Category: Daily Monitor

The Rwenzori Sub-region has witnessed a long period of violent conflicts. The last episode of violence was visited upon the region on Saturday, November 1. Dear reader, I would like to share two incidents that contributed to the recurrence of violent conflict in the region.

In March 1902, Mr Petero Tigwezire (County Chief of Bwamba) went to collect ‘hut tax’ in Bwamba. The tax collection exercise was met with armed resistance by the local population, leaving 11 of Tigwezire’s men dead. Returning to Fort Portal, chief Tigwezire sought the intervention of the colonial resident officer to punish the tax resisters in Bwamba.

The resident officer declined to act because he viewed the alleged tax collection exercise as an unjustified raid for women and ivory. Tigwezire was later removed from his office as county chief by the Rukurato (Tooro Kingdom Council) on charges brought against him by the British resident officer. In his doctoral thesis titled ‘Conflict and Collaboration in the Kingdoms of Western Uganda’ (Princeton University Press 1977 and Fountain Publishers 1999), Dr Edward I Steinhart writes: ‘Moreover, the (Resident) Officer refused, at first, to countenance the appointment of another Mutooro chief in the region, preferring to allow the Baamba to select their own representative and to continue to live under their own headmen. (Page 227)

This incident, in spite of its simple academic characterisation as a case of colonial collaboration and resistance, defined popular attitudes that later fed into the ‘we-and-them’ relationship between the Tooro Kingdom and the native communities of the mountain districts of the Rwenzori region. In another incident in 1918, a Mukonzo traditional chief (mutaka, headman, clan leader, or landlord) called Tibamwenda, challenged Tooro Kingdom authorities by declaring himself King of the Bakonzo. His ‘palace’ was attacked. Tibamwenda and his aides (Nyamutswa and Kapoli) were killed and buried in one shallow grave at Kagando (in the premises of Kagando hospital run by the Church of Uganda). A monument, said to be one of the tallest monuments in Uganda, was built at their burial place by Kasese District Local Government in the late 1990s.

This was the first time the idea of a king and a kingdom to challenge the Tooro Kingdom authorities manifested among the Bakonzo community. It was resurrected in the 1960s and later gained recognition by the central government in 2009. Rwenzururu Kingdom now influences the general political and socio-cultural identity attitudes on which the current cycle of violence is blamed. Taking advantage of the centrality of the Rwenzururu Kingdom in the socio-political lives of the Bakonzo, some negative forces opposed to the Ugandan State have carried out violent acts in the Rwenzori region, rallying the population in the name of the Rwenzururu Kingdom.

Some of the groups that used the name of Rwenzururu Kingdom to fight the Government of Uganda are the National Army for the Liberation of Uganda (Nalu) and Allied Democratic Forces (ADF). In an audio-visual clip I accessed, one of the captured perpetrators of the November 1 incident claims they were fighting in the name of and for Rwenzururu. The interrogator then challenges him: But why do you kill Bakonzo when you claim to be fighting for them? The perpetrator didn’t respond to the question. What does this mean? That another group, with its selfish interests, was using the name of the Rwenzururu to perpetuate the recurrence of violent conflict in Rwenzori region. Which is why I have been thinking lately: can’t the government of Uganda seriously look into what we call The Rwenzururu Question?

I urge the government to come up with policy ideas to permanently end the recurring acts of violence in the region.

In Uganda’s election season, the politics of crowds has taken centre stage. The number of people who turn up at a campaign rally has become more than just a show of excitement-it is now a political statement, a weapon in the battle for legitimacy, and a tool for psychological warfare among presidential contenders.

Across the country, huge gatherings are being used to gauge which candidate commands the people’s hearts. The larger the crowd, the stronger the impression of support. But behind the noise, dance, and coloured T-shirts lies a deeper story-one that reveals how politics, media, and State machinery intersect in the struggle for power.

In Ugandan politics, crowd size has long been viewed as a reflection of a candidate’s political weight. Campaign strategists now treat rallies as opportunities not only to persuade voters but also to display dominance. Political analysts note that crowds create visual legitimacy-a perception that ‘the people are on your side.’ Photographs and videos from these rallies flood social media, becoming powerful propaganda tools. In an era where images travel faster than speeches, optics have become everything.

