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27 August 2025
PRESIDENT MUSEVENI MEETS NIPPON FOUNDATION OFFICIALS

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni today welcomed a delegation from the Nippon Foundation at State House Entebbe. The Nippon Foundation is Asia’s leading grant-maker, based in Japan and cooperating with stakeholders of all levels around the world to confront social challenges. The team was led by Mr. Isao Iijima, Special Advisor to the Prime Minister of Japan, and Mr. Takeju Ogata, Chairman of the Nippon Foundation. They are in Uganda to commemorate the launch of the Rehabilitation Center for veterans in Mubende District. The Nippon Foundation contributed USD 500,000 towards the construction of the center and the provision of equipment to support soldiers who lost their limbs in combat. Mr. Ogata noted that the Foundation has worked in Uganda for over 40 years, particularly in agriculture and social development, and pledged continued cooperation to strengthen Uganda’s resilience in the face of climate change and other challenges. President Museveni commended the Government of Japan for its long-standing partnership with Uganda, citing its support in building the Nile Bridge and in the road sector. He also praised Mr. Iijima for mobilizing recent donations, which included 2,000 sewing machines from Japanese companies which were donated to veterans and women groups, as well as fire trucks, ambulances, physiotherapy equipment, and prosthetic materials to benefit veterans and women’s groups. The President further appealed to Japan to expand trade ties with Uganda. “What we need most is for Japan to buy our products. We would like to trade with you, and we also wish that Japan removes taxes from our exports,” he said. The Rehabilitation Center project is being implemented with support from the Government of Japan and the Nippon Foundation.

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26 August 2025
COL. NAKALEMA URGES HEADS OF GOVERNMENT AGENCIES TO STRENGTHEN COLLABORATIVE EFFORTS TO PROMOTE SOCIO-ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION

The Head of State House Investors Protection Unit (SHIPU), Col. Edith Nakalema has today met and held constructive discussions with the leaders of government agencies at SHIPU offices in Kampala. The follow up meeting that preceded the first one held last week, aimed at further laying out strategies on how to strengthen collaborative efforts between agencies to ensure effective service delivery to the people of Uganda. “The continuation of this conversation remains focused on how our collaborative efforts as public sector executives deliver value to all citizens that sustains transformation of households,” she stated. Col. Nakalema made a passionate appeal to them to effectively use their positions to bolster their collaboration that will lead to the transformation of societies in Uganda. “As SHIPU whose mandate rests on coordinating MDAs, my appeal to you is to exploit this exclusive platform to reinforce institutional collaboration that will breed transformational gains for the populace,” she stated. The leaders of government agencies who attended the meeting included Dr. Barirega Akankwasah the Executive Director of the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), Mr. Mugabe Robert of Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB), Dr. Patrick Birungi the Executive Director of Uganda Development Corporation(UDC), Eng. Dr. Silver Mugisha of National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC), Eng. Kaijuka Kenneth, the Chief Executive Officer of National Housing and Construction Company Ltd., Dr. Bruce Kirenga of Makerere University, Dr. Chris Mukiza of Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) and Mr. Osborn Turyasingura of the National Secretariat for Special Interest Groups. According to Col. Nakalema, the leaders of government agencies have to account to the citizens of Uganda what the government has done for the population as well as indicate what plans they have for the socio-economic development of the country. She blamed the unawareness of the government's achievements by the masses to poor communication. “A lot of achievements have been registered by the government for the people of Uganda, but communication has not been very effective to highlight these gains,” Col. Nakalema asserted. She encouraged them to utilize the maximum Radio Stations that she said remain one of the widest dispensation tools, social media, Televisions and various groups to declare their accountability to the masses and also to inform the people of the government's achievements. Participants, therefore, agreed to use every avenue in their disposal to state the accountability of their institutions, plans and also to change the mindset of the people of Uganda, especially the youth, to deeply get involved in activities tailored at accelerating the socio-economic development of the country that will eventually lead to the transformation of their lives.

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25 August 2025
PRESIDENT MUSEVENI TO NRM DELEGATES: FIGHT POVERTY AND CORRUPTION, BUILD THE MONEY ECONOMY

