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NTENJERU-KISOGA, MUKONO | Mukono District Local Government, in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Sports, has officially launched a UGX 212.7 million renovation project for the boys’ dormitory at Salaama School for the Blind.

The project, funded by the Ministry of Education and Sports, has been contracted to the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Engineering Brigade to upgrade living and learning conditions for visually impaired learners.

Scope of Works
The UGX 212,766,718 initiative will cover:
– Structural renovations and modifications to the boys’ dormitory block.
– Security upgrades, including the erection of a chain-link perimeter fence around the dormitory.
– Energy installation, featuring a new solar power system to ensure consistent lighting and safe boarding conditions.

Calls for High-Quality Construction and Oversight

Speaking during the ground-breaking ceremony on Thursday, August 5, 2026, Hon. Kalyango Tonny—District Male Youth Councillor and Secretary for Finance, Planning, and Administration—represented Mukono District LCV Chairperson, Hon. Francis Lukooya Mukoome.

“We commend the Central Government for its continued support towards vulnerable children through infrastructure development,” Hon. Kalyango stated. He urged the UPDF Engineering Brigade to maintain high standards and deliver durable works consistent with their national reputation.

Representing Chief Administrative Officer Henry Ddamba, Clerk to Council Ms. Eunice Alowo Everyne assured stakeholders that the district technical team, led by the District Engineer, will strictly monitor execution to guarantee compliance with approved engineering designs.
Ms. Sarah Kibooli Bugoosi, the Commissioner for Special Needs Education, emphasized that tailored infrastructure is vital for creating a supportive learning environment where visually impaired children can thrive academically.

School Leadership and District Education Needs
The Headteacher of Salaama School for the Blind, Ms. Ssebadduka, expressed gratitude for the intervention, promising full administrative cooperation, documentation, and accountability throughout the construction phase.
However, school management and district officials noted that further support is still needed to address broader gaps.

* Ongoing School Needs: Management highlighted urgent requirements for additional classrooms, improved sanitation facilities, a comprehensive perimeter security wall, an onsite sickbay, and access to dedicated healthcare personnel.

* District Context: District Education Inspector Moses Yiga revealed that Mukono District oversees 187 primary schools, many of which—particularly in rural zones—face severe infrastructure deficits requiring sustained government investment.

This project marks a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Education and Sports, Mukono District Local Government, the UPDF Engineering Brigade, and the local community to advance inclusive education.

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President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the current Chairperson of the East African Community (EAC), has pledged to rally Heads of State and Government in the region to strengthen the Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF).

The President made the commitment yesterday at State House, Entebbe during a meeting with Brigadier General Ronald Rwivanga, Director of the EASF, who briefed him on the force’s activities and appealed for his support in mobilising regional leaders.

The Eastern Africa Standby Force is a regional peace and security mechanism established in 2004 under the African Union’s broader African Standby Force architecture. It brings together military, police and civilian capabilities to provide the region with a coordinated and rapidly deployable response to peace and security challenges, including peace support operations, humanitarian emergencies and other crises.

Brig Gen. Rwivanga requested President Museveni to use his regional influence to encourage Djibouti, Comoros and Sudan to fully participate in the standby force as part of efforts to strengthen the region’s collective security architecture.

He also appealed to President Museveni to lobby other Heads of State and Government to attend the EASF Summit, which has not been convened since 2014.

According to Brig Gen. Rwivanga, the summit would provide an opportunity for regional leaders to renew their political commitment to the force, provide strategic direction and strengthen collective ownership at the highest level.

President Museveni pledged to engage his fellow Heads of State and Government on the matter and support efforts to convene the summit.

The President also pledged to support efforts to strengthen the financial capacity of the EASF, particularly in humanitarian assistance, rescue operations, rapid deployment and response.

The specific financial commitments are expected to be discussed and agreed upon by Heads of State and Government once the summit is convened. The meeting would provide a platform for member states to determine the resources required to strengthen the force.

The engagement comes as the 36th Ordinary Policy Organs Meeting of the Eastern Africa Standby Force is underway in Kampala from August 10 to 15, 2026. The meeting has brought together representatives and senior officials from EASF member states to discuss strategic, operational and institutional matters aimed at strengthening the regional mechanism.

