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African legislative leaders to convene for peace and security summit at Speke Resort Munyonyo

By
Simon Kabayo
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Speke Resort Munyonyo Convention Centre that will host the conference.

As Africa grapples with rising insecurity, unconstitutional transitions and protracted conflicts, legislative leaders from across the continent are preparing to converge in Uganda for a pivotal summit aimed at advancing peace and security through parliamentary action.

The Extraordinary General Assembly of the Conference of Speakers and Presidents of African Legislatures (CoSPAL) will be held from 19 to 20 July 2025 at Speke Resort Munyonyo in Kampala. The high-level gathering is expected to solidify efforts by parliaments to take a lead role in conflict resolution and security stabilization across Africa.

During a pre-conference diplomatic briefing held on Thursday, 3 July 2025 at the Parliament of Uganda, Geofrey Ekanya, MP for Tororo North County, delivered remarks on behalf of Speaker of Parliament Anita Among, outlining the importance of the upcoming summit.

“This is a crucial opportunity for African legislative leaders to come together and seek solutions to the myriad challenges affecting peace and security on the continent,” said Ekanya.

The summit builds upon recent efforts by the Forum of Parliaments of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (FP-ICGLR), including a fact-finding mission to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) involving several Speakers, among them Uganda’s Anita Among and Zambia’s Rt. Hon. Nelly Mutti.

“To further enrich their understanding of the conflict,” Speaker Among said, “the team met H.E. the President of the Republic of Uganda, who shared with them the historical perspective of the conflict and possible opportunities to find a lasting solution.”

President Museveni also provided broader insights into the root causes of conflict across Africa and potential paths toward lasting peace.

Findings from the DRC mission were later adopted at the 15th Plenary Assembly of the FP-ICGLR in Angola in April 2025.

“In the final communiqué of this Assembly under Resolution Number 15, it was agreed to request the Conference of Speakers and Presidents of African Legislatures to convene an extraordinary meeting to consider the proposals by FP-ICGLR,” Speaker Among stated.

Uganda was selected as host for this landmark event, and the Government has committed to providing full logistical support, including VIP immigration services, airport transfers, and security for visiting delegations.

“This extraordinary conference provides a unique opportunity for Speakers and Presidents of African legislatures to convene, collaborate, and commit to actionable strategies for fostering peace and security on the continent,” Speaker Among added.

The two-day summit at Speke Resort will focus on key themes, including combating terrorism, electoral violence, organised crime, and unconstitutional changes of government. It will also address legislative oversight, inter-parliamentary cooperation, and the strengthening of parliamentary diplomacy.

  The CoSPAL 2025 pre-briefing in Parliament’s Conference Hall

“The theme is intended to bring African legislatures at the centre of conflict resolution because of their representative role,” Among emphasized.

Expected outcomes include a continental resolution advocating for ceasefires in war-torn regions, stronger support for regional peace initiatives led by the AU, ECOWAS, EAC, SADC, IGAD, ICGLR, and the Arab Maghreb Union, and the establishment of a permanent African Speakers Centre on Peace and Security, to be hosted in Uganda.

“The centre will serve as a permanent body for coordinating efforts of Speakers and Presidents of African Legislatures in promoting peace, conflict resolution, and legislative action,” she said.

With the summit now just days away, Uganda’s Parliament and foreign missions are mobilizing to ensure its success, positioning the country—and its legislative institutions—as a key player in shaping Africa’s future peace architecture.

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Police investigate double murder of elderly couple in Entebbe

By
Simon Kabayo
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Mutaaga David, 69, and his wife, Mutaaga Deborah Florence, 62.

The Uganda Police Force has launched an investigation into a gruesome double murder and suspected aggravated robbery that occurred in Lugonjo Nakiwogo Cell, Entebbe Municipality.

According to Kampala Metropolitan Deputy Police Spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire, the victims, identified as Mutaaga David, 69, and his wife, Mutaaga Deborah Florence, 62, were discovered dead inside their home on July 6, 2025. The two had reportedly sustained fatal stab wounds.

