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Tendo Mukalazi and Jonathan Kaweesa stood out on a weekend where 19 age group meet records were broken at the Dolphins Fast and Furious Gala.

The gala was held last weekend at Kampala Parents School and the aforementioned male swimmers ensured that every time they dived into the pool, they brought down a record in their respective 15 and Over and the 13-14 years age groups. Each record earned one Shs150,000 – a first in domestic swimming.

Aqua Akii’s Mukalazi brought the 100m IM home in under a minute (59.28) to sink longterm club and national teammate Atuhaire Ambala’s 1:01.77. He also drowned Adnan Kabuye’s 50m backstroke 28.76 to 27.62.

With 50m fly holder 27.49 Ampaire Namanya in the pool too, Mukalazi raised levels to 25.83. Then saved the best for last clocking a 23.26 to sink Ambala’s 24.86 in the 50m free, where he led the 15 and Over grid by nearly a body’s length from dive to finish.

“I came out to play team as my club does not have many big guys, but it was all good,” Mukalazi, who was level on 80 points in the end with Dolphins’ Pendo Kaumi, said as he was crowned best male swimmer in the 15 and Over age group as this competition prioritizes medals over points.

“The pool was clean and clear but there were some waves too. Maybe I could have gone faster,” Mukalazi, who skipped the 50m breaststroke which was won by Dolphins’ Ian Aziku, continued.

Peyton Suubi was also dominant among the 15 and over girls winning all five races to amass the maximum 100 points but the 100m IM, 50m breaststroke, and 50m free records eluded her by microseconds. The Jaguar jewel, however, broke the 50m backstroke one, previously held by Daaya Yalonda Mpeera, by three microseconds to 33.64 and 50m fly one, previously held by Charlotte Sanford at 30.75, to 30.36.

13-14 years

Meanwhile, Kaweesa smashed the 100m IM record by four seconds to 1:04.00. He also lowered the 50m breaststroke to 33.42 from 34.24, then 50m back to 29.52 from 30.44, 50m fly to 27.32 from 29.26, and 50m free to 25.86 from 26.39 to top the 13-14 boys and also collect the total 100 points.

Jaguar’s Zara Mbanga topped the 100m IM, 50m breaststroke, and 50m back to top the 13-14 girls. Gliders’ Tyrah Muganzi topped the 50m fly comfortably and the 50m free (swimming from the outer lane).

Both girls had no meet record but the age group still entertained especially in the 50m free which uncharacteristically saw two ties in the top five. Mackayla Ssali came second while her Dolphins’ teammates Crystal Ssemanda and Theresa Kikambi were tied in third. Mbanga and Ozprey’s Gabriella Opolot were tied in 5th while Abigail Mwagale, of Altona, also returned to racing.

“I am taking it one race at a time and hope to get back to my best,” Mwagale, who also missed the Uganda Aquatic National Championships in July, said.

11-12

Otters’ Nisha Pearl Najjuma won three gold medals (100m IM, 50m back, and 50m breaststroke) and amassed 87 points to top the 11-12 girls’ age group. Aquatic Academy’s Mushira Nabatanzi (50m fly) and Dolphins’ Jinan Nakato (50m free with a meet record of 29.14) got the other two gold medals.

Torpedoes Elijah Ayesiga and Kristian Bwisho renewed rivalries in the boys’ category. Ayesiga won the 100m IM and 50m fly (with a meet record 30.76) then Bwisho topped the 50m breaststroke, 50m back, and 50m free (with a meet record 28.31) to win the age group and record 94 points.

9-10 years

In the 9-10 girls, Sailfish’s Audrey Nyonyintono (50m free and 50m fly) and Aya Adams (100m IM and 50m back) took home two gold medals each. Denorah Natabi won the 50m breaststroke.

While Nyonyintono broke a 50m free meet record (32.09), accumulated 87 points and was followed by teammate Natabi on 82, Aqua Akii’s Adams was named group winner as she had two silver medals compared to Nyonyintono’s one silver in 100m IM.

