Category: Daily Monitor

The government has issued a set of guidelines that must be followed during land evictions, a move officials say is aimed at curbing the spate of illegal evictions that are often orchestrated by unscrupulous land dealers targeting the Bibanja holders in various parts of the country.

Ms Judith Nabakooba, the minister of Land, Housing, and Urban Development, in the October 31 letter, asked all Resident District/City Commissioners to implement the guidelines and ensure that land grabbing is stopped.

‘…this is therefore, to direct you to strictly comply with the above mentioned guidelines while dealing with court sanctioned evictions and non-court-sanctioned (illegal) evictions to curb the rampant land evictions and property demolitions that affect citizens’ tenure security,’ the letter reads in part.

According to the guidelines seen by the Monitor, the minister ordered that every eviction or demolition shall be preceded by a valid court order specifying the properties and properly identifying the persons implementing it. Area police, and or local authorities, she said, shall be notified and be present during the implementation.

‘There shall be notice of eviction or demolition issued to persons to be affected for not less than ninety (90) days and not more than one hundred twenty (120) days before eviction or demolition,’ the letter states. It adds: ‘Every eviction or demolition shall be carried out in a manner that respects and upholds human rights and dignity. Provision of storage facilities for eviction and demolition properties shall be emphasised.’

The minister also guided that all evictions or demolition shall only be carried out between 8am to 6pm, ‘and no eviction or demolition shall be carried out during weekends or public holidays’.

She further banned any form of non-court-sanctioned evictions, which she said are always a result of suspicious land transactions, subdivisions on disputed land, transfers of registered land with tenants, and evictions by administrators, executors, and beneficiaries of estates.

‘The current legal framework prohibits any eviction that is not sanctioned by the court. The rights of sitting tenants are determined by the court before any purported eviction,’ the letter read, in part.

It adds: ‘All applications for subdivisions shall attach a copy of an up-to-date orthophoto supported by a duly registered Statutory Declaration in proof of the fact that the land has no tenants or the tenants thereon were afforded an opportunity to purchase six (6) months prior to the application or that the application is duly consented to by them.’

On the issue of transfer of tenanted land, Ms Nabakooba asked the RDCs and RCCs to ensure Section 36 (3) of the Land Act Cap 236, which requires the registered land owner to give the first option of purchase to the sitting tenant(s), is followed. She said this statutory requirement is always ignored, resulting in rampant illegal evictions.

‘Where the acreage exceeds fifty (50) decimals of an acre in the central region or one (1) acre in other regions, the vendor or purchaser of the land shall submit a copy of a duly registered statutory declaration verifying the number of tenants on the land, the extent of developments thereon, proof of offer of opportunity to purchase to the sitting tenants six months prior to the application, voluntary consent (if any) to the subdivision and an up to date orthophoto of the land to the Land Officer at the respective Ministry Zonal Office,’ she said.

The minister further guided on the evictions orchestrated by heirs, administrators, executors and beneficiaries of estates, where she noted a growing concern where beneficial owners, executors or administrators of estates evicting sitting tenants from inherited properties.

‘The beneficial owner (s), heir(s), executor(s) or administrator (s) of an estate are statutorily required to acknowledge the subsisting interests (legal or equitable) of the sitting tenants in the estate in issue. Should misunderstanding emerge between the two, the heir, executor or administrator should engage the sitting tenants on the land with the view of amicably regularising their relationship /interests on the land in issue or agreeing to the sharing formula. This may be supported by a mediator,’ she said.

These guidelines come at a time when the country continues to grapple with challenges brought by illegal evictions. For example, in Namayumba Sub-county, it took the intervention of Ms Nabakooba and later court to save over 5,000 residents who were facing eviction following a dispute involving over 1,000 acres of land pitting them against the family of the late Gabdyeri Lubajja. The case is still ongoing in the High Court and the residents have since appealed to President Museveni to intervene. Mr Museveni, in June 2024, directed the Lands ministry to work hard to eliminate illegal land evictions countrywide.

Police in Iganga District have arrested four suspects believed to be part of a major counterfeit dollar racket operating in Namungalwe Town Council.

