Category: Daily Monitor

Every year in Uganda, a familiar ritual unfolds: thousands of children line up for ‘interviews’, from those moving to Primary One to teenagers transitioning from primary to O-Level, or from O-Level to A-Level.

Parents wait anxiously as schools test learners for ‘readiness,’ while schools decide who to admit. But what if we turned the tables, should children really be the ones interviewed, or should the schools be the ones answering the tough questions? I speak as both a parent and an education specialist.

Three years ago, I searched for a pre-primary school for my daughter. I visited 38 schools in Kampala and neighbouring districts before finally finding one that met the standards I believed every young child deserves; safe, nurturing, play-based, and staffed with teachers who truly understand early learning focused on developing competences and not grades.

She has now spent three wonderful years there, growing in confidence, curiosity, and compassion. And as she prepares to move to Primary One, I find myself asking: should she be interviewed to ‘qualify’ for school, or should the school she will be joining be the one interviewed?

Many parents are in the same situation, moving their children from pre-primary centres to primary schools, or from one education level to another. Yet at each transition point, schools increasingly use ‘interviews’ as a gate-keeping tool.

For some, these interviews have little to do with assessing learning needs and more to do with creating an image of exclusivity, a marketing gimmick that makes schools seem elite or ‘hard to join.’ But a confident school that knows what it offers should not fear admitting any child. It should be ready to meet learners where they are and support them to thrive.

The reality of Uganda’s education landscape reinforces why this debate matters. Only about nine percent of children aged between three and five attend a registered pre-primary school, while roughly 60 percent are not enrolled in any formal early education at all. As a result, many children enter Primary One without the foundational skills they need. Unicef’s 2023 findings show that only about one-third of Ugandan children aged between 48 and 59 months are developmentally on track in literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional skills.

Meanwhile, gross primary enrolment stands at nearly 120 percent, but net enrolment remains below 80 percent, suggesting that many learners enter school late or repeat grades. These gaps persist through later stages. At O-Level, thousands of learners drop out before sitting their final exams, while A-Level transition rates remain below 40 percent. The numbers tell one story: while access has improved, quality and fit are where the system struggles most.

This is why interviews, when used poorly, miss the point. Uganda’s education challenge is not about filtering out learners, it is about ensuring every school is prepared to support the diverse abilities and backgrounds of the learners who come through their doors.

A child may not ‘perform well’ in an interview, but that says more about how they were taught, and the inequities in opportunity, than about their potential. Parents, therefore, have both the right and the responsibility to interview schools before enrolling their children.

Education is one of the largest investments a family makes, and it should be based on informed choices, not prestige or pressure. Before paying fees, parents should ask: What approach to learning does the school follow, is it child-centred, play-based, and inclusive?

How are teachers trained, and what is the teacher-child ratio? How is wellbeing supported across transitions, from pre-primary to primary, primary to O-Level, or O-Level to A-Level? How are parents engaged as partners in their children’s learning?

How does the school measure success, by grades alone, or by holistic growth? How do schools take care of the spiritual and moral aspects of children? How do they nurture talent? The list can be longer based on what a parent stands for. If a school cannot answer these questions transparently, it may not be the right fit.

The focus should shift from testing children to testing systems. From pre-school to A-Level, readiness should not be defined by a one-off interview but by how well schools nurture curiosity, resilience, and lifelong learning. When learners feel supported and included, performance follows naturally. So this ‘interview season,’ whether your child is entering Primary One or Senior One, Or Senior Five, remember, the real question is not whether your child is ready for school, but whether the school is ready for your child. After all, a truly good school doesn’t select children, it grows them.

Plato gave us the Cave Allegory. People chained in darkness believe shadows on a wall are the real world. When offered truth, they reject it because falsehood feels familiar. Africa knows this story too well. Our political systems have often preferred the comfort of shadows over the bright discomfort of transformation.

Citizens grow familiar with the rituals of power, the security spectacles, the narratives of survival that keep everyone facing the same wall. Leaders become symbols of stability and identity. Political scientists often describe a phenomenon known as Big Man Politics. Power becomes personalised, even spiritualised, and the State treats one individual as irreplaceable. Alongside this rises blind patriotism.

Citizens and institutions defend leadership automatically because questioning becomes emotionally equal to betrayal. These two forces reinforce each other. They make it harder to imagine change that benefits the nation more than the ruler. In Equatorial Guinea, President Teodoro Obiang has been in power since 1979. Political culture there promotes the idea that peace and continuity depend solely on the leader.

