Category: Daily Monitor

At the 2025 Fifa U-17 World Cup, the Uganda Cubs are proving that heroes can emerge from any corner of the pitch. On Saturday at Qatar’s Aspire Zone, goalkeeper Edrisah Waibi turned what could have been a nervy night into a masterclass in composure as he kept the Cubs in the game against 2023 African champions Senegal.

And when it mattered most, Vipers’ Abubakar Walusimbi stepped up with a thunderous 18th-minute strike to deliver Uganda’s historic 1-0 win and secure a place in the Round of 16 against Burkina Faso.

The victory reflected a team learning from its early tournament stumbles.

Defensive lapses had haunted Uganda in pre-tournament friendlies against Paraguay, Venezuela and Panama, and briefly in Qatar, as they led Canada 1-0 only to concede twice and lose 2-1 in the opening group game.

Coach Brian Ssenyondo responded decisively by slotting Waibi into goal to steady the defence.

After conceding against Chile, Waibi quickly grew into the role, keeping Uganda secure against France and ultimately shining against Senegal.

Man-of-the-match

Waibi’s performance against Senegal was relentless. Within the first 20 minutes, he blocked a close-range strike from Victor Mendy, stretching his left foot to deflect the ball wide.

Moments later, a dangerous corner spilled into the box, leaving Senegalese forward Bakary Ssonko with an almost open goal but Waibi reacted instantly to tame the header.

Seconds after, a powerful long-range effort from Ettiene required a full-stretch dive, which Waibi executed flawlessly, keeping the scoreline in Uganda’s favour.

Each save seemed to steady the team, turning potential panic into belief. Reflecting on the display, Ssenyondo said: ‘I applaud my goalkeeper because he kept us in the game, especially those opening 35 minutes. That’s what we expect: that when everyone is beaten, we need the goalkeeper to stand big in goal, and that’s what the small man did.’

Variety

Uganda’s attacking play also showed growing maturity and variety. Walusimbi’s goal came from a fluid move that began with Arafat Nkoola intercepting a loose pass, linking with Richard Okello, who was fouled but waved for advantage.

Captain Hamuza Sengooba’s cut-back at the right wing found Walusimbi, whose thunderous shot left Senegal’s goalkeeper helpless.

With James Bogere suspended for the Round of 16, Walusimbi also proved that Uganda can now produce goals from multiple sources.

All the last three goals have come from different scorers. As the Cubs continue ageing like fine wine as they prepare for what Burkina Faso has to offer on Tuesday afternoon.

Vashon Nursery and Primary School in Buwate, Kira Municipality, Wakiso District won a prestigious international education award from Vashon Island in Seattle, Washington, US. The accolade, presented during a colourful ceremony in Seattle, recognises schools that have demonstrated innovation, inclusivity and excellence in education.

For Vashon Primary School, this global recognition crowns a decade of visionary leadership, community involvement and faith-driven learning. Representing Uganda at the ceremony were the school foundation director Mr Henry Tumwebaze, and Ms Judith Abenawe, the Principal who were honoured as visionary leaders of Vashon Primary School in Uganda. Their recognition was celebrated not only as a personal achievement but as a symbol of Uganda’s potential in advancing education standards on a global platform.

A vision rooted in excellence

Founded 10 years ago, Vashon Primary School has earned a reputation for its holistic approach to learning. Their teaching model emphasises critical thinking, creativity and moral integrity, skills increasingly essential in today’s world. Over the years the school has drawn attention for its emphasis on practical learning. Pupils participate in science projects, environmental campaigns and cultural activities designed to make education engaging and relevant to real life.

‘Our learners are trained to think independently and act responsibly,’ said principal Abenawe. ‘We want them to leave here ready to serve society with integrity and confidence.’

