Day: May 9, 2026

Lira, Uganda | The Uganda Police Force has announced extensive traffic and access guidelines ahead of the swearing-in and inauguration ceremony of President-elect Yoweri Kaguta Museveni at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, with several roads around the venue set to face restrictions for the general public. The inauguration ceremony, scheduled for Tuesday, May 12, 2026, will mark the beginning of Museveni’s seventh presidential term covering the 2026–2031 period following the January 15 General Election. The national event will be held under the theme: “Protecting the Gains, Making a Qualitative Leap into High Middle-Income Status.” According to Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke, invited guests will access the venue through John Babiha Road (Acacia Avenue) via Elgon Terrace, commonly known as the Heroes Corner Gate, as indicated on their invitation cards and accreditation passes. Police said special access arrangements for VIPs, VVIPs and other accredited guests would be communicated through official invitation and accreditation channels. The ceremony is expected to run from 8:00am to 2:00pm and attract approximately 40,000 guests, including more than 30 Heads of State and international delegations. In preparation for the high-profile function, Government has declared Tuesday, May 12, 2026, a public holiday to enable Ugandans to observe the inauguration ceremony. Security agencies, including the Uganda People’s Defence Forces and the Uganda Police Force, have intensified deployments and rehearsals around Kololo and major access routes to ensure safety and smooth coordination during the event. Under the new traffic guidelines, several roads leading to Kololo Ceremonial Grounds will only be accessible to vehicles displaying valid accreditation stickers or special clearance. The affected routes include Ssezibwa Road, the Golf Course traffic lights area and sections of John Babiha Road leading to the venue. Traffic Police also outlined designated routes for guests arriving from different directions. Motorists travelling from Entebbe International Airport will use the Entebbe Express Highway, Northern Bypass and Yusuf Lule Road before connecting to Kololo. Those from Munyonyo Spur will similarly access the venue through the Northern Bypass and Yusuf Lule Road. Police further announced restrictions at several key junctions around Kololo. At Wampewo Roundabout, motorists will not be allowed to join Wampewo Avenue and will instead be diverted to Jinja Road towards Uganda Management Institute parking and Phaneroo Grounds. At the Golf Course and Fairway Hotel traffic lights, only VVIP vehicles bearing red stickers will access Acacia Avenue, while at Katikati Junction, members of the general public will be redirected towards Lugogo traffic lights on Jinja Road. Vehicles approaching from Old Kira Road and Mawanda Road through City Oil on Acacia Road will also be diverted towards Mulago traffic lights. Police said parking at the venue would strictly be limited to accredited persons. VVIP guests will park at Heroes Corner within Kololo Ceremonial Grounds through Elgon Terrace access. The general public has been directed to use designated parking areas at City High School, Phaneroo Grounds, Uganda Management Institute and Millennium Grounds. Members of Parliament will park at Parliament, while members of the NRM Secretariat will use parking space at the NRM Kyadondo offices. Despite the restrictions, Police clarified that the Entebbe Express Highway and Northern Bypass would remain open to the general public, although temporary diversions may be introduced at selected junctions including Mpala, Kisubi, Kajjansi Flyover, Serena-Kigo, Mutungo-Kitiko, Busabala traffic lights and Munyonyo Roundabout. Police appealed to motorists and other road users to cooperate with traffic officers deployed along the major routes, junctions and access roads to ensure smooth movement and public safety during the event. Source

Kampala, Uganda | The reported acquisition of a 2025 model Rolls‑Royce Cullinan by Anita Among has triggered renewed public debate over wealth, leadership, and accountability ahead of the race for the Speakership of Uganda’s 12th Parliament. According to reports first published by Pulse Uganda and later amplified across local media platforms, the luxury SUV was imported from the United Kingdom through Albeity Limited, a firm previously linked to the procurement of luxury vehicles for parliamentary leadership in 2022. The vehicle is said to carry a base price of approximately £440,000, equivalent to about Shs2.2 billion before taxes and logistical expenses. Sources cited in the reports indicate that once freight charges, import duties, registration, and clearance fees are added, the total cost could approach Shs4 billion. The development has drawn widespread public attention because the Rolls‑Royce Cullinan is regarded among the world’s most prestigious and expensive SUVs, commonly associated with royalty, billionaires and global celebrities. Reports indicate that the vehicle was airlifted into Uganda and that officials from the Uganda Revenue Authority handled its clearance. The Daily Monitor reportedly stated that the Speaker confirmed ownership of the vehicle during a conference call involving URA Commissioner General John Musinguzi Rujoki. During the reported