‘The crowds are no longer just part of the campaign; they are the campaign,’ Mr Wilfred Ssekamate, political observer, said. ‘Voters, and even officials, draw confidence from what they see. A packed rally sends the message that the candidate is already winning.’ Campaign insiders say some teams now hire professional photographers, drone operators, and social media influencers to capture aerial shots of their crowds-images that later flood platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and TikTok. The goal is to dominate the visual battlefield, where perception often outweighs reality.

Inorganic

Mr Phillip Wafula Oguttu, a former Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, has dismissed the large crowds seen at recent political rallies as ‘artificial’ and ‘staged.’ Mr Oguttu said the genuine and natural enthusiasm that once characterised political gatherings in Uganda has faded over time. ‘In the past, the natural crowds used to be there,’ he said. ‘But since 2021, the crowds have been artificial in many cases. People just move from one rally to another. They are made to appear as if they genuinely support a candidate.’

He said the crowds being showcased today do not reflect real political support. ‘I don’t think those crowds are genuine. Some of them are even [the product of] Artificial Intelligence (AI),’ he remarked. ‘The crowds are not organic-unlike those we used to see when Dr Kizza Besigye campaigned in 2016. Kampala used to turn up for him without him paying anyone to attend.’ Mr Oguttu added that such displays do not translate into actual voter support. ‘Crowds can’t determine the results. The results in Uganda are determined by President Museveni. You don’t get excited because of those crowds,’ he said. ‘Museveni is hiring children to justify the votes after stealing them-and these children don’t even vote.’

He further criticised security agencies for targeting Opposition supporters. ‘There is no law stopping supporters from another area to attend any rally,’ he noted. ‘But the security is arresting Opposition supporters to intimidate people so that they don’t go to vote. It’s a deliberate strategy to discourage participation in elections.’

Misleading

Mr Jamal Wante, the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) vice chairperson for the eastern region, has cautioned political candidates against relying on large crowds as a measure of their popularity, saying true support comes from genuine local followers. ‘A political leader who has real supporters in an area means they have support there,’ Wante said. ‘Let people address the real voters of those particular areas instead of ferrying supporters from elsewhere.’

He emphasised that political rallies should focus on engaging residents and addressing their concerns rather than showcasing inflated attendance numbers.

‘Crowds don’t determine the winner,’ he said. ‘A crowd can mean many things. For example, you might bring a musician like Eddy Kenzo to entertain people, and they’ll come to enjoy the music-not to listen to your political message.’

Mr Wante urged candidates to focus on building trust and connecting with genuine voters rather than spending resources to stage artificial crowds for show.

Prof Sabiti Makara, a professor in the Department of Governance, and director of Graduate Training at Kabale University, told Saturday Monitor that big crowds can influence voters but don’t guarantee victory. He said while large crowds at campaign rallies can influence public perception, they do not necessarily translate into victory at the polls. ‘Crowds can determine a winner because people see a big rally and start following it,’ he explained. ‘They think that someone with a big rally is the one going to win.’

Prof Makara noted that both the National Unity Platform (NUP) and the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) presidential candidates have been ferrying supporters to rallies, which can create a false impression of widespread support. ‘People who have not yet made up their minds can easily be swayed to follow the person with the biggest rally,’ he said. However, he cautioned that big numbers at rallies are not a guarantee of electoral success. ‘A large crowd doesn’t determine a 100 percent win,’ Prof Makara said. ‘Some people are paid to attend, like boda boda riders who are given fuel. So, big crowds can determine the win-and at the same time, they can’t.’

‘Theatre of deception’

Ms Proscovia Salaamu Musumba, the former Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Vice Chairperson for Eastern Region, has criticised the growing trend of hired and artificial crowds at political rallies, describing them as a ‘theatre of deception’ used to manipulate public perception and justify election outcomes. ‘Some of those crowds are hired,’ Ms Musumba said. ‘There are different types of crowds at political rallies-serious crowds, food crowds, political crowds, angry crowds, idle crowds, hungry crowds-all those attend rallies. But the largest number are entertainment crowds.’

