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Uganda has secured a place among the beneficiaries of the 2026 Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) Entrepreneurship Programme, with 12 entrepreneurs named in the first group of winners.

The announcement was made at an event in Abuja, Nigeria, where 1,951 entrepreneurs were unveiled as part of a larger group of 3,200 Africans set to receive support this year. The beneficiaries were selected from more than 260,000 applications submitted across 54 countries, highlighting the programme’s competitiveness.

TEF says the 2026 beneficiaries will be released in phases to ensure wider reach and impact across sectors. The first group includes 1,951 entrepreneurs, while upcoming batches will feature 100 participants under the Waste Management Programme, 100 under Rwanda’s Aguka Programme, and 1,049 women entrepreneurs under the Women for Africa initiative. More Ugandans are expected to appear in the later groups.

Each successful applicant will receive a USD 5,000 (about Shs19 million) non-refundable seed grant, along with business training, mentorship, and access to a continent-wide network aimed at helping businesses grow and create jobs.

Although Uganda’s presence in the programme reflects ongoing participation in Africa’s entrepreneurship space, it also points to the need for stronger competition in future application rounds.

Women make up 51 per cent of this year’s selected entrepreneurs, slightly higher than men at 49 per cent, underlining TEF’s focus on gender inclusion.

Speaking at the launch, TEF founder Tony Elumelu said entrepreneurship remains key to transforming Africa’s economies and tackling youth unemployment, calling for a supportive environment to help businesses thrive.

Co-founder Awele Vivian Elumelu urged applicants who were not selected to stay persistent and reapply in future cycles.

The TEF Entrepreneurship Programme is one of Africa’s leading initiatives supporting small businesses through funding, training, and mentorship. Applications for the next intake are open until the end of March 2026.

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Oscar Mutebi Steps Up Rural Masaka Outreach, Targets Schools, Health and Poverty Eradication

By Brian Mugenyi

MASAKA – A quiet but calculated mobilisation drive is taking shape in rural Masaka District, where emerging political actor Oscar Mutebi is positioning himself around service delivery, education support and grassroots economic empowerment.

Last week, students at St. Mugaga Secondary School in Kyanamukaka Town Council were treated to an unexpected boost after Mutebi donated a flat-screen television, public address system and scholastic materials—interventions aimed at improving access to information and enhancing co-curricular engagement.

Mutebi, who serves as a personal assistant to former Vice President Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi, said the initiative is part of a broader commitment to support education and community welfare in rural Masaka.

“Leadership is about service. Our focus is to ensure communities, especially young people, access opportunities that can transform their lives,” he noted.

Early Signals of Political Ambition

While Mutebi has not formally declared his intentions, local leaders are already tipping him as a potential contender for the Bukoto Central parliamentary seat in 2031. His growing visibility—anchored on community outreach and material support—has begun to attract backing from sections of local leadership.

Among those rallying behind him are Kyanamukaka Town Council Mayor Zaina Nakidde, education stakeholders, and community mobilisers who cite his “hands-on” approach and accessibility.

Observers say this early groundwork mirrors a familiar political script in Uganda—where community-based interventions often precede formal bids for office.

Reviving Greater Masaka Development Agenda

At the centre of Mutebi’s engagements is the revival of the Greater Masaka Development Initiative, a regional concept championed by Ssekandi and supported by figures such as Salim Saleh.

The initiative seeks to replicate development models seen in regions like Busoga, with a strong emphasis on vocational training, agro-processing and industrialisation.

Ssekandi has been particularly vocal about the need for a fully-fledged vocational institute in rural Masaka, arguing that the absence of such a facility continues to lock thousands of youth out of practical skills training.

“We need to equip our young people with hands-on skills. A vocational institute here would transform livelihoods and boost productivity,” Ssekandi said during a recent engagement.

The Bigger Picture: Jobs and Skills Gap

The push for a vocational institute comes against the backdrop of stark socio-economic realities. Masaka District, with a population of nearly 300,000 according to the 2014 census, remains heavily dependent on subsistence farming, with over 65% of households relying on agriculture.

Youth unemployment remains a persistent challenge, compounded by school dropouts and limited access to skills training.

