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KAMPALA — Uganda’s vocational and technical assessment body, the Uganda Vocational and Technical Assessment Board (UVTAB), is facing a string of financial, asset management and procurement challenges, with liabilities running into billions of shillings and questions over assets inherited from the former Directorate of Industrial Training (DIT).

The issues are contained in the Uganda Government Auditor General’s report as of December 2025 on human capital development at UVTAB, which carries an unqualified audit opinion but highlights a number of matters requiring attention.

The report shows that UVTAB had domestic arrears totalling UGX2.13 billion, all relating to the previous year. The arrears, according to the report, may attract litigation, raising concerns over the financial obligations inherited or carried forward by the entity.

An even bigger financial concern emerged from the merger process involving UVTAB and the former Directorate of Industrial Training.

According to the report, the merger process excluded liabilities at the Directorate of Industrial Training, resulting in undisclosed payables amounting to UGX19.49 billion.

The revelation places the total value of the domestic arrears and undisclosed payables identified in the report at UGX21.62 billion, although the two figures arise from separate findings.

The audit also raises questions about assets transferred from the former DIT to UVTAB.

The assets included land, vehicles, animals and furniture listed in the handover report, but the Auditor General found that they could not be traced in UVTAB’s assets register.

The discrepancy raises concerns over the completeness of UVTAB’s asset records following the institutional transition and merger arrangements.

Procurement also emerged as another area of concern.

The report indicates that UVTAB had procurements worth UGX14.19 billion to various contractors, but the procurements did not provide for reservation schemes as required under PPDA regulations.

The entity had planned to execute procurements worth UGX14.19 billion, but contracts actually awarded amounted to only UGX9.46 billion.

This represented an implementation rate of 67 percent, leaving a gap between the procurement plans and the contracts ultimately awarded.

The report further points to staffing gaps within the Procurement and Disposal Unit.

Out of the five staff provided for in UVTAB’s approved structure, only three were in place, representing 60 percent staffing, while the unit had a 40 percent staffing gap.

The combination of financial obligations, inherited liabilities, asset-record concerns, procurement compliance issues and staffing gaps presents a series of challenges for an institution responsible for assessing and supporting Uganda’s vocational and technical skills development.

Despite the concerns highlighted, the audit opinion on UVTAB was unqualified.

The findings nonetheless place emphasis on the need for the institution to strengthen accountability for inherited assets and liabilities, improve procurement implementation and compliance, and address staffing gaps within its procurement function.

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Kampala Parents’ School (KPS) marked the close of the second term with a vibrant Culture & Future Day that celebrated Uganda’s rich diversity and global connections. The event brought together pupils in a colourful showcase of heritage, music, dance and tradition drawn from every corner of the country and beyond.

Representations of cultures from Uganda’s Central, Eastern, Western, Northern and Southern regions stood alongside East African and international displays. Pupils performed traditional dances, showcased regional attire, and shared stories that highlighted both local identity and openness to the wider world. The atmosphere was one of unity in diversity, with the school grounds transformed into a living exhibition of heritage and forward-looking spirit.

Organisers and parents praised the school for going the extra mile to ensure every culture was beautifully represented.

The day underscored KPS’s commitment to teaching children to value their roots while embracing the global community around them. “This is the true meaning of the school motto: ‘We Struggle for the Future,’” noted one parent in a widely shared reflection on the event attended by KPS proprietor, Consul Sudhir Ruparelia.

The celebration served as both a festive send-off for the term and a powerful educational moment. By immersing pupils in the music, dances and customs of different communities, KPS reinforced the importance of cultural appreciation as a foundation for the future. Attendees described the day as magnificent, describing it as a massive celebration of unity, diversity and tradition that left a lasting impression on the young learners.

As the school community reflects on a successful term, Culture & Future Day stands out as a highlight that perfectly captured the institution’s values. It reminded everyone present that understanding where one comes from is essential to navigating the world ahead—an ethos that continues to guide Kampala Parents’ School.

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By Watchdog Uganda | Opinions Desk

Source: The Kenya Times

KAMPALA — Uganda is not lagging behind because its young people lack drive or capability, but because those in authority routinely view new ideas with suspicion instead of finding practical ways to make them work, businessman and youth advocate Nyanzi Martin Luther has argued.

