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A wave of grief has swept over Kabale University following the tragic suicide of Mugarura Victor, a young student whose death was announced today on X by the Uganda University Students on X. The loss has sparked urgent calls for better mental health support and counseling services on university campuses across Uganda.

Victor left behind a handwritten “Death Note,” inspired by the popular anime and manga series Death Note, where writing a name causes death. In his note, he wrote, “I am sorry for this disappointment but hope you will forgive me. I also didn’t expect it but this is what life is… Dear God forgive me all my sin (Amen). LIFE IS SCUM.” Alongside the note, images of Victor making a heart gesture against a scenic backdrop revealed a painful contrast between his outward positivity and inner struggles, leaving the community in shock.

The Uganda University Students on X account shared the news, calling it a “reminder that many students silently struggle.” They urged for greater mental health awareness, peer support, and accessible campus counseling. The post, which included Victor’s note and images, gained widespread attention, prompting an outpouring of grief online.

Users like @DoreenMugarra wrote, “So heartbreaking, people don’t have who to talk to,” while @ssenabulya28155 noted, “That narrative [that campus life is cool] is fake,” reflecting on the false expectations of university life.

This tragedy highlights a global crisis. The World Health Organization (2023) states that suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people worldwide, making up 1.4% of global deaths. In countries like Uganda, suicide attempts are a growing concern, with roughly 20 non-fatal attempts for every fatal case. A 2021 study in the Journal of Affective Disorders suggests that social media can worsen hidden mental health struggles, as individuals may appear happy online while battling despair—a pattern mirrored in Victor’s story.

Students and local experts are now pressing university leaders and the Ministry of Health to improve mental health resources. @Westvoice001 wrote, “Silently there, we die of many aspects,” highlighting the isolation many students face. A 2024 BMC Public Health article pointed out that 26.6% of Ugandan adolescents experience anxiety and 21% face depression, worsened by limited counseling services and cultural stigma.

In a healthy relationship, true satisfaction for a woman goes far beyond material things or physical attraction. While gifts and compliments can add spice, what truly fulfills a woman emotionally and mentally often revolves around emotional connection, respect, and communication.

First, emotional support is key. A woman feels satisfied when her partner genuinely listens to her thoughts, feelings, and concerns without judgment. It’s not about fixing her problems but being present, offering a safe space where she feels heard, valued, and understood. This creates trust and deepens the bond.

Second, respect and appreciation play a huge role. A woman wants to feel respected in her opinions, dreams, and decisions. When her efforts big or small are acknowledged, it boosts her confidence and sense of self-worth in the relationship. Respect also includes honoring boundaries and treating her as an equal partner.

Lastly, open communication keeps the relationship strong. Being honest, vulnerable, and consistent in expressing love, goals, or even disagreements fosters intimacy. It shows she matters not just as a partner, but as a whole person.

When these three things are present emotional support, respect, and communication, a woman is more likely to feel truly satisfied and committed in the relationship.

Maintaining healthy blood pressure is about more than keeping your doctor happy at your checkup. It is a key part of reducing your risk of heart disease, stroke and other serious health issues. When thinking about ways to support healthy blood pressure, a heart-healthy diet and exercise may come to mind, which isn’t wrong. But it’s not just about what you do by day. Your nighttime routine plays a bigger role in your heart health than you might think.

That’s right! Getting ready for bed might feel like an ordinary part of your day, but did you know certain bedtime steps may be powerful medicine for better blood pressure? We spoke with Mary Branch, M.D., a cardiologist at Cone Health in Greensboro, North Carolina, about how to make the most of those precious pre-sleep moments to support healthy blood pressure. And trust us, it’s easier than you’d expect (no burpees required!).

Before you hit the pillow tonight, try these five simple yet effective tips to give your blood pressure a little extra love.

1. Limit Alcohol

For some people, unwinding at the end of the day might include sipping on a boozy nightcap. However, if you have high blood pressure, cutting back on alcohol is especially important, says Branch. “For women, it is recommended to drink no more than one drink per day, and two for men,” she says.

While alcohol may feel relaxing in the moment, it can actually make it harder to manage your blood pressure over time. Even small amounts can interfere with medications or put additional strain on your heart and blood vessels. And the more you drink, the higher your blood pressure rises. The link is so strong that one study found that each additional daily drink a person had significantly increased their systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

The good news? By swapping that nightcap for something like herbal tea, such as chamomile tea, or simply sticking to water, you’re doing your body a huge favor. In addition to helping promote more stable blood pressure, you’ll give your body a hydration boost, too. Just go for caffeine-free beverage options, as caffeine may make it hard to sleep.

2. Remember Your Medication

“If you’re prescribed medications to treat hypertension, it is recommended that you take these medications each day,” says Branch. This includes medications you may need to take before bed. Yes, even on nights when you feel too tired to open a pill bottle.