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has today opened the 1st Meeting of the 4th National Conference of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, rallying delegates to focus on discipline, fight poverty and corruption, and ensure every Ugandan household joins the money economy. Accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Kataha Museveni, the President who is also the National Chairman of the NRM, addressed thousands of delegates from across the country gathered to elect special interest group representatives and chart the Movement’s future direction. The conference will see the election of leaders representing the youth, elderly, workers, and persons with disabilities, among others. In his address, President Museveni expressed delight at the youthful composition of many of the newly elected delegates, describing it as a healthy sign of generational renewal within the Movement. He urged them to uphold the NRM’s principles of patriotism, Pan-Africanism, democracy and socio-economic transformation, while taking the party’s vision deeper into households across Uganda. The President took delegates on a reflective journey of Uganda’s economic transformation under the NRM, tracing progress from the days of “minimum recovery” to what he now describes as the country’s “take-off stage.” He recalled the difficult years when Ugandans lacked basic commodities such as sugar, salt, and soap, noting that those days were about mere survival. He explained that Uganda later expanded its economy through cash crops like coffee and tea, diversified into other sectors, and is today producing higher-value products. President Museveni pointed to recent milestones such as the manufacture of vehicles through Kiira Motors, the establishment of vaccine production facilities, and the rise of ICT as evidence that Uganda has firmly entered its industrial age. “We are no longer in recovery; Uganda is in the take-off stage. We are now manufacturing our own cars, producing vaccines, and building an ICT-driven economy,” President Museveni said. Turning to household wealth creation, the President stressed that Uganda’s long-term stability rests on every family joining the money economy. He recalled that in 2013, about 68 percent of the population was still outside the money economy, but recent figures show that 67 percent are now participating. He said the government’s target is to ensure that no family is left behind. To illustrate his point, President Museveni cited the example of Joseph Ijaara, a farmer in Serere who uses a small piece of land to achieve high returns through commercial agriculture. He explained that Uganda’s money economy rests on four pillars — agriculture, industry, services, and ICT — and urged delegates to help their communities embrace at least one of these sectors. “In the past, towns were only filled with shops, but today we are building towns of factories where people work and earn. That is the NRM difference,” he said. The President challenged leaders to return to their communities with a clear mission of tackling the issues that directly affect ordinary Ugandans. “What I want you to take from here is simple: fight poverty in your families, fight corruption — don’t allow people to eat Parish Development Model (PDM) money. Insist that the police fight crime, and where they fail, report them,” he stressed. President Museveni also underlined the importance of social services as the foundation of transformation. On health, he noted progress in the fight against malaria and immunization campaigns but criticized the persistent theft of drugs, which undermines treatment. He reaffirmed the government's plan to expand safe water access to villages across the country. On infrastructure, President Museveni revealed that each district receives UGX 1.3 billion annually to maintain murram roads, stressing that the funds must be properly used. On education, President Museveni made one of his strongest commitments of the day: ensuring free education in government schools. He argued that since parents overwhelmingly prefer government schools, fees must be abolished to allow every child access to quality education. “Once the NRM is voted again, we shall insist on free education in all government schools. Support me so we can fully implement it,” he said. NRM Secretary General, Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong also addressed the gathering, reminding delegates that the NRM is a Movement bigger than any individual and that leadership must always be seen as service, not self-enrichment. He urged them to embody discipline, sacrifice, and responsibility in their work, stressing that elections may come and go, but the Movement and the people remain. Dr. Tanga Odoi, the Chairman of the NRM Electoral Commission, promised to deliver free and fair elections of leaders of special interest groups and the subsequent elections that will follow in the coming days.

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23 August 2025
PRESIDENT MUSEVENI ASSURES KENYA-BASED INVESTORS ON PARTNERSHIP IN KEY INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni yesterday assured investors from Rebel Group, an international consultancy and investment firm based in Nairobi, of Uganda’s readiness to partner with them in key infrastructure projects. Meeting the group led by the former US Ambassador to Kenya, Mr. Kyle McCarter, at State House, Entebbe, President Museveni welcomed the firm’s interest in Uganda and emphasized the country’s long-term economic opportunities. “We can start with infrastructure such as the Kampala–Bombo toll road and the Mpigi bridge. These projects are linked directly to the market and the consumers. As long as the consumers are there, the flow of money will not stop. That is why such investments are sustainable. They create jobs, put money in people’s pockets, and stimulate further spending,” he said. Reflecting on Uganda’s post-independence challenges, the President noted that past policy mistakes, including the expulsion of Asians under Idi Amin and the confiscation of private property, discouraged private investment. “We lost a lot of time after independence because of policies that were not private sector–friendly. Confiscating private property was a strategic mistake,” he said. “But when we came into leadership in the 1980s. We were clear, we had studied the mistakes of the past, and we had the credibility to say no, we are independent, and we are not agents of anyone. If you want true independence, you must create wealth so that you don’t depend on anybody,” he said. President Museveni explained that Uganda’s economic transformation agenda is anchored on four key pillars of wealth creation. “Our first pillar is commercial agriculture, where land must be used productively beyond subsistence farming. The second pillar is manufacturing, which focuses on adding value to our raw materials such as coffee, cotton, copper, and timber,” he said. “The third area is services, including tourism, hospitality, entertainment, and related sectors, the fourth pillar is ICT, where we must harness technology to drive growth. Everyone must be involved in producing either a good or a service, whether as an owner or as an employee. That is the foundation of wealth,” he added. The President also mentioned that infrastructure investment is central to unlocking regional trade, particularly within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). “This is why I have been advising investors to look at Africa seriously. The Chinese have already seen the potential and are coming in big numbers. But there is even more space for others to participate. Infrastructure such as roads linking Uganda to Rwanda and Congo will not only serve Uganda but the entire region. That is where the real business is,” he said. Mr. Prashiv Shah, the financial consultant with Rebel Group, welcomed President Museveni’s guidance and declared the group’s interest in Uganda. “In Kenya, we are already combining infrastructure with real estate development, but we are willing to come to Uganda not just for infrastructure but for many other sectors as well. We totally agree with your vision, and we are ready to explore opportunities here. This is a new time for building investments, and we are glad to meet you,” he said.

