Category: Daily Monitor

Uganda and Burkina Faso produced the standout results of the round of 32, as the World Cup first-timers got past Senegal, before Oscar Barro’s side downed reigning champions Germany to secure spots in the Fifa U-17 World Cup last 16.

England, Italy and Japan joined the African duo with comfortable wins, while Korea DPR edged out Venezuela and Uzbekistan beat Croatia on penalties.

Uganda continued to defy the odds at their debut Fifa U-17 World Cup in Qatar with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Senegal.

The Cubs netted with their first effort of note, as Abubakali Walusimbi rifled home the first goal their opponents have conceded this tournament from outside the area.

The Young Lions of Teranga pushed for a leveller and forced Edrisah Waibi into a number of impressive saves, most notably from a sweetly struck Mignane Ndour half-volley.

Senegal had a penalty overturned and a goal ruled out for offside as the Cranes held firm to book their last-16 spot.

Uganda will face Burkina Faso in the round of 16 tomorrow in an all-African affair. The West Africans dethroned champions Germany 1-0 in the later game.

Stunning

‘Not many people can beat the reigning champions,’ Burkina Faso captain Cherif Barro told FifaTV following his team’s stunning result over Germany.

The Burkina Faso coach, Oscar Barro, added: “We knew we were up against a tough team; they are the reigning champions. They have skill and individual talent in abundance. We respect whoever we’re up against, but we don’t fear anyone.’

They will relishing tomorrow’s game. ‘We’ll start working tomorrow (Sunday) to figure out how to go into this match, so we’re not caught off guard and can continue our fine form,’ he said.

“Uganda have made it to the Round of 16, which shows what a quality side they are, so we need to prepare accordingly. We played them in a friendly match, but every team has changed their style and appearance since then.”

He is right to be wary of the Cranes, who have had a sensational run in their first World Cup appearance. After losing to Canada in their opening match, they held Chile to a draw and went on to beat France 1-0 to clinch a knockout-stage spot.

They then tamed the Senegalese in the last 32 – and are setting their sights even higher.

‘First, I am very happy that we beat a tough side like Senegal. But I must credit our goalkeeper who kept us in the game because he was very outstanding. The other players also kept to the instructions,’ said head Coach Brian Ssenyondo.

He made it clear that they will not get too excited, we will only enjoy the moment, and later focus on the next game.

Big goal

Ugandan goalkeeper Edrisah Waibi, who was awarded Player of the Match against Senegal, said ‘Our goal now is to go as far as possible in the competition.’

“It’s massive. It was a good game, we played well. The game wasn’t easy because of the physicality. But we were strong as you saw in this game. It was great for my team as we’re in the round of 16 and for me, with the Player of the match award.”

The game’s only goal scorer, Abubakali Walusimbi, added: ‘We have to believe that we can win the World Cup. It’s our first time participating, so we’re newbies, but we’ve got what it takes.’

It was all celebration after the final whistle after the Ugandan team ejected the African U-17 champions.

That result could be at par with the last Group K match against 2001 champions France which Uganda won to get through.

Malaria accounts for more than 50 percent of outpatient consultations, and costs a family on average more than Shs30,000 or three percent of annual household income.

Not all is lost, however. Solomon Icel, a lecturer at Lira University, believes he may have found a way to stop the disease at its source using an organic larvicide that is both effective and environmentally friendly.

Larvicides are substances designed to eliminate larvae before they develop into adult mosquitoes. They are typically applied in areas where mosquitoes breed, particularly in stagnant water.

Armed with a deep understanding of traditional medicine and a passion for innovation, Icel has developed a larvicide that targets mosquitoes in their breeding sites. The teaching assistant at the university’s Community Health Department in the Faculty of Public Health invented the remedy under the Herbal Extract Larvicide for Malaria Control and Prevention project.

‘The government spends more than Shs1.7 trillion ($500 million) in the prevention of malaria-related activities. At the community level, we spend more than Shs2 trillion ($600 million). At the individual level, a family spends more than Shs39,000 on treating malaria every month,’ he reveals.

In 2023, Icel began the innovation project after realising that malaria had become a burden to the community.