Local leaders argue that establishing a vocational hub could unlock opportunities in agro-processing, carpentry, welding and mechanics—sectors already active but largely informal.

There are also calls for investment in value addition, particularly for crops such as coffee and passion fruits, which dominate the area’s agricultural landscape.

Pressure on Government

Ssekandi has since appealed to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the Minister of Education, Janet Kataaha Museveni, to prioritise the construction of a vocational institute in the district under the ongoing development agenda.

Despite the launch of the Greater Masaka Development Initiative in 2020, rural Masaka is yet to fully benefit, even as neighbouring areas have secured industrial hubs and training centres.

Politics Meets Service Delivery

Mutebi’s approach—blending philanthropy, mobilisation and alignment with national programmes—reflects a broader trend where aspiring leaders anchor their credibility on visible community impact.

From donating school equipment to championing skills development, the strategy appears designed to resonate with a largely youthful population eager for economic opportunity.

Whether this momentum translates into political capital remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: in rural Masaka, the race to win hearts—and shape the future—has already begun.

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What Awaits Masaka City Leaders in Museveni’s Seventh Term?
By Brian MugenyI

Masaka City’s newly elected leaders are stepping into office at a defining moment, with expectations high and challenges deeply entrenched. As Uganda transitions into President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s seventh term, the spotlight now shifts to whether local leadership can translate political victory into tangible service delivery.

Masaka, elevated to city status in 2023, remains one of Uganda’s fastest-growing urban centres, with a population approaching one million people. The recent January 15, 2026 general elections, overseen by the Electoral Commission led by Simon Mugenyi Byabakama, ushered in a new crop of leaders—many aligned to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), alongside a notable opposition presence.

Among the standout outcomes was the re-election of Masaka City Mayor Florence Namayanja, who retained her seat, as well as victories for several NRM councillors and leaders, including Woman MP Justine Nameere, whose win followed a court-endorsed recount.

The Real Test: Service Delivery

While political alignments are now settled, the real work begins. Leaders must confront persistent urban challenges that continue to frustrate residents and stall economic growth.

Top on the list is unreliable electricity. Businesses—particularly salons, bars, and small-scale enterprises—have suffered losses due to frequent power outages, a situation many attribute to inefficiencies following the transition in power distribution management. For a city heavily dependent on SMEs, this remains a critical bottleneck.

Water scarcity is another pressing concern, especially in divisions such as Nyendo-Mukungwe and Kimanya-Kabonera. Environmental experts continue to warn that degradation of wetlands and poor conservation practices are worsening the crisis.

Infrastructure gaps—particularly poor road networks—have also persisted, affecting mobility, trade, and access to essential services.

Political Dynamics and Expectations

The NRM registered a strong showing in Masaka, securing a majority of council seats. Party leaders, including Masaka City NRM Chairperson Rogers Bulegeya, have attributed this success to coordinated mobilisation and grassroots engagement.

Bulegeya has since called for unity among leaders, urging them to prioritise service delivery over political differences. He has also pushed for structured dialogue between local stakeholders, business leaders, and government to address long-standing challenges.

Meanwhile, newly elected Kimanya-Kabonera Division Mayor Moses Mulinde faces immediate pressure to deliver. His constituency grapples with high taxation concerns, land disputes, and demands for improved social services.

Government Programs: Opportunity or Test?

Central government programmes such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga are expected to play a key role in transforming household incomes. President Museveni has consistently positioned these initiatives as tools for grassroots economic empowerment.

In Masaka, sections of the population—especially youth groups engaged in piggery, poultry, and coffee farming—have already benefited from PDM funds. However, questions remain about sustainability, accountability, and long-term impact.

The challenge for local leaders will be ensuring these programmes move beyond disbursement and translate into real economic transformation.

The Road Ahead

As swearing-in ceremonies approach, Masaka’s leaders inherit both political goodwill and a heavy burden of expectation. The electorate will be watching closely—not for rhetoric, but results.

From fixing roads and stabilising electricity to tackling unemployment and improving urban planning, the next five years will define whether Masaka’s city status becomes a story of progress—or a missed opportunity.

For now, the message from residents is clear: leadership must work.

