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UK sanctions Sudanese army and paramilitary leaders over ongoing conflict

By
Agencies
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Alvaro Andres Quijano, a mercenary to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

LONDON, Feb 5 (Reuters) – Britain sanctioned six individuals suspected of committing atrocities in Sudan’s war or of fuelling the conflict through the supply of mercenaries and military equipment, the government said on Thursday.

The measures targeted senior commanders in both the Sudanese paramilitary group, Rapid Support Forces (RSF), and the Sudanese Armed Forces, the government said.

The conflict between the two forces has displaced millions, drawn in regional powers, and caused a vast humanitarian crisis since it broke out in April 2023.

“We urgently need a ceasefire, and safe access for humanitarian relief agencies to reach all those in need,” British foreign minister Yvette Cooper, who visited the Sudan-Chad border this week, said in the statement.

“Through these sanctions, we will seek to dismantle the war machine of those who perpetrate or profit from the brutal violence in Sudan,” Cooper added.

The British government also sanctioned three individuals – Alvaro Andres Quijano, Mateo Andres Duque Botero, and Claudia Viviana Oliveros Forero – suspected of recruiting foreign fighters for the conflict or facilitating the purchase of military equipment.

Others sanctioned include Abu Aqla Mohamed Kaikal, a former RSF Commander and current head of the Sudan Shied Forces, RSF Field Commander Hussein Barsham, and RSF Financial Advisor Mustafa Ibrahim Abdel Nabi Mohamed.


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Why renewed fighting between Ethiopian federal forces and Tigrayan forces isn’t good for regional stability

By
Guest Writer
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Writer of the article David Matsanga.

Dear Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed,

@AbiyAhmedAli

Peace Greeting, I write to you with deep respect and admiration for Ethiopia and for Addis Ababa. The progress you have made in infrastructure development and in stabilizing the country cannot be ignored. You are one of the few African leaders I can sincerely call a friend and a genuine ally of peace. I am, however, concerned by the renewed fighting between Ethiopian federal forces and Tigrayan forces, which threatens to undermine the 2022 peace agreement and risks reopening the door to a devastating civil war.

The clashes in Western Tigray, particularly in the Tselemti district, have already caused casualties and disrupted flights, raising serious fears of another humanitarian crisis. The escalation in this disputed area—reportedly involving the Ethiopian National Defense Force and allied Amhara militias against Tigrayan forces—deeply worries all who care about peace and stability in Ethiopia.

This situation risks damaging both critical infrastructure and humanitarian conditions, and could deal a serious blow to the spirit and substance of the 2022 Pretoria Agreement. I strongly believe that the guarantors and facilitators of that process—President Olusegun Obasanjo, President Uhuru Kenyatta, and South Africa—should urgently re-engage and initiate immediate diplomatic efforts to bring the parties back to dialogue.

Allow me to say this personally: Ethiopia represents the Africa I hope to leave behind when my time comes—an Africa of dignity, progress, and unity. You have made many of us proud through your investment in infrastructure and the transformation of Addis Ababa. Ethiopian Airlines, in particular, stands as a powerful symbol of African excellence and ambition. Now, more than ever, let us choose dialogue over conflict, and peace over division.

With respect and hope for peace, Dr. David Nyekorach-Matsanga, Founder & Chairman, Pan African Forum Ltd & Associates, London, UK

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Muslims ‘massacred’ in Nigeria for refusing to join jihadists

By
Agencies
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Dozens of people have been killed in a ferocious shooting attack on two villages in Nigeria’s western state of Kwara after they refused to “surrender to extremists who preached a strange doctrine”, according to the state’s governor.

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq said on X that “75 local Muslims were massacred” in Tuesday’s raid, while a state lawmaker told the BBC that 78 people had been buried so far and the death toll could rise to an estimated 170 as more corpses were being recovered.

Blaming Islamist militant group Boko Haram for the killings, President Bola Tinubu deployed an army battalion to the affected area.

The assault was one of several across Nigeria in the last few days.

