Author: ankhh

Uganda’s oldest opposition party, the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC), will not appear on the presidential ballot in 2026 after the Electoral Commission ruled that the party had failed to meet legal and constitutional requirements.

The announcement came after weeks of internal fights that climaxed on September 21 when UPC leaders including Jimmy James Michael Akena, Denis Enap Adim, Joseph Pinytek Ochieno, and Peter Walubiri Mukidi met EC officials in a tense closed-door session. What was meant to settle questions of legitimacy instead exposed deep cracks at the top of the party.

On September 22, EC chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama delivered the decision that neither Akena nor Adim could stand as UPC’s presidential flag bearer. He pointed to binding court judgments and breaches of the party’s own constitution as reasons behind the disqualification.

At the centre of the storm is a ruling by the High Court in Misc. Cause No. 148 of 2025 which held that Akena had already served his maximum two terms as UPC president. The same ruling nullified his nomination for another term, a decision that has never been overturned. The Electoral Commission also dismissed the party’s attempt to extend Akena’s mandate through a virtual delegates’ conference, noting that the move defied a court order and violated Articles 25(2) and (3) of the UPC constitution.

The commission went further, declaring Akena’s nomination for the 2026 to 2030 term illegal, while Adim’s nomination failed to satisfy Article 13(5) of the UPC constitution. Peter Walubiri was also ruled out since he never formally entered the nomination process for party president.

The feud escalated earlier this year when Adim successfully challenged Akena’s extension of office in court. That legal victory set the stage for Monday’s ruling, with the Electoral Commission stressing that UPC’s internal processes fell short of Section 10 of the Political Parties and Organisations Act, which governs leadership transitions in political parties.

Even as the ruling was being delivered, social media claims circulated suggesting that Akena had been cleared to run. But Joseph Ochieno’s lawyer, Jude Byamukama of JByamukama Advocates, dismissed the reports as false.

With the nomination deadline approaching, UPC now faces the grim reality of missing the presidential race for the first time in its history. For a party that once produced Milton Obote, Uganda’s first executive prime minister and later president, the prospect of sitting out 2026 underscores the scale of its current crisis.

Uganda’s businessman and Honorary Consul of Nepal, Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia, hosted a ceremony on Monday to mark Nepal’s Constitution Day. The event was held at the Consulate of Nepal, located in Crane Chambers, one of the landmark buildings owned by the Ruparelia Group.

The celebration, which included a cake-cutting, came shortly after the official observance on September 19 in Nepal. It attracted members of the Nepalese community in Uganda, many of whom are employed within Dr. Ruparelia’s business enterprises.

Nepal’s Constitution Day is a national holiday that commemorates the adoption of the 2015 Constitution. The law formally changed Nepal into a federal republic and is widely remembered for its role in guiding the country’s recovery after the devastating earthquake of the same year. It is also viewed as a milestone for inclusivity, with special recognition of groups such as Dalits and Janajatis.

At the Kampala event, Dr. Ruparelia described the day as “a celebration of resilience and shared values.” He also emphasized the growing relationship between Uganda and Nepal, noting the cultural and diplomatic connections that have continued to strengthen.

Dr. Ruparelia has served as Nepal’s Honorary Consul in Uganda since 2020, following his appointment by then-President Bidhya Devi Bhandari. Over the years, he has played a role in promoting closer ties between the two countries, using both his diplomatic position and business influence to foster cooperation.

For Nepalese nationals in Uganda, the celebration offered an opportunity to observe their national day while away from home. Hosting the event at Crane Chambers underlined Dr. Ruparelia’s role not only as a leading entrepreneur but also as a bridge between Uganda and Nepal.

One of Uganda’s richest lawyers, William Byaruhanga, has moved into Kenya’s banking sector after buying a large stake in Sidian Bank. The former Attorney General paid more than KSh1 billion (about Shs35.2 billion), about Shs35 billion, to secure his shares, making him one of the top four owners of the lender.

The deal marks a new chapter in Byaruhanga’s career, shifting from law and property into regional finance. He already owns some of Kampala’s most notable buildings, including Village Mall in Bugolobi, Rwenzori Towers, Rwenzori Courts, Rwenzori House, Amamu House, and Mountain of the Moon Hotel in Fort Portal.

Sidian Bank, first opened in 1984 under the name K-Rep Bank, has been attracting new investors as Centum Investments reduces its role. Centum, a major Kenyan investment group, has been selling off its shares to a mix of companies, among them Wizpro Enterprises, Afram Limited, Pioneer General Insurance, Pioneer Life Investments, and Telesec Africa. This has lowered Centum’s ownership to just over a quarter of the bank.

Despite worries from regulators about weak capital levels, Sidian Bank has been showing strong growth. In the first half of 2025, it made profits of KSh1 billion, more than four times what it earned in the same period the year before. Customer deposits rose to nearly KSh60 billion, while lending hit close to KSh27 billion, with much of the money directed into government securities.