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21 August 2025
PRESIDENT MUSEVENI AND FIRST LADY EXTEND SUPPORT TO TESO WIDOWS DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Museveni, yesterday hosted the Teso Widows Development Initiative at their country home in Irenga, Ntungamo District, and expressed their support for the initiative. The Teso Widows Development Initiative is an organisation dedicated to uplifting 36,000 widows from the Teso Region by helping them secure better livelihoods and access education and skills. President Museveni serves as the Patron of the initiative. The members expressed their gratitude to the President for his good governance and ongoing support. “You have changed our name from the mothers of problems to mothers of blessings,” they said. In a memorandum signed by the initiative's Director, Ms. Akurut Beatrice Omese, and presented by the secretary, Ms. Pauline Akello, the initiative requested support for establishing a technical institute that would transform and benefit their community. “Many of our children cannot afford education, and we believe the technical institute will equip all the disadvantaged with essential skills,” they stated. In response, President Museveni welcomed the proposal, saying, “This is a very good effort.” He subsequently committed Shs 600 million to establish a technical institute that would empower the community with the skills and knowledge needed to pursue careers. This funding would also cover books, laboratory instruments, salaries, and the general running of the school for the first two years. To foster the initiative's growth, the President advised members to develop a money-making policy, such as establishing a SACCO (Savings and Credit Cooperative) to provide soft loans. He pledged to contribute Shs 100 million to the SACCO. Additionally, President Museveni promised to provide a pickup truck for the initiative and a bus for the institute to facilitate transportation. The Teso Widows Development Initiative further expressed their appreciation to the First Lady for her contributions to improving the lives of marginalised groups within the initiative, as well as for her collaboration in providing entrepreneurship training. Maama Janet, for her part, stated that it is her desire to see women's organisations come together to save and establish a bank in the future that will ensure self-reliance rather than dependence. She mentioned this while giving testimony about a group of Bangladeshi women who were semi-literate with very limited resources but went on to establish one of the biggest banks in the world. She further urged the widows to develop a saving culture rather than relying on a habit of borrowing to spend. “The problem we have is that we don’t know how to save, and we often borrow to spend,” said the First Lady. To emphasise the discipline of saving, Maama Janet advised the widows to ensure that they save a portion of their earnings each week or month. As their savings grow over time, they can then invest the money into larger projects.

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21 August 2025
PRESIDENT MUSEVENI MEETS FORMER NIGERIAN PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has today met and held talks with the former President of Nigeria, H.E. Goodluck Jonathan, at State House, Entebbe. H.E Jonathan, who arrived in Kampala on Wednesday 20, August 2025, today officiated at the 14th Graduation Ceremony of Cavendish University Uganda (CUU), where he serves as Chancellor. During the meeting, the two leaders reflected on the long-standing bilateral ties between Uganda and Nigeria and explored opportunities to further strengthen economic cooperation between the two countries. H.E Jonathan commended President Museveni for the warm reception extended to him and praised Uganda’s conducive environment for institutions of higher learning. He also hailed the steady progress made by Cavendish University Uganda since its establishment. He also informed President Museveni that CUU, which was licensed to operate in Uganda by the National Council for Higher Education in June 2008, has already applied for a charter to enhance its competitiveness in the region. The meeting was also attended by government officials, representatives of the Nigerian High Commission, among other dignitaries.

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23 August 2025
MUSEVENI, NRM CONFERENCES AND PROTECTING UGANDA’S GAINS OF FORTY YEARS

It has been three months of non-stop political activities in Uganda as the National Resistance Movement (NRM) undertook internal electoral renewal of leaders from the villages to national level that is concluding this coming week with the holding of its National delegates Conference. Hopefully, the vetting will weed out the chaff from the wheat so that NRM restores clean leadership that serves the country purposefully and diligently. NRM last held internal elections in 2015, and skipped 2020 due to the COVID19 global pandemic. The meetings, and conferences began on Wednesday this week with the Central Executive Committee (CEC), its apex organ vetting candidates for national offices including President Yoweri Museveni as presidential flagbearer for the 2026 elections. In open-dirty war, is Speaker Emeritus Rebecca Kadaga, on CEC for two decades seeking to maintain her seat, while the current, Annet Anita Among seem determine to inherit the throne. CEC was followed by the meeting of the National Executive Council (NEC) of eight hundred delegates among them all NRM MPs, NRM and local government Chairpersons and the top leadership at the party Secretariat. Tomorrow 24,845 delegates will swamp Kampala to participate in series of elections to choose national leaders of the eight different leagues comprising Elders, Women, Youths, Persons With Disabilities (PWDs), Workers, Veterans, Entrepreneurs, and Historicals which takes place on Monday. At the conclusion of these elections, the delegates will then participate in the two-day National Conference that will end on 28 August 2025 at Kololo Independence Grounds. These events should provide many opportunities, if not windfall, especially for the middle and lower business communities in Kampala, Mukono and Wakiso as NRM delegates whose pockets will be healthy, courtesy of the party, seek accommodation, food, entertainment, transport, and local tourism. Mid-week, NRM unveiled a new portrait of a younger-looking Yoweri Museveni, that will be used for the forthcoming presidential campaigns. Some critics were quick to jeer and sneer, although in the NRM we shall brush it off as being driven mainly by jealousy of potential political bad-losers. Alongside the presidential candidate’s portrait, NRM also launched its forthcoming election campaign theme “Protecting the Gains,” of the last four decades under President Museveni. Over this period, NRM political activities have dominated the ground, media landscape and opinion narratives, which in public relations practice is good. NRM also now seems to have put aspects of election fiasco neatly behind, especially with non-dramatic ways in which its election tribunal handled and disposed off the hundreds of petitions. And maybe, NRM leaders at the top could start considering overall evaluation of its internal elections, including the possibility of amend its constitution to down size its structure, revert to electoral college, and revert to secret ballot elections. With these elections NRM now has close to three million six hundred leaders countrywide, which, if put to effective use should deliver a credible and convincing electoral victory come 12 January 2026. These numbers could also keep in touch with population, mobilize for better uptake of government programs for socio-economic transformation, supervise and monitor effective implementation, and as well detect and curtail corruption incidences early enough, but alas. NRM, could thus, leave its many opponents and detractors including the opposition parties as mere sulking spectators with no credible direction or agenda of their own, although some of them may soon begin to menacingly swing their hockey butts aimlessly. And of course we look forward in disdain to their self-false pompousness as they seek political validation. Nevertheless, as we look towards the nominations for president and parliament by the Justice Simon Byabakama Mugyenyi Electoral Commission, slated in early October for next year’s general elections, NRM as a vanguard party, holding a revolutionary, liberation, emancipation and transformative agenda, must keep to the high expectations it gave Ugandans when it assumed leadership four decades ago.

