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The National Resistance Movement (NRM) yesterday launched its 2026-2031 manifesto, presenting five key priority areas that it says will shape Uganda’s development over the next five years, should it secure another term in office. The new blueprint under the theme ‘Protecting The Gains’ shows both continuity and shifts from the party’s previous manifesto for 2021-2026, which was themed ‘Securing Your Future’ and built around five broad pillars including wealth and job creation, social services, justice and equity, security, and economic and political integration. The 2026-2031 manifesto maintains an emphasis on employment, but shifts the focus toward industrialisation as a key engine of economic growth.

Speaking at the launch of the manifesto in Kampala, the NRM secretary general, Mr Richard Todwong, said they plan to increase Parish Development Model allocations to Shs300 million for Kampala and metropolitan areas, and provide additional support for households headed by PDM beneficiaries, signalling continuity with previous commitments while scaling up urban impact. Agriculture remains central in the new manifesto, but its role has shifted from rural poverty alleviation to serving as a foundation for industrial growth.

Similarly, infrastructure, which was highlighted in the 2021-2026 manifesto as a tool to overcome gaps in electricity, transport, and water access, is now elevated to a standalone priority area. The oil and gas sector, which was a minor component in the previous manifesto, now emerges as a major focus, signalling Uganda’s intent to leverage petroleum development as a driver of jobs, industrialisation, and national revenue. Education and health remain in focus, but their prominence has decreased compared to the previous term. Below and on page 5 are the key priorities in 2026-2032 manifesto.

Human capital development

The National Resistance Movement (NRM) considers investment in human capital as central to Uganda’s socio-economic transformation. Recognising that development cannot occur without a healthy, educated, and skilled population, the party has prioritised education, healthcare, and access to clean water. Building on previous investments in immunisation and universal education, the manifesto emphasises reforms to make institutions of learning produce more job creators rather than job seekers. The NRM also pledges to train more professionals such as doctors, engineers, nurses, and science teachers, while harnessing the talents of young Ugandans in sports, music, and the arts by investing in supportive infrastructure and programmes. The party indicated that it will maintain free Universal Primary Education (UPE) and Universal Secondary Education (USE) and expand access to post-secondary and vocational training.

The party pledges to recruit more teachers, improve teacher-to-pupil ratios, rehabilitate schools, construct new seed secondary schools, expand infrastructure in public universities, and operationalise Bunyoro and Busoga universities. Investments will also target instructional materials, staff housing, teacher salaries, and the alignment of curricula to market demands, particularly in science, technology, engineering, and vocational education. In healthcare, efforts will continue to digitise healthcare through e-Health systems, improve diagnostic capacity with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and digital X-ray machines, expand reproductive and maternal health services, and enhance mental health care and disease prevention programmes, including immunisation and malaria eradication initiatives.

Growing the economy and creating wealth.

NRM has outlined a comprehensive strategy to grow Uganda’s economy over the next five years, aiming to fully monetise the economy, double its size, and ensure that every adult Ugandan actively participates in producing goods or services. Central to this plan is the commercialisation of agriculture, which the party says will target the remaining 33 percent of households still engaged in subsistence farming. They intend to provide affordable and patient capital, guide citizens in selecting profitable enterprises, and invest in the entire agricultural value chain, from research to markets.

Post-harvest management will be strengthened through community grain stores, milk coolers, maize and rice milling equipment, and farmer training, while extension services, cold chain facilities, and export compliance support will ensure higher quality and value addition for agricultural products. Value addition is a key focus, particularly for commodities like coffee, cotton, tea, and minerals, which have historically been exported raw, leading to the loss of billions in potential revenue, jobs, and foreign exchange. The NRM pledges to expand local processing facilities for coffee, fruits, cassava, sugar, and tea to retain more economic value within the country, boost household incomes, and create sustainable employment opportunities.

