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Gawaya Tegule’s critical assessment in the Daily Monitor—titled “Local Governments Need Stronger Watchdogs, Not Just Surprise Inspections” (published August 13, 2026)—completely misses the broader picture. Tegule’s argument reduces the fiery interventions of Ministers Balaam Barugahara and Justine Nameere to mere political theatre and unhelpful high-handedness. In doing so, he views them through an overly cynical lens, overlooking a vital truth: Balaam and Nameere are acting as essential positive disruptors against a stagnant, institutionalized “system” that Tegule seemingly adores but always criticizes in his articles.

For decades, Ugandans have rightfully complained about this very system—one paralyzed by entrenched corruption, pervasive absenteeism, administrative laziness, and a severe lack of energy or innovation. Yet, when dynamic actors step into cabinet roles and refuse to play by the quiet, comfortable rules of bureaucracy, critics like Tegule immediately move to dismiss them.

Consider the hypocrisy in how non-conventional leadership is received depending on who delivers it. Not long ago, many of the same commentators praising unorthodox methods were celebrating the radical approach of Uganda Law Society leadership—applauding the fiery rhetoric, the “banging of the table,” and the raw defiance of traditional, polite legal decorum. That refusal to adopt standard institutional softness was hailed as courage.

Why, then, should Balaam Barugahara and Justine Nameere be judged by a completely different standard? Balaam is doing the exact same thing—and arguably achieving even more direct impact. He is literally banging the table within the government structure itself, disrupting the status quo, demanding immediate answers, and unsettling comfortable civil servants who have long grown accustomed to impunity.

The deep-seated rot in service delivery cannot be cured by writing polished memos or waiting on sluggish, multi-year committee reports. It requires urgency, visibility, and a deliberate shock to the administrative machinery. By conducting on-the-ground spot checks, calling out corrupt tendencies publicly, and refusing to adopt the quiet complicity of traditional cabinet culture, Balaam and Nameere are injecting much-needed vigor where inertia used to reign. They are forcing lazy bureaucrats to stay awake and reminding them that public service is accountable to the people.

It is easy to sit on the sidelines and dismiss these actions as “unconventional” or unrefined. But true reform rarely arrives in a neat, polite package. Instead of bashing Ministers Balaam and Nameere for breaking bureaucratic decorum, critics like Gawaya Tegule should recognize that a broken system requires aggressive, non-traditional disruption to shake off its decades of slumber. Unsettling the establishment isn’t a flaw in their approach; it is precisely the point.

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For years, Zari Hassan has been one of Africa’s most recognisable women. She has been a socialite, reality television star, mother, entrepreneur, fashion figure, influencer and brand ambassador. But behind the glamour, the photographs and the millions of social media followers is a woman increasingly preoccupied with a bigger question: What happens after fame?

Zari has lived several lives in one lifetime, and she knows it.

“I am a mother first, an entrepreneur, a public personality, a brand builder and a woman who has learned to turn both opportunity and adversity into something meaningful,” she says.

Born and raised in Uganda before building much of her adult life and business interests in South Africa, Zari has learned to navigate different worlds. She has built businesses, raised children in the public eye, starred in reality television and turned her personal name into a commercial asset. But these days, she is less interested in being famous than in making her fame useful.

“Fame is powerful, but it is also temporary if you do not convert it into something tangible,” she says.…………….CONTINUE READING……………….

In Uganda’s music debate, popularity and greatness do not always sit at the same table. That distinction is at the heart of rapper Ruyonga’s provocative argument that Afrigo Band’s Moses Matovu should be regarded as a bigger musical figure than Leone Island boss Jose Chameleone.

Ruyonga is not necessarily denying Chameleone’s superstar status. Rather, he is challenging the yardstick by which Ugandans measure musical greatness.

For him, a long list of hits, regional fame and commercial success tells only part of the story. The bigger question is what an artist leaves behind when the spotlight moves on.

