The outbreak of Marburg Virus Disease was declared over today by the Government of Rwanda with no new cases reported over the last 42 days after the last patient tested negative for the virus twice, as per the usual protocol for ending these types of outbreaks.
The outbreak, confirmed on 27 September 2024, was the first Marburg Virus Disease outbreak Rwanda has experienced. A total of 66 confirmed cases and 15 deaths were recorded. Almost 80% of the cases were among health workers who were infected while providing clinical care to their colleagues and other patients.

To halt the spread of the virus and save lives, Rwandan health authorities, with support from World Health Organization (WHO) and partners, mounted a comprehensive response, with a large range of measures from disease surveillance, testing, infection prevention and control, contact tracing, to clinical care and public awareness. These actions helped to curb the spread of the outbreak, with cases halved between weeks two and three after detection and declining by around 90% thereafter.

“The robust response by Rwanda shows how committed leadership, concerted efforts by partners and a strong health system are crucial in addressing public health emergencies, saving and protecting lives as well as safeguarding the health of individuals and communities,” said Dr Brian Chirombo, WHO Representative in Rwanda.

The deployment of WHO experts, a team of national first responders from other countries in the region and the strong mobilization of national efforts were instrumental in enhancing the outbreak response. The last confirmed case received their second negative PCR result on 7 November, kicking off the 42-day countdown to declaring the end of the outbreak, as per WHO recommendation.

WHO continues to work closely with the national authorities to maintain critical measures to ensure swift detection and response in case of any flare-up or new spillover of the virus. WHO will continue to support the Ministry of Health to implement and sustain a holistic care programme for people who recovered from Marburg Virus Disease to help them overcome any after-effects they may experience.

The virus which causes Marburg, is in the same family as the virus that causes Ebola Virus Disease. It is highly virulent with a fatality rate ranging from 24% to 88%. In this outbreak, the fatality rate was on the lower end, at around 23%. Marburg virus is transmitted to people from fruit bats and spreads among humans through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected people, surfaces and materials.

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The government has reopened Karuma Bridge to motorists following its closure in September for renovations. The bridge was officially reopened by Musa Ecweru, the State Minister for Works.

In April 2024, the government temporarily closed Karuma Bridge to heavy vehicles after an assessment revealed significant structural defects. According to the Ministry of Works and Transport, the bridge was at risk of collapsing under active traffic.

To address the issue, the government contracted the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC) and the China Seventh Railway Group to carry out repairs. The work, which was scheduled to be completed within three months, has now concluded.

The bridge’s closure caused significant disruption for travelers to northern Uganda and West Nile, who had to use longer detours through Masindi Port and Murchison Falls National Park. The renovations were carried out at an estimated cost of Shs 7.9 billion.

In a statement earlier today, Minister Ecweru announced that plans are underway to construct a suspended bridge at Karuma Falls. He revealed that the government is collaborating with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to build a new bridge over the River Nile at Karuma Falls. The new bridge, to be located immediately west and downstream of the old Karuma Bridge, is expected to cost $100 million.

The original Karuma Bridge, built in 1963, was completed one year after Uganda gained independence from Britain. The old bridge is narrow, with a single carriageway, no pedestrian or bicycle lanes, and no monitoring equipment. It has been the site of several major accidents over the years.

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City Tycoon Sudhir Ruperlia’s Munyonyo Commonwealth Resort has been awarded a coveted five-star rating by the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB).

This is the highest honour bestowed upon a hospitality establishment in Uganda. It has been announced following a rigorous nationwide grading and classification exercise of accommodation facilities conducted by the UTB.

According to Lilly Ajarova, Chief Executive Officer of the UTB, the five-star rating is a testament to the resort’s commitment to maintaining exceptional hospitality standards.

“The Munyonyo Commonwealth Resort has consistently demonstrated its commitment to providing world-class amenities and services to its guests,” Ajarova said.

“This five-star rating is a well-deserved recognition of the resort’s hard work and dedication to excellence.”

The five-star rating is expected to further boost Uganda’s tourism industry, which has been growing steadily in recent years.

According to the UTB, the rating is a significant achievement for the resort and a testament to Uganda’s growing reputation as a premier tourist destination in East Africa.

The Munyonyo Commonwealth Resort is one of the leading hospitality establishments in Uganda, offering world-class amenities and services to its guests.

The resort’s five-star rating is a significant boost to Uganda’s tourism industry, which is expected to continue growing in the coming years.

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The mood in Uganda’s private sector remains upbeat with the monthly StanbicPurchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) jumping to 55.7during Novemberfrom the 52.9 recorded in October. Readings above 50.0 mean a positive outlook.

Christopher Legilisho, Economist at Stanbic Bank said, “The Stanbic Bank Uganda PMI data for November revealed a vibrant private sector growing in optimism about both current and future economic conditions. The PMI rose to 55.7 which is an extension in business conditions for an eighth consecutive month due to strong, sustained customer demand resulting in an expansion in output and new orders despite a dip in employment.”

He said the uptick in new orders growth was broad-based, reflecting the acquisition of new clients and an improvement in consumer purchasing power. Firms ramped up purchasing activity and inventories to accommodate strong demand.

The Stanbic PMI is a weighted average of the following five indices: New Orders (30%), Output (25%), Employment (20%), Suppliers’ Delivery Times (15%) and Stocks of Purchases (10%). The sectors covered by the survey compiled by S&P Global, include agriculture, mining, manufacturing, construction, wholesale, retail and services.

At the sector level, expansions in business activity and new orders were recorded across all five monitored segments.

Greater output and new orders supported overall growth, with demand conditions reportedly strengthening. In response to increased new business, and hopes of future expansions in client demand, firms stepped up their input buying. Despite a rise in new sales, companies were able to deplete backlogs of work further, leading to the first cut in staffing numbers since March 2023.

Meanwhile, total operating expenses increased again amid hikes in purchase and staff costs. At the same time, businesses were able to raise selling prices for the third month.
Legilisho said, “Employment levels fell in November across all surveyed sectors, implying firms targeted cost containment amid reduced work backlogs. Input and output  price pressures increased due to high utility and energy bills. Further, purchase prices increased due to higher costs for construction materials, food, and toiletries.”

He said, “Notwithstanding the dip in employment, firms remain positive about the economic outlook due to planned investment as well as expectations of strong consumer demand conditions over the coming year.”

On the price front, total input costs rose further, as both purchase and staff costs increased again. Higher utility and material prices were commonly highlighted as the driving factors behind overall cost inflation.

In line with greater cost burdens, Ugandan businesses raised their selling prices for the third month running in November.  Although all monitored sectors registered higher overall input costs, only construction companies did not raise.

Finally, input buying grew again midway through the fourth quarter. Increased purchasing activity was facilitated by another improvement in suppliers’ delivery times. Consequently, Ugandan companies were able to build desired safety stocks amid hopes of further upturns in new orders in the coming months.

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Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa has directed the government to present to Parliament a detailed report on investigations into the operations of online money lending apps, following numerous complaints from Ugandans about harassment.

Narrating his personal ordeal, Tayebwa recounted being insulted and accused of being a “conman” by an agent from Mangu Cash, an online money lending app. This occurred after he refused to settle a loan for an individual who had fraudulently listed him as their next of kin.

“Recently, I received a call from someone identifying herself as an agent of Mangu Cash, threatening me to pay a loan for someone who borrowed and listed me as their next of kin. I humbly explained that I had no connection to the company or the individual. However, the response was rude and escalated when I revealed my identity,” Tayebwa explained.

Sharing his experience on social media, Tayebwa revealed that many Ugandans are enduring severe harassment from these apps, which operate unregulated and use unethical practices. He cited public feedback highlighting how these apps are run by powerful, untouchable entities and pointed out similar issues in other countries, such as India, where victims have reportedly taken their own lives due to the pressure.

Minister of State for Finance Henry Musasizi confirmed that the matter had reached the Central Bank and investigations are underway. He emphasized that the activities of these apps are not a result of regulatory gaps but are outright illegal.

“What these apps are doing is illegal. The regulated money lending businesses are operating without issues. However, we are investigating these rogue apps and will provide a detailed report to Parliament,” Musasizi assured the House.

Tayebwa’s call for accountability underscores the urgent need for government intervention to curb the predatory practices of online money lending apps that continue to exploit vulnerable Ugandans.

Some of the apps extorting Ugandans include; iKash, Flypesa, banana app, Loango, Nile, gloan app, Boom loan, Mpacash, Cashpulse, Credit lab, Flowerloan, Wind-money, Lever credit, Cashmate, Ezee loan, Kasente, Sunlit, Wind money, Cashflow, Moji, Ozzy money, Mumu money, Kasquick, More Pesa, Muno, My loan, Real Cash, Star Loan, Get Cash.

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Police have uncovered illegal use of government drugs at a private medical facility in Gulu District following a whistleblower tip-off.

The Uganda Police Force raided St. Mary’s Medical Centre and discovered government-issued drugs, an official computer, and medical register books being used at the private clinic.

The raid resulted in the arrest of Okello Simon, Clinical Officer, Ayot Shalome Proscovia, Administrator and Dr. Opwonya David, Facility Owner, who is currently employed at Anaka Government Hospital.

Authorities emphasized that misuse of government resources is a severe crime, urging the public to report any suspicious activities.

The Uganda Police Force has reiterated its commitment to curbing corruption and protecting public resources, warning that those found guilty will face legal consequences.

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Deputy Governor of the Bank of Uganda, Michael Atingi-Ego, has dismissed allegations that the Central Bank’s financial systems were hacked in connection with the recent Shs60 billion money heist.

He assured the public and international stakeholders that a thorough investigation found no evidence of hacking.

Atingi-Ego made the remarks today while appearing before Parliament’s Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities, and State Enterprises (COSASE) where he was summoned to explain the suspicious transactions involving misdirected payments to the tune of $14.73 million.

“At the Central Bank, we were so concerned. There was a lot of negativity in the media that the Bank of Uganda had been hacked. For a Central Bank to be hacked, this is a very serious matter,” Atingi-Ego said.

He noted that the allegations caused ripples internationally prompting inquiries from correspondent banks.

“Some of our corresponding banks started contacting us, asking how sure they could be that they were dealing with the right people,” he added.

Atingi-Ego explained that the money involved two debt servicing payments one to the World Bank to a tune of US$6.134 Million which was instead paid to Road Way Company limited through a Bank in Japan on 12th September 2024, while the payment of US$8.596M meant for the African Development Fund was paid in Japan on 20th September 2024, only for Bank of Uganda to receive an inquiry from the Ministry of Finance on 8th September 2024 about the payment to World Bank.

Following the discovery, the Central Bank convened a meeting with the Ministry of Finance and its Chief Internal Auditor to investigate the matter. Atingi-Ego revealed that the Bank and the Ministry of Finance agreed to hire an independent forensic audit firm and informed the police about the incident.

“We wanted to make sure that our systems weren’t hacked, so we did a thorough investigation of our systems. There was nothing whatsoever to show that our systems were hacked,” Atingi-Ego affirmed.

He also disclosed that recovery efforts are underway, with the Bank taking steps to trace and retrieve the misdirected funds.

The hacking allegations and the dubious transactions have raised concerns about the integrity of the Central Bank’s operations. However, Atingi-Ego emphasized that the Bank of Uganda’s international credibility remains a priority, as it works to reassure its global partners.

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In a groundbreaking event, RAK Engineering Limited launched Head Offices in Kawempe and pledged to open more subsidiaries across to employ more Ugandans.

In the same event, RAK Engineering Limited was celebrating fourteen (14) years of excellent operation, dedicated service, and innovation in the engineering and infrastructure sectors.
Since its establishment in 2010, the company has grown to become one of Uganda’s most trusted providers of engineering solutions, delivering transformative projects that contribute to the nation’s development.

RAK Engineering Ltd specializes in providing cutting-edge solutions in telecommunications engineering, power line construction, road and building infrastructure, and project management. From its humble beginnings, the company has consistently evolved, expanding its portfolio to serve various industries, including telecommunications, construction, IT, and utilities. The company’s mission to deliver exceptional, quality-driven services has been the foundation of its success. Over the past 14 years, RAK Engineering has upheld its vision to be the leading provider of professional engineering solutions in the region, with sustainability and innovation at the core of its operations.

The Managing Director, Kamuhanda Rogers described the launch of the new offices as a milestone in achieving the targeted goals and objectives for the 14 years of operation and delivering high quality work.

 “This is a great achievement to see a small company RAK grow this big in just 14 years. This office in Kawempe will be the head office and more subsidiaries will be built. However, we have many warehouses for quick services to our clients.

He said that RAK has so far employed over 100 Ugandan workers both on permanent and temporary contracts, noting that these workers have to be fully qualified and meet the standards of engineering to produce quality work.
“We have over 100 Ugandans workers both on permanent and temporary contracts. Most of the temporary workers are recruited depending on the area of the company’s operation. This has enabled many Ugandans to acquire jobs in different areas of the country.

RAK Engineering Limited has solely been focusing on telecommunications engineering; however it has opened more interests in civil construction, electricity installation and oil and gas sector.
Kamuhanda noted that the company has been able to take interns’ interest in engineering and have graduated and fully been employed.
Kamuhanda’s father, Naris Ruhindi Zirahagye, former civil servant applauded the son for the achievements the company has so far witnessed and urged him to improve for better heights.
Ruhindi urged Kamuhanda to be cautious citing that the civil engineering field is a terrible sector and requires pure production of works and trustworthy.

“I joined the Ministry of Works as an assistant worker and later became a Principal Support Officer. Therefore I know all the areas in the field of engineering and working hard there will make you stronger and earn a better reputation,” Ruhindi said.

He urged the youths working in the company to be committed to the work they do. He reminded them that education is not easy and once given a chance, utilize it to achieve their dreams.
Gerald Isabirye, a great friend to Kamuhanda, appreciated him for his visionary works in the engineering sector and bringing great influence in the city.

“You have exceeded your expectations. We all have to admit that growth is the driving force to serving a bigger population. RAK Engineering Limited is set to attract many clients in years to come now that it has situated the Head Offices in Kampala, a business center,” Isabirye said.
He added that the launch of these offices is a step forward for the steady movement of the company and this will house more ideas and objectives of the company.
“These offices are more than bricks and water where dreams meet reality. Focus on the future in order to navigate achievements,” he urged.
Isabirye also advised the Ugandan local companies to learn from RAK Engineering Limited to do high quality works in order to thrive in this competitive market full of international companies.
He further cautioned the workers to maintain their discipline within the company and express their skills to become highly recognized engineers.
RAK Engineering Ltd has successfully delivered numerous high-impact projects for some of Uganda’s leading organizations. These include infrastructure support for telecommunications expansion with MTN Uganda, key construction collaborations with Roko Construction, telecommunications engineering solutions for ZTE, and network and infrastructure enhancement for Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC). The company has also partnered with Mota-Engil to execute large-scale infrastructure projects and supported the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) in water and sewerage system development. These partnerships demonstrate RAK Engineering's ability to meet the demands of high-profile clients while maintaining excellence in service delivery.
RAK Engineering Ltd plays a pivotal role in Uganda’s socio-economic development and is committed to aligning its operations with the National Development Plan (NDP IV). By focusing on infrastructure development, telecommunications, and sustainable practices, the company supports key national priorities, including enhancing connectivity through reliable telecommunications infrastructure, strengthening utility infrastructure to improve access to water, electricity, and essential services, and contributing to industrialization and urbanization goals by executing high-quality construction projects, employment of local talent. Furthermore, the company promotes sustainability through green practices and energy-efficient solutions. By directly contributing to Uganda’s economic growth and the attainment of NDP IV goals, RAK Engineering Ltd continues to demonstrate its commitment to the development of resilient infrastructure that underpins the country’s transformation.
Under the leadership of Managing Director Rogers Kamuhanda, through his skills and competence, RAK Engineering Ltd has remained committed to quality, operational excellence, and client satisfaction. Rogers Kamuhanda’s strategic vision and hands-on approach have been instrumental in positioning the company as a reliable partner in the sector.
RAK Engineering Ltd integrates sustainability into all aspects of its operations. By adopting green practices, implementing energy-efficient solutions, and prioritizing workplace safety, the company continues to align itself with global and national sustainability goals.
As RAK Engineering Ltd celebrates this 14-year milestone, it remains focused on the future.
With plans to further diversify its services and expand into new sectors, the company is well-positioned to continue shaping Uganda’s infrastructure landscape and contribute to the development and achievement of NDP IV priorities.

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