Category: Daily Monitor

The firm’s chairman, Dr Narendra Raval, announced this during the groundbreaking ceremony officiated by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and Kenya President William Samoei Ruto on 23 November.

However, looking at the big picture, Dr Raval explained that the groundbreaking was a historic day not only for Uganda, but for all East Africa – because the region will benefit too.

His company will build the plant at a cost of USh2 trillion. It will take two years to complete, setting the stage for Uganda to become a net steel exporter by 2028.

President Museveni said the commissioning of the steel plant is part of the process of economically liberating Africa, and explained that this is why he has banned the export of all unprocessed minerals – including iron ore. Iron ore deposits in Uganda are estimated at 500 million tonnes, and the country doesn’t allow exports of this raw material, not even to neighbouring East African countries.

Said the president: ‘I congratulate Dr Raval for helping us fulfill our vision of adding value to this Obutare (iron ore). I also congratulate His Excellency President Ruto for encouraging Dr Raval to come and invest here.’

President Ruto said the steel project ‘ushers in a new audacious chapter in Africa’s industrialisation ambition.’

He added that the project ‘is the outcome of visionary leadership, daring entrepreneurship, and enduring partnership between the private sector and our two governments. It reflects a collective commitment to sustainable development, regional integration, and the pursuit of transformative impact for our present and future generations.’

Once the plant starts production, Uganda is set to reduce its trade deficit by more than $1 billion every year. Because steel will be produced locally, it will save on the $500 million it spends on importing this commodity. Beyond this, the country will export to neighbouring countries steel worth at least $400 million.

The Tororo plant will directly employ 15,000 locals. Another plant the Devki Group will establish in Kabale to refine the iron ore will employ 1,600 more.

‘Also, we’ll be paying taxes to the government,’ added Dr Raval.

Typically, Devki invests in school feeding programmes wherever it establishes a factory. The community around Tororo is set to witness this.

Dr Raval said the confidence the Uganda government has shown Devki will encourage other investors to consider investing in the country.

‘President Museveni has assured me that once this company has started the production of steel, he will not impose duty on imports; he will ban importation,’ said Dr Raval.

He explained why this matters. ‘Importing steel is importing the poverty. We are exporting our jobs.’

The steel plant is projected to produce one million tonnes of steel every year, output that exceeds the demand by Uganda and the East African region.

The commodity will be exported to Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Southern Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Steel is important in industrialisation, infrastructure development, and in the construction of low-cost housing (whether by individuals or government).

Dr Raval said the Devki Tororo steel plant will be a game-changer for East Africa’s development, ‘a bold step for the region’s industrialisation.’

As we mark World Aids Day today, a troubling trend is emerging in Africa, the continent most severely affected by the epidemic: the most digitally connected youth generation is increasingly underestimating both their risk of contracting HIV/Aids and the gravity of the virus. With nearly one in every 30 adults living with HIV/Aids in Africa, the highest prevalence of any region globally, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), this disconnect between perception and reality is alarming. It is precisely this gap that makes this year’s theme, ‘Overcoming disruption, transforming the Aids Response,’ not only timely but urgently necessary.

Fuelled by digital disruption, misinformation, changing social behaviours, and modern forms of stigma, the growing gap in HIV/Aids awareness among teenagers and young adults, also known as Generation Z (born 1997-2012), demands urgent attention. The millennials, who grew up from 1981 to 1996, with many witnessing parents, siblings, or neighbours fall ill long before antiretroviral therapy became widely available. These painful experiences created a sense of vigilance that shaped safer sex by using condoms correctly every time, getting tested regularly for HIV/Aids and other Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STIs), and reducing the number of sexual partners.

In contrast, Gen Z has grown up in a new era of few visible signs of the disease, owing to the treatment breakthroughs, the success of the Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) programme, viral suppression, and stigma reduction. The 2024 Unaids report confirms the consequences of this shift: Sub-Saharan Africa recorded 360,000 new infections among young people aged 15-24, with young women disproportionately affected. Globally, 4,000 adolescent girls and young women were infected every week in the previous year, with the majority occurring in Sub-Saharan Africa. These statistics highlight that many of today’s digitally connected youth are increasingly exposed to risky behaviours and new infections, even though prevention and treatment services are more available than ever.

This disconnect is further reflected in the fact that many Gen Zs fear pregnancy more than HIV/Aids, regardless of the long-term implications of the virus.

Their world has also normalised behaviours that increase vulnerability such as casual ‘sneaky links,’ recreational marijuana use, binge drinking, avoiding long-term commitments, dating for ‘vibes,’ and ‘spinning plates’ (having multiple sexual partners or options to choose from). If these terms sound unfamiliar, parents and guardians may be unaware of the public health risks in their own households. While researchers identify structural drivers such as poverty, gender inequalities, and limited access to reproductive health services that contribute to this vulnerability, a significant part of the risk stems from behaviour and perception.

This critical behavioural challenge demands targeted social and behavioural change interventions. The trend can be understood through the lens of the Health Belief Model (HBM), (Rosenstock, Hochbaum, Kegeles, and Leventhal, 1950s), which shows that health choices are strongly influenced by two factors: perceived susceptibility (how likely someone thinks they are to get infected) and perceived severity (how seriously they view the consequences).

Because many Gen Z youth rarely see visible illness around them, their perceived susceptibility and perceived severity of HIV/Aids decline, which reinforces the belief that ‘it can’t happen to me’ or ‘it’s no longer that serious.’ So the question remains: how can we use targeted social and behavioural change communication to reach a generation that sees little immediate risk and help them fully understand the stakes of HIV/Aids before more lives are lost?

