BRIEF NEWS

  KAMPALA – Following Uganda’s disappointing exit from the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) group stages, the Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, has sparked a national debate by calling for a fundamental shift in how the national team is inspired. Writing on his X (formerly Twitter) platform, the Katikkiro expressed concern that while technical issues exist, a lack of "inspiration" is a primary barrier to success. His comments have ignited a conversation around four radical proposals aimed at transforming the identity and competitive edge of Ugandan football. 1. From "Cranes" to "Spears"? The Katikkiro’s most provocative suggestion involves a rebranding of the team’s identity. He argues that the Grey Crowned Crane , while beautiful, is a "docile" and "lazy" bird that fails to strike fear into opponents. "Why not name the National Team the SPEARS ?" the debate suggests. "A spear signifies courage, precision, and vic...

  TANGA, Tanzania – A high-level delegation from Uganda, led by Energy Minister Dr. Ruth Nankabirwa, today visited the construction site marking the final 100-kilometer stretch of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP). The 1,443-kilometer pipeline is a massive engineering project that will transport Uganda’s crude oil from the Kabalega Industrial Park in Hoima District to the Tanga Storage Terminal in Tanzania. From there, the oil will be loaded onto tankers for export to world markets. The visit focused on the welding works currently taking place in this final section. Completing the welding here is a vital step, as it creates the physical connection between the two countries. Once finished, the underground, heated pipeline will serve as a direct link from Uganda’s oil fields to the Indian Ocean. Minister Nankabirwa noted that reaching this point is a significant achievement for both nations. The pipeline is designed to be heated to ensure the oil flows smoothly across lon...

KAMPALA, Uganda – The Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) has officially released the results for the 2025 Islamic Primary Leaving Examinations (IPLE). The results were announced on Monday, January 5, at the UMSC headquarters. A large crowd of school directors, teachers, and parents gathered to hear the performance of 7,759 candidates who sat for the exams in December. The Chairperson of the IPLE Board, Sheikh Ali Lukyamuzi, reported that the exams were held successfully at 450 centers across 68 districts. Students were tested on four key subjects: Quran, Fiqh (Jurisprudence), Lugha (Arabic Language), and Tarbia (Islamic Ethics). While most students completed their exams, the board noted that 19 pupils from Sumayya Junior School in Masaka did not sit for the papers. Additionally, results for four students have been withheld while officials investigate possible issues. The board highlighted several successes, including an increase in the number of schools registering for the exams. Ho...

TANGA, Tanzania – A high-level team from Uganda, led by Energy Minister Dr. Ruth Nankabirwa, visited Tanga yesterday to check on the progress of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) . The delegation met with Dr. Batilda Buriani, the Regional Commissioner of Tanga, before heading out for a field tour of the project sites. The group included top officials from the Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC) and the Petroleum Authority of Uganda. During the meeting, Dr. Buriani welcomed the visitors and shared how the pipeline project has already improved lives in the Tanga region. She noted that the project has created jobs and boosted the local economy while maintaining high safety and environmental standards. "Tanzania is proud to host a project of such great importance for our region," Dr. Buriani said. She added that the team has been very careful to protect the environment, especially along the shoreline. Minister Nankabirwa praised the work being done, noting that Tanga is...

  KAMPALA – The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, Aminah Zawedde , has officially dismissed rumors that the government plans to shut down the internet during the upcoming elections. Speaking to the media, Zawedde clarified that the government has not made any such plans and described the claims as false and malicious. She noted that these rumors are designed to spread fear and undermine public confidence at a very critical time for the nation. The Permanent Secretary explained that the government remains committed to digital inclusion and access to information. She described ICT as a pillar of democracy rather than a tool for causing trouble. However, she emphasized that digital freedom must come with high levels of responsibility from both the public and the media. To ensure national peace, Zawedde reminded the media and online users of strict guidelines. She stated that the media must not be used to incite violence or spread falsehoods. Furthermor...

KAMPALA – The Executive Director of the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) Nyombi Thembo has called for responsible journalism during the election period. Speaking with clarity, the Director warned that the media must never be used to promote political abuse, violence, or lawlessness. To ensure national stability, the UCC has made it clear that certain actions will not be allowed. Media houses are strictly forbidden from providing live coverage of riots or violent incidents, as this can escalate tension. Additionally, the commission will not tolerate any form of incitement or hate speech, whether it is shared on traditional airwaves or via online platforms. Furthermore, the UCC reminded all journalists and media owners that the official declaration of election results is the sole mandate of the Electoral Commission. Reporting unofficial results is illegal and dangerous. The Executive Director emphasized that these illegal acts put lives at risk and have the potential to destabiliz...