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  • You Could Soon Be Able to Order Sunlight at Night

    You Could Soon Be Able to Order Sunlight at Night

    Imagine being able to order sunlight after sunset.

    That is the idea behind Reflect Orbital, a California startup developing satellites designed to reflect sunlight from space onto selected areas on Earth after dark.

    How the Space Mirrors Would Work

    The company has received approval from the U.S. Federal Communications Commission to launch its first demonstration satellite, Eärendil-1, bringing the unusual idea closer to reality.

    Eärendil-1 will carry an 18-metre by 18-metre reflective surface into low Earth orbit. Once deployed, the mirror will redirect sunlight toward a targeted area on the ground.

    The first mission aims to test whether the technology can deliver additional light after sunset. Reflect Orbital has described the concept as “sunlight on demand.”

    Why Reflect Orbital Wants to Put Mirrors in Space

    The company sees several possible uses for the technology.

    One of its biggest targets is solar power. Solar farms stop producing electricity when the Sun goes down, even though electricity demand can remain high during the evening.

    Reflect Orbital believes reflected sunlight could extend the useful hours of existing solar infrastructure.

    The company has also pointed to potential uses in construction, agriculture, emergency response and other situations where additional light could help after dark.

    But the idea is still far from becoming a service where anyone can simply open an app and order daylight.

    Eärendil-1 is a demonstration mission, not a commercial sunlight-delivery service.

    Astronomers Are Worried About the Night Sky

    The technology has already sparked a fierce debate among astronomers and environmental groups.

    Critics worry that reflecting sunlight onto Earth at night could add to light pollution and interfere with astronomical observations. They also have concerns about the effects of artificial nighttime illumination on wildlife and ecosystems.

    Those concerns have intensified as Reflect Orbital looks beyond its first satellite. The company has discussed eventually deploying a much larger constellation of mirrors.

    A recent scientific study found that reflected light from larger proposed mirrors could significantly brighten the nighttime sky over areas far beyond the intended illuminated zone.

    Sunlight on Demand Is Still a Future Idea

    For now, the idea of ordering sunlight remains experimental.

    Reflect Orbital still has to prove that its technology can work reliably in orbit and address the concerns surrounding its impact on the night sky.

    But if Eärendil-1 succeeds, the company could take a step toward turning something that sounds like science fiction into a real commercial service.

    The next question is no longer whether a mirror in space can reflect sunlight toward Earth.

    It is whether we actually want someone to turn the lights back on after sunset.

  • Evelyn Mic stands firm as Sheila Gashumba summons claims surface – Sqoop

    Evelyn Mic stands firm as Sheila Gashumba summons claims surface – Sqoop

    Journalist and media personality Evelyn Mic has made it clear that she is not losing sleep over reports that socialite Sheila Gashumba could be taking legal action against her.

    In a defiant response, Evelyn said she was ready to face whatever comes her way, insisting that she would not be bullied, intimidated or pressured into an apology.

    “I’m not shaken. I’m an educated journalist, raised right, with a decent job and MY LEGAL TEAM IS READY. If the summon comes, we’ll receive it,” Evelyn said.

    She added: “I don’t bow to intimidation or bullying, and there will be NO APOLOGY. Thanks.”

    The statement, delivered with the kind of confidence that suggests Evelyn has already mentally moved the matter from social media chatter to the legal arena, comes amid reports that Sheila Gashumba may have summoned the journalist over comments or content involving the socialite.

    While the exact nature and status of any alleged summons remains a matter of contention, Evelyn’s response has already added another layer to what appears to be a growing public spat.

    Rather than retreating or attempting to smooth things over, Evelyn has chosen to draw a line in the sand. Her message is essentially that if there is a legal complaint to be answered, she is prepared to answer it through the proper channels.

    And she appears particularly keen to make one thing clear: she does not intend to apologise simply because she is being challenged.

    For now, however, Evelyn is standing her ground. Whether an actual summons materialises, what it may contain and how the matter ultimately unfolds remain to be seen.

