Asianet Pakistan Private Limited

Lira City, known as the northern hub of vibrant industrial and commercial activity, has yet another inspiring story to tell – that of Jonathan Okello, a young man whose boldness and creativity are transforming lives through furniture craft.

Born out of a deep passion nurtured by DIY YouTube videos during his university days, Okello has built a thriving furniture business that now employs and trains over ten young people in modern furniture making, carpentry, and joinery.

Like many Ugandan youths, Okello’s journey was far from smooth. A Bachelor of Economics and Statistics graduate from Kyambogo University, he joined the growing number of job seekers who, despite years of education, fail to secure formal employment.

A fruitless job search

After graduating, Okello searched tirelessly for work – but to no avail. ‘After campus, I searched for jobs and couldn’t find any. Then the lockdown came, and I needed something to keep me busy, so I decided to try making a sofa set on my own,’ he recalls. Unknown to him, this decision would shape his future. While still at university, Okello often visited furniture workshops in Kireka and Bwaise, where he learned valuable skills in carpentry and joinery. What started as curiosity would later become his calling.

Spotting a market gap

Okello noticed a troubling trend in his community – most people in Lira City bought quality furniture from Kampala. ‘It was very common for people to buy sofa sets from as far as Kampala, and that bothered me,’ he says.

‘I felt that quality furniture could be made right here at home.’ Motivated by this market gap, Okello made a bold move. He sold his personal belongings to purchase the tools he needed and began producing furniture independently.

His first piece – a sofa set – earned him an unexpected business opportunity when a friend ordered a similar one for Shs800,000. More orders followed, all through word-of-mouth referrals within his network. That marked the birth of his entrepreneurial journey.

The rise of Mastermind Furniture World

In 2023, Okello officially launched Mastermind Furniture World along Oyam Road in Lira City. Six months later, he welcomed his first trainee, Daniel Otim, followed by Morris Ocen and others. The workshop quickly became a beacon of hope for unemployed youth seeking practical skills in modern furniture and upholstery.

Today, Okello works with five permanent staff and four trainees, including a person with a disability. ‘These boys come to me with no hope,’ he says softly.

‘Most of them didn’t go far in school – they would otherwise be roaming the streets. Now, they’re earning a living as they train.’

He charges between Shs500,000 and Shs800,000 for training. His products – from sofa sets to wardrobes – range between Shs350,000 and Shs2m, depending on the design. On average, Okello earns about Shs3m in gross profit per month, a remarkable milestone for a self-taught craftsman.

Voices from the workshop

Sandra Amongin, a 25-year-old mother of one, couldn’t afford the full training fees. She works as a labourer at the workshop, performing basic carpentry tasks as she learns.

‘I’m learning slowly and saving up to become a full trainee. The income I get from here helps me take care of my child,’ she says.

Embracing the digital space

Okello beams when he speaks about the digital revolution that has boosted his business.

‘Social media has been a goldmine for me, especially WhatsApp,’ he says.

Through Facebook, TikTok, and WhatsApp Business, he has attracted clients from Kampala and even Ugandans in the diaspora who order furniture for their families back home. Indeed, his success underscores the power of digital marketing.

According to the Uganda Communications Commission’s 2023 Annual Sector Report, social media subscriptions rose to over 20 million from 13.7 million in 2020, opening new opportunities for small businesses to reach wider audiences.

Reimagining skills training

While vocational training is often touted as a solution to unemployment, Okello believes it must evolve with the times.

‘Youth who train in urban workshops are more adaptable to market trends than those who go through formal technical schools,’ he argues.

‘The modern market wants creative, custom-made products – sofa sets, beds, cabinets, and even marble finishes. You have to be innovative to survive.’

A message to the youth

Okello’s advice to fellow youth is both practical and passionate.

‘Alongside graduate studies, young people should embrace hands-on skills. You never know what tomorrow holds,’ he says.

He believes that flexibility and practical skills are the keys to tackling unemployment. ‘Formal jobs are few, but skills can feed you for life. Hands-on skills are the future.’

Indeed, in a country where the unemployment rate stands at 12.3 percent and over 4 million Ugandans fall under the Not in Employment, Education or Training (NEET) category (National Population and Housing Census 2024), Okello’s story is a shining example of resilience, innovation, and the power of self-belief.

Leaders of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) in Gulu District have appealed to President Museveni to help the Lords’ Resistance Army (LRA) massacre survivors. The ruling party leaders said individuals who survived the attacks by the rebel group need to be supported so that they can rebuild their lives.

