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Presidential candidate Mubarak Munyagwa of the Common Man’s Party is today expected to resume his campaign trail in Iganga District in the Busoga sub-region, his second stop after launching in Kawempe on Monday.

Munyagwa confirmed the development in a phone interview, saying preparations had been finalised. ‘I will be in Iganga today, I will sleep there,’ he said.

The candidate had earlier cancelled visits to Bugiri and Bugweri districts, choosing instead to campaign in Namuwongo, Kampala on Wednesday.

Iganga, with a population of 426,958 people according to the 2024 National Population and Housing Census, faces a string of challenges that residents hope will be addressed during the campaigns.

Poor road infrastructure remains one of the district’s biggest concerns, with rural roads often impassable in rainy seasons, limiting trade, transport, and access to health and education services.

Youth unemployment and poverty are also widespread, forcing many households to rely on subsistence farming.

The health sector is under pressure from drug shortages, understaffed facilities and long distances to access care. Education is equally affected by a lack of qualified teachers, dilapidated classrooms, and high dropout rates, especially among girls.

Communities continue to struggle with access to clean water as broken boreholes push families to depend on unsafe sources. Land disputes, corruption in public offices, teenage pregnancies, and cases of gender-based violence further complicate life in the district.

Agriculture, the main livelihood for many, remains unproductive due to poor markets, low prices, and limited access to modern tools or extension services.

Locals who spoke ahead of Munyagwa’s visit voiced frustration with unfulfilled promises by President Museveni and other politicians.

‘We have a problem of poor roads, they are small and are murram, this hinders us from transporting our merchandise across the district,’ said George Ivulabe, who also called for security lights to curb robbery.

At Iganga market, vendor Brenda Nangobi accused local leaders of failing to deliver services because of graft. ‘We have an issue of corruption in this district, we would be far with the money given to us but we are in absolute poverty,’ she said.

Munyagwa launched his campaign on September 29 in Kampala, promising to address both national and local concerns as he challenges President Museveni in the 2026 elections.

For Iganga’s residents, the key test remains whether campaign pledges will bring lasting change.

The fate of 431,856 Senior Four candidates scheduled to sit for the 2025 Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) examinations next week remains uncertain as the nationwide teachers’ strike continues to paralyse learning across the country.

The strike, which started on August 6, has seen government teachers in most parts of the country lay down their tools in protest against the government’s failure to enhance their salaries.

Consequently, many schools, particularly in rural areas, did not reopen for the third term, forcing candidates to teach themselves in the crucial weeks leading to final examinations.

Sources from various upcountry districts revealed that some teachers who attempted to return to classrooms were attacked by unidentified assailants, forcing many to stay away completely. This predicament has left candidates in government schools without guidance, with revision and exam preparation largely left in their own hands.

The UCE examinations are set to begin on October 10, with the official briefing of candidates, a mandatory exercise that precedes the written papers. This will be followed by the briefing for Primary Leaving Examination(PLE) candidates on October 31. The Uganda Certificate of Advanced Education (UCAE) will commence with a briefing on November 7.

However, questions remain over whether the government will convince teachers to return to classrooms before it’s too late, as teachers play a critical role not only in preparing learners but also in supervising and administering the pre-examination tests.

The crisis is compounded by the looming deadline for submission of Continuous Assessment (CA) scores and coursework marks to the Uganda National Examinations Board (Uneb). In a statement released this week, Uneb reminded heads of examination centres that September 30 (yesterday) was the final date for submitting results for Senior Four, Senior Three, and Senior Six candidates.

Failure to submit the required records will mean that affected candidates cannot be graded, regardless of their performance in the final exams.

‘Uneb will not grade candidates with partial or no CA scores or coursework marks at all, at both UCE and UACE levels,’ warned Ms Jennifer Kalule-Musamba, the board’s principal public relations officer, urging schools to make good use of the remaining time.

With just days to the start of examinations, anxiety is mounting among candidates, parents, and education stakeholders, many of whom fear that the standoff between government and teachers could jeopardise the academic future of nearly half a million learners.

Dr Gorreti Nakabugo, the executive director of Uwezo Uganda, said breaking barriers to education access is important, noting that both the government and teachers should ensure learners resume classes. ‘We really hope that teachers are motivated to do their job, and at the same time we call upon the teachers to ensure that issues of the learners are prioritised because if children are not at school or not in class, it is very difficult for them to learn,’ Dr Nakabugo told journalists after a debrief of a three-day national conference on what works in girls education.

