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President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni today hosted 33 Spanish student volunteers at State House, Entebbe, following the completion of their community outreach mission in Gomba District.

The students, who are undertaking their fourth annual volunteering mission to Uganda, spent several weeks supporting vulnerable communities through initiatives including the construction of school facilities, improving access to clean water, and visiting vulnerable households. Their outreach programme has been supported by President Museveni and the First Lady, Maama Janet Museveni.

Addressing the volunteers, President Museveni reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transforming Uganda from a pre-capitalist society into a modern money economy, where citizens produce not only for household consumption but also for commercial markets.

“The Government is working around the clock to transform Uganda from a pre-capitalist society to a money economy where people produce not only for the stomach but also for sale so that they earn money. As more people join the money economy, the country’s tax base will also increase,” President Museveni said.

He noted that Gomba District is steadily producing more commercial farmers, describing the trend as evidence that the government’s wealth creation programmes are yielding positive results.

Responding to a question on how Uganda has maintained stability despite conflicts in some neighbouring countries, President Museveni attributed the country’s peace to its guiding ideology of prioritising shared national interests over identity politics.

“We prioritise the politics of interest over the politics of identity. Patriotism means loving Uganda because you need it for your own prosperity. Pan-Africanism means loving Africa because our internal market alone is not enough for our development,” he said.

The President added that the same ideology has enabled Uganda to build strong national institutions, including a professional and inclusive security force.

“When we recruit into the army or the police, we do not ask about anybody’s tribe. What matters is whether you are a good soldier. Unity of Uganda and unity of Africa are our guiding principles,” he said.

Asked what advice he would offer young people, President Museveni urged them to embrace discipline, build stable families, avoid destructive behaviours, and maintain faith in God.

“As young people, avoid alcoholism, avoid womanising, get a family, be disciplined, and if you believe in God, it is an added advantage,” he advised.

The Director of Kelim Foundation, Dr. Harris Kirumira Kalule, whose organisation coordinates the programme locally, thanked President Museveni and the First Lady for their continued support to the volunteers throughout their stay in Gomba District.

He said the students had made a meaningful contribution to community development through projects aimed at improving education, water access, and the welfare of vulnerable households.

Speaking on behalf of the volunteers, Lady Carmen Sillero expressed gratitude to President Museveni for hosting the delegation and for the government’s support, particularly in providing transportation and security during their stay.

She said the assistance enabled the volunteers to reach schools and communities where they successfully carried out their outreach activities and expressed optimism that the partnership between the Spanish volunteers and Uganda would continue to grow in the years ahead.

 

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In a candid interview, Uganda’s richest man Sudhir Ruparelia has opened up about his tough early days as a refugee in London following Idi Amin’s 1972 expulsion of Asians from Uganda.

Ruparelia arrived in England on 5 November 1972 as one of the last to leave. Landing at 3 a.m. in freezing November weather with no sweater, he was taken to a refugee camp at the RAF Greenham Common base.

“We reached England at three o’clock in the morning in November. It was cold. I didn’t even have a sweater on,” he recalled.

Unwilling to stay long in the camp, the young Sudhir quickly took on multiple jobs to support himself. He worked three odd jobs during the day — filling supermarket shelves, handling tasks in a butchery, and occasionally working in a bakery — while also taking a night shift from Monday to Thursday.

Despite the demanding schedule, he attended school and completed his O-Levels and A-Levels.

“I didn’t want to stay in the camp. I had three jobs,” Ruparelia told CEO East Africa journalist Muhereza Kyamutetera in an exclusive interview.

Before the expulsion, Sudhir had never worked for a living. His family ran a busy canteen and shop in Kabatoro, Kasese town, where he helped pack bulk goods like sugar and flour. His father left in the first wave of the exodus, followed later by his mother, brother, and sisters. He stayed until the final day, departing with a Ugandan passport granted by birthright.

From those humble and difficult beginnings in cold London, Sudhir Ruparelia rose to build one of East Africa’s largest business empires spanning banking, real estate, education, hospitality, and telecommunications.

His story remains a powerful testament to resilience, hard work, and determination in the face of sudden exile. Sudhir remains the most dominant business face of Uganda’s services sector, with an inspirational story for generations to come.

—

Based on Sudhir Ruparelia’s recent interview.

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By Kasemire Christina Mulinde

Have you ever walked into a room and immediately started comparing yourself to everyone else?

Maybe it was someone’s confidence, body, grades, job, relationship, clothes, or lifestyle.

Comparison happens so quickly that we often do not even notice we are doing it. Before the conversation has even started, we have already decided that everyone else has something we do not.

The strange thing is that almost everyone feels this way at some point.

The confident-looking person might be battling self-doubt. The successful person may feel like they are falling behind. Even the happiest couple you know probably has difficult days.

Comparison does not show us the full picture. It only shows us what we can see.

Social media has amplified this feeling. We are constantly exposed to people’s best moments: graduation photos, engagement announcements, new cars, dream holidays, and career wins.

Rarely do we see the rejection emails, the sleepless nights, the financial struggles, or the moments when they questioned themselves.

It is easy to feel like everyone is moving forward while you are standing still.

But life is not a competition with a finish line. Everyone’s circumstances are different. Everyone starts from a different place, and everyone carries different struggles.

Feeling like you are not enough does not mean you actually are not enough. Sometimes it simply means you have spent too much time measuring your life using someone else’s ruler.

The goal is not to stop admiring other people. It is to stop believing that their success somehow takes away from yours.

There is room for more than one person to shine, succeed, and be happy.

Maybe you do not need to become someone else to feel worthy. Maybe you just need to stop forgetting everything you have already overcome.

If you only focus on where you are going, you will never appreciate how far you have already come.

Kampala, Uganda – 23rd July 2026 – Recognising the growing contribution of Chinese investors to Uganda’s economy, Centenary Bank has continued to enhance its suite of banking solutions to meet the unique needs of Chinese-owned businesses operating in the country.

Over the years, Centenary Bank has introduced several customer-focused solutions for the Chinese business community, including reduced account transaction charges, preferential pricing for telegraphic transfers (TTs), competitive foreign exchange rates through its Treasury team and a secure Corporate Internet Banking platform that enables businesses to transact efficiently from anywhere.

The Bank also offers dedicated relationship managers, guarantees, letters of credit, cash-in-transit services, import financing, competitive deposit rates and strategic financial support for businesses looking to expand through regional and international trade. In addition, the introduction of the Japanese Yen as one of the Bank’s trading currencies has provided greater flexibility for businesses engaged in international commerce.

These solutions have continued to earn the confidence of the Chinese business community, with the Bank welcoming several new Chinese business customers over the past year, reflecting growing trust in Centenary Bank as a financial partner for businesses operating in Uganda.

Speaking during the dinner, Executive Director Business, Joseph Kiwanuka Balikuddembe, acknowledged the significant role that Chinese businesses continue to play in Uganda’s economic transformation through investment, manufacturing, infrastructure development, trade and job creation.

“Chinese businesses continue to play a pivotal role in Uganda’s economic development. At Centenary Bank, we are proud to be your trusted financial partner, supporting your growth journey with solutions that enable you to focus on expanding your businesses while we take care of your banking needs,” Balikuddembe said.

The dinner provided an opportunity for the Bank and its Chinese clients to engage in meaningful dialogue on emerging business opportunities, understand evolving customer needs and identify new ways of strengthening collaboration to support sustainable business growth in Uganda and across international markets.

The Bank reaffirmed this commitment during its annual Chinese Clients’ Dinner held in Kampala, an engagement that brought together Chinese entrepreneurs, business leaders, representatives from various partners like Sino-Uganda Security Centre and Centenary Bank management to strengthen relationships and explore opportunities for continued collaboration.

China remains one of Uganda’s largest trading and investment partners, with Chinese enterprises playing an important role in infrastructure development, manufacturing, construction, energy and commerce. As trade and investment continue to expand, access to responsive and reliable banking services remains critical in enabling businesses to thrive across borders.

