Category: Daily Monitor

Every budget season, the discussion is usually the same. How do we attract more investment? How do we create jobs? How do we grow the economy? These are important questions.

But perhaps Uganda is overlooking one of its biggest economic assets because it does not look like a conventional investment. It is not a factory. It is not an office block. It is not a technology company.

It is nature. Uganda’s forests, wetlands, rivers, grasslands, wildlife and fertile soils quietly support agriculture, tourism, energy production, water supply and millions of livelihoods every day.

Together, they provide services worth billions of shillings annually, yet they are often treated as obstacles to development rather than assets that make development possible. This mindset is becoming increasingly costly.

When wetlands are encroached upon, flooding becomes more frequent and destructive, as seen repeatedly in Kampala and other urban centres.

When forests disappear, water catchments become degraded, affecting both water availability and hydropower generation. When soils lose fertility, farmers face declining yields and rising production costs.

The Kiteezi landfill disaster was also a painful reminder that poor environmental management carries serious human, economic and public health consequences.

Environmental degradation is no longer a distant concern discussed only by conservationists. It is increasingly affecting livelihoods, businesses, infrastructure and national development.

Nature performs functions that governments and businesses would otherwise have to replace at enormous cost. Around the world, countries are beginning to recognise the value of what economists call natural capital.

Just as businesses invest in machinery and technology to improve productivity, governments are increasingly investing in ecosystem restoration, watershed protection and sustainable land management because they generate long-term economic returns.

Global investment is already shifting in this direction. Climate finance, carbon markets, biodiversity funding and nature-based solutions are attracting growing levels of public and private investment.

Countries that protect and restore natural assets are positioning themselves to access these opportunities while strengthening resilience against climate change.

Uganda is well placed to benefit. Few countries possess such a rich combination of fertile agricultural land, freshwater resources, biodiversity and favourable climatic conditions.

Tourism contributes significantly to Uganda’s economy and depends heavily on healthy ecosystems, wildlife and landscapes.

Agriculture, which employs the majority of Ugandans, also relies directly on healthy soils, reliable rainfall and functioning watersheds.

Beyond traditional sectors, nature-based investments are creating new economic opportunities in sustainable forestry, climate-smart agriculture, ecosystem restoration, waste-to-value enterprises, renewable energy and carbon projects.

These sectors also offer growing employment opportunities for young people, particularly in rural areas where livelihoods remain closely tied to natural resources.

Yet much of this potential remains underutilised. Too often, environmental protection is viewed as a cost rather than an investment. Development and conservation are presented as competing priorities.

In reality, they are deeply connected. No economy can thrive while destroying the ecosystems that sustain it. The way forward is not to choose between development and nature. It is to plan development better.

This means enforcing environmental regulations more consistently, restoring degraded wetlands and forests, integrating natural capital into public investment decisions, and supporting communities and businesses already investing in sustainable land use, climate-smart agriculture and ecosystem restoration.

This does not mean Uganda should stop developing. Far from it. The challenge is to pursue development in ways that strengthen rather than undermine the natural systems that support prosperity.

Protecting wetlands, restoring degraded landscapes, improving soil health, promoting sustainable agriculture and investing in watershed management should not be seen as environmental luxuries.

They are economic necessities. The theme for World Environment Day 2026, ‘Inspired by Nature.

For Climate. For Our Future,’ is therefore more than a slogan. It is a reminder that nature is not separate from development. It is one of the foundations upon which development depends.

As Uganda looks for new pathways to growth, job creation and climate resilience, it should begin viewing nature not merely as a resource to be consumed, but as capital to be invested in.

Because some of the country’s most valuable assets are not found in bank accounts, factories or trading floors. They are found in the landscapes that sustain life, livelihoods and economic opportunity every day.

Upon returning as the head of the President of the Uganda Archery Federation (UAF), Richard Mcbond Asiimwe is targeting schools to ease the spread of the sport across the country, as required by the National Sports Act 2023.

‘We want to take archery to schools because they have the two most important resources: the players and the facilities. There, it may be easier for us to spread the sport to different parts of the country,’ Asiimwe said upon securing another four-year term of office during the elective assembly at the Uganda Olympic Committee on Saturday.

‘We want to start grooming school children for future Commonwealth Games, Olympics [and other major tournaments].

