Asianet Pakistan Private Limited

The Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) is on the verge of introducing Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) services, a life-changing medical intervention that promises to transform treatment for patients with certain cancers and blood disorders.

With this new service, UCI aims to bring advanced therapy closer to Ugandans, who for many years have had to travel abroad at great expense to access this vital treatment.

What is bone marrow transplant?

Bone Marrow Transplant, also known as Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant (HSCT), is a procedure in which healthy blood-forming stem cells are infused into a patient to replace diseased or damaged bone marrow.

The goal is to restore normal production of blood cells and rebuild a healthy immune system. This therapy is used for both cancerous and non-cancerous conditions, including leukaemia, lymphoma, aplastic anaemia, sickle cell anaemia, and other inherited blood disorders.

UCI has already begun preparing for BMT services, including installing infrastructure for a dedicated transplant unit. This unit will feature specially equipped rooms with isolation capabilities, high-efficiency air filters, controlled airflow, self-closing doors, and environmental controls to reduce the risk of infection.

The institute is also investing in the training of specialists in haematology, transplant medicine, nursing, and cellular therapy to ensure the programme is run safely and effectively.

Additionally, apheresis technology, used to collect certain blood components or stem cells, has already been introduced as part of the preparatory and donor process. Government support has been critical, providing resources for equipment, training, and facility preparation.

Benefits

Bone marrow transplant offers hope for potential cures and significant improvements in disease outcomes. For cancers such as leukaemia, high-dose chemotherapy or radiotherapy may eliminate many cancer cells, but residual disease often remains.

A transplant helps to ‘rescue’ the patient by replacing damaged bone marrow with healthy stem cells, offering the chance for long-term remission or even a cure. For genetic or blood disorders such as sickle cell anaemia, aplastic anaemia, or inherited immune deficiencies, a transplant replaces defective or failing marrow, potentially halting the disease process.

In some cases, it is the only curative option. BMT also reduces dependence on lifelong therapies such as transfusions, medications, and frequent hospital visits.

A successful transplant can minimise or eliminate the need for chronic treatments, improving quality of life while reducing long-term costs.

By providing this service locally, UCI and the government anticipate that many patients who would otherwise spend tens of thousands of US dollars for treatment abroad will save significant money and avoid the challenges of travel and accommodation.

What this means for Ugandans

For Ugandans, this development means local access to potentially life-saving care.

Patients with leukaemia, sickle cell disease, and other marrow-related illnesses will no longer have to leave the country to receive treatment. Earlier intervention, closer monitoring, and convenient follow-up care are expected to improve survival rates and enhance quality of life.

Conclusion

The introduction of bone marrow transplant services at UCI represents a major milestone in cancer care and blood disorder management in Uganda. For many patients, this therapy offers more than treatment; it offers hope for a cure. With strong government support, capacity building, and careful implementation, Ugandans may soon be able to access world-class, potentially curative transplant services within their own country.

Patients and families seeking more information are encouraged to contact the UCI’s haematology department and follow updates as UCI finalises the launch of the transplant programme.

When 22-year-old hairdresser Zahara Nyakaisiki stepped onto the Makerere University Business School (Mubs) grounds on Sunday morning, she was not only joining hundreds in the second edition of the CoRSU Walk-she was testifying to a second chance at life.

Ten years ago, Nyakaisiki developed what seemed like a harmless swelling. ‘It would disappear whenever I used herbs,’ she recalls. But one growth became aggressive, causing constant discomfort. Within two years, she faced a life-altering diagnosis: a tumour that required surgery she could not afford.

‘I’m full of mixed emotions,’ Nyakaisiki said, fighting back tears after completing the 5km walk. ‘I really want to thank, first of all, the Lord and secondly, CBM (Christian Blind Mission International). If it wasn’t for their intervention through CoRSU, I would never have had the surgery. I look like this today because of them.’

Nyakaisiki, who has already undergone two major operations valued at Shs9m, expects a third corrective surgery, to be supported by CoRSU partners. Her story was one of several testimonies shared at the charity event, where patients and their families spoke of pain turned into hope.

The mother of 12-year-old Joseph Tumusiime, a teenage boy who nearly lost his leg after a skating accident, also took to the podium.

‘At first we went everywhere-bone setters, Naguru Hospital, even herbalists-but Joseph only got worse. By the time we reached CoRSU, the infection had entered his bones. He spent two years out of school, but today he walks well because of their doctors. They never abandoned us,’ she recounted.

Walking for the disabled

The 5km and 10km walk attracted patients, medics, sports leaders, corporate sponsors and ordinary citizens. Brian Ategeka powered home first in the 10km race, followed by Herbert Asiku. In the 5km, Jovia Mundage edged out Sauda Kikuviire.

Irene Nakasiita, Uganda Red Cross’ Director of Communications, took part to highlight the struggles of children with disabilities.

‘As a parent of a child with a disability, I know the uphill battles. Today I walk not just for my child, but to call on my peers to support every Ugandan child to get the treatment they deserve,’ she said.

National Council of Sports (NCS) chairman Ambrose Tashobya, who joined the 5km route, donated Shs5m on behalf of NCS.

