News Headlines
Somali arrested in Moroto for repackaging Ugandan sugar as Kenyan suga…
July 30, 2021 by URN
Police in Moroto district stormed a storage facility at Kosiroi, Moroto along the Uganda-Kenya border and impounded over 250 repackaged...
Parliament procures iPads for MPs
July 30, 2021 by URN
Fresh from wiring Shs 200m to legislators, parliament has now procured iPads for its 529 MPs and 26 ex-officio members.Deputy...
American pleads guilty to attempting to sell 50m 'ghost' masks to Aust…
July 29, 2021 by VOA
A Texas man has pleaded guilty of involvement in a scheme to fraudulently sell 50 million N95 respirator masks he...
Fake UPDF officer arrested with smuggled pens worth Shs 300m
July 29, 2021 by URN
Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) field services team has arrested a man identified as Davis Bakashabaruhanga who was allegedly found smuggling...
State prosecutors demand Covid-19 allowances, PPEs
State attorneys under their umbrella body, the Uganda Association of Prosecutors (UAP), are demanding for Covid-19 allowances and personal protection equipment (PPEs), claiming they are highly exposed to the virus. The prosecutors who deal in criminal matters across the country, said in a press statement that they are concerned issued about…
Museveni blames MPs for Uganda's low COVID-19 vaccination rates
President Yoweri Museveni has blamed the 10th parliament for delaying the procurement of COVID-19 vaccines, even as the country struggled to beat the pandemic during the first wave. Government chief whip Thomas Tayebwa yesterday told the chairpersons and vice chairpersons of the different parliamentary committees that the president was unhappy…
Tanzania president launches COVID-19 vaccination campaign
Tanzania's President Samia Suluhu Hassan got vaccinated against the coronavirus Wednesday to kick off the country's first vaccination campaign. It’s a sharp turnaround from her predecessor, the late John Magufuli, who claimed vaccines were dangerous and that prayer had saved Tanzanians from the pandemic.
China donates to Uganda 300,000 doses of Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine
China has donated 300,000 doses of the Sinovac-CoronaVac COVID-19 vaccines to Uganda. The vaccines are expected to arrive in the country this Saturday, according to the new Chinese Ambassador to Uganda Zhang Lizhong. This will be the first consignment of another type of vaccine to come to Uganda after AstraZeneca which…
Coach 'Micho' return sparks Twitter war between Kabushenga and Magogo
The reappointment of the former Uganda Cranes tactician Milutin Sredojević 'Micho' has sparked a fierce Twitter war between Moses Magogo, the president of the Federation of the Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) and Robert Kabushenga, the former managing director of the government-owned Vision Group.
Kagame to Uganda: Yes we spy on you
Military-grade spyware leased by the Israeli firm NSO Group to governments for tracking terrorists and criminals was used in attempted and successful hacks of 37 smartphones belonging to journalists, human rights activists, business executives and the two women closest to murdered Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, according to an investigation by…
Ministers reject old cars, chairs
Just weeks after taking office, some new ministers have gained immediate notice among subordinates for their affection for lavish 4x4 official cars, furniture and executive privilege and are dialing up pressure on accounting officers to provide them. According to insider ministry sources, Agnes Nandutu, the minister of state in charge of…
How children’s bicycles kept dads in business through lockdown
With Covid-19 well into its second year, a lot has changed about people’s lives, especially as lockdown becomes the one English word now every Ugandan can say.
Lockdown benefitting the privileged, says Kabuleta
Former presidential candidate Joseph Kabuleta is one of the leading crusaders against the current 42-day nationwide lockdown. In an interview with David Lumu, he reasons that factual data on the pandemic contradicts the measures put in place by government.
Delta variant: Even vaccinated people now have to wear face masks - US CDC
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended that even vaccinated people in the country now have to wear masks while indoors, reversing a decision it made two months ago.
Police officer accuses boss of sexual pestering
Harriet Kunihira, a corporal attached to the police canine unit, has accused the unit commander, Martin Mugume, of sexual harassment and discrimination. In a June 21 complaint to the head of women affairs at the police headquarters, Kunihira says Mugume has harassed her since 2010 when she joined the force.
Covidex case is political and should be dismissed - Prof Ogwang
Prof Patrick Ogwang has asked the High court to dismiss a case filed against him that he's not not the lawful proprietor and inventor of Covidex, a Covid-19 supportive treatment herbal drug. Covidex drug was recently approved by the Nation Drug Authority (NDA) as a supportive treatment in the management of viral infections and many…
Norway summons Chinese ambassador over IT attack against parliament
Norwegian Foreign Minister Ine Eriksen Soreide informed that the ministry has summoned the Chinese Ambassador about alleged China's IT attack on the Norwegian Parliament.
