Category: News

  • Samson Kasumba: If half the young people were as hardworking, passionate and committed as Canary Mugume, Uganda would be far

    Samson Kasumba: If half the young people were as hardworking, passionate and committed as Canary Mugume, Uganda would be far

    NBT TV news anchor, Samson Kasumba’s current troubles all stem from a Tweet castigating young people in Uganda. He tweeted Wednesday night: “If half the young people were half as hard working as you are,a quarter as passionate as you are, two thirds as committed as you are and three quarters as patient as you are @CanaryMugume I don’t know where Uganda would be. You stand out in a generation with wrong values. Proud.”

    This tweet didn’t sit well with the young Ugandans on Twitter, garnering so many replies, most disagreeing with Kasumba.

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    Batanda Wilberforce replied; “I think the problem for Ugandan youths is bigger than all the quarters & halves you just mentioned. Thankfully a lot of them are thinking outside the box. Its not half of the elderly making sure they are downtown by 6am to at least have 4k in their pockets by the end of the day.”

    https://twitter.com/samsonkasumba/status/1321405420796366858?s=21

    One Lance chipped in; “This is the problem with people like you, you reach a certain level in life and find reasons to why others are still left behind, I know ur proud of him so are we, and if you know where we were coming from you too would be proud of us.” Atugonza Sheila also hit back: “Just because @CanaryMugume passed the victory line first doesn’t mean that we all should follow all at once.@SamsonKasumba every dog has it’s day, it’s just God’s timing so please don’t put the youth on pressure.i believe there are doing their best.”

    Famous Justine Namere also joined the conversation and opined; “Samson many young pple are working hard, making huge sacrifices, paying huge taxes and have huge responsibilities, in a rough world wea merit comes last! Let’s encourage this generation instead of rubbishing their efforts bambi! plus not everyone must work on TV to be successful!”

    The young people dug deep and scrolled through Kasumba’s likes….and that is when the likes prom videos came to life:

    https://twitter.com/legendary_qt_/status/1321518926996668425?s=21

  • Chike: ‘My Mother Warned Me Against Marrying an Unemployed Woman’

    Chike: ‘My Mother Warned Me Against Marrying an Unemployed Woman’

    Nigerian singer Chike has opened up about the strict guidance his mother gave him on marriage.

    He said she urged him to focus on value and stability in a partner, not just love, setting a clear foundation for how he views relationships.

    Building on that, she warned him to avoid relationships where one person carries all the financial responsibility.

    My mum advised me never to settle down with a woman who does not have a source of livelihood regardless of love.

    Beyond financial independence, Chike added that his mother also cautioned him about the pressure that can come from extended family expectations, especially when a partner supports many relatives.

    With this in mind, he said he now takes a more intentional approach, asking deeper questions when meeting someone and paying close attention to their lifestyle and independence.

    For him, relationships go beyond feelings and require careful thought about long term balance.

  • Hatmah Nalugwa reflects on personal and professional challenges in journalism career

    Hatmah Nalugwa reflects on personal and professional challenges in journalism career

    Former news anchor Hatmah Nalugwa Sekaaya has reflected on her journey in the media industry, describing it as both fulfilling and challenging.

    While she says she genuinely enjoyed her time as a journalist, Sekaaya also opened up about the personal and professional struggles she encountered along the way.

    One of the most memorable experiences dates back to a time before she owned a car, when she relied on public transport to commute home.

    She recalled an incident at a taxi stage that left a lasting impression on her. As she attempted to board a taxi, another passenger pushed past her to secure a seat.

    Although she chose not to engage and let the woman take the spot, what followed was more painful. The passenger reportedly hurled insults at her, questioning whether that same behavior was how she presented herself on television. Sekaaya described the moment as deeply disrespectful.

    Beyond such public encounters, she also faced challenges within the industry itself. She spoke about the pressure that came from constant comparisons with colleagues, often fueled by audience opinions, which sometimes left her feeling unsettled.

    Perhaps the most difficult period in her career, however, came when she lost a close cousin. Despite the emotional weight of the loss, she was still required to report for duty.