‘CoRSU is one of those institutions whose impact extends far beyond sports. They restore dignity and give people-athletes and non-athletes alike-a new lease on life. That is why we are proud to stand with them,’ he said.

Former health minister Capt. Mike Mukula, the chief walker, underscored the urgency of supporting CoRSU.

‘With boda-boda accidents alone claiming up to 160 lives every week, facilities like CoRSU are vital in saving people from life-changing disabilities,’ Mukula said, noting that CoRSU has performed 60,000 surgeries and over 100,000 rehabilitations since inception.

The CoRSU story

CoRSU CEO Robert Ochai reminded participants why the walk exists.

‘Back in 2005, children with disabilities were never given theatre time in major hospitals. CoRSU was born to change that. Today, 80% of our patients are disadvantaged children, and we treat all children under five for free. But we cannot do this without your support,’ he said.

Board chair Victor Odongo emphasized that CoRSU is a regional centre of excellence: ‘We serve Uganda and beyond-Sudan, Congo, Kenya, even Somalia. Our people don’t need to fly abroad for world-class surgery. It is here in Kisubi.’

This year’s fundraising target was Shs400m. The hospital’s annual budget is Shs20b, with Shs6b coming from donors.

Noah Kiyimba, Buganda Kingdom’s Minister for Lukiiko, Information; Cabinet Affairs, Protocol, called on the central government to set up a special disability fund and provide tax subsidies on medical services.

‘We must confront the misconceptions that disability is a curse. Every child deserves a chance,’ he said.

With all 2,000 kits sold out, organisers declared the second edition a resounding success. CoRSU board chair Odongo pledged that the run will remain an annual fixture.

‘Disability should not define a child. Every child should be given the opportunity to achieve their full potential in life. That is why we shall be back here in 2026, stronger and bigger,’ he said.

Sponsors of the 2025 walk included Fireworks Advertising, Mubs, Emka Foundation, Vivo Energy, Bank of Uganda, Crown Beverages, Nation Media Group, Rapid Advisory, UEDCL, Absa, National Drug Authority, Finn Church Aid, Pride Bank, Centenary Bank, Buganda Kingdom, Uganda Development Corporation and several individual well-wishers.

CoRSU by the Numbers

60,000+ surgeries performed since inception

100,000+ rehabilitations supported

80% of patients are disadvantaged children

Children under 5 years treated 100% free

2025 fundraising target: Shs400m

2,000 kits sold out at this year’s walk

As Uganda joined the rest of the world in commemorating this year’s World Teachers’ Day, several teachers’ unions used the occasion to urge the government to prioritise improving teachers’ welfare and reform the country’s education system.

Mr Jackson Erima, the secretary general of the Uganda Liberal Teachers’ Union (ULITU), said low pay continues to frustrate teachers, forcing some to abandon their duties-an action he said unfairly disadvantages innocent learners.

‘I congratulate all the teaching fraternity upon reaching this day. Our biggest problem is the payment of our teachers, and it is worse among primary school teachers. A primary school teacher earns only Shs450,000 monthly, and yet the work is much. This should be increased to at least Shs1 million. We are appealing to the government to look into their welfare to ensure effective teaching and learning,’ Mr Erima said.

He noted that the ongoing teachers’ strike, led by the Uganda National Teachers’ Union (Unatu) over salary enhancement, has paralysed teaching and learning in most upcountry schools since the start of the third term-just as learners prepare for national and transitional examinations.

‘It is now over 20 days since this strike commenced on October 15, the day learners reported back for third term. We are getting stories that upcountry schools, especially the primary schools-99 percent of them-are not teaching. The students are not learning, yet they are going to sit for their finals. That is very unfortunate,’ he said.

He added: ‘What I agree with them is, yes, the pay is bad. But the timing of the strike was bad. These students are not learning, and some of them are going to do their final exams.’

According to the Uganda National Examinations Board (Uneb), Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) examinations will begin this week, with a briefing scheduled for October 10.

Mr Aron Mugaiga, the secretary general of the Uganda Professional Science Teachers’ Union (UPSTU), echoed Mr Erima’s concerns, emphasising that the government must commit to continuously improving the welfare of all teachers.

“As we commemorate Teachers’ Day, we call for continued commitment by government to improve teachers’ working conditions through enhancing wages of the remaining teachers whose salaries were not enhanced and building teachers’ houses to accommodate them near schools,” Mr Mugaiga said.

He also called for compensation for teachers and lab assistants who suffer laboratory accidents, and urged the recruitment of more teachers to reduce workloads-measures he said would significantly improve working conditions.

Mr Filbert Baguma, the general secretary of Unatu, said the strike remains in effect and that no amount of intimidation will deter their cause unless the government addresses their demand to increase arts teachers’ salaries by 300 percent, in line with their science counterparts.

Last week, the Public Service Minister, Mr Wilson Muruli Mukasa, issued a seven-day ultimatum for striking teachers to return to class, stating that the government had resolved to increase their pay by 25 percent in the next financial year-a proposal arts teachers continue to reject.

‘Of course, our teachers are at home, and being at home, they are simply communicating to governments and other stakeholders that they are disappointed by the way they have been treated,’ Mr Baguma said.

