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From nearly 1000 entrants, the Stanbic National Schools Championship (NSC) has reached its climax, with eight schools out of the 12 regional finalists qualifying for the grand finale set for August 28, 2026.

They are competing for a multi-million-shilling cash prize, but more important, an opportunity to showcase innovative solutions to some of Uganda’s most pressing community challenges.

Held annually since 2016, the Championship identifies Uganda’s most promising young entrepreneurs and innovators, with the underlying goal of nurturing the next generation of problem-solvers, entrepreneurs and future leaders.

Diana Ondoga, the Manager Corporate Social Investment (CSI) said, “We see this programme as our contribution to building Uganda’s next entrepreneurs, employees and leaders. In this year’s 11th edition, Stanbic Bank engaged 913 participating schools through a nationwide innovation challenge.”

She said the students were tasked with solving practical problem scenarios alongside their learners before the boot camp selection process.

“As a result, approximately 90% to 95% of participating schools benefited directly from entrepreneurship and innovation learning, regardless of whether they advanced to the boot camp,” she said.

The championship also aligns with Uganda’s competency-based curriculum by promoting Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and problem-solving skills that prepare learners for the future of work.

Following a highly competitive one-week boot camp hosted by Gayaza High School during May, and where students first presented their various ideas to the judges, 12 regional finalist school teams progressed to the appraisal stage. 

The selected schools received seed capital to further develop and refine their business ideas, with the progress, viability, impact and potential of their innovations determining the eight schools which will compete during the grand finale.

Ondoga said, “As Stanbic marks 35 years of operations in Uganda, the National Schools Championship provides a powerful demonstration of its belief that Uganda’s growth is inseparable from the growth of its people and that investing in young innovators today is an investment in the entrepreneurs, employees, leaders and problem-solvers who will drive Uganda’s growth tomorrow.”

Aga Khan High School is working on Renewablock Interlocking Blocks, a circular economy innovation that transforms plastic waste mixed with sand into durable, eco-friendly interlocking bricks. The solution provides an affordable alternative construction material while reducing environmental pollution caused by plastic waste.

According to John Arinaitwe, a Senior Five student, “This is to help every Ugandan regardless of their income status because we have people in informal settlements and people in rural areas who wish for better homes that are actually presentable.”

St. Kizito High School, Namugongo has come up with Tunza Organics, an agribusiness that promotes sustainable food production, value addition, and reduced food waste within the school ecosystem.

“The projects teach us that we don’t have to always look up to the same things each and every time, but rather accept change, because it’s one of the ways we can change our lives, and also save our environment,” Barbra Ntunde, a Senior Five student said.

Florence Nambejja Kikomeko, an English teacher and project coordinator and patron teacher, said she believes the innovation can become a source of employment for learners. She said, “Once a learner has managed to go through this (NSC) process, then that means the child is not going to look for any job.”

Kyebambe Girls Secondary School is pegging their hopes on a Smart Solar Irrigation System. This is an affordable and sustainable irrigation solution for vegetable farmers. Powered by solar energy, the system automatically regulates watering based on crop needs, reducing water wastage and minimizing manual labour.

“At the moment, we have already developed a smart irrigation kit that is not manually operated. It is a system that works on its own and irrigates automatically. Although it is still in the development stage, it has made significant progress and is already functioning,” Marian Owembabazi said.

She noted that because Uganda is an agro-based economy, irrigation plays a critical role in agricultural productivity. However, many of the existing irrigation systems still rely heavily on manual labour, which is not always reliable.

The team from St. Theresa Girls SS, Nsenyi has developed a Terra Menstrual Pain Relief Belt, a user-friendly wearable belt designed to help women manage menstrual pain.

“I know many girls need this solution, and I believe this project can go beyond the borders of Uganda,” Catherine Kabhogwe, a Senior Two student, said.

Kabhogwe said the belts generate heat of up to 40 degrees Celsius, which is safe for the human body and effective in relieving menstrual pain.

Iganga Secondary School has produced an Iga Bank Cooler, an affordable post-harvest storage and preservation innovation designed to help small-scale vegetable farmers and market vendors reduce food spoilage and financial losses.

