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Police in Lyantonde District have arrested a 13-year-old casual worker, identified as Twikirize Clever, alias “Mad Hunter” over allegations of incitement to violence and promoting sectarianism through content posted on his TikTok account.

According to the police, the suspect, a resident of Kooki D Cell in Lyantonde District, was apprehended following intelligence-led investigations into his online activities.

Preliminary findings indicate that Twikirize had allegedly been sharing videos and messages containing vulgar and offensive language, which police described as inappropriate, especially considering his age.

The Police said their teams acted swiftly after gathering information about the alleged online content, leading to the suspect’s arrest from his hideout in Kooki C Cell, Lyantonde District.

Twikirize is currently being held in police custody as investigations into the matter continue.

Police spokesperson for Greater Masaka, Kasirye Twaha, confirmed the arrest and said further updates would be provided as the investigations progress.

The arrest comes amid growing concerns from authorities over the misuse of social media platforms to spread content that could fuel violence, hatred, or social divisions.

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Parliament of Uganda has implemented a directive from the Inspector General of Government (IGG), Lady Justice Aisha Naluzze Batala, to interdict Chris Obore, the Director of Communications and Public Affairs, alongside six other senior officials facing corruption-related charges before the Anti-Corruption Court.

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

Six of the officials are currently on remand at Luzira Prison after being arraigned before the Anti-Corruption Court on 1 July 2026.

They are facing charges of embezzlement, money laundering, and causing financial loss, contrary to Sections 18(a)(i) and (ii), and 19(1) of the Anti-Corruption Act, Cap. 116.

Ms. Itute Stella, who was jointly charged by the Inspectorate of Government alongside the other officials, remains at large.

Meanwhile, the Anti-Corruption Court has set 9 September 2026 as the date for a consolidated ruling on the bail applications of the remanded officials.

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The Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka, has today reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to strengthening defence cooperation with Egypt and Türkiye. This followed separate courtesy meetings with the Egyptian Defence Attaché, Colonel Ahmed Harb, and the Military Attaché of the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye, Colonel Caner Sağlam, at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs headquarters in Mbuya.

The engagements focused on enhancing bilateral military cooperation, particularly in the areas of training, technology transfer, knowledge sharing, and defence collaboration.

During his meeting with the Egyptian Defence Attaché, Hon. Kiryowa described the relationship between Uganda and Egypt as longstanding and strategically significant, noting that the two countries share common interests rooted in the River Nile.

“We are tied by the providence of God. This is not a relationship that we are forging; it is one that already exists and cannot be separated. We welcome all the support, the strong relations we have built, and the military training programmes that continue to benefit our countries,” he said.

The Minister commended the ongoing exchange of military training between the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) and the Egyptian Armed Forces.

“When I was in Kimaka, I was pleased to see one of your officers training here. I know that we have officers who have also trained in Egypt, and we look forward to continuing that relationship,” he added.

Hon. Kiryowa also expressed appreciation for Egypt’s support in Uganda’s efforts to combat foot-and-mouth disease through vaccine assistance.

“We sincerely appreciate your support on the foot-and-mouth disease vaccination programme. It has been of great help. Although we recently experienced a small outbreak, it was nothing compared to what we have seen before because of the support you extended to us,” he said.

Col. Harb reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to strengthening military ties with Uganda and invited the Minister to attend the Egyptian Armed Forces Day celebrations scheduled for October.

“For the past three years, the Egyptian Armed Forces have organised a major Armed Forces Day celebration. This year’s event will be held in October, and I hope you will honour us by attending,” he said.

In a separate meeting, Hon. Kiryowa underscored the longstanding relations between Uganda and Türkiye, particularly in defence cooperation.

“Uganda and Türkiye have enjoyed a long-standing relationship. We appreciate the military training, technology, and knowledge transfer support that we have received from Türkiye. We are committed to strengthening this cooperation, especially through continuous training for UPDF officers, which remains a priority,” he said.