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16 August 2025
RUNNING PARLIAMENTARY ELECTION CAMPAIGN ON A THIN BUDGET

Three months ago when I declared my intention to run for parliament, one UPDF General called me up to say he was sending five million shillings to kick-start my election campaigns for MP Older Persons Eastern Region. He kept his word on the dot. Next, a senior minister called to say his political assistant would deliver three million shillings the next day, and he too kept his word. By the third day since declaration that I was running to get the NRM flag at the national delegates conference due between August 22-28, another senior minister delivered five hundred liters of diesel, and so my campaign got rolling in a non-stop roller coaster. I have so far done all the forty districts, seven municipalities and six city divisions that constitute the Eastern Region electoral area stretching from Jinja to Kaberamaido, Kapelebyong, Katakwi to the hills and valleys of Sebei, Bugisu and Bukedi. Ministers, MPs, NRM comrades, and friends, many of them also running their own election campaigns, keep dropping in some small amounts, mostly what Americans would call small donations, ensuring that my campaign trail does not get glitches.in the last week of July, a senior police officer delivered five million shillings and offered one hundred liters of diesel for the five weeks to the end of elections. Must of the money received has been spent on basic items directly related to the elections like transport cost for self, personal staff, delegates, meeting venues, coordination, publicity and refreshments. I have been able to meet nearly all the delegates in face-to-face consultations at their respective districts. For some, I traveled to their homes where we have had meals with their families. The experience has been so refreshing especially getting to know people up-close. Because of my recent farming activities in Kapelebyong, Teso region seem to treat like a wonderful son of the soil. The thirty-nine years I have been in NRM affairs, starting with being a military trainer and political education lecturer at our institutions, work in journalism, and media, have given me an illustrious name, voice and face recognition that there is no single district NRM I have not found people who already know me. Most of them believe and say I would make a good MP, advocate for Older Persons issues, and indeed strengthen the NRM voice in parliament, but whether they will deliver, will be tested on polling day. In every region and district, I found volunteers among our NRM older persons league committees, who on account of the silence and dumbness of the incumbent, believe it is time to change for a strong, bold, loud and consistence advocacy, lobbying and forward planning for older persons. It is important that we stop treating parliamentary seats for special interest groups (SIGs) as ‘welfare’ for the office-holders as seems to be today, in the case of older persons. We should utilise these seats to boldly raise the voice of older persons especially on health, welfare, sustainable income and security of personal property particularly for the most vulnerable who are increasingly becoming fewer in Uganda’s decision-making platforms. The younger people who constitute the majority in policy-making positions ought to be persuaded to know they will one day become old, vulnerable, and in need of government support unless they plan their personal lives adequately. This election campaign has exposed me to the deep ordeals older persons silently suffer from, and many eventually get buried into the earthly dust without even their own close associates knowing, and it is painful. There is urgent need to start brooding specialised attention to this category of Ugandans especially considering that free labour from relatives and community is becoming scarce as people pay more attention to things that bring income to their households rather than charity.

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13 August 2025
THE WAR ON TERROR IS OURS TO LOSE; THE UN EXPERT REPORT WON’T DERAIL OUR MOMENTUM

In July 2025, the UN team of experts on the conflict in DR Congo presented a report to the president of the UN Security Council alleging that Uganda and Rwanda were supporting the M23 rebel group in the Democratic Republic of Congo. M23, is a rebel movement fighting the regime in Kinshasa and have since taken control of a big area of the Kivu provinces in Eastern DR Congo. This rather unfortunate report made far-fetched allegations totally unsubstantiated and full of hearsays. The deployment of UPDF in DR Congo for the Operation Shuja seem to have made it easier for the UN investigators to make many misrepresentations. For the record, Uganda’s deployment in DR Congo was agreed on by the two governments i.e. DR Congo and Uganda and the mandate to be there has been continuously renewed by the government of DR Congo. As a result, the war on terrorism has picked momentum ever since we made the decision to follow the ADF in the jungles of eastern DRC in Dec 2021. Peace has since been established in that region and Congolese are back to their homes going on with their lives. The ADF terrorists weren’t only pausing a threat to Uganda through regular cross border attacks, they were committing genocide on the helpless Congolese citizens in the Ituri Province. Therefore, no amount of UN noise is going to stop Uganda’s war on terror, be it in DR Congo or beyond. Similarly, the UPDF in recent weeks has been engaged in bitter battles with the Al shabaab terrorists in Somalia. Reports coming in indicate heavy losses on the part of Al Shabab. They are losing ground and towns that they had recaptured ever since troop contributing countries downsized their numbers or withdrew completely like Burundi did from now phased out Africa Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) in 2022. This famous quote from former US president could give us a more enriched perspective. “These terrorists kill not merely to end lives, but to disrupt and end a way of life. With every atrocity, they hope that America grows fearful, retreating from the world and forsaking our friends. They stand against us because we stand in their way. We're not deceived by their pretenses to piety. We have seen their kind before. They're the heirs of all the murderous ideologies of the 20th century. By sacrificing human life to serve their radical visions, by abandoning every value except the will to power, they follow in the path of fascism, Nazism and totalitarianism. And they will follow that path all the way to where it ends in history's unmarked grave of discarded lies”, President George Bush Junior. This was his speech to the nation 9 days after the Sept 11, 2001, terrorist attack on the US. The moral value of this famous quote is that any country worthy of its name must be firm and decisive in dealing with terrorism within its borders and beyond. The hunt for these ADF terrorists therefore has been stretched beyond our borders. As we speak the Uganda Peoples Defense Force ( UPDF) together with the DR Congo national force, FARDC are in Ituri province of eastern hunting down the ADF terror outfit and will eliminate them once and for all however long it takes. Defeating terrorism requires both regional and international cooperation and now that Uganda has both, we can only count days before we extinct these criminals. Cooperation in such operations is so critical. ADF is no longer a rag tag rebel outfit in the jungles of DR Congo. It is now fully allied to international terrorist group of ISIS. When ADF terrorist struck in the middle of Kampala in November 2021, the ISIS publicly claimed victory over the operation. Caution should be made to some of our Western allies who have been hoodwinked by some phony human rights organizations that quite often derail such firm approaches to defeat terrorism. Unfortunately, they tend to find allies in some quarters both within political opposition and their funders in the outside world. For example, some have already begun castigating Uganda’s security agencies on its firmness while handling these criminals. No country has defeated terrorism with kid gloves. Be it the USA, UK, France, Russia, China etc. These countries have had to take strong decisive decisions to counter such terror organizations and those who sponsor them. Finally, no amount of misleading reports from any quarter should derail this struggle. The UPDF record talks for itself. When the NRA which later morphed into UPDF were liberating Uganda from the hands of tyrants, they only relied on Ugandans who clearly understood their cause. After all, the world knows what some African countries especially in West and Central Africa are reaping from not taking firm decisions while handling terrorists. Terrorists threaten our collective security and we must collectively as Africans handle this threat to reaffirm our territorial integrity. Short of that we can only prepare for the worst. The writer is the Acting Executive Director Uganda Media Centre

