Sixty-one-year-old Silver Ngobola has secured another term as Local Council I (LC1) chairperson for Kanikwa A Cell, Namanyoyi Ward, in Mbale City’s Northern Division, extending a tenure that spans nearly four decades and making him one of the area’s longest-serving local council leaders.
Ngobola retained the seat after defeating three challengers in the recently concluded village elections.
Running as an independent candidate, he defeated National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidate Daka Anthony and Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) candidate Namugwe John Bosco.
Speaking shortly after being declared the winner, Ngobola thanked residents for renewing their confidence in his leadership and pledged to continue prioritizing development, peace, and security.
Silver Ngobola covered with banana fibre poses for a photo with his agents
Ngobola said his leadership journey began in 1987 when, at the age of 21, he was appointed LC1 chairperson during the administration of former President Milton Obote II.
At the time, he was a Senior Four student and served as secretary to the then LC1 chairperson, Jorem Mulegwe.
He said he assumed the position after Mulegwe was promoted to sub-county chairperson, creating a vacancy that he was appointed to fill.
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Five years after it opened with big plans of addressing the rising fertility challenges in the country, the Makerere University run bio-bank has not extended its services beyond storing sperms.
Prof Moses Joloba, the Molecular Biologist who heads the bank, told URN that while they had secured funding to sustain sperm banking, they are still unable to start storing eggs for females as they have failed to secure money to build the storage facility.
The bank based at Makerere University hospital opened in 2021 as a pilot but with plans then to expand it alongside the operationalization of organ transplant services at Mulago National Referral Hospital. However, while the transplant service opened in 2023, the bank has not made significant progress despite the big need occasioned by the rising challenges of infertility among both men and women in Uganda.
A study whose results were published in the Springer Medical Journal in April 2026 where researchers surveyed service delivery for infertility puts infertility prevalence in Uganda at 6.4 percent.
Results of this study conducted in 115 hospitals sampled from across the country found only a few hospitals could offer advanced infertility services despite demand.
Joloba agrees that the need for infertility services is big, citing the bank which is having an increasing number of orders for sperm donations.
Joloba says most of their clients are middle class women who prefer getting sperm from donors they can characterize but are not interested in amorous relationships.
While such advances in fertility are catching on, experts warn that a lot of ethical and social cultural questions about them remain unanswered.
In an earlier interview with URN, Prof Erisa Mwaka a Bio-ethist and lecturer of human anatomy said that research in bio banking is still lacking.
Mwaka who has conducted a study analysing ethical considerations for bio banking and sharing of genomic data said most of guiding evidence being used is of studies that have been conducted in other settings and not in Uganda.
Like him, Joloba says even as there is some bio banking taking place in the country, there are ethical questions that remain unanswered. For instance, he says not all donations succeed and that questions such as what happens in stances of multiple donations, the cultural and social implications have not yet been understood because they are still operating largely under research.
However, with advances in science, the researcher encourages people to in addition to storing sperms and other materials for future use, to store their DNA to avoid scenarios of exhuming dead bodies later when conflicts emerge.
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By the standards of any fast-growing African capital, Kampala is changing rapidly. Glass-fronted office buildings are replacing older structures, mixed-use developments are reshaping the city centre, and investors are betting on a future where business, hospitality and urban living exist side by side.
Few developments illustrate that transformation better than Kingdom Kampala. Since opening its doors, the complex has become one of the capital’s busiest destinations, drawing professionals, shoppers, diners and visitors into a vibrant environment where business and leisure meet under one roof.
Now, the Ruparelia Group is preparing to build on that success.
Its latest undertaking, Kingdom Kampala Phase Two, is poised to introduce a new landmark to the city through a 21-storey glass tower that will stand alongside the existing complex. Beyond adding another striking feature to Kampala’s skyline, the expansion reflects a broader ambition to create a world-class urban destination that rivals developments across the region.
