Category: Daily Monitor

Uganda and Tanzania are strengthening their cooperation on ICT regulation, cybersecurity, and digital transformation, with a focus on harmonizing data protection and privacy frameworks within the East African Community (EAC).

A delegation from Tanzania’s Information and Communication Technologies Commission (ICTC) recently visited Uganda’s National Information Technology Authority (NITA-U) in Kampala to benchmark Uganda’s ICT regulations and data protection frameworks.

Ms Caroline Mugisha, NITA-U’s Director of Regulation and Legal Services, emphasised the importance of regional collaboration, saying, “This benchmarking visit by the ICTC is a testament to our shared commitment to improving regional ICT capabilities. As EAC member states, we face similar challenges in managing data, securing cyberspace, and building trust in digital systems. Collaboration is the best way forward.”

The Tanzanian team, led by Eng. Sadath Kalolo and Williard Kalulu, is touring Uganda’s key ICT facilities, including the National Data Centre and the Personal Data Protection Office (PDPO).

Uganda’s efforts in enforcing the Data Protection and Privacy Act, which came into force in 2019, were highlighted during the visit. The PDPO has registered close to 10,000 organizations that collect and process personal data, a key step towards compliance with the law.

Mr Paul Kakeeto, PDPO Manager for Public Relations and International Relations, said, “We are working with other East African states to develop a harmonized governance framework to handle data protection issues at the same pace within the region.”

The visit underscores the importance of regional cooperation in addressing cyber threats and promoting digital transformation. NITA-U’s Director of Information Security, Mr Arnold Mangeni, noted, “Our role as IT regulators is not only to secure data but also to create a culture of cybersecurity that enables safe digital transformation.”

The Nakawa Chief Magistrate’s Court has dismissed a bail application of remanded National Unity Platform (NUP) deputy spokesperson, Alex Waiswa Mufumbiro, who is accused of inciting violence, because he will reportedly interfere with the ongoing investigations into his case.

Grade One Magistrate Frank Namanya, on Thursday, said that although the Nakawa East Member of Parliament hopeful had presented substantial sureties, including his father, wife, and a Member of Parliament, the gravity of the offence and the likelihood of interference with witnesses warranted his continued detention.

‘The accused person has a right to apply for bail and is presumed innocent until proven guilty under Article 28 of the Constitution. However, given the status of the applicant (Mufumbiro) in society, being the deputy spokesperson of the lead opposition party in Uganda with command and respect, he may interfere with investigations and witnesses,’ Mr Namanya said.

Mufumbiro, who applied for bail on November 3, 2025, through his lawyers, presented the three sureties whose identification documents and letters of introduction from local authorities were tendered in court. The prosecution, led by State Attorney Mahatima Odongo, requested time to verify the documents, and the matter was adjourned for ruling.

On Thursday, the state asked court to reject the bail application, arguing that the nature and gravity of the offence, as well as its impact on public order, justified the outspoken politician’s continued detention.

‘The offences with which the accused is charged are serious in nature as they are intended to cause harm to security officers who maintain peace and order in the country,’ Mr Odongo argued.

The state further told court that investigations were ongoing and that releasing Mr Mufumbiro on bail could jeopardize the process.

Although the magistrate was of the view that all three sureties were responsible citizens and important members of society, he took the state’s position that the seriousness of the charge and the ongoing investigations outweighed the bail request.

‘I find all the three sureties substantial. However, given the nature of the offence, its gravity and the effect on society, it will only be fair that the accused temporarily remains in custody to pave way for speedy investigations and for justice to be seen to be done,’ the magistrate ruled.

He advised Mr Mufumbiro to reapply for bail once investigations are complete and directed the prosecution to expedite the process.

‘I therefore decline to grant the accused person bail but rather advise him to reapply when investigations are complete,’ he said.

Mr Mufumbiro, 39, was charged on October 30, 2025, with incitement to commit an offence contrary to Section 21(1) of the Penal Code Act. According to the charge sheet, he allegedly incited his party supporters on September 4, 2025, within Kampala City, to commit offences against security personnel, including calls to commit murder.

