BRIEF NEWS

  The Electoral Commission (EC) of Uganda has reached a major milestone in its efforts to acquire a permanent and custom-built home.  The National Housing and Construction Company has officially handed over its former Head Office located at Plot 1-3/5, seventh street, industrial area Kampala to the EC. The new location will serve as the Commission's temporary Head Offices while a permanent home is constructed at Lweza, Lubowa.   According to EC Chairperson, Justice Byabakama Mugenyi Simon, the move from the former premises on Plot 55, Jinja Road, Kampala to the new temporary location is a significant step forward for the Commission.  He explained that in collaboration with the National Housing and Construction Company and other relevant Government agencies, plans for the development of designs for the permanent home for the institution are underway.   The relocation process began on December 16th, 2022, when the Commission moved its offices, personnel, a...

  Reality TV star Kim Kardashian turned heads on the beach in Malibu, as she modeled a tiny thong bikini for a swimwear photoshoot.  The 42-year-old mother of four flaunted her well-known curves in hot pink bottoms that revealed her flat midriff and perky derriere.  She even unzipped the top to showcase her ample cleavage for the camera. Despite the windy weather, the star worked it for the camera, sporting a windblown hairstyle, smokey eye makeup, and pink lipstick.  The swimsuit is believed to be from her SKIMS swimwear line, which expanded from loungewear and shapewear to include swimwear and clothing.  Kardashian previously shed over 21 pounds after switching to a healthier lifestyle and cutting out sugar and junk food.

  The Makindye Urban Municipal Mayor, His Worship Alhajji Ali Kasirye Nganda Mulyannyama, narrowly escaped a potentially fatal road accident on the Entebbe Express Highway.  According to reports, the incident occurred when a Sinotrack driver lost control of their truck, colliding with the Mayor's official vehicle and causing it to veer off the road and into a nearby trench.  Mulyannyama was immediately taken to a local hospital in Kajjansi for initial treatment before being transferred to Nsambya hospital, where he is currently receiving further medical attention.

  Yesterday afternoon, tragedy struck on the Mbale-Iganga highway in Namutumba district as a fatal accident claimed the life of a UPDF officer.  The Namutumba Police station received a report around 3:00 PM, stating that a motor vehicle, registration number UBN 376C - a TX Prado, had collided with another parked vehicle, registration number UAF 265F crane, at Mazuba Village.  The Prado was being driven by 51-year-old Warrant Officer 1 Mathias Ssefoloza, who lost control of the vehicle, leading to the collision.  The UPDF officer, Major Aceta Alex, who was a passenger in the Prado, died on the spot. The incident left two others injured, and they were rushed to Iganga Hospital for medical attention.  ASP Faridah Nampiima, the PRO Traffic and Road Safety, confirmed the accident and urged all road users to exercise caution to prevent such accidents from happening.

  Lieutenant General Kayanja Muhanga, Commander Land Forces of the Uganda Peoples' Defence Forces, presided over the flagging-off ceremony for the UPDF Contingent to serve under the East African Community Regional Force (EACRF) in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.  This marks another chapter in the peacekeeping operations that UPDF has been involved in, according to Lt Gen Muhanga, who spoke on behalf of the Chief of Defence Forces, General Wilson Mbasu Mbadi.   The EACRF is on a peacekeeping mission and is there to witness the process of achieving peace in the Eastern DRC, said Lt Gen Muhanga, emphasizing that they are not going to attack the belligerents but rather ensure the implementation of decisions taken between the Heads of States meetings.  The UPDF Contingent Commander, Colonel Michael Walaka Hyeroba, assured guests that the troops under his command are fully prepared to execute the mission, stating that they are leading ambassadors of peace and...

  NUP party president, Kyagulanyi Robert Ssentamu, paid a visit to Kasaka ss in Gomba district today, where he was greeted with warm embraces from students, teachers, and parents alike.  The school, which recently suffered a tragic accident resulting in the loss of five lives, is still reeling from the devastating effects of the incident.  On March 14th, 2023, a Sino truck driver lost control and crashed through the school fence, ultimately colliding with the computer lab where students were present, killing three of them instantly and injuring 18 others.

