Category: Daily Monitor

The mathematics has never been simpler to Kataka but the weight of it has never been heavier. The Mbale City giants go into the final day of the 2025/26 FUFA Big League occupying the last of the four promotion slots and need only to protect what is already theirs.

A win at Soltilo Bright Stars in Bugolobi can end their twenty-five years of chasing for topflight in one afternoon. Lose, and Paidha Black Angels who are a point behind on 47, will be waiting to walk through the door Kataka left open.

The season has been a grind as the Godfrey ‘Toldo’ Awachango’s side slipped out of the top four in the middle stretch of the campaign, forcing their supporters through weeks of familiar anxiety before rallying to climb back.

Their 2-0 win over already promoted Kigezi Homeboyz in their final game in Mbale carried them into the final day with momentum. And they arrive in form and ready but they have been here before to be cautious enough.

What 2022 left behind

In the 2021/22 season, Kataka went into the final match day leading the Big League table but left it in fourth, outside the promotion places following a painful 3-2 defeat to Kyetume in Mbale that left them stranded by a single point. They had only needed to avoid a loss.

The aftermath made it worse as the violence that followed forced Fufa to dock Kataka two points and two goals, a punishment that landed before a ball was kicked in 2022/23. The Mbale side have carried the scars and the memory into every campaign that followed.

Awachango has spoken plainly about what that afternoon cost them and what it gave them. That pain, properly processed, became the foundation of everything Kataka have built since but this weekend is the test of whether it was enough.

A wounded host

The fixture is not kind as Kataka travel to a Bright Stars side that is fighting for their lives just as hard. Bright Stars spent twelve consecutive seasons in Uganda Premier League before being relegated for the first time in May 2025.

They came into the Big League as a former Premier League club adjusting to a new reality but they have not adjusted comfortably.

Sitting 14th on 32 points going into the final day, Bright Stars are not yet safe from a second successive drop. A win over Kataka could keep them in the Big League depending on results elsewhere.

There is no lesser motivation than survival and a side fighting for its life is precisely the kind of opponent that has broken Kataka before.

Elsewhere, Blacks Power lead on 54 points, three ahead of Kigezi Homeboyz, will be crowned champions if they avoid a loss at home to

Ntugasaze are third on 50 but their superior head-to-head record over fifth-placed Paidha mean they have earned maiden promotion as well. Paidha face Nebbi Central in a tough derby that has already rolled on social media. They know that a win and a Kataka slip puts them up instead.

Awachango’s players will know the scores elsewhere but their main job is to make those scores irrelevant.

FUFA BIG LEAGUE

Fixtures

Bunyaruguru United vs. Kaaro Karungi

Nebbi Central vs. Paidha Black Angels

Kiyinda Boys vs. Ntugasaze

Onduparaka vs. Blacks Power

Kigezi Homeboyz vs. Catda

Soltilo Bright Stars vs. Kataka

Young Elephant Academy vs. Wakiso Giants

Mbale Heroes vs. Iganga United

A Makerere University student has developed a disposable female urination device designed to enable women to urinate while standing, a solution he says could help reduce exposure to unhygienic public toilets.

David Kaleebu, the innovator behind the product dubbed Pee-Gal, said the idea was inspired by challenges faced by women, particularly elderly women who find it difficult to squat when using toilets.

‘You realize that most old women cannot squat to urinate and many young women today complain about urinary tract infections because they have to use public toilets which sometimes are not clean. These days women have to work unlike the past when they were at home,’ he said.

Kaleebu explained that the device is a disposable paper funnel that allows women to urinate while standing instead of squatting. The flexible paper material is placed over the genital area to direct urine and minimise contact with toilet surfaces.

A packet contains 15 disposable funnels together with a sanitizer, gel and lotion for personal hygiene after use.

The innovation is among 64 student projects being exhibited by Makerere University’s Department of Visual Communication Design and Multimedia Design at the Margaret Trowell School of Industrial and Fine Arts and the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT).

According to Dr Richard Lukenge Kamya, the project lead, the exhibition showcases final-year projects developed by students of the Bachelor of Visual Communication Design and Multimedia programme.

‘This exhibition showcases capstone projects across diverse design disciplines, including branding and packaging, web media, advertising design, print production, photography and videography, and integrated design practices,’ he said.

