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The late Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV has been eulogised as a monarch who symbolised unity, continuity of his kingdom and cultural identity for the people of Tooro while providing exemplary leadership for modernising kingdoms.

While moving a motion to pay tribute to the fallen monarch on Thursday, 03 September 2026, the Prime Minister, Rt Hon. Robinah Nabbanja commended Oyo’s promotion of the education sector through the King Oyo Foundation, where many underprivileged youths benefitted from primary and secondary education scholarships.

She also lauded late king’s initiatives in reviving agriculture in the Kingdom as well as supporting government initiatives in child health and nutrition.
“Omukama Oyo Nyimba was a dedicated champion of the youth in the fight against HIV and AIDS, having been designated in 2016 as champion among young people in Eastern and Southern Africa by UNAIDS. In this capacity, he consistently advocated for the prevention of new HIV infections, the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV and the engagement of men and boys in the response to HIV and AIDS,” Nabbanja said.

She added that he served as a practical custodian of the environment and a climate action advocate who spearheaded a campaign to plant over 10 million trees and save the heavily polluted River Mpanga.
“As a global tourism ambassador, King Oyo climbed the Rwenzori Mountain in full royal regalia to Margherita peak and also tracked mountain gorillas which helped to showcase Uganda’s tourism potential,” the Prime Minister added.

The Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Joel Ssenyonyi in a statement presented by Hon. Patrick Oshabe, commended Oyo for complimenting his commitment to Tooro culture with his conviction to the Christian faith.
“He did not see these responsibilities as conflicting. His faith informed the way he served as a cultural leader while his role as Omukama remained firmly rooted in the traditions of his people. Throughout his reign, he demonstrated that Christian conviction and respect to the Tooro heritage could co-exist,” Oshabe said.

Mwenge County North MP, Hon. Lawrence Akugizibwe said that the departed king promoted healthy living by advocating for preventive healthcare and safeguarding his people against the growing threat of non-communicable diseases like cancer, diabetes and heart diseases.
“After the loss of His Majesty, we must transform his personal battle into a lasting public contribution. I therefore, urge this House and government to support the establishment of King Oyo Nyimba Cancer Institute in Fort Portal to strengthen our national response to cancer,” Akugizibwe said.

Hon. Spellanza Baguma (Indep., Kyenjojo District) observed that the king pushed for the development of child healthcare facilities.
“The King of Tooro started a fundraising drive to construct a children’s hospital at Nyatungo in Kyenjojo District because he loved children so much, having ascended the throne as a child. I request that government carries this project forward,” Baguma said.

MPs also commended the regents who acted as caretakers of the late king, including President Yoweri Museveni, Buganda’s Kabaka Ronald Mwenda Mutebi II and his mother, Queen Best Kemigisha.
“As the people of Tooro, we would like to thank the President of Uganda for raising a son and a king. He walked with him through school and military training, and prepared him to be the great leader we have lost,” said Hon. Mary Kuteesa, the State Minister for Gender and Culture.

She also revealed that the late monarch will be laid to rest on Saturday, 12 September 2026, a day that would have marked his 31st coronation anniversary.

Fort Portal City MP, Hon. Irene Linda and Hon. Joseph Mugyenyi (NRM, Burahya County) commended Oyo for availing land for the construction of the proposed Buhinga Football Stadium and urged government to advance its development and rename it to King Oyo International Stadium.

Hoima City Woman MP, Hon. Asinansi Nyakato urged government to support the revival of cultural sites in Tooro to promote tourism in the districts taken under the kingdom.

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Government is given the green light to borrow Euros207.75 million from Citi bank and other financial institutions to finance the design and building of the Jinja-Mbulambuti-Kamuli-Bukungu road and Jinja City roads.

The motion seeking approval of the loan request was presented by the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Hon. Henry Musasizi on Thursday, 03 September 2026.

He said that the 127km Jinja-Mbulambuti-Kamuli-Bukungu road forms a critical transport corridor linking Busoga to Lake Kyoga in Teso and provides an alternative route between Northern and Southern Uganda.
“The road connects to several districts across the waters of Lake Kyoga and the terminal end of the road at Bukungu is a gateway to districts of Amolatar, Kaberamaido, Soroti, Nakasongola and Kayunga,’ Musasizi said.