For the boys, Jaguar’s Ashley Kimuli won the 100m IM and the 50m back to top the age group, where he also amassed 79 points. Silverfin’s Arnold Munaka won the 50m breaststroke while Dolphins’ Maynard Mukisa and Aqua Akii’s Tzion Tamale took the 50m fly and 50m free respectively but none of the boys got a meet record.

6-8 years

Altona’s Elisha Rukundo with 92 points three gold medals in 100m IM (1:32.33), 25m free (16.14), and 25 fly (17.98) was the best swimmer in the 6-8 boys category. The first two came with meet records sinking those held by Ethani Ssengooba and David Sine.

In the 6-8 girls’ category, Abigail Keza Muttamba accumulated 97 points and four gold medals, ceding only the 25m free to Sailfish teammate Alma Kirabo. Muttamba’s 25m back triumph came with a 19.33 meet record.

“Seeing that nearly 20 records have been broken this weekend, we believe that the cash has motivated the swimmers to focus on chasing time. I am sure next year we will see even better,” meet director and Dolphins coach Tonnie Kasujja, said after the gala that attracted 810 swimmers.

DOLPHINS FAST AND FURIOUS

NEW MEET RECORDS PER AGE GROUP

6-8 Years

Girls

25m back: Abigail Muttamba (Sailfish) – 19.33

Boys

Elisha Rukundo (Altona): 100m IM (1:32.33), 25m free (16.14)

25m back: Mathew Tendo Ssaka (Silverfin) – 19.13

9-10

Girls

50m free: Audrey Nyonyintono (Sailfish) – 32.09

11-12

Girls

50m free: Jinan Nakato (Dolphins) – 29.14

Boys

50m fly: Elijah Ayesiga (Torpedoes) – 30.76

50m free: Kristian Bwisho (Silverfin) – 28.31

13-14

Boys

Jonathan Kaweesa (Torpedoes): 100m IM (1:04.00), 50m breaststroke (33.42), 50m back (29.52), 50m fly (27.32), 50m free (25.86)

15 and Over

Girls

Peyton Suubi (Jaguar): 50m back (33.64), 50m fly (30.36)

Tendo Mukalazi (Aqua Akii): 100m IM (59.28), 50m back (27.62), 50m fly (25.83), 50m free (23.26)

Police have arrested local musician Patrick Mulwana alias Alien Skin, on allegations connected to the death of Wilfred Namuwaya, alias Top Dancer, a former member of his Fangone Forest crew.

Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Patrick Onyango confirmed the arrest, saying Mulwana reported himself to the director of crime intelligence and was later taken to Katwe police station for statement recording.

“Alien Skin, whose real name is Patrick Mulwana, has been arrested today, October 1, 2025, in connection with the death of Wilfred Namuwaya, alias Top Dancer,” Onyango said. “He is currently at Katwe police where his statement is being recorded.”

According to detectives, Namuwaya’s decision to quit the group had angered its leader, Alien Skin. Before his death, Namuwaya reportedly told investigators that he was abducted and tortured on Alien Skin’s orders.

“They picked me up at my home, claiming that I stole something, and took me back,” Namuwaya recounted before his death. “When they reached there, I was beaten, kicked by several people on orders of Alien, saying; Why did I leave the group?”

A doctor at Ayaan Life Care Medical Center, who requested anonymity, said Namuwaya was brought in the night and abandoned outside with severe internal bleeding beyond their capacity.

“We tried to save him throughout the night before referring him to Mulago Hospital, but he was pronounced dead on arrival,” the doctor said.

Police are hunting for other suspects, including Commander Mdogo, Ibra Kabadiya, and Mijagulo, in connection with the fatal assault.

“The group severely beat Namuwaya and later dumped him at a clinic,” Onyango said. “We are pursuing all those involved.”

Mr David Byamugisha, a neighbor to the deceased, said Namuwaya had worked for Alien Skin for two years before leaving.

“Before he died, he appeared in a video which was trending online where Alien Skin’s men covered his eyes as he (Alien Skin) ordered for his beating,” Byamugisha said. “He was later thrown out in a bad condition.”