Independent institutions appear only in form, not in power. Citizens live in the cave of political permanence. Economic growth has not translated into broad freedom. The shadows of personality rule become more believable than democratic alternatives. However, the cave allegory does not end in darkness. Its lesson is hope. A society escapes the cave only when citizens hunger for the light. Light represents institutions that serve the Constitution.

It represents politics where leadership rotates. It represents security forces that protect freedoms rather than suppress political competition. This perspective becomes, especially, relevant for Uganda. Uganda has ambitious young citizens, a constitution that promises fairness, and a national desire for peace.

At the same time, key State institutions often appear stuck in old political habits. Their survival sometimes seems tied more to the preservation of the familiar order than to advancing accountability and openness. It is not the individuals in these systems who are the issue. It is the institutional memory, shaped by decades of political tension, that prefers caution to creativity. Ugandans show a strong yearning for progress. Civic spaces, churches, mosques, universities, and community groups continue to push for genuine equitable governance.

Debates about electoral reforms and public accountability demonstrate a collective desire to move from shadows toward clarity. The youth, who form the majority, do not reject patriotism. They simply want a patriotism that values questioning, participation, and a fair chance to contribute to national life.

Transformation requires courage on both sides. Leaders must trust institutions strong enough to outlive them. Citizens must overcome the fear that truth will invite chaos. Security forces must embrace the role of defenders of rights, not referees of political loyalty. Africa’s cave is not eternal. Our future depends on our willingness to accept that shadows may comfort us but they cannot grow us. True stability is found outside the cave, where sunlight reveals possibilities we have never fully explored. The journey into that light is not rebellion. It is responsibility. It is the duty of a continent ready to rise.

The writer, Joanna Nakabiito, is a peace and security specialist and researcher focused on governance, electoral peace, and conflict prevention in Africa.

Alberiki Nuwebwesigye, an alumnus of Nyamitanga Technical Institute looks back at his journey with gratitude. From a determined student to an accomplished entrepreneur and instructor, he is a living testament to the power of vocational training.

On learning that Nyamitanga Technical Institute was the best institution in western Uganda for hands-on skills training, he joined in 2010 to pursue an Advanced Certificate, Part III, in Electrical Installation.

‘When I joined, I performed very well. That performance encouraged me to continue to higher levels of education,’ he adds with pride.

Lighting up villages and a career Upon completing his Advanced Certificate, Nuwebwesigye quickly found employment with Uganda Rural Electrification, working on a major power line project from Nyarukurungu, Ibanda to Kazo, extending to Rukiri subcounty.

‘The knowledge I gained from Nyamitanga made me confident and capable. I was a foreman on the job.’ After eight months on the job, he enrolled at Uganda Technical College, Bushenyi, to pursue a Diploma in Electrical Engineering.

‘Our instructors constantly reminded us that we were being trained to create rather than seek for jobs,’ he recalls. Those words would later become his guiding philosophy.

Becoming his own boss

After completing his diploma in 2014, Nuwebwesigye set out to start his own company.

‘It was not easy and in the start, contracts were hard to come by. But thanks to the connections I had built from my earlier training, I began to get small jobs that slowly grew into bigger opportunities.’

His big break came when he won a contract with the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) to carry out electrical work on an administration block in Bushenyi District.

‘That contract changed everything,’ he says. ‘I registered my company with URSB, opened a bank account with Stanbic Bank, and began supplying materials as well as offering electrical installation services.’

Since then, Nuwebwesigye’s business has flourished getting over 50 major projects, not counting the many smaller domestic installations. From single-phase to three-phase power installations, he has done it.

Creating jobs and changing lives

Today, he runs two work camps, one with 16 employees for big contracts and another with four mobile workers, who also help when more manpower is needed.

‘It gives me great satisfaction to know that I’m not only earning a living, but also creating opportunities for others.’

His success has also translated into personal milestones.

‘From my earnings, I’ve built a permanent home in Kakoba, Mbarara,’ he shares with a grin. ‘I’m married and blessed with five children, twins included! Life has changed for the better.’

Giving back as an instructor

Beyond business, Nuwebwesigye’s passion for teaching has brought him full circle. In 2014, his former principal at Uganda Technical College, Mr Silver Mukwasibwe, invited him to return as a junior lecturer.

