Government through Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning has signed a 10-year contract with Ithuba Holdings Limited to run Uganda National Lottery.

Through their local company, Ithuba Uganda Limited was issued with a license and this marked the start of business in Uganda.

Ministry of Finance through National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board issued the licence to Ithuba Uganda Limited.

The Nation Lottery is one of the tools conducted by or on balf of the Ministry responsible for finance with a view of raising funds for defined purposes.

Finance Minister, Matia Kasaija welcomed issuance of signing of the national lottery agreement with Ithuba Uganda Limited. He said the above initiative shall support the implementation of the national budget, national development plan and good causes in areas of public infrastructures, education, health and sports development.

“Effective today, the government of Uganda will partner with Ithuba Uganda Limited to conduct the National Lottery for an exclusive period of ten years subject to annual licence conditions and fulfillment of conditions stated in the agreement and the laws of the Republic of Uganda” Minister Kasaija said at the signing ceremony that took place at the Ministry headquarters.

Kasaija further called on Ugandans to participate in National Lottery to enable government to achieve the above objectives.

Ithuba Uganda Limited board chairperson Bob Kabonero said the issuance of the licence and official signing of the partnership between Ithuba and Uganda Government is a significant milestone.

“The Uganda National Lottery signifies a new era of progress and possibilities with its multifaceted capacity to contribute to the gross domestic product, propagate job creation and wealth” Businessman Kabonero said.

He said in recognizing the youth as a driving force of this nation, they acknowledge that the National Lottery can play a pivotal role in nurturing underdeveloped yet widely cherished sectors that include recreational sports, the arts, and youth programmes.

NLGRB board chairperson Aloysius Mugasa Adyeri revealed that Ithuba Uganda Limited had secured irrevocable funding to fiancé the operation of the National lottery as it shall construct an in-country data centre.

“As a board, we are confident that the National Lottery shall contribute significantly to raising the required revenue for funding government programmes but also promote social responsibility through its operations”

NLGRB Acting Chief Executive Officer Mr Denis Mudene Ngabirano said the journey to bring Ithuba on board started in December 2021 in their quest for a suitable candidate to conduct the National Lottery.

“Our due diligence process was thorough and exhaustive.  We assessed Ithuba Uganda Limited’s track record, financial stability, expertise and their commitment to responsible gaming practices which has always been at the core of our mandate. We also scrutinized their operational procedures, security measures and player protection policies”. Mr Ngabirano said.

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Parliament of Uganda is set to host the Sixth sitting of the National Youth Parliament on Friday August 11, 2023.

The sitting that is expected to bring together 250 participants will be held under n the theme, ‘Green skills for youth: Towards a sustainable world’.

The annual event that has been running since 2018 is organised by Faraja Africa Foundation with support from the European Union (EU) and the German Corporation for International Cooperation (GIZ).

While addressing the media on the upcoming event, the Chairperson of the Uganda Parliamentary Forum on Youth Affairs, Phiona Nyamutoro said the event will foster participation of youth in governance and democratic processes.

Nyamutoro, who is also the Female Youth Representative added that the deliberations from the National Youth Parliament will inform a petition that will be presented to the Speaker of Parliament.

“We look forward to hearing the voices of the young people amplified as well as getting their ideas centralised in government planning and processes,” said Nyamutoro.

She commended Faraja Africa Foundation for organising the event which she said makes the work of Youth MPs in Parliament easier through having voices channeled from the grassroots.

“Some of the resolutions that come out of the Youth Parliament get to the Floor of Parliament as motions and some are sent to committees for further scrutiny. The Speaker can also direct relevant ministries to take action on some of the matters,” Nyamutoro added.

The Executive Director of Faraja Africa Foundation, Emmanuel Wabwire said the event is an advocacy space that has hosted regional parliaments in different parts of the country ahead of the national sitting.

“One of the key things we believe in is amplifying young people’s voices, not speaking for them. We give them a platform to speak and advocate for the issues they face,” he said.

He also commended the Uganda Parliamentary Forum on Youth Affairs for leading the voices of the youth in Parliament.

“We also extend our gratitude to the Speaker and Clerk to Parliament for graciously granting us a safe space to advocate for youth matters,” Wabwire added.

