Ugandan health officials announced on Tuesday that the country has released its last group of Ebola patients, marking the end of hospitalizations tied to an outbreak declared last month.
The World Health Organization praised this as a major step forward, crediting Uganda’s rapid intervention in managing the situation.
Treatment efforts were concentrated at Kampala’s leading medical facility, where most of those infected received care. The outbreak’s only confirmed fatality was a male nurse who passed away on January 30, just before health authorities officially recognized the crisis.
His relatives later fell ill and were admitted for treatment. Officials traced at least 265 individuals linked to the initial case, with 90 of them successfully completing a monitoring period without developing symptoms, according to Health Minister Jane Ruth Aceng.
While no licensed vaccines exist for the Sudan strain of Ebola, scientists have begun clinical trials to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of an experimental immunization as part of ongoing containment measures.
Uganda last faced a deadly Ebola outbreak in September 2022, which claimed at least 55 lives before being brought under control four months later.
The virus spreads through direct exposure to infected bodily fluids or contaminated surfaces. Symptoms include high fever, severe diarrhea, vomiting, muscle aches, and, in some cases, internal and external bleeding.
A delegation of six senior officers of the Department of Research Services of the Parliament of Uganda is on a five-day study visit to the Parliament of Ghana to exchange knowledge and share best practices on researching for legislative bodies in Africa.
At the beginning of their learning and knowledge-sharing, the delegation paid a courtesy call on the Deputy Clerk of Parliament in charge of the Information Management Services.
The deliberations on Monday, among other critical issues, touched on key practices, experiences, and methods of evidence use in the legislative processes.
The Coordinating Director of Media Relations, Public Engagement and Parliamentary Broadcasting, Ms Kate Addo assisted the Deputy Clerk to receive the delegation.
Uganda’s health authorities have confirmed a new Ebola outbreak in the capital, Kampala, following the death of a 32-year-old male nurse.
The nurse, who had symptoms such as high fever, chest pain, breathing difficulty, and bleeding from various body parts, passed away from multi-organ failure on Wednesday at Mulago National Hospital in the city center.
This incident marks the eighth reported Ebola outbreak in Uganda since the disease was first detected in the country in 2000.
The outbreak is caused by the Sudan Ebola Virus Disease (SUDV), a highly contagious form of hemorrhagic fever spread through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals. It is one of the several strains of the Ebola virus responsible for outbreaks.
Before his death, the nurse visited several medical facilities and even consulted a traditional healer, but it wasn’t until later that the disease was diagnosed. He also sought treatment at a public hospital in Mbale, a town near the Kenyan border.
Health officials have identified 44 individuals who had close contact with the deceased, including 30 healthcare workers, and are actively tracing their whereabouts.
While authorities have deployed rapid response teams to manage the outbreak, the effort faces challenges due to the dense and heavily trafficked nature of Kampala, a city of more than four million residents. Kampala is a major travel hub connecting Uganda with neighboring countries like South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Rwanda.
Uganda’s most recent Ebola outbreak occurred in September 2022, centered in Mubende district, and was also caused by the Sudan strain. It was declared over after a four-month containment period.
There are six known Ebola virus types, with Zaire, Bundibugyo, Sudan, and Taï Forest being the ones that cause human infections. The Reston and Bombali strains mainly affect animals.
Unlike the Zaire strain, which has a vaccine available, there is no approved vaccine for Sudan Ebola.
Ebola symptoms typically begin with fever, fatigue, muscle aches, and a sore throat, followed by vomiting, diarrhea, rashes, and bleeding both internally and externally.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Ebola has an average fatality rate of about 50%, but in some outbreaks, the death rate has ranged from 25% to 90%, depending on various factors and how the outbreak is handled.
Uganda has marked a significant milestone in its agricultural sector with its first-ever Hass avocado export to Spain.
On November 19, 2024, a container of fresh avocados valued at $40,000 (approximately UGX 147.7 million) was shipped from Kampala to Spain, a southwestern European country at the crossroads of the Atlantic and the Mediterranean.
The groundbreaking export was spearheaded by Avotein Farms Ltd, with support from the National Agriculture Advisory Services (NAADS), an agency under Uganda’s agriculture ministry. The container was flagged off by Lira District Woman MP and chairperson of the parliamentary committee on agriculture, Linda Agnes Auma.
Auma, who officiated the event, encouraged farmers to increase Hass avocado cultivation to capitalize on the lucrative global market for what is often referred to as “green gold.”
“We have a huge acreage of land that is unutilised, though very fertile. However, the majority of our farmers don’t have the financial capacity to produce Hass avocado as required for exports. So, we have just finalised working on a Contract Farming Bill that will enable us to attract many investors to come and have contracts with our farmers who have land,” Auma stated.
She added that if processed and passed, the proposed law would allow investors to specify the quality and quantity of produce they require for export, enabling farmers to meet international standards.
NAADS Executive Director Dr. Samuel Mugasi highlighted that while Uganda has been producing Hass avocados for some time, much of it has been exported indirectly through neighboring countries.
“And it is exported with flags of our neighbouring countries, but we have today (Tuesday) begun exporting our own avocado bearing our Ugandan flag,” Mugasi said.
Brenda Katarikawe, markets director at the Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development (PACEID), emphasized the significance of this step for Uganda’s agricultural exports.
“Currently, we are selling a lot of our traditional avocado in the United Arab Emirates, but this breakthrough into Europe marks a significant step in the direction of the growth of not only avocado but many other agricultural exports,” she remarked.
Odrek Rwabwogo, PACEID chairperson and senior presidential advisor on special duties, also expressed optimism about the achievement, calling it a monumental step toward positioning Uganda as a leader in global exports.
“The export of this container signifies more than just economic gain. It is a testament to Uganda’s ability to compete on a global scale and deliver high-quality, sustainably grown products. These avocados represent the promise of a better future for farmers, increased foreign exchange earnings for the country, and strengthened trade ties with Europe,” Rwabwogo stated.
He further noted that the accomplishment aligns with PACEID’s vision of boosting Uganda’s export earnings to $6 billion by 2028.
Several people are reported dead and many others injured after a fuel tanker overturned and erupted in flames at Kigogwa Town on the Kampala-Bombo road in Kasangati, Wakiso District.
Police announced on Tuesday that a multi-agency response team swiftly arrived at the scene following the explosion, which occurred around 3 PM.
Eyewitnesses indicated that some residents lost their lives in the blaze while attempting to siphon fuel from the tanker.
The fire also resulted in the destruction of several buildings and vehicles in the vicinity.
“The response team include fire brigade trucks, four 999 Patrol Cars, police Ambulances, Red Cross Ambulances, sister security forces. Rescue efforts are currently underway. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available,” said Kampala Metropolitan police spokesperson, Patrick Onyango.
Nansana RDC, Mr Charles Lwanga said more than 10 people died and several were injured.
According to him, the driver lost control of the tanker before it overturned.
“He (driver) fled the scene after the tanker overturned. That was before it exploded,” he said.
By the time of filing this story, police response team were seen evacuating bodies of the deceased.
Police have apprehended five individuals suspected of vandalizing street light solar panels valued at Shs225.75 million in Kabale town.
According to the police spokesman for the Kigezi region, Mr. Elly Maate, the suspects are being held at Kabale police station under case CRB674/2024, facing charges of theft, possession of burglary tools, malicious damage, and conspiracy to commit a crime.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Gerevazio Ampaire (18), Martin Muhereza (28), Esera Mirembe (40), Gerevazio Habomugisha (40), and Edita Arineitwe (22).
“Its alleged that, between the month of July and September 2024 at the areas of Makanga cell, Rwakaraba cell, Rushoroza and Nyabikoni, within hours of the night, in Kabale Municipality, the suspects conspired together and maliciously damaged street lights solar panels valued at Shs225,750,000 million, the property of government of Uganda, specifically for Kabale Municipality,” Mr Maate said.
