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The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) has dispatched teams to the Kigezi sub-region to engage local leaders and communities in preparation for the 45th Tarehe Sita Anniversary celebrations.

The national event will be hosted across the six districts of Greater Kigezi: Kisoro, Kabale, Rubanda, Kanungu, Rukungiri, and Rukiga.

The Joint Staff – Political Commissariat, Maj Gen Henry Masiko, who is also the focal person for the 45th Tarehe Sita, said that the UPDF leadership selected Kigezi in recognition of the region’s pivotal role in Uganda’s liberation struggle.

‘Kigezi was one of the key areas that contributed significantly to Uganda’s liberation from bad governance. It served as a recruitment base for the Front for National Salvation (FRONASA), which fought to overthrow President Idi Amin’s regime,’ Maj Gen Masiko said while meeting leaders in Kisoro District on Friday.

He explained that Tarehe Sita marks the founding of the National Resistance Army (NRA), now the UPDF, and is celebrated through activities that promote community welfare and strengthen civil-military relations.

‘We celebrate Tarehe Sita annually with the population as part of our corporate social responsibility. We do not replace district service delivery but share our birthday gift with the people. Our visit is to plan with local leaders on how best to conduct this year’s activities,’ he said.

Maj Gen Masiko noted that the preparatory activities will begin earlier than usual due to the upcoming general elections.

‘Normally, Tarehe Sita activities start in December and run through February, but this time we are starting a month earlier to allow participants to vote while meeting the February schedule,’ he added.

Major Albert Mukama, the UPDF Brigade Operations and Training Officer, announced that Shs2 billion will be allocated for activities ahead of the Tarehe Sita celebrations, doubled from the Shs1 billion allocated for the previous celebrations.

He stated that Kigezi’s nine districts and municipalities will each receive an average of Shs140 million.

Mukama emphasized that “we will focus on short-term projects like renovating schools, hospitals, roads, bridges, and markets,” as less than a month remain before the celebrations begin.

The planned activities include short-duration engineering works with high community impact, medical camps, patriotism engagements, friendly football matches, and interactions with veterans to enhance the UPDF’s veteran support systems.

The Resident District Commissioner for Kisoro, Hajji Baduru Sebyara, welcomed the UPDF’s initiative to celebrate with the people of Kigezi, commending the Force for maintaining ideological consciousness and a pro-people orientation.

‘Tarehe Sita activities strengthen cooperation between the UPDF and the population, reinforcing peace and stability in the country,’ he said.

Bufumbira South Member of Parliament, Mr Alex Niyonsaba, affirmed the region’s readiness to host the celebrations, citing Kigezi’s strong hospitality.

Two UPDF reconnaissance teams commenced field engagements in the sub-region on October 10, 2025. Maj Gen Henry Masiko is leading the team in Kisoro, Kabale, and Rubanda, while Maj Gen Paul Muhanguzi, the 2nd Division Commander, is leading the team in Kanungu, Rukungiri, and Rukiga.

There is an old saying that one should not shoot the messenger, yet when the message is difficult, the bearer often bears the brunt of the discomfort. In that tradition, writing on contentious issues can feel as delivering a prophecy no one wants to hear.

Last week, I shared a piece on why I might be leaving my orthodox church, and to say the feedback was overwhelming is an understatement. My phone lit up like a Christmas tree with messages from readers, both known and unknown to me.

While writing often feels like winking at a secret admirer in the dark, this time, the response was clear and resonant. One question from a reader has lingered with me: “Does the clergy truly know what the congregants want?” Too often, it seems, church leaders operate under the assumption that their methods are meeting spiritual needs, while the congregation feels increasingly disconnected. This feedback revealed a profound gap. While many appreciate certain innovations, the consensus points to three areas where the modern church is missing the mark.

The empty noise of modern worship

Many I spoke with expressed a deep yearning for substance in our music. In a well-intentioned effort to be contemporary, we have often replaced the profound, soul-edifying hymns with songs that seem to have little spiritual value. What truth does a congregation glean from lyrics sung in impenetrable Pidgin English or foreign tongues?

When these songs are not published in hymnals, a significant portion of the congregation is left silent; unable to participate in what should be a collective act of worship. We should not stifle artistic talent, but we must be stewards of our worship. Would it be so difficult to establish a committee to vet music, ensuring it serves to uplift the entire congregation, not just cater to a trend?