Innovation and digital learning

Vashon’s international award was largely driven by its commitment to innovation. Long before the Covid-19 pandemic forced schools to adopt online learning, Vashon had already begun integrating technology into classroom instruction. Today, the school operates a blended learning system that incorporates digital tools, interactive lessons and online collaboration with partner schools abroad. Pupils access educational content through tablets and smart screens, while teachers are trained to facilitate inquiry-based learning. The digital-literacy programme aims to prepare learners for a technology-driven future and align the curriculum with Uganda’s competence-based education framework. ‘We are moving towards a future where every child in our school will be able to learn, explore and communicate using modern technology,’ said Mr Tumwebaze.

Global recognition

The global award from Seattle places Vashon Primary among a small group of African schools recognised for advancing innovative education practices. Experts say the recognition will inspire other Ugandan schools to adopt models that combine creativity, faith and community engagement. Dr Sarah Nambalirwa, an education consultant, described Vashon’s success as proof that transformation is possible when schools move beyond rote learning to embrace innovation and inclusivity. The school management is now strengthening partnerships with Chautauqua Elementary School and the Rotary Club of Vashon Island US to promote cultural exchanges, teacher mentorship and virtual learning between Ugandan and American pupils.

Nurturing sustainability

Beyond academics, the school is developing a four-acre model demonstration farm where pupils learn modern farming techniques, environmental care and food-security principles. The farm supplies fresh produce to the school’s kitchen and serves as a living classroom for science lessons.

‘Education should prepare children to solve real-world problems,’ Tumwebaze explained. ‘When learners engage in farming, they develop respect for work, innovation and sustainability.’

Faith and discipline

Meanwhile during the school’s 10th-anniversary celebrations earlier this year, the Bishop of Namirembe Diocese, Rt Rev Moses Banja, led a thanksgiving service to mark the milestone. The Bishop commended the school for integrating Christian values into education and for cultivating a culture of respect, hard work and compassion among pupils.

He reminded learners that excellence must be guided by humility and faith. During the same event, Bishop Banja launched the Vashon Boys and Girls Brigade Company, a youth movement dedicated to nurturing leadership, service and discipline through structured activities.

For the school community, the Bishop’s presence was spiritual encouragement and a reminder that academic success goes hand in hand with moral uprightness.

The power of community

One of the defining features of the school story is strong community engagement. Parents, guardians and local leaders play active roles in governance, development projects and welfare initiatives. This partnership has created a learning environment built on trust and shared responsibility.

Parents often participate in open forums where they give feedback and support improvement efforts. Education experts say this collaboration strengthens accountability and motivates learners to perform better.

Future outlook

In their remarks after returning from the US, the directors expressed appreciation to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and First Lady Janet Kataaha Museveni, the Minister of Education and Sports, for policies that support private education initiatives. They also extended heartfelt thanks to the generous Vashon Island community US, led by Dr Linda Barnes, for their continued partnership. The Islanders have donated scholastic materials, desktop and laptop computers and other learning resources that have enhanced the school capacity to deliver quality education.

As the school enters its second decade, its leadership remains focused on expanding infrastructure, strengthening science and technology education and deepening community partnerships locally and internationally. ‘Our goal,’ said Principal Abenawe, ‘is to raise responsible, compassionate citizens who will serve with integrity, creativity and a sense of purpose.’

A Senior Two student of Naalya Secondary School in Lugazi, Buikwe District, has been found dead in Mukono District after missing for one week.

Merisa Aneza, 15, was reported missing by her mother, Ms Sarah Kamuganga, at Kikoni B Police Station in Wandegeya on November 6. Ms Kamuganga told this publication by phone yesterday that her daughter had returned home from school on October 28 following a one-week suspension and stayed with her for the entire duration.

The head teacher of Naalya SS, Lugazi, Ms Rita Mutaawe, when contacted yesterday requested that this publication visits the school for more details on the nature of the suspension.

