Asianet Pakistan Private Limited

A 28-year-old manicurist at Mabirizi Complex in Kampala has been remanded to prison on allegations of burying President Museveni’s campaign poster underground and engaging in hate speech.

Vincent Ngabo, a Rwandan by nationality and resident of Najjanankumbi, Rubaga Division in Kampala, appeared before the Entebbe Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday on charges under the Computer Misuse Act.

Although there was no prosecutor present in court, the state accuses Ngabo, an upcoming musician, of using a TikTok account under the name “Tutu the Man” to share information claiming that President Museveni, who came to power through a coup 40 years ago, continues to rule Uganda through dictatorship.

Ngabo, who is accused of committing the offences between August and September 2025, is also alleged to have criticised Mr Museveni, 81, for trying to promote his son, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, to replace him, despite the presence of a competent youth leader, Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, also known as Bobi Wine, who is a presidential candidate of the largest opposition party, the National Unity Platform (NUP).

The state characterised Ngabo’s statements as ridiculing, degrading, or demeaning to the person of the president, which promotes hostility against him as the head of state.

In the second count read by the magistrate, the prosecution alleges that Ngabo, alias uploaded a music video titled ‘Muvuzi wa Taxi’ in which he is seen unpinning President Museveni’s campaign poster before burying it underground.

The state claims the song contains hate speech.

The message in the song highlights how President Museveni, who has ruled Uganda since 1986, should leave power for others to lead, which has been viewed by the state as an attempt to spread indecency and promote hostility against Mr Museveni, who is seeking another term in the 2026 General Election.

Entebbe Grade One Magistrate, Ms Lillian Mazimwe, remanded Ngabo to prison until October 17, 2025, citing the absence of a state prosecutor in court during the proceedings.

Ngabo now becomes the seventh TikToker charged with offences related to hate speech against President Museveni and his family, or close associates.

The government has omitted Bukakkata Sub-county in Masaka District from areas set to benefit from the oil palm project yet to be rolled out.

The Ministry of Agriculture officials said Bukakkata was omitted because of various environmentally sensitive and heritage sites which need to be protected.

According to the final Environmental and Social Impact report for the proposed establishment of smallholder oil palm plantations in Masaka District, most parts of Bukakkata Sub-county were left out due to the concentration of Ramsar and cultural sites.

‘The area has several tourist attractions, including Ramsar, cultural and religious sites like Lake Nabugabo, Birinzi Catholic Shrine, Lake Birinzi, which locals consider very vital and need to be conserved,’ the report reads in part. The report further indicates that after assessment, only small-scale farmers from the 72 villages in three sub-counties of Buwunga, Kyanamukkaka, and Kyesiiga were approved to benefit from the oil palm project expected to kick off in March next year.

Mr Anthony Wanyoto, a communications and knowledge management officer at the National Oil Palm Project, said the assessment and registration of farmers from the selected sub-counties was completed. The targeted beneficiaries were mobilised to form a cooperative society to provide an organisational framework among them to ease access to better inputs and extension services.

Local leaders speak out

Mr Robert Kambugu, the Masaka deputy Resident District Commissioner, said his office has not received any information regarding the project. ‘We are mandated to mobilise people and sensitise them to embrace developmental projects, but the line ministry has not yet communicated to us,’ he said in a telephone interview yesterday. Mr Henry Kabuye, the vice chairperson of Kyesiiga Sub-county, said he received information about the project through some farmers in the area.

‘I have learnt that the number of farmers selected is small compared to those ready to embrace the project. I think these are issues we could address as local leaders if they fully involved us in the project,’ he said. The Masaka oil palm project is part of the greater Masaka hub, which covers districts on Lake Victoria shores, including Kyotera, Masaka, Kalungu, and Kalangala.

The project

The project targets 4,000 hectares of land in the district and prioritises small-scale farmers with one to four acres of land. In the neighbouring Kyotera District, BIDCO Uganda Limited – the project implementing firm, has already established a nursery bed for oil palm seedlings, which it will supply to both the nucleus estate and outgrowers across the region.