Works succumbs to pressure, starts construction of 'Nabbanja' road
The ministry of Works and Transport has succumbed to Prime Minister Robinnah Nabbanja's 'orders' and started construction of the road leading to her home in Bataka Zone, Makerere-Kavule in Kawempe South constituency. Issuing one of her first executive orders as prime minister, Nabbanja directed the ministry to construct a road heading…
RDC orders closure of Kagadi guesthouse over birthday party
Kagadi resident district commissioner (RDC) Lilian Ruteraho has ordered police to immediately close Devine guesthouse for allegedly hosting an illegal birthday party that attracted more than 250 people.
FDC to govt: End lockdown, stop buying MPs vehicles
Opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party has reiterated calls for the scrapping of MPs vehicle cash, saying Uganda is too poor to afford such a venture for so many legislators. The call comes less than a week after 529 MPs and 26 ex-officios each received Shs 200 million on their…
Tunisia’s president suspends parliament
Tunisian troops blocked the head of parliament from entering the building early Monday, hours after President Kais Saied announced he had fired Prime Minister Hichem Mechichi and suspended parliament for 30 days.
Ministry of Health infighting contributed to my husband's death - Nakyobe
The infighting inside the ministry of Health contributed to the death of Prof Anthony Mbonye, his wife and cabinet secretary and head of Public Service Lucy Nakyobe Mbonye has said. Mbonye breathed his last yesterday, and according to Nakyobe, the former State House Controller, Mbonye has been battling peritoneal cancer, a…
Nakasero market vendors lose KCCA take over case
The High court in Kampala has dismissed an application by a section of vendors from Nakasero market seeking orders to throw Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) out of market management.The vendors organized under Nakasero Market Sitting Vendors and Traders Limited, last year ran to court seeking orders of a judicial…
Gunfire, protests disrupt funeral of Haiti's assassinated president
The funeral of Haiti's assassinated president, Jovenel Moise, was disrupted Friday by tear gas and sounds of gunfire, prompting US officials to leave before the end of the ceremony.
Lab technician arrested in Karamoja for causing death of two Covid-19 suspects
Police in Karenga district in Karamoja sub-region, northeastern Uganda has arrested a laboratory technician attached to Kapedo health centre III for allegedly refusing to carry out a test on Covid-19 suspects, demanding to first be paid his allowance.
Company awarded 10-year digital tracking contract facing bankruptcy in Russia
The Russian company Joint Stock Company Global Security awarded a 10-year contract to install digital monitoring system in all motorcycles and vehicles in Uganda is facing bankruptcy litigation in Moscow, court documents in Russia reveal. The company is also facing other debt-related cases filed between 2019 and 2021 in Russia, raising…
Woman stabs husband to death in Makindye
Katwe Police Division is holding a woman over allegedly stabbing her husband to death in Ggangu, Makindye Division on Saturday.Kampala Metropolitan deputy police spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire has identified the deceased only as Siraj who was stabbed to death by Saidat Naiga. The suspect was rescued by the local authorities from an…
NCHE investigates LDC over student marks
The National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) has directed the Law Development Centre (LDC) to provide a response on the issues raised in a petition by some students.
Rescued teenage girls: No evidence of forced bestiality - police
Police have said they have found no evidence that the 14 teenage girls rescued yesterday from a guesthouse in Muyenga were forced into bestiality as earlier indicated.
Speaker Oulanyah back in the country
The speaker of parliament Jacob Oulanyah has returned home after a month away in the United Kingdom where he was receiving treatment.
14 teen girls 'being trained to sleep with dogs' rescued in Muyenga
Police have stormed a guesthouse on Muyenga Hill in Kampala and rescued 14 girls found living in terrible conditions. The girls were reportedly being trained in conducting unnatural sexual acts including allegedly sleeping with dogs and being prepared to travel to a European destination for unspecified duties.
Deported Ssekitoleko 'to be punished' for attempting to disappear in Japan
Ugandan weightlifter Julius Ssekitoleko who was today deported from Japan is to face disciplinary action over his failed disappearance act, ministry of Education and Sports has said. Ssekitoleeko, who disappeared from the hotel for the Ugandan Olympic Team in Izumisano, was found in the city of Yokkaichi nearly a week later. Before…
Uganda Railways sues Chinese firm over theft, vandalism of railway materials
Uganda Railways Corporation (URC) has sued Chinese firm, Tian Tang Group Limited for alleged theft and vandalism of railway materials valued at Shs 12 billion. URC accuses Tian of destroying 14 tons of railway materials recovered from the Chinese factory in Mbalala in Mukono district. Evidence before the court indicates that…
Police 'investigating' Chameleone over music show in Gulu
Police have opened a general enquiry file (GEF) against popular singer Joseph Mayanja alias Jose Chameleone after he allegedly held a music show in Gulu city contrary to the suspension of social gatherings.
Covid-19: Zimbabwe orders govt workers to get vaccinated or lose pay
Zimbabwe has ordered all government workers to get vaccinated against the coronavirus, or lose pay if they refuse. But one of the largest government worker groups is resisting compulsory vaccinations, while another is calling for compliance with the directive.