The Eastern Uganda agro-ecological zone is a vital agricultural hub renowned for the production of Arabica coffee, bananas, and vegetables in the highlands of Mount Elgon, and rice, maize, and groundnuts in the lowlands.

Bartha Okurut said, “You can’t harvest 50 kilograms of tomatoes then make a loss of 45 kilograms. It means you are not going anywhere. Not because you don’t want to make profits, but because some challenges are beyond your control.”

Kakira Secondary School have put together a Seed Planting Machine, an agritech venture developing an affordable and efficient seed-planting solution for small-scale farmers and out-growers.

According to the students, farmers using traditional methods often spend up to eight hours planting an acre and hire casual labour at a cost of about UGX 60,000 per acre.

Splendour Tusabe, a Senior Two student said, “Our research showed that planting remains one of the most labour-intensive activities for farmers. We wanted to develop a simple tool that any farmer can afford and use to save both time and money,” 

Bishop Dunstan Nsubuga Memorial SS are showcasing a BFC Eco-Drop (Bottle For Cash), a smart recycling machine designed to encourage proper plastic waste disposal while rewarding users for participation.

The machine allows community members to deposit plastic bottles into a smart collection unit that verifies each disposal and instantly credits a small monetary reward to a linked user digital account.

The innovation seeks to address the growing challenge of plastic waste while demonstrating how technology and incentives can be combined to encourage communities to adopt responsible waste-management practices.

Sedes Sapientiae Academiae students have developed an agro-feed processing machine designed to help poultry farmers reduce feed production costs and improve profitability.

According to Steven Turyamwesiimire, farmers have poultry feed materials but lack affordable ways of processing them, which makes the process costly.

“So, we decided to make a machine that can help farmers to process their feeds at home without buying (processed feed), and this helps them reduce 60% in feeding costs and increase their monthly profits,” he said.

As the eight schools head into the grand finale, the Stanbic NSC continues to demonstrate the power of giving young people a platform to identify challenges within their communities and develop practical solutions to address them.

 

 

 

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Sudhir Ruparelia Banks UGX 2.25 Billion Dividend from Bank of Baroda

KAMPALA — Prominent Ugandan businessman Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia has received a payout of UGX 2.25 billion from his equity stake in Bank of Baroda (Uganda) Limited for the financial year ended 31 December 2025.

Ruparelia shared a photo on social media holding a ceremonial cheque dated 19 August 2026, payable to him for UGX 2,250,981,000, presented alongside a bank official in a formal office setting. He confirmed the funds represent dividends from his holdings in the listed lender.

The distribution reflects Bank of Baroda Uganda’s approved payout of UGX 6 per share for 2025—a notable step up from UGX 4 per share paid the previous year. Public records show Ruparelia holds approximately 375.16 million shares, representing a 2.5% stake that makes him one of the bank’s leading individual equity holders.

The payout follows strong 2025 financial results for Bank of Baroda (Uganda) Limited, which saw profit after tax hit roughly UGX 156.8 billion. Shareholders approved the higher dividend at the bank’s annual general meeting, clearing the way for mid-to-late August execution following regulatory approval from the Bank of Uganda.

Ruparelia, founder and chairman of the Ruparelia Group, maintains a diverse investment portfolio across real estate, hospitality, and education. His holding in Bank of Baroda forms part of a broad financial sector portfolio developed over decades since rebuilding his commercial footprint in Uganda during the 1980s.

The high-profile presentation underscores the strong returns long-term individual investors continue to extract from Uganda’s listed banking counters following a robust 2025 operating year. Neither the bank nor the Ruparelia Group issued additional statements alongside the social media update.

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Masaka’s growing hospitality destination positions itself as a base for business, tourism, conferences and investment

MASAKA, UGANDA — For international travellers arriving in Uganda, opportunities do not always begin in Kampala. Increasingly, they can be found in the country’s growing regional cities, where business, tourism, trade and investment are creating demand for quality hospitality.

In Masaka City, Hotel Next is positioning itself to meet that demand—not simply as a place to sleep, but as a home away from home where hospitality, business and opportunity converge.

