By Eriasa Mukiibi Sserunjogi Can the opposition capitalise on recent wins to defeat Museveni? With five wins out of the six parliamentary by-elections held so far this term, opposition parties must wish they don’t wake up from this dream anytime soon. They must also wish more seats were up for …

By Eriasa Mukiibi Sserunjogi The issues, promises that shaped the Bukoto South campaign When the campaign for the Bukoto South by-election went to the wire, it had all the markings of the violence and controversy witnessed on election day, July 12. Police and opposition activists were pouring into the constituency …

By Rukiya Makuma A private member’s bill seeks to hit the corrupt in their softest spot, their loot The young, vibrant Member of Parliament for Makindye East, John Simbwa, has plucked the courage and taken on a fight that many proclaim cannot be won – against the corrupt. Simbwa’s private …

By Peter Nyanzi Renowned educationist Fagil Mandy was recently appointed chairman of the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB). A former commissioner in the Ministry of Education and Sports, he told The Independent’s Peter Nyanzi that his vision is for Uganda’s education and examination system to produce a productive and well-rounded …

By Denis Musinguzi The latest brand of internal dissent – campaigning against one’s party candidate – is killing parties, and multi-partyism One of the greatest contributions of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government to Uganda’s democratization was the innovation of the inclusive, broad-based and individual merit political dispensation. The system …

By Yoga Adhola The President’s reconciliatory visit to Miria Obote reveals a truth he has run from for more than 30 years When Museveni first came to power, he used to talk a lot about the NRM line being correct. He no longer does so. This is because the line …

By Mubatsi Asinja Habati Concern persists over Uganda’s readiness to counter terrorism threats The calm at the popular Ethiopian Village Restaurant in Kabalagala today is in stark contrast to the horror of July 11, 2010. Management has tightened security and all visitors are subjected to thorough security checks. Outside the …

By Stephen Kafeero A girl’s dreams illuminate the struggle of families coping with loss and injustice Wakuma Frank had promised his daughter a bike for her 6th birthday. She never got it. Exactly a month before that anticipated celebration, on 14th July, 2010, he was buried. A devastating bomb blast …

By Eriasa Mukiibi Sserunjogi Experts say the special mix of dictatorship and democratic rituals has made citizens lose hope in elections As Masaka Municipality MP Mathias Mpuuga announced the return of protests on July 4, he acknowledged the odds his campaign is up against, but dismissed them. “The notion that …

By Mubatsi Asinja Habati New districts were intended to improve services. But they with shrunken revenues, they have achieved the exact opposite James Kule, a Grade III primary school teacher in Kasese district, excitedly lists the benefits a new district will bring to his people. Jobs will be created; health …