Mr. Maate further revealed that the suspects have repeatedly engaged in these criminal activities, subsequently selling the stolen items from Kabale town to a businessman named Nuwamanya in the neighboring Rubanda District.
While Nuwamanya remains at large, his wife, Edita Arinaitwe, was apprehended along with the other suspects.
“The suspects were arrested through an intelligence led operation from their hideouts although others went on the run. During the arrest, search was conducted that led to the recovery of two solar batteries from Mirembe Esera and Mushwaza respectively,” Mr Maate said.
The Kabale municipal council mayor, Mr Sentero Byamugisha asked the police to continue with the operation because the racket is big.
“The arrested suspects must replace all the vandalized street light solar panels before they are prosecuted. As Kabale municipal council, we appreciate the efforts of the police in arresting the suspects,” Mr Byamugisha said.
In June 2023, the Kabale municipal council authorized the installation of 204 solar-powered street lights, valued at Shs. 1.99 billion, throughout Kabale town to enhance and support nighttime commerce.
During the project’s inauguration in April, Kabale Resident District Commissioner Mr. Godfrey Nyakahuma directed the police and other security agencies to take stringent action against anyone caught vandalizing government property, as a deterrent to prevent future incidents.
The former boyfriend of Ugandan Olympic marathon runner, Rebecca Cheptegei, has died from severe burns sustained in the attack that led to her tragic death.
Dickson Ndiema, who ambushed and set Cheptegei on fire with petrol, passed away at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, where he had been admitted with burns covering over 40% of his body.
Ndiema attacked Cheptegei as she returned from church more than a week ago in Trans Nzoia County, Kenya. The two had been in conflict over a small piece of land where Cheptegei lived and trained.
During the attack, he doused the athlete with petrol, and while setting her alight, some of the fuel spilled onto his own body, resulting in burns that contributed to his eventual death on Monday evening. According to hospital officials, Ndiema developed respiratory failure due to severe airway burns and sepsis, despite efforts to save him.
Cheptegei, who suffered burns on more than 80% of her body, passed away four days after the attack. Witnesses reported hearing her screams as she ran for help, but the extent of her injuries was too severe for her survival.
The murder case against Ndiema has now been dropped following his death. Instead, an inquest will be opened to investigate the deaths of both individuals. Authorities had initially named Ndiema as the prime suspect in what was being treated as a murder case.
Cheptegei’s death has drawn shock and sadness from around the world. At 33, she had recently competed in the 2024 Paris Olympics and had also won gold at the 2022 World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in Thailand.
Originally from the Kenyan side of the Kenya-Uganda border, she moved to Uganda to pursue her athletic dreams after struggling to gain recognition in Kenya. Her community in Bukwo, Uganda, where she will be laid to rest on Saturday, remembers her as a champion despite her struggles.
Rebecca Cheptegei, a 33-year-old Ugandan marathon runner who recently competed in the Paris Olympics, has tragically died after being set ablaze by her ex-boyfriend.
The athlete succumbed to her injuries days after the brutal attack, which occurred in north-west Kenya, where she lived and trained.
Cheptegei had been doused in petrol and set on fire following an altercation with her former partner, according to local reports. The attack took place on Sunday as she returned home from church, sparking an investigation into the disturbing incident. Local authorities suggested the argument stemmed from a dispute over land ownership between the athlete and her ex-partner.
Police chief Jeremiah Ole Kosiom confirmed details of the incident, saying, “The couple were heard quarrelling outside their house. During the altercation, the boyfriend was seen pouring a liquid on the woman before burning her.” The suspect, who also sustained burns in the attack, remains in intensive care but is reported to be in stable condition.
Rebecca Cheptegei’s death has sent shockwaves through the sporting community, with concerns growing over the increasing number of violent attacks against female athletes in Kenya. Several female athletes in the region have faced similar fates in recent years, prompting calls for action and justice.
Speaking outside the hospital where his daughter had been treated, Cheptegei’s father, Joseph Cheptegei, expressed his grief and called on authorities to ensure justice is served. “I have lost a daughter who was very supportive,” he said. “I pray for justice for my daughter. I have never seen such an inhumane act in my life.”
Dr. Owen Menach, head of Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, where Cheptegei was admitted, confirmed her passing. “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our athlete, Rebecca Cheptegei, early this morning who tragically fell victim to domestic violence. May her soul rest in peace,” the Ugandan Athletics Federation stated in a post on X.
Dr. Menach also disclosed that Cheptegei’s organs had failed as a result of the extensive burns she suffered, leading to her death.
Rebecca Cheptegei, who hailed from a region across the Ugandan border, had made Kenya her home in recent years, purchasing land in Trans Nzoia County to be close to the country’s renowned athletic training centers. She had earned widespread respect in the athletic community, most notably winning gold at the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in Thailand in 2022. She also represented Uganda in the recent Paris Olympics, finishing 44th in the marathon.
Her death comes as yet another tragedy in the region, following the high-profile killings of fellow East African athletes Agnes Tirop and Damaris Mutua, both of whom were killed by their partners. Tirop’s husband is currently on trial for her murder, while authorities are still searching for Mutua’s boyfriend.
Uganda’s Olympic committee head, Donald Rukare, mourned the loss of Cheptegei, saying, “This was a cowardly and senseless act that has led to the loss of a great athlete. Her legacy will continue to endure.”
Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni has cautioned protesters that they would be “playing with fire” if they proceed with their planned anti-corruption march to parliament on Tuesday.
Young Ugandans, driven by a desire to combat corruption in government, have been organizing the march via social media.
They have drawn inspiration from similar demonstrations in neighboring Kenya, where mass protests forced President William Ruto to abandon his tax hike plans and eventually led to calls for his resignation.
In a televised address, President Museveni warned that the planned protest would not be tolerated by the government.
“We are busy producing wealth… and you here want to disturb us. You are playing with fire because we cannot allow you to disturb us,” he said.
Critics accuse President Museveni of ruling Uganda with an iron fist since he assumed power in 1986, while his supporters commend him for maintaining stability in the East African nation.
Museveni also alleged that some of the protest organizers were “always working with foreigners” to incite unrest in Uganda, though he did not provide further details.
Earlier, the police had announced that they had denied permission for the march to proceed. Despite this, one of the leading figures of the protest told AFP news agency that they plan to move forward with the demonstration.
“We don’t need police permission to carry out a peaceful demonstration. It is our constitutional right,” Louez Aloikin Opolose was quoted as saying.
Earlier this year, both the UK and US governments imposed sanctions on Uganda’s parliamentary speaker, Anita Annet Among, following accusations of corruption. Among has denied these allegations. The sanctions prevent her from traveling to the UK and the US, and the UK has also imposed an asset freeze on her.
The UK has previously enacted similar sanctions against two ministers who were dismissed by President Museveni over corruption claims. Mary Goretti Kitutu and Agnes Nandutu are facing charges related to a scandal involving the theft of metal roofing sheets meant for vulnerable communities in the north-eastern Karamoja region. Both have pleaded not guilty.
In Kenya, President William Ruto has called for an end to the widespread protests against his administration, declaring “enough is enough.” These protests, the largest since Ruto’s election in 2022, are scheduled to continue on Tuesday with demands for his resignation and an end to what activists describe as poor governance.
At a rally in western Bomet County, Ruto challenged the anonymous protest organizers to reveal their motives, questioning what their violence would accomplish. Last month, some protesters stormed the parliament, setting parts of it on fire and stealing the mace, a symbol of legislative authority.
While organizers claim their protests have been largely peaceful, they accuse police and military forces of responding with excessive force, resulting in at least 50 deaths and 413 injuries since the protests began on June 18, according to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights.
