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President Museveni has said the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) does not seek cheap popularity but instead delivers tangible results that have transformed Uganda since 1986.

Addressing thousands of ruling NRM party supporters at Nyadri Urban Secondary School Grounds in Maracha District during his presidential campaign rally on Monday, Museveni said the connection of West Nile to the national electricity grid is part of NRM’s long-term plan to industrialize and modernize Uganda, not a move to please voters.

‘For us in NRM, we don’t do things just to please people even when they are wrong. That is cheap popularity,’ Museveni said.

‘Now strong electricity has come, and the next step is to distribute it to all sub-counties.’

He explained that the 132KV transmission line from Karuma to Arua City is one of the biggest energy investments in Northern Uganda, adding that it will spur industrialization across the sub-region.

‘Now that the strong electricity has arrived, the next task is to ensure that every household benefits. This is what transformation means,’ he emphasized at a campaign rally.

Museveni further outlined achievements in the West Nile region and the NRM’s continued focus on social services, education, and infrastructure.

‘Maracha now has 62 government primary schools and seven government secondary schools. Out of 91 parishes, 34 have at least one government primary school,’ he said. ‘But we still have parishes without, and our goal in the coming government is to ensure all parishes have government schools.’

He added that Maracha’s 19 sub-counties only have seven government secondary schools, pledging that the remaining 12 sub-counties will also get theirs.

On Education and Skills

The President reiterated his commitment to free education, warning that some school authorities had frustrated the policy by reintroducing charges.

‘When we introduced free education, some head teachers started charging fees again, making it hard for poor children to study,’ he said.

The 81-year-old Ugandan leader cited the Presidential Skilling Hubs established under the State House to equip young people with practical skills in different regions of Uganda.

‘I have one area I control directly State House with no PTAs or foundation bodies. We started skilling hubs to demonstrate that free and practical education works when there is good management,’ he said.

Infrastructure and Development

The President also outlined key road projects that the government has completed or plans to undertake in the region.

‘We had to struggle to tarmac the road from Karuma all the way to Koboko, even when money was scarce. We are now going to work on the one from Atiak-Adjumani to Mwoyo,’ he said. ‘Roads from Panyimur-Packwach-Rhino Camp-Wanyara and Terego-Mwoyo are also in the pipeline.’

Museveni emphasized that NRM’s achievements are built on its four core principles patriotism, Pan-Africanism, socio-economic transformation, and democracy which he said have delivered lasting peace.

‘For the first time in 500 years, Uganda is at peace from Karamoja to West Nile. This peace was not bought with words but built through sacrifice and a clear ideology,’ he said.

PDM impact

Highlighting progress under the Parish Development Model (PDM), the President said Maracha District alone has received Shs27.9 billion, reaching more than 30,000 households.

‘In Maracha, the government has sent Shs27.9 billion under PDM. The next step is to ensure every family has a source of income. We must focus on wealth creation,’ he said.

He called on Ugandans to reject politicians who seek relevance through divisive rhetoric.

‘Politics is like medicine – you must diagnose correctly. If you take the wrong prescription, you die. Uganda’s progress will only continue if we stay focused on production,’ he cautioned.

FYI

Under the Parish Development Model, Maracha’s 91 parishes have collectively received Shs27.95 billion, according to government.

About 98.6% of these funds have already reached 30,695 households. The district has 62 government primary schools and 7 government secondary schools, with construction underway to bridge remaining gaps.

Access to safe water has reached 72% of rural villages, while solar-powered irrigation systems are being introduced to support local farmers.

Tom and Sarah Mayambala have been married for five years. Like many couples, they had their share of financial ups and downs in their earlier years of marriage. However, they were determined to build a strong financial future together.

‘We started by having open conversations about our spending habits, financial goals, and expectations,’ the Mayambalas’ recall.

Fist, they created a joint budget that worked for both of them. Much as they were both employed, their paycheques were not the same.

‘We tracked our income and expenses, identifying areas where we could cut back and save. Then allocated our income into different categories, such as housing, food, transportation, and entertainment,’ they shared.

To stay on track, the Mayambalas implemented a system of joint financial decision-making. They discuss every major purchase or financial decision together, considering each other’s opinions and priorities. To this day, this approach has helped them avoid financial conflicts and ensured that they are working towards common goals.

What do you bring to the table?

Lately, the phrase, ‘What do you bring to the table’ has become a common expression in modern relationships.

Some couples are open about discussing and evaluating what each partner contributes to the relationship, whether it is financial stability, emotional support, or other forms of value.

This shift reflects the changing societal norms and expectations around relationships, with many couples prioritising mutual benefit.

House of Wealth’s chief executive, Newton Buteraba, in an interview with BD Life, notes the complexities of couple budgeting, emphasizing that each couple’s approach will be unique.

‘The way a couple handles a joint budget will depend on the couple and how they decide to handle their finances,’ he explains. In some households, both partners work and contribute to the finances, while in others, one partner may be responsible for generating income.

According to Buteraba, ‘Having a clear plan can help couples make progress towards their goals.’ His recommendations are setting financial goals, prioritising needs over wants, and regularly reviewing their budget.

By following these steps, couples can develop a shared understanding of their financial situation and work together to achieve financial freedom.

He adds that financial literacy plays a crucial role in managing a joint budget effectively. Buteraba notes that many couples lack financial knowledge, leading to conflicts and avoidance of budgeting altogether.

Envelope approach

Experts say a practical approach to budgeting is the envelope system, where couples allocate specific amounts for particular expenses and track spending accordingly.

