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12 September 2025
PRESIDENT MUSEVENI SET TO ASSUME CHAIRMANSHIP OF APR FORUM NEXT YEAR

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni will assume the chairmanship of the African Peer Review (APR) Forum of Heads of State and Government in February 2026, a role that will see Uganda take the lead in guiding continental governance and development priorities. President Museveni will take over the chairmanship from Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune. He will serve as Chairperson of the APR Forum for two years, from February 2026 to February 2028. The announcement was made today during a briefing at State House Entebbe with a delegation from the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) Continental Secretariat, led by Ambassador Marie-Antoinette Rose Quatre, Secretariat’s Chief Executive Officer alongside Uganda’s APRM Focal Point, Hon. Amos Lugoloobi, Minister of State for Finance, Planning and Economic Development. The APR Forum of Heads of State and Government is the highest decision-making body of the African Peer Review Mechanism, bringing together African leaders to evaluate governance practices and promote political, economic, and corporate reforms across the continent. Ambassador Quatre, explained: “At the opening ceremony, H.E. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, President of Algeria and current Chairperson, will hand over the APRM and AU flags, as well as the gavel to Your Excellency.” “You will then deliver your inaugural statement as Chairperson, guide the closed Summit session, and later present the Forum’s report to the AU Summit.” She added that Uganda’s leadership will extend to various APRM structures. “Your Excellency, the APRM Focal Point of Uganda will automatically assume the Chairmanship of the APRM Focal Points Committee, while the National Governing Council and Secretariat will also take on leadership roles at continental level. We feel privileged that this great responsibility will be under your stewardship.” In his response, President Museveni welcomed the chairmanship, describing the APRM as a good initiative that allows African leaders to share ideas and correct historical mistakes. “I thank you for the brief. The APR was a good initiative because it gave us a chance to share ideas. The biggest mistake since independence has been the issue of ideas people were groping in the dark, touching here and there, and with a false sense of sovereignty, they feared that sharing ideas would be seen as interfering in internal affairs. As a result, we lost a lot of time until this opportunity came up,” the President said. President Museveni, drawing on six decades of political and economic observation, likened Africa’s challenges to Europe’s intellectual struggles during the renaissance. “I have been watching and involved for the last 60 years, and I have seen all sorts of conceptual mistakes. This is not new even Europe went through the same. At the time of the Renaissance, they ran up and down with confused ideas. Those who studied economics thought mercantilism was the solution, believing that if they had gold and silver, they had made it,” he said. The President noted that it took the writings of Adam Smith to correct this direction. “Smith pointed out that the critical issue was division of labour, specialization and exchange. Once that was understood, people began to wake up. It stressed micro-economic operations, which are the building blocks of wealth creation,” he explained. “That is why this APR platform is important; it gives us the opportunity to exchange and refine our thinking.” Looking ahead to the February session where he will chair, President Museveni highlighted market integration as a key aspect for discussion. “It will be good to audit in February, and I am sure market integration will be one of the ten points for discussion. If businesspeople don’t have a guaranteed market, how do they expand? That is the problem of Latin America. It has more resources than the USA; rivers, forests, minerals but because of poor organization, business cannot succeed. Meanwhile in the USA, if I produce a product in New York, it can reach California with ease, backed by numbers and purchasing power,” he explained. On industrialization, the President issued a stern warning against Africa’s continued export of raw materials. “Selling raw materials is a disaster. For every raw material you sell unprocessed, you are donating money and jobs. If you want copper, process it to 99.9% purity. Some can serve our local industries, and the rest can be exported. That way, we benefit through vertical and horizontal integration,” he said. He added that Africa’s competitiveness depends on reducing production costs. “You must have low transport costs, low electricity costs, and affordable bank credit. Without these, how can manufacturing survive?” the President emphasized. President Museveni also expressed confidence in Uganda’s readiness to chair the forum. “I am very happy and looking forward to this responsibility,” he said. Hon. Lugoloobi, in his remarks, praised the timeliness of Uganda’s preparations. “These consultations come at the right time as we align with continental initiatives such as the rationalization of African credit rating agencies and the African Migration Governance Conference, already approved by Cabinet,” he said. The Minister assured the delegation that the government had mobilized fully to support the President’s leadership. “We propose that during Uganda’s tenure, the Forum focuses on addressing the bottlenecks hindering social transformation including weak infrastructure, governance gaps and insecurity,” he said. Hon. Lugoloobi added that Kampala will automatically become the APRM Capital once President Museveni assumes the chairmanship. “We look forward to significant milestones that will cement Your Excellency’s legacy. With your leadership, we are certain the APRM will reach another level,” he said.

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11 September 2025
PRESIDENT MUSEVENI UNVEILS REVOLUTIONARY ALL-TERRAIN FIREFIGHTING VEHICLE PROTOTYPE

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni yesterday unveiled Uganda's “Muliro/Moto Eater” prototype all-terrain firefighting vehicle to a diplomatic delegation from the embassies of the United States of America, the European Union, and Russia at State House, Entebbe The Muliro/Moto Eater is a revolutionary all-terrain solution designed to access challenging terrains where traditional fire engines cannot. The President stated, “As a man of war, I used to fight fires myself; we would put out fires using leafy branches and approach the fire from the back.” Drawing from his experience and military background, as well as observing wildfires televised worldwide, President Museveni explained that he developed an innovative idea for designing an armoured firefighting tank. This advancement aims not only to tackle bushfires across Uganda’s diverse landscapes but also, as a philanthropist, to extend help to other countries notably affected by wildfires. “I see wildfires as a significant problem in various parts of the world. In the USA, towns are often destroyed by wildfires, and similar situations have occurred in Greece, Australia, and Canada,” President Museveni observed. He further noted that aerial firefighting methods to combat wildfires are often ineffective because “the planes release only small amounts of water,” which is insufficient to control large-scale incidents. “As a philanthropist, I realised that I needed to help these people. Several years ago, I informed the former American Ambassador, Malac, about my proposal to design a cross-country land-based capacity vehicle that would be the most effective defence against wildfires compared to aircraft that do not have enough capacity,” he added. In 2023, President Museveni met with representatives from Marcé Industries to propose his innovative solution. Sharing his wealth of invaluable knowledge blended with indigenous expertise, he said, “As a fighter, I have acquired a lot of knowledge, so I combined my indigenous knowledge and fighting skills to design an armoured prototype firefighting vehicle.” During a presentation, Jan Petrus Steyn from Marcé Industries shared that, in collaboration with Specialized Concept, they accepted the challenge to design and develop this groundbreaking vehicle and subsequently built a prototype based on President Museveni’s concept. In December 2024, a delegation sent by H.E. President Museveni visited their factory to review the prototype, and a locust spray prevention system was added to the unit. The prototype possesses all-terrain capability, allowing it to operate on terrains inaccessible to standard fire trucks or vehicles, with a high speed of up to 60 km/h. It is equipped with rubber tracks suitable for both rugged terrain and normal roads, providing superior mobility that enables it to climb hills, navigate obstacles, and cross ditches. The inspection by the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC) and the Ministry of Transport verified the vehicle, which Marcé Industries and Specialized Concept designed and manufactured at their own cost. During the unveiling of this new vehicle, President Museveni stated it marks a major step forward in Uganda's efforts to enhance its emergency services, providing a technologically advanced tool for tackling fires and other hazards, as well as promoting business and philanthropy to the outside world. The presentation ceremony was also attended by the Ugandan team, including Eng. Timothy Tibesigwa, Commissioner of Mechanical Engineering Services at the Ministry of Works and Transport; Eng. Jacob Lumonya, Assistant Commissioner in charge of Equipment; and Eng. Nobert Ogwal. The Marcé Industries team from South Africa included Jan Petrus Steyn, Sheila Nayebare, and Dick Muhwezi.

