Category: Daily Monitor

A coalition of foreign missions and delegations, including the British and Canadian High Commissions, the Embassies of Norway, Switzerland, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, and the European Union Delegation, have issued a joint statement urging Tanzania to release all bodies of those killed in the October electoral violence to their families.

While expressing deep concern over the recent events in Tanzania, the foreign missions also urged President Samia Suluhu’s government to free political prisoners and allow detainees to get legal and medical help.

Highlighting credible reports of extrajudicial killings, disappearances, arbitrary arrests, and the concealment of bodies, the statement urged authorities to release all deceased individuals to their families and ensure political prisoners have access to legal and medical support.

The international community also called on the Tanzanian government to address shortcomings identified in preliminary election reports by the African Union (AU) and Southern African Development Community (SADC).

US ‘reviewing ties’ with Tanzania

The statement comes a day after the US government said it was reconsidering the state of relations with Tanzania in the wake of Dodoma’s heavy-hand response against post-election protesters.

The announcement, which piles fresh pressure on Tanzanian leader Samia Suluhu Hassan, said Washington was concerned with the security agencies’ violent response to protests, including killings. The US said such actions ‘raise grave concerns about the direction of our bilateral relationship and the reliability of the Tanzanian Government as a partner.’

‘As a result, the United States is comprehensively reviewing our relationship with the Government of Tanzania. The Government of Tanzania’s ongoing repression of religious freedom and free speech, the presence of persistent obstacles to US investment, and disturbing violence against civilians in the days leading up to and following Tanzania’s October 29 elections, required this reconsideration of our ties.’

This move could be a step backwards for Samia who had retooled ties with Washington after taking the mantle of presidency in 2021, following the death of the inward-looking John Pombe Magufuli.

The Opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) presidential candidate, Mr Nathan Nandala Mafabi, has slammed the recycling of various poverty alleviation projects that he said have never lifted Ugandans out of poverty.

While campaigning in Tubur Sub-county and Ojom in Oculoi Sub-county, Soroti District, Mr Nandala, instead, said his party has a more effective and credible strategy to lift Ugandans out of poverty. ‘For the last seven electoral cycles, President Museveni has dangerously used anti-poverty slogans which have failed to remove the people from poverty,’ he told supporters yesterday.

‘In 1996, it was Entandikwa; in 2001, Okulembeka; in 2006, Bonabagagawale; in 2011 Prosperity for All; in 2016, Operation Wealth Creation; in 2021, Emyooga, and most recently PDM in 2026. These programmes have only helped him to cross the political bridge,’ he added.

Mr Nandala said the FDC government, if voted into power come January 15, 2026, will prioritise stabilising agricultural sector, which remains the backbone of most rural communities. He highlighted the need for a comprehensive national crop insurance scheme to protect farmers from losses due to drought, pests, and unpredictable weather.

‘I have seen gardens of maize dry. As FDC, we will introduce insurance schemes so farmers no longer suffer alone,’ he said. He also pledged to revive the Cooperative Bank and establish an agricultural bank to provide affordable credit tailored to farmers and smallholder producers, adding that these institutions would be rolled out within his first year in office.

On youth empowerment, Mr Nandala promised to offer subsidised motorcycles at Shs2m to support youth employment and give each university graduate Shs1m upon completing their studies as part of an economic starter package.

The FDC presidential candidate attributed the country’s poor service delivery to what he termed widespread corruption ‘presided over by President Museveni himself,’ claiming that graft has crippled key sectors such as health and education.

Mr Jonathan Erau, the FDC parliamentary candidate for Dakabela County, pledged to champion issues affecting his constituency, including limited water sources, poor roads, inadequate health infrastructure, and low teacher staffing, once elected.

St Mark High School Kayunga have confirmed the appointment of Masaza Cup-winning tactician Felix Ssekabuuza as their new football coach, handing the school one of the biggest technical boosts in the Mukono Zone ahead of the 2026 qualifiers scheduled to kick off in February.

