Coca-Cola Beverages Uganda (CCBU) and Joe Walker set out to raise road safety awareness with the fourth edition of the Joe Walker Road Safety Walk which began on Monday, February 24 to March 7,2025.
The initiative is part of a continued partnership between CCBU and road safety advocate Joseph Beyanga, also known as Joe Walker. CCBU once again served as the official hydration partner, ensuring that participants remained refreshed throughout the journey.
The walk that ended on March 7, 2025, saw Joe Walker trek from Kampala to Gulu, covering approximately 340km. This long-distance walk raised awareness about responsible road use and accident prevention, engaging communities along the route in meaningful conversations about road safety.
CCBU, a subsidiary of Coca-Cola Beverages Africa, provided Rwenzori Pure Natural Mineral Water and carbonated soft drinks to keep Joe Walker and his team hydrated.
Speaking about the partnership, Kirunda Magoola, Public Affairs, Communication, and Sustainability Director at CCBU, emphasised the importance of hydration during such an endeavour.
“Road safety is everyone’s business, and CCBU has consistently supported this initiative because we believe in fostering safer communities. For instance, in 2022, we launched the ‘Zero is Possible’ campaign to educate staff and the public on reducing road accident fatalities and promoting a culture of safety,” Magoola said.
Joe Walker expressed his gratitude for CCBU’s continued support, highlighting that their contribution has helped sustain the campaign over the years. He noted that the partnership symbolises a shared commitment to creating safer roads for all.
The Joe Walker Road Safety Campaign seeks to address road safety challenges in Uganda by engaging directly with communities and advocating for safer road practices.
Throughout the Kampala-Gulu walk, the team conducted school outreach programmes to educate students on road safety and responsible behaviour. Boda-Boda riders were also engaged in activities to promote safer road usage, while discussions with traffic police officers focused on collaborative efforts to improve road safety measures.
The initiative also involved the painting of zebra crossings to enhance pedestrian safety and the training of drivers to encourage responsible driving habits.

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The Uganda Police Force (UPF) has announced a nationwide recruitment drive to enlist 10,000 Probationer Police Constables (PPCs).

The recruitment is open to Ugandan citizens aged 18 to 25 who meet the specified qualifications, including a minimum education level of the Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) or its equivalent.

According to the official announcement from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, candidates must have no criminal record and be prepared to undergo rigorous police training. The force seeks individuals with strong communication skills, discipline, and a commitment to upholding law and order.

To qualify, applicants must possess at least four credit passes in the UCE, including English or Mathematics. Those who sat for UCE before 2020 will not be considered. Physical and medical fitness are also essential criteria, as successful candidates will be required to work under difficult conditions, including long hours and harsh environments.

Interested candidates must submit handwritten applications addressed to the Inspector General of Police, along with certified academic documents, a national ID, and three recent passport-sized photographs. These should be delivered to the respective District/Division Police Headquarters before the deadline on March 21, 2025.

The UPF has cautioned applicants against falsifying information, warning that those caught will face disqualification and possible legal action.

Successful recruits will undergo a comprehensive Police Basic Training program before formal deployment. The Uganda Police Force encourages both male and female candidates to apply, emphasizing the importance of integrity and commitment in law enforcement.

Possession of a valid driver’s license will be an added advantage. However, individuals with criminal backgrounds or falsified documents are strongly advised not to apply.

This recruitment drive is part of the government’s efforts to strengthen security and improve community policing across Uganda.

For more details, applicants are advised to visit their local District Police Headquarters.

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Uganda is set to launch a nationwide malaria vaccination campaign, Minister of Health Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero announced. The initiative aims to distribute 2.278 million doses of malaria vaccines across 105 districts with high and moderate transmission rates.
This effort is made possible through support from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, with co-financing from the Government of Uganda. UNICEF has facilitated the procurement and air transportation of the vaccines, ensuring timely delivery and maintaining quality standards.
The malaria vaccine will be integrated into Uganda’s routine immunization schedule starting in April 2025, targeting children under two years. This will be the largest malaria vaccine rollout to date in terms of geographic coverage and population reach. The four-dose vaccine will be administered at 6, 7, 8, and 18 months to provide optimal protection during early childhood, the most vulnerable stage.
As part of Uganda’s broader malaria prevention strategy, the vaccine will be incorporated into routine immunization services to protect young children. Malaria remains the leading cause of illness and death among children in Uganda, and the introduction of the vaccine is expected to significantly reduce severe cases and fatalities.
Speaking at the flag-off event, Dr. Aceng emphasized the government’s commitment to strengthening disease prevention and building a resilient health system.
“The introduction of the malaria vaccine in Uganda is a historic step forward in our fight against this deadly disease. With the support of Gavi, UNICEF, and other partners, we are ensuring that every eligible child has access to this life-saving intervention,” she said.
UNICEF, which oversees the procurement and air freighting of the vaccines, reaffirmed its commitment to child health and immunization efforts in Uganda.
“Today, we turn a page in Uganda’s health story. The introduction of the malaria vaccine brings hope for children and adds to Uganda’s already robust immunization schedule, which now includes 14 vaccines—one of the highest on the continent. Our priority now is to ensure these vaccines are delivered safely and efficiently. We urge all parents to ensure their children receive the full range of vaccines, including the new malaria vaccine,” said Dr. Robin Nandy, UNICEF Representative to Uganda.
Gavi, responsible for coordinating the global malaria vaccination program and providing financial support for procurement, transport, and rollout, has so far assisted 17 African countries in introducing the vaccine as part of their routine immunization programs. Gavi also collaborates with governments and partners to ensure malaria vaccines are delivered as part of a comprehensive malaria control and prevention strategy.
Billie Nieuwenhuys, Senior Country Manager for Uganda at Gavi, commended Uganda for this significant milestone.
“The efforts made to prepare for what will be the world’s largest malaria vaccine introduction to date highlight the unwavering commitment of the Government of Uganda and its partners to protecting vulnerable children. As we celebrate our Alliance’s 25th anniversary, we are excited about the potential of this vaccine program to save tens of thousands of lives each year while alleviating the devastating burden malaria places on families, communities, and health systems across Uganda and the African continent,” Nieuwenhuys stated.
The World Health Organization (WHO) coordinated the pilot evaluation of the first malaria vaccine, generating the evidence that led to WHO’s recommendation and pre-qualification of the two safe and effective malaria vaccines currently available. WHO continues to provide guidance, share best practices, and offer technical assistance to ensure successful implementation.
The malaria vaccine rollout aligns with Uganda’s broader malaria control strategy, which includes insecticide-treated nets, indoor residual spraying, seasonal malaria chemoprevention, and effective case management. The Ministry of Health urges parents and caregivers to bring their children to health facilities to receive the malaria vaccine as part of routine immunization services.

