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SHOCK EXIT: Nigeria’s dream ends, Tanzania through as the rest fight for survival

Musa Kikuuno
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SHOCK EXIT: Nigeria’s dream ends, Tanzania through as the rest fight for survival

Senegal 1-1 Congo

Sudan 4-0 Nigeria

As the group stage of the continental championship approaches its climax, the picture is becoming clearer — and for some, more painful. Tanzania have already booked their spot in the quarter-finals, while Nigeria once seen as a tournament favorite, are officially out after two disappointing defeats.

With just one or two matches left for most teams, the battle for the remaining quarter-final slots is heating up across all four groups.

Group A: Kenya Close, DR Congo & Morocco in Pursuit

Kenya sit on top with 7 points and are just one result away from sealing a spot in the last eight. They face bottom-side Zambia next, needing only a draw. Angola (4 pts) face DR Congo (3 pts) in a crucial match that could decide who joins Kenya. Morocco (3 pts) also remain in contention and face DR Congo in their final group game — a potential knockout decider.

Still in the race: Kenya, Angola, DR Congo, Morocco

All but out: Zambia

Group B: Tanzania Through, Second Spot Wide Open

Tanzania have been flawless, winning all three matches and conceding just once. They’ll top the group regardless of their final result. The real drama lies beneath them, where Mauritania (4 pts) and Burkina Faso (3 pts) clash tonight. Madagascar and the Central African Republic need wins and outside help to have a shot.

Qualified: Tanzania

Still in the race: Mauritania, Burkina Faso, Madagascar

Hanging by a thread: Central African Republic

Group C: Uganda Lead, Final-Day Drama Looms

Uganda top the group with 6 points but still have to face South Africa (4 pts) in a vital final match. Algeria (4 pts) can also qualify if they avoid slip-ups against Guinea and Niger. Guinea (3 pts) need a win to stay alive, while Niger are out.

Still in the race: Uganda, South Africa, Algeria, Guinea

Out: Niger

Group D: Nigeria Out, Sudan and Senegal in Control

In the tournament’s biggest shock so far, Nigeria have been eliminated, failing to score and conceding five in two games. Sudan and Senegal (4 pts each) are in prime position to qualify, with Congo (2 pts) needing a win and favorable results to sneak through. Their final day clash could determine both qualifiers.

Qualified: None

Still in the race: Sudan, Senegal, Congo

Eliminated: Nigeria

The Road AheadWith just a few games left, every pass, shot, and save counts. While Tanzania rest easy, the rest are locked in a high-stakes fight for survival.

GREEN FUTURE: Busoga attempts to shift from sugarcane to coffee and bananas for sustainable prosperity

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GREEN FUTURE: Busoga attempts to shift from sugarcane to coffee and bananas for sustainable prosperity

By Ali Lukomo

For decades, the fertile plains of Busoga have been synonymous with sugarcane, a crop that has shaped the economic landscape but often left many households struggling with fluctuating incomes and land degradation. However, a quiet yet profound agricultural revolution is now underway, as farmers in districts like Kamuli and Buyende are strategically shifting their focus towards the more sustainable and lucrative cultivation of coffee and bananas.

This significant change is being driven by a compelling desire to bolster household incomes and secure a more stable future for farming communities. Farmers, increasingly informed by media houses and agricultural outreach programs across Busoga, are recognizing the immense potential of coffee as a long-term investment that promises substantial yields and better returns.

Spearheading this transformative initiative is the Ministry of Agriculture, through its dedicated Department of Coffee Development. Recognizing coffee as a heritage cash crop for the region, the Ministry is actively working to re-educate and sensitize communities, guiding them back to their original economic roots.

A key component of this effort is the ambitious distribution of over 45,000 coffee seedlings – high-quality, improved varieties designed for optimal productivity. But the Ministry’s support extends far beyond just providing planting material. Farmers are receiving crucial training in modern methodologies of coffee cultivation, including critical aspects like the application of locally made fertilizers. This holistic approach ensures that farmers are not only planting but also nurturing their crops using sustainable and cost-effective practices.

