Category: News

There’s a quiet magic in leaning into the old songs that raised you, the fits that remind you of who you were, the slow days that ask little of you.

On Sunday, the third edition of the Old School RnB Picnic officially marked its territory on Kampala’s social calendar with a creamy, decadent upgrade as Baileys joined the party for the very first time.

“Seeing the people come together to slow down and savor these moments is exactly why we partnered with the picnic,” said Nancy Nansikombi, Baileys Brand Manager. “Baileys is a versatile canvas for creativity with the reminder that life is sweeter when you indulge a little.”

The gardens became a runway of summer-fine looks with flowy sundresses and throwback fits that would have made a perfect 90s R&B music video ideal. Between floral photobooths and retro backdrops, guests posed and snapped, already deep in the comfort of all-time favorites.

Making its debut at the experience, the Irish cream showed up and showed out. The Baileys  experience elevated the picnic with various activity corners, offering every RnB fanatic a sweet treat  of their choice from Baileys infused gelato, exceptional cold serves and not forgetting the pink themed set up that gave the experience a much needed pop of color.

And with multiple Happy Hours offerings, the indulgence was as accessible as it was refined.

The atmosphere was set by the legendary live instrumental band as Myko Ouma and Joseph Sax used their live strings and soulful saxophone melodies to attract guests into the gardens and Baileys Treating Experience.

The live band eventually surrendered the stage to Djs Pita and Anselm as the gardens turned into a massive sing-along. With the day’s host, Aine Dasha weaving his magic between tracks to make sure everyone felt seen, heard, and thoroughly toasted. When the sun got shy from all the glowing faces convened in the Gardens, DJs Nyowe, Selector Jay and Aludah then took the evening away.

Many came for the music that raised us but stayed for the experience and treats that reminded us indulgence can feel brand new. Here’s to the old, the new and the delightful ways they both keep surprising us.

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Uganda’s oldest university Makerere  has scooped yet another grant to facilitate its research-related activities.

The US dollar 250,000 grant is an equivalent of Uganda Shs 950,000,000 which is expected to help the university enhance its agricultural research capabilities, Campus Bee has learnt.

The grant was offered by OR Tambo Africa Research Chairs Initiative funded by the South African government, targeting competent scientists that can supervise research on innovations that can help to solve agriculture challenges in Africa.

More details indicate that the OR Tambo Research chair is providing the 250,000 USD for five years renewable twice to make it 15 years.

We have further established that the grant was internationally advertised and Professor Noble Banadda of Makerere University Agriculture and Bio systems was selected for the grant to lead the research on sustainable agriculture.

While talking about the newly secured grant,  Prof Banadda confessed that  the research will look at sustainable agriculture to solve issues around food security through creating systems that can recycle agricultural wastes.

He further explained that his team will ensure that food productivity increases without using artificial fertilizers by using the wastes from the farm.

Apparently, Makerere is going to advertise internationally for the students across Africa to apply and participate in finding solutions to agriculture in Africa for more productivity, technology and efficiency. Banadda will work with 15 PHD holders, nine Post doctorate and 27 Masters Level researchers.

According to Banadda, farmers are facing challenges of accessing fertilizers yet they have a lot of wastes from their farms. Banadda and the team will use the grant to conduct research on how this waste can be turned into high productive manure.

It is worthy noting that Banadda is also set  to receive 100,000 Euros from Wageningen University per year for the next fifteen years. He will use this fund to enhance the work of solving pending problems in agriculture in Africa.

TRAGIC LOSS: Ugandan Actress Esteri Tebandeke Dies After Kidney Transplant Despite Husband’s Sacrifice and Presidential Support

KAMPALA – The Ugandan film industry is mourning the untimely death of actress Esteri Tebandeke, best known for her role in the acclaimed Disney film Queen of Katwe.

Esteri passed away on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, following a prolonged battle with kidney failure. The news was confirmed by veteran journalist and Uganda Media Centre Executive Director Alan Kasujja, who shared an emotional tribute early Wednesday.

Kasujja recalled meeting Esteri and her husband, Samuel Tebandeke, in 2022 during his travels promoting the BBC podcast Africa Daily. At the time, Esteri was undergoing treatment at Mulago Hospital.

“What unfolded was a powerful story of love and resilience,” Kasujja noted, revealing that Samuel had volunteered to donate a kidney to save his wife.

Deeply moved by the couple’s determination, Kasujja said he later brought their plight to the attention of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.

“Without hesitation, the President directed his office to ensure Esteri received the financial support she needed,” Kasujja revealed, adding that the funds facilitated the couple’s travel to India for the transplant procedure.

Initially, the operation was reported to have been successful. Kasujja maintained contact with the family, following Esteri’s recovery journey—until Tuesday, when Samuel broke the devastating news of her passing.

“I am gutted. Esteri was young, beautiful, and immensely talented. I wish she had lived much longer,” Kasujja wrote, extending prayers to the bereaved family.

The couple’s story has since resonated widely, with kidney specialist Robert Kalyesubula highlighting the rarity of such a sacrifice.

“In my 16 years of practice, it is rare to find men donating kidneys to their wives. Mr Tebandeke is truly exceptional,” he noted.

Esteri’s passing underscores the harsh realities faced by many Ugandan patients battling organ failure, even with access to advanced treatment and high-level intervention.

