Uganda and the European Union strengthened their long-standing relationship yesterday during a diplomatic panel discussion held at Fairway Hotel Kampala, bringing together diplomats, scholars, policymakers, civil society, and the private sector to reflect on the future of the AU–EU partnership.
The discussion comes just days before the 7th AU–EU Summit scheduled for November 24 and 25 in Luanda, Angola.
EU Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Jan Sadek, opened the engagement by describing the conversation as both timely and historic, noting that such a dialogue was taking place in Uganda for the first time.
“It is a great pleasure to welcome you this afternoon for what is, in many ways, a timely and symbolic conversation. It is also a unique conversation, which I believe is taking place for the first time in Uganda,” he said, expressing appreciation to the Uganda Council for Foreign Relations for co-hosting the event.
Ambassador Sadek reflected on the depth of Africa–Europe relations, highlighting that the two continents are tied together by geography, history and interdependence.
“Europe remains Africa’s first trading partner, first investor, first provider of development and humanitarian assistance, and first partner on peace and security,” he said, adding that African countries collectively rank as the EU’s fourth-largest trading partner.
He noted that over half of all Global Gateway flagship investments worldwide are being implemented in Africa, with Uganda benefiting from initiatives in renewable energy, transport corridors, agribusiness, and digital transformation.
“Security in Africa and security in Europe are inseparable,” he emphasized, reaffirming Europe’s commitment to African-led peace and stability efforts.
Ambassador Sadek also recognized Uganda’s leadership on the continent.
He noted, “Uganda exemplifies this partnership. Whether in regional peace and security, mediation, the fight against violent extremism, or in promoting innovation and regional economic integration, Uganda has consistently demonstrated its will to be a unifying factor.”
Representing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Amb. John L. Mugerwa delivered remarks on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, Vincent Bagiire, and emphasized the need for a more strategic, forward-looking partnership that responds directly to Africa’s priorities.
“This theme speaks not only to the shared future of Africa and Europe but also to the aspirations of the entire African continent, and that is shared prosperity and peace for all our people,” he stated.
He commended the growth in EU–Africa trade and stressed the importance of investments that strengthen African capacity.
“We need investment that supports African capacity, not dependency, and trade arrangements that allow African products to move competitively across borders,” he remarked.
Turning to security, Mugerwa pointed out that prosperity cannot be achieved without peace and thanked the EU for its contributions to Africa’s peacekeeping efforts including AMISOM. He also highlighted Uganda’s role as a major refugee-hosting country.
“Uganda currently hosts over 1.9 million refugees who are simply seeking safety from conflict. While we do this because it is the right thing to do, it also places enormous pressure on our social services and local economies,” he noted, calling for deeper humanitarian and development cooperation.
Mugerwa stressed the need to invest in Africa’s young population, which he described as the continent’s greatest resource.
“Their potential, creativity and ambition will shape our future, but their success will require skilling, innovation platforms, decent jobs and technology,” he said, calling for expanded collaboration in digital skills, research and mobility programmes.
The Kampala dialogue provided a critical opportunity for experts and policymakers to examine how Africa and Europe can co-create solutions in peace and security, prosperity and development, and people-focused cooperation. The inputs from Uganda are expected to shape discussions in Luanda as leaders mark 25 years since the first AU–EU Summit in Cairo.
Ambassador Sadek closed the event with a reaffirmation of Europe’s long-term commitment to Africa.
He said, “Europe is, and will remain, Africa’s reliable, predictable and value-based partner. And let me also wish our Heads of State and Government all the best when they meet in Luanda.”
The dialogue was hailed as a powerful step toward redefining Africa–Europe cooperation through mutual respect, shared responsibility and joint ambition as both continents prepare for the upcoming summit.
FDC candidate, Nathan Nandala Mafabi, and former Obongi County MP, Hassan Kaps Fungaroo.
Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) presidential candidate Nathan Nandala Mafabi has expressed deep concern over the neglect of West Nile sub-region, citing dusty roads and lack of economic opportunities despite significant tax contributions.
Addressing rallies in Yumbe and Koboko districts, Nandala Mafabi promised to revitalize the region’s economy by reviving cotton growing, improving infrastructure, and promoting cassava production for food and starch extraction.
He says a kilo of starch costs a hefty Shs1.4m, whereby if cassava production is prioritized can fetch farmers a good income, thereby improving the welfare of the communities.