The excitement we experienced upon receiving our admission to Makerere University was a dream come true for everyone, similar to the journeys of other young people who gained admission to different institutions of higher learning. We nurtured aspirations to further our education and secure employment. I enrolled for a Bachelor of Arts in Economics degree, like many of my peers, and we diligently completed our degrees. During our academic journey, a fortunate few among us had the opportunity to participate in a skills workshop organised by Charles Ocici in collaboration with Enterprise Uganda.

With great enthusiasm, we applied the knowledge acquired. Through the streets of Kampala, we ventured into the markets. As dynamic young individuals, we engaged in various self-entrepreneurial activities, aware that the job market would not accommodate all of us. Little did we realise that the government was not as dedicated to supporting emerging entrepreneurs, particularly the youth, irrespective of whether educated or uneducated.

For the past 40 years, the NRM government has remained in power, yet there has been a lack of significant actions taken to enhance employment opportunities or to assist emerging entrepreneurs. We find ourselves as a marginalised generation, energetic facing a bleak future. Historically, the educated population was perceived as those who solely desired clean, white-collar positions. However, the soaring unemployment rates have compelled us to seek opportunities on the streets, but regrettably, the streets have not embraced us. Those who were less fortunate and did not receive an education were considered fortunate in the past, as they managed to thrive and succeed in life. In contrast to today’s circumstances, they too are now lamenting their plight.

A limited number of promising job opportunities are not awarded based on merit. For instance, if one were to conduct a background check, it would become evident that individuals within government ministries often have personal connections. This phenomenon extends to local government and is gradually infiltrating private sector entities as well. The regime’s economic policy is defined more by patronage than by productivity. The ruling government is of the opinion that by promoting a robust private sector with a multitude of formal job opportunities, they may unintentionally nurture citizens who have financial stability, thereby empowering them to question authority, back Opposition movements, and demand accountability. It seems that there is a trend of policies designed to suppress genuine job creation.

Amidst the challenges faced by the youth and the average Ugandan, there exists an entitled generation comprised of the children of the ruling elite. They have been educated in prestigious private schools and have benefited from free university education, both in Ugandan institutions and abroad. What a privilege it is! I distinctly recall the university presidents’ scholarships; one might wonder how these were obtained, as many of the recipients hailed from affluent families. Some of these students had the advantage of switching from one programme to another after being deregistered due to poor performance in their initial programme. Others simply left without completing their respective courses.

The latest initiative was the oil and gas sector programme, which, upon its introduction, was fundamentally rooted in political patronage and connections, primarily benefiting the offspring of wealthy individuals and those with political ties. In many foreign universities, a significant portion of international students’ hails from wealthy families or those who manage to secure government positions through bribery, enabling them to afford this international education. Only a small number of individuals are fortunate enough to obtain legitimate scholarships, which are not financed by the Ugandan government.

This entitled generation has their positions prearranged. Their futures are not reliant on uncertain start-ups but are instead guaranteed through government employment and family businesses. This inequality is generating significant anger, which is certainly a ticking time bomb. A crucial question arises; what happens when the marginalised generation ceases to wait?

Frank Ntwali, chairman of the Rwanda National Congress, an organization advocating for democratic reform in Rwanda, strongly denied recent accusations of terrorism financing, calling the sanctions a politically motivated attack.

Ntwali was one of 26 individuals recently listed by Rwanda’s Financial Intelligence Centre.

Speaking to this reporter, the South Africa-based lawyer and human rights advocate, who has lived in South Africa for more than 25 years, dismissed the allegations as “entirely unfounded.”

“These allegations are entirely unfounded,” Ntwali said. “I believe they reflect a broader pattern in which the Rwandan government labels political critics or opposition figures as security threats.”

Ntwali suggested the timing of the sanctions was a calculated political move. The list was announced as South Africa prepared to host the G20 Summit, which Rwandan leadership was expected to attend.

“Given the timing… the move appears intended to create a narrative portraying critics abroad as security threats,” Ntwali said.

He characterized the sanctions as part of a deliberate campaign of ‘transnational repression,’ warning they allow the government to ‘pressure host countries and shape the international perception of its political opposition.’ He asserted that raising concerns about governance, political freedoms and due process should not be equated with terrorism.

Ntwali, who has lived in South Africa for more than 25 years, repeatedly and unequivocally rejected any link to armed groups, including the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda or FDLR.

“I have never had any connection-direct or indirect-with the FDLR or with any group involved in violence or unlawful activities,” he said. “My work has always been rooted in peaceful advocacy.”

He described accusations of coordinating recruitment for RNC-P5 or playing liaison with the FDLR to coordinate terror activities as “baseless” and “entirely fabricated.” Ntwali emphasized that his work is “public, peaceful and focused on democratic advocacy,” – underscoring his commitment to democratic principles and public dialogue.

Ntwali, who was born in Uganda to Rwandan parents, focuses his work on promoting human rights, good governance and political freedoms.

He noted that the sanctions are an effort to “criminalize dissent and silence government critics,” rather than a legitimate security measure.

If Pirates needed a reality check on their title credentials, Kobs delivered it in style at Kings Park on Saturday, pushing the league champions to the brink before losing 24-23 in the Uganda Cup semifinal.

Kobs coach Timothy Mudoola had admitted before the match that his team was still a work in progress but would give Pirates a run for their money.

Both statements proved accurate as Ibrahim Khemis failed to convert Benjamin Muwanguzi’s late try in an attempt that could have sent Kobs into the final.

