Category: Daily Monitor

The Emin Pasha Fort, located in present-day Albert Nile, Pakwach District, West Nile region, is a historic site famous for its role in the fight against the slave trade in Africa in the late 1880s.

Emin Pasha, a German-born Ottoman governor of the Equatorial Province of Egyptian Sudan, established the fort as his base, launching attacks against slave traders operating in the region.

“From his headquarters at Fort Dufile on the Albert Nile, he launched attacks against slave traders operating in the region,” said Emmanuel Kunihira, Assistant, Curator.

In 1889, Emin Pasha captured the fort and established a military base to stop the slave trade in Northern Uganda and Sudan.

The fort is now a historic landmark, attracting tourists and students. “This site is very important because it ended slave trade, and for education, we normally receive learners here to study and tour the place,” Kunihira said.

However, despite its potential for revenue, poor infrastructure has hampered its accessibility and development.

“We get limited local tour because the routes are all very poor, especially during the rainy season, the roads are impassible,” Kunihira added.

Locals, like Alfred Pacutho, remember the site for its fight against slavery.

“The importance of Emin Pasha, for us the local community here, we really get the benefit when foreigners come here, we get money from them that we use for buying soap, salt, and other things,” he said.

However, Pacutho requests government support for social amenities like schools, hospitals, and good roads.

“We are requesting the government to establish for us schools, hospitals, communication network, and work on the roads for future generations,” he said.

Mr Stephen Omonyi, District Tourism Officer, revealed plans by the Korean government to develop the site, with an agreement of 49 years.

“Emin Pasha fort sits on 12 acres of land, and the Korean government is trying to redevelop the place,” he said.

Tourism is a significant contributor to Uganda’s economy, with the sector contributing 3.2 per cent to the country’s GDP in 2024. The government has invested Shs430 billion towards the development of the sector.

‘If we get children involved from a tender age, and if we give them life structures – a home, a school, a pitch – Uganda will compete with the best.’

It sounds like a manifesto, but it is really the daily mantra of Brian Charles Ssenyonga, better known as Omutegeke – ‘the prepared one.’

For him, sport is not a hobby to fill weekends. It is both his official calling and personal crusade to ensure Uganda stops wasting talent in its formative years.

Man in many tracksuits

By day, he is Wakiso District’s Sports Officer, tasked with identifying and nurturing talent across Uganda’s most populous district.

By night, he drafts plans for Tarzan’s Sports Academy, which he founded in 2018, and its offshoots – Tarzan’s Soccer Academy and Divine Sports Academy.

On weekends, he’s everywhere – chalking lines for galas, managing alumni games, and motivating schools to invest in sports.

Beyond the job description

His work goes beyond paperwork. ‘Sports isn’t optional for schools – it’s part of licensing,’ he says. ‘But out of 1,000+ schools in Wakiso, fewer than 400 participate in competitions.’

In areas like Masulita and Namayumba, children still play barefoot. ‘It’s not about lack of skill – it’s lack of shoes,’ he sighs.

Academy of dreams

This reality inspired him to set up Tarzan’s Sports Academy – his model for a nationwide grassroots network.

Through Divine Sports Academy, he reaches slum children in Lungujja and Busega, providing both football training and scholastic materials.

‘When a child doesn’t have a book, sport becomes an easy escape. We teach them to balance books and balls,’ he adds.

Inclusivity is central – girls play alongside boys; chess and scrabble offer platforms for others. ‘Not everyone can sprint or dribble, but everyone can belong.’

Building a home for sport

On six acres of land in Wakiso, Ssenyonga is designing a sports-education hub – with pitches, classrooms, dormitories, and study spaces.

‘Children must live, learn, and train together to reach their best,’ he says.

The first pilots will roll out at Mugwanya Preparatory School Kabojja and Savio School, forming part of a bigger four-year plan.

Power of alumni

The Mugwanya Old Boys’ Association (MUKOBA) has already raised Shs13m for a 20,000-seater stadium project on Mutundwe Hill.

‘This is the power of alumni networks,’ he explains. ‘If communities think like this, Uganda’s sports infrastructure will shift massively.’

