Jude Okoye has responded to allegations made by his younger brother, Peter Okoye, popularly known as Mr. P, that he diverted more than $1.2 million in royalties, insisting he handled all financial matters transparently.
The former P-Square manager said every royalty payment complied with existing agreements and rejected claims of financial misconduct.
Speaking in a video released on Sunday, Jude also denied reports that Peter lost access to the company’s bank accounts or royalty records.
Allegations that Peter was removed as a signatory to company bank accounts or denied access to royalty records are false.
Four members of Uganda’s boxing team have reportedly gone missing in Scotland after the conclusion of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
The missing athletes have been identified as Angel Katushabe, Nuhu Batte, Ibrahim Khemis and Emily Nakalema.
Uganda sent a six-member boxing team to the Games, but the four boxers reportedly failed to rejoin the rest of the national delegation ahead of its scheduled departure for Uganda on Tuesday, 4 August.
Their whereabouts remain unknown, and officials have not yet explained the circumstances surrounding their disappearance.
Team Uganda officials said the Ministry of Education and Sports would issue an official statement on the matter.
Mr. P has made fresh allegations against his elder brother and former manager, Jude Okoye, claiming a dispute over a P-Square property in the United States almost turned physical.
The singer shared the claims in the fifth episode of his video series, where he continues to explain what led to the collapse of their relationship.
Mr. P said he and his brothers had agreed to divide several properties, including a duplex in the United States.
However, he claimed he later discovered that someone had allegedly put his share of the property up for sale without informing him.
He said he confronted Jude during a music event, and the argument quickly escalated.
This incident happened early 2015, it started making sense to me after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) told me everything. Why the sudden attack?
Mr. P claimed Jude threatened to slap him before other artistes stepped in to calm the situation.
He told me to get out of his front before he slapped me. He wanted to beat me up before other artistes stepped in.
The singer also claimed he later found documents that allegedly sought to transfer his ownership interest in the property to Jude’s wife, Ifeoma Omokeke.
He said he refused to sign the documents after discovering the proposed ownership change.
Singer A Pass, whose real name is Alex Bagonza, has revealed that his long-standing claim that he would only marry at the age of 70 was a deliberate joke aimed at throwing people off his real plans.
Speaking during a live TikTok session, the singer said he intentionally misled the public because he believes people should keep major life decisions private.
“I was confusing my enemies when I said I would marry at 70. I said all that when I was actively preparing to make it official,” A Pass said.
He added, “You tell them something when you are totally doing the opposite. If you reveal your actual plans, they will fight you until you fail.”
According to A Pass, constant criticism and negative opinions on social media can put unnecessary pressure on relationships and even lead couples to separate.
He said that is why he chose to quietly prepare for the officialisation of his relationship, away from public attention and unsolicited opinions.
On Saturday, A Pass was secretly introduced by his partner, only identified as Alicia, during a private traditional introduction ceremony.
KIGEZI: Fresh details have emerged over the controversial collapse of two multi-billion-shilling tourism road projects in the Kigezi sub-region, with Egyptian contractor Samcrete Engineers and Contractors facing scrutiny after abandoning works despite receiving a hefty advance payment, while questions are now being raised over how the company secured the contracts.
The Egyptian firm was awarded contracts worth Shs112 billion in June 2025 to upgrade the 8.4-kilometre Kabale–Lake Bunyonyi Tourism Road to bitumen standard and construct the 13.4-kilometre Nyarusiza–Mgahinga Tourism Road in Kisoro District, linking Kisoro Town to the famous Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
However, less than a year into the projects, Samcrete suspended construction works, withdrew workers and equipment from both sites and left residents stranded, triggering anger among leaders, businesses and tourism operators who had expected the roads to unlock economic opportunities in the region.
The contractor’s sudden exit has now sparked questions over the procurement process, contractor capacity and whether the African Development Bank (AfDB), which financed the projects, made adequate checks before approving the company.
Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa has revealed that Samcrete was not selected through Uganda Government procurement procedures but through the African Development Bank’s procurement framework because the projects were financed by the bank.
Speaking during the burial Mass of Mary Bazirake, wife of former Kabale Southern Division LCIII Chairperson Louis Bazirake, at Christ the King Catholic Parish in Kabale District, Tayebwa said Uganda’s priority was to secure financing for the roads, after which procurement was handled under AfDB rules.
