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Today, October 3rd, Germany is celebrating its National Day. 35 years ago – after 41 years of separation – East and West Germany were reunited. East Germany was a communist dictatorship with a state-run economy and part of the Soviet-led Warsaw Defence Pact. West Germany was a liberal democracy with a free market economy and part of the Western Defence Alliance, Nato. It seemed completely unimaginable that they would ever be one country again. In 1987, US President Reagan visited Berlin and appealed to the Soviets: ‘Mr Gorbachev, TEAR DOWN THIS WALL!’ Germans in East and West very much welcomed his strong words – but nobody believed that this would actually happen.

It was not Mr Gorbatchev, the new Soviet leader since 1985, who tore down the wall, but it was his new policy of restructuring and opening (known as Perestroika and Glasnost) that encouraged and allowed the people of East Germany to demonstrate peacefully in 1989, claiming their right to determine their future by chanting ‘We are the people!’ This finally led to the heavily guarded Berlin Wall being opened in November 1989, and the two countries became one again, without a single shot being fired. Nobody would have thought this was possible even a few months before it happened. To me, this is still a true miracle for which I am immensely grateful.

What led up to these events? After Nazi-Germany had lost World War II, the Allied Powers divided it into four sectors. The US, the British, and the French became West Germany, and the Soviet Russian sector became East Germany in 1949. People in the East were not happy with the political and economic conditions they lived in. On June 17, 1953, about one million citizens took to the streets all over East Germany, but the demonstrations were brutally crushed by Soviet tanks. When the economic and political situation did not improve and more and more people left the East to go to the West, the East German leadership reacted on August 13, 1961 by putting up a wall with barbed and electrical wire, and thousands of mines. In the following 28 years, several hundred East Germans were killed by their own border patrols while trying to flee to the West.

Looking back, it seems to me that it was the ignorance of the Communist party claiming to know what is best for the people that led to its downfall. It was considered criticism of government policy as a hostile act that threatened the stability of the system. Therefore, the opposition went underground. It is actually this lack of dialogue, this disconnect between a government and its citizens, that was the threat to stability. Who knows, maybe East Germany would still exist if the party leadership had been willing to listen to critical citizens and enable real participation from civil society.

This year, we are happily looking back on 61 years of development cooperation between Germany and Uganda. For two generations now, Germany has been supporting the Ugandan people in many different ways. It is Uganda’s ambitious strategies and objectives that guide our cooperation. Without the ownership of the Ugandan Government and the Ugandan people, our cooperation would not only be a bad partnership, but it also simply wouldn’t work. We can support and contribute to Uganda’s programmes, but they will only be successful with the mobilisation of its own funds for development, reform-oriented policies, and political decision-making.

In societies like Uganda’s, with its huge share of young people, the opportunity to participate freely and with equal opportunity in the political and economic realm is a fundamental element of future stability and prosperity. That is why we provide solid and transparent cooperation on good governance, civil society, and human rights, because they are the basis for social stability and development. Just to avoid a common misunderstanding: Good governance is not about telling somebody else how to run their show! Germany wants to help more Ugandans to access services, e.g. in the education, water and sanitation, energy, and health sectors. For this reason, we are here to support Ugandan efforts to help ensure that resources are correctly used, corruption is reduced and citizens are involved in decision making. To this end, we support both government institutions like the Office of the Auditor General and national and local civil society organisations.

A lot has been achieved, and a lot remains to be done. Germany is looking forward to many more years of trustful and efficient cooperation.

The Minister for ICT and national guidance Chris Baryomunsi has advised Ugandans to come up with other technological ways to facilitate communications, other than crying about the reopening of Facebook, a social media platform the government closed during the 2021 general election.

Mr Baryomunsi was categorical in his remarks, challenging universities and tertiary institutions to invest more in the ICT sector to come up with research and innovations that do not only translate into policy but also inform the industry.