Mr Christopher Ochen, the NRM district chairperson for Gulu, said: ‘Your Excellency, I appeal to you to support survivors of the LRA attack in Lukodi so that they can rebuild their lives. This is very important. The government also needs to construct a technical school so that they gain skills.’

He said the affected individuals need livelihood support so that they can become self-sufficient. Dozens of survivors of the May 19, 2004, LRA attacks on the Lukodi Internally Displaced People’s (IDP) camp in Lukodi Village, Bungatira Sub-county in Gulu District are still struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The lack of psychosocial support to the massacre survivors has made the situation even worse. Mr Wilfred Lalobo, the chairperson of Lukodi LRA Massacre Survivors and Victims’ Association, said some individuals who survived the killings perpetrated by LRA fighters were yet to come to terms with what happened to them close to two decades ago.

He added that due to lack of counselling services, the survivors are still living in misery. He also said the unknown fate of those missing after they were abducted by the rebels has caused despair among their loved ones.

Mental health experts have linked the rising cases of suicide and domestic violence in Acholi Sub-region, the epicentre of the LRA insurgency, to PTSD.

Mr Ochen also observed the need to compensate communities that offered land for IDPs during the peak of the LRA insurgency in northern Uganda, as well as support families of Local Council members (RCs) who were targeted and killed by the rebels.

Seeking compensation

In May, family members of Local Council (LC) officials who were killed by LRA rebels in the Acholi Sub-region sought compensation from the government. The LRA attacked and killed several Local Council officials during their insurgency, accusing them of acting as informants for the government army and the police.

The killings mainly happened between 1987 and 2004. These were the peak of the LRA insurgency in northern Uganda.

In June 2015, children of the murdered Local Council officials demanded support from the government. Ms Evelyne Ajok, a daughter of Santo Otula, the former LC1 chairperson of Oguru Village, Awach Sub-county in Gulu District, said her father was brutally murdered in broad daylight by the rebels. She said on the fateful day, with her nine siblings, they watched helplessly as the rebels fatally shot and killed their father.

In September 2014, Mr Richard Todwong, the then-NRM deputy secretary general, now secretary general of the ruling party, announced that there were plans to fully compensate local council officials who were killed during the peak of the LRA insurgency in northern Uganda.

Mr Todwong said the government was aware of killings and the loss, which the families suffered during the long, brutal war, and would do everything possible to see that the families of the deceased receive support.

However, close to 11 years later, the families of the murdered LC officials claimed that they had not received any support from the government.

Mr Gifta Aber, the chairperson of NRM for Gulu City, also urged the President to treat the issues around the Apaa land conflict and cattle compensation as matters of urgency as the country moves closer to the 2026 General Election.

Background

The The Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) insurgency was a protracted conflict that was initiated by Joseph Kony against the Ugandan government. This conflict resulted in a significant humanitarian crisis, displacement, and widespread atrocities, primarily affecting the Acholi people in northern Uganda. The LRA was mostly driven out of Uganda by the middle of the 2000s, but it kept operating neighbouring countries.

As cryptocurrency becomes part of daily life across Africa, the debate over security and trust is no longer optional; it’s urgent. Digital assets are reshaping how people move money, invest, and build businesses.

But with that transformation comes sharper risks: money laundering, fraud, and cybercrime. For crypto to thrive across the continent, we need strong anti-money laundering (AML) and cybersecurity frameworks not as afterthoughts, but as the pillars of credibility.

AML frameworks are global standards designed to prevent criminals from disguising illicit funds as legitimate income, targeting crimes such as tax evasion, corruption, and market manipulation.

While these standards apply worldwide, local context ultimately determines their impact. In Africa, where illicit financial flows cost economies tens of billions of dollars each year, effective AML enforcement is not just a regulatory issue; it’s an economic imperative.

Compliance regimes like South Africa’s FICA or Kenya’s Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASP) Bill are gaining force. These laws aim to stop criminals from disguising illegal funds as legitimate.

At their core are Know Your Customer (KYC) practices, which play a role in verifying identities, monitoring transactions, and flagging risk. What was once heavy paperwork is now powered by AI, which screens against sanctions lists and surfaces anomalies in real time.

For crypto platforms, the responsibility scales even higher. Blockchain’s speed and borderless nature offer both advantages and risks. Without safeguards, actors can exploit it.

With them, the transparency of the ledger becomes a defence. Binance has invested deeply in compliance and security infrastructure – every user is verified, and AI has been deployed to monitor suspicious activity. We partner with blockchain-intelligence firms and law enforcement, especially in Africa, to detect and block abuse before damage is done.