Currently, an arts teacher with a degree qualification earns a gross monthly salary of Shs1,078,162 and takes home Shs841,931, while their science counterpart earns Shs4 million gross and takes home Shs2,858,000.

An arts teacher with a diploma qualification earns Shs784,214 gross and takes home Shs639,108, compared to a science teacher who earns Shs2.2 million gross and takes home Shs1,616,000.

About World Teachers’ Day

World Teachers’ Day is celebrated annually on October 5 to honour the contributions of teachers. This year’s theme is: Recasting teaching as a collaborative effort.

The political temperature is rising as the country prepares for the 2026 election. Citizens are keenly observing the political goings-on. However, with this type of fervour comes the need to navigate potential challenges, including tensions and human rights concerns.

First and foremost, it is crucial to uphold our democratic rights: freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and the right to vote. We must always be vigilant against threats like misinformation, hate speech, unequal campaign opportunities, and voter intimidation. By collaborating with political actors, security agencies, media, and civil society, we can foster a peaceful electoral environment that respects every Ugandan’s dignity.

The Electoral Commission is currently updating the national voters’ register for Ugandans aged 18 and above. If you’ve registered before, take a moment to update your details at your local parish or ward. Being informed is equally vital. Understand political platforms, electoral timelines, and your constitutional rights. Engage in public debates, attend political meetings, and utilise the media and social media to discuss and scrutinise the policies of those who indicate interest in leading you.

Active citizenship means participating in peaceful public engagements, voicing concerns, proposing solutions, and advocating for accountability in public affairs. However, exercising these rights comes with responsibilities. Respect differing opinions, avoid inflammatory language, and uphold the rule of law. Our civic duty calls us to engage with leaders, monitor service delivery, and report any human rights infringements to the relevant authorities. Balanced engagement-firm yet respectful-strengthens Uganda’s democratic path. A pressing concern right now is the surge in hate speech and sectarian narratives on social media.

While the digital age offers a platform for free expression, it has also amplified harmful rhetoric that can erode social cohesion and incite violence. Abusive language and hate speech aren’t just impolite; they threaten the respect and equality that form the foundation of human rights. Young people, who make up the majority of the population, are among the most active on social media. It’s imperative to embrace responsible digital citizenship. Encouraging responsible digital citizenship should never be mistaken for suppressing the digital space.

Tech and social media platforms should strengthen mechanisms to identify and curb hateful or violent content. Upholding human rights online is as important as offline. Civic education and media literacy should be woven into day-to-day systems to help citizens discern fake news, appreciate diverse perspectives, and understand the costs of inflammatory language. The Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) holds the constitutional mandate to promote civic education and is doing what it can, despite limited resources.

Dialogue platforms-from neighbourhood forums and cultural and religious institutions to political debates-must promote courteous engagement. These channels can model debate styles that uphold dignity and encourage compromise rather than adversarial showdowns. In the digital realm, regulators and social media companies must enforce clear guidelines that penalise incitement. However, regulations must be balanced against the need to protect legitimate freedom of expression. Political and community leaders carry the onus to lead by example, using a language that reinforces national unity, mutual respect, and human rights principles. A healthy democracy relies on the principle that law enforcement agencies serve and protect citizens, while citizens, in turn, respect the rule of law. Mutual respect means the police, military, and other security organs must operate professionally, transparently, and accountably. In the same way, citizens must conduct themselves peacefully, respect public order, and follow lawful directives during protests, political activities, and daily interactions.

This balance underpins the realisation of rights such as freedom of assembly, freedom of expression, and the right to political participation. When security agencies overstep their mandate, citizens’ trust erodes, and human rights violations proliferate; when citizens refuse to respect legally sanctioned directives, public safety is compromised-and these scenarios are common during electoral periods worldwide.

As we approach the 2026 elections, let’s commit to upholding our rights and responsibilities. By fostering a culture of respect, accountability, and active participation, we can ensure a democratic process that truly reflects the will and dignity of Ugandans.

Whenever universities in Uganda prepare for their intakes, financing higher education remains a significant challenge for many students. The cost of tuition, accommodation, and related expenses often exceeds what students and their families can afford. Fortunately, various financing options are available, including government-backed loans, scholarships, bank loans, and insurance policies.

Higher Education Students’ Financing Board (HESFB)

The Ugandan government established the Higher Education Students’ Financing Board (HESFB) to assist students unable to afford higher education. HESFB offers study loans for undergraduate and diploma courses at recognised institutions, covering tuition, functional fees, and upkeep stipends. To qualify, applicants must be Ugandan citizens, admitted to accredited institutions, and enrolled in priority programmes such as STEM fields. The application process involves completing an online or physical form and submitting documents such as admission letters and national identification. Selection is competitive, based on financial need, academic performance, and priority courses.

Beneficiaries sign contracts outlining repayment terms, starting one year after graduation. Dr Denis Mugimba, spokesperson at the Ministry of Education and Sports, says students have a grace period of twice their study duration plus one year for repayment. ‘If a student is studying medicine for five years, then the grace period is five times two, plus one year. This is equivalent to 11 years,’ he explains. Asked how they ensure compliance, Dr Mugimba says, ‘The data is shared with the Credit Reference Bureau (CRB). When there is non-payment, the defaulter will find it hard to ever borrow from any other financial institution in Uganda.’