  The commencement of renovation works at Kambuga Hospital was officiated by a group of high-ranking officials, including Minister for Health, Hon. Jane Ruth Aceng, Minister for ICT Hon Chris Baryomunsi, and Hon. Patience Nkunda.  The leadership of Kanungu District and MOH Top leadership were also present for the ceremony. The hospital is set to be upgraded to a Regional Referral Hospital upon completion of the refurbishment works. The refurbishment will be carried out in phases, with a focus on the Maternity, Male and Female & Pediatric wards in the current fiscal year, followed by the OPD and imaging center.  The implementation of the project will be a joint effort by the Ministry of Defense through UPDF Engineering Brigade and Kanungu District Local Government.

  After almost a century since it was first built, Nakivubo Stadium is finally undergoing a modern transformation. Situated on land donated by the Kabaka of Buganda in 1926, the stadium is owned by the Government of Uganda and operated by the Board of Trustees known as the "Registered Trustees of Nakivubo War Memorial Stadium," appointed by the Minister of Sports.   Starting in 2017, a major renovation project kicked off, spearheaded by a joint venture between the Ugandan government and Ham Enterprises.  The initiative aims to improve the stadium's grounds, increase seating capacity from 30,000 to 35,000, and construct retail shops within the facility's outer walls.  ROKO Construction, the project contractor, started work in June 2017 at a cost of approximately $49 million, with renovations still ongoing.   As a result of the renovation works, SC Villa and Police SC had to relocate their games.  However, the end result promises to be a modern facili...

  The National Chairman of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), President Kaguta Museveni, has graced the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds with his presence.  His agenda for the day is to engage with NRM Village Chairpersons from the five divisions of Kampala city and address matters pertaining to strategic development.  Expectations are high as the party faithful anticipate his guidance on key issues.

  A serious accident was reported earlier today, March 29th, 2023, along the Ntungamo-Kabale road, specifically at Katinda bridge.  According to the territorial traffic police of Rwizi at Ntungamo Police station, two buses were involved in the collision, one being a RAD 795B Hyundai bus belonging to Volcano bus company and the other a RAC 704L Scania bus belonging to Trinity bus company.  Reports indicate that the Hyundai bus, which was heading towards Kabale, swerved to the right upon reaching the bridge and collided head-on with the Scania bus, which was traveling in the opposite direction on its lane towards Ntungamo.  The accident resulted in 20 passengers from both buses being injured. Police officers promptly responded to the scene and transported the victims to Itojo Hospital, Mbarara hospital, and Doctor's referral hospital - Rubaare for medical attention.  Further investigations into the cause of the accident are currently ongoing. ASP Faridah Nampiima ...

  On Tuesday, March 28, His Excellency Ambassador Moses Kizige presented his letter of credence to H.E Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh, President of Mongolia.  During his visit to Ulaanbatar, the Ambassador also held a courtesy meeting with Mr G. Amartuvshin, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Director of Africa, where they discussed matters of mutual interest, including attendance of NAM, prospects of tourism and trade cooperation, and people-to-people exchanges.  In addition, Ambassador Kizige met with the President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Mongolia to explore cooperation possibilities, including signing a memorandum of understanding with the Uganda National Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

  The City Executive Committee (CEC) led by Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago held a meeting with the KCCA FC board to discuss the progress of the Lugogo stadium construction and concerns raised in the Auditor General report.  As the Club Patron, Lukwago expressed his dissatisfaction with the slow pace of the project and sought clarification from the board and KCCA technical team on the Auditor General's concerns.  The board chairman, Martin Ssekajja, attributed the delays to the need for a design review to comply with new CAF guidelines and stated that the concerns raised in the report misrepresented the project's financial and actual progress.  The Lord Mayor agreed to visit the site to better understand the challenges and strengthen institutional supervision of the project, in line with the club's strategic plan to achieve infrastructure development.  The meeting was attended by other board members, technical staff, and Makindye Division Mayor Hajj Ali Kasirye Nganda....

  The police in Kira Division are investigating an incident of theft and vandalism in Kitikifumba Village, Kira Municipality.  According to reports, unidentified criminals broke into Franklin Mwongyera's home and damaged his car, stealing the number plates.  The authorities have lauded the swift response of their officers, who deployed a K9 unit to track down the stolen plates.  After following the trail for 1.4 km, the K9 unit found both the front and rear plates of the car in a sweet potato garden.  The police have returned the recovered plates to the owner and are continuing their investigations to apprehend the suspects involved.  The authorities are urging members of the public to provide any information that could assist in the case.  They have also thanked the Kira K9 unit for their exceptional performance in the operation and encouraged citizens to take precautions to safeguard their property against theft and vandalism.  The police have r...

