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The Special Forces Command (SFC) has celebrated its victory in the second edition of the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Inter-Forces Drill Competition, with the Command leadership receiving the winning team and championship trophy at SFC Headquarters in Entebbe, Wakiso District.

SFC emerged overall champions, taking home the championship trophy and a cash prize of UGX 50 million.

While receiving the victorious team yesterday, Maj Gen. Asaph Mweteise Nyakikuru, Commander of SFC, congratulated the participants for their outstanding performance, saying the victory demonstrated the high standards expected of Special Forces personnel.

He commended the team for its professionalism, teamwork, dedication and determination, saying their performance had brought honour to the Command.

However, Maj Gen. Nyakikuru challenged the troops to translate their success in drill competitions into other areas of military capability, particularly combat readiness and marksmanship.

“This was a CDF drill competition, but it did not end there. I want us to win in combat because, after all, we are Special Forces. I also want us to win shooting competitions.”

He also commended the instructors and commanders whose efforts contributed to the team’s success and urged the personnel to sustain the momentum by beginning preparations early for future competitions.

The Deputy Commander SFC, Brig Gen. JB Asinguza, described the victory as part of the Command’s established culture of excellence and winning, noting that SFC has secured numerous trophies in previous competitions.

He attributed the achievements to sacrifice, courage, endurance, teamwork and relentless preparation, stressing that success is built through hard work and attention to detail.

Brig Gen. Asinguza further highlighted the importance of parade drill in developing alertness, coordination, confidence, leadership and unit cohesion among troops.

He urged personnel to start preparing early for upcoming competitions instead of waiting until the final stages.

The Chief of Staff-SFC, Brig Gen. John Mango Baraza, described the drill as a foundation of military bearing and said the latest victory should further reinforce high standards across the Command.

He noted that SFC has also demonstrated its competitive strength in other fields, including sports, where the Command has previously secured several trophies.

However, Brig Gen. Baraza cautioned the troops against complacency, warning that other formations would be working hard to claim the title.

“Train as hard as possible to ensure that the trophy is not taken away from us.”

Maj. Stephen Mukiibi, the team leader, praised the team for maintaining focus despite long hours, intense pressure and personal challenges during the competition.

He revealed that some team members faced difficult family circumstances, including the loss of close relatives, but remained committed to their assignment.

Maj. Mukiibi said the team approached the competition as one Special Forces Command rather than as individuals or separate units, a mindset he credited for their success.

In addition to winning the overall championship, SFC emerged victorious in the Officers’ Sword Drill, while Lt. Gordon Akandwanaho was named Best Junior Officer.

Maj. Mukiibi said the victory should inspire all SFC personnel to maintain high standards and demonstrate total commitment whenever entrusted with an assignment.

 

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By midday on Sunday, the gardens of Sheraton Kampala Hotel were already beginning to look less like a hotel garden and more like a giant Sunday living room.

People walked through the gates carrying mats, ready to claim their little patches of grass, while others arrived in groups, dressed for an afternoon of music, food, drinks and good company.

The occasion was the first anniversary of the Old School Picnic, an event that has spent the past year bringing Kampala together around the RnB, Soul and Ugandan music that shaped a generation.

But if anyone thought the afternoon would be a quiet trip down memory lane for an older crowd, the Gen Zs on the grounds quickly proved otherwise. They came in huge numbers and, more surprisingly, they knew the songs.

As the music rolled through old-school favourites, young people sang along word for word, sometimes with the kind of confidence that suggested they had grown up with the songs. The afternoon’s most striking sight was the different generations standing together, singing the same lyrics and proving that a good song does not really belong to any particular age.

For Nakazzi Gloria, a regular Old School Picnic attendee, the event has become a place to unwind, catch up with friends and create special moments.

“I love anything that has to do with old-school music. Something about songs that aren’t from this era just gets me. These events are nice because it feels like a society of free souls who have moved back in time. It is pure nostalgia,” she said.

By the time the performances got into full swing, the crowd was singing its lungs out as though tomorrow did not exist. Familiar melodies turned into massive singalongs, with people dancing on their mats, on their feet and wherever they could find enough space to move.

