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Nathan Simati first met Margaret Kasiri while preparing for a friend’s introduction ceremony, where he served as chairperson of the organising committee.

‘I found her cleaning dishes at a friend’s house the day before the wedding,’ he recalls. For Margaret, the encounter was purely coincidental.

‘My friend was getting married, and I was part of the bridesmaids’ team,’ she explains.

‘I travelled to where she was staying, and like anyone would do, I started cleaning the dirty dishes in the kitchen. That is when Nathan walked in and greeted me. I had no idea he was already interested in me.’ The conversation did not flow easily at first. ‘It was quite hard to talk or initiate a chat,’ Margaret says. But over time, they found common ground. With physical meetings being rare, much of their connection occurred through phone calls and WhatsApp video chats.

Nathan was drawn to Margaret’s calm and humble nature. ‘She was neither talkative nor proud,’ he says. In return, Margaret admired Nathan’s consistency and dedication. ‘He has always been committed to our love, patient despite the distance, and incredibly supportive,’ she notes.

Long-distance love After one year and four months of courtship, their relationship stood as a testament to how love can flourish in ordinary moments, even while washing dishes. Nathan explains that theirs was a long-distance relationship: ‘I was working in Mbale City, while she lived in Mubende District. Every time we met, it was exciting, though always brief.’ Margaret agrees. ‘Our encounters were rare, hectic, and short, but deeply meaningful. We made sure to cherish every moment we had together, despite the distance.’

The proposal

Their journey toward engagement was not simple. Nathan admits it took him a full year to prepare himself. ‘Rejection was my biggest fear,’ he says. ‘On the day I proposed (a Sunday), I spent six hours sitting alone, thinking about how best to make my move. Finally, I came up with my line: ‘I wish to give you my surname, Simati.’ That was my proposal.’

They also spent time praying and fasting together before Margaret gave her answer. The result was a heartfelt ‘yes’. ‘Here we are now, it is so amazing,’ Nathan says with a smile. Wedding preparations Preparing for their traditional introduction ceremony was challenging yet vibrant, as it required presenting the bride price with items such as cows, goats, and other goods.

‘The beautiful aspect was that both families worked together throughout the process. Our family members and clansmen were incredibly supportive, both financially and in terms of guidance,’ the couple says. As the wedding date approached, planning became smoother. ‘It was a breeze since most of our friends and family were already informed,’ they note.

Meetings took place in their villages, ancestral homes, and in town, involving both families and colleagues. ‘Committees and service providers played a crucial role, as they were ready and committed to working with us.

Most items in the budget were covered by individuals. By Thursday, September 4, all service providers had been booked, thanks to the committee.’ This year, the couple celebrated two major milestones: their traditional introduction ceremony on May 30, and their wedding on September 6.

Surrounded by family, friends, and a supportive community, both events were filled with joy, unity, and gratitude. Reflecting on their journey, they credit this success to the dedication of those around them. ‘With willing and committed people around us, we can only say, God did it.’

Marriage insights

Before their wedding, Nathan and Margaret shared insights drawn from faith and experience. Nathan was encouraged to love his wife as Christ loved the church, emphasising understanding and respect, while Margaret was advised to submit to her husband. They reminded guests that no one is perfect and that marriage is a continuous journey of learning and growing together. At its core, marriage requires sympathy, forgiveness, and patience. ‘Marriage is not about perfection,’ they noted. ‘It is about supporting each other and choosing love every day.’

Challenges

The couple acknowledges that marriage comes with challenges. Tight schedules and work commitments can test a couple’s ability to spend quality time together. Conflicting loyalties in decision-making, especially when balancing family, work, and personal responsibilities, can also create strain. However, with mutual understanding, patience, and shared values, these obstacles can be overcome.

Memorable moments

Reflecting on the wedding, Nathan says his most unforgettable moment was circling the iconic Mbale City Clock Tower three times while being filmed by a drone, courtesy of Gold Mist Photographer. For Margaret, it was seeing her husband-to-be looking ‘awesome and jolly’ as he awaited her, filling her with joy and excitement.

