Author: Wamala

By Wamala SipirianPublished: October 1, 2026 A man identifying himself as a former Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) lieutenant has released video footage he claims was recorded inside a military safehouse, with clips appearing to show opposition figures Sam Mugumya and Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi. Herbert Matanda Mabonga published the footage on social media alongside allegations of torture, arbitrary detention and enforced disappearances by security personnel. However, the location and date of the recordings could not be independently verified, and the UPDF had not publicly responded to Mabonga’s allegations at the time of the initial report. One clip appears to show…

By Wamala SipirianPublished: October 1, 2026 Uganda’s HIV prevalence among people aged 15 and above remains at 5.9 per cent, according to preliminary findings from the 2025 Uganda Population-Based HIV Impact Assessment (UPHIA). Health Minister Dr Chris Baryomunsi released the findings at the Uganda Media Centre on Thursday, October 1, 2026. The survey estimates HIV prevalence at 7.3 per cent among women and 4.1 per cent among men, with the national rate largely unchanged from the 2020 assessment. The findings translate to an estimated 1.496 million adults living with HIV in Uganda. Baryomunsi said the prevalence rate, although stable, remains…

By Wamala SipirianPublished: October 1, 2026 Police homicide detectives are investigating the death of a second-year Makerere University student whose body was discovered near the university’s Main Library. The deceased was identified by Makerere University and Nkrumah Hall leadership as Kabuye Kelvin Charles, a Bachelor of Architecture student at the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT). According to Makerere University, Kabuye’s body was discovered in the early hours of September 28, 2026, inside the fenced area housing an MTN telecommunications mast opposite the Main Library. University security reported the discovery to Makerere Police Station, after which police officers…

By Wamala SipirianPublished: October 1, 2026 Uganda has launched a five-day measles-rubella vaccination campaign targeting children aged nine months to five years as the Ministry of Health responds to reported measles cases and gaps in routine vaccine coverage. The campaign runs from October 1 to October 5, with parents and guardians encouraged to take eligible children to health centres and designated vaccination points established within communities. According to the Ministry of Health, Uganda routinely vaccinates children against 14 diseases, but gaps have been identified in uptake of the second dose of the measles vaccine. Under the routine immunisation schedule, children…

By Wamala SipirianPublished: October 1, 2026 A 19-year-old special-hire driver has been arrested over the alleged stabbing death of a fellow driver in Central A, Nateete, in Kampala’s Lubaga Division. The suspect, identified by police as Muwonge Sinan, is accused of attacking 70-year-old Thomas Batiibwe Twase on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at about 6:30 p.m. According to preliminary police information, Sinan allegedly found Twase inside a vehicle in the Central A area before attacking him with a knife and fleeing the scene. Residents reportedly pursued the suspect and apprehended him before handing him over to police. Twase was rushed to…

Media personality Prima Kadarshi has taken aim at Ugandan musicians who describe themselves as stars while, in her view, struggling to attract major audiences beyond the country. Prima, who regularly shares her opinions on Uganda’s entertainment industry, argued that some artists have become too comfortable with praise and are unwilling to accept criticism about their careers and international reach. She described this situation as contributing to the rise of what she called “local champions” in Uganda’s music industry. “None is international. They don’t want criticism but to be praised. It’s why you’ll see an artist say they are the ones…

Upcoming Ugandan musician Echoled has revealed his current top five favorite songs, with his own track “Negumya” taking the top spot ahead of music from Joshua Baraka, A Pass, Jenesis Kimera and Mbeewo. Echoled shared the list while appearing on NBS Plus, where he was asked to name the songs he is currently enjoying. At number one, the rising artist chose his own song, “Negumya,” explaining that the track holds particular meaning because it was inspired by a personal emotional experience. “The first one is Negumya by me, I love the song. It’s an iconic song that I wrote based…

Former Urban TV gossip critic Mary Luswata has admitted that she misses being on television, even though her years as an on-air personality came with significant personal and professional pressure. Luswata became a recognizable television personality during the 2010s through gossip-focused shows where her outspoken commentary about musicians and other creatives frequently attracted criticism. Looking back on that chapter of her career, Luswata says her love for television has never disappeared. However, she acknowledged that being an on-air personality — as well as the nature of the show itself — took a considerable toll on her. “I miss TV because…

Ugandan singer Tracy Melon has opened up about a difficult period in her life, revealing that ongoing health complications have kept her in and out of hospitals and contributed to a 13-kilogram weight loss. The singer addressed her recent absence from the music scene during an interview with Galaxy FM, saying her struggles have been largely beyond her control. Tracy said her health journey this year has been particularly difficult, describing it as a rollercoaster that has left her emotional when discussing what she has experienced. “I’ve had quite a rollercoaster health-wise this year. I have had to battle with…

Ugandan vocalist Naava Grey has opened up about a series of extraordinary childhood experiences involving her grandfather, whom she said the family believed possessed unusual supernatural abilities. The singer recalled stories of her grandfather seemingly appearing in places before the rest of the family, communicating with snakes and even commanding trees to bend so he could reach their fruit. One of the memories that stayed with Naava involved a family trip to Mbale. She said her grandfather would sometimes remain behind while drinking tea, only to tell the family that he would somehow arrive in Mbale before them. According to…