“The territorial police in Entebbe Division are actively investigating a tragic incident of double murder and suspected aggravated robbery that occurred at the residence of Mutaaga David and his wife, Mutaaga Deborah Florence,” said Owoyesigyire in an official statement.

He added that the police were notified of the suspected attack by a worker attached to the household.

“On 6th July 2025, police received information from a worker attached to the household reporting the suspected attack. A team of officers immediately responded to the scene,” Owoyesigyire said.

Upon arrival, officers found the lifeless bodies of the elderly couple inside the residence. Crime scene experts documented the scene and recovered several items believed to be of evidential value.

“Preliminary examination revealed that both victims had sustained fatal stab wounds. Crime scene documentation and evidence collection were conducted, and the bodies were conveyed to the City Mortuary Mulago for postmortem examination to aid the ongoing inquiries,” he noted.

Although investigators are yet to confirm the motive behind the killing, robbery is being treated as a possible lead.

“Several exhibits of evidential value have been recovered for forensic analysis. The motive behind this heinous crime is still under investigation and will be communicated in due course,” Owoyesigyire said.

He assured the public that law enforcement is working tirelessly to identify and apprehend those responsible.

“We condemn this act in the strongest terms and wish to reassure the public that we are committed to bringing the perpetrators to justice,” he emphasized.

Police say more details will be shared as investigations progress.

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Museveni directs local committees to handle citizenship registration

By
Simon Kabayo
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President Museveni with some of the leaders of Banyarwanda community.

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has ordered an overhaul of Uganda’s citizenship verification system, directing that all future verifications be conducted by local community structures rather than centralized government bureaucrats.

Recalling from the meeting with the Bavandimwe—Ugandans of Banyarwanda descent on June 23 at State House, Entebbe, the President acknowledged that he had underestimated the seriousness of complaints raised by sections of immigrant communities.

“I was beginning to be irritated by claims that, especially our Banyarwanda immigrants, were being mistreated,” Museveni said.

He added, “I thought some people were making false allegations for evil ulterior motives. But after hearing them, I understood where the problem has been.”

Museveni described Uganda’s current citizenship verification process dominated by officials from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Immigration and the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) as inefficient and disconnected from local realities.

“The problem of citizenship is a mass, community issue,” Museveni stated. Noting, “It is best known to and best handled by communities—area by area. Bureaucrats should be guided by community structures like LCs and elders.”

Drawing from personal history, Museveni recalled how immigrant families had long been integrated into Uganda’s social fabric, including some he considered kin. He named individuals like Mzee Yoramu Kabuteembe—whose family came from Rwanda—and Indians like Budala and Haali in Ntungamo as natural Ugandan citizens by every logical standard.

“It cannot be fair that Kabuteembe or Budala should beg Immigration for their right as citizens,” Museveni argued. “They are citizens unless they choose not to be.”

Museveni unveiled a detailed decentralization plan to remove bottlenecks and restore fairness to the system. He directed that all citizenship registration now be conducted at the parish level by Local Verification Committees composed of LCI officials, ISO representatives, and a respected elder. NIRA will continue enrolling applicants and issuing National IDs, but must refer cases in doubt to the local committees.

If either NIRA or the applicant is dissatisfied with a local committee’s decision, the case will be escalated to a District Citizenship Verification Committee chaired by the RDC and including the District Chairperson, area councilor, and DISO. These district committees will serve as final arbiters in cases of dispute.

Applicants whose families were in Uganda before 1962 will not pay any registration fees. However, those who settled after independence will be required to pay for applicable immigration services.

“With this guidance, there is no reason whatsoever why an applicant should not tell the truth,” Museveni warned. “False declaration is an offence under the law.”

The President defended the legal framework that classifies citizenship based on when families settled in the country particularly the year 1926, when Uganda’s colonial borders were finalized.