That argument puts Matovu in particularly interesting territory. As one of the enduring figures associated with Afrigo Band, Matovu represents a generation in which musicianship, live performance and longevity were central to an artist’s reputation.

Afrigo’s catalogue, Ruyonga suggests, has survived not simply because its songs were popular, but because the music became woven into Uganda’s cultural memory.

“Those Afrigo songs, those ones are principalities. Those are monuments in this industry,” Ruyonga said, describing the band’s work in almost architectural terms.

His point is that some songs eventually stop being mere entertainment and become landmarks, pieces of music that help define an era.

Chameleone, meanwhile, occupies a very different but equally formidable place in Uganda’s musical history. His career helped make him one of the country’s most recognisable stars, while his influence stretched across East Africa.

From his breakthrough years to his status as the face of Leone Island, Chameleone became synonymous with the modern Ugandan music industry and its regional ambitions.

It is precisely that regional success that Ruyonga wants listeners to reconsider. He questioned how far Chameleone’s catalogue travels outside East Africa, asking: “When you cross East Africa, who is singing Chameleone?” The provocative question is less an attempt to erase Chameleone’s achievements than a challenge to the assumption that regional fame automatically settles the argument about greatness.

There is also a generational dimension to the disagreement. Matovu’s legacy was built over decades, while Chameleone became a defining figure of Uganda’s modern pop era.

The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has passed out officers who completed the Advanced Intelligence Course and Advanced Special Investigations Course at the School of Defence Intelligence and Security (SODIS) in Nakasongola District.

The joint training brought together officers from the UPDF, Uganda Police Force and other security agencies, including the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control, Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and Uganda Revenue Authority (URA).

Speaking at the ceremony, the Joint Staff Policy and Strategy, Maj Gen Don Nabaasa, commended the officers for their commitment, sacrifice and intellectual effort, encouraging them to apply the knowledge and skills acquired during the training

“The knowledge and skills acquired will provide you with the professional competence required to effectively perform your duties with confidence and sound judgement,” Maj Gen Nabaasa said.

On behalf of the Chief of Defence Intelligence and Security, Brig Gen Nicholas Humble Nyesiga congratulated the officers on completing the two intensive courses and commended the Commandant and staff of SODIS for successfully conducting the training.

He further commended the Commander-in-Chief for his vision of developing the UPDF into a capable force able to contribute to security across Africa, as well as the Chief of Defence Forces for continuously guiding the force towards becoming versatile, agile and well-grounded in protecting Uganda and its allies.

“What we have seen in this exercise, you have really fulfilled the guidance of the CDF,” he said.

Representing the Joint Staff Training and Doctrines (TRADOC), Col Michael Katongole Sempijja said the training was in line with the guidance of the Commander-in-Chief, who has consistently emphasised that the strength and effectiveness of a military force depend on proper training, ideological clarity, discipline, patriotism and mastery of modern warfare.

The Commandant of SODIS, Col Ezra Kokundakwe, said the training had achieved its intended purpose, as demonstrated by the competence exhibited by the officers throughout the courses.

He commended the security agencies that provided subject matter experts and hosted the officers during their study tours, as well as the UPDF leadership for the support extended to the training programme.

Col Kokundakwe further appreciated the UPDF leadership for commissioning a new mess at SODIS, which he said will improve the welfare and working environment of personnel.

The ceremony was attended by senior officers, including Brig Gen EA Uwama, Director Human Resource Land Forces; Col Elvis Biryomunda, Assistant Chief of Defence Intelligence and Security in charge of Counter Intelligence; Lt Col Amos Ategeka; and Brig Gen FK Mwesigye of the First Infantry Division.

Also in attendance were senior Uganda Police Force Crime Intelligence officers, Uganda Prisons Service officers, immigration officials, expatriate instructors for language courses at SODIS, and other senior and junior officers.

