The Katuukiro of Busoga Kingdom, Owekitibwa Joseph Muvawala, has in a lengthy and elaborative statement ‘assured Abasoga and the rest of Ugandans that His Majesty William Wilberforce Kadhumbula Nadiope IV is in charge and control of the Kingdom executing his duties as enshrined in the relevant legal regimes and Kisoga culture and norms.’
For close to two months, there has been rising concerns about the whereabouts of the Kyabazinga since his last public appearances in January. Matters were made worse when the First Deputy Prime Minister of Uganda, and Woman MP for Kamuli district, Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, during a radio talksho with KBS Radio in Kamuli, announced that unscrupulous people had hijacked Obwakyabazinga.
In response, Muvawala said, “The Obwakyabazinga Bwa Busoga is under no control by any other forces apart from the authority and leadership of His Majesty Isebantu Kyabazinga,” adding “The Kyabazinga informs all of us that nobody is bigger than Busoga and our cosmopolitan nature and unity in diversity as Obwakyabazinga is our strength.”
As Uganda commemorated Heroes Day, former Budiope East parliamentary aspirant and opinion leader David Takozekibi has called on citizens to move beyond celebrating peace alone and actively confront the social and economic challenges affecting their communities.
In a Heroes Day message, Takozekibi said while peace remains a valuable national achievement, it should not be mistaken for development or prosperity.
“Peace is a noble goal, but peace alone has never solved every challenge. There is peaceful poverty, peaceful sickness, peaceful ignorance, and even peaceful death, but none of these are conditions that any society should aspire to,” he said.
Drawing inspiration from the heroes remembered during the national celebrations, Takozekibi noted that Uganda’s liberation heroes are honoured because they confronted the challenges of their time rather than remaining silent in the face of adversity.
“The heroes of Kabamba are remembered not because they chose comfort in difficult times, nor did they choose silence, but because they confronted the challenges before them,” he said.
According to him, progress in any society requires courage, sacrifice and deliberate action.
Takozekibi also referenced biblical figures such as David and Samson, arguing that faith and action often go hand in hand in overcoming challenges.
“David did not defeat Goliath through silence. Samson asked God for one final moment of strength, not silence. Throughout Scripture, men and women of faith faced their battles rather than wished them away,” he noted.
The former parliamentary contestant used the occasion to rally residents of Budiope behind what he described as the vision of “Kutereza Budiope” and “Budiope Gyetwenda,” calling for collective action against poverty, disease, ignorance, injustice and political intimidation.
“Our call to Kutereza Budiope and achieve Budiope Gyetwenda is not a call to conflict, but neither is it a call to surrender,” he said.
He urged citizens to speak out against societal challenges and work together to improve the welfare of their communities.
“A better Budiope will not emerge from silence, fear, or wishful thinking. It will be built by citizens willing to speak the truth, defend what is right, and work together for the common good,” he added.
Takozekibi concluded his message with a call for active citizenship, saying meaningful change often comes from those willing to engage with challenges rather than observe from the sidelines.
“Calm waters do not make skilled sailors, and history rarely remembers those who watched from the shore,” he said.
His remarks come as leaders across the country reflect on the significance of Heroes Day, which honours individuals whose contributions and sacrifices have shaped Uganda’s history and development.
For years, 27-year-old Richard Wabwire believed agriculture was a waste of time. Having dropped out of Senior Five, Wabwire left his home in Mpenzya A Village, Mazuba Sub-county in Namutumba District and moved to Kampala in search of a better life. He secured a job as a web operator at Inline Printing Services, where he worked for two years earning a daily wage of about Shs4,000.
Despite his determination, life in the city offered little opportunity for advancement. “I thought no one could transform through digging,” Wabwire recalls. “The salary was very low and business at the company was declining. Eventually, I had to return to the village with nothing.”
Today, however, Wabwire is a successful groundnut farmer, homeowner, employer and youth leader whose story is inspiring many young people across Busoga to reconsider agriculture as a viable path to prosperity.
