BRIEF NEWS

KAMPALA – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has been declared the winner of the 2026 Presidential election. This victory means he will serve his seventh term as the leader of Uganda. The official results were announced yesterday by the Chairman of the Electoral Commission, Justice Simon Byabakama, at the National Tally Center. According to the Electoral Commission, President Museveni won a total of 7,946,772 votes. This represents 71.65% of the total votes cast across the country. His main challenger, Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu (popularly known as Bobi Wine), came in second place with 2,741,238 votes, which is 24.72%. By winning more than 50% of the vote, President Museveni avoided a second round of voting. Justice Byabakama confirmed that the President met all the legal requirements to be re-elected.  "Having obtained the highest number of votes... the commission hereby declares Yoweri Tibuhaburwa Kaguta Museveni as the elected President of the Republic of ...

KAMPALA – Internet services have finally returned to Uganda today after a four-day nationwide blackout. The government restored the connection this morning, following a complete shutdown that began on Tuesday, January 13. The restoration comes just one day after the Electoral Commission (EC) announced the final results of the 2026 Presidential elections. The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) had ordered all internet service providers to switch off the web two days before the elections. According to the UCC, the shutdown was a "security measure" to:  * Stop the spread of fake news and misinformation.  * Prevent people from sharing unverified election results.  * Ensure peace and stability during the voting process. While the internet was off, most social media platforms, messaging apps like WhatsApp, and websites were unreachable for millions of Ugandans. The restoration of the internet follows the official announcement by the EC Chairman, Justice Simon By...

KAMPALA – It was a night of joy and dancing at the Lugogo Cricket Oval last evening as thousands of supporters gathered to celebrate President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni's victory in the 2026 Presidential elections. The celebration followed the official declaration of President Museveni as the winner. The crowd, mostly dressed in yellow—the color of the National Resistance Movement (NRM)—cheered, sang, and waved flags throughout the event. The celebrations were led by Michael Nuwagira, popularly known as Toyota. He is the National Vice Chairman of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU). Toyota thanked the supporters for their hard work and for choosing President Museveni once again. He said the victory belongs to the people of Uganda who want peace and progress. One of the most exciting moments of the night was when a man looking exactly like the President walked onto the stage. It was the famous comedian Teacher Mpamire (Herbert Ssegujja), who is well...

By Andrew Bbaale  KAMPALA — As the 2026 regional youth parliamentary elections approach, Andrew Bbaale has emerged as a key contender for the Central Region seat. A professional educator and a member of the Mutima clan, Bbaale’s roots trace back to Buwama Town Council in Mpigi District. His academic journey, which began at National Teachers College Kabale and culminated at Makerere University, laid the foundation for a career dedicated to ICT, Economics, and Entrepreneurship education. A Career Defined by International Leadership Bbaale’s professional portfolio spans prestigious institutions both in Uganda and abroad. Notably, he has taught at St. Mary’s Kitende and Hope Boarding Secondary School Lutembe . His most recent role was serving as the Headmaster of Ashwood Comprehensive School in the Central Equatorial State of South Sudan. Colleagues note that Bbaale recently resigned from this international post to focus on his parliamentary bid, a move his supporters cite as eviden...

  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...

  MENGO – The Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga , has called upon all of the Kabaka’s subjects to take national registration seriously and collect their National IDs. The Katikkiro made these remarks today at Bulange, Mengo, during a meeting with officials from the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) . The officials visited the Kingdom headquarters to deliver National IDs to several high-ranking Buganda officials, including the Katikkiro himself. Katikkiro Mayiga emphasized that having a National ID is not just about identification; it is a vital tool for the country's growth. He explained that registration is important because: Accurate Data: It helps the government know the exact number of people in the country. Better Planning: With the right statistics, the government can plan effectively for schools, hospitals, and roads. Service Delivery: It ensures that government services reach the right people in the right places. National Development: I...

DAR ES SALAAM – The roadmap to East Africa’s first major crude oil export reached a critical milestone this week as high-level delegations from Uganda and Tanzania convened in Dar es Salaam to finalize preparations for the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) . The meeting, held at the Ministry of Energy, served as a strategic coordination session to ensure both nations are aligned for the project's fast-approaching "start-up" phase. As of the end of December 2025, the EACOP project reached a significant 79% completion rate , with construction activities now operating at peak levels. Energy ministers from both countries reviewed progress on the pipeline’s infrastructure, including above-ground installations and the critical marine terminal facilities at Tanga . According to the updated project timeline: July 31, 2026: Target date for full system readiness and start-up. October 2026: Expected window for the historic first export of Ugandan crude oil to international ...

