Category: Daily Monitor

Walking into a vibrant furniture workshop in Mutungo Twins, Biina Parish, I am immediately welcomed by the scent of freshly cut timber and the rhythmic hum of machinery. Amid the buzz, Lewis Wani, expertly operates a sanding machine, greeting me with a friendly nod.

When I ask about the price of a pallet bed – a low-lying bed crafted from strips of finely thinned timber – Wani gestures towards a nearby gentleman, explaining that his client is eagerly awaiting the delivery of his bed the following day.

After a few back-and-forth exchanges, we finally begin our conversation, which unfolds into an inspiring tale of his noble journey in furniture making.

A childhood spark

Long before 2010, 26-year-old Lewis was an ordinary school-going pupil in Primary Five. Little did he know that the next phase of his life – spent at his uncle’s home – would determine the path he walks today.

What began as a casual relationship of ‘helping out’ at his uncle’s carpentry workshop would soon nurture his skills and ignite a deep passion for woodwork.

‘During my Primary Five, I started going to my uncle’s workshop in Mutungo to help him with simple tasks during the school holidays,’ Wani recalls.

At first, Wani helped with basic carpentry tasks such as sanding, varnishing, and hammering. These seemingly ‘simple’ chores would later form the foundation of his long and fulfilling career in carpentry.

Each task, completed with patience and curiosity, built upon the last – and before long, Wani began crafting beds, coffee tables, and centrepieces.

‘The first pieces I made were these small stools, then beds, and later cupboards for my friends and acquaintances,’ he notes with a hint of pride.

Learning by doing

Throughout his school years, Wani continued this apprentice arrangement, spending every holiday at his uncle’s workshop perfecting his craft. By the time he completed his Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE), he had already developed into a skilled and confident craftsman.

However, after finishing his A-levels, pursuing university education – the conventional next step – did not materialise. His parents could not afford to finance further education, even with his own efforts to contribute.

‘After sitting my UACE in 2019, I wanted to continue to university, but there was no money,’ he recalls. ‘Then I thought – why can’t I just focus on this?’

By then, Wani already knew nearly everything about furniture making, except for boardwork.

‘After 2019, I learnt how to use hand drills and other modern carpentry machines. But when Covid-19 set in, I mastered everything about both woodwork and boardwork,’ he says with a touch of pride in his voice.

Blending tradition with modern craft

From then on, Wani devoted his attention to the workshop, keeping up with emerging trends in furniture design and woodwork – from working with boards to creatively incorporating materials such as marble, ceramics, and fabricated metal into his pieces.

Wani had a solid foundation working with real timber and conventional carpentry tools before transitioning to modern materials like boards and plywood. He attributes much of his expertise to this traditional work environment training ground.

‘I currently do boardwork. The earlier pieces were pure woodwork – and with traditional tools, we did everything manually: sanding, cutting, and more,’ Wani explains. He admits that traditional carpentry methods are physically demanding but essential for beginners.

‘It’s where the craft was born,’ he advises. ‘So it’s good to start with real woodwork and traditional tools.’

A workshop that shapes futures

Today, at Mutungo Furniture Workshop, Wani operates as an independent craftsman among other carpenters. His expertise – evident in the low-lying bed he is finishing – is a testament to years of patience, passion, and the commitment he gained from his apprenticeship under his uncle.

Wani notes that he charges between Shs 200,000 and Shs 2m for beds, and Shs 50,000 to Shs 400,000 for tables, depending on size and type. On average, he earns a minimum of Shs 400,000, and in a good month, over Shs 1m.

The workshop, managed by his uncle, employs several other family members who share rent and utility costs. Beyond being a source of livelihood, it has become a beacon of hope for many – nurturing young people from diverse backgrounds who come as apprentices and eventually leave to establish their own ventures across the country.

‘Some of them have gone as far as Arua and Adjumani to start their workshops,’ Wani says proudly. He adds that they never charge those who come to train with them; most arrive to help with simple tasks and eventually leave equipped with valuable skills.

‘There are also parents who ask us to and train their children,’ he adds, underscoring the workshop’s impact in skilling youth in carpentry and furniture making.

