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Endorsement Is Not the Same as Election

The argument that Uganda’s endorsement of Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba presents an opportunity to prepare for “a new generational phase of leadership” sounds reassuring. The problem is to assume the very thing that remains constitutionally contested. The succession is already sufficiently settled and provided for in the Constitution and should be treated as a question of competition rather than preparation.

There is nothing wrong with Ugandans expressing admiration for, or confidence in, any potential presidential candidate. Muhoozi is entitled to seek the presidency, and Ugandans are entitled to support him.

But an endorsement is not an election.

More importantly, this is not an ordinary civilian candidate being endorsed five years before an election. Gen. Muhoozi is currently Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces. His supporters are organising a nationwide endorsement campaign while he remains the country’s highest-ranking military commander. The campaign has attracted ministers, MPs, business figures and other prominent citizens. The Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, has publicly participated in it.

That raises a constitutional question which rhetoric about “the aspirations of a changing nation” cannot answer.

Uganda’s Constitution (Article 208) requires the UPDF to be non-partisan and subordinate to civilian authority. The UPDF Act also places restrictions on the political activity of serving officers. The fact that the organisers describe the exercise as “civic” rather than political does not settle the substance of the matter.

Indeed, there is something rather curious about a process in which citizens are being mobilised purpotedly to persuade the serving commander of the armed forces to become their president.

In a constitutional democracy, the normal sequence is the reverse: a military officer leaves the military, enters civilian political life, seeks nomination, campaigns among citizens and ultimately asks voters for their mandate. This is what General Muhoozi should do.

There is also a larger democratic principle at stake. Elections are designed to allow citizens to determine who governs them—not merely to ratify a succession whose political infrastructure has already been assembled. NRM as a party should open up the position and allow all interested legally qualifying members to present themselves and be processed democratically in accordance with the party rules and the law.

Uganda does not need to reject Muhoozi to insist on this principle. Nor does questioning the process amount to hostility towards President Museveni, the NRM or the General himself.

It simply means that no individual should be bigger than the constitutional order he seeks to govern. The Constitution and the law must be respected and complied with.

Ugandans may endorse whoever they wish. But the final endorsement that matters is the one cast freely, equally and secretly by voters at the ballot box.

Until then, succession should remain an open political contest in a leveled playing field —not a coronation in waiting.

 

Asuman Kiyingi is a senior advocate of the High Court of Uganda, former Member of Parliament and former Minister.

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By Brian Mugenyi [email protected]

For anyone familiar with Uganda’s local government operations, Mr. Ben Kumumanya is a well-known figure. As Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government, his approach to administration has consistently placed responsibility, oversight, and strict accountability at the center of decentralised governance.

Between 2024 and 2026, the Ministry intensified its use of written guidance, provisional circulars, operational directives, and field inspections. The core objective has been clear: reminding local government executives that holding public office comes with a binding duty to account.

The true impact of this strategy lies in the administrative chain it creates. A government program is announced, a responsible officer is assigned, implementation is expected, records are created, supervisors follow up, and accountability is demanded.

This operational chain brings the Local Governments Act (Cap. 138) to life. As one of the Ministry’s central legal tools, Cap. 138 establishes the framework for decentralized governance. When Chief Administrative Officers (CAOs), Town Clerks, and heads of departments strictly adhere to this rulebook, administrative decisions become transparent, duties are clearly assigned, and opportunities for systemic abuse are systematically closed off.

The 2024 Turning Point: Putting Directives in Writing

The push toward tighter administration became glaringly visible in 2024, when the Ministry stepped up written communications to local government officers. The goal was to ensure official instructions did not remain mere spoken words in meetings.

A written directive carries weight. It can be referenced, tracked, inspected, and enforced. Where execution falls short, a paper trail leaves little room for evasion.

Corruption flourishes in ambiguity, poor record-keeping, and weak oversight. Good administration does the exact opposite: it establishes clear lines of responsibility and opens decisions to scrutiny.

Linking Accountability to Performance

By 2025, the conversation around accountability shifted toward performance management. The Ministry’s Strategic Plan (FY2025/26–FY2029/30) explicitly links local government functionality, capacity building, and oversight to service delivery outcomes.

Public officers can no longer be judged simply by the titles they hold, but by the results they produce:

• For Chief Administrative Officers: Coordination must translate into timely program execution.
• For Town Clerks: Administration must result in clean, functional urban infrastructure and services.
• For Department Heads: Supervision must yield measurable performance.
• For Financial Officers: Every shilling spent must be fully accounted for.