The spiritual toll of relentless fundraising

The constant pressure to give is actively driving people from the pews. Attending church should not leave one feeling fleeced, as if they have navigated a marketplace instead of a sanctuary. The aggressive, sometimes embarrassing tactics for collection compel many to give beyond their means, even surrendering their transport fare just to avoid scrutiny. This creates an environment where those who cannot match the expected level of giving feel like second-class citizens.

This is a tragic departure from the church’s very foundation, a place where the weary, the poor, and the marginalised could find solace. We all desire to see our churches develop, but this must be done with wisdom and transparency. For any major project, let there be a clear plan, a realistic budget, and a defined timeline presented to the congregation. Let us work towards a five-year vision together, rather than funding through a series of spiritual shakedowns. We would do well to remember Christ’s admonition to count the cost before building a tower.

The hunger for substance in the pulpit

Finally, we come to the core of the service; the sermon. I am convinced that Christians are willing to give generously when they feel they have received something invaluable in return; wisdom. Yet, so much of modern preaching leaves a lot to be desired. The guilt-tripping and ‘pie-in-the-sky’ sermons that promise future wealth are not only dangerous but counterproductive to Christ’s message of a meaningful life.

People are starving for sermons that equip them for their daily lives. Teach us how to plan, budget, invest, and recognise godly opportunities. Teach us to manage resources and navigate the complex emotions within our families. In a challenging world, we need our eyes opened with truth, not glazed over with empty promises. A sermon that illuminates the path for practical, faithful living is worth more than any emotional appeal for money.

I share these concerns not to condemn, but to construct. The people have spoken. It is my sincere hope that these seeds, sown in honesty, will find fertile soil in the hearts of our church leaders.

Uganda and Somalia on Wednesday signed three new memoranda of understanding (MoUs) to strengthen bilateral cooperation in key sectors.

The agreements were signed in Kampala, Uganda’s capital, during the second Joint Permanent Commission meeting between the two countries, covering security, education and sports, immigration, and labour.

Officials said the new pacts are expected to bolster regional trade, mobility, and stability.

According to government officials, the MoUs will create new opportunities in education, migration, and labour, alongside future collaboration in security, health, and refugee affairs.

One of the agreements focuses on protecting the rights of Ugandan citizens working in Somalia and establishing legal employment pathways for Ugandan teachers, health professionals, and other skilled workers. Uganda currently has more than 20,000 citizens employed in Somalia.

The two-day meeting was co-chaired by John Mulimba, Uganda’s minister of state for foreign affairs in charge of regional cooperation, and Farah Sheikh Abdulkadir, Somalia’s minister of education.

In a joint communique, the ministers commended the “fraternal relations” between the two countries and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in trade, investment, and the free movement of people to improve livelihoods.

“The two sides expressed satisfaction with the existing bilateral relations and agreed to further strengthen cooperation to facilitate trade, investment, and people-to-people connections,” the communique read.

The meeting brought together senior government officials, business leaders, and private sector representatives from both countries to review progress in bilateral cooperation and explore new opportunities.

Held under the theme “Promoting Uganda-Somalia Partnership through Investment, Trade and Tourism and Harnessing Opportunities in Both Countries,” the two-day summit underscored both countries’ commitment to fostering mutual growth and regional development.

Fresh graduates have been warned to go slow with the world if they want to succeed and leave their legacy. The advice was given out by the Namirembe Diocesan Bishop, Rt Rev Moses Banja, during Ndejje University’s 27th graduation ceremony on Friday.

‘Today’s world is filled with evil and temptations, but the strong moral foundation imparted in you through the time you have spent at Ndejje University makes us proud that you will succeed,’ he said.

‘Ndejje University, which is strongly rooted in the strong Anglican foundation, continues to shine despite the many challenges that face private education institutions in Uganda. We are proud of you as you move out to join the workforce,’ Bishop Banja added.

The university’s commitment to academic excellence was evident in its new investments in science programs, including the Anatomy block and Mechanical engineering workshop. Retired Bishop of Kampala Diocese and Chancellor of Ndejje University, Dr. Hannington Mutebi, praised the university’s leadership for its focus on producing high-quality graduates.

‘The Church and founder of this University are proud about the direction that Ndejje University is taking. The Anatomy block will be one of the best in the country. We thank God that the University leadership is focused on producing the best products for our country,’ he said.

Ndejje University’s Vice Chancellor, Rev. Can. Prof. Olivia Nassaka Banja, emphasized the importance of science, research, and innovation in the global economy. ‘We are committed to maturing men and women who will proudly serve their respective community diligently. This partly explains the additional new programs, boosting the ICT directorate among many other programs,’ she said.

