Asianet Pakistan Private Limited

The National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate, Mr Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, aka Bobi Wine, has promised to establish value addition factories across Uganda to support farmers and improve their incomes.

While addressing a crowd at a well-attended rally in Bulumba Trading Centre in Kaliro District yesterday, Mr Kyagulanyi said one of the main reasons farmers remain poor is because they do not benefit fully from their produce.

He added that the lack of value addition facilities to improve quality and attract high profit margins had left farmers in losses. Mr Kyagulanyi cited an example of the cotton ginnery in Bulumba, which he said used to help local residents earn more money through processing their cotton locally.

Mr Kyagulanyi also observed that the ginnery once served as a valuable economic driver for the area, but has since become dormant, allegedly due to neglect and poor policies by the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) government.

‘This ginnery in Bulumba was helping residents get more money from cotton because there was value addition right here. But now it has been made inactive by the NRM government,’ Mr Kyagulanyi said.

‘People work so hard to grow crops, but they earn very little because they are forced to sell raw materials instead of processed goods,’ he added. In Jinja District, he said Uganda’s cotton production has been falling due to low yields and abandonment of the crop by farmers.

Uganda’s cotton sector was liberalised in 1994 when the lint marketing board was disbanded.

Mr Kyagulanyi pledged that his government, once elected, would not only build value addition factories in every region of the country, but would also ensure there is a ready market for processed goods.

According to Mr Kyagulanyi, this will create jobs, raise household incomes, and reduce poverty across rural Uganda.

Mr Kyagulanyi also highlighted the challenges faced by sugarcane farmers in the Busoga Sub-region. He expressed concern that although sugarcane is widely grown in the area, farmers remain poor due to low prices offered by millers and middlemen.

Mr Kyagulanyi decried the situation where sugarcane farmers cannot even afford to buy sugar for their own households, despite being the producers of the raw material.

‘It is heartbreaking that people in Busoga grow sugarcane, but the prices remain extremely low. Yet, sugar and other products made from sugarcane are very expensive. Many of the very farmers who grow it cannot afford to buy even a kilo of sugar for tea,’ he said. Mr Kyagulanyi called on the people of Busoga and all Ugandans to make a protest vote against the current government, which he accused of failing to support the ordinary citizen.

Key issues

Kaliro District faces several development challenges, including the alleged selling of government jobs, particularly in education and local government.

Poor road infrastructure, especially in rural areas, limits access to markets, schools, and health services. Access to safe water remains low, with many communities relying on unsafe sources. In the education sector, poor performance is driven by a lack of qualified teachers and limited learning materials.

Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIGP) Charles Kataratambi, who was in charge of the Uganda Police Force’s Human Rights and Legal Services Directorate, has died. Kataratambi passed away yesterday, after battling long-term health complications.

The police spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner of Police Rusoke Kituuma, said in a statement yesterday said: ‘The Uganda Police Force fraternity deeply regrets to announce the untimely passing of Assistant Inspector General of Police Kataratambi Charles, director of Human Rights and Legal Services, which occurred on Thursday. Details regarding burial arrangements will be shared in due course. The UPF conveys heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the departed officer. May his soul rest in eternal peace.’

AIGP Kataratambi had been in and out of the hospital for several years. The police have not yet released details regarding the cause of death or where he passed away.

A life of service

Several senior security officers and former classmates from Namilyango College described Kataratambi as intelligent, bookish, and principled.

After completing his secondary education, he joined Makerere University in 1996 to pursue a law degree. It was during this time that he formed close friendships with two peers who would also go on to serve in public service: Senior Commissioner of Police (SPC) Fred Enanga, now Deputy Director of International Relations in the Police, and Senior Police Officer (rtd) Simeo Nsubuga, now a commissioner at the Uganda Human Rights Commission.

SCP Enanga remembered him as “a bright, smart, and loving person.’

‘Charles always stood out. He had empathy, appreciated teamwork, and showed early signs of leadership. At some point, we thought he might venture into politics,’ Enanga said.

‘While I studied Economics and Simeo pursued Education, Charles was immersed in Law.’

After university, Kataratambi proceeded to the Law Development Centre for a Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice. The trio later reunited unexpectedly in August 2001 at the Police Training School.

‘We were surprised to see each other again in uniform. The bond continued. He liked cracking jokes and was among the brightest officers, especially with his legal background,’ Enanga said.