The exhibition, which opened on June 1, runs until June 6 at the Makerere University Art Gallery.

Other innovations on display include Tulye-A, a food delivery application targeting students within Makerere University; Tugabane, an app that enables students to exchange clothes free of charge; and a navigation application designed to help patients find their way around Mulago National Referral Hospital and track medical appointments.

Students have also developed food preservation products made from paper, clay, bamboo and glass, as well as Rola Wrap, a biodegradable wrapping paper for Uganda’s popular rolex snack that contains embedded seeds which can be planted after use.

Additional projects include processed tonto packaged in glass bottles, Campus Roast, a coffee bar concept aimed at promoting coffee consumption among university students, and garbage banking systems that reward users with points that can later be converted into money for depositing recyclable waste.

Dr Kamya said the projects demonstrate how design and innovation can be applied to address practical social, environmental and economic challenges.

The recent reforms under the Magistrates Courts Amendment Act, 2026 increasing the pecuniary jurisdiction of subordinate courts have been welcomed as a significant step toward improving access to justice and reducing backlog in the High Court.

Chief Magistrates’ Courts may now handle matters up to Shs200 million, while Magistrates Grade I Courts may handle claims up to Shs100 million.

These reforms are intended to decongest the High Court and bring judicial services closer to litigants. However, what happens to pending suits that were properly filed before the High Court or other courts before the amendment came into force?

Under Ugandan civil procedure, transfer of suits is not ordinarily automatic merely because jurisdictional limits have changed.

The power to transfer suits is governed principally by the Civil Procedure Act and the Civil Procedure Rules. Consequently, many pending High Court matters may legally continue before the High Court unless: the law expressly mandates transfer, the High Court issues transfer orders, or parties apply for transfer and the court considers it appropriate.

Although the law already provides for transfer of suits, the present reforms create practical challenges that existing procedural rules may not fully address, particularly in stations that are not yet operating under the Electronic Court Case Management Information System (ECCMIS).

The issue is not simply whether transfer is legally possible, but how any transfer process should be implemented fairly, efficiently, and transparently. The Judiciary may still need to clarify: whether certain categories of pending matters should remain in their current courts, whether transfer will occur only upon application or by administrative scheduling, how part-heard matters will be treated, and how physical files will be managed during transition.

One of the cardinal principles of justice is that litigants must know where their matters are being handled. Where files are transferred without proper communication, parties may miss hearings, fail to comply with timelines, or suffer ex parte proceedings and orders.

If transfers are undertaken, a clear notification framework becomes essential. Litigants and advocates should ideally receive: notice of the transferring court; the receiving court; the new case number where applicable; the effective date of transfer; and the next appearance date.

Communication through cause lists, registry notices, SMS alerts, and advocate notifications may be more immediately practical.

A further practical concern relates to case numbering. A matter originally filed as: ‘High Court Civil Suit No. 001 of 2024’ may acquire an entirely different reference upon transfer to a subordinate court. Without a standardized tracking mechanism, tracing proceedings may become difficult for: advocates, registry staff, appellate courts, and litigants themselves.

A dual-reference system would greatly reduce confusion. For example:

‘Formerly High Court Civil Suit No. 001 of 2024, now CMCC No. 108 of 2026.’ This preserves continuity and improves traceability. Similarly, transferred files should ideally contain a transfer summary sheet indicating: pleadings filed, pending applications, interim orders, previous proceedings, and the present status of the matter. The article’s strongest concern relates to physical court file management.

Uganda’s courts have historically faced challenges involving: missing files, incomplete records, misplaced annexures, delayed transmission of proceedings, and damaged documents. These risks become even greater where large numbers of physical files are moved between courts operating outside ECCMIS infrastructure. Strict chain-of-custody procedures are therefore essential.

Practical safeguards may include: file inventory registers, acknowledgment of receipt between registries, sealed transfer packaging, and designated transfer officers. Part-heard matters present perhaps the most delicate issue. Restarting proceedings before another judicial officer may; increase costs, waste judicial time, inconvenience witnesses, and delay justice. In many instances, efficiency and fairness may favor allowing the original judicial officer to conclude substantially heard matters despite revised pecuniary limits.

The Judiciary may therefore need to distinguish between: newly filed matters, partly heard matters, and matters pending judgment. Such distinctions would reduce unnecessary duplication of proceedings.

