Blog

The Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE) has directed the Chairperson of the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC), Mariam Wangadya to appear before on Friday, 24 July 2026 after failing to attend a meeting examining the commission’s Auditor General’s report.

The committee members uncovered what they described as a breakdown in the institution’s leadership.

During the meeting chaired by Hon. Muwada Nkunyingi on Wednesday, 22 July 2026, officials from UHRC admitted that they not held a formal commission meeting since March 2026 despite the law requiring the body to oversee the institution’s work.

Nkunyingi questioned the acting Secretary and Accounting Officer, Kamadi Byonabye over governance and accountability at the commission, noting that although he assumed office after the retirement of the former accounting officer, Margaret Lucy Ejang, he remained responsible for accounting for public funds under Article 164 of the Constitution.

Kamadi revealed that he had personally informed Wangadya about the committee invitation and that she had indicated the Auditor General’s report concerned technical matters.
Nkunyingi warned that should she fail to attend the meeting; Parliament would invoke lawful measures including summons or warrants to compel her to attend.
“We are giving her and the commission a second chance; the matters to handle are very, very concerning,” he said.

Commissioner Simeo Nsubuga confirmed that the commissioners last met in March and acknowledged that no subsequent commission meetings had been convened.
“We are supposed to have a monthly commission meeting. The commission meeting is the top management decision-making body of the commission,” Nsubuga said before admitting that he had never formally written to remind the chairperson or fellow commissioners to convene another meeting.

The revelations prompted concern from committee members with Martin Muzaale (NRM, Buzaaya County) questioning how the commission had continued executing its constitutional mandate, including submitting reports to Parliament without meeting as a governing body.

Elgon North County Member of Parliament, Hon. Gerald Nangoli said the commission appeared dysfunctional, arguing that months without meetings meant Ugandans could no longer be certain the institution was operating effectively.
The committee also heard that the Commission’s tribunal system has effectively stalled because, under the Uganda Human Rights Act and the commission’s rules, only the chairperson can preside over tribunal proceedings.

Commissioner Shifrah Lukwago explained that without the chairperson, complaints requiring tribunal hearings cannot proceed.
The committee also examined delays in hearing human rights complaints.

The Director of Complaints, Investigations and Legal Services at UHRC, Pauline Nansamba disclosed that the commission last held tribunal sessions in December 2025 after exhausting the budget allocated for hearings.

Wangadya submitted a notice of resignation to President Yoweri Museveni on 06 July 2026.

However, the Attorney General has advised that her resignation will only take effect upon formal acceptance by the appointing authority, meaning she remains the substantive Chairperson of the Uganda Human Rights Commission.

Do you have a story in your community or an opinion to share with us: Email us at Submit an Article

A comprehensive review of the Uganda National Bureau of Standards Act is required to clearly define governance and operational roles at the Uganda National Bureau of Standards.

According to former Bwamba County Member of Parliament, Hon. Richard Gafabusa, the bureau has relegated its core mandate of enforcing quality standards for fair trade which has exposed the public to substandard products.
“The dysfunctional state of affairs at UNBS has resulted in the proliferation of poor quality and counterfeit goods, eroded investor confidence and frustrated industrialisation and the efficient enforcement of standards laws and regulations,” Gafabusa said.

Gafabusa who raised the same concerns while he served in the 11th Parliament made his submission while appearing before the Committee on Trade, Industry and Cooperatives chaired by Hon. Boniface Okot on Wednesday, 22 July 2026.

Gafabusa said that overlapping roles at UNBS between its National Standards Council and its management have created conflict, delays in decision-making and weakened accountability.

He also cited lengthy certification timeliness which have delayed market access by manufacturers and affected their business competitiveness.
“It is not a guarantee that if a manufacturer follows up their application after eight months or one year, that one inspection will lead to certification. The process can take over three years and this had made many SMEs give up or put their goods on the market without certification,” he said.

