The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has commissioned a new administration block for its Department of Culture at Land Force Headquarters in Bombo to provide a conducive working environment and boost the department’s performance.
The Joint Staff Formal Education, Sports and Culture, Maj Gen Richard Karemire, who commissioned the facility, said providing appropriate working conditions was essential to enabling the Culture Department to effectively fulfil its mandate.
“As a UPDF organ that has continued to improve the welfare of its personnel, the Culture Department cannot operate in temporary structures because this may limit its success,” Maj Gen Karemire said.
He commended the department for its contribution to promoting culture within the UPDF and its role in showcasing Uganda’s rich cultural heritage at national and international events.
The Head of Culture in the UPDF, Lt Col James Taremwa, said the diversity of cultures represented within the force is an important source of unity, cohesion and national identity.
Lt Col Taremwa said bringing together the different cultural traditions represented in the UPDF helps foster unity and strengthen cohesion among troops.
He noted that the Culture Department participates in national functions and other events both within Uganda and abroad, where it showcases the country’s diverse cultural heritage through traditional performances, music, dance and acrobatics.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by Senior and Junior Officers.
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Police have arrested several suspected members of a gang believed to be behind the murder of SC Villa player David Owori in Makindye, Kampala.
The arrests followed the recovery of Owori’s iPhone 14 Pro Max, which detectives tracked to Kisenyi in central Kampala.
According to police, one of the suspects, identified as Frank, alias Musezi, was the first to be arrested after detectives traced the stolen phone. During interrogation, he reportedly provided information that led investigators to other members of the suspected gang.
Another suspect, identified as Frank Araali, was subsequently arrested. Police said Araali disclosed that the gang routinely stole mobile phones and other valuables before selling them at different locations around Kampala.
Investigators also discovered that the suspects allegedly used a Toyota Harrier during their operations and hid stolen property inside the vehicle.
Police further arrested girlfriends of some of the suspects, who reportedly told detectives that their partners regularly returned home with items believed to have been stolen, including handbags, mobile phones, shoes and necklaces.
During interrogation, the suspects reportedly admitted to attacking Owori but claimed they did not know he was a prominent footballer. They allegedly told investigators that their intention was to rob him and not kill him.
Speaking during the weekly security briefing at Police headquarters in Naguru, Kampala, Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke said investigations were still ongoing and detectives were pursuing other suspects whose names had emerged during interrogation.
Owori, 26, was attacked at about 8pm on Tuesday while returning home from training along Nalinya-Mpologoma Road in Dubai Zone, Makindye.
Police said the attackers, who were reportedly travelling on a motorcycle, struck the footballer with paving stones before stealing his iPhone, another mobile phone and money.
The attackers then fled, leaving Owori unconscious in a drainage channel.
He was initially rushed to Sir Albert Cook Hospital for emergency treatment before being transferred to Case Hospital, where he was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit.
Owori died from his injuries on Wednesday morning.
I&M Bank Uganda Limited has reaffirmed its commitment to growing Ugandan golf and creating memorable customer experiences by extending its partnership with the Katogo Golf Series for another three years, while also confirming the return of the regional Migingo Skirmishes showdown in Kenya.
The landmark announcement was made during the third round of the 2026 I&M Bank Katogo Golf Series at Entebbe Club, where Team OO and The Aldertons emerged as the overall winners in the men’s and ladies’ categories respectively. The competition brought together over 150 golfers in same-gender pairs. Both players teed off on every hole, but exchanged balls for the second shot, and each continued with the selected ball until they holed out.
In the men’s category, Team OO, comprising Ronald Osekeny and Casper Okiru, returned 65 points to secure top honors, while The Aldertons, made up of Harriet Alderton and Amy Alderton, matched that score to claim the overall ladies’ title with their performance highlighting the importance of consistency and teamwork under the unique format at Entebbe Club on Saturday, August 8.
Men’s overall winners receive their hampers, which included RwandAir prizes.
“It was a very good day for us. The format demanded teamwork and good decision making, and we stayed focused throughout the round. We trusted each other, supported each other and were able to put together the score we needed,” said Ronald Osekeny.
