PRESIDENT MUSEVENI APPOINTS SEASONED JOURNALIST ALAN KASUJJA AS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF UGANDA MEDIA CENTRE

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2026-03-24

UGANDA TO PRIORITIZE YOUTH JOBS AT 4TH NATIONAL LABOUR CONVENTION

By Obed Twijukye The Government has reaffirmed its commitment to leveraging the country’s young population as a key driver of national growth, as preparations ramp up for the 4th Annual National Labour Convention and Expo 2026. Set to be held at the Kampala Serena Hotel from April 15 to 16, 2026, the event will focus on the theme “Unlocking the Potential of Uganda’s Youth Labour Force: Advancing Productivity and Expanding Opportunities for Decent Work.” This high-level gathering will bring together leaders from government, the private sector, academia, and development partners to create a clear path forward for the country’s job market. With over 75% of Uganda’s population currently under 30, the government emphasizes a forward-looking strategy to harness young people's energy and innovation for sustained economic growth. Since its launch in 2023, the convention has become a key platform for dialogue on employment and inclusive growth, with the 2026 edition specifically aligning with the goals of Vision 2040 and the National Development Plan IV. Government officials have noted that although challenges such as the informal economy and youth unemployment persist, strategic investments in skills development, digital innovation, and entrepreneurship are already showing promising results. The upcoming convention will therefore focus on expanding these solutions, strengthening partnerships, and removing barriers that prevent young Ugandans from accessing stable, "decent" work. Her Excellency, the Vice President of the Republic of Uganda, is expected to preside over the event as the Chief Guest. In addition to the high-level discussions, the event will include an Expo segment where businesses, training institutions, and development organizations are encouraged to showcase innovations that support job creation. As Uganda moves toward sustainable development, the convention shows the government’s commitment to empowering its youth and building a productive workforce. To promote transparency and encourage nationwide participation, we'll broadcast the proceedings live as the country shapes the future of work.

2026-03-23

MAO TASKS UNIVERSITIES TO PRIORITIZE INNOVATION OVER BUREAUCRACY

By Sarah Nanteza The Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Hon. Norbert Mao, has urged the government and academic institutions to adopt policies that promote innovation in higher education instead of suppressing it. Speaking at the opening of the 7th Annual Higher Education Conference in Gulu City, Mao warned university leaders against enforcing strict regulations that prevent creative breakthroughs, pointing out that such obstacles slow down Uganda’s economic growth. “The focus should be on improving policymaking, especially regarding the future of higher education. Much of the country's innovation has been hindered by restrictive regulations,” Mao said. Organized by the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE), the two-day summit brought together researchers, regulators, development partners, and the private sector. Under the theme "Harnessing Innovation in Higher Education for Accelerated Economic Transformation," stakeholders are discussing strategic collaborations and the commercialization of research. Keynote speaker Prof. Timothy M. Waema called on university councils to prioritize entrepreneurship. He suggested a thorough revision of traditional curricula to include problem-based learning and innovation hubs as standard components. “Universities should revise their curricula to include mandatory entrepreneurship courses. We need to give credit for participating in startups and build the infrastructure necessary to support innovation,” Prof. Waema stated. He also highlighted the importance of "triple-helix" partnerships, strong collaborations among academia, industry, and government, to advance research and mentorship. Addressing the delegates, Prof. Mary J.N. Okwakol, the Executive Director of the NCHE, announced that the council has already begun purposeful curriculum reforms. These revisions aim to provide students with practical, job-ready, and critical-thinking skills through Competence-Based Education and Training (CBET). Higher institutions have been instructed to ensure that all academic programs for the 2027/2028 first-year intake fully meet CBET requirements,” Prof. Okwakol announced. She also expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Education and Sports, the Attorney General, and the Ministry of Finance for providing the necessary funding and legal guidance for these reforms. Representing the private sector, Dr. Ezra Muhumuza Rubanda, Executive Director of the Uganda Manufacturers’ Association (UMA), called for better alignment between classroom training and the factory floor. He raised concerns about the timing of internships, noting that industries prefer final-year students who are closer to entering the workforce. “Industries need graduates who are both skilled and capable,” Dr. Rubanda stated, urging institutions to bridge the gap between academic theory and industrial reality.