Bank loan programmes

Several commercial banks in Uganda, including Centenary Bank, Stanbic Bank, and DfCU Bank, offer student loans requiring a guarantor, usually a parent or guardian. These loans cover tuition and other expenses, with varying interest rates and repayment terms. Students must provide proof of admission and, in some cases, collateral. Unlike government loans, bank loans may require immediate repayment, making them more suitable for families with steady incomes.

Scholarships

Scholarships are vital for academically gifted yet financially disadvantaged students. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme supports bright, economically challenged students by covering tuition, accommodation, and personal expenses alongside leadership mentorship and training. Bernard Buteera, communication and web officer at Makerere University, notes, ‘Selection is highly competitive, and candidates must demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to giving back to their communities.’

Other notable scholarships include the Madhvani Foundation Scholarship, which targets students in specific disciplines, and programmes from the Chinese Embassy in Uganda and Chevening and Commonwealth Scholarships for Master’s degrees in the UK. However, Buteera highlights challenges, stating, ‘We select the neediest from the needier,’ and warns against forgery, urging applicants to use legitimate documents.

Education insurance policies

Education insurance policies provide a proactive approach to financing higher education, allowing parents to save systematically. Camila Mindru, marketing and communications manager at Jubilee Life Insurance Company, says ‘The policy helps parents plan early and cumulatively save for six or more years, depending on the agreement. These savings come with bonuses and once the policy matures, we pay them the lump sum. We also have an income drawdown policy where the parent can order that we pay a certain amount of money to the education institution periodically.’

To enrol in an education insurance scheme, parents select a suitable plan based on their financial capacity and expected future education costs. The insurance provider then invests the contributions, ensuring the policyholder receives a return on investment upon maturity. This financing option provides security and financial stability, reducing dependence on loans and external funding sources. She adds, ‘Our education plan comes with a life cover insurance policy. In case a parent passes away, we are to fulfil the obligation of paying for that child.’

Government sponsorship

The government sponsors about 4,000 students annually through various schemes, including the National Merit Scheme for top performers, the District Quota Scheme for regional representation, and support for sports and special needs students. Affirmative action policies, such as adding 1.5 points to female students’ admission scores, aim to increase female enrolment. Makerere University offers tuition waivers for girls under affirmative action, while the revised national policy on persons with disabilities promotes inclusion in education.

The challenge

Despite these options, access to student loans is limited by strict eligibility requirements and funding constraints. Many deserving students fail to secure scholarships due to competition, and bank loans are often inaccessible for low-income families. Also, education insurance requires long-term financial commitment, which can be challenging for families with irregular incomes.

Climate change is no longer a future threat-it is a daily reality for Uganda. From floods sweeping away homes along Lake Victoria to prolonged droughts leaving families in Karamoja hungry, and landslides burying villages in Bududa, the country is already facing the brunt of the climate crisis.

These disasters undermine food security, destroy livelihoods, and reverse hard-won development gains. Between 2010 and 2024, Uganda suffered repeated floods, droughts, epidemics, and landslides, leaving lasting scars.

Today, shifting rainfall patterns are reducing crop yields, and by 2050, Uganda could lose up to one-third of all food crop production. With agriculture contributing a quarter of the economy, these losses mean increased hunger, reduced household income, and rising unemployment. Critical infrastructure like roads, bridges, and hydropower plants are also under threat, costing the nation billions.

The burden is not shared equally. Youth, who make up 78 percent of Uganda’s population, face vanishing opportunities in farming and related sectors. Women, meanwhile, walk longer distances for water and firewood during droughts, sacrificing time for education and income-generating activities.

Climate change in Uganda is personal, immediate, and demands political action. Uganda already has progressive frameworks, including the National Climate Change Policy (2015) and National Development Plan III, which promote low-carbon growth and climate-smart agriculture.

More recently, the National Adaptation Plan (2023) and commitments under the Paris Agreement pledge a 24.7 percent emissions reduction by 2030. Promising initiatives like ClimSA have strengthened early warning systems, and gender-responsive policies are slowly gaining traction.

But the greatest hurdle remains implementation. Weak coordination, inadequate funding, and competing priorities-particularly oil development-continue to slow progress. This is where politics must step in. Parliament can anchor climate action by mandating climate impact assessments for all Bills, ensuring dedicated budget allocations for green initiatives, and strengthening accountability.

Mainstreaming climate action into politics is not a burden but an opportunity to protect vulnerable communities, create jobs, and grow the economy sustainably. Green jobs present a unique chance to tackle unemployment while safeguarding the environment.

Already, solar and biogas projects are equipping youth with skills in clean energy installation. The Green Jobs Programme is supporting the informal sector through apprenticeships and industrial hubs.

Initiatives in agroforestry, organic farming, and recycling are proving that sustainability and job creation can go hand in hand. Women and youth-led enterprises are leading the way in innovation.

