As Muslims around the world prepare to mark Eid al-Adha on Friday, June 6, Speke Apartments Wampewo is offering an irresistible invitation to celebrate the special day in opulence and comfort right in the heart of Kampala.
The high-end apartment complex has unveiled a series of elegantly curated packages designed to give guests a perfect blend of relaxation, indulgence, and style. Whether you’re seeking a serene staycation or a rich culinary experience, Speke Apartments Wampewo promises to elevate your Eid celebrations.
Guests can choose from stylish accommodation options including the One-Bedroom Deluxe at Shs711,000 or $180 per night, the One-Bedroom Superior at Shs932,200 or $236 per night, and the spacious Two-Bedroom Apartment at Shs1,283,750 or $325 per night. Each package comes complete with thoughtful luxuries—a refreshing non-alcoholic welcome drink, breakfast for two, a 45-minute “Relief & Release” massage, a fresh fruit basket, cookies, and assorted sodas. Guests will also enjoy a 10% discount on food and laundry services, along with complimentary access to the swimming pool, gym, steam room, sauna, and Wi-Fi.
To add even more flavor to the festivities, Speke Apartments Wampewo is hosting a special Eid al-Adha Dining Experience. Guests will enjoy a generous spread of Churrasco and traditional Biryani, served with a complimentary refreshing beverage, all for Shs105, 000 per person, exclusive of a 5% service charge.
These offers have been specially designed to help guests, especially women, unwind, reconnect, and create lasting memories in a setting that’s both sophisticated and serene.
Whether you’re looking to treat yourself or surprise a loved one, Speke Apartments Wampewo is the ultimate city destination for a chic and memorable Eid celebration.
Despite the scorching sun, a dark cloud hangs over the heads of the literato within East Africa and beyond. The unexpected passing of celebrated playwright and novelist Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o has dealt a heavy blow to the academic and literary world. The distinguished author, who had been battling kidney failure, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, May 28, 2025.
The heartbreaking news was confirmed by his family in a post shared on social media by his daughter, Mukoma wa Ngugi:
“It tears my heart to say that my father Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o passed away earlier today. I am me because of him in so many ways—as his child, scholar, and writer. I love him. I am not sure what tomorrow will bring without him here. I think that is all I have to say for now.”
Born into a generation that witnessed the atrocities of colonialism firsthand, Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o wielded his pen as a weapon against the forces that sought to erase identity, culture, and history. Through his prose and plays, Wa Thiong’o challenged the colonial mindset that deemed all things Western as inherently superior.
Ngũgĩ remains one of the most influential voices from a generation of writers who emerged as a counter to the colonial portrayal of Africa as a dark, cultureless continent. His literary works like: Weep Not, Child, Petals of Blood, and The River Between, among others, served not only as powerful critiques of oppressive regimes but also as compelling defenses of African heritage and self-worth.
A staunch believer in the inseparability of language and identity, Ngũgĩ made the radical choice to write exclusively in his mother tongue, Gikuyu, later in his career. This decision was a bold testament to his belief in the richness of African languages and the need to decolonize African minds through literature.
As the world mourns the loss of a literary titan, his voice will continue to resonate in classrooms, libraries, and the hearts of readers around the globe. His legacy lives on as a new generation of African writers rises, inspired by his courage and commitment to telling African stories in their own voices.
Burundi's President Évariste Ndayishimiye hands over the report to Museveni.
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni assumed the chairmanship of the Regional Oversight Mechanism (ROM) of the Peace, Security, and Cooperation (PSC) Framework for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Great Lakes Region yesterday.
During the 12th high-level Regional Oversight Mechanism summit held at State House Entebbe, His Excellency Évariste Ndayishimiye, the President of the Republic of Burundi, handed over the instruments of power to President Museveni to steer the peace mechanism for the next two years.
President Museveni emphasized the collective responsibility of all involved in the peace processes while calling for limited foreign interference in the region.
“Because we know what the problem is and it can be solved, but we must have the political will, and foreigners should limit their involvement, because foreigners are the ones who carelessly embolden the mistake. Then the mistake makers think that we don’t care about these internal groups. We don’t care about the region. What is important is our support,” Museveni said.
The Peace, Security, and Cooperation Framework, established in 2013 under the auspices of the United Nations, the African Union, the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), aims to tackle the root causes of instability in eastern DRC through collective regional responsibility.
“I want to congratulate His Excellency (Évariste Ndayishimiye) again for the good work he has done. We now know the problems, and we can solve them. There’s nothing we don’t know about all these countries: Rwanda, Burundi, Eastern Congo, Tanzania, and Kenya. These are our people. In my opinion, these problems are easy to solve. They are not difficult. What is difficult are the three mistakes: philosophy, ideology, and strategy,” Museveni added.