Brig Gen. Rwivanga also briefed President Museveni on Uganda’s contribution to the EASF, including a recently concluded three-day verification exercise assessing the country’s military, police and civilian capabilities pledged to the force.

“The exercise assessed Uganda’s readiness, interoperability, personnel, equipment and capacity for rapid deployment in support of peace operations across the region,” he said.

He added that the verification activities were conducted at the Uganda Police Force, the International Peace Support Operations Training Centre (IPSO-T) in Singo and the Uganda Rapid Deployment Capability (URDC) headquarters in Jinja.

The exercise was conducted in accordance with Article 12(2)(f) of the Agreement Establishing the Eastern Africa Standby Force, which provides for the verification of capabilities pledged by member states.

Brig Gen. Rwivanga further informed President Museveni that the EASF leadership intends to engage Heads of State and Government at the highest political level following the summit to secure sustained political support for the force.

He said the engagement would also provide an opportunity to advance discussions on strengthening the force’s membership, financing and operational capabilities.

President Museveni is expected to have another significant regional platform in December 2026 when he chairs the African Union Assembly of Heads of State and Government.

The December engagement could provide an additional opportunity to advance discussions on regional peace and security, including strengthening mechanisms such as the EASF and mobilising wider political support for its mandate.

The EASF leadership believes renewed engagement by Heads of State and Government is critical to ensuring that the regional standby force is not only established on paper but is adequately resourced, politically supported and operationally ready to respond when crises arise.

Also in attendance were Ms. Rosette Byengoma, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs; Mr. Daher Meraneti, Head of the Peace Operations Department at EASF; and Ms. Monalisa Kakono, Head of the Civilian Component at EASF.

 

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SOROTI CITY — Soroti City authorities have been directed to immediately stop the use of classrooms as teachers’ accommodation following a monitoring exercise that uncovered a serious shortage of learning space at Moruapesur Primary School.

The directive was issued by the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Secretariat under the Office of the President after it emerged that six teachers were occupying classrooms as their living quarters.

The situation has contributed to congestion at the school, with more than 67 pupils reportedly occupying classrooms designed to accommodate about 55 learners, raising concerns about the quality and safety of the learning environment.

Deputy Head of the RDC Secretariat, Dr. Sr. Mary Grace Akiror, directed the relevant authorities to urgently identify alternative accommodation for the affected teachers and restore the classrooms to their intended purpose.

She warned that classrooms are public education facilities meant for teaching and learning and should not be converted into residential quarters.

The monitoring team further challenged education authorities to address the shortage of teachers’ accommodation instead of allowing the problem to compromise classroom space.

School headteacher Caroline Aero said the school continues to face serious infrastructure challenges, particularly inadequate staff accommodation. Some teachers have been forced to share the few available staff houses, while others commute from their homes.

The school has also attempted to mobilise additional resources from parents to address some of its pressing needs, although efforts to secure adequate contributions have reportedly faced challenges.

The RDC Secretariat directed the City Education authorities, District Education Officer and RDC to urgently address the accommodation challenge and ensure that classrooms are exclusively reserved for teaching and learning.

The intervention is part of the wider government monitoring drive aimed at ensuring that public resources and infrastructure are properly utilised and that government programmes translate into improved service delivery.

The monitoring team warned that misuse of government facilities will not be tolerated, urging responsible authorities to take immediate corrective action.

The situation at Moruapesur Primary School has renewed concerns over inadequate learning infrastructure in some government schools, where shortages of staff accommodation and other facilities are forcing institutions to improvise at the expense of learners.

The authorities were reminded that providing a safe and conducive learning environment is a critical responsibility in safeguarding the future of Ugandan children.

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Court of Appeal has this morning delivered a ruling in a 714 Hectares land case where a city lawyer had convinced Kabula residents that their land had been encroached upon by city businessman, Ben Kavuya.

The disputed land is 714 Hectares is located in Kabula, Lyantonde district.

Ben Kavuya had previously purchased 714 Hectares in 1994 and consequently went to develop it as a commercial farm and upcountry home.

In 2015, its reported that City Lawyer Rwalinda Jambo Godfrey, Jambo & Company Advocates, travelled to Lyantonde and convinced the residents there that their land had been encroached upon.