‘There has been a constant cry (by the public) of reopening Facebook. It was just an innovation by an individual. Why are we unable to come up with something of our own or any other social media platform that can facilitate communication? You cannot avoid technology today and matters of digital transformation. Whether you hide your head in the sand, technology will be at your doorsteps. Gone are the days when issues of technology were for the western world. We have to embrace technology, live with it and integrate issues of technology in our daily lives,’ he said.

Minister Baryomunsi made these remarks on October 2, 2025 while opening the two-day national conference on communications (NCC) at the national information and communications technology hub at Nakawa in Kampala.

Held under the theme harnessing digital innovation to power sustainable local solutions for Uganda’s development goals, the ninth NCC organised by the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) in partnership with International Business, Science and Technology (ISBAT) and Gulu Universities aimed at advancing research, knowledge exchange and collaboration between government, academia and industry stakeholders.

For his part, the executive director of UCC George William Nyombi Thembo said that much as academia is good at innovating, they must understand that the private sector always has their ears and minds glued to the market 24/7.

‘Whatever we do at the end of the day must have commercial value. Anything that would have sustainable academic value must have commercial value. We cannot achieve that without involving the private sector. Through the private sector, we serve society. Digital innovation is not about new technology. It is about developing inclusive and sustainable solutions that improve livelihoods and strengthen service delivery to drive Uganda’s competitiveness in the global digital economy,’ Mr Nyombi said.

‘Instead of asking us (government) about Facebook, ask whether the void created by Facebook necessitates people to create and innovate because innovation is a function of necessity. If Facebook was important, create something different like Facebook that is Ugandan made,’ Nyombi added.

Mathew Mathai Kattampackal, the Vice-chancellor of Isbat University said the 2025 NCC aims at fostering multi-stakeholder collaboration and inspire actionable solutions that are contextually relevant to Uganda’s development priorities.

‘This year’s theme reflects a shared commitment of leveraging on technology to address the pressing socio-economic challenges facing Uganda today. It provides a unique platform for industry leaders and experts, from the academia, innovators and practitioners to exchange knowledge, share experiences and co-create ideas that align with Uganda’s development agenda and sustainable development goals,’ Kattampackal said.

The NCC that ended today (October 3 2025) is Uganda’s flagship platform for dialogue and innovation in ICT. Since its inception, the conference has promoted research, policy, and technological solutions to advance national development.

A magistrate’s court in Masaka on Friday dropped aggravated robbery charges against 12 opposition supporters linked to the National Unity Platform (NUP), who had been detained for five months following their arrest at a local football match.

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) maintained the robbery charge against one suspect, Reagan Sseremba, who will continue to face both aggravated robbery and assault charges.

The other 12 accused now face only a single count of assaulting a police officer.

The case stems from a May 4, 2025 incident during the Sebina Cup football tournament in Nyendo.

Prosecutors allege that the youths attacked officer David Kisami, stole his Tecno 35 phone worth Shs100,000, Shs100,000 in cash, and assaulted him.

Those cleared of the robbery charge include Mutima Emma, Kiweewa Godfrey, Nuwamanya Vincent, Tamale Patrick, Kakeeto Patrick, Yiga Peter, Ssengoozi Dennis, Kayondo Jacob, Mujuzi Lawrence, Kakiga Ezra, Musaniya Ivan, and Fred Ssebaale.

Presiding Magistrate Selsa Biwaga confirmed the DPP’s withdrawal of the aggravated robbery charges and proceeded to read the remaining charge of assault causing bodily harm.

Defense lawyers Alexander Lule and Herbert Zikusooka applied for bail, arguing the youths had spent five months in detention on what they described as unfounded charges.

They said the accused were merely spectators at a football match and could not have anticipated carrying identification documents.

State prosecutor Caroline Namuwenge objected to bail, saying the accused had failed to present national identity cards. But the magistrate sided with the defense and granted bail of Shs100,000 each.