Opposition leader Raila Odinga has shown support for the protesters, demanding justice for the victims before engaging in talks with the government.
His stance could potentially hinder Ruto’s efforts to includeopposition members in his cabinet, a strategy aimed at resolving the ongoing youth-led protests.
Authorities in Kampala are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a man hanging at Golf Course, adding to a recent surge in suicide cases in Uganda’s capital and its environs.
The deceased, identified as Samuel Bukendi, suspected to be a vendor at Nakasero Market, was discovered hanging from a tree around 7 am on Tuesday.
Mr. Edwin Ocaya, the head of security at the Golf Course, confirmed Bukendi’s identity with an identity card from Nakasero Market and a national ID belonging to a woman.
While police are yet to establish the motive or circumstances surrounding Bukendi’s death, his body has been retrieved and taken to the city mortuary at Mulago.
This incident comes in the wake of a recent rise in suicide cases in Kampala. Last week, Kampala Metropolitan Police deputy spokesperson, ASP Luke Owoyesigyire, reported three cases, including individuals jumping off city buildings and others found hanging from trees, within a span of 72 hours.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tWKc6FE1Z0I
“Wanonili is suspected to have died by suicide by using a wire tied to a mango tree. What we know about the deceased is that he has been a cancer patient.
The exact motive of this suicide is also under investigation,” he said.
Budo’s body was found hanging on a tree near his house at Ndejje Lubogomu.
Just two days prior to the three reported deaths, John Birungi Babirukamu, a 40-year-old prominent ICT specialist and digital marketer residing in Kitwale, allegedly jumped to his death from the top of a hotel building in Kamwokya, a suburb of Kampala.
According to the World Health Organisation, over 700,000 people die by suicide annually, often linked to various circumstances, with depression being a leading factor.
WHO also reports that suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among 15- to 29-year-olds globally. A report by the Ministry of Health, the Uganda National Institute of Public Health (UNIPH) Quarterly Epidemiological Bulletin, indicates that Uganda has a high suicide rate, with men at a higher risk than women.
What experts say
In an interview with this publication, Mr Drabe Godfrey Yiki, Mental health Expert said loans, family related issues, underperformance at work, and a lack of mental health sessions at work have greatly contributed to some of the suicides in the country.
“Lack of mental health sessions at work has greatly contributed to mental health issues and suicides in the country. Many Ugandans are dying with loans and debts and they don’t have anyone with whom they can openly discuss such issues,” Mr Drabe said.
Adding on, “Human resources should organise open sessions at work places; in such sessions, everyone is allowed to share his/her emotions and challenges with others.”
Mr Drabe urged the government to also put place mental awareness campaigns on how Ugandans can access help.
Kwikiriza, an activist with an environmental group opposing a $5 billion internationally funded oil pipeline project in Uganda, has been released from custody, according to his employer.
In a statement on Monday, EGI announced that the activist was discovered abandoned by the roadside in Kyenjoyo and is now safe.
“Unfortunately, he is in poor condition after enduring severe beatings, mistreatment, and abuse throughout the week. Doctors are conducting various examinations.”
The Environmental Governance Institute (EGI) is actively campaigning against the construction of the 1,445 km (900-mile) East African Crude Oil Pipeline, which aims to transport oil from western Uganda’s oilfields to a port on the coast of Tanzania.
Kwikiriza was reportedly detained by the Ugandan military on Tuesday, according to EGI.
The International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) expressed concern, stating that Kwikiriza was allegedly apprehended by Ugandan army officers dressed in civilian clothing, marking a “particularly worrying escalation of repression.”
A senior military officer confirmed Kwikiriza’s detention to the Agence France-Presse news agency on Monday.
“He was taken into custody for questioning regarding his illegal activities, including mobilising fellow activists to oppose the oil pipeline,” the officer told AFP on condition of anonymity, adding that he was released after interrogation.
“I have not been made aware of him being beaten during interrogation. It’s a matter that can be investigated and verified.”
FIDH said 11 environmental activists “were kidnapped, arbitrarily arrested, detained or subjected to different forms of harassment by the Ugandan authorities between May 27 and June 5, 2024.”
“The Ugandan government needs to end its harassment of opponents of oil development in the country, such as the East African Crude Oil Pipeline Project, which has already devastated thousands of people’s livelihoods in Uganda and, if completed, will displace thousands of people and contribute to the global climate crisis,” Myrto Tilianaki, senior environmental rights advocate at HRW, said in a statement.
French energy giant TotalEnergies owns the majority of the stake in the pipeline, with the China National Offshore Oil Corporation and the Ugandan and Tanzanian governments holding minority stakes.
“TotalEnergies E&P Uganda does not tolerate any threat or attack against those who peacefully defend and promote human rights,” TotalEnergies said in a statement to the Reuters news agency on Monday.
The company has dismissed claims made by activists and international organisations that the pipeline will result in the displacement of tens of thousands of people and the destruction of fragile ecosystems.
In September 2022, the European Parliament voiced its opposition to the pipeline through a resolution it adopted.
Over the past three days, a mudslide in western Uganda has claimed the lives of at least 13 individuals.
The fatalities occurred in Kasese district, and Uganda’s meteorological agency has cautioned about additional heavy rains and flooding.
In neighboring Kenya, a nationwide tree-planting initiative has been conducted as part of a day of mourning for the over 200 individuals who lost their lives due to weeks of intense rainfall.
Reports from local media indicate that the Catholic Church in Uganda is grappling with a significant shortage of altar wine.
This shortage, ongoing since February, is reportedly attributed to delays in imports caused by the conflict in Gaza.
According to local media, the church’s supplier, JW InterServices, recently informed dioceses about the issue and advised them to use their existing stock judiciously.
Traditionally, the church procures its wine from Spain, with shipments typically traveling through the Mediterranean and the Red Sea.
However, due to a change in shipping routes, a consignment originally scheduled for early April is now expected to arrive by the end of this month.
“The ships have been diverted to take longer and safer routes through the Atlantic and the Indian Ocean which has caused a major crisis and delays of their arrival to Mombasa port,” the Observer newspaper quoted JW InterServices’ managing director, Father Asiku Alfred Tulu, as saying.
Altar wine is an important part of the ritual of Holy Communion – through which Christians remember the sacrifice of Jesus’ death.
A Ugandan pastor, Prophet Kakande, who is the founder of The Kakande Ministries, has caused a stir after asking his congregation to contribute $300 each so he could purchase a brand new Range Rover.
During a church service, the pastor displayed an advertisement video of the luxury vehicle, emphasizing that the congregation should contribute towards the purchase because “God is going to do wonders for us.”
“So all those of you who love Prophet Kakande, listen to this. Prophet Kakande wants to buy a vehicle. We all agree to buy this new vehicle. We want to change the transport. This is the vehicle we want to buy,” he said.
“We are now going to contribute to the Prophet Kakande’s vehicle. Just a simple vehicle you have seen. This Range Rover. We are contributing to this vehicle. Each one of us, we are contributing $300 because God is going to do wonders for us,” he added.
The incident has sparked a debate about the role of pastors and leaders in churches and how they should use funds contributed by their congregations.
A Ugandan Pastor asked church members to contribute $300 so he could buy himself a Range Rover
And not just any Range Rover but a brand new Range Rover. One that he saw from a showroom.… pic.twitter.com/iUShPAdRSS
Female members of parliament in Uganda are requesting the establishment of an on-site salon within the parliament premises to enhance their participation.
While a gym was recently introduced in the parliament, female MPs have expressed concerns that vigorous exercise leaves their hair unkempt, discouraging many from utilizing the facility.
State Minister for Water and Environment, Beatrice Anywar, stated on Thursday that having a beauty parlor would cater for the grooming needs of female MPs before parliamentary sessions, as reported by local media.
Ms Anywar said: “My hair and nails and whatever are part of the woman”.
