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Amaranta Hank has begun her first term as a Colombian senator after taking the oath of office with the country’s newly elected lawmakers.

The former journalist and adult film star secured a seat in the Senate through the Historic Pact coalition, which won enough seats in the March congressional elections to send her to Congress.

Rather than distancing herself from her past, Hank has embraced it, saying her experiences shaped her understanding of discrimination and social inequality.

She has urged people to judge her by the work she does in office instead of the career she left behind.

Her legislative priorities include expanding legal protections for adult-content creators, improving access to mental health services and strengthening policies aimed at preventing sexual abuse.

Hank’s arrival in the Senate has attracted attention both inside Colombia and abroad, where many continue to follow her unusual path into politics.

A reported fight inside a New Jersey federal prison has placed Sean “Diddy” Combs back in the headlines.

According to multiple reports, the music mogul got into an altercation with another inmate at FCI Fort Dix after the inmate allegedly directed a remark at him. Officers intervened before the situation escalated further.

Sources told several outlets that prison officials later moved Combs into solitary confinement, although the Federal Bureau of Prisons has not confirmed that claim.

Instead, prison officials declined to discuss the incident, citing policies that protect information about inmates in federal custody.

Combs entered Fort Dix after his 2025 trial ended with convictions on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution.

The court acquitted him of sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy charges. He is serving a 50-month sentence.

His legal team has not publicly responded to the reports.

Ambassador Nekesa leads movement to win NRM party LC1 elections

By Brian Mugenyi

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BUKEDI SUB-REGION, UGANDA — The name Barbara Nekesa Oundo needs no introduction in Bukedi Sub region and National Resistance Movement party.

As approximately 45 million Ugandans prepare to participate in grassroots elections, National Resistance Movement (NRM) National Treasurer Ambassador Barbara Nekesa Oundo has rallied NRM leaders and supporters in Bukedi Sub-region to strengthen village structures by electing leaders committed to accountability, transparency and service to communities in the forthcoming Local Council I (LC I) elections.

The elections represent one of Uganda’s widest democratic exercises, with the Electoral Commission preparing for LC I leadership elections across 71,214 villages, covering 10,717 parishes and 2,191 sub-counties, towns and municipal divisions. The Commission’s voter statistics indicate that Uganda has 21,681,491 registered voters for the 2025/2026 electoral cycle.

Nekesa’s mobilisation message comes ahead of the Women Council and LC I elections, where communities will choose leaders at the village level. As the NRM National Treasurer, she has encouraged NRM leaders and supporters across Bukedi to actively participate in the elections and elect leaders who understand their responsibilities, promote accountability and remain committed to serving citizens.

Nekesa said strong village leadership is critical because LC I chairpersons remain the closest link between citizens and government programmes, public services and local administration.

During mobilisation engagements in Bukedi, Ambassador Nekesa appreciated residents for participating in the 2026 General Election and supporting President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the NRM National Chairman.

She urged citizens to participate in the Women Council elections on July 23 and the LC I elections on July 28, saying grassroots elections provide communities with an opportunity to choose leaders who understand their challenges and are committed to serving them.

“I thank all the leaders and people of Bukedi for voting for President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. As we prepare for the forthcoming elections, I urge you to choose leaders who are committed, transparent and devoted to serving their communities,” Nekesa said.

She said effective village leaders should listen to citizens, promote accountability and work closely with communities to ensure government initiatives reach intended beneficiaries.

Electoral Commission: The Village Vote at the Heart of Democracy

Electoral Commission Chairperson Mr. Simon Byabakama Mugenyi has emphasised the importance of citizen participation in LC I elections, describing grassroots leadership as a foundation of Uganda’s democratic system.

The Electoral Commission conducted verification of residents and compilation of Village LC I Registers in all 71,214 villages across Uganda, preparing communities for the election of village leaders.

Byabakama has encouraged Ugandans to actively participate in grassroots elections, noting that village leadership structures allow citizens to choose representatives who directly understand and respond to community concerns.

He has emphasised that democracy is strengthened when citizens participate in selecting leaders at every level of governance.

