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Makerere University’s Chief Security Officer, SSP Kaheebwa Geoffrey, used the official orientation ceremony on 3rd August 2026 to walk the incoming 2026/2027 freshers through a detailed set of security guidelines aimed at keeping them safe throughout their time on the hill.

His remarks went well beyond the usual campus security basics, touching on everything from cybersecurity to fire safety to mental wellness, framing personal security as something built through discipline, awareness, and personal responsibility rather than left entirely to the university’s security apparatus.

Here’s a rundown of the key points from his address:

1. Discipline comes first. SSP Kaheebwa described discipline as the foundation of personal security, arguing that students who respect university regulations and practice self-control are far less likely to end up in risky situations driven by peer pressure.
2. Stay aware of your surroundings. He urged freshers to put their phones away while walking and stay alert to their environment, noting that simple situational awareness can prevent petty theft and other opportunistic crimes.
3. Security is a shared responsibility. While the university runs a security framework including a dedicated security team, CCTV cameras, and access control, he stressed that students must actively report suspicious individuals or activities rather than assume someone else will.
4. Guard your personal integrity. Honesty in academic work, avoiding plagiarism, and truthfulness in daily interactions were flagged as central to a student’s reputation and character at Makerere.
5. Protect your digital footprint. Students were cautioned against sharing their student ID, passwords, or bank details, and warned to be wary of unsolicited messages and offers that sound too good to be true.
6. Exercise maturity with your newfound freedom. He specifically cautioned against sneaking out late at night, excessive drinking, and skipping classes, urging students to weigh how today’s decisions affect their future.
7. Don’t make yourself an easy target for theft. Laptops, phones, and other valuables should never be left unattended in libraries, lecture halls, or cafeterias, and hostel rooms should always be locked.
8. Know your fire safety procedures. Freshers were urged to familiarise themselves with fire assembly points and exits in their halls and lecture buildings, and to evacuate calmly rather than panic in an emergency.
9. Prioritise your mental and physical health. Students struggling with academic pressure or personal issues were encouraged to reach out to the university’s counselling centre and health facilities rather than ignore the stress.
10. Secure your hostel space. Locking rooms even for short trips to the bathroom, avoiding letting strangers in, and knowing your neighbours were all highlighted as simple but effective habits.
11. Build a strong peer network. He encouraged students to form study groups and join clubs and societies that promote academic integrity and positive values.
12. Balance academics and social life. While encouraging participation in sports, music, and clubs, he cautioned against overcommitting to extracurriculars at the expense of academics, framing time management itself as a security tool.
13. Save the emergency contact numbers. Freshers were urged to save the University Security Office and Police numbers from their orientation materials and to call without hesitation if they witness a crime or find themselves in trouble.
14. Take personal responsibility for your own safety. He reminded students that while the university provides the framework, rules, and personnel, individual students must actively choose to make safe decisions.
15. Protect the Makerere legacy. Closing his address, SSP Kaheebwa reminded freshers that their conduct reflects on the institution itself, tying personal security back to the broader reputation and legacy of the university.

He closed his remarks with the University Security Office’s rallying call: “Protect and Serve.”

Orientation Week continues with college-based sessions ahead of the start of the new academic year.

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has described Ambassador Olara Otunnu as the best candidate to serve as Secretary-General of the United Nations. While meeting representatives of members of the United Nations Security Council at State House, Entebbe, Museveni said he has known Otunnu since their days at Makerere University, where Otunnu served as Guild President.

He praised his fluency in both English and French, saying his multilingual ability and broad diplomatic experience are significant assets for the role.“He speaks English and French very well without a tribal accent, so I hand Ambassador Olara Otunnu to you so that he can brief you himself,” Museveni added.

The meeting aimed to present Uganda’s nominee and reaffirm the government’s commitment to mobilising international support for Otunnu’s bid to lead the world’s premier multilateral organisation. Introducing Ambassador Otunnu to the diplomats, Museveni described him as a distinguished Ugandan statesman and seasoned diplomat whose extensive experience within the United Nations system makes him well suited to lead the organisation at a time of mounting global challenges.