Prior to the semifinals, Khemis had amassed 31 points for Kobs, converting 15 of 22 kicks according to Isametrics statistics. But when it mattered most, he struggled under pressure.

Khemis initially put the visitors ahead with a penalty, but Pirates responded through tries from Stuart Mwayi and Blair Ayezibwe. Isaac Massa converted Jeremiah Okello’s try and Jones Kamiza dotted down to reduce the deficit to 15-12 at halftime.

The early scare forced coach Marvin Odong’s men to step up and they were rewarded shortly after the restart. William Nkore converted Conrad Wanyama’s try, giving Pirates the lead for the first time. Khemis then missed two consecutive penalties, leaving Pirates to capitalize as Desire Ayera crossed the line to extend their advantage to 24-18.

Kobs had one final opportunity to snatch victory when Muwanguzi scored, but Khemis’ conversion attempt drifted wide, sealing a heartbreaking one-point defeat.

Pirates will now face Heathens in what promises to be a classic final after the 12-time champions edged Buffaloes 22-13 at Kyadondo.

Nicholas Kato and Michael Omollo each scored tries, while man of the match Joseph Oyet crossed once and added seven points with his boot to suppress Buffaloes’ late surge.

Unusual finalists

In the women’s tournament, Nile Rapids and Mbale’s She-Wolves will contest the final after both sides produced thrilling victories.

Nile Rapids’ 2023 final MVP Tina Akello starred once again, contributing 14 of her team’s 24 points. Christine Akello crossed early to give Nile Rapids the lead, but Peace Lekuru and Maimuna Nassozi responded for Avengers, leveling the score at 17-17 by halftime. Justine Anguchia also touched down to add to Akello’s tally.

In the second half, Lekuru thought she had secured the win with a late try, but Minat Namono replied, allowing Akello to convert the decisive kick in the dying moments.

She-Wolves booked their first-ever final with a 10-5 win over Panthers at Kings Park in the earlier kickoff, setting up a cracking final with Nile Rapids.

2025 UGANDA CUP Semifinal resultsMen Pirates 24-23 KobsHeathens 22-13 BuffaloesWomen Avengers 22-24 Nile RapidsPanthers 5-10 She-Wolves

What you need to know: Herbal medicine is made from plants or plant parts for therapeutic purposes and is used worldwide. While herbal remedies bring relief from some symptoms, they can have side effects or interfere with other medications. In Uganda, the National Drug Authority (NDA) has approved a herbal remedy for relieving peptic ulcers, as Bill Oketch reports.

The loss of a loved one can be a profound catalyst for change. After the death of his father from stomach cancer in 2019, Peter Ogwang embarked on a journey to find a cure for this debilitating disease. His father had first suffered from chronic ulcers that later turned into cancer.

Driven by grief and a desire to help others avoid similar suffering, Ogwang, who is a student at Equator University of Science and Technology, embarked on a journey of research and discovery that would change his life and the lives of others.

Two months after his father’s passing, Ogwang began researching herbal medicine and consulting with experts in the field. He was determined to find a natural solution to the scourge of ulcers. Years of dedication and perseverance followed, with countless hours spent testing and refining his findings.

‘As an animal productionist, my expertise lies in farming. In 2021, I made a life-changing decision and joined a medical school to equip myself to develop a remedy for ulcers. For the past three years, I have dedicated myself to intensive research,’ he enthuses.

The result was a powerful, natural remedy for ulcers that was both effective and safe. The innovator named it Pylordek, a seven-day treatment that promised to revolutionise the way ulcers are treated.

This drug was approved by both the Uganda National Health Laboratory Services (UNHLS) and the National Drug Authority (NDA) under file number THA1352.

‘This herbal medicine heals ulcers within seven days when taken as prescribed. Pylordek will be available on the local and international market within a week,’ Ogwang explains.

‘A game-changer’

Pylordek has been shown to provide fast and effective relief from ulcer symptoms, promoting healing and reducing the risk of recurrence.

Caroline Amule, a resident of Adagani Village, Alyet Parish, Agali Sub-county, Lira District, was diagnosed with peptic ulcers in 2008. Over the years, she endured persistent pain and discomfort. Her condition worsened when other health issues arose, requiring surgery.

‘The ulcer was resistant to the medicines that were prescribed to me, even after I visited three hospitals. I was referred to Mulago National Referral Hospital for specialised care, but I did not have the transport fare to Kampala City,’ she says.

Desperate for relief, Amule turned to Pylordek after being introduced to it by a friend. This decision marked a significant shift in her condition.

‘In June, I bought two bottles of Pylordek. I experienced a severe headache after taking it for three days, but I did not abandon it. On the fourth day, I took the medicine and vomited something hard. When we cut it open, there was thick blood inside it,’ she says.

As Amule continued with the herbal treatment, she noticed a significant improvement. The pain subsided, and she began to enjoy a better quality of life. The ulcer that had plagued her for years began to heal.

‘My experience has taught me the importance of exploring alternative approaches to health and wellness. Now, I have forgotten about the pain. But, I am more mindful of my diet and lifestyle to maintain my overall well-being,’ she explains.

Jackson Otim, another beneficiary of Pylordek, struggled with stomach inflammation whenever he ate beans and peas. In an attempt to seek relief, he visited a clinic near his home in Amach Town Council, Lira District. He was diagnosed with ulcers.

‘The doctor prescribed treatment, but the cost was prohibitive; Shs180,000. I turned to the herbal medicine, which cost Shs20,000 per bottle. I bought two bottles,’ he says.