Ben Kumumanya: LC I Elections Strengthen Decentralisation

The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government, Mr. Ben Kumumanya, has emphasised the importance of voting LC I chairpersons, saying grassroots leadership strengthens decentralisation by bringing government closer to ordinary citizens.

Kumumanya explained that decentralisation enables communities to participate in decision-making processes and ensures that the government remains responsive to the needs of citizens.

“Decentralisation is about bringing government closer to the people and ensuring citizens participate in decisions that affect their lives,” Kumumanya emphasised.

He said Uganda’s decentralisation system is rooted in the 1995 Constitution, which provides for the transfer of functions, powers and responsibilities from central government to local government units.

Article 176 of the Constitution provides principles of decentralisation, including empowering local governments and promoting democratic participation in decision-making.

The First Face of Government

For many Ugandan households, the LC I chairperson is often the first leader residents approach when they need information, guidance or assistance regarding government programmes.

Mr. Moses Mangeni, Busia District Communication Officer, said LC I leaders remain a vital bridge between communities and government institutions.

“When my child falls sick or when we need information about government programmes, the first person we look for is our LC I chairperson,” said Mr. Moses Mangeni, Busia District Communication Officer.

Mangeni explained that village leaders help communities communicate challenges, access information and understand government initiatives.

Mr. Mangeni a resident from Busia said effective LC I leadership has transformed how communities engage government authorities.

“For years, residents of [village name] struggled to access information about government programmes until their LC I chairperson helped connect them with local authorities,” said he said.

The role of grassroots leadership is also reflected in infrastructure development, where village leaders help communities communicate priorities to technical officers.

According to Mr. Musa Musanya Busia District Roads Engineer, cooperation between LC I leaders, residents and technical teams helps identify road challenges and improve connectivity.

“I am grateful that we got 1 billion under the Roads Grant to rehabilitate roads from the government but such accountability needs LC 1 chairman leaders and follow up to develop the area,” he said during a recent interview with the writer.

Bukedi’s Leadership Moment

For the Bukedi Sub-region, the forthcoming elections represent an opportunity for citizens to determine the quality of leadership that will shape their daily interaction with the government.

From communicating citizens’ concerns to supporting development initiatives, LC I leaders remain central to Uganda’s governance framework.

As Uganda continues strengthening decentralisation, the village vote represents more than an election; it is a decision by millions of citizens on who will carry their voices to government.

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By Brian Mugenyi

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KITOORO, ENTEBBE | WATCHDOG UGANDA — Before the rise of Kitooro Market, many small-scale traders in Entebbe faced the daily struggle of finding reliable spaces to conduct business, attract customers, and secure their livelihoods.

Today, a very different story is being written.

Thousands of vendors have applauded President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the Central Government for establishing Kitooro Market, describing it as a landmark investment that has transformed a basic trading space into a bustling economic hub where ordinary Ugandans are building sustainable enterprises, generating income, and supporting their families.

For these traders, Kitooro Market is far more than a collection of stalls—it is a launchpad where technical skills are converted into business opportunities, where micro-enterprises grow, and where strategic public investment meets the raw ambition of citizens.

“This market is a major blessing for us because it gives us a secure place to operate, make money, and earn a living. We deeply appreciate President Museveni for prioritizing ordinary traders,” said one vendor.

The success story of Kitooro Market answers a fundamental economic development question: how public infrastructure can serve as a true foundation for grassroots economic empowerment.

A Market Built to Transform Local Commerce

According to Ms. Christine Damalie Nazziwa, the Kitooro Market Master and Deputy Town Clerk, the modern facility was officially opened in 2020 following its construction under the government’s Markets and Agricultural Trade Improvement Programme (MATIP).

Nazziwa explained that the infrastructure was specifically designed to provide vendors with an organized, modern, and safe environment tailored for multi-sectoral commercial activities. Today, the facility accommodates general merchandise shops, weekly butcher services, fresh fish stalls, live poultry sections, and dedicated food-roasting areas.