Asiimwe is also targeting para-archers. ‘They are also a priority because they can represent us in the Paralympic Games.’

Compliance key

UOC and Commonwealth Sport president Donald Rukare commended the archery leadership for prioritising women and PWDs. He, however, implored them to pull all strings to ensure full compliance under the National Sports Act 2023 before the June 7 deadline.

‘We shouldn’t be in sports for titles, or for money. It should be for development of the sport. Thus, your urgent priority now should be securing compliance with the law by June 7. Because if you fail and NCS deregisters you, whatever you are doing here will be in vain.’

UAF became Archery Uganda, to remain a national association, only mandated to handle amateur archery, as per the new Sports Act. (National federations are mandated to handle amateur and professional sport).

The law also requires a national association to cover 50 percent of the districts-at least 73 districts-while federations cover 75 percent, which is 109 districts.

Asiimwe said covering 50 percent is the target, but it will require more government funding. For now, archery is allocated only Shs10m. But if the association does not comply by June 7, it will lose even that little funding.

Meanwhile, Andrew Geno, the association patron, is optimistic the sport will turn that sharp corner and progress.

ARCHERY UGANDA, EXCOM

President: Mcbond Asiimwe

Vice President (admin): Peter Masaba

Vice President (Technical): Sula Blick

Secretary General: Jonathan Cula

Assistant SG: Aisha Namukwaya

Treasurer: Kenneth Opedun

REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVES

Northern: Karim Malish

Eastern: Andrew Oboth Omalla

Central: Josephine Namayanja

Western: Dan Ahimbisibwe

Kampala: Ronald Mwanje

ATHLETE REPRESENTATIVES

Male: Hamza Ndiwalana

Female: Grace Lillian Ekwaro

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION

Woman representative: Maureen Awori

A milk delivery to a feared gate in Sironko District sparked a connection that would grow into handwritten letters, long-distance conversations and years of patience.

For Mac Charles Madoyi and Patricia Onyango, love did not arrive suddenly. It unfolded slowly, one milk bottle at a time.

Although they grew up in the same sub-county of Sironko Town Council, their paths rarely crossed.

Patricia’s father, a retired District Executive Secretary (commonly known as DC), was a man of authority whose home commanded both respect and caution in the community. The compound, marked by a strict gate and firm order, was not a place young people casually accessed.

Madoyi’s family ran a dairy business. His father was known for producing and selling fresh, undiluted milk that had earned loyal customers across the area.

When Patricia’s father learnt of the quality milk, he became a regular customer, a simple decision that unknowingly opened the gate into a story that would define both their lives.

During school holidays between 1999 and 2000, Madoyi often accompanied his father on deliveries. Patricia was frequently the one receiving the milk.

‘At first it was just delivery,’ Madoyi recalls. ‘But I noticed her humility. She was different from what people assumed about children from such homes.’

Patricia remembers it differently, but just as clearly.

‘He used to bring milk during my Senior Four vacation,’ she says. ‘By Senior Six, he had already written me a letter.’

That letter changed everything.

Quiet courtship

Madoyi’s handwritten letter was detailed, expressive and, by his own admission, overly sophisticated.

‘I remember telling her that the feelings expressed in the letter were a direct replica of who I am,’ he says with a laugh.

Patricia was not immediately convinced.

‘At first I pretended not to rush into a decision,’ she says. ‘But over time I realised he was serious.’

What followed was a slow but steady courtship built on letters and occasional phone calls from public call boxes, where coins dictated the length of every conversation.

She would wait for his calls in the evenings. He would write carefully crafted letters, sometimes using complex English that left her reaching for a dictionary.

Still, it worked.

‘The English was wow,’ Patricia says, smiling.

Silent support

After Senior Six, Patricia joined National Teachers’ College Kaliro on a government sponsorship, a path Madoyi encouraged her to take.

‘I advised her mother to let her pursue education there,’ he says. ‘Little did she know I was already thinking long-term.’

Their relationship continued through letters and public phone booths. Later, Patricia got her first mobile phone, which made communication easier, though secrecy remained necessary because of her strict mother.

‘She was feared by everyone,’ Patricia recalls. ‘I would sneak out sometimes just to see him.’

Despite the distance and pressure, their bond deepened rather than weakened.

Life shifts and resilience

By 2008, Madoyi had lost his job at Sironko Progressive Secondary School following administrative changes. He relocated and stayed with Patricia, who was then teaching at Nakanyonyi Girls Secondary School in Jinja.

It was a difficult transition, but also a defining one. The couple began building life together without formal family approval.

‘We were focused on survival and growth,’ Mac says.

Introduction

After years of waiting, the couple held their introduction ceremony in November 2013 in Sironko. It was far from a small gathering. A convoy of vehicles arrived, and as word spread, friends and well-wishers poured into the gate. What began as a planned ceremony quickly turned into a large community celebration, with gomesis and kanzus filling the compound.

But behind the celebration were financial pressures.

Patricia recalls tension over bride price arrangements.

‘My parents had asked for four cows, but he brought fewer,’ she says. ‘At one point, there was even talk of cancelling the ceremony.’

She was pregnant at the time and emotionally overwhelmed, but the ceremony went on.

Despite the strain, the couple eventually cleared the balance within months.

The long wait for a wedding

Although the introduction took place in 2013, the wedding would only come a decade later.

Mac says the delay was intentional.

‘We wanted to build a home first,’ he explains. ‘People mocked us for spending on the introduction while renting, but I believed in doing things properly.’

Over the years, their financial stability improved and their support network grew stronger. When the time finally came, friends and colleagues contributed generously, pushing the celebration beyond expectations.

What had started as a modest budget eventually doubled, but the couple says they still ended the ceremony without debt.

The wedding celebration

On November 2023, Charles and Patricia were officially married at Mbale Central Seventh-day Adventist Church.

The church compound was filled with guests, vehicles and emotion.

‘At one point I asked myself if this was really my life,’ Madoyi says. ‘It was overwhelming.’

Some guests even assumed he held a high public office due to the scale of the celebration.

Lessons from counselling

During marriage counselling, the couple says they learnt that perfection does not exist in marriage.

Instead, they were taught patience, emotional support and the importance of building a peaceful home.

Advice to young couples

Madoyi encourages young people to remain focused and patient.

‘Patience, determination and persistence are key,’ he says. ‘Prayer has also been central in my journey.’

Patricia advises young women not to rush into decisions.

‘Always seek guidance through prayer before choosing a partner,’ she says.

At a glance

Groom: Mac Charles Madoyi

Bride: Patricia Onyango

Church: Mbale Central Seventh-day Adventist Church

Reception: Little Venice Hotel, Sironko

Introduction: November 25, 2013

Wedding: November 26 2023

Budget: Approx. Shs30m

Theme colours: Forest green (wedding), light blue (introduction)

Authorities in Namutumba District have resolved to deny Parish Development Model (PDM) funds to residents without pit-latrines as part of efforts to improve sanitation and curb hygiene-related diseases.

The move comes amid growing concern over poor sanitation coverage in the district, where health officials say nearly 38 percent of homesteads lack pit-latrines, exposing communities to diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and diarrhoea.

The directive was announced during the district’s commemoration of National Sanitation Week held at Bugiri Church grounds in Kagulu Sub-county at the weekend.

The event was held under the theme: ‘Accelerating safely managed sanitation for a healthier Uganda.’

The annual sanitation campaign was revitalised by the Ministry of Health in 2025 following its launch in Katanga slum in Kampala, with the aim of mobilising communities to improve hygiene and reduce preventable diseases linked to poor sanitation.

Representing the chief administrative officer, Mr Ali Balimumit, the assistant secretary in the CAO’s office, said the district would use access to PDM funds as leverage to compel households to construct pit-latrines.

‘To fight open defecation, our strict enforcement is that people without latrines will not receive PDM money,’ Mr Balimumit said.

He added that district leaders, the resident district commissioner’s office, and other stakeholders had agreed to enforce the measure during the next round of PDM disbursements.

‘PDM money is meant to improve livelihoods, but some beneficiaries are unwilling to improve sanitation in their homes. We want residents to first meet basic hygiene standards,’ he said.

Officials argue that poor sanitation is undermining government poverty alleviation programmes, with many households reportedly spending PDM funds on medical treatment for diseases associated with poor hygiene.