“Gone are the days when coffee and cotton were the undisputed main cash crops in Busoga,” explains a regional agricultural officer. “For too long, their cultivation dwindled, almost dying a natural death. Now, thanks to dedicated organizations and media houses, we are working tirelessly to bring them back, and the community is slowly but surely embracing this revival, seeing the clear value in it.”

The economic incentives are proving to be a powerful motivator. A kilogram of clean, processed coffee beans currently fetches an impressive UGX 10,000, while unprocessed “kiboko” goes for UGX 4,000 and above. These robust prices offer a stark contrast to the often-depressed returns from sugarcane, making coffee an increasingly attractive option.

Diversification for Resilience and Land Health

Speaking to a group of farmers from the Bugonda Farmers Group, Michael Baguma, the Coffee Regional Agriculture Officer in charge of Kamuli and Buyende, reiterated the Ministry’s commitment. “Our aim is to empower our farmers by giving out free coffee seedlings and call upon them to stick to coffee and cocoa as their main cash crops, alongside bananas.”

Baguma emphasized the strategic importance of diversification, particularly the inclusion of bananas. “Bananas are not only a staple food crop, ensuring household food security, but they also contribute significantly to soil health, helping to keep the land safe and productive,” he stated. This is a subtle yet critical jab at sugarcane monoculture, which is often associated with soil nutrient depletion and environmental strain.

The shift in Busoga is more than just a change in crops; it’s a paradigm shift towards sustainable agriculture, economic empowerment, and a renewed sense of pride in the region’s agricultural heritage. With government support, committed farmers, and the natural advantages of coffee and banana, Busoga is poised to cultivate a future that is not only greener but significantly more prosperous.

PARENTING: Give us quality time and support, Kamuli children plead with parents

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PARENTING: Give us quality time and support, Kamuli children plead with parents

Children in Kamuli district have made an impassioned plea to their parents, demanding not just material provisions but also valuable quality time, crucial school requirements to help them stay in school, and active participation in decisions affecting their lives.

The powerful call was made during the Music, Dance, and Drama (MDD) competitions held today at Butende Primary School, an event organized by Africa Water Solutions (AWS).

In their moving presentations, the children articulated a clear message to their guardians: “We love our parents and value school as holding the keys to our future, but we also ask you to give us valuable and quality time.” Their compelling messages further urged parents to “end teenage pregnancies, child marriage, and keep children in school,” highlighting critical issues plaguing their communities.

Hillary Wafula, Project Coordinator for Africa Water Solutions (AWS), echoed the children’s concerns, expressing alarm over the “high rate of school drop-outs and parenting neglect” prevalent in the area. Wafula urged parents to heed the children’s heartfelt messages, emphasizing the need for providing basic requirements, maintaining close supervision, and fostering closer ties to facilitate open discussions on sensitive topics like sexual and reproductive health rights.

He particularly stressed the critical need for “parental interventions and interventions on violence against children, menstrual hygiene management which negatively impact on attendance and school completion.”

Reinforcing the importance of systemic support, Moses Woira Mitala, the Kamuli Assistant Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), called for the rigorous enforcement of the National Child Policy. He highlighted that the policy “demonstrates government’s commitment to ensure the wellbeing of children’s health, survival, protection, participation and above all education for all.”

Mitala advocated for improved realization and enjoyment of children’s rights, development of their full potentials, and enhancing family-centered practices and capacities to care, nurture, and protect children’s safety, including vital school feeding programs.

“We need system strengthening for families to reduce social exclusion, lower risk of separation, domestic violence and exploitation, but above parents as their sole responsibility should feed children at school,” Mitala firmly stated, urging parents not to shy away from this critical duty.

Earlier, Joab Kyalo, the headteacher of Butende Primary School, shared a compelling success story. He reported a significant increase in enrollment and retention – from 456 to 758 pupils – attributing it to the impactful interventions by Africa Water Solutions. Kyalo credited AWS’s efforts in “menstrual hygiene management, counseling, and community outreaches that rallied parents to support the education of their children.”