At the centre of it all were live performances from Myko Ouma, Jose Sax and Lillian Mbabazi, whose music provided some of the afternoon’s biggest moments.

Ouma brought his musicianship to a crowd already warmed up by the DJs, while Mbabazi delivered the kind of performance that needed little introduction. Her familiar songs became communal moments, with the audience taking over parts of the performance and singing back every word.

The DJs – DJ Ssese, and DJ Cacie – kept the musical journey moving, while Ms Deedan brought her trademark energy to the microphone, ensuring the afternoon never lost momentum.

Away from the stage, the picnic retained the relaxed social atmosphere that has become central to its identity as friends gathered on mats, conversations flowed, food and drinks were shared, and strangers quickly became part of the same crowd once the music started.

Baileys added its own layer of indulgence to the celebration, bringing the creamy Irish liqueur into an afternoon built around food, conversation and music.

For Baileys Brand Manager Nancy Nansikombi, the atmosphere captured what the brand hoped to bring to the anniversary celebration – an opportunity for people to slow down, connect and enjoy the sweeter moments together.

“The Old School Picnic is really about creating those moments where people can come together, reconnect and simply enjoy themselves. Seeing the energy, the friendships and the different generations enjoying the music together made the anniversary very special for us. Baileys was proud to be part of a celebration that was all about enjoying the moment and creating memories,” she said.

Tusker Cider, meanwhile, brought its refreshing character to the outdoor setting, complementing the picnic’s food, music and relaxed social atmosphere.

Tusker Cider Brand Manager Sandra Againe said the strong sense of community and connection stood out throughout the celebration.

“What stood out for us was the energy and how naturally people connected with the experience. From the people arriving with their mats to the singing, dancing and conversations throughout the afternoon, it really felt like a community coming together. Tusker Cider is about refreshing, social moments, and the Old School Picnic gave us the perfect space to be part of those moments,” she said.

But perhaps the biggest achievement of the first anniversary was seeing just how far the Old School Picnic has travelled in one year, however beyond that, Sunday proved that while generations may change, good music never gets old.

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For years, Grace Nakimera’s voice has lived in the memories of Ugandans who grew up singing along to her music. Now, after spending time away from the spotlight, the celebrated songbird is preparing to reclaim the stage.

Nakimera will return to live performance on Friday, September 11, at Kampala Serena Hotel for The Power of Grace Live Concert, a show that promises music, nostalgia and a cause beyond entertainment.

The concert was officially launched on Monday, August 31, with I&M Bank Uganda as the lead partner. The launch brought together some of the country’s biggest music personalities, including Cindy Sanyu, Aziz Azion, David Lutaalo and legendary dancehall artiste Kid Fox, who recently returned to Uganda after more than a decade away.

Hosted by media personality Douglas Lwanga, the launch also doubled as the exclusive premiere of Nakimera’s latest single, Everything, marking another chapter in her return to music.

But it was Nakimera’s entrance that stole the show.

Wrapped almost entirely in white fabric, with only her face visible, Nakimera slowly made her way into the room while comedian and actor Kudzu Isac, dressed in black and carrying a stick, appeared to push her forward.

The theatrical entrance was more than spectacle. It was a visual representation of Nakimera’s journey — the years in the industry, her time away from music and the struggle and determination behind her return.

After years away from the centre of Uganda’s music scene, her comeback has already stirred nostalgia among fans and fellow artistes who watched her career evolve.

For Lwanga, Nakimera’s return also speaks to the enduring strength of Uganda’s older generation of musicians.

“Whenever artistes from that generation return to the stage and still command attention, it is a testament to music that has stood the test of time,” he said.

That sentiment was echoed by the artistes who attended the launch.

Aziz Azion spoke warmly about Nakimera’s music, admitting that her work holds a special place in his heart and expressing excitement about sharing the stage with her.

David Lutaalo praised her resilience and creativity, while Kid Fox delivered a particularly personal tribute, referring to Nakimera as a sister.

Cindy Sanyu was equally enthusiastic about the comeback, describing the concert as the beginning of a new chapter for Nakimera and an opportunity for audiences to discover what she still has to offer.