‘I had participated in many malaria prevention activities, and I have realised that larviciding is key. When we kill mosquitoes at the larval stage, we break the cycle. Conventional methods such as sleeping under insecticide-treated nets and Indoor Residual Spray (IRS) have proved less effective in the fight against malaria,’ he explains.

The researcher adds that sometimes, members of the community do not embrace these methods. With IRS, one is required to cover 85 percent of the houses in a community, but sometimes those who spray cover below 60 percent, which is not effective.

There is a high chance that herbicides are more effective because they target stagnant water, not the inside of people’s homes. Icel used a herb, which his grandfather told him can kill insects.

‘I cut plastic bottles into which I placed the mosquito larvae. Then, I pounded the herbs and poured them into the plastic bottles, on top of the larvae. The larvae were dying. I realised that I could apply scientific processes to make the herbs more effective,’ he says.

At this stage, Icel received Shs300m from the government, through the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Technology. The financial boost enabled him to employ some people to help him in the development of the larvicide. Now, the larvicide is about to be enrolled in the community.

‘I always tell people that when you believe in yourself, you can do anything. People think innovation is only for educated people; however, it is for everybody, irrespective of their educational background. I have five permanent employees and 12 casual labourers. I also pay farmers Shs200,000 per month to grow the herb,’ the researcher says.

In May 2025, the Science, Technology, and Innovation Secretariat in the Office of the President (STI-OP) provided an additional Shs400m to boost his project. The larvicide, which is in powder form, has demonstrated 100 percent efficacy against Aedes, Anopheles, and Culex mosquito species, along with 95 percent residual effectiveness.

The project is aimed at the production of a sustainable organic larvicide that is effective and environmentally-friendly. The technology could be one of the most cost-effective public health investments in the country’s history, and a transformation for the broader economic trajectory of the country.

The National Drug Authority (NDA) has given the innovator a green light, but the larvicide is yet to be enrolled into the community.

Overview

Malaria is a life-threatening disease spread to humans by some types of mosquitoes. It is mostly found in tropical countries. The infection is caused by a parasite and does not spread from person to person.

Symptoms can be mild or life-threatening, such as fever, chills and headache, fatigue, confusion, seizures, and difficulty in breathing. Malaria can be prevented by avoiding mosquito bites and with medicines. Treatments can stop mild cases from getting worse. However, when left untreated, malaria can progress to severe illness and death within 24 hours.

During this rainy season, Icel’s efforts are more crucial than ever. Mosquito breeding sites are multiplying, and the risk of malaria transmission is high. The country experiences two malaria transmission types: stable, perennial malaria transmission, which exists in 90-95 percent of the country, and low, unstable transmission with potential for epidemics in five to 10 percent of the country.

In the Lango sub-region, just like other areas, transmission peaks are aligned with the two annual rainy seasons, which take place from March to May and from September to November.

Although the entire population is at risk, marginalised populations are confronted with economic, social, and contextual challenges and barriers that may limit their access to malaria prevention, treatment, and control programs.

These include vulnerable and underserved populations, such as children under five years, pregnant women, people living with HIV/Aids, people with disabilities, inmates, and people in closed/congregate settings. Others are internally displaced populations, refugees, older persons, and people affected by ethnic, geographical or cultural barriers.

How the herbicide works

But with Icel’s herbal solution, residents may find new hope in the fight against this deadly disease. One has to pour two grammes of herbicide on stagnant water. This is enough to cover a surface of one square metre. Currently, a bottle of herbicide is sold at Shs37,000.

‘After killing 100 percent of mosquito larvae on the water surface, the herbicide has 98 percent residual efficacy. This means that it will remain effective in the water for three days,’ Icel says.

The herbicide is specific to mosquitoes. Laboratory tests found that it does not affect fish, bees, microorganisms such as earthworms, human eyes, or rats.

Hamza Okello, the Private Principal Secretary to the Lango Paramount Chief, says Lango remains one of the highest transmission areas of malaria.

‘This innovation will go a long way in reducing the malaria burden in the region. I call upon the government and development partners to support such technologies that address common problems in communities,’ he says.