Opened on July 1, 2023, Hotel Next has grown into a hospitality facility offering accommodation, restaurant services and conference facilities to local and international guests.

Its growth comes at a time when Masaka is strengthening its position as an important commercial centre serving communities and businesses across southern and western Uganda.

For an investor, tourist or corporate traveller, reliable hospitality infrastructure is therefore more than a convenience. It is part of the ecosystem that supports economic activity.

WHERE BUSINESS MEETS HOSPITALITY

Hotel Next currently has 34 rooms, offering executive and double-occupancy accommodation, together with internet connectivity and air conditioning.

The hotel also has conference facilities capable of accommodating approximately 200 and 250 people, providing space for corporate meetings, workshops, seminars, institutional engagements and private functions.

This combination gives the facility a practical advantage.

A visitor can arrive in Masaka, check into the hotel, have breakfast, meet business partners, attend a conference and return to the same facility at the end of the day.

For international visitors unfamiliar with the city, such convenience can make the difference between simply passing through Masaka and staying long enough to understand its commercial and tourism potential.

WHY MASAKA SHOULD MATTER TO GLOBAL INVESTORS

Masaka is surrounded by a productive agricultural economy and serves as a commercial link between Kampala and communities in southern and western Uganda.

Its economy brings together agriculture, trade, transport, services and tourism, creating opportunities for businesses and investors across several sectors.

For investors exploring these opportunities, physical presence matters.

Investment decisions are not always made from boardrooms thousands of kilometres away. They are often shaped by face-to-face meetings, site visits, conversations with local entrepreneurs and a deeper understanding of markets and communities.

Hotel Next provides a base from which such exploration can take place.

An investor can stay in Masaka while meeting local businesspeople, visiting potential investment sites, attending meetings and building relationships.

That is why hospitality is closely connected to economic development.

A GROWING HOTEL FOR A GROWING MARKET

One of the clearest signs of Hotel Next’s ambition is its expansion.

The hotel is developing a seven-storey extension expected to add approximately 45 rooms, including presidential suites.

Plans also include facilities such as a swimming pool and health club.

The expansion is expected to increase accommodation capacity while broadening the hotel’s appeal to leisure travellers, corporate clients, high-end visitors and conference participants.

More importantly, the investment signals confidence in Masaka’s future.

As the city grows, so does the need for hospitality facilities capable of serving an increasingly diverse clientele.

FROM CONFERENCE TABLES TO BUSINESS CONNECTIONS

A conference room can sometimes become the place where an investment begins.

A company holds a meeting.
A potential partner walks through the door.
An entrepreneur presents a proposal.
An official explains an opportunity.
A relationship develops.

Hotel Next’s conference facilities provide space for these encounters.

With capacities of approximately 200 and 250 people, the hotel offers organisations an alternative to holding every major meeting or conference in Kampala.

That can help bring conferences, workshops, seminars and business gatherings closer to regional communities while creating additional economic activity for Masaka.

A GATEWAY TO TOURISM

For tourists, the attraction is different but equally important.

Masaka and its surrounding areas offer access to cultural, agricultural and tourism experiences, making the city a potential base for visitors exploring the wider region.

A comfortable hotel can become the starting point for that journey.

A tourist may spend the night at Hotel Next before continuing to another destination. A family can use the hotel as a base while exploring Masaka and its surroundings. A foreign visitor can combine business meetings with leisure.

The result is a hospitality experience connected to the wider destination.

VISIBILITY IS PART OF THE INVESTMENT

As Hotel Next expands physically, another challenge becomes increasingly important: reaching a wider audience.

A potential guest cannot choose a hotel they have never heard about. A conference organiser cannot book a facility they cannot easily find. An international traveller may never consider a destination that does not appear on their radar.

That is why digital storytelling, professional photography, social-media engagement and online media have become important components of modern hospitality marketing.

Hotel Next’s story is therefore also becoming a digital story.

Its rooms, conference facilities, food, expansion, guests and customer experiences can introduce the hotel to audiences far beyond Masaka.

In a competitive hospitality market, visibility is not simply about advertising. It is about communicating the experience and value that a destination offers.