According to Tayebwa, government did not directly select Samcrete under Uganda’s national procurement system.
“When the African Development Bank approved financing for these projects, procurement was done under the bank’s procedures,” Tayebwa said.
He added that government has already notified AfDB about Samcrete’s failure to execute the works and discussions are ongoing to replace the contractor with a company capable of completing the stalled roads.
The revelation has raised questions among stakeholders over whether AfDB procurement systems allowed a contractor whose capacity was allegedly questionable to win a major Ugandan infrastructure project.
The two tourism roads were designed to improve access to some of Uganda’s most attractive destinations, including Lake Bunyonyi and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, while boosting tourism, trade and connectivity in the mountainous Kigezi region.
But in late May 2026, Samcrete abruptly suspended works and removed its workers and equipment from the sites without publicly explaining the decision.
The stalled projects forced leaders in Kabale District, through the Office of the Resident District Commissioner, to petition the Office of the President seeking urgent intervention.
Earlier this month, State Minister for Works and Transport Fred Byamukama told Parliament that government was considering terminating Samcrete’s contracts after establishing that the company lacked the capacity to complete the works.
He said the Ministry of Works and Transport had already engaged both the African Development Bank and the Ministry of Finance over the proposed contract termination.
Ndorwa West MP Eliab Naturinda Mporeera also raised concerns, alleging through local media that Samcrete had already received 30 percent of the contract value before abandoning the projects.
The legislator claimed the company had hired equipment from local operators in Kabale instead of deploying its own machinery, questioning how it qualified for the contracts in the first place.
However, Tayebwa dismissed the claim that the contractor had received 30 percent of the contract amount.
He insisted that the reports were false and that Samcrete had not been paid by the Ugandan government.
The Deputy Speaker said AfDB’s top management has now launched investigations into how Samcrete was awarded the contracts despite concerns over its ability to deliver.
He added that he had briefed President Yoweri Museveni about growing frustration among residents of Kigezi over the stalled projects.
Tayebwa appealed for calm, assuring residents that government was working with AfDB to resolve the crisis and ensure the roads are completed.
AUDITOR GENERAL RAISES RED FLAGS BEFORE PROJECT COLLAPSE
The controversy comes amid troubling findings in the Auditor General’s report for 2025 on the Kabale–Lake Bunyonyi and Kisoro–Mgahinga National Park Integrated Transport Infrastructure and Services Project.
The audit revealed slow implementation, low absorption of funds, delayed compensation and failure by the contractor to fully mobilise despite receiving billions.
According to the Auditor General, the project had total financing of UA50 million, but by June 30, 2025, cumulative disbursements stood at only UA9.8 million (US$13.178 million).
This represented a disbursement rate of only 19.6 percent, leaving an undisbursed balance of UA40.2 million (US$54.052 million).
The slow implementation forced government to incur commitment charges amounting to US$1.252 million as of June 30, 2025.
The Auditor General warned that the charges were likely to increase because the project had been extended to August 2029.
The audit also revealed poor utilisation of government funds.
Out of the total available government funds of Shs83.167 billion for the financial year 2024/2025, only Shs34.503 billion had been spent.
This left Shs48.663 billion unused, resulting in a low overall absorption rate of only 41 percent.
The report further revealed that the civil works contractor received an advance payment of Shs16.804 billion on March 24, 2025, but by August 2025 had still not fully mobilised to commence capital works.
The findings raised fresh questions over whether the contractor had the financial and technical capacity to execute the projects.
WHO IS SAMCRETE?
Samcrete Engineers and Contractors is part of Samcrete Holding, an Egyptian engineering, contracting, development, manufacturing and investment group established in 1963.
The company says it operates in Egypt, the Middle East and Africa through construction projects, real estate development, building materials production, public-private partnership infrastructure projects and industrial park development.
According to its corporate profile, Samcrete has more than 5,000 employees, operates through 13 subsidiaries and has been involved in more than 100 projects.
The company is led by Eng. Sami Saad, founder and CEO of Sami Saad Holding.
