Category: Daily Monitor

The security committee and National Unity Platform (NUP) leaders in Masaka City have reached an agreement on the venue for party presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi’s upcoming campaign rally. Mr Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, is scheduled to campaign in Masaka City on November 29.

NUP leaders initially planned to hold the rally at Masaka Liberation Square, in the heart of the city.

However, Masaka City Resident Commissioner Ahmada Washaki had warned that the venue was too close to sensitive facilities, including the Masaka Regional Referral Hospital, the presidential lodge, and Katwe Market, and threatened to block the rally.

Despite insisting on Liberation Square, NUP leaders, led by Masaka City Mayor Florence Namayanja, later softened their stance to avoid confrontation with security forces.

They have now chosen Masaka Ssaza Grounds, about a kilometre from the original site, for the rally.

‘We are grateful to the Buganda Kingdom leadership in Masaka City, led by the Pokino [Kabaka’s chief in Buddu County], who have allowed us to hold the rally at this historic grounds. The city security committee has also given us clearance,’ Ms Namayanja told journalists on Sunday, November 23.

Mr Washaki confirmed the new venue and advised organisers to cooperate with security authorities. He added that NUP leaders had also been cleared to hold a separate rally on the same day at Kyajubira Playground in Kimaanya-Kabonera Municipality.

‘We are ready to provide security at the two agreed venues. What we need is cooperation with security authorities so that campaign activities end peacefully,’ Mr Washaki said.

Asked whether the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) presidential candidate Yoweri Museveni will be allowed to use Liberation Square on December 22, Mr Washaki declined to comment.

Initially, security authorities had suggested alternative venues for the NUP rally, such as Kako Playground and Kitovu Sports Arena, both over three kilometres outside the city.

So far, four presidential contenders, Joseph Mabirizi (Conservative Party), Robert Kasibante (National Peasants Party), Mubarak Munyagwa (Common Man’s Party), and Gregory Mugisha Muntu (Alliance for National Transformation), have campaigned in Masaka City without confrontation with security forces.

Masaka City is considered a stronghold for NUP, with many local leaders affiliated with the party.

Africa today stands at a crossroads. The long-rooted effects of mental slavery, colonialism, and imperialism have washed away many of our indigenous values and replaced them with economic and political systems grounded in individualism-every man for himself and God for us all.

This erosion of African identity has created a fragile foundation, especially in our post-colonial era where the struggle to build a unified national identity continues to clash with the legacy of indirect rule. Before we become power-hungry in the pursuit of leadership, we must understand and address these inherited challenges.

As generations pass, the quest for power remains a timeless phenomenon. Yet the means we use to pursue change can shape our destiny for decades. History has repeatedly shown that guns and violence may bring about change, but the cost is often unbearable. In today’s digital age, social media has further amplified violent ideologies, giving space for manipulation, emotional extremism, and mass mobilisation that often ends in chaos.

Today, misinformation spreads faster than facts. Social media platforms have turned into breeding grounds for: violent ideologies,propaganda,foreign-sponsored disinformation, and organised mobilisation for destructive protests.

Young people are often the most vulnerable, manipulated by online actors who promise quick change but deliver chaos. As Africans, we must deeply examine what motivates foreign actors to seek influence on our continent. Africa’s abundant natural resources attract global powers whose intentions are often rooted in extraction and exploitation, not the preservation of our identity. These actors thrive in confusion, instability, and internal divisions. They continuously plant seeds of discord, knowing that a fragmented Africa is easier to control.

In many African cities, especially low-income urban settlements, marginalised populations often feel excluded from formal political processes. This exclusion pushes some towards violence as a way to voice frustration. We have seen attempts to mobilise protests sometimes peaceful, sometimes violent, leading to disturbances of public order, unnecessary traffic jams, loss of business, destruction of property, and confrontations with security forces.

These are not just crime statistics-they are reminders that the poorest pay the highest price when society descends into chaos.

Citizens should instead mobilise peacefully, using their voices, votes, and civic engagement-not weapons-to demand accountability.

Violent revolutions often produce short-lived victories overshadowed by devastating consequences. Guns destroy cultures, economies, infrastructure, and social norms. The scars of war take generations to heal.

Western media further complicates this by offering false hopes, glamorising violent resistance, and misleading Africa’s innovative youth into believing that quick change must come through force. Yet, history proves otherwise: societies flourish through stability, not destruction.

Many young people feel frustrated by economic inequality, unemployment, and political exclusion. During election seasons, this frustration is magnified. Political actors exploit these emotions, mobilising youth through social media, protests, and sometimes manipulation.

Yet even when grievances are legitimate, violence remains a dead end.

Before resorting to force, we must consider the alternatives: non-violent resistance, dialogue and negotiation, civic activism, diplomacy, legal and constitutional avenues

African societies once thrived on the values of Ubuntu-togetherness, harmony, shared responsibility, and collective problem-solving. These values held leaders accountable and built strong, resilient communities.