A Turning Point
After returning home, Wabwire’s father gave him one acre of land. Around the same time, he joined Basoka Kwavula Saving Group, a 30-member youth group in Mpenzya Village.
His fortunes changed further when the group was enrolled under the Stimulating Agribusiness for Youth Employment (SAYE) project in 2024.
Implemented by Heifer International Uganda in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, the SAYE project seeks to empower 250,000 young people aged between 16 and 35 through agribusiness opportunities. The initiative particularly targets women and persons with disabilities, helping them secure dignified and sustainable employment.
Project officials mobilized and trained young people in Namutumba on modern farming practices and agribusiness opportunities. The trainings convinced Wabwire to give agriculture a chance. “They taught us the importance of agriculture and how it can change our lives. That is when I decided to try my luck,” he says.
Harvesting Success
Through the project, Wabwire received quality groundnut seed and planted his four-acre piece of land he hired to add on his father’s one acre.
The results exceeded his expectations. At harvest time, he produced about 1,400 kilograms of milled groundnuts, a yield that transformed his perception of farming. “It was indeed a challenge to me. I didn’t expect that harvest. It was very productive,” he says with a smile.
Unlike many farmers who are forced to sell produce cheaply to middlemen, Wabwire and his colleagues benefit from structured marketing arrangements facilitated through Agrinet, a market linkage platform supported by Heifer International.
“Local traders buy groundnuts at about Shs4,000 per kilogram, but through Agrinet we can sell at around Shs6,000. We are encouraged to store our produce and sell collectively for better prices,” he explains.
The project also provides fertilizers and other farm inputs, helping farmers improve productivity.
Building a Home Through Farming
The profits from groundnut farming have enabled Wabwire to achieve what once seemed impossible. Standing proudly beside his newly constructed four-bedroom house, he reflects on how far he has come.
“I am now an employer,” he says. “People dig for me and I pay them. During harvesting, I cannot do everything alone, so I hire workers.” His success story has become one of the most visible examples of how youth-focused agricultural interventions can transform rural livelihoods.
A Veteran Farmer’s Perspective
For veteran farmer Jessica Babita, groundnut farming has long been a source of livelihood. Having cultivated the crop for over 40 years, she says it enabled her to educate her children and support her family.
“I can harvest up to 20 sacks from an acre when the season is good,” she says. However, Babita notes that fluctuating market prices remain a major challenge for farmers. “Groundnuts should be sold at not less than Shs6,000 per kilogram. The prices offered by local traders are too low,” she says.
Diversifying Through Goat Rearing
Inspired by their farming success, members of Basoka Kwavula Saving Group have ventured into livestock farming. The group pooled resources and started a goat-rearing project with only two local goats.
Today, the project boasts 33 goats, managed by a caretaker who earns a monthly salary of Shs150,000. Each member contributes Shs40,000 toward the operation of the farm, and once the group accumulates about Shs200,000, they purchase additional goats.
“We started with two goats and now we have 33. We are seeing real progress,” Wabwire says.
Group member Eria Mbayo believes agriculture has restored hope among many young people. “We are now confident that we can transform our lives through agriculture,” he says.
Challenges Remain
Despite their achievements, the farmers continue to face obstacles. Prolonged droughts threaten production, while inadequate processing equipment and transportation costs reduce profitability.
Wabwire says farmers travel long distances to access machines that remove shells from harvested groundnuts. “We need irrigation systems to help us during dry seasons. We also need support for transportation and milling equipment so that we can process our produce more efficiently,” he says.
Looking Ahead
The group has ambitious plans for the future. Its members hope to establish a large storage facility that will enable them to aggregate produce and supply large buyers across Uganda. “Our dream is to have a big store so that if any company needs tonnes of groundnuts, we can supply them,” Wabwire says.
Transforming Communities
According to Richard Musana, the Assistant Resident District Commissioner of Namutumba District, the SAYE project is already delivering tangible results.
“The young people have acquired valuable agribusiness skills and many have established their own businesses. We have a young man who has completed building a house because of this project, and he is not alone. Many others are succeeding,” Musana says.