Col. Caner Sağlam observed that military and defence industry relations between Türkiye and Uganda had made significant progress in recent years through defence agreements, military training, and joint exercises. He said that Türkiye remains committed to expanding the cooperation between the countries.

The meetings were attended by the Chief of Joint Staff, Lt Gen Jack Bakasumba, and the Undersecretary for Finance and Administration in the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Mrs. Edith Buturo.

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KIRA, Uganda — The Town Clerk of Entebbe Municipal Council, Mr. Emmanuel Gakyalo, has welcomed the Ministry of Local Government’s latest measures to curb corruption in the recruitment of public servants, describing the reforms as a significant step towards strengthening transparency, accountability and merit-based recruitment in local governments.

Speaking in an interview, Gakyalo praised the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr. Ben Kumumanya, for spearheading reforms aimed at eliminating corruption from public service recruitment.

He described Kumumanya as a hardworking and transparent public servant whose leadership has reinforced government efforts to ensure that recruitment is based on competence rather than bribery, political influence or personal connections.

“The Ministry has demonstrated that corruption has no place in public service. These guidelines will strengthen transparency and ensure that deserving Ugandans have equal opportunities to serve their country,” Gakyalo said.

He noted that the reforms would enhance accountability across local governments and improve public confidence in recruitment processes.

According to Gakyalo, transparent recruitment enables local governments to attract competent professionals capable of improving service delivery in critical sectors such as infrastructure, healthcare and education.

He added that Entebbe Municipal Council has registered notable progress in infrastructure development, particularly in road construction and the improvement of health facilities, and said stronger anti-corruption measures would help safeguard such achievements.

The Town Clerk acknowledged that corruption has, over the years, affected several local government institutions, with some officials implicated in bribery, embezzlement and other forms of financial misconduct.

His remarks follow a circular issued by the Ministry of Local Government on 3 July 2026, in which Permanent Secretary Ben Kumumanya directed Chief Administrative Officers, City Town Clerks and Municipal Town Clerks to strengthen oversight of recruitment processes and address corruption within District and City Service Commissions.

According to the Ministry, persistent inspection and monitoring reports, investigations and complaints from members of the public have revealed widespread irregularities and abuse of office during recruitment exercises in several local governments.

The Ministry warned that such practices have undermined the effectiveness of District and City Service Commissions and weakened public confidence in Uganda’s decentralised system of governance.

It further noted that previous interventions, including guidance issued to District and City Service Commission members, District Chairpersons and City Mayors, had not yielded the desired results, necessitating stricter administrative measures.

Gakyalo said the new directive reinforces accountability among local government leaders and strengthens public trust in government institutions.

“When recruitment is transparent, local governments attract competent professionals who improve service delivery. That is what our communities deserve,” he said.

He urged accounting officers, technical staff and members of District and City Service Commissions to fully comply with the Ministry’s guidelines and uphold the principles of integrity, professionalism and fairness throughout recruitment exercises.

Gakyalo also appealed to the public to reject corruption by refusing to pay bribes for government jobs and by reporting officials who solicit money during recruitment.

“The fight against corruption requires collective action. Government agencies, citizens, civil society organisations and the media all have a role to play in promoting transparency and accountability,” he said.

The Ministry’s latest intervention forms part of the government’s broader efforts to strengthen good governance, improve service delivery and protect the integrity of Uganda’s decentralisation policy by ensuring that public employment is based on merit and equal opportunity.

Under Gakyalo’s leadership over the past three years, Entebbe Municipality has recorded significant growth in development and local revenue mobilisation. According to municipal officials, the council collected approximately Shs6 billion in locally generated revenue during the last financial year, supporting investments in infrastructure and public services.

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Kampala | August 5, 2026: The Parliament of Uganda has formally interdicted Chris Obore, Director of Communications and Public Affairs, along with six other senior officials, complying with a direct order from the Inspectorate of Government (IGG).