Eyes on the future

When asked whether he plans to start his own workshop, Wani reflects thoughtfully on the strong bond he shares with his uncle and fellow carpenters. He speaks of plans to develop and expand the workshop, acquiring more modern tools to handle large-scale home furnishing projects. He also aspires to return to school to enhance his expertise.

‘I plan to go back to school and study building and construction,’ he shares. He believes this will help him integrate his furniture and carpentry skills with building and construction, creating a well-rounded niche for his craft.

A lesson in passion and persistence

For Wani, his journey has been a blend of commitment and passion. Fate played its part when his uncle, seeking an extra pair of hands, unknowingly set him on a lifelong path in furniture making – a craft he has since embraced with devotion and pride.

He advises other young people to follow their passions alongside formal education. He believes that pursuing something one loves – and continuously improving one’s skills – is crucial, as the future is never certain.

Fascinating job

Turning wood into something worthwhile is no easy task. While carpentry can be exciting, some projects present unique challenges that test a craftsman’s skill. It is through overcoming these challenges that a novice becomes an expert.

The trade also brings many people into a carpenter’s life, offering opportunities to network. It is up to the carpenter to nurture relationships with clients.

Carpentry work can vary widely-from major projects such as building bridges, commercial buildings, and residential structures, to smaller specialized tasks like making cabinets, chairs, and other furniture. While sometimes underestimated, carpentry is a valuable skill.

One of its most attractive aspects is the potential for self-employment, allowing one to be their own boss. Starting a carpentry business does not usually require a large investment. A skilled tradesman can begin as a freelance carpenter, using smart marketing and networking to secure projects.

With the steady demand for quality carpentry, opportunities are rarely scarce. Starting with smaller projects can pave the way for bigger, more rewarding assignments over time.

Hello Paul, my car’s horn sometimes honks faintly on its own when I drive over potholes. Could this be a wiring problem in the steering column or a fault with the airbag system? Is it safe to continue driving until I fix it, or could this trigger the airbag unexpectedly? Patrick

Hello Patrick, it can be irritating and embarrassing when your car horn honks unexpectedly while driving over potholes. Your concern about this issue is valid, as it is often caused by a faulty horn switch circuit that is connected to the driver’s Supplementary Restraint System (SRS) airbag in the steering wheel. These two circuits are housed in a component called the clock spring or spiral cable.

To explain further, the horn switch and driver airbag module are located in the steering wheel. The clock spring sits between the steering wheel and the steering column, providing the electrical connections for the horn, airbag, and steering controls while you drive. When you drive over potholes, a loose contact in the horn switch or damage to the spiral cable can lead to unexpected, albeit faint, honking.

Other less likely causes of random faint honking could include a loose horn button cover in the steering wheel, which may be dislodged or lose its insulation, resulting in unintentional honking. Additionally, a faulty horn relay or a poor ground connection can also trigger the faint honking as you drive.

Although you might be able to drive your car for a short time with this issue, it is not advisable to continue doing so. The faint honking is not only embarrassing but can also be an inconvenience to other road users.

While the risk of an unexpected deployment of the driver airbag is low, it is not completely out of the question, as an electrical short in the airbag spiral cable could potentially trigger it. Furthermore, driving with an SRS fault light is concerning, as it indicates that the driver’s airbag may not deploy when needed.

You should consult a qualified mechanic to diagnose the horn circuits and determine whether the short circuit is due to a faulty horn button, clock spring, or horn relay. If you see an airbag SRS warning light, a computer diagnosis will help confirm whether you need to replace the clock spring.

To prevent premature damage to the clock spring or horn/airbag spiral cable, avoid making aggressive, extreme turns of your steering wheel while stationary. When performing steering system repairs, the steering wheel should be locked to prevent it from spinning beyond its recommended limits, which can damage the clock spring.

When Onduparaka was handed back to the community and a new executive installed, optimism swept through Arua.

Many hoped the club that once captured national attention would reclaim its former glory but things look misty as the club has attained only seven points in seven fixtures of the 2025/26 Fufa Big League season, the Caterpillars have amassed a paltry seven points.

Things turned for the worst over the weekend as they made a 1,088-kilometre return trip to Kasese to face newcomers Bunyagururu.

Upon arrival, Onduparaka realized they had travelled with only one playing kit one that clashed in colour with the home side’s strip.

