Singers Fik Fameica and Vinka brought electrifying energy to the Makerere University Business School (MUBS) Cultural Gala, turning the event into an unforgettable celebration of culture and connection.
Held under the banner of the ‘Share a Coke’ campaign, the gala featured a colorful blend of traditional dance, art displays, fashion competitions, and storytelling sessions. The event was not only a celebration of heritage but also a demonstration of unity across borders.
In a unique twist, students from MUBS in Uganda and Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) in Kenya participated in a virtual “Cross-Border Toast”, highlighting themes of friendship, unity, and shared Coca-Cola moments.
MUBS Guild President Moses Amanya expressed his enthusiasm about the event, calling it one of the most impactful in the university’s history.
“I am glad to report that what we have witnessed at the launch has never happened before at the university,” Amanya said.
“Each and every one of us here can bear witness that culture defines our identity. Culture, tribe, or family is not something we choose—it is God-given, and that is why we embrace it with all our hearts and minds.”
He further emphasized MUBS’ cultural diversity, noting its student body includes individuals from across Uganda and neighboring countries like South Sudan, Kenya, Tanzania, and Burundi.
Arthur Akankwasah, Coca-Cola Franchise Manager for Uganda, praised the campaign’s role in fostering meaningful regional engagement:
“The ‘Share a Coke’ campaign has always been about creating genuine human connections, and this East African activation takes that concept to a new level,” Akankwasah said.
“By connecting students across borders, we’re not just sharing a refreshing beverage – we’re sharing culture, friendship, and the spirit that unites East Africa. In today’s world, where digital interactions can feel fleeting, this campaign offers a tangible way for young people to connect authentically.”

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Minister for Security, Maj. Gen. Jim Muhwezi, has vowed to crack down on corrupt officials sabotaging the Parish Development Model (PDM.

“We shall apprehend more of the corrupt officials, who are frustrating government programs like PDM,” Muhwezi warned via his X (formerly twitter) handle.

Muhwezi said that in PDM, beneficiaries must receive Shs 1,000,000 in full, nothing less.

“I encourage the public to be vigilant and report these corrupt officials to the Police,” he added, calling for active citizen involvement in protecting the integrity of the initiative.

While on PDM assessment tour in Ankole sub-region in February, President Museveni said that perpetrators will be required to work for at least ten months (Shs. 100,000 per month) until the Shs1 million is recovered.

“We shall arrest those who just eat PDM money and pay through labor while in prison. In the prisons, they have a lot of work to cultivate maize, cotton and other crops, so those who get PDM money and eat it will work there without pay,” Museveni said.

Early this week, The Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development [MOFPED] released Shs 529 billion for the Parish Development Model [PDM], taking a big step in Uganda’s wealth creation efforts.

The PDM money is part of the Shs 19.7 trillion MOFED released for quarter 4 of the current financial year 2024/2025 which ends on June 30, 2025.

Each financial year government releases over Shs 1 trillion for the PDM, with each of the 10,594 parishes receiving Shs 100 million for the programmes beneficiaries that must get Shs 1 million soft loan from the parish revolving fund [PRF] to invest in selected enterprises like coffee farming, dairy farming, fish farming, piggery, poultry keeping, and banana growing among several other enterprises.

The PDM, a government initiative was launched in February 2022, to move 3.5 million households in Uganda from the subsistence to the money economy, with focus on the commercialisation of the agricultural value chain in the country.

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The National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) has revealed that unpaid water bills by government institutions have reached Shs100 billion, deepening the Corporation’s financial challenges and hindering its efforts to expand water services across the country.

The NWSC Managing Director, Dr. Silver Mugisha, “It’s true that agencies owe NWSC a lot of money, amounting to Shs100 billion. This accumulation is mainly due to under-budgeting. The funds allocated and approved in government agencies’ budgets do not match the actual volume of water consumed. It’s not that they don’t want to pay— they pay, but what they receive is less than what they owe,” Mugisha said.

When asked why NWSC has not accelerated the use of prepaid water meters to improve debt collection, Mugisha pointed to the high investment costs associated with the prepaid system, as well as technical vulnerabilities.

“We once had a system hack that crippled the prepaid water service. Restoring it was very expensive. That’s why we’re moving cautiously. We prefer to develop our own prepaid meter technology that we can troubleshoot independently. We already have a prototype and are working on scaling it up,” he explained.

He also noted that prepaid water meters require consistent credit, which many government agencies fail to maintain. In some ministries where the meters were installed, the Finance Ministry has repeatedly instructed NWSC to reconnect services when credit runs out, rendering the system ineffective and wasteful despite the heavy investment.

Dr. Mugisha also defended the Corporation’s decision to convert some staff roles to part-time, arguing that it was necessary to reduce employee costs, which currently account for 42% of NWSC’s budget—well above the industry norm of 35%.

“NWSC is facing significant challenges due to unpaid government water bills and rising operational costs. Employee benefits are a major expense, accounting for 42% of our budget. That’s above the industry benchmark of 35%. This is not financially sustainable,” he said.

He emphasized that the move is in line with the NWSC Act, which mandates the Corporation to operate in a financially and commercially viable manner.

“This trend is at odds with the Act. We are mandated to operate commercially. Our existence depends on being financially viable,” Mugisha said.

Addressing concerns that staffs were being forced into part-time work, he clarified that the decision was voluntary and part of a broader strategy to maintain the Corporation’s viability.

“The NWSC Board of Directors approved this policy to ensure we remain afloat and can contribute more to internal investments. If we reduce staff costs from 42% to 35%, we’ll have more money to improve water service delivery,” he said.

