TOP ECONOMIST: We Have No Option But To Rely On What UBOs is Saying
Dr. Fred Muhumuza, a leading Ugandan economist, says that notwithstanding reservations they might be having, there is nothing much Ugandans can do but to accept the 2024 Census report that was recently proclaimed by Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS), which by law is mandated and charged with production of official statistics for the country.
In a media interview, Dr. Muhumuza asserted that its true there are things which didn’t go well, including the Bakiga/Bagisu mismatch which UBOS owned up to, but the inescapable truth is that the contents of the UBOS report is what this beautiful country of ours will have to accept and work with for another 10 years up to 2034 when another population and housing census will be conducted.
Appreciating the UBOS leadership for the humility with which they recently owned up to the Bagisu/Bakiga mismatch and went ahead to correct and rectify the error, Dr. Muhumuza, renowned for his objectivity, observed that unfortunately such mistakes, minor as they could have been, potentially have the effect of diminishing public trust and confidence in the entire census report.TrendingKyagulanyi Effect: NRM wants presidential aspirants to announce assets
He observed that UBOS had established itself as a reputable organization which a few years ago effectively emboldened the President to stand up to the World Bank and IMF when they disputed his proclamation that Uganda had achieved the lower middle income status.
Muhumuza says on that occasion, the public believed what UBOS was saying because the Bureau had over the years established an impeccable reputation of churning out credible statistics, which even MP Semujju Nganda, cynical as the people of Uganda have come to know him, publicly acknowledged.
But now Dr. Muhumuza is fearful that, even when that shouldn’t be the case, the recent hiccups relating to the 2024 census report (specifically that part on Bagisu/Bakiga) now risks causing Ugandans to unfairly castigate UBOS as if there is nothing good the Bureau has ever done or delivered good results about.
Last week during the very popular Capital Gang debate, panelists like Oscar Semweya Musoke, Semujju Nganda, Abdul Katuntu and Lydia Wanyoto saluted UBOS for a job well done and went ahead to challenge NPA, Cabinet and other decision-making organs of government to make use of the 380 pages census report to begin to effectively plan for the country like never before.
If you have a story in your community or an opinion article, let’s publish it. Send us an email via ultimatenews1@gmail.com
TOP ECONOMIST: We Have No Option But To Rely On What UBOs is Saying
News
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.
News
NUP Gathering Disrupted: Kyagulanyi Alleges Security Force Harassment and Arrests
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
News
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