THE BIGGER AFRICAN STORY

Africa’s economic transformation is often discussed in terms of roads, factories, technology, energy and major investments.

But behind every investment is a person.

That person needs somewhere to stay.
They need somewhere to meet.
They need somewhere to eat.
They need somewhere to build relationships.

Hospitality is therefore part of the infrastructure supporting economic transformation.

Hotel Next represents a smaller but important piece of the wider African investment puzzle. Its growth illustrates how a regional city can develop hospitality infrastructure capable of supporting business, tourism and investment.

As Africa’s economies become increasingly interconnected, regional cities will require facilities that can accommodate the people driving that growth.

A HOME AWAY FROM HOME

The strength of a hospitality facility is not measured only by the number of rooms it builds. It is also measured by whether guests feel comfortable, valued and confident enough to return.

Hotel Next is seeking to build that relationship with its guests.

For the business traveller, it offers accommodation and meeting space.

For the tourist, it provides a base from which to explore.

For the conference organiser, it offers a venue for meetings and events.

For the investor, it provides a convenient base from which to discover Masaka and its opportunities.

And for the city itself, its expanding presence adds another layer to Masaka’s emerging identity as a regional commercial and hospitality destination.

For Africans and global investors looking beyond the capital, Hotel Next offers a simple invitation: come to Masaka, stay, meet, explore and discover the opportunities—from a place designed to feel like home.

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For generations, sports have primarily been seen as a form of recreation—a way to unwind after school, stay fit, or simply engage in competition and fun. Few considered that a football match, a relay race, or a simple playground game could serve as a powerful tool to address one of today’s most pressing challenges: mental health.

This skepticism was familiar to Lydia Murungi when Game Connect launched in Uganda in 2020. As the Consortium Manager of the initiative, she recalls a time when many struggled to believe that structured play could help young people overcome trauma, build resilience, or develop the confidence to handle life’s challenges.

“Everybody thought using sport was for recreation,” she recalls. “It wasn’t believed to improve young people’s psychosocial well-being or mental health.”

However, six years later, that assumption is slowly being challenged. Across refugee settlements and host communities, football pitches, netball courts, and dusty playgrounds have transformed into unexpected classrooms where young people learn to manage stress, rebuild confidence, resolve conflicts, and rediscover a sense of belonging.

Teachers speak of children returning to school and participating more confidently in class, while coaches describe previously withdrawn youth emerging as leaders.

Refugee youth who once struggled to find their place are now pursuing businesses, mentoring their peers, and, in two remarkable cases, preparing to compete at the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal.

Collectively, these stories indicate that when sport is intentionally combined with mentorship and life skills, it becomes much more than just a game; it can serve as a pathway to healing, opportunity, and hope.

For Murungi, the key question was never whether sport can produce better athletes, but whether it can help build healthier and more resilient young people. This question has gained greater significance as Uganda grapples with increasing mental health challenges among its youth.

What began as a bold experiment has now evolved into one of Uganda’s most extensive sport-for-development initiatives. From August 2020 to March 2026, Game Connect reached 28,812 young people across refugee settlements and host communities in Kamwenge, Kikuube, Adjumani, Kampala, and Lamwo. More than half of the participants were refugees, while the rest came from host communities.

Dr Hafsa Lukwata, Head of Mental Health and Control of Substance Use at the Ministry of Health, emphasises that many young people today are growing up without the life skills necessary to cope with trauma, stress, and other social pressures. 

Initiatives like Game Connect use sport as a platform to teach resilience, emotional regulation, and healthy relationships. The program was designed to reach young people wherever they were. While 56 per cent of participants were enrolled in school, 44 per cent were out of school.

Murungi explains that the program intentionally focuses on sports because it naturally brings young people together. “Sport is fun. Children and young people are all about fun. They are attracted to exciting activities,” she says. “Sport was an easy way to mobilise young people, getting them together to learn, play, and connect through something they enjoy.”

However, once they arrive on the playground, the lessons extend far beyond the game itself. Through structured activities, discussions, and mentorship, participants are introduced to essential life skills such as self-awareness, accountability, conflict management, and a sense of belonging. These skills are designed to help them navigate challenges they face outside of the field.

