Category: Daily Monitor

The construction of a 77km security road stretching between Agago and Kitgum districts has stalled, three months after it commenced.

The Monitor established that by early July, works on the security road had stalled, with tall grass covering sections of the once six-metre wide road that was expected to aid security personnel in curbing cattle rustling by Karimojong raiders. Between August 28 and October 30th, the Daily Monitor visited Odom village to ascertain the progress of the road.

Locals said the contractor started withdrawing equipment and personnel from the area by the end of May, two months into the project. ‘We reported the withdrawal to the district leaders because the contractor did not explain to us why they were leaving, after we asked them. To date, no explanation has been issued to us,’ Mr Remijio Okello, a resident of Odom East village, said. Mr Okello said the stalled project had dampened their hopes of a boost in livestock farming and security in the area.

‘The kick-off of the construction of the first phase of the security road offers fresh hopes. The raiders are always armed to the teeth as they roam villages, mostly at night, looking for cattle; they even attack community kraals. Now that the works have stalled, we don’t know what would happen any moment,’ he added.

The road project stems from President Museveni’s May 2023 Executive Order No. 3, in which he directs that security roads be built in Lango and Acholi sub-regions to curb cattle rustling.

The President also ordered the construction of security roads in Karamoja Sub-region. He directed that a security road be built from Lake Bisina to Abim District and to Orom Sub-County in Kitgum District.

Mr Museveni also ordered the construction of another security road running along the Kenya border from Amudat District to Mount Moroto, among others.

According to figures provided by local authorities, between 2021 and June 2024, cattle rustlers stole 1,076 heads of cattle and 480 goats from Namukora and Orom sub-counties in Acholi sub-region. The rustlers also killed several people and injured others.

Limited funding

In late March 2025, the State Minister for Works and Transport, Mr Musa Ecweru and his counterpart, the State Minister for Economic Monitoring, Ms Beatrice Akello Akori, launched the construction works of the 77-km security road at Odom East Village, Adilang Sub-County in Agago District. To start the roadworks, the government committed Shs800 million, with Shs500 million already released. An additional Shs300 million will be released in the next financial quarter.

Mr Ecweru referred to the security roads as a game-changer in the fight against the rampant cattle theft in Acholi, Lango and Karamoja sub-regions. ‘The army (UPDF) will be able to track down the criminals and recover the stolen animals. They will use vehicles to catch up with the raiders,’ he said. Mr Mohamed Okwir, the Adilang Sub-county chairman, in an interview, confirmed the suspension of the road construction, saying that their attempts to seek answers from the district authorities over the stalled were futile.

‘Work on that road stopped. We have met district authorities three times, and all they tell us is that work will resume soon,’ Mr Okwir explained. He accused the authorities of not having the political will to complete the project. He also questioned why the government had allocated ‘a small amount of money’ to construct the road, which he said required billions of shillings. ‘How do you allocate less than Shs1b for works that require more than Shs10b? What they gave alone for the works was less than what was required for fuelling the equipment alone,’ Mr Okwir said, asking the government to urgently provide funds for the completion of the project.

‘This road was meant to facilitate motorised patrols and enable the army to move faster and stop raids. We ask the government to facilitate the army so that they can do their work to secure this area,’ Mr Kite Ojok, the Lira-Kato Sub-county chairman, said. ‘These areas have not been occupied for years, and the violent raids have forced hundreds of households from their ancestral land to relocate to relatively secure places. The violence has not allowed them to occupy their land. I am happy that at last the government is working on the road,’ he said.

He however warned that unless more security personnel are deployed in the area, those displaced by the insecurity would not be able to return to their land.

Ms Susan Akot Moro, the Agago deputy resident district commissioner, on Tuesday last week told the Daily Monitor that the works were halted due to a shortage of funds. ‘Works on that road stalled because the money allocated was not enough, but we have learnt from the district’s technical team that more funds are currently being processed,’ Ms Moro said. ‘How and when the works will specifically resume, I cannot tell because those are processes in which only the responsible ministries are privy to, she added.

MTN has announced a second interim dividend of Shs10.5 per share, representing a 40 percent increase from the previous payout. The increase follows robust third-quarter earnings, with the telecom announcing a total dividend payout of Shs235.1b.

