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<title>Your Local and International News &#45; : National</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/rss/category/national</link>
<description>Your Local and International News &#45; : National</description>
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<dc:rights>Copyright 2026 Jajja News Alright Reserved. Designed with 😍 By Zoomer.africa</dc:rights>

<item>
<title>182 HIRED SECRETS: HOW PARLIAMENT DISENFRANCHISED JOB SEEKERS – IGG AUDIT REPORT</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/182-hired-secrets-how-parliament-disenfranchised-job-seekers-igg-audit-report</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/182-hired-secrets-how-parliament-disenfranchised-job-seekers-igg-audit-report</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Inspectorate of Government (IG) has uncovered irregularities in the recruitment and management of staff at Parliament, including the hiring of 182 employees without publicly advertising the vacancies and cases in which recently recruited workers were promoted ahead of long-serving staff.
In a human resource audit report submitted to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the Inspector General of Government, Justice Aisha Naluzze Batala, said the Parliamentary Commission resolved on September 16, 2021, to recruit staff through headhunting or by using lists of former interns, contrary to the Commission’s Human Resource Policy Manual.
The decision resulted in vacancies not being advertised, denying eligible Ugandans an opportunity to compete for the positions and limiting Parliament’s access to a wider pool of qualified candidates, according to the report.
The audit, which examined recruitment practices between October 2021 and June 2026, identified several weaknesses in the institution’s human resource management, prompting the Inspectorate to recommend reforms to improve transparency, accountability and efficiency.
The report also found that some employees did not possess the minimum academic qualifications required for the positions they occupied.
The Inspectorate has consequently recommended that the Parliamentary Commission review the personal files of all employees to establish whether they meet the academic and professional requirements for their respective jobs.
The audit further raised concerns about the absence of clear promotion guidelines in Parliament’s Human Resource Policy Manual, noting that some recently recruited employees had been promoted at the expense of staff who had served for longer periods.
The Inspectorate wants the Commission to prioritise the development of a clear staff promotion policy to guide career progression and ensure that promotions are handled fairly.
In another finding, the audit questioned the relevance of four director positions under the Office of the Clerk to Parliament, saying the positions were redundant and lacked clearly defined schedules of duties.
The Inspectorate recommended a review of the four positions, with a view to abolishing them from the established structure if they are found unnecessary. It argued that the salaries and benefits attached to the positions could instead be redirected to more critical parliamentary functions.
The report also identified a potential conflict of interest in the Finance Department, which oversees three functions: finance, procurement and inventory management.
According to the Inspectorate, placing the three functions under the supervision of the Director of Finance creates a risk because they are all answerable to the same official.
The audit further found that Parliament’s existing job descriptions and person specifications were generally outdated and did not meet current public service standards.
The Inspectorate recommended aligning job descriptions and person specifications for common staff positions with those used in the public service.
It also called for a rationalisation of Parliament’s staff and institutional structures to ensure they respond to the legislature’s core responsibilities of lawmaking, representation, oversight and appropriation.
The recommendations were directed to the Clerk to Parliament, with the Inspectorate urging the Parliamentary Commission to ensure that future recruitment is conducted through competitive processes that give all Ugandans equal employment opportunities.
The findings come amid concerns about fairness and transparency in public sector recruitment, where open competition is intended to ensure that appointments are based on merit and that qualified applicants have an equal opportunity to access public employment.
In submitting the report to President Museveni, Justice Naluzze Batala said the audit had been commissioned following numerous complaints regarding recruitment at Parliament ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 23 Oct 2026 18:38:53 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
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</item>

<item>
<title>UGANDA EYES LOCAL MILITARY MANUFACTURING FOLLOWING $53M RUSSIAN AID PACKAGE</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/uganda-eyes-local-military-manufacturing-following-53m-russian-aid-package</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/uganda-eyes-local-military-manufacturing-following-53m-russian-aid-package</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ President Yoweri Museveni has thanked Russian President Vladimir Putin for helping Uganda strengthen its military, after commissioning facilities that include a mechanised repair centre at Magamaga under a donation package worth about Shs228 billion.
Museveni said Uganda must develop the skills to service its military equipment and eventually manufacture it locally.
“We must not only acquire good equipment but also learn to maintain, repair and eventually manufacture it here,” he said in a statement.
The President commissioned military facilities and equipment at Kalama, Entebbe, Kalangalo and Magamaga this week under Uganda’s defence cooperation with Russia.
The Magamaga repair facility forms part of a $53 million package of equipment and infrastructure donated by Russia. Other donations include a training simulator at the Mechanised Warfare College and a command post at Kalangalo under the Special Forces Command.
“The gifts, if you study them, are all to ensure the survivability of our troops so that they fight better,” Museveni said.
He asked the Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Chief of Joint Staff Lt Gen Jack Bakasumba and other senior commanders to assess whether Uganda could afford to manufacture equipment locally.
“The gift is a gift, but we need to do more. If the cost is affordable, we should invest and upscale,” he said.
Museveni also urged the military to embrace artificial intelligence and automation as it upgrades its equipment and training. He said technological advances had improved reconnaissance and observation.
“I have encouraged our military to embrace science and technology, including AI and automation, to strengthen our defence capabilities,” he said.
He praised troops at Kalangalo for the speed at which they established their barracks and operational base, thanking the Russians “not only for the gift, but also the example.”
Museveni said Uganda first bought Russian military equipment in 1967.
“I am glad that we are back in full cooperation with our Russian friends,” he said.
He said the partnership should equip Ugandans with technical skills and strengthen the country’s ability to defend itself.
“Our cooperation with Russia should help us build local capacity, protect our sovereignty and strengthen our ability to defend Uganda.”
Bakasumba said the new facilities would allow the UPDF to carry out extensive repairs, extend the service life of military equipment and develop technical skills among personnel.
He urged commanders and technicians to manage the facilities properly and maintain them.
“Guard this investment and ensure that it delivers the intended benefits to the UPDF and the country at large,” he said.
Defence Minister Kiryowa Kiwanuka said changing security threats and advances in military technology required reliable equipment, trained personnel and stronger capabilities in surveillance, mobility, logistics and command.
He thanked Russian military experts for their technical guidance and contribution to Uganda’s defence infrastructure.
Speaking for the Russian delegation, retired Lt Gen Aleksandr Kshimovskii said the donation reflected mutual respect and longstanding relations between the two countries. He said the facilities would strengthen Uganda’s defence capacity and contribute to regional stability. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 23 Oct 2026 18:24:12 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
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<item>
<title>UGANDA UNVEILS NATIONAL PLAN TO POWER HOTELS WITH CLEAN ENERGY</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/uganda-unveils-national-plan-to-power-hotels-with-clean-energy</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/uganda-unveils-national-plan-to-power-hotels-with-clean-energy</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Minister of State for Energy and Mineral Development Phiona Nyamutoro has urged Uganda’s hospitality industry to treat clean energy as a business investment, as the government launched a national programme to cut hotels’ energy costs.
The National Green Hospitality Initiative, co-hosted by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development and Equity Bank Uganda targets hotels, lodges, resorts and conference facilities, which organisers described as heavy energy consumers.
“When we talk about solar power, energy storage, efficient equipment, clean cooking and electric mobility, we are looking at lowering operating costs, improving service reliability, and reducing exposure to unpredictable energy expenses,” Nyamutoro said at the launch.
She said savings from energy efficiency could be reinvested in staff, facilities, expansion and visitor experiences, and that the shift would create demand for project developers, energy auditors, engineers, equipment suppliers, installers, financiers and maintenance firms.
Nyamutoro said the initiative was aligned with the Fourth National Development Plan and the Energy Policy for Uganda 2023.
Planned deliverables include energy assessments and potential retrofits at four to five hospitality facilities, intended as demonstration projects ahead of the next Renewable Energy Conference; Uganda Green Hotel Standards and a national certification framework; a framework to address investment barriers; and a specialised financing window combining green loans, concessional credit and Energy Service Company pay-as-you-save models. The programme also proposes Green Hospitality Awards.
“The investment case before us is therefore clear: lower costs, more reliable services, stronger enterprises and new commercial opportunities,” Nyamutoro said, calling on hotels to develop bankable projects, lenders to unlock affordable capital, technology providers to deliver dependable solutions and public institutions to create an enabling environment.
Catherine Psomgen, Equity Bank Uganda’s Director of Public Sector and Social Investments, said lenders must go beyond promoting sustainability and help turn viable green projects into bankable investments.
“Renewable energy and efficiency should not be viewed simply as environmental expenses, but as investments,” she said.
Psomgen noted that hotels rely heavily on energy for lighting, cooking, water heating, cooling, laundry and transport.
The bank plans to offer green loans, equipment financing, leasing and blended finance for solar photovoltaic systems, battery storage, efficient cooling and clean-cooking technologies. Through a Green Tourism Business Clinic, Equity Bank and other participating institutions are expected to help operators assess their cash flows and explore financing for energy retrofits.
Psomgen said success should be measured by investments mobilised, technologies deployed, jobs created and improvements in business performance.
While the government and financiers view the initiative as a major commercial opportunity, Jean Byamugisha, chairperson of the Uganda Hotel Owners Association, cautioned that rigid loan repayment terms will not work. She urged lenders to restructure debt schedules to match the seasonal revenue cycles of the hospitality industry, noting that off-peak months strain cash flows.
Uganda Hotel Owners Association chairperson Jean Byamugisha said access to green loans alone would not guarantee uptake unless banks adapted repayment terms to the hospitality business.
“One shoe does not fit all. Banks need to restructure their loans to reflect the seasonal nature of the hospitality industry,” she said.
Byamugisha said hotels earn more during peak tourism seasons and can service loans then, but off-peak months strain cash flows. She argued that lenders should allow more time to repay during quieter periods so hotels can invest in renewable energy without putting day-to-day operations at risk. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 22 Oct 2026 08:08:09 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
<media:keywords></media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>PS KUMUMANYA TO LOCAL LEADERS: TAKE CHARGE OF BUDGETS AND DEMAND BETTER ROADS</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/ps-kumumanya-to-local-leaders-take-charge-of-budgets-and-demand-better-roads</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/ps-kumumanya-to-local-leaders-take-charge-of-budgets-and-demand-better-roads</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government, Ben Kumumanya, has challenged newly elected leaders to take full control of their budgets and demand better roads for their communities. Speaking during an induction exercise for council leaders in Makindye-Ssabagabo Municipality,

 Kumumanya credited President Yoweri Museveni’s administration for advancing a decentralisation system that empowers grassroots citizens to shape their own development priorities.
He explained that decentralisation was intentionally designed to shift administrative power closer to the electorate, giving them a direct say in local roads, schools, healthcare, and public services. Kumumanya urged the elected representatives to act as true advocates for their constituents by demanding transparency and prioritizing public spending where it is needed most.
“Let us have the opportunity to determine our destiny. It is very important not to let anyone make decisions on things that affect us,” Kumumanya said.
He noted that for decentralisation to function effectively, local councils must take full ownership of identifying community priorities, approving operational budgets, and enforcing project oversight.

“Sit in councils, approve your budgets, approve your projects, and let people develop their own structures,” he added.
Tracing the origins of Uganda’s decentralised governance framework back to the reforms initiated under President Museveni in 1987, Kumumanya noted that extensive national consultations laid the groundwork for modern local administration. Reflecting on the nation’s post-independence history, he observed that local governance successfully restored power back to the citizens after years of rigid, centralized control.

The Permanent Secretary highlighted the significance of grassroots elections, emphasizing that genuine leadership stems from democratic mandates rather than appointments.
“I have been able to see a group of leaders being elected, not selected, to represent the people,” Kumumanya stated, reminding participants of their core duties under the 1995 Constitution.

He urged council members to quickly familiarize themselves with council procedures, financial management, and project monitoring techniques. Local leaders, he argued, must actively question municipal authorities whenever public infrastructure is neglected.

“If you go to the community and the roads are missing, you should inquire,” he advised, pressing leaders to balance their demands for service delivery with local revenue mobilization.
Addressing public expenditure, Kumumanya reiterated that authority comes with strict accountability. He cautioned leaders against mismanagement, noting that decentralisation must be backed by transparent resource allocation.

“If you collect Shs6 million, sit down and decide collectively how that money will serve the community,” he noted.
Addressing past public demonstrations over poor road networks along the Entebbe Road corridor, Kumumanya called on leaders to resolve community concerns proactively through dialogue rather than allowing grievances to escalate into protests.

“You have heard the President fighting corruption all the time,” Kumumanya said. “With this power, we should work hard, foster national unity, and live in harmony. We should use yesterday to inform us, and today we want to see new things. Strong minds discuss ideas, and weak minds discuss people.”

Makindye-Ssabagabo Municipality Mayor John Bosco Galabuzzi commended the Ministry of Local Government for conducting the induction training, expressing confidence that it would equip councillors with vital administrative skills. Galabuzzi also commended Town Clerk Moses Otimong and the municipal technical staff for upholding institutional discipline and advancing local infrastructure projects.

“We always take responsibility, and we have a better town clerk, Moses Otimong, alongside a technical team doing commendable work,” Galabuzzi remarked.
Ester Nakitto, a municipal councillor, added that the orientation helped representatives understand their statutory boundaries, legislative duties, and lobbying roles. She affirmed that clear mandates strengthen collaboration between political leaders and technical officers to deliver meaningful community development. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 21 Oct 2026 09:46:54 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
<media:keywords></media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>UBOS DECLARES MINISTRY OF ICT’S NEW DATA STRATEGY ILLEGAL</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/ubos-declares-ministry-of-icts-new-data-strategy-illegal</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/ubos-declares-ministry-of-icts-new-data-strategy-illegal</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) has formally rejected the launch of the National Data Strategy by the Ministry of Information, Communication Technology and National Guidance (MoICT&amp;NG), declaring the initiative unlawful and redundant.

The Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) has with great concern learnt of the launch of a “National Data Strategy” by the Ministry of Information, Communication Technology and National Guidance (MoICT&amp;NG).  
The so-called “National Data Strategy” breaches the provisions of the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) Act 1998, Cap 333. The Act provides for establishment of the Bureau as the principal data collecting and disseminating Agency responsible for coordinating, monitoring and supervision of the National Statistical System.  
The UBOS Act mandates the Bureau as the Agency responsible for data and statistical objects including but not limited to: 
i. Providing high-quality central statistics information services; ii. Promoting standardization in the collection, analysis and publication of statistics to ensure uniformity in quality, adequacy of courage and reliability of statistics information; 
iii. Reviewing all initiatives to collect data at the national and local government levels and approving instruments developed for data collection including Census frames, Registers, sample designs and questionnaires; and 
iv. Organizing and maintaining a central depository of statistical reports, publications, documents and data from both within and outside Uganda.  
UBOS informs the public that the MoICT&amp;NG has no legal mandate to spearhead matters incidental to statistics. That mandate is vested with the Uganda Bureau of Statistics. The launch of that “National Data Strategy” is an existential threat to the UBOS Act and is, therefore, illegal, irregular, redundant and adds no value to the National Statistical System.  
The public is further informed that the areas the impugned “National Data Strategy” purportedly intends to address are already comprehensively catered for under the UBOS Act, the Plan for National Statistics Development which covers the entire National Statistical System, the UBOS Strategic Plan and the Data Quality Assessment Framework.  
The Public is strongly advised to treat the impugned “National Data Strategy’’ recently launched by the MoICT&amp;NG with the utmost contempt it deserves.  
UBOS remains steadfast and committed to providing high-quality central statistics services for evidencebased planning, policy formulation and decision making.  
UBOS maintains that the Ministry of ICT holds no legal mandate to spearhead statistical matters. The Bureau reassures the public of its continuous commitment to delivering high-quality central statistics services for evidence-based national planning and policy formulation.
The UBOS Act designates the Bureau as the principal agency responsible for coordinating, monitoring, and supervising the National Statistical System. The table below outlines the core mandates under threat: Providing high-quality central statistics information services, Promoting standardization, uniformity, and reliability in data collection and publication and Maintaining a central depository of local and international statistical reports and data.

The Minister of State for ICT and National Guidance, Joyce Nabossa Ssebugwawo, officially launched Uganda’s five-year National Data Strategy (NDS) under the theme “Unlocking the Power of Data for Uganda&#039;s Transformation”.
The strategy aims to streamline how government bodies collect, secure, and share public information while laying the foundations for the nation&#039;s upcoming National AI Strategy. Over the next five years, the initiative will require UGX 1.6 trillion in funding. The state will provide UGX 1.2 trillion, with the rest generated through private sector partnerships, development partners, and commercialized value-added data services.
Despite digital rumors or misinterpretations suggesting conflict between regulatory bodies, the strategy was built on extensive stakeholder engagement, aligned with the country&#039;s Digital Uganda Vision. 

The 	Uganda Bureau of Statistics the nation&#039;s principal data collection agency, operates fully within its independent mandate under the Ministry of Finance to complement rather than conflict with the new ICT framework. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 21 Oct 2026 09:42:45 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
<media:keywords></media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>URSB LEADS UGANDA’S DRIVE TO EMPOWER CREATIVITY AS KAMPALA HOSTS REGIONAL COPYRIGHT SYMPOSIUM</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/ursb-leads-ugandas-drive-to-empower-creativity-as-kampala-hosts-regional-copyright-symposium</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/ursb-leads-ugandas-drive-to-empower-creativity-as-kampala-hosts-regional-copyright-symposium</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB), Uganda’s national intellectual property body, is leading the country’s efforts to strengthen copyright protection and unlock the economic potential of the creative industry as Kampala hosts the Symposium on Copyright and Related Rights Management from 19 to 21 October 2026 at Speke Resort Munyonyo.
The symposium, organised in partnership with the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO) and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), is being held under the theme “Empowering Creativity: Harnessing IP for Sustainable Development in Africa.”
The engagement brings together policymakers, intellectual property experts, creators, rights holders and industry stakeholders to explore practical approaches to strengthening copyright administration, improving royalty management and promoting the commercialisation of creative
works.
The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Hon. Norbert Mao, emphasised the importance of effective legal frameworks in protecting creators and supporting the growth of the creative economy.
“Copyright protection must translate into tangible benefits for creators. Our legal and institutional frameworks should enable artists, writers, filmmakers and other innovators to protect their work,earn from their talent and contribute meaningfully to national development,” the Minister said.
ARIPO Director General, Mr. Bemanya Twebaze, highlighted the importance of regional cooperation in strengthening intellectual property systems.
“By strengthening cooperation among intellectual property offices and other stakeholders, Africa can build more effective copyright systems that protect creative works, promote commercialisation and expand opportunities for creators across the continent,” he said.
URSB Board Chairman, Rt. Hon. Ambassador Francis K. Butagira, noted that intellectual property is an important driver of economic transformation.
“Protecting and commercialising creative works can support enterprise growth, attract investment, create employment and ensure that Africa’s rich cultural and creative resources contribute to sustainable development,” he said.

URSB Registrar General, Mustapher Ntale, said the symposium reflects the Bureau’s commitment to helping Ugandans understand, protect and derive value from their intellectual assets.
“Creativity must be supported by systems that respect ownership, facilitate fair remuneration and enable creators to build sustainable livelihoods. Through awareness, effective administration and stakeholder collaboration, we can help unlock the value of Uganda’s creative potential,” he said.
The symposium will also examine piracy, licensing, digital content exploitation and the Kampala Protocol on Voluntary Registration of Copyright and Related Rights, adopted in August 2021 under the ARIPO framework. 
As Uganda’s national intellectual property body, URSB continues to promote respect for
intellectual property rights and support an environment where creativity drives innovation,entrepreneurship, employment and sustainable development. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 19 Oct 2026 21:49:51 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
<media:keywords></media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>HOW JICA AND UN WOMEN ARE DEFYING DROUGHT AND MULTIPLYING RICE YIELDS IN WEST NILE</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/how-jica-and-un-women-are-defying-drought-and-multiplying-rice-yields-in-west-nile</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/how-jica-and-un-women-are-defying-drought-and-multiplying-rice-yields-in-west-nile</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ A Japan-funded agricultural initiative led by UN Women Uganda, Peace Winds Japan, and the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) is driving a massive surge in rice production among refugees and host communities in Yumbe and Madi Okollo districts. The project aims to strengthen women&#039;s economic empowerment, food security, and peaceful coexistence while addressing climate-related conflict risks in West Nile&#039;s displacement-affected areas.
Aligned with Uganda’s Women, Peace and Security National Action Plan, the project builds on lessons from a previous JICA rice initiative but places a specific emphasis on women’s leadership. Natasha Butorac, Women, Peace and Security Specialist at UN Women, noted that the vast majority of participating farmers are now women, successfully challenging traditional gender stereotypes.
Despite a severe, prolonged dry spell in West Nile, demonstration gardens planted with the NERICA 4 rice variety have shown encouraging results. Dr. Emmanuel Odama, a senior research officer at NARO, and Amaku Shaban, chairperson of the Dongoloto Farmers Group, both noted that local, ordinary rice varieties would have completely withered under the current harsh weather conditions. NERICA 4 was explicitly introduced for its disease and drought tolerance.
To train the farmers, NARO utilizes the Musomesa field school model, which pairs collective learning with immediate, practical application:
Mother Gardens: Group-level demonstration plots where farmers learn modern techniques like line-sowing.
Baby Gardens: Individual, half-acre family plots where members concurrently replicate the exact practices learned.
This method has also fostered social cohesion. Host community members are actively sharing portions of their land with refugees, granting displaced families agricultural access beyond their traditional allotments and strengthening regional peace.
Tangible Livelihood Transformations
The shift from traditional &quot;broadcasting&quot; (scattering seed) to row-planting and proper post-harvest handling has dramatically reduced labor while multiplying yields.
Taban Rashid, a project farmer and trainer from Kululu sub-county in Yumbe district, shared his dramatic turnaround:
•	Old Method: Used 50kg of seed per acre, required 15 days of weeding, and yielded 8 bags per acre—earning about sh800,000.
•	New Method: Yields jumped to 25 bags per acre, driving earnings up to sh2.5 million.

&quot;I used to blame the milling machine for breaking my rice. But with the knowledge I got, I came to learn that the quality is made in the garden, protected in the store, and the machinery only reveals the work you did from planting to storage.&quot; Taban Rashid, Project Farmer &amp; Trainer
Despite a severe prolonged dry spell in West Nile, the NERICA 4 crop has survived where traditional crops failed. 

By addressing critical needs through improved seed, hands-on training, and post-harvest management, the intervention is successfully using women’s economic empowerment to build long-term climate resilience and lasting community peace in settlements like Bidi Bidi and beyond.
According to Dr. Emmanuel Odama, a senior research officer at NARO, local varieties would have withered completely under the current weather conditions.
By putting women at the center of agricultural production, the intervention successfully challenges gender stereotypes while providing West Nile families with sustainable income, food security, and long-term climate resilience. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 19 Oct 2026 21:35:50 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
<media:keywords></media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>NWSC HOSTS ANNUAL STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT FORUM TO STRENGTHEN CIVIC GOVERNANCE</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/nwsc-hosts-annual-stakeholder-engagement-forum-to-strengthen-civic-governance</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/nwsc-hosts-annual-stakeholder-engagement-forum-to-strengthen-civic-governance</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ When water supply disruptions occur within rural outposts or municipal suburbs, local administrative leaders—including Local Council chairpersons, Town Clerks, and Resident District Commissioners—frequently serve as the primary point of contact for aggrieved residents.
Acknowledging that sustainable utility governance requires collaborative management, the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) transitioned from internal boardroom deliberations to an open civic platform. The corporation hosted its Annual Evaluation and Stakeholder Engagement Forum, structurally designated as the NWSC Feedback Baraza
Convened at the International Resource Centre (IREC) in Bugolobi, Kampala, the day-long summit facilitated direct engagement between top utility executives and key civic stakeholders. Guided by the theme “Water for All; For Health and Prosperity,” the forum replaced conventional public relations presentations with a rigorous, transparent community review. 
In developing economies, public utility operations frequently encounter bottlenecks when centralized institutional planning overlooks localized administrative challenges. Infrastructure expansions mapped out on technical blueprints routinely intersect with complex land tenure disputes, rapid urban sprawl, and intermittent power grid instability that compromises pumping station efficiency
The Baraza functions as a proactive institutional feedback mechanism. Rather than addressing service gaps retrospectively, the NWSC leadership team—led by Managing Director Dr. Eng. Silver Mugisha—engaged directly with local government representatives to fulfill three core objectives
Reviewing the root causes of stalled pipeline extensions,assessing the operational efficiency of completed infrastructural works and aligning planned supply stabilization projects with local administrative timelines
During the sessions, civic leaders presented critical field data regarding inactive distribution networks and expanding informal settlements. The General Manager of Kampala Water, Eng. Andrew Sekayizzi (oversight of the local region), alongside Eng. Amayo Johnson (Deputy MD Technical Services), noted specific engineering issues raised by regional representatives. Furthermore, commercial issues and localized metrics were presented by the commercial wing, reflecting the customer satisfaction insights brought forward by senior leadership
In response, executive management detailed NWSC&#039;s capital deployment strategy. Technical teams outlined how ongoing network upgrades, secondary treatment facilities, and localized booster installations are structurally engineered to stabilize water pressure across urban centers and peri-urban hubs
By formalizing this dialogue, NWSC transforms local government leaders from external critics into active stakeholders in utility management. The forum establishes a precedent for public sector accountability, ensuring that infrastructural investments are both transparent and aligned with municipal realities ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 18 Oct 2026 12:51:05 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
<media:keywords></media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>UGANDA SET TO HOST AFRICA’S FIRST&#45;EVER ORGANIC &amp;amp; NATURE EXPO AND NATIONAL AGROECOLOGY FESTIVAL</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/uganda-set-to-host-africas-first-ever-organic-nature-expo-and-national-agroecology-festival</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/uganda-set-to-host-africas-first-ever-organic-nature-expo-and-national-agroecology-festival</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Uganda is taking center stage in Africa’s sustainable farming movement by hosting the continent’s first-ever Organic and Nature Expo (ONE) from November 4–7, 2026, at Hotel Africana in Kampala.
This landmark event is expected to draw over 2,000 farmers, agribusiness leaders, investors, and policymakers from around the globe. Organized by the National Organic Agricultural Movement of Uganda in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture (MAAIF) and theAfrican Organic Network the expo will anchor the 5th National Organic Week (NOW). Under the theme “Organic and Regenerative Innovations: Africa’s Competitive Edge,” the event aims to transform sustainable farming into a powerful engine for global trade and investment.
Coinciding with this momentum, agricultural stakeholders are gathering in Soroti City from October 15–16, 2026, for the second National Agroecology Festival. Held at the Soroti Museum under the theme “Advancing Agroecology for Climate Action, Nutrition and Sustainable Livelihoods,” the event directly addresses critical modern challenges like soil degradation, climate change, and hazardous chemical pesticides.
Organized by the Eastern and Southern Africa Small-scale Farmers’ Forum (ESAFF) Uganda—which represents over 765,560 farmers (67% of whom are women)—this festival offers free public admission to its exhibition grounds.
National Policy Dialogue: Stakeholders will discuss Uganda’s National Agroecology Strategy, farmer-managed seed systems, and the proposed Soroti Declaration on Agroecology 2026 to guide collective environmental action.
Experts like ESAFF&#039;s Nancy Mugimba and Naume Kalinaki highlight that the events will connect small-scale producers directly with buyers, helping farmers cut production costs and boost profits.
The public can experience farmer-led exhibitions, indigenous seed displays, cookery demonstrations, food-tasting sessions, and cultural performances.
The festival concludes on October 16 (World Food Day), aligning with the global theme “Innovate today. Nourish tomorrow.” to champion resilient food systems. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 15 Oct 2026 23:41:52 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
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<item>
<title>AFCON 2027: NWSC BOARD INSPECTS HOIMA WATER INFRASTRUCTURE BOOM</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/afcon-2027-nwsc-board-inspects-hoima-water-infrastructure-boom</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/afcon-2027-nwsc-board-inspects-hoima-water-infrastructure-boom</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) Board has toured key water supply infrastructure projects in Hoima City to assess ongoing works aimed at boosting water service delivery ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The tour centered on the Hoima Emergency Water Supply Project, which features a 2,000m³/day Water Treatment Plant, reservoir facilities, and pipelines designed to increase production, storage, and distribution capacity across the city.
The Board’s tour comes as NWSC continues implementing interventions under the AFCON water supply programme, including the completed water supply stabilization to the Hoima City Stadium. The Hoima stadium water extension project, involved the development and connection of two boreholes: Mparo, with a production capacity of 25 cubic metres per hour, and Kyarwiru, with a capacity of 15 cubic metres per hour.

Both boreholes were developed, connected to the stadium and commissioned, providing a reliable water source to support the Stadium as preparations for AFCON 2027 progress.

The key highlight of the tour was the Hoima Emergency Water Supply Project, which is designed to increase water production capacity and improve the reliability of supply across the city. The Project entails the construction of an Intake on River Kafu, Water Treatment Plant at Rwoga with a capacity of 2,000 cubic metres per day, a 2.9-kilometre raw water pipeline and a 300 cubic metre storage and balancing reservoir, and 22 kilometre treated water pipeline from Kikuube to Hoima City.

Overall implementation of the Hoima Emergency Water Supply Project has reached 37%, and will be ready for commissioning by February 2027.


Key Infrastructure Milestones at Hoima City Stadium Connected Water supply stabilization is already complete. NWSC developed, connected, and commissioned two boreholes—Mparo (25 m³/hour capacity) and Kyarwiru (15 m³/hour capacity)—to provide a reliable water source for the stadium.
Currently at 37% overall implementation and on track for commissioning by February 2027. This project includes a River Kafu intake, a treatment plant at Rwoga, a 2.9km raw water pipeline, a 300m³ storage reservoir, and a 22km treated water pipeline from Kikuube to Hoima City.
Excavation and concrete blinding for the treatment plant units are complete, intake excavation is at 90%, power extension works have reached 50%, and steel reinforcement/concrete works are at 15%.
Future Strategic Extensions
The Board&#039;s assessment also looked ahead to extending water supply services to Kabalega International Airport to support the influx of activity during AFCON 2027.
 The proposed airport extension will involveUpgrading the Kafu Water Treatment Plant capacity from 2,000 to 3,000m³ per day,Laying a 36-kilometer bulk transfer pipeline and Constructing a 200m³ storage reservoir directly at the airport.
These interventions are part of NWSC’s broader strategy to reinforce infrastructure in Hoima, ensuring host venues and essential transit facilities are fully prepared for the continental tournament.


 The National Water and Sewerage Corporation) has requested a total of Shs 15.9 billion from President Yoweri Museveni and the AFCON Secretariat to address its remaining funding gap.

This outstanding amount is needed to unlock stalled components and finance upcoming phases, including the kabalega In Intyernational Airport extension, Masindi town upgrades, and Component B of the Hoima project. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://jajjanews.com/uploads/images/202610/image_870x580_6ad07eca88e26.jpg" length="115575" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Thu, 15 Oct 2026 22:34:39 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
<media:keywords></media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>NWSC BOARD TOURS HOIMA WATER SUPPLY PROJECTS AHEAD OF AFCON 2027</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/nwsc-board-tours-hoima-water-supply-projects-ahead-of-afcon-2027</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/nwsc-board-tours-hoima-water-supply-projects-ahead-of-afcon-2027</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The National Water and Sewerage Corporation Board has toured key water supply infrastructure projects in Hoima City to assess progress of ongoing works aimed at strengthening water service delivery ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

During the tour, the Board visited the ongoing Hoima Emergency Water Supply Project, that encompases a 2,000m3/day Water Treatment Plant, reservoir facilities, pipelines, and other installations being developed to increase water production, storage and distribution capacity in the city.

The Board’s tour comes as NWSC continues implementing interventions under the AFCON water supply programme, including the completed water supply stabilization to the Hoima City Stadium. The Hoima stadium water extension project, involved the development and connection of two boreholes: Mparo, with a production capacity of 25 cubic metres per hour, and Kyarwiru, with a capacity of 15 cubic metres per hour.

Both boreholes were developed, connected to the stadium and commissioned, providing a reliable water source to support the Stadium as preparations for AFCON 2027 progress.

The key highlight of the tour was the Hoima Emergency Water Supply Project, which is designed to increase water production capacity and improve the reliability of supply across the city. The Project entails the construction of an Intake on River Kafu, Water Treatment Plant at Rwoga with a capacity of 2,000 cubic metres per day, a 2.9-kilometre raw water pipeline and a 300 cubic metre storage and balancing reservoir, and 22 kilometre treated water pipeline from Kikuube to Hoima City.

Overall implementation of the Hoima Emergency Water Supply Project has reached 37%, and will be ready for commissioning by February 2027.

At the site the Board noted the excavation and concrete blinding for the Water Treatment Plant units were complete, while excavation for the Intake works stood at 90%. Steel reinforcement and concrete works for the Treatment Plant were at 15% , pipeline surveys had been completed, and power extension works had reached 50%.

The Board’s visit to the project sites enabled members to appreciate the different infrastructure components being implemented and the progress made towards establishing a more robust water supply system for Hoima City.

The Board’s assessment also comes amid preparations to extend water supply services to Kabalega International Airport, a strategic facility expected to support increased activity during AFCON 2027. 

The proposed Airport Extension shall entail upgrading the Kafu Water Treatment Plant from 2,000 to 3,000 cubic metres per day, laying a 36 kilometre DN200 uPVC/steel bulk transfer pipeline and constructing a 200-cubic-metre storage reservoir at the airport.

The Projects form part of NWSC’s broader efforts to strengthen water supply infrastructure in Hoima and ensure that essential facilities are adequately served as Uganda prepares to host AFCON 2027. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://jajjanews.com/uploads/images/202610/image_870x580_6ad07eca88e26.jpg" length="115575" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Thu, 15 Oct 2026 10:25:22 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
<media:keywords></media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>THE POTHOLE CRISIS: CAN KCCA FIX KAMPALA BEFORE DECEMBER 2026?</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/the-pothole-crisis-can-kcca-fix-kampala-before-december-2026</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/the-pothole-crisis-can-kcca-fix-kampala-before-december-2026</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ For over a decade, navigating the pothole-ridden crater fields of Kampala has been a daily endurance test for commuters, a nightmare for vehicle suspensions, and a profound embarrassment for national pride.
 The Kampala Capital City Authority has long been the target of public fury, facing accusations of corruption, mismanagement, and staggering delays.

Now, with a strict December 2026 deadline looming for major arterial road upgrades across the city, the stakes have never been higher. 

KCCA’s new Executive Director, Hajjat Sharifah Buzeki, has hit the ground running with aggressive site inspections, demanding accountability and a frantic push toward completion. But for Kampala&#039;s cynical taxpayers, who have seen countless deadlines come and go while the city chokes on dust and gridlock, the big question remains: Is this a genuine infrastructure turning point, or just another political face-saving exercise?

The ongoing works are divided across high-stakes portfolios, and while some corridors show visible signs of asphalt, others remain a muddy, chaotic mess.
As the public demands immediate results, KCCA and its contractors have rolled out a familiar defensive line of operational hurdles. While some are legitimate engineering bottlenecks, critics argue they point to a systemic failure in proactive planning:

To make matters more complicated, KCCA recently launched an aggressive 16-month rehabilitation project for high-traffic corridors like Yusuf Lule Road, Bombo Road II, Gaddafi Road, and Bukoto Street.

While long overdue, launching these massive overhauls simultaneously with the wrapping up of older projects has turned Kampala&#039;s traffic ecosystem into a permanent gridlock. Commuters are spending hours in stationary traffic, fuel costs are skyrocketing, and the economic toll on the city&#039;s workforce is staggering.

Hajjat Sharifah Buzeki’s aggressive oversight has brought a much-needed sense of urgency to City Hall, but the real test lies in the execution. Kampala residents are tired of hearing about &quot;percentage progress&quot; while driving through craters.

If KCCA misses the December 2026 handover target, it will not just be a failure of engineering—it will be a total betrayal of public trust. The clock is ticking, the money has been allocated, and the excuses have officially run out. Kampala deserves functional roads, and City Hall must deliver. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 14 Oct 2026 13:45:16 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
<media:keywords></media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>FROM CAMPUS TO COMMAND: UGANDA POLICE LAUNCHES MASSIVE SEARCH FOR 8,000 GRADUATE CADET RECRUITS</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/from-campus-to-command-uganda-police-launches-massive-search-for-8000-graduate-cadets-recruits</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/from-campus-to-command-uganda-police-launches-massive-search-for-8000-graduate-cadets-recruits</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Uganda Police Force is launching a massive nationwide recruitment drive to hire 8,000 new personnel. This recruitment includes an ambitious intake of 3,000 professional cadet officers selected from university graduates, alongside 5,000 general-duty positions to replace officers lost to retirement, desertion, and attrition.
This phased recruitment strategy is scheduled to begin before the end of this year and will continue into the next financial year. The historic hiring surge aims to eliminate persistent staff shortages and fully operationalize the newly rolled-out sub-county policing model spearheaded by Inspector General of Police Abas Byakagaba.
Bridging Investigative Gaps with Technical Skills
In a strategic shift toward modern, intelligence-led law enforcement, the Force is prioritizing specialized university graduates to inject immediate technical skills into its ranks, bypassing the need to send serving officers back to school. The targeted professional fields include:
•	Information Technology (IT): To spearhead cybercrime investigations, analyze data, and manage digital forensics.
•	Accounting &amp; Finance: To trace illicit financial flows and examine complex corporate records in financial crime cases.
•	Engineering: To assist in technical probes regarding arson, structural infrastructure failures, and construction fraud.
•	Medicine &amp; Sciences: To strengthen forensic capabilities, medico-legal services, and environmental science assessments.
•	Humanities &amp; Legal: Specializations in Law, Psychology, Social Work, and Communication to reinforce legal departments, victim support, and community liaisons.
Comprehensive Training and Career Progression
While selected candidates enter with specialized degrees, all recruits will undergo mandatory, rigorous police training. The academic qualifications are designed to complement—not replace—traditional policing protocols. Historically, the cadet officer pathway remains the premier fast-track pipeline into senior command structures of the Uganda Police Force.
Operationalizing the Sub-County Policing Model
This recruitment directly supports IGP Abas Byakagaba’s mandate to modernize the force through surveillance, forensic evidence, and community cooperation. Under the full rollout of the sub-county policing model, every local station will be heavily reinforced with general-duty personnel alongside specialized units from the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID), Crime Intelligence, and Family and Child Protection.
Application Details
The official recruitment timelines, regional centers, and specific eligibility criteria will be published in the gazette and national media channels in the coming weeks. Prospective applicants are advised to prepare their academic transcripts and certificates ahead of the official launch. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 14 Oct 2026 12:17:18 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
<media:keywords></media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>UGANDA OFFERS IRRESISTIBLE 10 YEARS TAX HOLIDAYS TO ATTRACT THAI INVESTORS</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/uganda-offers-irressitible-10-years-tax-holidays-to-attract-thai-investors</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/uganda-offers-irressitible-10-years-tax-holidays-to-attract-thai-investors</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ In a major bid to accelerate its economic transformation, the Government of Uganda has unveiled an aggressive suite of fiscal incentives for Thai investors, including 10-year tax holidays, full foreign business ownership, and unrestricted profit repatriation.

The incentives were presented to top Thai corporate leaders and government officials at the Uganda-Thailand Economic Networking Dinner, held at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Bangkok on Monday, 12 October 2026. The high-level forum took place on the sidelines of the Annual Meetings of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), running in the Thai capital from October 12 to 18.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Ramathan Ggoobi, Uganda’s Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury, announced that under the country&#039;s modern legal framework, qualifying manufacturers and agro-processors will pay 0% income tax for a full decade.

Furthermore, capital equipment, spare parts, and industrial inputs are 100% exempt from import duties. Under the 2019 Investment Code, foreign entities retain the unrestricted right to transfer dividends and capital out of the country.
&quot;In Uganda, we are committed to doing whatever is necessary to facilitate your investment,&quot; Dr. Ggoobi told the delegation. He added that the state is providing serviced industrial parks and free zones that offer subsidized land, reliable power, direct road access, and streamlined one-stop licensing.
Uganda’s Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Henry Musasizi, emphasized the ease of doing business in Uganda, noting that official investment registration takes just 24 hours.

&quot;Uganda’s macroeconomic fundamentals are strong. Investing in Uganda is secure. You can have 100% foreign business ownership, although joint partners are encouraged,&quot; Musasizi stated. He highlighted that through joint ventures, Thai investors can easily establish successful businesses within a short timeframe, earning predictable profits ranging from 15% to 25% annually—with even higher yields projected in high-tech ICT infrastructure, data centers, fintech, and electronics.

The investment drive aligns directly with Uganda’s ambitious Tenfold Growth Strategy, which seeks to expand the national economy from approximately $70 billion to $500 billion by 2040. The strategy prioritizes four anchor sectors where Thailand holds proven global leadership: Agro-industrialization, Tourism, Mineral Development, and Science, Technology &amp; Innovation.
Key opportunities highlighted for Thai partnership include:
•	Agro-Processing &amp; Coffee: Upgrading value chains for agricultural commodities. Uganda is currently Africa’s leading coffee exporter.
•	Mineral Value-Addition: Transitioning from raw material export to high-value manufacturing, including lithium-ion electric batteries, automotive steel from iron ore, organic fertilizers from phosphates, and electrical components from Kilembe copper and cobalt.
•	Eco-Tourism &amp; Hospitality: Leveraging Thai luxury hospitality brands to invest in Uganda’s rapidly growing tourism sector, which generated $1.62 billion in revenue in 2025.

The Ugandan delegation, which also included Bank of Uganda Governor Dr. Michael Atingi-Ego and Uganda’s High Commissioner to Thailand, Dr. Betty Bigombe, presented a highly resilient macroeconomic profile.
Uganda&#039;s economy grew by 6.4% in the 2025/26 financial year and is projected to surge by 10.2% in 2026/27, bolstered by the upcoming launch of commercial oil production at the Tilenga and Kingfisher fields. Core inflation remains stable at 3.3%, while national exports recently jumped 34% to reach $18.4 billion.

Citing data from the Growth Lab at Harvard University Dr. Ggoobi revealed that Uganda has successfully added 31 new export products to its portfolio over the last 15 years—outperforming regional peers including Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda. Harvard’s Growth Lab projects that Uganda will grow faster over the decade to 2035 than any of the other 145 countries it tracks.
Furthermore, investors setting up manufacturing hubs in Uganda gain seamless, duty-free access to continental markets through Uganda&#039;s active membership in the East African Community (EAC) Customs Union and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The networking dinner was organized by the Uganda High Commission in Kuala Lumpur (accredited to Thailand) alongside the Ministry of Finance, under Uganda’s Economic and Commercial Diplomacy Programme.

Thailand was represented at the event by Urasa Mongkolnavin, Director General of the Department of South Asian, Middle East and African Affairs at the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who affirmed that geographical distance should not deter expanding bilateral trade, investment, and tourism.
Minister Musasizi extended an official invitation to the Thai private sector to conduct exploratory trade missions to Uganda, where the Uganda Investment Authority stands ready to fast-track their entry. &quot;Together, let us turn the friendship between our two countries into factories, export growth, jobs, and shared prosperity,&quot; Musasizi concluded. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 14 Oct 2026 09:30:40 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
<media:keywords></media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>UGANDA,SOUTH  SUDAN TO CUT COSTS OF DOING BUSINESS AT THE SECOND BUSINESS FORUM</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/ugandasuoth-sudan-to-cut-costs-of-doing-business-at-the-second-business-forum</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/ugandasuoth-sudan-to-cut-costs-of-doing-business-at-the-second-business-forum</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Government officials from Uganda and South Sudan are set to cut cross border costs cost of doing business and unlock new market opportunities between the two countries at the second Uganda-South Sudan Business Forum and Expo taking palce from October 13 to 15 at Mestil Hotel in Kampala.
Chief of Protocol at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Charles Ssentongo, who represented the Permanent Secretary, said the forum will provide another opportunity for the two countries to deepen their commercial ties.
“Our two countries have been trading with each other for a very long time. What has changed is the framework in terms of the East African Community and the sovereignty of the Republic of South Sudan. So what we are trying to do here is find ways of enhancing and promoting business between our two countries,” Amb. Ssentongo said.
He said both countries offer immense trade and investment opportunities that need to be tapped into.
“More importantly, we must create an environment that is conducive and attractive for foreign direct investment, both in Uganda and South Sudan. It is important to note that as we talk about business between our two countries, we also have to put it in the wider context of the East African Community. Both our countries are leading and important members of the East African Community,” he said.
Ssentongo said discussions at the business forum would focus on trade between the two countries while placing bilateral business relations within the wider regional context.
“We should not only emphasise the individual markets of our respective countries, but also the important and large market of the East African Community, of which we are key members. We must make sure that the relationship between our two countries remains strong, but we also must address the challenges that impede trade. At the same time, we must work on the important aspects that are going to drive the smooth conduct of business within the East African Community,” he said.
South Sudan is one of Uganda’s largest and most important export markets, with bilateral trade heavily favouring Uganda.
According to Ambassador Ssentongo, trade between the two countries has averaged between $700 million and $800 million annually over the past few years, with the trade largely driven by Ugandan and South Sudanese businesses.
He said the business forum provides another opportunity to increase trade volumes.
“We need to bear in mind that the task we have is to increase this volume of trade to higher levels by addressing those impediments and creating the necessary environment for our businessmen to conduct their business,” he said.
Officials said the two countries mainly trade in agriculture, manufacturing, construction and a wide range of services, particularly education and health.
Anthony Kabugudho, the Political Attaché at the Ugandan Embassy in Juba, said Uganda is currently the biggest supplier of agricultural products to South Sudan.
“In terms of food items, currently we own about five markets in Juba, and that means about 58 trucks cross into South Sudan every day through Elegu with food items. On top of that, we have also increased our trade volumes within the construction sector. All the construction materials currently in Juba or South Sudan are coming from Uganda, which is a very big milestone,” Kabugudho said.
He said Uganda’s presence in South Sudan’s service sector, particularly education and health, had also grown significantly.
“In the service sector, education and health, it has also been boosted, and currently we control the biggest percentage of the health sector and the education sector. A number of universities, about two or three, are Uganda-based and operating in Juba. We have a lot of medical institutions which are there, including a nursing school,” he said.
Ambassador Ssentongo said Uganda’s exports to South Sudan had grown significantly over the years, rising from $341 million in 2019 to $490 million in 2024.
He said current estimates put Uganda’s exports to South Sudan at about $600 million, describing the growth as a significant achievement.
“So a combination of our interaction with our colleagues on the other side, the partners, and the resilience and the interest of the Ugandan businessmen to grow the business between Uganda and South Sudan are to credit for these,” he said.
The Chargé d’Affaires at the South Sudan Embassy in Kampala, Akuol Abujok Deng, said the volume of trade moving between the two countries every day demonstrated what was possible when neighbouring countries embraced partnership.
“The theme of this forum, easing the cost of doing business and unlocking regional market opportunities, speaks to what matters the most. Addressing them is not only an economic task; it is how we build resilience, create jobs and strengthen our regional integration,” Akuol said.
“Our two governments must keep performing in the interest of our two sisterly countries, with high consideration for easy access to markets, simple procedures, transparent regulations and efficient cross-border systems. The private sector must keep investing, innovating and forming partnerships that last beyond this forum,” he said. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 14 Oct 2026 08:16:22 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
<media:keywords></media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>SIERRA LEONE&amp;apos;S GUMA VALLEY WATER Co BENCHMARKS ON NWSC</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/sierra-leones-guma-valley-water-co-benchmarks-on-nwsc</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/sierra-leones-guma-valley-water-co-benchmarks-on-nwsc</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ A delegation from Guma Valley Water Company (GVWC) of Sierra Leone, led by Managing Director Mariwan Kallon, has kicked off an experiential tour of the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) to benchmark, learn, and exchange practical insights on managing a modern water and sanitation utility.

