Category: News

At a time when conversations about gender equality in leadership are gaining momentum across Africa, Rachel Mindra Katoroogo has quietly made history in Ugandan academia.

Her appointment as the first female Deputy Principal of Makerere University Business School (MUBS) marks a significant milestone not only for the institution but also for women striving to rise to leadership positions in universities across the continent.

But behind the title lies a story of persistence, scholarship, and a long journey through one of the most demanding professional environments.

A Historic Moment for MUBS

In October 2025, MUBS Principal Moses Muhwezi appointed Prof. Mindra as Acting Deputy Principal following a merit-based process overseen by the institution’s Appointments Board and later noted by the MUBS Council.

The appointment made her the first woman to hold the position in the school’s history, a symbolic step forward in improving gender representation in leadership at one of Uganda’s leading business institutions.

Before stepping into the deputy principal’s office, Mindra served as Dean of the Faculty of Commerce, where she earned recognition for her leadership, academic rigor, and commitment to student and staff development.

For many observers, her elevation represented more than a promotion. It was a signal that competence and perseverance can gradually break the invisible ceilings that often limit women in higher education leadership.

A Scholar of Finance and Development

Prof. Mindra’s academic journey reflects years of dedication to research and teaching.

She holds a PhD in Development Finance from the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa, a Master’s degree in Money, Banking and Finance from Loughborough University in the United Kingdom, and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Makerere University.

Her research interests span banking, investment, development finance, and financial inclusion, areas that have become increasingly important in shaping Africa’s economic transformation.

Within the university, she has spent years mentoring students and strengthening research culture, while advocating for education that connects academic knowledge to real-world economic challenges.

Leadership Beyond the Classroom

Mindra’s influence stretches far beyond lecture halls.

She sits on several national boards and governance bodies, including the Uganda Securities Exchange, where she serves on key committees, and the Uganda Development Bank, where she was appointed as a non-executive director to help strengthen development finance strategy.

She also participates in governance and regulatory roles across the education and professional sectors, reflecting a career that bridges academia, finance, and public service.

Such roles highlight a growing trend in modern universities: academics who not only teach but also actively shape national policy and industry practices.

The Challenge of Being a Woman in Academia

Despite progress, women remain underrepresented in senior academic leadership across Africa.

Prof. Mindra’s rise highlights both the opportunities and obstacles women face in academia. Leadership positions often require balancing research productivity, teaching responsibilities, administrative duties, and family life—pressures that disproportionately affect women.

Her appointment therefore carries symbolic weight.

Colleagues say her presence in senior leadership sends a powerful message to female students and early-career academics that the path to leadership is possible.

MUBS leaders have noted that her role is expected to inspire more women to pursue academic leadership positions and contribute to institutional governance.

Championing the Next Generation

As Deputy Principal, Mindra plays a key role in overseeing academic quality assurance, implementing institutional policies, and supporting the strategic governance of MUBS.

She has also been vocal about encouraging students—especially women—to pursue confidence, discipline, and professional excellence in their studies and careers.

Her leadership philosophy centers on mentorship and opportunity.

By nurturing young scholars and strengthening industry partnerships, she hopes to prepare graduates who can compete in a rapidly evolving global economy.

A Symbol of What Is Possible

Prof. Rachel Mindra Katoroogo’s story reflects the gradual transformation of academic leadership in Uganda.

For decades, universities across Africa have been dominated by male leadership structures. But milestones like hers signal a shift toward a more inclusive future.

For young women sitting in lecture halls today, her journey sends a clear message:

Excellence, perseverance, and vision can open doors—even those that have long remained closed.

And at MUBS, one of those doors has finally been opened.

The Federation of Uganda Medical Students’ Associations (FUMSA) has strongly opposed a proposed government policy requiring medical students to complete a one-year internship before graduation.

If implemented, the policy would effectively extend the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) programme from five years to six years, a move that medical students say could have major academic and financial implications.

FUMSA, the umbrella body representing medical students from universities across Uganda, argues that the proposed change would alter the structure of medical training without adequate consultation with students and training institutions.

According to the association, the policy would require students to undertake their internship as part of the undergraduate programme rather than after graduation, as has traditionally been the case in Uganda’s medical training system.

Student leaders say the shift could create uncertainty around training timelines, financial planning, and career progression for thousands of medical students currently enrolled in the programme.

They also expressed concern that the additional year could place a heavier financial burden on students and their families, particularly those already struggling with tuition and living expenses during the demanding medical programme.

