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By Nelly Otto

Regional tensions after the Israel–U.S. confrontations with Islamic Republic of Iran in mid‑2025 and early‑2026 have revived interest in biblical passages that mention Persia and Elam as players in end‑times war.

Archbishop‑elect Amb. Prof. Mugume Bagambaki Richard, head of Upper City Covenant Churches and Chancellor of UCCSAT University, laid out the traditional reading this week: Jeremiah’s notes on Elam, Daniel’s Persian setting, and—crucially—Ezekiel 38‑39, where “Persia” joins a Russia‑led coalition against Israel before divine intervention scatters the force.

For context, Ezekiel 38-39 portrays a future invasion of Israel by a coalition led by ‘God of Magog’ (often read as Russia plus allies-Persian/Iran, Cush, Put, Gomer, Beth-togarmah).

Gog attacks a restored, unsuspecting Israel living securely but God intervenes with earthquake, fire, hail, disease and infighting destroy the armies on Israel’s mountains. Israel burns the weapons for years and buries the dead for months, then God pours out His Spirit, revealing Himself to nations.

The oracle’s point is God’s sovereignty-he uses the attack to display holiness and to restore Israel.

UCCSAT University is a Uganda-registered institution with theological and secular faculties based in Rubaga division in Kampala and Regionally and internationally accredited in UK and USA.

Archbishop-elect Amb Prof Mugume Bagambaki Richard is the Ugandan founder-president of Upper City Covenant Churches and was ordained in the early 2000s and consecrated bishop in 2010.

Professor Mugume Bagambaki Richard is the Ecclesiastical Episcopal Conference Archbishop of Upper City Covenant Churches, President of Five-Fold Episcopal World Federation and President/Chancellor Upper City Covenant Seminary and Theological Bible College (UCCSAT) University

He is described as a prolific author (100k plus pages,160 plus languages with PhDs in theology and metaphysics, and serves as chancellor of AUU International.

He heads UCCSAT’s 42 faculties and overseas its global church-planting, training and humanitarian ministries.

He traced history quickly—Babylon, Cyrus, Alexander, Islam, the 1501 founding of Iran—then stressed Pentecost’s “Parthians, Medes, Elamites” (Acts 2:9) as a reminder that Iranians were present at the church’s birth.

In his view, current headlines do not prove prophecy but fit a pattern believers should weigh, not weaponize. Scholars note interpretations vary widely and reject date‑setting. For now, the archbishop’s memo circulates in Ugandan Pentecostal networks as diplomats keep working the file.

Amb Professor Bagambaki’s release lists contact details as +256774459971(WhatsApp and Email mugumebagambakirichard@gmail.com and academic titles and argues that Ezekiel’s outcome—God defending Jerusalem—serves as warning, not warrant, for escalation.

Local voices urged caution. Bishop Dr Daniel Muwanga of Kimaka Faith Fellowship Ministries, who has pressed leaders to put peace above triumphalism, said: “We must prioritize peace, stability, and unity… learn from the soccer world, shake hands and move on”.

His appeal, made during election‑season counseling, landed differently here—an invitation to discuss Iran without inflaming faiths.

Bishop Muwanga has been vocal in recent months about faith and national leadership.

He argues that the Church and its clergy must neither dominate politics nor withdraw, but should stay central to public life while advocating for order.

If lawlessness grows under poor leadership, he warns that even the Church’s core work of healing, evangelism and prophetic ministry, among others will be undermined.

Unlike other religious leaders who call politics dirty and best left to politicians, Bishop Muwanga calls that view wrong, misleading and hypocritical. If politics is dirty, he says, the Church should step in and help cleanse it.

Bishop Muwanga has asked fellow bishops, apostles and pastors to pull of copies of Hans Kung’ the Church off the shelves.

He tells his clergy team that Kung’s model, the Church as a servant community that dialogues with but never merges into the state offers exactly the compass they lack.

“We cannot cry lawlessness while reading only our notes from ordination or consecration”, he said.

Bishop Muwanga sums it up: “clean hands make poor alibis, if politics is filthy, our broom is the Gospel and Kung reminds us how to sweep without appointing ourselves mayors or LC5 chairpersons or MPs”.