Oil palm farming in Masaka District was introduced in 2003. However, the project has not yet kicked off due to challenges, most especially the opposition from politicians and residents, which prompted the government to relocate the project to Kalangala District. Other districts like Buvuma, Namayingo, Bugiri, and Mayuge have embraced oil palm farming, and more districts in central, eastern, northern, and West Nile regions are yet to be considered under the second phase of implementation of the project.

Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago has accused Parliament and the National Environment Management Authority (Nema) of negligence and conspiracy in allowing city businessman Hamis Kiggundu, commonly known as Ham, to carry out illegal construction on the Nakivubo Channel, one of the capital’s main drainage systems.

Speaking to journalists in Kampala yesterday, Mr Lukwago said the channel, classified as a natural resource, falls under the management of Local Government and cannot be leased or alienated to private developers under the Constitution. ‘Nakivubo Channel is supposed to be managed by the Local Government, not individuals. Local Governments are prohibited by law from leasing or alienating any natural resource,’ Mr Lukwago said.

Nema clearance

He alleged that Ham Enterprises obtained two land titles over sections of the channel without securing the mandatory environmental permits from Nema as required by the Environmental Act. A letter from Nema dated August 22 was reportedly sent to the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) executive director, the Office of the Lord Mayor, and the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Water, requesting information about the ongoing works. Mr Lukwago said to date, no Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report or official response has been filed.

‘Nema cannot issue a permit without an Environmental Impact Assessment report. Unfortunately, construction went ahead without these approvals, and that is a serious breach of the law,’ he said. Mr Lukwago added that Ham Enterprises never submitted a development application to KCCA for approval. On August 22, the KCCA executive director issued a letter ordering the company to halt all works pending clearance, but the developer ignored the directive.

The Lord Mayor further accused a section of MPs of deliberately stalling investigations into the matter, despite a directive by Speaker Anita Among to constitute a fact-finding committee led by MP Daniel Kimosho. ‘There is a conspiracy being perpetuated by Parliament. The Speaker directed a fact-finding committee to investigate, but since September, we have not heard from the team,’ Mr Lukwago said.

Efforts to obtain comment from the named institutions were unsuccessful by press time.

He revealed that his office is now pushing for immediate enforcement, including arrests and prosecution of those behind the illegal construction. Mr Lukwago also demanded compensation for traders and residents who have suffered losses as a result of flooding caused by the blocked channel. Traders in downtown Kampala are counting heavy losses following Monday’s downpour that caused the Nakivubo Channel-now under construction-to overflow and flood surrounding arcades. Shops near the main drainage corridor were submerged, destroying merchandise worth millions of shillings.

Mr Joseph Mukiibi, a trader at Qualicell Building, said the flooding had worsened because the blocked channel diverted water through their buildings. ‘The recent flooding was terrible because water failed to flow through its usual route, which was blocked. It found its way through our buildings instead,’ Mr Mukiibi said.

Ms Mariam Kisakye, another trader, blamed the flooding on garbage disposal by vendors and roadworks that have obstructed smaller drainage streams from Kampala Road to Nakasero.

Background

Works to cordon off the Nakivubo Channel began on August 16, and KCCA ordered Ham Enterprises to halt all works six days later pending statutory permissions. The authority also demanded the removal of debris and restoration of stormwater flow in compliance with environmental and planning laws. However, civil society organisations and lawyers have since sued Ham Enterprises, KCCA, Nema, and others, citing lack of an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) and alleged constitutional breaches through presidential directives overriding due process.

Despite multiple warnings, construction has continued without interruption.

All is set for the inaugural Independence Marathon (IM) this Thursday, October 9, as Uganda marks 63 years of self-rule with a unique blend of patriotism, fitness, and philanthropy.

Organised by Team Matooke, the marathon builds on the theme Do It For Mama and will feature four race categories – 42.2km, 21.1km, 10km, and 5km – drawing both serious and social runners.

