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BANK OF UGANDA AGAIN: Thugs steal laptops and security equipment at the fortified building

By
Simon Kabayo
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Kampala, Uganda: Bank of Uganda building, the Central Bank of Uganda, Kampala Road - photo by M.Torres

Thugs have broken into the Bank of Uganda headquarters in Kampala and stolen seven laptops along with critical security equipment in an overnight raid that is now under investigation, with early findings pointing to possible insider involvement.

The incident, which occurred at the bank’s head office along Kampala Road near City Square, was confirmed in a public notice on Monday, May 4, 2026.

The central bank said the unlawful entry was detected early in the morning, with preliminary findings indicating the break-in happened during the night.

“The matter is currently under investigation, and the Bank of Uganda is working closely with relevant security agencies to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and to take appropriate action,”the bank said in the notice.

According to information obtained from investigators, the attackers targeted the bank’s commercial offices and escaped with seven laptops. However, deeper findings suggest the operation went beyond a simple theft, with evidence pointing to possible insider involvement.

Security sources revealed that the suspects are believed to have colluded with some staff members and elements within the security team, enabling them to access what is typically one of the most heavily guarded facilities in the country without raising alarm.

“They gained entry through the gate opposite City Square, moved into the commercial building, and stayed inside for nearly three hours before leaving with the laptops,” a detective familiar with the case said.

Investigators further disclosed that the suspects used duplicated keys, allowing them to bypass doors without forced entry. This level of access, detectives say, gave the group enough time to disable systems, including cutting off internet connectivity to delay detection.

“They did not have to break doors at the main entry points. The use of duplicate keys suggests inside facilitation, which is a key line of inquiry,” the detective added.

In addition to the laptops, the group reportedly stole a CCTV server and an internet router valued at about Shs50 million, significantly affecting the bank’s surveillance capability. Despite the scale of the operation, the suspects failed to access the cash safe.

“They attempted to locate keys to the strong room and in the process vandalised some CCTV cameras and office doors, but they did not succeed in accessing the vault,” another investigator said.

Footage recovered from the compromised surveillance system reportedly shows about five individuals forcing their way through internal barriers, further confirming the coordinated nature of the break-in.

The investigation later extended to downtown Kampala after sniffer dogs traced a scent trail to Mutaasa Kafeero Plaza, prompting a security operation in the area, City House and Kalungi Plaza and other several buildings were cordoned off as police searched for the stolen items.

Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Racheal Kawala confirmed that an intelligence-led operation had been conducted, resulting in multiple arrests.

“We have arrested over 20 suspects and recovered some items which will help police to conduct their investigation,” she said.

She however declined to directly link the operation to the central bank incident.

When asked whether the arrests were connected to the Bank of Uganda break-in, she responded,“I do not have the information that you are asking me.”

Despite the breach, the central bank reassured the public that its core operations remain stable and unaffected.

“Our services are fully functional and have not been disrupted by this incident,” the bank said, adding that further updates will be communicated as investigations progress.

The apparent level of coordination and possible insider involvement could have more implications for institutional safety and public confidence.

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 Who is sabotaging Museveni’s ‘real’ Sovereignty Bill? – FDC

By
Simon Kabayo
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Patrick Oboi Amuriat, FDC President.

The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has demanded answers over the controversial Protection of Sovereignty Bill and questioned who altered the proposed law after President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni disowned the version currently before Parliament.

Addressing a press conference at the party headquarters in Najjanankumbi, FDC President Patrick Oboi Amuriat said the President’s remarks had exposed a serious breakdown in the legislative process.

“If it is true that the Bill that was tabled in Parliament is not what he sanctioned, then this signals a very big problem,” Amuriat said.

He questioned how a Bill could be formally introduced in Parliament only for its originator to later distance himself from it.

“Who distorted the Bill? Who authorised its tabling in its current form? Who in the Attorney General’s chambers, in the Ministry of Internal Affairs, or in Cabinet is responsible for presenting to Parliament and the entire nation a piece of legislation that its own initiator now disowns?” he asked.

The FDC leader said the President’s public statement amounts to a vote of no confidence in government legal and policy structures.

“The President distancing himself from this Bill is a vote of no confidence in his own Attorney General and all those involved in its drafting and presentation. Any serious and accountable leader would hold those responsible to account to avoid a recurrence of such,” he said.

