Category: Daily Monitor

Police are detaining at least 32 more supporters of the National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate, Mr Robert Kyagulanyi, alias Bobi Wine, following their arrest in Arua City, where he held his campaigns as he seeks to unseat President Museveni in the 2026 General Election.

The opposition supporters were arrested in a standoff with security operatives as police fired teargas to block Mr Kyagulanyi from accessing the city to hold campaigns.

Police accuse the suspects of damaging four of their patrol cars during the fracas.

‘He (Mr Kyagulanyi) began his campaign at Okazara Primary School grounds in Vurra Sub-County, Arua District; however, he was unable to address the rally there. He then proceeded to Ovisoni Trading Centre, also in Vurra Sub-County, where he waved at people by the roadside. From Ovisoni Trading Centre, Mr. Kyagulanyi and his team moved towards Giligili area in Ayivu West Division, Arua City, before proceeding to Ediofe Mission. They then turned right toward Onduparaka Trading Centre in Ayivu West, where he again waved at the people. At Onduparaka Trading Centre, he attempted to access the City Centre via a direct route that was not agreed upon in the prior meeting. However, he was blocked and unable to proceed. He then made a U-turn, apparently intending to follow the agreed-upon route through Ediofe to Barifa,’ said West Nile police spokesperson, Josephine Angucia.

After Mr Kyagulanyi’s car convoy was blocked from accessing the city, he jumped on a boda boda, which he used to access the NUP party offices in Oli Central Division of the city.

‘There, he climbed onto the rooftop of an unfinished building housing his office to address his supporters. Despite the originally agreed route, Mr. Kyagulanyi continued with a large and rowdy crowd following him via Rhino Camp Road to the venue at Inzikuru Stadium, Barifa. Some of his supporters threw stones at police, damaging the following vehicles: UP 03271 at 16:59 hours (Registered under Arua CPS Station Diary Reference 65/19/11/2025) UP M/V 03346 at 17:34 hours (Registered under Arua CPS Station Diary Reference 70/19/11/2025) UP M/V 00173 at 17:35 hours (Registered under Arua CPS Station Diary Reference 71/19/11/2025) UP M/V 7697 (Registered under Arua CPS Station Diary Reference 78/19/11/2025),’ SSP Angucia added.

Police have opened separate cases of malicious damage, each with different reference numbers at Arua Central Police Station.

‘CCTV footage is being analysed to identify those involved in the damage to police vehicles. As of now, 32 suspects have been arrested following CCTV analysis, and they are currently detained at Arua CPS pending further investigation,’ she added.

The damaged vehicles will be inspected by the Inspector of Motor Vehicles, and efforts to locate other suspects are underway, according to police.

‘All necessary documentation has been completed by the scene of crime officer. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and the campaign concluded successfully. We continue to urge political actors and their supporters to adhere to campaign guidelines, avoid acts of hooliganism, and refrain from behaviour that could lead to accidents, injuries, loss of life, or disruption of other lawful activities,’ SSP Angucia urged.

Mr Kyagulanyi in 2019 described Arua City as his Mecca in memory of the 2018 Arua Municipality by-election that was marred by brutality, killings, and arrests of opposition political supporters, including himself. His driver, Yasin Kawuma was shot dead as he campaigned for Kasiano Wadri during a by-election.

The NUP leadership says the arrests are politically motivated and intended to intimidate their supporters.

Ever since presidential campaigns started on September 29, 2025, ahead of the 2026 General Election, Mr Kyagulanyi and his team have encountered several security blockades, with many of his supporters arrested on malicious damage and traffic-related offences or for staging a birthday parade as the NUP president marked his 43rd birthday on February 12, 2025.

Several NUP supporters are in prison on remand on different charges.

Government is considering allocating special resources to larger local governments and urban councils as an alternative to splitting administrative units, Local Government Minister Raphael Magezi has said.

Mr Magezi, who Thursday officiated at the opening of the 56th Urban Authorities Association of Uganda (UAAU) General Assembly in Tororo Municipality, said the move is among the remedies being explored as Cabinet’s ban on creating new administrative units remains in force.

The minister was responding to concerns raised by UAAU president Dr Wilson Sanya, who asked the government to consider pending requests to subdivide oversized administrative units, arguing that their populations and geographical size make effective service delivery difficult.

‘Mr Minister we wish to bring to your attention that some of our councils are too big in terms of population and size yet when you are appropriating resources you don’t consider this and it’s on that background that some of them have made requests to have them split,’ Dr Sanya said.

