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The Commissioner General of Prisons, Johnson Byabashaija, has assured MPs that inmates requiring specialised care that the prisons service cannot provide, are allowed access to their personal doctors.

Appearing before the Committee on Defence and Internal Affairs on Thursday, 06 August 2026, chaired by Hon. Robina Rwakoojo, Byabashaija was responding to concerns raised by MPs.

The concerns included the health and medical treatment of high-profile remand prisoners, including veteran Opposition politician, Dr Kizza Besigye and former Kampala Lord Mayor, Erias Lukwago.

Kampala District Woman MP, Hon. Shamim Malende sought answers on the access to medical services by Besigye.

“How is Uganda Prisons service dealing with the issue of health complications that prisoners encounter. Some prisoners enter prison when they are on strong medication and they have personal doctors that they usually have access to, but I see when they are in prison they only access medication in prison which is not adequate,” she said.

Hon. Joseph Ssewungu (NUP, Kalungu West) said: “Erias Lukwago has strong medical reports from Mulago National Referral Hospital and they have given very pertinent observations about his health, but maybe what you are informing the Judiciary is not matching with what is coming from the hospital.”

However, Byabashaija said that prisoners have access to their own physicians and have been going to the facilities of their choice.

“A person who is not yet convicted can have access to his personal physician. We can even take you to facilities of your choice. We have been taking one of these inmates for specialised tests at his doctor’s clinic,” he said.

He added that the prison is flexible in ensuring prisoners are in good health and they rely on the doctor’s recommendations.

“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.

Byabashaija also raised concern over prison congestion which he says is being driven largely by prolonged delays in the criminal justice system, with some inmates spending as long as 12 years awaiting trial.

He said prisons continue to receive inmates committed for trial by the High Court but with no timeline for when their cases will be heard.

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

He added that, “the person who has waited the longest in our custody has been there for 12 years waiting for his trial to be fixed. Is that justice?”

The Commissioner General said the Uganda Prisons Service regularly notifies both the Judiciary and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions about inmates who have overstayed on remand through quarterly submissions known as Prison Form 30.

He also called for greater use of non-custodial measures for offenders who do not pose a threat to society.

“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.

Responding to concerns about inmates suffering from mental illness, Byabashaija said prisons often receive suspects who have never undergone psychiatric assessment before appearing in court.

He said Uganda Prisons Service has established a special ward for mentally ill inmates within the prison system and receives psychiatric support from Butabika National Referral Mental Hospital.

To provide better care, he says the service is finalising plans to construct a specialised mental health facility for prisoners at Butabika Hospital.

Relatedly, Byabashaija revealed that the proposed relocation of Luzira Maximum Security Prison remains a concept as they are yet to secure an investor with the capacity to undertake the project.

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The Karamoja Anti-Corruption Coalition (KACC) has disseminated the findings of the Auditor General’s Report for Nabilatuk District for the 2024/2025 financial year during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Nabilatuk District Boardroom on Wednesday, 5 August 2026.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Anyakun Jovic, the Principal Assistant Secretary, who represented the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), commended KACC for presenting the audit findings. He noted that some of the issues highlighted in the report had already been addressed, explaining that the report was released later than expected. He also observed that some of the findings were policy-related and required intervention beyond the district’s mandate.

Presenting the report, KACC Project Officer Ms. Amina Lowakori outlined the key findings of the Auditor General’s report, highlighting areas requiring urgent attention from the district leadership and technical staff to strengthen accountability, improve financial management, and enhance service delivery.

The dissemination meeting brought together heads of department, technical officers, and political leaders, who welcomed the findings and called for continued engagement by KACC with the relevant authorities to ensure that the audit recommendations are implemented and the identified gaps addressed.

Among the key concerns raised by participants were the persistent transfer of secondary school teachers from Nabilatuk District and the continued absence of hard-to-reach allowances, which they said continue to affect service delivery.

In her closing remarks, the District Vice Chairperson, Hon. Angolere Hellen, thanked the district technical staff for actively participating in the dissemination meeting.

She urged all departments to ensure that public funds are utilised as planned and in accordance with government regulations. She further emphasized the importance of accountability, transparency, and prudent financial management in improving service delivery for the people of Nabilatuk District.This version improves readability, eliminates repetition, and adopts a more professional news-reporting tone while preserving all the original facts.

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President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has returned to Uganda following a two-day working visit to the United Republic of Tanzania, where he held bilateral engagements aimed at strengthening cooperation between the two neighbouring countries.

The President arrived at Entebbe International Airport this evening and was received by the Vice President, H.E. Jessica Alupo, the Head of Public Service and Secretary to the Cabinet, Ms. Lucy Nakyobe, and other senior government officials.

During the visit, President Museveni and his Tanzanian counterpart, H.E. Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, launched a new phase of Uganda-Tanzania energy cooperation. The two leaders also witnessed the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) expected to deepen collaboration in the energy sector and support sustainable economic development.