Today, we must revive Ubuntu. Without peace, what becomes of our multibillion-dollar infrastructure roads, airports, power stations built with borrowed funds from the World Bank, Exim Bank, and other partners? If violence takes precedence, who will repay the debts or rebuild what is destroyed?

The emotional, social, and economic toll of violence is crippling. Families break apart. Children grow up traumatised. Economies collapse. Infrastructure takes decades to rebuild. No violent revolution in Africa has ever produced long-term prosperity, only cycles of revenge, repression, and reconstruction.

Let us choose leaders of integrity, those who see leadership as service, not an opportunity for personal enrichment. Rather than falling for empty promises and manipulative tactics, Ugandans must seek out leaders who prioritise the public good.

When charismatic, larger-than-life owners decide to ‘throw in the towel’ and exit their business, they may inadvertently be paving the way for uncertainties. If these transitions are poorly managed, the lack of a clear succession plan could spell the beginning of the end for the business, threatening its existence beyond the founder’s reign.

However, Ugandan entrepreneurs, business owners and founders on the African continent may want to learn from Mr Warren Buffett, who will be stepping aside as the chief executive officer of Berkshire Hathaway, described by some analysts as a legendary investment company.

Mr Warren Buffett recently made it known to the shareholders that he will be ‘going quiet’ after he steps down at the end of this year. The 95-year-old will be replaced next year by the 63-year-old, Mr Greg Abel after being hand-picked and designated as a successor in 2021.

‘I can’t think of a CEO, a management consultant, an academic, a member of government – you name it – that I would select over Greg to handle your savings and mine,’ Buffet wrote of Abel, the vice chairman of non-insurance operations.

Pick a leaf

Asked if Mr Warren Buffett move to step aside as the CEO and naming a successor whom he handpicked four years ago is something to emulate, Dr Julian Adyeri Omalla, businesswoman and a renowned entrepreneur in Uganda, responded in affirmative.

Dr Omalla who is the founder and managing director of Delight Uganda Limited, told BD Life in an interview last week that the important ingredient in choosing a successor is capability and not bloodline.

‘Whoever has the right drive, ability, focus and the brain required to see to it that the dream reaches the reality and the ultimate vision we are working towards . I don’t see any problem with passing over the management responsibility to that person even if he or she is not a relative or a friend,’ says Dr Omalla also known as Mama Cheers.

Her position is on the ground that your relatives or children might not have much interest in what you are doing yet you would like to leave a legacy that should continue to benefit society.’

So, whoever has the right Emotional Intelligence and is smart enough to continue growing what has been built, I will go with that person,’ she notes.

There is always that strong desire for us to handover the management of the business to our close relatives, but according to Dr Omalla, the question is, are they the right people?

If the answer is yes, then be it and if the answer is in the contrary, Dr Omalla sees no harm having competent people take charge of the operations and management of the company.

She says: ‘Having a non-relative at the helm of the business does not mean my family is out of the picture, they will still be shareholders. The only difference is that the right person is in charge, ensuring the legacy that was built from scratch continues to live on while delivering on the noble intentions we set out to achieve.’

Like Warren Buffett who describes the 63-year-old Canadian businessman taking over as the CEO from him as ‘a great manager, a tireless worker and an honest communicator,’ Dr Omalla, believes that whoever will be at the helm of the company when the founder steps aside or no more should be somebody you understand well and vice versa.

‘The person’s professional competence and understanding of the business should be beyond reproach,’ she says.

Experts weigh in

In an interview with Mr Charles Ocici, the founding executive director of Enterprise Uganda, the country’s premier institution for enterprise and business management, the decision by Mr Buffett to hand-pick a non-relative to manage a business empire he built has plenty of lessons for Ugandan business owners and founders.

Mr Buffett is simply following a law that God made available to us, which is to make good use of the planet by dominating it in a way that is helpful to all of us.

He says, ‘It is only through capable hands that we can achieve what we set out to do. Those hands that may see us through may not be that of our relatives or that of our friends, but of those who have capabilities and necessary competencies. That is the biggest lesson we can pick from Mr Buffett’s decision to appoint somebody beyond his family to run a business empire he successfully built over decades.

He continues: ‘If you want to hand over a great thing to another person, then you have to prepare that person to be that good. If you don’t do that, there is a big chance that the person taking charge will damage what you built your entire life. If your decision is to hand over to a family or friend, the same principle applies – preparation. Everything must be done on merit.

According to Mr Ocici, it is dangerous to hand over management of wealth to anybody with no experience of managing such weight. The danger is such weight could surge into a burden too heavy to carry, and that will be the beginning of the collapse of the wealth generated over decades but diminishing in months if not just years.