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KAMPALA — Uganda’s creative arts industry is mourning the death of Alex Mukulu, one of the country’s most influential playwrights, actors, directors and musicians, whose career spanned more than four decades.

Mukulu died on Saturday, August 15, 2026, aged 72, leaving behind a body of work that helped shape modern Ugandan theatre and introduced generations of audiences to drama that was simultaneously entertaining, political, cultural and deeply reflective of Ugandan society.

For many Ugandans, Mukulu was more than an actor on a stage. He was a storyteller who used theatre to examine Uganda’s history, politics, culture, poverty, religion, leadership and the experiences of ordinary people.

The early years

Mukulu was born in 1954 in Misebe, in Ssingo County, Buganda. Other biographical accounts identify his birthplace as Namutamba in present-day Mityana District.

He was born to Paulo Kayizi Lugaizi and Victoria Ndagire, a daughter of Prince Yokana Kimbugwe of Lungujja.

He attended Namilyango College before proceeding to Kololo Secondary School for his A-Level education. He later studied Film and Drama at Makerere University in Kampala, an education that helped lay the foundation for his career in the performing arts.

His first play, Muzukulu wa Kabangala, was produced in 1977, marking the beginning of a career that would eventually make him one of Uganda’s best-known playwrights.

A theatre career spanning generations

Mukulu emerged at a time when Ugandan theatre was becoming an important platform for storytelling and social commentary.

Over the decades, he wrote, directed and performed in numerous productions, including Wounds of Africa, The Guest of Honour, Excuse Me Mzungu, Radio Mambo Bado, Dances with Poverty, The Peasants’ Song, Muzukulu wa Kabangala and Journey to Self-Realisation, among others.

The Monitor reported in 2016 that Mukulu had written about 30 plays, demonstrating the scale of his contribution to Uganda’s theatre tradition.

His work was notable for its willingness to move beyond conventional entertainment. He used the stage to ask difficult questions about the country and its people.

The production that made him a household name

Mukulu’s most famous work was arguably 30 Years of Bananas, a political satire first staged in the early 1990s.

The production looked back at Uganda’s political journey since independence in 1962, using caricature, humour and theatre to portray the country’s successive political regimes.

The play became significant because it brought political history into popular theatre at a time when such subjects could be difficult to discuss publicly.

Mukulu later explained that the production was inspired by the political changes that followed the coming to power of the National Resistance Movement government in 1986.

Rather than simply mocking political leaders, he wanted audiences to reflect on Uganda’s history and ask why the country had struggled to develop despite decades of independence.

The play was so influential that 30 Years of Bananas was later published as a book by Oxford University Press in 1993.

Theatre as a mirror of society

Mukulu’s philosophy was that theatre should make people think.

His productions explored political history, social problems, culture, Christianity, poverty and the experiences of young people, children and women.

In a 2024 interview, he explained that his return to the Ugandan stage was motivated by years of observing society and finding new stories to tell.

This ability to connect theatre with the realities of everyday life became one of his defining characteristics.

His stage characters often carried the frustrations, contradictions and hopes of Ugandan society, making his work both artistic and socially reflective.

A cultural ambassador

Mukulu’s influence was not confined to Uganda.

One of his most significant international appearances came during the 2007 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Kampala, where Journey to Self-Realisation was performed at the opening ceremony.

His performance was attended by Queen Elizabeth II and then Prince Charles and received a standing ovation.

The appearance cemented his reputation as a cultural ambassador capable of presenting Uganda’s artistic identity to an international audience.

A long absence — and a remarkable return

Although Mukulu remained involved in theatre and other creative work, he spent many years away from the Ugandan stage.

In 2024, after a 17-year absence from local theatre, he returned to the National Theatre in Kampala with Kulunkalu ne Kulumbisi, an African adaptation of William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.

The production transformed Shakespeare’s famous love story through African language, music, lyrics, costumes, dances, culture and stagecraft.

For Mukulu, however, it was not merely an adaptation of a classic story. He used the production to explore themes of love, hatred, conflict and Uganda’s own historical experiences.