Police records link Alien Skin and his group to a string of violent incidents.

In a previous incident, the crew stormed Nsambya Hospital after a colleague was injured in a car accident, demanding medical forms from doctors.

When their demands were denied, they assaulted a doctor and two security guards, leaving three people seriously injured. Alien Skin was later arrested and remanded to Luzira Prison for several weeks before securing bail.

The National Unity Platform (NUP) has removed the privilege to carry the party flag from some of its key leaders, citing lack of loyalty and underperformance, among other reasons. The power to assess and qualify aspirants to carry the party flag was vested in the Elections Management Committee (EMC), which released the list on Monday night.

Some of the notable names denied the honour include Busiro East MP Medard Sseggona, who was replaced by Mr Mathias Walukagga, a folk musician-turned politician; Mr Allan Ssewanyana of Makindye West, who was replaced by the KCCA speaker Zahara Maala Luyirika; and Derrick Nyeko of Makindye East, replaced by Ali Nganda Mulyanyama. The others are Mityana District Woman MP Joyce Bagala, replaced by Proscovia Nabbosa; Rubaga South MP Aloysius Mukasa, replaced by Nassolo Euginia; Wakayima Musoke of Nansana Municipality, replaced by Zambaali Bulasiyo Mukasa, a former journalist.

The party electoral committee overseer, Ms Harriet Chemutai, said their selection of the successful candidates was executed by an eight-member team, with five EMC members based at NUP party headquarters at Kavule in Kampala, and assisted by three commissioners in the sub-regions of Eastern, Northern, and Western Uganda.

‘We were looking for people’s support on the ground and how well they know the party as well as being loyal to what the party believes in,’ Ms Chemutai said.

Ms Chemutai said the aspirants were scored at 60 percent for ground strength, and 40 percent for credentials, including level of education, knowledge of the party, and loyalty to its ideals. Mr Jumah Magatto, the NUP general secretary for Mpigi, said the EMC prioritised candidates who can effectively mobilise the electorate and ensure the party wins the forthcoming general election. Apart from Muwanga Kivumbi, who is the party deputy president in charge of Buganda, and Mukono Municipality MP Betty Nambooze, the other leaders who joined from the DP bloc in 2020 have since been relegated or had the party flag withdrawn from them, even when they are incumbents in their constituencies.

Some analysts have cited their sympathy and leaning towards some of their former DP bloc parliamentary ranks who have since left. The quitters included Mr Mathias Mpuuga, the former NUP party deputy president in charge of Buganda, who left the party and subsequently formed his own political outfit, the Democratic Alliance, before it morphed into Democratic Front (DF). Many other leaders who were close to Mr Mpuuga were torn between moving with the embattled leader or staying a little longer in NUP.

Mr Ssegona, Ssewanyana, and Joyce Bagala, the Mityana District Woman MP, decided to stay in the party and mend fences, but their reception at the party headquarters has always been cold. It was, therefore, not surprising that none of them was given the nod to carry the party flag for the 2026 election despite the experience some of them have amassed.

Ssewanyana, who was denied an NUP ticket to contest for the second term under an NUP ticket, has vowed to run as an Independent in the 2026 elections. He said he did what was required of him to be the best NUP choice but wondered why he was not selected. Mr Ssewanyana said his major enemy is President Museveni, not the Opposition and that he was duty-bound to end the suffering of his electorate from land grabbing, poor education, and unemployment.

‘I once contested as an Independent and they elected me, and the people still have trust in me. I thought I could not contest again, but people have been asking me to and I have to respect their request that I come back because they see able leadership in me,’ he said.

‘We have offered ourselves so much for our party. That is why we endured two years of prison with [Muhammed] Ssegirinya. I have supported the activities of the party, especially in my area. We have registered new members, and we have carried out the core values of the party,” he added.

In June 2021, Mr Ssewanyana, together with the late Ssegirinya, was arrested and detained for nearly two years over accusations of links with the machete-wielding gangs that sprang up in the Greater Masaka sub-region. The duo was charged with murder.