Icel’s method is simple yet effective and is gaining attention from the locals.

‘Since they started applying the herbicide here, the number of mosquitoes has reduced. We request the government to apply the herbicide in the entire village so that our people stop spending a lot of money on treating malaria,’ says Margaret Gira, a resident of Teokole Cell, Amuca Ward in Lira City West.

Larvicide processing plant

Meanwhile, Lira University is seeking Shs10 billion to establish a mosquito larvicide processing plant aimed at combating malaria with a mosquito larvicide.

Other ongoing research at the university includes a project aimed at reducing neonatal and maternal deaths, as well as a satellite project. Another notable initiative is the development of an app to remind people living with HIV/Aids to take their medication on time.

However, the university lacks a research laboratory to support these critical research projects.

At a glance

Cause: Malaria is caused by five parasite species, the most dangerous being Plasmodium falciparum (prevalent in Africa and the cause of most deaths) and Plasmodium vivax (dominant in most other regions).

Transmission: The parasite is primarily spread to humans through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes, which typically feed from dusk till dawn. Rare transmission can occur through blood transfusions, organ transplants, shared needles, or from mother to unborn child.

Symptoms: Initial symptoms usually appear 10-15 days after infection and include fever, headache, and chills. Without prompt treatment, especially for P. falciparum, this can progress to severe illness and death within 24 hours, with symptoms such as severe anaemia, respiratory distress, seizures, coma (cerebral malaria), and multi-organ failure.

Global Burden: The WHO African Region carries a disproportionately high share of the global malaria burden, accounting for about 94% of cases and 95% of deaths in 2023. Children under five years of age are the most vulnerable group, accounting for around 76% of all deaths in this region.

Risk Groups: In addition to young children, other high-risk groups include pregnant women, travellers from non-endemic areas, and people with HIV/AIDS.

Prevention: Effective prevention strategies focus on avoiding mosquito bites using insecticide-treated nets (ITNs), indoor residual spraying (IRS), and using insect repellents. Preventive medicines (chemoprophylaxis) are also available, especially for travellers.

Treatment: Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for recovery. The most effective treatment for P. falciparum malaria is artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT).

Vaccines: The World Health Organisation recommended the broad use of the RTS,S/AS01 malaria vaccine in 2021, and a second vaccine, R21/Matrix-M, in 2023 for children in areas with moderate to high transmission.

The government has set strict eligibility requirements for traders who lost property during the recent floods in downtown Kampala, creating fresh concerns among business owners who fear they may miss out on the promised financial support.

The destructive floods, which hit at the peak of the October rains, were worsened by ongoing construction works along the Nakivubo channel. Traders in several arcades reported extensive damage to merchandise, equipment, and stock.

To access government assistance, affected traders must meet a list of conditions, including possessing a Tax Identification Number (TIN), a valid trading licence, proof of income tax payment, and a tenancy or landlord agreement. According to preliminary assessments compiled by the Uganda National Traders Alliance (UNATA), at least 1,621 traders may have lost property during the flooding.

Mr Godfrey Katongole, the chairperson of UNATA, said this figure was submitted to the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) as the initial record of those affected. However, Mr Katongole expressed concern that the stringent requirements would lock out the vast majority of genuine victims.

‘We have registered a total of 1,621 traders who lost their properties in the flooded water downtown,’ Mr Katongole said in a telephone interview with the Daily Monitor. ‘But when we talked to some officials from KCCA, they fronted harsh conditions that might leave very few traders to benefit. Only about 30 to 50 traders may actually qualify,’ he added.

He explained that most businesses downtown operate under complex sub-tenancy arrangements. A single shop can have between five and 10 subtenants, all paying trading licence fees to one principal tenant. This arrangement, though common, means that many traders do not hold trading licences in their own names, one of the requirements the government now demands.

In response, Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) spokesperson Daniel Muhumuza Nuwabiine said the requirements being cited were not specific hurdles created for flood victims, but rather standard statutory obligations expected of every business operating in Uganda.

‘The Business Names Registration Act requires that whatever business is operating in the country must be registered with a business name,’ he said. ‘The Trade Licensing Act provides for the need for a trade licence. Under the Income Tax Act, everyone in business should have a Tax Identification Number to show that you own a business,’ he added.