President Museveni blamed the conflicts in the Eastern DRC on the politics of identity, fuelled by foreigners since the days of Mobutu Sese Seko and Juvenal Habyarimana.
“The Mobutu army was defeated in Rwanda, and together with Habyarimana, they fled to Goma. We appealed to Mobutu to disarm them. He wouldn’t listen because he thinks the internal forces don’t matter. We, the neighbors, don’t matter. What matters are the foreigners who are supporting them. Why was Mobutu not listening? We were here. We could have helped him,” President Museveni explained.
President Ndayishimiye congratulated President Museveni and assured him of continued support during his tenure.
The high-level meeting chaired by President Museveni brought together the heads of state and government or the representatives of the signatory countries of the PSC Framework, which include the Republic of Uganda, the Republic of Angola, the Republic of Burundi, the Republic of the Congo, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the Republic of Kenya and the Republic of Rwanda.
Others are the Republic of South Africa, the Republic of South Sudan, the Republic of Sudan, the United Republic of Tanzania, and the Republic of Zambia.
The representatives of the Guarantor Institutions of the PSC Framework, namely the African Union, the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region and the United Nations, also participated in the meeting, as well as partners of the region as observers.
Gen. Otafiire being welcomed to National Defence College.
The Minister of Internal Affairs, Maj Gen (Rtd) Kahinda Otafiire, has underscored the pivotal role of citizens in safeguarding national security, describing the population as the first and most vital line of defence.
Speaking to course members of Intake 3 at the National Defence College – Uganda (NDC-U), where he delivered a lecture on Uganda’s institutional security framework, Hon Otafiire emphasised the need for a people-centred approach to national security.
“The security of any country depends on intelligence, diplomacy, and the security forces,” he noted.
He added, “But it is the population that helps coordinate intelligence and enables the security forces to consolidate it. Human beings are the first line of defence.”
The Ruhinda County MP highlighted the importance of developing human capacity across seven pillars of human security: food, economy, health, environment, politics, personal safety, and community. He argued that Africa must focus on these pillars to build truly sovereign national defence systems.
“It is the duty of leadership to change the way we think. Security means wealth and prosperity. When you provide security to the people, they will take care of themselves,” he said.
Hon Otafiire criticised the tendency of many African strategic thinkers to overlook these key elements, calling instead for policies that strengthen institutions, empower citizens, and enforce discipline within the armed forces.
“Strength comes from the people. Empowered citizens and a disciplined army create a mighty force,” he added.
He encouraged the participants to actively engage with diverse communities, emphasising that inclusive dialogue is essential to creating a secure and prosperous Africa.
The session was attended by senior college staff, including the Dean of Studies, UPDF Brig Gen Kefa Nangeso, who represented the Commandant, UPDF Brig Gen Dr Stephen Kusasira, as well as Professor Murindwa Rutanga and departmental heads.
Renowned tycoon Sudhir Ruparelia, through his real estate arm Crane Management Services Ltd is set to open the Pearl Business Park, an iconic commercial development in the heart of Kampala.
This grand opening signals the arrival of a new wave of employment opportunities for Ugandans, while also enhancing Kampala’s status as a regional commercial powerhouse.
The Pearl Business Park is poised to become one of Kampala’s premier commercial hubs. It will offer not only state-of-the-art office and retail spaces but also generate much-needed jobs for Ugandans across various skill levels.
With a reputation as one of the largest employers in Uganda’s private sector, the Ruparelia Group has once again demonstrated its dedication to empowering local communities. This commitment is expressed through direct employment, skills development and infrastructural investment principles that have guided its operations for years.
The upcoming Pearl Business Park project continues this legacy by offering job openings across more than 15 categories. These include roles in property and building management, security and CCTV operations, housekeeping and cleaning services, reception, plumbing, painting, and electrical work. The Group has announced that over 40 job positions are currently available, targeting both skilled professionals and semi-skilled workers. This inclusive hiring model reflects the Group’s commitment to leaving no one behind as Uganda’s private sector expands.
“This is more than just a building—it’s an ecosystem for business and employment,” said a representative from Crane Management Services. “We are proud to once again offer opportunities to hardworking Ugandans who want to grow their careers.”
The Pearl Business Park is expected to host a dynamic mix of corporate offices, retail shops and service centers, which will further expand the job market beyond the initial hiring phase. By doing so, the development aligns with the government’s strategy of encouraging private-sector-led economic development, a key driver in Uganda’s post-pandemic recovery.
