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Deo Kasozi Returns to Kitara FC Presidency

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Deo Kasozi

Kitara football Club has announced the return of Mr Kasozi Deo to the team’s presidency.

The announcement was made to the public this afternoon at a press conference held at Grand Imperial Hotel in Kampala by former Kitara FC president Dennis Musinguzi who is also a member of the team’s executive.

Musinguzi said it was agreed upon by the executive to get a substantive President for the smooth operations of the club.

In his maiden speech shortly after being announced, Deo Kasozi said his focus in this new term is majorly on the sustainability of the team .

Kasozi stepped down as President of Kitara FC in June this year after spending three years as Kitara FC President.

Kitara FC Management appointed ASP Gilbert Nyaika as Interim President as the Club made consultations on a substantive President.

ASP Nyaika who is also the Club’s Vice President in charge of Administration is credited for having filled the leadership vacuum and during his tenure, the Club has regrouped and has kicked off competition in the 2025/2026 season.

Former Kitara FC President Mr Godfrey Bamwenda has taken over a new responsibility as Vice President incharge fans mobilization.

Kasozi will work with a team of distinguished senior administrators who include Hon Brian kaboyo- First vice President, Nyaika Gilbert -Vice president Administration, Bernard Kanyoro – Vice president Finance, Godfrey Bamwenda – vice president fans mobilisation, Bernard Isoke – vice president technical, Dennis Musinguzi Excom member and Eng Jonard Asiimwe as Patron.

The CEO Mr Joshua Atugonza heads the Secretariat and sits on the Club’s Management Committee.

The club has several committees that work closely with Management.

This week, Kinyara Sugar Ltd injected 100 Million Shillings in a main Shirt Sponsorship into Kitara Football Club.

It should be recalled that while Mr Kasozi was serving as President, Kitara FC won lucrative sponsorship deals from Jonard Conglomerate, Kinyara Sugar Ltd among others. The Club also won the Big League, got promotion to the Uganda Premier League and won the Stanbic Uganda Cup on top of being among the top competitive Clubs in the Uganda Premier League.

When Do You Give to Kampala Beggars? A Muzungu Perspective

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The Street Poor

This is one of the biggest questions and challenges for people traveling to the developing world and, perhaps even moreso, for those living as western expats in countries with extensive poverty because we confront it on a daily basis.

The hard part is that most of these people really are poor and what amounts to pocket change to us could mean the only meal of the day to them. We want to help, feel guilty if we don’t, and realize we are perpetuating a bad situation if we do. On a more basic level, nobody likes to say “no” to someone in need.

Begging is Different Here

I find it particularly complicated here in Uganda. My wife and I lived in India back in 1993 – 1994, before the big dot-com boom and the rise of the middle class. The poverty was much more extreme than it is here in Uganda, but there was a stronger stigma against begging. It was clear who was going to ask you for money, and it was usually people on the street with horrible deformities or who were clearly on the edge of survival. It was a last resort or, for the children, they may have been forced into a “begging gang.”

That same stigma doesn’t exist here. I regularly get asked for money by people with jobs (albeit low-paid ones), or people who just happen to be walking by and see a mzungu – a human money-dispenser.

I think there are two main reasons that it is more acceptable to ask for money here. One results from a positive social structure, one stems from the good-intentions but bad-execution of the aid industry.

On the positive side, families are set up to help each other here. If you need school fees or money for medicine, you can ask any relative, no matter how distant, for that money. If they have it, they are obligated to give it to you. This is an important safety net that also makes it very difficult for anybody to save enough money to start a business or buy a house. Regardless, it is ok and expected to ask for money when you need it.

A less positive reason is the pervasiveness of hand-out aid. People here are used to getting free stuff from foreigners. I think this has created the expectation that you should get something from any mzungu you come across.

Giving to a beggar does not solve the systemic problem that caused that person to be begging in the first place. At the same time, they really might be in dire straights and need to buy some food. Only you can decide what is right for you at any given moment.

My 5 Rules for Giving to Beggars

Over time I have developed a number of unbreakable rules that I break on a regular basis:

  1. I don’t give money to kids who are begging. I don’t want families to think it is better to send their kids out to beg than to send them to school. I also don’t want to support “begging gangs” where kids are forced to beg and then bring their earnings back to a leader.
  2. I don’t give money to people with jobs. I heavily tip people who do a service for me, like the security guards where I park my car, but even someone who is making very little is better off than someone who isn’t making anything at all.
  3. Mothers with babies. Ok, if I am going to give money to someone begging on the street, it will probably be a mother with a baby, even if she just borrowed the baby to improve her chances. I am the sucker that makes that trick work.
  4. I will give money to adults with serious injuries that make it hard for them to work. NOT kids with injuries – I don’t want parents to decide their kids will bring in more money if they have injuries and thus incentivise them to harm their children.
  5. I don’t give money in front of my home or hotels where I am staying. Once you are seen as someone who will give money, it will be expected from you every time you walk through your door.

I Break My Own Rules

I broke number 5 just this morning. A man was waiting for me at my gate after I dropped my son off at school. He had a note saying that his daughter just died and he needed money to transport the body to his village. I gave him 10,000 shillings.

I am about 95% certain that this same guy came up to me about a year ago with the same note and the same story. I even said “are you sure you didn’t already try this last year?” He swore he hadn’t. I don’t believe him.

So why did I give him the money? I don’t know. Rules are meant to be broken. I hate saying no. He looked sad. And maybe, just maybe, he was telling the truth and it was some other guy who came to me last year to get money to transport his daughter to the village. Lots of people die here.

It’s not easy. It’s never easy. If it was easy to say no, it would be the death of compassion.

I think one of the best solutions might be to count the number of people who ask you for money each day/month/trip, figure out how much you would be likely to give each one, and donate that amount to an organization that is doing good work to get people off the streets and into jobs. Or hire the person to carry your bags to your car.

It’s not fair that some of us have so much more than so many others. We don’t need to level the playing field – we need to switch sports.

  • What are your thoughts around giving money to beggars?
  • How do you decide when to do it and when not to?

This article was shared by Mark D. Jordahl  from the Wild Uganda Blog!

President Museveni Rallies Support in Lango, Promises Wealth Creation and Better Services

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Kuusa Noah
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Yoweri Kaguta Museveni

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Presidential Flagbearer for the 2026 general elections, has wrapped up his second day of campaigns in the Lango sub-region with major rallies in Amolatar and Dokolo districts.
Speaking to thousands of supporters at Dokolo Technical School grounds on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, President Museveni called on Ugandans to renew their trust in him and the NRM government. He highlighted key achievements and unveiled new pledges aimed at pushing Uganda into middle-income status.
The event, attended by top government officials, party leaders, and several defectors from opposition parties, carried the theme “Protecting the Gains as We Make a Qualitative Leap into a High Middle-Income Status.”

Focus on Wealth Creation

In his address, President Museveni emphasized that household incomes and wealth creation remain the “solution to Uganda’s prosperity.” He noted that although the economy has improved, many Ugandans still practice subsistence farming, working only to survive.
“The challenge we have had since 2013 is that 68% of our people were working just to feed themselves. When you only work for the stomach, where do you get money to buy clothes or handle other needs?” he asked, earning applause from the crowd.
He encouraged families to shift to commercial farming and other income-generating activities. He cited success stories from the Lango region, such as a farmer named Okello in Amolatar, who earns a stable income from commercial agriculture, and a woman named Apio, who used Parish Development Model (PDM) funds to invest in maize and livestock.
“These are examples of how small support, when used wisely, can change lives,” he said.

Parish Development Model (PDM)

The President dedicated a large part of his speech to explaining the PDM program, which provides UGX 100 million to each parish annually to support household enterprises. He pointed out that PDM funds are more favorable than high-interest bank loans, giving beneficiaries more time to repay.
“If this was money from lenders, you would borrow one million shillings and pay back five million after a year. But PDM funds are payable after two years, so you can plant, harvest, and earn before repayment,” he explained.
He also announced that in his next term, he plans to increase PDM funding by UGX 15 million per parish, specifically to support local leaders who have not directly benefited before. He warned communities to guard the funds against mismanagement.
“Don’t let anyone misuse this money. If someone tries, expose them and we shall take action,” the President said.

Promoting the Four-Acre Model

President Museveni urged the people of Lango to adopt the NRM’s four-acre model introduced in 1996: one acre for coffee, one for fruits, one for pasture to support dairy farming, and one for food crops. He said small ventures like poultry, piggery, and fish farming could also boost family incomes.
“Even without a tarmac road in your village, you can still be rich. Wealth begins at home,” he stressed.

Education, Health, and Infrastructure

The President compared the limited educational opportunities of the 1960s to the current wide access. He credited the NRM for expanding schools across Uganda and pledged more investment in education and human capital development.
On health, Museveni acknowledged problems such as drug theft in health centers and called on communities to help fight it. “If I get my people of God to monitor, we can stop drug theft,” he said.
He also cited the extension of electricity, better telecommunications, and road projects as part of the NRM’s achievements since 1986. He promised to work on the Lango–Namasale and Lira–Barlege roads to reduce travel time and ease trade.

Job Creation and Cattle Compensation

President Museveni linked job creation to wealth generation, arguing that when households engage in commercial farming, they also create employment for others. He gave an example of Joseph Ijara from Serere, who reportedly makes UGX 1 billion annually with UGX 800 million in profits while employing many Ugandans.
He also addressed the longstanding issue of cattle compensation in northern Uganda, promising to provide five cows per affected household. He assured residents that although the process may take time, all eligible families would benefit.
“Please support the NRM again. We are not talkers; we are doers,” he said.
At the rally, President Museveni handed party flags to NRM parliamentary flagbearers from Dokolo District and welcomed new members from opposition parties. Local leaders, including Mr. Geoffrey Opio Ekong, the NRM chairperson for Dokolo, pledged to deliver massive support.
“Our target is to give you 85% or even 100% of the votes. It is possible in Dokolo,” Mr. Ekong promised.
Prominent leaders such as Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Anita Among and Government Chief Whip Hon. Denis Hamson Obua praised the government for bringing peace, development, and infrastructure to the Lango sub-region. They highlighted projects such as Akibua Stadium, Lira University, and the ongoing Lira–Kamdini road upgrade.
After the rallies in Amolatar and Dokolo, President Museveni is expected to continue his campaign in Otuke and Alebtong districts, where he will reinforce the NRM’s message of stability, development, and wealth creation. By the end of the week, he is set to have covered all nine districts and Lira City in the Lango sub-region.