However, barriers such as lack of green skills and limited access to finance must be addressed through targeted education reforms, tax breaks, and subsidies for green enterprises.

Environmental justice remains central. Communities displaced by projects like the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (Eacop) or those in Karamoja losing land to mining often face exploitation without fair consultation or compensation.

Polluted water sources in West Nile highlight how environmental harm deepens inequality. Courts and young activists are demanding accountability through principles like polluter pays, ensuring corporations-not ordinary citizens-bear the costs of damage.

Uganda’s just transition initiative launched in 2024 offers hope of building a green economy without deepening inequalities. But for it to succeed, politics must amplify the voices of youth, women, and indigenous communities in decision-making.

Mainstreaming climate action is not just a policy choice-it is a political responsibility and an electoral opportunity. By embedding climate in governance, creating visible green jobs, and protecting vulnerable communities, both ruling and Opposition leaders can present a vision of Uganda that is resilient, fair, and future-ready.

As dusk settles over Kampala, its skyline glitters with new towers and estates, some unfinished, many unoccupied, and most untaxed.

They stand as monuments to ambition and inequality, symbols of a nation where wealth is visible but revenue is invisible.

From Kololo’s mansions to the glittering lakeside estates in Munyonyo, Uganda’s real estate sector is booming.

Cranes tower over Kampala, gated communities expand across Wakiso, and rural towns are dotted with new rentals and shopping complexes.

But, behind this frenzy is a revenue blind spot, referenced by the World Bank in its 25th Uganda Economic Update.

The report, published last week, details the property and real estate boom, but reveals a glaring mismatch in which property-related taxes (land rates, rental income tax, and stamp duties) contribute less than 0.4 percent of GDP.

While the elite continue to invest heavily in land and property, government captures very little of this growing wealth, with the World Bank describing real estate as ‘the fastest-growing store of private wealth and one of the least taxed’.

The real estate boom

Uganda’s wealth distribution is tilting sharply. The World Bank shows that the top 10 percent of Ugandans now control nearly 40 percent of the national income, while the bottom 40 percent share just 13 percent.

Much of this wealth is concentrated in urban property, which has become the investment of choice for high-net-worth individuals, politicians, and corporates.

‘Real estate is now a parallel economy. It absorbs much of Uganda’s savings, foreign remittances, and undeclared income,’ the World Bank notes in the 25th Uganda Economic Update.

This, as a result, the report notes, has created a price bubble, in which land prices have risen by more than 400 percent in the last decade in Greater Kampala.

Low tax returns

The real estate sector contributes barely 2 percent of all domestic tax collections, the World Bank notes, helping little to lift Uganda’s tax-to-GDP ratio, which has stagnated at about 13.2 percent in the last three years, far below the sub-Saharan average and government’s own target of 18 percent.

The World Bank attributes this difficulty to taxing the real estate to money lost through trade misinvoicing, smuggling, and corruption.

Uganda is estimated to lose between $550m and $750m annually to such outflows, much of which re-enters the economy disguised as property investment.

‘Real estate has become a preferred destination for recycled wealth. It offers anonymity, asset appreciation, and weak enforcement,’ the World Bank notes

This, the report says, distorts the housing market through inflated land prices and deepening inequality.

Thus, while a small elite accumulates luxury assets, millions of Ugandans face rising rent, poor housing, and limited access to land.

World Bank’s data shows Uganda’s Gini coefficient, which measures inequality, has risen to 0.44, up from 0.42 in 2020, a clear sign of widening inequality.

The bottom 60 percent of Ugandans, mostly in rural areas, now earn less than Shs10,000 per day, while the urban middle class faces stagnant wages.

Yet property and wealth remain untaxed, leaving Uganda’s fiscal burden to salaried workers through pay-as-you-earn and consumption taxes.

‘Uganda’s tax system is regressive. High-income individuals benefit most from tax exemptions and weak enforcement,’ the report says.

The politics of taxing real estate

Efforts to tax high-end property have repeatedly stalled due to political resistance.

But URA, with technical support from the World Bank and IMF, has revived plans for a high-net-worth individual compliance unit, tasked with mapping luxury property, tracking asset transfers, and linking land ownership to income declarations.

However, the unit remains weak, according to the World Bank, due to resource limitations and access to data.

For instance, the Update notes that because of limited resources, the unit only audited 44 high-net-worth individuals between 2012 and 2021, despite managing a register of over 1,200 individuals.

Therefore, the World Bank says there is need to improve property and wealth tax administration, which could add 2.5-3.5 percent of GDP to domestic revenues or roughly Shs4 trillion annually.

‘If Uganda wants to finance its growth without debt, it must tax its wealth. And that wealth is sitting in land, not in the banks,’ the report says.

The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (Fufa), as the country’s football governing body, holds the ultimate responsibility for the sport’s health.

However, recent moves by Fufa to exert greater control over the operational aspects of the Uganda Premier League (UPL), particularly regarding venue selection, format, and match organization, have sparked significant resistance from the clubs.

While the intent may be to improve professionalism, a comparison with successful global leagues suggests that a domestic football association should primarily govern, not manage, the top-tier competition.

