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KAMPALA – Ugandans have been put on high alert after the Ministry of Water and Environment issued an early warning over a looming 2026/2027 El Niño weather event, cautioning that the country could face above-normal rainfall, devastating floods, deadly landslides, disease outbreaks and widespread disruption of livelihoods in the coming months.

In a weather advisory dated July 30, 2026, the Ministry, through the Department of Meteorological Services (DMS), warned that global climate monitoring centres and the World Meteorological Organization have detected an increased likelihood of an El Niño event developing during the second half of 2026, with the possibility of persisting into 2027.

If the forecasts hold, Uganda could once again witness scenes of overflowing rivers, submerged roads, collapsing hillsides, destroyed homes and thousands of displaced families as heavy rains pound many parts of the country.

According to the advisory, El Niño is a naturally occurring climate phenomenon caused by warmer-than-normal sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean. Although it occurs thousands of kilometres away, its effects are felt across East Africa, where it has historically been associated with intense rainfall and extreme weather.

The Ministry notes that previous El Niño events have brought widespread flooding, infrastructure destruction, outbreaks of waterborne diseases and major disruptions to livelihoods.

While officials say the exact strength of the expected event is still being assessed, preliminary climate outlooks already indicate a high probability of above-normal rainfall between September and December (SOND) across several parts of Uganda.

Flood Hotspots Identified

The advisory highlights several areas expected to face the greatest danger if rainfall intensifies.

These include flood-prone lowlands, urban centres with poor drainage systems, river catchments, wetlands and mountainous regions vulnerable to landslides.

Cities already struggling with blocked drainage channels could experience severe flooding, while communities living on steep slopes may face increased risks of landslides that could destroy homes and claim lives.

Transport networks, bridges and other public infrastructure may also come under pressure as heavy rains intensify.

Health Fears Rise

Beyond physical destruction, the Ministry warns that excessive rainfall could trigger disease outbreaks.

Flooding often contaminates water sources, increasing the spread of waterborne illnesses while stagnant water creates breeding grounds for mosquitoes, raising concerns over malaria transmission.

Agriculture, one of Uganda’s economic backbones, could also be severely affected, with farms exposed to flooding, crop destruction and livestock losses.

Government Monitoring Situation

The Ministry says it is closely monitoring the evolution of the climate phenomenon through continuous analysis of global, regional and national climate conditions.

Working alongside regional and international climate centres, officials say they will continue issuing weather forecasts, advisories and early warning information to support preparedness and informed decision-making.

Public Told to Prepare Now

Rather than waiting for disaster to strike, the Ministry is urging government agencies, local leaders, institutions, businesses and households to begin preparations immediately.

Authorities have advised communities to strengthen disaster preparedness and response plans, clear drainage channels and flood pathways, avoid settlement and cultivation in flood- and landslide-prone areas, enhance community awareness, and prepare contingency measures across climate-sensitive sectors including agriculture, health, transport, water resources and infrastructure.

The Ministry also urges Ugandans to follow official weather updates issued through the Department of Meteorological Services instead of relying on rumours circulating on social media.

Media Asked to Spread Accurate Information

Recognising the critical role of the media during emergencies, the Ministry has appealed to journalists and media houses to help disseminate accurate and timely weather information to communities across the country.

Officials emphasise that early warning and early action save lives, protect livelihoods and reduce disaster-related losses, adding that regular updates will continue as the anticipated El Niño event develops.

Ugandans have also been encouraged to monitor official forecasts issued at different timescales—including six-hour, 24-hour, 10-day, 30-day and seasonal outlooks—to stay informed and take appropriate precautions before the rains intensify.

The advisory was signed by Permanent Secretary Dr. Alfred Okot Okidi, signalling the government’s determination to ensure the country is better prepared should the anticipated El Niño event materialise.

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The prosecution has asked the High Court in Kampala to impose the death penalty on the nine people convicted of kidnapping and murdering businesswoman Susan Magara, describing the crime as one of the “rarest of rare” cases under Uganda’s sentencing guidelines.