 

Is it Better to be Poor in a Poor Country?

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Poor Shelter

Let’s face it – it sucks to be poor anywhere. But I think a lot about relative poverty.

Very frequently here in Uganda, people will ask me to “take them to America.” I know the vision in their minds. They will step off the airplane and someone will hand them a bag of money, whisk them away in their limo to their big house in Beverly Hills, and tell them where to show up for their first day of work at their powerful, high-paying job.

Most of these people who come up to me (and every other mzungu) are unemployed, uneducated young men who are wanting to escape their poverty here. Would their situation be better as poor, uneducated, young black men in America, where around one in nine young black men are in prison? Or would it be worse?

Maybe it would be better. Many immigrants might not jump straight into the “good life,” but they are able to make just enough to survive and send some money back to their family. Then they have children who are American citizens, who make it through the public school system, possibly college, and really do make that jump into the middle class. It’s the American Dream.

Is Poverty Relative?

A poor person in Uganda probably has a vast family network for help and support. You can buy a minimal amount of food for very little money, and you can live as a squatter on land that isn’t yours in a structure that would never pass code in a western nation. Not a great reality, but you are surviving and you are probably surrounded by a lot of other people who are struggling the same way you are. Your baseline for comparison isn’t so far off from your own reality.

On the other hand, this is the kind of poverty that can kill you. Many poor nations don’t have the social safety nets in terms of health care and other services, and without access to good education, it is very hard to move up the ladder.

In the United States, a poor person is daily confronted by the signs of wealth around them, so they might feel poorer by comparison. When my wife and I were serving as Americorps volunteers in Alaska, our friends were as broke as we were, so we all went to the food bank together and found free things to do on our time off. It was much harder when we moved to Boulder, Colorado, after that, still broke from our time as volunteers, but now surrounded by extreme wealth.

Family networks in wealthier nations are also often not as strong or as extensive, so you are much more on your own to “make it or break it.” In some places you can get thrown in jail for panhandling or sleeping in the park under a tarp. You certainly can’t set up a shack somewhere and live in it for any length of time. Overall, your options are much more limited. You might also be living in a place where it gets below freezing at night and, if you are homeless, this situation probably creates your highest risk of “death by poverty.”

On the bright side, your kids are probably in school for free, although they are feeling a lot of peer pressure to dress better and have nice things that you can’t afford to buy them. There are also free services available to keep you alive if you get seriously ill, need drug treatment, or if you become temporarily homeless through the loss of a job. We also have unemployment benefits and welfare that, ideally, are designed to help people get through a bumpy stretch of time. Many who are in the country illegally, though, are afraid to access these services.

What Do You Think?

Here’s what I guess it boils down to. If I could figure out a way to get one of these young men a visa to the United States, would I be doing him a favor?

This is what the comments section is for. Let us know what you think.

Kampala Traffic Jam Can Be Controlled

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Kampala Traffic Jam

There are days when thousands of cars, trucks, tankers, tuk tuks, motorcycles and even bicycles were caught in traffic jam in Kampala City, people travel from the Northern end to the southern tip of maximum City took hours due to the heave traffic jam some times traffic police found it difficult to maintain order.

The majority of people travel to and from work by cars only about 20% of adults use min-bus(taxi)on regular basis most of these being retired people, another 30%use the Motorcycles and bicycles as their mean of transport due to traffic jam on roads.

This reliance on the car in traffic jam leads to several problems, firstly there is a problem of air pollution caused by exhaust fumes secondly there are frequent traffic jam especially during peak period, finally it is often difficult to find places to park in the city center.

We would like to urge traffic officers not to stop vehicles like on Ben Kiwanuka for long period of time. This would reduce pollution caused by exhaust fumes. Secondly there are frequent traffic jam.

In addition, I think the local authority should encourage the road users to respect one another and also KCCA to construct more feeder roads, creating more cycle lanes and walkways.

Finally, the bus service should be improved by increasing the frequency of buses and adding new routes to those already in place. The best way to avoid contribution to traffic congestion is to take mass transit. When traveling around town, jump on bus or train instead of in your car.

Taking mass transit faster, cheaper and more relaxing it also helps minimize environmental damage caused by excessive car use

Pull over quickly and completely if you have a problem, if your car begins to break down, move to the slow lane if you can slow down and pull over as soon as it’s safe to do so instead of causing jam to others

Avoid the temptation of talking on phone or read a news paper even if traffic is moving very slowly. Texting or reading or doing other things that require your attention other than minding the steering wheel is being inconsiderate to other drivers who must then either honk to wake you up to the rest of the world or wait until you wake up on your own.

This idea is to remain alert enough to keep traffic flow moving as best it can, remember in most jurisdictions it is now illegal to talk text on your phone or even fiddle with GPS unit while in traffic.

10 Places I Want You To Visit in Uganda

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Murchison Falls National Park

I’ve been a little bit silent for the past couple of weeks, catching up with work while still scouting out for more and more adventures. Please excuse me for the short episode of silence! I intend to blog a lot more often going forward and fortunately the year still looks blissful with a lot to look forward to. I am glad to let you know that I actually just got invited for an all-expenses paid rafting trip on the Nile on any one weekend; so I’m certainly looking forward to the thrill that comes with plummeting, gurgling water, and the possibility of surviving drowning. I will be sharing my experience of the rafting trip with you when that time comes.