Ms Musumba accused the NRM party of using such tactics to cover up failures in governance and service delivery. ‘The NRM is creating political erosion to justify manipulation of the results. It’s like a theatre designed to create an outcome. That’s the political disaster we are in,’ she said. She also condemned the practice of distributing party T-shirts as a symbol of political achievement. ‘It’s a shame for the NRM to provide T-shirts to people as achievements,’ Ms Musumba said. ‘Instead of giving T-shirts, they should improve service delivery.’

At least 29 percent of faecal sludge produced in septic tanks in Kampala is not safely managed, a Makerere University don has revealed.

Dr Swaibu Semiyaga, a senior lecturer at the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering, Design Art and Technology ( CEDAT) said the challenge is more pronounced in large institutions like markets, schools, hospitals, and some raised apartments that are not connected to the national sewer system and rely on septic tanks. These, he said, are always overwhelmed by sludge accumulated by bigger populations.

Available records indicate that only 15 percent of buildings are connected to the national sewer, leaving the 85 percent to opt for septic tanks and pit latrines some of which resort to emptying sewerage into drainage channels, leading to contamination of water sources.

“In Kampala, only 71 percent of the faecal sludge being produced in septic tanks is safely emptied, and taken to treatment plants for treatment. The remaining 29 percent is not safely emptied. People can have pit latrines that do not contain what goes inside. They may be commented to the drainage channels or underground water and people are exposed to pathogens. Sewerage overflows are a common site in Kampala,” Dr Semiyaga said during a stakeholders meeting on the introduction of sustainable and innovative solutions for waste water treatment, held at National Water and Sewerage Corporation plant in Bugolobi on November 14.

He, however, said that government through Kampala Capital City Authority(KCCA) and National Water and Sewerage Corporate had resolved to partner with Terao Litech, a Japanese company to pilot sustainable and innovative solutions for waste water treatment in Kampala using advanced septic tanks dubbed Johkasou.

Mr Shuichiro Nakayama, an official from waste management and recycling department, Johkasou promotion office in the Japanese Ministry of Environment said advanced septic technology aim to address the global sanitation challenges particularly in Africa and Asia where sanitation infrastructure remain undeveloped.

“Through our innovative approach, we aim to create a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable future for communities around the world,” he said.

The 2017 sanitation survey done by KCCA in Kampsla city established that pit latrines are the predominant sanitation technology in Kampala at 66 percent and the majority of these are unlined pit latrines (38 percent) which pose significant risks to groundwater and environmental pollution according to the researchers.

The study also indicated that most unlined pit latrines were situated in Kawempe while the least number of unlined pit latrines were found in Central Division.

In addition, flush toilets to the sewer and septic tanks constituted 33 percent of the sanitation technologies in the City.

In terms of population served, septic tanks, lined pit latrines and unlined pit latrines each cover 30 percent of the City’s population respectively. Only 8% of the population accessed the municipal sewer network services and a total of 1,506 properties equivalent to a population of 11,000, lacked sanitation facilities.

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 6.2 aims to achieve universal access to adequate and sustainable sanitation and hygiene for all and to end open defecation.

According to the Ministry of Health, 14 million people in Uganda still practice open defecation.

The Uganda Cubs will write more history tomorrow as they set foot on the Aspire Zone in Qatar to face Senegal in the Round of 32 of the 2025 U-17 Fifa World Cup.

The nation is jubilant while celebrating this milestone. But behind that, there are reflections as well how a generation of talented Ugandan players who were once expected to reach the big leagues or play on such a stage never quite made it.

Among them are former Uganda Cranes stars Ibrahim Saddam Juma, Steven Bengo and goalkeeper Yasin Mugabi.

While their playing careers may not have reached the heights many envisioned, there is renewed hope that their once-gifted feet can now make an impact in a different way through coaching.

The trio, alongside Ghanaian national Kingston Laryea are now on duty as the next generation of Uganda Cubs begins their journey.

They aim to follow in the footsteps of their predecessors as the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Cecafa qualifiers kick off this Saturday in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Bengo is the first assistant to Kingston as Juma follows while Mugabi will focus on developing the goalkeepers.

The Cecafa qualifier is the first phase of the two-part qualifying process for the 2026 Fifa U-17 World Cup, where the top ten teams from the 2026 U-17 Afcon in Morocco will earn a spot in Qatar next year.