The father of the deceased , Mr Martin Anogyerire, picked up Aneza from school and dropped her off at Kikoni, where the mother resides. Ms Kamuganga explained that on November 4, Aneza left for school dressed in uniform and used a motorcycle to meet her father, who was supposed to take her back to school, at his place near Bahai in Kawempe Division. Six hours later, Mr Anogyerire called Ms Kamuganga, asking why their daughter had not reached him, since he had planned to escort her back to school. Aneza never arrived, and two days later, her mother reported the matter to the police.

‘I went to Kikoni B Police Station and reported the case of missing child and left the matter before police to investigate,’ Ms Kamuganga said. She added that the next day, police detectives visited her residence and recorded statements from neighbours. ‘One of the neighbours had a camera, they retrieved the footage and it showed the daughter moving on foot but at a distance,’ she said.

On November 10, photos of the deceased circulated on social media, indicating that she had been killed and dumped in Musaale Swamp, Namulaba Village, Kyampisi Sub-county, Mukono District. Local authorities said due to the advanced state of decomposition, mortuary staff in Kayunga buried the body in a cemetery. Two days later, the parents of the missing child learnt of the body recovered in Nagalama and suspected it could be their daughter, though it remained unconfirmed.

‘I immediately went there, looked at the body and identified her as my daughter, I almost collapsed, local leaders held me up and took me to Nagalama Police Station to make another statement,’ Ms Kamuganga said. Before she got wind of the whereabouts of her daughter, witnesses reported that the body was dressed in a navy-blue student skirt labelled Nanyonga VII, suggesting the victim may have been a student. The specific school was not immediately identified then, and police engaged nearby institutions to establish whether they had any missing learners.

Police investigating matter

The Kampala Metropolitan Police Deputy Spokesperson, Mr Luke Owoyesigyire, said police are investigating two separate incidents, both being handled at the Kampala Metropolitan East regional headquarters. ‘The first is a case of a missing juvenile reported at Wandegeya Police Station on November 6, 2025, in which Sarah Kamuganga reported the disappearance of her daughter, Aneza Merisa. The second incident, under investigation at Nagalama Police Station, involves the recovery of a decomposing body from Musaale Swamp in Namulaba Village, Kyampisi Sub-county, on November 10, 2025,’ he said.

Mr Owoyesigyire added that although some people claiming to be the parents of the deceased have identified her, police have not yet handed over the body to the alleged family, as DNA testing is required to confirm the identity. ‘As part of the ongoing investigations, police have applied for a court order to guide the exhumation of the body. Samples will be extracted for DNA analysis to determine whether the remains are those of the missing child, Aneza Merisa,’ he said.

Fellow Ugandans,

In a previous column, I argued that Uganda’s transformation privileges science at the expense of the humanities. Nowhere is this clearer than in the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as we head toward the 2026 elections. AI is reshaping political life globally. In China, it monitors citizens through facial recognition. In the United States, it micro-targets voters. Across Africa, governments are experimenting with AI-driven policing, while activists quietly explore its power to organise. Uganda is no exception.

On the surface, AI promises efficiency. Electoral rolls can be digitised, results tallied faster, and voting secured. If governed well, AI might strengthen transparency. But the same tools can be turned inward against citizens. Algorithms can scan social media for ‘subversive’ content, track activists, and predict protests.

AI does not just watch dissent; it anticipates it. Protests could be disrupted before they begin, leaders profiled before they speak. Ironically, AI can also serve the opposite purpose. It can map safe routes for protesters, generate slogans, and spread messages faster than any organiser. Imagine citizens receiving real-time alerts on police movements or encrypted AI-generated strategies to outmanoeuvre surveillance. AI is not just a tool of control; it may also amplify resistance.

This duality reveals the deeper challenge. AI is not inherently good or bad; its meaning depends on who controls it.

