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Grace Nakimera’s much-anticipated return to the stage is set for Friday, September 11th at the Kampala Serena Hotel. The Power of Grace Live Concert will be a night of unforgettable music and community impact.

The official launch took place on Monday, August 31st, with I&M Bank Uganda as the lead partner. The event brought together Uganda’s top music personalities including the ‘King himself’ Cindy Sanyu, Aziz Azion, David Lutaalo as well as Legendary dancehall start Kid Fox, who has been out of Uganda for over a decade.

Hosted by media personality Douglas Lwanga, the launch came moments after Grace released her latest single, Everything, which was exclusively premiered at the presser.

But it wasn’t all music and speeches.

Grace Nakimera did not simply walk into her concert press launch. Grace made a dramatic entrance wrapped in white fabric, with only her face showing, walked in italics, being shoved by comedian and actor Kudzu Isac, who was dressed in a matching black outfit, complete with a hoodie, with a stick in hand. This striking entrance was symbolizing her journey through the music industry, time away and her powerful comeback.

Nakimera has been away from the music scene for a while, making her return particularly significant for fans who grew up on her music. For Lwanga, the return is also a reminder of the preserved power of Uganda’s older generation of artistes.

“Whenever artistes from that generation return to the stage and still command attention, it is a testament to music that has stood the test of time,” he said.

That generational appeal was evident throughout the launch, with artistes speaking warmly about Nakimera and what she has contributed to Uganda’s music scene.

Aziz Azion, who publicly confessed that Nakimera’s music is close to his heart, said he is excited about her return, and looking forward to sharing the stage with the songbird. 

David Lutaalo praised Nakimera’s resilience and creativity, while Kid Fox offered perhaps one of the most personal tributes, describing Nakimera as ‘a sister.’

Cindy, just like the others, expressed joy that Nakimera decided to bounce back. “This concert represents the beginning of a new era for Grace, one that will give audiences a chance to see what she still has in store,” Cindy said.

An emotional Nakimera said, “I am ready! Preparations are going very well.” My team and I are working to give fans a show to remember. Come September 11th, I am giving you the very best of Grace.”

I&M Bank proudly supports the concert as part of its commitment to being #OnYourSide.

“At I&M Bank, we believe in being on our customers’ side, present in the moments that matter. We are proud to support an artiste like Grace Nakimera, whose music has connected generations and we look forward to sharing this special experience with our customers and all music lovers at The Power of Grace Live Concert,” said Annette Nakiyaga, Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications at I&M Bank.

Beyond the music, however, the Power of Grace concert also has a bigger purpose. A portion of proceeds will support Nakimera’s Feed the Streets Foundation, benefiting communities such as Katogo Kinawataka.

Tickets for the concert are already on sale, with early bird tickets going for Shs 130k, ordinary tickets are at Shs 150k, while a table costs Shs 3m only.

The other partners joining I&M Bank in supporting the concert include Pepsi, MTN MoMo, Victoria University, Rose Foam, Fraine Supermarket, Serena Hotels, Fenon, Print Xperts, Brand Active, Mitsubishi Motors, TVS, among others.

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Hoima, UGANDA — 1st September 2026: The Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Dr Monica Musenero, has toured the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) Pump Station One in Kabaale, Hoima District, as Uganda intensifies preparations for first oil.

The visit provided the Minister and her delegation with an opportunity to assess progress on the EACOP project, which is set to transport crude oil from Uganda’s Kingfisher and Tilenga oil fields to the Tanzanian coast for export to international markets.

Pump Station One marks kilometre point zero of the 1,443-kilometre heated crude oil pipeline, with 296 kilometres located in Uganda and 1,147 kilometres running through Tanzania.

Speaking during the visit, Dr Musenero said EACOP and other oil and gas projects present an important opportunity to drive long-term social, technological and economic transformation in Uganda.