He has, however, denied what he described as trumped-up charges brought against him for reportedly supporting Mr Robert Kyagulanyi, alias Bobi Wine who is seeking to unseat President Museveni who has led Uganda for nearly four decades.

Mufumbiro is also facing additional charges of holding an unlawful assembly and military drilling alongside 10 others.

Prosecution alleges that Mufumbiro and his co-accused conducted a meeting where individuals were trained in military-style exercises without authorisation from the Minister of Internal Affairs, contrary to Section 45 of the Penal Code Act. The charges stem from a February parade staged by party supporters as part of their activities to mark Mr Kyagulanyi’s 43rd birthday.

If convicted, the offence of incitement to commit an offence carries a maximum sentence of seven years’ imprisonment.

The magistrate called for investigations to be expedited before the matter returns to court for mention.

If you are a twenty-something fresh graduate or first-jobber milling around any of Uganda’s sprouting urban areas, I have good news, and bad.

The good news is that, with relatively little effort, you will live in much better circumstances than your parents. With a little effort and luck, you will live in a permanent house with electricity and running water. If you share accommodation with animals, it is likely to be for fun, not for their safekeeping.

The bad news is that you are likely to rent for most or all your life, especially if you plan to live in the major cities. This is not necessarily a bad thing; renting allows mobility and frees up capital for investment and consumption. Still, you will most likely struggle to get onto the greasy property ladder should you choose to buy or build a house.

The high cost of land, construction, and money is pricing many Ugandans out of the property market and contributing to a housing crisis. The majority, with limited means, end up in very low-quality accommodation in informal settlements with very poor services. Those with more means bleed value in how much brick they get for their buck.

The need for decent and affordable housing does not get the attention it deserves. In this financial year, the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development has a budget of USh81 billion, half what it had the year before. Of this, about USh48 billion will be spent on salaries and other running costs. The Housing ministry does not plan to build a single house this year and is not measured on how many units are delivered.

Partly, this is because this role was outsourced to free market forces. Half of the National Housing and Construction Company, which built the low-to-medium housing estates in Bugolobi, Bukoto, Namuwongo, Namungoona and elsewhere, was sold to Gaddafi’s government. With Libya in turmoil, the company is undercapitalised and the few units it builds are targeted at the high-margin upper deck of the property market.

Partly, it is because of misaligned outputs and outcomes. Among its thin list of achievements, the ministry’s policy statement mentions that in the last financial year it promoted “densification through high-rise development in two municipalities in Kotido and Moroto”.

Your columnist is not a regular in Karamoja, but it does not strike me as a place in urgent need of vertical housing development. Those ministry people for them they are doing what they want.

Affordable housing in planned settlements reduces the cost of delivering services, improves social stability, and drives economic growth. People living in their own houses are less likely to burn tyres on the roads. Even renters in better-organised communities are more likely to have a higher instinct to preserve.

Our current model, where people save money and build brick by brick over many years, is also woefully inefficient. You lose the rent you continue to pay while you build and lose from the missed return on the sunk costs.

Here is a simple way to start tackling the problem. The Ministry has asked for USh250 billion to capitalise National Housing. This should be rejected. Instead, the government should put the money, even a part of it initially, in the Housing Finance Bank, and allow it to be lent at the trailing average inflation (currently about five percent) plus costs of three percent. So about eight percent.

If you take a 15-year USh100 mortgage at today’s prime interest rate of 19 percent, you will pay about USh1.68 million per month and will pay USh302 million by the end of the mortgage, of which USh202 million will be just interest. Cut the interest rate to 10 percent and the monthly payment drops to just over a million, just about the rent-to-own number. Total payment will be USh193 million and interest, at USh93 million, lower than the principal.

The value unlocked is immense. Developers can sell off-plan to reduce their financing costs while building bigger and better because they are assured of off-takers. Buyers will pay less overall and amortise their house buying costs over many years, leaving them with more disposable income to spend. More people with skin in the game means more political stability and a more willingness to find consensus.