‘Some couples prefer a 50/50 split, while others may choose a different ratio based on their income levels or financial responsibilities,’ notes Buteraba.

‘Find a budgeting approach that works for both partners and helps them achieve their financial goals together.’

This promotes discipline and accountability, enabling couples to identify areas where they might be overspending.

Individual financial autonomy

Buteraba, however, emphasizes the importance of maintaining individual financial autonomy within a marriage or partnership.

‘Having a personal private account allows each partner to manage their finances and make personal purchases without needing to justify every expense,’ he explains.

This approach can reduce stress and tension in the relationship, promoting a healthy and balanced partnership.

According to Buteraba, ‘When couples budget together, it fosters responsibility and accountability,’ he notes.

By working together, couples can identify areas of unnecessary expenditure and make decisions to optimise their spending. This collaborative approach eliminates waste and promotes a more efficient use of resources.

Buteraba emphasizes that budgeting can be a powerful tool for achieving financial stability, reducing stress, and strengthening relationships.

‘By prioritising your spending, creating a clear plan, and working together, you can build a more secure and prosperous future,’ he advises. By managing expectations, promoting accountability, and reducing financial stress, budgeting can help couples mitigate the risks of financial disagreements and foster a more harmonious and stable partnership.

Buteraba illustrates the importance of budgeting when it comes to school fees.

‘If a couple has not budgeted for school fees, the woman might ask the man for Shs3 million for school fees without considering if it’s feasible,’ he says.

However, if they had sat down to budget, they would have agreed on a maximum amount they could spend on school fees, say Shs1 million. This way, they can plan and make informed decisions about their finances.

Similarly, budgeting helps couples manage other expenses, such as household expenses, utilities, and entertainment. By allocating specific amounts for each category, couples can avoid overspending and make conscious decisions about their finances. If a couple has allocated Shs700,000 for food per month, they can track their expenses and identify areas where they can cut back if they exceed their budget.

This promotes accountability and helps them stay on track with their financial goals.

Couple budgeting is a highly personal and dynamic process that depends on individual circumstances, financial goals, and personal preferences.

Look carefully at everything you spend money on – and decide which of them are ‘needs’ and which are ‘wants.’

There is no one-size-fits-all approach, and what works for one couple may not work for another.

For instance, some couples prefer a 50/50 split, while others may choose a different ratio based on their income levels or financial responsibilities. This flexibility allows couples to tailor their budgeting approach to suit their unique needs and financial objectives.

In many households, the partner who manages the finances is not necessarily the one earning the income. The person managing the finances takes care of budgeting, bill payments, and ensures the household runs smoothly. This division of labour can be an effective way to manage finances, as it allows each partner to focus on their strengths and interests. For example, one partner may handle the day-to-day financial tasks, while the other partner focuses on long-term investments and financial planning.

Cultural norms

In many Western countries, couples often share expenses 50/50, while in other cultures, the man may take on more financial responsibilities.

For instance, in some traditional households, the man is seen as the primary breadwinner and provides the bulk of the financial support, while the woman manages the household expenses. The key to successful financial management in a relationship is for couples to communicate openly and agree on a system that works for them.

‘Cultural norms and geographical location can influence the division of financial responsibilities in a relationship,’ says Buteraba.

Income levels

The division of financial responsibilities can also be influenced by individual circumstances, such as income levels and financial goals. Some couples may choose to share financial responsibilities equally, while others may divide tasks based on their strengths and interests.

For example, one partner may be more skilled at budgeting and managing expenses, while the other partner may be more knowledgeable about investments and long-term financial planning.

‘Effective communication and mutual understanding are essential components of couple budgeting,’ emphasizes Buteraba. ‘When both partners are on the same page, it can reduce stress and promote a harmonious relationship.’

By understanding each other’s financial expectations and responsibilities, couples can build a stronger and more stable financial future together.

When couples talk about what each person brings to the relationship, it helps them understand each other better, tackle challenges as a team, and build a stronger relationship.

Since the Mayambalas embraced couple budgeting, they started building an emergency fund, which would cover three to six months of living expenses in case of unexpected events, such as job loss or medical emergencies.

They also began to save for long-term goals, such as buying a house, retirement, and their children’s education.

The inescapable truth is that the people of northern Uganda, Teso, Sebei, and Bugisu did not invite the wars that devastated their homes, nor did they summon the rustlers who looted their herds. Families lost cattle, land, property, and, in many cases, their loved ones.

These losses are neither abstract nor equal; they are concrete, measurable, and profoundly unequal. Some families lost hundreds of head of cattle, while others lost only a few. Some lost homes, whereas others lost parents or siblings. Any policy that ignores this variation inevitably perpetuates injustice. While restocking is a development intervention, it is not restitution. Restitution acknowledges both moral and legal responsibility. Justice demands that losses be compensated proportionally before any broad rehabilitation programme is implemented. Otherwise, restocking risks becoming tokenistic, a cosmetic exercise that ignores decades of suffering. It is insufficient merely to provide livestock without recognising those who bore the brunt of neglect and violence. Successful examples from other countries show that compensation can work.

After World War II, Germany provided reparations to victims of Nazi persecution and to affected nations, acknowledging responsibility and offering material support. In South Africa, the post-apartheid Truth and Reconciliation Commission combined financial reparations with education and health support, restoring dignity to victims of systemic oppression. Cambodia’s compensation programmes for survivors of the Khmer Rouge, alongside legal accountability is another example. These cases illustrate that justice and development are not mutually exclusive, but compensation must precede broader interventions. Furthermore, to restock without simultaneously addressing the root causes of ongoing cattle rustling is an exercise in futility. Livestock provided to vulnerable households can, and often will, be stolen if the cycle of raids remains unbroken.