The manifesto also prioritises investment in manufacturing as a driver of economic growth, emphasising local production of goods previously imported, including soap, sugar, cement, steel, paper, dairy, and processed foods. Manufacturing contributes significantly to GDP and exports, and the government aims to continue expanding this sector to reduce import dependence and create jobs. Tourism will be leveraged as a growth engine, with efforts to increase visitor numbers, length of stay, and spending. Investment in science, technology, and innovation, alongside ICT, is also highlighted to support high-value industries and build a knowledge-based economy.

Infrastructure development

The party has also identified infrastructure as a cornerstone of Uganda’s socio-economic transformation, emphasising that development cannot occur without reliable roads, electricity, water, railway, and ICT. Over the past decades, the party indicated that it has prioritised connecting the country, improving energy access, and modernising transport and communication systems. Between 1986 and 2024, Uganda’s tarmac road network expanded from 1,000 km to 6,306 km, with an additional 1,135 km under construction. Investments have included city roads, traffic signal systems, and feeder roads under the District, Urban, and Community Access Roads (DUCAR) programme, representing 87 percent of Uganda’s road network. The NRM has also distributed modern road construction equipment to districts and allocated funds to ensure routine maintenance, although corruption remains a challenge the government pledges to address.

Rail transport is being strengthened through rehabilitation of the metre gauge railway from Malaba to Kampala and Tororo to Gulu, as well as the construction of a new standard gauge railway to reduce freight costs and transit time, improving regional connectivity. Water transport investments include modernisation of Port Bell, Jinja Pier, Bukasa Port construction, and ferry upgrades, while air transport development involves Uganda Airlines expansion, construction of new airports in Hoima and Kidepo, and upgrading domestic aerodromes. In energy, Uganda now generates more than 2,052 MWs, with new dams and private-sector plants enhancing electricity access nationwide. Transmission networks have been expanded, connecting all districts except Buvuma and Obongi.

To meet rising urbanisation, NRM promises affordable housing through land development, private-sector collaboration, and capital support via Housing Finance Bank and the National Housing and Construction Corporation. By continuing to expand transport, energy, ICT, and housing infrastructure, NRM aims to create an enabling environment for wealth creation, economic growth, and improved quality of life across Uganda. The government pledges to modernise both social and economic infrastructure across the country, ranging from roads and electricity to schools, hospitals, and internet connectivity. By reducing the costs of doing business through improved infrastructure, the party believes wealth creators will enjoy better profits and reinvest more in the economy.damal]

Democracy, good governance, and security.

The National Resistance Movement (NRM) has maintained that democracy, good governance, and security are pillars for Uganda’s sustainable development. In advancing democracy, the party commits to conducting regular, free, and fair elections while promoting inclusivity. Women, youth, people with disabilities, workers, and the elderly will continue to have opportunities to participate in policy formulation and decision-making at all levels of government through affirmative action.

NRM will also leverage digital technologies to enhance the transparency and efficiency of electoral processes while strengthening the capacity of the National Electoral Commission to conduct civic education, monitor elections, and resolve disputes promptly. Inter-party dialogue will also be promoted through continued support for the Inter Party Organisation for Dialogue (IPOD), fostering collaboration and political stability.

Decentralisation remains a core strategy for citizen empowerment and the pledged to induct new elected leaders on their oversight responsibilities, fill critical vacancies in local governments, and facilitate barazas to encourage dialogue between citizens and local authorities. Corruption is a major challenge, and NRM promises to strengthen investigative institutions, including the Inspectorate of Government, Office of the Auditor General, Directorate of Public Prosecutions, and other anti-corruption agencies.

Measures include digitisation of government services, whistleblower protection, monitoring of local leaders and capacity building for the Anti-Corruption Division of the High Court. In security, NRM will continue to maintain well-trained, community-focused forces. Investments in the welfare of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces, police, and prisons personnel will be prioritised, alongside improved forensic capabilities and civilian engagement to protect lives and property, ensuring a safe and stable environment for socio-economic growth.

Regional integration and political federation.

The National Resistance Movement (NRM) underscores Pan-Africanism as a core principle, emphasising the importance of regional integration for Uganda’s prosperity and the continent’s development. Africa’s population of 1.4 billion is dispersed across numerous small states, limiting internal markets and constraining economic growth. Low incomes and limited regional connectivity further hinder trade and market expansion. NRM notes that strategic infrastructure projects, such as the Mpondwe-Beni highway linking Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, are critical in easing cross-border trade and improving regional connectivity.

