Category: Daily Monitor

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.

The Ministry of Health announced at the weekend that it has launched investigations into controversies surrounding the death of Greenhill Academy pupil Augustine Kizito Ssemakula, who passed away at TMR International Hospital in Kampala on November 13. The move followed viral social media posts and online reports alleging a Shs150m hospital bill and the withholding of the body, claims the hospital has since denied.

‘Our responsible teams are currently investigating this matter to gather facts. But for now, no one has filed a formal complaint,’ Mr Emmanuel Ainebyoona, the Health ministry’s spokesperson, told the Daily Monitor at the weekend. Ssemakula was taken to TMR after reportedly falling from a second-floor balcony at Greenhill Academy Buwaate Campus on October 22, sustaining severe injuries that required ICU admission. The campus head teacher, Mr Benon Lubwama, contacted yesterday to explain the cause of the fall, said he was attending the burial and could not comment. The body was laid to rest yesterday in Mukono, according to A-plus Funeral Management.

The child’s parents are Mr Kenneth Nsubuga, the deputy legal advisor to the Democratic Party, and Ms Elizabeth Namakula, also a lawyer. At a vigil in Najjera, Kira Municipality, on November 14, Mr Nsubuga described the incident as an accident. ‘I tried to go to Greenhill to see where the accident happened, but I failed. I have not returned to Greenhill to ask for an explanation, but when they gave the height, no one could survive,’ Mr Nsubuga was quoted as saying. He also stated that he has no plans to sue. ‘Stop using the name of our son to fight Greenhill and the hospital. We shall not sue anyone. I would rather invest that time in consoling my wife,’ he said.

Mr Nsubuga added: ‘The late Augustine spent three weeks in the ICU. I have not cried for my boy; I last cried when my boy was in the hospital, but I know I will cry when the right time comes. This is a lesson on how a parent should behave towards a child and how the child should behave towards the parent.’ Social media users alleged that TMR refused to release the body until the bill was paid, but the hospital denied this. ‘TMR International Hospital is aware of the circulating claims regarding the circumstances of the care provided to the late Augustine and the hospital’s interaction with his family. We categorically refute these allegations,’ the management said in a November 15 statement.

The hospital dismissed the Shs150m bill but did not disclose the actual amount. It also denied withholding the body, rejecting media reports that had cited unnamed family sources. ‘We extend our condolences to the family. Augustine’s passing is a profound loss, and despite the tireless efforts of our medical team and the full spectrum of interventions provided, we were unable to save his life. Throughout his admission, the family received full clinical guidance and administrative support…,’ the facility said.

It added: ‘After his demise, the body was never withheld by TMR International Hospital. At no point did the hospital delay, deny or place conditions on the release of the body. Any allegations suggesting otherwise are entirely unfounded.”

In defence of the hospital

The Uganda Healthcare Federation (UHF), of which TMR is a member, backed the hospital. The Executive Director of UHF, Ms Grace Ssali Kiwanuka, praised the ‘exemplary care’ at TMR and explained the costs. ‘TMR International Hospital is a member of the federation, and upon receiving these allegations, we immediately engaged the facility to understand the finer details that may not be visible in the public domain. We extend our condolences to the family. Their pain at this loss is unimaginable,’ she said.

Ms Kiwanuka said the child’s injuries required multiple surgeries, specialised teams, round-the-clock care, extensive medications, and imported inputs.

‘This naturally increases the cost of care. The cost of Shs150m for 21 days in ICU sounds alarming; however, we have been informed that the total bill for this patient was significantly lower than the Shs150m being quoted online,’ she said.

Ms Kiwanuka added: ‘It is also important to keep in mind that ICU care in a private hospital typically ranges between Shs4 to 6m per day, depending on the complexity of the case. For context, during the Covid-19 pandemic, the Government of Uganda estimated an average cost of Shs3.2m per day for a single-condition ICU patient in a national referral hospital, an institution that benefits from economies of scale and subsidised resources.”

She explained that private hospitals lack subsidies and must procure specialised inputs, which drives up costs for complex cases.

Dr Daniel Kyabayinze, the director of Public Health at the Health ministry, said in a recent interview that government discussions are ongoing to regulate private facility charges.

Withholding bodies

Prof Joel Okullo, the head of the Uganda Medical and Dental Practitioners Council, said it is against medical ethics for hospitals to withhold the body of a deceased patient over unpaid bills.

‘We have told the private hospitals that it is unethical for them to retain patients or bodies because of non-payment. They should work out a formula that one can use to pay without necessarily having to retain any patient or dead body,’ he told this newspaper earlier.

If you are a fan of Namuwongo Blazers, there is every reason that you are still celebrating knocking City Oilers off a perch they owned for 10 completed National Basketball League seasons.

Call yourself a champion every day. It is worth it. Beating City Oilers in four straight games for a 4-2 final series victory was worth every decibel at the Lugogo Indoor Arena.

However, the team and players must have moved on by now. They ought to. There is bigger fish to fry in trying to get to Africa’s premier competition – the Basketball Africa League (BAL).

The BAL is the premier men’s basketball competition in Africa founded in 2019 by the NBA and Fiba. It attracts 12 teams from different countries and only City Oilers has represented Uganda thus far.

Predictably, City Oilers are the only Ugandan side to have played at this stage – having played in the Road to BAL four times, qualifying in 2023 and 2024.

This has always been the goal, the dream, and the ultimate. In fact, while unveiling one of their sponsors, Britam Insurance, on March 4, 2024, the club president George Nkya reminded us of that ambition.

