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Police have arrested a woman accused of brutally scalding her four-year-old biological daughter with boiling water for allegedly eating rice without permission.

The suspect, identified as Zabaki Maklean, was arrested by officers attached to Jinja Road Police Division after spending nearly a week on the run following the shocking incident.

Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Racheal Kawala confirmed the arrest, saying the suspect was tracked down after residents alerted police that she had returned to the area.

According to Police, the incident happened on July 31, 2026, at K3 Village in Nakawa Division, Kampala.

It is alleged that Zabaki became enraged after finding the child had eaten rice in the absence of her mother. She reportedly poured boiling water from a kettle onto the little girl, severely burning both her hands.

After the alleged assault, the suspect reportedly fled into hiding.

Police said residents later spotted her back in the village and tipped off officers, who swiftly arrested her in Kyambogo, Nakawa Division.

The suspect is currently being held at Jinja Road Police Division as investigations continue, awaiting her production in Court.

Kawala condemned the alleged act and urged parents and guardians to exercise self-control when disciplining children.

“Parents should desist from acting impulsively and out of anger. Such behaviour is unacceptable and is condemned by the Police,” she said.

The injured child is receiving care as Police continue gathering evidence to support the ongoing investigations.

Equity Bank Uganda has reaffirmed its commitment to women’s economic empowerment by sponsoring the third edition of the 2026 Watoto Golf Tournament with Shs10 million, reinforcing its support for initiatives that create sustainable livelihoods for vulnerable communities.

The sponsorship was announced during the tournament’s partners’ press briefing held on Wednesday at the Uganda Golf Club, where Equity Bank Uganda Managing Director Gift Shoko said the Bank remains committed to investing in programmes that transform lives through economic empowerment.

Held under the theme “Hope on the Green,” this year’s tournament aims to raise Shs450 million to equip 1,000 vulnerable women with business starter kits worth Shs450,000 each, enabling them to establish income-generating enterprises and provide for their families.

Shoko said the tournament aligns closely with Equity bank’s purpose of empowering women, and youth and entrepreneurs through financial inclusion and enterprise development.

“The Watoto Golf Tournament is a cause that is very near and dear to our mission of supporting women and youth entrepreneurs. That is why we have once again come forward to offer our support. We believe the swings on the golf course this Saturday will go far beyond golf. They will empower families, uplift children and strengthen our economy. We shall continue supporting this cause because lasting transformation begins with creating opportunities for people to improve their lives,” Shoko said.

He noted that the partnership goes beyond sponsoring a sporting event and reflects the Bank’s long-term commitment to creating economic opportunities for underserved communities.

The initiative complements Equity Bank’s flagship EquiMama initiative, which supports women-owned businesses through affordable financing, financial literacy, business mentorship, networking opportunities and tailored banking solutions that enable entrepreneurs to grow sustainable enterprises.

EquiMama offers women at micro level unsecured loans from as low as UGX100,000 to women to UGX5million.  It also comes with insurance for maternity, life, catastrophe, fire, and temporary or permanent disability. During maternity, the Bank gives the female customer maternity support which also includes antenatal insurance.

Already, the Bank has trained over 89,000 women in various aspects of business development and growth and given loans to over 40,000 women in various groups under the program. Equi-mama was first developed in 2021 to address challenges faced by women affected by the covid19 pandemic.

Through the product, the bank supports rural women to develop their business management skills through access to free financial literacy. This will give women the knowledge, skills and tools they need to gain better access to finance and move their business to the next level of growth.

Equity bank also provides business support to women entrepreneurs through tailored business advisory sessions, advance business workshops, networking and linking them to financial services, investments and markets.

Speaking at the briefing, Watoto Church Lead Pastor Julius Rwotlonyo welcomed the partnership, saying collaboration between the private sector and faith-based organisations is essential in restoring hope and dignity to vulnerable families.

“The vision behind the Watoto Golf Tournament is to restore dignity by equipping women with practical opportunities to earn a living and care for their families. We are grateful to partners like Equity bank who share our belief that lasting transformation happens when compassion is matched with empowerment. Every contribution made through this tournament represents hope, restored purpose and a brighter future for hundreds of families,” said Rwotlonyo.

The tournament began with a caddies’ competition on Monday and also includes activities designed to introduce new players to golf as part of efforts to make the sport more inclusive and accessible.

As golfers take to the course this weekend, the tournament will represent more than sporting competition. It will serve as a platform for raising resources that can help women start businesses, build resilient households and contribute to stronger local economies.

The campaign has brought together Watoto Church, Uganda Golf Club, corporate sponsors and individual golfers around a shared goal of supporting vulnerable women through entrepreneurship and economic empowerment.

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Every year on 12 August, the world marks International Youth Day (IYD)—a moment not only to celebrate young people but also to reflect on the responsibilities of governments, institutions, communities, and development partners in creating opportunities that allow them to thrive. Established by the United Nations in 2000, the annual observance has grown into a global platform for championing youth participation, inclusion, and sustainable development.

International Youth Day is more than a date on the calendar. It is a reminder that investing in young people is investing in a more peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable future. It also encourages young people themselves to become active participants in shaping that future—by leading community initiatives, engaging in dialogue, volunteering, advocating for issues that matter to them, and sharing innovative ideas that can transform societies.

This year’s theme, “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations,” captures a powerful truth. Although young people are born into different social, economic, cultural, and political realities, their hopes for the future are remarkably similar. Whether in bustling cities or remote rural communities, they aspire to quality education, decent jobs, equal opportunities, meaningful participation in decision-making, safe communities, and the chance to build dignified lives.

The 2026 observance places particular focus on young people living in Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Many face persistent challenges, including unemployment, limited access to education, digital exclusion, climate change, inadequate infrastructure, and restricted economic opportunities. Yet these obstacles have not diminished their determination. Across these regions, young people continue to demonstrate resilience, creativity, entrepreneurship, and innovation as they seek solutions to the challenges facing their communities.

Recognising these different realities should not deepen global inequalities. Instead, it should strengthen international solidarity and encourage greater cooperation. International Youth Day 2026 calls on governments, international organisations, civil society, educational institutions, the private sector, and development partners to work together to ensure that every young person—regardless of where they live—has the opportunity to realise their full potential.

Achieving this vision requires meaningful partnerships. Sustainable development cannot be realised without collaboration across sectors and borders. By sharing knowledge, investing in youth-led initiatives, and supporting innovative solutions, countries can collectively address the challenges confronting young people while unlocking their enormous potential.

Equally important is ensuring equitable access to opportunities. Millions of young people continue to face structural barriers created by poverty, conflict, disability, gender inequality, geographical isolation, and limited access to technology. Removing these barriers is essential for building inclusive societies where every young person can succeed. Access to quality education, healthcare, digital connectivity, entrepreneurship support, and decent employment must remain central to national and global development agendas.

International Youth Day also serves as a powerful reminder that young people are not passive beneficiaries of development programmes. They are entrepreneurs creating jobs, innovators developing technological solutions, researchers advancing knowledge, environmental advocates protecting the planet, volunteers strengthening communities, and peacebuilders fostering dialogue and reconciliation. Around the world, young people are already driving meaningful change. Their leadership deserves recognition, investment, and trust.

The observance further provides an opportunity to strengthen dialogue among governments, youth organisations, academia, civil society, and development institutions. Effective policies are developed not for young people, but with them. Their lived experiences, ideas, and perspectives are essential in shaping solutions that respond to today’s realities and tomorrow’s challenges.

As part of this year’s global celebrations, high-level representatives from governments, United Nations agencies, youth organisations, academia, and civil society will convene to explore practical strategies for advancing youth development. Their discussions will focus on strengthening international cooperation, promoting inclusive growth, and ensuring that no young person is left behind.

A global online campaign will complement these discussions by encouraging young people to share stories of hope, resilience, collaboration, and innovation. Through digital platforms, youth from different parts of the world will celebrate diversity while demonstrating that common aspirations can unite people across geographical, cultural, and economic divides.

