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Kampala, Uganda – (31st August 2026) – Airtel Mobile Commerce Uganda Limited, trading as Airtel Money, and the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) have renewed a strategic partnership aimed at expanding access to voluntary social security savings through SmartLife, NSSF’s flexible savings solution designed for Uganda’s informal and emerging workforce.

The partnership seeks to accelerate financial inclusion and promote a culture of long-term saving by leveraging Airtel Uganda’s extensive digital ecosystem, customer reach, and Airtel Money platform to make saving easier, more accessible, and more convenient for Ugandans.

As of 28th August 2026, less than 2 years since its launch, SmartLife Flexi’s total asset size stood at UGX199.3 billion and over 130,000 enrolments. Airtel Uganda, with a customer base of over 20 million subscribers, provides a powerful platform to rapidly scale enrolment and participation through digital channels, Airtel Money, and targeted customer engagement initiatives.

Through this partnership, Ugandans will be able to conveniently enrol for SmartLife and make contributions digitally using Airtel Money, enabling them to build financial security regardless of how or when they earn their income.

Speaking about the partnership, Japhet Aritho, Managing Director, Airtel Mobile Commerce Uganda Limited, said:

“At Airtel Money, we are committed to providing solutions that improve the lives of our customers. Through this partnership with NSSF, we are making it easier for Ugandans to access long-term savings through simple and convenient digital channels. Whether you are a trader, boda rider, farmer, entrepreneur, or self-employed professional, SmartLife gives you an opportunity to save consistently and secure your future.”

He added that the partnership reflects Airtel Money’s broader commitment to advancing financial inclusion by connecting customers to essential financial services through technology they use every day.

 

Gerald Paul Kasaato, the NSSF Deputy Managing Director said:

“SmartLife was created to extend social security coverage to all Ugandans in the formal sector and the informal sector, as well as the diaspora.  

Our partnership with Airtel Money enables us to reach more people where they are, using a trusted digital platform that they interact with daily. Together, we are making it easier for Ugandans to start saving for their future, regardless of their income level,” Kasaato said.

A key feature of the initiative is its affordability and accessibility. Customers can start saving with as little as UGX 500, making SmartLife accessible to a wide range of Ugandans. In addition, every contribution attracts transaction charges as low as UGX 150, ensuring that customers can save conveniently at minimal cost.

The partnership will be supported by a comprehensive awareness campaign across Airtel and NSSF digital platforms, social media, customer engagement activations, financial literacy initiatives, and community outreach programs aimed at educating Ugandans on the importance of long-term saving.

By combining NSSF’s expertise in social security and long-term savings with Airtel Money’s extensive reach and digital capabilities, the two organizations aim to deepen financial inclusion, encourage a culture of saving, and empower more Ugandans to build a secure financial future.

ENDS

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Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defence Forces, has publicly overruled recent restrictions on bar and club operating hours imposed by Local Government Minister Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi.

In a post on his official X account late on Monday night, Muhoozi declared that the decision on when bars and clubs open and close rests solely with the proprietors.

“Opening and closing hours for bars and clubs is up to the proprietors. What we will not tolerate is any form of fighting and violence. Otherwise, Ugandans are entitled to enjoy themselves,” the CDF wrote.

The statement comes just days after Minister Balaam issued a series of directives aimed at regulating the sale of alcohol. These included a ban on early morning drinking, an order that bars should not open before 3pm on working days, and strict enforcement against serving alcohol to minors.

In some upcountry towns, security personnel and local leaders had already begun enforcing the new rules, with reports of bars being forced to remain closed until the afternoon and occasional confrontations with patrons.

Muhoozi’s intervention effectively rolls back those time restrictions, placing the focus instead on maintaining public order and preventing violence in drinking places.

Minister Balaam was quick to acknowledge the directive. Responding directly to Muhoozi’s post, he wrote: “Order taken Chairman with utmost respect.”

The exchange has been widely interpreted as Muhoozi asserting his authority over the Local Government Minister on a matter of everyday public policy. It also reflects the CDF’s preference for a more relaxed approach to nightlife, provided it does not descend into disorder.

Uganda’s vibrant bar and club scene, particularly in Kampala and other urban centres, has long operated with flexible hours. Many establishments remain open deep into the early morning hours on weekends.