Mr Magezi acknowledged the growing pressure from districts, municipalities and cities seeking to divide villages, parishes, wards, sub-counties, divisions and districts, but stressed that Cabinet’s position remains unchanged.

‘We understand the challenges you undergo but we are saying the cabinet ban on creation of new administrative units remains binding however government has plans to give affirmative action to districts, municipal and city councils to enable them be at the same place with others during resource allocation,’ he said.

He said government will, in the meantime, ensure that larger local governments, municipalities and cities receive additional resources so they can operate at the same pace as smaller units.

Mr Magezi cited Tororo District, where President Museveni had proposed creating three districts and elevating Tororo Municipality to city status, but said the changes have not taken effect because they require legal clearance from the Attorney General and a financing certificate.

He said larger administrative units will be prioritized in programmes such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and road equipment allocation.

The minister also cautioned against institutional conflict among councils, saying some speakers had overstepped their authority.

‘I have received shocking information that a speaker has gone ahead to suspend the mayor or chairperson and I have always guided that this is wrong although the law provides, this should not go to that extent because the mayor or chairperson remains the political head of the institution,’ he said.

He criticised speakers who dismiss mayors or chairpersons from council sessions and urged councils to foster intergovernmental cooperation. He further advised mayors and chairpersons to ensure their speakers have transport, especially where official vehicles remain in use.

Mr Magezi also announced that government is considering enhancing pay for local government leaders.

‘The president of this country loves all his local leaders and it’s the reason why he has recommended for enhanced pay for all of them and it’s in its final stages to be considered,’ he said.

Kenya gained her independence from British rule on December 12, 1963 and became a Republic a year later, with Jomo Kenyatta as the first President.

December 12, therefore, means a lot to Kenya and everyone associated with the East African nation.

One of the activities hosted by the High Commission in Uganda is the Kenya Day-KCB Golf Tournament, which is designed to foster strong economic and cultural bonds between Uganda and Kenya while honouring the upcoming Jamhuri-Kenya Independence Celebrations.

KCB Bank Uganda, the tournament’s lead sponsor, together with the Kenya High Commission in Uganda, officially unveiled the event Thursday morning at Uganda Golf Club in Kampala.

The tournament is slated to take place on Saturday and is expected to provide a high-level platform for corporate networking and strategic engagement.

‘We are celebrating the independence of Kenya, and expect it to be one of the biggest tournaments that we will have this year,’ Paul Charles Rukundo, the UGC Captain, told the press.

He added: ‘We hope that this tournament can also go a long way to strengthen the sports diplomacy, and we hope that we can achieve regional integration through such tournaments. We do encourage everyone who will be around town to be able to show up at the Uganda Golf Club, participate or at least be part of the 19th hole experience.’

The announcement was well attended by key business leaders, diplomats, and golf enthusiast, signaling the tournament’s significance as a key fixture on the regional corporate sports calendar.

H.E. Joash Arthur Mangi, High Commissioner Kenya High Commission in Uganda, emphasized celebration of the relationship between Uganda and Kenya.

“We are incredibly pleased to see KCB Bank Uganda championing an event that so beautifully celebrates the enduring friendship and partnership between Kenya and Uganda,’ Mangi said.

‘This tournament is a wonderful way to commemorate our independence and foster camaraderie, both on and off the golf course. It truly embodies the spirit of regional cooperation and mutual respect.”

KCB Bank Uganda will provide a package of Shs75m but over and above that, dress all the golfers and give out goodies to the different categories of the winners.

‘We really look forward to having a good day, celebrating everything that makes us brothers and sisters, heritage, sports tourism, you know, just the synergies of business that us as a financial institution bring to sports,’ Noela Byuma, Head of Marketing and Communications KCB Bank Uganda, said.

‘We are very honoured for a chance to partner with Kenyan High Commission, and we look forward to a fantastic day on Saturday.’

She also highlighted the bank’s deep-rooted commitment to fostering talent and community growth through sport.

KCB Bank’s support for sports extends across diverse disciplines, including major involvement in rugby, volleyball and motorsport.

Specifically, in golf, the bank has significantly amplified its participation in 2025, sponsoring marquee events like the recent KCB East Africa Golf Tournament, KCB Jinja Ladies, Toro Ladies Open, Mbarara Quarterly Mugs and KCB West Nile Ladies/Open Tournament and maintaining a strong partnership with the East African Golf Tour series.

