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VIOLENT LAWS: Uganda, the bitter country of the 21st century

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VIOLENT LAWS: Uganda, the bitter country of the 21st century

I recently wrote an article “Violent policies violent laws in generating and sustaining violence in Uganda”.

 I wanted us to begin focusing on violence in the non-physical form so that we redesign our view of the national security budget, which currently emphasizes physical violence, to include non-physical violence.

I detailed the various forms of non-physical violence, which have greatly compromised the health and security of our population. However, I settled on violent policies and violent laws, which together with other physical and non-physical forms of violence have contributed to the bitterness of our people.

We have given poverty far more concern and nothing about the bitterness of the nation. I have received many responses to the article. However this one below from a seasoned  member of the Fourth Estate caught my attention:

“Society is increasingly becoming violent. Violence at individual level, family level, community level, state level. No sympathy and empathy. Ubuntu has collapsed. We look at each other as enemies and with suspicion. Hatred, bitterness, anger.

Our minds are toxic. The other day, someone posted a picture of Capt Francis Babu’s son soliciting for urgent support to have a heart transplant worth Shs 1.5bn. This attracted cold, callous mass cyber bullying…

the netizens celebrating Cedric Babu’s helplessness at ICU, and eventual death. The question is: How did we end up here? The country is bitter and deeply divided. What can be done to reverse this worrying trend?”

For God and My Country

Oweyegha-Afunaduula is a member of Center for Critical Thinking and Alternative Analysis

CATTLE THEFT: Nabirumba residents demand for improved security to safeguard livestock

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CATTLE THEFT: Nabirumba residents demand for improved security to safeguard livestock

By Moses Kintu

Residents of Nabirumba, a sub-county in Kamuli district, are living in fear as a wave of cattle theft sweeps through their villages. The rampant incidents, particularly in Butwale, Bukalu, and Buluta, have left farmers reeling and demanding immediate action from the government.

The alarming rise in livestock theft is causing significant economic hardship for the predominantly agricultural community. Families are losing their primary source of income and sustenance, leading to growing frustration and a sense of insecurity.

Paul Kyebanakolanga, the chairman of LC 2 Nabirumba 1, expressed his grave concerns in an interview with this publication. He made a direct appeal to the government, urging them to prioritize the safety and security of Nabirumba residents by bolstering police presence and resources in the area.

A key point of contention highlighted by Kyebanakolanga is the ineffectiveness of current police investigation methods. He specifically criticized the reliance on police dogs, claiming they are insufficient for tracking thieves and that evidence gathered through canine tracking is often rejected in court. “The police dogs are simply not enough,” he argued. “We need more sophisticated and reliable methods of investigation.”

“We are in desperate need of more security,” Kyebanakolanga stated. “Our people are losing their livelihoods, and we need the government to step in and protect us from these criminals.”

Echoing Kyebanakolanga’s concerns, Jacob Lwanga, the youth chairman of Nabirumba, added his voice to the call for increased security. “Our young people are afraid to invest in livestock farming because of the high risk of theft,” Lwanga explained.

“We need the government to take this issue seriously and provide us with the protection we deserve.” He further reiterated the inadequacy of police dogs in their current capacity, suggesting a need for improved training or the implementation of alternative tracking methods.

The cries from Nabirumba highlight a growing concern in rural Uganda regarding livestock theft and the capacity of law enforcement to effectively combat it.

Residents are pleading for a more robust security presence and a modern approach to investigation to protect their livelihoods and restore a sense of security within their community.

The pressure is now on the government to respond to these urgent calls and implement measures that will bring an end to the cattle rustling plaguing Nabirumba.

NEEDED CHANGE: Transitioning from environmental illiteracy to environmental literacy in Uganda

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NEEDED CHANGE: Transitioning from environmental illiteracy to environmental literacy in Uganda

By Oweyegha-Afunaduula

What is Literacy?

Literacy, at its core, is the ability to read and write. More broadly, it encompasses the skills and knowledge needed to effectively communicate and understand information in various forms, including oral and digital contexts. 

This includes understanding and using language for various purposes, such as generating and expressing ideas, interacting with others, and participating in social, environmental, academic and intellectual activities. 

It includes the ability to think critically, reason from many angles, generate different or alternative analyses in newer ways, critique and engage in different discourses, even in Artificial Intelligence discourseand social media discourses, without disciplinary limitations.