MTN reported a profit after tax of Shs471.2b, an increase of 2.6 percent year-on-year, while adjusted profit, excluding a one-off tax settlement, increased by 26.7 percent to Shs582.1b.

‘Our strong financial results and higher dividend reflect our commitment to creating long-term shareholder value,’ said Andrew Bugembe, the MTN chief financial officer.

‘We remain disciplined in our capital management, balancing returns to investors with continued investment in network expansion and innovation.’

MTN’s EBITDA margin rose to 53.9 percent, up from 51.7 percent a year earlier, as EBITDA increased 18.5 percent to Shs1.4 trillion, an improvement that points to higher efficiency and stronger performance in digital and fintech-driven services.

Service revenue for the nine months to September rose by 13.6 percent to Shs2.6 trillion, driven by strong growth in data and fintech, the core pillars of the company’s Ambition 2025 strategy.

Data revenue rose by 30.2 percent to Shs762.8 billion, reflecting Uganda’s rapid digital adoption and growing reliance on internet-based communication, entertainment, and e-commerce.

The performance highlights the return on MTN’s continued investment in 4G and 5G networks.

Fintech revenue rose by 17.9 percent to Shs809b, boosted by the expansion of MTN Mobile Money, which processed transactions worth Shs140.8 trillion, a 23 percent increase year-on-year across 14.2 million users.

MTN chief executive officer Sylvia Mulinge, said digital and financial inclusion are not just commercial opportunities, but they are catalysts for national development.

‘When more Ugandans come online, learn, trade, and transact digitally, the entire economy benefits,’ she said, adding that MTN is building the foundation for Uganda’s digital future.

‘We are delivering not only financial returns but also opportunities for people, businesses, and communities to thrive. Our mission is to empower every Ugandan to participate meaningfully in the digital economy,’ she noted.

Investing in the Future. MTN invested Shs299.8b in capital expenditure during the period to support network modernisation and improve service quality.

The telecom extended 4G coverage to 88.3 percent of the population, increased 5G coverage to 19 percent, and rolled out 237 new sites and 5,880 kilometers of fibre.

Bugembe said the EBITDA margin above 50 percent showed ‘our core business is growing efficiently. Our stable cash flow allows us to invest in infrastructure while delivering attractive returns to shareholders’.

Kenyan activists Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo say they were tortured and dehumanised during their 38 days of detention in what they said they discerned as Ugandan military facilities.

Following their release on Friday night, they are now finally back with their families after days of protests, court cases, and diplomatic pressure. ‘Thirty-eight days of abduction is not easy,’ said Mr Njagi in Nairobi. He claimed that they had been abducted by the military and were being kept under a special military command.

‘It has been difficult. We were tortured and dehumanised. I, myself, did not eat for 14 days. I was fasting,’ Mr Njagi added. Mr Oyoo said they are ‘traumatised but happy to be home’ after a harrowing ordeal in the neighbouring country.

‘At this point, we don’t want to say much because we have to go for some medical attention. We are traumatised, but we are happy to be home. I’m happy to be here,’ he added. ‘There are things I might have taken for granted. Today, I may not take them for granted. And I believe that this is a moment and all those moments are taking us forward.’

At the time of their arrival at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi, tens of fellow activists had gathered in solidarity. They stood close together, chanting ‘viva’ in a steady rhythm. Their voices rose as they shifted into singing the national anthem, then calling out ‘shame on you, Museveni!’ in reference to the Ugandan president. According to Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei, the two were released ‘after lengthy engagements’. ‘They were handed over to our High Commissioner in Uganda, Joash Maangi.

They were escorted by the ambassador and Ugandan government officials to the Busia border, where they were received by Busia County Commissioner Chaunga Mwachaunga,’ he posted on social media. Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, who also doubles up as Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary, had written to Uganda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gen Jeje Odongo, urging Kampala to act swiftly in tracing the duo. The first official protest was conveyed through a Note Verbale sent by Kenya’s High Commission in Kampala on October 3, and sources told the Nation that the high-level negotiations leading to the release of the two included intervention by former President Uhuru Kenyatta.

The two activists’ families were left horrified last month when a Ugandan court said it could not compel the government to produce them while there was no evidence to show that it had them. Mr Njagi’s cousin, Ms Caren Kiarie, said the family received a call around 10pm on Friday, informing them that the two activists had been released. The informer told them that they were already on their way to the Busia border. ‘They were handed over to me by the Busia County Commissioner at around 2am,’ said Ms Kiarie, who organised their transport and escorted them to Kisumu.