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09 August 2025
BRUTAL POLITICS; FDC SHMABLES, NANDALA MAFABI AND MUNTU’S RETURN

In the brutal world of politics, FDC president, Patrick Oboi Amuriat, has been left to kick the trashcan down the dusty road, as he swapped positions with party secretary general Nathan Nandala Mafabi now incoming flag-bearer candidate for the 2026 presidential elections. It has been a low-key affair of Nandala and Amuriat show, with Nandala as the real frontman, in what used to be the lead opposition party now a ghost lying down in embarrassments. When Amuriat was elected FDC president, and later handed the flag to run for president of Uganda, the political world told FDC that he did not have fire in his belly, but for convenience was ignored. Now the grapevine has it that Amuriat has lowered his ambitions to Kanyum parliamentary constituency, Kumi district. Personally I think that after a quarter of a century as MP Budadiri East constituency, with so little to show on the ground in socio-economic transformation, coupled with recent accusations by estranged FDC elements, Nandala may be finding a half-clever way to quit parliament, and the presidential bid could be a stunt. The NRM elections and its prolonged foggy aftermath, has momentarily concealed the miseries in opposition ranks. Mathias Mpuuga’s Democratic Front is limping more as a tribal clan, while DP and UPC are embroiled in inconclusive wars. Mpuuga has settled nicely in his new role of relative obscurity from the limelight of LoP, and like Betty Aol Ocan, the last LoP under FDC who so few even remember. Maj. Gen. (rtd) Greg Mugisha Muntu of the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) returning as a 2026 presidential candidate and to what end after not finding his political gravitas. Forced out of FDC by Kizza Besigye and his wolves, yet unwilling to publicly rock the opposition sinking boat, many wonder what Muntu is really up to. Never-the0less, you have to admit and admire Muntu’s brute political courage, maybe a better second, third chance. Besigye tried four times, but is now washed out. Aggrey Awori (RIP), Beti Kamya, Dr. Abed Bwanika, and Gen. (rtd) Henry Tumukunde all eyed the presidency, collapsed and returned to seek parliamentary seats. It is a good habit when men and women in straw hats learn to cut their losses. Muntu’s installation by ANT as a presidential candidate, could be one way to thwart PFF boss, Eras Lukwago’s ambition for the same flag considering that ANT and PFF only recently signed an election ‘cooperation agreement’ whose details remain cagy. Some pundits think that ANT and PFF could be seeing their ‘cooperation’ as a possible antidote on NUP in Buganda, to occupy a vacuum. With NUP’s miserable performance in and outside parliament, except for tormenting bullish prime minister Robina Nabanja on the floor, by Joel Senyonyi, a man with a constant sense of superiority, sneer and arrogance, there is little to write home about. And the flair of Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda, Medard Segona and Mohammed Muwanga Kivumbi, the threesome of perpetual condescension and swipe, occasionally taking advantage of parliamentary immunity to slander, has cowed many in NRM into silence. Vice president Jessica Alupo has chosen to limit any probable damage to her reputation and has kept her head low while in parliament yet she ought to use her protocol to clarify contentious issues. In that brutal it’s everyone to themselves, yet opposition parties, although not in government, have too recorded many failures of their own to defend, and shouldn’t be left to roll in fantasies. With many ministers and MPs having been thrown out in the NRM primaries, it is now time to see who, indeed how many more will get the shoutouts in the coming graveyard during the general elections. Apparently unnoticed, a quiet revolution is underway within NRM as voters eat the money but reject the spendthrifts.

