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Kampala, Uganda – Uganda’s tourism sector has registered a major milestone after renowned tourism entrepreneur Amos Masaba Wekesa, founder and CEO of Great Lakes Safaris and The Great Lakes Collection, won the prestigious African Cultural & Eco-Tourism Award at the 2026 African Heritage Awards held in Ghana.

The continental award recognises outstanding leadership in sustainable tourism and cultural preservation. Wekesa was nominated by former Speaker of Parliament, Rebecca Kadaga, who has previously described him as a “self-appointed but highly effective advocate” for Brand Uganda.

Reacting to the recognition via X (formerly Twitter), Wekesa expressed gratitude, noting that the nomination itself carried deep personal meaning.

“Yes, I have received many awards in my almost 53 years, but knowing that someone can wake up and nominate you is special. It is a blessing,” he wrote.

Wekesa also reflected on his journey from humble beginnings—growing up in poverty in Eastern Uganda, being raised in a children’s home, and starting out as a cleaner after struggling academically—to becoming one of Uganda’s most influential figures in tourism.

“You wake up every day and work like you have achieved nothing. Some days you succeed, others you hardly make it. But you keep going and trust God to guide you,” he added.

His story has since inspired many, attracting widespread praise across social media and within business and tourism circles.

Over the past two decades, Wekesa has built a formidable tourism enterprise, establishing Great Lakes Safaris into one of Uganda’s leading tour companies. Through the Great Lakes Collection, he has developed eco-lodges such as Primate Lodge, Simba Safari Camp, and Pabidi Lodge—strategically located near key conservation areas including Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Industry experts credit his work for significantly contributing to Uganda’s positioning as a top destination for eco-tourism and cultural travel. His model emphasises conservation, community involvement, and sustainable development.

The recognition has been widely welcomed as a win not only for Wekesa but also for Uganda’s private sector players who continue to drive tourism growth despite persistent challenges.

As Uganda’s tourism industry continues its recovery and expansion, Wekesa’s achievement stands out as a powerful testament to resilience, innovation, and the potential of home-grown enterprise.

Watchdog Uganda will continue to spotlight stories that elevate Uganda’s global profile and celebrate individuals shaping the country’s development trajectory.

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Kampala – Uganda’s Jessica Hope Ssengooba has been re-elected Assistant Secretary General of the Pan-African Postal Union (PAPU) during the 11th Ordinary Session of the PAPU Plenipotentiary Conference currently underway in Kampala.

According to information shared Ssengooba secured 63.6 percent of the vote, earning another four-year term in the continental role. The announcement was made on Friday as delegates from across Africa convened for the high-level meeting hosted by Uganda.

In a related development, Uganda has assumed the chairmanship of the PAPU Plenipotentiary Conference for the 2026–2030 period, further strengthening the country’s position in shaping Africa’s postal and logistics agenda.

Ssengooba’s re-election has attracted widespread praise online, with government agencies and diplomatic missions, including the Uganda Consulate in Arusha, commending her leadership and impact on the sector.

She has been credited for championing digital transformation in postal services, promoting e-commerce logistics, enhancing cross-border trade, and improving operational efficiency across PAPU’s 42 member states. Social media has been awash with congratulatory messages under hashtags such as #PAPU2026Kampala, #PAPUPlenipot26, and #GoldenPosts.

First elected in 2021 at the PAPU conference in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, Ssengooba previously served in corporate and international relations roles at Uganda Post Limited.

Established in 1980, PAPU is mandated to coordinate postal policies and foster cooperation among African countries, with a focus on improving service delivery and integration into global postal systems.

By press time, official details regarding the full vote breakdown and other candidates had not yet been released.

The conference continues in Kampala, with key discussions centred on modernising Africa’s postal infrastructure to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving digital economy.

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If agriculture is the backbone of Uganda’s economy, then water is the lifeblood—and President Museveni is making sure that lifeblood flows freely, far and wide. In a bold move that’s set to turn Uganda’s fields from parched to prosperous, the President has pledged massive investment in water for production and irrigation, calling time on the country’s over-reliance on rain-fed farming.