These days one is adequately literate if one can integrate knowledge interdisciplinarily, crossdisciplinarily, transdisciplinarily, extradisciplinarily or non-disciplinarily. Therefore, to be literate means to be able to transcend human-made barriers or borders in our brains, which limit our thinking and make it narrow, and go beyond simplicity towards embracing complexity.To this end, adequately literate people despise simplicity and value complexity.

Types of Literacy

There are types of literacy such as reading and writing literacy, numerical literacy, financial literacy, social literacy, economic literacy, digital literacy, health literacy, cultural literacy, spiritual literacy, ethical literacy, moral literacy, media literacy, emotional/physical literacy, ecological literacy and environmental literacy. 

We can talk of critical thinking literacy, cortical reasoning literacy, critical reading literacy, critical writing literacy, critical analysis literacy, critical discourse literacy, Artificial Intelligence literacy and social media literacy.

We can also talk of disciplinary literacy, interdisciplinary literacy, crossdisciplinary literacy, transdisciplinary literacy and extradisciplinary or non-disciplinary literacy. All these types of literacy, apart from disciplinary literacy, enable the ones that possess them to integrate and generate knowledge in different ways. Those who can do that are not slow thinkers or narrow-minded people, and they love knowledge or generating knowledge to produce new knowledge, without fear of being criticised or challenged. They enjoy producing new ideas or theories in the market place of ideas and theories. They do not hesitate to venture into restrictive social political or intellectual environments. Let me say a little about each of these different literacies.

Disciplinary Literacy

Disciplinary literacy is the ability to preserve, multiply and ward off critique of disciplinary cultures from outside the disciplines. Disciplinary literacy depends on how effective knowledge workers in a disciplinary culture can protect each other and discard those who do not fit in. The knowledge workers write for each other rather than for those outside the disciplines. They promote and reward each other as well as tame each other to socially survive in the disciplines.

Integrative Literacies

Unfortunately, the new integrative knowledge cultures and literacies of interdisciplinarity, crossdisciplinarity, transdisciplinary and extradisciplinarity (or nondisciplinarity are exposing its capacity to address the complex problems of the world and restricting the employability of disciplinary knowledge workers in a world of practice dominated by internet and artificial knowledge and requiring broader knowledge and more interaction between knowledge workers beyond disciplinary cocoons. They are helping to demystify disciplinary literacy

Interdisciplinary Literacy

Interdisciplinary literacy is the ability to critique disciplinary cultures and work effectively across disciplines.

Crossdisciplinary Literacy

Crossdisciplinary literacy is about understanding how literacy practices, including reading and writing vary across different academic disciplines. It is bout recognising that each field has its own unique way of communicating and representing knowledge. Instead of just general reading and writing skills, crossdisciplinary literacy focuses on how those skills are applied within specific subject areas like biology, history, etc

Transdisciplinary Literacy

Transdisciplinary literacy involves combining knowledge from multiple disciplines to address complex real-world problems, fostering a holistic understanding of the world beyond traditional academic fields. It emphasises collaboration, critical thinking, critical reasoning and the ability to engage with different perspectives and knowledge systems

Extradisciplinary Literacy (Or Non-disciplinary Literacy)

Extra disciplinary literacy in essence refers to the ability to effectively engage with knowledge, skills and methods that extend beyond the boundaries of a specific discipline or field of knowledge and practice. It is about understanding and applying knowledge from different areas, fostering a more holistic and interconnected approach to learning and problems. This literacy characterises or characterised our traditional indigenous African cultures before they were penetrated by colonialists.

All the different types of literacy have their opposites I could write an essay on each of these types of literacy illiteracy. However, in this article I want to focus on environmental literacy and environmental illiteracy; actually, on “Transitioning from Environmental Illiteracy to Environmental Literacy in Uganda”.

Environmental Literacy

Environmental literacy is crucial for understanding the intricate relationships between human systems and the natural world. It encompasses knowledge of ecological principles, environmental issues, and sustainable practices.

Some key aspects of environmental literacy include:

  1. Appreciating that we are part of and not apart from the environment.
  2. Appreciating that humanity is integral to the environment and that the environment is integral to humanity.
  3. Appreciating that the environment is not just physical but also non-physical, with four dimensions: ecological-biological (the physical), sociocultural (nonphysical), socioeconomic (non-physical) and time or temporal dimension (non-physical).
  4. Understanding that each dimension constitutes one-quarter or 25% of the total environment.
  5. Understanding that environmental problems arise when the equilibrium between the four dimensions of the environment is upset, or when humanity seeks to maximise benefits in one dimension at the expense of the others.
  6. Appreciating that the dimensions of the environment are not mutually exclusive but mutually inclusive and that they are also multidimensional.
  7. Understanding that most changes take place in the sociocultural dimension of the environment where our cultures, ethics, moralities, psychologies, knowledges, understandings, wisdoms, insights and spiritualities are located in relation to the total environment
  8. Understanding ecosystems, habitats, microhabitats, biodiversity, species distributions and extinctions, food chains and food webs, and biotic and nature rights.
  9. Recognising the impact of human activities on the environment in its different dimensions.
  10. Familiarity with the ideas of sustainability, sustainable practices and renewable energy sources.
  11. Awareness of the policy-making process, environmental policies and conservation efforts.
  12. Awareness of ideas such as environmental governance, environmental stupidity, environmental ignorance, environmental militarism, environmental education, environmental management and environmental conservation.
  13. Awareness of the linkages between culture and the environment and how these linkages maintain or sustain the biocultural landscapes, natural belonging and natural identities.
  14. Understanding how environmental learning, conservation and management can best be promoted by education if the social science territory, arts (or humanities) territory) and natural science territory of knowledge organisation and production are not delinked.
  15. Understanding the value of social science and political science in the conservation and management of the environment and nature.
  16. Understanding why continuing with stressing disciplines of knowledge (disciplinarity) and the way the produce knowledge and practice conservation and management of the environment and nature will never succeed in the enterprise.
  17. Recognising the success in conservation and management of the environment and nature will only be possible if our universities open up to the new and different strategies of knowledge production, namely: interdisciplinarity, crossdisciplinarity, transdisciplinarity and extradisciplinarity (non-disciplinarity) which maximise human interaction for conservation and management of the environment in that order.

When one is knowlegible, aware, concerned and ready to take action to promote all these different key aspects of environmental literacy, one is really adequately environmentally-literate. Unfortunately, today we lack the cadre of people active in knowledge production and engaged in environmental conservation and management that are adequately environmentally literate. It is worse among those who make policies to govern the environment.

We have to promote environmental literacy for everyone from bottom to top of society, and especially for those who say and manifest as leaders because all environmental problems and issues begin with the leaders and end with the leaders.

By promoting environmental literacy, we can empower individuals to make informed decisions and take action to protect the planet. We must work concertedly to ensure that we begin to have environmentally literate governance of not only the environment, nature, country and region, such as the Nile Basin region of Africa, but the whole Planet Earth; our only home.

Environmentally-literate governance refers to decision-making processes and policies that incorporate a deep understanding of environmental issues, sustainability, and ecological principles. This approach considers the long-term impacts of governance on the environment and prioritizes sustainable development. Environmentally-literate governance can lead to more effective environmental protection, sustainable development, and improved human well-being. It will definitely lead to changes in the military and political attitudes of leaders and rulers whose decisions, choices and actions are the primary causes of environmental decay and collapse.

The Key characteristics of environmentally-literate governance include:

  1. Understanding that the future of environmental conservation and management is and should be in the hands of current and future generations of the youth.
  2. Understanding that working to raise the environmental curiosity of the young people by ensuring they adequately interact with wildlife in the wild or in the zoos.
  3. Promoting Informed policy-making whereby environmental decisions are based on scientific research and environmental data, instead of the decisions, choices and actions of one person who happens to be the President of a country.
  4. Promoting sustainable resource conservation and management wherein governance prioritises conservation and efficient use of naturalresources.

3. Promoting environmental accountability wherein leaders and rulers are held accountable for environmental stewardship and their mistakes and failures to take appropriate actions to conserve and manage the environment wisely.

4. Promoting stakeholder engagement wherein environmental governance involves diverse stakeholders, including citizens, experts and communities.

In short environment literacy in its widest sense is what we need to meaningfully and effectively conserve and manage the environment in the 21st Century and beyond.

Environmental Illiteracy

Environmental illiteracy is the opposite of environmental literacy. It refers to a lack of knowledge, wisdom, understanding, insights and skills related to environmental issues, problems, concepts and challenges. It reflects narrowness of conception of what the environment is. It encompasses a deficit in the ability to make informed decisions about environmental matters, engage in responsible environmental behaviour and contribute to solutions for environmental problems, issues and challenges in time and space.

Key aspects of environmental illiteracy include:

  1. Lack of knowledgeA deficiency in understanding fundamental environmental concepts, ecological relationships, and the causes and consequences of environmental issues.
  2. Limited understanding of complex systems:Difficulty grasping the interconnectedness of environmental systems, the impact of human actions on ecosystems, and the complexities of environmental problems.
  3. Absence of skills for informed decision-making:Inability to analyze environmental information, evaluate different perspectives, and make reasoned choices about environmental issues.
  4. Reduced motivation for environmental action:A lack of awareness, concern, or understanding of the importance of environmental protection, leading to less engagement in pro-environmental behaviors.