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The Leader of Opposition (LOP), Joel Ssenyonyi, has announced that the 2025/26 Alternative Budget will focus on combating corruption, which he described as Uganda’s biggest obstacle to development. Ssenyonyi noted that while citizens are often denied essential services due to alleged funding shortages, public funds continue to be lost through corruption.

Speaking on March 10, 2025, at a workshop for the Opposition Caucus at Parliament, Ssenyonyi emphasized that this year’s alternative budgeting process is centered on the theme, “Combating Corruption: The Sure Way to Effective Service Delivery.”

Ssenyonyi said, “This theme speaks directly to Uganda’s most pressing challenge. Corruption remains the biggest roadblock to our nation’s progress. Year after year, Ugandans are told that resources are scarce, yet we see trillions lost to mismanagement, inflated contracts, and outright theft. These are not just numbers—they represent stolen opportunities for our children, our communities, and our future.”

Ssenyonyi urged Opposition MPs to remain vocal against corruption despite inevitable backlash from those in power.

“We must understand that those in power will try to denigrate us, accusing us of being overly critical or disruptive. But if standing up for fairness makes us disruptive, then we should wear that label with pride. If demanding accountability is considered complaining, then let us complain louder and more strongly—because if we do not speak up for Ugandans, who will?”

He emphasized that the workshop was not just another routine meeting but an opportunity for the Opposition to strategize on alternative policies and priorities for the upcoming financial year.

“Our duty as the Opposition is not just to challenge the government but to offer real solutions. Ugandans are looking for leadership, answers, and hope. Today, we will hear from experts, including the Parliamentary Budget Office and civil society actors, to deepen our understanding of the budget. More importantly, we will define alternative policies that redirect public funds toward effective service delivery and away from wasteful expenditure and corruption.”

Sarah Bireete, Executive Director of the Center for Constitutional Governance (CCG), commended the Opposition’s efforts in exposing corruption through accountability committees but urged them to prioritize funds recovery rather than relying on ineffective prosecutions.

“I know the LOP and your committees are doing great work, but what remains to be seen is the recovery of lost funds. Prosecution in Uganda rarely works. The government only prosecutes its opponents while protecting its cadres. Instead of just exposing thieves, the Opposition should push for the actual recovery of stolen funds. That would benefit taxpayers far more than costly prosecutions that lead to nothing.”

Bireete also challenged the Opposition Caucus to pressure the government into fully funding critical sectors like health and education, rather than relying on donor aid.

“Regardless of whether USAID funds are restored or not, donor aid should go to less critical sectors. Health and education must be fully funded by our government. Given the current global fiscal squeeze and shrinking donor support, Uganda cannot afford to depend on foreign aid for essential services.”

Sulaiman Kiggundu, Director of the Parliamentary Budget Office (PBO), urged Opposition MPs to take the budgeting process seriously, warning that many MPs ignore key budget discussions but later complain about policies they failed to scrutinize.

“We see MPs skipping committee meetings, only to sign reports later without participating in discussions. Then, when issues arise, they ask, ‘Who passed this?’ Well, you did! MPs must engage from the start if they want to challenge wasteful spending and bad policies.”

Kiggundu particularly criticized MPs for neglecting tax policy debates, only to realize their impact when they personally face higher taxes.

“Every year, tax bills are debated and passed, but many MPs don’t pay attention. Then, when the effects hit—whether through increased rental taxes or higher VAT—they start questioning how it happened. We must always consider how taxation affects ordinary Ugandans before approving such laws.”

The Opposition’s anti-corruption stance comes as the NRM Caucus allocates UGX 197 billion to fight corruption in the 2025/26 budget. However, a report by the Inspectorate of Government (IGG) estimates that Uganda loses over UGX 10 trillion annually to corruption in government.

With such staggering losses, Opposition leaders argue that the government’s response remains inadequate. The 2025/26 Alternative Budget seeks to push for policy reforms, stronger accountability mechanisms, and a reallocation of funds toward critical services like healthcare, education, and infrastructure rather than wasteful government spending.

As Uganda prepares for the 2025/26 financial year, the Opposition’s stance on corruption and service delivery is expected to shape key parliamentary debates.

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