The treatment worked wonders for Otim. The inflammation subsided, and he can eat without discomfort.

‘Cure-all’ medicine?

Susan Awor Ogwang of Amach Town Council, Lira District, had been battling a series of health conditions, including ulcers, for nearly 40 years.

Despite visiting numerous hospitals and seeking medical attention, the 70-year-old’s condition remained unimproved. At one hospital, the dire prognosis was that she should just wait for her time to die.

‘In despair, I decided to try herbal medicine. I bought two bottles, and I take the medicine thrice a day; morning, afternoon, and evening. The pain is gone, and I feel more energetic. I also have a good appetite,’ she explains.

Fred Ewoo, a security guard at a school in Lira City, faced a challenging situation when health issues led to his dismissal, despite his dedication to the job. The old man had been struggling with high blood pressure, which worsened over time.

Ewoo says the transition was tough for him because he had grown attached to his role and the school community.

‘I was replaced by a younger man, while I returned to my home. I was given drugs to manage the high blood pressure, but there was no major improvement. The pain was unbearable, and I used not to walk,’ he says.

He was introduced to the herbal remedy, and with consistent use, the herbal medicine worked wonders for the old man.

‘My blood pressure began to stabilise, and I started feeling more energetic and confident,’ he says.

When Daily Monitor asked Ogwang if Pylordek is a kind of panacea, a drug that cures many diseases, he says the herbal medicine is very rich, adding that when he was doing research on a complete therapeutic cure for ulcers, he stumbled upon a compound which cures peptic ulcers and other conditions.

‘There were people who told me that my herbal medicine can help in managing a lot of conditions. However, when I submitted my documentation for testing, I only indicated that the drug cures peptic ulcers,’ he explains.

Some people that this reporter talked to claim Pylordek can cure peptic ulcers, high blood pressure, haemorrhoids, and other conditions.

‘I am only supposed to market my medicine for peptic ulcers. It is the mandate of the NDA to take the medicine back to the laboratory and investigate why it is healing other conditions,’ Ogwang advises.

What NDA says

Dr Michael Mutyaba, the Director of Traditional and Contemporary Medicine at NDA, cautions the public that herbal medicine is neither used as curative nor supportive treatment.

‘Herbal medicine should always be used in combination with other medications. We have been using herbal remedies in our communities. However, when a patient takes this remedy, and afterwards they say they feel relief and no more pain, you have not cured them,’ he explains.

According to Dr Mutyaba, the herbal medicines approved by NDA are only for symptomatic relief.

‘So, any claim about treatment is misleading the public. I have a problem with that gentleman (Ogwang). He is claiming treatment, but his medicine is only for relief. That is what we approved,’ he says.

The NDA also advises patients to always first seek medical attention from conventional doctors.

‘The good thing is that herbal medicine works. It is good if the patient informs his doctor that he is also taking a herbal remedy for relief, so that the doctor can manage the condition expertly,’ Dr Mutyaba adds.

According to the Regional Cancer Spectrum in Uganda: A Population-based Cancer Survey by Sub-regions (2017-2020), published by ecancermedicalscience this year, in males, the top five cancers included prostate cancer 25.1 percent, esophagus 15.1 percent, KS 12.4 percent, liver 8.8 percent and stomach 4.8 percent, with other less common male cancers accounting for 33.8 percent.

In the Rwenzori, Kigezi and Bugishu sub-Regions, there seems to be an increased risk of developing other skin cancers in females, while stomach cancers have been reported in both males and females.

In the Kigezi and Ankole sub-regions, stomach cancer is emerging among the most common cancers in both males and females. In the Mbarara District, located in the Ankole sub-region, cases of stomach cancer are also common compared to all other districts in the region. Other than Helicobacter pylori, risk factors such as diet in the Ankole and Kigezi regions could be associated with the occurrence of this gastrointestinal malignancy in this region.

About peptic ulcers

A peptic ulcer is a sore in the lining of the stomach or duodenum. A burning stomach pain is the most common symptom. Peptic ulcers happen when the acids that help digest food damage the walls of the stomach or duodenum. The most common cause is infection caused by a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori.

Another cause is the long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) such as aspirin and ibuprofen. Stress and spicy foods do not cause ulcers, but can make them worse. Peptic ulcers will get worse if not treated.

A persistent shortage of safe and clean water in Kalangala schools is worsening menstrual hygiene challenges for thousands of girls, forcing many to miss lessons during their periods, authorities have said. Kalangala District has 77 schools spread across 11 of its 64 habitable islands, but only 35 percent have access to safe and clean water. Also, more than half of the schools lack incinerators or proper disposal facilities, leaving many girls with no option but to throw used pads in pit-latrines.

School administrators said most schools depend on rainwater or unsafe lake water, making it difficult for girls to manage menstruation with dignity. ‘If we fail to get water from the lake, girls do not clean themselves and end up staying away from class to avoid embarrassment,’ Ms Margret Kenshubi, the head teacher of St Victor Mulabana Primary School, explained during an interview last Tuesday.

She added: ‘Some children tell us they are unwell, but when we follow up, we discover they feared being embarrassed because water was not available.’ St Victor Mulabana Primary School, with 480 pupils, relies on rainwater stored in tanks. During dry spells, pupils walk about 100 metres to the lake to fetch water, despite the risk of being attacked by crocodiles. ‘We rely on fishermen to alert us about crocodiles. When no one is around, children cannot go to the lake until we are certain it is safe,’ Ms Kenshubi said. The school has a double four-stance pit latrine for girls, but it lacks a functional water system.