The public has been invited to submit their resumes by 31st May 2025. Interested candidates are required to send their applications via email to hr@cms.co.ug. This transparent and accessible hiring process reaffirms the Group’s long-standing track record of fairness and openness in employment practices.
As Uganda continues to rebuild economically, initiatives such as the Pearl Business Park stand out as beacons of hope and progress. Through this project, the Ruparelia Group is not only redefining Kampala’s skyline but also actively shaping livelihoods and contributing to a more resilient and inclusive economy.
Lt. Gen. Peter Elwelu being helped to register and process his retirement benefits.
Seven senior officers of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) are set to retire in July 2025, marking the end of decades-long military careers that have shaped Uganda’s defense architecture both at home and abroad.
On May 27th, the generals officially documented their retirement at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs (MODVA) headquarters in Mbuya.
Presiding over the ceremony, Chief of Joint Staff Maj. Gen. Jack Bakasumba hailed the group for their distinguished service to the country.
“These leaders have made remarkable contributions to national and regional peace, especially through international missions such as those in Somalia,” said Maj Gen Bakasumba.
He emphasized that retirement is an essential phase in military progression.
“It provides space for younger officers to rise while ensuring continuity within the institution. I urge you all to embrace this next chapter with purpose, guided by the values of the UPDF,” he said.
He also noted that proposed amendments to the UPDF Act, 2005 would enhance the welfare of retiring officers, including healthcare access, disability compensation, and full military burial honours.
“There is a whole new kind of life ahead, full of experience, just waiting to happen. Some call it retirement, I call it bliss,” Bakasumba quoted American biochemist Betty Sullivan.
The Generals preparing to retire:
Lt. General Peter Elwelu
Lt. Gen. Peter Elwelu, born in 1966 in Kumi District, joined the Ugandan military in 1987. He trained at the Tanzania Military Academy in Monduli and later served as an instructor at the School of Infantry in Jinja. Elwelu played a significant role in the UPDF’s operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo during the late 1990s and early 2000s.
In 2007, he commanded the first Ugandan contingent deployed to Somalia under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), establishing a secure base that facilitated further operations against insurgents.
He later served as the commander of the UPDF’s 2nd and 3rd Divisions and was appointed Commander of Land Forces in 2017. In 2021, he became the Deputy Chief of Defence Forces. His tenure included commanding the controversial 2016 operation in Kasese.
Major General Hudson Mukasa
Maj. Gen. Hudson Mukasa began his military career in 1983, joining the National Resistance Army, the precursor to the UPDF. He trained at the Tanzania Military Academy and took advanced military courses in Ghana and at Kenya’s National Defence College.
Mukasa held various command positions, including leading the 2nd Division in Mbarara and the 5th Division in Lira. He also commanded the 503 Brigade in Kitgum, focusing on operations against the Lord’s Resistance Army. From 2016, he served as Uganda’s Military Attaché to Kenya.
Major General Francis Ben Okello
Maj. Gen. Francis Ben Okello served as the second commander of AMISOM from March 2008 to 2009, leading key peacekeeping efforts in Somalia. On return, he held senior leadership roles, including Commandant of the National Defence College Uganda (NDC-U), where he advocated for youth skilling and agricultural mechanization as pillars for national development and security.
Major General George Igumba
Maj. Gen. George Igumba has played a central role in professionalizing the UPDF. As Commandant of the Uganda Senior Command and Staff College in Kimaka, Jinja, he supervised the training of senior military officers. His contributions to military education earned him commendation from Vice-President Jessica Alupo, who praised his discipline and integrity.
Brig. General John Byuma
Brig. Gen. John Byuma’s military journey features various command and administrative roles that enhanced the UPDF’s operational capacity. Though less publicized, his behind-the-scenes leadership contributed significantly to institutional stability.
Brig. General Dominic Twesigomwe
Brig. Gen. Dominic Twesigomwe held both field and administrative roles in the UPDF. His leadership reinforced the force’s discipline and mission readiness, especially in peacekeeping environments and support operations.
Brig. General Augustine Kamyuka Kyazze
Brig. Gen. Augustine Kyazze, born in 1961 in Mpigi District, joined the UPDF in 1987. He commanded the Armored Component under AMISOM and served as Deputy Chief of Logistics and Engineering. He also headed the Kalama Armored Warfare Training School as Chief Instructor. His legacy is grounded in promoting training, discipline, and professionalism.