This is just one of many solutions, but it is not even new. In his 2006 election manifesto, the NRM candidate promised to fund a mortgage scheme that would have reduced the cost of money for those seeking to buy houses. It’s a pity he was not elected, but there is hope, given that he is running again this time.

At least 2,000 exhibitors are expected to grace the ongoing 25th East African Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Trade Fair that is currently ongoing at Uhuru Gardens, in Nairobi, Kenya.

Briefing the Ugandan media on Tuesday in Kampala, Mr Ojara Leo Kizito Ocaya, the Commissioner for Economic Affairs in the Ministry of East African Affairs, said the border points are free for participants who will go through Uganda to Kenya.

The trade fair, which started on November 7, will run until November 16.

‘We have an understanding with the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), and all the exhibitors will have a free passage at all border points. They will only have to pay for accommodation and their welfare. This will allow the focus on innovation in their businesses and keep some money in their pockets,’ he said.

Kenya’s President William Ruto while officially opening the Trade Fair on Tuesday, described the event as the cornerstone for the region’s economic integration.

Exhibitors from across the East African Community (EAC) partner states are expected to participate in the 10-day event, which aims to market regional MSME products, share new technologies, facilitate networking, promote knowledge exchange through symposia, and foster cultural exchange.

Stalls overflow with handmade crafts, organic honey, textile innovations, and technology-driven agricultural innovations.

Mr Ocaya said Uganda will capitalise on products that have already gained regional traction.

‘We are proud of our coffee, but all these countries have coffee. We have a particular market, especially on back cloth and kanzu, because some exhibitors have an interest in their uniqueness and differences. Not every country has them,’ he said.

This year, the fair will be celebrated under the theme: ’25 years of EAC Integration: Advancing Innovation and Regional Value chains for Competitive towards Sustainable Development.’

The permanent secretary for East African affairs, Ms Edith Mwanje, said: ‘The Trade Fair creates a platform for SMEs in the region to network, peer review and exchange as well as receive knowledge from trade facilitating actors through symposia.’

‘The Trade Fair is mainly targeting sectors in leather and leather products, agro processed products, agro processing machinery, metal fabricators, basketry, textiles, wood and wood products, herbal and medicinal products, as well as handicrafts,’ she added.

Last year’s Trade Fair was hosted in Juba, South Sudan, drawing over 1000 exhibitors and saw skyrocketing demand for Ugandan Kanzu, bark-cloth products, handicrafts, and furniture, according to the ministry.

A fierce political showdown is brewing in Lira City as two prominent Cabinet ministers, Ms Betty Amongi and Dr Jane Ruth Aceng, clash in a high-stakes race for the woman representative seat in Parliament.

The rivalry between these two political heavyweights has sent shock waves across the Lango Sub-region, with supporters on both sides fiercely defending their candidates.

Ms Amongi, the minister of Gender, Labour, and Social Development, has abandoned her Oyam County South parliamentary seat and relocated to Lira City. She is contesting under the Uganda Peoples Congress (UPC) flag.

Her opponent, Dr Aceng, the minister of Health and incumbent Lira City Woman MP, is seeking re-election on the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party ticket.

Amid the intense contest, a third contender has entered the race, Ms Patricia Aceng Ogwang, a young and ambitious former radio presenter, who is running as an Independent and promises to shake up Lira’s political scene.

Ms Amongi’s economic agenda

Ms Amongi has vowed that UPC will sweep all parliamentary seats in this key trade hub of the Lango Sub-region.

In Lira City East Division, Mr James Ocen (UPC) faces off against Mr Denis Alyela Omodi (NRM) and Mr Isaac Apenyo (Independent). This seat was previously held by Mr Jimmy Akena Obote, the UPC party president, who is also Ms Amongi’s husband.

In Lira City West Division, UPC’s Vincent Shedrick Obong (incumbent) is battling Mr Eddy Morris Ogweng (NRM), Mr Denis Blair Odongo Okello (Ind), Mr Jimmy Awany (Ind), and Mr Dan Okello (Ind).

‘We are here to win all seats in Lira City as members of the Uganda Peoples Congress. We are going to focus on the needs of the people, economic empowerment,’ Ms Amongi said.