He explained that the Business Names Registration Act (CAP 109) is especially relevant for traders who operate under business names different from their personal names, something many downtown traders have not formalised.

On the matter of subtenants potentially missing out on support, Mr Nuwabiine was non-committal. ‘Let’s first establish who is eligible to get taxpayer money. Once we establish who is supported, then we can proceed on the modalities of how the support will be extended,’ he said.

Kampala City Traders Association (KACITA) Chief Executive Officer Abel Mwesigye said it was impossible to estimate compensation levels without a clear assessment of individual losses.

Queries

‘With relief, someone can offer you anything they can afford. But with compensation, it has to match the original indemnity. Even with support, we have not harmonised or understood the government’s plan,’ he said. KCCA Executive Director Sharifah Buzeki said the enumeration of affected traders within the nine damaged buildings has been completed and the process has now moved into data verification.

‘We are now analysing the data. Next week we are submitting to the Ministry of Disaster,’ she said. ‘Our work was to enumerate those who were affected, compare with their colleagues within the building to verify whether they are the right people and where they were working from, and then submit the numbers, names, and pictures to the Ministry of Disaster,’ she added.

Earlier this month, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja toured the Nakivubo channel and the affected areas to assess the damage firsthand. She issued several directives, one of which required the redevelopment project proprietor, Mr Hamis Kiggundu, to create additional culvert space to ease the flow of stormwater into the main drainage channel. Speaking to the Daily Monitor at the weekend, Ms Nabbanja said a harmonisation meeting will be held tomorrow to finalise the traders’ list.

‘As you are aware, after my interaction with the traders who lost their properties downtown, on the directive of the President, we held a meeting in my office and formed a committee,’ she said. ‘I am told they have come up with a list, and KCCA is verifying it together with ISO. We are going to have a meeting on Tuesday, and we shall tell you what we are going to do next,’ she added.

The requirements

A valid Tax Identification Number (TIN).

A valid Trading Licence.

Proof of Income Tax payment.

A tenancy or landlord agreement.

Verification from fellow traders within the same building.

Presence on the official list submitted to OPM.

Prostate cancer is the leading cancer affecting men in Uganda and a major contributor to cancer-related deaths. Its burden is rising, making awareness and timely screening critical. Understanding the national and international guidelines can help men make informed decisions about their health.

Who should be screened?

Prostate cancer screening is generally not recommended for men under 40 due to its very low prevalence in this age group. Routine screening is also usually not advised for men over 70 unless the decision is made after a careful discussion with a clinician, known as shared decision-making.

The recommended age to start discussions about prostate health depends on risk factors. Average-risk men are encouraged to begin conversations with their doctors around age 45 to 50. Men at higher risk, including those of African descent or with a family history of prostate cancer, should consider starting as early as 40. Ultimately, the decision to screen is individual and should weigh potential benefits against possible harms.

How screening is done

The primary screening tool is the Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test. While a digital rectal examination (DRE) may be part of clinical evaluation, it is not recommended as a standalone population screening method. Before starting or stopping screening, shared decision-making between the clinician and patient is essential. This includes discussing potential benefits, risks, such as false positives and overdiagnosis, and the patient’s personal values and preferences.

The situation in Uganda

Studies show that prostate cancer screening in Uganda is uncommon, with many men diagnosed at advanced stages (stage III or IV). Although awareness is growing, only a small proportion of men have undergone screening. Screening uptake has been reported as low as five percent to 18.5 percent among men over 50, varying by region. Delayed presentation is common; one study found a median time of 12 months from symptom recognition to diagnosis, with nearly half of patients diagnosed at stage IV.

Barriers include low awareness, myths, such as the belief that ‘all cancers have no cure’, limited availability of services in rural areas, cost, reluctance to undergo testing, and logistical challenges within the health system.

What men can do

Men aged 40 and above, or younger men with risk factors, should discuss prostate health with their doctor, particularly if they have a family history of prostate cancer. Experts at the Uganda Cancer Institute stress that screening is ‘vital for men over 40.’