Do you have a story in your community or an opinion to share with us: Email us at Submit an Article

Ayra Starr is stepping into a new phase of her life and music, and she is letting fans in on the journey.

The 23 year old star shared that her next album reflects her growth as she embraces womanhood.

She explained that her sound is changing as she explores new ideas and pushes herself creatively.

At one point, Ayra Starr said she became too focused on perfection, which took away some of the joy that first drove her passion for music. That experience has now shaped her new direction.

She is now returning to a more relaxed and playful approach, aiming to enjoy the process again while connecting with listeners in a fresh way.

Fans have already heard a preview through her latest single, Where Do We Go, as she builds up to the full album release later this year.

Outspoken NBS TV news anchor, Samson Kasumba has quit social media after a screenshot of his likes videos on Twitter (including a pornography video) made rounds on Twitter and WhatsApp.

The giant news anchor’s days of ‘putting matters into his own hands’ with the legendary White Star Magic soap (tough on stains, gentle on fabrics! *if you know, you know*) may have come to an end after he was trolled by social media users. Some, going as far as baptizing him “Samson Kasabuni”. The a screenshot shows videos watched and liked on September 27th from an account with handle @wetbarbie2.

He however blamed the leak on ‘state agents’ who ‘hacked his Twitter account’. When someone likes a video on Twitter, it is listed under the “Likes” tab on ones Twitter account. “Hackers these days have no spine. They do the subtlest of things like liking tweets. We need better hackers to be honest,” one Twitter user sarcastically commented.

“Special thanks to our social media team @nbstv has handled this very well and a full investigation is on. I have been further educated on cyber security which I am grateful for. The rest is up to every individual to make what they will of who I am am a human being. Thanks all,” tweeted after the incident.

After a serious of tweets crying foul, Kasumba finally announced that he’ll be taking a break from social media. “After a conversation with someone I have deep respect for and trust, I have been advised to leave social media a for sometime. When they feel I should return, I will be back. I have people I listen to and I will listen. “I will be back soon”. See you then good day,” he announced.

Small small advice to Kasumba, one of the 10 commandants of watching porn on Twitter is “never like a porn video however exhilarating, mind-blowing the action in the video is, you’ll be exposed”.

Asake is taking a calm approach to love, choosing patience over pressure as his career continues to rise.

During a recent conversation with Korty EO, the Afrobeats superstar, born Ahmed Ololade, spoke about his desire to build a family someday.

Still, he explained that he is in no rush and believes the right moment will come naturally.

Asake linked his mindset to his reserved lifestyle, noting that he keeps to himself and prefers a quiet routine.

This, he said, has shaped how he views relationships and commitment.

I plan to build a family by the special grace of God. I think about it every day because I am an introverted type of person who does not go out much. I will meet my wife when God says it is time. God has already written how our lives will go.

At this stage, his attention is on his craft and growth as an artiste.

He also highlighted the strong role his mother plays in his life, describing her as his main source of support.

It is good not to rush things because we do not fully understand His ways. As we are, no one knows tomorrow. For now, my mom is my babe. But when God finally says it is time for me to get married, I will. For now, I am still on the streets,

M.I Abaga has sparked fresh debate after naming his greatest Nigerian rapper of all time.

The rap star, real name Jude Lemfani Abaga, placed Mode 9 at the top, pointing to his deep influence on the culture.

He believes many artistes today still follow the path Mode 9 created with his sharp lyrics and strong delivery.

M.I also highlighted the veteran’s consistency over the years.

In his view, Mode 9 built a level of skill that young rappers can study and grow from without needing other references.

His choice has divided fans, with some backing newer names.

Still, M.I’s stance shines a light on a pioneer whose mark on Nigerian rap remains strong.

Police have arrested three suspects linked to a viral video showing a brutal assault, as a crackdown on suspected gangs in Makindye gathers pace.

Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Kawala Racheal confirmed that officers in Katwe picked up the suspects during an intelligence-led operation targeting criminal groups.

The widely shared video shows a group of men scaling a perimeter fence before attacking an individual inside the premises.

Police identified the suspects as Sali Ethan, also known as “Unruly,” Sali Isaac, and Sejongo Isaac.

