2026.4.3 First group of 12 deportees from the US arrives in Uganda, lawyers say
KAMPALA, Uganda (AP) — Twelve people deported from the U.S. arrived in Uganda on Thursday, the Uganda Law Society said, in the first known arrivals since Uganda and the U.S. signed a bilateral deal permitting the transfers.
The deportees were “effectively dumped in Uganda through an undignified, harrowing and dehumanizing process,” the law society said in a statement, adding that they arrived on a private charter flight.
The deportations are part of U.S. President Donald Trump’s crackdown on immigration as he seeks to deter migrants from entering the United States illegally and to deport those who already have done so, especially those with criminal records and including those who cannot easily be deported to their home country.
The U.S. State Department and the Department of Homeland Security have defended third-country deportations as a means to quickly remove people who are in the U.S. illegally. The deportations have been the subject of several legal cases, both in the U.S. and in some countries where migrants are sent.
The deportations are controversial in part because the unwanted migrants can be sent to countries they have no cultural ties with. In August, for example, U.S. authorities briefly considered sending Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the high-profile subject of an ongoing migration dispute, to Uganda.
The U.S. has struck deals with at least seven African nations to take some migrants. Those countries range from the western African nation of Ghana to the southern African nation of Eswatini, which the U.S. paid $5.1 million to take up to 160 deportees, according to details of the deal released by the U.S. State Department.
It was not clear if Ugandan authorities were similarly paid.
The law society charged that the deportees were at the mercy of “unnamed, private interests on either side of the Atlantic,” adding that it was seeking legal remedy to stop what it described as an “international illegality.”
There were no details on the identities of the deportees, nor on their countries of origin.
Okello Oryem, a Ugandan state minister in charge of foreign affairs, said he was traveling and unaware of the arrivals.
A spokeswoman for the U.S. Embassy in Kampala, the Ugandan capital, didn’t respond to questions about the welfare of the deportees.
Oryem told The Associated Press last month that Uganda was expecting “planeloads” of deportees from the U.S. He said the agreement with the U.S. was signed in the pan-African spirit and over humanitarian concern for Africans unwanted in a foreign land.
Ugandan authorities previously said their agreement with the U.S. relates to receiving deportees of African origin who do not have a criminal record.
The assailant who stormed Gaba Early Childhood Development Programme Centre in Ggaba, Kampala, and hacked four children to death had reportedly visited the school two days earlier seeking admission for his child.
Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Racheal Kawala identified the suspect as Christopher Okello Onyu, 34, a resident of Nwoya district, northern Uganda.
He allegedly gained access to the school on Thursday and attacked a group of 14 children, killing four (three boys and one girl). Police identified the deceased as Gideon Eteku, a male juvenile, aged 2 years, Kaise Alungat, female juvenile, aged 2, Ignatius Sserwange, male juvenile, 3, and Ryan Odeke, 2.
Their bodies were taken to Mulago City Mortuary for post-mortem examinations before being handed over to their families for burial. Preliminary police findings indicate that the suspect, who was armed with three knives, is currently detained at Kabalagala Police Division.
Investigators say he had visited the school two days earlier and requested admission for his child.
“The school asked him to return today [Thursday]. He came back with the admission fees [Shs 180,000], which he paid. After paying, he pretended to leave but instead changed direction, went to the seesaw where the children were playing, and began stabbing them,” Kawala said at the scene.
Police said the suspect was rescued from being lynched after officers, supported by the army, fired in the air to disperse an angry crowd that had gathered demanding mob justice.
Makindye deputy resident city commissioner Mark Bayingana questioned how the suspect managed to enter the premises undetected and access the children despite the presence of school security.
Some parents of surviving children expressed grief and shock. Karim Kazibwe said it was painful to see such young children killed, adding that more lives could have been lost had the suspect not been stopped.
Stanely Okecho, the school’s administrative lawyer, said management was cooperating with police to establish the motive behind the attack. He added that the school would remain temporarily closed as investigations continue. Inspector General of Police Abass Byakagaba, who visited the scene, called for calm as security agencies investigate the killings.
Onyu reportedly warned that even if he were killed, similar attacks would still be carried out against Ugandans.
2026.4.1 Congestion, funding gaps strain Uganda’s remand homes as juvenile cases rise
Uganda’s eight remand homes are grappling with overcrowding, delayed court processes and limited funding, as more than 1,100 children remain in custody amid rising juvenile crime and concerns over rehabilitation.
