By Juma Nsubuga 

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Uganda fFish Processors and Exporters Association (UFPEA) William Tibyasa has revealed that Uganda losses between USD 1.4 and 1.5billion annually due to illegal fishing.

Tibyasa says these losses reflect not only revenue foregone but also lost employment, taxes, markets and irreversible ecological damage.

He made the remarks during a training for the Marine battalion commanders in Entebbe .

The training was organized to equip 155 commanders with fisheries knowledge for effective enforcement.

The 155 marine battalion officers were also reminded about their duty of accountability and proper reporting.

“Losses of that huge money is caused by the continued implementation and use of banned fish gear including monofilament nets and illegal mesh size among others. The large volumes of fish processed outside licensed factories also lead to loss of export earnings, loss of employment opportunities, reduce taxe revenue and increase food safety risks ” he said 

He added that the illegal gutting of Nile perch to extract fish maws for illicit export markets results in an estimated annual loss of about USD 121.7Million.

“The Ugand fisheries industry is facing a systematic crisis driven by widespread illegalities that undermine decades of investment, food safety systems and global market positioning ” he added 

During the session,155 marine battalion released the operational sector analysis performance returns for the period of April to July 2026.

The analysis performance returns indicate the continued recovery of illegal fishing gear particularly illegal hooks, monofilament nets and undersized gill nets.

The report shows that a total of 405728 illegal hooks,96938 monofilament nets and 21329 undersized gill nets were recorded during the reporting period.

“The continued recovery of these items highlights the persistence of illegal fishing activities ” the report indicates.

By Barbara Nansiimbi 

The Chairperson Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) Adv. Mariam Wangadya, has called for Uganda’s tenfold economic growth strategy to prioritise people’s welfare, dignity, and equal opportunities, noting that economic progress must translate into better lives for ordinary Ugandans.

She made the remarks while delivering a keynote address at the Makerere Human Rights Expo 2026.

Wangadya said economic growth should be measured not only by what the country produces but also by how its people live.

“Economic growth tells us how much a country produces. Human rights tell us how its people live. We must pursue both,” she said.

Speaking under the theme “Human Rights in Uganda’s Tenfold Growth Strategy: The Gen Z,” Wangadya acknowledged progress in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and access to electricity but noted that development remains incomplete if citizens continue to face unemployment, exclusion, and barriers to justice.

She highlighted young people’s expectations, including access to employment, affordable education, meaningful participation in decision-making, and institutions that listen to their concerns. 

The country’s human rights watchdog supremo called for greater involvement of young people in decisions affecting their future but however, reminded them to exercise their freedoms responsibly.

She also raised concerns about delayed justice, prolonged detention, violence against women and children, corruption, and unequal access to public services.

“The UHRC is committed to addressing human rights violations and ensuring that constitutional guarantees translate into everyday realities. A right written in the Constitution but denied in everyday life is a promise awaiting fulfilment,” she said, urging government institutions to accept scrutiny and all stakeholders to promote accountability and respect for human rights.

Meanwhile, H.E Dr Katja Kerschbaumer, the Head of the Austrian Embassy/Development Cooperation, and Chief Guest at the Expo, noted that societies that respect human rights create an environment conducive to investment. 

She added that development without respect for human rights is unstable, while observing that economic, social, and cultural rights often r more complex implementation challenges than civil and political rights.

Dr. Robert Kakuru, a lecturer in Makerere University’s Department of Philosophy, explained the significance of the Expo, saying it allows students to reflect on human rights and enables partners to showcase their efforts in promoting and protecting them.

The Head of Department, Dr. Dickson Kanakulya, noted that the Expo, which began in 2015, seeks to deepen students’ understanding of human rights, encourage young people to engage in human rights work, and expose them to experiences from other countries.

During the event, the Chairperson, the Chief Guest, among other leaders, visited exhibition stalls where students showcased innovations aimed at promoting and protecting human rights.

Other guests included university lecturers, civil society organisations, development partners, secondary school students, and students pursuing Ethics and Human Rights at Makerere University.

The Expo highlighted the importance of placing human dignity and people’s welfare at the centre of Uganda’s economic transformation, with young people playing an active role in shaping the country’s future.

By John Okello Lapok 

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has implored Egyptian investors to invest in Uganda’s economy, particularly in infrastructure development and value addition.