It is a deep dive, not a courtesy call. Throughout the visit, NWSC has lined up a rich mix of technical presentations, in-depth discussions, and hands-on field visits covering the full value chain, strategic and operational performance, water production and distribution, asset and network management, non-revenue water management, customer relations, revenue collection, services to low-income communities, and wastewater and faecal sludge management.

The exchange is timely. Sierra Leone&#039;s setup is unique on the continent. Under the Freetown WASH and Aquatic Environment Revamping Project, water services are run by one company, while sewerage services are handled by a completely separate entity. It is against this distinct backdrop and inspired by NWSC&#039;s broad experience across Africa that GVWC is immersing itself in NWSC&#039;s strategic direction and operational performance for Kampala Water.

High on their learning agenda is asset management, GIS and infrastructure layout, and the inner workings of key departments including IT and Billing, the Meter Service Workshop, and the management of urban pro-poor services among others.

The delegation will also go behind the scenes of water treatment processes, laboratory operations, service branch operations, and revenue collection practices. At the core of the exchange is NWSC&#039;s celebrated fight against non-revenue water from leak detection and meter management to water loss prevention an area where the Corporation has built a formidable track record.

Special focus has been reserved for urban pro-poor services. The team will take a deep dive into NWSC&#039;s model for serving low-income communities in the city, with hopes that Freetown can adopt and adapt some of these people-centred approaches. Staying true to hands-on learning, excursions into the day-to-day operations of branches will form a key part of the itinerary.

Beyond pipes and pumps, the delegation will explore the human side of the utility: customer relations management, customer care, and stakeholder engagement. The key lesson here that public and stakeholder engagement are central to the long-term success of infrastructure projects, and that investing in the right technology and communication tools can secure public support while reducing, or even eliminating, community resistance.

To cap it all, the Guma Valley Water Company delegation will sit in on an NWSC Baraza experiencing first-hand the Corporation&#039;s culture of open staff communication, shared accountability, and visible leadership engagement, and picking up vital tips on feedback management along the way.
Water Meets Power. NWSC Hosts TANESCO to Sharpen the Edge of Utility Performance

Different utilities, same pressure. This week, water and electricity are speaking the same language.

The National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) has opened its doors to officials from the Tanzania Electric Supply Company (TANESCO) for a week-long benchmarking workshop.

Running under the theme &quot;Strengthening performance-based monitoring and evaluationfor improved utility performance,&quot;the engagement is all about learning what works, measuring what matters, and performing better for the customer.

On the surface, they trade in different commodities , kilowatts for TANESCO, gallons of water for NWSC. But underneath, their DNA is strikingly similar. Both are capital-intensive, regulated monopolies. Both live and die by how well they manage vast assets, navigate regulation, and keep customers satisfied.

It is precisely that shared terrain, the common battle with asset management, regulatory demands, and customer service that has drawn the TANESCO delegation to Uganda to study how NWSC does it up close. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 14 Oct 2026 08:07:51 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
<media:keywords></media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>FROM THE RUNWAY TO THE MANYATTA: BALANCING KARAMOJA’S $72M AIRPORT WITH COMMUNITY CONSERVATION</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/from-the-runway-to-the-manyatta-balancing-karamojas-72m-airport-with-community-conservation</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/from-the-runway-to-the-manyatta-balancing-karamojas-72m-airport-with-community-conservation</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Deep within the rugged savanna of northeastern Uganda, a USD 72 million (approx. Shs 274 billion) infrastructure project is quietly shifting the geopolitical and ecological landscape of East Africa’s most isolated frontier.
The fast-tracked construction of Kidepo International Airport—located in Lomej, mere kilometers from the front gates of Kidepo Valley National Park—is being framed by state officials as an economic masterstroke. Funded through an opaque strategic partnership with the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the facility is engineered to fly high-net-worth international travelers directly into a pristine ecosystem.
However, beneath the public relations narrative of regional transformation lies a complex web of environmental anxieties, commercial concessions, and questions regarding the ultimate ecological price of sovereign development.

For decades, Kidepo Valley National Park has remained an economic outlier. Located more than 500 kilometers from the capital, Kampala, the park&#039;s world-renowned biodiversity has been shielded by its sheer geographic friction: a grueling 10-to-12-hour overland drive or prohibitively expensive domestic charters.
The state’s economic hypothesis relies on a total erasure of this bottleneck. By establishing a Code 4E international facility with structural provisions to scale to Code 4F—capable of handling massive wide-body commercial airliners like Boeing 777s—the government aims to hook Karamoja directly into global luxury travel networks.
According to internal policy projections from the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, the economic motivations driving the project are multifold:
Aggressive Macroeconomic Diversification: Moving away from a reliance on traditional agricultural and mineral sectors, the state aims to transform tourism into an immediate primary foreign exchange earner.
Direct Statutory Revenue Generation: The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) expects an exponential surge in direct, non-tax revenue collected through international park entry fees, commercial filming permits, and specialized wildlife-tracking tariffs.
Stimulating Private Capital: The infrastructure is designed to serve as a catalyst for a massive, multi-million dollar green hospitality corridor. The government expects this to yield significant corporate tax revenue and create downstream employment across a historically underserved sub-region.
During the groundbreaking ceremony, President Yoweri Museveni framed the mega-project as a direct &quot;peace dividend&quot; following decades of state-led regional disarmament programs. &quot;Karamoja has come a long way from the days of insecurity, cattle rustling, and lawlessness,&quot; Museveni stated, pitching the runway as an anchor for global investors and sustainable local employment.
Tom Butime, the Minister of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities, maintains that this development transforms conservation from a luxury expense into a self-sustaining asset. The ministry emphasizes that the global tourism industry is an $11.6 trillion market, and Uganda must build aggressive, strategic access points to fund regional survival and transition locals out of subsistence livelihoods.
Investigating the ground reality in Karenga District reveals a project that acts as a triple-edged sword, slicing through the economic, social, and environmental fabrics of the sub-region.
On the ledger sheet, the economic impacts are immediate. Over 1,600 Ugandans, primarily from local Karamojong communities, have been employed during the phase-one construction bottleneck. Local suppliers of materials and food have seen a surge in demand. By eliminating the grueling 700km unpaved transit route from Entebbe, the airport establishes a direct luxury fly-in market, positioning local communities to tap into high-yield global safari spending.

The social dynamics, however, are fraught with tension. Local communities voluntarily offered their ancestral lands to anchor the runway, trusting state promises of transformation. Yet, the influx of international tourists, construction laborers, and sudden monetization introduces profound risks. Local health units, water supply systems, and energy grids in Karenga face imminent strain. Furthermore, elders express deep cultural anxieties regarding whether local communities will share equal equity or suffer gradual displacement from traditional livelihoods as luxury hospitality brands move in.
The most volatile risks are environmental. Slicing a 3.6-kilometer asphalt strip into a hyper-sensitive savanna biome presents major ecological warning signs. Increased human footprint risks sparking devastating bushfires during the semi-arid dry seasons, fracturing wildlife migration paths, and inviting invasive plant species or illegal poaching activity into an untouched wilderness sanctuary.
Conservation biologists and independent environmental investigators are raising alarms over what they describe as a profound gamble on a hyper-sensitive savanna biome. Kidepo Valley’s raw appeal lies precisely in its low visitor density and untouched isolation. Slicing an international runway into this terrain introduces immediate, volatile ecological risks.
&quot;An international airport sitting on the doorstep of a critical biosphere requires absolute vigilance,&quot; warns Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka, founder of Conservation Through Public Health (CTPH). &quot;If the surge in human traffic brings waste, invasive species, or unregulated habitat fragmentation, we risk killing the goose that lays the golden egg. Conservation strategies must scale up at the exact same velocity as the engineering.&quot;
Uganda’s gamble on Kidepo International Airport does not happen in a policy vacuum. The regional tourism landscape offers concrete, empirical test cases. Governments across Kenya and Tanzania have long utilized targeted airstrip expansions to directly capture high-yield safari segments, presenting a roadmap of exactly how wildlife behavior warps when exposed to international aviation infrastructure.
In Tanzania, the government’s push for a multi-billion shilling &quot;Green International Airport&quot; in the Serengeti triggered fierce international blowback from ecological watchdogs. Independent spatial data compiled by East African environmental monitoring groups revealed a stark reality:
The Avoidance Zone: Large mammals, particularly migratory wildebeest and elephant herds, created an artificial 3.5 to 5.4-kilometer buffer zone of avoidance around active asphalt landing strips.
The Flight-or-Fight Toll: The physical shadow and high-frequency decibel blast of descending aircraft induced chronic cortisol spikes in calving herds. This drove them away from optimal grazing flats into low-forage peripheral zones, fundamentally altering the spatial dynamics of the Great Migration.
In Kenya&#039;s Maasai Mara National Reserve, the decentralized proliferation of bush-strips—such as the Keekorok and Mara Serena facilities—offers a sobering look at secondary infrastructure damage. Micro-climate shift research targeting the tarmac expansion of commuter runways in the Mara Triangle showed that upgraded strips did not just bring noise; they brought micro-urbanization. The concrete networks altered localized wind tunnels and fractured small wildlife corridors, leaving grazing antelopes highly vulnerable. Apex predators, particularly lions, quickly learned to exploit the artificial barriers of runway fences to trap panicked prey, artificially bending local predator-prey success rates.
While the Mara and Serengeti span massive, continuous cross-border expanses that allow animals room to adjust their ranges, Kidepo Valley is a highly confined, self-contained biosphere. An aircraft footprint capable of servicing wide-body aircraft does not just slice through a corner of Kidepo; its acoustic and environmental impact profile covers virtually the entire valley floor.
In response to intensifying scrutiny, the state and its Emirati backers have moved to defend the transparency of their preliminary assessments. Olive Birungi Lumonya, Deputy Director General of the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA), publicly insisted that exhaustive environmental and social impact assessments (ESIAs) were fully cleared before heavy machinery broke ground.
Concurrently, H.E. Abdallah Mohamad Sultan Alowais, Chairman of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce, noted that technicians spent nearly three years analyzing local wildlife migratory corridors to ensure the runway’s alignment would not cause systemic displacement. To decouple the facility from immediate migratory routes, engineers even executed a 12.3-kilometer road rerouting project to move domestic traffic away from critical animal paths.
To legally and physically anchor these safeguards, the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has deployed an aggressive multi-layered defensive grid to insulate Kidepo&#039;s 77 unique mammal species from infrastructure shocks:
UWA has formally approved a landmark Collaborative Management Partnership (CMP) with the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF). This co-developed framework is tasked with mapping landscape-wide species protection and drawing a hard line against unregulated commercial encroachment.
Backed by a USD 4 million parallel facility from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), the Kidepo Landscape Integrated Conservation and Development Project (KLICDP 2026–2030) is actively working to mitigate human-wildlife conflict. This involves deploying rapid-response columns to counter elephant displacement, removing invasive vegetation introduced by construction equipment, and funding aggressive anti-poaching campaigns along the border zones.
The 12.3-kilometer road diversion completed by UWA and aviation engineers entirely isolates heavy domestic vehicular traffic away from critical animal paths, maintaining a physical barrier between the runway boundaries and the natural movement of wildlife.
Uganda’s USD 72 million runway is no longer a blueprint; it is a rapidly hardening reality of asphalt and steel. As the territory transitions from a historical bottleneck into a direct global gateway, the fine line between sustainable development and ecological collapse grows razor-thin.
For the project to truly earn its merit as a victory for community conservation, these structural safeguards must directly benefit local hands. The surrounding communities cannot merely be spectators to luxury fly-in tourism. They must remain active partners who hold equity in the green hospitality corridor, receive direct shares of the projected entry-fee surges, and are protected from the volatile ecological fallout of regional transformation.
Ultimately, the true success of Kidepo International Airport will not be measured by the size of the aircraft that land on its runway, but by the survival of the wilderness and the dignity of the communities that stand directly in its flight path. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://jajjanews.com/uploads/images/202610/image_870x580_6acb982d65b10.jpg" length="119378" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sun, 11 Oct 2026 17:08:47 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
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<title>The Blue Goldmine: How Dragon Boat Racing on Lake Victoria is Rewriting Africa’s Conservation and Economic Playbook</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/the-blue-goldmine-how-dragon-boat-racing-on-lake-victoria-is-rewriting-africas-conservation-and-economic-playbook</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/the-blue-goldmine-how-dragon-boat-racing-on-lake-victoria-is-rewriting-africas-conservation-and-economic-playbook</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ A massive, entirely unexploited goldmine is quietly rippling beneath the surface of Lake Victoria. While the global tourism market looks to conventional wildlife safaris, the recent, historic rollout of the African Dragon Boat Racing competition in Kawuku, Wakiso District, has flashed a clear signal to global investors: Uganda is sitting on the ultimate sports tourism jackpot. This is not merely a game; it is an industrial-scale revenue multiplier that challenges traditional, passive tourism models and charts a direct path toward a high-yielding, multi-billion-dollar economic future.
The financial architecture of dragon boat racing offers immediate, high-value foreign exchange. With individual team contingents requiring up to 22 personnel per boat, a single international tournament has the overnight capacity to flood local economies—filling hotels, renting fleets of vehicles, and injecting hard foreign currency directly into the hospitality value chain. As international paddlers from Egypt, South Africa, Singapore, and Hong Kong look to East Africa, the African Dragon Boat Federation is already eyeing Uganda as the continent’s definitive water sports capital.
The timing could not be more explosive. With global eyes locking onto the country ahead of the high-stakes Future Summit Africa 2027, the race is now on to monetize Uganda&#039;s geographic dominance. By cross-packaging tournament registration with upcountry safari circuits, the tourism sector can easily convert a three-day racing window into a 10-day high-end vacation. If even half of those 800 international visitors book a trek to track mountain gorillas in Bwindi or view wildlife at Murchison Falls, the immediate conservation and park entry fees alone create an economic windfall running into hundreds of thousands of dollars. This direct funding stream provides critical resources for wildlife protection and ecosystem management, making sports tourism a powerful tool for environmental preservation.
The Future Summit Africa 2027 is Uganda’s premier stage to pitch high-value, sustainable investment opportunities to global capital allocators. As policymakers look to decouple the economy from raw agricultural exports, dragon boat racing serves as a textbook model for the modern African investment thesis, anchoring the strategic pillars of the 2027 Summit in four distinct ways:
Unlike heavy industrial setups that threaten local ecosystems, sports tourism on Lake Victoria requires zero environmental degradation. By developing world-class water sports infrastructure, Uganda can pitch &quot;Blue Economy&quot; investments to climate-conscious global funds at the Summit, proving that natural water resources can be monetized sustainably.
With the Summit drawing high-level trade delegations, dragon boat racing acts as a highly visible monument to the 70-year China-Africa people-to-people friendship. It bridges cultural gaps and creates an informal, high-trust environment where multi-billion-dollar deals in manufacturing, electric mobility, and infrastructure can be brokered on the sidelines of the water.
The &quot;Summit Cup&quot; Corporate League: Ahead of 2027, Uganda can establish an exclusive corporate league. Inviting multinational executives, tech founders, and regional CEOs to compete on the water provides an unparalleled networking incubator, turning a competitive sport into a boardroom playground where cross-border partnerships are signed right at the finish line.
Modern global investors are strictly bound by Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria. Because dragon boat racing is inherently inclusive—allowing athletes with physical disabilities to compete symmetrically alongside able-bodied paddlers—Uganda can showcase a living, breathing model of socially responsible sports governance to the international community.
The era of relying solely on raw agricultural exports and traditional, passive tourism models must come to an immediate end. Uganda stands at a critical economic crossroads ahead of the Future Summit Africa 2027. The country can either continue to watch regional competitors build massive industries around sports entertainment, or aggressively seize its geographical dominance. Lake Victoria is a multi-billion-shilling economic engine waiting to be fired up. The structural blueprint has already been laid down by the successful rollout in Wakiso District, and the international goodwill from wealthy economic hubs like Singapore and Hong Kong is already secure. To leave this massive sports asset class sitting idle on the dock is a profound economic failure Uganda can no longer afford.
To capture this momentum, the government must formally integrate dragon boat racing into Uganda’s master tourism marketing strategy, backed by immediate, direct budget allocations to establish a permanent, state-of-the-art water sports training hub on Lake Victoria. Furthermore, policymakers must put the paperwork on the fast track, aggressively marketing 10-year corporate tax holidays and specialized fiscal packages directly to global sports infrastructure developers, eco-tourism investors, and blue-economy funds at the upcoming 2027 Summit. It is time to stop throwing marketing budgets at low-yield, overcrowded advertising spaces and step onto the water.
Voices from the Frontier
&quot;Tourism is an intensively capital-driven sector, and to scale our economy, we must move aggressively beyond conventional narratives. Marine sports diplomacy—like the historic rollout of the Africa Dragon Boat Cup on our waters—perfectly aligns with our mandate to position Uganda as a globally competitive destination. Broadening our identity allows us to capture affluent new source markets. By anchoring these events through private sector frameworks, we actively feed directly into Uganda’s overarching goal of building a transformative $500 billion economy.&quot; Julian Kaggwa, CEO, Uganda Tourism Board.

&quot;From a hospitality perspective, dragon boat racing represents an immediate boost to occupancy and local value chains. Unlike solo travelers, marine sports bring large, structured corporate and international delegations requiring extensive blocks of accommodation, catering, and transit services. The hospitality sector is primed to anchor this growth. We want to see these high-yield water sports festivals transformed into permanent fixtures on the national calendar, filling our hotels and keeping the domestic hospitality ecosystem vibrant year-round.&quot;Susan Kabonero Muhwezi, Chairperson, Uganda Hotel Owners Association (UHOA)
&quot;Quality hospitality and innovative itineraries form the literal backbone of our tourism strategy. Dragon boat racing gives tour operators an incredible leverage point to design high-value &#039;sports-and-safari&#039; crossover packages. Our international guests shouldn&#039;t just row and leave; we are positioned to transition hundreds of incoming elite athletes from the racing lanes of Lake Victoria directly onto our world-class upcountry tracking tracks for mountain gorillas and wildlife safaris. It is about converting a three-day regatta into a multi-week, high-spending expedition across the country.&quot; Civy R.N. Tumusiime, Chairperson, Association of Uganda Tour Operators (AUTO)
&quot;We have been over-reliant on conventional tourism formulas for far too long. Look at how modern events change economic trajectories overnight. We proved the power of sports tourism when we launched the marathon circuits, and water sports hold that exact same disruptive potential. Lake Victoria is an incredible asset that we are letting sit idle. The global dragon boat community is massive, highly affluent, and deeply connected to global corporate networks. If we build the right infrastructure, market aggressively, and tell our story boldly, this sport will bring unprecedented foreign exchange directly to our shores.&quot; Amos Wekesa, Founder &amp; CEO, Great Lakes Safaris
The paddles are in Uganda&#039;s hands, the current is moving in the nation&#039;s favor, and the economic goldmine is wide open. The mandate is clear: invest now, build the infrastructure today, and secure a dominant stake in a high-visibility, culturally significant asset class that bridges the gap between East African trade, global conservation capital, and international commercial networks. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="" length="119378" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sun, 11 Oct 2026 01:16:43 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
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<item>
<title>ANITA RUKUNDO TAYEBWA TO LINK UGANDA, BAHAMAS TOURISM SECTORS</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/anita-rukundo-tayebwa-to-link-uganda-bahamas-tourism-sectors</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/anita-rukundo-tayebwa-to-link-uganda-bahamas-tourism-sectors</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Felix Oketcho
	
9:25 PM (1 hour ago)
	
	
to me
*Anita Rukundo Tayebwa to Link Uganda, Bahamas Tourism Sectors*

Anita Rukundo Tayebwa, the newly appointed honorary consul of The Bahamas to Uganda, has pledged to strengthen links between the two countries’ tourism sectors to help Uganda benefit from The Bahamas’ experience.

She made the remarks on Thursday evening after presenting her letters of credence to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Amb. Adonia Ayebare, in Kampala.

Rukundo said Uganda could learn from the Caribbean nation’s success in attracting international visitors and generating tourism revenue. Although The Bahamas is significantly smaller than Uganda in both geographical size and population, she noted that it has developed a much stronger tourism sector.

She said The Bahamas attracted more than 12 million international visitors in 2025, compared with approximately 1.6 million visitors to Uganda during the same period.

She added that The Bahamas generated about US$5.27 billion in tourism receipts in 2025, compared with Uganda’s estimated US$1.62 billion. She said the figures demonstrate the need for Uganda to strengthen its international tourism marketing and learn from countries that have successfully developed the sector.

“We hope to bridge the gap between The Bahamas and Uganda. We hope to promote tourism… With this relationship, we hope to attract more people to come and visit Uganda,” she said.

Rukundo identified destination marketing, hospitality and resort development, visitor experience management, international tourism investment, branding and promotion as areas in which Uganda could benefit from The Bahamas’ experience through partnerships and knowledge exchange.

She also said her office would focus on helping Ugandan tour operators develop complementary tourism packages showcasing the distinct attractions of both countries. This, she said, would require linking tourism industry players and government agencies in the two countries.

“We are looking at how we can have the private sector get into The Bahamas and vice versa. With the ministry’s support, we are assured we will be able to achieve this,” she said.

Ayebare said Uganda had high expectations of Rukundo, expressing confidence that her appointment would benefit the country.

“The figures speak for themselves; we will count on you to tap the best practices from them. Uganda will benefit immensely from your representation,” Ayebare said.

Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa said he was excited to see his wife take on the role in her own right, adding that it is important for men to support their spouses.

“The public doesn&#039;t know that she is the mover behind the scenes, running the businesses. I know her potential when it comes to execution,” he said.

Tayebwa said she had told him about her interest in helping Uganda tourism operators to attract high-spending tourists by leveraging the country’s unique attractions, including mountain gorillas and chimpanzees.

“The Bahamas is very unique in many ways. On top of having big numbers in terms of tourism, they also attract ultra-wealthy and high-value tourists.

Amos Wekesa, a prominent tourism investor, said Rukundo could help Uganda unlock the tourism potential of its water bodies, particularly Lake Victoria. He argued that Uganda could generate significantly more tourism revenue by developing its water-based tourism sector.

King Ceasar Mulenga, the Honorary Consul of Vietnam to Uganda, also described the appointment as significant. “I have no doubt you will strengthen trade and people-to-people bilateral ties between our two Commonwealth nations,” he noted. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://jajjanews.com/uploads/images/202610/image_870x580_6ac9d57c4894b.jpg" length="123072" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sat, 10 Oct 2026 09:05:28 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
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<item>
<title>Paralyzed by Sanctions: How a Court Order is Keeping NHCC Afloat</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/paralyzed-by-sanctions-how-a-court-order-is-keeping-nhcc-afloat</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/paralyzed-by-sanctions-how-a-court-order-is-keeping-nhcc-afloat</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The National Housing and Construction Company Limited (NHCC) has been forced to operate under an extraordinary High Court order to bypass its missing co-owner, Libya, as UN sanctions continue to paralyze the company’s governance and financial operations.
The revelation was made yesterday, October 8, 2026, by NHCC Chief Executive Officer Eng. Kenneth Kaijuka while appearing before Parliament’s Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE) committee during the consideration of the December 2025 Auditor General’s report.

The Governance Crisis

In 2005, Uganda and Libya signed a shareholders agreement granting Libya a 49% stake in NHCC through a US$20.3 million (Shs35 billion) paper debt swap, while Uganda retained 51%. Following the political turmoil in Libya in 2010/2011 and subsequent United Nations sanctions, NHCC faced severe constraints in identifying and legally transacting with the Libyan shareholder.
To prevent an operational halt, NHCC obtained a High Court order on June 30, 2022. The order allows the company to hold Annual General Meetings (AGMs) without the second shareholder and authorizes the Board to conduct business as a single-shareholder entity to preserve the company&#039;s interests.

The Multi-Billion Shilling Dividend Controversy

A sharp dispute arose during the parliamentary hearing regarding the management of multi-billion shilling dividends due to Libya. COSASE Chairperson Muwada Nkunyingi (Kyadondo East) questioned the legal and financial risks of NHCC&#039;s decision to plough Libya&#039;s 49% share of profits back into the company’s operations.
&quot;We don’t want a situation where after years they are going to sue either National Housing or the government of Uganda for wrongfully holding on to dividends,&quot; Nkunyingi warned. &quot;It will create a jeopardy for Uganda if the sanctions are lifted and they are given access to their funds globally. How would you account for these funds when you don’t have a clear chronology [of accrued interest]?&quot;
Eng. Kaijuka defended the strategy, stating that international covenants strictly bar any financial transfers to the sanctioned state. He clarified that the dividends are clearly recognized in the accounts audited by the Auditor General, but are ploughed back into operations due to the transaction ban. Despite these structural challenges and a lack of government capitalization, Kaijuka noted that management has successfully steered NHCC back into a profit-making entity.

Defying Legal Guidance

Committee scrutiny revealed that NHCC’s strategy runs contrary to official legal guidance. On September 30, 2021, the Attorney General advised that Uganda should compulsorily acquire Libya&#039;s 49% shareholding based on a fair market valuation, with the funds held by the government until they could be legally remitted to the Libyan African Foreign Investment Company (LAFICO).
COSASE noted that because the government has not yet compulsorily acquired or paid for those shares, NHCC lacks the explicit authority to spend Libya&#039;s portion of the profits, creating a massive potential liability for Ugandan taxpayers if future litigation arises.
The COSASE committee has directed NHCC to provide a transparent, detailed accounting chronology of how the frozen Libyan interests and dividends are being computed and protected. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://jajjanews.com/uploads/images/202610/image_870x580_6ac87bcadb8ef.jpg" length="50476" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Fri, 09 Oct 2026 08:30:13 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
<media:keywords></media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>NARO Steps Up Cassava Multiplication to Boost Food Security in  Drought&#45;Prone Karamoja</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/naro-steps-up-cassava-multiplication-to-boost-food-security-in-drought-prone-karamoja</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/naro-steps-up-cassava-multiplication-to-boost-food-security-in-drought-prone-karamoja</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ –As drought and climate variability continue to threaten food security in Karamoja, the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO), through the Uganda Climate-Smart Agricultural Transformation Project (UCSATP), is promoting
drought-resilient and early-maturing crops to help communities withstand prolonged dry spells.
Among the crops being promoted is cassava, which researchers say has the potential to provide a reliable source of food in Karamoja because of its resilience and ability to remain in the soil for extended periods.
At Nabuin Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institute (ZARDI), NARO has established a 200-acre cassava multiplication and demonstration facility under UCSATP to increase farmers&amp;#39; access to quality planting materials while demonstrating improved cassava production technologies.
Dr Walter Odongo, Director of Research at Nabuin ZARDI, said the intervention is aimed at increasing cassava production and productivity while improving the livelihoods of farmers in the region.
“The intention here is about two-fold: one, to increase access to quality planting material, but also to demonstrate cassava production technology to the farmers,” Odongo said.
He said cassava is particularly relevant to Karamoja because of the region&amp;#39;s exposure to climate change and climate variability.
“Cassava has proven to be a very resilient crop for the farmers. So, once this technology is adopted, the cassava varieties we are promoting, for instance NAROCAS 1, are very well adapted to the region,” he said.
The multiplication facility is expected to supply planting materials to thousands of farmers across the region.
Dr Damalie Akwango, Coordinator of UCSATP at NARO, said Nabuin ZARDI is working with about 200 farmer groups through the cassava demonstration initiative.
She said the 200-acre block is expected to provide planting materials for about 6,000 farmers.
“This is a good move towards the achievement of what is planned in the project,” Akwango said.
The intervention forms part of UCSATP&amp;#39;s broader effort to increase access to improved agricultural planting and breeding materials among organised farmer groups.
NARO is currently promoting three cassava varieties at the demonstration site — NASE 14,NASE 19 and NAROCAS 1.
Dr Ijara Anthony Raphael, a Senior Research Officer at NARO, said the varieties were selected for their desirable characteristics, including adaptability, high yields and relatively early maturity.
“NASE 14 is easily adaptable to the soil and it is high yielding and quick maturing. NASE 19 equally has high-yielding traits,” Ijara said.
He said NAROCAS 1, which has performed well in different parts of Uganda, is also being promoted because of its high yield potential.
The researchers believe the crop could help change the perception of cassava among communities in Karamoja, where it is often regarded as a crop that grows largely on its own.
“In Karamoja, cassava is perceived as a wild crop that grows on its own, so we are trying to  stimulate uptake of cassava,” Ijara said.
The demonstration site therefore serves not only as a source of planting material, but also as a practical learning centre where farmers can observe recommended cassava production practices.
Dr. Ijara noted that one of cassava&amp;#39;s biggest advantages in Karamoja is its flexibility as a food crop.
Unlike crops that are harvested within a short period after maturity, cassava can remain in the soil for extended periods and be harvested when food is needed.
“Cassava can ensure food availability throughout the year because it can be harvested piecemeal and is always available when needed, as opposed to other crops which you harvest once and consume,” Ijara said.
He added that cassava can remain in the soil for more than two years, providing households with an important food reserve during periods of food shortages.
For a region regularly exposed to prolonged dry spells, researchers say this characteristic could provide an additional buffer against hunger.
The 200-acre site is consequently being developed as a strategic “nuclear farm” from which cassava planting materials and production skills can be extended to communities across Karamoja.
The cassava initiative is also creating employment opportunities for local communities.
According to Ijara, about 50 workers on average are engaged daily in activities at the demonstration site, including planting, weeding and watering.
The workers, many of whom are youth and women, earn about Shs7,000 per day.
“Like now it is dry, you can see they are providing water physically and they earn a living from doing that,” he said.
The site is also being used as a training facility for students pursuing certificate, diploma,degree and postgraduate programmes, providing them with practical skills in cassava production.
“This as a nuclear farm for cassava will enable us to achieve and extend cassava farming skills to these young ones,” Ijara said.
For farmers participating in the programme, the technology offers both a food source and an income-generating opportunity.
Lugel Patrick, a host farmer in Napak District, said farmers who have received training from NARO are increasingly appreciating the improved cassava varieties.
“These cassava varieties are very good. Farmers are very happy about them,” he said.
Lugel said farmers have been trained in how to plant and  manage cassava and called on more farmers across Karamoja to take up the crop as part of efforts to fight hunger.
“My call to the farmers in Karamoja is that they should continue planting cassava to fight hunger. We want cassava as a staple food,” he said.
He said cassava can also complement other locally produced foods.
“After harvest, we dry it and later take it for grinding. We then mix it with sorghum that is already very good meal,” he said.
Beyond household consumption, farmers can sell part of their cassava harvest to generate income.
“The money got from selling the cassava can be used for taking children to school and you can also use it for buying animals that you rear at home,” Lugel said.
With drought increasingly affecting agricultural production in Karamoja, NARO and its partners are banking on crops such as cassava, alongside other climate-resilient varieties, to strengthen household food security, increase farmers&amp;#39; incomes and build resilience to climate shocks.
The cassava multiplication and demonstration initiative is therefore intended to move cassava from being regarded largely as a “wild crop” to a deliberately cultivated, productive and commercially useful crop for the people of Karamoja. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://jajjanews.com/uploads/images/202610/image_870x580_6ac55091365c7.jpg" length="128939" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Tue, 06 Oct 2026 22:48:25 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
<media:keywords></media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Iceland Approves $8 Million Grant for Schools, Water, and Sanitation Projects in Uganda</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/iceland-approves-8-million-grant-for-schools-water-and-sanitation-projects-in-uganda</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/iceland-approves-8-million-grant-for-schools-water-and-sanitation-projects-in-uganda</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Government of Iceland has approved an $8 million grant to construct schools and enhance critical water and sanitation infrastructure across the districts of Namayingo, Kwania, and Amolatar. 
The extensive financial backing will directly fund local infrastructure developments spanning a three-year implementation window from 2026 to 2028.
Katrín Einarsdóttir, Iceland’s Head of Mission in Kampala, officially announced the investment during a high-profile meeting with State Minister for Finance Henry Musasizi at the Ministry of Finance, noting that this package marks a significant resumption of cooperative development.
Musasizi welcomed Einarsdóttir and thanked Iceland for its support to Uganda, including projects in Kalangala, Buikwe and Namayingo districts.
He said Uganda’s tenfold growth strategy sets out its economic ambitions for the next 15 years. He invited Iceland to support the country’s priority sectors and the services that underpin them.
“We want you to attract foreign direct investments and tourists, support value addition and innovations. Promote Uganda as the best investment destination,” said Musasizi.
Einarsdóttir, who attended the meeting with her deputy and other officials, said Iceland would continue promoting Uganda and investing in education to support future generations.
She stressed the need for clear financial oversight and quality programmes to account for the funds to Icelandic taxpayers

This strategic funding expands upon Iceland’s long-standing district development presence in Uganda, which historically targeted fishing and vulnerable island communities in regions such as Kalangala, Buikwe, and Namayingo. 
Einarsdóttir emphasized that strict financial transparencyand high-quality programming remain foundational to accounting properly for these resources to Icelandic taxpayers.
During the diplomatic exchange, Minister Musasizi expressed gratitude for Iceland’s unwavering support and leveraged the moment to introduce Uganda&#039;s bold tenfold growth strategy, which serves as the economic roadmap for the next 15 years.
To achieve these ambitious targets, the Ministry of Finance formally extended an invitation for deeper economic partnership beyond traditional aid frameworks:
Iceland’s delegation confirmed it will remain an active partner in showcasing Uganda’s investment potential while prioritizing structural investments in primary education to nurture and empower future generations ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://jajjanews.com/uploads/images/202610/image_870x580_6ac4fc24be76d.jpg" length="298184" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Tue, 06 Oct 2026 16:37:04 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
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<item>
<title>Uganda Urged To  Build  Smarter  Climate Resielennt Homes</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/uganda-urged-to-build-smarter-climate-resielennt-homes</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/uganda-urged-to-build-smarter-climate-resielennt-homes</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Uganda must prioritize building climate-resilient, energy-efficient, and durable housing to bridge its massive deficit of 2.48 million units, according to Lands, Housing and Urban Development Minister Judith Nabakooba. 

Speaking at the National Housing Dialogue on October 5, 2026—coinciding with World Habitat Day—Nabakooba emphasized that the country cannot solve its crisis by merely building more structures without accounting for environmental threats like floods and landslides.

The minister challenged government, private developers, financial institutions and development partners to rethink not only how many houses are built, but what kind of houses and where they are located.
“The question before us is therefore not simply how do we build more housing. It is, how do we build the right housing?” she said.
Nabakooba said climate change must be factored into housing design and physical planning, as poorly planned settlements become increasingly exposed to floods and landslides. She linked the housing challenge to weaknesses in physical planning and land-use management, saying unplanned development is fueling urban sprawl, informal settlements and rising infrastructure costs.
She said Uganda must embrace better planned and more compact urban development, including densification, to make efficient use of expensive land and reduce the cost of roads, water, sanitation and other services.


Currently, about 60% of Ugandans reside in informal or inadequate settlements, while annual production lags at just 50,000 units. 

Nabakooba noted that at this current pace, closing the gap will take too long. She urged the government, private developers, and financial institutions to shift focus from sheer quantity to quality and location, advocating for denser, compact urban planning to lower infrastructure expenses for roads, water, and sanitation.
According to the minister key barriers to affordable housing high interest rates, brief repayment windows, and steep collateral requirements lock youth and low-income earners out of standard mortgages,escalating Land Prices surging property costs are no longer limited to cities but are increasingly impacting rural areas and policy gaps not yet fully visible or effective on the ground.
Proposed Solutions from Leaders
Habitat for Humanity Uganda Board Chairman Robert Waggwa Nsibirwa called for quarterly, issue-based meetings and an online research repository to prevent the dialogue from becoming an unproductive annual talk-shop.

“Today I want us to move to the how. Practical how,” he said, citing the example of a young Ugandan who saves Shs12 million to buy a 50-by-100-foot plot but cannot raise money to build a house.
Nsibirwa warned against turning the National Housing Dialogue into an annual talk-shop without measurable action. He proposed quarterly, issue-based meetings focusing on challenges such as housing finance for youth aged 18 to 35 and affordable construction technologies, plus an online platform to share policies, research and innovations.

 Habitat for Humanity National Director Paul Okiring highlighted that 96% of Ugandans cannot afford a standard formally constructed home. He recommended expanding housing microfinance, cooperatives, and incremental loans that allow families to build in phases.
He called for greater use of housing microfinance, cooperatives, savings groups and incremental housing loans that allow families to build gradually.
He also identified land tenure as a major obstacle, calling for faster registration and titling, digitisation of land administration, stronger protection of women’s land rights and regularisation of tenure in informal settlements. He proposed strategic land banks and greater investment in serviced land around rapidly growing urban centres.
Leaders urged for faster land titling, digitized records, protected property rights for women, and the creation of strategic land banks around expanding cities.
Habitat for Humanity Uganda, which has built over 4,000 rural homes since 1982 using low-cost tech like interlocking soil-stabilized blocks, revealed its 2026–2028 strategic plan. This roadmap focuses on constructing better homes, making financing more accessible, and mobilizing key stakeholders to take immediate action.
Program Director Evelyn Frances Aguti said the people behind the housing statistics should not be forgotten.
“Once you are homeless, then you are powerless,” she said.
She said the organisation’s 2026–2028 strategy is built around three pillars: building more and better homes, transforming housing systems to make finance more accessible, and mobilising communities and stakeholders to take action. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://jajjanews.com/uploads/images/202610/image_870x580_6ac4b1df9b749.jpg" length="122418" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Tue, 06 Oct 2026 11:31:55 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
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<item>
<title>Systemic Injustices: Delayed Pay, Pension Hurdles Top Public Grievances in Uganda</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/systemic-injustices-delayed-pay-pension-hurdles-top-public-grievances-in-uganda</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/systemic-injustices-delayed-pay-pension-hurdles-top-public-grievances-in-uganda</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Delays in the payment of salaries, pensions, and gratuities—alongside workplace victimization and hurdles in accessing vital public documents—have emerged as the leading grievances handled by Uganda’s Inspectorate of Government (IG).

The Inspector General of Government (IGG), Lady Justice Aisha Naluzze Batala, revealed on Monday that administrative and &quot;Ombudsman-related&quot; complaints accounted for 37% of all cases investigated and concluded by the watchdog during the 2025/2026 financial year. The staggering figure underscores the deep administrative hurdles ordinary citizens face when navigating public institutions.

Justice Batala made the remarks during a press briefing announcing activities to mark International Ombuds Day on October 8, 2026.
According to the IGG, the vast majority of these complaints originate from local government offices, where citizens interact most directly with the state.
The most common public grievances include:delayed or completely unpaid salaries, pensions, and gratuities, alongside the irregular calculation of employment benefits,protracted delays in securing National Identity Cards (IDs), land titles, passports, and access to the government payroll and Irregular recruitment processes, malicious interdictions, and the systemic victimization of whistleblowers.
The Inspectorate’s interventions have yielded tangible relief. During the last financial year, the IG successfully resolved 1,011 Ombudsman cases. These resolutions led to the enforcement of recommendations that recovered Shs 2.35 billion in withheld employment-related benefits for affected citizens.
Justice Batala emphasized that the Ombudsman function expands far beyond the public’s traditional perception of the IG as solely an anti-corruption agency.

She explained that the Inspectorate&#039;s constitutional mandate explicitly empowers it to dismantle maladministration, champion the rule of law, enforce the principles of natural justice, and curb the abuse of public office and state resources.

&quot;Corruption thrives where administrative rules and procedures are broken or ignored,&quot; the Inspectorate noted in a statement, emphasizing that resolving administrative injustices is critical to closing the operational gaps that breed graft and derail service delivery.
Uganda prepares to join the global community in commemorating the International Ombuds Day (IOD). This day is observed annually on the second Thursday of October, this year’s commemoration will held on Thursday, 8th October, 2026.

The roots of this global observance trace back to 19th December, 2017, when the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 72/186. This landmark resolution formally recognized the Ombudsman as a critical administrative &quot;bridge&quot; between citizens and the state, vital for upholding administrative justice, human rights protection and grievance redress. Today, we stand to reaffirm that public trust relies on a system where every citizen is heard, treated fairly and protected from administrative injustice. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://jajjanews.com/uploads/images/202610/image_870x580_6ac397d1628bd.jpg" length="54674" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Mon, 05 Oct 2026 15:28:23 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
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<title>No Escape: All s6 Vacists Ordered into Mandatory 6&#45;month Military&#45;Style Kyankwanzi Boot Camp!</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/no-escape-all-s6-vacists-ordered-into-mandatory-6-month-military-style-kyankwanzi-boot-camp</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/no-escape-all-s6-vacists-ordered-into-mandatory-6-month-military-style-kyankwanzi-boot-camp</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ In a move set to trigger shockwaves across Ugandan households, the government has declared that all Senior Six vacists must undergo a grueling six-month mandatory patriotism and ideological training program at the notorious National Leadership Institute (NALI) in Kyankwanzi.
The bombshell announcement was dropped today by Hellen Seku, the ruthless Commissioner of the National Secretariat for Patriotism Corps (NSPC), during a massive pass-out ceremony of over 1,700 students at Immaculate Heart Girls’ Secondary School Nyakibale in Rukungiri District.
According to Seku, the days of vacists idling at home, partying, or scrolling through TikTok are officially over. The state is stepping in to claim their next six months.
“I can assure you... we agreed with Jaaja (President Museveni) that all Senior Six vacists are going to Kyankwanzi. You’re going to go for about six months,” Seku warned chillingly.
And it’s not just the students who are targeted. In a sweeping purge of ideological &quot;softness,&quot; Seku revealed that headteachers, teachers, and coordinators who have been dodging patriotism training will be forcefully dragged into refresher courses.
&quot;We want everybody to undergo the training,&quot; she declared.
The state’s aggressive revival of this controversial program aims to inject a &quot;dose of ideology&quot; into a young generation it views as undisciplined.
To give a taste of what awaits the upcoming batch of vacists, Gadgar Kibayo Arinitwe, the headteacher of Makobore High School, recounted his own 1993 Kyankwanzi experience. He explicitly recalled being drilled on the “10 Commandments of a gun,” which included a strict rule against mixing alcohol with rifles.
The just-concluded training in Rukungiri subjected students from Immaculate Heart, Karoli Lwanga Institute of Health Sciences, Kinyasano Girls’, and Makobore High School to punishing early morning parades, UPDF military-style drills, and intensive indoctrination sessions led by high-ranking military brass, including Brig. Gen. Justus Rukundo.
The NSPC is aggressively expanding its tentacles far beyond traditional schools. Backed by the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba—who is actively deploying UPDF instructors on demand—the state is hunting for young minds across all sectors.
Seku proudly noted that the program has already swept up boda boda riders, who were shipped off to Kaweweta for training, as well as Ugandans returning from South Africa.
&quot;This is the time when this country needs an ideological direction for everybody,&quot; Seku insisted, weaponizing Article 17, Clause 2 of the Constitution to state that patriotism training is a mandatory civic obligation. She went as far as demanding that medical students and nurses stop focusing solely on treating diseases and instead become &quot;doctors of ideology.&quot;
While local officials like Rukungiri Deputy RDC Wilberforce Ongom Ahimbisibwe praised the drills for teaching youth to fight corruption and stay out of wetlands, the massive logistical scale of hosting thousands of teenagers for half a year under military supervision is bound to spark furious debate among parents nationwide.
The countdown has begun. For Uganda&#039;s S6 vacists, the next stop isn&#039;t university—it’s the unforgiving terrain of Kyankwanzi. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 05 Oct 2026 10:19:30 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
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<item>
<title>Why Conservation is Elgon’s New Billion&#45;Shilling Frontier</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/why-conservation-is-elgons-new-billion-shilling-frontier</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/why-conservation-is-elgons-new-billion-shilling-frontier</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ As the morning mist lifts over the jagged precipice of the Wanale Ridge, it reveals a landscape caught in a high-stakes economic tug-of-war. For generations, the fertile volcanic soils of the Bugisu economy have been defined by the deep crimson of Arabica coffee cherries. However, a powerful transformation is underway. Driven by the recent launch of the Mbale Wildlife Conservation Education Centre (Mbale Zoo) and the momentum of the 2026 World Tourism Day celebrations, conservationists and local leaders are pioneering a strategic shift. They are proving that by preserving the landscape rather than clearing it, eco-tourism can build a far wider, more resilient community wealth chain than coffee ever could.
The temptation to fell a native Prunus africana tree to plant another row of coffee is a daily economic reality for farmers bordering Mount Elgon National Park. Driven by land fragmentation and expanding families, smallholder agriculture has steadily pushed into fragile afro-montane zones.
This encroachment does more than displace local wildlife like the black-and-white colobus monkeys—it actively threatens the water tower of Eastern Uganda. When native forests are replaced by coffee monoculture, the mountain loses its natural root network. Without deep roots to anchor the earth during torrential downpours, steep slopes become ticking time bombs.
According to the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA):
•	1,935+ Acres Cleared: Illegal farming, logging, and charcoal burning have historically decimated massive swathes of protected forest.
•	Extinction Threat: This level of deforestation faces the potential local extinction of critical indigenous tree species like the Elgon Teak and Mahogany.
•	1,500+ Lives Lost: The loss of forest cover breaks the natural barrier regulating weather and storing rainwater, directly contributing to drying rivers, flash flooding, and catastrophic landslides.
To counter this, UWA is shifting the narrative from strict policing to collaborative stewardship. By demonstrating that intact forests and flowing waterfalls like Sipi and Wanale attract high-spending international hikers, local communities are beginning to view the park boundary not as a barrier to farming, but as a protected financial asset.
Mbale Zoo: Bringing Conservation to the East
For decades, wildlife conservation was an abstract concept for youth in Eastern Uganda. The regional wildlife education hub was physically locked away inside the Entebbe Zoo, nearly 300 kilometers away. The financial reality of long-distance travel meant that thousands of students in the Bugisu, Teso, and Bukedi sub-regions grew up right alongside Mount Elgon National Park without ever interacting with the diverse wildlife they were being asked to protect.
The grand commissioning of the Mbale Wildlife Conservation Education Centre (Mbale Zoo) by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni permanently changed that dynamic. Positioned at the base of the mountain, this new satellite facility serves as a vital regional gateway for experiential learning and environmental stewardship.
Instead of reading about conservation in textbooks, local residents can now see the direct link between healthy ecosystems and wildlife survival up close. The facility acts as an education hub, demystifying the role of UWA and demonstrating how wildlife protection directly combats climate catastrophes.
When a farmer harvests a kilogram of coffee, the financial transaction is largely linear and vulnerable to erratic weather and fluctuating global commodity prices. In stark contrast, a single tourist visiting the Elgon sub-region sets off a powerful economic multiplier effect.
Uganda recorded 1.64 million international tourist arrivals in 2025, generating approximately USD 1.62 billion (UGX 5.83 trillion) in national revenue and creating more than 876,000 direct jobs. When hikers arrive to track the trails or visit the new Mbale Zoo, their expenditure directly feeds the local hospitality economy, flowing to transport providers, local food markets, craft makers, and regional hospitality staff.
Speaking at the World Tourism Day 2026 national celebrations in Mbale City, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni explicitly declared that the country&#039;s forests and national parks are &quot;national economic assets,&quot; not obstacles to human development.
&quot;Tourism presents economic opportunities on a much larger scale [than coffee] because it supports a broad chain of activities, including accommodation, transport, food, entertainment, guiding, cultural enterprises, and other services. Environmental degradation directly affects tourism because forests, wetlands, and wildlife habitats form the foundation of many of Uganda&#039;s attractions... We must protect the wetlands and the forest.&quot;— President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni
This vision is echoed across leadership. The Minister of State for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Hon. Susan Nakawuki Nsambu, publicly urged UWA leadership to remain &quot;steadfast and decisive&quot; in confidently enforcing the Uganda Wildlife Act. Tourism Minister Hon. Col. Tom R. Butime added, &quot;Our objective is to ensure that the benefits of tourism reach the small hotel in Mbale, the guide on Mount Elgon, the craft producer in Bugisu, the farmer supplying a lodge...&quot;
Local Champions Proving the Model
Local communities are already proving that change is profitable. Sarah Nabugodi, a former coffee picker who retrained as a certified local tour guide based in Wanale, now leads international hikers up to the cascading ridge waterfalls.
&quot;A bag of coffee beans pays me once a season, and if the global price drops, my family suffers,&quot; Nabugodi explains. &quot;But protecting this forest means tourists come year-round. They pay me to guide them, they buy crafts from my neighbors, and they sleep in our local lodges. The forest is worth more to us standing than cleared.&quot;
Ultimately, the future of the Elgon sub-region does not lie in choosing between its heritage of rich agriculture and environmental preservation, but in recognizing that one cannot survive without the other. Transforming the community mindset from exploiting the mountain to safeguarding its slopes is an economic imperative. By weaving local livelihoods directly into the protective fabric of eco-tourism, Bugisu is proving that conservation is the ultimate investment. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 04 Oct 2026 12:06:16 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
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<item>
<title>The Rise of a Coffee Empire: How Uganda Dethroned Giants to Claim Africa’s Crown By Our correspondent</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/the-rise-of-a-coffee-empire-how-uganda-dethroned-giants-to-claim-africas-crown-by-our-correspondent</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/the-rise-of-a-coffee-empire-how-uganda-dethroned-giants-to-claim-africas-crown-by-our-correspondent</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Move over, Vietnam. Step aside, Brazil. There is a new king ruling the global coffee empire, and it is fundamentally reshaping the macroeconomics of global commodities trading right from the heart of East Africa
While traditional supply chains fractured under severe climate disruptions and failing crops in Latin America and Asia, Uganda quietly orchestrated the most aggressive agronomic expansion of the decade. Recent data from the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) confirms a definitive milestone: the nation has shattered all previous records by exporting an unprecedented 8.3 million 60-kg bags of coffee.