 

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Kampala, Thursday July 23, 2026 – Stanbic Bank Uganda has announced a UGX 200 million support package for the second edition of the Independence Marathon, a national run dedicated to raising awareness on maternal and newborn deaths and channeling proceeds towards strengthening select health centres to improve maternal care. 

This contribution underscores Stanbic’s long-standing commitment to advancing the health and wellbeing of mothers across Uganda.

Organized under the banner of “save a mother”, the Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, October 4, and proceeds will be directed towards strengthening maternal health services at Mengo Hospital. 

The initiative brings together the private sector, government, development partners and the public in a united effort to tackle one of Uganda’s most urgent health challenges: preventable maternal deaths.

Speaking during the launch hosted at Old Mutual Nakawa Business Park, Lois Kwikiriza, Senior Marketing Manager at Stanbic Bank Uganda said the support is part of activities to mark 35 years of driving Uganda’s socio-economic transformation.

“For three and a half decades, we have invested in people, businesses and communities because Uganda is Our Home and we are committed to driving her growth,” she said. 

“As the Independence Marathon evolves into a national movement, it offers a powerful platform to raise awareness and mobilise resources for safe motherhood — a priority area within Stanbic’s corporate social investment and positive impact agenda for women, youth, and farmers. We are proud to partner with the organisers to help protect mothers and strengthen maternal care across Uganda.”

Working with the Ministry of Health and the Corporate Society for Safe Motherhood, Stanbic and partners have supported more than 80 health facilities across Uganda with infrastructure upgrades, medical equipment and maternal health interventions. 

“Every mother deserves the opportunity to give birth safely,” Kwikiriza said.

Uganda records approximately 189 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births, with nearly 60 per cent linked to postpartum haemorrhage — a largely preventable condition with timely care, skilled personnel and adequate equipment.

Dr.Ruth Grace Kakoba, Technical Advisor Maternal Newborn Health for Ministry of Health, noted that safe motherhood means that a pregnancy should be attainable, safe and enjoyable.

“Safe motherhood has different pillars, one of which is communication for safe motherhood and community engagement through health care. It can not over emphasized. We must do anything to ensure mothers deliver safely.

She further urged women to go to hospitals for safe delivery to avoid bleeding. “When a woman starts bleeding, she has a loop of just ten minutes to save her life, so knowing that means it is not safe at all to give birth at home because she is at a high risk of losing her life.”

Dr. Ruth also appreciated the different partners like Stanbic Bank, Old Mutual, TMR International Hospital, Nivana and I-Marathon team for organizing a run to rally behind safe motherhood.

Antony Mutyabule, Business Transformation Manager at Old Mutual Uganda, said the company’s partnership reflects a shared commitment to healthier lifestyles and stronger families.

“Through our Thrive Digital Wellness platform, we are equipping Ugandans with practical tools to build healthier habits and stay motivated on their wellness journey. We are proud to support a cause that inspires positive lifestyle choices while saving mothers’ lives,” he said.

Stephen Beyanga, Hospital Administrator at TMR International Hospital, said that through the TMR Golden Living App, participants will be encouraged to continue their wellness journey, access online consultations, use the emergency button for rapid assistance, follow up on identified health risks, and remain engaged after the marathon.

“TMR International Hospital will support the event through medical personnel, emergency response services, health education and selected wellness screenings, including blood pressure, blood sugar, lipid profile, body mass index and heart rate assessments.”

He added that TMR is proud to continue its partnership with the Independence Marathon as the Medical Partner, using the event to promote safe motherhood, voluntary blood donation, wellness and the prevention of non-communicable diseases.

Speaking on behalf of the organisers, Robert Kabushenga said the Independence Marathon was conceived to create a world-class road race for Uganda while giving citizens a meaningful way to celebrate independence.

“This year’s marathon will offer an enhanced experience, with Mandela National Stadium serving as both the start and finish point, and the Northern Bypass providing a professionally managed and timed race route,” he said. 

“We are grateful to partners like Stanbic Bank, Old Mutual and TMR for believing in this vision and helping us build what we hope will become Uganda’s premier marathon.”