“I am happy to visit one of the projects that is set to positively impact millions of Ugandans and generations to come in terms of social, technological and economic transformation. We believe that EACOP, together with the other oil-related projects, is a blessing to our country and will spur significant growth and innovation,” Dr Musenero said.

The Minister said Uganda’s oil development was taking place at a time of growing global debate around the future of fossil fuels, stressing the importance of ensuring that the country harnesses the value of its resources responsibly.

“Our oil is coming at a time when there are global campaigns against oil. However, I wish I could say that there is evidence of reduced emissions or reduced consumption of petroleum products, but that is not the case,” she said.

“There is no country that has stopped using petroleum products. Every day, planes are flying, vehicles are on the roads and industries across the world continue to rely on petroleum. We must therefore ask ourselves why EACOP is being singled out.”

Dr Musenero said Uganda remains a minimal contributor to global emissions and is committed to ensuring that its oil resources are developed responsibly while supporting the country’s transition towards greener sources of energy.

“Uganda contributes very minimally to global emissions, yet we are deliberately working towards producing a carbon-neutral barrel. Our objective is to harness the value from our oil resources responsibly so that we can also invest in greener forms of energy and transition together with the rest of the world,” she said.

The Minister further emphasised the importance of using Uganda’s oil and gas sector to stimulate growth beyond petroleum production and create opportunities for Ugandans.

“We must transform the oil and gas sector beyond the production of oil itself. The sector should stimulate the growth of other industries and value chains that can create opportunities for educated Ugandans to access meaningful, salaried employment, earn a living and contribute to the country’s economic and social transformation,” Dr Musenero added.

EACOP Deputy Managing Director John Bosco Habumugisha said the project has now reached 92% completion, bringing Uganda closer to having the infrastructure required to transport its crude oil to international markets.

“The EACOP project has now reached 92% completion, bringing us closer to operational readiness as Uganda prepares for first oil,” Habumugisha said.

He said the project has entered a critical stage, with commissioning and testing activities now taking place alongside the completion of the remaining construction works.

“We have entered a very important phase of the project where commissioning and testing activities are taking place alongside the completion of the remaining construction works. Our focus is increasingly shifting towards ensuring that the critical systems are ready to safely receive and transport Uganda’s crude oil,” he said.

Habumugisha explained that while some activities remain across the wider project, not all of them are critical to the pipeline’s ability to begin receiving crude oil.

“It is important to note that some of the activities required to achieve 100% completion of the wider project, including administrative facilities, restoration works and drainage infrastructure, are not necessarily critical to the pipeline’s ability to begin receiving crude oil,” Habumugisha said.

He said the project is increasingly focusing on testing the critical infrastructure and systems that will support the transportation of Uganda’s crude oil.

“Our attention is now increasingly focused on testing the key operational systems, including the facilities at Pump Station One, the fibre-optic infrastructure and the pipeline heating system,” he said.

The heated pipeline is a critical component of the EACOP project, designed to facilitate the safe and efficient transportation of Uganda’s crude oil over the 1,443-kilometre distance.

“The heating system is a critical component of EACOP. It will enable us to transport Uganda’s crude safely and efficiently through the pipeline from Hoima to the Tanzanian coast,” Habumugisha said.

Once production begins, crude oil from the Kingfisher and Tilenga fields will enter the EACOP system at Hoima before being transported through Uganda and Tanzania to the Chongoleani Marine Storage Terminal near the Port of Tanga.

“The crude oil from the Kingfisher and Tilenga fields will enter the EACOP system here in Hoima and be transported through Uganda and Tanzania to the Chongoleani Marine Storage Terminal near the Port of Tanga. From there, the crude will be stored before being loaded for export to international markets,” Habumugisha said.

The Minister’s visit comes at a critical stage in Uganda’s journey towards first oil, as government and industry players work to align progress across the upstream production facilities, pipeline infrastructure and export systems.

With EACOP entering its final phase of construction and commissioning, attention is increasingly shifting towards operational readiness as Uganda moves closer to commercial oil production and exports.