Byaruhanga’s investment underlines a bigger trend: Ugandan business leaders are looking beyond their borders, putting money into Kenya’s fast-growing financial sector. For many, it is a sign of how East Africa’s wealthy elite are starting to play a bigger role across the region, not just in their home countries.

A new BBC documentary has revealed how young Ugandan women are being lured to Dubai with promises of good jobs, only to end up trapped in sex trafficking networks. The documentary, titled Death in Dubai, shows how traffickers and recruitment agents promise work as maids, models, or influencers. After arrival, many women have their passports taken and are pushed into abuse and exploitation, including degrading acts at private “Porta Potty” parties.

The documentary shares painful stories from women who survived. They said local agents in Uganda told them Dubai would change their lives. Many borrowed money to pay for travel. Instead of the better future they expected, they were kept in rooms, threatened, and told they had no choice but to obey. Debts and fear kept them silent.

Families in Uganda are mourning daughters who never came home. Among them are Monic Karungi, known online as Mona Kizz, and Kayla Birungi. Both died in Dubai in separate incidents that were officially labeled suicides. Their relatives believe the deaths are linked to the trafficking networks exposed by the BBC investigation.

The investigation also names a man it says plays a key role in this trade: Charles “Abbey” Mwesigwa. Undercover footage shows a man identified as Mwesigwa offering women to clients and talking about extreme requests at high-paying parties. He is said to handle many women and to quote prices that rise with more “crazy” demands. He denied the accusations when confronted, saying the claims were false and that he is only a social figure who knows many people.

Reporters and victims told the BBC that some women were recruited with false job offers, then trapped by debts for visas, tickets, and housing, and pressured into sex work to “repay” those costs. A former associate claimed that women who refused were confined until they agreed. These accounts match patterns described by survivors in the film.

The problem is wider than a few cases. Every year, many Ugandan women travel to Gulf countries trying to escape poverty and joblessness. Some find legal work, but others meet traffickers who exploit their hope. Weak checks on recruitment agencies and poor protection for migrant workers make the situation worse.

The BBC documentary has caused public outcry. Ugandan leaders and activists have called for stronger action, tighter oversight of recruitment companies, and better support for women who return after abuse. There are new calls for cooperation between Uganda and the United Arab Emirates to break these networks and hold offenders to account.

The team behind Death in Dubai said they wanted to expose a hidden crime that has destroyed lives while staying in the shadows. They hope the film and podcast will push governments and institutions to act faster and protect young women from being deceived, exploited, and silenced.

Information published in this article was obtained from the BBC NEWS Africa Documentary.

Watch it below

Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) serving under the African Union Support Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) have killed a senior Al-Shabaab commander in the Lower Shabelle region.

The militant leader, Osman Hussein Bune Amiir, who was considered the overall commander of Al-Shabaab fighters in Lower Shabelle, was ambushed and killed by UPDF troops near Buulomareer on September 14, 2025.

Sector One Commander, Brig Gen Joseph Musoke Ssemwanga, commended the Buulo Mareer Forward Operating Base (FOB) troops for what he described as a decisive action against Al-Shabaab.

He said the operation also led to the recovery of a pistol with three loaded magazines, a porch, binoculars, and two mobile phones, among other items.

Brig Gen Ssemwanga assured the troops that AUSSOM, the UPDF leadership, and international partners remain committed to breaking Al-Shabaab’s networks and working to restore peace and stability in Somalia.

Maj David Ogweng, the commander of Buulo Mareer FOB, thanked Brig Gen Ssemwanga for his constant support and guidance, which he said enabled the soldiers to succeed in their mission. He added that his forces are determined to continue their duties and ensure peace, security, and stability in Somalia.

During his field visit, Brig Gen Ssemwanga also inspected FOBs in Quoryoley and Goloweyn to check on troop readiness and welfare.

He was joined by Lt Col Justus Magyembe, the Contingent Logistics and Engineering Commander, as well as commanders responsible for Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Women’s Affairs.

A court in Zambia has sentenced two witch doctors to prison for trying to use witchcraft against President Hakainde Hichilema.

The two men, 43-year-old Leonard Phiri from Zambia and 42-year-old Jasten Mabulesse Candunde from Mozambique, were found guilty of possessing charms and practicing witchcraft. Among the items discovered was a live chameleon, which investigators said was part of their rituals.

According to court findings, the pair had been hired by Nelson Banda, the younger brother of former independent Member of Parliament Emmanuel Banda. The witch doctors admitted that they had been promised 2 million Zambian Kwacha, more than 80,000 US dollars, once the mission was carried out.

In his ruling, Lusaka Magistrate Fine Mayambu said the attempt to harm President Hichilema could have led to political unrest, economic problems, and hardship for the Zambian people. He noted that even though the men were first-time offenders, their intention to cause death meant they deserved a custodial sentence with hard labor.