Uganda has eight remand homes that accommodate children in conflict with the law, but these facilities face several challenges, including inadequate funding to care for the children, delays in hearing cases, parents failing to show up in court, and transport difficulties.
The State Minister for Youth and Children Affairs, Balaam Barugahara, says that despite the limited resources, authorities are making efforts to rehabilitate the children so they can return to society with skills to earn a livelihood.
According to the Police Annual Crime Report for 2025, a total of 3,308 juveniles were involved in crime, of whom 2,908 were boys and 400 were girls.
Figures from the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development indicate that more than 1,184 children are currently held in the country’s eight remand homes, including 1,136 boys and 48 girls.
A visit to Naguru Remand Home highlights the scale of the challenge. The facility, which sits on about one and a half acres, houses more than 300 children—far above its intended capacity.
At the time of the visit, children were engaged in prayer, one of the activities aimed at counselling and rehabilitation. They are also given opportunities to learn skills such as tailoring, hairdressing and farming.
Mary Kyomugisha, the officer in charge of Naguru Remand Home, says most children brought to the facility come from the Buganda region and parts of Busoga.
“We have 313 children now; this facility is meant to have around 100, so there is a bit of congestion,” she says.
Kyomugisha adds that earlier this year the number rose to about 400, partly due to election-related arrests, worsening congestion before slightly easing.
Children held in remand homes stay there while awaiting court decisions. While some cases are concluded quickly, others take longer, contributing to overcrowding.
Naguru Remand Home is among the few facilities with an on-site children’s court, a development Kyomugisha says has reduced anxiety among the children.
“At times the children would get panic attacks when told they are going to court, but now we just inform them the judge is coming and they can go through the process peacefully,” she says.
Minister Barugahara notes that logistical challenges continue to hinder operations. Some facilities lack vehicles to transport children to court, while long distances make it difficult for parents to attend proceedings.
“The Fort Portal home has no vehicle, while the one in Mbale lost the engine. This is a challenge and one of the reasons some children remain longer on remand,” he says.
He adds that funding remains insufficient despite some increases.
“When I became minister the budget was around Shs500 million, but now we have around Shs200 million for transporting the children and Shs600 million for feeding. I hope the budget can be raised to Shs1.2 billion,” he says.
Common offences committed by the children include theft, robbery, murder, defilement and rape. Both Barugahara and Kyomugisha attribute this to parental neglect and lack of guidance, with some parents failing to appear in court.
“Parents are turning to the police and this has left the children to do as they please,” Kyomugisha says.
“I ask religious leaders to help guide the children back to the Ten Commandments,” Barugahara adds.
Within the facilities, children are separated according to the offences committed, with three dormitories used for accommodation.
Those who are convicted are transferred to Kampiringisa National Rehabilitation Centre, where they serve their sentences before eventual reintegration into their communities.
The arrests follow a series of complaints that some police officers were too eager to believe that promotion and perks could come via a few shillings exchanged online.
Police at Jinja Road have arrested three young men suspected of impersonating the Inspector General of Police, taking advantage of officers eager for fast-track promotions.
The suspects — Abubakar Uthmaan Ariho, Fayim Bukenya, and Dalton Kaweesi — were apprehended on Tuesday, 24 March 2026, after investigations revealed they had been running social media accounts posing as Abas Byakagaba, the Inspector General.
According to Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson SP Rachael Kawala, the trio allegedly used the assumed identity to solicit money from officers and members of the public.
“The suspects are believed to have used false online identities linked to the office of the Inspector General to deceive and financially exploit their targets,” SP Kawala said.
The arrests follow a series of complaints that some police officers were too eager to believe that promotion and perks could come via a few shillings exchanged online.
In other words, the victims’ own gullibility — and appetite for advancement — made them easy targets.
Police have opened a formal case of personation, and searches of the suspects’ residences led to the recovery of electronic devices and documents believed to be linked to the scheme.
Investigations are ongoing as authorities seek to establish the full extent of the operation, and possibly remind some officers that shortcuts rarely pay.
Grief and anger have gripped Minana Village after a quarry collapse killed two young children, prompting residents and local leaders to demand strict enforcement of safety regulations and a total ban on minors accessing hazardous quarry sites.
