The Electoral Commission of Uganda (ECU) has recently been appointed to the Executive Board of the Association of World Election Bodies (A-WEB), marking a significant milestone for the country.

This appointment was made during the sixth General Assembly session, where global election leaders gathered in Bogotá, Colombia.

Representing Uganda, Commissioner Peter James Emorut attended the event, extending gratitude for the trust placed in Uganda’s Electoral Commission.

Emorut pledged ECU’s commitment to upholding high standards in electoral practices worldwide. He emphasized the honor of working alongside esteemed electoral commissions and vowed to contribute meaningfully to their shared mission of advancing fair and transparent elections.

Uganda joins Kenya’s Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) as part of the African representation in the council. Both countries will serve a two-year term, with the potential for extension based on performance.

This international role reflects a recognition of the ECU’s commitment to ensuring fair elections and highlights Uganda’s contributions to transparent election processes. They will work alongside Libya, Sierra Leone, and Mauritius, among others, actively participating in election observation across various nations.

Julius Mucunguzi, spokesperson for Uganda’s Electoral Commission, expressed pride in this achievement, stating it underscores global confidence in Uganda’s electoral leadership. He acknowledged that this role would foster knowledge-sharing and bolster the integrity of elections worldwide.

The headquarters of A-WEB is based in South Korea and serves as a central body for overseeing and supporting electoral commissions across the globe. Since its inception, the organization has grown to include 121 members from 111 countries, united in their pursuit of strengthening democratic principles globally.

This prestigious appointment not only enhances Uganda’s profile on the international stage but also reaffirms its role in the pursuit of democratic ideals, bringing its expertise and dedication to fair elections to a global audience.

The General Court Martial in Makindye has sentenced 16 supporters of the National Unity Platform (NUP) who admitted guilt to charges of treachery to 4 months. The court ruled that the group will serve 3 months and 22 days in prison.

Originally sentenced to five years, the court considered several factors, including the 3 years and 8 months the group had already spent on remand, the 16 months they endured attending trial, their guilty pleas, and the fact that many of them are the primary providers for their families. Based on these circumstances, the Military Court reduced their sentence to 3 months and 22 days.

Despite the court’s ruling, the convicted individuals expressed their anguish, pleading for a presidential pardon.

Among those convicted are Olivia Lutaaya, Kakooza Muhydin, Rashid Ssegujja, David Mafabi, Robert Christopher Rugumayo, and Abdul Matovu. Others include Messarch Kiwanuka, Simon Kijambu, Ibrahim Wandera, Stanley Lwanga, Steven Musaakaru, Ronald Kijjambu, Asubat Nagwere, Livingstone Katushabe, Matovu Sharif, and Swaibu Katabi.

On Monday, October 21, 2024, the group admitted to being in possession of 13 improvised explosive devices (IEDs) between November 2020 and May 2021. These devices, they acknowledged, are restricted for use solely by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).

In addition to this, they confessed to recruiting and providing military training to others, all with the intention of overthrowing the Ugandan government during the same period. The court found these actions occurred in various locations, including Jinja, Mbale, Kireka, Nakulabye, Kawempe, Nateete, and Kampala Central.

Although they have been sentenced, the group’s pleas for leniency underscore the difficult circumstances many of them face as they leave behind young families to serve their time in prison.

On Tuesday, October 22, a fuel tanker crash in Kigoogwa Matugga, along the Kampala-Bombo highway, led to a devastating fire that claimed at least 15 lives.

Local authorities in Wakiso District have now compiled a list of the names of the victims to help determine the exact number of people who perished in the fire. The victims include well-known residents of the village, with some still unidentified.

The accident occurred when the fuel tanker lost control and crashed in the town of Kigoogwa. Shortly after the crash, a number of people rushed to the scene to collect fuel from the tanker, unaware of the impending danger. Tragically, the fuel ignited, causing an explosion and fire that engulfed those gathering fuel, as well as others passing by or visiting nearby shops.

According to Ssenkumba John, the chairman of Kigoogwa village, they have received the names of 15 prominent local residents believed to have died in the fire. However, there are still unidentified victims, making the total number of casualties difficult to confirm at this time.

Relatives of the identified victims are expected to be taken to hospitals for further forensic tests, including DNA analysis, to confirm the true identities of the deceased, as the bodies were severely burned beyond recognition.

The confirmed death toll currently stands at 15, with many victims suffering critical injuries. Most of the victims near the tanker were severely mutilated by the intense heat of the fire. Over 30 individuals are reported to have been taken to various hospitals, with 25 of them being treated for severe burns.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with accidents involving fuel tankers. The authorities are urging the public to exercise caution in such situations and avoid putting themselves at risk by attempting to collect fuel from crash sites.Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the accident, as well as to ensure that the victims and their families receive the support and assistance they need during this difficult time.