One of the project’s standout features is a rooftop helipad, an uncommon addition within Uganda’s private commercial real estate sector. Designed with corporate executives, regional investors and international travellers in mind, the helipad reinforces the development’s aspiration to offer the convenience and connectivity associated with leading global business centres.
The vision for Phase Two extends well beyond office space.
Plans for the development combine premium Grade-A offices with a luxury hotel offering approximately 200 rooms and suites, serviced apartments, exclusive penthouses and additional retail outlets that will seamlessly integrate with the existing shopping mall. The result is an environment where business executives, residents and visitors can work, stay, shop, dine and unwind without leaving the premises.
Equally important is the emphasis on creating inviting public spaces. Landscaped rooftop gardens, green terraces and open podium areas are intended to provide a welcome escape from the pace of the city below, while pedestrian-friendly walkways will encourage interaction and accessibility throughout the development.
Rather than simply constructing another commercial tower, the project seeks to create an experience—one where architecture, lifestyle and functionality come together in a single destination.
Business tourism also features prominently in the design. Modern conference facilities, executive meeting spaces and hospitality amenities will enable the complex to host regional and international events. Complemented by executive lounges, fine dining restaurants and premium guest services, the integrated hotel is expected to strengthen Kampala’s position as a destination for conferences, investment forums and high-level corporate engagements.
The economic significance of the project stretches beyond its physical footprint.
During construction and once operational, Kingdom Kampala Phase Two is expected to generate hundreds of employment opportunities while attracting fresh investment into Kampala’s Central Business District. At a time when demand for high-quality commercial offices and premium hospitality facilities continues to rise, the development represents a strong endorsement of Uganda’s economic prospects and the city’s growing appeal to investors.
The expansion also reflects the broader evolution of Kampala itself. As the capital becomes increasingly connected to regional and global markets, demand is rising for developments that combine modern design with convenience, sustainability and accessibility. Kingdom Kampala Phase Two responds directly to that shift, offering a glimpse of the kind of integrated urban spaces that are becoming the hallmark of progressive cities worldwide.
For businessman Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia, the project adds another significant investment to a portfolio that has helped shape Kampala’s modern landscape over the years. For the city, however, its significance goes beyond a new skyscraper. It signals confidence in Uganda’s future, reinforces Kampala’s ambition to compete with leading regional capitals and demonstrates how visionary private investment can redefine the urban experience.
When completed, Kingdom Kampala Phase Two will be more than another addition to the skyline. It will stand as a symbol of a capital embracing growth, innovation and a future built on world-class business, hospitality and lifestyle infrastructure.
A murder suspect currently on remand has been elected Local Council I (LC1) chairperson of Corner Zone Village in Kawempe Division after defeating the incumbent in a closely contested election.
Gerald Sande polled 191 votes to unseat incumbent Mathius Mulumba, who received 160 votes.The contest attracted significant public interest, with Sande’s supporters displaying a large campaign billboard bearing his photograph as they lined up after voter verification.Sande is on remand facing murder charges arising from an alleged mob justice incident in which a man suspected of theft was killed.
He was initially arrested and arraigned before Nabweru Chief Magistrate’s Court, where he was granted bail.
However, the bail was later cancelled, leading to his re-arrest and remand.
Despite his detention, Sande contested the election and emerged victorious.Jane Nansamba, a resident of Corner Zone, told URN that Sande became known in the area for patrolling with a panga, claiming to protect residents from criminal gangs accused of attacking people with paving stones and stealing mobile phones.
She alleged that he sometimes took the law into his own hands and was involved in mob justice incidents in which two suspected thieves were killed, while others narrowly escaped.
Tony Muyunga defended Sande’s election, arguing that Mulumba had relocated from the village and was no longer actively involved in community affairs.
He also accused the outgoing chairperson of failing to address insecurity, saying residents had continued to suffer attacks by gangs that assaulted people with paving stones and robbed them.
Muyunga said Sande had played an active role in confronting suspected criminals and expressed hope that his election would improve security.
Corner Zone is one of three villages in Kazo-Angola Parish, Kawempe Division. The informal settlement is home to residents from different parts of the country.