Adhering to prescribed hypertension medications is crucial for effectively managing blood pressure and reducing the risk of serious health complications, such as heart attacks and strokes. Consistency is key, as these medications work best when maintained at steady levels in your system. Skipping a dose can disrupt this balance and potentially hinder progress. Incorporating daily reminders, such as setting an alarm or using a pill organizer, can help ensure you take your medications on time. Simple steps like keeping your medications within reach, like near your bedside or in a spot you frequent, can make it easier to stay on track—even on those long days when opening a pill bottle feels like a chore.

3. Practice Mindfulness

Branch suggests that practicing meditation and mindfulness may be a helpful bedtime habit for healthy blood pressure. “This can help bring down your stress level and your blood pressure along with it,” she says. “Furthermore, it can help you with getting a good night’s rest, which is also important for reducing blood pressure.”

Scientific data supports these recommendations. Research highlights the link between stress and higher blood pressure, illustrating the importance of addressing stress for overall health. By taking small but intentional steps toward relaxation before bed, you can set yourself up for restful sleep and a healthier tomorrow.

Some additional ways to manage stress before bed include practicing yoga or gentle stretching to ease muscle tension, journaling to clear your mind, and creating a calming bedtime environment by reducing noise and dimming lights. Establishing a consistent bedtime routine can further signal to your body that it’s time to wind down, creating a seamless transition to restful sleep.

4. Avoid High-Sodium Snacks

Late-night snacking can be tempting. But if you’re aiming to support healthy blood pressure, it’s crucial to steer clear of high-sodium foods before bed. Consuming salty snacks like chips, canned soups or pretzels may cause your body to retain water. This can increase the pressure on your blood vessels. So, keeping your sodium intake in check, especially before sleep, may help stabilize your blood pressure overnight and promote better overall cardiovascular health. Opt for low-sodium snacks like fresh fruit, unsalted nuts or air-popped popcorn. They’ll satisfy your evening cravings without compromising your blood pressure.

5. Keep Your Bedroom Cool, Dark and Comfortable

Creating the right sleep environment can have a surprising impact on healthy blood pressure levels. A cool, dark, comfortable bedroom not only promotes better sleep but also may support heart health by encouraging quality sleep. Conversely, data suggests that poor sleep can lead to elevated blood pressure over time. To keep your bedroom comfortable, ensure your room is dark, quiet and cool. Eliminating distractions such as bright lights or loud noises and investing in a supportive mattress and pillow may also encourage deeper, more restorative sleep. These small adjustments may help your body relax and recover from the day, contributing to better blood pressure regulation.

Our Expert Take

Certain healthy bedtime habits can have a significant impact on your blood pressure. And developing these habits doesn’t have to feel overwhelming or complicated. Simple strategies like limiting alcohol, taking your blood pressure medication, practicing mindfulness, avoiding high-sodium snacks and creating a comfortable sleep environment can all help promote better blood pressure. In addition to tried-and-true methods for supporting blood pressure, like exercise and a healthy diet, these easy, proactive steps can help lower blood pressure and improve heart health. Remember, the path to better well-being often starts with small, intentional changes. By prioritizing these pre-sleep practices, you’ll not only support your blood pressure but also enhance your overall quality of life, one restful night at a time.

A Nigerian landlord has shared how he eventually married his compassionate female tenant after his wife repeatedly locked him out of their home for coming back late.

This was shared in a post on the popular social media platform X (formerly Twitter) by the man identified by his handle, @tort_walec.

According to him, the turning point came in 2017 when his wife once again locked him out, but this time, his beautiful and compassionate female tenant opened her door to him.

“In 2017, my wife locked me outside, but our beautiful, kind-hearted female tenant opened her door for me.

“In short, she’s not a tenant anymore. We now have three children,” he wrote.

The landlord further noted that his wife had locked him out more than 20 times, which ultimately led to his decision to leave the marriage.

“That was the over 20th time,” he added.

His statement comes amid an ongoing debate on X about whether a wife has the right to lock her husband out of the house for returning home late.

Bridget Dramiga Kamahooro, a Ugandan-born U.S. Army officer and entrepreneur, has shot to online fame after a simple comment from her brother-in-law, opposition leader Bobi Wine, sparked a viral moment on TikTok.

Kamahooro, the younger sister of Bobi Wine’s wife Barbra Itungo, is currently serving in the U.S. Army’s 1st Armoured Division. She joined the military in 2020 after completing basic training and advancing to specialized military instruction.

Her TikTok presence had been modest until she posted a video promoting an upcoming concert for singer Dax Vibes, slated for August 29 at the UMA Showgrounds in Kampala.