For Nakimera, however, the biggest statement will come when the lights go down and the music begins.

“I am ready! Preparations are going very well. My team and I are working to give fans a show to remember. Come September 11th, I am giving you the very best of Grace,” she said.

And while nostalgia may bring fans through the doors, Nakimera wants the concert to leave an impact beyond the stage.

A portion of the proceeds will go towards her Feed the Streets Foundation, supporting communities including Katogo Kinawataka. The concert therefore seeks to combine celebration with social responsibility, using Nakimera’s return to music to give something back to communities in need.

Uganda’s fashion industry is being challenged to look beyond the runway and position itself as a stronger driver of business, employment and Generating Growth Opportunities and Productivity for Women Enterprises (GROW) Project for young people.

The call was made as the Uganda International Fashion Week (UIFW) 2026 officially opened on August 31 at the Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA) Multipurpose Hall in Lugogo, with the Fashion and Business Expo taking centre stage.

Although Expo activities began on August 30, the official opening brought together designers, creatives, businesses, development partners, buyers and other industry players to explore how Uganda’s growing creative talent can be connected to markets and transformed into sustainable careers.

This year’s international participation has added a wider dimension to the conversation, with designers from Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Malawi and India taking part in the week’s activities.

Beyond showcasing their work, the visiting designers have been engaging young Ugandan creatives through one on one mentorship sessions, panel discussions, knowledge exchange and business networking. Their participation is also exposing emerging designers and models to different approaches to design, production, branding and the wider fashion business.

UIFW 2026 is running under the theme “Fashion for Impact”, positioning fashion as more than clothing and aesthetics, but as a potential driver of economic opportunity, cultural identity, innovation and sustainability.

Opening the event, Santa Anzo, founder of UIFW and lead designer at Arapapa Fashion House, said Uganda’s biggest challenge is no longer a shortage of creative talent, but creating the right structures to turn that talent into sustainable businesses and careers.

“Uganda does not have a creativity problem; we have extraordinary talent. Our task now is to turn that talent into sustainable businesses, jobs, exports and economic opportunity,” Anzo said.

She added that UIFW was created partly to bridge the gap between creativity and commerce.

“Although the runway may capture attention, it is the business behind fashion that transforms lives,” she said.

Anzo explained that the Fashion and Business Expo gives young creatives access to potential buyers, markets, mentors and business partners, while also providing practical exposure beyond what they learn in classrooms and training institutions.

Dr Ruth Aisha Biyinzika, coordinator of the Generating Growth Opportunities and Productivity for Women Enterprises (GROW) Project, encouraged young creatives, particularly women, to remain committed to their ambitions.

She highlighted the role of the GROW Project in providing mentorship and financial support to help young creatives turn their skills into sustainable businesses and careers.

For Faizo Kiweewa, director of Bayimba Foundation, the opportunity extends beyond fashion itself.

He said the CREATE programme, which focuses on creative employment opportunities within the cultural and creative economy, aims to empower more than 9,000 young people, particularly women, over the next three years.

“We are specifically focusing on young women because we want to see women have equal opportunities to access and fully work within the cultural and creative sector,” Kiweewa said.

He added that the programme is focused on strengthening creative value chains, encouraging innovation and closing the gap between skills development and access to markets.

In keeping with the focus on inclusion, Kiweewa said persons living with disabilities and refugees have also been deliberately included in training programmes and casting sessions, creating opportunities for participation, self expression and economic independence.

The business side of fashion was further explored during a panel discussion featuring Kenyan designer Hellen Tolbert and award winning Ugandan designer Anita Beryl, moderated by Anita Fabiola. The discussion examined some of the challenges facing emerging women designers, including access to markets, financing and opportunities to scale their businesses.

Meanwhile, young models taking part in the Expo have been receiving guidance from South African fashion producer Andiswa Manxiwa, who is producing UIFW 2026, alongside deputy producer Cindy Lee.

The pair have been mentoring models on runway presentation and movement as they prepare for the main showcase, bringing international experience and standards to the training.

The week will culminate in the UIFW 2026 Grand Finale on September 5 at Kampala Serena Hotel, where Ugandan and international designers will present their collections in a celebratory fashion showcase.