"We opened Kitooro Market in 2020, and since then we have continuously created opportunities for local traders... The story of Kitooro Market is inspiring because it is a expansive, multi-story market with well-structured spaces. We remain grateful to President Museveni for championing this establishment."
— Christine Damalie Nazziwa, Market Master & Deputy Town Clerk

The facility is equipped with modern operational and security infrastructure, including built-in CCTV surveillance cameras and centralized public address systems for seamless management communication.

On the financial front, Nazziwa revealed that Kitooro Market generates between Shs 25 million and Shs 35 million in monthly revenue. While some clients face occasional payment delays, management actively engages vendors to boost compliance and ensure smooth operational cash flow.

Looking ahead, management plans to introduce additional roasting operational days and establish an on-site daycare facility to cater to traders with young children.

During a recent Entebbe Municipality induction held at Penile Beach, Entebbe, Town Clerk Mr. Emmanuel Gakyaalo alongside local leadership briefed the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Ben Kumumanya, highlighting the market as an outstanding government intervention enabling both locals and regional traders to conduct business effectively.

Grassroots Stories: Hope, Enterprise, and Growth

1. Eddy: Turning Craft into Capital

On the first floor of the market, Mr. Eddy sits behind his sewing machines, turning fabric into tailored solutions. Specializing in clothing design, embroidery, and knitting, Eddy produces a wide range of garments, including school uniforms and custom orders.

“This project has given us a clean, organized environment to work comfortably,” Eddy shares. “The rent is reasonable, allowing us to stay afloat, serve customers, and feed our families. However, if we could get support to acquire 10 to 50 additional industrial machines, we could expand production significantly and train dozens of unemployed youth in practical skills.”

2. Vera: Expanding Retail Reach

At Shop Number 8201, Ms. Ainomugisha Vera runs a thriving perfume shop. She notes that the clean and professional layout of the modern market has boosted consumer confidence and foot traffic.

“We thank the government for giving us a dignified place to trade,” Vera says. “We would warmly welcome a visit from President Museveni so we can express our gratitude in person and show him the direct impact of this investment.”

3. Jonathan: Stability in the Poultry Sector

For poultry vendor Mr. Mwanje Jonathan, Kitooro Market provided the physical stability his enterprise desperately needed. Selling chickens priced between Shs 20,000 and Shs 40,000 depending on size, Jonathan has built a steady clientele.

“Having a dependable space means my business can grow consistently, ensuring a reliable income to care for my household,” he notes.

4. Fatuma: Dignity for Small Vendors

Ms. Fatuma Nangendo, a charcoal vendor, previously operated along informal street sides in the Kitooro-Entebbe area. Moving into the structured market completely changed her daily operations.

“President Museveni’s vision for this market saved small traders like me. It gave us security, dignity, and a clean environment to sustain our livelihoods,” Nangendo says.

An Engine of Empowerment

Ultimately, Kitooro Market is a testament to human resilience and smart urban planning. It is seen in Eddy’s humming sewing machines, Vera’s retail counters, Jonathan’s poultry trade, and Fatuma’s charcoal enterprise.

More than just bricks and mortar, Kitooro Market has become a beacon of economic mobility in Entebbe—where ordinary citizens are turning physical spaces into viable enterprises, enterprise into steady income, and income into brighter futures.

The appointment of Prof. Juma Waiswa Balunywa to the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Central Executive Committee by His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is more than a political decision; it is the continuation of a historical relationship built on loyalty, service, sacrifice and shared ideals.

The story traces its roots to the early years of Uganda’s political awakening, when President Museveni developed close ties with several influential families in Busoga, among them the families of Balunywa, the late Rt. Hon. Kirunda Kivejinja and the late Salim Wandira. These relationships were forged not for political convenience but through trust, friendship, and a common belief in a better Uganda.

The late Kirunda Kivejinja, one of Uganda’s foremost revolutionaries and intellectuals, believed strongly in ideological clarity, patriotism, and building leaders who would place national interest above personal ambition. *In his book, Uganda: The Crisis of Confidence,* he argued that Uganda’s greatest challenge was not the lack of resources but the lack of confidence in leadership, institutions, and national purpose. The solution, he believed, lay in nurturing principled, disciplined, and visionary leaders.

