Martha Mukisa says she is hoping to have twins after experiencing the joy of motherhood with her first child.
Martha welcomed her first child, a baby girl, in May 2025. The singer says she has enjoyed motherhood so much that she is now open to having more children.
My baby has grown. She’s one and four months, she’s walking and talking and now calls me Mommy. It’s exciting. I enjoy motherhood and I fear that it might push me to have more children, but to me it has really been a beautiful journey.
The singer says she has no complaints about being a mother, although the responsibility has taught her how to balance different aspects of her life.
I have no complaints as a mother. What has been outstanding for me is that I have a responsibility and making sure I have to balance a lot of things.
Princess Ruth Komuntale has penned an emotional farewell to her younger brother, the late Tooro King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, remembering him as a God-fearing man who brought laughter and warmth to those around him.
In her tribute, Komuntale reflected on the person behind the crown, describing Oyo as quiet and reserved but someone who could tell “story after story” once he began talking.
She also recalled their childhood memories and said Oyo had a special talent for impersonating people, often mimicking their voices and mannerisms and using his gift to make others laugh.
Although Oyo was younger than her, Komuntale said he often acted like the older sibling because he felt responsible for protecting her and their mother after their father died.
“I suppose it was because he felt he had to protect Mama and me after Dad left us to be with the Lord,” she said.
Komuntale said she was grateful for the 34 years she shared with her brother, recalling family holidays, childhood memories, laughter and other moments she said she would carry with her for the rest of her life.
I watched my brother carry responsibilities that most people could never imagine. I watched him grow, learn, lead, pray, struggle, persevere, and love. I am incredibly proud of you, Amooti.
She added that she wished she could have more time with Oyo to hear his voice, stories and impersonations and share private jokes with him.
“You have left behind love. You have left behind memories. You have left behind family,” she said.
Oyo died on August 27, 2026, aged 34, while receiving treatment in the United States. He had been on the Tooro throne since 1995, when he became king at the age of three.
He was buried on September 12, 2026, at the Karambi Royal Tombs in Fort Portal following a funeral service at St John’s Cathedral.
Following Oyo’s death, the Babiito royal clan selected Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma as his successor.
Musuuga Charles Kamurasi formally announced Kijanangoma as the new King of Tooro during Oyo’s funeral service on September 12. He was given the regnal name King Edward Rukidi Nyabongo I.
Kijanangoma also took part in succession rituals at the Karambi Royal Tombs during Oyo’s burial.
However, the succession remains contested. Oyo’s immediate family, including Queen Mother Best Kemigisa and Princess Ruth Komuntale, has maintained that the late king left a will naming a son as his heir. The Babiito clan, meanwhile, has defended its selection of Kijanangoma under Tooro customary succession practices.
In her latest farewell, however, Komuntale did not address the succession dispute. Instead, she focused on her relationship with her brother and the memories they shared.
“So, my baby brother, rest now. Your work on this earth is done. May God receive you with open arms,” she said.
Thank you for the life we shared. Thank you for the memories. Thank you for being my brother. I love you, and I always will. May King Oyo’s legacy live on forever.
Uganda’s political terrain seems to be slowly and systematically changing. In this article, we explore how and why General Muhoozi Kainerugaba is emerging as a significant new phenomenon in Uganda’s political landscape.
For purposes of acknowledging the authorities whose ideas inform this analysis, our discussion is grounded partly in the work of Professor Oweyegha-Afunaduula, a conservation biologist and Ugandan social and political critic. In November 2025, Oweyegha-Afunaduula argued that the dynamics of Ugandan politics had changed and called on Ugandans to remain curious and open to alternatives.
Drawing from that call, the Department for Critical Thinking and Alternative Analysis at the Karamoja Anti-Corruption Coalition offers an alternative reading of Uganda’s evolving political landscape. From this perspective, Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s growing public and political profile makes him an increasingly important phenomenon to examine.