Ms Luyirika, who was preferred over Ssewanyana, said her first major intention was to contest for Makindye West MP before shifting to Kampala Woman MP, but due to chaos, she decided to go back to the Makindye West seat.

‘All my heart was for the people of Makindye West. I have been their leader since my youth. I had submitted my papers to contest for Kampala Woman MP, but during the vetting process, I submitted another application for Makindye West that I had earlier desired. Everything was done transparently and democratically,’ Ms Luyirika explained.

For more than five months, Ms Luyirika has been campaigning and running activities as she was determined to replace Ms Shamim Malende on the Kampala Woman MP seat. But sources privy to the selection process said a meeting that involved top religious leaders and party bigwigs were drawn in to iron out the impasse, creating space for Luyirika, who hails from Makindye West, to be chosen over Ssewanyana. Mr Ssegona, who was denied the NUP ticket, will officially announce his next course of action today. Mr Ssegona says he has a legal background.

‘I did what I was supposed to do as a legislator. When the time for contesting came, I submitted my papers, so the reason why I have not been selected is a subject for NUP to answer,’ he said.

The interventions to get Ms Joyce Bagala, the incumbent Mityana Woman MP on the NUP ticket, ended in vain, after failing to respond to calls. Ms Baagala was replaced by Ms Proscovia Mukisa, alias Nabbosa, the former Kawempe North NUP victim of torture. Ms Nabbosa, a holder of a Mass Communication degree from Makerere University, says she was selected by NUP due to her strength on the ground, people’s choice, and loyalty to the party principles despite being one of the torture victims during the Kawempe North by-election.

She was among the 22 NUP supporters who suffered injuries on March 3, 2025, during the Kawempe North by-election when they were assaulted by security personnel. The election was won by Elias Nalukoola, but his victory was later nullified after the NRM candidate, Ms Nambi Faridah Kigongo, petitioned the High Court, citing irregularities.

The trial of 12 environmental activists accused of staging an unlawful demonstration against the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) took a new turn on Wedensday after the defence rejected a prosecution request to introduce a CCTV footage request letter as evidence.

During the hearing before Buganda Road Court, presided over by Grade One Magistrate Winnie Nankya Jatiko, two police officers narrated how the accused were arrested on Nile Avenue in Kampala while allegedly blocking traffic and carrying placards.

Police Constable Delma Oceng testified that while on patrol duty around Yusuf Lule Road and Nile Avenue, he found a group of protesters seated in the middle of the road.

“They were holding banners, others putting on orange t-shirts and reflectors,” Oceng said. “We parked our motorcycles and told the accused to leave the road, but they refused.”

The witness identified the banners bearing inscriptions against the pipeline, which the prosecution sought to tender as exhibits. Defence lawyers objected, but the magistrate overruled them and admitted the banners, ruling that the witness had properly identified the items.

During cross-examination by the defence led by Mr Samuel Wanda, Oceng admitted he did not personally arrest any suspect but only removed placards from the protesters. He named his colleagues as Aturo Rebecca and Commander Alex Bende. Asked whether wearing an orange t-shirt amounted to an offense, Oceng replied, “It depends on where you are.” He further told the court that, in his view, peaceful demonstration also constituted a public nuisance.

Another witness, Detective Ronald Tayebwa, the investigating officer from the CID department at Central Police Station Kampala, testified that he received the protesters after they were brought in by field officers. “They were seated in the middle of the road, their act was inconveniencing other road users,” Tayebwa said. “When I received them, I recovered seven t-shirts, 18 placards, four banners, and two reflectors.”

Tayebwa added that he interviewed two suspects, Akram Katende and Noah Katiti, who admitted to possessing the t-shirts after reading an online call to join the demonstration and deliver petitions to Stanbic Bank and the European Union. It was during his testimony that the prosecution made reference to a letter allegedly requesting CCTV footage, which the defence immediately opposed.

Defence lawyer Wanda told the court, “We do not understand the letter being referred to in court. It was never disclosed to us, and the witness is not even the author. The state has now brought in another request for evidence CCTV footage which was made on September 8, a few days after we had appeared for the first hearing. This is to fabricate evidence we do not have control over.”