Over 200 golfers are expected to participate at the tournament on the 18-hole course.

Players will compete in categories including Ladies Groups A, B, and C; Men’s Groups A, B, and C; and Seniors 55+.

Exciting side bets will include “Nearest to the Pin” and “Longest Drive’.

With a green fee of Shs50,000, golfers will have the chance to “Swing for the Spirit of Kenya” and stand a chance to win an air ticket, courtesy of Kenya Airways, the tournament’s official airline partner.

Britam Insurance, Uganda Baati, Kenya Ports Authority and Axian Telecom are some of the key partners for Saturday’s event.

Kenya Day KCB Golf Tournament

Date: November 22, 2025

Venue: Uganda Golf Club

Lead sponsor: KCB Bank Uganda

Sponsorship package: Shs75m

The Constitutional Court has, in a majority decision, upheld Uganda’s criminal laws on abortion on grounds that they safeguard the right to life of unborn babies, protect family and cultural values, and promote responsible parenthood.

In a 3-2 ruling, the court dismissed two consolidated petitions that sought to invalidate Sections 130, 131 and 132 of the Penal Code Act, Cap.128.

The petitions were filed by the Human Rights Awareness and Promotion Forum (HRAPF) and the Centre for Health, Human Rights and Development (CEHURD) in 2017 and 2020 against the Attorney General.

The ruling arose from petitions arguing that the Penal Code provisions contravened Articles 8A, 21, 22(1), 24, 33, 44(a) and 287 of the Constitution.

The petitioners also claimed that the State’s failure to enact a law regulating the termination of pregnancy violated Articles 22(2) and 79(1)-(2).

Justices Hellen Obura, Moses Kazibwe-Kawumi and Dr Asa Mugenyi formed the majority, holding that the petitioners had not proved any inconsistency between the Penal Code and the Constitution.

In the lead judgment, the court ruled that the challenged provisions are consistent with Articles 22 and 126, and with Objectives XIX, XXIV and XXIX of the Constitution.

‘The impugned sections do not contravene the Constitution,’ the majority held. A substantial part of the ruling focused on the interpretation of Article 22(2), which states that no person has the right to terminate the life of an unborn child except as may be authorised by law.’

This clause presupposes a general prohibition on abortion unless Parliament enacts exceptions. The use of ‘may’ is permissive, not mandatory, and therefore does not compel Parliament to legislate on abortion,’ Justice Obura held.

Justice Mugenyi agreed, noting that the Constitution makes no express reference to a right to obtain an abortion.

‘The right to life of the unborn child under Article 22(1) cannot be watered down implicitly through other constitutional rights such as health, privacy or equality,’ he said.

Justice Kazibwe-Kawumi added that striking down abortion offences would conflict with the State’s obligation to protect the family under Objective XIX, which recognises the family as the natural and basic unit of society.

The majority further cited Objective XXIV, saying Ugandan society traditionally views conception and birth as significant events that require protection. Removing abortion offences, the court warned, would erode cultural values.

The justices also relied on Objective XXIX, which places duties on citizens to promote responsible parenthood. They reasoned that liberalising abortion beyond constitutional limits would contradict these duties.

In dissent, Justices Eva Luswata and Frederick Egonda-Ntende argued that maintaining criminalisation without a regulatory framework disproportionately harms women and girls.

Justice Luswata said the absence of a law governing termination of pregnancy negatively affects a wide range of constitutional rights.

She disagreed with the majority’s interpretation of Article 22(2), insisting that ‘may’ should impose a mandatory duty on Parliament to legislate on abortion.

The court dismissed both petitions and upheld the constitutionality of Sections 130, 131 and 132, ordering each party to bear its own costs on grounds that the issues raised were of significant public interest.

A brief but intense afternoon downpour yesterday triggered fresh flooding in parts of Kampala, disrupting business and heightening fear among traders still recovering from last month’s devastating floods.

Water quickly accumulated in several sections of the city, including Farmers’ House, the stretch along the Container Village (Nakivubo Road) and the Queensway interchange, leaving traders stranded inside their shops as floodwater poured into corridors, basements and parking areas.

The flooding comes barely three weeks after the October 31 deluge that destroyed merchandise worth billions of shillings across downtown Kampala and left traders staring at a bleak future. Though less destructive, this has deepened anxiety among business owners who say they are still far from recovery. ‘We are tired of water entering our shops. The floods come even after the rain has stopped, and every time they destroy what we are trying to rebuild,’ Ms Patricia Tumusiime, a trader on Sekaziga building, whose shop was invaded by floodwater, said.