 

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In the heart of West Nile, Vurra Secondary School is growing faster than its infrastructure can keep up.

More students are seeking admission, but classrooms and accommodation are becoming increasingly stretched. For the school’s leadership, the challenge is no longer simply about attracting learners. It is about creating enough space to accommodate them and giving every student an environment in which they can learn and thrive.

Founded by the Church in 1981 and now government-aided, Vurra Secondary School in Arua is experiencing a challenge faced by many expanding schools across Uganda: rising enrolment and growing infrastructure needs, but limited funds to meet the cost of major construction projects.

Using the school’s regular operating income to finance new buildings would place enormous pressure on its day-to-day activities. So, instead of shelving its expansion plans, the school turned to structured financing.

That decision led Vurra Secondary School to partner with Equity Bank Uganda in late 2024, opening the door to funding that has already helped transform one of its most urgent needs.

The school secured a Shs120 million credit facility, which contributed towards the construction of a new boys’ dormitory valued at Shs280 million. The completed facility can accommodate 120 students, significantly easing pressure on the school’s existing accommodation.

“We opened an account with Equity in late 2024, around November, and by January, we were granted a savings facility of Shs120 million to put up the dormitory,” says Vurra Secondary School Head Teacher David Dima.

But solving the accommodation challenge for boys was only the beginning.

With enrolment continuing to rise, the school is now shifting its attention to building a similar dormitory for girls. The aim is to complete the facility by February 2027, ahead of the admission of the next Senior Five students in March.

“The completed dormitory currently accommodates 120 students and has eased pressure on our existing facilities,” Dima says. “Now, we want to build a matching dormitory for the girls, with completion targeted for February next year so that incoming Senior Five students in March 2027 can be accommodated.”

The urgency is clear. Vurra Secondary School expects its enrolment to rise to about 900 students next year and has set a long-term target of 1,200 learners.

Without more classrooms and accommodation, however, the school risks reaching a point where it has to turn away students simply because there is no space for them.

“Right now, we cannot admit more students than our current capacity, yet enrolment is increasing,” Dima says. “I want to ensure equal opportunities for both boys and girls.”

The school is therefore looking beyond the immediate dormitory project. Plans are underway to acquire additional land to support future expansion, while management is also exploring flexible financing options to purchase a school bus.

The bus, school leaders believe, could improve transport for students and staff while making the school more accessible to learners from surrounding communities.

The vision for growth also extends beyond buildings and transport.

Vurra Secondary School is exploring ways to create financial support packages for teachers and non-teaching staff who are not on the government payroll, recognising that the institution’s growth will also depend on its ability to attract and retain the people who keep it running.

According to Equity Bank Uganda Managing Director Gift Shoko, access to the right financing can help schools move forward with critical projects instead of waiting for years to accumulate enough money.

“In terms of the structure you want, you don’t have to wait,” Shoko says. “It can be put up immediately so that work starts now, where you only start paying after the block is complete and operational.”

For schools such as Vurra Secondary School, this approach offers a way to balance ambition with financial stability.

Rather than diverting all available resources into construction and risking disruption to daily operations, the school can spread the cost of major projects over time while continuing to invest in teaching, staff and other essential needs.

For Vurra Secondary School, the new boys’ dormitory is more than just another building. It is the first visible step in a much bigger plan.

With enrolment rising and demand for quality education growing across West Nile, the school is positioning itself for the future—one classroom, one dormitory and one investment at a time.

Its journey shows how the right financial partnership can help a growing school move beyond the limitations of its current infrastructure and create room for hundreds more young people to pursue an education.

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Uganda’s fashion industry is being challenged to move beyond creativity and the runway to become a stronger engine for business, employment and economic opportunity for young people today.

This was the central message as the Uganda International Fashion Week (UIFW)- 2026 was officially opened yesterday, on August 31, at the Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA) Multipurpose Hall in Lugogo, with the Fashion and Business Expo taking centre stage.