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05 August 2025
UGANDA CO-HOSTING CHAN 2024 IS A LANDMARK ACHIEVEMENT IN THE COUNTRY’S SPORTS

The opportunity for Uganda to co-host the 2024 African Nations Championship alongside Kenya and Tanzania transcends football. It is a chance for African players to showcase their talent on the continental stage since CHAN features only local talent. This tournament boosts morale and pride in homegrown athletes and encourages investment in local leagues. In Uganda one of the most unifying and proudest moments is during national or international football matches. This is a time Ugandans put aside their political, religious, and cultural differences to rally behind their national team or country. Roads leading to the hosting stadiums are always awash with spectators and boda bodas loudly blowing vuvuzelas and chanting slogans of praise and support for their teams. This brings traffic to a standstill. Many people leave their cars at home and join others to trek to the stadium because it is an exciting experience. Football in Uganda is more than just entertainment. It brings out a strong spirit of nationalism. The flags, songs, and celebrations connect rural and urban, rich and poor communities under one shared interest. It is a platform for positive nationalism, especially among the youth who often feel disconnected from political processes. Uganda’s co-hosting of CHAN 2024 means we meet international standards in infrastructure, logistics, and hospitality. Taking part in organizing a major Confederation of African Football (CAF) event positions Uganda as a serious player in continental affairs, earning diplomatic capital and influence in East Africa and beyond. To host CHAN, a country must meet specific strict requirements set by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). These range from having suitable stadiums with adequate seating capacity and training facilities todemonstrating the capability to handle logistics, security, and accommodation for participating teams and fans. While launching CHAN 2024 at Kololo Independence Grounds, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni said hosting CHAN has provoked Uganda in a positive way to act. To qualify to host CHAN, Uganda had to undertake heavy sports infrastructure upgrades and development that included renovation of training facilities like Wankulukuku, Kyambogo, Kadiba, and KISU grounds. Mandela National Stadium Namboole underwent significant renovations, including upgrading of the playing surface, dressing rooms, spectator amenities, and media facilities to bring it to the modern CAF standards. Uganda stands to benefit from enhanced cooperation between hosting countries beyond the formal diplomatic structures of interaction. The coaches, the players, and the service providers will create rapport that high-level treaties and tripartite may not achieve. As political leaders are still haggling in boardrooms for regional cooperation, the organizers of this event are already maneuvering national differences to deliver a successful tournament to the eager fans across Africa and the world at large. By the end of this tournament strangers will leave as friends with deeper trust, lessons, cross-border collaborations, and opportunities. The public will enjoy affordable access to world-class football, as food vendors, artisans, and entertainers are set to reap big from the influx of fans, teams, and officials as football excitement has a bearing on how people spend. Transport and accommodation sectors around the match venues are enjoying a boost in business. Hosting CHAN is a strategic dry run for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which Uganda will co-host with Kenya and Tanzania. By successfully organizing CHAN, Uganda proves its readiness to handle even bigger sporting events. With CAF’s confidence in Uganda, we hope to host more continental competitions in the future. To be proactive, Uganda should create a sports fund to support football and other disciplines, identify and prepare local talent, and train coaches, referees, and administrators to align with international standards. This is so that our hard work towards hosting CHAN doesn’t go to waste should opportunities find us unready. As food for thought for our politicians, given the period we are in as a country, what if you too picked some lessons from CHAN? Try replacing individualism with collective effort for teamwork, consider your actions on international perception of Brand Uganda, engage the youth beyond your campaign strategies, create for them opportunities to showcase their talents, consider performance as the only currency and shun corruption, and let the policies that you make bring people together around shared goals. Remember, empty promises like poor game plans will eventually lead to losses. As we turn out in big numbers to enjoy the tournament, let us keep the peace and security of our neighbors, visitors, and our country. We go Uganda, we go! Carolyne Muyama Uganda Media Centre edit the article

National News

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PRESIDENT MUSEVENI MEETS NIPPON FOUNDATION OFFICIALS

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni today welcomed a delegation from the Nippon Foundation at State House Entebbe. The Nippon Foundation is Asia’s leading grant-maker, based in Japan and cooperating with stakeholders of all levels around the world to confront social challenges. The team was led by Mr. Isao Iijima, Special Advisor to the Prime Minister of Japan, and Mr. Takeju Ogata, Chairman of the Nippon Foundation. They are in Uganda to commemorate the launch of the Rehabilitation Center for veterans in Mubende District. The Nippon Foundation contributed USD 500,000 towards the construction of the center and the provision of equipment to support soldiers who lost their limbs in combat. Mr. Ogata noted that the Foundation has worked in Uganda for over 40 years, particularly in agriculture and social development, and pledged continued cooperation to strengthen Uganda’s resilience in the face of climate change and other challenges. President Museveni commended the Government of Japan for its long-standing partnership with Uganda, citing its support in building the Nile Bridge and in the road sector. He also praised Mr. Iijima for mobilizing recent donations, which included 2,000 sewing machines from Japanese companies which were donated to veterans and women groups, as well as fire trucks, ambulances, physiotherapy equipment, and prosthetic materials to benefit veterans and women’s groups. The President further appealed to Japan to expand trade ties with Uganda. “What we need most is for Japan to buy our products. We would like to trade with you, and we also wish that Japan removes taxes from our exports,” he said. The Rehabilitation Center project is being implemented with support from the Government of Japan and the Nippon Foundation.