Amuriat also criticised the manner in which the clarification was made, arguing that a matter already before Parliament should follow formal procedures.

“The Bill was formally tabled before Parliament. Any denial or advice by the President should have followed the established procedures and not social media,” he said.

The FDC’s position follows Museveni’s statement last week in which he dismissed widespread claims that the Sovereignty Bill seeks to restrict foreign direct investment, remittances, and financial support to religious institutions.

“I have noticed a lot of noise regarding the Sovereignty Bill. Which Sovereignty Bill is the noise about? The one I initiated in the Cabinet or another one? The claims that the Bill will stop foreign direct investments, support for religious bodies from abroad, or remittances are not true. That is not the Bill I initiated,” Museveni said.

The President explained that the proposed legislation is intended to safeguard Uganda’s independence in policy decision making, drawing from the country’s historical struggle for self-determination.

“The sovereignty we fought for is about policy decision-making. It is about deciding on political, social, economic, and diplomatic issues as a country without interference,” he said.

He stressed that sovereignty should not be interpreted as hostility to economic openness.

“Sovereignty means please leave us alone so that we can make our own decisions. Do not fund groups to influence our decisions as a country,” Museveni said.

He added that Uganda’s liberal economic framework remains intact and unaffected by the proposed law.

“None of our policies says do not send money to Uganda or take it out. We run a free economy. Forex is bought and sold in privately run bureaus, and this freedom is the strength of our economy,” he said.

Museveni also pointed to the role of the private sector in sustaining economic performance.

“The freedom of the private sector compensates for the obstruction of corrupt or non-patriotic public servants and political opportunists,” he said.

He revealed that he had engaged parliamentary leaders to ensure the Bill remains focused on policy sovereignty and does not extend into economic controls.

“I have talked to the relevant leaders in Parliament to make the Bill concentrate on the sovereignty of policy decision making and not to meander into private enterprise or money transfers,” he said.

He further cautioned against external influence in Uganda’s internal affairs.

“Influence people by example and not by coercion or manipulation,” Museveni added.

Back in Najjanankumbi, Amuriat said the developments highlight the power of public resistance, noting that the Bill had faced overwhelming opposition during parliamentary consultations.

“What has happened with this Bill is a demonstration of what Ugandans can achieve when they speak with one voice. Civil society, religious leaders, cultural leaders, economists, legal scholars, diaspora Ugandans, opposition parties, and ordinary citizens came together and rejected this Bill in overwhelming numbers,” he said.

According to Amuriat, more than 90 percent of those who appeared before Parliament’s joint committees opposed the Bill.

“This government has now been forced to retreat and even deny itself. That shows that when we stand together, we win,” he said.

However, he warned that the legislative process is not yet over, claiming that parliamentary committees have already backed the Bill, leaving the final decision to the full House.

“We are now aware that the committees charged with scrutinising the Bill have overwhelmingly voted in favour of it and now the burden is left to the entire House,” he said.

He called on Members of Parliament to reject the Bill in any form that threatens constitutional freedoms.

“We call upon all Members of Parliament to reject any attempt to pass this Bill in its current form or in any amended form that continues to threaten the rights of Ugandans Parliament was not established to manufacture tools of oppression but to create an environment conducive to fairness and progress of the nation,” Amuriat said.

At a separate event, former Ethics and Integrity Minister Miria Matembe criticised both the substance of the Bill and the urgency with which it is being pushed, warning that the speed itself should alarm citizens.

“What kind of leaders ignore Ugandans? Are these human beings? If they cannot listen to Ugandans, it means their ears are closed and their eyes are closed. We shall continue to try to open those ears and eyes so that they listen to us,” Matembe said.

She argued that laws rushed through Parliament often conceal deeper risks.

“For me, the speed at which this Bill is being run to pass as a matter of life and death should open our eyes as Ugandans. Anything that is to be done as a matter of life and death has more danger behind it. There is greed and personal interest rather than the interest of Ugandans,” she said.

Matembe also questioned the urgency driving the legislation, saying the public has not been told what threat necessitates such action.

“What is it that has threatened Uganda with such immediate destruction all of a sudden to call for enactment of a law which is more dangerous than protective to this nation?” she asked.