The prosecution countered that the accused persons had not denied signing the statements, arguing that the issue raised was about whether the statements were read back to them. However, the trial magistrate directed the state to ensure full disclosure, saying, “In the interest of justice, prosecution should make disclosures to the defence team.”

The case was adjourned to October 16 for continuation of the hearing, with the 12 activists returned to remand.

Background

The activists, including members of the group Students Against EACOP Uganda, were arrested in August during a sit-in protest at Stanbic Bank’s headquarters in Kampala. They demanded that the bank withdraw financing for the $5 billion pipeline project, citing environmental harm, forced evictions, and unfair compensation of affected communities. Police dispersed the protesters with tear gas before arresting a dozen of them. They were remanded to Luzira Prison in the absence of legal representation and charged with unlawful assembly and public nuisance.

The EACOP project, spearheaded by TotalEnergies and CNOOC, has drawn global criticism, with 43 banks and 29 insurers reportedly ruling out support. Activists say Stanbic’s continued participation violates climate and human rights obligations. The case returns on October 16, when the state is expected to have shared all requested disclosures with the defence.

As the countdown to the 2026 General Election intensifies, Uganda’s political landscape is shifting from a battlefield of rallies to the theatre of narratives. The question is no longer just who has the best policies, but who can most effectively articulate them to capture the hearts and minds of the electorate. In the new political arena, I would like us to draw from the unlikely source of the Uganda Law Society presidential election. The surprise victory of the ‘legal rebel’ Isaac Ssemakadde was not a fluke. It was a revelation of precision-targeted strategic communication.

His campaign, built on a defiant, action-oriented mantra of ‘Bang the table!’, did not just promise change; it demonstrated the change. This is an approach that every political party must study for them to be triumphant. Ssemakadde identified a clear market gap: a membership (the electorate) fatigued by the talk and hungry for tangible action. His famous phrase, ‘Bang the table!’ was more than a slogan; it was a strategic positioning statement. It was memorable, actionable, and perfectly encapsulated his brand promise of assertive, uncompromising advocacy. His dress code was one that broke away from the traditional legal attire. His record of public interest litigation provided the credibility that backed his brand up.

As Uganda’s diverse political parties gear up for 2026, applying this strategic lens could be the difference between victory and defeat. The National Resistance Movement (NRM) over the past years has fronted the incumbent, whose strategy has historically been one of stability and continuity, communicated through a vast and structured network, ‘Steady progress.’

The challenge beyond 2026 will move beyond listing past achievements to crafting compelling, forward-looking narratives that resonate with the overwhelming young population. Their communication must strategically address the future opportunities, innovation and stability-making them feel inevitable and secure under the NRM umbrella. ‘Protecting the gains’ is a well thought through slogan to drive the incumbent’s 2026 campaign. The Natonal Unity Platform (NUP), fronting itself as the primary Opposition force, bears a strength in its energetic base and powerful grassroots messaging, ‘Foot Soldier.’

NUP faces a strategic challenge to evolve from a protest movement vote, as depicted in the 2021 General Election to a government in waiting. This transformation requires a disciplined, policy-centric communication strategy that expands its appeal beyond its core supporters. NUP ought to leverage its digital savvy to move from mobilising outrage to inspiring hope with a clear, actionable plan for governance. The Forum for Democratic Cchange, Democratic Party, Peoples Front for Freedom , Alliance for National Transformation, among other parties, are at risk of fading into irrelevance amid the NRM-NUP polarisation. The strategic direction of these parties is to have an established strategic plan to communicate to their niche market.

The 2026 elections will not be won by the party that speaks the loudest but by one that speaks the clearest and most convincing truth to the right people. The party that understands that politics is no longer just about patronage and mobilisation but more about branding, positioning, and strategic communication.