Harriet Alderton said, “Every shot mattered, we were consistent and supported each other. Returning 65 and winning the overall ladies’ category is a great achievement for us,”
Team OO’s winning performance earned the pair RwandAir tickets, among other goodies, while The Aldertons received accommodation vouchers at Kampala Serena Hotel and other hampers.
In the other leading results, Pin Hunters, comprising Collins Nugavira and Ivan Wensonga, finished men’s runners-up with 67 points, while Back 9 Bandits- Moses Sebugwawo and Apollo Segawa, also scored 67 to finish second runners-up on countback.
Among the ladies, The Divas- Evelyn Atukunda and Charity Tushabomwe, finished runners-up with 68 points, while Koco, Lilian Koowe and Connie Nshemereirwe, took the second runners-up position with 69 points.
In the Johnnie Walker sponsored tournament quiz, that happens every week of the series, Louis Tumukunde, Evelyn Atukunda, Enock Nwagaba, Hellen Kisinde and Serwano Walusimbi, each scored 20 points to win themselves bottles of Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve. The overall quiz winner accumulated 97 points.
The day’s biggest highlight, however, came off the course as Robin Bairstow, Chief Executive Officer of I&M Bank Uganda Limited, announced the extension of the bank’s title sponsorship of the Katogo Golf Series through a new three-year agreement.
I&M Bank CEO Robin Bairstow delivers his remarks at the 19th hole.
“We remain fully committed to the I&M Bank Katogo Golf Series, and this renewed three-year partnership reflects our confidence in what we have built together. The series has evolved into much more than a golf tournament. It is a platform that brings people together, creates meaningful connections and allows us to engage more closely with our customers and partners. We are excited about the next chapter and the opportunities ahead as we continue to grow the series locally and regionally,” said Robin Bairstow.
The renewed partnership comes as Team Katogo prepares for another regional assignment, with the third edition of the Migingo Skirmishes set for October 31, 2026, at Limuru Country Club in Kenya. The regional rivalry has become one of the most anticipated fixtures of the I&M Bank Katogo Golf series calendar and continues to strengthen golfing ties between Uganda and Kenya.
The October showdown follows a competitive history between the two teams, with Kenya taking victory in the inaugural event in 2024 before Team Katogo levelled the contest in May this year at Entebbe Club. The upcoming October encounter will serve as the third meeting between the two sides and the fourth regional event in the history of the Series, following another regional leg in Kigali, Rwanda, last November.
Katogo Captain Elly Mukasa welcomed the renewed commitment from I&M Bank Uganda Limited, crediting the partnership for helping the series expand its reach and enhance the experience offered to golfers and partners.
Katogo Captain Elly Mukasa addresses golfers and guests.
“We are immensely grateful to I&M Bank Uganda Limited – our title sponsor, for believing in the Katogo vision. Their support has helped transform the series into a platform that goes beyond golf, bringing together partners, golfers and communities through exceptional experiences. We look forward to building on this momentum in the years ahead, he said.
Annette Nakiyaga, Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications at I&M Bank, said the Katogo series continues to align with the bank’s commitment to creating meaningful customer experiences and build lasting relationships through sport.
I&M Bank Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications, Annette Nakiyaga (2R), shares a photo moment with the quiz winners.
“The strength of the I&M Bank Katogo Golf Series is in the community and experiences it creates around the game. Beyond competition, the platform enables customers, partners and golf enthusiasts to connect in meaningful ways. We are delighted to continue this journey and contribute to the growth of the sport,” she said.
The tournament concluded with an all white-themed 19th Hole experience headlined by legendary Ugandan singer Grace Nakimera, with a well choreographed traditional dance troupe. Guests enjoyed an evening of entertainment, networking and celebration, capping off another successful outing of the 2026 series.
Singer Grace Nakimera performs at the event.
The I&M Bank Katogo Golf Series is sponsored by Johnnie Walker, Victoria Motors, GA Insurance, RwandAir, Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort & Spa, Kampala Serena Hotel, FENON Events, Goldman’s Luxury, NBS Sport, Case Hospital and Timecop Security. Harris International, makers of Riham products, were announced as a new partner.
First Daughter Natasha Museveni Karugire has shared new photographs of First Lady Janet Museveni, offering a glimpse of her recovery after a serious illness earlier this year.
