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  • EXECUTIVE WATCH! Housing Finance Bank Gets New Operations Boss as Bank Pushes Digital Growth

    EXECUTIVE WATCH! Housing Finance Bank Gets New Operations Boss as Bank Pushes Digital Growth

    Housing Finance Bank has announced the appointment of Robert M. Kusiima Mugabe as its new Chief Operations Officer (COO), marking a significant milestone in the Bank’s continued journey towards operational excellence, innovation, digital transformation, and customer-centred growth.

    Robert brings more than 18 years of extensive banking experience spanning operations, treasury, balance sheet management, enterprise growth, digital transformation, risk governance, and institutional performance. Throughout his career, he has built a strong reputation for driving efficiency, strengthening governance frameworks, and leading high-impact transformation initiatives that deliver sustainable business value.

    A respected member of Housing Finance Bank’s Executive Team, Robert previously served as Head of Operations and, until recently, Acting Head of Treasury. In these roles, he provided strategic leadership across critical operational and treasury functions that have been instrumental in advancing the Bank’s performance, resilience, and transformation agenda.

    Before joining Housing Finance Bank, Robert held several senior leadership positions within the banking industry, where he contributed significantly to operational excellence, enterprise growth, governance, and strategic transformation initiatives that enhanced institutional performance and customer experience.

    Robert holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Nicosia and a Bachelor of Development Studies from Gulu University. He is also professionally certified in Scrum, Six Sigma, Agile Project Management, DevOps, and Credit Management, reflecting his strong commitment to continuous improvement, innovation, and operational excellence.

    Robert M. Kusiima Mugabe new Chief Operations Officer (COO) at Housing Finance Bank

    Speaking about his appointment, Robert said:

    “Sustainable growth is built on strong systems, disciplined execution, and a shared commitment to serving customers better every day. Housing Finance Bank has built a strong foundation, and together, we will continue driving operational excellence, innovation, and efficiency to deliver greater value to our customers, partners, and stakeholders.”

    His appointment reflects Housing Finance Bank’s continued commitment to strengthening institutional resilience, advancing digital enablement, improving operational efficiency, and delivering consistently exceptional customer experiences through innovation and automation.

    As the Bank continues to evolve in a dynamic financial services landscape, Robert’s leadership, expertise, and vision will play a pivotal role in accelerating Housing Finance Bank’s transformation agenda and reinforcing its position as Uganda’s leading provider of housing finance and inclusive banking solutions.

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  • Equity Bank, Modern Group Team Up for Industrial Growth

    Equity Bank, Modern Group Team Up for Industrial Growth

    As Uganda’s industrial sector continues to expand, access to responsive and flexible financial solutions is becoming increasingly important for businesses seeking to scale operations and compete across the region.

    For Modern Group of Companies, one of Uganda’s diversified business conglomerates, finding the right financial partner is therefore not simply about access to credit. It is about working with a bank that understands the pace of business, responds quickly to emerging needs and has the capacity to support growth over the long term.

    This is at the heart of the emerging partnership between Equity Bank Uganda and Modern Group of Companies.

    For Modern Group, one of the factors that influenced the decision to work with Equity Bank Uganda was the timely responsiveness by its team, particularly in areas where the company has business interests.

    The importance of this local presence is particularly significant for a business operating across multiple sectors and markets, where financial decisions often require timely engagement and practical solutions.

    “What stands out most is the responsiveness of Equity’s ground team. They are proactive, approachable and quick to address matters as they arise,” said Jagdish Srivastava, the Chief Executive Officer of Modern Group.

    Jagdish Srivastava, CEO of Modern Group, leading Gift Shoko, Managing Director of Equity Bank Uganda, on a strategic tour of the group’s manufacturing plant in Jinja.

    Mr Srivastava said the experience reinforced the importance of having a banking partner that combines the strength and resources of a major financial institution with an understanding of the realities facing businesses on the ground.

    For a diversified group such as Modern Group, this combination is critical as it seeks to strengthen its operations and position itself for further growth in Uganda and the wider East African market.

    “As a former international banker myself, I understand the distinct strategic advantages of working with one of the country’s leading financial institutions,” he said. Adding, “Partnering with a major bank like Equity provides the scale, stability and institutional support needed to unlock long-term business growth.”