‘Anybody who cannot multiply, say Shs10,000 to Shs12,000, but instead diminishes it day by day, then that wealth will not go past the generation that bequeathes it,’ says Mr Ocici, also a renowned financial coach.

Mr Ocici notes that a family may not be actively involved in running its business, but should be clear on the capabilities of the manager they put in charge, picking a cue from Mr Warren Buffet.

For Ms Susan Khainza, a Chartered Financial Analyst, lessons from Mr Buffett, offer important lessons to the majority of local businesses.

She continues: ‘Mr Warren Buffett has always stated that once his children were old enough to understand these matters, he involved them in the planning of his estate. They review his will and he adopts their suggestions before he signs his will, a practice they do regularly.

‘He does this so that they understand his decisions and know their future responsibilities. It prevents family conflict, strengthens relationships and prevents children from being blindsided after their parents’ death. He has also said that very wealthy parents should leave their children enough so that they can do anything, but not enough so that they can do nothing.’

Protecting founder families

According to Ms Khainza, Mr Warren Buffett’s choice of successor had his children’s blessing. Before 2021, Mr Warren Buffett had publicly stated that there was a succession plan, and they had identified a successor. In 2018, Mr Greg Abel was named vice chair.

‘Before the public announcement that Buffett was stepping down, his family, everyone in the company, all stakeholders and the public were ready for the transition,’ says Mr Khainza.

Ms Khainza notes that shareholding of Berkshire Hathaway has a dual class structure – class A and class B. Mr Warren Buffett’s shareholding is Class A, which has more voting power than Class B shares, allowing him to maintain control over major decisions and prevent takeovers.

For stability in the company leadership, even as he has stepped down, he is keeping his Class A shares.

‘In Uganda, we do not like speaking or planning for our deaths, even if we know that death is inevitable. We have to face this fear to avoid succession battles after a parent’s death. Parents can adopt Buffett’s suggestion and review their wills with their children once they are old enough to understand matters of inheritance.

They can adjust their wills based on the conversations they have with their children. If the children have any concerns, they are voiced before the signing of the will, and their ideas are part of the transition process,’ Ms Khainza tells BD Life.

She is also of the view that local companies should seek both legal and financial expertise in determining their shareholding structure and voting rights as provided for in the Companies Act.

They need to specify the different classes of shares and the particular rights, preferences, limitations and other terms, including voting rights attached to each class.

This, she says, would protect founders and their children from hostile takeovers and enable them to keep control over decision-making.

They would be able to appoint a non-family member to run the organisation and make transitioning from the founder to the next generation a much easier legal and emotional process.

‘However, they should be aware that minority shareholder protections protect minority shareholders from oppressive conduct. If affairs of the company are conducted in a way prejudicial to their interests, the minority shareholders can seek redress from the Registrar or the Courts,’ says Ms Khainza.

Residents of Bujjuko Satellite Estate in Mpigi District have finally won long-awaited relief after retired General Henry Tumukunde reached a breakthrough settlement, resolving a land dispute that has lasted more than a decade.

The agreement ends a prolonged conflict involving Gen Tumukunde, real estate firm Jomayi, and over 800 residents who bought plots in the estate but lived in fear of eviction.

Under the new three-party understanding, Gen Tumukunde has officially released the mother land title to the residents, clearing the way for issuance of individual titles.

‘The debt traces back to a 2010 land transaction in which Jomayi failed to pay Gen. Tumukunde Shs230 million. Years of non-payment pushed the figure to Shs1.8 billion. When Jomayi declared bankruptcy, residents who had legitimately purchased plots were left in limbo, forcing them to enter direct negotiations with the retired general,’ said Ivan Byaruhanga, chairperson of the Satellite City Jomayi Estate Bujjuko Association.

On Tuesday, Byaruhanga added that residents agreed to compensate Gen Tumukunde for the longstanding debt.

So far, Shs500 million of the agreed Shs800 million has been raised, with the remainder expected to complete the process.

The matter had previously escalated to the Commercial Court, where Justice Stephen Mubiru delivered a landmark ruling affirming that the land along Mityana Road belonged to the residents, not Jomayi or Gen Tumukunde.

However, issuance of individual titles remained stalled until the mother title was released.

During a community meeting on the estate grounds, estate leaders including Byaruhanga, lawyer Stella Busingye, and area chairperson Yusuf Musoke informed residents that surveying and boundary opening had been completed.

‘This has been a long journey, but we are finally seeing the light. The mother title is now in our hands, and the process of issuing individual titles has officially begun,’ Byaruhanga said on Tuesday.

Ms Busingye urged residents to continue contributing toward the remaining balance so that every household can secure its title.

‘This is the first time in years that we feel secure, and we can finally sleep without worrying that someone will show up claiming ownership,’ said Musoke, describing the settlement as a new chapter of stability.

He added that with individual titles expected soon, residents can focus on rebuilding trust, improving infrastructure, and restoring harmony.