The administrative action, announced by the IGG on Wednesday, follows the group’s formal arraignment before the Anti-Corruption Court on severe charges of embezzlement, money laundering, and causing financial loss.

Affected Officials:

• Chris Obore – Director of Communications and Public Affairs
• Daniel Adilo – Director of Human Resources
• Rajab Kaaya Ssemalulu – Principal Research Officer
• Okwi Emmanuel Emuron – Principal Protocol Officer
• Vincent Otebata – Capacity Development Officer
• Leonard Okema – Executive Secretary, Office of the Speaker
• Stella Itute – Office Supervisor, Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms

Six of the accused remain on remand at Luzira Prison following their July 1 arraignment, while Stella Itute is still at large.

State prosecutors contend the syndicate siphoned off roughly Shs27.2 billion earmarked for parliamentary donations and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. Charge sheets attribute over Shs14.6 billion to Adilo, while Obore and Otebata are each tied to more than Shs5.2 billion.

Inspector General of Government Lady Justice Naluzze Aisha Batala instructed the Clerk to Parliament to enforce the interdictions pending the conclusion of criminal proceedings.

The Anti-Corruption Court will deliver a consolidated ruling on the remanded officials’ bail applications on September 9, 2026.

This case stands as one of the most high-profile corruption scandals hitting the legislative branch in recent history. Watchdog Uganda will continue to bring you live updates as proceedings unfold.

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President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has arrived in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, for a two-day working visit at the invitation of Her Excellency, Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania.

Upon arrival at Julius Nyerere International Airport, President Museveni was received by Hon. Ambassador Mahmoud Thabit Kombo (MP), Tanzania’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Col. Fred Mwesigye, Uganda’s High Commissioner to Tanzania, alongside other senior government officials.

The President inspected a Silent Guard of Honour mounted in his honour before witnessing a colourful cultural dance performance.

He was later escorted by Hon. Amb. Kombo to the Presidential Lounge before proceeding to his official residence in Dar es Salaam.

At Entebbe International Airport, President Museveni was seen off by the Vice President, H.E. Jessica Alupo; the Minister for the Presidency, Hon. Babirye Milly Babalanda; and the Head of Public Service and Secretary to Cabinet, Ms. Lucy Nakyobe.

President Museveni’s visit follows an invitation from H.E Suluhu and is expected to further strengthen the longstanding friendly relations and cooperation between Uganda and Tanzania.

During the two-day visit, the two Heads of State are expected to hold high-level discussions on matters of mutual interest, including bilateral cooperation, regional integration within the East African Community (EAC), trade and investment, infrastructure development, peace and security, as well as other areas aimed at deepening the strategic partnership between the two neighbouring countries.

 

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The recently concluded Women Council and Local Council I (LC1) elections have delivered a message that cannot be ignored. Beyond electing grassroots leaders, they have provided perhaps the clearest and most transparent measure of the political mood of ordinary Ugandans. Their verdict is that the overwhelming majority of Ugandans continue to place their trust in the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and in the leadership vision of His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.

Unlike the General Elections, where voting is conducted through secret ballots, these grassroots elections employed the traditional African democratic method of lining behind the candidate of one’s choice. Every vote was cast openly, counted immediately in the presence of voters and candidates alike, and declared instantly at the polling station.

There was no room for allegations of ballot stuffing, hidden tallying centres or manipulation of results. Every citizen witnessed the process from beginning to end. This level of transparency now permanently erases the perennial excuse that has always been advanced by sections of the opposition whenever they suffer electoral defeat — that elections are rigged.
The reality demonstrated by these elections is much simpler: Ugandans continue to vote overwhelmingly for leaders and a political movement that they believe has transformed their lives and offers the most credible path towards prosperity.