Later, the college recommended him to study at Kyambogo University for an Instructor Training Course. ‘After completing my studies, I went for school practice at Nyamitanga Technical Institute,’ he says with a nostalgic smile.

‘Since I was an old boy, the Principal, Mr Vincent Sande saw that I taught from real-world experience hence retaining me.’

During the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, he was officially interviewed and appointed to the government payroll as an instructor at Nyamitanga Technical Institute, the very place where his journey began.

Nuwebwesigye’s ambitions continue to grow.

‘In the next two years, I hope to own a self-loader vehicle to expand into power line construction,’ he says.

‘With a Class B permit, I can now handle higher-capacity installations and industrial projects.’ His skill has even opened international doors.

‘I travelled to France for training in machine maintenance,’ he says. ‘That exposure gave me new confidence to work on factory machinery and industrial systems.’

He now dreams of establishing a fully-fledged office in Mbarara City, moving from his modest base in Ruti, Mbarara to a more prominent location.

‘I want people to easily find my company and know that real skill came from Nyamitanga,’ he adds.

The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), through its Regional Hub in Kampala, has commended Uganda for the remarkable progress and impact achieved under the Local Economic Growth Support (LEGS) Project, which the Bank has funded since 2019.

Dr Umar Iddrisu, the manager of the IsDB Regional Hub in Kampala, applauded the government and its implementing partners – the Ministry of Local Government, Millennium Promise Alliance, and the Microfinance Support Centre – for their strong coordination, commitment, and dedication to improving livelihoods through the LEGS Project.

‘Uganda stands out as a model among the countries supported by the Islamic Development Bank,’ he said during the final mission monitoring visit to the Eastern district of Katakwi on Wednesday.

Adding: ‘Each time we share examples of successful project implementation, Uganda features prominently.’

The mission held a briefing with district leaders and project stakeholders at the district headquarters, followed by a tour of project sites.

Operational in 17 districts, including Katakwi, the LEGS Project has focused on strengthening local infrastructure and boosting livelihoods at the grassroots level.

Dr Umar particularly commended district leaders for their unwavering support of communities, which he said had translated into tangible results – including the construction of community access roads, the provision of water for domestic and commercial use, and the establishment of bulking and agro-processing facilities.

In recognition of these achievements, Dr. Umar announced that the Islamic Development Bank had approved the second phase of the LEGS Project, which is scheduled to begin in 2026, paving the way for expanded and sustainable local economic empowerment initiatives across Uganda.

‘This approval is a direct result of the good work and the successes registered under the first phase of the project,’ he emphasized.

Implemented by the Local Government Ministry, with funding from the Islamic Development Bank and the Lives and Livelihoods Fund, the LEGS project aims to strengthen local economic development by improving infrastructure, promoting community enterprises, and creating employment opportunities in rural districts.

As the mission concluded its field visit, the bank’s positive feedback reaffirmed Uganda’s reputation as a leader in effective project implementation and its continued commitment to inclusive and sustainable development.

The visit also formed part of the Bank’s broader efforts to assess implementation progress, document best practices, and ensure accountability in the use of development resources.

On a 100-by-50-foot plot of land, a three-storey structure is used for living and earning.

This project answers the familiar challenge in evolving cities; how to create grandeur on a limited footprint, how to ensure privacy while fostering vibrancy. The solution is a vertical estate, a layered structure of public and private realms that function seamlessly. From the street, the building presents two distinct faces; two gated entrances. One promises the polished efficiency of a hospitality enterprise, while the other whispers of exclusive, personal refuge. This separation of flows is the project’s foundational genius, ensuring the life of the home never collides with the business of the hotel.

The sanctuary above

Ascending via the central lift, one leaves the commercial buzz behind and crosses a threshold into a different world; the residential penthouse that commands the entire top floor. This is where the building’s soul resides. The transition is immediate upon opening the door; space, light, and a profound sense of privacy envelop you.

The core of the penthouse is a great room conceived for modern living. It is an open-plan masterpiece where the boundaries between kitchen, pantry, dining, and lounge dissolve.

Here, a chef can converse with guests while preparing a meal, and the day’s sunlight tracks across a lounge area designed for deep comfort. This entire space flows outward, through vast glass doors, onto not one, but two generous terraces.

One is an outdoor dining room in the sky, a place for laughter and clinking glasses. The other is a more contemplative space, for morning tea or evening solitude, offering a quiet narrative of the city below.