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

  • KYOMYA JAMES: Why General Muhoozi Kainerugaba Is a Blessing to Uganda in the Fight Against Corruption

    KYOMYA JAMES: Why General Muhoozi Kainerugaba Is a Blessing to Uganda in the Fight Against Corruption

    Why General Muhoozi Kainerugaba Is a Blessing to Uganda in the Fight Against Corruption

    General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), is increasingly emerging as a blessing to Uganda at a time when the country needs stronger patriotism, greater unity, and a renewed commitment to fighting corruption.

    His leadership and public engagements have inspired many Ugandans, particularly young people, to embrace the responsibility of contributing to the development and transformation of their country.

    Corruption remains one of the major obstacles to Uganda’s socio-economic transformation. It undermines public services, wastes national resources, and denies ordinary citizens the benefits of government programmes. For Uganda to achieve its development ambitions, the fight against corruption must therefore become a shared responsibility involving leaders, public servants, and citizens.

    This is where General Muhoozi’s message of patriotism and national responsibility deserves strong support. His emphasis on loving Uganda, protecting national interests, and encouraging citizens to contribute positively to their country provides an important foundation for building a society where corruption has no place.

    Through the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), a growing number of Ugandans have been brought together around messages of patriotism, unity, discipline, and national development. The movement has attracted people from different regions, professions, age groups, and backgrounds, demonstrating that Ugandans can unite around a common national purpose.

    The fight against corruption requires precisely this kind of unity. Every Ugandan has a role to play, and citizens must refuse to participate in corrupt practices. Public servants must protect government resources, leaders must promote accountability, and communities must speak out against those who misuse public funds. Patriotism must therefore move beyond words and become a daily commitment to doing what is right for Uganda.

    General Muhoozi Kainerugaba has greatly embraced and strengthened this spirit of patriotism among Ugandans, and his message has encouraged young people to understand the future of Uganda and that national development cannot be achieved when corruption continues to undermine public institutions.

    Young people, in particular, should embrace the call for patriotism, hard work, discipline, and integrity. They are the future leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, public servants, and community leaders of Uganda, and with a strong sense of responsibility and rejection of corruption, the country will be better positioned to achieve sustainable development.

    A disciplined society is better placed to protect public resources, respect institutions, and promote national stability. Ugandans should therefore support positive initiatives that promote patriotism, unity, and accountability. Supporting General Muhoozi’s message does not simply mean supporting an individual; rather, it means supporting values that can contribute to a stronger, more united, and corruption-free Uganda.

    The public should also consider joining and supporting platforms that promote these values. When citizens come together with a shared commitment to patriotism and national development, they can create a powerful force for positive change. Uganda has enormous potential. The country has hardworking citizens, abundant natural resources, a young population, and significant opportunities for economic growth. What is required is responsible leadership and citizens who are ready to protect and utilise these opportunities for the benefit of present and future generations.

    Today, in villages and cells across Uganda, people from different political affiliations, religious backgrounds, and tribes can increasingly identify with the ideals of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU). This growing sense of association reflects the leadership and vision of its founder, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba.

    General Muhoozi has inspired Ugandans from different walks of life with a message centred on patriotism, unity, and national service. His influence has particularly attracted young people who see in him a leader capable of carrying forward Uganda’s aspirations.

    For many supporters, his leadership represents a new chapter in Uganda’s political journey. They believe that, with General Muhoozi at the helm, Uganda can continue building on the achievements of President General Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the Fountain of Honour.

    Ultimately, the growing interest in PLU demonstrates the power of patriotism, unity, and a shared vision for Uganda’s future. General Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s growing national influence can therefore be viewed as an opportunity to strengthen the fight against corruption by encouraging Ugandans to embrace patriotism, discipline, integrity, and collective responsibility.

    I therefore call upon Ugandans, especially the young generation, to support General Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s positive message of patriotism, unity, and national development. Those who believe in a stronger and more prosperous Uganda should come together, participate in patriotic initiatives, and make integrity part of their everyday lives.

    The fight against corruption cannot be won by government alone; it requires citizens who are willing to stand for what is right and leaders who inspire them to do so. If Ugandans unite behind the values of patriotism, accountability, discipline, and hard work, the country can make significant progress towards socio-economic transformation.

    In this regard, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba can indeed be regarded as a blessing to Uganda, particularly in inspiring a new spirit of patriotism and strengthening the collective determination to build a more accountable, united, and prosperous nation.