‘There is a pit-latrine we advise them to use, but they fear it because it is far and everyone sees them walking there. It is difficult for them to maintain cleanliness at school so they decide to stay at home,’ she added. The same crisis extends across the seven sub-counties of Kalangala, with challenges more severe in remote islands. In Bunyama Parish (Bujumba Sub-county), the only water source at Bunyama Primary School was vandalised, forcing girls to fetch water from the lake. At Betta and Bugoma primary schools -both in Mugoye Sub-county, tap water was disconnected due to unpaid bills.

‘We owe Kalangala Infrastructure Services (KIS) Shs2 million. After failing to clear the bill, the water was cut off,’ Ms Innocent Marie Nandutto, the head teacher of Betta Primary School, said. She said Oil Palm Uganda Limited (OPUL) now occasionally sends a water bowser to the school to clean pit-latrines and classrooms. Girls also rely on that water for personal hygiene. Kalangala District Education Officer Deo Nseko confirmed that inadequate water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities remain a major challenge in the island district.

‘Some schools lack enough pit-latrines, washrooms, and water, which compromises sanitation and hygiene,’ he said. The 2023 Menstrual Health Guidelines for schools require every school to have adequate water supply, separate toilets for girls, boys and learners with disabilities as well as water, toilet paper and soap. It further says a school should have changing rooms and washrooms for girls and incinerators or safe disposal facilities. However, several schools in Kalangala cannot meet these standards due to funding and infrastructure gaps.

A 2017 sector performance report by the Ministry of Water and Environment and the Ministry of Education and Sports indicates national WASH standards are far from being met. ‘One toilet for every 40 children is the standard, but today the ratio stands at 1:71,’ part of the report states. The Kalangala District water officer, Mr Lawrence Lweera, said the Shs195 million allocation to the district water department per year is not enough. ‘With this allocation, the district can only build one water system every three years because each costs more than Shs300 million,’ he said.

Mr Lweera added: ‘We need additional funding to expand safe water coverage to schools.’ Kalangala District Health Secretary Irene Nakanwagi said government water systems are often placed in areas with larger populations, leaving out some schools that are located far away. She cited Misonzi Landing Site in Bufumira Sub-county, where a community water project exists, but Lulamba Primary School remains unserved because additional funding to extend the system was unavailable.

‘We are engaging KIS to introduce a separate water tariff for schools and health centres,’ she said, adding that newly-constructed seed schools in the district also lack appropriate sanitation facilities, especially for girls. ‘Government did not follow guidelines for girls’ toilets. Before construction starts, building plans must include washrooms,’ Ms Nakanwagi said. Mr Godfrey Adubi, the Kalangala District health inspector, warned that girls who lack access to clean water risk contracting infections such as candida and other diseases from unsafe lake water.

‘Girls risk infections affecting their private parts. Fetching unsafe water exposes them to cholera and dysentery,’ he said, adding that a lack of WASH facilities contributes to increased absenteeism during menstruation. The district’s school dropout rate currently stands at 34 percent.

Imagine a truck arriving at your warehouse with goods you know you desperately need. They align with the future you have projected. They represent freedom, protection, and progress.

They carry value that will transform your operations for years to come. But as you stand there receiving these goods, grateful for their arrival, you remain wary of a roadblock just outside your gate. A hinderance with the power to undo everything you have procured. An obstacle that does not care how far the goods have travelled or how important they are for your future.

That roadblock is Uganda’s outdated HIV/Aids prevention and Control Act. Despite the funding disruptions that have threatened Uganda’s health system this year, we have been listed among the countries to receive support from the Global Fund and the United States government for the rollout of long-acting Lenacapavir, the twice-yearly injection that offers six months of protection against HIV. Science has delivered an HIV prevention tool that complements the options Uganda already has such as the ABC approach, oral PrEP, the dapivirine ring, and long-acting Cabotegravir.

Lenacapavir offers six months of protection, which means people at risk of HIV no longer need to take a daily pill. This convenience reduces the pill burden, which may in turn improve adherence, strengthen continuity of prevention, and ultimately lower new HIV infections, contributing to a better quality of life. Lenacapavir is also discreet and offers genuine choice. Young women and girls who are exposed to HIV can now select a method that fits their realities. That freedom of choice is empowering, and it naturally reduces stigma because prevention becomes a private, dignified, and self-directed decision.

The economic benefit of Lenacapavir for Uganda’s health budget is significant. Every infection prevented is treatment avoided. The more people who remain HIV-free because of long-acting prevention, the fewer resources the country will spend on lifelong HIV treatment. Now this science arrives in Uganda and meets a law that criminalises having HIV. A law like this creates fear, which means people avoid testing because they do not want to be labelled criminals. When the law makes testing feel dangerous, people stay away from the very services that are meant to help them.

If they do not test, they will not know their status. And if they do not know their status, they cannot make informed decisions about whether to start HIV treatment or whether to use HIV prevention tools, especially if they are at risk. Science has already provided these tools: treatment that suppresses the virus, and prevention options that protect people before exposure. But without testing, none of this reaches the people who need it. Lack of testing also reduces disclosure, breaks trust, and eventually affects adherence because people operate in secrecy instead of safety.

