INTER-SCHOOLS CODING COMPETITION EMPOWERS THE NEXT GENERATION

By David Muwonge The Inter-Schools Coding Competition (ISCC) stands as Uganda's largest and most impactful National Advanced Technology Initiative for secondary school students. Launched to provide young Ugandans with early exposure to advanced technological skills, the ISCC aligns closely with the nation's digital transformation agenda, inspiring a new generation of innovators and problem solvers. On Tuesday, April 21st, 2026, the journey took another significant step forward. The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of ICT & National Guidance, Dr. Aminah Zawedde, and Mr. Alan Kasujja, Executive Director of the Uganda Media Centre, met with the ISCC team at the National Innovation Hub in Nakawa. This meeting marked a key milestone, reaffirming the government of Uganda’s commitment to empowering Uganda’s youth through digital skills. The ISCC bridges the gap between formal classroom ICT education and real-world digital skills by using a structured, Competition-Based Learning approach. This hands-on model ensures that students are not only learning theory but also applying their knowledge to practical challenges. So far, ISCC and its partners have trained over 4,000 students from 120 schools across Uganda in Python programming, a foundational skill for careers in data science, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and web development. These numbers reflect the growing excitement and ambition among Uganda’s youth. Building on this, the ISCC leadership aims to reach 500 secondary schools this year, significantly expanding the program’s impact and bringing advanced technological skills to even more students across the country. Isaac Prince Sekatawa of ISCC shared, “Last year, we were able to reach 4,000 students. This year, we are reaching 500,000 students across the country.” This ambitious target stresses the initiative's scale and vision. At the same event, Dr. Zawedde stated that digital transformation begins with equipping young people with skills in coding, analysis, and problem-solving, noting that these competencies are now as essential as learning English and Mathematics. She stressed that infrastructure, tools, and online services are key to national progress, adding that data protection and cybersecurity are necessary to ensure digital solutions have a real impact. The Permanent Secretary noted that digital skilling goes beyond rhetoric, describing it as a key driver of innovation, entrepreneurship, and meaningful opportunities for Uganda’s youth. Alan Kasujja noted that, “so we as the Media Centre are excited to support anything that has an impact on communities. Anything that seeks to show young people where the opportunities are. We are going to support those groups.” He added, “That's why we are associating ourselves with a competition that showcases coding skills from across the country. We are giving them visibility.” Mr. Alan Kasujja said that the Uganda Media Centre aims to offer strategic support to anyone seeking assistance, ensuring individuals receive the visibility their projects require. He explained that the Centre will guide people to ensure their projects receive the attention they seek. Kasujja noted that the secondary schools project is reaching people in villages and remote schools across Uganda. He emphasized that some of the best-performing schools are in very remote areas, such as Kigezi, and expressed confidence in the initiative, emphasizing its widespread and positive impact throughout the country. Last year’s competition, held at the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds on December 12th, 2025, marked the program’s successful launch. Standard High School Zzana emerged as the champions, setting the stage for an even more exciting edition this year. “So, we are excited that this year we are happening again. It's happening again, and we look forward to seeing the permanent secretary as our chief guest at the Kololo Independence Grounds,” Prince Sekatawa remarked. In her concluding remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Aminah Zawedde, emphasized that building a generation of coders requires more than training, stressing the importance of creating pathways to jobs, competitions, and tangible rewards for young people. Testimony Daniel Mich Ogwal, a former Pine International School student, recounted his encounter with the Inter Schools Coding Competition, a unique and exciting opportunity he had only ever seen online. Forming a team with his peers, Daniel experienced the intensity of competition-based learning, regularly checking the leaderboard and finding his biggest rivals were teams from the Kigezi region. Despite these challenges, his team advanced through both regional and national rounds, ultimately securing third place at the grand event in Kololo. He observed that the ISCC inspired participants to pursue innovative technological projects, such as digital election and sign-in systems, even among teams that did not win. Daniel shared the story of his friend Joshua, who, though not a winner, was motivated to start building a Ugandan version of Amazon. For Daniel and many others, the competition was truly life-changing, instilling new confidence and ambition.