Continuity

Kingston has named a 23-man squad for the qualifiers, starting with the opener against Burundi at 8pm at the Dire Dawa Stadium. The team will also face Tanzania, Sudan and Djibouti in Group B.

‘The players have been acclimatizing to the cold weather but the team is in shape and we believe they will be ready mentally by kick-off,’ Juma said ahead of the opener. ‘We’re only polishing what we built back home to ensure we perform here.’

Kingston has emphasized continuity by bringing along five players from the historic Morocco Afcon finals where Uganda defeated Gambia to qualify for Qatar.

The quintet includes KCCA goalkeeper Ashraf Lukyamuzi, defenders Travor Mubiru (Vipers) and Joseph Lamgol, midfielder Ashraf Kyakuwa and forward Thomas Ogema.

All five, who celebrated Cecafa victory in Kampala last year, are within the age bracket for next year’s World Cup, which requires players born on January 1, 2009, or later.

Cecafa U17 Championships

Saturday: Burundi vs. Uganda, 8pm

Other Cubs fixtures

November 18: Sudan vs. Uganda

November 21: Uganda vs. Tanzania

November 27: Uganda vs. Djibouti

Uganda Cubs squad

Goalkeepers – Expedito Adrian Ssemugera (Soltilo Bright Stars Junior Team), Ashraf Lukyamuzi (KCCA), Richard Mukisa (Nec)

Defenders – Shakur Ngobi (Greenlight Islamic School), Travor Mubiru (Vipers Junior Team), Abud Shafikie Ukasha (KCCA ), Ibrahim Waita (Buddo SS), Joseph Langol (Paorinher Soccer Academy), Eze Kombi (Amus College School), Enock Ssali Mwesigwa (Volf Soccer Academy), Hilal Ajiga (Amus College School)

Midfielders – Henry Muhoozi (Amus College School), Arnold Kayemba (El Cambio), Ashraf Kyakuwa (Vipers Junior Team), Abdul Shakur Babi (Buddo SS), Lorian Kisakye Lwesibawa (Rays of Grace), Nicholas Kawooya (Buddo SS), Musa Ssuna (Amus College), Brian Olwa (Edgars Youth Program)

Strikers – Ismail Fahad (KCCA), Owen Mukisa (Seth Soccer Academy), Eric Isabirye (Rays of Grace), Thomas Ogema (KCCA)

Over the recent past, Senegal and Morocco have become reference points for the rest of Africa as many admire their football distinction.

You could argue that the pair are the two dominant national teams of the past five years. Their teams have performed well across most of the competitions.

They have also cracked the code in youth competitions. Morocco won the 2023 under-23 and 2025 under 17 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Senegalese under-20 and under-17 teams won their respective age groups at the Africa Cup of Nations in 2023.

More importantly, both countries are regulars at all continental and global tournaments in senior and age group classifications. Most of that recent success is down to investment.

The pair surely provide the blueprint for countries like Uganda that aspire to reach the top. The national U17 team, the Cubs, will, get a close look at Senegal’s secrets on Saturday at the Fifa U17 World Cup.

The Cubs clash with the Young Lions of Teranga in a round of 32 hoping to make a mark on their debut in Doha, Qatar.

That this is only Senegal’s third appearance at the U17 World Cup shows that they may not be too far ahead of Uganda.

However, on their two previous appearances in 2019 and 2023, they reached the round of 16 in what were 24-team tournaments in Brazil and Indonesia respectively.

Doubled

The teams were doubled for the ongoing edition with the Cubs finishing third in group K on four points, a tally managed by all four teams – France, Canada and Chile.

The 1-0 victory over 2001 champions France, thanks to striker James Bogere’s goal, will forever be imprinted on this edition with coach Brian Ssenyondo now facing a side that finished top of group C.

While there are 10 African countries in the Gulf, only Senegal topped their group. The way the group stage opponents have complimented Uganda should be a warning sign for the West Africans.

‘We were under pressure from start to finish’, said French head coach Lionel Rouxel. After narrowly overcoming the African side, Canadian manager Mike Vitulano also praised Uganda’s performances: ‘They have been incredible. It was an honour to play them.’

After losing to Canada in the final moments of their group stage clash and having been held to a 1-1 draw against Chile, Uganda secured their first victory at the World Cup on Tuesday against Les Bleuets.

