Category: News

  • Two Suspects Armed With A panga Arrested Wandering in Wandegeya

    Two Suspects Armed With A panga Arrested Wandering in Wandegeya

    Police in Wandegeya have arrested two suspects in connection with the offence of wandering at night while armed with dangerous weapons.

    The suspects have been identified as Omirambe Nizara (18) and Ochom Daniel (23), both residents of Kawempe Division.

    According to the KMP Deputy Spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire, the arrest occurred in the early hours of 18th March 2026 at around 12:23am during a routine patrol conducted by officers from Kikoni B Police Station under the Uganda Police Force.

    Owoyesigyire stated that officers encountered a group of about six youths near Nyumbani Hotel who fled upon noticing the police patrol. Two of the suspects were successfully apprehended.

    Upon search, one of the suspects, Omirambe Nizara, was found in possession of a panga and a knife concealed on his person.

    The suspects are currently detained at Wandegeya Police Division, and the case file has been prepared and is pending submission to the Resident State Attorney for legal advice.

    Police say investigations into the matter are ongoing.

  • Namutumba Man Netted in Act of Bestiality with Neighbour’s Cow

    Namutumba Man Netted in Act of Bestiality with Neighbour’s Cow

    Residents of Kavule Bunaibamba swamp in Kavule village, Namutumba district were left horrified after a man identified as Dodoro, son of Bulukani Katikiro of Kigalama village, was caught red-handed engaging in a sexual act with a cow.

    Eyewitnesses say the incident caused drama in the area as locals rushed to the scene. Many condemned the act, saying it was not only unnatural but also deeply disrespectful.

    “We were shocked when we saw what was happening. There are plenty of women in this area looking for men. We don’t understand why anyone would resort to a cow. This behavior is shameful and unacceptable.” said one resident.

    They allege that the brown amaretto cow was tied to a tree in the wetland’s forest and all they kept hearing was the moeing sound, prompting them to come and see.
    The locals allege they imagined one of the heavily pregnant cows in the grazing herd was giving birth, others thought thieves had attacked them.

    However, when one local showed up, he found the cow tied to a tree, with Dodoro busy in the act of bestiality.

    The cow’s owner, Namuganza Shamina, revealed that this is the fourth time Dodoro has targeted her livestock. She is now seeking justice and wants the man to take full responsibility for his actions.

    “This is not the first time he has done this. I demand that he marries the cow and pays dowry. This cannot continue unchecked. Justice must be served.” Shamina said.

  • The Weeknd Hits 15 Diamond Singles in France

    The Weeknd Hits 15 Diamond Singles in France

    Global hitmaker The Weeknd has added another major win to his name, this time in France.

    The singer now holds the record for the most diamond certified singles by an international artiste, with 15 songs reaching the level. It marks a strong run in a market known for backing its own stars.

    Diamond status in France reflects massive sales and streaming numbers, making the achievement a clear sign of his global reach.

    Tracks like “Blinding Lights”, “Starboy”, and “Can’t Feel My Face” continue to perform across borders, keeping his catalog in constant rotation.

    His success in France shows how his music connects across different audiences, building steady momentum over time.

    With this milestone, he further strengthens his place among the most consistent global acts in today’s music scene.

  • Court Refuses Bail for Ex-Police Boss in Kagezi Murder Case

    Court Refuses Bail for Ex-Police Boss in Kagezi Murder Case

    The High Court in Kampala has denied bail for the former police officer Nickson Agasiirwe in the murder case of senior prosecutor Joan Namazzi Kagezi.

    Delivering the ruling, Justice Isaac Muwata said the accused had failed to present convincing reasons for the court to grant him bail.

    The judge also noted the seriousness of the murder charge and concerns that the accused could flee the country or interfere with the case if released.

    Agasiirwe filed his bail application at the High Court in Kampala after being committed to that court for trial, with the bail hearing set for 18 and 19 March 2026. The court fixed these dates after both the defence and prosecution filed their submissions online via the Electronic Court Case Management Information System (ECCMIS).

    In his supporting affidavit sworn at Luzira Prison on 15 December 2025, Agasiirwe argued the following:

    He had spent more than 180 days on remand without trial, which he said violated his constitutional right to a fair and speedy trial and the presumption of innocence.

    He indicated his fixed place of abode, with local authority confirmation letters attached to the filings.