FUMSA has called on the government and relevant regulatory bodies to engage students and universities in broader consultations before implementing the policy.

The association maintains that while improving the quality of medical training is important, any reforms must consider the welfare of students and the capacity of training institutions.

Medical education reforms have increasingly become a topic of national debate as Uganda seeks to strengthen its healthcare workforce while ensuring that graduates meet international training standards.

FUMSA says it remains committed to dialogue with authorities but insists that student voices must be included in decisions that directly affect their academic and professional futures.

After more than two decades of unfinished academic pursuit, Ugandan empowerment coach and author Pamela Babirukamu has finally completed her Master’s degree, graduating during the 76th graduation ceremony of Makerere University.

Babirukamu, an adversity quotient coach, award-winning author, and co-founder of Evolving Woman Uganda, shared the emotional milestone, revealing that her academic journey had remained incomplete for 22 years after she paused her studies while pursuing a Master’s in Peace and Conflict Studies.

According to Babirukamu, she had initially been among the top students in her class with a Grade Point Average of 4.13, having completed both academic years and paid all tuition fees.

However, the journey stalled when her supervisor requested additional field research to supplement her data.

At the time, she says, personal struggles made the task overwhelming.

“In the middle of personal struggles, that felt overwhelming. I convinced myself it was too much,” Babirukamu recalled, explaining how she abandoned the final stage of the program despite being close to completion.

For years, she said, she justified the decision.

But two years ago, during what she described as a period of personal restoration, Babirukamu resolved to return to the university and finish what she had started.

Her motivation, she said, was partly inspired by her children.

“I wanted to teach my children that we finish what we start,” she explained.

In a symbolic moment of closure, one of her daughters accompanied her back to the university — this time not just as a parent but as a student returning to complete a long-delayed dream.

Last week, that dream finally became reality when Babirukamu graduated “with flying colors,” marking the end of a journey that began more than two decades ago.

The milestone has resonated widely, particularly among women who often pause personal ambitions to navigate family responsibilities, career pressures, and life’s unexpected challenges.

Reflecting on the experience, Babirukamu encouraged others who may have paused their dreams to return and complete them.

“Don’t surrender important dreams to temporary storms,” she said. “If you paused, go back, start again, and finish.”

Her story now stands as a powerful testament to resilience, reminding many that while life may delay a dream, determination can still bring it to completion.

Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE Uganda), in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, has announced a call for applications for 600 bursaries for the 2026/2027 academic year aimed at supporting underrepresented youth to access higher education and technical training.

The bursaries are part of a seven-year scholarship programme (2024–2030) being implemented across 10 Sub-Saharan African countries, including Uganda, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Ghana, Liberia, Malawi, Senegal, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

According to FAWE Uganda, the programme seeks to empower academically talented young women and men from disadvantaged communities by supporting their transition into higher education and eventually into the world of work.

2,000 Youth to Benefit

Under the programme, FAWE Uganda plans to support 2,000 underrepresented young people over seven years, providing financial, academic, and social support throughout their studies.

For the 2026/2027 academic year, the organisation is offering:

400 bursaries for the Higher Education Access Certificate (HEAC) programme

200 bursaries for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET)

The programme will be implemented across Eastern, Central, Northern and Western Uganda, targeting youth from 65 districts, including Kampala, Wakiso, Mukono, Gulu, Kasese, Kabale, Tororo, Moroto, Moyo, and Yumbe among others.

Focus on STEM and Skills Development

The TVET bursaries will support students pursuing Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) related courses.

Successful applicants will study at selected technical institutions including:

Uganda Technical College Elgon

Uganda Technical College Lira

Uganda Technical College Kichwamba

Uganda Petroleum Institute Kigumba

Jinja School of Nursing and Midwifery

Mulago School of Nursing and Midwifery

School of Hygiene Mbale

Bukalasa Agricultural College

The training focuses on building practical skills and competencies needed in sectors such as health sciences, engineering, agriculture, and petroleum studies.

Alternative Pathway to University

The Higher Education Access Certificate (HEAC) programme targets students who do not meet direct university admission requirements but have the potential to pursue higher education.