The President made the appeal while meeting the investors at State House, Entebbe. The delegation was led by Uganda’s Deputy Ambassador to Egypt, Lt. Gen. Charles Angina.

President Museveni told the investors that Uganda produces substantial quantities of agricultural products, minerals and forest resources but needs more factories to add value to these products and affordable infrastructure to make locally manufactured goods competitive on the global market.

He noted that Uganda’s economy is anchored on four key sectors: commercial agriculture, manufacturing, services and information and communications technology (ICT), all of which require reliable and affordable infrastructure to thrive.

“The first sector is commercial agriculture. We produce a lot. That is why we want value addition. The second sector is manufacturing based on agricultural raw materials, minerals and forest products. The third sector is services and the fourth is ICT,” he said.

He identified affordable electricity as a critical requirement for industrialisation and economic competitiveness, urging investors to consider opportunities in power generation.

“We need electricity. We want an economy which produces competitive products that can compete globally. That means the price of electricity must not be too high,” President Museveni said.

He noted that electricity infrastructure could be developed by either the government or private investors with patient capital.The President also identified railway transport as a priority, saying shifting cargo from roads to railways would lower transportation costs and improve the competitiveness of Ugandan products.

“We need the railway system. We need to transport cargo from the road to the railway because it is cheaper,” he said.

President Museveni named irrigation as another key investment area, explaining that Uganda’s reliance on rain-fed agriculture leaves farmers vulnerable to climate-related challenges.

“The third area of priority in infrastructure is irrigation because we need to stabilise agriculture,” he said.

He added that irrigation would enable farmers to produce throughout the year, supporting commercial agriculture, consistent supplies of raw materials and value addition.

The President also encouraged private investment in toll roads, explaining that such projects offer investors an opportunity to recover their investments through user charges.

“The main roads are mainly done by the government, but the private sector does the toll roads which can be used to recover the funds of the investors,” he said.

Investors propose industrial park

President Museveni welcomed the investors’ proposal to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) covering one or two strategic projects, saying the government was ready to work with them.

He also endorsed a proposal to establish an industrial park housing factories to add value to coffee and cotton, pledging government support in identifying suitable land for the project.

“The idea is good. We shall identify for you an area where you can construct,” he said.

Eng. Moustafa Saad Soliman Elsayed Ahamed, an Egyptian investor in the construction sector, thanked the President for creating a stable environment for investment.

He said the delegation was interested in Uganda’s strategic infrastructure priorities, including roads, railways, water and electricity, and expressed readiness to build on the longstanding relations between the two countries.

“We are here to build on the momentum between Egypt and Uganda. We are ready to identify key strategic and priority projects that we can partner with you to make them happen,” he said.

“We assure you that we are ready to work with you and help develop Uganda’s infrastructure because this is our sister country. Africa must develop Africa, no matter what,” he added.

Other members of the Egyptian delegation who attended the meeting were Mr. Khalil Mohamed Ahmed, Dr. Sally Atef Saad Atia Bahr, Mr. Yasser Raouf Mohamed Abdallah El-Saadany, Dr. Alaa El Essawy, Mr. Mohamed El Daly and Mr. Abdulmanaeim Mohamed.

By Juma Nsubuga 

CAIRO-Uganda’s State Minister Fisheries Robert Migadde Ndugwa together with his Egyptian counterpart, the Minister for Water Resources and Irrigation  Dr Hani Atif Nebhan Sewilan have had a bilateral discussion on the sidelines of the  2026 9th Edition of Cairo Water Week Conference.

As part of the activities of the 9th edition of Cairo Water Week, both Ministers discussed cooperation in the field of water resources and combating aquatic weed.

The Ministers also discussed  how to improve sanitation along the River Nile inhabitants, improving landing sites and controlling water weed in Uganda.

“We also discussed how to utilize the Nile for fisheries, irrigation and power generation” Minister Migadde said

Meanwhile, Dr Nebhan emphasized the depth of the fraternal and historical relationship between Egypt and Uganda and the commitment to continue this cooperation in a way that achieves the common interests of both nations.

He mentioned the extension of cooperation in combating aquatic weeds since 1999 through six stages including Lake Victoria, Albert and Kajira among others.

The meeting also discussed the fish market project which contributes to improving the circulation and marketing of fish, reducing the loss after harvest and supporting livelihoods in local communities.