According to competition regulations, ‘If in the opinion of the referee, the sets of both teams are similar in colours or clash, the visiting team shall change to their registered home sets or any other set that removes the clash.’

Without an alternative kit or access to a makeshift solution, Onduparaka were unable to fulfil the fixture, handing Bunyagururu a walkover.

‘Onduparaka regrets to inform the public that our 7th league fixture . was not played due to unforeseen circumstances,’ the club said in a statement. The incident could now cost them an additional three points and three goals depending on the Fufa Competitions Panel’s ruling.

The new club leadership under Ceaser Buti Galdino hopes to rise and steady the ship back to course.

‘Onduparaka remains steadfast in our values of professionalism, sportsmanship, and unity. We strongly believe that with your continued support we shall rise above today’s experience and continue to raise the flag even higher.’

The Caterpillars will hope to put the episode behind them this afternoon when they host Kiyinda Boys at Greenlight Stadium.

Wakiso, Blacks power on

Elsewhere, Nebbi Central welcome Kigezi Homeboyz at Luo Grounds.

The 2023 champions Blacks Power maintained their push for a topflight return with a hard-earned point away to Kataka that keeps them on top with 15 points, one ahead of Wakiso Giants who edged Paidha Black Angels 1-0 courtesy of a Pius Wanji strike in Nakivubo.

In Mityana, Ntugasaze piled more misery on Mbale Heroes with a 3-0 thrashing to climb into the top three with 10 points, while Soltilo Bright Stars were held to a goalless draw at their new home in Luzira.

FUFA BIG LEAGUE

Results

Soltilo Bright Stars 0-0 Kigezi Homeboyz

Catda 1-0 Iganga United

Bunyaruguru United vs. Onduparaka (not played)

Kataka 1-1 Blacks Power

Kaaro Karungi 1-1 Nebbi Central

Ntugasaze 3-0 Mbale Heroes

Wakiso Giants 1-0 Paidha Black Angels

Kiyinda Boys 2-1 Young Elephant

Thursday fixtures – 4pm

Onduparaka vs.Kiyinda Boys – Arua

Nebbi Central vs. Kigezi Homeboyz – Nebbi

Police have launched an investigation into a network of suspected fraudsters posing as pastors by day and traditional healers by night, before ripping off unsuspecting Ugandans millions of shillings.

According to preliminary police findings, the suspects lure their gullible victims through fabricated testimonies and so-called miraculous healings. However, behind the scenes, their places of worship double as traditional shrines, where they stage rituals to extort money and valuable property from their victims.

The Kampala Metropolitan Police Deputy Spokesperson, Mr Luke Owoyesigyire told this reporter on Thursday that the criminal gang has been operating in Kiijo Village, Nabale Ward, Nakifuma Nagalama Town Council, and Nanfumba Village, Mayangayanga Parish, Kimenyedde Sub County in Mukono District.

He said the suspects have been advertising on radio stations claiming that they cure several ailments before giving out contact numbers for consultations.

The unsuspecting victims who contacted them for consultation were invited to different rented houses in Kampala where they would be robbed of the property and money.

”During the so-called healing sessions, the suspects would later direct their clients or relatives to remote locations in Kiijo or Nanfumba, where they would be ambushed, assaulted, and robbed of their money and valuables,’ Mr Owoyesigyire said.

According to police, some of the tricks deployed by suspects include convincing the victims to carry large sums of money for blessing or business exchange rituals, promising to turn Ugandan Shillings into United States Dollars.

‘Three suspects; Ali Kakumba, alias Dalausi alias Dr Lubwama; Nasser Kijjoma and Michael Walusimbi have been arrested. They confessed to participating in several similar fraudulent schemes. A search was conducted in their homes and several exhibits including mobile phones, SIM cards, land sale agreements, and other items used in their deception were recovered,’ ASP Owoyesigyire said.

Many victims have reported to police that when they demand refunds for promised blessings, financial breakthroughs, or healing that never materialized, the suspects resort to threats and intimidation. The police have received reports of individuals being harassed into silence after realizing they had been conned.