She said the activists had been escorted to the border by the Ugandan army before being handed over to the Kenyan authorities. Mr Nobert Ochieng, Mr Oyoo’s brother who spoke with the Nation on phone, said the news brought immense relief to their family. ‘It’s a great relief to the family. They might not be in good shape, but they are alive,’ he said. ‘No one knew where they were, or whether they were alive. My mother is happy that her son is alive. That was our biggest prayer.’

A couple of hours after they arrived at the Kenya-Uganda border, the activists were escorted to a restroom in Kisumu to freshen up. The two also shaved their hair and changed into new clothes and shoes before heading to the Kisumu International Airport in preparation for a flight to Nairobi. When they addressed the media briefly in Kisumu, the two appreciated Kenyans for standing with them. ‘I want to thank Kenyans for their support.

What we went through in Uganda is something that I never imagined. I want to thank you all for fighting for our release. We probably would never have been here without you,’ said Mr Oyoo. ‘We have gone through a lot in the last 38 days. We will speak more after treatment,’ said Mr Njagi. When they landed at the JKIA, they looked visibly shaken. Additional reporting by Shaban Makokha, Angeline Ochieng, Domnic Ombok and Gloria Valerie

Rights bodies react

Mr Irungu Hougton, the executive director for Amnesty International-Kenya, warned that disturbing trends in Tanzania and Uganda signal a rising threat to human rights, which could affect the general elections in Uganda in 2026 and in Kenya in 2027.

‘Tanzanians have demonstrated courage despite threats, and Ugandans and Kenyans must do the same. In solidarity, the people of East Africa must ensure that elections are free, fair, and democratic. Elections are the fundamental bond between the people and their governments. They are the space where citizens can challenge oppression,’ he said.

The activists’ ordeal, he said, ‘reminds us that any of us could face such treatment if we remain silent’. ‘Oppressive regimes thrive on our silence. An attack on one human rights defender is an attack on all defenders across Africa,’ said Mr Irungu. Ms Betty Okero, the vice chairperson of the Kenya Human Rights Commission, said the activists were arrested in Uganda while attending a rally of presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi, alias Bobi Wine. ‘The two were arrested shortly after their arrival before going missing,’ said Ms Okero, adding that several organisations stood with the two throughout their detention.

President Museveni has warned that Uganda could face future wars if its access to the Indian Ocean, which is vital for strategic defence and economic development, is obstructed.

Speaking during a radio talk show at Mbale State Lodge in Mbale City, Mr Museveni criticised the notion of one country claiming exclusive ownership of the sea, calling it ‘madness.’

‘That is why I say, you people, why don’t you see how to unite? Because Uganda, even if you want to build a navy, how can you build it? We don’t have access to the sea. The political organisation in Africa is so irrational. Some of the countries have no access to the sea for economic purposes, but also for defence purposes. You are stuck. How do I export my products? That is why we have had endless discussions with Kenya. This one stops, another comes. The railway, the pipeline, the what, we discuss. But that ocean belongs to me. Because it is my ocean. I am entitled to that ocean.

In future, we are going to have wars,’ Mr Museveni said. He said political and economic integration within the East African Community is one of the seven key priorities in his presidential manifesto. Using a metaphor of a condominium block, Mr Museveni argued that all countries, regardless of geographic position, should have equal access to shared resources. ‘How can you say that you are on a block of flats, that the compound belongs only to the flats on the ground floor? That compound belongs to the whole block. All the flats are entitled to the compound. So me I say, these people. are really endangering themselves.

How can you have a situation like this? Uganda is landlocked inside here. But where is my ocean? My ocean is the Indian Ocean. No! No! It belongs to. Really! Me! I am on the top floor of the block and then you say the compound belongs to the ones on the ground floor. This is madness,’ Mr Museveni said. He added that regional integration would help prevent future conflicts, as countries would benefit from shared prosperity and stability. ‘That is why I say, you people, you better unite economically for the sake of prosperity. If you want prosperity, market.

But if you want stability and also strength in the world, so you can go to the moon. The ones who go to the moon are big ones, not small people. The Americans, the Chinese, the Russians, and the Indians now. Our friends, the British, are still here with us. They can go. It is too much. One country can’t manage. The French are here with us. All these fellows, except those four, because size matters.