Dr Nebhan further  confirmed to his counterpart that the government of Egypt will extend USD 20 million support to explore newer machinery to control the water weed and promoting fish farming in Uganda.

He also committed himself to visiting Uganda to explore more areas of bilateral cooperation.

The 2026 9th edition of Cairo Water Week was commenced under the theme: Water as a catalyst for peace, shared prosperity and sustainable planet.

The water week also intended to explore strategies for sustainable water management in a changing climate.

By Harriet Nakamya 

The Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA), in partnership with the Uganda Blood Transfusion Services (UBTS), recently concluded a two-day blood donation campaign in Kampala, Gulu, Mbale and Mbarara Districts. 

The drive targeted to address the critical shortage of blood in health facilities, largely driven by increased need for emergency care and accident-related medical interventions in the Country. 

The drive held from 19th to 20th October, 2026, yielded 839 units of blood donated by ERA Staff, stakeholders in the Electricity Supply Industry, and the General Public.

According to Diana Naisuna Nambi, the Manager Public Relations and Consumer Affairs at ERA, “the partnership with UBTS for the blood donation drive was undertaken in line with the Authority’s Corporate Social Responsibility Policy that focuses on interventions in Health, Education, and the Environment.” 

She highlighted that as a community-oriented institution, ERA’s responsibility extends beyond regulating the Electricity Supply Industry to improving the welfare of the communities served by the institution. 

“ERA is pleased to have contributed to this Life-Saving initiative that will impact hundreds of Ugandans with a new Lease of Life,” Nambi noted; and expressed gratitude to the blood donors for taking part in this noble cause.

Other Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives done by ERAERA has previously sponsored a number of projects geared towards improving the livelihoods of communities. 

These include protection of Spring Wells in various parts of the Country; and Tree Planting to restore the catchment areas of the rivers that host Hydropower Plants/Projects in the Central, Western, West Nile and Northern Regions of Uganda.

On an annual basis, the Authority organizes the “Women in Energy” Project through which women serving in the Energy Sector inspire the young female generation to pursue a career in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. Since the project’s inception in the year 2019, over 50,000 young women in 58 (Fifty-Eight) schools in different parts of the Country have benefitted from the physical interactions and inspirational talks by the Women in the Energy Sector.  

BY BARRISTER PETER MAGOMU MASHATE 

On September 16, 1992 Prime minister John Major and Norman Lamont Chacellor of the Exchequer were in charge of the UK —a day permanently etched into macroeconomic history as “Black Wednesday”—the United Kingdom, one of the world’s financial superpowers, was brought to its knees by the raw power of global markets. 

As the Bank of England desperately burned through billions in foreign reserves and jacked up interest rates to a staggering 15%, it became clear that no sovereign wall is high enough to defend an unsustainable economic illusion.

Britain crashed out of the European Exchange Rate Mechanism (ERM) because it chose political pride over mathematical reality.

The chief architect of this collapse was the legendary billionaire investor George Soros, who famously became known as the man who “broke the Bank of England.” Recognizing that the British pound was unsustainably overvalued within the ERM, Soros used his Quantum Fund to build a massive $10 billion short position against the currency. 

As he and other speculators flooded the market, dumping pounds, the Bank of England was forced to exhaust its foreign reserves buying up its own currency to maintain the artificial peg. Realizing the defense was futile, the UK government threw in the towel and crashed out of the mechanism, while Soros walked away with an estimated $1 billion in profit in a single afternoon.

Alas! as a legal scholar and an avid economic observer of global financial systems, I conscientiously  believe and submit that this historical collapse is not just a British cautionary tale or a story of speculative greed.

It is a vital textbook for African and developing nations currently navigating volatile currencies, heavy debt, and global economic shocks.

If a financial titan like London could see its defense collapsed by market speculators in a single day, our developing economies must urgently internalize these lessons to cushion ourselves from similar catastrophes.

Looking closely at our local landscape in Kampala, the Ugandan Shilling faces its own real-world headwinds, sliding from roughly Shs 3,604 per US dollar in early 2026 to around Shs 4,500.  Indeed, this 25% depreciation is a vivid reminder that global financial volatility spares no one. 

However, by tracking Uganda’s current vulnerabilities against the strategic cushions required to survive a speculative crisis, we can see exactly how our economic managers are weaponizing history to protect our financial future.