Ssekabuuza arrives on the back of a historic run with Buweekula, whom he guided to their first Masaza Cup title since 2004 with a 1-0 victory over Ssingo at the refurbished Hamz Stadium Nakivubo. Days after the triumph, he announced his departure, saying he had ‘nothing more to offer’ the side after completing a task that had eluded them for 21 years. With no team able to defend the Masaza title for more than two decades, the coach may have sensed the right moment to seek a new challenge.

His move to St Mark signals the school’s growing ambition as they attempt to transform an improving football programme into a team capable of breaking into the Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Associations (USSSA) national championship.

Mukono, where qualifying is a war

The Mukono region is one of the toughest battlegrounds for USSSA qualification, with a handful of traditional powerhouses routinely taking the limited slots.

Mukono Kings, Quality High School Buikwe, St Julian Seta, Namagabi SS, Latifah Mixed Kabimbiri and Mehta SS have dominated the allocations, leaving emerging schools fighting for scraps.

St Mark have reached the Mukono Zone qualifiers in each of the past three seasons but failed to go beyond the latter rounds. Last year, they bowed out at the quarterfinal stage after a narrow 1-0 loss to Mehta SS.

School officials believe Ssekabuuza’s experience could finally tip the balance in their favour.

‘He has just won a trophy that had eluded Buweekula for 21 years. That kind of mentality, coming from underdogs and achieving something big, is exactly what our boys need,’ said Aaron Bukenya, the school director.

Seeking a fresh environment

Ssekabuuza also walks into his new job with the personal motivation of re-establishing his coaching identity. He is understood to have grown frustrated at St Julian Seeta, a school he guided to its maiden USSSA boys’ football crown in Masaka in 2024.

But last season, St Julian let several key players leave without strengthening the squad, a decision that deeply disappointed him and contributed to his decision to explore opportunities elsewhere.

At St Mark, he is expected to oversee the senior team under a two-year contract, with a mandate to build a competitive unit capable of surpassing the traditional giants.

‘My job is to build belief, sharpen their organisation and push them to compete beyond the zone,’ Ssekabuuza said.

With Ssekabuuza’s arrival, St Mark now believe that the gap between dreaming and qualifying may finally begin to narrow.

Old Kampala produced another convincing performance on Friday night, defeating Edgars 5-2 in a result that underlined their growing reputation as serious contenders for this season’s Futsal Super League crown.

The outcome was widely expected, a clash between an established, star-studded side and a development-leaning Edgars team, but the manner of Old Kampala’s display sent a firm message to defending champions Mengo City. Both teams remain unbeaten after three rounds and are level on nine points, setting the stage for what promises to be a season-long duel.

Blending experience from former Park players and ex-Kisenyi talents, Old Kampala have swiftly become the side many believe are favourites for the title.

For fans, this season may boil down to Mengo City’s dazzling flair against Old Kampala’s tough, seasoned grit.

Head coach Alex Segawa said the team is only beginning to show its true potential.

‘We didn’t have the best pre-season, but the boys are settling quickly. Once everything connects, we shall be a very hard team to stop. The hunger they are showing gives me a lot of confidence,’ Segawa said.

On Friday, Ahmed Abdi Nasir struck twice, Abasi Muluya added a brace, while Abubakar Kulane also found the net in a routine victory. Edgars managed two consolations through Edgar Apenya and Andrew Mwebesa, but they rarely threatened to derail Old Kampala’s charge.

Earlier, Lubiri Falcons held their nerve to edge Kabowa Dream Team 6-4 in a thrilling contest. Hassan Kalule’s hat-trick lit up the Arena, supported by goals from Mansour Kintu and a Tony Ssemwogerere brace.

Kisenyi’s frustrations continued as they fell 4-3 to Nansana ASKA, a result that leaves them searching for their first win this season.

In the women’s division, Entebbe Cheetahs beat Lubaga Grameen 3-1, inspired by the lively Hanifa Namanda, whose sharp finishing kept the crowd roaring. The Cheetahs now sit atop the standings with six points, level with QC Mbarara. Mengo City also impressed, seeing off Lamansia 3-0.