    For God and My Country

    Author: Kyomya James Deputy Resident City Commissioner, Soroti City West Division Email: [email protected] Tel: +256 787 517859

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  • Naava Grey to Headline Johnnie Walker Uganda Ladies Open Finale She Walks Experience

    Naava Grey to Headline Johnnie Walker Uganda Ladies Open Finale She Walks Experience

    Songstress Naava Grey is set to headline the Johnnie Walker Uganda Ladies Open finale, slated for this Saturday, August, 15th, at the Uganda Golf Club.

    The special 19th hole experience will be curated as a Johnnie Walker She Walks celebration, in honor of the successful end of the Ladies Open 2026.

    The event will bring together participating golfers, guests, and members of golfing fraternity, for a special evening of celebration, connection and entertainment.

    The She Walks experience is a special Johnnie Walker platform created to celebrate women who keep moving forward on their own terms. She Walks is built around the belief that every woman has a journey worth celebrating, whether she is breaking new ground, pursuing her ambitions, supporting others, or simply taking the next step towards where they want to be.

    The platform creates spaces for women to connect, share experiences and celebrate one another.

    “The Ladies Open is a beautiful expression of what it means to keep moving forward. These women have shown determination, resilience and passion on the course, and we want to create a moment that celebrates them beyond the competition. The She Walks experience is about bringing women together, creating meaningful connections and, most importantly, celebrating every woman and her journey. This is our way of raising a glass and toast to the ladies and give them an evening that is truly theirs,” said Christine Kyokunda, Brand Manager, Johnnie Walker Uganda.

    Naava, known for classic ballads like Ninga Omuloge, Aliba Waani, Nkwetaga, Nteredde, Kangume, and many more, will headline the evening’s entertainment, bringing her signature soulful sound to the celebration.

    The evening will hosted by celebrated MC Ms Deedan, while DJ Anselem will reign over the decks with a set that will keep the energy going till the wee hours of the night.

    The experience will be compete with a She Walks-curated menu, that will afford guests the opportunity to explore Johnnie Walker’s full whisky portfolio, alongside a selection of cocktails and serves, designed to cater to different tastes and preferences.

    For the women participating in this year’s Ladies Open, the finale will be more than a conclusion to the competition. It will be a moment to celebrate the determination, passion and camaraderie that women bring to the course and beyond it.

    The final putt may mark the end of the Ladies Open, but the celebration shall be a start a long fun evening of connecting, music, great drinks and a delicious meal.

  • Sebatta Says Artists Can Rework His Classics, But Wants Clear Copyright Terms

    Sebatta Says Artists Can Rework His Classics, But Wants Clear Copyright Terms

    Ugandan musicians have long found new ways to keep old songs alive, with younger artists returning to classics and giving them fresh sounds.

    That practice, however, can raise a difficult question: what happens to the original creator when another artist wants to remake or remix the song?

    Parliament amended Uganda’s copyright law earlier this year, bringing fresh attention to the rules around reworking existing music.

    For veteran Kadongo Kamu singer Lord Fred Sebatta, the changes could make it possible for a new generation to put its own spin on his classics.

    Speaking on NBS After 5, Sebatta welcomed the possibility but said the industry still needs to understand how such deals would work.

    That could be possible, but it has processes it should follow. When you look at the copyright law, yes, it was amended, but people have not yet understood it. We have to sensitise people about it and ensure that it is put into practice.

    Permission alone, however, does not settle the matter.

    The real conversation begins when the original composer, the artist doing the remake and the producers sit down to work out who gets what.

    We want to really learn about everything. For example, how would that contract or agreement between the artist who wants to redo or remix the song and me, who wrote and sang the song, look like? How do we even arrive at it? What does it mean for me, the original composer, the person who wants to redo it, and even the people who will produce it?

    There is clearly still a lot to figure out, but Sebatta is not closing the door on artists revisiting the classics.

    He believes the possibilities will become clearer as the industry learns how the copyright law works and how to handle the agreements surrounding such projects.

    There is still a lot to learn, but I believe in the future all will be possible.