Prof. Balunywa’s life and career reflect many of these ideals. As an accomplished academic, institution builder and mentor, he transformed Makerere University Business School into one of the region’s leading business institutions while shaping thousands of leaders, entrepreneurs and professionals. Throughout his public service journey, President Museveni consistently demonstrated confidence in his leadership and integrity, standing by him during both triumphs and trials.

His appointment to the CEC therefore resonates deeply with history. It honours a legacy of loyalty and service that spans generations, recognises the contribution of families and individuals who stood with the Movement through difficult times, and affirms the NRM’s tradition of remembering those who have contributed to Uganda’s transformation.

The people of Busoga are grateful to President Museveni for once again demonstrating that dedication, consistency, and commitment to national service do not go unnoticed. By bringing Prof. Balunywa into the highest organ of the Movement, the President has enriched the CEC with experience, intellectual depth, and a proven record of institution building.
As leaders and stakeholders, this is a moment to rally behind Prof. Balunywa and work with him in unity and cohesion for the good of Busoga, the NRM, and Uganda. His appointment is not merely a personal achievement; it is a bridge between history and the future, and a reminder that in the NRM, loyalty, service and sacrifice are remembered.

Congratulations, Prof. Juma Waiswa Balunywa, upon this well-deserved appointment. And to President Museveni, thank you for continuing to honour history, reward loyalty and strengthen the Movement with leaders of experience, character and vision.

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By Thomas Odongo

The American Football Federation of Uganda (AFFU) is set to host the latest Africa Zone Series exhibition from November 25 to November 27 in Kampala, Uganda.

The Africa Zone Series began in 2018 with a cross-border trip for the Ugandan squad back in 2018 to play Kenya in Nairobi. Since then, the two teams, who operate as de facto national teams, have met twice more in an attempt to grow the sport in each of their respective countries.

This year, the exhibition will take place over three days and will feature two newcomers to the series, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Zimbabwe.

The President of the AFFA, Steven George Okeng, commented on this year’s Africa Zone Series:

As an organization we shall always look out for activities that amplify our development and also create opportunities for the talented football players in Uganda. We believe that this series will let the world know that Uganda, and Africa as a whole, has the talent that needs to be out there in the professional leagues in Europe, Asia, and America.

It gives us much pride to be hosting this year’s Africa Zone Series and our players are ready to give a show for football lovers across the country since the event shall be broadcasted live on TV. This is a great milestone and we only pray for the best when the day comes.

Football festivities will kick off on Friday with all four countries’ athletes participating in a pro-style combine in collaboration with All 22, an American global scouting network.

The second day, or media day, is intended to increase the visibility of the sport with a team march from the city center to the stadium where the games will take place. Various outreach activities will also be set up so that visitors and their families can interact with the sport.

The third and final day will consist of two games beginning at 3 pm local time. The first of the two will see DRC play Zimbabwe in a flag-football format as the two nations are new to the sport.

The main event will begin shortly after with Uganda taking on Kenya. With the last contest between the two endings 18-18 in Nairobi, each squad will be looking to assert itself as the premier team in East Africa.

About Post Author

Much has been written about gender and the involvement of women in politics, and convention upon convention has been drafted to address gender inequalities. But hitherto, in Africa, it has all been much ado about nothing. In Uganda, and indeed many other countries, local government elections are open for all to vote and be voted into office, but the political superstructure militates against the free participation of women in these elections. 

Although authorities have a mandate to make decisions about how public resources will be spent on a broad range of local services, gender inequalities surround us in most of our daily activities. Women, who are the majority and, indeed, the major consumers of local authority policies, remain relatively underrepresented in decision-making bodies and their concomitant processes. 

Moreover, the upper echelons of political power have remained a remarkably resilient bastion of male exclusivity, and efforts undertaken to redress this gender imbalance have been superficial. My argument juxtaposes these superficial efforts with the Uganda Women’s District Councils Capacity Building Programme, which uses a holistic approach to institutional development but ultimately failed to address unequal gender relations in national councils. 

From a gender perspective, local government is the level of administration closest and most accessible to women, particularly since it traditionally provides services utilized by individual households, such as water, schools, health centers, roads and other social services. It is a sad reality that most Uganda’s women remain marginalized and continue to face discrimination at all levels, as a harsh political climate militates against efforts to incorporate them into decision-making through the ballot box. 

