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St Francis Hospital Nsambya has commenced development of a dedicated waste management unit to strengthen the safe and responsible management of healthcare waste and create a cleaner, safer and healthier environment for patients, healthcare workers and the surrounding community.

The initiative, supported by Centenary Bank was launched with a groundbreaking ceremony Wednesday, August 26, at St Francis Hospital Nsambya, bringing together hospital management and staff, Centenary Bank Managing Director Godfrey Byekwaso, bank representatives and other stakeholders.

As a healthcare institution that has served generations of Ugandans, St Francis Hospital Nsambya continues to expand its services to meet the needs of the growing number of patients it serves. The investment in effective waste management is therefore an important step towards ensuring that the quality of healthcare is complemented by safe and responsible handling of waste generated within the facility.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Centenary Bank Managing Director, Godfrey Byekwaso said the initiative reinforces the importance of creating healthcare environments that protect patients, health workers and communities.

“Today, as we launch this waste management system, we amplify the value of creating a safer, cleaner and healthier environment for patients, healthcare workers and the surrounding community,” Byekwaso said.

The initiative also reflects the growing importance of responsible healthcare waste management in protecting public health and the environment. Safe healthcare waste management is an essential component of a well-functioning healthcare facility, ensuring that waste generated by medical services is handled safely and responsibly.

“The facility whose construction we begin today will improve the segregation, handling and safe disposal of healthcare waste. It will protect our patients, staff, surrounding community and environment, while helping the Hospital meet the standards expected of a modern healthcare institution,” Dr. Andrew Muyingo Ssekitooleko, the Chief Executive Officer, St. Francis Hospital Nsambya, said.

For Centenary Bank, the support is built on a longstanding partnership with the Rotary Club and St Francis Hospital Nsambya. Through such partnerships, the Bank has supported the Rotary Cancer Run and the establishment of the Rotary-Centenary Bank Cancer Centre at Nsambya Hospital. The latest contribution extends into another area that directly contributes to health, safety, and environmental sustainability, with health and community well-being remaining important areas of the bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility agenda.

Centenary Bank annually allocates 1.5% of its previous year’s profits to Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives focused on healthcare, education, environmental stewardship, community development and the Social Mission of the Church. Based on this foundation, the Bank contributed UGX 20 million towards the waste management project as part of its commitment to supporting initiatives that enhance the community.

Byekwaso commended the management and staff of St Francis Hospital Nsambya for prioritizing responsible waste management and continuously seeking ways to improve the environment in which healthcare is delivered.

“We aspire to see this project deliver sustainable impact long after today’s launch. We remain committed to partnerships that go beyond banking and contribute meaningfully to the wellbeing of the communities we serve,” he said.

He added that sustainable partnerships between institutions are essential to addressing challenges affecting communities, noting that a healthier community ultimately contributes to a stronger society.

Centenary Bank continues to support partnerships and initiatives that create meaningful and sustainable impact in the communities it serves.

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Kajjansi Police Division has arrested two suspects in connection with an aggravated robbery in which armed assailants reportedly attacked occupants at a home in Sekiwunga Cell, Kitende Ward, Kajjansi Town Council, Wakiso District.

The robbery occurred on August 21, 2026, when the suspects, who were reportedly armed with pangas, attacked the occupants and made off with several valuables.

According to police, the first suspect, identified as Kakoza Derrick, a motorcycle rider, was arrested on August 22 following investigations into the incident. Police said some of the property allegedly stolen during the robbery was recovered from his home during a search.

Investigations subsequently led to the arrest of a second suspect, Mukalasi John Bosco, alias Ali Junior, on August 25.

Police said Mukalasi had reportedly been released from Kigo Prison about a month ago, where he had been serving a sentence following his arrest by Kira Police in 2023 in connection with an aggravated robbery case.

The two suspects are currently being held at Natete Police Station and are expected to be transferred to Kajjansi Police Division as investigations are completed.

Police said the suspects will subsequently be produced before court once inquiries are concluded.