  • Daddy Andre challenges Ray G to make Western Uganda success national – Sqoop

    Daddy Andre challenges Ray G to make Western Uganda success national – Sqoop

    Ray G may have already won over Western Uganda, but music producer and singer Daddy Andre believes the singer now faces a bigger test: convincing the rest of Uganda to join the party.

    The Western Uganda star has been steadily expanding his profile, with bigger performances, growing visibility and a loyal following that has established him as one of the region’s biggest contemporary music exports.

    His recent concert at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds offered perhaps the clearest sign yet that his appeal is stretching beyond his traditional home base.

    Thousands of fans turned up for the show, with some travelling from Western Uganda to Kampala to support the singer. Organised by Abtex and produced by Fenon Events, the concert gave Ray G an opportunity to measure his growing popularity against a Kampala audience.

    While impressed by his progress, Daddy Andre believes Ray G should not stop there.

    “Ray G has a very strong support base. But he needs to get more people on board. He needs more fans from different parts of the country,” Daddy Andre said.

    For the producer, the challenge is no longer about proving that Ray G has a loyal following. He already does.

    The bigger question is whether that loyalty can be replicated in Central Uganda, the East and the North, turning Ray G from a regional favourite into a national star.

    Ray G’s rise has largely been built on the passionate support he enjoys in Western Uganda, where his music has become closely associated with the region.

    His Kololo concert, however, showed that his audience is willing to travel with him. The challenge now is getting audiences who do not have the same regional connection to embrace his music.

    Daddy Andre believes the singer can achieve that by deliberately expanding his reach through collaborations with artists from other parts of the country, performing more frequently outside Western Uganda and finding ways to make his music connect with a wider audience without losing the identity that built his career.

    For Ray G, therefore, the next chapter may not be about conquering Western Uganda or even filling another major venue in Kampala.

    It may be about making sure that when the music starts playing, Uganda sings along.

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

  • THE VILLAGE HAS SPOKEN: PS BEN KUMUMANYA’S OPEN LETTER TO A NEW ERA OF LC I AND LC II LEADERSHIP

    THE VILLAGE HAS SPOKEN: PS BEN KUMUMANYA’S OPEN LETTER TO A NEW ERA OF LC I AND LC II LEADERSHIP

    With Uganda’s grassroots elections now concluded, Permanent Secretary Ben Kumumanya’s message puts the new leaders on notice: the ballot has delivered the mandate, but service, accountability and development will define their legacy

    By Brian Mugenyi

    [email protected]

    KAMPALA, UGANDA — The votes have been counted, the winners declared and Uganda’s long-awaited Local Council I (LC I) and Local Council II (LC II) elections concluded—but for Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government, Ben Kumumanya, the most important chapter begins now.

    With citizens having exercised their democratic right to choose leaders closest to them, Kumumanya’s message is no longer an appeal to voters preparing to go to the polls. It is a post-election charge to the leaders who have received the people’s mandate: turn decentralisation into visible service, accountability, participation and community development.

    The Local Council I and Local Council II structures remain the bedrock of Uganda’s decentralised system of governance.

    Since the introduction of decentralisation, Government has deliberately brought leadership and decision-making closer to the people, enabling communities to participate actively in identifying priorities, monitoring public services and holding leaders accountable.

    This has been demonstrated through the bold participation of citizens during recent visits by the Ministers of Local Government to the Bugisu Sub-region, where communities openly exposed corrupt practices and demanded greater accountability.

    Now, with the elections concluded, that spirit of citizen participation faces its biggest test.

    Will the new leaders listen? Will they account? Will they deliver?

    For Kumumanya, the answer must be found in the way the newly elected LC I and LC II leaders use the authority entrusted to them.

    The election, in other words, is not the destination.

    It is the beginning of the work.

    Do you have a story in your community or an opinion to share with us: Email us at Submit an Article

  • Vienna College honours top economics student with Chris Kassami Memorial Award

    Vienna College honours top economics student with Chris Kassami Memorial Award

    Vienna College Namugongo has honoured the legacy of its late director Chris Kassami by introducing an annual award for the school’s best-performing Economics student.

    The award was presented on Tuesday during the release of this year’s Cambridge examination results, with Heath Mulondo Walugembe emerging as the first recipient after scoring 91 per cent in Economics.