The question is: why Muhoozi, and why now?
Uganda has, over the years, experienced concerns about the shrinking of democratic space. Associate Professor of Political Science Moses Khisa, in his 2019 paper, “Shrinking Democratic Space? Crisis of Consensus and Contentious Politics in Uganda,” examined what he described as the erosion of democratic institutions and the rise of contentious politics.
Against this background, Muhoozi’s emergence has generated expectations and debate among sections of Ugandan society. Some of his supporters see his growing political network as an opportunity for a new generation of leadership and hope that it could address longstanding challenges, including corruption and weaknesses in local government.
What makes Muhoozi’s emergence particularly significant is the organisational structure developing around him. The Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), which began as the MK Movement before being rebranded, has developed into a nationwide mobilisation network associated with the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM). Its growing organisational reach has added another dimension to Uganda’s political conversation.
The central question, therefore, is no longer simply whether Muhoozi has entered Uganda’s political terrain, but what role his growing movement could play in shaping the country’s politics beyond the current political generation.
For many Ugandans watching these developments, that question remains open—and increasingly difficult to ignore.
Ayub Mukisa, PhD, writes from the Department for Critical Thinking and Alternative Analysis at the Karamoja Anti-Corruption Coalition (KACC).
Makerere University has introduced a new Digital Student Tracking Framework designed to monitor students’ academic progress and improve completion and graduation rates.
The framework was unveiled on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, as the university announced a series of measures aimed at strengthening academic administration and supporting students through their studies.
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Speaking to the media at the University’s Main Building, Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe said the digital system would enable Makerere to move from simply identifying concerns about students’ graduation completion to taking concrete institutional action.
The system will provide a university-wide mechanism for monitoring students’ academic progress and key milestones, particularly for postgraduate students pursuing Master’s and PhD programmes.
Prof. Nawangwe said the framework is part of Makerere’s broader ambition of transforming the institution into a research-led university.
Tracking students from progress to completion
Under the new digital approach, progress and completion milestones for Master’s and PhD students will be monitored through a centralised university-wide system.
The framework is intended to strengthen monitoring and accountability by allowing the university to follow students’ progress rather than waiting until graduation time to identify those who may have fallen behind.
The move is part of Makerere’s wider digital transformation, with the university seeking to digitise academic and research processes.
Deputy Vice Chancellor Dr Sarah Ssali said academic processes and research work at the university have been digitised, reducing reliance on paperwork.
She said the move is also intended to address challenges associated with paper-based systems, including the risk of forgery.
7,000 graduate students admitted
The digital tracking system comes at a time when Makerere is expanding its graduate programmes.
Prof. Nawangwe said the university admitted 7,000 students into graduate programmes for the 2026/2027 academic year.
He said the development reflects the university’s progress towards its research-led university agenda.
The university has also embarked on infrastructure expansion to respond to limitations in available space.
Dr Ssali cited the new graduate building, which is nearing completion, as well as another facility planned to support distance learning.
Supplementary exams reinstated
Alongside the digital tracking framework, Makerere has reinstated supplementary examinations for final-year students.
Prof. Nawangwe said the examinations are intended to support students’ academic progression while maintaining the university’s academic standards.
The university will hold one supplementary examination session each year, at the end of Semester Two and before the beginning of the next academic year.
The measures come as Makerere seeks to strengthen systems for monitoring students’ academic journeys, particularly progression towards completion and graduation.
Ugandan politics has always been shaped by a complicated mixture of history, personalities, institutions, loyalty, and the search for a new political generation. As the country looks toward its future, one question increasingly demands serious consideration: what kind of leadership can carry Uganda into its next political chapter?
Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba has emerged as one of the most consequential figures in this conversation. His rise should not be dismissed simply as a question of family lineage or political succession. Supporters argue that it deserves to be examined on the basis of his own ideas, public record, leadership experience, and vision for Uganda.
The case for Muhoozi begins with generational change. Uganda has a young population, yet much of its political establishment was shaped by a different historical era. Supporters therefore see the emergence of a new generation of leaders as an opportunity to understand the aspirations of young Ugandans while preserving the stability necessary for national development.
Muhoozi also brings extensive experience from the security establishment, having served in senior positions within Uganda’s armed forces. His supporters argue that this experience gives him an understanding of national security, regional affairs, and the responsibilities associated with state leadership.
An examination of the available evidence also shows that Muhoozi is a well-trained military general. Supporters believe that his military background could have implications beyond politics, including public administration and service delivery. But how might this happen? One perspective can be found in Professor George Wilson Kanyeihamba’s publication, Constitutional and Political History of Uganda, dated 2010. Kanyeihamba argued that military authorities who take control of government can sometimes be effective at enforcing discipline within government departments. He further suggested that they may encourage civil servants to take their responsibilities more seriously (George Wilson Kanyeihamba 2010).
The Department for Critical Thinking and Alternative Analysis at Karamoja Anti-Corruption Coalition agrees with this perspective and believes it provides an important point for discussion about leadership, discipline, accountability, and service delivery.
To the PLU chapter, the challenge is therefore clear: to demonstrate new ideas, responsible leadership, and effective service delivery for the people. These should be among the indicators used to assess the new political chapter for Uganda.
Ayub Mukisa, PhD, writes from the Department for Critical Thinking and Alternative Analysis at the Karamoja Anti-Corruption Coalition (KACC).
Voters in Adjumani West Constituency go to the polls today, Thursday, September 17, 2026, to elect a new Member of Parliament following the death of former legislator Gen. Moses Ali.
Gen. Ali died at Nakasero Hospital in Kampala on July 18, 2026, leaving the parliamentary seat vacant and triggering the by-election.
A total of 51,437 registered voters are expected to cast their ballots at 114 polling stations across the constituency. The electorate comprises 27,573 women and 23,864 men. Adjumani West Constituency covers Adjumani Town Council and the sub-counties of Pachara, Adropi, Ciforo and Ukusijoni. It has 23 parishes and 99 villages.
The by-election is being contested by two candidates: National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidate James Leku Pilli and independent candidate Gasper Draga.
Electoral Commission Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama said polling would run from 7:00am to 4:00pm, after which votes will be counted and results announced at each polling station.
“Voting shall be by universal adult suffrage and shall take place at all the one hundred and fourteen (114) Polling Stations in Adjumani West Constituency,” Byabakama said during a pre-election briefing on Wednesday.
He urged voters to arrive early so that voting can begin on time.
“We strongly urge voters to turn up early at their respective polling stations so that polling processes commence on time, that is, by 7:00am,” he said.
The Electoral Commission has appointed Akao Eunice Christine as the Returning Officer for the by-election.
The tally centre will be at the Adjumani District Local Government Headquarters in Adjumani Town Council. Only candidates and other authorised persons with accreditation tags or cards will be allowed access.
Biometric Voter Verification Kits will be used at all polling stations to confirm voters’ identities before they cast their ballots.
Byabakama has urged candidates, political parties, agents, supporters and other stakeholders to follow electoral laws and guidelines, warning that unlawful conduct would be dealt with.
“I wish to warn all stakeholders in these by-elections that any unlawful conduct will be decisively handled,” he said.
He also assured voters that the Electoral Commission, working with the Uganda Police Force, had made preparations to maintain peace and security throughout the election.
“I call upon the voters to come out early and freely cast their votes. I wish to assure you that the Commission, working with the Uganda Police Force, has made adequate preparations to ensure a peaceful and secure electoral environment,” Byabakama said.
The Parliamentary Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE) has resolved to summon businessman Hassan Basajjabalaba to appear in person after he failed to attend its Wednesday sitting to explain a disputed Shs140 billion Bank of Uganda guarantee.