He called for strengthening of the Pre-Export Verification of Conformity to Standards (PVoC) programme through electronic certification, artificial intelligence and enhanced collaboration with Uganda Revenue Authority and border agencies.
“Because of inadequate personnel at UNBS, they decided to outsource this verification and signed contracts with companies to do it on their behalf. In countries like India, Japan and China,some of these are briefcase companies and do not exist,” Gafabusa added.

He also emphasised the need to strengthen regional laboratories and decentralise testing, certification and inspection services.
The Chairperson of Uganda Small Scale Industries Association, Peter Kasirye said that many small-scale manufacturers have paid identical certification fees for similar products in a single production line which has impacted negatively on investment.
“We have compliant manufacturers watching uncertified competitors undercut them on the same shelf because the cost of doing things the right way is not yet matched by consistent enforcement against those who are not properly certified,” Kasirye said.

Kasirye said transparency in fees and access to standards documents in local languages will go a long way in improving public confidence in the bureau.
“We further ask that government considers harmonising our standards with our regional neighbours, so that our manufacturers are not disadvantaged in the very markets we hope to conquer together as the East African Community,” he added.

Hon. Okot asked the representatives of the manufacturers to suggest affordable rates for the certification and standardisation process to be considered by UNBS.
“You indicated that these services are still costly. What proposals do you have for an amount, that when charged to SMEs, they will be able to thrive? We shall present these proposals when we interact with UNBS,” Okot said.

Pader District Woman MP, Hon. CD Lowila emphasised the need to address the staffing gaps at the bureau which she said can improve the turnaround time on processing certification applications for manufacturers.

Hon. Wilber Manyisa (NRM, Nakaseke North) called for equity by the bureau in processing requests from local manufacturers and foreign investors alike.

Do you have a story in your community or an opinion to share with us: Email us at Submit an Article

My first lesson in digital literacy happened when I was trying to apply for higher education abroad!

Much of the conversation today about the future of work focuses on artificial intelligence and digital transformation, underscoring the growing importance of digital skills. As I listen to these intriguing discussions, I think about the many rural young people whose realities remain far removed from this vision.

Reflecting on my own journey, growing up in a rural community a few years ago: digital skills were never part of my education. Access to computers was extremely limited, and internet connectivity was almost non-existent. Even by the time I completed secondary school, owning a smart phone was far beyond my reach.

My story is just one example of a much larger reality. For many learners from rural communities in Uganda, digital exclusion starts long before adulthood; it starts in school.

The Rural Digital Divide Begins in School

The primary reason rural learners complete school without basic digital competencies is simple: digital literacy is still treated as an afterthought within Uganda’s education system. As long as it remains optional, governments and school administrators will continue to deprioritise the infrastructure and resources needed to make it accessible.

The consequences are visible in schools across the country. Computer laboratories are either non-existent or woefully inadequate. Even where they exist, a single lab with a few dozen machines is expected to serve hundreds of students.

The numbers are sobering. A recent UNICEF digital readiness assessment of secondary schools, conducted in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, found that while approximately 80% of schools reported having a computer laboratory, the average ratio stood at just one digital device for every 63 students. Let that sink in: one device for an entire classroom of children.

Connectivity compounds the crisis. The same report revealed that 39% of secondary schools are completely off-grid, while 41% face unstable electricity. A separate study in rural northern Uganda found that over 17,500 primary schools remain offline, with most relying on hazardous lighting such as kerosene. And in many schools, even when infrastructure exists, the shortage of trained teachers trained to deliver digital education cripples any meaningful progress.

I came to understand the cost of this exclusion when I was offered an opportunity to apply for graduate studies at a university in Costa Rica. The application required basic digital competencies: typing, navigating websites, communicating via  email. These were skills my peers had acquired years earlier. For me, they represented an entirely unfamiliar language.