The return demonstrated that even after decades in the industry, Mukulu still regarded theatre as a powerful vehicle for asking questions about society.

A mentor and disciplinarian

Mukulu’s contribution extended beyond the productions he created.

He trained and influenced generations of actors and theatre practitioners. Colleagues and commentators remembered him as a demanding director who valued discipline and professionalism.

An academic assessment published through Makerere University described him as a central figure in Ugandan theatre, particularly during the 1980s, 1990s and early 2000s, when he was prominent as a playwright, director and actor.

His influence therefore lives not only in his scripts and performances but also in the artists who learned from him.

Music, radio and other creative work

Mukulu was also a musician and broadcaster.

His creative interests extended beyond theatre into music and radio. In the late 1990s, he worked as a presenter at Radio Simba, where he frequently spoke about his roots and cultural identity.

His personal website also documents music recordings and programmes associated with his work, illustrating the breadth of his artistic interests.

A son of Buganda

Mukulu was also strongly associated with Buganda’s cultural heritage.

Katikkiro of Buganda Charles Peter Mayiga, who led tributes following Mukulu’s death, described him as a gifted writer, director, actor, songwriter and singer who loved Buganda’s traditions and culture.

Mayiga also remembered him as a loyal subject of Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II and praised his contribution to the arts.

This cultural identity was reflected in Mukulu’s work, particularly his use of African stories, language, music and traditions to communicate contemporary social issues.

The legacy

Alex Mukulu belonged to a generation of Ugandan artists who demonstrated that theatre could be much more than entertainment.

He used the stage to revisit Uganda’s political past, challenge society to examine itself, celebrate culture and give audiences stories through which they could understand their own country.

His career stretched from his first production in 1977 to his final years as an elder statesman of Uganda’s creative industry.

His death at 72 therefore marks the end of an era in Ugandan theatre.

But his legacy is unlikely to disappear.

The plays remain. The characters remain. The music remains. The students and actors he influenced remain.

And perhaps most importantly, the questions he placed before Ugandan audiences remain.

Alex Mukulu was a playwright who made Uganda look at itself in the mirror — sometimes through laughter, sometimes through satire, sometimes through history, but always through the power of storytelling.

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By Cate Namyalo

What if Uganda was losing billions of shillings every year, not because of a global economic crisis or declining exports, but because millions of people still lack access to safe water, adequate sanitation and proper hygiene?

The evidence is now impossible to ignore. Poor water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services cost Uganda UGX 648.7 billion each year1—enough to build 25 large water and sanitation projects annually. If current investment trends continue, the country could lose UGX 98.96 trillion by 2035. The same analysis projects cumulative losses of UGX 98.96 trillion by 2035 if current investment trends continue. These figures represent different dimensions of the economic burden: the UGX

648.7 billion is an estimated annual cost associated with inadequate WASH, while the UGX 98.96 trillion is the projected longer-term loss.

WASH remains underfunded and under-prioritized because its benefits are less tangible and less immediately visible than investments in roads, buildings or other infrastructure. The diseases prevented, school days preserved and productivity gained rarely make headlines, even though their impact is profound. Behind these figures are children dying from preventable diseases, students missing school, workers losing productive time and communities trapped in cycles of poverty. The real question is no longer whether Uganda can afford to invest more in WASH; it is whether Uganda can afford not to.

The health burden is particularly stark. Poor sanitation and hygiene accounts for nearly 75% of Uganda’s preventable disease burden2. Every year, more than 4,500 children under five die from WASH-related illnesses—the equivalent of the number of children in five primary schools in a rural Ugandan setting. Mothers, newborns and vulnerable communities face additional health risks. Uganda also spends more than UGX 1.5 trillion annually treating preventable water-borne diseases. This is a health expenditure burden that better WASH services can help reduce.3 The broader economic burden is also substantial.