Kataratambi joined police as one of 58 university graduates recruited in the aftermath of the 2001 Judicial Commission of Inquiry into police corruption.

Mr Simeo Nsubuga noted that his brilliance and legal expertise quickly set him apart. He began his career at the CID headquarters in the Serious Crimes Department, an unusual posting for a recruit. His competence and professionalism led to several leadership roles within the police.

Kataratambi rose to prominence during General Kale Kayihura’s tenure as Inspector General of Police. He frequently provided legal guidance to officers during a time of intense political protests and public demonstrations. He gained public attention when he was appointed head of the Media and Political Crimes Unit at CID.

The unit often summoned journalists from leading media outlets, including Monitor Publications Limited, The Weekly Observer, The Independent, and CBS Radio, over cases related to sedition and sectarianism.

While many journalists were interrogated and released on police bond, often repeatedly extended, few of the cases were ever taken to court. Instead, the files were quietly shelved. In January 2009, Ms Anne Abeja, then company secretary of Monitor Publications, expressed frustration over the drawn-out summons.

‘It is frustrating! We have been reporting since Friday, and on Monday the bonds were extended again,’ she said at the time.

‘We appeared in Mr Kataratambi’s office, waited, and he simply told us the bonds were extended.’

Despite public criticism, insiders said he was executing a delicate balancing act between press freedom and State interests.

Leadership roles and setbacks

In August 2010, he was transferred to the Land Protection Police Unit, then later to the Flying Squad Unit. After two years, he returned to CID and also served as head of investigations for Kampala Metropolitan Police. In March 2014, he was appointed commander of the Special Investigations Unit (SIU), which was later elevated to a division.

However, in 2015, his career suffered a blow when he was arrested over allegations of mishandling a bank fraud case. Though eventually cleared, he spent nine years without deployment.

Despite this, he maintained close ties with his colleagues and continued attending events, including the 2019 funeral of his police training squad-mate, Commissioner of Police Christine Alalo.

In 2024, he was promoted to the rank of AIGP and appointed director of Human Rights and Legal Services. Though his health deteriorated soon after, he remained dedicated and continued attending work and meetings.

‘He remained respectful of authority. Even though I left the police and he held a higher rank, he would salute me at meetings since I’m now a presidential appointee,’ said Mr Nsubuga.

Both Enanga and Nsubuga expressed deep sorrow over his death. AIGP Charles Kataratambi is survived by his wife and children.

There will be a funeral service today at All Saints Church, Nakasero, and burial will take place tomorrow in Rubaya Village, Kashari, Mbarara District.

Mr Ashish Monpara, Chairman of the Modern Group of Industries, has been named Global Leader of the Year 2025. This was during the 26th Edition of the Asian Business and Social Forum on the 19th of September, 2025 at the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel in Business Bay, Dubai.

The Indo-UAE Summit was held under the theme ‘Celebrating the Spirit of Asia,’ where they spotlighted the strengthening of bilateral trade, investment, and innovation between India, the UAE, and the wider GCC region. They also look to foster strategic partnerships across Asia, Africa, and the Americas.

Mr Monpara was recognised for his significant contributions to industrial growth and private sector development across East Africa.

Commonly referred to as the ‘King of Sugar’, he has redefined industrial investment in Uganda, establishing at least one factory every year since 2017. Mr Monpara has set a bold vision for the Modern Group and for Uganda’s economic potential on the global stage.

His company Modern Group of Industries was also recognized as the World’s Greatest Brands 2025. Under his visionary leadership, the Modern Group has grown into one of Uganda’s most renowned industrial conglomerates, expanding across multiple sectors including sugar, alcohol distillation, aluminium profiling, tile manufacturing, and organic fertiliser.

Today, the Modern Group has reshaped Uganda’s industrial landscape. It operates seven factories across 10 industrial verticals, with total investments exceeding US $700 million (approximately Shs2.4 trillion). The group has contributed import substitution worth US $100 million (Shs356 billion) and employs over 4,000 people.

The journey began in 2017 with the launch of Modern Distillers, producing ethanol. In 2018 came Modern Gas, which also generated carbon dioxide for major clients such as Coca-Cola and Pepsi. The following year, the group introduced Modern Aluminium, producing high-quality profiles once imported from Dubai, China, India, and Europe. That same year also saw the birth of Modern Fertiliser.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, the group established two new factories. One was Modern Hygiene in 2020, producing hand sanitiser, a crucial product during the pandemic. In 2021, spotting an opportunity to substitute imported tiles with locally produced, high-quality alternatives, Mr Monpara set up Modern Tiles. The company now employs 1,600 people and controls 45 per cent of Uganda’s tile market.