The convicts—Yusuf Lubega, Mahad Kisalita, Ismail Bukenya, Abubaker Kyewokya, twin brothers Hassan Wasswa and Hussein Kato Miiro, Abbas Musa Buwembo, Hajjara Nakandi and Muzamir Ssali—were on Monday found guilty of abducting the 28-year-old former Bwendeiro Dairy cashier from Lungujja, near Kabaka Njagala Road, in February 2018.

They held her captive for three weeks, cut off her fingers, and murdered her shortly after her family paid a ransom of 700 million shillings in a failed attempt to secure her release. Her body was later dumped along Entebbe Road. The case returned to court on Tuesday for mitigation and submissions on aggravating factors before trial judge Justice Alex Mackay Ajiji.

Chief State Attorney Sherifah Nalwanga told the court that the kidnapping was meticulously planned and executed solely to extort money before the victim was deliberately murdered. Citing Rules 20 and 21 of the Sentencing Guidelines, Nalwanga argued that the offence attracts a sentence ranging from 35 years’ imprisonment to death, but submitted that the brutality of the crime justified the maximum punishment.

She described the offence as involving “extreme cruelty”, saying the gang carefully organized the kidnapping, held Magara in captivity, tortured her and ultimately killed her after receiving the ransom. Together with Chief State Attorney Joseph Kyomuhendo and Senior State Attorney Irene Nakimbugwe, Nalwanga argued that the case falls within the category of the “rarest of rare” offences warranting capital punishment. The prosecution outlined the specific roles played by each convict.

According to the State, Yusuf Lubega masterminded the operation, participated in planning meetings, supervised the collection of the ransom, helped dispose of Magara’s body, and later invested part of the ransom money. Hassan Wasswa allegedly participated in the kidnapping, delivered food to the captive, and benefited from land purchased using the ransom proceeds in Buikwe District.

Muzamir Ssali was accused of transporting fellow gang members to ransom collection points, while Hajjara Nakandi allegedly provided the house where Magara was held and made the final decision to kill her after the kidnappers feared they had been exposed. The prosecution further alleged that Nakandi encouraged the kidnapping as a way of raising money to support fellow Muslims.

Other convicts, including Abubaker Kyewokya, Hussein Kato Miiro, Mahad Kisalita, Ismail Bukenya and Abbas Musa Buwembo, were assigned roles ranging from guarding the captive and conducting surveillance to facilitating logistics and purchasing property using the ransom money. The prosecution singled out Buwembo as the person who cut off Magara’s fingers, injected her with ketamine and suffocated her using a polythene bag.

Nalwanga further told court that the gang deliberately targeted a woman because they considered her more vulnerable. She said the group had initially planned to kidnap Magara’s relative, Immaculate Magara, before abandoning that plan and eventually abducting Susan on their third attempt. She added that after the murder, each participant allegedly received one million shillings to destroy the clothes worn during the crime, explaining why investigators were unable to recover them.

The prosecution also detailed the devastating impact of the crime on Magara’s family. Nalwanga said Magara’s father, John Magara, continues to suffer nightmares and spends long hours staring at the door hoping his daughter will return. She added that Immaculate Magara continues to experience traumatic flashbacks, while Flora Magara developed ulcers due to stress and remains fearful for her safety.

The court heard that besides paying a ransom of 200,000 US dollars, the family spent an additional 240 million shillings searching for Magara, recovering her body and meeting burial expenses. The prosecution also noted that Magara had been supporting vulnerable women and children with approximately 42 million shillings, assistance that ceased following her death. Speaking on behalf of the family, Flora Magara pleaded with the court to impose the maximum sentence.

“We are suffering. My brother John, his wife Immaculate and I are scared for our lives. I pray this court to pass the maximum sentence of death,” she said. On compensation, Senior State Attorney Irene Nakimbugwe asked the court to recover the entire 200,000 US dollars paid as ransom, describing it as proceeds of crime that should benefit the victim’s family. She said investigations established that the convicts used the ransom money to acquire 35 acres of land in Buikwe District valued at about 130 million shillings, another acre in Luweero District worth about 13 million shillings, and several motor vehicles.