Security reform, disarmament, and cross-community dialogue are indispensable prerequisites for effective rehabilitation. Without such measures, restocking is akin to fetching water in a basket: well-intentioned but ultimately wasted. The moral imperative for compensation is inseparable from practical considerations. Generations of children were denied schooling because their families could no longer afford fees after losing livestock. Many households plunged into poverty, and livelihoods were destroyed. Failing to compensate perpetuates economic inequities and undermines social stability. Genuine peace cannot be founded on silence or token interventions; it must rest upon truth, justice, and equitable recovery. Some critics might contend that full compensation is financially or logistically challenging.

While these concerns are legitimate, they do not absolve the government of its duty. A phased or prioritised compensation programme, targeting first households that suffered the greatest losses, is both morally and practically viable. Development interventions, including restocking, must be complementary rather than a substitute for justice. It is vital to emphasise proportionality, unlike a one-size-fits-all restocking exercise that treats unequal losses as equal, which is fundamentally unjust. A family that lost 200 cattle is not the same as one that lost five. Equitable compensation recognises this difference and aligns with justice and fairness. Moreover, it lays a foundation for lasting peace, for communities that perceive government action as fair are more likely to cooperate in rehabilitation efforts.

Germany, South Africa, Cambodia, and Bosnia demonstrate that acknowledging historical wrongs and compensating fairly can strengthen social cohesion and prevent cycles of conflict. Ultimately, the issue extends beyond cattle alone. It concerns the moral authority of the state and its credibility in peace and national cohesion. The government cannot credibly claim to rehabilitate communities while bypassing the victims of history. To do so risks deepening mistrust and resentment, undermining both reconciliation and security. For genuine peace to take root, compensation must come first. It constitutes recognition of historical wrongs, restoration of dignity, and a prerequisite for sustainable rehabilitation. Only thereafter should restocking and broader development follow. Anything less represents a half-measure that substitutes expedience for justice and risks perpetuating the cycle of loss.

The Acholi Cultural Institution has joined forces with medical experts to fight the myths surrounding spina bifida and hydrocephalus. Many locals link the conditions to witchcraft and bad omens.

This widespread belief across communities has led to only a few parents and relatives seeking medical attention for children living with the conditions.

Hydrocephalus is a neurological disorder caused by an excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid due to abnormal secretion, circulation, or absorption. It is considered the most common reversible cause of dementia, yet remains an underestimated cause of psychiatric disorders.

Spina bifida, on the other hand, is a neural tube defect (NTD) resulting from a fault in the development of the central nervous system within the first 25 days of pregnancy.

Globally, the incidence ranges between 0.17 and 6.39 per 1,000 live births. Some causes are environmental, while others are medical.

In Uganda, an estimated 800 children are born with the condition each year, according to health officials.

Ms Stella Kijange, the minister in-charge of culture at Ker Kwaro Acholi, said many still believe the condition is caused by witchcraft or a curse.

‘Even if science points otherwise, some still believe it is witchcraft,’ she said. Ms Kijange explained that research has shown spina bifida to be either medical or biological. ‘I urge parents to take their children to health facilities so that they can be attended to by professional healthcare workers,’ she said.

The culture minister also called on relatives of affected individuals to disregard unqualified opinions.

‘A health facility with professional medical staff will provide all the answers you need. So, do not believe what those without a medical background tell you. Your children need treatment, not opinions,’ she added.

A study conducted by the Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Association of Uganda (SHAU) across 10 administrative units in Acholi involving 300 children found that cultural beliefs linking the conditions to witchcraft were widespread in the region.

The 2024 study covered the districts of Pader, Omoro, Lamwo, Amuru, Nwoya, and Kitgum, among others. Ms Justine Kamakune, the assistant programmes officer at SHAU, said some families believe the conditions is a curse.

‘Some parents believe the condition is linked to a generational curse. They think their forefathers did something bad,’ Ms Kamakune said.

She added that women are often accused of bringing a curse into their marital homes.

According to Ms Kamakune, SHAU has embarked on community sensitisation to ensure that children with spina bifida and hydrocephalus are not stigmatised but supported to complete school.

‘With culture still deeply rooted, 70 percent of women with children suffering from these medical conditions have become single,’ Ms Kamakune said.

‘We want to tell our people that there is no link between spina bifida and hydrocephalus with curses or witchcraft. We want them to understand these are purely medical conditions,’ she said. Mr Julius Ocakacon, a father of a 12-year-old boy living with the condition, said the community continues to link the condition to witchcraft.

‘My son was born on January 8, 2008 in hospital. The midwives came out and told me that my wife had produced a cursed baby boy. But I rejected the notion because I don’t believe in witchcraft. Now Brian is in P7 and will sit for his PLE this year at St Jude Primary School,’ he said.

Mr Ocakacon called for community sensitisation to correct misconceptions.

Dr Daniel Okello, the Gulu City health officer, said: ‘Lets educate these children so that they can achieve their dreams. They can live a normal life like anyone else if they are empowered.”

The Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) examinations on October 13 commenced as scheduled, with a few isolated incidents of two schools in Central Buganda, which failed to register 23 learners with the examinations body, to sit for their final exams, and some registered candidates who did not turn up for the final exams for various reasons.