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11 September 2025
PRESIDENT MUSEVENI OFFICIATES AT THE INAUGURATION OF AGA KHAN UNIVERSITY

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has today officiated at the inauguration of the Aga Khan University and commencement of the construction of the Aga Khan Hospital in Nakawa Division, Kampala city. During the ceremony, President Museveni assured private and foreign investors of protective legislation for their investments in Uganda. He explained that the Uganda government is committed to ensuring a thriving private sector by providing an enabling environment that fosters business growth. The President recounted the development impact of the Ismaili community and Aga Khan Development Network to Uganda in the past before the expulsion of foreigners in the 1970s by Idi Amin that led to the collapse of Uganda's economy until the NRM government led the return of expelled foreigners, something that revived Uganda's economy. ‎President Museveni also commended the Aga Khan Development Network for establishing the university with Smart lecture facilities, simulation laboratory, library and a multipurpose auditorium facility space that meets the timely education demands. The ‎government of Uganda availed 60 acres of land in Nakawa to Aga Khan Development Network in joint partnership to establish a specialized teaching hospital and a university to address the service deficit on those specialities ‎President Museveni noted that the presence of the Aga Khan University and Hospital in Uganda will bridge the service gap in those respective domains. ‎‎He however, called upon investors like the Aga Khan to always report corrupt government officials who try to extort money from them and solicit shares in their companies. On the other hand, President Museveni awarded two prestigious awards to His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan V and Princess Zahra Aga Khan for the Aga Khan Development Network’s contribution to Uganda's socio-economic development. The duo was awarded with highest honors of the Pearl of Africa Grand Master Award and the Grand Commander award respectively. ‎President Museveni stated that the awards match the significant contribution of the Aga Khan Development Network in Uganda. On her part, the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Museveni took the opportunity to acknowledge the great legacy of the Late Highness the Aga Khan, evidenced by the multiple development initiatives spearheaded by him, which Ugandans have greatly benefited from. Maama Janet noted that this project is the product of a partnership between the Aga Khan Development Network and the government of Uganda. She expressed sincere gratitude to His Highness the Aga Khan, Princess Zahra, and the entire leadership of Aga Khan Development Network, who have worked tirelessly to make this dream a reality. “The NRM Government has generously provided the University with 60-acres of Land. The Aga Khan University provides the expertise, experience, and together with her partners, the immense investment required for a venture of this magnitude. We are truly grateful for this effort,” she said. “Your Excellency, as you are aware, our goal as a country, at the University level, has been to expand opportunities, ensure equity and strengthen the role of higher education, as an engine of innovation and national development.” Maama Janet added that the NRM Government has tirelessly championed the expansion of public university education, so as to widen access and ensure that they build expertise in the country’s human capital, through the delivery of high-quality education for the people. “This has seen us move from one University to 10 Public Universities and 48 Private Universities,” she said. “As I speak now, Uganda is hosting the first Regional Ministerial Conference on the East African Common Higher Education Area, which started on Tuesday this week and is closing today. We believe the deliberations from this important regional gathering will make a valuable contribution to the landscape of higher education in the region.” The First Lady was also pleased to report that through various partnerships, a number of public universities have benefited from new laboratories, libraries, and multipurpose facilities that continue to strengthen teaching, research and innovation. “In this season, by the grace of God, we have been able to build and rebuild infrastructure in many of our educational institutions and agencies. Just recently we commissioned the refurbished Mary Stuart Hall at Makerere University, which is just one of the many new constructions, including the Main Administration building. We laid a foundation stone for the expansion of the National Council for Higher Education offices- our regulatory body for Higher education in the country,” she said. “The Bible teaches us that “Unless the Lord builds a house, the laborers labor in vain” Therefore, our prayer now is that God, through us, continues to build and rebuild the education sector in our homeland. Like Nehemiah the rebuilder whose hands were strengthened together with his people to rebuild the broken walls of his homeland in just 52 days, our constant prayer is that God continues to strengthen our hands and those of our partners who choose to hold hands with us.” Maama Janet further noted that they were grateful for the partnership they witnessed today between the NRM Government and the Aga Khan Development Network. “Again, the Bible acknowledges the importance of partnerships, Ecclesiastes chapter 4, verse 9 states, “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil” There is also a saying that if you want to go fast go alone but if you want to go far, go together,” she stated. “This partnership, therefore, is yet another milestone in promoting quality education in the area of health care. While we are aware that the Aga Khan University is a private facility, I believe the University will continue to uphold His Highness’s spirit of community welfare and service to humanity, through this venture.” His Highness Aga Khan V was happy to note that the university they were opening revealed the power and design to support the quest for knowledge and so he was grateful for the architects saying that they deserve recognition and gratitude. His Highness also stated that Aga Khan University and Hospital will pursue positive working relationships with public sectors in Uganda for development. The President of Aga Khan University, Dr. Sulaiman Shahabuddin thanked the President for his unwavering support to the institution since inception. “Your Excellency, you have always told us that we need Education for the economic transformation of the country,” he said. The ceremony was also attended by the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, among other dignitaries.

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10 September 2025
HIS HIGHNESS AGA KHAN V ARRIVES IN UGANDA FOR OFFICIAL VISIT

His Highness Aga Khan V has officially arrived in Uganda, where he was warmly welcomed at Entebbe International Airport by the Honorable Minister of Health, Jane Ruth Aceng. His visit marks a significant occasion of partnership and mutual development. Later, His Highness was received by His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, alongside First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Museveni during a meeting held at State House, Entebbe. The Aga Khan's two-day official visit will feature the launch of the Aga Khan University and the commissioning of the construction of the Aga Khan Hospital. Additionally, he is scheduled to meet with the Ismaili community in Uganda. During his welcoming remarks, President Museveni reflected on his longstanding relationship with the Ismaili community, recalling his first encounter with them in Ntungamo. He emphasized the vital role of the private sector in Uganda’s economic development, stating, “If past governments had not interfered with the Shia community’s development, they would be very far.” He acknowledged a historical perception of private enterprise as a remnant of colonialism and reiterated the government’s commitment to fostering a conducive environment for private sector growth. His Highness Aga Khan expressed gratitude for the warm welcome, sharing, “My father had great love for Uganda, so it is very meaningful for me to be here to meet you.” He extended his appreciation for the support received from various ministries, including Education and Health, during his visit. Additionally, the two leaders engaged in discussions about the importance of fast tracking an integrated East African Community (EAC) market. The Aga Khan encouraged rapid progression on this front, to which President Museveni assured that significant efforts are already underway to enhance economic integration in the region. His Highness is accompanied by his sister, Princess Zahra Aga Khan, and his younger brother, Prince Aly Muhammad Aga Khan. This visit underscores the continued collaboration between Uganda and the Aga Khan Development Network in promoting economic growth, education, and healthcare in the region.