Security was heavily deployed during the election, with police, Counter-Terrorism Police and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) on standby to respond to any incidents.
In neighbouring Katooke LC1, Steven Kaweesa won the chairperson’s race by just two votes.
Kaweesa, who previously attracted national attention after alleging on television that he had been asked to pay more than 100 million shillings to secure the National Unity Platform (NUP) ticket for the Nansana Municipality parliamentary race.
He later joined the National Resistance Movement (NRM). He defeated independent candidate Hajjat Hadijja Namulwana Dumba by 452 votes to 450.
The Government of Rwanda has formally approved the renunciation of Rwandan citizenship by Dr Lawrence Muganga, bringing to a close an issue that became the centre of controversy during his failed nomination as Uganda’s State Minister for Internal Affairs.
A notice published in the Rwanda Official Gazette on July 24, 2026 by the Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration said Dr Muganga had voluntarily renounced his Rwandan nationality.
“The person mentioned below has voluntarily renounced Rwandan nationality,” the notice stated, identifying him as “MUGANGA Lawrence, son of Kayonga Leonard and Mukamafizi Immaculate, born in Mukono, Uganda, on 14/02/1976.”
The publication completes Rwanda’s legal process of renunciation more than two years after Dr Muganga swore a statutory declaration in Kampala seeking to relinquish his Rwandan citizenship.
Dr Muganga stated in the declaration, sworn on May 17, 2024, that he acquired Rwandan citizenship after relocating there following his graduation from Makerere University. He said he obtained a Rwandan national identity card and passport because they were required for employment opportunities he sought at the time.
Dr Muganga further stated that after moving to Canada in 2009 for further studies, his Rwandan passport expired in 2014 and he subsequently returned both the passport and his national identity card to the Rwandan authorities.
“I am voluntarily renouncing my Rwandese citizenship and all my allegiance to the Republic of Rwanda and the Rwandese Government,” the declaration read in part, adding that he had already handed over his passport and national identity card.
The latest gazette notice confirms that Rwanda accepted and finalized the renunciation on July 24, 2026.
The development comes months after Dr Muganga publicly disputed claims that he held Rwandan citizenship during the controversy surrounding his nomination as Uganda’s State Minister for Internal Affairs.
Parliament’s Appointments Committee eventually rejected his nomination on grounds that he held multiple citizenships and had not provided documentary evidence that he had commenced the formal renunciation process when he appeared before the committee.
Following the rejection, the matter was referred back to President Museveni as the appointing authority. The President has since nominated Juma Witonze Kisekka to replace Dr Muganga as State Minister for Internal Affairs.
Dr Muganga is currently the Vice Chancellor of Victoria University in Kampala.
Rushenyi County MP Naome Kabasharira has thrown down the gauntlet to Ntungamo District leaders, warning them to stop endless political infighting and instead concentrate on delivering services that transform the lives of ordinary wananchi.
The outspoken legislator made the remarks on Monday while inspecting the construction of the long-awaited Omukabale Bridge, a multimillion-shilling project linking Ngoma Sub-county in Rushenyi County with Rwikiniro Sub-county in Ruhama County.
Accompanied by district councillors, local leaders and residents, Kabasharira toured the construction site to assess the progress of engineers and ensure the project remains on course.
The bridge, which has become one of her flagship infrastructure projects, is expected to end years of suffering for residents who have struggled to cross the area, especially during heavy rains.
Kabasharira reminded leaders that development can only be achieved through teamwork, not political wrangles.
MP Naome with some leaders and locals at the bridge
“We need to combine and work together. As a leader, you don’t work alone—you work with others. That is what I pray for in Ntungamo. There is no way the LC5 Chairperson can work alone, there is no way I can work alone, and there is no way councillors can work alone. We must work together for the development of Rushenyi and Ntungamo at large,” she said.
The MP revealed that she conceived the bridge project years ago and intensified efforts after returning to Parliament in 2021. She successfully lobbied the Ministry of Finance for Shs200 million, which was released to Ntungamo District specifically for the construction of the bridge.