Cream Field Vocational Senior School in Nakifuma, Mukono District, for instance, was closed on October 13 after it failed to register 15 candidates to sit for the 2025 UCE examinations, even after they met their fee obligations.

Another eight candidates at Bizmark High School in Mityana District faced a similar fate after they learnt that their school had not been registered with the Uganda National Examinations Board (Uneb) to sit for the final UCE exams.

Overall, candidates sat for Geography Paper I in the morning hours, followed by Biology Paper I (Theory) in the afternoon. This is the second cohort of candidates to sit UCE under the competence-based Lower Secondary Curriculum rolled out by the government in 2020, which is a competency based system that promotes critical thinking and ICT.

In most central region districts of Mpigi, Kyotera,Rakai,Mityana, Buikwe, Masaka,Gomba,Lyantonde and Kalungu, exams started a few minutes after the stipulated 9am.

In the island district of Kalangala, examination papers arrived at the weekend and were distributed on Monday morning to the existing three examination centres including Sserwanga Lwanga Memorial SS, Bishop Dunstan Memorial SS, and Bukasa SS.

By 8:30 am, candidates across the district were already inside their examination halls. Ms Cathy Kabashoka, the Uneb district examination supervisor, said the exercise started without any challenges.

‘All examination materials reached our Uneb centres on time, and over 200 candidates have sat for exams,’ she said.

At Bishop Dunstan Memorial SS, the director of studies, Mr Muhammad Muleme, said of the 84 registered candidates, only one student failed to show up. ‘We missed this candidate because he was active during the first term, but in the second term, he started missing lessons.

The parents informed us at the weekend that he had fallen sick,’ he said. He added that one of their candidates sitting the exams is under special Uneb care provided to those with disabilities.

Despite the ongoing nationwide Arts teachers’ strike over salary disparities, Mr Muleme said the school worked hard to ensure candidates are well-prepared.

‘We ensured that our candidates sit more than seven mock exams, organised study tours, and made sure teachers for candidate classes are available,’ he said.

However, not all school heads share his optimism. Ms Josephine Nalunga, the head teacher of Serwanga Lwanga Memorial SS, said she is uncertain about how her candidates will perform this year.

‘The ongoing teachers’ strike indeed affected our teaching schedule. Lessons that should have been completed a month earlier were taught late,’ she said.

Meanwhile, some schools have reported an increase in the number of girls completing Senior Six. At Bishop Dunstan Memorial SS, for example, 42 of the 84 candidates sitting this year are girls, a significant rise from the 12 who sat last year.

Mr Muleme attributed this improvement to combined efforts between the school and several non-governmental organisations.

‘We keep a close eye on our girls. If any of them stopped attending classes, we engaged parents or NGOs, with some paying fees for about 14 candidates,’ he said.

Mr Yusuf Gayinamungu, the Mpigi District inspector of schools, said the exercise started well on the first day.

‘There was some delay at some centres due to the long distance and the briefing of head teachers at the collection centres, but this did not affect the candidate so much. Also, some candidates were involved in an accident, but were not severely injured and have been able to write their exams. Uneb has allowed us to give them an extra 15 minutes to complete their first paper,’ he said.

Buvuma

In Buvuma Islands, candidates at one of the four centres (Bweema Seed School) wrote their first paper an hour late due to strong waves on Lake Victoria, which delayed the distribution of materials, according to Mr Hussein Bugembe, the district education officer.

A total of 225 were registered to sit UCE exams in the district. In several parts of the Acholi Sub-region, police and examination officials struggled to deliver examination sets at the destination centres with several feeder roads cut off due to a recent downpour.

In Agago District, for example, Mr Calvin Okot, the district education officer, told this publication that while examination materials were delivered promptly at the two centres (Kalong and Patongo Town Councils), distribution to the 12 (public and private) schools across the district was hampered by the bad state of the roads.

‘In some schools, papers arrived late due to bad weather,’ Mr Okot said. In some selected schools in Lango Sub-region, the examinations kicked off with negligible challenges.

In Kole District, for instance, the Executive Director of Wisdom High School, Mr Ambrose Ogwal, said some candidates have not cleared their tuition but were allowed to write their paper.

A total of 276 candidates are sitting UCE, and an additional 444 have registered for Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) at the private school in Akalo Town Council. ‘Some of the parents have not cleared school fees, but as a Christian institution, we have allowed all the children to sit for examinations,’ he said.

West Nile Sub-region

At Maji SS in Adjumani District, the head teacher, Mr Norbert Evuma, said of five supervisors assigned to oversee the exams, two were absent and were substituted by teachers from Windle Trust International.

Mr Eliakim Matua, the supervisor for Arua City and Greater Arua, said a total of 2,771 candidates are sitting exams across 22 centres.

In Yumbe District, Mr Jackson Jad Andabati, the deputy head teacher of Kuru SS, said teachers fully participated in supervising the exams despite the ongoing industrial action.

‘Teachers showed up to manage the examinations at the school because they are not on strike,’ he added.

In the districts of Tororo and Mbale, UCE exams started on schedule without any major hindrances.

The Uneb supervisor for Tororo area, Ms Beatrice Akware Lumonya, who is also the head teacher of Tororo Girls’ School, said examination storage centres were open by 8am, with distant schools being served first.

A total of 5,404 candidates are sitting UEC exams in the district. In Mbale District, candidates also started their exams on time, and police said they had not registered any malpractice.

Masaka

In Masaka City, Arts teachers temporarily suspended their month-long sit-down strike to serve as invigilators. At some government-aided schools, such as Kijjabwemi SS, Masaka SS, and Kadugala SS, the invigilators reported as early as 7:30 am.