More than 800 households are expected to receive their titles, officially closing a saga that has defined life in the 200-acre estate for over ten years.

Last week, the Uganda Olympic Committee (UOC), Uganda Rugby Union (URU), and Swans Sports Club launched the G.I.R.L.S Against GBV (Gender Based Violence) project with a mission to empower 10,000 girls and boys aged 12-18, and strengthen community action against the vice.

The three-year programme will be implemented across 50 schools in Wakiso district and neighboring regions, using rugby as a platform to build confidence, leadership, and resilience among young people.

At its heart, G.I.R.L.S Against GBV seeks to equip girls with the knowledge, voice, and agency to protect themselves, while engaging boys as allies committed to respect, equality, and non-violence.

“Our breaking point was the loss of Rebecca Cheptegei just after the Olympics and at the time, we started initiatives just to have a conversation on what we can do to reduce GBV,” Mwase said during the launch of the project at UOC’s office in Lugogo on Friday.

“Our implementing partner Swans wrote an implementation programme (to the International Olympic Committee) and they will be supervised by URU. We (UOC) will be evaluating it to see that it really brings social change,” Mwase added about the project that will be funded by the Olympic Solidarity.

The project will begin with a three-day Training of Trainers (ToT) camp, bringing together trained coaches, teachers, and mentors, 50 percent of whom are women, to receive comprehensive instruction in rugby coaching, gender sensitivity, GBV awareness, safeguarding, communication, and youth mentorship.

“We are proud to be chosen as the vehicle to speak to our youths about such an important topic. For kids to learn this at an early age is important because they will become advocates against GBV.

“Swans have been at the forefront of such community-based improvement. We are sure that at the end of the three years we will have created a social movement,” URU chief executive officer Isaac Lutwama, said.

After the ToT, the trainers will lead weekly school-based rugby sessions and monthly life-skills workshops focusing on leadership, confidence, assertiveness, respectful relationships, and GBV reporting pathways.

Beyond the school environment, the project mobilizes parents, leaders, and the wider public through community engagement events. The year will culminate in the Play Safe, Lead Strong Rugby Tournament, where girls and boys from all participating schools will showcase their talent, resilience, and teamwork.

“Our club has been at the core of these social campaigns. We have done campaigns on cancer awareness and in the past four years, we have had tournaments on GBV.

“ToT is the anchor point. We will not only train the sports aspect but also include talks on GBV. It is also important that we train many teachers because they can return to their schools and train as many students as possible. That way, we make a wider impact in a shorter time as opposed to going to school by school,” James Owaraga, the patron of Swans, said.

At a glance

Project Name: G.I.R.L.S Against GBV (Growth, Inclusion, Resilience, Leadership and Safety)

Project Duration: 3 Years

Coverage: 50 Schools in Wakiso District and surrounding areas

Target Group: 10,000 girls and boys aged 12-18

Approach: Sports for Development using rugby + GBV awareness + safeguarding + mentorship

Launch Theme: Play Safe, Lead Strong

Last week’s tragedy in Nama Village, Mukono where a suspected vandal died and others fled after bringing down high-voltage electricity transmission towers has once again exposed the scale of electricity infrastructure theft in the country and the urgent need for both public awareness and strengthened security measures. This incident is part of a disturbing trend. Across the country, there have been several incidents of transmission towers being cut down and power lines stolen for scrap. The motivation is often quick cash, but the consequences are national. Every time a tower collapses, thousands of people are thrown into darkness. Medical facilities delay treatment, businesses lose income, students lose valuable study hours, and entire communities suffer. In the area where I live, we have not received a single drop of national water for several days.

According to the National Water and Sewerage Corporation, this disruption has been directly linked to the vandalism incident in Mukono. This reflects just how far-reaching the effects can be when critical infrastructure is compromised. Yet some Ugandans do not fully understand the severe impact or the deadly risks associated with these acts. This is why raising awareness must be at the centre of Uganda’s response. High-voltage power lines are not ordinary structures. They carry massive electrical currents that can kill instantly. Many vandals do not realise the life-threatening danger they expose themselves to when climbing or cutting metal from these towers.

This is why nationwide public awareness campaigns are essential. Communities must understand that electricity vandalism is not a victimless crime, it is a deadly act that endangers lives and slows national development. However, awareness alone is not enough. Uganda must also tighten security around critical power infrastructure. As vandalism becomes more sophisticated and organised, security efforts must evolve to match it. This includes increased patrols in high-risk areas, installation of surveillance technology such as alarm systems, sensors, real-time CCTV monitoring, and stronger collaboration between UETCL, security agencies, and local leaders. In many cases, these criminal acts occur late at night or in remote locations. Enhanced surveillance would allow authorities to detect suspicious activity early and intervene before damage is done.

