Category: Daily Monitor

The Women’s Futsal Super League served up a spectacular display of emerging talent over the weekend, with the spotlight firmly fixed on Desire Nankinga, a left-footed sensation whose instant impact propelled Kisenyi to a 4-2 comeback victory over Kabowa Dream Team at Old Kampala Futsal Arena.

Nankinga, who also features for Makerere University Business School in the full-sided version of the game, emerged from the bench to score a brace, helping Kisenyi’s to their first win of the season.

Kisenyi, who had been confident heading into the fixture, were shock3d to be chasing the game after first half goals from Catherine Nakabira and Sharon Kakai put Kabowa 2-0 up. Though Leila Nassuuna pulled one back with a long range effort, the score stood 2-1 at the break, much to the frustration of Kisenyi coach Brian Nsereko.

The turning point came with the introduction of Nankinga, who revealed she had to convince her coach to put her into the fray.

“We were surprised to be chasing the game,” Nankinga told the Daily Monitor. “But during the break we said we couldn’t lose to players younger than us and we stepped up for the win.”

The youngster levelled matters immediately after the restart before Nassuuna gave Kisenyi the lead for the first time. As Kabowa intensified their attack, Nankinga stepped up again, netting the goal that secured maximum points for Kisenyi.

Falcons edge Grameen

In the day’s opening game, Falcons pipped Lubaga Grameen 5-4 in a pulsating encounter decided late by Falcons’ captain, Elizabeth Nakigozi.

Nakigozi opened the scoring early, but after Joanita Nassali equalised for Grameen, Falcons found their rhythm, taking a comfortable 4-1 lead into the break with goals from Edith Najjuma, Bridget Lukwago and another from Nakigozi.

However, Grameen’s Moreen Kizza launched a sensational second-half fightback, scoring a hat-trick to level the score and send panic through the Falcons’ camp. Just as the game seemed destined for a draw, Nakigozi struck again to seal the 5-4 win.

Meanwhile, Nansana Aska coach Isaac Ogogo focused on the learning curve after his side drew 2-2 with Edgars, noting that while ball possession was good, his players struggled with the defensive aspects and futsal rules.

Mengo holds on, Lamansia win goal fest

In the Men’s Futsal Super League, defending champions Mengo City secured a hard-fought 3-2 victory over a determined QC Mbarara side.

Mengo had a comfortable 3-0 lead at half-time, thanks to goals from Billy Nkata, Anthony Male and John Musaasizi. Despite a spirited fightback from QC Mbarara, who scored twice in the second half through Shafiq Mulangira and Tamale Franklin, Mengo held on for their second consecutive win.

“The boys showed character of champions. Everyone plays their best game against us, but we want to continue performing well and hopefully defend our title,” said Mengo City head coach Abdullahi Abdifatah.

Elsewhere, debutants Lamansia and Entebbe Cheetahs played out a staggering 10-8 goal-fest. Lamansia took a dominant 5-1 lead into the break, but Cheetahs mounted a ferocious challenge. Lamansia claimed the points, with Johnathan Katumba, a former Masaza Cup player with Kabula, highlighting the opportunity futsal presents to attract attention from scouts.

Futsal Super League

Results

Women’s league

Edgars 2-2 Nansana Aska

Falcons 5-4 Lubaga Grameen

Kisenyi 4-2 Kabowa Dream Team

Men’s league

Lamansia 10-8 E’bb Cheetahs

Mengo City 3-2 QC Mbarara

Old Kampala 3-0 UG Kop (UG Kop missed)

Team captain Jonathan Senyonga and coach Alvin Katumba held their heads high after Uganda presented the youngest group for table tennis action and reached the quarterfinals of the sixth World Islamic Solidarity Games in Saudi Arabia.

Both three-player teams were eliminated 8-1 by Iran (women) and Turkiye (men) in the last eight stage at the Boulevard City Arena in Riyadh on Sunday.

‘The team events paused a big challenge that came along with lots of lessons,’ captain Senyonga reacted. ‘This was a good result of the fact that Uganda has the youngest team and least experienced team in this tournament,’ he said.

At 28, Senyonga is the most experienced player on the team. Yet, Joseph Francis Sebatindira is the youngest of them all at 11.