Moses Otimong, the Town Clerk of Makindye Ssabagabo Municipality, notes that technical officers now operate under a clear expectation: understand assignments, document work, and remain answerable to oversight authorities.

When official assignments are clear, written, and documented, excuses become hard to sustain. Supervisors can follow up, auditors can examine records, and investigative bodies have a clear trail to follow.

Prevention Before Arrests

While public attention often focuses on high-profile arrests by anti-corruption agencies, sustainable financial integrity starts much earlier with preventative administration.

Proper authorization, strict procurement controls, consistent internal audits, and regular field inspections prevent public resources from being misappropriated in the first place. An arrest reacts to wrongdoing after damage is done; strong administration stops the fire before it starts.

Stress-Testing the System: The Parish Development Model (PDM)

The Parish Development Model (PDM) serves as a key test for this administrative push. As the central government routes funding directly to parish levels to boost household incomes, administrative accountability must follow the money.

Citizens do not measure the success of decentralization by the volume of circulars issued in Kampala. They judge it by whether health centers are stocked, roads are passable, schools receive support, and development funds reach the intended beneficiaries.

The experiences of local leaders, including Mr. Emmanuel Gaakyalo and Mr. Benson, underscore the vital role of unambiguous assignments. Clear, documented instructions stop the common practice of shifting blame from one desk to another.

Local Revenue Protection and Service Delivery

Accountability also directly impacts local revenue collection. Revenue from markets, trade licenses, property rates, and user fees sustains municipal operations.

The Ministry’s strategic focus on integrating automated tax management systems and tightening collection controls addresses a critical vulnerability: every shilling lost to revenue leakage is a shilling taken away from public services.

Ultimately, combating corruption is not an end in itself—it is the means to effective service delivery. A stolen shilling is not just a missing figure in an audit ledger; it is missing medicine in a clinic, an unfinished classroom, or an impassable feeder road.

The Final Auditor Is the Citizen

Uganda does not necessarily need a endless supply of new rules to address local government failures; it requires strict adherence to existing laws and administrative procedures.

The legal and operational chain is already defined:

• The Law (Cap. 138) sets the legal foundation.
• The Ministry & Permanent Secretary provide policy direction, circulars, and support.
• CAOs and Town Clerks deliver technical leadership.
• Departmental Staff implement programs.
• Auditors and Inspectors review compliance.
• Political Leaders offer council oversight.
• Citizens evaluate the final service delivered.

 

At the end of every administrative paper trail is a citizen waiting for functional services. PS Ben Kumumanya’s circulars and directives serve as essential tools to ensure that public office remains a public trust, and that every shilling allocated yields real value for the people of Uganda.

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The Commandant of Military Police (MP) Brigade, Maj Gen William Bainomugisha, has urged female combatants to avoid early pregnancy and instead pursue military courses to achieve career progression in the army.

Maj Gen Bainomugisha made the remarks today, September 10, 2026, during the opening of a two-day female combatants’ seminar held at the 10 MP Brigade Headquarters in Makindye.

He warned that he would not entertain personnel who dodge courses and hope to remain in the Military Police department.

“Be ready to exit or do Military Police courses to fit the task credentials than producing,” the Commandant said.

He cited UPDF female Generals, noting that the ranks they hold today are a result of hard work and the many military courses they have attended to reach that milestone.

The two-day seminar, which began today, is aimed at reviewing and assessing female performance and key tasks undertaken by women, especially during VIP duties and prison handling.

He said such duties require skilled and professional soldiers who have undertaken courses like Level III, adding that it is prudent to complete four years of service before childbearing.

The participants, both officers and militants, were drawn from various Military Police battalions and the Brigade Headquarters.

Furthermore, the Commandant said some female combatants had not managed to benefit from the seminar since they are engaged in a multiplicity of ongoing operations in the Kampala Metropolitan area and on various courses.

Among the key staff officers who attended the seminar was the new Brigade Administration Officer (BAO) Lt Col Solome Nalukowe, who implored the 336 female participants to put discipline first in the army, and the new Brigade Political Commissar, Maj Begiza, among others.

“As other fellow combatants are attending military courses and participating in other military duties, you are on maternity leave,” said Capt Winfred Sande.

Capt Sande also gave a testimony on how she benefited from avoiding pregnancy during the first four years of service.