The triumph also marked their first victory at any FIFA competition. After all, this is a country that had never previously appeared at a World Cup, at any level or in any category.

Emotions

‘Football is all about emotions,’ the striker Bogere, who has scored five goals in seven appearances, said with a smile.

‘I was really disappointed after the defeat to Canada in the final minutes. But football gives you other opportunities, and I’m delighted with this goal (against France), this (player of the match) trophy and for qualifying!”

The progress marks a monumental achievement for Uganda’s U17 program, highlighting the progress and potential of the nation’s youth football – beating Senegal would be the cherry on top.

2025 Fifa U17 World Cup

Saturday at 3.30pm

Senegal vs. Uganda

Police in Rukiga District are searching for a man suspected of killing his 11-month-old daughter in a shocking domestic incident.

On Friday, Kigezi region police spokesperson Elly Maate identified the deceased as Obvious Ainomigisha and said the incident occurred on November 13 at around 4:00 p.m. at Nyakasa Cell, Bucyundura Parish in Kashambya Sub-County.

‘It’s alleged that the suspect had spent three months away from home and returned on 13/11/2025. He found his wife taking a cow for grazing at around 1600hrs. He followed her with a stick and started beating her on the back, and yet she had a baby tied on the back. The baby was hit on the face with a stick and died instantly,’ Maate told reporters.

He added that the mother, weeping, removed the child from her back while the suspect took the baby to a nearby clinic for medical attention, where it was confirmed the child had already died. The suspect then fled the scene.

Police were notified immediately and visited the scene to record statements from witnesses. The body of the deceased has been taken for postmortem examination.

‘Efforts to have the suspect apprehended are being made so that he is charged accordingly. Inquiries are at hand to establish the reason for which the wife and her daughter were being beaten,’ Maate said.

The incident has sparked shock and fear in the community, with authorities urging residents to report any information that could lead to the suspect’s arrest.

The investigation is ongoing, and police emphasized that anyone found harboring or assisting the suspect will be dealt with under the law.

A travel company has dragged a non-government organization to court, seeking to recover over Shs43 million for unpaid travel services.

In a suit lodged before Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court on Friday, Gallivanter Agency Limited claims that on May 9, 2025, it provided air travel services to Global Election Observation Mission Limited staff. Services included processing and re-issuance of air tickets.

On May 13, 2025, the defendant allegedly acknowledged in writing its indebtedness of USD 6,806 (about Shs 26 million) to the plaintiff.

The plaint further states that the agency issued another invoice on May 14, 2025, bringing the total debt owed to USD 11,393, equivalent to Shs 43,293,400million.

‘The plaintiff provided travel services of processing air tickets to the defendant’s staff, which were duly acknowledged and received. The defendant, however, failed to make full payment for the services rendered,’ the court documents read in part.

Gallivanter Agency accuses the NGO of issuing three cheques on May 19, 2025, toward payment of the debt, all of which were dishonoured by the bank.

‘The defendant only issued three cheques towards payment of the plaintiff’s debt, but they all bounced and were dishonoured,’ the plaint adds.

The travel agency states that on June 2, 2025, the defendant’s Chief Executive Officer committed in writing to pay the debt in four instalments of Shs10 million each, to be completed by July 30, 2025. However, the plaintiff claims the agreed payment plan was not honoured.

Gallivanter Agency asserts that the NGO made only one partial payment of USD 638 (about Shs2,424,400), leaving a balance of $11,393.

The company also notes that the defendant acknowledged the outstanding debt in its reply to a demand notice, which was attached to the plaint as evidence.

In the said letter dated August 25, 2025, and written through Stabit Advocates, Global Election Observation Mission admitted entering into an arrangement with Gallivanter Agency and confirmed owing the claimed amount.

‘Our client acknowledges that she entered into an arrangement with your client for the said respective services and further acknowledges that she made promises to clear the monies involved therein as claimed,’ reads the letter signed by Stabit Advocates on behalf of the NGO.

The NGO, however, attributed the delayed payment to the late arrival of donor funds.

‘Our client is a non-governmental organization that solely derives its income from donors and funders. The funds were delayed due to unforeseen circumstances,’ the letter adds.

