In a post published on his official X account on Monday, Gen. Muhoozi said discussions were underway regarding the possible reopening of NTV Uganda and Daily Monitor after the media group’s operations were halted over the weekend.

“As Comrade Andrew Mwenda said, we are having discussions with our allies in the UK and Europe about re-opening both NTV and Daily Monitor. We shall take the results of these discussions to Mzee for final approval,” Gen. Muhoozi posted.

The statement marks the first indication from the military chief that the shutdown could be reversed, although no timeline has been given for when the affected media outlets may resume broadcasting and publication.

MEDIA OPERATIONS HALTED

Uganda’s media industry was thrown into uncertainty after several Nation Media Group Uganda platforms ceased operations following public statements by Gen. Muhoozi announcing that he had ordered their closure.

The affected outlets include NTV Uganda, Spark TV, KFM, Dembe FM, Daily Monitor and The EastAfrican, all of which are operated by Nation Media Group Uganda.

Broadcast services were interrupted while access to some company premises in Kampala was reportedly restricted by armed security personnel deployed outside the company’s headquarters in Namuwongo and at its broadcast facilities at Serena Hotel.

The developments followed a series of posts by Gen. Muhoozi on X in which he stated that he had ordered the closure of the media outlets.”I have the power in Uganda to shut down ANY media house I want to. I have had this power since 2017. This power was given to me by my great father President Kaguta Museveni. NTV and Daily Monitor are learning about it today,” he wrote in one of the posts.

In another message, he added: “Both NTV and Monitor will not re-open without my permission.”The CDF also posted several messages referring to Nation Media Group Uganda Chief Executive Officer Susan Nsibirwa, saying authorities were looking for her. As of press time, Ms. Nsibirwa had not publicly responded to the remarks.

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BROADCASTERS RESPONDS

Hours after the shutdown, the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) issued a holding statement confirming that it was monitoring developments surrounding the affected media houses.

The association acknowledged that NTV Uganda, Spark TV, KFM, Dembe FM, Daily Monitor and The EastAfrican had been affected and expressed concern over the implications of the shutdown.”We are deeply concerned about this action and its impact on the media ecosystem, and the rights enshrined under the 1995 Constitution of the Republic of Uganda,” the association said.

NAB said it had initiated engagement with the Ministry of ICT, the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) and the Chief of Defence Forces in an effort to establish the facts and pursue what it described as an amicable resolution.The broadcasters’ umbrella body said it would issue a more comprehensive statement after completing consultations with the relevant stakeholders.

SECURITY DEPLOYMENT

Throughout Sunday, armed soldiers remained deployed outside Nation Media Group Uganda’s headquarters in Namuwongo, where access to the premises was reportedly restricted.Employees arriving for work encountered tight security as military personnel controlled entry into the compound. A similar deployment was reported at the Serena Hotel broadcast centre, where NTV Uganda and Spark TV operate.

The security operation quickly became one of the country’s most discussed topics on social media, attracting reactions from journalists, lawyers, politicians and civil society organisations.Among those who publicly reacted Local Government Minister Balaam Barugahara, who appeared to support the action in a post on X. “They will repent shortly, Chairman,” Balaam wrote.

“I believe they now recognize the mistakes they made and the wrongs that were committed against Mzee and yourself. With time, reflection, and guidance, they will come to appreciate the value of respect for leaders.”His comments sparked debate online, with supporters arguing that media organisations should exercise greater responsibility, while critics warned that disputes involving the press should be addressed through existing legal and regulatory institutions.

Kasambya County MP Daudi Kabanda also weighed in, reiterating previous calls for professionalism and accountability within the media industry.

DEBATE OVER PRESS FREEDOM

The developments have reignited debate over press freedom and constitutional governance in Uganda.Supporters of Gen. Muhoozi argued that sections of the media have repeatedly published reports they consider misleading and damaging to the country’s image, particularly in relation to tourism and national security.

Critics, however, warned that any closure of media organisations outside established legal and regulatory procedures raises significant constitutional questions concerning freedom of expression and freedom of the press.Uganda’s Constitution guarantees freedom of speech, media freedom and access to information, while regulation of broadcasters ordinarily falls under the mandate of the Uganda Communications Commission.

Legal analysts are expected to examine the legal basis of the shutdown and whether due process was observed.

REGIONAL ATTENTION

The developments have also drawn regional attention because Nation Media Group is East Africa’s largest independent media company, with operations in Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania.Media rights advocates say the outcome of the ongoing discussions could have broader implications for press freedom across the region.

Meanwhile, Gen. Muhoozi’s latest statement suggesting that discussions are underway with Andrew Mwenda and international partners has offered the first public indication that the affected media outlets could return to operation.Whether the proposed reopening receives the final approval of President Yoweri Museveni, as suggested by the CDF, remains to be seen.

For now, employees, audiences and advertisers continue to await official confirmation on when normal broadcasting and publishing services will resume, bringing an end to one of the most dramatic confrontations between the Ugandan state and a major media organisation in recent years.

The FY 2026/27 budget is sized at Shs84.391 trillion. It must be noted that just months ago, the Budget Framework Paper had projected it to be sized at Shs69.399 trillion. The figure was later revised upwards to Shs78.2 trillion in February before being increased further to its current size. This budget is quite expansionary by anyone’s benchmark and begs to wonder how genuine government’s fiscal consolidation agenda really is. Nevertheless, the budget has both some hits and some misses. I will start by highlighting what I think are its positive aspects.

The recent economic performance and outlook are positive. The economy is doing well, growing at 6.4% and nominal GDP is estimated to increase to USD $69.3 billion. The projected GDP growth of 10.2% in FY 2026/27 is good, however, might be overly ambitious. This is considering the conflict in the Middle East which has resulted in significantly higher global oil and prices, coupled with the recent Ebola outbreak which has been a public relations and communications crisis for the country, negatively impacting our tourism sector and economic activity in general.

This is irrespective of whether commercial oil production commences during this period, which will almost certainly strengthen economic growth.

Under its FY 2026/27 financing strategy, government plans on expanding alternative sources of financing, including Public-Private Partnerships, venture capital, innovative instruments such as SUKUK, and listing of commercially viable public enterprises on the stock exchange. If implemented, this will go a long way in reducing the pressure from government’s traditional funding sources such as government securities (treasury bills & treasury bonds), which could lead to lower interest rates in these instruments and have a knock-on effect on interest rates in the economy as a whole.

It could simultaneously deepen our financial and capital markets by expanding the fixed income instrument menu and diversifying the investor pool as well as increasing the counters on the Uganda Securities Exchange (USE), which hasn’t had an Initial Public Offering (IPO) in years. Capital markets can provide a platform to raise large-scale, long-term capital, a necessity if government is to achieve its Tenfold Growth Strategy.

I now want to highlight some of the misses in the FY 2026/27 budget. On top of the list is percentage of the budget that debt servicing is going to consume. At Shs33.4 trillion, this is 39.6% of the total budget, a massive increase from Shs27.5 trillion in the current fiscal year. Of this total amount, interest payments alone equate to Shs12.35 trillion. Interest payments as a percentage of government revenues are 26.87%, up from roughly 25% in the current fiscal year. So, this means that for every Shs1,000 that government earns, Shs269 goes towards paying interest on loans.

