Uganda will on May 3 join the rest of the world to mark World Press Freedom Day, but journalists say they continue to face persistent challenges, including low pay, harassment by security agencies and violations of media rights. Addressing journalists at a joint press conference at the Uganda Media Centre, Paul Ekochu acknowledged the difficulties…
The title, “Regulating Foreign Influence Without Stifling Growth”, which captions the article by Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka, published in the New Vision on April 21, 2026, captures the assumed legislative intent of the Protection of Sovereignty Bill, 2026. The article goes further than the explanatory memorandum of the Bill by acknowledging that foreign influence is…
There is a version of Yusuf Nsibambi that many Ugandans over the age of 40 remember with something close to fondness. For me, it was during the 2001 elections when he came to Bulo in Butambala district to campaign for Dr Kizza Besigye during one of the most heated and violent elections Uganda has witnessed….
Stanbic Bank Uganda has been ordered by the court to deposit Shs200 million as security in a commercial dispute with Vegol Limited that has dragged on for four years now. It all began in 2022 when Vegol, a prominent manufacturer specializing in edible oils, soaps, and other products, sued another firm, Sanjay Trading Company Limited,…
The minister of state for Higher Education, John Chrysostom Muyingo, has urged education stakeholders in Uganda to support government efforts to improve the sector, as exemplified by the late Mukalazi Kizito. Muyingo made the remarks while speaking to journalists during funeral arrangements for Mukalazi, who died on April 24, 2026, after spending three days in…
The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has pledged to organise more training sessions for journalists to deepen public understanding of taxation and improve reporting on revenue matters. Myra Ochwo, the assistant commissioner for tax education at URA, made the remarks during a media training for members of the Uganda Parliamentary Press Association (UPPA) at the authority’s…
Before the water system arrived, 17-year-old Daniel would herd his family’s cattle over 10 kilometres across the parched landscape of Kotido District, searching for water, every day. The journey consumed hours. The animals struggled. His family barely had enough water for basic needs. Daniel’s experience mirrors the reality for communities across Uganda’s cattle corridor, where…
Surging coffee consumption in China is driving a sharp increase in Uganda’s coffee exports to the Asian market, Chinese officials have said. Fan Xuecheng, charge d’affaires ad interim of the Chinese Embassy in Uganda, told the meeting, which was also attended by a delegation of Chinese investors, that a growing number of Chinese companies operating…
An application by Opportunity Bank Uganda to reopen a labour dispute it had already lost has been dismissed after the court faulted the bank and its lawyers for failing to properly account for their absence in court. Justice Anthony Musana of the Industrial Court upheld an earlier ex parte judgment in favour of Fiona Solome…
By Asiimwe Jonard “The person who eats the grain before the harvest will always be a slave to the one who owns the granary.” This African proverb reflects the economic history of the continent. For decades, Africa has exported its wealth in raw form, only to import finished goods at higher prices. Uganda now stands…
John Walugembe, the executive director of the Federation of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (FSME), has called for a structured dialogue to resolve tensions following the suspension of roadside vendor evictions. Walugembe said a multi-stakeholder committee should be established to bring together key actors and affected traders to find a lasting solution. “We need a committee…
The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives has asked for a budget of Shs 514.96 billion next financial year, with a large share earmarked for capitalising the Uganda Development Corporation (UDC). Presenting a report to parliament’s budget committee, the chairperson of the committee on trade, industry and cooperatives, Boniface Okot, said the proposed allocation reflects…
By Mumba Kalifungwa As Uganda approaches the long-anticipated milestone of first oil, it does so at a moment of contradiction in the global energy narrative. On one hand, the world is accelerating towards a low-carbon future, with growing consensus on the need to scale up renewable energy. On the other hand, recent geopolitical shocks, including…
Uganda has recorded its first successful bone marrow transplant, marking a major milestone in the country’s cancer treatment capacity. Sande Steven, a cancer patient, is the first person in Uganda’s history to undergo the procedure successfully, according to doctors at the Uganda Cancer Institute. Dr Okello Clement, head of the bone marrow transplant unit, said…
The chief executive officer of Equity Group Holdings, Dr James Mwangi, has called for bold and purposeful leadership to shape Africa’s future, saying the continent must take a more active role in the global economy. Speaking at the Rotary District 9214 Conference and Assembly 2026 held at Speke Resort Munyonyo, Mwangi said the current global…