“What I am really saying is that we ladies can come early, spend more time in the salon and then the house,” she said.
The court said it’s okay to punish people for being gay. They can get the death penalty or go to prison for a long time if they are accused of being gay.
Last year, President Yoweri Museveni approved the Anti-Homosexuality Act. Many people in East Africa support it, but rights groups and others outside of the country strongly disagree with it.
The court said that LGBT people should not be treated unfairly when trying to get medicine, but the US Secretary of State said that this isn’t enough to protect their rights.
“He said that the rest of the AHA is very dangerous for the people of Uganda, especially LGBTQI+ Ugandans and their friends. It also hurts public health, limits freedom for citizens, ruins Uganda’s image in the world, and makes it harder to get foreign money for the country. ”
Nicholas Opiyo, a person who fights for people’s rights in Uganda, said he was unhappy with the outcome.
“We have to follow the court’s decision, but we strongly disagree with it and how they came to that decision. ” Opiyo said we went to court hoping it would defend human rights by following the law, instead of listening to people’s feelings and unclear cultural values.
In Uganda, being gay was already against the law because of a rule from when it was ruled by another country. If someone is found guilty, they can be sent to prison for the rest of their life.
President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda has reportedly appointed his daughter, Ms. Natasha Museveni, as the new Governor of the Central Bank of Uganda.
This decision comes amidst accusations of nepotism and favoritism within the government, as President Museveni also appointed his wife, Janet Kainembabazi Museveni, as the Minister of Education.
Adding to the familial appointments, President Museveni has named his son, Yoweri Museveni, as the Chief of Defense and Military, further fueling criticism of dynastic tendencies within African leadership.
The appointments have reignited discussions about Africa’s struggle with dictatorship, with many questioning the fairness and transparency of the selection process for key government roles.
As speculation mounts, attention is now focused on who might be next in line for a prominent position within President Museveni’s administration.
See tweet below:
Ugandan President, Yoweri Museveni has appointed his daughter, Ms. Natasha Museveni, as the Governor of the Central Bank of Uganda.
This move adds to the family's positions within the government with his wife serving as Minister of Education, and their son holding the position… pic.twitter.com/wjt2G8WQhe
Black Stars coach Otto Addo has advised his players not to underestimate their next opponent, Uganda, following their recent loss to Nigeria.
Ghana suffered a 2-1 defeat against Nigeria, prompting Addo to stress the importance of their upcoming match against Uganda.
Recognising Uganda as a strong adversary, Addo emphasised the need for thorough preparation and strategic planning.
In a post-match interview with Ghana Football Communications, Addo pointed out Uganda’s strengths, highlighting their talented players and effective gameplay.
“Yeah, we have Uganda on Tuesday and the boys. I think they played well but if they think it will be an easy game, then they are wrong. Uganda is very, very good. I watched them a little bit before now; I have to go deeper,” he said.
“They have good players, we have to have a good plan if we want to win this game. I don’t see us as favourites; it will be an even game. We have to rest now, I have to think about how we play, and maybe we need some fresh legs.
“For me, the most important thing is to get options and to get solutions for the upcoming games so these friendly matches are very, very important for us to know how they play and how they can adapt and take it to theWorld Cup qualifiers in June,” he added.
In a thrilling Group B clash at the 13th edition of the African Games, Uganda’s men’s U20 football team secured a remarkable 1-0 victory over Senegal.
The match, held at the Accra Sports Stadium, saw Allan Oyirworth emerge as the hero with a crucial goal just before the hour mark, sealing the fate of the highly fancied Senegal side.
This victory propelled Uganda to six points after their earlier win against Nigeria, surprising many and sending shockwaves through the tournament.
Despite Senegal’s formidable reputation, Uganda’s determined performance proved decisive, earning them a spot in the semi-finals and at least second place in the group.
With this unexpected triumph, Uganda’s young talents have showcased their prowess and established themselves as a formidable force in the competition.
In another intense match, Nigeria secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over South Sudan. The deadlock was broken in the 80th minute when Nigeria was awarded a late penalty, expertly converted by Sadiq Isiyaka, securing a crucial win and keeping their semi-final hopes alive.
Ugandan authorities have reportedly lifted the recent prohibition on meat sales in the capital city, Kampala, amidst an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease.
Last week, health officials had implemented the ban and mandated the closure of all slaughterhouses to contain the spread of the outbreak.
However, Minister for Kampala City and Metropolitan Affairs, Minsa Kabanda, informed the Daily Monitor newspaper on Sunday that the ban had been suspended while the government evaluates the disease’s impact in the capital.
Despite this, Ms. Kabanda emphasized the importance of ensuring animals are tested before slaughter.
Traders had opposed the ban, criticizing the government for its failure to prevent the disease from spreading.
Local media reports indicate foot-and-mouth disease has been detected in 40 districts across the country.
To combat an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease affecting animals, animal authorities in Uganda have reportedly prohibited the sale of meat in the capital city of Kampala.
In a letter cited by various local media outlets, the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries stated, “Movement of cattle, goats, sheep, pigs and their products and by-products from, to, through and within Kampala Capital City Authority, Kampala District, is prohibited until further notice.”
The ministry also ordered the closure of livestock markets, slaughter places, butcheries, loading grounds, and animal shows across the entire district with immediate effect.
Although the letter is dated March 1, Kampala authorities received it on Thursday, as reported by the privately owned Daily Monitor newspaper.
A city official informed the newspaper that they would collaborate with other agencies to enforce the quarantine measures. However, despite the restrictions, local media sources indicate that butcheries in the city are still operational.
Foot-and-mouth disease is highly contagious and causes fever and painful blisters inside the mouth and under the hooves of affected animals. It can be particularly lethal for young animals.
Nigeria’s Flying Eagles faced a tough challenge in their opening game of the 2023 African Games as they were defeated by Uganda in a thrilling encounter at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Ladan Bosso’s Nigeria U20 side suffered a setback in their African Games campaign with a 2-1 loss to Uganda.
Despite responding swiftly to Usama Arafat’s 33rd-minute opener with an equalizer from Sadiq Isiyaka before halftime, Nigeria ultimately fell short as Uganda secured all three points with a brilliant long-range strike in the dying moments of the game.
Nigeria struggled to match Uganda’s intensity throughout the match, with Arafat’s early goal exposing defensive vulnerabilities. While Nigeria showed resilience to level the score, Uganda’s persistence paid off as they clinched victory with a spectacular long-range effort.
In another match played on Thursday, Senegal claimed a narrow 1-0 win over South Sudan, with Lamine Sadio scoring the only goal of the game.
His party, the National Unity Platform, went to court in Kampala on Tuesday to ask the security agencies to let go 18 of its supporters who have been missing since the trouble during the 2021 election campaign.
Many people think that Henry Okello Oryem’s comments are insensitive.
In 2022, a report from a human rights group said that over 2,200 people in north-east Uganda died because they did not have enough to eat.
But Oryem said that because Uganda has good weather and rich soil, people should be able to grow their own food.
“The state minister for foreign affairs told NTV Uganda that only a very foolish person would die because they don’t have enough food in Uganda. ”
“If you work hard, you can own land in Uganda. ” The weather is still good even though the climate is changing. If you work hard in the morning to plant and take care of your crops, then you will definitely have food to eat.
The report from the Uganda Human Rights Commission, which was created by the government, said that in addition to causing the death of many people, the lack of food in the north-east has left almost 500,000 people very hungry.
The minister’s words have made a lot of people very angry.
Moses Aleper, a leader in Chekwii county in the affected Karamoja region, told the media that Mr Oryem’s opinions were not correct and unfortunate, especially coming from a minister who should know what’s happening in the country.
“I come from a place in Karamoja that has lots of rain and we grow a lot of food. ” When the weather is bad, we might not be able to find food. Most people experience famine and hunger sooner or later.