2026-04-21

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI CELEBRATES ELECTORAL VICTORY WITH LANGO SUB-REGION, WARNS AGAINST CORRUPTION

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni today joined thousands of jubilant NRM supporters in Lango Sub-region to celebrate his recent electoral victory. The event which was held at Lango College Grounds, marked a moment of appreciation and renewed commitment between the President and the people of Lango, who turned up in large numbers to show their support. In his address, President Museveni expressed gratitude to the people of Lango and the entire nation for their continued trust in his leadership. “I thank God for the unity the people of Uganda have continued to show us. It’s God who has continued making us united and that’s why I start by thanking Him.” In addition, he appreciated the people of Lango for voting wisely but also massively in the recent general elections. “Now that elections are over, make sure all households which haven’t benefited from PDM benefit in the next five years. That's why the leaders should not just talk generally but should be specific; parish by parish on how many homesteads have received because those who get support get out of poverty,” President Museveni noted. Furthermore, President Museveni called on the MPs to check how many youths have got the Emyooga money at constituency level. He also noted that the government is planning to start a fresh program of giving coffee seedlings and fruits to farmers. “I’m going to use my land in Baralegi and other government land to plant seedlings which can be given to people for free,” Museveni noted. He also emphasized the importance of maintaining peace, stability, and economic transformation as Uganda moves forward. “I thank the people of Lango for standing with the National Resistance Movement and for supporting our vision of prosperity for all Ugandans,” the President said. “We must now focus on wealth creation, job opportunities, and improving household incomes.” More importantly, President Museveni cautioned Ugandans against corruption. “Don’t be kind to corrupt people, nobody should deduct any money from your PDM, there is enough space in Luzira,” he warned. President Museveni further encouraged Lango people to be very hard working, noting that if people have money it’s easier to progress. He concluded by expressing gratitude again to the people of Lango for their support for the NRM. “Thank you very much for the massive votes you gave me,may God bless you,” President Museveni said. Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, Lira City Woman Member of Parliament, who also serves as the Minister for Health, warmly welcomed President Museveni to Lango and thanked him for advancing national transformation. She appreciated the President for the development in the last forty years, citing Projects like Parish Development Model and Emyooga. She also thanked the people of Lango for voting President Museveni massively with 80.4%. In addition, Dr. Aceng commended President Museveni for the great improvement in service delivery in the subregion. “I’m very happy to note that heart surgeries ,brain surgeries, dialysis are all made in Lira hospital,” she added. The government Chief Whip, Hon. Hamson Obua also praised the people of Lango for voting NRM massively. “We are here to thank God and the people of Lango for the triumphant victory in the elections,” Hon. Obua said. Ambassador Joseph Ocwet, the Director General of the External Security Organisation (ESO) praised the President’s commitment to infrastructure development, education, and security in the region, noting significant improvements over the years. “You brought prosperity to Lango. There is a lot of development, the roads, education system, healthcare has gone beyond our expectations. This is the reason Lango voted for you massively this time,” Ambassador Ocwet noted. Prior to the event, President Museveni laid a wreath in memory of the late Anthony Ocwet, the father of Ambassador Ocwet and the late Mrs. Carolyn Akullu Ocwet, his wife. The event was also attended by Ministers, religious and cultural leaders, NRM leaders, among others.