In 2022, the group expanded further with Kidera Sugar in Buyende District, now awaiting commissioning, plus Lamborghini Drinks and Beverages (Modern Spirits), a partnership that manufactures products in Uganda for export to the United States and Asian markets.

The highlight came in 2023 with the takeover of Kaliro Sugar, at the request of President Yoweri Museveni and Investment Minister Evelyn Anite. From an ailing sugar factory, Kaliro Sugar was completely overhauled to run at full capacity of 2,500 TCD, directly employing 1,500 people and paying our due taxes.

Commissioned in August 2022 by President Museveni, Kaliro Sugar has restored dignity to the district’s sugarcane farmers. Expansion plans are already in motion, with the plant expected to grow to 5,500 TCD within two years and 8,000 TCD in the longer term, a combined daily output of around 200,000 tonnes of sugar.

Leveraging by-products from sugar production, Mr Monpara also launched Modern Power in 2023, generating electricity both for factory consumption and for the national grid, presently at 12MW.

His industriousness and innovation have attracted other accolades, including the Best Foreign Direct Investment Project Award for Modern Tiles at the Annual Investment Meeting Awards in 2022. Modern Group has also emerged among the top tax contributors to the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), averaging Shs12.5 billion annually.

Over the next three years, Mr Monpara plans to invest another $500 million. Priorities include a sugar refinery to reduce reliance on imported white sugar, a power plant in Buyende to expand capacity ramped up to 50 MW, new ventures in steel production, and pharmaceuticals. The ultimate goal is to cre¬ate 10,000 jobs and cement Uganda’s position as a regional industrial hub.

Reflecting on his journey, Mr Monpara, a first-generation businessman, said he started by investing his own money.

‘I bootstrapped my business by investing from my money. Now, with the business thriving, financing has become more accessible. My advice to every investor is to start with your own investment, and then you can tap into available financing options in the country.’

Presidential candidate Mubarak Munyagwa of the Common Man’s Party is today expected to resume his campaign trail in Iganga District in the Busoga sub-region, his second stop after launching in Kawempe on Monday.

Munyagwa confirmed the development in a phone interview, saying preparations had been finalised. ‘I will be in Iganga today, I will sleep there,’ he said.

The candidate had earlier cancelled visits to Bugiri and Bugweri districts, choosing instead to campaign in Namuwongo, Kampala on Wednesday.

Iganga, with a population of 426,958 people according to the 2024 National Population and Housing Census, faces a string of challenges that residents hope will be addressed during the campaigns.

Poor road infrastructure remains one of the district’s biggest concerns, with rural roads often impassable in rainy seasons, limiting trade, transport, and access to health and education services.

Youth unemployment and poverty are also widespread, forcing many households to rely on subsistence farming.

The health sector is under pressure from drug shortages, understaffed facilities and long distances to access care. Education is equally affected by a lack of qualified teachers, dilapidated classrooms, and high dropout rates, especially among girls.

Communities continue to struggle with access to clean water as broken boreholes push families to depend on unsafe sources. Land disputes, corruption in public offices, teenage pregnancies, and cases of gender-based violence further complicate life in the district.

Agriculture, the main livelihood for many, remains unproductive due to poor markets, low prices, and limited access to modern tools or extension services.

Locals who spoke ahead of Munyagwa’s visit voiced frustration with unfulfilled promises by President Museveni and other politicians.

‘We have a problem of poor roads, they are small and are murram, this hinders us from transporting our merchandise across the district,’ said George Ivulabe, who also called for security lights to curb robbery.

At Iganga market, vendor Brenda Nangobi accused local leaders of failing to deliver services because of graft. ‘We have an issue of corruption in this district, we would be far with the money given to us but we are in absolute poverty,’ she said.

Munyagwa launched his campaign on September 29 in Kampala, promising to address both national and local concerns as he challenges President Museveni in the 2026 elections.

For Iganga’s residents, the key test remains whether campaign pledges will bring lasting change.

The fate of 431,856 Senior Four candidates scheduled to sit for the 2025 Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) examinations next week remains uncertain as the nationwide teachers’ strike continues to paralyse learning across the country.