He concluded with a specific appeal, calling on all stakeholders: “Let us budget for the girl child special requirements and boost the school feeding program for better results.”

The event served as a poignant reminder of the multifaceted challenges faced by children in Kamuli, and a collective call to action for parents, communities, and government to ensure their holistic development and a brighter future.

SUPER WIN: Uganda edge closer to historical CHAN quarter-final berth

Musa Kikuuno
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SUPER WIN: Uganda edge closer to historical CHAN quarter-final berth

Monday Results

Uganda 2-0 Niger

South Africa 2-1 Guinea

Uganda Cranes took a giant step towards their first-ever CHAN quarter-final appearance after defeating Niger 2-0 on Monday evening at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.

Goals from SC Vipers’ star Allan Okello and KCCA FC forward Joel Sserunjogi sealed the victory in front of an electrified home crowd. Okello, who had missed a first-half penalty, made amends in the 25th minute by slotting in a rebound to give Uganda the lead.

Sserunjogi doubled the advantage with a fine strike from just inside the 18-yard box, putting the game beyond Niger’s reach.Earlier in the day, South Africa revived their campaign with a 2-1 win over Guinea, thanks to goals from Neo Maema and Thabiso Kutumela.

The result marked Bafana Bafana’s first victory of the tournament after their opening draw with Algeria.

The win sees Uganda top Group C with six points from three matches (two wins and one loss), followed by Algeria (4 points), South Africa (4), Guinea (3), and Niger (0).

Group C Standings:

1. Uganda – 6 pts

2. Algeria – 4 pts

3. South Africa – 4 pts

4. Guinea – 3 pts

5. Niger – 0 pts

With just one group game left – against South Africa on Monday, August 18 at 8 PM – Uganda’s qualification permutations are clear. A draw would be enough if South Africa fail to beat Niger in their penultimate fixture on Friday. However, should South Africa win on Friday, Uganda will need a victory to secure a last-eight spot.

Algeria remain strong contenders for top spot with two games left against Guinea and Niger, while South Africa still have a realistic shot at a top-two finish with six points up for grabs.

Guinea’s hopes are slim, requiring back-to-back wins and favorable results elsewhere.

Niger, rooted at the bottom, would need a football miracle to progress.Uganda has participated in six previous CHAN editions without ever reaching the knockout stage, and the class of 2025 now stands just 90 minutes away from making history.

THE 65% FACTOR: Why local youth action is the key to achieving the SDGs

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THE 65% FACTOR: Why local youth action is the key to achieving the SDGs

By Pious Nsajja

As we observe International Youth Day 2025 under the theme “Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond,” one statistic stands out as both a rallying cry and a strategic imperative:65% of the SDG targets cannot be achieved without active engagement at the local levelespecially by empowered youth. This represents not just an advocacy insight but a roadmap for transforming global goals into community realities.

Globally, progress toward the SDGs falters: only 17% of targets are on track, while nearly half show regression or stagnation. The clock is ticking, and localized youth-driven action must become the heartbeat of the SDG acceleration.

According to Ministry of Finance, planning and National Development, Uganda’s Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV) (2025/26–2029/30) lays the groundwork for socio-economic transformation aiming for accelerated GDP growth (from 6.6% to 10.1%) and raising household incomes from UGX 202,131 to UGX 578,635 per month. Central to achieving these goals are its guiding pillars: inclusive industrialization, human capital development, private-sector-led growth, infrastructure, and good governance.

Youth human rights defenders across Uganda transform policy into practice. From health outreach in village parishes and civic education in urban slums to agro ecological initiatives in rural areas, youth efforts cover the breadth of the SDGs:Youth-led health campaigns and informal education networks (SDG 3&4), innovations in agribusiness and ICT-led livelihoods (SDG 8&9), advocacy for inclusive governance and gender justice,(SDG 5&16), and strengthening legal identitycivil participation, and rights awareness (which are cross cutting).For these projects to yield sustainable impact, they must be intertwined into national planning and funded accordingly.