A Call for Change
Nandala Mafabi criticized the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government for abandoning sorghum production in the region, only to see it being grown by the prison service and high-ranking government officials.
He also lamented the decline of tobacco farming, which has benefited Kenyans instead.
The FDC candidate pledged to compensate all ex-combatants and urged voters to reject the NRM’s promises, including the infamous ” five cows” offer. Nandala outlined the FDC’s manifesto, which includes:
Economic Development: Reviving cotton and cassava production, promoting agriculture, and improving infrastructure
Social Welfare: Providing a monthly stipend of 60,000 shillings to seniors (65+), job opportunities for youth, and quality education and healthcare
Anti-Corruption: Tackling corruption and ensuring transparency in government spending
The FDC presidential candidate emphasized his commitment to uniting the country through reconciliation and spearheading development across Uganda.
Mr Wani greeting President Kiir at the past event.
South Sudanese President Salva Kiir last night reinstated Dr. James Wani Igga as vice president in charge of the Economic Cluster, ending days of speculation over the position, according to state-run media.
The move is part of a sweeping political reshuffle that replaced four national ministers and senior government officials.
South Sudan has five vice presidents under a 2018 peace deal that ended the country’s civil war.
Igga, a veteran politician and general, was dismissed in February after serving as vice president since 2013. A longtime liberation-era ally of Kiir, he was also reinstated as first deputy chair of the ruling SPLM after being removed from that role in May.
Igga’s return follows the removal last week of Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel, who had briefly occupied the vice presidency and the deputy SPLM chairmanship.
Bol Mel, a prominent businessman who rose rapidly in political influence, lost both positions and was stripped of the four-star general rank he received in September 2025.
Kiir also dismissed Bol Mel from the National Security Service. No reason was given, though the move followed reports of internal power struggles and alleged misuse of government revenues.
Cabinet changes
Kiir also dismissed several ministers, including Information Minister Michael Makuei Lueth, Roads and Bridges Minister Simon Mijok Mijak, Environment Minister Josephine Napwon Cosmos, and Justice Minister Joseph Geng Akech.
Makuei, who oversaw the information docket for more than a decade and is known for imposing tight controls on the media, was reassigned as justice minister.
A judge by training, Makuei previously served as minister of legal affairs during the semi-autonomous southern region before independence in 2011.
Geng Akech, appointed in September and known for advancing the ongoing trial of suspended First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar, received no new appointment. He is widely viewed as a close ally of Bol Mel.
Kiir named former presidential press secretary Ateny Wek Ateny as the new information minister. Ateny served nine years in the presidential office before being removed in August 2022.
For the roads and bridges ministry, Kiir appointed Peter Lam Both, former SPLM secretary-general, to replace Mijok.
Mabior Garang, the eldest son of the late SPLM founding leader Dr. John Garang, was named national minister of environment.
Mabior’s mother, Rebecca Nyandeng de Mabior, has served as vice president for the Gender and Youth Cluster since 2020, representing the Former Detainees (FDs). It remains unclear whether her son’s appointment might affect her position.
Security and state-level changes
Kiir dismissed Inspector General of Police Gen. Abraham Manyuat Peter, who had served since December 2024, and reappointed Gen. Saeed Chawul Lom to the post. Chawul previously served as police chief from March 2017 to February 2018.
In Central Equatoria State, the president removed Governor Rabi Mujung Emmanuel, appointed in June 2025, and reinstated Emmanuel Adil Anthony. Adil served as governor from June 2020 until Kiir dismissed him in May 2024.
Diplomatic appointments
Kiir appointed Regina Akur Nyok as South Sudan’s deputy ambassador to China. Last week, Akur was appointed Deputy Office Manager in the Office of the President.
The president reinstated Monica Achol Aguek as a Grade One Ambassador, naming her presidential envoy for the Middle East.
The presidential decrees did not provide reasons for any of the changes.
Bol and Wani.
Analysts react
Political analysts said the reshuffle suggests Kiir is consolidating his authority after a falling-out with Bol Mel, who was once viewed as a potential successor.
Dr. Remember Miamingi, a South Sudanese governance expert, said frequent reshuffles in South Sudan have turned government posts into “tokens in a game of power and patronage” rather than positions of responsibility.
Edmund Yakani, a civil society advocate, called the presidential decrees “a recycling of old guards” and urged the government to “sincerely and genuinely implement the 2018 peace agreement without selectivity or favoritism.” He said the country urgently needs an inclusive political dialogue.