In The Church (1967), Hans Kung depicts the Church as an “event”- a pilgrim people centered on Christ, not a rigid hierarchy. He stresses collegiality: bishops and laity share discernment, with primacy as service rather than monarchy.

On Church-state relations, Hans Kung insists both must keep in autonomy but engage in dialogue, cooperating for justice and human dignity. Translating the Gospel means renouncing power grabs, aligning with the poor and protecting conscience even when that requires criticizing governments.

Hans Kung (1928-2021) was a Swiss catholic priest and theologian. Ordained in 1954, he earned his doctorate in Paris, then taught at Tubingen from 1960 and served as a peritus at Vatican II, pushing for reform and ecumenism.

His 1971 book Infalliable? challenged papal infallibility 1979 the Vatican stripped him of his license to teach Catholic theology, though he remained a priest and professor of ecumenical theology until 1996.

Kung wrote prolifically-The Church (1967), On Being A Christian (1974) and later founded the Global Ethic Foundation, promoting inter-religious dialogue. He died in 2021, still a controversial voice for decentralized, historically-minded Catholicism.

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The Government has commended Stanbic Bank Uganda for delivering holistic financial solutions that are transforming lives and strengthening Uganda’s financial ecosystem.

The praise was delivered by Al-Haji Kaddunabbi Ibrahim Lubega, Executive Director of the Insurance Regulatory Authority of Uganda (IRA), during the Stanbic Iftar Dinner held at the Sheraton Kampala Hotel on Tuesday evening. The event brought together leaders from the financial sector, the business community, and members of the Muslim community to reflect on faith, unity, and inclusive socio-economic development.

In his address, Lubega applauded Stanbic for evolving beyond traditional banking to provide integrated solutions encompassing banking, insurance, and investment services.

“Stanbic has demonstrated commitment to supporting Ugandans not only through access to credit and savings products, but also by embracing insurance and risk management solutions that promote financial security and inclusion,” he said.

He underscored the importance of collaboration between banks and insurance providers in deepening financial inclusion and strengthening resilience among individuals and businesses, noting that such partnerships are vital to advancing Uganda’s economic growth agenda.

Lubega further highlighted bancassurance as one of the most transformative developments in Uganda’s financial services industry. He noted that Stanbic was the first bank in Uganda to obtain a bancassurance licence in October 2017, paving the way for 22 other financial institutions to follow suit.

“Insurance, at its core, is a promise to stand with families and businesses during their most challenging moments. Continued innovation is essential, particularly in serving youth, women, and small and medium enterprises, who form the backbone of our economy,” he added.

Lubega also reflected on his longstanding association with the bank, dating back to its days as Uganda Commercial Bank (UCB). He recalled working closely with the institution during his tenure as the first Chairman of the Parliamentary Pension Scheme, where collaboration and international exposure helped strengthen pension fund management practices. Today, the scheme’s portfolio stands in the range of UGX 500 billion to UGX 1 trillion.

He noted that his professional engagement with the bank has continued in his capacity as a regulator, describing Stanbic as a longstanding partner in strengthening Uganda’s financial architecture.

In his remarks, Mumba Kalifungwa, the bank’s Chief Executive, underscored the spiritual and social significance of Ramadan as a period of reflection, generosity, and unity.

Kalifungwa emphasized that this year’s Iftar dinner coincided with Stanbic’s 35-year Positive Impact Agenda, which is committed to advancing five strategic pillars: financial inclusion, job creation, infrastructure development, climate resilience, and corporate philanthropy.

“Through our Positive Impact Agenda, we have earmarked UGX 1 trillion to support local enterprises, deliberately targeting businesses led by women, youth, and farmers. Under our Corporate Social Investment programmes, we have also supported more than 85 medical facilities nationwide and partnered with organisations such as Salam Charity to assist vulnerable communities across various regions of the country,” he said.

Delivering the keynote address, celebrated Islamic scholar Associate Professor Dr. Walusimbi Abdul Hafiz commended Stanbic Bank for its deliberate engagement with faith-based institutions and sustained commitment to social impact.

Dr. Walusimbi praised the Muslim faithful for observing the fast and emphasized that Ramadan is not merely a period of abstaining from food, but also a time to strengthen partnerships that uplift communities. He noted that meaningful collaboration between financial institutions and faith-based organisations can accelerate socio-economic transformation, particularly among vulnerable populations.