Although the Expo activities began on August 30, the official opening ceremony brought together creatives, businesses, development partners, designers, buyers and industry professionals to examine how Uganda’s growing creative talent can be connected to markets and turned into sustainable livelihoods.

The international presence at this year’s UIFW has also added another layer to that conversation. Designers from Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Malawi and India have been participating in the week’s activities, creating opportunities for young Ugandan creatives to interact directly with established players from international fashion markets.

These designers, who are set to showcase their work at the UIFW Grand Finale on September 5, also used the Expo as an opportunity to facilitate one-on-one mentorship, knowledge exchange through panel discussions and business connections as well as exposing emerging creatives to different approaches to design, production and branding.

UIFW 2026, under the theme Fashion for Impact, is positioning fashion as more than an industry of clothes and aesthetics, but as a potential driver of economic opportunity, cultural identity, innovation and sustainability.

Opening the ceremony, Santa Anzo, founder of UIFW and lead designer at Arapapa Fashion House, pointed to the gap between Uganda’s abundance of talent and the opportunities available to turn that talent into viable careers.

“Uganda does not have a creativity problem; we have extraordinary talent. Our task now is to turn that talent into sustainable businesses, jobs, exports and economic opportunity. UIFW is building that bridge between creativity and commerce, although the runway may capture attention, it is the business behind fashion that transforms lives.” She said

Anzo explained that the Fashion and Business Expo was created partly to address this gap by giving young creatives access to potential buyers, markets, mentors and business partners, while allowing them to gain practical experience beyond the classroom.

Dr. Ruth Aisha Biyinzika, coordinator of the “Generating Growth Opportunities and Productivity for Women Enterprises”- (GROW) Project, also encouraged the young creatives, particularly young women, to remain committed to their ambitions. She highlighted the GROW Project’s role in providing mentorship and financial support to help young creatives develop their talents into sustainable businesses and careers.

For Faizo Kiweewa, Director of Bayimba Foundation, the opportunity is much bigger than fashion alone. He said that the CREATE programme, which focuses on creative employment opportunities within the cultural and creative economy, aims to empower more than 9,000 young people, particularly women, over the next three years.

“We are specifically focusing on young women because we want to see women have equal opportunities to access and fully work within the cultural and creative sector,” he said, adding that the programme seeks to strengthen value chains, foster innovation and bridge the gap between skills development and market opportunities.

He also stressed the importance of inclusion, noting that persons living with disabilities and refugees had been deliberately integrated into training programmes and casting sessions, reinforcing fashion as a space for participation, self-expression and economic independence.

The business conversation continued in a panel discussion featuring Kenyan designer Hellen Tolbert and award-winning Ugandan designer Anita Beryl, moderated by Anita Fabiola. The discussion focused on how emerging women designers can access markets, finance and opportunities for growth.

During the three days of the expo, young models have been guided by South African fashion producer Andiswa Manxiwa, who is producing UIFW 2026, alongside deputy producer Cindy Lee. The pair have been mentoring the models on runway presentation and movement, bringing international experience and standards to their preparation for the showcase.

The UIFW-2026 grand finale, will take place at the Kampala Serena Hotel on September 5^th, with a fashion celebratory runway of both Ugandan and international designers.

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For the last Sunday of August, Thrones Bar & Lounge in Bugolobi once again became Kampala’s meeting point as The Big Meeting brought together food lovers, cocktail enthusiasts and music fans for an afternoon that gradually turned into a lively party.

Hosted by Lynda Ddane, the monthly Singleton experience kept its familiar do-it-yourself concept, giving revellers an opportunity to get involved in making their own cocktails rather than simply ordering drinks from the bar. The interactive element has become one of the event’s defining features, allowing guests to experiment with flavours while learning more about whisky in a relaxed setting.

Food was another major part of the afternoon, with Harmonie K and The Food Mechanic serving guests as conversations, cocktails and music filled the venue.