She got an opportunity to attend a Political Commissariat course during her first year in service, went on study leave fully catered for by the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), and she also became an officer because of the good discipline she possessed.

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The Ethiopian New Year arrived in Kampala with more than the promise of a fresh calendar. At Mestil Hotel, it came dressed in colour, culture, dance, poetry and food as the Ethiopian community in Uganda gathered to welcome 2019.

The Ethiopian New Year is unlike the January 1 celebration familiar to much of the world. Ethiopia follows its own calendar, made up of 13 months, 12 months of 30 days each and a 13th month of five days, or six in a leap year.

But beyond the numbers, the celebration was a reminder of a culture that has retained a strong sense of identity through centuries of history.

Held under the theme “Diversity: The Ornament of Ethiopia”, the celebration also marked Hibir Day, an Amharic expression of unity in diversity. The theme placed Ethiopia’s many cultures, languages and traditions at the centre of the evening while celebrating the shared heritage that binds its people together.

Ethiopian nationals living in Uganda, Ugandan guests and friends of the community filled the venue for an evening that blended diplomacy, heritage and entertainment.

With Ethiopia home to more than 130 million people, the celebration offered guests a window into the country’s remarkable diversity, with its rich cultural heritage showcased through presentations, performances and traditional expressions.

As guest of honour, Kampala Lord Mayor Salim Uhuru described the occasion as an opportunity not only to welcome a new year but also to celebrate the history and relationship between Ethiopia and Uganda.

“It’s a great honour to stand with you at the beginning of a new year 2019. Today is not a celebration of a new year, but a celebration of Ethiopian rich history. Uganda and Ethiopia share more than diplomacy,” Uhuru said.

He also praised Uganda for providing a welcoming environment for Ethiopians living and doing business in the country.

“Uganda has made it hospitable for Ethiopian citizens, and no other country has done that,” he added.

Uhuru urged both communities to build on their existing ties and approach the new year with optimism, cooperation and a shared commitment to peace.

“Let us look forward with hope. Let us continue building bridges between the two communities, supporting one another, working together for peace and prosperity,” he said.

But once the formal speeches ended, the evening shifted gears.

Guests were ushered in for dinner, where Ethiopian and Ugandan flavours shared the same table. Traditional Ethiopian injera was served alongside familiar Ugandan favourites including matooke, groundnuts, rice, beef and chicken, turning the meal into another expression of the cultural exchange at the heart of the celebration.

Ethiopian dancers took centre stage, filling the room with traditional movements and rhythms that transported guests beyond the hotel walls and into the cultural heart of Ethiopia. Their performances offered Ugandan guests a glimpse into the country’s traditions while giving members of the Ethiopian community a familiar connection to home.

A poet later took the audience through another side of Ethiopia’s artistic identity, adding words and rhythm to an evening already rich in cultural expression.

For Ethiopian Ambassador to Uganda H.E. Etsegenet Bezabih Yimenu, diversity is not something to be overcome but something to be celebrated.

“Our ability to reach unity and diversity would be the beauty and the taste of our civilization. Our calendar is very unique, but that is also our ornament, our unity. Ethiopia’s unity can be explained in so many different ways,” she said.

Her remarks captured the spirit of the evening, a celebration of difference without losing sight of togetherness.

Ethiopia’s story, after all, is deeply rooted in its sense of history, independence and cultural identity. Its ancient heritage, diverse peoples, languages, landscapes and traditions continue to shape a nation that takes pride in its uniqueness.

The night eventually reached its sweetest moment with the cutting of the New Year cake, bringing guests together in a final gesture of celebration and friendship.

Music star Joshua Baraka is taking his B’rakaland EA journey to Eastern Uganda this weekend, with Mbale next on the itinerary as he continues taking his music and personal story to audiences across the country.

Baraka will perform at Bandali Lounge in Mbale on Saturday, September 12, following stops in Northern Uganda and West Nile, where he performed for audiences in Gulu and Arua over the past two weekends.

The tour has given Baraka an opportunity to step outside Kampala and connect directly with fans who have followed his rise while sharing the story behind the music.

Recently appointed Johnnie Walker Icon Walker in Uganda and named the face of the brand’s new Keep Walking campaign, Baraka has linked the tour to his own journey as an artiste — from finding his voice in Uganda’s music scene to becoming one of the country’s notable young performers.

“For me, Keep Walking is a very personal statement, because I am still on my journey,” Baraka said. “There are so many things I still want to achieve as an artiste, and I am learning to appreciate every step along the way.”