A powerful example of collaboration is ‘Operation Serengeti 2.0,’ an INTERPOL-led crackdown across Africa from June to August 2025. Through coordinated action across multiple countries, authorities arrested 1,209 cybercriminals, dismantled 11,432 malicious infrastructures, and recovered $97.4 million.

Binance, as part of the Cybercrime Atlas Initiative, contributed threat intelligence, OSINT mapping, and investigative support.

This operation took down everything from ransomware networks to a $300 million crypto scam in Zambia that victimised 65,000 people. It also exposed illegal crypto mining operations in Angola, where seized power stations were redirected to benefit communities.

Most recently, Binance supported Operation Catalyst, a landmark public-private initiative led by INTERPOL and AFRIPOL across six African countries, which include Angola, Cameroon, Kenya, Namibia, Nigeria, and South Sudan. In this crackdown, Binance contributed strategic threat intelligence and investigative support, helping identify over 160 persons of interest and facilitating 83 arrests.

Additionally, the arrests included 21 individuals for terrorism-related offences, 28 for fraud and money laundering, 16 for cyber-enabled scams, and 18 connected to the misuse of virtual assets – leading to the discovery of approximately $ 260 million in fiat and cryptocurrency assets connected to terrorism financing.

This kind of public-private cooperation is exactly what Africa needs. Criminals don’t respect borders, so OSINT tools that trace cross-jurisdictional networks, from Côte d’Ivoire to Germany, make investigations sharper and more actionable. Sharing that data with law enforcement amplifies the effectiveness of every operation.

Security is as critical as compliance. Binance combines cold storage, multi-signature wallets, and the SAFU emergency fund, which are all backed by independent certifications like ISO 27001. These tools protect user funds and data, ensuring even as attack tactics evolve. In markets where mobile is king and financial fraud is a daily worry, these defences are essential.

Africa’s opportunity lies in balancing inclusion with integrity. With hundreds of millions still unbanked, crypto offers a powerful pathway to financial access. Overly strict controls, however, risk excluding those users. That’s why innovations like decentralised identity and zero-knowledge proofs, which allow user verification without compromising privacy, are essential.

Equally important is leadership, even in markets where regulation is still evolving. Binance supports self-regulation, participation in industry associations, and proactive engagement with authorities across African jurisdictions. We view compliance not as a hurdle, but as a catalyst for growth and trust.

The evidence is clear: digital assets in Africa can only flourish on a foundation of trust and credibility. By combining world-class AML and cybersecurity standards with regional sensitivity, exchanges become trusted bridges, not risk vectors. The stakes are high, but the potential is transformative.

At Binance, we don’t see compliance as a burden; we see it as a responsibility, one that helps unlock a safer, more inclusive financial future across Africa.

The presidents of Cameroon and Ivory Coast, 92 and 83 respectively, are each seeking to extend decades of rule, reflecting a trend across Africa where some of the world’s oldest leaders govern its youngest populations, often leading to demands for change and accountability from “Gen Z” youth.

Below are facts and figures about some of the continent’s oldest heads of state.

Paul Biya – Cameroon (aged 92)

Biya has ruled since 1982, making him the world’s oldest serving head of state who is not a monarch. His tenure has been marked by centralised governance and constitutional changes to extend his stay. Biya could be declared the winner of the October 12 presidential election, though opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma has declared victory, warning of potential chaos in the nation of 30 million, where the median age is 19.

Jean-Lucien Savi de Tové – Togo (86)

Savi de Tové assumed office last May under a constitutional shift to a parliamentary system, becoming Togo’s oldest president. The shift allowed former president Faure Gnassingbe to continue to lead the government, extending an unbroken dynastic tenure that began when his late father, Gnassingbé Eyadéma, came to power in 1967 after a coup. Phosphate-producing Togo has nearly 10 million people with a median age of 19.9 years.

Peter Mutharika – Malawi (85)

Mutharika returned to power in October 2025 after a dramatic political comeback. Malawi, a nation of 22.2 million with a median age of 18.8 years, is grappling with poverty and climate challenges, and calls have grown for economic revival and governance reforms.

Alassane Ouattara – Ivory Coast (83)

Ouattara has led Ivory Coast since 2010, steering post-conflict recovery and economic growth. His controversial bid for a fourth term in the October 25 election has been preceded by protest bans and arrests and exclusions of opposition figures. Ivory Coast has a population of 33 million, with a median age of 18.3.

Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo – Equatorial Guinea (83)

Obiang has ruled since 1979, making him the world’s longest-serving president. He has presided over an oil boom, which has now peaked, and has been accused of corruption and rights abuses, allegations he denies. As oil revenues decline, Equatorial Guinea’s economy is shrinking. The median age of its nearly 2 million people is 22.