The Uganda Premier League needs autonomy to thrive, and the current ‘top-down’ approach undermines the very clubs that are the competition’s lifeblood.

The core of the issue stems from the principle of commercial and operational independence.

Clubs are legally registered entities that bear the vast majority of match-day expenses.

When Fufa dictates venues, the capacity of clubs to generate crucial revenue from gate collections, which they largely shoulder the cost to run, is compromised. This forced appropriation of operational control and potential income unlawfully interferes with the financial autonomy of the clubs.

Furthermore, a centralized, and often non-consultative, approach to match organization leads to several practical and competitive drawbacks.

By dictating venues and sometimes even appropriating income, Fufa places severe financial and operational strain on clubs who rely on home gate receipts to cover their running costs.

Loss of Identity and Fan Engagement: A core part of club football is the home stadium advantage and the tradition of playing in the club’s established location. Undermining a club’s ability to host matches in its preferred venue alienates the local fan base and weakens the club’s identity, which is a major commercial asset.

Undermining Sporting Integrity: Recent proposals, like multi-phase league formats with point resets or uneven distribution of home and away matches, have been criticized by clubs like Vipers SC and SC Villa for undermining sporting integrity and penalizing consistency. An imbalanced schedule created by a centralized decision-maker can lead to sporting disadvantages.

Commercial Liability: Sponsors and broadcasters seek a simple, marketable, and predictable product. A complex, fluid, and unpredictable competition format dictated without consensus becomes a commercial liability, deterring long-term investment.

A global can help too. Across the world’s most successful football nations, a clear separation of powers exists between the Football Association (FA) and the top professional league. The FA serves as the regulator, licensor, and overall governing body that oversees national teams, lower tiers, and enforces Fifa/Caf/Uefa regulations.

The professional league, however, is typically run as a separate commercial entity, often a company owned by the member clubs, responsible for its own commercial operations, match organization, and scheduling.

The English Premier League (EPL): The FA of England is the overall governing body, but the Premier League operates as a corporation jointly owned by its 20 member clubs. The Premier League is fully responsible for setting its fixtures, commercial deals (broadcasting and sponsorship), and managing match operations. The FA’s role is supervisory and regulatory (e.g., controlling the rules of the game and sanctioning officials). This autonomy allowed the English Premier League to become a global commercial powerhouse.

Spain’s LaLiga: LaLiga is managed by the Liga Nacional de Fútbol Profesional (LFP), an organization distinct from the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF). The LFP manages the professional aspects, including match scheduling, commercial rights, and financial regulations, while the RFEF focuses on governance, referees, and national team duties.

The German Bundesliga: The Deutsche Fußball Liga (DFL) is a separate entity responsible for running the Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2. The DFL manages all business aspects, including the centralized marketing of media rights, giving the clubs direct control over their product.

For the Uganda Premier League to truly professionalize, attract major corporate partners, and secure a greater broadcast deal, it must be granted operational and commercial autonomy. FUFA’s most constructive role should be:

Licensing: Establishing and strictly enforcing clear criteria for club licensing, stadium quality, financial fair play, and governance.

Regulation: Overseeing refereeing, maintaining the rules of the game, and serving as the ultimate judicial and appeals body.

National Team Focus: Concentrating resources on the national team, grassroots development, and lower-tier competitions that genuinely require the FA’s direct management.

The UPL clubs, perhaps through a dedicated, independent league company, should be empowered to organize their own matches, select their own venues based on licensing standards of their home stadia, and collectively manage the league’s commercial operations.

By shifting from a ‘manager’ to a ‘governor’ role, FUFA can ensure the integrity and standards of the game, while giving the clubs the operational freedom necessary to turn the UPL into the self-sustaining, marketable, and financially robust league Ugandan football deserves.

The different types of heart disease diagnosed in hospitals differ by age group. Among children, congenital heart defects top the list. Conditions such as a ventricular septal defect (a hole between the heart’s chambers) are among the most common.

Rheumatic heart disease also begins in childhood, but its effects often appear later, in the teenage years or twenties. By then, the damage to heart valves may be severe.

For adults, hypertension dominates. Patients often present with hypertensive heart disease, which, if untreated, progresses to heart failure.

Coronary artery disease, which is responsible for heart attacks, is also rising. The prevalence of heart disease is rising due to different prevalent conditions, as Beatrice Nakibuuka and Bill Oketch report.

A family in Kole District has sold everything they own in an attempt to raise money to treat their son, who has been battling heart disease for the last 17 years. Headed by a widow living with disability, this underprivileged family cannot afford to take their son, Daniel Epur, for specialised treatment.

The heart condition, which has baffled this family in Abilonino Village, Agege Parish, Bala Sub-county, started in 2008, a few months after the child’s birth. The mother, Florence Amongi, had just lost her husband, who was trampled to death by a cow. He left her with nine children.

‘He was diagnosed with heart disease at Lira Regional Referral Hospital (LRRH). He stopped going to school seven years ago.In 2019, we sold one acre of land at Shs2.5m to pay for a surgical procedure. However, the money was not enough. We ended up using the money on medication from a private clinic,’ she says.