The Kijjabwemi SS Head Teacher, Mr Baker Kyaluzi, confirmed that some teachers had been deployed in other schools to invigilate.

Masaka City Principal Education Officer Steven Kakeeto said, unlike last year, where candidates were delayed to sit the first paper by 30 minutes, this time the situation was completely different. Masaka City has 40 exam centres shared by eight government-aided secondary schools and 36 private secondary schools.

At Masindi SS, Masindi District, candidates were seen writing their first paper under tight supervision.

‘The exams started on time, and all materials arrived early. Candidates were calm and set for the exams,’ said Ms Sarah Akello, a teacher at the school.

Mr John Okurut, the Masindi Central education officer, said the smooth start was a result of early coordination.

‘We ensured all schools received instructions and materials in advance to avoid any confusion,’ he said In Fort Portal City, the exams started on time and with no disruption of rain like has been in the previous years. At Fort Portal SS, the school head teacher, Mr Regan Kateregga, said all the 226 registered candidates turned up on the first day of exams.

Mr Ham Ahimbisibwe, the head teacher of Mbarara High School, said: ‘All our 362 candidates are in good spirits and they have been well prepared.’

At Ruhanga Adventist SS, police summoned the head teacher over failure to register a candidate who had paid registration fees.

Precious Kembabazi, had complained that she was turned away from the school last week and was told she will not be doing exams.

Greater Bushenyi Police Spokesperson Apollo Tayebwa said enough security had been deployed to ensure the safety of both candidates and examinations. At Soroti SS where 900 candidates are writing their final exams, materials arrived at exactly 9am.

The Principal Education Officer, Soroti City, Mr Patty Emokor, assigned to supervise the exercise at Soroti SS, said the exercise kicked off well.

At Soroti Municipal SS, the head teacher, Mr Rogers Mboizi, said the candidates delayed to start their papers by five minutes due to the slow distribution of exam materials.

At Olila High School in Soroti City, Mr Joseph Opio, the head teacher, said a total of nine candidates had lost their IDs under unclear circumstances and had to get replacements to sit the papers.

At Burema SS, Kanungu District, two candidates out of the 90 registered missed their exams and the school head teacher, Mr Baker Twehikire, blamed their parents for not fulfilling their obligation.

Kanungu

At Kinkizi High School and San Giovanni School Makiro in Kanungu District, school head teachers, Rev Emmanuel Mutabazi, and Mr Dennis Tukamushaba respectively, said although one candidate missed the exams for unknown reasons in their schools, the exercise went on smoothly on day one.

However, head teachers expressed worry at the number of fee defaulters saying they have made commitments with the parents to allow them sit for the exams. Today, candidates will sit for Physics Paper I (Theory ).

Mpigi district

Minimal challenges

‘There was some delay at some centres due to the long distance and the briefing of head teachers at the collection centres, but this did not affect the candidate so much. Also, some candidates were involved in an accident, but were not severely injured and have been able to write their exams,” Yusuf Gayinamungu, Mpigi District inspector of schools

2025 candidates.

A total of 432,159 candidates of which 154,637 are government -funded under the Universal Secondary Education (USE), registered to sit this year’s UCE exams at 4,308 centres across the country.

Uneb deployed 1,500 scouts to man exams, but the actual number of chief supervisors, invigilators and area supervisors is not clear since teachers who usually take up such tasks are on sit down strike. But according to Uneb, nearly 2,000 teachers turned up for briefing sessions last Friday.

The air is thick with noise, dust, and urgency. ‘Pants, Shs10,000!’ yells one trader. Another calls for space to pass. Everyone moves with purpose-some to sell, others to buy-all chasing that day’s profit.

That is the Kikuubo that built empires and dreams. Once a busy regional hub, it drew buyers from Rwanda, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and beyond, with trucks loaded with goods in cartons. Today, that rhythm has changed. Kikuubo has not lost its importance entirely, but the market is evolving quickly, facing new challenges while thriving during peak seasons like back-to-school and Christmas seasons.

In a small corridor of Papa Plaza, one of the arcades in downtown Kampala, Eddie Dollar-known fondly by fellow traders-arranges neatly folded men’s shirts in his tiny shop. ‘We used to sell to Rwandese and South Sudanese buyers who would clear everything,’ he says, sorting shirts by colour. ‘They would come with trucks every day. Now? Twice a week, if we are lucky. Rwanda instructed its people to buy directly from China, and South Sudan did the same. As a result, they cut back because our prices continued to rise. The more the government taxed us, the more we increased prices-they found it cheaper elsewhere.’

Despite its potential as a regional hub, Kikuubo is not a tax haven, but a large informal retail and wholesale trading centre where tax collection is harder and compliance is inconsistent. The government, through Uganda Revenue Authority, (URA) is working to formalise trade, improve digital receipting, and educate traders to ensure fair contribution to national revenue.

According to research by the Economic Policy Research Centre, over 50 percent of Uganda’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is generated in the informal economy, much of which remains untapped for taxation.

Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) notes that Uganda loses an estimated Shs5 trillion annually due to tax evasion, with a significant portion stemming from the informal sector. This sector encompasses areas like Kikuubo, where many small businesses operate outside the formal tax system.

Uganda’s domestic revenue has been rising steadily in recent years. In the 2024/25 financial year, the country collected Shs21.25 trillion from domestic taxes, a 15.59 percent increase compared to the previous year.