The faculty of engineering and survey recently showcased the fuel project, converting plastic waste into fuel at the 11th UNESCO Africa Engineering week held between September 8-12, 2025. This is just part of the many initiatives that the University is undertaking in the fields of innovation and engineering.

A total of 1116 students graduated, including 325 fresh engineers who joined the job market. The university prayed for its graduates to serve and live an exemplary life after going through a University that cherishes the values of integrity hinged on the Christian foundation.

When disaster strikes, the world rushes to count casualties, not quiet minds. Yet behind every collapsed building, flooded home, or burning forest lies an invisible toll, the unspoken weight on the human psyche. The theme of the 2025 World Mental Health Day, ‘Mental Health in Humanitarian Emergencies,’ could not have arrived at a more critical time.

Globally, one in three women and one in five men will experience a mental health challenge in their lifetime, according to Our World in Data. But in Uganda, these are not just statistics; they are stories of students, farmers, lawyers, health workers, and families silently struggling behind closed doors.

The Ministry of Health has reported a 25 percent increase in mental health cases over the past four years. Despite progress through the Mental Health Act Cap 308, toll-free counselling lines, and awareness campaigns, stigma continues to fester. In many communities, mental illness remains whispered about as weakness or witchcraft, a private shame instead of a public concern.

And as humanitarian crises test our resilience, the digital age tests our humanity. The internet, once hailed as a symbol of progress, has morphed into a silent aggressor. Cyberbullying, misinformation, and digital shaming are taking a profound psychological toll, particularly on young Ugandans.

Under Uganda’s Computer Misuse Act Cap 96, cyber harassment is a crime, yet emotional justice remains elusive. A single tweet can destroy reputations or trigger lasting anxiety. From false death announcements to the unauthorised release of private photos, digital cruelty has found fertile ground in our virtual spaces.

The Economic Policy Research Centre (2024) warns that excessive social media use among Ugandan youth is directly linked to anxiety, loneliness, and depression. Forty percent of young users report stress linked to online activity, a statistic that should concern every policymaker. Uganda’s mental health crisis is unfolding not only in homes and hospitals but also in the emotional trenches of cyberspace. The crisis doesn’t end there. In offices, courtrooms, hospitals, and ministries, an epidemic of burnout and disconnection is quietly draining productivity and purpose.

The modern workplace has become an emotional pressure cooker, where constant connectivity and economic uncertainty leave little room for mental renewal. In this reality, mental health is no longer a private concern; it is a business risk and a governance issue. Under emerging Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards, mental health is being recognised as a pillar of responsible leadership.

The ‘S’ in ESG social responsibility demands that institutions protect the psychological wellbeing of their employees. Depression and anxiety cost the global economy over $1 trillion annually in lost productivity, according to the WHO. For Ugandan organisations, this is not merely an HR conversation; it is a sustainability imperative.

True resilience is not built by policy alone, but by empathy, by leaders who understand that psychological safety fuels innovation, loyalty, and ethical decision-making. Embedding mental health into ESG reporting, board discussions, and workplace culture is no longer optional; it is the next frontier of sustainable governance. Uganda’s call to action is urgent and clear.

The nation must decentralise mental health services to ensure communities can access psychosocial care during crises. It must integrate mental health education into schools, workplaces, and community programmes, replacing stigma with literacy.

Digital ethics laws must be strengthened and enforced so that online spaces are as accountable as physical ones. Mental health should be embedded within ESG and corporate governance as a measurable indicator of institutional health.

And finally, both government and private actors must invest in training, counselling infrastructure, and awareness campaigns, not as charity, but as a necessity. These steps are not bureaucratic checkboxes; they are moral imperatives. Because when a nation protects the mind, it protects its future.

The true measure of national resilience will not be found only in how we rebuild after disaster, but in how we heal.

Economies can recover; buildings can be rebuilt. But the human spirit, once broken, takes much longer to restore.

As we observe World Mental Health Day 2025, let us remember that mental health is not a luxury reserved for the privileged; it is a lifeline for the living.

Every Ugandan, whether policymaker, employer, or citizen, has a role in turning empathy into policy and awareness into action. The emergencies we face are not only humanitarian; they are profoundly human. The time to act is now.

Active oil drilling has been intensified at Kingfisher Development Area (KFDA), which is located in Kikube District, approximately 215km northwest of Kampala, ahead of the first oil production, which is anticipated for between late next year and early 2027.

Last month, officials from the China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC-Uganda Ltd), the developer of KFDA, revealed that 15 out of the 17 oil wells required to commence production had been completed.