The event is being held in Kampala from October 1 to 3 under the theme, ‘Breaking barriers, building benefits, evidence and action for girls’ education”. ‘We must work together as a system, the government, the teachers themselves, and the private sector to ensure that teachers are back in school and the children are back in class to learn and get what they deserve,” Dr Nakabugo added. Associate Professor and Dean of the School of Education at Kyambogo University, George Wilson Kasule, said issues that triggered the strike should be addressed to normalise the situation.

‘Our appeal is to let us try to solve those issues that led the teachers to strike so that we have a normal functioning of the education system,’ Mr Kasule said.

Mr Amos Akahangiromutwe, the head teacher of Kazo Secondary School, in Kazo District, said his teachers were conducting lessons, but the effect of the ongoing strike tarnishes the image of education. ‘The strike is mainly affecting primary schools. The situation is really not good,’ he said. The State Minister of Higher Education, Mr Chrysostom Muyingo, said the Minister of Public Service, Mr Wilson Muruli, is expected to give another government position on the teachers’ strike.

Last week, Mr Muruli directed teachers to call off the strike and resume teaching, saying a 25 percent salary increment would be effected in the 2026/2027 budget, a proposal that the arts teachers rejected and demanded a 300 percent increment like their science counterparts received.

The leadership of the Uganda National Teachers Union (Unatu) has insisted that the union members will resume work only if their pay is increased to the level of their science counterparts.

Mr Filbert Baguma, the general secretary of Unatu, said the proposed 25 percent increment is too little to improve the members’ welfare.

‘We are not going back to class. After three years of waiting, you cannot tell us that 25 percent is enough when our counterparts received 300 percent. Why did the government raise science teachers’ salaries when they knew there was no money? We cannot call off the industrial action for 25 percent. Forget it,’ he said.

Salary disparities

Currently, an arts teacher with a degree qualification earns a gross pay of Shs1,078,162 monthly and takes home a net pay of Shs841,931, while his/her science counterpart gets Shs4 million and takes home a net pay of Shs2,858,000.

Similarly, an arts teacher with a diploma qualification gets gross pay of Shs784,214 and takes home a net pay of Shs639,108, while their science counterpart earns Shs2.2 million and takes home a net pay of Shs1,616,000.

Police registered their first win of the season after edging Express 2-1 in a lively StarTimes Uganda Premier League clash at Kira Road Playground in Kampala on Thursday evening.

The 2005 league champions went ahead in the 28th minute with a swift counter-attack.

Sizwe Mario Gwebu raced down the right and delivered a pinpoint cross for Umar Kasumba, who tapped home from close range to give the Cops an early advantage.

Express, however, responded on the stroke of halftime when Richard Basangwa was adjudged to have been fouled by Ben Tahomera in the box.

Muhammed Kagawa stepped up and calmly sent goalkeeper Mathias Muwanga the wrong way to make it 1-1 at the break.

The decisive moment came in the 77th minute when Lawrence Tezikya swung in a teasing ball that reached Bedia Djuma Ikamba at the edge of the box.

The Congolese forward was allowed space to turn before drilling a low effort into the bottom corner. His performance later earned him the Man of the Match accolade.

Both coaches rang the changes in search of control, but Police’s discipline at the back ensured they held on for a valuable victory that lifted them to second place on four points, level with leaders Bul.

Express, who opened the season with a win over UPDF, sit sixth on three points.

Matchday Two continues on Friday with Buhimba Saints hosting Calvary at the Royals Park in Hoima, while Mbarara City welcome UPDF to Rwamanja Stadium, Kamwenge.

Ms Sarah Opendi, a Member of Parliament for Tororo District, has raised concerns over the significant gap between budget release and utilisation in government programs aimed at promoting gender equity.

According to recent data, budget release stood at 97 percent, while utilisation was at 95 percent, sparking questions about the effectiveness of these initiatives.

“Did this money really trickle down to those activities that were meant for? When you look at the aspects of corruption, where does that leave us?” Ms Opendi questioned, emphasising the need for committees beyond the gender committee to address gender concerns in various sectors.

The concerns were raised during the launch of the CSOs 10-Year Assessment of Gender and Equity Budgeting in Uganda, themed ‘The Impact of Gender and Equity Budgeting in Uganda 2015-2025.’