Reflecting on Museveni’s statement, she said it did not address the concerns raised by Ugandans.

“I thought when the President came out to talk, he would tell us the danger that we are facing so that we join and protect ourselves. But I was not shocked. For the last forty years, I have seen our President as a leader. I have never heard him accept personal responsibility,” she said.

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RAJIV MEMORIAL: Amputees smile, Subarus rule Kampala as Tycoon Sudhir donates prosthetic limbs to amputees at Mulago Hospital

By
Our Reporter
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Chairman of the Ruparelia Group, Sudhir Ruparelia together with his wife Jyotsna Ruparelia and family, yesterday led an emotional humanitarian programme that combined life-changing medical support at Mulago National Referral Hospital and a motorsport memorial procession in honour of their late son Rajiv Ruparelia which marked one year since his tragic death.

At Mulago Hospital, the Ruparelia Foundation, in partnership with Suman Foundation and the Orthopaedic Department, implemented a prosthetic limb donation and fitting exercise aimed at restoring mobility, dignity, and independence to amputees drawn from different parts of the country.

The initiative comes at a time when about 5.5 million Ugandans are estimated to require supportive mobility devices, a situation that continues to place pressure on public health services and underline the importance of private sector involvement in rehabilitation and assistive care.

Government officials from the Ministry of Health, represented by the Director General of Health Services, Dr Charles Olaro, commended the intervention, saying it was a timely example of how partnerships can strengthen healthcare delivery and restore dignity to vulnerable citizens.

The ministry emphasized that initiatives of this nature not only reduce pressure on hospitals but also challenge long-standing stigma surrounding disability, encouraging affected individuals to reintegrate into active social and economic life.

The twenty (20) amputees were fitted with prosthetic limbs on the spot, while another 20 beneficiaries were measured and are expected to receive their devices within two weeks. Medical teams worked closely with specialists to ensure proper fitting and rehabilitation guidance, with several beneficiaries visibly emotional as they took their first steps with renewed hope and independence.

The emotional impact of the exercise was felt deeply among families and caregivers, many of whom described the intervention as a turning point in their lives. Rajiv’s support had restored hope where despair had long taken root.

“To the beneficiaries, your energy energizes us,” she said, calling for sustained action rather than symbolic gestures alone.

The initiative was also held firmly in memory of Rajiv Ruparelia, with family members noting that the best way to honour him was through acts that directly transform lives. His legacy was rooted in service, generosity and community engagement and that continuing such programmes was more meaningful than remembrance alone, as it reflects the values he lived by.

Rajiv’s influence in Uganda’s motorsport scene and business landscape remains widely acknowledged as one of the most dynamic of his generation. He was known for bringing youthful energy into rally sport, actively competing across national championships and helping to raise the profile of motorsport in Uganda. Through his involvement, he helped attract younger audiences to the sport while also building competitive teams that challenged established drivers on the circuit.

Beyond racing, Rajiv played a bigger role within the Ruparelia Group, where he was seen as part of the next generation of leadership in one of East Africa’s largest business conglomerates. His presence was increasingly felt across the group’s diverse portfolio, from real estate, hospitality, education and financial services, where he was gradually taking on more responsibility and strategic direction.

In the motorsport community, he was respected not only as a competitor but also as a supporter of emerging drivers and grassroots racing events. His participation in events such as Kayunga, Mbarara and Kabalega rallies helped elevate local competition standards, while his establishment of a rally team provided structure and visibility for upcoming talent in the sport.

Later in the day, Uganda’s motorsport fraternity staged a memorial convoy that moved through Kampala and surrounding routes in honour of Rajiv. The procession began at RR Pearl Tower on Yusuf Lule Road, passed through main city roads including Jinja Road, the Northern Bypass and Entebbe Road, before reaching Busabala roundabout where floral tributes were laid in his memory.

The convoy later proceeded to Speke Resort Munyonyo, a place closely associated with Rajiv’s professional engagements, before concluding with prayers and a candlelight vigil at the lakeside marina.

The day also included a blood donation drive at Mulago, running alongside the prosthetic limb programme, reinforcing the humanitarian dimension of the memorial activities.

At RR Pearl Tower, rally drivers and bikers gathered in large numbers, revving engines in a coordinated tribute before the convoy set off.