In addition to the killings in the villages of Woro and Nuku, 38 people were abducted while others fled and shops and homes were set alight, said Saidu Baba Ahmed, a member of the Kwara state house of assembly.

He added that Boko Haram activity had been gradually increasing in the area, saying the attack was triggered by the community’s rejection of a strict interpretation of Islam.

Ahmed explained that the Islamist group had written to the community about their arrival, saying they wanted to preach, but residents resisted and deployed local security forces.

Details about the exact number of people who died in the remote area are hard to confirm.

A Red Cross official in Kwara, Babaomo Ayodeji, told AFP that “reports said that the death toll now stands at 162, as the search for more bodies continues”.

Amnesty International said in a statement that over 170 people had died, noting many were shot at close range and some burnt alive.

The human rights group called for an investigation and said there was a “stunning absence of any form of security for the protection of lives”.

In recent months, jihadists – suspected to be from a Boko Haram splinter faction – have been active in Kwara, carrying out targeted killings, often riding in on motorcycles and attacking markets and vigilante groups set up to protect villagers.

In a press release on Wednesday, the state governor said the attack on the two villages was a result of recent counter-terrorism operations in the region.

AbdulRazaq believed it was “apparently to distract the security forces who have successfully hunted down several terrorist and kidnapping gangs”.

Tuesday also saw 21 people being killed in an attack on Doma village in Katsina state in the north, Amnesty said. On the same day 17 people were killed in a series of attacks in the north-eastern Borno state, by suspected Boko Haram militants.

The attacks come alongsidethe first official acknowledgement from Nigeria of an American troop presence since US President Donald Trump ordered the military in November to prepare for action in Nigeria to tackle Islamist militant groups.

Nigerian Defence Minister Chrisopher Musa did not provide any details about the team’s size, arrival date, location or duration of stay.

His comments follow those made on Tuesday by Gen Dagvin Anderson of US Africa Command (Africom), who said the deployment followed a Nigerian request and was focused on intelligence support.

“Our partnership with Nigeria is a great example of a very willing and capable partner who requested the unique capabilities that only the US can bring,” he said.

Nigeria faces an array of security challenges, including criminal gangs – known locally as “bandits” who loot and kidnap for ransom – an Islamist insurgency, clashes over land, and separatist unrest.

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Minister Minsa Kabanda orders illegal street vendors, taxi, and boda-boda operators off Kampala streets

By
Francisco Adongo
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Kampala Minister, Minsa Kabanda.

Kampala, Uganda: The Minister for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, Hajjat Minsa Kabanda, has issued a directive ordering all street vendors, taxi drivers, and boda boda riders operating without designated stages to immediately vacate the streets of Kampala.


According to the minister, the move is aimed at restoring order, improving traffic flow, and enhancing public safety within the city. She warned that individuals who fail to comply with the directive will face arrest and prosecution in courts of law.


Kabanda emphasized that only vendors and transport operators working from officially gazetted areas will be allowed to continue their activities. Enforcement teams are expected to begin operations to ensure full compliance with the new directive.


The announcement is likely to spark mixed reactions among city traders and transport operators, many of whom rely on street operations for their daily income. Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) is expected to work with security agencies to implement the directive in the coming days.
More details regarding designated operating zones and enforcement timelines are yet to be officially released.

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Equity Bank launches affordable financing for electric cooking in Uganda

By
Francisco Adongo
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Equity Bank Uganda officials pose for a group photo with the Ministry of Energy officials after signing a partnership with UKAID, and the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development launched affordable financing to support the adoption of electric cooking.

Equity Bank Uganda, in partnership with UKAID and the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development has launched affordable financing to support the adoption of electric cooking (eCooking) technologies across Uganda.

The financing, known as the Modern Energy Cooking Services (MECS) Trust Fund, is intended to accelerate access to clean, efficient and modern cooking solutions for households and businesses, while supporting the growth of electric cooking companies operating in the country.

The Fund was officially launched during a Stakeholder Information Session held at the Four Points by Sheraton Kampala Hotel, bringing together government officials, development partners, private sector actors and electric cooking companies to discuss strategies for scaling clean cooking solutions nationwide.