Nakimbugwe asked the court to order the forfeiture of all properties purchased using the ransom proceeds, have them valued and sold, and direct that the proceeds be paid to Magara’s family. She also requested the confiscation of three vehicles allegedly used during surveillance, the kidnapping and disposal of the victim’s body. “The court should not only punish the accused but also deprive them of enjoying the proceeds of their crime,” Nakimbugwe submitted.

The prosecution further relied on the 2017 and 2018 Annual Crime Reports, noting that kidnappings had become increasingly common during that period, with 184 kidnapping cases recorded in 2018 alone. In mitigation, defence lawyer Richard Kumbuga expressed condolences to Magara’s family and acknowledged the pain caused by the crime.

He urged the court to exercise mercy, arguing that apart from the twin brothers, Hassan Wasswa and Hussein Kato Miiro, the other convicts were breadwinners supporting families. He said Nakandi had a husband and children, while the male convicts had wives and children who depended on them. Kumbuga argued that lengthy prison sentences would punish not only the convicts but also their innocent children, many of whom risk being left destitute.

“The nation lost Magara, and it will not benefit anything when nine more die,” he submitted. He added that “an eye for an eye” does not bring peace to society and warned against using the law as a tool for revenge. Referring to the Biblical story of Cain and Abel in Genesis, Kumbuga argued that even after Cain committed the first murder, God punished him without taking his life, suggesting that rehabilitation rather than execution should guide sentencing. The defence’s mitigation was still underway at the time of filing this report, after which Justice Alex Mackay Ajiji is expected to deliver the sentence.

The court will deliver its sentence tomorrow.

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Veteran musician Cindy Sanyu believes pride is one of the biggest reasons many artists fail to sustain successful careers, arguing that fame often changes the very qualities that helped them win over fans in the first place.

Speaking about the journey of many entertainers, Cindy said most musicians begin their careers with humility, kindness and respect, traits that naturally attract audiences and earn them support within the industry.

“As an artist is starting, there’s that humility they come with and they’re polite, nice and humble,” she said, adding that it is this authenticity that makes people genuinely connect with them.

However, she said the situation often changes once artists experience their first breakthrough.

According to Cindy, the excitement of appearing on television, performing before large crowds and receiving widespread recognition can gradually inflate an artist’s ego, causing them to lose touch with the people who helped build their careers.

She argued that once humility is replaced by pride, fans begin to drift away because the artist is no longer the same person they initially admired.

Cindy noted that while talent may open doors, character is what sustains a career, insisting that musicians who remain grounded despite their success stand a better chance of enjoying longevity in the music industry.

She encouraged artists to stay authentic and remember the values that earned them public support before fame, saying lasting success depends as much on humility as it does on talent.

A few days after filling Kampala Serena Hotel with fans, King Michael says he has every reason to celebrate.

The singer has thanked supporters for making his August 1 concert a success, describing the event as everything he had hoped it would be.

Reflecting on the experience, King Michael said the support he received stretched beyond the concert itself and began during his daughter’s introduction ceremony.

He appreciated fans, friends, promoters and everyone who stood with him throughout that period.

According to the singer, the concert attracted a strong crowd, while VIP table sales helped make the event financially rewarding.

King Michael believes the response also settled any doubts about his popularity, saying the turnout confirmed that fans still recognise him as the Dancehall General.

He ended by thanking supporters once again, promising to keep giving them his best.

Jowy Landa has brushed aside criticism of both her music and her personal life, insisting she has no reason to lose sleep over people who continue to doubt her.

Appearing on Sanyuka Uncut, the singer laughed off claims that she cannot sing, saying her success has already answered those who questioned her talent.

She added that critics are free to keep talking while she continues to focus on her career.

Jowy also dismissed rumours linking her romantically to one of her managers in South Africa, describing the allegations as false and urging people not to believe everything they hear.

She went on to say that those who constantly attack her are no better than she is, stressing that she works hard for everything she has and remains determined never to return to poverty.

My manager is like a father to me. I’m not in a relationship, and I don’t get involved with just anyone. I respect myself.- Jowie Landa says, shutting down the dating rumors.#SanyukaUnCut #SanyukaUpdates #FfeBannoDdala pic.twitter.com/1mXaP1D1Ky

— Sanyuka TV (@sanyukatv) August 3, 2026

American rapper A$AP Rocky has revealed that his relationship with Barbadian singer and businesswoman Rihanna grew out of years of friendship and unwavering support during some of his hardest moments.

