Uganda Airlines has launched a new route to Abuja with an aim to boost tourism and trade with one of Africa’s biggest economies, Nigeria.
This new service operates every Thursday and Sunday, with flights departing Entebbe at 16:00 and arriving in Abuja at 18:15, using Airbus A330-800neo.
Ms Jenifer Bamuturaki, the CEO of Uganda Airlines, speaking at the launch, said Abuja is the national carrier’s 14th destination, and second in Nigeria.
“This new route addresses a key connectivity gap between West and East Africa, allowing travellers to seamlessly connect to other destinations like Nairobi, Dar es Salaam, Mombasa, and more,” she said.
Ms Bamuturaki said the new route unlocks more business potential for trade, investments, and more productivity at large.
“We are proud to be living up to our promise to take Nigeria to Uganda and bring Uganda to Nigeria, Abuja is now our 14th point as we embark on our expansion plan.”
State Minister for Transport Byamukama Fred congratulated Uganda Airlines on launching flights to Abuja, their 2nd destination in Nigeria.
“This milestone highlights the NRM government’s strategic vision in reconnecting Africa. This achievement underscores a forward-thinking vision for regional integration and cooperation,” he said.
“Abuja is crucial for Uganda Airlines as it boosts connectivity between Uganda and Nigeria. This route will reduce travel times, lower costs, and enhance trade, investment, and tourism between both nations,” he added.
Uganda Airlines is Uganda’s flagship national passenger and cargo carrier that started operations in 2019. It provides scheduled air transportation services in East Africa and near-international markets. Uganda Airlines was awarded the World’s Youngest Aircraft Fleet Award, given by Ch-Aviation in 2020, 2021 and 2022.
The government has suspended the services of Jaguar Bus Company for ten days following a fatal accident involving one of its buses that claimed ten lives. The company will be required to meet all conditions set by the government before it can resume operations.
The suspension was announced by Minister of State for Works and Transport, Fred Byamukama, who cited reckless driving as the primary cause of the fatal accident. Byamukama expressed concern over the safety standards maintained by the bus company.
“This decision is not taken lightly, but it is necessary to ensure the safety of all road users. The reckless driving exhibited by Jaguar buses has put many lives at risk, and we cannot allow this to continue,” he said.
Byamukama also issued a stern warning to Gateway Bus Services, indicating that they could face similar consequences if they do not improve their operational standards.
“We are closely monitoring other bus companies, including Gateway. If they do not revise their ways, they may face suspension as well,” he warned.
The government has assured passengers who rely on Jaguar buses that alternative transportation options are available, including taxis. Discussions are also underway with other bus companies to provide additional transportation services. The government is committed to reducing road accidents, many of which are caused by mechanical issues, and has urged all bus companies to prioritize safety.
The minister also revealed that the driver who disappeared at the time of the accident on September 1, finally appeared with a wounded arm at the transport ministry on Wednesday to plead on behalf of the company with routes connecting Kampala to Rwanda, Burundi and DR Congo.
“This shows that people, especially these big companies, are taking accidents in a normal way because I even didn’t see police coming to arrest him, yet they have been looking for him,” Byamukama added.
The Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety has issued safety guidelines to handle unprecedented issues in traffic as schools reopen for the third term.
In the press statement released on Thursday, September 12, 2024, Michael Kananura, the traffic police spokesperson, urged road users to exhibit extreme caution and adhere to the essential road safety tips as schools reopen for a third term.
“As schools reopen for the third term, we expect a surge in traffic volume and potential road safety hazards in order to ensure a safe commute for all,” Kananura said.
According to Kananura, motorists should observe traffic rules and exercise patience to allow students and pedestrians to cross safely. He highlighted that for the safety of pedestrians, children under 12 years must be accompanied by adults when crossing busy roads.
Kananura also added that children going to school should use designated pedestrian crossings and follow traffic lights and signals.
He also discouraged Boda Boda riders from carrying more than two children on a motorcycle. Kanunura also said carrying children in the fuel tank is extremely dangerous and should be avoided.
He said in the case of schools near the highways, the caretakers should raise red flags for the children crossing the roads. Kananura also encouraged parents and children being transported by taxis, boda bodas, or any other type of transport to also master the registration number plates for proper tracking in case of an accident.