Beyond celebrating national pride and promoting fitness, participants will also be running for safe motherhood, with part of the proceeds going towards supporting the maternity ward at Entebbe Hospital.

Competitive segments – 42.2km and 21.1km – will be open exclusively to recreational runners who belong to running clubs, with prize awards reserved for them.

‘Elite professionals can take part,’ said Robert Kabushenga, the event coordinator and two-time Comrades finisher, ‘but only in a non-competitive capacity.’

The 42.2km full marathon will start at International School of Uganda (ISU) in Lubowa, with runners expected to arrive by 5am and set off at 6am sharp for effective route management. Parking will be available at the venue, with organisers emphasising strict and elaborate procedures to ensure safety and smooth coordination.

The 21.1km half marathon will begin at Voice Mall, Bwebajja, where runners usually find the first water stop during the monthly Kla-Ebb runs. Parking will be at Taibah International School, about 500 metres down the valley. The half marathon will start at 6:30am.

For the 10km and 5km categories, runners and walkers will start and finish at Lake Victoria Primary School, Entebbe, with a 7am flag-off. All races will finish at the aforementioned venue.

‘To ease movement after the races, a complimentary shuttle service will operate, ferrying participants back to Bwebajja and Lubowa at intervals to collect their vehicles,’ added Kabushenga.

Hydration, nutrition, medical support, and vibration stations will be available at all major points along the route – including Lweza, Kigo, Kajjansi, Bwebajja, Kisubi, Nkumba, Kitubulu, Victoria Mall, Church Road, and the finish venue.

With fitness, national pride, and safe motherhood at its core, the Independence Marathon aims to become an annual celebration of Uganda’s independence – one where citizens not only run for health and country, but also for a cause that saves lives.

At least 23 Ugandans will receive medals in recognition of their outstanding service to the nation, as part of the 63rd Independence Day celebrations.

The October 9 event at Kololo Independence Grounds, Kampala will be held under the theme, 63 Years of Independence: A Reason to Double Our Effort in Sustaining a United and Progressive Nation, and it will be presided over by President Museveni and attended by a section of Ugandan and foreign delegations from Russia, Libya, and the United Arab Emirates, among others.

The Minister for the Presidency, Ms Milly Babirye Babalanda, said the award ceremony is meant to recognise Ugandans whose service and patriotism have greatly contributed to the country’s progress.

‘The 23 medalists represent the spirit of hard work, sacrifice, and devotion that our nation was built upon. As we celebrate 63 years of independence, we honour all who have selflessly served Uganda in various capacities,’ Ms Babalanda said.

She noted that Uganda’s independence was achieved through the courage and vision of heroes such as Ignatius Kangave Musaazi, Benedict Kiwanuka, Sir William Wilberforce Nadiope, and Semakula Mulumba, whose leadership and activism inspired the nation’s fight for self-rule.

‘Our independence heroes laid the foundation for the Uganda we cherish today. Their legacy of unity and determination must guide our generation to continue building a peaceful and prosperous nation,’ she added.

Ms Babalanda reminded Ugandans of the significance of October 9, 1962, when the Union Jack was lowered and the Ugandan flag was raised for the first time, marking the country’s liberation from colonial rule.

‘That day symbolised freedom and self-determination. It was the dream of our founders that every Ugandan would live with dignity, opportunity, and equality,’ she said.

The minister further urged citizens to use the Independence Day celebrations to reflect on Uganda’s journey and renew their commitment to national development.

‘Our economy is now more resilient, growing steadily across sectors like agriculture, industry, ICT, and tourism. But we must do more to fight poverty and ensure prosperity reaches every home,’ she emphasised.

According to the minister, the greatest tribute Ugandans can pay to the country’s independence heroes is to live by their values of hard work, honesty, and unity.

However, a handful of opposition politicians who are ‘friendly to the regime’ will likely attend the Kololo event, with many critics slamming the government for reportedly turning it into the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party event.