Emmerson Mnangagwa – Zimbabwe (83)

Mnangagwa took power in 2017 after Robert Mugabe was ousted. He has presided over economic turmoil, hyperinflation and allegations of repression, which he denies. A push by his allies for a third term – beyond constitutional limits – has sparked protests in the nation of 17 million, with a median age of 18.

Denis Sassou Nguesso – Republic of Congo (81)

Sassou Nguesso has dominated Congolese politics since 1979, apart from a period of civil war from 1992-97. His rule has been marked by constitutional changes and allegations of electoral fraud, which he denies. The oil-and-gas-producing nation has 6.5 million people, with a median age of 19.5.

Yoweri Museveni – Uganda (81)

Museveni has ruled Uganda since 1986, initially bringing stability but later becoming synonymous with authoritarianism and crackdowns on the opposition. Uganda’s population is around 51 million, with a median age of just 17.

Joseph Boakai – Liberia (80)

Boakai became president of Liberia, a nation recovering from civil wars, in January 2024 after defeating ex-footballer and incumbent George Weah. Liberia has a population of 5.7 million, with a median age of 19.2.

Abdelmadjid Tebboune – Algeria (79)

Tebboune has led Algeria since 2019, focusing on fighting corruption and diversifying the economy beyond oil and gas. Critics accuse him of failing to deliver democratic renewal to open up power beyond a tightly-knit elite. Algeria’s 47 million people have a median age of 29.

Ismail Omar Guelleh – Djibouti (77)

Guelleh has led Djibouti’s 1 million people since 1999, exploiting its strategic location to attract foreign military bases and investment. Despite economic gains, his government has been criticised for a lack of political freedom. The median age is 26.

Bola Tinubu – Nigeria (73)

Tinubu became Nigeria’s president in May 2023, pledging economic reforms and anti-corruption measures. Inflation and insecurity bedevil Africa’s most populous country, where the median age of the 234 million people is just 18.

The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has called for prosecutorial accountability in the controversial case involving the acquittal of former State House staff, Joram Itungo, who had been accused of conspiring to murder foreign investor Carlos Patricio Cohen.

In a statement dated October 24, 2025, ULS said that while the allegations in the case were grave, the acquittal by the Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court was a lawful outcome based on the evidence before court.

ULS cautioned against treating the acquittal as a miscarriage of justice, saying it instead reflected the judicial system functioning as it should.

‘An acquittal after a full and fair trial is not a failure of justice, but its fulfillment,’ said Mr Anthony Asiimwe, Vice President of the Uganda Law Society.

The statement comes in the wake of President Museveni’s October 3 letter to Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo, in which he questioned how Itungo was granted bail and later acquitted.

The president requested the Chief Justice to review the case, sparking criticism from legal experts who described the letter as ‘unconstitutional interference in judicial independence.’

ULS’s latest statement appears to reinforce those concerns, focusing instead on the failures within the prosecution and investigation that led to the unsuccessful case.

According to ULS, a careful reading of the judgment in Criminal Case No 978 of 2024 showed that the prosecution failed to establish a core element of conspiracy the existence of an agreement between the alleged conspirators.

‘The alleged co-conspirator refused the alleged proposal and was never charged, confirming the absence of a meeting of the minds. Call-data records failed to establish any communication between the accused and the alleged accomplice,’ the statement reads in part.

In their statement ULS states that such shortcomings revealed fundamental flaws in the prosecution’s approach, calling the acquittal legally inevitable.

ULS further condemned what it described as a pattern of negligence and abuse within the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), accusing some officers of sanctioning fundamentally flawed and malicious cases without adequate oversight.

‘Public concern should therefore focus on the investigative and prosecutorial lapses that preceded the judgment. The President’s focus should be on addressing prosecutorial misconduct, rather than questioning the magistrate’s ruling,’ the statement emphasized.

To address systemic failures, ULS urged the government to launch an independent Commission of Inquiry under the Commissions of Inquiry Act to investigate what it called ‘entrenched patterns of prosecutorial abuse and overreach.’

‘The ODPP and Uganda Police Force must conduct an internal review of the decision-making process that led to the prosecution of this case despite the absence of a core legal ingredient,’ the statement said.

ULS also warned government officials against issuing directives that could be construed as attempts to influence court outcomes, reiterating that the Constitution protects the Judiciary from external control.

‘The ODPP should strengthen its internal policy to ensure that criminal charges are only sanctioned when supported by sufficient, admissible, and credible evidence,’ Mr Asiimwe stated.

