Tororo, Uganda —The Start Awareness Support Action (SASA) project, a flagship community-driven initiative aimed at combating gender-based violence, has officially concluded after six years of sustained impact across Eastern Uganda. Running from 2020 to April 2026, the project has been widely recognized as a success, particularly in Tororo District, where it significantly contributed to reducing cases of domestic violence and promoting gender equality.

The project’s sunset celebrations were held over two days in Nagongera Sub-county on April 26 and Mukuju Sub-county on April 27, drawing a wide range of stakeholders. In attendance were community leaders, grassroots activists, community development officers, local government officials, and representatives from partner organizations. The Resident District Commissioner of Tororo District was also present, underscoring the importance of the initiative at both local and national levels.

Addressing the gathering, area representative Peace Nabudua praised the collective efforts that defined the SASA project. She emphasized that the initiative had not only reduced gender-based violence but had also strengthened community cohesion and accountability.

“The SASA project has shown us that meaningful change begins within the community,” Nabudua stated. “Through awareness, support, and action, we have seen families rebuild trust, reduce conflict, and embrace equality in ways that were once thought difficult.”

A major highlight of the event was the recognition and appreciation of individuals who played key roles in the project’s success. Certificates were awarded to active community leaders and activists who championed behavioral change at the grassroots level. In addition, community development officers received special accolades for their dedication and leadership in implementing programs and supporting vulnerable households.

Community activist Lanie Banks, one of the notable attendees, commended the people of Tororo for their cooperation and commitment throughout the project period. She highlighted the importance of maintaining the momentum built over the years.

“What we are witnessing here is a powerful example of what unity and purpose can achieve,” Banks remarked. “The community has embraced change, challenged harmful norms, and worked together to create safer homes. This must continue beyond the life of the project.”

The SASA project focused on addressing the root causes of gender-based violence, including unequal power dynamics, harmful cultural practices, and lack of awareness. Through community dialogues, training sessions, and advocacy campaigns, the initiative encouraged open conversations around respect, equality, and shared responsibility within households.

Implemented by the Uganda Network on Law, Ethics and HIV/AIDS (UGANET), the project was supported by several key partners, including UN Women, Raising Voices, the Spotlight Initiative, and the Government of Uganda. This multi-stakeholder approach ensured that interventions were both comprehensive and sustainable.

According to reports presented during the celebrations, the project reached approximately 50,000 people across the region. Beneficiaries cited improved family relationships, increased reporting of abuse, and greater access to support services as some of the most significant outcomes. The initiative also contributed to reducing stigma associated with HIV/AIDS and addressing issues such as child labor and violence against women and girls.

Local leaders further noted a positive shift in attitudes, particularly among men and boys, who became more actively involved in promoting gender equality and preventing violence. This change in mindset has been described as one of the most lasting achievements of the SASA project.

Despite the conclusion of the initiative, stakeholders emphasized the importance of sustaining its impact. Community leaders called for continued collaboration between local authorities, civil society organizations, and residents to ensure that the progress made is preserved and expanded.

“The end of the SASA project is not the end of our journey,” Nabudua added. “We must continue to stand together, support one another, and uphold the values we have learned to ensure lasting peace in our communities.”

As the celebrations came to a close, there was a strong sense of pride and optimism among attendees. The SASA project leaves behind a legacy of empowerment, resilience, and transformation—serving as a model for future interventions aimed at building safer, more equitable communities across Uganda.

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The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has suspended all on street parking along Kampala and Jinja roads in the traffic management intervention aimed at easing congestion and improving mobility within Kampala’s Central Business District.

The directive, announced in a public notice dated May 13, takes immediate effect and affects the busy stretch from the Entebbe Road junction through Kampala Road up to the Jinja Road and Yusuf Lule Road junction near Kitgum House.

KCCA said the decision forms part of broader efforts to restore order in the city center, improve road safety and create a more efficient transport system for motorists, pedestrians and public service vehicles.

“The general public and all motorists are hereby informed that on street vehicle parking along Kampala and Jinja Roads from the Entebbe Road junction to Jinja Road/Yusuf Lule Junction (Kitgum House) has been suspended,” the authority stated.

“This change has been implemented to improve traffic flow, enhance safety for all road users, and support better mobility within the Central Business District,” the notice added.

Kampala Road is one of the busiest commercial corridors in Uganda’s capital, connecting the city center to major routes leading to Entebbe Road, Jinja Road and Yusuf Lule Road. The area experiences heavy traffic throughout the day due to the concentration of banks, shopping arcades, government offices, hotels, taxi stages and corporate headquarters.

For years, motorists have parked along sections of the road, a practice city authorities say has contributed to traffic bottlenecks, delayed movement of emergency vehicles and increased risks for pedestrians navigating narrow road spaces.

The suspension is expected to significantly change traffic patterns in downtown Kampala, especially during peak business hours when motorists scramble for parking spaces near offices and commercial buildings.

KCCA advised motorists to use alternative parking areas including Station Road, Dewinton Road, Said Barre Road and Nkrumah Road.

