The Nansana Municipal Labour office has ordered Biodiversity International & CIAT to compensate a researcher (names withheld for privacy reasons) Shs1.856 billion following a contentious sexual harassment allegation.
The court found the institution culpable in mishandling the complaint of an alleged sexual harassment involving one of their researchers. The case has drawn much attention due to its implications for workplace safety and accountability in international organizations operating in Uganda.
The court further ordered the organization to pay the researcher’s net salary worth Shs306 million (for 18 months), five times damages amounting to Shs306 million and legal fees of Shs20 million. According to documents seen by Eagle Online, researcher was earning a net pay of Shs17 million per month.
“The evidence presented demonstrated a clear failure by the organizations to uphold a duty of care to their employee. This negligence caused irreparable harm to the complainant’s personal and professional life,” Nansana Municipal Labour Office ordered in a statement.
The researcher was accused sexual assault. The allegations not only shook the organizations but also ignited gaps in institutional mechanisms for handling such sensitive matters.
The court directed the organization to implement comprehensive reforms to prevent future incidents. Byamugisha Gabriel & Co. Advocates emphasized that the institution failed to act decisively in addressing the allegations.
“This judgment is a call for all employers, especially international organizations, to ensure a safe and supportive environment for their staff,” the judge remarked.
“…This is therefore to request and demand that you immediately clear his name and consider a handshake by a way of compensation. Those who mismanaged the investigation should be brought to book,” Court directed.
The organization was also given a seven-day ultimatum to respond to the court order or else be dragged to the industrial.
Works and Transport Minister, Gen. Katumba Wamala.
The Minister of Works and Transport, Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala has called on road users to prioritize caution and respect for others on the road.
Addressing the public, Katumba emphasized, “In the lead-up to the festive season, we are appealing to road users to avoid conducting themselves in a manner that exposes and undermines the rights of others to safely use the shared road space.”
The appeal comes following road traffic statistics of last year’s festive season where close to 60 lives were lost between December 23, 2023, and January 1, 2024. In the first nine months of 2024 alone, 3,790 lives have been lost with over 12,430 individuals sustaining serious injuries in road crashes across the country.
Katumba called for vigilance and urged all road users to exercise caution during the busy holiday period.
To ensure safe travel during the festive season, the Ministry of Works and Transport issued a series of directives aimed at minimizing road accidents and ensuring compliance with safety standards.
Buses covering distances exceeding 300 kilometers will not be permitted to make return journeys within 24 hours. Additionally, only buses with valid route charts and Public Service Vehicle (PSV) licenses will be authorized to operate. This measure is intended to curb driver fatigue and ensure that only certified vehicles are on the roads.
The ministry has also restricted unauthorized passenger transport. School buses and private vehicles not authorized by the ministry to carry passengers for hire are strictly prohibited from operating during this period.
To further enhance safety, all bus drivers are required to carry valid driving licenses and driver badges. Each bus must display a photo of its driver to enhance accountability and transparency for passengers.
Traffic enforcement will be heightened across the country, with the Traffic Police focusing on keeping roads safe throughout the festive season. This nationwide effort aims to deter reckless driving and other road violations, ensuring safer journeys for all.
Measures to mitigate this are in place with the operationalization of the Non-Motorized Transport (NMT) Policy.
“Current road designs within the city now have provisions for NMT as a requirement! We also have an NMT corridor along luwum street and Namirembe road dedicated to pedestrians,” he said.
Sixteen people have been remanded to Arua prison over the murder of Dr. Paul Drilaba, the District Health Officer of Arua and his surveyor.
The murder incident occurred on 23rd November 23, 2024, in Oyeku Village, Ajia Sub-County.
The suspects were charged in court on December 5, 2024 and remanded to prison as the case is capital and can only be tried by the High Court.
They face charges of murder and aggravated assault which sparked from the violent attack that claimed two lives.
Dr. Drilaba was attacked by a group of unidentified individuals as he was at the site with his lawyer, surveyors and workers to demarcate boundaries of land he had recently acquired in Oyeku Village in September 2024.
A conflict broke out when a resident questioned their activities resulting in a violent attack by a group of over 50 armed individuals wielding machetes, axes, bows and arrows. Tragically, Dr. Drilaba and one surveyor were killed in the attack, while others managed to escape. The District Health Officer succumbed to his injuries before law enforcement could arrive at the scene.
According to SP Collins Asea, the Police Spokesperson and Regional Criminal Investigations Officer (RCLO) for the West Nile Region said that preliminary findings suggest that the land in question was contested by members of the Oyeku clan who claim historical ownership.