“Parents, guardians, and motorcycle operators are urged to prioritize child safety and adhere to the guidelines too. Police also urges the public to work together with police to prevent accidents and ensure a safe and smooth journey for everyone, especially children, as they return to school,” he said.
According to Kanaura, these measures are crucial to prevent accidents and ensure the safe passage of learners to and from school. He promised to arrest and penalize road users who violate these guidelines.
“Let’s work together to prevent accidents and ensure a safe and smooth journey for everyone, especially our children, as they return to school,” he said.
The Electoral Commission had declined to reserve the name, colours, symbol, and slogan proposed by the former Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) members based on Katonga Road ahead of registration of their political party.
Last month, the former FDC members petitioned the electoral commission, seeking the reservation of the name, colour, symbol, and slogan for their political party.
Led by Wafula Ogutu, the founding member of FDC, and 11 others, they revealed that the name of their political party is the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF).
According to Oduman Charles Okello, during their Delegates’ Conference last week, members of the faction resolved to form a new party after falling out with the leadership at the Najjanankumbi party headquarters.
“We have finished preserving the party’s name, which we believe will liberate this country.” I know the electoral commission has not yet done their part, but we have submitted the new political vehicles that can transform this nation, the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF),” he said.
“Our colour is red and royal blue, and our symbol will be a phone so that you can all say where you are.” Our slogan is freedom for all and all for freedom because we have been under captivity for a very long time. We have done our part, so we leave the electoral commission to do its part so that we embark on collecting signatures for registering this party. We have a counsellor that will help us apply so that we do the due diligence,” he said.
While responding to the former FDC Members, Mulekwah Russell Jacques Leonard, the secretary of the electoral commission, said the Political Parties and Organisations Act, 2005 (as amended), requires that the application for registration of a political party or organisation should be accompanied, among others, by a full description of the identifying symbols, slogans, and colours.
She said their submission merely stated the colours being white and royal blue and a symbol of a phone, without a full description of the said symbol and colours submitted for reservation.
“The submissions in respect of names of the proposed political party, People’s People Power Front (PPF), which is likely to confuse members of the public,” she said.
She stated that the choice of white and royal blue as colours closely resembles that of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) and is likely to confuse the general public. Please refer to the symbol in use by the FDC party. The Political Parties and Organisations’ Act prohibits the usage of a colour, name, or initials of any registered political party or organisation.
“This is, therefore, to inform you that you comply with the relevant provisions under the Political Parties and Organisations ‘Act governing the registration of Political Parties and Organisations,” she said.
The FDC intraparty fights started on the eve of 2021 with two factions led by the former presidential candidate, Dr. Kiiza Besigye, and the party president Patrick Amuriat and Nandala. Besigye accused Nandala’s group of working for President Yoweri Museveni interests.
Besigye’s camp, which Kira Municipality MP Ssemujju Nganda subscribes to, accuses the Amuriat’s group of getting money from the president, Yoweri Museveni. Amuriat and the group have since refuted all claims. Amuriat’s group conversely accused Besigye and his faction of failure to disclose the source of money, which he availed of during the campaigns.
It is alleged that Besigye was trying to push Amuriat out of the race ahead of the coming party presidential elections for the Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago.
Despite being a party member, Besigye didn’t support nor conversely support Amuriat in the concluded 2021 presidential elections.
Nandala has since said that Besigye has continued to disorganise the party, yet he is not a founding member. I want to challenge him to let us know where he signed when we founded FDC. He was in South Africa and returned when the party was in place,” he said last year.
Simon Peter Mundeyi, the Spokesperson for Uganda’s Ministry of Internal Affairs has revealed that Katatumba Rugiirwa must have obtained a diplomatic passport from Nasser Road- a notorious area in Kampala known for producing counterfeit documents or it belongs to his late parent, Boney Katatumba, former Honorary Consul of Pakistan.
Rugiirwa who is battling with financial scandals was seen on social media chilling with a diplomatic passport which raised concerns and a section of Ugandans petitioned the Immigration office seeking clarity on how a common citizen could be in possession of such a high-level document.
“The passport he is displaying may have come from Nasser Road or could belong to a parent. He did not open it for inspection. For someone to hold a diplomatic passport they must be of high standing in society or hold a significant office,” Mundeyi said.
Mundeyi noted that after thorough investigations, it was revealed that no diplomatic passport was issued in the name of Rugiirwa Katatumba.