But the cost of poor WASH goes far beyond health. It undermines education, household welfare and national productivity. Consider 13-year-old Amina from Alwa Sub-county in Kaberamaido District, who walks long distances to fetch water before school. By the time she returns, valuable learning hours have been lost. At school, inadequate sanitation facilities can force her to miss classes, especially during menstruation. Her experience reflects the reality of millions of Ugandan children whose education, health and dignity are compromised by inadequate WASH services.

Uganda loses nearly UGX 9.71 trillion annually through illness, premature deaths, lost productivity, time spent collecting water and seeking healthcare. This figure should not be confused with the UGX 648.7 billion annual WASH cost or the more than UGX 1.5 trillion in

1 1 World Bank (2013) Economic Impacts of Poor Sanitation in Africa: Uganda

2 https://health.go.ug/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/3RD-Quarter-Newsletter1.pdf

3 https://eprcug.org/press-releases/inadequate-investment-in-water-sanitation-and-hygiene-wash-services-cost-uganda-nearly-three-percent-of-gdp

treatment costs: the figures capture different components of the wider burden, from the direct cost of inadequate services and healthcare expenditure to broader productivity and welfare losses.

This is why investing in WASH is an investment in human capital and economic growth. With improved services, children like Amina can stay in school, families can spend less time and money coping with preventable illness, and workers can remain productive. Better WASH also creates economic opportunities through local sanitation enterprises, water service providers, faecal sludge management, construction and maintenance services, hygiene-product markets and other parts of the growing sanitation economy.

The cost of action is far lower than the cost of inaction. Greater investment in WASH can prevent disease, reduce avoidable healthcare costs and protect productivity. Over the next decade, a substantial increase in investment could avoid major economic losses while creating jobs and strengthening local businesses. Uganda’s sanitation economy also has significant potential to expand by the end of 20304, creating opportunities for enterprises that provide sanitation products and services while improving public health.

But financing alone is not enough. Uganda needs financing that is protected, targeted and accountable. WASH resources should be clearly identifiable in national and local budgets, with ring-fenced allocations where appropriate; district-level performance targets should be established; annual progress and expenditure should be transparently reported; and investment should prioritize schools, health facilities and underserved communities. This would shift WASH from fragmented spending to measurable service delivery. The solutions exist, what is needed is sustained financing, accountability, and collective action.

4 Investment case: Catalyzing the Sanitation Economy and the Menstrual Hygiene Marketplace in Uganda, May 2023

The Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED) should reframe WASH in budget programming as a high-yield, productive investment rather than a recurring social cost. It should commit at least 1.5% of the national budget to WASH in the FY 2027/28 Budget Framework Paper, anchored in revised allocation guidelines and endorsed by Cabinet by October 2026. The 1.5% target would provide a clear, measurable minimum financing floor and make WASH a visible budget priority rather than an unfunded aspiration.

Parliament, through the Parliamentary Forum on WASH, should champion a WASH financing bill in the 12th Parliament to address persistent funding gaps and strengthen accountability. MoFPED and line ministries should also establish a mechanism for tracking WASH allocations and expenditure across sectors, while local governments should translate national commitments into funded district targets and report annually on results.

Additionally, having the President’s pronouncement will provide high-level policy direction for all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), Local Governments, the private sector, and communities to prioritize sanitation, and invest in sustainable WASH interventions as a shared national responsibility.

Uganda’s path to middle-income status depends not only on infrastructure and industry, but also on universal access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene. For Amina and millions of other Ugandans, WASH investment is not an abstract budget line; it determines whether a child reaches school on time, whether a mother can access a dignified sanitation facility and whether a family can avoid preventable illness. The choice is clear: invest now, or pay far more later.