That aside, I have been receiving messages from you my beautiful family requesting for travel recommendations with a number of friends intending do some sightseeing in Uganda. Of recent, I have been quite fascinated by a whole lot and that would imply a lot of writing as well. But for you today I choose to handpick just 10 things to spice up your Ugandan travel plan. I must admit that I failed completely at arranging them in ascending or descending order, but I’ve lined them up alphabetically. “I’m confident you will smile all the stay.”

Fort Portal town, Such a delight!

Though my origins spring from this little town located 297 kilometers west of the capital (Kampala), having this one on the list is not a biased choice. Fort Portal gets a well-deserved seat on this list for what she has to offer.

The many times I have been to Fort Portal, I have been mesmerized at the diversity of things to see and experience. My visits to Fort Portal have changed from the routine family Christmas or Easter homecomings to a time of short excursions. This relatively small town is the cleanest of all Uganda’s townships and is the administrative capital of the great Tooro Kingdom; a realm governed by the world’s youngest monarch, the tall standing Rukirabasaija Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV (quite a mouthful of names right there).

A tour of Fort Portal permits a royal cultural visit to the King’s palace (which is dependent on availability; but often easier with advance bookings and better when the king is away), or a religious and historical trip to the beautiful catholic shelter Virika Cathedral of Our Lady of Snows and the Anglican Ruwenzori Church of Uganda.

You can also enjoy glorious sightings of several Crater Lakes the height of which is the dubbed “Top of the World Hike” that leads from the restful Crater Lake called Nyabikere (which in English means the “lake of frogs”). The views at the crest of the “Top of the World Hill” are to die for and even more beautiful at dawn when the sun wakes from her sleep gently illuminating the darkened hills and then prettifying the lakes below.

Adding to Fort Portal’s menu, visitors can also visit the “Chimpdom” popularly known as Kibale Forest National Park that shelters about 1,500 chimps, or the several shades of green tea estates, the stalactite and stalagmite caves (the spiritual Amabere ga Nyina Mwiru Caves), and the biodiverse Semliki National Park and Wildlife Reserve. These are all found just in the neighborhood.

Whether simply on a tour around Fort Portal town or passing through, don’t miss the opportunity of interacting with the local people, or the chance to visit the Mpanga market (that sits meters above the swooshing river from which it gets its name). You can also buy some sweet bananas or a Rolex off the street (a tasty tortilla-like omelet of onions and tomatoes), or ask for a coffee at one of the restaurants. I find Fort Portal town such a delight whenever I visit and I highly recommend it!

Jinja, Extreme Adventures!

The source of the Nile and the adventures along this river are perhaps some of the things that quickly come to mind when the name ‘Jinja” is mentioned. Now nicknamed the ‘Adventure Capital of East Africa”, this town located approximately 81 kilometers east of Kampala along the northern shores of Lake Victoria still fascinates me the many times I visit. Bungee Jumping, Quad Biking, White Water Rafting, Kayaking, a trip to the true source of the world’s longest river, sunset cruises, or horseback tours are some of the activities to prime. Jinja is the place to go for an extreme adventure and a fine destination for adrenaline junkies.

Adding to the adventure list, you can take voyages along the veins of one of the towns (Jinja town) where industrialization in Uganda had its first sights and breathed its first, and where colonial architecture still stands unshaken.

Karamoja, take the lid off the ancient basket!

Reading my Tweets or Facebook posts you might realize that of all Uganda’s National Parks, my heart beats most for the remotest of them all, the wild and virgin Kidepo Valley National Park. But it is more than the wildlife park that this corner of northern Uganda has to offer. The people and their way of life is in itself mind-boggling and a visit to Karamoja offers you an opportunity to lift the lid off this fascinating ancient basket of fine secrets.

A cultural trip to the Karamoja region presents an opportunity to interact with these Nomad Warriors, the proud people living traditional semi-nomadic lives herding several heads of cattle and other livestock in this remote and semi-arid region of northeastern Uganda.

Famous for their previous lifestyle of raids and cattle rustling (forcefully taking cattle from neighboring communities) the Karamojong people still believe that their God (Akuj) gave them all the cattle in the world. Today to most of them livestock is still sovereign and they measure the dignity of a man by the number of cows he owns.

Over 350,000 of them live in Uganda speaking a common dialect “Akaramojong”, so when you visit, if you want to say “Hello” or “what’s up”, simply say “Ebalai” (pronounced Ee-ba-layi). The Karamojongs live in bundles of grass thatched structures called “Manyattas” surrounded by perimeter enclosures often made of reeds, protecting and separating one family’s property from another.

The highlight of a trip to Karamoja is the participatory and almost never ending dance called “Edonga” which involves repeatedly leaping on twos, off the dry and hot dusty ground like men on spring riders, similar to the leaps made by the Australian kangaroos. I find this one of the most interesting dances in Uganda.

There are travel specialists that can put together a tour for you to the Karamojong region but those who are brave-hearted can still wander on their own to experience the beauty of one of Uganda’s best kept secrets, Karamoja!

Murchison Falls National Park, yes that famous park!