2026-04-18

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI LEADS MPS IN SHOOTING EXERCISE, CALLS FOR INTEGRITY IN LEADERSHIP

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni today took Members of Parliament through shooting practice at the National Leadership Institute (NALI) in Kyankwanzi and used the session to emphasise national defence, discipline, and the fight against corruption. This event was the last activity of the MP’s retreat which officially concluded yesterday. The one-week retreat started on April 7 to 14th April, 2026 under the theme: “Aligning the NRM leadership towards protecting the gains and making a bold, qualitative leap towards a higher middle-income status society.” The President, who personally guided the legislators on basic firearms handling, also observed their participation and congratulated them, noting that some were veterans. “I congratulate the participants. I can see some of them are veterans,” President Museveni said. He explained that Uganda’s security is anchored on the concept of a people’s army, where citizens are trained and can return to civilian life but remain available as a reserve force when needed. “Ours is a people’s army. We encourage citizens to learn the science of arms so that in case of any threat, we can mobilise numbers for national defence,” he said. President Museveni noted that such a system enables even countries with smaller populations to build strong defence capacity through continuous training and mobilisation of reservists. “This is how you maximise defence. People train, go back to their normal lives, but remain ready. That is what they do in countries like Israel, where citizens are called back for refresher training,” he added. Reflecting on Uganda’s experience, the President cited past instances where trained local defence units were mobilised to respond to security challenges, underscoring the importance of preparedness. Turning to governance, President Museveni warned that corruption remains the biggest threat to national progress and urged leaders to take a firm stand against it. “The first thing you must do is to fight corruption. If you don’t, all these efforts will be for nothing,” he said. He cautioned Members of Parliament against engaging in bribery and vote-buying, describing the practice as detrimental to both leadership and national development. “Do not bribe voters. You cannot give someone a small amount of money to decide leadership for five years. That is wrong,” he emphasised. The President also encouraged legislators to embrace financial discipline and utilise existing support systems such as savings and credit cooperatives instead of unsustainable borrowing. “A bankrupt leader should not be a leader. Stand on your own and work with the systems we have put in place,” he advised. President Museveni said that the government had historically prioritised collective welfare programmes for the army, including schools for soldiers’ children, scholarships, and SACCO initiatives such as Wazalendo, to improve livelihoods. “We did not have much money for high salaries, but we focused on supporting soldiers through education, housing, and healthcare,” he said. He also noted that the government had to encourage families of soldiers to engage in productive activities to boost household incomes without engaging in corruption practices. Call to serve: As the retreat came to a close, President Museveni urged the legislators to return to their constituencies with a renewed commitment to service, integrity, and wealth creation among wananchi. Uganda’s transformation, he noted, depends on disciplined leadership, elimination of corruption, and empowering citizens to participate in the money economy. “I wish you good luck as you go back to serve your constituencies,” he said. On his part, Col. Okei Rukogota, the Director of NALI, thanked the President for recently inaugurating the shooting range , noting that it will support the continued training of civilians in basic defence skills. He said the initiative is in line with the President’s long-standing guidance that, wherever possible, citizens should be equipped with practical skills to enhance security and reduce violence. “This is testimony that you have never been a dictator, because dictators cannot empower citizens with the means of defence,” Col. Rukogota said. He also commended the President for continuing to equip wananchi with the capacity to safeguard the country’s democratic and transformation processes.

2026-04-15

GENERAL MUHOOZI KAINERUGABA’S 52ND BIRTHDAY RUN

By Josepha Jabo The Executive Director of Uganda Media Centre, Alan Kasujja, announced the 52nd Birthday Run of Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, to be held two days after his birthday on Sunday, April 26, 2026 at Kololo Independence Grounds from 6am-12pm. Addressing journalists and well-wishers at a press conference held at Uganda Media Centre on Tuesday, April 14, 2026 Kasujja revealed that the CDF will be the Chief Runner at the event. “We are here this morning to support the 52nd birthday run that honours the birthday of the CDF, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba. This is a civic engagement, which reflects the relationship the general has with the people. Rather than celebrating on his own, he has decided to give back to the community, hence this event. It’s a non-partisan event. We are announcing a celebration worthy of a servant leader. The theme, this year, is ‘Run for Charity, Run for Hope’ and 52 years is 52 reasons to run,” he said. Kasujja revealed that the CDF will be the Chief Runner. “The general himself will be the Chief Runner. We are looking forward to having him running side by side with fellow Ugandans on the road. I am going to try to run, even though you can see running is not my biggest strength, but we shall see what happens on that day,” he promised. For all those who are interested in sponsoring this event, Kasujja said financial contributions towards the birthday run can be made to MTN MoMo 55445766, Airtel 4405201. “In moments like these, there are people who try to take advantage. There are fraudsters, who emerge from all corners and say they are fundraising for this event. That should not happen this time. If you want to make a financial contribution towards this cause, your contribution is welcome and it should go to those two codes,” he explained. Kasujja invited all Ugandans to participate in the event. “This birthday belongs to every Ugandan. We invite all of you, wherever you are, to come and take part. I encourage every Ugandan, to show up in large numbers. Ugandans are strongest when we run together; ‘One Uganda, One Finish Line!’” Spokesperson of the UPDF, Colonel Chris Magezi, appealed to young people to attend the birthday run. “The MK Birthday Run, which has turned into an annual event, is for a good cause. We appeal to young people in Kampala and neighbouring areas to come and participate in this run. This event is gaining traction every year. The general, like others in his position, could have chosen to celebrate his birthday privately, but the general is the rallying point for millions of young Ugandans and it is something he has embraced over time. That is why the MK birthday run is becoming an exciting annual event. We want to continue to use it, to engage the young people for community causes,” he said. Police Spokesperson, ACP Kituuma Rusoke, assured the general public of security during the event. “The birthday run, of our CDF, is a very noble cause. In due course, we shall give you a comprehensive picture of our entire route, but the generic statement that I can make now is that Uganda Police Force shall control traffic along the routes and roads that will be affected. We will certainly have access control measures. Whoever intends to come to Kololo, we shall guarantee you security. We shall deploy along the routes, at venues and at any place security assessment deems necessary to be deployed,” he concluded. Each running kit costs UGX 20,000. The kits are available now at Kololo Independence Grounds. The proceeds that will come from the purchase of these kits will go towards orphans. The general will support orphans with the proceeds and financial contributions. The writer works for Uganda Media Centre