The primary five pupil of Nakasero Primary School has a teenager for company in Joshua Magaya Joshua, a 17-year-old senior three student of Kibuli Secondary School.

For the ladies’ team, or rather girls honestly, Magaya’s classmates Judith Parvin Nangonzi and Jemimah Nakawala are 17 and 15 respectively while the youngest female is Judith Mirembe, aged 12 and only sat her Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE) last week at Mbogo Junior School.

With experience picked from the team events, Uganda is eyeing for growth in the singles events which begin on Tuesday.

‘We have some hope in the singles event and doubles especially from our highest ranked girl Nakawala, at world ranking 183,’ said Senyonga.

Nakawala will compete on Table 1 against Hoor Fawad of Pakistan at the round of 32. The pair met on Saturday in the team event where Uganda defeated the Asian nation 8-4 in Group C.

The day begins with Joshua Magaya on Table 2 against Mohammadian Hossain of Iran in the singles men’s round of 64 before Sebatindira meets Onur Guluzade of Azerbaijan on Table

At noon on Table 4, Nangonzi will aim to skip the hurdle presented by Amiri Sumayai of Tajikistan. ‘Nakawala and Magaya will surely make wins for the rounds,’ said Senyonga who is not competing in the singles but will return for the doubles.

‘I encourage them (the rest) during tense matches and game preparation in the warm-up hall. Basically, my presence on the team gives them confidence, especially in the decisive matches,’ he added.

Senyonga helped the younger compatriots to an 8-4 win over Guyana in the team event’s group stage phase on Sunday.

2025 ISLAMIC SOLIDARITY GAMES

UGANDANS IN ACTION – TUESDAY

TABLE TENNIS – MEN’S ROUND OF 64 (SINGLES)

Table 2, 10am: Joshua Magaya vs. Mohammadian Hossain (IRN)

Table 4, 10.40am: Joseph Sebatindira vs. Onur Guluzade (AZE)

TABLE TENNIS – WOMEN’S ROUND OF 32 (SINGLES)

Table 4, 12pm: Judith Nangonzi vs. Amiri Sumayai (TJK)

Table 1, 2pm: Jemimah Nakawala vs. Hoor Fawad (PAK)

TEAM RESULTS – WOMEN

QUARTERFINAL: Uganda 1-8 Iran

GROUP C: Uganda 8-4 Pakistan

TEAM Uganda: Judith Mirembe, Jemimah Nakawala, Judith Parvin Nangonzi

TEAM RESULTS – MEN

QUARTERFINAL: Uganda 1-8 Turkiye

GROUP C: Uganda 8-4 Guyana

TEAM Uganda: Joseph Sebatindira, Joshua Magaya, Jonathan Senyonga

I have four daughters. The oldest is 16 years old and has developed breasts and started her period. However, my youngest, who is 10 years old, has a swelling in her left breast but has not started her period. Do you think she will be able to have children? Asemo

Dear Asemo,

A girl’s journey into womanhood (puberty) often begins with small swellings in one or both breasts, but it can also start with other signs such as the growth of pubic or underarm hair, acne, body odour, increased vaginal discharge, or the onset of menstruation. For most girls, puberty begins between the ages of eight and 13, typically about two years earlier than in boys, but the timing can vary even among sisters.

The appearance of menstrual periods marks the beginning of womanhood. However, in many communities across Uganda, this milestone is often wrongly equated with fertility, while delayed periods are mistakenly viewed as a sign of future infertility.

Although the onset of menstruation is largely influenced by genetics, studies show that over the past century, the average age has declined.

This trend is linked to environmental factors that expose girls to hormone-like substances (such as those found in plastics), body composition (in cases of obesity), and nutrition, among others.

Primary amenorrhea refers to the absence of a first menstrual period by age 15, or three years after breast development has begun. This is, therefore, unlikely to be the cause of the delay in some of your daughters starting their periods; they may simply not have reached that stage naturally yet.

Nonetheless, it is advisable to visit a doctor for proper evaluation and guidance.

A return of one point from a possible six is often enough to write off any team’s chances of progressing in tournament football.

But as the national Under-17 team Cubs play their final group game at the on-going Fifa U-17 World Cup against France on Tuesday, qualification to the round-of-32 remains an achievable target.