Therefore, holding reserved seats or participating in localized administrative bodies does not automatically translate into tangible influence over macro-level budgets or national economic strategies. Moreover, grassroots women’s councils often face severe funding shortages and lack technical training in complex public finance, accounting, and national development planning. Therefore, reliance on isolated affirmative action slots can inadvertently relegate women to a parallel political track, leaving mainstream, high-level economic policymaking tables male-dominated.

To that end, true economic transformation requires moving beyond symbolic grassroots representation to ensure women hold substantive, decision-making power in national economic planning, resource allocation, and fiscal policy. Women’s council elections should act as a vital grassroots platform to drive socioeconomic transformation, economic empowerment, and poverty reduction. Aligning local leadership with national frameworks ensures that elected committees actively facilitate community development.

Achieving this requires moving women from general deliberative seats into core executive committees and chairperson roles where budgets and administrative agendas are finalized. Finally, transitioning council discussions away from sidelined, traditionally “feminine” sectors like social welfare, and instead integrating them into mainstream economic planning, infrastructure development, and land rights is paramount.

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Drs. Nixon Kitimoi and Fixon Akonya Okonye have secured an additional UGX 5.2 billion to advance the next phase of a residential estate in Kampala through their family-owned multi-sector company, Pal and Lisa. The project is expected to deliver 45 single-family homes, designed to meet the needs of a broad range of tenants.

The fresh funding gives the estate a stronger push at a time when demand for quality housing in Kampala remains high. As the city continues to grow, tenants are increasingly looking for homes that combine good design, practical layouts, and long-term value. The proposed development aims to respond to that demand by offering a range of unit types suitable for individuals, couples, young professionals, and families.

Through Pal and Lisa, the two doctors are positioning the project as part of a broader residential real estate strategy that reflects both market demand and the need for organized urban housing. The estate’s planned mix of smaller and larger homes is intended to appeal to different tenant segments. In a market where housing preferences are becoming more diverse, that flexibility is an important advantage.

The project’s scale is also expanding beyond the new 45-unit addition. With this phase included, the overall estate will now rise to more than 100 residential units, pushing its estimated value to around UGX 115 billion. That figure highlights the growing ambition behind Drs. Kitimoi and Okonye.

This kind of expansion reflects the rising importance of private sector participation in addressing Uganda’s housing needs. Kampala continues to face pressure from rapid urbanization, population growth, and a shortage of well-planned homes. Developments that introduce more units into the market, especially those offering different housing sizes, can help ease some of that pressure while giving tenants more choices.

For Pal and Lisa, the latest capital injection will improve the pace and certainty of project delivery. In real estate, additional funding often makes it easier to keep construction moving, support contractors, and maintain quality standards from one phase to the next. That kind of stability is especially important in residential projects where delays can affect both costs and stakeholder confidence.

The development also reflects a wider trend in Kampala toward estate-style housing that blends variety with planning. Rather than offering only one type of unit, the project is designed to meet several housing needs within the same community. Studio units may appeal to first-time tenants and smaller households, while larger homes are likely to attract families seeking more space and privacy.

As the estate grows, its value proposition becomes clearer: a well-funded, multi-phase residential project backed by a family-owned company with broad business interests. That combination gives the development both commercial credibility and a long-term outlook. It also signals confidence in Kampala’s property market, which continues to draw investment despite broader economic pressures.

If delivered as planned, the project will add meaningful housing stock to the city while strengthening Pal and Lisa’s presence in the real estate sector. With more than 100 units now envisioned and an estimated value of UGX 115 billion, the estate stands out not just for its size, but for its role in shaping the next phase of Kampala’s residential growth.

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The Managing Director of Uganda Railways Corporation (URC), Benon Kajuna, has recorded a statement with Parliament Police after failing to present documentary evidence showing efforts to recover 394 railway wagons that went missing during the Rift Valley Railways (RVR) concession.