CNOOC Uganda Ltd is developing a Central Processing Facility (CPF) with a capacity of 40,000 barrels of oil per day, 31 wells (11 injectors and 20 producers), which are being drilled on four well pads, 19km of flow-lines to connect the fields to the CPF, and a 12-inch feeder pipeline from the CPF in Buhuka to the export hub.

At full capacity, the KFDA will have 31 oil well pads and shall produce 40,000 barrels of crude oil per day during production. Mr Dennis Mulondo, a geologist at CNOOC Uganda Ltd, told reporters last month about the progress and the science behind the drilling operations.

‘We have the onshore drilling operations on which we are going to build 31 wells on four pads. The 31 wells will have 20 producers, and 11 are water injectors,’ he said.

To avoid incidents resulting from drilling and to swiftly handle them in case they erupt before causing harm to both the environment and personnel, CNOOC Uganda Ltd contracted CNOOC EnerTech International (U) Limited (CenerTech), a Chinese firm, and its Ugandan counterpart, Infiniti Line International Limited, to provide well control emergency support.

The duo formulated a well control management plan specifically addressing the prevention and management of uncontrolled hydrocarbon releases (blowouts) from oil and gas wells.

CenerTech is currently the only company in Uganda with well-controlled emergency equipment, fully equipped to understand any emergency drills and situations that may arise due to well drilling.

The Well Control Emergency Project in the Kingfisher oilfield was established in October 2024 to address the prevention and management of uncontrolled hydrocarbon releases (blowouts) from oil and gas wells.

Mr Zhang Jiansheng, the deputy general manager of CenerTech Uganda, explained that the first batch of equipment and two expatriates were brought to the site last year.

‘Last month, the second batch of equipment arrived and was commissioned successfully. Now the well control team includes two expatriate team leaders, two expatriate team members, and five local team members. I am proud to say, the first Well Control Emergency Base in Uganda is officially up and running,’ he said.

He added: ‘Since it is a three-hour drive on road between Kingfisher oilfield and Tilenga oilfield, our well control equipment and team can cover any kind of well control requirement in Tilenga oilfield. We can talk with TotalEnergies to see how we can work together to keep all drilling and well-completion operations in Uganda safe and smooth.’

The two partners hosted a public lecture on Well Control Emergency Technology between September 25 and 26. Mr Ivan James Kusasira, the founder and managing director of Infiniti Line International Ltd, explained the significance of having an oil well control emergency plan.

‘The significance of well control is more than a technical discipline; it is the very foundation of a safe and sustainable oil and gas industry because it protects lives, preserves our environment, and safeguards national investment.This initiative is not only about readiness, but about responsibility. It is a statement that Uganda is committed to operating at the highest global standards, where safety and excellence are the pillars of our oil story,’ he said.

Mr Zhang said: ‘.equipment and facilities are only part of the story. What really matters is technical transfer and local capacity building. That’s why we’re so glad to be working closely with Infiniti Line International together; we believe that all the relevant knowledge, technology, and skills will be transferred effectively to Ugandan professionals.’

He added, ‘.that’s why we organise the first workshop as per the requirement of the agreement- we call it a public lecture. Over the next two days, we’ll arrange basic knowledge introduction, technical and equipment introduction, simulations, and real well control case studies. It’s interactive and practical. So please, make the most of it – ask questions, join the discussions, and share your experiences.’

Uganda in 2020 experienced an oil spill scare when one of the eight geothermal exploration holes that were being drilled by Royal Techno Industries Ltd in Kibiro Village, Kigorobya Sub-county in Hoima District exploded, causing panic among residents.

The government later launched the National Oil Spill Contingency Plan (NOSCP), which mandates the National Oil Companies to put up structures and plans for preventing oil spills, and invest heavily in preparedness in case incidents arise.

The NOSCP also provided for protection of human health and the environment from oil spills, while clearly defining the different tiers of preparedness/response, established an effective and coordinated national oil spill preparedness and response system, including designating responsible institutions, and provided a system for collaboration on oil spill preparedness and response between licensees and operators, local governments, and the government, including international assistance when necessary.

An oil spill creates an immediate risk of negative effects on human health, including respiratory and reproductive problems, as well as liver and immune system damage. It also affects the everyday lives of humans through secondary consequences such as increased fire hazards and the potential closure of beaches, parks, and fisheries.

Dr Ernst Rubondo, the executive director of the Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU), in a speech delivered by Mr Ali Ssekatawa, the PAU’s director of legal and corporate affairs, said having well-controlled emergency technology in a country is important because it ensures a rapid, effective response to oil and gas emergencies without relying on foreign assistance, which could cause critical delays.