For decades, Ugandan farmers have played roulette with the skies—planting in hope, praying for rain, and watching their dreams dry up when the clouds refused to cooperate. But now, the tide is turning. The National Resistance Movement (NRM) is digging deep—literally and figuratively—to ensure that every farmer, from the hills of Kween to the plains of Karamoja, has access to reliable water sources.

Already, seven large-scale irrigation schemes are up and running like well-oiled machines: Ngenge in Kween, Rwengaaju in Kabarole, Tochi in Oyam, Mubuku II in Kasese, Olweny in Lira, Doho II in Butaleja, and Wadelai in Pakwach. These aren’t just pipes and pumps—they’re lifelines for thousands of farmers who’ve long been at the mercy of the weather.

And the work is far from done. Three more mega-schemes are under construction: Acomai in Bukedea, Atari straddling Kween and Bulambuli, and the expansive Namatala project covering Budaka, Mbale, and Butaleja. These are not just drops in the bucket—they’re strategic strikes against poverty, hunger, and agricultural stagnation.

But the NRM isn’t just thinking big—it’s thinking smart. Solar-powered irrigation systems are lighting up the countryside, empowering smallholder farmers with clean, sustainable water solutions. Over 4,300 micro-scale irrigation facilities and 5,251 small and medium-scale schemes have been rolled out across 135 districts. That’s not just progress—it’s a revolution in boots and gumboots.

From East to West, North to Central, the irrigation map reads like a national heartbeat. In Eastern Uganda, Amagoro and Angololo in Tororo, Sipi in Bulambuli, and Cheptui in Kapchorwa are turning dry patches into green gold. In Karamoja, Namalu in Nakapiripirit and Hopei in Napak are bringing hope to a region long battered by drought. Northern Uganda is pulsing with new projects: Unyama in Gulu and Amuru, Imvempi in Arua, Purongo in Nwoya, and Palyec in Amuru—all poised to turn dust into harvest.

Western Uganda isn’t left behind either. Kabuyanda dam and irrigation network, Matanda in Kanungu, and Enengo in Rukungiri and Kanungu are laying the groundwork for bumper yields. In Central Uganda, Kawumu in Luweero is rising like a phoenix, promising water security and agricultural revival.

But Museveni’s vision doesn’t stop at crops—it stretches to cattle corridors and conservation zones. Valley dams and tanks have been built in every nook and cranny where livestock roam and wildlife wander. From Kyenshama Dam in Mbarara to Karengese in Nakapiripirit, from Kalopedomuge in Kotido to Katotin in Amudat, the NRM is plugging every leak in Uganda’s water access story.

The list reads like a roll call of transformation: Isingiro, Nakaseke, Gomba, Bukomansimbi, Kiruhura, Kazo, Ntungamo, Rakai, Mubende, Nakasongola, Ibanda, Kyankwanzi, Luweero, Nabilatuk, Kaabong, Karenga, Soroti, Butebo, Kapelebyong, Kumi, Lyantonde, Bugiri, Omoro, Arua, Dokolo, Agago, Kayunga, Mbale, Tororo, Kiryandongo, Nwoya, Kibaale, Sembabule, Kiboga, Katakwi, Kalaki, Masindi, Abim, Kibuku—and even the Kidepo Conservation Area in Karenga District, where wildlife now sip from man-made oases.

This is not just infrastructure—it’s insurance against famine, a firewall against climate change, and a springboard for Uganda’s agricultural renaissance. Museveni’s irrigation pledge is a masterstroke, a rainmaker’s promise in a land that’s ready to bloom.

So whether you’re a farmer with a hoe, a herder with a herd, or a youth with a dream, the message is clear: water is coming, and with it, prosperity. The days of waiting on the rain are numbered. Uganda is irrigating its way to abundance—and there’s no turning back.

The Writer is The Deputy Resident City Commissioner for Masaka City

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Ruggedman has taken a strong swipe at Afrobeats, saying it is not a real genre but a name many Nigerian artistes hide behind.