He added that the 10km Jinja city roads will enhance trade between Jinja city and the neighboring districts.
“Intervening in 10km of urban roads within Jinja city directly supports urban mobility, facilitates industrial transport within Uganda’s primary industrial city and boosts local trade,” Musasizi said.

In its report, the Committee on National Economy recommended approval of the loan but quickly added that the loan agreement should not be signed until the Ministry of Works and Transport completes registration of all Project Affected Persons (PAPs).

The Chairperson of the Committee, Hon. Jane Pacuto said that whereas the Works Ministry undertook land valuation in 2022 with compensation of PAPs estimated at Shs112.8 billion, the valuation report has neither been updated nor submitted.
“Consequently, the quoted values may vary once the updated valuation is completed. Given that the valuation reports are not yet complete, there is a risk of project delays arising from the fact that PAPs have not been conclusively engaged under the new policy,” Pacuto said.

The committee called for the expeditious determination, approval and disclosure of conclusive compensation amounts to PAPs, stating that this will ensure that financing becomes effective and minimise implementation delays.
“The Ministry of Finance should not source or commit to financing projects involving PAPs until resettlement impacts are fully assessed,” Pacuto said.

Presenting the minority report, Hon. Hassan Kirumira (NUP, Katikamu County South) objected to the loan request and recommended that the issue of compensation of PAPs should be concluded before the loan agreement is signed.
“It is risky to proceed with the loan request; PAPs are raising concerns considering land value has appreciated value. Without mutual agreements, the project will suffer high costs due to undisbursed loan,” Kirumira said.

He also urged government to consider concessional loans saying that commercial loans are expensive and yet the country is grappling with a heavy debt burden.
“The loan is expensive; part of it is commercial with a short maturity period of six years. We are not sure that after that, government will not borrow another loan,” Kirumira said.

Hon James Waluswaka (NRM, Bunyole West County) supported the loan approval but urged government to remove the budget on road design, saying that it was already done by the ministry.

Kagoma County MP, Hon. Moses Walyomu said that Jinja-Mbulambuti-Kamuli-Bukungu will boost tourism activities Busoga region.
“The road is along tourism sites like Busowoko and Itanda falls. This will help the tourism sector,” he said.

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By Hon. Dr. Abbas Agaba

It is with a profoundly heavy heart and a deep sense of personal loss that I join the people of Tooro, the Royal Family, Uganda and the African continent in mourning the passing of His Majesty King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, the Omukama of Tooro Kingdom.

For many, His Majesty was a King, a cultural leader and a symbol of Tooro’s rich heritage. For me, he was also a personal friend — a friendship I will forever treasure. His passing has therefore touched me not only in my capacity as Secretary General of the Afro-Arab Youth Council, but also as a friend who had the privilege of sharing personal moments with him.

I had the honour of hosting His Majesty twice at my home. Those occasions remain among the memories I will hold closest to my heart. Beyond the crown and the responsibilities that came with his office, I experienced a young King who was warm, gracious, humble and deeply connected to people.

Our interactions reminded me that true leadership is not only about the position one occupies, but also about the character one carries, the people one touches and the values one leaves behind.

His Majesty’s passing is an immense loss to Tooro Kingdom and to Uganda. It is also a loss to a generation that saw in him a symbol of continuity, cultural pride, unity and hope. His reign demonstrated the important place of cultural institutions in preserving our identity while inspiring younger generations to embrace their heritage and contribute meaningfully to society.

As Secretary General of the Afro-Arab Youth Council, I am particularly moved by this loss because our work is founded on the values of peace, unity, cultural understanding, youth empowerment and African solidarity. King Oyo embodied many of these values through his role as a unifying figure and a custodian of the cultural heritage of the people of Tooro.

But today, I choose to remember him beyond his title.

I remember a friend.

I remember the conversations, the warmth, the humility and the moments we shared. I remember opening my home to him and the honour it was to have His Majesty as my guest. Those memories are now precious reminders of a friendship that I wish could have lasted much longer.

Death has taken away a King from his people and a friend from many of us who loved and respected him. Yet it cannot take away the memories he created, the lives he touched or the legacy he leaves behind.