The visit reaffirmed the longstanding cordial relations between Uganda and Tanzania and underscored the two countries’ shared commitment to advancing regional cooperation through strategic partnerships.

 

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The cheers began long before they walked through the arrivals gate. Fresh from dazzling one of the biggest television audiences in history at the FIFA World Cup 2026 final halftime show alongside global superstars Shakira and Burna Boy, the Ghetto Kids returned home to a heroes’ welcome in Kampala this week.

The Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) hosted a special homecoming reception to celebrate the dance troupe whose journey from the streets of Katanga to football’s biggest stage has become one of Uganda’s greatest success stories.

For UTB Chief Executive Officer Juliana Kagwa, the moment was about more than global fame. It was the culmination of a partnership that began long before the bright lights of the World Cup.

“In terms of our local talent and people who have already been positioning Uganda as a country full of vibe, joy, dance, music, food and culture, some of the content that the Ghetto Kids produced ahead of going to the World Cup was in direct service of that,” Kagwa said.

She described the performance as a powerful showcase of Uganda’s youthful energy on the world’s biggest sporting platform.

“Our ambassadors, our influencers and these young Ugandans got an opportunity for world visibility on the biggest football platform in the universe, literally speaking,” she said.

To Kagwa, the Ghetto Kids embody the spirit of Uganda itself.

“They represent our youth. Uganda is vivacious. We have energy, and that is exactly what the Ghetto Kids represent.”

She added that the momentum created by the troupe aligns perfectly with Uganda’s ambitions as it prepares to co-host AFCON 2027.

“For us, AFCON 2027 is so much more than football. You come for the football, but you stay for the wildlife, the landscapes, the heritage, the culture and, most importantly, the people.”

For the Ghetto Kids, performing at the World Cup was the kind of moment every young dancer dreams about.

“It feels good because that was my first time. We performed at the FIFA World Cup final, the biggest stage in the whole world. I was so excited. That was a dream come true,” said the group’s manager, Dauda Kavuma.

One of the troupe’s dancers, Ivan, could hardly contain his excitement as he recalled the unforgettable night.

“It was fun. The experience was amazing. There were so many lights, people cheering and thousands in the stadium.  Performing at the World Cup halftime show in front of so many celebrities was something special. It hits different,” he said.

With millions of new eyes now on Uganda, Kavuma believes the troupe has an even bigger role to play.

“We are ready and open to partner with the Uganda Tourism Board and the entire tourism industry to promote our country. Performing at the World Cup has put Uganda in the spotlight in a positive way, and we’re ready to keep telling that story,” he said.

From viral dance videos in Katanga to commanding one of the world’s biggest stages, the Ghetto Kids have become more than entertainers. They are ambassadors of Uganda’s creativity, resilience and youthful spirit.

As Uganda looks ahead to AFCON 2027, one thing is clear: the world has discovered the Ghetto Kids, but home has been cheering them on all along.

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If you visit singer King Saha’s home, don’t be surprised to find a wall dedicated to people he considers his enemies.

The musician has revealed that he keeps an “enemy wall” displaying the names and photos of individuals he believes have wronged him, saying every member of his household is expected to recognise them as enemies too.

Speaking during a recent interview, King Saha explained that the list changes over time depending on how his relationships with people evolve.

“When someone becomes my enemy, I add them to the wall. If we reconcile, I remove them. If another one comes up, they take that place,” he said.

According to the singer, his children are expected to embrace the same stance, even if they have no idea what led to the fallout.

“They don’t need to know what that person did. Once the picture is there, they know that person is not one of us,” he said.

He added that he would be disappointed if his children failed to stand with him against those he considers enemies.

“I can even stop loving my child if they don’t hate my enemies the way they should,” he remarked.

The singer also linked the wall to his personal fortunes, claiming that whenever he misses out on work or financial opportunities, he believes someone featured on the wall is behind it.

“When I go out looking for money and I don’t get it, I believe one of those people blocked my blessings,” he said.

Saha believes the practice helps avoid repeatedly explaining personal conflicts to family members and even encouraged others to adopt the idea in their own homes.

“Create an enemy wall. It saves you from having to explain yourself every time someone asks about a person you don’t get along with,” he said.

The remarks have since stirred mixed reactions online, with some social media users finding the idea amusing, while others questioned whether family members should inherit personal grudges.

Drake gave women in Toronto a night they will not soon forget after turning his annual “Strong Women, Stronger Drinks” dinner into a celebration packed with life-changing surprises.

The Canadian rapper and singer stunned the room by giving 10 women $50,000 each, while several lucky guests also received luxury vehicles. Cheers quickly gave way to tears as the winners realised what had just happened.

Drake later explained that the event means far more to him than the giveaways.

Inspired by a women’s networking function he attended years ago, he said he wanted to create a space where women could celebrate their achievements, build meaningful relationships and leave feeling appreciated.

