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Former Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) deputy president for Western Uganda, Patrick Baguma Ateenyi, has died, leaving behind a legacy of political dedication and entrepreneurship.

Baguma, who also made his mark in Uganda’s business community, passed away in Entebbe, according to sources close to the family. The cause of death has not yet been disclosed publicly.

A prominent political figure in the early 2000s, Baguma was instrumental in building FDC structures in Western Uganda and remained a key voice within the opposition ranks during his time.

His leadership within FDC helped the party gain visibility and support in regions traditionally dominated by the ruling NRM, making him a respected figure across political divides.

Colleagues in the opposition and political analysts described him as a principled and calm strategist who championed multiparty democracy and justice.

Beyond politics, Baguma was also a successful businessman whose ventures contributed to employment and local economic growth, especially in the western region.

He maintained close ties with his community even after stepping back from frontline politics, supporting development projects and youth initiatives.

The FDC party and several political leaders have expressed deep sorrow at his passing, praising his service and commitment to Uganda’s political evolution.

Funeral arrangements are underway, and more details are expected from his family and the FDC leadership in the coming days. Baguma’s death marks the end of an era for many who knew him as a dedicated leader and humble community figure.

Egesa Mackland, a Ugandan businessman, has been charged before the KCCA Grade 1 Magistrates’ Court. The Anti-Corruption Unit at State House, in conjunction with the Criminal Investigations Directorate and ODPP Uganda, led the prosecution.

Mackland faces charges of obtaining money by false pretense and conspiracy to defraud. His appearance in court follows a joint investigation into a high-value fraud scheme targeting a foreign investor.

According to prosecution, between February and June 2024, Mackland and others conspired to defraud an American national. They allegedly misled him with a fake gold deal.

The accused falsely claimed they could supply the investor with 20 kilograms of pure gold. The promise, however, was not backed by any genuine product or intent to deliver.

In total, the American investor was reportedly swindled out of USD 105,000. The money was obtained under false pretenses, according to court filings.

Mackland now joins his co-accused, Kizito Dalton, who was earlier charged and remanded on similar grounds. Both are believed to have operated together in executing the fraud.

The court session was held at the KCCA Grade 1 Magistrates’ Court, where both the prosecution and defense made brief submissions. No plea was taken.

Following the court appearance, the magistrate ordered Mackland to be remanded. He will remain in custody pending further hearings.

His next court appearance is scheduled for July 23, 2025. Investigations into the case are still ongoing as authorities aim to recover the defrauded funds.

A viral video showing President Yoweri Museveni sitting calmly in heavy rain during an event in Kawempe has left Ugandans stunned and sparked massive online debate.

In the video, Museveni, with no umbrella, jacket, or visible protection, is seen seated as rain pours heavily around him.

His composed demeanor and refusal to seek shelter have drawn admiration and disbelief from citizens across the country.

Social media was flooded with reactions, with many praising his strength and resilience, especially at his advanced age. One user, @mkag, tweeted, “You people, President Museveni is another bad man in Kawempe, he doesn’t fear rain.”

Another commented, “Truly God created Mzee with his whole attention, he’s a superhuman… a Muchwezi.”

Others marveled at his stamina, with nasserUg100 noting, “At his age, politics aside, Mzee is strong.”

Some observed he appeared to doze off briefly, but still remained seated through the downpour, further fueling admiration.

However, not all responses were celebratory. Critics questioned the decision to expose the President to harsh weather, with one user warning, “He is risking his lungs.”

The video has since been widely shared, with hundreds commenting on Museveni’s perceived toughness and unusual show of endurance.

While opinions remain divided, the moment has undeniably added to Museveni’s image as a leader who defies age and weather and sparked a conversation about symbolism, resilience, and leadership in Uganda’s political sphere.

Zadock Amanyisa, a 28-year-old information officer at West Ankole Diocese, shares his experience of saving money from his wedding contributions and using it to start a business.

He married Ruth Amanyisa in April 2018, and throughout the wedding planning, he remained focused on keeping costs low and manageable.

Initially, Zadock wanted a small wedding with a budget of 9 million Ugandan shillings. However, due to family pressure, the budget increased to 15 million.

Despite this, Zadock was determined not to overspend. With the help of close friends, he cut the budget down to 5.67 million shillings. Though others criticized his approach, he stuck to his decision to avoid going into debt after the wedding.

He successfully negotiated prices with vendors, ensuring that all wedding expenses, such as food, venue, cake, and decorations, stayed under 250,000 shillings each.

By the wedding day, Zadock had managed to keep the event within budget and even ended up with a surplus of 2.9 million shillings.

Instead of spending the extra money on a traditional honeymoon, Zadock and Ruth decided to invest in a business.

They used the money to start an urban and backyard farm, including a rabbit hatch, poultry house, and vegetable garden. This business has since grown, providing them with a steady side income.