The photographs show Janet posing with members of her family and appearing healthy and in good spirits.
“Thank you LORD Jesus!” Natasha captioned the post.
The images have since attracted messages of celebration, well-wishes and prayers from Ugandans, including government officials.
Janet has kept a relatively low public profile since March, staying away from several public engagements and major events, which sparked concern and speculation about her health.
President Yoweri Museveni first spoke publicly about his wife’s illness in a birthday message on June 24, 2026. He revealed that Janet had suffered what he described as an “attack on the life of Maama” on March 21.
Museveni credited medical professionals and prayer for helping to save her life, but did not disclose the nature of the illness.
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Beninese music icon Angélique Kidjo is set to make history this month as the first Black African artist to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
The five-time Grammy Award winner will be honoured on August 18 with the 2,854th star on the famous boulevard, marking a landmark moment not only in her career but also for African music on the global stage.
The unveiling ceremony will take place at 7011 Hollywood Boulevard, opposite the historic Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, with acclaimed actor Willem Dafoe and Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. expected to speak in her honour.
Kidjo’s recognition crowns a career spanning more than four decades, during which she has become one of Africa’s most celebrated musical exports.
Born in 1960 in Benin, then known as Dahomey, she released her debut album Pretty in 1981 before relocating to Paris two years later amid political unrest in her home country. She later settled in Brooklyn, New York, where her international career flourished.
Known for blending traditional West African rhythms with jazz, funk, R&B and pop, Kidjo has released 18 studio albums and won five Grammy Awards. Her catalogue includes classics such as Agolo, Batonga and Wombo Lombo, alongside recent collaborations with some of Africa’s biggest stars, including Burna Boy, Davido and Ayra Starr.
Beyond music, Kidjo has established herself as a passionate advocate for children’s rights and education across Africa. She also appeared in the film The Woman King, contributing the soundtrack duet Keep Rising.
Her latest milestone comes years after being named among TIME magazine’s 100 most influential people and further cements her legacy as one of Africa’s greatest cultural ambassadors.
Until now, South African-born actress Charlize Theron was the only African-born personality with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Kidjo’s induction marks the first time the honour has been awarded to a Black African artist, adding another historic achievement to an already distinguished career.
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African music is about to get one of its biggest moments in Hollywood.
Beninese music icon Angélique Kidjo will make history on August 18, 2026, when she receives a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, becoming the first African musician and first Black African performer to earn the prestigious honour.
The five-time Grammy winner will receive the 2,854th star in the Recording category during a ceremony in Hollywood, marking another major milestone in a career that has spanned more than four decades.
For Kidjo, the honour caps a remarkable journey that has taken her music from Benin to some of the biggest stages around the world.
The singer has built a reputation for blending West African sounds with genres including Afrobeat, jazz, funk and other global influences. Her career has also seen her collaborate with major international names, including Alicia Keys, Burna Boy, Peter Gabriel and John Legend.
Her achievements have already earned her five Grammy Awards, but the Hollywood recognition carries a different kind of weight.
It puts her name alongside some of the biggest entertainers whose contributions have become part of Hollywood’s cultural history.
The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce announced Kidjo as part of the Walk of Fame’s Class of 2026, alongside other major names from music, film and entertainment. Her selection was first announced in 2025, with the Chamber now confirming the date for her star ceremony.
Kidjo has also used her global platform beyond music. Through her advocacy work and the Batonga Foundation, she has championed education and opportunities for girls in Africa.
The Walk of Fame honour therefore comes as more than another award for the celebrated singer. It represents a major moment for African music on one of the world’s most recognisable entertainment landmarks.
And Kidjo appears to see the achievement as a door-opener for others.
In an earlier interview about the honour, she said the recognition showed that the richness of African culture had resonated internationally and suggested that the door was now open for more Africans to follow.
After more than 40 years of making music, Kidjo is now preparing to leave another permanent mark in Hollywood.
This time, her name will be written in stone.
Angélique Kidjo’s star ceremony is scheduled for August 18, 2026, at 11:30 am Pacific Time.
Many people want to invest in real estate, but the amount of money required to invest in the sector scares many. More so, how to manage the business is another challenge all together. However, there is one man who never stops to invest in real estate. Every year, Sudhir Ruparelia, oversees a new project on his table, and there, he has a secret many dreamers don’t know.