  During the 117th anniversary celebration of King's College Budo, Bishop Wilberforce Kityo Luwalira called on people of good will to stand firm against the challenges of western culture teaching on LBGTQ, which seeks to dissolve African cultural values.  The Bishop emphasized the need to reject LGBTQ and adhere to Biblical values, urging parents, guardians, elders, and opinion leaders to teach their children what the Bible teaches, rather than what the West promotes.   Meanwhile, the Head Teacher of King's College Budo, Mr. John Fredrick Kazibwe, acknowledged the challenge of transforming the school into a better institution in all areas, despite being at the top for a long time.  He emphasized the need to avoid complacency.   The Chief Guest, Hon. Olive Betty Kamya, who is the Inspector General of Government (IGG) of the Ugandan government, encouraged students to love their school and support school projects to keep it relevant.

  The Night Agent, a gripping action-thriller series created by Shawn Ryan, follows the story of Peter Sutherland, a low-level FBI agent stationed in the White House basement. For years, he man's a phone that never rings until one fateful night when he receives a distress call that changes everything. The call propels Peter into a dangerous and fast-moving conspiracy that leads him all the way to the Oval Office. Starring Gabriel Basso, Luciane Buchanan, Hong Chau, Sarah Desjardins, and Fola Evans-Akingbola, the series is based on the novel by Matthew Quirk and is a character-driven and sophisticated thriller that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. The ten-episode series follows Peter as he works to uncover the conspiracy with the help of cybersecurity expert Rose, while they both navigate danger and evade assassins hot on their trail. With a larger threat looming, they scramble to find evidence and stop the nefarious plot before it's too late. The Night Agent take...

  The Fast & Furious Saga is reaching the end of the road with the upcoming release of Fast X, the tenth and final installment of the popular global franchise. Led by Vin Diesel's iconic character, Dom Toretto, the series has captivated audiences for over three decades with its thrilling action and beloved cast of characters. In Fast X, Dom and his crew face their most formidable foe yet - a vengeful enemy from the past who is determined to destroy everything and everyone Dom loves, including his own young son. The mission will take them across the globe, from Los Angeles to Rome, as they forge new alliances and confront old enemies. Directed by Louis Leterrier and written by Justin Lin and Dan Mazeau, Fast X features a star-studded cast of returning favorites like Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson, and Jason Statham, as well as exciting new additions like Brie Larson and Rita Moreno. Produced by Neal H. Moritz, Vin Diesel, Justin Lin, Jeff Kirschenbaum, and Samantha Vinc...

The traffic police in Entebbe has this morning, 25th.March, 2023, registered a  single fatal  accident at around  0820hrs at Mpala opposite Mpala Road Toll along Kampala-Entebbe express highway. involving motor vehicle reg  No. UBG 323S (Passo) that was being  driven by a one Muhumuza Edward, a  32 year old Journalist working with NTV Uganda.   It's alleged he lost control of his vehicle and  went off the a road, knocked sign post and overturned several times, killing him on spot.  The cause of the accident has been attributed to over speeding. However, more Inquiries are still  at hand.  His body has been conveyed to City Mortuary for postmortem examination. 

  Grieving family members and close associates of the deceased AK47 gathered at the Mityana residence of his parents earlier today to pay their respects and offer prayers for the departed soul.  Notable attendees at the solemn occasion included AK47's brothers, renowned musicians Jose Chameleone, Weasel Manizo, and Pallaso. AK47 passed away on March 16, 2016, following injuries sustained during a brawl at a local bar, leaving behind a legion of devoted fans and a void that has yet to be filled.

  The battle to acquire the ownership of the renowned Premier League club, Manchester United, is entering a critical phase with a deadline for improved bids set for Wednesday.  Two contenders, Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani and British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe, have already submitted rival bids.  However, several other groups are believed to have joined the bidding war, remaining discreet throughout the process.  Reports suggest that Elliott Investment Management may offer funding to United's current owners, the Glazer family, rather than a takeover.  At least six bids, ranging from full control to smaller stakes in the club, are expected to be declared by 2100 GMT on Wednesday to Raine, the merchant bank overseeing the process.  The Glazers have allegedly set a value of £6 billion ($7.3 billion) for the club they bought in 2005 for £750 million.  Last month's initial bids were around £4.5 billion. Sheikh Jassim is expected to submit a...