2026-04-14

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI CLOSES NRM MPs’ RETREAT IN KYANKWANZI, URGES LEADERS TO FIGHT CORRUPTION

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has officially closed the 2026 NRM Members of Parliament retreat held at the National Leadership Institute (NALI) in Kyankwanzi, calling on leaders to reject corruption and actively participate in wealth creation initiatives. The week-long retreat, which started on April 7, ended today,14th April 2026, under the theme: “Aligning the NRM leadership towards protecting the gains and making a bold, qualitative leap towards a higher middle-income status society.” Before the close of the retreat, President Museveni hosted the MPs at Ngoma State Lodge and Farm, where he led them on a tour of the farm. The group walked through the cattle fields and proceeded to the bridge between River Mayanja and River Kafu, an area the President described as historically significant in Uganda’s liberation struggle. Speaking during the final session, the President emphasized the historical and strategic importance of Kyankwanzi. “This place is very important for two reasons,” he said. He recalled that on February 20, 1984, the National Resistance Army (NRA) mobile brigade, led by Gen. Caleb Akandwanaho (Salim Saleh), attacked and overran Masindi Barracks after trekking for days from Kanyara. “They had walked for many miles and attacked Masindi Barracks. We were monitoring through the radio, and I intercepted communications from Obote’s forces saying they had been attacked and overrun,” he said. President Museveni added that he immediately set off on foot to link up with the fighters. “I left at about 10:00am and walked. We slept near a place nearby and later crossed into Kyankwanzi, where we linked up with Saleh’s force,” he noted. He revealed that after the war, he decided to secure the land for national purposes. “After the war, I said I will buy this land for the movement because it was a good area. Eventually, the government acquired it, and that is why we are here today,” he said. The President noted that the area’s geography, surrounded by rivers such as Mayanja and Kafu, makes it ideal for reflection and ideological orientation. “That is why I always bring you here,” he added. Shift to the money economy: President Museveni reiterated his long-standing message of transitioning Ugandans from subsistence living to the money economy. “By the time of independence, only about 9% of homesteads were in the money economy. The rest were producing just for the stomach,” he explained. Drawing from his upbringing in Ntungamo, the President said most families, including his own, were not engaged in commercial activity. “We had cows and bananas, but they were only for consumption. There was no selling,” he said. He emphasized that since the 1960s, there has been a consistent push to transform livelihoods. “Our message has always been that our people must enter the money economy,” he added. The President highlighted progress in the cattle corridor, which stretches from Isingiro through Kazo, Kiruhura, Sembabule, Gomba, Kyankwanzi, Nakasongola, and Masindi. “When we came into government in 1986, we intensified this message. We encouraged smallholder farmers to adopt dairy farming and other income-generating activities,” he said. He noted that the strategy has yielded visible results. “The cattle corridor has transformed because people changed their mindset and followed the message,” President Museveni said. He cited farmer John Matongo as one of the beneficiaries. “He was outside the money economy, but now he has transformed and became a wealthy man,” he noted. However, he urged farmers to embrace pasture improvement for increased productivity. “If you plant improved pasture on one square mile, you can keep up to 300 cows,” he advised. President Museveni also pointed to ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure in the area. “We shall continue working on the roads connecting Luwero, Ngoma, and Kyankwanzi to improve accessibility,” he said. Strong warning against corruption: The President issued a stern warning against corruption, particularly within Parliament. “I do not want to hear of corruption in Parliament. If there is corruption in Parliament, how will you control others? You are the oversight body,” he said. He warned that corruption poses a serious threat to national development. “It will kill Uganda. It is suicide and must not be tolerated,” he stressed. President Museveni