Category: Daily Monitor

Ugly scenes of violence played out on Saturday afternoon when some 50 youth stormed the Opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) party rally venue at Awere Sports Ground in Bardege-Layibi Division in Gulu City.

The venue had been prepared to host the last campaign rally of NUP’s presidential candidate, Mr Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, better known as Bobi Wine.

The street gangs, who identified themselves as Ghetto Youth and were armed with bottles, stones, and sticks, stormed the venue at around 2:10 pm, went on a rampage, and attacked on sight anyone they found at the venue.

The violence lasted for about 10 minutes before the gangs were overpowered by Bobi Wine’s supporters. At least five people were injured in the fracas.

The marauding gangs also damaged three vehicles, including the public address system belonging to the Opposition leader’s campaign team. One unidentified man was hacked with a machete by the gangs as police watched without taking action.

The gangs also vandalised three motorcycles and later rampaged through Awach Road, Lagara Road, Andrea Olal Road, and Coronation Road, attacking motorists and robbing merchandise from shops as police and the army looked on.

The Ghetto Youth, comprising young men and women, was formed early this year to solicit support for the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party leaders, and have in their ranks notorious members blamed for substance abuse, violent robberies, and house break-ins in Gulu City.

At the same time, a group of boda boda riders donning yellow T-shirts roared at breakneck speed through the major streets in Gulu’s central business district.

The ensuing chaos, theft, and heavy deployment forced traders in Gulu City to close their shops as the gangs attacked anyone on sight.

Despite the violence and mayhem no single suspect was arrested as the gangs retreated. Curiously, both the police and army looked away but kept a close watch on the Bobi Wine supporters.

Just some 500 metres from the scene, at Kaunda Grounds, was the centre of the Gulu Marathon. But the participants remained safe from the goons since they were shielded by heavy security.

Mr Kyagulanyi later at a rally accused the NRM party officials of hiring street gangs and security operatives to block his rally in Gulu City.

Several attempts to get a comment from the local NRM party leaders in Gulu City were futile as none of them picked up or returned our repeated calls by press time.

But Mr Emmanuel Dombo, the NRM party communication director, while speaking on the Capital Gang radio talk show in Kampala, denounced the ugly scenes of violence.

‘What happened in Gulu and Nwoya is very uncalled for. NUP doesn’t have support in the north, and everyone knows that, when you beat them, you give them what to talk about.

“These beatings are not sanctioned by the President; these people think that they are protecting the President, and yet in one way or another, they are killing the support. You can’t beat people in the name of protecting someone. These incidents must be investigated,’ he said.

As Bobi Wine arrived in Gulu City at around 4:40pm, armed security personnel blocked his route with armoured cars, anti-riot vehicles, and double-cabin pick-up trucks belonging to the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF).

Bobi Wine was headed to his last campaign rally at Awere Sports Ground after holding a similar one in Awach Town Council, in Gulu District, 20 miles North-East of Gulu City.

The log jam from the standoff lasted about 15 minutes in front of the Bank of Uganda Gulu Regional Offices on the busy Airfield Road in the heart of Gulu City.

Bobi Wine pleaded in vain with the commanders for some 10 minutes before disembarking from his car to walk to the venue as the situation quickly turned chaotic, with Bobi Wine’s civilian bodyguards shielding him from the charging armed police and army personnel.

The stand-off also saw six of Bobi Wine’s supporters injured and vehicles vandalised. Among those injured was Mr Daniel Oyirwoth, alias Dan Magic, one of Bobi Wine’s close allies. Mr Oyirwoth sustained a deep cut on the crown of his head and face after being assaulted.

He looked visibly distressed after being repeatedly lashed with sticks and hit with batons. But Mr Oyirwoth continued the journey on foot with Bobi Wine even as he bled. Bobi Wine, who had abandoned his car, was seen comforting him.