The arrests followed an intelligence-led operation aimed at cracking down on a network accused of circulating fake currency and robbing unsuspecting victims.

According to ASP Michael Kasadha, the Busoga East Regional Police Spokesperson, the suspects were identified as Juma Isabirye alias Magezi, 30, a businessman from Buwenge Town Council in Jinja District; Shafik Bamwitire, 22, also a businessman from Buwenge; Michael Badagawa, 24, a chapati baker and resident of Kawete Village, Namungalwe Town Council; and Isaac Nyende Augustus, 30, of Nsinze, Namungalwe Town Council in Iganga District.

ASP Kasadha said the arrests were made at around 1:00pm on Monday, after a series of reported incidents involving fake dollar exchanges and violent robberies dating back to October.

“From October 2025 to date, we have registered several cases of counterfeit dollar fraud and cash robberies in the areas of Kawete and Nsinze,” Mr Kasadha said. “The victims are often lured from as far as the Central Region into fake dollar exchange deals.”

He explained that the victims are first shown genuine US dollars, which convinces them to surrender large sums of Ugandan currency before being violently robbed.

Several incidents have been linked to the group, including the robbery of Shs6 million from Muyingo Christopher Nathan, 45, of Bunga Church Zone, Kampala; Shs6.9 million from Ssemakula Bashir, 46, of Kiboba Village, Nama Sub County in Mukono District; and Shs18 million from Okurut Ben, 30, a businessman from Igaitani Village, Namayemba Town Council.

“These repeated criminal occurrences have created public fear and insecurity, particularly among business people and visitors from distant areas,” ASP Kasadha added.

During the operation, police recovered an iPad belonging to one of the victims, which has since been exhibited as evidence. U

pon interrogation, Isabirye Juma, identified as the ring leader, reportedly confessed that some community members have been benefiting from the robberies, offering protection and support to the group.

ASP Kasadha said investigations are ongoing to arrest more suspects connected to the racket.

“We caution the public against falling victim to counterfeit currency scams, especially those involving fake US dollars,” he warned. “These conmen often lure unsuspecting people with promises of quick profits, leading to significant financial losses”.

State Minister for Works, Mr Musa Francis Ecweru, has formally withdrawn from the Amuria County parliamentary contest, ending weeks of political tension and speculation in the district.

The minister, who had opted to contest as an independent candidate following his loss in the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) primary to Samuel Ediau, made the decision public on Tuesday afternoon, citing ‘deep reflection and consultation with party and community leaders.’

In a formal withdrawal letter to the district’s Electoral Commission returning officer, Mr Ecweru said his decision was in the interest of party harmony and cohesion.

‘After consultation with my NRM party leaders, my agents, my personal reflection, I have decided to withdraw from the parliamentary race for Amuria County 2026/2031,’ reads the letter dated November 9, a copy of which was seen by this publication.

Mr Ecweru has represented Amuria County in Parliament since 2006.

His chief campaign agent, Mfr Nathan Okiror appealed to supporters to remain calm and peaceful in the wake of the announcement, describing the moment as difficult but necessary.

‘Amidst all that is happening, I urge you to remain calm. Support whichever candidate you wish, but avoid any distraction. It’s painful, but this is his decision, and we must respect it. Leadership comes and goes; unity and coordination are what matter most,’ he said.

Just a month ago, Mr Ecweru publicly defended his independent candidacy, stating that stepping down would be akin to ‘legitimising crime.’ The bid had galvanised supporters who viewed him as a resilient and seasoned leader with a two-decade parliamentary record.

However, his decision reshapes the contest and withdrawal marks a significant turning point in Amuria’s political landscape and could influence the balance of power ahead of the 2026 elections.

While his team did not provide detailed reasons for the change, sources close to his camp indicate that consultations with senior NRM leaders played a decisive role. Party elders reportedly encouraged him to step aside in the interest of unity and cohesion in the Teso sub-region.

NRM loyalists in Amuria have welcomed the decision, interpreting it as a demonstration of maturity, loyalty, and statesmanship.

‘Hon. Ecweru has shown that he values the unity of the NRM family above personal ambition,’ said a district party official.