We cannot expect rural youth to seize digital opportunities if their first encounter with technology comes at university, in the workplace, or if they are lucky as entrepreneurs. The journey to building future-ready citizens must begin early, making digital literacy an integral part of learning from primary school onwards.

What if Digital Literacy Became a Core Subject?

Introducing digital literacy as a foundational subject at the primary school level would allow children from diverse demographics to develop confidence with technology from an early age. They would gradually learn age-appropriate skills such as basic computer operations, digital safety, typing and information literacy.

With a strong foundation already established in primary school, compulsory digital literacy throughout secondary education would then ensure that every learner is equipped with intermediate skills such as digital content creation, internet navigation, responsible use of technology and other competences.

Once digital literacy is made a core subject, it would even provide a stronger basis for the government’s sustained investment in digital infrastructure in schools, including training digitally competent teachers in using technology.

For me, the consequences of limited digital skills were continuous. I spent my first two semesters learning basic computer skills. While my peers completed coursework within hours, I often needed extra days to type and format the same assignments.

The effect extended beyond the classroom. During my first year at the university, many of my classmates applied for entrepreneurship funding opportunities online. Some secured funding to start their businesses that they continue to operate today. I, however, missed many of such opportunities because I lacked the digital skills to access, navigate and apply for them.

The government, development partners, educational institutions, and the private sector actors have a shared responsibility to ensure that rural youth acquire the digital skills they need.

A Shared Responsibility for Future-Ready Rural Youth

With the learners acquiring strong foundational digital literacy in primary and secondary schools, development partners and other ecosystem actors could then focus their investments on equipping youths with advanced digital skills.

Organisations such as the Mastercard Foundation, Outbox, Refactory Academy, Women in Technology Uganda, Enabel, and the World Bank are already equipping young people with advanced digital skills. But how many rural youths are fully able to take advantage of these opportunities when they begin with limited or no foundational digital literacy?

If rural youth are equipped with basic and intermediate digital skills while they are still at school, this would enable them to deepen their competencies in critical areas such as coding, artificial intelligence, digital entrepreneurship, e-marketing and other emerging technologies.

In my case, once I acquired the digital skills, I was able to apply for and secure an opportunity to pursue master’s studies in the United Kingdom. The same digital competencies allowed me to identify professional opportunities, submit applications online, and ultimately secure employment with an international organization.

A truly shared future for rural youth will begin with shared access to digital skills.

The real question is whether action will be taken quickly enough to ensure that every young person, regardless of their background, has an equal opportunity to participate in the digital future.

 

Do you have a story in your community or an opinion to share with us: Email us at Submit an Article

The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has passed out 62 soldiers who completed the Maritime Basic Induction Course at the Maritime Sustainment Base Ntokolo in Magamaga, Mayuge District.

Officiating at the ceremony, the Joint Staff Training and Doctrine, Brigadier General Wycliffe Keita, described the course as part of the UPDF’s deliberate strategy to strengthen security on Uganda’s water bodies and enhance the country’s national resilience.

Brig Gen Keita said the training forms part of the Chief of Defence Forces’ reinvigorated training agenda aimed at systematically building the professional competence, operational readiness, and combat effectiveness of every arm and service of the UPDF.

He noted that every member of the force must be equipped with the skills required to meet the demands of the contemporary and future battlespace.

Brig Gen Keita said that the Maritime Basic Induction Course marked another milestone in their professional careers and had equipped them with skills that would enhance their effectiveness in the field.

“Your success on this course portrays your unwavering loyalty and commitment to serving your country. The skills you have acquired are another milestone not only in your individual professional journey but also for the UPDF as an institution,” Brig Gen Keita said.

He added that the course reflects the joint nature of the UPDF and underscores the growing importance of marine capabilities across the force.

“Marine forces constitute a critical component of Uganda’s defence architecture. Your responsibilities go beyond safeguarding Uganda’s waters to securing vital national assets and infrastructure, while supporting joint land and air operations by facilitating mobility and enhancing our ability to respond rapidly to emerging security threats,” Brig Gen Keita said.

