Category: Daily Monitor

The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) presidential candidate, Mr Nandala Mafabi, has promised to ensure that fishing laws are enforced humanely if elected.

Speaking during a rally at Bwondha Primary School in Bwondha Town Council, Mayuge District, Mr Mafabi criticised the way the fishing laws are currently enforced on Lake Victoria and other water bodies, saying it unfairly deprives citizens of their livelihoods and infringes on their rights.

‘God blessed Busoga with these water bodies so that our people can sustain themselves through fishing. Even those from other regions, like Bugisu, should be free to come and earn a living from the lake,’ he said.

Mr Mafabi also blamed rampant poverty in Busoga Sub-region on President Museveni and the NRM government, saying they had abandoned the people in the sub-region.

He further accused leaders from Busoga of being self-seekers and asked locals to vote leaders who cared about them.

Mr Mafabi pledged that the FDC government would serve citizens diligently.

‘You are the bosses; we are the workers. Trust us with your votes for the next five years and we shall work for you, not rule over you,’ he said. He encouraged all Ugandans to fully participate in the forthcoming elections, saying: ‘The time to change the country is now.’

If elected into power, the residents said Mr Mafabi should address several concerns, including tarmacking of the Mayuge-Bwondha Landing Site road, elevating Mayuge Health Centre IV to district hospital, establishing a Health Centre IV in every constituency, and increasing the number of secondary schools in the district. Ever since the deployment of the UPDF Fisheries Protection Unit (FPU) on water bodies countrywide, locals have complained of alleged high-handedness by its members.

FPU members are also accused of extortion and engaging in illegal fishing. However, the FPU denies the accusation, saying it follows the law.

Marcel Otim earned bronze at the November 21-23 Commonwealth Rowing Association Beach Sprints (Crabs) in Bridgetown, Barbados to earn Uganda her first international medal in the sport.

The 16 year old Otim, who was part of team that included Elijah Namunyu and Kathleen Noble and was coached by Batenga Nakisozi, took part in the junior (U-19) men’s solo at the competition that attracted 57 athletes from 14 countries.

First, Otim finished third in the opening time trials (3:12.969) behind Canada’s Oliver Brennan (2:54.226) and Barbados’ Theodore Spieler (3:05.826) to make the semifinals.

Spieler, who would later take silver behind the Canadian in Final A, clocked 3:06.422 to edge Otim (3:15.677) in the second semifinals. That left Otim, who only discovered the sport last year, to take bronze from Final B in 3:21.386.

“This was definitely a huge learning experience,” said Otim, who has had to learn a lot so soon having made his national team debut at the World U-19 Rowing Championships in Lithuania in August.

“Making that switch from flat water to beach rowing has definitely been challenging but also rewarding. My team and all those aroud have made the process of transitioning easier and I want to thank them for making this very enjoyable,” he said.

Noble, Namunyu max it out

Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympian Noble rowed to a quarter final finish in Bridgetown’s women’s solos and mixed doubles – where she combined with Namunyu.

“This is quite different. I enjoyed the running component and the dynamics of getting in and out of the boat, plus navigating the buoys. I loved; the venue – it was fun being on the beach, the people created a positive atmosphere, and the idea of working with the team even during the race because you have to work with your boat handlers.

“However, the boat here is a lot heavier and the conditions are less controlled than in classic rowing. The boat does not really pick up speed for you to get the momentum you get in classic rowing. And navigating the turns will need a lot of practice to get used to,” Noble, who coached Uganda’s team at the East Africa Beach Rowing Sprints Championship in Bunjako, said after getting her own firsthand experience.

Noble was sixth in the women solo’s time trials with a time of 2:59.912 then she clocked 2:57.838 in quarterfinal 4 behind Jersey’s Natacha Searson (2:51.371).

With Namunyu, they finished 8th in the mixed doubles’ time trials (2:45.443). In their quarters, they clocked 2:35.364 to finish behind Australia (2:25.094).

Namunyu individually took part in the men’s solo clocking 2:59.140 to finish 9th in the time trials. He went for the repechage, where he finished in 2:48.792 behind South Africa’s Edward Godfrey (2:37.776).

“I am the kind of person that has a lot of belief in myself and gave this competition my all, but I need to do more.