This historic volume firmly cements Uganda’s status as Africa’s undisputed premier coffee powerhouse, leaving regional competitors like Ethiopia trailing far behind. For international private equity, sovereign wealth funds, and regional institutional investors, this isn&#039;t just a localized agricultural boom—it is a major macroeconomic shift.
The sector has injected an impressive $1.3 billion to $1.4 billion (approx. Shs 4.8 trillion to Shs 5.2 trillion) in annual export earnings into the economy. This massive capital influx firmly positions coffee as Uganda’s apex foreign exchange earner, stabilizing the local currency and altering regional trade dynamics.
Uganda’s historic windfall is the product of calculated domestic policy colliding with global climate volatility. 

When adverse weather crippled production in traditional powerhouses like Vietnam and Brazil, global roasters faced a severe supply crunch. Uganda, however, was already structurally positioned to capitalize on the deficit. Backed by a disciplined, state-led agronomic campaign, the country successfully deployed high-yield clonal Robusta varieties across its major growing basins. 
Crucially, the global market is undergoing a profound structural transformation in taste. Once dismissed by international blenders as a mere filler bean, Robusta has been elevated. International roasters are now willingly paying premium prices for Uganda&#039;s unique, bold, chocolatey, and spicy flavor profiles.

This soaring demand has pushed farm-gate prices for Kase (clean Robusta medium beans) and Parchment Arabica to historic highs. The rally is fundamentally boosting purchasing power across rural economies, driving financial inclusion, and de-risking the agricultural supply chain for commercial lenders.
Where other developing markets see insurmountable regulatory hurdles, Uganda sees an entry barrier to be exploited. As the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) and stricter international compliance laws tighten their grip on global trade, Ugandan authorities have moved well ahead of the curve. 

At the 17th Swiss Coffee Trade Association (SCTA) Forum and Dinner—where the Ugandan delegation debuted alongside traditional giants like Colombia and Costa Rica—the message to international buyers was clear: Uganda is fully auditable.
The country is actively rolling out nationwide, data-driven farmer-mapping and digital registration systems to ensure complete, end-to-end traceability.
&quot;Trust begins with knowing where our coffee comes from,&quot; states Rtd. Maj. Gen. David Kasura-Kyomukama, Permanent Secretary of MAAIF. &quot;We want buyers to look at a lot and instantly know the region, the farmer cooperative, the cup profile, and the verified sustainability story behind it.&quot;
The 2030 Horizon: Shs 20 Trillion in Sight
The current milestone is merely a stepping stone. Under the national Coffee Roadmap spearheaded by government entities, Uganda has locked its sights on an aggressive production target of 20 million 60-kg bags annually by 2030. 
According to projections released by the Uganda Coffee Producers Asscoaition meeting this target will supercharge national coffee export revenues from the current Shs 9 trillion mark to a staggering Shs 20 trillion ($5.3 billion) by 2030. 
Market-leading exporters are heavily backing this trajectory. Commenting on the market momentum, institutional exporters like Ugacof (Sucafina)—which commands the largest single market share of Uganda&#039;s coffee shipments—emphasize that the fundamentals are stronger than ever. However, capitalizing on this growth requires moving fast on climate resilience

&quot;Uganda&#039;s ambition to raise annual production to 20 million bags by 2030 is highly achievable, but our next frontier must be farm technology,&quot; notes Jeremy Mpalampa, Regional General Manager at Volcafe. &quot;Expanding irrigation infrastructure is critical to shielding our high-yielding coffee basins from weather shocks and securing consistent global supply.&quot;
For institutional investors within the East African Community and international markets, the real strategic play isn&#039;t just buying raw green coffee—it is capitalizing on Uganda&#039;s transition from an extractive commodity exporter to an industrial processor. The government is aggressively incentivizing Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into local processing, soluble coffee manufacturing, and domestic branding.
This shift is a core pillar of Uganda&#039;s wider industrialization and job-creation strategy. By capturing the value-add segment of the supply chain on African soil rather than exporting raw margins to Europe or Asia, the returns available to early-mover investors are highly lucrative
&quot;Coffee is not simply a crop for Uganda,&quot; emphasizes Hon. Desire Muhooza, Minister of State for Agriculture. &quot;It represents a national commitment and a long-term ambition to produce more, produce better, and share Uganda’s coffee excellence with the world.&quot;
Supported by a coordinated commercial diplomacy push led by Mr. Vincent Bagiire Waiswa (Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs), Uganda has proven it is no longer a passive supplier vulnerable to market whims. Backed by regional integration policies under the EAC designed to slash logistics bottlenecks, the country is delivering a hyper-competitive origin built for the future of global commodities. 
The global coffee landscape has permanently shifted. The King of Robusta is open for business, and the smartest institutional capital is already moving in. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://jajjanews.com/uploads/images/202610/image_870x580_6ac1ffa2ef954.jpg" length="57224" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sun, 04 Oct 2026 10:30:38 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
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<title>REVENUE CRISIS: Local Leaders on Notice Over Failing Targets!</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/revenue-crisis-local-leaders-on-notice-over-failing-targets-274</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/revenue-crisis-local-leaders-on-notice-over-failing-targets-274</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Ministry of Local Government (MOLG) has challenged local technical and political leaders to build financially independent and resilient local governments capable of transforming Ugandan communities.
The call was made by the Permanent Secretary, Ben Kumumanya, in a message delivered by Onesmus Mulondo, the Finance Programme Management Specialist for Local Government Public Finance Management reforms. 

Mulondo was speaking on September 28, 2026, at Hotel Brovad in Masaka City during a regional training workshop for local leaders.
Kumumanya emphasized that fiscal decentralization was never meant to create permanent dependency on the central government. Instead, it was designed to empower districts to drive local economic development using local resources.

“With the growing public demands for better roads, clean water, education, and improved health care, we must generate our own resources to meet these expectations,” Kumumanya stated.
To curb revenue leakages caused by cash collections, the Permanent Secretary advised finance managers to embrace complete digitalization. He also cautioned against overtaxing existing small businesses, urging leaders to diversify their revenue streams instead.

“This will be possible if you map out property valuations, explore local tourism potential, formalize public markets, and leverage public-private partnerships to build commercial assets,” he noted.
Kumumanya stressed that revenue collection must be entirely data-driven, requiring comprehensive taxpayer registration and regular updates to revenue registers. He further warned technical officers that future renewals of their performance contracts will strictly depend on their ability to meet local revenue targets.

“We will no longer tolerate passive leaders who watch local revenue decline while blaming the centre for budget cuts,” Kumumanya warned, adding that building taxpayer confidence requires accountability and visible service delivery.
The five-day training workshop, facilitated by revenue consultant Patrick Kandole, is part of a broader MOLG initiative to develop Revenue Enhancement Plans (REPs) and support the implementation of the Local Government Revenue Mobilisation Strategy (LG-RMS).

By the end of the workshop, participants are expected to produce comprehensive local revenue profiles, annual targets, and realistic projections. 

Similar regional training workshops are scheduled to take place in Lira, Moroto, Mbale, and Mbarara.

The Ministry of Local Government (MOLG) is pushing local governments to transition away from central government dependency and achieve fiscal sustainability to meet the rising demand for public services (roads, water, health, and education).
Finance managers have been directed to transition to complete digitalization to eliminate revenue leakages associated with physical cash collection.

To boost collections without overtaxing small businesses, local leaders must build updated, comprehensive taxpayer registers. Growth strategies include property valuations, tourism mapping, formalizing public markets, and launching public-private partnerships (PPPs).

Performance contract renewals for local leaders will now be directly tied to meeting local revenue targets. Passive management will no some longer be tolerated.

The ongoing five-day training at Hotel Brovad—led by consultant Patrick Kandole—will equip leaders to draft Revenue Enhancement Plans (REPs). Participants will exit with clear revenue profiles, targets, and monitoring frameworks.
This initiative supports the wider Local Government Revenue Mobilisation Strategy (LG-RMS), with subsequent regional rollouts planned for Lira, Moroto, Mbale, and Mbarara. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://jajjanews.com/uploads/images/202607/image_870x580_6a6874740e822.jpg" length="80097" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Wed, 30 Sep 2026 14:34:44 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
<media:keywords></media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Neglected and at Risk: Uganda&amp;apos;s 2.6 Million Elderly Face Mounting Crises</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/neglected-and-at-risk-ugandas-26-million-elderly-face-mounting-crises</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/neglected-and-at-risk-ugandas-26-million-elderly-face-mounting-crises</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Ahead of the International Day of Older Persons on October 1, 2026, the Minister of State for Elderly Affairs, Hon. Jacqueline Mbabazi (MP), has delivered a striking media statement exposing severe systemic deficits and rising elder abuse in Uganda.
Uganda&#039;s population of citizens aged 60 and above has reached 2.6 million as of mid-2026. However, official reviews against international frameworks like the 1982 Vienna and 2002 Madrid action plans reveal that Uganda’s progress requires a urgent &quot;tripling of efforts.&quot;
The Stark Realities
Minister Mbabazi highlighted critical gaps threatening the survival and dignity of Uganda&#039;s elderly population saying a staggering 1.64 million households are headed by elderly persons, who carry the immense burden of caring for 5.9 million dependents—predominantly orphans and vulnerable children.
She further stressed 82% of reported elder abuse perpetrators are relatives. Common violations include financial exploitation, physical neglect, and aggressive land grabbing.
The minister also identified Medical Void as challenge to elderly persons. Uganda employs only one Geriatrician and four Social Gerontologists in the public sector to serve the entire 2.6 million elderly population. Furthermore, 95.5% of older persons have no health insurance, forcing those under the SAGE grant to spend over 30% of their modest allowances strictly on out-of-pocket healthcare.
Roughly 99% of households headed by older persons lack friendly sit-latrines, forcing frail citizens to use physically demanding squat-pits.
Despite a 10% allocation reserved for older persons under the Parish Development Model (PDM), actual access remains below 3% due to deep-seated ageism and lender biases.
Government Interventions &amp; &quot;Dignity&quot; Theme
This year’s national commemoration will be held under the theme: &quot;Ageing with Dignity: Strengthening Care and Support Systems.&quot;
To counter these systemic issues, the government is highlighting ongoing social safety nets:
SAGE Grant: Paid income support to 318,649 older persons (primarily those aged 80+) during FY 2025/2026.
SEGOP Grant: Active since FY 2022/2023, the Special Enterprise Grant has benefited 18,631 individuals aged 60–79 across 2,948 groups, distributing up to UGX 5 million per group for productive livelihoods.
Systemic Overhauls: The Ministry is actively developing an Elder Abuse Reduction Programme to tighten reporting and prosecution channels.

The 2026 International Day of Older Persons will take place virtually tomorrow, Thursday, October 1, 2026, at State House, Entebbe.
His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni will preside over the event as Chief Guest. Due to structural guidelines, the event will be broadcast &quot;scientifically&quot; across nationwide television, radio, and digital media platforms. Minister Mbabazi called on families, local governments, and the press to reject ageism and treat elderly citizens not as passive burdens, but as vital custodians of the nation&#039;s heritage. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://jajjanews.com/uploads/images/202609/image_870x580_6abcf70b00f27.jpg" length="84825" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Wed, 30 Sep 2026 14:32:32 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
<media:keywords></media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Inside the Quest to Unlock the Ankole’s Hidden Dairy Potential</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/inside-the-quest-to-unlock-the-ankoles-hidden-dairy-potential</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/inside-the-quest-to-unlock-the-ankoles-hidden-dairy-potential</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Uganda’s iconic Ankole Longhorn cattle are undergoing a revolutionary transformation at the Nshaara Conservation Ranch in Kiruhura district. 

Experts from the National Animal Genetic Resources Centre and Data Bank (NAGRC&amp;DB) are successfully boosting milk yields using systematic genetic selection and improved nutrition—all while keeping the breed 100% pure.
Rather than crossbreeding with exotic European varieties, scientists are proving that the key to Uganda&#039;s dairy future might already be coded in the DNA of its most ancient breed.
For centuries, the Ankole Longhorn has been celebrated for its majestic, sweeping horns and its legendary resilience against harsh landscapes, ticks, and droughts. However, when it came to commercial dairy production, they were traditionally sidelined. A standard Ankole cow typically yields an average of just 2 litres of milk during a morning milking.
To satisfy a growing demand for milk, the standard industry practice has long been crossbreeding indigenous cows with exotic genetics like Frisians. But three years ago, NAGRC&amp;DB decided to chart a completely different course.
&quot;We are not trying to turn the Ankole into an exotic dairy cow,&quot; explains Dr. Innocent Tuwangye, Manager of Nshaara Conservation Ranch. &quot;We are identifying superior dairy traits that already exist within the pure Ankole population and systematically selecting and multiplying those genetics.&quot; [1]

By screening the existing herd at Nshaara and bringing in superior genetics from other recognized sources—such as the Kisozi Ankole Longhorn conservation herd—the team began an intensive program of &quot;insourcing&quot; excellence. They prioritized milk yield, lactation length, udder shape, and short calving intervals to find the ultimate indigenous dairy queen.
			
			
			
			
In just a short window, the herd witnessed a massive 65.4 percent surge in average daily productivity. On an individual level, selected cows are now regularly clocking 5 to 10 litres in a single morning session, with exceptional standouts hitting up to 12 litres. One absolute superstar cow even achieved a peak morning yield of 14 litres.
The project quickly revealed that elite genetics mean very little without the fuel to back them up. To ensure the cows could actually express their newfound genetic potential, Nshaara upgraded its nutritional game, supplementing traditional pasture grazing with high-quality hay and silage grown right on the ranch.
&quot;Our records are increasingly showing us that breeding and feeding must move together,&quot; notes Dr. Peter Beine, Executive Director of NAGRC&amp;DB. &quot;Selection identifies the animal with superior genetic potential, but nutrition determines how effectively that potential is expressed.&quot;
The ultimate objective at Nshaara is no longer about celebrating a few isolated, exceptional animals. The focus has officially shifted to cementing these traits so they pass reliably from generation to generation. By choosing breeding bulls whose mothers were proven high-producers, NAGRC&amp;DB is ensuring that the daughters of tomorrow inherit the high-yielding traits naturally.
What started out as an experiment to find a few unique cows is fast becoming a blueprint for national food security. It proves that Uganda doesn&#039;t need to replace its cultural icon to feed its future; it just needs to let the Ankole do what it does best—adapt, survive, and now, produce. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://jajjanews.com/uploads/images/202609/image_870x580_6abc31fed06e9.jpg" length="108020" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Wed, 30 Sep 2026 00:48:25 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
<media:keywords></media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Inside the Quest to Unlock the Ankole’s Hidden Dairy Potential</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/inside-the-quest-to-unlock-the-ankoles-hidden-dairy-potential-270</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/inside-the-quest-to-unlock-the-ankoles-hidden-dairy-potential-270</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Uganda’s iconic Ankole Longhorn cattle are undergoing a revolutionary transformation at the Nshaara Conservation Ranch in Kiruhura district. 

Experts from the National Animal Genetic Resources Centre and Data Bank (NAGRC&amp;DB) are successfully boosting milk yields using systematic genetic selection and improved nutrition—all while keeping the breed 100% pure.
Rather than crossbreeding with exotic European varieties, scientists are proving that the key to Uganda&#039;s dairy future might already be coded in the DNA of its most ancient breed.
For centuries, the Ankole Longhorn has been celebrated for its majestic, sweeping horns and its legendary resilience against harsh landscapes, ticks, and droughts. However, when it came to commercial dairy production, they were traditionally sidelined. A standard Ankole cow typically yields an average of just 2 litres of milk during a morning milking.
To satisfy a growing demand for milk, the standard industry practice has long been crossbreeding indigenous cows with exotic genetics like Frisians. But three years ago, NAGRC&amp;DB decided to chart a completely different course.
&quot;We are not trying to turn the Ankole into an exotic dairy cow,&quot; explains Dr. Innocent Tuwangye, Manager of Nshaara Conservation Ranch. &quot;We are identifying superior dairy traits that already exist within the pure Ankole population and systematically selecting and multiplying those genetics.&quot; [1]

By screening the existing herd at Nshaara and bringing in superior genetics from other recognized sources—such as the Kisozi Ankole Longhorn conservation herd—the team began an intensive program of &quot;insourcing&quot; excellence. They prioritized milk yield, lactation length, udder shape, and short calving intervals to find the ultimate indigenous dairy queen.
			
			
			
			
In just a short window, the herd witnessed a massive 65.4 percent surge in average daily productivity. On an individual level, selected cows are now regularly clocking 5 to 10 litres in a single morning session, with exceptional standouts hitting up to 12 litres. One absolute superstar cow even achieved a peak morning yield of 14 litres.
The project quickly revealed that elite genetics mean very little without the fuel to back them up. To ensure the cows could actually express their newfound genetic potential, Nshaara upgraded its nutritional game, supplementing traditional pasture grazing with high-quality hay and silage grown right on the ranch.
&quot;Our records are increasingly showing us that breeding and feeding must move together,&quot; notes Dr. Peter Beine, Executive Director of NAGRC&amp;DB. &quot;Selection identifies the animal with superior genetic potential, but nutrition determines how effectively that potential is expressed.&quot;
The ultimate objective at Nshaara is no longer about celebrating a few isolated, exceptional animals. The focus has officially shifted to cementing these traits so they pass reliably from generation to generation. By choosing breeding bulls whose mothers were proven high-producers, NAGRC&amp;DB is ensuring that the daughters of tomorrow inherit the high-yielding traits naturally.
What started out as an experiment to find a few unique cows is fast becoming a blueprint for national food security. It proves that Uganda doesn&#039;t need to replace its cultural icon to feed its future; it just needs to let the Ankole do what it does best—adapt, survive, and now, produce. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://jajjanews.com/uploads/images/202609/image_870x580_6abc31fed06e9.jpg" length="108020" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Tue, 29 Sep 2026 21:32:59 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
<media:keywords></media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Minister Demands 100% Registration as Uganda Hits 78% Milestone</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/minister-demands-100-registration-as-uganda-hits-78-milestone</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/minister-demands-100-registration-as-uganda-hits-78-milestone</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ A national ID is more than just a card or a number; it is the absolute foundation of Uganda’s national security, economic planning, and human dignity.
That was the heavy reality delivered by Internal Affairs Minister Ephraim Kamuntu at the launch of the inaugural My Identity Expo and Symposium 2026. Organised by the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA), the milestone event coincided with exactly 100 years since Uganda&#039;s official borders were mapped.
&quot;If You Don&#039;t Have Numbers, You Cannot Plan&quot;
Minister Kamuntu pulled no punches regarding the critical link between data and development. While acknowledging NIRA&#039;s progress in capturing 36.2 million Ugandans (78.8% of the population), he insisted there is no room for complacency.
&quot;This is okay, but you cannot rest,&quot; Kamuntu urged NIRA, demanding a relentless push toward 100% universal registration. &quot;Unless you have accurate population data, the state cannot plan. If you don&#039;t have numbers, you cannot aim for something you don&#039;t know.&quot;
Without a legal identity, citizens are locked out of the modern economy. Kamuntu noted that a national ID is mandatory to open bank accounts, enroll in schools, and receive healthcare.
Vote, secure driving permits, and obtain passports and tap into state initiatives like the Parish Development Model (PDM) and youth livelihood projects.
&quot;You cannot be identified as a Ugandan unless you are registered,&quot; Kamuntu added, noting that accurate data is the backbone of border control, law enforcement, and fair resource allocation.
NIRA Board Vice Chairperson Benny Namugwanya anchored the conversation around human dignity and United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 16.9, which targets legal identity for all by 2030.
&quot;Every person has the right to be recognised as a person before the law,&quot; Namugwanya said. &quot;Identity is fundamental to human dignity.&quot;
However, reaching the remaining 21.2% of the population will require breaking down systemic barriers. Namugwanya called for a targeted, aggressive focus on Uganda’s most vulnerable groups, including children and older persons,People with disabilities and remote, hard-to-reach communities
As digital technology reshapes public services, Namugwanya emphasized that Uganda&#039;s identity system must remain secure, trusted, and strictly protective of personal data.
NIRA’s mandate extends far beyond IDs—it covers the lifecycle of civil registration, including births, deaths, adoptions, and marriages for both citizens and legal foreign residents. But Namugwanya warned that NIRA cannot bridge the remaining gap in isolation.
&quot;Universal legal identity cannot be achieved by the authority alone,&quot; she concluded. &quot;It requires collaboration across government, Parliament, civil society, the private sector, and local communities.&quot; ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://jajjanews.com/uploads/images/202609/image_870x580_6abc1a12819a4.jpg" length="134858" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Tue, 29 Sep 2026 20:40:06 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
<media:keywords></media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>TOORO KINGDOM DECLARES  NINE  DAYS OF  TEARS</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/tooro-kingdom-declares-nine-days-of-tears</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/tooro-kingdom-declares-nine-days-of-tears</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Tooro Kingdom has declared nine days of mourning following the death of King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba before he is buried.
Thousands of King Oyo Kabamba  friends,relatives and subjects  cried  and mourned  on seeing the late Kings casket arrive in their community .
Many could not hold back their tears as the procession carrying the remains of King Oyo passed through the streets, reflecting the deep grief that has gripped the kingdom following his death.
President Yoweri Museveni, who has been very instrumental in  King Oyo’s life since childhood could not control his emotions as he received the body earlier at Entebbe International Airport
In a message following the arrival, Museveni recalled the efforts made to secure specialized treatment for the king after the Queen Mother informed him of Oyo’s illness in November 2025.
“Today, I received the body of His Majesty King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, at Entebbe International Airport. The Queen Mother first informed me of his illness in November 2025, and we supported efforts to secure specialised treatment for him in Germany and later in the United States. Unfortunately, he died,” Museveni said.
The President described King Oyo as a good person and leader whose death was a great loss to the people of Tooro and Uganda.
“Throughout his reign as King of Tooro, Oyo was a good person and a good leader. His passing is a great loss to the people of Tooro and Uganda,” he said.
Museveni urged the people of Tooro to remain calm and maintain order during the mourning period.
“I encourage the people of Tooro to remain calm and avoid disorganisation, even in this difficult time,” he said.
The arrival of King Oyo’s remains at Karuziika Palace marked another solemn chapter in the farewell to a monarch who ascended the Tooro throne as a child and became one of Uganda’s most recognisable traditional leaders.
Across Kyegegwa and Fort Portal, the scenes of grief underscored the profound sense of loss among the people of Tooro as they gathered to bid farewell to their king.
Meanwhile the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda–Tooro Chapter has called for calm and unity in Tooro Kingdom as the kingdom observes its traditions to identify the rightful heir to Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.
Omukama Oyo died last week at age 34 in the United States, where he was receiving treatment.
In a condolence statement issued by Rt. Rev. Dr. Robert Muhiirwa, bishop of Fort Portal Catholic Diocese and chairperson of the Tooro Inter-Religious Council, the council said the transition should honor the continuity that the late king had assured the kingdom.
The call comes as the kingdom faces a succession struggle.
While announcing the king’s death on Aug. 27, Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire, the kingdom’s prime minister, said the king had left a prince as his heir. But Omusuga Charles Kamurasi, head of the royal Babiito clan, has maintained that the king left no heir.
The religious leaders also called on all faith communities to unite in prayer for the peaceful repose of the late king’s soul and to offer comfort to the royal family and the people of Tooro during the mourning period.
The council described King Oyo as a monarch who dedicated his reign to the service of the King of Kings and treated every religious community with equal respect.
They explained that the late king’s spirit of inclusion strengthened harmony across the kingdom and provided a firm foundation for interfaith cooperation.
The council also remembered King Oyo for his advocacy for service delivery, commitment to environmental protection, promotion of tourism and his emphasis on mindset change, strong families and education among the youth. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="" length="134858" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Tue, 29 Sep 2026 19:08:21 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
<media:keywords></media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>TOORO KINGDOM DECLARES  NINE  DAYS OF  TEARS</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/tooro-kingdom-declares-nine-days-of-tears</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/tooro-kingdom-declares-nine-days-of-tears</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Tooro Kingdom has declared nine days of mourning following the death of King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba before he is buried.
Thousands of King Oyo Kabamba  friends,relatives and subjects  cried  and mourned  on seeing the late Kings casket arrive in their community .
Many could not hold back their tears as the procession carrying the remains of King Oyo passed through the streets, reflecting the deep grief that has gripped the kingdom following his death.
President Yoweri Museveni, who has been very instrumental in  King Oyo’s life since childhood could not control his emotions as he received the body earlier at Entebbe International Airport
In a message following the arrival, Museveni recalled the efforts made to secure specialized treatment for the king after the Queen Mother informed him of Oyo’s illness in November 2025.
“Today, I received the body of His Majesty King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, at Entebbe International Airport. The Queen Mother first informed me of his illness in November 2025, and we supported efforts to secure specialised treatment for him in Germany and later in the United States. Unfortunately, he died,” Museveni said.
The President described King Oyo as a good person and leader whose death was a great loss to the people of Tooro and Uganda.
“Throughout his reign as King of Tooro, Oyo was a good person and a good leader. His passing is a great loss to the people of Tooro and Uganda,” he said.
Museveni urged the people of Tooro to remain calm and maintain order during the mourning period.
“I encourage the people of Tooro to remain calm and avoid disorganisation, even in this difficult time,” he said.
The arrival of King Oyo’s remains at Karuziika Palace marked another solemn chapter in the farewell to a monarch who ascended the Tooro throne as a child and became one of Uganda’s most recognisable traditional leaders.
Across Kyegegwa and Fort Portal, the scenes of grief underscored the profound sense of loss among the people of Tooro as they gathered to bid farewell to their king.
Meanwhile the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda–Tooro Chapter has called for calm and unity in Tooro Kingdom as the kingdom observes its traditions to identify the rightful heir to Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.
Omukama Oyo died last week at age 34 in the United States, where he was receiving treatment.
In a condolence statement issued by Rt. Rev. Dr. Robert Muhiirwa, bishop of Fort Portal Catholic Diocese and chairperson of the Tooro Inter-Religious Council, the council said the transition should honor the continuity that the late king had assured the kingdom.
The call comes as the kingdom faces a succession struggle.
While announcing the king’s death on Aug. 27, Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire, the kingdom’s prime minister, said the king had left a prince as his heir. But Omusuga Charles Kamurasi, head of the royal Babiito clan, has maintained that the king left no heir.
The religious leaders also called on all faith communities to unite in prayer for the peaceful repose of the late king’s soul and to offer comfort to the royal family and the people of Tooro during the mourning period.
The council described King Oyo as a monarch who dedicated his reign to the service of the King of Kings and treated every religious community with equal respect.
They explained that the late king’s spirit of inclusion strengthened harmony across the kingdom and provided a firm foundation for interfaith cooperation.
The council also remembered King Oyo for his advocacy for service delivery, commitment to environmental protection, promotion of tourism and his emphasis on mindset change, strong families and education among the youth. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="" length="134858" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Tue, 29 Sep 2026 19:08:21 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
<media:keywords></media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>TOORO KINGDOM DECLARES  NINE  DAYS OF  TEARS</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/tooro-kingdom-declares-nine-days-of-tears-256</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/tooro-kingdom-declares-nine-days-of-tears-256</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Tooro Kingdom has declared nine days of mourning following the death of King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba before he is buried.
Thousands of King Oyo Kabamba  friends,relatives and subjects  cried  and mourned  on seeing the late Kings casket arrive in their community .
Many could not hold back their tears as the procession carrying the remains of King Oyo passed through the streets, reflecting the deep grief that has gripped the kingdom following his death.
President Yoweri Museveni, who has been very instrumental in  King Oyo’s life since childhood could not control his emotions as he received the body earlier at Entebbe International Airport
In a message following the arrival, Museveni recalled the efforts made to secure specialized treatment for the king after the Queen Mother informed him of Oyo’s illness in November 2025.
“Today, I received the body of His Majesty King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, at Entebbe International Airport. The Queen Mother first informed me of his illness in November 2025, and we supported efforts to secure specialised treatment for him in Germany and later in the United States. Unfortunately, he died,” Museveni said.
The President described King Oyo as a good person and leader whose death was a great loss to the people of Tooro and Uganda.
“Throughout his reign as King of Tooro, Oyo was a good person and a good leader. His passing is a great loss to the people of Tooro and Uganda,” he said.
Museveni urged the people of Tooro to remain calm and maintain order during the mourning period.
“I encourage the people of Tooro to remain calm and avoid disorganisation, even in this difficult time,” he said.
The arrival of King Oyo’s remains at Karuziika Palace marked another solemn chapter in the farewell to a monarch who ascended the Tooro throne as a child and became one of Uganda’s most recognisable traditional leaders.
Across Kyegegwa and Fort Portal, the scenes of grief underscored the profound sense of loss among the people of Tooro as they gathered to bid farewell to their king.
Meanwhile the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda–Tooro Chapter has called for calm and unity in Tooro Kingdom as the kingdom observes its traditions to identify the rightful heir to Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.
Omukama Oyo died last week at age 34 in the United States, where he was receiving treatment.
In a condolence statement issued by Rt. Rev. Dr. Robert Muhiirwa, bishop of Fort Portal Catholic Diocese and chairperson of the Tooro Inter-Religious Council, the council said the transition should honor the continuity that the late king had assured the kingdom.
The call comes as the kingdom faces a succession struggle.
While announcing the king’s death on Aug. 27, Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire, the kingdom’s prime minister, said the king had left a prince as his heir. But Omusuga Charles Kamurasi, head of the royal Babiito clan, has maintained that the king left no heir.
The religious leaders also called on all faith communities to unite in prayer for the peaceful repose of the late king’s soul and to offer comfort to the royal family and the people of Tooro during the mourning period.
The council described King Oyo as a monarch who dedicated his reign to the service of the King of Kings and treated every religious community with equal respect.
They explained that the late king’s spirit of inclusion strengthened harmony across the kingdom and provided a firm foundation for interfaith cooperation.
The council also remembered King Oyo for his advocacy for service delivery, commitment to environmental protection, promotion of tourism and his emphasis on mindset change, strong families and education among the youth. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="" length="134858" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Tue, 29 Sep 2026 19:08:21 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
<media:keywords></media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>UBOS SIGNS MOU WITH  CULTURAL INSITUTIONS   TO STRENGTHEN PRODUCTION OF STATISTICS</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/ubos-signs-mou-with-samia-bugwe-and-tieng-adhola-cultural-insitutions</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/ubos-signs-mou-with-samia-bugwe-and-tieng-adhola-cultural-insitutions</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) has signed Fresh Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Samia Bugwe and Tieng Adhola cultural institutions to strengthen the production, dissemination and use of official statistics for informed decision-making and development.
The agreements were  signed in Kampala formalising the  collaborations in collecting, managing, validating and using statistical information to guide planning and governance within their communities.
UBOS Executive Director Dr Chris Mukiza  said the partnership is expected to strengthen the capacity of the cultural institutions to generate administrative data, particularly on vital statistics such as births and deaths, while ensuring that the information is consistent with national statistical standards.
He commended the two institutions for embracing evidence-based governance saying the initiative builds on UBOS’ collaboration with other cultural institutions, particularly the Buganda Kingdom, with which the bureau started working in 2022.
“Your dedicated interest in this initiative to run your cultural institutions based on evidence—producing and generating high-quality statistics—is commendable,” Mukiza said.
Mukiza said UBOS  is going to engage  other cultural institutions, including Bunyoro-Kitara, Enzurur, Ujamaa, Lango and Teso, as part of efforts to strengthen statistical systems within cultural institutions and pledged commitment to  supporting the two institutions to develop strategic plans for statistical data collection and management.
“Once we formalise our agreement through signing the MOU, the real work begins. Our goal is to generate reliable data that will support your governance and lead your communities toward prosperity,” he said.
Mukiza however  urged the cultural institutions to submit the data generated through their administrative systems to UBOS’ central statistical repository to support comprehensive national planning.
Mukiza explained that UBOS’ mandate goes beyond conducting population censuses, noting that the bureau also conducts surveys, collects administrative data and uses modern technologies such as big-data analytics and web scraping.
Tieng Adhola Prime Minister Mr Obbo Richard Josel described the partnership as an important step towards strengthening evidence-based decision-making within cultural institutions and the country.
He said statistics were critical in informing decisions at different levels of governance.
Obbo recalled previous concerns over population census coverage, saying his household had been missed during an earlier census, which raised questions about the accuracy of the resulting statistics.
However, he commended UBOS for improvements in mapping and census coverage during the most recent census.
“I want to thank you and your team that the mapping was better… because if you don’t count some of us, you would have lost probably what you should have added to the statistics of the country,” he said.
Obbo said Tieng Adhola would use the partnership to collect data beyond births and deaths, noting that the cultural institution deals with several issues affecting its people.
He said the institution was also interested in reliable data on its population by clan, given that its leadership structures are closely linked to clans.
He expressed confidence that the partnership would build the institution’s capacity and strengthen its relationship with UBOS.
“We are confident that we will work together to build this relationship in leaps and bounds, but also to work in ensuring that many times we make decisions based on something that we can easily refer to,” Obbo said.
The partnership is expected to contribute to the gradual development of stronger administrative data systems within the two cultural institutions, while feeding reliable information into Uganda’s wider national statistical system
Charles Wabuire Wadenya, Deputy Prime Minister of Bugwe Kingdom, welcomed the partnership, saying it would help address the capacity challenges facing the cultural institution.
He said Bugwe was ready to work with UBOS and benefit from the bureau’s technical support to strengthen its ability to generate and manage statistics.
“For our part, we lack capacity, but you have already offered that,” Wadenya said.
He also called for consideration of the financial challenges facing cultural institutions, saying adequate resources would be important to enable staff to effectively produce the required statistics.
Wadenya said the partnership would contribute not only to the development of Bugwe Kingdom but also to national development.
He said the kingdom had reviewed the MoU several times and was satisfied with its provisions before signing the agreement.
Meanwhile UBOS Head of Department, Outreach and Quality Assurance, Lydia Namono, asked  cultural insitutions to ensure timely submission of data generated through their administrative systems, including information on births and deaths stressing that the collboration will support UBOS in publicity, social advocacy, public  education programme 
 “UBOS will provide training and capacity building to enable officials within the cultural institutions to understand, interpret and use statistics effectively.The bureau will also support the organisation and validation of administrative data to ensure that it conforms to national and international statistical concepts and standards,”Namono explained.
According to her collaboration between the cultural institutions and local governments will reduce discrepancies in official statistics and  urged the cultural institutions to work closely with the respective districts because existing district development plans already incorporate vital statistics.
“It will  not be appropriate for your data to conflict with district data—for example, reporting 50 deaths when the district reports only 30. Such discrepancies are unacceptable,” she said. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://jajjanews.com/uploads/images/202609/image_870x580_6a9bf64b71f3e.jpg" length="67572" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sat, 05 Sep 2026 13:39:44 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
<media:keywords></media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>PARLIAMENT APPROVES SHS18.8BILLION TAX WAIVER FOR EACOP CONTRACTOR ACCUSED OF ISSUING BOUNCED CHEQUES</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/parliament-approves-shs188billion-tax-waiver-for-eacop-contractor-accused-of-issuing-bounced-cheques</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/parliament-approves-shs188billion-tax-waiver-for-eacop-contractor-accused-of-issuing-bounced-cheques</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Parliament has granted a tax waiver of Shs18 Billion to EACOP contractor NewPlan Limited, amidst criminal accusations against the company for issuing 26 dishonoured cheques worth Shs8.6 billion to Uganda Revenue Authority (URA).
The waiver was approved during the September 2, 2026 plenary sitting, following presentation of a report by Maximus Ochai, Chairperson of Parliament’s Finance Committee.
According to the Ministry of Finance, NewPlan Limited’s principal tax was Shs9,428,371,182, which attracted a penalty of Shs600,000 and interest of Shs9,434,925,492, bringing the total to Shs18,863,696,674.
When URA attempted to recover part of the arrears, NewPlan issued 23 dishonoured cheques amounting to Shs8,698,430,404, prompting URA to place a caveat on one of the company’s properties and seal off its premises.
Ochai noted that the company’s net worth had collapsed into negative territory, with limited residual assets after forced realisation by the bank.
“The Company’s net worth has collapsed into deeply negative territory, residual assets appear limited after forced realization by the bank, and further conventional recovery is unlikely to be cost-effective. These factors are consistent with a finding of hardship and of undue difficulty or excessive cost of recovery,” Ochai said.
“In light of the foregoing, the committee recommends that Parliament approves the request for a waiver of tax arrears for NewPlan Limited amounting to Shs18,835,401,578 in accordance with Section 43 of the Tax Procedures Code Act, Cap. 343.”
Minister of State for Industry David Bahati appealed to Parliament to approve the waiver, arguing NewPlan is among the few Ugandan companies in the oil and gas sector.
“Uganda has struggled so hard to have local content, especially in the oil and gas sector. You are competing with billion-dollar companies in that sector. For us who are interacting with business people, if you get out and see how difficult it is joining the oil and gas sector, the limiting factors of money, and you see this one struggling, the easiest option is to give a waiver and help this company start afresh,” Bahati said.
The Opposition, in a minority report authored by Lubowa Gyaviira (Nyendo-Mukungwe Division) and Paul Mwiru (Jinja South East), rejected the waiver, citing evidence that the company engaged in criminal acts.
They noted that URA had preferred criminal charges over the bounced cheques, but the Committee was never updated on the progress of the prosecution.
The Opposition also cited an instance when URA attempted to attach land titles owned by NewPlan and its Chairman in Namawojjolo and Walusubi, but the company instead subdivided and cancelled the mother titles, an action they argued was intended to defeat URA’s recovery efforts.
“While URA successfully placed a caveat on the land located in Pallisa, NewPlan has never provided the original title as requested. Based on the above, it is clear that the company and its Chairman do not act in good faith. Their collective acts amount to dishonesty, malicious and criminal intention. These vices cannot be addressed by a tax waiver. Granting of a waiver would amount to condoning irregular conduct,” Gyaviira noted.
The minority report argued that NewPlan’s woes stem not from market volatility but from governance and decision-making failures, including undertaking pro bono work for the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) without a contract.
“In the statement of the Minister of State for Planning, it was clearly indicated that the company is faced with adverse liquidity risk and expressed doubt of its ability to continue as a going concern. Therefore, a tax waiver cannot resuscitate it, nor is it proper for a tax waiver to be awarded to a company that is not a going concern,” Gyaviira said.
Kassanda North  Mp Patrick Nsamba questioned how Parliament could entertain a waiver request from a company last audited five years ago.
“A company that has no audit report cannot convince this Parliament that it deserves a tax waiver,” Nsamba said.
Based on audited and draft financials for 2019 to 2021, the company’s net worth declined from a positive Shs3.69 billion in 2019 to a negative Shs8.4 billion in 2020, before plunging to a negative Shs20.17 billion in 2021.
Sheema Municipality MP Dickson Kateshumbwa argued that oil and gas is a sector where Parliament is pushing local content, yet NewPlan had three contracts terminated.
“If you look at the service providers in the oil and gas sector and major contractors, they are actually foreign companies. It is on very rare occasions that we have had Ugandans successfully participate. Unless we do not love this country or we do not want to support Ugandans participating in oil and gas, we believe Government should support such a case,” Kateshumbwa said.
However, Asanasi Nyakato Hoima City Woman MP opposed the waiver on grounds of equity, citing businesses that collapsed during COVID-19 after accumulating tax arrears.
“The issue of equity is very important. Time and again, we have seen tax waivers come to this Parliament, and the people who are coming to be waived are rich people. Many Ugandans during COVID-19 experienced the same,” Nyakato said.
Samuel Opio Kole North warned that granting the waiver would open floodgates for similar requests.
“You are saying this company was in a loss position, persistent losses. There is a possibility that this loss should be audited to ascertain the actual amount. If we allow only waiver for this one, schools will come, they were also affected, but they are paying taxes,” Opio said.
NewPlan Limited joined the league of companies that have benefited from tax waivers after writing to President Museveni on February 19, 2025, requesting urgent intervention to halt auctioning of its property by dfcu Bank over Shs11.2 billion loan obtained to execute oil and gas projects in the Albertine region.
Parliament learnt that although NewPlan’s total tax liability as of March 2025 was Shs18.86 billion, URA later updated the ledger to Shs19,158,750,604 as of August 4, 2026, after additional arrears of Shs295 million.
NewPlan was registered in 1995 as NORPLAN, a joint venture between Omulen Lawrence Levy and NORPLAN Norway, but rebranded in 2008 to NewPlan Limited. According to Uganda Registration Services Bureau records as of August 2026, its shareholders are NewPlan Engineering Group Ltd (94%), Tukei Judith (3%) and Serukenya Isaac Wassan (3%). ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 04 Sep 2026 06:32:16 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
<media:keywords></media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>PRISON WARDER SENTENCED TO DEATH</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/prison-warder-sentenced-to-death</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/prison-warder-sentenced-to-death</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ High Court in Kiboga has sentenced prison warder Moses Anguyo to death for the shooting deaths of four people, including two fellow prison officers, a woman and her one-and-a-half-year-old son.
Judge Jane Okuo Kajuga handed down the sentence after finding that the murders were exceptionally brutal, involved multiple victims and were aggravated by the fact that Anguyo had used a firearm entrusted to him in the course of his duties.
Anguyo had pleaded guilty to four counts of murder, two counts of aggravated robbery and one count of threatening violence. The offences arose from a shooting spree in Kiboga on February 23, 2026.
The four murder victims were Assistant Superintendent of Prisons (ASP) Catherine Hope, Deputy Officer in Charge of Kiboga Government Prison; Principal Officer Akishuri Bright; Ayebare Sarah, wife of the prison’s Officer in Charge, Superintendent of Prisons Ivan Niwagaba; and her young son, Salson Niwagaba.
In her sentencing decision, Judge Kajuga said that life imprisonment would be sufficient punishment for the four murders.
“A life imprisonment sentence in that case may not be sufficient to address the crime and deter criminality.”
The judge described the murders as brutal and intentional, noting that the victims were unarmed and vulnerable.
According to the judge, Ayebare and her young son were inside a vehicle in the prison yard when Anguyo opened fire.
Ayebare according to evidence,  pleaded with him to spare her life and attempted to close the vehicle door, but he shot through the window before shooting her at close range.
The child, who was sitting on his mother’s lap and playing with a toy car, later died in hospital from his gunshot wounds.
Akishuri Bright, according to the court record, pleaded to be spared, while Catherine Hope fled and hid in a toilet. The court found that Anguyo pursued her and shot her while she was helpless and unarmed.
“The four were brutally and intentionally murdered. The attacks were precise, targeting vulnerable areas.”
The judge said the circumstances went beyond the fact that the victims had been shot, pointing to the deliberate selection of victims and the circumstances in which they were attacked.
“It is clear that the murders were motivated by, or demonstrated, hostility based purely on the place of origin of the victims, all of whom were from the west.”
The judge said such conduct was contrary to Article 21(3) of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom from discrimination on grounds including ethnic origin or tribe.
 In an emotional statement to court, Anguyo apologised to the families of the deceased, the prison fraternity, his wife, his children and the wider community.
He asked the court for mercy and said he was willing to take full responsibility for his actions.
The judge, however, found that the mitigation did not outweigh the aggravating circumstances.
“I am satisfied that neither the plea of guilt nor the remorse of the convict can mitigate the death sentence. The effects of the murder are far-reaching and have implications for the quality of output of those closely affected, including SP Niwagaba and Chief Wardress Babirye. This negatively affects work output. There is also a palpable fear of taking on responsibility within the prison service.”
“The country lost young, able-bodied professionals who would have contributed to its growth as prison officers and in other fields. The late Sarah was said to be an architect and an industrious person. The severe impact of the crime on the families and community is an aggravating factor in this case.”
The judge ruled that the only punishment that is fit for Anguyo was suffering death for the murder of four people. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 03 Sep 2026 10:05:48 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
<media:keywords></media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>GOVERNMENT SUSPENDS ISSUANCE OF  LAND TITLES</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/government-suspends-issuance-of-land-titles</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/government-suspends-issuance-of-land-titles</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Government has issued new guidelines to bring order, coordination, and accountability to land dispute management across Uganda.