    “Equity Bank’s team approaches business with a highly positive, solution-oriented mindset, and as our internal authorization processes are finalized, we look forward to deepening this partnership across multiple financing areas,” he said.

    The relationship between the two institutions therefore represents more than the financing facility currently in place. It points to the potential of a broader partnership in which financial solutions are aligned with Modern Group’s evolving business requirements.

    “Modern Group represents a cornerstone relationship for our bank,” said Ronald Nakhasanga, the Regional Manager for the Eastern Region from Equity Bank. Given their expansive footprint across diverse sectors from manufacturing and building materials to agro-processing, the potential for shared growth is immense. Our commitment goes beyond traditional corporate banking; we are strategically positioned to support their full ecosystem, driving value across their entire operational footprint.”

    For businesses operating in Uganda’s increasingly competitive industrial environment, the ability to access capital is important, but so too is the quality of the relationship with the financial institution providing it.

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  • Spiro Champions clean air at the Rwenzori Marathon as the official green mobility partner

    Spiro Champions clean air at the Rwenzori Marathon as the official green mobility partner

    By Brian Musaasizi

    Over 200 Spiro riders today took to the streets of Kampala in a powerful Green Boda Boda ride, officially sealing the partnership between Spiro and the Rwenzori Marathon, as its official Green Mobility partner 2026.

    The partnership will see Spiro electric bikes deployed during the marathon to transport and support key officials, including journalists and the medical team, a demonstration of the power of clean mobility in enhancing a healthier environment for the runners.

    Amos Wekesa, Co- Founder of the Rwenzori Marathon stated; “The Rwenzori Marathon is one of the world’s unique sports, where we have people running across the equator. This partnership with Spiro is more than running but connecting personal health with environmental health. We are proud to have Spiro on board as our green mobility partner, promoting the green and clean transport in the marathon.”

    “As an electric mobility solutions provider, we believe that a healthy population starts with a healthy environment. There is an urgent need to embrace clean transport, and Spiro is taking the message of clean mobility to the heart of Kasese and lead the green race and demonstrate the need to protect the region’s natural beauty from carbon emissions’’, stated Bruce Mucunguzi, Deputy Country Head, Spiro Uganda.

    Mucunguzi added that embracing an active lifestyle goes hand in hand with living in a clean and healthy environment, requiring clean air, safe spaces and communities free from unnecessary pollution. Spiro is the leading electric mobility provider in Africa, accelerating access to affordable, clean energy, and economic empowerment to communities.

    With over 30,000 bikes deployed on Ugandan roads, the company aims to replace fossil-fuel-based transport with electric motorcycles through its battery-swapping infrastructure. Electric mobility offers one practical way of reducing pollution and contributing to cleaner urban environments.

    As cities grow and the number of vehicles on the road’s increases, there is an urgent need to embrace cleaner forms of transport that can reduce emissions while supporting healthier lifestyles.

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  • A Pass Says Money Should Never Come Before Family, But Fans Beg to Differ

    A Pass Says Money Should Never Come Before Family, But Fans Beg to Differ

    Ugandan singer Alexander Bagonza, popularly known as A Pass, has sparked a debate about money and family after urging people not to let the pursuit of wealth come at the expense of their loved ones.

    A Pass shared the message on X, arguing that making money and becoming financially stable are important, but family should remain a priority.

    It is okay to make money & be financially stable but never prioritize your money over your family. Because a time will come when you need family and the money can’t save you. #MoneyIsntAll

    The advice quickly drew pushback from followers who argued that family relationships are not always as straightforward as A Pass suggested.

    One person questioned what happens when relatives are nowhere to be found during someone’s difficult years but suddenly become interested once that person starts making money.

    Another noted that some people come from families that do not support them or genuinely wish them well, making the decision between family and financial success more complicated.

    Others were even more direct, arguing that money should come first, particularly for people who know what it means to struggle without it.

    @MRonnie97: Brother money is all. You are talking like that because you have it, ask us who do not have it and we will tell you what money means to a man.

    A Pass music to last not trend

    Another follower argued that financial stability should come before family, claiming that poverty can even affect how relatives treat someone.

    @Burtrevolution: Prioritize family after making the money, Money first. Even your own family will not love you if you are poor.

    One commenter took the argument further, suggesting that financial success can give a person greater control within their family.

    @aproudugandan83: Bro money is everything, just get money and all family members will be under your command.