“Some people want to deny these categories, but that we reject,” he said. “The facts are clear: when did your family come to Uganda? Was it before or after 1926? That’s what matters.”

He also stressed that dual citizenship should remain limited for now to Ugandans who fled abroad during past insecurity and their descendants.

Verification committees will ask applicants to answer 14 core questions related to ancestry, birth, language, marriage, and historical residence in Uganda. These questions aim to filter out fraudulent claims without excluding legitimate citizens.

“The fear of infiltration by non-citizens should not delay giving out IDs, passports or citizenship,” the President said. “Where fraud is discovered, documents can still be cancelled and culprits punished.”

The President’s position marks a philosophical shift in state administration from central technocracy to grassroots accountability.

“The locals are the ones who know who is who,” Museveni said. “I, for instance, can tell you the entire history of three parishes in Ntungamo—who came when, who belongs where.”

He emphasized that bureaucratic arrogance and disconnected processes have caused real harm and disenfranchised legitimate citizens.

While recognizing that many refugees have since returned home, Museveni said Uganda should prepare to integrate those who have stayed—through constitutional and legal amendments. He further hinted at a future where East Africans might enjoy shared regional citizenship under the East African Federation.

“We shall have the citizenship of East Africa,” he concluded. “But until then, we must sort ourselves out with truth, fairness and history as our guide.”

With this landmark directive, President Museveni is not only decentralizing the citizenship process but redefining how Uganda defines belonging—placing trust in communities over bureaucracies, and history over paperwork.

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Uganda to host inaugural Development Finance Summit

By
Simon Kabayo
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Uganda Development Bank.

The Uganda Development Bank [UDB] will host the inaugural Uganda Development Finance Summit 2025, a transformative gathering aimed at redefining Africa’s economic trajectory through an innovative National Development Finance Architecture.

The summit, taking place from September 1–2, 2025 in Kampala, is expected to draw hundreds of high-level stakeholders from across the continent and beyond.

Under the theme “Transforming Africa Through National Development Finance Architecture”, the summit will serve as a powerful platform for dialogue, partnership-building, and strategic action.

It brings together a unique blend of public and private sector leaders—including Heads of State, Ministers of Finance, Central Bank Governors, and CEOs of National and Multilateral Development Banks—to chart a bold new course for sustainable and inclusive growth.

“This summit is not just a conference,” said a UDB official. “It is a catalyst for change—an opportunity for Africa to take ownership of its financial future and build systems that serve its people and potential.”

Sessions will tackle urgent issues such as debt sustainability, domestic resource mobilisation, and the role of National Development Banks [NDBs] in driving transformation.

Participants will learn from the successes of NDBs that are already shaping economic development across Africa, offering replicable models and actionable strategies.

Global Insights for African Contexts

Renowned thought leaders and economists will provide in-depth analyses of Africa’s evolving development landscape, focusing on the continent’s strengths and the shifts needed to unlock progress.

The summit will spotlight investment-ready sectors like agriculture, services, and technology—especially those aligned with Africa’s youthful and digitally-savvy population.

With a curated audience of top-tier decision-makers, the summit offers unmatched networking opportunities to forge impactful collaborations across borders and sectors.

Discussions will also center on creating robust frameworks to future-proof African economies against global disruptions, emphasising innovation and institutional synergy.

The Uganda Development Finance Summit 2025 comes at a crucial time, as the continent seeks scalable, homegrown solutions to long-standing development challenges. By focusing on finance architecture that prioritises resilience, inclusivity, and transformation, Uganda is positioning itself at the heart of Africa’s economic reawakening.

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Reach A Hand uses expressive arts to break menstrual health stigma in schools

By
Our Reporter
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Students use drama to break menstrual stigma during the “Undo The Taboo” showcase by Reach A Hand Uganda. The performance depicted a girl facing period-related shame, highlighting the urgent need for open.

Kampala, Uganda – Reach A Hand Uganda, through its “Undo The Taboo” and “GN Trybe” initiatives, brought together over 1,000 students from more than 20 schools across the country to highlight the effectiveness of edutainment in menstrual hygiene management as well showcase innovative menstrual products and disposal mechanisms.