“We are working closely with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to ensure the case is prosecuted effectively. Evidence collection is ongoing to build a strong case against those involved,” SP Asea said.
SP Asea urged the community to remain calm and allow the legal process to proceed. The 16 will appear before the High Court on December 23, 2024.
He added, “The Uganda Police Force is committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice for Dr. Drilaba’s family and the community.”
The Yoweri Museveni administration has, after restoring Uganda into the international files of honor, expanded the political space most especially after the 2005 plebiscite to the extent that currently there is a plethora of parties registering to take part in the 2026 general elections. Uganda’s political canvass, presently, boasts of NRM, FDC, UPC, DP, NUP, JEEMA; all with representation in the August house.
That overabundance of political parties notwithstanding, the one-million-dollar question is “how ready is each of them for the 2026 general elections? Their readiness can be umpired basing on a number of variables namely: party unity, availability of resources, visibility, incumbency benefits, leadership strength, a large body of membership and proven capacity to govern as well as excess from the past.
Firstly, of all the parties inhabiting Uganda’s political canvass, it’s the NRM under the able and tested leadership of President Yoweri Museveni that has demonstrable elements of having created robust intra-party unity which is evidenced by, largely, strong leadership, the absence of internal squabbling and bickering, feeling of wholeness, prevalence of forbearance, and presence of agreeableness. The NRM will, therefore, participate hand and glove in the 2026 general elections. On the other hand, other parties are thoroughly fractious state; that will debilitate their competitiveness at the polls.
Secondly, the issue of political visibility is critical; President Yoweri Museveni’s and NRM’s longevity in power cannot be overemphasized; Uganda’s bombastic voters sufficiently know both and their capacity to galvanize their rank and file into electoral success. No other party ably matches the NRM in terms of political visibility with the exception of the independence parties of UPC and DP yet both are still gridlocked in a responsive mode to the quest for independence. The rest are new upstart parties that haven’t adequately navigated our troubled political waters.
Thirdly, in terms of resourcefulness, there’s no party that is as endowed as the NRM; the party’s capacity to raise funds from its huge MP membership; funding from the electoral commission based on the strength of membership in parliament, availability of human and other resources, twinning collaborations with like-minded global political parties, party membership contributions as well as the trappings of friendships within the country all combine to put Yoweri Museveni ahead of other players. None of the other players on the political canvass can boast of such networks.
Fourthly, the bombastic Ugandan voter knows exceedingly well that Yoweri Museveni’s safe pair of hands and the revolutionary NRM party have completely changed the trajectory of the country’s political canvass since 1986; general elections are currently predictable and regular; forget about: the coups and take-overs that defined us; extra-judicial killings that punctuated our politics and left an indelible blight on our nationhood; churning out refugees into the region and to the yonder and the restoration of Uganda into the international files of honor – all these had made us a pariah nation. We are now a force to reckon with in the region and yon.
Fifthly, Uganda’s ever recessing opposition oligarchs have, over the years, had erratic and incongruous messaging, second rate messengers and lackluster delivery vogue; this is particularly typified by some recalcitrant opposition oligarchs suggesting that elections “cannot remove Museveni” yet they continue taking part in elections, typical posturing that doesn’t resonate with Uganda’s bombastic voters a majority of whom won’t buy the imputations and innuendos incentivizing an insurrection. On the other hand, President Yoweri Museveni’s messages have been very explicit emphasizing peace, unity, social economic transformation and Pan-Africanism.
Sixth, a couple of opposition oligarchs suffer from the excess baggage of lacking enthusiasm and showing no support for the anti-homosexuality bill and later the law; Ugandan voters know those individuals and judgement and punishment day will come with polling in 2026.
Lastly but not least, President Yoweri Museveni’s unremitting magnanimity by accommodating erstwhile political foes is a big plus. As we prepare for the 2026 general elections, that benevolence will furthermore endure and endear him to many in the opposition; this column can comfortably predict that many from that corner will identify with the “bus” and of course the President will handsomely cull the benefits of incumbency and public commission as well.
The Bank of Uganda Deputy Governor Michael Atingi-Ego has revealed that they have so far recovered half of the money ($8.205 million or about Shs30 billion) and they are still investigating the balance.
Addressing a press conference on Thursday, Michael Atingi-Ego said that over Shs60 billion fraud originated from an external directive where they were instructed to pay the wrong beneficiaries and dismissed allegations that Central Bank staff were involved.
“Our systems are uncompromised and secure. The BoU systems were never hacked. Two incidents of fraud were initiated outside the BoU IT systems. Instructions were received by BoU to pay the wrong beneficiaries, leading to the diversion of funds,” he said.