He said that the theme focusing on climate change issues is a call on government and development partners to put resources and create opportunities for young people to get skills on tackling climate challenges.

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Uganda Police Force (UPF) and Rajagiri Hospital based in Koch –India have partnered to provide specialized medical services to the personnel of the Uganda Police Force.

SCP Enanga Fred, Police Spokesperson revealed that a police delegation led by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Martin Okoth Ochola will be travelling to Kochi -India, to finalize the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Uganda Police Force and Rajagiri Hospital.

SCP Enanga said that this is a significant welfare step, where Rajagiri hospital in fostering partnerships and cooperation with the UPF, will offer the medical services at very friendly rates.

“It is our vision that every police officer deserves the right to compassion, dignity, respect and comfort as they work,” Enanga said.

He added, “We are proud of this valuable partnership as it will add to our significant contributions to the UPF’s health services. The agreement will guarantee the delivery of the highest levels of advanced healthcare to the beneficiaries at Rajagiri Hospitals.”

He further revealed that Uganda Police is happy to fulfill its social responsibility obligations by providing and attending to the needs of the police staff. Arrangements will be made for the police officers requiring medical assistance and treatment to attain it at Rajagiri.

“The full details of the strategic partnership and framework for cooperation, between the UPF and Rajagiri Hospital, India, will be shared, after the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding,” he noted

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The former presidential candidate Dr. Kiiza Besigye has revealed that there is a coup in the party, and it’s now moving on decrees. Besigye said while responding to the elders’ committee report which was released last week.
Currently there has been an ongoing battle between the Amuriat and Party Secretary General Nandala Mafabi and the former party President Dr Kizza Besigye. Besigye accuses Amuriat of getting money from the ruling party, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) to finance his campaigns.
Besigye said the task given to the FDC Elders Committee was strange. Their main task was to reconcile him and Nandala to bring harmony to the party.
“I did not have and don’t have any personal issues with Nandala Mafabi. In fact, until this money issue arose, I considered him not just a colleague but a friend. It was on that basis that he entrusted me with Shs 300 million. I told the Elders Committee that there are no issues between me and Nandala that merit reconciliation,” Besigye said.
“I pointed out to the National Council that formed the Committee and told them that the two things they needed to look at were where the money came from and the management of the party. I narrated to the Committee incidents from the time Nandala entrusted me with his Shs 300 million up to the time I reported to the National Council,” he said.
“Nandala told me he was giving me the money because he feared the revenue authority. They were demanding money from his companies and if he placed it on his accounts the authority would pounce on it and it would be difficult to recover it,” he stated.
He said; “I told Nandala that my home was not secure. My home is always being surrounded and sometimes searched. I told him I could not keep the money with. My first concern came with the arrival of the money. The money arrived at my home at 10 pm. Nandala rang me saying that “The other thing we talked about is about to arrive.”
“I asked him where the money was passing because there was a curfew at the time and people were not allowed to move. He told me not to worry and before long his driver alone handed me a big box of money. After failing to make progress with this Shs 300 million and after consulting with my colleagues on the problematic money, we had taken the decision to return it. However, there was the hullabaloo of elections going on,” he said.
He claimed that that money was later given back to the Nandala and team and they received it from his petrol station in Nsambya.