“People might want to show off on social media with a red passport but we will now ask the police to investigate and have this individual produce the passport he is displaying so we can verify its authenticity,” Mundeyi said.
After his death in 2018, Angella Katatumba illegally occupied his office and then helped her brother acquire the passport illegally.
However, the High Commission for Pakistan in Nairobi described the honorary Consulate of Pakistani currently operating in Uganda under Ugandan singer and songwriter Angella Katatumba as fake, fictitious and with no legal authority.
The investigations have been ongoing to determine the origins of the passport and whether it was produced through illicit means on Nasser Road, which has long been associated with document forgery. This case underscores broader concerns about the misuse of diplomatic privileges and the integrity of official documentation in Uganda.
Colonel Edith Nakalema, Head of State House Investors Protection Unit (SHIPU), met with youth and student leaders in Kampala to explore how technology can address Uganda’s challenges and drive economic growth.
During the meeting, the student and youth leaders showcased their cutting-edge innovations, including a revolutionary career guidance application. Col. Nakalema was profoundly impressed by the youth’s technological prowess and encouraged them to leverage their expertise to tackle complex issues like unemployment and social inequality.
“So, you have developed a tool that enables individuals to discover their passions and competencies?” Col. Nakalema inquired.
“This is a remarkable achievement, and I commend you for your ingenuity. Your innovations have the potential to transform lives and empower communities.”
Col. Nakalema emphasized the importance of developing a balance between passion and competence to drive meaningful change.
“Each of you possesses unique strengths and talents,” she noted. “By harnessing these strengths and developing your competencies, you can address societal needs and create a brighter future.”
She also briefed the youth about SHIPU’s Electronic Investors Protection Portal, a cutting-edge digital platform designed to safeguard investment processes and prevent fraudulent activities. “Our goal is to create a secure and transparent investment environment,” Col. Nakalema explained.
“This platform will enable investors to make informed decisions and protect their interests.”
The youth leaders shared their innovative solutions, aligning with the new competence-based curriculum, which prioritizes skill development over academic grades. Col. Nakalema commended their efforts and urged them to continue creating value through innovation.
“Your innovations have the potential to drive economic growth and social progress,” she noted.
Col. Nakalema also reiterated her call to the youth to join the fight against corruption by promoting productivity and accountability.
“Corruption is a pervasive challenge that requires collective action,” she emphasized. “By working together, we can create a more just and equitable society.”
Mr. Joshua Asiimwe informed Col. Nakalema that their innovations align with the new competence-based curriculum, which focuses on developing skills rather than mere academic achievement. The leaders thanked Col. Nakalema for her engagement and willingness to listen to their ideas.
Britam Asset Managers, a leading financial services provider in Uganda, has unveiled the Britam Easy Earner Dollar, a new investment product aimed at providing stable returns and capital security for investors seeking US Dollar-denominated assets.
Britam Easy Earner Dollar provides for low-risk investment by focusing on interest-bearing assets. It aims to offer competitive returns while keeping risks low, making it a great choice for those seeking capital stability and quick access to their money. It’s ideal for individuals and businesses earning or dealing in USD, or looking to diversify into USD assets.
Speaking about the launch, Mr. Ronald Kasolo, General Manager of Britam Asset Managers, said:
“We are excited to introduce Britam Easy Earner Dollar, which aligns with Britam’s mission to provide secure and innovative investment solutions. This fund offers both stability and growth, helping investors achieve their financial goals with confidence. It reflects our commitment to tailored solutions that meet evolving client needs while minimizing risk, ensuring their money works for them, even in uncertain times.”
The product caters to a diverse group of investors, including those who require stable returns, capital preservation, and high liquidity. It is especially beneficial for those transitioning from higher-risk portfolios during times of market volatility. Whether you’re an individual with USD income or obligations, or a business looking for safe short-term investments, this fund is designed to meet your needs.
The fund is particularly appealing to Ugandans in the diaspora who wish to invest back home in a safe and reliable USD-denominated asset. With flexible tenures and the stability of USD investments, the fund offers a great opportunity for diaspora investors to diversify their portfolios, preserve capital, and earn stable returns, regardless of their location. This product allows diaspora investors to maintain a financial connection to Uganda while securing their future with a low-risk, high-yield investment.
Britam Easy Earner Dollar offers tenures of 3, 6, and 12 months, with the flexibility to suit varying liquidity needs. It is tax-exempt with a minimum initial investment of USD 5,000, and top-ups starting from USD 2,000.