Amongi’s 2026-2031 agenda prioritises industrialisation.

‘I will work to ensure the operationalisation of Lira Industrial Park. I already have two investors, one from Korea and one from Dubai, ready to invest,’ she said, pledging to promote economic empowerment, especially for youth and women.

She also said if elected, she would expand an ongoing skilling programme and roll out affordable capital at 10 percent interest for small businesses.

Her campaign slogan, ‘Oribcing olweny wunu ikom can, bed i cente icao’, translates to ‘Let’s join hands to fight poverty and have money in our pockets.’

‘Without money, you cannot meet basic needs such as education, healthcare, food, shelter, and clothing,’ she said. ‘We will support every sector, agriculture, business, and beyond, to ensure families have income and can contribute to our economy.’

‘Protecting the gains’

Dr Aceng, meanwhile, said she is ready to defend her seat and consolidate her achievements.

‘I have made good gains in water and sanitation, education, health, and wealth creation. I promise to protect and enhance those gains,’ she affirmed.

The health minister emphasised unity and teamwork, saying the transformation of Lira City requires collective effort.

Aceng: ‘A people-centred vision’

Independent candidate Aceng Ogwang said she is offering a new kind of leadership that is best suited for the city.

‘My vision for Lira City is one where every citizen, especially women and youth have equal access to opportunities, quality services, and a dignified life,’ she said.

Her platform rests on three pillars: health and sanitation for all; urban farming for food security and income; and education and child empowerment.

‘I intend to champion a leadership that listens, engages, and delivers,’ she added.

Challenges on ground

Despite its growth, Lira faces major socio-economic challenges.

The city has one of the highest HIV prevalence rates in Uganda, at 12 percent as of 2024, linked to factors such as commercial sex work and risky behaviour among people living with HIV/Aids.

Other persistent issues include poor road infrastructure, youth unemployment, poverty, domestic violence, and poor sanitation.

Patricia Aceng Ogwang

A journalist and public health advocate, Ms Ogwang has over six years of experience in broadcast and online media. Through her reporting, she has championed causes such as gender equality, gender-based violence prevention, and social inclusion.

She is the founder of Wanacel Foundation, a women’s rights and advocacy organisation based in Lira City. She said her earlier volunteer work with Child Fund International in Kampala inspired her commitment to empowering vulnerable communities.

‘Informed people are empowered people,’ she said.

Betty Amongi

Ms Amongi is a strong advocate for women’s rights and political inclusion. She spearheaded the national campaign to abolish the refund of bride price and has represented Uganda in several international parliamentary associations.

She has worked on peace and security initiatives across Africa, including in Somalia, where her efforts helped advance women’s representation in Parliament.

Ms Amongi is a trained professional in International Relations, Political Science, and Gender and Development Studies.

She previously served as Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, and Minister for Kampala Capital City, before assuming her current Gender, Labour and Social Development portfolio.

Dr Jane Ruth Aceng

She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Medicine (MBChB), MMED (Paediatrics), Masters in Public Health and Diploma in Health System Strengthening.

She is a senior paediatrician. She served as medical officer, senior medical officer, medical officer special grade, medical superintendent, consultant paediatrician, senior consultant paediatrician, hospital director and formerly as the director general of health services, where she was responsible for coordinating technical functions for the delivery of health services, a role she fulfilled until her appointment as the minister of Health.

The Chinese government has said over the past five years, China and Uganda’s relationship has grown into a strong and broad partnership aimed at boosting economic growth and development in the two countries.

Speaking to journalists yesterday about the outcomes of the fourth meeting of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, Zhang Lizhong, the Chinese ambassador to Uganda, said the friendship between the two countries has greatly improved.

He explained that this new level of cooperation has led to stronger political trust, successful projects in many areas, and closer connections between the people of both countries.

Mr Zhang said since 1953, when China began its first five-year development plans, these plans have helped transform China from a poor farming country into the world’s largest manufacturer and the second-largest economy.