He notes that the initiative complements the government’s Parish Development Model (PDM) by creating employment opportunities and reducing poverty among rural youth.
“If such programs continue, unemployment will soon become history not only in Namutumba but across the Busoga sub-region,” he adds.
For Wabwire, agriculture is no longer the symbol of hardship he once imagined. Instead, it represents opportunity, dignity and a future he is helping to build—one harvest at a time.
What began as a reluctant return to the village has become a remarkable journey from unemployment to entrepreneurship, proving that with the right support, young people can find prosperity in the soil beneath their feet.
Located in eastern Uganda, Namutumba District is widely known for its thriving groundnut production. The district’s two counties of Busiki and Bukono have, for generations, cultivated groundnuts as both a commercial and food crop, making it a staple in nearly every household.
Groundnut farming has become deeply embedded in the local culture, with vast stretches of farmland dedicated to the crop each planting season. It is within this agricultural landscape that Richard Wabwire’s success story has unfolded.
According to Wabwire, this season has been even more promising. With harvesting still ongoing, he has already stored 90 sacks of groundnuts and expects the final harvest to exceed 150 sacks. “We had enough rain this season. That is why the crop has yielded very well,” he says.
The impressive harvest reflects not only favorable weather conditions but also the impact of improved farming practices and quality inputs introduced through the SAYE project.
Former district councillors in Namutumba District have petitioned the Minister of Local Government, seeking urgent intervention over alleged non-payment of their salaries, allowances and accumulated arrears, as well as a stalemate that has reportedly affected the approval of the district’s budget.
In a letter dated June 4, 2026, addressed to the Minister of Local Government, the councillors claim that they have not received their lawful emoluments for May and June and that accumulated arrears remain unpaid despite repeated appeals to the district administration.
The councillors, operating under the Namutumba District Councillors’ Forum, say the delays have caused financial hardship and affected their ability to effectively perform their oversight and representative roles.
“We are particularly concerned by the apparent inaction of the office of the Chief Administrative Officer and other responsible officers who have failed to provide clear accountability regarding councillors’ funds,” the petition states.
The councillors further allege that there are reports suggesting that funds intended to clear their arrears could instead be diverted to offset district revenue obligations, although they say no official communication has been provided to clarify the matter.
The dispute has also reportedly affected the district’s budget process. According to the petitioners, a council sitting that was expected to consider and pass the Financial Year 2026/2027 budget was cancelled after councillors raised concerns about the delayed payments with the district’s Chief Administrative Officer (CAO).
They argue that the delay in approving the budget could negatively affect service delivery and disrupt lawful governance procedures within the district.
The councillors are also seeking clarification regarding guidance reportedly issued by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government, advising that May emoluments be paid to the outgoing council. They allege that the CAO declined to implement the guidance, insisting on making an independent decision.
In their petition, the councillors have asked the minister to direct district authorities to immediately settle all outstanding salaries, allowances and arrears owed to councillors. They have also called for investigations and administrative action against any officers found responsible for negligence, financial mismanagement or abuse of office.
“The continued failure to address these issues undermines confidence in local government administration and negatively affects effective service delivery to the people of Namutumba District,” the councillors said.
The petition was copied to the Regional Inspector General of Government in Jinja, the Namutumba Chief Administrative Officer, the District Chairperson, the Chief Finance Officer and the former District Speaker.
The signatories to the petition include Isaac Isabirye, Mary Mukyala, Oliver Kawala, Hasifa Namukose, Olivia Rehema Nabirye and Winniefred Nabirye.
Efforts to obtain a response from the Namutumba District administration were not immediately successful by press time.
In politics, powerful messages are often conveyed through simple but memorable slogans. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s phrase, “No Sleep,” is one such slogan that has increasingly become a rallying call within government circles, the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), and among supporters of Uganda’s development agenda.
At its core, the slogan symbolizes urgency, commitment, and continuous effort in addressing the country’s challenges and advancing national transformation. It reflects the belief that Uganda’s journey toward social and economic progress requires sustained dedication from leaders, public servants, and citizens alike.