The strike, which started on August 6, has seen government teachers in most parts of the country lay down their tools in protest against the government’s failure to enhance their salaries.

Consequently, many schools, particularly in rural areas, did not reopen for the third term, forcing candidates to teach themselves in the crucial weeks leading to final examinations.

Sources from various upcountry districts revealed that some teachers who attempted to return to classrooms were attacked by unidentified assailants, forcing many to stay away completely. This predicament has left candidates in government schools without guidance, with revision and exam preparation largely left in their own hands.

The UCE examinations are set to begin on October 10, with the official briefing of candidates, a mandatory exercise that precedes the written papers. This will be followed by the briefing for Primary Leaving Examination(PLE) candidates on October 31. The Uganda Certificate of Advanced Education (UCAE) will commence with a briefing on November 7.

However, questions remain over whether the government will convince teachers to return to classrooms before it’s too late, as teachers play a critical role not only in preparing learners but also in supervising and administering the pre-examination tests.

The crisis is compounded by the looming deadline for submission of Continuous Assessment (CA) scores and coursework marks to the Uganda National Examinations Board (Uneb). In a statement released this week, Uneb reminded heads of examination centres that September 30 (yesterday) was the final date for submitting results for Senior Four, Senior Three, and Senior Six candidates.

Failure to submit the required records will mean that affected candidates cannot be graded, regardless of their performance in the final exams.

‘Uneb will not grade candidates with partial or no CA scores or coursework marks at all, at both UCE and UACE levels,’ warned Ms Jennifer Kalule-Musamba, the board’s principal public relations officer, urging schools to make good use of the remaining time.

With just days to the start of examinations, anxiety is mounting among candidates, parents, and education stakeholders, many of whom fear that the standoff between government and teachers could jeopardise the academic future of nearly half a million learners.

Dr Gorreti Nakabugo, the executive director of Uwezo Uganda, said breaking barriers to education access is important, noting that both the government and teachers should ensure learners resume classes. ‘We really hope that teachers are motivated to do their job, and at the same time we call upon the teachers to ensure that issues of the learners are prioritised because if children are not at school or not in class, it is very difficult for them to learn,’ Dr Nakabugo told journalists after a debrief of a three-day national conference on what works in girls education.

The event is being held in Kampala from October 1 to 3 under the theme, ‘Breaking barriers, building benefits, evidence and action for girls’ education”. ‘We must work together as a system, the government, the teachers themselves, and the private sector to ensure that teachers are back in school and the children are back in class to learn and get what they deserve,” Dr Nakabugo added. Associate Professor and Dean of the School of Education at Kyambogo University, George Wilson Kasule, said issues that triggered the strike should be addressed to normalise the situation.

‘Our appeal is to let us try to solve those issues that led the teachers to strike so that we have a normal functioning of the education system,’ Mr Kasule said.

Mr Amos Akahangiromutwe, the head teacher of Kazo Secondary School, in Kazo District, said his teachers were conducting lessons, but the effect of the ongoing strike tarnishes the image of education. ‘The strike is mainly affecting primary schools. The situation is really not good,’ he said. The State Minister of Higher Education, Mr Chrysostom Muyingo, said the Minister of Public Service, Mr Wilson Muruli, is expected to give another government position on the teachers’ strike.

Last week, Mr Muruli directed teachers to call off the strike and resume teaching, saying a 25 percent salary increment would be effected in the 2026/2027 budget, a proposal that the arts teachers rejected and demanded a 300 percent increment like their science counterparts received.

The leadership of the Uganda National Teachers Union (Unatu) has insisted that the union members will resume work only if their pay is increased to the level of their science counterparts.

Mr Filbert Baguma, the general secretary of Unatu, said the proposed 25 percent increment is too little to improve the members’ welfare.

‘We are not going back to class. After three years of waiting, you cannot tell us that 25 percent is enough when our counterparts received 300 percent. Why did the government raise science teachers’ salaries when they knew there was no money? We cannot call off the industrial action for 25 percent. Forget it,’ he said.

Salary disparities

Currently, an arts teacher with a degree qualification earns a gross pay of Shs1,078,162 monthly and takes home a net pay of Shs841,931, while his/her science counterpart gets Shs4 million and takes home a net pay of Shs2,858,000.