“The world’s longest river explodes through a narrow gorge and pours down to become an equable stream whose banks are jammed with hippopotamuses and crocodiles, waterbucks and buffaloes and the gigantic elephants”. This is in all probability a statement quite familiar for those that have heard of or read about this northwestern National Park that also shelters lions, leopards, giraffes, hartebeests, oribis, Uganda kobs, chimpanzees, and a healthy checklist of bird species.

Murchison Falls National Park needs not a detailed account for it has many a time been replicated and is best described through several websites and magazines including the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). I am probably not the only person to recommend this savannah, riverine forest and woodland National Park. The park is extremely famous.

The game drives are rewarding with sightings of the heavyweights as well as the middle weight predators of the jungle. Get to watch predators stalking on prey, prey that has learnt to live on the edge of life while other wildlife species fearlessly graze on. The boat cruises are incomparable and now the park also offers one in two destinations in Uganda to enjoy balloon safaris.

So get visiting and please remember to share with me your experiences of the visit as well as selfies at the top of the mighty falls. You may also want to read my article about what you see at the top of the Murchison Waterfalls.

Ndere Cultural Center, Still the finest musical fusion of Uganda’s cultures

I call it the musical summary of Uganda’s culture and it is accessible just a few minutes from the heart of Kampala City (on a good day without traffic). Are you on a quick safari and do not have the kind of time to visit but are still interested in all of Uganda’s cultural communities? Or are you in Kampala for some time and looking for a quick taste of Uganda’s culture?

Head over to Ndere Cultural center for the entirety of Uganda’s brilliant sounds. Ndere presents dances like dingi-dingi, larakaraka and the royal bwola dance from Acholi Chiefdom in northern Uganda; Bakisimba a royal dance from the central kingdom of Buganda; Ekitaguriro from the western Ankole kingdom, the courtship dance of the Karimojong and the Runyege-Ntogoro dance of both the Bunyoro and Tooro kingdoms of western Uganda. The center goes an extra mile to give you a taste of Rwanda and Burundi as well.

For what it offers, the price charged is (for lack of a better word) extremely “affordable”.

Rwenzori Mountains, No one will ever conquer them for you!

Now I have not yet hiked the Rwenzori Mountains either, but these mountain ranges sit way high on my bucketlist; high on my list of things to do this year and if not, then early next year God willingly.  But from interactions with friends who have conquered the over 5,000 meter high mountain peak, I chose to add this to the adventure list of places I want you to visit and to the list of things I want you to do.

Mount Stanley (the great Rwenzoris) also christened the “Mountains of the Moon”, is the third-highest mountain in Africa – after Kilimanjaro in Tanzania and Mount Kenya in Kenya, and is a hiker’s amusement. I have always thought that it must be a beautiful feeling standing at Africa’s third highest point with snow and the equator just meters away! I will only know when I eventually hike up this mountain

The hike is not one for the faint hearted but one that requires stamina, a good team of porters, an excellent guide, a pair of fine boots and mountaineering gear to start with. All these can be provided by Rwenzori Mountaineering Services (RMS) or Rwenzori Trekking Services (RTS) if prior booking is made. Whether with RMS or guided by the RTS, I recommend you embrace the challenge and get something to speak of yourself before age beats you at its game. And as the old saying goes, “no one will ever see them for you as beautiful as they will appear through your own eyes”.

Sipi Falls, More than just the cascading waters!

The views of a series of waterfalls that roll off a 70-meter cliff thundering down and then splashing waters around this chilly area in Eastern Uganda have kept me engulfed in “wish thoughts” for quite some time. Luckily, those wishes will be no more but stories of experiences after my trip to the districts of Mbale and Kapchorwa later on this year.

These 3 series of waterfalls were christened “Sipi” and have been the muse for television ads, and also used in corporate branding simply because they are a stunner. The Lonely Planet has referred to Sipi as “arguably the most beautiful waterfall in all of Uganda”, and looking at photos from friends and video clips of waterfall baths, I can’t dispute.

But it is not just about the cascading waters, it is the stories told about the falls, the cultural attachments and the activities carried out around and along the falls that add a sweet flavor to all trips to the Sipi falls. The peak of activities to be recommended is the bloodcurdling adventure called abseiling; a controlled descent of a vertical drop along the side of falls.

Take a trip approximately 300 kilometers northeast of Kampala to this wonder of Africa and you can thank me when you return.

Ssese Islands; unplug, unwind, immerse!

Have you heard of the statement that “Life is always greener on the other side”? How about we say “life is normally cooler at the seaside, but coolest when nothing but the sea is what you see around you”. Let no man lie to you guised in the olden tale that “no man is an island, blah blah blah”. Let no man tell you that you can’t enjoy life on an island. Lead yourself to the archipelago of eighty-four islands that is known as Ssese for an out of the world experience that is really “out of this world”!

Located in the northwestern part of the world’s second largest fresh water lake (the lovely Victoria) lies these islands chiefly known as disjoined fishing isles that will feed you on plenty of fish and still spoil you with beauty and a VIP travel experience often mistaken for the Caribbean islands in the Americas.

Take off your shoes and take a graceful walk along the sandy beaches, go for an island birding excursion, ride a bike, embark on a cultural island tour, go fishing or just sit and relax at one of the chic lodges on the island. This island paradise will have you pampered and heavily rewarded. Visit the Ssese islands to unplug from the noisy and congested mainland, unwind from the stressful days of work and feel free to immerse yourself in the waters of Africa’s largest lake. I recommend you visit Ssese!

Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Center (UWEC), getting close and personal

Here’s one place that I have been to very many times but of all my visits to this popularly known Entebbe zoo, the most rewarding of them all has been the time I braved the fears of snake bites and giraffe kicks, the time I got up-close and personal with the rock python in what UWEC has labelled the “Behind the Scenes” activity.  I like UWEC because at the education center I’ll always get a quick summary of most of Uganda’s ecosystems and will learn a new thing each time I visit.

The center has lions, leopards, rhinos, giraffes, elephants, snakes, crocodiles, several primates including the celebratory chimps and a number of bird species like the widely loved yet often sporadic shoebill stork.

Previously called the Uganda Wildlife Education Center and now relaunched as the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Center the center is a statutory body finely managed by a friendly, dedicated and very knowledgeable team.

With a fresh beach, donkey rides and now a world class child play area, UWEC is a family destination that you must visit.

Ziplining, some of the best places to enjoy a ride

Ever heard of the statement “YOLO” or listened to musical pieces that repeat the lyrics “while we young…”? The message emphasized is one; “to live life to the fullest because You Only Live Once, YOLO”. For many people, activities that put a tough or gentle tap on the adventure switch turn out to be the most fulfilling and memorable.

For me ziplining wherever it is done, will often be rewarding. My favorite zipline in Uganda is as you would have thought the most popularly known Super Skyways that are managed by Griffin Falls Camp in one of Uganda’s largest forests, the thick Mabira. But I have also done the zipline at the Extreme Adventure Park in Busiika and I found it fascinating as well. I now plan to visit the Lake Bunyonyi area and also possibly the recently launched zipline at the Kisiizi falls in the Southwestern Ugandan district of Rukungiri for the same. It’s a safe activity, it is affordable, it is fun and I highly recommend it.

You were probably thinking about how one could ever write a piece of things to see and activities to enjoy in Uganda and not make mention of the fact that this country provides permanent citizenship to over half of the world’s remaining population of mountain gorillas. I am only here to reconfirm and “re-recommend” a visit to the gorilla kingdom for your chance to say hello to this priceless species of apes, the Mountain Gorilla.

Uganda has no limit to what she offers. This East African country will always have tourists spoilt for choice when in need of a complete safari experience. No competition can ever beat the rich diversity held within the landlocked borders of the loved “Pearl of Africa” and no country will ever summarize the entire African continent as well as Uganda does.

There is that statement that “when life offers you lemons, make lemonade”, but what do you do when life offers you such vast variety with so much to choose from? I say go ahead and be greedy for just that time; after-all you can never get overdosed or ever die of too much travel. Visit Uganda…!

Presidential Nominations for the 2025/2026 General Elections Conclude in Uganda

By
Kuusa Noah
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The Electoral Commission of Uganda has officially concluded the Presidential Nominations for the 2025/2026 General Elections. The exercise took place on 23rd and 24th September 2025 at the Commission grounds in Lweza – Lubowa, Wakiso District, where candidates from different political parties were nominated to contest for the highest office in the country.
The two-day nomination exercise was presided over by Justice Byabakama Mugenyi Simon, the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission and Returning Officer for Presidential Nominations. All candidates were nominated in accordance with the Presidential Elections Act, Cap 179, setting the stage for what is expected to be a competitive race ahead of the 2026 General Elections.
Day One: Museveni, Kasibante, and Mabirizi Lead the Way
The first day of nominations on 23rd September 2025 featured three candidates. These were President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (NRM), Kasibante Robert (NPP), and Mabirizi Joseph (CP). The nomination of the incumbent president drew large crowds of supporters from the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), who later gathered at Kololo Airstrip to celebrate his nomination.
During his speech at Kololo, President Museveni unveiled his new campaign theme, “Protecting the Gains.” He emphasized that his next term would focus on safeguarding the progress achieved during his leadership. Museveni promised to strengthen efforts against corruption, empower the youth through job creation, and expand the Parish Development Model (PDM), which he described as a key driver in improving household income and community development.
The President reminded Ugandans of his past performance, noting that in the 2021 General Election, he received 58.64% of the total vote. He expressed confidence that he would perform even better this time, citing continued peace, infrastructure development, and economic stability as the backbone of his administration’s success.
He further assured the public that his government would remain focused on service delivery and promoting prosperity for all citizens.
Day Two: Kyagulanyi, Mafabi, Muntu, Munyagwa, and Bulira Join the Race
The second day of nominations on 24th September 2025 brought more excitement as five additional candidates were nominated. These included Kyagulanyi Robert Ssentamu (NUP), Nandala Mafabi James Nathan (FDC), Mugisha Gregory Muntu Oyera (ANT), Munyagwa Mubarak Sserunga (CMP), and Bulira Frank Kabinga (RPP).
The nomination of Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, under the National Unity Platform (NUP), attracted massive attention and enthusiasm among his supporters. After his nomination, Kyagulanyi proceeded to Natete Grounds Kampala, where thousands of NUP supporters gathered to welcome him. In his speech, he introduced his campaign theme, “Protest Vote,” urging Ugandans to actively participate in the voting process and protect their votes until results are declared at every polling station.
Kyagulanyi promised to restore peace, unity, and equality in Uganda if elected president. He emphasized the need to fight corruption, create fair opportunities for all citizens, and strengthen institutions that promote justice and democracy. His message focused on hope and change, encouraging the youth to remain determined in shaping the future of the country.
Another strong contender, Mugisha Muntu of the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT), called for fairness and justice in governance. He pledged to release political prisoners and ensure that all Ugandans enjoy freedom of expression and association. Muntu also urged the government to respect human rights and allow open political competition.
Meanwhile, Nandala Mafabi, who was nominated on the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) ticket, entered the presidential race for the first time. He used his nomination to call on security organs to treat both government supporters and opposition members equally. Mafabi also demanded the release of Dr. Kizza Besigye, the founding member of FDC, who remains a symbol of opposition politics in Uganda.
Mafabi addressed internal divisions within the opposition, particularly the split that led to the formation of the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF). He described those who left the FDC as “misled” and encouraged them to reunite for the good of the party and the broader struggle for democracy.