At a press briefing at the Uganda Media Centre, Minister of Lands Hon. Judith Nabakooba announced Circular No. 1 of 2026. The directive takes immediate effect and applies to ministries, departments, and agencies; Resident District and City Commissioners; security forces; local governments; surveyors; and anyone else involved in land-dispute interventions.

The Minister said the circular was necessary to address the growing challenges posed by land disputes, which have led to violence, property loss, insecurity, disrupted investments, and an unnecessary backlog in courts and law enforcement agencies.

Under the new framework, no government official, security officer, surveyor, or private actor may intervene in a land dispute unless it is part of a lawful, coordinated, and fully documented process.

Strict Rules Against Unlawful Evictions and Demolitions

Minister Nabakooba stressed that no person may be evicted or any structures demolished based on personal influence, verbal instructions, administrative letters, or unverified documents.

Evictions and demolitions may proceed only under a lawful, verifiable court order issued through due process. They must also comply with all applicable legal safeguards, including Presidential Executive Order No. 2 of 2022.

Furthermore, government agencies must respect the courts’ authority when a dispute is already active. The Minister expressed concern about incidents in which security personnel are deployed, people are threatened, or occupants are removed while a court case is ongoing.

“If there is an ongoing court case, we don’t expect anything to be happening in an area where that dispute is,” Nabakooba said.

Mandatory Coordination for Security Deployments

The circular prohibits uncoordinated security deployments intended to influence possession or ownership of disputed land. However, the Minister clarified that police and other competent agencies must still intervene to protect lives and property, prevent violence, and preserve evidence.

All investigations, site visits (locus visits), field verifications, and security operations must now be formally coordinated with the relevant district or city security committees and fully documented.

New Controls on Site Visits and Surveys

To prevent abuse, non-court site visits on disputed land now require prior written approval from the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, as well as formal clearance from the district or city security committee. Nabakooba emphasised that the security committee must grant this clearance collectively, rather than an individual Resident District Commissioner acting alone.

Survey activities on disputed land must also be traceable and coordinated to ensure they are not used to confuse, dispossess, or disadvantage current occupants. The circular also explicitly states that private security guards have no authority to determine land ownership, enforce disputed claims, or carry out evictions.

Combating Corruption and Forum Shopping

The government is taking firm steps to end corruption and “forum shopping” the practice of bringing a dispute to multiple offices until a favourable ruling is found. Complainants and officials must use established referral channels. Solicitation, bribery, influence-peddling, abuse of office, and receipt of unauthorised benefits will result in strict disciplinary or criminal action.

To streamline this process, the Ministry will establish a dedicated land-dispute resolution desk. This desk will receive and coordinate eligible complaints, prevent duplication, and refer cases to the relevant agencies.

Timelines and Accountability

Every intervention must produce a verifiable report. Investigations assigned by the Minister must be completed within three months unless a different timeline is provided in writing. If an agency cannot take on an assignment, it must return the case within two weeks, accompanied by a written explanation.

Where permitted by law, a commissioner’s caveat may be lodged to protect disputed land while an inquiry or determination is in progress. All information received under the circular will be centrally recorded and kept confidential.

Call for Calm

The Minister instructed permanent secretaries, agency heads, security commanders, local authorities, and surveyors to distribute and enforce the circular promptly.

She urged members of the public involved in land disputes to remain calm, preserve their documents and evidence, avoid violence, and seek justice through lawful channels.

“The government’s position is clear: land disputes will no longer be handled by force, intimidation, parallel orders, or corruption,” Nabakooba said. “Every intervention must be lawful, coordinated, documented, and accountable.” ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 03 Sep 2026 09:52:39 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
<media:keywords></media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>PEARL SWEET: PRESIDENT MUSEVENI UNVEILS OFFICIAL NAME FOR UGANDA’S CRUDE OIL AHEAD OF FIRST PRODUCTION</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/pearl-sweet-president-museveni-unveils-official-name-for-ugandas-crude-oil-ahead-of-first-production</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/pearl-sweet-president-museveni-unveils-official-name-for-ugandas-crude-oil-ahead-of-first-production</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has unveiled “Pearl Sweet” as the official name of Uganda’s crude oil, ahead of the country’s anticipated first oil production.

President Museveni announced the name on today during a visit to the Kingfisher Oilfield in Buhuka, Kikuube District, where the Kingfisher Central Processing Facility (CPF) has reached mechanical completion, marking a major milestone in the development of the oilfield and Uganda’s transition towards commercial oil production.
“We are here to celebrate and give this baby (oil) a name. These people have told me to name this baby Pearl Sweet Petroleum. We call it sweet because it does not have sulphur. When it has sulphur, it is more expensive to remove the sulphur. This one either has little or no sulphur,” President Museveni said.

President Museveni said Uganda’s petroleum resources have the potential to significantly transform the country’s economy, provided they are managed strategically and linked to industrial development.

“The petroleum industry would push us very far,” the President said, pointing to the planned refinery and its potential to produce fuel for vehicles, aviation fuel and other petroleum products.
“So, what is happening here is not a joke. It will have a lot of implications,” President Museveni said.

The President said Uganda’s oil resources should not simply be viewed as a commodity for export, but as an opportunity to establish industries and strengthen the country’s productive capacity.
The President said Uganda still has significant petroleum potential in the Lake Albert region, noting that only about 40 per cent of the lake has so far been explored.

“The 6.5 billion barrels of oil that were confirmed only cover 40 per cent of Lake Albert. We still have 60 per cent to explore,” he said.
President Museveni thanked the oil sector partners, particularly TotalEnergies and CNOOC, for their contribution to Uganda’s petroleum development. 

He commended CNOOC for the pace of its work and urged the other partners to accelerate their activities.
“I want to thank CNOOC here because they have moved very fast. I want the others to also work very fast,” he said.
President Museveni also reiterated that Uganda will not flare associated gas produced from the Kingfisher field. Instead, the gas will be utilised to generate electricity and produce Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) for cooking.

“Here, we said no to flaring gas. We shall be using the gas to generate electricity, up to 80 megawatts at Kingfisher alone,” he said.
He said the planned 80-megawatt generation capacity would be equivalent to about half of the output of Nalubaale Power Station and could generate approximately $30 million annually for the project.

“The other gas will be condensed and turned into liquified petroleum gas for cooking,” President Museveni added.
Refinery remains a priority:
The President further emphasised that Uganda’s planned oil refinery remains a major priority despite the ongoing project of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP).

He said refining crude oil locally would help reduce the cost of petroleum products by eliminating significant transportation and transit costs associated with importing refined products.
“Our refinery will be one of the most profitable because, first of all, it’s far from the ocean and it does not have the transportation cost which imported oil has. When we refine our oil here, you don’t pay transit charges,” he said.
President Museveni said Uganda would save substantially by refining its crude domestically rather than transporting it to the Tanzanian coast.

“When we pump our crude to Tanga, we pay $12.77 per barrel just for transport. When we refine our oil here, we don’t pay that money. We shall no longer spend $2 billion importing petroleum,” he said.
“You can export some of the crude, but the refinery must get priority. That is what is in our agreement.”

One of the President’s strongest messages was his warning against using oil revenues for consumption and luxury imports. 
He said Uganda’s policy should be to use income from an exhaustible natural resource to build infrastructure and other assets that will continue benefiting future generations.
“The money will be used to do durable things — to build power stations, build the railway and and other things which will be there for the grandchildren.”

Tourism opportunities in the Albertine region:
President Museveni also called on the Ministry of Tourism to promote the oil-producing region and the wider Albertine Graben. He said the region has favourable weather, unique landscapes and ancient historical sites and names associated with Uganda’s petroleum history.

The Chinese Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Wu Guangrong, reaffirmed China’s commitment to sustaining and strengthening progressive bilateral relations with Uganda, particularly in key areas of cooperation such as oil and gas, trade, infrastructure, investment, and other sectors critical to the country’s socio-economic development.

The Ambassador said the cooperation between Uganda and China should extend beyond resource extraction to include capacity building, employment, local content and industrial development.
Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja said Uganda’s oil programme has contributed to significant development in the Bunyoro sub-region, citing the construction of Kabalega International Airport, the Kabalega Industrial Park, more than 500 kilometres of tarmacked roads and upgraded health facilities.
She described President Museveni’s visit to Kingfisher as an opportunity for him to assess progress on a vision he initiated decades ago, recalling his decision after coming to power in 1986 to send young Ugandans abroad to acquire expertise in the petroleum sector.

The Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Dr. Monica Musenero, said the name “Pearl Sweet” reflects both the characteristics of Uganda’s crude and the country’s identity.
She explained that “Sweet” refers to the crude’s very low sulphur content, which makes it cheaper to refine, while “Pearl” reflects Uganda’s long-standing identity as the Pearl of Africa.

“For many years, petroleum in Uganda was an aspiration; something discovered, studied, debated and planned for. Today, that resource is being translated into productive assets, infrastructure, skills, businesses and, very soon, commercial production,” Dr. Musenero said.
“This moment is therefore a testament to the importance of your vision, persistence and strategic leadership,” she told President Museveni.
Kingfisher nearing first oil:
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, Eng. Pauline Irene Batebe, said the Kingfisher project was about 80 per cent complete, with first-oil readiness at 98 per cent and commissioning tests underway.

She said first oil was expected by the end of September.
“Its Central Processing Facility has reached mechanical completion and is built to handle 40,000 barrels a day,” Eng. Batebe said.
The crude produced at Kingfisher is waxy and low in sulphur and solidifies at normal temperatures, requiring it to be kept hot during transportation.
It will be transported to Tanzania’s Tanga Port through the 1,443-kilometre East African Crude Oil Pipeline, which will be heated along its entire length. Eng. Batebe said the pipeline was 92.7 per cent complete.
CNOOC reaffirms commitment:
Welcoming President Museveni back to Kingfisher, Mr. Liu Xiangdong, President of CNOOC Uganda Limited, said the visit demonstrated the progress made on the project and highlighted the Government of Uganda’s role in supporting its development.
“Your Excellency, when we look around Kingfisher today, we can see how far this project has come. What we see here is the result of many years of hard work, partnership and commitment. It is also a reflection of the support and guidance we have received from the Government of Uganda,” Mr. Xiangdong said.

“Our objective is simple: to develop the resource while living in harmony with the environment and the communities around us,” he added.
Mr. Xiangdong said the development of Kingfisher also reflected the growing partnership between Uganda and China, bringing together investment, technology and expertise to support Uganda’s energy sector.
“CNOOC Uganda Limited remains committed to working with the Government of Uganda, its partners and the communities around Kingfisher to deliver a safe, responsible and sustainable development that creates lasting value for Uganda,” he said.
From exploration to production:
President Museveni has consistently emphasised that Uganda’s petroleum resources must be developed responsibly, with the benefits extending to Ugandans and the environment protected.
During the launch of drilling operations at Kingfisher in January 2023, he commended CNOOC and its partners for bringing investment and expertise to Uganda and urged communities in the oil-producing areas to take advantage of opportunities in agriculture and other sectors.
His latest visit comes as the project moves from development towards production, with CNOOC continuing to support Ugandan skills development, employment, agriculture, community infrastructure, health and education.
The Kingfisher Development Area comprises the Central Processing Facility, four well pads, camps, a supply base and a 47-kilometre feeder pipeline.
Of the planned 31 wells, 22 are ready, with some extending more than seven kilometres underground. The wells are at different stages of completion and perforation, while pumping and flowback activities are also progressing.
The project is designed to produce approximately 40,000 barrels of oil per day.
At the Central Processing Facility -CPF, crude oil, water, gas and waste will be separated. Water will be reinjected into the reservoir, waste transferred for treatment, while associated gas will be used for power generation and LPG production.
The processed crude will then flow through the feeder pipeline to Pump Station 1, where it will connect to the 1,443-kilometre East African Crude Oil Pipeline for transportation to Tanga Port in Tanzania.
With the CPF now mechanically complete and commissioning activities underway, Kingfisher is entering the final stages ahead of Uganda’s long-awaited first oil production. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 02 Sep 2026 20:13:29 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
<media:keywords></media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Cabinet Approves USE of NIN For Taxation</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/cabinet-approves-use-of-nin-for-taxation-235</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/cabinet-approves-use-of-nin-for-taxation-235</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Cabinet has approved phasing out of Tax Identification Numbers (TINs)TINs for individuals, replacing them with National Identification Numbers (NINs) to create a unified taxpayer identity system across all government agencies.

ICT and National Guidance Minister Justine Kasule Lumumba announced the decision while briefing the public about resolutions from Monday’s Cabinet meeting at State House.

“Cabinet approved the use of the National Identification Number (NIN) issued by NIRA as the Tax Identification Number (TIN) going forward,” Lumumba said.

The decision means an individual’s NIN will serve as their tax identification number, ending the long-standing system under which taxpayers obtained a separate TIN from the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA).

Lumumba said the TIN system had served the country for years but had developed weaknesses because of separate and largely manual registration processes.

“For years our tax registration system has relied on separate, largely manual TIN-based processes,” she said.

“It has served its purpose but it has also left us outdated and inconsistent records and that created real weaknesses in data accuracy, compliance and service delivery.”she stated.

Under the new arrangement, the government plans to use a single identity across its tax and identification systems.

“By adopting the NIN as the TIN, we are establishing one consistent identity for every taxpayer,” Lumumba said.

She said the change would improve the accuracy of the taxpayer register and make it easier for authorities to identify and trace taxpayers.

The government also expects the system to improve data sharing between agencies, reduce revenue leakage and simplify tax registration.

The move follows changes already under way to integrate national identification and tax records.

A public notice issued by URA in May 2026 asked taxpayers to update their registration details and link their existing records to a NIN or Business Registration Number (BRN).

The reforms stem from amendments to the Tax Procedures Code Act. Under the wider system, the NIN serves as the identifier for individuals, while registered entities use their BRN.

Cabinet’s latest approval clears the way for the government to move away from the standalone TIN system and make national identification the basis of individual tax registration. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 02 Sep 2026 05:58:50 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
<media:keywords></media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Patience Rwabogo  ordained  Bishop After 20 Years of Ministry</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/patience-rwabogo-ordained-bishop-after-20-years-of-ministry</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/patience-rwabogo-ordained-bishop-after-20-years-of-ministry</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Pastor Patience Kokundeka Museveni Rwabwogo has been consecrated as an Episcopal Bishop of Covenant Nations Church in Uganda and beyond, 20 years after founding the ministry as a small house fellowship.

Mrs. Rwabwogo was consecrated today during celebrations marking two decades of Covenant Nations Church at Covenant Hill in Maya, in a ceremony led by Bishop Dr. LaDonna Osborn, the Chief Consecrator.
Bishop Osborn presided over the consecration and presented Bishop Patience with her certificate and Bible. Archbishop Moses Odongo and Bishop Joshua Lwere served as co-consecrators.

The ceremony marked a significant milestone in Uganda’s Christian history, with Bishop Patience becoming the first woman to be ordained as a bishop in Uganda.
The occasion brought together senior Christian leaders, government officials, family members, believers and friends who witnessed Bishop Patience formally assume a wider responsibility in church leadership and ministry.

Among those present were Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye and his wife, Pastor (Mrs.) Folu Adeboye, global leaders of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), who were recognised for their role in Patience’s
spiritual journey.

Pastor Adeboye participated directly in the consecration, leading the anointing with oil and prayers for the newly consecrated bishop.Presenting Bishop Patience on behalf of the elders of Covenant Nations
Church, Mrs. Allen Kagina said her journey to the episcopal office had been shaped by two decades of ministry, service, leadership and commitment to the Christian faith.
Mrs. Kagina said the elders had carefully considered Patience’s character, conduct, doctrine, leadership and ministry before presenting her for consecration.

“Twenty years ago, God planted within her heart a vision that began humbly as a small house fellowship. What appeared small in the eyes of men carried within it the seed of a much greater work,” Mrs. Kagina said. She said that through prayer, obedience and perseverance, the fellowship grew into Covenant Nations Church, which has become a spiritual home for believers seeking to live out their faith in their families, professions, communities and the nation.
According to Mrs. Kagina, Patience’s ministry has extended beyond spiritual teaching to include leadership development, professional excellence, entrepreneurship, economic empowerment and responsible
stewardship. “She has consistently proclaimed that the Gospel must transform the whole
person,” she said.

She added that Patience had maintained a particular focus on young people, students and young professionals, encouraging them to discover their purpose, build their lives on the Word of God and use their education, gifts and opportunities for the good of society.
Through Bible teaching, mentorship, conferences, leadership seminars and evangelistic missions, Mrs. Kagina said Patience had encouraged believers to become witnesses of Christ in education, leadership, family life, business, public service and national development.
She also highlighted Patience’s efforts to promote unity among Christian denominations, noting that she had worked with her husband, Mr. Odrek Rwabwogo, to bring together Pentecostal pastors, Anglican bishops and other Christian leaders for prayer, revival and evangelism.

Mrs. Kagina cited the Light Up Uganda for Jesus Gospel Convention as one example of this commitment, bringing together Christians and leaders from different denominations to worship, pray and proclaim the Gospel.
“Her ministry carries a pastoral, teaching and prophetic burden: to nurture the flock entrusted to her, to strengthen the Church, to raise leaders, to disciple nations and to advance the Gospel beyond familiar boundaries,” she said.
The elders said Patience’s consecration was not a personal promotion but a call to greater responsibility and service to God and His people.

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni congratulated his daughter on her consecration, describing the occasion as significant not only for the family but also for the historical journey of Christianity in Uganda.

The President first thanked God for the recovery of the First Lady, Maama Janet Museveni, and commended the medical personnel who cared for her, as well as their children Muhoozi, Natasha, Patience and Diana for
supporting her during the period.
“First of all, I thank God for the recovery of Maama. Apart from thanking God, I want to salute and thank the medical staff who have been involved  in treating her, and also our children Muhoozi, Natasha, Patience and
Diana, who have been together with the medical staff taking care of her,” President Museveni said.
He then reflected on the significance of Patience becoming a bishop, placing her consecration within the broader history of faith in Uganda.
“Secondly, I thank God for making Patience become a Bishop. We are the ancient people of this area. We have been here for four and a half million years,” he said.

President Museveni recalled that Muslims arrived in Uganda in 1841,followed by Anglicans in 1877 and Catholics in 1879, noting that several generations of his family lived through those developments without joining the Church.
“My great fathers were alive; they never joined the Church. My grandparents were also alive; they never joined the Church. It was Mzee Kaguta who joined the Church for the first time in 1947. But in all these
years, I had never even heard of a catechist. Today, I have a whole Bishop,” he said.
The President also revealed that, despite having spent years studying the Bible, Patience’s own studies had challenged some of his understanding.

“I was not paying attention to Patience’s church things, but I had spent 12 years studying the Bible day by day from 1953. We would start the whole book of Genesis, finish it, go to Exodus, finish it, then Leviticus,
Deuteronomy and the others. I thought I knew the Bible,” he said.
He said he was surprised by some of the historical and biblical perspectives he encountered in Patience’s documents.
“I was surprised when I learned from Patience about the descendants of Lot and Esau, who were not Jews. I had never heard anyone talking about it. But when I read Patience’s documents, they informed me about it. I
surrendered because she had read the Bible,” President Museveni said.

He said Bishop Patience would bring new energy to the Church and thanked Pastor Adeboye and Bishop Osborn for attending the occasion.
President Museveni also challenged religious leaders to ensure that Christianity responds to the practical needs of society, drawing on the example of Jesus Christ.
“You have heard what Bishop LaDonna said. They are all saying that if a Bishop doesn’t have the spirit of a Bishop, he is just an executive, managing, but not a spiritual leader,” he said.
“This is where you old fellows who talk about religion should come together, because that is the substance that Jesus quoted from the other book of Isaiah. He came to heal the sick, feed the hungry and free those in
bondage. That is what Jesus came for. But if you religious leaders don’t address that, you are wasting time. That is the substance of your contribution,” he added.

The President thanked the congregation and disclosed that, in keeping with their traditional practice, he and the First Lady had given Bishop Patience 50 cows.
“In our traditional way, I gave Patience 50 cows, and the cows are from Maama and myself,” he said.

First Lady Maama Janet Museveni described the occasion as a special day for the family and the Body of Christ.
In a thanksgiving message, she reflected on Uganda’s difficult history, including civil conflict, displacement, poverty and the challenges of rebuilding the country, while giving thanks for what she described as God’s
faithfulness to Uganda.
She praised the country’s progress over the past 40 years, noting that Uganda had moved from being a war-ravaged nation to contributing to regional peacekeeping efforts and hosting refugees from neighbourin countries.

The First Lady also gave thanks for her recovery, describing 2026 as a year in which God had preserved her life.
“Thank You, Lord Jesus, for revealing Yourself as our Redeemer, the One Who paid the price for our freedom. Thank You, Lord Jesus, that You are the Healer, the Great Physician, the Doctor who never refers a case,” she said.
She thanked the praying Church in Uganda for standing with her during her illness.

“When I could not pray for myself, You raised up faithful watchmen and intercessors who gave You no rest day and night as they interceded for my life. And You in Your mercy heard their prayers,” she said.
Turning to her daughter’s consecration, the First Lady said the occasion was a source of profound joy and thanksgiving.
“Today, we celebrate the consecration of our daughter, Patience, to the office of a Bishop. We are overwhelmed with joy and thanksgiving at the great honour You have bestowed over us in choosing one of our children to serve You in this capacity,” she said.
She paid tribute to earlier generations of the family whose faith and service, she said, had laid a foundation for the ministry.

Maama Janet noted that Patience had answered the call to ministry about 20 years ago and prayed for God to give her and Mr. Odrek Rwabwogo fresh strength and spiritual grace as they undertake the new responsibility.
She also thanked God for Covenant Nations Church, which she said had grown from a small house fellowship into a ministry with a wider reach.
The First Lady concluded by thanking Pastor E.A. Adeboye, Mrs. Adeboye and Bishop Dr. LaDonna Osborn for attending the ceremony and celebrating the milestone with the family.

Bishop Dr. Osborn commended President Museveni and the First Lady for prioritising their faith despite their responsibilities as national leaders.

She thanked members of Covenant Nations Church, elders and religious leaders for attending the ceremony, stressing the importance of unity within the Christian community.
Bishop Osborn said Christians did not have to agree on every form or interpretation of faith but should remain united through their common faith in God.
She said the office of a bishop carries a responsibility to extend Christ’s ministry, promote justice and lift people up.
“A Bishop is supposed to lift people up and give them a new beginning,”she said.
She challenged the Church to move beyond simply preserving institutions and instead become an instrument for transforming society.
“The Church doesn’t need leaders who preserve the institutions, but one that heals nations,” she said.
Bishop Osborn said Patience’s calling would enable the Gospel to reach further and urged her to embrace the responsibility entrusted to her.

Mr. Odrek Rwabwogo reflected on Uganda’s Christian history, saying Bishop Patience’s consecration was part of a much longer story of faith, revival and service.
He traced the Christian revival in Ankole and recalled the contribution of early converts, including Mariam Kakyibara, whom he described as the first woman to be baptised in 1902.

He said the sacrifices of early Christians helped prepare the ground for the East African Christian revival.
“Today, the Lord has chosen our own Patience to be the first woman to be ordained Bishop in Uganda,” Mr. Rwabwogo said.
He said the story demonstrated that God often chooses people whom society may consider unlikely candidates to fulfil significant purposes.
Mr. Rwabwogo also reflected on the East African revival and the young men who became prominent figures in the movement, noting that God had repeatedly used people from unexpected backgrounds to advance His work.
He said Patience’s calling came after years of quiet service and that her new role would require her to shepherd, inspire and challenge the next generation.
He warned against a generation that places greater emphasis on intellectualism, political power and material wealth than on faith and godliness.“God is the God of history,” he said.
Mr. Rwabwogo said Bishop Patience had also influenced their family through her emphasis on repentance, love, discipline and careful speech.
He described her as someone who would rather remain silent than speak words she believed did not honour God, saying her example had taught the  family to take seriously the responsibility of living out their faith.
Episcopal symbols presented:

The consecration ceremony included the laying on of hands, anointing with oil and prayers for the newly consecrated bishop.
Bishop Patience was also formally presented with key episcopal symbols, each representing an aspect of her new office and responsibilities.
Apostle Alex Mitala presented the chemere, while Bishop Simon Peter Emiau presented the scarf, or tippet.
Archbishop Moses Odongo presented the cross, while Pastor Adeboye presented the ring.Bishop Joshua Lwere presented the cope, while Bishop Dr. LaDonna Osborn presented the mitre. Pastor Adeboye also presented the staff, completing the presentation of the episcopal symbols.
The occasion marked both the culmination of 20 years of Covenant Nations Church ministry and the beginning of a new chapter in Bishop Patience’s service to the Church.
From a small house fellowship two decades ago to a wider ministry and now the episcopal office, her consecration was presented by church leaders as a call not to prominence, but to greater responsibility.
The ceremony was also attended by senior government officials, including Vice President H.E. Jessica Alupo, NRM First National Vice Chairperson Al-Hajji Moses Kigongo, Cabinet ministers, religious and ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://jajjanews.com/uploads/images/202608/image_870x580_6a8be82be3774.jpg" length="99245" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Mon, 24 Aug 2026 10:13:04 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
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<item>
<title>NWSC Customer Base Surges to 1.46 Million as Network Expands to 25,000 Kilometres</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/nwsc-customer-base-surges-to-146-million-as-network-expands-to-25000-kilometres</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/nwsc-customer-base-surges-to-146-million-as-network-expands-to-25000-kilometres</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) has expanded its customer base nearly fivefold over the past decade, with its water network growing from about 6,000 kilometres to 25,000 kilometres. 
The expansion has seen the number of NWSC customer connections rise from approximately 300,000 to 1.46 million, while the number of Ugandans served has increased from about 4.5 million to 22 million. 
Speaking to journalists and stakeholders, NWSC Managing Director Eng. Silver Mugisha attributed the growth to increased investment in infrastructure, digital transformation, improved operational efficiency and the strengthening of the Corporation’s internal technical capacity. 
Over the same period, NWSC’s operational footprint has expanded from 23 towns to approximately 290 towns, while its asset base has grown from about Shs580 billion to nearly Shs5 trillion. 
Mugisha said the Corporation is now targeting 30,000 kilometres of water network and 25 million people served within the next five years as it seeks to extend reliable and sustainable water services to more Ugandans. 
He said one of the approaches that has contributed to NWSC’s growth is the adoption of force-account construction, under which the Corporation increasingly relies on its own technical teams to design and implement infrastructure projects. 
The approach has reduced dependence on external consultants and contractors while helping NWSC retain technical knowledge, strengthen project supervision and improve value for money. 
Mugisha said the Corporation has also invested in digitalisation and engineering capacity, including developing some of its systems internally and undertaking project designs using its own technical teams. 
A locally developed financial management system is currently being tested as part of efforts to modernise operations and improve institutional efficiency. 
NWSC has also strengthened performance-based management, internal audits and oversight of contractors and consultants to improve accountability and minimise inefficiencies. 
Mugisha urged journalists and members of the public to continue scrutinising the Corporation’s operations, saying constructive oversight is important in ensuring public institutions remain accountable. 
He, however, encouraged stakeholders to raise concerns in good faith and seek clarification on issues where necessary. 
Mugisha also spoke about the cyberattack that affected NWSC systems in 2023, saying the Corporation’s internal technical capacity helped it restore the affected systems relatively quickly. 
He said the incident also prompted NWSC to strengthen its cybersecurity systems and improve its resilience against future digital threats. 
The Corporation has also adopted a strategy of retaining and managing certain risks internally. According to Mugisha, the approach has generated savings of nearly Shs10 billion over the past five years while strengthening institutional control over critical operations. 
On human capital, Mugisha defended the retention of some specialised professionals beyond the statutory retirement age of 60, saying their expertise remains important in handling complex technical assignments. 
He said retaining experienced staff also allows NWSC to facilitate knowledge transfer and mentorship, enabling younger professionals to acquire specialised skills needed to sustain the Corporation’s operations. 
Mugisha said NWSC will continue investing in infrastructure, human capital, digitalisation and operational efficiency as it seeks to expand services while maintaining financial discipline and value for money. 
The planned expansion to 30,000 kilometres of network and 25 million people served within five years would further increase NWSC’s role in providing water services to households, businesses and institutions across Uganda. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://jajjanews.com/uploads/images/202608/image_870x580_6a81413219008.jpg" length="55663" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sun, 16 Aug 2026 07:52:13 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
<media:keywords></media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>NAGRIC  launches New Strategic Plan To Improve Livestock Breeding,</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/nagric-launches-new-strategic-plan-to-improve-livestock-breeding</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/nagric-launches-new-strategic-plan-to-improve-livestock-breeding</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The National Animal Genetic Resources Centre and Data Bank (NAGRC&amp;DB) has launched five strategic and operational documents aimed at improving livestock breeding, strengthening service delivery and expanding farmers’ access to quality and affordable breeding stock.

The documents include the Client Charter for FY2025/26–2029/30, Service Delivery Standards for FY2025/26–2029/30, Uganda National Animal Breeding Strategy and Action Plan (NABSAP), Strategic and Investment Plan for 2025/26–2029/30, and Communication and Knowledge Management Strategy for 2026/27–2030/31.

The launch was held at NAGRC&amp;DB headquarters in Entebbe and was presided over by the Minister of State for Animal Industry, Bright Kanyontore Rwamirama, who challenged the institution to ensure the new frameworks deliver measurable benefits to farmers.

“The value of these documents will not be measured by the launch today,” Rwamirama said, stressing that their success would depend on how effectively the commitments are implemented.

He urged NAGRC&amp;DB to strengthen accountability, improve service delivery, promote modern animal breeding technologies and increase livestock productivity.

A major component of the new five-year Strategic and Investment Plan is the expansion of access to productive and farmer-preferred livestock breeds for households participating in the Parish Development Model (PDM).

Under the plan, NAGRC&amp;DB will accelerate the breeding and multiplication of dairy and beef cattle, goats, pigs, poultry and fish, with the aim of increasing the availability and affordability of quality genetic resources.

The agency will particularly support PDM farmers engaged in dairy cattle, piggery and poultry enterprises by making high-performance breeding stock available at highly subsidised prices.

NAGRC&amp;DB farms and ranches will serve as breeding, multiplication and technology-transfer centres, working with local governments, farmer organisations and PDM structures to reach beneficiaries.

The intervention is intended to link PDM financing with quality breeding stock and technical support covering breeding, feeding and enterprise management.

The Strategic and Investment Plan also prioritises the conservation of indigenous animal genetic resources, production of quality and affordable animal feeds and strengthening the agency’s institutional capacity.

Progress will be measured using indicators tracking livestock breeds and poultry genetic resources introduced, multiplied and made available to PDM farmers.

The Uganda National Animal Breeding Strategy and Action Plan provides the national framework for transforming animal breeding into a productive, inclusive, climate-resilient and economically sustainable sector.

The strategy seeks to address challenges including low genetic productivity, inadequate breeding infrastructure, limited access to quality breeding materials, uncontrolled cross-breeding, climate-related shocks and weak animal identification and traceability systems.

Its four priority areas are characterisation, inventory and monitoring of animal genetic resources; sustainable use and development; conservation; and strengthening policies, institutions and capacity.

For farmers and breeders, implementation is expected to improve access to productive, market-oriented and climate-resilient genetics while safeguarding indigenous animal genetic resources.

The Client Charter and Service Delivery Standards are intended to make NAGRC&amp;DB’s services more accountable to farmers, livestock breeders, suppliers and other clients.

The Client Charter sets out the services offered by the agency, client rights and obligations, feedback mechanisms, complaint-handling procedures and commitments to continuous improvement.

Under the Charter, complaints must be acknowledged within 48 hours, while complaints requiring investigation should be concluded within 14 days.

The Service Delivery Standards establish measurable benchmarks, including attending to clients within five minutes of arrival at service points and responding to written correspondence within five working days.

The standards also require NAGRC&amp;DB to provide clients with clear, accurate, timely and relevant information.

The Communication and Knowledge Management Strategy for 2026/27–2030/31 is designed to strengthen the way NAGRC&amp;DB generates, manages and shares information.

The strategy focuses on public awareness, farmer communication, knowledge management, organisational learning, stakeholder partnerships, digital communication and institutional identity.

It also establishes responsibilities for generating, validating, packaging, preserving and disseminating technical knowledge to ensure farmers and decision-makers can access reliable information on NAGRC&amp;DB programmes, technologies, products and services.

Speaking on behalf of the Board Chairperson, Eng. Robert Ssenozi, the Board member representing farmers in the Central Region, said the launch should mark the beginning of implementation rather than the end of a documentation process.

“The launch is not just about unveiling documents. It is about launching possibilities,” Ssenozi said.

He linked the new frameworks to NAGRC&amp;DB’s mandate to lead the commercialisation of animal breeding and improve animal genetics and productivity.

A representative of the Office of the Prime Minister, speaking on behalf of the Deputy Head of Public Service, congratulated NAGRC&amp;DB and urged its employees to uphold the standards contained in the new documents.

The Uganda National Farmers Federation also participated in the launch.

Representing the National Planning Authority, Senior Planner for Agriculture Dr Israel Mugezi emphasised the importance of building a competitive and sustainable animal industry based on climate-resilient, high-yielding and affordable genetics.

He linked improved animal genetics to Uganda’s ambitions to expand value-added exports, including milk powder, and advance the agro-industrialisation agenda under the Fourth National Development Plan.

The five instruments are designed to work together.

NABSAP establishes Uganda’s national direction for animal breeding, while the Strategic and Investment Plan translates that direction into NAGRC&amp;DB’s investments and priorities, including support for PDM farmers.

The Service Delivery Standards establish performance benchmarks, the Client Charter strengthens accountability to users, and the Communication and Knowledge Management Strategy provides a framework for information sharing, feedback and institutional learning.

Ultimately, the success of the new framework will be measured by what farmers experience on the ground — improved access to affordable and quality breeding materials, better technical information, faster and more accountable services, stronger conservation of indigenous genetic resources and measurable improvements ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://jajjanews.com/uploads/images/202608/image_870x580_6a8057041f5a2.jpg" length="93462" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sat, 15 Aug 2026 15:12:21 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
<media:keywords></media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Local Council Leaders Urged to Fight Corruption and Promote Accountability in Public Office</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/local-council-leaders-urged-to-fight-corruption-and-promote-accountability-in-public-office</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/local-council-leaders-urged-to-fight-corruption-and-promote-accountability-in-public-office</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government, Ben Kumumanya, has drawn on more than 30 years of his experience in facilitating decentralisation to provide practical guidance to trainers preparing to induct newly elected Local Government Council leaders.

Speaking during the Training of Trainers in Masaka, PS Kumumanya said his extensive experience in the decentralisation system has enabled him to share practical lessons and solutions drawn from real experiences in local governance.

He encouraged trainers to go beyond classroom presentations and ensure that the messages and lessons from the induction are practical, participatory and relevant to the realities council leaders will face in their respective communities. 

He also noted that the trainers will be engaging leaders with different backgrounds, experiences and levels of understanding and should therefore be prepared to facilitate meaningful discussions.

Drawing from his experience working with Local Government Councils, PS Kumumanya shared practical approaches to managing disagreements, promoting constructive dialogue and strengthening democratic governance, including respect for majority rule, minority views and consensus building.

PS Kumumanya further reminded the trainers to emphasise Government&#039;s commitment to fighting corruption and promoting accountability in public office. Citing Article 164 of the Constitution, he noted that leaders who misuse public resources or cause financial loss through actions contrary to established rules can be held personally accountable and required to make good the loss, even after leaving office. He urged the trainers to ensure this message reaches council leaders clearly, so they understand from the outset that public office comes with responsibility and accountability to citizens.

He further tasked the trainers to encourage councils to support and promote Government programmes aimed at improving household incomes and lifting citizens out of poverty, including the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga and other socio economic transformation programmes, 
empassing that when they reach the field, trainers should guide councils to understand their role in mobilising communities, providing oversight and ensuring that these programmes deliver tangible benefits to citizens.

In his closing remarks, the Permanent Secretary called on the trainers to serve as ambassadors of Government and are expected to pass on these messages when they reach the field, helping councils to work together constructively, respect each other&#039;s roles and support effective service delivery. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://jajjanews.com/uploads/images/202608/image_870x580_6a7c83f859b72.jpg" length="50949" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Wed, 12 Aug 2026 17:33:28 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
<media:keywords></media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Museveni Urges Newly Appointed Ministers to Fight Corruption in Goverment</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/museveni-urges-newly-appointed-ministers-to-fight-corruption-and-inefficiey-in-goverment</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/museveni-urges-newly-appointed-ministers-to-fight-corruption-and-inefficiey-in-goverment</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has presided over the swearing-
in ceremony of three newly appointed ministers at State House, Entebbe,
urging them to fight corruption and inefficiency in government institutions.
The newly sworn-in ministers are Hon. Amb. Adonia Ayebare, Minister of
Foreign Affairs; Hon. Shartsi Kutesa Musherure, Minister of State for
Finance, Planning and Economic Development in charge of Microfinance;
and Hon. Witonze Juma, Minister of State for Internal Affairs.
Before assuming office, the three ministers took and subscribed to the Oath
of Allegiance and the Oath of a Minister, as required under Article 115 of
the Constitution and prescribed in the Fourth Schedule to the Constitution.
Congratulating the new ministers, President Museveni urged them to
prioritise the elimination of corruption and inefficiency within government
institutions.
He emphasised that their responsibility is to restore integrity in public
service through effective supervision and accountability, noting that many
challenges affecting government institutions arise from negligence or the
direct involvement of civil servants and political leaders in corrupt practices.
President Museveni also reiterated the government&amp;#39;s position on dual
citizenship, stressing the importance of understanding Uganda&amp;#39;s historical
experience and the circumstances that shaped its citizenship laws.

He noted that since 1966, Uganda has experienced periods of political
instability that forced many citizens into exile, including during the 1966
crisis involving the Kabaka of Buganda, Sir Edward Muteesa II, and later
during the regime of former President Idi Amin.
The President explained that following the restoration of peace under the
NRM Government, the issue of citizenship became more structured,
particularly in relation to Uganda&amp;#39;s neighbouring countries.
“The dual citizenship arrangement was introduced to address a difficult
history. But one must choose where their loyalty lies. If we are to have
unity, then let us unite, but you cannot owe allegiance to two sides. For
neighbouring countries, it is important that people make a clear choice, or
we move towards an East African Federation,” he said.
President Museveni further highlighted ongoing regional integration efforts,
noting that Uganda continues to advocate for the establishment of an East
African Federation as a long-term solution to questions of identity,
citizenship and regional integration.
Hon. Ephraim Kamuntu, Minister for Internal Affairs, thanked President
Museveni for fulfilling his constitutional mandate by appointing the
remaining ministers.
He also commended the President for his patience during the process of
resolving matters relating to dual citizenship.
Kamuntu urged the newly sworn-in ministers to work closely with their
colleagues to advance Uganda&amp;#39;s development agenda and support efforts
to achieve middle-income status during the current term of government.
Ms. Lucy Nakyobe, Head of Public Service and Secretary to Cabinet,
presented the ministers to the President for the swearing-in ceremony.
The ceremony was attended by senior government officials and family
members of the newly sworn-in ministers. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://jajjanews.com/uploads/images/202608/image_870x580_6a74d13dd9394.jpg" length="74323" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Wed, 12 Aug 2026 05:05:03 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
<media:keywords></media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Accountability Sector Audit Committee  To Strengthen  UBOS  Audit Oversight and Institutional Performance</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/accountability-sector-audit-committee-engages-ubos-on-audit-oversight-and-institutional-performance</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/accountability-sector-audit-committee-engages-ubos-on-audit-oversight-and-institutional-performance</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) hosted the Accountability Sector Audit Committee (ASAC) on 11th August 2026 for an engagement focused on strengthening accountability, governance, internal controls and the implementation of audit recommendations at the Bureau.

The engagement, chaired by the Executive Director, UBOS, Dr. Chris N. Mukiza, brought together members of ASAC and UBOS Management to deliberate on key institutional matters, including the implementation of audit recommendations, statutory instruments governing the establishment and functioning of the Bureau and its committees, staff welfare, the effectiveness of the Internal Audit Directorate, and areas where the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED) could continue to support the Bureau.

The Accountability Sector Audit Committee, which operates under MoFPED, provides independent oversight on governance, risk management and internal control systems within public sector institutions. The Committee also plays a key role in monitoring compliance with financial management regulations and following up on audit recommendations.

The ASAC delegation, led by Justice Emeritus Ralph W. Ochan, Chairperson of the Committee commended UBOS for the high quality audit reports and emphasised the importance of timely submission to facilitate effective oversight and follow-up.

In his remarks, Dr. Mukiza underscored the critical role of the Internal Audit Directorate in strengthening the Bureau’s internal control environment and ensuring that institutional systems and processes operate effectively and efficiently.

He noted that the Directorate is adequately resourced and facilitated with appropriate tools, including audit management software, to enable it to effectively execute its mandate. He further reaffirmed the commitment of Management and the Board to continuously support the Directorate by strengthening internal audit systems, mechanisms and capacity.

The meeting also reviewed challenges affecting the would be timely submission of quarterly audit reports. Following the discussions, Management and the Committee agreed on measures to address the identified gaps and improve compliance with reporting timelines. The meeting further agreed to prioritise critical audit recommendations for implementation in the short term, while maintaining close collaboration between UBOS and the Accountability Sector to support continuous improvement in governance and accountability.

Following the meeting, the ASAC delegation toured the National Statistical Resource Centre, where members were briefed on its role in facilitating access to statistical information and promoting the utilisation of official statistics.