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Uganda is poised to take a significant leap into the digital revolution with the upcoming launch of its first Digital Transformation Roadmap on 17th August 2023.
The highly anticipated initiative is led by the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance (MoICT&NG) and the Ministry of Education & Sports, with support from the United Nations Development Program
Uganda (UNDP) and Centenary Technology Services (Cente-Tech) will be unveiled by Vice President H.E. Jessica Rose Epel Alupo.
The Digital Transformation Roadmap represents a moment of pride and optimism for Uganda, as it aims to leverage digital technology as an equalizing force between rural and urban citizens. With a strong focus on inclusivity and empowerment, the roadmap seeks to bridge the digital divide that has historically hindered opportunities for marginalized communities. By embracing the potential of digital technology, Uganda aims to empower individuals, businesses, and communities to participate fully in the digital economy and access essential services to improve livelihoods.
In a statement, the Ministry of ICT Permanent Secretary, Dr. Aminah Zawedde, expressed the significance of this roadmap, saying, and “The launch of Uganda’s first Digital Transformation Roadmap represents a moment of pride and optimism for our nation.
“With this transformative blueprint, we aim to create a Uganda where digital technology becomes a powerful equalizer between rural and urban citizens, leaving no one behind in our pursuit of progress and prosperity,” Dr. Aminah said.
She added that the roadmap’s core focus centers around the concept of inclusivity and empowerment, with special attention given to narrowing the digital divide that has historically hindered opportunities for those in remote and marginalized communities. By leveraging the potential of digital technology, the roadmap aims to empower individuals, businesses, and communities to partake fully in the digital economy and access essential services that can improve livelihoods.
UNDP’s strategic intent of “Creating a world in which digital is an empowering force for people and planet” aligns perfectly with Uganda’s vision for the transformative roadmap. Through UNDP’s support, the nation is poised to unlock the vast possibilities of digital technology, fostering sustainable development and social progress that positively impacts both people and the environment.
As the launch date approaches, excitement is palpable among citizens, industry leaders, and development partners, all eagerly waiting for the unveiling of Uganda’s Digital Transformation Roadmap. The nation’s determination to embrace digital transformation as a catalyst for progress and inclusivity is a testament to its commitment to creating a brighter future for all.
The Digital Transformation Road was designed by UNDP Uganda, with technical support from Centenary Technology Services, the technology company of Centenary Group.
Centenary Technology Services, renowned as digital transformation experts with a track record of delivering innovations that truly matter, have played a pivotal role in curating the roadmap. Their expertise and vision have enabled the roadmap to address the unique challenges faced by the nation and inspire growth across all sectors.
With the roadmap as their guiding light, Ugandans are set to embark on an unprecedented journey of innovation and prosperity, shaping a nation where digital technology empowers and uplifts every citizen, regardless of their background or location.
Uganda’s digital transformation is set to become a game-changer for inclusive progress and an inspiring model for other nations to follow.

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UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has expressed deep regret at the closure of his office in Uganda, following the Government’s decision not to renew the Host Country Agreement. The office in Kampala will officially cease its operations over the weekend. Sub-offices in Gulu and Moroto closed on 30 June and 31 July.

“I regret that our office in Uganda had to close after 18 years, during which we were able to work closely with civil society, people from various walks of life in Uganda, as well as engaging with State institutions for the promotion and protection of the human rights of all Ugandans,” said Türk.

Since the establishment of the office in 2005, we have engaged closely with the Government and other partners on a range of human rights issues, including working with the authorities to integrate the Sustainable Development Goals into its national planning frameworks, as well as advising on bringing domestic legislation into compliance with international human rights laws and standards.

In 2021, with the office’s support to the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Uganda became the second country in Africa to adopt a National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights.
“Much progress has been made in the country over the years, but serious human rights challenges remain in the path to full enjoyment of human rights for all,” the High Commissioner said.
Türk expressed particular concern about the human rights situation in Uganda ahead of the 2026 elections, given the increasingly hostile environment in which human rights defenders, civil society actors and journalists are operating.
He noted that most of the 54 NGOs that were arbitrarily suspended in August 2021 remain closed. The High Commissioner also expressed concerns that the amended Computer Misuse law may further erode free expression.
Türk warned against retrogression from Uganda’s commitments under the international human rights treaties it has ratified, including in the passage of the deeply discriminatory and harmful anti-homosexuality law that is already having a negative impact on Ugandans.
Türk urged the Government to ensure the national human rights body can function effectively and independently, as the main body tasked with human rights oversight in Uganda.
“The Uganda Human Rights Commission, our long-standing partner in the protection and promotion of human rights in the country, is chronically under-funded and under-staffed, and reports of political interference in its mandate undermine its legitimacy, independence and impartiality,” he said.
“I urge the Ugandan government to provide the Commission with adequate human, technical and financial resources so that it may more effectively execute its important mandate.”
“On our part, the UN Human Rights Office remains committed to working on human rights in Uganda, in line with my global mandate,” he added.

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