List of the selected medalists

Crested crane Grand Officer

Haji Mayanja Mohammed Sadik- Pallisa

National independence Diamond Jubilee medals

Ms Byanyima Kusaba Rosemary – Ibanda

Mr Kisolo Akisophel – Sironko

Mr Kigula Joseph Brown Mugambe – Wakiso

Mr Otim Maxwell Onapa – Alebtong

Hajji Nyakahuma Daudi- Bunyangabo

Mr Lawrence Omulen Levy – Pallisa

Bishop Oullu Siomn Peter – Pallisa

Mr Pator Freddie Sekyewa – Kyotera

Mr Elidad Nyanja- Kyotera

Ms Rose Namusisi -Mityana

Mr Alex Jagenu – Zombo

Mr Kwesiga Kweyunga Robert – Ntungamo

Nalubaale medals

Mr Wibo Samali Osuna – Butaleja

Principle rehabilitation and integration officer

Ms Mbalyowere Nuruh Nsambu — Kampala

Mr David Okiring – Kumi.

Ms Jane Nakaliika – Rakai

Ms Jane Apite – Assistant Nursing Officer -Koboko

Mr Okwee Eddy Tommy Chief Warder ii- Lira

National Independence Diamond Jubilee medal -prisons

Vanice Mirembe -Mbarara

Samuel Amanya – Rubirizi

Mr Jackson Katarirwe – Rukungiri

Lt Said Lamas Gayinzara-Adjuman.

Whether healing miracles are genuine or fake, is a subject of contention in many circles. In some videos on social media, ‘men of God’ are seen apparently performing miracles dubiously, thereby drawing public wrath.

Obviously, some of these videos are staged, but the public cannot tell, because they are not shared with captions and explanations.

Interestingly, some of these videos, while unbelievably inconceivable, are real reflections of the actual process of divine healing.

In fact, those who bundle and dismiss all these videos as fake might not be familiar with biblical healing.

The Bible in 2 Kings 5 has a story of a leper called Naaman who was the Ugandan version of a CDF (Chief of Defence Forces) of a nation called Aram.

Imagine this leper, on video, dipping in a swamp seven times and coming out thereafter, with his skin as smooth as a baby’s? Yet, this is exactly what happened when Naaman did as instructed by Prophet Elisha, in order to be healed.

Wouldn’t this have been labelled as a fake miracle by some? John 9:1-12 has another story of Jesus mixing mud and some water, which he rubbed on the eyes of a blind man, and he started seeing.

It is highly likely that such a video clip in this day and age would have drawn angst and dissent over its authenticity.

This miracle was so contentious that even when the parents of this blind man confirmed that he had been born blind, there was bitterness and anger from the Pharisees.

This is proof that miracles cause divisions and conflict, even when they have been confirmed, beyond reasonable doubt, to be true. It is interesting that the authorities of the day desperately tried to pacify their unbelief by bullying, intimidating, threatening, and overwhelming the parents of this blind man into denying the miracle.

Obviously, some of these shocking videos have fake miracles with the ulterior motive of misleading and duping unsuspecting members of the public.

However, authorities usually jump on them to make sweeping disapproving statements about divine healing. They are used as an opportunity to character assassinate miracles and paint faith in divine healing as a dangerous threat to the safety of Ugandans. It is not easy to find genuine miracles receiving similar mileage, acknowledgement, and attention.

On the other hand, misleading videos are used to preach against the faith movement. In some cases authorities go as far as threatening believers with censure, and laws that will curtail their decision to practice their faith in divine healing.

As an example, in June 2025, the Directorate of Ethics in the Office of the President held a consultative meeting with Members of Parliament, judges, and officials from entities like the Uganda Human Rights Commission and the Inspector General of Government’s office.

The purpose of this meeting rotated around support towards enacting legislation against churches that dupe unsuspecting members about the possibilities of divine healing.

The Bible, in several portions of scripture says that when Jesus laid hands on the sick, they got well. In fact, in Mark 16: 17-18, Jesus instructs his followers to lay hands on the sick and they will recover.

As a result of this instruction, many testimonies about divine healing abound. While some miracles are faked, genuine ones are in plenty. The clear stand for some of these authorities, however, is that divine healing shouldn’t be promoted.