Uganda is set to introduce a new long-acting HIV prevention drug, Lenacapavir, in 2026 under a United States-funded initiative, offering fresh hope in the fight against the epidemic. The twice-yearly injectable drug, developed by US-based Gilead Sciences, has been shown in clinical trials to prevent more than 99 percent of HIV infections among high-risk groups. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Uganda is among the 10 high-burden countries selected to benefit through the US President’s Emergency Plan for Aids Relief (PEPFAR).

In a statement yesterday, the US Embassy in Kampala confirmed that the Ministry of Health, in partnership with the US Government, will roll out the drug next year. Priority will be given to individuals at highest risk of infection, including young women, pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, and key populations. US Ambassador William W Popp described the move as a milestone in Uganda’s HIV response. ‘This medicine is an excellent example of how American leadership drives innovation to save lives,’ he said, noting that Ugandan researchers contributed to the clinical studies that informed the breakthrough.

Gilead has committed to lowering costs and sharing intellectual property with generic manufacturers to enable large-scale production and long-term affordability. Officials project that up to two million people in high-burden countries could access the drug by 2028. As of late 2024, Uganda had an estimated 1.5 million people living with HIV, with about 730 new infections recorded every week.

While oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is available, experts believe the new twice-yearly injection will improve adherence and reduce new infections, especially among women and other vulnerable groups. To secure affordability, the US Government and the Global Fund are co-financing an advanced market commitment, with Uganda expected to use about $1.14m (about Shs4b) from its existing Global Fund grant to launch the programme.

Rollout strategy

The Ministry of Health has begun working on a national rollout strategy, engaging with generic drug makers to ensure sustainability. Up to two million people across the 10 beneficiary countries are expected to access the drug by 2028. Dr Herbert Kadama, Uganda’s national PrEP coordinator, said the injection could transform HIV prevention. ‘Since 2017, Uganda has provided oral PrEP to individuals at high risk of HIV. But adherence has always been a challenge, especially for young people and women who struggle to take a pill every day,’ he said. ‘The twice-yearly injection gives us an opportunity to overcome those barriers, reach people who drop off oral PrEP, and strengthen our prevention toolkit,’ he added.

Formal approval from the National Drug Authority (NDA) is required before wider use. Dr Hudson Balidawa, who oversees Global Fund HIV investments, said once authorised, the drug will be available through public programmes and private clinics. ‘Demand is expected to exceed initial projections. While the government budgeted for 17,000 people, assessments suggest up to 67,000 could benefit,’ he said. Preparations are underway to strengthen supply chains and train healthcare providers to meet the expected surge in demand.

Media reports suggest the drug could cost as much as $28,218 (Shs98m) per person annually if procured privately, but Uganda’s partnership with donors is expected to keep prices far lower. Officials stress that lenacapavir is not a cure for HIV but a preventive and immune-boosting treatment that will significantly expand Uganda’s HIV prevention options once rollout begins in 2026

At a glance

How it works: Given twice a year to block HIV infection.

Effectiveness: Clinical trials show more than 99 percent prevention of HIV infections.

Who benefits first: Young women, pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, and key populations.

Global rollout: Backed by PEPFAR and the Global Fund; up to 2 million people in 10 high-burden countries expected to benefit by 2028.

The World Bank wants government to review tax holidays and exemptions because they have failed to deliver the promised investment boom.

Speaking at the 25th Uganda Economic Update in Kampala yesterday, Mr Qimiao Fan, the World Bank East Africa regional director, said with more than 600,000 new labour market entrants each year before 2030 and at least one million annually by 2040, Uganda must seek ways to mobilise more domestic revenue by broadening the base.

This, he said, could be done through closing loopholes and ensuring that high-net-worth individuals and large firms contribute fairly, as well as ‘reconsidering exemptions that erode the base and shift the burden to a shrinking pool of compliant taxpayers’.

World Bank economist Silver Namunane, on the other hand, said that whereas generous tax exemptions and the 10-year tax holiday were intended to stimulate new investments or reinvestments by large firms, this has not succeeded in fostering growth in firms’ fixed assets’.