When the registered owner, Ben Kavuya, was approached, he contracted a land valuer to ascertain the land ownership status. In his findings, the land valuer indicated that the title of the 714 Hectares had overlapped its boundaries by 241 Hectares.

Mr Kavuya, consequently offered the overlapped land to the claimants with the developments he had undertaken on it, at no cost.

It is reported that Mr Rwalinda rejected the offer and lay claim to the entire 714 Hectares, not the disputed 241 Hectares. He suggested that Mr Kavuya purchases, afresh, the entire 714 Hectares at the prevailing market rates.

Mr. Kavuya, in a bid to protect his farm and home, sought the intervention of the courts of justice.

In a case filed in 2015, HCCS No. 77 of 2015, the High Court in Masaka ruled in favour of the claimants as mobilized by Mr Rwalinda and ordered for the cancellation of Mr. Kavuya’s title.

Mr Kavuya appealed the High Court decision in the Court of Appeal, case reference – Civil Appeal No. 224 of 2021. A panel of three justices from the Court of Appeal, Justices Christopher Madrama, Irene Mulyagonja and Cheborion Barishaki, in a ruling delivered this morning overturned the High Court’s decision.

In the Court of Appeal ruling, the Justices held that:

1. The declarations and orders of the High Court are herby set aside and substituted with an order that Mr Kavuya retains registration and possession of his title/land to the extent measuring 472.3Hectares.
2. The Commissioner of Land registration is directed to rectify Mr Kavuya’s title by adjusting it to remove the overlapped 242Hectares.
3. The respondents (represented by the lawyer Rwalinda Jambo Godfrey) to pay the costs of the case in the High Court and Court of Appeal.

4. 

Commenting after the delivery of the Court of Appeal’s judgment, Mr Kavuya said, ‘I welcome the decision from the Court of Appeal. What was previously a travesty and miscarriage of justice has been undone.’

‘I have been a resident of Kabula from 1994, that an individual would try to evict my family and I on the basis of frivolity is unconscionable. I look forward to celebrating the holidays, as I have always done the past 27 years, with my fellow Kabula residents,’ he added.

An established Entrepreneur & Business mogul, Mr. Kavuya has always sought to contribute to the social and economic development of Lyantonde district.

In 2018, in a function presided over by the then Vice President, H.E Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi, Mr. Kavuya donated a Health Center 3 to Lyantonde, to supplement the Government’s efforts to improve health service delivery.

Relatedly, Mr Kavuya built and donated another health centre 3 facility in Kebisoni, Rukungiri district in a deliberate effort to bring closer health services in Western Uganda.

Mr. Ben Kavuya is the Chairman of East African Medical Vitals, Africa’s 1st surgical and medical gloves manufacturing factory.

It is a Ugandan company that manufactures high quality, latex, powder-free medical gloves (examination and surgical), vital medical consumables in health facilities.

In 2018, in a function presided over by the then Vice President, H.E Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi, Mr. Kavuya donated a Health Center 3 to Lyantonde, to supplement the Government’s efforts to improve health service delivery.

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Ugandan creative duo Nsimbi has taken the country’s music, fashion, landscapes and cultural storytelling to the big screen with Infinity, a musical film that is gaining international attention.

The film, created by GNL Zamba and Miriam Tamar Nsimbi, marks a new chapter in the duo’s creative journey, bringing together music, cinema, poetry, dance, fashion and indigenous cultural elements.

Set against Uganda’s landscapes, Infinity follows a young boy who must overcome selfishness and rediscover his connection to his community, nature and the universe. Guided by a wise shaman and his younger sister, he embarks on a journey of healing and personal transformation.

Beyond its storyline, the film serves as a showcase of Uganda’s creative talent. It was produced entirely with a Ugandan crew, including director Matege Rogers, cinematographer Gashumba, wardrobe designer Abaas Kaijuka, choreographer Lilian Nabagala, photographer Gats Bulega and sound and set designer Andrew Ahuura Quad A and ABM.

The film was written and executive produced by Ernest and Miriam Nsimbi.
Ugandan culture is central to the production, with local music, fashion, traditions and landscapes woven into the story rather than simply used as background scenery.