These voices are often filled with reprimand and suggest that promoting divine healing misleads the public. On deeper reflection, such assertions seek to force believers into laying down their faith, at the feet of their ill-conceived logical conclusions. They usually claim the constitutional freedom of faith wasn’t given boundaries.

They do not realise that they are seeking to divert believers from the gospel of Christ to a gospel that agrees with their beliefs. In other words, they want to take the place of God so they decide the rules as to how worship is conducted. Believers need to be careful in assenting to the deception of these assertions.

The seeming concern for some of these individuals is that some lives have been lost in the process of seeking divine healing. This is true. However, far more lives have been lost in the process of seeking mainstream medical healing.

The freedom of faith means that people should feel free to believe in, and seek, any form of healing without persecution for their faith.

Thinking that one faith is superior to another is okay, but designing laws to force those who do not subscribe to a certain faith to do so, is persecution; it is abuse of the constitution; it is abuse of human rights.

Believers should be free to practice their faith as accorded by the Constitution of Uganda without having the need to explain themselves to anyone, regardless of the outcome of their decision.

The inundation of downtown Kampala in the wake of Monday’s torrential rain makes distressingly clear outcomes of building in flood plains.

The high toll exacted in human misery should pique interest into what made a bad situation worse. While downtown Kampala has been at risk of inundation for a protracted period, the submerging of shops and stalls in the area on Monday occurred with a terrible inevitability.

Experts had, with wide-eyed certainty, warned that a dubious construction project atop the Nakivubo Drainage Channel would inflict the damage it is expected to.

One of the recommendations in a 1999 World Bank report made public in 2010, following an environmental assessment for the Nakivubo Channel Rehabilitation Project, was that the waterway of Kampala’s principal drainage channel be widened.

Constructing atop the channel, as is currently being done under the auspices of Ki-Ham Enterprises, does the exact opposite. The waterway has been narrowed, considerably, leaving everything to disintegrate with such catastrophic results. This has rightly led to a flurry of condemnations, and we join the right-thinking members of our society in registering our horror and dismay.

Above all, after a terrible secret being brought into plain view, we wonder if those responsible for making a bad situation worse will learn the error of their ways.

The capital dissolved in uproar in August after President Museveni used a blue letter to give Ki-Ham Enterprises the all-clear to embark on the dubious mess it has created in downtown Kampala. Parliament’s Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (Cosase) commendably took interest in the matter, only for the rug to be pulled from under its feet.

Nearly two months on from the intervention of Speaker Anita Among, which stopped Cosase in its tracks, Kampala residents affected by flooding are justified in questioning whether the action gave it the truth of innocence.

The Speaker’s constitution of a so-called fact-finding team was seen as a serious procedural lapse, if anything because it flew in the face of how either a select or an ad hoc committee can come into existence.

At least when doing parliamentary work. It did not help matters that the fact-finding team that Speaker Among willed into existence was entirely made up of lawmakers from the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party. Worse still is the slumber the fact-finding team appeared to have slipped into.

While it is unclear what sort of timeframe the team is/was working with, a moratorium should have been immediately put on Ki-Ham Enterprises’ construction activities pending the outcome of an environmental social impact assessment.

Little wonder, downtown Kampala finds itself struggling-unsuccessfully-to keep its head above the storm water. This is a classic example of the distinctive set of poor outcomes bound to be produced in the absence of bona fide checks and balances.

It is terribly difficult to weather a perfect storm occasioned by presidential blue letters and a Legislature that bears resemblance to an appendage of the Executive, if not the presidency. We need to return to the normative foundations that are known to stand a democracy in good stead. Short of that, we will-excuse the pun-keep drawing in a flood of problems.

The afternoon rain poured heavily. But perhaps not heavier than the pain of losing the most precious silverware, moreover on home turf. Little wonder, Arajab Nsubuga, Taibah International School’s goalkeeper, took nearly a minute lying flat on the soaked pitch as Agrolinks Academy ran, jumped and shouted after winning the Football Under 20 title at the Taibah Independence Sports Tournament on Sunday.