The result is that the law ends up keeping people away from the systems that could protect them. Instead of slowing HIV transmission, it drives it underground. Instead of supporting prevention, it actively undermines it. The law creates the very silence that science is trying to break. Uganda now stands at a moment when science is offering us a new beginning. Long-acting prevention is here. Global partners are ready. Communities are ready. Young women are ready. The only part of the system still living in 2014 is the law. If we want the goods at our warehouse to reach the people they are intended for, we must clear the road ahead.

As Uganda moves toward the polls to choose a new Parliament, this cannot be a forgotten issue. The HIV legislation must be at the top of the legislative agenda. Our next Parliament must decide whether Uganda will move forward with science or remain anchored to a past that no longer protects us.

The Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) presidential flag bearer, Maj Gen (rtd) Gregory Mugisha Muntu, has pledged to construct as many skilling centres to create employment opportunities for youths.

Gen Mugisha Muntu made the promise while addressing a campaign rally at Busowa Town Council in Bugiri District on Saturday, saying his government will prioritise constructing skilling centres in every district to boost household incomes.

“In all the 75 districts where I have campaigned, people have consistently raised the issue of unemployment. Therefore, this will be my first priority immediately after being sworn in as President of this country,” he said.

Gen Mugisha also stated that the incumbent President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is aware of the challenges affecting citizens but does not address them because he and his family are already well off.

He pledged to ensure an adequate supply of drugs in all government health facilities, construct new hospitals, and recruit more doctors.

“Fellow Ugandans, vote for Mugisha Muntu and you will see real change in this country,” he said.

Gen Mugisha also promised to rebuild Uganda’s economy by sensitising citizens on agriculture, education, and environmental protection.

“We want to address all the needs of the community to ensure they can access quality service delivery,” he said.

However, Gen Mugisha expressed concern over voter bribery by the ruling NRM party, saying that bribing voters during campaigns remains a major challenge.

Ms Amina Kagoya, a resident of Busowa Town Council, urged the incoming president to prioritise employing more midwives at every Health Centre IV to reduce the risk of expectant mothers dying during childbirth.

Mr Stephen Makaire urged presidential hopeful Mugisha Muntu to prioritise agriculture to boost food production in the country and help combat famine and poverty.

“Agriculture is the backbone of this country; therefore, the government should put more effort into it, especially by sensitising communities to grow both food and cash crops, as was done by previous administrations,” he said.

Uganda has one of the youngest populations in the world, with 78 percent of its nearly 46 million citizens under the age of 30. Yet the country’s youth face persistent challenges, including high unemployment, underemployment, skill mismatches, and limited economic opportunities in both urban and rural areas.

As the country prepares for the 2026 General Election, we examine the manifestos of several presidential candidates to see what plans they have for the youth.

What parties plan

The Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) manifesto focuses on marginalised youth, particularly those in ghettos and underprivileged families. The party highlights the link between generational poverty and exposure to petty crime, transactional sex, and drug dealing due to harsh social and economic conditions.

ANT promises apprenticeships, skills training, income-generating activities, scholarships, and family support programmes. While the party emphasises social inclusion and long-term empowerment, the manifesto is less clear on the scale or timelines of these initiatives. Uganda’s informal sector employs 85 to 90 percent of actively working youth, underscoring the importance of skilling initiatives.

The National Unity Platform (NUP) manifesto paints a detailed picture of the structural challenges facing youth employment. It highlights how economic growth has not translated into sufficient job creation, leaving millions of young Ugandans trapped in joblessness, informal work, or low-paying jobs.

NUP also notes the mismatch between university training and market needs, forcing many graduates to seek work abroad under exploitative conditions. The party promises better access to credit, improved business regulations, and policies to align skills with market demands.

The manifesto further proposes private-sector job creation mechanisms by easing access to construction permits, electricity, border trading, property registration, and affordable taxes. It also points to the slow pace of urbanisation, linked to sluggish rural-urban migration, which leaves much of the labour force trapped in low-productivity agriculture.

This slow reduction in agricultural labour explains Uganda’s relatively slow urbanisation process. According to the Uganda Banks Association, more than 110,000 Ugandans seek jobs abroad each year, especially in the Middle East. More than 400,000 graduates enter the job market annually, but fewer than 90,000 formal jobs are available. The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) manifesto, alongside general youth employment initiatives, places significant emphasis on investing in young talent in the creative and sports industries. The creative sector, which includes visual and performing arts, literature, music, film, fashion, design, crafts, and sport, is increasingly seen as a driver of economic growth.

Globally, the entertainment industry was valued at $466 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to $860 billion by 2030, while the global sports market is expected to exceed $600 billion by the same year. In Uganda, these sectors contribute more than Shs270 billion to GDP and are poised to become major sources of employment, rising disposable incomes, and a growing appetite for leisure and entertainment. NRM promises to expand the revolving fund for artistes, furnish the creatives’ home with recording studios and other amenities, invest in modern national theatres and exhibition spaces, establish regional creative hubs for talent development, increase support for sports in schools, continue investing in modern sports facilities, ensure the success of AFCON 2027, and create an environment conducive to private-sector investment in sports academies. Through these initiatives, NRM says it aims to empower young Ugandans, turning talent in the creative and sports sectors into viable careers and sustainable economic opportunities.

Meanwhile, the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) manifesto combines financial and structural support. It proposes a national youth grant of Shs1 million for graduating youth, cooperative schemes for informal sector workers, and opportunities for youth-owned enterprises in government contracts. It also seeks to modernise agriculture to attract young people. FDC further pledges to establish sports and creative arts academies in each sub-region, support women and youth in aquaculture and fish farming, and set up community rebuild centres to train child mothers in livelihood skills. These centres would also provide daycare programmes to enable young mothers to return to school. The party promises to amend electoral laws to reduce nomination fees for youth candidates.