He added that during the recent meeting held from October 20 to 23, China’s leaders reviewed progress from the past five years and came up with a new five-year plan to guide the country’s growth. Despite the many global challenges, China managed to stay strong and make great progress. The new plan is meant to keep that momentum, ensuring continued fast economic growth and long-term social stability.

‘China remains a true friend and dependable partner in Uganda’s journey toward growth and modernisation,’ Mr Zhang said.

When asked how Uganda will benefit from China’s new plan, he explained that since Uganda is also implementing its own National Development Plan and Vision 2040, both countries can work together more closely. He mentioned that China has declared 2026 as the ‘China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges,’ which will open more opportunities for cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, technology, agriculture, and education.

He added that Uganda and China can benefit by sharing skills in modern farming to improve food security, promoting green energy and the digital economy, and strengthening partnerships in culture, education, and healthcare.

When asked for examples where the Chinese government is helping Uganda achieve its Vision 2040, he cited the different industries in Mbale Industrial Park, the Sunmaker Oil and Gas Institute in Bugolobi which has trained thousands of Ugandans in different oil and gas specialised vocational courses, the 25 Chinese Medical teams that have been to Uganda since 1983, helping government set up the medical facilities in rural parts of the country, among others.

Preparations for the 59th Coronation Anniversary of Obusinga Bwa Rwenzururu (OBR) and the first-ever Omusinga’s Birthday Run, both scheduled for Friday, November 14, 2025, are in high gear in Kasese District.

The Inspector General of Police (IGP) has assured residents of tight security during the celebrations.

The coronation anniversary, initially planned for October 19, was postponed after Omusinga Charles Wesley Mumbere was airlifted abroad for medical treatment just days before the event.

Following the November 1, 2025, simultaneous attacks in the districts of Kasese, Fort Portal, and Bundibugyo by suspected machete-wielding assailants, which left over 40 suspects dead and more than 90 arrested, IGP Abbas Byakagaba visited Kasese District on Wednesday to assess the security situation ahead of the coronation.

During his visit, the IGP held a closed-door meeting with police officers from the four policing divisions of the Rwenzori East Region (Kasese) and cabinet ministers of the Obusinga Bwa Rwenzururu at Virina Gardens in Kasese Municipality.

Addressing journalists after the meeting, IGP Byakagaba reaffirmed the police’s commitment to ensuring peace and safety throughout the celebrations.

‘We will ensure that people jubilate in peace on Friday, November 14, as OBR celebrates its 59th Coronation Anniversary and hosts the first-ever Omusinga’s Birthday Run. The Kingdom has played a crucial role in promoting stability, not only in Kasese District but across the entire region.’

He further commended the strong collaboration between the Kingdom and security agencies.

‘The relationship between the Kingdom and the police remains solid, and we have worked closely together over the years. Our commitment to maintaining peace will not end with these celebrations but will continue through the Christmas season and even during the upcoming elections.’

Commenting on the recent attacks, the IGP strongly condemned the violence, revealing that suspects arrested in connection with the incidents would soon be presented before the courts of law.

‘No one should be misled or tempted to engage in unlawful activities. Those involved in such acts are being isolated and dealt with according to the law. Let us all be ambassadors of peace and unity. We must also stay productive, because idleness can create fertile ground for such negative ideologies.’

In response, Obusinga Prime Minister Mr Benson Kule Baritazale expressed gratitude for the IGP’s visit and message, noting that it gave the Kingdom renewed confidence in the government’s commitment to regional security.

‘The IGP’s reassurance has strengthened our hope for continued peace and safety in the region and the country at large, especially as we head into the coronation celebrations,’ he said.

He expressed optimism about the continued collaboration between the Kingdom and the security agencies, noting that during the meeting, they had unveiled the five foundational pillars of the Obusinga Bwa Rwenzururu (OBR), along with key insights from the Kingdom’s five-year strategic plan.

Baritazale revealed that the Kingdom is seeking Shs 1.3 billion to facilitate the implementation of the initial projects.

‘Among the projects we hope to begin is the establishment of a radio station, Nzururu FM, to help with the quick and effective dissemination of OBR programs. We also plan to create a One-Stop Cultural Village, a site that visitors can access for learning and tourism purposes-especially to educate the younger generation,’ he said.

