Category: Daily Monitor

The Monitor/ NTV are living in terror, threatened with punishment, torture, and banning in fits of fiery fury from powerful forces at the top like they have never seen before.

The threats against The Monitor show a new and worrying form of decentralisation and, worse, dissipation of the state’s coercive power, against not just The Monitor, but the independent press, civil society, and the Opposition.

However, it could also be part of a wider malaise fracturing the state itself.

This article is an introduction to how the present attacks against The Monitor would have been totally ‘un-Museveni-like’ just a few years ago, but also about the President Yoweri Museveni I miss.

When I was managing editor of The Monitor, I saw a Museveni who was an iron-fisted strongman when he needed to be.

However, when he was good, he was good. He was intellectually arrogant and felt he could take on anyone, so he rarely descended into pettiness.

He relished a philosophical debate. Because he knew Wafula Oguttu, who was the MD, having been in the same study group (today it would be a WhatsApp group) with him in exile in Tanzania, most of his calls to The Monitor were to Waf.

Many of these calls were to complain about stories he didn’t like, but sometimes he subtly offered leads.

One morning, Museveni called Wafula early, even before he set off for work. When he was told the President wanted to talk to him, Wafula became anxious, thinking something awful had been published in the paper.

But no, Museveni was complaining about an innocuous short science story tucked away inside the paper, which he said had got wrong the melting point of a certain mineral! That was it.

Or was it? I, for one, thought Museveni had a tactical and strategic use for The Monitor.

With the no-party/Movement system labelled a one-party state, he used The Monitor as his democracy alibi.

His attacks on The Monitor were sometimes necessary to remind donor critics that a ‘dictatorship wouldn’t allow a paper like The Monitor to operate’.

Some of the attacks (and arrests and endless prosecutions) were to keep us off balance. But, primarily, it was manipulative for more strategic purposes.

Thus, if the ‘enemy paper’ published a positive story on the economy, for example, it had to be true.

In fact, Museveni would add, if we weren’t the enemy, we would have done an even more glowing report.

We were critical of Uganda’s role in the DR Congo war, and Andrew Mwenda and I were arrested and tried over the ‘Congo gold story’ in 1997.

The story alleged Uganda had been paid in gold by the Laurent Kabila government for supporting the ouster of the corrupt dictator Mobutu Sese Seko.

But despite the state’s anger, we continued to cover the DRC war.

And guess how our journalists continued to shuttle between Entebbe and the DRC and back. On UPDF transport planes! Can you imagine that happening today?

Which brings me to the main point about the thing Museveni did that many didn’t realise.

Nothing we ever got into trouble for arose from criticism of him as a person or president.

He was personally thick-skinned. We figured out most of his red lines. One, don’t attack his family unfairly, especially those who weren’t in public office.

For those who were public figures (like Gen Salim Saleh), they were fair game. The second touchy thing for him was national security.

The third, and this became an issue only much later, was the economy.

Here, it was the kind of reporting that he subjectively deemed was likely to discourage funders/investors. Everything else was there for the taking.

Then things changed. In the next article, I will examine the tragedy of what happened.

In my view at least, Museveni performed his last vintage Kaguta intellectual act in December 2013.

South African anti-apartheid hero and statesman Nelson Mandela passed away on December 5, 2013, at the age of 95.

On December 6, 2013, Museveni released a condolence statement titled “Mandela’s Life of Sacrifice,” where he traced the roots of African colonisation and apartheid back to a massive geopolitical shift in the 15th century.

Museveni argued that the “sad and heroic story of Mzee Mandela” actually began in 1453 AD when the Ottoman Turks captured Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul), blocking the traditional overland trade routes between Europe and Asia (the silk and spice routes used by Marco Polo).

Because a direct maritime shortcut through Egypt did not exist as the Suez Canal hadn’t yet been built (and the land route was blocked by the Ottoman Empire), the Europeans had no choice but to circumnavigate the entire African continent.

It was this geographic necessity that placed South Africa in the crosshairs of European maritime strategy, leading the Dutch to firmly establish a Cape colony by 1652, followed by the British, planting the seeds of apartheid.

Without the Ottomans, Mandela would never have happened.

Even as a critic, there was still a joy in reading Museveni when he was in that groove.

That is the Museveni I miss. He has never really been a happy president since. We will return to that, but the cocky Museveni of that time wouldn’t be a man who would choose terror as the response to a story he didn’t like.