    The reactions reveal why A Pass’s seemingly simple advice struck a nerve.

    For someone with a supportive family, putting loved ones ahead of money may seem obvious.

    But for people who have struggled without family support, financial independence can feel like the first priority.

    A Pass’s message was not an argument against making money.

    Instead, he warned against allowing the pursuit of wealth to replace the people who matter when life gets difficult.

    His followers, however, have made one thing clear: when it comes to money and family, there is no one-size-fits-all answer.

  • Moustey DJ earns top recognition – Sqoop

    Moustey DJ earns top recognition – Sqoop

    Ugandan events deejay Moustey DJ has added another major recognition to his career after being named among the Top Ten Wedding DJs in the 2026 Wedding Culture Awards.

    Born Semugenze Mustafa Kasule, Moustey was recognised by Wedding Culture, a platform covering African and Arab weddings, for his contribution to wedding entertainment and his work in setting standards within the industry.

    He joins an international lineup of DJs recognised in this year’s awards, including DJ Darkozy, DJ Diakss, DJ Soulchic and DJ Hussein.

    The recognition comes after years of building a name around some of Uganda’s high profile weddings and events, with his work also taking him beyond the country.

    For Moustey, the award adds an international dimension to a career that has already earned him recognition on Uganda’s events scene.

    He previously won Events DJ of the Year at the 2017 UG Mix Maestro Awards and has also received nominations for Most Versatile DJ and Best Branded DJ at the Uganda DJ Awards.

    His latest recognition highlights the growing influence of African DJs in the wedding and events industry, while placing Moustey among professionals whose work is increasingly attracting attention beyond their home markets.

    Don’t want to miss out on any story? For updates on all Sqoop stories, follow this link on Telegram: https://t.me/Sqoop

     

  • Sheilah Gashumba answers fans’ call with first ever YouTube mix sponsored by Don Julio

    Sheilah Gashumba answers fans’ call with first ever YouTube mix sponsored by Don Julio

    After years of building a loyal following across entertainment, fashion, nightlife and digital culture, Sheilah Gashumba, aka Lil Stunner, is taking her sound to a new platform with the release of her first-ever YouTube mix.

    The release, which premiered on Friday, August 14th on the socialite’s youtube channel, marks a new chapter for Gashumba, whose ‘Stunners Society’ fan community has long asked to experience her musical side digitally, beyond physical performances. The new mix finally answers that call, giving her audience an opportunity to experience her musical taste and energy in a format they can access, replay and share, anywhere.

    For Gashumba, the release is about giving her audience something they have been asking for,  while creating a platform to express another side of her creativity.

    “The Stunners Society has been asking me for a YouTube mix for a while, so this is really me giving them what they have been asking for. Music has always been a big part of my world, and I wanted to create something that people can experience wherever they are, not just when they see me behind the decks. I’m excited to finally share this with them. A big thank you to Don Julio for moving this journey with me,” said Gashumba.

    The mix is being released in partnership with Don Julio 1942 tequila, a brand Gashumba represents as an ambassador. The collaboration brings together her passion for music and her partnership with the luxury tequila brand, creating a moment centered on passion, self-expression, creativity and following what you love.

    “Don Julio has a mantra- ‘Por Amor,’ which is Spanish for “for love” or “out of love.” This mantra is big for us as a brand, because it’s a clear illustrator that we stand for one doing things for the love of them, passion, or by simply following one’s heart. We believe in people who have the courage to follow what they are passionate about, and turn that passion into something others can experience and share. Sheilah’s first YouTube mix is a reflection of that spirit taking something she loves and giving it a new platform and a new audience. We are proud to support her as she continues to explore her creativity and create moments that are truly hers,” said Judie Nandekya, Senior Brand Manager Tequila and Rum East Africa.

    For the Stunners Society, and all Gashumba fans, the release is something they have been looking forward to, and they now have something to chew on from their favorite Dj. The first-ever Sheilah Gashumba x Don Julio  YouTube mix is a curation of 3 step, Amapiano, and Afro House. It can be accessed via the platform on

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eOtVqlQegaQ

  • Eight Medical Interns Remanded to Luzira Over a Protest for Shs4 Million Allowance

    Eight Medical Interns Remanded to Luzira Over a Protest for Shs4 Million Allowance

    Eight young doctors who haven’t even started their internship yet are now sitting in Luzira Prison, and the Uganda Medical Association wants them out immediately.