  The Mengo Senior School administration has expressed its gratitude towards Hon. Kawalya Abubaker for his exceptional contributions during his tenure as a board member.  The Rubaga North MP served on the school's board from 2016 to 2021, during which he played a crucial role in governing the school, managing its assets and finances, and overseeing its operations.  In addition to his responsibilities at Mengo Senior School, Hon. Kawalya Abubaker is a member of the Presidential Affairs Sectoral Committee, the Local Governments Accounts Committee, and the Kampala Shadow Minister, demonstrating his commitment to public service and education.

  The Prime Minister of Uganda, the Right Honourable Robinah Nabbanja, stood in for the President at an event hosted by Rotary International at Commonwealth Resort Hotel Munyonyo.  During the event, she launched 50 tricycle village ambulances donated by Rotary International. In a statement read on his behalf, the President praised Rotarians for their dedication to providing voluntary services to the underprivileged in various service delivery and quality healthcare initiatives. He commended the idea of equipping every village in Uganda with a well-equipped tricycle ambulance. The Rotary team expressed their optimism that the 50 tricycle ambulances will facilitate timely referrals of mothers and newborn babies, especially those living in remote areas.  The tricycles will be registered under the Ministry of Health and stationed at Health Centre IIIs.

  Uganda's parliament has unanimously passed the Anti-Homosexuality Bill, 2023, which will criminalize acts of homosexuality, imposing a 20-year jail term for offenders.  The bill also includes provisions for the death penalty in cases of aggravated homosexuality. If signed into law by the president, the bill will seek to protect traditional family values and criminalize the promotion of same-sex relations.  It proposes a penalty of shs1 billion for legal entities promoting homosexuality, with a life sentence for individuals convicted of the offense.  The bill also imposes a three-year imprisonment on children convicted of the act of homosexuality. The legal and parliamentary affairs committee's chairperson, Hon. Robina Rwakoojo, said that the bill aimed to address emerging matters that are not contained in Uganda's Penal Code, including the promotion and recruitment of children into homosexuality.  While some legislators raised concerns that the bill infringes ...

  Ramsey Nouah, the award-winning Nigerian actor and celebrated filmmaker, has arrived in Uganda ahead of the iKonversations event, leading up to this Saturday's prestigious iKonAwards2023.  The Pearl of Africa is set to play host to the renowned actor, who was born to a Yoruba mother and an Israeli Jewish father in Lagos in 1970.  After completing a diploma in Mass Communications at the University of Lagos, Nouah embarked on an acting career that began with his role in the popular Nigerian TV soap opera, Fortunes.  He has since become a leading actor, widely known as the "Lover-Boy" of Nigerian cinema, and has starred in several successful films. Nouah's directorial debut, Living in Bondage: Breaking Free, a sequel to the 1992 hit movie Living in Bondage, won 7 awards at the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards.

  Renowned DJ Nimrod has announced this year's highly anticipated All White Party, slated for June 25th, 2023, under the banner of "All White Sunday Fiesta."  What began as a modest themed night at Club Amnesia has burgeoned into a thriving annual event, with the DJ's All White Party now attracting large crowds in various parts of the country.

  A team of 145 Ugandan police officers has been dispatched to Kigali, Rwanda to participate in the 4th East African Police Chiefs Organizations (EAPCO) games.  The team, consisting of sportsmen trained in eight different disciplines including Judo, Boxing, and Athletics, among others, will compete in the tournament scheduled to run from March 19 to March 28, 2023.  According to Kalule Abu, the Assistant Commissioner of Police and head of Sports at Uganda Police, the team is well-prepared and ready to put on a good display.  The main objective of the games is to enhance regional cooperation among participating member countries and to promote talent among police officers while sharing experiences in their line of work.  The last edition of the games was held in Kenya, where Uganda emerged second. The tournament had been delayed due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the early hours of March 19, 2023, a string of thefts occurred in Katabi Town Council, resulting in three motor vehicles being vandalized and items stolen from inside them.  The affected vehicles, a Sienta, an RV 4, and a Toyota Wish, were quickly reported to the Katabi police station, who promptly dispatched their canine section and a team of officers to the scene. Thanks to the use of sophisticated tracking techniques, the canine section was able to recover the first two number plates of the stolen vehicles, which were discovered abandoned in a nearby banana plantation within Katabi council Ebb division.  Though no suspects have been caught, the police are actively pursuing leads and conducting further investigations. We applaud the Katabi police station and the canine section for their swift response and effective recovery of the stolen items.  It's critical for the public to remain alert and report any unusual activity to the authorities. 