The private wing of the penthouse is comprised of two self-contained bedrooms that provide comfort and privacy for family or guests, serviced by a general toilet and a dedicated laundry room. But the true pièce de résistance is the master suite. This is more than a bedroom; it is a personal domain. It begins with a walk-in closet, that leads to the master bathroom suite, a spa-like retreat centred around a deep, therapeutic Jacuzzi. The suite’s final gift is a private terrace, a secluded outdoor room that belongs solely to the owners, a true escape where the line between inside and outside blurs into insignificance.

The symbiosis

What makes this complex extraordinary is not just its parts, but their symbiotic relationship. This is a model for the modern renaissance individual; someone who understands that a home can be both a personal retreat and the headquarters of a thriving enterprise. The owner can descend from the serenity of their penthouse and, without a commute, engage with the vibrant business they own. They are not an absentee landlord but a present curator, able to oversee quality and ensure the standard of the guest experience matches the standard of their own home.

Supporting this dual life is a backbone of practical amenities. The potential for a general kitchen allows for centralised preparation for the hotel. Two servant’s quarters ensure that both the residential and commercial operations are staffed seamlessly. The two entrances are not just architectural features; they are philosophical statements, guaranteeing that the flow of guests never infringes upon the sanctity of the family. In a world where assets are often abstract, numbers on a screen, this building offers a tangible, breathable investment. It is a testament to the idea that one does not have to choose between a luxurious home and a smart financial decision. They can be one and the same.

A curated hospitality experience

The lower floors pulse with the quiet energy of a well-oiled enterprise. This is the domain of the investment, a portfolio of 24 deluxe hotel rooms and four serviced apartments; two studios and two one-bedrooms.

Investment

Construction expert Simon Peter Kazibwe notes that the genius of the design lies in its vertical stratification. The financial model is as deliberate as the architecture. The serviced apartments are projected to generate a steady daily revenue, while the hotel rooms are positioned to capture the premium segment of the market. In totality, this hospitality wing is designed to produce a projected daily gross revenue of approximately Shs2.5m, translating to a significant monthly gross of approximately Shs75m. This transforms the property from a static asset into a dynamic, cash-flow positive enterprise.

Youth activists have intensified the fight against female genital Mutilation (FGM) by adopting digital tools to document, report, and raise awareness about the harmful practice that continues to affect girls and women, especially in border communities.

Young people from FGM-practising districts have pledged to use digital advocacy to tell untold stories about FGM and promote change within their communities.

The commitment was made during a training for survivors and youth on FGM documentation, aimed at equipping them with skills in digital storytelling, online campaigning, and human rights reporting.

The training, held at Mbale Resort Hotel, was supported by the Novo Nordisk Foundation in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Uganda and Nanguru Teenage Centre.

Ms Mercy Yeko Chelangat, a lawyer and regional president for East and Southern Africa under the Global Youth Consortium against Harmful Practices, said empowering youth with digital skills has been instrumental in strengthening grassroots action against FGM.

‘The young people have been instrumental at the grassroots level in ensuring that cases of FGM are reduced in their communities. They are the first responders whenever incidents occur,’ Ms Chelangat said.

She narrated how, in December last year, a young woman who had been mutilated was rescued after a trained youth first responder rushed her to a health facility and reported the case to the police.

Ms Chelangat said digital empowerment has enhanced evidence gathering and advocacy.

‘The young people have been trained on how to take photos as evidence, how to document using smartphones, and what constitutes credible evidence. This is vital in reporting FGM cases,’ she added.

Ms Chelangat welcomed the East African Community Elimination of FGM Bill 2025, currently before the East African Legislative Assembly, saying it would harmonise laws and close cross-border loopholes.

‘This Bill calls on all member states to work together to curb cross-border FGM and harmonise legal frameworks. It will play a crucial role in addressing the practice,’ she said.

Mr Ronnie Limo, a member of the Global Youth Consortium against FGM from Kapchorwa, said the training has empowered them to tell untold stories of survivors and expose hidden practices.

Ms Esther Labu Chelengat, a youth representative on the Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) Alliance Youth Advisory Committee under the Centre for Health, Human Rights and Development (CEHURD), said digital advocacy is a powerful tool in ending FGM.

‘We should not wait for journalists – we can take photos and document cases ourselves,’ she said. Ms Martha Mugabe from Reproductive Health Uganda said involving youth in the fight is vital since they are tomorrow’s leaders.