By facilitating the free movement of goods, services, and investments across Africa, the party aims to ensure Ugandan producers have access to broader markets, reducing reliance on external economies and increasing domestic prosperity. To achieve this, NRM promises to actively support the implementation of the East African Community (EAC) Political Federation, including the promulgation of the EAC Constitution. The party will work with EAC member states to remove non-tariff barriers, promote Kiswahili as a unifying language, and leverage the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement to boost intra-African trade. President Museveni who launched the manifesto yesterday evening explained how they plan to achieve all the above, but put more emphasis on putting more money in the economy and alleviating people from poverty.

Speaking at the launch, the NRM First Vice Chairperson, Mr Moses Kigongo, asked the party leaders and cadres to desist from fighting each other and work together towards the same goal. ‘Fighting must stop. We must move as a team and ensure that we campaign as one person. This time, it is going to be very smooth for us because we are going to use our structures at the grassroots. We are very firm on the ground,’ Mr Kigongo said. The Second National Vice Chairperson, Female, and the Speaker of Parliament, Ms Anita Among, indicated after the launch that they are slated to move from door to door to hunt for votes for their boss.

High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is quietly causing serious health problems in Uganda. Many people don’t even know they have it until it’s too late. It’s now one of the top causes of early death and disability in the country.

Hypertension can lead to heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure, and blood clots. It is much more common than many people think. According to a 2023 national health survey, about 22 percent of Ugandans have high blood pressure, that is more than four times the number of people living with HIV (five percent).

Many don’t know they have it

Experts at UMC Victoria Hospital and the Uganda Heart Institute (UHI) are especially concerned because most Ugandans have never had their blood pressure checked, especially men. Over 70 percent of men have never tested their blood pressure and don’t know if they have hypertension. Take John (not his real name), a 33-year-old who went for a routine check-up at UMC Victoria Hospital. He felt mostly fine but sometimes had irregular heartbeats after exercising, occasional headaches, and had gained a lot of weight in the past six months. He didn’t think anything was wrong.

But when his blood pressure was measured, it read 131/88, a sign of Stage 1 hypertension, and doctors found that some of the blood vessels in his heart were narrowing, increasing his risk of a heart attack. ‘I was shocked,’ he said. ‘The doctor advised me to start exercising more and eating healthier food, including more fruits and vegetables.’ John also shared that several family members, including his sister and relatives on his mother’s side, have had high blood pressure, one even died from complications.

Importance of early detection

Dr Barbara Kakande, a heart specialist at UMC Victoria Hospital, says it’s critical to detect high blood pressure early. ‘Normal blood pressure is about 120/80,’ she says. ‘If it goes above 130/80, that’s considered high.’ Even young people can have serious issues. ‘Sometimes people come in with normal blood pressure, but we find their kidneys are failing, or their heart is enlarged, or they’ve already had a stroke,’ she explains. To find hidden cases, doctors sometimes use 24-hour monitors that give a fuller picture than one-time checks.

What high blood pressure does

If left untreated, high blood pressure can harm nearly every part of the body. The brain can cause strokes, eyes may lead to blindness, heart can cause heart attacks, kidneys may stop working, in legs , poor blood flow can lead to amputation. Dr Kakande says each patient is different, so they investigate which organs are affected and adjust treatment accordingly.

What causes it?

One common cause of heart problems is atherosclerosis, when fat, cholesterol, and other substances build up in blood vessels. This can block blood flow, cause clots, and trigger heart attacks or strokes. According to the STEPS survey, the prevalence of hypertension is 22 percent. Grading the prevalence of hypertension according to the International Society of Hypertension, the proportion of normal blood pressure was 64 percent, high normal blood pressure 14.7 percent, grade 1 hypertension 14.8 percent, and grade 2 hypertension 6.6 percent.