To the Royal Family and the people of Tooro, I extend my deepest condolences. Your loss is immeasurable, and my heart goes out to you during this difficult period of mourning.

To the young people of Tooro and Uganda, I encourage you to preserve the values His Majesty represented — unity, dignity, respect for culture, service to others and responsibility to future generations. Let his memory inspire us to build the peaceful, united and prosperous Africa that our generation deserves.

King Oyo may have left this world, but he will not leave our hearts.

For me personally, I will forever be grateful that I had the privilege not only of knowing His Majesty, but of calling him my friend and welcoming him into my home.

May the Almighty grant the Royal Family strength and comfort, and may He grant the people of Tooro peace during this painful hour.

Rest in eternal peace, my dear friend and Your Majesty.

You will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.

The author is the Secretary General
Afro-Arab Youth Council (AAYC)

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Introduction

In a world increasingly shaped by modernity, imitation of foreign cultures, migration, and rapid social change, many people are gradually losing touch with their origins. Family traditions are fading, local languages are becoming less common, and stories once passed from one generation to the next by elders risk being forgotten. Yet understanding our roots is essential to understanding who we are and where we are going.

Returning to our roots does not mean rejecting modern life or attempting to reverse the passage of time. Rather, it involves reconnecting with the people, places, values, traditions, and experiences that have shaped us what we are today. It provides an opportunity to learn from the past, preserve what is valuable, and carry meaningful traditions into the future

For individuals and communities alike, reconnecting with one’s roots can strengthen identity, restore a sense of belonging, and provide valuable lessons for future generations.

In an era of constant change, looking back is not necessarily a step backward; it can be a means of moving forward with greater understanding.

In African tradition and culture, reconnecting children born and raised in urban settings with their roots in rural areas provides them with valuable opportunities to understand and appreciate their origins. It enables them to learn about their culture, language, traditions, values, and way of life.

Such experiences help children develop a stronger sense of identity and belonging while equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to adapt and thrive in both urban and rural environments. Reconnecting with their roots also helps preserve cultural heritage and ensures that important traditions are passed on to future generations.

Understanding Your Roots

Your roots extend beyond your place of birth. They encompass your family history, culture, language, traditions, values, community, and the experiences of previous generations that have contributed to shaping your identity. Understanding these roots allows us to view ourselves not only as individuals but also as participants in a broader historical and cultural narrative.

For many people, this understanding begins within the family. Conversations with parents, grandparents, and other elders can reveal important accounts of a family’s origins, the challenges its members faced, the values they upheld, and the sacrifices they made. These stories can offer insights rarely found in textbooks and help younger generations appreciate the journey that has brought them to where they are today

For instance, the Chagga tribe located in the northern parts of the United Republic of Tanzania along the fertile slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro have always maintained the culture of reconnecting and returning to their roots in the month of December every year over time, to them it doesn’t matter where they live or work be it far away from home, in diaspora or abroad- they must honour the call to return to their roots en masse and reconnect with other kin ,kith, clan and family members,relatives.This return is always marked by cultural celebrations where local brew made from banana plantains (Mbege),slaughtering/roasting of domestic animals (Nyama Choma) and local food/ cuisines are served to all guests as they interact with each other, they also become knowledgeable about their identities, culture and traditions.

As an international student at the College of African Wildlife Management Mweka Moshi Tanzania (1996-1998) I was privileged and honoured to be part of these celebrations on invitation by the Chagga community leaders since the College is located in the same region along the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Understanding your roots also involves recognizing the significance of the culture and traditions passed down through generations. Language, music, food, ceremonies, beliefs, customs, and community practices often preserve memories and knowledge from the past.

Although not every tradition must remain unchanged, understanding its meaning enables individuals and communities to make informed decisions about what should be preserved and passed on.

Most importantly, understanding your roots does not require remaining focused exclusively on the past. It involves recognizing where you come from while remaining receptive to the present and the future. Individuals who understand their history are often better positioned to appreciate their identity, recognize the strengths of previous generations, and determine the kind of legacy they wish to create for those who follow.