‘Youth play a critical role in influencing their peers. We can encourage girls to believe they can marry, lead, and hold political office without undergoing FGM,’ she said.

FGM survivor Rose Chebet, from Bukwo District, said documenting survivor stories is key to ending the vice.

‘Our stories carry the truth of suffering and resilience. When people hear directly from us, they will understand that FGM must stop,’ she said.

Trend

Uganda outlawed FGM under the Prohibition of Female Genital Mutilation Act, 2010, which prescribes heavy penalties for offenders. However, the practice remains prevalent in parts of Sebei and Karamoja, where deep-rooted cultural beliefs persist.

Uganda has made remarkable progress in expanding its digital infrastructure, with about 96 percent of the population now within reach of broadband.

Yet, more than 70 percent remain offline, revealing a persistent ‘usage gap’ that continues to limit opportunities in business, education, and healthcare.

According to Ms Angela Wamola, the head of GSMA Africa, Uganda’s growth in 4G coverage from 50 percent to less than 3 percent unserved within a decade is impressive, but adoption remains the major challenge.

She notes that despite strong connectivity, the majority of Ugandans have yet to experience the benefits of the digital economy.

This, she says, represents not just a statistical concern but a human story, one of missed opportunities for farmers, students, and entrepreneurs who could improve their livelihoods through digital inclusion.

Ms Wamola attributes the usage gap to affordability, low digital literacy, and limited local content.

Currently, an entry-level smartphone costs between $38 (Shs132,000) and $39 (Shs136,000), which accounts for about 39 percent of GDP per capita and almost 96 percent of the income for the poorest 40 percent of Ugandans.

About 35 percent of that price is due to taxes, making devices unaffordable for many.

She emphasizes that reducing the cost of entry-level smartphones to around $40 (Shs140,000) or less could open up access for millions, especially if supported by tax reforms and targeted digital skills programs.

MTN Uganda chief executive officer, Ms Sylvia Mulinge, says device affordability is at the heart of digital inclusion. She explains that while network coverage is nearly universal, access remains limited by cost barriers and energy challenges that discourage smartphone use.

Ms Mulinge says MTN’s long-term ambition is to make an entry-level 4G smartphone available for $20 (about Shs70,000) to $30 (about Shs105,000), a price range she believes could drive Uganda toward universal digital access.

She explains that expanding electricity access and improving battery efficiency remain key to ensuring users can keep their devices online.

She also calls for investment in digital literacy so that users can meaningfully apply technology in education, health, and small businesses.

‘Connectivity alone is not enough,’ she says.

‘We must also equip Ugandans with the skills to use the tools effectively while keeping sustainability and green goals in mind,’ she says.

From a regulatory perspective, Mr George William Nyombi Thembo, executive director of the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), says Uganda’s digital progress is now shifting from infrastructure development to promoting meaningful use.

While connectivity is important, adoption depends largely on affordability, relevant content, devices, and user literacy.

Mr Thembo says data costs have dropped by more than 50 percent over the last five years, thanks to competition and policy reforms.

Uganda’s mobile penetration has grown rapidly from fewer than 50,000 lines in 1998 to more than 40 million active subscribers today, with about 22 million internet users.

The Ministry of Health has begun distributing Shs360 million worth of immunisation job aids to strengthen supervision and ensure consistency in vaccine delivery, weeks after more than 100 pupils in Ntungamo District were mistakenly given the wrong deworming drug.

The materials, developed under the Saving Lives and Livelihoods Phase II programme, were handed over on November 12 to guide frontline health workers and restore public confidence in immunisation and mass drug administration campaigns.

Dr Alfred Driwale, Commissioner of Health Services, Institutional Capacity Building and Human Resource Development, said the aids provide step-by-step guidance for health workers to avoid errors during vaccination sessions.

‘We acknowledge the public concern after the incident and have taken it as a wake-up call to tighten quality assurance. These job aids will help guide vaccinators step by step to avoid mix-ups and errors in future,’ Dr Driwale said.

He explained that the guides act as quick reference tools in busy clinics, helping staff plan immunisation sessions, store vaccines correctly, and administer them safely at the right site and age. ‘This is a strategy that has helped us in fighting various diseases; malaria used to be the leading cause of death among children, but pneumonia has now moved ahead, partly due to the success of immunisation strategies,’ he added.

