Colby, who is visiting the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, and Cambodia this week, said discussions with Indonesian leaders had created new opportunities for a mutually respectful partnership. He stressed that the United States was not asking countries to choose sides, but instead sought to help them strengthen their ability to protect their own security and territorial integrity.

“During our regional meetings, we shall use this platform to talk to parents, religious leaders, political leaders and cultural leaders to stand up and speak out about Uganda being under siege so that we can all as one stand up and change this country,” Kabuye added.

The spokesperson said the new arrangement breaks with previous practice, under which government catered for these necessities and paid monthly internship allowances. She added that it also undermines the Collective Bargaining Agreement, which provided for enhanced allowances and better welfare for health workers.

The ministers’ “Expose and Fight Corrupt Officials in Local Governments” campaign has taken the fight to different districts, where officials have been questioned over issues such as misuse of public resources, abandoned projects, revenue leakages and poor service delivery.

The new ministers are Ambassador Adonia Ayebare, the Minister of Foreign Affairs; Shartsi Kutesa Musherure, the Minister of State for Finance, Planning and Economic Development in charge of Microfinance; and Juma Witonze, the Minister of State for Internal Affairs.

“We have information that Besigye might be admitted to Mbuya Military Hospital. But why did they transfer him there, because he needs to continue with his specialized medication in Mulago? If he is not treated in Mulago, where else can he be treated? Maybe abroad, but not in any facility in Uganda apart from Mulago,” Turinawe noted.

“Local leaders should take the lead in discouraging early-morning alcohol consumption and work with security agencies and enforcement teams to ensure that bars and alcohol outlets do not operate in a manner that encourages people to spend their mornings drinking instead of working. This is intended to address idleness, family problems and rising crime associated with excessive alcohol consumption in communities, while promoting a productive and responsible population,” the directive stated.

The accused include Martin Muwonge, Hakim Bwire, Paul Sseremba, Ezra Kawanda, Fred Ssali, Simon Geserwa, Godfrey Kasule, Vivian Nakitende, Mohammed Waswa, Grace Nayebale, Shafiq Musisi, Shakuru Lubega, and Simon Ssuuna.