This is a worrying trend, as these statistics present a more realistic picture about how sustainable our national debt is, rather than the more commonly referenced debt to GDP ratio, now at a reported 53%.

Under the new tax policy measures, government has introduced a 5% withholding tax on interest payments made by Ugandan companies to foreign financial institutions whom they have borrowed from. This is a major “own goal” for several reasons. It will either discourage capital inflows or increase the cost of doing business, or both. Financial institutions such as commercial banks are the largest recipients of such foreign funding, most of which is used for on lending to Ugandan companies and individuals. Financial institutions are likely to reduce such borrowings because of the additional costs or pass on these costs to these customers, making borrowing more expensive.

It must be noted that these capital inflows have played a part in the stability of the Uganda Shilling, as they are typically disbursed in foreign currency.

When it comes to the budget allocations, the amounts provided for the Tourism Sector and Mineral development, Mining, Oil and Gas, are relatively small, considering they are key pillars of government’s “ATMS” Tenfold Growth Strategy.

Tourism receipts increased to USD $1.86 billion in 2025, putting it in the top 3 net-foreign exchange earner for the country. However, it is only with a more intentional approach that the sector will grow, as it has the potential to be the top foreign exchange earner for the country. Uganda is naturally endowed but adequate funding, focus and promotion is what will help it will realize its full Tourism potential. This is over and above the “enablers” that government has put in place.

When you analyze the amount allocated to Mineral development, Mining, Oil and Gas, most of it goes towards oil and gas. And yet Uganda’s mineral potential far exceeds its oil and gas sector potential, being blessed with deposits of precious metals, iron ore, rare earth elements, uranium, base metals, 3Ts and industrial minerals. Mining is capital-intensive, so it is imperative that government allocates enough funding for geo-data generation, exploration and development.

Lastly, I want to highlight our general budget planning and the consistent use of supplementary budgets. Supplementary budgets are not merely financial adjustments. They are a test of how credible the original budget was, how well government institutions planned for predictable obligations, and whether additional resources are resolving avoidable planning gaps.

History shows that they repeatedly cater for predictable expenditures such as wages and institutional arrears. Further to this, the associated additional funding requirements for supplementary budgets also contribute to the constant increase in domestic borrowing. Which now raises the issue around the domestic borrowing target that is articulated in the budget, as it has always been exceeded in the past several years.

As an example, the current fiscal year’s domestic borrowing target is Shs11.38 trillion, but by the end of April 2026, government had already borrowed Shs13.38 trillion. It is estimated that by the end of this fiscal year the domestic borrowing outturn could potentially be upwards of Shs15 trillion. Again, this speaks directly to budget planning.

The writer Benoni Okwenje is the General Manager Financial Markets, Centenary Bank. He is also the Chairman Treasurers’ Forum, Uganda Bankers Association.

In a ruling that is likely to shape corporate accountability in Uganda, Justice Isaac Bonny Teko concluded that Mwami—far from being a fraud suspect—was in fact the whistleblower who first uncovered and reported the suspicious transactions. Yet, despite internal investigations clearing him of wrongdoing, he was later arrested, prosecuted and subjected to years of criminal proceedings before eventually being acquitted.

The judgment paints a troubling picture of how a senior employee who exposed suspected fraud ended up facing criminal charges while those responsible for investigating the fraud possessed evidence that exonerated him.

COURT AWARDS OVER SHS2.3 BILLION

Delivering judgment on June 26, 2026, at the High Court Civil Division in Kampala, Justice Teko awarded Mwami UGX 2,309,750,000 in damages.

The award comprises UGX 1,809,750,000 in special damages for financial losses, UGX 400 million in general damages for the harm caused to his reputation, liberty and career, and UGX 100 million in exemplary damages intended to punish and deter similar conduct.

The court further ordered that the entire amount shall attract interest at 10 percent per annum from the date of judgment until full payment, with MTN also required to meet the legal costs of the suit.Mwami was represented by AF Mpanga Advocates, while MTN Uganda was represented by Kampala Associated Advocates. The Attorney General was represented by the Attorney General’s Chambers.

THE WHISTLEBLOWER WHO BECAME THE ACCUSED

The dispute traces its origins to December 2011 when Mwami, then serving as Senior Manager Public Access at MTN Uganda, examined transactions on the company’s Fundamo mobile money platform.During the review, he discovered unusual and suspicious transactions involving approximately UGX 16 billion.

Instead of concealing the irregularities, Mwami reported his findings to senior MTN officials, including Themba Khumalo and Anthony Katamba.The matter was subsequently reported to police, prompting MTN to commission an independent forensic audit by Grant Thornton.

That forensic report, dated January 12, 2012, became one of the central pieces of evidence in the civil proceedings.According to the High Court, the report did not implicate Mwami in the alleged fraud.

Despite those findings, the company later supported criminal proceedings that saw Mwami arrested and prosecuted.

A CASE BUILT ON A DISCREDITED STATEMENT

Justice Teko observed that the only evidence eventually used to implicate Mwami was a charge-and-caution statement made by Patrick Ssentongo in February 2013.However, that statement had already been rejected in earlier criminal proceedings by Justice Lawrence Gidudu, who ruled that it had been obtained involuntarily and illegally.

The High Court noted that the original investigations—including both the police inquiry and the Grant Thornton forensic audit—had not identified Mwami as a suspect.Instead, criminal proceedings had already commenced against other individuals before Mwami was unexpectedly added to the case more than a year later.

The judge found that the man who had first reported the suspicious transactions had ultimately become the accused despite there being no credible evidence linking him to the alleged theft.

MTN WAS THE ‘MOVING FORCE’

A central question before the court was whether MTN could be held liable when the criminal prosecution had technically been conducted by the Police and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.MTN argued that it neither prosecuted Mwami nor controlled the criminal process. Justice Teko rejected that defence.

He held that liability for malicious prosecution is not limited to the institution formally conducting the prosecution.Rather, the court must determine who was the real force behind the criminal proceedings.

After reviewing the evidence, the judge concluded that MTN Uganda was the “moving force” behind Mwami’s prosecution.The court attached particular significance to evidence showing that MTN employees were present during the recording of Patrick Ssentongo’s controversial statement.

Justice Teko observed that the company failed to call those employees to explain their role or rebut allegations concerning the manner in which the statement had been procured.The judge further noted that MTN’s own witness failed to provide a satisfactory explanation regarding how the statement had been obtained.

FORENSIC REPORT CLEARED MWAMI

One of the most damaging findings against MTN was that the company already possessed evidence clearing Mwami before criminal proceedings were initiated.

Justice Teko observed that the Grant Thornton forensic investigation identified individuals directly connected to the fraud but did not implicate Mwami in any way.The court also recalled earlier observations by Justice Lawrence Gidudu, who had described Mwami as a “sacrificial lamb” and suggested that he should have been a prosecution witness rather than an accused person.

Taken together, the judge concluded that MTN knowingly disregarded exculpatory evidence while facilitating criminal proceedings against its former employee.

NO REASONABLE CAUSE, COURT FINDS

The High Court further ruled that MTN lacked reasonable and probable cause to support Mwami’s prosecution.Justice Teko stated that no prudent person in possession of a forensic report clearing an individual—and aware of the questionable circumstances surrounding the only incriminating statement—could honestly believe that the person was guilty.