‘This technology, such as blowout preventers, capping stacks, and containment systems, helps protect workers, communities, and the environment from catastrophic spills or explosions. It also strengthens national energy security by reducing downtime in production, lowers financial and reputational risks for operators, and demonstrates regulatory preparedness. Most importantly, it builds local capacity and resilience, allowing the country to handle crises independently while safeguarding both its natural resources and its people,’ he said.

He added: ‘As a regulator, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of both people and the environment is at the core of our mission. In industries like oil and gas, where high-risk operations are the norm and considering the proximity of Kingfisher well pads to Lake Albert, understanding and preparing for potential emergency scenarios is not just a regulatory requirement, but a matter of public and environmental safety.’

Experts contend that emergency well control is a key aspect of risk management in the oil and gas industry. They unanimously contend that the ability to manage an emergency efficiently and effectively, from blowouts to uncontrolled fluid releases, can be the difference between a contained event and a catastrophic disaster.

Mr Ivan James Kusasira said Infiniti Line International Ltd’s role is grounded in excellence, responsibility, and the belief that local expertise must stand at the heart of Uganda’s oil journey.

Uganda’s oil

Uganda discovered its oil in the Albertine graben, and developments by the joint venture partners Total Energies, China National Offshore Oil Company (CNOOC), and Unoc are going on to have the oil extracted. Uganda’s oil is expected to, at peak production, bring in $2 billion (Shs6.8 trillion) annually in the next five years, and in the long term increase the country’s GDP by around $8.6 billion (Shs29.5 trillion).

The Tilenga Development Area, with a peak production of 190,000 barrels per day when oil extraction starts, is operated by TotalEnergies Exploration and Production (TEPU) on behalf of the joint partners, while CNOOC-Uganda operates KFDA.

TEPU has the majority participating interest of 56.67 percent, CNOOC with 28.33 percent, and UNOC with 15 percent. They are also part of the constructors of the $5 billion (Shs18 trillion), 1443km heated East African Crude Oil Pipeline (Eacop) that will transport Uganda’s waxy crude oil from the oil fields in mid-western Uganda to Tanga port on the Indian Ocean in Tanzania.

In Eacop, TotalEnergies has (62 percent), Unoc – 15 percent, CNOOC – eight percent, and Tanzania’s Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC – 15 percent) under Eacop Ltd.

Previous oil spills

*Exxon Valdez Oil Spill (1989): A tanker ran aground in Alaska’s Prince William Sound, spilling over 11 million gallons of oil.

*Gulf War Oil Spill (1991): As Iraqi troops withdrew from Kuwait, they set fire to oil wells, releasing an estimated 380-520 million gallons of oil into the Persian Gulf.

*MT Haven Explosion (1991): An explosion on a tanker off the coast of Italy resulted in its sinking and the release of 45 million gallons of oil.

*Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill (2010): The most destructive offshore oil spill in history, BP’s Deepwater Horizon rig exploded and sank, leaking an estimated 206 million gallons of oil into the Gulf of Mexico.

*Argo Merchant Oil Spill (1976): A Liberian tanker ran aground due to navigational errors, spilling a large quantity of oil and leading to the formation of NOAA’s Emergency Response Division, notes

*Ixtoc I Oil Spill (1979): An exploratory well exploded in Mexico’s Gulf of Mexico, releasing approximately 140 million gallons of oil.

*Atlantic Empress/Aegean Captain Collision (1979): Two tankers collide during a tropical storm near Trinidad and Tobago, resulting in a major spill

My fiancé has a unique habit. Every time we are about to kiss or make love, he insists that we pause for a short prayer. He believes that intimacy should always be blessed and that God should be invited into even the smallest moments of love. At first, I admired his devotion and thought it was sweet.

However, over time, it has become awkward. The romantic mood dissipates, and instead of feeling affectionate, I feel as though I am in a prayer meeting. I love him deeply and respect his faith, but I also want to experience romance naturally, without constant interruptions. How can I bring this up without sounding disrespectful or unaccepting towards his beliefs? Agnes

Dear Agnes,

This is undoubtedly a disturbing situation, and, understandably, you feel this way. It is clear that you deeply love and respect your partner’s devotion to his faith, and it is normal to desire a natural and intimate life together. Here are some suggestions that may help you address the issue at hand: Choose the right time and setting for your discussion, one that is comfortable for both of you.

It is best to have this conversation when both of you are relaxed, not during moments of intimacy but rather over a cup of tea or coffee, and even during a morning or evening walk. Make sure you both have enough time and are not in a rush. Start the conversation by affirming your love for him and showing respect for his faith, as this will set a positive, non-confrontational tone.