Additionally, increasing the presence of security personnel near vulnerable transmission sites would act as a deterrent, sending a clear message that vandalism will not be tolerated. Local communities remain a key part of this security chain. Most power lines run through villages, meaning residents are the first to notice unusual movements. But without adequate awareness, many may not report these activities or may not consider it their responsibility. When the public understands the dangers and the economic losses caused by vandalism, they become more likely to alert authorities and protect their surroundings. Government agencies and electricity institutions should also increase transparency by sharing updates about vandalism incidents, successful arrests, and ongoing safety campaigns.

When citizens grasp the severity and frequency of these attacks, they are more likely to treat the issue with the urgency it deserves. The incident in Nama Village should not be treated as just another news story. It should be a national wake-up call, a reminder that protecting our electricity system is a shared responsibility. These are in fact the gains we should be protecting. If the public is informed, lives can be saved. If security is strengthened, infrastructure can be protected. And if both work together, Uganda can safeguard its electricity infrastructure progress.

The Ministry of Energy, through Uganda’s power distributor, has restored long-idle electricity lines in Ntungamo District after installing 12 new transformers, bringing hope to communities that have spent nearly a decade waiting for power despite having lines running over their homes.

Commissioning the restored lines at Mujwa Primary School on Monday, Eng Abdon Atwine, the ministry’s commissioner for rural electrification, said the intervention marks a major step in unlocking stalled distribution infrastructure.

‘These are areas where lines were vandalized, we have now given them 12 transformers to start operating. We hope the residents will effectively use the electricity,’ Eng Atwine said.

‘We currently have only 24% of Ugandans accessing the main grid and at least 30% getting electricity through other means. We intend to have this main grid coverage reach 80% by 2040, this we can’t do when we have lines that are not operational over small issues,’ the engineer said.

He added that at least one million Ugandans will access free household connections within two years under a $630 million grant aimed at expanding access.

‘In the next two years, we are going to connect at least one million households to electricity for free and this will follow the order of applications. We have gotten a $630M grant to have this project and we hope this will boost connectivity. We also intend to extend more lines,’ he said.

Ms Berinda Murungi, UEDCL’s Ntungamo District manager, said the district has 153 transformers spread across 800km of lines, yet more than 70% of the area still lacks electricity.

Mr Edward Natamba, a resident of Mpaama Village, said communities have endured years of frustration while waiting for connections.

‘We have for the past 9 years seen wires passing in our village, no power. People made technical wiring in their houses with hopes of power in 2017, some were given certificates but no one has been connected,’ he said.

He added: ‘How can government spend full 9 years without repairing such. We are now happy that this is also launched but still in doubt whether we shall have the power.’

Former Ntungamo Woman MP Beatrice Rwakimari called the launch a ‘big relief’ for residents who had lost hope in the stalled project, while Resident District Commissioner Mirriam Kagaiga urged communities to protect the lines from vandals so that the revived network can function as intended.

In the past, the festive season was defined by long queues of hungry shoppers at shopping malls, likened to the recent commotion when China Town opened its doors. Currently, the trend is changing, thanks to the growing internet use in Uganda, which has driven e-commerce growth.

Statista projects the e-commerce market volume to reach $543.05 million by 2030, with an annual growth rate of 16.21 percent, and with 4 million users, and average revenue per user (ARPU) at $130.24.

Online shopping has continued to grow year after year, driven in part by major players like Jumia.

Known for its bold take on Black Friday, a global shopping event that traditionally falls on the fourth Friday of November, Jumia has transformed the concept into a month-long shopping spree, offering discounts of up to 80 percent across a wide range of products.

Black Fridays: A growing culture

Black Friday reached Ugandan stores in the late 2000s, but it was Jumia that transformed the experience, bringing the frenzy to our phones, tablets, and laptops. Today, you don’t need to plan for it; just swipe, tap, and check out.

This year’s Jumia Black Friday already launched on October 31, 2025, and will run until December 01, 2025.

Year-end sales are more than just sales maximisation.

Clearance sales, for example, might sometimes just be the perfect trade-off where all that glitters may not be gold. Items sold in clearance sales may be defective or expired.

For Brian Okidi, the gigantic 43′ smart TV that looked so stunning on the store’s website did not live up to his expectations. Okidi purchased the TV from a renowned online store at Shs559,000, a process that was seamless, smooth, and easy.

He notes that the TV consistently overheated on first installation. This scenario remains a lifelong lesson.

‘I know that cheap things are expensive,’ he laments.

According to Maria Katumba, the chief marketing officer at Jumia Uganda, there has been tremendous growth over the years.

‘We have addressed these concerns by improving seller vetting, offering genuine products, strengthening delivery, and providing clearer customer support,’ she states. Katumba adds that the Jumia Black Friday, for example, is planned with sellers and brand partners, who support the offers, which increases reach and lowers operational costs.