The judge found that Mwami’s role throughout had been consistent with that of a whistleblower rather than a participant in the fraud. The court therefore concluded that the criminal case had no proper evidential foundation.

IMPROPER MOTIVE BEHIND THE PROSECUTION

Beyond the absence of evidence, the court also found that MTN acted with malice.

Justice Teko explained that malice in law extends beyond personal hatred and includes using criminal proceedings for purposes other than the proper administration of justice. Several factors persuaded the court that the prosecution had been driven by an improper motive. Mwami was arrested more than a year after investigations had effectively concluded.

The arrest was carried out by the Violent Crimes Crack Unit. At the time, Mwami had also become associated with EzeeMoney, an entity involved in civil litigation against MTN over alleged anti-competitive business practices.

The timing and surrounding circumstances, the court held, strongly suggested that the criminal process had been employed for collateral purposes unrelated to justice.

ATTORNEY GENERAL REMOVED FROM THE CASE

Although Mwami also sued the Attorney General, the court struck out the claim against government on procedural grounds.

Justice Teko ruled that actions in tort against the government must be filed within two years under the Civil Procedure and Limitation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act.

Since Mwami was acquitted on December 10, 2015, the limitation period expired in December 2017. His civil suit against the Attorney General was filed in October 2018, making it out of time.However, the claim against MTN remained valid because private companies are subject to the ordinary six-year limitation period under the Limitation Act.

CAREER DESTROYED BY CRIMINAL CHARGES

In assessing damages, the court found that Mwami suffered devastating professional, financial and personal consequences.He lost substantial income after his employment ended, with the court accepting claims for lost salary, housing allowance and medical benefits.

The court also heard that Mwami spent seven days on remand at Luzira Prison, remained on restrictive bail conditions for more than two years, faced travel limitations and endured widespread public humiliation as a result of the highly publicised criminal proceedings.

Justice Teko further noted that the Bank of Uganda classified him as a reputational risk, effectively destroying his prospects of continuing a career in the financial sector.Although the court rejected claims relating to the value of a company vehicle, performance bonuses and legal fees due to insufficient proof, it concluded that the remaining evidence overwhelmingly justified substantial compensation.

A LANDMARK DECISION

The ruling represents one of Uganda’s most significant judgments on malicious prosecution involving a corporate entity.It underscores that private companies cannot escape liability merely because criminal proceedings are formally conducted by state prosecutors where evidence shows that they instigated or engineered those proceedings.

For Richard Mwami, the judgment marks the end of a legal battle that began after he reported suspicious transactions within MTN’s mobile money system.The High Court ultimately found that the employee who first exposed the alleged fraud was transformed into its principal suspect despite evidence pointing to his innocence.

With MTN now ordered to pay more than UGX 2.3 billion, together with interest and legal costs, the decision stands as a significant affirmation that the criminal justice system should not be used as a tool against whistleblowers or for collateral corporate purposes.

In one of the most emotional moments witnessed on Ugandan airwaves in recent months, Otto struggled to contain his emotions as he repeatedly asked, “Where is Miria Matembe? What has happened to her?”The veteran politician, known for his fiery political speeches, paused several times as tears streamed down his face while speaking about his longtime friend and fellow democracy advocate.

“No one deserves to disappear simply because they hold different political opinions,” Otto said, his voice breaking with emotion. “Miria has spent her entire life fighting for justice, human rights and constitutionalism. Today we cannot even tell her family where she is.”His emotional appeal came hours after family spokesperson J.K. Kazoora expressed fears that the former minister may have been taken by security personnel following a reported operation at her residence. Kazoora said the family had been unable to establish her whereabouts and called upon the authorities to clarify her status.

The claims have heightened anxiety among Matembe’s relatives, political colleagues and civil society leaders, who are demanding either her immediate release if she is in state custody or public disclosure of her whereabouts.

GROWING CONCERN

Matembe has in recent years emerged as one of the country’s most outspoken critics of government, frequently speaking out on governance, constitutionalism and human rights.She has also openly criticised Chief of Defence Forces General Muhoozi Kainerugaba on a number of occasions, expressing concern over the increasing role of the military in Uganda’s political affairs.

Her outspoken positions have made her a prominent voice within Uganda’s democratic movement, earning admiration from supporters while drawing criticism from government loyalists.The reported security operation at her home, followed by uncertainty surrounding her whereabouts, has therefore sparked widespread concern among politicians, lawyers, religious leaders and civil society organisations.

For many observers, the disappearance of such a prominent national figure raises troubling questions about freedom of expression and the safety of government critics.

OTTO REDUCED TO TEARS

Throughout the radio programme, Odonga Otto appeared visibly shaken. Listeners could hear long pauses as he attempted to compose himself before continuing his appeal. “We are not asking for special treatment,” Otto said. “We are simply asking for the truth. Is she safe? Where is she? Let her family know where she is.”

He described Matembe as one of Uganda’s bravest women, recalling decades during which she consistently challenged injustice regardless of the political cost.”There are very few people who have remained consistent like Miria Matembe,” Otto said. “She has spoken for ordinary Ugandans without fear. She deserves protection, not fear.”

His emotional interview quickly spread across social media, where many Ugandans shared clips of the broadcast while expressing concern over Matembe’s welfare.

RIGHTS ACTIVISTS DEMAND ANSWERS

Leading human rights defender Sarah Birete joined growing calls demanding accountability over Matembe’s disappearance.Birete urged authorities to respect constitutional rights and immediately disclose the former minister’s whereabouts if she is being lawfully detained.

“No family should be left in uncertainty,” she said, adding that every detained person has a right to communicate with relatives and legal representatives.Former Kampala Deputy Lord Mayor Doreen Nyanjura also condemned the reported events.

She called for Matembe’s immediate and unconditional release if she is indeed being held by state agencies, arguing that Uganda’s Constitution guarantees every citizen protection from arbitrary arrest and enforced disappearance.

“Miria Matembe has every right to express her political views without intimidation,” Nyanjura said. Former Forum for Democratic Change president Salam Musumba described the reports as deeply disturbing.Musumba praised Matembe’s long record of public service and described her as one of Uganda’s fearless defenders of democracy.

“Whether people agree with her or not, Miria has earned respect through decades of principled leadership,” Musumba said. “Ugandans deserve to know where she is.”Former Leader of Opposition Winnie Kiiza also demanded transparency from the authorities.

Kiiza called for Matembe’s immediate and unconditional release if she is in custody, saying uncertainty surrounding her whereabouts only fuels public anxiety.”No Ugandan should vanish without explanation,” Kiiza said. “The authorities have an obligation to uphold the Constitution and respect the rights of every citizen.”

A DISTINGUISHED PUBLIC SERVANT

Miria Matembe remains one of Uganda’s most recognisable female political figures.She served in Parliament for many years and later became Minister of Ethics and Integrity before eventually leaving government and becoming an outspoken advocate for democratic reforms.

Throughout her public life, she consistently championed women’s rights, constitutional governance and accountability.Her willingness to criticise leaders across the political divide earned her both admirers and opponents.

Even after leaving active elective politics, Matembe continued participating in public debates, often cautioning against shrinking civic space and increasing political intolerance.Friends say she remained committed to peaceful activism and constitutional methods of political engagement.