The 2018 peace agreement gives the president wide powers to appoint and dismiss officials at both national and state levels.
South Sudan has not held an election since independence in 2011.
The vote has been postponed several times, and the transitional government says general elections are now planned for December 2026.
Former Administrator General Kasiribayo (standing) stressing a point.
Bruno Senkatuka Serunkuuma, the clan head of the Luggya and Lunyiriri of Andereya Mayanja Nakiyenje, whose estate of 320 Acres of land was illegally sold by the officials at the Administrator General’s office since 1993, dies inexplicably.
Senkatuka, the head of the Ssiga of Nakiyenje died abruptly two weeks ago after waiting for the Administrator General to account for the estate as ordered by the court in vain. As the head of the Ssiga of Nakiyenje, he was made the heir after the death of Mayanja’s only son, Henry Kyobe (his first cousin) but the Administrator General made it very difficult for him to take over the estate. Following the delay and impunity by AG to implement the court order signed and sealed on November 10, 2020, by Justice David Matovu, Senkatuka summoned a clan meeting that sat at Bukasa – Bijiri Kawuku – Katabi – Entebbe, Wakiso District on December 06, 2020, to, among other things, install the heir of Kyobe’s estate. The minutes of the meeting vide CLCSDC/A002/22/01/2021 that was attended by 25 clan members declared Kaweesa Balikuddembe as the heir and the installation ceremony presided over by Senkatuka, another senior elder, Kalyesubula John Baptist Lukenge, and later closed with a Catholic Church mass led by Rev. Fr. Kalaudiyo Ssegonja of Ggaba Parish.
HOW KYOBE’S ESTATE WAS ILLEGALLY SOLD
More details on how 320 acres of land (comprised in Busiro Block 429 plot 3 at Kawuku – Bugiri) previously belonging to Mzee Andereya Mayanja Nakiyenje, who died in 1981 at Bwerenga – Busiro in Wakiso District, was mismanaged and split into 163 plots and illegally sold with no standard formula have emerged.
Following Justice Herbert Ntabgoba’s judgment in HCS no. 170 of 1990, all property left by Late Mayanja was passed on to his only son, Henry Kyobe, who, unfortunately, was mentally disabled due to a serious accident hence remained in a state of unsound mind throughout his life.
Land after an illegal sale.
This came after the office of the Administrator General on May 19, 1989, applying for the letters of administration for the estate of late Mayanja vide Kampala High Court Administration cause No. 265 of 1989, and a grant was issued in favour on June 27, 1989. However, this privilege was abused by the officials at the office of Administrator General, who reportedly connived with suspicious family members and, without any Court Order(s), divided and illegally sold the entire deceased’s estate. It is hitherto not known where the proceeds went because the trustee has no evidence that Kyobe or his people benefited and has failed to account.
ADMINISTRATOR GENERAL ‘RAPES’ LAW
The Administrator General’s Act requires that whenever the estate is sold by the accused office, it must be in the interest of the beneficiaries. The overwhelming evidence indicates that huge chunks of land were sold after Kyobe died in 2019, and this raises unanswered questions: in whose interest was the sale done? If the land was sold and the beneficiaries did not benefit, where did the money go?
Besides, the law requires the Administrator General to advertise in the newspapers, and if there is no claimant (a legally appointed beneficially by the court), the money is put in the consolidated fund. Contrary to the law, there is no trace of the money obtained from the proceeds of Kyobe’s estate in the consolidated fund.
The Trustee Act states that in the interest of beneficially at all material times, the trustee is accountable forever without any limitation, so the Administrator General is accountable for the estate in question since 1993 until an unspecified time. If one goes by the current law on the management of the estates for the people with unsound mind, there should have been a court order secured by the Administrator General to do any transaction regarding the estate. In the case of Kyobe’s estate, the lease of Land to Aurum Roses and Scripture Union must have been done under court guidance, and the proceeds of the lease must have been accounted for in court and there is no evidence adduced to this effect. Even then, any sale, transfer or mortgage for whatever purpose must be after a Court Order is obtained, and all these have never been furnished. This leaves no doubt in the minds of the sound Ugandans that the properties were sold to benefit the officials at the office of the Administrator General.
Attorney General, Kiryowa Kiwanuka.
