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The Ministry of Public Service requires up to Shs308 billion to cover a funding gap necessary to support critical development projects under the ministry, including the establishment of 19 Service Uganda Centres.

Appearing before Parliament’s Committee on Public Service and Local Government on Wednesday, 05 August 2026, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Catherine Bitarakwate, said plans are in place to establish 19 zonal centres across the country.

She said the centres will leverage existing POSTA Uganda infrastructure to centralise multi-sector public services including issuance of passports, driving permits, tax assessments and payroll updates and pension verification, among others.

“Currently, individual MDAs run duplicate regional offices averaging shs200 million each, annually. Consolidating into 19 zonal centres eliminates overlapping structures and saves the government an estimated shs286.2 billion annually,” Bitarakwate noted.

She also highlighted the expansion of the Civil Service College Uganda estimated at US$30.4 million, which she said will address challenges faced by civil servants who train at the institution.

“Expansion of the college will reduce daily training costs to shs197,000 per person, generate an annual monetary saving of Shs6 billion to government, and increase non-tax revenue to Shs7.5 billion,” Bitarakwate added.

Hon. Emmanuel Banya (NRM, Koboko County) asked whether the ministry was best aligned to strategically lead the one-stop model service centres aimed at re-engineering citizen access to government services.

Hon. Isaac Modoi (NRM, Lutseshe County) raised concerns over the viability of government’s recent rationalisation process.

“When you merged government institutions through the rationalisation process, the challenges accruing from this process seem to be watering down the purpose for the mergers. What remedies do you have to ensure persons affected are catered for?” Modoi asked.

Bitarakwate explained that the mergers necessitated an integration of different work cultures from different agencies that were put under the supervision of different parent ministries.

“The ministry is going to come up with a monitoring and evaluation report of the challenges and how they can be resolved. For individuals who lost jobs during rationalisation, we are progressively fixing them in MDAs where there is attrition,” Bitarakwate said.

She also added that the proposed adhoc Salary Review Commission is being considered under the review of the Public Service Act, noting that this will give a comprehensive perspective to several other reforms under the Ministry.

Regarding the proposed one-stop service centres, Bitarakwate told MPs that the Ministry of Public Service is spearheading structures through which different government agencies will offer key services at a decentralised level.

“We are not the ones going to do immigration or issue permits, but we shall bring these entities under one roof which is the old post office buildings. This will enable quick access to information and services rather than having people travel all the way to Kampala,” she said.

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By Denis Jjuuko

The month of August sees public universities open their gates to first year students. Joining university is one of the milestones many young people celebrate, the last step in the journey to the pinnacle of education. In a few years, they would be out of university and joining the workforce.

But also, university in Uganda is really the first time somebody enjoys adulthood. The pampering starts to end once you join university. There are no teachers and wardens chasing you out of your room to attend class. Most universities don’t care much how you dress. If you are female, you decide whatever you want to do with your hair. Nobody sends you back home for having a mobile phone. It is in fact a taboo not owning a smartphone. You can return or not even return to your digs. Real freedom is perhaps only enjoyed while at university. When you leave and get married, you start being accountable for every little thing but then I digress.

However, it must also be a mixed feeling for many parents, guardians and the students themselves. Have they chosen the right academic course? Will the jobs be available when students finish their academic journeys given the artificial intelligence (AI) disruptions we hear about every day?

Many decades ago, a university degree meant a good job. Employers booked future workers before they even graduated. And upon graduation, people found themselves with decent jobs, housing, cars and whatever they needed to succeed. Today, there is no guarantee. The numbers of people joining the labour force are higher than the jobs available. The majority of Ugandan jobs, more than 70%, are in agriculture. Many young graduates aren’t very comfortable working there.

In many poor agrarian economies, the pay is usually low and work is in remote areas. The majority of students are from rural communities and they want to try life elsewhere. They have been told for nearly two decades that education is the clearest pathway to a better life, which it is. If they attain education at the highest level only return to the village to work in agriculture, many people would look at them as failures.

Yet it shouldn’t be. If you remove gold, coffee is Uganda’s biggest export earner bringing in billions of dollars annually. People have turned their lives around recently because of coffee. The agronomical practices may have changed a bit thanks to campaigns like Mmwanyi Terimba of Buganda Kingdom but there is still a lot that needs to be done. If we are to reach our target of 20 million bags of 60kg annually from about 8.6 million, we need to send some of our educated people to agriculture. The knowledge acquired at university should be used to improve the coffee value chain or any other agricultural product. It could be sales and marketing, post harvest handling, agronomy, logistics, finance, investments, procurement, accounting, value addition etc.