The Chief Magistrate Ronald Kayizzi of the Buganda Road Court acquitted Mr Itungo on August 18, 2025, after finding no evidence to prove the charge of conspiracy to murder Mr Cohen.

According to the judgment, the prosecution alleged that Mr Itungo conspired with a security guard, Abraham Eramu, to kill the Portuguese investor in exchange for a Shs36 million reward.

However, Magistrate Kayizzi ruled that there was no proof of an agreement between the two men, which is the essential ingredient in a conspiracy case.

‘The essence of criminal conspiracy is proof of agreement,’ the magistrate noted. ‘For the court to rule that there was an agreement in cases of conspiracy, the conspirators must have agreed to carry out an illegal act. The minds of the conspirators must have met.’

The court found that Mr Eramu had rejected the alleged proposal and that there was no communication between the two men.

‘The call data records exhibited by the prosecution show no single communication between the accused (Itungo) and Eramu Abraham on both of the accused’s numbers,’ the magistrate ruled.

On that basis, the court held that the prosecution had failed to establish the key elements of the offence, and acquitted Mr Itungo of all charges.

Following the bank’s announcement last year to exit its retail operations in smaller African markets, Standard Chartered Bank Uganda has now signed an agreement to transfer its Wealth and Retail Banking business to Absa Bank Uganda.

The transaction – which is still subject to regulatory approval – will see all Standard Chartered’s retail clients and employees move to Absa once the handover is complete. The decision aligns with the bank’s global strategy to focus on corporate and investment banking, while scaling down in markets where retail margins remain thin.

According to industry analysts, the divestment signals a growing trend among global banks to narrow their presence in markets where margins in personal banking remain thin.

‘I think that’s a reevaluation that some markets are small and their costs, especially for serving certain segments, are high. Twenty-six banks for a market like Uganda is high, ‘Fred Muhumuza an economic analyst, told this publication.

This could also be attributed to retail banking becoming expensive to maintain for multinational players that have to compete with aggressive local banks and fintechs.

Absa Bank Uganda, a subsidiary of South Africa’s Absa Group, will take over the entire portfolio of accounts, loans and wealth-management clients once the transfer is cleared. The bank said the acquisition will strengthen its retail and wealth business and enhance its position in Uganda’s consumer banking market.

‘This acquisition is a significant milestone in our journey to become a market leader in providing innovative, customer-centric financial solutions,’ said Mr David Wandera, Managing Director of Absa Bank Uganda. ‘It represents an opportunity to welcome new customers and colleagues into the Absa family while reaffirming our long-term commitment to Uganda’s economic development.’

Mr Charles Russon, Absa Group Executive for Africa Regions, said the deal supports Absa’s broader Pan-African growth ambitions.

‘It will enable Absa Uganda to broaden its retail and wealth management offerings and deliver increased convenience and value to our customers,’ he said.

For Standard Chartered, the sale represents a strategic pivot towards its core strengths. The bank’s Corporate and Investment Banking arm – which serves large local and multinational companies – will remain unaffected.

‘This agreement marks a pivotal moment in executing our global strategy, focusing on areas where we are most differentiated and can create the greatest impact,’ said Mr Sanjay Rughani, CEO and Managing Director of Standard Chartered Uganda.

‘We remain fully committed to Uganda, and our Corporate and Investment Banking clients will continue to receive the high-quality service, trusted partnership and innovative solutions they expect from Standard Chartered.’

The lender’s regional CEO, Mr Kariuki Ngari, described the sale as ‘an important milestone’ as the bank continues to accelerate income growth and returns by doubling down on its affluent and cross-border strategy.

Industry analysts say the divestment signals a broader shift by international banks to narrow their focus in markets where retail banking remains costly and low-margin. ‘Retail banking has become expensive to maintain for multinational players that have to compete with aggressive local banks and fintechs,’ said a Kampala-based banking consultant.

For Absa, the deal presents an opportunity to expand its customer base, strengthen its balance sheet, and absorb an experienced team of bankers accustomed to handling high-end clients. If approved, it could make Absa one of the largest retail players in Uganda by customer base – part of an ongoing consolidation in a sector where 25 banks are competing for a limited market.

Standard Chartered’s exit from retail banking in Uganda follows a century-long presence in the market, during which it built a reputation for serving high-net-worth clients and corporate customers. Its decision to transfer the retail arm to Absa underscores how global lenders are rethinking their footprint on the continent amid rising operational costs and shifting consumer behaviour.

Both banks have pledged a smooth transition for customers, who will continue to access their funds and services until the handover is finalised.