He reaffirmed the UPDF’s commitment to continued investment in marine capabilities, describing them as a national strategic imperative. He said the Maritime Sustainment Base Ntokolo will continue to be developed as a long-term logistics, transportation, and sustainment hub to strengthen the force’s operational resilience.

Representing the Commander of the 15 Marine Brigade, the Deputy Commander, Colonel Eliason Kugumisiriza, said the trainees were drawn from the Mountain Division, Chief of Defence Intelligence and Security, and the 15 Marine Brigade.

He explained that the course was designed to promote operational synergy across the different formations, noting that modern warfare requires integrated capabilities to address evolving security threats.

Col Kugumisiriza said the skills acquired would enhance the protection of Uganda’s water bodies and international borders. He urged them to safeguard their lives, reminding them that the UPDF had invested heavily in their training and expected them to remain healthy, strong, and mission-ready.

The Commandant of the Maritime Sustainment Base Ntokolo, Major Daniel Mwine Kaihura, said the course combined classroom instruction with intensive practical and field training, culminating in realistic operational exercises that tested the trainees under field conditions.

He thanked the UPDF leadership for its timely support, which ensured the successful conduct of the course.

Maj Kaihura congratulated the soldiers for their resilience and dedication, and urged them to uphold discipline throughout their military careers.

“The true measure of a soldier is not the course he has completed but the discipline he maintains, the lives he protects, and the honour with which he serves his country,” he said.

During the ceremony, Lt Keith Rwashande was recognised as the best overall student. Pte Mungulia Swaibu received the award for best swimmer, Pte Kiiza Paul was named the best in academics, while Pte Asiimwe Bridget emerged as the most disciplined student.

The ceremony was attended by the Deputy Commander of the Mountain Division, Col David Opero; the Commandant of the College of Logistics and Engineering, Col Chris Kyanku; the Deputy Commander of 14 Combat Engineering Brigade, Col Emmanuel Rubyakana; the Resident District Commissioner of Mayuge, Hajj Ramathan Walugembe; the LCV Chairperson of Mayuge District, Mr David Zijya; and other military and civilian leaders.

Do you have a story in your community or an opinion to share with us: Email us at Submit an Article

Equity Bank Uganda has handed over a new 67-seater Isuzu school bus to Busoga High School in Kamuli, providing the school with safer and more reliable transport for its learners.

The 2025-model bus was acquired through Equity Bank Uganda’s asset financing facility and is fitted with surveillance cameras to improve monitoring, accountability and safety during school journeys.

The handover comes amid growing concerns about the safety of schoolchildren travelling on Uganda’s roads. Several fatal crashes involving school vehicles in recent weeks have raised alarm and prompted the Ministry of Education and Sports to suspend school tours and trips as investigations into the incidents continue.

At the handover ceremony, the Chairperson of the School Board urged the bus driver to prioritise the safety of learners and maintain the highest standards of discipline and professionalism.

“A school bus carries the future of this nation. Drive carefully, obey traffic regulations and always remember that parents are entrusting you with their children,” he said.

The school also invited a priest to pray for and bless the new bus and its driver, seeking protection for learners and staff during their journeys.

The Kamuli Municipal Education Officer, who was the Guest of Honour, praised Equity Bank for supporting the education sector through initiatives beyond traditional banking services.

He said providing schools with modern and properly equipped buses could help address some of the risks faced by learners who walk long distances or use public transport to travel to and from school.

“The safety of our children on the road has been a major concern, especially with learners walking long distances along busy roads or relying on unregulated public transport. Having a dedicated school bus drastically reduces those road safety risks and gives parents peace of mind,” he said.

He urged schools to prioritise road safety by acquiring roadworthy vehicles, conducting regular maintenance, employing responsible drivers and ensuring strict compliance with traffic regulations.