Residents of Minana Village in Mityana District are calling for strict regulations to stop children below the age of 18 from entering stone quarries after a tragic collapse claimed the lives of two young children.
The incident occurred at a stone quarry in Ttamu Division when part of the quarry wall suddenly gave way, burying three children who had entered the site. One child survived with injuries and was rushed by residents to Mityana Hospital for treatment.
However, two others were killed in the accident. The deceased were identified as Docus Muwanguzi, aged seven, and Florence Nakyejwe, aged six. The children had been living with their grandmother, Elizabeth Nabbosa, who works at the quarry.
Nabbosa said she received the devastating news while attending a parents’ meeting at the children’s school.
“I was attending a meeting at their school when I received information that the quarry had collapsed and my grandchildren were trapped inside,” she said.
Residents said the collapse occurred when a section of the quarry suddenly gave way, triggering a landslide that buried the children under stones and soil.
Following the incident, community members rushed to the scene and worked through the night digging through the rubble in an effort to rescue the victims.
According to residents, the rescue operation lasted several hours as people used basic tools to remove heavy stones and debris before finally retrieving the bodies of the two children.
By the time reporters left the scene, the bodies had been recovered and police were waiting for a medical officer to carry out a postmortem examination.
Residents said the quarry is widely used by people from surrounding areas including Minana Galabi, Kamuvuubo, Mpanga, and Busere A villages, with many families depending on quarrying as a source of income.
However, a community member, Lwanyaga Owen, said the site has previously claimed the lives of children, raising concerns about the lack of safety measures.
“This is not the first time children have died in this quarry,” he said. “We need strong regulations to stop minors from entering such dangerous places.”
Local leaders have strongly condemned the involvement of young children in quarry activities, describing the practice as extremely dangerous.
They announced plans to introduce strict regulations to ensure that no child below the age of 18 is allowed to work or access quarry sites.
Samuel Ssenkinga, the elected councillor for Ttamu Division, urged authorities in Mityana Municipality to strengthen safety measures and improve emergency response capacity.
“We must protect children from hazardous work such as quarrying,” Ssenkinga said. “Authorities should also ensure that rescue equipment is available to respond quickly when accidents occur.”
The tragedy has renewed calls for stricter enforcement of safety regulations at quarry sites to prevent similar incidents and protect vulnerable children in the community.
Kampala, Uganda – In a swift operation, the Police Flying Squad Unit has arrested three suspects for allegedly stealing and selling slaughtered cattle in Nakulabye.
The suspects, identified as Saka Kisiga Salongo Guloba Hamza, a butcher, and Bukenya John, a driver, were caught red-handed offloading stolen meat at around 2:00 am on March 11, 2026.
The operation began when police received a tip-off at around 2:00 am about a white Toyota Wish vehicle (UBG 345D) suspected of transporting stolen goods.
“Acting on the tip-off, officers trailed the vehicle up to Nakulabye, where it parked and the occupants began offloading slaughtered animals (cows),” said SP Kawala Racheal, the KMP police spokesperson.
Police found the suspects unloading two slaughtered cows from the vehicle.
Preliminary investigations reveal the animals were stolen from Zirobwe and Luweero areas and sold in Nakulabye at UGX 10,000 per kilogram.
The suspects are in police custody, and investigations are ongoing.
2026.2.26 Ugandan police arrest two women for allegedly kissing in public
KAMPALA, Uganda (AP) — Ugandan police detained two women who were reported by their neighbors to be engaging in same-sex activities, a police spokesperson said on Thursday, one of the first known instances of arrests under an anti-LGBTQ law enacted in 2023.
The women were arrested in the northwestern city of Arua on Feb. 18 after police were notified they were often seen kissing. When officers arrived, they caught the couple “red-handed on the cement floor,” said spokesperson Josephine Angucia.
The women were later freed on police bond and have yet to be charged as the investigations are continuing, she said.
The controversial Anti-Homosexuality Act was supported by many in Uganda but widely condemned by rights activists and others abroad. Its promoters said it was necessary to protect children.
While the legislation does not criminalize identifying as LGBTQ, it mandates the death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality,” which is defined as cases of sexual relations involving people infected with HIV, as well as with minors and other categories of vulnerable people.
The detention of the women in Arua “underscores the grim reality we are facing on the ground under the Anti-Homosexuality Act,” said Frank Mugisha, a prominent LGBTQ leader in Uganda. “We have seen a surge in a targeted crackdown that goes beyond just arrests; it has fueled a dangerous cycle of blackmail and extortion.”