For Uganda, the danger lies in mistaking technological efficiency for political transformation. A society can be perfectly efficient and perfectly authoritarian at the same time. Here, the sidelining of social sciences becomes dangerous. Scientists may build algorithms, but only philosophers, ethicists, and historians can ask the deeper questions: What happens to freedom of assembly when protests can be predicted? Who owns citizens’ data, and who profits from it?

As 2026 approaches, Uganda’s political transformation will not be shaped only by rallies and manifestos but also by invisible codes running beneath them.

If left solely to governments, AI may harden control. If seized thoughtfully by citizens, it could expand freedom. The real transformation is whether Ugandans choose to treat AI as a platform for fear – or for hope.

Even after beating Amus College 2-1 at home in their Finance Trust Bank Fufa Women Super League (FTBFWSL) meeting on Saturday, Kawempe Muslim were distraught for conceding a late goal.

Those are the standards they have set in a bid to claim the title. Prior to this match, the side had kept three clean sheets in a row and had conceded just three goals.

But after going down to Jazira Amiya’s own goal – a deflection off Agnes Nabukenya’s freekick, Amus reacted by going direct with long balls to their striker Shayline Opisa.

Kawempe defended resolutely and even doubled their lead after Samalie Nakacwa cleared a corner kick for Dorcus Kisakye to go on a run.

Kisakye combined with Shadia Nabirye, Latifah Nakasi, Krusum Namutebi, and Nabukenya in a sweeping team move that ended with the latter making it 2-0 in the 79th minute.

But Amus again reacted by pushing another body upfront. A freekick that both teams thought should have gone their way saw Amus win a corner that Dorine Aujat converted after a clearance by Kawempe keeper Saidah Namwanje.

“Amus played with intent but ceded the midfield to us and that allowed us to control most of the game,” Kawempe assistant coach Moses Nkata, said.

“It is unfortunate that we conceded in the end because I thought we also defended well until that freekick that should actually have been awarded to us,” Nkata added as they moved to 19 points in seven matches.

Despite the presence of his boss Hon. Patrick Opolot Isiagi, Amus coach Frank ‘Video’ Anyau sat about five metres behind his bench and communicated to his assistant Moses Ssekasana through a member of their technical team.

“I am not feeling well currently and you can see that I am not lively as I am known to be.

“But matches between Kawempe and Amus are always tight like this and are either decided by goal or end in draws. Today, they were tactically smarter but we are waiting for them at our home,” Anyau said, referencing their 1-all draws in the league last season and the 1-0 win over Kawempe in the Fufa Women Cup win at the end of the 2014/15 season.

Kobusobozi firing

Elsewhere on Saturday, Makerere University held She Corporate to a 0-0 draw at home while St. Noa Girls Zana beat Olila High School 2-0 away in Soroti and Lady Doves got their first win of the season at home to Asubo Ladies.

Two first half goals by Resty Kobusobozi kept Doves in control and took last season’s top scorer to five goals this term. Doves added another in stoppage time through Docus Kwikiriza but Bridget Nabayaza ensured a dramatic end by pulling one back for Asubo eight minutes into stoppage time.

The 3-1 winner Doves now have six points like Makerere while She Corporate are 3rd, five points behind Kawempe. St. Noa’s first clean sheet of the season propelled Tonny Mawejje’s team to 4th level on nine points with Amus.

On Sunday, two first half goals from Catherine Nagadya gave Kampala Queens a 2-0 win over Uganda Martyrs Lubaga. The win keeps KQ just two points behind Kawempe.

FTBFWSL RESULTS

Kawempe Muslim 2-1 Amus College

Makerere University 0-0 She Corporate

Lady Doves 3-1 Asubo Ladies

Olila HS 0-2 St. Noa Girls

Kampala Queens 2-0 Uganda Martyrs

African health leaders have issued a strong call for countries on the continent to reduce their heavy reliance on foreign nations for medicines, diagnostics, and other essential health products. They warned that without building local capacity, Africa will remain vulnerable to global health shocks and unable to respond effectively to its own public health needs.