At Farmers’ House, workers formed makeshift channels to push water out of the basement after it overwhelmed a drainage outlet. Traders along the nearby road watched helplessly as water swept through verandas, carrying debris into their stalls. Along Container Village, boda boda riders had to hurriedly recover their parked motorcycles along the roadside, while some traders rushed to rescue their merchandise, placing bricks at their doorsteps to prevent water from entering.

Some businesses remained closed entirely, with owners saying the repeated flooding has made the area unsafe during the rainy season.

The situation comes as many distressed traders whose capital was wiped out during the October floods are slowly renovating, replacing damaged shelves, repainting walls and purchasing small batches of stock on borrowed money, with many still closed. ‘I have been preparing my shop carefully, watching how others rebuilt after October. Today, just a little rain and we are already facing the same fear because our equipment is water threatened as it can make it rust. I don’t even want to open tomorrow,’ Mr Samuel Galiwango, a trader at Container Village, said. According to Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), seven new culverts, each 900 millimetres wide, have been installed to improve water flow in the affected areas and allow faster drainage.

The works are being carried out under the prime minister’s directive to expand water outlets and boost the city’s drainage capacity. ‘We have been supervising the entire process since the last flooding. In line with the prime minister’s directive to increase drainage outlets, we have so far put in seven 900 millimetre diameter culvert crossings, to ease water evacuation, and it only flooded today because the rain was relatively heavy,’ he said.

Mr Nuwebine added: ‘These culverts have been placed along Ssekaziga building, Juba House, Shamba Complex, Gaggawala Shawuliyako, Pentagon building, Qualicel and Totala Business Centre building. We believe more are to be set up to continue easing the situation, with engineers continuing to clear silt and debris from existing channels.’

The 2025 National Rally Championship season comes to an end this weekend in Hoima and Kikubwe.

Championship leader Ronald Ssebuguzi hopes to outsmart a field of 24 drivers en route to winning a fourth National championship.

The previous ones for this driver, with 25 years’ experience and driving a Ford Fiesta Proto, came in 2006, 2019, and 2014.

After over 10 years off the top, Ssebuguzi needs to just finish the event to get crowned.

Ssebuguzi told Daily Monitor that they are taking a cautious approach but that they will still entertain the fans.

‘It’s our season to lose. We are going to Hoima to pick the Championship, so, we will push where it matters but our fans should not expect a lot from us,” Ssebuguzi said.

Second-placed Musa Ssegaabwe, in a Mitsubishi Evo, 9 is ready to give Ssebuguzi a run for his money.

The driver is 52.5 points off Ssebuguzi.

For Ssegaabwe to win the championship, he has to win the rally to collect 50 points but again has to also collect the 10 points from the Power stage and pray that Ssebuguzi fails to finish the event.

The event will have a total distance of 230km, of which 120km are make the competitive stage.

NRC Standings after Gulu Rally

1-Ronald Ssebuguzi – 294 points

2-Musa Ssegaabwe – 241.5

3-Ponsiano Lwakataka – 235

4-Duncan Mubiru – 197

5-Aine Sodo – 184.6

6-Micheal Mukula Jr. – 131

Past Winners

Godrey Lubega – 2016

Hassan Alwi – 2017 and 2018

Arthur Blick Jr – 2019

Rajiv Rupaerlia – 2021

Yasin Nasser – 2023

Jas Mangat – 2024

Uganda Cubs’ fairytale run at the 2025 Fifa U-17 World Cup will leave an imprint on the current and future generations of Ugandan footballers.

Their journey ended in heartbreaking fashion on Monday night after a 1-1 draw with Burkina Faso was followed by a 5-3 loss in the penalty shootout.

Arafat Nkoola, stepping into the big boots of suspended star striker James Bogere, put Uganda ahead in the 57th minute.

But the late-game concentration lapses that troubled the team during pre-tournament friendlies and the opener against Canada resurfaced, allowing Burkina Faso to equalize inside the final quarter-hour and force penalties.

Derrick Ssozi struck the woodwork, handing Burkina Faso a ticket to the quarterfinals, where they will face Italy.

But Uganda leaves Qatar with memories that transcend the pain. A memorable 1-0 win over 2001 champions France and another against African giants Senegal on their way to the Round of 16 was nothing short of extraordinary.

Head coach Brian Ssenyondo, who has set multiple records during this campaign, exits the stage with his head high as he returns to future projects and his role at KCCA.