Mr Kyagulanyi and fans then walked and ran on Gulu Avenue before walking through Andrea Olal Road, via Awach Road to the rally venue at Awere Grounds, some 5 kilometres, where he was welcomed by his ecstatic and chanting supporters. Mr Kyagulanyi told the crowds that his life was in danger.

‘My life is in danger. The NRM hired goons to attack my supporters. Some of them were injured,’ Mr Kyagulanyi told his cheering crowd.

He added: ‘Even if IGP Abbas Byakagaba is aware that I should hold a rally here, the police and UPDF do not want me to have one. They want to block me so that I reach here after 6pm.’

Mr Kyagulanyi told his supporters that he will never give up. He also told the security forces that the world is watching them.

‘The international community is seeing what is happening here. The injustice. The double standard,’ he warned.

Mr Kyagulanyi urged Ugandans to vote for a new Uganda on January 15, 2026, so that they have the freedom that they have been yearning for.

Police, UPDF respond

Mr David Ongom Mudong, the Aswa West Region Police spokesperson, said they are investigating the violent incidents.

‘On December 2, Honourable Kyagulanyi Robert, alias Bobi Wine, the National Unity Platform (NUP) party presidential candidate, held his campaign rally at Bar Awere grounds in Gulu City,’ he said on Sunday morning.

Mr Mudong added: ‘He entered Gulu City through the Gulu-Kitgum road via Unyama after reaching the Bank of Uganda junction. He defied the agreed route and decided to use the Main Street on foot, and he had some scuffles with officers as they pleaded with him to use the agreed route.However, he successfully managed to use the Main Street up to his rally venue at around 1647hrs and addressed a gathering of approximately 300 people up to 1743hrs.”

The acting Director of Defence Public Information, Col Chris Magezi, said the army could not allow Mr Kyagulanyi and his fans to disturb the peace of the people while they look on.

He added that only Bobi Wine, just as did four-time Opposition presidential candidate Dr Kizza Besigye before him, has issues with the security forces.

‘Why is it that the other seven candidates have no problem? He is defiant. He is confrontational. He is trying to copy Dr Besigye, who tried to behave like that for a long time, but it did not serve him very well.’ He called on the Opposition leader to respect the law.

‘What does it take away from their campaign? It is simply that they believe ‘if we are confrontational, we shall grab headlines.’ I think capture global attention,’ Col Magezi stated. He added:’The security forces have a responsibility not just towards the participating political candidates…No one is out of control.’

Bobi Wine timeline in Acholi Sub-region

Last Thursday, NUP presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi campaigned in Oyam and Omoro districts. He arrived at Omoro at about 4pm and was welcomed by hundreds of supporters. He ended his rally before 6pm, the official deadline for campaigns, and proceeded to Gulu City, where he spent the night at Kacoke Madit Hotel.

Friday morning, Mr Kyagulanyi headed to Nwoya District, made a stopover and addressed supporters as his motorcade parked on one side of the road, allowing traffic to flow uninterrupted. But on approaching Anaka Town Council, Nwoya’s biggest town, a police truck blocked the road, forcing Mr Kyagulanyi and his team to go off-road in order to bypass.

Upon arrival at Anaka Town, the NUP team encountered supporters holding posters of President Museveni and wearing NRM T-shirts.

They taunted Mr Kyagulanyi and team, signalling he was not wanted in the area. Mr Kyagulanyi ignored them, but the NRM supporters turned wild when Mr Kyagulanyi began addressing the crowd that had gathered to listen to him.

Police officers who were deployed to the rally remained unbothered as Mr Kyagulanyi condemned them for not restraining the NRM supporters. Police then reluctantly restrained the NRM supporters.

A significant number of unarmed prison wardens were also present. It was unclear what their role was. Among the rowdy NRM supporters was a man clad in attire resembling an army uniform and appeared to be their leader. Mr Kyagulanyi’s campaigns in Nwoya were cut short and he made a U-turn and headed to Amuru District for a rally on Friday.

He was well received in Pabbo Town in Amuru, where he addressed the voters uninterrupted and later headed to Elegu, on the Uganda-South Sudan border.