    At the time, she explained, the newsroom was led by a strict Kenyan supervisor who did not easily accommodate personal circumstances, making it even harder for her to grieve while maintaining her professional responsibilities.

    The post Hatmah Nalugwa reflects on personal and professional challenges in journalism career appeared first on MBU.

  • Hon. Peace Mutuuzo: Gov’t plans to establish digital system for music tracking and monetization

    Hon. Peace Mutuuzo: Gov’t plans to establish digital system for music tracking and monetization

    Hon. Peace Mutuuzo, Minister of State for Gender and Culture, has provided fresh insight into how the government plans to implement the newly approved copyright framework, an initiative aimed at transforming how creatives earn from their work.

    In a recent interview, Hon. Mutuuzo revealed that the government is in the process of establishing a digital system through which artists will upload their music for tracking and monetization.

    The platform is designed to ensure that creatives benefit financially from their intellectual property, regardless of where their content is played or distributed.

    According to her, the system will be capable of monitoring music usage across the country in real time.

    This means that whether a song is released in a remote area like Arua or played in major urban centers, it will be tracked seamlessly, allowing artists to earn royalties effortlessly, even while they are not actively working.

    Hon. Mutuuzo emphasized that the goal is to create a reliable and continuous income stream for artists.

    In her words, musicians will be able to “earn even while asleep,” thanks to the automated nature of the system.

    We are setting up a digital system channel where artists can place their music, even when an artist releases their song from Arua, our system will be able to track it. And your money will be coming through even when the musician is asleep.

    She further disclosed that the platform will be officially launched by H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.

    Once operational, businesses and institutions that use music, such as media houses, entertainment venues, and other public spaces, will be required to pay an annual fee.

    This model will function similarly to how utility bills like electricity and water are handled, ensuring that creatives receive fair compensation for the use of their work.

    That system we established will be launched by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni so that creatives can upload their work, and those with the system will be paying a sum of money annually, like how it is done when paying electricity and water bills, so that the creatives can also benefit from their intellectual works.

    The initiative marks a significant step toward strengthening copyright enforcement in Uganda, offering hope for a more structured and rewarding ecosystem for artists and other creatives.

    The post Hon. Peace Mutuuzo: Gov’t plans to establish digital system for music tracking and monetization appeared first on MBU.

  • Manuela Mulondo reveals breaking point that changed her marriage – Sqoop

    Manuela Mulondo reveals breaking point that changed her marriage – Sqoop

    There are moments in relationships when love is tested to its limits—when staying feels harder than leaving. For Manuela Mulondo, that moment came when she found herself on the verge of walking out of her marriage.

    She had reached her breaking point.

    “I once got to a place where I felt like leaving the marriage,” she admitted, reflecting on a time when everything seemed to be falling apart.

    It wasn’t an impulsive thought. It was the result of accumulated pressure, sacrifice, and emotional exhaustion—the kind that makes silence unbearable and distance feel like the only escape.

    With her bags packed and her mind made up, she was ready to leave her husband, Brian Mulondo.

    But what happened next changed everything.

    Instead of reacting with anger or desperation, Brian responded in a way she did not expect. He chose calm over chaos—and certainty over fear.

    “He told me he was done living in fear of me leaving. He said we were going to fight for the marriage,” she recalled.

    It wasn’t a grand romantic gesture. It was firm, honest, and deeply confronting.

    That moment didn’t just stop her from walking away—it shifted how she saw everything.

    For Manuela, the realization that followed was even more personal. Staying in the marriage, she says, could not be about her husband alone.

    “I had to work on myself for me, not for him,” she explained.

    What could have marked the end of their relationship instead became a turning point—one that forced both reflection and growth.

    Her story highlights a truth many couples quietly live through: that relationships are not always built on perfect moments, but on difficult decisions, honest conversations, and the willingness to fight for something even when it feels like it’s falling apart.