Written by Cate Namyalo – Senior Environmental Health Officer with 16 years’ experience in the WASH sector serving at the Ministry of Health-Uganda

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Double Q, dfcu Bank and ICEA LION General Insurance bundle up to 100% financing, comprehensive motor insurance and after-sales support into a single deal for fleet owners and transport operators

Ugandan businesses looking to move beyond ageing, imported vehicles now have a faster route to owning brand-new commercial fleets. Double Q, dfcu Bank and ICEA LION General Insurance have signed a strategic partnership that bundles vehicle supply, financing and insurance into a single package, tackling what has long been one of the biggest barriers to fleet renewal: access to capital.

Under the deal, dfcu Bank will finance between 80% and 100% of the value of eligible commercial vehicles and equipment, allowing businesses to acquire trucks, buses and machinery without draining the working capital they need to keep operating. ICEA LION General Insurance completes the package with comprehensive motor cover against accidents, theft, fire and third-party liability.

The timing is significant. Industry estimates put 85% of vehicles entering Uganda as second-hand, with new vehicles accounting for just 15% of the market — a gap driven largely by affordability. The three partners are betting that a bundled, more accessible offer can help shift that balance, particularly in the commercial vehicle segment, where businesses are increasingly weighing total cost of ownership rather than sticker price alone.

“At Double Q, our mission is to let our customers succeed,” said Richard Musani, Head of Marketing at Double Q Company Limited. “Access to affordable financing has been one of the biggest barriers preventing businesses from investing in new commercial vehicles. By partnering with dfcu Bank and ICEA LION General Insurance, we are removing that barrier and giving customers an end-to-end solution that combines world-class vehicles, flexible financing and comprehensive insurance protection. This partnership empowers businesses to invest in productivity today while positioning themselves for long-term growth.”

Musani also pointed to Double Q’s expanding electric and hybrid vehicle lineup as a direct response to rising fuel costs. Customers can now access the GWM Tank 500 and Haval H6 as plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, the Sinotruk HOWO NX Tractor Truck in EV, the XCMG Wheel Loader in EV and the Heli 5-tonne Forklift in EV. “We recognise that fuel costs are an important consideration for our customers, and we are responding by expanding access to practical alternative mobility solutions across our product range,” he said.

For Double Q Managing Director Lin Yu, the pitch is about reframing the purchase decision itself. “Modern commercial vehicles deliver measurable business value through improved fuel efficiency, enhanced safety, greater reliability and lower operating costs,” he said. “Combined with our professional after-sales support, genuine spare parts and manufacturer-backed warranties, customers can maximise vehicle uptime and achieve stronger returns on investment. We are proud to partner with dfcu Bank and ICEA LION General Insurance to make these benefits more accessible to businesses across Uganda.”

dfcu Bank’s Executive Director and Chief Corporate and Institutional Banking Officer, Kate K. Kiiza, said the financing arrangement was designed to unlock growth rather than tie up cash. “Through our asset financing solutions, eligible customers can finance up to 100% of the purchase price of commercial vehicles and equipment, allowing them to preserve working capital while investing in productive assets,” she said. “We are delighted to partner with Double Q and ICEA LION General Insurance to provide a financing solution that supports enterprise growth, job creation and Uganda’s economic development.”

Ambrose Kibuuka, Chief Executive Officer of ICEA LION General Insurance, said protecting the asset matters as much as financing it. “Every commercial vehicle represents a significant investment, and protecting that investment is critical to business continuity,” he said. “Together with Double Q and dfcu Bank, we are delivering a seamless end-to-end mobility solution that enables customers to acquire, finance and protect their vehicles with confidence.”

Beyond the balance sheet, the partners say the shift to newer vehicles carries an environmental dividend too: new-generation commercial vehicles run cleaner than the ageing imports they replace, producing lower emissions and better fuel efficiency.

The partnership is expected to reach businesses across logistics, construction, agriculture, manufacturing, mining, distribution and public transportation, backed by Double Q’s after-sales network of genuine spare parts, technical support and manufacturer-backed warranties.

Interested customers can learn more about eligible vehicle models and financing options at any Double Q showroom or dfcu Bank branch nationwide.