But UPDF and police personnel blocked him at Atiak Town Council in Amuru District. Mr Kyagulanyi pleaded with them in vain and ended up singing his revolutionary songs and the national anthem as his supporters sang along. Finally at 6pm, police opened the way and Mr Kyagulanyi and his supporters proceeded to Atiak Town where he had planned to spend Friday night. But security personnel again stopped him, forcing him to stop in Adjumani District where he stayed overnight.

On Saturday morning, Mr Kyagulanyi was hosted by Radio Amani, a radio station in Adjumani. He then made a procession through Adjumani Town, attracting a huge crowd. Mr Kyagulanyi held his first rally of the day in Cesia playground in Adjumani Town at about 11am and concluded his rally in Adjumani without any interference by security perseonnel. He proceeded to Gulu City for his second rally of the day. He arrived at 4pm but the army and police blocked all roads leading to Gulu’s city.

At the Bank of Uganda’s Gulu City branch, he encountered several armed UPDF soldiers and police officers, some in armoured cars, on ground, overseen by a Colonel. Confrontation ensued between Mr Kyagulanyi and the security personnel.

He insisted he wanted to access the NUP offices that had been raided on Thursday morning before proceeding to his rally. But security personnel blocked him.

GASOLINE prices will increase this week by more than P1 per liter, oil companies announced on Monday.

In separate advisories, Seaoil, Jetti, Shell Philippines, Petro Gazz, Caltex, and Cleanfuel said the prices of gasoline would increase by P1.20 per liter on Tuesday, December 9.

The adjustment will take effect beginning 6:00 a.m. except for Cleanfuel which will implement the price hike at 4:01 p.m.

There will be no movement in the prices of kerosene and diesel.

Oil companies adjust prices every week to reflect movements in the world oil market.

The Department of Energy said the global crude oil supply surplus and the geopolitical concerns on Ukraine attack on Russian’s oil infrastructure and the rising tension between US and Venezuela contributed to the local pump price adjustment.

THE National Police (PNP) has mobilized sufficient personnel and resources to assist in maintaining peace and order during the three-day transport strike starting on Tuesday.

In a statement on Monday, the acting PNP Chief, Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., said police commanders were also instructed to coordinate with local governments and other government agencies for a unified response to cushion the effects of the transport strike.

‘Our personnel will be on the ground not only to secure the protest action but also to conduct assessment on areas that need mobility assets for our kababayan that may be stranded,’ Nartatez said.

This is in line with the directive of President Marcos to guarantee public safety, maintain smooth mobility, and ensure that essential services remain uninterrupted during major public activities such as transport strikes.

‘Our goal is to make sure that the protest action will be done peacefully and orderly similar to the same activities in the past,’ he added.

Nartatez said police officers will be deployed to key transport hubs, main thoroughfares, and affected routes to ensure peace and order.

Police vehicles will also be placed on standby to provide immediate assistance to commuters who may experience delays or difficulty finding transportation.

He assured the public that the PNP remains committed to work closely with transport groups and other stakeholders to prevent disruptions and ensure a peaceful and orderly conduct of the strike.

Transport group Manibela announced a nationwide transport strike from December 9 to 11 to protest what it described as excessive penalties and the slow processing of government documents.

It has indicated the possibility of extending the strike but Nartatez assured that the PNP’s security and assistance measures will remain in place for as long as necessary.

In previous strikes, no untoward incidents were reported due to the close coordination and cooperation between transport groups and authorities.

Philippine Sports Commission chairman Patrick ‘Patò’ Gregorio arrived at noon in Thailand on Monday but immediately motored to Pattaya to show his support to the men’s handball team that played Vietnam at the Indoor Athletics Stadium Pattaya.

Asked about the country’s chances in the games that kick off with the opening ceremony at the Rajamangala National Stadium in the capital, he said he’s hoping for a top four finish in the medal tally.