2026-03-23

PRESIDENTS MUSEVENI AND RUTO LAUNCH KISUMU- MALABA SGR EXTENSION TO BOOST REGIONAL TRADE

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni this morning arrived in Kenya where, together with his Kenyan counterpart H.E William Ruto, officiated at the launch of the construction of the Kisumu–Malaba Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) Extension (Phase II). Upon arrival at Kisumu International Airport, President Museveni was received by Musalia Mudavadi, Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary, alongside James Opiyo Wandayi, Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum. The Ugandan leader inspected a guard of honour mounted in his recognition. Members of the Ugandan delegation included officials from the Uganda High Commission in Nairobi such as Ambassador Unice Kigyenyi, Charge d’Affaires, Doreen Ruyondo, Minister Counsellor, Brig. Gen. MacDans Kamugira, Defence Attaché, and Elias Kassirabo, Police Attaché. Bilateral Talks on Trade and Regional Integration: Following his arrival, President Museveni held a closed-door meeting with President Ruto where the two leaders discussed bilateral relations, regional trade, and infrastructure development between Uganda and Kenya. The two Presidents later jointly launched the project and symbolically tightened a bolt on the railway line to mark the commencement of construction works. President Museveni congratulated President Ruto and the people of Kenya upon what he described as a significant milestone in regional infrastructure development. “This is a very important function of launching the Naivasha–Kisumu to Malaba Standard Gauge Railway,” President Museveni said. President Museveni explained that the railway forms part of a broader plan to rationalise the transport system within the region, particularly in Uganda where he noted that over-reliance on road transport increases costs and inefficiencies. “The railway is part of the rationalisation of our transport system, especially on the Ugandan side which is irrational and wasteful because passengers, light cargo, heavy cargo and petroleum products are all concentrated on the roads,” he said. He explained that Uganda’s long-term plan is to transfer heavy cargo to the railway, petroleum products to pipelines and water transport, while reserving roads mainly for passengers and light cargo. The President noted that this approach will reduce road congestion and improve the competitiveness of regional economies. President Museveni emphasised that Africa must focus on producing high-quality but affordable goods to remain competitive globally. He identified high transport costs, expensive electricity, and the high cost of financing as key challenges affecting business competitiveness. “If Africa does not address these cost pushers, we shall be outpriced and our goods will not be competitive even within Africa,” he warned. President Ruto commended President Museveni for his commitment to regional integration and his long-standing advocacy for East African unity. He noted that the Standard Gauge Railway from Suswa through Kisumu to Malaba will unlock Kenya’s economic potential and benefit the entire East African region. The multi-billion-dollar infrastructure project is expected to strengthen connectivity to the Port of Mombasa and facilitate trade with landlocked countries including Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. President Ruto highlighted the growing demand for efficient transport, noting that cargo volumes through the Port of Mombasa reached 7.37 million tonnes in just six months of 2025, with nearly 70 percent destined for Uganda. He observed that cargo currently takes up to 80 hours to move from Mombasa to Malaba and more than 100 hours to Kampala, stressing that slow logistics corridors undermine competitiveness. “A slow transport corridor inevitably loses business and weakens our competitiveness as a nation,” President Ruto said. The railway extension is expected to significantly improve the Northern Corridor by reducing transport time, lowering freight costs, and improving the movement of goods between Uganda and the Kenyan coast. The corridor also supports key economic sectors including agriculture and fisheries around the Lake Victoria basin and is expected to become a critical trade route for the Great Lakes region. The Kisumu–Malaba SGR extension forms part of a broader regional railway network connecting Mombasa, Nairobi, Naivasha, Kisumu, Malaba, and eventually Kampala. Leaders from both countries expressed optimism that the project will accelerate regional integration, enhance trade efficiency, and strengthen economic cooperation between Kenya and Uganda. The launch was also attended by Rt. Hon. Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, the First Deputy Prime Minister of Uganda and the Minister for East African Community Affairs and the Minister of Works and Transport, Gen. Katumba Wamala.