The Cubs have in fact made hard work of the two games played so far, dominating and taking the lead against Canada before a loss in concentration allowed two late goals to flip the result into a 2-1 loss.

They also largely kept Chile in check, stopping the South Americans from scoring in open play before forcing a 1-all draw with Derrick Ssozi’s stoppage time effort.

“We are playing a tough opponent in France in regards to pedigree. But from what I’ve seen today (against Chile) , unlike the first game, we are very good in every aspect of the game,” Cubs head coach Brian Ssenyondo said after seeing his team force a 1-all draw against Chile with a goal in added time from Ssozi.

“It (the performance) shows resilience. It shows a team that has character and can come back from a goal down and from the painful loss we got against Canada,” Ssenyondo noted.

From a number of permutations, the Cubs must first win against France this afternoon to stand any chance of progress.

The result would put them level on four points with their opponents who go into the final round of games joint top with Canada.

With head to head considered ahead of goal difference, a win for Uganda will put them above France and then hope to better Chile’s record who start the day bottom of Group K also on one point before they play Canada.

A failure to finish among the top two in the group means the Cubs can then wait to see if their record is among that of the the eight best third-placed teams from all 12 groups to advance to the round-of-32 stage.

We were unfortunate that we did not score from open play but it is also good that we conceded from a set play and also scored from it.

“So there are positives to take from it (1-all draw against Chile) so it can only encourage us going into the France game. “I believe we shall put up a spirited performance and we will attain our target hopefully,” Ssenyondo stated.

To reach their maiden World Cup, the Cubs faced a somewhat similar elimination game from the Afcon Under-17 tournament that saw them need to defeat Gambia 2-1 in a playoff to confirm their place at the global stage.

Striker James Bogere scored both goals in that victory and will again be the main source of goals having been a constant menace for the Cubs from the two games thus far scoring the opener in the 2-1 loss to Canada and having two goals cancelled cancelled for marginal offside decisions in each of the two games.

Fifa U17 World Cup

Group K Standings

France 2 1 1 0 2 0 +2 4

Canada 2 1 1 0 2 1 +1 4

Uganda 2 0 1 1 2 3 -1 1

Chile 2 0 1 1 1 3 -2 1

Farmers along the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) route have been urged to form SACCOs or farmer groups and obtain certification from the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) or district production offices if they want to benefit from supplying goods during the project’s construction phase.

The call comes as the China Petroleum Pipeline Engineering Company (CPP), the main contractor for building the main camps and pipe yards for the EACOP project, begins construction of camp sites.

The 1,443-kilometre pipeline runs through the districts of Hoima, Kikuube, Kakumiro, Kyankwanzi, Gomba, Mubende, Lwengo, Sembabule, Kyotera, and Rakai before crossing into Tanzania.

Certification, officials say, will help farmers meet the high-quality, quantity, and safety standards required by oil and gas companies, opening up access to a lucrative market created by the pipeline’s development.

Ms Natasha Kasami, the National Content Lead for EACOP, said certification is crucial for farmers to supply food to the oil sector.

‘Certification allows farmers to meet the specific food safety, quality, and quantity standards required by oil and gas companies,’ Ms Kasami explained. ‘This access is crucial because the project is projected to create a large market by bringing over a million people to the oil and pipeline districts who will require consistent food supplies.’

She added that certified farmers are likely to earn more from premium markets. ‘Meeting certification standards, such as organic certification, allows farmers to access premium markets and command higher prices for their products,’ she said.

‘The oil and gas industry is creating significant demand, and certified farmers are better positioned to capture a larger share of this new market, improving their incomes and economic empowerment.’

Ms Kasami also noted that the certification process helps improve farming practices by encouraging sustainable and environmentally friendly methods, including reduced use of synthetic chemicals, a step that can boost soil fertility and biodiversity for long-term productivity.

To meet these requirements, farmers receive training in food safety standards, consistent production, and compliance, often supported by organizations that help with aggregation, sorting, and packaging according to market standards.

However, she acknowledged that several challenges remain. ‘Companies working with the oil sector must be registered with the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) and have a Tax Identification Number (TIN), which can be a barrier for many smallholder farmers,’ Ms Kasami said.