Mubarak Munyagwa of the Common Man’s Party, centres his youth agenda on the argument that Uganda’s education system produces ‘skilled on paper, jobless in reality.’ His manifesto promises a shift from theory-heavy schooling to practical, job-ready skills, anchored in modern trades and workplace training.

He pledges that youth will drive national innovation and entrepreneurship, supported through cooperatives designed to link youth and women-led enterprises to national and global markets.

A major pillar of his plan is technology. Munyagwa vows to launch a ‘Digital Uganda for All’ programme, connecting every school and ensuring every young person becomes digitally literate, with special emphasis on Artificial Intelligence as a new frontier for job creation.

He also devotes significant attention to the creative and sports sectors – areas he says the government treats as hobbies rather than industries. He promises to establish a Creative Economy Fund to finance music, film and arts; rehabilitate regional sports facilities; and support youth recreation centres in every district.

On the economic front, Munyagwa promises to establish a National SME Fund with low-interest loans, arguing that the cost of credit is discouraging youth enterprises before they even begins. Robert Kasibante of the National Peasants Party (NPP) takes a grassroots approach, framing youth empowerment as a rural economic issue rather than an urban frustration. He pledges to establish a Youth Development Fund to finance youth start-ups, especially in agriculture, value addition and cottage industries.

He pledges to reserve 40 percent of all government contracts for youth and women, a direct attempt to redirect public procurement, which he currently says is dominated by established firms and politically connected actors, to shift towards young entrepreneurs. Mr Kasibante also identifies the creative economy as an underused opportunity and promises to promote music, arts, sports and cultural industries as full economic sectors, supported with funding for regional competitions, festivals and talent programmes.

Joseph Elton Mabirizi’s Conservative Party, on the other hand, anchors his youth agenda in skills, production and national discipline. He promises to launch a Youth Skills Corps, a nationwide programme that trains young people in trades needed for infrastructure, manufacturing, ICT and renewable energy – then deploys them to public works or connects them to local industries for economic stability. To encourage private sector hiring, he proposes tax rebates for companies that recruit and train young Ugandans, arguing that employers must be part of the skills transition. He also pledges to expand vocational and technical institutes across all regions, upgrade their machinery, and link graduates to federal-bank-backed financing so they can start enterprises instead of remaining idle after training.

Beyond employment, Mabirizi promises to prioritise issuing land titles to youth and vulnerable groups, saying secure land tenure is essential for economic participation. He also proposes to train and employ youth in cyber defence, both as a job creation strategy and as a response to rising digital crime.

Taken together, the manifestos show awareness of youth issues but vary in focus. Youth advocates, however, note that the real test lies in whether these pledges translate into tangible improvements in the daily realities of Uganda’s young population.

What the youth say

Mr Abraham Elamaboni, the Uganda Christian University (UCU) guild president, is concerned at the rising level of school dropouts, particularly at upper secondary level. Many students are forced into alternative income-generating activities to earn a living. ‘Youths are facing a challenge of school dropout, especially at A-Level, where some join activities for money. Some have missed the Uneb exams because of UPDF recruitment in my hometown. For example, almost every household has at least one school dropout,’ he said, noting that these interruptions affect service delivery and the skilled labour force.

Mr Elamaboni said policies should not focus solely on vocational skills but also ensure access to higher education. ‘The government that takes over in the next term should look at sustaining those willing to continue with school,’ he said. Comparatively, Ms Beatrice Nyangoma, a communications specialist and youth advocate, said manifestos are often drafted without meaningful consultation with intended beneficiaries. Ms Nyangoma explained that young people are already active in the highlighted sectors in the manifestos, especially ICT, content creation and tourism, but require more targeted investment, since they continue to face barriers in public service employment.

‘Platforms like TikTok are employing many young people, yet digital content creation is not fully supported. Many offices are occupied for decades, which limits opportunities for qualified young people and that’s why these new digital channels should be prioritised,’ she said. ‘When someone says they are a TikToker or blogger, they are dismissed, yet this is an income stream for many young people. Parties do not believe in youth creativity. If a government truly wants youth to innovate, why are data costs still so high? Young people cannot afford to upload videos or grow their platforms and the work they do because such hustles are still unconsidered.’

She also highlighted gaps in supporting the girl child, including access to menstrual hygiene, which contributes to school dropouts, early pregnancies and continuous spread of sexually transmitted diseases. Mr Damon Wamara, the executive director of Uganda Child Rights NGO Network, criticised the manifestos for failing to clearly outline how they will strengthen and implement child and youth protection systems. He added that some are relying on existing structures with poor implementation records rather than proposing new strategic mechanisms.

‘The NRM manifesto still assumes everyone knows the child protection systems already exist and everything they talk of. Before youth become youth, they are children and if issues around education, capacity building and health are neglected early, by the time of youth hood, they will still be disadvantaged,’ he said.

Mr Wamara highlighted daily vulnerabilities that need to be addressed, noting that many girls are exposed to sexual violence during their commute to school and that existing manifestos rarely address these risks except the FDC manifesto. ‘Only FDC speaks about gender based violence; they didn’t address other threats like child labour, which is at its peak in Uganda, especially in agricultural settings. In western Uganda, child labour is predominantly in cotton and coffee plantations; in central and eastern Uganda, it’s in rice and sugarcane plantations; and in northeastern Uganda, in Karamoja, you find gold and marble mining sites where children are mostly exploited.’