Videos from the glamorous evening have continued making the rounds online, with many fans describing the dinner as one of the most generous celebrity events of 2026.

By blending celebration with financial support, Drake once again turned a private dinner into a headline-making moment.

Jay-Z has used his guest verse on Beyoncé’s “Morning Dew (Donk)” remix to respond to online critics, marking the couple’s first official musical collaboration in several years.

The rapper appears alongside Beyoncé on the newly released remix, where he reflects on the constant scrutiny surrounding their personal lives and careers.

During his verse, Jay-Z questions why people who claim not to like him or Beyoncé continue to follow their every move and discuss them online.

If you do not like us, why are you still watching?

The collaboration marks a notable return for Jay-Z, who has released little new music in recent years while focusing on his business ventures and occasional guest appearances.

For Beyoncé, the remix adds another high-profile collaboration to her catalogue and reunites her with her husband on a track for the first time in several years.

The pair have worked together throughout their careers, releasing songs such as “Crazy in Love,” “Drunk in Love,” and “Déjà Vu,” before teaming up for their joint 2018 album, Everything Is Love.

While fans have interpreted Jay-Z’s lyrics as a response to online criticism, neither he nor Beyoncé has publicly identified any specific individuals or incidents that inspired the verse.

Every International Youth Day, the world celebrates young people with inspiring speeches, colourful events, and ambitious promises. We often describe them as “the leaders of tomorrow.” While the phrase is well-intentioned, it no longer reflects reality.

Young people are not waiting for tomorrow—they are leading today.

Across Africa, the Arab world, and the rest of the globe, young people are building businesses, developing cutting-edge technologies, championing climate action, advancing peace initiatives, and creating innovative solutions to some of society’s most pressing challenges. Their contributions demonstrate that leadership is not determined by age, but by vision, creativity, and the courage to act.

Despite this undeniable potential, millions of young people continue to face significant barriers to quality education, decent employment, entrepreneurship, digital access, and meaningful participation in decision-making. These are not merely youth issues; they are economic, social, and development challenges. Every talented young person denied an opportunity represents an innovation that remains undiscovered, a business that is never launched, or a solution the world desperately needs but may never see.

The world’s most successful nations will not necessarily be those blessed with the greatest natural resources or the most advanced technology. They will be those that invest deliberately and consistently in their people, especially their youth. Talent exists everywhere, but opportunity does not. Closing that gap is one of the defining responsibilities of our generation.

Achieving this requires more than policy statements—it demands a change in mindset. Governments must move beyond simply consulting young people and instead treat them as genuine partners in shaping national development. Universities should equip graduates to become innovators, entrepreneurs, and problem-solvers rather than preparing them solely to seek employment. The private sector must recognise young people as strategic partners in economic growth, while development organisations should prioritise investments that expand access to skills, mentorship, technology, financing, and leadership opportunities.

At the Afro-Arab Youth Council (AAYC), we firmly believe that young people are architects of sustainable development. Through leadership development, advocacy, research, innovation, humanitarian initiatives, and strategic partnerships, we remain committed to empowering young people to shape stronger communities, build resilient economies, and strengthen cooperation between Africa and the Arab world.

As we commemorate International Youth Day, let us move beyond celebration and commit to meaningful action. Every scholarship awarded, every startup financed, every young entrepreneur mentored, and every leadership opportunity created is more than an investment in an individual—it is an investment in stronger economies, peaceful societies, and sustainable development.

The question is no longer whether young people are ready to lead.

The real question is whether we are ready to invest in them.

Because the greatest investment any nation can make is not only in roads, buildings, or technology—it is in the talent, creativity, resilience, and leadership of its young people.

When we invest in youth, we do not simply secure the future—we transform the present and build a better world for generations to come.

The author is the Liaisons & Partnerships Manager at AAYC

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A$AP Rocky has made it clear that Rihanna‘s billionaire status has never affected his confidence, insisting he celebrates her success instead of feeling overshadowed by it.

The rapper addressed the topic during a recent podcast interview, where he rejected the idea that a partner’s financial success should make anyone feel less accomplished.

For Rocky, Rihanna’s achievements have never taken anything away from his own.

My woman got billions. I got multi-millions. It is nothing. Her success is never my demise.

The rapper explained that he takes pride in everything he has built throughout his career and sees Rihanna’s accomplishments as entirely her own.

I have done what I have done for myself, and I am proud of what I did for myself. I am proud of that woman. She did that. That ain’t got nothing to do with me.

Rocky went on to question why anyone would feel threatened by a successful partner, arguing that a healthy relationship should celebrate each person’s achievements instead of turning them into a competition.

The couple, who have been together since 2020, share two sons and have often spoken about supporting each other’s careers while raising their family.

During the same interview, Rocky also clarified comments he made before performing one of his songs, explaining that he simply used them to introduce the track and never intended listeners to take them literally.