Mr Paul Waiswa, the deputy RDC for Namutumba, said linking sanitation to PDM eligibility was necessary because open defecation is rampant ‘People have embraced the PDM programme, so we are saying that the first qualification for receiving the money is having a toilet,’ Mr Waiswa said.

The district health officer, Dr James Kirya, warned that open defecation continues to fuel outbreaks of diseases, particularly among children.

‘Children are in hospitals suffering from diarrhoea because of poor sanitation and open defecation. Besides denying them PDM money, we are also going to arrest offenders under the Public Health Act,’ Dr Kirya said.

The district launched a sanitation enforcement campaign in March targeting households without pit-latrines.

Under the exercise, affected homes were initially given 14 days to construct toilets or face prosecution.

The campaign, supported by NGO ALBOH Uganda, has seen vulnerable households receive tools such as spades and pick mattocks to facilitate latrine construction. However, authorities say progress remains slow despite the intervention.

Cultural beliefs

Officials attribute resistance partly to poverty and cultural beliefs. According to local leaders, there are members of a certain clan who traditionally do not use pit-latrines, while others cite religious and cultural reasons for resisting sanitation measures.

Residents, however, say the cost of constructing modern washable pit-latrines is beyond the reach of many poor households. Ms Mary Nairuba, a resident, said constructing a standard washable pit-latrine costs about Shs2 million.

‘How do you expect a poor man living in a grass-thatched house to raise Shs2 million for a pit-latrine?’ she wondered.

Another resident, Mr Waiswa Kisubi of Kagulu Village, argued that denying residents PDM funds contradicts the programme’s guidelines.

‘PDM money has nothing to do with owning a pit-latrine. Government should instead give us enough time to construct them,’ he said.

Residents also appealed to the government to increase access to clean water by constructing more boreholes in underserved communities.

Despite the concerns, authorities have now extended the ultimatum to 21 days for households without pit-latrines to comply, warning that defaulters risk prosecution under the Public Health Act in addition to being excluded from future PDM funding.

Under the PDM initiative, the government sends Shs100 million in revolving funds to each parish annually to help households trapped in the subsistence economy transition into the money economy.

Hello SB, for many car owners, especially in dusty environments or busy urban settings, washing a car feels like basic maintenance done as often as possible. In places such as Kampala, where roads can quickly cover vehicles in dust, mud, and pollution residue, some drivers even wash their cars daily. While cleanliness is important, there is a point where excessive or improper washing can begin to work against the vehicle rather than protect it.

On the surface, washing a car often seems harmless. After all, removing dirt should preserve the paint, not damage it. However, the issue is not just how often a car is washed, but how it is washed and what products or methods are used.

Modern car paint is protected by a clear coat, which is a thin transparent layer that gives the car its shine and shields the underlying paint. Each time a car is washed, especially with rough sponges, dirty cloths, or low-quality brushes, there is a risk of creating micro-scratches. Over time, these tiny scratches accumulate, leading to a dull, faded appearance commonly known as swirl marks.

Frequent washing also increases exposure to detergents. Some cheap soaps or strong household cleaning agents are not designed for automotive paint. They can strip away wax and protective sealants that help repel water, dirt, and UV rays. Without this protection, the paint becomes more vulnerable to oxidation, fading, and staining.

The hidden wear

Beyond the paintwork, over-washing can affect other parts of the vehicle. Rubber seals around doors and windows, for instance, can dry out or lose flexibility if constantly exposed to water and strong detergents. This may eventually lead to leaks, wind noise, or reduced insulation against dust and heat.

Underbody washing, while important for removing mud and corrosive materials, can also become harmful if done excessively or improperly. High-pressure water jets used too frequently may force moisture into areas that are meant to remain sealed, potentially accelerating rust in hidden spots if the vehicle does not dry properly.

Electrical components can also be affected if water is repeatedly sprayed into engine bays or sensitive areas without care. While modern cars are designed with some level of water resistance, they are not built for constant soaking.

So how often is too often?

There is no universal rule for how many times a car should be washed, because conditions vary. A vehicle driven on dusty rural roads or parked under trees where birds and sap are common may need more frequent cleaning than one used mainly on clean urban roads.

However, washing a car every day is generally unnecessary unless it is exposed to extreme dirt conditions. For most vehicles, a thorough wash once a week or once every two weeks is sufficient, provided it is done correctly.