In a compelling opinion piece, Nyanzi noted that the nation’s progress remains constrained by a governance culture that defaults to risk aversion rather than proactive risk management.

“Uganda is not behind because its children are incapable or because its young entrepreneurs are lazy,” Nyanzi wrote. “We are behind because too often, those who make the rules look at a new idea with suspicion before asking how it can be made to work.”

The Debate Over Mobile Devices in Schools

Pointing to the ongoing national debate surrounding mobile phones in learning institutions, Nyanzi noted that while concerns over online distraction, cyberbullying, gambling, and exposure to inappropriate content are valid, identifying risks should mark the start of a policy discussion—not its end.

He outlined several actionable policy alternatives, including:

• Secure Storage: Installing locked lockers or designated holding areas during lesson hours.

• Network Safeguards: Implementing filtered school Wi-Fi networks with restricted access windows.

• Guided Usage: Incorporating teacher-led digital learning alongside formal digital literacy education.

“Why should the answer to every digital problem be to take the device away?” Nyanzi questioned. “We cannot tell students that technology is the future while treating the technology they already possess as an enemy.”

Drawing a comparison, Nyanzi cited France’s digital regulator, Arcom, which mandates robust age-verification systems for adult platforms to protect minors online. While Uganda need not replicate the French model identically, he argued the core philosophy applies: regulators should target specific digital harms rather than resorting to blanket bans on hardware.

Infrastructure Gaps and Policy Priorities

Nyanzi further highlighted systemic infrastructure hurdles facing the education sector. He pointed to data from a Digital Readiness Assessment of Secondary Schools in Uganda (2025–2026), which evaluated over 3,200 secondary schools nationwide. The assessment revealed that only about 20 percent of secondary schools meet ICT-ready standards, while approximately 39 percent remain entirely unplugged—lacking access to electricity, internet connectivity, or basic computing hardware.

These structural deficits align with ongoing concerns raised in Parliament regarding the slow rollout of computer laboratories and reliable connectivity across rural schools.

“Perhaps the national debate should not only be about whether a student should carry a phone,” Nyanzi stated. “Perhaps we should be asking a bigger question: What kind of education system are we preparing for the economy our children will enter?”

Supporting Early-Stage Entrepreneurs

The same institutional skepticism, Nyanzi argued, stifles young entrepreneurs trying to scale startups in competitive markets. Emerging businesses are often subjected to regulatory scrutiny calibrated for long-established corporations—an unfair standard that deters private-sector risk-taking.

“A company that is six months old cannot reasonably be expected to have the institutional strength of one that has been around for thirty years,” he noted. “Yet our public conversation sometimes treats the difference as evidence that young people are incapable.”

While maintaining that early-stage ventures must respect statutory regulations, honor employment obligations, and meet professional standards, he emphasized that policymakers must learn to distinguish between operational failure and early-stage maturation.

Moving From Fear to Intelligent Regulation

Calling on lawmakers and public administrators to reframe their approach, Nyanzi urged leaders to shift away from asking purely “What could go wrong?” and begin asking “How can we make this work safely?”

That shift, he contended, marks the precise boundary between arbitrary restriction and intelligent regulation.

“Good policy does not pretend that risks do not exist. It identifies the risks, measures them, and builds systems to manage them,” Nyanzi wrote. “Anyone can point at a phone and say it is dangerous. Leadership begins with the harder question: How do we make it work?”

He concluded that Uganda’s future will neither be secured by shutting out modern technology nor by permitting an unregulated free-for-all. Instead, the path forward requires structured responsibility, forward-looking regulation, and institutional trust in the younger generation.

“Uganda’s lag is not destiny,” Nyanzi said. “But if negativity continues to be our default response to innovation, we will keep creating the very backwardness we complain about. We can choose differently.”

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By Brian Mugenyi

[email protected]

KAMPALA, UGANDA — The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education and Sports, Ms. Kedrace Turyagenda, has argued that Uganda’s education system must embrace learner-centred curriculum reforms that strengthen critical thinking, creativity, communication, and practical competence to prepare students for a rapidly changing world.

Turyagenda made the remarks during an international curriculum development conference held at Munyonyo Resort Hotel, where nearly 400 delegates gathered to examine how Africa can reshape education to respond to emerging global challenges.