Mr Aleper also said that people in the area often go hungry because of things like the climate changing, which are out of human control.
We don’t have official information about the food situation in Karamoja right now, but it usually has not enough food during dry seasons because the weather is very dry there.
Uganda picked Alpha MBM Investments LLC from five companies for the project, according to Ruth Nankabirwa, the Energy and Mineral Development Minister.
The two groups are supposed to make an agreement in the next three months.
Ms Nankabirwa said she hopes they won’t spend much time trying to find money. She believes they can get the money and technology needed to help refine their crude oil and meet environmental regulations.
The minister said that rules will be made to lower the project’s pollution and lessen its impact on the environment.
The government says the refinery will help Uganda process some of its crude oil for money. Officials say there will be $20 billion invested in the sector.
The country plans to start selling crude oil in 2025.
“So far, the investments have helped the economy by $8. 6bn We expect to get even more, between $20bn-$25bn,” Ms Nankabirwa told Newsday.
Uganda is working on a new oil project. They want to build a pipeline that is 1,443km long to move oil from Western Uganda to Tanzania’s Tanga port for export.
Thomas Kwoyelo is accused of doing many bad things like killing people, hurting others, and making kids become soldiers.
He is the first LRA leader to be tried in a Ugandan court, which is a very important moment for the country’s legal system.
In 2011, when Mr. Kwoyelo went to court, he said he didn’t do the things he was accused of.
He has been in jail for 14 years before his trial because the crimes he is accused of are very serious and complicated, according to experts.
More than 20 years ago, Joseph Kony started the LRA in Uganda. He said he was fighting to create a government that follows the rules written in the Bible.
The group was well known for cutting off people’s arms and legs and taking children to be soldiers and for bad things. Hundreds of people had to leave their homes because of the fighting.
It started in northern Uganda, then moved to the Democratic Republic of Congo where Mr Kwoyelo was arrested in 2009, and later to the Central African Republic.
Mr Kwoyelo has been to court before for pre-trial hearings, but the case has been delayed many times.
Several people will tell the court what they saw happen.
Human Rights Watch said that there have been long delays in this case, and generally, not enough people have been held responsible for the bad things that happened during the 25-year war in Uganda, including bad things done by the Ugandan government.
In 2021, the ICC gave Dominic Ongwen a 25-year jail sentence because he was a commander in the LRA. They didn’t give him the harshest punishment because he had been kidnapped as a kid and trained by rebels who had killed his parents.
Mr Kwoyelo says he was kidnapped by LRA fighters when he was a young teenager, while he was on his way to school.
Many people who used to be part of the LRA have been forgiven and allowed to go free under a law in Uganda, after they left and said they didn’t want to be part of the rebel group anymore.
But Mr Kwoyelo was not allowed to choose that, leading to claims that the denial was based on politics.
As his court case continues, people are worried that the money to support it could run out. This would make the process even longer for the people who say they were hurt by him and want justice.
Both experienced opposition leader Kizza Besigye and Bobi Wine, a former pop star also known as Robert Kyagulanyi, say that security forces are surrounding their houses and not allowing them to go out.
“The scared soldiers and police have surrounded our house and won’t let us leave, but we are still protesting,” Mr Kyagulanyi posted on X.
Mr Besigye also posted some pictures of security officers blocking his home’s entrance.
“Trapped at home by the cowards. We won’t give up; we deserve better,” he wrote with the pictures.
The two people who are not happy with the government want Ugandans to join them in a protest on Thursday. They want the government to fix the old and broken roads.
The police said they will stop the protests because they are organized by politicians and are not peaceful. They are worried it will cause trouble for an important meeting in the capital.
About 4,000 representatives are going to the 19th Non-Aligned Movement meeting in Kampala.
On Monday, January 15, 2024, President Akufo-Addo embarked on a journey from Ghana to attend the 2024 World Economic Forum Annual Meetings, scheduled from Tuesday, January 16, to Friday, January 19.
The invitation to this global forum came from Prof. Klaus Schwab, the founder and executive chairman of the World Economic Forum.
Renowned as an iconic global assembly, the Davos Meeting gathers world leaders from various sectors such as politics, business, finance, and academia to deliberate on issues impacting the global community.
Following his participation in Davos, Switzerland, the president is set to travel to Kampala, Uganda, for the 2024 Conference of the Non-Aligned Movement, themed “Deepening Cooperation for Shared Global Affluence.”
The Non-Aligned Movement traces its origins back to the first large-scale Asian–African or Afro–Asian Conference held from April 18 to 24, 1955, famously known as the Bandung Conference. Attended by delegations from 29 governments, primarily from Asia due to the colonial status of most African states at the time.
Subsequently, President Akufo-Addo will attend the swearing-in ceremony of the president-elect of the Republic of Liberia, His Excellency Joseph Boakai, in Monrovia, Liberia.
Accompanying the president are the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Shirley Ayorkor Botchway; Minister for Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta; along with officials from the Foreign Ministry and the Presidency.
The President is scheduled to return to Ghana on Monday, January 22, 2024. During his absence, in accordance with Article 60(8) of the Constitution, Vice-President Alhaji Dr Mahamudu Bawumia will act as the head of state.
In Uganda, private security guards have been temporarily prohibited from carrying firearms during the ongoing 19th Non-Aligned Movement summit in the capital, Kampala.
The ban, in effect until the end of the month, is a precautionary measure considering the attendance of over 4,000 delegates, including UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and various heads of state and government.
All private security firms have been officially informed of this directive, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the restriction during the nine-day summit. The police director in charge of operations, John Nuwagira, has urged private security firms to treat this directive with urgency and strict compliance.
Heightened security measures are evident at airports, meeting venues, and hotels in Kampala. Counter-terrorism efforts have been intensified, as stated by Ugandan police spokesperson Fred Enanga.
It’s crucial to note that this decision aims to ensure the safety and security of all attendees during this significant international summit. Please stay tuned for further updates and comply with all security guidelines in place.
Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni has declared that external efforts to exert pressure on his country are ineffective, responding more than a week after Uganda was ousted from a significant US-Africa trade initiative.
The United States initially issued a threat to impose sanctions on Uganda and remove it from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) trade agreement in May, following the passage of a contentious anti-homosexuality law in the East African nation.
The law imposes the death penalty for certain same-sex acts.
“For now, those who put pressure on us, they’re wasting their time. And we don’t have to worry ourselves about that,” President Museveni said in a national address on Tuesday, speaking out for the first time since the expulsion took effect.
“What we should concentrate on is to fight corruption among ourselves. These are the real problems. Not foreign pressure, because that one has no meaning,” he added.
Mr. Museveni emphasised Uganda’s commitment to engaging in trade with international partners who “respect” the country. This statement comes against the backdrop of Uganda reinforcing its stringent anti-homosexuality law in August of last year, a move that led to the World Bank suspending funding to the nation.
The bank justified its decision by stating that the law directly “contradicts” the values upheld by the organisation.
A well-known activist for LGBTQ rights in Uganda, Steven Kabuye, was stabbed almost to death by unknown attackers while he was going to work this morning, according to his organization.
“He is very sick, and we hope you can pray for him,” said Coloured Voice -Truth to LGBTQ on social platform X.
A video on Mr. Kabuye’s account showed him in a lot of pain, with a knife in his stomach and an obvious cut on his arm.
Frank Mugisha, who fights for people’s rights, said that Uganda should not have hate crimes.
He said on X that we want the police to do a complete investigation.
The police have not said anything yet.
Uganda made one of the strictest laws against being gay last year.
The law made a lot of people around the world very angry. The World Bank stopped giving money to Uganda and the US stopped letting certain officials from Uganda into the country.
Anyone found guilty of being part of homosexual acts could go to jail for their whole life under the law.