The Inter-Religious Council of Uganda has announced a change in leadership, electing Rt. Rev. Dr. Joseph Antony Zziwa, the Bishop of Kiyinda-Mityana Diocese and Chairman of the Uganda Episcopal Conference, as its new Chairperson for the 2026-2029 term.

‘The Inter-Religious Council of Uganda, Council of Presidents at its meeting of June 23, 2026 has unanimously elected Rt. Rev. Dr. Joseph Antony Zziwa… as its new Chairperson for the period 2026-2029,’ the statement read in part.

Bishop Zziwa takes over from the Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, who has been serving as Chair of the Council of Presidents following the completion of his tenure.

IRCU described the transition as part of its routine leadership rotation among faith leaders representing Uganda’s major religious blocs, including the Catholic, Anglican, Muslim, Orthodox, Seventh-day Adventist, and Born-Again faiths.

In its statement, the Council expressed appreciation to Archbishop Kaziimba for what it termed as ‘dedicated leadership’ during his term, noting his role in strengthening interfaith cooperation and advancing the council’s peace and unity agenda.

‘We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Archbishop Kaziimba for his dedicated leadership during his term,’ the statement adds.

The Council also congratulated Bishop Zziwa on his new appointment, expressing confidence in his ability to steer the interfaith body in advancing its vision of a peaceful, united, and prosperous Uganda.

‘We also warmly congratulate Bishop Zziwa and wish him every success as he takes on this important role, leading IRCU in fulfilling its vision of a Godly, peaceful, united, and prosperous Uganda,’ the statement added.

IRCU, a national interfaith umbrella body bringing together major religious institutions in Uganda, plays a key role in promoting peacebuilding, dialogue, and social cohesion across the country, particularly during politically sensitive periods such as elections.

The transition comes at a time when sections of the public and civil society actors have accused senior religious leaders in the country of maintaining silence amid concerns over State-sanctioned restrictions on civil liberties, including cutting back free speech, assembly and media, among others.

The chorus of voices on social media platforms have dismissed Dr Kaziimba as cowardly posturing on governance and human rights issues.

However during a Sunday sermon at St. John’s Church at Makerere University on April 19, 2026, Archbishop Kaziimba pushed back against calls to take a confrontational stance reminiscent of past figures.

Responding to critics who had urged him to emulate the courage of martyred Archbishop Janan Luwum in condemning human rights violations, Kaziimba said: ‘Some people have approached me saying, ‘Why don’t you do like Janan Luwum. The man did a great job.’ The man who was killed! Then [when I’m dead] they will say ‘Kaziimba is also a good man, he was killed.’ Don’t I have a family! Why don’t you be sensitive?’ Dr Kaziimba asked.

Several Parish Development Programme Sacco leaders have been arrested and others have fled to Kenya after allegedly embezzling PDM funds in connivance with technical staff in Bukwo District, Sebei sub-region.

The Monitor learnt that Bukwo has received over Shs30 billion since the PDM programme started in 2022, but a big chunk of the money has been misused by Sacco leaders.

Preliminary investigations by police and the office of the Resident District Commissioner reveal that Sacco leaders generate lists of beneficiaries from their parishes, but during payments they edit the details and pay to different mobile numbers known to themselves, not the intended beneficiaries.

Among the worst affected parishes are Mutushet, where Shs50m was embezzled, Kapkumolon with Shs78m, and Kapnaunjiro with Shs35m. All the parishes are in Mutushet Sub-county. Some of the leaders have been arrested and are detained at Bukwo Central Police Station, while others have fled across the border.

The RDC, Mr George Owanyi, told the Monitor on Tuesday that nine suspects, including Sacco chairpersons, treasurers and secretaries, will be arraigned in court unless they refund the embezzled funds.

‘These are the few selfish people who have embezzled the PDM funds. As per the presidential directives, their files are ready and they are going to appear to court and be charged for embezzlement,’ Mr Owanyi said, adding that they are hunting for others still on the run.

He explained that out of 109 parishes in the district, most have already misused the money in the same format.

‘Even those who are on the run are not safe even if they have crossed to Kenya. We are going to pick all of them, because you know where they are,’ he said.

Preliminary investigations also show that Sacco leaders, mostly chairpersons, would be allocated about 10 slots in a single disbursement.