The event brought together stakeholders from various sectors, including local governments, ministries, and civil society.

According to Mr Julius Mukunda, Executive Director of CSBAG, compliance with Gender Equity Budgeting requirements has increased from 53 percent to 67 percent over the last decade, surpassing the 60 percent benchmark minimum threshold set.

The education and health sectors have led in gender-responsive interventions, with targeted allocations increasing from Shs 4.1 trillion in FY 2016/7 to Shs 9.8 trillion in FY 2024/25.

Mukunda noted that local government compliance rose from 30% in FY 2015/16 to a peak of 64.2% in FY 2021/22, but worryingly dropped to 51% in FY 2024/25. Sheema district was the best performer on average at 64.5 percent, while Abim District, the lower performer, was at 37.9 percent.

The assessment also highlighted significant increases in targeted allocations for gender, youth, and vulnerable groups. Gender allocations rose by 112 percent, youth-related budgets 233 percent, Older Persons budget increased by 440 percent, and PWDs budget increased by 363 percent over the period.

Mr Moses Ssonko, Principal Economist at the Ministry of Finance, noted significant legal advancements since the Public Finance Management Act of 2015, which mandates the integration of gender and equity concerns in government budgeting. “Previously, under the 2001 Budget Act, there was no mention of gender and equity budgeting,” Ssonko said.

At least 25 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) are lined up for signing at the third Uganda-Russia Intergovernmental Commission on Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation and Business Conference due in Kampala from October 7 to 8.

Uganda’s ambassador to Russia, Moses Kizige, said more than 23 MoUs have been processed, noting that while not all will be signed next week, some will be referred for further consideration.

‘Some of the MoUs pending include a draft agreement on bilateral military and technical cooperation; and mutual protection of classified information, among others,’ Kizige revealed at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquarters in Kampala on October 1.

He added: ‘Those that have been cleared and are ready include a draft agreement on computer attacks and response to computer incidents, and mutual recognition of academic qualification, among others.’

Vladlen Semivolos, Russia’s ambassador to Uganda, said the Russian side of the Commission will be headed by Bella Cherkesova, the deputy minister of digital development, communications and mass media, while Uganda’s Foreign Affairs state minister Henry Okello Oryem will lead the Kampala delegation.

‘Russia and Uganda actively cooperated on the preparation of a number of bilateral agreements, including; MoU on cooperation in the field of agriculture, among others, and are hopeful that some of them will be signed on the margins of the upcoming summit,’ said Semivolos.

Adding: In particular, there is interest to establish in Uganda an electric cable-producing plant, as well as to organise, on the basis of its facilities in Russia, the professional training courses for Ugandans with basic knowledge of the Russian language, legislation, and history of the Russian Federation.’

He further stated that his country had been informed about the interest in supplying bulldozers, pipe layers, excavators, and loaders for projects in the field of extraction of minerals, constructing gas and oil pipelines, roads, bridges, dams, buildings and structures.

‘There are also plans of East African Motor Supplies Limited and Auto Tune and Engineering Limited to establish the large-scale assembly of Urai vehicles in Uganda to meet the needs of East African Community (EAC) member states.’

Semivolos said holding the session in Kampala underscores the particular importance both countries attach to the development of their cooperation in trade, economic investment and other areas, sanctions on Moscow notwithstanding.

‘Russia is the most sanctioned country in the world. the sanctions were imposed by a small group of countries who consider themselves as rulers of the world,’ said Semivolos, noting that to-date, ‘at least 30,000 sanctions’ have been slapped on his country.

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the US and EU have rolled out sweeping sanctions, including a July price cap on Russian oil, to weaken Moscow’s war effort.

The bloc has also banned 22 more Russian banks and over 100 non-EU shipping vessels that comprise a part of Russia’s ‘shadow fleet’, tankers that operate outside of standard international maritime regulations.

Background

The upcoming summit builds on an agreement signed by both countries on May 19, 2015, in Kampala, and a second commission held in Moscow on May 23, 2018.

Uganda has since pressed for a third session, an issue raised with President Museveni during his July 26, 2022, meeting at State House Entebbe with then Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

Museveni directed that Uganda host the third session in the last quarter of 2024, but financial constraints stalled the plan.