He channels similar passion into the SHACK League, the alumni tournament of St. Henry’s College Kitovu, where he’s the technical lead.

Vibe and value

Season II of the SHACK League introduced Califo Kings Cup and Gutter Kings Cup to spice up the rivalry. Sponsors like Guinness, Jibu Water, Galaxy FM, and Centenary Bank came on board.

The league also donated jerseys, painted school blocks, and held medical camps. ‘When people see sport giving back, they support it,’ Ssenyonga notes.

Corporate lessons

Ssenyonga’s path wasn’t straight. After earning a Bachelor’s in Sports Science from Makerere University, he veered into banking – working with Orient Bank, Bank of Africa, and BFCU.

‘People laughed at me,’ he recalls. ‘But sport gave me an edge. I first boarded a plane because our corporate team won a gala.’

His return to public service came when Wakiso advertised for a District Sports Officer – and he jumped at the chance to serve.

Lifelong learner

True to his nickname Omutegeke, he upgraded academically – earning a Master’s in Public Administration from UMI and a Postgraduate Diploma in Education Leadership.

Now also an Inspector of Schools, he plans to pursue a Master’s in Sports Management and eventually a PhD.

‘Management is where the fix lies,’ he argues. ‘Without proper structures, talent dies.’

Fixing the system

Ssenyonga sees four main obstacles: poor equipment, untrained coaches, weak enforcement of PE, and parental indifference.

‘Sport is not the opposite of education – it’s a multiplier,’ he says. ‘It opened doors for me. It can open more doors for others.’

He contrasts Uganda’s Shs250b national sports budget with the Shs20b spent daily on betting. ‘Imagine if a fraction of that built pitches,’ he remarks.

A bridge of hope

Ssenyonga’s bridge isn’t made of steel – it’s chalk lines, jerseys, school meetings, and dusty fields.

‘I didn’t become a pro athlete,’ he says, ‘but I can help the next generation succeed.’

His dream is a Uganda where no child plays barefoot, no school ignores sport, and no talent goes unseen.

AT A GLANCE

Name: Brian Charles Ssenyonga

Nickname: Omutegeke (The Prepared One)

Title: Wakiso District Sports Officer

Academy: Founder of Tarzan’s Sports Academy (est. 2018)

Community Arm: Divine Sports Academy (supports slum children)

Major Projects: Mugwanya 20,000-seater stadium, SHACK League alumni competition

Academic Credentials: Bachelor’s in Sports Science (Makerere), Master’s in Public Administration (UMI)

Vision: Establish a nationwide sports-education model for early talent nurturing

Favorite Stars: Thierry Henry (Soccer) and LeBron James (NBA)

Motto: Start early, prepare well, and win by design.

TALKING POINT

COMMUNITY POWER

System gaps. Uganda’s sports ecosystem continues to leak potential due to weak structures, poor coaching, and lack of accountability. Ssenyonga’s academy model provides a roadmap for fixing those leaks from the ground up. By mobilizing alumni and communities to invest in sport, he’s proving that grassroots unity – not state funding – will drive the next big leap for Uganda’s youth talent.

For 16 long years, they waited through court adjournments, appeals, and financial ruin. 16 years since the 2007/08 post-election violence in Kenya that reduced their livelihoods to ashes, Ugandan transporters have finally won a crucial victory.

At the close of last month, the Court of Appeal in Nairobi upheld a High Court decision requiring the Kenyan government to compensate 16 Ugandan logistics and transport firms whose trucks and goods were destroyed in the chaos that followed Kenya’s disputed presidential election.

Though court revised the payout, originally set at Shs231.4b ($64.3m), it affirmed the principle that the State failed to protect the truckers and their property from foreseeable harm.

The traders, among them Intraspeed Logistics, Dooba Enterprises, Wilbex Uganda, Sebco Uganda, and Mugega Holdings, filed suit in 2009, accusing Kenya’s Attorney General and Inspector General of Police of negligence for failing to safeguard cross-border freight trucks during the violence.

For many, the events of early 2008 remain etched in painful memory. Trucks carrying goods from Mombasa to Kampala, Kigali, and Goma were torched, looted, or abandoned along roads rendered impassable by riots and barricades.