Security was heightened in Kampala on October 23as the Electoral Commission (EC) concluded the two-day nomination process for parliamentary candidates, with more than 1,000 aspirants cleared to contest in the 2026 General Election.

The EC has set November 10 as the official date for the commencement of campaigns for both MPs and all local government elective positions. Campaigns end on January 12 ahead of the January 15 national polls.

At least six roadblocks were mounted on all routes leading to the EC’s Kampala regional offices in Kyambogo, with police officers inspecting every vehicle and searching pedestrian approaching the nomination venue. From Ntinda traffic lights towards Kyambogo Road, three major checkpoints were set up, and only vehicles with official EC stickers were granted access. Others were diverted to alternative routes, including Kiwatule Road.

Pedestrians using those routes were also subjected to screening before being allowed into the premises, with access limited to cleared aspirants, their escorts, observers, journalists, and EC officials. The officials said, the nomination exercise that started on Wednesday and ended on Thursday evening was conducted smoothly, with over 80 aspirants successfully nominated to contest for 10 parliamentary seats across Kampala’s five divisions: Makindye, Rubaga, Nakawa, Kawempe, and Central.

The constituencies include Makindye East, Makindye West, Rubaga South, Rubaga North, Nakawa East, Nakawa West, Kawempe South, Kawempe North, Kampala Central, and the Kampala Woman MP seat.

Candidates in focus

Among the notable candidates nominated in Kampala was Ms Faridah Nambi, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) flagbearer for Kawempe North Division.

Ms Nambi, who will face incumbent MP Erias Luyimbazi Nalukoola, pledged to prioritise improving healthcare and education in Kawempe, saying the area has no seed secondary school or a functional health centre. Mr Nalukoola cautioned security agencies against intimidating Opposition candidates, saying participation in politics is a constitutional right for every Ugandan.

Makindye battles heat up

In Makindye West, the race has intensified after NUP denied a party ticket to incumbent MP Allan Ssewanyana, opting for Ms Zahara Luyirika, the former speaker of Kampala City. Ms Luyirika said her leadership experience would help her champion human rights and proper representation for all constituents, especially women and youth. Mr Ssewanyana, now running as an independent, said he was seeking a second term to provide ‘genuine representation,’ adding that his time in prison had strengthened his resolve to serve his community.

Former NUP Institutions head Mr David Musiri, who joined the Democratic Front after being denied the NUP ticket, was also nominated. Mr Musiri said he would introduce a progressive tax Bill to ease the burden on small businesses and push for the long-awaited Copyright Bill and Minimum Wage legislation.

Nakawa contests attract attention

The Leader of Opposition in Parliament, Mr Joel Ssenyonyi, was also nominated to contest again for the Nakawa West seat. Speaking after his nomination, Mr Ssenyonyi said his work as MP goes beyond legislation and oversight since he often steps in to address community challenges. The former Nakawa Division Deputy RCC, Mr Anderson Burora, was also cleared to challenge Mr Ssenyonyi.

In Nakawa East, NUP Deputy Spokesperson Waiswa Mufumbiro was nominated in absentia. His nomination was presented by incumbent MP, Mr Ronald Balimwezo, who is contesting for the Kampala Lord Mayor seat. Former Attorney General Fredrick Ruhindi, who served in the NRM government between 2006 and 2016, was also nominated for the same seat. Mr Ruhindi said he was determined to restore Nakawa East’s ‘lost glory’ by improving public services and tackling poverty.

For the Kampala Woman MP race, Ms Shamimu Nanfuna, who was denied the NRM ticket, was nominated as an independent candidate.

She said her goal is to promote a capital city of equal opportunities for youth, women, and traders, pledging to lobby for interest-free loans and decent workspaces.

Journalist joins the race

Entertainment TV personality Miles Rwamiti was also nominated to challenge Mr Joel Ssenyonyi in Nakawa West on the Common Man’s Party (CMP) ticket.

Mr Rwamiti, who previously ran for the Hoima East seat, was escorted by CMP leader Mubarak Munyagwa, who expressed confidence that Mr Rwamiti could unseat Mr Ssenyonyi. ‘Historically, leaders of Opposition rarely retain their seats,’ Mr Munyagwa said, citing past examples. Mr Rwamiti said he was confident of victory because he has lived and worked in Nakawa for years and understands its challenges. CMP officials revealed that the party has fielded 25 candidates in Kamuli District alone and eight in Kampala, positioning itself as a new voice for the ‘common man.’