Independence Park, located in the heart of Mbarara City, is a green space for relaxation and leisure. It also hosts some community events.

Lately, the park, opened in 1962, has been turned into a meeting point for unemployed youth. When this reporter visited the park recently, some of the youth were found in groups sharing ideas while others slept on the grass.

Mr Ambrose Ajuna, who graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Development Studies and has spent two years without a job, said he often meets colleagues at the park to share experiences and enterprising ideas, some of which have been beneficial to them.

‘I stay in Katete, Mbarara City South Division, around three kilometres from here. Once in a while, I check on colleagues here because we cannot afford expensive places,’ he explained.

Mr Ajuna said in their different meetings, most youth have learnt of opportunities or discussed ideas to help them survive and earn an income.

‘Three of my colleagues during one of the meetings here last year ended up with ideas to employ themselves, they were tired of hunting for jobs. They pooled resources and rented land in Nyeihanga in Rwampara District, started a bricklaying business which is thriving,’ he said.

Mr Emmanuel Mujuni, a graduate from Bishop Stuart University, said he goes to the park after visiting offices and business centres in the search for jobs.

‘I rent with two other colleagues in Mbarara City North Division and we take different paths as we wander looking for jobs. Later in the day, we converge here to chart a way forward before we return home,’ he said.

Mbarara City Mayor Robert Mugabe said:’Independence Park is a public place, and …if the youth are using it as a place where they meet to moot ideas to improve their livelihoods, then there is no problem.”

However, Mr George Twesigye who lives in the neighbourhood, said some of the youth who meet in the park could be criminals or potential criminals .

‘There are some good people who come to relax and strike business deals here, but it is also a hideout for criminals who come to relax after spending nights tormenting their victims. I think it is even here where they plan how to execute their missions,’ he said.

Rwizi Region Police Spokesperson Samson Kasasira, however, said security personnel are on ground to ensure the park is safe.

‘Through our intelligence led surveillance we normally carry out operations and arrest the wrong elements that want to use the place as a centre for planning and executing crimes,’ he said.

President William Ruto has defended his decision to congratulate his Tanzanian counterpart Samia Suluhu Hassan, following a controversial presidential win that sparked outrage.

In an interview with Al Jazeera journalist James Bay, President Ruto said that a landslide victory of 97 percent can only be achieved depending on the level of democracy in a given country.

The interview took place in Doha, Qatar, where the President joined world leaders for the United Nations Second World Summit for Social Development.

‘It is not for me to judge Tanzania. In a democracy, for example in Kenya, you can never get 96 percent. Every country has its way of doing their stuff,’ President Ruto said.

In this case, Mr Ruto said that given the current political landscape in Kenya, such a victory would also be highly unlikely.

As Chairperson of the East African Community (EAC), the President said that it is important to uphold the rule of law and allow democracy to flourish as part of development.

‘The primary thing is, democracy is the best governance system. It is not tidy always. It is not always easy because there are all manner of moving parts, but I think we must work together to ensure we protect democracy.

President Ruto said that there is a need for African leaders to stick to democracy and give a room to dissenting voices.

‘We must always give ourselves the opportunity to listen to alternative view without injecting violence into the equation.’

Disputed outcome

Hundreds of foreigners, including Kenyans, are still being held by President Samia’s government for allegedly taking part in demonstrations that caused chaos during the election period.

Since then, the opposition side, including the Chadema party, has disputed the outcome.

They are demanding that the international community should take action and not going silent while families continue to mourn their loves ones who are said to have been killed during the protests.

In a statement released hours before President Samia’s inauguration, Mr Ruto said that her victory would strengthen Kenya’s ties with Tanzania.

‘Kenya and Tanzania share deep historical ties and common aspirations for the prosperity and stability of our peoples, anchored in our shared history and our joint membership in the East African Community (EAC),’ President Ruto said in his statement.

In the same interview, President Ruto said that democracy in the region is in progress, and that Kenya’s level of democracy should not be compared to its neighbouring countries.

‘Democracy is work in progress, it spans different stages. There are countries like Kenya that are way ahead, there are others that are catching up, and there are others that are still not yet started. We see changes everywhere.’