Speaking at the launch, Catherine Psomgen, Director of Public Sector and Social Investments at Equity Bank Uganda, said the initiative will help businesses operate more efficiently while enabling households to transition to cleaner cooking methods.

“Today we have launched eCooking financing to support Ugandan businesses to operate more efficiently and competitively. While electricity costs remain a concern, affordability should be considered in terms of the total cost of cooking, not electricity alone,” Psomgen said.

She added that through the MECS Trust Fund, Equity Bank Uganda is providing financing to help businesses grow while supporting households to adopt safer, cleaner, and more affordable cooking options.

The Minister of State for Energy, Okaasai Opolot, said the high cost and limited availability of electric cooking appliances have slowed adoption in Uganda.

“One of the main challenges to implementing eCooking has been the limited availability of technology and financing to support importation. The launch of this Trust Fund is timely as it addresses these challenges by making funding available to suppliers,” Okaasai said.

Lydia Nandawula, UKAID Climate and Energy Policy Officer, said the financing reflects the United Kingdom’s long-term commitment to supporting Uganda’s clean cooking transition as both a climate and development priority.

“This initiative addresses a key bottleneck, access to short-term working capital, allowing viable eCooking businesses to grow, stock appliances and meet demand in a commercially sustainable way,” Nandawula said.

The MECS Trust Fund is financed by the British High Commission through UKAID under the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and is being implemented by Equity Bank Uganda in partnership with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development.

The Fund targets households, SMEs, micro businesses, importers, manufacturers and institutions under government-approved programmes. Eligible borrowers can access financing ranging from UGX 30 million onwards.

As the implementing financial partner, Equity Bank Uganda will provide working capital and bridge financing to eligible electric cooking companies to help expand operations, strengthen supply chains and increase access to modern cooking appliances nationwide.

The initiative supports Uganda’s National eCooking Strategy and aims to reduce reliance on traditional fuels such as charcoal and firewood, contributing to improved public health, environmental protection, and reduced carbon emissions.

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UNEB’s PLE grading is silently and steadily crushing top private schools

By
Our Reporter
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ON THE SPOT: UNEB Executive Director, Dan Odongo.

The debate over the credibility of Primary Leaving Examination (PLE) results can no longer be sustained on rhetoric. UNEB’s own statistics over the last three years show a clear, measurable pattern, a sharp contraction of top grades nationally, with the heaviest impact falling on long-established private schools that have historically anchored Uganda’s best PLE performance.

In the 2023 PLE cycle, UNEB reported 4,000 first grades nationally out of about 749,000 candidates. A year later, in 2024, the number of first grades fell further to 3,800 despite an increase in candidature to roughly 782,000 pupils. In the most recent 2025 results, first grades declined again to around 3,500 out of 817,883 candidates, according to figures released by UNEB.

That is a net loss of roughly 500 first grades in three years, even as enrolment rose by nearly 70,000 pupils.

This decline has not been evenly distributed. Data released alongside results shows that many of the schools losing the highest number of first grades are long-established private institutions in Kampala, Wakiso, Mukono, and other urban centres, schools that previously accounted for a disproportionate share of Uganda’s top performers.

These are schools like Kampala Parents School that pay teachers between Shs2 million and Shs3 million, invest billions in infrastructure, maintain low pupil–teacher ratios, and provide stable academic calendars. Yet UNEB’s grading outcomes increasingly compress them into second and lower divisions, wiping out their competitive edge on paper.

Over the same three-year period, UNEB has reported improved performance from hard-to-reach and rural schools, including those in Karamoja and other underserved regions. While national equity in education is a legitimate goal, UNEB has not published any statistical linkage between learning inputs and outputs to justify how schools with documented teacher shortages, limited instructional materials, and weak supervision structures are outperforming highly resourced institutions in raw examination scores.

The contradiction becomes starker when performance stability is examined. Schools associated with senior government officials, including those linked to State Minister for Higher Education John Chrysostom Muyingo, have largely remained within competitive performance brackets over the same period. UNEB has not explained why the decline appears concentrated among certain private schools while others remain insulated.