‘If he or she has been given ten slots, he would now get National Identity cards for his children, wives and his friends from other districts to get that money,’ one police officer handling the cases but who preferred anonymity said.

The RDC said the arrested suspects will be interrogated to reveal the identities of the technical staff they worked with to embezzle the funds.

Mr Alex Kiptegei, the sub-county chief of Mutushet Sub-county, said the PDM programme is being complicated by Sacco leaders who do not follow guidelines.

He said Sacco leaders also transfer bulk funds from Sacco accounts contrary to PDM procedures.

‘They transfer lump sum amounts to their own lines. Surprisingly, the question of how they do it is not known to me yet,’ Mr Kiptegei said.

Mr Florence Chebet, a resident of Loch village in Kululu parish, said residents had nowhere to report the fraud.

‘All these monies are shared between the Sacco leaders and their wives, husbands, children and their friends. It is something which has really angered us,’ Ms Chebet said.

During elections for Sacco leaders in Kalulu parish, one secretary confessed before the RDC and other leaders that they had hacked into the system and were able to order disbursement of funds three times.

The district production officer, Mr Franklin Piyo, said rampant ineligible payments have marred the programme.

‘In some parishes payments are made to dead people and some parishes recoveries were made by the Sacco leaders at a short notice against the recommended timeframe. This is the reason we want to clean the programme so it can work as stimulated,’ he said, adding the objective of the programme is to fight household poverty and increase incomes.

Security operatives on Wednesday raided the residence of former Minister for Ethics and Integrity, Miria Matembe, conducting a multi-hour search before confiscating several unidentified electronic gadgets.

Ms Matembe, a prominent veteran politician and fierce critic of the government, confirmed the incident in a telephone interview, stating she was away when the raid occurred.

“They arrived at my home at around 10:00 AM in my absence. The caretakers informed me that the operatives forced their way inside, ransacked the house, and left with several items,” Ms Matembe said. “I am still trying to establish what they were targeting, or if their intention was to abduct me.”

The motive behind the operation remains unclear, and police spokespersons were unavailable for immediate comment at the time of publication.

It also remains unknown whether the former minister had received a prior tip-off before leaving her home.

Matembe’s targeting comes amid heightened tensions regarding human rights in Uganda. A co-founder of the Center for Domestic Violence Prevention and a trailblazer for women’s rights, Matembe has recently been highly vocal against a wave of enforced disappearances, arbitrary arrests, and alleged state-sponsored abductions targeting opposition figures and activists.

Once a close ally of President Yoweri Museveni and a key architect of the 1995 Constitution, Matembe fell out with the ruling establishment in 2003 over opposition to the removal of presidential term limits.

Since then, she has remained a relentless voice for constitutionalism and civic space.

Over 200 players from primary and secondary schools across the country are expected to vie for honours at the inaugural Future Stars-SAU National Schools Scrabble Championship at Gayaza Junior School on Saturday, with the prime goal of qualifying for the World Youth Scrabble Championship in Nairobi, Kenya, in August.

The national championship will be the first step in Uganda’s journey to Nairobi, with the country’s best young scrabble talents targeting slots at world championship, where they will gauge their wit against leading youths from across the globe.

The championship is organised by the Future Stars Sports Programme in partnership with the Scrabble Association of Uganda (SAU). Future Stars is a talent development initiative committed to discovering, nurturing, and developing young Ugandans in different sporting disciplines. The programme seeks to create opportunities for talented youngsters to develop their skills and pursue excellence through organised competitions.

Organisers see the championship as a platform that could boost the growth of scrabble at school level while creating a pathway for young players to compete on the international stage as they get tested in vocabulary, strategic thinking, and problem-solving.

During the tournament’s launch at Gayaza Junior on Monday, SAU technical vice president, Godwin Murungi, said the event comes at an opportune time for the sport’s development in the country.

In addition to the hosts, Kiira College Butiki, Bishop’s Secondary School, Standard High School, Seroma Christian High School, Good Times Junior School, and St. Catherine Junior School, among others, had confirmed participation by press time.

“Our objective is to provide an environment where students can perform at their best. We have put in place the necessary facilities, equipment, and logistical support to ensure a smooth championship,” said Gayaza Junior’s head of sports and games, Daniel Kasawuli, ahead of this potentially memorable event.

The hosts will also ensure strict adherence to Ebola prevention guidelines as required by the Ministry of Health.