After completing the one-year HEAC programme, successful participants will be supported to enroll in degree programmes at partner universities, including:

Busitema University

Gulu University

Kabale University

Mbarara University of Science and Technology

Uganda Martyrs University

Cavendish University Uganda

Islamic University in Uganda

Out of the 400 HEAC bursaries, 80 percent will be awarded to female applicants and 20 percent to male applicants, reflecting the programme’s commitment to advancing gender equality in education.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

Be Ugandan nationals aged 18–25 years (or up to 30 years for refugees and persons with disabilities).

Have completed Senior Four or Senior Six between 2022 and 2025.

Be born in and reside in one of the target districts.

Not be beneficiaries of any other scholarship programme.

Be willing to give back to their communities through development service.

FAWE Uganda also encourages orphans, refugees, persons living with disabilities, and individuals affected by HIV/AIDS to apply.

Application Process

Application forms can be obtained free of charge from:

Academic registrars’ offices at participating universities and TVET institutions

District Education Offices in the targeted districts

FAWE Uganda offices in Kampala, Fort Portal, and Mbarara

The FAWE Uganda website

Completed application forms must be submitted to the District Education Office, partner institutions, or FAWE Uganda offices.

The deadline for submission is Friday, May 8, 2026, at 5:00 pm (EAT).

FAWE Uganda emphasized that no payment or facilitation is required at any stage of the application process, warning that any attempt to falsify documents or influence the selection process will lead to automatic disqualification.

Successful applicants will receive comprehensive financial, academic, and social support throughout their academic programmes.

Singer Ava Peace has firmly ruled out the possibility of ever getting romantically involved with her manager.

In the Ugandan music industry, it is not uncommon to hear rumors of female artists having relationships with their managers or promoters. However, Ava Peace says that is something she will never entertain.

Speaking in an interview with a local television station, the singer explained that she has learned from past experiences involving other musicians who mixed business with romance.

According to her, such relationships often end badly and negatively affect both the artist and the manager.

“I can never engage in a romantic relationship with my manager. It would be very unethical of me,” Ava Peace explained.

She added that many examples in the industry show that these relationships usually damage the professional partnership.

“I have also learnt from past relationships of many people and it never ends well.”

Ava Peace believes it is always better for artists and managers to maintain a strictly professional relationship so that both parties can focus on growing the music business successfully.

Uganda’s National Resistance Movement (NRM) government, led by President Yoweri Museveni, has been instrumental in promoting peace and stability in the region, while also fostering trade and economic growth. The country’s foreign policy has focused on pacifying neighboring countries and promoting trade, with notable successes in Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Kenya, Tanzania, and South Sudan.

Pacification of Neighboring Countries

In 1994, Uganda played a key role in stabilizing Rwanda after the genocide, contributing to the formation of a new government. Since then, the NRM government has maintained strong diplomatic ties with Rwanda, supporting regional peace initiatives. Uganda has also been involved in peace talks in Burundi and has contributed troops to African Union missions in Somalia.

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda has participated in regional peace initiatives, aiming to stabilize the country and promote economic cooperation. President Museveni has also been a vocal advocate for peace and stability in South Sudan, supporting regional efforts to resolve conflicts.

Uganda’s military interventions in the region have been instrumental in promoting peace and stability. The UPDF has played a key role in:

– Rwanda: Contributing to the stabilization of Rwanda after the 1994 genocide, supporting the formation of a new government.

– Burundi: Participating in peace talks and supporting regional efforts to stabilize the country.

– Democratic Republic of Congo: Leading regional peace initiatives, aiming to stabilize the country and promote economic cooperation.

– South Sudan: Supporting regional efforts to resolve conflicts and promote peace and stability.

– Central African Republic: Contributing to regional peacekeeping efforts, aiming to stabilize the country and promote peace.

– Somalia: Leading the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), contributing to the fight against terrorism and piracy.

These missions have showcased the UPDF’s capabilities and Uganda’s commitment to regional peace and stability. The successes in these countries have also created opportunities for economic cooperation and growth in the region.

Trade in East African Countries

Uganda’s trade with East African countries has flourished, with exports reaching $2.84 billion in FY 2024/25. Here are some key trade figures :

– Kenya: Uganda’s exports to Kenya were valued at $543 million in 2023, with major exports including coffee, tea, and fish.

– Rwanda: Uganda exported goods worth $278 million to Rwanda in 2023, primarily coffee, sugar, and cement.

– Democratic Republic of Congo: Uganda’s exports to DRC reached $1.2 billion in 2023, driven by demand for food products, construction materials, and manufactured goods.