Campaign Period to Begin

Following the successful nominations, the Electoral Commission announced that the official Presidential Campaign Period would begin on 29th September 2025 after the harmonization of campaign programs for all candidates.
The Commission also assured Ugandans of a free, fair, and peaceful election, urging all candidates to follow the electoral guidelines and conduct campaigns in a lawful and respectful manner.
As Uganda enters the campaign season, the political atmosphere is heating up. Each candidate is now preparing to take their message across the country, appealing to voters with promises of change, continuity, and progress. Museveni seeking to extend his rule and new faces like Nandala Mafabi joining the contest, Ugandans are set for one of the most closely watched elections in recent years.

 

St. Mugagga Lubowa Patron of Community Development

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admin
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St. Mugagga Lubowa

Fr Joseph Mukasa Muwonge, who is charge of the Uganda Martyrs in the Kampala Archdiocese, today brings Munno Voice readers the history of Saint Mugagga Lubowa, Martyr and Patron of club’s community development and culture.

Who Is Mugagga?

St Mugaga Lubowa was a Muganda of a Engo (Leopard) clan and was a peg in the Kabaka’s Palace. He was born Jjalamba, Mawokota County by Munannadduli Nasubwa of a Mbogo (Buffalo) clan to Mazinga who was a polygamous father. It is Lubowa mother who gave him the name of Mugagga in anticipation that he would be rich man as the Kiganda name implies.

He was Killed together with the other martyrs who were burnt on the Ascension Day at Namugongo on June 3, 1886 when he was only 16 years old. others that were martyred on that Ascension of that year include Gyavira, Kizito James Buzzaabalyawo, Lukka Baanabakintu Ambrose Kibuuka BaanabaKintu, Ambrose Kibuuka, Anatoli Kiriggwajjo and Achilles Kiwanuka.

The other was Mbaaga Tuzinde Mukasa Kiriwawanvu, Adulf Ludigo, Bruno Sserukuuma, Charles Lwanga, who had succeeded Joseph Mukasa Balikuddembe as head of the pegs was murdered at exactly where the min Basilica stands today

Shortly before Kabaka Mwanga ordered the killing of the Christians including the pegs for defying his orders requiring them to abandon the foreign religions, Charles Lwanga baptized Mugagga at Munyonyo on the morning of May 26th 1886 along with Gyavira, Mbaaga Tuzinde. Karoli Weerabewo who was near the Pyre at Namugobo as spared under unknown circumstance, but surely by God’s providence.

Mugagga who grew up with his parents at Jjalamba was later entrusted to Sseddu Kakinda who was both the head of the Leopard clan and an outstanding bark-cloth maker, Mugaga and his father Mazinga also used to work at Kakida’s bark-cloth place (ekk0mago).

Mugaga acquired a lot of skills concerning bark-cloth production and acquired a lot of knowledge in the clan affairs. He as well turned into a competent black- smith becoming strong and powerful.

Some years later, Mugagga left his father’s home and settled at Seddu Kakinda’s residence for further and better training. This is why some people thought that Kakinda of a Liana fruit (Ekkobe) clan was the father of Mugagga.

Mugagga and his step brother Luleeba used to be sent by Kakinda to take the bark clothes to the palace for the Kabaka as they continued to practice the Catholic Faith.

Mugagga and Luleeba were then presented by Sseddu to Kabaka Mwanga to serve in the palace as pegs. Mugagga was assigned to work in the audience hall under Charles Lwanga. He was later assigned to a private apartment of the inner circle (ekisaakaate) Joseph Mukasa Balikuddembe, Mugagga’s faith continued to solidify to the point of defying the Kabaka’s order requiring him to forsake Christianity.

According to Matayo Kivevu, an opinion leader and a friend of the time Mugagga fought tooth and nail for the virtue of charity and against blandishment that were rampant in the palace. To succeed he was very much guided and protected by Balikudembe and Lwanga.

Both Ddiba and Nsobya, respected researches described Mugagga as a man who was kind, intelligent, co-operative, trust worthy faithful and charitable. Due to the fact that much of his time was spent on duty Mugagga had a very limited time to attend at night Charles Lwanga. Mugagga spared time to associated with his equals for games and handcrafts.