Organised by the National Curriculum Development Centre (NCDC) under the theme “Innovative Curriculum Approaches for Sustainable Education in a Globalised World,” the summit convened scholars, curriculum specialists, authors, and frontline educators.

Discussions placed Uganda’s education system at a crossroads, with experts urging the country to move beyond rote learning and exam-centric models toward an approach that equips learners with problem-solving skills, practical capabilities, and civic purpose.

“Let the wise listen and learn. Learning requires listening, but also discerning and seeking proper guidance,” Turyagenda said, commending NCDC for its forward-thinking vision. She stressed that evidence, practical experience, and stakeholder consultations must guide policy decisions at a time when artificial intelligence and changing labor-market demands are redefining the workplace.

Developing Thinkers, Preserving Cultural Identity

Led by Prof. Benson Banda, academic experts argued that modern education must balance cognitive development, emerging technologies, and culturally relevant learning.

Prof. Banda noted that Uganda needs learners who can think critically and communicate effectively while grounding their understanding in their own cultural context.

“Critical thinking, indigenous teaching, and communication represent a fundamental cognitive approach,” Prof. Banda explained, emphasizing that cognitive capability must be built from early childhood through STEM fields and algorithmic learning.

He called on the Government to help harmonise regional competency frameworks, enabling African nations to participate more equitably in global curriculum design.

“Africa does not lack curriculum ideas; it lacks unified thematic frameworks and the leverage to actively shape global education development,” Banda said, advocating for continental collaboration in research that preserves local identity while fostering global competitiveness.

Reforms Must Reach the Classroom

For Ms. Grace Baguma Nambi, Director of the National Curriculum Development Centre, the conference’s turnout underscored the national urgency surrounding educational reform.

Nambi emphasized that policy papers and conference resolutions mean little unless they yield tangible changes in everyday teaching practices, assessment methods, and practical skills acquisition.

“The huge participation shows the vital importance of bringing diverse voices together,” Nambi said. “However, curriculum reform cannot stop at policy documents. It must be visible inside the classroom.”

She advocated for a flexible, research-backed curriculum responsive to the realities facing Ugandan youth, noting that “a curriculum is ultimately only as good as the learner it produces.”

Patriotism and Artificial Intelligence

A panel discussion led by Ms. Manuela brought authors and education specialists together to examine how curricula can reflect modern market needs while preserving national values. Panelist Dr. Aisha Kasolo advocated for integrating patriotism directly into general coursework rather than treating it as an isolated subject.

“Education should not merely produce academically successful graduates, but citizens who understand their responsibilities to the country and possess practical skills,” Kasolo noted.

Addressing technological disruptions, Dr. Tony Devine, Vice President of the Global Peace Foundation, highlighted how artificial intelligence is shifting the teacher’s role from information distributor to facilitator of critical thinking.

“Because technology provides instantaneous information, schools must focus on what machines cannot replace—human judgment, ethical awareness, creativity, and collaboration,” Devine said.

Dr. Hamis Mugendawala added that systemic transformation relies heavily on re-equipping educators.

“Teachers remain the bridge between policy and the learner. If classroom teaching methods do not evolve, the curriculum remains a document on paper,” Mugendawala observed, calling for modernized teacher training programs.

Shaping the Citizen of Tomorrow

The deliberations at Munyonyo extended far beyond textbooks and assessment structures, framing curriculum design as a key engine for long-term national development.

For NCDC and education policymakers, the central question extends beyond what should be taught in classrooms to what kind of citizen Uganda must shape for tomorrow’s economy.

The consensus among scholars, officials, and delegates was clear: Uganda requires innovative thinkers who understand their identity, serve their communities, and can compete globally. The task now lies in translating those conference insights into actionable classroom experiences across the nation.

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By Brian Mugenyi

[email protected]

KAMPALA, UGANDA — Presidential Envoy on Political Affairs and Vice President Emeritus Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi has delivered a warm tribute to Gen. Katumba Wamala upon his retirement after 47 years of military and public service, describing the veteran general as a leader whose humility and commitment to ordinary citizens leave an enduring legacy.

Ssekandi made the remarks on Friday at his Kampala Kingdom headquarters, where photographs capturing Gen. Katumba Wamala’s visit were shared to mark the conclusion of his long public-service career.