He said the tour is also about recognising the audiences that have been part of his growth.

“This tour is about meeting the people who have been part of that journey, sharing my music with them and reminding them that wherever you are going, you have to keep moving,” he added.

The Mbale stop follows his performances in Gulu and Arua, with each destination adding another chapter to the B’rakaland EA journey.

For Baraka, the road has mirrored his career, which has been shaped by new sounds, audiences and stages as he continues to expand his musical reach beyond Kampala.

The journey will continue westward to Mbarara before culminating in a Kampala concert at Lugogo Cricket Oval in November.

Kenyan singer Bien-Aimé Baraza and Ugandan songstress Naava Grey are currently confirmed to perform alongside Baraka at the Kampala show, with more artistes expected to be announced.

But before the tour reaches its final destination, Baraka has another stop to make.

This weekend, the B’rakaland EA experience moves to Mbale, where the singer will meet his fans, perform his music and continue telling the story of an artiste still very much on the move.

Ugandans are very funny people, we proudly sing the national anthem, defend our country whenever outsiders criticize us, drop some BUBU and confidently tell everyone how much we love Uganda. But ask people to name local talents they are listening and subscribing to, and suddenly everyone starts looking around like those days in a chemistry practical exam, I am assuming we all went to school!

Somewhere along the way, Kadongo Kamu one of Uganda’s greatest musical treasures went from being the soundtrack of our stories to something people casually describe as “zeeyis music.” The same genre that once carried stories of love, heartbreak, society, politics, and everyday life was suddenly labelled outdated, too local, and too uncool. Basically, Kadongo Kamu became that legendary uncle everyone respects but nobody invites to the party.

But while many of us are busy debating whether Ugandan music is losing its identity, one young man with dreadlocks, DT fashion, and a deep love for his roots is quietly leading a rebellion. Ladies and gentlemen, meet Echoled , the man trying to make Kadongo Kamu great again. In a generation where most artists are chasing viral TikTok sounds, dance challenges, and beats designed to trend for a few days before disappearing into the internet graveyard, Echoled chose the road less travelled. He chose storytelling.

He chose melodies that feel like they have travelled through generations before finding a home in modern playlists. While everyone else was running towards the future, Echoled went back, picked up something we had forgotten, polished it, and brought it back wearing modern clothes like backless deera.

The interesting thing about Echoled’s music is that it feels like a conversation between Uganda’s past and Uganda’s future. It carries the soul of the old generation but speaks with the confidence of a young artist who understands today’s audience. Naturally, the question becomes: why? Why would a young musician choose Kadongo Kamu when everyone else is chasing international sounds? Why choose stories when everyone else is chasing vibes? For Echoled, the answer is simple, culture.

He describes himself as a Rastaman deeply connected to his roots and identity. His music is not just about creating catchy songs; it is about preserving something. That is why he sings locally, because language carries memories. A song can tell us how people lived, loved, struggled, celebrated, and survived.

Interestingly, even Echoled’s sound identity shows the challenge Kadongo Kamu faces today. When asked about his genre, he describes his music as Afro-Pop because perhaps Kadongo Kamu itself has been pushed so far into the background that many people no longer see it as a modern genre. But maybe that is exactly the problem. Maybe Kadongo Kamu does not need to disappear; maybe it simply needs a new generation to introduce it differently. When discussing his musical inspirations, Echoled quickly mentions legends like Kafeero, Mowzey Radio, and Basudde names that represent storytelling, emotion, and authenticity.

Behind the music, however, is a very grounded young man. Echoled may have dreadlocks and a style that challenges traditional African expectations, but his personality is far from the rebellious stereotype people often attach to that image. He is calm, respectful, and deeply conscious of his family. The funny twist is that he has been doing music for about three years, yet his father does not even know that his son is quietly leading a whole movement to revive Kadongo Kamu. His father, a strict religious Muslim man, represents the kind of traditional upbringing many African creatives understand the pressure to choose the safe path and avoid disappointing your parents. But Echoled’s story is not about rebellion against his upbringing; it is about proving that creativity, culture, and respect can exist together.

Before becoming the face of a Kadongo Kamu revival, Echoled was simply a young Ugandan trying to survive. Growing up in Makindye, Salama as the eldest of three siblings, he had to make difficult choices, including stepping away from university so his younger siblings could continue studying. Like many young Ugandans searching for opportunities, he entered the world of hustle, first dealing in thrift fashion in downtown Kampala before eventually travelling to Dubai in search of greener pastures.