Why Your Roots Matter

Our roots matter because they provide a sense of identity and belonging. In a world where people are increasingly exposed to diverse cultures, lifestyles, and influences, having a clear understanding of where we come from can provide a foundation on which to build our lives. Our history helps us understand not only our past but also the values and experiences that have shaped the people and communities we have become.

Knowing our roots can also strengthen our connections with family and community. When we take an interest in the stories of those who came before us, we begin to appreciate the struggles they endured, the opportunities they created, and the lessons they left behind. Such knowledge can deepen intergenerational respect and encourage families to preserve important memories and traditions.

Our roots can also teach us resilience. Every family and community have faced difficulties, changes, and uncertainties. Learning how previous generations responded to hardship can offer valuable perspectives when we encounter challenges of our own. Their experiences remind us that difficult circumstances can be overcome and that progress is often built on the sacrifices and determination of those who came before us.

Perhaps most importantly, knowing our roots helps us make informed decisions about the future. A strong connection to our heritage does not mean resisting change. Instead, it enables us to distinguish between what should be preserved, what should be improved, and what should be left behind. By understanding our past, we can move forward with greater confidence while ensuring that the values, stories, and traditions worth preserving are not lost.

In this sense, our roots are not merely reminders of where we have been. They are sources of perspective, identity, and wisdom that can help guide where we are going.

The Benefits of Reconnecting

Reconnecting with our roots can foster a renewed sense of identity and belonging. In an increasingly interconnected world, people may find themselves navigating different cultures, lifestyles, and expectations. Taking time to reconnect with family, community, and heritage can provide a clearer understanding of who we are and where we fit within the broader society. One important benefit is the strengthening of family relationships.

Learning about family history creates opportunities for meaningful intergenerational conversations. Older family members can share experiences, stories, offer guidance and lessons, while younger generations gain a greater appreciation of the people and circumstances that shaped their families. These connections can help preserve memories that might otherwise disappear.

Reconnecting with our roots can also contribute to cultural preservation. Languages, traditional knowledge, music, food, crafts, ceremonies, and customs can easily be lost when they are no longer practiced or transmitted. By taking an active interest in these aspects of heritage, individuals can help ensure that valuable cultural knowledge remains available to future generations.

There are also personal lessons to be gained from returning to one’s roots. Understanding the difficulties and achievements of previous generations can encourage humility, resilience, and gratitude. It can remind us that many of the opportunities we enjoy today were made possible by the efforts and sacrifices of those who came before us.

Reconnection can further strengthen communities. When people take pride in their shared history and participate in cultural activities, they can develop stronger bonds with one another. This sense of collective identity can encourage cooperation, responsibility, and a greater commitment to preserving the community for future generations.

Ultimately, reconnecting with our roots is not about living in the past. It is about drawing wisdom from the past to enrich the present and inform the future. By understanding and valuing where we come from, we can move forward without losing the sense of identity and belonging that gives our journey meaning

Practical Ways to Return to Your Roots

Returning to your roots can begin with learning more about your family history. Speak with older relatives, record their memories, collect photographs and documents, and create a family/genealogical tree. These conversations can reveal stories, traditions, and experiences that might otherwise be forgotten.

Exploring your cultural heritage is another meaningful approach. Learn about the food, history, language, music, art, clothing, and customs associated with your background. Reading books, watching documentaries, visiting museums, and attending cultural events can provide valuable context and deepen your understanding.

Food can also provide a direct connection to heritage. Prepare traditional recipes with family members, learn the stories behind particular dishes, and preserve recipes that have been passed down through generations. Cooking together can create opportunities to share memories and strengthen relationships.

If possible, visit places connected to your family or cultural history. Returning to an ancestral town, village, neighbourhood, place of worship, or country can make the past feel more tangible. Even when travel is not possible, virtual tours, historical records, and conversations with people from those communities can help create a sense of connection.

Learning or preserving a heritage language can be especially significant. Practice with relatives, enrol in classes, use language-learning resources, or teach basic words and phrases to younger family members. Language often carries cultural values, humour, and ways of understanding the world that may not translate fully into another language.

Participating in community traditions is another way to reconnect. Attend festivals, ceremonies, religious gatherings, cultural workshops, or local history events. Volunteering with organizations that preserve cultural heritage can also transform personal interest into meaningful community involvement.