Uganda’s Parish Development Model (PDM) offers a decentralized platform bringing development planning to the grassroots. It addresses seven pillars, including governance, social services, and economic services.When youths are actively included in PDM implementation, they help transform the 65% of SDG targets tied to local action into concrete outcomes.

Let us take a look at inspiring examples from home and afar.In urban Uganda, young human rights defenders have convened community dialogues that have improved local access to education services.In Kenya and Rwanda, youth-led environmental initiatives have demonstrated how SDG localization drives climate resilience and economic inclusion.In Medellín, Colombia, “Voluntary Local Reviews” empower youth to report on SDG progress and influence governance amplifying accountability across levels.These stories show that when youth are empowered locally, they become catalysts for systemic change turning targets into transport upgrades, rights realizations, and livelihoods.

The statistic is undeniable: 65% of SDGs demand youth-led, local action. This International Youth Day, let’s acknowledge that youth human rights defenders are the vital link between ambitious SDG targets and real-world transformation. If Uganda’s NDP IV is to succeed, and if the post-2030 development agenda is to be meaningful, we must invest in them, protect their civic space, and enable their leadership at every level.

That’s not just policy it’s our collective future.

Pious Nsajja is the Communications Officer, National Coalition of Human Rights Defender Uganda

BEST OF FIRST ROUND: Bugabula FC leads as three teams keep perfect defensive records in Busoga Masaza Cup 2025

Musa Kikuuno
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BEST OF FIRST ROUND: Bugabula FC leads as three teams keep perfect defensive records in Busoga Masaza Cup 2025

Bugabula are the standout performers in the first round of the 8th edition of the Busoga Masaza Cup, leading the Bukowe Group and joining two other sides yet to concede a goal. Alongside Bukono and Buzaaya they form the competition’s most resilient defences heading into the second round.

1. Bugabula – 6 pts

Leaders of Bukowe Group, Bugabula won both their first-round matches without conceding a goal. They beat Bukooli Bugiri 2–0 and Luuka 1–0 at Kamuli Municipal Stadium. Coach Ronald Lukungu should be praised for the team’s consistency, while goalkeeper Mudusu Reagan remains unbeaten between the posts, currently ranked the best goalkeeper in the tournament alongside Bukono’s shot stopper Otema Kenneth. Bugabula takes number one position because it attained 100% winning record in the first round.

2. Bukono – 7 pts

In the Mawembe Group, Bukono remain unbeaten with two wins and one draw, and they too are yet to concede. Their 6 goals came in victories over Budiope (2–0) and Bunhole Bunanumba (4–0), plus a 0–0 draw with Bugweri. They too currently own the tournamnets top scorer Ivan Mupere with three goals, netted a hat-trick on August 2nd against Bunhole bunhanumba.

3. Bugweri – 7 pts

Also in Mawembe Group, Bugweri matched Bukono’s 7 points but conceded once — in a 2–1 victory over Bunhole Bunanumba. That goal, scored by Kigomba Rashid (16) , remains Bunhole Bunanumba’s only strike in the tournament and the only against Bugweri.

4. Busiki – 5 pts

Busiki, part of the tough Nhenhda “Group of Death,” won 3–0 against Bukooli Namayingo, and drew with both Kigulu and Butembe. Coach Ndiita will hope to carry this form into the knockout stage, they are also unbeaten this edition despite their 2023 final scorer Ismail Ndifuna still finding his way back into the teams line up.

5. Kigulu – 5 pts

Also unbeaten in Nhenda Group, Kigulu have drawn twice and won once, trailing Busiki only on goal difference (+1 vs +3). all their eyes are directed into the quarter finals as the second round nears.

6. Luuka – 3 pts

Second in Bukowe Group, Luuka beat Bukooli Bugiri but lost to Bugabula, conceding just once in the first round. with two teams supposed to reach knockouts from this group, they are the favourites to join Bugabula just if they keep up the first round form.