Veteran rally driver Ponsiano Lwakataka described Rajiv as both a friend and fierce competitor, recalling past races in which they competed closely, including a memorable encounter in Kayunga where Rajiv emerged victorious.

Rwakataka appealed to the Ruparelia family to preserve Rajiv’s rally legacy, suggesting that his sports car be maintained as a symbol of his contribution to Ugandan motorsport, with the initials “RR” kept prominently displayed to ensure his memory remains visible within the racing community.

Sudhir and Jyotsna Ruparelia also expressed deep grief while acknowledging the continued support from the public and various communities. They said grief had become a lifelong journey rather than a moment in time, but noted that acts of kindness and remembrance have given them strength over the past year.

Rajiv Ruparelia, who died at the age of 35 following a rally accident on the Kampala Entebbe Expressway, remains an iconic businessman and motorsport lover.

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Centenary Bank records Shs424.2b profit in 2025, expands financial inclusion and green financing

By
Simon Kabayo
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Centenary Bank headquarters.

Centenary Bank has reported a robust financial and social performance for the year 2025, registering significant growth across all key indicators while deepening its footprint in financial inclusion, sustainability and community transformation.

The bank closed the year with a profit after tax of Shs424.2 billion, up from Shs342.3 billion in 2024, representing strong growth driven by disciplined execution, rising customer confidence, and expansion of its loan and deposit base.

Total assets rose sharply to Shs8.61 trillion from Shs7.11 trillion, reflecting the continued expansion of the bank’s balance sheet and its growing role in Uganda’s financial sector. Customer deposits increased by 25.1 percent to Shs5.27 trillion, while net loans and advances grew to Shs4.16 trillion, underscoring sustained demand for credit among households, small businesses, and enterprise clients across the country.

According to Managing Director Dr Fabian Kasi, the results go beyond financial performance and reflect a deeper developmental mission anchored in Uganda’s real economy.

“Centenary Bank delivered solid growth across all key metrics this past year. Our profit after tax increased to Shs424.2 billion, and our total assets grew to Shs8.61 trillion. Beyond the balance sheet, these figures represent our continued investment in Uganda’s economic future and reflect our deep commitment to empowering the people, businesses, and communities that rely on us every day,” he said.

Dr Kasi emphasized that the bank’s growth strategy remains firmly rooted in inclusion, noting that more than 77.6 percent of its 3.4 million active customers come from underserved segments including smallholder farmers, women, youth, refugees and rural communities. He explained that this model is intentional and central to the bank’s identity.

He stated that Centenary Bank exists to transform lives and has, for over four decades, focused on serving communities often excluded from mainstream financial services, not as a charity, but as a core business approach that sustains both impact and growth.

The bank’s outreach was further strengthened through its extensive distribution network comprising 81 branches, 214 ATMs, and over 9,000 agent banking points, which now account for nearly half of all transactions. This expansion has significantly improved access to financial services in rural and hard-to-reach areas, allowing millions of Ugandans to save, borrow, and transact closer to where they live and work. By the end of 2025, the bank had supported over 2.39 million customers from underserved communities, while its MSME and agriculture portfolio stood at Shs1.76 trillion.

Centenary Bank also recorded notable progress in sustainable finance, disbursing Shs281.7 billion towards green and social impact projects that benefited more than 180,000 people. These investments supported agriculture, micro and small enterprises, women-led businesses, and youth entrepreneurship programs, reinforcing the bank’s role in driving inclusive economic growth. Key initiatives such as GROW, Supawoman, Cente Youth, and the National Youth Venture Capital Fund continued to expand access to opportunity for vulnerable and emerging entrepreneurs.

Dr Kasi highlighted that sustainability is now deeply embedded in the bank’s operations and governance.

“Our performance in 2025 reflects the depth of our environmental, social, and governance integration and our alignment with national and global development priorities. We are intentionally managing our carbon footprint, reducing emissions and ensuring that social economic inclusion remains at the centre of everything we do,” he said.

He further noted that the bank reduced operational emissions by 6.3 percent to 6,734.53 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent, supported by the transition of ten branches to solar energy and improved energy efficiency systems.