For Ssekandi, the occasion served as both a farewell and an opportunity to remind younger Ugandans that true leadership is ultimately measured by dedication to national service rather than high rank.

“Congratulations to you, Gen. Wamala, on a well-deserved retirement after 47 phenomenal years of service!” Ssekandi said.

A Career Built on Humility and Accessibility

The Vice President Emeritus commended the general’s leadership style, emphasizing that his accessibility set him apart throughout his decades in office.

“Beyond the ranks and uniform, you have always been a leader of the people—approachable, humble, and deeply committed to the well-being of ordinary Ugandans,” Ssekandi noted.

Gen. Katumba Wamala’s retirement marks the end of a 47-year journey through Uganda’s military structure and senior public administration. Rising through the ranks to top leadership roles, he became one of the country’s most recognizable and respected public figures.

Ssekandi emphasized that Katumba’s career offers important lessons in institutional memory, discipline, and mentorship for the next generation of leaders stepping into public office.

“Your dedicated service in both military and public office stands as a shining example for the younger generation,” he added.

Contribution to National Security

Ssekandi also recognized the general’s role in strengthening national security and public administration over nearly five decades.

“Uganda is safer and stronger because of leaders like you,” Ssekandi stated, pointing to Katumba’s contributions across both military and civilian institutions.

Reflecting on the nature of public service transitions, Ssekandi noted that while offices change hands and uniforms are laid aside, the institutional impact of dedicated service remains within communities and national bodies.

He concluded his tribute with a simple message: “Happy retirement, General!”

While the active chapter of Gen. Katumba Wamala’s public career comes to a close, Ssekandi stressed that the legacy of a true public servant endures long after they step down from office.

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By Brian Mugenyi

KAMPALA, UGANDA — The Chief Executive Officer of Union Transport Alliance, Mr. Fred Ssenoga, has declared that the organization is evolving beyond a conventional transport platform into a comprehensive economic ecosystem designed to integrate transport, financial services, healthcare, education, energy, and digital commerce.

Speaking during an interview on Friday, August 21, 2026, Ssenoga outlined an interconnected system where transport operators, consumers, and businesses access diverse services through a single digital network.

“The ecosystem of Union Transport Alliance is a complete cycle. We are joining forces hoping to fully digitalise our system,” Ssenoga said.

His vision arrives as technology continues to reshape commerce, payments, and service delivery across the country. Ssenoga noted that the transport sector serves as a powerful entry point for digital transformation because it intersects with nearly every aspect of daily economic life.

Every day, thousands of boda-boda riders, taxi operators, conductors, and truck drivers move goods and passengers, generating massive transaction volumes. Ssenoga aims to bring those informal cash exchanges into a structured digital framework.

Connecting Transport to Daily Economic Needs

The foundation of the Union Transport Alliance model rests on the reality that transport operators face multifaceted financial demands beyond daily operational costs.

A driver requires fuel, but also needs to manage household expenses, secure healthcare, purchase food, and meet school-fees deadlines. When unexpected disruptions occur, workers often lack safety nets like insurance or emergency credit.

“I am happy for this historical event today; it is time to develop the economy,” Ssenoga said. “A taxi conductor traveling without fuel should no longer struggle—he can use the Union Transport Alliance App for instant assistance.”

Strategic Partnership with RukaPay

Central to this digital push is a strategic partnership with payment processor RukaPay, which provides the underlying financial infrastructure for the multi-service network.

“The partnership with RukaPay is a payment gateway to push our work and support other companies operating under our platform,” Ssenoga explained.

By enabling digital transactions, the alliance aims to facilitate faster circulation of capital across the transport value chain, allowing informal workers to build verifiable transaction records.

Micro-Financing and Educational Support

Access to liquidity remains a major hurdle for informal transport workers. Ssenoga noted that the Union App includes feature sets designed to bridge temporary cash-flow shortages.

“In the transport system, people always struggle without capital. With the Union Transport Alliance App, you can get funds and pay later,” he stated, adding that platform registration serves as the single requirement to access these financial products.

The platform also integrates education financing, allowing parents and students to settle school fees using dedicated merchant codes under flexible repayment terms.