The Gisu tribe in Uganda have over the past years up to day used the Imbalu festivals and ceremonies to carry out mass circumcision of Bagisu male youths to transform them from boyhood to manhood status. During these circumcision periods, celebrations are carried out in form of dancing Kadodi(Local Gisu dance).This demonstrate the tradition of visiting and reconnecting with their roots.All uncircumcised Gisu boys/youths/men are referred to Abasinde,while all circumcised Gisu boys/youths/men are referred to as Basani.

Finally, reflect on which values and traditions you want to carry forward. Returning to your roots does not require accepting every custom unchanged. It means thoughtfully understanding where you come from, honouring what remains meaningful, and adapting those lessons to your life today.

Conclusion

Returning to our roots is ultimately an opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of ourselves. Our families, cultures, languages, traditions, and communities preserve stories that have shaped our identities and continue to influence future generations.

In an increasingly dynamic world, these connections can provide a meaningful sense of identity, belonging, and perspective.

Reconnecting with our roots does not require rejecting modernity or remaining confined to the past. Instead, it involves recognizing the wisdom, values, and experiences worth preserving while remaining open to learning, adaptation, and growth.

This process enables us to acknowledge the sacrifices of previous generations and reflect on the legacy we will leave for those who follow.

Perhaps the most important lesson is that we cannot fully understand our direction without understanding our origins. By taking the time to learn about, preserve, and value our roots, we honour the past while contributing to a more connected and purposeful future.

Our roots may anchor us to where we come from, but they need not determine where we are able to go.

Quote:

“Let us all make returning to our roots a tradition, so that we may receive the blessings and wisdom of our elders.”-NJAYE SK 1996.

Author:

Kizito Simon Njaye,

Research Associate,African Research Consult-Uganda,

Email: [email protected],

www.twitter.com/kizitosimonnjaye,

www.quora.com/kizitosimonnjaye,

www.bing.com/kizitosimonnjaye,

www.linkedin.com/kizitosimonnjaye,

www.facebook.com/kizitosimonnjaye,

www.wikipaedia.org/

 

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From the village to the District Service Commission, a system meant to reward merit faces allegations of bribery, political interference, and favoritism. Now, the Ministry of Local Government wants the fight to begin at the grassroots.

The corruption of a public service often begins before a public servant takes an oath. It starts with a phone call, an intermediary, a promise, or an envelope quietly passed across a table in exchange for a job. For the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government, Ben Kumumanya, that is precisely where Uganda must begin its anti-corruption crusade.

Speaking at the ministry offices, Mr. Kumumanya emphasized that the vice cannot be fought solely from ministries, anti-corruption agencies, and courts in Kampala. It must be confronted where citizens first encounter government: at the local level.

“Corruption starts at the grassroots, so local leaders should fight it starting from the grassroots,” Kumumanya said. He added that LC1 leaders and their executive councils have an obligation to curb graft, placing newly elected village leadership structures at the beginning of an accountability chain that connects citizens to higher government institutions.

The directive comes as the government confronts evidence showing that corruption in local-government recruitment is not merely a collection of isolated complaints—it has been measured in billions of shillings.

The Billions Behind the Jobs

An assessment by the Inspectorate of Government found that job applicants in local governments were asked for an estimated Shs78 billion in bribes between 2018 and 2022, with approximately Shs29 billion actually paid.

The Inspectorate noted that bribery was most prevalent at the shortlisting stage, identifying members of District Service Commissions among those most likely to demand payments. Requested amounts ranged from Shs3 million for lower-level jobs to Shs50 million for senior positions.

The problem spans multiple sectors:

• Education Sector: Applicants faced an estimated Shs36.9 billion in bribe requests.
• Health Sector: Recorded the highest actual bribes paid, totaling roughly Shs12.9 billion.

Over 35 per cent of surveyed public servants admitted to paying bribes to secure their positions. Many applicants borrow money or sell family assets to finance these payments, expecting to recover their losses through corrupt practices once employed. This dynamic turns recruitment corruption into a entry point for systemic, public-sector abuse.