Signs and symptoms

Dr John Omagino, director of UHI, says symptoms may include: Headaches, dizziness, chest pain, blurred vision, shortness of breath But many people don’t have any symptoms at all. That’s why regular check-ups are so important. If a general doctor hears something unusual, like a heart murmur, they may refer patients for further tests like an echo-cardiogram, which uses sound waves to show how the heart is working.

Your genes might play a role

Dr Kakande says Africans are more likely to develop high blood pressure due to genetics. Some people naturally produce more harmful substances that tighten blood vessels, or fewer protective ones that relax them. Also, people born with small kidneys or low birth weight have a higher risk. Many individuals are also more sensitive to salt, which raises blood pressure.

Lifestyle

Our diets today are part of the problem. Dr Kakande says modern eating habits, like fried foods, chips, and fatty meats, are increasing the risk of hypertension.

She recommends going back to traditional meals: boiled foods, vegetables, and fruits, just like our parents used to prepare. Use healthy oils like olive or sunflower oil and avoid deep-frying. Cutting back on salt is also key because it increases water in the body, raising blood pressure and straining the heart.

Prevention and management

Dr Omagino, on the other hand, also emphasises exercising regularly, avoiding tobacco and limiting alcohol, and maintaining a healthy weight and managing stress. ‘For those already diagnosed, proper treatment prescribed by a qualified doctor, combined with healthy living, helps control blood pressure and protect vital organs. There is no miracle pill or single cure. Treatment is lifelong, and it must be individualised,’ he adds.

Speaking at Kayunga Regional Referral Hospital after touring the facility last week, the Prime Minister, Ms Robinah Nabbanja, said it was because locals voted NRM-leaning leaders into office that they had ‘such a good hospital.’ She said Mukono Municipality, ‘which always votes for Opposition, doesn’t have such a health facility because [Betty] Nambooze doesn’t come to us to request such developmental projects.’ The prime minister’s utterance is quite unfortunate coming from a senior leader of government, which is charged with delivering equitable social services such as education and medical care to citizens countrywide irrespective of their religious, ethnic, and political affiliations.

The government does not need to wait for ‘requests’ to conduct its duties, which citizens pay a lot of money in taxes for. It is incumbent upon the government and its officials at all levels to ensure that all regions of the country have properly functioning schools, hospitals. Roads, bridges and ferries on water bodies must also be in good condition. Furthermore, access to clean water is a fundamental human right that the government should uphold. The responsibility also lies with the government to ensure the safety of the wananchi and their properties. These responsibilities must be fulfilled by the government irrespective of whether Mukono Municipality MP Betty Nambooze, who is a member of the National Unity Platform, or any other top area leader has pointed out a shortcoming or not.

The government employs thousands of people who can easily alert it to challenges experienced by specific areas around the country. What the prime minister uttered recently is similar to remarks made by other National Resistance Movement (NRM) government officials over the years whenever people from areas led by Opposition-leaning leaders complain of poor social services. The disgruntled locals are derisively told that they are reaping the fruits of their choices, with government officials saying, things would have been better had they supported the NRM party.

This is unacceptable. People should not be deprived of services owed to them simply because they do not support the party in power. Being a member of the Opposition is not a crime. It should not be used as an excuse to deprive people of their rights and relegate them to second class citizens. We call upon all candidates– those affiliated with parties and independents– standing for the various positions, from the local government to the presidency, to bear in mind that if they are elected into office, they should treat all people equitably.

Authorities in western Uganda are searching for six lions that escaped from Queen Elizabeth National Park and have been terrorizing residents near the Mubuku Irrigation Scheme in Kasese District.

The big cats reportedly killed three cows and are believed to be hiding in bushes around the scheme, prompting fear among locals who now avoid tending to their gardens.

‘Our team has been in the area tracking the lions to see whether they can return to the park or be chased back,’ said Bashir Hangi, spokesperson for the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).

He confirmed that UWA has already paid Shs3.5 million to affected residents as a form of compassion and is guiding them on how to file formal compensation claims.

The lions invaded the scheme in the early hours of September 26.