Kajuna and other URC officials appeared before Parliament’s Committee on Physical Infrastructure on Thursday, 23 July 2026, chaired by Hon. Mwine Mpaka, to respond to concerns raised in the Auditor General’s report on the corporation’s operations, including missing railway wagons, safety concerns and infrastructure challenges.

The hearing turned tense after committee members demanded accountability for the disappearance of the wagons and questioned why URC had not provided sufficient evidence of attempts to trace or recover them.

Hon. Berunado Ssebbugga-Kimeze (NRM, Buyende County) faulted the corporation for failing to dispose of obsolete assets, arguing that the delay had denied URC an estimated Shs4.8 billion in revenue from dilapidated assets located in Uganda and Tanzania.

He also expressed concern over weak internal controls that led to the disappearance of 113 Uganda Railways wagons and 281 Kenya Railways wagons.

«”A wagon is a big thing, bigger than a bus. How can something bigger than a bus just disappear? Not one, not two, but 113. And as if that is not enough, we lost 281 wagons belonging to Kenya Railways. This puts Uganda into disrepute and could cause us a diplomatic problem,” Ssebbugga-Kimeze said.»

Hon. William Tiyo (NRM, Ayivu Division East) questioned whether the missing wagons could have been illegally disposed of as scrap metal and challenged URC to explain how it expected to become profitable when railway operations remained limited.

He warned that continued poor performance could compel Parliament to consider restructuring the corporation.

In response, Kajuna explained that railway wagons move freely between Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania under a tripartite agreement governing the movement of rolling stock across the three countries.

He said Ugandan wagons are permitted to remain in Kenya for up to 14 days, while Kenyan wagons may stay in Uganda for seven days before penalties apply. Under the agreement, any wagon that remains away for more than 90 days is officially classified as lost.

URC Principal Mechanical Engineer Geoffrey Sekamatte told the committee that of the 394 missing wagons, 113 belonged to Uganda Railways while 281 belonged to Kenya Railways.

He attributed the problem to the period when Rift Valley Railways migrated from a manual wagon management system to a digital platform known as Translogic.

According to Sekamatte, wagons that could not immediately be traced during the migration were transferred into a “virtual station” at Nyahururu in central Kenya, after which they became difficult to track.

Hon. Nathan Byanyima (NRM, Bukanga North County) questioned why URC had not advised government earlier, particularly after Kenya exited the RVR concession before Uganda.

Kajuna maintained that the tripartite agreement requires the railway authority responsible for a wagon that remains missing beyond 90 days to compensate the owner based on the replacement cost of a new wagon.

Hon. Samuel Opio (NRM, Kole North County) demanded a comprehensive inventory of all URC wagons, including their locations across Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania, saying Parliament required verifiable records showing every wagon’s movement through operational and border documentation.

The committee subsequently directed URC officials to submit documentary evidence demonstrating the steps taken to recover the missing wagons.

Committee Chairperson Hon. Mwine Mpaka warned that failure to produce the required documentation would attract immediate action against the responsible officials.

«”Documented evidence of steps you have taken to recover these wagons. Failure to do so, those who have introduced themselves, the Head of Security, the Engineer and the Executive Director, we are going to arrest you immediately,” Mpaka warned.»

The committee temporarily suspended the meeting to allow URC officials time to retrieve the required documents. However, when they failed to produce the evidence, Kajuna was required to record a statement with Parliament Police regarding the missing wagons.

Beyond the missing rolling stock, URC also briefed the committee on measures to improve railway safety, proposing the installation of automated boom barriers, warning signals and other protective infrastructure at major railway crossings to reduce accidents.

The corporation further highlighted severe financial constraints, reporting a cumulative funding deficit of Shs250.5 billion, locomotive availability of only 40 to 50 percent, and an annual financing gap of Shs89 billion needed for rehabilitation works, acquisition of rolling stock and operational requirements.

URC also appealed to Parliament to support the release of Shs99 billion in outstanding counterpart funding for the Resettlement Action Plan under the African Development Bank-funded Kampala–Malaba Metre Gauge Railway Rehabilitation Project.

The Committee on Physical Infrastructure is expected to review the corporation’s submissions before presenting its recommendations to Parliament.

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