“Nevertheless, we have since recovered $8.205 million of these funds and we are pursuing the balance. The ongoing investigation will support recovery efforts,” he added.
Dr Atingi-Ego said that the money in question was from two transactions, which were related to debt-service payments.
He said the payment transactions included a payment to the World Bank of $6.134 million, which was instead paid to a company called Roadway Company Limited through a bank in Japan called MUFG. And that was on the of September 12, 2024.
The second transaction was meant to be a payment to the African Development Fund of $8.596 million. It was instead paid to MJS International London in the UK on the September 28, 2024.
Bank of Uganda, he said, upon discovering that the payments had not reached the intended beneficiaries, that is, the World Bank and the African Development Fund, they commenced internal investigations and reported the matter to the relevant government agency.
“And that was the police, the criminal investigations directorate, and also the Financial Intelligence Authority,” he said.
“But beyond that, the Bank of Uganda took the necessary steps to recover these funds. That was really our key priority. So, we instructed our correspondent bank, that is Citibank, and the banks where the funds had been credited to the accounts of the fraudsters, instructing them to freeze the said funds due to the suspected fraud that is taking place. We have since recovered $8.205 million of the funds that had been sent to M.J.S. International London UK,” he said
The Deputy Governor said these funds have been credited back to the Uganda government consolidated fund account in Bank of Uganda.
“It’s not frozen like the media is speculating. And we are pursuing the balance of $391,000 that went to this bank in London through our correspondent bank, Citibank,” he said.
However, he said Bank of Uganda has not recovered the amount paid to Roadway Company through the MUFG Bank of Japan.
“This bank has not been very cooperative, that’s why we haven’t recovered this money. So, while they haven’t been cooperative, we are working hard with our domestic and international partners, particularly through their financial intelligence authority to pursue the recovery of these funds,” he explained.
“And we also expect the ongoing investigations to support our recovery efforts and help us understand the full extent of these fraudulent transactions. But more importantly, we are also cooperating with the Office of the Auditor General who are conducting their independent investigations,” he added.
Prof Kateregga gesturing with another gentleman having coffee in one of the city restaurants.
Kampala University founder, Professor Badru Kateregga, has found himself at the center of controversy after a pre-recorded video surfaced in which he accused his wife of holding him incommunicado for a week at their home. However, investigations have revealed these claims to be unfounded, further deepening the turmoil surrounding the embattled academic leader.
Allegations proven false
The video, which quickly made rounds on social media, painted a picture of domestic strife, with Prof. Kateregga alleging that he had been confined against his will. However, multiple sources close to the family and independent investigations revealed that the professor was, in fact, unwell and undergoing medical treatment at home during the alleged period of confinement.
Contrary to his claims, it was established that his children arrived at the home under the pretext of taking him to the hospital but had ulterior motives. Despite their intervention, medical findings confirmed that Prof. Kateregga was suffering from a clot—a condition he has dealt with previously. He subsequently underwent surgery at the International Hospital Kampala (IHK).
Misleading reports about assault
Reports suggesting that Prof. Kateregga was assaulted by his wife, leading to his near-death experience, have also been dismissed as baseless. Witnesses confirmed that the professor was seen walking normally and freely leaving his residence at the time he was taken to the hospital. These revelations have cast doubts on the motivations behind the allegations and the individuals who perpetuated them.
Opportunists and self-seekers
Insiders suggest that Prof. Kateregga is increasingly surrounded by opportunists and self-seekers who may be exploiting his vulnerabilities for personal gain. This influence has reportedly contributed to a series of controversial decisions and public missteps that have tarnished his reputation and threatened the stability of Kampala University.
A tarnished legacy
This latest incident adds to the growing list of challenges facing Prof. Kateregga, who has been criticized for his management of Kampala University amidst allegations of family disputes, questionable leadership decisions, and declining institutional standards.
Observers are calling for a reassessment of the professor’s inner circle and decision-making processes, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability. Without decisive action, the legacy of Prof. Kateregga and the future of Kampala University may continue to face significant challenges.
As the saga unfolds, stakeholders and the public remain eager to see whether lessons will be learned from this episode or if further controversies will arise.
Key findings:
1. Meeting at Mengo (27th August 2024):
Prof Kateregga attended a meeting involving the Mpologoma Clan and the Buganda Attorney General.
2. Burial Planning (August 28 – 31, 2024):
He participated in organizing the burial of Namugguzi, the Head of the Mpologoma Clan.
3. Official Engagements (August 30, 2024):
The professor was seen at Busabala, Kazi Scouts site, where he received the Vice President.