Eyewitness Abdul Tushabomwe recounted: ‘At first, we heard a very strange roar, which was frightening. I immediately woke up and wanted to go outside, but when I checked through the window, I saw lions. They attacked the cows in their kraal. Of course, I could not risk going out to rescue them; I helplessly watched as the lions killed them.’

Residents say they fear even stepping outside their homes, with crops and livestock at risk.

James Masereka, a local farmer, said, ‘We largely depend on our gardens for food, but now we even fear checking on our crops because of the lions, which we suspect are still within the bushes. We request the Uganda Wildlife Authority to help us move them back where they belong. Otherwise, we are not safe.’

Another affected resident, Rusanganwa, 60, appealed for government support, citing lost income from his cows: ‘I was depending on my cows and their products, like milk, which I sold for income. Now my animals have been killed by lions that earn the government money through tourism. I request that the government compensate me so that I can also survive.’

Police have warned residents to remain vigilant, particularly during early morning and evening hours, and to secure livestock at night.

‘Someone walking alone can easily become prey to lions. That is why we caution people against moving alone not only in the early mornings or evenings, but also in isolated places at any time. For school-going children, our request to parents is that they escort them to school so that these wild animals do not harm them,’ said SP Nelson Tumushime, Rwenzori East Regional Police spokesperson.

Authorities continue to monitor the area, urging residents to report any lion sightings to UWA or local security officials.

Kakungulu Memorial continued its new hardline stance on how clubs can access hockey players studying at the school.

Though some clubs have not received any formal communication from the school, it is seems the lenient regime of letting players move out freely to represent their clubs in weekend fixtures at Lugogo is suspended – at least for now.

Wananchi HDF (Hockey Dreams Foundation) suffered from this over a week ago. The school declined to let students that represent the side leave the premises on their own ahead of the first leg of their women’s Uganda Cup semifinal with Weatherhead and insisted they be picked by a club authority.

HDF leaders sorted themselves out late and the team had to lose the game 20-0 by forfeiture according to the rules which were designed to deter clubs from giving walkovers.

This past weekend, in the men’s National Hockey League, Badgers had their players stopped from leaving the school and therefore had to field only 10 players in a game they drew 1-1 with Kampala Hockey Club (KHC) Originals on Saturday.

“We have heard that the school is not happy with the discipline of some players. Some of them leave school for matches and after that they go home or return to school at night. We have heard no official communication but we understand there are more concerns about the conduct of the girls and that has affected the boys too,” one Badgers official shared.

Badgers had to play defender Julius Sseruyange in goal and in some moments in the first half he looked a natural as he kept Originals at bay.

However, at the start of the second half, Badgers’ 10-men recollected and a little wave of pressure resulted into a couple of penalty corners. Originals’ keeper Bosco Ochan protested against one and was suspended for five minutes.

Harold Ntale capitalized with his signature slap shot to get the opening goal of the game for Badgers in the 36th minute. This time it was helped towards goal after taking a deflection off Originals runner Joel Muwanguzi’s stick.

Originals’ positive reaction paid off immediately. Habib Sewava fed the ball into Faustine Ojangole, who was playing as a forward. OJ as he is popularly known, froze the defence as he shaped to hit then made a calculated finish at the near post to make it 1-1 in the 37th minute.

From there on, both sides had their chances to win it. Originals were undone by their poor finishing upfront while Ochan returned inspired from his suspension to stop every kind of attack, especially from penalty corners, that Badgers conjured up.

Badgers remain 6th on 21 points – just three points ahead of Originals and two behind 5th-placed Rockets.

Earlier, Thunders relied on second half braces from Swabur Kizito and Robert Lubangakene to beat 9th-placed Weatherhead Titans 4-1 and rise to fourth with 24 points. Andrew Bisoborwa got the latter’s consolation with about four minutes to play.

Meanwhile, a scheduling mix-up with National Council of Sports (NCS) forced Uganda Hockey Association (UHA) to postpone Sunday’s matches to Independence Day – October 9.

Weatherhead were due to meet Rockets while leaders Wananchi were to play Makerere University, and Kampala Hockey Club (KHC) Stallions eyed a goal-fest against bottom-placed Wananchi Wabalozi.

NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE

Results

KHC Originals 1-1 Badgers

Thunders 4-1 Weatherhead Titans

Men’s Table

Wananchi 14 13 1 0 152 19 40

KHC Stallions 14 10 3 1 85 19 33

Weatherhead 14 10 2 2 118 17 32

Thunders 15 8 0 7 53 46 24

Rockets 14 7 2 5 50 43 23

Badgers 15 6 3 6 57 36 21

KHC Originals 15 5 3 7 37 73 18

Makerere University 14 3 1 10 18 63 10

Weatherhead Titans 15 2 1 12 24 73 7

Wananchi Wabalozi 14 0 0 14 4 211 0

The head of research and service development at the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), Rebecca Mayanja Mpaata, has advised secondary school and university students to seek sponsorship for technological innovations they develop, in order to contribute to Uganda’s digital transformation agenda under Vision 2040 and the National Development Plan (NDP) IV.

Speaking at the central region interschool competition, a pre-event activity of the ninth National Conference on Communications (NCC), hosted at Isbat University in Kampala on September 29, Ms Mayanja, who represented Christine Mugimba, the head of ICT and research at UCC, encouraged students to create frameworks that would allow their innovations to reach commercialisation. She warned that without such strategies, their ideas risk being taken over by foreign entities that would profit from them.

‘Don’t give up on ideas and innovations you have because they cannot be done by one person. We need a number of partners to have these innovations come to light. You [secondary and university students] come up with vibrant ideas but it stops there. When you have different entities coming together to see what’s being done, there’s an opportunity for different parties to find a role to play to bring the innovation to life,’ Ms Mayanja said.

Organised by UCC, the competition showcased innovative, science-based projects from 17 secondary schools across the central region. Trinity College Nabbingo emerged as the winner and will represent the region at the national stage of the NCC 2025, set for October 2 and 3 at the ICT exhibition in Nakawa.

The NCC, which started in 2010, was designed to bring together academia and industry players to collaborate on solutions to pressing community challenges such as unemployment. Over the years, universities including Makerere, Ndejje, and Kyambogo have hosted central region editions of the conference. The platform not only allows secondary school students to showcase their ideas but also helps the technology and innovation industry identify solutions being developed to address Uganda’s challenges.

Pradeep Kumaar, the director of academic affairs at Isbat University, said the conference is meant to instill advanced scientific thinking, promote technological mindset change, and help students align with the country’s development goals.

‘The government makes plans but national development requires that planning should be executed. The execution should be analysed to see the results and outcomes to be implemented for continuous improvement. It is where there needs to be a linkage between ICT clubs in schools, universities, corporates, and industries so that innovations are nurtured at the grassroots. Youth in Uganda are intelligent but need support,’ Mr Kumaar said.

The winners from each region will exhibit their innovations at the ICT hub in Nakawa during the October 2-3 national conference. The event aligns with Vision 2040, which recognises digital transformation through innovation as a cornerstone of national development.

KL Lady Dolphins will start their chase for a fifth National Basketball League title when they face UCU Lady Canons in the semifinal series that tip off on Wednesday at YMCA, Wandegeya.

Henry Malinga’s charges have dominated the division in the last six years, winning four of the five championships on offer.

Only the Lady Canons have managed to stop them by winning the league in 2022 after a thrilling seven-game series.

Led by four-time MVP and Gazelles assistant captain Hope Akello, JKL go into the series as favourites, riding on the experience and embarrassment of riches in every possession.

Akello is averaging a double-double of 15 points and 12 rebounds this season and possesses JKL’s key to the finals.

She is also surrounded by several other winners on the team, including Ritah Imanishimwe, Agatha Kamwada, Brenda Ekone and Evelyne Nakiyingi. Veteran Flavia Oketcho is also still in the fold.

The Dolphins ended the season as the top seed and went on to sweep UPDF Lady Tomahawks in the quarterfinals.

A clash with the Lady Canons will present a much tougher challenge, though, and the defending champions will be required to engage second gear in order to progress to the semis.