According to him, the uprising was not just an African issue but a global one that has also been witnessed in the United States and other countries as well.

The President’s comments come at the time when the lobby groups in Kenya are demanding for answers over the continued target of Kenyan citizens in Tanzania and Uganda.

Recently, two Kenyans, Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo, were detained in Uganda for 38 days for participating in the campaigns of Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine), who is challenging President Yoweri Museveni in the January election.

President Museveni admitted that he detained the two following the intelligence reports that they were experts in riots.

Large heaps of earth greet first-time visitors to the gold mining regions of Kitumbi, Bukuya, and Makokoto sub-counties in Kassanda District.

These piles, made up of mine waste, are believed to contain traces of toxic mercury, posing serious risks to both human health and the environment.

Residents living near the Kitumbi gold mines, where artisanal miners are most concentrated, say sections of this waste are washed into nearby water sources used for domestic purposes.

‘We live a compromised life because of the toxic waste material deposits that contain mercury. It finds its way into our water sources and the crops grown in the wetlands. As a community, we remain helpless,’ said Mr Abdul Ssekamatte, an artisanal miner from Kitumbi Sub-county, during an interview last week.

The towering mounds of mine waste, some rising between five and 15 metres high, are scarred by deep gullies formed by rainwater runoff. Conservationists and health experts warn that this runoff often carries toxic residues into wetlands and other water bodies, posing a threat to ecosystems and public health.

Ms Alice Nateme Kisambira, a conservationist with the Nature Redemption Awareness Initiative, an organisation engaged in tree-planting and environmental awareness in Mubende and Kassanda districts, said the waste will remain hazardous unless artisanal miners stop using mercury. ‘The huge mounds of waste would not be such a big issue if they didn’t contain toxic metals.

The real danger is the silent killer, mercury residue. The focus should be on how to minimise or eliminate mercury use in mining,’ Ms Kisambira told the Daily Monitor. In Bukoba B Village, Kitumbi Sub-county, where much of the waste is piled, residents said the soil is infertile and unsuitable for cultivation.

‘We don’t own the mines and lack the capacity to make any intervention,’ a resident who sought anonymity, said.

Ms Edith Nakalaawa, a resident of Bikoba B Village, appealed for government support to purify potentially contaminated water sources.

‘We’ve been told that mercury can find its way into our water. We need help to ensure it is purified before it reaches our homes,’ she said.

The Kassanda District Chairperson, Mr Fred Kasirye Zimula expressed cautious optimism about ongoing discussions among key government agencies, including the National Environment Management Authority (Nema) and the Ministry of Energy, aimed at ending mercury use in mining.

‘Our district’s ability to intervene is limited to community awareness. The government must take the lead. Lives both within and beyond the mining areas are at high risk,’ Mr Zimula said.

Ms Agnes Tebandeke Bwanga, an artisanal miner with the Kitumbi-Kayonza Mining Association, revealed that mine management had explored partnering with brick makers to reuse the earth waste for brick production.

‘This would help reduce the massive waste mounds. We also agree that eliminating mercury from the gold mining process is the best long-term solution,’ she said.

Mercury risks

In an earlier interview, State Minister for Mineral Development Phiona Nyamutooro, said the government had begun sensitising miners on mercury-free technologies. ‘Mercury use is banned under international protocols to which Uganda is a signatory. We continue to raise awareness and promote safer mining alternatives,’ she said.

Health experts warn that mercury exposure, even at low levels, can have severe health effects. According to the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, mercury can cause respiratory complications, kidney and lung inflammation, reproductive and nervous system disorders, and other long-term health issues.

The toxic metal also affects plants and animals, contaminating entire ecosystems.

Interventions and alternatives

Uganda is among 23 countries piloting a mercury-free gold supply chain through alternative technologies already adopted in countries such as Kenya, South Africa, and the Philippines. These alternatives, such as borax and gravitational concentration technologies, allow for gold extraction without the use of mercury.

Ms Lynn Gitu, a project manager at Gold Planet, which partners with the Ugandan government on sensitisation programmes, said these technologies offer safer and more sustainable options for artisanal miners.

