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Public conversations around mental health continue to grow, and more entertainers have started speaking openly about emotional well-being.

Ray G has now added his voice to the conversation, sharing how he deals with negative thoughts and why he believes people should not allow them to take over their lives.

Speaking on NBS After 5, the singer said he is not sure whether he has ever experienced depression, but he has learned that dwelling on negative thoughts only gives them more power.

I do not know if I have ever been depressed. But when you give negative thoughts attention, they consume you.

He also encouraged people not to take everything personally, saying the mind can often make situations feel much bigger than they really are.

A thought is just a thought, and a feeling is just a feeling. If someone says something about you, they have simply said it. Do not carry it around with you because your mind can make it bigger than it really is.

With those remarks, Ray G joins a growing list of public figures, including media personality Douglas Lwanga and singers Rema Namakula and Geosteady, who have recently used their platforms to inspire hope and encourage open conversations about mental health.

JINJA — The Minister for the Presidency, Hon. Babirye Milly Babalanda, yesterday officiated at the funeral of Mzee Erizephan Ndimukika in Buwagi, Budondo, Jinja District.

Mzee Ndimukika was the father of the former Archbishop of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Uganda, Pastor Dr. Moses Ndimukika Maka. Delivering condolences on behalf of government, Hon. Babalanda conveyed greetings from H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the First Lady Mama Janet Kataha Museveni, and the entire Office of the President.

“I commiserated with the bereaved family for the passing of the late and also expressed gratitude to the Almighty God for the life well lived — a life of service, wisdom, and love that touched so many,” she said.

The Minister paid tribute to Mzee Ndimukika’s legacy of hard work and diligence. She noted that the late was recognized as one of the model farmers in Jinja District and was at one time visited by H.E. the President in his home.“I urged the public to emulate him by working hard using the available resources and government programmes like Emyooga, Operation Wealth Creation (OWC), the Parish Development Model (PDM), and the 4-acre model concept to fight poverty,” she said.

Hon. Babalanda used the occasion to make a strong appeal against corruption, describing it as a vice that undermines national development.“Corruption steals from our schools, our hospitals, our roads, and the future of our children. It robs the poor, slows development, and undermines the values of hard work and integrity we stand for as a nation,” she said.
She called on citizens to “say no to corruption in your office and in your community. Let us report it, refuse it, and reject those who practise it.”

The Minister added that government has put systems in place — PDM, Emyooga, OWC, and e-services — “to take services closer to you without middlemen. Use them and demand accountability.”

“Together, with unity and vigilance, we can build a Uganda that is self-reliant, prosperous, and free from corruption,” she concluded.

Hon. Babalanda prayed that “the Almighty grant his soul eternal peace and comfort the family during this difficult time.”

The funeral was attended by family members, SDA church leaders, government officials, and residents of Budondo.

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Jinja, Uganda:  More than 30,000 low-income women entrepreneurs across Busoga sub-region, are set to gain access to affordable financing, business development support and digital financial services under a landmark partnership between the Busoga Kingdom, the Gates Foundation and Stanbic Uganda Holdings Limited (SUHL).

Launched at the headquarters of the Busoga Kingdom in Bugembe, the Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE) Programme aims to tackle one of the greatest challenges faced by women-owned nano and micro enterprises: limited access to affordable credit and business support.

The initiative combines financing with entrepreneurship training, financial literacy, digital skills, mentorship, insurance, savings solutions and market linkages to help women build sustainable businesses and improve household incomes.

The partnership brings together the community mobilisation influence of the Busoga Kingdom, the global expertise of the Gates Foundation in advancing financial inclusion, and Stanbic’s financial services and enterprise development capabilities through Stanbic Bank Uganda and the Stanbic Business Incubator Limited (SBIL).

Representing His Majesty William Wilberforce Gabula Nadiope IV, the Kyabazinga of Busoga, the Katukiro (Prime Minister) of Busoga Kingdom, Dr. Joseph Muvawala, said empowering women entrepreneurs is essential to achieving Uganda’s social and economic transformation.

“When you empower a woman economically, you uplift an entire family and strengthen the community. Many women work tirelessly to support their households yet continue to face barriers in accessing finance and business opportunities.”

“This partnership gives them the tools, knowledge and confidence to build sustainable enterprises and improve their livelihoods. We commend the Gates Foundation and Stanbic for joining hands with the Busoga Kingdom to transform lives through economic empowerment,” the Kyabazinga said in a message delivered by Dr. Muvawala.

Dr. Muvawala added that the programme complements government efforts to improve livelihoods by combining affordable financing with practical business development support.

“Access to capital alone is not enough. Entrepreneurs also need skills, mentorship and market opportunities to build resilient businesses. This partnership addresses those needs in an integrated way, creating lasting economic opportunities for women and their families.”

Women own and operate thousands of Uganda’s micro and small enterprises, particularly within the informal economy, yet many remain excluded from formal financial systems because of limited collateral, low financial literacy and insufficient access to products designed around their needs. The new programme seeks to close that gap by providing an integrated pathway from financial inclusion to enterprise growth.