The figures speak for themselves

According to the Chairperson of the NRM Electoral Commission, Dr. Tanga Odoi, the NRM secured an extraordinary 326,248 positions in the Women Council Committee elections, representing 91.6 percent of all available positions. Independent candidates won 20,819 positions (5.8 percent), while all other political parties combined managed only 8,748 positions, representing just 2.5 percent.

Even more remarkable is the fact that 119,341 NRM candidates—equivalent to 33.6 percent of all NRM victories—were elected unopposed. Such victories cannot be manufactured. They represent communities reaching consensus even before polling day that the NRM candidates were the most suitable people to serve them.

Additionally, provisional results from the LC1 elections showed that NRM flag bearers won 51,093 out of 71,214 LC1 Chairperson positions, accounting for 71.7 percent of all villages nationwide. Independent candidates, many of whom are known to be NRM-leaning, secured 13,861 villages (19.5 percent), while all other political parties combined managed only 3,971 villages, representing 5.6 percent.

These results strongly vindicate President Museveni’s 71.25% victory in the January 2026 General Elections. If Ugandans were willing to publicly line behind NRM candidates in overwhelming numbers under the full view of their neighbours, then claims that the President’s earlier victory lacked popular support lose considerable credibility.

Buganda for President Museveni

Perhaps the biggest political lesson emerging from these elections is the performance of the NRM in Buganda, particularly within the Kampala Metropolitan area. For years, critics have insisted that the ruling party had completely lost Buganda to the opposition. The LC1 elections have challenged that narrative.
In Greater Mukono alone, the NRM won 970 village chairperson positions compared to only 217 won by the combined opposition, while NRM-leaning independents secured another 379 villages.

The picture was even clearer in Greater Masaka, often described as the strongest opposition NUP stronghold. Here, the NRM won 1,954 LC1 chairperson positions against only 360 for all opposition parties combined, while independents won 575 villages. Across Busoga, Bukedi and Ankole, the NRM registered sweeping victories, reaffirming the confidence that citizens continue to place in the party’s leadership.

These are not isolated statistics. They are evidence that Ugandans continue to embrace the development philosophy championed by President Museveni—a philosophy centred on peace, security, wealth creation, infrastructure development and the long-term goal of transforming Uganda into a modern, middle-income economy. The success of these elections also deserves commendation from another important perspective: security.

Good Job, RDCs

As Minister for the Presidency, I wish to sincerely thank all Resident District Commissioners (RDCs), Deputy RDCs, Assistant RDCs, Resident City Commissioners (RCCs) and their deputies for implementing our guidance to mobilise citizens, coordinate security agencies and ensure peaceful elections across the country.
The elections were conducted successfully in the overwhelming majority of polling stations.

Although isolated incidents occurred, including the unfortunate violence at Buwenge Progressive Academy Polling Station in Kabi Zone that claimed the lives of two young Ugandans, these incidents remained the exception rather than the norm.

I commend President Museveni for his swift display of compassion by contributing Shs10 million to each bereaved family, while appreciating the Inspector General of Police for extending an additional Shs5 million to each family. Such gestures remind us that every Ugandan life matters.

LC2 elections; the work ahead

As we prepare for the forthcoming LCII elections, I encourage all RDCs, security committees and local leaders to intensify mobilisation, strengthen coordination and ensure that the next electoral exercise becomes even more peaceful, orderly and inclusive.

Peace remains the foundation upon which democracy and development flourish.

I also extend my heartfelt appreciation to all Ugandans who turned up peacefully to exercise their democratic rights. In particular, I thank the people of Busoga and my home district of Buyende for their impressive voter turnout and commitment to strengthening local governance.

The LC1 Chairperson is the first point of contact between Government and the ordinary citizen. This office plays a vital role in maintaining security, resolving community disputes, identifying beneficiaries of government programmes and ensuring effective service delivery. Electing capable and trustworthy LC leaders is therefore an investment in better governance and faster socio-economic transformation.
Now that the elections are behind us, our attention must quickly return to the central mission of improving household incomes.