Meanwhile, a series of activities were conducted for this year’s 59th Coronation Anniversary and the Omusinga’s Birthday Run, including community cleaning exercise, tree-planting campaign, among others.

Mr Jackson Mumbere, Programs Director at People and Nature Rwenzori Mountains, said the tree-planting exercise was at Buhikira Royal Hill in Kasese Town, saying the campaign aims to plant over 800 indigenous trees, building on the 100,000 trees already planted between July 5, 2019, and October 16, 2025.

He further noted that the organization had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with OBR to strengthen collaboration on environmental restoration efforts.

‘We have partnered with OBR and signed an MoU with them. We urge all Kingdom subjects to embrace tree planting across Kasese District as a way of restoring degraded soils.’

I am newly married, and every month when I am on my period, my husband refuses to eat any food I prepare. He says women are ‘unclean’ during that time and that eating such food can weaken a man’s strength. At first, I thought he was joking, but now he waits until I am done with my period before eating anything I have cooked. I feel insulted, and sometimes he even warns guests not to eat my food ‘during certain days.’ I have tried explaining that menstruation is natural, but he will not listen. I am hurt and confused; how do I change his mindset without embarrassing him? Anonymous

Dear Anonymous,

Whether you are newly married or have been married for a long time, food prepared by a wife is often a key binder of the family’s fabric, and how it is treated can either generate tranquility or create friction and disharmony. Your distress, therefore, is entirely understandable.

Different ways of viewing menstrual periods are usually rooted in religious backgrounds or cultural beliefs, although in many contexts, such insistence has lessened as society and men in particular become more open-minded. In your case, however, you have not provided insight into why your husband feels the way he does about you during your periods.

It is important to understand why he views women, and you, his wife, in this way regarding your menstrual cycle. Even in religions that associate impurity with menstruation, it is not typical to extend this to preventing a woman from cooking or serving food.

In Uganda, no widely known culture treats a woman differently simply because of her natural monthly cycles. With that said, you should seek to understand, either directly from him or through people who know him well, what motivates his view. Could it be a personal interpretation of religious tenets or a cultural belief?

From a non-religious and non-cultural perspective, some men, due to their background or upbringing, might psychologically associate menstruation with disgust or uncleanliness. Understanding why he feels this way is important because it empowers you to handle this distressing issue from a place of comprehension rather than purely emotion, reducing the sense of victimisation.

Regarding his sharing of your menstrual cycle as a public discussion, it is essential to address this. Such behaviour can be disconcerting and disrespectful to you as a woman. You can tackle this first, communicating respectfully but clearly that this is not acceptable to you.

Whatever the underlying motivation, it is evident that your husband’s actions are anchored in a particular mindset. Mindsets can change over time, but it requires effort and patience. If this is the most significant issue in your new marriage, it is crucial to work on finding inner peace with a matter that may take a while to change: his mindset.

If you are not facing abuse or mistreatment outside this issue, seeking help such as counselling can reduce or eliminate the effects of his mindset on you, while helping you focus on what is working in your relationship. In some cases, when you stop being affected by it emotionally, it can even disarm him, as he sees it no longer negatively impacts you.

You have not mentioned who prepares food for him when he cannot eat what you have cooked, but it is clear that there is an alternative. If this alternative allows you peace and reduces friction, there is no harm in allowing it, including when hosting visitors.

The most important part of managing this seemingly long-term challenge is minimising its impact on you, especially if other aspects of your marriage are positive.

While it is understandable to want to change his mindset, it will not happen overnight.

In the meantime, focus on finding your own peace and redirect your attention to the positive parts of your relationship. Understand that this may not be about you personally, but about his view of women in general. Recognising this can help you stop seeing it as your problem, reducing its emotional weight and opening the door to gradually influencing his perspective.

Facebook comments

Do not ignore hygiene

Phoebe Miriam. This is a period when you should focus on personal hygiene. Many women neglect themselves during menstruation, which can create body odour and discomfort. By staying clean, fresh, and confident, you can maintain self-respect and perhaps ease any fears or discomfort your partner has, showing care without over-explaining.