Last year’s inaugural marathon attracted thousands of runners nationwide and, together with proceeds from the Stanbic-sponsored Entebbe Match Play Series, contributed to improving healthcare services at Entebbe Regional Hospital.

Organisers are optimistic that this year’s expanded partnerships will mobilise even more Ugandans to run — not only for fitness, but to help save mothers’ lives.

 

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MBALE CITY, UGANDA — The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government, Mr. Ben Kumumanya, has intensified his institutional reform agenda aimed at strengthening accountability, professionalism, and transparency in Uganda’s local governments.

The latest move followed his directive for the immediate interdiction of four senior technical officers in Mbale City over allegations of gross negligence of duty, abuse of office, mismanagement of public resources, and possible financial impropriety.

The directive, issued on 22 July 2026, was addressed to Mbale City Town Clerk Mr. Assy Abirebe Tumwesigire, instructing him to implement the interdictions in accordance with the Public Service Standing Orders, 2021, to pave the way for independent investigations into the allegations.

The officers affected are Principal Civil Engineer Eng. Kasaata Edson, Principal Health Officer (Environmental Health) Mr. Wandera, Senior Civil Engineer Eng. Anthony Wanasolo, and Senior Physical Planner Mr. Fred Nambafu.

According to the Ministry of Local Government, the allegations are serious and require investigation by relevant government accountability institutions, including the State House Anti-Corruption Unit and other competent agencies.

In his communication, Mr. Kumumanya directed the Town Clerk to ensure immediate implementation of the interdiction process, emphasizing the need to safeguard the integrity of investigations, protect public resources, and uphold the public interest.

Yet beyond the administrative action in Mbale lies a broader governance question: Can Uganda’s local governments build systems strong enough to prevent corruption before it occurs, rather than responding only after public resources have already been lost?

Beyond Interdictions: A Wider Reform Agenda

The Mbale City action is more than a disciplinary measure against individual officers. It forms part of a broader institutional reform agenda aimed at strengthening Uganda’s decentralized governance system, where local governments remain the frontline institutions responsible for delivering services directly to citizens.

Uganda’s decentralization policy was designed to bring government closer to the people through districts, municipalities, and cities. However, weak supervision, misuse of public resources, delayed projects, poor accountability, and gaps in public administration have continued to undermine service delivery and erode public confidence in some institutions.

It is within this context that Mr. Kumumanya’s approach has focused on strengthening systems, enforcing standards, and promoting professionalism within local government structures.

The 2022 Recruitment Reforms

Mr. Kumumanya’s institutional reform drive did not begin with the Mbale interdictions. Since 2022, he has issued directives aimed at protecting the integrity of Uganda’s public service recruitment system, particularly by combating corruption in hiring processes.

One of the key reforms targeted the illegal practice of selling government jobs and recruiting individuals through unofficial channels.

The Permanent Secretary directed local governments and public institutions to ensure that government vacancies are openly advertised, recruitment processes follow established procedures, and appointments are based on merit and competence.

The reforms were intended to close corruption loopholes through which citizens seeking employment could be exploited by individuals demanding money in exchange for government positions.

Mr. Kumumanya warned that the sale of government jobs undermines public confidence, creates inequality, and weakens the professionalism required in public institutions.

The underlying principle was straightforward: a strong public service begins with a transparent recruitment system in which qualified Ugandans compete fairly.

From Prevention to Enforcement

Four years after the recruitment reforms, the focus has expanded from prevention to enforcement.

The interdiction of the four Mbale City technical officers represents another stage in the institutional reform journey—ensuring that public servants entrusted with government responsibilities uphold professional standards after entering public service.

Governance experts argue that sustainable reform requires both prevention and accountability. Transparent recruitment alone cannot guarantee effective service delivery without strong oversight mechanisms, while disciplinary action alone cannot solve institutional weaknesses without addressing the systems that enable misconduct.

The connection between the 2022 recruitment reforms and the 2026 Mbale action reflects a broader philosophy: strong institutions require fair entry systems, professional leadership, and consequences for failure.

Assy Abirebe at the Centre of Implementation

While the directive originated from the Ministry headquarters, responsibility for implementation now rests with Mbale City Town Clerk Mr. Assy Abirebe Tumwesigire, the head of the city’s technical administration.