If screening is undertaken, the PSA test is the starting point. An elevated PSA may lead to further evaluation, including DRE, imaging such as transrectal ultrasound (TRUS), or referral to a specialist. It is important to understand that an elevated PSA does not automatically indicate cancer; benign conditions such as BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia) can also raise PSA. Screening can lead to false positives, over-diagnosis, and anxiety.

Men should also monitor urinary symptoms such as frequent urination, weak flow, night-time urination, or blood in urine or semen, and seek timely evaluation. Promoting awareness among friends and family and advocating for improved access to screening services, including free or low-cost testing and public education, can help reduce late-stage diagnoses.

Conclusion

Prostate cancer screening in Uganda is guided by clear recommendations, targeting men aged 40-70, using PSA testing, and shared decision-making. Despite the availability of these services, uptake remains low, and many men are diagnosed late.

Engaging with a healthcare provider, understanding personal risk, and taking timely action can lead to earlier diagnosis, better outcomes, and fewer fatalities from prostate cancer.

On October 18, 2025, SINOTRUK convened its Global Partner Conference in Qingdao, welcoming 620 partners from 97 countries and regions to discuss cooperation and chart the course for future growth.

The event featured two key segments: strategic meetings and product showcases. In the meetings, SINOTRUK reported impressive results for the January-September period, with total vehicle sales reaching 335,000 units, up 22.8% year-on-year. Heavy truck exports stood at 111,000 units, a jump of 24.5%. Emerging business lines also delivered robust growth, with significant increases in new energy vehicle sales, light truck exports, mining trucks, and aftermarket parts revenue. Traditional and emerging segments moved forward in tandem.

On service support, SINOTRUK has built an international network of over 700 service and parts outlets and more than 40 training centers, delivering professional and efficient support to customers worldwide.

Chairman Liu Zhengtao reaffirmed the company’s commitment to five transformation strategies: “Sustainability, Digital Intelligence, Service Excellence, Global Expansion, and Business Diversification.” He pledged to work closely with global partners to deliver superior products, attentive service, and cutting-edge technologies, forging new pathways for high-end growth.

Over the next five years, SINOTRUK will make internationalization the focal point of its strategy. By 2030, it aims to export 250,000 heavy trucks, 100,000 light trucks, 50,000 light vehicles, and 3,000 mining trucks, with a target of $1 billion in overseas aftermarket revenue.

The product showcase featured 24 vehicles covering a full range of applications across logistics, construction, new energy, and light-duty vehicles. In the logistics segment, highlights included the C9H tractor, the first in its class to earn EU WVTA certification, featuring advanced technologies that set new benchmarks in performance, safety, and environmental standards. In construction, dump trucks showed enhanced adaptability to various conditions, while mining trucks now range from 30 to 135 tons in diesel and pure electric versions. The new energy line-up focuses on pure electric models, complemented by hydrogen fuel, plug-in hybrid, and range-extended options. Light-duty vehicle offerings included pickups and vans. Also on display were fleet management and AI-based diagnostic systems designed to cut operating costs, boost safety, and increase fleet efficiency.

The conference honored partners with the 2025 Outstanding Service Award, Outstanding Marketing Award, and Notable Contribution Award. Each award-winning partner received a SINOTRUK pickup truck, underscoring the company’s appreciation and commitment to its top collaborators.

Looking ahead, SINOTRUK will continue to expand side-by-side with partners worldwide, delivering high-quality heavy truck solutions to more customers and opening a new chapter in global growth.

A total of seven male candidates have joined the race to unseat Ms Santa Okot who is seeking re-election for the Aruu North parliamentary seat. The number of contestants now makes Aruu North County, predominantly represented by women since its creation 10 years ago, one of the hotly contested parliamentary seats in Acholi Sub-region.

The incumbent Member of Parliament (MP) for Aruu North County in Pader District, could be facing one of the toughest races in her political career that spans close to three decades . Ms Okot was in 2021, as the directly elected legislator.