Speaking on behalf of Stanbic Bank Uganda, Stephen Segujja, Head of the Economic Enterprise Restart Fund (EERF), said the initiative reflects Stanbic’s purpose of driving Uganda’s growth by expanding economic opportunities for underserved communities.

“At Stanbic, we believe economic inclusion is one of the most powerful drivers of sustainable development. Through this partnership, women entrepreneurs will gain access not only to affordable financing, but also to the business skills, digital capabilities and market connections they need to grow resilient enterprises. We are investing in businesses that will create jobs, strengthen communities and contribute to Uganda’s long-term prosperity.”

Segujja said the programme builds on Stanbic’s extensive experience supporting enterprise development. Through the Economic Enterprise Restart Fund, the Bank initially mobilised USD 40 million in partnerships and extended more than UGX370 billion in financing to over 8,000 SACCOs. In addition, its Stanbic For Her programme has supported more than 10,000 women entrepreneurs with over UGX200 billion in financing, complemented by financial literacy, governance support, bookkeeping and market access initiatives.

He added that the Women’s Economic Empowerment Programme contributes to Stanbic’s broader Positive Impact Agenda, under which the Bank has committed to mobilise up to UGX 1 trillion through strategic partnerships supporting women, youth and farmers.

Speaking on behalf of Stanbic Business Incubator Limited, Chief Executive Catherine Poran said enterprise development will be central to the programme’s long-term success.

“Access to finance creates opportunity, but enterprise development sustains it. Our role is to equip women entrepreneurs with practical business skills, financial management capabilities, digital literacy and mentorship so they can build businesses that create jobs, increase household incomes and contribute meaningfully to Uganda’s economy.”

One of the beneficiaries, Safinah Namukose, a trader from Buwenge, welcomed the initiative, describing it as a timely intervention for women striving to grow their businesses.

“Many women have the determination to succeed but lack affordable financing and the skills to expand their businesses. This programme gives us hope that more women will be able to improve their incomes, support their families and create opportunities for others.”

As Stanbic Bank Uganda marks 35 years of driving Uganda’s socio-economic transformation, the partnership demonstrates the growing role of collaborative public-private initiatives in expanding financial inclusion and unlocking the economic potential of women entrepreneurs. 

The partners believe the programme can serve as a scalable model for accelerating women’s enterprise development and inclusive economic growth across Uganda.

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• Revolutionary Card has world-class technology designed to Transform Customer Experience and Enhance Financial Freedom

Stanbic Bank Uganda has officially launched the Infinite Card, its latest innovation aimed at their affluent clientele, who will benefit from the advantages of unparalleled financial flexibility.

The card was recently unveiled during an exclusive high profile fine dining experience at the Kampala Serena Hotel.  Arthur Kiwanuka, the Head of Affluent Banking, said the Infinite Card aims to revolutionize the way customers interact with their finances.

Features include no annual fees, global acceptance, and enhanced rewards programs.  Kiwanuka said, “Today marks a significant milestone for us. Our Infinite Card embodies our commitment to innovation and customer-centric banking, extending the world of limitless possibilities because at Stanbic, it’s not just banking!”

Kiwanuka said card holders can now easily manage their finances through a dedicated mobile app that allows for real-time tracking of expenses and customized spending insights. The tool not only simplifies their banking experience, but also empowers them to effortlessly achieve their financial goals.

Salim Kitagenda, the Bank Head of Products said as the banking landscape continues to evolve, the Stanbic Bank remains at the forefront of innovation.

“We want our clients to know that banking should be a source of empowerment, not just a transactional relationship and with the Infinite Card, we are inviting our customers to explore the limitless possibilities that come with effective financial management,” he said.

Other features of the card include Unlimited Cash back. Customers earn cash back on every purchase, with higher rates for transactions in specific categories such as travel, dining, and online shopping.

Cardholders can access airport lounges, travel insurance, and discounts on hotel bookings, making it the perfect companion for frequent travelers. Through its Flexible Payment Options, card users are offered various repayment plans, allowing them to choose what best fits their financial situation.

These features are designed to enhance the customer experience, offering convenience and value in an increasingly fast-paced world.

Sam Mwogeza, the Stanbic Bank Executive Director reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment in driving Uganda’s growth by providing products perfectly tailored to customers’ needs.

“We want to thank you for believing in us; not just at a personal level, but as financial partner for your families and businesses. We want to elevate the role that we play in your financial journey and enable you enhance your lifestyle and create a strong legacy so that your empires can live from generation to generation,” Mwogeza said.

Officials said with Stanbic Bank’s focus on innovation, customer satisfaction, and financial empowerment, Uganda’s biggest bank is poised to redefine banking experiences and set new standards in the industry. The Infinite Card represents a bold step toward a future where banking is not just a service, but a pathway to achieving dreams and aspirations.

Mwogeza said Stanbic Bank is led by its purpose; ‘Uganda is our home we drive her growth’.He said, “Some people say of grass being greener everywhere, but at Stanbic we say that the grass is only greener where you water it. So we are committed to water Uganda, water communities at the same time water our customers in what’s important to them. A true measurement of our impact is how on how well you strengthen our communities. That’s why we are dedicated to help our customers have a better life, but also so that the next generation has a better start than the previous one.”