Its chairman is Eng. Karim Sami Saad, while Eng. Sobhi Abdel Malak serves as deputy chairman.
Other board members include Eng. Bassel Sami Saad, Eng. Reem Sami Saad and independent board member Dr. Ziad Bahaa El Din.
Samcrete describes itself as an international-standard engineering company with operations across five countries and more than six decades of experience.
The company lists several major projects, including:
Ismailia Freeway Urban Ring Road
Cairo-Suez Service Road
Greater Cairo Ring Road expansion projects
Middle Ring Road in Greater Cairo
Upper Railway Rehabilitation Project between Beni Suef, Asyut and Nagaa Hammadi
The company says these projects involved road construction, railway rehabilitation, bridge works, pavement works and infrastructure upgrades.
However, questions remain over whether all the listed projects were successfully completed or whether some faced similar challenges.
Outside Egypt, Samcrete’s publicly available project portfolio provides limited evidence of major completed road projects.
The company previously participated in Uganda’s procurement process under the Markets and Agricultural Trade Improvement Programme Project 2 (MATIP-2) for construction of Tororo Central Market, but its bid was rejected.
SAMCRETE’S UGANDA ANNOUNCEMENT
Before the controversy erupted, Samcrete had celebrated its entry into Uganda’s infrastructure sector.
The company announced the commencement of the Kabale–Lake Bunyonyi and Kisoro–Mgahinga Roads Project, describing it as a major milestone.
Samcrete stated that the 33.2-kilometre project, undertaken in partnership with Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) and funded by the African Development Bank, would improve connectivity, expand access to tourism destinations and contribute to socio-economic growth.
The company said the project included major roadworks and supporting infrastructure to be executed to international quality standards.
However, the sudden suspension of works has now turned the project into a major infrastructure controversy, leaving government, residents and tourism stakeholders demanding answers over how a contractor entrusted with a Shs112 billion assignment walked away from the job.
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Falz has advised singles against rushing into marriage, saying people should wait until their 30s before making the lifelong commitment.
The Nigerian rapper, whose real name is Folarin Falana, believes many people are still growing emotionally, mentally and financially throughout their 20s, making it too early for marriage.
Speaking on The BTS Reality Podcast, Falz urged young people not to let society or peer pressure influence one of the biggest decisions of their lives.
He argued that the 20s should focus on self-discovery, personal growth and enjoying life rather than settling down.
Getting married in your 30s is the best. Don’t let anyone pressure you into getting married before 30. By 30s, you have gained more life experiences. In your 20s, you are still figuring yourself out. Your 20s are for learning, growing, and enjoying life.
Falz said people enter a different stage of life in their 30s because they better understand themselves and the direction they want to take.
In your 30s, you combine all the knowledge and try to direct your life. So, it is better to wait till your 30s before getting married.
The 35-year-old maintained that no one should feel pressured to marry before they are ready, regardless of age or social expectations.
Mitchelle Daka, a 29-year-old contestant from Budaka District, has made history after being crowned the first-ever Miss Universe Uganda, earning the honour of representing the country at the 75th Miss Universe pageant in Puerto Rico.
Daka emerged victorious during the grand finale held at Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala, bringing to a close the inaugural Miss Universe Uganda competition, which began in May with 25 contestants before narrowing down to 16 finalists.
In addition to the crown, Daka received a brand-new Toyota Wish and a cash prize of Shs24 million.
Her victory followed a campaign focused on promoting mental health and emotional awareness, a cause she says is critical to building healthier communities.
Kimberly Jael Aremo Acio from Kole District finished as the first runner-up and received Shs5 million, while Bridget Katungi of Kazo District was named second runner-up, taking home Shs3 million. Sureyah Umeimah of Jinja District completed the top four as third runner-up.
The historic event was attended by Senior Presidential Advisor Dr Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu as the chief guest, alongside pageant patron Halima Namakula.
More than a beauty contest
Organised by Joram Model Management under the theme “Beyond the Crown,” the pageant was created to identify women who can champion leadership, community service and social impact in addition to beauty.
National Director Joram Muzira Job said the competition aims to nurture women who can confidently represent Uganda on the international stage as ambassadors for the country’s culture, tourism and innovation.
