The Sam Mugumya case raises a fundamental question: who must account for a person whose whereabouts remain disputed? A country’s commitment to the rule of law is tested not only when courts convict offenders, but also when someone disappears and the truth remains uncertain. That test is now before Uganda’s High Court in the case of Sam Mugumya, an opposition activist whose whereabouts have been the subject of legal proceedings and public concern. On October 26, 2026, the High

If a citizen reports a human rights violation to a government institution, how long should they have to wait for justice? This question came into focus on 16 October 2026, when Uganda's Parliament reported concerns about delays in investigating human rights complaints and concluding cases before the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC). The concerns emerged during Parliament's review of the Auditor General's report on the Commission's financial statements for the year ended

Uganda has launched another major push against corruption, with hundreds of suspects arrested and billions of shillings linked to complaints now under investigation. But beyond the arrest figures lies a more important question: how do we turn anti-corruption operations into lasting improvements in public service delivery? On 7 October 2026, the State House Anti-Corruption Unit reported that the nationwide Expose the Corrupt campaign had resulted in 267 arrests and the interdi

Uganda’s Public Accounts Committee has asked the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development to provide a comprehensive account of a US$510 million World Bank loan under the Uganda Support to Municipal Infrastructure Development programme, commonly known as USMID. The matter arose during the committee’s review of the Auditor General’s report for the 2024/2025 financial year. According to Parliament, the committee was unable to proceed fully because ministry officials had

karamoja Karamoja has seen numerous government programmes aimed at improving livelihoods, infrastructure, food security, water access and economic opportunities. Yet this week, Members of Parliament raised a fundamental question: before launching another major development plan, do we know which previous interventions worked, which failed, and why? On September 24, Parliament’s Presidential Affairs Committee considered a proposed Shs15 trillion, 10-year Karamoja Regional Devel

Uganda is entering a new economic chapter. After decades of waiting, the country is preparing to become an oil producer. Uganda has named its crude “Pearl Sweet,” with commercial production expected by the end of 2026 and exports expected to follow. Production is projected to reach about 230,000 barrels per day at peak. For many young Ugandans, this raises a simple but important question: What does Uganda's oil wealth actually mean for our generation? Oil Does Not Automatical

Uganda is a modern republic. Citizens elect a President, Members of Parliament and local leaders. Laws are made by Parliament, interpreted by the courts and implemented by government institutions. Yet alongside this modern political system, Uganda also has another powerful institution: traditional leadership. From Buganda to Tooro, Bunyoro, Busoga and Rwenzururu, traditional institutions remain an important part of Uganda's history, identity and cultural life. This raises an

Democracy is often described as the government of the people, by the people and for the people. But what happens when people are no longer comfortable disagreeing with those in power? This is an important question for Uganda as the country continues to debate the meaning of civic space, freedom of expression and the boundaries between national security, public order and citizens’ constitutional rights. Disagreement is not necessarily a threat to democracy. In many cases, it i

Uganda's recent LC1 elections may be over, but for some communities, the electoral process is far from finished. The Electoral Commission has received hundreds of petitions challenging results from the recent village elections, while repeat elections have been ordered in some villages following reported disruptions and other electoral concerns. This raises an important question: What should happen when citizens believe an election was not conducted fairly? In any democracy, e

In a democracy, disagreement with those in power is not necessarily a threat to the state. It can be an important part of holding leaders accountable. Uganda's Constitution recognises this principle. Article 29 guarantees freedom of speech and expression, including the freedom to communicate ideas and opinions. Citizens also have rights to peaceful assembly, association and participation in the affairs of government. But these freedoms are not unlimited. The Constitution allo

A recent corruption case involving senior Parliament officials has once again brought Uganda's public financial accountability system into the spotlight. Seven former parliamentary officials have been committed to the High Court to face trial over allegations involving approximately UGX 26.8 billion in parliamentary funds. It is important to emphasise that these are allegations, not convictions. The courts will determine whether the accused are guilty or innocent. But beyond

"When civic space shrinks, young people's opportunities to participate, organise, and influence policy become limited." — Ms. Victoria Mirembe At a recent policy roundtable, Ms. Victoria Mirembe highlighted an issue that extends beyond politics and speaks directly to the future of Uganda's young people: the importance of civic space in a democratic society. Civic space refers to the environment that allows citizens to freely participate in public life. It includes the ability

The recently concluded LC1 Chairperson elections marked an important chapter in Uganda's democratic process. While national elections often receive the greatest public attention, it is at the village level where governance is closest to the people and where many citizens have their first direct interaction with elected leadership. Across thousands of villages, Ugandans exercised their civic responsibility by participating in the election of their Local Council I Chairpersons.

This week, Uganda witnessed a significant moment in an ongoing court case when opposition figure Dr. Kizza Besigye collapsed during proceedings in the High Court. The incident has renewed public discussion about constitutional rights, the administration of justice, and the responsibilities of state institutions toward individuals in custody. Regardless of political affiliation, this moment presents an opportunity to reflect on a broader principle: the Constitution exists to p