4. Brother’s Burial (September 3, 2024):
Prof Kateregga attended the burial of his brother, Jjuko, in Butambala.
5. Medical Visits (September 4 – 7, 2024):
He visited his physician, Dr. Silver Bahendeka, at Doctor’s Plaza, Nsambya, on two occasions. Additionally, he was seen at Georgina’s Eye Clinic with his wife.
6. Hospital Stay (September 8, 2024):
Accompanied by his family, Kateregga checked into IHK, where he underwent surgery for blood clots, a condition he has dealt with previously. His neurologist, Dr. Joel Kiryabwire, confirmed the treatment.
Communication and activities
Evidence shows that Prof Kateregga maintained regular communication via phone during the period he alleged detention. This further undermines his claims of being isolated.
Family disputes and allegations
Sources close to the professor have linked the claims to ongoing family conflicts involving his older children and individuals opposed to his current wife. These disputes have reportedly caused significant tension and changes at Kampala University, an institution associated with Prof Kateregga.
Emerging controversies
Reports have surfaced that Prof Kateregga is cohabiting with a 24-year-old woman, adding another layer of complexity to the unfolding narrative. The motive behind the false detention claims remains unclear.
Our investigative team continues to dig deeper into these allegations and their implications. Stay tuned for updates as more details emerge.
Businessman Ham and Namibia elected president, Dr. Nandi Ndaitwah Netumbo at Hamz stadium on her last visit to uganda earlier this year.
Ugandan entrepreneur Hamis Kiggundu alias Ham is happy after his close ally, Dr. Nandi Ndaitwah Netumbo was declared as Namibia’s President.
Dr. Ndaitwah’s victory marks a historic move for Namibia as her progressive leadership style and bold vision for national development resonate with investors and global leaders alike. Among them is Kiggundu.
Namibia’s new leadership has sparked Kiggundu’s interest in expanding his investments into the country with the initial focus on infrastructure development with plans to build a world-class modern stadium that could position Namibia as a regional hub for sports, entertainment and international events.
Kiggundu expressed his confidence in Namibia’s future under President Ndaitwah.
Kiggundu’s close relationship with President Ndaitwah is expected to strengthen ties between Uganda and Namibia fostering bilateral trade and investment opportunities.
Dr. Ndaitwah’s presidency is rooted in a vision of economic diversification, job creation, and infrastructure modernization.
In addition to the stadium, Kiggundu has ventured in real estate, agriculture, and technology.
Dr. Nandi Ndaitwah’s historic election is not just a triumph for Namibia but a beacon of hope for a brighter, globally connected tomorrow.
Victoria University is offering a first-of-its-kind program; the National Certificate in Cosmetology & Body Therapy.
This innovative course is designed for individuals passionate about beauty, wellness and self-care aiming to transform their interests into fulfilling careers in the booming beauty industry.
Victoria University is setting a new benchmark with this specialized certificate combining theory with practical experience to ensure students gain hands-on expertise.
The course covers a wide range of topics, including professional beauty treatments, skincare and makeup artistry, body therapy techniques, and client management and customer care.
Students will have access to state-of-the-art facilities and expert trainers who guide them every step of the way. Additionally, the curriculum is industry-driven, providing work-integrated learning opportunities that bridge the gap between classroom knowledge and real-world demands.
Graduates of this program will be well-prepared to thrive in various roles within the beauty and wellness industry. Potential career paths include becoming a beauty therapist, skincare specialist, spa consultant or even starting a personal beauty business.
The program is accessible through two entry schemes: Ordinary Level Entry: Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) or its equivalent, with no restrictions on passes or the year of sitting and Certificate Entry: Junior Vocational Certificate (JVC) from any recognized institution.
Bishop Jackson Frederick Baalwa, Assistant Bishop of the Diocese of Kampala (standing), Naboth Muhairwe, Chancellor Church of Uganda andProvincial Secretary of the Church of Uganda, Rev. Canon William Ongeng (left).
The Church of Uganda has commended Parliament for its efforts to review, reform, and consolidate the legal framework governing marriage in Uganda.
The Church of Uganda held a dialogue meeting to discuss the proposed Marriage Bill 2024, recently tabled before the Parliament of Uganda by Sarah Achieng Opendi, Woman Member of Parliament for Tororo District.
According to the Provincial Secretary of the Church of Uganda, Rev. Canon William Ongeng, the proposed bill recognizes progressive trends and case law precedents intended to rectify deficiencies in existing legislation, such as prohibiting marriage for individuals under eighteen, banning same-sex marriages, and outlining penalties for bigamy.
However, Canon Ongeng noted that during the dialogue meeting, the Church raised concerns over several provisions.