Throughout the competition, contestants underwent intensive training in leadership, public speaking, media engagement, runway presentation and community outreach to prepare them for national and global responsibilities.
Glamour and entertainment
Hosted by Malaika and Deedan, the colourful finale featured performances from Tracy Melon, Jiran Seyn, Karole Kasita, Lillian Mbabazi, Minister Rachel K and Maurice Kirya, among other entertainers.
The event also welcomed Miss Universe Kenya 2026, Jean Ojiro, whose appearance highlighted the growing regional profile of the Miss Universe franchise.
The inaugural edition was headlined by V&A Sherry, a Uganda Breweries Limited brand, with support from several corporate partners.
Top five finalists
The finalists represented districts from across Uganda and championed causes ranging from mental health and girls’ education to early childhood development, youth empowerment and women’s leadership.
The top five finalists were:
Mitchelle Daka (Budaka District) – Mental health and emotional awareness.
At least 14 people have been killed and four others injured after a Toyota Hiace taxi collided head-on with a Sino truck transporting sand along the Kampala–Masaka Highway.
The fatal crash occurred at about 11pm on Monday in Lwera Swamp near Kamunga Trading Centre.
Police said all 14 people who died were travelling in the taxi and were pronounced dead at the scene.
The four survivors, including two occupants from the taxi and two from the truck, sustained injuries and were rushed to Masaka Regional Referral Hospital for treatment.
The latest tragedy adds to Uganda’s growing road safety crisis. According to the 2025 Annual Crime Report, an average of 15 people lost their lives in road crashes every day.
The report shows that Police recorded 26,044 road crashes during the year, including 4,602 fatal accidents, 13,563 serious crashes and 7,879 minor incidents.
Winnie Byanyima, the Executive Director of UNAIDS and wife of jailed opposition politician Dr Kizza Besigye, has said her husband is conscious but remains extremely weak and unable to speak after collapsing during a court hearing on Thursday, 30 July.
Speaking to journalists on Monday after visiting Besigye at Mulago National Referral Hospital, Byanyima said he spent most of the time asleep and only briefly opened his eyes. She added that he was still unable to speak or write because he was too weak.
“He looks very weak. He remained asleep for a long time. When he could open his eyes, he still cannot talk. He is not able to write. I tried to ask him to write a note to me, but his hands are not stable,” Byanyima said.
She revealed that Besigye had been receiving nutrition through intravenous fluids but had shown slight improvement on Monday after the tubes were removed and he managed to take some soup.
Byanyima described the development as encouraging but stressed that he remains in a fragile condition. She urged the authorities to protect his right to life, ensure he receives proper medical care and guarantee him a fair trial, saying his constitutional rights should be respected like those of any other Ugandan.
Besigye, a veteran opposition leader, has been in detention since late 2024 after he was abducted in Kenya and returned to Uganda. He is facing terrorism-related charges.
The Office of the President is mourning the death of Mark Baingana, the Deputy Resident City Commissioner (RCC) for Makindye Division, Kampala.
In a condolence message, the Minister for the Presidency, Hon. Babirye Milly Babalanda, said she received the news of his passing with profound sorrow.
“It is with deep sorrow and a heavy heart that I received the sad news of the passing of one of our staff, the Deputy Resident City Commissioner for Makindye Division, Mr. Mark Baingana,” the Minister said.
On behalf of the Office of the President, her family, and in her personal capacity, Hon. Babalanda conveyed her heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, relatives, friends, colleagues in the Office of the Resident City Commissioner, and the people of Makindye Division.
The Minister paid tribute to the late Baingana for his dedicated service to the country, describing him as a committed public servant who diligently executed his responsibilities.
“The late Deputy RCC served the people with dedication, discipline, and unwavering commitment to promoting peace, security, and effective service delivery,” she said.
Hon. Babalanda prayed for God’s comfort and strength for the bereaved family during this difficult time and asked Him to grant eternal rest to the departed.
“We pray to the Almighty God to grant strength and comfort to the bereaved family during this difficult time, and to grant the soul of our departed colleague eternal rest,” she added.
Quoting Psalm 34:18, the Minister encouraged the grieving family with the scripture: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
She concluded her message by praying that Mr. Baingana’s soul rests in eternal peace.
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