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  • Alex Mukulu Lived a Full Life, Aloysius Matovu Joy Reflects

    Alex Mukulu Lived a Full Life, Aloysius Matovu Joy Reflects

    The death of Alex Mukulu has hit Uganda’s creative industry hard, and Aloysius Matovu Joy is among those feeling the loss.

    Mukulu died on August 15 at the age of 72, leaving behind more than four decades of work as a playwright, actor, director, and musician.

    Matovu has spoken about the pain of losing him, but he has also reflected on the years Mukulu lived and everything he managed to do during that time.

    In his view, reaching the age of 70 means a person has already had the chance to accomplish much of what they came into the world to do.

    That is why, even in mourning, he looks back at Mukulu’s life with gratitude.

    Uganda Prepares to Bid Mukulu Farewell

    Uganda will give Mukulu an official burial on August 20 in Kijabijjo, Gayaza, after President Yoweri Museveni granted the celebrated theatre practitioner an official send-off.

    The National Organising Committee (NOC) has joined Mukulu’s family in preparing for the burial, which will bring together relatives, friends, fellow artists and other mourners.

    Four Decades of Theatre and Music

    Mukulu’s work took him across theatre, acting, directing and music, with his productions often drawing from Uganda’s political, social and cultural life.

    His best-known works include “30 Years of Bananas,” “Wounds of Africa,” “The Guest of Honour,” “Muzukulu wa Kabangala” and “Journey to Self-Realisation.”

    He staged “30 Years of Bananas” in 1992 as Uganda marked 30 years of independence, using humour and political satire to examine the country’s journey after independence.

    Years later, “Journey to Self-Realisation” featured during the opening ceremony of the 2007 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Kampala.

    As Uganda prepares to lay Mukulu to rest, Matovu’s reflection offers another way to look at the loss: 72 years of life, decades of work and a contribution that touched generations of performers and theatre lovers.

  • Hilda Baci Threatens Legal Action Against Seyi Vibez Over BBL Claim

    Hilda Baci Threatens Legal Action Against Seyi Vibez Over BBL Claim

    Nigerian celebrity chef Hilda Baci has threatened legal action against Nigerian singer Seyi Vibez over comments he made about her during his online clash with her boyfriend, music executive Dapper.

    Seyi Vibez recently joined fellow former Dapper Music signees Shallipopi and T.I Blaze in calling out the record label over royalties and alleged missing funds.

    But the dispute took another turn when Seyi Vibez dragged Hilda into the drama with a swipe at her on X.

    He accused Dapper of spending money from the artists’ catalogue on Hilda’s BBL and also claimed that her food nearly killed him.

    Those comments have now triggered a legal response.

    In a legal warning, Hilda accused the singer of libel and defamation and demanded that he remove the posts and any related content from his social media platforms.

    In light of the foregoing, we hereby demand that upon receipt of this letter, you immediately remove and permanently delete the above referenced publications together with any other statement, post, comment, image, video and repost.

    The letter also demands a public apology and retraction across his social media accounts.

    Hilda’s lawyers have given Seyi Vibez three days to provide a written undertaking that he will stop publishing allegedly defamatory content about her or face legal action.

  • Seyi Vibez Deletes Posts About Hilda Baci Hours After Legal Threat

    Seyi Vibez Deletes Posts About Hilda Baci Hours After Legal Threat

    Hilda Baci threatened legal action, and hours later, Seyi Vibez‘s posts about her vanished.

    The Nigerian singer has reportedly deleted all the negative posts he shared about the celebrity chef following a warning letter from her legal team.

    But there is still one problem.

    Hilda also demanded a public apology, and Seyi Vibez had not issued one at the time of the report.

    The chef reportedly warned the street-pop star to delete posts she described as defamatory or face legal action.

    She also demanded that he publicly apologise for dragging her into his ongoing dispute with Dapper Music.

    Seyi Vibez soon removed the posts.

    The apology, however, has yet to come.

    The singer’s dispute with Dapper Music reportedly involves allegations of ₦1 billion in missing catalogue funds.

    Somehow, Hilda found herself caught in the middle of the drama.

    That may have everything to do with her relationship with Damilola Akinwunmi, the owner of Dapper Music.

    Seyi Vibez joined the label in 2022 but later walked away from the deal in September 2024.