The High Court has thrown out a counterclaim in a commercial dispute involving money, property abroad, and the estate of Hajj Musa Sewava, a deceased businessman who founded Sir Apollo Schools in Uganda. Sewava’s son, Habib Namakajjo, had sued one of the wives of the late businessman, Madina Nakitto, after they disagreed on how to…
Kampala University has graduated 3,514 students in various disciplines during its 23rd graduation ceremony held at its Ggaba campus. Of the total graduates, 1,812 were male and 1,702 were female. The ceremony attracted thousands of parents, guardians and students. Speaking at the event, Prof Mondo Kagonyera, the chancellor of the university, told the graduates that…
Vision Group is demanding the World Bank Shs 2.7 million in unpaid advertisements and promotions across its platforms, we can reveal. According to the list of Vision Group debtors seen by Bbeg Media, the World Bank, a multilateral lender, is one of several reputable international organisations that have not cleared their dues. UNICEF owes Shs…
Airtel Uganda has been ordered to pay more than Shs1.09 billion in additional taxes to the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) for equipment it imported to manage high-speed data traffic. Court records show that Airtel declared the price of the equipment, known as a Broadband Processing Board, at about $1,349 (Shs 5 million at the time). But…
Horticultural farmers in the Bunyoro region have entered a joint venture with local exporter KK Foods to supply fresh produce to Western Europe, including the United Kingdom, in a move aimed at boosting incomes and expanding into international markets. The farmers, operating under the Albertine Farmers Association (AFA), signed a memorandum of understanding with KK…
Speaker Anita Among has urged MPs to seek treatment in government health facilities to build public trust in the country’s healthcare system. Among made the remarks during a special sitting held to pay tribute to the late Kalangala district woman MP, Hellen Nakimuli, who recently died. She said legislators should lead by example by using…
The Bank of Uganda has urged the public to use their resources sparingly as fears grow over a possible fuel crisis in the country. The warning comes amid rising pump prices, with some petrol stations reportedly closing due to shortages, while others have increased prices in response to limited supply. Speaking on the situation, Wasswa…
2026 has us by the throat! No denying it. Three months in, and we have already seen the world order changing before our eyes. Internationally and at home. I’ll tell you how. US/Israel war with Iran The United States and Israel’s attack on Iran on February 28 took everyone by surprise. We had had a…
Equity Bank has been given a go-ahead by the court to pursue recovery of more than Shs 1.3 billion from Ratidu Trading Limited. Justice Susan Odongo rejected an application by Ratidu Trading and its director, Titi Kayondo Kabi, who had asked the court to halt execution of earlier orders as they prepared to appeal. The…
MPs have called for the re-establishment of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), raising concerns over slow progress in extending electricity to rural areas. Legislators on the Budget Committee questioned officials from the ministry of Energy and Mineral Development over what they described as limited results despite significant funding allocated in recent years. The concerns were…
The High Court in Gulu has allowed Tonny Kitara to serve court documents to Norbert Mao through a newspaper advertisement after finding that all attempts to reach the minister personally had failed. Kitara competed against Mao for the Laroo-Pece division and lost in January this year. However, on April 1, he challenged Mao’s election in…
The government has approved Shs130.4 billion to upgrade eight training grounds ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) tournament. The facilities earmarked for renovation include FUFA Kadiba Stadium, Pece Stadium, Kyambogo University Grounds, KISU Pitch, Muteesa II Stadium, and the training pitch at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole. The update was confirmed by Dr…
MPs have raised concerns over the circumstances surrounding the death of Kalangala Woman MP Hellen Nakimuli, who passed away on Sunday. Legislators from across the political divide told Bbeg Media that her death came as a shock, with some calling for a thorough investigation into the cause and the medical care she received. Paul Omara…
A total of 3,514 students are set to graduate with various academic qualifications at the 23rd graduation ceremony of Kampala University, scheduled for Thursday, April 23, at its Ggaba main campus. Of the graduates, 1,812 are female and 1,702 are male. This year’s ceremony will be held under the theme “Empowering a New Generation: AI…
The minister for the Presidency, Milly Babirye Babalanda, has warned Ugandans against spreading rumours about fellow politicians to the president, saying the practice fuels blackmail and internal divisions. Babalanda made the remarks at House of Prayer Ministries during a prayer service held for the President Museveni and his cabinet ahead of the anticipated swearing-in of…
The Uganda Alcohol Policy Alliance (UAPA) has thrown its support behind the government’s proposed increase in excise duty on undenatured spirits below 80% alcoholic content, welcoming a move that would see the rate rise from Shs1,700 to Shs3,500 per litre. Juliet Namukasa, the chairperson of the alliance, said the measure was both timely and necessary….
