Ugandan musician King Saha has criticized lawmakers for delaying debate on the country’s proposed copyright law, urging Parliament to urgently pass legislation that artists say is critical to the survival of the music industry.
The remarks follow a decision by the Parliament of Uganda to postpone discussion of the copyright bill last week after legislators reportedly disagreed on several clauses within the proposed law.
The delay has sparked frustration among musicians and other creatives who believe the legislation would strengthen their ability to earn from their work.
In a video posted on his social media platform X, King Saha argued that copyright protections would help formalize music as a profession and ensure artists benefit from the commercial use of their work.
“Copyright helps us as musicians to officialize our music as a profession because the government already did and it taxes us. So we ask that this issue of copyright be sorted before Ramadan finishes,” he said.
Artists have particularly raised concern about Clause 9 of the proposed law, which they say would guarantee musicians royalties whenever their music is played on radio and television.
According to Saha, many artists continue to struggle financially despite their music being widely consumed. He claimed that some musicians have been pushed into distress because they earn little from their work while others profit from it.
The singer warned that if Parliament does not resolve the issue soon, artists could resort to demonstrations to push lawmakers into action. Saha said musicians are prepared to mobilize and use every possible means to ensure their concerns about copyright protection are addressed.
Panic has set in across Uganda after the Inspectorate of Government moved to crack down on more than 200 public officials and contractors accused of sitting on billions of shillings in government money that investigators say was irregularly taken and never refunded.
Documents compiled by the Inspectorate and seen by Red Pepper show that 202 officers collectively owe the government more than Shs2.3 billion, funds that were allegedly obtained through abuse of office, irregular advances and misappropriated public resources. The anti-graft body has now issued what it describes as a final ultimatum, ordering the officers to appear before investigators and reconcile their balances before March 31, 2026 or face prosecution.
Officials at the Inspectorate say many of the individuals were previously investigated and directed to refund the money, but repeatedly ignored lawful orders.
“The outstanding balances arise from money which officers used for personal gain at the expense of public services, causing loss to government,” the Inspectorate told Red Pepper. “Those who continue to defy statutory directives will face charges relating to abuse of office and disobedience of lawful orders.”
The list in Red Pepper possession cuts across several ministries, districts and government agencies, exposing what insiders describe as a deeply entrenched culture of impunity within sections of the public service.
A senior source familiar with the investigations told Red Pepper that the move to publicize the list is intended to force the defaulters to finally pay up.
“This is the last opportunity being given to them to come forward and reconcile their balances,” the official said. “If they remain adamant, prosecution will follow.”
At the top of the list is Pius Wakabi Kasajja, former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, who investigators say still owes Shs205,000,000 to government. He is followed by Lewis Paul Ayesiga, an accounts assistant in the Ministry of Energy, with an outstanding balance of Shs164,716,600, while Joel Musisi, former Chief Administrative Officer of Kaabong and Kitgum districts, is listed with Shs155,000,000 yet to be refunded.
Also appearing prominently in the recovery register are Fisher Martin, Managing Director of Mac Business World Ltd, owing Shs98,000,000, and Steven Turyamureeba, an internal auditor in the Ministry of Agriculture, who investigators say must return Shs95,897,000.
Anti-corruption activists say the scale of the outstanding balances highlights how government funds intended for service delivery were diverted for private use.
“When public officers refuse to refund money they irregularly took, it means hospitals go without medicines, schools go without resources and public projects stall,” said one governance analyst in Kampala speaking to Red Pepper. “Recovering this money is not just about punishment — it is about restoring accountability.”
The Inspectorate insists the expose is part of efforts to enforce recovery orders and restore integrity in the management of public resources.
“This is a final reminder to give the affected officers an opportunity to be heard in compliance with the principles of natural justice,” the IGG said. “However, failure to comply will result in further enforcement measures, including prosecution.”
The looming crackdown could soon see several officials summoned, charged and possibly forced to surrender assets if the money is not recovered.
The full list of officers cited by the Inspectorate together with their outstanding balances includes:
Pius Wakabi Kasajja, Former PS MAAIF – Shs205,000,000; Lewis Paul Ayesiga, Accounts Assistant MEMD – Shs164,716,600; Joel Musisi, Former CAO Kaabong and Kitgum – Shs155,000,000; Fisher Martin, Managing Director Mac Business World Ltd – Shs98,000,000; Steven Turyamureeba, Internal Auditor MAAIF – Shs95,897,000; Lukumoi Richard, Senior Probation and Welfare Officer Amuru DLG – Shs69,028,000; Fredrick Musika, Accounts Assistant UWA Masindi – Shs64,385,276; Byron Twesigye – Shs61,638,000; Dr Martin Yefta, Kyegegwa General Hospital – Shs55,490,000; Spero Byokunda, Principal Petroleum Officer MEMD – Shs53,159,400; together with 192 other officers and contractors whose balances range from millions to tens of millions of shillings, bringing the total number of defaulters to 202 individuals and the outstanding amount to over Shs2.3 billion.