PDM tours to continue
As I conclude, I am pleased to inform the public that I will resume my nationwide monitoring programme for the Parish Development Model (PDM), which commenced last week in Buyende District. The monitoring exercise focuses on ensuring that enterprise selection is properly undertaken, PDM funds are used for their intended purposes and beneficiaries are supported to establish sustainable enterprises that can lift households out of poverty.

I was encouraged by what I witnessed in Nkondo Sub-county. The Parish Development Model implementation teams have faithfully complied with President Museveni’s directive by safeguarding PDM funds while completing proper enterprise selection and providing beneficiaries with the necessary guidance before disbursement. This demonstrates prudent stewardship and reduces the risk of misallocation.

I was particularly impressed by the progress demonstrated by sampled beneficiaries, including Florence Nangobi, Rose Alupo, Richard Oreny and Badiru Kaboggoza of Iringa Parish. Their commitment to investing productively in the enterprises supported under the programme illustrates the transformative potential of the PDM when implemented with integrity, proper guidance and active community participation.

The monitoring exercise will continue across the country because every shilling invested under the PDM must translate into improved household incomes, greater productivity and sustainable wealth creation.

The message from the recent elections is therefore broader than politics alone. Ugandans have expressed confidence not only in the NRM but also in the government’s development agenda. The responsibility now rests upon all leaders—from LC1 Chairpersons to Cabinet Ministers—to honour that trust through honest service, accountability and tangible improvements in the lives of our people.
Together, let us safeguard the peace we enjoy, strengthen our local governance structures and continue working with President Museveni to realise Uganda’s vision of a prosperous and middle-income nation.

The author is the Minister for the Presidency and Budiope West MP

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KAMPALA — Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa has directed the Ministry of Education and Sports to urgently intervene in the prolonged delay in the release of academic transcripts and certificates to former students of Ndejje University.

The directive followed the presentation of a petition before Parliament on Wednesday, 5 August 2026, by Hon. Eunice Apio (UPC, Oyam County North) on behalf of Ms. Tamali Okao, the former Director of St. Stephen Nursery Teachers’ College in Lira.

According to the petition, 102 students who completed their studies between 2017 and 2022 have yet to receive their academic transcripts and certificates despite St. Stephen Nursery Teachers’ College clearing all outstanding financial obligations owed to Ndejje University in May 2023—a condition the university had set before releasing the documents.

The petition explains that St. Stephen Nursery Teachers’ College was affiliated with Ndejje University from 2015 to 2022 following a Ministry of Education and Sports directive requiring nursery teachers’ training colleges to affiliate with accredited universities.

However, delays in government remittances for 18 government-sponsored students from Karamoja resulted in the accumulation of unpaid tuition fees. Although the institution later settled the outstanding balance in full, the university has allegedly continued to withhold the students’ academic documents.

The petitioner told Parliament that repeated engagements with Ndejje University and appeals to the National Council for Higher Education have yielded no solution, leaving the affected graduates unable to secure employment, pursue further studies, or access professional opportunities because they cannot produce proof of their academic qualifications.

The petitioners are now asking Parliament to compel Ndejje University to immediately release the transcripts and certificates, institute an inquiry into similar cases affecting students at other institutions, direct the Ministry of Education and Sports together with education regulators to establish effective mechanisms for resolving such disputes, and reimburse St. Stephen Nursery Teachers’ College for the money it spent clearing fees for the government-sponsored Karamoja students.

“The expected remittances from the government were never made, causing the institution to accumulate unpaid dues with Ndejje University,” Hon. Apio said while presenting the petition.

Referring the matter to the Ministry of Education and Sports, Deputy Speaker Tayebwa tasked the Minister of State for Sports, Hon. Peter Ogwang, with engaging all relevant stakeholders and reporting back to Parliament.

“The minister can take quick action and report back to this House on Wednesday,” Tayebwa directed.