7. Budiope – 3 pts

Quarterfinalists last year, Budiope look struggling this time round, losing twice and winning once. Their only goal came from Wilson Kivayo against Bunhole Bunanumba at their home ground in irundu. They surely need to pull stockings in the second round.

8. Bukooli Namayingo – 3 pts

In the Group of Death, Bukooli Namayingo will need a strong second round. Coached by Siraji Bogere, the “Master of the Cup,” and this could be his final season if he achieves it all.

9. Buzaaya – 2 pts

In Kagulu Group, Buzaaya are unbeaten and have yet to concede a goal — but also haven’t scored in two matches.

10. Bunha – 2 pts

Also in Kagulu Group, Bunha are unbeaten, scoring and conceding once.

11. Bulamogi – 2 pts

The third unbeaten team in Kagulu Group, Bulamogi, coached by thier own  Frank Kalata , have drawn all their first round games and their group remains open as they are all three tied on two points each.

12.  Butembe – 2 pts

Defending champions in Nhenda Group, Butembe are winless with two draws and a loss, struggling to hold onto leads in matches as their recent two games they manged to win at half time and only shocked with full time results. They are under the guidance of Ivan Kitakule alisa Ozil

13. Bukooli Bugiri – 0 pts

In Bukowe Group, they lost all matches, failed to score, and conceded five goals.

14. Bunhole Bunanumba – 0 pts

The Mawembe Group’s bottom side conceded seven goals in three matches, scoring only once.

As the tournament heads into the second round, all eyes will be on whether these three defensive giants — Bugabula, Bukono, and Buzaaya, — can maintain their clean-sheet records, and whether Bugabula can turn their perfect start into a championship run.

FREEDOM LOST: Youth councilor arrested in Buyende over filming incident during contentious elections

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FREEDOM LOST: Youth councilor arrested in Buyende over filming incident during contentious elections

By Ali Lukomo

Ngobi Henry Bukayi, the male youth councilor for Bugaya, was arrested yesterday during the heated youth district elections in Buyende. His offense? Allegedly capturing a video on his phone of the District Police Commander (DPC) harassing a delegate, an act that swiftly led to his detention.

According to reports from the scene, the incident unfolded as the Buyende youth district elections, already marked by high stakes and tension, were underway. Ngobi Henry Bukayi, who also serves as the Bugaya NRM Secretary for Youth, was allegedly observed filming the DPC, Edson Turanyomwe Birema, interacting with one of the delegates, Isiiko Bony, who represents disabled youth.

It’s claimed that Ngobi’s video aimed to document an alleged instance of the DPC harassing Isiiko Bony. The act of filming, however, reportedly caught the attention of DPC Birema, who quickly switched to arrest him. Ngobi was then whisked away and taken to the Buyende District Police Headquarters, where he is currently being held.

Speaking to our correspondent, several youth present at the elections expressed deep dissatisfaction with the actions of the security forces. They allege that the police and other security personnel are unfairly siding with opposing factions in the closely contested elections.

The Buyende youth elections have drawn significant attention, featuring two prominent candidates vying for the chairmanship: Agrey Musooma and Sande Ronald. The electoral process involves forty-five delegates, each tasked with electing their preferred leaders for the youth council.

Further discontent was voiced regarding the acting NRM administrator, whom the youth accuse of failing to manage the elections impartially and of allegedly “working on orders” rather than ensuring a fair and transparent process for all participants.

The arrest of a prominent youth leader during such a critical electoral process has fueled concerns about the fairness and transparency of the Buyende youth elections. Many are now calling for a thorough investigation into the allegations of police misconduct and electoral interference as the situation continues to develop.