None of the records unearthed from the Lands office in connection with this matter carries any signature of Kyobe’s beneficiaries from either the paternal or maternal side. All the records seen by this publication indicate that the Administrator General was selling as a vendor, and people who bought were endorsed as buyers. The Administrator General did not build any house, kitchen, or even a toilet for Kyobe or any of his close relatives. To make matters worse, the officials at the Administrator General’s office did not even meet Kyobe’s burial expenses as required by law, which confirms that they were in collusion with Nanteza Agati, who hid his body at Mulago Medical School as they sold his land. The question remains where and when did the officials send the proceeds of the estate?
Besides all that, there were contradictions and inconsistencies in selling the land, something that turned the whole process into a BONANZA. The people who bought different sizes almost at the same time had differing payments – the available documents show that there was no valuation or standard procedure followed, and this implies that the officials were the final determinants on how much each buyer would pay, depending on their moods. A case in point is: whereas Dimitria Nabbantu Kaddugala paid Shs18.500,000 for 0.532 hectares, Paul Seminyigo Wavamuno paid Shs20,000,000 for 0.281 hectares, and whereas Thereza Najjuna paid Shs4,000,000 for 0.6 hectares, Sentamu Francis Xavier paid Shs30,000,000 for 0.587 hectares. To further prove that the Administrator General officials had a lot of suspicious interests, when some buyers raised questions and made appropriate searches at the land’s offices, the land would be withdrawn. A case study of this is clear in the land that was first sold to Dhusaniya Binyera of Ziba – Ssaabaga – Kyagwe, then transferred to Nasani Wakisu of Mova Gomba Ngogwe – Kyaggwe, and then transferred to Aggrey Mulira, then to Bruno Senkatuka and Madalene Nakku. This land was later withdrawn from the first owners back to the Administrator General in 1995.
Another case of hidden interests of the Trustee was clearly manifested in 1993 when the widow of Mzee Mayanja, Madalene Nakku, and Kyobe’s cousin, Bruno Senkatuka Serunkuuma applied for the letters of administration and the registrar’s court granted them. The Administrator General, without any haste, ran faster than lightning to court to challenge the circumstances under which the letters of administration were granted to the widow and Kyobe’s first cousin, to which the reversal was made, and the decision of High Court cause No. 265 of 1989 was upheld.
DEFIANT ADMINISTRATOR GENERAL
The miscellaneous application No. 443/2020 arising from the civil suit 376/2018 before His Lordship Justice David Matovu on November 10, 2020 ordered and declared that;
i) the judgment vide HCCS number 170 of 1990 of Justice Herbert Ntabgoba exhaustively dealt with the estate of the late Andereya Mayanja Nakiyenje and resolved that Henry Kyobe was the sole beneficially of the said estate.
ii) the Administrator General is appointed the administrator of the estate of the late Kyobe.
iii) the Administrator General is ordered to collect all the land and property that belonged to the late Andereya Mayanja Nakiyenje and pass on the same to the estate of Henry Kyobe.
iv) the Administrator is ordered to furnish with court an account of all properties that now constitute the estate of Henry Kyobe within (3) three months from the date of this ruling.
Land before demarcation.
v) The Administrator General is ordered to liaise with Bruno Senkatuka Serunkuuma (first cousin to Kyobe) for the purposes of appointing the customary heir to the late Henry Kyobe to benefit from the estate pursuant to section 27 (1) (d) of the Succession Act.
However, it’s only the family that followed the order and appointed Balikuddembe Kaweesa as the heir of the estate, but the Administrator General has since vehemently refused and failed to account for his actions on the same estate. The Administrator General has stubbornly ignored the order, and insiders say more transactions were done on the estate even after this order. The delay in responding to the order has culminated in the strategic transfers in which some of the top officials who messed up Kyobe’s estate can use their new offices to “PROTECT THEIR GAINS”. Signs show that some of the transferred officials from the Administrator General’s office have remained the big forces behind this mess and defiance.
The Government of Uganda has today released Shs529 billion as the first tranche for capitalisation of Parish Development Model (PDM) SACCOs in the 2025/26 financial year.
Finance Minister Matia Kasaija announced that, beginning tomorrow, all 10,589 verified PDM SACCOs will each receive Shs50 million directly into their accounts, in line with the PDM policy, which prescribes two equal disbursements every six months.
“The Parish Development Model is no longer a theory. It is a reality. It is in your parishes. It is in your households. PDM is growing bigger, stronger, and more impactful,” Kasaija said while releasing the funds at the Ministry of Finance.