– Tanzania: Uganda exported $412 million worth of goods to Tanzania in 2023, including coffee, tea, and fish.

– Burundi: Uganda’s exports to Burundi were valued at $123 million in 2023, primarily food products and manufactured goods.

Uganda’s Leadership of the East African Community

President Museveni recently assumed leadership of the East African Community (EAC), with a vision to deepen regional integration and promote economic growth. During his one-year tenure, he aims to:

– Promote a Single Currency: Museveni advocates for a single East African currency to streamline trade and reduce exchange rate volatility.

– Enhance Infrastructure Development: He plans to prioritize infrastructure projects, including roads, railways, and energy, to boost regional connectivity.

– Foster Economic Integration: Museveni will push for the removal of non-tariff barriers and promote free movement of goods, services, and people within the EAC.

In conclusion, Uganda’s NRM government has played a significant role in promoting peace and stability in the region, while fostering trade and economic growth. Under President Museveni’s leadership, the EAC is poised to deepen regional integration and unlock new opportunities for economic development.

The writer is the Deputy RCC Kampala City- Kawempe Division and a member of the rotary club of Kasangati Kyadondo

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Berlin, Germany — Uganda took center stage at the ITB Berlin, with the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) highlighting the country’s growing reputation as a global leader in conservation-driven tourism.

Leading the Ugandan delegation, UWA Executive Director James Musinguzi, presented Uganda’s conservation achievements to international tourism stakeholders, travel companies, and conservation partners gathered in Berlin.

Musinguzi used the platform to showcase Uganda’s remarkable conservation success stories, including the recovery of rhinos and the protection of the country’s globally significant primate populations. He emphasized how Uganda’s tourism industry directly supports wildlife conservation, ranger operations, and community development programs across the nation’s protected areas.

One of the most notable milestones highlighted was the revival of rhinos in Uganda. The species had been declared extinct in the country in 1983 following years of intense poaching and civil unrest during the 1970s and early 1980s.

In 2005, the Ugandan government launched a deliberate effort to reintroduce rhinos as part of a broader strategy to restore the iconic wildlife experience for visitors to the Pearl of Africa. The initiative began with just six animals.

“Today, the population has grown to about 60 rhinos through successful breeding, strong law enforcement, and the dedication of our conservation workforce,” Musinguzi explained.

He noted that conservation success in Uganda is driven not only by funding but also by passion and commitment from rangers, conservationists, and communities who work tirelessly to protect wildlife.

Uganda’s wildlife policy places local communities at the heart of conservation, ensuring they benefit from tourism activities and actively participate in protecting wildlife habitats. According to Musinguzi, reaching such a huge population of rhinos was considered a critical milestone because it established a viable breeding population.

He noted that to strengthen genetic diversity, additional rhinos were imported from South Africa, accompanied by genetic profiling to carefully manage breeding programs.

“Uganda has also begun expanding rhino habitats beyond breeding sanctuaries. The country recently started relocating rhinos to Ajai Wildlife Reserve, where the animals are adapting well as conservationists work toward establishing a stable population. Plans are also underway to reintroduce rhinos into Kidepo Valley National Park and the Murchison Falls Conservation Area,” added Musinguzi.

Currently, conservation efforts focus on the southern white rhino, a subspecies closely related to the northern white rhino, which historically lived in Uganda but is now on the brink of global extinction, with only two individuals remaining worldwide.

Despite these challenges, Uganda continues to pursue long-term strategies under its national rhino conservation plan, including regional collaboration with neighboring countries such as Kenya.

Musinguzi told the global tourism audience that Uganda’s conservation achievements demonstrate how responsible tourism can protect wildlife while also supporting livelihoods for communities living near protected areas.

“Tourism-driven conservation allows us to protect wildlife, empower communities, and sustain fragile ecosystems,” he said.

As international travelers increasingly seek meaningful and conservation-led experiences, Uganda is positioning itself as a leading destination for sustainable tourism. Through its participation at ITB Berlin, the country hopes to attract new partners and visitors eager to explore its rich biodiversity and unique wildlife experiences.

Often referred to as the Pearl of Africa, Uganda continues to showcase how tourism can play a vital role in safeguarding nature while contributing to national development.

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Kadongokamu singer turned politician Mathias Walukaaga has strongly denied claims by Medard Segona that he once represented him in court.

Walukaaga clarified that Segona has never offered him legal representation at any point in his life.