Equity Bank Uganda representatives said the bank remains committed to helping schools improve their infrastructure and operations through flexible financing options.

Mwanje Tom, the bank’s Jinja Branch Manager, said the financial institution provides schools with a range of services, including asset financing for vehicles and equipment, development financing for projects such as dormitories, science laboratories and classrooms, as well as bridge financing to help institutions manage short-term cash flow needs.

He said reliable and modern transport is important to schools not only for academic and co-curricular activities but also for protecting learners and staff.

The new bus is expected to increase Busoga High School’s transport capacity while giving parents greater confidence in the safety of their children during school-related journeys.

The handover comes as schools face increased pressure to strengthen transport safety. Stakeholders at the event said protecting learners on the road requires joint efforts from schools, parents, drivers, financial institutions and government agencies.

Students, teachers and parents welcomed the new bus, describing it as an important investment in the school’s transport system and a timely step towards safer travel for learners.

Related

Victoria University Vice Chancellor Lawrence Muganga believes artificial intelligence (AI) could open up new opportunities for musicians instead of threatening their careers.

Speaking on Sanyuka TV, Muganga encouraged artists to embrace AI, arguing that it can help them reach more listeners and increase their earnings.

To support his argument, he pointed to Segmento‘s hit song “Ayibambe.”

The song’s AI reimagined remix, which features a distinct, pitch-shifted female lead voice, quickly gained traction on TikTok, prompting the gospel singer to officially release it on streaming platforms.

There is an artist who is about to hold a concert. He has a great song called Ayibambe. The lyrics are very good, but the AI version is excellent. I believe even the song’s owner listens to the AI version more.

Muganga said the remix proves that AI can complement an artist’s original work instead of replacing it.

He urged musicians to embrace the technology with the same determination they showed while calling for stronger copyright protections.

Musicians recently fought for and secured amendments to the Copyright Act. They should look at AI with the same passion because it can make them even richer than they are today.

He added that artists do not have to choose between original music and AI-generated versions.

In his view, both can exist side by side and create additional income.

You can record your original song and people will still come to watch you perform. At the same time, you can create an AI version and distribute it on different platforms, as long as you make it clear that it was created with AI.

Muganga believes listeners are more interested in enjoying good music than debating how it was made.

As listeners, we do not really care whether it is AI or not. We simply enjoy the music, and the more people enjoy it, the more the artist earns.

His comments come ahead of Segmento Live in Concert, which Segmento Official will stage on August 22, 2026, at the Lugogo Hockey Grounds.

“AI can make people rich, and I hope more people embrace it.”- Dr. Lawrence Muganga calls for greater AI adoption.#SanyukaUnCut #SanyukaUpdates #FfeBannoDdala pic.twitter.com/7FxdV8991p

— Sanyuka TV (@sanyukatv) July 22, 2026

ARAPAPA by Santa ANZO, the organisers of the Uganda International Fashion Week (UIFW) 2026, have announced new dates for the much-anticipated return of Uganda’s biggest fashion showcase.

After more than two decades of shaping Uganda’s fashion industry and spotlighting local talent for market access both locally and internationally, UIFW is expected to return with renewed momentum, reaffirming its position as one of Africa’s leading platforms for fashion, enterprise and creative industry development.

Founded in 2003, under ARAPAPA, by renowned fashion entrepreneur Santa Anzo, UIFW is more than a runway event. It is a platform that uses fashion to create economic opportunities by developing skills, promoting entrepreneurship, creating jobs and connecting designers, manufacturers and creatives to regional and global markets.

UIFW was initially scheduled to return from June 22^nd -27^th this year, but organisers paused preparations after the government announced that all events should be halted following an Ebola outbreak.

However, after careful consideration, and the government’s declaration that there are no more Ebola cases, the organisers announced that the week-long event will now take place from August 31^st to September 5^th, 2026.