Consequences of environmental illiteracy include:

  1. Reduced ability to address environmental challenges:Individuals may struggle to understand the urgency of environmental problems and the need for action.
  2. Limited engagement in environmental solutions:A lack of understanding and awareness can hinder participation in environmental initiatives and advocacy efforts.
  3. Inadequate support for environmental policies:People may be less likely to support environmental regulations and policies if they do not understand the need for them or the potential benefits.
  4. Increased environmental damage:A lack of environmental literacy can lead to unsustainable practices and behaviors that harm the environment.

It is because of environmental illiteracy:

  1.  That universities continue to retain or design environmentally-deficient disciplinary curricula and resist interdisciplinary, crossdisciplinary, transdisciplinary and extradisciplinary (nondisciplinary) curricula.
  2. That we continue to teach learners that we are apart from, not part of the environment.
  3. That we continue to design environmentally-illiterate policies.
  4. That we continue to govern the environment as if it is just for exploitation.
  5. That we continue to initiate projects and programmes in our environment that are environmentally illiterate.
  6. That we continue to burden our environment with genetically modified seeds
  7. That we continue to burden our environments with plastics, organic pesticides and herbicides and industrial fertilisers
  8. That we disconnect traditional cultures from the land and the lakes.
  9. That we continue to tolerate invasive nomadic pastoralists to extend their grazing systems into traditional cultural agroecological farming systems that are conservation-oriented.
  10. That we continue to militarise and are now over-militarising our environment.
  11. That we continue to deny humanity environmentally-literate governance of Planet Earth.

Transition from Environmental illiteracy to Environmental Literacy

It is getting too late for us to transition from environmental illiteracy to environmental literacy It is possible to transition from environmental illiteracy to environmental literacy. The transition can be achieved through appropriate environmental education designed to produce adequately environmentally-literate people as detailed in this article. Both formal and informal environmental education is necessary. Community engagement in environmental initiatives is important. It is necessary to ensure that time-tested strategies of community conservation and management, for example, through agroecological farming, are promoted where the environment gains immensely from community participation. Environmental education will gain immensely if curricula accommodate the strategy of analog forestry, which is a response to the truism that we cannot completely rediscover our past environmental-ecological-biological history. Oweyegha-Afunaduula (2025) stated that the idea of analog forestry needs to be integrated in school and university curricula because superior to other methods of regreening biocultural landscapes where natural forests were integral to the landscapes but have been receding because human activities.  The method can be used to restore our agroecological systems to enhance food security. However, if nomadic pastoral people from elsewhere continue to have a field day on our biocultural landscapes, the method won’t be applicable and our agroecological farming systems will continue to disappear. This will be confounded by the ecologically and environmentally empty socioeconomic models such as Myooga, Operation Wealth Creation and Parish Development Model, which only focus on financial and economic gains of the beneficiaries at the expense of natural ecologies and environments.

Conclusion

We must stop displaying environmental deception and begin to pursue environmental development, which takes in account all the dimensions of the environment in equal measure. However, one of the biggest problems facing a country like Uganda is the rise and rise of presidentialism whereby the President can involve himself in everything small and big at the expense of the environment, people and institutions. Unless we have an environmentally-literate institution of President, we are bound to continue moving more and more away from environmentally-literate environmental conservation and management to the detriment of our environmental future.Our environmental will continue to be increasingly rich in genocide, ecocide, ethnocide and intellectual death.

Critical thinking, cultural competency, the ability to meet challenges and navigate differences and stewardship of our environment are necessary to thrive on our fast-changing planet.

For God and My Country.

Prof. Oweyegha-Afunaduula is a member of Center for Critical Thinking and Alternative Analysis

DISTRICT DREAMS: Residents in Bukono beg Museveni to fulfill district status and road infrastructure promises

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DISTRICT DREAMS: Residents in Bukono beg Museveni to fulfill district status and road infrastructure promises

By Joseph Sooka

Residents of Bukono Constituency, Namutumba District, have issued a poignant reminder to President Yoweri Museveni regarding the long-standing pledge to elevate their constituency to district status.

Led by Abdullah Kamede, the LC I chairpersons in this Constituency, the locals presented a comprehensive report to two key ministers: State Minister for Youth and Children Affairs, Balaam Balugahare, and State Minister for Housing, Princess Persis Namuganza, who also serves as the constituency’s Member of Parliament.