Systemic Fixes and Institutional Challenges

In response, Kumumanya warned District and City Service Commissions, Chief Administrative Officers, and Town Clerks that recruitment into public service is strictly a free service. The ministry has directed local governments to include zero-corruption disclaimers on job advertisements, explicitly stating that asking for money is illegal.

However, the responsibility cannot rest entirely on LC1 leaders. Uganda’s legal framework places recruitment in the hands of District Service Commissions—bodies that face their own institutional challenges. A 2024 Parliamentary Committee on Public Service report revealed that some commission members receive retainer fees as low as Shs30,000, creating financial vulnerabilities that compromise integrity. Parliament has recommended expanding e-recruitment to limit physical interactions, though low digital literacy among applicants remains a hurdle.

Ultimately, recruitment corruption compromises service delivery for every citizen. A patient or student rarely knows whether a health worker or teacher bought their job, but they suffer the consequences of compromised standards. By positioning LC1 councils as an early-warning system to document and report extortion, the ministry aims to protect the integrity of entry into public service.

Kumumanya has placed a warning at the gate, but administrative circulars alone cannot end graft. Systemic enforcement, transparent investigations, and real consequences must follow where the citizen stands—at the village.

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By Brian Mugenyi

 

As Uganda prepares to bid farewell to Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru IV, Gen. (Rtd) Henry Tumukunde has issued a message that reaches beyond the King’s burial: the future of Tooro’s cultural institution must be strictly anchored in law.
Addressing journalists at a press conference in Kampala on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, Gen. Tumukunde praised the government, the private sector, and the business community for supporting preparations to give the late King a dignified send-off and for helping mobilize citizens for the national farewell.

“The burial and occasion is of national importance and is attracting international attention. The whole world is watching how Uganda mourns its King,” Tumukunde said.
He noted that corporate entities and private actors have joined the government and the Tooro Kingdom administration to support the burial program and organize logistics ahead of the King’s final rites.

However, while the nation prepares to mourn, Tumukunde warned that the grief surrounding Oyo’s death must not overshadow the legal and cultural frameworks that will shape the kingdom’s future. He pointed specifically to Section 15 of the Institution of Traditional or Cultural Leaders Act, 2011, emphasizing that it provides clear mechanisms for resolving disputes within cultural institutions, including potential disagreements over succession.

“We shall be following Section 15 of the Institution of Traditional or Cultural Leaders Act 2011, and that will be guiding us. In that case, if there are any disputes, the law provides on what exactly is supposed to be done,” he said.

The statement places statutory law at the center of Tooro’s transition: the delicate process of determining who succeeds the late King and how the institution moves forward. Tumukunde called for restraint, urging the public to ignore speculation and unverified claims circulating on social media.

His appeal comes as the Tooro Kingdom and the central government coordinate preparations for the official burial of the monarch, who passed away on August 27, 2026, at the age of 34.

President Yoweri Museveni directed that King Oyo be accorded an official burial and declared three days of national mourning, underlining the monarch’s significance to Uganda’s cultural heritage. The Office of the President is leading the national arrangements through an Inter-Ministerial Committee working alongside Tooro Kingdom officials to manage security, protocol, logistics, public health, traffic, and media outreach.

For Tooro, the funeral marks only the immediate chapter; the larger story lies in what happens when the mourning period ends.

King Oyo ascended the throne in 1995 at just three years old, making his reign one of the most remarkable in Uganda’s modern cultural history. As he matured, he became a prominent advocate for youth empowerment, tourism, and the promotion of Tooro’s identity. His passing leaves behind an institution that must now navigate grief, succession, and continuity simultaneously.

Tumukunde’s stance remains clear: the transition cannot be driven by emotion alone. It must be guided by legal frameworks, tradition, and peaceful dialogue.

The real test facing Tooro is not merely how honorably it buries its King, but how faithfully it safeguards the unity and cultural heritage he represented. As the kingdom prepares for the final send-off, Tumukunde’s directive stands firm—bury the King with dignity, unite the people, and let the law chart what comes next.

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Mutungo Health Centre III opens as leaders call for more health workers

Leaders say infrastructure investment must be matched with adequate staffing and essential supplies

By Brian Mugenyi

KAMPALA — The operationalisation of Mutungo Health Centre III in Makindye-Ssabagabo Municipality has been welcomed as a boost to healthcare delivery, but local leaders have urged government to deploy more health workers to ensure the facility can meet the needs of the growing population.