BRIEFLY

What: Future Stars-SAU National Schools Scrabble Championship

Where: Gayaza Junior School

When: Saturday, June 27

Why: slots at World Championship

The recent killing of national rugby player Sydney Gongodyo through mob action is a tragic reminder of the growing threat of the vice in Uganda.

While communities are often frustrated by crime and delays in the justice system, taking the law into one’s own hands can never be justified.

Mob action undermines the rule of law and often results in the death of innocent people, who may be wrongly accused.

It is absurd that the police in West Nile frequently record cases of mob action in our communities despite available community policing.

Uganda continues to record alarming levels of mob action. Police statistics show that more than 1,000 people were killed through mob action in both 2023 and 2024, while nearly 950 mob-related deaths were recorded in 2025.

Nationally, over 3,700 people have lost their lives to mob violence since 2021, making it one of the country’s most persistent forms of unlawful homicide.

The West Nile Sub-region has not been spared. Recent police reports indicate that dozens of mob action deaths were recorded in the region in 2025, highlighting the urgent need for communities to reject vigilante actions and support lawful justice processes.

Mob action is often fuelled by anger, misinformation, fear, and mistrust of legal institutions. However, violence does not deliver justice.

Instead, it destroys evidence, violates human rights, and denies suspects their constitutional right to a fair hearing.

I, therefore, appeal to the people of Zombo, Nebbi, Pakwach, Arua, and the wider West Nile region to report suspects to the police and relevant authorities rather than resorting to violence.

Community leaders, religious and cultural institutions, and security agencies must work together to promote awareness, strengthen community policing, and rebuild public confidence in the justice system.

A peaceful and law-abiding society can only thrive when justice is delivered through legal and transparent processes.

People should desist from acts of revenge and killings on suspicion. Let us condemn mob action, protect human dignity, and uphold the rule of law.

Every person deserves a fair hearing, and justice must never be administered through violence.

The recent collapse of a building under construction in Kisaasi, which claimed three lives, has once again placed Uganda’s construction industry under the spotlight. The tragedy has sparked debate among experts, with some questioning the quality of building materials used on construction sites, while others attribute the disaster to poor workmanship and failure to comply with approved building standards.

Shortly after the Kisaasi building collapse, another incident was reportedly recorded in Kira, where a building staircase also collapsed. However, the owners are said to have moved quickly to rectify the situation, allegedly to avoid intervention by authorities. Unlike the Kisaasi tragedy, the Kira incident did not result in any loss of life.

Experts warn that the rapid growth of the sector could create opportunities for the proliferation of substandard construction materials if regulatory oversight is not strengthened.

Against this backdrop, the government has tightened regulation of the construction sector through the implementation of building laws and the operationalisation of the National Building Review Board (NBRB). Gob Blick Obita, a council member of the Uganda National Association of Builders, Suppliers and Engineering Contractors (UNABSEC), emphasises the need for strict adherence to established standards and best practices. Beyond the debate over workmanship and engineering supervision lies another critical question: Do the building materials sold in Uganda’s hardware markets actually conform to the required standards?

From steel bars and cement to roofing sheets, electrical cables, paints and plumbing fittings, Uganda’s hardware stores are stocked with a wide range of locally manufactured and imported products. For many builders, contractors and individual homeowners, these outlets are the first stop in turning construction dreams into reality.

However, the abundance of products on the market has also raised concerns about quality assurance. While some materials bear certification marks from the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS), experts warn that counterfeit and substandard products continue to find their way onto the market, posing serious risks to public safety.

The consequences of using substandard materials can be devastating. Structural weaknesses resulting from poor-quality steel, cement, aggregates or electrical installations may not be immediately visible, but they can significantly reduce a building’s lifespan and increase the likelihood of accidents, collapses, fires and costly repairs.

The dilemma

A walk through some of Kampala’s major hardware hubs reveals a highly competitive market where price often influences purchasing decisions. While genuine materials may cost slightly more, some consumers and contractors are tempted by cheaper alternatives, sometimes without verifying whether the products meet the required standards.

This raises a fundamental concern for regulators, manufacturers, suppliers and consumers alike: Is the current system robust enough to guarantee that every construction material reaching the market is safe and compliant with national standards?