As they prepare to transition from active service, these seven generals leave behind a legacy of resilience, sacrifice, and leadership. Their retirement not only symbolizes the close of a significant chapter but also ushers in a new era for the UPDF.
Minister Anite, Equity bank top officials and investors at the trade and investment conference.
The investment state minister, Evelyn Anite, lauded Equity Group for gathering over 50 investors from 17 countries to deepen investment in the region. The week-long mission aimed to promote cross-border trade and investment and strengthen regional value chains under the group’s Africa Recovery and Resilience Plan (ARRP).
Speaking Friday at the close of a dialogue in Kampala, Anite highlighted that the high-impact trade and investment mission positions Uganda as a promising destination with numerous opportunities in the region’s rapidly growing markets.
“Equity bank’s commitment to wealth creation and prosperity for Africans through access to affordable credit aligns with the visionary leadership of President Museveni. Together, we are building a foundation for inclusive economic growth across the continent,” Anite said.
She added, “Investors are not just stakeholders, they are our partners in national development. We go the extra mile to support them, aligning with the President’s vision.”
In Uganda, delegates explored opportunities in value addition, manufacturing and technology, with a particular focus on sectors such as dairy processing, pharmaceuticals, textiles, mining, and agri-tech. Investors also participated in site visits and engaged with policymakers and business leaders.
James Mwangi, Equity Group’s managing director stated the mission was a strategic effort to “unlock the enormous potential that exists in Tanzania and Uganda by connecting global capital to local opportunities.” He added that the goal is to catalyze investment and trade that creates jobs, enhances value chains, and drives inclusive economic growth.
Mwangi noted that these missions have helped catalyze billions in investment, facilitate new business partnerships, and support regional trade integration, aiding the Africa Free Continental Trade Area Agreement. As part of its ARRP, Equity Group is redirecting liquidity equivalent to 2% of the region’s GDP toward the private sector, targeting critical value chains in agriculture, manufacturing, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and infrastructure. The plan aims to reach 100 million people and businesses by 2030 and create 50 million jobs across the continent.
Amos Wekesa, CEO of Great Lakes Safaris, highlighted Uganda’s largely untapped tourism potential. He emphasized that while tourism in Uganda remains underappreciated, it holds immense investment prospects.
“The Government has now earmarked significant resources to promote the tourism sector, marking a major step forward. For investors, this is the right moment to tap into tourism,” Wekesa said. He added that Uganda is home to approximately 54% of the world’s mountain gorillas and enjoys favorable weather.
Uganda is emerging as a dynamic investment destination due to its stable economy, abundant resources, and investor-friendly reforms. This trade mission builds on the legacy of previous successful Equity-led trade and investment missions across Africa. The Tanzania-Uganda Trade Mission continues the group’s commitment to transforming lives and livelihoods by connecting people, capital and opportunity across Africa.
In memory of the late Rajiv Ruparelia, Kampala International School Uganda (KISU), one of the flagship institutions under the Ruparelia Group, has launched its inaugural blood donation drive, drawing widespread participation and emotional reflection.
The event, held at the school’s premises in Bukoto, brought together teachers, students, auxiliary staff, parents and members of the wider public. The drive served not only as a life-saving initiative but also as a heartfelt memorial to Rajiv, a beloved member of the Ruparelia family whose legacy continues to inspire compassion and community spirit.
Speaking about the initiative, business mogul and philanthropist Sudhir Ruparelia expressed profound gratitude to all those who took part in the drive.
“A heartfelt thank you to the great Ruparelia family and Kampala International School Uganda for their noble act of donating blood, a true gesture of compassion and humanity. Every drop donated is a life restored,” Sudhir said.
He dedicated the event to his late brother, fondly referred to as Dad Inara Rajiv Ruparelia, noting that acts of kindness such as this reflect the very essence of his memory.
“In honour of the late brother Dad Inara Rajiv Ruparelia, this act of love reminds us that helping others costs nothing but means everything,” he added.
Sudhir also extended special appreciation to his daughters Meera Ruparelia and Sheena Ruparelia, as well as renowned comedian Patrick ‘Salvado’ Idringi, for their presence and support at the event.
“Deep gratitude to my dear sisters Meera Ruparelia, Sheena Ruparelia, Salvado and all who participated. Your kindness echoes in every life saved,” he said.
KISU officials emphasized that the blood donation drive will become an annual tradition, reflecting the school’s growing commitment to social responsibility and community health. The school aims to partner with health institutions such as the Uganda Blood Transfusion Service to ensure sustained impact.
Kenya’s President William Ruto has issued a public apology to Uganda, acknowledging rising diplomatic tensions between the two nations and urging renewed efforts to restore harmony, respect and cooperation within the East African region.