Ruparelia Group founder is the king of real estate in Uganda. No Ugandan alive has built so much commercial properties like him. When Sudhir Ruparelia talks business or real estate, everyone listens. His investments are mainly in the areas of banking, insurance, education, broadcasting, real estate, floriculture, hotels, and resorts.
That is why when talks at Uganda Revenue Authority tax events where a number of prominent guests discuss matters of national tax policies everyone listens.
Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia, recognized by Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) as Uganda’s top Tax Payer has shared his hindsight on why he believes Real Estate is the real deal which has perseverance through all seasons.
He cautions investors against borrowing to start the real estate business, instead to grow organically.
“Allow some form of organic growth. So long as you have a good amount of cash flow coming in, you mainly need to focus on the right location and the right plan, that’s all,” Sudhir says adding, ”just invest and plan right.”
The point is, Sudhir says start from where you are and grow upwards.
“First, try and grow according to the cash flow you have and are creating. It is probably the best option. Because the truth is said, opportunities come all the time, especially when you have good cash flow. Take those opportunities.”
URA awarded dozens of companies, individuals and government agencies in different categories and the billionaire was a highlight speaker.
Sudhir remains the highest property tax payer in the country and URA has year after year recognized his efforts to create a robust real estate empire. The billionaire’s property companies own more than 300 commercial buildings and continues to be a developer adding to Kampala’s growing skyline each passing year.
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Nigerian billionaire music executive Soso Soberekon has put a jaw-dropping N500 million (about UGX 1.3 billion) on the table for Peter Okoye, popularly known as Mr. P, to fight his twin brother, Paul Okoye, also known as Rudeboy, in a celebrity boxing match.
Soberekon made the unusual offer while Peter was performing on Sunday night.
A viral video circulating on social media shows Soberekon standing in the crowd and raising his phone toward Peter, who was performing on stage.
The message displayed on Soberekon’s phone read:
500 Million Naira to fight your twin in a boxing match.
The bold proposal comes amid the latest financial dispute between Peter, one half of the defunct Afrobeats duo P-Square, and his twin brother Paul.
The brothers have endured several public fallouts over the years, despite previously dominating the African music scene as one of the continent’s biggest music duos.
Their latest dispute escalated after Peter accused Paul and their elder brother, Jude Okoye, of allegedly diverting music royalties.
The allegations have added more tension to the already bitter relationship between the brothers.
Now, Soberekon appears ready to turn the family drama into a boxing spectacle, with N500 million as the prize for Peter.
The viral video has already sparked reactions from fans, many of whom are wondering whether Peter would actually consider stepping into the ring against his twin.
Nigerian music star 2Face and his ex-wife, actress Annie Idibia, have sparked fresh speculation after refollowing each other on Instagram.
The unexpected social media move comes amid reports of marital tension between 2Face and his new wife, Natasha Osawaru.
Checks on Sunday showed that 2Face had unfollowed Natasha on Instagram while refollowing Annie, more than a year after announcing the end of his marriage to the actress. Annie has also followed 2Face back.
The development has quickly caught the attention of fans, especially because it came shortly after a reported confrontation between 2Face and Natasha at a nightclub in Abuja.
According to reports, the incident happened on Friday at the opening of a nightclub where 2Face was scheduled to perform. Videos from the incident later circulated widely on social media, fuelling speculation about trouble in the couple’s marriage.
The situation took another dramatic turn when 2Face unfollowed Natasha on Instagram.
Natasha, however, was still following the singer at the time of the reports.
Amid all the drama, 2Face’s decision to reconnect with Annie online has left fans wondering whether there could be more to the move.
For now, neither 2Face nor Annie has announced that they are getting back together, and the Instagram follow does not by itself confirm a reunion.
The former couple ended their marriage after 13 years together. 2Face announced their separation in January 2025, before later marrying Natasha in a traditional ceremony in July 2025.
Their relationship had already attracted plenty of public attention during and after their marriage, making the latest Instagram development even more interesting to fans.
Now, with 2Face and Annie following each other again while the singer faces fresh marital drama with Natasha, social media users are watching closely to see what happens next.
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