Consumer trust

Online shopping requires a high level of trust, as it involves purchasing a product that cannot be physically felt.

‘People now trust e-commerce more because they see timely deliveries, easy returns, verified sellers, secure payment options, and reviews from other customers,’ she states.

Michael Niyitegeka, the executive director of Refactory Limited, cements this sentiment.

He notes that trust levels in the online market space have improved with more players entering the market.

‘The consumers have more choice. With more choice, some of the things that were major areas of concern around trust and utility are improving,’ he says.

Niyitegeka, however, advises buyers to be vigilant when shopping online.

Quick checks

While e-commerce players strive to put their best foot forward in vetting sellers and verifying products, there is no guarantee that every product you will see online will be as you anticipate. Statistics reveal that the e-commerce industry records over $48 billion every year in losses from online fraud.

The following checks will be handy while you shop this festive season:

Is the website legitimate?

Always verify that the web address is correct and begins with HTTPS, indicated by a padlock icon in the address bar. This ensures that sensitive data is encrypted during transmission.

BayBridgeDigital writes that fraudulent websites often use URLs that are slightly misspelled or modified versions of the official domain.

To avoid far from reality issues with a purchase, read the full product title, specifications, model numbers, and size/fit information.

‘You might end up buying a laptop bag instead of a laptop because you got carried away by the images and the low price when you didn’t fully read the product details,’ Sharon Piloya, proprietor of Loyan Logistics and a frequent online shopper advises.

Reputation and reviews

Product reviews from other customers come so handy in helping you make the right purchase, but it also takes some grit to hit it right.

‘You don’t stop at the first review page, and also, the number of reviews and date is crucial,’ Piloya advises.

She adds that a high rating from just a handful of reviewers does not carry weight.

‘Look out for detailed reviews that include photos and specific pros and cons of the product may be trustworthy,’ Piloya adds.

Reviews can be manipulated. Be wary of short, overly positive reviews or those that appear in groups, as these may indicate manipulation or fake feedback.

Lastly, external searches using the product name along with terms like ‘review’ or ‘issue’ could spot possible critical issues with the product if any.

Cheap things can be expensive

Before indulging in a purchase, compare the price against at least one other reputable site.

Big discounts can be deceiving. If a price seems too good to be true, it often is. It may reflect the product’s true value, signal poor quality, or even hint at a potential scam.

Sentongo warns, ‘Be cautious and avoid shady vendors, for example, you won’t see an iPhone 17 being sold at Shs2 million. That is already a red flag,’ he warns.

Always verify the total cost before completing your purchase. Total cost at checkout may always differ from the item cost as other items may include taxes, shipping fees, import duties for international purchases, and any potential recurring charges.

Payment and privacy protections

Choose secure payment methods that offer purchase protection, like credit cards and avoid direct bank transfers with unfamiliar sellers.

The introduction of virtual cards is a promising development in e-commerce, as these allow users to limit fraud risk by allocating a specific amount for online shopping.

Sentongo, however, advises against making online payments, especially before receiving a product.

‘Jumia has an option of cash on delivery, or you can pay via mobile money when the vendor or delivery person arrives,’ he advises.

Be cautious when sellers ask for excessive personal details unrelated to the transaction, and never save your credit card information on marketplaces you don’t use frequently.

Are the items liable for return, warranty, and support considerations?

‘You won’t want to lash your hard-earned Shs2 million on a high-value electronic appliance without understanding its return policy, warranty coverage, or any support considerations,’ Piloya notes.

Okidi made a return upon promptly notifying and providing the necessary information, which underscores the importance of keeping your transaction records.

‘Keep those order confirmations, screenshots, chat history, and emails, among others,’ Piloya notes.

However, the return policy was soon removed for that particular product. Katumba notes that for electronics, Jumia Uganda uses a warranty-based approach.

Katumba adds that electronics come with manufacturer or seller warranties and are checked by trained technicians before being repaired or replaced.

Shipping and delivery checks

Pay attention to the shipping and delivery.

Ensure that tracking is provided for your order and check if the courier requires a signature for high-value items to minimise the risk of loss.

Most legitimate online stores help customers track their purchases.

Also verify whether the item is being shipped from a local warehouse or overseas; items shipped from overseas take longer to deliver and are at a higher risk of being lost.

Take extra caution with used items and peer-to-peer marketplaces.

Peer-to-peer marketplaces provide a platform for you to meet sellers of your desired products, and the major items sold are used items, which require extra caution.

When meeting a seller, Sentongo advises meeting in public places where you feel safe, and never forget to test the product before paying in cash. You don’t want to buy a high-value smartphone only to be tracked down to you.

‘Ask for proof of ownership of the product. This could be in the form of receipts for high-value secondhand items to ensure legitimacy,’ he adds.