The Committee appreciated the Centre’s contribution to the accessibility, dissemination and enhancing utilisation of official statistics based stakeholders&#039; data demands. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 12 Aug 2026 02:37:52 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
<media:keywords></media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Presidential Industrial Hub Transforms Karamoja Lives</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/presidential-industrial-hub-transforms-karamoja-lives</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/presidential-industrial-hub-transforms-karamoja-lives</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Three months ago, 27-year-old Denis Opio from Lwamuge Village in Lwamuge Sub-county, Abim District, had little hope for the future.
Born with only one functional hand, Opio had never attended formal education, lacked vocational skills and struggled to secure employment.
Like many persons with disabilities in rural Karamoja, he feared he would remain dependent on others throughout his life.
Today, his story has taken a remarkable turn.Opio is among more than 240 trainees benefiting from vocational training atthe Karamoja Zonal Presidential Industrial Skilling Hub in Napak District, an initiative championed by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to empower young people with practical skills for employment and enterprise development.
Despite his physical disability, Opio has mastered leather tanning and design, producing shoes, school bags, wallets and other leather products alongside fellow trainees.His determination and progress impressed the State House Comptroller, Ms. Jane Barekye, during her visit to the facility on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, to assess the implementation and impact of the programme.Caroline Inyakoit, Head of the Leather Tanning and Design Department,described Opio as one of the hub’s most promising trainees.
“He can now make all these products you see here. He is among the best
students we have despite his physical disability. His future is bright,” she
said.
For Opio, the programme has restored his confidence, dignity and hope for
a better future.His journey represents the broader impact of the Presidential Industrial Skilling Hub initiative, which is equipping unemployed youth across the country with hands-on skills to enable self-employment, job creation and participation in industrial production.
During the assessment visit, Ms. Barekye met leaders and stakeholders
from across the Karamoja sub-region, including Resident District
Commissioners (RDCs), Chief Administrative Officers (CAOs), Community
Development Officers (CDOs), District Internal Security Officers (DISOs),
district chairpersons, mayors, youth leaders, chairpersons of Presidential
Industrial Hub SACCOs, NRM district leaders and programme beneficiaries.
The meeting reviewed the progress of the hub, assessed the performance
of graduate SACCOs and discussed strategies to expand opportunities for
more young people.
The visit was also attended by the Director of Presidential Projects and
Industrial Hubs at State House, Eng. Raymond Kamugisha.
Representatives from benefiting districts including Moroto, Kotido, Napak,
Abim, Nabilatuk, Nakapiripirit, Amudat, Karenga and Kaabong participated
in the engagement.
Ms. Barekye directed district leaders to elect representatives from each
district to form a regional committee that will oversee the affairs of the
Karamoja Industrial Skilling Hub after the expiry of the current leadership’s
term.
She also announced the appointment of Lorot John Bosco Kapel as the
Regional SACCO Manager for the Karamoja sub-region.
According to Ms. Barekye, Mr. Kapel will supervise the utilisation of the
Shs50 million revolving fund allocated by President Museveni to each
graduate SACCO.
She said he will work closely with district commercial officers to ensure that
beneficiaries invest the funds productively.
“This officer is a field person. He will constantly move across the districts
supervising our SACCOs because we want this money to work. We do not
want the President’s money to disappear,” Ms. Barekye said.
She revealed that the State House was developing stricter guidelines for
selecting future SACCO beneficiaries to ensure that support reaches
committed and deserving youth.
The Comptroller also cautioned leaders against forcing young people to
enrol in the industrial skilling hubs, saying participation should be voluntary and based on understanding the available opportunities.
“Stop abducting people to come for training. Let them join willingly after
understanding the opportunities available. Selection must follow the
established guidelines,” she said.
Ms. Barekye challenged local governments to prioritise graduates of the
industrial skilling hubs when awarding supply contracts.
She noted that many graduates acquire loans to purchase equipment but
struggle to find markets for their products.
“These youths borrow money, buy equipment and then sit with it because
they have no work. Give them tenders to supply school uniforms, beds,
furniture and other items so that they can repay their loans and grow their
businesses,” she appealed.
Leaders in Karamoja unanimously called for the establishment of another
Presidential Industrial Skilling Hub to serve northern parts of the sub-
region.
Napak District Chairperson and Chairperson of the Karamoja Zonal
Presidential Industrial Skilling Hub Board, Mr. John Paul Kodet Ditecks,
commended President Museveni for initiating a programme that had
transformed the lives of many young people.
He said the hub had produced skilled labour benefiting from both
employment and self-employment opportunities.
Mr. Kodet urged the government to strengthen communication and
coordination while expanding training courses to include additional areas
such as plumbing.
Kotido Municipality Mayor, Mr. Peter Abrahams, admitted that he initially
opposed the project but changed his mind after witnessing its impact.
“I was one of those who did not support this project at first, but today I can genuinely confirm that it is a game changer for Karamoja. Many youths
have acquired skills, secured jobs and others have started their own
businesses,” he said.
Mr. Abrahams said demand for training had exceeded the capacity of the
Napak facility, leaving many applicants without opportunities.
He proposed that the second hub be established in Kotido, where the
municipality has already secured about 70 acres of land.
“Kotido is centrally located in northern Karamoja. We are ready to
surrender the land to the State House for construction of another industrial
hub,” he said.
He said the proposed facility would serve Kotido, Karenga, Kaabong, Abim
and other surrounding areas.
Eng. Kamugisha assured leaders that the government was already
planning to establish another industrial hub in Karamoja in the next
financial year.
He said preparations would commence immediately and additional
vocational courses would be introduced in line with President Museveni’s
directive to widen access to skills training.
Eng. Kamugisha said the programme would continue strengthening its key
pillars, including vocational skilling, value addition, common-user
production facilities and the Four-Acre Model.
“This is Kisanja No Sleep and No Corruption. We want every stakeholder
involved so that the programme achieves its intended purpose. We are also
monitoring how the Shs50 million SACCO funds are being utilised because
they must improve the livelihoods of our graduates,” he said.
Several graduates shared testimonies of how the programme had
transformed their livelihoods.
Peter Chilla from Lokatap in Kotido District said he invested about Shs1
million in construction tools after receiving support through the programme.
After securing construction jobs and earning income, he diversified into
produce trading by buying and selling maize flour and beans, allowing him
to sustain his livelihood even when construction works slowed down.
Another beneficiary, Angela Martin from Moroto, said the programme
enabled him to acquire welding and grinding machines. He has since
become an instructor with a local NGO and trains other youth in welding
and fabrication from his home, which now serves as an internship centre.
Martin appealed for support to acquire land to expand the training facility
and thanked President Museveni for introducing a programme that had
changed his economic fortunes.
For trainees like Opio, the expansion plans offer renewed hope that more
young Ugandans, regardless of disability or background, will have
opportunities to transform their lives through skills development and entrepreneurship. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://jajjanews.com/uploads/images/202608/image_870x580_6a7af8d116ecc.jpg" length="158465" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Tue, 11 Aug 2026 13:28:31 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
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<item>
<title>How Dfcu Bank&amp;apos;s Best Farmers Awards Turned Zubair Mukaaya’s Poultry Dream into a 10,000+ Bird Enterprise</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/how-dfcu-banks-best-farmers-awards-turnedzubair-mukaayaspoultry-dreaminto-a-10000bird-enterprise</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/how-dfcu-banks-best-farmers-awards-turnedzubair-mukaayaspoultry-dreaminto-a-10000bird-enterprise</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Best Farmers Awards have become one of Uganda’s most influential platforms for recognising excellence in agriculture, celebrating farmers who are driving innovation, creating jobs and transforming their communities. Through the initiative, dfcu Bank, in partnership with Vision Group and other partners, has gone beyond recognising success to supporting farmers through access to finance, knowledge-sharing opportunities, mentorship and exposure visits to the Netherlands.
For Zubair Mukaaya, a poultry farmer whose enterprise now produces more than 10,000 chickens every week, winning the Best Farmers Award was both a personal milestone and a validation of years spent building a business. The recognition came with a study visit to the Netherlands, where he gained fresh perspectives on energy efficiency, farm management and sustainable agricultural practices that he now hopes to adapt in Uganda.
We sat down with him to discuss his farming journey, the lessons he brought back from the Netherlands and his plans for the future of poultry farming in Uganda.
Q1: Tell us about your farming journey. What inspired you to venture into agriculture, and how did the business evolve into what it is today?
Zubair: Agriculture has always been something I felt deeply connected to. I started out with local chickens  and gradually expanded into the Kroiler breed as I began to understand the commercial opportunities within the poultry sector.Over time, the business continued to grow. What began as a relatively small enterprise evolved into a much larger operation that now produces more than 10,000 chickens every week. One of the things that encouraged me most was seeing the impact the farm had on people around me. Every delivery created opportunities not only for my business but also for other farmers, traders and households. By 2015, I had started mentoring aspiring farmers from my own farm because I realised that sharing knowledge was just as important as growing production.
Q2: The Best Farmers Awards recognise excellence, innovation and impact. What do you believe set your farm apart and contributed to your recognition?
Zubair: Our biggest strength is the model we have developed around outgrowers and aggregation. We do not operate in isolation. We work with a network of trained farmers who bring their eggs to our facility. We hatch them and nurture the birds alongside our own production until they are ready for market.
That approach allows us to produce at scale while helping other farmers participate in the poultry value chain.
Q3: What did being named a Best Farmers Awards winner mean to you personally and professionally?
Zubair: Winning the award was incredibly rewarding. As farmers, we invest years of hard work, often behind the scenes, so receiving that level of recognition was both motivating and validating.
Professionally, the impact was immediate. More buyers became interested in our products, more aspiring farmers wanted to train with us, and the visibility of the business increased significantly. The award also gave us renewed confidence in our plans for expansion. We are now working towards doubling production from 10,000 to 20,000 chickens per week, and the recognition reinforced our belief that this goal is achievable.
Q4: Access to finance remains a challenge for many agricultural enterprises in Uganda. How has financing supported your growth journey?
Zubair: Access to appropriate financing has been critical to our growth. Poultry farming requires constant investment in feed, equipment, infrastructure and working capital. When production volumes increase, the need for financing grows alongside them.The ability to access structured agricultural financing has allowed us to maintain consistent production,invest in improvements and manage day-to-day operations more efficiently. Without that kind of support,scaling a business of this size would be much more difficult.
Q5: One of the highlights of the Best Farmers Awards is the study visit to the Netherlands.Before travelling, what were you hoping to learn?
Zubair: I was particularly interested in seeing how advanced agricultural systems operate. I wanted to learnabout farm management, large-scale production systems and the technologies that help agricultural businesses remain competitive.
I was also curious about how farms and factories manage their energy needs. In Uganda, energy is a major cost for many businesses, so I wanted to understand how leading agricultural enterprises are dealing with that challenge.
Q6: During the visit, what impressed you most?
Zubair: What stood out immediately was the practical use of solar energy across many agricultural and industrial facilities. It was not treated as something experimental or optional. It was integrated into operations in a very deliberate way.
Q7: How do you plan to share the knowledge you gained with other farmers?
Zubair: Knowledge-sharing has always been part of what we do. Young people, aspiring farmers and entrepreneurs regularly visit the farm to learn about poultry production.
The lessons I gained from the Netherlands, whether about efficiency, energy or farm management, are insights I intend to share widely with people who visit the farm.
Q10: Looking ahead, what opportunities in Uganda’s agricultural sector excite you most?
Zubair: Poultry farming continues to present enormous opportunities. Demand for poultry products is growing, and there is significant potential for farmers who are prepared to approach agriculture as a serious business.
At the same time, there are areas where support is needed. More affordable financing for productivity-enhancing investments, greater access to renewable energy solutions and practical training opportunities would help farmers grow faster and become more competitive.
Q11: As a Best Farmers Awards winner and ambassador for modern agriculture, what legacy do you hope to build over the next five to ten years?
Zubair: Of course, I want to grow the business and achieve our target of expanding production from 10,000 to 20,000 chickens per week. But beyond the numbers, I want to be remembered for helping other farmers succeed.
If more young people can see poultry farming as a viable business opportunity, create employment and improve their livelihoods because of what they have learned from our experience, that would be a meaningful legacy. I want to demonstrate that agriculture, when managed professionally, can transform lives, communities and entire local economies. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://jajjanews.com/uploads/images/202608/image_870x580_6a7a1fb3684a2.jpg" length="85736" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Mon, 10 Aug 2026 22:01:05 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
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<item>
<title>Czech Republic Speaker Names Baby Gorilla &amp;apos;Tomáš&amp;apos; During Uganda Visit</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/czech-republic-speaker-names-baby-gorilla-tomas-during-uganda-visit</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/czech-republic-speaker-names-baby-gorilla-tomas-during-uganda-visit</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Rt. Hon. Tomio Okamura, Speaker of the Parliament of the Czech Republic, has named a newborn mountain gorilla &quot;Tomáš&quot; during his visit to Uganda. He called the name a symbol of friendship between the two countries.

Okamura proposed the name while trekking mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in south-western Uganda.

 He was joined by Uganda&#039;s Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa.

Okamura said the name reflected his Czech identity and the relationship he hopes to build between the two nations.

&quot;Something like Tomáš,&quot; Okamura said when Tayebwa asked him to propose a name for the newborn gorilla. Tomio is a Japanese name. Tomáš is Czech. In English, it becomes Thomas, which is also Tayebwa&#039;s Christian name.
Okamura said the name will remind him of his visit for years to come and stand as a symbol of friendship between Uganda and the Czech Republic.

&quot;It should be a start, or a sign, of our friendship and help build our relations,&quot; he said.

Tayebwa thanked Okamura for making the trip. He said the visit gives Uganda a chance to promote itself to the Czech Republic and to Europe more broadly.

He added that gorilla tracking never gets old for him, no matter how many times he does it.

&quot;For me, it always feels like the first time whenever I come here,&quot; Tayebwa said. This was one of many visits for him. &quot;Every time I come, the experience feels new because we are interacting with our cousins.&quot;

Watching the gorillas, he said, including how they care for a young baby, reminded him why conservation matters. &quot;We learn a lot from them. But every day, they give you a reason to protect nature.&quot;

Tayebwa also used the moment to push Ugandans to see their own country before travelling abroad.
&quot;I urge Ugandans to come here and tour our country,&quot; he said. &quot;I see very many going to Dubai. Going where? First, come and see the beauty of our country.&quot;

He pointed out that Ugandan citizens pay far less than foreign tourists for gorilla trekking permits, calling it a chance for more locals to experience one of the country&#039;s biggest tourism draws.

Tayebwa said Uganda plans to use upcoming international events to sell its tourism potential to the world. He mentioned Uganda&#039;s expected hosting of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS)–European Union Joint Parliamentary Assembly next year, which is set to bring over 500 delegates from Europe, Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific. 

Tayebwa is OACPS President and Co-President of the OACPS–EU Assembly.

&quot;We hope to host the EU-Africa-Caribbean-Pacific Parliament next year in Uganda, where we will be having over 500 delegates from all over Europe and the rest of the world,&quot; he said.

Strong tourism ties
Okamura said Uganda&#039;s gorilla tourism and Prague, the Czech capital, give both countries something to build on together.
&quot;Prague is a top destination. A top tourist destination,&quot; he said. &quot;Gorilla trekking is also world top. So this is two top things.&quot;

Tayebwa thanked Uganda&#039;s embassy in Germany, particularly Ambassador Steven Mubiru and his team, for organising Okamura’s trip. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://jajjanews.com/uploads/images/202608/image_870x580_6a7a11243403b.jpg" length="181266" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Mon, 10 Aug 2026 19:32:08 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
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<item>
<title>Trade Minister Urges Banks to Cut Lending Rate For Manufacturers To Boost Uganda&amp;apos;s  Industrialisation Base</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/trade-minister-urges-banks-to-cut-lending-rate-for-manufacturers-to-boost-ugandas-industrialisation-base</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/trade-minister-urges-banks-to-cut-lending-rate-for-manufacturers-to-boost-ugandas-industrialisation-base</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ State Minister for Trade David Bahati has  urged commercial banks to cut lending rates for the manufacturing sector in a bid to grow Uganda’s industrial base.
He says  the gap between what factories earn and what they pay to borrow makes  expansion difficult. 
Bahati has hence forth put the internal rate of return for manufacturers at between 8% and 12%, against commercial lending rates that typically run from 18% to 24%.
“Borrowing money for manufacturing at 18 percent or 20 percent and expecting to break even and make profits within five years is almost impossible,” Bahati told the Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA) at a symposium in Kampala. 
He described manufacturing as an organised and bankable sector, and called on lenders to design products suited to its needs.
Bahati said the government was working to widen access to long-term finance, including through increased funding for the state-owned Uganda Development Bank and reforms such as new rules to allow Islamic banking.
Hon. Bahati noted that the industrial sector now contributes 27.4% of GDP and reiterated government’s commitment to reducing electricity tariffs for manufacturers to 5 US cents per unit, a key intervention expected to improve industrial competitiveness.
He encouraged manufacturers to continue working closely with the Ministry, describing it as their “mother ministry.”
He called for sustained collaboration and unwavering commitment to Uganda’s 10-fold growth agenda, emphasizing that continuity in implementation is key to unlocking industrial transformation, investment, and inclusive economic growth.
The event was held under the theme: Financing  Uganda’s “tenfold growth” agenda, the government’s long-term plan to expand the economy from about $50bn to $500bn by 2040. Launched in 2023 and anchored on agro-industrialisation, tourism, minerals and technology, the strategy is one of the more ambitious economic targets in Africa — and one economists have questioned as achievable within the timeframe.
Manufacturing is among Uganda’s larger economic sectors that accounts for 16.5% of gross domestic product and 30.7% of domestic tax revenue. 
DTB Bank Uganda’s Head of Business Banking, ouglas Damba,committed the bank to more long-term lending for manufacturers. 
He further said the bank will expand longer-term lending to manufacturers, including equipment and asset financing, trade finance and working capital facilities. He argued that short-term credit alone could not deliver the country’s growth ambitions. 
“Manufacturers, agribusinesses and growth-oriented enterprises need access to structured capital, asset financing, trade finance and investment products that enable expansion, improve productivity and accelerate value addition,” Damba said.
UMA Chairman Aga Sekalala  welcomed the commitment but said affordable, long-term finance remains one of the biggest barriers to industrial growth, calling for closer collaboration between manufacturers, banks, government and development partners.
“Our manufacturing sector has the potential to achieve 10-fold growth, but only if finance evolves with it.” 

Mr. Aga Sekalala Jr. called for integrity-driven financial reforms, innovative financing solutions, and stronger partnerships to unlock Uganda’s industrial potential and accelerate sustainable economic growth. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://jajjanews.com/uploads/images/202608/image_870x580_6a7941062b206.jpg" length="70130" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Mon, 10 Aug 2026 06:11:31 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
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<item>
<title>Government launches Climate Resilience Project</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/government-launches-climate-resilience-project</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/government-launches-climate-resilience-project</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Ministry of Lands,Housing and Urban Development  has launched a three-year initiative to strengthen the country’s food systems and protect  pastoral communities from the growing threat of climate change,
 The Accelerating Food Systems Transformation for Resilience to Climate Change in Africa project is backed by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development and other development partners, 
Lands Minister Juith Nabakooba says the project will focus on strengthening land governance while addressing vulnerabilities across Uganda’s agricultural and livestock sectors.
She noted that  climate change is already placing pressure on livelihoods, food security and economic growth through prolonged droughts, floods, land degradation and conflicts over natural resources.
“Resilient food systems require secure land rights, reliable climate information, sound policies and strong institutions working together,” Nabakooba said.
Nabakooba argued that secure land tenure can encourage farmers and other land users to make long-term investments, improve productivity, reduce land-related conflicts and strengthen communities’ ability to adapt to climate shocks.
“Our ministry continues to advance reforms that improve land administration, promote responsible land management and enhance access to land information,” she said.
“These efforts are essential for protecting land rights while supporting agricultural transformation, climate resilience and sustainable investment.”Nabakooba added.
According to the ministe the project will assess four priority areas: land tenure security, livestock value chains, index-based livestock insurance and climate-land information systems and the assessments  will generate evidence to shape policy reforms, guide investments and strengthen Uganda’s broader response to climate change and food system vulnerabilities.
Nabakooba urged stakeholders to ensure the implementation framework reflects Uganda’s specific circumstances rather than relying on approaches that may not work in the local context.
She also called for stronger cooperation among government institutions, local authorities, research organisations, development partners, civil society and the private sector.
“The findings from this project should not remain on paper. They should inform better policies, guide future investments and strengthen decision-making at both national and local levels,” she said.
During the implementation  process key priorities  areas will include strengthening land tenure security, improving access to climate and land information, building institutional capacity and supporting evidence-based policymaking. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://jajjanews.com/uploads/images/202608/image_870x580_6a7930048c859.jpg" length="38283" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Mon, 10 Aug 2026 04:59:19 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
<media:keywords></media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Prioritise Income Generation Dr Silver Mugisha Urges Catholics</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/prioritise-income-generation-dr-silver-mugisha-urges-catholics</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/prioritise-income-generation-dr-silver-mugisha-urges-catholics</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Eng. Dr. Silver Mugisha,National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) Managing Director,  has urged Catholics to prioritise household income generation as part of efforts to achieve sustainable development and improve family welfare.
Mugisha, says Christian development should address both the spiritual and economic needs of families.
He said improving household incomes was essential for enabling families to meet their basic needs while preserving human dignity and supporting spiritual growth.
As part of efforts to improve household incomes and promote economic empowerment among the faithful, Mugisha announced plans to distribute agricultural inputs to Christians in the diocese. According to him, the initiative would target Christians across the Archdiocese, although it may not reach every household.
“We are going to distribute agricultural inputs to the Christians. We may not reach out to everyone, but we shall change the mindset of many people to become economically empowered,” Mugisha said.
Mugisha made the remarks on Thursday, August 6, 2026, during the Marian Carols of the Archdiocese of Mbarara held at Nyamitanga Cathedral Hill in Mbarara City.
He also called on Christians to embrace the synodal approach in the work of the Church, which involves walking, listening and working together as the People of God.
Mugisha said the Church should encourage families to pursue integral household transformation, where economic empowerment goes hand in hand with faith, values and responsible family life.
Additionally, the head of laity also urged Christians to participate in programmes of the Archdiocese of Mbarara Development Forum (AMDEF), saying their contributions would help fund development activities in the Archdiocese. He said the funds raised through such programmes would support projects including schools, hospitals and the training and welfare of seminarians.
Presiding over the event, Archbishop Bainomugisha hailed Mugisha for his commitment to the Church and servant leadership, urging the faithful to continue using their talents and abilities to serve God and humanity.
The Archbishop said the event was not only a musical gathering but also an opportunity for evangelisation through prayer, song and fellowship.
The celebration brought together faith, culture and community, highlighting the Church’s role in strengthening families and communities. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://jajjanews.com/uploads/images/202608/image_870x580_6a787887def24.jpg" length="45754" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sun, 09 Aug 2026 15:55:55 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
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<item>
<title>UBOS, National Building Review Board Sign MoU to Launch Uganda&amp;apos;s First Baseline Survey of Buildings</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/ubos-national-building-review-board-sign-mou-to-launch-ugandas-first-baseline-survey-of-buildings</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/ubos-national-building-review-board-sign-mou-to-launch-ugandas-first-baseline-survey-of-buildings</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) and the National Building Review Board (NBRB) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to facilitate the design and implementation of Uganda&#039;s first-ever Baseline Survey of Buildings

The MoU was signed at Statistics House on 7th August 2026 during a ceremony presided over by the Executive Director of UBOS, Dr. Chris Mukiza. The NBRB delegation was led by its Executive Secretary, Eng. Flavia Gutto Bwire.

The partnership establishes a framework for collaboration between the two institutions to generate comprehensive, reliable, and up-to-date statistics on Uganda&#039;s building stock. The survey will collect data on building characteristics, structural conditions, compliance with building regulations, ownership, occupancy, and the spatial distribution of buildings across the country.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Dr. Mukiza emphasized the importance of official statistics in supporting national development planning. He noted that the collaboration demonstrates the value of strategic partnerships in strengthening Uganda&#039;s National Statistical System and ensuring that planning and policy decisions are informed by credible, evidence-based data.

The Baseline Survey of Buildings will establish a comprehensive inventory of buildings across Uganda and generate critical statistics on the country&#039;s building sector. The findings will support infrastructure planning, regulation of the construction industry, disaster risk reduction, monitoring of building standards, and evidence-based policy formulation.

To ensure effective implementation, UBOS and NBRB agreed to establish a Joint Technical Committee to oversee the survey methodology, questionnaire development, pilot testing, field operations, data processing, validation, and dissemination of results.

Under the MoU, UBOS will provide technical leadership in survey design, statistical methodology, quality assurance, data processing, analysis, and dissemination of findings, while NBRB will coordinate survey implementation, mobilize resources, and provide technical expertise on building inspection, standards, and regulatory compliance.

The survey is expected to strengthen planning and decision-making within Uganda&#039;s building sector by providing Government, investors, development partners, and other stakeholders with accurate and timely statistics on Uganda&#039;s building stock. Ultimately, the findings will contribute to improved regulation of the construction sector, enhanced public safety, sustainable urban development, and the realization of Uganda&#039;s national development agenda. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://jajjanews.com/uploads/images/202608/image_870x580_6a77438cec7e6.jpg" length="86148" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sat, 08 Aug 2026 16:35:08 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
<media:keywords></media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Special Forces Command Hands Over UBOS Office in Entebbe</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/special-forces-command-hands-over-ubos-office-in-entebbe</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/special-forces-command-hands-over-ubos-office-in-entebbe</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Construction works for Uganda Bureau of Statistics  State of Art offices in Entebbe has commenced following the official hand over of the building by Special Forces  Command to UBOS management.
Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony  in Entebbe, Dr. Chris Mukiza the Executive Director of UBOS Mukiza praised the military for honoring its commitment to vacate the buildings once its new headquarters became operational.
“We are happy that you willingly handed them back to us without any bullets being shot,” Dr. Mukiza remarked.
“We are very grateful and want you to take our gratitude to the commanders of the Special Forces Command,” he stressed.
According to Mukiza when UBOS approached SFC leadership regarding the property, the military requested four months to complete relocation before peacefully handing over the buildings.
The two buildings, located on Plot 9 Airport Road in Entebbe, had been occupied by the elite military unit since 2007.
In December 2020, following relocation to its newly completed state-of-the-art headquarters named after President Yoweri Museveni, the Special Forces Command officially handed the buildings back to UBOS, paving the way for the Bureau’s expansion plans.
Dr. Mukiza said the recovered land now provides UBOS with an opportunity to establish a world-class statistical complex that will not only serve Uganda but also support regional integration within the East African Community.
According to officials UBOS intends to reserve office space within the new facility for the proposed East African Statistics Bureau and host the regional institution there.
According to him, the presence of the regional institution would create employment opportunities for Ugandans, increase the number of international meetings hosted in the country, stimulate business activity in Entebbe, and reinforce Uganda’s leadership role in East African integration.
During the event Mukiza expressed appreciation to government of Uganda for consistently supporting the Bureau’s institutional development agenda.
“Statistics House project as evidence of government’s confidence in UBOS and its role in driving evidence-based planning and national development,”he said.
“This building is a testament to the trust that government has in our institution,” he added..
Dr. Mukiza commended government for fully financing Uganda’s recent National Population and Housing Census.
Unlike previous national censuses that depended heavily on donor support, he said the latest census was almost entirely funded by the Government of Uganda.
“The government funded 99 percent of the census. Development partners only contributed one percent,” he noted.
Upon completion, the new Statistics House is expected to significantly strengthen Uganda’s capacity to produce, process and disseminate official statistics.
The complex will also include a Data Science and Innovation Hub dedicated to harnessing emerging technologies such as big data analytics and artificial intelligence for statistical production.
Further more the facility modern conference spaces will be used to  host regional and international statistical meetings, while dedicated operational offices will coordinate national censuses, surveys and field activities.
UBOS Board Chairman Dr. Albert Byamugisha  said the project represents government’s continued commitment to strengthening evidence-based planning, policy formulation and sustainable national development.
He thanked Finance Minister Henry Musasizi for providing strategic guidance and ensuring government funding for the project.
He urged Roko Construction Company to deliver the project within the agreed 36-month contract period, expressing confidence in the contractor’s proven capacity to execute quality infrastructure projects.
“Money is not the problem focus on timely delivery and quality workmanship,”Musasizi stressed.
The Board Chairman echoed Dr. Mukiza’s call for government support in Uganda’s bid to host the East African Statistics Bureau headquarters at the new facility.
He said securing the regional institution would elevate Uganda’s position as a centre of excellence in official statistics while advancing the country’s ambition of becoming a globally recognized national statistics office.
Dr. Byamugisha also acknowledged the support of the Government of Uganda and other stakeholders in modernizing the country’s statistical system, noting that the investment would serve generations of Ugandans.
The Statistics House project, being undertaken by Roko Construction Company on behalf of the Government of Uganda, is expected to provide the infrastructure required for UBOS to deepen automation in data production, processing, innovation and dissemination.
Once completed, the facility will significantly enhance the Bureau’s ability to generate timely, reliable and high-quality official statistics to support evidence-based decision-making, national planning and policy formulation, while strengthening Uganda’s standing as a regional leader in statistical development ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://jajjanews.com/uploads/images/202608/image_870x580_6a7505e697cee.jpg" length="122304" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Fri, 07 Aug 2026 01:11:44 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
<media:keywords></media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Vice President Commends  Ministry Of Local  Government Anti&#45;Corruption Drive</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/vice-president-commends-anti-corruption-drive-and-fairness-and-integrity-in-accountability-operations</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/vice-president-commends-anti-corruption-drive-and-fairness-and-integrity-in-accountability-operations</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Vice President, H.E. Jessica Alupo, has commended the Ministry of Local Government for its ongoing anti-corruption campaign while calling for accountability operations to be conducted fairly, lawfully and in accordance with due process.

Representing H.E. President Yoweri Museveni at a high-level meeting of Local Government political and technical leaders convened by the Ministry of Local Government, the Vice President applauded the efforts of the Minister of Local Government, Hon. Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi, and the Minister of State for Local Government, Hon. Justine Nameere Nsubuga, in advancing the Ministry’s anti-corruption campaign. “Their inspections, follow-ups, oversight and decisive interventions have sent a strong message to all leaders that the era of laxity, impunity and misuse of public resources must end, and it must end now,” she said.

While reaffirming that corruption remains one of the greatest obstacles to Uganda’s socio-economic transformation, the Vice President emphasised that anti-corruption operations must respect the Constitution and the rule of law. She reminded leaders that every person is presumed innocent until proven guilty and cautioned against practices that expose individuals to public humiliation before due legal process has taken its course.

Highlighting the central role of Local Governments in national development, the Vice President reiterated that Local Government is the face of the State and the place where public trust is strengthened or broken. She noted that the decisions made by Local Government leaders directly affect the quality of education, healthcare, infrastructure and other essential public services delivered to citizens.

The Vice President also called on leaders to support Government’s efforts to grow Uganda’s economy, strengthen transparency, supervision and financial accountability, and take prompt corrective action whenever gaps are identified so that anti-corruption efforts do not become mere rhetoric. She further called on every district, city and municipality to leave the meeting with practical action plans to implement H.E. the President’s directive and deliver better services to the people.
Minister for Local Government, Hon. Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi, has called on local government leaders to fully support the Anti-Corruption team of ministers deployed by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to expose and eliminate corruption across the country.

Speaking during a meeting convened by the Ministry of Local Government on the implementation of the President&#039;s anti-corruption directive, Hon. Balaam urged district chairpersons, city and municipal speakers, mayors, chairpersons of district and city service commissions, chief administrative officers and town clerks to cooperate with the Anti-Corruption Unit and ministerial teams whenever they visit their respective districts.

He said the President&#039;s directive is aimed at strengthening accountability, promoting transparency and ensuring that public resources are used for their intended purpose to improve service delivery for all Ugandans.

Hon. Balaam emphasized that local governments are at the centre of implementing government programmes and therefore have a vital role in exposing corruption and supporting government efforts to safeguard public resources. He encouraged leaders to provide the necessary information and cooperation to the Anti-Corruption Unit and the visiting ministerial teams to enable them to effectively execute their mandate.

The Minister welcomed H.E. the Vice President, Jessica Alupo, who represented President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni at the meeting, and encouraged participants to use the engagement to share practical recommendations that will strengthen accountability and improve governance across local governments. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 06 Aug 2026 22:01:49 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
<media:keywords></media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>President Museveni ,Samia Suhulu of Tanzania Sign Energy Partnership</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/president-museveni-samia-suhulu-of-tanzania-sign-energy-partnership</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/president-museveni-samia-suhulu-of-tanzania-sign-energy-partnership</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and Tanzanian President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan have  signed of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at accelerating regional petroleum infrastructure, industrialisation and cross-border trade.
Museveni, who arrived in Dar es Salaam for a two-day working visit, was received by President Samia at State House, where the two leaders held discussions on strengthening bilateral cooperation and advancing areas of mutual interest
The two Presidents later witnessed the signing of an agreement between the Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC), Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) and Vitol Bahrain E.C. to jointly develop the Tanga Regional Energy Hub.
The project builds on the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) which is expected to transform Tanga into a regional centre for petroleum storage, refining, logistics, trading and distribution.
The hub will complement Uganda’s oil and gas projects, including the planned Hoima refinery, while improving energy security, expanding export opportunities and strengthening trade links across East and Central Africa.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Minister of Energy and Mineral Development Dr. Monica Musenero described the partnership as a major milestone in regional cooperation and a reflection of the shared vision by Uganda and Tanzania to promote economic integration.
“For a long time, both Presidents have advocated for a united Africa driven by common interests and shared trade. While we often speak about these aspirations, action speaks louder than words, and today we are privileged to witness a giant step towards joint development with our sister nation,” Dr. Musenero said.
She welcomed Vitol Bahrain’s involvement, saying cooperation between governments and the private sector would accelerate economic transformation in the region.
Dr. Musenero said the projects under the partnership go beyond infrastructure development, describing them as strategic investments that will support industrialisation, create jobs and strengthen regional logistics systems.
“These are not merely infrastructure projects. They are strategic investments that will create jobs for our young people, deepen regional trade and strengthen the logistics systems that support our economies,” she said.
She emphasised that Uganda’s goal is to maximise value from its petroleum resources by developing downstream industries instead of exporting raw commodities.
“We must ensure that we are not simply trading these resources as commodities. We need to extract greater value by developing secondary and tertiary industries, building the knowledge economy and creating high-skilled jobs in engineering, operations, maintenance, laboratory analysis and management,” she said.
Musenero revealed that feasibility studies and front-end engineering design work for the proposed refined petroleum products pipeline and storage terminal are progressing well and are expected to be completed later this year.
She added that feasibility studies for the proposed natural gas pipeline linking Uganda and Tanzania are at an advanced stage and are expected to conclude by October 2026.
Beyond petroleum cooperation, Dr. Musenero highlighted progress on the planned Uganda-Tanzania 400kV electricity interconnector, saying Uganda completed negotiations with the World Bank in March before securing US$250 million financing in June for its section of the project.
The transmission line is expected to increase electricity exchange between the two countries, strengthen the Eastern Africa Power Pool and create opportunities for electricity trade with Southern Africa.
Musenero reaffirmed that Uganda’s planned 60,000-barrel-per-day Hoima refinery remains central to the country’s industrialisation strategy, noting that it complements rather than competes with the Tanga Regional Energy Hub.
“The hub is complementary. Together, these projects will strengthen regional energy security while enabling East Africa to retain more value from its petroleum resources,” she said.
She added that the successful implementation of EACOP has demonstrated Uganda and Tanzania’s capacity to deliver complex cross-border projects, boosting investor confidence and opening opportunities for future regional investments.
Tanzania’s Minister of Energy, Deo Ndejembi, described the agreement as another historic milestone in the growing energy partnership between the two countries.
He said the cooperation builds on years of collaboration in the petroleum sector, with EACOP laying the foundation for deeper integration.
“As EACOP approaches completion, Tanzania and Uganda are not asking what comes next. Instead, we are answering that question together,” Ndejembi said.
He described the Tanga Regional Energy Hub as the next phase of cooperation, saying it will create value through petroleum storage, refining, logistics, trading and industrialisation.
“EACOP transports molecules. The Tanga Regional Energy Hub transforms those molecules into prosperity,” he said.
Ndejembi said the proposed hub has the potential to attract investments exceeding US$20 billion, making it one of the largest integrated energy infrastructure developments in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Addressing concerns over Uganda’s Hoima refinery, Ndejembi said Tanzania supports Uganda’s decision to develop domestic refining capacity as part of efforts to maximise value from petroleum resources.
“Uganda’s decision to develop the Hoima refinery reflects its sovereign objective of maximising value from its petroleum resources through domestic refining and industrial development. Tanzania fully supports that ambition,” he said.
He added that the proposed bidirectional multi-product pipeline linking Uganda and Tanzania will allow refined petroleum products to move efficiently in either direction depending on market demand, expanding export opportunities and strengthening energy security across East Africa.
Ndejembi said the agreement marks the beginning of a broader journey towards creating a competitive regional energy market capable of attracting investment, creating jobs and positioning East Africa as a global energy player. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://jajjanews.com/uploads/images/202608/image_870x580_6a74d13dd9394.jpg" length="74323" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Thu, 06 Aug 2026 21:27:50 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
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</item>

<item>
<title>Trade Minister Directs UNBS to Wipe Out Substandard Products From  Uganda Market</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/trade-minister-directs-unbs-to-wiode-out-substandard-products-in-uganda-market</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/trade-minister-directs-unbs-to-wiode-out-substandard-products-in-uganda-market</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Minister of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives Hon. Sanjay Tanna has directed Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) to step up their performance and wipe out Ugandan market of substandard products.
Uganda loses an estimated UGX 6 trillion every year to counterfeit and substandard products. According to the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS), over half (roughly 54%) of all goods circulating on the open market are fake or non-compliant, heavily damaging local industry, agriculture, public health, and government revenue collection
The entry of substandard and counterfeit products into the Ugandan market remains a major challenge, driven by porous borders, cargo misdeclaration, and smuggling through ungazetted entry points.
The Minister also wants UNBS to support Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to easily access product certification services. 
Small and medium enterprises  are the backbone of Uganda&#039;s economy. They make up about 90% of the private sector, provide jobs for millions of people, and contribute roughly 20% to the national gross domestic product (GDP
The directive was issued during a meeting that Hon. Tanna together with the Minister of State for Trade Hon. Gen. Wilson Mbasu Mbadi held with the members of the 10th National Standards Council at the Ministry of Trade premises in Kampala. 
The meeting is one of the initiatives by Hon. Tanna to streamline the operations and improve efficiency in all the government agencies that are under his ministry.During the meeting, the Chairperson of the National Standards Council Eng. James Kalibbala informed the ministers that during the one year the Council has spent in office, they have managed to handle the backlog that they inherited from the previous leadership, increasing the number of enterprises certified by UNBS from 501 to 1,270, and the staffing of the bureau.
“During the year, the budget for the Bureau increased from Ugx 62 to Ugx 130 in the financial year 2025/26 which helped us to accomplish a number of deliverables including the development of 551 new standards, recruitment of additional 100 staff among others”, said Eng. Kalibbala
He however, noted that there is a lot that UNBS needs to do to improve service delivery and be impactful.
The Executive Director UNBS Eng. James Kasigwa informed the meeting that in the past one year, the Council oversaw the launch of UNBS’ fifth 5-year Strategic Plan for FY 2025/26 – FY 2029/30 which aligns with Uganda’s National Development Plan (NDPIV) and targets the national Ten-fold Economic Growth Strategy through import substitution and export promotion.
Eng. Kasigwa noted that the bureau still faces a number of challenges including staffing and funding gaps saying, currently Uganda has over 200 official and informal border points. However, with the staffing and funding gaps, the bureau is able to deploy staff at only 34 points across the country.
Minister Tanna told the National Standards Council that he had received a number of complaints especially from SMEs and the big manufacturers on the performance of UNBS with many citing the delays in the certification of their products and import clearance at the borders.
“I task the National Standards Council to refocus and put more emphasis on supporting the growing enterprises especially the Small and Medium Enterprises, by reducing the time that they take to acquire the Quality Mark, preferably a maximum of two weeks. That way Ugandans will feel the impact of the standards body”, said Tanna
The minister added that UNBS is a big anchor to achieving Uganda’s goal of expanding the economy from roughly $50 billion to $500 billion by 2040, the reason why the bureau should change the way they operate, do the right things and be practical.
Tanna pledged his full support to UNBS in achieving its mandate of ensuring the safety of products consumed by Ugandans, supporting industrialization and facilitating trade.
Gen. Mbadi emphasized the need for UNBS to improve efficiency saying the government has secured markets for Ugandan products but many have failed to access those markets because of failure to meet the required standards in those markets. He also cautioned the bureau to avoid policing SMEs on certification but instead teach, advise, and guide them. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://jajjanews.com/uploads/images/202608/image_870x580_6a72e9adeb2f9.jpg" length="74851" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Wed, 05 Aug 2026 10:49:55 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
<media:keywords></media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Uganda To Host African Union Humanitarian Agency</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/uganda-to-host-african-union-humanitarian-agency</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/uganda-to-host-african-union-humanitarian-agency</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Construction of the African Union Humanitarian Agency headquarters is set to commence in Lubowa.
The African Union  is a continental organization of 55 member states established in 2002 to replace the Organisation of African Unity. Its core goals are to boost economic integration, ensure peace and security, and promote human rights across Africa.
The project is expected to strengthen the country’s role in continental humanitarian affairs,drive  the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to build a single continental market and manage  regional conflicts via the Peace and Security Council.
Minister of ICT and National Guidance Justine Kasule Lumumba told the media that Uganda emerged as the preferred host country after a rigorous assessment by the AU.
She said the agency would serve as a central institution in coordinating Africa’s humanitarian response as the continent continues to face challenges linked to conflicts, displacement, climate change, public health emergencies and natural disasters.
The AU General Assembly adopted the Common African Position on Humanitarian Effectiveness during an extraordinary session held in Addis Ababa on January 30, 2016.
The decision outlined the need to strengthen Africa’s humanitarian architecture, address the root causes of crises and develop lasting solutions by improving state and non-state institutions.
“Central to this was the proposal to establish an African Humanitarian Agency as the principal vehicle to spearhead continental humanitarian action,” Kasule Lumumba said.
She said preparatory work began the following year and led to the establishment of the African Union Humanitarian Agency.
Uganda competed with other countries interested in hosting the institution before winning the bid after AU teams assessed the country’s suitability.
Kasule Lumumba said hosting the agency would boost Uganda’s economic development and international profile by attracting diplomats, humanitarian experts, researchers and government officials from across Africa and beyond.
She added that the presence of the agency would increase demand for accommodation, transport, conference facilities, banking services, legal services, healthcare and other support industries.The Cabinet has decided that the project will be implemented in phases, with government first renting office space for technical teams in Rubaga as construction begins.
The headquarters is expected to be completed within two to three years. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 04 Aug 2026 13:01:45 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
<media:keywords></media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Museveni  Warns Parents  Against Over Pricing of Bride Price</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/museveni-warms-parents-aganist-over-pricing-of-bride-price</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/museveni-warms-parents-aganist-over-pricing-of-bride-price</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has urged the Banyankole community to preserve the cultural values of the traditional Okuhingira ceremony by discouraging excessive bride price demands and extravagant weddings,warning that the growing commercialization of marriage is discouraging many young people from starting families.

The President made the remarks on Saturday 1 st August 2026 during the Okuhingira ceremony of Ms. Kisha Isabel Byanjeru Kaboyo, daughter of the Minister of State for Luweero Triangle and Rwenzori Region, Hon. Alice Kaboyo, at Kakyeera in Kiruhura District.

During the ceremony, Kisha was formally handed over to Mr. Aaron Mwiije Kafureeka, marking the traditional union of the two families ahead of the couple&#039;s marriage.

The Okuhingira ceremony, one of the Banyankole&#039;s most treasured cultural traditions, formally signifies the giving away of a bride by her family to the groom&#039;s family. It symbolizes the union of families, blessings for the couple and the preservation of cultural heritage, rather than serving as a commercial transaction.

Addressing guests, President Museveni expressed concern over the increasing practice of demanding large sums of money and livestock as bride price.

“You, the Banyankole, are damaging the population with this thing of Okujugusa (paying bride price). Why ask for 15 cows and millions of shillings? Why are you selling your children? You make young people fear marriage and, unfortunately, some begin their lives together in debt,” the President said.

He also called for simpler wedding ceremonies, saying costly celebrations place unnecessary financial pressure on families.

Drawing from his own experience, President Museveni recalled that he and the First Lady, Maama Janet Museveni, celebrated a modest wedding attended by only a handful of guests

“I have 15 grandchildren. I wedded Maama Janet abroad with only eight guests at a luncheon. These extravagant weddings are going to disturb people. I urge religious leaders to address this issue through their preaching,” he said.

The President explained that although he rarely attends private social functions because of the logistical costs associated with presidential movements, he made an exception for Hon. Kaboyo because of her long- standing service and loyalty to the National Resistance Movement (NRM).

He recounted that Kaboyo joined his family in 1979 while still a student and unknowingly became part of efforts that concealed preparations for the liberation struggle following the disputed 1980 General Election.

President Museveni said that as he publicly projected interest in settling into civilian life, including negotiating to acquire land in Kanoni, Kaboyo frequently accompanied him, helping reinforce the impression that he had abandoned political activities.

According to the President, the strategy successfully diverted attention from preparations for the armed struggle that officially began in February 1981. 

He further revealed that after completing her studies, Hon. Kaboyo joined the First Lady in Nairobi, where she helped care for the Museveni family before later moving with them to Sweden.

The President said Kaboyo&#039;s dedication over the years, coupled with the personal losses she had endured, including the deaths of her husband and father, made it important for him to personally attend the ceremony.

“I said, for this case, I must come,” President Museveni remarked. Beyond the marriage celebrations, the President commended communities in the cattle corridor for embracing settled dairy farming, saying the transition from nomadic pastoralism had significantly improved household incomes.

He encouraged livestock farmers to prepare for prolonged dry seasons by growing and conserving pasture instead of relying solely on natural grazing.

President Museveni also stressed the importance of protecting water sources and expanding irrigation infrastructure to sustain agricultural production.

He said he would direct the Minister of Water and Environment, Maj. Gen.Kahinda Otafiire, to convene stakeholders to discuss measures to protect

the Kakyeera and River Rwizi water systems, which are vital to western Uganda.Earlier, Vice President, H.E Jessica Alupo congratulated the couple and thanked Hon. Kaboyo and her family for hosting the ceremony.

She wished Kisha and Aaron a peaceful, prosperous and enduring marriage, noting that guests were privileged to witness the important cultural milestone.

In her remarks, Hon. Kaboyo described the occasion as a special blessing from God and expressed gratitude to President Museveni for honouring her invitation despite his demanding schedule.

She also welcomed relatives, friends and other guests who had travelled from different parts of the country to witness her daughter&#039;s Okuhingira ceremony.

The colourful cultural event began with prayers led by the Bishop Emeritus of North Ankole Diocese, Rt. Rev. Stephen Namanya, who thanked President Museveni for his continued fight against corruption and for reappointing Hon. Kaboyo as Minister.

Bishop Namanya encouraged the couple to build their marriage on patience, forgiveness and understanding, reminding them that challenges are a normal part of married life.

The event was also attended by the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Rt.Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, senior government officials, military officers, among other invited guests. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://jajjanews.com/uploads/images/202608/image_870x580_6a718e8aa771f.jpg" length="157734" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Tue, 04 Aug 2026 10:04:53 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
<media:keywords></media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Government Announces Affordaable Mortagage  Package For Low Income Group</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/governmentreal-estates-partners-announce-affordaable-mortagage-for-low-income-group</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/governmentreal-estates-partners-announce-affordaable-mortagage-for-low-income-group</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ GOVERNMENT,REAL ESTATE PLAYERS ANNOUNCE AFFORDABLE MORTAGE FOR LOW INCOME EARNERS 
Lands and Urban Development, Ms Judith Nabakooba has announced government plans to work with key players in the housing and financial sectors to develop affordable mortgage products for low-income earners as part of efforts to reduce Uganda’s estimated housing deficit of 2.4 million units. 
Addressing stakeholders in the real estate industry in Kampala,the Minister acknowledged that  the current mortgage market remains inaccessible to the majority of Ugandans because of high lending rates ranging between 16 and 22 percent.
‘Government intends  to redesign housing finance to cater for ordinary workers, including boda boda riders, market vendors, casual labourers and young professionals, who are currently locked out of home ownership,”Nabakooba stated.
“The housing mortgages available today are affordable for senior government officials and people with established businesses. We now want to plan for low-income earners like boda boda riders, market vendors and those starting from scratch,”she stressed..
She encouraged mortgage financing institutions and developers to introduce flexible repayment plans that reflect the earning patterns of low-income households.
According to her, many Ugandans can afford to save between Shs5,000 and Shs10,000 a day but fail to qualify for conventional mortgage products because they lack formal monthly incomes.
“We need mortgage programmes that accommodate people who can only manage between Shs5,000 and Shs10,000 daily. Such arrangements can enable many Ugandans to own decent homes,” she said.
She  further proposed long-term housing schemes for fresh university graduates, arguing that many complete their studies only to struggle with rising rental costs before establishing themselves financially.
“Many of our children complete school at about 25 years. Renting is becoming expensive. Why not allow them to own homes while paying affordable instalments over 20 years or even longer?” she empasized.
In addressing current housing shortage,Nabakooba said government is fast-tracking the proposed Real Estate Bill, which she expects Parliament to pass before the end of the current financial year.
She said the legislation will introduce minimum professional standards for real estate practitioners, require licensing of dealers and strengthen regulation of the property industry.
“Today someone wakes up and starts selling houses without a licence. Once this Bill becomes law, it will regulate all real estate dealers and professionalise the industry,” she said.
She added that the law is expected to minimise fraud, improve accountability and protect buyers involved in high-value property transactions.
The minister acknowledged that land conflicts, duplicate and overlapping land titles, fraudulent estate management and prolonged court cases continue to undermine confidence in Uganda’s real estate sector however to  address the challenge, she said President Museveni directed the Ministry of Lands to migrate the national land registry to blockchain technology to improve the security and authenticity of land records.
She said the digital system is expected to reduce fraud, strengthen land administration and lower the cost of doing business.
Global Real Estate Managing Director Ms Fridaus Nambi said the conference had created a platform for lawyers, developers, financiers and policymakers to discuss reforms needed to improve Uganda’s real estate industry.
“We have many enactments already in place and more amendments coming. These conversations help us understand how we can improve the industry and ensure all stakeholders move together,” Ms Nambi said.
She expressed optimism that recommendations from the conference would contribute to a more transparent, professional and sustainable real estate sector capable of supporting increased investment and expanding access to affordable housing. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 04 Aug 2026 08:56:38 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
<media:keywords></media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Ministry of Lands Together With  Partners Set to  Showcase  Uganda&amp;apos;s Housing Innovaions</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/ministry-of-lands-together-with-partners-set-to-hold-an-exhibition-to-solve-ugandas-housing-needs</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/ministry-of-lands-together-with-partners-set-to-hold-an-exhibition-to-solve-ugandas-housing-needs</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Under the theme“Global Innovation, Local Solutions: Shaping the future of Building &amp; Construction in Uganda” Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development in partnership with Buildcon and her funders Exhibition and Trade Services India PVT (ETSIPL), FUTUREX and Lanestra Enterprises (U) Ltd will hold the 5th Edition of Uganda Buildcon International Expo from 6th to Saturday 8thAugust, 2026 at Multi-Purpose Hall, UMA Showgrounds,Lugogo in Kampala.
According to State Minister for Lands and Housing Persis Namuganza,this theme is relevant to the global as well as Uganda’s vibrant construction sector which is positioned to address local challenges with global solutions. 
“In the current global economy, individuals and companies must be strategic to address local construction challenges,”she stated.
“This Expo’s theme rallies both the international and local community to identify international solutions and localise as well as harmonise them to address todays construction challenges,”she stressed. 
She said the 5th Edition of Uganda Buildcon International Exhibition will focus on architecture, construction, building materials, engineering, innovation, interior designs, building automation, heavy equipment, construction machinery, prefabricated structures, safety, security and solar products, infrastructure software and tools among others.  