She also encouraged farmers to diversify their crops to meet the specific demand from oil camps, where vegetables and other fresh produce are in high demand.

‘We need farmers to adapt and take advantage of this opportunity. The oil project is not just about infrastructure, it’s also about creating sustainable livelihoods for our people,’ she emphasized.

The race to determine who will represent Ugandans in Parliament and local councils for the next five years has officially begun, with thousands vying for these highly sought-after positions.

With lucrative salaries for legislators and influential roles for local councillors, the elections have become a high-stakes affair. In response, the Electoral Commission has issued strict guidelines outlining what candidates must do-and what they must avoid-during the campaign period.

‘Subject to the Constitution and this Act, the Commission may determine the manner and the period during which campaigns shall take place and shall publish that information in the Gazette and forward a copy to each Returning O?cer,’ reads a public notice issued to both parliamentary and local council candidates.

According to the Commission, each candidate must submit their campaign programme to the returning officer, who will ensure that campaign meetings do not overlap within the same parish.

‘Candidates and/or their agents shall ensure that campaigns are carried out between 7am and 6pm on each of the campaign days,’ the Commission states.

Campaign meetings are only permitted after the nomination period ends and must not be held within 24 hours of polling day. The Commission affirms that candidates must be given reasonable access to state-owned communication media. Subject to other laws, candidates may publish campaign materials, such as books, booklets, pamphlets, leaflets, magazines, newspapers, or posters, to solicit votes. These materials must clearly identify the candidate (s) involved.

Don’ts

The Commission cautions that no person shall use language during campaigns that incites public disorder, insurrection, violence, or war; nor language that is defamatory, insulting, or promotes hatred. While candidates may use private electronic media for their campaigns, they are prohibited from using it to decampaign others. ‘In particular, the following acts are prohibited:

Making statements which are false-knowing them to be false, or in respect of which the maker is reckless whether they are true or false; making malicious statements; making statements containing sectarian words or innuendoes; making abusive, insulting or derogatory statements; making exaggerations or using caricatures of the candidate or using words of ridicule; using derisive or mudslinging words against a candidate; or using songs, poems and images with any of the e?ects described in the foregoing paragraphs,’ the statement says.

‘The proprietor or operator of a private electronic media shall not use the media or allow it to be used to do any of the acts prohibited above,’ the guideline further states. The Commission also warns against sectarian campaigning. Candidates who use symbols or colours with tribal or religious affiliations-or any sectarian connotation-as the basis of their candidacy or campaign will face punishment. Additionally, candidates are prohibited from using government resources for campaign purposes unless explicitly authorised by law.

‘A person who contravenes any provisions commits an o?ence and is liable on conviction to a ?ne or imprisonment not exceeding one year or both,’ the notice adds.

Strict anti-bribery rules have been outlined. Any candidate or agent who offers money or gifts to influence voting outcomes commits an offence and is liable to a fine or imprisonment of up to three years, or both. Likewise, any person who accepts such inducements also commits an offence under the same provision.

Using inflammatory or defamatory language during campaigns is also punishable by fines, imprisonment, or both.

Uganda will this week host the first-ever African Disc Golf Summit, a milestone event jointly organised by Disc Golf Uganda and the Paul McBeth Foundation, in partnership with UPlay, UDisc and the Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA).

The four-day summit, running from November 12-15, will attract delegates from Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan, Zambia, Tanzania, Ethiopia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Estonia and the United States of America, marking a historic first for the sport on the continent.

The summit aims to shape the foundation for disc golf’s structured growth in Africa through training, networking and competition. Participants will engage in technical sessions on course design, teaching the game, event hosting and data analytics, all led by some of the sport’s most influential figures.

Former World Champion Avery Jenkins will conduct the session on course design, while UPlay educators will focus on introducing disc golf in schools and communities. UDisc and PDGA will lead discussions on event organisation and the power of data in tracking the sport’s progress.

‘Hosting the first African Disc Golf Summit in Uganda is a sign of how far we’ve come and how bright our future is. This event will inspire new players, empower organizers, and create connections that will grow disc golf across the continent. Uganda’s central role shows the world that Africa is ready to fly discs, not just dreams,’ said Israel Muwanguzi, the East Africa Coordinator at the PDGA.