By Wamala SipirianPublished: September 30, 2026 Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has directed all government ministers to seek his permission and clearance before travelling outside the country. Muhoozi announced the directive on Saturday, September 26, 2026, after questioning a recent trip to Türkiye by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in charge of Regional Affairs Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo. “All ministers need my permission and clearance before leaving the country. I did not clear Hon. Kasolo to visit Turkey. He will explain,” Muhoozi said in a post on X. He subsequently said ministers must notify him before…

By Wamala SipirianPublished: September 30, 2026 National Unity Platform (NUP) Deputy President for Buganda Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi has been granted bail by the Butambala Chief Magistrate’s Court after spending months in custody on criminal charges. Kivumbi, a former Butambala County Member of Parliament, was released on Tuesday, September 29, after Grade One Magistrate Amina Wahab granted him cash bail of Shs3 million. His sureties were ordered to execute non-cash bonds of Shs2 million each. Kivumbi is facing charges of inciting violence and managing an unlawful society arising from a public gathering in Butambala in July 2026. Prosecution alleges that he…

By Wamala SipirianPublished: September 30, 2026 The United Arab Emirates has eased entry restrictions imposed on Ugandan nationals in June 2026 over concerns related to an Ebola outbreak in Uganda. The UAE’s National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority announced the decision on Saturday, saying it was made in coordination with the country’s Ministry of Health and the federal authority responsible for immigration and border security. The agencies said they were easing the “precautionary entry measures introduced in June 2026 for nationals of the Republic of Uganda.” According to the UAE authorities, the decision followed continued assessment of Uganda’s epidemiological…

By Wamala SipirianPublished: September 30, 2026 Political activist and human rights defender Praise Aloikin Opoloje has been remanded to Luzira Prison after appearing before the Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court in Kampala over allegations that she used a SIM card registered in another person’s name. Opoloje appeared before Senior Principal Grade One Magistrate Winnie Nankya Jatiko on September 28, 2026, and pleaded not guilty to one count of using another person’s SIM card, contrary to Regulation 29 of the Regulation of Interception of Communications Regulations, 2024. According to the charge sheet, prosecutors allege that during September 2026, in Kampala’s Rubaga…

By Wamala SipirianPublished: September 30, 2026 A 26-year-old Kyambogo University student was found dead in her hostel room in Banda on Monday, September 28, according to the university’s Office of the Dean of Students. The student, identified as Precious Musimenta, was pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Finance and was attached to North Hall. Kyambogo University said Musimenta was found dead in her room at Sports Pro-Hostel in Banda. “The late was found dead in her room at Sports Pro-Hostel in Banda today, Monday 28th September 2026,” Dean of Students Dr Agnes Nakimuli Mugalu wrote in a communication to…

By Wamala SipirianPublished: September 30, 2026 Uganda Cranes moved to the top of Group H in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers after defeating Libya 1-0 at a full-capacity Hoima City Stadium on Tuesday. Debutant Arnold Vula scored the decisive goal in first-half stoppage time as Uganda held on for victory in a closely contested encounter. Uganda started brightly, with full-backs Nathan Asiimwe and Aziz Kayondo providing width and pushing forward as the Cranes looked to establish control. Libya, however, created the first clear opportunity in the 10th minute after Rogers Ochaki Torach failed to clear the danger.…

By Wamala SipirianPublished: September 30, 2026 Uganda is seeking increased Italian investment in manufacturing, agro-processing, energy and pharmaceuticals as it moves to diversify a bilateral trade relationship heavily dominated by coffee. Uganda exported goods worth $776.22 million to Italy in 2025, compared with imports valued at $103.38 million, according to trade data contained in the concept note for the first Uganda-Italy Business and Investment Forum. The value of Uganda’s exports to Italy was therefore about 7.5 times the country’s imports from Italy during the year. Coffee Dominates Uganda’s Exports Coffee remains at the centre of Uganda’s trade relationship with Italy.…

By Wamala SipirianPublished: September 30, 2026 Uganda has discussed the future of the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) with European Union officials as troop-contributing countries seek more predictable financing for the operation. Defence Minister Kiryowa Kiwanuka met a delegation led by EU Deputy Ambassador to Uganda Eole Sury at the Ministry of Defence headquarters in Mbuya, Kampala. According to the ministry, the talks focused on AUSSOM and international support for the mission as Somalia undergoes a security transition. “We thank you very much for the support we have had with AUSSOM. Albeit all the challenges we’ve…

By Wamala SipirianPublished: September 30, 2026 Defence Minister Kiryowa Kiwanuka has met the head of Russian military experts in Uganda to review projects aimed at strengthening the Uganda People’s Defence Forces’ (UPDF) capacity to maintain military equipment and train personnel. Maj Gen Sergei Marchuk paid a courtesy call on Kiwanuka at the Ministry of Defence headquarters in Mbuya, Kampala, where the two sides discussed ongoing cooperation between Uganda and Russia. According to the Ministry of Defence, the talks covered maintenance and repair facilities, specialised training facilities and the continued training of Ugandan officers. “I must thank you for the continuous…

By Wamala SipirianPublished: September 30, 2026 Tooro leaders have formally handed authority to the kingdom’s new Omukama, Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I, during a coronation ceremony held Tuesday at Karuziika Palace in Fort Portal. The ceremony, attended by thousands of Batooro and other guests, marked the formal transfer of authority from Omujwera Musuuga Charles Kamurasi, who had exercised the kingdom’s authority following the death of King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV. Royal drums sounded again at the palace after the mourning period for Oyo, as the kingdom welcomed its new monarch. Leaders Praise Unity During Transition Speaking on behalf of…