Ms Rita Atugonza from the Vaccines and Immunisation Division said the aids were developed collaboratively with Ministry staff and partners to ensure quality across all vaccination points.

‘This handover is not merely symbolic; it reinforces regional efforts to build a resilient health system. These will be distributed to health facilities countrywide by National Medical Stores, with priority to districts that experience frequent outbreaks and host refugee settlements,’ she said.

The move follows the incident at Kajumbajumba Primary School in Ntungamo earlier this month, where over 100 pupils received incorrect deworming tablets, leaving many unconscious and at least 44 hospitalised, sparking widespread fear.

Dr Patrick Kagurusi, Director of Amref Health Africa in Uganda, said the aids underline the need for continuous support and capacity building for health workers, who form the backbone of Uganda’s immunisation efforts.

‘The recent errors in the field underscore why these materials are important. They simplify procedures and make it easier for health workers to follow standard guidelines. Our goal is to strengthen last-mile delivery so that communities continue to trust health interventions,’ Dr Kagurusi said.

He added that the aids represent a broader investment in preventive health, noting that immunisation remains far more cost-effective than managing disease outbreaks.

The electrical wiring within a home represents far more than a simple utility; it is the fundamental circulatory system that powers daily life, safety, and comfort. While the aesthetic elements of a home such as paint, flooring, and fixtures are immediately visible, the quality of the electrical installation remains hidden within the walls, yet it is arguably the most critical component of the entire structure.

Proper wiring is not merely a matter of convenience but a vital investment in protecting one’s family and property from the severe dangers posed by electrical faults, including devastating fires and lethal shocks.

The process demands careful attention from the initial planning stages through to long-term maintenance, and cutting corners can have catastrophic consequences.

The legal framework

In Uganda, the electrical installation process is governed by a clear and strict regulatory framework designed to enforce national safety standards. Understanding the distinct roles of the governing bodies is the first and most crucial step for any homeowner. The Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA) acts as the primary certifier and standards-setter. Mandated by the Electricity Act, the ERA is responsible for licensing and certifying electricians, ensuring they possess the necessary training and knowledge of the national wiring codes.

As emphasised by ERA spokesperson Julius Wandera, performing electrical work without an ERA permit is a criminal offense.

The role of the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) is often misunderstood. It is essential to recognise that UEDCL staff are explicitly prohibited from carrying out private wiring work.

As spokesperson Jonan Kizza clarifies, their function is one of inspection and compliance. After an ERA-certified electrician has completed the installation, UEDCL conducts a thorough inspection to verify that all work aligns with ERA’s technical guidelines. Only after this inspection is passed and the relevant fees are paid will UEDCL proceed to connect the property to the main power grid.

‘Therefore, the home owner’s journey involves a clear sequence; first, hire an ERA-certified electrician; second, submit the necessary documentation (such as a National ID) to UEDCL for inspection; and finally, receive the official connection after approval. This process ensures a system of checks and balances that prioritises safety above all else,’ Kizza says.

Planning and design

A successful and safe electrical installation is the product of meticulous, forward-thinking planning. The collaboration between home owner and electrician during this phase determines the long-term functionality, efficiency, and safety of the entire system.

Material selection: Copper vs. Aluminum

The choice of wiring material has profound implications. Copper wiring is universally regarded as the premium standard for internal branch circuits, the networks that power your lights, sockets, and appliances. Its superior electrical conductivity allows for more efficient current flow with less resistance, which minimises heat generation. Copper is also more malleable and forms more stable, corrosion-resistant connections at terminals, drastically reducing the risk of loose connections, a primary cause of electrical fires.

Conversely, aluminum wiring, while less expensive and lighter, is a less efficient conductor and expands and contracts more with heat cycles. This can lead to connections loosening over time if not installed with extreme care, including the use of special connectors and anti-oxidant paste. Its use is generally confined to specific applications such as the thick service entrance conductors that deliver power from the utility line to the main electrical panel, and it is not recommended for general circuit wiring in modern homes.

Strategic placement of outlets and switches

Outlet and switch placement should be guided by a detailed analysis of daily life and future needs. In the kitchen, this means planning for dedicated, high-amperage outlets for major appliances such as cookers and refrigerators, alongside numerous easily accessible countertop outlets for small appliances. Incorporating Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets near sinks is crucial, as they instantly cut power upon detecting a fault, preventing lethal shocks.

In living areas and bedrooms, planning involves positioning outlets in relation to furniture layout, behind entertainment centres, beside beds, and near desks.