League action returns on Friday night at the Old Kampala Futsal Arena.

FUTSAL SUPER LEAGUE

Results

Men

Edgars 2-5 Old Kampala

Lubiri Falcons 6-4 Kabowa

Kisenyi 3-4 Nansana ASKA

Women

Mengo City 3-0 Lamansia

Entebbe Cheetahs 3-1 Grameen

After witnessing the silent suffering of countless women living with obstetric fistula, Alice Emasu Seruyange set out to build a lifeline of dignity, treatment, and hope. Her work is transforming lives one healed woman at a time.

At just 16, Alice Emasu Seruyange had a vision that would shape her future. While still a secondary school student, she witnessed the deaths of four of her friends due to preventable childbirth complications and saw two others silently suffering from obstetric fistula, a condition that causes women to leak urine or faeces due to prolonged labour. Shocked and determined, Emasu decided to enter the media industry to raise awareness about maternal health and childbirth complications.

Although her early career in journalism provided her a platform to advocate for women, she quickly realised that awareness alone was not sufficient. In 2001, she founded the Association for Rehabilitation and Reorientation of Women for Development (Terrewode), a non-profit organisation dedicated to raising awareness and supporting women living with fistula. Her vision later culminated in the establishment of the Terrewode Women’s Community Hospital (TWCH) in Soroti District, a specialised hospital for treating fistula patients.

A childhood shaped by loss

Emasu’s determination was rooted in personal tragedy.

‘Even though I was still a teenager, I felt the need to take action instead of just sitting and watching young women die from a preventable condition.’

After completing her secondary education, she returned to her village in Kaberamaido and was confronted by the devastating toll that childbirth had taken on her friends. Four of them had died, and two others were socially isolated due to fistula. Unfortunately, community leaders had done nothing to address these issues.

Motivated by this injustice, Emasu began listening to radio programmes in Ateso and Luo. She called in as a student to ask how she could become a journalist. The presenters advised her that she needed to complete her education first, which only fuelled her determination. Emasu pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication at Makerere University and began writing for The New Vision newspaper in 1999, focusing on women’s issues.

‘I did not even know what fistula was at that time,’ she admits.

‘I was as ignorant as many Ugandans, except for a few medical personnel who treated women in silence.’

Fistula: A silent epidemic

Dr Edwin Andante, a gynaecologist at Soroti hospital, explains that an obstetric fistula is a hole that develops in the birth canal, bladder, or rectum due to prolonged labour. As a result, women experience constant leakage of urine or faeces. This condition is most prevalent among rural women who give birth without medical assistance. Labour can last for days, often leading to the baby’s death, and leaving the mother with permanent incontinence.

Uganda has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world, with 336 deaths per 100,000 live births. Each year, 6,000 women die from preventable causes during pregnancy, while an additional 1,900 develop fistula. The country ranks third globally in fistula prevalence, with adolescent girls being particularly vulnerable. Nearly 25 percent of girls experience pregnancy before the age of 18, and sexual violence, especially in northern Uganda, is alarmingly high, further exposing young girls to various maternal health risks.

Journalist to advocate

Emasu’s journalism career exposed her to the silent suffering of women, but she longed to do more than just report. In 2008, she left active journalism to pursue a doctorate in women’s health, focusing on obstetric fistula at Washington University in the US. There, she met Louis Wall, a lecturer who was passionate about building specialised fistula hospitals, which inspired her to envision a dedicated facility in Uganda.

Her research across the Great Lakes region deepened her understanding of maternal health systems, and in 2019, her dream became a reality with the opening of the Transcultural Women’s Clinic and Hospital (TWCH). Located on six acres in Soroti, the hospital provides specialised fistula surgeries and holistic care, including post-recovery counselling, legal guidance, HIV/Aids education, and entrepreneurial support for former patients.

Stories of healing, hope

For women like 19-year-old Robinah Akoi from Lira, TWCH was life-changing.

Forced into early marriage and abandoned by the father of her child after a traumatic childbirth that left her incontinent, Akoi lived in isolation for more than two years. She lost hope and was shunned even by her own family. In 2023, she learnt about a Terrewode health camp, received surgery, and fully recovered.