“The trade show scheduled to take place at the UMA show grounds Kampala Uganda brings together both International and National players in different spheres of construction industries to showcase innovations and sustainability in the housing and construction sector. The show is therefore timely when Uganda is implementing the National Development Plan (NDPIV) and registering a boom in the construction and real estate sectors where the issues of sustainability are critical,”Namuganza emphasized.  

She further said that the expo will address innovative ways such as managing the policy challenges of high-tech technologies;closing the technological gaps,and fostering of  technological progress and make it sustainable 
The theme for this year calls upon all industry players to put global innovative technologies at the centre of construction through awareness, promoting innovative approaches as well as building sustainable solutions in the construction and housing industry 
During the three days event,the Ministry laf lands and urban development will showcase and disseminate a number of policies, Guidelines, measures and interventions geared towards improving the performance of the sector: 


Uganda faces a massive housing deficit of over 2.4 million units, driven by rapid population growth, high construction costs, and limited affordable financing
As Uganda confronts a staggering 2.4 million housing deficit amid rapid urbanisation, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni signed three major laws aimed at tightening construction standards, expanding mortgage financing and professionalising property valuation.
The legislation was assented to on February 19, 2026, at State House Entebbe, in what government officials describe as a decisive step toward stabilising a sector under mounting pressure. Uganda’s urban population is growing at roughly 5% annually, swelling cities such as Kampala and intensifying demand for affordable housing. Yet only about 60,000 new units are built each year against annual demand estimated between 210,000 and 300,000 units.
The deficit, including more than 200,000 units in urban areas and nearly 1.4 million in rural communities, could balloon to 4.5 million by 2035 if current trends persist. Analysts estimate that up to 96% of Ugandans cannot afford the average formal-sector home.
At the heart of the reforms is the Building Control (Amendment) Act, 2025, which strengthens penalties for illegal construction and mandates stricter inspections to curb substandard structures. Uganda’s construction boom has long been marred by safety lapses and frequent building collapses, exposing weak enforcement and widespread informality.
Officials say the amendments build on the 2013 Building Control Act but introduce sharper enforcement tools and accountability measures. “This isn’t just about fines; it’s about saving lives in our exploding cities,” a government spokesperson said, referencing growing risks in densely populated and in some cases earthquake-prone areas.
Authorities hope the law will help address the estimated 900,000 substandard housing units nationwide by enforcing modern building codes and tightening compliance. Unlocking Mortgage Finance The Mortgage Refinance Institutions Act, 2025 seeks to tackle a deeper structural problem: limited access to long-term housing finance.
Under the new law, the Bank of Uganda will regulate mortgage refinance institutions to enable them to provide longer-term liquidity to primary lenders. By refinancing mortgage portfolios for at least five years, the framework aims to expand credit access and lower borrowing costs.
Mortgage lending in Uganda currently accounts for less than 1% of GDP, far below regional peers, largely due to high interest rates and short loan tenors. “Long-term financing is the key to turning renters into owners,” Finance Minister Matia Kasaija said, noting that the reform aligns with broader public finance safeguards.
Analysts say the move could stimulate private-sector construction and align Uganda with broader continental growth trends under trade frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area, which are expected to boost regional investment flows. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://jajjanews.com/uploads/images/202608/image_870x580_6a716f88b998e.jpg" length="99533" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Tue, 04 Aug 2026 07:51:20 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
<media:keywords></media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Museveni Reaffirms Ugandas Support to Olara Otunnu UN Secretary Bid</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/museveni-reafirms-ugandas-support-to-olara-otunnu-un-secretary-bid</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/museveni-reafirms-ugandas-support-to-olara-otunnu-un-secretary-bid</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ PRESIDENT MUSEVENI REAFFIRMS UGANDA’S BACKING FOR
AMBASSADOR OLARA OTUNNU&amp;#39;S UN SECRETARY-GENERAL
CANDIDATURE

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni today formally reaffirmed Uganda&amp;#39;s
support for Ambassador Olara Otunnu&amp;#39;s candidature for the position of
Secretary-General of the United Nations during a meeting with
representatives of members of the United Nations Security Council at State
House, Entebbe.
The meeting provided an opportunity for the President to officially present
Uganda&amp;#39;s nominee and reaffirm the government&amp;#39;s commitment to mobilising
international support for Ambassador Otunnu&amp;#39;s bid to lead the world&amp;#39;s
premier multilateral organisation.
Introducing Ambassador Otunnu to the diplomats, President Museveni
described him as a distinguished Ugandan statesman and seasoned
diplomat whose extensive experience within the United Nations system
makes him well suited to lead the organisation at a time of mounting global
challenges.
“He is really the type of person you will need in the UN system because he
is very much aligned to it. I therefore hand over Olara Otunnu to you,”
President Museveni said.
The President noted that he has known Ambassador Otunnu since their
days at Makerere University, where Otunnu served as Guild President. He
also praised his fluency in both English and French, saying his multilingual
ability and broad diplomatic experience are significant assets for the role.

“He speaks English and French very well without a tribal accent, so I hand
Ambassador Olara Otunnu to you so that he can brief you himself,” the
President added.
President Museveni observed that although Ambassador Otunnu has spent
decades serving the international community, he has remained an
influential figure in Uganda&amp;#39;s political landscape, having served as
President of the Uganda People&amp;#39;s Congress (UPC) and previously
contested for the country&amp;#39;s presidency.
The President also highlighted Uganda&amp;#39;s strong credentials within the
United Nations, particularly its contribution to regional peace and security
and its progressive refugee policy.
“Uganda&amp;#39;s credentials in the UN are many, but the uncontested ones are
two: our contribution to regional security—I don&amp;#39;t think anybody will say
Uganda is not known for that—and our support for refugees. Our candidate
comes from that background,” he said.
“Of course, we are also excelling in democracy, although others may have
different views, which I will not insist upon. But on refugees and our
contribution to regional security, I think everybody will agree.”
In his remarks, Ambassador Otunnu thanked President Museveni for the
government&amp;#39;s endorsement, noting that several members of the Security
Council had sought assurances regarding Uganda&amp;#39;s commitment to his
candidature following previous unsuccessful attempts.
He said he had informed them that the President was best placed to clarify
Uganda&amp;#39;s position and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to engage
the representatives alongside the Head of State.

Ambassador Otunnu outlined his distinguished international career, having
served as Uganda&amp;#39;s Permanent Representative to the United Nations,
President of the UN Security Council, Chair of the UN Commission on
Human Rights, President of the International Peace Academy (now the
International Peace Institute), and United Nations Under-Secretary-General
and Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict.
He said his experience spans peace and security, humanitarian affairs,
human rights and development, with a leadership approach rooted in
consensus-building and dialogue.
According to Ambassador Otunnu, preventing conflicts, maintaining
international peace, supporting peacebuilding and promoting post-conflict
recovery should remain the United Nations&amp;#39; foremost priorities.
He also unveiled his vision for strengthening the effectiveness and
credibility of the organisation through institutional reforms aimed at
improving efficiency, coordination and accountability.
On development, Ambassador Otunnu said the Secretary-General should
play a stronger convening role in mobilising long-term financing for
developing countries with credible development plans but limited financial
resources.
He further called for the United Nations to spearhead global cooperation on
emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, by bringing
together governments, experts and the private sector to ensure
technological advancement benefits all humanity.
Ambassador Otunnu reaffirmed his commitment to promoting transparency,
merit and inclusivity within the United Nations, saying recruitment should

reflect the organisation&amp;#39;s universal character while maintaining the highest
professional standards.
He described the office of the Secretary-General as one founded on moral
authority, humility, consensus-building and active engagement with member
states in advancing peace, sustainable development and international
cooperation.
Representatives of Security Council member states welcomed the
opportunity to engage with President Museveni and Ambassador Otunnu,
outlining the priorities that would guide their respective governments during
the Secretary-General selection process.
They commended Ambassador Otunnu&amp;#39;s distinguished international record
and welcomed his emphasis on peace and security, development, human
rights, institutional reform and emerging global issues, including artificial
intelligence.
The diplomats also acknowledged Uganda&amp;#39;s significant contribution to
regional peace and security, particularly in the Horn of Africa and the Great
Lakes Region, as well as its internationally recognised refugee policy.
Former Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda reaffirmed
Uganda&amp;#39;s determination to secure broad international backing for
Ambassador Otunnu&amp;#39;s candidature.
President Museveni announced that Dr. Rugunda would lead a Ugandan
delegation to engage governments in various capitals as part of Uganda&amp;#39;s
diplomatic campaign.

“We are going to send our delegation led by Dr. Rugunda to your capitals,”
President Museveni said.
Dr. Rugunda described Ambassador Otunnu as a distinguished Ugandan
statesman whose service at both the national and international levels has
prepared him to lead the United Nations.
He noted that Ambassador Otunnu has remained an important national
leader through his leadership of the Uganda People&amp;#39;s Congress and his
participation in presidential elections.
“I am very happy that you have endorsed Ambassador Otunnu. We will
give him our full support,” Dr. Rugunda said.
He added that Uganda believes the time has come for Ambassador Otunnu
to realise his long-held aspiration of serving as Secretary-General of the
United Nations.
“I think now is the time to actualise this long-postponed aspiration,” he said.
Dr. Rugunda also appealed to the diplomats to convey Uganda&amp;#39;s message
of support to their respective governments.
“I hope that the ambassadors will clearly convey the message to their
respective governments.”
The meeting was attended by ambassadors representing both permanent
and non-permanent members of the United Nations Security Council,
including Somalia, Denmark, the Democratic Republic of the Congo,
Pakistan, Russia, the United Kingdom, France, the United States and other
member states. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 04 Aug 2026 00:10:46 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
<media:keywords></media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>UBOS Commissions 80 Data Collectors For the 9th Uganda National Household Survey 2026/27</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/ubos-commissions-80-data-collectors-for-the-9th-uganda-national-household-survey-202627</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/ubos-commissions-80-data-collectors-for-the-9th-uganda-national-household-survey-202627</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) has officially commissioned 80 field data collectors following the successful completion of a 15-day training in preparation for the 9th Round of the Uganda National Household Survey (UNHS) 2026/27.

The trained personnel have been organized into 16 teams, each led by a Field Supervisor and in order to enhance effective communication and data quality, the teams were strategically constituted based on language proficiency, ensuring smooth interaction between field interviewers and respondents across different regions.

The data collection exercise for the 9th UNHS is expected to run for a period of 12 months, allowing for comprehensive coverage of sampled households and communities nationwide.

While commissioning the data collectors, the Executive Director of UBOS, Dr. Chris N. Mukiza, emphasized the importance of professionalism, integrity, and adherence to ethical standards. He urged the field staff to uphold the Oath of Secrecy and Oath of Office they had taken, particularly stressing the confidentiality of information collected.

“You must ensure that the information you collect remains confidential. Do not disclose sources of data,” Dr. Mukiza noted, referencing the Uganda Bureau of Statistics Act, 1998, which guarantees data protection and statistical independence.

He further cautioned the data collectors to accurately record information as provided by respondents, warning that any alteration compromises data quality. “Record the information as it is given. Do not change anything. The data you collect is critical for planners and policymakers in improving the lives of Ugandans,” he emphasized.

Dr. Mukiza also warned against indiscipline and poor performance, noting that individuals who fail to meet the required standards risk dismissal and possible exclusion from future survey engagements. He underscored that the production of reliable statistics begins with credible and accurate data collection processes.

The Uganda National Household Survey is a key national survey program that generates data on critical socio-economic indicators, including education, health, housing conditions, and food security. The survey plays a vital role in assessing poverty levels, monitoring socio-economic trends, and evaluating household welfare in line with national and international development frameworks.

UBOS released the report of the 8th Round of the UNHS in May 2025. The 9th Round (2026/27) will build on previous surveys by generating updated and reliable statistical data to support evidence-based planning, policy formulation, monitoring and evaluation of development programs, and informed public debate. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 03 Aug 2026 23:32:09 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
<media:keywords></media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Ministry of Energy Grilled Over 17.3Billion Electrificaion Fund</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/ministry-of-energy-grilled-over-173billion-electrificaion-fund</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/ministry-of-energy-grilled-over-173billion-electrificaion-fund</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development faced sharp scrutiny Friday as the Public Accounts Committee questioned inconsistencies in the accounting of 17.3 billion shillings in government counterpart funding for a rural electrification project.

The committee, chaired by Kassanda North MP Patrick Nsamba Oshabe, examined the Auditor General’s report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025. Officials led by Permanent Secretary Eng. Irene Pauline Bateebe struggled to reconcile discrepancies between the audit findings, the project’s financial statements and the ministry’s own submissions on how the funds were spent.

At the centre of the inquiry was government counterpart funding provided under the African Development Bank-supported electricity access project.

According to the Auditor General, government approved compensation worth about 34 billion shillings for Project Affected Persons (PAPs), but only approximately 14.6 billion shillings, about 40 percent of the approved amount, had been paid by the time of the audit.

Ministry officials told the committee that the counterpart funding was primarily intended to compensate landowners affected by electricity infrastructure works, while a small portion financed biodiversity restoration activities, including tree planting.

However, committee members noted that the project’s financial statements indicated the entire 17.3 billion shillings allocated by government had been spent, despite records showing that only 14.6 billion shillings had been paid to Project Affected Persons during the audit period.”Money cannot simply appear without a purpose,” Oshabe told the officials, insisting that every shilling appropriated by Parliament must be fully accounted for.

Officials later explained that part of the counterpart funding had also financed operational activities related to compensation, including property valuation, field verification and facilitation of compensation teams. The explanation, however, failed to satisfy the committee.

“You told us 99 percent of this funding was meant for compensation. Now you are changing the story,” Oshabe said.

The committee raised further questions after ministry officials disclosed that the African Development Bank had authorised the use of an additional 13.48 billion shillings from uncommitted loan funds to finance compensation after government delayed releasing part of its counterpart contribution.

Committee members noted that, taken together, government counterpart funding and the additional donor financing amounted to nearly 30 billion shillings available for compensation. Yet the Auditor General reported that only 14.6 billion shillings had reached Project Affected Persons during the audit period.

“Something is not adding up,” Oshabe observed.”You have government funds, donor funds, yet only a fraction reached the Project Affected Persons.”

Bateebe maintained that the Auditor General’s report reflected the project’s financial position as of 30 June 2025 and that additional compensation payments were made before the project officially closed on 31 March 2026.The committee, however, questioned why the ministry’s written responses submitted to Parliament continued to reflect the earlier figures instead of updated project accounts.

The hearing took another turn after ministry officials revealed that about 32,000 Project Affected Persons remained uncompensated even after the project’s completion.

They told MPs that government has since sought an additional loan of about 33 billion shillings to settle the outstanding compensation claims.

The disclosure prompted fresh questions from legislators, who asked why government was borrowing to finance obligations it had originally committed to meet through counterpart funding.”Government committed itself to finance this component. Why are you borrowing again instead of meeting your own obligation?” Oshabe asked.

Members also questioned how the number of Project Affected Persons increased from an estimated 37,000 to more than 61,000 during project implementation, saying the sharp increase raised concerns about project planning, valuation and compliance with environmental and social safeguards.

Throughout the hearing, Oshabe reminded accounting officers that Parliament’s oversight powers extend beyond issues specifically identified by the Auditor General.

“Parliament is not limited to questions raised by the Auditor General. We are entitled to ask how public money was spent,” he said.

He also criticised ministry officials for appearing before the committee without detailed expenditure schedules despite managing a project worth more than 453 billion shillings. Committee members further questioned why senior project managers were unable to clearly explain how grant funds were allocated for the procurement of electricity meters, cables and connection materials.

The compensation dispute also raises questions about compliance with environmental and social safeguards governing infrastructure projects financed by multilateral lenders such as the African Development Bank, where timely compensation of affected communities is a key requirement before project implementation.

The committee directed the ministry to submit a comprehensive reconciliation detailing the utilization of government counterpart funding, the actual compensation paid to Project Affected Persons, operational expenditures charged against the counterpart funds, biodiversity restoration costs, and the justification for seeking an additional 33 billion shillings loan after the project’s closure.

Under the Public Finance Management Act, 2015, accounting officers are personally responsible for ensuring that public resources are used economically, efficiently and only for purposes approved by Parliament. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 02 Aug 2026 07:55:52 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
<media:keywords></media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Uganda  Launches  Nation Action Plan to Combat Trafficking In Persons</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/uganda-launches-nation-action-plan-to-combat-trafficking-in-persons</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/uganda-launches-nation-action-plan-to-combat-trafficking-in-persons</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Uganda has intensified its fight against human trafficking by launching a new National Action Plan  under the theme &quot;Trapped Behind the Scam: The Hidden Human Cost Behind Cyber-Enabled Fraud.&quot;
Minister of Internal Affairs Prof. Ephraim Kamuntu said children continue to bear the heaviest burden of crime. Of the 1,002 recorded victims, 555 were children, representing over 55 percent of all cases, while 447 were adults.
According to National Report on Countering Trafficking in Persons 2025 recorded a modest 6.18 percent decline in total reported cases from 1,068 in 2024 to 1,002 in 2025. 
Prof. Kamuntu described human trafficking as a form of modern-day slavery and warned that the practice inflicts devastating harm on families and communities across the nation. 
He emphasized that safeguarding young people begins at home, urging parents to instill strong moral values early to build a society that firmly rejects exploitation.
Derrick Kigenyi Basalirwa, Deputy National Coordinator at the Coordination Office for Prevention of Trafficking in Persons, explained that traffickers no longer rely solely on moving victims across borders. Instead, they exploit digital platforms to harvest personal data and recruit unsuspecting job seekers online, often coercing them into forced criminal labor or remote scams.
Echoing these concerns, Waiswa Abdu Salaam, Head of Legal at the Uganda Communications Commission, noted that while the internet offers vital opportunities for innovation and employment, predators routinely exploit young people desperate for work. He urged citizens to rigorously verify online job opportunities and avoid sharing personal information with unverified recruiters.
This localized crisis reflects a broader global issue, as human trafficking remains one of the fastest-growing forms of organized crime worldwide. Statistics indicate that approximately seven million people were living in modern slavery across Africa in 2021, accounting for 14 percent of the global total. Forced labor and sexual exploitation drive the majority of cases.
According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, nearly 79 percent of trafficking in Africa occurs within national borders, driven by poverty, high unemployment, armed conflict, and weak regulatory frameworks.
To counter these evolving threats, Uganda&#039;s new National Action Plan outlines a multisectoral strategy that brings together security agencies, civil society groups, and international partners. Guided by the Prevention of Trafficking in Persons Act of 2009, the framework focuses on strengthening prevention, enhancing victim protection and survivor rehabilitation, promoting safe migration pathways, and aggressively prosecuting traffickers.
As criminal networks continue to adapt to the digital age, government officials maintain that public vigilance, parental guidance, and responsible technology use will remain crucial in protecting vulnerable Ugandans from modern slavery. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://jajjanews.com/uploads/images/202608/image_870x580_6a6ecb619487b.jpg" length="82446" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sun, 02 Aug 2026 07:53:18 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
<media:keywords></media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Madi Leaders Push For   Ict Labs  For The  Youth Digitalise Uganda&amp;apos;s Economy</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/madi-leaders-push-for-ict-labs-for-the-youth-digitalise-ugandas-economy</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/madi-leaders-push-for-ict-labs-for-the-youth-digitalise-ugandas-economy</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Leaders in the Madi sub-region have appealed to the State House to establish Information and Communication Technology (ICT) laboratories and introduce computer-related courses at the Madi Zonal Presidential  Industrial Skilling Hub, arguing that digital skills are now essential for young people seeking employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.

The appeal was made during a stakeholders&#039; engagement meeting held at the Madi Zonal Presidential Industrial Skilling Hub in Adjumani District on Friday, July 31, 2026.

The hub serves youth from the districts of Moyo, Adjumani and Obongi. Mr. Geoffrey Filbert Ocaliap, the Resident District Commissioner for Moyo and Chairperson of the Madi Zonal Presidential Industrial Skilling Hub Board, said vocational trainees should graduate with both practical trade skills and digital competencies to remain competitive in the modern economy.

“The world is increasingly becoming digital. Our trainees need computer skills alongside their vocational training,” Mr. Ocaliap said, noting that an ICT laboratory would enable learners to conduct research on emerging  technologies while also paving the way for computer studies to be introduced as a new course at the hub.

He described the Presidential Industrial Skilling Hubs as transformative institutions that equip young people with practical skills while awarding qualifications comparable to the Uganda Certificate of Education (Senior Four) level.

Mr. Ocaliap urged leaders across the region to intensify mobilisation so that more vulnerable youth can benefit from the free government programme.

He noted that the growing recognition of the hubs was reflected in the recent recruitment of several graduates into the Uganda People&#039;s Defence Forces (UPDF) as skilled professionals.

On post-training support, Mr. Ocaliap revealed that the Madi Hub SACCO had received Shs150 million, with Moyo, Adjumani and Obongi districts each allocated Shs50 million to finance graduates starting their own businesses.

However, he cited inadequate facilitation for SACCO executives and district hub committees responsible for monitoring beneficiaries as one of the major challenges affecting programme implementation.

Representing the State House Comptroller, Ms. Jane Barekye, the Special Presidential Assistant on Political Affairs, Mr. Godfrey Longa, commended leaders in the Madi sub-region for their continued support towards the Presidential Industrial Skilling Hubs programme.

He announced that President Yoweri Museveni had released Shs8.8 billion to Presidential Industrial Hub SACCOs across the country to provide start- up capital to graduates.

Each zonal hub SACCO, he said, received Shs50 million, and called upon district leaders to ensure the funds are invested in productive enterprises.

“We want leaders to monitor these beneficiaries so that the money achieves its intended purpose of creating wealth and improving livelihoods,” Mr. Longa said.

He disclosed that 121 beneficiaries from the Madi sub-region had already received start-up capital, with more graduates expected to benefit.

Addressing concerns over delays in loan disbursement, Mr. Longa explained that the verification process was necessary to guarantee transparency and accountability.

He also revealed that State House had expanded the hub&#039;s value-addition component through the construction of a grain milling plant, an animal feed factory and modern grain silos with a storage capacity of 500 metric tonnes.

Mr. Longa urged local leaders to mobilise communities to embrace commercial agriculture to ensure the facilities operate at full capacity and generate more employment opportunities.

On student discipline, he challenged district selection committees to admit only committed trainees willing to complete the programme.

“We need students who are committed to learning because this programme is transforming lives,” he said.

Mr. Longa recalled incidents where some trainees attempted to abandon the programme before later claiming they had been attacked by spirits. He also attributed some withdrawals to health conditions, including Hepatitis B, as well as pregnancy, and called for thorough screening before admission.

Regarding transport challenges, he said programme implementers should continue working within available resources as the State House finalises plans to provide transport to the hubs.

The meeting also heard testimonies from graduates whose lives have been transformed through the initiative.Rehema Jamila, a tailoring graduate from Moyo District, said she received Shs560,000 from the hub SACCO, which enabled her to purchase a sewing machine and tailoring materials before establishing her own business.

She said the enterprise now employs other people and has significantly improved her family&#039;s livelihood.

“My dream is to meet President Museveni and personally thank him for giving me a second chance in life,” she said.

Another beneficiary, Amacha William, a Primary Seven dropout from Lori Village in Adjumani District, said the programme helped him abandon illegal fishing after enrolling for bakery and confectionery training. William said he initially failed to raise Shs30,000 from his wife to start a small mandazi business but later received support to launch the enterprise.

After securing Shs700,000 from the hub SACCO, he expanded the business, now employs six people, has trained more than 20 others in bakery and confectionery, and supplies bread and mandazi across Moyo,Adjumani and Obongi districts.

“I thank President Museveni for giving me this opportunity. Today I can support my family and my next goal is to modernise my bakery by acquiring an industrial mixer and oven,” he said.

The Presidential Industrial Skilling Hub programme, implemented under the Office of the State House Comptroller, provides free vocational training, accommodation, meals and start-up capital to vulnerable youth, enabling them to establish businesses, create jobs and contribute to Uganda&#039;s socio-economic transformation. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 01 Aug 2026 21:17:49 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
<media:keywords></media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Museveni  Assures Somalia of Peace and Stability</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/museveni-to-protect-peace-and-stability-of-africa</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/museveni-to-protect-peace-and-stability-of-africa</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has reaffirmed Uganda’s strategic commitment to peace and regional stability in the Horn of Africa, emphasizing that the intervention in Somalia remains grounded in Pan-African solidarity, principle, and long-term security strategy rather than mere geographical proximity.

Speaking during the closing ceremony of a three-day summit that brought together Heads of State from troop-contributing countries to the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), namely Uganda, Ethiopia, Kenya, Djibouti, Egypt, and Burundi, the President noted that although Uganda does not share a direct territorial border with Somalia, its military presence alongside regional forces was a deliberate decision rooted in core Pan-African principles.
President Museveni explained that Uganda&#039;s intervention in Somalia rests on two primary pillars: rejecting religious extremism that threatens societal cohesion and demonstrating tangible solidarity with neighboring countries facing systemic regional threats. He cautioned against extremist groups seeking to impose ideological and religious chauvinism on African populations.

Reflecting on regional security dynamics, President Museveni recalled that similar ideological pressures had previously emerged from Khartoum in Sudan before spreading into Somalia, making a decisive intervention necessary to safeguard the region&#039;s shared future. Highlighting the interconnected nature of security in the Horn of Africa, he stated that Uganda&#039;s involvement was also an act of direct solidarity with Ethiopia, which faced strategic pressures from hostile groups operating across regional borders.
Addressing ideological intolerance, Museveni stressed that African societies possess a rich history defined by diversity, mutual respect, and coexistence. While different cultures maintain their own deeply rooted traditions and prohibitions, referencing past discussions with former Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir regarding traditional African and Islamic concepts of prohibition, the African way of life relies on respecting individual differences rather than forcing narrow doctrines onto others. He concluded by calling on ideological groups to respect the sovereignty and social fabric of African nations, reiterating that regional leaders remain united in ensuring Somalia achieves lasting peace, self-determination, and institutional stability.
The Heads of State session followed earlier deliberations by the Chiefs of Defence Forces (CDFs) and Ministers of Defence from the participating nations. During the military chiefs&#039; meeting, Ugandan CDF Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who chaired the session, called for swift action as the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) prepares to conclude operations by December 31, 2026.
&quot;These are difficult circumstances, but they also call for our unity, creativity, and resolve,&quot; Gen. Kainerugaba stated, emphasizing the need for troop-contributing countries to fast-track African-led alternative arrangements. The recommendations generated by the CDFs were subsequently adopted by the ministers before being presented to the Heads of State.
Also speaking at the summit, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf expressed deep gratitude to Uganda, noting that the country has stood as one of the pillars of Africa&#039;s engagement in Somalia for close to 20 years.

&quot;Its leadership and the sacrifices borne by its forces, and by those of all troop- and police-contributing countries, command our deepest appreciation,&quot; he said.
He paid tribute to all African soldiers and police officers who have served under the African Union flag and made the ultimate sacrifice, noting that their professionalism, courage, and sacrifice have enabled Somalia to advance along the path to stability. He further reiterated the continent&#039;s resolve to preserve the gains of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and conduct an orderly transition grounded in realities on the ground. 
Emphasizing close dialogue with partners to secure predictable, sustainable support, he assured the government and people of Somalia that the Commission will continue mobilizing the necessary political, diplomatic, and financial backing for the mission&#039;s success. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 01 Aug 2026 20:15:04 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
<media:keywords></media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Permanent Secretary Ministry of Local Government Calls For Discplinary Action on  Public Servants</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/permanent-secretary-ministry-of-local-government-calls-for-discplinary-action-on-public-servants</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/permanent-secretary-ministry-of-local-government-calls-for-discplinary-action-on-public-servants</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Permanent Secretary Ministry of Local Government,Ben Kumumanya,has directed district and municipal authorities to take firm disciplinary action against Parish Chiefs, Town Agents and other public servants implicated in corruption, bribery and abuse of office. 
In a directive dated 13 July 2026, Kumumanya instructed Town Clerks, City Town Clerks and other accounting officers to urgently institute disciplinary proceedings against officers accused of malpractice and remove them from service where necessary, in accordance with the law.
The directive marks one of the government’s strongest accountability measures targeting frontline officials responsible for implementing key public programmes, particularly the Parish Development Model (PDM).
Kumumanya also directed all local governments to begin submitting monthly reports detailing disciplinary cases handled, actions taken and the status of court proceedings involving public officers accused of criminal conduct, starting with cases handled in August 2026.
The move comes as Uganda continues to invest heavily in decentralised service delivery through the PDM, a flagship government programme aimed at lifting households from subsistence farming into the money economy. 
The government allocated Shs 2.9 trillion to the Parish Development Model (PDM) for the 2026/27 financial year, part of a cumulative total of Shs 4.4 trillion historically directed to capitalize 10,589 parish SACCOs nationwide
With the programme operating in more than 10,000 parishes across the country, ensuring accountability at the grassroots has become critical to safeguarding public resources and maintaining public confidence.
In his communication to local government leaders, Kumumanya noted that the Ministry had received numerous reports of malpractice involving Parish Chiefs in different parts of the country, with some officers already arrested and charged before the courts. 
“As you are aware, a number of reports have been received about malpractices of Parish Chiefs in your local government. In addition, some have been reported, arrested and charged in courts of law for these criminal activities which contravene the laws of the land,” Kumumanya wrote.
He emphasised that public servants entrusted with managing government programmes and serving citizens must uphold the highest standards of integrity and accountability.
The directive places Parish Chiefs and Town Agents under greater scrutiny, recognising their critical role as the closest link between government and local communities.
Uganda’s decentralised governance system depends on thousands of frontline officers who implement government policies and coordinate service delivery at the community level. 
Parish Chiefs and Town Agents oversee government programmes, mobilise communities, verify beneficiary information and support the implementation of development initiatives.
Their responsibilities have become even more significant under the Parish Development Model, where parish structures—including PDM Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisations (SACCOs)—play a central role in supporting household income generation and economic transformation.
Given the scale of the programme, misconduct by a single official can affect hundreds of intended beneficiaries, delay service delivery and erode public trust in government initiatives.
Kumumanya’s latest directive signals a shift from simply receiving complaints to enforcing accountability. 
He instructed all Town Clerks and municipal authorities to act without delay against officers found guilty of malpractice.
“In line with the above, this is to instruct you to urgently institute disciplinary measures against the Parish Chiefs, Town Agents and public servants involved in the malpractice and remove them from service as stipulated under the relevant rules and regulations,” he directed.
The order places responsibility squarely on local government accounting officers to ensure investigations are conducted promptly, disciplinary procedures are followed and appropriate sanctions are imposed.
The newly introduced monthly reporting requirement will also enable the Ministry to monitor how local governments are responding to allegations of misconduct and whether disciplinary actions are being implemented effectively.
The seriousness of the directive is reflected in its wide circulation across government. 
Copies were sent to the Minister of Local Government, the Minister of State for Local Government, the Head of Public Service and Secretary to Cabinet, the Chairperson of the Public Service Commission, the Principal Private Secretary to the President, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Service, the Secretary to the Public Service Commission, all Chief Administrative Officers, and all City Town Clerks.
Kumumanya’s message is unequivocal: as government services move closer to the people, accountability must be strengthened at every level. Public resources are entrusted to public servants for the benefit of citizens, and those who abuse that trust will face disciplinary and legal consequences. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://jajjanews.com/uploads/images/202607/image_870x580_6a58a88747d83.jpg" length="59199" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sat, 01 Aug 2026 11:28:11 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
<media:keywords></media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>AFRICA CDC  Calls On United Staes to Lift Travel Restrictions on Uganda Over Ebola</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/africa-cdc-calls-on-united-staes-to-lift-travel-restrictions-on-uganda-over-ebola</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/africa-cdc-calls-on-united-staes-to-lift-travel-restrictions-on-uganda-over-ebola</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has called on the United States to lift travel restrictions imposed on Uganda following its recent Ebola outbreak, saying the country has demonstrated transparency and made significant progress in containing the disease.
Africa CDC Director General Dr Jean Kaseya said the continental health agency had formally written to U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. requesting the removal of the restrictions.
“For the past three weeks, Uganda didn’t record a new case, and the last case was discharged on the 16th of July. Uganda is doing a great job. There is no reason for the U.S. to continue with this travel restriction,” Kaseya said.
He was speaking at the opening of the ministerial segment of the African Union Extraordinary Session on Ending AIDS by 2030 and Strengthening Africa’s Health Systems in Accra on Tuesday.
The laast Ebola patient in Uganda was discharged on July 16, triggering a ‌42-day countdown after which it can be declared free of the virus, according to World Health Organization guidelines.
The country had reported 20 Ebola cases so far, compared to ​over 2,400 in DRC.
Kaseya’s appeal follows public health measures introduced by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) after Uganda declared an Ebola outbreak earlier this year.
The measures included enhanced health screening for travelers arriving from Uganda, rerouting eligible passengers through designated U.S. airports for public health screening, and temporary entry restrictions for certain categories of travelers with recent travel history to Uganda.
Although the measures did not amount to a blanket travel ban, Ugandan officials have argued that they have affected tourism, business travel, investment, and the country’s international image.
Kaseya urged African governments to support Africa CDC’s appeal, arguing that countries that promptly declare disease outbreaks should not be penalized.
“Being transparent cannot lead to countries to be punished. It’s time today to lift the status and then we’ll continue to support DRC on the challenge they are facing,” he said.
The Africa CDC chief made the remarks as the continent battles what he described as the worst Ebola outbreak ever recorded in Africa, centred in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
According to Kaseya, the outbreak has already claimed about 1,000 lives and continues to spread at an unprecedented pace.
“Already 52 Ebola outbreaks. This is the worst one. After 65 days, we already have more than 2,400 confirmed cases. If we don’t stop this outbreak today, it will be the worst one that the world will be documenting,” he warned.
Kaseya said more than 70 percent of new infections are now being detected through community transmission, indicating that many infected people are not being identified early enough.
He explained that health authorities should ideally trace about 40 contacts for every confirmed Ebola case, but current surveillance is reaching less than 10 percent of the expected contacts.
He attributed the deteriorating situation partly to insecurity in eastern DRC, where attacks by armed groups have disrupted response operations and forced health workers to withdraw from some affected areas.
He added that the presence of more than one million internally displaced people has further complicated contact tracing and disease surveillance.
To contain the outbreak, Africa CDC estimates that US$1.4 billion is required. African countries have so far pledged about US$110 million, surpassing an initial target of US$100 million but falling far short of the resources needed.
Kaseya said Africa CDC and the World Health Organization (WHO) had jointly developed a continental response plan while accelerating clinical trials for Ebola vaccines and therapeutics.
He reiterated that Africa CDC does not support travel bans or restrictions on international meetings during disease outbreaks, arguing that such measures discourage countries from reporting outbreaks promptly and undermine continental and global health security.
The 25th Extraordinary Session of the African Union Executive Council, which is considering strategies to end AIDS by 2030, reduce preventable maternal deaths, strengthen health systems and improve Africa’s preparedness for disease outbreaks.
Opening the meeting, Ghana’s Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, urged African governments to increase domestic financing for health and invest in local production of medicines, vaccines and medical technologies to reduce dependence on external suppliers.
He said recent global health emergencies had underscored the need for resilient health systems capable of responding effectively to future pandemics without relying heavily on foreign assistance. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://jajjanews.com/uploads/images/202607/image_870x580_6a6c3f7eb6a05.jpg" length="118680" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Fri, 31 Jul 2026 09:33:02 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
<media:keywords></media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>UBOS,Roofings Limited  to Strengthen  Data Utilization</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/roofings-limited-hosts-ubos-on-data-utilization</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/roofings-limited-hosts-ubos-on-data-utilization</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration on statistical matters with the private sector through the provision and enhancing utilization of high-quality official statistics to support evidence-based planning, investment decisions, industrial development, and sustainable economic growth.

The commitment comes as Roofings Limited hosted the Bureau at the company&#039;s manufacturing facility in the Kampala Industrial and Business Park, Namanve. 

The UBOS delegation led by the Deputy Executive Director Dr. Vincent F. Ssenono, who represented the Executive Director and Chief Statistician of Uganda, Dr. Chris N. Mukiza was received by Dr. Martin F. Kyeyune, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, who welcomed the team and led a presentation on the company&#039;s history, operations, investment journey, and contribution to Uganda&#039;s economic development.

The engagement provided a platform for both institutions to explore opportunities for statistical collaboration especially in the areas of production and use of official statistics to support industrial planning, export development, investment decisions, and business growth. 

Discussions also focused on how reliable data can enhance productivity, improve competitiveness, and contribute to Uganda&#039;s industrial transformation. During the presentation, Roofings Limited highlighted its remarkable growth from an initial investment of US$2 million in 1994 to a business now valued at over US$500 million. The company also showcased its continued investment in value addition, expansion of manufacturing capacity, and export-oriented production, positioning itself among the leading steel manufacturers in East and Central Africa.

A more shared value was recognized in the importance of official statistics in supporting business growth and national development. Roofings Limited expressed interest in strengthening relations with UBOS in areas such as trade statistics, industrial production data, export market intelligence, and sectoral performance indicators. The company noted that working with UBOS, as Uganda&#039;s official producer of national statistics, would provide access to credible, reliable, and timely data to support strategic planning, investment decisions, production planning, market expansion, and the identification of new export opportunities, while minimizing reliance on unverified sources of information.

UBOS reaffirmed its commitment to producing high-quality, reliable, and timely official statistics that meet the information needs of government, the private sector, development partners, and the general public.

The Bureau also underscored the importance of strengthening partnerships with industry players as a means of enhancing the National Statistical System and promoting the wider production and use of demand-driven official statistics for evidence-based decision-making.

The Chief Executive Officer of Roofings Group, Mr. Sheikh Arif, noted that the meeting provided an opportunity to further strengthen institutional relations and reaffirms the shared commitment to promoting data-driven decision-making as a catalyst for industrial growth, innovation,competitiveness, and sustainable economic development. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://jajjanews.com/uploads/images/202607/image_870x580_6a6b6134f4097.jpg" length="97692" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Thu, 30 Jul 2026 17:42:38 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
<media:keywords></media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Museveni Reaffirms Uganda’s Commitment to Supporting Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in Combating Ebola</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/museveni-museveni-has-reaffirms-ugandas-commitment-to-supporting-democratic-republic-of-congo-drc-in-combating-ebola</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/museveni-museveni-has-reaffirms-ugandas-commitment-to-supporting-democratic-republic-of-congo-drc-in-combating-ebola</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to supporting the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in combating the ongoing Ebola outbreak, emphasizing regional cooperation, early detection,and timely treatment as critical measures in containing the disease.
The President made the remarks while meeting Dr. Kamba Mulanda Samuel Roger, the Minister of Public Health, Hygiene and Social Welfare of the Democratic Republic of Congo,who delivered a special message from the DRC Government.
During the meeting, President Museveni noted that Uganda had successfully contained its recent Ebola cases through early detection,effective treatment, and strict public health measures. He explained that while a number of health workers were initially infected before the disease was identified, no further local transmission occurred after the necessary preventive measures were implemented.
The President said Uganda registered both Congolese and Ugandan Ebola patients, with the overwhelming majority recovering after receiving treatment. He observed that the few fatalities involved patients who sought medical attention late.
President Museveni explained that Uganda could not close its border with the Democratic Republic of Congo because of the importance of cross- border trade and the close ties between the people of the two neighbouring countries. Instead, the Government strengthened screening and surveillance at border entry points, particularly for cargo transport, to safeguard public health while ensuring the continued movement of essential goods.
To strengthen the regional response, President Museveni proposed the establishment of Ebola treatment centres inside eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, in partnership with the Congolese Government. He said such facilities would enable patients to receive timely treatment closer to
their communities, reduce the movement of infected persons across the border, and help contain the spread of the disease.
The President reiterated Uganda’s readiness to work closely with the DRC by providing treatment, technical expertise, and other necessary support to help control the outbreak.
“We shall do everything within our means to help because the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo are our brothers and sisters,” President Museveni said.
The meeting underscored the strong cooperation between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo in addressing cross-border public health challenges and reaffirmed the shared commitment of both countries to protecting the health and well-being of their people through coordinated
regional action. 
The meeting was also attended by Minister of Health, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, The Permanent Secretary- Ministry of Health, Dr. Diana Atwine, The Inspector General of Police, Abas Byakagaba and his team, Commander UPDF Land Forces, Lt Gen. Kayanja Muhanga, among other senior leaders. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://jajjanews.com/uploads/images/202603/image_870x580_69ac2ac557c68.jpg" length="83473" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Wed, 29 Jul 2026 10:04:45 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
<media:keywords></media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Meet Kisakyamukama  Uganda&amp;apos;s Thriving  Agriculture Entreprenuer</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/meet-kisakyamukama-commercial-agriculture-entreprenuer-implementing-president-museveni-wealth-creation-message</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/meet-kisakyamukama-commercial-agriculture-entreprenuer-implementing-president-museveni-wealth-creation-message</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has consistently challenged leaders to
lead by example in the fight against poverty by actively engaging in wealth
creation before encouraging the people they lead to do the same.

One of the leaders who has embraced that call is Mr. Yiga
Kissakyamukama, the Special Presidential Assistant on Service Delivery
and Monitoring, who has transformed his personal journey from poverty
into a thriving business empire built on commercial agriculture and
entrepreneurship.
Beyond building his own enterprises, Mr. Kissakyamukama has also
inspired young people in Gomba District to embrace commercial agriculture
as a pathway to improving their livelihoods.
During a field visit to his farms in Gomba on Saturday, 25 July 2026, Mr.
Kissakyamukama showcased several successful enterprises under his
company, NRM7, describing them as practical examples of President
Musevenis wealth creation message in action.
One of his enterprises, located in Kigumba Village, Kigezi Parish, Maddu
Sub-county, sits on 125 acres of government land leased for 49 years. The
farm comprises 150 goats, 70 head of cattle, a 25-acre eucalyptus
plantation, 10 acres of bananas and two acres of plantain. The project 
employs nine permanent workers alongside several casual labourers,
creating jobs and improving household incomes in the area.
Mr. Kissakyamukama said his goat farming venture was inspired by
President Musevenis Parish Development Model (PDM) tours, particularly
one in Amuru District.
“I started with just 30 goats, and today I have 150. If I sold them today,
each goat would fetch between Shs700,000 and Shs2.5 million. My target
is to have 600 goats by the end of this presidential term,”he said.
He described goat farming as one of the most profitable and manageable
enterprises because it requires relatively low maintenance while offering
high returns.
Beyond livestock, Mr. Kissakyamukama is optimistic about the returns from
his forestry investment. His eucalyptus trees, now two and a half years old,
are expected to generate approximately Shs400 million within the next two
to three years when harvested for electricity poles.
His annual income targets include Shs200 million from goat farming, while
another 12-acre coffee and banana plantation in Kyamabaale Village is
projected to generate around Shs240 million annually.
He also owns another farm in Kisozi with 80 dairy cows producing about
200 litres of milk daily, which is sold at Shs1,200 per litre, providing another reliable source of income.
From Street Boy to Successful Entrepreneur:

Mr. Kissakyamukama recounted his difficult childhood, saying he arrived in
Maddu in 2000 as a street child with nowhere to sleep and survived by
doing manual labour, including carrying sacks of maize flour for a living.
“When I met President Museveni in 2007, my mother was critically ill and
my father had died a few years ago. He supported me to return to school
until I completed Senior Four, after which I ventured into business. His
support inspired me to become a different person by improving my own life
and helping others,” he said.
He explained that under a Presidential education support programme for
vulnerable children in Gomba, beneficiaries received Shs600,000 for
upkeep every term.
“I would spend only Shs200,000 and save the balance. That became my
starting capital, which I invested in buying and selling agricultural produce
such as maize flour,”he stated.
He added that he also benefited from cadreship training under President
Museveni, which further shaped his outlook on wealth creation, discipline
and self-reliance.
“I didnt study that much, but today Iam financially stable. I thank President
Museveni for transforming my life. He never handed me billions of shillings.
He gave me knowledge, and I used that knowledge to invest wisel,”Haji Hakim Buyondo, a wholesale trader and former employer of Mr.
Kissakyamukama, recalled that he first worked in his shop as a casual
labourer in the early 2000s.

“He is a transparent man. He used to deliver sacks of maize flour to our
clients and always returned with every shilling. That is why I trusted him,”Haji Buyondo said.
He praised Mr. Kissakyamukama for remaining humble despite holding a
senior government position.
“I thank him for being hardworking. Despite being a government official, he
still respects me. He has remained humble and respectful,”Expanding Beyond Agriculture:
In addition to farming, Mr. Kissakyamukama has diversified into sand block
and concrete paver production in Maddu, a business he says has
significantly boosted his investments.
For the past three years, he has manually produced thousands of concrete
blocks and pavers, using the profits to purchase more land and construct a
commercial storeyed building in Maddu Town.
“I make millions of shillings as profits from this business,” he disclosed.
He is also developing the Esteri Kokundeka Seven Hotel in Gomba, still
using the proceeds from the brick-making venture.
To improve productivity, he plans to acquire a brick-making machine worth
USD160,000 (approximately Shs600 million).
“For young people who may not wish to invest in agriculture, there are
many other productive ventures such as concrete block making. The
important thing is to invest rather than consume,”Inspiring Others Through Action:

Mr. Kissakyamukama said he deliberately established most of his
investments in Gomba so that local young people could see that success is
possible regardless of ones background.
“I want to serve as a good example to the youth. No matter where you
come from, you can succeed if you remain focused, transparent and
Humble,”he stressed.
He cautioned young people against selling family land to finance urban
lifestyles, urging them instead to invest in productive enterprises.
“Wealth is not in the city; wealth is here. Young people should be patient,
work hard and seek guidance from those who have succeeded. I was once
a casual labourer and people laughed at me, but I never gave up,”
He added that being close to President Museveni or serving in government
should never be viewed as a shortcut to wealth.
“Being a friend of the President does not mean acquiring property through
dubious means. Work for your success. It is dangerous to be a government
official or close to the President and still remain poor. Everything I own has
been acquired through honest work,”Supporting Youth Wealth Creation:
Beyond his personal investments, Mr. Kissakyamukama has committed
himself to empowering young people through mentorship and direct
support.
Through his agricultural projects, he trains young people in modern farming
techniques, including irrigation, and hopes to create employment
opportunities for hundreds of youths in Gomba.

During the same field visit, he met a group of young people in Kyamabaale
Village and urged them to remain organised, disciplined and prepared to
benefit from the various government programmes aimed at transforming
livelihoods.
“Because people lifted me, I have made it my responsibility to lift others.
Today, I support many children and young people because I believe
everyone deserves an opportunity. As you grow and succeed, do not forget
your community. Become a source of hope to others,” he told the gathering.
Mr. Kissakyamukama also unveiled plans under the NRM Museveni Project
to organise youth groups across Gombas nine sub-counties, encouraging
each participant to establish at least two acres of coffee and bananas.
&amp;quot;If every youth in our group has two acres, we shall transform livelihoods. I
will request the President to support us with quality seedlings. We need
model farms before receiving the tractors that the President recently
pledged.&amp;quot;
He further noted that, with proper management, one acre of coffee can
generate about Shs20 million annually, encouraging young people to
embrace commercial agriculture as a sustainable route out of poverty.
He also revealed that more than 650 goats have already been distributed to
young people in five sub-counties of Gomba as Presidential support, with
plans to extend the programme to the remaining sub-counties.
Beneficiaries Speak:
Several beneficiaries credited Mr. Kissakyamukama&amp;#39;s mentorship and
support for changing their lives.