Over 20 trucks were lost, along with millions worth of merchandise.

‘The losses crippled businesses overnight,’ recalls John Bosco Rusagara, the chief executive officer of Intraspeed Logistics, who testified on behalf of 15 affected firms. His company lost six trucks, loaded with fuel and tyres, and was pushed into receivership.

‘We had loans to service, staff to pay, and customers to answer to. Everything collapsed in weeks,’ he said.

For Faustin Mbundu, the managing director of Katraco, the destruction meant the end of an enterprise he had spent years building.

‘We lost three trucks and all our operating assets,’ he testified. Tom Mugenga, owner of Mugega Holdings, said his company lost eight trucks and later saw his Mombasa property auctioned to repay bank debts.

Court awarded Mugega Holdings Shs530m for the seized property and Shs57.5b in special damages.

The traders’ legal battle stretched across 16 years, marked by appeals, delays, and financial exhaustion.

The Kenyan government, through the Attorney General, argued that the violence was spontaneous and unforeseeable, an ‘act of nature’ that the police could not have reasonably prevented.

But the courts disagreed, with both the High Court and the Court of Appeal holding that the State had a duty of care to protect life and property, particularly along vital trade routes linking Kenya to its landlocked neighbours.

In their ruling, appellate judges found no fault in the High Court’s decision but revised the loss-of-business compensation period from six to three years.

‘We find no basis to interfere with the judgment, except to assign 15 percent loss of business per truck per annum for three years in place of six,’ the judges ruled.

Even with the adjusted figure, the verdict represents a landmark affirmation of accountability and a long-awaited moment of closure for the traders who refused to give up.

The case carried regional significance beyond individual losses. During the post-election violence, supply chains linking the Port of Mombasa to Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo were severely disrupted.

Uganda, which depends heavily on Kenya’s transport corridors, suffered widespread economic setbacks.

For many of the affected firms, the destruction of their fleets led to bank defaults, job losses, and years of debt recovery. Some never recovered. Others, like Intraspeed and Dooba, spent years rebuilding from scratch.

While the Court of Appeal’s decision does not erase the financial scars, it restores a sense of justice long denied.

For the surviving companies and the families behind them, it validates their resilience and belief that governments must be held responsible for the protection of cross-border investments.

16 years after their trucks burned on Kenyan soil, the transporters can finally look forward to compensation, however partial, however late.

It is a bittersweet triumph: a reminder that while justice may crawl, it can still reach those who wait, even through a generation of uncertainty, debt, and endurance.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, has earned Uganda a third-place ranking in global tourism recognition for its outstanding natural heritage.

The park, located in south-western Uganda, was ranked the third-best adventure destination in the world at the TOURISE Global Tourism Awards, held in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The top two spots went to Ancash in Peru and the Galápagos Islands in Ecuador, placing Uganda among the world’s leading adventure destinations celebrated for extraordinary landscapes, biodiversity, and sustainable tourism practices.

For Uganda, this recognition caps a remarkable journey in promoting the country as a preferred tourism destination, positioning it to compete with neighbouring countries and attract visitors from around the globe.

Prof. James Kalema, chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), who attended the ceremony in Riyadh, said the award affirms Uganda’s status as a global leader in conservation and adventure tourism.

‘This accolade is a powerful endorsement of Uganda’s commitment to conservation-led tourism. Bwindi demonstrates how protecting nature can create meaningful adventure experiences while empowering communities and sustaining national development,’ Prof. Kalema said.

The TOURISE Global Tourism Awards recognise destinations that combine innovation, sustainability, and exceptional visitor experiences to shape the future of travel. The event gathers policymakers, tourism authorities, and industry leaders worldwide to celebrate excellence and responsible tourism models.

Dr. James Musinguzi, executive director of UWA, said the achievement reflects the dedication of Uganda’s conservation teams and the strong collaboration between UWA, local communities, and tourism stakeholders.

‘This global ranking is an inspiration to all of us who work daily to protect Uganda’s natural treasures. It proves that our model of conservation-based tourism is delivering results: conserving biodiversity, uplifting communities, and strengthening Uganda’s global image as the Pearl of Africa,’ Dr. Musinguzi said.