When Muslim youth attacked businesses suspected of selling pork in Yumbe District early this month, they did more than spark chaos; they exposed Uganda’s deeper struggles with coexistence, marginalisation, and the fear of radicalisation.

Yumbe, sitting at the crossroads of religion, refugees, and border insecurity, became a mirror of the country’s uneasy balance between faith and national identity.

On Tuesday, November 4, violence erupted in Yumbe Town after Muslim youth attacked businesses owned by Christians, accusing them of selling ‘forbidden meat’ in a Muslim-majority area. Police responded with tear gas to disperse the crowds. Dozens were injured and several people arrested.

According to Daily Monitor’s report, ‘Yumbe erupts in violence as youth mobs protest pork sale,’ the unrest began when police attempted to arrest Sheikh Kasim Abdallah, the Imam of Munir Mosque, who had urged Muslims in a viral video to reject the sale of pork in Yumbe.

But the ‘pork attacks,’ as locals now call them, were not merely about meat. They revealed a community perched precariously between faith and fear – between a proud cultural identity and a growing anxiety over extremism.

To understand Yumbe’s flare-up, one must revisit Uganda’s long and uneasy history of religious coexistence – and the unique pressures that define life on the northern frontier.

Legacy of faith and power

Uganda’s religious landscape has always reflected its political evolution. Christianity arrived under colonial rule, accompanied by missionary education, access to power, and entry into the civil service. Islam, though established earlier through trade and intermarriage, was sidelined both during and after colonialism.

Muslim scholars have long wrestled with a painful paradox: how a community central to Uganda’s early identity and resistance to colonial rule became politically and economically marginalised in the modern state.

They attribute this disparity to the late 19th century, when British colonial rule aligned with Christian missions – both Anglican and Catholic. Christianity became the language of administration and social mobility, while Islam, which had taken root through trade from the East African coast, was branded ‘foreign’ and politically suspect.

The 1900 Buganda Agreement entrenched Christian dominance in administration, education, and land ownership. Muslims, who had opposed British rule during the Buganda civil wars, were excluded from the emerging civil service and formal education systems – the very gateways to postcolonial leadership.

In the northwestern districts of Yumbe, Moyo, and Arua, Islam took deep root – not just as faith but as social fabric, binding clans across borders with South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo. This has produced a deeply devout yet misunderstood community, often caricatured by outsiders as conservative or insular.

For Yumbe’s residents, their Muslim identity is less about ideology and more about survival in a region neglected by the political centre. Decades of exclusion, colonial and postcolonial alike, have left lasting scars.

Muslim youth organisations and scholars continue to voice frustration over systemic imbalance. Despite educational progress, Muslims remain underrepresented in politics, academia, and the upper echelons of public service. For Muslims in northern and western Uganda, where they are minorities, the perception of ‘double exclusion’ – both regional and religious – is sharper still.

Muslim NGOs such as the Uganda Muslim Youth Forum warn that such marginalisation can fuel vulnerability to radical ideologies, especially in border districts like Yumbe and Arua, where poverty, refugee influxes, and identity politics collide.

‘Religion here is not just about faith,’ said a community elder in Lodonga Sub-county. ‘It’s about identity – and who gets to define morality in a place that feels forgotten.’

The border as bridge and risk

Yumbe sits less than 30 kilometres from the South Sudan border, a frontier that is a more porous bridge than barrier. Kinship ties stretch across the line, with clans sharing language, trade, and intermarriage.

Yet this porosity carries risk. Smuggling, small arms, and cross-border influences have long concerned security agencies. When Bidibidi Refugee Settlement was established in 2016 – now home to more than 270,000 South Sudanese – the district’s demography and economy transformed.

The influx injected aid and business opportunities but also intensified pressure on land and services. Refugees opened butcheries and food stalls – some reportedly selling pork. What began as economic competition soon acquired moral overtones.

Local officials, including Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Sulaiman Bukya, attempted mediation. Yet the following day, hundreds of youth still marched to the RDC’s office, protesting the perceived arrest of the Sheikh over his October 30 TikTok video.

Marginalisation and extremism

Uganda’s security agencies have long monitored the West Nile corridor for signs of radicalisation. Though there is little evidence of organised extremist cells, the ingredients are evident: high unemployment, porous borders, weak governance, and disillusioned youth.