Rubaga candidates

In the Rubaga Division, candidates have intensified their campaigns with promises of inclusive growth and community development. In Rubaga North, former MP Singh Katongole expressed concern about alleged stagnation in infrastructure, health, and education during his absence from leadership. In Rubaga South, the NRM candidate, Mr Musa Mbaziira, pledged to empower households and small businesses by lobbying for programmes that ‘put money in people’s pockets.’

Addressing supporters at Busega roundabout, Mr Mbaziira said he has already been paying school fees for over 3,000 children, constructing a low-cost hospital in Kitebi, and supporting women through his Grameen organisation.

‘I have been serving you even before joining Parliament. Trust me with your votes, and we shall share the benefits of my leadership,’ Mr Mbaziira said, urging voters to reject politicians who make empty promises. The incumbent MP for Rubaga South, Mr Abubaker Kawalya of the NUP, expressed optimism about retaining his seat, citing achievements made in his first term.

Focus on Wakiso

As nominations concluded in Wakiso District, aspirants shared a common message: it is time to revitalise the district and address its long-standing challenges.

Despite being Uganda’s most populous district and part of the Kampala Metropolitan Area, Wakiso residents feel neglected by policymakers. Aspirants have pledged to push for city status and equitable development.

Mr Mathias Walukaga, aspiring MP for Busiro East, said, ‘Wakiso deserves better. We will work tirelessly to ensure our district gets the attention it deserves.’

The incumbent Kyadondo East MP, Mr Nkunnyinji Muwada, vowed to prioritise infrastructure, healthcare, and compensation for victims of the Kitezi landfill disaster. The NRM candidate, Mr Moses Mayanja, vying for Busiro North, said he will focus on monitoring the implementation of the NRM manifesto, improving healthcare, and ensuring staff housing in all government health facilities.

In Busiro South, Mr Galabuzi Mpologoma promised to tackle teenage pregnancies and HIV/Aids, especially in island areas, while Ms Lillian Lovinsa Ndagire of the Democratic Party pledged to empower LC1 chairpersons to address rampant land disputes. By the close of nominations, over 80 candidates had been cleared to contest for parliamentary seats across Wakiso’s seven constituencies: Nansana Municipality, Entebbe Municipality, Makindye Ssabagabo, Busiro East, Kyadondo East, Busiro North, and Busiro South.

Wakiso District Presiding Officer Tolbert Musinguzi cautioned candidates against early campaigns, warning that any violations of the electoral roadmap would attract legal action.

Court in Mubende District on Friday remanded Peter Kyagera, the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) party flag bearer for Kassambya Constituency, to Kaweeri Government Prison until November 13, 2025, over allegations of forgery and uttering false documents.

Kyagera, 36, appeared before Acting Chief Magistrate Paul Kedi at the Grade I Magistrate’s Chambers, where he vehemently denied both counts – forgery contrary to Section 319 of the Penal Code Act, Cap 128, and uttering false documents under Sections 324 and 328.

Prosecutors allege that on October 23, 2025, during his nomination at the Electoral Commission offices in Mubende, Kyagera submitted a forged Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) receipt purporting to confirm payment of Shs3 million in nomination fees.

Verification revealed that the receipt bore a number identical to that previously issued to his rival, David Kabanda.

The Mubende District Returning Officer, Ferdinand Tumwesigye, recounted that Kyagera initially claimed to have paid in cash at the commission, which is prohibited as all payments must go through the banking system.

‘When pressed further, he altered his explanation, alleging that the transaction had instead been made at his party’s headquarters. It was at that point that we alerted police, who immediately effected his arrest,’ Tumwesigye said.

The Wamala Regional Police Spokesperson confirmed that Kyagera was arrested around 4pm on the same day at the Mubende Electoral Commission offices.

Preliminary inquiries indicated that the counterfeit payment receipt was promptly discredited by the Commission’s verification system. Police recovered the document as an exhibit.

Following his detention at Mubende Central Police Station, Kyagera was remanded to Kaweeri Government Prison, where he will remain until the next court mention.

The Electoral Commission is awaiting guidance from its headquarters before proceeding with the nomination process.

The case draws attention to the enforcement of electoral regulations and verification of nomination documents in Mubende District ahead of the 2026 General Elections.

Philosophical literature and reference sources such as Wikipedia both characterise, intellectualism as the belief in and commitment to the use of reason, critical thinking, and knowledge as the primary tools of engagement for understanding society and deriving solutions to its problems.

This characterisation portrays intellectualism as valuing and promoting the careful and reflective examination of ideas and assumptions, commitment to learning, and the evocation of our inner world of human thought, which begets our capacity to think, reflect, and make objective judgments.

