Kampala Metropolitan Police have arrested 65 suspects in a series of intelligence-led operations targeting panga-wielding robbery gangs and other criminal activities across Kampala and the surrounding metropolitan area.
The crackdown followed intelligence reports about a group of youths allegedly involved in violent robberies in Kikajjo Zone, Namasuba Parish, Makindye-Ssabagabo Municipality in Wakiso District.
According to Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Racheal Kawala, police received the information on 20 July 2026, prompting officers from Katwe Police Division to carry out a targeted operation in the area.
Thirteen suspects were arrested and identified as Bubegeye Yacob, Ssebyonjo Jokana, Mutenyo Kamad, Wamoya Andrew, Masaba Ben, Wandera Abu, Waniale Nathan, Mugobera Emma, Mafabi Ramadan, Nahabwe Innocent, Webyoya Ashiraf, Webisa Moris and Chagamu Seezi.
Police said Waniale Nathan and Mugobera Emma were found with three pangas and have since been charged with possession of dangerous weapons.
The other 11 suspects were charged with public nuisance as police continue investigating their alleged connection to the reported robberies.
Meanwhile, a separate series of coordinated intelligence-led operations was conducted in several crime-prone areas, including Mukono Central, Namumira, Ngandu Village, Bajjo, Ntinda, Nyenje, Seeta, Goma and Kakiri.
The operations led to the arrest of 52 additional suspects, who are being held in police custody as investigations continue ahead of their appearance in court.
Police said the operations are part of ongoing efforts to curb violent crime and enhance public safety in Kampala and neighbouring districts.
Kawala urged members of the public to continue sharing timely information with security agencies to help prevent and combat crime.
Wayne Rooney has slammed the first-ever FIFA World Cup final halftime show, saying he could not wait for it to end.
The former England captain shared his verdict while working as a BBC pundit during the 2026 FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
When presenter Gabby Logan asked the panel for their favorite part of the performance, Rooney did not hesitate.
I will be honest, mine was when it finished.
He later explained that although he enjoys the artists who performed, the show failed to impress him.
I like a lot of them artists, but I thought it was crap. It just did not get me going and I wanted the football to come back on. I like Burna Boy, I like Bieber, I like Shakira, but that was too flat.
The halftime show featured Justin Bieber, Shakira, Burna Boy, BTS, Madonna and Coldplay in the first Super Bowl-style performance at a FIFA World Cup final.
Rooney’s comments quickly went viral, with fans split over his criticism.
While some agreed the extended halftime interrupted the match, others praised FIFA for bringing a new entertainment element to football’s biggest stage.
Spain went on to beat Argentina 1-0 to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Ministry of Local Government has warned that public servants are not eligible to contest Local Council (LC) elections unless they have formally and lawfully vacated their public offices. In a press statement issued on Wednesday, Minister for Local Government Barugahara Balaam Ateenyi said the ministry had received reports that teachers, health workers, extension workers, administrative staff and other public officers were expressing interest in or participating in the ongoing Local Council I and II elections while still serving in public office.
The minister reminded all public officers, Electoral Commission officials, district election administrators, returning officers, local government leaders and the general public that public officers are required to remain politically neutral while performing their official duties. “Public Officers are required to maintain political neutrality in the discharge of their official duties and are prohibited from engaging in partisan political activities,” the statement reads.
According to the ministry, contesting for a political office under Uganda’s multiparty political system amounts to participation in partisan politics, which is incompatible with holding public office unless the officer has first resigned. The ministry cited Article 176 of the Constitution, which establishes local governments as units of government, noting that anyone serving in a local government is a public officer and is therefore governed by the Constitution, the Public Service Standing Orders, 2021, and other public service laws.
It also referred to Section 129(5) of the Local Governments Act, Cap. 138, which requires any public officer, government employee, local council employee or employee of a government-controlled body seeking election to a local council office to resign at least 30 days before nomination, in accordance with the terms of their employment. The ministry said the requirement is intended to preserve the impartiality, integrity and professionalism of the public service by preventing officers from engaging in partisan political activities while still in office.
“The Ministry urges all public officers to uphold the integrity, impartiality and professionalism of the Public Service. Public officers play a vital role in delivering essential services to the people of Uganda and must remain nonpartisan while in office,” the statement says. Balaam said the ministry would continue working with the Electoral Commission, the Ministry of Public Service, the Public Service Commission, District Service Commissions, Chief Administrative Officers and other relevant authorities to ensure full compliance with the law.
He also encouraged eligible voters to participate peacefully in the ongoing elections. “The Ministry further calls upon all eligible voters to turn up in large numbers, vote peacefully, and exercise their constitutional right to choose their leaders,” the statement concludes.
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A letter purportedly from Makerere University indicating that an academic’s application for promotion to the rank of Lecturer was rejected for failing to meet the institution’s biometric attendance threshold has sparked widespread debate on social media.
The letter, dated July 10, 2026, states that the applicant’s promotion request, submitted on January 7, 2025, was declined because they did not satisfy the university’s required biometric attendance threshold.