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09 September 2025
PRESIDENT MUSEVENI RALLIES EAST AFRICA TO EMBRACE INTEGRATION AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has urged East African countries to embrace integration as the surest path to prosperity, security and transformation. Speaking at the opening of the 1st Regional Ministerial Conference on the East African Community Common Higher Education Area (EACCHEA) at Speke Resort, Munyonyo, today, the President outlined five reasons why integration is essential — prosperity, socio-economic transformation, Pan-Africanism, democracy, and strategic security. He also emphasized that prosperity can only be achieved if individuals, families, and companies produce goods or services sustainably and sell them in wider markets. “The only way to achieve prosperity is when each family, company, or individual is involved in producing a good or a service with ekibaaro (calculation). If you do that sustainably and sell it, you will get money and solve your problems,” the President said. He noted that unity is necessary to expand markets, overcome the divisive politics of identity, and build patriotism, which he described as the first principle of the National Resistance Movement (NRM). The President stressed that education must support socio-economic transformation by equipping citizens to benefit from regional markets. He added that democracy and strategic security are also pillars of integration, noting that Uganda’s progress as a lower middle-income country would not be sustainable without regional stability. “With all that is happening all over the world, if you are weak you cannot survive. Apart from economic integration for the whole of Africa, where possible there should also be political integration,” he said. The President also called for reforms in the education sector, particularly resolving curriculum and syllabus issues, to ensure that better learning supports development. On her part, the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Museveni revealed that a little over eight years ago in May 2017, the East African Community was declared a Common Higher Education Area, however, this meeting marks the first Regional Ministerial Conference for Higher Education to review the journey they have walked since inception of the Common Higher Education Area. “I believe that the review of our Common Higher Education Area during this Conference shall also help us answer questions such as: First, the extent to which as EAC partner states we have made our Common Higher Education Area not only competitive as an attraction for both students and academic faculty, but the private sector too as true partners of development,” she said. “Second, the extent to which the Common Higher Education Area has become a catalyst for the various efforts by the respective partner states to bring about socio-economic transformation of their people.” Maama Janet noted that as Ministers responsible for Education in the region, they do not see themselves as only policymakers, but stewards of a shared vision of socio-economic transformation of their people. She said they see Higher Education both as an enabler as well as a critical building block in this house they call the East African Community. “Relatedly, the people for whom we are here to serve in our respective capacities perceive the relevance of the Common Higher Education Area from their own perspective. The young people want to witness mobility of talent and mutual recognition of qualifications amongst the EAC partner States,” she said. “The private sector perceives the relevance of a Common Higher Education Area as being responsive to industry and job market by way of producing inventions and innovative services and products that will add value to the consumer’s experience.” Maama Janet further said the governments will appreciate the relevance of a Common Higher Education Area when the sub-sector becomes a source of pragmatic policy solutions to the pressing problems in society aspiring for socio-economic transformation. This, she said, implies that their aspiration for an integrated Higher Education Area is purposeful because it does not seek to fulfill the self-interests of Higher Education per se, but the greater good of the more than 300 million people in the East African Community. “Ultimately, this strengthens the case for the elimination of all barriers to the realization of a truly integrated and common Higher Education Area in which the sub-sector is perceived by both the private sector and the State, as a valuable partner to socio-economic transformation – and not merely another area of expenditure,” she urged. “The ever-increasing population of the East African Community presents a valuable asset and market to the Higher Education sub-sector to position itself – as it ought to be, an indispensable driver of socio-economic transformation through responsive research, innovations, inventions, knowledge creation, and policy eco-system that answers our society’s most pressing challenges,” she added. The Minister cited an example where the government of the Republic of Uganda has for the last four years, been implementing a nationwide program called the Parish Development Model (PDM), saying the program seeks to bring into the money-economy those households that have been in a subsistence lifestyle. “PDM has been disbursing funds directly to beneficiaries in those households. Recently, I was moving around with His Excellency the President during his nationwide tours to see what the PDM program is doing. As we moved around, we witnessed varying levels of success and impact of this program. However, some of these subsistence households live within the surroundings of Higher Education Institutions,” she said. “So, I keep asking myself whether there is a way these Higher Education institutions can be of value to the government’s grassroot programs such as PDM? Now, this is the relevance I was referring to earlier. Higher Education needs to transform itself from being perceived as an ivory tower of ideas, to becoming the solution to common socio-economic challenges that households encounter in their day-to-day lives,” she noted. The First Lady explained that Higher Education can be innovative in driving a cottage industry mindset whereby once a student graduates, he or she thinks of what they can do first and foremost from one’s home or household before looking elsewhere. “Many of these developed economies we so admire have propagated this culture of cottage industries to lift communities out of subsistence living and poverty. You can imagine if the estimated 70 percent of the EAC population that lives in rural areas was fired up with a culture of cottage industry – how much socio-economic transformation would that bring our society?” she inquired. “As most of you already know, the challenges that our people face are not unique to a particular partner state, but transcend national borders – and as such demand regional solutions. Can a Common Higher Education Area be the source of such solutions? Therefore, this Ministerial Conference will offer to the Partner States an opportunity to review and consolidate progress in the harmonization of higher education systems across our Partner States for the greater good of our society through socio-economic transformation.” Maama Janet added that the Common Higher Education Area will not only make East Africa more attractive to students from within and outside Africa but will play a pivotal role in positioning the EAC region as a nucleus of excellence, innovation, and competitiveness. “It will strengthen our regional integration by ensuring that our graduates are employable across Partner States and beyond and that our institutions can pool expertise for greater impact,” she stated. “As Uganda, we reaffirm our government’s commitment to supporting the EAC Common Higher Education Area in various ways. We look forward to this Conference laying a strong foundation for the implementation of resolutions that will transform our region’s education landscape for generations to come.” The National Council for Higher Education Executive Director also chairperson of the Forum of CEOs of National Council and commissions for Higher Education in East Africa, Prof. Mary J.N Okwakol described the conference as a landmark moment for the region. “This Conference signals a shared commitment to a higher education setting that is coherent, competitive, and trusted across the region,” Prof. Okwakol said. She underscored the need to harmonize education systems, boost student and labor mobility, strengthen research collaboration, and address quality assurance challenges, while commending President Museveni for his support of science and innovation. The Executive Secretary of the Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA), Professor Gaspard Banyankimbona, praised President Museveni’s vision and Uganda’s hosting of the event, saying the meeting was a “landmark event” in East Africa’s integration journey. He reaffirmed IUCEA’s commitment to advancing curriculum harmonization, academic mobility, and collaborative research. “The free movement of skilled graduates, enabled by mutual recognition of qualifications and supported by scholarship programs, is not a distant ideal. It is a necessary condition for the success of the EAC Common Market and the broader integration agenda,” he said. Prof. Banyankimbona urged partner states to use the conference not just to celebrate progress but to strengthen institutional mechanisms that will sustain the EACCHEA for generations to come. Representing the EAC Secretary-General, Hon. Andrea Ariik, Deputy Secretary-General of the EAC, described the conference as “historic,” being the first time ministers responsible for higher education have convened specifically on the regionalization agenda. He highlighted key milestones since the 2017 declaration of the EACCHEA, including the East African Qualifications Framework for Higher Education, the regional quality assurance framework, and policies supporting staff and student mobility and credit transfer. “By working together, our higher education institutions can break barriers, harmonize standards, and unleash the full potential of our youth, academics, and researchers,” Hon. Ariik said. While noting these achievements, he pointed to challenges such as underfunding, outdated infrastructure, and staff shortages. He called for urgent investment in digital transformation, sustainable research financing.

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06 September 2025
PRESIDENT MUSEVENI MEETS NRM BUGANDA PARLIAMENTARY CAUCUS

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni last evening met and discussed a wide range of developmental issues with the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Buganda Parliamentary Caucus at State House, Entebbe. During the meeting, President Museveni guided the caucus on a number of issues on service delivery and development in Buganda and across the country. “You, the new leaders, need to defend the legitimate interests of the people of Uganda and Buganda because Buganda is the major beneficiary of the NRM revolution and anybody who does not see that is an enemy of Buganda,” he said. The President noted that because of peace brought by the NRM government, a lot of development including good roads, industries, among others have been achieved in Buganda and Uganda in general. President Museveni also thanked NRM MPs from Buganda region for the good work of sensitizing the masses and monitoring government programs. President Museveni therefore tasked the leaders to now put their main focus on the homestead income of Ugandans. “Strategically Buganda is the direct beneficiary of NRM so if all the people get involved in creating wealth, Uganda will be the most developed country in the world.” He further noted that land fragmentation remains one of the biggest challenges facing the region and the country at large. Hon. Migadde Robert Ndugwa, the chairperson of the NRM Buganda Parliamentary group and the MP for Buvuma County presented the group’s Memorandum of Understanding and thanked the President for his exceptional leadership steering Uganda’s development forward. He noted that the group has been moving in the region at constituency level to respond to community concerns and monitor government programs. The deputy Secretary General of the NRM party, Hon. Rose Namayanja thanked President Museveni for his guidance on the different areas of development and service delivery. She thanked the group for the unity and commitment, further asking them to work harder for the people and deliver success for the NRM party in the region.

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01 September 2025
UGANDA IS NOT HOMOPHOBIC; WE ARE ONLY AGAINST THE DELIBERATE PROMOTION OF THIS DEVIANT BEHAVIOR

On 15th August 2025, four of their colleagues attacked them accusing them of promoting homosexuality tendencies amongst the student community. School administration was quick to react, and the four boys weren’t harmed in any way. Since then, some human rights defenders have castigated government making all manner of accusations. The saddest accusation was that Uganda is beginning to weaponize the Anti Homosexuality Act 2023. On May 2, 2023, the Parliament of Uganda passed the Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023, which had been returned to parliament for more improvement. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni accented to the bill. Hell broke loose largely from the Global North, which was calling the leadership in Uganda all manner of names. World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) announced the withdrawal of their support, and more sanctions were being planned until President Donald Trump assumed office as President of the USA and things changed dramatically. To them, curtailing the promotion and funding of LGTBQ campaigns within our communities is to commit gross human rights abuses like committing genocide. For the record, Uganda and Ugandans are not homophobic. For clarity’s sake, Ugandans have never killed their few homosexuals that exist within their communities. In fact, they treat them as unfortunate people with deviant behavior and then manage them with care and sympathy. The Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023 is intended to manage homosexuals in a way that can lead to rehabilitation and restoration. The Act, more importantly, curtails the deliberate campaign of spreading homosexuality among our children. For some time now, some entities from the Western world were funding the promotion of this vice among our poor and vulnerable communities using many uncouth approaches. They take advantage of our poor and needy communities, where they will throw some money, but with clear conditions that the recipients must promote LGBTQ campaigns among our people especially children. Of course, this behavior is not in our norms, and those assigned to promote it on behalf of the global community tend to land into problems that are at times fatal. The values of a society are significant because they determine the contents of its norms, which help maintain social order. Each value has a corresponding norm, or put differently, all norms express social values. Every individual, every family, and indeed, every society has principles and standards that are appreciated and held in high regard, as well as those that are abhorred. In fact, the main social challenges Uganda is facing are drug abuse by the youth and not homosexuality, i.e., alcoholism and drug consumption. However, Uganda has put in place laws and regulations to handle such challenges. Our Penal Code offers effective punitive measures to curtail such challenges. Besides, there are institutions and organizations that are professionally and technically equipped to counsel and guide such victims. Rehabilitation centers have been put in place. There are some that are run by the government and others by private organizations. They tackle such victims of abuse. Butabika National Referral Hospital has been expanded and equipped to handle victims of drug abuse. Therefore, it is not right for human right defenders to keep throwing themselves around with condemnations every time we take decisions that are meant to protect our social values. As a country, we took firm resolutions to refuse the idea of promoting the Gay Agenda to be part of our human development. To those that thought that by freezing us out of their development loans, we would bend on our knees and repeal the Anti homosexuality Act, must have now realized that that was a wrong idea. It is years now down the road and we are going strong economically. Finally, it is a wrong belief among our Western friends to think that to be civilized and humane is to swallow the Western way of life; to be barbaric and cruel is to be non-western. There is a racist tinge in this cultural rhetoric that presents the particular as universal. It echoes the spread of Christianity during the colonial encounter: African religions were called satanic. To have faith was to be Christian. As Africans, we have no identity except as carbon copies of "Western men." The Western effort to shape African nations and societies in their own image is written all over the place for everybody to see. While many Western actors in these endeavors genuinely believe they have our best interests at heart, and while they have many local allies who share their vision, they are not any different from their colonial ancestors who came here claiming to spread the three Cs: Christianity, Commerce, and Civilization. These efforts to shape us according to their fancies show contempt for our uniqueness. Africa needs to be given space to shape its future. The writer is the Acting Executive Director Uganda Media Centre

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30 August 2025
CDF, TAME ERRANT OFFICERS MISUSING SOLDIERS AND FIRE ARMS IN ELECTIONS

As the next election campaign season approaches, the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba should reign in on UPDF Generals, and senior officers, serving and retired, who misuse personal guards to meddle in civil elections. Often, these officers who have connections with military installations around the country obtain unofficial soldiers who they deploy in support of their friends or relatives who are candidates. Without appearing to bad-mouth the UPDF, some are said to be on for hire by politicians in election campaigns. It is unclear how the UPDF reached this low point. In the just concluded NRM internal elections we witnessed such illegal deployments of UPDF soldiers in Busia, Gulu, Butaleja and Sembabule districts where they obstructed candidates, their supporters, and police officers on duty. There was a recently retired General from Karamoja who was so notorious in Busia where police officers were so hapless in the face of his bullying. Earlier, the country had watched in consternation and embarrassment when UPDF got overtly involved including the deployment of heavy military war hardware in the Kawempe North parliamentary bye-election, and act that dented NRM support and image too. Like the ongoing cracking of the whip on suspected corrupt officers including several Generals now in custody as investigations roll, errant behaviour by soldiers in civilian elections is bringing the UPDF into disrepute. For avoidance of any doubt, the official known role of the UPDF in securing stability including during elections is not contested. It is also imperative, that the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Abbas Byakagaba, provides strong and professional leadership and guidance to his officers and men so they can have confidence while in command to calmly withstand bullying and intimidation by these soldiers on illegal personal errands. A timid police officer in command, but unsure of his own orders, trembling and sweating in their uniform before an errant army officer, or irate politician, is a recipe for chaos during an election season, particularly bad on polling day. Similarly, over-board conduct by police officers, especially the District Police Commanders (DPCs) who sometimes take over the role of election officers upon being bribed by candidates, to announce the winners, must be checked. But as the old adage goes, “it takes two to tangle,” and so to have a clean election season, we the politicians, especially candidates and supporters must check ourselves as a collective. While election politics is emotive, in Uganda today, it seems that anything goes, violence, intimidation, blackmail, open bribery, and extortion are all wrapped-up in the name of freedom and democracy. Free speech is a cornerstone of democracy, but we have taken political rabble rousing down the line of slander and defamation against rivals in contests. Harmonization meetings often descend into shouting matches, or break-up even before they start, and so no mutual ground rules to govern the campaigns. Abrasive conduct by candidates and supporters even against the police, law enforcement officers and election officials has become normalized, and so few respect the rules, yet surely Uganda is not a jungle. And with opposition activists on a hostile confrontational path, emboldened by the open mischievous conducts of some elements within NRM, it is hard to see how a trajectory of respect for common rules will be engendered. The NRM is a huge party whose heart beats, but with a weak pulse because those at the centre probably do not feel or believe that they are powerful enough. To bring back discipline in the electoral process, my one pence proposal is that the NRM Secretary General, Richard Todwong, should hand every flagbearer a golden rule on election misconduct. In this era of capricious digital warriors playing by their own rules and constantly conveying mischief, the NRM must, as of necessity, be more alert and two steps ahead to deliver a cleaner election.

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23 August 2025
MUSEVENI, NRM CONFERENCES AND PROTECTING UGANDA’S GAINS OF FORTY YEARS

It has been three months of non-stop political activities in Uganda as the National Resistance Movement (NRM) undertook internal electoral renewal of leaders from the villages to national level that is concluding this coming week with the holding of its National delegates Conference. Hopefully, the vetting will weed out the chaff from the wheat so that NRM restores clean leadership that serves the country purposefully and diligently. NRM last held internal elections in 2015, and skipped 2020 due to the COVID19 global pandemic. The meetings, and conferences began on Wednesday this week with the Central Executive Committee (CEC), its apex organ vetting candidates for national offices including President Yoweri Museveni as presidential flagbearer for the 2026 elections. In open-dirty war, is Speaker Emeritus Rebecca Kadaga, on CEC for two decades seeking to maintain her seat, while the current, Annet Anita Among seem determine to inherit the throne. CEC was followed by the meeting of the National Executive Council (NEC) of eight hundred delegates among them all NRM MPs, NRM and local government Chairpersons and the top leadership at the party Secretariat. Tomorrow 24,845 delegates will swamp Kampala to participate in series of elections to choose national leaders of the eight different leagues comprising Elders, Women, Youths, Persons With Disabilities (PWDs), Workers, Veterans, Entrepreneurs, and Historicals which takes place on Monday. At the conclusion of these elections, the delegates will then participate in the two-day National Conference that will end on 28 August 2025 at Kololo Independence Grounds. These events should provide many opportunities, if not windfall, especially for the middle and lower business communities in Kampala, Mukono and Wakiso as NRM delegates whose pockets will be healthy, courtesy of the party, seek accommodation, food, entertainment, transport, and local tourism. Mid-week, NRM unveiled a new portrait of a younger-looking Yoweri Museveni, that will be used for the forthcoming presidential campaigns. Some critics were quick to jeer and sneer, although in the NRM we shall brush it off as being driven mainly by jealousy of potential political bad-losers. Alongside the presidential candidate’s portrait, NRM also launched its forthcoming election campaign theme “Protecting the Gains,” of the last four decades under President Museveni. Over this period, NRM political activities have dominated the ground, media landscape and opinion narratives, which in public relations practice is good. NRM also now seems to have put aspects of election fiasco neatly behind, especially with non-dramatic ways in which its election tribunal handled and disposed off the hundreds of petitions. And maybe, NRM leaders at the top could start considering overall evaluation of its internal elections, including the possibility of amend its constitution to down size its structure, revert to electoral college, and revert to secret ballot elections. With these elections NRM now has close to three million six hundred leaders countrywide, which, if put to effective use should deliver a credible and convincing electoral victory come 12 January 2026. These numbers could also keep in touch with population, mobilize for better uptake of government programs for socio-economic transformation, supervise and monitor effective implementation, and as well detect and curtail corruption incidences early enough, but alas. NRM, could thus, leave its many opponents and detractors including the opposition parties as mere sulking spectators with no credible direction or agenda of their own, although some of them may soon begin to menacingly swing their hockey butts aimlessly. And of course we look forward in disdain to their self-false pompousness as they seek political validation. Nevertheless, as we look towards the nominations for president and parliament by the Justice Simon Byabakama Mugyenyi Electoral Commission, slated in early October for next year’s general elections, NRM as a vanguard party, holding a revolutionary, liberation, emancipation and transformative agenda, must keep to the high expectations it gave Ugandans when it assumed leadership four decades ago.

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16 August 2025
RUNNING PARLIAMENTARY ELECTION CAMPAIGN ON A THIN BUDGET

Three months ago when I declared my intention to run for parliament, one UPDF General called me up to say he was sending five million shillings to kick-start my election campaigns for MP Older Persons Eastern Region. He kept his word on the dot. Next, a senior minister called to say his political assistant would deliver three million shillings the next day, and he too kept his word. By the third day since declaration that I was running to get the NRM flag at the national delegates conference due between August 22-28, another senior minister delivered five hundred liters of diesel, and so my campaign got rolling in a non-stop roller coaster. I have so far done all the forty districts, seven municipalities and six city divisions that constitute the Eastern Region electoral area stretching from Jinja to Kaberamaido, Kapelebyong, Katakwi to the hills and valleys of Sebei, Bugisu and Bukedi. Ministers, MPs, NRM comrades, and friends, many of them also running their own election campaigns, keep dropping in some small amounts, mostly what Americans would call small donations, ensuring that my campaign trail does not get glitches.in the last week of July, a senior police officer delivered five million shillings and offered one hundred liters of diesel for the five weeks to the end of elections. Must of the money received has been spent on basic items directly related to the elections like transport cost for self, personal staff, delegates, meeting venues, coordination, publicity and refreshments. I have been able to meet nearly all the delegates in face-to-face consultations at their respective districts. For some, I traveled to their homes where we have had meals with their families. The experience has been so refreshing especially getting to know people up-close. Because of my recent farming activities in Kapelebyong, Teso region seem to treat like a wonderful son of the soil. The thirty-nine years I have been in NRM affairs, starting with being a military trainer and political education lecturer at our institutions, work in journalism, and media, have given me an illustrious name, voice and face recognition that there is no single district NRM I have not found people who already know me. Most of them believe and say I would make a good MP, advocate for Older Persons issues, and indeed strengthen the NRM voice in parliament, but whether they will deliver, will be tested on polling day. In every region and district, I found volunteers among our NRM older persons league committees, who on account of the silence and dumbness of the incumbent, believe it is time to change for a strong, bold, loud and consistence advocacy, lobbying and forward planning for older persons. It is important that we stop treating parliamentary seats for special interest groups (SIGs) as ‘welfare’ for the office-holders as seems to be today, in the case of older persons. We should utilise these seats to boldly raise the voice of older persons especially on health, welfare, sustainable income and security of personal property particularly for the most vulnerable who are increasingly becoming fewer in Uganda’s decision-making platforms. The younger people who constitute the majority in policy-making positions ought to be persuaded to know they will one day become old, vulnerable, and in need of government support unless they plan their personal lives adequately. This election campaign has exposed me to the deep ordeals older persons silently suffer from, and many eventually get buried into the earthly dust without even their own close associates knowing, and it is painful. There is urgent need to start brooding specialised attention to this category of Ugandans especially considering that free labour from relatives and community is becoming scarce as people pay more attention to things that bring income to their households rather than charity.

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13 August 2025
THE WAR ON TERROR IS OURS TO LOSE; THE UN EXPERT REPORT WON’T DERAIL OUR MOMENTUM

In July 2025, the UN team of experts on the conflict in DR Congo presented a report to the president of the UN Security Council alleging that Uganda and Rwanda were supporting the M23 rebel group in the Democratic Republic of Congo. M23, is a rebel movement fighting the regime in Kinshasa and have since taken control of a big area of the Kivu provinces in Eastern DR Congo. This rather unfortunate report made far-fetched allegations totally unsubstantiated and full of hearsays. The deployment of UPDF in DR Congo for the Operation Shuja seem to have made it easier for the UN investigators to make many misrepresentations. For the record, Uganda’s deployment in DR Congo was agreed on by the two governments i.e. DR Congo and Uganda and the mandate to be there has been continuously renewed by the government of DR Congo. As a result, the war on terrorism has picked momentum ever since we made the decision to follow the ADF in the jungles of eastern DRC in Dec 2021. Peace has since been established in that region and Congolese are back to their homes going on with their lives. The ADF terrorists weren’t only pausing a threat to Uganda through regular cross border attacks, they were committing genocide on the helpless Congolese citizens in the Ituri Province. Therefore, no amount of UN noise is going to stop Uganda’s war on terror, be it in DR Congo or beyond. Similarly, the UPDF in recent weeks has been engaged in bitter battles with the Al shabaab terrorists in Somalia. Reports coming in indicate heavy losses on the part of Al Shabab. They are losing ground and towns that they had recaptured ever since troop contributing countries downsized their numbers or withdrew completely like Burundi did from now phased out Africa Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) in 2022. This famous quote from former US president could give us a more enriched perspective. “These terrorists kill not merely to end lives, but to disrupt and end a way of life. With every atrocity, they hope that America grows fearful, retreating from the world and forsaking our friends. They stand against us because we stand in their way. We're not deceived by their pretenses to piety. We have seen their kind before. They're the heirs of all the murderous ideologies of the 20th century. By sacrificing human life to serve their radical visions, by abandoning every value except the will to power, they follow in the path of fascism, Nazism and totalitarianism. And they will follow that path all the way to where it ends in history's unmarked grave of discarded lies”, President George Bush Junior. This was his speech to the nation 9 days after the Sept 11, 2001, terrorist attack on the US. The moral value of this famous quote is that any country worthy of its name must be firm and decisive in dealing with terrorism within its borders and beyond. The hunt for these ADF terrorists therefore has been stretched beyond our borders. As we speak the Uganda Peoples Defense Force ( UPDF) together with the DR Congo national force, FARDC are in Ituri province of eastern hunting down the ADF terror outfit and will eliminate them once and for all however long it takes. Defeating terrorism requires both regional and international cooperation and now that Uganda has both, we can only count days before we extinct these criminals. Cooperation in such operations is so critical. ADF is no longer a rag tag rebel outfit in the jungles of DR Congo. It is now fully allied to international terrorist group of ISIS. When ADF terrorist struck in the middle of Kampala in November 2021, the ISIS publicly claimed victory over the operation. Caution should be made to some of our Western allies who have been hoodwinked by some phony human rights organizations that quite often derail such firm approaches to defeat terrorism. Unfortunately, they tend to find allies in some quarters both within political opposition and their funders in the outside world. For example, some have already begun castigating Uganda’s security agencies on its firmness while handling these criminals. No country has defeated terrorism with kid gloves. Be it the USA, UK, France, Russia, China etc. These countries have had to take strong decisive decisions to counter such terror organizations and those who sponsor them. Finally, no amount of misleading reports from any quarter should derail this struggle. The UPDF record talks for itself. When the NRA which later morphed into UPDF were liberating Uganda from the hands of tyrants, they only relied on Ugandans who clearly understood their cause. After all, the world knows what some African countries especially in West and Central Africa are reaping from not taking firm decisions while handling terrorists. Terrorists threaten our collective security and we must collectively as Africans handle this threat to reaffirm our territorial integrity. Short of that we can only prepare for the worst. The writer is the Acting Executive Director Uganda Media Centre

National News

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PRESIDENT MUSEVENI SET TO ASSUME CHAIRMANSHIP OF APR FORUM NEXT YEAR

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni will assume the chairmanship of the African Peer Review (APR) Forum of Heads of State and Government in February 2026, a role that will see Uganda take the lead in guiding continental governance and development priorities. President Museveni will take over the chairmanship from Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune. He will serve as Chairperson of the APR Forum for two years, from February 2026 to February 2028. The announcement was made today during a briefing at State House Entebbe with a delegation from the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) Continental Secretariat, led by Ambassador Marie-Antoinette Rose Quatre, Secretariat’s Chief Executive Officer alongside Uganda’s APRM Focal Point, Hon. Amos Lugoloobi, Minister of State for Finance, Planning and Economic Development. The APR Forum of Heads of State and Government is the highest decision-making body of the African Peer Review Mechanism, bringing together African leaders to evaluate governance practices and promote political, economic, and corporate reforms across the continent. Ambassador Quatre, explained: “At the opening ceremony, H.E. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, President of Algeria and current Chairperson, will hand over the APRM and AU flags, as well as the gavel to Your Excellency.” “You will then deliver your inaugural statement as Chairperson, guide the closed Summit session, and later present the Forum’s report to the AU Summit.” She added that Uganda’s leadership will extend to various APRM structures. “Your Excellency, the APRM Focal Point of Uganda will automatically assume the Chairmanship of the APRM Focal Points Committee, while the National Governing Council and Secretariat will also take on leadership roles at continental level. We feel privileged that this great responsibility will be under your stewardship.” In his response, President Museveni welcomed the chairmanship, describing the APRM as a good initiative that allows African leaders to share ideas and correct historical mistakes. “I thank you for the brief. The APR was a good initiative because it gave us a chance to share ideas. The biggest mistake since independence has been the issue of ideas people were groping in the dark, touching here and there, and with a false sense of sovereignty, they feared that sharing ideas would be seen as interfering in internal affairs. As a result, we lost a lot of time until this opportunity came up,” the President said. President Museveni, drawing on six decades of political and economic observation, likened Africa’s challenges to Europe’s intellectual struggles during the renaissance. “I have been watching and involved for the last 60 years, and I have seen all sorts of conceptual mistakes. This is not new even Europe went through the same. At the time of the Renaissance, they ran up and down with confused ideas. Those who studied economics thought mercantilism was the solution, believing that if they had gold and silver, they had made it,” he said. The President noted that it took the writings of Adam Smith to correct this direction. “Smith pointed out that the critical issue was division of labour, specialization and exchange. Once that was understood, people began to wake up. It stressed micro-economic operations, which are the building blocks of wealth creation,” he explained. “That is why this APR platform is important; it gives us the opportunity to exchange and refine our thinking.” Looking ahead to the February session where he will chair, President Museveni highlighted market integration as a key aspect for discussion. “It will be good to audit in February, and I am sure market integration will be one of the ten points for discussion. If businesspeople don’t have a guaranteed market, how do they expand? That is the problem of Latin America. It has more resources than the USA; rivers, forests, minerals but because of poor organization, business cannot succeed. Meanwhile in the USA, if I produce a product in New York, it can reach California with ease, backed by numbers and purchasing power,” he explained. On industrialization, the President issued a stern warning against Africa’s continued export of raw materials. “Selling raw materials is a disaster. For every raw material you sell unprocessed, you are donating money and jobs. If you want copper, process it to 99.9% purity. Some can serve our local industries, and the rest can be exported. That way, we benefit through vertical and horizontal integration,” he said. He added that Africa’s competitiveness depends on reducing production costs. “You must have low transport costs, low electricity costs, and affordable bank credit. Without these, how can manufacturing survive?” the President emphasized. President Museveni also expressed confidence in Uganda’s readiness to chair the forum. “I am very happy and looking forward to this responsibility,” he said. Hon. Lugoloobi, in his remarks, praised the timeliness of Uganda’s preparations. “These consultations come at the right time as we align with continental initiatives such as the rationalization of African credit rating agencies and the African Migration Governance Conference, already approved by Cabinet,” he said. The Minister assured the delegation that the government had mobilized fully to support the President’s leadership. “We propose that during Uganda’s tenure, the Forum focuses on addressing the bottlenecks hindering social transformation including weak infrastructure, governance gaps and insecurity,” he said. Hon. Lugoloobi added that Kampala will automatically become the APRM Capital once President Museveni assumes the chairmanship. “We look forward to significant milestones that will cement Your Excellency’s legacy. With your leadership, we are certain the APRM will reach another level,” he said.

2025-09-12

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PRESIDENT MUSEVENI UNVEILS REVOLUTIONARY ALL-TERRAIN FIREFIGHTING VEHICLE PROTOTYPE

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni yesterday unveiled Uganda's “Muliro/Moto Eater” prototype all-terrain firefighting vehicle to a diplomatic delegation from the embassies of the United States of America, the European Union, and Russia at State House, Entebbe The Muliro/Moto Eater is a revolutionary all-terrain solution designed to access challenging terrains where traditional fire engines cannot. The President stated, “As a man of war, I used to fight fires myself; we would put out fires using leafy branches and approach the fire from the back.” Drawing from his experience and military background, as well as observing wildfires televised worldwide, President Museveni explained that he developed an innovative idea for designing an armoured firefighting tank. This advancement aims not only to tackle bushfires across Uganda’s diverse landscapes but also, as a philanthropist, to extend help to other countries notably affected by wildfires. “I see wildfires as a significant problem in various parts of the world. In the USA, towns are often destroyed by wildfires, and similar situations have occurred in Greece, Australia, and Canada,” President Museveni observed. He further noted that aerial firefighting methods to combat wildfires are often ineffective because “the planes release only small amounts of water,” which is insufficient to control large-scale incidents. “As a philanthropist, I realised that I needed to help these people. Several years ago, I informed the former American Ambassador, Malac, about my proposal to design a cross-country land-based capacity vehicle that would be the most effective defence against wildfires compared to aircraft that do not have enough capacity,” he added. In 2023, President Museveni met with representatives from Marcé Industries to propose his innovative solution. Sharing his wealth of invaluable knowledge blended with indigenous expertise, he said, “As a fighter, I have acquired a lot of knowledge, so I combined my indigenous knowledge and fighting skills to design an armoured prototype firefighting vehicle.” During a presentation, Jan Petrus Steyn from Marcé Industries shared that, in collaboration with Specialized Concept, they accepted the challenge to design and develop this groundbreaking vehicle and subsequently built a prototype based on President Museveni’s concept. In December 2024, a delegation sent by H.E. President Museveni visited their factory to review the prototype, and a locust spray prevention system was added to the unit. The prototype possesses all-terrain capability, allowing it to operate on terrains inaccessible to standard fire trucks or vehicles, with a high speed of up to 60 km/h. It is equipped with rubber tracks suitable for both rugged terrain and normal roads, providing superior mobility that enables it to climb hills, navigate obstacles, and cross ditches. The inspection by the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC) and the Ministry of Transport verified the vehicle, which Marcé Industries and Specialized Concept designed and manufactured at their own cost. During the unveiling of this new vehicle, President Museveni stated it marks a major step forward in Uganda's efforts to enhance its emergency services, providing a technologically advanced tool for tackling fires and other hazards, as well as promoting business and philanthropy to the outside world. The presentation ceremony was also attended by the Ugandan team, including Eng. Timothy Tibesigwa, Commissioner of Mechanical Engineering Services at the Ministry of Works and Transport; Eng. Jacob Lumonya, Assistant Commissioner in charge of Equipment; and Eng. Nobert Ogwal. The Marcé Industries team from South Africa included Jan Petrus Steyn, Sheila Nayebare, and Dick Muhwezi.