In our subsequent publication, we shall reveal how each of the named people misused the taxpayers money.
Investigators say the coming weeks will determine whether the officers choose to refund the money quietly or face criminal proceedings.
One senior anti-graft official warned that the Inspectorate is prepared to escalate the matter if the deadline passes.
“We are committed to promoting integrity, transparency and accountability,” the official said. “Public funds must be protected, and those who misuse them will be held responsible.”
As the March deadline approaches, many of the listed officers are now under intense pressure to settle their balances — or risk becoming the next public officials dragged before court in Uganda’s ongoing war against corruption.
KAMPALA, UGANDA: 16th, March 2026; Stanbic Bank’s head of personal banking, Israel Arinaitwe has urged students and recent graduates to actively exploit the youth empowerment initiatives available to sharpen their skills, strengthen their goals, and position themselves for growth after university.
Arinaitwe said, “What we’ve done as a bank, first and foremost, is to make sure that we are a youth-friendly bank. In fact, we are the only bank in this country that has a dedicated youth manager, Head of Youth. What does that mean? It means that they are thinking about you.”
He was speaking on the last day of the Makerere Career Expo 2026, at Makerere University on March 13th 2026. The expo, which is a nationwide university and tertiary institutions’ outreach initiative aimed at preparing young people for the rapidly evolving world of work, is shaped by technological advancement and artificial intelligence.
Arinaitwe said, “To help you finish university and learn some skills, we’ve partnered with our clients to give you internship opportunities. But I think it’s important. Most of you told us that, you know, even before we get a job or start a business, I must get an internship opportunity.”
“Banks will finance a good idea, a good business idea. So where I started from, you get an internship, finish your university, get the right training, and begin and start your journey for starting a business. And what we are doing is to give you different financing for different businesses,” he said. The event was designed to connect students and recent graduates with employers, global education opportunities, and career development resources.
Day 3 was organised under the theme, Connecting Potential to Purpose: Partnerships for sustainable impact,” the Career Expo will take place across 14 universities and tertiary institutions between 11th March and 21st April 2026, supported by different partners such as, Stanbic Bank, MasterCard Foundation, NSSF and others
Students were exposed to scholarship opportunities and further education pathways, allowing them to expand their academic and professional prospects.
Career development resources included: Workshops on CV writing, 30-second elevator pitches, and professional networking, Guidance on international scholarships, university applications, and visa processes, Masterclasses on thriving in the digital workspace, freelancing, and remote work, Insights from NSSF on long-term social security planning and financial security etc.
Arinaitwe said, “Every year, over 25,000 students graduate from universities and tertiary institutions across the country, yet the world of work is evolving every single day. We believe the Expo allows students to better understand these realities and prepare themselves for meaningful careers.”
The Expo seeks to empower students with practical insights on the future of employment, emerging skills, digital transformation, financial literacy, and long-term savings planning. Through interactive sessions, panel discussions, and mentorship engagements, students will gain valuable knowledge on how to navigate a labour market increasingly influenced by automation and artificial intelligence.
Arinaitwe said Stanbic is ready to support viable ventures. of those just starting out in their chosen ventures, “Some of us are starting businesses in trade; we will support you with financing to ensure that your idea, your idea can easily be commercialised.
“We have the Stanbic Business Incubator to ensure that you have the skills. Yes, you’re learning so much in class, but let me tell you the world out there can be different; it can be unique. So what we are doing is to ensure that we give you on-hand, on-work, on-site experience with running a business and ensuring that you have the right skills to run a business,” he said.
The fair brought together over 50 employers, industry experts, and education partners to help young people explore career paths, understand the future of work, and build meaningful professional networks.
Mr. Paul Rumanda, Head of HR at Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) in his keynote speech said,”Purpose is what the world expects from you tomorrow and sustainable impact only happens when your potential and purpose are bridged together.”
He said, “Purpose isn’t just about a pay cheque. It’s about the problem that you’re uniquely qualified to solve. So as an HR leader, I would like to let you know, we do not hire just for your skills. We hire for your alignment to the mission of the organisations.”
When asked about how students should prepare for the AI-driven economy, Fred Percy Kisa, in charge of digital transformation at NSSF said, “It’s not machine versus human. It’s human plus machine versus human. So the issue is not that the machines are enemies, or we should be scared or whatever is going on with AI.” He said, “The issue is we can’t compete with AI and machines in terms of how much you can calculate and retrieve data. But what we can do is to use AI to improve our productivity and
research, because guess what– there are things AI can’t do. AI will only learn from available data and history, but what you tell it, it keeps learning.”