The reforms increasing pecuniary jurisdiction are progressive and capable of substantially improving access to justice. However, the success of the reforms will depend not only on expanded jurisdictional limits, but also on how transitional issues are managed in practice. The law on transfer of suits already provides an important framework under the Civil Procedure Act.

Nevertheless, the present reforms expose practical gaps that may require additional practice directions and administrative guidance.

If poorly managed, transfers could create procedural disputes, delays, and confusion.

If carefully implemented, however, the reforms could significantly strengthen efficiency within Uganda’s justice system. Ultimately, court users judge the justice system not only by the correctness of judgments delivered, but also by administrative efficiency, predictability, and accountability.

There was a time when new clubs simply existed to make up the numbers. Ismaili Community have done the exact opposite.

Having announced themselves by lifting the UG20 League title in Entebbe last November after defeating Aboojo by 23 runs, the side has shifted into an even higher gear this season, assembling a squad packed with experience and quality.

National team captain Riazat Ali Shah, premier fast bowler Juma Miyaji and all-rounder Pius Oloka all came aboard, while Cricket Cranes assistant coach Jackson Ogwang joined the technical bench.

The result has been ruthless.

Ismaili finished the Silver Division atop the standings with six victories and one abandoned match from seven outings, collecting 13 points and finishing comfortably ahead of nearest challengers Avengers (10 points).

Their campaign was built on dominance rather than luck. They hammered Avengers by 151 runs, crushed St. John’s SS Mukono by a staggering 307 runs and rounded off their title march with a 106-run victory over Soroti City.

Captain Riazat has led from the front with 310 runs, the highest tally in the division, while vice-captain Junaid Shah has terrorised batters with a league-best 21 wickets.

“We topped the table, won the Silver Division and earned promotion,” club official and player Fazal Karim said. “We believe we can compete with anyone. The target now is to challenge for the Gold Division title as well.”

Built to last

What perhaps makes Ismaili’s rise more impressive is that it appears to have substance behind it.

The club has invested in quality players, coaching and organisation while maintaining a strong community identity through the Ismaili National Council for Uganda.

Their success mirrors a growing trend in Ugandan cricket where ambitious new clubs are challenging the old hierarchy with better planning and professional structures.

The emergence of Ismaili Community and Pak Shaheens this season suggests the competitive gap between divisions is shrinking. But the Gold Division will present an entirely different examination.

The step up means facing established heavyweights with deeper squads, stronger bowling attacks and years of top-flight experience. Winning there requires not only talent but consistency over a long season.

Still, few would bet against a side that has turned almost everything it has touched into gold.

For now, Ismaili Community can celebrate a remarkable journey from newcomers to champions. Next season, they will discover whether their story is just beginning.

A mandatory registration exercise for boda boda operators in Lira City has sparked a dispute between city authorities and motorcycle riders, with officials defending the initiative as a tool for planning and security while some operators describe it as an unlawful tax.

The exercise requires every boda boda operator to pay Shs35,000 annually for registration and issuance of a digital identity card and motorcycle sticker.

According to Lira City authorities, the fee is allocated among production of digital IDs and stickers (Shs15,000), city development programmes (Shs13,000) and boda boda association operations (Shs7,000).

Speaking during a media dialogue organised by the Equal Opportunities Commission in Lira on June 4, Lira City Communications Officer Robert Okello Ayo said the registration aims to improve planning, security and revenue mobilisation.

‘You remember that during the Covid-19 pandemic, we were asked to provide statistics on the number of boda boda operators and market vendors who were affected. We did not have all the data that government wanted,’ Okello said.

He said the city wants to establish an accurate database of operators to support future planning and emergency interventions.

City authorities also argue that the registration will strengthen security by enabling identification of individual operators through digital identity cards.

Okello cited the January 2025 killing of ear, nose and throat specialist Dr Wilfred Olila, who was allegedly transported by an unidentified boda boda rider before being murdered.

‘Up to now, nobody can tell which boda boda was that. As city authority, it is within our mandate to regulate every activity happening within the city,’ he said.

According to city records, more than 3,200 of an estimated 7,000 boda boda operators had registered by June 3.

However, some riders have challenged the exercise, alleging that it was introduced without adequate consultation and is being enforced through intimidation.

