Outrage in Mukono as Minister Aisha Sekindi Commissions Shs2.2 Billion ‘Defunct’ Solar Water Project
Mukono – “With the powers vested in me, I commission the solar water pump to serve the community of Kapeke Village and its neighbourhoods,” declared Minister Aisha Sekindi during a recent event in Mukono District.
The minister was commissioning of a Shs2.2 billion solar water pump that has remained nonfunctional since its inauguration on October 24.
The solar panels have failed to generate enough power to pump water into tanks, depriving the community of access to clean water.
This project was intended to serve over 20,000 residents across four villages—Kapeke, Kasenge, Kiwugo, Nangwa, and parts of Mbalala trading centre—but has instead become an idle facility, with reports of missing solar panels.
Residents are frustrated with the minister for endorsing a project that is already defunct. They questioned how a full minister could overlook such an issue.
“We only received a small amount of water the day the minister commissioned the project, and within hours of her departure, the water was gone,” the residents lamented.
Community members were also upset about being prevented from voicing their opinions during the gathering, as they were not given the opportunity to speak.
Geofrey Nkumbi, chairperson of Kapeke Village, revealed that the solar water pump, initially constructed in 2020, was first commissioned by President Museveni during the election period.
Since then, it has remained inactive, primarily benefiting a school owned by a relative of a former Minister of State for Water.
Kilabire Badiru, the speaker for Nama Sub-county, stated that residents have been without reliable access to water for the past four years, forcing them to trek long distances to collect unclean water from swamps.
Nekemeah Sali, the defense secretary of Kapeke Village, shared his frustrations about the broken system, mentioning that he gave up on connecting to it after seeing rust on his taps and meters due to a lack of water.
He now relies on the only borehole in the community, which is not sustainable.
Christopher Sekyanzi, the youth chairperson of Kapeke Village, urged the government to intervene swiftly so that the community can benefit from the project funded by taxpayers.
“I want the Ministry of Water to act quickly so that all of us can benefit from the project that cost 2.2 billion shillings,” Sekyanzi stated.
Minister Sekindi acknowledged the issues with the weak solar system, which has been unable to generate sufficient power.
She committed to replacing it with hydro power and assured the community that the Ministry of Water would take direct control of the situation.
Ms. Sekindi also directed the disconnection of Pearl Junior School from the water source to ensure the community can benefit.
Additionally, she advised residents to conserve the limited water they receive while the ministry works on a solution within three months.
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Outrage in Mukono as Minister Aisha Sekindi Commissions Shs2.2 Billion ‘Defunct’ Solar Water Project
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Ugandan Citizen Abducted, Held in Secret Detention for Three Months, Sparks Outrage and Calls for Justice
A disturbing new case of unlawful detention has surfaced, highlighting the ongoing human rights crisis in Uganda. A Ugandan citizen was reportedly abducted and held in a secret facility, known as a “safe house,” for three months, only to be released without charge or explanation. This incident, reported by NTV Uganda, has sparked widespread condemnation and renewed calls for accountability regarding human rights abuses in the country.
While the details surrounding the abduction remain unclear, reports indicate that the individual was taken without due process and held incommunicado—an action that has long been condemned by human rights organizations. The victim’s release, with no charges filed and no clear justification, has angered activists and citizens, who view this as yet another case of egregious abuse of power by the state.
“This is a recurring pattern,” said one human rights activist. “Abductions, secret detentions, and unexplained releases have become all too common in Uganda. These acts violate fundamental human rights and erode public trust in the justice system.”
The use of “safe houses,” unregistered detention facilities reportedly operated by security forces, has been a focal point in numerous allegations of torture and illegal imprisonment. Despite repeated calls from both local and international organizations for their closure and accountability for those involved, little action has been taken to address these violations.
This case underscores the urgent need for reform within Uganda’s security apparatus and greater accountability for human rights abuses. Observers hope that drawing attention to these injustices will spur concrete action to bring those responsible to justice and ensure the protection of basic human rights.
As frustration mounts, calls for both domestic and international pressure to hold the government accountable for such crimes grow louder. “One day, there must be accountability for all these crimes against our people,” stated one social media user, reflecting the sentiments of many Ugandans.
National Unity Platform (NUP) President Robert Kyagulanyi has accused Ugandan security forces of using excessive force to disrupt a planned NUP gathering. The allegations were detailed in a statement shared on Twitter, following an event held to honor children of NUP supporters who were killed, disappeared, or detained for their political beliefs.
According to Kyagulanyi, security personnel, under the command of an officer identified as Asiimwe, carried out a preemptive operation early in the morning upon learning of the NUP’s plans. The forces allegedly stormed the premises, arrested workers, and deployed tear gas to disperse those present.
“The criminals under the command of one Asiimwe deployed early morning, arrested our workers, and threw tear gas into our premises. They’ve cordoned off the premises and blocked all people from accessing the place,” Kyagulanyi wrote.
Among those reportedly arrested were Saava Peter, Mudenya Samson, and Turyasingura Samson. Kyagulanyi claimed the detained workers were subjected to beatings and interrogated about their political affiliations, with security operatives labeling them as terrorists.
“These JATT operatives asked the workers who they support politically, branding them terrorists and criminals—their only crime being that they work with us. You can imagine the indignity!” Kyagulanyi lamented.
This incident adds to the growing tension in Uganda’s political climate, where opposition parties frequently accuse the government of stifling dissent. Despite the challenges, Kyagulanyi ended his statement with a message of defiance and optimism, proclaiming, “UGANDA WILL BE FREE.”
NUP Gathering Disrupted: Kyagulanyi Alleges Security Force Harassment and Arrests
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Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum
Sudan has demanded an official apology from Uganda over “offensive and dangerous” comments made by the chief of Uganda army staff, who threated to invade Khartoum, the Sudan Tribune has reported.
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and CDF of the Ugandan army, posted two comments on the X platform on Tuesday in which he threatened “to capture Khartoum” with the support of the US President elect Donald Trump after he takes office. The posts were deleted later.
“The government of Sudan demands and official apology from the Ugandan government for the offensive and dangerous comments of the army commander,” Sudan’s foreign ministry said in a statement that the Sudan Tribune said it has seen.
Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum