Blog

Yesterday will forever be etched in my memory. It was a day that began with sorrow and almost ended in tragedy.

I left my home in Komamboga in the morning, drove to Shell Bulenga along Mityana Road, and parked my official car. My best friend and colleague, Hon. Prossy Mwanjuzi, picked me. We were headed to Sembabule via Mpigi – Kanoni – Gomba for the burial of our fallen brother, the late Mark Baingana, Deputy RCC Makindye Division.

We were driving in Hon. Mwanjuzi’s official car. Along the way in Mpigi Town, we connected with our colleagues: Edrine Benesa, Muyambi Moses, Moses Ariho, Paul Kalikwani, and Hon. Gaddafi Nasur. We formed a convoy and drove through Maddu Town Council, where we made a brief stopover for refreshments.

It is at Maddu that we found other colleagues already waiting: Mwami Serwadda, Mukyala Nassimbwa, and Sharon, the ARCC of Lubaga Division. We shared a meal, shared stories, and comforted each other ahead of the painful duty in Sembabule.

After refreshments, we boarded our cars and continued the journey. The mood was sober, but united in service.

Then it happened.
Upon reaching Kirisa, as we were progressing towards Kisozi, our car tyre burst.

Time seemed to freeze. In a split second, the vehicle swerved violently.
But God is great. Hon. Mwanjuzi’s driver, Julius, exhibited extraordinary professionalism and calm. For what felt like 10 minutes of eternity, he fought to control the vehicle as onlookers watched in disbelief. He steered us away from danger, from the ditch, from death itself.

We were shaken. We were in hurt. But we were alive.

By God’s grace and Julius’s skill, we managed to get to safety. We changed the tyre, but the shock had taken a toll. Hon. Mwanjuzi’s blood pressure had shot up dangerously high.

With no option, we evacuated her and drove back to Maddu for urgent medical checkups. After receiving medical attention and ensuring she was stable, we made the painful decision to discontinue with the burial arrangements and head back to Kampala.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I stand here today because God remembered us.
What should have been a fatal accident turned into a testimony. One minute you are on your way to bury a colleague, and the next minute you are fighting to stay alive yourself.

I thank God for spareing our lives.
I thank Julius the driver for his presence of mind and professionalism.
I thank all our colleagues who stood with us in that moment of panic.
And I thank the medical team in Maddu for the quick attention.

To my best friend Hon. Prossy Mwanjuzi: We have been through a lot together in service, but yesterday God reminded us that life is precious. Get well soon, sister.

To the family of the late Mark Baingana: Please forgive us. We tried, but fate had other plans. We will find another day to come and pay our last respects.

Yesterday, death knocked. But God answered the door.
For God and My Country.

KAGENYI LUKKA
DEPUTY RCC KAMPALA CITY – KAWEMPE DIVISION

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

Long before he became one of Africa’s biggest highlife stars, Flavour says he experienced a humiliating moment that could have ended his dreams.

The Nigerian singer, born Chinedu Okoli, opened up during a recent podcast interview, recalling how a club manager abruptly stopped his performance to make way for the now-defunct music duo P-Square after they arrived at the venue.

According to Flavour, the incident happened while he was still trying to establish himself in the music industry.

I was performing one time when P-Square came in, and the manager of the place told me to leave the stage immediately.

Instead of arguing, the singer quietly stepped aside and watched what happened next.

I switched off my mic and went and sat down somewhere. Ladies were screaming and cheering wildly the moment Paul of P-Square took the mic and began singing ‘Temptation.’

Watching the crowd’s reaction left Flavour questioning why the audience responded so differently to him, despite performing at the same venue.

I was wondering whether it is not the same music we are all doing because I have been performing there and the crowd had never cheered me that way.

Although the experience embarrassed him, Flavour refused to let it define his career.

Instead, he turned the disappointment into motivation and focused on becoming a better artist.

I didn’t let the experience discourage me. Instead, I took it as a motivation to work harder and now we are here.

Today, Flavour ranks among Nigeria’s biggest music stars, with a career that has produced numerous hit songs and established him as one of Africa’s leading highlife artists.

KAMPALA, Uganda – August 7, 2026: Next Media Services has confirmed that two of its employees lost their lives while another sustained critical injuries following a road accident that occurred in the early hours of Friday along Entebbe Road.

According to a statement issued by the company on Friday, the accident involved three members of staff: Badru Kasirye, Isaac Ndamagye, and Brian “Makona” Ssemanda.

The company said Badru Kasirye and Isaac Ndamagye died in the crash, while Brian “Makona” Ssemanda is currently receiving treatment in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) under close medical supervision.

Next Media said it remains in constant communication with the hospital and will continue providing updates on Ssemanda’s condition as more information becomes available.

The media organization also appealed for privacy for the bereaved families and for Brian Ssemanda and his family as he continues to receive treatment.

“We ask for privacy for the families, and for Brian and his family, as he continues treatment. Updates will follow as they are confirmed,” the company’s management said in the statement.

Further details surrounding the cause of the accident have not yet been disclosed. Authorities are expected to investigate the circumstances leading to the fatal crash.

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

KAMPALA | WATCHDOG UGANDA — The High Court Commercial Division has given the green light for the execution and sale of properties belonging to Springs Hotel Limited to settle an outstanding debt of Shs173 million, dismissing arguments raised by the debtor regarding a Shs1 billion valuation of the mortgaged assets.

The decision clears the way for court bailiffs to proceed with the recovery process on behalf of the creditor following prolonged non-payment and failed settlement attempts.

Background of the Case

The dispute stems from a commercial transaction in which Springs Hotel Limited defaulted on its financial obligations. As the arrears accumulated to Shs173 million—including interest and execution expenses—the creditor sought formal enforcement through the Commercial Court to attach and sell the secured properties.

In an effort to stall or challenge the impending attachment, representatives of Springs Hotel contested the execution order, arguing that the mortgaged property carried a high market valuation exceeding Shs1 billion. The hotel management contended that selling such a high-value asset to cover a significantly lower debt was disproportionate and commercially unfair.

The Court’s Ruling

Presiding over the matter, the court rejected the hotel’s valuation objections, ruling that contractual commitments and secured loan obligations must be enforced in accordance with the law.

The judge highlighted that:

• Enforceability of Contracts: A debtor cannot rely solely on property valuation claims to halt a lawful execution where default has been clearly established and remedies under the law remain open to the creditor.
• Auction Process & Surplus Protections: Legal protections exist under mortgage and execution procedures ensuring that properties sold at public auction or private treaty are handled transparently. Any proceeds realized beyond the debt figure of Shs173 million and associated legal costs must be refunded directly to Springs Hotel Limited.

What Lies Ahead

With the court’s dismissal of the hotel’s objection, auctioneers and court bailiffs are set to move forward with advertising and selling the attached assets to satisfy the decree.

Legal observers note that this ruling serves as a vital reminder to corporate borrowers and property developers regarding the strict approach taken by Ugandan commercial courts toward default enforcement and mortgaged security execution.

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

Events promoter Abbey Musinguzi, popularly known as Abtex, says all preparations for Ray G‘s concert are complete, with only the audience left to fill Kololo Airstrip.

Speaking during Music Jam Tunyuke on Sanyuka TV, Abtex assured fans that the team had completed all preparations ahead of the August 7 concert.

Preparations are done for Ray G tomorrow.

Abtex urged music lovers from across the country to attend the concert, saying they should expect what he described as “class music.”

Ray G heads into the concert after weeks of rehearsals, promotional tours, and sponsorship announcements, with anticipation building ahead of one of the biggest shows of his career.

Uganda Prisons Service has assured MPs that remand prisoners, including high-profile detainees, have the right to access their own doctors and specialised medical treatment outside prison facilities.

Commissioner General of Prisons Johnson Byabashaija told MPs that prisoners who need specialised care beyond what prison clinics can provide can be taken to hospitals and doctors of their choice.

“If you are a remanded inmate, you have got the right to access your personal physician. We can even take you to facilities of your choice,” Byabashaija said.

He made the remarks while appearing before Parliament’s Committee on Defence and Internal Affairs on Thursday, August 6, 2026, following concerns about the health of detained opposition figures, including Dr Kizza Besigye and former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago.

The assurance came after MPs questioned whether inmates with serious medical conditions were receiving adequate care while behind bars.

Kampala District Woman MP Shamim Malende raised concerns that some prisoners enter custody while on specialised medication but later rely only on prison medical services.

She asked whether inmates could access their personal doctors without having to seek fresh court orders.

Kalungu West MP Joseph Ssewungu also questioned the handling of medical reports relating to Lukwago, saying reports from health facilities had raised concerns about his condition.

But Byabashaija said the prison service follows medical advice and ensures inmates receive appropriate treatment.

“If we cannot handle your condition, the doctors determine where you should be referred. We can take you to Mulago or any other appropriate health facility,” he said.

12 YEARS WAITING FOR TRIAL

The Commissioner General also sounded the alarm over prison congestion, blaming delays in the justice system for keeping inmates behind bars for years without trial.

He revealed that one inmate has spent 12 years on remand waiting for his case to be heard.

“When somebody is committed to the High Court for trial, the DPP has already examined the file and decided the case should proceed. Nothing happens after that. We have to wait for the court to call the person,” he said.

Byabashaija urged authorities to expand the use of non-custodial measures, saying prison space should mainly be reserved for dangerous offenders.

“We should not have people charged with small land matters in prison. Prison should be reserved for people who are a danger to the security of the population,” he said.

The prison boss also disclosed that Uganda Prisons Service has created a special ward for mentally ill inmates and receives support from Butabika National Referral Mental Hospital.

He said plans are underway to establish a specialised mental health facility for prisoners at Butabika.

Meanwhile, Byabashaija said plans to relocate Luzira Maximum Security Prison have not progressed beyond the proposal stage because government has not yet secured an investor to implement the project.

KAMPALA, Uganda – Parliament has approved a government motion authorising the deployment of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) to the Gaza Strip as part of a proposed international stabilisation mission aimed at restoring peace and facilitating humanitarian assistance.

The motion, tabled by the Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka, was approved during the plenary sitting chaired by Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa on Thursday, August 6, 2026.

Seeking Parliament’s approval under the Constitution and the UPDF Act, Kiwanuka said the deployment aligns with Uganda’s constitutional obligations and international commitments to promoting peace and security.

“The deployment is consistent with our National Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy, particularly Objective XIII, which mandates Uganda to promote regional and international peace, security and cooperation,” the minister said.

He added that the mission would operate under strict humanitarian principles, with the UPDF contingent remaining neutral, complying with international humanitarian law, protecting civilians and operating solely under the mandate of the proposed Stabilisation Mission.

According to the government, Uganda’s participation will also strengthen the country’s international standing while contributing to peace and stability in the Middle East through a multinational force established following United Nations Security Council Resolution 2788 (2025).

Despite broad support for Uganda’s role in international peacekeeping, several legislators expressed concern over the manner in which the motion was presented and called for greater parliamentary oversight of the country’s expanding peace support operations.

The Chief Opposition Whip, Hon. Paul Mwiru, speaking on behalf of the Leader of the Opposition, argued that Members of Parliament needed more time to scrutinise the proposal before making a decision.

“I would only wonder whether it is not procedurally right that you adjourn, give us some time to address our minds to the motion and also use our technical officers to review the previous deployments we have made,” Mwiru said.

He maintained that Parliament was being asked to make a decision with significant national and international implications without sufficient time for consideration.

Deputy Speaker Tayebwa acknowledged that although the Defence Minister had submitted the motion earlier, its omission from the Order Paper was due to an oversight on his part.

“The Minister for Defence brought this motion much earlier. He did his part. So, it was an oversight on my side for not putting it on the Order Paper,” Tayebwa said.

He explained that the matter required urgent consideration because key decisions regarding the international mission were expected over the weekend.

Hon. John Baptist Nambeshe (NUP, Manjiya County) supported Uganda’s participation in peacekeeping missions but insisted that Parliament should first receive reports on ongoing deployments in the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia and South Sudan.

“We would be required as the Legislature to know the performance of our peacekeeping missions in these countries,” Nambeshe said.

He also cautioned that Gaza presents unique operational challenges due to urban warfare, where distinguishing between combatants and civilians is particularly difficult.

Similarly, Hon. Patrick Nsamba (NUP, Kassanda County North) urged Parliament not to rush consideration of what he described as “a matter of life and death.”

“The matter of deploying our soldiers to a very risky place like Gaza, where Israel strikes every now and again, cannot be just casually passed here. We have to prepare enough,” he said.

Hon. Joseph Ssewungu (NUP, Kalungu County West) criticised the process through which the motion was brought to Parliament, arguing that the Opposition had not been given adequate time to prepare.

“But your packaging sometimes is a problem,” Ssewungu said. “I am not supporting your motion because it is an ambush on us.”

He also called for detailed information on troop welfare, mission benefits and support arrangements for soldiers’ families before Parliament approved another deployment.

Defending the proposal, UPDF representative Maj. Gen. Henry Masiko dismissed suggestions that the force was unprepared, saying Uganda should take pride in the confidence the international community has placed in its military.

“You should be very, very proud as Ugandans that the Uganda People’s Defence Forces is viewed as the anchor of stability in a sea of turbulence regionally and now globally,” Masiko said.

Hon. John Bosco Tumusiime (NRM, Kashari South County) argued that participation in international peace support operations enhances the professionalism and operational experience of the UPDF.

“By having this opportunity, this national force deployed outside, they are actually acquiring more skills,” he said.

