Former Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) president, Dr Kizza Besigye, appears to have lost hope of reclaiming leadership within the party he founded, post a contentious split last year, fueled by allegations of financial dealings with President Yoweri Museveni. The current FDC president, Patrick Amuriat, and secretary-general Nandala Mafabi faced accusations of accepting money, creating a schism that remains unresolved.

Despite denials and a lack of clarity on campaign funding sources during the 2021 elections, the Besigye-led splinter group contemplates establishing a new political entity, as discussed in a meeting on February 21. Dr Besigye, once a confidant of President Museveni, now encounters formidable challenges within the party he played a pivotal role in shaping.

Reconciliation prospects dim as stringent conditions demand Amuriat and Mafabi’s departure from office, while the opposing faction urges an apology and reintegration – an impasse unlikely to be breached. The National Electoral Commission’s annual allocation of Ush2 billion ($511,000) to FDC remains unaffected, emphasizing their recognition as a political entity, irrespective of internal conflicts.

Acting party president Erias Lukwago outlines the need for the Amuriat faction to disavow alleged misconduct, including disruptive incidents at the party headquarters. The standoff intensifies, with Lukwago hinting at a potential rebranding during National Executive Committee meetings, proposing the creation of a new political formation rooted in the struggle against the current regime.

The call for consultations delays a definitive decision on the formation of a new party by Besigye’s group, although former party spokesperson Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda’s departure signals the growing disillusionment within. Nganda cites government support for the rival faction as a deterrent to reconciliation, expressing a desire to focus on broader efforts to rescue Uganda.

Besigye emphasizes the necessity of grassroots engagement to clarify the factional split, contemplating either a rebrand or the establishment of a new party – a process deemed resource-intensive and time-consuming by some members. President Museveni, operating outside traditional party structures, leverages support among the youth, as evidenced by the launch of the Patriotic League of Uganda, positioning Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba.

With elections looming, Gen Muhoozi’s potential candidacy remains uncertain, despite the Patriotic League’s formation. Political maneuvering and allegations of selling parties to rivals persist, with hints at pressure groups or social movements challenging conventional electoral participation.

Dr Besigye’s historical departure from NRM in 1999, forming the Reform Agenda, mirrors the current dynamics, raising questions about the evolving political landscape and the challenges President Museveni faces as he quietly mobilizes support.

As elections approach, the focus shifts from whether Museveni will contest to when he will make the formal announcement, amidst calls for a peaceful transition by Justice Minister Norbert Mao, leader of the Democratic Party. President Museveni, however, denies any discussions regarding a transition.

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni emphasized the importance of focusing on the prosperity of Ugandans during his address to district leaders at the closure of the Transformational Leadership Development Course at the National Leadership Institute (NALI) Kyankwanzi. He highlighted the historical challenges faced by the country, including political turmoil and wars, attributing them to misdiagnosed problems.

Museveni underscored the need for a shift away from identity-based politics towards principles that promote national prosperity, such as patriotism, Pan-Africanism, socio-economic transformation, and democracy. He urged leaders to prioritize the welfare of all citizens, emphasizing the role of external markets in achieving economic growth.

The President outlined strategies for economic empowerment, including wealth creation through agriculture and the promotion of industries, services, and ICT. He stressed the importance of education and urged leaders to work towards the socio-economic transformation of their communities.

In response to the training organized by the Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, President Museveni assured support for local leaders and proposed the establishment of a SACCO to assist them. Additionally, he pledged to address infrastructure needs, such as upgrading health facilities and improving roads.

The event also saw participants expressing gratitude for government support and requesting further assistance, including the operationalization of Bunyoro University, increased emoluments for district leaders, and transparency in party structures. Notably, concerns were raised about the influence of Members of Parliament in decision-making processes and the need for active engagement of party structures beyond elections.

Overall, the gathering highlighted the government’s commitment to empowering local leaders and advancing socio-economic development in Uganda.