Two killed in Kamwokya fire outbreak
Two people have died and several others injured in an evening fire outbreak in Kyamuka Zone, Kamwokya, a Kampala suburb. The fire broke out today at about 6.45 pm, destroying makeshift houses, timber workshops and shops among other items. The police fire brigade could hardly get to the scene due to…
Mukono priest survives being lynched by angry mob over land
Rev Mikka Lukwago, the parish priest of Kisowera Church of Uganda in Mukono district today survived being lynched by an angry mob who have accused him of hatching plans to evict them from their land.The priest was trying to stop Badru Musoke, a resident at Muduuma village from bolstering the…
Lunch allowance: Nurses told to wait for end of August
Ugandan nurses have to wait for yet another month before they can receive their much long-awaited lunch allowances. Justus Cherop Kiplangat, the president of the Uganda Nurses and Midwives Union, says the health workers will receive the allowances in August and not this month as earlier scheduled.
410,000 beneficiaries have already received Covid relief cash - Nabbanja
Over Shs 41 billion of Shs 54 billion of Covid-19 relief cash has already been distributed to more the 410,000 beneficiaries, prime minister, Robinah Nabbanja has said. Tabling a list of beneficiaries before parliament on Wednesday, Nabbanja said the ministry of Finance released Shs 53.5 billion for distribution to at least…
Pfizer, BioNTech agree to produce COVID-19 vaccine for Africa
Pfizer and BioNTech have reached an agreement with a South African company to produce their COVID-19 vaccine for distribution in Africa, the biotechnology companies said today Wednesday.
Nigerian pilot survives after criminal gang shoots down fighter jet
Nigeria's air force says armed bandits have for the first time shot down one of their fighter jets. It says the jet was shot down Monday as it conducted an airstrike against criminal gangs in northern Kaduna and Zamfara states. An air force spokesman said the pilot ejected safely but analysts…
Among now appoints Waiswa interim clerk to parliament
Deputy speaker of parliament Anita Among has appointed Henry Waiswa the interim clerk to parliament following the retirement in 'public interest' of Jane Kibirige. Kibirige was recently retired and replaced by President Yoweri Museveni with former minister of Defence, Adolf Mwesige. Among informed parliament today afternoon that Waisswa had in the…
Exams: Teachers are the biggest cheats
Teachers are at it again! In their latest brush with the law, teachers have been accused by authorities at national examination body, Uneb, of orchestrating a grand scheme in schools that pushes pupils to cheat on the just-released 2020 primary leaving exams.
VETTING: Why MPs caved in on Kaboyo
On June 16, Alice Kaboyo's appointment as minister of state in the Office of the Prime Minister for Luwero Triangle-Rwenzori Triangle was roundly rejected by majority of MPs on the appointments committee. Twenty days later on July 6, that disapproving majority had dissipated Kaboyo’s appointment got an overwhelming eyebrow-raising nod of…
AG Kiryowa Kiwanuka is the wrong man for the wrong job
The purpose of an Attorney General (AG) is to be the chief representative of the state, especially in court-related legal matters. This is considered so important that sometimes the person holding the post is also the minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs.
Trial of ex-South African president Zuma postponed until August
The corruption trial of former South African President Jacob Zuma has been postponed until next month. A judge at the Pietermaritzburg High court in the former president’s home province of KwaZulu-Natal on Tuesday adjourned Zuma’s trial until August 10. Zuma’s lawyers had requested a delay to allow him to appear in…
Report: National ID is mass exclusion tool
In a new report, “Chased Away and Left to Die,” human rights organizations found that Uganda’s national digital ID system, which is key to how individuals access their social rights, leads to mass exclusion. The report, a collective effort of human rights organizations, is the outcome of seven months of in…
Rural teacher declared president-elect in Peru
Rural teacher-turned-political novice Pedro Castillo on Monday became the winner of Peru's presidential election after the country's longest electoral count in 40 years. Castillo, whose supporters included Peru's poor and rural citizens, defeated right-wing politician Keiko Fujimori by 44,000 votes. Electoral authorities released the final official results more than a month…
COVID-19 kills 114 Indonesian doctors in July
COVID-19 is taking a devastating toll on medical professionals in Indonesia, where 114 doctors have died so far this month, more than double the number of doctors who died in June, according to a physicians’ network known as the Mitigation Team of the Indonesian Medical Association, or IDI. The rising number…
Mufti Mubajje criticises 'shambolic' Covid relief cash distribution
The Mufti of Uganda Sheikh Shaban Ramathan Mubajje has criticized government's distribution of the Covid-19 relief cash to vulnerable persons. In his Eid al Adha speech at Gaddafi National Mosque in Kampala Mubajje said the cash distribution has been shambolic and is ripe for abuse.
Teen forced out women's ward, spends 3 weeks sleeping on Mukono hospital verandah
A teenage girl suffering from cerebral palsy has so far spent 3 weeks sleeping on the verandah of Mukono General hospital after being forced out of the women's ward due to her health condition that involves uncontrolled defecation and urination. According to the hospital management, the girl who has no caretaker…