The Philippines hauled 58 golds, 86 silvers and 116 bronze medals for a fifth-place finish behind Vietnam (136-105-114), Thailand (108-96-108), Indonesia (87-80-109) and Cambodia (81-74-127).

‘For me, it’s about finishing better than the last SEA Games,’ Gregorio said. ‘But it’s difficult to set targets because the other countries have also set their own goals-so for me, it’s about the rankings at the end of the day.’

Gregorio sees a strong Team Philippines, but is also glad that that the 1,600-strong delegation is also composed of some of the future stars that would represent the country in major competitions for years to come.

‘But as I’ve said, right from the start when we sent a very, very good delegation, we know exposure is very important, aside from the medal haul-‘let’s prepare for the SEA Games, as we prepare for the Asian Games and as we prepare for the Los Angeles Olympics,” he said. ‘That’s what’s important.in sports, sometimes, it’s the opportunity to compete first.’

Gregorio is looking forward to Tuesday’s opening ceremony at the Rajamangala National Stadium, where the Philippine team will be clad with uniforms designed by Avel Bacudio,’ he said.

Reaching 31,000 points means Durant has maintained high output over a very long career. It reflects his sustained scoring ability season after season, his durability, and adaptability which spans multiple teams and eras.

Durant has never been a high-volume volume-shooter just for stats; his scoring often comes from a mix of jumpers, 3s, and efficient midrange shots. That versatility and efficiency help preserve his scoring output even as athleticism naturally declines with age.

Many consider him among the most complete and versatile scorers ever as he can score from outside, mid-range, and near the rim, and his height and length give him advantages even late in his career.

At 37 years old and still productive, he remains a meaningful threat to pass at least some of them, depending on health and how many seasons he continues.

As he climbs further on the all-time scoring list, If Durant stays healthy and continues scoring at a reasonable clip, he could pass those just ahead.

That would further cement his place among NBA all-time greats.

His legacy as GOAT-level scorer as few players have combined scoring volume, efficiency, and longevity like Durant. His 31,000 point mark reinforces arguments that at least in terms of scoring he belongs near the very top.

He’s played for multiple teams and adjusted his game over time, this milestone highlights his ability to evolve rather than rely purely on athleticism.

Many players retire well before accumulating such high totals; Durant’s path shows that elite performance can stretch over nearly two decades which may influence how future stars view career longevity.

Scoring milestones are historic but championships, team success, and impact on the game aren’t guaranteed by scoring alone. Legacy evaluation will always weigh more than just numbers.

At 37, wear and tear catch up. Continued high-level output depends on health, minutes played, and how his role evolves.

Basketball has changed as pace, rules, 3-point emphasis direct comparisons with past generations always carry some era-context nuance.

Durant’s crossing of 31,000 career points is more than a number, it is a testament to his elite skill, consistency, and longevity. It puts him among the most prolific scorers in NBA history and underscores that his game has aged gracefully.

If he maintains health and motivation, he could still rise further on the all-time list and reshape his legacy as not just a scorer, but one of the all-time greats.

I have lived with diabetes for more than 10 years and have kept it under control using medication. However, for the past two months, I have been experiencing continuous diarrhoea that has not improved, even after taking strong antibiotics such as Clavulin. What could be the cause, and what should I do? Magino

Dear Magino,

Diarrhoea refers to the frequent passage of loose, watery stool, usually three or more times a day. While short-term diarrhoea can sometimes help the body get rid of harmful germs or toxins, persistent diarrhoea may cause serious problems such as dehydration, weakness, and poor nutrition, especially when it lasts for weeks.

Diarrhoea can affect anyone occasionally and is often caused by infections from contaminated food or water, whether from bacteria such as E. coli and typhoid, viruses such as rotavirus, or parasites such as amoeba. Other general causes include poor digestion or absorption of food, conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, and side effects of certain medicines, including antibiotics such as Clavulin.