Higher Education Minister,John Chrysostom Muyingo andHESF board members during the launch.
The Higher Education Students Financing Board (HESFB) has released the list of the loan beneficiaries for the Academic Year 2024/2025.
Micheal Wanyama, Executive Director HESFB said that they received a total of 6,661 applications whereby a total of 2,880 applications were ineligible for various reasons, leaving only 3,781 applications to be reviewed for selection. Of this, a total of 1,838 applications were successful. The application process commenced on June 10 to July 31.
“The available resource envelope of Shs7.25 billion is meant to support the first years. On average, we shall support only 27.5% of the applicants,” Wanyama said.
Wanyama added that currently, in the financial year 2024/25, HESFB has an estimated budget of Shs37, 296,682,982, of which a total of Shs27, 125,665,000 is the annual loan budget.
Eng. Charles Wana-Etyem, Chairman Board of HESFB said that the number of young people who need the loan is more than the number of loan opportunities available. The 72.5% of the applicants were not successful due to a limited resource envelope.
He added that 1,838 have been successful, representing a success rate of 27.6% of the applications received; of these, 1,048 are males, while 790 are females.
The total number of female successful applicants, as earlier mentioned, is 790, up from 317 supported last academic year.
The Government has continued to award loans to persons with special needs on affirmative action to pursue both science and humanities programmes and a total of 29 students were successful. Of these 18 are males, while 11 are females.
John Chrysostom Muyingo, Minister of State for Higher Education said a total of Shs7.25 billion will be utilized by HESFB to support the new cohort of learners for the loan scheme.
Muyingo noted, “43% of our loan beneficiaries this year are females, the highest percentage since the interception of the scheme, reflecting our commitment to gender equity.”
With the approval of the Board and in accordance with section 20 of the HESF Act No. 2 of 2014, the scheme is only for Ugandans seeking financial assistance to pursue an accredited course of study of Higher Education in an accredited institution of Higher Learning recognized by National Council for Higher Education.
Since April 2014, the Board has been supporting mostly students oriented towards Science programs. This orientation was relaxed following the approval that learners with disabilities could be supported to pursue both science and humanities programs. This further aided increasing the number of Information and Communications Technology programs which do not necessarily require a learner to have prior science background.
Out of the 25 participating Universities on the scheme, all the 24 institutions have recorded learners apart from the African Bible University. And of the 33 other Tertiary Institutions participating in the scheme, only 20 institutions have received learners to be supported.
Entebbe, Wakiso, Kabale, Nakasongola and Moroto districts will become cities commencing July 1, 2025.
The revelation was made by Matia Kasaija, the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development while presenting the Budget Strategy for FY 2025/2026 themed ‘Full Monetization of Uganda’s Economy through Commercial Agriculture, Industrialization, Expanding and Broadening Services, Digital Transformation and MarketAccess’ at Speke Resort and Convention Center – Munyonyo.
Kasaija said that the Cabinet and Parliament approved the creation of fifteen cities to be operationalized in a phased manner. In FY 2020/21, ten cities were operationalized, namely: Soroti, Lira, Gulu, Arua, Hoima, Fort Portal, Mbarara, Masaka, Jinja and Mbale.
“I have the honor, now, to announce that we have secured resources to operationalize the remaining cities and, effective July 1, 2025, the following Municipal Councils will obtain ‘City Status’: Moroto, Kabale, Entebbe, and Nakasongola. Wakiso District will also obtain city status” Kasaija announced.
Kasaija implored upon the affected municipalities and now, cities, to be: that as they start the Budgeting process for FY 2025/2026 to beware that there are Lower Local Governments that will be annexed to the cities.
“…. prioritize and allocate funds for preparatory activities such as physical planning, surveying, and mapping of the gazetted areas of jurisdiction, and avoid conflict with the neighboring Lower Local Governments,” Kasaija urged.
Highlighting on other economic issues, Kasaija said that the first year of the implementation of the 4th National Development Plan (NDP IV) will be anchored on four key growth areas underpinned by the goal of full monetization and formalization of the economy: Agro-Industrialization, Tourism Development, Mineral-based Industrial Development including Oil and Gas, and Science, Technology and Innovation including ICT (the Knowledge Economy) (ATMS).
