Greater Masaka is reeling after a deadly road crash that claimed 11 lives early this morning at 1:30 AM in Kalegero Corner, Lwengo District.
Among the victims is Police Officer Abaho Ernest, attached to Mukono Police, who died instantly, along with eight others. Confirmed dead are also 56-year-old and 16-year-old Komuhangi Austine from Rukungiri.
The victims were travelling in a Kasaba Bus (UAL 498H) and a Tata Box Body Vehicle (UBH 013Q) from Masaka to Mbarara. According to Twaha Kasirye, Greater Masaka Police Spokesman, the bus was traveling from Mbarara to Masaka when its rear collided with the Tata lorry before veering off the road.
Most of the deceased were sitting at the back of the bus. The injured and bodies were taken to Lyantonde Main Hospital.
Police say the bus driver is still on the run, with early reports suggesting he may have been overspeeding. Both vehicles have been taken to the nearest police station for inspection to determine the exact cause.
Kasirye confirmed that names of other deceased and injured are yet to be identified. In total, 15 people have died in road accidents in the region during Easter festivities.
Pop superstar Lady Gaga has canceled one of her tour shows after falling ill.
The singer pulled out of her April 6 show at the Bell Centre, which was scheduled to be her third performance in the city as part of her Mayhem Ball Tour.
She said she had been dealing with a respiratory infection, and her condition worsened before the show.
In a message to fans, Gaga apologised and said she did not feel well enough to deliver the performance they deserved.
She added that she had tried to recover but had to make the difficult decision to cancel.
The show came at the end of her Montreal run, after she had already performed two concerts in the city.
Fans reacted with support online, backing the singer as she focuses on recovery. The tour is expected to continue once she regains full health.
Police have completed investigations into the horrific killing of four toddlers at a daycare centre in Ggaba and forwarded the case file to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
The suspect, identified as Christopher Okello Onyum,39, is accused of carrying out the brutal knife attack at the Ggaba Early Childhood Development Programme that left the country in shock.
Police spokesman Kituuma Rusoke says detectives have finalized their work and the file has been submitted to the DPP for legal guidance before the suspect is formally charged in court.
“We have done whatever it takes and we are going to take the suspect to court. The submission of the file is being done today and we expect the outcomes of the DPP to give us final guidance.” he explained
Police insist their main focus is ensuring justice for the victims.
Meanwhile, detectives have also taken keen interest in claims circulating on social media alleging the suspect may have been involved in another killing several years ago.
Police say they came across a video posted by a woman claiming the suspect committed another murder around 2019 but allegedly escaped punishment.
“We came across a video of a lady who alleges that the suspect committed a murder prior to this. We are not sure about it yet but our CID teams are looking into the facts surrounding that allegation,” he further explained.
He notes that if the allegation reveals gaps in earlier investigations, the matter will be reopened.
“If we find that there were any loose knots, we shall tie them to ensure that this suspect does not go scot-free. We shall patch up all the gaps,” he added.
Meanwhile, relatives of the suspect have reportedly told investigators that he has been battling mental illness.
Its alleged that one of the suspect’s parents visited a police station within Kampala Metropolitan Police to follow up on the case and reportedly presented medical documents.
The relatives claim the suspect had been undergoing treatment and had previously been taken to several hospitals in Africa and abroad.
However, police say the medical claims are still being reviewed.
The suspect reportedly visited the daycare centre claiming he wanted to enrol a child before the situation turned violent, leading to the killing of four toddlers.
Police say the suspect will be taken to court once the DPP reviews the investigation file.
Makerere University has tightened enforcement of its Guild electoral regulations after reports emerged that the two leading Guild presidential contenders, Hannar Karema and Kandondi Gracious, were both expected to hold separate campaign rallies in Kikoni today.
In a notice issued by the Office of the Dean of Students dated 7th April 2026, the university warned all candidates and their supporters against organizing any physical mobilization activities, insisting that all campaigns must remain strictly online.
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The warning comes amid heightened excitement surrounding the Guild race, with supporters of both Karema and Kandondi reportedly planning to converge in Kikoni, the bustling student suburb neighboring the main campus, for what would have been major show-of-force rallies by the two front-runners.
According to the Dean of Students, Dr. Winfred Kabumbuli, the Makerere University Students’ Guild Statute, 2022 requires that all student elections be conducted virtually unless the University Council provides otherwise.
As such, physical rallies, concerts, processions, and any gatherings intended to mobilize support are prohibited both on campus and in surrounding areas.
University authorities said they had received credible reports that the planned Kikoni rallies could trigger confrontation between rival camps, raising fears of violence and threatening the safety of students and residents.
The administration has now directed University Security and the Electoral Commission to closely monitor compliance and prevent any unauthorized gatherings.
Any student, candidate, or supporter found violating the directive faces disciplinary action under university regulations, the notice warned.
The decision is likely to significantly affect today’s campaign momentum, especially for Karema and Kandondi, whose parallel rallies were expected to dominate the political conversation among students.
The latest development underscores the university’s determination to maintain calm and preserve the integrity of the Guild electoral process as the contest between the two leading candidates intensifies.