Daniel Arorwa, the manager of Market Surveillance at UNBS, says some suppliers are taking advantage of unsuspecting consumers by flooding the market with counterfeit building materials. Arorwa notes that these substandard products lack the strength and durability of genuine materials, making them a major contributor to structural failures and building collapses. He explains that UNBS has established standards for a wide range of construction materials, including steel bars, cement, iron sheets and other essential building products, to ensure safety and quality in the construction sector.

“Consumers should only purchase building materials bearing the authentic Q-Mark. Any product without this mark may not have undergone the required quality assessment and could pose a serious risk to lives and property,” Arorwa warns.

Arorwa further advises Ugandans planning to construct houses to engage qualified civil engineers, noting that their expertise is vital in ensuring that genuine and standards-compliant building materials are procured and properly used during construction. He explains that professional engineers are better equipped to assess the quality of building products, supervise construction works and enforce compliance with approved building standards, thereby minimizing the risk of structural failures and building collapses.

Complacency

According to the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS), approximately 58 percent of all goods on the local market are counterfeit, with structural failures being a primary cause of dangerous building collapses. Experts warn that unless all stakeholders act, counterfeits could erode construction standards and trigger structural failures.

However, Sylvia Kirabo, the Principal Public Relations Officer at UNBS, says consumer complacency is partly to blame for the continued presence of counterfeit building materials on the market.

“There are Ugandans who would rather buy products at cheaper prices and do not take the initiative to report suspicious products or traders to the relevant authorities,” Kirabo says.

She urges members of the public to play a more active role in the fight against counterfeit goods by providing information that could help authorities identify and apprehend individuals involved in the manufacture, importation and distribution of substandard building materials. Counterfeit and substandard building materials are a severe crisis in Uganda’s construction industry.

Ignorance about standards

Richard Laguna, a prospective homeowner in Natete, says he was unaware that every building material on the market is required to meet specific standards set by UNBS. Laguna says the information has opened his eyes to the importance of verifying the quality and certification of building products before making a purchase.

“I did not know that each building material has standards it is supposed to meet. This information is very important because many people like me often focus on price without considering whether the products comply with the required standards,” he says.

However, Steve Mukwaya, a private construction consultant, observes that some clients request Bills of Quantities (BOQs) detailing the projected cost of a building project and then opt to procure construction materials on their own. According to Mukwaya, this practice is contributing to the use of substandard building materials, as some clients prioritise cheaper products over quality. In a bid to cut costs, they often purchase materials that may not meet the required standards or possess the strength and durability necessary to support the intended structure.

“When clients take over procurement without adequate technical knowledge, they may end up buying cheaper materials that compromise the quality and safety of the building,” Mukwaya says.

Police in Kasangati, Wakiso District are holding a Pentecostal pastor of Christ Way Generation Ministries as investigations continue into a suspected human trafficking case following the rescue of 37 children allegedly lured from different parts of Uganda with promises of bursaries and scholarships.

The cleric was arrested after a police operation in Kabaga-Kayaanga Zone, Kiteezi Ward, Wakiso District.

According to Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson SP Racheal Kawala, the operation was launched after residents reported suspicious activities at a rented building where the children were allegedly being housed.

‘Police intervened and rescued 37 children who are now in safe custody,’ SP Kawala said.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect allegedly recruited children from various districts across the country by promising educational sponsorship opportunities through his institution.

Police say the promised bursaries and scholarships were allegedly never provided, raising suspicions of exploitation and possible human trafficking.

The rescued children, aged between seven and 20 years, include learners ranging from Primary One to Senior Five. Of the victims, 23 are female and 14 are male.

Authorities said the children were recruited from several districts, including Luweero, Kamuli, Buyende, Kole, Apac, Jinja, Kikuube and Napak.

Investigators are now seeking to establish how the children were recruited, transported and accommodated at the facility, as well as whether additional suspects may have been involved.

The victims have been placed under protective care while efforts are underway to trace their families and facilitate reunification.

SP Kawala commended residents whose information led to the operation.

‘We commend members of the public for the timely information that led to this rescue. We continue to urge parents and guardians to be cautious when entrusting their children to individuals or organisations offering scholarships or educational opportunities,’ she said.

Police have opened investigations into suspected human trafficking and child exploitation, while the suspect remains in custody pending further inquiries.

The eighth circuit of the Pursuit Swim League concludes this week at British School of Kampala (BSK) Muyenga with Astros and Flames, who are a point apart, as favourites for the top slot.