The key is not frequency alone but technique. Using clean microfiber cloths, proper car shampoo, and plenty of clean water reduces the risk of scratching. It is also important to rinse thoroughly before wiping to remove abrasive particles such as dust and sand that can act like sandpaper on the paint.

Protecting the car while keeping it clean

Instead of focusing only on frequent washing, car owners should think about protection. Applying wax or modern ceramic coatings helps create a barrier between the paint and environmental contaminants. This means dirt is less likely to stick, and the car stays cleaner for longer.

Parking habits also matter. Whenever possible, parking under shade reduces exposure to UV rays, bird droppings, and tree sap, all of which can damage paint more aggressively than washing itself.

In conclusion, washing a car is not harmful in itself. In fact, it is essential for maintaining appearance and preventing long-term corrosion. However, like many aspects of vehicle care, balance is key. Over-washing with the wrong methods can slowly degrade paint quality and affect delicate components. The smartest approach is not to wash more, but to wash better.

President Museveni has strongly fired back at critics who argue that his government has left Uganda economically stagnant for 40 years, specifically taking aim at a recent political commentary published in the Daily Monitor.

Delivering his State of the Nation Address at the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds on Thursday, Mr Museveni who has been in power since 1986 directly addressed an article authored by political commentator Gawaya Tegulle in the Monitor. Tegulle had claimed that Uganda has been “wandering in the Desert for forty years” under the National Resistance Movement (NRM) administration.

Dismissing the remarks as mendacious and malicious, the President retorted that those who listen to such “liars” are the ones actually wandering in the wilderness. He noted that while many leaders fail to sufficiently amplify the government’s wealth creation message, citizens who embrace NRM programmes are actively transforming their lives.

Pointing out that Tegulle hails from the Bugwere region, one of the poorest areas in Eastern Uganda, Mr Museveni challenged him to visit successful local farmers, such as Maama Nabutono and her husband in Kasasira Town Council, to see real household transformation.

To counter his critics, Mr Museveni outlined five distinct phases of positive development Uganda has achieved since the devastation of the Idi Amin era. These include economic recovery, expansion, diversification-evidenced by the cattle corridor’s thriving dairy sector-value addition, and an emerging knowledge economy focused on automobiles and vaccines.

“What is ‘high sounding sloganeering’ there? These are achievements on the ground,” Museveni argued, urging his critics to look at the bustling Mbale Industrial Park.

The President backed his pushback with macroeconomic data, stating that Uganda has officially graduated from a Least Developed Country to a Lower Middle-Income status.

According to the address, Uganda’s GDP has risen from USD 3.9 billion in 1986 to USD 69.3 billion by the forex exchange method. Additionally, household poverty has dropped sharply from 56.4 per cent in 1992 to 16.1 per cent, average life expectancy has climbed to 68 years, and infant mortality has been reduced to 36 per 1,000 live births.

Reaffirming his latest directive of “no more sleep,” Museveni warned that non-performers driven by personal ego would no longer be tolerated in leadership as the country eyes a projected 10 performer economic growth rate in the next financial year.

Two individuals have petitioned the Ministry of Public Service to reject the confirmation of Frederick Ogwal Oyee as chairperson or member of the Lira City Service Commission, arguing that his appointment is inconsistent with laws governing traditional and cultural leaders.

Phillips Ogile, a former LC3 chairman of Abok Sub-county in Oyam District, and Tony Oming challenged the process that led to Ogwal Oyee’s appointment by Lira City Council.

In a petition dated May 4, 2026, submitted through Ssekyewa, Matovu and Company Advocates, the duo asked the ministry to halt the confirmation process, alleging that the appointment was “fundamentally flawed” and tainted by legal irregularities.

The petitioners argue that Ogwal Oyee’s position as a cultural leader makes him ineligible to serve on a public service commission.

They contend that Ogwal Oyee is the de facto Paramount Chief of Lango, commonly referred to as Won Nyaci me Lango, a role they say is incompatible with appointment to a local government service commission.

The dispute comes amid a long-running leadership contest within the Lango cultural establishment.