First, we must escape the trap of artificial currency pegs. The primary catalyst for Britain’s 1992 downfall was forcing the pound into an overvalued peg against the German Deutschmark, giving Soros an obvious target. Today, many developing nations remain deeply tempted to artificially prop up their currencies to mask inflation or appease voters.

Defending an overvalued currency acts as a massive subsidy for imports while destroying local manufacturing and exports.

Fortunately, Uganda long ago abandoned the traps of fixed exchange rates. The Ministry of Finance recently reiterated Uganda’s absolute commitment to a market-determined exchange rate.

When import costs for petroleum spiked and global shipping costs rose, the Shilling was allowed to find its true value. Instead of burning reserves to fight a market trend, the Bank of Uganda intervenes only to smooth out excessive, short-term volatility. 

It lets the currency adjust to true economic fundamentals rather than creating an artificial illusion.

Second, we must avoid outsourcing monetary policy.

During the ERM crisis, Britain effectively outsourced its monetary policy to the German Bundesbank, which was raising rates to handle its own post-reunification inflation. 

Britain needed lower rates to fight a domestic recession, but its hands were tied. Developing nations frequently find themselves at the mercy of the US Federal Reserve or the European Central Bank.

When global powers raise interest rates, capital flees developing markets. Central banks across Africa must maintain absolute focus on domestic indicators—like local supply chains and food security inflation—rather than blindly copying Western monetary tightening.

In Uganda, our currency pressure isn’t just about global capital flight; it is heavily tied to regional and project-specific realities. 

Net foreign exchange demand from our energy sector nearly doubled—surging from $360 million to $620 million—partly driven by capital imports for upcoming oil production. 

In a decisive move to curb inflationary pressures, the Bank of Uganda raised the Central Bank Rate (CBR) to 12% and increased commercial banks’ cash reserve requirements to 13.5%. This aggressive response targets local liquidity, ensuring our policy is driven by local supply shocks and energy costs rather than waiting for cues from Washington or Frankfurt.

Third, a country must aggressively build and diversify foreign reserves. Britain found out the hard way that a few billion dollars in ammunition is nothing against speculators turning over trillions. When currency traders saw the Bank of England’s reserves dwindling, they smelled blood in the water. 

Many developing nations operate on razor-thin import cover, leaving them defenseless against sudden commodity price drops or capital flight. 

To survive, we must aggressively diversify our reserve assets because relying solely on the US dollar or the Euro leaves us exposed.

On this front, Uganda has built a significant buffer. Our foreign exchange reserves surged by 56% to $6.7 billion in the 12 months leading into mid-2026.

More importantly, Uganda has actively weaponized asset diversification.

Cabinet and Parliament recently approved a domestic gold purchase program. By incorporating tangible assets like gold to support national reserves and utilizing regional trade settlements, Uganda is constructing a critical shield that minimizes exposure to foreign fiat currency shocks.

Finally, we must establish an institutional separation of powers. 

The chaotic, panic-induced interest rate hikes delivered by British politicians on “Black Wednesday” shattered market credibility. 

It proved that when politicians control the printing press and the interest rate lever, policy becomes erratic.

In many developing states, central banks operate as ATM machines for the ruling government, funding fiscal deficits through money creation.

Long-term economic stability requires legally protected, highly transparent central bank independence.

The ultimate test for Uganda lies in matching our monetary tightening with strict fiscal discipline. While Governor Michael Atingi-Ego adjusts interest rates to rein in demand, the Ministry of Finance has had to release trillions of Shillings for maturing debt obligations, civil service wages, and critical infrastructure. If the government relies too heavily on central bank financing to cover fiscal deficits, our interest rate hikes will lose their effectiveness.

When the market trusts that a country’s monetary policy committee is making decisions based on data rather than an upcoming election cycle, speculative risks decrease and market stability increases.

The bottom line is that British “Black Wednesday” proved that market forces will always overpower sovereign arrogance. 

For Uganda and the wider developing world, the ultimate takeaway is clear: structural economic flexibility beats rigid financial pride every single time.

By maintaining a flexible exchange rate, aggressively expanding and diversifying reserves into gold, and protecting domestic production over cheap imports, we can construct a reliable shield against the volatile winds of global finance. Is it not?

THE WRITER IS: AN ADMINISTRATIVE, CONSTITUTIONAL & HUMAN RIGHTS BARRISTER-AT-LAW, CALLED TO THE BAR BY THE HONOURABLE SOCIETY OF LINCOLN’S INN OF COURT, LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM.