One of the key messages embedded in the slogan is the call for commitment to service delivery. President Museveni has consistently emphasized that government officials should focus on achieving tangible results rather than becoming complacent. “No Sleep” therefore serves as a reminder that public office is a responsibility that demands diligence, accountability, and constant engagement with the needs of the people.
The slogan also speaks directly to Uganda’s economic transformation agenda. Over the years, the government has prioritized wealth creation, commercial agriculture, industrialization, value addition, and job creation as pillars of national development. The message suggests that achieving these goals requires relentless effort, innovation, and determination. In this context, “No Sleep” becomes a call to action for all stakeholders—from policymakers and entrepreneurs to farmers and workers—to contribute actively to the country’s economic growth.
Politically, the slogan reinforces the importance of mobilization and grassroots engagement. It encourages party leaders, government structures, and supporters to remain active in communicating government programs, addressing community concerns, and ensuring that development initiatives reach intended beneficiaries. It underscores the belief that political success and effective governance are products of continuous engagement rather than occasional activity.
The phrase also carries a strong message about national vigilance and stability. Uganda’s leadership has long maintained that peace and security are essential foundations for development. By urging citizens and leaders to remain alert, the slogan emphasizes the need to safeguard the gains made in maintaining stability while confronting emerging social, economic, and security challenges.
Beyond government and politics, “No Sleep” is equally a message of personal responsibility. It encourages citizens to embrace a culture of hard work, productivity, and self-reliance. The slogan reflects the view that national development cannot be achieved by government action alone; rather, it requires individual initiative and collective effort. Every citizen has a role to play in improving livelihoods, creating opportunities, and contributing to the country’s progress.
Critics may view the slogan as political rhetoric, but its broader significance lies in the values it seeks to promote: discipline, perseverance, resilience, and a sense of urgency in pursuing development goals. In a rapidly changing global environment characterized by economic competition, technological advancement, and shifting geopolitical realities, the message resonates with the need for countries to remain proactive and focused.
Ultimately, President Museveni’s “No Sleep” slogan is more than a campaign phrase. It is a call for sustained action and a reminder that nation-building is an ongoing process. It challenges leaders to serve diligently, citizens to work productively, and institutions to perform effectively. Whether in government offices, businesses, farms, schools, or communities, the message is clear: the task of transforming Uganda is far from complete, and the pursuit of prosperity demands unwavering commitment from all.
As Uganda strives to achieve its long-term development aspirations, the spirit behind “No Sleep” serves as a reminder that progress is not attained through comfort or complacency, but through continuous effort, determination, and a shared commitment to building a better future.This version reads more like a newspaper or magazine op-ed and provides deeper political, economic, and social context around the slogan.
The Uganda OffGrid & Roadway Festival 2026 (UORF), which had been set to open its doors in Jinja City from 29th to 31st May 2026, will not go ahead on its original dates. Organisers Go Uganda Events confirmed Thursday that the event has been strategically rescheduled to a later date in 2026, stressing that the decision is a repositioning — not a cancellation.
In a statement addressed to stakeholders, partners, exhibitors, institutions, media and the wider public, the organisers cited a combination of factors driving the postponement: evolving public health sensitivities linked to the current Ebola situation, ongoing participation alignment processes, and a desire to raise the bar on the quality and scale of the festival platform.
“This is not a cancellation, but a strategic repositioning to enhance the quality, safety and scale of the Festival platform,” says Michael Balyeku, Go Uganda Events, Organisers, Uganda OffGrid & Roadway Festival 2026.
UORF has established itself as a key convening platform for Uganda’s emerging clean-energy and electric-mobility ecosystem. The festival’s four core focus areas heading into the rescheduled edition remain off-grid and renewable energy systems, electric mobility and transport transition, enterprise and productive-use technologies, and resilient community systems.
Go Uganda Events confirmed that all existing partnerships, exhibitor arrangements and engagements remain valid and will carry over seamlessly into the rescheduled edition. Confirmed partners and exhibitors do not need to re-apply or re-negotiate terms.