Use this time to relax

Deborah Kabeeho. Tell him to cook for you during this ‘unclean’ period and use the time to rest. Turn this situation into an opportunity to relax and recharge rather than carry resentment. Even if it is uncomfortable, making the best of the situation helps maintain peace and gives you a chance to care for yourself.

Use Bible as guide

Elijah Kamau. There is truth in the Christian teaching about menstruation in Leviticus 15:19 24. Understanding these rules helps you know how to cope with the situation without resentment. It is about finding a balance between personal care, faith, and relationship expectations. Knowledge of scripture and context can help guide your actions respectfully.

Talk to his mother

Martin Ssebyala. If you have a good relationship with his mother, talk to her. It could be how he was raised or a deeply ingrained belief. Mothers can sometimes influence these mindsets more effectively. Changing his perspective alone may be impossible, but involving someone he respects could guide him toward understanding and compromise.

This is unacceptable

Samuel White. Talk to a lawyer and consider divorcing him immediately. If a partner’s beliefs are extreme or controlling, protecting yourself legally might be necessary. Understanding your rights and options provides security and clarity. Sometimes, ending a harmful relationship is the healthiest choice for both mental and emotional well-being.

Leave before its too late

Victorious Judy. Eh! What will happen when you give birth? This situation raises questions about future life events. If you are expected to follow strict beliefs now, childbirth may come with even stricter rules. It is important to discuss these expectations early to understand how your partner views gender, tradition, and religious obligations.

You should have known

Elijah Kamau. Are couples not supposed to discuss core beliefs before marriage? Couples should ideally talk about traditions, religious practices, and personal values while dating. Understanding each other’s perspectives on things such as menstruation or spiritual rules prevents misunderstandings later. Open communication builds a foundation of respect and shared expectations for the future.

It is almost three weeks since Parliament rescinded permission that allows Nation Media Group Uganda (NMG-U) journalists to cover events at Parliament.

This follows other restrictions, imposed by State House months ago, also barring the same media group from attending events where the President is present because NMG-U was ‘misreporting on him.’ Understandably, it gets quite exhausting when a person makes it a habit to twist and misquote the words you say, especially when they go on to relay those words onto unsuspecting members of the public.

It is also true that leaders, especially those who hold office by virtue of universal suffrage, remain answerable to the public for their actions while in exercise of their official functions. The public should be aware of all developments conducted by officials in public office. If the President asked NMG-U to desist from reporting about his private life, he would be well within his rights. However, attention is drawn towards any developments where the President is involved because they are of particular concern to all people of Uganda and they should be reported without any inaccuracies.

The same holds true for Parliament and its hierarchy.

Our leaders are the best of us and are expected to have a ‘thick skin’. Ideally, they are supposed to be tolerant and receptive of public criticism or any divergent opinions that emanate from the Constitutional guarantees of free speech. Undeniably, it could be true that NMG-U’s reporting appears skewed in a way that seems unfavourable towards Parliament. At the same time, there is no dispute over whether the news that NMG-U reports from Parliament is factual and accurate. Should they opt to ignore reporting such, then the millions of viewers, listeners and readers will then turn away from NMG-U, as well and look for alternatives.

Those now emboldened alternatives will be at liberty to peddle even much worse/better lies than what NMG-U was allegedly doing. Unlike the folks at 8th Street, who had access to Parliament and a variety of verification methods, together with professional standards to uphold, new sources of ‘news’ will only care about engagement. It is not uncommon for faceless accounts to share grossly misleading information online. In the last few years, several individuals have been prosecuted for making and publishing harmful content about notable personalities in the country. Facebook itself was blocked in Uganda because it provided a platform on which a harmful and divisive rhetoric was reportedly advanced, contrary to the principles of national unity.