    He then updated his bio to identify himself as an independent artist.

    Now, the former business relationship has turned into a major public dispute, with Hilda becoming the latest person caught in the crossfire.

    Her warning has apparently led to the disappearance of Seyi Vibez’s posts.

    Whether the singer will also give her the public apology she demanded remains another matter entirely.

  • Aloysius Matovu Rules Out MP Bid, Pledges Loyalty to NUP

    Aloysius Matovu Rules Out MP Bid, Pledges Loyalty to NUP

    Aloysius Matovu Joy is backing the National Unity Platform (NUP), but do not expect to see him on the ballot.

    The celebrated playwright and actor has reaffirmed his support for NUP after his recent appearance at the party’s offices, while dismissing suggestions that the visit could mark the beginning of a political career.

    Parliament is not part of the plan.

    Matovu has instead placed his faith in change, the same principle that keeps him firmly behind the opposition party.

    I support NUP and I will never turn back on it because I am a person of change and I believe in change.

    His belief in change extends to who should take charge of Uganda’s future.

    Rather than entering the race for a parliamentary seat himself, Matovu wants younger Ugandans to step forward.

    He believes the next generation should take up leadership, with older citizens ready to place their trust in them.

    I want young people to know that there are old people who believe in them and trust them with leadership to lead us.

  • Bad Black says she turns to traditional shrines when life gets tough – Sqoop

    Bad Black says she turns to traditional shrines when life gets tough – Sqoop

    Ugandan socialite Shanitah Namuyibwa, popularly known as Bad Black, has opened up about her changing spiritual journey, revealing that she has repeatedly visited traditional shrines and at times turned to witchcraft when dealing with personal challenges.

    Speaking in a recent interview, Bad Black was asked whether she had ever bewitched someone. She answered without hesitation, saying she was familiar with traditional practices and had visited shrines on several occasions.

    She also claimed to know how to use Emindi, a traditional tobacco pipe, and said her connection to traditional spirituality goes beyond occasional visits to a shrine.

    Bad Black said she believes she has a strong connection to her ancestors and does not always rely on prayer to deal with what she described as generational spiritual issues.

    “I have a whole generation behind me,” she said, adding that she prefers seeking guidance from her forefathers before turning to biblical teachings.

    The socialite, however, said her spiritual identity is not fixed. She described herself as a believer but acknowledged that her practices can change depending on her mood, circumstances and what she believes works at a particular time.

    “I’m a believer, but it depends on my moods,” she said.

    Bad Black explained that she mainly turns to traditional practices when dealing with personal and family concerns, particularly when she wants things to work out smoothly and ensure the happiness and wellbeing of her children and household.

    She also made a striking claim that she can resort to witchcraft when she feels wronged or oppressed.

    “However, when you oppress me, I can deal with you, and witchcraft works,” she said.

    Her comments reflect a spiritual journey that has taken several turns over the years.

    Bad Black revealed that while serving a prison sentence, she studied the Quran and later became Born Again. She said her beliefs have since evolved as she has grown older and as she has sought what she considers to be successful or effective in different seasons of her life.

    “It also works, but depending on the season,” she said, explaining that she is increasingly identifying with pagan beliefs.

    Bad Black also disclosed that she stopped attending church in December 2024. She now says she prefers seeking guidance from her ancestors before turning to teachings from the Bible.

    Her revelations have once again put the spotlight on the socialite’s unconventional approach to spirituality, as she openly discusses the different belief systems that have shaped her life and how she navigates personal challenges.

    @galaxytv_ug Bad Black Confesses To Practicing Witchcraft #JikonkoneRewind ? original sound – Galaxy TV ?????????!

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  • Movit Africa gives Masaka traders tuk-tuks to boost distribution

    Movit Africa gives Masaka traders tuk-tuks to boost distribution

    Masaka, Uganda — Movit Africa has given tuk-tuks to three long-standing cosmetics traders in Masaka and Kyotera, saying the vehicles will help them move more stock, cut transport costs and reach more customers.

    The recipients are Senalim Hakim of Senah Cosmetics in Masaka City central business district; Kalungi K of Kabonera Cosmetic Agency in Masaka City; and Joseph Katongole of Mombasa Traders in Kyotera town. All three have stocked Movit products for more than 20 years.