Among the seven nominated candidates for the Aruu North County MP seat are Tonny Olanya Olenge, Alex Obalo, and George Oola, all on the independent ticket, National Resistance Movement (NRM)’s Wellborn Ottober Odiya, Robert Ling Lagoro (People’s Front for Freedom , George Kibwota (Democratic Party) and Patrick Obalo (Forum for Democratic Change). Ms Okot, standing on the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) ticket, will not be facing her closest political rival, Lucy Achiro Otim, after she opted to run for the District Woman MP seat.

Ms Achiro stated in a Facebook post that she will not run for the Aruu North MP seat because ‘Uganda’s politics does need honest people”. She also described some of her opponents as young and inexperienced. ‘These are young people who should be competing for the youth parliamentary seats,’ she said. In the 2021 General Election, Ms Okot, the only MP from the PPP in the 11th Parliament, beat six other candidates including, then incumbent, Lucy Achiro Otim (Independent).

According to the Electoral Commission results, Ms Okot garnered 9,498 votes, while her closest rival, Ms Achiro came second with 8,492 votes.

Others were Julius Peter Ochen of NRM (6,413), George Williams Onyango, (Independent, 528), Bernard Onen Okeny (FDC, 495), Robert Ling Lagoro (Uganda Peoples Congress, 248) and Charles Mwaka (DP, 148). In 2006, Ms Okot was defeated by NRM’s Christine Doreen Oketayot after she attempted to retain her seat. She also lost in 2016 to Ms Catherine Lamwaka, in Omoro District Woman MP race on the Independent ticket. Ms Okot is a household name in Acholi Sub-region. She was once a member of the NRM party before switching her political camp. But now seven candidates, all males, are threatening to end her political career.

A teacher by profession, she was appointed by the elusive Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) rebel leader Joseph Kony to be part of his negotiation team at the Juba peace talks, which helped bring peace to northern Uganda. Ms Okot attended Christ the King Teachers Training College in Gulu District and later joined Shimoni Core Teachers Training College. She also attained a diploma in Education from Ngetta National Teachers College, after which she enrolled at Uganda Martyrs University, Nkozi for a bachelor’s degree in Democracy and Development Studies from 2003 to 2005.

Ms Okot has been leading the fight against environmental degradation, land rights, and youth and women empowerment in her constituency. She is one of the politicians who opposed leasing Aswa Ranch to private investors. To achieve that, Ms Okot distributed tree seedlings to young groups in Aruu North and also sought audience with President Museveni over the Aswa Ranch land dispute. Political analysts described the number of male candidates against the veteran politician as gender stereotyping. Ms Vicky Laker, noted that several voters still hold the view that women cannot make good leaders.

Ms Laker added that because of such kind of mentality, several people still doubt women’s capacity and ability to lead. However, she said Ms Okot still has an advantage over other candidates. ‘She is a very experienced leader… Political dynamics always play to the incumbent’s advantage. So, I think she still has an upper hand,’ Ms Laker said. Mr Brilliant Tito Okello agreed with Ms Laker, saying that Ms Okot has an edge over the other candidates. ‘She is working to retain her seat. So, she might beat the newcomers,’ he said.

However, he warned that other candidates might take advantage of allegations that some organisations and financial institutions used her name to scam unsuspecting members of the public. Ms Beatrice Okot, a political analyst, said Ms Okot may face a lot of questions regarding her attempts to extent her stay in Parliament. ‘There are so many unresolved issues that will give the incumbent a hard time. For instance, the Aswa Ranch land question. The numerous cases of Nodding Syndrome in her constituency. These are some of the issues that Okot will face once she returns to her constituency to hunt for votes,’ she said. By press time, none of the seven male candidates had spoken to this publication regarding this story. They told our reporter that they were either busy or did not call back.

About Aruu North

Aruu North County was split from Aruu County in 2016. The first MP was Ms Lucy Achiro Otim, formerly of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC).

Ms Santa Okot (PPP), who won in 2021, is seeking re-election for the Aruu North MP seat.

Her opponents are Tonny Olanya Olenge, Alex Obalo, and George Oola, all on the independent ticket; Wellborn Ottober Odiya, (NRM), Robert Ling Lagoro (PFF), George Kibwota (DP) and Patrick Obalo (FDC).