    The interns were arraigned before the Buganda Road Chief Magistrates Court on Friday and charged with causing a common nuisance, after they staged a protest along Parliamentary Avenue on August 12, dressed in white overcoats and carrying placards demanding government commit to paying them a Shs4 million monthly allowance before they report for internship. Prosecutors allege the group blocked traffic on the road; the interns have denied the charge, and their case has been adjourned to today, August 17.

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    UMA president Dr Frank Asiimwe has since fired off a letter to the Ministers of Health and Justice, the Chief Justice, the Speaker of Parliament and the Prime Minister, condemning what he called an escalating pattern of arrests, hasty court appearances and denied bail against the interns. He described medical interns as the backbone of clinical service delivery in Uganda’s national and regional hospitals, and warned UMA will not watch its members “used as bargaining chips” over what he framed as government’s own administrative failures.

    The standoff comes after doctors gave government a 14-day ultimatum earlier this month over intern deployment and welfare. Health Minister Dr Chris Baryomunsi has said Cabinet will discuss the matter, and has asked interns to begin their training even as talks continue. According to the minister, government-sponsored students will have their allowances covered, while discussions are still ongoing over UMA’s demand that all interns be paid, and that the figure be raised from Shs1 million to Shs4 million a month.

    For the batch of interns still waiting to start their one-year hospital placements, the message from UMA is clear: this is no longer just about the paperwork, it’s about how the country treats the doctors, nurses and pharmacists it is about to depend on.

  • Azawi Rallies Ugandans Behind Vinka Ahead of Her Long-Awaited Maiden Concert

    Azawi Rallies Ugandans Behind Vinka Ahead of Her Long-Awaited Maiden Concert

    Uganda’s live music scene has been enjoying a strong run of major concerts, and Azawi believes the packed venues are proof that Ugandans still have plenty of love for their musicians.

    The singer has now turned that attention to her Swangz Avenue label mate, Vinka, who is preparing for her maiden concert later this week.

    In a post on X, Azawi thanked Ugandans for supporting local musicians, saying the recent sold-out shows are proof of the public’s “undeniable love” for homegrown talent.

    Ugandans, thank you for supporting us. All these sold-out shows are proof of your undeniable love. Temujja nga okwo.

    Azawi did not name any particular concert in her message, but her comments come after a busy stretch on Uganda’s live music calendar.

    Ray G’s “Tuze Kololo” concert took place on August 7 at the Kololo Independence Grounds, followed a week later by King Saha’s “Tondeka Ekololo Festival” at the same venue on August 14.

    Both shows attracted massive crowds, adding to the growing excitement around live music in Kampala.

    With the concert momentum still high, Azawi pointed fans toward the next big show on the calendar: Vinka Live & Loud.

    Vinka on next on 21st August, Lugogo Cricket Oval.

    Vinka will take over the Lugogo Cricket Oval on Friday, August 21, for her first-ever concert.

    The show, organized by Swangz Avenue, marks a major milestone for the singer, who has built her career over the years with a string of hit songs.

  • Sovaria Hughes returns from social media hiatus with baby

    Sovaria Hughes returns from social media hiatus with baby

    After months off social media, Sovaria Hughes has returned with the announcement of the arrival of her baby boy, whom she has named Rovian.

    The Galaxy FM presenter has not appeared on the media channel for months, leaving the listeners questioning if she had been fired.

    On Sunday night, however, she revealed how she expanded her family with a bouncing baby boy on 17th July 2026.

    Sovaria Hughes: Don’t let a man with a good heart go

    Sovaria Hughes expressed the joy it brings into her life, revealing a deep bond with her son

    One month ago today, on 17th July 2026, God decided to bless me with a beautiful bouncing baby boy. Words can’t express how grateful I am for my bundle of joy. We not only share a strong bond, but we also share a birth month.

    Am so proud to call you my son. Thank you for making me and daddy the happiest people on earth. You are my world and I promise to protect and love you with all my heart. Welcome to the world, Baby Rovian.

    The post Sovaria Hughes returns from social media hiatus with baby appeared first on MBU.

  • Uganda’s investment opportunities grow as oil, coffee and industrialisation boost the economy

    Uganda is positioning itself as an increasingly attractive investment destination, supported by steady economic growth, stable inflation, stronger foreign exchange reserves and the expected start of commercial oil production.