In 2023, the family sold their only goat to buy painkillers for Epur. Unfortunately, his medical documents were destroyed after one of the grass-thatched huts in the family compound was engulfed in a fire.

Whenever the boy’s condition worsens, his siblings carry him on their backs to soothe him.

However, he always cries from the pain. In 2023, at least 8,784 people died of heart disease-related conditions across the country, according to data from the District Health Information System (DHIS2). Dr David Okino, the District Health Officer (DHO) of Kwania, says the government has invested in health facilities and training of specialists to mitigate the disease.

‘All public health facilities have been encouraged to increase the orders and supply of medicines that help in managing various chronic health conditions, such as anti-hypertensives, to reduce the cost burden to the population. In addition, regular health screening has been encouraged,’ he says.

Awareness drives undertaken by different groups of health workers are ongoing to sensitise the populace about the problem.

The government, through the community health department, has conducted health education talks in various public and private health facilities. However, the level of awareness creation might not be as required, especially for persons in rural settings,’ Dr Okino adds.

A national problem

Heart disease has quietly become one of the most pressing health challenges in the country. For years, Uganda has focused on malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV, yet medical practitioners now warn that unless urgent interventions are put in place, cardiovascular diseases will soon overtake these traditional killers.

Dr Peter Lwabi, the deputy executive director of the Uganda Heart Institute (UHI), says the numbers have risen sharply over the years.

‘We are seeing more children, young people, and middle-aged adults being diagnosed with different types of heart disease. Many of these are preventable. We need to act now before the numbers overwhelm the health system,’ he cautions.

According to UHI, one in every four Ugandan adults lives with high blood pressure. Hypertension, as doctors call it, is the leading risk factor for heart disease. Because it often does not have symptoms, the disease silently damages blood vessels for years before leading to devastating events such as stroke or heart failure.

Every year, Uganda welcomes about 1.6 million babies. Of these, roughly 16,000 are born with congenital heart defects and abnormalities in the structure of the heart present at birth.

Around half of these infants require urgent surgery, yet the majority do not receive it because UHI, the country’s only specialised heart hospital, cannot meet the overwhelming demand. Another group at risk is school-aged children, particularly those affected by rheumatic heart disease (RHD).

This entirely preventable condition develops from untreated throat infections, yet it still afflicts an estimated 300,000 Ugandan children.

‘No child should lose their future because of a sore throat that was never treated,’ Dr Lwabi stresses.

The burden is not limited to children, though. Cardiovascular diseases now account for more than a third of annual deaths in Uganda, joining diabetes and hypertension as major contributors to the growing wave of non-communicable diseases (NCDS).

The country faces a double challenge: infectious diseases remain deadly, but the quiet rise of lifestyle-related conditions adds an equally dangerous threat.

‘The available data shows the prevalence of heart conditions and hypertension seems to be the highest at 23.4 percent in men and 24.4 percent in females. This implies that the prevalence is at 23.9 percent,’ Dr Lwabi says.

Most affected areas

Most literature reveals a high prevalence in the urban districts. Kampala reports alarming figures, with hypertension and related conditions linked to urban stresses such as poverty, crime, alcohol consumption, smoking, social environments, and limited access to healthy diets.

People in urban areas often consume more processed foods, engage in less physical activity, and face greater stress.

Health facilities in towns also tend to screen more patients, which means cases are detected more often compared to rural areas. But that does not mean the countryside is safe. In places such as Karamoja, Busoga, and West Nile, the apparent lower numbers may only reflect a lack of diagnostic facilities. The true burden could be far higher than reported.

What causes heart disease?

The causes of heart disease are varied and often interlinked. Hypertension remains the biggest driver, silently damaging the heart and blood vessels over time. Left uncontrolled, it causes strokes, kidney failure, and heart failure, which conditions are increasingly becoming more common in Ugandan hospitals.

Congenital heart defects contribute significantly to childhood cases. While the causes are often unknown, factors such as maternal infections during pregnancy (including syphilis and measles), harmful drug use, and genetic conditions raise the risk.

Rheumatic heart disease (RHD), however, tells a different story. It is not congenital but develops after repeated untreated throat infections caused by streptococcal bacteria. These infections scar the heart valves, eventually leading to heart failure and sometimes sudden death. Unlike congenital conditions, RHD is entirely preventable if children receive timely antibiotics.

Unfortunately, in many parts of Uganda, throat infections still go untreated. Other culprits are linked to lifestyle and metabolism. Rising rates of diabetes, obesity, and high cholesterol, especially in urban populations, are fuelling the epidemic. As Ugandans shift from traditional diets to fast foods and sugary snacks, the risks multiply.

The role of lifestyle

Dr Lwabi emphasises that modern lifestyles are worsening the situation. Many jobs, particularly in cities, involve long hours of sitting.

‘People increasingly use cars and motorcycles instead of walking. Even children now spend more time watching television or playing video games than engaging in active play. Dietary habits are changing too. Fast foods, fried snacks, and heavily salted meals are becoming common,’ he says.

A study in Kampala revealed that about 10 percent of adolescent school children are already obese. Childhood obesity is a dangerous trend because it raises the likelihood of developing hypertension and diabetes in adulthood.