Flames topped the first leg of this circuit on June 12 but Astros dethroned them last Friday to top the day and jump to nine points on the table.

This circuit is strictly for relays. Astros, who led the table on June 12, did not win any relay last Friday but finished second in the 5x25m butterfly and medley relays.

They also finished third in the 5x25m backstroke and freestyle relays but were disqualified in the breaststroke one.

Fortunately for them, four of the five teams got at least one disqualification so the standings were barely affected as they finished second on the night and kept top of standings with nine points.

Colts and Talons were disqualified in the same breaststroke relay while Jets and Talons were disqualified in the 5x25m fly relay.

Flames, which topped the night to move to eight overall points and second in the standings, had no disqualification and won the 5x25m fly, breaststroke, freestyle, and medley relays. They finished last in the 5x25m back relay.

Colts were second in the 5x25m back and third in the 5x25m fly relays. They also finished 4th in the medley relay and last in the freestyle one to finish third on the night and overall with six points.

Colts have a chance of topping the circuit but they need Flames and Astros to finish lower than third on the last day.

Jets are fourth now in standings after finishing second in the 5x25m breaststroke relay and fourth in the backstroke and freestyle ones. Jets finished last in the medley relay.

Talons, who are fifth on the table with four points were killed by the disqualifications but actually topped the backstroke relay, finished second in the freestyle one, and third in the medley relay. They are out of the race for top place as they cannot finish higher than Astros and Flames unless the two teams fail to turn up this Friday.

Conservationists have renewed urgent calls for stronger protection of Uganda’s endangered chimpanzees, warning that rampant habitat destruction, illegal wildlife trafficking, and increasing human encroachment continue to threaten the species’ survival.

The appeal was made at Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary during an event highlighting the plight of the primates. The rescue and rehabilitation center currently provides a safe haven to 55 orphaned and rescued chimpanzees saved from poaching, deforestation, and human-wildlife conflict.

Officials at the sanctuary noted that despite years of rigorous conservation campaigns, chimpanzee populations remain highly vulnerable. The species is currently listed as “Endangered” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

“Chimpanzees are one of the animals listed by IUCN as endangered. We therefore have to join efforts together as humans to ensure they do not become extinct. Human activities still highly threaten the survival of our wildlife, yet they serve purposes of tourism among others,” said Mr. Aaron Bataamye, the Sanctuary Manager.

Uganda is estimated to host between 3,500 and 5,000 Eastern chimpanzees in the wild. However, conservationists warn that continued forest degradation, agricultural expansion, and illegal poaching are putting immense pressure on these remaining populations.

Located about 23 kilometers southwest of Entebbe on Lake Victoria, Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary was established in 1998 to care for chimpanzees rescued from the illegal wildlife trade and other threats. Over nearly three decades, the sanctuary has grown into one of Uganda’s premier eco-tourism and conservation sites, attracting approximately 25,000 visitors annually.

Mr Bataamye emphasized that managing the rescued primates is a costly venture. Caring for them requires significant resource mobilization, including funding for daily food, specialized veterinary services, habitat maintenance, and continuous security monitoring.

In a significant boost to the sanctuary’s operations, the Ruparelia Foundation has donated Shs50 million towards the care and protection of the chimpanzees at the island.

Speaking at the handover, businessman Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia stated that conservation requires a collective responsibility from individuals, corporate entities, and institutions to ensure future generations inherit a biodiverse country.

Mr. Ruparelia also used the occasion to honor the legacy of his late son, Rajiv Ruparelia, who passed away recently.

‘Rajiv understood the business and the success of society through creating opportunities and leaving something memorable behind. We are extending his generosity and responsibility into the future,’ Mr. Ruparelia said, adding that chimpanzees, like humans, are highly intelligent, emotional, and social beings that require safe habitats to thrive.

In memory of the late businessman, the sanctuary officially named its youngest resident-a male chimpanzee born on November 29, 2025-as “RR”.

The fight to protect Uganda’s wildlife comes amid a booming global black market. According to data from the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organised Crime, environmental crime has risen to become the third-largest criminal economy in the world, trailing only behind counterfeiting and drug trafficking.

The illicit trade generates between USD 110 billion and USD 281 billion annually, growing at a worrying rate of 5 to 7 percent each year. Conservationists argue that without stringent enforcement and stiffer penalties for traffickers, Uganda risks losing its vital wildlife heritage.