MV Mpungu, a novel freight transport ship, was launched from Entebbe on the shores of Lake Victoria on Thursday ahead of its maiden voyage in April.

The “roll-on roll-off” vessel which accommodates trucks driven on at the departing port, then off at their destination is intended to strengthen trade links between Uganda and neighboring Tanzania.

Musa Echweru, the state minister for Works, commissioned it on February 21 from the purpose-built Entebbe shipbuilding facility of SECO Marine (U) Ltd. He commended the project and thanked the people who put the idea together to fruition.

“I can assure you that your investment is safe. Maritime transport is very delicate, there are so many hurdles to be jumped, and we shall help you jump those hurdles. We need vessels to occupy our water bodies, there are many who have showed interest, but you have gone beyond that, by proving a presence. This lake will be full of reliable vessels in the years to come. I declare MV Mpungu officially launched, for God and my country!”

MV Mpungu will operate scheduled freight services between Port Bell, near the Ugandan capital Kampala, and Mwanza at the southern edge of the lake in Tanzania. The journey will take just 18 hours compared to the three or four days usually needed to transport goods by truck around the shores of the lake.

The Mpungu has a capacity for up to 1,000 tons of containerized cargo equivalent to 21 trailers. The 96-metre-long vessel was built in Entebbe over a period of 21 months by SECO Marine, part of the Kenyan-headquartered Alpha Group.

InfraCo Africa, part of the donor-funded Private Infrastructure Development Group, and pan-African logistics company Grindrod established a joint venture known as East African Marine Transport (EAMT), which commissioned the vessel. Grindrod will be responsible for operating the Mpungu.

Speaking at the launch, Xolani Mbambo, Grindrod’s CEO said: “The ferry operation aims to provide a reliable, efficient and cost-effective solution for businesses in the region, thereby promoting trade, and contributing to economic growth.”

InfraCo Africa’s regional asset management lead, Rodney Seema, told African Business that the costs of transporting goods to market can be “prohibitively high” for traders at present. “Freight transport across Lake Victoria is undertaken on an ad hoc basis and vessels sail only when they are full. This approach has economic and opportunity costs for businesses, particularly those working with time sensitive cargo.”

Seema adds that Mpungu is set to bring particular benefits for companies selling produce that is vulnerable to spoilage. “For those transporting time-sensitive fresh produce, the reliable, scheduled EAMT service will enable them to plan their shipments, saving time and the potential spoilage of produce and avoiding driver fatigue.”

General Katumba explained that the project has been delayed due to problems with getting land and compensating affected people. In Parliament, Speaker Anita Among asked General Katumba to start work on the Kampala-Jinja Expressway quickly.

She said, “We approved the loan in 2020, but nothing has happened since then. The problem seems to be with the people affected by the project.” General Katumba said the project stalled because it’s not easy.

It involves a partnership with private companies and many steps before it can start. “We need to pay more than 90% of the affected people. We also have to help those who can’t take the money, like the elderly.

This all takes time,” he explained. General Katumba mentioned that the Attorney General has got the last agreement needed to find a contractor. “Now we can look for a contractor because most of the problems are solved. We couldn’t do this before,” he said.

He also said that the government has bought all the equipment needed to maintain roads in the country. But there’s a problem with paying the full amount for the equipment. “We still owe Shs6 billion.

The supplier won’t give us all the equipment until we pay,” he added. MP Dan Atwijukire raised concerns about the government not providing districts with road maintenance equipment as promised. “The government promised Shs6 billion for equipment, but we haven’t received it. If they can’t pay, they should tell the public on local radios,” he said. Speaker Anita Among asked General Katumba to give a detailed report on road works in two weeks.

Chairman Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) has recently revealed a series of strategic appointments in the leadership, marking the organization’s expansion into diverse regions.The latest additions to the PLU leadership include the appointment of Godfrey Kabbyanga, the State Minister for ICT, along with Members of Parliament Martin Mapenduzi and Jackson Atima.