Held under the theme “Youth Innovations for Sustainable Menstrual Health and Hygiene,” the event took place at London College of St. Lawrence in Maya. It was attended by key stakeholders including officials from the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education, teachers, civil society organizations, private sector representatives, and celebrated musicians Allan Toniks and Daxx Kartel, who delivered motivational “Power Talks” on menstrual hygiene.

Expressive arts—including poetry, visual art, dance, fashion, creative writing, debate, and drama—served as tools to challenge menstrual stigma and encourage open conversations on topics often considered taboo in formal or cultural settings. These artistic showcases were held in a competitive format, encouraging creativity and innovation.

Among the highlights were demonstrations of environmentally friendly menstrual management solutions.

Students presented incinerator prototypes made from biodegradable materials like cardboard, and reusable sanitary pads designed for both affordability and sustainability. A panel discussion also addressed the challenges surrounding menstrual health management in schools.

To recognize student efforts, certificates of participation were awarded, and the top three schools received trophies and cash prizes:

● Seeta High School, A-Level Campus – Shs3 million (Overall Winner)

● London College of St. Lawrence – Shs2 million (First Runner-Up)

● The Academy of St. Lawrence – Shs1 million (Second Runner-Up)

Humphrey Nabimanya, Chief Executive Officer of Reach A Hand Uganda, emphasized the role of edutainment in breaking stigma: “Edutainment helps overcome the silence and shame around menstruation. It creates a safe space where learners feel free to share, which addresses a major barrier to effective menstrual health education in Uganda,’’ he said while emphasizing Reach A Hand’s commitment to empower young people through Undo the Taboo and GN Trybe initiatives.

Agnes Ssebowa, Senior Technical Officer for Adolescent and School Health at the Ministry of Health, praised Reach A Hand’s innovative approach: “The Ministry is committed to making every school a safe and supportive environment for all learners. We integrate menstrual health into education because it is a matter of human rights and dignity.”

students engage in a debate.

Students expressed appreciation for the platform: “Talking about menstruation used to make us feel ashamed,” said Luke, a student from London College of St. Lawrence. “But today, it felt normal.”

According to the Auditor General’s report, 2023/24 financial year, 64% of female students miss school regularly due to a lack of menstrual materials and inadequate Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) facilities.

The same report found that 46% of 48 schools visited did not provide emergency pads or any menstrual hygiene management (MHM) support, and many lacked access to clean water, proper sanitation, or disposal facilities.

About Reach A Hand Uganda Reach A Hand Uganda is a youth-led non-profit organization dedicated to empowering young people in Uganda through advocacy, awareness campaigns, and community engagement focusing on key issues affecting youth, including sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), education, mental health, gender equality, and

About GN Trybe

GN Trybe, short for Generation Now Trybe, is a community for the Gen Z (1997–2012) and Gen Alpha (2013–2015). It is a youth-centered behavioral change communication initiative designed to respond to the evolving challenges young people face today. The initiative uses bold and innovative strategies to raise awareness and reduce sexual and reproductive health risks that often limit young people’s rights to quality education, mental well-being, and a healthy, empowered life.

Students use arts to break menstrual stigma during the “Undo The Taboo” showcase by Reach A Hand Uganda. The performance depicted a girl facing period-related shame, highlighting the urgent need for open.

About Undo The Taboo

Undo the Taboo is a campaign by Reach A Hand Uganda to address menstrual hygiene management among young people in Uganda. It aims to raise awareness and eliminate the stigma surrounding menstruation, promote sustainable and eco-friendly menstrual hygiene practices, and advocate for improved access to safe and sustainable sanitation facilities, access to education, and the realization of the right to health, especially SRHR of young women and girls.

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Speaker Among nominated for NRM 2nd National Vice Chairperson 

By
Simon Kabayo
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Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among escorted by her supporter soon after being nominated for the post of 2nd National Vice Chairperson of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party.