At the inaugural African Health Summit, held in Uganda, leaders from across the continent raised concerns over insufficient health budget allocations and called for urgent reforms in health financing. Speaking at the Kololo summit on Friday last week, Mr Amason Jeffah Kingi, the speaker of the Kenyan Senate and the event’s chief guest, stressed that health security is now inseparable from national sovereignty.

He cautioned that Africa risks losing jobs, capital, and strategic influence whenever it depends on imported medicines that could instead be produced regionally.

‘In South Africa, the expansion of vaccine manufacturing capacity marks a critical step towards reducing Africans’ dependence on external vaccine supply chains,’ Mr Kingi said. ‘Here in Uganda, globally recognised models of HIV self-testing and community-based treatment access continue to bring dignity, accessibility, and innovation into public health systems,’ he said.

He added: ‘These advancements affirm one truth: when African leadership, investment, and innovation align, transformation follows. Across the continent, we are witnessing the spirit of Agenda 2063-the Africa we want.’ For decades, many African countries have heavily depended on international organisations and foreign funding to tackle pressing health challenges, including infectious diseases, maternal health crises, and emerging public health threats.

The summit aimed to shift this paradigm by emphasising local capacity building, fostering innovation, and promoting regional collaboration. Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa warned against the ‘dependency syndrome’ and called for reciprocal partnerships across the continent. Citing World Health Organisation figures, he noted that Africa recorded about 247 million malaria cases in 2023, about 94 percent of the global total.

‘The biggest challenge we are facing as a continent is tackling critical issues in a fragmented manner. We are playing safe within our very small and narrow zones, which is very unfortunate,’ Mr Tayebwa said. He added: ‘How do we tackle such issues to ensure they don’t happen again? Just one war in Europe forced that continent to redesign its budgets and reprioritise. It’s no longer about the health sector alone; first, they secure their borders. How do we secure ours?’

The Kampala summit attracted more than 450 participants, including ministers, policymakers, private sector representatives, researchers, development partners, global health influencers, academics, and civil society leaders from 10 African countries and beyond. Mr Tayebwa questioned why African nations continue to import medicine and diagnostic kits despite the presence of capable innovators on the continent. ‘Africa spends an estimated $14 billion every year importing medicine and kits from abroad; If that money stayed in Africa, banks and governments could reinvest it. Even big pharmaceutical companies would start producing in Africa,’ he said.

Mr Tayebwa said some multinational pharmaceutical companies operate several plants worldwide, but none in Africa. The Minister of Health, Dr Jane Ruth Aceng, highlighted that Africa bears 25 percent of the global disease burden while importing 95 percent of its medicine and diagnostics, contributing only 3 percent to global pharmaceutical production. ‘This imbalance is unsustainable. Health is an investment. It is an investment in productivity, peace, and prosperity. As the African Development Bank reminds us, every $1 invested in health yields $4 in economic returns. The time has come to redefine health as a pillar of economic growth and not as a social afterthought,’ Dr Aceng said.

She said most African countries spend less than 5 percent of GDP on health, far below the 15 percent target set in the Abuja Declaration. Meanwhile, external assistance for health has declined by 70 percent since 2021. ‘No country can achieve health sovereignty alone; we need to share technologies, harmonise regulations, and speak with one voice,’ she said.

Dr Abdourahmane Diallo, the director of programme management, underscored the importance of research and innovation to inform policy making, secure funding for universal health coverage, and promote health security. ‘Let us see this summit conclude with action commitments. Let us affirm our promise to embed self-care and community empowerment into our national strategies,’ he said.

Insurance sector players are increasingly embracing innovation to meet the evolving needs and preferences of customers. In this drive toward digitisation, Excel Insurance, in partnership with Service Cops, has unveiled the Excel WhatsApp Bot, a digital innovation designed to make insurance services faster, simpler and more accessible starting with motor third-party insurance.