Yumbe’s young people are particularly exposed. Many spend days in mosques and nights online, consuming sermons from global clerics. Most remain peaceful, but a few voices online promote a narrative of moral decay and persecution.

In the aftermath, some national commentators were quick to warn of creeping radicalism. Yet such framing risks oversimplifying a complex local reality. For most Yumbe residents, the clashes were not about global jihad but about dignity, discipline, and frustration with an absent state.

The danger lies in the perception gap – between what the centre fears and what the margins feel.

Yumbe’s fragility is structural, not incidental. The district has one of the lowest secondary school completion rates in Uganda. Health and sanitation services remain inadequate, and livelihoods precarious. In such conditions, religion becomes both an anchor and an outlet – a source of moral guidance, but also a lens through which all grievances are viewed.

Yet interfaith coexistence has long been part of Yumbe’s DNA. Christian minorities, mainly Pentecostals and Catholics, have lived peacefully alongside Muslims. Intermarriage is common, and community leaders often attend each other’s ceremonies. The recent violence shocked many locals precisely because it disrupted this delicate harmony.

Policing the soul

The government’s immediate response has been security-heavy – patrols, arrests, and surveillance. Yet real stability in Yumbe demands more than policing; it requires investment in youth, dialogue, and dignity.

Border districts such as Yumbe should not be seen only through a security lens. They are also laboratories of coexistence. Projects that unite refugee and host youth through trade, sports, and vocational training could do more for peace than any roadblock.

Local radio stations and mosques, trusted information channels, must be part of any de-radicalisation strategy.

Most importantly, the government must listen. Political fragility thrives where communities feel unheard, and where the state’s presence is defined only by uniformed men with guns.

As Uganda heads toward another election cycle, Yumbe’s lesson is clear: development and dignity remain the most powerful antidotes to radical ideology.

If unaddressed, such flashpoints could turn Yumbe from a humanitarian haven into a hotspot of resentment and insecurity. But with inclusive governance, Uganda can transform this fragile frontier into a frontier of peace.

Background

The Yumbe pork chaos erupted on November 4 when Muslim youth in Yumbe Town attacked businesses owned by Christians, accusing them of selling pork in a predominantly Muslim community. The violence, which left several people injured and led to arrests, was reportedly triggered by an attempt to arrest Sheikh Kasim Abdallah, an imam who had earlier posted a video on social media urging Muslims to oppose the sale of pork.

Though framed as a dispute over ‘forbidden meat,’ the unrest exposed deeper frustrations over unemployment, cultural identity, and marginalisation.

The deputy secretary general of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), Rose Namayanja, has insisted that party-leaning independent candidates vying for different electoral positions ahead of the 2026 general election must withdraw from the race and support flag bearers to enable the party emerge victorious.

Namayanja made this directive while addressing NRM leaders and supporters in Nakawa Division on Wednesday, saying independents should sacrifice and step aside for the party’s sake.

“We have to make sacrifices to strengthen our party. Emulate others. The independent candidate for Makindye West constituency agreed to step down. It is never too late for others to follow the same path,” she advised amidst thunderous applause.

Tensions are rising in areas where independent candidates are competing with party flag bearers, and Namayanja urged supporters to forgive each other and unite to grab Kampala from opposition parties.

“If the flag bearer loses, the independent candidate will equally be considered a loser,” she warned.

Namayanja emphasised the party’s resolve to collaborate with lower party structures to mobilise votes for NRM candidates and liberate Kampala from opposition.

“We have barely two months to the finishing line, and we want to tap into the untapped potentials of these structures,” she said.

“We want them to move parish to parish, village per village, door to door, apartment to apartment, compound to compound, individual to individual. We are going around the five divisions to tell our people what to do. We have what it takes to liberate the whole of Kampala from the opposition,” Namayanja added.

She expressed confidence in NRM’s victory, saying, “The votes are not at the NRM Secretariat, they are not in sub-counties, they are in villages. If President Museveni and Salim Uhuru can win, all the flag bearers can. The writing on the wall is very clear that victory for NRM is certain.”

Namayanja also assured NRM members that opposition parties are no longer a threat, noting that some have joined the ruling party.