Farmers would also have to appreciate the value that graduates bring to the field if they are to see improved yields. Many people employee the least educated and qualified people to look after their investments in agriculture. Pick a boy who can’t even write his name and put him in charge of a poultry farm of 20,000 birds or a 20-acre coffee farm. The results are expected. Frustrations upon frustrations.

Africa’s food import bill is nearing US$100 billion a year yet we have a youthful population that is looking for work. How do we put young highly educated people to work in agriculture? If coffee is improving the lives of farmers in Bukomansimbi, it means it can employ young people and give them decent salaries. And the young people will work hard to improve yields on the farms or profitability in the value chain because that is a guaranteed way for them to improve their incomes too. If we reduce how much food we import, that can be money directly put in the pockets of young people.

However, the policy makers might be on other perfunctory things. As young people join universities, they need to think of how they can work in sectors like agriculture and turn them around using whatever qualifications they acquire. That is where the jobs are. The universities will likely teach them basics.

The majority of university students have a lot of time. Some have classes for a few days a week or just in the evening or a few hours a day. They can use new technologies like AI to teach themselves a few things that may help them disrupt sectors like agriculture. That way they will create value that leads them to securing decent jobs.

The writer is a communication and visibility consultant. [email protected]

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KAMPALA — As Uganda’s television and digital entertainment industry continues to expand, more children are appearing in locally produced drama series. Among the youngest is Nakaayi Dorcus, a primary school pupil who has begun building acting credits through productions aired on Makula TV.

Born on 27 July 2019 in Mpigi District, Dorcus is currently pursuing her primary education at Kibibi Junior School in Butambala District after beginning her studies at Upendo Christian School.

Her introduction to acting came through independent productions before she joined the cast of several television dramas. She has since appeared in No Time Seasons One and Two, Omunanfusi (The Evil Angel) and Jealous (Obujja), productions broadcast on Makula TV and Makula Kika.

The productions form part of Uganda’s growing local-language television industry, where independent filmmakers have increasingly turned to digital platforms and regional broadcasters to distribute original content. The expansion has created opportunities for both experienced performers and newcomers, including children.

Although still at an early stage of her acting journey, Dorcus has accumulated appearances across multiple drama series within a relatively short period. Her participation reflects the increasing demand for child actors in productions centred on family, education and community life.

Away from television, Dorcus continues to focus on her education. Family members say filming is organised around the school calendar to ensure that classroom learning remains her priority.

Her emergence comes as Uganda’s creative economy continues to broaden beyond traditional cinema, with television dramas and digital productions providing new entry points for young performers. Industry observers say the growth of local productions is expected to create more opportunities for child actors, provided that education and child-protection standards remain central.

While her career is only beginning, Nakaayi Dorcus represents a generation of young Ugandans entering the country’s creative industry at an earlier age than many actors before them, reflecting the changing landscape of local film and television.

 

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For years, Ugandan music lovers knew him as one half of the duo Climax and Boskid, a partnership that produced memorable music and built a loyal following. Today, however, the singer is introducing himself to audiences under a new identity—Big Smoke After 7—marking the beginning of a solo journey he says is rooted in growth rather than separation.

The artist insists there was no dramatic fallout behind the decision to leave the duo. Instead, he describes it as a natural evolution that saw both musicians develop different creative ambitions.

“I’ve grown a lot, both as an artist and as a person. The duo was an important chapter in my journey, and I’m grateful for everything we achieved together. As time went on, we each wanted to pursue different creative paths,” he says.

His new stage name is equally intentional.

According to the singer, Big Smoke After 7 reflects the struggles and resilience that have defined his journey. He explains that smoke only exists where there has been fire, making it a metaphor for overcoming life’s challenges, while the number seven represents purpose born from hardship.

“The name comes from the idea that smoke only appears when there’s fire. It represents resilience, struggle and the work people don’t always see. The ‘7’ is symbolic. It reminds me that challenges are part of the journey, but they also shape your purpose. Big Smoke After 7 is about turning life’s struggles into something meaningful through music,” he explains.

Despite embarking on a solo career, the singer speaks warmly about his former musical partner, saying they simply reached a point where their artistic visions no longer aligned.

“We’ve gone our separate ways, but I appreciate the journey we shared and I’m focused on my future,” he says.

Now working independently, Big Smoke After 7 says the freedom to make his own creative decisions has allowed him to develop a sound that blends Afrobeats, Amapiano, Dancehall and Hip-Hop with storytelling inspired by African experiences.

“My sound blends Afrobeat, Amapiano, Dancehall and Hip-Hop with African storytelling. I want people to dance, but I also want them to connect with the message behind the music. Every song reflects a different part of my journey.”

Unlike many artists who rely entirely on external producers and songwriters, Big Smoke After 7 plays a central role in creating his music. He writes all of his songs and produces most of his own instrumentals from his home studio before recording vocals with acclaimed audio engineer Samie Touch, whose work he credits for refining his sound.