CHAN 2024: Uganda Cranes eye redemption in tomorrow’s encounter against Guinea

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CHAN 2024: Uganda Cranes eye redemption in tomorrow’s encounter against Guinea

The Uganda Cranes are determined to reignite their campaign at the ongoing TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 with a spirited response against Guinea in their second Group C encounter, set for Friday night at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.Despite a tough start in the tournament with a 3-0 loss to North African giants Algeria, the Cranes remain focused and upbeat about their chances of bouncing back and bringing joy to the passionate home crowd.

With three group games still to play, optimism remains high in the Cranes camp as they aim to rewrite history and finally break their long-standing CHAN group stage jinx.The biennial tournament—co-hosted by Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania offers Uganda a unique opportunity to advance past the group stages for the first time in their CHAN history, and the players are embracing that challenge with renewed spirit and belief.

Speaking during the pre-match press conference, Uganda Cranes head coach Morley Byekwaso remained positive and confident that his charges are ready to step up.

‘We’ve put the first game behind us. Football has its ups and downs, but what matters is how you respond. The team is motivated, and we’re ready to give everything tomorrow,’ Byekwaso stated. ‘We have addressed the key areas where we fell short, and the boys are in a good place mentally. We believe we can make the country proud again.’

Coach Byekwaso also appealed to fans for their unwavering support, emphasizing the power of a united home crowd. ‘Our supporters mean everything to us. Yes, the first result was disappointing, but we urge fans to return in big numbers. We are still in this fight together and their energy will lift the players. We promise to give them something to cheer about.’

The coach noted a few injury concerns with midfielder Emmanuel Anyama and Marvin Youngman being assessed for fitness, but confirmed the rest of the squad is fully prepared.

Third-choice captain and dependable defender Rogers Torach echoed the coach’s positivity, expressing the squad’s readiness and determination to turn things around.

‘The team is fired up and focused. We know what is at stake and we are not dwelling on the past. Everyone is ready to fight for the badge. We want to make our fans proud and keep our dream alive,’ said Torach.

Uganda’s last meeting with Guinea ended in a 1-0 win for the Cranes during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, a result that adds to the team’s belief as they prepare to face familiar opponents on Friday night under the Namboole lights.

EBIKADHO: Museveni moves to empower Busoga sugarcane farmers with factory acquisition

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EBIKADHO: Museveni moves to empower Busoga sugarcane farmers with factory acquisition

By Joseph Sooka

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has pledged a significant intervention to bolster the Busoga sugarcane industry, committing to acquire the Mayuge Sugar Factory and transfer its ownership directly to the region’s sugarcane farmers. This move fulfills a key promise made during his 2021 election campaign, aimed at empowering farmers and addressing long-standing grievances against millers.

The announcement came during a strategic meeting with sugarcane farmers and millers held at Kityelera State Lodge in Mayuge District on Wednesday, August 6, 2025. President Museveni revealed that the current owners of Mayuge Sugar Factory had recently approached him with an offer to sell the facility to the government. He put the final decision to the assembled farmers, who responded with resounding cheers and chants of “Yes Mzee, buy the factory!”

The gathering brought together sugarcane farmers from across the country to deliberate on the progress, challenges, and sustainability of the sugarcane industry. In Busoga, where the crop has become a dominant source of livelihood, farmers have consistently voiced concerns over low prices and alleged exploitation by millers.

Isa Budhugo, a prominent leader of sugarcane out-growers, articulated the farmers’ frustrations. “They deduct 5% claiming it’s trash, yet our sugarcane is cut clean in the plantations,” he complained, highlighting unfair practices that erode farmers’ earnings. He added that a ton of sugarcane currently fetches a meagre Shs140,000, a price farmers argue is insufficient to cover their production costs.

Budhugo also decried attempts by millers to manipulate output estimates. “We want a ton of sugarcane to produce 100 kilograms of sugar, which is the industry standard. But millers claimed it yields only 50 kilograms. We rejected that nonsense and agreed on at least 80 kilograms,” he asserted, underscoring the constant battle over fair compensation.

Furthermore, Budhugo criticized the Ministry of Trade for the prolonged delay in forming the Sugar Council, a body mandated by the Sugarcane (Amendment) Act, 2023. The council is crucial for mediating and regulating relations between farmers and millers, providing a much-needed oversight mechanism.