That is why we say, you people, why don’t you look at East Africa so that we deal with the issue of strategic security?’ he said. Uganda and Kenya have had long-standing disagreements over sea access. In the 1970s, Kenya blocked Uganda’s access following disputes with then-President Idi Amin. The border was again closed shortly after Mr Museveni came to power, and moderate tensions over sea access and regional markets have persisted.

Equal access.

How can you say you are on a block of flats, that the compound belongs only to the flats on the ground floor? That compound belongs to the whole block. All the flats are entitled to the compound. So me I say, these people. are really endangering themselves. How can you have a situation like this? Uganda is landlocked inside here. But where is my ocean? My ocean is the Indian Ocean. No! No! It belongs to. Really! Me! I am on the top floor of the block and then you say the compound belongs to the ones on the ground floor. This is madness- President Museveni.

The Uganda Medical Association (UMA), the umbrella body for doctors, suspended its leadership election over the weekend amid accusations of deliberate interference in voter lists and electoral processes by some of the outgoing leaders.

The decision was announced during the UMA Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Mbarara, which some members described as characterised by a ‘storm of shouting, accusations, and counter-accusations, all triggered by attempts to hijack the electoral process and undermine the will of members.’

Dr Hillary Aheisibwe, a member of the UMA Electoral Ad hoc Committee, presented the committee’s position at the AGM and explained the reasons for halting the election of new leaders.

‘As it stands, the incomplete and inconsistent voter register, the lack of validated contact information, and the uncertainty surrounding the chosen voting platform pose significant threats to the legitimacy of the outcome of today’s activities,’ he said.

Prof Richard Idro, a committee member and former UMA president, highlighted specific irregularities. ‘Voters register is complicated. We found over 200 names and emails in the voters register that do not belong to the people who are members of UMA,’ Mr Idro said.

‘And in addition to that, we found that there are so many people who had paid [membership fee], then they’re not on the register. There are almost 50 to 60 people who have paid and have not provided their email addresses,’ he added.

The ad hoc committee’s earlier meetings and research had recommended the NemoVote system for conducting the elections. However, after the National Executive Committee issued a public call for bids published in the Daily Monitor, a platform called Trionec was selected following its response.

‘However, to date, the election ad hoc committee has not received any training, technical details, or even basic documentation about this platform,’ Dr Aheisibwe said.

‘A search by our team revealed very limited information about prior experience of this Trionec in the election management. In the spirit of neutrality and with commitment to using credible and globally recognised systems, the committee resolved to adopt NemoVote, the same platform used by the World Medical Association for their elections,’ he added.

To justify the suspension, Dr Aheisibwe warned that proceeding would risk disenfranchising members, generating disputes, and eroding trust in the association’s leadership structures.

‘We must therefore state respectfully, but firmly, that while the election ad hoc committee is ready even now, and prepared to conduct the election with the data currently available, if this association decides today, we believe it would not be in the best interest of the association to proceed under these circumstances,’ he added.

Dr Mark Muyanga, the outgoing UMA publicity secretary, said after a tense but decisive session, the AGM resolved to immediately dissolve the National Executive Committee (NEC) and appoint an Interim Committee of Elders chaired by past president Dr Kenya Mugisha to stabilise the association.

Dr Herbert Luswata, the outgoing UMA president has been the head of UMA NEC. Dr Muyanga said the AGM also mandated this interim committee to convene an extraordinary general assembly within one month to elect a new NEC.

‘The biggest lesson from today is simple but profound; UMA is bigger than all of us. The will of the members will always triumph over deceit and manipulation,’ he said.

LEADERSHIP POLLS

UMA elects new leaders every two years. Among those contesting for the position of the UMA president are Dr Frank Asiimwe and Dr Asphas Owaraganise, after the outgoing UMA president Dr Herbert Luswata and his team served their two-year term. Dr Asiimwe had for several times expressed his dissatisfaction about the alleged interference by some of the outgoing UMA leaders on the electoral processes.

Following an emphatic 7-3 victory against bitter rivals Kyambogo University, Makerere University’s male goalball team declared their intent to push all the way to gold at the National Disability Sports Gala in Masaka last week.

When Gulu University beat Makerere University Business School (Mubs) 6-2, the battle lines were drawn: it was either Gulu or Makerere.