    The company said the traders were chosen for their long relationship with Movit, their consistent stocking of its products and their role in extending the brand’s reach. It said they had served both as retailers and as a link between Movit and consumers in Masaka, Kyotera and surrounding areas.

    Movit said the tuk-tuks were meant as more than a reward for loyalty, describing them as business assets that would let the traders carry larger quantities, cut delivery times and costs, and reach customers beyond their immediate areas.

    Yasin Mbowa, Movit Africa’s trade marketing manager, said strengthening the last mile mattered to both the company and the partners who connect its products to consumers.

    “The last mile is where our products ultimately meet the consumer, and our trade partners are central to making that connection possible,” Mbowa said. “For our trade partners, these tuk-tuks provide an opportunity to reduce transport challenges, carry more stock, reach more customers and grow their businesses. When our partners grow, we grow with them.”

    The company said the handover was part of a broader approach to recognising trade partners for their consistency, performance and long-standing ties to Movit.

     

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  • New National ID System Faces Questions Over Digital Verification

    New National ID System Faces Questions Over Digital Verification

    The rollout of new national identity cards has come under fresh scrutiny in Parliament, with Aswa County, Hon. Patrick Okello reporting that failures in the cards’ QR-code verification system are leaving citizens unable to access essential services.

    Hon. Okello (DP), who raised the matter during the plenary sitting presided over by Speaker Jacob Marksons Oboth on Thursday, 20 August, 2026, said that some holders of the newly issued national IDs are being turned away when seeking services that require electronic identity verification.

    “Ugandans are crying out because when seeking banking services, buying new SIM cards from the telecom service providers and SIM card replacements, some of these services that require the QR code, the new IDs’ QR codes are not responding,” he said.

    Hon. Okello urged the government and the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) to explain why the QR codes embedded on the new cards were reportedly still failing to authenticate users.

    He highlighted that NIRA publicly acknowledged on 9 February 2026 that the QR-code functionality had not yet been integrated into its digital operational system and had indicated that the problem would be resolved by 31 March 2026.

    He further questioned why the problem was allegedly persisting months after that deadline.

    “I therefore pray and request that the Minister for Internal Affairs and NIRA explain to the country and give a deadline when the national IDs will be operationalised,” he said.

    He also raised concerns over a Shs5,000 charge for a NIRA letter intended to enable one whose card cannot be electronically verified to have their details integrated into the system.

    Under the Registration of Persons Act, 2015, NIRA is mandated to create, manage, maintain and operate the National Identification Register, issue national identification cards and verify and authenticate information relating to registration and identification of persons.

    Government Chief Whip, Hon. Dr Jane Ruth Aceng, acknowledged the concern and said the government would seek a response from the Minister of Internal Affairs.

    “Government has taken note of the question. I will ask the Minister of Internal Affairs to respond,” Aceng told Parliament.

    Relatedly, the Prime Minister, Robinah Nabbanja, told MPs that the forth coming government mass registration and issuance drive for national identity cards would reduce the number of unregistered Ugandans from 11.9 million to below two million.

    Responding to a concern on decentralisation of issuance of national identity cards at parish level, raised by Busongora County North MP, Hon. Sowedi Kitanywa, the Prime Minister said the drive will also seek to bring the number of unissued cards from seven million to less than 500,000.

    “Government also plans to utilise parish chiefs to support the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) in carrying out registration and mobilisation at parish level,” Nabbanja noted.

    She revealed that plans are on course to expand the NIRA staff structure from 571 to 997 employees, to enable the deployment of three officers in every district.

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  • Parliament honours Ghetto Kids – Watchdog Uganda

    Parliament honours Ghetto Kids – Watchdog Uganda

    Parliament has celebrated the Ghetto Kids for taking the country’s flag to one of the world’s biggest sporting stages.

    Speaker Jacob Markson Oboth described the young dancers as a powerful reminder that talent can emerge from even the most difficult circumstances.

    The Speaker made the remarks while presiding over plenary on Thursday, 20 August 2026, shortly after the Kampala-based dance troupe returned from the United States, where they performed alongside global music stars Shakira and Burna Boy during the historic halftime show at the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.

    The Ghetto Kids’ appearance at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19 marked Uganda’s most visible cultural moment at the tournament. The group performed to Dai Dai, the World Cup song by Shakira and Burna Boy, before a global audience.