Ultimately, the significance of International Youth Day extends far beyond a single celebration. It reminds us that young people are not merely the leaders of tomorrow—they are already shaping today’s world. They are building businesses, advancing technology, promoting peace, responding to humanitarian crises, protecting the environment, and contributing to economic growth in countless ways.

The message of International Youth Day 2026 is both simple and profound: our circumstances may differ, but our aspirations are shared. When young people are empowered, included, and given the tools to succeed, they become indispensable partners in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and building a future that leaves no one behind.

Different contexts should never divide us. Instead, they should inspire greater solidarity, stronger partnerships, and renewed commitment to ensuring that every young person has the opportunity to turn today’s aspirations into tomorrow’s achievements.

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Chicken Chicken says fans should ignore any online fundraiser claiming to collect money on his behalf because he would never ask the public for financial help.

The Ugandan content creator made the remarks during an interview on Galaxy TV, where he explained that family and close friends would always be his first option during difficult times.

I have rich friends. If you ever see me on social media asking people to collect money for me because I don’t have money, or I’m sick, just know that I am lying.

Chicken Chicken says his family’s close circle of friends has always stood by them whenever they needed support, leaving him with no reason to appeal to strangers online.

He also praised his mother for always helping without hesitation before joking that his father would gladly do the same if money allowed.

My father may not give per se, but he is willing to give… he’s just broke.

KAMPALA – The walls are closing in on former Parliament Director of Communications and Public Affairs Chris Obore after the Inspectorate of Government (IGG) reportedly slapped caveats on his multibillion-shilling property empire as investigators tighten the noose around officials accused of looting Parliament funds.

Highly placed sources familiar with the investigations told RedPepper that the caveats cover properties linked to Obore and the other seven Parliament officials facing corruption-related charges, effectively freezing any sale, transfer or dealings as the corruption probe gathers pace.

Investigators say the assets stretch across several prime locations, including Bweyogerere, Namugongo, Kireka and Mukono, where the officials allegedly own luxury homes, commercial apartment blocks, land and other high-value developments.

Some of the apartments are already occupied by tenants generating rental income, while others remain under construction. The portfolio also includes prime plots of land whose value runs into billions of shillings.

According to sources close to the investigations, the IGG is still tracing additional assets believed to have been acquired using proceeds of the alleged fraud.

“Investigations are still ongoing. Once completed, these properties are likely to be confiscated if the court finds they were acquired through proceeds of crime,” a source familiar with the investigations revealed to RedPepper.

For Obore, the once-powerful Parliament communications chief who enjoyed enormous influence in Uganda’s political corridors, the prospect of losing the property empire could mark a dramatic fall from grace.

“Obore is likely to go back to his grazing days,” one source remarked, referring to his rural upbringing.

The latest development comes just days after Parliament implemented Inspector General of Government Lady Justice Naluzze Aisha Batala’s directive interdicting Obore together with six other senior officials facing prosecution before the Anti-Corruption Court.

Those interdicted are Daniel Adilo, Director of Human Resource; Rajab Kaaya Ssemalulu, Principal Research Officer; Emmanuel Okwi Emuron, Principal Protocol Officer; Vincent Otebata, Capacity Development Officer; Leonard Okema, Executive Secretary in the Office of the Speaker; and Stella Itute, Office Supervisor in the Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms.

Six of the officials remain on remand at Luzira Prison after being charged with embezzlement, money laundering and causing financial loss under the Anti-Corruption Act. Stella Itute remains at large.

Meanwhile, the Anti-Corruption Court has fixed September 9, 2026, to rule on consolidated bail applications filed by Obore and his co-accused.

During the bail hearing before Justice Michael Elubu, Obore’s lawyers argued that he has permanent residences in Mukono and Bukedea and presented land titles and valuation reports in support of his application. His proposed sureties include Bukedea MP David Okware Bechaam, Bukedea LCV Chairperson Simon Ongura, his sister Jennifer Agwal, KCCA Outdoor Advertising Manager Ibrahim Ogaram, and Makerere University Business School lecturer Anthony Kirara.

However, prosecutors from the Inspectorate of Government opposed bail, insisting investigations are still ongoing and warning that several of the accused could interfere with witnesses, many of whom are Parliament employees.