“The First Lady of UPC is a minister in NRM government. For DP, we carried the hoe and put it in the bus. We left them with a pole, they can feel free to fix it with an axe. Others are divided,” she said.

State House Comptroller Jane Barekye tasked area leadership to ensure households benefit from the Parish Development model (PDM) and Skilling programmes to get out of poverty.

When Uganda stunned Scotland by 51 runs at the ICC U-19 World Cup in the West Indies three years ago, one name stood tall amid the celebration-Christopher Kidega. His fiery spell of 3 for 23 helped the Baby Cricket Cranes secure 13th place-their best-ever finish at the global event, bettering outings in Dhaka (2004) and Colombo (2006).

It was a coming-of-age moment for a teenager whose right-arm medium pace and fearless stroke play were already drawing comparisons with the country’s emerging greats.

The setback and spark

Fast-forward to early 2025, and the story briefly darkened. Kidega, then a senior figure in Uganda’s U-19 outfit, endured heartbreak in Lagos, Nigeria, where the team failed to qualify for the next World Cup, slumping to fifth and getting relegated to Division II for the first time.

‘That tournament really broke us,’ Kidega recalls quietly. ‘But for me, it also lit a fire. I wanted to show that as players we can bounce back, that our cricket wasn’t done.’

That renewed focus has become evident in this year’s UG20 2025 League, where the boy once known for raw talent has matured into one of Uganda’s most consistent performers.

Captain’s burden and brilliance

Leadership changes everything.

Now entrusted with the Avengers CC captaincy for two years by club patron and mentor Nirav Sevak, Kidega has embraced responsibility with a mix of youthful zeal and growing tactical awareness.

‘Yes, being captain has pushed me harder,’ he told Saturday Monitor.

‘It puts me in a position of do or die. As captain, your performance must inspire. It has made me mentally tougher and more focused.’

Last weekend, he showcased that maturity with a composed 55 off 35 balls-laced with seven fours and a six-as Avengers beat Premier CC by 48 runs at Lugogo Oval. Despite going wicket-less in his three-over spell, the boy that goes by the moniker Kris Danger also held onto two sharp catches, adding another layer to his all-round impact.

Numbers that speak

Across 207 professional matches as per the Cricclubs Uganda database, Kidega has amassed 3,576 runs and 128 wickets, and in the T20 format alone, his strike rate (SR) of 129.14 stands tall among Uganda’s elite.

In the UG20 2025 League, he leads the run charts with 360 runs at 130 SR, bagging three Player of the Match awards-level with teammate Pius Oloka. His runs have come with authority and flair, often setting the tone atop the order.

His CricClubs profile tells a deeper story: 110 T20s, 69 wickets, and 59 catches-proof that Kris Danger 66 is as reliable in the field as he is destructive with the bat.

Mental game and mentorship

‘I’ve worked on my mental side,’ Kidega explains. ‘After talks with national team players like batsman Robinson Obuya, I learnt how to pace my innings and control emotions. That’s been the biggest shift this year.’

Sevak, his mentor and captain-turned-patron, has been pivotal too. ‘Nirav is a father figure,’ says Kidega. ‘He challenges me to lead beyond stats-to inspire belief in the dressing room. He also wants me not to rest on my laurels.’

That bond was on display last Sunday, as Sevak’s mid-over advice steadied his young captain’s nerves during a tense bowling spell at Lugogo.

‘I want him to be a consistent player. To chip in good shows repetitively. I want him to let his figures speak for themselves. I am happy captaincy has made him grow in the game,’ Sevak disclosed.

Emerging eagle

Kidega’s consistency has not gone unnoticed. His inclusion in the Uganda Emerging XI earlier this season marks another milestone-proof that selectors and national coaches are grooming him for senior national duty.

With age on his side and performances stacking up, few doubt that a Cricket Cranes debut is only a matter of time.

League quarterfinal fever

As Kidega’s Avengers march into the UG20 2025 League quarterfinals, the tournament has served up breathtaking cricket.

GM Sugar (14 pts) and Wanderers CC (10 pts) dominated Group A, while Aboojo CC (13 pts) and Rounders CC (12 pts) emerged from Group B. Kutchi Tigers CC (16 pts) and Ceylon Lions (10 pts) sealed Group D, joining Ismaili Community CC and Avengers CC among the final eight.