The court sentenced each man to two years for possessing charms and six months for practicing witchcraft. The sentences, which start from the day of their arrest on December 20, 2024, will run at the same time.

Police in Uganda have raised the reward for information that could lead to the capture of those behind the brutal killing of Mr. and Mrs. Mutaaga in Entebbe.

According to Police Spokesperson Rusoke Kituuma, the cash offer has been pushed from Shs 50 million to Shs 60 million as investigators intensify the manhunt. He explained that officers are determined to track down the killers and believe the higher reward will motivate people with information to come forward.

Police have already shared the photograph and a voice recording of one key suspect believed to be connected to the crime.

Kituuma also addressed confusion caused by a newspaper report that suggested the suspects had already been identified. He clarified that investigators only have persons of interest but no confirmed suspects yet. He stressed that full identities will only be made public once evidence is solid.

The killing of the couple has unsettled the Entebbe community, and residents have called for quick justice. Police said they are following several leads and urged members of the public with reliable information to share it immediately with authorities.

Social commentator and businessman Frank Gashumba and his wife, Patience Mutoni Malaika, have celebrated the birth of their first child.

While speaking on Radio 4 on the morning of September 15, 2025, Gashumba shared his happiness, saying he was pleased to announce that both his wife and their newborn were in good health.

Earlier in the year, on May 15, Gashumba held a traditional Gusaba ceremony at Mutoni’s home in Ssembabule District. This cultural event is when a groom’s family formally seeks the bride’s hand in marriage.

Photos from the ceremony spread widely, and many people commented on Mutoni’s youthful appearance, with some even comparing her to Gashumba’s daughter, Sheila. In response, Gashumba dismissed such comments and described the critics as haters and people who had failed in life.

During the Gusaba, Mutoni’s family asked for Shs 6 million and 12 cows as bride price, a request that Gashumba fulfilled in full.

Police in Kisoro District are investigating a murder that happened on the night of September 13, 2025, in Gishondori Village, Muramba Subcounty. A 25-year-old mother of three, Anna Fayida, who was a Mutwa by tribe, was beaten to death by her 21-year-old husband, Turinayo Besigye.

Investigators believe Besigye killed her out of anger, accusing her of refusing to conceive a child with him.

The LC1 Chairperson of Gishondori Village, Mr. Sigwa Simon, said he got a distress call at around 9PM from Besigye’s brother, who reported the murder. Simon explained that he immediately contacted Muramba Police to intervene. He described Besigye as a troublemaker, saying he was a known criminal who had been arrested several times before but later released.

Fayida’s mother, Jesca Nyirabarera, expressed deep sorrow. She said she was on her way from Koranya Trading Centre when she heard people raising alarms. Residents told her that her daughter had been killed.

Community members revealed that Fayida had been previously married to a UPDF soldier and had three children with him—two girls and one boy—before marrying Besigye.

The suspect’s brother, Robert Niyonzimama, shared details of what happened before the killing. He said he was called at around 8PM to intervene in a fight between the couple. When he tried to separate them, Besigye turned violent and attacked him. Robert said Besigye used marijuana, and he only escaped further harm when another brother pulled him away.

After his arrest, Besigye admitted to killing Fayida. He told investigators that she had promised him a child but never gave him one. He also complained that the three children in the home were not his, and he wanted children of his own.

Homicide officers visited the scene, drew a sketch map, and took Fayida’s body to Kisoro Hospital Mortuary for a postmortem examination.

According to the 2024 police crime report, Uganda recorded an increase in killings. The report showed that at least 26 people die every day from murders and accidents. Homicide cases rose from 4,248 to 4,329, with 4,411 people losing their lives. Among them, 3,703 were men and 708 were women.

A family in Kapsara, Kitale, is mourning the sudden death of their daughter, Lornah Chebet, who died in a tragic road accident while working in Saudi Arabia.

Chebet had moved to Abha with hopes of building a better future for her loved ones.Her life was cut short when the car she was travelling in with her employer, the employer’s husband, and their two children crashed on the way to Riyadh.

According to reports, the employer’s husband and one of the children died instantly at the scene.

Chebet, her employer, and the second child were rushed to hospital in critical condition.

Despite doctors’ efforts, Chebet later died at Al Muzahmiyya General Hospital.The four-year-old child also passed away while undergoing treatment.

News of the accident reached her family through social media.

Her sister, Mercy Jepkemoi, confirmed the heartbreaking news in a tearful TikTok video, describing Chebet as the fourth born in a family of six.

Jepkemoi expressed deep pain over the loss and prayed for strength for her grieving family.

Preparations are now underway to repatriate Chebet’s body for burial.Neighbours and friends in her village have remembered her as a hard-working and determined young woman who left home with hopes of improving the lives of her family members.

The accident has left two families devastated, one in Saudi Arabia and the other in Kenya, as they come to terms with lives cut short in a tragedy that has shaken many.