The report was submitted during the Ekibinuko Va Mundolo event at Ivukula Town Council headquarters, designed to enlighten youths about government initiatives, including the Youth Livelihood program.

The locals implored the ministers to petition President Yoweri Museveni to address their concerns, emphasizing that upgrading Bukono to a district would significantly enhance service delivery.

“We are perplexed as to why President Museveni has not responded to our pleas, despite our unwavering support in previous elections,” they queried. Furthermore, they urged the President to honor his commitment to tar the road connecting Busembatia to Bukono and Bukedi Sub-region, which would catalyze economic growth.

“The treacherous terrain of the Mpologoma Swamp renders it arduous to traverse to Palisa, resulting in exorbitant costs when traveling to Bukedi sub-region,” they lamented. Notably, Bukono Constituency is one of the largest in the district, comprising seven sub-counties.

Prior to the event, the ministers inspected a grain milling machine procured by youths in Nakyere Village, Kibale Town Council, utilizing the Youth Livelihood fund.

The youths, led by Paul Wadawa, expressed gratitude to the government for the funding but requested more advanced machinery and increased financial support.

“Our organization, the Walumbe Youth Livelihood Milling Group, has achieved notable success through the Youth Livelihood fund, including the acquisition of this grain milling machine and creation of employment opportunities,” they acknowledged.

“However, we require additional funding and modern equipment to augment our activities and benefit a larger youth population,” they added.

The duo ministers, Balugahare and Namuganza, were tasked with conveying the pressing challenges faced by the residents to the President for resolution.

Minister Balugahare, the chief guest, commended the youths and pledged to present their report to the President. He also warned of imminent investigations into technical personnel suspected of misappropriating government funds earmarked for poverty alleviation in Namutumba.

“There are glaring discrepancies in the Youth Livelihood Program in Namutumba,” he noted. “Upon my arrival, I requested the technical personnel to provide accountability records. They disclosed that since 2015, the government has disbursed Shs1.4 billion, with 100 million demanded from beneficiaries and 4 million for the government. When aggregated, the total demanded amounts to Shs104 million. I inquired about the whereabouts of the Shs1300M balance, and they claimed it was still pending collection from beneficiaries,” he revealed.

Consequently, he instructed the Resident District Commissioner, Fredrick Bangu, to furnish clear accountability reports forthwith. Failure to comply would necessitate a formal referral to General Isoke of the anti-corruption unit for thorough investigation.

Minister Namuganza, the guest of honor, stated that upon his return to Busoga, President Museveni intends to engage with youths and gain insight into the challenges they face. She highlighted that this meeting precedes the President’s visit.

“The President has entrusted Minister Balugahare with the task of evaluating youths who have judiciously utilized government funds to establish lucrative ventures,” she explained. “We will subsequently report back to President Museveni and collaborate with youths in Busoga to identify avenues for addressing pressing challenges,” she added.

Moreover, she commended her constituents for their unwavering support for President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and encouraged them to maintain their allegiance.

BOOSTING ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE: Kyabazinga installed as Chancellor of Lubega Institute of Nursing and Health Professionals

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BOOSTING ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE: Kyabazinga installed as Chancellor of Lubega Institute of Nursing and Health Professionals

By Joseph Sooka

Issebantu Kyabazinga of Busoga, His Majesty William Gabula Nadiope IV, has been installed as the first chancellor of Lubega Institute of Nursing and Health Professionals.

The Kyabazinga was installed during a colourful ceremony at the institute in Busei village, Iganga Municipality, on May 30th, 2025.

During the installation event, the Executive Director of Lubega Institute of Nursing and Health Professionals, Prof. Dr. Lubega Muhamadi, who is also Busoga Kingdom’s 1st Deputy Prime Minister, handed over artefacts of the institute, the mace and chancellor medallion to the Kyabazinga.

In his remarks, Prof. Dr. Lubega said the Monarch’s installation as Chancellor marks a new chapter in his commitment to institutional excellence, health development, and the empowerment of Uganda’s next generation of professionals.

“His rare blend of traditional legitimacy, academic distinction, and international advocacy makes him an exemplary figure in African leadership, hence his nomination as Chancellor of Lubega Institute of Nursing and Health Professionals,” said Prof. Lubega, who is also the national chairperson of the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC). 

In his inaugural speech, His Majesty William Gabula Nadiope IV remarked that during his tenure as a chancellor, his focus shall be on guiding the institution’s strategic direction, ensuring that they boost academic excellence and promote its overall well-being.