The government has so far transferred Shs3.216 trillion to all the 10,589 parishes. Each parish has now received at least Shs300 million in earlier disbursements, and officials say 99 percent of these funds have already reached more than 3.27 million Ugandans.
The PDM is designed to help transform subsistence households into active participants in the money economy. Over the previous cycles, a major portion of the funds has supported enterprises in food and cash crops, livestock, poultry and other income-generating activities at parish level.
Despite the scale of investment, the model has faced several implementation challenges. Audits have highlighted delays in previous disbursements, gaps in documentation, and in some cases, failure by SACCOs to verify projects of certain beneficiaries. Some funds have also been disbursed outside appropriate planting seasons, affecting expected returns for farmers.
Other risks include inadequate staffing at the grassroots, with many local governments operating below the required number of extension workers and lacking basic field equipment. Many PDM SACCOs are yet to be licensed under the relevant financial laws, raising concerns about their governance. There is also no fully operational results tracking system or monitoring framework for the funds.
Government however, maintains that the model is gaining momentum and will deliver widespread impact once structural weaknesses are addressed. Modern digital systems are being used for payments and monitoring, and new reporting requirements will soon compel parish chiefs to submit annual status reports on the parish economy.
The latest injection of Shs529 billion is expected to boost enterprise financing for households that rely on these SACCOs for low-interest loans. Analysts believe that strengthening governance, monitoring, and SACCO regulation could enable the Parish Development Model to lift millions of Ugandans out of subsistence production and accelerate rural economic growth.
The former Executive Director of the defunct Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA), Dr. Emmanuel Iyamulemye, has passed on, according to Agriculture Minister Frank Tumwebaze, who announced the sad news on X (formerly Twitter) this morning.
“I have learnt this morning with deep sorrow the passing of Dr. Emmanuel Iyamulemye, the former ED of UCDA. Dr. Iyamulemye passed away this morning, November 18, 2025. Dr. Iyamulemye was a pillar of Uganda’s coffee sector and played a key leadership role in the design and implementation of Uganda’s coffee roadmap that brought about Uganda’s exponential growth,” Tumwebaze wrote.
Under Iyamulemye’s leadership, Tumwebaze noted, Uganda strengthened its coffee quality standards, expanded farmer extension support systems, and positioned itself among the world’s most competitive coffee origins.
“He fought firmly in international coffee bodies and forums, demanding the correct classification of African coffees (Uganda’s Robusta and Ethiopia’s Arabica). He was a bold, firm and intelligent officer. Together with other colleagues, he worked hard to open up Uganda’s new coffee markets like China. On behalf of MAAIF Uganda, the coffee stakeholder fraternity, and on my own behalf, I extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, colleagues, and friends. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” Tumwebaze posted on X.
By November 2021, Iyamulemye’s career spanned more than 15 years. After graduate school, he served for two years as programme director of an initiative promoting NERICA rice in Uganda, supported by the Food and Agriculture Organisation.
He later served as National Programme Coordinator for two major development programmes jointly funded by the European Union and the Government of Uganda to uplift communities in Northern Uganda. The Northern Uganda Agricultural Livelihoods Recovery Programme (ALREP), worth €20 million, and the Karamoja Livelihoods Programme (KALIP), worth €15 million, both ran between 2010 and 2016.
Iyamulemye was first appointed CEO of UCDA in 2016. In 2021, the UCDA Board renewed his contract for another five years following the successful delivery of his first term.
UCDA was among the government agencies later dissolved, with its activities absorbed into the Ministry of Agriculture.
Kigezi religious leaders at Kana Farm in Rwengaju Sub-County, Fort Portal City.
Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa has called on religious leaders to take a frontline role in transforming Uganda’s agricultural practices since they are key influencers capable of inspiring communities toward modern, income-generating farming.
Speaking after a field tour with Kigezi religious leaders at Kana Farm in Rwengaju Subcounty, Fort Portal City, Tayebwa emphasized that Uganda’s development ambitions hinge heavily on agro-industrialisation.
“We have big dreams as a country, one of them being to grow our economy to $500 billion by 2040,” he said.
He added, “One of the surest paths to achieving this vision is through agro-industrialisation. But before we industrialise agriculture, we must first get farming right, especially in regions like Kigezi, which is becoming increasingly densely populated.”