Additionally, the PLU has welcomed three district chairpersons into pivotal roles to reinforce its presence.Godfrey Kabbyanga has taken on the role of Rwenzori PLU coordinator, while Martin Mapenduzi and Jackson Atima will serve as coordinators for the Acholi and Greater Arua regions, respectively. The newly appointed district chairpersons are Didas Tabaro (Mbarara), Sam Kajojo (Kanungu), and Nelson Nshangabasheija (Kabale).To expand its regional influence, the PLU has designated Henry Basaliza and Michael Katungi as coordinators for the Tooro and Kigezi sub-regions.

Furthermore, Polly Karamuzi and Joyce Walemba have been appointed as spokespersons for the Ankole and Rwenzori Women representative positions.These recent additions complement the existing PLU leadership team, which includes notable figures such as events promoter Balaam Barugahara, businessman Frank Gashumba, and Kitgum Woman NRM MP, Lillian Aber. The PLU’s leadership structure also includes President Yoweri Museveni’s brother, Michael Nuwagira (Toyota), and Igara East NRM MP, Michael Mawanda.

Expressing gratitude to PLU’s supporters and well-wishers since its launch on February 7, 2024, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba emphasized the organization’s commitment to fostering national unity, peace, and stability in Uganda.Originally recognized as the MK Movement and established in April 2022, the PLU has transformed into a dynamic platform that mobilizes Ugandans in support of Gen. Muhoozi and his significant contributions to the country’s development.

While Uganda is in the last preparations to host the Non-Aligned Movement and G77 + China Summits from January 15 to 23, the Uganda Police has issued comprehensive traffic guidelines and advisories to ensure the smooth flow of events. The summits are expected to be attended by President Yoweri Museveni and several other heads of state and government.

The main venue for the summits is the Commonwealth Speke Resort Munyonyo, and the designated summit route spans from the Kampala-Entebbe Expressway to Speke Resort Munyonyo. This route will be tightly regulated with diversions and traffic control measures. Notably, the regulation of traffic flow will consider local and international flights, ensuring access to Kampala or the airport is not disrupted.

Several key diversions are outlined in the advisory. At Mpala, traffic will be redirected to Entebbe Highway, while at Kisubi, vehicles will be diverted to Nakawuka Road for access to Kampala city. The Kajjansi Flyover will also serve as a diversion point, directing traffic to Lubowa – Zana.

Additional diversions will be in place at Serena–Kigo traffic lights, Mutungo–Kitiko traffic lights, and Busabala traffic lights along the Munyonyo Spur. A security checkpoint at the Munyonyo roundabout will screen all vehicles, with diversions leading motorists to Salaama Road and Buziga.

For those approaching Munyonyo from Gaba road, diversions at UCB Road will provide access to Buziga – Lukuli. Along the Northern Bypass, diversions at the Busega Flyover and a slip road will restrict vehicles from accessing the Kampala-Entebbe Expressway. Further diversions are planned at Sentema, Nansana, Bwaise, Kalerwe, Kyebando, and Kisaasi interchange, flyover, and slip roads.

At the Bwaise Flyover, traffic will be redirected to Sir Apollo Kagwa Road to access the city center. Traffic police will strategically regulate flow at various road junctions, access roads, and other points based on the movement of delegates.

Notably, motorcycles will not be allowed on the summit route from Entebbe Airport to Speke Resort Munyonyo. Some boda boda stages along the summit routes and hotels where heads of state will be residing will be relocated and absorbed into other stages during the summit period.

Travelers with flights at Entebbe International Airport are urged to plan their journeys in advance to avoid inconveniences or delays. The comprehensive advisory aims to ensure the successful and secure hosting of the Non-Aligned Movement and G77 + China Summits, with the cooperation of the public in adhering to the specified traffic guidelines.