Zadock encourages other young couples to avoid overspending on weddings. He emphasizes the importance of living within one’s means and focusing on the future, rather than succumbing to societal pressures.

His story serves as a valuable lesson in financial planning and entrepreneurship, showing that with careful budgeting, it is possible to start a successful business while maintaining a modest wedding.

Sometimes we go through life wondering if we’ve made a lasting impression on someone, not just in passing, but in a way that stays with them. We might ask ourselves, “Do they ever think about me?” especially when we feel a quiet but undeniable connection. While we can’t read minds, human behavior often speaks louder than words. There are subtle signs, natural and unforced, that reveal when someone is thinking about you far more than you realize.

1. They check in with you unexpectedly

Have you ever received a message or a call out of nowhere — just a simple “Hey, how are you?” from someone you weren’t expecting to hear from? This isn’t just about being polite or friendly. When someone is constantly thinking about you, they’ll look for reasons, no matter how small, to make contact. It might seem casual on the surface, but behind that message is a mind that keeps drifting back to you. These unexpected check-ins are often emotional impulses — a reflection of your presence in their thoughts.

2. You “coincidentally” run into them

Maybe you keep seeing them at your favorite coffee spot, or you find them turning up at events or locations you didn’t even mention. While some of these run-ins might genuinely be chance encounters, repeated “coincidences” suggest something more. When someone thinks about you a lot, they may be drawn to your energy and end up — consciously or not — in the places you frequent. It’s not always deliberate, but it’s often more than random.

3. They remember the little things

You might not even remember telling them about your favorite snack or a movie you once mentioned in passing — but they do. People who think about you regularly tend to pay attention to details others overlook. They remember things not because they have a good memory, but because those details matter to them. You occupy a space in their mental world, and even the smallest aspects of who you are become part of how they think about you.

4. Others mention your name in their conversations

If mutual friends or coworkers tell you, “Oh, they were talking about you the other day,” it’s a strong sign you’re frequently on their mind. People often share what’s meaningful to them, and if your name keeps popping up, it’s not a coincidence. Whether it’s a compliment, a story, or a curious question, their conversations reveal where their thoughts keep returning.

5. You dream about them — often

Dreams can be mysterious, but some believe they reflect subconscious energy and connections. If someone keeps appearing in your dreams without any obvious reason, it may be a reflection of an emotional or mental link. And interestingly, some people believe that when someone is deeply focused on you — especially emotionally — that connection can ripple into your dreams, even if you’re not aware of it consciously.

6. You experience sudden emotional shifts

Sometimes you may feel an unexpected calmness, warmth, or even anxiety for no clear reason. These waves of emotion can feel like they come out of nowhere. Some believe this is the result of energetic or emotional resonance — when someone is deeply focused on you, their emotions might subtly echo into your own experience. While not scientific, this phenomenon is widely reported and felt by many, especially in close emotional bonds.

7. They’re there when you need them most

There are people who somehow just know when something’s wrong, even if you haven’t said a word. They show up, check in, or offer help at the exact moment you’re struggling. This isn’t luck or chance. When someone truly holds you in their thoughts, they’re more attuned to your emotional rhythms. Their consistent mental presence allows them to sense when something is off, even without any physical signals. It’s a deep, intuitive connection that often goes unspoken but is incredibly real.

At the end of the day, none of these signs are magic. They don’t guarantee love or a soulmate, and they aren’t a checklist to decode someone’s every move. But what they do suggest is presence — someone thinking about you more often than they say. In a world full of distractions, being on someone’s mind — genuinely, silently, and frequently — is one of the purest forms of care. And while you may never hear the full truth of their thoughts, these small signs quietly speak volumes.

The Prime Minister (Katikkiro) of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, has openly criticized Pastor Joseph Serwadda for supporting marriage between people from the same clan.

The statement was made after a sermon by Pastor Serwadda went viral online on Wednesday, July 17, 2025.

In Buganda culture, people from the same clan are considered brothers and sisters, even if they are not directly related by blood. Marrying within the same clan is strongly forbidden and seen as a violation of traditional values.

“I just heard a pastor saying that the Bible doesn’t stop people from marrying their sisters. I was shocked because I used to respect him,” Mayiga said in response to the pastor’s remarks.

Pastor Joseph Serwadda, who leads Victory Christian Centre, had told his congregation that it is not wrong for Christians to marry their clanmates. He argued that the Bible only forbids people from marrying their biological siblings or cousins.

“You can marry your clanmate unless you don’t love them. In Christ, this is no taboo,” Pastor Serwadda said during his sermon.

Serwadda also added that traditional laws about clans, age gaps, and totems should not control how Christians choose their life partners.

He pointed out that Uganda’s official list of prohibited marriages does not mention clanmates. According to the pastor, “clan and totem issues are not a concern in Christian marriage.”