The State further told court that, except for Parliamentary SACCO CEO Methods Mureebe, the accused allegedly received money meant for Parliament’s donations and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes but failed to implement the activities, causing a financial loss of Shs27.201 billion to the Government.

Prosecutors also allege that Obore, Mureebe, Daniel Adilo, Rajab Kaaya, Leonard Okema and Vincent Otebata participated in laundering part of the allegedly stolen funds.

With investigations still unfolding and caveats now reportedly securing the suspects’ assets, the stage could be set for one of Uganda’s biggest asset recovery operations if the State ultimately succeeds in proving that the sprawling property empire was built using proceeds of corruption.

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An unusual traffic advisory issued on Thursday evening left many Kampala residents wondering what exactly is happening on Friday. 

If you are an ardent netizen, you probably caught something odd sandwiched between the usual traffic updates. Not the standard “avoid this route” warning, but a public notice with a suspiciously good vibe to it.

The advisories, dropped by both stations warned road users of ‘Lite Jam’ on Wampewo Avenue and ‘Smooth Jam’ on Kampala Road, both expected to run from 3:00PM to 8:00PM this Friday, 7th August. Motorists have been “strongly advised” to kunyuka off early to beat it.

Only… this isn’t your typical gridlock warning. Anyone who has sat through Kampala’s real traffic knows it doesn’t come in lite or smooth flavors; it comes in one flavor: painful. So naturally, road users online have started asking the obvious question: since when does traffic have a vibe?

It gets more interesting. Word on the street (pun very much intended) is that this isn’t the last of these advisories, and that the “jams” keep multiplying. At this point it’s starting to feel less like a warning and more like a menu.

Whatever it is, the timing is too neat to ignore. 

Our advice? Whatever this is building up to, don’t fight the jam this Friday, lean into it. Clock out early, keep your ears on the ground, and watch this space. Something tells us “Tunyuke” is about to mean a lot more than just going home.

Stay tuned. We’ll have more as it develops.

 

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By Amon Katungulu

Two Next Media staff members were killed and another injured early Friday after a Toyota Hilux allegedly lost control and crossed into the opposite lane before colliding head-on with the vehicle they were travelling in along Entebbe Road.

The deceased have been identified as producer Badru Kasirye and content creator Isaac Ndamagye, while their colleague Brian “Makona” Ssemanda, a presenter with Sanyuka TV, was injured and is receiving treatment in the Intensive Care Unit.

The crash occurred at about 2am at Namulanda, near Stabex along Entebbe Road.

According to Traffic Police spokesperson Michael Kananura, the crash involved a Toyota Allex, registration number UA 779DE, carrying the Next Media staff, and a Toyota Hilux, registration number UAS 976W.

Police preliminary investigations indicate that the driver of the Hilux was travelling from Entebbe towards Kampala when they allegedly lost control while approaching the Stabex area.

The Hilux is said to have drifted into the opposite lane, where it collided head-on with the oncoming Toyota Allex.

Kasirye and Ndamagye died at the scene, while Ssemanda sustained injuries and was rushed to hospital for treatment.

“The exact circumstances and cause of the crash remain under investigation,” said Kananura, whose statement does not name the driver of the Hilux pickup not provide any information on their state.

He said further details would be provided once investigations are concluded.

The crash has triggered an outpouring of grief from colleagues, friends and associates of the deceased.

Victoria University Vice Chancellor Dr Lawrence Muganga described the deaths as “heartbreaking news that is difficult to comprehend” as he mourned Kasirye and Ndamagye.

“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Producer Kasirye Badru and content creator Isaac Ndamagye,” Muganga said in a message of condolence.

He extended his condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the deceased and said his thoughts were also with the Next Media family as they mourned the two colleagues while hoping for Ssemanda’s recovery.

“Brian, we are praying for your healing and believing in your full and speedy recovery,” Muganga said.

Meanwhile, Badru Kasirye’s family has announced that his burial will take place at 4pm today Friday, August 7, at Bunamwaya, Mu Ngobe.