‘Akoi’s experience is typical,’ notes Emasu. ‘We have treated women who have lived with fistula for more than 10, even 20 years. The relief and joy they feel after surgery is indescribable.’

Some patients are so overwhelmed that they demolish the homes where they were once confined, symbolising a rebirth into dignity and freedom.

In villages such as Gweri, more than 20 women have been treated, saving families the money that would have been spent on traditional healers and restoring their place in the community.

A hospital that transforms lives

TWCH operates as a National Centre of Excellence accredited by the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) and trains doctors from Uganda and abroad in fistula care.

The hospital not only provides surgical treatment but also promotes systemic improvements in maternal healthcare, advancing sexual and reproductive health rights, safe motherhood, and the empowerment of women and girls.

Emasu emphasises that Terrewode uses fistula as a catalyst for transforming healthcare, addressing underlying issues such as poverty, early marriage, and lack of education that contribute to maternal mortality.

The hospital’s holistic approach ensures women not only recover physically but are also reintegrated socially and economically.

A vision for the future

From a curious 16-year-old asking questions on the radio to the founder of a fistula hospital, Emasu’s journey is a testament to courage, compassion, and unwavering commitment.

She has restored dignity to thousands of women, transformed communities, and shaped the discourse on maternal health in Uganda and beyond.

As she continues to expand Terrewode’s reach, her message is clear: no woman should suffer needlessly from preventable childbirth injuries.

Uganda on Wednesday launched the Nilotica Shea Alliance (NiSA), a new collaboration between government, investors, and agro-processors aimed at protecting endangered shea trees and expanding the market for shea butter, a key natural cosmetic ingredient.

Speaking at the launch, Mr Alex Lwakuba, Commissioner for Crop Production and Protection at the Agriculture Ministry, described the alliance as a ‘new platform to protect the endangered shea trees and also enable Ugandan shea butter processors to access better foreign markets.’

He said the ministry would support the establishment of shea nut primary processing and value addition facilities under a Public-Private Producer Partnership, including collection centres, bulking, primary processing, and value addition.

‘We are optimistic that this will increase the quality and marketability of shea nut products in regional and international markets,’ Mr Lwakuba said, adding: ‘The ministry intends to support critical interventions in the shea nut value chain by mobilizing the community. to plant, to protect, to conserve and commercialize, to increase industrial exploitation of shea production, both internally and regionally.’

The launch, held in Kampala, brought together partners including the Global Shea Alliance, the International Trade Centre-UN, the Korean International Agency KOICA, and other stakeholders.

‘The major challenges that we are looking to address with the launch of NiSA are that, currently, the shea sector is very fragmented in Uganda,’ said Ms Marie Veyrier of the Global Shea Alliance.

‘You have a lot of stakeholders, but because they haven’t come together, they don’t have a voice,’ she added.

Kim Hyoje, deputy country director for KOICA Uganda, said the alliance would help pool resources and strengthen the industry’s position.

‘Our priority is to ensure that these investments and capacity-building efforts generate tangible benefits for the farmers and communities at the centre of the shea industry,’ he said.

Shea butter, a vegetable fat extracted from the nuts of shea trees, grows naturally across sub-Saharan Africa in the so-called ‘shea belt.’

In Uganda, significant populations of shea trees are found in Lango (Otuke District), Acholi (Kitgum, Pader, Agago, Lamwo), and West Nile sub-regions.

Shea trees are classified as vulnerable due to overexploitation for timber, fuelwood, charcoal production, and land clearing for agriculture.

Yet rising global demand for natural and organic cosmetics has increased the value of shea products.

About 10 percent of shea exports are used in the global cosmetics industry, with an estimated 20,000-25,000 tons of shea butter utilized annually.

‘Particularly restore the shea trees that are being cut down. The opportunities are huge, we need to make known a lot better the particularity of Nilotica shea and how to look at international markets,’ Ms Veyrier said.