An effective opening might be: ‘I love you so much, and one of the things I truly admire about you is your deep faith and how seriously you take your relationship with God. It is actually one of the reasons I fell in love with you.’

When expressing your feelings, use ‘I’ statements to focus on your personal experiences, rather than criticising him. For example, you could say: ‘Lately, I have found that the pause for prayer during romantic moments makes me feel disconnected. Instead of feeling closer to you, the moment shifts, and the spontaneous romantic feeling dissipates. It feels like I am moving from being your lover to being a participant in a formal meeting.’

Emphasising your goals for the discussion can also be helpful.

Let your partner know that you want your intimate moments to feel more natural and spontaneous, and express your concern that the current pattern may lead to emotional distance between you. You might suggest a compromise that can work for both of you: ‘Could we replace the spoken prayer with a simple, silent moment of acknowledgment? I would appreciate it if you could touch my hand or hold my face and say a silent blessing or acknowledgment in your heart, allowing us to stay fully connected while still inviting God’s presence.’

Ask your partner how he feels about your suggestion and encourage him to share his thoughts. This will help you understand his urge to pray before intimacy. Sometimes, those who are deeply religious have fears about physical intimacy due to how it was discussed during their upbringing, which can lead to the belief that sex is sinful.

Try proposing small, time-limited experiments rather than an all-or-nothing change. For example, agree to try a brief, silent shared pause or a single whispered blessing for a week and then check in about how it felt for both of you.

You might also suggest moving the more formal prayers to earlier in the evening or making a non-verbal ritual such as holding hands, a forehead touch, or synchronised breathing, that preserves the sacredness without interrupting the flow. Treat these as joint experiments: curious, reversible, and focused on what brings you both closer.

Remember, faith and intimacy are not enemies; they can complement each other beautifully. Faith can influence kindness, compassion, and care, while love also needs laughter and passion.

Consider seeking professional counselling, where a therapist can provide a non-judgemental platform to discuss these issues amicably and help you strike a balance. They can also suggest treatments in case there are underlying traumas to address.

Importance

Studies indicate that couples who engage in spiritual intimacy, openly sharing and discussing spiritual beliefs, questions, and doubts, experience higher levels of emotional intimacy, relationship satisfaction, and commitment. This holds true even when accounting for factors such as religious attendance and shared religious beliefs.

For instance, research involving 164 married couples transitioning to parenthood found that spiritual intimacy during pregnancy predicted higher observed intimacy skills in both partners over the first year of parenthood. This effect was consistent across genders and remained significant even after controlling for other variables.

READER ADVICE

This is not of God

Ojilong SSalongo. God already gave us the ultimate blessing when He said, ‘Be fruitful, multiply, and subdue the earth.’ That means we do not need to ask for another blessing before intimacy. He already approved love and union. Over-spiritualising every act can take away the natural beauty of affection between two people.

But you are not married

Sarah K Frankie. Fiancé or not, some things just do not add up. This looks like double standards; mixing romance with exaggerated holiness. If he truly believes in prayer before intimacy, then why engage in it before marriage? Let actions match beliefs instead of blending faith and physical desires confusingly.

Talk to a counsellor

Martin Ssebyala. You will get no meaningful advice here because everyone interprets faith differently. Both of you need to sit with your spiritual leader for guidance and counselling. A pastor or counsellor can help you balance faith with reality, ensuring your relationship is grounded in both spiritual and emotional understanding before marriage.

You are both wrong

Phoebe Miriam. Let us be honest, what you are both doing is not holy. Intimacy before marriage is fornication, no matter how many prayers are said before it. Your fiancé is not truly born again; he is just religious. Please stop deceiving yourselves and wait until after marriage to honour God in your relationship properly.

It is rooted in faith

Moses Earthe. This idea is not strange. In Islam, before intimacy, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) taught couples to say a special dua asking God to bless the act and the child that may come from it. We believe that children conceived without prayer may lack divine protection, which leads some astray in life.

He is a true believer

Nana Helly Hellen. You are simply too impatient, my dear. Your man’s habit of praying before intimacy shows he puts God first even in private matters. That is something rare and beautiful. Do not mock it, embrace it. Keep loving him because a man who fears God also loves deeply.

Count your blessings

Josephine Asiimwe. Sometimes we take our blessings for granted until they are gone. You are worried about something that many people wish they had; a God-fearing, affectionate partner. Others face real crises in relationships. Be careful not to ruin a good thing over trivial discomfort.