“We’re not forcing anyone. We’ve issued an expression of interest for staff to opt into part-time work. Otherwise, contract terms are discussed upon renewal. At that point, if we offer you a three-day workweek and you agree, how is that coercion? Isn’t that better than what MPs did when they rationalised agencies and rendered many people jobless or underpaid?”

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The race for leadership at Kampala Parents School is officially on, and the excitement is palpable! Aspiring prefects have been working overtime, not only meeting with the Electoral Committee for an important briefing but also taking their campaigns to new heights with high-energy speeches, creative posters, and peer-to-peer engagements.

This week, a group of passionate young candidates vying for various prefectural positions gathered for an engaging session with the school’s Electoral Committee.

The meeting was not only about understanding the election guidelines and procedures but also a dynamic opportunity for the candidates to get advice on running a fair and transparent campaign.

With the elections fast approaching, these budding leaders are stepping up their efforts, hitting the campaign trail in full gear. Classrooms, hallways, and notice boards are adorned with colorful posters and catchy slogans as candidates showcase their manifestos.

Whether it’s a promise of improved student welfare, a cleaner school environment or stronger peer support systems, the candidates are using every creative tool at their disposal to win the hearts and minds of their peers.

The minds believe that they can bring real change with plans to work closely with fellow students to make sure everyone’s voice is heard creating a school community that is not only academically strong but also united and inclusive.

The atmosphere in school is charged with the excitement of friendly debates and open discussions. Students are eagerly gathering in groups to discuss the strengths of their chosen candidates, with each new day seeing a surge of creativity and competition. Some candidates are even hosting rallies during break times, where they present their goals, aspirations and visions for a better school.

The campaigns are very intense, and the students love every moment of it. The candidates are speaking to students in every corner of the school to understand their needs.

Meanwhile, the Electoral Committee has been working tirelessly behind the scenes, ensuring a smooth election process. They’ve provided the candidates with guidelines for fair campaigning, reminding them to keep things respectful and focused on service rather than rivalry.

The committee has also made it clear that the elections will be governed by a strict code of conduct, ensuring the process remains both fair and fun.

The committee is committed to providing a platform for all students to showcase their leadership qualities in order to create a vibrant school community where everyone has a say and is empowered to lead.

As the campaigns continue to gain momentum, the anticipation is building for what promises to be a competitive and spirited election. With students rallying behind their chosen leaders and the school buzzing with campaign activities, one thing is clear, Kampala Parents School is not just preparing its leaders of tomorrow, but also igniting a passion for leadership and service that will last a lifetime.

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By John Meshach, Commercial Manager, Yara East Africa

Agriculture remains the backbone of Uganda’s economy, employing over 70% of the population. However, despite their significant role in the sector, women and youth continue to face systemic barriers that limit their full participation. While the conversation on inclusivity in agriculture is not new, targeted solutions backed by tangible impact and evidence are essential to move beyond rhetoric.
Uganda’s youth, making up more than 75% of the population, possess immense potential to drive agricultural transformation. Through the adoption of technology, mechanization, and agribusiness models, young people can reshape the sector. Yara East Africa has recognized this and actively engages youth through initiatives such as Shujaa Knowledge Exchange, which equip young farmers with modern agronomic skills, enabling them to optimize yields and embrace climate-smart farming practices.
However, when it comes to women in agriculture, the challenge is more complex. While women contribute over 75% of agricultural labor in Uganda, they often lack access to land, financial services, and decision-making power in agricultural investments. Rather than making broad claims, we must focus on real, evidence-backed interventions that drive change for women in agribusiness.
For progress to be meaningful, interventions must address specific gaps. Several organizations in Uganda have pioneered successful women-focused agricultural initiatives. The Women of Uganda Network (WOUGNET) supports women in digital agriculture by enhancing access to technology and market information, while the Uganda Women Entrepreneurs Association (UWEAL) strengthens agribusiness through financial literacy and enterprise development programs. Additionally, GAIN’s Nourishing Food Pathways engages women in food systems by integrating them into supply chains and nutrition programs. These initiatives play a crucial role in empowering women and ensuring their active participation in Uganda’s agricultural sector.
Yara East Africa is also making strategic contributions to women and youth in agriculture. By adapting fertilizer packaging to suit smallholder farmers, many of whom are women, we ensure accessibility and affordability. Additionally, our engagement in farmer training programs helps women gain agronomic knowledge to increase productivity.
Beyond training and accessibility, structural barriers must be addressed. Women and youth require policies that guarantee land ownership rights, tailored financial services, and stronger market linkages. The fertilizer industry, including Yara East Africa, plays a role by offering customized solutions that cater to small-scale farmers who may not purchase inputs in bulk.
Technology also holds the key to bridging many of these gaps. Digital platforms that provide real-time information on weather patterns, soil health, and best practices can help farmers make informed decisions. Mobile-based credit and savings solutions tailored for women and youth can enhance financial inclusion, while digital marketplaces can ensure fair pricing and better market access.
The conversation on women and youth in agriculture must shift from broad calls to action to measurable results. Yara East Africa remains committed to working with key stakeholders to ensure that agriculture becomes a thriving, profitable sector for the next generation.
By focusing on targeted solutions, fostering innovation, and driving real change, we can secure Uganda’s agricultural future and create economic opportunities that uplift communities. It’s time to turn policies and discussions into impact-driven initiatives that truly empower women and youth in agriculture.

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