The Speaker of Parliament, Annet Anita Among has officially joined the race for the position of Second National Vice Chairperson (Female) on the Central Executive Committee (CEC) of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party.

Among returned her nomination forms on Thursday amid pomp and excitement, accompanied by several senior party figures including the Government Chief Whip Hamson Obua, State Minister for Sports Peter Ogwang, and former Minister of Foreign Affairs Sam Kutesa.

She is set to face off with the incumbent, First Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Kadaga, in what is expected to be one of the most closely watched contests within the NRM’s internal elections.

Addressing supporters shortly after her nomination, Speaker Among expressed deep appreciation for the overwhelming support she received from party delegates despite heavy rains in the morning.

“I want to express my gratitude to all the delegates from the NRM party who braved the early morning showers to accompany us during the nomination exercise,” she said.

She noted, “I pledge to demonstrate the same level of commitment in promoting the ideals and aspirations of our esteemed party when I am elected as the Second National Vice Chairperson (Female).”

She also extended her appreciation to Ugandans from across the country who have supported her political journey.

“I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all Ugandans from every background who have joined us on this journey,” Among noted.

She added, “I urge everyone to come out in large numbers to support the leader of our revolution, General Kaguta Museveni, as he is nominated tomorrow.”

President Museveni’s scheduled for Saturday, July 5, 2025, at the NRM Electoral Commission headquarters.

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Letter to Ugandan stubborn youth

By
Guest Writer
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Sections of NRM youth celebrate after nomination of NRM flag bearer Yoweri Museveni.

When I saw the Ugandan youth escorting Comrade Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to nomination at Kyadondo Road in Kampala seeking to be NRM Chairman to-be and Presidential flag bearer on Saturday June 28, 2025 terrorizing and stealing from their grandparents, parents, relatives and friends, I concluded in fear that there is a shadow of death looming around the country. 

But before this happens, I wish to counsel the youth to read on:

A MAN IS LIKE A TRAIN:

At 20 years he is like the locomotive, it stops at every station.

At 30 years he is like the special hire, it stops only at the large towns.

At 40 years he is like the express, it stops at the big cities.

At 50 years he is like the old locomotive, it stops often to lubricate.

At 60 years he does not leave anymore, it remains in the yard and

A WOMAN IS LIKE THE WORLD

At 20 years, she is like Africa, Semi-explored.

At 30 years, she is like India, Warm, mature and mysterious.

At 40 years she is like America, technically perfect.

At 50 years she is like Europe, All in ruins.

At 60 years she is like Siberia, everyone knows where it is

But no one wants go.

Perhaps each of us in Uganda has heard this adage ‘’when life hands you a lemon, make lemonade.’’ And reading the above statements, I believe the following advice fits in the current political situation.

Young men and women, surely no deal overrides reality and gravity. I have lately, tearfully observed that those killing and being killed on the streets, politically and in broad daylight are our youth especially if one remembers the Gen Z demonstrations in Nairobi and other major cities in Kenya. I, too was once a youth but for me nature handed me very organized, strict and disciplinarian, now deceased parents (the late King’s African Rifles – KAR father Kaloli Wamoto and wife Maria Masibo Mutonyi) supported by an equally cohesive, knitted-together Bagisu community regulated by revered, traditional norms, values, precepts passed down from generation to generation. These elders insisted on ground discipline.

In 1980, I joined UGANDA PATRIOTIC MOVEMENT (UPM) then led by youthful Yoweri Museveni aged 34 years at the time, having been particularly influenced by articulate men like Perez Musamali, Victor Wanyoto, Eriya Watyekyere, Maumbe Mukhwana, Israel Mayengo, Matia Kasaija now Minister for Finance, Planning and Economic Development, the late Ali Muwabe Kirunda Kivejinja, Dr. Kizza Besigye, Fr. Okoth, Jabeli Bidandi Ssali, Eriya Kateregaya, Ruhakana Rugunda, Chrispus Kiyonga, and others.