Jemba Nabil from Mpenja, who described himself as a former opposition
supporter, said he now owns four acres of coffee after receiving assistance
from Mr. Kissakyamukama.
&amp;quot;I&amp;#39;m now committed to working even harder so that I can maximise the
benefits from the projects supported by Mr. Kissakyamukama.&amp;quot;
Another beneficiary, Bamutontala Kizito Frank from Makukulu Village,
thanked President Museveni for using Mr. Kissakyamukama to uplift young
people in Gomba.
“I have one acre of coffee, and he also gave us goats. My goats have
already produced offspring, and my family is doing well. We thank
President Museveni for supporting us through his humble servant, Mr.
Kissakyamukama,”
Call for Accountability:
Mr. Kissakyamukama also appealed to President Museveni to convene all
the vulnerable children who benefited from the Presidential education
support programme in Gomba so they could account for how they utilised
the opportunity.
According to him, more than 1,000 young people, including himself,
benefited from the programme, although some may not have made
productive use of the support they received.
“I didnt study that much, but Iam successful. It doesnt make sense for the
President to support your education, you earn a degree, yet you have
nothing to show because you ignored his wealth creation message,”he
said.

For Mr. Kissakyamukama, his own journey demonstrates that
determination, discipline, wise investment and practical application of
President Musevenis wealth creation message can transform lives.
“Those of us who listened to the Presidents message have succeeded. I
encourage every young person to invest wisely, remain disciplined and use
the opportunities available to fight poverty through commercial agriculture,” ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://jajjanews.com/uploads/images/202607/image_870x580_6a6b80a41463a.jpg" length="124612" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Wed, 29 Jul 2026 08:15:59 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
<media:keywords></media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Dr Lawrance Muganda Rennounces His  Rwandan Citizenship</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/dr-lawrance-muganda-rennounces-his-rwandan-citizenship</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/dr-lawrance-muganda-rennounces-his-rwandan-citizenship</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Rwanda has formally approved the renunciation of Rwandan citizenship by Dr Lawrence Muganga, bringing to a close an issue that became the centre of controversy during his failed nomination as Uganda’s State Minister for Internal Affairs.

A notice published in the Rwanda Official Gazette on July 24, 2026 by the Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration said Dr Muganga had voluntarily renounced his Rwandan nationality.

“The person mentioned below has voluntarily renounced Rwandan nationality,” the notice stated, identifying him as “MUGANGA Lawrence, son of Kayonga Leonard and Mukamafizi Immaculate, born in Mukono, Uganda, on 14/02/1976.”

The publication completes Rwanda’s legal process of renunciation more than two years after Dr Muganga swore a statutory declaration in Kampala seeking to relinquish his Rwandan citizenship.

Dr Muganga stated in the declaration, sworn on May 17, 2024, that he acquired Rwandan citizenship after relocating there following his graduation from Makerere University. He said he obtained a Rwandan national identity card and passport because they were required for employment opportunities he sought at the time.

Dr Muganga further stated that after moving to Canada in 2009 for further studies, his Rwandan passport expired in 2014 and he subsequently returned both the passport and his national identity card to the Rwandan authorities.

“I am voluntarily renouncing my Rwandese citizenship and all my allegiance to the Republic of Rwanda and the Rwandese Government,” the declaration read in part, adding that he had already handed over his passport and national identity card.

The latest gazette notice confirms that Rwanda accepted and finalized the renunciation on July 24, 2026.

The development comes months after Dr Muganga publicly disputed claims that he held Rwandan citizenship during the controversy surrounding his nomination as Uganda’s State Minister for Internal Affairs.

Parliament’s Appointments Committee eventually rejected his nomination on grounds that he held multiple citizenships and had not provided documentary evidence that he had commenced the formal renunciation process when he appeared before the committee.

Following the rejection, the matter was referred back to President Museveni as the appointing authority. The President has since nominated Juma Witonze Kisekka to replace Dr Muganga as State Minister for Internal Affairs.

Dr Muganga is is a Ugandan-Canadian scholar, author, and education

reformist. As Vice  Chancellor of Victoria University Kampala, he has transformed the institution from under 200 students to over 6,000 — pioneering authentic learning and establishing East Africa&#039;s first VR/AR Learning Hub.

He graduated with a Higher Education Teaching Certificate from Harvard University Cambridge, Massachusetts. He holds a Master in Education specialising in Adult Education plus a PhD in Educational Administration and Leadership from University of Alberta Canada. He holds a dual citizenship of Uganda and Canada. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://jajjanews.com/uploads/images/202607/image_870x580_6a6990ce0ceb5.jpg" length="70989" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Tue, 28 Jul 2026 19:05:36 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
<media:keywords></media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>MIinstry of Health Declares Uganda Free of Ebola Disease</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/miinstry-of-health-declares-uganda-free-of-ebola-disease</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/miinstry-of-health-declares-uganda-free-of-ebola-disease</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ MINISTRY OF HEALTH DECLARES UGANDA FREE OF EBOLA
Ministry of Health has officially declared the end of the 2026 Ebola Disease outbreak after completing the mandatory 42-day monitoring period without recording any new infections. 
Addressing the media in Kampala Health Minister Dr. Chris Baryomunsi said  that the country is now Ebola-free, marking the successful containment of an outbreak that was first confirmed on May 15, 2026, following the importation of cases from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The 42-day countdown began after the discharge of the last locally transmitted Ebola patient on June 16, 2026. Throughout the monitoring period, the Ministry of Health maintained intensive nationwide surveillance, with no additional cases detected.
According to the minister Uganda recorded a total of 20 confirmed Ebola cases during the outbreak. Of these, 18 patients recovered, while two people died. Fifteen of the confirmed cases were imported from the DRC, while the remaining five were Ugandan health workers and caregivers who contracted the virus while caring for infected patients.
Baryomunsi revealed that the outbreak differed from previous Ebola epidemics because it resulted from a fully documented importation event. Authorities were able to identify the source of infection, establish the route of introduction, link all confirmed cases epidemiologically, reconstruct transmission chains, and ensure all identified contacts completed the mandatory 21-day quarantine without any unexplained community transmission.
He  however emphasized that the traditional 42-day criterion remains an important public health safeguard. However, it noted that outbreaks arising from fully characterised imported events, where transmission chains are conclusively closed, may increasingly rely on comprehensive epidemiological evidence alongside the standard waiting period.
The Ministry attributed Uganda’s successful response to sustained government investment in strengthening the country’s public health system, including improved disease surveillance, laboratory capacity, contact tracing, treatment facilities and community engagement. 
He further commended frontline health workers, district local governments, Village Health Teams, security agencies, researchers, development partners, the media and communities for their contribution to containing the outbreak.
Despite declaring the outbreak over, the Ministry warned that Ebola remains a regional threat because transmission continues in neighbouring DRC.
Uganda has therefore maintained heightened surveillance at border points, strengthened rapid response teams and continues working closely with districts across the country to detect and respond quickly to any suspected cases.
As part of regional efforts to stop the spread of the disease, Uganda and the DRC signed a Memorandum of Understanding to implement a joint cross-border Ebola response. Under the arrangement, Uganda has established two mobile laboratories and an 80-bed Ebola Treatment Unit in Aru and Kasenyi in eastern DRC to help contain the outbreak at its source.
The Ministry appealed to communities, particularly those living near the border, to remain vigilant and report any illegal border crossings or suspected Ebola cases to the nearest health facility or through the toll-free line 0800100066 or 6767
 The government also reassured Ugandans, visitors, investors and the international community that the country is safe, its health system remains on high alert, and Uganda is open for business, tourism and all socio-economic activities ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://jajjanews.com/uploads/images/202607/image_870x580_6a68828394ce3.jpg" length="50755" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Tue, 28 Jul 2026 13:11:13 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
<media:keywords></media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>UBOS Staff Pledge to Uphold Values of Patriotism and Intergirty In Service</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/ubo-staff-pleadge-to-uphold-value-s-of-patiotism-and-intergirty-in-service</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/ubo-staff-pleadge-to-uphold-value-s-of-patiotism-and-intergirty-in-service</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) has graduated its fourth cohort of staff from the National Leadership Institute (NALI) in Kyankwanzi after completing a four-week Transformative and Leadership Development Course aimed at strengthening leadership, patriotism and strategic thinking within the national statistics agency. 
The graduation ceremony, held on Sunday, July 26, marked another milestone in UBOS’ ongoing investment in developing a values-driven workforce to enhance the production of credible official statistics that support Uganda’s development agenda.
Representing the UBOS Executive Director, Dr Chris N. Mukiza, Deputy Executive Director Dr Vincent Fred Ssenono urged the graduates to apply the leadership principles acquired during the programme to improve the Bureau’s work and contribute to national transformation.
Speaking on the theme, “Data as the Bedrock of National Transformation,” Dr Ssenono said official statistics remain central to evidence-based policymaking, national planning and improved public service delivery.
He said the training had broadened participants’ understanding of Uganda’s development priorities while reinforcing the importance of producing reliable, timely and relevant statistics. 
“The time you have spent at NALI has been about sharpening your understanding of Uganda and aligning your professional expertise with the country’s broader aspirations. You have not simply been here to learn statistics, but to better understand the nation you serve,” Dr Ssenono said.
He reminded the graduates that Uganda’s Vision 2040 and the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV) require public servants who appreciate the strategic value of data in driving socio-economic transformation.
Dr Ssenono challenged the participants to become purpose-driven leaders by embracing integrity, discipline, hard work and mentorship while safeguarding the credibility of Uganda’s official statistics.
He also commended NALI for its continued role in producing disciplined and patriotic public servants and thanked UBOS management for prioritising staff capacity development.
NALI Director Col. Okei Rukogota praised the UBOS staff for their discipline, patriotism and commitment throughout the four-week programme, describing them as exemplary participants.
“I received daily reports on your progress, your patriotic zeal and your commitment to the programme. I am delighted that you have emerged as such a great team,” Col. Rukogota said.
He encouraged the graduates to view leadership as a lifelong journey of service, sacrifice and continuous self-improvement, noting that the true measure of leadership lies in the positive impact one makes on society.
Col. Rukogota also commended UBOS for partnering with NALI to strengthen leadership within the Bureau, saying the initiative contributes to building a competent public service capable of advancing Uganda’s national development agenda. 
The Transformative and Leadership Development Course is part of UBOS’ wider staff development strategy aimed at nurturing transformational leaders equipped to strengthen the National Statistical System and improve evidence-based decision-making across government.
The ceremony concluded with participants receiving certificates and pledging to uphold the values of patriotism, professionalism, discipline, integrity and excellence in the execution of their duties. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://jajjanews.com/uploads/images/202607/image_870x580_6a68454c3dbbd.jpg" length="120633" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Tue, 28 Jul 2026 09:05:39 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
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<item>
<title>ONC Empowers Luweero Residents Create Wealth</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/onc-empowers-luweero-residents-create-wealth</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/onc-empowers-luweero-residents-create-wealth</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Sulaiman Kanyike of Kigoloba Village in Lutembe Parish, Katikamu Sub-county received two goats, one male and one female, under the ONC empowerment drive in 2023 courtesy of Hajjat Namyalo Senior Presidential Advisor on wealth creation.
Three years later Kanyike’s livestock project has grown to 20 goats, demonstrating the potential of small-scale livestock enterprises when managed properly.
According to Kanyike, the project has become a dependable source of household income and has contributed significantly to improving the welfare of his family. 
Beyond livestock production, he has integrated the goat enterprise with his coffee and banana plantations, creating a sustainable farming system where crop residues feed the goats while goat manure is used to improve soil fertility and boost crop yields.
“The support changed my life. I thank President Museveni for sending Hajjat Namyalo to empower local communities. People should embrace government programmes and trust the government because these opportunities belong to all of us,” Kanyike humbly said.
He also appreciates Hajjat Namyalo’s continued monitoring efforts, noting that such visits motivate beneficiaries to remain committed to growing their enterprises.
On amonitoring session to evaluate the impact of the project Namyalo  praised Kanyike’s discipline and commitment, describing his progress as a clear demonstration of how government empowerment initiatives can transform household livelihoods when beneficiaries embrace hard work and proper management.
The monitoring exercise also took Hajjat Namyalo to HK Beauty Salon in Modern Zone, Wobulenzi Town Council, one of the beneficiaries of two hair dryers provided through the Office of the National Chairman (ONC) empowerment program.
The salon has grown into a skills development hub within the community and currently trains 15 learners in hairdressing and beauty therapy, equipping them with practical skills for self-employment and income generation.
Hajjat Namyalo later visited poultry farmer Ms. Wasswa Liz, another beneficiary of the ONC empowerment programme.
Ms. Liz received 200 chicks, poultry feeds and technical support, including follow-up visits by veterinary officers under the programme.
Since then, she has expanded her poultry enterprise to 1,300 broiler chickens and now earns approximately Shs1.5 million in profit per production cycle.
She said the project has greatly improved her family’s living standards, enabling her to educate her children and meet daily household needs without financial strain.
“All my children are now in school and we are able to provide meals consistently. The market is available and with additional support I can expand to 3,000 birds,” she said.
 Liz credited the programme for helping her transition from subsistence living to commercial farming and thanked President Yoweri Museveni and Hajjat Namyalo for extending support to rural communities.
Another beneficiary Tandeba John, has equally registered remarkable progress after receiving 200 broiler chicks under the ONC empowerment programme.
Recognising the long-term potential of poultry farming  Tandeba transitioned from broilers to Kuroiler chickens, a dual-purpose breed known for both egg and meat production.
The shift has enabled him to diversify his income streams and build a more resilient poultry enterprise.
Today, he keeps about 260 birds and earns between Shs400,000 and Shs500,000 per month from poultry-related sales.
Tandeba said the enterprise has significantly improved his household income and provided him with a reliable source of livelihood.
His main challenge, he noted, is limited poultry housing, which constrains further expansion.
“I encourage young people to embrace such projects because they can genuinely fight poverty and create sustainable sources of income,” he said.
While addressing beneficiaries, Hajjat Namyalo commended their commitment, innovation and prudent use of the resources they received.
She said the success stories emerging from Luwero demonstrate that government empowerment programmes are yielding tangible results and helping households transition from subsistence production to participation in the money economy.
“These stories prove that the empowerment drive initiated by the Office of the National Chairman is transforming lives at village level. When beneficiaries remain focused, disciplined and committed to reinvesting in their projects, the results become visible,” she said.
Hajjat Namyalo further urged Ugandans, particularly the youth, to embrace government wealth creation initiatives such as the ONC empowerment programme and the Parish Development Model (PDM), saying they provide practical opportunities for individuals and households to improve their economic status. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://jajjanews.com/uploads/images/202607/image_870x580_6a682c2c71a91.jpg" length="107414" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Tue, 28 Jul 2026 07:14:03 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
<media:keywords></media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Office of National Chairman Nrm Empowerment Programme  Transforms Lives in Bushenyii District</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/office-of-national-chairman-nrm-empowerment-programme-transforms-lives-in-bushenyii-district</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/office-of-national-chairman-nrm-empowerment-programme-transforms-lives-in-bushenyii-district</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Office of the National Chairman (ONC) grassroots economic empowerment programme, spearheaded by  Senior Presidential Advisor Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo Uzeiye rolled out across various regions and urban communities is impacting lives.
Amonitoring and evaluation of beneficiaries of Parish Development Model exercise conducted in Bushenyi District by  ONC District Coordinator Ms Nancy Ainemukama  shows that  beneficiaries  have registered remarkable growth since receiving government support.
One such beneficiary is Byamukama Benson of Ruhandagazi Ward II in Central Division, who received one million under PDM in 2022 then invested purchasing sewing machine..
Today, he owns three machines and has increased his monthly income from approximately Shs400,000 to Shs1.5 million. 
He has also created employment opportunities for other residents, trained school dropouts in tailoring skills, purchased land, expanded his livestock enterprise, and fully repaid the Shs one  million to his Parish SACCO.
Another beneficiary, Ms Tuhamye Rosette, a widow from Bwegyeme B Village in Kakanju Sub-county, used her one million received in 2023 to expand her charcoal business. 
 Rosette has reported significant progress in her livelihood and the business has enabled her to pay school fees for her children and construct seven rental units, each generates approximately Shs80,000 per month. She also earns an average of Shs200,000 per day from her charcoal trade.
Ms Kobusigye Grace of Kyamutiganzi A Village in Katikamwe Parish, Kyabugimbi Town Council, invested her PDM funds in coffee trading after receiving the money in 2023. She said the capital transformed her life by enabling her to expand her coffee business without relying on bank loans that required collateral she did not possess.
Grace has since established a small food vending business, acquired goats, and improved her household income. However, she noted that changing weather patterns and seasonal fluctuations continue to affect coffee production and trade.
Mr Byamukama Elly of Kyamutiganzi B Village also shared his success story. After receiving Shs1 million in 2024 intended for banana production, he invested the funds in piggery. He purchased 12 pigs and constructed a simple shelter for the animals.
Since then, the pigs have reproduced three times, with piglets being sold at approximately Shs150,000 each after one month. The proceeds have enabled him to start a poultry project with 50 layer chickens, pay school fees for his children, purchase a cow and five goats, and meet household expenses.
Ainembabazi Privah, a school dropout from Mutoni Village in Ryamabengwa, Central Division. Having acquired tailoring skills from Benson, she used her PDM funds to purchase a sewing machine and other equipment to establish her own tailoring business.
Privah now earns approximately Shs50,000 daily from the enterprise. She has acquired two pigs, three goats, pays her rent independently, and saves Shs20,000 every Friday with Jubilee SACCO.
Meanwhile, Mr Nathan Tamwesigire, a widower from Kyamutiganzi A Village in Katikamwe Parish, invested his Shs1 million PDM funds in coffee trading after receiving them in 2023.
Before joining the programme, Tamwesigire earned a living through local brewing while gradually investing profits into coffee trading. He earned about Shs200,000 weekly and approximately one million monthly. Since receiving the PDM funds, he has expanded his business, purchased land, paid school fees for his children, and started constructing a permanent home.
The beneficiaries have commended President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the NRM government for introducing a financing model that is accessible to ordinary Ugandans.
They noted that unlike commercial bank loans, which often require collateral and carry high risks, PDM funds have enabled them to invest in productive enterprises and improve their standards of living.
Ainemukama urged beneficiaries to continue reinvesting profits, embrace a saving culture, and ensure timely repayment of funds to enable more households to benefit from the programme. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 28 Jul 2026 06:42:01 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
<media:keywords></media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>How Dr Crystom Muyingo Has Built Seeta Eduction Empire  in Mukono District</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/how-dr-crystom-muyingo-has-built-seeta-eduction-empire-in-26-years-of-service-in-mukono-district</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/how-dr-crystom-muyingo-has-built-seeta-eduction-empire-in-26-years-of-service-in-mukono-district</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Established in 2000, Seeta High School has proudly stood as a towering academic giant for 25 years, making its mark on the nation’s educational landscape with its head quarters located in Mukono District, 
As management proudly celebrates 26th anniversary,the top performing education giant is graduating to university as part of expansion plan to offer even more opportunities for students to excel this August as Seeta University begins its academic year.
“With uniform policies and guidelines across all campuses, we ensure consistency and excellence in our students. Our serene environments, state-of-the-art facilities, and easy accessibility create the perfect setting for learning. We pride ourselves on offering a holistic, high-quality education that nurtures both academic success and talent development,”Muyingo told this website. 
“At Seeta High School, our teachers are dedicated mentors guiding students in all aspects of life. They actively engage with students in both academic and extracurricular activities, fostering independence, leadership, and interpersonal skills. Every school activity is thoughtfully planned, with a commitment to achieving excellence both inside and outside the classroom,”Dr Crystom Muyingo the founder said.
“Our teachers regularly participate in professional development, staying up-to-date with curriculum standards and modern teaching practices. They are imaginative, creative, and highly motivated professionals who are passionate about nurturing students’ love for learning,”he stated.
Commenting about the super education performance of the school over the years,Namulondo Lilian Head Teacher Seeta High School said management carefully recruits staff from diverse backgrounds around the world, bringing a wealth of experience and global perspectives to enrich our students’ educational journey.
“As Seeta High School celebrates 26 years of educational excellence, we are proud to associate with our old students who are responsible for who we are. Over the years, our graduates have excelled across diverse sectors in Uganda and beyond, building a powerful network of professionals who continue to make significant contributions to society,”she stated..
“Our alumni are organized into chapters based on their graduating Campuses, with each Campus having its own leadership to coordinate activities and foster engagement. These chapters actively participate in various initiatives, including mentorship programs, career guidance for current students, school visits, soccer league and community outreach projects,”Namulondo added.
According to Namulondo this extensive alumni network is a testament to the lasting impact of a Seeta High School education, connecting our former students across industries while maintaining strong ties with the school. 
Seeta University Entry 
Seeta University stands as a bold and transformative institution committed to redefining higher education in Uganda and beyond. Rooted in the principles of Science, Engineering, Environment, Technology, and Agriculture (SEETA), the university is designed to equip students with practical skills, innovative thinking, and the knowledge needed to address real-world challenges.
Man Behind Seeta  Education Empire 
Dr John Chrysostom Muyingo is a distinguished Ugandan educationist, academic administrator, entrepreneur, and public servant whose lifelong commitment to education laid the foundation for the establishment of Seeta High School and Now Seeta University.
Born in Bamunanika County, Luweero District in Uganda, Dr. Muyingo developed a passion for learning and leadership at an early age. His academic journey led him to Makerere University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science with Education, majoring in Mathematics and Chemistry. He later obtained a Master of Arts in Educational Management and subsequently a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Education, specializing in higher education financing and management.
His academic training equipped him with a strong foundation in both classroom instruction and institutional leadership, shaping his lifelong mission to strengthen education systems.
Dr. Muyingo began his professional career as a secondary school teacher, where he quickly distinguished himself through dedication, discipline, and academic excellence. He later served in leadership roles at several institutions before becoming Headteacher of Uganda Martyrs’ Secondary School Namugongo.
Under his stewardship, the school grew into one of the most respected secondary institutions in Uganda, recognized for outstanding academic performance, character formation, and co-curricular excellence. His leadership philosophy emphasized holistic education — nurturing intellectual ability, moral integrity, leadership skills, and social responsibility.
Beyond secondary education, Dr. Muyingo has been instrumental in establishing and supporting several educational institutions, expanding access to quality learning opportunities for thousands of students.
In recognition of his contribution to education, Dr. Muyingo was elected Member of Parliament for Bamunanika County and later appointed State Minister for Higher Education in the Government of Uganda.
In this role, he has championed:
Strengthening quality assurance in universities
Expansion of higher education access
Student financing and loan schemes
Research development and innovation
Digital transformation and e-learning
His work has significantly contributed to policy reforms and capacity building within Uganda’s higher education sector.
Driven by a vision to expand opportunities beyond secondary education, Dr. Muyingo founded this University to serve as a center of excellence in teaching, research, innovation, and community engagement.
His vision for the University is grounded in:
Academic rigor and professional competence
Ethical leadership and integrity
Innovation and entrepreneurship
Community transformation and national development
Global competitiveness rooted in strong moral values
He believes that universities must not only produce graduates but also shape responsible citizens capable of addressing societal challenges.
Dr. Muyingo’s leadership is anchored in discipline, service, faith-based values, and transformative impact. He advocates for education that balances knowledge acquisition with character formation, preparing students to excel professionally while remaining socially responsible.
Through decades of service in education and public leadership, Dr. Muyingo has influenced thousands of students, educators, and policymakers. His legacy continues to shape institutions, communities, and the broader education landscape in Uganda.
As Founder, his enduring commitment remains a guiding pillar of the University’s mission, vision, and strategic direction
.He graduated in 1986 with a Bachelor of Science with a Diploma in Education
He also holds a Master of Arts in Educational Management, obtained in 1996, and a Doctor of Philosophy obtained in 2004, both from Makerere University
Muyingo has served as a Member of Parliament for Bamunanika County for 15 years (2006–2021). He has also served in the education ministerial docket for 15 cumulative years since his initial appointment as State Minister for Higher Education in 2011, culminating in his appointment as Acting Minister of Education and Sports in June 2026 ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 27 Jul 2026 11:57:45 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
<media:keywords></media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Church of Ugansda,Ministry of Watr Sign MOU To Improve Wetlands</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/church-of-ugansdaministry-of-watr-sign-mou-to-improve-wetlands</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/church-of-ugansdaministry-of-watr-sign-mou-to-improve-wetlands</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Church of Uganda (COU) and the Ministry of Water and Environment have signed a twelve-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote climate resilience, restore wetland ecosystems and improve household incomes through sustainable aquaculture initiatives.
The agreement was signed at the Ministry of Water and Environment  in Kampala, by Permanent Secretary Dr. Alfred Okot Okidi on behalf of the Government of Uganda and the Provincial Secretary of the Church of Uganda, Rev. Canon William Ongeng, representing the Registered Trustees of the Church of Uganda. 
The partnership is part of the government project, Building Resilient Communities, Wetland Ecosystems and Associated Catchments in Uganda, which seeks to strengthen climate adaptation while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for communities. 
Under the agreement, the Ministry of Water and Environment will install and operationalise fish feed pelleting machines at selected Church of Uganda facilities in 24 project districts while Church of Uganda will provide suitable premises for the equipment and work with government in managing and implementing the project. 
The initiative will also support cooperative groups through technical training, start-up capital, market linkages and operational support aimed at ensuring the sustainability of fish feed production enterprises. 
Dr. Alfred Okot Okidi said the partnership highlights the importance of collaboration in delivering climate-resilient development interventions that improve livelihoods while protecting Uganda’s natural resources. 
“The Church of Uganda has an extensive presence within communities across the country. This partnership will help bring climate-smart livelihood interventions closer to the people while promoting sustainable management of wetlands and associated catchments,” he said. 
Rev. Canon William Ongeng welcomed the partnership, describing it as a reflection of the Church’s holistic ministry that focuses on both spiritual and socio-economic transformation. 
“By hosting these fish feed production facilities, we are creating opportunities for employment, household income generation and food security while supporting environmental conservation. This is holistic ministry,” he said. 
The signing ceremony was witnessed by officials from the Ministry of Water and Environment, including commissioners, alongside representatives from the Church of Uganda’s Directorate of Household and Community Transformation led by Director Rev. Andrew Agaba. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 25 Jul 2026 05:38:03 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
<media:keywords></media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Government Announces Mandatory Monthly  Cleaning Sessions</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/government-announces-mandatory-monthly-general-community-cleaning-sessions</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/government-announces-mandatory-monthly-general-community-cleaning-sessions</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES MANDATORY CLEANING EVERY SATURDAY OF THE MONTH 
In afresh move to keep entire Uganda clean,government has announced mandatory general cleaning session every saturday of the month  a national Cleaning Days Initiative aimed at improving hygiene and sanitation through monthly community clean-up exercises.
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja says the clean-up exercise will be conducted on the last Saturday of every month across the country from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary Dr. Diana Atwine said maintaining proper hygiene remains one of the most effective ways of preventing disease.
“We are here as the Ministry of Health to remind Ugandans that 70–75% of diseases can be prevented through proper hygiene and sanitation,” Dr. Atwine said.
She explained that the initiative is a whole-of-government effort aimed at mobilising communities to take responsibility for keeping their homes, workplaces, markets and public spaces clean, ultimately creating healthier and safer environments.
“Government has introduced the National Cleaning Days, which will be observed every last Saturday of the month,” she said.
The Ministry of Health has called on all Ugandans to actively participate in the monthly exercise, describing it as a key intervention in preventing disease outbreaks, improving sanitation and promoting a cleaner, healthier environment across the country.
Approved by Cabinet under a Whole-of-Government and Whole-of-Society approach, the initiative is designed to improve sanitation, prevent disease, protect the environment and promote a lasting culture of civic responsibility.

Beginning this month, the last Saturday of every month from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. will be observed as National Cleaning Day. During these three hours, Ugandans are expected to clean homes, neighbourhoods, markets, schools, health facilities, places of worship, roads, drainage channels and other public spaces.

Addressing the media, Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja said the initiative reinforces the shared responsibility of keeping Uganda clean. &quot;Keeping our environment clean is a civic responsibility. This initiative provides a regular opportunity for collective action to address sanitation challenges and promote lasting behaviour change.&quot;

The campaign comes at a time when preventable diseases continue to place a significant burden on Uganda&#039;s health system. According to the Ministry of Health, nearly 75% of the country&#039;s disease burden is preventable, with poor sanitation and environmental hygiene contributing to illnesses such as malaria, diarrhoeal diseases and typhoid.

Hon. Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, Minister of Health, said the monthly exercise will strengthen the government&#039;s efforts to promote disease prevention. &quot;By keeping our environment clean, eliminating stagnant water and managing waste properly, we can prevent many diseases before they occur. Prevention remains one of the most effective public health interventions.&quot;

The initiative will also contribute to environmental conservation by promoting proper waste management, cleaner drainage systems, improved water quality and the protection of wetlands, while supporting the continued recovery of Uganda&#039;s forests.

Speaking at the briefing, Hon. Joyce Nabbosa Ssebugwawo, Minister of State for ICT and National Guidance (Information), said the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance will lead nationwide public awareness and mobilisation to ensure every Ugandan understands the importance of the initiative and participates actively. &quot;Keeping our environment clean is a civic duty for every Ugandan. Through our National Guidance mandate, we want to build a culture where keeping our surroundings clean becomes part of our daily lives, not just a one-time event.&quot;

The Ministry will use television, radio, digital platforms and mobile communication channels to reach communities across the country while encouraging citizens to share their monthly cleaning activities to inspire others.

The Uganda Police Force pledged to support implementation, emphasising that the success of the initiative should be driven by public participation, with enforcement serving only to support compliance where necessary.

Development partners also welcomed the initiative, with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) describing it as an important step towards building lasting behaviour change and making environmental responsibility part of everyday life.

The National Cleaning Days Initiative will be coordinated by the Office of the Prime Minister in collaboration with the Office of the President, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, the Ministry of Local Government, the Ministry of Water and Environment, the Uganda Police Force and Local Governments.

As Uganda prepares for the first National Cleaning Day this Saturday, Government is calling on every citizen to dedicate three hours each month to creating cleaner communities, protecting public health and safeguarding the environment. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 24 Jul 2026 14:44:26 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
<media:keywords></media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>Speke Resort Munyonyo Gets Nominated in The Presiigious Luze Global Awards</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/speke-resort-munyonyo-gets-nominated-in-the-presiigious-luze-global-awards</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/speke-resort-munyonyo-gets-nominated-in-the-presiigious-luze-global-awards</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Uganda’s leading five-star lakeside destination on the shores of Lake Victoria, has been nominated for the 2026 Luxe Global Awards in the Best Luxury MICE Resort category.

The prestigious international awards celebrate excellence in luxury hospitality worldwide, recognising outstanding properties for service, design, facilities and guest experience. Speke Resort’s nomination highlights its dual strength as both a refined leisure retreat and East Africa’s premier meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) venue.

Nestled in Munyonyo, Kampala, the resort offers 476 stylish rooms, spacious suites and exclusive Presidential cottages, many with sweeping views of Lake Victoria. Its conference facilities stand among the region’s finest, featuring 34 indoor and seven outdoor venues equipped with modern audiovisual technology, capable of hosting everything from intimate board meetings to large-scale international conventions and exhibitions.

Guests enjoy a full suite of luxury amenities, including the Calabash Spa and Salon, a state-of-the-art gymnasium, an equestrian centre, a marina with boat excursions, multiple restaurants serving local and international cuisine, and leisure options that blend relaxation with activity.

The nomination comes as voting remains open for the 2026 Luxe Global Awards. Supporters can cast their votes via the resort’s official channels or the Luxe Global Awards platform, underscoring public and industry recognition of Speke Resort’s consistent standards.

As one of Uganda’s flagship hospitality properties under the Ruparelia Group, Speke Resort Munyonyo continues to elevate the country’s profile on the global luxury travel and events map. This latest recognition affirms its position as a preferred destination for discerning travellers and high-profile gatherings seeking lakeside elegance combined with world-class conference capability. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 24 Jul 2026 08:27:27 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
<media:keywords></media:keywords>
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<item>
<title>DTB Bank Unveils Mortgage Finance Solution</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/dtb-bank-unveils-mortagage-finance</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/dtb-bank-unveils-mortagage-finance</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Diamond Trust Bank (DTB) Uganda has unveiled a mortgage finance solution designed to expand affordable home ownership.
Under the theme “The Wealth Welfare Equation: Deploying Structured Mortgage Capital to Drive Institutional Real Estate Investment and Corporate Home Ownership.”,the initiative addresses Uganda’s housing deficit from two directions: structured financing for large-scale property developers, and tailored mortgage solutions for individuals and corporate employees.
Under the developer arm, DTB Uganda will provide long-term financing for the construction of quality residential housing, reducing the risk of stalled projects while increasing the supply of affordable homes. The bank has also introduced customised corporate mortgage schemes that allow employers to help staff acquire homes through affordable financing arrangements.
Speaking at the launch,DTB Uganda,  Managing Director Godfrey Ssebaana, said the bank was committed to delivering financial solutions that stimulate economic growth while improving welfare.
“As DTB, we believe housing is a foundation for financial security and long-term wealth creation,” he said. “Through structured mortgage financing, we are committed to empowering developers to build with confidence while creating a pathway for individuals and corporate employees to own homes, making property ownership more accessible to more Ugandans.”he stated.
Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development Judith Nabakooba, commended the bank for a product that aligns with the government’s agenda of expanding access to affordable housing.
“Uganda’s rapidly urbanising population presents both a challenge and an opportunity,” she said. “Expanding access to affordable housing will require stronger collaboration between government, financial institutions and private developers. Initiatives such as DTB’s mortgage finance solution will play an important role in mobilising long-term capital, increasing housing supply and helping more Ugandans own decent homes.”she said.
According to the minister ,Uganda faces a housing deficit estimated at more than 2.4 million units, with annual demand of between 210,000 and 300,000 units. The shortfall is expected to approach 3 million units by 2030, driven by rapid urbanisation and population growth. 
Despite that demand, access to mortgage financing remains limited by high lending costs, short repayment periods and a shortage of long-term financing options, forcing many households to build incrementally over several years.
DTB Uganda’s mortgage finance solution seeks to address these constraints through structured, longer-tenure financing and partnerships with credible developers to expand the supply of quality housing.
Mortgages in Uganda are financing options provided by commercial banks and institutions like Housing Finance Bank, Stanbic Bank, and Absa Bank Uganda to help individuals buy land, build, or renovate homes. Key features typically include financing up to 80%-85% of the property value, repayment periods lasting up to 20 to 25 years, and a required personal equity contribution (down payment) of 15% to 30%
Several major financial institutions offer mortgage and home loan products in Uganda, led by Housing Finance Bank, Stanbic Bank Uganda, and Absa Bank Uganda. These lenders provide financing options for purchasing property, building a home, or refinancing existing properties ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://jajjanews.com/uploads/images/202607/image_870x580_6a62f4bc3e2cf.jpg" length="101270" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Fri, 24 Jul 2026 08:15:49 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
<media:keywords></media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Naro,South West Minzu University Partner To Strengthen Livestock Research</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/narosouth-west-minzu-university-partner-to-strengthen-livestock-research</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/narosouth-west-minzu-university-partner-to-strengthen-livestock-research</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) has partnered with Southwest Minzu University (SMU) of China  to strengthen livestock disease research, enhance veterinary diagnostics and establish world-class laboratory capacity in Uganda. 
The strategic partnership is expected to improve disease surveillance, accelerate the development of diagnostic technologies and build the country’s scientific capacity to respond to livestock disease outbreaks.
The collaboration was mooted during a high-level meeting between NARO Management and a delegation from Southwest Minzu University led by its Vice President, Professor Yang Shengtao, at Fontis Residences Hotel in Kampala on Wednesday.
Dr. Halid Kirunda, a veterinary epidemiologist and research leader at NARO who is spearheading the partnership, said the collaboration will be implemented through a five-year project that is currently under development.
He noted that Uganda is faced with more than 30 livestock diseases, presenting a significant challenge to farmers in diagnosing and managing the different disease strains. 
“The partnership will enable NARO and Southwest Minzu University to jointly undertake research in animal husbandry and veterinary medicine while developing practical solutions that allow farmers and veterinary professionals to detect and respond to livestock diseases more 
NARO Director General Dr. Yona Baguma described the partnership as a major milestone in strengthening Uganda’s capacity for livestock disease diagnosis and research.
He said the collaboration will enhance joint scientific research while supporting the development of affordable diagnostic tools that can help farmers identify livestock diseases at community level before they spread.
Dr. Baguma observed that Uganda’s livestock laboratory system still requires significant investment, noting that capacity needs to be enhanced to handle highly infectious animal diseases. 
“We need better tools to detect, prevent and manage livestock diseases. Strengthening our laboratory systems is essential if we are to safeguard Uganda’s livestock sector and improve farmers’ livelihoods,” he said.
He added that livestock production remains an integral part of Uganda’s economy and household livelihoods, but recurring disease outbreaks continue to affect productivity and incomes.
Baguma welcomed the partnership, expressing confidence that the technologies and innovations generated through the collaboration would extend beyond Uganda to benefit neighbouring countries and the African continent.
“As one of Africa’s leading agricultural research organisations, NARO is committed to ensuring that this partnership delivers practical solutions for Ugandan and African farmers,” he said. 
Professor Yang Shengtao said the initiative marks Southwest Minzu University’s first research collaboration on the African continent despite the institution’s long-standing reputation as one of China’s leading universities in animal husbandry and veterinary sciences.
He said the university has extensive expertise in research involving cattle, sheep and poultry, and is looking forward to sharing knowledge and technology with Uganda.
“Building partnerships with Africa is an important step for our university. We want to focus on improving animal health through research, establish world-class laboratories in Uganda and create training opportunities for Ugandan students and scientists,” Professor Yang said. 
He added that the collaboration would strengthen scientific exchange between the two institutions while generating innovations to improve livestock production and disease control.
The meeting was attended by directors of research from NARO’s nine Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institutes, as well as representatives from three of it’s national mandate institutes—the National Agricultural Research Laboratories (NARL), the National Livestock Resources Research Institute (NaLIRRI) and the National Semi-Arid Resources Research Institute (NaSARRI).
The new collaboration expands NARO’s growing portfolio of international research partnerships. The organisation is already implementing a joint programme with China’s BGI Group on perennial rice technology and continues to pursue strategic collaborations aimed at advancing agricultural research, innovation and food security in Uganda and across Africa. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://jajjanews.com/uploads/images/202607/image_870x580_6a619b8b50722.jpg" length="91321" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Thu, 23 Jul 2026 07:42:09 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
<media:keywords></media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Mukono District Leaders  Reaffirm Commitment to Fast Track Katosi Kyetoome Project Implementation</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/mukono-district-leaders-reaffirm-commitment-to-fast-track-katosi-kyetoome-project-implementation</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/mukono-district-leaders-reaffirm-commitment-to-fast-track-katosi-kyetoome-project-implementation</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Leaders from Mukono District, Members of Parliament, the Ministry of Works and Transport, and local leaders have reaffirmed their commitment to fast-track the long-awaited Katosi–Koome Ferry Project, describing it as a transformative initiative that will improve water transport, trade, and socio-economic development for communities along the shores of Lake Victoria.

The engagement brought together Mukono District Chairperson Hon. Francis Lukooya Mukoome, Mukono District Woman Member of Parliament Hon. Dr. Sheila Dravile Amaniyo, Mukono South Member of Parliament Hon. Robert Maseruka, Deputy Resident District Commissioner Mr. Muyambi Moses, Katosi Town Council Mayor Mr. Wanyama Robert Mbongo, Koome Sub-county Chairperson Mr. Kiyinji Lawrence, LC I Chairpersons, district leaders, residents, and a technical team led by the Chief Administrative Officer Mr. Henry Ddamba, Katosi Town Clerk Mr. Kenneth Magom, Acting District Engineer Eng. Herbert Lutwama, officers from Katosi Town Council, and officials from the Ministry of Works and Transport.

Welcoming the delegation, the Acting LC I Chairperson, Mr Bbosa Joseph thanked residents for attending the meeting and expressed appreciation to the Government of Uganda and Mukono District leadership for prioritizing the ferry project. He noted that for many years residents have depended on small boats to cross the lake, exposing them to risks while limiting trade and movement.

Katosi Town Council Mayor, Mr. Wanyama Robert Mbongo, commended the Government led by H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for supporting communities through programmes such as the Parish Development Model (PDM). He assured residents that the ferry is available and that the current focus is on constructing and inspecting suitable docking facilities before operations commence.

He further appealed for the modernization of Katosi Landing Site and increased support for road gangs responsible for maintaining access roads and drainage systems. He emphasized that improving the landing site would enable fish from Katosi to access regional and international markets.

The Chairperson of Koome Sub-county, Mr. Kiyinji Lawrence, expressed optimism that the ferry project would soon become a reality after many years without reliable transport between Koome Island and the mainland. He said the ferry would greatly improve the movement of passengers and goods while boosting economic activities in the island communities.

Mukono District Woman MP, Hon. Dr. Sheila Dravile Amaniyo, thanked residents for the confidence they placed in her and reaffirmed her commitment to representing their interests. She urged the Ministry of Works and Transport to ensure the ferry is delivered as planned and encouraged residents to remain patient as Government completes the necessary technical preparations.

Mukono South MP, Hon. Robert Maseruka, explained that technical assessments had identified the need to establish appropriate docking sites before ferry operations begin. He revealed that a joint committee comprising officials from the Ministry of Works and Transport and Mukono District Local Government had already been constituted to oversee site selection, monitor preparations, and supervise pilot navigation exercises before commissioning the ferry.

He assured residents that once operational, the ferry would provide free transport services for both passengers and goods.

Deputy Resident District Commissioner Mr. Muyambi Moses emphasized that ferry operations require careful planning to guarantee safety and long-term sustainability. He commended Mukono&#039;s Members of Parliament for working together to advocate for the project and applauded Mukono District Chairperson Hon. Francis Lukooya Mukoome for his continued commitment to effective service delivery.

Mr. Muyambi also urged LC I Chairpersons to promote transparency in implementing the Parish Development Model by conducting open village meetings and ensuring that government programmes benefit all eligible residents fairly and without discrimination.

Speaking at the meeting, Hon. Francis Lukooya Mukoome assured residents that Government is undertaking all the necessary technical preparations to ensure that the ferry begins operations efficiently and sustainably.

He welcomed the unity demonstrated by Members of Parliament and other leaders in advancing the project, noting that meaningful development can only be achieved when leaders work together toward a shared vision.

The District Chairperson further revealed that a Fisheries Management Committee led by Mr. Lawrence Busuulwa had already been established, with additional committees to be constituted to oversee other aspects of the ferry project and strengthen fisheries management within the area.
Hon. Lukooya thanked residents for their patience and cooperation and assured them that Mukono District would continue working closely with the Ministry of Works and Transport until the ferry becomes operational.

The meeting reaffirmed the shared commitment of Mukono District leaders, Members of Parliament, Government agencies, and local communities to successfully implement the Katosi–Koome Ferry Project. Leaders emphasized that proper technical planning, transparent implementation, and active community participation are essential to ensuring the ferry operates safely and sustainably.

Once completed, the ferry is expected to transform water transport, facilitate trade, improve access to social services, strengthen fisheries development, and stimulate socio-economic growth for the people of Katosi, Koome, and the wider Lake Victoria region. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://jajjanews.com/uploads/images/202607/image_870x580_6a619bc999735.jpg" length="133089" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Wed, 22 Jul 2026 16:21:22 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
<media:keywords></media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Finally! Mbale High Court Settles 4&#45;Year Inzu Ya Masaba Cattle Dispute Through Mediation</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/finally-mbale-high-court-settles-4-year-inzu-ya-masaba-cattle-dispute-through-mediation</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/finally-mbale-high-court-settles-4-year-inzu-ya-masaba-cattle-dispute-through-mediation</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ High Court sitting in Mbale on Tuesday finally settled the long-standing cases between Inzu Ya Masaba and Inzu Ya Bugisu, a dispute that has persisted for four years. The matter was resolved through mediation involving both parties.

The mediation process lasted two days, starting on Monday and concluding successfully yesterday on Tuesday.

The Government of Uganda, through the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, petitioned the High Court to mediate between the two parties as part of efforts to promote peace, harmony, and equality in Masaba land, instead of allowing the cases to drag on in court.

On Monday, before the mediation began, Justice Andrew Khaukha of the Mbale High Court, together with three other judges Honorable Justice Richard Butiree , solicitor general Mr Francis Atoke and emeritus president Uganda laws society Mr.Francis Gimara on the panel, asked both sides to narrate their grievances and state the way forward.

Eddy Nangulu, the lawyer representing the applicants, including John Amuramu Wagabyalile, who was genuinely elected as Umukuka III but was not gazetted by government in favor of Mike Mudoma, Engineer Darlington Sakwa, Chalise Mungoma, Allan Makwata, Charles Walimbwa Peke, Ahmed Washaki, David Wakane, Jorum Mayatsa, Lilian Mutonyi, and others, presented five key issues he wanted addressed during the mediations.

The matters were, they want restoration of Inzu yamasaba culture institution and abandon inzu yabugisu, they want to Include Babukusu of Kenya in Inzu yamasaba which Mudoma had removed them in the constitution amendments, Restoration of five year term governance where by all three main clans Mwambu, Mubuya and Wanale have to rule which madam had scrapped in the constitution amendment by declaring king ship of Bugisu meaning he has to rule untill death before his son, four, Restoration of Inzu yamasaba constitution which was over thrown by Mudoma, lastly they want Mudoma to quite the seat and hand over the seat to Wanale clan and organize fresh election of Umukuka 4 since the term Mudoma expired last year 2025 in August.

Geoffrey Magane, the lawyer representing Yahaya Masolo, another applicant, was also given a chance to speak. He stated that his client wanted the following to be agreed upon during the mediation: that the Constitution of Inzu Ya Masaba be restored, and that the five-year term of Mudoma has expired, so he should vacate office.

Isaac Masanga, the lawyer representing the respondent, Mike Mudoma, the Umukuka of Inzu Ya Bugisu, said that since his client assumed office he has been battling court cases. He added that if the period is counted from the date of gazettement, Mudoma has only served three years, meaning he still has two more years to complete his term before the seat is handed over to the Wanale clan to elect the 4th Umukuka.

He further stated that they want the court, in the mediation process, to prioritize granting Mudoma the remaining two years to finish his term before considering the terms proposed by the applicants.

The lawyers of each party, together with their clients, were then called for separate closed-door meetings of about 2 hours with Justice Khaukha and the other three panel members in a private room.