By Sadique Bamwita

Traders who were affected by the October 2025 floods in Kampala’s Central Business District, have stormed the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), demanding the release of Shs20 billion in compensation reportedly promised by President Yoweri Museveni.

The angry traders staged a protest on Wednesday morning, October 28, 2026, expressing frustration over the continued delay in receiving the money intended to help them recover from losses suffered during the devastating floods.

In dramatic scenes at Premier’s office , some angry  protesters stripped naked to express their anger and desperation over the delayed payments, escalating pressure on authorities to fulfil the presidential pledge.

The  angry traders say they have waited months for the promised financial assistance as they struggle to rebuild their businesses and recover from the damage caused by the floods that hit Kampala in October 2025.

The angry traders are demanding answers from the OPM, which plays a central role in coordinating government responses to emergencies and disaster-related interventions. However, the latest protest follows months of delays in the government’s efforts to compensate traders whose merchandise was destroyed when heavy rains flooded parts of Kampala on October 31, 2025.

Following the floods at Nakivubo drainage channel, president Museveni pledged the Shs20 billion support package in December 2025 during a meeting with leaders of Kampala traders at his Kisozi farm in Gomba District. He assured the traders that government would review their losses and provide compensation.

However, the payment process has been repeatedly delayed by disagreements over the number of traders eligible for compensation.

In August 2026, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja told Parliament that conflicting lists submitted by different institutions had prevented government from completing the payments before the end of the 2025/2026 financial year.

According to the Prime Minister, the Federation of Uganda Traders Associations submitted more than 2,000 names, while the Uganda Revenue Authority submitted a list of 360 traders. Kampala Capital City Authority submitted 460 names, and the Kampala City Traders Association presented another list of 480 traders.

A verification exercise conducted by the Internal Security Organisation reportedly identified 737 beneficiaries, but the traders challenged the resulting list and petitioned the President for further intervention.

The dispute has left traders uncertain about when they will receive assistance, despite repeated assurances from government.

It should be recalled that on October 31,2025, floods struck downtown Kampala after heavy rainfall ravaging shops, arcades and commercial premises around Nakivubo Channel.

Traders reported extensive damage to merchandise and blamed the flooding partly on construction activities and disruptions to drainage pathways, allegations that have fuelled wider public debate about urban planning and accountability.

The disaster was followed by further heavy rains in November, which caused additional flooding in low-lying parts of the city.

The compensation package was intended to provide relief to affected businesses while government pursued longer-term measures, including drainage improvements and stricter enforcement of building regulations.

By Aboud Mustafa 

MIDDLE EAST- Anthropologist Hassan Ali Ghazaly, founder of 𝐍𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐮𝐦, has met with 𝐀𝐦𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐫 𝐃𝐫. 𝐅𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐝 𝐌𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐟𝐚, Assistant Secretary-General of the League of Arab States and Head of the Palestine and Occupied Arab Territories Sector, as well as 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐏𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐃𝐫. 𝐍𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐥-𝐀𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐢 of the Sector.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of an event commemorating the victims of the crime of genocide perpetrated by the Israeli occupation authorities against the Palestinian people, particularly in the Gaza Strip. The event was held at the headquarters of the 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐠𝐮𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐫𝐚𝐛 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐭 on Sunday, 18 October 2026.

The event was held pursuant to a resolution adopted by the Council of the League of Arab States at the ministerial level, designating 17 October of each year as a day to commemorate the victims of the alleged crime of genocide against the Palestinian people. 

The initiative underscores the importance of preserving Palestinian collective memory, documenting violations, strengthening efforts to achieve justice and accountability, and reaffirming the international commitment to protecting the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.

During the meeting, Ghazaly expressed his gratitude to the Palestine Sector for its kind invitation and warm reception. He also commended the remarks delivered by the Sector during the event, which conveyed the suffering of victims of settlement expansion, occupation, and genocide.

Ambassador Dr. Fayed Mostafa, in turn, shared aspects of his personal and historical connection to the late President 𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐛𝐝𝐞𝐥 𝐍𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐫, expressing his appreciation for the former president’s role and enduring place in Arab collective memory.

He recounted that, out of his father’s deep admiration for President Gamal Abdel Nasser and his pride in the history of the 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲 1952 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, his father chose 23 July as the birth date for both him and his brother. 