The launch, officials held, signals a concerted effort to preserve a vulnerable natural resource while boosting Uganda’s participation in a growing global market for natural cosmetic ingredients.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Trk, has raised alarm over what he described as a ‘deepening crackdown on Uganda’s opposition and the media ahead of next month’s general election.’

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Trk said credible reports show that at least 550 people-mostly members and supporters of the largest opposition political party, the National Unity Platform (NUP)-have been arrested since the start of the year.

More than 300 arbitrary arrests were recorded after 2025-26 campaigns kicked off in September, with many detainees still in custody on charges ranging from public nuisance and disobedience of lawful orders to assault, obstruction, and incitement of violence.

‘It is deeply regrettable that election campaigns have once again been marked by use of unnecessary or disproportionate force against the opposition, as well as undue restriction of press freedom,’ Trk said.

He urged authorities to ‘cease the use of such repressive tactics’ and allow Ugandans to ‘fully and peacefully exercise their right to participate in their country’s public affairs’ during and after the polls.

Escalating violence on the campaign trail

Presidential campaigns have in recent weeks been marred by deadly confrontations between security forces and mainly NUP supporters.

Armed security personnel have repeatedly deployed at venues and along routes where NUP leader Robert Kyagulanyi, alias Bobi Wine, is scheduled to campaign, often using teargas and live rounds against the two-time presidential candidate. Last week in Iganga, security forces fired live ammunition, killing at least one person and injuring three others.

NUP supporters were also beaten during Bobi Wine’s rally in Kawempe, with video evidence showing dozens falling into a deep ditch and sustaining serious injuries during a chaotic police and army chase.

Security forces have further used teargas, water cannons, whips, batons, attack dogs and chemical irritants to disperse his supporters.

Mr Trk expressed concern over incommunicado detention, enforced disappearances, and torture, saying these abuses have intensified over the past year.

The UN chief cited reports alleging that security operatives continue to use unmarked vans-commonly known as ‘drones’-to abduct individuals who are then held in unofficial detention facilities, often called ‘safe houses’, in violation of international law.

Under international standards, Mr Trk noted, detainees must only be held in officially recognised facilities to prevent abuse.

He referenced several recent incidents, including the May episode in which the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, posted on X that he was holding Bobi Wine’s civilian bodyguard, Eddie Mutwe, in his ‘basement’ and ‘teaching him Runyankore.’

The guard was later produced in court, visibly shaken and exhibiting signs consistent with physical torture. He remains on remand to date.

In another case, two Kenyan activists (Bob Njag and Nicholas Oyoo) who attended a NUP rally in October were allegedly detained for more than a month before being handed back to Nairobi.

President Museveni said the two were being held by his government in what he called ‘the fridge.’

Dozens of other opposition supporters arrested during the 2021 election cycle also remain in detention, Trk said.

‘I urge the Ugandan authorities to fully and impartially investigate all allegations of enforced disappearance, arbitrary arrest and detention, and torture or ill treatment, punish those accountable and provide full reparation to the victims,’ he added.

‘All individuals arbitrarily deprived of liberty should be released.’

‘End violence against journalists’

In his statement, the UN rights chief condemned what he described as an escalating crackdown on Uganda’s media. In October, several journalists from Nation Media Group-Uganda, particularly from NTV Uganda and the Daily Monitor, had their parliamentary accreditation withdrawn for unclear reasons, and the same media company has since been barred from covering President Museveni.

Earlier, at least 32 journalists were assaulted, detained, or had their equipment confiscated during the Kawempe North parliamentary by-election in March, prompting NMG-Uganda to withdraw all its reporters from the chaotic polls.

‘The Ugandan authorities must halt all violence against the media and the opposition and act fully in accordance with their obligations under international human rights law,’ Mr. Trk said.

Civilians are once again set to face trial before military courts after President Museveni appointed a new 10-member panel to reconstitute the General Court Martial (GCM).

This comes months after the Supreme Court froze its operations in a landmark judgment.

In a November 25 letter addressed to Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the President, acting on the advice of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), named Brig Gen Richard Tukachungurwa as the new chairperson of the GCM.