The veteran Nigerian rapper said he has always opposed the label, arguing that it wrongly groups all African music under one category.

He added that when he first spoke out, people accused him of jealousy.

According to him, the term gained popularity in the UK, where audiences began tagging all African sounds as Afrobeats, a move Nigerians later embraced.

Ruggedman said the label now allows artistes to rely on production rather than real talent.

For me, Afrobeats with an ‘S’ is a name talentless Nigerians hide behind. All you need to make an Afrobeats hit is just to get a good beat and a street slang and repeat it as many times as you like. Then spend a lot of money to promote it. That is the Afrobeats with an ‘S.’

He also claimed that only a few artistes can sing without autotune, which is why many avoid freestyling and live band performances.

Ugandan musician Alien Skin and members of his Fangone Forest crew were on Friday briefly detained by military police in Wankulukuku before being released hours later.

The group was reportedly intercepted near Wankulukuku Stadium hours after a performance at Kitebi Secondary School and later held at Nateete Police Station.

DEVELOPING STORY: Musician Allien Skin and his Fangone Forest boys arrested by the Army in Wankulukuku

Details to follow….#ZzinaLifeStyle pic.twitter.com/sxFMyENDJV

— 100.2 Galaxy FM Zzina! (@GalaxyFMUg) March 27, 2026

Authorities had not issued an official statement by press time regarding the circumstances surrounding the arrest.

However, the detention comes amid circulating claims linking the incident to a recent video in which members of the group were allegedly seen forcing soldiers to salute, as well as the crew’s history of controversy.

The detention adds to a growing list of run-ins between the singer’s camp and law enforcement, including past arrests and controversies that have kept the group in the public spotlight.

However, the situation was short-lived. The musician and his crew were released just hours later following reported intervention by Commissioner Hellen Seku.

Alien Skin is FREE. Commissioner Hellen Seku has aided Alien Skin and other members of Fangone Forest and got released from police in Wankulukuku where they were earlier detained. pic.twitter.com/WvleMSNkYU

— BigEyeUG (@BigEyeUG) March 27, 2026

Alien Skin and his crew were subsequently freed from custody in Wankulukuku.

The incident has sparked mixed reactions online, with some questioning the involvement of the military in the arrest, while others speculated about possible underlying motives.

Jovan Luzinda has called on the government to step up and support musicians, saying the effort does not match what the industry contributes.

The recording artiste pointed out that while the government collects taxes from the arts sector, it still leaves many of the challenges musicians face unresolved.

He also urged fans to play their part by supporting Ugandan music, noting that local artistes need stronger backing as the industry continues to grow.

According to Luzinda, that kind of support can help Ugandan music compete on a bigger stage.

Beyond the industry, he shared a personal habit, saying he always shares his will with close friends so they can carry out his wishes if anything happens to him.

Nalongo Kitone has urged married women to stand together, saying they understand each other better than anyone else.

The media personality called for unity, noting that marriage comes with challenges that only those in it can fully relate to.

She added that people who are not married may not always grasp these realities, which can sometimes lead to misunderstandings.

Nalongo Kitone also spoke about the copyright law Parliament recently passed, saying she has no issue with it.

Although she does not fully understand all its details, she remains optimistic about what it could mean for her work.

Kitone believes the law could help her earn from the content she has created over time.

Following its launch in November last year, Housing Finance Bank hosted a two-day empowerment Zimba Challenge bootcamp at Forest Park Buloba for the 12 finalists of the competition , spanning four categories: Designers, Developers, Dealers, and Departments.

The bootcamp aimed to refine participants’ ideas into practical, scalable solutions to transform Uganda’s housing sector, addressing the national deficit of approximately 2.4 million units and the fact that only 10% of households live in formal homes.

Elon Kabakama Kabarungi, Corporate Communications Manager at HFB, emphasized the bank’s role in promoting sustainable homeownership:

“At Housing Finance Bank, our focus is to make homeownership a reality for Ugandans. Access to affordable, sustainable housing goes beyond financing; it requires innovation, collaboration, and practical solutions. That is why we introduced the Zimba Challenge; to bring together creative minds and innovators to reimagine housing in Uganda.”