Muhoozi’s message appears to give proprietors the green light to continue operating according to demand while warning that violence of any kind will not be tolerated.

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Kabojja International School came alive with celebration as students, teachers and school leaders gathered to honour para swimmer Husnah Kukundakwe following her historic achievement at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

The school held a special Husnah Recognition Day to celebrate the young Ugandan athlete after she won a silver medal in the 100m Breaststroke SB8 and set a new Ugandan national record.

For Husnah, the achievement marked another major moment in her swimming career. For Kabojja International School, it was an opportunity to celebrate one of its students who had represented Uganda on the international stage.

Students turned up to welcome and congratulate Husnah, sharing messages of appreciation and speaking about the inspiration they draw from her journey.

Her success, they said, was a reflection of determination, discipline and hard work.

During the celebration, Husnah shared her journey to the Commonwealth Games, speaking about her preparation, the challenges she faced and the experience of competing for Uganda against some of the world’s best swimmers.

Teachers and school leaders also praised her for balancing her education with the demands of international sport.

They described her achievement as an example of what students can accomplish when they are given the opportunity and support to pursue their talents beyond the classroom.

The recognition day also included a press conference, where Husnah spoke about winning the silver medal, setting a new national record and her plans for the future.

For the school community, however, the celebration was about more than the medal.

Husnah’s journey has become a source of inspiration for fellow students, showing them that talent, resilience and consistent hard work can help turn ambitious dreams into reality.

From the messages shared by students to the recognition from teachers and school leaders, the day was filled with pride for an athlete who had not only made her school proud but also added another memorable chapter to Uganda’s sporting history.

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MUKONO — Mukono District leaders have called for greater transparency in land acquisition and compensation for communities affected by the 92.4-kilometre Kampala–Jinja Expressway project.

The demand was made on Monday during a meeting between the Parliamentary Committee on National Economy and Mukono District leaders, where the Ministry of Works and Transport technical team briefed local officials on the project’s Resettlement Action Plan (RAP).

The project comprises the 72.4-kilometre Kampala–Jinja Expressway mainline and the 20-kilometre Kampala Southern Bypass.

Mukono District LCV Chairperson, Hon. Francis Lukooya Mukoome, raised concern over what he described as the marginalisation of local communities and local government structures in the project’s implementation framework.

He urged project authorities to strengthen community engagement and consultation to prevent land disputes and other conflicts that could undermine the project.

“Communities directly affected by development projects must be fully engaged,” Lukooya said.

He cited the Ntenjeru–Bule–Mpata road project as an example of how meaningful consultation can build public support, noting that residents voluntarily offered land after being properly engaged.

Lukooya said that although the expressway is a national infrastructure project, Mukono is among its principal beneficiaries and should therefore be given a meaningful role in monitoring its implementation.

“While this is a national venture, Mukono remains a principal beneficiary and will actively demand accountability,” he said.

Mukono Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Hajjati Fatuma Ndisaba, also called for full disclosure of the project’s compensation register.

She requested an itemised report showing the names and status of beneficiaries who have already received compensation, those still awaiting payment, and the official reasons for any delays.

Ndisaba further raised concerns over utility companies allegedly damaging newly constructed municipal roads while carrying out excavation works.

To improve coordination and minimise operational conflicts, she proposed the establishment of a Joint Technical and Political Coordination Committee comprising the District Chairperson, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), district engineers, environmental officers, utility companies and representatives of affected communities.

Responding to the concerns, National Economy Committee Chairperson Hon. Avuru Jane Pacuto assured district leaders that Parliament considers land acquisition and compensation issues arising from major infrastructure projects a matter of urgency because of their potential impact on national economic performance.

Pacuto pledged to escalate concerns regarding decentralisation and community oversight to the Parliamentary Committee on Public Service and Local Government for further consideration and possible legislative intervention.

The meeting ended with a call for stronger collaboration among Parliament, central government ministries, local governments, project implementers and affected communities.

The stakeholders agreed that effective coordination and transparent compensation processes would be critical to ensuring that the Kampala–Jinja Expressway promotes regional connectivity and economic integration without disenfranchising communities hosting the project.

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KAMPALA — Speke Resort Convention Centre in Munyonyo has solidified its dominant position in the regional hospitality sector after being named Uganda’s Leading Conference Hotel 2026 at the prestigious World Travel Awards.

