guiding the board instead of the other way around.

Second, ritualistic governance. Many boards meet quarterly as required, receive reports, and give approvals, but focus on formalities rather than results. The study found instances where strategic plans were discussed’ in 5-10 minutes.

Third, lack of independence and accountability. Some board members are captured by CEOs, holding pre-meetings to pass issues without scrutiny. And crucially, boards are supposed to monitor management. But who monitors the board? Most do self or peer evaluations with no teeth, so everyone passes, regardless of actual performance.

From this, he concluded that performance in public agencies hinges on three things: who is appointed-merit-based, skilled, independent members drive better outcomes; what boards do such as actively engaging strategy and holding management accountable versus rubber-stamping; and how boards are held accountable. Without external accountability, complacency sets in.

His recommendations

Sande’s recommendations are practical.

‘Make governance certification a prerequisite for board appointments, even for former politicians. Insist on technical skills relevant to the sector,’ he notes.

Correspondingly, separate governance from politics in practice, not just on paper. And institutionalise independent board evaluations tied to real performance indicators.

At IRA, he’s applied this thinking directly. The insurance sector in Uganda is private, so boards face stricter shareholder pressure. But IRA still faces governance challenges, particularly around the fit and propriety of board members. Some companies want to appoint relatives of shareholders who lack competence.

‘IRA subjects all nominees to fit and propriety tests and has rejected those who don’t meet the bar,’ he asserts.

Regulatory changes he has helped drive include requiring at least 50 percent of board members to be resident in Uganda, ensuring more than 50 percent of boards are independent non-executives, and shifting to a risk-based capital regime. Under risk-based capital, insurers face capital charges for risky underwriting.

The result has been more responsible risk-taking and improved profitability across the industry.

Lessons

Looking back, Sande says three things have been essential: adaptability, integrity, and learning from every role.

Research sharpened his analytical skills, while teaching gave him the ability to communicate complex ideas for hours. Regulation gave him exposure to corporate and international standards.

He advises young professionals not to settle and to stay open to opportunities. But he’s blunt about what matters once you are in the door: deliver value, not just credentials.

‘You don’t get what you deserve. You get what you bargain for,’ he says. Bargaining, in his view, is shown in reliability, going beyond the 5 pm clock-out, and delivering before deadlines. Above all, protect your integrity.

He has also learned to navigate organisational politics. ‘Never try to outshine your boss,’ he says. Learn where authority lies and respect it. Understand the people around you, because sometimes the people you least expect will undermine you. Do not to fight other people’s wars when you are new.

Currently, Sande is a founding member of KIND Initiative for Development, a community NGO in Kyenjojo.

He chairs the School Management Committee at St. Paul Day and Boarding Primary School, Kitagobwa, and sits on the board of Insurance Training College. He reads widely on corporate governance, trying to understand why oversight fails even when structures exist.

On May 8 2026, he graduated with a Doctor of Philosophy at Uganda Management Institute (UMI).

For years, thousands of Ugandan businesses and individuals have carried tax debts that seemed impossible to escape.

A liability that started at Shs10 million becomes Shs20 million. A debt of Shs50 million becomes Shs100 million. Before long, the taxpayer is no longer dealing with a manageable obligation but a burden that feels impossible to overcome. This reality is familiar to many businesses and individuals across Uganda.

It is also one of the reasons why the government has introduced significant tax relief measures that will start on July 1, 2026.

These amendments are not merely technical changes buried in tax legislation. They have the potential to affect thousands of businesses, landlords, professionals, contractors, individuals, and investors.

Beginning July 1, 2026, one of the most significant tax relief measures in recent years will take effect. The government has introduced provisions that could completely erase certain historical tax liabilities and waive billions of shillings in penalties and interest.

For some taxpayers, this could be the fresh start they have been waiting for. For others, it could be a final opportunity to get their tax affairs in order before enforcement becomes more aggressive. The question is: Do you understand what is changing, and more importantly, do you know whether you qualify?

Waiver of tax liabilities existing before June 30 2016

The first amendment provides for a complete and unconditional waiver of tax liabilities that existed as of June 30, 2016. Not just penalties. Not just interest. The entire tax liability.

This means that where a tax debt existed before June 30, 2016 and falls within the scope of the amendment, the liability can effectively be written off. This is a major departure from previous tax amnesty programmes that often required taxpayers to first pay part of the debt or meet specific compliance conditions. This waiver is unconditional because it does not require taxpayers to negotiate settlements or enter repayment arrangements for those qualifying historical liabilities.

Many of these debts have remained on tax records for years with little prospect of recovery. Some relate to businesses that closed long ago. Others involve disputes that were never fully resolved.