“Let us all work together to safeguard one another and uphold the integrity of the electoral process,” the Dean’s office stated.
Last Saturday, self-made entertainer Etania defied all odds during her maiden headliner show at Hockey Grounds to reaffirm her as the unmatched “Life of the Party”.
The experience began with a deep dive into Etania’s roots through a curated visual journey of her evolution. From her hosting era at Muchachos, Sunday Fundays, the viral Covid dance party era, to her brand endorsements with Smirnoff, the experience showcased key defining moments that transformed Etania from a simple Masaka girl to the life of the party we know today.
“What we have witnessed today is a cultural shift in the entertainment sector. As a self-made icon in the entertainment industry, Etania embodies We Do We to the core. The artistry showcased at the show is the magic Smirnoff celebrates: where different people come together to create something powerful like Becoming the Life of the Party”, said Raymond Karama, Smirnoff Brand Manager”.
The main grounds were equally transformed into a vibrant sanctuary of music, fashion statements, and bold expression highlighted with a tattoo station tucked away at the colorful Smirnoff zone and a skin care station, that immersed all party people into Etania’s life.
As the clock struck 10:00 PM, the semi-circular stage went dark. A sudden explosion of fireworks illuminated the Kampala sky. Amidst a guard of honor formed by her dancers, Etania made a grand entrance onto the main stage to a deafening roar.
Her set was a masterclass in versatility, blending mashups of popular amapiano hits, deep house and gqom paired with high-energy choreography from a group of 34 energetic dancers.
In what many would call a wardrobe malfunction, Etania sent the crowd into a frenzy when she removed her wig mid-performance and kept the party going all while rocking cornrows, Go queen!
The night reached a new peak when Etania invited Big Tril to the stage, followed by Joshua Baraka. In a touching moment, Baraka acknowledged the crowd for “loving his girl” and showing up in such massive numbers.
Etania closed the night back on the decks, offering a heartfelt thank you to the fans and partners who turned her vision into a neon-lit reality. The girl who once stood in the crowd successfully invited the entire party scene to join her on stage. It was a memorable night not only for the star but for the thousands who showed up and here’s a look at how it went down:
After years of speculation regarding the relationship between artist Mudra Da Viral and TikToker cum singer Winnie Wa Mummy, Mudra has come out to draw a clear line: what exists between him and Winnie Wa Mummy is purely music, nothing more.
“It can’t be; it has never been. Nothing has happened between the two of us,” Mudra said, shutting down long-circulating speculation about a possible romantic link between the two creatives.
Yet behind the denial lies a story not of love, but of admiration, one artist recognizing the spark in another.
Mudra reveals that his interest in working with Winnie Wa Mummy was ignited by what he saw on stage. Back then, she wasn’t just another upcoming act; she was a performer. The kind that commands attention, owns the moment, and leaves a lasting impression.
“I saw her perform… and indeed she was a performer,” he explained.
To put that into perspective, Mudra draws a comparison with one of Uganda’s most electrifying stage queens, Sheebah Karungi. Known for her high-energy shows and commanding presence, Sheebah represents a gold standard in performance, and it is that same fire Mudra says he recognized in Winnie.
That admiration didn’t end in words, as Mudra has been some of Winnie Wa Mummy’s recent releases, like Nze Musawo and It’s Me. Their partnership, built on mutual respect and artistic synergy, has proven that sometimes the strongest bonds in the industry are not romantic, but creative.
Behind many lives that move forward, there is often a woman whose role was decisive long before anyone noticed it. She may be a mother, a sister, a wife, a teacher, or simply the one person who stayed, supported, believed, and carried others through difficult times.
That idea stood at the heart of Woman Hero, a special project launched by 1xBet around Women’s Day to give recognition to the women whose actions, sacrifices, and support changed the lives of others in real and lasting ways.
The project invited participants to share personal stories on 1xBet’s social media about the women they see as their heroes. As part of the project, selected stories received cash prizes, and pleasant gifts turning recognition into something practical and meaningful. 1xBet initiative gave that recognition both visibility and practical weight. It also showed that the stories people carry most deeply are often not about fame or public success, but about sacrifice, care, resilience, and loyalty.
“At 1xBet, we believe recognition should reflect real human impact, and in Woman Hero we saw how often that impact begins with women who carried others through struggle, loss, uncertainty, and growth,” a 1xBet representative said.
Stories that left a mark
Among the winning stories were accounts of women whose influence changed the course of a life.
One story was dedicated to Justine, a woman the author met after losing his job and facing eviction. What began as a chance encounter during a heavy rain became a turning point in his life. She helped him return to faith, brought stability into his daily life, supported him financially when he had nothing, and encouraged him to save, invest, and think about the future. She later helped him launch an agricultural greenhouse project. After her death in 2024, he described her as the star who lit up his life and left too soon.