Same-sex activity is separately criminalized in the East African country under a colonial-era law that punishes relations against “the order of nature.”
Homosexuality is criminalized in many of Africa’s 54 countries. The West African nation of Senegal is currently trying to impose tougher penalties for same-sex activity.
2026.2.26 Court puts Molly Katanga, four others on defence over husband’s murder
Kampala, Uganda | Molly Katanga and four others have to defend themselves over the death of her husband, businessman Henry Katanga, high court has ruled. In a ruling delivered on Thursday, Lady Justice Rosette Comfort Kania said the circumstantial evidence presented by the prosecution points to malice aforethought and requires each of the accused persons to explain their actions.
Court heard that 65-year-old Henry Katanga died from a gunshot wound at his home on Chwa II Road in Mbuya, Nakawa Division, on November 2, 2023. The death was initially reported as a suicide. However, in her ruling, Justice Kania said the prosecution relied on the doctrine of last seen, noting that only the deceased and his widow were in the bedroom at the time of the shooting, and that Molly Katanga was the last person to see him alive.
The judge cited forensic evidence placing Molly Katanga at the centre of the incident, including the presence of gunshot residue on her hands and her DNA on the pistol registered in the deceased’s name. “The accused is required to explain how she was attacked, yet there were no signs of disturbance in the bedroom,” the judge ruled.
The court further pointed to Molly Katanga’s conduct after the shooting, describing it as suspicious. Evidence showed she declined to record a police statement despite repeated requests from investigators and only did so on January 10, 2024. The judge said this conduct draws an inference of responsibility. The court also found that the crime scene had been interfered with.
Evidence indicated that the deceased’s body was removed from the marital bed, placed on a small mattress on the floor, tied with cotton gauze, and cleaned. The alleged murder weapon was also moved. According to the bloodstain pattern analysis presented in court, the scene had been tampered with, with stains introduced at different times due to mopping and cleaning. During reconstruction of the scene, one of the daughters, Patricia Kakwanzi, reportedly told investigators that she found her father lying on the bed and altered the position of the gun.
Martha Nkwanzi, another daughter of Molly Katanga, was also found to have a case to answer for allegedly tampering with evidence that would have been used in the trial. The prosecution further led evidence that the accused persons allegedly attempted to divert investigations by presenting the death as either a suicide or a traffic accident. At one point, it was reported that the widow had been involved in a road crash and was hospitalised. Family shamba boy George Amanyire and nursing officer Charles Otai were accused of cleaning the body and attempting to clean bloodstains in the room.
The judge specifically questioned why Amanyire allegedly carried the widow to the car and then returned to call the deceased for breakfast. Justice Kania ruled that although Henry Katanga died of a gunshot injury, the actions of the co-accused — including the two daughters, the shamba boy, and the nursing officer — amounted to acts of being accessories after the fact of murder by allegedly destroying or concealing crucial evidence to shield the principal suspect. “Each of the accused must give an explanation of their actions immediately after the death,” Kania held.
She informed the accused of their right to give sworn testimony, make unsworn statements, or remain silent in accordance with the Constitution. Following the ruling, defence lawyer Peter Kabatsi asked the court for time to consult with his clients and organise witnesses. The case was adjourned to March 26, 2026, for a defence hearing. The prosecution team includes Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Samalie Wakooli and Chief State Attorneys Jonathan Muwaganya and Anna Kiiza.
Former Deputy Attorney General Mwesigwa Rukutana, alongside Brian Rubaihayo and Edgar Ayebazibwe, is representing the interests of the deceased’s family on a watching brief.
As part of ongoing enforcement operations by the @lgrb_uganda 12 illegal gaming machines have been seized and 15 gaming premises closed within KMP areas of Nakulabye, Kawala, Bwaise, Namungona and Kasubi, Natete, Nalukolongo, Katwe, Kabusu and Ndeeba.
We thank the public for their vigilance and continued support in reporting illegal gaming. Together, we are strengthening compliance and protecting our communities.
Kampala, Uganda – Kampala Metropolitan Police have intensified efforts to curb crime, arresting over 429 suspects in a series of coordinated operations across the city and surrounding districts.
The operations, conducted between February 24-25, 2026, targeted hotspots in Kira, Old Kampala, and Wakiso, resulting in the recovery of exhibits including opium rolls and suspected house-breaking tools.