CALLS FOR TRANSPARENCY

Human rights organisations say the uncertainty surrounding Matembe’s whereabouts reflects wider concerns over alleged enforced disappearances involving political activists and government critics.Legal experts argue that if an individual is arrested, the law requires authorities to acknowledge the detention, allow access to lawyers and family members and present the suspect before court within the prescribed constitutional period.

As concern continued to spread throughout Saturday, opposition leaders and civil society organisations maintained pressure on security agencies to publicly clarify Matembe’s status.Across social media, the message remained remarkably consistent: “Where is Miria Matembe?”

For Odongo Otto, whose emotional breakdown captured the nation’s attention, the question has become intensely personal.Fighting back tears during the closing moments of the programme, he made one final appeal.

“If Miria can hear us wherever she is, we are praying for her. If those holding her can hear us, please let her go home. Uganda cannot claim to believe in justice while families are left crying and searching for their loved ones.”By Saturday evening, there had been no official public statement confirming Matembe’s whereabouts, leaving relatives, friends and supporters anxiously awaiting answers.

As of Saturday, there had been no official statement from government or security agencies confirming her whereabouts or explaining the circumstances surrounding the reported raid, a silence that has only fueled speculation and heightened public anxiety.

Dr. Matembe, one of Uganda’s most outspoken public figures, has for decades earned a reputation as an uncompromising advocate for democracy, constitutionalism, women’s rights and accountability in public office.Even after leaving government, she remained an influential voice, frequently criticizing what she considered abuses of power and calling for respect for the rule of law. The latest reports surrounding her disappearance have sent shockwaves across the country.

OTTO BREAKS DOWN ON LIVE TELEVISION

Among the most emotional reactions came from former Aruu County Member of Parliament Odonga Otto, who broke down in tears during a live television talk show while appealing for information about Matembe’s whereabouts.

Visibly overcome with emotion, Otto struggled to contain his tears as he questioned why a respected elderly Ugandan should disappear without explanation.”We are not slaves; we are citizens of this country,” Otto said as his voice cracked with emotion, urging security agencies to reveal where Matembe was being held if indeed she was in state custody.

The emotional moment quickly spread across social media, with many Ugandans saying it reflected the fear and frustration felt by many citizens. Political commentator Peter Mpanga described Otto’s emotional appeal as heartbreaking.”Real tears… Terribly sad. In 2026, we shouldn’t be asking where people are. This stuff ended with Amin; why are we returning to the dark days?”

FRIENDS AND ACTIVISTS RALLY BEHIND MATEMBE

Human rights lawyer Sarah Kasande described Matembe as one of Uganda’s most courageous voices.”Hands off Miria Matembe! Her moral courage and ability to speak truth to power are exactly what Uganda needs. She is a voice for the voiceless and a selfless defender of the Constitution. A true national treasure.”

Businessman and commentator Wilfred Businge also questioned the silence surrounding the incident.”Miria Matembe is missing just because she dared to speak truth to the ‘almighty’. Her home was raided by the military. No statement from the State. No investigation. No urgency. Just the cold, deliberate quiet of a regime that knows exactly what it’s doing.”

The incident has reignited debate over civic freedoms and the treatment of government critics during Uganda’s increasingly heated political season ahead of the 2026 General Election.

A LIFETIME OF SPEAKING TRUTH TO POWER

Throughout her political career, Matembe built a reputation as one of Uganda’s fiercest independent-minded politicians.Having served as Minister of Ethics and Integrity, she became widely respected for her willingness to challenge corruption and abuse of office regardless of political affiliation.

Although she was once part of the ruling establishment, Matembe gradually became one of its most vocal critics, often accusing leaders of abandoning democratic principles and weakening constitutional institutions.Her fearless criticism frequently attracted controversy, but it also won admiration from many Ugandans who viewed her as a principled leader unwilling to compromise her beliefs.

Many of her supporters say it is precisely this courage that has made her one of Uganda’s most respected voices in public life.

NATION JOINS IN PRAYER

Socialite Judith Heard led prayers for the former minister, asking Ugandans to unite in prayer for her safety.”Father God, today we lift up Mama Miria Matembe into Your hands. Lord, you know exactly where she is, and nothing is hidden from Your sight. We ask that Your hand of protection rest upon her. Surround her with Your peace, preserve her life and bring her safely back to her loved ones.”

She also prayed for Uganda, asking God to protect those who speak for justice and grant wisdom to national leaders. Across social media, thousands of Ugandans shared messages under hashtags calling for Matembe’s release or safe return.Many expressed disbelief that an elderly public figure could disappear without immediate clarification from authorities.

PUBLIC ANGER MOUNTS

Scott Mwine observed that reducing a veteran politician like Otto to tears demonstrated the gravity of the situation. “You know you’ve crossed a dangerous line when you reduce a Luo man to tears.” Edward Ivan Ochom Jr echoed similar sentiments.”When a hard guy like Otto cries on air, then we really have to open our eyes as Uganda.”

Others described the reports as emotional, absurd and unacceptable, while several warned against a return to Uganda’s painful history of enforced disappearances.Many argued that regardless of political differences, every citizen deserves protection under the Constitution and the right to due process.

QUESTIONS OVER DUE PROCESS

Human rights advocates note that where security agencies arrest an individual, the law requires that the person’s family and legal representatives be informed and that the detainee be produced before court within the legally prescribed time.The uncertainty surrounding Matembe’s whereabouts has therefore intensified calls for transparency from the relevant authorities.

Political observers say the case comes at a time when concerns over shrinking civic space have increasingly dominated national debate ahead of the elections.Government officials have consistently maintained that security operations are conducted within the law and are necessary to preserve national security and public order.

Critics, however, argue that prolonged silence in high-profile cases undermines public confidence in state institutions and fuels speculation.

UGANDANS DEMAND ANSWERS

For many Ugandans, the emotional image of Odonga Otto wiping away tears during a live broadcast has become the defining symbol of the unfolding controversy.His appeal, supporters say, was not merely about one individual but about the broader principle that every Ugandan deserves to know the fate of a missing loved one.

As pressure continues to mount, friends, relatives, religious leaders and civil society organisations are calling upon authorities to clarify Dr. Miria Matembe’s status and ensure that her constitutional rights are respected.Until official answers emerge, uncertainty continues to hang over one of Uganda’s most respected political veterans, leaving many citizens asking the same question:

FRIENDS AND ACTIVISTS RALLY BEHIND MATEMBE

The Secretary General of the National Unity Platform (NUP), David Lewis Rubongoya, also joined the growing chorus of concern, describing Matembe’s reported disappearance as a painful contradiction of the democratic ideals she helped shape.

“Nothing describes best what Hon. Miria Matembe is going through than the title of her own book, The Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Betrayed. To imagine that she was a member of Uganda’s Constitutional Commission and helped draft a Constitution with a Bill of Rights, and that she’s now missing or on the run for her expression is beyond disbelief. Wherever you are, Aunt Miria, as you’re fondly called, know that Uganda stands with you and that the sun will rise again.”

Rubongoya’s remarks resonated with many Ugandans who noted the irony that a woman who played a key role in crafting Uganda’s constitutional safeguards is now at the centre of a controversy over alleged violations of those very rights.