However, in someone who has had diabetes for a long time, persistent diarrhoea may be linked directly to diabetes itself. This can happen due to diabetic nerve damage (autonomic neuropathy), bacterial overgrowth in the intestines, or poor production of digestive enzymes by the pancreas. In people with type 1 diabetes, conditions such as coeliac disease may also be responsible. In addition, some diabetes medications, especially metformin and gliptins, as well as artificial sweeteners such as sorbitol, are known to cause or worsen diarrhoea.

What is often referred to as diabetic diarrhoea is usually painless. It may occur regularly, alternate with constipation, or disturb sleep by occurring at night. In some cases, it can even lead to difficulty controlling bowel movements. The most important step in treatment is to identify the exact cause. Diarrhoea related to diabetes must be carefully distinguished from infections and other non-diabetic causes that affect both diabetic and non-diabetic patients.

Regardless of the cause, dehydration is a major danger, so it is important to drink plenty of fluids. Probiotics and appropriate dietary adjustments may also help. Depending on the findings, treatment may involve antibiotics for infections, better blood sugar control, adjustment of diabetes medications or the careful use of anti-diarrhoeal medicines under medical supervision.

If diarrhoea has persisted for two months, as in your case, it is essential to seek prompt medical evaluation for proper tests and targeted treatment.

Doctors, under their umbrella body, the Uganda Medical Association (UMA), have elected Dr Frank Asiimwe, a urologist and kidney transplant surgeon, as their new president.

Dr Asiimwe replaces Dr Herbert Luswata, who served as the association’s president from 2023 to 2025.

He will serve from 2025 to 2027. Information from UMA indicates that Dr Asiimwe won with 68 percent of the votes (366), while Dr Asiphas Owaraganise, an Obstetrics and Gynecology specialist, got 171 votes (32 percent).

A total of three doctors abstained from voting, according to the results announced Saturday last week. This election comes about a month after the association’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Mbarara suspended its leadership election in November due to accusations of deliberate interference in voter lists and electoral processes by some of the outgoing leaders.

After a tense but decisive session in November, the AGM then resolved to immediately dissolve the National Executive Committee (NEC) and appoint an Interim Committee of Elders, chaired by the past president, Dr Kenya Mugisha, to stabilise the association.

The AGM had also mandated this interim committee to convene an extraordinary general assembly within one month to elect a new NEC, which includes the election of UMA president

Dr Asiimwe, in his manifesto, said he intends to strengthen staffing levels in health facilities by ensuring full implementation of the already approved staffing norms for health centres and hospitals. He has also promised to revive and expand the policy of seconding government doctors and other health workers to private not-for-profit (PNFP) facilities.

‘This victory marks a new chapter, a pulling of the hand brake on the downward spiral of first principles of leadership at the helm of UMA, renewed hope because there indeed still 7,000 in the rank and file of UMA that haven’t bowed a knee to Baal,’ Dr Asiimwe stated after the win.

‘We pledge leadership where wisdom guides, service inspires, inclusiveness and consensus reign; the future of UMA will definitely shine brighter than ever, God being our help,’ he added.

According to UMA, Dr Wilberforce Kabweru was elected as the vice president, Dr Alone Nahabwe is the secretary general of the association, and he is deputised by Dr Charles Irumba. Dr Fortunate Ambangira was elected as the treasurer, and the other leaders include Dr Freddie Bwanga, Dr Joseph Gavin Nyanzi, Dr Beatrice Odongkara, Dr Henry Sekyanzi, Dr Mark Andrew Muyanga, and Dr Fidel Akiyo.

Who’s Dr Asiimwe?

Dr Asiimwe earned his medical degree in 1996, and in 1998, he became the Medical Superintendent of Kagando Hospital in western Uganda. In 2005, he became a qualified surgeon, where he focused his skills in solving the country’s pressing need as a fistula surgeon. He later pursued further studies in urology, where in 2010 he was a resident in Urology at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Tanzania.

He became a urologist at Mulago National Referral Hospital in 2012, and he was among scientists selected by the government to be trained in India to do organ transplants.