Not stopping there, Kabasharira announced plans to lobby for another Shs200 million to complete the remaining works and improve the access roads connecting to the bridge, including Kashenyi Road and Rwikiniro Road.
According to the legislator, the improved roads will ensure the bridge delivers maximum economic benefits by easing the movement of people, farm produce and businesses between the two sub-counties.
Kabasharira with some leaders addressing the media at the bridge
Residents have for years pleaded for a permanent bridge after repeatedly enduring dangerous crossings, accusing previous leaders of neglecting the area.
Kabasharira said fulfilling that promise ranks among her proudest achievements in Parliament.
“It had always been my dream that when I was elected Member of Parliament for Rushenyi, I would construct this bridge. I am proud that this dream is becoming a reality. I also contributed to the temporary bridge before this one, and I am happy that during my term I have done something meaningful for the people of Ngoma and Ruhama. With cooperation from other district leaders, more roads and bridges will also be worked on,” she said.
Kabasharira with some leaders addressing the media at the bridge
As work progresses, locals hope the Omukabale Bridge will finally end decades of transport nightmares and open up trade and social services, while Kabasharira insists that unity—not political division—is the key to unlocking Ntungamo’s development.
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For years, Chozen Blood and Winnie Nwagi have insisted there was never anything romantic between them, despite endless speculation from fans.
Now, the “Sharp Shooter” singer has shared the closest he has come to explaining why the rumours never became reality.
Speaking during an interview with Galaxy TV, Chozen Blood admitted he found Nwagi physically attractive but made a conscious decision not to let those feelings grow into a relationship.
Honestly, I was sexually attracted to her. She is a very good-looking woman. The way she dances, her body, her melanin, and all that. But sometimes you may be attracted to someone, yet there are other good things you can do if you do not pursue a romantic relationship. Sometimes, putting romance first can kill the other good things you could have done.
His remarks offer a different perspective on a friendship that has attracted public attention since the pair released their hit collaboration, “Yitayo Ondabeko,” in 2020.
Their chemistry on and off stage kept fans guessing, with many convinced the two were more than friends.
Through it all, both artists repeatedly dismissed claims that they were dating.
Chozen Blood now says the attraction was real, but acting on it was never the priority.
Instead, he chose to protect a friendship and working relationship he believed had greater value than romance.
The singer says he transferred the money straight back, arguing that UPRS should first explain how it calculates royalties before asking musicians to accept the payouts.
Speaking on Galaxy TV, Chozen Blood insisted the debate is bigger than the amount he received.
We need UPRS, and UPRS needs us as well. Let us not talk about the money because what they gave me was very little. When I received it, I sent it straight back to their account. I told them that if they had not prepared themselves to sit down and discuss the money with stakeholders, they should stop distributing it and first explain the process so that we understand how it works.
For Chozen Blood, the payment did not reflect the years he has invested in building his career.
He says he has spent 15 years in the industry, produced more than 100 music videos, and financed every project without the backing of a record label or manager.
A musician like me, who has been singing for 15 years, receives UGX 60,000 through Mobile Money? Bro, that is like jinxing my business. I am sorry to say. I have more than 100 videos on YouTube, and none of them cost less than UGX 10 million to shoot. Imagine how much I have invested, yet I have no record label and no manager. You cannot bring me loose change.
Chozen Blood joins a growing list of artists who have challenged UPRS over its latest royalty distribution.
UPRS has maintained that the payouts were royalties for the 2025 financial year and were calculated using registered works, ownership splits, and documented music usage rather than an artist’s popularity or production costs.
Despite his criticism, Chozen Blood says he is looking for dialogue, not conflict.
I do not want to sound bitter because I raised my concerns with them, and they promised to rectify the issues.
He also rejected claims that musicians need UPRS more than the society needs them.
The other sad thing I see is that some people are trying to create the impression that musicians need UPRS more. Personally, I believe we need each other.
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