According to Wamara, the absence of clear positions on minimum wage indirectly fuels child exploitation by destabilising household incomes, hence the need to target the root causes of these risks. ‘While many parties emphasise job creation, they do not discuss wage protection or safeguards for vulnerable populations,’ he said. Mr Wamara criticised the Electoral Commission for failing to issue clear guidelines on children’s involvement in political activities, noting that minors continue to participate in rallies, poster distribution, and other mobilisation efforts despite being ineligible to vote.

‘Children are not voters, but they are the swiftest mobilisers with good numbers. Yet guidance on how to engage them safely during elections is very unclear. The Electoral Commission needs to spell out rules that prevent the exploitation or unsafe engagement of minors during the critical seasons where we have seen aspects of children in trucks, children holding flags, and children being sent to pull down posters,’ he added.

Reflecting on systemic issues such as youth incarceration, Ms Kizza said almost 72 percent of inmates are aged 18 to 35, who are missing out on skills-exchange programmes for employment and innovation. ‘We face a challenge where a significant number of youth are in prisons; around 72 percent of inmates are between 18 and 35 years. You cannot design a one-size-fits-all programme when only places like Luzira Prison and a few others provide skills and education,’ she said. ‘Literacy levels might have increased, but job opportunities for work in conducive conditions are hard to come by. ..most parties are focusing on skilling youth for factory jobs as part of industrialisation, intending that these will absorb many unemployed youth.’

She argued that the parties’ proposals in the various manifestos cannot be realised under the existing system, as meaningful change would require a complete overhaul of the structures that govern youth programmes. ‘We can’t use the current system to implement most of the things they are promising. Show us how you are going to do a factory reset of the youths so as to establish a whole new structure; otherwise acts of corruption and impunity will still dominate.’

For now, youth activists say the manifestos offer hope on paper, yet the emerging generation continues to wait for a blueprint that goes beyond pledge-making to deliver practical, lasting change.

Party pledges

National Resistance Movement

The party, which has fronted the incumbent president, Yoweri Museveni, for another stab at public office, are pledging to:

Continue to back learning by providing free schooling, as well as job skilling programmes for the youth.

Invest in a modern national theatre and exhibition spaces.

Establish regional creative hubs for talent identification.

Increase support for sports facilities in schools.

Provide more money to capitalise the revolving fund for artists and furnish the newly purchased recording studio.

Support low income growth, at the community level (PDM and Youth Empowerment programmes).

Forum for Democratic Change

The Opposition, Forum for Democratic Change, which has Nathan Nandala Mafabi as their presidential candidate has promised to:

Generate employment opportunities through modernising agricultural investment to make it attractive to youth.

Establish a Shs1 million graduate starter grant for all unemployed graduates under 30 years to kickstart their work life.

Human capital development; healthcare funding, health insurance (Shs 20,000 per family).

Set up a programme for a youth innovation and incubation hub across the country for each of the four regions of Uganda.

Mandate a percentage of all government contracts to youth owned enterprises.

Allocate 10 percent of all government contracts to youth-owned enterprises.

Formalise the informal sector with a Boda Boda Savings and Protection Cooperative Scheme.

Establish a sports and creative arts academy in every sub-region to identify, nurture, and recognise talents.

Set up community rebuild centres to train child mothers in livelihood skills and support them with baby daycare programmes.

National Unity Platform

The largest Opposition party in parliament, led by Robert Ssentamu Kyangulanyi is planning to:

Create a National Youth Employment Fund to finance youth jobs.

Establish city and municipal youth skilling centres.

Provide interest-free loans and start-up capital for youth businesses.

Professionalise the creative arts industry through training and regulation.

Introduce school-to-work transition programmes for S4 and S6 leavers.

Build and equip sports facilities and creative community spaces.

Support youth digital entrepreneurship, including innovation labs and tech start-ups.

Alliance for National Transformation

The Alliance for National Transformation (ANT), led by Maj Gen Gregory Mugisha Muntu is pledging to:

Transform ghetto and underserved communities with improved so cial services.

Provide comprehensive skills training and vocational programmes.

Offer apprenticeships and industrial placements for practical experience.

Support youth with income-generating activities (IGAs).

Give tax incentives to youth-led enterprises.

Replace small cash handouts with long-term empowerment programmes.

Strengthen parenting support programmes for better child development.

Provide full or partial scholarships for vulnerable children and youth.

Create sustainable livelihood programmes tailored to ghetto and rural youth.

Common Man’s Party

Provide practical, job-ready skills instead of paper qualifications.

Ensure youth drive innovation and entrepreneurship.

Build strong cooperatives linking youth enterprises to local and global markets.

Promote inclusive leadership, local languages, and participation of youth.

Strong focus on Artificial Intelligence for solving unemployment.

Establish a Creative Economy Fund for music, film, and arts.

Build/rehabilitate regional sports facilities.

Support district youth recreation centres.

Recognise arts and sports as real industries.

Create a National SME Fund with low-interest loans

National Peasants Party

Establish a Youth Development Fund for start-ups.

Reserve 40 percent of government contracts for youth and women.

Promote sports, music, arts, and creative industries as economic sectors.

Conservative Party

Launch a Youth Skills Corps to train youth in:

Trades for infrastructure, manufacturing and ICT

Give tax rebates to firms that hire and train youth.

Expand vocational and technical institutes across regions.

Link vocational training to federal bank financing for youth start-ups.

Prioritise issuance of land titles to women, youth, and vulnerable groups.

Train and employ youth in cyber defence.