Author: Aijuka Peter

For many people, wealth represents freedom, influence and opportunities that can be passed from one generation to the next. For others, it is the result of years of sacrifice, uncertainty and resilience. Few stories in Africa’s business world capture that reality better than the journey of Sudhir Ruparelia. Across Africa, the continent’s billionaire class is dominated by business giants from countries such as Nigeria, South Africa and Egypt. Yet among those celebrated success stories is a businessman whose life has been shaped by migration, exile, loss and remarkable determination. Today, Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia stands as Uganda’s richest man and one…

The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has officially launched the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC)-Mbale, the country’s first regional wildlife conservation and education facility, in a landmark move aimed at bringing conservation education closer to communities across Eastern Uganda. Speaking at the launch, UWA Executive Director Dr. James Musinguzi described the facility as a transformative investment that will change how communities engage with wildlife conservation while encouraging greater participation in tourism and environmental stewardship. “The Education Centre is set to transform people’s mindset towards conservation while encouraging the active participation of all Ugandans in tourism,” Dr. Musinguzi said, while expressing gratitude…

Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) Secretary General and Kasambya County Member of Parliament David Kabanda, popularly known as “Omutume Kabanda,” has revealed new details about the late businessman Rajiv Ruparelia’s role in supporting Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s 45th birthday celebrations held in 2019. Speaking during an exclusive interview with Joseph Kisitu on the online political talk show Direct Shot aired on Baba TV, Kabanda paid tribute to Rajiv, describing him as a key behind-the-scenes supporter whose generosity helped make the event a success. He also extended condolences and prayed for the businessman’s soul, noting that his contribution left a lasting impression…

The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) have agreed to enter into a collaborative park management arrangement that will see AWF inject up to $21 million (Shs78.8 billion) into the conservation management of Kidepo Valley National Park. Kidepo Valley National Park, located in northeastern Uganda’s Karamoja region, spans vast rugged savannah at the foothills of Mount Morungole and is traversed by the Kidepo and Narus rivers. The specific details of how the two entities will jointly manage the park remain scanty. However, in an April 9, 2026 letter, which this newspaper has seen, and was addressed…

By Ben Ssebuguzi I commend Hon. Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda, the former Member of Parliament for Kira Municipality, for his commitment to holding government accountable for public expenditure. Oversight of public spending is an important pillar of good governance because it helps ensure that public officials act in the interests of citizens rather than pursuing personal gain. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has repeatedly emphasized that the fight against corruption and misuse of public funds requires collective responsibility. He has often argued that when citizens remain silent in the face of wrongdoing, society as a whole suffers the consequences. However, when one…

The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has called for stronger community participation and improved public awareness as key tools in protecting Uganda’s wildlife. Speaking during a morning show at a local television, UWA Executive Director James Musinguzi said conservation work cannot succeed if local communities are left out, especially those living near protected areas. He stressed that people who live close to wildlife must be part of the solution, since they experience the daily challenges of human–wildlife conflict such as animals crossing into farms and damaging crops. “We believe conservation cannot succeed without involving communities,” Musinguzi said. “Since they live adjacent…

The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has announced the birth of a newborn mountain gorilla in the Mishaya Gorilla Family, one of the well-known gorilla groups in the Rushaga sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The new infant was born to Bashekura, an adult female member of the family. According to UWA, both the mother and her baby are healthy and progressing well. The birth has increased the size of the Mishaya family from nine to ten members, providing another boost to Uganda’s mountain gorilla conservation efforts. Wildlife conservationists have welcomed the development, describing it as positive news for the future…

The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has taken custody of more than eight tonnes of wildlife contraband that had been stored by the Aviation Police at Entebbe International Airport for over 14 years. The transfer, conducted on Friday at Entebbe International Airport, involved a vast collection of wildlife products seized through joint operations between UWA, the Uganda Police Force, and other security agencies from 2011 to 2025. According to officials, the contraband includes 6,017 kilograms of ivory, 2,030 kilograms of pangolin scales, 114 kilograms of rhino horns, 8.8 kilograms of hippopotamus teeth, as well as lion teeth, animal skins, and ostrich…

Uganda has officially launched the construction of the runway for Kidepo International Airport, marking a major milestone in the country’s efforts to expand air transport infrastructure, boost tourism, and open up the Karamoja sub-region to international investment. President Yoweri Museveni presided over the groundbreaking ceremony in Karenga District on Thursday. The new airport, which is being developed near Kidepo Valley National Park, is expected to become Uganda’s third international airport after Entebbe International Airport and Kabalega International Airport. Officials say the project will significantly improve connectivity to one of Africa’s most renowned wildlife destinations while creating new opportunities for trade…

The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has outlined four key priorities aimed at helping the agency achieve its ambitious Shs290 billion revenue target for the 2026/2027 financial year. The strategy focuses on product development, digital marketing, investment promotion, and specialization, which UWA believes will strengthen Uganda’s tourism sector and enhance visitor experiences across the country’s protected areas. Speaking during the annual meeting of UWA tourism officers at the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre (UWEC) in Entebbe, Acting Commissioner for Tourism and Business Development Dorcus Rukundo said tourism staff must play a central role in driving growth and ensuring visitors receive value…