    Don’t want to miss out on any story? For updates on all Sqoop stories, follow this link on Telegram: https://t.me/Sqoop and Whatsapp: https://whatsapp.com/channel

  • Azawi Lists Her Favorite New Artistes, Kapeke Earns Extra Praise

    Azawi Lists Her Favorite New Artistes, Kapeke Earns Extra Praise

    Azawi is giving flowers to the new generation.

    The award-winning singer, born Priscilla Zawedde, has named a number of artistes she says she truly appreciates, pointing to their talent and the impact they are already making in the industry.

    On Daily Soup, she singled out Joshua Baraka, Elijah Kitaka, Tracy Melon, and Kapeke as some of the names catching her attention.

    New artistes that I have really come to appreciate, their talent, the things that they have been able to do. One of those is Joshua Baraka, then Elijah Kitaka, Tracy Melon, and Kapeke.

    The “Quinamino” hitmaker reserved special praise for Kapeke, highlighting his music and unique style.

    By the way I am very big fan of Kapeke. He creates things that really entertain me and make me laugh. ‘Simanyi nakumanya how I’m feelini’ feelini’ feelini’ feelini.’

    With that level of praise, a collaboration between Azawi and Kapeke almost feels inevitable.

  • Karole Kasita opens up on why she walked away from love for her career – Sqoop

    Karole Kasita opens up on why she walked away from love for her career – Sqoop

    For many, love takes center stage. But for Ugandan artist Karole Kasita, the greatest commitment has always been her music—and she is no longer apologizing for it.

    In a candid conversation with Ruth Kalibbala, the singer opened up about the difficult balancing act between motherhood, her music career, and her personal life, revealing a reality many shy away from: sometimes, something has to give.

    At one of the most demanding phases of her life, juggling a newborn baby, a growing music career, and a relationship proved overwhelming. Eventually, she was forced to make a choice.

    “You can’t manage everything at once—your career, a newborn, and a relationship all at the same time,” she said, reflecting on the moment that changed everything.

    The strain went beyond time management. Sleepless nights, studio demands, and the pressure to stay relevant in a competitive industry began to take a toll, both physically and mentally.

    In the end, Kasita made the tough decision to step away from living with her partner, choosing instead to protect her peace and focus on what mattered most.

    The decision, she admits, was shaped by past experience. At one point, she tried to prioritize love over her passion—a move she now views as a costly mistake.

    “I tried putting love first, but it didn’t work out. It left me with regrets and a lot to rethink,” she said.

    That chapter of her life, marked by a painful fallout, forced her to reassess her priorities and rebuild from the ground up.

    Today, the lines are clear. Kasita says anyone who comes into her life understands that her music comes first, with no room for confusion.

    Her story reflects a growing conversation among modern artists—especially women—about the realities of balancing personal relationships, motherhood, and demanding creative careers.

    Don’t want to miss out on any story? For updates on all Sqoop stories, follow this link on Telegram: https://t.me/Sqoop and Whatsapp: https://whatsapp.com/channel

  • Baraka vs Diamond: A streaming shift or just a moment? – Sqoop

    Baraka vs Diamond: A streaming shift or just a moment? – Sqoop

    Days after Ugandan rising star Joshua Baraka edged past Tanzania’s Diamond Platnumz in monthly Spotify listeners, the conversation has moved beyond numbers—and into what it really means for East Africa’s music landscape.

    Baraka’s climb to roughly 1.7 million monthly listeners may have looked like a simple milestone at first. But as the dust settles, industry watchers are now asking a bigger question: is this a real shift in regional influence, or just the unpredictable nature of the streaming era?

    Because while Baraka’s rise signals progress, it also exposes how volatile digital success has become.

    Take Sofiya Wanjiku, is a Kenyan singer-songwriter, known by her stage name Sofiya Nzau, whose massive 6.5 million monthly listeners continue to dwarf both Baraka and Diamond. Her numbers, largely driven by global playlisting and viral traction, highlight how quickly the balance of power can change in today’s music economy.

    For Uganda, however, Baraka’s growth represents something deeper.

    For years, the country’s artists have dominated local airwaves but struggled to translate that popularity into global streaming success. Baraka is beginning to bridge that gap, building an audience that stretches beyond borders.