further revealed reports of bribery linked to budget approvals. “I have heard that some people demand money before passing budgets. One official refused and reported the matter. This must stop,” he said. He cautioned that anyone found engaging in bribery for positions would be disqualified. “If we hear that you are giving bribes to get office, you will be disqualified,” he warned. On the Parish Development Model (PDM), the President urged proper utilization of funds. “This money we are sending to the people can change their lives if used properly,” he said. He also advised citizens to avoid unnecessary borrowing. “Do not rush to money lenders or banks because of pressure. Use the resources you have wisely,” he cautioned. On her part, the Vice President, H.E Jessica Alupo commended the Members of Parliament-elect for completing the retreat, describing it as a key platform for strengthening ideological grounding and leadership discipline. She said the Kyankwanzi training was essential in aligning leaders with the Movement’s long-term vision of socio-economic transformation. “We appreciate the commitment shown by the MPs throughout this retreat. It is important that leaders remain grounded in the ideology of the Movement as they serve the people,” she said. She urged the legislators to translate the knowledge gained into practical service delivery and improved accountability at all levels. The Secretary General of the NRM, Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong, presented the official resolutions of the retreat on behalf of the NRM Members of Parliament and party-leaning Independents. “We gathered here as NRM Members of Parliament-elect and NRM-leaning Independents to reflect on our role in protecting the gains of the revolution and advancing Uganda towards a higher middle-income status,” he said. He noted that the retreat followed the NRM’s electoral victory in the 2026 general elections. “We acknowledge the resounding victory of the NRM Party and its Presidential candidate, Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, and appreciate the role played by the party structures under the stewardship of the Secretary General and the entire leadership,” he added. Todwong said the MPs benefited from ideological guidance by President Museveni, who delivered a keynote address on understanding the NRM Revolution and party ideology, as well as a series of leadership materials authored by the President. “We were guided by the wisdom and leadership of the National Chairperson and inspired to recommit ourselves to the mission of the Movement,” he said. Presenting the resolutions, Todwong said MPs had resolved to uphold discipline, accountability, and ethical leadership. “We commit to institutionalizing a culture of discipline, accountability, and results-oriented leadership aligned to the NRM manifesto,” he said. He emphasized that leaders would prioritize national interest over personal gain and reject mediocrity. “We also resolved to support firm and decisive measures in the fight against corruption at all levels of government,” he added. The MPs further committed to strengthening anti-corruption institutions and enforcing strict accountability mechanisms. “We reaffirm a zero-tolerance on corruption, inefficiency, and abuse of office,” Todwong said. On the economy, Todwong said MPs pledged to support policies aimed at accelerating socio-economic transformation. “We have committed to aligning all our decisions with the National Development Plan IV and supporting policies that expand access to affordable credit, markets, and infrastructure,” he noted. He added that MPs would support the government's tenfold growth strategy and efforts to double the economy every five years. “We shall promote value addition, export orientation, and import substitution as key drivers of Uganda’s transition to a higher middle-income economy,” he said. Meanwhile, the Member of Parliament for Nakaseke North, Prof. Wilber Manyisa Ahebwa, commended President Museveni for his leadership and contribution to national development. “I thank you, Your Excellency, for the sacrifices you have made for this country,” he said. He noted that Nakaseke strongly supported the President in the recent elections. “This constituency gave you overwhelming support, and we remain committed to the Movement,” he added. Prof. Manyisa highlighted key economic activities in the area, including cattle keeping and tea growing, and pledged to continue mobilising communities for government programmes.