Authorities have assured the public that investigations into the robbery remain ongoing as detectives work to establish the full circumstances of the incident and recover any other stolen property.

Police have also urged members of the public with information that could assist the investigation to cooperate with law enforcement.

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KAMPALA, Office of the President – Uganda has taken a bold step towards printing its own currency locally after the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Uganda Security Printing Company (USPC) and German-based global currency printing giant, K&B Banknote Solutions.

The signing ceremony was presided over and witnessed by the Minister for the Presidency and MP for Budiope West, Hon. Babirye Milly Babalanda, held at the Office of the President, Minister’s Board Room. The event was attended by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of the Presidency, the Board Chairpersons of UPPC and USPC, the Managing Directors of USPC and UPPC, and the delegation from K&B Banknote Solutions.

In her remarks, Hon. Babalanda said although the ceremony was simple, what is being done is very important for the sustainability of the country.

“I warmly welcome our partners from K&B Banknote Solutions to Uganda. We are pleased to start on our journey on the collaboration for the establishment of a currency printing facility in Uganda,” the Minister said.

She said the MoU provides a framework for the technical, security, feasibility and commercial work that will guide Uganda towards final establishment of the printing plant.

“As we begin on this journey, the question before us is simple: Can Uganda establish and operate a modern currency facility that can meet the national and regional currency demands? If the answer is yes, then what does it require us to do and how long does it take to have the facility up and running?” she tasked the technical teams.

Minister Babalanda said the project directly supports the long-standing vision of H.E. President Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, based on three important principles:
1) National Sovereignty: Uganda should have the ability to produce important instruments of the State locally, including currency, passports, national identity cards, and academic certificates.

2) Value Addition: Uganda must use its labour, skills and other resources to produce more high-value goods and services locally instead of depending on imported finished products.

3) Capacity Building: Uganda must give its young people, engineers and technicians opportunities to acquire modern skills and work with advanced security-printing technology.

“This is why I want to emphasise that we are not simply installing machines. We are building a national capability,” Hon. Babalanda stressed.

The Minister emphasized that as Government moves towards the final agreement with K&B Banknote Solutions, government expects skills transfer must be a central part of the partnership.

“Our Ugandan engineers and technicians must be involved from the beginning. They should work alongside specialists during the planning, installation, testing and commissioning, and gain the practical skills needed to operate and maintain the facility,” she directed.

“I am glad to have learnt that K&B has an academy that imparts technical skills to the youths that operate their machines. I therefore look forward to seeing that moment when Ugandans will be tapping into this opportunity.”

Minister Babalanda noted the project is fully aligned with Uganda’s development priorities:-

a). The NRM Manifesto 2026-2031 which places strong emphasis on industrialisation, production and economic transformation. Local security printing supports this as a high-technology, skills-intensive manufacturing activity.

b). The Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV), particularly its focus on sustainable industrialisation, employment, wealth creation, science, technology and innovation.

c). Uganda Vision 2040, which seeks to transform Uganda into a modern and prosperous country by building strong industrial and technological capabilities.

“For this reason, I consider this project an important part of Uganda’s wider industrialisation and technological development agenda,” she said.

On governance, the Minister ordered for strong coordination, monitoring and accountability.

“I expect my office and USPC to establish a multi-sectoral technical committee that brings together key stakeholders, including the Bank of Uganda, the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, the Attorney General’s Chambers, and the relevant security agencies,” she said.

“We must also establish a formal monitoring arrangement to ensure that progress is regularly measured against the agreed roadmap milestones. Please, note that of late H.E the President is tired of hearing projects that have failed to take off and those that have delayed to be completed.”

In a firm warning, Minister Babalanda said: “For this matter, as your political supervisor, I want to assure you that I will not tolerate any actions that are likely to drag the implementation of this project. Note that I have a name to protect before the appointing authority.”

“My office is always open for you to seek any guidance and support. I will take it upon myself to mobilise my senior colleagues and any other relevant stakeholders to ensure that this project becomes a success, before I leave this office.”