The Makindye-Ssabagabo Municipality Mayor, Moses Otimong, applauded the Government of Uganda, through the Ministry of Health led by Dr Chris Baryomunsi, for supporting the facility, saying it will bring essential health services closer to residents.

Otimong said the investment should improve access to services, including immunisation, family planning and maternal healthcare.

However, he said infrastructure alone cannot guarantee better healthcare if facilities are not adequately staffed.

He cited the experience of Kakoola Health Centre, where he said government had invested heavily in infrastructure but the facility still faced a shortage of health workers.

“Health workers must accompany infrastructure,” Otimong said, arguing that government should ensure newly developed facilities have sufficient personnel to serve patients.

The concerns were echoed by the Makindye-Ssabagabo Municipality Mayor, Galabuzi John Bosco Sserunkuma, who called for additional health workers at the facility.

He said adequate staffing is particularly important when health centres are confronted with emergencies involving pregnant women and children.

For example, a woman suffering severe bleeding requires immediate attention, while a child experiencing convulsions needs urgent medical intervention.

Such cases, leaders said, require not only buildings and equipment but trained personnel who can make quick clinical decisions.

Shs3.96b investment

Otimong said the construction of Mutungo Health Centre III cost about Shs3.6 billion, while equipment was valued at approximately Shs360 million.

This puts the construction and equipment investment he cited at about Shs3.96 billion.

The investment comes as Makindye-Ssabagabo continues to experience pressure on public services because of its large and growing population.

According to the 2024 National Population and Housing Census, Makindye-Ssabagabo Municipality has a population of 439,605 people, comprising 229,298 males and 210,307 females in 114,527 households.

The census also recorded 59,083 children aged between zero and four years, while 186,375 residents were aged between zero and 17.

The figures point to significant demand for maternal, child and general healthcare services in the municipality.

Sserukenja calls for manpower

Makindye-Ssabagabo legislator Hon David Sserukenja also called for additional manpower and improved support to health facilities in the municipality.

He said some existing facilities are congested and require more health workers, medicines and other medical commodities.

Sserukenja also raised the issue of staff accommodation, saying facilities that have adequate housing for health workers are better placed to retain personnel and provide services.

He urged government to continue investing in the municipality’s health system as the population grows.

Operationalisation, not commissioning

Dr Geoffrey Kisuze said the event marked the operationalisation of Mutungo Health Centre III and Kibiri Health Centre III rather than commissioning.

“Today we are not commissioning; we are operationalising,” he said.

Dr Kisuze said Mutungo Health Centre III would provide outpatient services, immunisation, HIV/AIDS services and other clinical services.

He said health workers had been deployed and assured residents that government would provide medicines and other supplies required to run the facility.

The operationalisation means the facilities are moving from infrastructure development to service delivery, placing greater emphasis on staffing, supplies, equipment maintenance and referral systems.

Health workforce challenge

The concerns raised by the leaders come against the backdrop of Uganda’s broader health workforce challenge.

The Ministry of Health’s Human Resources for Health Strategic Plan identifies shortages and uneven distribution of health workers as major challenges to effective service delivery.

In May 2026, the ministry and its partners said they were working on measures to strengthen Uganda’s health workforce, highlighting the continuing need to address staffing gaps in the health sector.

At the local government level, the FY2025/26 approved budget for Makindye-Ssabagabo Municipality includes funding lines for Mutungo HC III and Kibiri HC III, including non-wage recurrent resources.

The funding is intended to support the facilities as they move into regular service delivery.

Maternal health remains critical

The need for adequate staffing is particularly important for maternal healthcare.

Ministry of Health guidelines recommend early and regular antenatal care, including monitoring pregnant women for complications and providing appropriate interventions.

For uncomplicated pregnancies, the ministry recommends at least eight antenatal contacts.

The guidelines also emphasise monitoring blood pressure and other indicators that can help health workers identify complications early.

For a new health centre, this means having rooms and equipment is only one part of the equation.

There must also be trained personnel capable of providing antenatal care, identifying danger signs and referring patients who require a higher level of care.