‘Beneficiaries’ depreciation allowances are 2.6 to 3.3 times higher compared to group firms, indicating that benefiting firms are more likely to replace worn-out assembly lines or add minimal infrastructure rather than significantly expand assets,’ he said.

The 2023/24 Tax Expenditures Report estimates total revenue foregone in tax holidays and exemptions at Shs3.6 trillion, about 1.78 percent of gross domestic product and 13 percent of total tax revenues of Shs27.3 trillion.

Customs duty accounted for the largest share of Shs1.137 trillion, 32 percent of total tax expenditures, while foregone value added tax dropped from Shs1.113 trillion (0.61 percent of gross domestic product) in the 2022/23 financial year to Shs677b (0.34 percent) in the 2023/24 financial year.

Over the years, Finance Ministry data shows, between 2018 and 2023, total tax expenditures rose from Shs2.079 trillion to Shs2.972 trillion, but stayed broadly flat as a share of gross domestic product. While responding to the World Bank proposal, government signalled willingness to adjust but favoured calibration over abrupt repeal.

Acting Ministry of Finance Permanent Secretary and Secretary Treasury Patrick Ocailap, said government needed to ‘broaden the tax base instead of increasing taxes on the people of Uganda, highlighting the need to conduct a cost-benefit analysis of the tax reforms.

‘Rather than eliminate the 10-year tax holiday, we should closely monitor their activities and have a sunset clause for each’, he said.

The World Bank wants Uganda to tighten or scale back exemptions and holidays that are costing between 1.6 and 2 percent of gross domestic product per annum, while delivering limited investment gains.

Hamz Stadium, in downtown Kampala, will host the 2025 IBSA Blind Football African Championship Division 2 due October 25-30, the Uganda Paralympic Committee has confirmed.

Five nations: South Sudan, South Africa, Kenya and Senegal have already confirmed entry into the tournament, joining Uganda, the hosts, while Zimbabwe is still navigating the possibility of late entry.

Driss El Mountaqi, a technical delegate from the International Blind Sport Association (IBSA), was in Kampala from September 18-20 and visited two stadiums for inspection.

In blind football, the players can only sense the ball by listening to the rings inside it, hence the need for a quiet environment.

The Moroccan inspector found KCCA FC’s Phillip Omondi Stadium inappropriate mainly due to the noise from the activity around the facility, especially traffic and construction, Patrick Synole, a UPC director administration, told Daily Monitor.

The inspector finally Okayed Hamz Stadium in Nakivubo appropriate to host the event.

‘Hamz Stadium is by far a better facility. Its artificial turf is finer, it has very modern dressing rooms and above all it is insulated from the noise outside the stadium,’ Synole said, echoing the inspector’s assessment.

Hamz Stadium, a private venture, replaced the legendary Nakivubo War Memorial Stadium, which was demolished in 2017 for redevelopment by businessman Hamis Kiggundu.

It was launched in June 2024 and has since hosted both legs of the Uganda-Burundi CHAN qualifiers in December, the East Africa Local Authorities Cultural Association (EALASCA) Games in February, the NEC vs Nairobi United Caf Confederations Cup first leg in September, and national events across disciplines.

The only issue with Hamz Stadium is the congestion in the access routes, still due to human and motor traffic. But Synole said

Rogers Mulindwa, the facility chairman, vowed to fix the problem to ensure easy access to-and-fro the stadium, Synole told us.

The inspector also chose Golden Tulip as the official Games hotel.

For different reasons Libya, DR Congo, Zambia, will not attend. But Blind Football Uganda president Muzafaru Jjagwe said everything is going to plan.

The government through the National Council of Sports is funding the tournament.

BRIEFLY

When: October 25-30

Venue: Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo

Host: Uganda

Teams confirmed: South Sudan, South Africa, Kenya, Senegal

Games Hotel: Golden Tulip

Host federation: Blind Football Uganda

Mother body: Uganda Paralympic Committee

Funder: National Council of Sports

Christians at St Luke’s Anglican Church in Kirangira, Mukono Municipality, are rejoicing after a court ruled in their favor, allowing them to retain a four-acre piece of land long contested by a private claimant.