Responding to the criticism, Trade Minister Francis Mwebesa attributed the delay to the Ministry of Security, which is yet to complete the vetting process for the proposed council members. President Museveni has since issued a directive for the verification process to be completed by Monday next week, signaling an expedited resolution.

Despite his strong support for the factory takeover, President Museveni expressed reservations about sugarcane farming’s ability to significantly transform the lives of smallholder farmers with limited land. While Budhugo stated that an acre of land, with proper fertilization, could yield a net profit of Shs4 million annually, Museveni contended that this income is inadequate for meaningful livelihood improvement.

“Budhugo, you want my people to remain poor. Earning Shs4 million from an acre per year is not enough. A farmer can’t educate their children on that,” Museveni stated, urging farmers to adopt a diversified farming model. He championed what he termed “Ekibalo,” an integrated approach that combines sugarcane cultivation with livestock and poultry farming, aimed at maximizing land use and income potential.

To further support sugarcane growers and enhance their productivity, the President also pledged to provide fertilizers, emphasizing the importance of better farming practices for improved crop yields. This multi-pronged approach underscores the government’s commitment to not only addressing immediate challenges but also fostering long-term economic resilience for Busoga’s farming communities.

TRUSTED: DP delegates in Jinja City endorse Ismael Kiirya as flag bearer for Jinja South East MP bid

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TRUSTED: DP delegates in Jinja City endorse Ismael Kiirya as flag bearer for Jinja South East MP bid

By Joseph Sooka

Democratic Party (DP) delegates in Jinja City have officially endorsed Ismael Kiirya as the party’s flag bearer for the Jinja South East Constituency, marking a crucial step in their preparations for the upcoming 2026 general elections.

The significant endorsement took place on the evening of Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at the Beam of Hope Computer Training Centre in Aldina Village, Jinja. The event brought together party faithful eager to strategize for the forthcoming electoral cycle.

The ceremony was graced by Hon. Eng. Sebamala Richard, the Member of Parliament for Bukoto Central, who addressed the assembled delegates. In his address, Hon. Sebamala expressed concern over Jinja’s decline, lamenting that the city, once a vibrant hub of tourism and industrial activity, has been neglected in terms of political representation and development. He pointed to the poor state of road infrastructure, citing the long hours he spent traveling from Kampala, as a clear indicator of government neglect.

Hon. Sebamala sharply criticized the incumbent government, stating that despite over four decades in power, it has failed to bring about significant economic transformation. He framed the current political landscape as a critical battle for opposition parties to seize power and instigate genuine change. The MP also condemned government initiatives like the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga, asserting that these programs have exacerbated poverty rather than alleviating it. He urged DP delegates to grasp the profound potential of political power in uplifting the populace.

Sebamala underscored the necessity of cultivating fresh leadership within the Busoga region, noting the widespread failure of many current leaders, particularly during NRM primaries, due to inadequate service delivery. He cautioned about the nation’s escalating debt burden, which he warned future leaders would inherit. The MP further highlighted the government’s disregard for vulnerable groups, such as persons with disabilities, who, he argued, deserve respect and housing support.

Expressing unwavering confidence in the Democratic Party, Sebamala declared, “We believe that come 2026, DP will be in the driver’s seat. Many parties fear DP because of its strong organization and transparency. DP is one family.”

Following the powerful address, Ismael Kiirya, the newly endorsed flag bearer, took to the podium. He asserted his unquestionable academic and professional credentials, affirming his full qualification to contest the parliamentary seat. Kiirya lauded the Democratic Party for its dedication to mentorship and nurturing responsible leaders.

Appealing for overwhelming community support, Kiirya pledged not to disappoint the people of Jinja South East. “I am an international leader, and I believe it’s time to elect leaders based on integrity and capability, not those driven by money,” he stated, emphasizing a shift towards value-based leadership in the upcoming general elections.

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