Total revenue collection, including international trade taxes, reached Shs31.37 trillion. For this current FY 2025/26, URA has a tax collection target of around Shs36.71 trillion, much more than Shs31.37 trillion collected in the previous year, with expectations of Shs40.090 trillion in FY 2026/27.

But all these ambitions still place the country among those with a narrow tax base compared to many other countries, with tax collections totaling less than 14 percent of GDP. The average for sub-Saharan countries is 18 percent and this is because a large share of economic activity is informal and untaxed.

As part of the revenue strategy, Parliament approved new tax policy measures expected to raise an additional Shs538.6 billion. A key component of the financing strategy includes improving tax administration to raise an additional Shs1.89 trillion.

While traders attribute the disappearance of the regional market to high taxes, Brian Sserunjogi, a research fellow at the Economic Policy Research Centre, explains that the challenges are not only about higher taxes.

‘Globally, aid and financing from developed countries has declined, putting pressure on countries such as Uganda to mobilise resources internally. That has led to tighter tax administration-not necessarily higher taxes-but reforms like the Electronic Fiscal Receipting and Invoicing Solution (EFRIS) to increase transparency and compliance. These measures have slowed down the clearance of goods.

Take the groupage scandal where URA insisted that each person in a container clears individually delaying access to goods. Traders get frustrated, and buyers from Rwanda and South Sudan simply divert to other markets.’

Sserunjogi adds, ‘URA needs to improve efficiency, streamline tax clearance, and educate traders on the new processes.’

Competition

Competition and infrastructure are also shaping Kikuubo’s evolution. Physical limitations, such as congested lanes, limited storage, and chaotic logistics, slow down business.

‘Kikuubo is so small, so congested, with limited storage-which becomes a problem,’ says Isaac Shinyekwa, head of trade and regional integration at the Economic Policy Research Centre.

He suggests building purpose-built trading hubs outside the city center, near borders, to attract regional buyers. Improved infrastructure, such as border posts, processing facilities, and better transport, could make it easier for neighboring traders to access Ugandan goods without navigating Kampala’s crowded streets.

Meanwhile, regional competition and policy changes are eroding Kikuubo’s uniqueness.

Jemba Kanakulya Mulondo, board member of Kampala City Traders Association notes that Uganda’s adoption of the EAC common external tariff leaves little incentive for foreigners to shop locally.

‘If we are all applying a 25 percent tariff, why would anyone come to Uganda?’ he asks. Regional buyers are learning from Ugandan traders and establishing similar markets in their own countries. ‘To bring regional players back, Uganda should produce goods that are unique,’ Mulondo adds.

Digital disruption compounds the challenge. Platforms like Kikuubo Online and Jumia reduce the need for physical visits, while foreign traders with easier access to credit intensify competition. Government strategies such as import substitution-raising taxes to protect local industries-have also reshaped trade, sometimes making re-exporting less attractive.

Aloysious Kitengo, a trade policy expert, emphasizes that local industries must produce at scale, quality, and price to remain competitive.

Yet, Kikuubo’s resilience remains. During peak seasons, crowds return in full force, a reminder of its enduring appeal for household items and clothing at fair prices.

The market may be changing, but its potential for relevance remains if Uganda invests in infrastructure, streamlines policies, supports local industries, and adapts to digital trends. Kikuubo’s old model may be fading, but its story of trade, hustle, and opportunity is far from over.

When schools close – whether due to a pandemic or labour dispute – the image is the same: empty classrooms, idle uniforms, and anxious parents. But the heaviest price is paid by the most vulnerable, especially girls. The current strike by arts teachers in Uganda threatens to undo fragile progress made since the Covid-19 era. Uganda’s education system is still recovering from one of the world’s longest school shutdowns – 83 weeks of closure that kept 10.4 million learners out of class. The aftermath was devastating: 67 districts reported increases in teenage pregnancies between 2019 and 2020, in some cases by more than 25 percent.

Evidence from the World Bank shows 81 percent of Ugandan pupils had already failed to reach minimum proficiency levels even before the pandemic. Covid-19 worsened the crisis, and strikes risk reopening those wounds. Girls suffer disproportionately when schools close. Without teachers, protection systems weaken, exposing girls to early marriage, transactional sex, and exploitation. They also face heavier domestic workloads, less access to remedial programmes, and the loss of mentoring and psychosocial support often provided by arts and humanities teachers. Experience from other strike-hit countries shows that lost days of learning can reduce lifetime earnings and lower education attainment.

Arts teachers are vital. Beyond teaching, they lead clubs, life-skills sessions, and guidance programmes that anchor many vulnerable learners. Their absence means cancelled exam preparation, loss of mentorship, and fewer safe spaces for girls. This puts adolescent girls at high risk of never returning to school, eroding the country’s future human capital. Uganda’s Covid-19 experience offers lessons: speed matters, targeted measures for girls are essential, and monitoring is critical. Recovery programmes showed that catch-up classes, conditional cash transfers, and community outreach were effective in reducing dropouts. These approaches must be applied now.

To prevent irreversible damage, policymakers should act urgently. First, convene immediate mediated dialogue between arts teachers, the Ministry of Education, unions, and communities. A time-bound roadmap for reopening and protecting candidates is essential. Second, launch a gender-sensitive emergency package: girl-focused catch-up lessons, travel stipends, and supervised study spaces. Third, deploy counsellors and social workers to sustain psychosocial and safeguarding services. Finally, address root causes through a transparent teacher welfare reform process to end recurring disputes. The cost of inaction is high. Each girl who drops out reduces Uganda’s productivity and deepens cycles of poverty.