Similarly, an arts teacher with a diploma qualification gets gross pay of Shs784,214 and takes home a net pay of Shs639,108, while their science counterpart earns Shs2.2 million and takes home a net pay of Shs1,616,000.

Police registered their first win of the season after edging Express 2-1 in a lively StarTimes Uganda Premier League clash at Kira Road Playground in Kampala on Thursday evening.

The 2005 league champions went ahead in the 28th minute with a swift counter-attack.

Sizwe Mario Gwebu raced down the right and delivered a pinpoint cross for Umar Kasumba, who tapped home from close range to give the Cops an early advantage.

Express, however, responded on the stroke of halftime when Richard Basangwa was adjudged to have been fouled by Ben Tahomera in the box.

Muhammed Kagawa stepped up and calmly sent goalkeeper Mathias Muwanga the wrong way to make it 1-1 at the break.

The decisive moment came in the 77th minute when Lawrence Tezikya swung in a teasing ball that reached Bedia Djuma Ikamba at the edge of the box.

The Congolese forward was allowed space to turn before drilling a low effort into the bottom corner. His performance later earned him the Man of the Match accolade.

Both coaches rang the changes in search of control, but Police’s discipline at the back ensured they held on for a valuable victory that lifted them to second place on four points, level with leaders Bul.

Express, who opened the season with a win over UPDF, sit sixth on three points.

Matchday Two continues on Friday with Buhimba Saints hosting Calvary at the Royals Park in Hoima, while Mbarara City welcome UPDF to Rwamanja Stadium, Kamwenge.

Ms Sarah Opendi, a Member of Parliament for Tororo District, has raised concerns over the significant gap between budget release and utilisation in government programs aimed at promoting gender equity.

According to recent data, budget release stood at 97 percent, while utilisation was at 95 percent, sparking questions about the effectiveness of these initiatives.

“Did this money really trickle down to those activities that were meant for? When you look at the aspects of corruption, where does that leave us?” Ms Opendi questioned, emphasising the need for committees beyond the gender committee to address gender concerns in various sectors.

The concerns were raised during the launch of the CSOs 10-Year Assessment of Gender and Equity Budgeting in Uganda, themed ‘The Impact of Gender and Equity Budgeting in Uganda 2015-2025.’

The event brought together stakeholders from various sectors, including local governments, ministries, and civil society.

According to Mr Julius Mukunda, Executive Director of CSBAG, compliance with Gender Equity Budgeting requirements has increased from 53 percent to 67 percent over the last decade, surpassing the 60 percent benchmark minimum threshold set.

The education and health sectors have led in gender-responsive interventions, with targeted allocations increasing from Shs 4.1 trillion in FY 2016/7 to Shs 9.8 trillion in FY 2024/25.

Mukunda noted that local government compliance rose from 30% in FY 2015/16 to a peak of 64.2% in FY 2021/22, but worryingly dropped to 51% in FY 2024/25. Sheema district was the best performer on average at 64.5 percent, while Abim District, the lower performer, was at 37.9 percent.

The assessment also highlighted significant increases in targeted allocations for gender, youth, and vulnerable groups. Gender allocations rose by 112 percent, youth-related budgets 233 percent, Older Persons budget increased by 440 percent, and PWDs budget increased by 363 percent over the period.

Mr Moses Ssonko, Principal Economist at the Ministry of Finance, noted significant legal advancements since the Public Finance Management Act of 2015, which mandates the integration of gender and equity concerns in government budgeting. “Previously, under the 2001 Budget Act, there was no mention of gender and equity budgeting,” Ssonko said.

At least 25 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) are lined up for signing at the third Uganda-Russia Intergovernmental Commission on Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation and Business Conference due in Kampala from October 7 to 8.

Uganda’s ambassador to Russia, Moses Kizige, said more than 23 MoUs have been processed, noting that while not all will be signed next week, some will be referred for further consideration.

‘Some of the MoUs pending include a draft agreement on bilateral military and technical cooperation; and mutual protection of classified information, among others,’ Kizige revealed at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquarters in Kampala on October 1.

He added: ‘Those that have been cleared and are ready include a draft agreement on computer attacks and response to computer incidents, and mutual recognition of academic qualification, among others.’

Vladlen Semivolos, Russia’s ambassador to Uganda, said the Russian side of the Commission will be headed by Bella Cherkesova, the deputy minister of digital development, communications and mass media, while Uganda’s Foreign Affairs state minister Henry Okello Oryem will lead the Kampala delegation.