Numbers

There are an estimated 6,000 artisanal miners directly involved in gold extraction across the Kassanda District.

However, district officials estimate that over 200,000 residents out of the total population of 314,008 (2024 Census) could be indirectly affected through contaminated water, soil, and food sources.

President Museveni has commissioned a hotel being constructed by Uganda’s top long-distance runner, Joshua Cheptegei, in Kapchorwa District, Sebei Sub-region.

During the commissioning, President Museveni, who is in the region seeking support ahead of the 2026 General Election, congratulated and thanked the multi-medalist for not squandering the money he has earned from his talent in international conquests, according to the presidential press unit.

‘So, we are going to support him. We are not allowed to make pledges during elections, but in principle, we have supported other people, such as manufacturers and even hotels, so we shall support him. The policy is already there,’ he assured.

Mr Cheptegei informed Mr Museveni, who has been in power since 1986, that he had decided to set up a hotel in his home district to contribute to Uganda’s national development goals.

He noted that once complete, the hotel will create more jobs for Ugandans, with a projection of over 400 job opportunities.

‘Already we have over 100 people working on this project since February this year, up to date. Your Excellency, I’m your student and I think I’m getting it fairly right. Mzee this project is from the savings I have been earning. I first bought land in 2017 and added on it gradually. The project is going to take Shs26 billion to complete, with the first phase taking Shs13 billion,’ Mr Cheptegei said.

He also thanked President Museveni for the government’s continuous support to him and other athletes.

‘We have been able to achieve a lot because of your support,’ he said.

Despite lowering its inflation expectations, the Bank of Uganda (BoU) has kept its tight monetary policy unchanged. The Central Bank Rate will remain at 9.75 percent, where it has stayed for the past 13 months.

The bank says the economy still faces ongoing risks at home and abroad, which require caution. Yesterday, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) explained that although Uganda’s economic situation is improving, unpredictable conditions both globally and locally could still affect the short-term outlook. The committee said the Central Bank is committed to keeping prices stable, controlling inflation, and supporting economic growth in a changing environment.

Tight monetary policy helps Ugandans by reducing inflation and keeping prices stable. When the value of money is protected, people and businesses can plan their spending and investments more confidently, which encourages more economic activity across the country. While presenting the monetary policy statement, BoU Governor Michael Atingi-Ego said the inflation outlook is now slightly better than what was predicted in August.

Core inflation is now projected to be between 4.0 percent and 4.5 percent, down from the earlier forecast of 4.5 percent to 4.8 percent for Financial Year (FY) 2025/2026. This remains below the 5 percent target over the next 12 months. He said overall outlook is balanced, with both risks that could increase inflation and those that could reduce it.

On the upside, rising global geopolitical tensions could interrupt food and energy supplies, while stronger domestic demand driven by government projects could also put more pressure on prices. Downside risks include continued inflows of foreign capital into the oil sector, better weather leading to higher food production, and lower global interest rates which could reduce the cost of imported goods. Uganda’s economy grew by 6.3 percent in FY2024/2025 compared to 6.1 percent the previous year.

This growth came from improvements in farming and industry, and from greater spending and investment in the economy. Early economic indicators show continued confidence in FY2025/2026.

The economy is expected to grow by 6.5-7.0 percent this year and reach an average of 8 percent in the coming years. Dr Atingi-Ego said this shows the economy’s strength, helped by careful monetary policy, targeted government spending, and better global growth.

A major global credit rating agency, S and P Global Ratings, recently improved Uganda’s economic outlook, showing trust in the country’s strong progress. Dr Atingi-Ego noted that despite the encouraging outlook, several global challenges remain such as higher trade barriers, tight global financial conditions, and low business confidence.

Rating

S and P Global Ratings, on November 7, revised its outlook on Uganda to positive from stable, while keeping the country’s credit rating at B-/B. It also raised the transfer and convertibility rating to B from B-. S and P said the outlook reflects expected stronger growth and higher income per person, driven by good terms of trade and key oil projects expected to start within a year.