After the separate closed-door meetings, Justice Khaukha and the three panel judges returned to chambers and began hearing views from members of the public and other Inzu Ya Masaba and Inzu Ya Bugisu leaders who had come to court, to gather opinions on the matter and come up with one agreeable position.

After the separate closed-door meeting, Justice Khaukha and the three panel judges returned to chambers and began hearing views from the public and other Inzu Ya Masaba and Inzu Ya Bugisu leaders who had come to court, to gather their opinions on the matter and come up with one agreeable position.

The mediation continued until Tuesday at 9:00 PM, after which the final agreed position between the two parties was presented to the media.

Justice Andrew Khaukha of the Mbale High Court, who led the panel, read out the following decisions agreed upon by both parties:The name Inzu Ya Masaba has been restored*, and &quot;Umukuka wa Bamasaba&quot; is recognized as the cultural leader. As a result, the name &quot;Inzu Ya Bugisu&quot; and &quot;Umukuka wa Bugisu&quot; are now null and void, Mike Mudoma, the current Umukuka, has been granted an additional 2 years. His term of office will now expire in July 2028, The Inzu Ya Masaba Constitution of 29/04/2011 has been restored, with a clause that there shall be no amendments until Mudoma’s term expires,The rotational governance among the three clans Mwambu, Mubuya, and Wanale has been restored. This means Mudoma’s &quot;life kingship&quot; is null and void, and his term will officially end on 26th July 2028,All pending cases between both parties shall be withdrawn, Each party shall bear its own legal costs.

After the mediation, each party appended their signatures to the decisions to show ownership, commitment, and respect for the agreement, and to avoid any breach. Both parties were also given copies of the agreement.

At the end of the court proceedings, Justice Khaukha asked both sides to hug and greet each other as a sign of unity and reconciliation.

Engineer Darlington Sakwa, one of the applicants, expressed happiness that the long-standing grievances had finally come to an end, saying it showed unity in Masaba land.

“I call upon Mudoma and other parties to respect the court mediation decisions,” Engineer Sakwa said. “Failure to abide by them will lead to arrest. We cannot leave our work at home, spend two days here, and later have someone violate the decision. The law will take its course.”

Mike Mudoma, the Umukuka of Inzu Ya Bugisu, who is now recognized as Umukuka wa Bamasaba of Inzu Ya Masaba, urged the Bamasaba to unite, work together, and develop Masaba land.

“I, Mudoma, apologize to all Bamasaba for what has been happening, and I have also forgiven them,” Mudoma said. “I request those who have been opposing me to come and work with me during these remaining two years to develop Bumasaba.” ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://jajjanews.com/uploads/images/202607/image_870x580_6a60bd6b11f78.jpg" length="84216" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Wed, 22 Jul 2026 16:01:01 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
<media:keywords></media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Muwema &amp;amp; Company Advocates File Suit Seeking Compensation of 15Billion For Unlawful Eviction</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/muwema-company-advocates-file-suit-seeking-compensation-of-15billion-for-unlawful-eviction</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/muwema-company-advocates-file-suit-seeking-compensation-of-15billion-for-unlawful-eviction</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Muwema &amp; Co. Advocates and Solicitors has filed a lawsuit in the High Court seeking more than 15 billion shillings in compensation for what it calls an unlawful eviction from its Kololo offices, an operation the firm says disrupted its legal practice, damaged property and led to the loss of cash and confidential client files.
The law firm, represented by KSMO Advocates, filed Civil Suit No. 222 of 2026 in the Civil Division of the High Court against Downtown Investments Ltd., businessman Paresh Kumar Ratilal Mehta, lawyers Roger Mugabi and Rukia Adam, Ahmed Bongo, Fredrick Byatukoreire, A1 Security Systems Ltd. and the Attorney General.
The complaint says the firm was evicted March 6, 2026, from its offices at Plot 50 Windsor Crescent, Kololo, in violation of the Constitution (Land Evictions) (Practice) Directions, 2021. Muwema &amp; Co. contends the eviction occurred without the mandatory 90-day notice or a court-issued warrant, contravening constitutional safeguards for property rights, human dignity and security during evictions.
The firm also alleges the respondents falsely characterized the operation as a lawful “re-entry,” a claim it argues was legally unavailable under the circumstances.
The suit accuses lawyers Roger Mugabi and Rukia Adam of breaching their professional obligations as officers of the court by allegedly participating in and supervising the eviction while litigation over the same property remained pending before the High Court. According to the firm, the lawyers abandoned the judicial process under High Court Civil Suit No. 621 of 2023 and instead took part in an eviction conducted outside the established legal process.
The law firm also accuses Ahmed Bongo and Fredrick Byatukoreire of supervising groups of youths who allegedly dismantled office partitions, disconnected electrical installations, damaged office equipment and packed legal documents into sacks during the eviction. A1 Security Systems Limited is accused of deploying security guards to participate in the operation despite regulations that prohibit private security companies from taking part in disputed property matters.
The firm further alleges that its signpost was destroyed and confidential legal files were mishandled during the exercise. The Attorney General has been sued on behalf of the Uganda Police Force, which Muwema &amp; Co. accuses of facilitating and enforcing the eviction without first verifying the existence of a valid court warrant. According to the suit, the police failed in their constitutional and statutory duty to preserve law and order and protect property by enforcing an eviction while ownership of the premises remained the subject of ongoing court proceedings.
The firm says it later reported the matter to police under reference KMP East GEF 49/2026, but alleges that investigations stalled after some of the respondents argued that the dispute was purely civil in nature. Court documents indicate that when the firm’s property was eventually returned in late April following a police-supervised inventory, much of the equipment had allegedly been damaged or rendered unusable.
Among the claims before the court is that USD 250,000, allegedly kept in a partner’s office safe, and Sh37 million, reportedly stored in the founding partner’s office drawer, disappeared during the eviction. The firm also claims that the office safe was never returned. Muwema &amp; Co. says the eviction forced it to suspend operations for nearly two months, resulting in cancelled court appearances, disrupted client meetings and interference with other professional engagements.
The firm further argues that widespread media coverage damaged its reputation, while the alleged exposure of confidential client files undermined advocate-client privilege and led to the loss or destruction of legal records. It also says it incurred substantial costs relocating its offices to Plot 40 Nakasero Road, including expenditure on rent, office partitioning, furniture, computers, transport and other operational requirements.
The law firm is seeking compensation for alleged business losses valued at USD 3.418 million, reimbursement of relocation expenses, compensation for the allegedly missing cash, general, aggravated, punitive and exemplary damages, interest at 20 per cent per annum, and the costs of the suit. 
It is also asking the court to declare that the eviction was illegal, that the respondents unlawfully interfered with its business operations, trespassed on and converted its property, invaded its privacy by accessing confidential client information, and that the third and fourth defendants breached their professional duties as officers of the court.
In addition, the firm seeks a declaration that the Uganda Police acted unlawfully by facilitating the eviction without legal authority, making the Attorney General vicariously liable. The case has not yet been heard, and none of the defendants has filed a defence. The allegations contained in the suit are yet to be tested before the court. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://jajjanews.com/uploads/images/202607/image_870x580_6a602d4b7601d.jpg" length="308693" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Wed, 22 Jul 2026 05:41:55 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
<media:keywords></media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>President Museveni Eugolises  Moses Ali AS freedom Fihter,Peace Maker and Developement Champion</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/president-museveni-eugolises-moses-ali-as-freedom-fihterpeace-maker-and-developement-champion</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/president-museveni-eugolises-moses-ali-as-freedom-fihterpeace-maker-and-developement-champion</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has paid glowing tribute to the late Rt.
Hon. Gen. (Rtd) Moses Ali, describing him as a freedom fighter,
peacemaker and development champion whose legacy will continue to
inspire generations of Ugandans.

“The late Gen. Moses Ali was a lover of freedom. I came to know this
because although he had been with Idi Amin in the coup of 1971, I later
heard that Moses Ali was not happy with Idi Amin killing people,” President
Museveni said.
The President made the remarks today during a special parliamentary
sitting convened to honour the late Gen. Moses Ali, who passed away on
Saturday, July 18, 2026, at Nakasero Hospital in Kampala at the age of 87.
Before addressing Parliament, President Museveni laid a wreath on the
casket of the Adjumani West County Member of Parliament and former
Second Deputy Prime Minister, in the presence of the Vice President, H.E.
Jessica Alupo, the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Jacob Marksons Oboth-
Oboth, members of the bereaved family and other dignitaries. The
President also took time to console the family before delivering his tribute.
President Museveni recalled that Gen. Moses Ali&amp;#39;s opposition to the
excesses of Idi Amin&amp;#39;s regime eventually led to his demotion and exile
following the fall of the regime in 1979.

He further noted that the late Gen. Moses Ali actively participated in efforts
to overthrow Amin&amp;#39;s dictatorship, working on various fronts alongside other
liberation forces, which contributed to Uganda&amp;#39;s eventual liberation.
“I was the first man in Uganda to oppose Idi Amin. I&amp;#39;m here, and I&amp;#39;m not
dead,” President Museveni said.
Reflecting on Gen. Moses Ali&amp;#39;s contribution to peace, the President said the
veteran leader rejected violence and worked tirelessly to promote dialogue
and reconciliation during Uganda&amp;#39;s difficult post-1970s period, helping to lay
the foundation for lasting national stability.
On development, President Museveni commended the late statesman for
championing key infrastructure projects in the West Nile sub-region,
including the construction of tarmac roads and the extension of the national
electricity grid, among other transformative initiatives.
The President also challenged leaders in West Nile to sustain Gen. Moses
Ali&amp;#39;s legacy by prioritising household wealth creation, saying socio-
economic transformation remains the surest path to lasting development.
Summing up the late General&amp;#39;s legacy, President Museveni said Gen.
Moses Ali would be remembered for three outstanding qualities: his
unwavering commitment to freedom, his pursuit of peace through dialogue,
and his dedication to the socio-economic transformation of West Nile.
“I came here to tell you the positive attributes I saw in Gen. Moses Ali:
number one, a freedom fighter; number two, a peacemaker; and number
three, a development champion,” President Museveni said.

The President concluded by extending his heartfelt condolences to the
bereaved family, the people of West Nile and the entire nation, praying that
Gen. Moses Ali&amp;#39;s soul rests in eternal peace.
Gen. (Rtd) Moses Ali served Uganda in both military and civilian leadership
for more than five decades, holding several senior government positions,
including that of Second Deputy Prime Minister, and leaving behind a
legacy of dedicated public service, national unity and development. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://jajjanews.com/uploads/images/202607/image_870x580_6a5f402435400.jpg" length="101538" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Tue, 21 Jul 2026 14:33:11 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
<media:keywords></media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Government Launches Emergency Food Relief For Karamoja </title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/government-launches-emergency-food-relief-for-karamoja</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/government-launches-emergency-food-relief-for-karamoja</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Government of Uganda has today launched an emergency food relief intervention for the Karamoja sub-region to support communities affected by the prolonged dry spell that has disrupted agricultural production, depleted household food stocks, and increased the risk of food insecurity. 
Through this intervention, the Government will deliver 9,419,610 kilograms of relief food, comprising maize flour and dry beans, to 313,987 households across 480 parishes in the nine districts of the Karamoja sub-region. 
The Office of the Prime Minister is coordinating the exercise in partnership with the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC), the Uganda People&#039;s Defence Forces (UPDF), the Uganda Prisons Service, the Uganda Police Force, and local governments to ensure efficient, and transparent distribution of the food relief. 
&quot;The Government stands with the people of Karamoja and will continue to mobilise the necessary resources to support their recovery and build resilience against future shocks,&quot; Rt. Hon. Prime Minister, Robinah Nabbanja, said as she officially flagged off the emergency food relief distribution at NEC head offices in Bugoloobi, Kampala.  
All leaders and officials involved in this response are urged to ensure that relief food reaches the intended households. 
“We appeal to political, religious, and community leaders, civil society organisations, and beneficiaries to support the exercise by promoting transparency, accountability, and peaceful distribution,” Hon. Sam Engola, the Minister for Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees, said. 
The Government remains committed to long-term measures that will strengthen resilience to recurrent dry spells.  
“The Office of the Prime Minister will continue to closely monitor the food security situation in Karamoja and neighbouring districts while coordinating both immediate humanitarian assistance and long-term resilience interventions. We are also engaging our development partners to strengthen efforts to protect lives and livelihoods, guided by the recently approved Karamoja Regional Development Plan,&quot; the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Alex Kakooza, said  ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://jajjanews.com/uploads/images/202607/image_870x580_6a5df591bbc0f.jpg" length="131716" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Mon, 20 Jul 2026 15:43:48 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
<media:keywords></media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Uganda Virus Research Insitute Set To Launch East African Centre of Excellence in Virology</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/uganda-virus-research-insitute-set-to-launch-east-african-centre-of-excellence-in-virology</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/uganda-virus-research-insitute-set-to-launch-east-african-centre-of-excellence-in-virology</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) is set to be launched as the East African Centre of Excellence in Virology to strengthen regional disease surveillance, outbreak response and virus research across East Africa. 
The official launch of the regional centre will take place on July 22 during the institute’s main anniversary celebrations in Entebbe, where President Yoweri Museveni and World Health Organisation African leaders are expected to grace the occasion.
UVRI Director Prof Pontiano Kaleebu during the said the East African Community had selected UVRI as the regional centre of excellence in virology because of its long history and contribution tovirus research globally.
 “UVRI used to be the East African Virus Research Institute until the break of theEast African Community, but now we have been selected to be the East AfricanCentre of Excellence in Virology,” Kaleebu said.
Founded in 1936 as the Yellow Fever Research Institute, UVRI later became theEast African Virus Research Institute before assuming its current name in 1977. Kaleebu described the institute as one of the world’s longest-running virusresearch institutions and among those that have discovered the highest number ofviruses globally. He said over 40 viruses, including the globally known Zika and West Nileviruses, were first isolated or identified through work conducted at the institute.
“Many viruses have been discovered at UVRI. Some are well known, like theZika virus and West Nile virus, while others have local names. These viruses areimportant because you never know which one may become a future public healththreat,” Kaleebu said.
He added that UVRI has played a major role in HIV research, emerginginfections and training scientists at the master&#039;s and PhD levels who are nowsupporting outbreak response and virus research across the region.
“There’s a lot that has been done at the institute in the last 90 years that we needto celebrate, like the discoveries, the work on emerging infections, the work wehave done in HIV, vaccines, treatment and training people who can reallyunderstand and confront viruses,” he said.
The virologist noted that the institute’s growing regional role comes at a time EastAfrica continues to face repeated outbreaks of Ebola, Marburg and otheremerging diseases. He revealed that UVRI was already discussing deployment of mobile laboratoriesto the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) following the ongoing Ebola. 
“In fact, even now, as we have the Ebola outbreak, we are discussing sendingmobile labs to DRC. We are also discussing using our labs at the border,”Kaleebu said. During the July celebrations, UVRI will also launch a new World HealthOrganisation-accredited polio sequencing laboratory aimed at supporting globalefforts to eradicate polio.
Kaleebu said the institute had worked on polio research and vaccines since the1960s and had now been selected as a reference laboratory for sequencingvaccine-derived polio strains.
“We think we are towards the end of polio, and we hope the lab will contribute toeradication efforts,” he said.
Makerere University Lung Institute Director and Chief Research Scientist DrBruce Kirenga said UVRI’s survival and scientific contribution over the last 90years demonstrated the importance of investing in African-led science andresearch institutions.
Kirenga said Uganda and Africa needed to move beyond simply identifying viruses and begin developing homegrown medical solutions, including vaccines,diagnostics and therapeutics.
“At this point, the issue of science sovereignty is very important for Africans.Whatever little effort we are doing in our small institutes and laboratories can bedone in any other lab, and they send us the results and everything. But we mustbe seeing ourselves,” Kirenga said, adding, “We need to go beyond describingthese pathogens but also be able to create local medical solutions because thesesolutions will reach our people faster.”
Kirenga revealed that Ugandan scientists were already collaborating with UVRIon promising Ebola-related innovations ranging from diagnostics to vaccines,although he declined to disclose details.
He welcomed ongoing discussions for UVRI to become a degree-awarding institution under Makerere University, saying the move would strengthen scientific training and research capacity in Uganda.
The announcement comes at a time Uganda is battling the Ebola Bundibugyo virus disease that broke out in the neighbouring DR Congo. The Director General of Health Services, Prof Charles Olaro, said the country had registered seven cumulative Ebola cases, most of them linked to the index case that crossed from DR Congo. 
“So far, the majority of contacts whom we have taken into isolation have been health workers,” Olaro said.
He, however, said Uganda’s surveillance systems remain active, and urged the public to report symptoms early to allow quick testing and isolation.
Building such a resilient regional response framework in the modern era requires not only physical laboratories but also sophisticated digital tracking and data-modeling systems capable of analyzing large-scale human behavioral patterns. Interestingly, computational epidemiologists frequently study the advanced user-engagement data and high-traffic risk algorithms developed by major international entertainment networks.
Applying these complex data-management insights to public health infrastructure allows African-led research institutes to enhance their own predictive modeling software, ensuring faster digital contact tracing and more robust disease surveillance metrics across the continent. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://jajjanews.com/uploads/images/202607/image_870x580_6a5dcede50c7e.jpg" length="78224" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Mon, 20 Jul 2026 10:52:51 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
<media:keywords></media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Union Transport Alliance Launches One Million Pad for One Million Girls Campaign</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/union-transport-alliance-launches-one-million-pad-for-one-million-girls-campaign</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/union-transport-alliance-launches-one-million-pad-for-one-million-girls-campaign</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Union Transport Alliance  has  launched a campaign against ‘period poverty’ that will help address high countrywide school dropouts by girls and also check teenage pregnancy.
 Under the KILI CLEAR Campaign, Union Transport Alliance (UNION), in partnership with The Mental Health Awareness Initiative (TMHAI)  launched the campaign’s flagship corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, “1 Million Pads for 1 Million Girls”, 
“The cause is big. We have stories of girls failing to go to school because of a lack of enough menstrual packs, and that dropout rate is partly responsible for the high teenage pregnancy rates we have in the country of 25%,” remarked Dr Richard Mugahi, the Commissioner for Reproductive, Maternal and Child Health at the Uganda Ministry of Health.
 “some of the hurdles girls face are a lack of a comprehensive approach towards their menstrual issues, and we want to use the opportunity as we give out the pads to discuss their health and how they can handle their early reproductive life. Menstrual health is not just about providing sanitary products; it is about protecting the health, dignity, and future of our girls.”he added.
Dr Richard Mugahi hailed The Uganda Transport Alliance for using their countrywide network to support girls’ hygiene and education. 
Fred Ssenoga Union  CEO said campaign was introduced to make high-quality, affordable sanitary pads accessible to women and girls. The “1 Million Pads for 1 Million Girls” initiative now extends that vision further to ensure that Uganda’s most vulnerable girls receive sanitary pads, enabling them to stay in school with dignity and confidence.
He said across Uganda, period poverty remains one of the leading contributors to poor academic performance and absenteeism, with 1 out of 4 girls dropping out of school. Through this initiative, Union and TMHAI aim to mobilize public and private sector support to distribute one million Union sanitary pad packs to one million girls.
“Today, we are taking our promise to make sanitary pads affordable for every woman and girl even further. Through the ‘1 Million Pads for 1 Million Girls’ initiative, we are not only providing affordable products but also reaching girls who cannot afford them at all. This is a national movement to ensure that no girl ever misses school because of her period.”Senoga stated
The initiative  will support Uganda’s National Menstrual Health Guidelines by expanding access to menstrual hygiene products, promoting menstrual health awareness, and contributing to improved educational outcomes for girls.
MP Ojok said period poverty is deeply connected to the wider challenges of poverty in communities. “When you look at regions like Karamoja, West Nile, and other underserved areas, you see that the burden is even greater.”
Period poverty refers to the lack of access to menstrual products, clean water, private sanitation facilities and basic education about menstrual health. 
“I commend the partners for creating a campaign where contributions can be tracked from the donor to the beneficiary school. Transparency and accountability are critical in building trust and ensuring real impact.”
A donation of UGX 20,000 provides one pack of 100 Union Sanitary Pads—enough to support one girl for an entire year. Contributions can be made by dialing *289*9#, with donors able to support schools of their choice or Union-designated beneficiary schools.
Today’s sanitary pad initiative follows another recent launch of an all-in-one daily mobile phone bundle designed specifically for Uganda’s informal sector.
Uganda’s transport sector—long fragmented, informal, and under served—has lacked the structure, financing, and coordination needed to unlock its full economic potential. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://jajjanews.com/uploads/images/202607/image_870x580_6a5c44f88b0bc.jpg" length="53251" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sun, 19 Jul 2026 06:33:07 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
<media:keywords></media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Embrace  Climate  Resilient Housing ,Nabakooba Directs Urban Dwellers</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/embrace-climate-resilient-housing-nabakooba-directs-urban-dwellers</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/embrace-climate-resilient-housing-nabakooba-directs-urban-dwellers</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Minister warned that Uganda’s cities are increasingly exposed to climate-related threats, including floods, droughts, heatwaves, landslides, water shortages and other environmental challenges linked to climate change and rapid urbanisation ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://jajjanews.com/uploads/images/202607/image_870x580_6a58b88dee5d0.jpg" length="87629" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Thu, 16 Jul 2026 13:55:22 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
<media:keywords></media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>UEDCL Launches UGX 16 Billion Nkenda–Ishaka Reliability Improvement Project</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/uedcl-launches-ugx-16-billion-nkendaishaka-reliability-improvement-project</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/uedcl-launches-ugx-16-billion-nkendaishaka-reliability-improvement-project</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony, the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Kasese District, Lt. Joe Walusimbi, commended UEDCL for investing in critical electricity infrastructure and pledged the district&#039;s support in safeguarding the network against vandalism. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://jajjanews.com/uploads/images/202607/image_870x580_6a58ac32116cd.jpg" length="75149" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Thu, 16 Jul 2026 13:03:00 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
<media:keywords></media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>UBOS TRAINS 80 ENUMERATORS, AHEAD OF 9TH ROUND OF UGANDA NATIONAL HOUSE HOLD SURVEY</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/ubos-trains-80-enumetatorsahead-of-9th-round-of-uganda-national-house-hold-survey</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/ubos-trains-80-enumetatorsahead-of-9th-round-of-uganda-national-house-hold-survey</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Uganda National Household Survey collects data on key socio-economic areas, including education, health, housing and housing conditions, and food security. The survey provides vital statistical information for assessing poverty levels, monitoring socio-economic trends, and evaluating household welfare in line with national and international development frameworks. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://jajjanews.com/uploads/images/202607/image_870x580_6a58a96791ba1.jpg" length="94726" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Thu, 16 Jul 2026 12:50:38 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
<media:keywords></media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>LOCAL AUTHORITIES DIRECTED TO NAME ALL ROADS</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/local-authorities-directed-to-name-all-roads</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/local-authorities-directed-to-name-all-roads</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The directive directly targets long-standing navigation challenges, particularly in rapidly growing and often unplanned urban centers where many roads remain unnamed or inconsistently identified. Establishing formal street names is expected to drastically improve response times for law enforcement and medical emergencies, streamline postal deliveries, and boost local commerce. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://jajjanews.com/uploads/images/202607/image_870x580_6a58a88747d83.jpg" length="59199" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Thu, 16 Jul 2026 12:47:02 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
<media:keywords></media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>MINISTRY OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT SIGNS CONTRACT TO REHABILITATE ROADS IN NORTHERN UGANDA</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/ministry-of-local-government-signs-contract-to-rehabilitate-roads-in-northern-uganda</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/ministry-of-local-government-signs-contract-to-rehabilitate-roads-in-northern-uganda</guid>
<description><![CDATA[  ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://jajjanews.com/uploads/images/202607/image_870x580_6a50efcb05d16.jpg" length="102208" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Fri, 10 Jul 2026 16:12:57 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
<media:keywords></media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>GOVERNMENT MOVES TO FAST TRACK</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/government-moves-to-fast-track</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/government-moves-to-fast-track</guid>
<description><![CDATA[  ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://jajjanews.com/uploads/images/202607/image_870x580_6a50ee7a57cb7.jpg" length="97871" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Fri, 10 Jul 2026 16:07:20 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
<media:keywords></media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS NETTED IN REFUGEE SCAM DEAL</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/government-officials-netted-in-refugee-scam-deal</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/government-officials-netted-in-refugee-scam-deal</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ During the operation, authorities seized mobile phones from senior staff, along with 12 laptops and a cache of sensitive documents believed to contain critical evidence linking the suspects to the scheme. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://jajjanews.com/uploads/images/202606/image_870x580_6a2268de4b0dc.jpg" length="78108" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Fri, 05 Jun 2026 09:13:11 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
<media:keywords></media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>BANK OF UGANDA ANNOUNCES STRICT CASH TRANSACTION MEASURES</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/bank-of-uganda-announces-strict-cash-transaction-measures</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/bank-of-uganda-announces-strict-cash-transaction-measures</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The central bank has also revised cheque thresholds for foreign currencies. The new limits stand at $1,375 for US dollar cheques, €1,125 for euro-denominated cheques, £1,100 for pound sterling cheques and KSh150,000 for Kenyan shilling cheques. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://jajjanews.com/uploads/images/202606/image_870x580_6a2256f6dd230.jpg" length="120031" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Fri, 05 Jun 2026 07:56:40 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
<media:keywords></media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>MUSEVENI WARNS LEADERS AGAINST NON&#45;PERFORMANCE,</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/museveni-warns-leaders-against-non-performance</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/museveni-warns-leaders-against-non-performance</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ He also thanked Ugandans for participating in the electoral process since January 15, 2026, and for their support to the ruling National Resistance Movement, before turning to what he described as the core challenge facing the country; the need to eliminate economic and leadership inefficiencies. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://jajjanews.com/uploads/images/202606/image_870x580_6a224e5d728c4.jpg" length="53627" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Fri, 05 Jun 2026 07:20:15 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
<media:keywords></media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>MUSEVENI ANNOUNCES THREE YEAR VISA OFFER TO TOURISTS</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/museveni-announces-three-year-visa-offer-to-tourists</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/museveni-announces-three-year-visa-offer-to-tourists</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has  highlighted Uganda’s unique geographical position, tourism potential, economic growth and efforts to strengthen the country’s tourism sector.
Speaking at the 10th Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo, President Museveni  revealed plans to improve tourism through friendlier visa arrangements.
“In the new government, we are going to extend visas for tourists and
remove the short-term visa restrictions. Some countries give Ugandans
three-year visas, so why should Uganda give very short stay visas?” he
asked.
Uganda&#039;s tourism sector is a cornerstone of the national economy, bringing in between US$1.6 billion and US$1.7 billion in foreign exchange and attracting over 1.6 million international arrivals. It acts as a massive driver of employment, creating over 800,000 jobs across conservation, hospitality, and tour operations.
Permanent Secretary- Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Ms. Doreen Katusiime,credited the country’s tourism growth to peace and stability established under his leadership.
She said restoring peace in previously conflict-affected regions and
securing Uganda’s borders had significantly boosted tourism.
Ms. Katusiime also noted that investments in infrastructure, including
road networks, had improved access to tourism sites across the country.

“Your Excellency, I am happy to report that tourism has recovered
strongly after the pandemic and we are on the right trajectory,” she said.
She added that international events hosted by Uganda such as the Non-
Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit and the G77 + China Summit, as well
as preparations for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON),
continue to showcase Uganda’s potential globally.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Uganda Tourism Board, Ms. Juliana
Kagwa, thanked President Museveni for supporting the tourism industry.
“The day you accepted to grace our tourism expo was the day we
achieved critical mass,” she said.
Ms. Kagwa noted that Uganda’s tourism strategy seeks to differentiate
the country from other destinations by showcasing its unique
experiences and attractions.
The Chairperson-Board of Directors of the Uganda Tourism Board, Mrs.
Pearl Hoareau Kakooza, said Uganda was ready for expansion within
the tourism sector following an increase in the tourism budget by 12
percent.
She revealed that visitor numbers from Europe had increased and
expressed optimism that AFCON would significantly boost tourism
arrivals.
The President of the Uganda Tourism Association, Ms. Yogi Biriggwa,
also thanked President Museveni for maintaining peace and stability.
“It is peace that creates the right conditions for tourism to thrive,” she
said.

She noted that tourism continues to contribute significantly towards
employment creation, revenue generation and private sector
development.
The Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo remains one of Uganda’s flagship
tourism events aimed at marketing the country as a preferred destination
and bringing together tourism stakeholders, investors and international
buyers. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="" length="53627" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sun, 24 May 2026 14:17:20 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>In the new government, we are going to extend visas for tourists and remove the short-term visa restrictions. Some countries give Ugandans three-year visas, so why should Uganda give very short stay visas?” he asked.</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>UGANDA WINS BID TO HOST 19TH WORLD CONGRESS ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/uganda-wins-bid-to-host-19th-world-congress-on-environmental-health</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/uganda-wins-bid-to-host-19th-world-congress-on-environmental-health</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The bid was submitted by the Environmental Health Workers Association of Uganda (EHWAU) in collaboration with Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), with support from the Ministry of Health and Makerere School of Public Health. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://jajjanews.com/uploads/images/202605/image_870x580_69fcb952ba85a.jpg" length="66614" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Thu, 07 May 2026 19:10:08 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
<media:keywords></media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>NPA ISSUES FIRST PHYSICAL PLANNING COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATES TO LOCAL GOVERNMENT</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/npa-issues-first-physical-planning-compliance-certificates-to-local-government</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/npa-issues-first-physical-planning-compliance-certificates-to-local-government</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Physical Planning Certificate of Compliance is intended to ensure adherence to approved physical development plans, promote orderly and sustainable land use, safeguard the environment and public safety, and enhance infrastructure efficiency and urban aesthetics. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://jajjanews.com/uploads/images/202605/image_870x580_69fc77685f6b6.jpg" length="39684" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Thu, 07 May 2026 14:28:55 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
<media:keywords></media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>MUSEVENI’S OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHER TO LAUNCH MOMENT&amp;apos;S WITH MZEE BOOK</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/musevenis-official-photographer-to-launch-moments-with-mzee-book</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/musevenis-official-photographer-to-launch-moments-with-mzee-book</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Born in Kajjansi, Wakiso district in 1989, Abu Mwesigwa is a professional photographer with a bachelor’s degree in fine art- majoring in Advanced Photography from the Margaret Trowell School of Industrial and fine arts. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://jajjanews.com/uploads/images/202605/image_870x580_69fc74c9d9c75.jpg" length="66019" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Thu, 07 May 2026 14:18:29 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
<media:keywords></media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>GOVERNMENT DECLARES 12TH MAY PUBLIC HOLIDAY AS PRESIDENT YOWERI MUSEVENI SWEARS IN FOR 7TH TERM</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/government-declares-12th-may-public-holiday-as-president-yoweri-museveni-swears-in-for-7th-term</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/government-declares-12th-may-public-holiday-as-president-yoweri-museveni-swears-in-for-7th-term</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The May 12th inauguration has been declared a public holiday, underscoring its national significance. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://jajjanews.com/uploads/images/202605/image_870x580_69fc3ef0bff64.jpg" length="59557" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Thu, 07 May 2026 10:28:08 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
<media:keywords></media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>PATIENCE KIRABO MAKERERE UNIVERSITY STUDENT WINS MISS CLIMATE CHANGE AWARENESS PAGPAGEANT</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/patience-kirabo-makerere-university-student-wins-miss-climate-change-awareness-pagpageant</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/patience-kirabo-makerere-university-student-wins-miss-climate-change-awareness-pagpageant</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ He also revealed future plans of being more inclusive, with a shift from focusing on empowering young women only to incorporating male counterparts. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://jajjanews.com/uploads/images/202603/image_870x580_69c0e3606d774.jpg" length="83573" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Mon, 23 Mar 2026 09:54:30 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
<media:keywords></media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>3000 ENTERPRENUERS TO RECEIVE SEED CAPITAL COURTESY OF TONY ELUMELU FOUNDATION</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/3000-enterprenuers-to-receive-seed-capital-courtesy-of-tony-elumelu-foundation</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/3000-enterprenuers-to-receive-seed-capital-courtesy-of-tony-elumelu-foundation</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ An additional 1,049 entrepreneurs will be supported in collaboration with global partners such as the European Commission, the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), and GIZ. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://jajjanews.com/uploads/images/202603/image_870x580_69bfb477b486d.jpg" length="56306" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sun, 22 Mar 2026 12:21:13 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
<media:keywords></media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>UGANDA STRENGTHENS MIGRATION GOVERNANCE WITH NEW POLICY</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/uganda-strengthens-migration-governance-with-new-policy</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/uganda-strengthens-migration-governance-with-new-policy</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Jessica Alupo Vice President in her remarks said: “This is not merely the unveiling of another government document. It is the unveiling of a national vision—a declaration of Uganda’s commitment to manage migration in a manner that is orderly, secure, humane and beneficial to our people.” ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://jajjanews.com/uploads/images/202603/image_870x580_69bfb11bdb8ed.jpg" length="98888" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sun, 22 Mar 2026 12:07:26 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
<media:keywords></media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>ICEA INJECTS 100MILLION INGO IBAU CONFERENCE</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/icea-injects-100million-ingo-ibau-conference</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/icea-injects-100million-ingo-ibau-conference</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The sponsorship was unveiled at the ICEA LION head office at Rwenzori Courts. The conference, scheduled for April 22–24, 2026, at Hotel Triangle in Mbarara, will bring together insurance brokers, underwriters, regulators and business leaders under the theme: “Trust Reimagined: Delivering on the Promise.” ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://jajjanews.com/uploads/images/202603/image_870x580_69bfaff53f10f.jpg" length="100394" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sun, 22 Mar 2026 12:02:29 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
<media:keywords></media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>NWSC TO DISCONNET GOVERNMENT MINISTRIES OVER 600BILLION WATER ARREARS</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/nwsc-to-disconnet-government-ministries-over-600billion-water-arrears</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/nwsc-to-disconnet-government-ministries-over-600billion-water-arrears</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in Uganda are significantly impacting the operations of the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) due to mounting unpaid water bills, which have reached critical levels. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://jajjanews.com/uploads/images/202603/image_870x580_69bfaf37078ae.jpg" length="68441" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sun, 22 Mar 2026 11:58:44 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
<media:keywords></media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>&amp;quot;EMBRACE AI REVOLUTION TO SURVIVE WORLD OF WORK,&amp;quot; &amp;quot;MUSEVENI TELLS YOUNG PEOPLE</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/embrace-ai-revolution-to-survive-world-of-work-museveni-tells-young-people</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/embrace-ai-revolution-to-survive-world-of-work-museveni-tells-young-people</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The President advised teachers and parents to always carry out career guidance to shape the future of young people so as to solve youth unemployment saying majority of graduates lack career guidance. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://jajjanews.com/uploads/images/202603/image_870x580_69bfac73648b7.jpg" length="110223" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sun, 22 Mar 2026 11:47:41 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
<media:keywords></media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>UGANDA UNVEILS OKELLO AI ROBOTIC TOUR GUIDE TO BOOST BUSINESS</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/uganda-unveils-okello-ai-robotic-tour-guide-to-boost-business</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/uganda-unveils-okello-ai-robotic-tour-guide-to-boost-business</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Developed by the ZunoBotics Foundation, Okello represents a fusion of tourism and cutting-edge technology. The interactive machine is designed to engage tourists in real-time, offering guided information about Uganda’s attractions in multiple languages, including English, French, and several local dialects. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://jajjanews.com/uploads/images/202603/image_870x580_69bfa0595ae4e.jpg" length="96021" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sun, 22 Mar 2026 10:59:45 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
<media:keywords></media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>CHINA UGANDA FRIENDSHIP HOSPITAL APPLAUDS GOVERNMENT SUPPORT</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/china-uganda-friendship-hospital-applauds-government-support</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/china-uganda-friendship-hospital-applauds-government-support</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ She further noted that although the hospital is fully government-owned, it is currently overwhelmed by a surge in patient numbers. The facility reportedly handles over 120,000 outpatient department (OPD) visits, with patients seeking a wide range of medical services. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 20 Mar 2026 19:00:34 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
<media:keywords></media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>&amp;quot;PAY ME 1BILLION OR I SUE YOU,&amp;quot; MARIAM WANGADYA TELLS SCRIBE NDAULA</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/pay-me-1billion-or-i-sue-you-mariam-wangadya-tells-scribe-ndaula</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/pay-me-1billion-or-i-sue-you-mariam-wangadya-tells-scribe-ndaula</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ “Our Client categorically denies these allegations. The statements you have published are not only factually incorrect, but also calculated to lower Our Client’s estimation in the eyes of right-thinking members of society.” ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://jajjanews.com/uploads/images/202603/image_870x580_69bd6cd75a52a.jpg" length="81891" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Fri, 20 Mar 2026 18:51:57 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
<media:keywords></media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>URSB LAUNCHES TECHNOLOGY CENTRE AT ST.JOSEPH COLLEGE OMBACI</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/ursb-launches-technology-centre-at-stjoseph-college-ombaci</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/ursb-launches-technology-centre-at-stjoseph-college-ombaci</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The newly established centre becomes the third secondary school-based TISC in Uganda, following similar initiatives at Comboni College Lira and Dr. Obote College Boroboro. The expansion reflects URSB’s commitment to nurturing innovation at an early stage through its IP in Schools initiative. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 20 Mar 2026 12:58:32 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
<media:keywords></media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>JAPAN TO FUND KAMPALA SECOND FLYOVER PROJECT</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/japan-to-fund-kampala-second-flyover-project</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/japan-to-fund-kampala-second-flyover-project</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The project involved constructing a 0.5km flyover at the Clock Tower, a 0.4km Nsambya underpass, widening Queensway, and improving Nsambya, Mukwano, and Gaba roads. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 20 Mar 2026 09:02:45 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
<media:keywords></media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>UBOS LAUNCHES OVC REPORT, 2.9MILLION ORPHANS DONT HAVE FATHERS</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/ubos-launches-ovc-report-29million-orphans-dont-have-fathers</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/ubos-launches-ovc-report-29million-orphans-dont-have-fathers</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Kibenge emphasized the relevance of the OVC Monograph in providing detailed, disaggregated data to guide targeted and equitable service delivery, with insights across children’s rights; survival, development, protection, and participation. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 20 Mar 2026 08:58:17 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
<media:keywords></media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>&amp;quot;USE TIKTOK RESPONSIBLY,&amp;quot;KABAKA TELLS YOUNG PEOPLE</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/use-tiktok-responsiblykabaka-tells-young-people</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/use-tiktok-responsiblykabaka-tells-young-people</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Monarch noted that many youths have embraced the social media platform which could serve as a powerful tool for education and development if used well. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 19 Mar 2026 16:39:36 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
<media:keywords></media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>UNBS SEEKS 200BILLION BUDGET ALLOCATION TO IMPROVE SERVICE DELIVERY</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/unbs-seeks-200billion-budget-allocation-to-improve-service-delivery</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/unbs-seeks-200billion-budget-allocation-to-improve-service-delivery</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Certification Services, Issuance of permits for products and firms to meet standards,Market Surveillance,Inspection of products to reduce counterfeit goods,Metrology,verification equipment used in trade, such as fuel dispensers, scales, and meters. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://jajjanews.com/uploads/images/202603/image_870x580_69bb96e6d4b1f.jpg" length="94925" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Thu, 19 Mar 2026 09:26:19 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
<media:keywords></media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Court Dismisses case Against Speke Hotel</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/court-dismisses-case-against-speke-hotel</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/court-dismisses-case-against-speke-hotel</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Speke Hotel was confirmed as a bona fide registered proprietor, having acquired the land through proper transactions without notice of competing claims. The ruling reinforces protections for registered titles under Uganda’s Constitution and Land Act, amid frequent disputes in rapidly developing areas like Wakiso where informal occupancy often clashes with formal ownership. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://jajjanews.com/uploads/images/202603/image_870x580_69bb74d2cef73.jpg" length="92267" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Thu, 19 Mar 2026 07:00:43 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
<media:keywords></media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Musician Chance Nalubega To Sue The Orchard Music Distributor</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/musician-chance-nalubega-to-sue-the-orchard-music-distributor</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/musician-chance-nalubega-to-sue-the-orchard-music-distributor</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The singer pointed out that many artists from her era were not fully aware of copyright protections when they released their music, a gap that has now left some vulnerable to exploitation in the digital age. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://jajjanews.com/uploads/images/202603/image_870x580_69bb738740c56.jpg" length="61631" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Thu, 19 Mar 2026 06:56:39 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
<media:keywords></media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>CHURCH OF UGANDA TO LAUNCH ZIMBA LWEZA PROJECT</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/church-of-uganda-to-launch-zimba-lweza-project</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/church-of-uganda-to-launch-zimba-lweza-project</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Church of uganda has also promoted a saving culture and financial inclusion within communities,skilled development and economic empowerment initiatives that have trained thousands of people in practical skills such as soap making, organic manure production, and other small-scale enterprises. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://jajjanews.com/uploads/images/202603/image_870x580_69b8170a3d7f1.jpg" length="116260" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Mon, 16 Mar 2026 17:44:23 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
<media:keywords></media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>ARCHBISHOP KAZIMBA MUGALU TO RETIRE NEXT YEAR</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/archbishop-kazimba-mugalu-to-retire-next-year</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/archbishop-kazimba-mugalu-to-retire-next-year</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ According to relaible information from Church of Uganda The Most Rev. Dr Stephen Samuel Kazimba Mugalu, will retire on August 15, 2027 closing a chapter in the Church of Uganda’s leadership history that includes eight archbishops since the province gained independence in 1961. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://jajjanews.com/uploads/images/202603/image_870x580_69b8161d3c5eb.jpg" length="58537" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Mon, 16 Mar 2026 17:40:19 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
<media:keywords></media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>US EMBASSY ARRESTS 43 UGANDANS OVER VISA FRAUD</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/us-embassy-arrests-43-ugandans-over-visa-fraud</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/us-embassy-arrests-43-ugandans-over-visa-fraud</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ He explained that the embassy has strengthened its fraud detection systems to identify irregularities in documents such as bank statements, academic transcripts, employment letters, and invitation letters. These checks are designed to ensure that only applicants who meet the requirements and provide truthful information are granted visas. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://jajjanews.com/uploads/images/202603/image_870x580_69b8017b86e92.jpg" length="62717" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Mon, 16 Mar 2026 16:11:47 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
<media:keywords></media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Thousands to attend Museveni Victory Party at Kololo Independence Ground courtesy of State House Local Content Unit</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/thousands-to-attend-museveni-victory-party-at-kololo-independence-ground-courtesy-of-state-house-local-content-unit</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/thousands-to-attend-museveni-victory-party-at-kololo-independence-ground-courtesy-of-state-house-local-content-unit</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The event, starting at 8 a.m honors his win in the 2026 general elections with entertainment, food, and fireworks according to organisers during media interface on Tuesday morning. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://jajjanews.com/uploads/images/202603/image_870x580_69b12185c1ddc.jpg" length="87170" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Wed, 11 Mar 2026 11:02:51 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
<media:keywords></media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Ruparelia Foundation,Speaker of Parliament launch Bukedea Eye Care Camp</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/ruparelia-foundationspeaker-of-parliament-launch-bukedea-eye-care-camp</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/ruparelia-foundationspeaker-of-parliament-launch-bukedea-eye-care-camp</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Speaking during the launch, Jyotsna Ruparelia said the initiative holds deep emotional significance for the family because it celebrates Rajiv’s passion for philanthropy and community service. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://jajjanews.com/uploads/images/202603/image_870x580_69b068845cb7f.jpg" length="105295" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Tue, 10 Mar 2026 21:54:52 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
<media:keywords></media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Lands Minister Warns Churches against buying Unregistered land</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/lands-minister-warns-churches-against-buying-unregistered-land</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/lands-minister-warns-churches-against-buying-unregistered-land</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ According to the minister, the Ministry of Lands continues to receive numerous complaints involving church land that has been encroached upon, illegally occupied or dragged into court disputes because of incomplete or missing documentation. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://jajjanews.com/uploads/images/202603/image_870x580_69b01d8436d52.jpg" length="97466" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Tue, 10 Mar 2026 16:33:09 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
<media:keywords></media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>PROMINENT KAMPALA LAW FIRM MUWEMA ADVOCATES KICKED OUT KOLOLO OVER 1.4BILLION RENT ARREARS</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/prominent-kampala-law-firm-muwema-advocates-kicked-out-kololo-over-14billion-rent-arrears</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/prominent-kampala-law-firm-muwema-advocates-kicked-out-kololo-over-14billion-rent-arrears</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The court emphasized that under contract law, acceptance of an offer must be expressly communicated, and silence cannot be interpreted as consent. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://jajjanews.com/uploads/images/202603/image_870x580_69afa22e2d642.jpg" length="90181" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Tue, 10 Mar 2026 07:46:54 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
<media:keywords></media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>CSBAG URGES GOVERNMENT TO INCREASE FUNDS.FOR HEALTH</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/csbag-urges-government-to-increase-fundsfor-health</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/csbag-urges-government-to-increase-fundsfor-health</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ According to Mukunda, this situation poses a serious risk because donor support is expected to decline significantly beginning in the 2025/26 financial year. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://jajjanews.com/uploads/images/202603/image_870x580_69af9ea95d6e2.jpg" length="61800" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Tue, 10 Mar 2026 07:32:05 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Felix Oketcho</dc:creator>
<media:keywords></media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Corruption In Uganda No Longer Petty Issues, IGG Confirms</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/corruption-in-uganda-no-longer-petty-issue-igg-confirms</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/corruption-in-uganda-no-longer-petty-issue-igg-confirms</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Justice Naluzze has vowed to intensify prosecution led investigations in order to combat corruption in the next six months. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://jajjanews.com/uploads/images/202603/image_870x580_69ac2c0e8f57b.jpg" length="62021" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sat, 07 Mar 2026 16:46:08 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>jajjanews</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, African Market, Local News, Ugandan News</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>URSB Celebrates Attainment of ISo 90012015 Quality Management System Certification</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/ursb-celebrates-attainment-of-iso-90012015-quality-management-system-certification</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/ursb-celebrates-attainment-of-iso-90012015-quality-management-system-certification</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Chairperson of the URSB Board, Francis K. Butagira, underscored the Board’s deliberate role in strengthening governance and institutional standards. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 07 Mar 2026 16:36:23 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>jajjanews</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, African Market, Local News, Ugandan News, URSB</media:keywords>
</item>

<item>
<title>Uganda Airlines Secures New Plan to Resume Business</title>
<link>https://jajjanews.com/uganda-airlines-secures-new-plan-to-resume-business</link>
<guid>https://jajjanews.com/uganda-airlines-secures-new-plan-to-resume-business</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ On February 20, Uganda Airlines announced that the aircraft had been temporarily withdrawn from service, disrupting operations on the London Gatwick, Dubai and Mumbai routes. ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://jajjanews.com/uploads/images/202603/image_870x580_69ac27b1cfdf3.jpg" length="45366" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sat, 07 Mar 2026 16:28:12 +0300</pubDate>
<dc:creator>jajjanews</dc:creator>
<media:keywords></media:keywords>
</item>

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