He has been tasked with ensuring that the interdiction process complies with the law, investigations proceed without interference, and the rights of the affected officers are respected.

As the city’s chief technical officer, Mr. Assy Abirebe plays a critical role in translating national government reforms into practical action at the local level.

Analysts note that Town Clerks, City Clerks, and Chief Administrative Officers are central actors in Uganda’s decentralization system because they supervise technical teams responsible for planning, budgeting, infrastructure development, and service delivery.

The effectiveness of institutional reforms therefore depends largely on how successfully local government leaders implement national standards within their respective jurisdictions.

Why Accountability Matters to Citizens

For ordinary Ugandans, corruption is not merely a governance concept discussed in official reports. It is often experienced through unfinished roads, delayed health projects, poor sanitation, stalled classrooms, and public services that fail to reach communities.

Every shilling lost through negligence, misuse, or mismanagement represents a lost opportunity for citizens waiting for better healthcare, education, infrastructure, and livelihoods.

Analysts argue that major government programmes—including the Parish Development Model (PDM), infrastructure projects, health investments, and education reforms—can only achieve meaningful results when the institutions responsible for implementation are transparent and accountable.

Development requires not only financial resources but also strong systems and responsible leadership.

A Signal Across Local Governments

The directive was copied to several key oversight institutions, including the Minister of Local Government, Minister of State for Local Government, Inspector General of Government, Head of Public Service and Secretary to Cabinet, State House Anti-Corruption Unit, Resident City Commissioner, and Mayor of Mbale City.

The involvement of multiple accountability institutions underscores the seriousness attached to strengthening oversight mechanisms within local governments.

However, governance experts emphasize that interdiction is an administrative measure and does not constitute a finding of guilt. The affected officers remain entitled to due process as investigations continue.

Nonetheless, the action sends a strong signal across Uganda’s local government structures that accountability and professionalism remain central pillars of public service.

The Bigger Test for Decentralisation

As Uganda continues implementing multi-billion-shilling development programmes, the success of decentralization will depend not only on government budgets but also on the strength of the institutions entrusted with managing public resources.

The Mbale City case therefore represents a broader conversation about the future of public administration in Uganda: Can local governments build systems that prevent corruption, reward professionalism, and protect taxpayers’ money?

For Mr. Kumumanya, institutional reform is about building systems in which accountability becomes a culture rather than a reaction.

For Mr. Assy Abirebe Tumwesigire, the challenge is ensuring that national reforms are translated into effective administration at the city level.

And for Ugandan citizens, the expectation remains simple: public resources must deliver public value.

From stopping the sale of government jobs in 2022 to enforcing accountability in Mbale City in 2026, the message emerging from the Ministry of Local Government is clear: public trust must be protected, and when citizens’ resources are at stake, there are no sacred cows.

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New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has given Uganda’s legendary Goodlyfe Crew a major shoutout after revealing that Radio & Weasel are among the artists currently on his playlist.

Speaking during an interview on the Rolling Stone podcast, Mamdani said he has recently been listening to a lot of Ugandan music and singled out the celebrated duo, recalling the impact they had on the country’s music scene.

Right now, I have been listening to a lot of Radio & Weasel, who are a duo from Uganda who were running the charts for a long, long time. One of them sadly passed away.

His remarks quickly caught the attention of Ugandan music fans, many of whom welcomed the unexpected recognition for one of the country’s most influential music groups.

Formed by the late Mowzey Radio and Weasel Manizo, Goodlyfe Crew became one of Uganda’s biggest musical acts with a catalogue of hits that helped shape the country’s contemporary music scene.

Songs such as Nakudata, Bread and Butter, Ability and Lwaki Onumya remain fan favorites years after their release.

Mowzey Radio died in 2018, bringing an end to one of Uganda’s most successful musical partnerships.

Despite his passing, the duo’s music continues to enjoy widespread popularity across Uganda and beyond.

Mamdani’s acknowledgment on an international platform highlights the lasting appeal of Goodlyfe Crew’s music and introduces the duo to an even wider audience.