Daniel Ogong, the Executive Head, Marketing, Communications and Client Experience at Stanbic Bank Uganda, has been named Marketing Pioneer for 2024 by Evolve Africa.
Recently, Evolve Group Africa held its fourth installment of the annual Uganda Marketing Excellence Awards (UMEAS) at a gala event in Kampala.
Shafique Ssemakula, the co-founder of Evolve Africa said selection for the 2024 award winners explored how well brands, marketers and their agency partners have leveraged different media channels, digital and traditional, to create campaigns that have made a sustainable impact on their target audience and businesses.
“Esteemed Marketer, Daniel Ogong`s star outshone his peers, as he was announced the winner of the most coveted honor, the prestigious- UMEAS Marketing Pioneer Award,” Ssemakula said.
Ogong is recognized as one of Uganda’s most accomplished marketing leaders with over two decades of professional experience across various sectors including FMCG, financial services among others. He has spearheaded over 50 marketing campaigns since joining Stanbic Bank.
He said Ogong has brought on board a wealth of experience that will has shaped Stanbic’s Marketing and Communications strategy to reinforce and sustain the bank’s position as market leader while supporting the delivery of innovative solutions that respond to today’s customer needs.
The event, dubbed ‘The Marketers Biggest Night’, saw outstanding performers in the industry under the theme ‘Promoting Sustainable Marketing’.
The winners were selected by a distinguished six-member Marketing Council that comprises of renowned competent industry experts, who were selected based on leadership, contribution towards the profession, experience and academic qualifications.
The council oversaw both the nomination process and the entire award winner selection.
The public vote, which was transparently carried out on the UMEAS website, accounted for 40%, for six of the twelve categories of this year’s UMEAS.
The public vote on the selected categories represented 40% of the final vote, while 60% stake resides with the Marketing Council. The Council determined all nominations, but the public voted through a transparent system on the UMEAS website, for six of the twelve categories of the awards which accounted for 40% of the final decision.
It’s worth noting that this is not the first time Ogong is making significant strides in the sector. In 2023, he was honored as the Marketing Professional of the Year by the Uganda Marketers Society during the second Annual AMC Conference at the Imperial Botanical Beach Hotel in Entebbe, held from September 6th to 9th.
The AMC Awards recognize and celebrate remarkable achievements, innovative advancements, and exceptional leadership within the marketing field across the African region.

Stories Continues after ad

Hajat Sharifah Buzeki has pledged to tackle the growing waste management challenges in Kampala City. Buzeki made the commitment during her swearing-in ceremony as the new Executive Director of Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), held alongside her Deputy, Benon Kigenyi.
In a significant development last month, President Yoweri Museveni appointed Buzeki to the position of Executive Director, with Kigenyi serving as her Deputy. They replace Dorothy Kisaka and her Deputy, David Luyimbazi, who were dismissed following the tragic Kiteezi Landfill disaster in August 2024, which claimed the lives of over 30 people.
At the time of her appointment, Hajat Buzeki was serving as the Commissioner for Human Resources at the Ministry of Public Service. She holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and Management, a Postgraduate Diploma in Human Resource Management, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Sciences from the Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU).
Buzeki was the only woman shortlisted for the top KCCA position, competing against 11 men. Among the other candidates were Asubo Sydney, Atama Gabriel Richard, Kaima Godfrey, Kinga Swizin Mugyema, Kisekka Godfrey Bwebukya, Matte Rogers, and her Deputy, Benon Kigenyi. Additional contenders included Olaboro Emmy Ejuku, Oryono Grandfield Omonda, Ssekabembe Ronald Kiberu, and Tegyeza Joses Kachetero.
Benon Kigenyi, who was sworn in as Deputy Executive Director, previously served as Under Secretary at the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development.
In her remarks during the swearing-in ceremony, Buzeki emphasized the need for immediate action on waste management. “Our first priority will be to secure land for the disposal of waste generated in Kampala and the surrounding areas,” she said. “We will explore innovative solutions to combat the growing waste problem in the city. No modern city relies on waste dumping to this extent, and we must change this.”
She also expressed a commitment to promoting waste-to-energy initiatives and launching awareness campaigns to encourage city residents to adopt better waste management practices. “We must do everything possible to reduce the environmental pressure,” she added.

Stories Continues after ad

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced his intention to resign after serving as prime minister for nine years and leading the Liberal Party for 11 years. He will remain in office until the Liberal Party selects a new leader, a decision that comes amidst growing political and public discontent.

“I intend to resign as party leader, as prime minister, after the party selects its new leader,” Trudeau, 53, stated at a news conference in Ottawa on Monday. “I care deeply about this country and I will always be motivated by what is in the best interests of Canadians. Despite best efforts, parliament has been paralyzed for months after the longest session of a minority parliament in Canadian history.” He also announced that parliament will be suspended until March 24 while the party elects its new leader.

Trudeau’s resignation follows a series of crises that have eroded his popularity, including economic challenges, internal party divisions, and declining opinion poll ratings. He has faced growing criticism over his handling of key issues such as rising living costs, trade tensions with the United States, and dissatisfaction among voters. Polls suggest the Liberal Party is on track to lose to the opposition Conservative Party, led by Pierre Poilievre, in the upcoming general election later this year.

“This country deserves a real choice in the next election, and it has become clear to me that if I’m having to fight internal battles, I cannot be the best option in that election,” Trudeau explained.

The Liberal Party’s national executive is set to meet this week to discuss leadership issues, likely following discussions within the caucus.

Adding to Trudeau’s challenges, the sudden resignation of Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland has dealt a blow to his government. Freeland stepped down hours before delivering her annual fiscal update, criticizing Trudeau’s recent policy decisions, including a sales tax holiday and rebates to workers, which she described as “political gimmicks.” She argued that Canada could “ill afford” such measures amid the threat of significant tariffs being imposed by the incoming Trump administration in the United States.

Donald Trump, set to return to the White House on January 20, has vowed to levy a 25% tariff on all imports from Canada. The former U.S. president has also publicly mocked Trudeau, referring to him on social media as the “governor” of the “Great State of Canada.”

Trudeau rose to power in 2015, championing progressive causes and promising “sunny ways” for Canada. His early tenure focused on tackling climate change and addressing historic injustices against Indigenous communities. However, economic challenges and rising discontent have marred the later years of his leadership. A viral confrontation between Trudeau and a steelworker, who criticized the prime minister for failing to address the high cost of living, underscored Canadians’ frustrations.

Despite winning three elections, Trudeau’s most recent victory in 2021 saw his government reduced to a minority. Since then, the Conservative Party, under Poilievre’s leadership, has built a commanding lead in national polls, outpacing the Liberals by more than 20 points. Poilievre has also gained support from prominent figures such as Elon Musk, who referred to Trudeau as “an insufferable tool” and predicted his political downfall.

Trudeau’s resignation marks the end of an era for the Liberal Party and sets the stage for a highly contested leadership race. The upcoming election, which must be held by October 20 but could be called earlier, will determine the future direction of Canadian politics in an increasingly polarized landscape.

Stories Continues after ad

David Kalemera, who was appointed to head Uganda’s State House Revenue Intelligence Unit last July despite a criminal conviction, has been fired and reassigned to the Foreign Affairs ministry, this website has learned.

The move comes amid sustained criticism over President Yoweri Museveni’s decision to appoint Kalemera, a former Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) official, to the sensitive position despite his 2022 conviction on charges of tax fraud and conspiracy.

Court records show that in April 2022, High Court Justice Lawrence Gidudu found Kalemera guilty of orchestrating a sophisticated tax evasion scheme that cost the government billions of shillings in revenue. The case revealed that Kalemera, along with co-conspirators Ssemanda Ian Paul and Kazibwe Ronald, used falsified customs documentation to evade taxes on goods cleared through Mombasa port.

“The evidence clearly established that the accused’s actions were intentional and fraudulent,” Justice Gidudu stated in his ruling. The prosecution successfully demonstrated that Kalemera was the source of falsified invoices and packing lists used to misrepresent imported goods.

The announcement of Kalemera’s firing has been welcomed by anti-corruption advocates who had strongly criticized his appointment to oversee revenue intelligence operations. “This is a step in the right direction for accountability in Uganda’s tax administration,” said a political analyst in Kampala, who prefered anonmity.

Throughout the controversy, Kalemera maintained his innocence and defended his appointment, stating he was “committed to fighting corruption and revenue leakages.” However, his criminal record raised persistent questions about his suitability to lead anti-corruption efforts within the tax system.

The State House has not yet announced Kalemera’s replacement at the Revenue Intelligence Unit, which was established last year as part of government efforts to combat tax evasion and strengthen revenue collection.

Stories Continues after ad

The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) Battlegroup 39 (BG XXXIX), deployed under the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), has been recognized for its dedicated service through medals and certificates presented during a ceremony in Mogadishu.

 ATMIS Force Commander Lt Gen Sam Kavuma, who presided over the event, commended the battlegroup for its tireless efforts in the mission, including weakening Al-Shabaab, protecting local communities, and assisting Somali Security Forces (SSF) in assuming greater responsibility for security. 

“We thank God as we celebrate and recognise the soldiers by awarding them medals. The biggest payment in a medal is the recognition of one’s work, and I am happy to be here at this wonderful function,” Lt Gen Kavuma said.

He praised the troops for their commitment to both ATMIS and Uganda, while honouring those who lost their lives or were injured in the line of duty, acknowledging their sacrifices in the spirit of Pan-Africanism.

Brig Gen Anthony Lukwago Mbuusi, Uganda’s Contingent Commander, expressed his pride in BG XXXIX’s achievements. 

“The Battlegroup commenced its mission operations in November and was deployed to various ATMIS locations within the hostile Banadir and Lower Shabelle regions of Somalia,” he said.

Despite repeated Al-Shabaab attempts to attack Forward Operating Bases (FOBs), Brig Gen Mbuusi highlighted how the battlegroup successfully defended its positions, protected local communities, and ensured the safety of vital supply routes. He lauded the troops for their bravery, professionalism, and courage in denying Al-Shabaab freedom of action.

BG XXXIX’s outstanding service was recognised with the presentation of medals and certificates, in line with ATMIS Standard Operating Procedures under Article 4, Clause 17, which outlines awards and ceremonies.

Stories Continues after ad

The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) Battlegroup 39 (BG XXXIX), deployed under the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), has been recognized for its dedicated service through medals and certificates presented during a ceremony in Mogadishu.

 ATMIS Force Commander Lt Gen Sam Kavuma, who presided over the event, commended the battlegroup for its tireless efforts in the mission, including weakening Al-Shabaab, protecting local communities, and assisting Somali Security Forces (SSF) in assuming greater responsibility for security.

“We thank God as we celebrate and recognise the soldiers by awarding them medals. The biggest payment in a medal is the recognition of one’s work, and I am happy to be here at this wonderful function,” Lt Gen Kavuma said.

He praised the troops for their commitment to both ATMIS and Uganda, while honouring those who lost their lives or were injured in the line of duty, acknowledging their sacrifices in the spirit of Pan-Africanism.

Brig Gen Anthony Lukwago Mbuusi, Uganda’s Contingent Commander, expressed his pride in BG XXXIX’s achievements.

“The Battlegroup commenced its mission operations in November and was deployed to various ATMIS locations within the hostile Banadir and Lower Shabelle regions of Somalia,” he said.

Despite repeated Al-Shabaab attempts to attack Forward Operating Bases (FOBs), Brig Gen Mbuusi highlighted how the battlegroup successfully defended its positions, protected local communities, and ensured the safety of vital supply routes. He lauded the troops for their bravery, professionalism, and courage in denying Al-Shabaab freedom of action.

BG XXXIX’s outstanding service was recognised with the presentation of medals and certificates, in line with ATMIS Standard Operating Procedures under Article 4, Clause 17, which outlines awards and ceremonies.

Stories Continues after ad

The Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury (PSST) in the Ministry of Finance, Ramathan Ggoobi, has accused some accounting officers in Ministries, Departments, and Government Agencies (MDAs) of deliberately excluding critical service delivery items from their primary budget schedules. These omissions are later used to justify supplementary budget requests that raise suspicions of corruption.

Addressing journalists on the government’s vision to grow Uganda’s economy from USD 50 billion to USD 500 billion by 2040, Ggoobi emphasized the ministry’s commitment to eradicating wasteful and unnecessary expenditures. He noted that available resources must be directed towards productive sectors to achieve this ambitious economic transformation.

Ggoobi revealed that intelligence reports have uncovered a pattern where some accounting officers prioritize less significant items, such as travel, entertainment, and repairs, in their primary budgets. This approach allows them to manipulate the system for personal gain, pushing essential service delivery priorities to supplementary requests.

“This manipulation defers key priority aspects to the tail end, forcing them to rely on supplementary budgets,” Ggoobi explained. “We are not only rejecting such suspicious requests but also holding culpable officers accountable for these irregularities that waste public funds.”

In the last financial year alone, the Ministry of Finance rejected suspicious supplementary budget requests amounting to UGX 1.7 trillion from various MDAs. Moving forward, Ggoobi announced that the ministry is implementing strategic interventions, including the complete digitization of government systems and public procurement processes, to curb corruption.

These measures come as MDAs initiate preparations for their budget framework papers for the upcoming financial year. Ggoobi’s warning underscores the ministry’s resolve to tighten oversight and ensure public funds are spent on genuine and productive initiatives.

Corruption in Uganda remains a significant challenge. The 2021 Cost of Corruption Report by the Inspectorate of Government estimates that the country loses up to UGX 9.14 trillion annually to corruption. In 2019 alone, UGX 614 billion was lost to corruption in procurement and budgeting processes.

In a related development, the Directorate of Ethics and Integrity in the Office of the President recently dispatched a delegation to Singapore to study best practices in combating corruption. The lessons from this benchmarking tour are expected to enhance Uganda’s anti-corruption strategies.

Stories Continues after ad

Police have identified three additional suspects implicated in the murder of Tugume Albert, a mobile money attendant and brother to Deputy Mayor Doreen Nyanjura. Tugume was shot dead on November 21, 2024, at around 7:00 PM in Kiwatule Central Zone, Nakawa Division, Kampala City.

Tugume, 34, was preparing to close his mobile money shop when he was attacked by an assailant who attempted to rob him. During the scuffle, a boda boda rider, 30-year-old Sabiti Banabas, tried to intervene but was shot dead by another armed assailant who had been waiting nearby.

Tugume attempted to flee but was pursued and fatally shot by the suspects, who made off with a bag believed to contain an unspecified amount of cash.

Luke Owoyesigyire, the Kampala Metropolitan Deputy Spokesperson, confirmed that police investigators are making significant progress in the ongoing investigation into the murder and aggravated robbery case. He stated that a joint task force had been established to investigate the crime, resulting in the arrest of four suspects.

The suspects in custody are: Mutagubya Jimmy, a boda boda rider, and resident of Sempagala Zone, Nakawa Division, Wakiso District; Kayemba Bosco Ssalongo, a builder, and resident of Kawanda, Nakyesanje Zone, Nabweru Subcounty, Wakiso District; Makanga Marvin, unemployed, and resident of Kagoma, Maganjo, Wakiso District and Suuna Hamza Mutebi, a businessman and resident of Mpererwe, Wakiso District.

“The four have been charged with Murder, Aggravated Robbery, and Conspiracy to Commit a Felony,” he said.
Other suspects still at large include; Kabuye Hussei, Bambaiha Joseph alias Fire and Lukenge Martin.

Stories Continues after ad