Rights organizations want the highest court to cancel the law because they think it goes against the rights of fairness and respect.
The government is saying that the law protects the values of traditional families and is arguing in the case.
Rights groups reported that over 300 LGBTQ people in Uganda were abused in the first eight months of last year. The abuses included beatings, torture, arrests, and being forced out of their homes.
Well-known Ugandan religious leader and businessman Aloysius Bugingo was attacked by some people with guns in Kampala, but he was not hurt. Unfortunately, his bodyguard was killed in the attack.
The attackers shot at Pastor Bugingo’s car while he was driving home on Tuesday night in the Namungoona area. The attackers ran away on a motorcycle.
MrBugingo got hurt in the attack but he still drove the car to a hospital close by, according to the police.
The pastor’s bodyguard, Richard Muhumuza, died from being shot, the police said.
“We are carefully watching the security camera videos to find the attackers,” the police said. They also found that the place where the incident happened had been messed with.
The police said someone tried to murder someone else.
The local police have reported the discovery of the body of Ugandan athlete Benjamin Kiplagat in Kenya, indicating a possible murder with a knife wound to his neck.
Various media outlets, including Uganda’s Daily Monitor, have reported that Kiplagat, 34, was stabbed to death.
Kiplagat, originally from Kenya, had represented Uganda in the 3,000-meter steeplechase at various international events, including the Olympic Games and World Championships.
His lifeless body was found in a car on the outskirts of Eldoret, situated in the Rift Valley, on Saturday night.
Eldoret is renowned for being a hub for athletes who undergo training in the high-altitude region.
“An investigation has been launched and officers are on the ground pursuing leads,” local police commander Stephen Okal told reporters in Eldoret on Sunday.
He said Kiplagat’s body had a deep knife wound to his neck, suggesting he was stabbed.
‘Shocked and saddened’: condolences pour in
“World Athletics is shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Benjamin Kiplagat,” the global athletics governing body said in a statement on X, formerly Twitter.
“We send our deepest condolences to his friends, family, teammates and fellow athletes. Our thoughts are with them all at this difficult time.”
Peter Ogwang, state minister forsports in Uganda, expressed similar sentiments on X.
Centurion Law Group (https://CenturionLG.com) is delighted to announce its successful role in advising Oranto Petroleum Limited (“Oranto”) on the renewal of its oil exploration license in Uganda.
The Ugandan government has granted Oranto a two-year extension for its activities in the Ngassa Deep and Ngassa Shallow exploration areas, effective from December 2023.
This renewal permits Oranto to proceed with its exploration and appraisal drilling in these promising regions.
Oranto Petroleum, an oil and gas company based in Nigeria, has been managing these blocks since 2017.
The license renewal underscores Oranto’s ongoing dedication to the exploration and development of Uganda’s oil and gas resources.
The Centurion team, spearheaded by Zion Adeoye (Partner) and Gari Matarirano (Senior Counsel), delivered expert legal and advisory services throughout the negotiation process for the license renewal with the Ugandan government.
Their extensive knowledge in energy law and the African oil and gas landscape played a crucial role in this successful outcome.
Operating in: Uganda and East Africa
This achievement further establishes Centurion Law Group’s reputation as a premier legal advisor in the African energy sector, demonstrating its commitment to aiding clients in their efforts to harness Africa’s energy potential.
This announcement is distributed by APO Group on behalf of Centurion Law Group.
The Uganda National Teachers Union reported that many teachers have died because they were not healthy due to bad working conditions.
The union said that over 1,000 teachers in the country have passed away in the last two years. Uganda might not have enough teachers by 2025 because bad working conditions are causing many teachers to leave the job.
These deaths happened because of how people work and live. “Work can be really overwhelming and stressful,” said Baguma Filbert Bates, the General Secretary of Uganda’s National Teachers Union on BBC’s Newsday programme.
He said that Ugandan teachers have too much work to do because there aren’t enough of them, and they only get paid about 490,000 Ugandan shillings ($125; £100) each month. Bates thinks that the money is not enough to support teachers and their families in today’s economy.
He said the union keeps asking the government to make teachers’ lives better, so that students can get a better education.
Whenever there is something that politicians think is really important, they always manage to find the money for it. “So, we cannot say that the Ugandan child should be harmed because of the economy,” Mr Bates stated.
The court in Kampala, Uganda has given a 25-year-old who killed many people, a prison sentence of 105 years.
Musa Musasizi was given a punishment on Wednesday after admitting to killing three women who were his girlfriends and a three-month-old girl who belonged to one of the women.
He is said to have tried to have romantic relationships with the women, and then he sexually attacked and killed them. After that, he got rid of their bodies by disposing of them and burning them.
Judge Margaret Mutonyi believed that giving a long sentence was important to keep young women, including Musasizi’s six-year-old daughter, safe. This was reported by the privately-owned NTV channel.
In March 2021, Musasizi was arrested because people thought he might have killed five women and a baby.
He was found guilty of killing a woman in July.
His lawyer asked the judge to be kind because Musasizi had a hard life growing up as a former street child.
The US has punished the leader of Uganda’s prison system for allegedly allowing mistreatment and torture of LGBT+ people and government critics.
Twenty people from different countries around the world have been punished for treating people unfairly.
One of them is Jefferson Koijee, who is the mayor of Monrovia, the capital of Liberia. The US says he is in charge of paramilitary groups linked to his political party.
Three militia leaders in the Democratic Republic of Congo have been put on the sanctions list. Their names are William Yakutumba, Willy Ngoma, and Michel Rukunda.
Former president’s son, Jean-Francis Bozizé, is being accused of bringing weapons for the rebel group CPC in the Central African Republic. His friend Mahamat Salleh is a leader in a group called CPC. He is accused of hurting girls by making them do things they don’t want to do.
In South Sudan, it is said that county commissioners Gordon Koang Biel and Gatluak Nyang Hoth let government-aligned forces and their allies rape women and children as a reward.
They have been punished with Joseph Mantiel Wajang, the governor in Unity State who the US says chose both men for those positions of power even though they were accused of serious things.
They and everyone else on the list for Friday will not be allowed to come into the US. Or do business with people or companies in the US.
Selling beef in Uganda is not allowed right now. This is because there is an outbreak of anthrax in Kyotera district and the government wants to prevent it from spreading to other areas.
At least 17 people have died and more than 20 others are very sick in various villages, according to local news.
John Mary Lutaaya, who is in charge of taking care of animals in Kyotera district, said that the people who sell animals in the small area of Kabira cannot take their cows anywhere else until the disease is under control.
Over 40 cows have died in the past two months. The health authorities said the outbreak was real on November 26th.
Anthrax is a serious disease caused by a bacteria found in soil. It can affect wild and domestic animals.
People can get sick if they touch sick animals or things from sick animals. The symptoms can include blisters, fevers, swollen limbs, and trouble breathing.
Some people who have been hurt are going to religious places instead of going to the doctor. Health experts are worried that this will make it harder to stop the outbreak.
A 70-year-old woman from Uganda just gave birth to twins using IVF treatment. She is now the oldest woman in Africa to have children.
Safina Namukwaya gave birth to a boy and a girl at the Women’s Hospital International and Fertility Centre in Kampala, Uganda.
“This story is not only about successful medical treatment, but also about the inner strength and determination of people,” the hospital posted on Facebook.
Ms Namukwaya told the NTV channel that she had her second baby in three years, after having a girl in 2020.
She said she had a lot of problems during her pregnancy, like the father leaving her.
Men don’t want to hear that you are pregnant with more than one baby. “Since I got here, my husband has never come to visit me,” she said.
Ms Namukwaya said she didn’t know how she would take care of the children, but she was happy to have them after being made fun of for not having children for many years.