2026-03-21

MINISTRY OF HEALTH ISSUES ALERT ON COUNTERFEIT DRUGS AND SELF-MEDICATION AHEAD OF NATIONAL PHARMA EXPO

By Fortunate Akankunda The Ministry of Health has issued a strong warning to the public about the rising number of counterfeit and substandard medicines in the Ugandan market, highlighting them as a major threat to the country's public health. Speaking on behalf of the Ministry, Ms. Sarah Taratwebirwe, a senior pharmacist, noted that many citizens struggle to distinguish between genuine and counterfeit pharmaceutical products. She explained that while some drugs enter the country through illegal channels and may seem effective, others are fundamentally substandard, failing to meet the strict safety standards required to treat illnesses. Strengthening Regulation To address this, the Ministry confirmed that the government is increasing its surveillance through the National Drug Authority (NDA). The Authority has expanded testing and inspections at all border entry points and within private pharmacies and public hospitals. "We are committed to ensuring that the medicines available to Ugandans are both safe and effective," Ms. Taratwebirwe stated, emphasizing that cracking down on illicit supply chains remains a top priority for the health sector. The Hidden Danger of Self-Medication Beyond counterfeit products, the Ministry alerted to the "silent pandemic" of drug resistance driven by widespread self-medication. Ms. Taratwebirwe noted that many Ugandans skip professional diagnosis for common illnesses like malaria, cough, and flu, often misusing antibiotics. Many people do not see the immediate danger," she warned. "By taking the wrong drug or treating the wrong illness, you risk your body developing resistance. Eventually, these life-saving medicines will stop working for you. The Ministry now advocates a "Test and Treat" approach, encouraging the public to consult qualified medical professionals instead of self-diagnosing. While minor issues can be handled with over-the-counter remedies, the Ministry emphasizes that an accurate diagnosis is crucial for proper recovery. Uganda Pharma and Healthcare Expo 2026 To address these systemic challenges, the Ministry announced that Uganda will host the Uganda Pharma and Healthcare Expo & Dialogue 2026. From March 26 to 28, 2026, at the UMA Show Grounds Multipurpose Hall in Lugogo, the event will take place under the theme, "Strengthening Access, Quality, and Sustainability in Healthcare for All." The Expo is intended to serve as a premier platform for innovation, uniting global pharmaceutical leaders, local manufacturers, and digital health innovators. Discussions will center on strengthening medical supply chains, boosting local drug manufacturing, and adopting new technologies to enhance healthcare delivery across Uganda. The Ministry of Health invites healthcare professionals, investors, and development partners to participate and contribute to building a more resilient and self-sufficient health sector for the country.

2026-03-18

COMMISSIONER SEKU URGES BUSOGA STUDENTS TO PROTECT THEMSELVES FROM HIV/AIDS

The Commissioner for the National Secretariat for Patriotism Corps (NSPC) at State House, Ms. Hellen Seku has urged students in Busoga sub-region to respect their bodies and avoid behaviors that could expose them to HIV/AIDS. While addressing students during a visit to Jinja Secondary School yesterday, Ms. Seku emphasized the importance of discipline, self-respect, and education as key tools in protecting young people from risky lifestyles. She encouraged students, especially girls, to remain focused on their education and avoid peer pressure, make wise life choices until the right time and circumstances for relationships come. Quoting the Bible from the Book of Hosea Chapter 4:6, she reminded students that lack of knowledge can destroy communities. Ms. Seku also encouraged them to develop a strong reading culture and focus on their studies if they want to succeed in life. “If you don’t research and you don’t read, you will always be the last, while those who read and research will always shine,” Ms. Seku told the students, urging candidates in Senior Four and Senior Six to aim for excellent results. The commissioner further emphasized the importance of environmental cleanliness in schools, urging students to keep classrooms, toilets, and bathrooms clean, avoid littering, and plant more trees. She commended the leadership of the school for maintaining a clean environment and encouraged students to build a culture of discipline and responsibility. Ms. Seku also paid tribute to teachers for their dedication to shaping the future of the country, describing them as among the most patriotic citizens because of the sacrifices they make to educate young people despite limited resources. “A teacher made me who I am today,” she said, calling on students to appreciate their teachers and work hard to achieve their dreams. The head teacher of the school, Mr. Balimusangayo Isaac, informed the commissioner that the institution is struggling with very old buildings and structures that require urgent renovation. He appealed to government authorities to support the school in rehabilitating the aging facilities to provide a better learning environment for students. In response, Commissioner Seku promised immediate attention to the renovation of the existing structures and pledged support for the construction of new ones. She also assured the school administration that efforts would be made to provide a school bus to help students with transportation. Commissioner Seku is currently conducting a seven-day monitoring and evaluation tour of schools and institutions across the districts in the Busoga sub-region to promote patriotism, education, and youth empowerment. ENDS

2026-03-17