‘Russia and Uganda actively cooperated on the preparation of a number of bilateral agreements, including; MoU on cooperation in the field of agriculture, among others, and are hopeful that some of them will be signed on the margins of the upcoming summit,’ said Semivolos.

Adding: In particular, there is interest to establish in Uganda an electric cable-producing plant, as well as to organise, on the basis of its facilities in Russia, the professional training courses for Ugandans with basic knowledge of the Russian language, legislation, and history of the Russian Federation.’

He further stated that his country had been informed about the interest in supplying bulldozers, pipe layers, excavators, and loaders for projects in the field of extraction of minerals, constructing gas and oil pipelines, roads, bridges, dams, buildings and structures.

‘There are also plans of East African Motor Supplies Limited and Auto Tune and Engineering Limited to establish the large-scale assembly of Urai vehicles in Uganda to meet the needs of East African Community (EAC) member states.’

Semivolos said holding the session in Kampala underscores the particular importance both countries attach to the development of their cooperation in trade, economic investment and other areas, sanctions on Moscow notwithstanding.

‘Russia is the most sanctioned country in the world. the sanctions were imposed by a small group of countries who consider themselves as rulers of the world,’ said Semivolos, noting that to-date, ‘at least 30,000 sanctions’ have been slapped on his country.

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the US and EU have rolled out sweeping sanctions, including a July price cap on Russian oil, to weaken Moscow’s war effort.

The bloc has also banned 22 more Russian banks and over 100 non-EU shipping vessels that comprise a part of Russia’s ‘shadow fleet’, tankers that operate outside of standard international maritime regulations.

Background

The upcoming summit builds on an agreement signed by both countries on May 19, 2015, in Kampala, and a second commission held in Moscow on May 23, 2018.

Uganda has since pressed for a third session, an issue raised with President Museveni during his July 26, 2022, meeting at State House Entebbe with then Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

Museveni directed that Uganda host the third session in the last quarter of 2024, but financial constraints stalled the plan.

Uganda will take on Malawi in a high-stakes ICC T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier fifth-place playoff semifinal on Thursday at Takashinga Cricket Club, in what has been billed as a grudge match.

The Cricket Cranes, ranked 21st in the world at the start of the tournament but now down to 22nd, have endured a roller-coaster campaign – falling to lower-ranked Tanzania (34) and missing out on the coveted semifinals.

Their quest now is not for a World Cup ticket but for pride, ranking points, and a respectable finish.

Team on the rise

Malawi, ranked 54th, have been the tournament’s surprise package. They stunned Kenya – ranked 33rd – by three runs in the group stages and only missed out on a semifinal berth through Net Run Rate (NRR).

Their gritty performances have cemented their status as a rising force and a serious work in progress in African cricket – thanks to the works done by their cricket boss Vivek Ganesan and departed development guru – Arjun Menon (AJ).

Historical edge

Uganda, however, carry the historical edge. In two previous T20I encounters, the Cranes have won comfortably – by 10 wickets in Kigali (2021) and by 7 wickets in Benoni (2023). They also thrashed Malawi by 7 wickets in last week’s warm-up fixture.

But past dominance will count for little today against a side buzzing with confidence.

Assistant coach Jackson Ogwang admitted Uganda had put themselves in an unwanted position.

‘We needed that win yesterday against Botswana after the setback against Tanzania. The only way to fight back is to win the remaining two games. Our problem has been inconsistency – we can’t fire in one match and collapse in the next. If we play with consistency, we’ll win cricket games,’ said Ogwang.

Aim to finish strong

Captain Riazat Ali Shah has urged the team to keep the focus sharp.

‘It was good to see boys show character and get two points yesterday. We’ve given opportunities to everyone and hopefully we will unleash youngster Innocent Mwebaze, who is our future paceman. It hurts that we are out of the tournament, but we must move on and finish strongly,’ said the affable Shah.

With pride and rankings on the line, Uganda must blend discipline with aggression to tame Malawi’s fearless approach. A slip-up could prove costly in the long-term world standings.