In Kira Division, police swooped in on Mulawa Trading Centre and Najjera Kamwanyi, arresting 81 suspects on February 24, 2026, around 8pm.
Similarly, in Old Kampala Division, 152 suspects were picked up in Kisenyi Zone and Muza Zone between 5pm-9pm on the same day. The police operation was in full swing, with Kira Road Division also seeing 49 arrests in Kisaasi Sector, Kamwokya, and Kyebando on February 25, 2026.
Further operations in Jinja Road Division led to the arrest of 20 suspects in Center Zone, Kaggo Buyinja, and Kinawataka on February 24, 2026, around 11pm. The crackdown continued into the early hours of February 25, with 48 suspects arrested in Nansana around 12:30am.
Police also made significant arrests in Wakiso, picking up 23 suspects around 5pm on February 24, 2026.
The Bulenga Area saw 50 arrests between 4pm-8pm on February 24, 2026, while in Kajjansi, six suspects were arrested around 5pm on the same day.
The police operation was widespread, targeting crime hotspots and bringing the total number of arrests to over 429.
Speaking on the arrests, KMP Police Spokesperson SP Kawala Racheal stated, “All suspects are currently in police custody, facing charges related to possession of narcotics and public nuisance.” The suspects will be produced before court in due course.
2026.2.24 BESIGYE: Court orders full disclosure in treason trial
Kampala, Uganda | The High Court Criminal Division in Kampala has ordered the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to fully disclose all evidence it intends to rely upon in the treason trial of opposition politician Dr. Kizza Besigye and his co-accused. Dr. Besigye appeared in court on Tuesday alongside Obeid Lutale and Captain Denis Oola before Criminal Division Judge Emmanuel Baguma in a courtroom packed with relatives, friends, and supporters.
The trio faces charges of allegedly plotting to overthrow the government of Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. Proceedings were dominated by sharp exchanges between prosecution and defence lawyers over the delayed disclosure of evidence. Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Thomas Jatiko, alongside Chief State Attorney Richard Birivumbuka, told the court that partial disclosure had already been made.
He said materials shared include transcribed audio and video recordings, witness statements, and other documentary evidence. Jatiko explained that the State was still preparing additional material, including a forensic report, and converting evidence into accessible formats such as flash disks for the 18 defence lawyers. “If given until next week, we will have fully disclosed,” Jatiko submitted while seeking an adjournment. However, the defence strongly objected.
Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, one of Besigye’s lawyers, argued that the prosecution had violated earlier court timelines. He cited proceedings of December 30, 2025, which he said required full disclosure by January 21, 2026. Lukwago told the court the defence had received only one file marked “Volume 1” and had not been informed how many additional volumes the State intends to rely on.
“Today, we are getting the shock of our lives that disclosure is not ready. The court should not entertain this,” Lukwago said. He added that continued delays were prejudicial, noting Besigye remains on remand after being denied bail. Prosecution disagreed. Jatiko maintained that the December 30 sitting did not impose a specific deadline for full disclosure and said the materials required time to organise.
Another defence lawyer, Eron Kiiza, argued that proper trial scheduling cannot proceed without full disclosure, accusing the prosecution of unnecessary delay. Ernest Kalibala also declined to participate in scheduling discussions until all evidence is shared. After hearing both sides, Justice Baguma ruled that, in the interest of justice and given the gravity of the case, the prosecution must complete full disclosure by March 3, 2026.
The matter was adjourned to March 3 for scheduling, with the case set to return to court again on March 12, 2026. Outside court, Besigye’s wife, Winnie Byanyima, criticised what she described as delayed disclosure. “This is not prosecution; it is persecution,” she told journalists. She alleged that the defence was being pushed to proceed without full knowledge of the evidence and also raised concerns about political interference in both judicial and religious matters.
Byanyima further claimed that on Monday, President Museveni contacted Paul Ssemogerere regarding a planned prayer Mass for Besigye at Lubaga Cathedral. She said she would continue praying for her husband despite the circumstances. Dr. Besigye, Lutale, and Oola are accused of holding meetings in Geneva, Athens, Nairobi, and Kampala to solicit funds, acquire weapons, and organise paramilitary activities.