“I write all of my songs, and I also produce most of my own beats. Being involved in both the writing and production allows me to create music that truly represents my vision,” he says.

Most of his production work begins in his home studio, where ideas are developed before being taken to Samie Touch’s studio for recording, mixing and mastering.

“I produce most of my music from my home studio, where I create the majority of my beats and develop my ideas. When it’s time to record vocals, I work from my friend Samie Touch’s studio. He’s an incredibly talented audio engineer who understands my sound and always helps bring the best out of my music.”

The singer also praised Samie Touch’s recently released promotional single, Bankrol, describing it as one of the exciting projects currently attracting attention within the industry.

Already, Big Smoke After 7 has built an extensive catalogue, revealing that he has completed more than 20 songs, with 15 self-produced instrumentals. Rather than rushing to release everything at once, he says he is focused on timing and quality.

“I believe collaboration brings fresh perspectives, but I also take pride in being able to write, produce and shape my own sound. Right now, my focus is on releasing the right songs at the right time rather than simply putting out a large number of records.”

Looking ahead, the singer hopes his music will resonate beyond Uganda’s borders as he establishes himself as a solo act.

For Big Smoke After 7, the end of one chapter is not a setback but an opportunity to reinvent himself—one song, one story and one beat at a time.

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Winning the Miss Tourism Uganda crown has always come with prestige, purpose and the responsibility of promoting the country’s rich cultural and natural heritage.

This year, however, the title comes with something no previous queen has enjoyed. A place to call home.

In a landmark move aimed at elevating the status of the pageant, organisers have announced that the winner of Miss Tourism Uganda 2026 will spend her reign living rent-free in a fully furnished house, making it the most rewarding package in the competition’s history.

The residence, situated in the tranquil Villa Vellar Estate in Bwebajja along Entebbe Road, will be fully paid for throughout the queen’s tenure.

The initiative is designed to provide the winner with a stable and comfortable environment, allowing her to focus on representing Uganda and executing her ambassadorial responsibilities without the burden of accommodation costs.

According to the Miss Tourism Uganda franchise holder, the move reflects the organisation’s ambition to professionalise the pageant and create a support system befitting a national tourism ambassador.

Beyond the glamour of the crown and sash, the reigning queen is expected to become a full-time advocate for Uganda’s tourism industry, travelling across the country and representing the nation at various local and international engagements.

The accommodation package is just one of several opportunities awaiting the winner.

She is also expected to secure brand partnerships, participate in tourism marketing campaigns, champion cultural preservation initiatives and work alongside key stakeholders in promoting Uganda as a premier travel destination.

The announcement adds fresh excitement to a competition already gathering momentum as regional contests draw to a close. Contestants from across Uganda are preparing for the national finale, where they will battle for the coveted crown on September 4 at Kampala Serena Hotel.

This year’s pageant is being held under the theme “AI, Culture and Tourism,” a reflection of how technology is increasingly shaping the future of destination marketing while preserving authentic cultural experiences.

Organisers believe artificial intelligence presents new opportunities to tell Uganda’s tourism story to global audiences through innovative digital platforms, without losing sight of the country’s cultural identity, traditions and heritage that remain at the heart of its tourism appeal.

The theme also reinforces the pageant’s evolving mission of nurturing young women into influential tourism ambassadors. Beyond beauty, contestants are being equipped with the knowledge and skills to leverage technology, promote conservation, celebrate Uganda’s diverse cultures and inspire sustainable tourism.

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Police in Kampala have arrested four suspects and recovered electrical materials in Kyengera town council.

According to the Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson Patrick Onyango, Police got information that there are electric wires which are hidden in one of the buildings in Wakimese zone Kyengera town council, Nsangi Division.

‘’A team of Flying Squad moved to the scene, on reaching they found a motor vehicle reg no UAP 947W caldina being driven by a person dressed in UPDF uniform. The Flying squad team arrested the occupants and impounded the motor vehicle’’, Onyango said.

He added that the suspects were taken to Kampala Metropolitan Police South for interrogation

Onyango identified the suspects as; RA191749 L/Cpl   Baryahebwa James attached to Kakiri First Division and he is the one who was driving the car.

Alinaitwe Varensio 36yrs resident of Wakimese zone Kyengera town council, Kamadi Giberya 20 years and resident of Kayebe zone Gayaza, and Kambira Joseph 30 years -resident of Mulago Wandegeya.

Onyango says one of the suspects Varensio Alinitwe confessed that he and another one called Atwine John vandalize electricity power lines and steal wires which they sell in Kisenyi Kampala.