    His top streaming cities—Nairobi, Lagos, Kigali, and Kampala—tell the story of an artist whose music is no longer confined to one market.

    What makes his rise even more intriguing is the sound behind it. In a region known for high-energy hits, Baraka has leaned into something different—soft, emotional, and introspective music that resonates across cultures.

    Tracks like Nana and Wrong Places have helped define that identity, positioning him as part of a new wave of African artists whose appeal lies in subtlety rather than spectacle.

    Still, questions remain.

    Streaming numbers can be fleeting, shaped by algorithms, playlists, and momentary virality. Sustaining that momentum—and converting it into long-term influence—will be the real test.

    For now, Baraka’s rise has done something undeniable: it has forced a rethink of where Uganda stands in the regional music conversation.

    And perhaps more importantly, it has shown that the next chapter of East African music may not be defined by who dominates the airwaves—but by who understands the digital game best.

    Don’t want to miss out on any story? For updates on all Sqoop stories, follow this link on Telegram: https://t.me/Sqoop and Whatsapp: https://whatsapp.com/channel

  • Azawi Says Timing Is Everything as Spotlight Shifts to New Artistes

    Azawi Says Timing Is Everything as Spotlight Shifts to New Artistes

    Azawi may have dominated the music scene just a few years ago, but the singer says she understands why the spotlight does not stay in one place forever.

    The Ugandan star, born Priscilla Zawedde, broke through between 2021 and 2022 following the release of her debut album “African Music.”

    Her songs ruled charts, she earned international attention with a Times Square billboard appearance, and later staged a successful maiden concert at Lugogo Grounds.

    Now, new names dominate the industry, and her name no longer comes up as often.

    Speaking to Spark TV, Azawi addressed the change, explaining that success in music moves in phases and no artiste can stay at the top forever.

    It is all about timing. There was a time when I really stood out, then other artistes came through and they are now hitting.

    She stressed that consistency matters most and pointed to how an artiste responds when the spotlight fades a bit.

    The onus is on me to make sure that I keep the consistency, and that is why I still release music. It is all about timing. You cannot be at the top of your game all the time. Of course, there comes a time when your buzz cools down. What makes you different is how you use that moment to rise again.

    Rather than dwell on past moments, Azawi is focusing on her craft as she works toward her next moment.

  • Why I walked away from love for my career – Sqoop

    Why I walked away from love for my career – Sqoop

    For many, love takes center stage. But for Ugandan artist Karole Kasita, the greatest commitment has always been her music—and she is no longer apologizing for it.

    In a candid conversation with Ruth Kalibbala, the singer opened up about the difficult balancing act between motherhood, her music career, and her personal life, revealing a reality many shy away from: sometimes, something has to give.

    At one of the most demanding phases of her life, juggling a newborn baby, a growing music career, and a relationship proved overwhelming. Eventually, she was forced to make a choice.

    “You can’t manage everything at once—your career, a newborn, and a relationship all at the same time,” she said, reflecting on the moment that changed everything.

    The strain went beyond time management. Sleepless nights, studio demands, and the pressure to stay relevant in a competitive industry began to take a toll, both physically and mentally.

    In the end, Kasita made the tough decision to step away from living with her partner, choosing instead to protect her peace and focus on what mattered most.

    The decision, she admits, was shaped by past experience. At one point, she tried to prioritize love over her passion—a move she now views as a costly mistake.

    “I tried putting love first, but it didn’t work out. It left me with regrets and a lot to rethink,” she said.

    That chapter of her life, marked by a painful fallout, forced her to reassess her priorities and rebuild from the ground up.

    Today, the lines are clear. Kasita says anyone who comes into her life understands that her music comes first, with no room for confusion.

    Her story reflects a growing conversation among modern artists—especially women—about the realities of balancing personal relationships, motherhood, and demanding creative careers.

    Don’t want to miss out on any story? For updates on all Sqoop stories, follow this link on Telegram: https://t.me/Sqoop and Whatsapp: https://whatsapp.com/channel

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