But like many who leave home chasing a better life, he discovered that working harder is not always the same as working smarter. It was during the loneliness and struggles of that season that music became his escape. He started writing songs, turning his experiences into stories, and creating the foundation of the artist he is today. His friends saw the potential and encouraged him to return home and pursue music.

And now, with every song, Echoled is proving that making Kadongo Kamu great again is not about copying the past,  it is about carrying the soul of where we came from into the future. Maybe Kadongo Kamu never disappeared. Maybe it was simply waiting for someone like Echoled to remind us how great it has always been.

The Office of the President – Diaspora Affairs has announced a high-level Diaspora Conference and a Diaspora Unity Marathon aimed at strengthening ties between diaspora communities and forced migrants.

The announcement was made by Ambassador Abbey Walusimbi, Senior Presidential Advisor on Diaspora Affairs, during a press briefing held on Tuesday, 8th September at the Uganda Media Centre.

According to Ambassador Walusimbi, the conference, titled “Bridging Worlds: Diaspora & Forced Migrants for Shared Prosperity,” is scheduled for 16th September at the Twin Towers Conference Hall, Office of the President Headquarters. The Diaspora Unity Marathon will follow on 20th September at Old Kampala Senior Secondary School, starting at 6:30 a.m.

Ambassador Walusimbi, whose office is hosting both initiatives, said the efforts are rooted in a simple conviction.

“When we intentionally connect people, those in the diaspora, those who have moved within our borders, and those who have been forcibly displaced, we unlock shared prosperity and strengthen our national fabric,” he said.

He emphasized that the conference will prioritise lived experiences and practical partnerships while fully respecting the mandates of other government institutions.

Representing the Diaspora Department in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Titwe said Uganda’s diaspora remains a strategic asset that extends the country’s presence abroad.

“Effective diaspora engagement is not only a domestic priority; it is also an instrument of foreign policy, economic diplomacy, and soft power,” Titwe said, adding that the Ministry will continue to support outreach through its missions abroad and encourage constructive participation by communities abroad.

Senior Presidential Advisor on Agriculture, Hon. Rose Kabagenyi, who also addressed the press, welcomed the initiatives and stressed the need for inclusive participation.

“These platforms give us a chance to listen to one another and find practical ways of moving forward together,” she said. “No community should feel left out of the conversation about national progress. Both the active diaspora and returnees should know that there is a lot of opportunity in the agricultural sector which they should take advantage of and contribute to the economies of their motherland.”

Dr. Pius Ojara, Director of the Refugee Law Project, highlighted the human dimension of the planned activities.

“Behind every policy discussion are real people seeking dignity and opportunity,” Dr. Ojara said. “The conference and the marathon remind us that development must remain centered on human experience.”

The organizers called upon diaspora communities, forced migrant groups, the private sector, civil society and the general public to support and participate in both events.

They also informed the public that marathon kits are available at Kingdom Kampala and at the International University of East Africa.

Ambassador Walusimbi expressed appreciation for partners and refugee community leaders who have already engaged with the process, describing their contribution as vital to ensuring the initiatives remain grounded and relevant.

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For Justine Nameere Nsubuga, life rarely stays in one lane.

One moment, she is out in the field handling her ministerial duties. The next, she is in Parliament, before turning her attention to her family.

The Minister of State for Local Government also serves as the Woman Member of Parliament for Masaka City, giving her plenty to handle in public life.

Away from politics, she is a wife and mother, sharing her life with Hamza Kennedy Nsubuga, whom she affectionately calls Papito.

With so much competing for her attention, Nameere believes the key is finding a healthy balance between her career and family.

Speaking on Sanyuka Uncut, she credited God for helping her manage the different responsibilities in her life.

Work-life balance is a virtue. It is a gift from God. For us women, being able to balance work, children, and marriage is something to always thank God for. God is the one who enables me to live a balanced life. To be a balanced woman is to be a complete woman. Having a balanced life is a success.

A successful life, in Nameere’s view, means pursuing a career while still making room for marriage and family.

Balance is a gift, and being able to manage different aspects of life is what makes me a complete woman. To me, that is true success.- Hon. Justine Nameere #SanyukaUnCut #SanyukaUpdates #FfeBannoDdala pic.twitter.com/luTmOtwCLf

— Sanyuka TV (@sanyukatv) September 10, 2026