The defendant requested additional time to settle the debt. ‘Our client has been in talks with her funders, and the funds are expected to be available within sixty (60) days. We pray for further time within which to clear the outstanding debt,’ the NGO’s lawyers wrote.

Gallivanter Agency is asking court to enter judgment in its favour and order the defendant to pay Shs 43,293,400 with interest at the court rate until payment in full, as well as the costs of the suit.

The case has been allocated to the Chief Magistrate’s Ronald Kayizzi for hearing.

President Museveni is set to commission a Shs349 billion ($100 million) cassava processing plant in Kamuli District, aiming to transform the economic landscape of the Busoga sub-region ahead of the January 15, 2026, general elections.

On November 15, 2025, Museveni will launch his campaign trail in Busoga, which will conclude on November 21 in Jinja City.

During the tour, he is also scheduled to inaugurate the Kamuli starch processing facility, spearheaded by Dr Matthias Magoola of Dei BioPharma Ltd, which will provide a profitable market for local cassava farmers and create over 30,000 jobs.

The starch processing facility will require 500 metric tons of cassava daily, equivalent to 50 trucks, and is expected to directly create 40,000 high-paying jobs, officials said.

“We’re creating 40,000 high-paying jobs directly, especially in Busoga where poverty is high, not because people are lazy, but because they lack a market for their produce,” Dr Magoola said.

He added: “This factory is value addition, empowering locals and bridging the market gap.”

The facility will produce glucose, maltose, and fructose, marking the first large-scale production of these products in East Africa, and positioning Uganda to compete in global markets, including Europe, the United States, and China.

Dr Magoola said the initiative also aligns with President Museveni’s vision of empowering local manufacturers and generating tax revenue for the government.

“The biggest problem in Africa is that we lack technology. We grow cassava for food only, and we aren’t producing anything out of it. That’s why many farmers don’t have a market for cassava,” he said, noting plans to expand production to over 100 cassava-based products in the future.

Dr Michael Mugabira, Site Manager of the Busambu Village facility, urged farmers to focus on productivity and quality by adopting certified seeds and best agronomic practices.

“Our focus is now on productivity, as the market is secured,” he said.

Local residents welcomed the development. Mary Nabende, a Kamuli resident, said, “We’re happy to see this factory targeting cassava, our main crop. We’ve lacked a market, but this is an opportunity for us.”

Youth councillor Promise Viola Aliyinza said the plant would engage young people, channeling them into productive ventures.

“The youth were redundant, exploited, and into bad practices, but now they’ll be reconstructed, engaged, and earning,” she said.

Earlier this year, the Greater Busoga Sugarcane Growers Union (GBSGU) signed a memorandum of understanding with Dei BioPharma Ltd to supply cassava for pharmaceutical production.

Chairperson Godfrey Biriwali said cassava is faster-maturing and more profitable than sugarcane.

“An acre of cassava can yield Shs2.5m in 8 months, compared to sugarcane’s Shs3m in 18 months,” he said.

Kamuli district LCV Vice Chairperson, Sarah Sambya, called for farmers to embrace cassava as a sustainable commercial crop. ‘Cassava is more than just a crop – it’s a sustainable solution for food security and economic growth. Let’s shift from sugarcane, which has depleted our resources, to cassava, which offers a ready market and a greener future,’ she said.

Dei BioPharma’s products have received certification from the USA Food Department for global use, further assuring farmers of a stable market and competitive prices.

For Uganda Cranes budding goalkeeper Denis Kiggundu, life between the sticks has become a delicate balancing act – a classic catch-22 moment.

Once hailed as Vipers’ emerging guardian angel after inspiring their Uganda Cup triumph, the young custodian now finds himself watching from the sidelines at Kitende, even as he remains firmly within national coach Paul Put’s plans.

Last season, Kiggundu was the toast of Vipers’ Uganda Cup campaign. In his mid twenties, kiggundu started every match, producing commanding performances that culminated in a nerveless display in the final against KCCA, helping the Venoms clinch the silverware.

His agility and composure under pressure earned him widespread praise, making him a key figure in Uganda’s Chan 2024 preparations – where he even featured in a pre-tournament friendly against Senegal.