The ever-changing face of the Lady Canons has never been an excuse at the big stage. Regardless of who leaves and who stays, the university side remains competitive.

And despite losing Shakirah Nanvubya and Azidah Nabayunga at the end of last season, the team has remained competitive and cannot be written off in the series.

Nicholas Natuhereza’s charges have largely relied on young talent this season, with the likes of Shillah Lamunu, Matrina Anyango and Sylivia Nakituuka handed big responsibilities.

The experience of Hajara Najjuko and Bridget Aber has also come in handy on several occasions and will be crucial at this stage of the season.

In the other semifinal clash, the JT Lady Jaguars will face off with Magic Stormers, who eliminated KCCA Leopards 2-1 in the quarterfinals.

National Basketball League Playoffs

Women semifinals

Game One, YMCA

Stormers vs. JT L. Jaguars, 7pm

JKL vs. UCU, 9pm

Four people have been charged before the Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court in connection with the death of 35-year-old Ritah Nansubuga, who died after undergoing a caesarean section at Sunset Consultant Clinic in Kampala earlier this month.

The group appeared on Tuesday before Chief Magistrate Ronald Kayizzi and denied charges of manslaughter contrary to sections 170 and 173 of the Penal Code Act, and conspiracy to commit a felony contrary to section 363 of the Penal Code Act.

The accused are Dr. Henry Francis Kadaga, 47, an obstetrician and gynaecologist; Joel Kyowanika, 35, a medical imaging technologist and proprietor of Sunset Consultant Clinic; Hassan Budhugo, 43, an orthopaedic technologist; and businessman Ahamed Lutaaya Kalebu, 59.

According to the charge sheet, the four and others still at large, on September 4, 2025, at Sunset Clinic in Kampala, unlawfully caused the death of Nansubuga through negligence. They are accused of subjecting her to a major surgical procedure in unsuitable premises, with inadequate equipment, unqualified personnel, and poor care, which led to her death.

On the second count, prosecution alleges that the group willfully and unlawfully conspired to commit a felony by negligently conducting a caesarean section in an unfit environment, which resulted in Nansubuga’s death.

Prosecution, led by Ms Grace Amy, told court that investigations are still ongoing and asked for an adjournment regarding Lutaaya.

‘Your worship, investigations in this case are still ongoing and because of this, we seek an adjournment. We also seek criminal summons against Lutaaya, who is not in court, to appear and take plea,’ Ms Amy submitted.

Court records show the case arose from a complaint filed on September 9, 2025, by Ms Naomi Campbell Nambooze, a 36-year-old nursing officer based in Dubai and resident of Kakiri, Wakiso District.

Nambooze reported that her friend Ritah died on September 4 at Sunset Consultant Clinic, located in Mulago II Zone opposite the KCCA mortuary.

According to the case details, Ritah had been attending antenatal reviews in Dubai. She was introduced to Lutaaya by a friend, Hanifah Nakacwa. Lutaaya allegedly posed as a doctor at Mulago Specialized Women and Neonatal Hospital.

When Ritah returned to Uganda on August 2, 2025, Lutaaya, acting as Public Relations Officer of Sunset Consultant Clinic, reportedly persuaded her to seek delivery services there.

‘On September 2, 2025, Ritah was admitted to Sunset Consultant Clinic. Kyowanika, the clinic’s proprietor, engaged Dr. Kadaga from Mulago Mobile Hospital to attend to her,’ the court documents state.

They add: ‘On September 4, Dr Kadaga performed a caesarean section at the clinic. While a baby boy was successfully delivered, the mother died during the procedure.’

During the session, Magistrate Kayizzi issued criminal summons against Lutaaya to appear. Dr. Kadaga, Kyowanika, and Budhugo were remanded to Luzira Prison until October 8, 2025, when their bail application will be heard.

The US Department of State has announced a life-saving development to bring US-based Gilead Sciences’ breakthrough drug, lenacapavir, to Uganda.

Uganda is one of just ten high-burden HIV countries where the drug will be distributed through the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).