After a goalless draw in regular time, Taibah banked on goaltender Nsubuga to make a difference in the shootout.

And thrice, he came close to saving one of the penalties but didn’t succeed.

And after each side beautifully converted its five spot-kicks, under the pouring heavens, it came to sudden death.

Taibah’s Luke Lumu guided his left-foot effort way over the bar. The crowd went quieter as Agrolinks’ Ibrahim Yiga walked to the spot. The boy nicknamed Mendez made no mistake, slotting his kick into his mid-right side of the net. Nsubuga almost met it but missed it. And Agrolinks won 6-5, triggering wide celebrations.

Thumbs up

On their debut, the Namasuba-based school dethroned Taibah, the defending champions.

‘It feels really great to win this title,’ said Agrolinks captain Derrick Tumusiime.

‘Honestly, we played many games, but Taibah gave us such a hard time. I salute them. I also thank them for the hospitable environment during the tournament.’

Agrolinks director, Henry Kaweesa, was excited upon his school’s invitation and the tournament proper.

‘We have been to many tournaments but this is one of the fairest and well organised we’ve participated in.’

Taibah’s teammate Elija Rusa was MVP and top scorer with five goals, but that wasn’t enough for a boy who lifted his team to glory last year.

But Robert Waibi, Taibah’s deputy head teacher, was graceful in defeat. ‘Agrolinks, you’re just keeping that trophy, next year we’re coming strong for it,’ he said in his closing remarks before thanking all the participating schools.

‘That they have beaten us at our game is a big lesson for us going forward.’

After two action-packed weekends, six of the nine schools that graced the event shared the ultimate honours. Taibah capitalised on the absence of defending champions Bethel Covenant College to win the netball title after defeating Trinity Senior Academy 11-7 in the final.

Elite High School, returning since 2019, and swept all the basketball titles, beating Taibah to the U20 and Girls titles, and Kisubi High School to the U15 gong. How could they fail under the guidance of Akech Wuoi Garang, the man who made Khaman Maluach, the new Phoenix Suns draft?

Vikas International School beat Trinity on penalties to win the inaugural girls’ football title, while Trinity avenged by beating Vikas 2-0 in the volleyball final.

TAIBAH TOURNAMENT

CHAMPIONS and MVPs

Football Girls: Vikas

MVP: Satrina Misgna (Vikas)

Football U15: Kisubi

MVP: Simon Mubiru (Kisubi)

Football U20: Agrolink

MVP: Elijah Rusa (Taibah)

Basketball Girls: Elite

MVP: Winnie Yar Gum (Elite)

Basketball U15: Elite

MVP: Lual Awor (Elite)

Basketball Boys U20: Elite

MVP: Dhok Chuol Biong (Elite)

Netball: Taibah

MVP: Junette Mulebinge (Taibah)

Volleyball: Trinity

MVP: Erias Rutiri (Trinity)

President Museveni has repeated pledges he made in the 2011 and 2016 elections to construct more primary and secondary schools in Pakwach District.

The unfulfilled pledges are key sore points for locals. While campaigning at St Mary’s Omach Primary School in Pakwach Town yesterday, Mr Museveni also vowed to restore the strategic Pakwach Railway Line, which once boosted trade between Uganda and neighbouring countries but has been neglected for 22 years.

‘We are now rehabilitating it from Gulu,’ he said.

The President additionally pledged to construct the Karuma-Olwiyo-Nebbi-Arua-Koboko road and increase the number of both primary and secondary schools.

‘Once you support us in the next government, we shall push for the construction of more primary and secondary schools in Pakwach District,’ he told the crowd.

According to the 2024 Uganda Bureau of Statistics Census, Pakwach has a population of about 206,961, 64 government primary schools, eight secondary schools, and one A-Level government school. The district, carved out of Greater Nebbi in 2017, is predominantly a fishing community.