What happens next: Updated dates and a revised programme will be communicated after final stakeholder alignment is complete. All previously confirmed partners and exhibitors will be notified directly.
The postponement comes at a sensitive moment for the region, with health authorities monitoring developments related to Ebola. By building additional lead time into the event calendar, organisers say they are prioritising participant safety while simultaneously strengthening the depth of innovation showcases, public engagement opportunities, and live demonstrations and exhibitions planned for the festival.
In closing, Michael Balyeku of Go Uganda Events extended appreciation to all those who have shown confidence in the event. “We thank all partners, exhibitors, institutions, media houses and the public for the continued confidence and support,” the statement read.
Iganga District has been selected to host the 5th Parliamentary Nutrition Week 2026, an annual national campaign aimed at strengthening efforts to combat malnutrition and improve food and nutrition security across Uganda.
The week-long event, scheduled to take place from June 22 to 26, 2026 at Nakalama Primary School in Iganga District, will be commemorated under the theme: “Nourishing the Minds, Empowering the Future.”
The event is being organized by the Uganda Parliamentary Alliance on Food and Nutrition Security (UPA-FNS) in partnership with several Civil Society Organizations including PELUM Uganda, FIAN Uganda, Action Against Hunger, Food Rights Alliance, Caritas Uganda, ESAFF Uganda, World Vision and the Uganda Nutrition Society, among others.
The launch of the Parliamentary Nutrition Week was held on Friday, May 22, 2026 at Golden Tulip Hotel in Kampala and attracted Members of Parliament, development partners, civil society actors, representatives from Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), Chief Administrative Officers from Kamwenge, Moroto and Iganga districts, as well as members of the media.
Speaking during the launch, Bukooli Islands Member of Parliament and Chairperson of UPA-FNS, Hon. Peter Okeyo, warned that Uganda risks undermining its future if urgent action is not taken to improve child nutrition and school feeding systems.
“A hungry child cannot concentrate in class. A malnourished learner cannot fully achieve their potential. And a nation that neglects the nutrition of its children compromises its future and human capital,” Mr Okeyo said.
He emphasized that school feeding should be viewed as a strategic investment in education, health and national development because well-fed learners perform better academically and are healthier.
Mr Okeyo also expressed concern over the paradox of persistent hunger and malnutrition in a country endowed with fertile soils and favorable agricultural conditions.“Uganda is naturally blessed. Much of our land is arable land. One part of the country produces a lot of food and another part of the country is struggling,” he noted.
According to recent nutrition data, about 26 percent of children under five in Uganda are stunted due to chronic malnutrition, while nearly two million children are affected nationwide. The situation remains particularly severe in vulnerable regions such as Karamoja and parts of Eastern Uganda.
In Busoga sub-region, where Iganga is located, malnutrition indicators remain worrying despite the region’s agricultural potential. Studies indicate that only 17 percent of children in Busoga receive the minimum acceptable diet, while anemia among children aged 6 to 59 months stands at 67.4 percent — far above the national average. Executive Director of Food Rights Alliance, Agnes Kirabo, described malnutrition as a national emergency that requires urgent and coordinated interventions.
“The Global Hunger Index of 2025 categorised the hunger situation of our country as serious,” Ms Kirabo said. She added that chronic malnutrition continues to deny millions of Ugandan children the opportunity to reach their full potential. “Twenty-six percent of our children shall never live to their full potential because of stunting. That is the national average,” she explained.
Ms Kirabo also raised concern about the growing burden of obesity and poor feeding practices, especially in urban areas. “If you look at places like Kampala, statistics are telling us that close to 50 percent of women are obese,” she said.She criticized the absence of structured school feeding systems in many schools across the country.
“We are opening schools next week to pump content into our children that are going to spend the whole day at school without a meal,” she added.Officials from the Ministry of Health Uganda noted that Uganda is increasingly facing a double burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases linked to poor nutrition and unhealthy diets.
Speaking on behalf of the Ministry, Harriet Nakigozi said government is strengthening nutrition systems through improved screening, nutrition research, training and regulation of food additives and manufacturers.