Uganda will take on Malawi in a high-stakes ICC T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier fifth-place playoff semifinal on Thursday at Takashinga Cricket Club, in what has been billed as a grudge match.

The Cricket Cranes, ranked 21st in the world at the start of the tournament but now down to 22nd, have endured a roller-coaster campaign – falling to lower-ranked Tanzania (34) and missing out on the coveted semifinals.

Their quest now is not for a World Cup ticket but for pride, ranking points, and a respectable finish.

Team on the rise

Malawi, ranked 54th, have been the tournament’s surprise package. They stunned Kenya – ranked 33rd – by three runs in the group stages and only missed out on a semifinal berth through Net Run Rate (NRR).

Their gritty performances have cemented their status as a rising force and a serious work in progress in African cricket – thanks to the works done by their cricket boss Vivek Ganesan and departed development guru – Arjun Menon (AJ).

Historical edge

Uganda, however, carry the historical edge. In two previous T20I encounters, the Cranes have won comfortably – by 10 wickets in Kigali (2021) and by 7 wickets in Benoni (2023). They also thrashed Malawi by 7 wickets in last week’s warm-up fixture.

But past dominance will count for little today against a side buzzing with confidence.

Assistant coach Jackson Ogwang admitted Uganda had put themselves in an unwanted position.

‘We needed that win yesterday against Botswana after the setback against Tanzania. The only way to fight back is to win the remaining two games. Our problem has been inconsistency – we can’t fire in one match and collapse in the next. If we play with consistency, we’ll win cricket games,’ said Ogwang.

Aim to finish strong

Captain Riazat Ali Shah has urged the team to keep the focus sharp.

‘It was good to see boys show character and get two points yesterday. We’ve given opportunities to everyone and hopefully we will unleash youngster Innocent Mwebaze, who is our future paceman. It hurts that we are out of the tournament, but we must move on and finish strongly,’ said the affable Shah.

With pride and rankings on the line, Uganda must blend discipline with aggression to tame Malawi’s fearless approach. A slip-up could prove costly in the long-term world standings.

ICC T20 WORLD CUP AFRICA QUALIFIER

Wednesday – 5th place playoff semifinals

Nigeria vs. Botswana, 10.30pm – Takashinga

Uganda vs. Malawi – 2.50pm – Takashinga

Main Semifinals

Namibia vs. Tanzania – 10.30am – Harare SC

Zimbabwe vs. Kenya – 2.50pm – Harare SC

Head-to-Head (T20Is):

2021, Kigali: Uganda beat Malawi by 10 wickets

2023, Benoni: Uganda beat Malawi by 7 wickets

2025 Warm-up, Harare: Uganda beat Malawi by 7 wickets (non-ranking)

As Uganda steps up efforts to promote the Tourism Sector, the government has recognized 2025 tourism champions for their outstanding contribution to the sector.

The champions were recognised through the Tourism Recognition of Excellence Awards during the World Tourism Day celebration in Arua city over the weekend.

These awards honored both national champions, regional innovators across cultural tourism, agro-tourism, wildlife conservation, and investment.

Some of the people that were recognised include, Sudhir Ruparelia, the founder and chairman of the Ruparelia Group was awarded with a golden flamingo trophy, symbolizing his outstanding dedication to the sector.

Ruparelia owned, Speke Resort Convention center (SRCC) was recognised as International Tourism investment of the year.

The others are; Boniface Kadabara, conservationist, monitoring and evaluation specialist who was recognised as local tourism personality of the Year; Lilly Ajarova, the former CEO for Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) Tourism who was recognised as personality of the Year and CTC Conservation Center in Uganda under the leadership of Thomas Benjamin Price received the transformation Tourism project Award.

Buganda Heritage and Tourism Board was also recognised as a cultural experience award among other recognised entities.

The event which brought together government officials, international guests, and communities from across Uganda and neighbouring countries was commemorated under the theme; ‘Tourism and Sustainable Transformation.’

Speaking at the event, the Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja said that Tourism is more than just a luxury but a key economic engine to the country.

‘Globally tourism is contributing around 7 percent of world trade and ranking third among major export categories, tourism has proven resilient, with international arrivals continuing to rise post-pandemic. Uganda, too, has seen significant recovery and growth. In 2024, the country welcomed 1.37 million international visitors, reaching 89.2percent of its pre-pandemic figures, and tourism expenditure surged by 26 percent to Shs 4.8 trillion (approximately USD 1.28 billion),’ Ms Nabbanja said.