This decision, he explained, was intended to commemorate the Revolution and honor its significance in the national and Arab consciousness, as well as to affirm the central place of the Palestinian cause as 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐫𝐚𝐛 𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧.

The Ambassador also expressed his gratitude and appreciation to 𝐄𝐠𝐲𝐩𝐭—𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐠𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭, 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩— for its steadfast positions in support of the Palestinian cause.

Ghazaly also met with 𝐀𝐦𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐫 𝐙𝐚𝐢𝐝 𝐀𝐥-𝐒𝐚𝐛𝐛𝐚𝐧, Director of the Sudan and Horn of Africa Department at the League of Arab States Secretariat and the League’s representative to the mechanism concerned with regional issues. 

The meeting took place within the framework of Ghazaly’s participation in events addressing the Palestinian cause and his interest in Arab issues with political and humanitarian dimensions.

The discussion focused on 𝐀𝐫𝐚𝐛 𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 and the role of literature and cinema in shaping collective awareness and strengthening cultural ties among Arab peoples. 

The two sides also discussed several issues relating to the Arab cultural landscape, prominent writers and readers, and their contributions to enriching intellectual and literary life.

These discussions highlighted the importance of culture as a bridge for communication and closer ties among Arab societies.

The commemoration event featured official statements by the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, the President of the Arab Parliament, and the Permanent Representative of the State of Palestine to the League. 

The statements addressed the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and emphasized the need to ensure unimpeded humanitarian aid deliveries, protect civilians, secure a ceasefire, support reconstruction efforts, and hold those responsible for crimes committed against the Palestinian people accountable.

The event also featured the presentation of humanitarian testimonies by representatives of the medical, media, and social sectors, as well as a documentary film documenting violations in the Gaza Strip. 

By Juma Nsubuga 

The Minister of health Dr Chris Baryomunsi has said that government is planing to formulate a law seeking to legalize the  National Cleaning Day Exercise.

Dr Baryomunsi made the remarks during a press briefing at the Office of the Prime Minister in Kampala.

He says that next week he will table a proposal before cabinet allowing him draft a statutory instrument to force all Ugandans participate in the national cleaning Day exercise.

“We must legalize the national cleaning Day since many people opt to hide in their houses during the exercise. Once government formulates the law on national cleaning, it will give security agencies power to force people participate by force” Baryomunsi said.

He added that the introduction of national cleaning Day is for the good of Ugandans to live in clean and healthy environment.

The Press conference was attended by the PM Robinah Nabbanja, State Minister Huda Oleru, Deputy PM Chrispus Kiyonga, GCW Jane Aceng among others.

Nabbanja said the 4th National Cleaning Day Exercise will be hosted in Lira City, explaining that the day is meant to clean the country and establish cleanliness, proper sanitation and environmental responsibility as permanent national values and everyday practice.

“The exercise will be conducted simultaneously across the country with Lira City designated as the national cleanup site in recognition of its importance as a host City for the Africa Cup of nations (AFCON) 2027” Nabbanja said.

Nabbanja who represents Kakumiro district in Parliament also directed all responsible local government authorities and relevant institutions to strengthen sanitation supervision to ensure timely removal of accumulated waste and enforce applicable sanitation measures.

“I call upon Ugandans to pay particular attention to the cleanliness of roadsides and public walkways,markets, trading centres, drainage channels and water passages, schools, health facilities among others” she urged. 

About responsible management and environmental protection, Nabbanja urged Ugandans to take personal responsibility for protecting the environment by sorting waste at source wherever practicable.

Government chief whip who is also an MP for the Lira district Jean Ruth Aceng  appealed to residents in Lira to gear up for the Day.

By Sadique Bamwita 

Kampala 

The Industrial Court has found Kyambogo University guilty of unfairly discriminating against  a former kitchen attendant Magdalene Atono by putting her on a salary scale the court found did not exist, while colleagues performing similar duties were confirmed on better terms.

The  Industrial Court faulted the university of mishandling it’s a former employee who worked for more than 12 years under successive temporary contracts.

In a ruling delivered on October 27, 2026, by a panel of Judges headed by Justice Linda Lillian Tumusiime Mugisha,the Industrial Court found that the university unjustifiably placed Magdalene Atono on salary scale M20, which the court described as a non-existent categorisation, instead of the approved M15 scale for kitchen attendants.