Businessman and commentator Wilfred Businge also questioned the silence surrounding the incident.”Miria Matembe is missing just because she dared to speak truth to the ‘almighty’. Her home was raided by the military. No statement from the State. No investigation. No urgency. Just the cold, deliberate quiet of a regime that knows exactly what it’s doing.”

The incident has reignited debate over civic freedoms, constitutional rights and the treatment of government critics during Uganda’s increasingly heated political season ahead of the 2026 General Election

In an emotional message posted on her official X account, Mrs. Museveni declared, “It’s me, Janet Museveni,” putting to rest speculation that had swirled since President Yoweri Museveni revealed that she had been battling an illness which he described as a “Sitaane attack.”

Her statement comes just days after the President disclosed that his wife had been forced to miss several official engagements, including celebrations marking her 78th birthday, due to illness. The revelation had triggered an outpouring of prayers from religious leaders, politicians, government officials and ordinary Ugandans across the country.

GOD, I TALK ABOUT IS ALIVE

In her first public communication since the health scare, the First Lady thanked God, her husband and the entire country for standing with her during what she described as a difficult period.

“It’s me, Janet Museveni. It is a confirmation that the God I talk about is a living God. He is not a myth, He lives! I must therefore thank Uganda, beginning with Mzee, who has prayed with the whole nation. I praise God for leading us to know Him.”

She continued by expressing gratitude for the overwhelming support she received from across Uganda.”Thank you all for coming out publicly to pray for me. Thank you for all those continuous prayers and also for the kind birthday wishes. Thank you for letting me know just how much I am loved.”

Her message was accompanied by a smiling photograph, reassuring supporters that she is steadily recovering.The statement has since attracted thousands of reactions from Ugandans, many describing it as a testimony of faith and resilience.

BALAAM: “GOD ANSWERS PRAYER”

Among the first government officials to celebrate her return was State Minister for Youth and Children Affairs, Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi, who described Mrs. Museveni’s recovery as evidence of God’s faithfulness.”Congratulations, Maama Janet Museveni. Your testimony is a powerful reminder that God is faithful and answers prayer,” Balaam wrote.

“We thank the Almighty for His grace, strength, and continued guidance upon your life. May He bless you with many more years of good health, wisdom, and service to our nation. Happy Birthday, and thank you for your unwavering faith and leadership. God bless you abundantly.”

NABBANJA GIVES GLORY TO GOD

Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja also joined the growing list of leaders celebrating the First Lady’s recovery. “Glory be to the Almighty God, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,” Nabbanja wrote. “Maama, we continue to thank God for your life at 78 and His protection. We pray for your good health and that of Mzee.”Her message echoed the sentiments of many government officials who have been publicly praying for the First Family since President Museveni disclosed Janet’s illness.

NABAGEREKA PRAISES HER FAITH

The Queen of Buganda, Nabagereka Sylvia Nagginda, also sent warm wishes, saying Janet Museveni’s testimony was an inspiration to the nation.”We thank God for your life, Maama Janet. Your message reminds us of the importance of faith, unity, and standing together as a nation.”

She added that Mrs. Museveni had spent many years serving Ugandans and uplifting communities.”A powerful testimony from a woman who has dedicated many years to serving and uplifting others. May God continue to keep you strong.”

GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS JOIN IN PRAYER

Permanent Secretary Dr. Asuman Lukwago also thanked God for preserving the First Lady’s life.”We give glory to the Almighty God for His mercy upon you for the last 78 years of your productive life.”

“We celebrate the 24th of June, your birthday, and pray for your good health and God’s blessings.” State Minister for Northern Uganda Dr. Kenneth Omona wished her a speedy recovery.

“Thank you Maam Janet Museveni. Get well soon. We thank God and continue to pray for your quickest recovery.” Former broadcaster and communications expert Jolly Karungi equally celebrated the First Lady’s testimony.

“Thank you Maama for your testimony of faith and for your leadership in prayer for our nation. We continue to keep you in our prayers and wish you many more years of good health, strength and God’s abundant blessings.”

BIBLICAL ENCOURAGEMENT

Several supporters also shared scripture to encourage the First Lady during her recovery.Barbara Kaija quoted Psalm 41:1-3, which promises God’s protection and healing for the sick. “The Lord sustains him on his sickbed; in his illness God restores him to full health.”

Others simply celebrated seeing her smiling once again. “The smile brings joy to all Ugandans,” wrote one supporter known as The Nurse.”More candles to be bought for you to blow.” Hon. Fred Byamukama described Janet Museveni as “our lovely mother of the Pearl of Africa.” “The mother who loves and cares for us, the bazukulu. More prayers to you and H.E. Mzee that God we serve will see both of you living beyond 100 years.”

SOCIAL MEDIA REACTS

Mrs. Museveni’s message quickly spread across social media, where thousands welcomed the reassurance that she was recovering.

Many users described her words as comforting after days of uncertainty over her health.Some supporters viewed the recovery as an answered prayer, while others used the opportunity to send birthday wishes that had been delayed by her illness.

One social media user, identified as Hon. Nsereko, wrote that those who had wished ill upon the First Lady would now be disappointed. “Then those who had bad hearts now they are confused.”

A HEALTH SCARE THAT CAPTURED NATIONAL ATTENTION

The First Lady’s illness became national news after President Museveni revealed earlier this week that what had initially appeared to be a routine sickness had disrupted family and government programmes.

The President described the illness as a “Sitaane attack,” language reflecting his long-held Christian beliefs that spiritual forces can influence human affairs.His appeal for national prayers prompted churches, political leaders and ordinary citizens across Uganda to hold special prayer sessions for the First Lady’s recovery.

The concern was heightened by her prolonged absence from public engagements and official government functions.Her message on Thursday is therefore likely to reassure both supporters and government officials who had anxiously awaited news about her condition.

LOOKING AHEAD

Although Janet Museveni did not indicate when she will resume official duties as Minister of Education and Sports, her statement suggests she is recovering steadily and remains optimistic.For many of her supporters, the message marked more than a personal update—it was a declaration of gratitude, faith and resilience after a period that had generated widespread concern across the country.

As messages of goodwill continue to pour in from political leaders, religious figures and ordinary Ugandans, the First Lady’s words have become the focal point of a national conversation on faith, prayer and recovery.For now, the simple opening line—”It’s me, Janet Museveni”—has provided the reassurance that many Ugandans had been waiting to hear.

Witnesses said lawyer Joakim Kunta-Kinte Karaarira, who represents Stanbic Bank in the dispute, arrived at the police station in the military vehicle while reporting on police bond following his arrest over allegations relating to the removal of property from premises formerly occupied by Sarick Construction.

The incident has prompted public debate, with observers questioning whether the use of a military vehicle by a private advocate could create the perception of intimidation in a case involving civilians.

Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has repeatedly emphasized discipline within the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), making the circumstances surrounding the vehicle’s use likely to attract public interest. There is, however, no evidence that the UPDF or the CDF authorized or were involved in the lawyer’s appearance at the police station.The police have not publicly commented on the matter.

A SHS4 BILLION LOAN

At the heart of the dispute is a commercial loan obtained by Sarick Construction in 2019.The company, owned by businessman Sam Okurut, secured a credit facility of Shs4 billion from Stanbic Bank to finance construction projects and expand its operations.