Rain and drama punctuated the last group weekend, with Ceylon Lions’ 157-run rout of Patidar CC and GM Sugar’s 217/1 masterclass among the highlights. Now, the knockout stage beckons-with the spotlight firmly on whether young leaders like Kidega can carry their sides deeper into the championship.

‘My goal is simple,’ he smiles. ‘To be Player of the Tournament – and win something for Avengers. I believe God has better plans for me in this game.’

AT A GLANCE

Full Name: Christopher Kidega

Nickname: Kris Danger 66

Born: October 29, 2006

Age: 19

Jersey No: 66

Batting Style: Right-hand bat

Bowling Style: Right-arm medium fast

Playing Role: All-rounder

Current Club: Avengers CC

Other Teams: Uganda U-19, Uganda Emerging XI, Strikers, Itanda Kayakers, Kololo SS, Aziz Damani Development, Ceylon Lions, Uganda Select XI, Thunderbolts, Central Rhinos

Talking Point

FUTURE FOCUS.

Golden Generation. With talents like Kidega, Oloka, and Yashashvi Joshi driving Avengers CC’s rise, Uganda’s next cricketing era feels imminent. The question is no longer if these stars will step up to the senior stage-but when. The UG20 2025 League is a platform shaping the country’s cricketing future-and Kidega, like many others, stands at its very core.

Just like last season, the Kabalega Rally will decide the 2025 National Rally Championship (NRC).

This year’s championship, due November 21-23, will see leader Ronald Ssebuguzi (Ford Proto) come head to head with new kid on the block Musa Ssegaaabwe (Mitsubishi Evo 9), former national champion Ponsiano Lwakataka (Subaru N12B), and Duncan Mubiru (Ford Proto).

During the launch of the event this week at Uganda Olympic Committee offices in Lugogo, the organizers of the event UMOSPOC said that they are ready to organize a safe event.

‘This is the 8th edition of the Kabalega Rally and we are happy to be a club which is organizing a championship decider for the second year running. Last year, Jas Mangat won the event and consequently the 2024 Championship,’ UMOSPOC vice president Justin Mugoma, said.

He added that: “We have assembled experienced technical and human resources in all departments so that we can have a safe event.”

The second deputy prime minister and minister for tourism in Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom Apollo Rwamparo urged the organizers to publicize the routes where the cars are going to pass so that they have an accident-free event.

‘This event is big and it’s the second to Empango. We therefore expect a lot of people who are coming from different parts of the country. As a kingdom, we call on the organizers to do a drive and give awareness to the public on where the cars are going to pass,” said Rwamparo.

The past winners of the event include Godfrey Lubega ( 2016), Hassan Alwi (2017 and 2018), Arthur Blick Jr (2019), Rajiv Rupaerlia (2021), Yasin Nasser (2023), and Jas Mangat (2024).

NRC Standings after Gulu Rally

1-Ronald Sebuguzi – 294 points

2-Musa Ssegaabwe – 241.5 points

3-Ponsiano Lwakataka – 235 points

4-Duncan Mubiru – 197 points

5-Aine Sodo – 184.6 points

6-Micheal Mukula Jr – 131 points

Recently, the madness of driving in Kampala was the subject of a LinkedIn post that went viral for all the hilarious reasons.

It was posted by a foreigner (mzungu) from the US, who has been driving in Kampala for three months. His fearless sense of humour and good grace made light of the terror he experiences on our roads, making it easier for us to look in the mirror and laugh at our own madness. It is one of those posts you hope not to bump into while playing with your phone during a meeting because you will burst out laughing, guaranteed.

As a new driver on these wild streets, our complex driving culture does not make much sense to him. But it does to us. There is method in the madness. We shall now allay his concerns and answer his questions, blow by blow.

1. Driving in Kampala is a full sensory experience

The mzungu says: ‘If you can listen to music while driving, you deserve a national award. The only sound in our vehicle is my wife’s exasperated gasp as I narrowly avoid turning another boda boda driver into modern art.’

