The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) yesterday received a state-of-the-art auditorium at the International Peace Support Operations Training Centre (IPSO TC) in Singo, constructed by the United States government under the Global Peace Operations Initiative (GPOI).

The new facility, valued at $3.7 million (approximately Shs13.2 billion), is located at the International Peace Support Operations Training Center (IPSOTC) and is expected to significantly enhance the UPDF’s training and operational readiness for international peacekeeping missions.

With a seating capacity of over 1,500 personnel, the auditorium is equipped with advanced audiovisual and IT infrastructure. It also includes dedicated office space, storage facilities, and conference rooms, making it a versatile resource for hosting workshops, strategic meetings, and other large-scale UPDF engagements.

The facility was officially handed over by Mr Palmer Phillip, Director of GPOI.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, the UPDF Chief of Joint Staff, Lt Gen Jack Bakasumba, expressed gratitude to the U.S. government for its enduring support, particularly in promoting peace and combating terrorism in the region and beyond.

“This partnership with the United States, which dates back to 2007, has significantly strengthened our capacity in foreign missions,” Lt Gen Bakasumba said.

He reaffirmed Uganda’s dedication to international peace, stressing the UPDF’s readiness to deploy wherever required.

Brig Gen John Patrick Otongo, Commandant of IPSO TC, commended the engineering teams for their commitment to completing the facility. He acknowledged the vital roles of Lt Gen Bakasumba and Mr Palmer, who first conceived the idea for the auditorium in 2018. He further thanked the U.S. government for its extensive contributions to the UPDF, particularly in infrastructure and equipment development.

Representing the U.S. government, Lt Col Chris Noumba, Defence Attaché to Uganda, hailed the handover as a significant milestone in strengthening military-to-military cooperation.

“This auditorium reflects the strong ties between our two countries and Uganda’s unwavering role in advancing global peace,” he said.

Stories Continues after ad

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has raised alarm over what he described as “unpleasant global developments” that are fueling uncertainty in global investment, trade and development financing.

In a statement delivered on his behalf by Finance Minister Matia Kasaija at the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development in Seville, Spain, Museveni pointed to a range of challenges, including armed conflicts, trade wars and renewed global competition for natural resources.

“Unjustified wars in different parts of the world including the Israel-Palestine conflict, the Russia-Ukraine war and now tensions involving Iran combined with skyrocketing tariffs, non-trade barriers, protectionist policies and regional military threats in Africa, are all creating uncertainty for global trade and investment,” Museveni stated.

The President also criticized the misuse of global financial institutions, arguing that their original development-oriented purpose is being compromised.

“Multilateral financial institutions such as the World Bank and IMF need to refocus on their original mandate of development and refrain from being used as tools for geopolitical objectives of some countries,” he said.

Museveni called for a renewal of the global cooperation structures established after World War II, which he credited with helping to maintain peace and facilitate free trade.

“We should reform and preserve the multilateral frameworks which have sustained global peace since World War II and promoted free trade under World Trade Organisation trade rules,” he noted.

He emphasized that Africa, in particular, needs stability and equitable access to global markets in order to advance economically.

“This is the reason why in Africa we are prioritizing strengthening regional markets and intra-Africa trade to be able to expand the markets for exports,” Museveni said.

Rejecting dependency on aid, Museveni instead advocated for value addition to Africa’s natural wealth.

“We are not looking for grants or donations, we are talking about mechanisms where Africa can benefit by adding value to its abundant resources, through accessing technologies, affordable financing and access to markets of our manufactured products,” he noted.

Stories Continues after ad

From August 27 to 29, 2025, Uganda through the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development will host the 3rd International Vision Zero Africa Conference (IVZAC) at Speke Resort Munyonyo, reaffirming the country’s leadership in promoting occupational safety, health and sustainable development in Africa.

Held under the theme “From Commitment to Action – Realising Vision Zero in Africa,” the conference aims to translate policy pledges into measurable actions that reduce workplace harm and foster decent work for all.

The event is organized by the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development in partnership with the Safety and Health Association of Uganda (SHAU), OSHAfrica, the Africa Vision Zero Network and the International Social Security Association (ISSA) particularly its Mining and Construction Sections.

“This is not just a strategy — it’s a movement,” said Prof. Karl-Heinz Noetel from ISSA.