I had returned from the Republic of Kenya on 11th March 1979, exactly one month before the fall of Field Marshal Idi Amin Dada to ready myself for the dreaded and revered IMBALU (male circumcision) which surgery I underwent a few months before the December 1980 general elections which culminated into the Luweero Triangle people’s protracted war up to 1986.

I was an indomitable but cautious activist of UPM’s Museveni and group. Cautious as mentioned earlier because my parents (Catholics hence members of the Democratic Party) interrogated me as to where I knew young Museveni from when I had just returned from Kenya. My father, a liberal veteran KAR understood my reasons that UPM was my only cup of tea. I was therefore left to freely do my politically radical things of my youth days but there remained a general community responsibility and rule that we, I mean the youth of the time must be home not later than 7:00 pm without fail.

UPC’s A.M. Obote took over power and later, I retreated from the public eye because in my village in Bukhura – now J.B Nambeshe’s Manjiya constituency in present day Bududa district where I had been nicknamed Museveni which put my life and movements in danger. I relocated to Kampala by train on 6th February 1981 not aware that Museveni and his colleagues had fled Kampala and attacked Kabamba military academy the same day. I survived death because in my brief case I had put my UPM Literature. Some few people were killed at Kireka Army Barracks (now Police Special Investigations Unit) as the train from Malaba was blocked. I survived because the Tanzanian soldiers in the country at the time realized I knew the Kiswahili language.

Kampala was deserted when the train arrived at the main railway station. So, I loitered in the city until I was late and in breach of curfew hours. I was walking towards the line of fire as I was strolling downward to Centenary Park (then known as Yard, a very serious life and death roadblock had been set). Later, I got a menial job at then Coffee Marketing Board (CMB) as I waited for my Swiss Scholarship at Kenya Utalii College Nairobi through Hon. Patrick Masette Kuuya who was a powerful UPC Minister, and his Undersecretary, the late Andrew Kidiya at the then Ministry of Rehabilitation.

Mind you, Politics is nothing unless God’s favor is upon someone. We wanted Obote to fail, but he won and we were forced to be obedient. You can be the same today as you wait for your sweet government, just as I did.

In 1985, the Nairobi Peace Talks (Museveni and Okello Lutwa) found me at Kenya Utalii College. The National Resistance Army (NRA) stormed out of the talks many times. I knew president Moi’s weak spot because I studied with most of his Caterers. He (Moi), the host and chairman of the Peace Talks was determined to steer the talks to a successful conclusion expecting a Nobel Peace Prize. President Moi through his student staff contacted me and the late Joseph Basekezi Ssenyonyi (current LOP and NUP’S Joel Ssenyonyi’s father). President Moi facilitated us to mobilize Ugandan students at Kenya Polytechnic and Kenya Utalii College to stage simultaneous, peaceful (just carrying huge placards) to Harambe House (Kenya’s President’s Office) and at Hotel Inter-continental where the NRA delegates were residing. This was a double score for us students, President Moi and Uganda. In 1986, NRM/NRA had captured power, then again luck handed me the now First Lady Janet K Museveni and her then young family (kids) General Muhoozi was 12 years old at Utalii Hotel (the College’s Practical Unit) where I was a finalist trainee manager attending to them.

My last encounter with a member of the first family was when God’s favor handed me Gen. Caleb Akandwanaho, popularly known as Salim Saleh at the Senior Command and Staff College at Kimaka in Jinja City. My story says this in short: Don’t die quickly. Fight with wisdom, please wait for your good government with good conduct, prayer and peace, not troublesome riotslike what we saw at Nile Avenue where even the former Director of C.I.D Ms Grace Akullo and her son were almost killed.

NabendehWamoto SP (0776658433)

Email: simonwamoto@yahoo.co.uk

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Kyambogo University dismisses Guild President over breach of peace

By
Our Reporter
-
Kyambogo University dismissed the Guild President, Banjamin Akiso.