Integral to this notion is the concept of intellectual humility – the soft strength, the gentle force that makes us recognise that our knowledge, however vast, has boundaries and remains limited. Even as intellectuals, acknowledging the limits of our understanding and remaining open to learning from others should not be construed as a weakness, but as a strength that may well mark the very beginning of our growth toward true wisdom, which is more than just intelligence or knowledge.

True wisdom beckons us to listen – not with the urgency to reply, but with the patience and intention to understand. It requires us to lower the noise of ego and raise the tempo of empathy, as we listen with both our hearts and minds to receive not just the words, but the message behind the words.

In such a sacred space, dialogue becomes a bridge where ideas are not only communicated but meticulously examined, and not a battleground where egos clash.

In today’s polarised and fast-changing world, humility is increasingly seen by liberal thinkers as a vital trait for fostering meaningful dialogue that can yield global harmony. Intellectualism and intellectual humility are therefore urgently needed in today’s socio-political discussion, and yet they are both under significant suppression.

While public debates in Uganda and globally often showcase sharp intellect and passionate argument, they frequently lack the necessary humility for constructive dialogue that lays the foundation for genuine nation building. The suppression of intellectualism and intellectual humility among intellectuals is often driven by ideological rigidity and polarised socio-political space in a competitive ecosystem.

Uganda, like many nations, teems with brilliant minds and fervent voices, yet amid the noise, what often goes missing is the quiet courage of intellectual humility: the grace to acknowledge that our convictions, however deeply held, are not immune to challenge under critical scrutiny; the discipline to listen not to reply, but to understand; and the wisdom to reflect and revise our views when reason demands it.

References like ‘Does intellectual capital matter?: The Case of Uganda’ by Oweyaga Afunaduula talk of a crisis of ego in public debate. Uganda’s intellectual tradition, once a cornerstone of national identity and policy, now stands at a crossroads.

From the post-independence thinkers who shaped our early vision to today’s civil society leaders, public intellectuals have long played a vital role in guiding discourse. But recent critiques, warn of a troubling decline, and it is palpable. The airwaves are increasingly dominated by what some call ‘intellectually modified frauds’, figures more invested in scoring points than creating solutions.

This is not just a Ugandan dilemma. Across the globe today, there is conspicuous evidence suggesting that thoughtful voices are progressively drown out by populism and partisanship. Intellectualism without humility breeds elitism.

Humility without intellect slips into passivity. For Uganda and the world to flourish, we must cultivate both. Let us nurture a culture where sharp minds meet open hearts, where dialogue is not a contest of egos but a crucible for progress.

Declining parenting norms in the community have been blamed on absent fathers as Makerere University trains nearly 200 parenting experts to intervene.

The commissioner of Gender and Women Affairs at the Ministry of Gender, Labor and Social Development, Ms Angella Nakafero, said parents have left parenting to strangers instead of taking their responsibilities serious.

‘We need fathers back in the families. Positive parenting, shared roles and responsibility is very important. When the two of us work together, we can bring up better children, ‘ Ms Nakafero stated.

‘When the family is weak, Uganda will definitely be weak. So, the fathers, please let’s carry that message. We are aware that in Uganda, the majority of families are under polygamy, but if you decide to be a polygamist, be prepared to deliver on your roles and responsibilities. It’s a choice you made’, Ms Nakafero Emphasized.

She was speaking at a graduation ceremony of parenting experts, which the Makerere University held to design parenting interventions to help the community improve parenting, and regulate the conduct or behaviour of the children in the community.

Dr Godfrey Siu, senior lecturer and course leader and course leader at the University, described the training as a timely intervention which must continue to be supported if the country is to address the emerging new challenges facing the children in the country.

‘We have trained professionals who have the skills, able to design programmes to better mental health problems for children and for their families, able to design programmes that address gender based violence and violence against children’, Dr Siu said.

She further said: ‘We are trying to reduce the prevalence of harsh discipline as a way of correcting children, so all these are skills that have been imparted to our participants.’

He said the program code-named Science of Designing Evidence-Based Parenting Interventions started way back, and it’s aimed at supporting the government to improve investment in the area of parenting and child wellbeing, especially to address the challenges that the government identified, which is the absence of skilled professionals who have a specific quality that is required to support the development of good parenting programs.

The Deputy Principal at the Makerere College of Health Sciences, Dr Richard Idro, asked the government to have a parenting expert at every parish to ensure that the children’s morals march with the expected moral values of the country.

The deputy Mufti at the Uganda Supreme Muslim Council, Sheikh Muhammad Ali Waiswa, asked the government to prioritize and address issues affecting children by integrating initiatives such as evidence-based parenting interventions to support the government’s efforts to protect children.