As the afternoon progressed, the music took over. Kamali, Sir Aludah, DJ Jerry and Saint Trevor provided the soundtrack, moving the gathering from its laid-back brunch beginnings into a livelier dancefloor experience.

For The Singleton, the appeal of The Big Meeting lies in creating a social experience around the whisky rather than making the drink itself the sole focus.

“The Big Meeting is about creating a space where people can come together, enjoy great food and music, and experience The Singleton in a way that feels natural and social,” said Simon Lapyem, Brand Manager for The Singleton. “The DIY element makes the experience even more engaging because guests are not simply watching the experience; they become part of it.”

The format has helped The Big Meeting establish itself as a recurring feature on Kampala’s lifestyle calendar. Held on the last Sunday of each month, the experience has experimented with different themes and formats, including cocktail-making, music-led editions and creative experiences.

This August edition stayed closer to the event’s core proposition: bring people together, give them good food and drinks, and provide enough music to carry the afternoon into the evening.

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Uganda’s decision to migrate from the traditional Tax Identification Number (TIN) system to the National Identification Number (NIN) marks one of the most transformative administrative reforms in recent years. It is not just a technical change—it is a redefinition of how identity, taxation, and governance intersect. The move, spearheaded by the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) in partnership with the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA), aims to create a unified identity system that simplifies tax administration, enhances compliance, and strengthens the country’s digital governance framework.

The basis of this change lies in the growing need for efficiency and transparency in public administration. For decades, Uganda’s tax system operated on parallel tracks—citizens had one number for identification and another for taxation. This duality created loopholes: individuals could register multiple TINs, businesses could evade taxes through false identities, and the government struggled to synchronize data across agencies. The new policy eliminates that fragmentation. By making the NIN the official TIN for all Ugandan citizens, the government is saying that identity and taxation are inseparable—every Ugandan is both a citizen and a potential taxpayer under one verified identity.

Globally, similar reforms have proven successful. In Kenya, the integration of the Personal Identification Number (PIN) with the national ID system has streamlined tax registration and improved compliance. India’s Aadhaar system, which links biometric identity to tax records and social services, has reduced fraud and expanded the tax base. Estonia, often cited as the world’s digital governance model, uses a single electronic ID for all public services, including taxation, voting, and healthcare. These examples show that unified identity systems are not just bureaucratic conveniences—they are engines of modernization that make governments more efficient and citizens more accountable.

For the ordinary Ugandan, the TIN-to-NIN migration means simplicity and inclusion. Previously, obtaining a TIN required navigating URA’s online portal, filling forms, and waiting for approval—a process that discouraged many from formalizing their economic activities. Now, every Ugandan with a NIN automatically has a tax identity. This means that small traders, boda boda riders, artisans, and farmers who were previously outside the formal tax net can easily be recognized by the system. It also means that citizens can access government services—such as business registration, customs clearance, and financial support—without redundant paperwork.

The benefits are clear. First, it reduces bureaucracy. Citizens no longer need to juggle multiple numbers or visit multiple offices to prove who they are. Second, it enhances trust between the taxpayer and the state. When systems are unified, errors and duplications decline, and accountability improves. Third, it encourages formalization. Many Ugandans operate informally because the process of registration feels intimidating. With the NIN serving as a ready-made TIN, the barrier to entry into the formal economy is lowered. Fourth, it improves access to credit and financial services. Banks and microfinance institutions rely on verified identities to assess risk; a unified system makes it easier for citizens to prove their legitimacy and access loans.

However, the reform is not without risks. The most immediate concern is data privacy. Linking identity and taxation means that sensitive personal information will circulate across multiple government databases. Without strong data protection laws and cybersecurity safeguards, citizens could be exposed to misuse or breaches. Another risk is exclusion. Not every Ugandan has a NIN yet—especially those in remote areas or without access to registration centers. If the migration is enforced too quickly, some citizens may find themselves locked out of essential services. There is also the challenge of system reliability. Uganda’s digital infrastructure must be robust enough to handle millions of linked records without downtime or errors.