Reflecting on their journey together, Rocky said the Grammy-winning singer stood by him when he felt at his lowest.

She held me down even when I was at my lowest.

Rihanna supported him after the loss of his father and during his legal troubles in Sweden, experiences he said brought them even closer.

Every time I am at my lowest and darkest place, she is there for me.

Rocky also recalled an emotional moment in Paris, claiming Rihanna came to check on him after learning he had isolated himself and stopped answering his phone.

Looking back, he said their relationship first took root as a genuine friendship long before romance entered the picture.

That really was my friend. That is really my bro.

He added that he never chose Rihanna because of her celebrity status or achievements.

Instead, Rocky said their deep friendship made her the person he wanted to spend his life with.

For years, A Pass questioned whether marriage was the right path for him.

Speaking during a TikTok Live, the Ugandan singer revealed that one moment after his concert changed the way he looked at life and eventually led him to embrace marriage.

According to A Pass, the period that followed gave him time to reflect on his life, his choices and what truly mattered.

I think it was after my concert. After some time I started thinking differently about how I viewed life and my choices. The more you spend time together, you learn from one another.

That change in perspective, he explained, came as he and his partner continued to grow together, gradually replacing years of doubt with a deeper appreciation for commitment.

Although he still considers himself young, A Pass says he made the right decision and has no regrets.

I am still young and that is now done. I am very thankful and it is really nice to do things the right way.

His remarks come just days after he surprised fans by holding a private traditional introduction ceremony with his longtime partner, Alicia, on August 1.

Over 24,000 micro-enterprises in Uganda received financing in the first year of a new partnership between the European Investment Bank Group’s development arm, EIB Global, and domestic lender Centenary Bank.

The EIB Global-Centenary Bank agreement, signed in 2024, aims to make €100 million (428 billion Ugandan shillings) available to private-sector enterprises in Uganda over seven years, with a focus on businesses led by women and on micro-enterprises located in rural areas. The accord involves an EIB Global credit line of €50 million to Centenary Bank, which specialises in microfinance and is matching the sum.  

In latest figures, women represented more than 60% of beneficiaries – above a target of 50%, according to the first annual disbursement report. In addition, 75% of projects financed were in rural areas, exceeding a 60% goal. Trade was the leading sector, financed at 50%, followed by agriculture at nearly 40%.

“The funding opportunity offered to Centenary Bank is addressing the challenges of access to finance especially for women and rural communities,” said EIB Vice-President Marko Primorac. “This will continue to spur the private sector and resilient economic growth in Uganda.”

The credit line to Centenary Bank represents EIB Global’s largest microfinance loan in any country in the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) regions. Its targeted final beneficiaries are micro-enterprises, which have fewer than ten full-time employees.

The operation advances the European Union’s “Global Gateway” strategy for sustainable development by boosting investments in agriculture value chains in Uganda. It also bolsters job creation and rural development in the country.    

An EIB Global programme known as the “Africa Women Rising Initiative” to expand services for female clients is part of the operation with Centenary Bank. As a result, Centenary Bank has improved the design of its financial strategy and products as well as the promotion of services tailored for women entrepreneurs, who have also been offered training in business skills such as in financial literacy and record keeping.

In addition, Centenary Bank has increased the number of female clients by 21% and its non-performing loans for women have dropped by over 8%.

Centenary Bank aims to be the preferred provider of innovative financing in Uganda, particularly microfinance, and a strong catalyst for sustainable socio-economic change in the country.   

“Our co-operation with EIB Global is making good progress and the next few years will continue to bring more tangible impact to the business community especially in rural areas,” said Centenary Bank MD and CEO, Godfrey Byekwaso. “Their financing support has helped us address local funding gaps and gives us a better opportunity to serve and grow small businesses thus successfully integrating them into the formal system.”

The EIB Global operation with Centenary Bank is taking place under an EU financial initiative called the European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus, or EFSD+.