‘In accordance with Sections 192, 193, and 195 of the UPDF Act as amended and acting on the advice of the Judicial Service Commission, I have appointed persons below as head and members of the General Court Martial,’ reads part of President Museveni’s communication to the CDF.

Brig Gen Tukachungurwa replaces Brig Gen Robert Freeman Mugabe, whose single term ended earlier this year. Until his appointment, Gen Tukachungurwa served as Judge Advocate of the now-frozen GCM, guiding the court on points of law.

The newly-appointed members of the GCM are Col Simon Wankandya Tusah, Col Asha Patra, Col Frederick Kangwamu, Col Raphael Mugisha, Lt Col Nasser Igambi Mohammedie, Maj Samuel Moses Amodoi, Maj Emmanuel Arihaihi, Maj Abubaker Nyombi, and Maj Denis Chemtai.

The President also named Lt Col David Drani Epalu (4th Division) and Lt Col Hassan Mulyanti Yaqoub (Special Forces Group) as chairpersons of the Division court martials.

How did we get here?

The reconstitution of the GCM follows a January 31 Supreme Court ruling that declared the trial of civilians in military courts unconstitutional.

In the lead judgment, Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo held that military courts lack the independence and safeguards required under the Constitution, since their powers derive from the UPDF High Command.

The court ordered all ongoing civilian trials before military courts to cease and be transferred to civilian courts. The justices also proposed reforms, including transforming the GCM into a division of the High Court and limiting military tribunals to disciplinary offences.

President Museveni and Gen Muhoozi, however, publicly criticised the ruling, calling it ‘regrettable’ and ‘unacceptable.’

In response, the government fast-tracked the UPDF (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which reinstated military jurisdiction over civilians under what it termed ‘exceptional circumstances.’ Parliament passed the Bill on May 20, and the President signed it into law on June 16. Critics argued the legislation was aimed at targeting members of the Opposition. Under the new law, military courts may try civilians accused of possessing military equipment, aiding soldiers in serious crimes, or accompanying troops on operations. The law also introduces a tiered military court structure; Unit, Division, and General Court Martial with clearer appeal routes up to the Court of Appeal.

A law under fire

The UPDF Amendment Act is already facing legal challenges. The National Unity Platform (NUP) and other petitioners have filed cases in the Constitutional Court, arguing that the law undermines the Supreme Court decision and revives unconstitutional practices.

Critics maintain that the legislation was rushed through to target political opponents ahead of the 2026 elections.

Reactions

Former Nakawa MP Michael Kabaziguruka, whose case resulted in the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling, last evening, said the government’s move remains illegal.

‘What they have done is still illegal, and in due course, I will be going back to court to challenge it,’ he said.

‘Parliament doesn’t have the powers to create a court at the same level as the High Court. They are supposed to create subordinate courts only.’ He accused the government of using the General Court Martial as a ‘scarecrow’ against Opposition politicians during election season.

Kampala Mayor Erias Lukwago, who has represented several political figures, including remanded Dr Kizza Besigye, previously tried in military courts, described the new developments as ‘the reincarnation of the old General Court Martial.’

‘The new chairman was part of the former kangaroo court, and he could be worse than Gen Freeman,’ Lukwago said, accusing the tribunal of persecuting government critics. Renowned constitutional lawyer Peter Walubiri also earlier warned that the reconstituted military court system violates constitutional principles and is designed to suppress political dissent.

Recommendations

In his January 31 landmark judgment, the Chief Justice went on to make several recommendations to the Executive and Legislative arms of government for consideration as a viable alternative in the establishment of the military courts;

(a) Administratively establish the General Court Martial (GCM) as a division of the High Court without the need to create a new court, with jurisdiction to handle capital criminal cases involving both military officers and any civilians who would exceptionally fall within its ambit; with magistrates within the division handling offenses falling under their jurisdiction.

(b) Limit the functions of Unit Disciplinary Committees (UDCs) and Summary Trial Authorities (STAs) to handling strictly disciplinary offenses, with no power to impose sentences of imprisonment.