VATICAN CITY, ROME – Uganda recently marked the 60th anniversary of the canonization of the Uganda Martyrs in a special ceremony at St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City. President Yoweri Museveni, represented by Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa, praised the profound impact Christianity has had on Uganda’s development.

In his speech, President Museveni reflected on how Christianity has added “value” to Uganda by introducing education, scientific knowledge, and social values.

“Christianity added value to our efforts to understand God and the fear of God,” he said. He emphasized how missionaries introduced practices like boiling milk to reduce disease, and how Christian values, such as love for one’s neighbor and hard work, have guided Uganda through both peace and conflict.

The ceremony was led by His Eminence Cardinal Peter K. A. Turkson, Chancellor of the Pontifical Academy for Sciences and Special Envoy of Pope Francis. Cardinal Turkson encouraged Africans to draw inspiration from the Uganda Martyrs, urging them to live lives rooted in faith, integrity, and transparency.

The Legacy of the Uganda Martyrs

The Uganda Martyrs, who were canonized by Pope Paul VI on June 18, 1964, have left an enduring legacy in Uganda and beyond. The 22 martyrs, who included both Catholics and Anglicans, were executed between 1885 and 1887 under King Mwanga II of Buganda for refusing to renounce their Christian faith.

Their unwavering commitment to their beliefs made them a symbol of courage and conviction for Christians worldwide.

Cardinal Turkson, in his address, emphasized the youth of the martyrs, particularly Charles Lwanga and his companions. He highlighted how their dedication to the gospel challenges today’s youth to reconnect with their faith.

He also urged African nations to follow the martyrs’ example in promoting a corruption-free society, driven by gospel values.

Honoring the Martyrs’ Impact on Uganda

Uganda’s religious and political leaders, including Archbishop Emeritus of Kampala Cardinal Emmanuel Wamala, and Bishop Joseph Antony Zziwa, Chairman of the Uganda Episcopal Conference, praised the martyrs for their lasting influence on Uganda’s faith.

Archbishop Wamala referred to them as “Uganda’s luminous heroes, models, and mentors of the Catholic faith,” while Bishop Zziwa recognized the martyrs’ significant role in the growth of Christianity both in Uganda and globally.

The Uganda Martyrs’ legacy is not only religious but also serves as a source of national pride. Their shrine in Namugongo, Uganda, has become a pilgrimage site, drawing millions of faithful from around the world each year.

The martyrs’ sacrifice remains a beacon of hope and resilience for Christians facing persecution globally.

A Call for Faith and Good Governance

The theme for this anniversary, “The Blood of the Martyrs: Seeds of Hope for an Integral Ecology,” was reflected in speeches by dignitaries like Uganda’s Ambassador to the Holy See, Stephen Mubiru.

The celebration underscored the martyrs’ role in inspiring governance rooted in integrity, transparency, and social responsibility. Their example serves as a reminder to build a better future based on faith and good governance.

The event in Vatican City saw the attendance of top Ugandan officials, including Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, Minister Justine Kasule Lumumba, and several members of Parliament. Even former opposition leaders like Salam Musumba and Mathias Mpuuga were present, showing the unifying power of the Uganda Martyrs’ legacy.

Sixty years after their canonization, the Uganda Martyrs continue to inspire generations with their story of faith, courage, and dedication.

Their legacy extends beyond Uganda, symbolizing hope for the oppressed and serving as a reminder of the importance of faith in overcoming challenges. As Uganda and the world commemorate these martyrs, their example remains a powerful testament to the strength of conviction and the transformative power of faith.

Former Executive Director of Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), Dorothy Kisaka Kaseega, along with former Deputy Director Eng. David Luyimbaazi Ssali and former Health Director Dr. Daniel Okello, are expected to appear in court today over their alleged negligence in connection with a deadly landslide in Kiteezi.

The landslide, which occurred at the Kiteezi garbage dump, claimed the lives of more than 30 people. This tragedy has led to a thorough investigation, with President Yoweri Museveni ordering a report on the incident from the Inspector General of Government (IGG).

According to the police, Kisaka and her co-accused will appear in Kasangati court, where evidence collected from searches at their homes will be presented. The police have stated that their investigation files are ready for prosecution.

Yesterday, the former KCCA officials were taken to their homes as part of the investigation. Police spokesperson Rusoke Kituuma confirmed that they could appear in court at any time.

It is believed that President Museveni dismissed Dorothy Kisaka and her colleagues after reviewing the IGG report and instructed the police to investigate further.

The outcome of this court case will shed more light on the responsibility of the former KCCA officials in the tragic event.