Beyond finance and environmental action, the bank invested Shs4.9 billion in corporate social responsibility programmes that reached more than 1,153 community initiatives. These included health outreach activities, financial literacy training, and support for local development programmes. Through its long-standing partnership with Rotary International, Centenary Bank contributed significantly to health-related causes such as the Cancer Run, bringing its total support to Rotary initiatives to over Shs6.2 billion over the past 13 years.

Looking ahead, Dr Kasi said the bank remains focused on strengthening digital systems, improving operational efficiency, and expanding access to finance under Uganda’s national development priorities.

“In 2026, we will focus on the successful rollout of our new core banking system, enhancing customer experience, and deepening financial access across key sectors, including agriculture, microfinance, and small and medium enterprises. We are confident in our direction and committed to delivering long-term sustainable value,” he said.

He also reaffirmed the bank’s long term philosophy, stating that Centenary Bank’s strength lies in its purpose driven model.

“A bank that serves Uganda’s most underserved communities with excellence is ultimately the most resilient bank of all,” Dr Kasi said.

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Gov’t proposes major salary boost for arts teachers and primary school administrators

By
Francisco Adongo
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Minister of Education and Sports Janet Museveni

Monday, May 4, 2026 | Kampala-The Government has proposed a substantial increase in salaries for arts teachers and primary school administrators, in a move aimed at improving welfare, boosting morale, and strengthening service delivery in the education sector.


Under the proposed structure, primary school headteachers are expected to earn Shs1.5 million per month, up from Shs980,000. Deputy headteachers will also benefit from the adjustment, with their monthly pay set to rise from Shs773,000 to Shs1.3 million.


Education officials say the revision is part of broader efforts to address long-standing concerns over salary disparities and to enhance motivation among staff in government-aided schools.
A senior official in the education sector, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the proposal reflects government’s recognition of the critical role played by school administrators.

“We are working towards a more balanced and motivating pay structure that reflects the responsibilities carried by headteachers and their deputies,” the official said.

Teachers have welcomed the proposal cautiously, describing it as a positive step but urging government to ensure timely implementation.

“This is good news, but we have heard promises before. What matters now is implementation, not just figures on paper,” said a primary school teacher in Wakiso District.

“If this increase is implemented fully, it will improve our morale and reduce the financial pressure many headteachers face in managing schools,” another teacher noted.

Education stakeholders have in the past repeatedly called for improved remuneration, arguing that better pay is key to reducing absenteeism, improving performance, and retaining qualified teachers, especially in rural and hard-to-reach areas.
However, critical details such as the funding mechanism and implementation timeline have not yet been fully disclosed, leaving uncertainty among education workers awaiting official confirmation.
The government is expected to provide further clarity in upcoming budget speeches and policy statements, where the full scope of the proposed salary reforms is likely to be outlined.

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High Court orders estate account before renewing administration of late Muhakanizi’s estate

By
Simon Kabayo
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Late Keith Muhakanizi.

The High Court Family Division in Kampala has ordered the administrator of the estate of the late Muhakanizi Keith to file a full account of the estate within one month as a strict condition for the renewal of Letters of Administration.

In a detailed ruling delivered on March 31, 2026, Lady Justice Celia Nagawa made it clear that no extension of the grant will take effect unless the administrator first complies with the statutory requirement to account for her stewardship of the estate.

“The Applicant should first file an account of the estate of the Late Keith Muhakanizi within one month from the date of this Ruling, accounting for the period she had the Letters of Administration,” the judge directed.

The application, filed by Janet Kamukama Muhakanizi, arose after the initial grant issued on November 17, 2023 expired on November 17, 2025 before the estate had been fully administered. She sought a two year extension to complete outstanding processes, including access to pension benefits from the Ministry of Public Service, transfer of shares in several companies, and processing of a special land title.

Court records show that while the administrator filed an inventory in May 2024, she had not filed the mandatory estate account as required under Section 273(1) of the Succession Act. The court found this omission central to determining whether the grant could be extended.

Justice Nagawa emphasized that compliance with the law is a foundational requirement, not a formality.

“Compliance with the provisions of the Act or any condition to which the grant of letters of administration is subject to is one of the conditions required… before the Court may extend the validity of Letters of Administration,” she ruled.