Background

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is famed for its mist-covered hills, dense rainforest, and rare population of mountain gorillas. The park offers gorilla trekking, which attracts thousands of high-value visitors annually and generates critical resources for conservation and community development.

The quarter-finals of the UG20 2025 T20 League delivered one of the most dramatic Sundays in recent Ugandan club cricket – as defending champions Wanderers and last-year finalists Rounders were both emphatically dumped from the competition, leaving the semi-finals with guaranteed new faces at the summit.At the Lugogo Oval, Wanderers were overwhelmed by a youthful and ruthless Aboojo CC, who chased down 133/9 with 136/4 in just 14 overs to win by six wickets.Rapid fireThe manner of Aboojo’s chase led by their captain of the day Pascal Murungi (44 off 27) and Joseph Baguma (39 off 19) – all guns blazing – only reinforces the notion that though many might regard their method as unsustainable, they play with a strange sort of method to their ‘madness’.Meanwhile Rounders – who had looked formidable through the season and were tipped as danger men – were stunned by the new-kids on the block GM Sugar at Lugogo, as GM Sugar reached the required 86 for 1 in a mere 9.3 overs to win by 9 wickets. Bhaveshbhai Khapabhai Patel was their hero with a rollicking 55 off 35 that was littered with two boundaries and five well-drilled sixes.Wave of good formBut the story of the day may have come in Entebbe, where the quarter-final programme continued to deliver fireworks. The 19-year-old captain of Avengers, Christopher Kidega, masterminded a shock win over perennial contenders Ceylon Lions.In a rain-shortened six-overs game, Avengers posted 70 for 5 and held on to restrict Ceylon Lions to 57 for 5, winning by 13 runs.’We were prepared for the shortened game as we were aware with country’s current weather pattern. Winning the toss gave us an upper hand because we knew runs on board were always going to be important. Chasing stiff targets is also always tough,’ explained Kidgea.’We put them under pressure to go hard which resulted in wickets where the bowlers did an excellent job out there. As a captain I had to make sure their key players like Robinson Obuya and Charles Musemeza were dismissed as early as possible and we took our chances as a team, giving ourselves a shot at the semifinals.’Unexpected slayersIn the other quarter, the Ismaili Community XI, inspired by former Aziz Damani captain Ghulam Hunzai, got the better of pre-tournament favourites Kutchi Tigers CC by 14 runs. Ismail settled for 136 for 5 on the back of Pervaiz Ali’s 77 runs off 57 balls. And despite Cyrus Kakuru coming out with a long handle pummeling 46 off 26 for Kutchi, it was never going to be enough as their innings was halted on 122 for 7.All told, it meant both semi-final slots would be occupied by teams yet to play in a final – a fresh look at the summit for Ugandan club T20 that should be every inch worth a second glance.UG20 2025 TOURNAMENTResults – QuarterfinalsWanderers 133/9 | Aboojo 136/4Aboojo won by 6 wicketsIsmaili 136/5 | Kutchi Tigers 122/7Ismaili CC won by 14 runsAvengers 70/5 | Ceylon Lions 57/5Avengers won by 13 runsRounders 84/4 | GM Sugar 86/1GM Sugar won by 9 wicketsFIXTURES – SEMIFINALSNovember 16 – Entebbe OvalAboojo vs. GM Sugar, 10amIsmail Community vs Avengers, 2pmYOUTH SURGE.Fresh faces. This knockout day was a seismic shift: the old guard in Ugandan club T20 – the Wanderers and Rounders – were sidelined by the energetic and fearless new entrants who are not merely fair-weather splashers but look structurally built to win. The Titans of yesterday might have to re-invent themselves: if Albanian pressure-lifting enters cricket, the surge is coming from teams willing to accept chaos and still win.

The gentle sugar-scented breeze of Masindi will feel deceptively sweet when the elite packs of professionals and gross players step onto the opening tee today.

Jinja-bred Grace Kasango – last year’s champion among the professionals – knows that defending a title at Kinyara is a golfer’s toughest grind. ‘The course is tight, the greens are small, and the competition is ruthless,’ he admitted on the eve of play. ‘But I’m ready to give it everything again.’