“Once, a little boy teased me and said that my mother cursed me to never have a child and die,” she said.
A local court said no to a request to stop building a $4bn (£3. 1bn) oil pipeline from Uganda to Tanzania. The pipeline is causing a lot of disagreement.
The East African Court of Justice (EACJ) said the case was filed too late and it’s not within its jurisdiction to handle it.
The East Africa Crude Oil Pipeline (Eacop) is a 1,443km (896-mile) pipeline being built by the Ugandan and Tanzanian governments, TotalEnergies, and China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC). However, local communities and rights and environmental groups are opposing its construction.
The groups are saying that the project is forcing people out of their homes, damaging burial sites along the pipeline path, and harming the environment.
Natural Justice, a group of everyday people, said that this decision shows that rich countries and African government institutions are not paying attention to how oil and gas are harming the environment and the climate.
Natural Justice and three other groups that filed the case in 2020 are going to ask for a review of the decision.
Uganda’s government wants to borrow $150 million from a bank in China to improve the country’s internet.
Uganda’s technology minister and a lower-level money minister talked about their ideas on Monday with a group of lawmakers who focus on the country’s economy.
Uganda is getting more money from China because the World Bank stopped giving them money in August. The World Bank stopped funding because Uganda made a law that many people argue about.
Uganda borrowed $200 million from a Chinese bank to make the Entebbe International Airport bigger.
Some people are saying that the loan is not fair to Uganda and is taking advantage of them.
Uganda is talking to a Chinese agency called Sinosure about getting a loan. They want to use the money to build a $5 billion pipeline. This pipeline will help Uganda export its crude oil to Tanzania.
Uganda Aids Commission (UAC) has introduced translated versions of the national stigma and discrimination guidelines to enhance accessibility for individuals with visual and hearing impairments.
This initiative includes Braille materials for the visually impaired and sign language resources for those with hearing impairments.
The primary objective of this effort is to ensure that people with hearing and visual impairments have access to essential information related to HIV/AIDS, as explained by Dr. Vincent Bagambe, the Director of Planning and Strategic Information at UAC. It is recognized that individuals with disabilities are particularly susceptible to HIV infections.
In 2021, the Uganda Aids Commission initiated the National Policy Guidelines on Ending Stigma and Discrimination against persons living with HIV/AIDS. This policy framework emphasizes the importance of safeguarding the privacy and confidentiality of individuals living with HIV.
Justification “We realised that although we are making good progress in the fight against HIV/Aids, the progress is not uniform, there are some people being left behind and unfortunately, people with disabilities are among the groups that are vulnerable to acquiring new HIV infections and even those living with HIV are behind in accessing care and treatment,” Dr Bagambe said.
He added: “Persons with disabilities who are living with HIV are stigmatised by community members, health workers . Some of these people even fear accessing treatment and care. So to fight all this stigma and improve access to care, we have come up with these guidelines in braille and sign language form.”
Dr Bagambe said UAC has in the past lacked funds to translate the materials.
“Translating is a costly exercise, you need special material. You must use experts to translate the content into the braille, engage the community so that when the guidelines are translated, they are actually communicating the correct message,” Dr Bagambe said.
Mr Charles Byekwaso, the acting executive director of Uganda National Association of the Blind, decried difficulties in accessing information, including on health matters..
“All the work that agencies and government do, they put it in print very well knowing that for us we don’t see so you cannot read print unless someone endeavours to read it to you, which is tiresome. So we have no independence in accessing information,” Mr Byekwaso said.
He added : “So we are very happy that Uganda Aids Commission has come up to support the production of the stigma and discrimination document into braille and we believe it will also be produced into other formats like the human narration, large print for those who partly see, audio, machine reading for you.”
Uganda’s cabinet has granted approval for a bill that would enable the state-owned oil company, Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC), to procure and distribute oil within the domestic market.
Pending parliamentary approval, this bill would replace the existing practice of importing oil through Kenyan distributors.
Energy minister Ruth Nankabirwa on Tuesday said that the change aims to “improve the security of supply of petroleum products to the country”.
She criticised the existing arrangement with Kenya, saying that “it exposed Uganda to occasional supply vulnerabilities where Ugandan oil marketing companies were considered secondary whenever there were supply disruptions”, subsequently raising oil prices in Uganda.
Uganda, being a landlocked nation, currently relies on the import of over 90% of its fuel through Kenya’s Mombasa port, with the remainder arriving via Tanzania’s Dar es Salaam port, as noted by Ms. Nankabirwa.
Furthermore, the Energy Minister revealed that Uganda has reached an agreement with the Bahrain-based energy firm, Vitol Bahrain EC. This deal entails Vitol Bahrain EC financing Uganda National Oil Company’s efforts to procure and distribute oil.
Additionally, Uganda plans to bolster its fuel reserves within Tanzania and within the country itself, including the construction of a storage facility in Mpigi, located in central Uganda.
Soldiers from Uganda have successfully ended the lives of not less than 11 militants. These militants were responsible for killing two tourists and their tour guide at Queen Elizabeth National Park last month. This information was shared by a spokesperson from the army.
A British man named David Barlow and his South African wife, Emmaretia Geyer, were killed while on their honeymoon when they were shot by a group called the Allied Democratic Forces.
Ugandan tour guide Eric Alyai, who is survived by his wife and one-year-old child, was also killed in the attack.
The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) quickly started a big operation to find the militants.
According to UPDF spokesperson Lt Col Deo Akiiki, the people who carried out the attack on Tuesday night near Lake Edward, close to the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo, were shot and killed.
Please understand, this individual was involved in the group that caused harm to the tourists. “We are still working to eliminate all the smaller groups associated with ADF,” he said.
ADF is a rebel group connected to Islamic State. They are based in western Uganda, but they mostly do their activities in the eastern region of DR Congo.
In June, fighters from ADF attacked a school in Uganda without warning and sadly, 41 children lost their lives.
An American couple was punished by a court in Uganda for hurting their 10-year-old foster child and treating them very badly. They had to pay a fine of $28,000 or £23,000.
Nicholas and Mackenzie Spencer admitted to committing some crimes in exchange for getting rid of more severe accusations against them.
They were accused of moving children illegally and causing them great pain, for which they could have been imprisoned for their entire lives.
The couple put the boy to sleep on a hard wooden bed and gave him food that was not warm.
Their baby sitter told the police last December that the boy, who has special needs, was being mistreated in a very bad and cruel way multiple times.
They admitted to mistreating others, working without authorization, and staying in Uganda unlawfully without permission.
They were given a punishment of two months in jail for this crime, and they have already completed their prison term after being arrested last year.
Judge Alice Kyomuhangi from the High Court also told them to give the person who was harmed 100 million Ugandan shillings (equivalent to $26,000 or £22,000) as a form of compensation.
The child needed help and support because his father died and his mother left him alone. Unfortunately, the people being accused were not able to control their strange actions, said the judge during her decision.
David Mpanga, the lawyer for the couple, said to the Reuters news agency that the boy had mental health problems and that the couple did not take care of him well because they had no previous experience being parents.
This situation has made some child rights activists in Uganda very angry, and they think it is a joke when it comes to fairness and the law.
Activist Proscovia Najjumba wondered how the couple got away without facing consequences after admitting they mistreated a child.
A Ugandan court has ruled that a US couple, who were facing charges of torturing their foster child, must pay him $26,000 (£20,700) in compensation.
This decision was the outcome of a plea deal, which also resulted in the court dropping the more severe charges of aggravated trafficking and torture against the couple. These initial charges could have potentially led to life imprisonment or even the death penalty.
The accused couple, Nicholas and Mackenzie Spencer, had been arrested the previous year and were charged with subjecting a 10-year-old boy to two years of torture.
These allegations arose after the child’s nanny filed a police report, claiming that the couple had repeatedly exposed the child to inhumane treatment.