Keeping these amounts on the books creates administrative burdens for both taxpayers and tax authorities. Removing them allows everyone to start from a cleaner slate. For businesses that have been carrying these historical balances, this could significantly improve their financial position and compliance status.

Waiver of interest and penalties existing as of June 30 2025

The second amendment may affect an even larger number of taxpayers.

Under the new provisions, interest and penalties that existed by June 30, 2025 will be waived, provided that the principal tax has been paid.

The government is not forgiving the actual tax that was due. The principal tax remains payable. What is being forgiven are the additional charges that accumulated because of late payment or non-compliance. This means taxpayers who settle their principal tax obligations can benefit from the removal of potentially substantial interest and penalty amounts.

I have seen situations where a taxpayer originally owed Shs50 million in tax, but after years of accumulated interest and penalties, the total has doubled. In such cases, the interest and penalties had become a bigger problem than the original tax itself.

The amendment acknowledges a reality that tax professionals encounter every day: once penalties and interest reach a certain level, many taxpayers simply give up.

Instead of encouraging compliance, the debt becomes overwhelming. By removing these additional charges, the government is effectively saying: ‘Pay what you originally owed, and we shall forgive the rest.’

That is a powerful incentive for taxpayers to regularise their affairs. For many taxpayers, paying the principal tax may suddenly become realistic once the additional charges are removed.

What this means for businesses

For business owners, this amendment creates both an opportunity and a responsibility. The opportunity is obvious.

Companies with outstanding tax assessments should review their records to determine whether they have liabilities that qualify for either of these waivers.

A business that takes action early could save millions of shillings. The responsibility, however, is equally important. This should not be viewed as permission to delay future tax obligations.

Tax amnesties and waivers are exceptional measures; they are not permanent features of the tax system.

Businesses that receive relief should use the opportunity to strengthen their compliance processes going forward. That means improving record keeping, filing returns on time, maintaining proper accounting systems, and seeking professional advice where necessary.

The smartest businesses will not simply celebrate the waiver. They will use it as a chance to build stronger compliance habits.

What this means for taxpayers

Many people assume tax matters only affect large corporations. That is far from the truth.

Professionals, landlords, consultants, contractors, and self-employed individuals may also have outstanding tax obligations. For example, a landlord who accumulated rental income tax arrears years ago may find that part of their tax burden falls within the scope of these relief measures.

Likewise, professionals who previously struggled with compliance could benefit from reduced liabilities if they act promptly and understand the conditions attached to the waiver. This is why taxpayers should not ignore these changes because they do not operate a registered company. The impact may be much closer to home than they realise.

Tax waivers are often controversial. Critics argue that they reward non-compliance while compliant taxpayers receive no special benefit.

However, governments around the world occasionally use tax amnesties and waivers as practical tools to improve revenue collection.

Collecting a realistic amount today is often better than chasing an uncollectible amount forever.

By reducing historical tax burdens, the government hopes to bring more taxpayers back into the formal system.

A taxpayer who becomes compliant today is likely to contribute revenue for years to come. While one who is trapped under an impossible debt burden may never return to the system. These amendments are not simply about forgiveness; they are also about expanding future compliance and broadening the tax base.

The biggest mistake taxpayers could make

The biggest mistake would be assuming that these benefits will automatically apply without any action on your part.

Taxpayers should begin reviewing their tax positions immediately. Understand what liabilities existed before June 30, 2016.

Determine whether you have outstanding penalties and interest accumulated before June 30, 2025. Confirm whether principal taxes remain unpaid. Most importantly, engage qualified tax professionals where necessary.

A proper review could reveal savings that significantly exceed the cost of obtaining professional advice. Waiting until the last minute could mean missed opportunities, confusion, and unnecessary exposure to future enforcement actions.

Rare opportunity to start again

Every so often, a tax amendment comes along that changes the position of thousands of taxpayers. This is one of those moments.

The complete waiver of qualifying tax liabilities existing before June 30, 2016 and the waiver of interest and penalties existing before June 30, 2025 represent a rare opportunity to clear the past and move forward.

For businesses struggling under old tax burdens, this could improve cash flow, strengthen financial statements, and restore confidence.

For businesses, landlords, investors, and self-employed professionals, this is more than a legislative amendment. It is an opportunity to clean the slate, restore compliance, and redirect resources from historical tax burdens into business growth, investment, and job creation.

The taxpayers who benefit most will be those who review their records, understand the law, seek advice where necessary, and take action before the opportunity passes.

Dedan Mutatinensi is a tax advisor.

More than 500 villages across five sub-counties in Namisindwa district face imminent danger after massive landslide cracks tore through the area, destroying homes and crops and leaving residents in fear of further devastation.

Local leaders warn that government inaction could turn the situation into a full-scale humanitarian disaster, as families remain trapped in unstable homes with no safe relocation options.

The widening cracks, fueled by relentless rains, threaten to erase entire communities if urgent intervention is not taken.

Community members say they are living in constant fear, as the cracks widen daily and threaten to swallow homes, schools, and farmland.

With rains forecast to continue, experts caution that Namisindwa may suffer one of Uganda’s deadliest landslide crises without immediate measures to stabilize the area.

Mr Timothy Nashimolo, an elder, said that many families have already been displaced, while others remain trapped in vulnerable areas with limited access to shelter and food.

‘Farmers, whose livelihoods depend on the land, are among the hardest hit, with entire fields of maize, beans, and bananas destroyed, ‘said Mr Nashimolo.

Mr David Okot, Environmental expert, warns that without swift action, the cracks could widen further, putting thousands more at risk.

He says cracks could grow worse and trigger multiple landslides especially as heavy rains continue to pound the area.

A visit by this reporter at the weekend to the area, several homes have been abandoned and some of which have collapsed.

The cracks running through several villages have spread fear among locals and leaders living in the affected villages.

The cracks have also affected some schools, water sources, roads among other infrastructures.

The affected Sub-Counties include Buwabwala, Bumumali, Tsekululu, Mukoto, and Luwa Town Council, where heavy rains on Wednesday intensified the cracks and triggered widespread destruction. Numerous houses have developed deep fissures, while acres of farmland have been buried or washed away by landslides and flooding.

Mr Emma Bwayo, the District LC5 Chairperson, confirmed the situation following a field assessment conducted on Wednesday afternoon.

Accompanied by local leaders, Mr Bwayo visited several villages to evaluate the extent of the damage and listen to residents’ concerns.

‘The cracks are expanding rapidly, and the risk to lives and property is very high. We are working with local leaders to assess the most urgent needs and coordinate support,’ Mr Bwayo stated.

Residents report sleepless nights as the ground continues to shift beneath their homes.

The affected residents and Local leaders are calling for immediate government intervention, including emergency relief supplies and long-term strategies to mitigate the recurring threat of landslides in the mountainous district.

At least 1000 people have been killed by landslides over the past years and out of such deaths, 70 percent were registered in Bududa, which sits on the slope of Mt Elgon.

In 2019, the Ugandan Government launched a resettlement plan aimed at relocating all residents from high-risk zones to Bunambutye in Bulambuli district after the office of the Prime Minister (OPM) bought more than 2,800 acres of land in 2013.

However, progress has been slow, and many communities remain exposed. Those who have been relocated also face challenges in adapting-especially subsistence farmers who struggle to find fertile land for food production.

Mr Bwayo emphasized the need for an urgent government response to save lives and provide a permanent solution for communities living in landslide-prone areas.

‘It is time for the government to treat this matter with the urgency it deserves. We should not wait for people to lose their lives before taking action,’ Mr Bwayo said. He added that a comprehensive report is being prepared for submission to Kampala to seek immediate intervention and support.

Ms Betty Nandutu, the District Councilor, who represents two sub-counties of Tsekululu and Bungati, emphasized that many residents are enduring sleepless nights as floodwaters continue to invade their homes, while others have already lost their crops.

‘If government does not intervene quickly, hunger will become another disaster facing our people,’ Ms Nandutu warned.

Ms Nandutu who is also the District Executive Secretary for Social Services, further noted that the destruction of crops will severely undermine recovery efforts under the Parish Development Model (PDM), since many households had invested heavily in farming as their primary source of livelihood.

Mr Elvis Wamono, one of the affected residents, expressed concern that they have nowhere else to relocate and are currently living in houses with widening cracks. ‘We are sleeping in houses that could collapse at any time. Every day we fear for our lives, but we have nowhere else to go,’ one resident said, appealing to the central government for urgent assistance,’said Wamono.

Mr Bwayo called for immediate evacuation plans, emergency relief support, and long-term mitigation measures to protect communities from future landslide disasters.

Bugisu Sub-region has suffered repeated deadly landslides, especially in Bududa, Bulambuli, Namisindwa, and Sironko districts, with over 1,000 deaths recorded in the past decade.

The worst incidents include several devastating landslides across Bugisu. In 2010, a massive landslide struck Nametsi village in Bududa District, killing more than 100 people and displacing thousands. In 2018, another disaster killed 48 people and more than 500 people displaced following a landslide in Suume village, Bukalasi Sub-county, Bududa district.

August 2017, landslides hit Bufupa parish, Sironko district killing seven people and displacing hundreds.

In 2019, multiple landslides occurred in Bududa and Sironko, killing at least eight people. In 2023, Masugu village in Bulambuli District lost five lives when homes and a classroom were buried. Most recently, in 2024, Bulambuli District suffered another tragedy, with 36 people killed, 100 reported missing, and more than 1,000 residents placed at risk.