Equally damaging to UNEB’s credibility is its unresolved record on examination integrity. In previous cycles, the board acknowledged cases of 34 missing Science scripts for learners of Bamure Primary School, Koboko District, resulting in candidates being awarded X grades. To date, no comprehensive public report on who was held accountable. That silence sits uneasily alongside UNEB’s insistence that its grading is beyond reproach.

The numbers matter because they shape behaviour. When first grades shrink year after year, not because of falling enrollment or curriculum change but through unexplained grading compression, private investors read the signal clearly. Returns on quality investment are no longer predictable.

If this trajectory continues, private schools already carrying the financial burden will be forced to cut costs, freeze teacher pay or exit the sector entirely. Government does not have the fiscal space to absorb that collapse.

UNEB now faces a simple obligation: publish disaggregated data showing how grading thresholds have shifted, explain why top-performing schools are disproportionately affected and fully account for past examination failures under its watch.

Without that, the issue is no longer perception. The statistics themselves point to a system drifting away from credible, input-based assessment and towards a results regime that risks dismantling trust in primary education altogether.

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U.S imposes single-entry visas and refundable bond for Ugandan travelers

By
Simon Kabayo
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The United States Embassy in Uganda has announced new visa policy changes that will affect Ugandan travelers, including shorter visa validity and the introduction of a refundable visa bond for some applicants.

U.S. Ambassador William W. Popp said the changes are part of efforts to enforce U.S. immigration laws while maintaining lawful travel between the two countries. He emphasized the long-standing partnership between Uganda and the United States and the importance of people-to-people exchanges through tourism, business, study, and family visits.

The ambassador noted that most non-immigrant visas for Ugandan citizens, particularly B1 and B2 business and tourist visas, are now single-entry visas valid for three months. Travelers have three months from the date of issuance to enter the United States and may apply for admission only once during that period.

A nonimmigrant visa is a privilege, Ambassador Popp said. “Remaining longer than authorized, violating the terms of admission, or misusing a visa can have serious, lasting consequences,” he explained.

The U.S. government has also expanded the Visa Bond Pilot Program to include Uganda. Eligible applicants may now be required to post a refundable bond of up to $15,000 U.S before a B1 or B2 visa is issued. The bond is fully refunded if the traveler complies with all visa conditions, including leaving the United States on time and following U.S. law.

Consular Chief Tania Romanoff warned applicants not to pay the bond before their interview. “If the consular officer finds the applicant qualified for a B1 or B2 visa, they will explain how to pay the bond and the amount required,” she said.

The bond may be forfeited if a traveler overstays, violates U.S. law, remains unlawfully in the United States, or seeks to change status including applying for asylum.

The United States has also temporarily paused the issuance of immigrant visas for nationals of 75 countries, including Uganda, effective January 21, 2026. Ambassador Popp said this pause is designed to ensure new immigrants are thoroughly vetted and will not rely on public assistance. He emphasized that this action applies only to immigrant visas. Non-immigrant visas such as tourist, student, and business visas are not affected.

Romanoff added that misuse of non-immigrant visas remains a concern. “If an individual uses a U.S. nonimmigrant visa incorrectly, they may be removed from the United States and become permanently ineligible for future travel,” she said.

She added that providing false information on a visa application or during an interview will lead to denial and may result in permanent ineligibility and criminal prosecution.

The embassy urged all travelers to check the authorized period of stay through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s I-94 website and to leave the country on time. Compliance is essential to maintain access to U.S. travel.

Ambassador Popp also noted the importance of lawful travel for sustaining the partnership between the two countries.

“By understanding and following U.S. visa rules, Ugandan travelers help strengthen the enduring relationship between our two countries,” he said.

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US extends AGOA to December 2026, eases uncertainty in Africa–US trade

By
Simon Kabayo
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Mr. Odrek Rwabwogo, Chairperson of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development, talking to former US Assistant Trade Representative Rosa Whitaker.