Investigators have not yet established the identity or whereabouts of the victim, raising fresh concern around the incident. Authorities have urged the victim or anyone with information to report to the nearest police station.

Meanwhile, police have warned the public against mob justice and other forms of lawlessness.

They have also stepped up efforts to track down more suspects connected to the attack.

Among the many moments that defined yesterday’s 10th anniversary of the Roast & Rhyme festival at the Hockey Grounds in Lugogo, one unexpected “hero” stood out — the mysterious “witch” allegedly hired to hold back the rain.

All evening, the skies threatened to open up. Clouds gathered, tension built, and revellers braced for the worst. But instead of a downpour, only a few teasing droplets fell before the rain disappeared into thin air. Whether by coincidence or “special intervention,” the weather held up, and for many attendees, that alone was worth celebrating.

With the rain scare out of the way, the stage was set for what turned into a night of high-energy performances. The main acts,  Kapeke, Kalifah Aganaga, and King Saha, took to the stage between 8pm and 11pm, delivering a musical journey that spanned roughly 15 years. The lineup cleverly fused the freshness of Kapeke, just a few years into the industry, with the seasoned presence of Aganaga and Saha, both boasting over a decade in the game.

Earlier in the evening, John Blaq had warmed up the crowd, setting a solid pace before darkness fell. His performance left other headliners with a choice, match his energy or risk being overshadowed. As the night unfolded, it became clear not all would rise to the occasion.

Kapeke’s set, one of the most anticipated of the night, was cut short under tense circumstances. Despite having a growing catalogue, his performance suffered from poor coordination between the deejay and the live band. The disconnect visibly frustrated the young artiste, who at one point appeared on the verge of throwing a microphone at the deejay. He soon exited the stage earlier than expected, leaving fans with only glimpses of hits like Kaba (Tema Ensingo) and Simanyi, whose signature dances were barely fully delivered.

Then came the night’s biggest surprise.

 

Against expectation, and according to much of the post-event chatter online,  Kalifah Aganaga emerged as the standout performer of the evening. A surprising twist for many, especially given his relatively quiet presence in recent times and the fact that King Saha, one of the industry’s current chart-toppers, was also on the bill.

While King Saha delivered vocally and had his moments, many felt his set didn’t quite hit the heights expected. This sentiment was echoed online, including by media personality Roger Otis, who noted:

“Those that attended #RoastAndRhymeAt10 can tell you Aganaga had a better performance than Saha — not to say one is better than the other musically. These are personal opinions.”

So what created this contrast?

Timing — and song selection — played a key role.

Aganaga stepped on stage and immediately struck while the iron was hot. Skipping any slow build-up, he dove straight into his classic hits, tapping into nostalgia and instantly connecting with the crowd. His opening alone earned him a massive reception, as fans sang along to familiar anthems from his catalogue.

King Saha, on the other hand, took a different approach. He opened with a reggae-themed performance in line with the event’s Reggae Ragga Nyam Nyam theme — but the choice didn’t immediately resonate with the already-exhausted audience. It wasn’t until his second song that the crowd began to fully engage.

By then, the energy dynamics had shifted. After more than five hours on their feet, and with the lingering fear of rain earlier, the audience needed an instant spark. Aganaga provided it. Saha, though strong vocally, took a bit longer to get there.

Still, Saha had his highlights. His popular tracks drew strong reactions, with Kamwanyi in particular igniting the crowd and reminding fans why he remains one of the most in-demand artistes in the country.

From a music business perspective, the contrast was almost inevitable. King Saha is currently one of the most booked artistes in Kampala, performing frequently across the city — including just days earlier at Villa Lounge in Bukoto. Aganaga, by comparison, performs less often, making his appearance feel more exclusive and refreshing to fans. That rarity likely amplified the excitement around his set.

Riding high on the moment, Aganaga later joined fellow artistes in the VIP section, where he was warmly received and celebrated after his performance.

Speaking to Sqoop, his long-time manager Emma Carlos described the performance as no fluke, but rather a reflection of the renewed energy the Ndabirawa singer is bringing to his craft. He hinted that fans should expect even more from Aganaga in upcoming releases.

And if last night is anything to go by — they just might.

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