(c) Utilise the existing magistracy to handle the rest of the criminal cases (other than disciplinary offenses) committed in Uganda (which are currently falling within the docket of the UDCs). The subordinate military courts can handle criminal cases at the level of Chief Magistrate’s Courts (for offenses attracting life imprisonment and those carrying a sentence of 25 years or less). Or;

(d) With the advice of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), appoint civilians with the requisite professional legal qualifications to serve as judicial officers in the current subordinate military courts. They would exercise jurisdiction over offences triable by subordinate courts and should have the same privileges and safeguards as their counterparts in the civil courts. Or;

(e) Amend the Constitution to establish superior courts within the military court system under Art 129; and clothe them with the requisite jurisdiction and guarantee of independence and impartiality to try specific military offenses of a capital nature and all other capital offenses under existing laws, committed by military personnel. Or

(f) Provide in the UPDF Act for the High Court to sit as a court martial with the power to try all criminal capital offenses within the High Court jurisdiction, and those unique to the military that attract a maximum of life and death sentences. Grant the Chief Justice powers to assign judges to the military courts. A select number of military personnel can act as assessors. Appeals to the Court Martial Appeal Courts would follow the same format, with the Court of Appeal sitting as such. Magistrate’s courts would assume the jurisdiction over all other offenses of a subordinate courts.

(g) Make provision in the UPDF Act for the trial of civilians in military courts to be only under limited circumstances; and only after the State has concretely demonstrated to the court by verifiable facts, and by objective and serious reasons, the need and justification for recourse to the military court. This must only apply where, in relation to the specific class or category of persons and offences in question, ordinary courts are not in a position to undertake such a trial.

(h) Make provision in the UPDF Act for appeals from military courts and tribunals, corresponding to appeals in ordinary courts.

Users of a 1.5km access road in Butuntumula Sub-county, Luweero District, have received temporary relief after the High Court ordered Victoria Sugar Limited to reopen the road. The access route had been blocked by the sugar company, sparking a dispute with Ammars Agro Limited and residents of Kibaaga Village.

The fight over the shared road escalated in August when Victoria Sugar Limited, owned by Indian nationals, dug a trench across the road. This move cut off the only road leading to the 450-acre farm owned by Ammars Agro Limited, a business run by Eritrean nationals and a section of Kibaaga Village.

Victoria Sugar later filed a civil suit at the High Court in Luweero, asking for an injunction to stop Ammars Agro Limited from reopening the road. The company also accused Ammars Agro of trespassing on its land, damaging its property by installing culverts, and demanded Shs500m in general damages. Through Nshekanabo and Partners, Advocates and Solicitors, Victoria Sugar Limited asked court to block Ammars Agro Limited, its agents or workers from undertaking any activity on land comprised in LRV 2406 Folio 12, Plots 4 Block 769.

Court ruling

However, Justice Faridah Shamilah Bukirwa Ntambi dismissed the application after the company failed to follow court directives. During a locus visit on October 1, the judge ordered both parties to file written submissions by set deadlines. ‘The applicant (Victoria Sugar Limited) was granted up to October 15, to file the submissions. While the respondent (Ammars Agro Limited) was to file a reply thereafter. Court records that no written submissions were filed by Victoria Sugar Limited. They also did not seek extension of time within which to file the submissions. I, therefore, find that the applicant has failed to comply with the courts’ clear directives without providing any justification for such omission,’ the October 29 court ruling reads.

The judge further pointed to Order 17 Rule 4 of the Civil Procedure Rules, which allows the court to determine a matter when a party fails to take steps necessary for the case to proceed. Justice Bukirwa ruled that Victoria Sugar had not met the legal threshold for an injunction to keep the road closed. ‘I must state that the actions of the applicant go beyond the assertion of proprietary rights as they cause economic hardships and disrupt a long-established state of access that existed for years. Equity demands that such conduct should not be rewarded through judicial sanctions,’ the ruling further reads. The judge then ordered Victoria Sugar Limited to stop blocking the access road. The court declined to award costs but cautioned Ammars Agro Limited to avoid tampering with Victoria Sugar’s property while using the road.