NMG-UG, on the other hand, maintains the ability to carry out due diligence and exercise professional restraint. This is because it is recognised as a corporate entity, to which laws of Uganda and subsequent regulations apply, laying down a variety of avenues that can be pursued to bring them back in line when they go wayward in the conduct of their duty. If there is an issue that needs to be resolved, Parliament can reach out to the management of NMG-U and amicably resolve the ongoing impasse. When the Deputy Speaker stated that there was an ongoing investigation regarding the conduct of individuals affiliated with NMG-U, it did not imply that the whole company should be banned from accessing Parliament.

It is impossible to completely block public discourse on a particular topic. Perhaps what Parliament can do is offer an alternative perspective to the facts in dispute and allow the public to judge both sides of the story and reach an informed conclusion on their own. The public has a right to receive information and Parliament cannot decide on how this should be done. The media themselves have a duty to share that same information. Media freedom itself is a key tenet of any thriving democracy, one to which all Members of Parliament subject themselves.

Society is infinitely imperfect, and it is our duty to constantly aim at improving it. Constructive criticism is one of the ways this can be done. The measures that have been taken by Parliament to restrict a Constitutionally guaranteed right, seem rather excessive and are not addressing the problem, whatever it may be.

The Electoral Commission (EC) has been petitioned to recall the nomination of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag bearer for the Mbarara District Woman MP, Loydah Kyarikunda Twinomujuni, over allegations of questionable academic qualifications.

The petitioner, Ms Hope Maurishia, an independent candidate in the same race, contends that she has written to various government institutions, including the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) and Makerere University, about the alleged questionable Diploma award in Palliative Care to Ms Twinomujuni by Makerere University.

“The National Council for Higher Education has since responded to your letter confirming that the document presented by Ms Twinomujuni to this Commission was forged and therefore, must be treated as such,” the lawyers of the petitioner, Ms Maurishia, wrote to the EC on November 1.

Adding: “Having confirmed that Ms Twinomujuni does not possess a valid certificate by the National Council for Higher Education… the Commission should recall and nullify the nomination of Ms Twinomujuni from contesting for the position of Woman Member of Parliament for Mbarara District.”

Regarding the Diploma award in Palliative Care that Ms Twinomujuni acquired from Makerere University, it has been questioned because Prof. Venansius Baryamureebe, who allegedly signed on it as the Vice Chancellor, was not yet appointed the VC of Makerere University at the time of her graduation.

‘Our client has received reliable information that one of her opponent possess Diploma in Palliative Care awarded to her on the 5th October, 2006 in the 52nd graduation ceremony held at Freedom Square but apparently, the Vice Chancellor who signed her diploma award was then Prof Baryamureebe Venansius who from available information from the internet was appointed Vice Chancellor in November, 2009,’ the lawyers of the petitioner wrote to Makerere University.

This publication has also seen a response from the NCHE, dated November 6, clarifying that the letter dated October 12, attributed to them, clearing Ms Twinomujuni as having the requisite qualifications to contest for the MP position, was a forgery.

‘Please note that the letter dated 12th October 2021 you submitted, attributing it to the National Council for Higher Education, is a forgery. Tendering a false/ forged document is a crime under Ugandan law,’ Prof. Mary Okwakol, the Executive Director of Uneb, wrote.

In the alleged forged letter attributed to the NCHE dated October 12th, it was stated that upon perusal of all academic documents (originals) submitted for consideration, they certified that Ms Twinomujuni possessed sufficient qualifications equivalent to Advanced Level of Education and beyond.

The Electoral laws demand that for one to qualify to contest for the position of MP must possess a minimum of a Senior Six certificate or its equivalent.

Ms Twinomujuni, when contacted on Thursday, briefly said, “We are in politics and that is pure propaganda.”

The Electoral Commission is set to hear the petition lodged by Ms Maurishia on Friday and determine its merits.

Mr Paul Bukenya, the Deputy Spokesperson for the electoral body, on Thursday, said the Commission has so far received over 70 petitions following the parliamentary nominations.

‘I don’t have the specifics of Ms Maurishia’s petition, but what I know the Commission has received over 70 petitions resulting from the parliamentary nomination disputes, and the Commission is even sitting right now to hear out some of them,’ Mr Bukenya said in a telephone interview.