He noted that in the last quarter of FY 2023/24, GDP growth was recorded at 6.7% and at the end of the FY, it grew at 6% up from an average of 4.1% for the period FY 2019/20 to FY 2022/23 adding that the size of the economy has increased from Shs183 trillion ($48.8 billion) registered in FY 2022/23 to about Shs202.13 trillion ($53.2 billion) in FY 2023/24.
At the same event, Ramathan Ggoobi, Secretary to the Treasury said that Uganda is on track to change the structure of the economy from a subsistence economy to modern industrialized society.
“We want to facilitate: Technology-led productivity growth; Rapid capital accumulation-physical, financial and human capital; Linkages between agriculture and non-agriculture sectors as well as Markets and competitiveness,” Ggoobi said.
He also said Gov’t is ready to facilitate a job-rich growth profile; one that ensures enhanced household incomes and productivity growth within sectors as well as between sectors, leading to structural change.
“Therefore, we want to see a reduction in the rural population; a reduction in informality; sustained demographic transition with continued reduction in both the death rate and birth rates and increased access to electricity,” said the PSST.
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja while officially opening the National Budget Conference for FY 2025/26 on behalf of President Kaguta Museveni said the theme of the budget is consistent with the vision of NRM of increasing household incomes and improving people’s standards of living to achieve social-economic transformation of Uganda.
“Starting FY 2025/26 and over the medium term, the NRM government is committed to build and expand the size of our economy from the current GDP of $50 billion to $500 billion by 2040,” Nabanja.
She reassured all stakeholders that Uganda’s economy has fully recovered from both domestic and external shocks that previously hampered growth over the past three financial years and is now on the right growth trajectory.
“FY 2025/26 comes at the time when the government is committed to lift and grow the economy in a low middle-income status guided by the tenfold growth strategy, the fourth national development plan and the NRM Manifesto,” she said.
President Yoweri Museveni has cautioned leaders to be mindful of their health, as their sudden passing will be a loss to the country.
Museveni, who was eulogising the former Minister of State for Defence and Veteran Affairs, Sarah Mateke Nyirabashitsi, at Parliament said a leader’s death creates problems and leaves a gap that must be filled.
“That is why you should carefully check your life, like in this case, it was good that she [Nyirabashitsi] went to check but it was a bit late. But she was going to travel such a long distance when she had a medical condition which was quite sensitive,” the President said shortly after the special sitting to pay tribute to the fallen lawmaker, on Tuesday, 10 September 2024.
He recollected the death of former Minister of Internal Affairs, Gen. Aronda Nyakairima, who died in 2015 while returning from a security conference in South Korea, saying that Nyirabashitsi was expected to travel to the same country for the same conference.
He said that Nyakairima died due to a pre-existing health condition, just like Nyirabashitsi.
“The fighters should also look out for their lives, not just theirs, it is also for all of us because when you go, you go but you leave us in problems. How shall we fill your gap, what shall we do; how shall we fill here where you have left?” Museveni asked.
The President, who admitted that he had not interacted much with the late Nyirabashitsi, described her as a very ‘calm lady and did not appear to be the one who is sensitive and aggressive and touchy’.
He said that his interaction with her was when he formed an inter-ministerial committee to study the issue of the Uganda-Congo border.
“She was there representing Kisoro and they were supposed to brief me, that is when I interacted with her closely. You could see she was very careful with her words, so, it is a big loss,” Museveni said.
He added, “But the few years she has been here [in Parliament] I am sure she has become an example to those who know her well in the Kisoro area. When you hear people giving testimonies that she was good, you know that she was really good.”
Speaker Anita Among appreciated Museveni for condoling with legislators, saying that the President has always stood with Parliament during moments of grief.
“When Sarah passed on, you took the initiative and made a call to me, asking what had happened to Sarah. When I explained to you, you were so saddened to lose such a young daughter and we want to thank you for always standing with us. This is the fifth time you are standing with us,” Among said.
Nyirabashitsi who died on Saturday, 07 September 2024, represented Kisoro District as the woman representative in the 9th and 11th Parliament.
She was appointed Minister of State for Gender, Labour and Social Development (Children and Youth Affairs) in June 2021 and later redeployed to the defence ministry in April 2024.
The late Nyirabashitsi, who is survived by a son, will be buried in Nyakabingo in Kisoro on Thursday, 12 September 2024.
