Mugumya, a former aide to former presidential candidate Dr. Kizza Besigye, has previously been at the center of politically charged cases. His latest case comes at a time of heightened scrutiny over reports of enforced disappearances and prolonged detention without trial.
Ambassador Ssentongo reaffirmed Ugandan government’s commitment to strengthening cross-border tourism cooperation, noting that tourism is central to the country’s Ten-Fold Growth Strategy, which aims to grow the economy from US$50 billion to US$500 billion by 2040. He called for practical, time-bound solutions to trade barriers affecting tourism and regional business competitiveness.
"Ugandans are already struggling with high taxes, unemployment and a high cost of living. They are asked to pay more while the government wants to look into what they earn, save and send to their families. This is the wrong priority," Centenary said.
"How do you tell a boda-boda rider to stop moving when movement is how they earn a living? How do you tell a trader, a farmer or an ordinary worker to stay home when their livelihoods depend on getting to work, reaching markets and serving their customers?" Centenary asked.
"Uganda has over 15 million learners and only about 300,000 teachers. The pupil-to-teacher ratio is already 1:58 to 1:60 in many UPE schools, against the recommended 1:45. Closing dozens of colleges and keeping only a few centres will drastically cut annual output. This gap will never be closed if this arrangement is fast-tracked by government," Lubega said.
However, according to the Ministry of Tourism, the Ugandan government has earmarked tourism as a top priority for investment. For the 2026/2027 financial year, the government allocated UGX 571.5 billion directly to tourism development and marketing.
"The 1995 Constitution of Uganda is clear. Article 29 guarantees every Ugandan the freedom of assembly, demonstration and peaceful protest. It does not say this right is reserved for the NRM or its new appendage, the PLU. It says every citizen," Lubega said.
The party also drew lessons from neighbouring Kenya, where, it said, Kenyans stood firm to protect Uhuru Park and Jeevanjee Gardens in Nairobi from developers, preserving them as the lungs and pride of Nairobi through the efforts of patriots like the late Prof. Wangari Maathai.
Media reports indicate 1.2 million people work as boda boda riders in Uganda, which makes the motorcycle taxi business the second largest employer in the country, right after agriculture.
The government cited Objective XIII of the National Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy, Article 210(d) of the Constitution, and Section 38 of the UPDF Act, which empower the state and the President with parliamentary approval to participate in international peace and security operations.