“Section 39’s allowance for converting monogamous Christian marriages to polygamous ones contradicts the Christian doctrine of marriage as a lifelong union between one man and one woman,” Canon Ongeng said.
He added, “Section 47’s prenuptial and postnuptial agreements could undermine trust and unity foundational to marriage. Clause 61’s presumption of marriage grants courts excessive latitude in defining marriage, while Section 74’s irretrievable breakdown of marriage as a sole ground for divorce could facilitate higher divorce rates.”
He expressed the Church of Uganda’s commitment to working collaboratively with the government to ensure the sanctity of marriage is preserved, and a detailed report outlining the Church’s official position on the Bill will be presented to the Legal Committee of Parliament.
Sarah Opendi Achieng, who led the parliamentary team, emphasized that the proposed Marriage Bill 2024 is designed to address and reduce excesses within the institution of marriage.
She noted that the bill aims to safeguard the rights of individuals, promote equality, and strengthen the legal framework governing marital relations.
“By addressing issues such as underage marriage, same-sex unions, and bigamy, the bill seeks to uphold the integrity and sanctity of marriage while ensuring that the legal provisions align with contemporary societal values and international human rights standards.” Opendi said.
During the same meeting, the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, The Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, represented by Bishop Jackson Frederick Baalwa, Assistant Bishop of the Diocese of Kampala, made a statement on the 16 Days of Activism Campaign against Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
According to Archbishop Kaziimba, while Uganda has made strides in addressing GBV, significant gaps remain in the prevention, response, and management of GBV in various settings.
He called for attention to new forms of violence, such as technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV), and the need for comprehensive policies and investment in solutions to combat these issues.
The Archbishop commended Parliament and the government for reintroducing “The Sexual Offences Bill, 2024,” which seeks to enhance the punishment of sex offenders and protect victims during trials.
He noted that the Church continues to invest in initiatives promoting women’s economic empowerment and advocating for gender equality through its Directorate of Household and Community Transformation (HCT).
According to Rev. Andrew Agaba, the Director HCT, as part of the 16 Days of Activism, the Church of Uganda commits to collaborating with the government to empower women, promote human rights, and end violence against women and girls.
“The Church will use faith spaces to respond to and prevent gender injustices, encourage survivors to report GBV, and provide support. Additionally, mentorship programs teaching positive masculinity and conflict resolution grounded in biblical principles will be sustained,” Rev. Agaba said.
He called upon the government, civil society, and private individuals to partner with the Church in implementing empowerment programs tailored to diverse groups, especially marginalized and rural communities, to create a safer Uganda free from GBV.
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has paid tribute to the late Simon Peter Aleper, the former National Resistance Movement (NRM) Vice Chairman for Karamoja and acknowledged his pivotal role in transforming the region.
While en route to Kotido on Wednesday morning, Museveni made a stop at Aleper’s home in Napak District to honor his memory. Aleper tragically lost his life in a car accident in July this year leaving behind a legacy of dedication and service to Karamoja.
“Honourable Aleper’s dedicated efforts have significantly elevated the Karamoja region to a critical level of development,” Museveni remarked.
Museveni noted, “With the success of the Parish Development Model (PDM), the establishment of skilling hubs, and ongoing industrialization, his life served as a beacon of inspiration for young people in Karamoja as he utilized government programs in education to lift himself out of poverty.”
Aleper’s commitment to the development of Karamoja was unwavering. His efforts in mobilizing communities and advocating for government programs contributed to notable improvements in education, economic empowerment and infrastructure within the region.
“Hon. Aleper dedicated valuable years to mobilizing efforts for the transformation of his region. Karamoja is now on the path to becoming a powerhouse,” Museveni added.
Aleper was instrumental in promoting the Parish Development Model, a government initiative aimed at improving household incomes, reducing poverty and fostering self-sustainability. His leadership also played a key role in establishing skilling hubs that provided vocational training to the youth, equipping them with skills to secure employment and improve their livelihoods.
Aleper’s legacy continues to inspire the people of Karamoja. His work laid a foundation for ongoing development, with many in the region now benefiting from the programs he championed.
As the Karamoja region advances toward becoming a hub of industrialization and economic growth, Aleper’s contributions will remain a guiding force.
Musevni is currently in Karamoja region carrying out Zonal PDM assessment tours as he emphasizes people to adopt commercial agriculture, industrialization and other sectors of the economy to uplift themselves from poverty and create wealth.
Museveni’s message is based on four key sectors for wealth creation as commercial agriculture for food security and income generation, manufacturing/industries (both large- and small-scale), services such as education, healthcare, and hospitality, and the growing field of Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