Prosecutors allege that Besigye met a Kurdish intelligence operative identified as Andrew Wilson and received 5,000 US dollars to facilitate the transport of 36 Ugandan recruits to Kisumu for military training. The recruits were reportedly intercepted and deported before the training began. The State further alleges the accused sought weapons, including surface-to-air missiles, toxic substances, and drone technology to target President Museveni.
2026.2.22 Boy, 13, stabbed to death after being promised sugarcane job in Kamuli
Kamuli, Uganda: Police in Kamuli District are investigating the circumstances under which a 13-year-old boy was stabbed to death in Bulopa Sub-county.
The deceased has been identified as Bwoya Fred, a resident of Butaasa Village in Bugaya Sub-county, Buyende District.
Preliminary findings indicate that on Thursday, February 19, the boy was picked from his home by a family friend identified only as Mande, who reportedly promised him work cutting sugarcane in Bulopa. However, on Friday, February 20, he was allegedly stabbed to death by unknown persons.
According to the boy’s mother, Nakisuyi Sylvia, she was informed of the incident by the same individual who had taken her son.
“My son was taken on Thursday by Mande who promised him a job in Bulopa, but yesterday I received a call from Mande saying they had got an accident. Upon reaching the site, I found him dead,” she said.
Police have since arrested one suspect, a brother to Mande, who is currently detained at Kamuli Central Police Station to assist with investigations. Mande is reportedly on the run.
The body was taken to Kamuli General Hospital mortuary for postmortem examination as investigations continue.
Authorities say efforts are underway to trace other suspects connected to the incident.
2026.2.22 Horror in Bwaise as Mutilated Body Parts Found Dumped in Drainage Channel
Residents of Bwaise III in Kawempe Division were on edge after discovering mutilated human body parts dumped in a drainage channel in what police are treating as a suspected murder.
The remains were reportedly found by children commonly known as “Kawenja,” who had gone to collect plastic bottles from the channel. The children alerted nearby residents, who later notified Police.
Officers from Kawempe Division responded to the scene, retrieved the body parts and deployed sniffer dogs to search for additional remains in the surrounding area.
Some residents who witnessed the recovery said the legs appeared to belong to a woman.
Police in Karamoja are searching for a man accused of killing his three children by locking them inside a grass-thatched house and setting it on fire.
The suspect, identified as Micheal Otyang, remains at large following the tragedy in Lokeru Village, Lorengechora Sub-county, Napak District, in southern Karamoja.
Eyewitnesses say Otyang allegedly became enraged after a quarrel with his wife, who accused him of failing to provide food for the family and spending excessive time drinking alcohol.
Reports indicate that he assaulted his wife, then forced the children into the house, locked it, and ignited the fire.
The victims have been identified as Janet Nadoli, 10; Emmanuel Lokong, 3; and Joan Nakodio, 1. All three died in the fire.
Karamoja Regional Police Spokesperson IP Mike Longole confirmed the incident, stating that security agencies are actively pursuing the suspect.
“We have leads and are actively pursuing the suspect. We urge anyone with information about his whereabouts to come forward and assist the police so that he can be arrested and brought to justice,” he said.
Police have condemned the act as brutal and inhumane, and investigations into the circumstances of the tragedy are ongoing.
The Butaleja Magistrate’s Court was filled to capacity as proceedings opened in a case against Prossy Mukyala, a 31-year-old nurse attached to Kachonga Health Centre III, who is accused of causing the death of a pregnant woman through alleged negligence.
According to trial magistrate Joy Nambozo, the prosecution alleges that in July 2024, while on duty at the health centre, Mukyala failed to follow established referral procedures after the condition of Oliva Namuhoma, an expectant mother, deteriorated.
Court heard that the nurse neither called for an ambulance nor advised alternative safe transport.
Instead, the patient was reportedly carried on a boda boda to Mbale Regional Referral Hospital, where she allegedly died on the way.
“She unlawfully neglected to exercise reasonable care by omitting to provide the requisite referral care, thereby causing the death,” Magistrate Nambozo said.
Mukyala pleaded not guilty to the charges of manslaughter and negligence. Her defence team from Mutebuli and Company Advocates applied for bail, but the court rejected the application and adjourned the hearing to February 25.
Defence lawyer Saferi Were argued that the accusations against his client were misplaced.
“Our client has nothing to answer to. The alleged negligence cannot be attributed to her because the patient died at a different health facility and not under her direct care,” he told the court.