2026-04-14

NITA-U, MINISTRY OF ICT & NATIONAL GUIDANCE ANNOUNCE LAUNCH OF NATIONAL IP PEERING EXCHANGE (NIPX), ACHIEVING TRUE DIGITAL SOVEREIGNITY

By Catherine Namuddu National Information Technology Authority-Uganda (NITA-U) in collaboration with the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, has officially announced the upcoming launch of the National IP Peering Exchange (NIPX). The announcement was made at a press conference at Uganda Media Centre on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. The NIPX launch will take place during an awareness and engagement workshop on Friday, April 17, 2026 at Speke Resort Munyonyo, Kampala. In his address, Hon. Godfrey Kabbyanga, Minister of State for ICT and National Guidance highlighted NIPX’s strategic importance. “Today marks a bold and historic milestone in Uganda’s digital journey. With the launch of the National IP Peering Exchange (NIPX), Uganda is taking a decisive step toward achieving true digital sovereignty. The ministry has fulfilled its role as an enabler, by working closely with NITA-U to deliver this critical national infrastructure, which will firmly position Uganda as a competitive ICT hub within the East African region,” he said. Furthermore, Kabbyanga urged all Internet Service Providers, content providers and digital businesses to actively collaborate with the NIPX so the government and private sector can work together to build a faster, cheaper, more secure and resilient Internet for every Ugandan. The minister’s remarks highlighted how the NIPX will attract investment, stimulate innovation, and create new economic opportunities, particularly for the youth and digital entrepreneurs. The NIPX is Uganda’s first neutral and open Internet Exchange Point (IXP). It enables Internet Service Providers (ISPs), content providers, cloud platforms, data centres and government networks to exchange Internet traffic locally and efficiently within the country. By keeping local traffic local, the platform is expected to significantly reduce latency, lower the cost of Internet services, enhance network resilience, and strengthen Uganda’s digital sovereignty. The launch represents a key deliverable, under the Digital Uganda Strategy and Vision 2040. It addresses long-standing inefficiencies, where even domestic internet traffic is routed through expensive international pathways before returning to Uganda, a situation that increases costs and reduces performance. Representing the Executive Director NITA-U, Dr. Hatwib Mugasa the Director Technical Services, Mr. Richard Obita, provided technical insight into the platform. “The NIPX has been deliberately designed under neutral ownership, where it is neither owned nor controlled by the government. Hence ensuring that no single entity holds controlling interest. This creates a genuine level playing field for all participants,” Obita said. “Instead of routing local traffic, through expensive international carriers, networks can now interconnect directly within Uganda. This delivers three immediate benefits; significantly lower latency for faster user experience, reduced operational costs by minimising reliance on international bandwidth and greater reliability even during international link disruptions. For the ordinary Ugandan, this means smoother video calls, faster access to e-government services, improved online learning and eventually more affordable data packages,” he continued. Speaking on behalf of the private sector, Chairman of the Internet Service Providers Association of Uganda (ISPAU), Mr. Godfrey Sserwamukoko, applauded the development saying, “On behalf of the Internet service industry, we commend the Ministry of ICT and NITA-U for this initiative. NIPX provides a neutral and open platform that has the potential to optimise local traffic exchange and bring meaningful cost efficiencies. We look forward to active collaboration, with all stakeholders, to ensure maximum participation, to realise the full benefits of faster and more affordable Internet services for businesses and citizens across Uganda.” Lastly, NIPX operates on globally recognised best practices, open peering, non-discriminatory access and shared governance. NIPX infrastructure is of world-class standard; robust, secure, scalable and ready to meet the demands of Uganda’s growing digital economy. All eligible networks, both large and small, are warmly invited for the launch to connect and begin interacting on this national platform. It has been declared open for business. The writer works for Uganda Media Centre

2026-04-14