Advice

Nathan encourages those searching for partners to trust in God, reminding them that ‘God’s timing is the best.’ He adds that lasting relationships require more than love: ‘It is not only love that keeps a relationship; honesty and trust are also companions of love.’ Margaret advises women to remain focused, loyal, and honest to their partners, emphasising that these values build a strong marriage.

Candidates and learners in lower classes across the country have been left stranded as the strike by arts teachers enters its fourth week, with pupils in rural Teso Sub-region resorting to fishing in swamps as teachers stay away from their duty stations.

The arts teachers, under their labour union, the Uganda National Teachers’ Union (Unatu), laid down their tools on September 15, protesting what they termed as a breach of trust by the government over unfulfilled promises made in 2022 to enhance their salaries.

The government’s failure to honour the pledges has left thousands of pupils in both primary and secondary schools idle as teachers continue their industrial action, demanding fair remuneration amid the rising cost of living.

In Soroti District, striking teachers on Tuesday staged a demonstration at the district administration block over non-payment of their salaries for the past six months. The newly recruited teachers now want immediate payment of their arrears for the months of April to September 2025.

Mr Moses Opama, a teacher at Amoroto Primary School, said he had not received his salary for the last six months.

‘We are frustrated and struggling to survive,’ he said. Ms Betty Anyait, a teacher at Katine Primary School, expressed similar concerns, saying: ‘We are going through a lot. Life has become unbearable without pay.’ However, the Soroti District Education Officer, Mr James Oede, said his role is limited to receiving and deploying teachers, while issues of salary payments are handled by the human resource department.

Seventeen-year-old Ben Aisu, a Primary Seven candidate at Odudui Primary School, about 17 kilometres north of Soroti City, told this paper that since the term began, they had only seen teachers twice.

‘We have been left to handle the third term on our own. There is basically no guidance in these last days as we prepare to sit for our Primary Leaving Examinations,’ Aisu said.

Mr Robert Okalang, a resident of Koena Sub-county in Bukedea District, said the government would have to take full responsibility if pupils and students fail their exams.

‘All schools are deserted, and the pupils are at home. The situation is appalling,’ he said.

He added: ‘It is high time the number of MPs is reduced so that money can be saved for teachers. Imagine, even the President passed through the hands of teachers, yet their plight is ignored. How do you expect teachers to survive on Shs300,000 or Shs500,000 a month when politicians drive cars worth Shs200 million, all funded by taxpayers?’

Ms Rachael Akello, a parent whose child is in Primary Seven at Kichinjaji Primary School in Soroti City, said she was worried about her son’s performance in the forthcoming national exams.

‘The strike has disrupted his learning routine, and I am concerned it will affect his grades. The government needs to find a solution quickly,’ she said.

Soroti District chairman Simon Peter Edoru said the district would convene meetings with school leaders to discuss possible solutions to the strike. He noted that the prolonged industrial action is ‘ultimately harming the learners.’

Similarly, the Assistant Resident City Commissioner of Soroti City, Mr Stephen Omoding Eupa, warned that although teachers would eventually receive their salaries, pupils would struggle to recover the lost time.

The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) for Soroti District, Mr Elly Piwang, said he had asked head teachers to mobilise their colleagues to return to classrooms, warning that continued absenteeism would have dire effects on academic performance.

‘We already had a sharp decline in performance even before the strike. This time we are even more worried,’ he said.

During a meeting convened by Mr Piwang, only 29 of the 69 government-aided schools were represented by their head teachers.

Mr Moses Emadu, a member of the head teachers’ association, said the strike was largely driven by salary disparities.

The Unatu Soroti District chairperson, Ms Sarah Alum, said no one could compel teachers to resume work except their general secretary. In Ntoroko District, the head teacher of Umoja Primary School said the school had remained closed since the term began, as no teachers were reporting for duty.

‘Being at school alone without teachers doesn’t make sense. I had to close the school. All pupils are at home, and our supervisors are also on strike. The government must address this issue immediately,’ he said.

Mr Alex Kitege, the head teacher of Makondo Primary School and the chairperson of all primary school head teachers in Ntoroko, confirmed that all 37 Government-aided schools in the district remain closed.

‘At my school, even the nursery section has closed. We shall reopen only when our association leaders instruct us to. For now, all children are at home,’ he said.