The visit to Kana Farm, owned by renowned farmer Richard Nyakana, exposed religious leaders to practical models of commercial agriculture on small acreage. The 1.3-acre farm generates a net income of Shs17.2 million per month and employs 15 people, making it a living example of how limited land can be used for substantial socioeconomic progress.
Tayebwa said Uganda needs champions who can learn, teach and motivate communities toward better farming practices.
“To improve farming practices, we need allies who can learn, teach and inspire others. As government, we believe those allies are our religious leaders,” he noted.
He further said, “Religious leaders command great respect, and we believe they can inspire many others to embrace modern agriculture.”
He stressed that beyond influencing communities, farming offers a pathway for religious institutions to strengthen their own financial stability.
He added, “Farming is also one of the best ways for religious institutions to become sustainable by generating their own income instead of relying solely on tithes.”
The initiative was inspired by a directive from President Yoweri Museveni, who earlier met leaders from Kigezi and urged them to become ambassadors of economic transformation. Tayebwa commended the clerics for embracing the call and dedicating time to learn.
He said their involvement is a strong signal that Uganda’s push for agro-industrial development has credible community entry points.
“I deeply appreciate them for taking time out of their busy schedules to learn about farming. Their participation reflects real commitment to this cause,” Tayebwa remarked.
The Deputy Speaker expressed optimism that the religious leaders will return home and drive change from the pulpit by preaching modern farming, starting demonstration projects and helping communities adopt practices that can lift household incomes.
“After this learning experience, we hope these leaders will return to their communities and spread the gospel of good farming practices, and start model projects in the churches and schools they oversee,” he said.
Tayebwa reaffirmed the government’s belief that with the right partnerships especially with faith leaders Uganda’s dream of building a modern, industrialised and prosperous nation is within reach.
Victoria University has received a boost after the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) approved three new academic programmes, thus strengthening the institution’s push toward innovation and digital-ready education.
The approval, communicated in an official letter dated 10th November 2025 and signed by NCHE Executive Director Prof. Mary J. N. Okwakol, confirmed that the programmes were accredited during the Council’s 82nd Meeting held on 3rd November 2025.
The newly accredited programmes, each tailored to meet modern workforce demands, include: Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education (50 admissible students per year; accredited for 5 years), Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security and Digital Forensics (85 students; 7 years), and Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science (85 students; 7 years)
Prof. Okwakol, in her communication emphasized the importance of compliance and quality assurance across institutions offering higher education.
“You shall not run any academic programmes that have not been accredited by the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE),” she cautioned, reminding the university of its obligation under Section 125 of the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act.
She further called on Victoria University staff to uphold rigorous standards in delivering the newly approved programmes.
“Please urge your staff members to implement these programmes in accordance with the regulations of NCHE. Officers of the NCHE shall review the implementation during their periodic administrative and monitoring visits,” the Executive Director noted.
The NCHE also reiterated the statutory requirement for every student enrolled in accredited programmes to contribute Shs20,000 per year, payable through the URA portal.
The accreditation marks a significant milestone for Victoria University, which has been positioning itself as a leader in tech-driven education. The new programmes spanning cyber security, digital forensics, artificial intelligence, data science and modern higher education pedagogy are expected to attract learners eager to compete in fast-evolving digital industries.
These additions align perfectly with the institution’s mission to train highly skilled graduates capable of solving real-world challenges through innovation, technology and research.
First Lady and Minister for Education, Janet Museveni, at the commissioning of the facility.
The First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Kataaha Museveni, on Friday commissioned the Henry K. Grameen Hospital in Rubaga and praised the women behind the project for transforming a small savings effort into a landmark achievement.
She revealed that the hospital was built entirely from the collective savings of the women under the Grameen Women’s Development Initiative and described it as a powerful testament to what unity and discipline can accomplish.
Tracing the project’s roots, Mrs. Museveni noted its remarkable growth.
“What began in May 2023 with a seed of Shs100 million has now grown into a movement of over 20,400 women with assets exceeding Shs4.2 billion,” she said.
The First Lady applauded the women of Rubaga for demonstrating that community-driven development remains the strongest tool for uplifting families. She emphasized that their success mirrors the vision of Nobel Peace Prize laureate Prof. Muhammad Yunus, the brain behind the global Grameen concept.
“The Grameen concept; an innovation of Nobel Peace Prize laureate Prof. Yunus Muhammad was created to uplift the poorest women, and today its impact is evident in this community. I applaud them for proving that real development begins at home, when families save faithfully, support one another, and stay united,” she said.