The decision, taken after a lengthy debate over a request for more time from Basajjabalaba’s lawyers, Magina Advocates, on Wednesday 16th September 2026.
The committee chaired by Kyandondo East MP Hon. Muwada Nkunyingi, examined the roles of Basajjabalaba’s Haba Group, the Central Bank and other parties that may emerge during the investigation.
Basajjabalaba had been expected to answer questions concerning the recovery of the Shs140 billion guaranteed by the bank in 2017.
Instead, a legal representative, Calvin Ojambo appeared and requested for another time of appearance. The lawyer said that they received Parliament’s invitation late on Tuesday, 15 September 2026, and that their client was indisposed and required additional time to access documents relating to transactions conducted between 2009 and 2011.
The lawyer noted that the issues raised had previously been the subject of litigation and requested that their client appears on 23 or 24 September, 2026.
While some MPs supported granting additional time, others questioned whether the delay could become a means of avoiding parliamentary scrutiny.
Hon. Martin Kisule (Buzaaya County) questioned why Parliament had served the summons through a law firm and not directly to Basajjabalaba, whose address was known.
The Chairperson, Hon. Nkunyingi, said that the immediate question, was whether the committee should grant the request for more time and determine the appropriate next steps.
“At this level it is investigative level,” Nkunyingi said, emphasising that the committee would examine the roles of all parties before making findings.
The MPs urged caution over what they described as a recurring pattern of non-attendance.
Hon. Nkunyingi, stressed that the committee’s central concern was to establish what happened to the public funds and the circumstances surrounding the Bank of Uganda guarantee.
The committee has now scheduled Basajjabalaba to appear on 23 September 2026. The new summons will be served through a police officer and will require Basajjabalaba to appear in person.
At the heart of the inquiry is the recovery of Shs140 billion guaranteed by Bank of Uganda in 2017. The precise contractual terms of the guarantee, the parties’ obligations, the basis for the central bank’s involvement and the status of recovery are matters that require clarification through the committee’s investigation.
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The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) Central Government has raised concerns over Gulu Regional Referral Hospital’s continued use of a manual payroll system, despite the Government having an integrated digital personnel and payroll system.
The MPs warned that the manual system could create loopholes for the continued payment of salaries to staff who are no longer eligible to receive them.
The concerns followed findings in the Auditor General’s Report for the Financial Year 2024/2025, which showed that Gulu Hospital paid Shs133 million over three months to 22 staff members who had either retired, transferred, absconded from duty or died.
Hon. Benjamin Cadet, the Bunyaruguru County MP, questioned why the hospital was still relying on manual processes instead of the Integrated Personnel and Payroll System (IPPS) operated by Government.
“Government through the Ministry of Public Service came up with an Integrated Personnel and Payroll System which is computerised and you are able to know when the civil servant started working and alerts you when he is about to retire, so that by the time you clock 60, it automatically generates pension or gratuity,” Cadet said.
Cadet said continued reliance on letters and manual processes could delay the removal of ineligible employees from the payroll.
“People at Gulu Hospital are deliberately refusing to use this computerised system, and opting for letters, thereby creating short cuts in pension or it is deliberate scam to keep swindling the money,” he said during the committee meeting on Tuesday, September 15, 2026.
However, the allegation of deliberate wrongdoing was not established by the committee during the meeting.
The legislators noted that paying salaries to officers who had ceased rendering services to Government contravenes Section 12 of the Public Standing Orders, 2021, which provides that payment of a public officer’s salary ceases when the officer stops rendering services to Government under whatever circumstances, including death.
The committee, chaired by Mbale Industrial Division MP Hon. Karim Masaba, expressed concern that delays in removing ineligible staff from the payroll had resulted in payments for services that were not rendered, contributing to an overstatement of expenditure.
Wakiso District Woman Representative Hon. Ethel Naluyima asked hospital officials how they intended to recover the money paid to the affected staff.