“We are a double burdened country. We are still struggling with communicable diseases and at the same time non-communicable diseases,” Ms Nakigozi said.Meanwhile, Iganga District Chief Administrative Officer Mr. Kagimu welcomed the decision to host the Parliamentary Nutrition Week, describing it as an opportunity for Busoga to showcase local efforts in promoting nutrition, school feeding and community health interventions.
Mr. Kagimu pledged the district’s commitment to work closely with Parliament, civil society organizations and development partners to ensure the success of the event and strengthen implementation of nutrition-related commitments in the region.The Parliamentary Nutrition Week was first launched by UPA-FNS in 2022 at Parliament of Uganda as an annual platform for raising awareness, sharing knowledge and mobilizing action on food and nutrition security. The initiative has since expanded beyond Kampala to regional engagements aimed at increasing grassroots impact.
The 2024 Parliamentary Nutrition Week was held in the Western Uganda districts of Kamwenge, Buliisa, Kikuube, Fort Portal, Kyegegwa and Kyenjojo, while the 2025 edition took place in the Karamoja sub-region covering Moroto, Napak, Nabilatuk, Amudat, Kotido, Nakapiripirit, Kabong and Abim districts.
Organizers say the 2026 edition in Iganga will focus on strengthening school feeding programs, promoting nutrition-sensitive agriculture, mobilizing political leadership, and enhancing accountability in addressing malnutrition across Uganda.
Oboth wins speakership race With landslide victory, promises integrity and research-based debate
Jacob Markson Oboth Oboth has been elected Speaker of Parliament after securing a commanding 441 votes in a tightly watched Speakership race.
Oboth overwhelmingly defeated Paul Mwiru, who polled 60 votes, while Norbert Mao received 15 votes. Three votes were declared spoilt.
The victory positions Oboth at the helm of Uganda’s legislative arm at a time when Parliament faces growing public pressure over accountability, corruption and service delivery.
In his acceptance speech, the new Speaker pledged to restore public trust in Parliament through integrity, discipline and evidence-based legislative work.
“We are aware of what the country has been going through. I pledge a corruption-free Parliament,” Oboth told lawmakers shortly after his election.
He said Parliament under his leadership would adopt a zero-tolerance approach to corruption and focus on protecting the interests of ordinary Ugandans.
“The Speaker’s Chair is not a throne; it is a servant’s post,” he said.
Oboth also signaled a shift toward research-driven debate in Parliament, criticizing what he described as hearsay and political grandstanding in legislative discussions.
“Our debates must be grounded in hard facts, data and sound research,” he said, adding that Members of Parliament must exercise oversight fairly and objectively.
He further pledged to ensure that Parliament becomes more responsive to citizens through people-centred legislation and result-oriented budgeting.
According to Oboth, the national budget process should focus on service delivery and measurable impact rather than technical manipulation of public finances.
“Budgeting will no longer be an exercise in financial engineering and distortion. It will be a service-orientated, results-driven endeavour to deliver services to our people,” he stated.
The new Speaker also moved swiftly to begin the process of constituting parliamentary leadership by calling for nominations for the position of Deputy Speaker in accordance with Parliament’s Rules of Procedure.
Political analysts say Oboth’s overwhelming victory demonstrates broad support within Parliament and places high expectations on his leadership, particularly in strengthening accountability and improving the institution’s public image.
His election comes amid increasing calls for Parliament to play a stronger oversight role and address public concerns about corruption, governance and efficient use of public resources.
Ugandans will get a firsthand experience of the country’s growing electric mobility revolution during the upcoming Uganda OffGrid & Roadway Festival (UORF) 2026, organizers have said.
The festival, which will bring together innovators, energy companies, transport players and the public, is expected to showcase how electric transport technologies are gradually reshaping Uganda’s mobility sector.
Visitors attending the event will witness demonstrations of electric motorcycles, electric bicycles and other clean transport solutions increasingly being adopted across the country.
Organizers say the exhibition is aimed at increasing public awareness about sustainable transport technologies and their economic and environmental benefits.