Make things right

Rosie Prince. If your fiancé insists on praying before intimacy, yet you are not married, that is hypocrisy. You are both already sinning through fornication. Tell him to stop pretending to be overly righteous when he is living in sin. If he truly values holiness, he should marry you before talking about blessings.

Over 4,000 farmers from Kasese, Bunyangabu, Kabarole, and Ntoroko districts who grow barley in the highland areas of the Rwenzori Mountain ranges have called for improved road infrastructure, saying the poor state of roads is negatively affecting production and transportation of their produce.

Barley, a key raw material used in beer manufacturing, has become a major cash crop in the region. However, despite being among the largest producers, farmers say poor road networks have continued to undermine their productivity and profits.

Mr George Begumisa, one of the barley lead farmers, said transport challenges have persisted for the past eight years, hindering both the movement of inputs and the harvested crops.

‘We started with about 200 farmers, but now we are over 4,000. The main challenge remains poor roads. We carry inputs and harvests on our heads because vehicles cannot access our gardens. If roads were improved, our production would increase significantly,’ Begumisa said.

Ms Topista Biira, another farmer from Kasese district, said the difficult terrain and poor infrastructure have increased the cost of production, limiting profits.

‘Because of the hilly nature of our area, transporting raw materials and produce is very expensive. Although a kilogram of barley sells at Shs 1,700, the high cost of production leaves us with little profit. We need better roads to connect our farmlands and access inputs like fertilizers more easily,’ Biira noted.

The Kabarole District Chairperson, Mr Richard Rwabuhinga, acknowledged the challenges, noting that barley cultivation has transformed the livelihoods of many farmers, especially in Karangura Sub-county, Kabarole district.

He said that for farmers to benefit more, there is a need for value addition to increase farmers’ incomes.

‘Barley is a profitable crop and has attracted many farmers. However, without value addition, our farmers are selling raw materials instead of finished products. We appeal to Nile Breweries to establish a processing factory here so that farmers can benefit more,’ Rwabuhinga said.

He added that with modern farming practices, guaranteed markets, and better access to resources, farmers could boost yields, create jobs, and enhance household income.

On Thursday, October 9, hundreds of barley farmers from the Rwenzori sub-region gathered in Fort Portal City to celebrate their contribution to Uganda’s barley value chain.

Mr Joseph Luzinda, Agricultural Manager at Nile Breweries Limited (NBL), noted that besides poor infrastructure, farmers face additional challenges such as climate change, unpredictable rainfall, pests, and limited access to mechanization.

‘Through our Local Raw Material Programme, we are supporting farmers with climate-smart farming techniques, affordable mechanization, and guaranteed markets for their barley,’ Luzinda said.

Mr Emmanuel Njuki, Legal and Corporate Affairs Lead at NBL, said the company sources produce worth Shs109.3 billion annually from local farmers, and in the Rwenzori sub-region alone, the brewery supports about 5,000 farmers.

‘Sustainability is not an aspiration; it is an obligation. Our work in Uganda shows that when we empower farmers with the right tools, training, and partnerships, we create resilient supply chains, stronger communities, and shared prosperity,’ Ms Ingrid De Ryke, Chief Sustainability Officer at AB InBev, said.

During the celebration, the best farmers received awards of recognition, and farm materials such as knapsack sprayers and protective gear, such as gumboots and overalls.

Early this year, President Museveni allowed for a waiver on VAT for electric motorcycles, enabling dealers to sell these bikes at almost the same price as their fuel engine counterparts. That decision alone has seen an explosion of electric motorcycles on the road.

By some estimates, there are at least 1,000 electric motorcycles on Kampala’s roads alone. There are three types of electric motorcycles – Zembo, Spiro and Gogo, which mostly depend on the availability of a charged battery to move.

The Zembo and Spiro motorcycles average a range of between 50km and 75km per charge, depending on the rider’s mannerisms on the road. The faster it moves, the more it consumes battery power. The Gogo motorcycle, which is more robust, has a range of between 100km and 150km per charge.

Most of the riders, who have acquired these motorcycles say they are cheaper to maintain, as they don’t have to incur some of the more delicate but mandatory costs such as servicing, since they don’t have an engine.

However, their counterparts, who maintain fuel motorcycles, say they are held back from buying electric motorcycles by the shortage of charging stations for the batteries.

According to them, the shortage of charging stations, makes traveling long distances, akin to taking serious risks. They view the proliferation of fuel stations across the country as reason to stick with fuel powered bikes, even in the face of higher maintenance costs.