Teenage pregnancies surged during Covid-19 closures. Another wave is avoidable if dialogue happens now. International research shows that even short disruptions lower long-run earnings – a price Uganda cannot afford to pay. Teacher strikes are legitimate bargaining tools, but protecting learners, especially adolescent girls, must remain central. The Covid-19 crisis taught us that temporary disruptions can have permanent effects. Uganda has an opportunity to act decisively before this strike produces irreversible losses. If policymakers, unions, donors, and communities prioritise girls’ education now, the country can safeguard its human capital and invest in a brighter future.

South Africa will return to the Fifa World Cup for the first time since hosting the tournament in 2010 after narrowly claiming top spot in their qualifying group ahead of Nigeria and Benin.

Benin, chasing a maiden World Cup appearance, started the last round of matches at the summit of Group C, two points ahead of South Africa and three in front of Nigeria.

But the team led by former Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr fell to a 4-0 defeat away in Uyo, with Victor Osimhen grabbing a hat-trick for the hosts, a result that saw the Cheetahs slip to third, below their opponents on goal difference.

That opened the door to the South Africans, and Bafana Bafana capitalised as they eased to a 3-0 home win over Rwanda.

Thalente Mbatha fired home in the fifth minute, Oswin Appollis whipped in a second midway through the first half and Evidence Makgopa headed in the third in the 72nd minute in Mbombela.

South Africa become the seventh African team to reach the expanded 48-team finals, joining Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Algeria, Ghana and Cape Verde.

There will be relief that the 3-0 forfeit imposed by Fifa for fielding an ineligible player in their victory over Lesotho in March has not cost them.

That decision, announced earlier this month, saw Bafana drop from the top of the group to second, behind Benin on goal difference, heading into the final two rounds of preliminaries.

Hugo Broos’ men let two more points slip when they failed to beat bottom side Zimbabwe in a nominal away game in front of a pack Durban crowd on Friday – but Benin’s defeat in the West African derby gave his side a chance to redeem themselves against the Wasps.

Africa’s final two automatic qualifying spots, either Senegal or DR Congo from Group B and Ivory Coast or Gabon from Group F, will be decided later on Tuesday.

Nigeria, meanwhile, could still reach next year’s tournament via an arduous route potentially involving an extra four matches.

Victory was enough for the Super Eagles to secure one of four spaces in next month’s African play-offs, with the overall winner of that progressing to Fifa’s final six-team inter-continental qualifier which is scheduled to be held next March.

Those games will decide the last two qualifiers for the expanded 48-team World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

There has been plenty of soul-searching over the past few months in Abuja, beyond the capital and among Nigeria’s vast diaspora at the prospect of missing a second successive edition of the World Cup.

But, thanks to Osimhen, the Super Eagles still have hope.

There is no denying that regular changes in the dugout have affected Nigeria, but an undeniably talented squad failed to win any of the five game they played when the Galatasaray striker was absent through injury.

Under Jose Peseiro the team drew their first two matches against minnows Lesotho and Zimbabwe, while Peseiro’s successor Finidi George claimed a home point against South Africa but departed straight after a 2-1 defeat away against Benin in June last year which left Nigeria in a desperate-looking position.

Eric Chelle was tasked with somehow finding a route to the World Cup when he was appointed in January and the former Mali boss made a good start with victory over Rwanda, but Zimbabwe then grabbed a 90th-minute equaliser in Uyo to puncture momentum.

After beating Rwanda at home, Nigeria then showed a surprisingly lack of urgency or intent without Osimhen while drawing 1-1 in South Africa last month – a result which left the Super Eagles needing other results to go their way to top the group and claim automatic qualification.

A nervy win over Lesotho on Friday set up the crunch encounter against Benin where Osimhen’s clinical finishing proved to be the difference.

First the 26-year-old converted Samuel Chukwueze’s through ball in the third minute, then he headed in a deep right-wing cross from the Fulham winger to double the lead eight minutes before the break.

Osimhen completed his treble with a stunning diving header which went in off a post from Moses Simon’s free-kick in the 51st minute.

Nigeria made sure of their play-off spot in the first minute of stoppage time when Frank Onyeka volleyed in another Simon cross to make it 4-0 and add a gloss to the scoreline which belied the Super Eagles’ rollercoaster qualifying campaign.

Keeping the influential Osimhen fit for next month’s continental play-offs will be crucial if Nigeria are to take their place at the World Cup finals next year.

The Obusinga Bwa Rwenzururu has postponed the 59th coronation anniversary of Omusinga Charles Wesley Mumbere Iremangoma, which was initially scheduled for October 19 to November 14.

The kingdom’s prime minister, Mr Benson Kule Baritazale, confirmed the development in an interview at the weekend, explaining that the postponement followed an official communication from the Omusinga.

He said the king will be abroad for a medical check-up during the previously proposed coronation week and will not have returned by October 19.

‘The Omusinga was advised by his doctors to go for a medical check-up before the end of this month. The government has already made arrangements for His Majesty’s travel and stay for treatment. Since he will not have returned in time, he directed that the coronation anniversary be pushed to November 14,’ he said.

Mr Baritazale added that with the new date, this year’s coronation celebrations will be combined with the Omusinga’s birthday, which also falls in November. He said the kingdom plans to organise a birthday run in Kasese Town on the same day as part of the celebrations.

‘This year, we shall celebrate both the 69th coronation anniversary and the Omusinga’s birthday on the same day. The events will also include the launch of the kingdom’s strategic development plan,’ he explained.