“I have picked my lessons and I need to build up more. Usually, I go to competitions where I know everyone but this is a world event and I found competitors that I do not know. However, I am sure that if we put more time into training, watching our nutrition, and preparing better, we can beat them,” Namunyu said.

Combinations

Namunyu and Noble combined with South Africa in the team relays – first finishing 10th in the time trials with a time of 8:26.650. Coach Batenga said she got a lot of help from her South African counterpart Sizwe Ndlovu in “boat handling duties, coaching, and motivating the athletes” and Poppy Kearney from England.

In the relay time trial, the South African male rower Ben Godfrey went first and split 2:48.644 in the first leg then handed over to Namunyu and Noble, who went for the second leg as a mixed double splitting 2:40.811 for a cumulative time of 5:29.475. The South African female rower Frances Hill then anchored the relay with a 2:57.175 split to bring the cumulative time to 8:26.650.

In Final E of the relay, Uganda and South Africa (8:56.568) went head to head with a combined team from Scotland and Jersey (8:22.041).

Here, Namunyu went first and split 2:47.304, then handed over to the South Africans Godfrey and Hill for the second leg. The duo’s split 3:08.949 for a cumulative time of 5:56.253 before handing over to Noble, who anchored in a 3:00.315 split for a final time of 8:56.568 for a 10th place finish.

Roadside vendors in Mpigi District, particularly those dealing in perishable fresh produce, have asked Mr Mubarak Munyagwa, the Common Man’s Party (CMP) presidential candidate, to build a modern market with proper storage facility for them if elected.

The vendors, who operate mainly at Nabbuzi Village in Kammengo Sub-county on the Kampala-Masaka highway, raised their concerns on Tuesday as Mr Munyagwa traversed the district seeking votes.

A major issue raised was the severe post-harvest losses caused by the absence of proper storage facilities.

‘We put in a lot of money to buy these goods, but customers are not buying at the same rate because of the abject poverty in the community. We end up losing everything because the produce perishes,’ said Ms Teddy Naggayi, a resident of Nabbuzi, Kammengo Sub-county.

Complaint

Mr Ivan Lukwata, also a resident of Nabbuzi, added that much of the produce ends up spoiling, yet district authorities continue to charge them local market dues.

‘We should not be paying such taxes because we already pay them indirectly on items like sugar and salt,’ he argued.

The traders further appealed to Mr Munyagwa to exempt farmers from taxes on essential agricultural inputs, including seeds, pesticides, and fertilisers.

Mr Munyagwa, who also made stopovers in Nabyewanga, Kakoni, Kayabwe, Nabusanke, Buwama, and Mitalamaria, accused the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party, which has been in power for four decades, of neglecting farmers despite their immense contribution to the economy.

He pledged that his government would prioritise exportation, stating: ‘Nothing stops them from exporting to Saudi Arabia or Dubai. We’ll ensure we invest heavily in production, export more, and widen the international market for their goods.’

He urged voters to support all candidates of ‘change’ and advised them not to vote for the NRM at any level.

The Bishop of Masaka Diocese, Serverus Jjumba, has called on armed forces to engage in the current campaigns and elections period in accordance with the agreed constitutional principles to avoid blood spills and unrest in order to prevent visible and invisible wounds among citizens.

Bishop Jjumba noted that participatory democracy is instead what is desirable, where people freely and intentionally participate in the way their society is governed and national resources are managed and shared for the benefit of all.

‘We (Uganda) must resolve never to take the path of war again. In this world, nobody is a winner. I’m sorry, but I’ll make reference to our colleagues in the defence (armed) forces. If you went to war with a gun and you flash life out of a young man or woman, the dead person is not a winner, and neither is the soldier, because they were not given the gun to target the citizen. We all come out losers. Resolve never to take the path of war again,’ Bishop Jjumba said.

He made these remarks while making a keynote speech during a ‘let’s talk peace’ regional stakeholders’ dialogue at Brovad Hotel in Masaka on November 27, 2025.

Bishop Jjumba equated national politics or elections to a moving bus that one cannot afford to be neutral when it is taking them somewhere.

‘You must, however, have a say in whether to board it, where it is taking you to, with what service, at what cost and if it is safe. Every individual has a right to ask questions and to demand for answers. It is the will of the people to choose who to govern them, and elections must be free, fair and fearless. Impunity cannot yield peace. If you have agreed on multiparty politics, then reflect on it,’ Jjumba added.