A growing sport

Disc golf was first introduced in December 2022 at Ndejje University during the East African University Games. That journey was championed by First Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Kadaga and Rev. Latimer Muwanguzi.

The official launch coincided with the establishment of the country’s first permanent 18-hole course at Ndejje University.

Momentum continued to build in 2023 with the inaugural PDGA-sanctioned tournament, the Crested Crane Classic, held at Ndejje University in October.

Uganda’s journey from introduction to continental leadership has taken less than three years.

According to the UDisc global course guide, Uganda currently has four permanent disc golf courses: the Ndejje University Disc Golf Course in Luweero, the Uganda Christian University Disc Golf Course in Mukono, the Katosi Disc Golf Course in Katosi, and the Acasia Disc Golf Course in Kampala.

These courses represent a fast-growing network that has evolved through partnerships between Disc Golf Uganda, the Paul McBeth Foundation and international volunteers.

Uganda has hosted several community clinics and three national events since 2022, helping introduce the game to schools and local sports institutions.

However, the country still faces challenges such as limited access to professional discs, baskets and training facilities, issues the summit hopes to address through collaboration and sponsorship.

Summit schedule

The summit opens on November 12 with a networking dinner at Keba Hotel. The second day will feature a masterclass on course design led by 2009 World Champion Avery Jenkins and a community clinic at St. Joseph’s Institute Kisubi. On November 14, all eyes will turn to Ndejje University in Luweero for the official PDGA Event, where delegates will gain hands-on tournament experience.

The summit will conclude on November 15 with sessions on event hosting and sports data management.

‘Disc golf thrives on community. By bringing together passionate people from ten nations, this summit is planting seeds that will bear fruit in schools, parks, and communities across Africa,’ Muwanguzi added.

DISC GOLF IN AFRICA – FAST FACTS

Uganda

4 permanent courses (Ndejje University, UCU-Mukono, Katosi, Acasia-Kampala)

3 national tournaments since 2022

South Africa

12+ courses

Hosts PDGA-sanctioned events including the Cape Town Open

Zambia

2 courses (Lusaka, Livingstone)

Growing youth development network

Zimbabwe

2 community courses

Hosts annual regional meetups

Rwanda and Ethiopia

Launching pilot programs through UPlay

Davis Niyoyita arrived in Saudi Arabia capital Riyadh as Uganda’s biggest bet for any medal in weightlifting action at the sixth World Islamic Solidarity Games.

But his hopes went crumbling on Sunday afternoon after he posted seventh place in the men’s 60kg category at the Boulevard City 1.

Niyoyita successfully snatched 95kg on the first take and at clean and jerk, he ably lifted 125kg on the third and last attempt to complete with 220 in total.

‘It was okay though I was sick that’s why I didn’t lifted heavier,’ Niyoyita told this paper via phone on Sunday night.

Gold medalist in the 55kg class at the African Games in Accra, Ghana last year, Niyoyita travelled to Riyadh with flue and heavy cough, implying a painful chest at competition time.

‘And I couldn’t take any medication because I thought I would be doped. The competition was ok just I was in pain inside my lungs and nose but I believe next time will better,’

In September, Niyoyita had finished 18th in 60kg competition with 225 at the World Weightlifting Championships at Førdehuset in Førde, Norway.

The 21-year-old hopes he can scale up his prowess to qualify and be selected for the Commonwealth Games set for Glasgow, Scotland in late July.

Like Niyoyita, Faluku Figo Kyambadde came 10th at Boulevard City 1 with 185, snatching 100kg and 125kg in clean and jerk.

Meanwhile, Aisha Namataka will be in action in Riyadh in the 86kg category. The only female Ugandan lifter in the Middle East, Namataka is a three-time national champion and felt undone by a fourth place finish in Accra last year.

Uganda won two medals at the weekend, Alfred Ojok boxing to bronze in the 80kg category while swimmer Gloria Muzito powered to gold in the 50 metres freestyle event.