“This will entail providing leadership and overseeing our institute’s governance in addition to acting as a bridge between the institution and external stakeholders,” he said.

“However, teamwork, unity of purpose, and transparency should be our yardstick in realising all our wishes and aspirations,” the Monarch added.

Busoga Kingdom’s Prime Minister Dr. Joseph Muvawala extended appreciation to Prof. Dr. Lubega for a job well done for the institute to be worthy to have a chancellor who is the Kyabazinga of Busoga.

Muvawala appreciated the team they have worked with to make Busoga what it is and personally thanked the Luwangula family for a job well done in ObwaKyabazinga Bwa Busoga.

He thanked the Kyabazinga for accepting to lead the academic institution and lastly committed that they shall use their offices and power to ensure that the institute turns into one of the best medicine universities in the Country.

Present at the event were Issabalangira of Busoga and Menhya of Bugweri Chiefdom, Sam Nkuutu, Kisiki of Busiki Chiefdom, Nkono of Bukono Chiefdom, and Luba of Bunha Chiefdom, among others.

Busoga Kingdom Ministers present included Kyabazinga Affairs Minister Owek. Yudaya Babirye, Constitutional Affairs Minister Owek. Alex Luganda, Minister of State for Finance Owek. Ivan Kiirya and Minister of State for Education Owek. Nasabu Nantale.

MATHEW BAZANYA: New Kamuli district NRM Chairperson vows to revamp and protect party from opposition encroachers

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MATHEW BAZANYA: New Kamuli district NRM Chairperson vows to revamp and protect party from opposition encroachers

Kamuli district’s ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) chapter has a new leader at the helm, with Mathew Bazanya taking over as the district chairperson. Tasked with uniting a party fractured by recent elections and dwindling support, Bazanya faces a significant challenge: to rejuvenate the NRM in Kamuli and reclaim its dominance in the face of rising opposition influence.

The handover ceremony, held at the Party Offices in Buwenge Empya, saw Resident District Commissioner (RDC) for Kamuli, Rose Birungi, officially charge Bazanya with his mission. Emphasizing the vulnerability of the party in the Busoga region, Birungi urged the new team to safeguard it from “poachers” and reignite its popularity.

“You come at a time when Busoga is in the spotlight for infiltration by opposition,” Birungi stated. “The recent elections have slightly resurrected factions and political emotions leaving the party members shaky and prone to the lurking eagles ready to recruit the frustrated lot. So, it is your first challenge to hold the party together.”

In his maiden acceptance speech, Bazanya laid out his plan to bridge the existing divides within the party, expand its membership base, and ensure the effective implementation of the NRM manifesto. He promised a proactive approach driven by fresh ideas.

“We come on board with fresh ideas, pro-active methods of work and having had the opportunity to be told face to face about the party weaknesses, we shall constantly, collectively and passionately serve it to the satisfaction of the grassroot member,” Bazanya vowed.

He emphasized the importance of reaching out to those who lost in the recent elections, leveraging the experience of veteran leaders, and building upon existing party programs while upholding the vision of the party’s founding father, President Museveni.

Acknowledging the challenges ahead, Bazanya identified waning party support, infiltration by the opposition, and the high expectations of the people as key obstacles.

“We are aware, vigilant and wary of the waning party support, infiltration from the political wave of opposition and the high expectations of the people and trust our team these are the driving gears, potholes, humps along our road as party,” he explained.

Looking ahead, Bazanya highlighted the upcoming Central Executive Committee (CEC) elections as a critical moment for the party. He passionately rallied support for the First Deputy Prime Minister and Woman MP for Kamuli, Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, emphasizing her importance to the region.

“Without mincing words or hiding allegiance, Kamuli and Busoga must remain the home base for our party torchbearer Mama Kadaga and we are committed to supporting her full gear and extraordinary back up because without her, at the national kitchen we remain orphaned. Nothing for us Busoga without her period,” Bazanya declared, underscoring the region’s unwavering commitment to Kadaga.

Bazanya’s appointment marks a pivotal moment for the NRM in Kamuli. His youthful energy, commitment to unity, and clear vision for the party’s future offer a beacon of hope for revitalizing the NRM’s position in the district and the wider Busoga region.

The coming months will be crucial in determining whether he can successfully navigate the challenges ahead and deliver on his promises to revamp the party and restore its strength.