However, the deceased’s husband, Peter Lwanji, insisted that the nurse was responsible for his wife’s death. He said that when his wife arrived at the health centre bleeding heavily, she was allegedly denied timely care and instead asked for money.
“It was my relative who rushed my wife to the health centre. When they arrived, they were not given care by the nurse on duty. When my wife started bleeding more, they hurried to transfer her on a boda boda because they were being asked for money,” Lwanji said.
The State House Health Monitoring Unit confirmed that Mukyala’s arrest followed investigations by the unit. Its director, Dr Warren Naamara, warned health workers against unethical conduct.
“We will not keep quiet when such unethical practices occur. Any health worker who is not ready to work professionally should exit the system before we take action,” Dr Naamara said.
As the case continues, it has reignited national debate on accountability, professionalism, and patient safety within Uganda’s public health facilities.
The accused remains on remand as the court prepares to resume hearings later this month, while the bereaved family continues to seek justice.
Detectives on Wednesday took the prime suspect in the murder of Uganda Christian Univeristy Dean of Students, Pamela Tumwebaze, to the residence as they reconstructed the events surrounding the crime.
The operation was led by personnel from the Joint Anti-Terrorism Taskforce (JAT), in collaboration with officers from the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) and the Uganda Police Force.
During the reconstruction, the suspect Hussain Dak Taekaiko reportedly demonstrated how he accessed Ms Tumwebaze’s house.
He indicated that he first knocked at the gate without receiving a response, before allegedly scaling the perimeter wall to gain entry.
Detectives then escorted him inside the house, where forensic teams examined key areas relevant to the investigation.
Access to the premises was restricted to preserve the integrity of the locus and ensure evidence was not compromised.
Residents identified Taekaiko as a former domestic servant at the deceased’s home, a detail authorities are treating as significant in establishing both motive and familiarity with the property.
Gwafu Village Chairman Alex Waswa said that during interrogation, the suspect allegedly admitted to a financial dispute involving Shs800,000.
Investigators are examining whether this claimed debt may have been a trigger for the alleged attack.
According to information from local leadership, Taekaiko reportedly hid inside the house while waiting for Tumwebaze to return.
Upon her arrival, he allegedly confronted her over the money, and when she raised an alarm, he is said to have overpowered and strangled her.
Taekaiko, arrested on Saturday in Budaka District, remains in custody as detectives continue to gather evidence, analyze forensic findings, and record witness statements to build a case.
Authorities have promised further updates as the investigation progresses.
Kabale authorities have arrested 72 youths in connection with a fraudulent job recruitment operation run by Canaan Dream Visionaries Limited.
The scheme, based at J House in the Gleam Supermarket building along Kabale-Mbarara Road, lured young people with false promises of employment.
Deputy Resident District Commissioner Michael Muramira Kyakashari, who led the operation in collaboration with police, said prospective recruits were initially charged Shs150,000 for training in food nutrition and later asked to call their parents to pay additional fees ranging from Shs1.7 million to Shs2 million.
In one case, a victim was misled into believing she would be taken abroad for work.
Of those arrested, 61 are victims while 11 have been identified as organizers of the scheme.
Most of the victims hail from Eastern Uganda districts including Manafwa, Mbale, and Nkore, while others come from Rukungiri, Kanungu, and Rubanda.
Many had completed Senior Four, and their time under the scheme ranged from one to three months.
The victims, who preferred to remain anonymous, told authorities they were initially contacted by friends promising jobs.
They were invited for training with assurances that employment would follow, only to be asked for large registration and additional fees.
RDC Muramira described how the organizers subjected recruits to tight supervision, confiscated their phones, and provided false assurances of jobs and accommodation.
“The amounts demanded from these youths are substantial. If the 2 million and additional funds were properly invested, they could have been used to start their own businesses,” he said, urging parents to intervene and rescue their children.
Police confirmed that statements from the victims are being recorded and that the victims may face possible charges.
Investigations are ongoing to determine the full scope of the operation and bring all responsible parties to justice.
“The public must remain cautious of false employment schemes,” Muramira warned.
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The High Court in Masaka has granted bail to Fr Deusdedit Ssekabira after more than three weeks of hearing submissions from both the defence and the prosecution.
Justice Victoria Nakintu Katamba delivered her ruling at about 2 pm following a lengthy hearing earlier in the day. During the proceedings, State Prosecutor Brian Kalinaki asked the court to return the case to the Chief Magistrate’s Court, arguing that Fr Ssekabira should first take a plea in the matter in which he is accused of laundering Shs500 million.