Kyambogo University has dismissed the Guild President, Akiso Benjamin immediately, following a disciplinary hearing where he was found guilty of breaching peace, mounting roadblocks, and being insubordinate to university authority.

The dismissal follows a letter signed by Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Eli Katunguka-Rwakishaya noting that his actions are contrary to the Kyambogo University Students’ Regulations 2003 as amended in 2016.

The letter dated July 3, 2025, Prof. Katunguka-Rwakishaya stated that the University Council agreed with the Students Affairs and Welfare Committee’s recommendation to dismiss Akiso from the university.

“After the hearing of the case, the Students Affairs and Welfare Committee’s findings are that you breached peace, mounted roadblocks and you were insubordinate to the University authority as per the University students’ regulations,” the letter reads in part.

However, sections of the university community also fault Katunguka for dictatorship tendencies that he imported to Kyambogo after being rejected by Makerere where both professors Byaramureeba and Luboobi rejected him.

Following the dismissal, Akiso is prohibited from attending academic and extracurricular activities, using any university facilities, or making any representation on behalf of the Kyambogo University Students’ Guild or the university.

The decision marks the end of Akiso’s academic journey at Kyambogo University, and it serves as a reminder to students of the importance of adhering to the institution’s rules and regulations.

However, being the National Unity Platform’s (NUP) Head of Institutions, Akiso’s dismissal has sparked outrage from the party’s leadership. The NUP Principal, Robert Kyagulanyi alias Bobi Wine, described the university’s move as a politically motivated attack on student activism.

“His crime? Leading his fellow students in a peaceful protest against unfair tuition policies targeting students from poor families,” Bobi Wine said.

He accused the regime of weaponizing public institutions to suppress dissent.

“Museveni and his enablers have taken over all public institutions and are doing everything possible to silence any kind of dissent.”

Bobi Wine noted that the party is pursuing legal options to challenge the decision, but also used the moment to rally Ugandans against injustice.

“While we explore legal remedies for this brother, this is a reminder of why we must work hard in unity to put an end to this mess.”

He concluded by praising the dismissed Guild President for his courage.

“I salute you comrade Akiso for remaining strong amidst this ordeal. You did not commit any crime for standing up for justice and fairness. History will be kind to you.”

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Minister Mwebesa commissions 10th National Standards Council

By
Francisco Adongo
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New Standards Council.

The Minister of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, Hon. Francis Mwebesa, has officially inaugurated the 10th National Standards Council (NSC), the governing body of the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS).

The ceremony, held at the Kampala Serena Hotel on July 2, 2025, marked the beginning of a new chapter for the standards agency tasked with promoting product quality and safety across Uganda.

In his keynote address, Minister Mwebesa urged the new board to enhance the role of standards in protecting consumers and strengthening Uganda’s trade capacity.

“I implore you to help businesses comply with standards, through capacity-building programs,” he said.

He added, “You must also conduct regular factory checks where goods are made to ensure that they meet the relevant standards before they are placed on the market.”

He further emphasized the importance of increasing public awareness on certified products and aligning UNBS operations with national development initiatives such as the Parish Development Model and the upcoming National Development Plan IV.

Minister of State for Trade, Gen. Wilson Mbasu Mbadi, echoed similar sentiments, noting that adherence to standards is critical to Uganda’s competitiveness in regional and global markets.

“We must improve our trade through standardisation to foster export promotion, import substitution, and industrialisation,”

Gen. Mbadi said. He called for a robust quality assurance framework that can inspire confidence in Ugandan-made goods.

The newly appointed chairperson of the council, Eng. James Kalibbala, pledged to restore public confidence in the institution while strengthening partnerships across government and private sectors.

“We are committed to repositioning UNBS as a professional and reliable institution that supports the national agenda,” Kalibbala said, adding that rebuilding the organisation’s image would be a priority under his leadership.