According to company records and documents seen by this publication, the relationship between the contractor and the bank later deteriorated after the loan accumulated interest and penalties.Sarick Construction maintains that between 2019 and 2022 it repaid approximately Shs14 billion, more than three times the original amount borrowed.

Believing the repayments exceeded what was legally due, the company commissioned an independent financial audit.According to the directors, the audit concluded that excessive penalties and compound interest had significantly inflated the outstanding balance and suggested that the company had overpaid the facility.Those findings form part of the company’s challenge before the Court of Appeal.

COMMERCIAL COURT DECISION

Despite the audit commissioned by the company, the Commercial Court ruled in favour of Stanbic Bank, finding that Sarick Construction remained in default.The ruling cleared the way for the bank to enforce its securities. Stanbic Bank was represented by Kampala Associated Advocates (KAA), with Joakim Kunta-Kinte Karaarira leading the legal team.

Following the judgment, court-authorized enforcement resulted in the eviction of Sam Okurut and his family from their residence, the closure of company offices and the takeover of several properties pledged as collateral.The Court of Appeal has yet to determine the company’s challenge against the Commercial Court decision.

DISPUTE OVER MOVABLE PROPERTY

The dispute has since moved beyond the recovery of land and buildings. Okurut alleges that movable property, including construction materials and equipment worth billions of shillings, was removed from the company’s premises without lawful authority.

He claims his family and employees recorded video footage showing individuals loading company property onto trucks. “We borrowed Shs4 billion and paid about Shs14 billion,” Okurut said in an interview.”We believe we have honoured our obligations. What we are now fighting for is justice. If someone wants to recover property, it should be done strictly within the law. Removing our movable assets without proper authority is something we cannot accept.”

These allegations have not been determined by a court, and Karaarira has not publicly responded to the specific accusations.

THE TRUCK INCIDENT

The latest confrontation occurred when a Fuso truck reportedly arrived at one of Sarick Construction’s properties to load construction materials.According to the company, neighbours alerted the Okurut family after noticing the loading exercise. The directors rushed to the scene and allegedly prevented the truck from leaving.

Police from Akright Police Station were called to intervene.The company alleges that the truck had already been loaded with valuable construction materials before police arrived. Karaarira later arrived at the scene.

Police subsequently arrested him before releasing him on bond pending further investigations.Authorities have not publicly disclosed the offences under investigation, and inquiries remain ongoing.

QUESTIONS RAISED BY MILITARY VEHICLE

The following day, Karaarira reported to Akright Police Station in compliance with his bond conditions.His arrival in a military vehicle immediately became the focus of discussion among lawyers, residents and supporters of Sarick Construction. Okurut described the development as disturbing. “We were shocked,” he said.

“This is a commercial dispute involving civilians. Seeing a civilian lawyer arrive in a military vehicle sends the wrong message. It raises unnecessary fear and creates the impression that military influence is being brought into a private legal matter.”

Legal analysts say the use of official government or military assets in private disputes can create public concern even where no wrongdoing has occurred.Neither the UPDF nor Karaarira has publicly explained the circumstances under which the vehicle was used.

APPEAL STILL PENDING

Sarick Construction insists that the central issue remains whether the company actually owed Stanbic Bank money after making repayments amounting to approximately Shs14 billion.Its lawyers argue that the Court of Appeal should examine the independent audit alongside the loan documentation to determine whether the debt calculations were accurate.

The company also wants the appellate court to determine whether the enforcement process remained within the limits of the law, particularly regarding the handling of movable property.For Stanbic Bank, the case represents the enforcement of securities arising from a Commercial Court judgment that remains valid unless overturned on appeal.

For the Okurut family, the litigation has become a fight to recover property, challenge what they describe as excessive loan charges and defend their business.

UNANSWERED QUESTIONS

Several questions remain unresolved. Investigators are expected to establish whether any movable property was removed without legal authority, whether the reported video recordings support the allegations, and under what circumstances the military vehicle was used by a civilian advocate.

The Court of Appeal’s eventual decision will also determine whether Sarick Construction was correctly found to be in default or whether the company has grounds to challenge the Commercial Court judgment.

Until then, a dispute that began as a Shs4 billion commercial loan has evolved into one of the most closely watched commercial cases, touching on debt recovery, property rights, police investigations and broader public perceptions about the use of state resources in private legal disputes.

By Charles Gazza Kodili

Lukwago’s lawyer, Medard Lubega Sseggona, confirmed on Thursday that his client had been transferred from prison to Mulago Hospital where doctors conducted a series of medical examinations.

“We can confirm that the doctors at Mulago Hospital have finally been able to examine him,” Sseggona said. “We have been deeply concerned about his deteriorating health, and we are hopeful that the specialists will establish the exact cause of his illness so that he can receive appropriate treatment.”

Although neither the legal team nor hospital officials immediately disclosed the specific diagnosis, sources close to the family indicated that Lukwago had complained of persistent illness while in detention, prompting repeated requests for specialized medical attention.

HEALTH CONCERNS SPARK ANXIETY

Lukwago’s transfer to Uganda’s national referral hospital has intensified public concern among his supporters, many of whom have questioned whether he had received adequate medical care while in prison.

Sseggona said the legal team had consistently expressed concern over their client’s health and had been pushing for independent medical assessment.

“Our biggest concern has always been his well-being. Every person in custody has a constitutional right to proper healthcare. We shall continue monitoring his condition closely and ensure he receives the best medical attention available,” the lawyer added.

The senior opposition figure has long suffered intermittent health complications over the years, making any reports about his health a matter of public interest.

FAMILY REMAINS HOPEFUL

Speaking briefly after learning that doctors had examined her husband, Lukwago’s wife Zalwango Lukwago appealed to Ugandans to continue praying for his recovery.

“Our family has gone through anxious moments over the last few days,” she said. “We thank everyone who has stood with us in prayer and solidarity. We are grateful that he has finally been seen by specialists at Mulago. Our prayer is that he recovers quickly and receives the treatment he needs.”

She also thanked family friends, lawyers and supporters who have continued checking on the family’s welfare during the difficult period.”We believe God is in control. We ask everyone to continue praying for him and respecting the doctors as they carry out their work.”

POLITICAL ALLIES RALLY BEHIND LUKWAGO

News of Lukwago’s hospitalization quickly spread across political circles, with several opposition leaders expressing concern and demanding transparency regarding his health.One senior opposition legislator described Lukwago as “a resilient leader who deserves access to the best healthcare irrespective of his political affiliation.”

“We wish him a speedy recovery,” the legislator said. “Health should never become a political issue. Every Ugandan, whether free or in custody, deserves timely and professional medical treatment.”

Another opposition politician said Lukwago’s hospitalization should remind authorities of their obligation to protect the health and dignity of all prisoners.”Political differences should never interfere with someone’s right to medical care. We hope he receives comprehensive treatment and that the public will be updated on his condition.”

Several supporters gathered outside court and later at Mulago Hospital after learning about his transfer, expressing hope that his condition would stabilize.One supporter said, “Lukwago has always fought for ordinary Ugandans. At this moment, we simply pray that he gets well.”

UGANDA PRISONS EXPLAINS TRANSFER

Uganda Prisons Service spokesperson Frank Baine confirmed that Lukwago had indeed been transferred to Mulago Hospital for medical attention, dismissing speculation that prison authorities had ignored his condition.