And when the two favourites met, it was the meanest of victories, 1-0 thanks to Peter Ntale’s goal which gave Makerere six points, three above Gulu.

In one of the decisive matches in this round-robin tournament, Gulu walloped hapless Kyambogo University 8-0 to claim the table summit with a superior goal difference.

That meant that Makerere needed at least a point against Mubs or surrender the title to Gulu. Shockingly, Mubs scored first, through Fred Lubangkene in the second half, piling pressure on Makerere.

All the while, Paul Kakooza, who had been a crucial centre player in the past two games, had not tried throwing the ball even once. Meanwhile, Bernard Ampeire, who had defended brilliantly against Kyambogo, was not even in the lineup. These tactical blunders almost cost them.

But finally Kakooza threw the ball once and it was blocked by Gulu, the second was a goal. A crucial equalizer as it ended 1-1, Makerere claiming gold on seven points, Gulu settling for silver on six.

Mubs got bronze on four points, as pointless Kyambogo finished fourth.

‘We were playing well but the last few games we played under pressure, which somehow slowed us down and we didn’t score as many goals as we had expected. Beating Gulu 1-0 was a rare result.but we managed to win,’ said Makerere coach James Ssenkungu. ‘I was also shocked by our sister university Mubs. I didn’t know they would give us such a hard time.’

Even among the female’s Mubs gave Makerere a hard time, drawing 1-1. But again, Makerere prevailed with seven points, while Gulu got six. This time Kyambogo rose to third on three points, relegating winless Mubs to fourth place.

Makerere also dominated the MVP awards: Ntale taking the males’ gong while Mariam Awino was the best among females.

Coach Ssenkungu attributed Makerere’s double conquest to good preps, and exposure at different tournaments like the East African University Games in Kenya late 2024. And a steady supply of players. For instance, none of the female players who won gold at the 2023 East African University Championship in Nairobi played in Masaka. But the team looked solid and fluid. Defending and scoring efficiently.

‘This is good prep for us ahead of the national university games in December,’ Ssenkungu said.

Overall, Makerere finished third, though Ssenkungu felt they should have done better had they featured in most track and field events. ‘We came a little bit late. And that’s a lesson learnt,’ he said.

MAKERERE SELECT RESULTS

Makerere 7-3 Kyambogo

Makerere 1-0 Gulu

Makerere 1-1 Mubs

MVPs

Peter Ntale (Makerere)

Mariam Awino (Makerere)

When Badru Kaddu walked into Nec’s dressing room on Saturday as their new head coach, he knew he was inheriting more than just a team in transition.

He was taking charge of a club desperate for direction – one craving both results and an identity worthy of its growing ambitions.

His first outing ended in a 1-1 draw with Bul at Lugogo, a result that extended the visitors’ unbeaten run to 25 games but also offered Kaddu a realistic snapshot of the task ahead.

Nec’s spirited start under their new boss hinted at promise. They pressed high, moved the ball quickly, and deservedly led in the 27th minute when Joseph Dhata reacted fastest to turn in a rebound after Marvin Kavuma’s header had come off the post from a Mustafa Kizza free-kick.

But a lapse just before halftime undid the momentum – goalkeeper Samson Kirya misjudging Jerome Kirya’s tame header to gift Bul an equaliser.

Despite flashes of the high-tempo football Kaddu wants, Nec faded in the second half, creating few clear chances. For the tactician with strict attention to detail, however, it was a platform to build on.

More to come

‘Like any coach, I wanted to work with a big club with big ambitions,’ Kaddu said post-match.

‘Nec wants to win trophies, and I share that purpose. The idea is to lift the standards and play the beautiful football style that the club desires. Football requires time and trust, and I believe these boys will get it right.’

Kaddu, who replaced Hussein Mbalangu, arrives with a clear mandate: to shift Nec from being a pragmatic, results-first side into one that expresses itself with tactical fluidity and creative intent.

Sitting 12th on six points, the club’s hierarchy hopes the former Express coach will inject a fresh philosophy after a sluggish start to the campaign.

His own career adds a compelling subplot. Once a respected assistant at KCCA, Kaddu now has the chance to stamp his authority as a head coach – and Nec presents both opportunity and pressure.