African trade proponents have applauded the decision by the United States Senate to prolong the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) until December 2026, saying the move restores much-needed predictability to trade relations between Africa and the United States.

The extension was sealed on Tuesday after President Donald Trump signed legislation reauthorising AGOA, with retroactive effect from September 30, 2025. The programme had lapsed, triggering months of uncertainty for African exporters as Washington reviewed the future of its flagship trade preference scheme in line with shifting US trade priorities.

In December 2025, Odrek Rwabwogo, Chairperson of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development (PACEID), said developments in Washington reflected sustained bipartisan support and a growing appreciation of AGOA’s shared benefits.

In a post on X dated February 2, Rwabwogo detailed a series of engagements held in Washington in mid-December aimed at reviving the programme. He said meetings were held with officials from Senator Chris Coons’ office, alongside Ambassador Kakonge, former US Assistant Trade Representative Rosa Whitaker, African diplomats, civil society actors and the Bennet Group team.

He added that further discussions were held with Congressman Jason Smith, Chair of the House Committee on Ways and Means, together with African ambassadors. According to Rwabwogo, the committee overwhelmingly approved the AGOA renewal bill by a 37–3 bipartisan vote, paving the way for the latest extension.

AGOA, which expired in September 2025 after two decades, facilitated more than US$103 billion in non-oil exports from Africa to the United States. Rwabwogo described it as the most consequential preferential trade arrangement between the US and the continent.

“Although AGOA is America’s key trade preference programme for Africa, it has always functioned as a two-way bridge, supporting businesses, workers and consumers in both regions,” he noted.

He also pointed to Uganda’s recent trade diplomacy efforts, particularly after the country was suspended from AGOA in January 2024. Rwabwogo said PACEID intensified engagement to safeguard Uganda’s export interests, opening new market opportunities in cities such as Detroit, Chicago and Atlanta despite the setback.

“When Uganda was suspended, we fought to keep our case on the table and to maintain strong dialogue with our partners,” he said.

Rwabwogo thanked US lawmakers and advocates who backed the renewal, singling out Rosa Whitaker, Congressman Jonathan Jackson and members of the Congressional Black Caucus for their support.

Despite welcoming the extension, he cautioned that the legislative process is not yet complete, noting that the bill must still clear all stages of Congress to fully take effect.

AGOA grants eligible sub-Saharan African countries duty-free access to the US market for more than 1,800 products, in addition to over 5,000 items covered under the Generalised System of Preferences.

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TotalEnergies, EACOP fully relocate to Sudhir’s RR Pearl Tower One

By
Francisco Adongo
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RR Pearl Tower One.

TotalEnergies and the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) Company have fully relocated their Ugandan operations at RR Pearl Tower One, a commercial building in Kampala’s central area owned by tycoon Sudhir Ruparelia.

The relocation brings together TotalEnergies EP Uganda, TotalEnergies Marketing and Services Uganda, and EACOP at the newly developed tower on Plot 1, Yusuf Lule Road, ending years of operating from multiple locations across the city. Previously, TotalEnergies EP Uganda and EACOP were housed at Course View Towers on Yusuf Lule Road, while TotalEnergies Marketing and Services Uganda operated from 8th Street in the Industrial Area.

By moving all entities under one roof, the energy giants have eliminated operational fragmentation, a shift expected to enhance coordination, speed up decision-making, and strengthen internal alignment across business units.

RR Pearl Tower One offers a modern, energy-efficient workspace designed for large-scale corporate operations. The facility features flexible office layouts, shared meeting spaces, and sustainable infrastructure aligned with TotalEnergies’ global operational standards. Its prime location in Kampala’s city centre provides improved access for government agencies, suppliers, financiers, and project partners.

The consolidation reflects TotalEnergies’ integrated approach to energy development in Uganda, particularly as it advances the Tilenga oil project and the East African Crude Oil Pipeline. Housing project teams in one location is expected to improve collaboration and execution efficiency for the multi-billion-dollar ventures.