The operators claim motorcycles have been impounded and only released after payment of Shs50,000, while some riders allege they were forced to pay registration fees.

‘The exercise is being implemented through coercive and unlawful means, including the deployment of hired bouncers and security personnel who are effecting arbitrary arrests of riders and the impounding of their motorcycles,’ said Steven Okullo, one of the aggrieved riders.

On May 7, a group of riders instructed Egaru and Company Advocates to demand suspension of the exercise.

In a letter received by Lira City Council on May 8, the law firm argued that the registration programme lacked adequate consultation and questioned the authority of individuals representing boda boda riders in the exercise.

‘Our clients were never given an opportunity to be heard,’ the lawyers wrote.

The law firm further argued that no council ordinance or directive authorising the exercise had been publicly presented to riders and questioned the legal basis for the collection of the fee.

The dispute has also exposed divisions among boda boda leaders.

Sam Odongo, chairman of boda boda riders in Lira City East Division, denied involvement in collecting money from operators and said the exercise was being conducted by the city council.

However, Lira City West Division chairman Juma Owera said boda boda leaders were actively participating in the registration campaign.

‘Odongo Sam, Okori Moses and I are actively involved in the exercise. So far, 2,400 plus boda boda riders have paid the money,’ Owera said.

He added that authorities had impounded more than 100 motorcycles during the first two days of enforcement.

Former Lango Sub-region boda boda chairman Bodyguard Odongo criticised the exercise and called for greater transparency regarding the collection and management of the funds.

The dispute continues as riders demand clarification on the legal basis of the registration programme and accountability for money already collected, while city authorities maintain that the exercise is necessary for effective urban management and public safety.

The government has signed agreements to upgrade key health facilities in Hoima and Masindi districts as part of preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), which Uganda will co-host with Kenya and Tanzania.

The memorandums of understanding were signed on Thursday between the local governments of Hoima and Masindi and contractors represented by the Engineering Brigade of the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs through the National Enterprise Corporation.

The projects are aimed at strengthening healthcare services in the two districts while helping Uganda meet requirements for hosting one of Africa’s biggest sporting events.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Dr Daniel Kyabayinze, chairperson of the Medical and Doping Committee of the National Organising Committee for Afcon2027, said quality healthcare services are a key requirement for major international tournaments.

“The health sector is a key pillar in Afcon preparations. These projects are intended to strengthen emergency response systems, improve patient care and ensure that our health facilities can effectively serve both residents and visitors,” he said.

Buseruka Health Centre IV in Hoima District is among the major beneficiaries and will receive an upgrade valued at Shs6.9 billion.

The project includes construction of an accident and emergency unit, radiology department, laboratory, pharmacy, consultation rooms, theatre, general ward, staff houses and a standard outpatient department.

Dr Kyabayinze said the upgrade would improve access to healthcare services and reduce referrals to larger hospitals.

Hoima Regional Referral Hospital will also benefit from a new accident and emergency department, an inpatient department and the operationalisation of its intensive care unit. The project further includes renovations and refurbishment works aimed at improving service delivery.

Dr Laurence Musinguzi of Masindi Hospital said the investments would strengthen the capacity of referral facilities serving the Bunyoro sub-region and neighbouring districts.

Masindi General Hospital is also set to benefit from the programme through the construction and equipping of a modern outpatient department and inpatient department.

Masindi Municipality MP Rogers Byamukama said the new facilities would help reduce congestion and improve the quality of healthcare services.

“These investments will not only support Afcon preparations but will also contribute to better health outcomes for communities in the district,” he said.

Byamukama noted that hosting Afcon requires investment beyond sports infrastructure, including healthcare, transport, accommodation and security.

“Major sporting events attract large numbers of athletes, officials, journalists and fans, creating increased demand for emergency and routine medical services,” he said.

The Engineering Brigade of the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs will implement the projects. The unit has previously undertaken several public infrastructure projects across the country.

District authorities are expected to hand over project sites next week to allow construction works to begin.

Officials from the Ministry of Health will oversee implementation to ensure compliance with required standards and timelines.

Elizabeth who described herself as of ‘Greater Gayaza’ sent me an interesting comment by SMS on one of my recent columns that I, unfortunately, only saw last week. My apologies to her.