Mr Godfrey Kiwanda Ssuubi, the Chairperson of the National Consultative Forum (NCF), who attended the event, said there needs to be a deliberate effort to listen to the views and concerns of young people.

‘As leaders and political parties, we need to give a listening ear to young people, and it starts from your home. Seek to understand why they do what they do, because sometimes we blame them for no reason. They may not go to the bush like those who went to the bush to come into power because the bush doesn’t exist anymore. Peace cannot only be maintained by armed forces in uniform but by everyone,’ Mr Kiwanda said.

A conflict situation analysis study that was done by the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty democracy (NIMD) in August 2025 shows that the likelihood of heightened electoral violence between political parties and state security forces, if not mitigated beforehand, could be more severe compared to previous general elections. If not addressed through providing avenues for dialogue, Mr David Mugarra, the Program Manager of NIMD, says this scenario could potentially undermine human rights, security, the country’s stability and the credibility of elections. The study also revealed that there are 24 electoral violence hotspots, 18 of which are red and six in orange, in the country, especially Masaka, Rakai, Lwengo, Sembabule and Kalangala.

‘Uganda is slowly becoming a fragmented and polarised society, characterised by politics of manipulation and perceived marginalisation, violence perpetrated by some political as well as state actors, bias towards democracy related institutions, allegations of electoral fraud, media impartiality, hate speech, insufficient civic education, all undermining a democratic culture,’ Mugarra said.

Organised under the theme of safeguarding democracy through peace and dialogue, the two-day dialogue targeted actors of violence, such as the civil society, media, opinion leaders, inter-religious leaders, women and youth leaders, and the private sector, on how to mitigate electoral-related violence in the hotspots. It was also a safe space for political actors to interact with the different responsible security agencies during and after the election period to reduce polarisation, prevent violence and promote tolerance.

Faustin Kiyingi Nalugwa will probably be more popular in death than in life.

She had the not so much celebrated but crucial role of performance analyst at She Maroons.

Unfortunately, on Friday night, she breathed her last after she was involved in an accident in Nakawa after watching the Uganda Premier League match between KCCA and URA.

Such is life, that her club She Maroons were forced to quickly move on and play against Kampala Queens (KQ) the next morning in a 2025/26 Finance Trust Bank Fufa Women Super League encounter.

Nalugwa, who played for Ajax Queens, Luweero Giant Queens, and She Maroons had probably been vital in preparations for this weekend but was not present to witness her club get their first ever win over KQ in four topflight seasons.

They might have won 2-0, but She Maroons were never prepared to go through the match which pushed them to sixth on 11 points.

“Let us speak at a later date when we have recovered mentally,” one of the She Maroons coaches said when asked to comment about their fallen colleague. There was never time to celebrate Doreen Nakayiwa’s 52nd minute Lillian Kasubo’s 61st minute goals.

Meanwhile, on the same day, Uganda Martyrs Lubaga, earned only their second win of the season through a home walkover against Olila High School, who did not turn up for the encounter. Martyrs are now eighth with eight points while Olila remain bottom of the 12-team log with three points.

Kawempe clear

Kawempe Muslim were the biggest beneficiaries of KQ’s loss as they beat Lady Doves away 1-0 in Masindi on Sunday courtesy of Asia Nakibuuka’s 5th minute goal. Kawempe had not won in Masindi for the past three seasons.

Leaders Kawempe, now have 22 points from eight games and are five points ahead of KQ and She Corporate who beat Rines SS 2-0 through Sandra Kisakye and Rebecca Nakato’s second half goals. Doves are 9th with six points – just with a better goal difference against Makerere University.

Makerere were beaten by Edinah Wanda’s hattrick which secured a 3-0 home win for Amus College in Kachumbala. Amus moved to 12 points – level with fourth-placed St. Noa Girls Zana, who beat Asubo 4-0 away at Kampala Quality Grounds Kisaasi.

Dorcus Lwalisa bagged a first half brace while Patricia Nayiga and Esther Babirye scored in the second half for them to secure the win.