Social Safety Nets and Digital Commerce

To safeguard operators against financial shocks, Ssenoga announced plans to launch Twetase, an initiative providing transport workers and their families with tailored transport and health insurance coverage.

“Soon we are launching Twetase because it is going to help people in transport and their families get transport and health insurance,” Ssenoga noted.

The broader ecosystem also incorporates commercial and energy arms:

• Union Online Duuka: A digital marketplace linking consumers directly to goods while connecting merchants to the alliance’s transport and payment pipeline.

• Union Oil: An energy branch offering fuel access and integrated digital payment solutions for fleet operators and daily drivers.

Reimagining Transport Infrastructure

Ssenoga argued that transport should no longer be viewed merely as physical movement, but as essential infrastructure for economic participation.

“Transport carries Uganda’s economic activity,” Ssenoga noted. “If that activity can be organized, financed, protected, and digitised, it becomes a far stronger engine for national development.”

For Union Transport Alliance, the primary test will lie in widespread adoption, user accessibility, and reliability as it moves to scale its digital ecosystem across the country’s transport corridors.

Kassanda, Uganda – Hope Nankunda has been declared the National Resistance Movement (NRM) flagbearer for the position of Chairperson of the Kassanda District Women Council Committee after sailing through unopposed in the party’s internal process.

According to the official Flagbearer Transmission Form for Women Council Committees at District/City Level 2026, issued by the NRM Electoral Commission, Nankunda was listed as the sole candidate for Chairperson. The form, filled by District Elections Officer Rukundo Henry and stamped by the NRM EC District Registrar Kassanda on 21 August 2026, also names the full unopposed committee:

– Chairperson: Nankunda Hope
– Vice Chairperson: Nabasirye Harriet
– Secretary for Publicity: Nakato Janet
– Secretary for Finance: Nakawuma Aidah

The document was endorsed at district level for transmission to NRM Electoral Commission headquarters in Kampala, in line with party procedures requiring the District Elections Officer to submit forms in triplicate after the internal selection.

Nankunda, a well-known adolescent counsellor, Rotarian, and girls’ rights advocate, now carries the NRM ticket into the District/City Women Committee elections scheduled under the Electoral Commission roadmap. Nominations for district-level positions are set for 24 August 2026, with campaigns from 25–27 August and polling on 28 August 2026.

The development comes as NRM continues to consolidate its grassroots structures ahead of the Women Council elections across the country. Similar unopposed flagbearer declarations have been reported in other districts in recent days.

Nankunda and her team are expected to seek official nomination by the Electoral Commission next week as they prepare to contest the formal district women leadership positions.

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Kasese turned green on Saturday, August 22, as thousands of runners, spectators, community members and visitors from across Africa and beyond gathered in the western Ugandan town for the fifth edition of the Tusker Lite Mt Rwenzori Marathon.

For the first time, the Tusker Lite Mt Rwenzori Marathon was staged as a World Athletics Label Road Race, a first for Uganda. The new status places the Kasese event within the international athletics calendar and recognises the race for meeting global standards around course measurement, timing, race operations and elite participation.

The marathon also entered the year with two other major milestones: becoming an official qualifier for the Comrades Marathon and the Two Oceans Marathon, giving runners competing in Kasese an opportunity to earn qualification for two of Africa’s most prestigious distance races.

The race was also among the few World Athletics calendar events staged during the week, with proceedings from Kasese reaching a global audience through a live stream on the World Athletics YouTube channel.

In the men’s 42km full marathon, Chemonges Leonard emerged victorious after breaking the marathon’s course record with a time of 02:13:25, taking home UGX 40 million. Mutai Alex finished second in 02:13:36, while Cherotwo Fred came third in 02:13:49, earning UGX 20 million and UGX 10 million respectively.

In the women’s 42km race, Japchumba Margaret took the top spot in 02:39:15, followed by Venus Chemutai in 02:39:32 and Chebet Joan in 02:44:08. They received UGX 40 million, UGX 20 million and UGX 10 million respectively.

The 21km half marathon saw Abel Chebet claim the men’s title in 01:02:00, winning the race for the fourth time in a row. Yeko Sam finished second in 01:02:02, while Kibet Oscar came third in 01:02:44.

In the women’s 21km race, Gloria Chebet, emerged victorious in 01:12:10 followed by Chesang Prisca, Chemweno in 01:12:24 and Chemos Viola Munerya in 01:12:34.