She emphasized integrity: “This is a strategic national facility that will be involved in currency manufacture. Therefore, procurement must be clean, timelines must be realistic and respected, and accountability must be maintained throughout the project cycle. There must be no room for unnecessary delays or actions that undermine the national interest.”

In conclusion, Minister Babalanda appealed to the K&B team to share their technical know-how with the USPC team to ensure Joint Venture objectives are realised in a timely manner and to support USPC to access cheaper financial sources to fast-track implementation.

“From my personal experience, I have seen investors who have disguised themselves to be genuine but they end up duping the country. However, for your case, I have a strong belief that you are not under that category. The visit and interactions which I have had with you have evidently demonstrated that you are a serious and committed partner to work with. The global image that you have in the area of currency equipment manufacturing cannot be doubted by any person. Please work with the team to uphold your international reputation,” she told K&B.

To USPC, she said: “Please remain focused on the objectives of the joint venture agreement. In whatever you do, please, do it in the good spirit of the country.”

She demanded a detailed roadmap for execution: “The moment I receive it, I will secure an appointment with H.E the President so that we can appraise him about the status of this project.”

Hajji Sadat Kisuyi on behalf of the Permanent Secretary Office of the President, welcomed the delegation of K&B Banknote Solutions to Uganda and ensured them a strong working partnership and oversight role in monitoring the project.

The signing of the MoU paves way for feasibility studies and commercial negotiations that will lead to the establishment of Uganda’s first ever sovereign currency printing facility, which will also serve regional demands.

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Police have listed categories of people who will be allowed to move during the second National Cleaning Day scheduled for Saturday, August 29, 2026.

The exercise will involve a temporary restriction on movement as communities across the country take part in the four-hour cleaning exercise.

Police spokesperson ACP Kituuma Rusoke said the restrictions will not apply to people travelling for essential and legitimate reasons, provided they can prove their status.

Among those exempted are patients, medical workers, security personnel, private security guards on duty, tourists, journalists on assignment and drivers transporting cargo to other countries.

Rusoke said patients heading to hospitals should not be stopped simply because the exercise is underway.

“We don’t expect somebody going to hospital to be restrained by the temporary restriction,” he said.

However, he cautioned that people claiming exemptions must be able to reasonably explain their movements and carry valid identification or supporting documents.

Rusoke also clarified that the exemption for medical personnel does not apply only to doctors.

He said nurses and other health workers, including personnel working in areas such as X-ray services, are also covered.

Security personnel will also be allowed to move, but must identify themselves to police or other law enforcement officers.

The exemption includes private security organisations (PSOs) whose guards are on duty. Tourists will also be permitted to travel, including those heading to or returning from tourist attractions.

Drivers transporting cargo to other countries will similarly be allowed to proceed with their journeys. Journalists working on assignment during the cleaning exercise will also be permitted to move.

However, Rusoke warned journalists to carry valid identification and ensure that their movements are genuinely connected to their work. He said police may question people who attempt to use an exemption as an excuse to engage in unrelated private activities.

Police said people with other genuine and compelling reasons to travel may also be allowed to move, depending on the circumstances.

Rusoke urged the public to cooperate with law enforcement officers and avoid confrontations by clearly explaining their reasons for travelling and providing the necessary documentation.

The clarification follows confusion and disagreements reported during the first National Cleaning Day, when some people complained of being stopped while trying to attend to essential duties.

The second National Cleaning Day will take place on Saturday, August 29, with the main activities scheduled to take place in Sh Municipality.

The exercise is part of the Government’s programme requiring citizens to dedicate four hours on the last Saturday of every month to cleaning their communities.

The inaugural National Cleaning Day was held on July 25, 2026, after Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja announced the programme as a monthly Government initiative. Cabinet had approved the programme in August 2025, with the aim of improving sanitation, preventing disease and promoting collective responsibility for the environment.