Kalinaki contended that the procedure used to bring Fr Ssekabira before the High Court was improper, noting that the Chief Magistrate’s Court had not committed the accused to the High Court for trial.
On January 27, the prosecution, led by Deborah Itwau, sought an adjournment to today’s date and assured the court that it would be ready to proceed with the hearing. At the time, Justice Katamba warned that if the prosecution appeared unprepared on the scheduled date, she would reconsider granting bail to Fr Ssekabira.
However, on Tuesday, the prosecution informed the court that the High Court lacks jurisdiction to hear the case and requested that it be referred back to the lower court.
Fr Ssekabira was allegedly abducted in Masaka District in December and held incommunicado for more than two weeks, triggering public outrage. The Catholic Church later issued a statement condemning what it described as injustice against the cleric.
At the time of his disappearance, both the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and the police denied knowledge of his whereabouts.
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Kampala, Uganda: The Shs3.8 billion fraud case involving embattled former Ministry of Trade Permanent Secretary Geraldine Ssali suffered another delay on Thursday after the Anti-Corruption Court failed to proceed in the absence of the Assistant Registrar.
The matter, which had come up for mention, has now been adjourned to April 15, with bail for all accused persons extended.
Presiding Principal Grade One Magistrate Paul Mujuni informed the court that proceedings could not continue because the Assistant Registrar was away on official duties at the High Court to attend activities marking the opening of the New Law Year.
“The Assistant Registrar is on official duties at the High Court. We are going to adjourn the matter,” Magistrate Mujuni said.
Defence lawyer Musimeta, appearing for Michael Mawanda and holding brief for counsel representing the other accused persons, confirmed that the matter had been fixed for mention and noted that the prosecution was not present in court.
“I appear for Accused One and also hold brief for Accused Two, Three, Four, Five and Six. This matter is coming up for mention. For the record, the state is not present,” Musimeta told court.
She applied for an adjournment on grounds that the court was indisposed and requested that bail be extended for all the accused persons. “In view of the court being indisposed, we pray that the matter be adjourned and bail extended,” she said.
Magistrate Mujuni granted the application, adjourned the matter to April 15, and extended bail for all accused persons.
The criminal proceedings remain temporarily stayed, pending the hearing and determination of a constitutional application alleging violation of human rights against the Attorney General, which must first be resolved by the Constitutional Court before the trial can resume.
Background
Ssali is jointly charged with Members of Parliament Ignatius Mudimi Wamakuyu and Paul Akamba, alongside lawyer Julius Taitankoko Kirya and principal cooperative officer Leonard Kavundira.
They face charges of abuse of office, conspiracy to defraud, money laundering and causing financial loss in relation to the payment of Shs3.8 billion to Buyaka Growers Co-operative Society.
The prosecution alleges that during the 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 financial years, Ssali irregularly added the cooperative to the list of entities eligible for war-loss compensation, despite it not appearing in the approved supplementary budget.
It is further alleged that she authorised payments totaling Shs3.8 billion to Kirya and Company Advocates, a law firm owned by co-accused Taitankoko, in contravention of the 2017 Treasury Instructions, thereby causing financial loss to the government.
In October, the Anti-Corruption Court halted trial proceedings after ruling that it must first determine a constitutional application filed by MP Akamba, who claims his rights were violated during arrest and prosecution.
The case now awaits direction from the Constitutional Court before substantive hearings can resume.
2026.1.27 Days after a disputed election, Uganda’s army is on the hunt for opposition leader Bobi Wine
KAMPALA, Uganda (AP) — Where is Bobi Wine?
In a recent video shared from hiding, the Ugandan opposition leader walks in a family graveyard in central Uganda, taunting the army chief who has failed to find him and lamenting what he calls the injustice that has befallen him.
The 43-year-old musician-turned-politician has been evading a military hunt for over a week, infuriating Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba — the army chief and president’s son — in what has become a very public rivalry.
Wine went into hiding shortly after Uganda’s disputed presidential election on Jan. 15. The vote was marred by an internet shutdown and the failure of biometric voter identification kits meant to prevent ballot stuffing.
Wine, whose real name is Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, has rejected the official results, according to which President Yoweri Museveni won a seventh term with 71.6% of the vote.
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