    He also said he had substantial sureties who could guarantee his attendance in court and compliance with bail conditions.

    Agasiirwe presented three sureties to support his bail bid including; Alozious Muhangi, a 60‑year‑old businessman in food supplies and catering and a cousin, Levi Kurareva, 52, an environmental researcher and his brother‑in‑law and Leemani Mugumya, 46, a businessman and friend. All three were described as having residences in the Kampala and Wakiso area.

    Agasiirwe once served as commander of the Special Investigations Unit in the Uganda Police Force and was considered a powerful figure within the force.

    He is now accused of involvement in the assassination of Kagezi, a respected prosecutor who handled some of the country’s most sensitive criminal cases.

    Kagezi was gunned down on March 30, 2015 in Kiwatule as she drove home with her children.

    Gunmen riding on a motorcycle reportedly pulled up alongside her car and opened fire, killing her instantly before escaping.

    At the time of her death, she was prosecuting suspects connected to the deadly 2010 Kampala bombings that killed more than 70 people in Kampala.

    With the court refusing his bail request, Agasiirwe will remain on remand as proceedings in the case continue.

  • Nina Roz Warns Copyright Law Will Mean Nothing Without Enforcement

    Nina Roz Warns Copyright Law Will Mean Nothing Without Enforcement

    Ugandan singer Nina Kankunda, stage name Nina Roz, has warned that the new copyright law will mean nothing if authorities do not enforce it.

    In a statement shared on her official X account on March 19, Nina Roz did not sugarcoat the reality creatives face.

    She said artistes have carried the country’s culture for years but still struggle with poor pay and a lack of protection.

    Artistes have carried this country’s culture for years with little protection, little pay, and even less respect. So yes, recognising creative ownership matters. But let’s be real, laws on paper do not change lives. Enforcement does.

    Building on that point, she added that real change will only come if authorities put the law into action.

    If this copyright law is actually implemented, it could finally mean artists earning from their sweat, their voice, and their stories. Less exploitation, more creators living off their craft. That’s the only part that matters.

    Nina Roz also stressed that stakeholders should focus less on celebrating policy and more on delivering real results for creatives.

    Because this is not about praising policy. It is about whether creatives will finally see real value from what they create.

    Her remarks come just days after Parliament passed the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights (Amendment) Bill, 2025, on March 17.

    The law aims to protect and improve how creatives earn from their work, but President Yoweri Museveni has not yet signed it.

    Once that happens, the Uganda Registration Services Bureau will take charge of enforcement.

  • World Bank bans PwC firms in Kenya, Rwanda, Mauritius over fraud and collusion

    The World Bank has banned PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) firms in Kenya, Rwanda, and Mauritius from participating in its projects for 21 months after uncovering serious misconduct in a regional energy project.

    In a statement issued on 18 March 2026, the Bank said the three firms were involved in collusion and fraud linked to consultancy contracts under the Eastern Africa Power Integration Program, particularly the Ethiopian Electricity Highway Project. The project is designed to strengthen Kenya’s electricity supply while allowing Ethiopia to earn from power exports.

    According to investigators, the firms obtained confidential procurement information in 2019 to gain an unfair advantage during the bidding process. They were also found to have misrepresented the credentials and availability of key experts and failed to fully disclose subcontractors involved in the work.

    The World Bank said these actions violated its procurement rules and undermined fair competition.

    As a result, the three PwC entities—and any companies under their control—are now barred from taking part in World Bank-funded activities for the duration of the sanction.

    The penalty follows a negotiated settlement in which the firms admitted wrongdoing. The Bank noted that their cooperation during the investigation, along with steps taken to strengthen internal controls and compliance systems, helped reduce the length of the ban.

    Under the agreement, the firms must implement strict integrity and compliance measures before they can be considered for future World Bank projects.

    While PwC Africa, the regional oversight body, was not directly sanctioned, it was part of the settlement to ensure closer supervision of its member firms going forward.

  • Eddy Kenzo considers stepping down from UNMF leadership after Copyright law is signed – Sqoop

    Eddy Kenzo considers stepping down from UNMF leadership after Copyright law is signed – Sqoop

    Ugandan musician and Eddy Kenzo has revealed that he is considering stepping down from his leadership role at the Uganda National Musicians Federation (UNMF) following the recent passing of the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights (Amendment) Bill, 2025.