PLANNING AHEAD: Electoral Commission releases roadmap for Special Interest Groups elections

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PLANNING AHEAD: Electoral Commission releases roadmap for Special Interest Groups elections

The Electoral Commission of Uganda has officially released the programme for the upcoming elections of Special Interest Groups (SIGs) committees, a critical component of the broader 2025/2026 General Elections. The SIGs include Older Persons, Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), and Youth, with elections spanning from the village to the national level.

According to a press release dated 23rd May 2025, the electoral roadmap will commence on 2nd June 2025 with the nomination of candidates for the Village SIGs Committees and will run through to the end of August, culminating in the National Youth Council elections and regional delegate selections for national councils.

Key Dates and Activities:

  • Village Level Elections:
    • Nominations: 2nd–10th June 2025
    • Campaigns: 12th–14th June
    • Polling:
      • Older Persons – 16th June
      • PwDs – 17th June
      • Youth – 19th June
  • Parish/Ward Level Elections:
    • Nominations: 26th–27th June
    • Polling: 2nd–7th July
  • Sub-county, Town, and Municipal Division Elections:
    • Nominations: 9th–10th July
    • Polling: 14th–18th July
  • Municipality and City Division Elections:
    • Nominations: 24th–25th July
    • Polling: 30th July–4th August
  • District and City Level Elections:
    • Nominations: 11th–12th August
    • Polling: 15th–19th August
  • National Youth Council and Regional Delegate Elections:
    • National Youth Council Elections: 27th–29th August
    • Regional Delegates to National Councils: 25th and 27th August

The Commission has urged all stakeholders—candidates, political parties, civil society, and the general public—to actively engage with the process in accordance with the stipulated timelines and guidelines. The elections will be conducted in phases to ensure proper organization and inclusivity of all eligible participants.

Justice Simon Byabakama Mugenyi, Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to conducting free, fair, and transparent elections and emphasized the importance of the SIGs’ representation in Uganda’s democratic processes.

STAY WARNED: Oral sex increases risk of throat cancer – Uganda Cancer Institute confirms

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STAY WARNED: Oral sex increases risk of throat cancer – Uganda Cancer Institute confirms

The Uganda Cancer Institute has confirmed that engaging in practices like oral sex can increase the risk of passing on the human papillomavirus (HPV), which can ultimately lead to throat cancer.

This revelation by Dr. Jethro Alfred, the Community Health Educator at Uganda Cancer Institute, highlights the importance of understanding the link between sexual practices and the risk of HPV-related cancers, particularly in non-married individuals.

HPV and Throat Cancer

HPV is a common sexually transmitted infection, affecting both men and women.

While most HPV infections are asymptomatic and resolve on their own, some types of HPV can lead to the development of cancers, including cervical, anal, penile, and throat cancers.

In recent years, the incidence of HPV-related throat cancers has been on the rise, especially among men.

The link between oral sex and throat cancer is attributed to the transmission of HPV through this sexual practice.

Prevention Strategies

Given the increased risk of throat cancer through oral sex, it is crucial to adopt preventive strategies to reduce the risk of HPV infection.

The Uganda Cancer Institute has encouraged non-married individuals to abstain from sex as a primary prevention method.

This recommendation is based on the fact that abstinence eliminates the risk of HPV transmission through sexual contact.

For married couples, the Uganda Cancer Institute has encouraged “zero grazing,” which refers to limiting sexual partners to one’s spouse.

By practicing monogamy, the risk of HPV transmission is significantly reduced, as both partners are less likely to be exposed to HPV.

Additionally, the HPV vaccine is an effective means of preventing HPV-related cancers. The vaccine is recommended for both boys and girls aged 11-12, although it can be administered to individuals up to the age of 26.

The vaccine protects against the most common types of HPV that cause cancer, including those that cause throat cancer.

UCI Confirmation

The confirmation from the Uganda Cancer Institute that oral sex increases the risk of throat cancer highlights the importance of adopting preventive strategies to reduce the risk of HPV transmission.

While abstinence and monogamy are effective means of prevention, the HPV vaccine is also an essential tool in the fight against HPV-related cancers.

By taking these precautions, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of HPV infection and the potential development of throat cancer.

EDUCATION IN BUSOGA: A shadow cast by government free USE programme?

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EDUCATION IN BUSOGA: A shadow cast by government free USE programme?

By Byantuyo Jarvis Welliamz

Busoga region, nestled in eastern Uganda, boasts a rich and storied educational heritage, once home to institutions that shaped some of the nation’s most influential minds.

Schools like the prestigious Namasagali College, which educated prominent figures such as the Right Honourable Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, former Speaker of Parliament, and singer Irene Namubiru, stand as testament to a golden era of academic excellence.

