Author: Muhumuza Vensor

Uganda has officially launched a new Wildlife and Timber Forensic Laboratory in Entebbe, a major step aimed at strengthening the fight against wildlife trafficking, illegal logging and environmental crime. The facility, which was opened on April 29, 2026 at the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre (UWEC), will now handle both wildlife and timber forensic investigations, expanding beyond its previous focus on wildlife crime alone. Authorities say the laboratory will play a critical role in helping investigators and prosecutors build stronger cases against criminal networks involved in the illegal trade of wildlife products and protected timber species. Using modern forensic science…

Uganda’s wildlife populations are showing strong signs of recovery, with new figures from the Uganda Wildlife Authority revealing major increases in several key animal species across the country’s protected areas. According to the State of Wildlife Resources in Uganda 2026 report released this week, buffalo populations have risen by 39 percent, antelopes by 50 percent, chimpanzees by 20 percent, giraffes by 18 percent and elands by 24 percent. The report paints one of the clearest pictures yet of a conservation sector that has steadily strengthened over the past few years through tighter protection measures, modern technology and targeted wildlife restoration…

A new alpha male chimpanzee has taken control of the Kanyantare chimpanzee community in Kibale National Park, bringing an end to nearly two years of tension, rivalry and instability that followed the violent death of the former leader, Nfuuzi. Researchers and ranger guides at the park confirmed that a male chimpanzee known as Rukara has now emerged as the dominant leader of the community, which consists of more than 120 chimpanzees living in the Kanyanchu sector of the forest. The struggle for leadership began in November 2023 after Nfuuzi was allegedly attacked and killed by a group of six rival…

Mbarara District was awash with excitement, color, and jubilation yesterday as thousands of National Resistance Movement (NRM) supporters, youth groups, businesspeople, and community leaders poured onto the streets in a massive solidarity procession dubbed the “Walk For Museveni.” The grand event was organized by Mbarara District NRM Chairperson, Prosper Tuhaise Kururagire, to celebrate the swearing-in of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for his historic seventh term in office during the national ceremony held at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds in Kampala. It is worth noting that Mbarara made electoral history by delivering an unprecedented 92 percent of the vote to President Museveni, a…

Uganda has officially launched the use of locally manufactured diagnostic kits, taking a major step toward self-reliance in healthcare marking a turning point for both public health and local industry under the Buy Uganda Build Uganda (BUBU) policy. Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja and Health Minister Jane Ruth Aceng presided over the Thursday launch at Kampala Serena Hotel, signaling strong political backing for homegrown medical innovation. Behind the kits is Microhaem Scientifics Ltd, a Kampala-based biotech company whose products target some of Uganda’s most persistent health threats: HIV, malaria, and sickle cell disease. Speaking to journalists at the event, the company’s…

Clarke International University (CIU) on Friday graduated 500 students during its 16th graduation ceremony, a milestone that coincided with the institution’s receipt of a national Charter, formally confirming its status as a fully established, self-governing university. The ceremony, held at the university’s campus, drew dignitaries including the Irish Ambassador to Uganda, Ms Mags Gaynor, who served as Guest of Honour, and saw the historic installation of Dr Charles Olaro as the university’s first Professor of Practice in Health Services Management. The 500 graduates were drawn from four academic units: the Institute of Allied Health Sciences (IAHS) produced the largest cohort…

Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) on Tuesday flagged off the translocation of two Southern White Rhinos from Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to the remote park in the Karamoja sub-region, launching what officials described as a landmark moment in the country’s conservation history. A total of eight rhinos will make the journey in the coming days. The last rhino in Kidepo was killed in Narus Valley in 1983, driven out by a combination of intense poaching and the insecurity that gripped northern Uganda during that era. Tuesday’s translocation marks 43 years since the species was last seen in the area. UWA Executive Director…

The Uganda Professional Humanities Teachers’ Union (UPHTU) has written to the Minister of Public Service warning that teachers will revoke their suspended industrial action unless the government honours commitments made at State House, Entebbe, on June 30, 2025. The warning comes after it emerged that the Ministry of Finance set aside no funds for Arts and Humanities teachers in the 2026/2027 to 2030/2031 budget planning cycle, a gap that was exposed during an interministerial meeting held on March 10, 2026, at the Ministry of Public Service. President Yoweri Museveni had personally met the union’s National Executive Council at State House…

KAMPALA, UGANDA —The Cyber Security and Forensics Association of Uganda (CSFAU) has launched a nationwide initiative aimed at strengthening the country’s digital security while creating employment opportunities for information technology professionals. The initiative, dubbed the Uganda National Cyber Digital Forensic Initiative (UNCDFI), is designed to decentralise cybersecurity expertise by extending digital forensic capacity from urban centres to districts, parishes, and villages across the country. CSFAU officials say the programme will create a nationwide network of trained cyber forensic specialists who can respond to digital threats at the grassroots level as Uganda’s digital economy continues to expand. Under the initiative, the…

Owino traders have rallied behind businessman Hamis Kiggundu, popularly known as Ham, dismissing claims that they were unfairly treated during the demolition of structures along the Nakivubo Channel last Saturday night, saying they were compensated before a single wall came down. Mr Robert Mukalazi, one of the traders whose lock-up was demolished, said the process was handled properly and that most of his colleagues had already received their money. “We were many, and the majority of us have already received the money and we are assured of getting the lock-ups on the new modern structure once it is accomplished,” Mr…