FTBFWSL RESULTS

She Maroons 2-0 Kampala Queens

Uganda Martyrs 3-0 Olila HS (walkover)

Lady Doves 0-1 Kawempe Muslim

Amus College 3-0 Makerere University

She Corporate 2-0 Rines SS

Asubo 0-4 St. Noa Girls

For the years I have worked with Daily Monitor, I have learnt that separating Mr Philip Wafula Oguttu, one of the co-founders of then The Monitor in 1992, which later changed to Daily Monitor, from his business is a herculean task.

This assessment always came to the fore each time I introduced myself in Busoga Sub-region, where I previously worked as the Nation Media Group Uganda (NMG-U) Bureau Chief. What always followed was whether I was his son.

In some cases when I introduced myself as ‘Philip Wafula’, the other person would add ‘Oguttu’, reinforcing their preferred manner in which both names should be stated. Even when I was transferred to Kampala last November, the inference remained the same.

Mr Andrew Mwenda, who previously practiced his journalism at Daily Monitor, is the latest person to ask if I am related to Mr Oguttu. ‘Are you his son?’

Mr Mwenda was being informed that Mr Oguttu was retiring from the Monitor Publications Limited Board, and his personal and professional assessment of a man who, 33 years ago, started the newspaper where he practiced journalism mattered.

But before Mr Mwenda, during my appointment at Daily Monitor, close to ten years ago, I was inclined to provide ‘full disclosure’ of any relationship I had with Mr Oguttu. My response was that I didn’t know him and only read about him in the newspapers.

But my most enduring challenge of sharing both names with Mr Oguttu, was when he lost his wife, Alice Nabugembe Oguttu, on June 24, 2023.

The former Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in Parliament had spent six months agonising over the death of his wife to whom he had been married for 42 years.

When my supervisor dispatched me to cover her burial in Saanika Village, Nankoma Sub-county in Bugiri District, I wasn’t ready for what awaited me, as mourners who knew me mistook the deceased of being my biological mother – a misplaced account bolstered by ‘being’ Mr Oguttu’s son!

I looked on helplessly as several mourners in a sombre-induced frame of mind consoled me for losing the mother that wasn’t.

On Wednesday, I thrice denied being related to Mr Ogutu, and there was no cockcrow! While I have run out of fingers stating the number of times I have denied knowing him since I joined Daily Monitor, he, too, has always been asked if he was my father!

‘Two Board members asked me if I was your father and I told them I have never seen you,’ he said. I seized this opportunity to ask him how many times he, too, has denied being my father. ‘Twice’, he said, followed by laughter and hugs of two contrasting figures who were only brought together by both names and proximity to their current and former workplaces.

Such is the dilemma I have endured for having the same names with a man whose oversight has helped many professionals realise their dream and shape their destiny.

Waf, as he is fondly referred to, as a way of bidding farewell, on Wednesday oversaw the operations across NTV, Spark TV, Dembe FM, KFM, all Nation Media Uganda (NMG-U) platforms.

After chairing the planning meetings for editors and reporters, Mr Oguttu remained at Daily Monitor newsroom in Namuwongo, Industrial Area, to perform one last dance as News Editor of today’s edition.

Ugandans are so used to violent election campaigns that we are struggling to come to terms with what, thus far, has been a relatively benign affair. You’d be cruel to hold it against us. By this time at the last election, more than 50 people had been shot dead by state security actors during political violence over two days in November 2020, triggered by reports of the arrest of Opposition candidate Robert ‘Bobi Wine’ Kyagulanyi.

That was easily the highest election-related death toll since the return to electoral politics in 1996. It easily out-bled the 2001 election held with the northern third of the country still roiled by civil war, and the 2006 contest which had so many legal sideshows, it can only be called an election due to economy of vocabulary.

We thought we had survived a bullet with the relatively boring election in 2011. So boring was it, in fact, that political commentators, your columnist included, made the resigned, half-full observation that it was, in the grand scheme of things, better to persuade voters with bribes than with bullets.

Yet there are enough warning signs at present not to take any of it for granted, and even more lessons from history for us not to repeat our mistakes. First, as we saw during National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate Kyagulanyi’s campaign in Kawempe this week, it does not take much for a peaceful campaign rally to turn into a stampede and a cauldron of political mayhem. One overzealous supporter or trigger-happy security officer is all it takes. That we haven’t seen worse this far down in the campaign says a lot about the restraint that both Opposition supporters and security agencies have demonstrated, despite provocations from and against both sides.