    Introducing the young dancers seated in the public gallery to observe proceedings of the House, Oboth said their achievement went beyond entertainment and offered a lesson about what opportunity can do for young Ugandans.

    “At their age, these young stars, called the Ghetto Kids, have stood on platforms that many can only dream of; carrying our Ugandan flag higher and making Uganda proud.”

    The Speaker said he identified personally with the group’s journey from hardship to international recognition, adding that the dancers demonstrated that poverty or humble beginnings should not become a permanent ceiling on a young person’s ambitions.

    “They are a powerful reminder that talent can come from anywhere and that with opportunity and determination, our young people can rise to extraordinary heights,” he said.

    The Speaker then recognised the young performers by name: Clara Ainemugisha, Ricky Banyomera, Teiyomera Keisha Maria G., Josephine Busingye, Acram Mayanja, Madrana Ssegirinya, Shaqib Muwoma, Ketra Aumot Maria G., Vanessa Namautebi, Jason Watumu, Ashraf Baziira and Ivan Kiseka.

    The Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Hon. Joel Ssenyonyi, joined the Speaker in congratulating the young performers, framing their achievement as evidence of the power of perseverance. “It always seems impossible until it is done,” he said.

    He urged the young performers not to allow the obstacles they encounter to define their future.

    Hon. John Baptist Nambeshe, the MP for Manjiya County, also praised the group, saying their journey demonstrated that a person’s origins should not determine their destiny.

    Founded by Dauda Kavuma, the group has built a global profile through viral dance performances and appearances alongside international entertainers.

    The group’s journey has also previously taken them to Britain’s Got Talent, where they received a Golden Buzzer and eventually finished sixth.

    The group had prior to the plenary met the Speaker in his board room where they presented a request for support to construct a Shs13 billion skills centre to empower vulnerable youth across Uganda.

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  • Blaqbonez Finally Reveals Why He and Odumodublvck Became Enemies

    Blaqbonez Finally Reveals Why He and Odumodublvck Became Enemies

    For more than a year, Nigerian rappers Blaqbonez and Odumodublvck have kept a messy feud alive, with both making it clear that their problems go beyond music.

    Now, Blaqbonez has revealed what he believes started it all.

    According to him, the two rappers were involved with the same woman around the same time, although he did not know she was also seeing Odumodublvck when he met her.

    Odumodu and I were with a girl at the same time but I did not know she was with him too around the same time we met.

    The situation became complicated after Odumodublvck confronted Blaqbonez and accused him of disturbing his girlfriend.

    Blaqbonez insists he had no idea they were in a relationship. Once he discovered Odumodublvck’s connection to the woman, he says he cut off contact with her.

    But that did not end the matter.

    Odumodublvck later asked Blaqbonez when he had last had sex with the woman.

    Blaqbonez refused to answer, explaining that he did not want to involve himself in their relationship.

    This is me trying to stay out of the drama. Odumodublvck now said then we are enemies since you are not telling me.

    That exchange, according to Blaqbonez, turned a disagreement over a woman into a full-blown feud.

    He also clarified that the woman was never his girlfriend. The two never made their relationship official, and he described what they had as a friendship that also involved intimacy.

    The conflict has since spilled into the public, with Odumodublvck later making separate allegations of sexual abuse against Blaqbonez.

  • Davido Hints at Taking a Long Break From Music

    Davido Hints at Taking a Long Break From Music

    Davido has hinted that he may one day step away from music for an extended period.

    The Afrobeats star does not see himself at 40 competing with artists in their 20s, although he stressed that he was only speaking about his own future.

    Music is my blood but I am not going to be 40 still dragging with guys in their 20s. Jay-z took a break and he is doing his thing.

    A break, however, would not mean disappearing from the stage forever.

    Davido believes his catalogue is strong enough to keep him performing even if he stopped releasing music for years.

    In fact, he sees no reason why a decade away from recording should stop him from returning to major arenas.

    I can take a 10yrs break and still do a 50-arena tour. I have the catalogue. I might decide not to make another song for the rest of my life, and nobody is touching my catalogue.

    For the 33-year-old, music should also create opportunities beyond recording and performing.

    All I am saying is there are other things music should be able to help you branch out into.

    Davido has not announced plans to retire or stop making music anytime soon, but he has made it clear that he does not intend to spend his entire life chasing the next hit.

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