‘Our ambitions are set quite high. I said this last year when we were beginning the league that our goal has been BAL and we have chosen our partners very carefully,’Nkya told the media.

Boxes have been ticked since then and Blazers are in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, for the Road To BAL East Division Elite 16 tournament at the Moi International Sports Center in Kasarani from Tuesday to Sunday.

To match the occasion, the Blazers have beefed up their roster from the zonal qualifiers. Point guard Jovan Mooring has joined having played for South African side Made By Ball last season.

Senegalese center Mohammed Sidy Djitte is also in alongside wing Jaycson BeReal. The top two teams from the tournament in Nairobi will qualify for the BAL finals in Kigali, Rwanda.

Hosts Nairobi City Thunder will start as favourites while the second slot could be a tossup.

Road to BAL – Elite 16

Fixtures

Tuesday: Blazers vs. Nairobi, 6pm

Tomorrow: J. Giants vs. Blazers, 6pm

Sugarcane farmers in Busoga Sub-region are divided over the composition of the newly inaugurated Uganda Sugar Industry Stakeholders Council.

The Sugarcane (Amendment) Bill, 2023, passed on April 15, 2025, establishes a Sugar Industry Stakeholders Council for self-regulation.

President Museveni signed the Bill into law on May 30, 2025 after consultations on contentious issues.

The 10-member council comprises four representatives from sugarcane-growing areas, three from sugar millers, and three from relevant government ministries (Finance, Agriculture, and Trade).

The council is headed by Mr Rajbir Singh Rai as its Chairperson. The out grower representatives include Mr. Robert Atugonza, Ms. Elizabeth Mbeiza, Ms. Santa Joyce Laker, and Mr. Isa Budhugo.

The miller representatives are Mr. Mayur Muljibhai Madhvani, Mr. Milan Dobaria Vithalbhai, and Mr. Ashish Monpara. Government representatives include Dr. Swidiq Mugerwa from Agriculture, Mr. Ramathan Ggoobi from Finance Ministry, and Ms. Lynette B. Bagonza from Trade Ministry, where serves as Secretary.

Cabinet approved the appointment of the council’s 10 members on October 6, 2025, with an official tenure of two years.

On October 23, the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives officially inaugurated the council to strengthen governance, enhance productivity, and regulate Uganda’s sugar sector.

The council’s mandate includes licensing and expansion oversight, developing a sugar industry master plan, promoting fair pricing mechanisms, market optimization, dispute resolution, and adopting innovative technologies.

However, a section of farmers from Busoga sub region have opposed the council’s composition.

Mr David Christopher Mwombe, chairperson of Busoga Sugarcane Growers Association (BSGA), said they were very happy with the existence of the regulatory body because it was the only sector which was not regulated but unsatisfied with its composition.

‘Some representatives on the sugar council are not genuine. They are not representing any farmer in Busoga. A single mother can’t discuss issues affecting women in marriage when she’s divorced herself,” Mr Mombwe said.

Mr Mombwe singled out Mr Atugonza , the Chairperson of Masindi Sugarcane Out growers Association Limited as the only genuine representative of the farmers on the Sugar Council.

He alleged that the Busoga representatives’ election was marred by irregularities, with participants from outside Busoga allegedly influencing the outcome, rendering the process unfair.

“Most of the voters who participated in the election of representatives from Busoga were not genuine voters because they were picked from districts of Kayunga, Mukono and Atiak. How can farmers from different areas vote for Busoga?” he asked.

According to him, Mr Budhugo was declared winner as representative for Busoga because they considered majority votes, yet most were not genuine votes.

‘Since the farmers’ representatives aren’t genuine farmers, we’re underrepresented on the council, struggling to advocate for farmers’ interest,” he said.

On September, 25 the First Deputy Prime Minister, Ms Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga intervened in the issue of who represents Busoga on the Council to ensure fair representation but farmers failed to agree.

The farmers representatives were picked from four major sugarcane growing areas including North, Busoga, Buganda and Bunyoro sub region.

“Those who lost the election should not put pressure on others. In elections, there are losers and winners. There was no way the farmers could elect Mr Mombwe, who led Kakira Sugarcane Out-growers, when Mr Mayur (Managing Director Kakira Sugar Ltd) was also elected to the Council. They are the ones who betrayed me first – that’s politics. If you fail, accept the defeat,” said Mr Budhugo, the chairperson of the National Sugarcane Growers Association.

While speaking to sugarcane farmers in Jinja over the weekend , Mr Kirunda Faruk, the deputy presidential press secretary, said he is planning to discuss the issue with President Museveni, who is currently in the Sub-region on his campaign trail.

“I’m aware of the issue and plan to discuss it with President Museveni to address concerns. I’ll arrange a meeting with the farmers’ chairperson and council representatives to find solutions,” he said.

Mr. Kirunda revealed that there’s a plan to make changes in the council if the current one has some loopholes.

“The council was established to solve farmers’ problems, and if it’s not serving its purpose, we’ll reassess and make necessary changes,” he said.

In Buganda, the situation is the same; a section of farmers wanted Mr. Julius Katerevu, Chairman of Greater Mukono Sugarcane Growers Cooperative Society Ltd, but Ms. Elizabeth Mbeiza, the Human Resource Officer attached to Victoria Sugar Factory Limited, was elected to represent farmers.

‘It’s true that I work with Victoria Sugar but I am also a sugarcane farmer, which qualifies me to serve on the sugar council,” she said.