Masindi’s own Joseph Kasozi, who lit up the 26th edition with 216 gross over three rounds, faces a stacked field that reads like a roll-call of Uganda’s finest: reigning Uganda Amateur Open champion Joseph Cwinya-ai, Reagan Akena, Andrew Ssekibejja, Peter Tumusiime, John Musiimenta, Ibrahim Bagalana and the evergreen Michael Tumusiime.

In the ladies’ division, Lillian Koowe seeks another sweet harvest against an inspired chasing pack.

Sweet legacy

Now in its 27th edition, the Kinyara Open stands tall as Uganda’s oldest and most enduring upcountry major – a pillar of sport and community for the people of Masindi.

‘This year’s tournament promises to be bigger and better, with more prizes across all categories. It’s also our way of giving back to the community,’ said Moses Enzama, Kinyara Golf Club captain, after officially launching the event at Uganda Golf Club on November 6.

Francis Mugerwa, Public Relations Officer of Kinyara Sugar Ltd, added: ‘We are proud to celebrate 27 years of golfing excellence. We have expanded categories, raised the prize purse and continued to use golf as a bridge to connect business, community and tourism in Masindi.’

Money and magic

With the backing of seven leading insurance companies – ICEA Lion, Liaison Group, MUA, GoldStar Insurance, Sanlam, Allianz and Old Mutual – the sponsors have injected no less than Shs100m into the 2025 edition.

ICEA Lion alone handed over a Shs 30 million dummy cheque, reaffirming its belief in sport as a sustainability driver. ‘We’re proud to back an event that promotes healthy living and community spirit,’ said Moses Mugalu, Marketing and Communications Lead, ICEA Lion Uganda.

The professionals will battle for a Shs10m purse, while elite men’s and ladies’ gross categories carry Shs4m and Shs3m respectively.

And for the daring – half a tonne of sugar (500 kg) awaits anyone who can ace the par-3 7th hole. The hole-in-one prize is without doubt, fittingly, ‘irresistibly sweet.’

Full house

Over 150 players are already confirmed, with the organisers ready to stretch to 200 when the subsidiary and seniors’ categories (55+ years) join the fray on Saturday (November 15) after the elite groups complete their 54-hole strokeplay campaign.

‘We anticipate our biggest field yet,’ noted Enzama. ‘The enthusiasm is overwhelming. Golfers love Masindi because of the warmth of the people, the quality of the greens and the hospitality from Kinyara Sugar.’

KINYARA GOLF OPEN

Edition: 27th

Dates: November 13 – 15

Venue: Kinyara Golf Club, Masindi

Course Par: 71

Green Fees: Shs50,000

Categories: Professionals, Gross (Men and Women), Seniors (55 +), Subsidiaries

Prize Purse: Shs10m (Pros) | Shs4m (Gross Men) | Shs3m (Gross Ladies)

Hole-in-One Prize: 500 kg of Kinyara Sugar on Par-3 Hole 7

Partners: ICEA Lion, Liaison Group, MUA, GoldStar, Sanlam, Allianz, Old Mutual

Organiser: Kinyara Sugar Ltd (Sarrai Group Company)

Slogan: Irresistibly Sweet

Anticipated Field: 150 golfers

Talking Point

Title Defences. Can Kasango, Kasozi and Koowe hold their nerve on Masindi’s slender fairways? The trio know that one loose drive or a bad read on the greens could undo months of preparation. Beyond trophies and cash, Kinyara Open thrives on its community soul – part competition, part celebration, and all heart.

The Archbishop of Church of Uganda, Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu has tasked leaders in the East African region to stop involving youth in their political wars.

The archbishop, who was on Thursday visiting immigrants at Nakivale refugee settlement camp in Isingiro District where the Church of Uganda supported refugees with different essential items, said it is unfair for young people to be involved in fights that lead to loss of lives without any reason.

‘It is very disheartening to leave your homes, relatives and go to different places because of war but as the Church of Uganda, we have already visited and given our contributions. I want to make an appeal to each one of us here and outside the country to ensure that peace is really given attention,’ he said.

He added: ‘People, leaders, every person should ensure things to do with fighting are stopped. Let us promote the spirit of speaking to one another. Because when we fight many other people will suffer.”