“He is really the type of person you will need in the UN system because he is very much aligned to it. I therefore hand over Olara Otunnu to you,” Museveni said. He observed that although Otunnu has spent decades serving the international community, he has remained an influential figure in Uganda’s political landscape, having served as President of the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) and previously contested for the country’s presidency.

Museveni also highlighted Uganda’s strong credentials within the United Nations, particularly its contribution to regional peace and security and its progressive refugee policy.“Uganda’s credentials in the UN are many, but the uncontested ones are two: our contribution to regional security—I don’t think anybody will say Uganda is not known for that—and our support for refugees. Our candidate comes from that background,” he said.

“Of course, we are also excelling in democracy, although others may have different views, which I will not insist upon. But on refugees and our contribution to regional security, I think everybody will agree.” In his remarks, Otunnu thanked Museveni for the government’s endorsement, noting that several members of the Security Council had sought assurances regarding Uganda’s commitment to his candidature following previous unsuccessful attempts.

He said he had informed them that the President was best placed to clarify Uganda’s position and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to engage the representatives alongside the Head of State. He outlined his distinguished international career, having served as Uganda’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, President of the UN Security Council, Chair of the UN Commission on Human Rights, President of the International Peace Academy (now the International Peace Institute), and United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict.

He said his experience spans peace and security, humanitarian affairs, human rights and development, with a leadership approach rooted in consensus-building and dialogue. According to Otunnu, preventing conflicts, maintaining international peace, supporting peacebuilding and promoting post-conflict recovery should remain the United Nations’ foremost priorities. He also unveiled his vision for strengthening the effectiveness and credibility of the organisation through institutional reforms aimed at improving efficiency, coordination and accountability.

On development, Ambassador Otunnu said the Secretary-General should play a stronger convening role in mobilising long-term financing for developing countries with credible development plans but limited financial resources. He further called for the United Nations to spearhead global cooperation on emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, by bringing together governments, experts and the private sector to ensure technological advancement benefits all humanity.

Otunnu reaffirmed his commitment to promoting transparency, merit and inclusivity within the United Nations, saying recruitment should reflect the organisation’s universal character while maintaining the highest professional standards. He described the office of the Secretary-General as one founded on moral authority, humility, consensus-building and active engagement with member states in advancing peace, sustainable development and international cooperation.

Representatives of Security Council member states welcomed the opportunity to engage with President Museveni and Ambassador Otunnu, outlining the priorities that would guide their respective governments during the Secretary-General selection process. They commended Otunnu’s distinguished international record and welcomed his emphasis on peace and security, development, human rights, institutional reform and emerging global issues, including artificial intelligence.

The diplomats also acknowledged Uganda’s significant contribution to regional peace and security, particularly in the Horn of Africa and the Great Lakes Region, as well as its internationally recognised refugee policy. Former Prime Minister, Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, reaffirmed Uganda’s determination to secure broad international backing for Otunnu’s candidature. President Museveni announced that Dr. Rugunda would lead a Ugandan delegation to engage governments in various capitals as part of Uganda’s diplomatic campaign.“We are going to send our delegation led by Dr. Rugunda to your capitals,” President Museveni said. Dr. Rugunda described Otunnu as a distinguished Ugandan statesman whose service at both the national and international levels has prepared him to lead the United Nations.

He noted that Otunnu has remained an important national leader through his leadership of the Uganda People’s Congress and his participation in presidential elections.“I am very happy that you have endorsed Ambassador Otunnu. We will give him our full support,” Rugunda said. He added that Uganda believes the time has come for Otunnu to realise his long-held aspiration of serving as Secretary-General of the United Nations.“I think now is the time to actualise this long-postponed aspiration,” he said. Rugunda also appealed to the diplomats to convey Uganda’s message of support to their respective governments.

“I hope that the ambassadors will clearly convey the message to their respective governments.” The meeting was attended by ambassadors representing both permanent and non-permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, including Somalia, Denmark, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Pakistan, Russia, the United Kingdom, France, the United States and other member states.

