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A major high-end housing project is taking shape in Kololo as businessman Sudhir Ruparelia pushes ahead with the construction of the One Ten Apartments, a luxury residential tower expected to redefine upscale living in Kampala.

The 15-storey development, located along Prince Charles Drive in Kololo, will house 156 premium apartments once completed. The units will range from one-bedroom to four-bedroom residences, designed with large living spaces and modern layouts to suit high-end urban living.

The project is being developed by Meera Investments Limited, the real estate arm of the Ruparelia Group, which has been behind several major property developments across the city.

According to the developers, the apartments will feature modern interiors and high-quality finishes, including imported Italian tiles and contemporary fittings aimed at delivering a luxury residential experience.

One of the key attractions of the tower will be a rooftop swimming pool offering panoramic views of the city. The rooftop area is also expected to include a poolside bar and café, creating a leisure space for residents.

To support the large residential complex, the building will include two basement levels for parking, standby power generators, and underground water storage systems to ensure a steady supply of utilities.

The development is part of Meera Investments’ build-to-sell housing strategy launched in 2018 to respond to the rising demand for modern homes in Kampala. The company has previously delivered other residential projects such as Tagore Living and Bukoto Living.

Buyers will be able to secure apartments with a 20 percent deposit, while investors are expected to benefit from strong rental demand. Industry estimates suggest property returns could range between 8 and 16 percent annually, driven by Kampala’s growing population and increasing demand for quality housing.

Speaking earlier about the project, Sheena Ruparelia, Managing Director of the Ruparelia Group, said the development blends Kololo’s prestige with modern design and carefully planned community spaces.

Kololo remains one of Kampala’s most sought-after neighbourhoods, known for its green surroundings, diplomatic residences and close proximity to the city’s main business and social centres.

The One Ten tower will also add to the Ruparelia Group’s expanding real estate portfolio, which already includes major developments such as Kingdom Kampala and Pearl Business Park.

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Kadondi Gracious has emerged victorious in the National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential flag bearer primaries for the upcoming guild elections at Makerere University.

The primaries were held earlier on Monday at the party’s revolutionary headquarters in Makerere Kavule, bringing together several aspirants competing to carry the party flag in the race for the 92nd Guild Presidency.

According to the official results declaration, Kadondi Gracious secured 580 votes, defeating five other candidates in the highly contested internal election.

Other candidates performed as follows:

Mujuzu Mike Flugensio – 286 votes

Nyaika Daniel – 261 votes

Mubiriu John Bosco – 54 votes

Atuha Cohen – 15 votes

Ssendagala Isma – 0 votes

A total of 1,196 valid votes were cast, while 34 ballots were declared invalid, bringing the total ballots counted to 1,230.

The results were officially declared by Kato Lawrence Kanyike, the presiding officer of the Makerere University People Power Guild Presidential Flagbearer Primaries.

Following the announcement, supporters congratulated Kadondi on her victory, describing it as a major step toward the broader guild election scheduled to determine the next student leader at Makerere University.

Her win now positions her as the official NUP-backed candidate in the upcoming guild presidential race, one of the most closely followed student political contests in Uganda.

The Makerere guild elections are expected to attract candidates from several political leanings and student movements as campaigns intensify for leadership of the 92nd Guild Government.

Buganda’s rich cultural heritage holds untapped potential that could not only preserve its traditions but also drive growth in the tourism and creative industries, according to cultural enthusiasts Ganda Boys.

The duo say the global success of culture-driven economies shows how deeply rooted stories and traditions can become powerful economic assets when properly developed and promoted.

They point to global examples such as Hobbiton Movie Set in New Zealand, where storytelling and cultural experiences have grown into thriving tourism attractions.

According to the group, Buganda’s deep traditions, clan histories and cultural narratives present similar opportunities if they are harnessed through creative industries such as film, music and theatre.

“Imagine a world where Buganda’s ancient stories of heroism, wisdom and spiritual beliefs take centre stage in films, documentaries and theatrical productions,” the duo wrote in a post on their Facebook page.

They added that many of these stories have been passed down through generations and could introduce global audiences to Buganda’s history and worldview.

From clan legends to ancestral myths, they say, Buganda has a wealth of narratives that can be transformed into compelling cultural productions capable of reaching international audiences.

Music also plays a central role in this cultural identity. The duo noted that the powerful rhythms of Buganda’s traditional drums reflect ceremonies, meaning and community values.

“When captured in global performances, this traditional art has the potential to bring the world closer to Buganda’s soul,” they said.

However, they argue that unlocking this potential will require deliberate investment in grassroots cultural infrastructure.

According to them, establishing community theatres across parishes would provide spaces where traditional dance, music and storytelling can be taught and performed.

