Author: Simon Mbago
Uganda’s cultural fraternity has been plunged into mourning following the death of Rukirabasaijja Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, the King of Tooro, whose 31-year reign began when he was only three years old. Omukama Oyo died at about 10:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 27, 2026, aged 34, according to an official communication from the Tooro Kingdom. The announcement, signed by the Tooro Kingdom Prime Minister, Owek. Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki, came after days of speculation on social media about the monarch’s health. Reports indicate that the Omukama had been receiving medical treatment in the United States for advanced…
Muni University has taken a major step towards expanding specialised healthcare and medical training in the West Nile sub-region following the groundbreaking of a Shs182 billion teaching and research hospital in Arua. Vice President Jessica Alupo, representing President Yoweri Museveni, officiated at the ceremony on Friday, marking the beginning of construction of the 200-bed facility, which is expected to be completed within 30 months. The hospital is designed to serve as a tertiary and quaternary referral centre while also functioning as a training ground for students at Muni University’s Medical School. Unlike a conventional hospital, the facility will bring together…
Busoga Kingdom has named an organising committee to oversee preparations for the 12th coronation anniversary of Kyabazinga William Wilberforce Gabula Nadiope IV, scheduled for September 13 at Mayuge District headquarters in Bunha Chiefdom. The committee is chaired by Richard Mafumo, the Kingdom’s head of clans, with Third Deputy Prime Minister of Uganda, Lukia Isanga Nakadama, serving as co-chairperson. Other members include Richard Waiswa Naika, who will lead the hospitality team, while Martin Tibalira and Hajji Swaibu Kitezera will serve as mobilisers. Ivan Kiirya has been appointed to oversee finances, with other members assigned various responsibilities as preparations for the celebrations…
Heifer International has unveiled a five-year Signature Programme targeting one million smallholder farmers, with a focus on helping them increase production, access markets and finance, and turn agriculture into viable businesses. The programme, launched on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at Sheraton Kampala Hotel, is part of Heifer’s efforts to strengthen Uganda’s agri-food system and support the transition of smallholder farmers from subsistence production into the monetised economy. Heifer Country Director in Uganda William Matovu said increasing production alone would not be enough to improve farmers’ incomes unless they were also connected to reliable markets. “We need collective energy to support…
On a quiet training floor at Kyabirwa Surgical Centre in Jinja City, a group of doctors is learning to operate without making the large incisions traditionally associated with surgery. Their operating theatre, for now, is a simulation laboratory. The instruments are specialised, the procedures are carefully rehearsed and mistakes come without the consequences of a patient being on the operating table. It is part of an effort to build Uganda’s capacity in laparoscopic surgery — commonly known as keyhole surgery — by equipping doctors with skills that could eventually take minimally invasive procedures beyond Kampala and a handful of private…
At Fort Lugard Hotel in Iganga, the annual Gender-Based Violence and Disability Symposium brought together activists, leaders, and survivors under the theme “Empower Her Digital Space: Local Solutions for Online Safety and Justice for Women and Girls with Disabilities.” The symposium, organized by the Integrated Disabled Women Activities (IDIWA) in the celebration of the 16 days of activism against gender based violence, highlighted the growing threat of online abuse targeting women and girls with disabilities. IDIWA Chairperson Anna Aparo, while delivering her opening speech, emphasized the urgent need to protect persons with disabilities (PWDs) in digital spaces. “Our mission remains…
Jinja: The Uganda Human Rights Commission Tribunal, led by Chairperson Hon. Mariam Wangadya, on Thursday commenced the hearing of nine human rights violation cases at the Commission’s Jinja Regional Office, addressing complaints ranging from torture to violations of the right to personal liberty. The tribunal panel included Hon. Shifrah Lukwago, Hon. Jacklet Atuhaire Rwabukurukuru, and Hon. Simeo Muwanga Nsubuga, who joined proceedings via Zoom. Of the nine cases, five were concluded while four were adjourned for further hearing. According to Wangadya, the sittings are part of the Commission’s ongoing efforts to ensure access to justice and accountability for victims of…
In a historic development for the Church of Uganda, Rev. Canon. Associate Prof. Dr. Grace Lubaale has been elected as the 4th Bishop of Busoga Diocese. The election, conducted by the House of Bishops, took place on October 7, 2025, at the Lweza Training and Conference Centre, drawing church leaders from across the country. Dr. Lubaale will be consecrated and enthroned on December 14, 2025, at Christ Cathedral Bugembe in Jinja, where he will officially take the helm of the diocese. Born on October 9, 1978, in Bugombya Zone, Butansi Parish, Kamuli District, Dr. Lubaale’s spiritual journey began in December…
On Sunday morning, Jinja’s Main Street and Iganga Road were transformed. Instead of cars honking impatiently in long queues, there were cyclists of all ages ringing their bells, children on roller skates gliding joyfully, and pedestrians strolling hand in hand in the middle of the road. For a few hours, the city’s heart beat differently—slower, healthier, and more human. Jinja City joined the rest of the world to celebrate World Car Free Day, an annual event that challenges the dominance of cars in urban centers and promotes cycling, walking, and other non-motorized forms of transport. The celebration, held every September…
Bugembe, Jinja — The royal grounds of Busoga Kingdom came alive this weekend as thousands of subjects thronged Bugembe, Jinja City, to celebrate a milestone — eleven years since the enthronement of His Majesty William Wilberforce Nadiope Gabula IV. The air was charged with festivity. Women in vibrant gomesis swayed to the rhythm of traditional drums, while men in kanzus and coats proudly waved kingdom flags. The atmosphere was a blend of reverence and jubilation, as the people of Busoga came together to honor their King, who has steered the cultural institution since 2014. Taking his place before the multitudes,…