    Speaking to the press, Kenzo said he feels he has fulfilled a major responsibility to the creative industry after pushing for the Bill, which many artists believe will transform how they earn from their work.

    “They don’t demand anything important from me anymore. I’m now waiting for the regulations that will follow the president’s signature,” he said. “Then I will sit with my fellow artists and formally ask them to retire. If they allow me, I will step down; if they don’t, they will have to give me their reasons. If I agree with their reasons, I will stay in power.”

    Kenzo noted that his next step will depend on consultations with federation members once the law is fully enacted, including the final regulations after presidential assent.

    On March 17, 2026, Uganda’s music industry marked a major milestone when the Bill was passed by Speaker Anita Among, bringing it a step closer to becoming law.

    The proposed legislation is expected to significantly reshape the industry by tackling piracy and requiring broadcasters to compensate artists whenever their music is played on radio and television.

    During the parliamentary session, several musicians, led by Kenzo and members of the federation, gathered to witness and support the process—highlighting the importance of the reform to Uganda’s creative sector.

    If signed into law, the new framework could usher in a more sustainable future for artists, ensuring they benefit financially from their work while strengthening protections around intellectual property.

    For Kenzo, however, the milestone also marks a personal turning point—one that could see him step away from leadership after steering one of the industry’s most significant reforms.

    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

  • Neon Energy Heads to Mbarara as Tusker Lite Raves Meet Marathon Fever

    Neon Energy Heads to Mbarara as Tusker Lite Raves Meet Marathon Fever

    Mbarara is gearing up for a high-voltage cultural takeover as the Tusker Lite Neon Raves make their next stop in the western city, blending dance, music and athleticism into one electrifying weekend.

    Set against the backdrop of the upcoming Mbarara City Marathon, this latest edition of the Neon Raves promises to transform the city into a vibrant playground of rhythm and motion, where the region’s most exciting dance crews will battle for a coveted spot in the grand finale.

    The auditions, scheduled for March 21at the Soho Terrace, will see crews from across the western region and beyond converge on Mbarara, each bringing their own style, swagger and street-honed choreography.

    From amapiano-inspired footwork to high-energy Afro dance routines, the stage is expected to pulse with creativity as dancers compete to impress judges and earn a place in the finale slated for March 28at Mugaba Palace.

    The Neon Raves, powered by Tusker Lite, have steadily grown into one of the country’s most dynamic youth culture platforms, spotlighting emerging dance talent while fusing nightlife aesthetics with competitive performance. Previous regional showcases in Hoima and Masaka have already set the tone, drawing large crowds and unearthing standout crews that have gone on to build loyal followings.

    In Masaka, Team Cindy Dancehall Machine carried the regional title with a breathtaking and energetic dancehall routine that reminded everyone that before Amapiano, street and hiphop, Uganda has always been a dancehall audience to the core.

    To Kampala, they will be joined by De-Dancers’ Squad, an all female dance crew and Representable Performers, all from Masaka.

    In Hoima, Jambo Dancers, City Oil Dancers and Success Dancers came out on top, respectively, however, not to be outdone, the vibe was owned by the Froozen Crew in their Joker inspired makeup.

    In Mbarara, the stakes are even higher. With the city marathon drawing athletes, spectators and lifestyle enthusiasts from across the country, the Neon Raves auditions are expected to attract an even broader audience, creating a unique crossover between sport and urban entertainment.

    “Bringing the Neon Raves to Mbarara alongside the City Marathon is about more than just entertainment—it’s about spotlighting Uganda’s incredible dance talent and giving young creatives a stage to shine while connecting with moments that move the culture forward,”said Sandra Againe, the brand manager Tusker Lite.

    Organisers say the March 21 auditions at the Soho Terrace are open to all dance crews ready to bring originality, precision and stage presence. For many, it is more than just a competition, it is a chance to step into the spotlight, gain national exposure and become part of a growing movement that celebrates dance as both art and identity.

    As the countdown begins, Mbarara is poised to host not just a race on the streets, but a battle on the dance floor, one lit in neon, driven by passion, and powered by the unstoppable energy of Uganda’s youth.

  • BigTril Crowns Eddy Kenzo the GOAT of Ugandan Music

    BigTril Crowns Eddy Kenzo the GOAT of Ugandan Music

    Ugandan singer Eddy Kenzo is receiving praise after playing a key role in pushing forward the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Amendment Bill 2025.

