Category: News

Former presidential candidate Mubarak Munyagwa has stirred controversy after claiming that Bobi Wine’s recent exit from the country was not случай but rather coordinated with Yoweri Museveni.

Speaking in an interview with a local television station, Munyagwa alleged that the move was part of a behind-the-scenes understanding between the two leaders.

“This is an insider job with a script. You can’t leave here without President Museveni’s knowledge. They must have had an agreement and Bobi Wine will return after the swearing-in of Museveni,” he said.

Munyagwa further suggested that Bobi Wine’s departure could not have happened without the awareness or approval of state authorities.

The remarks come shortly after the National Unity Platform president confirmed that he had left the country following nearly two months in hiding after the 2026 Ugandan General Elections.

Bobi Wine stated that his exit is temporary and aimed at engaging international allies before returning to continue his political struggle.

Ugandan singer Sheem Mwanje says her journey into music began long before many listeners discovered her voice.

Before stepping into the industry, Sheem worked in media as a journalist and trained in radio presentation. The experience helped her develop the confidence and communication skills that later shaped her presence as an artiste.

Her music career continued to grow during the lockdown when she recorded 15 songs with producer Dr Brain, one of the writers she has collaborated with over time. The sessions added to a catalogue that reflects her evolving sound.

Now six years into the industry, Sheem says her rise has been gradual. She believes many listeners first connect quietly with an artiste’s music before openly supporting it.

She also admits success in the industry can be unpredictable. Hard work matters, but financial rewards do not always follow immediately.

For Sheem, music is only part of the bigger picture. She encourages artistes to think about what they represent and the vision they want to share.

Her own goal is clear. She hopes to become a legendary artiste while inspiring more women to believe in their talent.

A lack of specialists at the Mulago Specialised Women and Neonatal Hospital has seen new borns and pre-mature babies moved to other facilities which exposes them to serious health risks.

The Acting Executive Director of the hospital, Dr Sam Ononge revealed that the facility cannot provide specialised care to over half of the babies admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).  

Enonge who appeared before the Public Accounts Committee (Central Government) on Tuesday, 17 March 2026 added that these pre-mature babies require specialised attention that the facility cannot offer, forcing them to seek care at Mengo and Nsambya Hospitals. 
“Forty-five percent of our babies who are admitted in the NICU are pre-terms, less than 32 weeks and they require to be checked in their eyes. We don’t have a specialist doctor to check these babies’ eyes,” he said. 
He warned that the situation puts the babies at risk of long-term complications.
“The danger is that the baby may survive but later become blind which is a disability,” he said adding that, ‘the babies sometimes get exposed to cold and infections during transfers’.

The absence of key specialists has also forced the hospital to refer new-borns requiring surgery to the Mulago National Referral Hospital, a process Dr Ononge described as equally risky.

Looking ahead, the hospital plans to establish a paediatric centre and expand its In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) services. 
Dr Enonge said the facility has already delivered IVF babies and will start accepting donors to support the programme.

Ononge added that the staffing in the intensive care unit is low with a few nurses handling more patients than recommended.
“As we stand now, we are like one nurse to six babies which is unbearable. The staff are getting burnt out and you can easily make mistakes when providing services,” he added.

Dr Ononge urged Members of Parliament to push for an increase in staffing levels to at least 60 per cent.

The Committee Deputy Chairperson, Hon. Gorreth Namugga called for full funding of the hospital and prioritisation of specialists saying, ‘if government can provide finances to other sectors, the women’s facility should be a priority’.

Namugga also cautioned against completely waiving fees for patients who cannot afford care.
“Let it be subsidised but do not completely waive it because it can be misused,” she said. 

Uganda’s tourism sector has taken a bold leap into the future with the unveiling of what innovators describe as Africa’s first artificial intelligence-powered robotic tour guide, a development poised to redefine how visitors experience the country’s rich heritage and biodiversity.

The robot, named Okello, was officially launched on Monday during the 2026 edition of Miss Tourism Uganda, drawing attention from industry players, technologists, and cultural promoters alike.

Developed by the ZunoBotics Foundation, Okello represents a fusion of tourism and cutting-edge technology. The interactive machine is designed to engage tourists in real-time, offering guided information about Uganda’s attractions in multiple languages, including English, French, and several local dialects.

Speaking at the launch, Jonathan Ssemakula, founder of the foundation, said the innovation reflects Uganda’s untapped potential in leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance key economic sectors.

“We wanted to demonstrate that AI is not only for agriculture or finance—it can transform tourism by making experiences more immersive, informative, and inclusive,” Ssemakula noted.

Dubbed the “Gold Pearl Guide,” Okello was entirely designed and engineered by Ugandan developers, underscoring the country’s growing capabilities in advanced robotics. The robot is equipped with intelligent language-detection technology, enabling it to seamlessly switch between languages depending on the user, an innovation expected to improve accessibility for international tourists.