2025-09-11

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PRESIDENT MUSEVENI OFFICIATES AT THE INAUGURATION OF AGA KHAN UNIVERSITY

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has today officiated at the inauguration of the Aga Khan University and commencement of the construction of the Aga Khan Hospital in Nakawa Division, Kampala city. During the ceremony, President Museveni assured private and foreign investors of protective legislation for their investments in Uganda. He explained that the Uganda government is committed to ensuring a thriving private sector by providing an enabling environment that fosters business growth. The President recounted the development impact of the Ismaili community and Aga Khan Development Network to Uganda in the past before the expulsion of foreigners in the 1970s by Idi Amin that led to the collapse of Uganda's economy until the NRM government led the return of expelled foreigners, something that revived Uganda's economy. ‎President Museveni also commended the Aga Khan Development Network for establishing the university with Smart lecture facilities, simulation laboratory, library and a multipurpose auditorium facility space that meets the timely education demands. The ‎government of Uganda availed 60 acres of land in Nakawa to Aga Khan Development Network in joint partnership to establish a specialized teaching hospital and a university to address the service deficit on those specialities ‎President Museveni noted that the presence of the Aga Khan University and Hospital in Uganda will bridge the service gap in those respective domains. ‎‎He however, called upon investors like the Aga Khan to always report corrupt government officials who try to extort money from them and solicit shares in their companies. On the other hand, President Museveni awarded two prestigious awards to His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan V and Princess Zahra Aga Khan for the Aga Khan Development Network’s contribution to Uganda's socio-economic development. The duo was awarded with highest honors of the Pearl of Africa Grand Master Award and the Grand Commander award respectively. ‎President Museveni stated that the awards match the significant contribution of the Aga Khan Development Network in Uganda. On her part, the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Museveni took the opportunity to acknowledge the great legacy of the Late Highness the Aga Khan, evidenced by the multiple development initiatives spearheaded by him, which Ugandans have greatly benefited from. Maama Janet noted that this project is the product of a partnership between the Aga Khan Development Network and the government of Uganda. She expressed sincere gratitude to His Highness the Aga Khan, Princess Zahra, and the entire leadership of Aga Khan Development Network, who have worked tirelessly to make this dream a reality. “The NRM Government has generously provided the University with 60-acres of Land. The Aga Khan University provides the expertise, experience, and together with her partners, the immense investment required for a venture of this magnitude. We are truly grateful for this effort,” she said. “Your Excellency, as you are aware, our goal as a country, at the University level, has been to expand opportunities, ensure equity and strengthen the role of higher education, as an engine of innovation and national development.” Maama Janet added that the NRM Government has tirelessly championed the expansion of public university education, so as to widen access and ensure that they build expertise in the country’s human capital, through the delivery of high-quality education for the people. “This has seen us move from one University to 10 Public Universities and 48 Private Universities,” she said. “As I speak now, Uganda is hosting the first Regional Ministerial Conference on the East African Common Higher Education Area, which started on Tuesday this week and is closing today. We believe the deliberations from this important regional gathering will make a valuable contribution to the landscape of higher education in the region.” The First Lady was also pleased to report that through various partnerships, a number of public universities have benefited from new laboratories, libraries, and multipurpose facilities that continue to strengthen teaching, research and innovation. “In this season, by the grace of God, we have been able to build and rebuild infrastructure in many of our educational institutions and agencies. Just recently we commissioned the refurbished Mary Stuart Hall at Makerere University, which is just one of the many new constructions, including the Main Administration building. We laid a foundation stone for the expansion of the National Council for Higher Education offices- our regulatory body for Higher education in the country,” she said. “The Bible teaches us that “Unless the Lord builds a house, the laborers labor in vain” Therefore, our prayer now is that God, through us, continues to build and rebuild the education sector in our homeland. Like Nehemiah the rebuilder whose hands were strengthened together with his people to rebuild the broken walls of his homeland in just 52 days, our constant prayer is that God continues to strengthen our hands and those of our partners who choose to hold hands with us.” Maama Janet further noted that they were grateful for the partnership they witnessed today between the NRM Government and the Aga Khan Development Network. “Again, the Bible acknowledges the importance of partnerships, Ecclesiastes chapter 4, verse 9 states, “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil” There is also a saying that if you want to go fast go alone but if you want to go far, go together,” she stated. “This partnership, therefore, is yet another milestone in promoting quality education in the area of health care. While we are aware that the Aga Khan University is a private facility, I believe the University will continue to uphold His Highness’s spirit of community welfare and service to humanity, through this venture.” His Highness Aga Khan V was happy to note that the university they were opening revealed the power and design to support the quest for knowledge and so he was grateful for the architects saying that they deserve recognition and gratitude. His Highness also stated that Aga Khan University and Hospital will pursue positive working relationships with public sectors in Uganda for development. The President of Aga Khan University, Dr. Sulaiman Shahabuddin thanked the President for his unwavering support to the institution since inception. “Your Excellency, you have always told us that we need Education for the economic transformation of the country,” he said. The ceremony was also attended by the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, among other dignitaries.

2025-09-11

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HIS HIGHNESS AGA KHAN V ARRIVES IN UGANDA FOR OFFICIAL VISIT

His Highness Aga Khan V has officially arrived in Uganda, where he was warmly welcomed at Entebbe International Airport by the Honorable Minister of Health, Jane Ruth Aceng. His visit marks a significant occasion of partnership and mutual development. Later, His Highness was received by His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, alongside First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Museveni during a meeting held at State House, Entebbe. The Aga Khan's two-day official visit will feature the launch of the Aga Khan University and the commissioning of the construction of the Aga Khan Hospital. Additionally, he is scheduled to meet with the Ismaili community in Uganda. During his welcoming remarks, President Museveni reflected on his longstanding relationship with the Ismaili community, recalling his first encounter with them in Ntungamo. He emphasized the vital role of the private sector in Uganda’s economic development, stating, “If past governments had not interfered with the Shia community’s development, they would be very far.” He acknowledged a historical perception of private enterprise as a remnant of colonialism and reiterated the government’s commitment to fostering a conducive environment for private sector growth. His Highness Aga Khan expressed gratitude for the warm welcome, sharing, “My father had great love for Uganda, so it is very meaningful for me to be here to meet you.” He extended his appreciation for the support received from various ministries, including Education and Health, during his visit. Additionally, the two leaders engaged in discussions about the importance of fast tracking an integrated East African Community (EAC) market. The Aga Khan encouraged rapid progression on this front, to which President Museveni assured that significant efforts are already underway to enhance economic integration in the region. His Highness is accompanied by his sister, Princess Zahra Aga Khan, and his younger brother, Prince Aly Muhammad Aga Khan. This visit underscores the continued collaboration between Uganda and the Aga Khan Development Network in promoting economic growth, education, and healthcare in the region.