    Walugembe beat three other students who scored 90 per cent each, including Kigundu Abdulrahman, Twesige Melody Kukundakwe and Amia Rihanna Adubangu.

    The award is in memory of Kassami, a renowned economist and one of the directors of Vienna College Namugongo who died in 2016.

    Before his death, Kassami had pledged to recognise the school’s best Economics student every year with an award and a cash prize of Shs1 million.

    In a video played during Tuesday’s ceremony, Kassami recalled his passion for Economics and said he wanted to encourage students to take the subject seriously.

    He said he would be “a little bit selfish as an Economist” by recognising the student who achieved the highest mark in Economics with an accolade and Shs1 million in cash.

    The school has now revived that commitment through the Chris Kassami Memorial Economics Award.

    Speaking at the ceremony, Jassi Kassami, Chris Kassami’s son and a director at Vienna College since his father’s death, said the initiative was a fitting way to preserve his father’s legacy.

    He said his father, who was an economist, strongly believed in promoting Economics and wanted more students to embrace the subject.

    “We thank the administration of Vienna College, under the leadership of Principal Muhammed Kakiika, for the thought. Besides just Economics, we hope to award students in other subjects as well,” Jassi said.

    Principal Muhammed Kakiika confirmed that the Chris Kassami Memorial Economics Award will be presented every year to the student who achieves the highest mark in Economics.

    The winner will receive both an accolade and Shs1 million in cash.

    Mohammed Kakiika.

    Kakiika also commended the school’s teachers for their work in preparing students for the Cambridge examinations, saying the strong performance extended beyond Economics.

    He noted that students also performed well in the science subjects, attributing the results to the commitment of teachers and students throughout the academic year.

    The school said the annual award will continue to recognise academic excellence in Economics while keeping alive Kassami’s commitment to promoting the subject among students.

  • Selena Gomez and Mom Sued Over Alleged Investor Fraud

    American singer Selena Gomez and her mother, Mandy Teefey, are facing a lawsuit from investors who put nearly $1.2 million into their mental health company, Wondermind.

    The investors accuse Gomez, Teefey and former business partner Daniella Pierson of securities fraud and breach of contract, alleging that they misrepresented Wondermind’s leadership, infrastructure and resources while seeking investment.

    The lawsuit also claims Gomez presented herself as heavily involved in the company before the investment but later distanced herself from the business.

    The investors allege that they did not learn the full extent of Wondermind’s financial and operational problems until reports about the company’s struggles emerged in 2025.

    Teefey has denied allegations of substance abuse and mismanagement, calling the claims false and accusing former employees of distorting the truth.

    The investors are seeking the return of their money and unspecified damages.

  • Katikiro Charles Peter Mayiga endorses Vinka’s concert

    Katikiro Charles Peter Mayiga endorses Vinka’s concert

    Ahead of her concert scheduled for Friday, 21st August 2026 at Lugogo Cricket Oval, Swangz Avenue star Vinka has received a major boost with the endorsement from the Katikiro of Buganda, Owek. Charles Peter Mayiga.

    The endorsement for the concert dubbed #VinkaLiveAndLoud follows a courtesy visit by the songstress to Bulange, Mengo today, where she formally briefed the Premier about her upcoming live show.

    Speaking about the visit on his official platform, Katikiro Charles Peter Mayiga praised Vinka’s hard work, creativity, and dedication to satisfying her fanbase. He highlighted that supporting local creative talent directly drives national growth, job creation, and tax revenue.

    Why Vinka keeps her bedroom off-limits to house helps

    Vinka is a hardworking and creative artist who puts immense innovation into entertaining her fans… Let us go and support her, because whenever we support our local creatives, our nation grows, they pay taxes, and their work creates numerous jobs for others.

    Following her meeting with the Katikiro, Vinka continued her promotional tour with a visit to CBS Emmanduso, the premier Buganda Kingdom radio station, where she engaged with fans on air, expressed gratitude for the Kingdom’s unwavering support, and promised an unforgettable performance.

    The post Katikiro Charles Peter Mayiga endorses Vinka’s concert appeared first on MBU.

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