Beyond basic guidance, Okello is being programmed with extensive knowledge of Uganda’s tourism assets, from wildlife and national parks to cultural heritage sites. Notably, developers say the robot will help document indigenous knowledge, including local names of bird species—an important step in preserving cultural identity.

Uganda is home to over 1,000 bird species, making it one of the world’s premier birding destinations. By digitising such information, Okello could significantly enrich visitor engagement while strengthening the country’s positioning in niche tourism markets.

The unveiling comes at a time when global tourism is increasingly embracing digital transformation, with destinations adopting smart technologies to remain competitive. For Uganda, the introduction of an AI tour guide signals a shift toward innovation-driven tourism.

Developers are now seeking partnerships and funding to scale the project, with plans to deploy Okello in museums, visitor centres, and major tourist attractions across the country.

If successfully implemented, the initiative could place Uganda at the forefront of tourism technology in Africa—blending cultural storytelling with artificial intelligence to create a uniquely modern travel experience.

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Musician Dax Vibez has revealed a list of artists he still dreams of collaborating with despite already working with several top names in the industry.

Over the years, Dax Vibez has teamed up with artists like Vinka, Ava Peace, Elijah Kitaka, the late Moses Radio, and Jowy Landa.

However, the singer says he still has a strong desire to expand his catalog with more high-profile collaborations.

Speaking in an interview with a local television station, Dax Vibes named Ragga Dee, DJ Michael, and reggae legend Michael Rose as his dream collaborators.

“I want to collaborate with Ragga Dee, DJ Michael, Michael Rose. That would be a dream come true. I have followed them for many years,” he said.

Dax Vibez emphasized that working with any of the three artists would mark a major milestone in his music career, as he continues to grow his presence in the industry.

The government has intensified efforts to safeguard the integrity of the Parish Development Model (PDM) by taking firm action against individuals who exploit wananchi through fraudulent schemes.

This follows a Presidential directive to expose and hold accountable those who extort money from citizens under the guise of facilitating access to PDM funds.

In Kiryandongo District, authorities have arrested and arraigned before court one Nangoti Peter M/A, a 41-year-old peasant and PDM Chairperson of Panyadoli PDM SACCO, in connection with obtaining money by false pretences under CRB KDGO 862/2025.

It is alleged that in October 2023, the accused fraudulently collected a total of UGX 2,878,400 from 15 individuals in Panyadoli Parish after misleading them that the money was required to assist in registering them to access PDM funds. This claim was false, as no payment is required to benefit from the program.

The suspect was arrested on 6th March 2026, presented before court on 13th March 2026, and has since been remanded to prison as investigations and prosecution continue.

 

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KAMPALA—Dr. Monica Musenero and Dr. Aminah Zawedde activated a joint operational roadmap this week designed to localize Uganda’s digital value chain and transition the nation from a consumer of foreign technology to a producer of domestic digital wealth.

The collaboration between the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation and the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance targets a systemic flaw in Uganda’s growth: a high rate of digital connectivity that lacks a corresponding economic reward. While internet and mobile penetration are at record highs, technology leaders argue that the value generated by this activity is currently captured by foreign hardware manufacturers and software vendors.

Minister Musenero noted that a country can be digitally connected but still economically disconnected if it fails to produce, capture, and retain digital value. The new roadmap serves as a structural mechanism intended to link the primary engines of the Fourth National Development Plan, known as the “ATMs.” These engines include agro-industrialization, tourism, mineral-based industrial development, and science, technology, and innovation.

By wiring these sectors together, the government aims to ensure that the code, platforms, and devices used in Ugandan industry are developed and owned locally. Musenero compared the shift to the coffee industry, stating that for too long, Uganda grew the coffee while others sold the jar. She emphasized that the country is now building the factory, training the workforce, and keeping profits inside Uganda.

Dr. Zawedde, the permanent secretary of the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, emphasized that the shift is a matter of industrial logic rather than welfare. She noted that every young Ugandan trained in high-level digital skills represents a unit of economic capacity capable of employing others and keeping capital circulating within the country.

The roadmap is already operational as of March 2026, with focal persons appointed in both ministries to oversee joint projects. The strategy covers the entire industrial lifecycle, beginning with strengthening research at universities and moving into skills development at the National ICT Innovation Hub. It further extends into manufacturing through smart electronics plants and sovereign cloud services, finally integrating the private sector into a national digital highway.

Flavia Opio, head of the National ICT Innovation Hub, said the partnership between Musenero and Zawedde provides a necessary bridge for the next generation of engineers. She noted that students in STEM classrooms do not need more inspiration; they need institutions that are ready for them upon graduation.

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For years, Ugandan musicians have pushed for stronger copyright protection.

On March 17, 2026, that campaign reached an important milestone when Parliament passed the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights (Amendment) Bill 2025.

Musicians led by Eddy Kenzo, president of the Uganda National Musicians Federation, attended the session at Parliament. Among those present were Sheebah Karungi, Pallaso, King Saha and Gravity Omutujju.