Learning Through Play

At Yoro Primary School in Adjumani District, pupils learn life skills through various games, one of which is called “Blow the Balloon.” In this activity, dozens of students form a circle, each holding a deflated balloon before they are instructed to inflate them.

Their coach, Muraa Agnes Eiyo, encourages them to keep blowing air into the balloons. While some pupils stop almost immediately, fearing that the balloons might burst, others continue until their balloons are tightly stretched in their hands.

Only after the exercise did she explain its significance. The balloon, she told them, represented the emotional pressure many young people carry daily. Just as a balloon can only hold so much air before it bursts, people who bottle up anger, fear, grief, and anxiety without healthy ways to express themselves will eventually reach a breaking point. The lesson emphasised recognising these emotions, discussing them, and finding healthy coping strategies.

The balloon exercise is just one of many structured activities utilised during the program. Other activities challenge participants to use their weaker hand or foot, solve problems as a team, or navigate obstacles together. Each game ends with reflection, allowing young people to connect their experiences on the playground with challenges they encounter in everyday life.

Not every young person leaves Game Connect with the same story. “Every young person embarks on their individual journey. They define their own success,” Murungi states. “There are thousands of these journeys, each unique, but every young person stands out in their own way.”

For 13-year-old Judith Ainembabazi from Rwamwanja Refugee Settlement in Kamwenge District, her journey began with a struggle to find confidence. Before joining Game Connect, Ainembabazi found it challenging to make friends. She watched as her classmates drifted away, leaving her withdrawn and questioning herself.

Months later, the same girl who once struggled with her sense of belonging was standing before government officials in Kampala, delivering a speech on school dropout rates during the Game Connect Summit, and later reciting a poem on mental health at the launch of the National Mental Health Guidelines and Tools for Educational Institutions in Uganda.

“I had never been to Kampala, but I went there twice because of Game Connect. This experience helped me develop confidence,” she shares.

Judith’s story is just one among many. While some participants gain the confidence to speak publicly, others find a more fundamental sense of belonging.

Across refugee settlements and host communities, the program has become a space where young people from diverse backgrounds learn, play, and grow together, breaking down barriers related to disability, displacement, and social isolation.

For 21-year-old Phoibe Byiringiro, a refugee living with a disability in Rwamwanja Refugee Settlement, this sense of belonging has been transformative. Before joining Game Connect, Byiringiro rarely interacted with others and often kept to herself, unsure whether she would be accepted. Today, she actively participates in sports and community activities, playing alongside teammates who recognise her abilities rather than her disability.

Phoibe’s experience reflects a broader commitment to inclusion. Throughout its implementation, Game Connect has engaged over 700 young people with disabilities, ensuring that structured sports activities create opportunities for participation, regardless of physical ability.

For many, the lessons learned on the playground extend beyond just confidence and a sense of belonging. They significantly influence how young people make decisions, manage money, and prepare for their future.

For Dorika Kafirimbi, these lessons opened the door to financial independence. Introduced to a Village Savings and Loan Association through Game Connect, she learned how to save, access small loans, and start a business. Today, she chairs her savings group and runs a small stall outside her home. “I now have a business that I started from my savings,” she says, crediting the program with not only improving her livelihood but also helping her build friendships and a stronger support network.

While the impact of the program is most visible in the lives of individual participants, teachers report that it is also changing the environments in which young people learn. In schools where Game Connect has been implemented, educators describe improvements in students’ confidence, participation, and relationships with one another.

The program has maintained nearly equal participation between girls and boys, reaching 14,962 girls and 13,850 boys. At Munyuma Primary School in Kamwenge District, Headteacher Titus Agira notes that structured play has attracted and retained more learners, resulting in increased enrollment and a decline in dropout rates, particularly among girls. Beyond attendance, he states that the program has helped teachers identify and nurture sporting talent while creating a more engaging school environment where children look forward to learning.

A similar story is unfolding hundreds of kilometres away at Yoro Primary School in Adjumani District. Headteacher Iraku Molson Atanasious reports that the program has broken down barriers that once kept boys and girls apart during play.