The next test

The operationalisation of Mutungo Health Centre III therefore marks the beginning of a new phase for the facility.

The construction phase focused on putting up the infrastructure and equipping it.

The operational phase will be judged by the services patients receive.

Residents will want to know whether health workers are available, whether medicines are in stock, whether equipment is functioning and whether emergencies can be handled promptly.

They will also expect an effective referral system for cases that cannot be managed at the health centre.

For Makindye-Ssabagabo leaders, the message to government is therefore clear: the investment in infrastructure must be followed by investment in the workforce.

As the facility opens its doors, the challenge is no longer simply to have a health centre in Mutungo.

It is to ensure that the health centre works.

The infrastructure is in place. The next measure of success will be the quality, availability and reliability of the services delivered to the people.

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Can we please take a moment and appreciate the people whose names never appeared on the poster?

Not the singer. Not the influencers recording slow-motion entrance videos. And certainly not the celebrities who arrived fashionably late because apparently punctuality is for ordinary Ugandans.

I am talking about whoever was behind organising Vinka’s concert at Lugogo Cricket Oval.

The people with walkie-talkies, spreadsheets, group chats and enough patience to coordinate thousands of Ugandans in one place without Kampala turning into its usual reality show.

No stage collapse. No main act showing up when people had already memorised the DJ’s entire playlist. No chairs flying through the air over relationship misunderstandings. And, if the organisers are to be believed, barely any reports of phone theft.

In our concert history, that is almost suspiciously peaceful.

Ugandan concerts have somehow convinced us that a little chaos is part of the ticket price.

We buy a ticket knowing we might also lose a phone, spend three hours trying to escape the parking lot, inhale enough dust to qualify for a chest X-ray, and still get home at 3am wondering why the headline act performed for only 40 minutes.

We have normalised suffering so much that when an event actually works, it feels like someone forgot to add the usual Ugandan seasoning.

Yet Vinka’s concert reminded us that organising a concert is much bigger than booking an artiste and hiring loudspeakers.

It is essentially building a temporary city for eight hours.

There are entrances and exits to manage, bars and food stalls to coordinate, VIP sections to secure, lighting and sound to monitor, cameras to position, toilets to maintain, security to deploy and thousands of people to manage—many of whom arrive convinced that, regardless of what their ticket says, they deserve front-row treatment.

The funny thing is that the best organisers are almost invisible.

While we were busy screaming lyrics, taking selfies and posting TikToks before the songs had even ended, another performance was happening backstage.

Stage managers were calling cues. Sound engineers were making sure microphones behaved themselves. Wardrobe teams were handling quick outfit changes. Security teams were watching the crowd instead of waiting for chaos to introduce itself. Medical teams were reportedly on standby throughout the night in case anyone needed assistance.

That is how good event production works.

You are not supposed to notice it.

The moment the audience starts noticing the logistics, something has usually gone terribly wrong.

And perhaps that is the problem with how we measure success in Uganda’s entertainment industry. We spend so much time talking about the artiste, the crowd, the performances, the outfits and the celebrity sightings that we rarely talk about the people who make sure all those things happen in the first place.

We need more people who treat organisation as seriously as the entertainment itself.

People who understand that starting on time is not a miracle. Crowd control is not optional. Security is not something you remember after the first fight breaks out. And respecting people who paid for tickets is not some luxury customer-service package.

Kampala has accepted disorder for far too long, almost wearing it like a badge of honour.

We joke about traffic after concerts, stolen phones, delayed performances and endless waiting because we have come to expect them.

Maybe it is time we raised the bar.

A concert should not be considered successful simply because thousands of people attended. It should also be judged by how those people were treated, how safely they entered and left, whether the programme generally worked, and whether the experience justified what they paid for.

If concerts where people simply have a good time, enjoy the music and safely return home become the norm rather than the exception, that might be one of the biggest flexes Uganda’s entertainment industry has pulled off in years.

And honestly, whoever was behind Vinka’s concert deserves their flowers.

They quietly reminded us that professionalism does not have to compete with entertainment.

Sometimes, professionalism is the entertainment industry’s biggest flex—and yes, it can sell out a show.

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