Winners of the half marathon received UGX 15 million, with the second-place finishers taking UGX 10 million and third-place finishers UGX 6 million. The equal prize structure for men and women continued across the field, with prize money awarded through sixth place in both the full and half marathon categories.

Yet perhaps the biggest measure of the marathon’s success lies beyond the finish line.

Over five editions, the event has helped change the relationship between Kasese and tourism. What was once primarily a destination associated with the Rwenzori Mountains and Queen Elizabeth National Park now has another major attraction on its annual calendar.

The influx of runners and visitors creates a surge of activity across the town, with hotels, restaurants, transport operators, tour companies and other businesses benefiting from the thousands of people who travel to the region for race weekend.

For Sandra Againe, Brand Manager, Tusker Lite, the fifth edition is a proud milestone for the brand and a reflection of its vision to inspire active and adventurous lifestyles.

“Five years ago, this marathon started with a bold vision, and today, seeing more than 8,000 people come together, including runners from different countries, is incredibly exciting. We are proud to have created an experience that brings people together while showcasing the beauty of Kasese and Uganda to the world.”

Againe added: “For Tusker Lite, this is about more than just running. It is about inspiring people to live actively, seek adventure and experience new places. As we celebrate five years, we look forward to making the marathon even bigger and creating an even greater impact for the community and tourism.”

For Amos Wekesa, Team Lead of the Tusker Lite Rwenzori Marathon, the transformation of the event is inseparable from the transformation taking place in Kasese.

Wekesa noted that the organisers now have their sights firmly set on the next level.

“We are proud of what we have achieved, but we are not stopping here. Our ambition is to build one of Africa’s leading marathons and eventually take this race to Gold Label status. We want Kasese to become a place where the world’s best runners know they can come, compete and experience something they cannot find anywhere else,” Wekesa stated.

The Tusker Lite Mt Rwenzori Marathon will return next year for its sixth edition.

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Kampala came alive with African fashion and creativity on Friday, August 21, as the inaugural Bold Fashion Week brought together designers, creatives, fashion enthusiasts and industry players for an evening celebrating the continent’s evolving fashion landscape.

Held at Motiv in Bugolobi, the runway showcased 10 African designers, bringing together established Ugandan labels, emerging talent and international creativity. The line-up featured Axarya, Discreet Street x Local, Good Fibre, Joan Jade, Kifahari, Kwesh, Lamara, Ofumbi and Shurea Yasmin, alongside Nigeria’s Yemi Shoyemi.

Guests arrived dressed for the occasion, with bold prints, flowing silhouettes and statement pieces setting the tone for an evening that celebrated African expression both on and off the runway. African-inspired music added to the atmosphere as guests connected, explored the collections and took in the designs.

Johnnie Walker, which partnered with Bold in Africa and Malembe Lifestyle for the inaugural event, was part of the experience from the beginning, welcoming guests with cocktails and creating a space for conversations and connections.

The partnership forms part of Johnnie Walker’s Afro Exchange platform, which brings together Africa’s creative communities across fashion, music and art while creating opportunities for ideas and talent to move across borders.

Speaking about the partnership, Christine Kyokunda, East Africa Brand Manager, Johnnie Walker, said fashion provided a natural space for the brand to support African creativity.

“Afro Exchange is about creating spaces where African creativity can meet, move and inspire one another. Bold Fashion Week brings that vision to life by creating a platform where designers can showcase their work, connect with audiences and exchange ideas across the continent.”

As the runway opened, models took to the catwalk in collections that reflected the diversity of contemporary African design, giving each participating brand its moment in the spotlight.

Beyond the runway, the two-day event also focused on creating opportunities for designers to turn creativity into sustainable businesses. The programme included mentorship and conversations around design, branding, business development and market access.

The experience concluded on Saturday, August 22 with a retail marketplace held in partnership with the Kampala Artisan Market, giving fashion lovers an opportunity to purchase pieces directly from participating designers and extend the experience beyond the runway.

For Johnnie Walker, the inaugural Bold Fashion Week adds another chapter to its Afro Exchange journey, supporting platforms that give African creatives the opportunity to connect, collaborate and take their work to wider audiences.

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