2025-08-27

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COL. NAKALEMA URGES HEADS OF GOVERNMENT AGENCIES TO STRENGTHEN COLLABORATIVE EFFORTS TO PROMOTE SOCIO-ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION

The Head of State House Investors Protection Unit (SHIPU), Col. Edith Nakalema has today met and held constructive discussions with the leaders of government agencies at SHIPU offices in Kampala. The follow up meeting that preceded the first one held last week, aimed at further laying out strategies on how to strengthen collaborative efforts between agencies to ensure effective service delivery to the people of Uganda. “The continuation of this conversation remains focused on how our collaborative efforts as public sector executives deliver value to all citizens that sustains transformation of households,” she stated. Col. Nakalema made a passionate appeal to them to effectively use their positions to bolster their collaboration that will lead to the transformation of societies in Uganda. “As SHIPU whose mandate rests on coordinating MDAs, my appeal to you is to exploit this exclusive platform to reinforce institutional collaboration that will breed transformational gains for the populace,” she stated. The leaders of government agencies who attended the meeting included Dr. Barirega Akankwasah the Executive Director of the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), Mr. Mugabe Robert of Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB), Dr. Patrick Birungi the Executive Director of Uganda Development Corporation(UDC), Eng. Dr. Silver Mugisha of National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC), Eng. Kaijuka Kenneth, the Chief Executive Officer of National Housing and Construction Company Ltd., Dr. Bruce Kirenga of Makerere University, Dr. Chris Mukiza of Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) and Mr. Osborn Turyasingura of the National Secretariat for Special Interest Groups. According to Col. Nakalema, the leaders of government agencies have to account to the citizens of Uganda what the government has done for the population as well as indicate what plans they have for the socio-economic development of the country. She blamed the unawareness of the government's achievements by the masses to poor communication. “A lot of achievements have been registered by the government for the people of Uganda, but communication has not been very effective to highlight these gains,” Col. Nakalema asserted. She encouraged them to utilize the maximum Radio Stations that she said remain one of the widest dispensation tools, social media, Televisions and various groups to declare their accountability to the masses and also to inform the people of the government's achievements. Participants, therefore, agreed to use every avenue in their disposal to state the accountability of their institutions, plans and also to change the mindset of the people of Uganda, especially the youth, to deeply get involved in activities tailored at accelerating the socio-economic development of the country that will eventually lead to the transformation of their lives.

2025-08-26

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PRESIDENT MUSEVENI TO NRM DELEGATES: FIGHT POVERTY AND CORRUPTION, BUILD THE MONEY ECONOMY

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has today opened the 1st Meeting of the 4th National Conference of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, rallying delegates to focus on discipline, fight poverty and corruption, and ensure every Ugandan household joins the money economy. Accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Kataha Museveni, the President who is also the National Chairman of the NRM, addressed thousands of delegates from across the country gathered to elect special interest group representatives and chart the Movement’s future direction. The conference will see the election of leaders representing the youth, elderly, workers, and persons with disabilities, among others. In his address, President Museveni expressed delight at the youthful composition of many of the newly elected delegates, describing it as a healthy sign of generational renewal within the Movement. He urged them to uphold the NRM’s principles of patriotism, Pan-Africanism, democracy and socio-economic transformation, while taking the party’s vision deeper into households across Uganda. The President took delegates on a reflective journey of Uganda’s economic transformation under the NRM, tracing progress from the days of “minimum recovery” to what he now describes as the country’s “take-off stage.” He recalled the difficult years when Ugandans lacked basic commodities such as sugar, salt, and soap, noting that those days were about mere survival. He explained that Uganda later expanded its economy through cash crops like coffee and tea, diversified into other sectors, and is today producing higher-value products. President Museveni pointed to recent milestones such as the manufacture of vehicles through Kiira Motors, the establishment of vaccine production facilities, and the rise of ICT as evidence that Uganda has firmly entered its industrial age. “We are no longer in recovery; Uganda is in the take-off stage. We are now manufacturing our own cars, producing vaccines, and building an ICT-driven economy,” President Museveni said. Turning to household wealth creation, the President stressed that Uganda’s long-term stability rests on every family joining the money economy. He recalled that in 2013, about 68 percent of the population was still outside the money economy, but recent figures show that 67 percent are now participating. He said the government’s target is to ensure that no family is left behind. To illustrate his point, President Museveni cited the example of Joseph Ijaara, a farmer in Serere who uses a small piece of land to achieve high returns through commercial agriculture. He explained that Uganda’s money economy rests on four pillars — agriculture, industry, services, and ICT — and urged delegates to help their communities embrace at least one of these sectors. “In the past, towns were only filled with shops, but today we are building towns of factories where people work and earn. That is the NRM difference,” he said. The President challenged leaders to return to their communities with a clear mission of tackling the issues that directly affect ordinary Ugandans. “What I want you to take from here is simple: fight poverty in your families, fight corruption — don’t allow people to eat Parish Development Model (PDM) money. Insist that the police fight crime, and where they fail, report them,” he stressed. President Museveni also underlined the importance of social services as the foundation of transformation. On health, he noted progress in the fight against malaria and immunization campaigns but criticized the persistent theft of drugs, which undermines treatment. He reaffirmed the government's plan to expand safe water access to villages across the country. On infrastructure, President Museveni revealed that each district receives UGX 1.3 billion annually to maintain murram roads, stressing that the funds must be properly used. On education, President Museveni made one of his strongest commitments of the day: ensuring free education in government schools. He argued that since parents overwhelmingly prefer government schools, fees must be abolished to allow every child access to quality education. “Once the NRM is voted again, we shall insist on free education in all government schools. Support me so we can fully implement it,” he said. NRM Secretary General, Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong also addressed the gathering, reminding delegates that the NRM is a Movement bigger than any individual and that leadership must always be seen as service, not self-enrichment. He urged them to embody discipline, sacrifice, and responsibility in their work, stressing that elections may come and go, but the Movement and the people remain. Dr. Tanga Odoi, the Chairman of the NRM Electoral Commission, promised to deliver free and fair elections of leaders of special interest groups and the subsequent elections that will follow in the coming days.