Substance use further complicates the picture. Tobacco, whether smoked or chewed, significantly increases the risk of heart disease, while alcohol consumption is rising, particularly among young adults.

‘Stress and lack of sleep, often overlooked, also add to the burden. Our bodies are not designed to run on constant stress and little rest. Over time, the heart pays the price,’ Dr Lwabi explains.

Beyond the statistics lies the devastating impact on families. Treating heart disease is extremely expensive. Many patients travel abroad to countries like India or Kenya for surgeries not available locally, spending millions of shillings in the process. For families with limited income, this is impossible, leaving children and young adults to die from conditions that are treatable elsewhere.

At Mulago National Referral Hospital, where UHI is based, the waiting list for surgery is long and growing. Each year, only a fraction of patients receive the operations they desperately need. The rest must wait for charity support or face declining health.

Prevention

The most powerful weapon against heart disease is prevention. Regular health checks are vital, especially for adults over 30. Detecting hypertension, diabetes, or high cholesterol early can prevent complications. Dietary change is another key step.

Ugandans are encouraged to embrace traditional diets, while reducing salt, processed foods, and fried meals, and promoting physical activity. For children, schools can make a difference by encouraging active play and sports while limiting sedentary habits.

Public campaigns to reduce tobacco and alcohol consumption are equally critical. Stress management and adequate sleep should not be underestimated either. On the medical side, early treatment of sore throats will drastically cut down rheumatic heart disease cases. Expectant mothers should also be supported with antenatal care to reduce the risk of congenital heart defects caused by infections or harmful substances.

Cardiovascular Disease Outlook in Africa

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are emerging as a major cause of death across Africa. According to the World Health Organisation, non-communicable diseases now account for 37 percent of all deaths in the African region, up from 24 percent in 2000. Among these, CVDs are the most frequent, responsible for roughly 13 percent of all deaths and 37 percent of NCD-related deaths.

Hypertension remains the leading risk factor for heart disease and stroke in Africa. Yet fewer than a third of people living with hypertension are on treatment, and only about 12 percent have the condition under control. Lifestyle factors such as tobacco use, physical inactivity, unhealthy diets, and harmful alcohol consumption contribute to nearly 80 percent of coronary heart disease and stroke cases. Rising obesity and high cholesterol, often outcomes of modern diets and sedentary lifestyles, further increase the risk.

Challenges in healthcare access

Access to healthcare is a significant challenge. Many people, especially in rural areas, lack essential medications and services to manage cardiovascular conditions. Specialized facilities and trained medical personnel are limited, leaving large segments of the population vulnerable.

Preventive measures

Prevention is key. Regular health screenings can detect risk factors early, while promoting balanced diets, physical activity, and reduced tobacco and alcohol use can reduce the risk of heart disease. Public awareness campaigns are vital to educate communities about CVD risks and the importance of early intervention.

Conclusion

The rising prevalence of cardiovascular diseases in Africa presents a serious public health challenge.

Combating it requires improving healthcare access, promoting preventive strategies, and encouraging healthier lifestyles across the continent.

At least 29 supporters of the National Unity Platform (NUP) were arrested on Monday, October 6, for allegedly blocking the road as the party’s principal and presidential candidate, Mr Robert Kyagulanyi, alias Bobi Wine, was heading to Mityana District to address campaign rallies ahead of the 2026 polls.

Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Patrick Onyango said the arrests happened at Bujjuko Trading Centre, where a group of supporters of the country’s main opposition party allegedly blocked the road, disrupted traffic, and caused unrest as they awaited the arrival of Mr Kyagulanyi.

‘Today, October 6, 2025, presidential candidate Kyagulanyi Ssentamu Robert had planned to travel to Mityana District for his presidential rally, although he was expected to use the Mityana Highway, he opted to take Hoima Road,’ Mr Onyango said in a statement, adding that the joint security teams had been deployed to facilitate Kyagulanyi’s movement and maintain order along the designated routes.

However, the situation at Bujjuko escalated when some supporters began drumming, whistling, and blocking traffic despite repeated warnings from security personnel.

‘The group ignored several warnings from our officers; as a result, 29 suspects were arrested and are currently detained at Wakiso Police Division as investigations continue,’ Mr Onyango said.

Police have since urged all presidential candidates and their supporters to adhere to approved route plans and traffic guidelines to ensure public safety and order during the ongoing campaign period.

‘We appeal to all candidates to comply with traffic regulations, follow approved movement plans, and respect the rights of other road users,’ Onyango added.

Police have, over the past week, clashed with some opposition presidential candidates, including Kyagulanyi and Forum for Democratic Change (FDC)’s Nathan Nandala Mafabi, over campaign routes. On Friday, Mr Kyagulanyi was forced to cancel rallies in Iganga after security blocked his intended route.

The security agencies reiterated their commitment to facilitating peaceful campaigns while enforcing the law against acts that disrupt public order.

However, the NUP and FDC camps have accused the police and sister security agencies of impartiality and selective application of the law, claiming that supporters of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) have on several occasions been seen violating traffic and electoral laws but are never arrested or interrupted.