Security and law enforcement officials have demonstrated that they can let slights slide, especially if the operational and overall command is for restraint. Power has always been inherently accountable and subservient to the political objectives it seeks to honour. Yet the absence of violence does not necessarily reflect political consensus. With Opposition doyen Kizza Besigye and his associate Obeid Kamulegeya still in pre-trial detention a year after they were kidnapped in Nairobi, and with many Opposition supporters still missing or in custody since before the last election, one can argue that this is the calm after the storm.

The merits in that view need not stop us from acknowledging the relative restraint shown so far, especially with the backdrop of the smouldering ruins of the recent electoral contest just next door. The process matters, but the underlying material conditions matter even more. Within weeks of the end of the electoral season in 2011, Walk-to-Work protests over the rising cost of living had torn away the veneer of normalcy and unleashed legal and illegal strictures on civil liberties that continue to hold us in a chokehold today. Even the relatively calm election that followed in 2016 was quickly undone in the smoke, blood and mirrors of 2021.

There are two easy take outs. One, on the evidence so far, it is possible for us to have an electoral process that is relatively peaceful if there is political will for it to be so, and if State power, including that of the military and the police, is exercised judiciously, and if responses to the inevitable provocations are not over the top.

Secondly, a peaceful process does not resolve structural misalignments such as economic inequalities and the cost-of-living crisis. To that end, a peaceful electoral process is needed to ensure these fissures do not deepen, and political and financial resources are not wasted in political violence or its aftermath.

More importantly, however, it is necessary to create the political legitimacy needed to rally around key reforms needed to address the deep-seated social, political and economic challenges of the day. This is a long-winded way of saying a relatively peaceful election should not be seen as a favour extended to citizens. Rather, it should be considered an important first step in building a new national consensus on how a younger generation of Ugandans wants to be governed and the country they want to live in. We need to start seeing peace as a foundation to be defended, not a privilege to be given or taken away at will.

In her world, hospitality is not just a business; it is a calling, a way to honour her roots, empower her community, and allow travellers to experience the rhythm of Kisoro, where every sunrise offers an invitation to see, feel, and belong.

Before Chomba Chanda ever thought of running a lodge, she was a lawyer. Her life revolved around case files, long hours, and courtroom formalities.

‘Law was what everyone expected of me,’ she says.

It seemed perfect on paper; a career filled with logic, arguments, and structure. However, deep down, Chanda knew her heart craved something different. During her university years, she took a part-time job at a café to earn some extra money. Unknowingly, that job marked the beginning of her true calling. Working in the café changed her perspective on people. She fell in love with the aroma of coffee, the warmth of service, and the way food connects individuals. She discovered that hospitality is truly about creating comfort, not just providing it.

A spark from Kisoro

Her journey back to Kisoro began with her father’s dream.

‘My father wanted to build something back home. He is from Kisoro but, like many, had lived away for years,’ she narrates.

‘When he spoke about returning, it stirred something within me. Around that time, I met tourists who could not stop raving about how magical it was to see gorillas in Uganda. When I found out those gorillas were in Kisoro, it felt like the universe was speaking to me.’

That was the spark, an idea ignited by love, legacy, and a longing to reconnect. By the end of 2017, this idea took physical form as Mucha Lodges, a small mid-range lodge nestled between Lake Mulehe and Lake Mutanda, came to life.

‘We are mid-range because we understand how expensive travel can be. Flights, permits, and food all add up. I wanted to create a place where people could enjoy the beauty and comfort of a high-end lodge at a fair price,’ she explains.

Hospitality that gives back

There is a river that gently flows through the property, mist that lifts at dawn, and the songs of more than 40 bird species. For Chomba, running a lodge is also about community, and she firmly believes a business should leave the land better than it found it. She says: ‘The people here see the safari vehicles and wonder how we are giving back. So, we make sure we do.’

Mucha supports three nearby primary schools with study packs and assists 50 families around the lodge by purchasing vegetables, eggs, and beans from local farmers. Also, the baskets decorating the lodge’s rooms are handwoven by women from Mutorere, a nearby village.

This creates a complementary relationship where the lodge helps the locals, and they, in turn, support it back in a sustainable manner. When Chomba exhibits at tourism expos, she takes a piece of Kisoro with her, ensuring her stall stands out and attracts visitors.