The postponement comes as the Rwenzururu Kingdom marks two years since Omusinga Mumbere returned to Kasese District on October 4, 2023, after spending about seven years in custody following his arrest in November 2016, together with 217 of his subjects.

Despite the change of date, Mr Baritazale said preparations are still underway, and the kingdom is continuing to mobilise resources to ensure the success of next month’s celebrations.

‘We are continuing with our fundraising drives to support the coronation and other planned activities. Those who had already received invitation cards should simply note the change of date from October 19 to November 14. The cards remain valid,’ he said.

He further encouraged Rwenzururu subjects to support and actively participate in the upcoming celebrations, emphasising that all contributions made toward the coronation will go directly into implementing the kingdom’s new development strategic plan.

‘We call upon all our subjects to embrace these two events and stand with the Omusinga in promoting peace, unity, and development within our kingdom,’ Mr Baritazale said.

It was a hopeless moment at Cream Field Vocational Senior School in Nakifuma, Mukono District as 15 candidates who had prepared to sit the Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) examinations learnt at the 11th hour that the school administration had not registered them with the Uganda National Examinations Board (Uneb).

Parents and teachers say on Friday, they got information that the children may not have been registered. They add that when they tried to contact the school administration, their calls went unanswered.

On Sunday, their fears were confirmed. Monitor learnt that the school administrators went into hiding the day Uneb gazette was released to brief candidates about the exams.

On October 13, at around 8am, parents of the affected candidates stormed the school. They started destroying the school property.

Three candidates collapsed and were rushed to different health facilities to receive health assistance. Vennesa Namujju, one of the affected candidates, said only three of their colleagues were registered to sit the exams.

Monitor also learnt that the school does not have a Uneb sitting centre and candidates were expected to sit the exams from Nakifuma Modern Secondary School, as has been the arrangement in the past years. Milly Nakyazi, another affected candidate, said: ‘My mother struggles to get fees, and if I don’t sit my final exams, I doubt whether she will manage to raise tuition for me to repeat the same class.’

Ms Mazzi Nassuna, a parent, said: ‘I sent the Uneb registration fee by mobile money since I live very far, thinking the school administrators are trustworthy, but they swindled the money and didn’t register my son.’

Ms Rose Nakavubu, another parent, said her daughter attempted to commit suicide after learning that she is not among those to sit for the exams. Mukono Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Fatuma Ndisaba ordered the immediate closure of the school, together with its primary section, Happy Hills Junior.

The schools are managed by Mr Muhammad Ssefuka and Mr Ramathan Muwonge, whose whereabouts were still unknown by press time.

‘I have instructed the district police commander to arrest the school proprietors, and we are going to talk to Uneb officials and see how they can help these candidates sit for their final exams,’ Ms Ndisaba said.

In Mityana District, eight candidates at Bizmark High School in Mityana Municipality also suffered the same fate. Allen Batamuriza, one of the affected candidates, said they cleared all the school dues, but were surprised not to be among those registered to do the exams.

‘We really don’t know what to do now. We need quick assistance so that we can sit the exams like other candidates,’ she said.

Tizera Nansikombi, another affected candidate, said the head teacher assured them last Thursday that everything had been finalised for them to sit the exams.

She said the school administrators had told them that they were going to sit their exams at a school in Kalangalo Sub-county.

‘He [head teacher] said everything was okay, but we don’t know what really happened thereafter,” she said Bizmark High School, which has an enrolment of 50 students from Senior One to Senior Four, does not have a permanent home and has been moving to different premises within the municipality over the past four years. Ms Prossy Mwanjuzi, the deputy RDC of Mityana District, condemned the conduct of the school administrators and ordered police to apprehend them.

In a statement released yesterday, police in Wamala region, which covers Mityana, said their preliminary investigation revealed that in April, Mr Henry Ssemakula, the proprietor of Bizmark High School, allegedly collected Shs270,000 from each of the affected candidates for Uneb examination registration but didn’t remit the funds to the examination body.

‘Findings indicate that the director, since April 2025 until October 12, had been assuring the victims that he had registered them and they were to sit for their final Senior Four examinations at Kalangalo Secondary School since Bizmark High School has no Uneb centre number,’ the statement issued by Ms Racheal Kawala, the police spokesperson in the region, reads in part Ms Kawala said on October 12, Mr Ssemakula told the victims that he never registered them and were not eligible to sit for national exams.

‘Findings indicate the suspect runs the school alone, acting as head teacher, bursar, cook, and guard. It is alleged that teachers come from other schools to teach and then go back. Efforts are on to have the suspect arrested and brought to book,’ she said.

At Burema Secondary School in Kanungu District, two out of the 90 registered candidates missed the first examination, according to the head teacher, Mr Baker Twehikire. Mr Twehikire said when they contacted their parents, they were told that they did not know their whereabouts.

At Kinkizi High School in Kanungu District, the head teacher, Rev Emmanuel Mutabazi, said one candidate missed the examinations.

The head teacher of San Giovana School Makiro in Kanungu District, Mr Dennis Tukamushaba, said one candidate missed the first examination paper for unknown reasons.

At Kabale Secondary School in Kabale District, two female candidates did not turn up for the first examination paper, according to the head teacher, Mr Amon Mwesigye Byaruhanga.

‘We could not get reasons from their parents why they did not come for examinations,’ Mr Byaruhanga said. In Sembabule, Masaka, and Bugiri districts, some candidates did not show up for the exams because they were either pregnant or had abandoned their studies.