Each of these electric motorcycles can be charged for between Shs6,000 and Shs8,000 at the nearly 200 charging stations, spread around the country.

By contrast, there is a fuel station within a 50km radius of any peri-urban area; and in some cases even 100 metres in the more urban areas. The cost of charging an electric motorcycle is slightly more than buying a litre of fuel, which gives the rider of a motorcycle, less than 15km of range.

So this raises the question – would it be more economical to ride an electric motorcycle or a fuel one? Comparing a battery charge of Shs6,000, which offers 100km of range, and the same cost for less than 22km on a fuel motorcycle, leaves the shortage of battery charging points as the only excuse for maintaining a fuel motorbike.

So, if it looks compelling for motorcycle riders to embrace electric bikes, why are fuel stations not looking at the option of setting up charging stations?

The short-sided approach to the problem has compelled dealers of electric bikes to set up their own charging stations, even if they remain too few to deal with the growing demand. It looks like fuel stations are walking into a problem with their eyes closed.

If for instance, the dealers of electric bikes are able to set up 1,000 electric charging stations within this year, what will stop a major disruption to fuel station business, if the owners of vehicles begin their own transition to electric cars?

So, if it looks compelling for motorcycle riders to embrace electric bikes, why are fuel stations not looking at the option of setting up charging stations? The short-sided approach to the problem has compelled dealers of electric bikes to set up their own charging stations, even if they remain too few to deal with the growing demand.

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As Uganda marked 63 years of independence, Ugandans living in the diaspora used the occasion to deliver a sobering message about the state of governance, democracy, and public welfare in their homeland.

In a joint statement, they expressed deep concern over what they described as the steady erosion of democratic principles and widening social inequality, developments they say betray the dreams of the nation’s founding fathers.

Leading the call, Dr Dennis Daniel Ssemugenyi, a prominent voice within the Ugandan diaspora community, said the country stands at a critical crossroads, urging citizens to reclaim the true spirit of independence and confront the forces of corruption and oppression.

‘We are standing at a crossroads in our nation’s history, and our economy is in crisis. Prices rise day and night while wages remain stagnant. Businesses are closing as corruption flies high. This is not the independence our fathers fought for,’ he said.

Dr Ssemugenyi painted a bleak picture of the current state of social services, particularly in the health sector, which he said had been neglected for far too long.

‘Our hospitals, once symbols of compassion, are now stories of despair. Mothers give birth on the floor, patients wait endlessly for medicine that never comes, and doctors, once the pride of our nation, have been reduced to beggars in their own country,’ he said.

Turning to political governance, Dr Ssemugenyi decried what he termed the slow death of democracy and the shrinking space for independent voices. He cited the recent presidential nomination process as evidence of bias within the electoral system.

‘The recent nominations exposed deep cracks in our democracy. Independent candidates who speak for the people were deliberately excluded and silenced,’ he said.

He revealed that he filed a petition on September 26 demanding fairness, but to this day, the Electoral Commission remains silent.

‘That silence is not ignorance, it is the loudest confession of bias and fear,’ he added.

He warned that the erosion of electoral integrity risks plunging the nation into political disillusionment.

‘When an electoral body becomes a branch of the ruling regime, elections stop being instruments of democracy and become rituals of deceit. A nation that can no longer trust its ballot stands on the edge of its last resort,’ Dr Ssemugenyi noted.

The diaspora leader also criticised Uganda’s justice system, accusing it of shielding the powerful while abandoning the weak.

‘Ordinary Ugandans no longer believe that the courts can deliver justice. Case files disappear, judges are intimidated, and the law serves only the powerful. This is not justice, it is legalized oppression,’ he said.

Reflecting on the meaning of independence, Dr Ssemugenyi urged Ugandans to use the anniversary not merely as a celebration but as a moment of national reckoning.

‘Independence is not real until every Ugandan is free from fear, poverty, and injustice. We must awaken the spirit of our founding fathers, those who dreamed of self-rule, peace, and equality. Let us celebrate the past but reclaim the future,’ he said.

He concluded with a rallying call for civic renewal and unity among Ugandans at home and abroad.

‘The greed for power has become a cancer eating the soul of Uganda. It has stolen our dreams, divided our people, and turned citizens into subjects,’ he said. ‘But while the regime can hold power, it cannot hold the soul of Ugandans. Our destiny belongs to us, and together we can rebuild our nation.’

Dr Ssemugenyi’s remarks have resonated widely within diaspora communities, many of whom say the fight for a just, accountable, and inclusive Uganda must continue, guided by the same ideals that inspired the country’s struggle for independence in 1962.