  A traffic jam of epic proportions ensued on the Northern bypass and Masaka road after a Sinotrack carrying sand experienced two tire bursts, obstructing the flow of traffic.  The resulting gridlock has affected motorists commuting to and from Masaka, prompting traffic officials to recommend alternate routes such as Buddo-Bunamwaya-Kitebi-Kabuusu.  However, efforts to remove the vehicle have been impeded by the load and the truck's precarious positioning on the road.  The situation has caused significant inconvenience to commuters, and the KMP Traffic Commander, SSP RK Nsereko, apologizes for the disruption while reassuring the public that efforts to resolve the issue are ongoing.

  On Thursday, FIFA president Gianni Infantino announced plans to achieve equal prize money for the men's and women's World Cups in 2026 and 2027.  In the interim, he confirmed that staff and players would have the same conditions and services for the 2023 Women's World Cup as the men did for the 2022 competition, and the prize money would increase to $110m.  However, this is just 25% of the $440m paid to national soccer federations participating in the men's World Cup in 2022.  The prize money gap has long been criticised for incentivising countries to invest primarily in men's teams.  FIFA has never explained the disparity, but a growing chorus of players and federations have called for equal pay, and FIFA seems to have listened.  Infantino outlined a three-step plan, with the ultimate aim of overcoming the commercial shortfall of the women's game.

  Hannah Karema Tumukunde has emerged victorious as the new Miss Uganda Beauty Pageant Queen, captivating the hearts of many at the UMA Multipurpose Hall on Saturday night.  The contestant from Central Uganda was a popular choice amongst both the audience and her fellow contestants, who swarmed to embrace her when she was announced as the winner.  Tumukunde's triumph was further solidified when she was named the Online People's Choice Award Winner, receiving a staggering 70,830 votes.   Tumukunde outshone nineteen other finalists in various categories, reaching the top 5 alongside Jessica Sserwadda, Jerusha Muwanguzi, Whitney Martha Ademun, and Prossy Agwang.  The event, which was broadcasted live on television, saw emcees Dr. Ronnie Mitch Egwang and Anita Fabiola put up a stellar job, while Levixone, Jackie Chandiru, B2C Music, among others, gave memorable performances.   Tumukunde's reign began on Saturday, as she took over from Elizabeth Bagaya, ...

  The love triangle between media personalities MC Kats, Caroline Marcah, and a mystery woman has taken a dramatic turn.  Despite previously denying rumors of a romantic relationship, Marcah appeared to confirm the speculation on Twitter with a pointed statement.  Kats responded just as quickly with a harsh reality check.  Sources close to the pair confirm that they were involved, but the situation turned sour when Kats went to the Purple Party in Dubai with another woman.  To add insult to injury, Kats and the new woman wore matching outfits, while Marcah was left feeling betrayed.  This shocking turn of events has left fans wondering what's next for this on-again-off-again couple, and whether there is any hope for a reconciliation.

  Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has issued a stern warning to corrupt officials over the Parish Development Model (PDM), a microfinance scheme aimed at funding local enterprises.  Speaking to Parliament, Museveni vowed to crack down on any individuals who attempt to siphon off the PDM funds or the associated Emyooga money, and urged farmers to stick to products supported by the government.  The President also announced a $150m dairy deal with Algeria, as well as a charm offensive to get Nigeria to accept Ugandan products.  Museveni also waded into the debate over homosexuality, calling members of the LGBTQI community "deviants" and dismissing attempts by Western countries to impose their values on Uganda.  A Bill on homosexuality is currently being processed by Parliament, sparking concern from the international community.

  In a bid to tackle the growing security challenges in Uganda, the Uganda Police Force has received a boost in the form of improved classified anti-riot control vehicles and armored personnel carriers (APCs).  The tactical armored vehicles will be deployed to volatile areas like Karamoja and combat zones in Somalia to ensure officer safety and community protection.  The handover was made by AIGP Richard Edyegu, the Director of Engineering and Logistics at police headquarters Naguru, who noted that the main objective of the procurement was to equip Field Force Police (FFP) with improved versions of the APC and RCV that can handle the current operational challenges.  The equipment includes 15 Armored Personnel Carriers and 50 Riot Control Vehicles, which will help improve the operational capacity of Anti-stock theft units in the Karamoja area by providing safer and quicker means of transport as they protect and patrol the Karamoja sub-region.  Deputy Inspector Ge...