‘Much as we are hurt, we are proud that we represented ourselves very well and have picked a huge experience,’ Ssenyondo said in his final post-match interview. ‘We go with our heads high and believe our experience will inspire other boys who dream to play at the World Cup.’

Inspired

And that inspiration has already taken root. The next generation of Uganda Cubs announced themselves emphatically at the Cecafa qualifiers for the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations and Fifa World Cup in Ethiopia, routing Sudan 9-0 in their second Group B match. This followed a commanding 4-0 victory over Burundi in their opening game.

Under the guidance of Ghanaian tactician Layrea Kingston and assistants Saddam Juma and Steven Bengo, Uganda produced a dazzling attacking display with eight different players on the scoresheet.

Captain Owen Mukisa led from the front with quick-fire goals in the 10th and 12th minutes, taking his tally to four for the tournament.

Familiar faces Thomas Ogema who featured at the Afcon in Morocco, left back Eze Kombi, and substitutes Arnold Kayemba, Brian Olwa, and Travor Mubiru all registered their names, while central defender Enock Mwesigwa completed the goal fest.

Uganda will now battle Tanzania on Friday in the final group match to determine who finishes top of Group B.

2026 FIFA U-17 WORLD CUP/AFCON, Cecafa qualifiers

Results

Burundi 0-4 Uganda

Sudan 0-9 Uganda

Friday fixture

Uganda vs. Tanzania, 8pm

SC Villa rose to second in the StarTimes Uganda Premier League after edging NEC 2-1 at Fufa Stadium, Kadiba on Thursday.

Najib Yiga opened the scoring barely two minutes into the second half, steering in Frank Ssebuufu’s delivery.

The 17-time champions appeared to have sealed it three minutes from time when Hassan Mubiru set up Elvis Ngonde for Villa’s second.

But Daniel Shabene halved the deficit in added time, connecting home Joseph Data’s corner to set up a nervy finish.

Villa held out to secure their fourth win of the season, lifting them two places to second on 13 points – one behind leaders Police, with a game in hand. Nec remain 10th on six points.

Earlier in Hoima, Kitara climbed six spots to fourth on 10 points after Jimmy Kalema’s 11th-minute strike earned them a 1-0 victory over Bul.

The win, Kitara’s third of the campaign, also snapped BUL’s unbeaten start. The visitors’ afternoon worsened when Tah Barni Kelvin was sent off in the 28th minute for a second booking.

Bul’s defeat leaves Vipers SC and URA as the league’s only unbeaten teams – the Venoms with two wins from two, the Tax Collectors with one win and five draws. Elsewhere in Lugazi, the hosts and Express played out a goalless draw.

URA visit Lugogo on Friday hoping to tilt that balance towards more victories when they face third-placed KCCA, who have a chance to join Police at the summit. Buhimba United Saints at home to Mbarara City is the day’s other fixture.

The Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) presidential candidate, Gen (rtd) Mugisha Muntu, has said Uganda cannot prosper while President Museveni remains in charge.

Speaking to supporters in Kyere Town Council, Serere District, yesterday, Mr Muntu said it is unacceptable for a president to stay in power for more than 40 years, yet government hospitals still lack drugs and people have to pay for jobs.

He questioned why President Museveni continues to ask for votes despite what he described as poor service delivery.

‘Are you ready to take out the source of the problem? We want to convince you to trust us with your votes. As ANT, we detest corruption; we have the capacity and skills to eliminate it,’ he said.

Mr Muntu said the issues affecting this country are solely a result of bad leadership. He said there are people who are in politics for self-advancement and do not take risks on issues that affect the people because they fear being fought by the regime. He added that the other category of people in politics are those who know that when the people prosper, they will also prosper.

‘The nature of those leaders is that they don’t fear risks. They will fight even though the government fights back,’ Mr Muntu said. Mr Muntu said that if there are no leaders to fight for the people, there are bound to be serious problems. ‘I request you the people of Kyere support Alice Alaso,’ the ANT presidential candidate added.

He said that in the Kyoga belt mineral exploration has been taking place, and although the exact minerals are not yet confirmed, he has heard they could be of high value. On roads, the ANT presidential candidate said the more than $3 billion lost to corruption every financial year could build 30 roads, each 100 kilometres long.

More than 10 years ago, Ms Oliver Atim was excited to land a well-paying job at a commercial bank. Working at a bank not only provided a solid income but also brought prestige. She had everything: money, privileges, and a loving family.