ICC T20 WORLD CUP AFRICA QUALIFIER

Wednesday – 5th place playoff semifinals

Nigeria vs. Botswana, 10.30pm – Takashinga

Uganda vs. Malawi – 2.50pm – Takashinga

Main Semifinals

Namibia vs. Tanzania – 10.30am – Harare SC

Zimbabwe vs. Kenya – 2.50pm – Harare SC

Head-to-Head (T20Is):

2021, Kigali: Uganda beat Malawi by 10 wickets

2023, Benoni: Uganda beat Malawi by 7 wickets

2025 Warm-up, Harare: Uganda beat Malawi by 7 wickets (non-ranking)

As Uganda steps up efforts to promote the Tourism Sector, the government has recognized 2025 tourism champions for their outstanding contribution to the sector.

The champions were recognised through the Tourism Recognition of Excellence Awards during the World Tourism Day celebration in Arua city over the weekend.

These awards honored both national champions, regional innovators across cultural tourism, agro-tourism, wildlife conservation, and investment.

Some of the people that were recognised include, Sudhir Ruparelia, the founder and chairman of the Ruparelia Group was awarded with a golden flamingo trophy, symbolizing his outstanding dedication to the sector.

Ruparelia owned, Speke Resort Convention center (SRCC) was recognised as International Tourism investment of the year.

The others are; Boniface Kadabara, conservationist, monitoring and evaluation specialist who was recognised as local tourism personality of the Year; Lilly Ajarova, the former CEO for Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) Tourism who was recognised as personality of the Year and CTC Conservation Center in Uganda under the leadership of Thomas Benjamin Price received the transformation Tourism project Award.

Buganda Heritage and Tourism Board was also recognised as a cultural experience award among other recognised entities.

The event which brought together government officials, international guests, and communities from across Uganda and neighbouring countries was commemorated under the theme; ‘Tourism and Sustainable Transformation.’

Speaking at the event, the Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja said that Tourism is more than just a luxury but a key economic engine to the country.

‘Globally tourism is contributing around 7 percent of world trade and ranking third among major export categories, tourism has proven resilient, with international arrivals continuing to rise post-pandemic. Uganda, too, has seen significant recovery and growth. In 2024, the country welcomed 1.37 million international visitors, reaching 89.2percent of its pre-pandemic figures, and tourism expenditure surged by 26 percent to Shs 4.8 trillion (approximately USD 1.28 billion),’ Ms Nabbanja said.

She added; ‘This growth presents not only opportunities but also responsibilities, particularly in embracing sustainability and innovation.’

However, she challenged the Tourism Ministry to promote technological innovation, noting that tourism as a central pillar under the National Development Plan (NDP IV) and Vision 2040.

‘The government has laid out an ambitious strategy for a 25-fold increase in tourism earnings over the next decade. This commitment is evident through massive infrastructure investments, including the expansion of Entebbe International Airport, development of Kabale International Airport, upgrades of aerodromes in Arua, Kidepo, Jinja, Kasese, and Kisoro and improvements in road networks,’ Ms Nabbanja said.

She called upon the local communities and the Uganda Wildlife Authority to safeguard this valuable asset and introduce more wildlife species to elevate the reserve’s profile.

Ms Nabbanja highlighted the government’s commitment to offer a favorable investment climate through tax credits and financing for tourism related programs.

In 2024, Ms Nabbanja revealed that the country welcomed 1.37 million international visitors, reaching 89.2 per cent of its pre- Covid pandemic figures, and tourism expenditure surged by 26 per cent to Shs4.8 trillion (approximately $1.28 billion). This growth, she restarted, presents not only opportunities but also responsibilities, particularly in embracing sustainability and innovation.

The Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities Tom Butime, underscored the strategic role Arua city and the entire West Nile sub-region is playing in Uganda’s tourism journey.

However, he recognised the pressing need for infrastructure such as expansion of Arua Airstrip, road improvements, reliable ferry services, calling for accelerated implementation to boost accessibility and competitiveness.

He said that tourism now contributes approximately 5.7 percent to the national GDP and supports over 803,000 jobs.

‘The rise of Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Events (MICE) tourism has also elevated Uganda’s profile on the global stage. As part of the country’s broader ATMS (Agro-industrialization, Tourism Development, Mineral Development, and Science and Technology and Innovation) strategy, tourism is targeted to grow foreign exchange earnings to $50 billion by 2040,’ Mr Butime said.

The Arua Central legislator Jackson Atima called for improved infrastructure such as roads and airfields and reaffirmed the region’s commitment to Uganda’s socio-economic transformation through tourism.