Here are her thoughts:

‘People get bored reading news from professional journalists. You are soon going to be phased out. Radio station presenters, ‘comedians’ give us all the news we want. Also, we aren’t very sure if the journalists didn’t get the news from bloggers! I am supplementing on your column, ‘How journalists can use Artificial Intelligence’ (Daily Monitor, March 27).

In this, she raises the old questions of whether legacy media and journalism [as we know it] will survive the onslaught of social media, citizen journalism, creator journalism, and celebrity banter.

I shall start with the latter. On Thursday as I drove to town and listening to one of the radio stations, the presenters mentioned what happened today in history. One of the items mentioned was the June 4, 1979 coup in Ghana (also known as the ‘June 4th Revolution’) in which coup leader, Flight Lieutenant Jerry Rawlings spearheaded execution of several former leaders deemed to have been corrupt.

They included two former presidents. One of the presenters then said Flt Lt Jerry Rawlings was actually not a soldier but a pilot, presumably like ‘flight’ Captain Mike Mukula or Francis Babu.

Now, that is the quality of news and information that one will get from banter of radio presenters! The two are different!

‘A Flight Lieutenant (Flt Lt or F/L) is a junior commissioned officer rank in the Royal Air Force (RAF) and many air forces with British influence, ranking above Flying Officer and below Squadron Leader. It is a NATO OF-2 rank, equivalent to a Navy Lieutenant or Army Captain.’

On the other hand, ‘A flight captain (pilot in command) is the highest-ranking officer on an aircraft, holding legal responsibility for the safety of the crew and passengers’.

That said, news blogging and creator journalism delivered via social media has indeed turned audiences away from traditional journalism in part because of how creatively it is delivered, the convenience to consume it, the informality, the cost to the consumer, etc.

It is also true that ‘news avoidance is at an all-time high, with 40 percent of people globally reporting that they sometimes or often avoid the news. Driven by fatigue, this trend is caused by news making people feel overwhelmed (39 percent), stressed, or powerless, with many actively restricting their consumption to protect their mental health’. This is up from 29 percent in 2017.

In spite of all the above, professional journalism still matters and will not die. The main reason is that ‘…it provides verified, independent, and contextualised information, acting as a crucial watchdog for democracy in an era of rampant misinformation.

By upholding rigorous standards of fact-checking, professional journalism holds power accountable, offers a trusted alternative to echo chambers, and provides essential, evidence-based reporting on critical issues’.

The folly of settling for comedians and influencers as the main source of news is well summarised by Suhaib Ayaz in his article, ‘Why journalism still matters’ published on March 11, 2026 in Asian News Network (ANN).

He wrote: ‘A social media feed without filters is a chaos of voices and, in that chaos, the loudest or most charismatic or most monetised story often wins – not the most accurate one.’

He adds: ‘So, when we reflect on the current media landscape – with every celebrity hosting a podcast, every athlete broadcasting their ‘truth’ and every influencer claiming authenticity – we should remember this: truth doesn’t broadcast itself. It is uncovered, verified and reported. That’s what journalism does. And that is why journalism – real journalism – still matters.’

Still, we must take Elizabeth’s perspective seriously as legacy media navigates these perilous times.

In so doing, let us remember that the journalism that will return her and others to pay for it is not press conference journalism, or public relations journalism, or he said/she said journalism, or sensational journalism.

It will be well-curated enterprise journalism delivered creatively and in easily and conveniently digestible bites – so to speak.

Mukono District Local Government has allocated Shs230 million to implement a community-based road maintenance programme that will pay residents to maintain rural access roads while improving transport infrastructure.

The Road Gangs Programme was launched on June 4 by the district’s Works and Engineering Department, bringing together road gang members, district leaders and technical officers ahead of implementation.

Under the programme, workers assigned to maintain one kilometre of road will earn Shs75,000, while those responsible for up to four kilometres can earn as much as Shs300,000, depending on workload.

District officials said the funds have been specifically earmarked for road maintenance wages.

Speaking on behalf of the Chief Administrative Officer, Deputy CAO Stephen Muhumuza said the initiative provides employment opportunities within local communities while supporting service delivery.

‘Maintaining road infrastructure is a key component of service delivery. Roads facilitate movement, trade and access to essential services,’ Muhumuza said.