Trust your gut

If you notice any red flags during the whole purchase process, trust your gut and take a step back. Pause and research further for more possible red flags, like grammar errors and poor website designs. ‘Reputable sites always provide clear information,’ Piloya advises.

Every year, from 25 November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women) to 10 December (Human Rights Day), the world marks the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence. This year, the global campaign is under the theme ‘End digital violence against all women and girls.’

It comes at 30 years since the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, the focus is on a growing and urgent concern: digital violence against women and girls.

That is also because while technology has the potential to empower, connect, and uplift, UN Women warns that the online sphere has increasingly become a minefield of abuse, harassment, and control for millions of women and girls around the world.

According to Pollicy, discriminatory gendered practices rooted in social, economic, cultural, and political inequalities offline are being reproduced online across digital platforms. Uganda, too, has seen rising cases of online harassment targeting women in public life as well as everyday users.

What is digital abuse?

The Women of Uganda Network (WOUGNET) defines Online Gender-Based Violence (OGBV) as harmful behaviour carried out through digital platforms that targets individuals, particularly women and girls , because of their gender. This includes harassment, threats, exploitation, and abuse conducted via social media, messaging apps, emails, and other online spaces.

OGBV falls under the broader category of Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV), which involves any form of abuse enabled by digital tools such as mobile phones, social networks, and internet-based communication.

TFGBV disproportionately affects women and limits their ability to express themselves freely, seize online opportunities, and participate safely in the digital world.

Digital tools are increasingly weaponised to stalk, harass, or abuse.

WOUGNET highlights several common forms: Cyber harassment: This is repeated or aggressive online behaviour intended to intimidate, humiliate, or threaten.

Example: A female entrepreneur advertises her business online, and trolls deliberately flood her page with insulting memes and derogatory posts.

Doxxing: The non-consensual sharing of personal information, such as home addresses, phone numbers, or workplace details, placing the victim at risk.

Example: After a woman exits a toxic relationship, her ex-partner leaks her new residential address in a Facebook group. Non-consensual sharing of intimate images: Often referred to as ‘revenge pornography’, this involves distributing private intimate photos or videos without permission.

A 2021 WOUGNET report shows that this form of abuse is common, especially among women active in public spaces. Example: A man threatens to upload intimate photos from a previous relationship unless the woman returns to him. Online stalking: It is persistent, unwanted monitoring of someone’s online activities, which can escalate into real-world threats.

Example: A stranger uses location tags on Instagram to track a woman’s movements and shows up at a café she just posted about.

AI deepfakes and image manipulation: Artificial Intelligence has also worsened matters as technology is now used to alter images or videos to misrepresent an individual.

Example: An AI-generated voice clip is made to sound like a female CEO admitting to fraud, damaging her credibility.

Online blackmail and sextortion: This is when one is threatened by someone that they will reveal sensitive or fabricated information unless demands-often money or sexual acts-are met.

Example: A hacker claims he will release fabricated intimate pictures of a young girl unless she sends real ones. UN Women also notes additional forms, including hate speech, disinformation aimed at women, impersonation and catfishing, as well as misogynistic online networks. Importantly, digital abuse is not confined to virtual spaces-it frequently escalates into offline violence, including coercion, physical assault, and even femicide.

Why Is digital abuse so hard to stop?

Digital abuse persists because society often normalises harmful behaviours. We live in a technological environment where the commercial norm is widespread data collection, surveillance, and behavioural manipulation.

According to digital ethicist Per Axbom, companies bury crucial information in lengthy privacy policies that few users read or understand. Platforms are designed to influence behaviour and maximise engagement, often through habit-forming techniques.

Because these practices are everywhere, people assume they are safe or inevitable. For individuals with limited time, money, or digital literacy, managing online risks is even more difficult. It must also be noted that victims often internalise blame, believing they failed to make the ‘right’ choices.

Axbom notes that many victims say things like:

‘They used my Instagram photo in an advert that promoted rape threats, but it’s my fault for not reading the terms of service.’

But it is never the victim’s fault. A lack of transparency, accountability, and ethical standards from tech companies contributes significantly to the problem.

Other barriers include:

Weak legal frameworks or the absence of laws addressing digital violence.

Anonymity and cross-border abuse, which make perpetrators hard to trace.

Limited accountability from tech platforms and social media companies.

Artificial Intelligence, which is creating new forms of manipulation and amplifying existing abuses.

What must happen now?

To effectively tackle digital violence against women and girls, coordinated action is needed across governments, tech companies, civil society, and communities. Key priorities include:

Hold perpetrators accountable through better laws and enforcement.

Make tech companies step up by hiring more women to create safer online spaces, removing harmful content quickly, and responding to reports of abuse.

Support survivors with real resources by funding women’s rights organizations and movements.

Invest in prevention and culture change through digital literacy and online safety training for women and girls and programmes that challenge toxic online cultures. It’s time to reclaim our digital spaces and demand a future where technology powers equality.