Such centres, they say, would not only preserve Buganda’s cultural heritage but also nurture a new generation of artists and creatives who can transform these traditions into modern cultural industries.

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About 60 percent of operators in Uganda’s postal and courier sector are operating without licenses, raising concerns about consumer protection and fair competition, according to the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC).

The revelation was made during the Annual Postal and Courier Engagement Forum held in Kampala, which brought together regulators, logistics companies, and other stakeholders to discuss challenges and opportunities in the country’s growing delivery industry.

Rapid growth driven by e-commerce

Despite regulatory gaps, the sector has experienced significant growth in recent years. Industry figures indicate that revenue from the postal and courier sector rose from Shs13 billion in 2024 to Shs22 billion in 2025.

Experts attribute this growth largely to the expansion of online commerce, particularly through digital marketplaces such as Jumia and Jiji.

The surge in delivery demand is also linked to increasing digital connectivity across Uganda. The country now has approximately 16.7 million mobile phone users, 18.5 million active 30-day internet users, and 36.3 million active 90-day mobile money users, all of which are driving online shopping and logistics services.

Informal operators hurting licensed companies

However, industry leaders say the large number of unregulated courier providers is creating serious challenges for licensed companies.

Patrick Omulo, Chairperson of the Postal and Courier Association, warned that formal operators are increasingly losing business to informal providers who do not comply with licensing requirements.

Many individuals and businesses use boda boda riders, taxis, and buses to transport parcels, creating an informal delivery system that operates outside regulatory oversight.

According to Omulo, this practice not only undermines licensed companies but also exposes customers to risks.

“People take their items to taxis to move them, but when the items get lost there is nowhere they can go for redress,” he said.

Consumer protection concerns

The issue also raises concerns about consumer rights and accountability.

Acting Executive Director of UCC Fred Otunu said many transport operators unknowingly engage in courier services without realizing that the activity requires licensing.

He explained that once a transport operator begins delivering parcels or letters, they legally fall under the courier regulatory framework and must obtain a license.

Otunu warned that sending valuable items through unlicensed services could leave customers without protection.

“If you send an item such as a land title through a bus that is not registered as a courier service and it disappears, you will have no avenue for recourse,” he said.

Calls for stronger regulation

Industry leaders are now calling for closer collaboration between regulators and private operators, along with policies that reflect the changing dynamics of modern delivery services.

They also urged the government to introduce incentives that encourage informal operators to register and comply with licensing requirements.

UCC officials say strengthening regulation will help create accountability, improve service standards, and build trust in Uganda’s rapidly expanding logistics sector.

As online commerce continues to grow, experts say formalizing the courier industry will be crucial to ensuring safe, reliable, and professional parcel delivery services across the country.

The National Unity Platform chapter at Makerere University has officially unveiled Kadondi Gracious as its flag bearer in the upcoming Guild President race.

The party conducted its internal primaries earlier this week at its headquarters in Kampala, attracting six candidates who were all vying to represent the party in the student leadership contest.

After the vote tally, Kadondi Gracious emerged victorious with 580 votes, defeating her closest rival Mujuzi Mike Flugensio, who secured 286 votes.

Her victory was later confirmed by the party through its official social media platforms.

“Hearty congratulations to Ms. Kadondi Gracious who emerged victorious in the NUP presidential flag bearer primaries held earlier in the day at our revolutionary headquarters in Makerere Kavule. #PeoplePowerOurPower,” the party statement read.

With the primaries concluded, Kadondi Gracious is now set to face Hannah Karema and other contenders in what is expected to be a highly competitive Makerere University Guild President election.

The guild race at Makerere has historically been one of the most closely followed student leadership contests in Uganda, often attracting attention from national political parties and leaders.

Ugandan singer Spice Diana has opened up about the challenges she faced with sex predators during her journey in the music industry.

Having spent nearly 15 years in the entertainment business, the singer says she encountered several individuals who attempted to exploit her at a time when she was still struggling to establish her career.

Speaking in an interview with a local television station, Spice Diana revealed that many of these individuals approached her with promises of promoting her music career in exchange for sexual favors.

However, she says she developed a strategy that helped her avoid falling victim to such situations.

“I have faced many of them with different promises. Most of them came at a time I was struggling as a musician, still looking for a breakthrough with promises of promoting my career,” she explained.

Instead of giving in to their demands, the singer says she turned the situation around by maintaining strictly friendly relationships with them.

“I put them in a corner, made them my friends and wouldn’t go through with their efforts,” she added.

According to Spice Diana, many of these individuals often appear as music managers and promoters, targeting upcoming female artists who are desperate for a breakthrough.