Prof. Karl-Heinz noted, “Countries across Africa are rallying behind the Vision Zero approach: Zero harm. Zero injury. Zero emissions in the world of work.”

Uganda’s hosting of Vision Zero Africa 2025 places it at the forefront of the continent’s push for labour rights, workplace safety and inclusive development. The initiative aligns with the country’s Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV), Africa’s Agenda 2063, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).

Since its inception in 2018, the International Vision Zero Conference has grown into Africa’s premier platform for advancing occupational safety and health (OSH). It brings together policymakers, thought leaders, researchers, and practitioners to share insights, best practices, and innovations.

This year’s edition will feature:

·   Global keynote speakers and OSH experts

·  Immersive learning sessions to drive innovation and practical skills

·  High-level networking opportunities for stakeholders and professionals

· Exhibitions showcasing cutting-edge solutions in OSH and Vision Zero compliance

 ·  Access to global safety networks and premium content tailored to Africa’s needs

By convening over 137 clubs and networks of safety professionals, the Vision Zero Africa 2025 Conference aims to stimulate dialogue, promote cross-sector collaboration, and inspire long-term strategies that protect workers and improve well-being.

Hosting this conference is more than a milestone; it’s a continental call to action and signifies building a legacy of safe, inclusive and resilient workplaces across Africa.

Stories Continues after ad

A helicopter operated by the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) crash-landed early Wednesday morning near Aden Abdulle International Airport in Mogadishu.

The aircraft, which was en route from Baledogle military airbase, went down at approximately 7:30 a.m., moments before landing.

“Three of the eight passengers on board were immediately rescued and rushed to the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) Level II hospital in Mogadishu for medical attention,” AUSSOM said in a statement.

Efforts to locate and rescue the remaining crew and passengers are actively ongoing.

“Search and rescue operations are currently underway to retrieve the remaining crew and passengers,” the statement added.

Aviation authorities have since launched an investigation into the cause of the crash.

“Aviation authorities have commenced investigations to establish the cause of the accident,” AUSSOM confirmed.

The African Union and UPDF have not yet released the identities of those aboard. Updates are expected as the situation unfolds.

Stories Continues after ad

Rotary in Uganda has unveiled an ambitious plan to implement projects worth approximately Shs17 billion (about $5 million) this year with a strong emphasis on holistic community impact, transparency and sustainable development.

Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, Rotary District 9213 Governor Geoffrey Martin Kitakule announced that 137 Rotary clubs under his leadership will spearhead efforts to identify and respond to pressing community needs across the country.

“We want to ensure the impact we have in the community is holistic. In terms of goals and targets, this year, we are looking at raising over $1 million through Rotarians and by that we will be able to implement projects in communities of up to $5 million,” Kitakule said.

The District Governor outlined key focus areas for the 2025 initiatives, including promoting peace, fighting disease, improving access to clean water, supporting education, protecting the environment, saving mothers and children, and strengthening local economies.

“Ours is a business of changing lives of those not advantaged as us,” he explained.

He added, “The business of making sure the environment stays and improves, providing care to mothers to give birth in a healthy environment. This year we are not only going to implement our projects but also tell the world and members what we have done before, and by doing that, people will appreciate more what Rotary does.”

Kitakule emphasized a collaborative and inclusive approach, saying Rotary will engage more with local leaders and partners to ensure a deeper and longer-lasting community impact.

“This year we will continue working with leaders in communities and partners to make a difference in people’s lives. We want to make a lasting legacy to communities we have worked in and impacted. We want to reach out so that people understand the impact we have done in communities,” he added.

He further noted, “Through the 137 clubs, we want to consolidate and ensure sustainability of our projects so that impact is felt within communities.”

The District’s priorities align closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), reflecting Rotary’s global commitment to people-centered development and environmental stewardship.

Rotaract District 9213 Representative Abesage Nahabwe also spoke at the briefing, revealing this year’s theme for young Rotary members: “Unite for Good.” Noting, “We are united for a good cause because isolation doesn’t deliver results but together we can do more. We are looking at creating an everlasting impact.”

Nahabwe added that unite for good is a very good message and doesn’t only come to Rotarians and Rotaractors but everyone. Adding, “We want to listen more to communities, peers, and the world around us so that as we serve, we are tackling the real problems and solving exactly that.”

Stories Continues after ad