The bootcamp combined technical guidance and business coaching. Denis Lindo, Business Development Coach, guided participants on creating actionable business plans, highlighting the importance of combining technical expertise with collaboration to deliver viable homes. On financial sustainability, Martin Muhwezi, CEO of Investor’s Club Uganda, explained how savings, investments, and insurance form the foundation for secure housing development.

Uganda Clays Ltd, a sponsor of the challenge, engaged participants on environmentally responsible construction methods. Jones Muhumuza, Managing Director, commended Housing Finance Bank for launching the Zimba Challenge, noting that it serves as a practical entry point for low-income earners into the housing market. He emphasized the importance of supporting underserved communities and encouraged participants to explore innovative construction approaches that are both affordable and sustainable. Citing organized estates in South Africa as a model, he highlighted how structured housing initiatives can create value for homeowners, local businesses, and the wider economy.

A panel discussion featured Hellen Kanobere Musubika, Manager Home Loans at HFB; Arch. James Byansi, Chairman of the Research Committee at the Uganda Society of Architects; and Simon Peter Tumwebaze, Head of Sales and Marketing at Uganda Clays Ltd. Hellen highlighted the bank’s strategic approach to housing:

“With products like Zimba Mpola Mpola and our tailored home loan solutions, we are enabling incremental home building that fits people’s financial realities. This approach not only helps Ugandans gradually own homes but also drives growth in the housing sector by formalizing construction, increasing demand for materials, and creating sustainable business opportunities across the value chain.”

Participants pitched their projects to judges, evaluated on creativity, feasibility, sustainability, and impact. The top four finalists will advance to the grand finale, with the overall winner receiving up to UGX 100 million in seed capital, mentorship, and the opportunity to scale their solution nationwide. The HFB Zimba Challenge underscores Housing Finance Bank’s commitment to bridging Uganda’s housing gap through initiatives that are accessible, environmentally responsible, and community-centered critical in a country where over 70% of citizens live in rural areas – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eT1X9bTTH6A&t=14s

BUKEDEA, UGANDA – Thousands of residents from Bukedea and the wider Teso sub-region thronged Bukedea Hospital on Friday as the Ruparelia Foundation officially launched its inaugural free eye camp, an outreach aimed at restoring sight and hope to up to 5,000 Ugandans.

The initiative, held in memory of the late Rajiv Ruparelia, attracted massive crowds as beneficiaries lined up as early as morning hours to receive free eye screening, treatment, and surgical services.

Trustees of the Ruparelia Foundation, led by Sudhir Ruparelia and Jyotsna Ruparelia, arrived at the venue to a warm reception from local leaders, health workers, and the visibly eager community.

The outreach marks the beginning of a series of humanitarian interventions the foundation says are intended to keep alive Rajiv’s legacy of compassion and generosity.

“This is a promise we made—to continue Rajiv’s spirit of giving back to society,” a foundation representative noted, emphasizing that the eye camp reflects the values the late businessman stood for throughout his life.

According to Sheena Ruparelia, Bukedea was deliberately chosen due to Rajiv’s personal connection to Eastern Uganda.

“Rajiv spent a lot of time in Mbale and came to appreciate the needs of this region. He discovered Bukedea Teaching Hospital and expressed interest in supporting communities here,” she said.

She added that the foundation aims to honor Rajiv by restoring sight to thousands, describing the initiative as both a tribute and a continuation of his humanitarian vision.

Medical teams at the camp are offering a range of services including eye examinations, distribution of medication, and surgeries for complex conditions—all at no cost to patients.

Health officials say the overwhelming turnout underscores the urgent need for accessible and affordable eye care services in rural Uganda, where many suffer in silence due to lack of resources.

The Bukedea outreach is expected to run for several days, with beneficiaries drawn not only from the Teso sub-region but also from neighboring districts and parts of Kenya.

As the long queues continue to build, the message from the Ruparelia Foundation remains clear: beyond restoring sight, the initiative is about restoring dignity, hope, and a lasting legacy.

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