Lango currently has two rival claimants to the position of Paramount Chief, including Eng. Dr Michael Moses Odongo Okune, who is recognised by the government and was elected head of the Lango Cultural Institution in March 2024.

The petitioners also cited a 2025 High Court judgment delivered in Lira by Justice Philip Odoki, which they said affirmed that under the Lango Cultural Foundation constitution, the late Yosam Odur Ebii remained the recognised Paramount Chief.

According to the same constitution, they argue, the office automatically passes to the prime minister of the cultural institution upon the death of the Paramount Chief.

At the time of Odur’s death, Ogwal Oyee was serving as prime minister, a position the petitioners say effectively elevated him to Paramount Chief.

They further claim that Ogwal Oyee has since performed cultural functions associated with the office, including the installation of clan leaders and appointment of ministers.

The petition also references correspondence sent in February 2026 by lawyers representing the Lango Cultural Foundation to the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, seeking official recognition of Ogwal Oyee as Paramount Chief.

Legal objections

The petitioners argue that Section 11 of the Institution of Traditional and Cultural Leaders Act, 2023 prohibits cultural leaders from exercising administrative, legislative or executive functions within central or local government structures.

“This means that the appointment of Frederick Ogwal Oyee to the Lira City Service Commission directly contravenes the law and places him in a position of conflict of interest,” the petition states.

The petitioners further argue that his position could raise concerns over impartiality in public service recruitment and create perceptions of favouritism based on clan or cultural affiliation.

They have asked the Ministry of Public Service to reject the confirmation and order a fresh appointment process conducted in compliance with the Institution of Traditional and Cultural Leaders Act, the Local Government Act and the Standard Rules of Procedure for Local Government Councils.

“Failure to address these glaring irregularities and illegalities will not only undermine the rule of law but also set a dangerous precedent for governance and public administration in Uganda,” the petition states.

Cultural foundation dismisses challenge

Jacob Ocen, spokesperson for the Lango Cultural Foundation, dismissed the petition, saying it would have no impact on Ogwal Oyee’s position.

“Everyone is entitled to his or her opinion. I am sure legal experts will establish whether Lira City Council and the Ministry of Public Service erred in appointing Ogwal Oyee as chairperson of the Lira City Service Commission,” Ocen said in a telephone interview.

He added that Ogwal Oyee was already serving a second term in the role.

“That letter has no effect on the Paramount Chief’s new role because he is now serving his second term as chairperson of the Lira City Service Commission,” Ocen said, adding: “Those behind the petition are simply seeking relevance and attention.”

The Ministry of Public Service had not publicly responded to the petition by Wednesday.

Recently, I travelled from Kampala to Mbale, a journey I have made many times before. Yet this trip was different. It left me reflecting deeply on how much Uganda has changed over the last decade.

The last time I spent significant time in Mbale was nearly 10 years ago. I was then a young, busy lawyer handling several matters before the High Court in Mbale.

At the time, Mbale was a typical old provincial town-dusty, poorly maintained, and lacking the dynamism one would expect from a major regional centre. Returning today, I could hardly believe what I was seeing.

Mbale has undergone a remarkable transformation. The streets are cleaner, the town is busier, and commercial activity appears to be thriving.

Well-lit roads, numerous commercial banks, financial institutions, modern buildings, and a vibrant business community have given the town an entirely new character.

The impressive Sino-Mbale Industrial Park stands as a visible symbol of industrialisation and economic ambition.

Even the Mbale Golf Club, which I intend to visit for a game, appears remarkably well-maintained and active. The transformation, however, is not confined to Mbale itself.

Driving along the Tirinyi-Mbale Road, I was struck by the scale of development taking place throughout the region. Roads that once felt lonely now carry heavy traffic.

Trading centres have expanded into bustling townships. New administrative units and districts have accelerated urbanisation and service delivery.

Areas that were once quiet and underdeveloped are now characterised by construction, commerce, and growing populations.

Perhaps most striking was the transformation in agriculture. The traditional sight of cassava spread along the roadside for drying-a familiar feature of the eastern Uganda landscape-has become far less common.

In its place are vast stretches of productive farmland. Maize plantations, rice fields, and sugarcane farms dominate the landscape. Land that was once idle or bush-covered is now actively cultivated.

What I witnessed this time challenges many of the narratives frequently heard in urban discussions.