A tour and travel agent has been charged before the Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court with obtaining money by false pretence after allegedly defrauding a client of Shs27 million in a purported job placement deal in Canada.

On Monday, 36-year-old Faridah Nabirumbi Lubega appeared before Chief Magistrate Ronald Kayizzi, who read her the charge under Section 285 of the Penal Code Act. She denied the offence.

According to prosecution, Nabirumbi who works with a tour and travel company allegedly received the money between December 2022 and April 2024 at Karibu Restaurant in Kampala’s Central Division.

She reportedly convinced the complainant, Hassan Sseruuma, that she could process his travel documents and secure him employment abroad.

In court, Nabirumbi acknowledged knowing the complainant, stating that she had previously handled paperwork for him.

She told the magistrate that the documents indicated ‘the complainant was a Congolese who was a refugee who wanted to join the camp.’

State Attorney Grace Amy, representing the prosecution, informed the court that investigations were fully completed.

‘The inquiries are complete,’ she said.

Magistrate Kayizzi remanded Nabirumbi until November 19, when her bail application will be heard.

Prosecution alleges that on December 30, 2022, Sseruuma, accompanied by a friend identified as Moses, met Nabirumbi at Karibu Restaurant opposite Post Bank along Kampala Road.

During the meeting, Nabirumbi is said to have persuaded him to raise Shs27 million to process his travel and secure a job opportunity in Canada.

Sseruuma reportedly paid the money in installments both in cash and through mobile money using the number 0752585424, which prosecution links to Nabirumbi.

She is said to have acknowledged receiving the total amount.

However, the complainant later reported that the promised job and travel documents never materialised, prompting him to file a complaint with police.

Uganda’s Muslim titular, Prince Kassim Nakibinge Kakungulu, has urged government planners to decentralise development and invest more in rural and peri-urban areas, saying the continued concentration of major projects in Kampala is worsening congestion and deepening inequality.

Prince Nakibinge made the remarks on Monday during the launch of a new centre in Busunju, Wakiso District, designed to support children with disabilities. The facility was constructed under Kibuli Muslim Hospital.

He said Uganda’s development agenda would be more meaningful and inclusive if national planners shifted greater attention to communities outside the capital, where the need for essential services remains high.

‘Although the project partners could easily have built the centre in Kibuli where most Muslim founded institutions are situated there was a deliberate decision to establish it outside the capital to promote balanced development,’ he said.

Prince Nakibinge added that the country must ‘reduce the pressure of development in Kampala and begin moving these initiatives to places that have been left behind’ if it is to achieve equitable growth.

He applauded Hajji Dauda Kamya, who donated the land on which the centre sits, saying his generosity should encourage more Ugandans to support development efforts in their own communities.

At the event, the Chairperson of the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC), Sofia Naluke Juuko, urged parents not to discriminate against children with disabilities.

She said that with proper care and support, such children can grow into productive adults who contribute meaningfully to society.

Ms Juuko revealed that the Commission has issued guidelines requiring government ministries, agencies and departments to include provisions for persons with disabilities in their annual budgets. Institutions that fail to comply, she warned, risk having their budgets rejected.

‘This law ensures that government planning processes are inclusive and that no child or adult living with a disability is left behind,’ she said.

Dr Muhamoud Al Ghazal, representing Kibuli Muslim Hospital, said the project – funded in partnership with Baitulmaal, a U.S.-based humanitarian organisation – reflects a responsibility all Ugandans should embrace.

‘The new centre will help to address the gaps in specialised care, training and rehabilitation services for children who often struggle to access proper support,’ he said.

He also urged parents, particularly expectant mothers, to prioritise antenatal care and regular medical check-ups, warning that many childhood disabilities arise from preventable complications during pregnancy or at birth.

‘Once completed, the centre is expected to become a key model for disability inclusion, community-based rehabilitation, and equitable development outside the capital,’ he said.

Peace Lekuru returned to her best form over the weekend, but even her brilliance wasn’t enough as the Lady Cranes could only manage a third-place finish at the 2025 Rugby Africa Women’s Cup in Nairobi.

With World Rugby tweaking the tournament format, Uganda’s only route to qualify for the 2026 HSBC Division Three was by winning the competition.