    Kenzo, born Edrisa Musuuza, has been leading efforts through the Uganda National Musicians Federation, including engaging President Yoweri Museveni to highlight the urgency of the law.

    Parliament passed the bill on March 17, and it now awaits presidential assent.

    BigTril Eddy Kenzo

    Following the development, rapper BigTril, born Rowland Raymond Kaiza, took to TikTok to applaud Kenzo.

    He highlighted how far the BET Award winner has come, from being underestimated to becoming a key figure in the industry.

    Kenzo was at one point laughed at for not knowing how to speak English, and now look at Kenzo. If you ask me who the greatest musician in the history of the Ugandan music industry is, I will tell you Kenzo. It is not even about the music. The hits, he has done them, but look at what he has done today.

    He then turned to Kenzo’s leadership, praising the work done by the federation and saying their efforts could shape the industry for generations.

    Not only him, but what he and his team, the federation, have managed to push for and achieve today, I was there to witness it. Creatives three hundred years from now in Uganda are going to be thankful for today and all that was spearheaded by the federation, which is led by Kenzo.

    BigTril Eddy Kenzo

    BigTril also pointed to a shift in the industry, contrasting its competitive nature with Kenzo’s approach.

    According to him, Kenzo has moved the narrative from just making hits to protecting the entire industry.

    Music is a competitive sport, we look out for ourselves. That is how it has always been, “I have a hit, you do not have a hit.” Kenzo is like, yes, we have made the hits, but to what end? How about we protect the industry? And that takes brains.

    He later reflected on Kenzo’s journey, noting that despite past criticism over his English speaking skills, he has proven his impact through action.

    BigTril went on to name him the greatest Ugandan musician ever in his view.

    It is crazy that people used to laugh at this guy because he does not know English, but now he has helped even those who know English. Life is a beautiful mess, bro. If you ask me right now who the GOAT of Ugandan music is, it is Eddy Kenzo. No arguments, you can go and argue with yourself.

  • Abryanz unveils a Jersey that blends style with African football culture – Sqoop

    Abryanz unveils a Jersey that blends style with African football culture – Sqoop

    In a bold fusion of sport and style, the Abryanz brand has unveiled the AB National Jersey—a piece that goes beyond football to tell a deeper story about identity, culture, and contemporary African creativity.

    At first glance, it is a football jersey. But look closer, and it becomes something more: a cultural statement rooted in Kampala, yet speaking to a wider African audience.

    The design draws heavily from vintage African football aesthetics, reimagining the traditional supporter’s kit through a modern lens. Rather than replicating official team jerseys, the AB National Jersey captures the emotion, pride, and energy of fandom—transforming it into wearable art.

    At the heart of the jersey is the Grey Crowned Crane, one of Uganda’s most powerful national symbols. Featured on the country’s flag and closely associated with the national team, The Cranes, the bird represents strength, unity, and pride. Here, it anchors the design firmly in Ugandan heritage while giving the piece a sense of place and identity.

    But the jersey does not stop at national symbolism. It stretches into a broader African narrative through the use of a checkerboard pattern—an element deeply embedded in the continent’s visual culture.

    For decades, checker motifs have appeared across African creative spaces, from vintage photography backdrops and textiles to interior décor and handcrafted designs. Much like certain patterns define Western aesthetics, this motif has quietly shaped African visual expression, connecting generations through familiarity and shared memory.

    In the AB National Jersey, the pattern becomes more than design—it becomes a unifying language, linking Uganda’s story to a continental identity.

    This layered storytelling reflects the true essence of football in Africa. Across the continent, the game has always been more than sport. It is a social ritual, a community gathering, and a powerful expression of belonging. From neighbourhood pitches to packed terraces, football carries the pulse of everyday life.

    The jersey captures that spirit. It blends nostalgia with innovation, combining Afro-Sport influences with contemporary fashion sensibilities. The result is a garment that feels both familiar and forward-looking.

    More importantly, it shifts the idea of what a jersey can be. No longer just merchandise, it becomes memorabilia—a piece that holds meaning beyond the pitch. It reflects youth culture, creative expression, and the evolving relationship between fashion and sport in Africa.

    Made in Kampala, the AB National Jersey stands as a tribute to Ugandan identity while celebrating the richness and diversity of African culture. It is a reminder that sometimes, the most powerful stories are not just told—they are worn.

    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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