According to Walukaaga, the only time he needed legal representation was during a case in which he faced extortion charges, and he was represented by Erias Lukwago, not Segona.

The singer believes Segona’s claims were politically motivated, especially as the two have previously clashed over the Busiro East parliamentary seat.

“Segona has never represented me in court. I have never needed his services because I’m not someone who is always in court,” Walukaaga explained in an interview with a local television station.

He added:

“The only time I wanted representation, I was facing extortion charges brought against me by Samona and I was represented by Erias Lukwago.”

Walukaaga further accused Segona of trying to gain political mileage by making statements that he insists are false and derogatory.

The disagreement between the two leaders escalated last year when Segona claimed he had once defended Walukaaga in court while the pair were competing for the Busiro East MP seat.

The 2026 MTN Entebbe Ladies Open concluded on Saturday, 28th February, with Kenya’s Mercy Nyanchama lifting the title but the story of this year’s championship goes far beyond the scorecard.

Held at the historic Entebbe Club, the tournament marked a triumphant return after a year’s absence, reclaiming its place as one of the most prestigious women’s amateur golf events in East Africa. Backed by a UGX 10 million elite reward package made possible by MTN Uganda’s sponsorship, the 15th edition drew one of the strongest fields in the tournament’s history, with players arriving from Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, and across Uganda to compete on the regional and World Amateur Golf Ranking stage.

Nyanchama won with a score of 220 gross, in a composed and dominant performance that was made all the more remarkable by the personal loss she carried with her. She dedicated the win to her late mother, who passed away just days before the tournament began. Tanzania’s Neema Olomi finished as runner-up, with Uganda’s own Peace Kabasweka, the 2024 defending champion, rounding out the top three.

The timing of the event was no coincidence. As the first ladies’ golf championship on the national calendar, the MTN Entebbe Ladies Open deliberately ushered in Women’s Month and this year, it did so in alignment with the International Women’s Day 2026 theme: “Give to Gain.”

That theme came alive on the fairways of Entebbe. Women gave their time, their talent, and their encouragement to one another. Lady Captains from clubs across Uganda stood alongside regional players in a show of solidarity that transcended competition. In a symbolic gesture, male participants in the Subsidiary category teed off from the ladies’ teeing boxes — a small but meaningful act of respect for the women at the heart of the weekend.

Lady Captain of Entebbe Club, Maureen Okura, captured the spirit of the occasion with characteristic clarity:

“This tournament was not just a competition — it was a celebration of women showing up for women. We witnessed an overwhelming turnout of women from different countries and clubs across Uganda. That presence alone speaks volumes about how far women’s golf has come, and where we are headed.”

“We are not waiting for the future of women’s golf. We are building it. And we are building it together.”

Central to the weekend’s success was the confidence MTN Uganda placed in this event. Justina Icabala, Enterprise Segment Manager at MTN Uganda, articulated the company’s position clearly at the sponsorship announcement: “We see women’s golf not as a niche, but as a strategic space for growth and empowerment.”

That investment is felt beyond the prize purse. It is felt in the visibility the tournament brings to women athletes who are building careers in a sport that rarely makes front pages. It is felt in the networking opportunities created at the newly refurbished Entebbe Clubhouse, where the business and sporting worlds converged on Friday evening.

Looking Ahead

As Uganda steps into Women’s Month with this championship freshly concluded, the MTN Entebbe Ladies Open has done what the best sporting events do — it has inspired. It has shown that when corporate Uganda invests in women’s sport with intention and consistency, remarkable things happen.

International Women’s Day is on 8th March. The spirit of this tournament — the camaraderie, the competition, the commitment — is the perfect way to enter it. The future of women’s golf in Uganda is not a distant prospect. It is being built right now, one tournament at a time – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDUAJPiMXDM

Musician Jowy Landa has openly admitted she has a crush on fellow singer Dax Vibes, revealing she would date him if he wasn’t a married man.

Speaking during an interview with a local television station, Jowy Landa candidly shared her admiration for the popular artist.

According to the singer, Dax Vibez is among the few male musicians she finds attractive and would consider dating if circumstances were different.

“I would date Dax Vibez if he wasn’t married. I have crushed on him for a long time, and he is among the few male musicians I can engage in a relationship with,” she explained.

However, the singer acknowledged that her wishes may never materialize because Dax Vibes is already married and living happily with his wife.

Jowy Landa also made it clear that she has no problem dating a fellow musician, as long as the feelings are mutual between both parties.