The annual careers fair has become one of the university’s key initiatives aimed at preparing graduates for sustainable careers and fostering partnerships between academia and industry.
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Sharon Pinks is now a recognised name in the Ugandan music industry. The 21-year-old content creator with a strong passion for dance speaks to us about her career, inspirations, and goals.
Stage Name: Sharon Pinks
Real Name: Maria Sharon Namata
Date Of Birth: 23rd January 2005
Family Background: Namugongo (Kira Municipality)
When did you first discover your passion for dance?
In 2020. I grew up with the passion already, because where I grew up, music was the order of the day. I was discovered by DJ PACs, the manager of a dance crew. He found me dancing in some community promotions, gave me the opportunity, and welcomed me on board.
What inspired you to pursue dance as a career?
I had the passion personally, and I was blessed with the talent too.
Who were your early influences or role models in dance?
Locally, DVD Afroking, Abaddie Gyal, and Ewil Brenda Claire.
What kind of dance styles do you specialize in?
Mpeele.
Could you describe your training and education in dance?
I joined De Flicks 256 dance company, headed by Gifted Gift, who featured in the style I knew best (mpeele).
What are some of your most memorable performances or experiences?
The 2023 Nyege Nyege festival. There was also that battle between Sheebah and Cindy, and the Paka Kuwulira Bubi (Gravity Omutujju) music video shoot.
How has your Ugandan background influenced your dance style?
They welcomed me well, they loved and liked my style, through giving me gigs, collaborations, etc.
What challenges have you faced in your dance career, and how did you overcome them?
EKIKONO!!
What do you enjoy most about performing and sharing your art?
I always enjoy that moment when everyone is screaming my name.
What are your future goals and aspirations in the dance world?
I want to develop and inspire more people like me, which I have started developing through my academy (SP Dance Academy, and to collaborate with more international influencers like Endurance Grand.
Are there any specific projects or collaborations you’re currently working on?
Yes! Opening up a dance studio for my dance academy.
How do you stay motivated and inspired as a dancer?
I am always doing research and consulting with the Jajja’s in the game.
What advice would you give to aspiring dancers in Uganda?
Those in school stay in school. Don’t forget to pray and keep chasing the dreams.
How do you feel about the dance scene in Uganda?
We need to improve the research and be supportive of each other.
Where can people find your work or learn more about you?
Check out all my social media pages on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and Snapchat.
Ugandan rap star Feffe Bussi is preparing to turn up the volume on the local hip-hop scene with a major live concert dubbed “HipHop Ku Ntiko”.
The highly anticipated event is scheduled for May 16, 2026, at Lugogo Cricket Oval.
The night dedicated to Ugandan hip-hop is going to be organized by Talent Africa Group and promises to deliver an unforgettable night packed with explosive performances, vibrant culture, and the unmistakable energy that defines Uganda’s hip-hop movement.
For years, Feffe Bussi has cemented his name among Uganda’s most influential rap voices. Known for his commanding stage presence, lyrical versatility, and street-rooted storytelling, the rapper has consistently delivered hits that resonate with fans across the country.
With “HipHop Ku Ntiko,” Feffe Bussi aims to celebrate the evolution of Ugandan hip-hop while giving fans the chance to experience his biggest anthems in a powerful live setting.
The concert is expected to blend music, performance art, and crowd interaction into a full-scale hip-hop spectacle.
The concert also reflects the continued growth of Uganda’s live entertainment industry, driven by companies like Talent Africa Group that have built a reputation for staging large-scale, high-quality events across East Africa.
On the night of the event, the Lugogo Cricket Oval will be transformed into a high-energy concert arena. Organizers promise state-of-the-art stage production, immersive lighting, booming sound, and electrifying performances that capture the bold spirit of hip-hop culture.
Legendary Music producer Washington has revealed plans to release a collection of old songs he previously recorded with some of the country’s biggest artists — but only after the new copyright law is fully implemented.
According to the celebrated producer, the move is intended to ensure both artists and producers finally start earning proper royalties from music created many years ago.
His comments come amid long-standing claims that he kept several unreleased songs recorded by the legendary duo Goodlyfe Crew, made up of Moses Radio and Weasel.
After the death of Moses Radio in 2018, allegations circulated that Washington had withheld some of the duo’s unreleased music.
However, the producer says he is willing to address the matter transparently and is open to sitting down with Goodlyfe’s management to review the songs in question.
Washington noted that the duo already has a large catalogue of music circulating online, which continues to be consumed widely by fans across the region.
“I think Goodlyfe has too much music online that’s being consumed and people need to appreciate that these gentlemen really worked hard,” he said.
He believes the time has come for the creators behind those hits to finally benefit financially from their work through royalties.