2025 ISLAMIC SOLIDARITY GAMES

ACTION – TUESDAY

WEIGHTLIFTING: Aisha Namataka (86kg)

2025 ISLAMIC SOLIDARITY GAMES

MEN’S WEIGHTLIFTING – 60KG RESULTS

1 Muhammad Husni (INA) 283

2 Burak Aykun (TUR) 267

3 Ali Elsayed (EGY) 265

7 Davis Niyoyita (UGA) 220

MEN’S WEIGHTLIFTING – 65KG RESULTS

1 Muhammed Furkan Özbek (TUR) 310

2 Adkhamjon Ergashev (UZB) 304

3 Seraj Al-Saleem (KSA) 303

10 Faluku Figo Kyambadde (UGA) 185

UGANDA’S MEDALS AT THE ISG

2005 Mecca: Boniface Kiprop (Athletics – 10000 Metres Bronze)

2017 Baku: Halimah Nakaayi (Athletics – 800 Metres Silver)

2021 Konya: Abel Chebet (Athletics – 5000 Metres Silver and 10000 Metres Gold), Kirabo Namutebi (Swimming – 50 Metres Freestyle Silver), Husnah Kukundakwe (Swimming – 100 Metres Breaststroke SB4-SB9 Gold, 200 Metres Individual Medley SM5-SM10 Gold, 50 Metres Freestyle S4-S10, 400 Metres Freestyle S6-S10 Silver, 100 Metres Backstroke S6-S10 Silver, 100 Metres Freestyle S4-S10 Bronze)

2025 Riyadh: Alfred Ojok (Boxing – 80kg Bronze), Gloria Muzito (Swimming – 50 Metres Freestyle Gold)

In the military, there is a concept known as the uncoordinated movement of troops. This happens when units or individuals act independently, without a unified plan. The result is often confusion, accidental clashes, and even civilian harm.

The causes are clear: lack of a central command, conflicting objectives, and communication breakdown.

Sadly, this same scenario is playing out in West Nile where local governments are moving in an uncoordinated manner in the battle to protect the environment and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

Districts continue to operate in isolation, pursuing their own agendas, failing to share information, and leaving natural resources vulnerable. The result? The inability by districts to make a meaningful impact in preserving the region’s ecosystems.

The people of West Nile depend heavily on natural resources; farming, fishing, grazing, timber harvesting, charcoal burning, and sand mining, for survival. Over the years, this dependence has shifted into over-reliance, putting immense pressure on the very resources that sustain communities.

Two main factors drive this over-reliance. First is population pressure. West Nile is home to an estimated 3.48 million people, including nationals and refugees. The region hosts more than half of Uganda’s refugee population, approximately 950,000 people from South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Refugees need shelter and land for cultivation. In the process, trees are cut, wetlands encroached upon, and riverbanks cleared.

The second factor is poverty. According to the 2022/2023 Multidimensional Poverty Index by the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (Ubos), 59 percent of West Nile residents live below the poverty line.

This widespread poverty restricts access to alternative energy sources, meaning communities must rely heavily on the environment for their daily needs.

The 2024 National Housing and Population Census shows that only 1.2 percent of households have access to clean energy such as solar power or electricity from the grid, while 79.4 percent depend on firewood for cooking and 16.7 percent on charcoal.

Under these circumstances, the environment serves as both pantry and power source, leaving little room for sustainable resource management.

The cost of this dependence is high. Forests disappear faster than they can regenerate, wetlands are encroached upon, and riverbanks degrade.

The loss of vegetation leaves West Nile increasingly vulnerable to climate change: unpredictable rainfall, prolonged droughts, and declining soil fertility. These changes directly impact livelihoods.

Ubos estimates that 69.4 percent of the population in West Nile are food insecure, mainly due to crop failure linked to environmental degradation.

Given the severity of the problem and its impacts, one would expect a coordinated and robust response. Yet, the reality is quite different. Efforts to address environmental degradation remain fragmented and localised.

Each district operates in isolation, even though environmental challenges do not respect administrative boundaries. What the region has long lacked is a common front; a unified approach to protecting its shared natural resources.

Nonetheless, that long-standing gap may now be closing. On October 21, the Advocates Coalition for Development and Environment (Acode) and WENDA, with support from the Royal Danish Embassy, the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the Embassy of Ireland, and Sweden under the PACER programme, facilitated the formation of the West Nile Natural Resources Officers’ Committee.

This committee becomes the central command for environmental management in the region to ensure a coordinated movement of troops. Environmental challenges are similar across districts, and so should be the solutions. Through the committee, districts can share data, harmonise laws, jointly monitor ecosystems, and coordinate community sensitisation.