Mbale

In Mbale City, Unatu chairperson Christopher Majeme said they were receiving threats from the Resident City Commissioner’s office to return to school but they would not yield.

‘Teachers are still at home until the government gives a positive response. That is our bottom line,’ he said.

He added that local authorities were also calling and intimidating teachers, ordering them to resume their duties. ‘There is no teaching going on in any government school,’ Mr Majeme added.

Kagadi

In Kagadi District, Mr Solomon Musinguzi, the head teacher of Ngala Primary School and the Unatu branch chairperson, accused the government of ‘turning a deaf ear’ to teachers’ concerns.

‘Nobody is willing to go back to class until our demands are fulfilled,’ he said.

At Muhooro Primary School, pupils were found conducting lessons on their own after their head teacher, Ms Grace Kyomukama, was cautioned for reportedly teaching during the strike.

‘We may not reach our target grades because much of the syllabus had not been covered before the strike began,’ one pupil said.

Mbarara

In Mbarara City, Mr Bobs Atwiine, a teacher at Mbarara Day Care Nursery and Primary School, said: ‘Most teachers are intimidated to report to school, but even those who do are not teaching. The presence of a teacher in class doesn’t mean they are teaching. Let the government address our issues.’

Across the West Nile Sub-region, classrooms in government schools remain locked, effectively sending learners into an unplanned holiday. Ms Loyce Anguko, a parent in Arua City said: ‘Why is the government not listening to the plight of teachers? Our children are suffering while officials look on. Many of us cannot afford private schools, which is why we depend on government schools.’ Former Terego County MP and ANT politician, Mr Kassiano Wadri, criticised the ruling government for its inaction. ‘If Museveni cannot enhance salaries for civil servants, then what gains is the NRM protecting? Civil servants do the donkey work in our communities, they deserve better pay,’ he said. In Yumbe District, the Unatu branch chairperson, Mr Robert Angoliga, said the industrial action would continue until the government resolved salary disparities.

‘We care about the children’s education, but we need the government to act. Once the issue is resolved, we shall resume teaching,’ he said. He cautioned schools against relying on non-governmental organsations and Parents Teachers’ Association-funded teachers. ‘They are too few to handle more than 1,000 learners. If the learners’ education suffers, the government should take responsibility,’ he warned.

Kabale

The Kabale Unatu national chairperson, Mr Zadock Tumuhimbise, who also heads Bufuka Primary School in Kabale District, said the strike would go on until their grievances are addressed.

‘Our silence must end now. Let the empty classrooms speak for us and the deserted compounds shout louder to the government. We shall not return until the 2018 collective bargaining agreement is fulfilled,’ he said. Mr Tumuhimbise further explained that the current strike stems from broken government commitments dating back to September 2022.

‘Before resuming the strike, Unatu held a special meeting with all district representatives. The resolution was clear-teachers would resume their industrial action from 15 September 2025,’ he said. ‘The strike is still on. Teachers must remain resilient until the government gives us a positive response,’ he added.

He also noted that Unatu had not received any feedback from key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Public Service. The Kabale Diocese Secretary for Education, Mr Remegio Byamukama, said preparations for Primary Seven candidates had stalled.

‘Most parents cannot afford private teachers, and our efforts to convince teachers to return have failed. We appeal to the government to quickly resolve the matter,’ he said. Last month, the Minister of Education and Sports, Ms Janet Museveni, who is also the First Lady, promised that salaries for both arts and science teachers would be increased if the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) retained in power in the forthcoming elections. She made the remarks during the launch of Mr Museveni’s re-election campaign at Kololo, Kampala, urging the striking teachers to return to class.

Pay

Graduate science teachers earn a gross salary of Shs4m, taking home Shs2.8m after tax. Graduate arts teachers take home between Shs 672,000 and Shs 754,600. Diploma-science teachers earn about Shs1.54m net. Their arts counter -parts earn between Shs521,500 and Shs 548,800

Determined. ‘Our silence must end now. Let the empty classrooms speak for us and the deserted compounds shout louder to the government. We shall not return until the 2018 collective bargaining agreement is fulfilled,’ Mr Zadock Tumuhimbise, the Kabale Unatu national chairperson.