KAMULI: The Minister for the Presidency, MP for Budiope West and Director for Busoga SDA Women field, Hon. Babirye Milly Babalanda, yesterday officiated at the closure of a one-week Seventh-day Adventist Camp Retreat at Kiige SDA Church in Kamuli District.

The Minister delivered greetings from H.E President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Mama Janet Kataaha Museveni, PS Office of the President, Hajji Yunus Kakande, and the entire staff of the Office of the President.

Minister Babalanda applauded the SDA Church leadership in Kamuli for dedicating the week to prayer, Bible study and fellowship. “This is the kind of moral foundation our nation needs. But faith must go hand in hand with work,” she said.

She noted that the NRM Government, under the stewardship of H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, has guaranteed freedom of worship and recognizes religious institutions as key partners in national development, unity, and moral transformation.

The Minister urged church pastors and leaders to use their pulpits to preach and mobilize communities around Government wealth-creation initiatives aimed at fighting household poverty.

“The government has established several wealth creation programmes, like the Parish Development Model – PDM, Emyooga, Youth Livelihood, Operation Wealth Creation – OWC, GROW, etc. Our role now is to ensure these resources are used with integrity, unity, and hard work to create wealth and jobs at the household level,” she said.

She specifically called on the people of Kamuli to embrace H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s 4-Acre Model Concept as a strategy for rural transformation. Under the model:Acre 1: Coffee or cocoa for long-term cash income; Acre 2: Fruits such as oranges, mangoes, and passion fruit; Acre 3: Food crops including maize, beans, cassava, sweet potatoes and vegetables; Acre 4: Animal pasture to support zero-grazing dairy.

Minister Babalanda also encouraged backyard projects such as poultry farming for eggs for Muslims and SDA believers, then piggery for non-Muslims, in line with the H.E. President Museveni’s guidance as the champion of wealth creation.

The Minister rallied participants to heed H.E President Museveni’s call for this term.

“This term, the President has tasked us with two things: Fighting corruption and working hard. There must be ‘No Sleeping’. As Christians, our hands must work as much as our voices praise. That is how we shall defeat poverty,” she emphasized.

In a show of support to the Church, Minister Babalanda also contributed 100 bags of cement towards the ongoing construction of Kiige SDA Church.

The retreat brought together hundreds of SDA faithful from across Kamuli District for a week of spiritual renewal.

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Support spans more than 20 schools, targeting children orphaned, affected by HIV/AIDS, or living with disabilities

Thirty-five children from more than 20 schools across Kalungu District will return to class this term with their fees paid and their bags stocked, after Double Q Uganda stepped in to cover the costs facing some of the district’s most vulnerable families.

The support, delivered under Double Q’s Corporate Social Responsibility programme, targets children who have lost one or both parents, who come from families affected by HIV/AIDS, or who are living with disabilities — circumstances that often make it hardest to stay in school. The package covers school fees and scholastic materials, addressing costs that can otherwise push vulnerable children out of the classroom.

“At Double Q, we believe that a successful business has a responsibility to contribute positively to the communities in which it operates,” said Lin Yu, Managing Director of Double Q. “Our CSR strategy is guided by the desire to create meaningful and sustainable social impact, particularly in areas such as education, public health and community development.” He added that investing in the children was an investment in Uganda’s future: “Education has the power to transform lives and communities. By supporting these 35 children, we are not simply meeting an immediate need; we are investing in their potential and giving them an opportunity to build a better future.”

Richard Musani, Head of Marketing at Double Q, said the initiative was designed to be practical rather than symbolic. “We recognise that for many families, the cost of school fees, books, stationery and other scholastic requirements can be a major challenge. For children who have already experienced difficult circumstances, including the loss of parents or living with disabilities, these challenges can become even greater,” he said. “Our intention is to help remove some of these barriers so that these children can concentrate on learning and developing their potential.”