A call to reclaim digital spaces

Violence against women is a severe public health and human rights crisis, affecting nearly one in three women globally. The risks worsen in humanitarian crises, climate-vulnerable regions, and contexts of poverty. Behind every statistic is a real woman or girl whose safety, dignity, and rights have been violated. Yet violence against women is preventable.

Around the world, communities are challenging harmful norms, governments are strengthening policies, and health systems are working to provide care and justice for survivors. As we mark the 16 Days of Activism, it is time to reclaim our digital spaces and work towards a future where technology drives equality, not harm.

The Masaka Regional qualifiers of the Nile Special National Pool Open Championship produced one of the weekend’s biggest shocks as rookie Ramecca Mugwanya outplayed local favourite Henry Mbabaali to seal the top spot at Masaka Sports Club on Saturday night.

As he lost the opening frame of the final, Mbabaali slumped into his chair, grasping for water as the match paused for about seven minutes to allow him to recover before taking his next break-off. He levelled the match 1-1, but that was as close as he came to stopping Mugwanya’s surge.

Mugwanya, who had earlier crushed one of Masaka’s big prospects, Timothy ‘Boika’ Lutaaya, 5-0 in the Round of 16, carried his fierce momentum all the way to the final.

Taking the lead against one of Masaka’s most established players was shocking enough, but the manner in which he dominated the contest silenced the home crowd. The Ntovu Corner player barely put a foot wrong as he marched to a commanding win to claim Masaka’s number one slot for the grand finale.

‘It’s a great feeling to qualify for the first time. I thank my managers and fans for pushing me. My target now is to reach the money bracket,’ Mugwanya said.

To do that, he must reach at least the Round of 16 in a field of 128 players at the Lugogo Indoor Stadium on December 21, 2025.

Mbabaali, who also plays football for a regional club in Masaka, acknowledged that he struggled physically.

‘It is a shock that I’m going as number two,’ he admitted. ‘My preparations were inadequate, and I was tired in the final. I couldn’t concentrate because I was low on energy. When I saw that I was meeting Ramecca, I thought it was a sure win, but he played really well.’ Mbabaali has never progressed beyond the first round in his three previous grand finale attempts.

Teenager Simon Nsubuga, who recently finished fourth at the Genesis Juniors Championship, completed Masaka’s trio of qualifiers after sweeping veteran Lawrence Kasekende 4-0 in the third-place play-off.

Elsewhere, the qualifiers produced similar drama. At King’s Spot in Entebbe, Gideon Mawa edged home favourite Eria Kimuli 5-4 before overwhelming Isma Segujja 5-1 to cement his place as the region’s top seed. Kimuli recovered to claim third place and book his ticket to Lugogo.

In Kireka, home boy Moses Omara dominated once again, beating Steven Ddumba 5-1 in the final to seal his third straight grand finale appearance.

Earlier, he had eliminated Pool Cranes captain Rashid Wagaba 5-2 in the semifinals. Wagaba then relied on the third-place play-off, beating Rujumba to secure the final slot from Adi’s Spot.

At Amoo Bar in Namuwongo, Solomon Nkwakira topped qualifiers ahead of Ivan Kanyesigye and Allan Saava. In Iganga, Muhammed Kafeero emerged number one at Sol View, followed by Victor Waiswa and Asuman Ssozi.

In the women’s category, Soroti’s Nature Gardens delivered its own surprise as Maggie Acio defeated Kampala-based challengers to qualify as top seed to mark her debut at the grand finale.

She beat Michelle Nandawula in the final, while Debborah Ibenu, the head of Women’s Affairs at PAU, edged Rehema Nanyondo in the third-place play-off to complete the trio.

The Nile Special National Pool Open Championship qualifiers continue this weekend, with more regional centres expected to produce fresh twists.

Nile Special National Pool Open

Weekend Results

Men

Sol View – Iganga: Muhammed Kafeero, Victor Waiswa, Asuman Ssozi

Masaka Sports Club: Ramecca Mugwanya, Henry Mbabaali, Simon Nsubuga

Adi’s Spot – Kireka: Moses Omara, Steven Ddumba, Rashid Wagaba

King’s Spot – Entebbe: Gideon Mawa, Isma Segujja, Eria Kimuli

Amoo Bar – Namuwongo: Solomon Nkwakira, Ivan Kanyesigye, Allan Saava

Ladies

Nature Gardens – Soroti: Maggie Acio, Michelle Nandawula, Debborah Ibenu

Upcoming Fixtures

Regionals – Men

Friday: Paradise Bar – Jinja; Code 8 Arena – Gulu; New Edge Bar – Ibanda; Café Milano – Masindi

Saturday: Chilies Bite – Hoima; Koma Gardens – Matugga

Regionals – Ladies

Friday: iTaano Arena – Mukono

Saturday: Club Vortex – Kitgum