2025-09-10

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PRESIDENT MUSEVENI RALLIES EAST AFRICA TO EMBRACE INTEGRATION AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has urged East African countries to embrace integration as the surest path to prosperity, security and transformation. Speaking at the opening of the 1st Regional Ministerial Conference on the East African Community Common Higher Education Area (EACCHEA) at Speke Resort, Munyonyo, today, the President outlined five reasons why integration is essential — prosperity, socio-economic transformation, Pan-Africanism, democracy, and strategic security. He also emphasized that prosperity can only be achieved if individuals, families, and companies produce goods or services sustainably and sell them in wider markets. “The only way to achieve prosperity is when each family, company, or individual is involved in producing a good or a service with ekibaaro (calculation). If you do that sustainably and sell it, you will get money and solve your problems,” the President said. He noted that unity is necessary to expand markets, overcome the divisive politics of identity, and build patriotism, which he described as the first principle of the National Resistance Movement (NRM). The President stressed that education must support socio-economic transformation by equipping citizens to benefit from regional markets. He added that democracy and strategic security are also pillars of integration, noting that Uganda’s progress as a lower middle-income country would not be sustainable without regional stability. “With all that is happening all over the world, if you are weak you cannot survive. Apart from economic integration for the whole of Africa, where possible there should also be political integration,” he said. The President also called for reforms in the education sector, particularly resolving curriculum and syllabus issues, to ensure that better learning supports development. On her part, the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Museveni revealed that a little over eight years ago in May 2017, the East African Community was declared a Common Higher Education Area, however, this meeting marks the first Regional Ministerial Conference for Higher Education to review the journey they have walked since inception of the Common Higher Education Area. “I believe that the review of our Common Higher Education Area during this Conference shall also help us answer questions such as: First, the extent to which as EAC partner states we have made our Common Higher Education Area not only competitive as an attraction for both students and academic faculty, but the private sector too as true partners of development,” she said. “Second, the extent to which the Common Higher Education Area has become a catalyst for the various efforts by the respective partner states to bring about socio-economic transformation of their people.” Maama Janet noted that as Ministers responsible for Education in the region, they do not see themselves as only policymakers, but stewards of a shared vision of socio-economic transformation of their people. She said they see Higher Education both as an enabler as well as a critical building block in this house they call the East African Community. “Relatedly, the people for whom we are here to serve in our respective capacities perceive the relevance of the Common Higher Education Area from their own perspective. The young people want to witness mobility of talent and mutual recognition of qualifications amongst the EAC partner States,” she said. “The private sector perceives the relevance of a Common Higher Education Area as being responsive to industry and job market by way of producing inventions and innovative services and products that will add value to the consumer’s experience.” Maama Janet further said the governments will appreciate the relevance of a Common Higher Education Area when the sub-sector becomes a source of pragmatic policy solutions to the pressing problems in society aspiring for socio-economic transformation. This, she said, implies that their aspiration for an integrated Higher Education Area is purposeful because it does not seek to fulfill the self-interests of Higher Education per se, but the greater good of the more than 300 million people in the East African Community. “Ultimately, this strengthens the case for the elimination of all barriers to the realization of a truly integrated and common Higher Education Area in which the sub-sector is perceived by both the private sector and the State, as a valuable partner to socio-economic transformation – and not merely another area of expenditure,” she urged. “The ever-increasing population of the East African Community presents a valuable asset and market to the Higher Education sub-sector to position itself – as it ought to be, an indispensable driver of socio-economic transformation through responsive research, innovations, inventions, knowledge creation, and policy eco-system that answers our society’s most pressing challenges,” she added. The Minister cited an example where the government of the Republic of Uganda has for the last four years, been implementing a nationwide program called the Parish Development Model (PDM), saying the program seeks to bring into the money-economy those households that have been in a subsistence lifestyle. “PDM has been disbursing funds directly to beneficiaries in those households. Recently, I was moving around with His Excellency the President during his nationwide tours to see what the PDM program is doing. As we moved around, we witnessed varying levels of success and impact of this program. However, some of these subsistence households live within the surroundings of Higher Education Institutions,” she said. “So, I keep asking myself whether there is a way these Higher Education institutions can be of value to the government’s grassroot programs such as PDM? Now, this is the relevance I was referring to earlier. Higher Education needs to transform itself from being perceived as an ivory tower of ideas, to becoming the solution to common socio-economic challenges that households encounter in their day-to-day lives,” she noted. The First Lady explained that Higher Education can be innovative in driving a cottage industry mindset whereby once a student graduates, he or she thinks of what they can do first and foremost from one’s home or household before looking elsewhere. “Many of these developed economies we so admire have propagated this culture of cottage industries to lift communities out of subsistence living and poverty. You can imagine if the estimated 70 percent of the EAC population that lives in rural areas was fired up with a culture of cottage industry – how much socio-economic transformation would that bring our society?” she inquired. “As most of you already know, the challenges that our people face are not unique to a particular partner state, but transcend national borders – and as such demand regional solutions. Can a Common Higher Education Area be the source of such solutions? Therefore, this Ministerial Conference will offer to the Partner States an opportunity to review and consolidate progress in the harmonization of higher education systems across our Partner States for the greater good of our society through socio-economic transformation.” Maama Janet added that the Common Higher Education Area will not only make East Africa more attractive to students from within and outside Africa but will play a pivotal role in positioning the EAC region as a nucleus of excellence, innovation, and competitiveness. “It will strengthen our regional integration by ensuring that our graduates are employable across Partner States and beyond and that our institutions can pool expertise for greater impact,” she stated. “As Uganda, we reaffirm our government’s commitment to supporting the EAC Common Higher Education Area in various ways. We look forward to this Conference laying a strong foundation for the implementation of resolutions that will transform our region’s education landscape for generations to come.” The National Council for Higher Education Executive Director also chairperson of the Forum of CEOs of National Council and commissions for Higher Education in East Africa, Prof. Mary J.N Okwakol described the conference as a landmark moment for the region. “This Conference signals a shared commitment to a higher education setting that is coherent, competitive, and trusted across the region,” Prof. Okwakol said. She underscored the need to harmonize education systems, boost student and labor mobility, strengthen research collaboration, and address quality assurance challenges, while commending President Museveni for his support of science and innovation. The Executive Secretary of the Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA), Professor Gaspard Banyankimbona, praised President Museveni’s vision and Uganda’s hosting of the event, saying the meeting was a “landmark event” in East Africa’s integration journey. He reaffirmed IUCEA’s commitment to advancing curriculum harmonization, academic mobility, and collaborative research. “The free movement of skilled graduates, enabled by mutual recognition of qualifications and supported by scholarship programs, is not a distant ideal. It is a necessary condition for the success of the EAC Common Market and the broader integration agenda,” he said. Prof. Banyankimbona urged partner states to use the conference not just to celebrate progress but to strengthen institutional mechanisms that will sustain the EACCHEA for generations to come. Representing the EAC Secretary-General, Hon. Andrea Ariik, Deputy Secretary-General of the EAC, described the conference as “historic,” being the first time ministers responsible for higher education have convened specifically on the regionalization agenda. He highlighted key milestones since the 2017 declaration of the EACCHEA, including the East African Qualifications Framework for Higher Education, the regional quality assurance framework, and policies supporting staff and student mobility and credit transfer. “By working together, our higher education institutions can break barriers, harmonize standards, and unleash the full potential of our youth, academics, and researchers,” Hon. Ariik said. While noting these achievements, he pointed to challenges such as underfunding, outdated infrastructure, and staff shortages. He called for urgent investment in digital transformation, sustainable research financing.

2025-09-09

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PRESIDENT MUSEVENI MEETS NRM BUGANDA PARLIAMENTARY CAUCUS

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni last evening met and discussed a wide range of developmental issues with the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Buganda Parliamentary Caucus at State House, Entebbe. During the meeting, President Museveni guided the caucus on a number of issues on service delivery and development in Buganda and across the country. “You, the new leaders, need to defend the legitimate interests of the people of Uganda and Buganda because Buganda is the major beneficiary of the NRM revolution and anybody who does not see that is an enemy of Buganda,” he said. The President noted that because of peace brought by the NRM government, a lot of development including good roads, industries, among others have been achieved in Buganda and Uganda in general. President Museveni also thanked NRM MPs from Buganda region for the good work of sensitizing the masses and monitoring government programs. President Museveni therefore tasked the leaders to now put their main focus on the homestead income of Ugandans. “Strategically Buganda is the direct beneficiary of NRM so if all the people get involved in creating wealth, Uganda will be the most developed country in the world.” He further noted that land fragmentation remains one of the biggest challenges facing the region and the country at large. Hon. Migadde Robert Ndugwa, the chairperson of the NRM Buganda Parliamentary group and the MP for Buvuma County presented the group’s Memorandum of Understanding and thanked the President for his exceptional leadership steering Uganda’s development forward. He noted that the group has been moving in the region at constituency level to respond to community concerns and monitor government programs. The deputy Secretary General of the NRM party, Hon. Rose Namayanja thanked President Museveni for his guidance on the different areas of development and service delivery. She thanked the group for the unity and commitment, further asking them to work harder for the people and deliver success for the NRM party in the region.

2025-09-06