In 2016, he became the chair of urology at the hospital.

Dr Asiimwe has also been the one chairing the organ transplant committee at the hospital, which led the country to its first ever kidney transplant at the facility in 2023, along with scientists from India, and other transplants have since been conducted at the facility.

He was also an international consultant fistula surgeon in 2016 with Danja Fistula Center where he performed fistula surgeries and mentored other medics.

For most of us, the time between after school but before graduation remains yet the most challenging period of the life after school. I will refer to this period as the transition period.

This is the bridge between school and after school. The transition period doesn’t actually come with a fixed timeline (as it may appear), there is no assurance that the coming of the transcript will make things better.

When we finish our last paper, dreams are very big. Little do we know that we are finishing school to step into yet another school called employment. During this transition period, a few lucky and or connected individuals get placements in companies and organisations that offer on-the-job training opportunities while the rest of us remain waiting, searching.

This transition period is more than just a short interlude but a period where one experiences the frustrations of job hunting, under employment and underpayment.

There is a mismatch between what education offers and what is required in the job market. Individuals leave school with the best grades but lack the practical skills and experience required at jobs, hence the common phrase ‘Jobs need experience, yet we require jobs to get experience’, a very absurd reality.

This in-between period is frustrating because you are no longer a full-time student but a job seeker, and you feel you ought to be working, earning and contributing, yet you are not. If you are, it is not what you anticipated. The process of job seeking is in itself a full-time job.

You send out CVs, attend interviews if you are lucky, you try networking, you update your LinkedIn daily, and yet still face the reality of rejection and silence from employers.

This forces many of us to accept jobs that barely cover the basics like rent, food and transport. This underpayment, coupled with the ever-increasing cost of living and job insecurity or absence, means many of us feel like we are being treated like the available, abundant, unskilled, cheap and undervalued labour we studied about in secondary school.

A recent study report in June 2023 showed that 49 percent of Ugandans in informal employment earned less than Shs168,000 per month, which is not even enough to afford basic needs in this economy.

The problem of unemployment can be seen to present itself in form of a job but not worth much.

When one has spent 20+ years studying, and they’ve invested time and resources, the expectation is that one’s first ‘real job’ will at least reflect some returns. But where are the returns if the ‘real job’ in itself is not there? This is why many people in Uganda today refer to qualifications as ‘just papers’.

Despite the fact that many others have gone to school, found jobs in their fields of training and are earning decent money, a bigger part of us have ended up resentful, demoralised and stuck. One starts to ask themselves questions like ‘Why did I study this?’ ‘Where are the returns?’ ‘Will I be stuck here forever?’

This period of transition is one in which many of us go astray and even end up in very different career paths than we always imagined. This is because, as you step out of school, you realise the job market is different, it is smaller, slower and most of all in Uganda, it is network-driven.

As time goes by and graduation approaches, you fear because you will not only be called jobless but also a jobless graduate engineer! You look forward and see colleagues who graduated two years ago still competing with you for the same jobs, you look behind and see a class of yet to be fresh graduates that you left at school also approaching.

In this period of transition, many of us succumb to short term gigs, which are also the welcome song to the so-called hustle economy because we have bills to pay and we have expectations.

It is no longer just the period between study and job; it is a test of identity, self-worth and resilience.

Underpayment is not just earning very little, it is more of not earning enough to reflect one’s effort, education and work hours. We resent the system for promising growth and delivering none, promising advancement yet delivering delay. We expect our qualifications to open doors, yet we find them closed, heavily restricted or non-existent.

In the meantime, the clock is ticking, and we watch our most youthful and productive years slip away day by day.

All this said, we must not let the transition period define us; we can make choices within this period that will set our trajectory for better days.

These include, among others, building valuable or employable skills like communication, time consciousness, soft skills, seeking networks and useful mentors who will link us to better opportunities, and being realistic about wages and what we can accept in the future (but also strategic).