For the URA and tax collectors, the policy is a game-changer. It enhances their ability to track compliance and detect evasion. With every citizen uniquely identified, it becomes harder to hide income or operate under false names. The integration with NIRA’s database also means that URA can cross-check information in real time—matching tax declarations with employment records, property ownership, and business registrations. This will likely increase revenue collection and reduce administrative costs. Moreover, it strengthens Uganda’s position in regional and global tax cooperation, as identity-based systems are easier to align with international standards on transparency and anti-money laundering.

The wider implications for the economy are profound. A unified identity system lays the foundation for a digital economy—where transactions, taxation, and service delivery are seamlessly connected. It promotes financial inclusion, as more citizens enter the formal system. It also enhances investor confidence; businesses prefer environments where identity verification and compliance are predictable. Over time, the reform could expand Uganda’s tax base, reduce dependence on foreign aid, and support sustainable development.

Yet, the success of this migration will depend on implementation discipline. The government must ensure that the transition is inclusive, transparent, and well-communicated. Citizens need to understand not just how to link their NINs to URA’s portal, but why it matters. Public education campaigns should emphasize the benefits—ease of access, reduced fraud, and improved service delivery—while addressing fears about surveillance or misuse. URA must also invest in training its staff and upgrading its systems to handle the new data architecture.

In the long run, the TIN-to-NIN migration could redefine the relationship between Ugandans and their government. It signals a shift from a fragmented bureaucracy to a citizen-centered digital state, where identity is the key to participation. It also reflects Uganda’s ambition to join the global movement toward integrated governance—where technology bridges the gap between people and public institutions.

For the taxpayer, it is a promise of simplicity and fairness. For the taxman, it is a tool of efficiency and accountability. And for the economy, it is a step toward modernization and resilience. The challenge now is to ensure that this promise is fulfilled—not just in policy documents, but in the lived experience of every Ugandan who seeks to be recognized, respected, and empowered by their government.

The writer is the Assistant Resident City Commissioner for Nyendo Mukungwe in Masaka City

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Television host Stella Nante has announced her departure from NTV Uganda, bringing her two year stint on the popular morning show Mwasuze Mutya to an end.

Nante announced her exit on Tuesday, September 1, describing the decision as the close of an important chapter in her career while hinting at new opportunities ahead.

In a statement, the presenter expressed gratitude to Nation Media Group, NTV and Spark TV for the opportunity, exposure and trust she received during her time with the media house.

“NMG has been one of the best professional homes I have ever had, and I will forever value the people, experiences and lessons that came with being part of this institution,” she said.

Nante also thanked the audience that welcomed her into their homes through the morning show, as well as the guests, sponsors, partners and production crew who contributed to her experience on the programme.

She said the decision to leave Mwasuze Mutya was reached about two months ago after careful consideration of the direction she wants her career to take.

“I am currently pursuing a number of exciting new trajectories, and I felt it was both necessary and prudent to create the space and focus required to give them the attention they deserve,” she said.

Rather than viewing her departure as an end to her growth, Nante described it as the beginning of another phase in her career.

She credited Mwasuze Mutya with contributing immensely to her development as a media practitioner, saying the experience had given her confidence, relationships and lessons that she will carry into her next chapter.

The presenter, however, stopped short of revealing details about her next move, saying there is “much more ahead” but that she is not yet ready to share everything.

While her exit marks the end of her time on the morning show, Nante said she leaves NMG without regrets and with appreciation for the people and experiences that shaped her journey.

“For now, thank you, Mwasuze Mutya. Thank you, NMG. Thank you to everyone who was part of this journey. It has been an honour,” she said.