‘There is no risk of interference with investigations, which are already complete,’ Biwaga ruled, allowing the 12 to regain their freedom.

Zikusooka later told reporters the legal team would petition the DPP.

‘It is implausible for 13 people to violently steal a single phone,’ he said, condemning the prolonged detention of what he described as young, self-employed citizens.

Relatives of the released suspects expressed relief outside court. But Justine Namasembe, mother of the remaining suspect Sseremba, decried what she called a false accusation that has left her son in jail.

Tournament organizer Gyaviira Lubowa Sebina and local leaders also alleged the charges were politically motivated, saying they were intended to intimidate their community.

The case was adjourned until November 4.

The Anglican Bishop of Central Buganda Diocese, Rt Rev Michael Lubowa, has cautioned fresh graduates against falling into traps set by “unwise politicians” as the country gears up for the 2026 general election season.

Speaking at the commissioning service for over 1,500 students due to graduate from Ndejje University next week, Bishop Lubowa warned the graduates about the dangers of getting entangled in dirty deals that could lead to shame and arrest.

“You have been groomed as custodians of discipline, ready to serve diligently, but the dirty deals outside the university as you graduate could get you arrested,” he said. “You are graduating at a time when political temptations by unwise politicians are at play. They could come as opportunities, yet they are at the same time traps.”

Bishop Lubowa emphasized the importance of thinking before acting, saying, “A wise person will always think twice before taking action. The good-intentioned people who seek God and serve humanity have the chance to live a good life and are a blessing.”

The bishop’s warning comes as the country is gearing up for the 2026 general elections, and some politicians have been engaging in questionable behaviors that undermine the integrity of people aspiring for leadership positions.

Ndejje University Vice Chancellor, Prof Olivia Nassaka Banjja, revealed that over 300 students will be graduating from the faculty of engineering as engineers. She praised the graduates for their resilience, noting that they joined the university during the COVID-19 pandemic and had to adapt to online learning. “The 27th graduating class joined the university at a time when the country was struggling with the COVID pandemic. Several that could not cope with the online learning dropped out. We thank God that those that persisted will be testing the fruits of resilience,” she said.

The commissioning service is an opportunity for the university to dedicate the graduates to God as they join the world of service. As a Christian-founded institution, Ndejje University expects its products to live an exemplary life outside the university. “Our success as Ndejje University hinges on the fear of God. As a Christian-founded institution, we expect our products to live an exemplary life outside the university,” Prof Nassaka said.

Ndejje University is owned by a consortium of Anglican Dioceses of Central Uganda, including Luweero, Mukono, Central Buganda, Namirembe, Mityana, and Kampala.

The last week was marked by debate about the non appearance of a female presidential candidate on the January 2026 presidential ballot, the first time since the return of political pluralism 20 years ago.

Notwithstanding that the last four elections featured a female aspirant, the development opened the longstanding debate of Uganda’s long journey to women’s empowerment. In Uganda and much of Africa, traditional beliefs undermined girls’ education, inheritance, and the right to work, and stripped women of simple pleasures such as consuming certain foods.

Consequently, the Women’s Movement, which was born in the 1960s/70s and gained momentum alongside other social movements, embarked on crusading for liberal reforms. In Uganda, post-colonial governments followed emerging trends. The enrolment of girls in schools was encouraged by the governments, although communities took a while to widely embrace the idea, as many preferred to educate the boys. In governance, women representation in the first parliament; the Legislative Council (LEGCO) started in 1954, although they were all white.

African women representation came in 1956 in Pumla Kisosonkole. She even went on to represent Ugandan women at the international scene and became president of the International Council of Women between 1959 and 1962, and the first Ugandan woman representative to the UN General Assembly from 1963 to 1964. Kisosonkole was followed in LEGCO by Florence Alice Lubega as the first woman MP in Uganda’s first post-independent parliament in May 1962. The post-independent Cabinet was largely men. There were no women in President Amin’s cabinet.