The Grand Finale Gala will be hosted at the Kampala Serena Hotel, on September 5^th, 2026 while the Expo will be held at a yet to be disclosed venue.

ARAPAPA founder- Santa Anzo, emphasized that the revised dates will not affect the quality and scope of the planned activities. “The health and safety of fashion our clients, fans and partners had to come first. But all planned runway showcases, exhibitions, business forums, training programmes, networking sessions and partnership engagements will proceed as planned, or even better, because we have had more time to prepare,” she said.

With just five weeks to go until the long-awaited fashion week, Anzo said preparations are gathering momentum, with some of Uganda’s best designers lined up to showcase their work.

“The countdown is on. We are just five weeks away from the action. We have lined up some of Uganda’s best designers, who are ready and eager to create statement designs for the UIFW 2026,” she said.

Santa also re-echoed UIFW’s main objective and its commitment to an all-inclusive approach. “UIFW is about empowering communities through fashion, and this includes everyone; persons with disabilities, refugees, women, girls and youth. The specially crafted CREATE programme will run from August 31^st to September 2^nd and will be free of charge, providing creatives with an opportunity to showcase their products and services to potential buyers.” She spoke.

Tickets for the highly anticipated Grand Finale Gala, set for September 5^th, 2026, are now on sale. Guests can choose from front-row Platinum seats at UGX 250,000, second-row Gold seats at UGX 150,000, or third-row Silver seats at UGX 100,000. Tickets are available via MTN MoMo, either through the MoMo App or by dialing *165*20# on your mobile phone,” she added.

The UIFW 2026 will run under the theme “Fashion for Impact,” and aims to further position fashion as a driver of economic transformation, innovation and sustainable development.

UIFW will continue to empower women, girls, youth, refugees and persons with disabilities, through skills development, entrepreneurship, enterprise growth and improved access to markets across Africa’s expanding fashion value chain.

Registration for designers, exhibitors, partners, manufacturers, and other creatives interested in participating in this year’s edition is still available via the UIFW website- www.uifwglobal.com and https://fashionweek.uifwglobal.com/

Related

Investigative journalist and former NBS Television news anchor Solomon Serwanjja is seeking to become the LC1 chairperson of Bamutakudde Village in Ddundu Parish, Kyampisi Subcounty, Mukono District.

Serwanjja announced his bid through his verified X account, where he shared a campaign poster carrying the slogan “Obwerufu n’Ekulakulana”, which translates to “Transparency and Development.”

The upcoming LC1 elections are scheduled for Tuesday, 28 July 2026. Unlike other elections, voters will choose their preferred candidates by lining up behind them.

The LC1 chairperson is the head of the Local Council I, the lowest level of local government in Uganda. The position involves overseeing grassroots administration, helping resolve community disputes and supporting security and development initiatives at village level.

Serwanjja left NBS Television in 2021 after six years at the broadcaster. He is currently the Executive Director of the African Institute for Investigative Journalism.

Related

Slick Stuart has appealed to bar owners and promoters to review how they compensate resident DJs, saying the role comes with responsibilities that many people rarely see.

The DJ, who forms one half of Slick Stuart & Roja, shared the message on X after another DJ raised the issue, saying it was a challenge many people in the industry have experienced.

Looking back on his early career as a resident house DJ, Slick Stuart said the job involved much more than simply playing music.

Early in my career, I worked as a resident house DJ. People often think the job starts when the music starts, but it begins long before that.

He said resident DJs often arrive early to set up and test equipment, ensure every speaker is working properly, fix sound issues, support guest DJs throughout the night, and stay until closing to pack everything away.

According to Slick Stuart, those responsibilities rarely match the pay many resident DJs receive.

He urged bar owners and promoters to recognize the work resident DJs put in and compensate them accordingly.

This is a humble request to bar owners and promoters. Please take another look at how resident DJs are compensated. Their work keeps the night running smoothly, and they deserve to be paid fairly for the value they bring.