Naluyima also questioned the hospital’s continued reliance on the manual payroll system, noting that the Ministry of Public Service had previously explained to MPs how the digital system is intended to manage personnel and retirement processes.
“According to the Ministry of Public Service, this capital management system automatically detects someone of retirement age and transfers them such that they are now under the pension system,” Naluyima said.
She directed Gulu Hospital officials to document their justification for bypassing the digital system so that the committee could cross-check the explanation with the Ministry of Public Service.
Responding to the concerns, Gulu Regional Referral Hospital director Dr Peter Mukobi said the online system was not yet sufficiently automated to independently handle all retirement-related processes.
“The system is supposed to be automated to alert me on my retirement. However, to date, that automation is not yet in full effect and there is still a human hand that must be involved. It does not shift someone from the payroll upon retirement,” Mukobi said.
He explained that some of the affected staff continued working beyond their retirement dates because of delays in receiving retirement letters and completing handover processes.
The committee is expected to scrutinise the hospital’s explanation and establish how the Shs133 million was paid, whether the funds can be recovered and why staff who were no longer eligible remained on the payroll.
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Singer Sheebah Karungi has praised her baby daddy, Jaffar Suleiman, describing him as a “real man” and saying she deliberately chose a father who would be present in their child’s life.
Sheebah, who has largely kept her relationship and family life private, became a mother when her son, Amir, was born on 23 November 2024.
Speaking on her podcast, the singer said having a child was a carefully considered decision and was not motivated by a need for financial support from a man.
“I am honoured that I gave birth to a real man,” Sheebah said. “Why? I took my time, and my decision was not out of desperation that I was looking for someone to take care of me.”
She explained that growing up without a father influenced the kind of parent she wanted for her child.
“I was looking for someone who was going to be a father and a father I never had because I grew up not having one,” she said.
Sheebah also praised fathers who actively participate in raising their children, saying being a responsible parent is not necessarily linked to wealth.
“I am proud of everybody who is a good father to their children,” she said.
She added: “Being a responsible father doesn’t need you to be rich.”
The singer also addressed criticism surrounding her decision to have a child with a man who already had children, saying such family arrangements are common in Uganda and should not be treated as unusual.
“Most Ugandan families have half-siblings and they’re doing just fine. But when I gave birth with someone who already had children, one would think I was the first person to ever do it in the whole of Africa just because I’m Sheebah,” she said.
King of Tooro-designate Edward Rukidi Nyabongo 1 has closed all his personal social media accounts and appointed a spokesperson to handle his public communication ahead of his coronation.
Nyabongo appointed Paul Nyakaana Businge Akiiki as his interim Principal Personal Secretary (PPS) and spokesperson, giving him responsibility for all official communication on behalf of the incoming king.
Akiiki announced his appointment on Wednesday, September 17, 2026, while reading a statement from Nyabongo.
Paul Nyakaana Businge Akiiki.
In the statement, Nyabongo said Akiiki would immediately take charge of his communications.
“I wish to inform you that I have appointed Mr Nyakaana Paul Businge Akiiki as my interim Principal Personal Secretary (PPS)/spokesperson to immediately take charge. He will officially be handling all my communications,” Nyabongo said.
He added: “I hereby terminate all my personal social media accounts with immediate effect.”
Nyabongo, a former journalist, had maintained personal accounts on several social media platforms. He used the accounts to communicate directly with the public, particularly after controversy emerged over his selection as the next Omukama of Tooro.
The move means that official statements and other public communication from the king-designate will now be channelled through Akiiki.
Nyabongo is scheduled to be crowned at Karuziika Royal Palace in Fort Portal City on September 29, 2026. The coronation will include customary rites followed by his public enthronement as the new Omukama of Tooro.
He is set to succeed the late King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, who died in the United States on August 27, 2026. Oyo was buried at the Karambi Royal Tombs on September 12, 2026.
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