His comments come after 95 of National Unity Platform (NUP) supporters were arrested and arraigned before different courts across the country to answer traffic offences, robbery, malicious damage, and unlawful drilling.

‘War is the place where young people who do not know each other, who don’t hate each other fight each other. They are fighting and yet they don’t know each other, they kill each other and yet they do not have any problem,’ he said before adding that ‘but because of the decisions of old people who hate each other who fight each other and don’t kill each other at the end of the war they shake hands and they eat together and the innocent people die for nothing,’

Mr Kaziimba said women and children are usually the most affected during political and civil wars which leave the country without a future.

‘The children, the women die, the youth die so I want to call upon leaders in the great lakes region to please meet and talk to each other about how to end war so that innocent people do not suffer.so that people can come together and agree on the way forward that is what we want because we may come here and pray for you but needs are continuing,’ he said.

The National Field and Emergence Coordinator in the Office of the Prime Minister, Mr John Bosco Ssentamu who looked miserable while responding to the call said the biggest population of refugees in Uganda which is close to 1.9m people is dominated by children.

‘The refugee population in Uganda, 50 percent of them are below the age of 18 so meaning there are a lot of needs in terms of social services. Apart from the children, the next big population are the women and these people come with a lot of needs,’ he said.

Mr Ssentamu said with the decreased support from donor funding, they have struggled to give the refugees necessary essential services.

The government of Uganda in partnership with UNHCR and other agencies, development and humanitarian have tried our best to give them the semblance of life they have been living in their countries of origin. But with donor cuts we are really struggling to maintain these people in a decent environment,’ he said.

According to OPM, as of October 2025, the refugees in Uganda were 1.9 million people and it is estimated that before the end of the year, they will have reached two million people. Nakivale Refugee Settlement camp hosts 273,000 people in Isingiro District.

The Minister for Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and national guidance Chris Baryomunsi has urged public and private universities to help the government to fasten service delivery to its citizens.

Baryomunsi observed that much as all the 68 universities in Uganda are teaching computer science and installing computers in their libraries, the research and innovations they carry out should be able to find space in the policy arena to translate into meaningful interventions that help change society.

‘You cannot say technology is for the Western world. It will find you where you are even if you hide your head in the sand. I have been to countries like South Korea where the doctors are using artificial intelligence to make quick, accurate and better diagnosis of ailments like cancer. How do we bring these technologies into the health sector in Uganda for our health workers to perform better?’ Baryomunsi wondered.

The minister made these remarks while presiding over the 18th graduation ceremony of ISBAT University at Hotel Africana on November 12, 2025 in Kampala, celebrated under the theme transforming higher education by integrating emerging technologies.

‘We are looking at issues of e-government services and digitising and automating government service delivery. We are looking at issues of digital literacy and skilling in Uganda by working and collaborating with universities. We are looking at the issues of innovation, entrepreneurship and cyber security. The question I would like to pose to universities is the role they are playing in facilitating the digital transformation agenda,’ Mr Baryomunsi added.

The 18th graduation of the university was remarkable that the Indian High Commissioner to Uganda, Shri Upender Singh Rawat was part of the 962 graduands and awarded a masters degree in public health.

Ambassador Rawat said he aims at using the knowledge he acquired to enhance relations between Uganda and India’s healthcare sectors.

‘And as a career diplomat for 27 years and a country’s representative, we have to deal with all the subjects in foreign relations. I thought that it’s a good time in the later part of life to gain new knowledge and new expertise and public health and health overall is one of the most important topics that we need to deal with everywhere in the government but also in diplomacy. I took time to gain more knowledge in public health so that I can use it in my work to advance Uganda and India altogether,’ said Mr Rawat who has been in Uganda for two years and five months.

While giving his keynote address titled transforming higher education by integrating emerging technologies, George William Nyombi Thembo, the Executive Director of Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) reminded higher institutions of learning how the world is living through a period of rapid technological change, unlike anything humanity has ever experienced.

My Nyombi added that artificial intelligence, data analytics, virtual reality, and other emerging technologies are writing the rules of every industry such as healthcare to finance and manufacturing to creative arts. Education, especially higher education, Nyombi reiterated, cannot and must not remain on the sidelines of this transformation.