“For me, I’m now at a point where we first need to earn royalties from the work we have already created.”
Washington also highlighted the massive contribution Goodlyfe made to the Ugandan music industry, saying their long run of success should have translated into even greater financial rewards.
“Weasel should be a billionaire with a private jet considering he gave us about 15 years of nonstop hits,” he remarked.
The producer also reflected on earlier years in the industry, admitting that many artists and producers failed to properly document their work — something he believes the new Copyright Amendment Bill Uganda could help correct going forward.
Opposition leader Bobi Wine has claimed that he won the recent presidential election but accused Yoweri Museveni of rigging the vote to remain in power.
The National Unity Platform president made the remarks while announcing that he had temporarily left the country after allegedly evading a military raid on his home shortly after the 2026 Ugandan General Elections.
In the official results, Museveni was declared the winner with 7,946,772 votes, representing 71.65 percent of the valid votes cast, extending his rule to more than four decades.
However, Bobi Wine rejected the outcome, claiming the will of Ugandans was overturned.
“Two months ago, Museveni yet again usurped the will of the people of Uganda and declared himself president at gunpoint,” Bobi Wine said.
He alleged that a day after the election, security forces raided his residence in an attempt to arrest or harm him, forcing him to go into hiding.
According to Bobi Wine, security agencies conducted widespread searches for him, including raids on homes of his colleagues and roadblocks across the country.
Despite the operations, he credited ordinary Ugandans for protecting him during the period he was in hiding.
“Well, they couldn’t find me because the people of Uganda sheltered me and protected me,” he said.
Bobi Wine revealed that his departure from the country is temporary and intended to allow him to engage international allies about the political situation in Uganda.
He also named Lina Zedriga Waru as acting president of the party during his absence.
“Over the next few weeks, I will engage with our friends and allies all over the world before returning to Uganda to continue the push for freedom and democracy,” he added.
The opposition leader vowed to return and continue his political struggle, urging supporters to remain focused and united.
Sheilah Gashumba’s ex-lover, Rickman Manrick, has revealed that she was so devastated and worried for her parents when her nudes were leaked by a hacker.
Over two years ago, videos and photos showing Sheilah Gashumba nude were leaked online. It was later revealed that a hacker had hacked into the media personality’s phone to access it.
In an interview, Rickman, who was her boyfriend at the time, noted that it was such a devastating time for Gashumba, who was on holiday at the time.
He said that Sheilah Gashumba was most worried about embarrassing her parents.
We were both devastated. We were on holiday in Turkey when she started having issues with her Snapchat account and other apps on her phone. We didn’t know it had been hacked. The mistake was mine. When I tried to text the hacker, they saved all those private photos before I blocked them.
But she was so devastated, she spent the entire day crying, talking about how her parents would be very embarrassed.
Rickman Manrick has confirmed that he is in a relationship with social media influencer and dancer Gia Nina.
Speculation about the pair’s relationship had been circulating online after the two shared several posts on social media that hinted at a close connection, leaving fans wondering whether they were officially together.
During a recent phone interview, Rickman finally put the rumours to rest, confirming that Gia Nina is indeed his girlfriend.
“We are dating, that’s my girlfriend,” Rickman said.
The singer revealed that the relationship is still relatively new, explaining that they have been dating for about four months.
Rickman openly described Gia Nina as his partner, effectively clearing the air on the speculation that had been building among fans on social media.
The confirmation follows weeks of online discussions sparked by the pair’s frequent appearances together and affectionate posts that suggested their bond was more than just friendship.
After four years at Next Media, Viana Indi, real name Vivian Ayesiga Kabahindi, has left the Naguru-based media station.
The self-styled Vybe Queen officially joined Next Media in June 2022 as a TV host for NBS SNL and later added NBS After 5 and Next Brunch to her portfolio, cementing her role as a prominent entertainment personality.
In a letter shared on her socials early on Monday morning, Viana Indi noted that Next Media has been a platform for growth, learning, and connections for the years she has been there.
Over the past few years, I have had the incredible privilege of growing, learning, and connecting with audiences through After 5 on NBS Television and Next Brunch on Next Radio. These platforms were more than just shows to me; they were spaces that shaped my voice, refined my confidence, and allowed me to evolve both personally and professionally.
She revealed that she is leaving after the completion of her contract, and she is grateful for the opportunity that was given to her.
Following the completion of my contract, I would like to formally share that my journey with Next Media has come to a close. As I reflect on this chapter, I do so with sincere appreciation and gratitude.
The journey has been meaningful, and the memories created will always remain part of my story. I look ahead with quiet confidence and excitement for the next season.
Viana Indi is yet to reveal her next move, but will continue with her other hustle as an emcee and lifestyle content creator.