2025-08-25

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PRESIDENT MUSEVENI ASSURES KENYA-BASED INVESTORS ON PARTNERSHIP IN KEY INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni yesterday assured investors from Rebel Group, an international consultancy and investment firm based in Nairobi, of Uganda’s readiness to partner with them in key infrastructure projects. Meeting the group led by the former US Ambassador to Kenya, Mr. Kyle McCarter, at State House, Entebbe, President Museveni welcomed the firm’s interest in Uganda and emphasized the country’s long-term economic opportunities. “We can start with infrastructure such as the Kampala–Bombo toll road and the Mpigi bridge. These projects are linked directly to the market and the consumers. As long as the consumers are there, the flow of money will not stop. That is why such investments are sustainable. They create jobs, put money in people’s pockets, and stimulate further spending,” he said. Reflecting on Uganda’s post-independence challenges, the President noted that past policy mistakes, including the expulsion of Asians under Idi Amin and the confiscation of private property, discouraged private investment. “We lost a lot of time after independence because of policies that were not private sector–friendly. Confiscating private property was a strategic mistake,” he said. “But when we came into leadership in the 1980s. We were clear, we had studied the mistakes of the past, and we had the credibility to say no, we are independent, and we are not agents of anyone. If you want true independence, you must create wealth so that you don’t depend on anybody,” he said. President Museveni explained that Uganda’s economic transformation agenda is anchored on four key pillars of wealth creation. “Our first pillar is commercial agriculture, where land must be used productively beyond subsistence farming. The second pillar is manufacturing, which focuses on adding value to our raw materials such as coffee, cotton, copper, and timber,” he said. “The third area is services, including tourism, hospitality, entertainment, and related sectors, the fourth pillar is ICT, where we must harness technology to drive growth. Everyone must be involved in producing either a good or a service, whether as an owner or as an employee. That is the foundation of wealth,” he added. The President also mentioned that infrastructure investment is central to unlocking regional trade, particularly within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). “This is why I have been advising investors to look at Africa seriously. The Chinese have already seen the potential and are coming in big numbers. But there is even more space for others to participate. Infrastructure such as roads linking Uganda to Rwanda and Congo will not only serve Uganda but the entire region. That is where the real business is,” he said. Mr. Prashiv Shah, the financial consultant with Rebel Group, welcomed President Museveni’s guidance and declared the group’s interest in Uganda. “In Kenya, we are already combining infrastructure with real estate development, but we are willing to come to Uganda not just for infrastructure but for many other sectors as well. We totally agree with your vision, and we are ready to explore opportunities here. This is a new time for building investments, and we are glad to meet you,” he said.

2025-08-23

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PRESIDENT MUSEVENI AND FIRST LADY EXTEND SUPPORT TO TESO WIDOWS DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Museveni, yesterday hosted the Teso Widows Development Initiative at their country home in Irenga, Ntungamo District, and expressed their support for the initiative. The Teso Widows Development Initiative is an organisation dedicated to uplifting 36,000 widows from the Teso Region by helping them secure better livelihoods and access education and skills. President Museveni serves as the Patron of the initiative. The members expressed their gratitude to the President for his good governance and ongoing support. “You have changed our name from the mothers of problems to mothers of blessings,” they said. In a memorandum signed by the initiative's Director, Ms. Akurut Beatrice Omese, and presented by the secretary, Ms. Pauline Akello, the initiative requested support for establishing a technical institute that would transform and benefit their community. “Many of our children cannot afford education, and we believe the technical institute will equip all the disadvantaged with essential skills,” they stated. In response, President Museveni welcomed the proposal, saying, “This is a very good effort.” He subsequently committed Shs 600 million to establish a technical institute that would empower the community with the skills and knowledge needed to pursue careers. This funding would also cover books, laboratory instruments, salaries, and the general running of the school for the first two years. To foster the initiative's growth, the President advised members to develop a money-making policy, such as establishing a SACCO (Savings and Credit Cooperative) to provide soft loans. He pledged to contribute Shs 100 million to the SACCO. Additionally, President Museveni promised to provide a pickup truck for the initiative and a bus for the institute to facilitate transportation. The Teso Widows Development Initiative further expressed their appreciation to the First Lady for her contributions to improving the lives of marginalised groups within the initiative, as well as for her collaboration in providing entrepreneurship training. Maama Janet, for her part, stated that it is her desire to see women's organisations come together to save and establish a bank in the future that will ensure self-reliance rather than dependence. She mentioned this while giving testimony about a group of Bangladeshi women who were semi-literate with very limited resources but went on to establish one of the biggest banks in the world. She further urged the widows to develop a saving culture rather than relying on a habit of borrowing to spend. “The problem we have is that we don’t know how to save, and we often borrow to spend,” said the First Lady. To emphasise the discipline of saving, Maama Janet advised the widows to ensure that they save a portion of their earnings each week or month. As their savings grow over time, they can then invest the money into larger projects.

2025-08-21

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PRESIDENT MUSEVENI MEETS FORMER NIGERIAN PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has today met and held talks with the former President of Nigeria, H.E. Goodluck Jonathan, at State House, Entebbe. H.E Jonathan, who arrived in Kampala on Wednesday 20, August 2025, today officiated at the 14th Graduation Ceremony of Cavendish University Uganda (CUU), where he serves as Chancellor. During the meeting, the two leaders reflected on the long-standing bilateral ties between Uganda and Nigeria and explored opportunities to further strengthen economic cooperation between the two countries. H.E Jonathan commended President Museveni for the warm reception extended to him and praised Uganda’s conducive environment for institutions of higher learning. He also hailed the steady progress made by Cavendish University Uganda since its establishment. He also informed President Museveni that CUU, which was licensed to operate in Uganda by the National Council for Higher Education in June 2008, has already applied for a charter to enhance its competitiveness in the region. The meeting was also attended by government officials, representatives of the Nigerian High Commission, among other dignitaries.

2025-08-21