The court concluded that the university’s decision to keep Atono on short-term contracts while colleagues doing the same job were confirmed on permanent terms amounted to unlawful unfair discrimination under employment law.

The  45-page award in Magdalene Atono v Kyambogo University, Labour Dispute Claim No. 13 of 2015, indicates that Atono joined Uganda Polytechnic Kyambogo in May 2000 as a casual worker earning Shs40,000 before her employment was transferred to the newly established Kyambogo University following the merger of institutions in 2003.

Court’s findings were particularly damaging because Kyambogo University had already approved a salary structure that placed kitchen attendants under support staff on salary scale M15, with an O-Level certificate as the academic requirement.

However, when Atono was appointed under a one-year contract in November 2009, the university placed her on M20, a scale the court found did not exist for the position.

Her monthly salary was fixed at Shs201,422, while colleagues appointed to the same position under M15 received a salary of Shs121,729 to Shs143,740, plus Shs139,000 in benefits, bringing their total monthly remuneration to Shs260,729.

The court examined the appointment records of Daniel Muhumuza, Najjuma Musisi, Ben Tumwesigye and Christine Achan, who had been confirmed in the same position while Atono remained on temporary terms.

The university defended its decision by arguing that Atono had failed to meet a credit in English language a requirement introduced in a 2012 recruitment advertisement.

However, the court rejected that justification for her earlier treatment, noting that the university’s approved structure required only an O-Level certificate when she was appointed under the new structure in 2009.

“It is glaringly evident that, by 2009, the person specification for the Kitchen Attendant position required an ‘O’ Level certificate and nothing else,” the court observed.

Atono’s employment journey began in May 2000, when she joined Uganda Polytechnic Kyambogo as a casual worker earning Shs40,000.

Following the 2003 merger that created Kyambogo University, her employment was transferred to the new institution. She subsequently served under successive six-month contracts before receiving a one-year contract in November 2009.

Despite obtaining a Certificate in Hotel and Institutional Catering from Kyambogo University in 2007, she was never confirmed on permanent terms before her employment ended in December 2012.

The court found that she had continued performing the same job for years under repeatedly renewed contracts, even after the university had introduced a new employment structure.

It adopted the principle that the true nature of an employment relationship must be assessed from the actual circumstances, rather than simply from the labels used in appointment letters.

The judges observed that keeping Atono on successive temporary contracts appeared intended to avoid granting her the rights available to permanent staff under the university’s employment structure.

The award stated that the practice was inconsistent with the university’s obligations under its own terms and conditions of service.

The Industrial Court partially allowed Atono’s claim and ordered Kyambogo University to pay several remedies incuding; Shs.8,996,952 (salary arrears) for the period November 5, 2009, to December 31, 2012, with interest at 10% per annum as specified in the award.

Shs10,000,000 for Exemplary damages

Awarded to punish the unfair discrimination, with interest at 10% per annum from October 27, 2026, until full payment.

A-two month salary payment in lieu of notice

The university was ordered to pay two months’ salary in lieu of notice.

Legal costs

The court awarded Atono half the costs of the claim.

The salary arrears and exemplary damages alone total Shs18,996,952, excluding interest. The final amount payable will also depend on the two months’ salary in lieu of notice, the awarded costs and applicable interest.

The Shs10 million exemplary damages award is particularly significant. The court explained that such damages are intended to punish misconduct and discourage similar conduct, rather than simply compensate a claimant for financial loss.

Court also found that the arbitrary placement of Atono on the wrong salary scale, her underpayment and the denial of confirmation justified the punitive award.

Despite the strong findings on discrimination, the court did not rule entirely in Atono’s favour.

It rejected her claim that the termination itself was unlawful, distinguishing the expiry of her final fixed-term contract from the unfair treatment she had suffered during employment.

The court also declined to award the Shs10 million in general damages she had sought for unlawful termination because it had not found the termination unlawful.

On her claim for unpaid National Social Security Fund (NSSF) contributions, the court said there was no evidence on record establishing that the university had remitted contributions or that Atono had been registered with the Fund for that purpose.

However, it declined to make an award, stating that it had no sufficient basis to determine the issue and that NSSF should be interested in pursuing the matter.

Though the university was not held liable for unlawful termination, it was held accountable for unfair discrimination and the financial consequences arising from its treatment of Atono..