A dominant 50-0 win over Burkina Faso, followed by a hard-fought 20-14 victory against Zambia, set a strong tone heading into Sunday’s knockout rounds. A 31-12 triumph over Tunisia was enough to advance but left lingering questions about the team’s structure and defensive resilience.

Those vulnerabilities were fully exposed against Kenya in a rematch of last month’s Safari Sevens final, which the Simbas had won 17-5.

The Lady Cranes started strongly, with Grace Nabagala breaking through the defense only to be halted at the line, before Peace Lekuru swooped in to finish. But Kenya responded quickly, with Freshia Oduor shrugging off Janat Nandutu’s tackle to score and later intercepting for another decisive try, taking the halftime lead 10-5.

Lekuru struck again after the break to level the scores, but Naomi Amuguni’s late-game run broke Uganda’s hearts as Kenya sealed a dramatic victory on the final play.

‘The tournament has been a good one, despite losing a crucial game in the dying minutes,’ coach Onen reflected. ‘The girls gave their all over the weekend, and the results we have reflect that effort.’

In the other semifinal, South Africa continued their dominant display with a 29-0 win over Madagascar, setting up a repeat of last year’s final against Kenya. Motivated by memories of their Los Angeles playoff defeat that had secured only a Division Two slot, the Boks were ruthless, winning 22-0 to claim a record 13th title.

Uganda, meanwhile, found solace in a 38-12 win over Madagascar to secure the bronze medal, a consolation that, while bittersweet, highlighted their growth and promise on the continental stage.

2025 RUGBY AFRICA WOMEN’S CUP

Uganda’s results

Group stage results

Uganda 50-0 Burkina Faso

Uganda 20-14 Zambia (14)

Quarterfinal: Uganda 31-12 Tunisia

Semifinal: Uganda 10-17 Kenya

Bronze: Madagascar 12-38 Uganda

The Ugandan government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening land governance and protecting vulnerable communities from unfair evictions, officials said on Monday.

Speaking at the closure of the decade-long Response to Land Policy in Uganda (RELAPU) project, State Minister for Lands, Dr Sam Mayanja, said the government’s efforts in formulating and implementing land policies and laws have reshaped the country’s development outlook.

‘By issuing a certificate of occupancy and customary ownership, we are not just producing paper, we are producing security, peace, and wealth.a certificate of occupancy in the hands of the widow is a shield to disposition,’ Dr Mayanja said.

He added that RELAPU has helped households invest, access credit, and resolve long-standing disputes, shifting focus from Mailo land to customary holdings.

‘Responsible Land Policy in Uganda has turned land security into a practical economic tool, documenting more than 111,000 households and giving communities more confidence to invest. Women can farm without fear of eviction, farmers can plan long-term, and local systems are stronger at preventing land grabbing and resolving disputes,’ he said.

Daniel Kirumira, RELAPU team leader, said the programme had issued 10,842 Certificates of Customary Ownership (CCOs), 558 Certificates of Occupancy on private Mailo land, supported 111,286 households with Land Inventory Protocols (LIP), facilitated 894 tenancy agreements in refugee-hosting areas, and resolved 82 percent of recorded land-related conflicts.

‘Since 2016, RELAPU has contributed significantly to Uganda’s land governance agenda through five major components, including institutional capacity building, digital land service delivery, customary land documentation, community sensitisation, and grievance resolution mechanisms,’ Kirumira said.

He added that the programme also strengthened secure land access in refugee-hosting districts, promoted responsible investment practices, and enhanced advisory capacities for land governance across Africa.

Officials emphasized that secure land rights are both a legal milestone and an economic foundation, unlocking access to credit, boosting productivity, and strengthening local governance.

Joseph Ssembatya, Commissioner of Land Registration at the Lands Ministry, noted that most land disputes arise from tenure systems, but decentralizing registration and strengthening zonal offices is helping curb conflicts.

The announcement follows fresh government rules on evictions, which ban all non-court-sanctioned evictions and require that any eviction occur in broad daylight and in the presence of local police, aiming to protect communities from unlawful land dispossession.