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“This is to notify you that your application for promotion to the rank of Lecturer dated 07th January 2025 was rejected for failure to meet the required Biometrics attendance threshold,” the letter reads.
The document is addressed to an academic in Makerere University’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering under the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT). It bears what appears to be the signature of the Chief Human Resource Officer, Deus Tayari Mujuni, and an official Human Resource stamp.
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The letter has since circulated widely online, prompting mixed reactions from the public. While some argued that staff should be held accountable to attendance policies like any other employees, others questioned whether biometric records should determine academic promotions, which have traditionally been based on teaching performance, research output, publications and community service.
The development comes just days after Makerere University announced sweeping digital reforms aimed at modernising its operations, including the rollout of electronic transcripts and certificates and the expansion of digital academic services.
The circulating letter has also renewed conversations about the university’s biometric attendance system, which was introduced to improve accountability among staff but has previously attracted criticism from some employees who argue that academic work often extends beyond physical presence on campus.
As of publication, Makerere University had not publicly commented on the authenticity of the circulating letter or clarified whether biometric attendance is now a formal criterion for academic promotions.
Campus Bee could not independently verify the authenticity of the document or the circumstances surrounding the reported promotion decision.
If confirmed, the case is likely to fuel further debate over how universities should balance staff accountability with the unique nature of academic work, where teaching, research, supervision and scholarly engagement frequently take place beyond the confines of an office.
Kaylee Hottle, best known for playing Jia in both MonsterVerse films, Godzilla vs. Kong and Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, has died at the age of 18.
The Frederick County Sheriff’s Office said Hottle was a passenger in a vehicle that left the road and struck a culvert in Ijamsville early Tuesday morning. Investigators believe excessive speed may have contributed to the crash.
Emergency crews airlifted Hottle to a trauma center, but she died before arriving. The 19-year-old driver suffered non-life-threatening injuries, while another passenger declined medical treatment.
Hottle made her acting debut in 2021’s Godzilla vs. Kong. She played Jia, a deaf orphan who forms a special bond with Kong through American Sign Language. The role introduced her to audiences around the world.
She returned as Jia in the 2024 sequel, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, where she once again earned praise for her performance. She also appeared in “Magnum P.I.” and became a strong voice for deaf representation in Hollywood.
News of Hottle’s death has prompted tributes from fans, fellow actors and members of the deaf community.
Although her career was just getting started, her performances left a lasting impression and inspired many young deaf performers.
Mesach Semakula has shared the names of two people he considers among his closest friends, saying they are often misunderstood by the public despite their true personalities.
Speaking during a YouTube podcast, the singer explained that genuine friendship does not require constant communication, noting that he and his close friends can go for months without speaking but still maintain a strong bond.
Semakula first mentioned songwriter and politician Sylver Kyagulanyi, describing him as one of the kindest people he knows.
According to the singer, many people misjudge Kyagulanyi because of his reserved nature and firm principles, often assuming he is arrogant or unfriendly.
However, Semakula insisted that those who have had the chance to know him personally understand that he is a loyal and dependable friend.
My actual friends, we can even take months without seeing each other, but I have two friends of mine that people barely understand. People think of them differently and the first one is Sylver Kyagulanyi.
He’s such a nice soul, but people don’t understand him because he’s principled and reserved. People think he’s not nice and shows off, but those who have gotten close to him know he’s a friend everyone would love to have.
Semakula also named media personality Dianah Nabatanzi as another close friend whose character he believes has been unfairly judged.
Semakula revealed that he initially reached out to Nabatanzi because they belong to the same Lugave clan and wanted to support her during a difficult period.
As they became closer, he realized that many of the claims people made about her were untrue. He described Nabatanzi as a free-spirited person and expressed deep appreciation for their friendship, saying he has grown to love and respect her for who she truly is.
When asked about the friends he adores most that the public barely understands, legend Omusiime @Mesach Semakula gives absolute flowers to Sylver Kyagulanyi and @Dianah Nabatanzi ! 👑 He breaks down their true character, heart, and the special side of them that the world never gets to see. You’ll respect them even more after hearing this! 🥺❤️ #dianahnabatanzi#friendship#appreciation#special @Omumbejja’s Petal Palace
Housing Finance Bank hosted more than 150 customers in Soroti on Friday, 17 July 2026, for an evening of engagement, reaffirming its commitment to listening to customers, strengthening relationships, and delivering financial solutions that respond to their evolving personal and business needs.
The customer engagement brought together customers, bank leadership, and city officials for meaningful conversations on the financial aspirations of individuals, entrepreneurs, and businesses in the Teso sub-region. The forum also provided an opportunity for customers to share their experiences and offer feedback on how the bank can continue enhancing its products and services.
Speaking during the event, the Bank’s Head Customer Experience, Carolyne Agudo, emphasized that customer feedback plays a vital role in shaping the bank’s service delivery.
“Our customers are at the heart of everything we do. Listening to their experiences enables us to continuously improve our products, enhance service delivery, and provide solutions that meet their changing financial needs. We remain committed to delivering a banking experience that is faster, more responsive, and more personalized,” she said.