Instead, it has fostered teamwork, empathy, and mutual support among students. As a result, attendance has improved, absenteeism has decreased, and learners have become more willing to share their challenges and support one another. “Game Connect made them feel like one family,” he says.

For some learners, these changes have extended beyond the school gates, opening doors they never imagined possible. Among them are Florence Masumbi and Rashid Rochene, two young Congolese refugees whose experiences through Game Connect have earned them spots on the Refugee Olympic Team for the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal. 

Although they grew up in different parts of Uganda and under different circumstances, both discovered more than just their athletic talent through the program. Florence, who grew up in Rwamwanja Refugee Settlement, found a sense of belonging alongside her sports abilities. Rashid, who arrived in Kampala as a shy refugee, says the program helped him make friends, believe in himself, and pursue a dream he had never considered possible.

Brandon Katura, the Project Coordinator for Game Connect at the Uganda Olympic Committee, states that their selection represents much more than athletic success. It demonstrates what can happen when talented young people are given the opportunity. “You cannot deny merit,” he says. “When someone has the ability and puts in the work, they will go the distance.”

Six years ago, many viewed sports as little more than recreation, a chance for young people to play and compete. Today, across Uganda’s refugee settlements and host communities, that perception is steadily changing.

Through Game Connect, playgrounds have become spaces where confidence is nurtured, friendships are formed, life skills are developed, and opportunities are created.

 

Photo Captions 

Judith – Judith Ainembabazi (in Blue), a Ugandan student at Munyuma Primary School and a Game Connect participant, takes part in a training session with fellow learners at the school’s Sport for Mental Health (SfMH) Safe Space, located in the Host Community of Rwamwanja Refugee Settlement in Kamwenge District, Uganda. June 29, 2026

Rochene – Rochene Rashid (R), a refugee from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and a Game Connect participant, trains with his coach, Ikanga Didier (L), also a refugee from the DRC, at a training ground in Masajja Parish, Wakiso District, Uganda. June 23, 2026.

Phiobe – Phoibe Byiringiro (Red Cap), a Game Connect participant and refugee from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, trains with peers in Kyempango A Village, Rwamwanja Refugee Settlement, Uganda, on June 29, 2026.

 

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Ugandan rapper Da Agent has thrown a verbal grenade into the country’s music scene, boldly declaring that a musical battle involving him and any other artist would be nothing short of unfair.

Appearing on KFM’s K-Drive, Da Agent was asked about the possibility of facing off with another artist in a battle. But rather than name a worthy opponent, the rapper made it clear that, in his view, the competition would already be at a disadvantage before the first beat even dropped.

“I wouldn’t want to battle anyone. It would be an unfair battle. I can do what they do, but no one can do what I do,” Da Agent said.

And he was not done. The rapper went on to place himself at the very top of the food chain, insisting that his versatility and skill set make him a difficult artist to match.

“I have superiority over anyone. That is why the battle can be unfair. But when it comes to skill, it would be hard for anyone to battle me.”

Those words are likely to stir an interesting debate, especially in a music industry packed with rappers and performers who pride themselves on lyrical ability, stage presence and versatility.

Asked his inspiration on the Ugandan music scene, Da Agent said he doesn’t have any despite Hip Hop forces like GNL Zamba, Gravity Omutujju and Feffe Bussi already on the scene. He said that he draws inspiration from Eminem and Busta Rhymes.

Da Agent’s confidence, however, appears to come from his belief that he possesses something his competitors cannot easily replicate. His argument is not simply that he can rap better than everyone else; it is that he can step into their territory, do what they do, while maintaining an artistic identity that they cannot reproduce.

It is the kind of statement that could easily be interpreted as either supreme confidence or an open invitation for someone to prove him wrong.

Songwriter Dokta Brain has named veteran singer Bebe Cool as one of the major artistes he still hopes to work with, describing the Gagamel boss as a performer whose interpretation of music he greatly admires.

Despite having built an impressive songwriting catalogue and worked with several established artistes, Dokta Brain says a proper collaboration with Bebe Cool remains one of the boxes yet to be ticked on his musical journey.