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Makerere University officially welcomed its 2026/2027 cohort of freshers at the opening of Orientation Week held at Freedom Square on Monday, 3rd August 2026, bringing together university leaders, staff, and thousands of newly admitted students for a day centred on academic discipline, integrity, and what it truly takes to make it through the hill.

Among the many messages delivered to the new intake, one line from former Guild President Hon. Lawrence Ariong Dangote stood out: “Hard work beats talent if talent does not learn to work hard.” It was a fitting capstone to a day built around preparing freshers for the realities of university life, both in the classroom and beyond it.

Academic Registrar Sets The Tone

Academic Registrar Prof. Mukadasi Muyinza congratulated the freshers on their admission, welcoming them into Makerere’s long-standing tradition of scholarship, research, and innovation. He reminded them that arriving at Makerere marked a new chapter in their lives, one where they would now be responsible for shaping their own story.

He urged students to actively participate in academic activities, complete assignments on time, and uphold integrity throughout their studies, cautioning against examination malpractice, forgery, and other forms of academic misconduct that could lead to dismissal.

Muyinza stressed that admission remains provisional until registration requirements are fulfilled, warning students plainly that they are not technically students until they register, and that failure to register within the stipulated period would mean forfeiting admission altogether. He also guided freshers on programme changes, registration procedures, and tuition requirements, and encouraged financial discipline and caution against online scams.

Dean Of Students On Welfare And Accommodation

Dean of Students Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli briefed freshers on accommodation, health services, feeding, spiritual welfare, and leadership opportunities available at the university. She advised students seeking off-campus housing to only choose accredited private hostels approved by the university, prioritising safety, comfort, and proximity to campus.

Prof. Mukadasi (center), Dean of Students Dr. Winnie Kabumbuli, and members of staff during the freshers’ orientation.

She also urged students to open medical files at the University Hospital and seek proper medical attention rather than self-medicating whenever they fall ill, while encouraging participation in spiritual fellowship and leadership opportunities at class, hall, and college level.

Kabumbuli noted that Makerere has admitted more than 800 international students from 55 countries across five continents this intake, underscoring the university’s commitment to an inclusive learning environment.

Dangote shared his own journey to inspire the freshers, recalling how he joined Makerere in 2019 as a young student from Arua with, as he put it, an empty pocket and a bag full of dreams. He described the university as “the hill of endless possibilities” and challenged students to make the most of every opportunity available to them, cautioning against peer pressure, financial recklessness, and online investment scams along the way.

Closing the orientation, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Prof. Sarah Ssali, representing Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, officially welcomed the freshers. She reminded students that every academic programme offered by the university is valuable, telling them, “Whatever you have been given, do it as if your life depends on it.”

Ssali reaffirmed the university’s zero-tolerance policy on sexual harassment and exploitation, urging students not to suffer in silence and to raise their voice whenever needed. She encouraged freshers to engage beyond the classroom through research, innovation, sports, leadership, and community engagement, while rejecting examination malpractice, plagiarism, violence, and substance abuse.

She closed by challenging the new students to think about the legacy they want to leave behind at Makerere, urging them to pursue excellence, take ownership of their learning, and make the most of every opportunity the university offers.

Orientation Week continues with college-based sessions introducing freshers to their specific academic programmes, registration processes, and student support services ahead of the start of the new academic year.

No sooner had singer A Pass, real name Alexander Bagonza, surprised fans with his traditional wedding than another topic began dominating social media—whether he and his wife, Alicia, are expecting their first child together.

Photos and videos from the intimate ceremony, held on Saturday, quickly made the rounds online, but it was Alicia’s appearance that caught the attention of eagle-eyed netizens. Many pointed to what they believe is a visible baby bump, fuelling widespread speculation that the newlyweds could be preparing to welcome a baby.

The observation has since triggered a wave of congratulatory messages across social media, with fans celebrating what they believe could be another milestone for the couple.

Neither A Pass nor Alicia has addressed the pregnancy rumours or confirmed whether they are expecting.