Mayiga strongly disagreed with this view. He said such teachings show a misunderstanding of cultural values and could mislead people, especially the youth.

“In our tradition, you cannot marry a member of your clan. That is very clear,” Mayiga emphasized.

The sermon has sparked a heated debate both online and within religious and cultural circles.

Many people are now asking whether cultural customs should be followed in the church, or if Christian beliefs can allow people to break them.

Buganda is one of the oldest and largest kingdoms in Uganda, with strong traditions that many people still follow today. The issue of clan-based marriage rules remains an important part of their identity.

A major corruption scandal has hit Butambala District, with four senior local government officials charged in court for allegedly stealing fuel worth over UGX 431 million meant for road maintenance under the UGX 1 billion Road Maintenance Grant.

The accused — Naigembe Jesica (Ag. District Engineer), Wandera Joseph (Chief Financial Officer), Muwaga Fred (District Internal Auditor), and Kizito Charles Mukalazi (Driver) — were arraigned before the Butambala Chief Magistrate’s Court on charges of Theft of Fuel and Conspiracy to Defraud.

The quartet was remanded until July 28, 2025, as investigations continue. The case is being prosecuted by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), working in coordination with the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) and the State House Anti-Corruption Unit.

Fuel Scam Unveiled

According to the charge sheet, between April and June 2024, the accused allegedly misappropriated 80,000.86 litres of fuel worth UGX 431,447,400. This fuel was part of a UGX 1 billion road maintenance grant intended for road infrastructure development and rehabilitation across the district.

The investigators revealed a well-coordinated scheme in which Naigembe Jesica and the Ag. District Water Officer, Kayinga Geoffrey (who is currently on the run), inflated the fuel requirements for road projects. They then drew the excess fuel irregularly or issued it to private individuals for personal gain.

To mask the theft, the two engineers allegedly colluded with fuel station managers to falsify records and accountabilities, indicating that the fuel was issued to Works Department drivers, many of whom denied ever receiving or using the said fuel.

Wandera Joseph and Muwaga Fred, the CFO and Internal Auditor, respectively, have been faulted for failing to supervise the engineers, despite being entrusted with oversight of the road maintenance funds. Evidence gathered during investigations suggests that both officials also benefited from the stolen fuel.

“This level of abuse of public funds is unacceptable. The fuel was meant to improve road infrastructure for the people of Butambala, not to enrich corrupt officials,” said a senior officer from the Anti-Corruption Unit.

The ongoing probe is expected to widen as authorities pursue Kayinga Geoffrey, the fugitive engineer, and possibly other accomplices within the fuel supply chain.

The arrests have sparked outrage among residents and civil society groups, who demand stronger accountability and tighter controls over public funds.

The case underscores ongoing efforts by anti-graft agencies to clamp down on corruption at district and local government levels, where billions in taxpayer funds continue to leak through fraud and mismanagement.

The State House Anti-Corruption Unit has urged citizens to continue reporting such incidents, assuring the public that no one involved in the theft of public resources will be shielded.

The High Court in Jinja has officially dissolved the 14-year marriage between Kawongolo Kataswa and Claudine Uwineza, following startling admissions that the union was never rooted in genuine affection but rather in a desperate struggle for survival.

Presiding over the case, Justice Lawrence Gidudu delivered the ruling on Monday after Kawongolo filed for divorce in 2022. The couple had wedded on May 14, 2011, at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Jinja and had three children together—Jeremiah (13), Nehemiah (11), and Shelemiah (9).

According to court documents, the marriage began to deteriorate in December 2018 when Uwineza abruptly abandoned the family home. During the proceedings, she admitted to desertion and adultery, openly telling the court that she had never loved her husband. Instead, she confessed that her decision to marry Kawongolo stemmed from dire need—she lacked shelter and basic necessities at the time.

In a further revelation, Uwineza disclosed that she had conceived and given birth to a child with another man while still legally married, providing solid grounds for the dissolution of the union.

In his ruling, Justice Gidudu found no evidence of reconciliation or collusion between the parties. He granted a decree nisi, effectively ending the marriage. Full custody of the three children was awarded to Kawongolo, while Uwineza was granted visitation rights—on the condition that she is not cohabiting with another man during those visits.

The judge declined to award spousal maintenance, citing Kawongolo’s willingness to fully support the children. He also refrained from awarding legal costs, reasoning that family-related litigation should not place additional financial strain on either party.

Uwineza, in her defence, explained that she currently earns a modest living by selling vegetables and charcoal and resides alone. While her economic challenges were acknowledged, they did not influence the final decision.

Justice Gidudu concluded the proceedings with a cautionary message on the significance of honesty and emotional commitment in marital relationships. He emphasized the court’s ongoing duty to protect the best interests of children in all divorce matters.