Today, I close one chapter of my career with gratitude, pride and no regrets.
Here is my note on the end of my journey with Mwasuze Mutya and Nation Media Group. And, as always, there is more ahead. pic.twitter.com/M5NCJmgIFU

— Stella Nante (@stella_nante) September 1, 2026

Isaac Serukenya brings Worship Bliss to Kampala SerenaKampala is set for an evening of worship, live music and celebration when singer and worship minister Isaac Serukenya takes the stage at Kampala Serena Hotel on October 10.

The concert, dubbed Worship Bliss 2026, will give Serukenya’s fans an opportunity to experience his music in a live setting, with the singer expected to revisit some of the songs that have shaped his musical journey.

Among the tracks likely to feature are “Wobeera,” “Bino Bye Bilo,” “Amazing” and “Sinza Katonda,” alongside other favourites from his catalogue.

Beyond the music, this year’s edition will feature a special Worshippers Forum aimed at worship leaders and music ministers. The forum will focus on mentorship, inspiration and practical insights for those serving in worship ministries.

Organised by Karizm, the event is designed to bring together families, friends, corporate teams and individual fans in an atmosphere that blends live music, worship and fellowship.

A press conference is scheduled for September 15, when Serukenya and the organising team are expected to reveal more about the preparations and what audiences can expect from the October show.

Worship Bliss is an annual live music and worship experience, with this year’s edition placing Serukenya at the centre of the celebration.

Come October 10, the Serena stage will shift from its usual hotel setting into a space where Serukenya’s familiar worship songs can be experienced with a live audience, bringing together music, faith and an evening of shared celebration.

Katikamu County South Member of Parliament, Hon. Hassan Kirumira has asked the government to investigate the shooting of a 28-year-old boda boda rider during a national cleaning exercise in Luweero District and compensate his bereaved family.

Kirumira raised the matter during the plenary sitting chaired by Speaker Jacob Marksons Oboth on Tuesday, 01 September 2026.

He said that the rider, Ronald Jjuuko Kizito was shot dead by a police constable during the cleaning exercise on Saturday, 29 August 2026.

Kirumira said Jjuuko was shot dead by a police officer in Ndejje, Kanaaba, Wakiso District while responding to a medical emergency.

“We are aware that the victim was riding a motorcycle to respond to a medical emergency. And when he was stopped, allegedly, for violating the 7.00 a.m. to 10.00 a.m. movement restriction, an altercation ensued and then the officer just discharged his firearm killing him instantly,” he said.

Kirumira questioned the enforcement of the national cleaning exercise, arguing that citizens have not been adequately informed about the rules and exemptions applicable during the exercise.

He cited Article 212 of the Constitution, which mandates the Uganda Police Force to protect life and property and maintain public order and said the guidelines governing the national cleaning exercise had not been gazetted or adequately disseminated.

Kirumira also raised concern over the use of live ammunition during enforcement of the cleaning exercise.

“The Inspector General of Police issues an immediate directive prohibiting the use of live ammunitions during enforcement of cleaning exercises because we cannot kill Ugandans for refusing to do general cleaning,” he said.

He asked the Ministry of Internal Affairs to immediately apprehend and interdict Police Constable Allan Okello and investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

He further called for the immediate gazetting of the national cleaning-day guidelines and sensitisation of the public, particularly through local council structures.

Kirumira also appealed for government compensation for Jjuuko’s family, saying he had attended the funeral and witnessed the difficult circumstances facing the bereaved family.

“I attended the funeral and I looked at the children; they do not even have anywhere to stay. The mother does not know anything to do. She’s been a housewife and the family was in a rented house. So we appeal for government to compensate the family of Mr. Juuko,” he said.

The Third Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Rukia Nakadama expressed sympathy over the death and said government is investigating the incident.

“Government is investigating and upon completion, we are going to come back here and inform Parliament of what has been found out,” Nakadama said.

Speaker Oboth sought clarification on another issue raised by Kirumira concerning the gazettement and public communication of the national cleaning guidelines including applicable exemptions.

Nakadama said the guidelines had been developed by the Ministry of Health and will be presented to the House.

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