‘Traditional lectures, fixed curricula, and standardised assessments no longer align with the dynamic, personalised and digital fast world that students inhabit. Education, pedagogical approaches and other approaches have been disrupted. The lecturer and professor who used to be the depository of knowledge will see these becoming more of facilitators of learning other than spewers of knowledge because it has been democratised and put on the web. Today’s learners are digital natives and live in an ecosystem of constant information, connectivity, and instant feedback. To remain relevant, higher education must evolve from a model of simple knowledge transmission to one of knowledge creation and application. Emerging technologies are the catalysts to make this revolution possible,’ Mr Nyombi said.

For his part, Varghese Mundamattam, Chairman, board of directors of Isbat university said higher institutions of learning cannot transform in isolation but through multi-sectoral partnerships to match the trends of emerging technologies.

‘Strong partnerships with industry, government and civil society provide real problems for students to solve, internships that build practical skills and pathways to research to translate into public benefit. Strong academy partnerships also help universities remain up to date with current technological evolution,’ Mundamattam said.

In Uganda, the ICT sector contributes approximately nine percent of the country’s GDP and employs approximately 1.3 million citizens with an annual growth of approximately 15 percent. Yet, one major challenge that remains is the gap between what industries need and what traditional institutions and education systems produce.

It should also be noted that all universities in Uganda produce over 700,000 graduates into the job market, yet according to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics national housing and population census report, unemployment in Uganda stands at 12.3 percent, with 42.6 percent of Uganda’s youth between 15 to 24 unemployed, not in education or training.

If someone had told me a few years ago that I’d one day be shaking hands with the Pope, I’d have laughed, sipped my tea, and asked them to pass the chapati.

But here we are – from Kampala’s dusty roads to the Vatican’s marble floors, and yes, I actually met the Pope. I didn’t go to Rome for confession or a photo op.

I went to demand justice. When you’re a survivor of sexual abuse, meeting the Pope isn’t just surreal, it’s strategic. It’s standing face-to-face with centuries of power and saying, ‘Holy Father, it’s time for holy accountability.’

As a survivor of sexual violence, I have spent years pushing for the Church to move beyond apologies toward accountability. Through Ending Clergy Abuse (ECA), a global network of survivors, advocates, and human rights defenders from more than 30 countries, we’ve called on the Vatican to enact one clear, non-negotiable policy: a universal zero-tolerance canon law. That means if any member of the clergy, bishop, priest, or nun, is found guilty of sexually abusing a child or vulnerable adult, they are defrocked, reported to civil authorities, and permanently barred from ministry.

No second chances. No quiet transfers to new parishes. No protection for predators disguised as mercy. For too long, the Church has responded to scandals by moving abusers instead of removing them, often from Europe to Africa, Latin America, or Asia. In doing so, it exports pain, not healing. As a Ugandan survivor, I’ve seen what that means on the ground: communities blindsided by ‘new priests,’ children left unsafe, and survivors left voiceless. So when our small delegation was invited to meet Pope Leo, it felt like history cracking open. We walked into the Apostolic Palace carrying years of anguish and a simple message:

‘Your Holiness, we don’t just need empathy. We need a system.’

To his credit, Pope Leo listened. He asked questions. He didn’t rush us. For the first time, I felt that the Church wasn’t just tolerating our presence, it was hearing our pain. I left the meeting with hope. Not the naïve kind that waits for miracles, but the kind that builds momentum. The kind that says: Now that you’ve listened, let’s act. Our request was concrete: Adopt a universal zero-tolerance canon law for clergy who commit sexual abuse. Appoint a liaison, a trusted Vatican representative who will work directly with survivors and legal experts to craft the right policy language.

Set a timeline for reform.

Because time, for survivors, is not a luxury. Every delay is another betrayal. The pope acknowledged the enormity of the problem and the need for systemic solutions. That in itself was progress. But listening is only the first step. Change happens when compassion becomes codified. The Catholic Church has 1.4 billion followers across every continent. It cannot preach equality in faith but practice inequality in justice. In the United States, bishops adopted a zero-tolerance policy in 2002, and it has helped.