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We have been waiting for Bamuturaki’s exit – Andrew Mwenda

By
Francisco Adongo
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Andrew Mwenda and troubled Uganda Airlines Chief Executive Officer Jenifer Bamuturaki.

Veteran journalist Andrew Mwenda has welcomed the exit of Uganda Airlines Chief Executive Officer Jenifer Bamuturaki and noted it as a decisive intervention to rescue the national carrier from years of financial hemorrhage, governance failures and operational decline.

In a statement via X (formerly Twitter), Mwenda commended President Yoweri Museveni for authorizing the leadership change and credited Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba for playing a critical role in what he termed a long-overdue decision.

“I would like to thank President Museveni for finally saving Uganda Airlines by firing its corrupt and incompetent CEO. I also thank Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba whose intervention was decisive,” Mwenda said.

Mwenda argued that the airline’s problems go far beyond management reshuffles and called for a complete overhaul of leadership and governance structures.

He proposed that former Ethiopian Airlines chief executive Gilma Wake be appointed chairperson of the board and that the current Ethiopian Airlines CEO, whose contract ends in June, take over executive leadership at Uganda Airlines.

“We also need a new, much more competent board,” Mwenda said, insisting that only experienced aviation professionals can stabilise the struggling national carrier.

His remarks come amid mounting evidence of severe financial distress at Uganda Airlines during Bamuturaki’s tenure. Since its revival in 2019, the airline has absorbed nearly Shs1.9 trillion in government capital injections while consistently posting massive annual losses. Financial records show deficits exceeding Shs100 billion annually, rising to over Shs230 billion in the most recent financial year alone. Cumulatively, the airline’s losses are now estimated at well over Shs500 billion, raising alarm within Parliament and the Ministry of Finance over sustainability and value for taxpayers’ money.

In the 2023/24 fiscal year, the airline posted a net loss of Shs237.8 billion, prompting scrutiny by the Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE) over ticket fare manipulation and procurement concerns. According to committee members, the airline lost an estimated Shs140 billion due to alleged ticket manipulation and a further Shs170 billion tied to pricing practices between staff and travel agencies.

Parliamentary oversight bodies have repeatedly queried the airline over revenue leakages, procurement irregularities and ticket pricing practices. Investigations revealed losses linked to alleged ticket manipulation schemes involving staff and travel agents, alongside unexplained variances in fare pricing that reportedly cost the airline hundreds of billions of shillings. Lawmakers have also questioned aircraft lease arrangements, route viability decisions and escalating operational costs that continued despite persistent losses.

Beyond Parliament, law enforcement agencies have opened parallel investigations into the airline’s management. The Criminal Investigations Directorate and the State House Anti-Corruption Unit have in recent years demanded extensive procurement, banking and financial records as part of probes into alleged abuse of office, embezzlement, false accounting and procurement malpractice. These inquiries intensified public pressure on the government to take decisive action at the top of the airline.

Mwenda has been one of the most vocal critics of Bamuturaki’s leadership even before her exit. On December 15, he posted a video on X showing scenes of apparent chaos at Entebbe International Airport, including congested check-in counters, unattended luggage and visibly stranded passengers.

“The tragedy happening at Uganda Airlines is far beyond even my worst predictions. One plane is stuck in Lagos, another in London, passengers stranded and the airline rapidly falling apart,” Mwenda wrote at the time.

In the background of the video, a woman’s voice is heard claiming that airline staff abandoned their counters after passengers complained about poor service, further fuelling public anger and intensifying scrutiny of the airline’s operations.

Following the announcement of Bamuturaki’s exit, Mwenda said the move should mark the beginning of accountability rather than a cosmetic reset. He called for the reinstatement of staff that were competent and patriotic, but were dismissed under the outgoing management.

“Today is a day for Ugandans to celebrate. All the good, competent and patriotic staff of Uganda Airlines who had been fired will be returned,” Mwenda said.

He also warned that individuals who benefited from or enabled mismanagement would face consequences.

“Those who were working inside and provided us all the needed information will be rewarded. And all those who colluded with the corrupt management to swindle our airline will be brought to book,” he added.

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