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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.

The Opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) is facing fresh divisions in Mukono District after two political heavyweights declared interest in the Mukono Municipality parliamentary seat ahead of next year’s general election.

District chairperson Rev Peter Bakaluba Mukasa has announced his bid to unseat the incumbent legislator Betty Nambooze, accusing her of failing to meet the expectations of voters. His decision has deepened fault lines within NUP, which is already grappling with disputes over its flagbearer selection process. The cracks first appeared when Rev Mukasa lost the party ticket for the district chairperson seat to former Mukono South MP Johnson Muyanja Ssenyonga.

Stung by the defeat, he declared he would run for the Mukono Municipality parliamentary seat as an independent, though he insists he remains ‘NUP-leaning.’ Mr Ssenyonga, on the other hand, had initially expressed interest in returning to Parliament by contesting in Mukono South. That constituency has attracted several aspirants, including NUP-leaning hopeful Wilson Male, former Makerere University guild president Robert Maseruka, Dr Living Robert Kikulwe, and Merhab Nalumu. But during a party mobilisation rally in Nakifuma on July 27, NUP’s vice president for Buganda Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi revealed that the party had convinced Mr Ssenyonga to step aside in Mukono South and instead contest the district chairperson seat.

The announcement exposed deeper rifts, with some NUP supporters questioning the fairness of the decision. Mr Julius Nkangi, a party supporter in Mukono South, said Mr Kivumbi’s statement undermined the democratic spirit of the vetting process. ‘We have different aspirants competing for the party flag in Mukono South. Declaring that Mr Ssenyonga should step aside in favour of young people creates the impression that the ticket is being handed to Robert Maseruka. That is unfair,’ he said. Others, such as Mr Bernard Ssempaka, the councillor for Nakifuma-Naggalama, also voiced concern. ‘In a party that values democracy, no leader should declare a flagbearer before the vetting process concludes,’ he noted.

Counter-accusations

Rev Mukasa himself has accused the party of sidelining him despite his contributions. ‘I have supported NUP diligently. Unlike others who shout at rallies, I quietly write cheques and stand by the party. It is unfair to treat me as an outsider,’ he argued. But Ms Nambooze, who doubles as Mukono District NUP chairperson, fired back, accusing Rev Mukasa of undermining the party’s work at the district level. She accused him of failing to set up a district service commission for three years. ‘The party president asked him to operationalise the commission, but he refused. This weakened our efforts in health and education and drained our struggle against the NRM government,’ she said.

Despite the accusations, Rev Mukasa attended the vetting exercise for the district chairperson seat in early August but lost out to Mr Ssenyonga. Soon after, he confirmed his independent bid for Mukono Municipality, claiming he had consulted with party leadership. ‘The party allowed me to contest in a constituency of my choice, just as they asked Hon Ssenyonga to switch roles. I remain loyal to NUP, and I will mobilise independents to support our president, Hon Robert Kyagulanyi, even as I contest in Mukono Municipality,’ he said. However, Mr Kyagulanyi, the NUP principal and presidential flagbearer, has repeatedly stated that the party will back only official cardholders, not independents.

This hardline stance casts doubt on Rev Mukasa’s claim of continued loyalty. Mukono Municipality has been under Opposition control since its creation, with Ms Nambooze as its only MP. But her grip is now under threat, not only from Rev Mukasa but also from a crowded field of contenders. So far, the race has drawn Dr Sarah Daisy Nabatanzi Sonko of the NRM, Allan Mawanda of the Democratic Front, George Fred Kagimu of DP, independent Andrew Ssenyonga, and independents Daniel Lugoloobi and James Katete. More aspirants are expected to join in the coming months.

BACKGROUND

The clash between Ms Nambooze and Rev Mukasa is not new. The two first faced off in 2006 for the Mukono North constituency. Rev Mukasa initially won but was later thrown out by the Supreme Court over electoral malpractice, paving the way for Ms Nambooze’s by-election victory in 2009. When Mukono Municipality constituency was created in 2010, Ms Nambooze shifted there and has retained the seat ever since. Rev Mukasa meanwhile moved to Mukono South, winning in 2011 but losing the seat to Mr Ssenyonga in 2016. He later ran for the district chairperson position in 2021, winning on the NUP ticket.

Police have banned processions of supporters during the ongoing presidential campaigns across all political parties, citing reckless and violent incidents on the roads.

Police spokesperson Mr Kituuma Rusoke said on September 30 that they had registered cases of supporters riding motorcycles and driving recklessly as they escorted presidential candidates to campaign venues.

According to Mr Kituuma, preliminary investigations revealed that reckless driving by National Unity Platform (NUP) supporters caused an accident along the Kalagi-Kayunga Road near Namyoya in eastern Uganda.

Police findings indicate that a motorcycle in the convoy of NUP leader Mr Robert Kyagulanyi, who is also known as Bobi Wine, was speeding when it collided with a vehicle from behind. The crash triggered a chain reaction in which several other motorcycles collided. A white Mitsubishi vehicle, registration number UAZ 064H and bearing Mr Kyagulanyi’s campaign images, also rammed into the motorcycles.

Several people were injured and rushed to St Francis Naggalama Hospital for treatment. Others with minor injuries left the scene with their motorcycles.

Mr Kituuma said the accident was registered at Naggalama Police Station, where the involved vehicles were impounded.

‘We issue a strong warning to all political actors and their entourages to strictly observe traffic laws. Irresponsible use of the roads, as demonstrated in this incident that caused multiple injuries, will not be tolerated. Police will enforce strict measures to prevent such conduct and ensure adherence to the law. Political actors are urged to comply fully with traffic regulations to avoid similar incidents in the future,’ Mr Kituuma said.

Presidential campaigns officially kicked off on Monday, ahead of what is expected to be a fierce contest between incumbent President Yoweri Museveni and his main challenger Bobi Wine, in a repeat of the 2021 elections.

The Electoral Commission has released a campaign schedule for all eight presidential candidates to organise rallies across the country while avoiding clashes in locations.