“When an inmate requires specialized treatment that cannot adequately be provided within prison medical facilities, the established procedure is to transfer that prisoner to an appropriate referral hospital,” Baine explained.

“The Uganda Prisons Service remains committed to ensuring that every prisoner receives healthcare in accordance with the law. Medical decisions are made by professional health personnel based on clinical assessment.”

Baine declined to discuss the specifics of Lukwago’s illness, saying patient confidentiality must be respected.”We cannot disclose private medical information. That responsibility lies with the patient, the family and the attending doctors.”

WHY MULAGO?

Medical experts note that Mulago National Referral Hospital is the country’s premier public referral facility and is equipped with specialists capable of handling complicated medical conditions that may not be managed in smaller health centres.

Patients requiring advanced diagnostic procedures, specialist consultations or emergency interventions are routinely referred to Mulago from across the country, including from government institutions such as prisons.

The decision to transfer Lukwago therefore suggests that doctors considered it necessary for him to undergo more comprehensive evaluation.Health analysts say such referrals are standard medical practice whenever specialized investigations are required.

LEGAL IMPLICATIONS

Legal experts say prison authorities have both constitutional and statutory obligations to ensure prisoners receive adequate healthcare.Under Uganda’s laws governing correctional services, inmates are entitled to medical attention whenever necessary, and authorities must facilitate referral to specialized facilities where prison clinics cannot adequately manage a patient’s condition.

Human rights advocates have repeatedly emphasized that imprisonment does not remove an individual’s fundamental right to health.Should Lukwago’s lawyers believe there was unnecessary delay in accessing treatment, they could seek legal remedies after medical findings are completed.

AWAITING MEDICAL FINDINGS

As doctors continue monitoring Lukwago, attention now turns to the outcome of the medical examinations.His legal team says they expect a detailed medical report that will guide the next course of treatment and determine whether further hospitalization is necessary.

Supporters have continued sending messages of encouragement across social media, with many praying for his speedy recovery regardless of political affiliation.For now, doctors remain at the centre of determining both the seriousness of his condition and the treatment required.

Whether the examinations reveal a routine medical complication or a more serious illness, Lukwago’s hospitalization has once again highlighted the importance of ensuring timely medical care for all persons in custody.As Uganda awaits official medical findings, both his family and political colleagues remain hopeful that the veteran opposition leader will recover and return to public life soon.

Through Executive Order RNB No. 10 of 2026, signed by Uganda Law Society President Isaac K. Ssemakadde, SC, the Society has established a Section 3(c) Committee and an International Solidarity Programme (ISP) to coordinate legal, institutional and international responses to threats against lawyers.

The order, titled “Defending the Bar Against Militarization,” is one of the most comprehensive policy documents issued by the Society in recent years and comes amid growing tensions between sections of the legal fraternity and state security agencies.In the executive order, Ssemakadde said the Uganda Law Society was acting within its statutory mandate under Section 3(c) of the Uganda Law Society Act to protect advocates and preserve the rule of law.

“The Uganda Law Society recognises the need for structured, proactive mechanisms to monitor, respond to and build resilience against military interference and other emerging threats to the practice of law,” Ssemakadde states in the order.He notes that recent incidents involving the “abduction, detention, reported torture and prosecution of members of the Bar, as well as interference with the practice of law,” have threatened both the independence of advocates and access to justice.

BROAD DEFINITION OF THREATS

The new order adopts an unusually broad interpretation of what constitutes a threat to lawyers. Besides arrests, detention and enforced disappearances, the committee will also monitor judicial intimidation, surveillance of advocates, denial of access to clients, searches of law offices, interception of communications, cyber-attacks and administrative harassment.

The document further identifies the misuse of laws such as anti-money laundering, anti-terrorism legislation and the recently enacted Protection of Sovereignty Act as potential tools that could be weaponised against lawyers and their clients.

According to the order, concerns include freezing bank accounts, asset seizures, criminalising legal representation, restricting international funding and branding advocates or their clients as foreign agents.The Society also says it will monitor cases where civilians are tried before military tribunals or where judicial independence is perceived to be under threat.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE MECHANISM

At the centre of the new framework is the Section 3(c) Committee, which will serve as the Uganda Law Society’s rapid response unit.

Its functions include operating a 24-hour emergency hotline, coordinating habeas corpus applications, filing urgent bail applications, documenting attacks on advocates and publishing quarterly reports on emerging trends affecting legal practice.The committee will also issue “Know Your Rights” materials, digital security guidelines and emergency response protocols for advocates and their families.

In addition, it will monitor detention facilities and courts where lawyers are denied access to clients or where fair trial rights may have been compromised.The committee is empowered to issue public statements defending the legal profession, brief lawyers handling constitutional petitions and seek information from public institutions where necessary.

INTERNATIONAL SOLIDARITY

Another key feature of the order is the establishment of the International Solidarity Programme.The programme will coordinate relationships with foreign bar associations, international legal organisations and United Nations human rights mechanisms.

According to the executive order, the programme will help organise temporary relocation and emergency shelter for advocates facing imminent danger while mobilising international legal support for lawyers under pressure.It will also coordinate exchange programmes, secondments and international advocacy while documenting threats against lawyers for submission to global human rights bodies.

COMMITTEE LEADERSHIP

The inaugural committee will be chaired by Lillian A. Drabo, with Steven Kalali serving as Vice Chairperson and Amina Acola as International Solidarity Programme Coordinator.The committee also includes experienced advocates drawn from criminal defence, human rights practice, anti-money laundering law and digital security.It will serve five-year renewable terms and report regularly to the Uganda Law Society Council.

IMPLICATIONS FOR THE LEGAL PROFESSION

Legal observers say the executive order significantly expands the Uganda Law Society’s institutional capacity to respond to attacks on advocates.Previously, responses to arrests or intimidation of lawyers were often coordinated on an ad hoc basis through individual members or emergency meetings.

The new structure instead creates a permanent mechanism capable of rapidly deploying legal teams, documenting incidents and coordinating both domestic and international support.For practicing advocates, the committee could provide quicker access to legal representation during arrests, improve coordination during emergencies and strengthen institutional backing when lawyers face intimidation while representing clients in politically sensitive cases.

The establishment of an incident register also means the Society intends to build long-term evidence documenting patterns of interference with legal practice.Such documentation could influence constitutional litigation, policy advocacy and future law reform efforts.

POSSIBLE FRICTION WITH GOVERNMENT

The executive order is also likely to generate debate within legal and political circles.

By explicitly referring to militarization, lawfare and alleged abuse of national security legislation, the document places the Society on a potentially confrontational path with state institutions responsible for security and law enforcement.Government agencies have previously maintained that security operations and criminal prosecutions are conducted within the law and are necessary to preserve public order and national security.

However, the Uganda Law Society argues that advocates must be able to represent clients without fear of intimidation or retaliation.

Ssemakadde maintains that protecting lawyers ultimately protects the constitutional right of every Ugandan to legal representation and a fair hearing.”The purpose of the Committee is to protect advocates and conditions of practice amid militarization, lawfare and other emerging threats,” the executive order states.

STRENGTHENING INSTITUTIONAL INDEPENDENCE

Beyond responding to emergencies, the new framework reflects the Uganda Law Society’s broader effort to reinforce the institutional independence of the legal profession.