He cautioned beneficiaries against subcontracting the work, saying the programme was designed to provide direct benefits to local residents.

District Engineer Herbert Lutwama said road gangs will be responsible for clearing drainage channels, directing runoff away from roads, slashing grass, maintaining road reserves and keeping roads passable using basic tools.

Mukono District Finance Officer Yasin Mwanga addressed concerns about delayed payments under previous phases of the programme, attributing some challenges to inactive or incorrect bank account details.

‘For the current phase, payments will continue through bank accounts, but the district is considering mobile money for future phases. Beneficiaries are advised to verify and update their bank details,’ Mwanga said.

Winnie Nakaddu, the district secretary for Works, Water, Environment, Natural Resources and Production, said the programme would be implemented under strict accountability measures.

‘We expect discipline, honesty, commitment and hard work. Funds allocated for road maintenance must be used for their intended purpose,’ she said.

District officials said the Road Gangs Programme forms part of wider efforts to improve rural accessibility, enhance road safety and create income opportunities through labour-based public works.

The initiative is expected to support routine maintenance of community roads that connect residents to markets, schools, health facilities and other essential services.

Women farmers in Budaka District have received modern beehives worth Shs34 million under a smart agriculture programme aimed at promoting climate-resilient livelihoods and diversifying household incomes.

The beehives were handed over to women’s groups in Bwikomba II Village, Mugiti Sub-county, as part of efforts to support rural communities facing declining crop yields, unpredictable weather patterns and limited income-generating opportunities.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, Mugiti Sub-county Extension Officer Geoffrey Ibere said beneficiaries had been trained in modern beekeeping practices to ensure the success of the project.

He encouraged other community members to form groups and participate in similar programmes.

Local Council I Chairperson David Kandama welcomed the initiative, saying it would help address poverty among rural households.

‘These women will be empowered financially and also encourage others to form groups in order to benefit from the programme,’ Kandama said.

He noted that while agriculture remains the main source of livelihood for most families, dependence on traditional crop farming has left many households vulnerable to climate shocks and market fluctuations.

Officials said the introduction of beekeeping offers an alternative source of income through the production and sale of honey and other bee products while complementing existing farming activities.

Mugiti Sub-county Chief Gustine Tegulle urged residents to embrace the enterprise, describing it as a viable economic activity with growing market potential.

For beneficiaries, the project provides an opportunity to diversify incomes beyond subsistence farming.

District Production Officer Timothy Kawanga said communities benefiting from the programme contribute 20 percent of project costs, while government provides the remaining 80 percent.

He said 69 projects are currently being implemented across 20 sub-counties in Budaka, including 120 crop production groups, 45 apiary projects and 10 black soldier fly enterprises.

Kawanga also announced that the district would host an agricultural show on June 11, 2026.

Bwikomba Passion Growers Association Chairperson Harriet Alugat said members contributed Shs7.4 million as part of the required co-funding.

‘We are now putting much attention on beekeeping because its profitability is better compared to other enterprises,’ Alugat said.

She acknowledged that some members initially had concerns about managing bees but said training had increased their confidence.

LC3 Chairperson Enoch Kanene urged beneficiaries to maintain transparency and accountability to ensure the sustainability of the project.

‘The biggest cause of the collapse of these groups is lack of transparency, accountability and respect among leaders. It is time to work together for the good of the project,’ Kanene said.

District Internal Security Officer Lawrence Onyango called on beneficiaries to take ownership of the initiative and ensure government investments produce tangible results.

‘The government has invested a lot of money in different projects, but sometimes little can be seen on the ground,’ Onyango said.

Officials said the project forms part of wider efforts to promote sustainable agriculture and reduce poverty through income diversification in rural communities.

President Museveni yesterday declared a new era of relentless effort, unveiling an ambitious 2026 economic agenda centred on narrowing income disparities through commercial agriculture, while bolstering the middle class and the wealthy elite. In his State of the Nation Address yesterday, a tough-talking President spoke of a term of ‘no more sleep, no more corruption, no more diversions, no more politeness for non-performers who want leadership positions for ego and personal intentions’.

The president’s remarks, according to MPs across the political spectrum, however, portrayed the government as a metaphorical three-cooking-stones, representing the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary, making pledge after pledge, constantly announcing ambitious plans or engaging in endless debates about the future, yet failing to produce concrete outcomes. The President said Uganda cannot achieve transformation if leaders fail to guide citizens into productive work.

