Author: Simon Mbago
Namayingo: In the heart of Busoga Sub-region, where youth unemployment remains a pressing challenge, a new wave of optimism is taking shape. The Federation of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (FSME) Uganda, through the Strengthening Agribusiness Youth Enterprises (SAYE) Project, has stepped up efforts to empower young people with practical skills, access to markets, and policy awareness. On Friday September 5, 2025, FSME officials convened a youth policy dialogue in Namayingo District, drawing dozens of young entrepreneurs, local leaders, and government stakeholders into conversations aimed at bridging the gaps between youth potential and government support systems. Mr. Emmanuel Abibi, FSME’s Policy,…
Luuka: When government rolled out the Parish Development Model (PDM), the ambitious program was billed as a turning point for rural transformation, empowering ordinary Ugandans to lift themselves out of poverty. But in Luuka District, hope has turned into frustration for many beneficiaries who allege they were forced to pay illegal fees before accessing funds. That frustration boiled over last week when two PDM SACCO leaders in Busalamu Town Council were paraded before the Iganga Chief Magistrate’s Court on corruption charges. The accused – Nangobi Safina (42), Secretary of Busalamu South Ward SACCO, and Treasurer Nakangu Ziyada – were charged…
Joy and jubilation have filled the Nadiope royal household following the birth of twin princes — a rare and treasured blessing for the royal family and the people of Busoga. Born on August 27, the newborns, Prince William Ethan Nadiope and Prince Arnold Eli Nadiope, were announced to be in good health, along with their mother. The royal couple, King William Wilberforce Gabula Nadiope IV and Queen Jovia Mutesi, are fondly remembered for their historic wedding on November 18, 2023 — a cultural event that drew nationwide attention. Since then, many had quietly speculated about the delay in the Queen…
Jinja: Excitement is sweeping across Busoga as the Kingdom prepares to mark the 11th Coronation Anniversary of His Royal Highness the Kyabazinga of Busoga on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at the Kingdom Headquarters in Bugembe, Jinja City. The historic celebration, expected to draw over 50,000 people, will run under the theme: “A Malaria Free Busoga for Generations to Come.” Chairperson of the Organising Committee, Owek. Richard Mafumo, told journalists that preparations are well underway, with special focus on mobilizing Basoga from all walks of life to throng Bugembe. “This event is for everyone. As usual, when Baba Kyabazinga appears to…
At the Ntinda Valley Resort Hotel in Iganga on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, white T-shirts bearing the portrait of Prof. Juma Waswa Balunywa stood out like flags of defiance. The slogan across them—“Hands off Prof. Balunywa”—wasn’t just a fashion choice. It was a declaration of loyalty to a man who, for decades, shaped Uganda’s business education and carved a name that resonates deeply across Busoga. But the mood wasn’t celebratory. It was tense, urgent, and political. A section of Busoga leaders and residents had convened to defend the former Principal of Makerere University Business School (MUBS), now facing prosecution over…
Presidential candidate David Mugabi has unveiled a bold and comprehensive plan ahead of the 2026 general elections, pledging to fight corruption, create jobs, and restore dignity in public service. The plan, branded as The New Broom Manifesto, is anchored in the SWEEP Agenda, a five-pillar program aimed at delivering service-driven leadership, wealth creation, quality social services, security, and agricultural transformation. Speaking to an enthusiastic crowd in Jinja, the Mayuge-born teacher and Busitema University graduate described his campaign symbol — the broom — as “a weapon against decay and a tool for rebuilding.” He added, “We have had enough of promises…
Mayuge: President Yoweri Museveni’s pledge to buy the Mayuge Sugar Factory for farmers has been met with deep skepticism among sugarcane growers in the region, with many dismissing it as a political move aimed at securing votes ahead of the 2026 elections. In a meeting with sugarcane farmers at Kityerera State Lodge in Mayuge District on August 6, 2025 to discuss the industry’s future, President Museveni in a dramatic turn of events revealed that the owners of Mayuge Sugar Factory had approached him, offering to sell the facility to the government. “I earlier promised to give you a sugar factory,…
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has pledged to procure the Mayuge Sugar Factory and hand it over to sugarcane farmers in Busoga, fulfilling a commitment he made during the 2021 elections. Speaking at a strategic meeting with sugarcane farmers and millers held at Kityelera State Lodge in Mayuge District on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, President Museveni said the owners of Mayuge Sugar Factory recently approached him, offering to sell the facility to the government. He, however, left the final decision to the farmers. “I earlier promised to give you a sugar factory, but I haven’t done it. These people of Mayuge…
The Busoga Kingdom Youth Council (BKYC) on Friday, July 18, 2024, inaugurated a region-wide Career Guidance and Inclusive Menstrual Hygiene Initiative (CGIMH) at Namwiwa Secondary School, pledging to keep Busoga’s learners in class and equipped for life after graduation. Led by council chairperson Yafesi Bairukireki, the youthful delegation swept into Kaliro District with a two-pronged agenda: help students chart realistic career paths and remove the menstrual-health hurdles that routinely force girls out of school. “Education must be more than chalk and exams; it must protect dignity and unlock opportunity,” Mr Bairukireki told an assembly of some 650 students packed into…
BUYENDE: Budiope FC is gearing up for a promising campaign in the 2025 MTN Busoga Masaza Cup as they prepare to host the tournament’s highly anticipated opening match on July 12 at Irundu Primary School, Buyende District. The team, which reached the quarterfinals last season, is banking on continuity and a deep reliance on local talent as it seeks to advance further in this year’s competition. The club has retained much of its Executive Committee and technical team, signaling a strategic decision to build long-term success with familiar leadership and community-rooted players. “We have taken the continuity path. Most of…