There remains a tendency among some Ugandans, particularly those whose perspective is shaped primarily by life in Kampala, to believe that little is changing in the country.

Those who continue to view rural Uganda through the lens of the past may be in for a surprise.

The distinction between ‘town’ and ‘village’ is becoming increasingly blurred. Across much of the country, communities are becoming more connected, more productive, and more commercially active.

As a researcher and academic, I recognise the limitations of relying solely on personal observation.

One area that deserves serious consideration is the revival of the cooperative movement and the establishment of a strong cooperative banking system.

My doctoral research focused on financial access, and I remain convinced that affordable and accessible credit can fundamentally transform communities.

Around the world, cooperative institutions have demonstrated their ability to mobilise savings, extend credit, and support local enterprise.

Government programmes such as the Parish Development Model, Emyooga, and related initiatives are often discussed alongside Uganda’s politics, which many people find frustrating and, at times, deeply discouraging.

While political debates often dominate public attention, profound changes are taking place on the ground.

The earlier we wake up and engage constructively rather than merely lamenting, the better, because some individuals, communities, and institutions have already moved into a fully transformative mode.

I know many people who are equally disgusted with the state of politics in the United States and in several parts of Europe.

Politics can be better, and it should be better. However, it would be unfortunate if dissatisfaction with politics prevented us from recognising genuine progress or participating in shaping a better future.

These programmes may well have contributed to some of the progress now visible in many parts of the country.

Their precise impact requires careful evaluation. However, one persistent challenge remains the perception among some beneficiaries that such programmes are merely handouts.

A cooperative-based lending model could help address this challenge.

When communities borrow through cooperatives or cooperative banks, there is often greater accountability, stronger peer monitoring, and a clearer appreciation that loans must be repaid and invested productively. This creates a culture of ownership and responsibility that can accelerate development.

My journey to Mbale was more than a road trip. It was a reminder that Uganda is changing, often in ways that are not immediately visible to those who remain within the confines of the capital city.

The transformation may not be uniform, and many challenges remain. Yet it would be a mistake to overlook the progress taking place across the country.

The Uganda of today is not the Uganda of 10 years ago. Anyone who doubts that should take a drive from Kampala to Mbale and see for themselves.

The government is accelerating plans to introduce competence-based learning in primary schools across the country as part of wider education reforms aimed at equipping learners with practical skills, creativity, and innovation from an early age.

The initiative follows the ongoing implementation of the revised lower secondary school curriculum, which was rolled out in 2020 to shift Uganda’s education system away from rote learning and examination-driven memorisation.

Speaking during the handover of newly renovated facilities at Bukoto Muslim Primary School in Nakawa Division, Kampala, on Thursday, the Commissioner for Basic Education at the Ministry of Education and Sports, Ms Safina Mutumba, said the ministry is actively reviewing the primary school curriculum to align it with the national competenceo-based education agenda.

‘Uganda is currently placing great emphasis on the Competence-Based Curriculum, which requires learners to actively participate in the learning process through creativity, innovation, and practical application of knowledge,’ Ms Mutumba said.

According to Ms Mutumba, the ministry has already developed a competence-based pre-primary curriculum, which is currently being piloted in select schools, while work is underway to complete the revision of the primary cycle.

The reforms are expected to prepare learners with practical skills to solve real-life challenges and improve their readiness for further education and subsequent employment in a competitive job market.

However, Ms Mutumba noted that the successful implementation of the hands-on approach will heavily rely on improvements in school infrastructure and learning environments. She explained that the newly renovated facilities at Bukoto Muslim Primary School would help improve access to quality education, reduce classroom congestion, and create a more conducive environment for learning.

‘Children appreciate and thrive in beautiful, conducive learning environments, and I am certain they are excited to see their school transformed,’ she said.

The commissioner commended the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), development partners, contractors, and the local community for contributing to the school’s transformation.

She also challenged school administrators across the country to adopt innovative, low-cost approaches to address infrastructure deficits instead of waiting entirely on central government funding.

Reflecting on concerns raised by the school leadership regarding the lack of a perimeter fence, Ms Mutumba encouraged the administration to explore environmentally friendly solutions that promote resourcefulness.