Customers also received insights into some of the bank’s key financial solutions, including Swift Loans, Agricultural Production Loans, Mortgage Solutions, and Education Finance. These offerings are designed to support home ownership, business growth, agricultural productivity, and access to quality education, contributing to inclusive economic development across the region.
Housing Finance Bank officials engage with the customers and stakeholders at the recently concluded customer forum in Soroti
A key highlight of the engagement was a legal advisory session facilitated by the bank’s external legal counsel. Customers were taken through their rights, the legal requirements for various banking and business transactions, and participated in an interactive question-and-answer session. The discussion provided attendees with practical legal knowledge to help them make informed financial and business decisions, reflecting the bank’s commitment to empowering customers beyond providing financial solutions.
During the discussions, customers highlighted the need for faster loan processing, quicker response times, and more personalized financial solutions. Bank representatives welcomed the feedback and reiterated their commitment to continuously improving customer experience and service efficiency.
Housing Finance Bank’s Branch Distribution Manager, Philip Emunot, highlighted the bank’s unique position as Uganda’s only indigenous commercial bank, emphasizing the strong relationship it has built with its customers over the years.
“Our customers are at the heart of everything we do,” he said. “As a proudly 100% Ugandan-owned bank, we attribute our success to the confidence, trust, and enduring relationships we have built with the customers and communities we serve.”
The event also featured a customer appreciation ceremony, where loyal customers were recognized and rewarded in appreciation of their continued trust and partnership with the bank.
The engagement was graced by Soroti City Town Clerk Joseph Mwesigwa, Soroti City Mayor and Guest of Honour Francis Esudu Obwonyo, and Community Development Officer Osekenye Damalie, who represented customers. Their participation underscored the importance of collaboration between financial institutions and local leaders in advancing financial inclusion and community development.
The Soroti customer engagement forms part of Housing Finance Bank’s ongoing efforts to strengthen relationships with customers across the country through regular engagements that foster dialogue, gather feedback, and ensure the bank continues to develop solutions that meet the changing needs of the communities it serves.
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More than 200 filmmakers from across Africa have entered the 2026 iKON Film and Television Awards, giving this year’s edition its widest continental reach yet.
iKON Awards founder Humphrey Nabimanya announced the milestone during a press conference at the Reach A Hand Uganda offices in Lungujja, where he confirmed that organisers had officially closed submissions.
Entries came from East, West and Southern Africa, a development Nabimanya said shows the awards continue to grow beyond Uganda.
This is a clear indication that iKON has become a truly African platform.
The organisers also introduced East and Central Francophone Film categories, opening the competition to filmmakers from French-speaking African countries.
Nabimanya further announced that organisers had rescheduled the awards ceremony.
Instead of taking place on August 5, the event will now take place on December 12, 2026.
He said the new date will allow the organising team to build stronger partnerships, involve more African countries and deliver a bigger awards ceremony.
Lydia Jazmine has confirmed that she received Shs 1.4 million in royalties from the Uganda Performing Rights Society (UPRS), joining fellow artists Spice Diana and Weasel Manizo in speaking publicly about their payouts.
Speaking about the matter, Jazmine revealed that although she received the money, she chose not to share it publicly like some of her colleagues. Her confirmation comes after Spice Diana disclosed receiving the same amount, while Weasel Manizo said he was paid approximately Shs 250,000 in royalties.
Jazmine expressed disappointment with the amount, questioning whether it fairly reflected the years she has spent building her music career.
But that’s small money. You can’t tell me all those years I have worked for Shs 1.4m. I saw what others got, but I don’t know what’s wrong.
The singer further explained that UPRS contacted her after the payment had already been sent to her mobile money account.
Lydia Jazmine has revealed that she believes she has performed in nearly every corner of Uganda, estimating that she has covered about 80% of the country throughout her music career.
As she prepares for her upcoming concert, the singer reflected on the extensive tours that have helped her build a loyal fanbase across different regions.
Speaking during an interview on Galaxy TV, Jazmine said Uganda is too vast for any artist to claim they have performed everywhere.
However, she noted that whenever shows are organized, she and her team have made an effort to reach even some of the country’s most remote locations.
I don’t think there’s someone who has been everywhere. Uganda is too big. There are places that are so remote and don’t hold shows, but if they organize shows, we have been there.
Jazmine also singled out Northern Uganda as the region that has shown her the greatest support over the years. She explained that despite many fans there still learning Luganda, they have embraced her music wholeheartedly.
Jazmine added that Western Uganda has also been a strong pillar of support, while Central Uganda remains home, where fans see artists more frequently. She noted that Eastern Uganda is also steadily growing into an important market for her music.
It’s actually very interesting because most of those people are just learning Luganda, but for me, and I think for most artists, it’s Northern Uganda and Western Uganda. Central is home and they love us, but they know us and see us often.
Those people elsewhere only get to see you once or twice a year, and the way they receive us is unique. But now the East is also picking up.