The authority also encouraged drivers to utilize parking spaces within buildings and private premises they intend to access, as well as commercial parking facilities at the National Theatre, Uganda House and the multi storey parking facility along Portal Avenue.

“Motorists are therefore advised to utilize alternative parking locations,” KCCA said.

“All motorists are requested to comply with the new parking arrangements and cooperate with enforcement officers.”

The development comes at a time when Kampala continues to face mounting traffic challenges driven by rapid urbanization, increasing vehicle numbers and limited road expansion within the city center.

KCCA has in recent years undertaken several initiatives aimed at improving traffic flow, including road reconstruction projects, installation of traffic lights, introduction of smart city systems and stricter enforcement against illegal street parking and roadside vending.

Urban planners have long argued that uncontrolled roadside parking reduces the carrying capacity of roads and worsens traffic congestion in rapidly growing cities like Kampala. Transport experts also say removing parked vehicles from major roads can improve public transport movement and reduce travel time for commuters.

However, some business operators in the city center are likely to raise concerns over the new directive, arguing that limited accessible parking could affect customer convenience and daily business operations.

Despite the expected inconvenience for some motorists, KCCA insists the measures are necessary to create a safer and more organized city transport network.

“We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we continue working towards a safer and more efficient city transport system,” the authority said.

The directive reveals a renewed push by KCCA to transform Kampala into a more orderly and modern city amid growing pressure on urban infrastructure and transport services.

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The United States Ambassador to Uganda, William W. Popp, has hailed American companies operating in Uganda for investing in communities, creating jobs, and transferring skills and technology, as the U.S. Embassy officially launched the Freedom250: The American Edge campaign in Kampala.

Speaking during the launch event, Ambassador Popp said American partnerships in Uganda go beyond trade and profit making, noting that they have contributed significantly to health care, education, research, innovation, and economic growth.

“American companies in Uganda don’t just do business. They invest in Uganda. They create jobs. They transfer knowledge,” Popp said.

The campaign marks the beginning of celebrations leading to the 250th anniversary of American independence on July 4, 2026, while also highlighting decades of cooperation between Uganda and the United States.

Popp, whose diplomatic tour in Uganda is nearing its end after nearly three years, described the initiative as both a celebration of shared achievements and a reaffirmation of American values of innovation, entrepreneurship, and freedom.

“Freedom250 is an opportunity to reaffirm that American values continue to guide how we engage with partners like Uganda,” he said.

The ambassador said throughout his travels across Uganda, he witnessed what he termed as “The American Edge” in different sectors including health care, education, business, technology, and scientific research.

“I’ve seen it in laboratories at Makerere and Mbarara Universities, where Ugandan researchers use American technology to unlock the genetic codes of diseases,” he said.

“I’ve seen it in the offices of entrepreneurs who studied in America and returned home to build businesses that create jobs and drive innovation.”

Popp praised Ugandan alumni of American exchange programs, saying they have played a major role in transforming communities and strengthening ties between the two countries.

He particularly recognized more than 6,000 Ugandan alumni of U.S. exchange programs and encouraged Ugandans to engage them about their experiences in the United States.

“Every one of you are part of American excellence in action and you brought it back to Uganda,” he said.

The envoy also highlighted the role of American businesses in Uganda’s economy, citing firms in telecommunications, agriculture, beverages, and banking.

He said companies such as American Tower Corporation, Coca-Cola, PepsiCo and Citibank continue to expand opportunities for Ugandans through investments and partnerships.

According to Popp, American agricultural technologies are also improving productivity among Ugandan farmers and boosting exports.

On health cooperation, the ambassador pointed to joint Uganda-U.S. efforts during the Ebola outbreak in 2025, saying the collaboration helped contain the disease in less than 90 days.

“When Ebola struck in 2025, we stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Uganda. American public health experts worked alongside Ugandan epidemiologists,” he said.

He added that American diagnostic technologies, vaccine research partnerships, and support to institutions such as the Uganda Virus Research Institute have strengthened Uganda’s ability to respond to disease outbreaks.

Popp also referenced the signing of a five year $2.3 billion health memorandum of understanding between Uganda and the United States in December 2025, describing it as a reflection of growing cooperation in health security.

The ambassador further highlighted education partnerships between Ugandan and American universities, saying they have helped produce scientists, doctors, engineers, and innovators shaping the future of the region.

He noted that the newly opened American Center in Kampala and the U.S. Studies Center at Makerere University are expected to deepen academic exchange and learning opportunities.

The Freedom250 campaign will feature exhibitions, social media engagements, alumni stories, and events celebrating the historical and modern relationship between Uganda and the United States under the hashtags #TheAmericanEdge and #Freedom250.

As he prepares to leave Uganda, Popp thanked Ugandans for what he described as their warmth, resilience, and partnership.

“While my time in this role may be concluding, the work we have undertaken together is far from finished. Here’s to the next 250 years of friendship, partnership, and shared prosperity,”he said.

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Businessman Sudhir Ruparelia was among leading Ugandan and Indian business figures who joined high level discussions in Kampala focused on youth empowerment, skills development and strengthening cooperation between Uganda and India during the visit of Indian Minister Jayant Chaudhary.