‘Either you lead, or you stay in your home. I hear of leaders talking about allowances to reach their people and mobilise them against poverty. I get nauseous…. All non-performers must leave leadership,’ he said. ‘This is the time to talk straight to everyone. Why should a Muluka chief (a local-level administrative leader) ask for a motorcycle to do his work? Let him ride a bicycle; it is better for him and he will live longer. I’m really sick and tired of parasitism, and that’s why I said, in this kisanja no more sleep.’

The president redefined the strategic direction of the ruling NRM government and tackled a cocktail of longstanding issues, including persistent bureaucratic hurdles, unkept promises and a noticeable gap between rhetoric and implementation. He highlighted impressive growth figures and showcased thriving farmers in rural areas, outlining ambitious plans for the future. However, he largely sidestepped pressing public concerns such as rising fuel prices, poor service delivery, unaffordable healthcare, and rampant corruption. These issues were mentioned only briefly, if at all and no tangible solutions or commitments were offered.

He struck an optimistic tone, noting the country has continued to enjoy uninterrupted peace and security, the bedrock of economic transformation. He applauded security agencies led by the Uganda Peoples Defence Forces for keeping peace and called on the Police and the Judiciary to ensure law and order for sustained economic development. He explained that the country has undergone unprecedented development in the 40 years he has been in power, underscoring growth in GDP to $69.3 billion by the forex exchange method from $60.4 billion in 2025. Museveni also announced that the GDP per Capita has risen to $1,278, putting Uganda in the lower-middle-income status.

While reflecting on this growth, the President also set an ambitious two-digit growth of 10 per cent that will push the size of the economy to $80 billion.

‘This financial year, the economy is projected to grow by 6.4 per cent, and the next financial year, the GDP will grow by 10 per cent, pushing the size of the economy to $80 billion. All this is before the start of the flow of our commercial oil,’ he said This growth will, in part, be driven by Uganda’s expanding export portfolio.

‘Uganda now exports manufactured goods, including pharmaceuticals, refined gold, steel, ICT products, ceramics, plastics, and dairy products, already talked about. Uganda’s exports reached $18 billion in the twelve months ending in March 2026,’ Museveni said, adding that ‘we are now set for further and faster growth and transformation.’ In the next year, Museveni said his government will prioritize investment in the four key sectors that were identified to deliver the tenfold growth strategy of the economy to Shs500 billion by 2040. These are commercial agriculture, manufacturing, services, and ICT. The government is also to focus on value addition of the raw materials like gold and the knowledge economy of automobiles, vaccines, and computers.

According to his numbers, agricultural production that undergirds the economy has grown multifold, with surpluses that now require a pan-Africanist approach of both political and economic integration to ensure markets. Milk production, for example, now stands at 5.4billion liters from 200million liters in 1986; fish at 727,000 metric tonnes, while coffee has grown to 9.3million of 60kgs bags from 2 million bags in 1986.

He committed that the government will continue to provide low-cost capital through initiatives like the Parish Development Model to boost the sector.

‘There is already Shs557 million in the Parish. It has reached 3.7 million households. We are going to put Shs100 million plus Shs15 million for the leaders per annum per parish in the rural areas and Shs300 million plus Shs15 million for the leaders per ward in the towns.’ He added: ‘With the big farmers and manufacturers, the Government has put a total of Shs1,600 billion in the Uganda Development Bank. The interest rate for that money is 12 percent per annum. The interest rate for PDM is 6 percent and is payable after two years. We are always creating other funds for the ghettos, for the musicians.’

On Infrastructure, Museveni explained that his government has tarmacked all core roads linking the landlocked country to its neighboring countries, and by extension, the markets there. However, the roads in the capital, Kampala, that remain an eyesore received no mention from the President. He, however, tasked the new ministers of Works and Transport to root out corruption that he said has undermined several projects, including the Kampala-Mityana-Mubende-Fort Portal road.

Like he pledged in the 2025 address and the one before that, he said that the metre-gauge railway is to be revamped and the standard gauge built to ease the transportation of goods and cargo. But, with pressing concerns of poor service delivery, corruption, and the ever-growing public debt, many Ugandans waited to hear a remedy to receive a passing mention.