The US initiative, which will promote large-scale production and distribution of the medication and catalyze further global investment, has the potential to save hundreds of thousands of lives

In collaboration with the Ugandan Ministry of Health, the United States will introduce lenacapavir in 2026. Taken only twice a year, the drug provides a highly effective and convenient HIV prevention option for individuals at high risk of acquiring the virus. Clinical trials show that more than 99 percent of people on lenacapavir remained HIV negative.

This innovative medication marks a significant advancement in Uganda’s fight against HIV/AIDS, particularly for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. The US government and the Global Fund, of which the US is the largest donor, are co-funding an advanced market commitment to purchase lenacapavir for up to 2 million individuals by 2028 in countries with the highest HIV/AIDS epidemics.

Gilead has agreed to provide the drug at cost and to share its intellectual property with generic manufacturers who can produce it at scale, lowering prices to ensure sustainability by local governments.

US Ambassador William W. Popp said;

‘This medicine is an excellent example of how American leadership drives innovation to save lives. Collaboration between an American company and researchers right here in Uganda led to a medical breakthrough to reduce new HIV infections in the communities that need it most. This exciting development will accelerate our progress toward ending HIV as a public health threat, building a healthier future for America, Uganda, and the world.’

The United States will work closely with the Government of Uganda to develop a rollout plan for the medication.

HARARE. Uganda’s battered pride found a little balm yesterday as the Cricket Cranes cruised past Botswana by eight wickets at Takashinga Cricket Club, wrapping up their group campaign with a much-needed triumph.

The result did not change the fate of their failed World Cup campaign, but it ensured that skipper Riazat Ali Shah’s side carried momentum into the fifth-place semifinals scheduled for Wednesday.

Spin stranglehold

On a slow surface, Uganda’s spinners dictated terms. Veteran Frank Nsubuga (0/13 in 4 overs), playing his first match of the tournament in his 29th year of international duty, bowled with trademark guile while Shah himself struck twice in an incisive two-over spell.

The trio of Henry Ssenyondo (1/12), Alpesh Ramjani (1/14) and left-hander Dinesh Nakrani (2/13) suffocated the Botswana batting as they limped to 81 for 6 in their 20 overs.

‘It was good to get my chance and contribute as I have done over the years,’ said Nsubuga. ‘At 44, I still feel the hunger to perform and I’m happy I delivered for the team.’

Nervy chase

If the bowlers were ruthless, the chase began with jitters. Young left-hander Ronald Lutaaya was run out without facing a ball, while right-hander Robinson Obuya fell lbw for nought, leaving Uganda at 23/2.

But Raghav Dhawan steadied the ship with a stylish unbeaten 54 off 45 balls, striking eight boundaries in partnership with Sumeet Verma (29 off 30)* as Uganda crossed the line in 12.4 overs.

Dhawan, named Player of the Match, praised the bowlers: ‘The spinners set it up for us. When I came in, it was about staying calm. After the heartbreak against Tanzania, this win was about bouncing back.’

Coach and captain speak

Coach Abhay Sharma admitted the victory was more about recovery than redemption:

‘It looks clinical on paper – bowling them out for 81 and chasing inside 13 overs – but it wasn’t flawless. Still, I’m happy the boys lifted themselves after Tanzania. The mood is better, and we carry something positive into the playoffs.’

Skipper Riazat Ali Shah, who also picked 2 for 7, added: ‘It was important to get on the board. Dhawan showed maturity, and the bowlers were excellent. We now want to finish strong in the 5th-place playoff matches.’

ICC T20 WORLD CUP AFRICA QUALIFIER

Result

Botswana 81/6 | Uganda 85/2

Uganda won by 8 wickets

NEXT FIXTURE

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2

5th Place Semifinal, Harare.

Talking Point

SPIN WEB.

Strength and Weakness. Uganda’s trio of spinners conceded just 39 runs in 12 overs, showing their craft is still the Cranes’ biggest strength. But the early dismissals of Lutaaya and Obuya underlined that Uganda’s batting frailties remain a concern despite Dhawan’s solidity.