“Access to finance is often what allows a small business to grow, hire and invest in the future to create jobs, support families, strengthen local communities and help economies become more resilient,” said European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela. “Through this partnership, tens of thousands of micro and small businesses in Uganda have received that opportunity. Its strong reach among women entrepreneurs and rural communities shows Global Gateway at its best: working with trusted local partners to deliver growth that is more inclusive, more sustainable and closer to the people who need it most.”

The benefits of the EIB Global-Centenary Bank operation extend to refugees in Uganda who are from countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan. Of the total loans provided in 2025, 200 went to refugees to help them become more economically self-sufficient.

One recipient is a woman named Gissele Muganza, a refugee from the Democratic Republic of Congo who runs a children’s clothing store in Uganda. She received a loan of UGX 2 million to increase the capital in her business and to pursue a bachelor’s degree.  As a result, her monthly net profit has almost doubled to UGX 1.1 million and she has received her degree.

The new EIB Global-Centenary Bank operation builds on a partnership between the two organisations that dates to 2008. More generally, EIB Global has provided over €388 million since 1981 to support private-sector businesses in Uganda, targeting primarily agriculture and gender equality.

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Uganda’s fashion scene has welcomed a new name with the launch of Speedball, a streetwear brand founded by David Mulolo for the country’s Gen Z generation.

The brand officially debuted its Summer Collection during a runway showcase held on August 1 at MOTIV in Bugolobi, Kampala, where guests got their first look at a range of denim pieces, graphic T-shirts and contemporary streetwear inspired by youthful creativity and self-expression.

The event attracted a stylish crowd, including Uganda’s First Daughters, Natasha Museveni and Diana Museveni, adding to the excitement surrounding the launch.

Models showcased bold silhouettes and trend-driven designs that reflected Speedball’s vision for modern Ugandan street fashion.

The debut marks Speedball’s entry into Uganda’s growing fashion industry as the brand seeks to connect with a new generation of style enthusiasts.

When Uganda’s Ghetto Kids boarded the plane to the FIFA Club World Cup, they were chasing the opportunity of a lifetime.

They returned home with something even more extraordinary—the love of one of the world’s biggest music stars.

Colombian superstar Shakira has penned an emotional farewell to the celebrated Ugandan dance group after spending several days with them during the tournament, describing the youngsters as children she now loves “like my own.”

In a heartfelt Instagram post that has resonated with millions of fans worldwide, the Grammy Award-winning singer reflected on the deep bond she formed with the children, saying what began as a chance meeting had blossomed into something far more meaningful.

“You came as strangers, but you leave as my children,” she wrote, before addressing each child individually by name—Ivan, Ricky, Joseph, Brighton, Kesha, Jojo, Ciara and Ketra.

Although they come from different continents, cultures and backgrounds, Shakira said the connection they built transcended every barrier.

“Though you are from another continent, live in a different culture and speak another language, now I love you like you are children of my own,” she wrote.

Throughout the FIFA Club World Cup festivities, the singer welcomed the children into her personal world, introducing them to members of her family and close friends while creating memories far beyond the football celebrations.

Among the moments that stood out was a trip to the beach, where the children laughed, played in the sand and embraced the experience with infectious excitement.

For many, it may have looked like an ordinary outing. For Shakira, it became one of the most memorable parts of their time together.

Watching the youngsters run freely along the shoreline and find joy in the simplest experiences reminded her of the resilience, innocence and hope they carry despite their difficult beginnings.

As the time came to part ways, the singer admitted that saying goodbye proved far more emotional than she had expected.

She said the Ghetto Kids had shown her a kind of unconditional love that left a lasting impression and inspired her to reflect on the importance of protecting and investing in children everywhere.

Shakira concluded her message by calling for every child, regardless of where they are born, to be given love, protection and the opportunity to realise their full potential.

The touching tribute has since sparked an outpouring of emotion online, with fans praising the singer for embracing the Ugandan dance troupe beyond the stage and celebrating the warmth, humility and joy that have made the Ghetto Kids global ambassadors of hope.

For the children who once danced on the streets of Kampala dreaming of a brighter future, their journey to the FIFA Club World Cup delivered far more than international exposure.

It left them with a friendship—and a mother’s embrace—from one of music’s biggest stars.

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