With this new service, customers can purchase insurance via WhatsApp, pay instantly through mobile money, and receive their documentation immediately. The platform eliminates paperwork, long queues and delays, while offering full customer support.

The initiative underscores the industry’s growing commitment to enhancing digital services and improving customer experience.

Mr Steven Kaddumukasa, Manager Inspection at the Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA), said the digital WhatsApp-based platform will greatly ease access to motor third-party insurance as Uganda transitions to digital stickers.

Speaking during the media launch in Kampala today, he emphasised the need for more innovations that make insurance products accessible and convenient.

‘In October this year, we switched to digital stickers. As a regulator, we want to applaud Excel Insurance for taking this bold step to develop this solution. We are confident it will eliminate the fake stickers that have been on the rise,’ Kaddumukasa said.

He added that IRA and other government agencies are aligned with the shift to digital services, noting that traffic police have already been trained and equipped with the necessary tools.

‘The move to digital stickers is mainly to eliminate the longstanding problem of counterfeits. All government agencies, including police, appreciate this direction. While the law requires display, digital stickers offer added safety. A person may display a fake sticker unknowingly, and when a loss occurs, their claim goes unpaid. Digitalisation is the way forward,’ he said.

The rollout initially focuses on motor third-party insurance, with plans to extend the platform to other product categories.

Mr Paul Muwanga, managing director of Excel Insurance, said the solution was created to address the growing demand for digital convenience.

‘In partnership with Service Cops, we have launched a WhatsApp Bot that enables people to buy insurance from the comfort of their homes,’ Muwanga said.

‘Imagine being in traffic and realising your third-party insurance has expired-and within seconds, you can buy a valid sticker on WhatsApp before reaching a checkpoint. That’s how easy it is.’

He stressed that while the platform offers unmatched convenience, traditional channels will remain for customers who do not own smartphones.

‘We recognise that not everyone has access to smartphones, so we will continue supporting traditional methods as people gradually adapt,’ he added.

According to the Ministry of Works and Transport’s 2024 report, Uganda has an estimated 2,185,203 motorists, yet only about 600,000 are insured under Motor Third-Party (MTP). By simplifying access, the Excel WhatsApp

Bot bridges the gap between technology and protection, empowering motorists to get insured anytime, anywhere.

Mr Mathias Kamugasho, Managing Director of Service Cops, said the partnership demonstrates how fintech can expand access to essential services.

‘Our collaboration shows how fintech can empower digital access to insurance. We are proud to be part of a solution that enhances convenience and trust for every Ugandan customer,’ he said.

Uganda’s Fisheries Protection Unit (FPU) has vowed to maintain its crackdown on illegal fishing despite rising political pressure ahead of the 2026 general elections, warning that enforcement will not be relaxed to appease vote-seeking politicians.

As campaigns intensify, several politicians representing fishing communities have openly criticised the Unit, accusing it of mistreating fishermen and promising to withdraw it from lakes if elected.

But the FPU insists its mandate is non-negotiable and directed solely by President Museveni.

Speaking to Daily Monitoron Sunday, Lt Lauben Ndifula, the FPU spokesperson, said the Unit operates strictly under a presidential command structure.

‘The leadership and command of the Fisheries Protection Unit come from the President, who is the ultimate decision-maker in our operations. No politician or individual has the power to alter or interfere with our mandate,’ Lt Ndifula said.

He warned that the use of illegal nets, including fishing around breeding areas and smuggling immature fish, continues to endanger Uganda’s aquatic resources.

‘Our enforcement will continue hand-in-hand with sensitization campaigns to protect the fishing industry and secure livelihoods for every Ugandan to benefit from the fishing industry,’ Lt Ndifula said.

He added: ‘We cannot relax operations because politics has taken center stage. Our duty is to protect the nation’s resources, not to serve political interests.’

Another FPU officer cautioned that ‘yielding to political pressure risks undoing years of progress and undermines public trust.’