conversation, Among allegedly described the vehicle as a birthday gift and maintained that political opponents were exaggerating the issue to damage her public image. She was also quoted as saying that senior leaders were already aware of her fondness for luxury vehicles. The matter has further intensified scrutiny because among her husband, Moses Magogo, remains under sanctions imposed by the United States and the United Kingdom over the Karamoja iron sheets scandal. The sanctions announced in 2024 reportedly included travel restrictions and asset freezes. Political criticism intensified after Norbert Mao publicly attacked the Speaker over what he described as excessive display of wealth in a country facing widespread economic hardship. Addressing journalists on Friday, Mao argued that the ruling National Resistance Movement should reconsider supporting Among for another term as Speaker. He said the continued public display of wealth risked damaging both Parliament’s image and that of the government. Mao also questioned the timing of such expenditures at a moment when Uganda continues to face social and economic challenges. The controversy comes as Among seeks another term as Speaker after first assuming office in 2022 following the death of Jacob Oulanyah. Her tenure has repeatedly attracted criticism over parliamentary spending, procurement of luxury vehicles, and the broader handling of public resources, issues that are expected to feature prominently in the contest for leadership of the next Parliament. Source: Pulse Uganda Source

Lira, Uganda | Hospital administrators have been urged to embrace transformative, data-driven, and innovative leadership as Uganda’s health system comes under increasing pressure from rising patient numbers, limited staffing and ageing infrastructure. The call dominated discussions during the Annual General Meeting of the Uganda National Association of Hospital Administrators (UNAHA), association with 135 members, held at Lira Regional Referral Hospital, where members also elected a new national executive to steer the association. Hospital Administrators During the AGM on Friday, May 8, 2026, at LRRH. Outgoing UNAHA president and Principal Hospital Administrator at Lira Regional Referral Hospital, Peter Okello Odeke, said hospital administrators remain central to the efficiency of Uganda’s health system, serving as planners, budget managers, supervisors and governance actors. He urged a shift from routine administration to strategic leadership anchored in data use, innovation, and stronger institutional coordination. Odeke further encouraged improved engagement with the media to enhance transparency and public communication in health service delivery. Outgoing UNAHA President Peter Okello Odeke. He traced the evolution of hospital administration to the mid-1990s decentralisation reforms, which introduced professional administrators to replace clerical cadres in managing growing health sector demands. Lira Regional Referral Hospital Director, Dr. Andrew Odur painted a picture of a system under strain despite gradual improvements in service delivery. He said the facility, which evolved from a First World War-era screening centre into a regional referral hospital, now operates with about 472 beds, 20 specialists and roughly 330 staff members, representing only 28% staffing capacity. Dr. Odur warned that Uganda’s doctor-to-patient ratio remains critically low, describing it as unsustainable without urgent reforms and investment in human resources and digital health systems. He called for accelerated adoption of electronic medical records and telemedicine, among others, to improve efficiency and decision-making. The director also cited persistent challenges, including poor internet connectivity, limited technical capacity, infrastructure gaps, and institutional disputes affecting service delivery. LRRH Director Dr. Andrew Odur. Dr. Odur stressed the need for leadership innovation, warning that outdated systems are undermining patient care. He noted that many patient complaints arise from poor communication rather than absence of services, urging administrators to improve engagement with patients and communities. Despite challenges, he highlighted progress in ICU expansion, dialysis services, specialist care, outreach programmes, and revenue generation through a private wing. Plans are underway to expand diagnostic services, particularly ultrasound and endoscopy, in response to rising cases of liver disease linked to alcohol use and Hepatitis B infections. Lira City Resident City Commissioner Egole Lawrence commended hospital administrators for their role as the backbone of Uganda’s healthcare system. He acknowledged improvements at Lira Regional Referral Hospital despite budget constraints, drug stock challenges, and staffing shortages. Egole urged greater adoption of data-driven planning, digitisation, preventive maintenance, and staff welfare improvements to enhance patient outcomes. Lira City Resident City Commissioner Lawrence Egole. He also underscored the importance of security within health facilities, noting that collaboration with police through a mini-post at the hospital had improved safety for staff, patients, and equipment. The RCC further cautioned against confrontation in resolving institutional disputes, calling instead for dialogue and teamwork. The AGM ushered