‘Every year, my theme is rustic,’ she explains. ‘I use local materials; wood and baskets, as well as tree tomatoes. I even added an old Sembule TV once, just to remind people that we used to make things in Uganda.’

She hopes to show people how beauty can be created sustainably, emphasising that a tourism entity does not need plastic to tell a story.

Living beauty

Chomba’s love for Kisoro goes beyond the lodge. When she describes her home, her words slow, and her tone softens. She says: ‘Kisoro is like a painting that moves. It is all hills and hands; women planting potatoes on slopes so steep you would think it is impossible, but they do it, and they still smile. The best potatoes in Uganda come from here.’

She paints an image of fields arranged so neatly that they look like embroidery from a distance.

‘People call it the Switzerland of Uganda, but for me, it is more than that. It is home, beautiful, alive, and full of hardworking people who dream big.’

Even after years of success, Chomba still sees herself as a student of travel. ‘I want to go to Kidepo. It is wild and untouched, one of the most beautiful places in Africa. I want to see it before it changes,’ she says, a faraway look in her eyes.

Learning, collaboration

Her curiosity keeps her grounded, and her sense of purpose drives her forward.

‘When I attended an expo in Kenya, I realised how much we still have to learn about marketing ourselves. Kenyan lodges collaborate, sharing spaces and ideas. In Uganda, we need that spirit of collaboration. If we could unite, tour operators, lodge owners, and associations, we would be unstoppable.’

Her message to Uganda’s tourism leaders is simple but urgent: ‘We need aggressive marketing, improved roads, and a passion for our country. Let us tell our stories loudly and beautifully. Let us work on making our roads better and ensuring travel is affordable so that Ugandans can explore their own country,’ she asserts.

She believes true growth will not come from policy papers, but from a genuine love for Uganda.

‘When I meet people from other African countries, I feel their pride. We need that too. Uganda is incredible; our landscapes, our cultures, our kindness. We just need to believe in it,’ she emphasises.

Each morning, as the mist lifts off the water and sunlight spills over the Kisoro hills, Chomba takes a quiet walk through Mucha’s gardens. The river flows gently, and birds dart through the trees.

This routine reminds her of how far she has come, from studying law and working at café counters to a life filled with purpose and peace.

‘I wanted to build something that feels like home. And home, to me, means sharing with people, with nature, and with the community.’

Why you should visit

In the gentle tranquility of Kisoro’s mornings, one can see what she means. Chomba asserts that her appreciation of hospitality should not only focus on rooms or bookings, but also on the effort to create and maintain a sense of belonging.

This, in turn, creates memorable experiences for tourists as they explore a region known for its vibrant people, the towering Mgahinga mountains, and breathtaking sunrises and sunsets against the lush landscape.

The script of the UG20 2025 Final at Entebbe Oval delivered all the tension of a high-stakes T20 clash as Ismaili Community Cricket Club edged Aboojo CC by 23 runs. But beyond the fireworks, two community-rooted teams stood tallest-each carrying a journey far richer than the scoreboard.

Ismaili lifted the trophy after posting 148 all out and restricting Aboojo to 125/8, yet both sides walked away with louder applause for what their rise represents: fresh energy, self-made systems, and a growing belief that community cricket can punch at elite level.

Aboojo’s 12-year climb

If there was a sentimental favourite, Aboojo CC wore the tag with pride. The club’s roots go back to Nyakasura School 12 years ago, formed by a tight group of cricket-loving students determined to build something lasting back home in Fort Portal.

On Sunday, that dream matured into a first-ever UG20 final appearance.

‘We are not stopping,’ vowed team founder Ivan Thawithemwira, who top-scored for Aboojo with a lively 31 off 24. ‘This journey shows what passion, planning and community backing can achieve. Getting here has taken years, but it is only the beginning.’

Their chase had moments of hope-built around Thawithemwira and Amos Ahura-but the 81 runs required from the last 60 balls proved steep. Captain Brian Asaba fought to the end with an unbeaten 28*, but Ismaili’s discipline in the final overs sealed the contest.

Ismaili’s fast rise

While Aboojo are a decade-long tale, Ismaili Community CC have sprinted to relevance in just two years.

Powered by excellent organisation, youth development and technical investment, the side has grown into a well-drilled force. Their success on Sunday was anchored by national star Riazat Ali Shah, whose 41 off 28 and 3/21 with the ball set the tone.