The statements follow last month’s stakeholders’ meeting at Bwondha Landing Site in Mayuge District, bringing together fishermen, local leaders and FPU officials from Sector One, which covers Jinja, Buikwe, Buvuma, Namayingo, Buyende and parts of Kalangala.

At the meeting, NRM LC5 flag bearer Mr David Zijja urged the FPU to ease enforcement during the election season and allow silverfish (mukene) fishers to use banned nets – a proposal conservationists condemned. Mr Zijja argued that the ruling party could only ‘woo the fishing community to vote for the NRM’ if punishments were relaxed.

Bwondha LCI chairperson Mr Shafik Kisulumozo pressed government to empower fishermen with the Shs1b allocated annually for fishing communities, saying it should be accessed without conditions.

Some FPU members, speaking on condition of anonymity, admitted they are caught between political interference and their duty to protect marine resources.

At the event, 3rd Deputy Prime Minister Ms Lukia Naisanga Nakadama praised the FPU, saying: ‘There has always been good working relations between the fishermen’s leadership and the FPU. What is needed is mutual respect and adherence to the laws.’

FPU Commander Lt Col Mercy Tukahirwa acknowledged the political-season pressure and ordered the return of confiscated engines, motorcycles and fishing gear once owners comply with the law.

Fishermen leaders, including Mr Magidu Mukuffe and Mr Sadam Olwita, called for alternative livelihoods and better infrastructure to reduce dependency on fishing.

President Museveni, the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) presidential candidate ahead of the 2026 elections, has urged Ugandan youth to avoid wasting time on European football and instead focus on productive activities that advance national and regional development.

Speaking to journalists at Mbale State Lodge after concluding his Bukedi region campaigns, Museveni emphasized the strategic importance of East African Community (EAC) integration for Uganda’s economic future.

‘Where will you sell what you produce? If you think the internal market of Uganda is enough, why would the Chinese, who have a market of 1.4 billion, be looking for markets here?’ he said on Friday.

The president criticized youth preoccupations with football, noting that many jobless young people spend hours betting on sports, sometimes with fatal consequences.

‘.It’s really amazing when I see you fellows, young people, politicians, intellectuals, what are you intellectualizing about? You are not dealing with your future,’ he said.

Museveni highlighted the structural imbalance in Uganda’s economy, citing dairy production as an example.

The country, where more than half of its 46 million population is under 30, produces around 5.3 billion liters of milk annually, yet domestic consumption is just 800 million liters.

‘We have a surplus of four billion liters. Sometimes Kenya buys, sometimes it doesn’t, and then we go to Algeria. And it is the same issue with sugar, maize, cement,’ he said.

He outlined the seven pillars of the NRM manifesto for the next five years as peace, development, wealth creation, job creation, expanding services, expanding markets, and political federation of East Africa.

The Ugandan leader said market expansion and regional political federation are crucial for long-term growth.

‘If you have studied European history, you would have known how Germany and Italy united. What was moving them was the issue of the market,’ Museveni said, adding: ‘A modern economy cannot grow without a market.’

The president called for intensified efforts toward the East African political federation, arguing that a united region would possess the defense, technological, and economic capacity to compete globally.

‘East Africa can have a strong capacity, go to the moon, send a satellite, and ask the Americans: what are you doing here? The moon is a common property,’ he said, adding humorously.

Museveni also warned that ideological alignment, not personal ambition, should guide political competition.

‘Conflicts arise when people prioritize positions over principles. If we all believe in the same thing, why fight each other?’

On public service salaries, the president defended the government’s focus on strategic infrastructure projects, arguing they create jobs and long-term economic opportunities.

‘We prioritized infrastructure over salaries because infrastructure creates opportunities for more jobs,’ he said, while assuring that salary enhancements remain on the agenda.

Seeking to extend his rule beyond 40 years, Museveni is one of eight candidates contesting in Uganda’s presidential election on January 15, 2026.