The amendments introduce payments for performers when their music plays on radio, television, digital platforms or at public events.

The law also increases penalties for piracy and improves oversight of royalty collection bodies.

Norbert Mao, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, told Parliament the reforms will strengthen intellectual property protection for creatives.

Musicians present welcomed the development, saying it could finally improve how artistes earn from their work.

The bill now awaits presidential assent before it takes effect.

Police in Nansana have arrested four suspects believed to be behind a string of robberies targeting bank clients in the area.

The suspects were picked up during a police operation conducted between March 10 and March 14, 2026.

According to KMP depuy spokesman Luke Owoyesigyire, the gang had been tracking people leaving banks and attacking them shortly after withdrawing money.

Investigations reveal the suspects allegedly confessed to several robberies, including incidents around Base Hotel and other banking points in Nansana.

Police say the group carried out the attacks armed with pangas and used boda bodas to quickly flee from the scenes after robbing their victims.

Security agencies are now hunting for other members of the gang still on the run.

Police have also warned the public to remain cautious when carrying large sums of money from banks and to seek assistance where necessary.

The Constitutional Court has struck down the controversial Computer Misuse (Amendment) Act 2022 and key sections of the Penal Code Act on libel and defamation, declaring them null, void, and unenforceable.

The ruling marks a major win for journalists, digital activists, and free speech advocates across Uganda.

The case was brought by the Uganda Law Society against the Attorney General, challenging the legality of the law that critics had long argued threatened freedom of expression and digital rights.

The Constitutional Court’s decision was made by a five‑member bench, Justice Irene Mulyagonja, JCC as Presiding/lead justice on the panel, Justice Ketrah Kitariisibwa Katunguka, JCC, Justice John Mike Musisi, JCC,Justice Jessy (Jesse) Byaruhanga Rugyema, JCC, Justice Esta Nambayo, JCC.

Parliament Broke the Rules

The court found that Parliament passed the Computer Misuse (Amendment) Bill 2022 without following Rule 24(3) of the Rules of Procedure, which is required under Article 94 of the Constitution. This meant that the law bypassed essential constitutional safeguards.

Justice Katunguka declared: “The enactment of the Computer Misuse Amendment Bill into law without complying with parliamentary procedure is inconsistent with Articles 88 and 89 of the Constitution. Consequently, the Act is null and void.”

Vague Libel Laws Struck Down

The court did not stop at the Computer Misuse law. It also ruled that Sections 162 and 163 of the Penal Code, which define “libel” and “defamation,” are vague, ambiguous, and unconstitutional.

According to the ruling: The libel provisions violate freedom of expression under Article 19(3)(a) of the ICCPR.

Section 162 is inconsistent with Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

Both sections fail to meet the clarity standards required by Uganda’s Constitution and international human rights law, including the country’s National Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy.

The Constitutional Court issued a permanent injunction barring the government from enforcing:

Sections 11, 23, 26, 27, 28, and 29 of the Computer Misuse Act 2003, and Section 162 of the Penal Code Act.

The Attorney General was also ordered to pay 30% of the petitioners’ legal costs, a symbolic yet significant reminder of the government’s procedural failure.

Justice Katunguka noted that both the Computer Misuse Amendment Act 2022 and the challenged libel provisions are dead in law, making it clear that freedom of expression in Uganda is protected, and government authorities must respect constitutional procedures going forward.

The Computer Misuse (Amendment) Act, 2022 was introduced in Parliament by Muhammad Nsereko as a Private Member’s Bill. It was passed by the Parliament of Uganda in September 2022 and later signed into law by Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.

The amendment was meant to stop online harassment, cyberbullying, and the unauthorized sharing of personal information. However, critics said it restricted freedom of expression and could be used to arrest journalists, bloggers, and social media users.

The law made it illegal to access people’s data without permission, secretly record someone’s voice or video, or share personal information without consent. Anyone convicted faced a fine of up to Shs15 million or up to 10 years in prison.

The law also criminalized hate speech, sharing false or malicious information, sending unsolicited messages, and sharing information about children without parental consent, with penalties of up to seven years in jail.

What the Court Decision Means

Computer Misuse Amendment 2022; This amendment can no longer be used to prosecute people.

People can now post, comment, and share information online more freely.
Journalists, bloggers, and social media users are protected from being charged simply for what they post online.

However, crimes like fraud, hacking, cyber harassment, or stealing data are still illegal under other laws.

Some Sections of the Computer Misuse Act 2003; Sections 11, 23, 26, 27, 28, and 29 that were connected to the amendment cannot be enforced. People cannot be prosecuted under those sections anymore.

But real cyber crimes like hacking or interfering with computer systems are still punishable under other laws.

Criminal Libel Laws; Sections 162 and 163 of the Penal Code that made libel or defamation a criminal offence are now invalid. You cannot be criminally charged for defamation anymore. People can criticize or express opinions more freely.

However, someone can still sue you in civil court for defamation and claim damages.