His immediate challenge is another baptism of fire: after the international break, Nec visit SC Villa at Kadiba, a team in rich form under the tactically astute Zeljko Kovacevic.

Kaddu, though, welcomes the challenge. ‘Nec are supposed to be up there, not below,’ he asserted. ‘We shall work on the winning mentality and show that we can compete with the best.’

For now, Kaddu’s first point in charge may not have thrilled his ambitious employers, but it has laid the foundation for a possible transformation – from physical and reactive to purposeful and expressive.

StarTimes Uganda Premier League

November 20

SC Villa vs. Nec, 8pm

At just 23, Kenneth Galiwango has already lived several lives – a farmer, barber, and now a budding media entrepreneur – each chapter building on lessons of resilience and reinvention.

From the bustling suburb of Mpererwe in Kampala, where he was born and raised, Galiwango is proving that young Ugandans can create opportunities even when the odds seem stacked against them.

‘I’ve learned that every stumble builds your strength,’ he says quietly, recalling the long journey that began more than a decade ago with a few vegetable seedlings and two goats.

Born on July 15, 2002, to Kasozi Jackson and Najjuma Joyce, Galiwango grew up in a close-knit community where hard work and unity were central values. As a boy, he was fascinated by how stories connected people – in markets, on street corners, or during evening gatherings. That love for storytelling now fuels his latest venture, Santa Media Uganda, an online platform sharing news, entertainment, and lifestyle stories for young audiences.

But getting there was anything but easy.

Starting small

Galiwango’s entrepreneurial journey began early. At just 11 years old, in 2013, he started growing vegetables in Mpererwe to earn a little pocket money. The following year, his parents bought him two goats, which he proudly tended after school. ‘Seeing them grow gave me a sense of ownership,’ he recalls.

In 2016, he tried his hand at poultry farming, starting with eight hens. A year later, thieves broke into his small makeshift coop and stole everything. ‘It hurt so much,’ he admits. ‘But I told myself it was just another lesson – that nothing good comes easy.’

Those lessons in patience and resilience would become invaluable later when he ventured into business on a larger scale.

In 2019, with the little savings he had, Galiwango opened Santa Barbershop in Mpererwe – a modest, brightly lit space where young men came not just for a haircut but for conversation. ‘The barbershop became more than a business,’ he says. ‘It was where people shared ideas and encouraged one another.’

When Covid-19 struck in 2020, Uganda went into lockdown and businesses, including barbershops, were shut down. ‘I thought it was over,’ he recalls. ‘But instead of giving up, I used that time to reflect and plan.’

That pause inspired him to explore other ways to connect with his community – this time through information and storytelling.

Building Santa Media Uganda

In February 2025, Galiwango launched Santa Media Uganda, a digital platform for breaking news, celebrity gossip, politics, and lifestyle stories aimed at young readers. The name ‘Santa,’ he explains, comes from the idea that news should be a gift – fresh, honest, and valuable.

Running an online platform, however, came with new challenges.

‘Competing with big media houses isn’t easy,’ he says.

‘Funding is tight, and not everyone has access to reliable internet.’ Still, he remains undeterred, producing content that’s short, visual, and relatable to the youth.

Uganda’s digital media space, he notes, is growing but faces hurdles – poor internet access, limited digital skills, and low advertising revenue. ‘We’re getting better, but we need more digital education,’ he says.

‘That’s why I’m working to make content that’s simple and accessible.’

Galiwango’s educational journey mirrors that of many Ugandan youths determined to succeed despite limited resources. He began at Yudesi Primary School in 2006, moved to Grace Primary School in 2008, and completed his primary education in 2014. For secondary school, he attended Wampeewo Ntakke Secondary School and later Kitetika High School for O-Level, before joining Princess Diana High School for A-Level.

The Covid-19 pandemic disrupted his final year, forcing schools to close. When candidates were eventually recalled for final exams, Galiwango returned determined to finish. ‘That period taught me to keep learning, even when things are tough,’ he says.

Balancing many hats

Today, Galiwango manages to balance his barbershop business with running Santa Media. On most mornings, he opens the shop himself before heading out to meet contributors and manage social media content for his platform.

‘It’s not easy juggling both,’ he admits, ‘but I believe every skill I’ve learned connects somehow. Whether I’m cutting hair or writing news, it’s all about people – listening, understanding, and serving them.’