The Chief Magistrate’s Court in Mbarara District in Western Uganda has remanded to prison 43 National Unity Platform (NUP) supporters who were arrested last Friday when security operatives intercepted the convoy of their party’s presidential candidate, Mr Robert Kyagulanyi, along the Mbarara-Ibanda road.

Those remanded include 38 charged with obstructing a police officer on duty and five others on charges of driving without a licence, driving without a helmet, and driving passengers in a vehicle without third-party insurance.

The court, which was presided over by Grade One Magistrate Esther Bagala, who represented Chief Magistrate Andrew Kabombo, heard that on November 7, the 38 accused persons obstructed Mbarara District Police Commander at Mbarara Central Police Station, Keneth Kabwigo, from doing his duties.

All the accused pleaded not guilty to the charges and applied for bail through their lawyers, led by Kampala Woman MP Shamim Malende.

‘Whereas I know that the accused persons have personal liberty. This court should be balanced to the prevailing circumstances. Counsel Tumukunde has also told the court that they have not yet gotten the opportunity to interface with their clients, and some of them have no sureties in this court,’ Ms Bagala ruled.

The case of obstruction of a police officer on duty was adjourned until November 19 for the hearing of the bail application.

‘It is in the interest of all accused persons that a short adjournment is granted to enable them to prepare and properly apply for bail. A short adjournment is granted to enable them to properly apply for bail. This court also takes into account the concerns for all parties involved,’ she said.

The other five suspects, including Onesmas Kasirye, 27; Moses Mugabi, 32; Godius Mwesigwa, 34; Kasimu Magembe, 32; Adrian Taremwa, 30, were charged with traffic-related offences which included driving without a driving license, driving without a helmet, loading passengers without a license and driving without 3rd party insurance.

The prosecution argued that on November 7, between 9 am and 6 pm, the accused persons were driving without a driving licence or helmet, as well as loading passengers on a vehicle that was not licensed to carry passengers.

Four of the five suspects pleaded guilty to the charges, apart from Godius Mwesigwa, who denied all the charges read to him.

‘Mwesigwa Godius 34, a resident of Mbarara City (that, on November 7, between 9am and 6pm along Mbarara-Bushenyi-Ibanda road, you were driving a motorcycle UFF 595W without insurance and driving without a helmet,’ Ms Rebecca Akulia briefed the court before the accused denied the charges. She added, ‘The inquiries are concluded. I am seeking for adjournment for the hearing to commence.’

Mr Adrian Taremwa was charged with loading passengers on a vehicle that was not licensed to carry passengers, and he pleaded guilty to the charge.

‘On November 7, between 9 am and 6 pm. The accused, along the Mbarara-Masaka Road and Mbarara-Bushenyi-Ibanda road, was loading passengers in UBM 255M minibus Toyota Hiace when the vehicle did not have a licence. He was arrested and charged,’ Ms Akulia said.

The accused was convicted on a plea of guilty, and the state asked the court for a heavy sentence.

‘The suspects are charged with traffic and road safety offences. The maximum penalty for this offence is a fine of not more than 100 currency points, which is Shs2 million. This offence is rampant, and any driver driving without a license puts the lives of other people in danger. I pray for a deterrent sentence with a maximum fine of 100 currency points,’ she pleaded.

The lawyer for the suspect, Allan Musasire, asked the court to give the convict a lenient sentence since he did not waste the court’s time.

‘The convict has pleaded guilty and did not waste the court’s time. He is a first-time offender, a young man at 31 years with a wife and three children all below 10 years. We pray this court will be pleased to exercise its powers and caution the convict to enable him to reform and be a meaningful person in a society,’ Mr Musasire said.

The magistrate remanded the convict to Prison until November 14, when he will reappear in court for sentencing.

Almost half of the candidates for Member of Parliament starting their campaigns today are running on individual merit, signalling a continuation of the trend where independents are increasing at the cost of political parties.

Party honchos are concerned that independent candidates, the majority of whom are those who lost party primaries, will split votes during elections and eat into party composition in the 12th Parliament. Uganda runs a hybrid political system that allows both party-sponsored and individual merit participation, but in a system of rule by majority, political parties gain from consolidating seats, especially in Parliament, where numbers decide policy and legislative agenda.