But leadership off the field has been equally decisive.

‘We’ve built something strong in a short time, but this is just the foundation,’ said Fazal Karim, chairman for Youth and Sports at the Ismaili National Council for Uganda. ‘We want to develop further, grow from Division Two to a topflight side and begin signing top local players. This project is long-term.’

Their controlled bowling display, led by regular season captain and Player of the Tournament Ghulam Hunzai (25 wickets) and Kamran Khan with two wickets apiece, strangled Aboojo’s chase from the outset.

Growing movement

The game itself swung wildly-Aboojo reduced Ismaili to 119/5 before wickets tumbled; Aboojo slumped to 15/3 before rebuilding-but the defining takeaway was the message sent by both clubs.

Grassroots cricket can no longer be ignored.

From Fort Portal to Kampala, the UG20 showcased how community structures, when nurtured, can compete with seasoned clubs and even deliver champions. Ali Shah himself captured the spirit:

‘Aboojo have given so much to their community. Their story is remarkable.’

So was Ismaili’s. So was the final.

UG20 2025 LEAGUE

Result – Final

Ismaili Community 148/10 | Aboojo CC 125/8

Ismaili Community won by 23 runs

Player of the Match: Riazat Ali Shah (Ismaili Community) 41 and 3/21

INDIVIDUAL AWARDS

Best Bowler: Yashashvi Joshi (Avengers) – 17 wickets

Best Batter: Mehulkumar Chhotubhai Patel (GM Sugar) – 387 runs

MVP: Gulamu Hunzai (Ismaili) – 875 points

The Katikkiro (Premier) of Buganda Kingdom has urged police and other security agencies to maintain law and order in a non-violent and non-partisan manner during the campaign period.

“Once again, I urge police/security agencies to keep law and order in a non-violent and non-partisan manner during this campaign period,” the Premier said in a statement posted on his X handle on Thursday. “It’s unrealistic to ban processions of supporters. Political rallies are not prayer meetings to which worshippers go calmly. Political rallies are about excitement.”

The Premier also highlighted the challenges posed by Uganda’s public transport system, saying, “And with Uganda’s public transport (boda boda) it’s unrealistic to expect supporters to move to campaign venues quietly.”

He cautioned against the use of force, saying, “Ensure supporters don’t harm others, but let them be. Bullets; tear gas; dogs! These make the Pearl of Africa bleed!”

Mayiga’s comment comes after the police resumed using dogs in crowd control 18 years after they were withdrawn over concerns that they were inflicting serious injuries on civilians during demonstrations.

Officers from the Police Canine Unit were seen setting dogs on supporters of National Unity Platform presidential candidate, Mr Robert Kyagulanyi alias Bobi Wine in Kawempe Division, Kampala City on Monday.

Around two police dogs were seen grabbing Bobi Wine’s supporters, while they were walking to attend their candidate’s rally.

Human rights activists and legal experts have also condemned the use of dogs in crowd control.

The Uganda Law Society Vice President, Mr Anthony Asiimwe, said: ‘If the State permits its law-enforcement agencies to unleash living creatures of political coercion, and to arrest innocent bystanders, what does it say about the rule of law in our country? Such intimidation tactics are unacceptable in a democratic state.’

The Uganda Police Force had earlier, in the late 1990s and early 2000s, used canines during demonstrations.

But the then Inspector General of Police, Gen Kale Kayihura, ordered a halt to their deployment in cases of protests in 2007.

Gen Kayihura’s directives came after a police canine handler set a dog on a Daily Monitor photojournalist, Mr Joseph Kiggundu, to stop him from taking photographs of the arrest of Opposition politicians during a demonstration at the Constitution Square in Kampala City.

The police dog bit Mr Kiggundu, which prompted journalists to demonstrate outside the Central Police Station in Kampala City.

Gen Kayihura later invited the journalists led by Mr Geoffrey Wokulira, who was also a journalism rights activist, for a dialogue at Kibuli in Kampala.

He then directed the halting of the deployment of the police dogs during demonstrations, saying he had received several reports that they bite innocent people and inflict serious injuries on them.

The police canine unit has dogs carrying out different tasks like sniffing, crowd control and guarding. Dogs trained for arrests bite the suspects or their clothes and hold onto them until their handlers intervene. These dogs often leave their targets with serious injuries.