The landmark achievement was announced alongside a sweeping promotional image showcasing the venue’s massive, modern state-of-the-art conference hall, underlining the facility’s scale and capability to handle world-class gatherings.

Picturesquely situated on the scenic shores of Lake Victoria, Speke Resort Munyonyo remains the crown jewel of Uganda’s business and luxury tourism sector. The vast property boasts 476 guest rooms alongside 41 versatile meeting venues, positioning it as a key driver of the country’s Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) industry. Over the years, the venue has cemented its reputation as Uganda’s primary stage for global diplomacy and corporate conventions. It regularly hosts high-profile gatherings, including diplomatic delegations, regional Heads of State summits, and major international milestones such as the 19th Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit.

This latest accolade further confirms Speke Resort’s standing as an powerhouse in East Africa’s MICE tourism landscape. The award comes on the heels of another major global triumph earlier this year, when the property was crowned the world’s Best Luxury Convention Resort at the 2026 Luxe Global Awards.

Tourism analysts and hospitality stakeholders note that the World Travel Awards recognition reinforces Uganda’s growing competitiveness in attracting high-value international business travel. With continued infrastructure investment and international strategic partnerships, Speke Resort Convention Centre continues to elevate Uganda’s profile as a premier destination for global summits and luxury hospitality.

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Uganda’s next major music export could come from outside Kampala.

For Ecee, that journey starts in Northern Uganda.

Born in Kitgum and shaped by experiences in Soroti, Gulu and Kampala, Ecee is a Ugandan rapper, singer, songwriter, and producer building a sound that blends hip-hop and Afrobeats with influences from his Northern Ugandan roots.

His music draws from artists such as Travis Scott, Nasty C, Lil Wayne, and Blxckie. He combines dark, atmospheric production with melodic sounds and sharp lyricism, while moving between English and his local language.

That mix gives Ecee room to explore international sounds without losing his connection to home.

Building a Name Through Music

Ecee began his professional music journey in 2018 with his debut single, “My Name.”

Since then, he has steadily expanded his catalogue while building recognition within Northern Uganda’s hip-hop scene.

In 2024, he won Northern Rapper of the Year and Collaboration of the Year at the Hip Hop Music Awards, giving his growing career another major boost.

His catalogue now includes projects such as “Reborn” and “Concysson,” alongside songs including “Blessings,” “Broke Boyz,” “My Name,” “More,” “Game Over” and “UG Funk.”

He has also worked with other artists on songs such as “Genesis,” “Lean,” “Yeah Yeah” and “Iloko Kato.”

“Concysson” Is Personal

Among his projects, “Concysson” carries a particularly personal meaning.

Ecee named the EP after his mother, using the project to explore gratitude, ambition and different sides of his musical identity.

The project moves between melodic trap and Afro-fusion, reflecting an artist who does not want to limit himself to one sound.

At the heart of it, however, sits a bigger ambition: Ecee wants to become one of the biggest artists to emerge from Northern Uganda and take his music beyond Uganda.

Taking Northern Uganda to the World

For years, Kampala has dominated Uganda’s mainstream music industry, giving artists based in the capital greater access to major media platforms, venues and industry networks.

Ecee’s story offers a different path.

His journey has taken him from Kitgum and other parts of Northern Uganda to Kampala, but he has kept those roots at the centre of his identity.

That connection could become one of his biggest advantages as he looks beyond Uganda.

Ecee’s audience remains at an emerging stage, but his digital footprint is growing. His EPK lists more than 18,000 Instagram followers, alongside audiences across YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, X and Snapchat.

His music has also reached listeners outside Uganda, including audiences in Kenya, the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, Canada and South Africa.

Cities such as Kampala, Nairobi, Pretoria, Lagos and London also appear among his audience locations.

A Bigger Ambition

Ecee is still building his career, but the foundation is already there.

He has a growing catalogue, industry recognition and a sound shaped by both global influences and Northern Ugandan roots.

More importantly, he has a clear goal.

Ecee does not simply want to become another Ugandan rapper.

He wants to show that Northern Uganda can produce artists capable of reaching audiences around the world.

And for an artist who started that journey in Kitgum, the next destination could be much bigger than Kampala.