Crucially, the committee enhances law enforcement, which has long been weakened by limited local capacity and resources. Support from local governments is essential.

The law already provides a framework for collaboration: Section 8(1) of the Local Government Act, Cap 138, allows districts to work together on matters of culture and development, as guided by Article 178 of the Constitution. Environmental protection should, therefore, serve as a unifying cause for the region.

Districts must also actively contribute to sustaining the committee. Section 80 empowers local governments to use local revenue at their discretion, making it possible for councils to allocate funds for this purpose.

With adequate support, the committee could turn fragmented efforts into a coordinated campaign, restore the balance between people and nature, and secure a sustainable future for the region.

Through the Committee, districts can share data, harmonise laws, and coordinate community sensitisation.

In every organisation, procurement is the lifeblood that keeps operations flowing. It’s normally 80 percent of the total financial budget. It determines whether projects succeed, supplies arrive on time, and resources are used efficiently.

Yet beneath the surface of many institutions, public and private alike, lurks an ailment that quietly drains their strength: a sick procurement department. When procurement ‘gets sick,’ the symptoms rarely appear overnight.

They creep in slowly, hidden behind piles of paperwork, late deliveries, inflated prices, and unexplained supplier preferences.

Often, the warning signs are ignored until the damage becomes too visible to hide, when budgets balloon, donor confidence fades, and reputations crumble. One of the earliest signs of sickness is misalignment.

A healthy procurement unit works hand in hand with management to deliver on the organisation’s mission. Every purchase serves a purpose. But when procurement becomes reactive, responding only to emergencies rather than planning ahead, the system shifts into survival mode.

Constant ‘firefighting’ replaces strategy, and purchasing becomes a series of rushed transactions instead of deliberate decisions. Another red flag is process paralysis. Outdated policies, missing guidelines, or unclear approval limits create confusion and room for manipulation.

You’ll hear familiar excuses: ‘We’ve always done it this way,’ or ‘There wasn’t time for competitive bidding.’

Such practices open the door to favouritism, waste, and corruption. Meanwhile, documentation disappears, and the same vendors mysteriously keep winning contracts. The financial consequences are severe.

Leakages begin to show through over-invoicing, duplicate payments, or unnecessary purchases. ‘Emergency’ procurements become a routine excuse to bypass procedure.

Projects that were once cost-effective now overrun budgets with little to show for it. In truth, a sick procurement department doesn’t just waste money, it erodes trust and efficiency across the entire organisation.

Ethical decay is another symptom. When procurement officers blur the line between professional duty and personal interest, integrity collapses. Kickbacks, ‘thank you gifts,’ and friendly favours start to influence who gets what contract.

Over time, corruption becomes normalised, a quiet cancer that eats away at the organisation’s moral fabric.

The effects ripple outward. Genuine suppliers lose faith in the fairness of tenders. Honest businesses are pushed aside by those with ‘connections.’ Internal departments or stakeholders grow frustrated by delays and poor-quality goods.

Eventually, auditors uncover the truth: missing files, unclear evaluations, and blatant noncompliance with policy. But by then, the damage is often deep and expensive to repair.

By contrast, a healthy procurement department is a strategic ally. It operates transparently, embraces technology, and focuses on value for money, not just price.

It nurtures supplier relationships, sets measurable performance goals, and enforces accountability at every step.

Most importantly, it serves as a steward of integrity, ensuring that every coin spent delivers genuine benefit.

Healing a sick procurement department requires leadership courage. It means facing uncomfortable truths, updating policies, digitising systems, and rotating staff in sensitive roles.

It also means investing in people, through training, ethical reinforcement, and recognition of professional excellence. Procurement is not merely about buying goods and services. It’s about building trust, protecting resources, and enabling progress.

Whether in a government agency, non profit organisation, or private company, the procurement function stands as the conscience of financial stewardship.

So, the next time deliveries delay, budgets inflate, or suppliers seem suspiciously familiar, don’t dismiss it as ordinary inefficiency.

You may be witnessing the early stages of an institutional illness-one that, if ignored, can cripple even the most successful organisation. Because when procurement gets sick, the whole body suffers.