The first exercise was officially launched in Kisenyi, Kampala, by Vice President Jessica Alupo, with Prime Minister Nabbanja, Ministers, local leaders and members of the public taking part. KCCA said residents swept streets, desilted drainage channels, collected rubbish and loaded waste onto trucks.

However, the first exercise also exposed a major waste-collection challenge. Kampala normally generates about 2,000–2,500 tonnes of solid waste every day, while its collection capacity has historically been lower than the amount generated.

American actor and musician Tyrese Gibson did not come to Uganda merely to admire its beauty, take a few photographs and leave with memories of the Pearl of Africa.

During his visit, Gibson offered a glimpse into an ambition that is considerably bigger and perhaps deliberately audacious than the usual celebrity talk.

Speaking about plans he is exploring in Uganda, the Fast & Furious star painted a picture of a country where prosperity is not reserved for a privileged few, but becomes a reality for ordinary Ugandans.

“We have some ideas to do some big things,” Gibson said. “In my mind I want everyone born and raised in Uganda to live in a pent house overlooking the ocean.”

It was the kind of statement that could easily be dismissed as celebrity hyperbole. Gibson, however, appeared to understand exactly how extravagant the dream sounded.

“Everybody deserves a mansion. Can we get it done? We got some ideas,” he added.

For Gibson, the point was not necessarily the literal promise of putting every Ugandan in a mansion overlooking the ocean. Beneath the colourful imagery was a broader argument about ambition, what happens when a country begins to imagine prosperity on a scale that initially sounds impossible.

And he wants Uganda to be the place where that audacity is tested.

“Some of this stuff is going to scare you because we are dreaming big,” he said.

That willingness to dream beyond conventional limits, Gibson suggested, is precisely what could make Uganda stand out.

“They are going to be looking at us from other parts of Africa and saying, ‘Look at what they are doing in Uganda,’” he said.

The actor also appeared to anticipate the scepticism that often follows ambitious promises. Rather than running away from the criticism, he embraced it.

“I want them to call us crazy because you have to call us crazy because you need to be crazy to have the audacity to dream big,” Gibson said.

His remarks come at a time when Uganda continues to position itself as a destination for investment, tourism, entertainment and other creative and economic opportunities. Gibson’s vision, therefore, was less about luxury for luxury’s sake and more about the possibilities he sees in the country.

But perhaps his most important message was that his visit should not be mistaken for a fleeting celebrity appearance.

“If all this comes together, everything that we are discussing, and it’s not just another PR, celebrity showing up to take pictures, you are going to see me here in Uganda a lot,” he said.

Former Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among has thanked President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for what she described as his “parental grace” and decision to pardon her following more than three months under house arrest.

Among, who is also the Bukedea District Woman Member of Parliament, expressed her gratitude in a message posted on X on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, a day after Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba announced that President Museveni had ordered her release and decided against prosecuting her.

“I take this opportunity to thank the Almighty God for the gift of life and freedom,” Among said, before expressing her “profound and heartfelt appreciation” to President Museveni for his mercy.

She also thanked Gen. Muhoozi for his professionalism in handling the matter.

“I also extend my gratitude to the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, for his professionalism throughout this period,” she said.

Among said she was ready to resume serving her constituents and remain committed to the country’s leadership.

“As the Woman MP for Bukedea, I look forward to continuing my work for my constituents and standing firm with our revolutionary leadership,” she added.

Museveni orders release

Gen. Muhoozi announced on Tuesday that President Museveni had instructed him to release Among from house arrest.

“Mzee has also instructed me to release AAA from house arrest. We shall do that as well,” Muhoozi posted on X.

Responding to questions about whether Among would face prosecution, the CDF said the State would not proceed with criminal charges against her.

“No. We shall not prosecute AAA. She made mistakes but Mzee has decided to forgive her,” he said.

The decision brings an abrupt end to a high-profile investigation that had placed the former Speaker under restricted movement since May.

Months under investigation

Among was placed under house arrest after security agencies searched several properties associated with her in Nakasero, Kigo, Ntinda and Bukedea.