Some residents raised concerns over unfulfilled promises, citing delayed development of the Science and Technology Industrial Park, poor roads, and lack of funding for the Wadelai Irrigation Scheme. During the rally, NRM campaign videos highlighted the government’s past successes. Residents had requested the elevation of Pakwach Health Centre IV to a district hospital, but Mr Museveni stressed that roads, electricity, and the railway were priorities. ‘I have heard the demand for the district hospital, but we must bear in mind the budget and prioritisation of resources. Sometimes the demands can be unrealistic. For me I like roads and railways, which will come to Pakwach,’ he said.

Poverty alleviation

Mr Museveni also addressed poverty, noting government support initiatives. ‘Poverty is in the homes. We are sending Shs100 million per parish per year. I will also create funds for religious and cultural leaders. It will not be for ordinary Christians or Muslims,’ he said. He added that university graduates and fishermen would also have access to special funds. ‘Everybody must be in the field praying for wealth and not poverty,’ he added.

Community appeals

Nebbi Catholic Bishop Constantine Rupiny prayed for continued development: ‘We appreciate the improved security, infrastructure, and social assistance grants. We pray that the government may do more for the growth and development of Uganda and respond to the cries of our fishing community,’ he said. Pakwach Woman MP Jane Avur highlighted the need for a district hospital. ‘The next hospital is over 40 kilometres away in Nebbi. This is far to handle emergency cases,’ she said.

Local leaders and residents also called for better roads and infrastructure. Mr Epiphany Berocan, the NRM flagbearer for Jonam County, urged improvements to roads and irrigation schemes. Vendor Harriet Fuacan cited poor roads, especially the Panyimur-Wadelai stretch, and called for upgrading the health centre to hospital status.

Pakwach District chairperson Robert Omito stressed the need to revive the railway station and port, tackle youth unemployment, and upgrade Uganda College of Commerce Pakwach to university status. ‘We appreciate his efforts in the last term, but there are areas still not tackled,’ he said. State Minister for Northern Uganda Kenneth Omona praised the district’s stability: ‘We have a stable country now in terms of peace and security. We are safe to mobilise our nation to transform our region,’ he said.

Background

In the 2021 elections, Mr Museveni took Pakwach with 32,354 votes, defeating Robert Kyagulanyi who got 12,576 votes.

The President is scheduled to return to the sub-region on October 11 for campaigns in Nebbi and Zombo districts.

The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development has extended the amnesty period for electricity theft by three more months, allowing offenders to report to the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company (UEDCL) and receive free metres and connections before facing legal action.

The extension follows the success of the initial amnesty, under which more than 200,000 people who came forward were connected legally at no cost.

‘You can’t believe the number of people who have been stealing electricity because they say they can’t afford metres. This year, with the authorisation of the minister, UEDCL introduced an amnesty which was supposed to last three months. Actually, this is the last month,’ Energy Minister Ruth Nankabirwa, told the media at the Uganda Media Centre in Kampala on October 7.

In response to requests from people who have not yet regularised their connections, the minister announced the additional three-month extension, allowing more consumers to come forward without prosecution.

‘As I’ve been moving around, people have appreciated the initiative and requested an extension. I’d like to announce it today: the amnesty has been extended for another three months. Come out, admit to power theft, and we will give you a meter without judgment,’ she said. The minister urged all those illegally connected to take advantage of the amnesty window to access electricity legally. She warned that those who continue with illegal connections after the amnesty expires will face severe penalties. ‘We’ve provided the metres, which previously cost over Shs700,000. I encourage people to take this opportunity because the extension may be the last. We’ve given you a chance to come forward,’ she said.

She further highlighted the ongoing Electricity Access Scale Project, through which households that do not require multiple poles are connected free of charge. She urged residents with unconnected homes to consult the UEDCL offices and benefit from the initiative. ‘I also want to inform the public about the ongoing campaign under the Free Electricity Connection Policy. Government, through the Ministry of Energy’s Electricity Access Project, supports households that require no more than one pole to get connected. Please, visit UEDCL offices to register,’ the minister added.