“We love film, music and fashion, and Infinity gave us the opportunity to bring all of those worlds together,” the duo said.
The film has already screened at the American Center Kampala, German Cultural Centre and Alliance Française, as well as a number of international film festivals and cultural spaces.

These include the Mariposa Museum on Martha’s Vineyard Island in Massachusetts, Micheaux Film Festival in Los Angeles, People’s Film Festival in Harlem, New York, Las Vegas International Black Film Festival, Cleveland International Film Festival, Gasparilla International Film Festival in Miami, San Diego Kids International Film Festival, Albuquerque Film & Music Experience and Richmond Film Festival.
The film has also been nominated for the UCC Uganda Film Festival and is scheduled to screen at Century Cinemax, Arena Mall, on August 26 from 7pm to 9pm.

For Nsimbi, the international reception demonstrates how Ugandan stories can find audiences beyond the country when presented through compelling creative formats.

The duo hopes Infinity will contribute to the promotion of Uganda’s tourism and creative industries by allowing international audiences to experience the country through its sounds, scenery, fashion and imagination.

The project builds on Nsimbi’s longstanding work of blending Lugaflow hip-hop, spoken word, indigenous African instruments and world music while connecting Ugandan creativity with international audiences.
Through Infinity, the duo is extending that cultural conversation into cinema.

House of Nsimbi is also inviting partnerships with brands, companies, filmmakers, fashion creatives, cultural institutions and festivals interested in promoting Ugandan storytelling to wider audiences.

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Heath Mulondo Walugembe has emerged as the best Economics student at Vienna College Namugongo, winning the Chris Kassami Memorial Economics Award after scoring 91 per cent in the 2026 Cambridge examinations.

Walugembe received the award on Tuesday during the school’s release of this year’s Cambridge results, where Vienna College recognised students who excelled in different areas of academic performance.

Five students had been nominated for the Economics award, but Walugembe topped the list with 91 per cent. Kigundu Abdulrahman, Twesige Melody Kukundakwe and Amia Rihanna Adubangu each scored 90 per cent.

The award was introduced in memory of the late Chris Kassami, a renowned economist and former director of Vienna College who died in 2016. Before his death, Kassami had expressed his intention to reward the student who achieved the highest mark in Economics at the school every year.

A video of one of his speeches was played during the ceremony, in which Kassami spoke about his passion for Economics and pledged to give the best-performing student an accolade and Shs1 million cash prize.

Jassi Kassami, his son and one of the school’s directors, said the initiative was a fitting tribute to his father, who strongly believed in encouraging young people to embrace Economics.

“We thank the administration of Vienna College with the leadership of the Principal Mr Muhammed Kakiika for the thought,” Jassi said, adding that the family hoped students excelling in other subjects could also be recognised in future.

Principal Muhammed Kakiika confirmed that the memorial award will become an annual programme, with the best Economics student receiving both the accolade and Shs1 million.

He also praised the teaching staff for their efforts, saying the school recorded strong performance across subjects, particularly in the sciences.

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KAMPALA — Kampala Metropolitan Police have arrested at least 70 suspects in a series of intelligence-led and disruptive operations conducted in parts of Mukono, Wakiso and Kira, as well as along Jinja Road, targeting individuals suspected of criminal activities, narcotic substance abuse and public nuisance.

In Mukono Central Division, Police conducted an intelligence-led operation on August 12, 2026, at about 8:35pm in Kikoza Village, Namumira Ward and surrounding areas.

The operation targeted a known black spot where individuals reportedly gather to smoke suspected narcotic substances and engage in criminal activities, including robbery and phone snatching.

Police arrested 10 suspects, who were reportedly found in possession of and/or smoking suspected narcotic substances. They were taken to Mukono Police Station for screening and further investigations.

In Wakiso Police Division, another intelligence-led operation was conducted on August 12 in Kyoga, Kisimbiri and Wakiso Town targeting individuals suspected of criminal activities and public nuisance.

A total of 34 suspects were arrested and charged with public nuisance. Police said the suspects are undergoing screening before being processed for prosecution.