We must use this period to position ourselves for a better next step; the low wage doesn’t mean our value is low. Guard your self-worth jealously.

As Uganda observed International Day for People with Disabilities on December 3, the nation was reminded that every person, regardless of their abilities, has a place, purpose, and a voice that deserves to be heard. This day serves as an opportunity to reflect on challenges, celebrate progress, and renew our commitment to building inclusive communities. For Teopista Uwimana Nalongo, a mother of four and the founder of the Kampala Parents of Children with Disabilities Association Makindye (KAPCDAM), the journey toward inclusion began not with policy but with personal struggle: raising a child with cerebral palsy in a society that often overlooks children with disabilities.

In 2010, Nalongo gave birth to healthy twins. However, a few months later, one of the twins developed cerebral malaria, which affected his brain development. While his sister continued to grow normally, he faced many challenges. ‘I took him to Mulago National Referral Hospital for physiotherapy, but progress was slow,’ she recalls. ‘Sometimes I struggled to find transportation because I had lost my job. I could not trust his care with any other person, so I quit my job to take care of him.’ The financial and emotional strain became overwhelming for Nalongo. Like many mothers of children with disabilities, she felt isolated, especially after losing her job. However, amid her struggles, she discovered the strength that would eventually enable her to support hundreds of families.

Support network

When her son turned three, he still could not sit on his own. A friend referred her to Katalemwa Cheshire Home in Gayaza, where a special sitting chair was made for him. However, as he grew, the chair became too small, and she could not afford to buy another one. Long distances and transportation costs made it nearly impossible for her to access therapy. During her visits to Mulago, she met other parents facing similar challenges. They bonded over their experiences of stigma, uncertainty, and a shared hope that their children would be accepted with dignity.

That hope was rekindled when she heard a radio announcement about a surgical camp for children with disabilities in Bwaise, organised by the Uganda Society of Disabled Children (USDC). A social worker encouraged her to mobilise other parents in her area. ‘At first, I resisted,’ Nalongo says. ‘I feared it would take time away from my son’s treatment.’ With support, she delivered invitation letters to churches and mosques in Makindye. St Ponsiano Catholic Church in Kyamula became their meeting point.

‘I was afraid no one would come,’ she smiles. ‘But many parents showed up. We registered them, shared contact information, and decided to stay in touch. That is how KAPCDAM was born.’ What began as small medical camps has grown into a community-based organisation with more than 400 members. KAPCDAM now trains parents in tailoring, liquid soap making, crafts, and urban farming; skills that provide income and restore dignity. The group also conducts sessions on nutrition and home-based therapy to help children’s development.

‘For many parents, caregiving means giving up formal jobs,’ Nalongo explains. ‘So we teach skills they can use from home. This is not charity, it is empowerment.’

Beyond income, KAPCDAM offers emotional healing. Parents meet regularly to share experiences, celebrate progress, and find comfort. The isolation many once endured has given way to belonging and mutual strength.

A nation still learning to include

Uganda has made progress with the Persons with Disabilities Act (2020), which protects the rights of individuals in education, employment, and access to services. The Constitution also guarantees equality for all citizens. However, implementation remains weak. Many schools lack ramps, accessible toilets, and special needs teachers, and employers often overlook qualified individuals with disabilities. Additionally, public transport is still largely inaccessible.

In rural areas, stigma persists. Some families hide children with disabilities, while others delay seeking medical care due to myths and fear. ‘The community must change its mindset,’ says Nalongo. ‘Disability is not a curse. These children can learn, play, and succeed if society gives them the chance.’ The International Day for People with Disabilities serves as a reminder that inclusion begins with awareness. Across Uganda, advocacy groups, schools, and faith institutions use this day to amplify the voices that have long been ignored. In Kampala, the day is celebrated with music, art, and testimonies from athletes, entrepreneurs, and professionals with disabilities, demonstrating that disability does not equate to inability.