Our take: Your sense of humour, sir, is enviable. You deserve your flowers for that little image you painted there. About the wildebeest called boda bodas, we also do not know what happened to them. We believe they are all under the spell of a reckless, juvenile principality in heavenly places. We are speechless with you. We are in awe with you. Every so often, we have to park on the side of the road just to take a moment to fear bodas. If God himself were not hovering over Kampala protecting them, they would all turn into modern art (ahem).

2. Pulling into oncoming traffic is a rite of passage

The mzungu says: ‘In Texas, it is reckless endangerment. In Kampala, it is how you prove your faith in humanity. If you cannot trust that the oncoming driver will slow down, you are never getting onto Ggaba Road.’

Our take: Pulling into traffic, particularly during rush hour, is war. The mentality here is ‘eat or be eaten’. You always know the oncoming driver will not let you go first, but what he does not know is that you are no coward. You will not let them go first either. You must assert yourself and enter the road, no matter how bitterly he protests. The key is to do it firmly but safely, hesitation can leave you stuck for ages. And while at it, you have to be on the lookout for a boda boda appearing out of the blue.

According to a Kampala traffic officer, this aggressive merging is not just bravado; it is statistically where most minor collisions occur, which explains why defensive driving skills are a survival necessity.

3. Being pulled over in Kampala is a pre-emptive measure

The mzungu says: ‘In the US, officers usually stop you after you have done something wrong. Here, they pull you over first, then decide what you have probably done. Pro tip: confidently mention your ‘high-level government connections.’ Odds are your bluff will not be called.’

Our take: Traffic stops here can feel a little unpredictable to outsiders. Officers often carry out random checks to ensure compliance with road safety standards. When you are stopped, it is best to stay calm, courteous, and cooperative; sometimes it is just about keeping the day moving smoothly.

4. Car horns are polite language tools

The mzungu says: ‘In the US, horns translate roughly to ‘What are you doing?’ In Kampala, they mean: ‘Dear boda boda rider, I am approaching on your right, kindly do not die.”

Our take: For the record, you do not know how much hooting goes on in Kampala until you have gone to another country and returned. We are a hooting nation. We hoot when the person in front of us at the traffic lights delays for more than two milliseconds after the light has turned green. We hoot when the two-storey Sino Truck is inching too close and, of course, we hoot to say ‘What are you doing?’ Heck, we even shout expletives and hoot with both hands if someone has got on our nerves too much.

However, when it comes to hooting at boda bodas, it is often out of self-preservation. We are simply trying to avoid confrontation-because tensions between boda boda riders and car drivers can flare up fast.

5. Ugandan patience is unmatched

The mzungu says: ‘In the US, time is money. Here, time is optional. Ugandans do not take themselves too seriously, and thankfully, they extend that grace to mzungus like me, who probably should not be behind the wheel in any country.’

Our take: Ugandans may have many flaws but one thing we get right is that we treat foreigners with patience, grace, and kindness. Having said that, being on time is a futile move in Uganda.

Arriving on time will almost always mean that you sit and wait for the rest to arrive. So why bother? We let the mzungu go first because being on time means a lot to them. It means nothing to us, except, of course, if we are a government official with lead cars. In that case, we will do whatever it takes to keep time, even if it means driving down the wrong lane.

6. Flashing headlights: A mystery solved

The mzungu says: ‘Sometimes, oncoming drivers flash their headlights at me. Are they: A) welcoming me to Uganda? B) Warning me about the police up the road? C) trying to communicate the meaning of life through Morse code? I am leaving this mystery to my East African friends: What does it actually mean?’

Our take: Assuming that your car is not tinted and that oncoming drivers can see beyond the glare on your windscreen, flashing headlights is most probably an act of greeting. Because in our culture, you have to be nice to the visitor no matter what. It was beaten into us from childhood.

In fact, we secretly compete to be the nicest to the visitor, and flashing headlights at you on the road is the least we can do under the circumstances. But it might also imply that they recognise that you have the same cool car as theirs, or they are giving you first priority to enter or exit the road. And yes, the meaning of life is to be nice to the visitor.

Driving in Kampala may feel like chaos to outsiders, but there is rhythm in the madness. Danger, humour, patience, and an unmistakable Ugandan spirit all coexist on these streets.

So, to our mzungu friends, welcome to the madness. We got you.

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.