In just one year, Uganda’s bold decision to grant UNOC exclusive fuel importation rights has reshaped the country’s energy landscape. Since assuming the mandate in July 2024, UNOC has delivered results that many thought were impossible in such a short period.

Behind this success lies a combination of political will, strategic partnerships, disciplined execution, and a team determined to prove that a national oil company can operate with efficiency.

In this interview, UNOC chief executive officer Proscovia Nabbanja breaks down how the sole importation model has lowered prices, stabilised supply, overcome regional hurdles, and set the stage for future expansion into products like liquefied petroleum gas.

Since UNOC began sole importation in July 2024, it has supplied over 3.6 billion litres of fuel and generated about $150m. How have you been able to achieve this efficiency so quickly?

It is the result of coordinated government backing, strategic partnerships, and disciplined execution.

The transition was supported at the highest political levels, with consistent involvement from the Presidency, ministries of Energy, Finance, Parliament, and the Attorney General.

We also carried out deliberate stakeholder engagements with authorities in Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania, ensuring that the policy change was understood and accepted before implementation.

The partnership with Vitol Bahrain has been pivotal, as Vitol supplies UNOC with the required monthly fuel volumes on credit, without the need for letters of credit or guarantees.

Internally, UNOC’s workforce has operated with exceptional commitment, often working long hours to ensure an uninterrupted supply.

This operational reliability is underpinned by strict compliance with supply agreements, adherence to regulatory standards, and a strong risk-management framework.

Fuel prices have been relatively stable compared to recent years. What has changed?

We have eliminated pricing distortions. All oil marketing companies now receive fuel at a uniform wholesale price, a major departure from the previous system of inconsistent and discriminatory pricing.

By eliminating middlemen, removing the need for costly letters of credit, and securing fuel on competitive terms, the supply chain became more efficient.

This stabilised monthly deliveries, reduced speculative pricing, and allowed oil marketing companies to buy fuel at uniform, transparent rates.

Additionally, our margins are modest compared to what middlemen previously charged, and the pricing structure has no hidden charges.

In the past, oil marketing companies would receive unexpected demurrage or after-delivery invoices. Today, UNOC provides a single, final price that does not change.

This certainty has allowed oil marketing companies to offer more competitive pump prices, benefiting motorists across the country.

There had been some resistance, criticism, and fear of creating a monopoly in the form of UNOC’s sole fuel importation role. What could have caused this?

I think initially, many people did not understand our mandate. We were assigned the role of sole importer of petroleum products. Perhaps many people thought we were trying to replace the in-country distribution, which is handled by oil marketing companies.

But over time, our role has been understood. This clarity has helped in easing operational planning.

How were you able to build technical and financial capacity in such a short period?

We were not starting from zero; we had been importing large volumes since 2020 and were already negotiating financial and operational arrangements for scaling up, including discussions on procuring our own vessels.

There were challenges with Kenya regarding pipeline access and importation licences. How did you manage and what lessons emerged?

The challenges in Kenya required a combination of careful planning, diplomatic engagement, and presidential involvement.

Government had communicated its policy shift to Kenya and Tanzania, backed by extensive government-to-government discussions before implementation began.

Operations commenced only after UNOC had fulfilled every regulatory requirement, including securing the appropriate licences. It was tough, but we managed to navigate.

The challenges, however, offered us broader lessons, which have strengthened and enabled us to ensure that we have equitable access to fuel infrastructure.

The model seems to be working for fuel. Do you have plans to replicate it on other products?

Our immediate focus remains on completing ongoing flagship projects that will strengthen our financial independence and long-term sustainability.

However, we plan to begin supplying liquefied petroleum gas as a way of building buffer-stock infrastructure to safeguard against supply disruptions.

Of course, this is just a plan still on paper, but when it is finally implemented, it will draw lessons from the fuel deal between UNOC and Vitol.