Modern living also demands provisions for technology such as USB -equipped outlets or conduits for data cables. Outdoor lighting and power outlets, also GFCI-protected, are essential for security, convenience, and entertainment. This level of detailed planning, often called “future-proofing,” prevents reliance on dangerous and unsightly extension cords later on.

Integrating energy efficiency and smart technology

A modern electrical system should be designed with energy conservation as a core principle. This goes beyond simply using efficient appliances. It involves designing dedicated circuits for high-consumption devices like air conditioners and water heaters to prevent circuit overloads. Wiring circuits to be optimised for LED lighting throughout the house provides significant long-term savings. Furthermore, homeowners should discuss the integration of smart home systems with their electrician.

This can include programmable thermostats, motion-activated lighting in hallways and bathrooms, and smart switches that allow for remote control and scheduling, eliminating “phantom loads” from electronics in standby mode. These features not only reduce electricity bills but also enhance convenience and minimise environmental impact.

Ensuring safety

Safety is not a single step in the process but a continuous priority that must be ingrained from the initial installation through the entire lifespan of the home. Electrician Jonah Bayiga’s emphasis on prioritising safety cannot be overstated.

The dangers of amateur “Do-It-Yourself” electrical work are extreme. The complexities of calculating electrical loads, sizing circuit breakers correctly, and establishing a proper earthling system require professional training.

‘A mistake can easily lead to a smoldering fault within a wall, creating a fire hazard that may not be discovered until it is too late,’ he warns.

The earthing system is a particularly critical safety feature; it provides a deliberate, low-resistance path for fault current to flow safely into the ground, which prevents the metal casings of appliances from becoming electrified and causing a lethal shock. The quality of materials used is equally vital. Substandard, counterfeit wires often have inferior insulation that can degrade, crack, or melt under normal loads, leading to short circuits and fires. Investing in certified, high-quality wiring, sockets, and circuit breakers from reputable suppliers is a non-negotiable aspect of a safe installation. Even a perfectly installed system can develop issues over time due to vibration, gradual wear, or the addition of new appliances.

Control systems

The functionality of a home’s lighting can be greatly enhanced with specialised switches. Dimmer switches allow for the adjustment of light intensity to create the desired ambiance in living and dining rooms while also saving energy.

Multi-location switching enables control of a single light fixture from two or more different points, a necessity for stairways, long hallways, and large bedrooms. These considerations move the electrical system from being merely functional to being a key contributor to the home’s comfort and usability. Having a certified electrician conduct a periodic inspection every few years can identify and rectify potential problems such as loose connections or deteriorated insulation, ensuring the system remains safe for decades to come.

The Forum for Democratic Change presidential candidate, Mr Nandala Mafabi, has called upon people of West Nile sub-region to embrace coffee farming, saying it is a key to prosperity.

Addressing a rally in Adjumani District on Monday, Mr Mafabi said: ‘You should now begin growing coffee, which can bring money to your pockets. They (NRM) government have managed to make you poor deliberately to keep them in power. ‘

He added: ‘We had cash crops like cotton, coffee and the cooperatives but they have killed them. We shall revive the cooperatives to help our farmers earn decently and improve their household income.’

Mr Mafabi criticised the various poverty alleviation programmes introduced by the government, such as the Parish Development Model and Emyooga, saying they cannot perform their stated role.

He said if elected, he would implement better ideas such as allocating funds directly to villages and introducing a specialised bank for farmers to make it easier for them to secure funding.

He said the current method of taxation places a burden on ordinary citizens while favouring the rich and elite.

Adjumani residents expressed optimism regarding the FDC presidential candidate’s speech, particularly his proposals for local economic empowerment.

Ms Francisca Chandia, from Adjumani Town Council, stated her frustration with the current government, noting that despite being under its rule for 40 years, she remains poor and has not benefited from existing government programmes.

‘Poverty has remained high among the locals for all these years because of corruption cases and few people who have positioned themselves to eat the national cake. Even most promises have not been delivered,’ she said.

Another resident, Ms Sharon Tasha, who subscribes to the NRM party, was impressed by Mafabi’s coffee message, saying she would consider establishing a coffee garden.

‘Mafabi saw the growth of the Bugisu Coffee Cooperative Union. I buy his idea on coffee union. I will take his advice and start coffee farming because our weather can also favour coffee,’ she said.