Renaissance

As political instability swept the country, 1979 marked a new dawn in global women empowerment with the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), billed as the international bill of rights for women. Uganda ratified the treaty that requires signatory states to eliminate all forms of discrimination against women in 1985.

The National Resistance Army/Movement (NRA/M) shot to power in 1986. There were no women in the rebel group’s top hierarchy, although several women, driven to the precipice by the Uganda National Liberation Army, such as Olivia Zizinga, Joyce Sserwaniko, Gertrude Njuba, Sarah Navuga and China Keitesi played key roles as combatants and espionage.

The NRM embarked on wide ranging reforms, including forming a broad-based government encompassing Opposition politicians in key ministerial positions, and women, including Njuba and Victoria Ssekitoleko. In 1988, Joyce Mpanga, who died in November 2023, was appointed the first minister for Women Affairs.

Dr Sylvia Tamale, writing in When Hens Begin to Crow, noted that President Museveni announced his belief that Uganda’s successful development depended on increased gender equity and backed his opinions by setting several women-centred policies in motion.

In 1989, the NRM passed a resolution to allocate at least one-third of seats for women at all levels, from local councils to the parliament. In 1994, Ms Specioza Wandira Kazibwe became vice president, the first on the continent and became the beacon of progressive policies. The Justice Benjamin Odoki Constitutional Commission that aggregated public views in the making of the 1995 Constitution, recommended special provisions for the protection and promotion of the rights of women, the family, children, and the handicapped or disabled.

‘Women have historically been subordinate to men in Ugandan society. Since 1986, gender has become an important base for division and organisation as women, encouraged by the government, have begun to address their relative lack of strength. Among other issues, women have expressed immense concern about their right to own and inherit property and to have custody of their children. They are also concerned about violence against women and children and their lack of access to education, credit, land, and employment,’ the report reads in part.

First steps

Ultimately, Article 32 of the 1995 Constitution lists women among the marginalised groups based on gender that require affirmative action to correct historical and traditional injustices that have positioned them in. Thirty years later, there is consensus that Uganda has made commendable progress in the cause of women’s empowerment and gender equality as women currently occupy key positions of Vice President, Speaker of Parliament, and Prime Minister, and are represented at all levels of leadership.

The position of District Woman Member of Parliament was created to increase the number of women in Parliament. In the Current parliament, out of the total 556 MPs, 189 are women (146 District Women representatives, 16 directly elected, 3 army representatives, 10 Special Interest Groups, and 14 ex officio)

The Local Governments Act reserves one-third of seats on local government councils for women. A specific woman councillor must be directly elected to represent each ward. A 2017 UBOS report found that women constitute about 46 percent of total elected representatives in local governments.

The introduction of free education at the primary and secondary levels is also hailed for bridging the gender parity gap in education. Girls joining the university are guaranteed an extra 1.5 points to increase the number of women in higher education. Even mainstream programmes such as the Parish Development Model make special provisions for women, for whom 30 percent of the 100 million per parish is reserved.

Dr Maggie Kigozi, a feminist and entrepreneur, reminisces about the time women were considered second-class citizens. She explains: ‘We were left out of education in the past. Not anymore with UPE, USE. When UPE came, those people who were saying, ‘I don’t have enough money to educate both the boys and the girls. So let me educate the boys, because they need to work, they need to bring the money. The girls will just get married.’ So that has changed. I sit on the Makerere Endowment Fund, and 52 percent of our graduates are women.’

‘But we’re still very much less in the top positions than the men. The politics, we have the vice president, and many PSs are now women. And we hopefully will get there where we are, 50-50. If not, more women, because we do deliver,’ she adds.

Despite the tremendous progress in, it has been marred by a century-long chain of a biased system, compounded by a deteriorating democratic system.