In the 2021 elections, more than half of the 2,801 total nominated candidates were independent. A total of 74 won the elections, making independents the second largest group in the 11th Parliament, behind NRM. Analysis of the composition of the legislature since the 8th Parliament shows that political parties are losing seats to independents. This trend is attributed to multiple factors, including individual ambition overriding party loyalty, weaknesses in political parties, and the hostile, over-commercialised political terrain. A limited appreciation of the multiparty politics and the hangover of the Movement system have also contributed to the trend.

The impact on parties Numbers show that since the reintroduction of parties in 2005, the ruling party, NRM, and the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) have been most affected, with NRM experiencing the largest losses in 2021. An analysis by the Daily Monitor in conjunction with Crane Analytics Limited, a data analysis firm, found there were 12 and 14 defectors from NRM in 2016 and 2021, respectively. FDC had 3 and 2 defections in 2016 and 2021 respectively. In absolute numbers, the NRM retains the highest number of MPs at 337 of the total 519 directly elected MPs, followed by the NUP at 57, FDC at 32, UPC and DP at 9 each, and Jeema and PPP with one each. Its percentage composition, however, has declined in the last three parliaments.

Opposition parties have not been spared. NRM’s have declined from 70 percent to 63.7 percent; FDC from 9 percent to 6 percent; UPC from 2.6 percent to 1.7 percent; DP from 3.2 percent to 1.7 percent from 2011 to 2021. On the other hand, independents have increased from 40 in the 8th Parliament. Percentage-wise, the composition of independents has fluctuated between 12, 11.4, 15.4, and 13.8 percent from the 8th to the 11th parliament. Analysis shows a mixed bag of gains and losses. For example, more than 25 constituencies represented by the NRM in the 10th Parliament fell to independents in the 11th Parliament. The party gained a little over 30 constituencies, including newly created constituencies.

FDC lost three key constituencies, Bugweri, Aruu, and Kasilo. In Bugweri, Mr Abdu Katuntu, who had held for FDC for four terms, ran independently and won, just like Mr Elijah Okupa in Kasilo County. DP, which has been a darling in Masaka District, lost the Woman MP seat to an independent, just like UPC in Lira. Mr John Kikonyogo, the FDC spokesperson, says in elections, independents are eating into party votes. ‘It disorganises parties after someone defeated in the primaries runs as an independent. Your support is immediately divided because there are voters in the party who may believe in that particular person as an individual. It even becomes difficult for them to come back to the party when they win,’ he says. Since the return of political parties in 2005 that ended the Movement system introduced in 1986, Uganda runs a hybrid system.

Article 72(4) of the Political Parties and Organisations Act of 2005 and the Parliamentary Elections Act permit any person to stand for election independent of any political party. Mr Yusuf Serunkuma, a political commentator, believes this is an avenue for Ugandans with no association to parties to participate in elective politics. It is fairness, he says He argues that those with party affiliations, however, could be accused of disrespect for the political parties after they have not been given cards and have no faith in the parties they seem to belong to. ‘You could accuse them of what Norbert Mao has called meal card politics.

They don’t go to those parties really because they believe in them, but they go there because they believe the parties could give them access as a vehicle to deliver them to a position. If it doesn’t, then they don’t care whether there’s an ideology to protect,’ he says. Bearing in mind the nature of Ugandan politics that has become do-or- die, he adds: ‘Whoever is standing in any position, whether on the party ticket or not, all are ambitious.’ ‘It’s becoming more about fighting for oneself than fighting for the common good. Most of our people want to become MPs, not to serve the people, but to get the small packages that are there in Parliament. If the wave goes to some other party, they join,’ Mr Kikonyogo says.

Survival mechanism? Ms Alice Alaso, the national coordinator for the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT), fronts multiple factors, including survival mechanisms. ‘People know they can get into Parliament and survive without any political agenda,’ Ms Alaso says. Others, however, argue that weak institutional frameworks that cannot effectively deliver transparent, free, fair, and credible primary elections, creating disenchantment, have pushed many to run independently. Mr Medard Sseggona, the Busiro East legislator who lost the NUP flag, says the number of independents will increase if parties do not clean up internal processes.