With its focus on business, mentorship, inclusion and international collaboration, this year’s UIFW is seeking to make a case that Uganda’s fashion industry can be more than a showcase of creativity. It can also become a pathway to jobs, businesses and economic independence for the young people driving the sector.

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Ugandan rapper and filmmaker Ernest Nsimbi, popularly known as GNL Zamba, and his creative partner Miriam Tamar have added another milestone to their growing film journey after their musical film Infinity won Best Local Short Film at the 2026 Uganda Film Festival Awards.

The win places Infinity among this year’s standout local productions, beating a competitive field that included Mfuko The Duffle Bag by Pascal Praise Mumbere and Ian Owora, Subliminal by Sharon Atuhaire Achire, Twisted by Namulindwa Myra Sharifah and Ntale Derrick Christopher, and Last Taxi To Kawempe by Walta Gabriel Busulwa and Akello Isabella Francisa.

Produced by the international creative duo Nsimbi GNL Zamba and Miriam Tamar, Infinity takes a deliberately unconventional route, bringing together music, fashion, poetry, dance and cultural storytelling to tell a distinctly Ugandan story.

The film also doubles as a visual celebration of Uganda’s landscapes and heritage, an approach that has helped it travel beyond the local scene, with screenings in the United States before its latest recognition at home.

For GNL, however, the award represents more than a trophy. It is the beginning of what he hopes will become a much bigger chapter in Ugandan filmmaking.

“Hey Uganda, how are you doing? Thank you very much to everyone who voted, everybody who believes in Ugandan stories,” GNL said during his acceptance speech.

He went on to recognise the team behind the production, including Miriam Tamar, who designed the film’s clothes alongside Abbas, as well as the film’s director, Mr Pest.

“This is our very first step in directing Ugandan films and I believe it is a seed that will later become a forest,” he said.

The victory came with a Shs5 million, giving the project both recognition and a financial boost as the Nsimbi duo looks toward bigger ambitions in film.

Infinity marks an interesting expansion of GNL and Miriam’s creative world. Known for crossing boundaries between music, visual art, fashion and storytelling, the pair have used the film to demonstrate how Uganda’s cultural identity can be presented through a more contemporary and multidisciplinary lens.

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Who exactly qualifies as a superstar in Uganda?

The word gets attached to musicians all the time. One big song can do it. A sold-out concert can do it. Sometimes, a loyal fan base is enough. But James Propa is not handing out the title that easily.

During a chat on NBS After 5, the prominent Ugandan digital music specialist shared the Ugandan musicians he believes have genuinely earned superstar status, and his list is limited to five names.

A superstar for me is Mr. Robert Kyagulanyi Sentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine. Jose Chameleone is also a superstar. Juliana is a superstar. Bebe Cool is a superstar. The next person I consider a superstar is Eddy Kenzo. The rest are all stars.

That last sentence is where his view gets particularly interesting. Propa is not simply separating Uganda’s biggest names from everyone else. He believes the industry has stopped producing musicians who can reach the level of the country’s old-school superstars.

And in his view, Eddy Kenzo was the last one.

I believe the age of superstars in Uganda ended with Eddy Kenzo. Even if you look across the world, the age of superstars has ended. In Uganda, to me, Eddy Kenzo was our last superstar.

It is a bold assessment, especially in an industry that continues to produce artists with huge streaming numbers, packed shows and strong online followings.

Propa, however, appears to be talking about something bigger than numbers or popularity when he uses the word “superstar.”

He also believes Uganda is not alone in this. According to him, the traditional era of global music superstars has also come to an end.

That leaves the debate wide open. Is Propa right, or has the meaning of “superstar” simply changed with the times?

Who would you add to his list, and is there an artist in Uganda today who deserves to be called a superstar?

Who are Uganda’s real superstars?

James Propa names Bobi Wine, Bebe Cool, Jose Chameleone, Juliana Kanyomozi, Eddy Kenzo and the rest of the artists who have earned their star status.

But do you agree with his list? #NBSAfter5 pic.twitter.com/QRcTbXaZBW

— NBS After 5 (@NBSAfter5) September 1, 2026