The singer’s traditional wedding itself came as a surprise to many fans, as the couple had largely kept their relationship away from the public eye. Now, with speculation surrounding a possible pregnancy gathering momentum, the celebrations appear to have taken on an entirely new dimension.

For now, however, the pregnancy reports remain unconfirmed, with fans waiting to hear from the couple themselves.

@patrouganda He who finds a wife finds a good thing. A Pass has found his. #patrouganda ? original sound – Patro Uganda

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Fourteen people, including the driver of a commuter taxi, were killed in a head-on collision with a sand-laden truck at Kamuwunga Trading Centre along the Lwera swamp stretch on the Masaka-Kampala Highway in Kalungu District. The fatal crash occurred at about 11:40 p.m. on Monday, according to police.

Police identified the taxi as a white Toyota Hiace registration number UA 662AQ, driven by Ssembatya Abdul Karim, a resident of Masaka City, who died at the scene. The second vehicle involved was a red Sino truck, registration number UBS 040F, whose driver fled the scene and remains on the run.

According to the preliminary police findings, the taxi was travelling from Kampala towards Masaka when it collided head-on with the oncoming truck. Police allege that the truck driver, who was transporting sand, attempted to dodge road humps installed on his lane due to ongoing road construction. In the process, he reportedly swerved onto the opposite lane and crashed into the taxi, which was travelling on its correct side of the road.

The impact caused both vehicles to lock together, and the heavily loaded truck pushed the taxi backwards for about 30 metres from the point of impact. The deceased passengers have been identified as Alice Gracious Alobo, 30, a resident of Opit Town Council in Omoro District; Kizza Moses, 30, of Kyetume in Kyotera District; Joanita Natondwa, 23, of Masaka City; Aidah Namajja, 52, of Masaka City; Lawrence Ssebuuma, 34, of Mabaale-Kifuufu in Kyotera District; Margaret Nabbosa, 36, of Zirobwe Town Council in Luwero District; Veronica Nabbulime; Nabbulime’s juvenile daughter; Kizza Moses, 27; Innocent Irora, 39, a resident of Kyegegwa Town Council and an employee of Coca-Cola Namanve; Police Sergeant Nabukeya, service number 44616, whose duty station had not yet been established; and two unidentified male adults.

Four people survived the crash. They include Edward Kaiga, 22, who was travelling in the Sino truck, two unidentified male occupants of the taxi, and another unidentified male who was aboard the truck. The injured were rushed to Masaka Regional Referral Hospital by a Red Cross ambulance, while the bodies of the deceased were taken to the hospital mortuary.

Traffic officers from Masaka East, the Kalungu District Police Commander and other police personnel visited the scene, documented evidence and towed both vehicles to the Lukaya Police Yard pending inspection by the Inspector of Vehicles. Police have opened investigations and launched a manhunt for the truck driver, who remains at large. The suspected cause of the crash is reckless driving by the driver of the Sino truck, police said.

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The Tooro Kingdom has confirmed that Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV is currently abroad for official engagements and to further his studies, moving to reassure the public after false and misleading reports about his health began circulating.

In a statement issued on 3rd August 2026 from Fort Portal, the Kingdom said it wished to reassure all its people that His Majesty is in good health, directly addressing the rumours that had been making rounds about his wellbeing.

The statement, signed off with “Omukama Ahangirize,” described the circulating reports as false and misleading, and called on the people of Tooro and friends of the Kingdom to reject malicious rumours and defamatory misinformation, noting that false information causes unnecessary anxiety and undermines public trust without serving anyone’s interest.

The Kingdom reaffirmed its commitment to keeping the public informed through timely, accurate, and official communication on matters of public interest, and urged everyone to rely only on information released through the Kingdom’s official channels going forward.

King Oyo, who ascended to the Tooro throne as a young child, has continued to pursue his education even while serving as monarch, a path that has periodically taken him abroad for studies alongside his official royal duties. The Kingdom’s latest statement confirms that his current time away from Fort Portal fits that same pattern, official engagements combined with academic pursuits, rather than anything tied to his health.

The Kingdom closed its statement by calling for unity and responsible communication among its people as it continues its development agenda.