Watchdog Uganda extends its deepest condolences to Samuel Tebandeke, the bereaved family, and the entire Ugandan arts fraternity. May her soul rest in eternal peace.

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Ugandan singer Tracy Melon has spoken out as speculation grows over the luxury Mercedes-Benz GLC SUV she received on International Women’s Day.

She says a fan sent the gift to appreciate her music and the way she carries herself, shutting down claims that it has any romantic meaning.

Speaking to Tawfiq Media, Tracy dismissed suggestions linking the gifter to her personal life and maintained she has no connection to them, even revealing she has never met the person face to face.

Instead, she said, the gifter arranged delivery and stayed away.

Even so, Tracy vowed to apologize if the truth ever turns out differently.

I will have nothing to tell you. Okay, I will tell you, “Sorry I lied to you. Forgive me.” I will come out and apologize.

For now, her response has only deepened the mystery, with questions around the gifter’s identity still hanging.

After years of global success, Davido is making a clear shift in his music journey.

The singer said he has already performed on some of the biggest stages and earned major recognition, including multiple Grammy nominations.

With that level of success, he now feels content with his career so far.

Looking ahead, Davido explained that he is no longer focused on blending his sound to fit Western markets.

Instead, he wants his upcoming music to reflect a strong African identity.

This move signals a change in priorities, from chasing global validation to embracing his roots.

His next releases are expected to reflect that decision.

This part of my career, I have performed everywhere, sold out every arena, I have been to three Grammys in the last three years. The music that is coming next is very Davido, it is very African. We have done it so I am not really looking to really do western sounds

You’ve heard people talk about him; you have also watched him on The Beat, on NTV, or have vibed and grooved to his mixes across top bars and events in Kampala.

DJ Dash is a man not only celebrated for his mixes but also for his flamboyant personality, the elegance, the luxury, and for being a Don Julio brand influencer.

It was thus not surprising that for his birthday celebration on Monday night, luxury tequila brand Don Julio partnered with premium spot Mezo Noir to celebrate his life and career journey. Happening on a Monday, one could think that Kampala wasn’t going to turn up the way it did or even party as hard as it did.

The gates opened at 7pm, but revellers started trickling through a few minutes before 10pm. And they came in groups of twos, fours, and fives. And by midnight, there was hardly an empty table, and the vibe was up. Monday night, or rather Tuesday morning, had just turned into a weekend.

From Amapiano vibes to other clans of electronic music, the unapologetic DJs did not simply bring something to the table; they became the table. 

It was a duo’s night with DJs taking the wheels of steel in pairs; City Girl paired with DJ Ames, Edwizzy with DJ Mato, the Wav Bros did their thing together, while the main celebrant- DJ Dash paired with Spinny. Sheilah Gashumba, aka DJ Lil Stunner, also a Don Julio ambassador for the 1942 range, was the surprise of the night, since she wasn’t on the lineup.

The night had many more surprises, from the finesse, the fashion, the menu, to the unexpected Don Julio mentorship sessions by the Uganda Breweries Limited (UBL) Advocacy Team led by Melanie Kaita and Steve Baguma.

Guests were taken through the different ways to enjoy their Don Julio tequila better. Guests had the opportunity to taste and feel the notes of the different tequila ranges, including Blanco, Añejo, and Reposado.

Reserve Brand Ambassador, Melanie, guided small groups of guests that took turns to sit at the Don’s table, through the different ways tequila can best be consumed, as well as the best way to make cocktails.

“For quite some time, tequila was misunderstood in Uganda. Many people thought tequila should only be rightfully taken in shots. They also thought that it had to be taken with lemon and salt. Yet tequila is more than that; I believe tequila is a versatile spirit that can be enjoyed in many ways. It can be sipped just like a whisky, it can be used to make cocktails, and it can be consumed in shots with a pineapple slice,” she said.

Melanie also explained why Don Julio was celebrating DJ Dash.

“DJ Dash truly loves Don Julio. He was one of the first people who was seen consuming Don Julio in different places after we launched in Uganda. And being the talented disc spinner he is, we felt it was prudent to collaborate with him. And the relationship came about so easily- ours is a symbiotic relationship. So celebrating Dash came quite easily.  We are happy to be a part of Dash’s journey, and we look forward to many more parties and celebrations together. Happy birthday, DJ Dash.”

The number of times the Dorime sound played was countless, as the big ballers  called for the top of the range 1942 bottles every after a few minutes. And Don Julio, together with the amazing Mezo Noir staff, ensured that the bottles were perfectly delivered in the most creative style.

“Don Julio is all about monumental celebrations. DJ Dash’s birthday is worth celebrating. He represents our vibrant core range, and he has done an amazing job pushing it forward. There was no better way to celebrate him than partnering with him to create such a memorable luxurious experience done the Don Julio way,” said Judie Nandekya, Senior Brand Manager, Tequila and Rum, East Africa.

DJ Dash was both elated and grateful. 

“Tonight is such a huge night for me. I am celebrating my birthday and my journey, as both a DJ and a Don Julio influencer. I appreciate Don Julio for partnering with me to celebrate me so lavishly,”  he said.

The Dash affair spiced up Mezo Noir’s Useless Mondays, and it had Kampala’s crème de la crème show up to celebrate a man who has entertained the city for over a decade.

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