Alongside Namasagali, Busoga College Mwiri, MM College Wairaka, Jinja Senior Secondary School, Busoga High School, Buzaaya Senior Secondary school e.t.c were formidable centers of learning, drawing students from across the country and beyond.

However, a growing sentiment among locals suggests that this once-thriving educational landscape has struggled to maintain its luster, particularly since the introduction of Universal Secondary Education (USE) in Uganda.

One who claimed anonymity said “If father Graimes was alive today, he couldn’t believe the current Namasagali college is the same school he headed in the 80s.”

While USE (Universal Secondary Education, a government programme offering education in public schools) was conceived with the noble goal of increasing access to education for all, some observers in Busoga believe the region has benefited disproportionately less from its implementation.

The pre-USE era saw Busoga’s top schools renowned for their rigorous academic standards, strong discipline, and impressive infrastructure.

They were institutions of choice, often privately run or government-aided but with significant autonomy, allowing them to attract and retain highly qualified teachers and maintain high educational outcomes.

With the advent of USE, government funding for secondary education became more centralized and standardized, aiming to provide free access to a wider student population.

While this has undoubtedly increased enrollment, concerns have been raised about the impact on the quality of education in some of Busoga’s traditional academic powerhouses.

Critics argue that the increased student numbers under USE, coupled with potentially diminished resources or altered funding mechanisms for historically strong schools, may have strained facilities, diluted teacher-to-student ratios, and impacted the overall learning environment.

There’s a perception that the focus on universal access may have inadvertently led to a decline in the high academic standards that once characterized Busoga’s elite institutions.

“Namasagali College, for example, was a beacon of holistic education, producing well-rounded individuals,” remarks a former student who requested anonymity.

“While USE is good for access, one has to wonder if the quality we once enjoyed has been maintained across the board, especially in our once-premier schools.”

Indeed, the challenge for Busoga now lies in reconciling the imperative of universal access with the desire to restore and maintain the high standards that were once its hallmark.

While USE has opened doors for countless young Ugandans, a critical examination of its impact on regions like Busoga, with their strong educational legacies, is essential.

Local leaders and education stakeholders in Busoga are increasingly calling for targeted interventions and increased support to help these historically significant schools regain their former glory.

The hope is that by addressing the specific challenges faced by Busoga’s educational institutions, the region can once again become a leading light in Uganda’s academic landscape, building on its rich past to secure a brighter future for its youth.

Mr. Byantuyo Jarvis Welliamz is a researcher .

UNWAVERING PURSUIT: Positive Dhamuzungu vows to challenge Magogo again despite NRM district chairperson defeat

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UNWAVERING PURSUIT: Positive Dhamuzungu vows to challenge Magogo again despite NRM district chairperson defeat

By Ali Lukomo

Dhamuzungu Geoffrey, better known as the Principal of Team Tweyambe Beene, has declared he will not be deterred from his ambition to unseat Moses Magogo as the Member of Parliament for Budiope East.

This announcement comes despite Dhamuzungu’s recent defeat in the National Resistance Movement (NRM) district chairperson elections, where he conceded the win to Magogo.

In a message to his supporters and the voters of Budiope East, Dhamuzungu reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to vying for the constituency’s MP seat.

He lost the seat to Magogo in the 2021 parliamentary elections but is determined to reclaim it.

He revealed his plans to soon launch his campaign for the upcoming NRM primaries, aiming to secure the party ticket for the next parliamentary elections.

“I am not reversing my mind,” Dhamuzungu stated firmly. “I am committed to serving the people of Budiope East and I believe I can offer them better representation in the 12th parliament.”

While acknowledging his loss in the NRM district chairperson race, Dhamuzungu expressed gratitude to the 168 voters who supported him.

He commended their steadfastness in lining up behind him, especially in the face of alleged intimidation by security forces and the significant financial resources deployed by his opponents.

“I am humbled by the support I received,” Dhamuzungu said. “It shows that there are people who believe in my vision for Budiope East, and that is what encourages me to continue fighting for their interests.”

Magogo secured 344 votes to win the NRM district chairperson position, surpassing Dhamuzungu’s count.

Despite this setback, Dhamuzungu displayed resilience and unwavering determination, promising to once again contest the Budiope East seat.

He remains confident in his ability to represent the community effectively in the 12th parliament and continues to rally his supporters for the upcoming primaries.

The race for the Budiope East NRM ticket is clearly heating up, promising a contest of wills and ideologies as Dhamuzungu prepares to challenge the incumbent, Magogo, once more.

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