Bobi Wine commented on the video, calling her “Mura,” a short form of Muramu, meaning sister-in-law. The term drew attention and affection from fans, who were also struck by Kamahooro’s strong resemblance to her sister.

The result was immediate and overwhelming: her follower count soared from under 2,000 to over 16,000 virtually overnight. The video itself gained nearly half a million views.

Before going viral, Kamahooro had candidly shared her struggles as a content creator, admitting in an April video that she had cried after getting only 40 views and no sales on her skincare product posts.

Despite being a married mother of two and serving in the military, Kamahooro has focused on building her business through TikTok’s shop feature.

The viral boost has reignited her digital journey, proving the power of a single high-profile endorsement.

Her story now serves as an inspiration for many struggling creators across platforms.

Early Friday morning, twelve people were killed and several others critically injured in a fatal collision along the infamous Fort Portal-Kasese route, thereby bringing yet more tragedy.

About 4:30am near Rugendabara Trading Centre in Kasese District, the terrible collision rocked the area and resurrected calls for immediate road safety changes.

Eyewitnesses claim a commuter taxi going toward Fort Portal crashed head-on with a speeding truck thought to have lost control negotiating a steep bend.

The collision’s intensity was so great that both cars were destroyed to twisted metal, with bodies found in the debris. Good Samaritans and emergency personnel worked for hours to free mangled taxi victims.

“People were shouting and weeping for assistance. We used axes and bars to bust open the car. “It was a terrible scene,” said Mr. Moses Kule, a nearby inhabitant among the first to reach the scene.

Police verified that 12 people died on the scene; at least nine more were seriously injured and taken to Buhinga Regional Referral Hospital and Kilembe Hospital.

Among the dead are eight men and four women; most of them are thought to be merchants heading to the early morning markets in Fort Portal.

The catastrophe this morning is the third significant crash on the same section of road in recent weeks, raising the death toll to more than 30 in just two months.

Growing concern among locals and leaders is over Fort Portal Road becoming Uganda’s newest accident hotspot.

“This route is jinxed. Councillor Ms. Rebecca Biira of Kasese District stated that “We have buried too many people.” She said that the increasing deaths were caused in part by rash driving, limited visibility, tight bends, and infrequent police patrols during early morning hours.

Traffic police claim that early inquiries suggest speeding and possibly driver fatigue, especially among long-distance truck drivers.

Authorities say they will conduct a safety inspection of the Fort Portal-Kasese road and deploy speed restriction systems.

The need of responsibility and quick action gets louder as families grieve the passing of loved ones.

Today’s crash serves yet another heartbreaking reminder that unless swift action is taken, the vicious cycle on Fort Portal Road could never be stopped.

Godfrey Kabbyanga Baluku, the State Minister for ICT and National Guidance, has lost his daughter, Phiona Kobusingye Kabbyanga, to cancer.

“With deep sorrows, I announce the death of my daughter, Phiona Kobusingye Kabbyanga, that occurred yesterday at Uganda Cancer Institute – Mulago,” he posted on X.

“Burial will take place on Sunday, 27th July, 2025, at Rusese Village in Bukonzo County West, Kasese District. May her soul rest in peace.”

Netizens responded to his post with condolence messages.

GCIC Director Marcella Karekye: “Sincere condolences, Honourable. May God strengthen you all. Tragic 🙏🏾”

Seasoned banker Moses Rutahigwa commented: “Sincere condolences, Honourable. May the Lord rest her soul in eternal glory.”

Moses Watasa, a commissioner in the ministry, said: “Phiona has been such a fine and intelligent young lady, with so much potential. It’s so sad and painful to lose her. Condolences to you, Honourable Minister, and the rest of the family. May God grant Phiona a peaceful rest 🙏”

Another commenter said: “My deepest sympathies for the loss of your daughter Phiona. May you find strength during this difficult time.”

Said another: “My deepest condolences, Hon. Kabbyanga.

I am truly heartbroken to hear about the passing of your beloved daughter, Phiona Kobusingye Kabbyanga. May God grant you and your family strength, comfort, and peace during this incredibly difficult time.

May her soul rest in eternal peace. 🕊️”

Duncan Abigaba, former GCIC Deputy Director, posted: “So sorry, Honourable, for the loss of your daughter. This is so painful. May her soul rest in peace!”

The minister also recently lost in the NRM primaries for the Bukonzo West Member of Parliament seat to Makerere University Vice Chancellor, Chrispus Kiyonga.

The National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) started accepting applications on Monday, July 21, 2025, for Ugandans who want to fix or update their National ID records.

NIRA Registrar Clare Ollama said this process will correct mistakes made by NIRA, like errors in data entry. If NIRA made the mistake, fixing it and getting a new ID is free.