Another winning story honoured a mother named Ma’a Pauline, whose life was marked by poverty, labour, and sacrifice. Selling vegetables in Mokolo under the sun and rain, she fought every day to keep her family alive. The defining moment came when her younger son fell seriously ill and she tried desperately to sell everything she had to pay for treatment. She was too late, and the child died. But instead of giving up, she went back to work the very next day, determined that her surviving son would continue his education. For the author, his success was built not on his own efforts alone, but on his mother’s endurance, pain, and refusal to surrender.
Another story was dedicated to a wife who remained by her husband’s side through years of instability and hardship. When he could no longer afford his studies, she and her mother found the money to help him continue. Later, during periods of unemployment and even nearly four months of pre-trial detention, she kept supporting him, visiting him with their baby in her arms and bringing food every two days. Even after he lost his job again, she stayed with him and continued to share the burden of life. In his words, she became his fight, his history, and his strength.
Wide reach across the continent
The project received visible support from several 1xBet ambassadors, who helped bring Woman Hero into the public space through exclusive interviews about the women who had shaped their own lives. In doing so, they became the first voices in the campaign and passed that reflection on to the wider public, inviting audiences to continue the conversation with stories of their own. In Cameroon, Woman Hero became a central part of the official press conference with Magasco, who appeared alongside his mother, giving the project a particularly personal dimension.
In Congo-Brazzaville, Tidiane Mario also reflected on women’s influence and recognition, while in The Gambia and Zambia, Jizzle and Magnate helped carry the message further through their own participation. Together, these moments gave the campaign a stronger human presence across markets and helped connect personal testimony with public engagement.
The project reached audiences across Africa, giving it a truly regional scale. Woman Hero was held in countries including Cameroon, Congo-Brazzaville, Zambia, The Gambia, Nigeria, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Niger, Sierra Leone, Burkina Faso, Uganda, Senegal, Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Benin, and Burundi. Across these countries, the initiative created space for people to speak publicly about the women who had shaped their lives in the most personal and meaningful ways.
For 1xBet, supporting women through initiatives like Woman Hero means recognising a form of influence that is often deeply felt but not always publicly named. By giving space to these stories on social media, the project reflected a broad belief that real impact deserves visibility and that gratitude becomes stronger when it is expressed openly.
Across Africa, Woman Hero became a reminder that behind many journeys, achievements, and second chances stands a woman whose support changed everything.
Lydia Jazmine has opened up about the growing cases of sexual harassment faced by female artists while performing on stage.
Her remarks follow a recent incident involving Tracy Melon, who was forced to cut short her performance in Mbarara after experiencing harassment from members of the crowd.
In a TV interview with Galaxy TV’s Rewind, Jazmine revealed that such incidents are not isolated, noting that many female artists go through similar experiences but choose to remain silent.
She explained that while artists often perform for genuine fans who support and admire them, there is also a group of individuals who attend shows with inappropriate intentions.
Reflecting on her own experience in Gulu, Jazmine recounted how a fan once violated her while she was on stage, despite the event being a high-paying gig. She credited her security team for quickly intervening and removing the individual.
“My bouncer lifted him off the stage immediately,” she said.
Despite such incidents, Jazmine emphasized that she chooses not to let one individual disrupt her entire performance.
“That one person cannot disrupt my show and prevent my real fans from enjoying my performance,” she said. “Those who paid and waited deserve the show. the troublemakers should be thrown out and we continue.”
She also cautioned artists against abruptly ending performances, noting that it could upset fans and potentially lead to chaos or property damage.
Jazmine concluded by urging event promoters and organizers to prioritize the safety of performers by deploying adequate security, especially around the stage.
Enock Mugabi aka iWitness is a Journalist, Seasoned Writer and Music Analyst with a passion for sports. Connect with him on social media using the links below in bio.
For years, the internet has treated it like a clever illusion. Just another AI-generated moment too surreal to be real. A photo showing Ugandan music legend Mesach Semakula alongside global R&B icon Usher has circulated widely, sparking equal parts admiration and doubt.
But according to Semakula, there is nothing artificial about that moment.
Speaking in an interview on Cruz Exclusive, the singer finally addressed the speculation, setting the record straight with a calm certainty.
“It wasn’t accidental, not at all,” he explained. “We didn’t just bump into each other. If you look closely, I had a tag around my neck. It was a programmed event.” Mesach said.
Semakula’s account reframes what many dismissed as coincidence or fabrication into a story of deliberate presence. The meeting, he says, happened in Atlanta, where he had been officially invited to attend a high-profile dinner hosted for Usher’s perfume launch.
Far from being a random attendee, Semakula found himself seated among an elite circle of mayors, senators, and influential figures, an environment that underscored the scale and exclusivity of the event.
Interestingly, he wasn’t the only Ugandan expected at the gathering. Songstress Juliana Kanyomozi had also been invited but did not make it.
What elevates the encounter beyond a simple meet-and-greet is what happened next.
While performing at the event, Semakula recalls that Usher took notice of him almost immediately.
“After the first song, he recognised my presence,” he said, hinting at a moment of mutual artistic acknowledgment, one performer spotting another in a room full of dignitaries.
The performance itself carried weight. It was tied to a project that featured Joey Starkey, a respected blind musician and producer, adding another layer of depth and credibility to the occasion.