He applauded Stanbic’s focus on financial inclusion and the empowerment of women and youth, observing that access to ethical and responsive financial services remains critical to unlocking entrepreneurship within Muslim communities.

He encouraged the private sector to continue aligning business objectives with social responsibility, stressing that sustainable development is achieved when institutions invest in people as much as in profit – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eT1X9bTTH6A&t=22s

The bubbling tension between Yung Mulo and Alien Skin has taken another dramatic turn, with the rapper openly dismissing his rival as nothing more than a TikTok personality.

In a fiery rant, Yung Mulo questioned Alien Skin’s credibility as a musician and accused fans and the media of inflating the Fangone Forest boss’s status in the industry.

Alien Skin, who leads the Fangone Forest movement, has built a massive following over the past few years with energetic performances and street anthems that resonate strongly with his fanbase. But according to Mulo, that popularity is not enough to place him among Uganda’s serious musicians.

“Don’t call them musicians again. Those things of Mafia Boss should stop,” Mulo said in an interview. “Go back and tell him he’s a Makindye TikToker. It’s you people who are making those boys think they are on our level to the point of him thinking he can match me.”

Speaking on Galaxy TV on Friday, Mulo argued that Alien Skin’s visibility largely comes from TikTok, suggesting the singer relies heavily on the platform to stay relevant in the entertainment conversation.

The Tebatusobola artist has already challenged Alien Skin to a boxing match, raising the stakes in what is quickly becoming one of the most heated rivalries in the local music scene. He also warned that he plans to personally confront the Fangone Forest boss over what he described as repeated acts of disrespect toward others.

“I will be the last person he disrespects,” Mulo said. “I’m going to discipline him so he doesn’t ever jump on anyone again.”

For months, whispers floated around like unfinished punchlines: Were Fik Fameica and Feffe Bussi still cool, or was the cold war quietly simmering behind the bars and bravado? Turns out, the rumors weren’t entirely fiction but neither was the reconciliation fans secretly hoped for.

During a recent TV interview, Fik Fameica finally confirmed what many had suspected: the two rap heavyweights had indeed gone through a period of silence. No calls. No casual check-ins. Just two talented lyricists orbiting the same industry without crossing paths.

But hip-hop, like a good freestyle, thrives on unexpected turns.

Last weekend delivered exactly that when the pair met backstage at Geosteady’s concert. Somewhere between the music, the crowd noise, and what we can only imagine was a very Ugandan “let’s talk, my brother” moment, the ice melted.

A conversation happened. And just like that, the feud clocked out.

If anyone needed proof the tension is officially archived, Fik Fameica didn’t just shake hands and move on, he pulled out the ultimate industry olive branch.

The rapper publicly pledged support for Feffe Bussi’s upcoming show at Lugogo Cricket Oval, urging fans to turn up in large numbers and support hip-hop as a whole.

“I have no problem with Feffe, and I’m very sure I will come for the concert. I want to use this opportunity to call upon the fans to support him because he is good for the culture. He is good at the game. Come support him. This is enough to show you that there is no bad blood between us. I accept we had a situation at one point, but not anymore. I take life so easily, and I believe you cannot eat the entire bread alone; we have to share. The industry is for all of us to share,” he said.

In an industry often accused of gatekeeping and quiet rivalries, the message landed louder than a bass drop.

“You cannot eat the entire bread alone,” Fik said, delivering what might be the most relatable metaphor ever used to explain music industry unity.

Translation? Success tastes better when shared.

Beyond the reconciliation headlines, what stood out most was the respect.

Fik Fameica openly acknowledged Feffe Bussi’s exceptional talent and contribution to the culture, a rare moment of public admiration between artists once rumored to be trading invisible jabs.

Instead of competition, the narrative shifted toward collaboration, growth, and collective progress for Ugandan hip-hop.

Because sometimes the biggest flex isn’t a diss track. It’s maturity.

Interestingly, reconciliation may have started long before the concert handshake.

In a recent interview, Feffe Bussi revealed that he attended Fik Fameica’s mother’s burial not as a rival or industry colleague but as a fellow human being showing compassion during loss.

According to him, grief had no space for grudges. At that moment, whatever tension existed simply didn’t matter. And perhaps that’s the real headline here.