Musani said spreading the support across more than 20 schools was a deliberate choice. “This initiative is about putting our social responsibility commitment into action. We are particularly encouraged that the beneficiaries come from more than 20 schools across Kalungu District because it allows us to reach children in different communities,” he said. “We believe that every child deserves an opportunity to access quality education, regardless of their background or circumstances.”

For the 35 beneficiaries and their families, the intervention is expected to bring both immediate relief and longer-term stability, allowing the children to stay focused on their education without the constant threat of dropping out over unpaid fees.

The Kalungu initiative sits within Double Q’s wider CSR programme, which the company frames as central to its role in Uganda beyond its core automotive business. Double Q represents six brands across commercial vehicles, construction and mining equipment, material handling, passenger vehicles and tyres — Sinotruk, XCMG, HELI, GWM and Wanli.

“Today’s schoolchildren are tomorrow’s professionals, entrepreneurs, community leaders and contributors to Uganda’s development,” the company said, citing education as one of its priority areas for community investment alongside public health and community development.

The art fraternity is mourning veteran Ugandan playwright, actor and author Alex Mukulu, whose death has sent shockwaves through the creative industry.

Tributes have started pouring in from fellow actors, writers, producers and other creatives, many remembering Mukulu as a gifted storyteller whose work helped shape Uganda’s theatre landscape over several decades.

For many in the industry, Mukulu was more than just a performer and playwright. He was a mentor, a teacher and a creative force whose contribution will continue to live through the generations of artists inspired by his work.

As the industry comes to terms with his passing, Alex Mukulu leaves behind a rich legacy and a body of work that cemented his place among the pioneers of Ugandan theatre.

Bobi Wine- NUP President and musician

I’m shoked by news of the sudden death of Alex Mukulu, an unapologetic voice of reason in thr entertainment world. My heart goes to his family and loved ones. Kitalo nnyo!!

Charles Peter Mayiga- Buganda Prime Minister

The news of the passing of the talented, Alex Mukulu, is very sad! Mukulu has been a writer, coach and athlete; he’s been writing and singing songs. He has been producing plays at a high level, and we have learned a lot from his plays. He was a man of the King, and loved the traditions and culture of Buganda. My condolences to the family and friends. I pray the Lord, have mercy on his soul. CPM)

Maurice Kirya-Musician

Uganda has lost a true legend. Thank you, Alex Mukulu, for inspiring artists like myself to dare to step outside the box and become the artists we truly aspire to be. Your impact will live on through the generations of artists you inspired. Rest in Peace ?

Thank you for the opportunity you gave me when I was enrolled into your “40 Anointed voices” choir 22 years ago!! You will forever be remembered as one of the great pillars of Ugandan Theatre & music.
Rest in peace.

Julie Mutesasira-Gospel artiste

Rest in peace sweet heart ooooo my heart.

Ykee Benda-Musician

The man who gave me my very first opportunity on a big stage as a dancer and vocalist under the 50 YEARS INDEPENDENCE production he put together 13 years ago Groomed me into the man I am today but more importantly taught how to care for art and love it like my own child. It’s from this man that I learnt humor and intelligence are like 5&6. Most misunderstood human being if I ever met one, I love you so much Muzei Alex Webale Byona Muzei Alex , May your soul rest in Peace Uganda has truly lost a great man

Frank Walusimbi- Former NTV presenter

We had a great time on this show, Tuwaye. The wit, the straight talk and the wisdom were unforgettable. The music and drama industry has lost so much with the passing of Alex Mukulu. Tusaasidde nnyo ab’ennyumba ye bonna. Katonda abagumye.

The Mith-Hip Hop artiste

Damn, Rest In POWER to the Legend Alex Mukulu….. Uganda’s Entertainment has lost 1 of our most powerful voices. Condolences to the family and friends.

Douglas Lwanga-TV presenter

Rest in Peace Alex Mukulu, your contribution to the art industry will forever be remembered