The judge examined the legal threshold under Section 256 of the Act, which allows extension of a grant only where it is in the best interests of the beneficiaries and where the administrator has fulfilled statutory obligations, including obtaining consent from all beneficiaries.

In this case, the court confirmed that all beneficiaries, including the widow and the deceased’s three children, had signed consent supporting the application.

“This Court finds that it is in the best interest of the beneficiaries to grant this Application,” the judge noted.

However, the court was equally critical of gaps in the administration of the estate. It pointed out that some assets, including shares in companies such as UMEME, Bank of Baroda, New Vision and SBG Securities, had not been disclosed in the original petition, raising concerns about full disclosure and proper management of the estate.

The court also acknowledged that key aspects of the estate remain unresolved, including accessing employment benefits and completing land title processing for property located at Block 74 Plot 17 in Kabula, all of which require a valid subsisting grant.

Despite these considerations, the judge declined to grant an outright renewal, instead issuing a conditional order that places accountability at the centre of the process.

“Upon satisfactory compliance with the above order, renewed Letters of Administration shall be granted to the Applicant for a further period of two years for purposes of pension and for a further period of two years in respect of the non-pension assets of the estate,” the ruling states.

The court further clarified that the extension will operate in two distinct tracks, separating pension matters from non-pension assets, each to run for a period of two years upon compliance.

In closing, the court made no order as to costs.

“No order as to costs,” Justice Nagawa held.

The High Court insists that administrators must strictly comply with statutory duties, particularly the obligation to account, before they can be allowed to continue managing estates. 

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Uganda ordered to pay RVR Shs522b in Railway Concession arbitration loss

By
Simon Kabayo
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AN RVR ENGINE: The company's contract was terminated by the government of Uganda over nonperformance.

Kampala, Uganda | May 4, 2026-Uganda has been ordered to pay approximately Shs522 billion (about $138.9 million) following a ruling from an international arbitration tribunal in London over the controversial termination of the Rift Valley Railways (RVR) concession agreement.
The decision marks the culmination of a years-long legal battle between the Government of Uganda and the private consortium that once managed the Kenya–Uganda metre-gauge railway line, stretching from the port of Mombasa through Nairobi to Kampala.

Tribunal finds wrongful termination

According to the arbitration ruling, Uganda wrongfully terminated the 2005 concession contract awarded to Rift Valley Railways, which had been tasked with operating, maintaining, and upgrading railway freight services across the region.
The government had previously justified its decision by citing alleged operational failures, missed investment targets, and financial mismanagement by the operator. However, the tribunal found that the termination did not fully comply with contractual and legal procedures governing the concession agreement.
As a result, Uganda was ordered to compensate the company for losses incurred, including projected earnings and investments made during the concession period.

Background to the dispute

The railway concession was part of a broader East African effort to privatise and modernise rail transport infrastructure, particularly the ageing metre-gauge system linking Uganda to the Indian Ocean port of Mombasa.
Initially hailed as a flagship public-private partnership, the project quickly ran into difficulties, including declining freight volumes, maintenance challenges, and disputes over investment obligations between the government and the operator.
In 2017, the concession was formally terminated by Uganda Railways Corporation, triggering arbitration proceedings in London.

Financial and policy implications

The ruling now places a significant financial burden on the Ugandan government, with the Shs522 billion award expected to be met from public funds.
Economists and infrastructure analysts say the case highlights long-standing weaknesses in the structuring and enforcement of public-private partnerships in large infrastructure projects.
“This ruling should serve as a warning about how concession agreements are negotiated, monitored, and exited,” one infrastructure policy analyst said, noting that poorly managed contracts can expose governments to heavy compensation claims.

Wider impact on rail development

The judgment comes at a time when Uganda is investing in new transport infrastructure, including plans for a standard gauge railway network aimed at replacing the ageing metre-gauge system.
However, the ruling raises concerns about investor confidence and the legal risks associated with future infrastructure partnerships.
Government officials are yet to issue a detailed public response to the arbitration award.
For now, the decision stands as one of the most expensive international arbitration losses Uganda has faced in recent years, with long-term implications for fiscal planning and infrastructure policy.

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Fatal as Nile Star Bus crash leaves four dead in Nwoya

By
Emmanuel Okello
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The fatal Nile bus accident that left four people dead in Nwoya.