Since 2000, when the Toyota Fielder saw the light of day, the station wagon, just like its competitor, the Toyota Premio, has been one of the most sought-after fuel-efficient and reliable cars in its category, regardless of brand. Like most Toyota models, the five-seater has undergone significant upgrades and modifications over the years to endear it to motorists.

A case in point is the 2016 hybrid Toyota Fielder. Compared to ordinary Fielders, the hybrid version does not differ much in terms of interior features, particularly the dashboard and seats. During my test drive of the car at the weekend, I discovered that the main differences lie in maintenance, fuel efficiency, and mileage per litre of fuel. Most hybrid cars have a quiet start when you press the ignition button, usually marked with a blue push-to-start icon. However, the hybrid Fielder starts normally with a key, just like any other car.

As I gained driving momentum and speed, the quiet drive set in, making it feel as if the car had shifted from drive to neutral mode when going downhill. The Fielder is powered by two batteries; one for starting the engine and another hybrid (or auxiliary) battery. Running on a 1500cc petrol engine, it has a small but powerful engine that accelerates from zero to 100km/hr in about 10 seconds when using the engine, and in just six seconds when using the battery.

This means the battery provides more power than the engine in some scenarios. While driving downhill from Naalya, Kampala, towards the Northern Bypass, I noticed that braking charges the battery. The odometer showed that each press of the brake pedal regenerated power, ready to be used on flat terrain.

Service and maintenance

Paul Ssemanda, a car dealer and motorist at SP General Motors Limited in Kampala, says his hybrid Fielder has been impressively economical to maintain. In the one and a half years he has driven it, he has not replaced any parts apart from doing minor service, approximately every eight months. He attributes this to using Castrol oil, which guarantees him more mileage compared to conventional service intervals of 5,000km.

‘During service, there is also a battery protective layer that plays the same role as the air cleaner; it has to be blown to rid it of dust and keep the battery clean,’ Ssemanda explains. ‘When the battery is kept dirty, its power drains easily and its lifespan shortens.

If it is supposed to last five years, it can be reduced to four or even three because of poor maintenance. When you accelerate and the car needs more power, it sometimes switches from the battery to the engine.’ On average, minor service such as replacing engine oil, brake pads, and coolant, costs approximately Shs250,000. When driving a hybrid vehicle, the car automatically switches to using the engine to power the car and charge the battery until the battery is fully charged. On highways, the engine is used to provide additional power. When braking, the system regenerates power back into the battery. After acquiring a hybrid Fielder, Ssemanda advises owners to ensure no battery warning icons appear on the dashboard. While other components can be repaired, the auxiliary battery is delicate and cannot be repaired if it fails.

Cost and fuel consumption

Apart from the 2016 model, newer hybrid Fielders are available, with hybrid versions introduced from 2015 onwards. The price depends on the model, mileage, and mechanical condition. A 2016 model costs between Shs43m and Shs48m. ‘Different factors determine the cost, including payment terms,’ Ssemanda says. ‘If the Fielder costs Shs43m and you pay 50 percent upfront, you may end up paying Shs48m because the 50 percent is almost the taxes paid for the car. Paying 70 percent might cost you Shs45m, while 80 to 90 percent is almost equivalent to paying the full price.’ Fuel consumption is equally impressive. When Ssemanda drives from Kampala to Mbarara (about 275km), he spends about Shs140,000, which also covers the return journey. A round trip to Jinja City (about 95kms), through the longer Katosi route, costs about Shs40,000.

Why consider the Fielder Hybrid

The Toyota Fielder Hybrid is not just fuel-efficient and reliable; it also comes loaded with features that make life on Ugandan roads easier and safer. Later models, from 2017 onwards, include Toyota Safety Sense C, which provides a pre-collision system, lane departure alerts, and automatic high beam lights, features designed to help prevent accidents. Drivers can also take advantage of EV mode, which allows short-distance electric-only driving, and Eco mode, which optimises fuel use depending on road conditions.

Practical touches such as foldable rear seats, parking sensors, and powered side mirrors add convenience for daily errands, market trips, or long journeys with family.