Speaking during the National Prayer Breakfast held at Safari Park on Wednesday, Ruto publicly reached out to Ugandans, asking for forgiveness in light of recent incidents that may have strained bilateral relations.
His remarks come amid controversy surrounding the arrest of Ugandan opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye and 37 other Ugandan nationals in Kisumu, Kenya — a move that has ignited accusations against the Kenyan government of complicity in their detention and subsequent treason and terrorism charges in Uganda.
“To our brothers and sisters in Uganda, if there is anything we have done — knowingly or unknowingly that has caused offence or jeopardized our friendship, we seek your forgiveness,” President Ruto said.
“Kenya values our relationship with Uganda, and we are committed to nurturing peace and cooperation between our peoples.”
The apology comes at a time when Ruto’s administration is under fire both at home and abroad.
Domestically, the government has been grappling with intense criticism over soaring taxation, economic mismanagement, and allegations of corruption.
The fallout from the 2024 anti-tax protests which saw Kenyan youth killed by police continues to cast a dark shadow over the administration’s legitimacy.
Regionally, tensions have escalated following Kenya’s efforts to assist illegal deportation of a Tanzania popular activist after abduction in Nairobi and the controversial arrests in Kisumu, which have been widely interpreted as Kenyan complicity in the crackdown on dissents from neighbouring countries.
Ugandan and Kenyan legislators have exchanged harsh words over the incident, fueling fears of a diplomatic rift.
Ruto used the platform not only to express remorse to Uganda but also to issue a broader appeal for reconciliation, including with Tanzania another nation with which Kenyans have recently clashed.
He also turned inward, apologizing to Kenyan youth, many of whom remain disillusioned with his government.
“To our young people, we recognize your frustrations. If we have failed you, we apologize. We want to rebuild trust and shape a future where every Kenyan feels seen and heard,” Ruto stated.
The president called for unity and healing across the region, insisting that his government is on a mission to rise from past missteps and forge stronger, more respectful ties both within Kenya and across East Africa.
“I believe in the promise of Kenya. But that promise is only real if we choose the path of building bridges, not walls,” he said. “Our strength lies in our unity as a nation, and as a region.”
The National Social Security Fund (NSSF) and Mastercard Foundation have extended funding to 45 women-led businesses worth Shs3.3 billion under their Hi-innovator program.
Each business will receive Shs75 million in seed funding, subject to the completion of a due diligence exercise to ensure compliance with program requirements and operational efficiency.
This followed a competitive pitching exercise held in Kampala, where a total of 56 women-led businesses presented before a panel of seasoned entrepreneurship experts.
The Hi-Innovator is an initiative of the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation and implemented by Outbox, aimed at cultivating an enabling ecosystem for indigenous Small and Growing Businesses (SGBs) to evolve into viable and scalable enterprises.
The businesses were evaluated based on their scalability, potential to generate employment opportunities for youth, and the strength of their management teams.
The sectors represented in this pitching round include agriculture, digital economy, light manufacturing, tourism, health, green business, and Edtech, reflecting a deliberate focus on industries with high growth potential and social impact.
Derrick Sebbaale, representing the NSSF Head of Strategy, said: “We are proud to witness women entrepreneurs leading the way and shaping the future of their businesses. Building on the success of our previous window, we are committed to empowering these businesses to cement their operations, drive sustained economic growth and make a lasting impact on the nation’s development.”
This selection brings the latest number of women businesses supported to 249, following the successful funding of the previous pitching window, which saw 32 women-led businesses acquire Shs1.1 billion.
Richard Zulu, Founder of Outbox, the lead implementing partner for the Hi-Innovator program, highlighted the rationale behind prioritising these sectors.
“This round of selections was guided by the potential of these industries to create dignified and sustainable employment opportunities, particularly for youth and women, who are critical drivers of Uganda’s economic transformation,” he explained.
The Hi-Innovator program has significantly contributed to Uganda’s entrepreneurial ecosystem by equipping small and growing businesses with the financial, technical, and mentorship support needed to scale. Through its targeted investments, the program has fostered innovation, created thousands of jobs, and strengthened local enterprises, driving economic growth and long-term sustainability.
Since its inception in 2021, the program has supported 390 businesses with a total allocation of Shs28 billion resulting in the creation of 224,755 jobs, affirming the program’s mission to foster innovation and entrepreneurship across Uganda.
Sebbaale underscored the program’s strategic vision, stating that today’s selection reaffirms the programme’s commitment to supporting 500 businesses by the end of 2025.