Nwoya, Uganda — A devastating road crash involving a Nile Star Bus has left four people dead and several others injured in Nwoya District, prompting renewed scrutiny of driver conduct and safety enforcement in Uganda’s passenger transport sector.


Traffic police spokesperson Michael Kananura confirmed that all four victims died at the scene, underscoring the severity of the impact. Survivors, many of whom sustained serious injuries, were rushed to nearby health facilities as emergency responders battled to manage the aftermath.
Police have since arrested the driver of the bus, who remains in custody as investigators work to establish what led to the crash. “He is being held to assist with ongoing investigations,” Kananura said, adding that no conclusions have yet been made regarding the exact cause.


However, early lines of inquiry are focusing on possible human error, with investigators examining whether the driver may have been speeding or fatigued at the time of the incident. Mechanical failure has also not been ruled out, and the bus is undergoing a detailed inspection.
Witnesses described a harrowing sequence of events leading up to the crash, with the bus reportedly veering off its path before the fatal impact. Some passengers who survived the ordeal recounted confusion and panic, as others attempted to escape through windows and damaged sections of the vehicle.
Beyond the immediate tragedy, the crash has reignited broader concerns about regulatory enforcement in Uganda’s road transport system. Despite existing guidelines governing driver hours, vehicle maintenance, and speed limits, implementation remains inconsistent, particularly among long-distance bus operators.


Road safety advocates argue that enforcement agencies must move beyond reactive measures and adopt preventive strategies, including real-time monitoring of buses, stricter licensing requirements, and routine audits of transport companies.
“This is not just an isolated incident—it reflects systemic gaps that need urgent attention,” said a transport safety analyst familiar with accident trends in northern Uganda. “Without accountability at multiple levels, these tragedies will continue.”


Police have called on bus companies to strengthen internal safety checks and ensure drivers are adequately rested before embarking on long journeys. Passengers have also been encouraged to report reckless driving behavior as part of a collective effort to improve road safety.
As families of the victims begin the painful process of mourning, authorities say a full investigative report will be released in the coming days. The findings are expected to guide both potential legal action and future policy interventions.
The Nwoya crash stands as a stark reminder of the human cost of road accidents—and the urgent need for lasting reforms to protect lives on Uganda’s roads.

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Mpuuga challenges 2026 elections, questions legality of vote

By
Our Reporter
-
Mr Mathias Mpuuga.

Barely three months after Uganda’s January 15 general elections, former Leader of Opposition in Parliament, Mathias Mpuuga, has taken a bold legal step that could reopen national debate over the credibility of the 2026 electoral process.
In a petition filed before the Constitutional Court, Mpuuga is asking the judiciary to declare that the 2026 general elections were not conducted in accordance with the Constitution. The filing, now under judicial review, raises questions about the conduct of the polls, compliance with electoral laws, and the integrity of key stages of the voting process.

A LEGAL CHALLENGE WITH WIDE POLITICAL IMPLICATIONS

According to the petition, Mpuuga is seeking several remedies, the most significant being a constitutional declaration that the entire electoral process failed to meet the legal standards required for a free, fair, and credible election.
While full details of the petition remain before the court, sources familiar with similar electoral filings indicate that such cases often hinge on claims of procedural irregularities, administrative failures, or alleged breaches in electoral management.
However, at this stage, the court has not made any determination on the merits of the allegations.

WHAT IS AT STAKE

If the Constitutional Court agrees to entertain the arguments and finds merit in the petition, the implications could extend beyond individual constituencies. A ruling questioning conformity with the Constitution could trigger political and legal consequences that affect the legitimacy of the electoral outcome.
Conversely, if dismissed, the petition would reinforce the legal standing of the current election results and close one of the emerging post-election disputes.

A PATTERN OF POST-ELECTION DISPUTES

The petition adds to a broader wave of legal and political challenges that have followed the 2026 general elections. In Uganda’s electoral history, courts have often been called upon to arbitrate disputes arising from contested results, reflecting recurring tensions between political actors and the electoral framework.

COURT EXPECTED TO SET TIMELINES

The Constitutional Court is expected to first determine whether the petition meets the threshold for constitutional interpretation before proceeding to a full hearing. No hearing date has yet been publicly confirmed.
For now, the petition places renewed scrutiny on Uganda’s electoral system and sets the stage for a potentially significant constitutional interpretation case—one that could shape how future elections are assessed and contested.