UPDF representative Maj. Gen. David Gonyi said Uganda had both a moral and diplomatic responsibility to contribute to international peace efforts.

“We cannot be in this House and want to live in a peaceful country, yet fail to support the deployment of the UPDF to help members of the community living in the Gaza Strip attain at least some semblance of peace,” Gonyi said.

Seconding the motion, the Minister of State for Public Service, Hon. Lydia Wanyoto, said Uganda has earned international recognition as a reliable contributor to global peace and security, making its participation in the Gaza stabilisation mission both timely and consistent with its long-standing peacekeeping role.

Following debate, Parliament approved the motion, paving the way for the deployment of UPDF personnel to the proposed international stabilisation mission in Gaza.

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

Davido has warned President Bola Tinubu that he will involve United States President Donald Trump if anything goes wrong during the upcoming Osun State governorship election.

The Afrobeats superstar, born David Adeleke, made the remarks during a live session with comedian Carter Efe as he spoke about the importance of a free, fair and credible election.

Davido insisted that he would not remain silent if the electoral process failed to meet those standards.

I will involve Trump if anything goes wrong in the Osun election.

The award-winning singer added that he would draw international attention to any alleged irregularities surrounding the poll.

His comments come ahead of the August 15 governorship election, where his uncle, Governor Ademola Adeleke, is seeking a second term in office.

Davido has remained one of the governor’s most visible supporters throughout the campaign, repeatedly urging authorities to ensure a transparent and credible election.

The Emerging Africa & Asia Infrastructure Fund (EAAIF), a Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG) company managed by Ninety One, announced a major digital infrastructure push in Africa with the signing of two transactions totalling USD 82.8 million in private debt commitments.

The Fund has committed a USD 32.8 million senior secured loan to Eastcastle Infrastructure DRC to construct 728 new telecom towers in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and a USD 50 million loan to Liquid Intelligent Technologies to refinance and future-proof its 110,000-kilometre pan-African fibre-optic network.

These parallel investments highlight EAAIF’s strategic focus on de-risking and scaling the physical and digital networks that underpin the continent’s rapidly growing digital economy. By targeting both localised tower access and cross-border fibre transport, EAAIF is addressing Africa’s digital connectivity deficit while aligning with PIDG’s objectives to mobilise investment for socio-economic development and Sustainable Development Goals.

Bridging local access deficit: Eastcastle Infrastructure DRC

EAAIF is committing USD 32.8 million to an upsized USD 179 million senior secured term loan and growth facility to Eascastle Infrastructure DRC, a telecoms tower builder and manager. This financing package, which refinances EAAIF’s original 2023 commitment, will enable the construction of 728 new passive telecommunications towers, expanding Eastcastle’s active network from 1,072 to 1,800 towers.

In the DRC, where mobile internet penetration is 17%, and tower density is among the lowest globally (one tower per 15,000–20,000 people compared to one per 600 in the US), EAAIF’s support for Eastcastle is critical to addressing infrastructure availability, which is the primary bottleneck for mobile network operators. 70% of these new towers will be located in rural and underpenetrated regions, significantly boosting connectivity in the country.

The transaction will also finance solar panel installations and lithium battery upgrades to drive energy efficiency, circumvent grid failures and reduce Eastcastle’s reliance on diesel.

Securing Pan-African fibre connectivity: Liquid Intelligent Technologies

EAAIF has also committed USD 50 million to Liquid Intelligent Technologies as part of a USD 450 million restructuring and expansion package. This investment supports the optimisation of Liquid’s capital structure and the maintenance of its 110,000 km cross-border fibre network across 25 countries, including Kenya, South Africa and Zimbabwe.

This network is key for Africa’s digital data storage and processing, serving major operators, enterprises, and hyperscalers. By investing in Liquid’s high-speed broadband and cloud infrastructure, EAAIF reinforces its commitment to sovereign digital assets that drive economic growth. This support also empowers local enterprises by providing the reliable internet access needed to scale, ultimately fostering long-term, productive employment.

EAAIF’s green covenants also align with Liquid Intelligent Technologies’ parent company, Cassava Technologies, in its transition path to achieve a 42% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030.

Martijn Proos, Co-Head of Emerging Market Alternative Credit at Ninety One, the fund manager of EAAIF, said: “A robust, reliable digital backbone is the lifeblood of any modern economy. These commitments to Eastcastle and Liquid demonstrate our belief in Africa’s digital expansion through localised access points and Pan-African corridors, which must work simultaneously to power the continent’s future.”

Hardy Pemhiwa, Group CEO, Liquid Intelligent Technologies, said: “This partnership with EAAIF represents both a financial and strategic milestone for Liquid. The strengthening of our balance sheet will be crucial to our cross-border fibre network and the continuation of Africa’s digital growth story.”

Peter Lewis, co-founder and director of Eastcastle Infrastructure Ltd, said: “We are very pleased to work with EAAIF once again in scaling our network of towers as we tackle the DRC’s critical infrastructure bottleneck and continue to drive sustainable, energy-efficient connectivity.”

---

GOT A HOT STORY? LET US KNOW!

Got breaking news, explosive secrets, or hard evidence?

Email us: redpeppertips@gmail.com

We accept tips, documents, videos, photos, and recordings—the more evidence you have, the better.

CONFIDENTIALITY IS OUR TOP PRIORITY. SOURCES ARE ALWAYS PROTECTED!

About Post Author

KAMPALA – Members of Parliament have expressed concern after an internal audit report revealed that 10,446 vehicles could not be reconciled in the Kampala-Entebbe Expressway’s electronic toll records, raising questions about revenue collection and the integrity of the tolling system.

According to the audit findings, 586 vehicles could not be accounted for in November 2024, resulting in an estimated revenue loss of Shs407 million. The report further indicates that 2,860 vehicles were missing from toll records in December 2025, while more than 7,000 vehicles could not be reconciled in May 2026, translating into suspected revenue losses exceeding Shs1 billion.

The findings prompted the Parliamentary Committee on Physical Infrastructure to demand an explanation from the Ministry of Works and Transport over discrepancies in toll revenue collections, missing vehicle records and the management of billions of shillings invested in Uganda’s first toll road.

During a meeting held on Thursday, August 6, 2026, the committee, chaired by Hon. Mwine Mpaka, questioned officials led by the Minister of State for Works, Hon. Fred Byamukama, alongside representatives from expressway operator EGIS and contractor Pinnacle, as lawmakers examined the Auditor General’s Report for the 2024/25 Financial Year.

The audit findings cast doubt on the integrity, reliability and security of the electronic toll collection system.

Minister Byamukama told the committee that the Government secured a US$350 million (approximately Shs1.2 trillion) loan in 2021 to finance the construction of the Kampala-Entebbe Expressway.

Lawmakers also scrutinised the financial performance of the tolling system after the ministry disclosed that approximately Shs129 billion had been collected in toll revenue since operations began, while about Shs122 billion had already been paid to the contractor responsible for operating and maintaining the toll system.

Hon. James Waluswaka, MP for Bunyole West County, questioned whether the arrangement represented value for taxpayers.

“When almost as much money goes to the contractor as what Government collects from motorists, Parliament must ask whether Ugandans are obtaining value for money from this investment,” he said.

The ministry explained that payments under the performance-based maintenance contract are tied to agreed Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), with deductions imposed whenever contractors fail to meet required standards.

Officials said penalties have been applied for shortcomings including non-functional street lighting, damaged guardrails, defective road signs, poor road cleanliness and delays in implementing the overload control system.

The committee was informed that approximately Shs55 million continues to be deducted because the overload control system remains incomplete.

Legislators also questioned why Shs1.6 billion allocated for the installation of weigh-in-motion bridges had not been utilised.

Ministry engineer Isaac Wani attributed the delay to unsuitable terrain near existing toll plazas. He explained that the funds had since been rolled into a subsequent contract to facilitate the installation of fixed weighbridges at toll plazas and weigh-in-motion equipment along the Northern Bypass.

Members of Parliament argued that axle-load enforcement is critical to protecting the structural integrity and lifespan of the expressway and questioned why such an essential component had been delayed while other project works had been completed.

The committee further demanded accountability for vehicles exempted from paying toll fees, seeking clarification on whether the exemptions were supported by the necessary legal instruments. MPs warned that discretionary exemptions without a clear legal basis could undermine transparency and accountability.

Lawmakers also raised concerns over transactions through the Automated Payment Collection Unit account, which temporarily receives electronic toll payments before they are transferred to the Consolidated Fund.

Responding to the concerns, the Ministry’s Undersecretary, Barbara Namugambe, requested more time to reconcile the records.

“I need more time to compile and submit all the factual reports required by this committee,” she said.

Deputy Chairperson of the committee and Ayivu Division East MP, Hon. William Tiyo, also questioned the ministry’s decision to spend more than Shs200 million on staff training in India despite the supervising contractor being a French company.

He demanded evidence that the training had improved the management and operation of the expressway.

The committee directed the Ministry of Works and Transport to submit a comprehensive report by Wednesday, August 12, 2026, detailing the beneficiaries of the training, course content, expenditure and measurable outcomes, alongside explanations for the discrepancies in toll collections and missing vehicle records.

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