On November 27, Luweero District security teams led by the District Police Commander, Mr Brighton Ahimbisamukama, moved to execute the court order. Victoria Sugar Limited did not send any representative, but police and Ammars Agro officials supervised the reopening of the 1.5km road. Ammars Agro Director Petros Fissahaye, on November 27, said the trench dug by Victoria Sugar had severely affected their operations. ‘Our efforts to seek redress from different authorities, including the resident district commissiomer’s office and the other government departments earlier yielded little results. The court ruling is a big relief,’ he said.

But Victoria Sugar officials insist they have blocked certain roads to protect company property from vandalism and for security reasons.

Luweero District chairperson Erastus Kibirango said the disagreement over the access road shocked both leaders and residents. ‘When the issue was brought to our attention. Our efforts to have the issue resolved were disregarded by one of the parties,’ he said. Residents say investors blocking roads is becoming a growing problem. Mr Samuel Ssemwanga of Ndibulungi Village said some access roads that have existed for more than 20 years have been sealed off, cutting families off from water sources, churches and schools. ‘When you visit Ndibulungi Village, we have a perimeter wall that was constructed by Victoria Sugar on a more than 2km access road. We were blocked from accessing our gardens,’ he said.

Background

Victoria Sugar Limited owns 54 hectares of sugarcane on block 769, plots 4 and 6 in Butuntumula Sub-county, where it also operates a sugar factory.

Ammars Agro Limited manages 170 acres of pineapples, 50 acres of bananas and 180 acres of maize on plots 2 and 3, Block 756.

Butuntumula Sub-county hosts more than five investment companies, including one of the largest ethanol producers under PRO Industries and SR Afro Chicks Company.

Communities in Nebbi District and neighbouring Maracha District erupted in celebration on Tuesday as a solar-powered borehole water system was commissioned, ending four decades of reliance on unsafe water sources.

Residents of Abar West Parish, Ndhew Sub-County in Nebbi, and students at Yivu Secondary School in Maracha had long relied on streams shared with animals, exposing them to waterborne diseases.

‘For decades, accessibility to water was a big problem,’ said Ms Jenerosa Wiyajik, 65, a resident of Palyec Central Village who manages a public water stand.

He further explained that: ‘People spent hours at the few water sources. Marriages were breaking because men were suspicious about their wives taking longer hours at the water source.’

The new solar-powered system, implemented by the Ministry of Water and Environment through Nexus Green Limited, now serves over 5,000 people across seven villages, pumping up to 257.9 cubic meters of water per day via 36 solar panels.

The system includes an 18-cubic-meter storage tank and cost Shs170 million.

‘The connection and extension of piped water is for willing customers who wish to be connected at cost,’ said Mr William Okwir, Chairman of the Water User Committee in Abar West Parish.

He noted that 44 additional water points have been extended to nearby villages, including Omoyo Central, Omoyo North, and Lengi Awo Palyec North.

However, challenges remain. ‘Now the water is covering only seven villages in one parish. What about other parts of the sub-county without clean and safe water?’ asked Ms Eunice Atimango, female district councilor representing Ndhew Sub-County.

At Yivu Secondary School, students described the difficulty of fetching water from wells and streams.

‘Waterborne diseases were rampant among our students because students were fetching water for cooking and for their own use from streams and wells in the valley,’ said Mr Modest Bandale, the school’s director of studies.

Head Girl Never Winny added, ‘It was inconvenient to fetch water from outside because we were expected to be in class at the time.’ The Head Prefect, Maurice Adrapi, said poor sanitation and personal hygiene were major challenges due to lack of clean water.

The Ministry of Water and Environment hailed the project as transformative for the region. ‘The solar-powered borehole is bringing new hope to rural communities, particularly for women and children who previously had to walk long distances for contaminated water,’ said Mr Noel Muhangi, senior public relations officer at the ministry.

Officials said the system is part of a plan to expand piped water access to more villages, aiming to improve livelihoods and reduce waterborne diseases that have affected the region for over 45 years.