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Route to Risk: Commercial pressure and driver fatigue under scrutiny after Mbarara–Bushenyi crash

By
Our Reporter
-
Accident scene.

Investigative Desk Sunday, May 3, 2026-As investigations continue into Sunday’s fatal crash on the Mbarara–Bushenyi Road, a different line of inquiry is gaining ground: the human pressures behind the wheel.
Beyond the collision between a passenger taxi (UBE 047S) and a heavy truck from the direction of Mbarara, transport insiders say the tragedy reflects a deeper problem—a system that pushes drivers to the edge.
One person has been confirmed dead, while several others remain hospitalized in and around Bushenyi.

Racing the clock—and each other

In Uganda’s public transport sector, time is money. Taxi operators often work under informal but intense expectations to maximize trips and revenue within a day.

“If you delay, you lose passengers to another driver. So people speed to stay competitive,” said Mr. Patrick Turyamureeba, a taxi driver who frequently operates along the route.

Drivers describe a system in which earnings depend on how many trips they complete—creating incentives for risky behavior.

“You are judged by how fast you return for the next trip. That pressure is always there,” he added.

Fatigue behind the wheel

Long hours and limited rest are another growing concern. Some drivers operate for extended periods with minimal breaks, especially on busy corridors like the Mbarara–Bushenyi Road.

“A driver can start very early and continue late into the night. Fatigue is real, but there is no proper monitoring,” said Mr. Wilson Byaruhanga, a transport union member.

Fatigue slows reaction time, impairs judgment, and increases the likelihood of deadly errors—particularly when combined with speeding or poor road conditions.

The truck factor

Heavy trucks, often moving goods across long distances, are also part of the equation. Industry observers say driver fatigue is equally common among truck operators, many of whom travel overnight to meet delivery deadlines.

“Truck drivers are under pressure from employers to deliver on time. Some drive for hours without proper rest,” said Ms. Harriet Nambooze, a logistics sector analyst.

Eyewitnesses in Sunday’s crash claim the truck was moving at high speed before impact, though this has not yet been officially confirmed.

Enforcement gaps

The Uganda Police Force maintains that traffic laws exist to regulate speed and driver conduct—but enforcement remains inconsistent.

“We conduct operations to curb speeding and reckless driving, but compliance is still a challenge,” said ASP Samson Kasasira, police spokesperson.

Transport stakeholders argue that enforcement often comes in bursts—leaving long stretches of highway effectively unmonitored.

“Drivers know where enforcement is likely to happen and adjust temporarily. Once past those points, they revert to risky behavior,” said Mr. Stephen Rwomushana, a road safety advocate.

Economics vs. Safety

At the heart of the issue is a difficult trade-off: livelihood versus safety.
Many drivers operate under financial pressure—vehicle owners demand daily remittances, fuel prices fluctuate, and competition remains high.

“If a driver slows down too much, they may not meet the owner’s target. That’s the reality,” said Mr. John Kato, a taxi stage coordinator.

This creates an environment where cutting corners becomes normalized, even when the risks are well understood.

Human toll

For passengers, these invisible pressures can have deadly consequences.

“We trust drivers with our lives, but we don’t know what they are going through,” said Ms. Doreen Kyomuhendo, a frequent traveler on the route.

Families affected by Sunday’s crash are now confronting that reality firsthand, as loved ones fight for survival in hospital.

Rethinking the system

Experts say reducing accidents on routes like the Mbarara–Bushenyi Road requires more than blaming individual drivers.
Proposed solutions include:

Regulating driver working hours to prevent fatigue

Reforming payment structures to reduce pressure for excessive trips

Strengthening continuous speed monitoring, not just spot enforcement

Expanding driver training and mental health support

“We must address the system around the driver—not just the driver,” said Eng. David Tusingwire, a transport policy expert.

A familiar tragedy

As investigators work to determine the exact cause of Sunday’s crash, one thing is becoming clear: the incident reflects patterns that have played out before—and may happen again.
Unless structural pressures within Uganda’s transport sector are addressed, roads like the Mbarara–Bushenyi Road will continue to carry not just passengers and goods, but risk, fatigue, and preventable loss.

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