Chaudhary, India’s Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education, was in Uganda to represent the Government of India at President Yoweri Museveni’s swearing in ceremony.

During his stay in Kampala, the minister met members of the Indian diaspora at a breakfast engagement organised by the Indian High Commission, where discussions centred on deepening economic and educational cooperation between Uganda and India.

The engagement also attracted Tororo County legislator Shyam Tanna, one of Uganda’s youngest Members of Parliament, highlighting the growing role of young leaders in strengthening ties between the two countries.

In a separate courtesy meeting hosted by the Indian High Commission, Chaudhary held discussions with Ugandan leaders and private sector players on how Uganda can partner with India to improve vocational education, accreditation systems and workforce competitiveness.

The talks focused on expanding opportunities for Ugandan youth through technical training, entrepreneurship, modern farming methods and specialised skilling programmes aimed at increasing employment both locally and abroad.

Captains of industry including Sudhir Ruparelia, Bhaskar Kotecha, Sitaram Reddy and Ramesh Babu attended the engagement alongside officials from the Indian High Commission and other distinguished guests.

The discussions come at a time when Uganda is increasingly prioritising skills development and industrialisation as key drivers for job creation, especially among the youth population.

India remains one of Uganda’s major development and investment partners, with cooperation spanning trade, education, health, technology and infrastructure development.

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Uganda’s oil and gas sector is steadily positioning itself as a major catalyst for national development as it is already creating thousands of jobs, attracting billions of dollars in investment and equipping Ugandans with skills capable of transforming the wider economy.

This was revealed during the opening of the 3rd Annual Oil and Gas Skills Expo 2026 at Makerere University, where government leaders, petroleum industry players, development partners, students and academia gathered to discuss workforce readiness and sustainable growth in the country’s petroleum sector.

The two day expo was held under the theme, “From Oil and Gas to the Wider Economy: Transferable Skills Driving Sustainable Growth.”

Representing Energy Minister Ruth Nankabirwa, Under Secretary at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development Grace Tusiime said Uganda’s petroleum industry was no longer just about oil extraction, but had become a foundation for industrialisation, innovation and economic transformation.

“Uganda’s oil and gas sector is steadily becoming a key driver of national transformation, creating jobs, building skills and unlocking opportunities across multiple sectors of the economy,” Tusiime said.

She noted that government was strategically leveraging petroleum resources to accelerate industrial growth, enterprise development and long term socio economic progress.

According to the minister’s message, Uganda’s petroleum sector has attracted more than 15 billion United States dollars in investment since the Final Investment Decision was announced in 2022.

The investments, estimated at approximately Shs75 trillion, have stimulated growth in construction, transport, information technology, manufacturing, agriculture, financial services, hospitality and education.

“The oil and gas sector is creating opportunities beyond petroleum production. The skills, infrastructure and investments being developed are supporting wider economic growth across the country,” she said.

Tusiime revealed that more than 21,000 Ugandans are currently employed in the sector, with over 90 percent of the workforce being Ugandan nationals.

She attributed this to government’s national content policy, which seeks to ensure meaningful participation of citizens in petroleum activities.

The minister also disclosed that more than 14,000 Ugandans have undergone specialised training in areas such as welding, fabrication, engineering, heavy machinery operation, health and safety, logistics and environmental management.

She explained that the skills acquired through the oil and gas sector can easily be transferred to other industries including infrastructure development, renewable energy, transport, mining and manufacturing.

“These are not skills for oil and gas alone. They are skills that can transform Uganda’s broader economy and prepare our young people for global competitiveness,” she said.

Tusiime further reaffirmed government’s commitment to ensuring that petroleum resources contribute to sustainable national development.

She pointed to the recently launched National Petroleum Policy 2025, which prioritises technology transfer, innovation, skills development and stronger collaboration between training institutions and industry players.

The government, she added, is also developing the Local Content Development Fund Bill aimed at establishing a dedicated financing mechanism to support enterprise growth, technology transfer and increased participation of Ugandans in the oil and gas industry.

She urged young people to embrace technical education, professionalism, discipline and innovation in order to benefit from opportunities emerging within the sector.

“Uganda’s energy future requires a skilled workforce that is ready to compete globally and drive national transformation,” she said.

Meanwhile, Executive Director of the Petroleum Authority of Uganda, Ernest Rubondo, said the country’s petroleum industry continues to create transformative opportunities for citizens through employment, industrial growth and skills development.

Rubondo revealed that more than 300 Ugandan professionals have already received international technical training to support major petroleum projects in the country.

He added that by the end of 2025, Uganda’s oil and gas sector had generated nearly 200,000 jobs through direct, indirect and induced employment opportunities.

“The sector is advancing towards commercial production and deliberate efforts are needed to ensure that the skills acquired in oil and gas are transferred to other sectors of the economy to support long term national development,” Rubondo said.

He also highlighted the growing number of Ugandans occupying senior technical and management positions within the petroleum industry, describing it as evidence that national capacity building efforts are beginning to yield results.

The expo continues to serve as a platform for strengthening partnerships between government, academia and the private sector while preparing Ugandans to tap into opportunities emerging from both the petroleum industry and the wider economy.

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