If you want to change your name because of marriage or religious reasons, you need to show supporting documents and pay 200,000 Ugandan shillings (about $54 USD).

NIRA warned that changing your date of birth for personal reasons is illegal.

“Changing your date of birth just to suit your interests is illegal,” Ollama said. “We are not here to make changes based on convenience or self-interest, but to ensure accuracy and integrity in the national registry.”

NIRA is also registering first-time applicants who are 16 or older, including those who were registered as learners but are now old enough for a National ID.

NIRA is starting a nationwide campaign to make sure every eligible Ugandan gets a National Identification Number (NIN). This supports the government’s goal of improving digital services.

This update and registration effort will make the national ID database more accurate and help people access services like banking, education, jobs, and voting that require a valid NIN.

Learn how to register for your National ID online! Our guide explains NIRA’s new online portal, steps for applying or renewing, fees, and what to expect.

Minister of State for Privatization and Investment, Evelyn Anite, has called for a sweeping reduction in the salaries and allowances of Members of Parliament, arguing that inflated pay packages are breeding political greed, corruption, and violence.

Speaking during a press engagement, Anite said the allure of wealth in Parliament has turned politics into a battleground for personal gain rather than public service. She urged government to “remove the honey” that attracts opportunistic candidates, likening the financial incentives to nectar that draws swarms of self-serving individuals.

“The only way to change the perception that Members of Parliament go there to earn money is to reduce the amount they receive,” Anite stated.

Anite recounted her own experience as a young MP, revealing that her first paycheck was UGX 88 million, a figure she described as “insane.” She warned that such sums have distorted the purpose of political leadership, with candidates reportedly spending up to UGX 600 million on election day alone.

The minister also criticized the widespread practice of vote buying and excessive campaign spending, noting that some MPs have resorted to selling property to fund their bids for office. She argued that slashing salaries would attract leaders genuinely committed to service, not personal enrichment.

“If you are going there to make money, then you can be sure they will fight. But if you are going to serve the people, it will be different,” she added.

Her remarks have sparked national debate, with Speaker Anita Among and several MPs opposing any move to cut parliamentary budgets, citing operational constraints. However, Anite’s proposal has gained traction among civil society groups advocating for reforms in campaign financing and public sector accountability.

As the country grapples with rising public debt and growing demands for transparency, Anite’s bold stance may serve as a catalyst for rethinking the financial architecture of political office. Whether Parliament will heed the call remains uncertain, but the conversation around ethical leadership is gaining momentum.

A terrible plane crash happened in Russia’s far eastern Amur region on July 24, 2025. All 48 people on board, including passengers and crew, died. The plane, an Antonov An-24 run by Angara Airlines from Siberia, was flying from Blagoveshchensk to Tynda, a small town near China.

It crashed while trying to land in bad weather, and no one survived. This is one of the worst plane crashes in Russia in recent years, and it has made people worry about the safety of old planes in far-off areas.

The plane had 42 passengers, including five children, and six crew members. It went missing from radar while trying to land at Tynda airport. Russia’s emergencies ministry said the plane tried to land twice because it was hard to see in the bad weather. A helicopter later found the plane’s burning wreckage on a mountainside about 15 kilometers (9 miles) from Tynda.

Pictures shown on Russian news showed pieces of the plane scattered in a thick forest with lots of smoke rising from the crash site.

The governor of the Amur region, Vasily Orlov, said it was hard for rescue teams to reach the crash site because it was in a remote, forested area. The bad weather and rough ground made it even tougher, and rescuers needed heavy machines to get there. Early reports from TASS, a Russian news agency, suggest the crash might have happened because the pilots made a mistake while trying to land in foggy conditions. However, there could also have been problems with the plane itself. The plane was built in 1976 and had passed a safety check recently, but it had issues before, like a crash in 2018 that damaged its wing.

The Antonov An-24 is an old plane from the Soviet Union, designed in the 1950s. It’s strong and can fly in tough places like Siberia, where it’s very cold and runways are not always paved. But because it’s so old, and Russia has trouble getting spare parts due to sanctions, it’s not always safe. Russia’s airlines still use these old planes because they don’t have newer ones to replace them. This crash reminds people of other accidents, like one in 2021 in Kamchatka where 28 people died in a similar plane crash, and another later that year that killed six people.

One Chinese person was on the plane, and China’s President Xi Jinping sent condolences to Russia’s President Vladimir Putin. Russian officials are investigating the crash to find out exactly what happened, and they’ve opened support centers at the airports in Blagoveshchensk and Tynda to help the families of those who died. Governor Orlov announced three days of mourning in the Amur region. This sad event shows how risky it is to fly old planes in remote parts of Russia, where bad weather and poor infrastructure make flying dangerous.