She added; ‘This growth presents not only opportunities but also responsibilities, particularly in embracing sustainability and innovation.’

However, she challenged the Tourism Ministry to promote technological innovation, noting that tourism as a central pillar under the National Development Plan (NDP IV) and Vision 2040.

‘The government has laid out an ambitious strategy for a 25-fold increase in tourism earnings over the next decade. This commitment is evident through massive infrastructure investments, including the expansion of Entebbe International Airport, development of Kabale International Airport, upgrades of aerodromes in Arua, Kidepo, Jinja, Kasese, and Kisoro and improvements in road networks,’ Ms Nabbanja said.

She called upon the local communities and the Uganda Wildlife Authority to safeguard this valuable asset and introduce more wildlife species to elevate the reserve’s profile.

Ms Nabbanja highlighted the government’s commitment to offer a favorable investment climate through tax credits and financing for tourism related programs.

In 2024, Ms Nabbanja revealed that the country welcomed 1.37 million international visitors, reaching 89.2 per cent of its pre- Covid pandemic figures, and tourism expenditure surged by 26 per cent to Shs4.8 trillion (approximately $1.28 billion). This growth, she restarted, presents not only opportunities but also responsibilities, particularly in embracing sustainability and innovation.

The Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities Tom Butime, underscored the strategic role Arua city and the entire West Nile sub-region is playing in Uganda’s tourism journey.

However, he recognised the pressing need for infrastructure such as expansion of Arua Airstrip, road improvements, reliable ferry services, calling for accelerated implementation to boost accessibility and competitiveness.

He said that tourism now contributes approximately 5.7 percent to the national GDP and supports over 803,000 jobs.

‘The rise of Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Events (MICE) tourism has also elevated Uganda’s profile on the global stage. As part of the country’s broader ATMS (Agro-industrialization, Tourism Development, Mineral Development, and Science and Technology and Innovation) strategy, tourism is targeted to grow foreign exchange earnings to $50 billion by 2040,’ Mr Butime said.

The Arua Central legislator Jackson Atima called for improved infrastructure such as roads and airfields and reaffirmed the region’s commitment to Uganda’s socio-economic transformation through tourism.

The implementation of the Parish Development Model (PDM), the provision of health and education services, and the facilitation of land transactions at city and district levels are among the key services thrown into jeopardy after local government workers commenced a countrywide strike yesterday.

Local government workers, under their umbrella body, the Uganda Local Government Workers Union (ULGWU), laid down their tools due to the government’s failure to enhance their salaries.

ULGWU Secretary General Hassan Lwabayi Mudiba told Monitor that instead of fulfilling pledges to increase salaries or engaging the workers in dialogue, the government resorted to threats despite repeated petitions to the Public Service ministry.

‘We gave notice to the government through the head of Public Service and Secretary to Cabinet on September 18, 2025 of workers’ intention to undertake industrial action commencing on October 1, 2025, pursuant to section 14(a)(b) on serving notices between the government and labour union,’ Mr Mudiba said.

‘Unfortunately, the government has not responded to the notice. Yet, workers resolved to lay down tools as a way of expressing their dissatisfaction with the government’s failure to address salary disparities within the Public Service,’ he added.

Ms Catherine Bitarakwate, the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Public Service, said her ministry was releasing an official statement regarding the strike, which had not yet been issued by press time.

Mr Ben Kumumanya, the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Local Government, said engagements with various workers’ heads were ongoing to avert disruptions that could affect service delivery.

‘Apparently, the strike has not affected any service delivery because the local government workers are on their duty stations,’ he said.

‘I have held meetings with different stakeholders, including districts’ service commissions, district education officers, district health officers, among others, and this issue has been extensively discussed because these people’s salaries shall be enhanced in the coming financial year, and they know it,’ he added.

Strikes in context

The ULGWU strike comes as arts teachers under the Uganda National Teachers Union (Unatu) and lecturers and trainers from 150 government technical institutions under the Uganda Technical and Vocational Trainers’ Union (UTVTU) started a similar industrial action on September 15.

Three years after a similar demonstration in July 2022 over the same issue of salary enhancements, Mr Mudiba said workers have been patient with the government until they were pushed to the edge.