The army officer also confessed that they normally use him as a cover-up while transporting the materials from the store to the buyers.

The group confessed to vandalizing power lines on 29 November 2022 in Kasangati in Kyijude Village.

‘’The wires they stole from here they kept in Wakimese Kyengera in the House of Varensio Alinitwe’’, noted Onyango.

The four (4) have been detained at Nateete pending other arrests.

The Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA) says theft and vandalism of electrical equipment is the major threat in the fulfillment of future development plans in the electricity supply industry.

Officials say that such an act can frustrate efforts of further advancement in the industry since more funds are spent into the reconstruction of the network.

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KAMPALA — A major legal storm has erupted surrounding the administration of multi-million property estates belonging to the late Zura Mama Kasuku and the late Ahluwalia Gudo.

Aggrieved family members have formally petitioned H.E. The President of the Republic of Uganda, the Inspector General of Government (IGG), the Chief Justice, the Principal Judge, and the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, demanding an immediate and comprehensive investigation into alleged legal irregularities, procedural shortcuts, and abuse of office.

 

The formal complaint, dated 16th July 2026, casts a harsh spotlight on the conduct of top officials, specifically naming Mr. Manzi Victor, the Administrator General of Uganda, and Her Lordship Hon. Justice Deepa Verma, a serving judicial officer.

 

The Complainants (Family Beneficiaries)

– Bunny Wallia

– Johnny Wallia

– Ronnie Wallia

– Jassie Ahluwalia

 

Controversial Timeline & Excluded Beneficiaries

According to details contained in the petition, trouble began on Friday, 12th June 2026, when Justice Deepa Verma alongside her brother, Jassa Wallia, allegedly caused or procured the opening and processing of estate files at the Administrator General’s Office. The files were logged under Administrator General’s Cause No. 1258 of 2026 (for the late Zura Mama Kasuku) and Cause No. 3460 of 2011 (for the late Ahluwalia Gudo).

On that very day, Administrator General Manzi Victor convened a purported family meeting attended by only four (4) persons.

 

The complainants allege that they—along with several other legitimate heirs and beneficiaries—were deliberately excluded, received no notice, and were denied any participation in the deliberations.

 

Expressing shock at what they term “unusual and alarming speed,” the petitioners noted that barely one working day later—on Monday, 15th June 2026—Mr. Manzi Victor issued official Certificates of No Objection to Justice Deepa Verma and Jassa Wallia, paving the way for them to apply for full legal control over the vast estates.

 

Key Irregularities Highlighted in Petition

Missing Supporting Documentation: Alleged absence or lack of verified death certificates and mandatory local council (LC) recommendation/introduction letters.

 

Exclusion of Key Heirs: Holding a meeting with just four people while locking out legitimate line family members.

 

Improper Inclusion of Properties: Inclusion of real estate properties that allegedly do not lawfully form part of the deceased persons’ estates.

 

Denied Right to be Heard: Total failure to afford other genuine beneficiaries an opportunity to object or present facts prior to issuing clearance certificates.

 

High Court Filings & Conflict of Interest Allegations

Armed with the controversial Certificates of No Objection, Justice Deepa Verma and Jassa Wallia swiftly petitioned the High Court Family Division, filing:

Administration Cause No. 599 of 2026 (Estate of late Ahluwalia Gudo)

Administration Cause No. 600 of 2026 (Estate of late Zura Mama Kasuku)

The complainants state they only stumbled upon the court proceedings on Friday, 10th July 2026, after spotting mandatory legal notices published in the New Vision Newspaper.

 

“The fact that one of the primary applicants seeking to administer these private estates is a serving judicial officer raises deep concerns regarding conflict of interest, judicial impropriety, and potential abuse of official position,” the petition reads in part.

 

The complainants urge oversight institutions to investigate whether public office or judicial influence was leveraged to bypass standard statutory verification checks at the Administrator General’s office.

 

Demands for Urgent Executive & Judicial Intervention

Staking a claim for public trust and transparency in succession matters, the petitioners have laid out key prayers to the President, Chief Justice, and the IGG:

Full File Audits: Ordering an immediate freeze and independent forensic examination of all records under Administrator General Cause Nos. 1258/2026 & 3460/2011, as well as High Court files 599/2026 & 600/2026.

 

Administrative & Criminal Sanctions: Taking strict disciplinary or criminal action against any public official found to have engaged in collusion, fraud, or abuse of office.

 

Protection of Estate Assets: Halting all ongoing administrative procedures to prevent the dissipation or fraudulent transfer of estate assets until all genuine beneficiaries are heard.

 

The complaint has also been copied to high-level security and administrative authorities, including the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), the Permanent Private Secretary to the President, the Head of Legal Affairs at State House, and the Head of the High Court Family Division.

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