Among the key areas of focus will be electric motorcycles, battery charging and swapping systems, cost-saving opportunities for riders, and business opportunities emerging within the electric mobility ecosystem.
Industry players note that rising fuel prices and increasing transport costs are driving interest in electric mobility solutions, especially among commercial motorcycle riders commonly known as boda boda operators.
The festival will also highlight how battery swapping technology is helping reduce charging downtime for riders while improving operational efficiency.
According to organizers, electric motorcycles are becoming more attractive because of lower maintenance costs, reduced fuel expenses and cleaner energy use compared to conventional fuel-powered motorcycles.
Environmental experts say wider adoption of electric mobility could help reduce carbon emissions, air pollution and noise pollution in urban centres.
The event is additionally expected to create networking opportunities for entrepreneurs, investors and businesses interested in Uganda’s emerging clean transport market.
Organizers believe the festival will provide a platform for public education and practical engagement with technologies that are expected to play a major role in Uganda’s future transport system.
The Uganda OffGrid & Roadway Festival 2026 will also feature exhibitions on solar power systems, battery storage technologies, charging infrastructure and other offgrid energy solutions aimed at promoting sustainable development and energy access.
In a surprise move, Hon. Princess Persis Namuganza, a prominent candidate in the upcoming parliamentary speaker elections, has officially withdrawn her candidature.
In a statement released this evening, Namuganza, the MP for Bukono Constituency in Namutumba district, announced her decision to rally behind the candidates selected by the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
“I have withdrawn from the speakership race, and I will fully rally behind the candidates NRM has selected today (May 24) for both Speaker and Deputy Speaker,” she said.
Namuganza expressed her gratitude to Ugandans for their support and love, wishing the selected candidates well in their bid for the top parliamentary positions.
“I wholeheartedly thank all Ugandans for the overwhelming support and love you have shown to me during this period. May God bless you all! Congratulations to my son Jacob Oboth and Rt Hon. Thomas Tayebwa!!!”
The election for the Speaker of Parliament is scheduled for tomorrow, Monday, May 25th, 2026.
Hon Princess Persis Namuganza MP, Bukono Constituency, Namutumba District
Uganda’s push for affordable electricity access, cleaner transport systems and sustainable technologies is set to take center stage at the upcoming Uganda OffGrid & Roadway Festival 2026 as innovators, businesses and policymakers gather to showcase solutions aimed at transforming livelihoods and accelerating green growth.
The festival, happening between 29th and 31st May, 2026 at Jinja Showgrounds, is scheduled to bring together industry players from across the energy and mobility sectors, seeks to bridge the gap between innovators, businesses and the public by creating a platform for technology exhibitions, networking and knowledge sharing.
Organizers say the event comes at a time when Uganda continues to face increasing demand for reliable and affordable electricity, especially in rural and underserved communities where access to power remains limited.
The exhibition will feature a wide range of innovations including solar power systems, battery storage technologies, electric motorcycles, electric bicycles, clean cooking technologies, as well as charging and battery swapping solutions.
Industry experts believe offgrid energy and electric mobility technologies could play a critical role in reducing dependence on fossil fuels, lowering fuel costs and creating employment opportunities for young people.
Electric motorcycles and bicycles are increasingly gaining attention as affordable alternatives for urban transport and commercial mobility, particularly in the boda boda sector where fuel expenses account for a large share of operational costs.
Stakeholders also argue that investment in clean energy technologies could improve household livelihoods by expanding access to electricity for homes, schools, health facilities and small businesses.
The festival is expected to attract startups, investors, development partners, government agencies and technology enthusiasts interested in Uganda’s growing renewable energy and e-mobility ecosystem.
Organizers say the event will not only showcase innovation but also encourage collaboration and partnerships aimed at accelerating the country’s transition to sustainable transport and energy solutions.
The Uganda OffGrid & Roadway Festival 2026 is anticipated to position Uganda as a regional hub for clean energy innovation while inspiring local entrepreneurs to develop technologies that address everyday challenges in transport, energy access and climate resilience.