Interestingly, the two have already had a brief musical connection through “Koona,” a song Dokta Brain wrote for singer Ray Signature.

Bebe Cool later featured on the track, although Dokta Brain says the veteran singer may not have known at the time that he was the person behind the lyrics.

“I haven’t worked with Bebe Cool. The only time Bebe Cool sang my lyrics is when he collaborated with Ray Signature because I had written the song for Ray,” he explained.

According to Dokta Brain, Bebe Cool had been looking for a song with a particular vibe, leading to his contribution to Koona. However, that experience only strengthened the songwriter’s desire to create a song specifically tailored for Bebe Cool.

For Dokta Brain, the attraction goes beyond Bebe Cool’s status as one of Uganda’s established musicians. He admires the singer’s ability to take written lyrics and turn them into a complete musical experience through his delivery and interpretation.

The songwriter believes working directly with Bebe Cool would allow him to explore another side of his craft, particularly because of the singer’s experience, vocal ability and distinctive approach to music.

With several collaborations already under his belt, Dokta Brain now hopes that a song created specifically for Bebe Cool will eventually become another milestone in his songwriting journey.

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Ugandan DJ and entertainer Last Gal is stepping into a new chapter of her career with her first ever solo headline show, set for October 2, 2026, at Guvnor Street in Kampala.

Dubbed “The Last Gal,” the event will combine a DJ showcase and rave experience, putting the spotlight firmly on the DJ who has steadily built her name both locally and beyond Uganda.

The show marks an important milestone for Last Gal, who first gained attention as part of a DJ duo with media personality and DJ Etania, before pursuing a solo career.

Since going solo, she has performed across Uganda and in markets including Kenya, Rwanda and Dubai, while also growing her profile through her “Last Girl on the Ones and Twos” segment on Radio 4 Uganda’s Kiwoowo Friday.

Now, she is taking the next step by putting her name at the centre of an event designed around her sound and performance.

“This showcase is a true reflection of my growth, my passion, and my solo journey,” Last Gal said. “The Last Gal is more than just a party; it is a full-blown electronic and musical rave where I get to connect deeply with my fans and also tell the female DJ story.”

The October showcase is expected to feature DJ performances, electronic music, lighting and audiovisual production, with Last Gal promising an immersive experience and several surprises for revellers.

The event will also offer different ticket options, with early bird ordinary tickets going for Shs50,000, while those buying at the gate will pay Shs100,000.

For those that want a more exclusive experience, Gold VIP Platinum VIP packages are also available.

Last Gal says the event represents more than another night of entertainment. It is a chance to demonstrate how far she has come since leaving the duo and establish herself firmly as a standalone female DJ capable of commanding a major show under her own name.

Hearing plays an important role in how we communicate, learn, work, and connect with the people around us. However, hearing problems can affect people of all ages and may develop gradually, making them difficult to notice until they begin interfering with everyday life.

Understanding the causes, warning signs, and available treatment options can help you take action early and protect your hearing.

What Is a Hearing Condition?

A hearing condition refers to any problem that affects a person’s ability to hear sounds clearly. Hearing loss may occur in one or both ears and can range from mild to profound.

Some hearing problems develop gradually with age, while others may result from infections, prolonged exposure to loud noise, injury, certain medications, or conditions affecting the ear.

What Causes Hearing Conditions?

Hearing problems can have many causes, including:

• Prolonged exposure to loud music, machinery, traffic, or other excessive noise.
• Ear infections and other illnesses affecting the ear.
• Excessive accumulation of earwax.
• Age-related changes in the ear.
• Injuries to the head or ear.
• Certain medications that can affect hearing.
• Congenital or hereditary conditions.
• Complications during pregnancy or childbirth.
• Certain diseases and medical conditions.

Some causes are temporary and treatable, while others may cause permanent hearing damage.

What Are the Risk Factors?

Your risk of developing hearing problems may increase if you:

• Frequently work or spend time in noisy environments.
• Listen to loud music through headphones or earphones.
• Have recurrent ear infections.
• Have a family history of hearing problems.
• Are getting older.
• Have experienced trauma in the head or ear.
• Take medicine that may affect hearing.
• Do not seek treatment for persistent ear problems.