Despite a wage bill increase from Shs7.8 trillion in FY 2024/25 to Shs8.6 trillion in FY 2025/26, local government workers categorised under unconditional grant wages did not benefit from the increment, according to the union.

Mr Mudiba accused the government of creating ‘salary disparities’ through selective increases, polarising the civil service and demoralising employees. He also criticised the opacity of certain salary structures.

‘Like the National Planning Authority (NPA), their salary structures cannot be seen, yet there are no scientists, and I challenge the government to make public their salary structure and that of the National Environmental Management Authority (Nema),’ he said.

ULGWU National Treasurer Miriam Mukani said there was still room for dialogue.

‘If the government comes up and says let us have a dialogue, there is room. But as of now, since there is no response, there is nothing much we can do other than keeping on the strike until the government realises that local government workers also matter,’ she explained.

Mr Usher Wilson Owere, the former chairperson of the National Organisation of Trade Unions (Notu), said the strike by local government workers has a direct trickle-down effect on service delivery to the public because these employees deal with people on the ground.

‘Local government is the real government, and anything there affects the whole country, and that’s why I implore the government to quickly meet with the aggrieved workers’ leaders and solve this issue, as well as streamline industrial relations and ensure that the negotiation machinery put in place works,’ he said.

Except for Kampala Capital City, managed by the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), a national government ministry established by the Kampala Capital City Act, 2011, the rest of the 146 districts, 10 cities, and 11 municipalities are governed under the Local Government system.

This means the striking employees provide services to a significant population, mostly in rural areas, which already face multiple challenges. Mr Owere said a meeting between ULGWU leadership, Workers Members of Parliament, and other trade union officials is expected at Parliament to devise ways of ending the strike.

‘We want to help the government move away from this mess once and for all instead of relying on people who are not bringing solutions to the problem,’ he said.

About ULGWU

ULGWU was formed in 2006 by a group of workers to advocate for the rights of local government employees. Mudiba did not specify the exact number of members but said the Union was gazetted twice by the Ministry of Gender and the Public Service Ministry.

The majority of members are administrative staff attached to 75 public hospitals and 398 health centres (III), over 10,000 parish chiefs, district accountants, district education officers, district health officers, human resource managers, among others. Salaries range from Shs187,000 to Shs990,000, depending on rank.

Their demonstration will have far-reaching effects. For example, district councils may halt operations because clerks are union members, revenue collection may stop since parish chiefs are off duty, probation cases will not be attended, and implementation of the PDM project will be delayed.

City and district land boards will not provide services, schools will go uninspected due to absent DEOs, and hospital support staff, including administrators, accountants, and mortuary attendants, will also stay home.

Situation on the ground

Mr Andrew Moses Awany, the president of the Uganda Local Government Association (ULGA), said the majority of local government workers remained at their stations and distanced ULGA from the strike.

‘We negotiated with the government about the salary enhancements of both political leaders and technical workers in local government, which they accepted and even committed in writing, and now we are just waiting for the actualisation in the next financial year, so those ULGWU announced their strike without consulting us,’ he said.

The majority of workers in different local governments contacted by this newspaper had turned up for duty yesterday.

In Kabale, the district communications officer, Mr Alex Byakatonda, said 99 percent of headquarters staff reported for duty. ‘150 out of 160 district headquarters staff reported for duty and business is normal in all the district departments,’ he said.

In Kisoro District, communications officer Imeldah Mukeshimana said most local government workers reported for duty as they were not ULGWU members.

‘The situation is not normal and business unusual because members of the ULGWU in Kisoro District did not turn up for duty as they joined their colleagues in the sit-down strike that started on Wednesday,’ she said.

Principal Administrative Secretary for Rukiga District Gideon Tumwesigire said it was business as usual since very few local government workers in his district are ULGWU members.

Local perspectives

The industrial action in Greater Masaka mainly involves lower-level civil servants, while scientists and other heads of departments at the district level recently received pay increases.

Mr Alfred Makumbi, parish chief of Mitondo Parish in Kyotera District, said poor working conditions prompted the strike. ‘We are pivotal to the efficiency of all government programmes; we need improved working conditions,’ he said.

At Kyotera District headquarters, staff attendance was 40 percent despite a letter from the chief administrative officer urging workers to report for duty.

Mr Gordon Mayanja, the chairperson of Kyesiiga Sub-county in Masaka District, said the strike could affect PDM implementation since parish chiefs, who are central to registering and monitoring beneficiaries, were absent.