Briefly shot at power

However, the winds have since shifted. When Belgian coach Ivan Minnaert took charge at Vipers, he shocked many by elevating Kiggundu above established first-choice Alfred Macumu Mudekereza – the Congolese shot-stopper who had joined from Bukavu Dawa (DR Congo) in 2022 and dethroned Burundian Fabien Mutombora to become Vipers’ number one.

Under Minnaert’s early plans, Kiggundu started all four Caf Champions League qualifiers against African Stars (Namibia) and Power Dynamos (Zambia), a sign of faith that the young goalkeeper had truly come of age.

But football is cruel. Costly blunders against Dynamos – mistakes that saw Vipers miss out on the lucrative group stages – proved fatal to Kiggundu’s rise.

Mudekereza reclaimed the gloves, and in the first two league matches of the season against Entebbe UPPC and KCCA, he reminded everyone why he is regarded among the region’s best.

Against Entebbe at Bugonga, Mudekereza delivered a vintage display: producing a superb one-handed save from Isa Bugembe’s curling free-kick and an instinctive close-range block to deny Samuel Kawawa.

He was deservedly named Man of the Match as Vipers won 1-0. The message was clear – the Congolese wasn’t surrendering his spot easily.

For Kiggundu, the timing couldn’t be worse. As Paul Put fine-tunes his Afcon 2025 squad ahead of Group C clashes with Tunisia, Tanzania, and Nigeria, the young keeper remains in the extended pool – alongside veterans Denis Onyango and Ismail Watenga Jamal (both South Africa-based) and Bul’s Tom Ikara.

Put, known for conservatism approach, has faith in Kiggundu’s potential, but even he knows that match fitness and regular football are non-negotiable for a place on the Morocco-bound plane.

Chan miss

Kiggundu’s Chan journey mid this year hinted at his potential, but reality bit hard there too. Despite making the final squad, he watched from the bench as Joel Mutakubwa started all four matches, with Crispus Kusiima as backup.

Now, the task ahead is steep. If Kiggundu is to be part of Uganda’s goalkeeping future – especially in the post-Onyango, post-Jamal era – he must reclaim his Vipers spot soon.

His aerial command, game reading, and communication still need sharpening, and only consistent game time will bring that maturity.

For now, he stands at a crossroads – admired by the national coach but overshadowed at club level by a resurgent Mudekereza.

The season is still young, and if form and fate align, Kiggundu could yet script his redemption. But until then, Uganda’s wannabe custodian remains trapped in the cruel paradox of needing to play to be picked – but unable to play because he is not picked.

The National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) has raised alarm over the poor state of research in Uganda’s universities, warning that many institutions risk being reduced to “glorified high schools” due to their overreliance on tuition fees and limited research output.

Speaking during the launch of the fourth Consortium of Uganda University Libraries (CUUL) journal in Kampala, Prof. Mary Okwakol, Executive Director of NCHE, said the council’s latest annual survey paints a worrying picture of the country’s higher education sector.

“The survey indicators show that our research is not progressing as it should. Many institutions, the majority in fact, do not conduct meaningful research. Most universities are focused mainly on tuition, which is why people say they could be glorified high schools,” Prof Okwakol said.

She emphasised that NCHE assesses universities’ research capacity through indicators such as library resources, innovation output, and publication standards.

“Research is a very important aspect of the higher education mandate. Libraries are a cornerstone of any university, supporting both learning and innovation,” she noted.

Prof Okwakol commended CUUL for reviving academic publishing after a two-decade hiatus, describing the initiative as a platform to consolidate research from member institutions and promote innovation and commercialization.

“We are very happy with CUUL for launching the first journal after 21 years, which will collect publications from member institutions. Through this collaboration, we are not only publishing research but also identifying innovative ideas and advancing them,” she said.

Mr Andrew Ojulong, CUUL Executive Director, raised concerns over the low enrollment of students in Library and Information Science (LIS) courses. He cited public perception, limited awareness, and inadequate ICT infrastructure as key barriers.

“Ugandan publishers are very few; we have only a handful of journals. The launch of the Uganda University Journal is a timely addition that can boost academic publishing and encourage more local scholars to participate,” Mr Ojulong said.

The CUUL journal launch was attended by Vice Chancellors, librarians, and academics from Ugandan universities, who pledged to support the initiative and promote research and innovation in their institutions.