Families are the first line of support for individuals with disabilities, but they cannot navigate this journey alone. They need access to information, financial support, and inclusive communities. In many homes, mothers bear most of the caregiving burden, often sacrificing their careers and personal dreams. Supporting these mothers through community rehabilitation and inclusive social protection is essential. At KAPCDAM fun days, children laugh freely while parents share their stories of both struggle and triumph.

‘Here, no one sees your child as a burden,’ one parent remarks. ‘They are seen as a blessing.’ To create a more inclusive Uganda, Dolorence Were, the executive director of USDC, emphasises the importance of government collaboration with organisations such as KAPCDAM, USDC, and NUDIPU for advocacy, vocational training, and rehabilitation. ‘But real change must begin in homes, schools, workplaces, and communities. Inclusion is not just about rights; it is about humanity. Society must be inclusive enough to accommodate persons with disabilities,’ she asserts.

A ray of hope shines through Nalongo’s story. Her son is now a teenager who continues therapy and lives joyfully. ‘He has taught me patience and unconditional love,’ she says. ‘Through him, I found my purpose.’ Her experience reflects the quiet resilience of thousands of Ugandan parents who are determined to provide their children with a meaningful life. Beyond commemorations and speeches, the daily courage of these families is the true heartbeat of inclusion.

The Electoral Commission (EC) has condemned the violence that broke out at Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu’s campaign rally in Gulu on December 6, describing the incident as ‘unfortunate and uncalled for,’ even as it awaits a police investigation into what triggered the clashes.

On Monday, EC chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama appealed for dialogue and peaceful conduct on the campaign trail but notably, again, did not attribute responsibility for the confrontation.

The omission stood out, given widespread circulation of videos showing security forces at the centre of the chaos.

‘A duly nominated presidential candidate is free to traverse any part of Uganda to campaign, provided he or she is acting in line with the law,’ Byabakama said.

He urged all stakeholders to ‘act peacefully and in accordance with electoral laws,’ warning that violence threatens efforts to deliver free, fair, and credible elections.

The EC’s call for restraint came only days after representatives of all presidential candidates met with the Uganda Police Force and committed to de-escalation and lawful conduct during the campaigns.

Eyewitness videos from the scene showed masked plainclothes men operating alongside heavily armed police and soldiers confronting Bobi Wine and supporters at Awere Sports Ground and in different parts of Gulu City.

The footage sparked fresh criticism of the state’s handling of opposition rallies, with many observers questioning how police could impartially investigate an operation in which its own personnel were visibly involved.

‘Calling the police to investigate themselves sounds like, ‘Take this, all of you, and drink from it, for this is the chalice of my blood, the blood of the new and eternal covenant, which will be poured out for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Do this in memory of me’,’ @St_Valerian reacted to EC’s statement on X.

‘You are telling the perpetrators of violence to investigate themselves?? What is there to investigate when everything is in camera???’ @Paul Lukwago wrote.

Last week, acting Defence spokesperson Col Chris Magezi publicly defended the security deployment, accusing Bobi Wine of behaving ‘defiantly’ and ‘confrontationally.’

He argued that the army could not ‘look on’ as the opposition candidate and his supporters allegedly disturbed public order, contrasting Bobi Wine campaign with what he described as the calm conduct of the other seven presidential contenders.

Despite the videos and Magezi’s defence of the operation, the EC statement steered clear of assigning blame.

Instead, it called on police to ‘investigate the circumstances’ that led to the confrontation and ensure that ‘those responsible are subjected to the full force of the law.’

Byabakama reiterated that disagreements on the campaign trail must be handled through dialogue, not force, and urged security agencies to use ‘proportionate, lawful and humane means’ in enforcing compliance with electoral rules.

Uganda will hold its general election on January 15, 2026 to decide a new parliament and president.

Museveni faces seven challengers, including Bobi Wine, Robert Kasibante, Elton Joseph Mabirizi, Nathan Nandala Mafabi, Mugisha Muntu, Mubarak Sserunga Munyagwa and Frank Bulira Kabinga.