‘The ongoing strike may make us miss out on PDM as chiefs won’t be able to register and monitor the beneficiaries,’ he said.

Key services affected

* Parish Development Model (PDM) implementation.

* Health services at public hospitals and Health Centre (III) facilities.

* Education services and school inspections.

* Revenue collection at parish and district level.

* Land board services at city and district level

After weeks of drama, threats, and near-boycotts, Nec finally bow to the inevitable-kicking off their StarTimes Uganda Premier League campaign on Thursday at Nakivubo Stadium against URA.

But it is a start with double hearts, one half unwilling, the other resigned to fate.

Alongside giants SC Villa and Vipers, Nec had vehemently opposed the controversial new league format, vowing not to step on the turf until Fufa revisited its stance.

Yet on the eve of their mandatory fixture, the club’s official communication on X betrayed a sense of coercion:

‘The focus shifts to the mandatory fixture, which we must play despite our disagreement with the new league format, as other engagements continue.’

It read more like a surrender note than a rallying cry.

Tough times

And if that wasn’t enough, Nec’s preparation is already crippled by misfortune.

Coach Hussein Mbalangu – normally the embodiment of confidence and bravado – sounded uncharacteristically subdued.

Still smarting from their Caf Confederation Cup elimination at the hands of Nairobi United, the gaffer admitted his team were bruised, battered, and mentally drained.

‘We didn’t achieve our target in Nairobi, we didn’t have luck by our side but the boys gave it their whole,’ he lamented.

‘We had asked Fufa to postpone the game because we have many injured players – Allan Mugalu, James Jarieko, Cromwell Rwothomio, Titus Ssematimba, Siraje Ssentamu – we have about eight injured players, but we shall try to fight for maximum points.’

His words betrayed both a wounded pride and a pragmatic realism.

The Caf exit robbed his side of momentum and the injury list reads like a horror script. Still, Mbalangu insists that familiarity with URA’s patterns could offer Nec a lifeline.

Same old URA

The irony, however, is that their opponents are equally unpredictable.

Alex Isabirye’s URA, despite undergoing a facelift in the transfer window, showed the same old bluntness in their goalless opening draw against Bul at Njeru.

The Tax Collectors remain a puzzle – capable of brilliance one week, and mediocrity the next. That volatility makes tonight’s clash at Nakivubo one of the most unpredictable ties on the early fixture list.

Elsewhere, at the Police Arena in Kamwokya, Matia Lule’s Police continue their reintegration into the top flight against Express.

Police showed defensive discipline in a goalless draw with Mbarara City, but must now contend with a Red Eagles side buoyed by a narrow 1-0 win over UPDF.

Badru Kaddu’s men looked sharp in that opener and will fancy adding Police to their early-season victims.

StarTimes Uganda Premier League

Thursday

Police vs. Express, 4pm

URA vs. Nec, 8pm

Makerere University’s School of Law lecturer, Mr Robert Kirunda, has been appointed a member of the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA), becoming only the second Ugandan to serve on the prestigious international body.

The appointment was confirmed in a statement released by the Law School on Thursday.

“Congratulations to Mr Robert Kirunda, Lecturer @MakerereLaw, he was appointed a member of the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA). He is the second Ugandan to receive this appointment,” the statement reads. The PCA, headquartered in The Hague, Netherlands, was established in 1899 to facilitate arbitration and other forms of dispute resolution between states.

Over the years, it has developed into a modern, multi-faceted institution addressing disputes involving states, state entities, intergovernmental organisations, and private parties.

Mr Kirunda, who teaches at Makerere Law School and also practices as an advocate, will contribute to the court’s mandate, which includes handling disputes related to territorial and maritime boundaries, sovereignty, human rights, foreign investment, and international trade.

Uganda’s representation at the PCA is seen as significant in strengthening the country’s profile in international law and arbitration.

Makerere University School of Law emphasised that Kirunda’s appointment was a reflection of his expertise and contribution to legal scholarship.

“This appointment highlights the growing impact of Ugandan legal professionals on the global stage,” the School noted.

His appointment comes at a time when international arbitration continues to play a critical role in resolving complex disputes between nations and global entities.

The PCA currently has 122 contracting parties, including Uganda, and operates as one of the world’s oldest institutions for the peaceful settlement of international disputes.