Mrs. Museveni encouraged the women to expand their initiative beyond Rubaga.
“The women of Rubaga have already laid a strong foundation; now they must continue building on it,” she noted, urging them to spread the model across Kampala and eventually throughout Uganda.
In a message directed at the youth, she called for unity, diligence and purpose-driven living.
“To the youth: Africa will rise when we choose unity over division and work over idleness. Our true enemies are poverty and disease, not our political or cultural differences,” she added.
City businessman and educationalist Hassan Basajjabalaba speaking at the mother's sendoff on November 16, 2025.
Businessman Hassan Basajjabalaba has urged the government to urgently prioritize the establishment of a national medical insurance scheme, saying the absence of such a system continues to expose Ugandans, especially the poor, to unbearable medical costs and preventable deaths.
He made the call on Saturday, November 16, during the burial of his mother, Hajjat Azida Basajjabalaba, who was laid to rest at the family home in Ishaka–Bushenyi. Amid grief, Basajjabalaba recounted the painful journey the family endured as they tried to save their mother, who battled a complicated heart condition.
In his testimony, he narrated the desperate attempt he made to secure a heart transplant abroad.
“I asked Ambassador Mubiru, can’t you use your office, and I get a heart for this old woman? I wanted him to talk to the government so that I could get the heart,” he said.
He revealed that Ambassador Mubiru later received an emergency call from Kampala and could not advance the matter, while the medical authorities abroad refused to bend any rules.
He recalled, “The commission said it is unethical to smuggle a heart and that we could be arrested for that. Having failed to secure the heart, we gave up, and I sought ways of saving the life of my mother.”
Basajjabalaba said the cost of his mother’s medical care was overwhelming, even for a wealthy family like his.
He disclosed that he spent a minimum of €20,000 (about Shs1 billion) per trip, an amount he said is beyond the reach of an ordinary Ugandan.
“We went to Germany more than ten times, the UK five times, and South Africa five times,” he said, describing the emotional, physical and financial strain his family endured.
He appealed to Parliament and the government to fast-track the national health insurance scheme, saying Ugandans deserve a system that cushions them from catastrophic medical bills.
“I request Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa to tell President Museveni to sign the medical insurance. In Germany, if one falls sick and insurance helps a lot. Instead of striking for political reasons, let’s strike for medical insurance. If my mother had insurance, I would have paid only 40% of the money,” he said.
He cited several regional examples to show the urgency and importance of universal medical insurance.
“In Tanzania, a person above 70 years is treated for free, and a child under five is also treated for free. A woman giving birth receives free medical care,” he said.
Basajjabalaba also noted that the cost of modern medical equipment makes it impossible for hospitals to rely on patient fees alone.
“For instance, the only PET scan in East Africa is at Aga Khan Hospital. It costs $9 million, and no one will pay that money without assurance of recovering it,” he added.
He emphasized that even in neighbouring countries, private hospitals outperform public ones because of limitations in government healthcare systems.
He said, “Even if you go to Kenya or Tanzania, the best hospitals are private. You cannot expect government hospitals to be the best because the process of equipping and supervising them is long and most doctors are always absent.”
Basajjabalaba proposed a bold financing model in which government acquires partial ownership of mission hospitals to subsidize services.
“I propose that since we have Nsambya, Mengo, and Kibuli hospitals, the government should invest 30% of the national budget, about Shs1 trillion, and get ownership so that people are treated at a subsidized cost,” he said.
He cited Kenya’s example, where the government bought 49% of Nairobi Hospital, resulting in more affordable healthcare for citizens.
“These cancer institutes being built won’t work,” he warned, arguing that without an insurance system and proper investment model, many specialized health projects will fail to serve their intended purpose.
Reflecting on his final attempt to save his mother, Basajjabalaba described the heartbreaking moment when he was ready to spend an extraordinary amount of money to secure a heart transplant.
He recounted, “I even walked with $2 million, and I could double it to $4 million to get a heart for my mother. The professor looked at me and asked, Are you sure you can pay $2 million for the 86-year-old woman? I said yes. If it’s not allowed here, we take her to Germany.”
However, the German commission blocked the transplant due to age restrictions.
He added, “The professor told me a person of 80 years cannot be given a heart. And at that time, my mother could not fly to another place.”
Basajjabalaba said this painful experience should compel the country to rethink its health system so that no Ugandan rich or poor has to go through such anguish again.