‘If you look at the number of independents in the current parliament, it’s sizable. And yet, most, if not all of them, belong to or have inclinations to parties, existing parties. So it means that the choice of the parties was not the right one in a number of cases,’ Mr Sseggona says.

‘I think everybody would love to belong to a political party. But the structure of most of our parties is a disincentive. It’s making many people think that, yes, I can still play a role at any political level as an independent. After all, the freedom to associate and the political parties also include the freedom not to associate,’ Mr Wilfred Niwagaba, the Ndorwa West MP, says.

Mr Kikonyogo reveals that parties under the Interparty Organisation for Dialogue (IPOD) have raised these concerns, but failed to arrive at a definitive solution. The NRM Secretary General, Mr Richard Todwong, has previously warned that they would not allow party primary losers to return as independents, but this has not been implemented.

The party chairperson, President Museveni, has also often chastised them, saying they disadvantage the flagbearers. ‘Where there are NRM and opposition candidates, I wouldn’t advise you to come as an independent, because if you do and things go wrong, you will be the one to blame. Where there are only NRMs in the race, even there I would prefer you use the law, so that you don’t confuse our people,’ the State House website quotes the President in an October 14 post. Other independent candidates have argued a lack of alignment with any political party ideology or a lack thereof.

The political polarisation along party lines has also pushed others to run as independents. For others, it’s to escape the wrath of the unforgivingly brutal politics characterised by violence both from the state and competing parties. Ms Alaso, citing the example of the ANT spokesperson, Mr Gerald Karuhanga, who is contesting as an independent for the Ntungamo Municipality seat, says individual merit beats party strength in some constituencies.

‘The people of Ntungamo Municipality said it is in their best interest across party lines that Karuhanga does not contest as ANT, as Opposition, or as NRM. They just want Karuhanga. We know that his allegiance to ANT is undisputable,’ she said. A closer look at the 2021 election results reveals that the majority of the independents were party-leaning individuals who had lost in the primaries, edging out flagbearers. For example, for the Amuria Woman MP seat, Ms Susan Amero, who had represented the district on an NRM ticket in the 10th Parliament, won as an independent after losing the primaries. It was the same case with Mr Peter Mugema (Iganga Municipality), Ms Shartsi Musherure (Mawogola North), and FDC’s Elijah Okupa (Kasilo), among others.

In next year’s general election, an estimated 200 NRM members who lost the party primaries are running as independents. Among them are ministers and senior party members such as Gen Jeje Odongo (Foreign Affairs), David Bahati (State, Trade, Industry and Cooperatives), Obiga Kania (Internal Affairs) and Dr Moriku Kaducu (State, Primary Education) The biggest Opposition political party in Parliament, NUP, is facing a similar challenge, with several party members and current MPs who did not get the flag running as independents. With this encumbrance, there is debate as to whether the party will repeat its 2021 feat for such a big number by an Opposition party.

The split of the FDC that saw the creation of PFF, and its taking away of historical members complicates the situation further for the party. Conversely, some of the independent candidates who allege they were stripped of their victory due to unjust party primaries and processes, are campaigning for the presidential candidate of the party whose sponsorship they lost. These, upon joining Parliament, while barred from joining a political party, have the discretion to ally with any party of choice and support the party’s position. For example, just days after she won the 2024 by-election as an independent, having lost the party flag, Ms Grace Ngabirano Akifeza (Kisoro District Woman MP), signed a memorandum of understanding to work with the NRM, which allowed her to attend the party caucuses.

Mr Niwagaba has been an independent legislator for the last two terms after he was thrown out of the NRM party. He argues that being independent offers the flexibility needed to put country first.

‘Unlike in the parties, where at times you are bound by a party position, however unpopular and unreasonable it may be, you [independent MP] can choose whose policies best favour the interest of the country,’ he says.

But there are limitations.

‘Parties wield a lot of influence because of their numerical strength. And at the end of the day, you become limited as an independent to have a lot of influence. One way or the other, you associate yourself with one of the major parties in the House. Your level of influence tends to be minimal,’ he says.