Children can also develop hearing difficulties, which may affect speech, language development, learning, and social interaction if not identified early.

What Are the Symptoms of Hearing Loss?

Hearing loss does not always happen suddenly. Some common warning signs include:

• Frequently asking people to repeat themselves.
• Difficulty following conversations, especially in noisy places.
• Turning up the volume on the television or phone.
• Feeling that people are mumbling.
• Difficulty hearing conversations over the telephone.
• Ringing, buzzing, or other sounds in the ears.
• Difficulty identifying where sounds are coming from.
• Withdrawing from conversations because it is difficult to hear.
• Feeling that one ear hears better than the other.

If you or someone close to you experiences these symptoms, a hearing assessment can help determine the cause.

How Are Hearing Conditions Diagnosed?

A healthcare professional will usually begin by asking about your symptoms, medical history, noise exposure, and other possible risk factors.

The ears may then be examined to identify conditions such as earwax blockage, infection, or other abnormalities. A hearing test may also be performed to determine the type and level of hearing loss.

Early assessment is important because some causes of hearing loss can be treated more effectively when identified early.

How Are Hearing Conditions Treated?

Treatment depends on the underlying cause and severity of the hearing problem.

Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may include:

• Treatment of ear infections or other underlying conditions.
• Removal of impacted earwax by a qualified healthcare professional.
• Medication where appropriate.
• Hearing aids for certain types of hearing loss.
• Other specialist interventions for specific ear conditions.
• Rehabilitation and hearing support.

A healthcare professional should assess the condition before treatment is started.

How Can You Prevent Hearing Problems?

While not every hearing condition can be prevented, you can take steps to protect your hearing:

• Avoid prolonged exposure to very loud sounds.
• Reduce the volume when using headphones or earphones.
• Wear appropriate hearing protection when working in noisy environments.
• Give your ears regular breaks from loud noise.
• Do not insert sharp objects or cotton swabs deep into the ear.
• Seek medical attention for persistent ear pain, discharge, or infections.
• Have your hearing checked if you notice changes in your ability to hear.
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Related

The drug rumours that have followed Robin Kisti for months are back on the table, and this time, the media personality says she knows exactly where they came from.

Speaking during a recent interview on Sanyuka TV, Kisti revisited the allegations that branded her a drug user and even sparked claims that she had spent time in rehabilitation.

According to Kisti, none of it is true.

She says someone deliberately created that image of her in an attempt to damage her reputation.

The problem, she believes, was that the person behind the allegations had enough influence to make the story stick.

As for the drug allegations, someone deliberately pushed that narrative to tarnish my name. The situation became worse because that person has a very large following, so many Ugandans believed it and started associating me with drugs. But I do not use drugs, and I have never gone to rehab.

Kisti did not name the person she blames, although she insisted that she knows who they are and suggested that the public knows them too.

The rumours intensified in May 2025 after Kisti’s arrest, with online speculation linking the incident to drug possession and the sale of marijuana.

However, police said the case involved assault and criminal trespass following a dispute with a neighbour.

Looking back at the allegations, Kisti also pointed to the fact that she continued appearing in interviews and carrying on with her media work while the rumours circulated.

There is no one who can say they have ever been affected by my drug use. Even when people were claiming that I smoked marijuana, I was still appearing for interviews, and people could see me. Someone who uses drugs cannot consistently sit through interviews and function normally like that. The problem is that the person who wanted to smear my name had a big name. I know who they are, and everyone else knows them too.

For Kisti, the drug and rehab rumours did not simply appear out of nowhere.

She believes someone deliberately planted the narrative, and that person’s influence helped turn it into one of the labels that has followed her for years.

Who that person is, however, remains a mystery, at least for now.

I was labelled a drug user because some people wanted to tarnish my name. People branded me that way, but I have never used drugs or been to rehab. – Robin Kisiti#SanyukaUnCut #SanyukaUpdates #FfeBannoDdala pic.twitter.com/qweHG8WRI4

— Sanyuka TV (@sanyukatv) August 20, 2026