Police have arrested 39 suspected criminals in a sweeping operation across several crime-prone areas within Kampala Metropolitan.

The coordinated crackdown conducted on March 4, 2026, targeted notorious black spots believed to be harbouring robbers, phone snatchers and drug users.

ASP Luke Owoyesigyire, the Kampala Metropolitan Police Deputy says the operations were carried out in:Kevina Road in Kabalagala, Kikuuta in Namataba Town Council, Mukono,Kyebando around Premax Hotel and Kisalasalo ,Nkrumah Road and Entebbe Road traffic lights in the city centre and Luzira–Portbell area.

According to Owoyesigyire, the suspects were rounded up from areas known for criminal activities including robbery, bag and phone snatching, vehicle part theft and waylaying pedestrians.

Police revealed that some suspects were found in possession of stones and pavers allegedly used to assault victims, as well as suspected narcotic substances.

All the suspects have since been charged under respective Station Diary references and are currently detained at various police stations awaiting prosecution.

ASP Owoyesigyire says police have intensified both covert and overt operations and will continue mounting regular patrols and intelligence-led actions to dismantle criminal networks.

Police have assured the public that the situation in the affected areas remains normal and calm.

On February 22, 2026, Congolese singer-songwriter Ampire Joven’s will release his latest EP, Urizi. The project marks a deliberate shift from the dominant Rumba sounds of Kinshasa toward the folk traditions of the South Kivu highlands, specifically the culture of the Bashi people.

Urizi is the result of a journey that began in 2008 under the mentorship of Joven’s grandfather. While Joven’s gained national recognition as the runner-up in the 2022 Vodacom Best of the Best competition and performed at the Stade des Martyrs alongside Fally Ipupa, this EP sees him returning to his foundational roots. The title itself refers to heritage—a bridge between the ancestral “Bushi” kingdom and the modern Congolese diaspora.

The EP’s 8  tracks are composed primarily in Mashi, a Bantu language native to the Mitumba Mountains. By layering Mashi proverbs over a musical foundation influenced by 1970s soul and folk, Joven’s explores themes of human resilience and the social realities of the Kivu region. He describes the resulting sound as “Pondu with meat”—a metaphor for music that is rooted, nourishing, and heavy with substance.

“This music started with the stories my grandfather told me,” says Ampire Joven’s. “It isn’t just about melody or the lyrics; it’s about the ‘Obushi’—the collective spirit of our people. I wanted to create something that sounds like the soundtrack to a film about our hills, but played in the streets of the city.”

The release features focus tracks such as “Juwe” and “Koleza,” which highlight Joven’s’ ability to modernize traditional folk rhythms without stripping them of their spiritual depth. The project’s visual identity further reflects this intersection, blending contemporary Kinshasa fashion with traditional Bashi sartorial elements.

Urizi will be available on all major streaming platforms on February 22, 2026.

About Ampire Joven’s

Based in Kinshasa but deeply connected to his South Kivu origins, Ampire Joven’s is an artist defined by his versatility and commitment to cultural preservation. His work fuses Afro-pop, soul, and Rumba with the traditional sounds of the Bashi people. Following his success on the national stage in 2022, he has dedicated his career to bringing the Mashi language into the global Afro-soul conversation.

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.

Police in Wakiso District have launched investigations into the suspected suicide of a 14-year-old pupil at Kololo Junior School in Wakiso Town Council.

The deceased has been identified as Kiseka John Terry, a Primary Five pupil at the school located in Kayunga Cell, Gombe Ward.

According to police, the incident occurred on March 3, 2026 at around 8:00pm.

Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson SP Racheal Kawala notes that preliminary findings indicate that pupils returning to the dormitory from evening preparation discovered Terry hanging inside the dormitory.

They immediately alerted the school matron who informed the school director before the matter was reported to police.

Officers who responded to the scene found the body suspended from a roofing pole with a red scarf tied around the neck.

The school director and the matron have since been arrested to assist police with investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The body was conveyed to Mulago City Mortuary for a postmortem examination.

Kawala said investigations are ongoing to establish what exactly happened.

Police have urged schools, parents and guardians to take children’s mental health seriously and to seek professional help or report to authorities whenever signs of distress or depression are noticed.

Kawala says that maintaining open communication with children both at school and at home can help prevent such tragedies.