Tension has taken over Kamuli District after Sowedi Egumbye, the husband of Kamuli Woman MP hopeful Sarah Auma, was shot dead by police on Wednesday night. The shooting happened just hours before the NRM party primaries, leaving many people shocked and confused.

According to the police, the incident occurred around 11 p.m. Authorities say a group of people linked to Sarah Auma’s campaign went to the home of Buzaaya County MP Martin Muzaale.

The group was moving in a convoy of cars and reportedly forced their way into Muzaale’s compound by ramming one of their vehicles through his gate.

Busoga North Police spokesperson ASP Michael Kasadha said the group had dangerous weapons like pangas (machetes) and hammers. Some people at the scene were hurt during the chaos, and police were called for help.

“When police arrived, they tried to stop the group from leaving. That’s when shots were fired to stop the vehicle. In the process, Sowedi Egumbye was hit and later died from the injuries,” said Kasadha.

The police said the goal was to shoot at the vehicle’s tyres, not to harm anyone. Unfortunately, Egumbye was caught in the gunfire. His body was later taken to Kamuli General Hospital for a post-mortem.

Police are now investigating what happened. They say the incident broke several election rules. It also happened well after campaign hours had ended.

Kasadha also said some of the people who were with Auma’s group were not from the area and may have been brought in to vote illegally. He warned that this is a serious crime and that the police will take action against anyone found guilty.

So far, Sarah Auma has not made a public statement about her husband’s death. Earlier this month, she was involved in a car accident and had been recovering in the hospital.

This incident has raised new fears about violence and fairness in the NRM primaries.

By Denis Jjuuko

To further decongest this busy highway, the government recently held a ground breaking ceremony for the construction of the Mpigi-Kasanje-Nakawuka-Kisubi road as well as the Nakawuka-Nateete road. People travelling to Entebbe from Masaka or any part of southwestern Uganda will not have to drive all the way to Busega and join the Kampala-Entebbe Expressway.

They can use these roads to connect to Entebbe, thereby shortening the distance and cost it currently requires. There is also a ferry service on Lake Victoria connecting Entebbe at Nakiwogo to Buwaya near Mpigi.

Although I described Mpigi town in unflattering terms in the opening paragraph of this article, the area surrounding the town is actually very beautiful dotted with well vegetated pristine hills that seem to kiss the sky. Atop these hills, the areas near Mpigi town provide some of the most breathtaking views of Lake Victoria.

If you are a child or an aviation enthusiast, you may even find watching planes land and take off from Entebbe international airport a fascinating pastime. A few kilometres from Mpigi town is the Mabamba Swamp. If you have never heard of it, you have certainly never found bird watching interesting. If bird watching isn’t your thing, know that many tourists fly in from all over the world to watch the birds at Mabamba.

The Mpanga forest range is not far from Mpigi. There is a crocodile farm and another park where people go and take selfies with lions not far from Mpigi. But decent hotels in Mpigi are as rare as snow in Uganda.

If you have never noticed, Mpigi is the same distance as Entebbe even when using the current Masaka-Mpigi road but because of traffic and congestion and under development, very few people consider Mpigi as a place where they can commute from to Kampala every day.

Because of the Kampala-Entebbe Expressway, Entebbe is now so near Kampala taking people a few minutes to reach their destination. Nobody complains anymore if invited to an event in Entebbe.

Try organizing an event in Mpigi and you will get many excuses. That is not going to be the case though once the network of roads under construction is complete making Mpigi the right destination for your investment. Land including that on hills with spectacular views is still relatively affordable in Mpigi compared to many other parts of greater Kampala.

With the Kampala-Mpigi Expressway and the Mpigi-Kisubi road nexus complete, the time one takes to move from Mpigi to Kampala or Entebbe will be drastically reduced. Living in Mpigi and working in the central business district of Kampala or Entebbe will be as easy as pushing somebody who is squatting.

A Kampala resident going to party on a beach in Mpigi will not be so difficult to try. The areas surrounding Mpigi town are going to cease being hard to reach areas. In fact, Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga and his team at the Kingdom of Buganda are already planning a major housing estate in Mayembe Ga Mbogo on the outskirts of Mpigi town. Many other investors are already in the area with similar plans.

Young people looking for affordable land for their first homes should look no further than Mpigi. Older ones could consider Mpigi as a potential area for their retirement. Investors in hospitality and recreation, farming to feed the ever-increasing Kampala population, housing, and satellite cities, Mpigi could be the next big thing.

However, many people may not still be aware of Mpigi’s potential as a destination for investment. District local governments have commercial officers. They are usually poorly facilitated and yet they should be drivers in promoting the opportunities available.

Hopefully, the one of Mpigi could now launch an Invest in Mpigi campaign.

djjuuko@gmail.com

The writer is a communication and visibility consultant