Ms Carol Kayanja, a senior programmes officer at the NGO, Uganda Community Based Association for Women and Children, concurred that while a lot of gains have been made, women remain on the back burners as a result of, especially traditional beliefs and values.

‘The failure to come up with a minimum wage has disadvantaged women, especially since everyone is struggling to get a job. Those whose bargaining power is less, and those whose chances of even being employed are limited, are the most affected by that,’ she adds.

Ms Rita Aciro, the executive director at Uganda Women’s Network (UWONET), says the progress must be contextualised. ‘If we are going to go by the population, we should be seeing a 50 and above representation of women in leadership because we’re the majority. But we’re still oscillating between 30 and 35 at most in all decision-making spaces,’ she says.

There are concerns that the prevailing politics of patronage and tokenism and social and cultural impediments have adulterated the ideals of women’s emancipation.

According to Ms Aciro, poverty remains a big problem for women, despite the many programmes introduced by the government, pointing to less than desired economic empowerment.

According to the 2020 Household Survey, poverty decreased gradually from 23 percent in 2016/17 to 21.3 percent in 2023/24 among females. For males, the reduction was more pronounced, with poverty dropping from 24 percent in 2019/20 to 17.4 percent in 2023/24.

Women in Numbers

189 women in Parliament (out of 556 MPs).

46 percent of elected local government representatives are women.

50 percent of Permanent Secretaries are women.

52 percent of Makerere University graduates are women.

21.3 percent of women still live in poverty, compared to 17.4 percent of men.

President Yoweri Museveni on Friday showcased the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party’s ‘impressive’ achievements ahead of the 2026 elections.

Mr Museveni highlighted the revamped health units, upgraded tarmac roads, revolving Parish Development Model (PDM) funds, established schools, and the discovery of oil, among the key achievements – with a focus on protecting the gains made.

While campaigning at Apac Bomah Ground in Apac Municipal Council, President Museveni said his administration has established numerous schools, increasing access to quality education and empowering future generations.

‘At independence, the only Senior Four (S.4) school in northern Uganda was Sir Samuel Baker and then, Teso College Aloet (eastern Uganda). We had a S.4, forget about A-Level. But when I look on the list here now, I think in Apac alone, there appears to be seven secondary schools: four in the rural areas and three in the municipality,’ said the President.

‘So, now we get a situation where there were only six A-Level schools in the whole of Uganda in 1961. But now, you have got four A-Level schools in Apac District alone. So, here I present evidence to the Wananchi that, please, this is the work of the NRM.’

In the health sector, Mr Museveni said his administration has made significant strides in improving healthcare services. The revamped health units, he said, have enhanced access to quality healthcare and further improved overall health outcomes.

Promises vs reality on ground

Mr Museveni said out of the 12 sub-counties in Apac, two are without a health facility. Nonetheless, there are eight health centre IIIs in the district with a total population of 221,962 people (106,696 males and 115,266 females).

‘In the other 10 sub-counties, you either have health centre IIIs, health centre four, or the district hospital. Now, since you have said you are going to elect me and the NRM, there is a health centre two in Akere. It will be upgraded to centre III. And there is another place called Atik Division (Apac Municipality), a new health centre three will be constructed,’ President Museveni promised.

‘There is a health centre IV in Maruzi Constituency with two doctors but they don’t have an ambulance. We shall provide that ambulance. In Maruzi North Constituency, we don’t have health centre IV but in the coming government, Teboke Health Centre III will be upgraded to health centre IV.

Mr Museveni further said the government’s investment in infrastructure development is also evident in the upgraded tarmac roads, which have facilitated smoother transportation, boosted trade, and stimulated economic growth.

‘If you come to the Lango area, we started by tarmacking the Soroti-Lira road, which was murram, then because the Kamdini-Lira road had been tarmacked, but had grown old, we had to do it again,’ he said.

The President said the PDM funds have been instrumental in promoting socio-economic transformation at the grassroots level. These revolving funds have enabled communities to access financing for income-generating projects, thereby improving livelihoods and reducing poverty.