Meanwhile, in Kira Division, Police conducted an operation on August 13 in Kitukutwe, Bulindo, Katuli, Kiwologoma and Buwate zones in Kira Municipality.

The operation targeted individuals suspected of frequenting places where narcotic substances are smoked and where criminal activities are allegedly planned.
Police arrested 15 suspects and recovered exhibits of suspected narcotic substances to aid investigations. The suspects are currently detained at Kira Police Station pending screening and further investigations.

Along Jinja Road, Police also conducted an operation on August 13 between 8:00am and 10:00am at Spear Motors, Lugogo and Nakawa traffic lights.

The operation targeted individuals involved in activities that cause public nuisance and disrupt the orderly use of traffic-light areas. Eleven suspects were arrested during the operation.

Police said the operations form part of ongoing efforts to disrupt criminal activities, address public nuisance and maintain safety and order within the Kampala Metropolitan policing area.

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A total of 350 students have today enrolled for a six-month free vocational skills training programme at the Subway Skilling Centre in Kampala under the Presidential Initiative on Skilling the Girl and Boy Child (PISGBC).

The students, who make up the centre’s eighth cohort, will receive training in four vocational areas: bakery, weaving, knitting and shoemaking.

The programme is part of a Presidential initiative aimed at equipping disadvantaged young people with practical skills to enable them to become self-reliant, secure employment and improve their livelihoods.

At the end of the six-month training, the students will be assessed by the Uganda Vocational and Technical Assessment Board (UVTAB) before graduating. They will then be encouraged to use the skills acquired to start businesses or seek employment.

Ms. Katushabe Stellamaris, the Supervisor of Subway Skilling Centre, said the centre provides breakfast and lunch to the students to help them concentrate on their studies throughout the training period.

She said the programme primarily targets disadvantaged young people, including youths from ghettos and school dropouts, by giving them an opportunity to acquire practical skills and a second chance in life.

“We target the unprivileged students, including those from the ghettos and school dropouts. Our aim is to give them a second chance so that they can live better and happier lives,” Ms. Katushabe said.

Ms. Ronah Kamahoro Natukunda, the Administrator of Subway Skilling Centre, said the centre currently has the capacity to train only 350 students because of limited space.

She appealed for additional space and facilities, saying this would enable the centre to accommodate and train more young people.

Mr. Natukunda said the programme has transformed many young people who have passed through the centre, with several graduates leaving with skills that have enabled them to start their own businesses.

She commended President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for supporting disadvantaged young people and creating opportunities for those who had previously struggled to find a path to self-reliance.

“Many people have reformed and are now doing well because of these opportunities. We thank the President for helping the needy and those who had lost hope in life,” she said.

The students also expressed appreciation for the opportunity, saying the skills they are acquiring will help them become self-reliant and improve their livelihoods after completing the training.

The Presidential Initiative on Skilling the Girl and Boy Child is a free vocational training programme established by State House in 2017 under the directive of President Museveni to equip disadvantaged young people with practical skills and create opportunities for self-employment.

 

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Rehearsing for a concert does not always mean an artist will show up when the big night arrives.

Karole Kasita found that out during her “The Power Within” concert on May 29 at Kampala Serena Hotel.

Several expected guest artists, including rapper Feffe Bussi, had rehearsed with her before the show but failed to turn up on the night.

Kasita then performed some of her collaborative songs without the musicians she had expected beside her.

The situation provides an interesting backdrop to Vinka‘s own upcoming concert, especially after the Swangz Avenue star shared how she would handle a musician who agreed to perform but failed to show up.

Speaking on Galaxy TV, Vinka made it clear that she cannot force another adult to honour an agreement.

I have no control over it because we are adults. If I call you and tell you that you are available on the 21st of August, I want you to sing. If you want me to pay you, tell me the amount you are looking at and we see how we can go about that. You understand? But then if you do not come, that is not good. But for me, if a musician does not come, maybe there is a reason. I would like to know after the show.

She would rather find out what happened and move on than turn the no-show into a fight.

Still, what will I do about it? Tell them to lie down and cane them? No. It is okay. You have to move on. That is a them problem.

Vinka will headline her first major career concert, “Vinka Live & Loud,” on Friday, August 21, 2026, at the Lugogo Cricket Oval in Kampala.