Responding to the directive, Minister Ogwang pledged to follow up the matter and ensure that an appropriate resolution is reached.

He also encouraged individuals facing similar challenges to formally present their cases to the Ministry of Education and Sports.

“I have asked the committee that we will handle these issues on Tuesday. If I had received this information earlier, I would have come with a response,” Ogwang said.

The minister further revealed that the committee is already handling a related case involving students from Kyambogo University who completed their studies but were issued academic documents for courses they did not undertake, highlighting wider concerns over the management of academic records in higher institutions of learning.

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By Moses Oketayot

The 2021 National Labour Force Survey undertaken by Uganda Bureau of Statistics has shown that only 18% of employers remit their employees social security savings to National Social Security Fund (NSSF), with a whopping 73% receiving no form of social protection or any workplace benefit.

The report shows that the national population is 42.9 people, with male being 49% and female 51%,respectively though current estimates as at October 2022 stands at 44,4m. The national census is slated for August 2023, with census mapping, creation of boundaries and enumeration areas being undertaken by UBOS.

This was revealed by Ogen Michael; a Principal statistician who presented the findings of the report on Wednesday at Kampala Serena Hotel at the launch of the report. The survey was done in 146 districts between the period June-December 2021.

Furthermore the report revealed that only 19% of the working population have medical insurance, and paid annual leave respectively.

The report also established that the minimal earnings of Ugandans in employment was Ugx200,000.

On the issue of contracts for the labour force, the report showed that 67% of the work agreement type are oral in nature, with 33% having a formal written contract.

The working population stands at 20 million excluding those in subsistence work with 61.4% employed in agriculture, forestry and fishing, 13.4% in industries, and 24.8% in the services sector.

The report shows that 40% of people working in agriculture, 21% unpaid care work, and 39% in other subsistence work are not paid.

The report puts the unemployment rate at 12% nationally, with 49% who were in long term (one year and above) unemployment, with Bukedi 24.7%, Bunyoro 17%, Kampala and Tooro 14.6% having the highest sub-regional unemployment rates.

 

On child labour within the country, the reports shows that 6.2 (40%) million children aged between 5-17 years were in child labour excluding household chore, with Karamoja (55.6%), Acholi (45.7), Buganda North(42.8%), Busiga(46%),Lango (52%), Elgon (47%) and Ankole (42%) having the highest child labour rates by sub-region.

 

Dominic Mafabi Gidudu, the state minister for gender, labour and social development in charge of elderly affairs, who represented the line minister Betty Amongi at the launch of the report commended UBOS for providing statistics that help in monitoring the labour market in the country.

He further said that the young population is both a challenge and an opportunity in that the country is assured of labour in the future. Mafabi however underscored the need to carefully study and determine the number of the working population in gainful employment.

Amongi in her message that was read by Mafabi urged Ugandans to child labour because it is unlawful, and rallied all government ministries, departments and agencies to use the findings of the report for evidence-based decision making and planning for the population.

 

Implication of the findings

Aggrey David Kibenge, the Permanent Secretary of MGLSD said that the 18% remission rate by employers to NSSF is still very low, but he urged the working employment to embrace voluntary saving with NSSF to avoid having a dependent elderly population in the future that would strain government resources, as he added: “If we don’t increase that number, then it means that the burden on government to take care of its elderly citizens increases.”

He called upon all workers to demand for their rights at their places of employment so that their employer remit the required 15% to NSSF, so that employees have a fallback position at retirement.

Ogen said that the findings of the report should be utilitized effectively by government for instance reducing unemployment rate of 12%, and child labour of 40%.

He concluded that having few people in gainful employment means household income is affected, and child labour affects the quality of the labour force in future.

Development Partner response.

The development partners that funded the survey were the International Labour Organization, and the European Union, who said that the completion of the survey was a landmark to achieving labour force development in the country.

 

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