On Tuesday, the Spencers pleaded guilty to charges of cruel, inhumane, or degrading treatment, working without the necessary permits, and staying in Uganda unlawfully. As a result, they were fined 4.86 million Ugandan shillings.
But Tuesday’s ruling has angered child rights activists who termed it “a mockery of justice”.
Activist Proscovia Najjumba questioned how the court allowed the couple to “walk away” after accepting they “mistreated a child”, the AFP news agency reported.
Court documents showed that the couple served the child cold food, made him sleep on a bare wooden platform without bedding and forced him to squat “in an awkward position”.
The United States has released a business advisory on Monday, cautioning companies about potential risks when operating in Uganda.
The advisory pointed to concerns related to the country’s anti-LGBTQ law, which has faced condemnation from numerous countries and international organizations, including the United Nations.
This advisory was jointly issued by multiple U.S. government agencies, including the Departments of State, Labor, Health and Human Services, and Commerce, as well as the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).
Uganda’s anti-LGBTQ law, regarded as one of the world’s strictest, was enacted in May. It includes the death penalty for what is termed “aggravated homosexuality,” which encompasses offenses such as transmitting HIV through same-sex relations. The law has triggered strong opposition from Western governments, including the United States, and has jeopardized Uganda’s receipt of significant foreign aid funds.
The legislation also imposes severe penalties for entities, such as media outlets and non-governmental organizations, that are found to be promoting LGBTQ activities. These penalties include heavy fines for supporting LGBTQ causes. Furthermore, the law stipulates life imprisonment for same-sex sexual activity and a 20-year prison sentence for the promotion of homosexuality.
This advisory serves as a warning for businesses regarding the legal environment in Uganda, particularly the potential implications and risks associated with the country’s anti-LGBTQ legislation.
“Uganda’s enactment of the Anti-Homosexuality Act (AHA) on May 29, 2023, further increases restrictions on human rights, to include restrictions on freedoms of expression and peaceful assembly, and exacerbates issues regarding the respect for leases and employment contracts,” the U.S. government’s business advisory said.
Following the law’s passage, the U.S. State Department placed restrictions on Ugandan officials’ ability to travel in June.
Additionally, the State Department revised its travel advisory for Americans visiting Uganda to emphasize the possibility that LGBTQ individuals may face legal action and be sentenced to life in prison or the death penalty in accordance with existing legislation.
Rights organizations claim that a barrage of abuse directed primarily at private individuals against LGBTQ persons has been unleashed by the law.
The President of Uganda, Yoweri Museveni, expressed his disapproval of the murder of two tourists, who were on their honeymoon, and a guide by people believed to be terrorists connected to the Islamic beliefs.
Three people were murdered and their car was set on fire in the Queen Elizabeth National Park, which is next to the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Mr Museveni said that the terrorists attacked innocent people and it was a sad event for the newly married couple who were visiting Uganda for their honeymoon.
It used to be called Twitter.
The tourists came from the United Kingdom and South Africa. Their guide was from Uganda.
Mr Museveni said that the killings were done by some people from a group called the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF). He said that this group is a small group of terrorists who are trying to hide from us in Congo.
On Sunday, he mentioned that Ugandan forces attacked and destroyed four ADF bases in DR Congo by using airstrikes. However, he also mentioned that some militants were attempting to go back into Uganda.
The president explained that the recent attack occurred because of a few mistakes made in dealing with the remaining threats.
The Uganda Wildlife Authority protected tourists while they were in the park. But it seems that the tourists were coming and going by themselves. “They took advantage of this gap,” he said.
He expressed his sympathy to the families of the victims, stating that the country’s UK office would provide assistance to the families of the couple who were killed.
Mr Museveni said that the Ugandan security authorities will make sure not to repeat these errors and completely eliminate the ADF.
A woman who was left as a baby on a road in Uganda remembers feeling ashamed and judged while growing up as an adopted child in the 1960s and 1970s.
Bharti Dhir was discovered in a box of fruit by someone passing by in the town of Kabale in 1960. Later, a Sikh family took her in and became her adoptive family.
When she was only seven years old, she accidentally found out that she was adopted.
Now, she lives in Reading, Berkshire and helps families who want to start their own journey of adopting children. MsDhir, who is 63 years old, recalls a time when she accidentally discovered information about her past while she was at her family’s house in Uganda.
“I went inside my dad’s room and found some torn papers with my name on them. I also noticed the words ‘adopted’ and ‘abandoned’,” she explained.
When I was growing up, many kids in school would tell me that my family wasn’t my real family. This was really painful because my parents always made sure I felt just as special as my siblings.
Ms Dhir stated that children like her, who have both Indian and African heritage, are seen as inferior or less than others.
‘A rude comment’
She still remembers when people said mean things to her parents, like accusing them of cheating by adopting a child from Africa, and saying it would bring shame to the family.
“She said that people couldn’t understand why they chose to take me in because they saw me as someone else’s child who they didn’t know. ”
I used to think that being dark and having curly hair was not good, and this made me feel bad about myself.
When I was young, I thought I was not attractive. It was only when I got to my thirties that I started to see myself as beautiful. The family left Uganda in the early 1970s along with many other people from the Asian community. They were forced to leave because of the dictator, Idi Amin.
When they came to the UK, the family stayed with other refugees at a camp in Newbury. However, she faced the same unfair treatment.
People used to tell my mom that she has very dark skin and asked if she could use a cream to lighten her skin and straighten her hair.
This is something mean that was said to me, and I didn’t want to change the way I look for a partner or tolerate it. She wrote about her experiences in a book and now she is helping other families in the local Asian community with adopting kids.
‘Accept adoption’
“It’s more common for a family to choose adoption from within their own relatives rather than adopting someone from outside the family. This way, they already know the person’s background. ” said the person speaking.
She has met three families from Asia who have adopted children from outside their own family, and one of them is her friend.
She said, “They think it’s a good thing and treat the children like their own. ”
“I am currently assisting the South Asian community in accepting adoption and providing support or advice whenever needed. ”
I can see that people are starting to accept adoption more and more, but there is still a lot of progress needed before everyone in our community fully accepts it.
A person from Britain who was on vacation was one of three people who died in a “sneaky terrorist attack” at a national park in southwest Uganda, according to officials.
The police in Uganda said that three people were killed and their car was set on fire in the Queen Elizabeth National Park.
It was reported that a group of people were being chased by a team of soldiers and police officers. The group is believed to be members of a rebel organization called the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF). This happened on Tuesday night.
The Uganda Wildlife Authority said that two tourists and a guide were the people who were affected.
The tourists were from the United Kingdom and South Africa. Their guide was from Uganda.
The ADF is a group of Islamist fighters that has connections to the IS. They originally come from Uganda but mainly operate in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The two countries have increased their efforts to target the group more strongly in the past few months.
On Monday, the president of Uganda said that the police stopped a plan to bomb churches in the Butambala district. The plan was allegedly made by ADF militants.
The police spokesperson, Fred Enanga, said on a social media platform called X (formerly known as Twitter) that there was a very scary terrorist attack on two tourists from other countries and one person from Uganda in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Three people died, and their safari car caught fire.
He said that the police are actively trying to catch the suspected rebels and he also said that we feel very sorry for the families of the people who were hurt or killed.
The police shared a picture of a green car that was on fire.
Bashir Hangi, who speaks for the Uganda Wildlife Authority, said the attack happened on Tuesday night.
The Uganda Wildlife Authority said that all parks are still open. They asked everyone to be patient and let the investigation continue.
The UK Foreign Office has changed its travel advice for the country, saying that the people who attacked are still not caught.
It means: “If you are in the area, you should stay alert and listen to what the local security authorities or your tour guide tell you to do. ”
Ugandan officials have told people to stay in Queen Elizabeth National Park overnight.