  Manchester United has announced that Ruben Amorim is no longer the team's Head Coach. Amorim joined the club in November 2024. During his time in charge, he led the "Red Devils" to the final of the UEFA Europa League in Bilbao last May. However, the team is currently in sixth place in the Premier League. Because of this, the club's leaders decided it was time for a change. They believe a new coach will give the team a better chance to finish higher in the league standings by the end of the season. In a short statement, the club thanked Ruben for his hard work and wished him the very best in his future career.

KAMPALA — Former presidential candidate Lubega Samuel Mukaaku has told voters that their choice in the upcoming election will decide their future for the next five years. Speaking to a large crowd at Nateete Bilole, Mukaaku said this election is a "turning point." He warned that voting poorly could lead to more problems, while voting wisely could bring positive change to their lives. Mukaaku is currently running to become the Member of Parliament (MP) for Lubaga South. Mukaaku was joined by other top leaders from the Democratic Front (D.F), a new political group. These leaders asked the people of Lubaga to support Mukaaku and other D.F candidates to bring better services to the area. During his speech, Mukaaku emphasized that the residents of Lubaga South need a leader who will speak for them in Parliament. "This election is very important," Mukaaku told the cheering supporters. "It can either improve your life or make it harder for the next five ye...

KAMPALA — In a major blow to the National Resistance Movement (NRM) campaign in Kitagwenda District, the Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) has officially cancelled the Mature Age Entry Certificate of its parliamentary flag bearer, Robert Mugabe. The university’s decision, finalized during an Executive Board meeting on December 31, 2025, comes just 12 days before the high-stakes 2026 General Elections, throwing Mugabe’s candidacy into a state of legal and political uncertainty. In a letter dated January 2, 2026, and signed by the Academic Registrar, Dr. Adam A. Alli, IUIU revealed that an internal investigation found the documents Mugabe submitted to sit for the May 2021 Mature Age Entry Aptitude Test were "fraudulently obtained." The university stated that the cancellation takes "immediate effect," stripping Mugabe of all academic benefits, rights, and privileges associated with the certificate. He has been ordered to return the original do...

  KAMPALA – The Uganda Police Force has given out 2,000 chicks to police officers and their families in the Busoga East and Albertine South regions. The goal of this project is to help police families earn more money and learn how to take care of themselves. By raising these chicks, families can sell eggs or meat to get extra income. SSP Ochaki Godwin, the Head of Production from the Police Headquarters in Naguru, led the distribution. He explained that this is part of a plan to make sure police families live better lives. This initiative is one of many programs by the Directorate of Welfare, Production, and Sports to support the livelihoods of police officers across the country.

BUDUDA – As the sun rose over the hills of Bamasabaland today, the National Unity Platform (NUP) marked a major milestone. The party’s campaign trail reached its 100th day , with leaders and supporters gathering at the Bukigai Primary School playground in Bududa District. For the people of Bududa, the visit was about more than just politics; it was about survival. For decades, families in this region have lived in the shadow of deadly landslides that have swallowed homes, destroyed farms, and claimed countless lives. The atmosphere at the playground was charged with emotion as speakers described the "devastated livelihoods" of the local community. NUP leaders criticized the current administration, claiming it has failed to take "crucial measures" to protect those living in high-risk areas. The message to the people of Bududa was clear: help is on the way. The NUP team promised that if they take office on January 15, their first priority will be a "befitting r...

For the families and traders traveling between Rukungiri and Kanungu, the road is more than just asphalt and dirt—it’s a lifeline. But this week, nature had other plans. Heavy, persistent rains have turned the steep hillsides into moving walls of mud. Multiple landslides crashed down onto the Rukungiri–Mitaano–Kanungu Road , blocking traffic and leaving travelers stranded. While most people stay indoors during a downpour, the team from the Kabale Station is doing the opposite. They are out in the rain with heavy machinery, working to push back tons of earth and debris. Every time they clear one section, the "persistent rainfall" often triggers another slide nearby. It’s a tiring game of cat-and-mouse with the weather, but the crew remains on standby 24/7.