The investigations focused on allegations including corruption, illicit enrichment, abuse of office and other financial irregularities linked to her tenure as Speaker of Parliament.

Her situation had also attracted appeals from leaders and legislators from the Teso sub-region, who called on President Museveni to show mercy and allow her to access specialised medical treatment.

With her release now ordered and prosecution ruled out, Among is set to return to public life and continue representing the people of Bukedea in Parliament.

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The Parliamentary Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE) has summoned top managers of Uganda Airlines to explain the airline’s financial performance and audit queries raised in the Auditor General’s 2024/25 report.

The summons were issued through police after Uganda Airlines officials failed to appear before the committee and did not communicate any reason for their absence.

The committee, chaired by MP Muwada Nkunyingi, had expected the officials to answer questions about the more than Shs1.9 trillion that Government has invested in the national carrier.

The Auditor General’s report indicates that Government has injected about Shs1.984 trillion into Uganda Airlines, but only Shs200 million had been recognised as issued share capital.

This means a massive portion of the money injected by Government had not been reflected as issued share capital in the company’s accounts.

The committee was also concerned about the airline’s continued losses. According to the audit findings, Uganda Airlines recorded a loss of about Shs235 billion during the year under review.

The losses included penalties of about US$1.78 million arising from late payments to fuel suppliers.

Budadiri East MP Julius Nakiyi told the committee that the Government’s investment had effectively been eroded by accumulated losses. He said about Shs1.3 trillion of the investment had been eaten away by losses, leaving the airline with an estimated net worth of about Shs660 billion.

Nakiyi said Parliament’s interest was not to destroy the airline but to ensure that it operates as a viable business.Another MP said Parliament should work with Uganda Airlines to address the challenges affecting its operations.

Butalega MP for Persons with Disabilities Bumali Mpindi said he had heard concerns that interactions between Parliament and Uganda Airlines, particularly when covered by the media, were creating more problems for the airline instead of solving them.

Elgon MP Gerald Nangoli also complained about what he described as persistent difficulties in getting the airline to account before the committee.

He said Uganda Airlines had become a problematic entity for the committee, with officials allegedly appearing to consider themselves too powerful to account to Parliament.

Makindye East MP Zahara Namuli said no Government entity should use parliamentary authority as a shield to avoid accountability.

She cited recent guidance from Speaker Jacob Marksons Oboth that entities previously shielded by the authority of Parliament’s leadership should no longer rely on such protection to avoid appearing before committees.

The committee chairman said Uganda Airlines must appear before COSASE on the committee’s terms and not dictate when or how it should account. He subsequently directed that summons be issued requiring the airline’s officials to appear before the committee on Thursday at 8:00am.

Nkunyingi said the committee would follow up the summons with the Office of the Clerk and Parliament’s Speaker to ensure they are delivered.

The summons come amid allegations by some MPs that Uganda Airlines was among entities that had previously been shielded from appearing before parliamentary committees.

Uganda Airlines officials are expected to appear before COSASE on Thursday to respond to the audit queries.

Uganda Airlines has recorded several positive developments since its revival in 2019, despite the financial challenges facing the national carrier.

The airline’s revenue increased from about US$10.3 million in FY2019/20 to US$116.2 million in FY2024/25, showing growth in its commercial operations. The carrier has handled more than 1.7 million passengers since its revival, indicating growing demand for its services.

At its 2026 Annual General Meeting, Uganda Airlines reported a 22 percent increase in revenue to Shs437.3 billion and a 27 percent reduction in net losses. The airline is continuing to add destinations. New routes to Accra, Ghana, and Kigali, Rwanda, are expected to increase its network to 19 destinations.

Uganda Airlines operates a relatively young fleet, including Airbus A330-800neo aircraft for long-haul operations and CRJ900 aircraft for regional routes. The carrier has expanded beyond its original regional operations to serve destinations in Africa, the Middle East, Europe and Asia. Beyond commercial returns, Uganda Airlines gives the country a national carrier capable of providing direct connections that can support tourism, trade, investment and business travel.