‘Some schools have used recycled plastic bottles to construct sections of perimeter fences. Such initiatives not only improve the school environment but also promote innovation and environmental awareness among learners,’ Ms Mutumba suggested.

Established in 1935, Bukoto Muslim Primary School is one of the oldest educational institutions in Nakawa Division. Crucially, it stands out as one of the few public schools in Kampala that provide inclusive education for learners with special needs, specifically visual impairments.

The KCCA Executive Director, Ms Sharifah Buzeki, described the renovation of the school as a significant milestone towards promoting inclusive and quality education in the city.

Ms Buzeki recalled visiting the school during last year’s Eid al-Adha celebrations and being struck by the dilapidated state of the infrastructure.

‘While my eyes were directed towards the ceremony, my mind was fixed on the state of the school infrastructure. I saw the concern and pain in the hearts of the leaders gathered here. They deeply desired a better learning environment for the children,’ Ms Buzeki said.

‘If Uganda is to develop, this is the spirit we need-a spirit of lifting others up and ensuring that no one is left behind,’ said Sharifah Buzeki, KCCA Executive Director.

Ms Buzeki praised the unique culture of inclusion at the school, noting that sighted learners willingly support and guide their visually impaired peers. She added that the school has offered specialised support to visually impaired learners since establishing its dedicated special needs unit in 1997.

The renovation project was financed by Universal Multipurpose Enterprise as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme. The company’s Managing Director, Mr Muffaddal Yeolawala, pledged continued support to Uganda’s education sector.

‘Education is key to development. We pledge to continue supporting education because these children are the future of our community,’ Mr Yeolawala said.

The Nakawa Division Mayor, Mr Ali Bukeni, popularly known as Nubian Li, emphasized that upgrading school infrastructure remains critical to achieving better learning outcomes in urban public schools.

‘When we talk about building a better Uganda, we must start with our schools. Education is the greatest equaliser, but children need a safe, clean, and inspiring learning environment,’ Mr Bukeni said.

The headteacher of Bukoto Muslim Primary School, Ms Aidah Nabwami, welcomed the renovation of classrooms and learning facilities, describing it as a major boost to teaching and morale.

‘The improved infrastructure will provide a safer and more conducive environment for learners, including children with visual impairments who attend the school,’ Ms Nabwami said.

Despite these challenges, Ms Nabwami expressed optimism that continued support from government agencies, corporate partners, and civil society stakeholders will help transform the school further and match the requirements of the upcoming curriculum shift.

The Uganda Lady Volleyball Cranes are just one victory away from securing qualification for the 2026 CAVB African Nations Volleyball Championship after making a commanding start to their campaign at the CAVB Zone V Nations Championship Qualifiers in Kampala.

The hosts opened their tournament with a convincing victory over Burundi, putting themselves firmly in control of the race for the sole qualification slot available in the competition.

Coached by Protus Soita, Uganda produced a dominant display, overpowering Burundi in all facets of the game.

Receiver-attacker Catherine Ainembabazi led the charge with 12 points as the Lady Cranes underlined their status as tournament favourites.

A victory over South Sudan in their second and final match on Friday would guarantee Uganda’s return to the continental showpiece.

With only three nations-Uganda, Burundi and South Sudan-competing in the women’s category, the qualifiers are being played in a round-robin format, with the team finishing top of the standings earning qualification to the African Championship.

Backed by home support and buoyed by their impressive opening performance, the Lady Cranes head into the decisive encounter full of confidence.

Uganda are widely regarded as favourites to claim the ticket, especially with regional powerhouses Kenya and Rwanda, as well as continental giants Egypt, absent from the competition in Kampala.

‘We served well against Burundi and we have to maintain that in the next game,’ receiver-attacker Claire Najjuko said ahead of Uganda’s crucial clash against South Sudan.

For the Lady Cranes, the equation is straightforward: one more victory and a place at the African Championship will be secured.

The 2026 CAVB African Nations Volleyball Championship is scheduled to take place in Nairobi, Kenya, from August 23 to September 5.

Meanwhile, attention on Thursday shifts to the men’s competition, where Kenya face South Sudan before hosts Uganda conclude their campaign.

CAVB Zone V Nations Championship Qualifiers

Thursday Fixtures

Kenya vs South Sudan, 6pm

Uganda vs Tanzania, 8pm