in a new executive committee to lead UNAHA for the next term:1. President: Walter Uryek-Wun2. Vice President: Proscovia Awino3. Secretary General: Bwambale Clarence4. Assistant Secretary General: Amuge Catherine5. Treasurer: Sarah Mulongo6. Committee Members: Ojwang James, Andama Ben The new president pledged to prioritise capacity building, improved coordination with the Ministry of Health, and enhanced accountability in hospital administration. He also proposed the establishment of a coordination desk between hospital administrators and government, alongside strengthening a SACCO to improve financial empowerment and unity among members. Delegates at the meeting emphasised the need for stronger collaboration and knowledge sharing among health facilities across Uganda. Some participants praised improvements at Lira Regional Referral Hospital and urged documentation of best practices in resource mobilisation, infrastructure development, and service delivery to support other hospitals facing similar challenges. The meeting brought together administrators from across the country, including representatives from Kabale, Karamoja, West Nile, Kampala, Jinja, Masaka, and Fort Portal. The AGM concluded with renewed calls for unity, innovation, and professionalism as Uganda’s health sector grapples with increasing demand and structural pressures. Source

Kampala, Uganda | A dramatic moment unfolded in Parliament on Tuesday when outgoing Erute South MP Jonathan Odur openly confronted Speaker Anita Among during a tense debate on the controversial Protection of Sovereignty Bill, accusing her of using his name to justify limiting debate on the floor of the House. The charged exchange occurred as Members of Parliament debated minority reports concerning the proposed legislation, which has generated significant political and public interest over its implications for governance, civil liberties and Uganda’s democratic space. Odur, one of the minority legislators selected to present dissenting views on the bill, had earlier been allocated 35 minutes to make his submission. During his presentation, the legislator raised several objections and concerns regarding the proposed law, reportedly seeking additional time after exhausting his allotted minutes. However, Speaker Among repeatedly ruled that there was no more time available for him to continue. A visibly dissatisfied Odur eventually resumed his seat after relinquishing the microphone. The situation escalated moments later when Mukono Municipality MP Betty Nambooze took the floor and sharply criticised the joint committee leadership that processed the bill, accusing them of bias and selectively ignoring critical stakeholder submissions, including a memorandum allegedly submitted by the Buganda Kingdom. Nambooze also accused committee co-chairperson Bakka Mugabi of disregarding her contributions despite her role as a Shadow Minister. She further criticised the 12th Parliament, arguing that legislators were acting as though they were the final custodians of the institution. Drawing from Commonwealth parliamentary practice, Nambooze proposed that debate on the contentious bill be deferred to the 13th Parliament, which she argued would have adequate time to conduct broader consultations in line with parliamentary rules and democratic norms. As she attempted to continue her remarks beyond the allocated time, Nambooze protested efforts to stop her submission, insisting that her views deserved to be fully heard irrespective of whether the Speaker agreed with them. In response, Speaker Among directed the legislator to conclude her remarks and cautioned members to respect their allocated speaking time. While making the ruling, Among referenced Odur’s earlier submission, commending him for raising substantive issues that the House required sufficient time to debate. That reference immediately triggered an angry reaction from Odur. The outspoken legislator, who already bid farewell to Parliament after reportedly losing his seat during the January elections, rose from his seat and objected loudly to the Speaker’s remarks. “Stop using my name because you did not allow me time to present my report,” Odur shouted across the chamber, accusing the Speaker of misrepresenting his position. He insisted that his earlier experience should not be cited as justification for restricting debate by other opposition legislators, particularly Nambooze. The unexpected confrontation momentarily heightened tensions inside the chamber, with several MPs closely watching to see whether the Speaker would directly respond to Odur’s defiant outburst. Known for her firm handling of parliamentary proceedings, Among instead remained composed and refrained from engaging in a direct verbal confrontation with the Erute South legislator. She subsequently directed Ndorwa East MP Wilfred Niwagaba to proceed with presenting another minority report. Other legislators who expressed dissenting views during the debate included Kilak South MP Gilbert Olanya, Mukono County South MP Abdullah Kiwanuka and Busiro East MP Medard Segona. The debate on the Protection of Sovereignty Bill has continued to expose deep divisions within Parliament, with opposition legislators accusing the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) of fast-tracking controversial legislation without adequate consultation and debate. Source