Also speaking at the event, the Executive Director of UNBS, Eng. James Kasigwa who also serves as Secretary to the Council, reaffirmed the bureau’s commitment to supporting local enterprises, especially small and medium-sized businesses.

“We are going to hand-hold, train, and empower our local enterprises, especially start-ups and MSMEs, to comply with standards,” he said.

He noted that standards compliance is not just a regulatory requirement, but a gateway to unlocking market access, improving product value, and driving industrial growth.

The newly constituted board comes at a critical time as Uganda intensifies efforts to improve the quality of its locally produced goods and attract international trade opportunities. With rising concerns over counterfeit products and substandard imports, the council’s leadership is expected to play a pivotal role in policy enforcement and public education around product certification.

As Uganda aims to become a regional trade powerhouse, the work of the 10th National Standards Council will be instrumental in building a trusted ecosystem of quality, safety, and competitiveness for Ugandan goods and services.

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UPDF targets 11,500 Ugandans in nationwide recruitment exercise 

By
Simon Kabayo
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Army Spokesperson, Brig. Kulaigye

The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) has announced the recruitment of 11,500 qualified Ugandans into its ranks, in an exercise scheduled to take place between Monday, July 7, and Friday, July 11, 2025.

The exercise targets both regular forces and professionals across various disciplines, according to Defence and Military Spokesperson Maj. Gen. Felix Kulayigye.

The recruitment will be conducted in two phases: an online application phase and a physical verification and medical screening phase held at designated recruitment centres.

“All aspiring candidates must submit their applications online through the official UPDF Recruitment Portal: recruitment.updf.go.ug,” Maj. Gen. Kulayigye announced.

He added, “Applicants must upload a passport photo, academic documents, and a valid National ID.”

Shortlisted applicants will be published on the UPDF website and at their respective district headquarters. Physical recruitment will follow, covering all 135 districts and 11 cities in Uganda. Those shortlisted will report to designated centres with handwritten applications endorsed by local leaders (LCI, LCII, LCIII) and GISO or DISO, along with academic documents, passport-sized photos, and their National Identity Card.

“The recruitment will be conducted using population statistics from the Uganda Bureau of Statistics as of June 2024 to determine quotas per district and city,” Kulayigye noted.

Target Groups

The recruitment targets two broad categories: general recruits and professionals.

For the regular force, applicants must hold the Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) and be aged between 18 and 22 years. For Grade V teachers, the age limit is 20 to 25 years, and they must hold a diploma from a recognized teacher training institution.

The Air Force recruitment will be conducted centrally at Kololo and targets a wide range of professionals including: Qualified Pilots and Pilot Instructors with valid private or commercial licenses and a science background. Aircraft Maintenance Engineers with relevant diplomas. Air Traffic Controllers with a BSc and valid rating. Meteorologists with relevant academic backgrounds. Graduates in IT, software engineering, telecoms, computer science, mechanical and electrical engineering. Senior Six leavers with strong science combinations, at least two principal passes and 12 points or more. Applicants for A-Level-based positions must have obtained a minimum of two Principal Passes with at least 8 points and be aged between 18 and 23.

“Professionals, S.6 leavers, Grade V teachers, and Air Force candidates will be centrally recruited at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds,” Kulayigye confirmed.

Eligibility Criteria

All candidates must be Ugandan citizens with valid National IDs, law-abiding, physically and medically fit, and residents of the district where they are applying. Applications must be endorsed by local authorities including LCI, LCII, LCIII, GISO/DISO, and the RDC.

“Let it be clear that recruitment into the UPDF is absolutely free of charge,” Brig. Gen. Kulayigye warned.

He urged, “Do not pay any money to anyone. Report fraudsters to the nearest police station.”

He encouraged women professionals to apply, emphasizing the UPDF’s commitment to equal opportunity.

“We invite all qualified, disciplined, and patriotic Ugandans to take advantage of this opportunity to serve their country. The UPDF stands for patriotism, discipline, nationalism, and Pan-Africanism. We wish all applicants the best of luck,” Kulaigye noted. 

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