But why should that protection stop at borders?

A child in Kampala deserves the same safety as a child in Boston or Buenos Aires. A nun in Nigeria deserves the same protection as one in Rome. This is not a Western issue. It is a global issue, and it demands a global law. ‘Faith without accountability is broken.’ Zero tolerance is not anti-Church. It’s pro-children. It’s pro-justice. It’s pro-truth. Pope Leo has an opportunity to restore moral credibility to a Church that has spent decades struggling under the weight of scandal and secrecy. He can choose to make this era different , to move from apologies to action, from silence to statute.

Because survivors don’t need more meetings. We need measurable change. ‘The times when a Pope could say one sentence and everything was settled are over,’ one of my fellow advocates said. And he’s right. Accountability now requires structure, not statements. To survivors still afraid to speak: you are not alone. To the faithful who feel torn between belief and betrayal: your voice matters. To Church leaders still hesitant about zero tolerance: compassion and consequence can coexist. We don’t want to destroy the Church, we want to help it heal.

When the Church finally protects the most vulnerable, it will rediscover the moral authority it has lost. And when it codifies zero tolerance into canon law, it will prove that repentance is more than ritual – it’s responsibility. When I looked at Pope Leo, I didn’t see a miracle worker. I saw a man standing at the intersection of history and healing. And I told him what I tell the world now:’ Hope is not the end of our story – it’s the beginning of our next fight.’

Because protecting children is not a request. It’s a commandment.

Uganda U-17 head coach Brian Ssenyondo was crystal clear when the Cecafa qualifiers for the 2025 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations began,that his mission was to guide the team to the Fifa U-17 World Cup.

Uganda achieved that goal after a spirited qualification run that took them to the Afcon finals in Morocco in March and later played a playoff victory over Gambia after failing to qualify directly.

At the continental showpiece, the Cubs managed only one win and two losses but they stayed in contention for a World Cup slot through the playoffs.

Even conceding in the first minute against Gambia did not shake their resolve as James Bogere scored twice to seal Uganda’s passage to Qatar.

Ssenyondo’s focus quickly shifted to the global stage. Drawn in Group K alongside seasoned sides France, Canada and Chile, Uganda’s first task was not only survival but be among the best 32 in the world.

The Cubs made a dream start against Canada in the opening game as they grabbed an early 1-0 lead before painfully losing 2-1 in the final minutes.

Against Chile in the second game, Uganda was trailing until the 90th minute but Derrick Ssozi’s last gasp strike kept their hopes alive heading into the final match which was a humongous must-win battle with France.

On Tuesday, the Cubs produced one of the biggest shocks of the tournament, beating the former world champions and last edition’s finalists 1-0.

Initially, this looked like a one-sided affair going by the pedigree of the two nations. But the team’s dreams overcame the fear-factor as Bogere scored again, this time in the 18th minute, to hand Uganda a historic win.

That secured qualification to the round of 32 as one of the best third-placed teams.

The result has stirred excitement and raised expectations back home with Ugandan fans flooding social media to celebrate what many have called the country’s finest footballing moment at youth level.

There is now mounting pressure on Ssenyondo’s side to keep the fairytale going but the coach has tried to shield his young players from external noise while urging calm and focus.

‘It’s good that we won and also played very good, entertaining football,’ Ssenyondo said.

‘Our target coming here was to fight and leave the groups and we have achieved that. Now we just want to enjoy ourselves. We’re going to see what the knockout has to offer but we shall take it game by game.’

The win over France has lifted confidence in the Ugandan camp but the next hurdle is another African powerhouse Senegal whose pedigree at this stage doesn’t match any of the three teams Uganda played in the groups further fuelling Uganda’s expectations.

Senegal are appearing at the U-17 World Cup for the third time after debuting in 2019 and featuring again in the last edition in 2023.

The reigning African champions topped Group C unbeaten, beating Costa Rica 1-0, thrashing the United Arab Emirates 5-0 and drawing goalless with Croatia.

The round of 32 fixture presents both a test of maturity and a chance to show that the Cubs’ win over France was no fluke but for now, Ssenyondo insists, it’s time to enjoy the moment they’ve earned, rightfully.