His work ethic has inspired many of his peers in Mpererwe. Some of his former schoolmates now look up to him for business advice, while others volunteer to contribute stories to Santa Media.

For Galiwango, entrepreneurship is about persistence and purpose. ‘Start small, stay true, and don’t fear failing,’ he advises. ‘My farming losses and business struggles taught me that failure is part of growth. Every step, even backward, teaches you something.’

He hopes that his story encourages other young Ugandans to take chances, learn skills, and create their own paths rather than waiting for perfect conditions.

As he looks around his bustling barbershop filled with laughter, music, and chatter, Galiwango smiles. ‘This is where it all began,’ he says. ‘If I can grow from here, anyone can.’

Police in Butebo District are investigating the suspected murder of a 56-year-old man who was allegedly assaulted by his neighbour following a land boundary dispute in Kabwangasi Town Council.

Bukedi North Regional Police Spokesperson, ASP Wilfred Kyempasa, identified the deceased as Fred Kirya, a resident of Kachuru Village, Kachuru Parish in Kachuru Sub-county.

The suspect, Sam Opolot, also a resident of the same village, has since been arrested and is currently in police custody.

According to police, the incident occurred on Sunday around 9pm. It is alleged that Opolot attacked Kirya at his home and beat him with a stick, accusing him of uprooting his boundary marks.

‘During the scuffle, a relative identified as James Teko intervened and separated the two. Each later returned to their respective houses,’ ASP Kyempasa said.

However, later that night, Kirya’s son went to check on his father and found the door open with his body lying on the floor. When he tried to wake him, he discovered that he was not breathing.

The family immediately alerted the area chairperson, who confirmed the death and reported the matter to police.

Officers from Kabwangasi Police Station and the Butebo District Criminal Investigations Department (CID) visited and documented the scene, recorded statements from relatives and local leaders, and arrested the suspect.

‘A case file of murder has been opened under CRB 065/2025 at Kabwangasi Police Station. Investigations are ongoing,’ ASP Kyempasa said.

The body of the deceased was taken for a postmortem examination as inquiries continue.

A total of 166,402 candidates across Uganda are today sitting for the 2025 Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) examinations, which mark the final phase of this year’s national examination cycle.

According to the Uganda National Examinations Board (Uneb), this figure represents a 14.6 percent increase from 141,996 candidates who sat for the same exams in 2024. The candidates are writing their papers in 2,844 centres nationwide.

Of the total, 42,328 candidates (25 percent) are funded by the government under the Universal Post-O-Level Education and Training programme, while 124,074 (75 percent) are privately sponsored. The gender breakdown shows 93,630 males (56 percent) and 77,772 females (44 percent) sitting the exams. Uneb Executive Director Dan Odongo said the Board has stepped up security and integrity measures to ensure smooth conduct of the examinations, which run from November 10 to December 5.

‘Security agencies have already arrested several culprits who attempted to engage in malpractice during PLE and UCE,’ Mr Odongo said last Friday.

‘They will remain on the lookout throughout the UACE examinations to protect the integrity of the process,’ he added.

Warning from Uneb

Uneb has warned of severe penalties for anyone caught cheating or facilitating malpractice. Under the Uneb Act, CAP 259, offenders face five to 10 years in prison, fines between Shs20m and Shs40m, or both. Invigilators and scouts who allow malpractice are also liable to prosecution under Section 26(1)(g) of the Act, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison upon conviction.

The UACE examinations come shortly after the completion of the Uganda Certificate of Education exams, which ran for four weeks and ended last week. The PLE was conducted earlier from November 3 to 4.

Mr Odongo urged the public to report any suspicious activities and called on all stakeholders; teachers, parents, and local leaders, to support the candidates through guidance and encouragement. ‘You have what it takes to pass this examination,’ he told the candidates. He cautioned candidates against being deceived by individuals claiming to have access to leaked exam papers or offering illegal assistance during exams, warning that such acts could lead to disqualification and cancellation of results.

Uneb officials have emphasised that the Board’s focus this year is on integrity, transparency, and fairness. Mr Odongo reaffirmed that security personnel will continue to work closely with district supervisors and invigilators to ensure compliance with examination guidelines. ‘Please remain disciplined, confident, and follow instructions. We pray for God’s blessing upon all candidates and everyone involved in the conduct of the examinations,’ he said.