    Economist Stella Otieno said Uganda’s economy had grown by more than six per cent in each of the past three financial years, while inflation remained within the Central Bank’s target range.

    She made the remarks during an Equity Bank Uganda trade and investment webinar held ahead of the bank’s third Trade Mission in Uganda.

    “Growth has been above six per cent for the previous three years. Inflation has been stable and under four per cent within the target, and we also have stable policy rates,” Otieno said.

    The Trade Mission is scheduled for September 13 to 16 in Kampala and will bring together international, regional and local investors to explore business opportunities, establish partnerships and connect with Ugandan companies.

    This year’s mission will focus on sectors including agriculture, particularly coffee, extractives, manufacturing, services and tourism.

    Otieno said Uganda’s economic outlook could improve significantly once commercial oil production begins.

    Real GDP growth was estimated at about six per cent in the 2025/26 financial year, while inflation stood at four per cent in July, below the medium-term target of five per cent.

    The Central Bank Rate has remained at 9.75 per cent since October 2024, giving businesses greater certainty when making long-term investment decisions.

    Uganda’s foreign exchange reserves have also increased significantly, rising from about $3.3 billion in January 2025 to $6.7 billion by June 2026.

    According to Otieno, the stronger reserve position and relative stability of the shilling provide reassurance to investors concerned about currency and external-sector risks.

    “The macroeconomic environment is favourable,” she said.

    She, however, noted that Uganda was preparing for a major economic transformation, with the oil industry expected to play a central role.

    Commercial oil production could push economic growth to between eight and 10 per cent in the 2026/27 financial year, with the possibility of Uganda recording double-digit growth as production gathers momentum.

    Oil revenues are also expected to improve Uganda’s fiscal and external positions.

    However, Otieno said the government would need to carefully manage its finances and public debt, noting that the fiscal deficit stood at an estimated 7.1 per cent at the end of the 2025/26 financial year.

    Uganda’s current account deficit, estimated at 6.5 per cent of GDP, was also described as manageable.

    Much of the deficit is linked to imports by private companies involved in oil and infrastructure projects. Once oil production begins, increased export earnings are expected to help reduce the pressure on the current account.

    While oil is expected to transform Uganda’s economy, Otieno said agriculture, particularly coffee, remains an important investment opportunity.

    Coffee and gold are among Uganda’s biggest sources of foreign exchange earnings, with Uganda becoming Africa’s largest coffee exporter in 2025.

    Coffee export earnings reached $2.2 billion in the 12 months to June 2026, highlighting opportunities across the entire value chain.

    These include coffee production, processing, packaging, logistics and export.

    Otieno said investors could also benefit from moving beyond the export of raw commodities by investing in value addition, agro-processing and manufacturing.

    For Equity Bank, attracting investment requires more than positive economic indicators.

    Catherine Psomgen, the bank’s Director of Public Sector and Social Investments, said investors also needed reliable information, supportive policies, access to financing, trustworthy local partners and financial institutions that understand their business plans.

    “At Equity Bank, we see our role as extending beyond traditional banking,” Psomgen said.

    She said the bank aims to support investors by connecting them to financing, markets, information, technology and strategic partnerships.

    With Equity Group operating in several African markets, Psomgen said the bank could also help companies entering Uganda access opportunities beyond the domestic market by using the country as a gateway to East and Central Africa.

    Rita Nabateregga, Uganda Investment Authority’s Deputy Director for Investment Promotion, said Uganda was entering an important phase of industrialisation.

    She said the government wants to use the country’s agricultural and mineral resources to create jobs, increase local value addition and reduce dependence on the export of raw materials.

    The focus, therefore, is shifting from simply identifying Uganda’s natural resources to building competitive industries around them.

    Potential investment opportunities include agriculture and agro-processing, manufacturing, logistics, energy, mining, infrastructure, tourism, services and technology.

    The key challenge, however, will be ensuring that increased investment translates into productive businesses, employment, local value addition and wider economic transformation.

    As Uganda prepares for oil production and continues to expand its economy, investors are increasingly looking beyond the country’s resources to the opportunities created by a growing market.

    For Equity Bank, the next phase of Uganda’s economic story will depend on how effectively capital, technology, expertise and partnerships are brought together to turn the country’s resources into sustainable businesses and long-term economic growth.

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