The Minister for Lands, Sam Mayanja, had in May 2024 ordered the church’s demolition following claims by James Sserwanga Lwanga, who alleged he inherited the land from his parents in 1985.

The minister instructed Archbishop Stephen Samuel Kazimba Mugalu of the Church of Uganda to oversee the demolition, prompting the church leadership to seek intervention from the President’s Office. The matter was subsequently referred to the courts.

Lwanga filed a case against the registered trustees of the Mukono Diocese in 2024, asserting ownership through documents including Busuulu tickets.

The diocese countered that it had occupied the land since 1974 following a donation from the late Diika Banoba and had maintained a school and church building on the land until 2019, when Lwanga’s claims intensified.

A key factor in the court’s decision was a previous ruling in Civil Suit No. M71 of 1994, which declared Lwanga’s mother a trespasser on the same land.

Acting Chief Magistrate Nassozi Rehema Ssebbowa ruled on September 15, 2025, that the current suit was barred under the doctrine of res judicata, upholding the diocese’s claim.

The church celebrated the ruling on September 27 with a thanksgiving service, during which 64 believers were confirmed by retired Bishop Eria Paulo Luzinda Kizito.

Samuel Ssebadduka, estates manager at St. Luke’s, described the relief felt by the congregation after enduring years of attacks, vandalism, and repeated fence destruction.

‘We have long suffered with these intruders who attacked our Reverend, destroyed windows, and cut barbed wire. But we are now happy and certain that whatever we put onto the land will stay,’ he said of the development.

Rev. Rogers Kityo, head priest at the church, stressed the importance of thorough investigations before issuing public directives. While ‘forgiving’ Minister Mayanja, he suggested an apology would help mend relations with the congregation.

Ruth Banoba, widow of the late Diika Banoba, criticized the slow pace of land transfer processes, which she believes contributed to attempts at land grabbing.

On his part, retired Bishop Luzinda condemned rising impunity in the country, warning against the loss of property to unscrupulous individuals.

Dr Sarah Daisy Ssonko, NRM flag bearer for Mukono Municipality and a church member, urged Christians to ‘utilize church land productively to protect it from grabbers.’

Democratic Party (DP), the country’s oldest political party, will on Wednesday release its list of parliamentary aspirants for the 2026 elections while keeping the process open for new entrants.

Party president and Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs Norbert Mao told reporters that 230 aspirants have so far applied to contest on the DP ticket, alongside a record number of candidates for local council positions.

‘The full list will be out Wednesday, and we left our processes open because, as always, DP has been a political orphanage. We are releasing a preliminary list as we are still receiving applications from new candidates,’ Mao said.

He explained that candidate selection is guided by four criteria: ‘the journey of the candidate, their values, education, and skills.’

‘In DP, education is very important because we live in a global world. Our candidates must be able to represent us internationally, not those who spend their time shopping without understanding the issues being discussed,’ he said.

Mao stressed that the party now has representation even in districts where it previously had none, citing Oyam and Kwania.

‘I accept to be the chief campaigner for DP, and I am going to hit the road to face those who have been threatening our candidates. They have no reason to disturb DP candidates,’ he added.

The minister urged cooperation with the ruling government in educating citizens about their roles, while condemning threats against DP aspirants.

‘Education matters. We need to know people’s skills and academic level, not just pick individuals who have done nothing for the country. The biggest ‘skill’ some people think they have is insulting the government, which is useless,’ he added.

Mao said DP also considers the social connections of candidates to ensure voters are aware of their true character.

‘We have not closed our list of parliamentary candidates because we still have room to listen to people with good cases. All pretenders in Uganda politics will be exposed,’ he said.

Reflecting on the recent months, he said the party had been ‘purified’ and retained true believers. He advised those who lost in primaries not to run as independents.

‘Contesting as an independent is like driving a car without a number plate – if it crashes, how do you report? The election is ultimately a choice between two people. Candidates should focus on serving all citizens, not just themselves,’ Mao said.

Mao has already announced that he will not contest for the presidency in the 2026 general elections.