The executive director of the Federation of Small and Medium Enterprises (FSME), John Walugembe, has called on local authorities to immediately suspend all demolition operations targeting small businesses until clear guidelines and alternative trading spaces are provided for affected vendors. Walugembe made the call in response to a nationwide crackdown on informal trade that began…
The executive director of Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), Sharifah Buzeki, has pledged to collaborate with elected political leaders who prioritise service delivery to city residents, while cautioning them against mixing politics with public service. Buzeki made the remarks during the Weyonje clean-up exercise in Lugoba parish, Kawempe division, where she was accompanied by the…
Hundreds of Ugandans turned up at a one-day medical camp in Luwero Town Council today, as the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) and a coalition of partners intensified a nationwide drive to screen for cancer and educate communities about the dangers of leaving the disease undetected. The camp was supported by Kiwoko Hospital, the Uganda Protestant…
By Priscilla Najjuma Forget stiff corporate headshots and formulaic social media feeds. In Uganda, where hospitality runs deep, the entrepreneurial spirit is vibrant, and the handshake still carries weight, personal branding is less about a manufactured persona and more about an authentic, deeply rooted legacy. It is about being the delicious, consistent, and memorable “matooke”…
Uganda Prisons Service has passed out 1,238 warders and wardresses after completing a nine-month training programme. The recruits underwent a basic prison management course that included physical training, practical skills, parade drills and the handling and care of inmates. Of the 1,238 graduates, 912 are male and 326 are female. Speaking at the pass-out ceremony…
Moses Aleper, the MP for Chekwii County in Karamoja, has raised fresh concerns about the slow pace of development in the sub-region, warning that long-standing infrastructure gaps continue to hold back progress. Speaking to Bbeg Media in an interview at his parliamentary office, Aleper said that despite government interventions, much more needs to be done…
Justice Joyce Kavuma of the civil division of the High Court has halted civil proceedings brought against the Financial Intelligence Authority (FIA) by Zulpha Birungi after the body froze her account following allegations of fraud. The dispute began after a complaint by Cellulant Uganda Limited, which reported what it described as an illegal and fraudulent…
Sector ministries have raised concern over inadequate budget funding, warning that it is undermining service delivery across the country. The concerns were raised during an ongoing three-day National Performance Review Conference on Uganda’s development agenda, organised by the Office of the Prime Minister at Speke Resort Munyonyo. Ministers and permanent secretaries presented performance reports for…
Authorities in Kampala have warned landlords at Ovino Mall in Kisenyi to take responsibility for the management of the property following a wave of complaints from tenants. The complaints centre on poor hygiene, especially in the toilets, insecurity, and what traders describe as weak management. The intervention follows a joint meeting involving the Uganda Police,…
The Industrial Court has dismissed a labour dispute filed by Matthew Rumanyika against the Nile Basin Initiative (NBI), his former employer, saying the regional organisation enjoys diplomatic immunity and cannot be sued in Ugandan courts over such employment matters. Justice Anthony Wabwire Musana said the case could not proceed because the court had no power…
A cross-section of business groups has opposed the proposed tax amendment bills 2026, arguing that the measures are unfair and could disrupt their operations. The entities included the Uganda Hotel Owners Association (UHOA), Uganda Bankers Association (UBA), Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Uganda (ICPAU), Kampala Casino, the Uganda Alcohol Policy Alliance (UAPA), the Uganda…
The Financial Intelligence Authority (FIA) acted “illegally, irrationally and with procedural impropriety” when it froze a company’s bank account without promptly seeking court approval, the High Court has ruled. The dispute started on January 4, 2026, when BMS General Trading Limited discovered that it could no longer access its money in Stanbic Bank. At that…
By Magelah Peter Gwayaka In 2021, Absa Uganda froze both my personal and organizational accounts without any prior communication. No one reached out to explain what was happening. It felt like arrogance, like we didn’t matter enough to deserve even a basic explanation. Their compliance officer showed no interest in resolving the issue and kept…
The long-running dispute between MTN and former Deputy Inspector General of Police Julius Odwe has taken another turn, after the court declined Odwe’s request to throw out an appeal lodged by the telecom company. The case dates back to 2012, when MTN rolled out a project to extend network connectivity to Dokolo. During that exercise,…
KCCA councillor, Yasini Omari, has questioned the mandate of the authority’s disciplinary committee, arguing that it lacks the powers to hear his petition on committee appointments and alleged conflicts of interest. Omari, the lord councillor representing Makindye East II, appeared before the committee on rules, procedures and discipline following a referral by the KCCA Speaker…
MPs on the Finance committee have asked the president of the Uganda National Traders Alliance, Godfrey Katongole, to withdraw remarks that they said misled the public by suggesting legislators do not pay taxes on fuel and other utilities. The committee, chaired by Amos Kankunda, confronted Katongole as he presented traders’ views on proposed tax policies…
Mityana South MP Richard Lumu has urged opposition parties in Uganda to prioritise a united push for political transition instead of engaging in internal conflicts that weaken their credibility. Speaking to Bbeg Media at Parliament, Lumu expressed concern over growing divisions among opposition groups that seek to challenge the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM). He…
A dispute over a multi-billion shilling electricity metre tender has collapsed after the PPDA Appeals Tribunal dismissed a case filed by Uzuzi Meter Technologies Limited against Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL). In a ruling delivered on April 2, 2026, the Tribunal did not even go into the merits of the dispute. Instead, it found…
President Museveni has praised Gen. Salim Saleh, for what he described as his sacrifice and patriotism during Uganda’s liberation struggle, urging young people to emulate his example. Museveni made the remarks at the National Leadership Institute Kyankwanzi during the seventh day of a retreat for newly elected NRM MPs. He presided over the laying of…