However, after 11 years, the job no longer brought her the happiness she had hoped for. Ms Atim felt empty. She lacked purpose and joy.

‘I did not find any purpose in life, although I was working in a bank. So, I decided to quit,’ she said.

After walking away from her banking career, Ms Atim said she finally found happiness beyond the bank walls. For years, she had thought about leaving to pursue something more meaningful.

‘I eventually started looking for something that makes me happy because even if I was a certified banker, I was not happy. You know, life is not about getting money, eating, and sleeping. You need to be happy too,’ she adds.

In August 2022, just two years after the Covid-19 pandemic, Ms Atim enrolled in a course on voluntarism and service.

‘After just three months doing the course, I quit the bank because I wanted to help others. I wanted to uplift the lives of the less privileged. I was eager to get out of the bank and help older persons and malnourished children,’ she says.

The birth of Santa Foundation

She later founded the Santa Foundation to support extremely vulnerable children, youth, and households in the Acholi Sub-region with nutritional items, clothing, psychosocial support, and literacy skills.

Over the past three years, Ms Atim has visited hospitals, homes, and orphanages to assist those in need.

‘Supporting these categories of people brings me joy. It makes me satisfied with life. It is more important to me than keeping money in the bank,’ she adds.

Ms Atim says chronic poverty has left many children in rural, formerly war-ravaged areas suffering from severe malnutrition. She says young children are paying the price for being born into poor households.

‘Children are dying from malnutrition. This undermines Uganda’s most valuable asset, human resource. Who knows who these children would be? Maybe we are losing future presidents or leaders,’ she says.

Malnutrition in children

She also expressed concern over the increasing number of malnutrition cases recorded at St Mary’s Hospital Lacor, one of Uganda’s largest not-for-profit hospitals.

‘Every day, St Mary’s Hospital Lacor receives children suffering from malnutrition. These deaths are preventable. It is preventable if those with plenty were willing to give to the less privileged,’ she says.

Ms Atim says saving a child from malnutrition does not require much.

‘Sometimes what can save a life is as simple as a cup of milk, a packet of sugar, or a bar of soap. For far too long, we have depended on ‘White donors’ to solve our problems. But now that donations from the Western world are drying up. We need to do it ourselves to save our children,’ she said.

Her foundation has donated food and non-food to St Jude’s Orphanage in Gulu City and malnourished children at St Mary’s Hospital Lacor. The children received milk, soybean flour, food supplements, and clothing.

Ms Atim says many Ugandans do not support those in need because the country lacks a strong culture of giving.

‘Many people are happier to receive than give, despite the joy one derives from the latter. We must teach our children, who are the next generation, the value of generosity, the joy that giving brings to our hearts,’ she adds.

Cases of severe malnutrition across districts in the Acholi Sub-region have been linked to beliefs in witchcraft and high rates of teenage motherhood. According to a report by Love One International, many communities still believe that children are not suffering from malnutrition but are bewitched by their enemies.

Nearly 70 percent of communities in the sub-region either practice or believe in witchcraft, an issue that has hindered the fight against a condition that kills dozens of Ugandan children every year.

A survey conducted in seven northern Uganda districts found that of 32,603 children assessed between April 2021 and December 2024, 5,401 were suffering from acute malnutrition. The assessment covered Amuru, Zombo, Nwoya, Gulu, Omoro, Pader, and Agago districts.

In total, 571 children with severe acute malnutrition received medical and food therapy after their conditions worsened.

Agago District recorded the highest cases, accounting for 21 percent. Zombo followed with 14 percent, then Amuru and Nwoya with 12 percent each. Gulu had 11 percent, Omoro 10 percent, Gulu City 8 percent, and Pader seven percent. Of the more than 570 children rehabilitated, 495 recovered and were reunited with their families, while 32 required specialised treatment and surgeries.

Dr Denis Omoya Ocula, the Lamwo District health officer, says 13 out of 100 children in the Acholi Sub-region do not get enough food, leaving many stunted.

‘Malnutrition not only affects children’s growth. It also affects their brains. A child may overcome the physical complications, but his or her brain will never recover. That is how bad malnutrition is,’ he says.

He adds that children who experience severe malnutrition often struggle in school.

According to the World Health Organisation, stunting caused by long-term nutritional deprivation often leads to delayed mental development, poor school performance, and reduced intellectual capacity.

Nearly half of all deaths among children under five are linked to under nutrition, most occurring in low- and middle-income countries.