This Is Not Contradictory But Complementary

On the eve of the Martyrs doom on May 26, 1886 King Mugagga Gyaviira and Denis Kanyuka (Confessor of faith) fled and spent the night at home of Andra Kagwa, having been terrified by the way the Kabaka had conducted himself towards the Christians.

Ready to be burnt and already enclosed in a bundle of reeds, Mugagga asked for a drink and Mukaajanga, the head of the Kabaka soldiers ordered that Mugagga be released a bit and have a drink.

It was customary to give a container of the local brew to people destined for death. This explains why Mugagga request was positively responded to Twice he was allowed to have a slip of it after which he bade farewell to Denis Kamyuka saying he was about to meet the creator in the heaven.

The killing of Mugagga therefore frustrated the great wishes of his mother who had named him mugagga in antipation that he would be very wealthy man

Mazinga, father of Mugagga was baptized Isaiah in the protestant church, while Nassubwa, the mother was baptized Mary by Fr. Joseph Kaliba when she was about to die, she was baptized in 1920 when she was about to die.

UWA Board of Trustees Tour Lake Mburo Conservation Area

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admin
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Lake Mburo National Park

UWA Board of Trustees Begins Supervisory Visit to Lake Mburo Conservation Area.

Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) Board of Trustees has today begun a two-day supervisory visit to Lake Mburo Conservation Area (LMCA), with activities starting at the area headquarters in Minekye, Sanga Subcounty, Kiruhura District.

The delegation, led by the Chairman Board of Trustees, Prof. James Kalema, was warmly welcomed by LMCA Chief Warden Fred Kisame Eria and staff, and received a Guard of Honor before inspecting the parade.

In his presentation, the Chief Warden gave an overview of the conservation area, covering wildlife populations and surveys, proposed actions to address challenges, the impact of drought, changes in habitat conditions, among others. The session also included a moment of silence in honor of the late Nuwamanya Edison, former Chief Warden of LMCA.

During a meeting with staff at the Students’ Centre, UWA Executive Director, Dr. James Musinguzi, emphasized the Authority’s commitment to staff welfare. He clarified that rangers are fully covered under workman’s compensation and medical insurance, dismissing false information recently published. He congratulated staff for successfully completing RAPEX, assured them that future promotions and deployments will be guided by appraisals, and announced that ranger training will henceforth be conducted at UWA’s own training school in Murchison Falls Conservation Area.

Prof. Kalema commended staff for their efforts in managing problem animals and urged continuous innovation to ensure harmonious coexistence between wildlife and domestic animals in surrounding ranches. He also underscored the importance of flora and fauna conservation across Uganda, noting that the country hosts over 5,000 plant species, with Lake Mburo playing a vital role in protecting Acacia-dominated habitats.

The supervisory visit will continue with inspections of invasive species removal sites, dams, and other critical conservation activities within LMCA.

Explore the Beauty of Lake Victoria

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admin
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Lake Victoria

The lake also known as “Victoria Nyanza,” is the largest lake in Africa with an area of 26,828 square miles, making it the second largest freshwater lake in the world.

Lake Victoria is an incredible attraction with much around the area and great things to do nearby. The lake is commonly referred to as The Pearl and Pride of Africa since it borders three countries; Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania.

It’s also the largest tropical lake in the world with surface temperature consistently above four degrees Celsius. With its vastness, dotted islands, reefs, 200+ fish species, and tropical highlands, Lake Victoria is a primary tourist attraction for those visiting Uganda.

If you’re planning on touring Uganda, this lake should be on the list, it’s so big and there’s a lot to do around the lake.

The Lake Victoria region is now one of the most popular destinations in East Africa due to its untapped island fossils sites and the generally quiet and private atmosphere that offers peace and tranquillity.

Activities around;

Tourism activities in Lake Victoria have increased due to the improvement of infrastructure around the lake basins. Good roads and an increased investment in the hospitality industry have seen the number of tourists visiting Lake Victoria safari region shoot upwards.

Lake Victoria Africa has more than 170 tourists sites and quite a number of heritage sites. There are many resorts set up along the Lake and the many Islands surrounding Lake Victoria.

The number of resorts being set up in the Lake region has made the it transform from a traditional fishing point where most of the Islands surrounding the Lake are resorts, game lodges and beautiful hotels that offer tourists an atmosphere to look out for.

Different hotels, lodges and resorts organize game drives for their clients. Alternatively, tourists can contract with local tour companies and hire a guide to take them around the Lake Victoria region and benefit from seeing some of the wildlife in the area and how they co-exist with human life.

Goretti’s Pizzeria, This is a small restaurant located next to Lake Victoria with a very good view to enjoy while eating delicious pizza. The restaurant features live entertainment. So you’d enjoy the view, pizza, and entertainment.

The Botanical Gardens located in Entebbe on the shores of Lake Victoria are expansive gardens, thick with rainforests are a treat for the eye.

These gardens on the shores are one of Uganda’s most often visited tourist attractions as they are easily accessible. It’s a very short ride from the airport to the Entebbe gardens.

Tourists enjoy the cultural and vibrant life of the local people. The views of the lake feature many varieties of boats, from large ferries and transport barges to ngalawa fishing boats and dugout canoes.

This lake has a great wetland surface that offers birdwatchers a wonderful view where they can observe the island fish eagles running a spectacular scene diving from high above into the lake water to catch their prey.

The beauty of Lake Victoria is something to look out for!

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