New opportunities

The discovery of oil, the head of state noted, has opened up new opportunities for economic growth and development.

Mr Museveni said the ruling government has put in place measures to ensure that the oil revenues benefit the Ugandan people, promoting sustainable development and prosperity.

‘Now, I appeal to the people of Apac, bol kwir aber (vote wisely),’ he said.

What voters expect from incoming government

In Kwania, residents said the new government should improve the road network, enhance teachers’ salary and address the high cost of agro inputs and poor health service delivery.

Mr Geoffrey Omunu, a resident of Acwao Village in Nambieso Sub-county, said the new government should consider subsidising the price of seeds and agro-chemicals so that farmers can get profit from farming.

‘The price of seeds, fertilizer and pesticides is too high yet during the harvest our produce is bought cheaply. I want the new president to provide a solution to that,’ he said.

Mr Amos Obwol, a resident of Akwon in Aduku Sub-county, demanded for a lasting solution to the ongoing teachers’ strike.

‘Our children are at home with us because teachers are not teaching them at school yet the term is running out quickly. The president should not remain silent on this very important issue,’ he said.

Ms Monica Amek, a resident of Alaket in Chawente sub-county, said most of the health facilities are without medicines.

‘We have two health facilities nearer to use but when you go to these facilities, there are no medicines. The buildings are there with few health workers but you can’t get any quality service there,’ she said.

In Apac, the upgrade of Apac hospital and the removal of the army from lakes Kyoga and Kwania are the key issues.

Mr Sam Ogwang, a resident of Apoi Sub-county, said: ‘We the fishermen, who were kicked out of fishing business, are demanding for the removal of the army or an alternative source of livelihood.’

Ms Rose Atim, a resident of Amilo Trading Centre in Ibuje Sub-county, said Apac General Hospital should be upgraded to the level of a regional referral hospital.

Uganda has secured a seat on the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Council, the United Nations (UN) specialised agency responsible for setting standards and recommended practices that govern the global aviation industry. This follows elections at the ongoing ICAO Council’s 42nd Assembly in Montreal, Canada, from September 23 to October 3.

Held every three years, the ICAO Council Assembly brings together 193 member states to set global aviation policy, adopt new standards, and elect the ICAO Council of 36 States, a powerful body that governs international civil aviation between Assembly sessions. Uganda was on September 27 elected to the Council for the term 2025-2028 after a competitive process in which the East African country garnered 155 votes out of 185, following Part I and Part II elections. Africa put forward candidates in both Part II and Part III of the ICAO Council elections.

In Part II, which covers states making the largest contribution to the provision of facilities for international civil air navigation, Africa is represented by Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa, while in Part III, which ensures equitable geographic representation, the candidates are Angola, Equatorial Guinea, Mali, Morocco, and Uganda.

Uganda’s delegation to the Assembly was led by the Minister of Works and Transport (MoWT), Gen Edward Katumba Wamala, who was accompanied by Ambassador Allan Kajik, the country’s acting envoy to Canada, and Mr Fred Bamweigye, the director general of the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA), among other senior officials from the UCAA and the MoWT.

Speaking from Montreal, Canada, Gen Wamala, in a statement, described Uganda’s election as ‘an international vote of confidence in the country’s aviation sector’ and ‘an opportunity to learn best practices.

He added: ‘Uganda will be represented on the Council by Mr Kabbs Tijuke, who has been the CAA representative to the ICAO since May 2018.”

The African Union Commission (AUC), working with the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) and the AU member states, presented eight African countries as candidates for election to the ICAO Council, signalling a historic step in advancing Africa’s role in international aviation governance.

The candidacies of the eight African countries were endorsed by the 46th Ordinary Session of the African Union Executive Council held from February 12-13, 2025, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and reaffirmed by the 38th Ordinary Summit of the AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government.