By creating permanent structures for documentation, litigation, digital security, international cooperation and emergency intervention, the Society appears intent on ensuring that attacks against individual advocates become matters of institutional concern rather than isolated incidents.

The initiative also signals a growing emphasis on preparedness, with lawyers encouraged to strengthen digital security, understand emergency legal procedures and rely on coordinated institutional support where their work exposes them to heightened risks.Whether the initiative will ease tensions between the Bar and state institutions or deepen existing disagreements remains to be seen.

What is clear, however, is that the Uganda Law Society has positioned the defence of advocates’ independence as one of its central priorities, arguing that safeguarding lawyers is essential to preserving the rule of law, access to justice and constitutional governance in Uganda.

Not only was the nation making just its second-ever appearance at the tournament – and first since 1974 when it was still known as Zaire – but Yoane Wissa’s towering header on the stroke of halftime marked the DRC’s first World Cup goal and earned its first point.Yet, as Les Léopards took to the field, it felt as though something was missing.

This is because heading into the tournament, attention had focused not only on the players who would be sporting Congo’s famous sky-blue jersey, but also whether the team’s unofficial 12th man would be in the stands: Michel Kuka Mboladinga, better known by his nickname “Lumumba Vea,” or “Lumumba Lives.”

Mboladinga is the Congolese national team’s most famous fan and rose to prominence during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where he stood atop a pedestal with a steely gaze during every Congo match, remaining perfectly still with his right arm raised from beginning to end.

The pose is a tribute to Patrice Émery Lumumba, Congo’s first prime minister after it gained independence from Belgium in June 1960 – and someone to whom Mboladinga bears a striking resemblance. Lumumba was assassinated less than seven months later in January 1961 at the age of just 35.

More than six decades on, Patrice Lumumba remains one of the most revered figures in Congolese history. And through his now famous matchday ritual, Mboladinga is helping keep his legacy alive through The Beautiful Game.

WHY PATRICE LUMUMBA?

It may seem remarkable that a leader who spent less than three months in power continues to command such reverence over 65 years after his death.But Lumumba was far more than a just politician.

He became a symbol of Congolese nationalism during its struggle against Belgian colonial rule, which began when King Leopold II established the Congo Free State in 1885.

He was the figurehead of the DRC’s brutal fight for freedom, and a man who civil rights activist Malcolm X lauded as “the greatest Black man who ever walked the African continent” in 1964.

Because of this, “he’s my inspiration,” Mboladinga told CNN Sports from Mexico on Monday night. “Patrice Lumumba is a symbol of unity – the one who taught Congolese to stand and to be proud.”Nothing encapsulated that more than his famous Independence Day speech at the Palace of the Nation in Léopoldville (current-day Kinshasa) on June 30, 1960.

Standing before King Baudouin of Belgium – the great-great-nephew of Leopold II – from whom his nation had just gained its independence, Patrice Lumumba gave a stunning speech where he excoriated Belgian colonialism.“Although this independence of the Congo is being proclaimed today … no Congolese will ever forget that independence was won in struggle,” he declared.

“Morning, noon and night, we were subjected to jeers, insults and blows because we were ‘Negroes.’ We shall show the world what the Black man can do when working in liberty, and we shall make the Congo the pride of Africa.”

The speech reverberated around the world and was “one of the most important speeches in the 20th century,” Dr. Reuben Loffman – a historian, author and senior lecturer in African history at Queen Mary University of London, specializing in DR Congo – told CNN Sports.

Lumumba’s scathing remarks of June 1960 were not only “fundamental to his reputation, but also marked him out in the United States’ mind,” Loffman said.“Because, bear in mind, the Cold War was happening, so they were particularly paranoid and thinking, ‘You’re a communist.’

“But of course, he wasn’t. Lumumba just wanted Congo for Congolese.”Within three months of that speech, the inaugural prime minister was removed from power by then-president Joseph Kasa-Vubu.

A further three months later, military forces led by Mobutu Sese Seko – who later served as president for 32 years from 1965-1997 – captured him and flew him to Katanga in southeastern Congo, where he was subjected to torture and ultimately executed by firing squad.After the execution, his body was first thrown into a shallow grave, but later dug up, dismembered, and his remains were dissolved in acid.

The only known remnant of Lumumba was a gold-crowned tooth, which Belgian police officer Gérard Soete – who confessed that he was the one responsible for dismembering the body and dissolving his remains – kept for 39 years until his death in 2000.Soete’s daughter then had possession of the tooth until 2016, by which point it was then seized by Belgian authorities and only eventually returned to Lumumba’s family and buried in 2022.

Today, it now rests in a specialized mausoleum in Kinshasa, where a commemorative statue of the independence hero stands with his right arm raised – the same pose Mboladinga now imitates that has brought him such widespread recognition.

‘A LIVING STATUE’

Mboladinga’s tribute has become one of African soccer’s most recognizable sights and was on full display for the first time at this World Cup when DRC took on Colombia in Zapopan, Mexico, on Tuesday.

Part of the fascination with Mboladinga’s tribute comes from the symbolism. The other part comes from the simple question on everyones minds: How does one stay still with their arm raised for so long?

“Believe it or not, but I do practice,” he told CNN Sports ahead of the game. “I can actually practice 20 days out of a month, but I’ll also take a lot of rest.”The extreme heat and humidity in North America is another factor that could test Mboladinga’s resolve, as he attends games suited and booted regardless of the conditions.

But the superfan remains unfazed by this.

“I am a living statue,” Mboladinga said. “The climate has no impact on me. My job is not just to stand there, but rather to communicate energy, strength and power to the players. That is what I am focusing on.“I do not foresee a time when I’m actually going to let go and lower my hand – I will get my job done.”

However, his presence at the World Cup was almost put in jeopardy after the recent Ebola outbreak in the DRC, which led to the US placing entry restrictions on affected countries, and even forced the national team to cancel its three-day, pre-tournament training camp in Kinshasa.

But luckily for Mboladinga, the Congo squad stopped at nothing to ensure its beloved icon made it to North America, going as far as persuading DRC President Félix Tshisekedi to include him in the team’s official delegation.

He did miss Les Léopards’ opener against Portugal, but “although I was not there physically, I was able to attend the game at one of the fan zones, so I was very much connected,” he said.“After going back to the World Cup after 52 years and then facing a giant like Portugal, to be able to draw with them was a great achievement (and) a joyful moment for the whole Congolese nation.”

That joy would have been slightly dampened after the DRC’s 1-0 loss to Colombia, but victory over Uzbekistan would very likely confirm a place in the Round of 32 and have people dancing from the war-torn streets of Goma right through to the capital of Kinshasa.

Prosper Heri Ngorora, a journalist based in Goma, saw this first-hand when the DRC first booked its place at the World Cup.“M23 rebels themselves here in Goma jubilated, and even in Kinshasa people also jubilated,” he told CNN Sports last month. “That shows that football can be a glue that unites people together.”

On the pitch, Les Léopards are just over 90 minutes away from potentially sending over 116 million people back at home into absolute ecstasy. They will be cheered on by those back home and the thousands of adoring Congolese fans who will surely paint Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta sky blue on Saturday. But standing tall, above all, as he always does, will be Mboladinga.

“I will be there. I will have a leopard print in the back. And the whole world will see me.”

Adopted from CNN