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Eight people died and nine others were injured in a crush during an evangelical gathering in Burundi’s largest city, Bujumbura.

Saturday’s tragic incident happened at a school where prominent Burundian preacher Chris Ndikumana was appearing at the event attended by thousands of people.

Eyewitnesses and the police said a wall at the exit gate collapsed as worshippers jostled to leave the venue as the preaching ended late at night, with some being trampled in the crush.

Neither Ndikumana nor the event organisers have publicly commented on the incident.

“There were so many people and everyone wanted to leave at the same time,” a teacher told the AFP news agency.

“It was late at night,” the teacher from the Senior Technical School of Kamenge, the venue of the gathering, added.

In a statement, police said King Khaled Hospital in Bujumbura recorded six deaths – five females and a male – with four others being treated there. Two other deaths were recorded at a military hospital, where five patients were treated.

The police said two people showed physical injuries, with the rest having no signs of trauma, suggesting suffocation as being the main cause of death and injuries.

Ndikumana, whose YouTube channel has more than a million subscribers, leads the Kanguka (Wake up) ministry and often attracts huge crowds for his services in several African countries.

Some of his followers believe he can cure diseases through prayers.

Crushes during religious events are not uncommon on the continent. At least 20 people died in 2020 in neighbouring Tanzania during an outdoor religious service as attendees rushed forward to be anointed with blessed oil.

In 2022, 31 people died in Nigeria’s southern city of Port Harcourt where a church was handing out food to the poor, some of whom had waited there overnight.

The same year, at least 29 people, including 11 children, were killed in a crush in Liberia after thieves targeted worshippers leaving a large evangelical gathering.

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Makerere University has launched electronic academic transcripts and certificates, allowing graduates to access their credentials online and enabling employers and other authorized parties to verify them digitally, in what the institution says is a major step toward modernizing academic service delivery.

The new system is part of a broader digital transformation that also includes expanded online learning and a shift to competency-based education beginning in the 2026/2027 academic year.  Academic Registrar Prof. Mukadasi Buyinza said the e-transcripts and e-certificates will spare graduates the inconvenience of repeatedly returning to the university to obtain certified academic documents.

“The new e-transcripts and certificates will enable graduates to access their academic documents electronically while allowing employers and other third parties to verify their authenticity online with the graduate’s permission,” Buyinza said. He said the initiative will improve the security, credibility and accessibility of Makerere’s academic records while streamlining verification services for graduates, employers and institutions.

Beyond digital certification, Buyinza revealed that Makerere has fully institutionalized blended learning, combining face-to-face and online instruction across its academic programmes. The university is also developing fully online degree programmes that will allow students anywhere in the world to study remotely and earn Makerere University qualifications.

According to Buyinza, the digital initiatives are part of the university’s commitment to adopting smarter and more efficient ways of delivering education while widening access to higher learning. He added that beginning with the 2026/2027 academic year, Makerere will roll out revised curricula aligned with the government’s directive to shift from theory-based instruction to Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET).The curriculum review is intended to equip graduates with practical, industry-relevant skills that improve employability and better respond to labour market demands. Meanwhile, Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe dismissed claims that the university is suffering from a shortage of lecturers, saying Makerere remains one of the best-staffed universities on the continent.

Addressing journalists during an update on the university’s 2025–2030 Strategic Plan, Nawangwe said Makerere currently has about 32,000 enrolled students and approximately 1,400 teaching staff, including 1,100 lecturers with doctoral qualifications. According to Nawangwe, this gives the university a lecturer-to-student ratio of 1:21, well above the international benchmark of one lecturer for every 35 students.

He said the high number of PhD holders has strengthened Makerere’s research culture, enabling both staff and students to perform strongly in international research and academic competitions. Nawangwe also rejected allegations that the university has frozen recruitment and promotions.

“The university continues to make significant strides in building a robust and motivated workforce through strategic recruitment, appointments and promotions,” he said. He noted that over the past year, the University’s Appointments Board approved numerous appointments to academic leadership positions, including deans and heads of departments, while also recruiting academic, administrative and support staff to fill critical vacancies.

Although retirements and natural staff attrition continue to create vacancies, Nawangwe said the university is committed to replacing departing staff and attracting top talent as part of implementing its strategic plan.

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UGANDA — Finding a house to rent, buying land, or securing a verified property agent in Uganda just got a massive digital upgrade. Aweit Technologies, a Ugandan tech startup has officially launched Filatom, the country’s first artificial intelligence-powered digital Real Estate platform now available on the Google Play Store, and coming soon on Apple Store.

The locally developed App has come to fix the chaos, fragmentation, and lack of transparency that have plagued Uganda’s Real Estate Industry for decades hence eroding away customer trust. For years, Ugandans looking for property have relied on informal brokers, unverified WhatsApp groups, or tedious physical searches.

Filatom changes the game by bringing property buyers, sellers, registered agents, landlords, and service providers into one single, organized digital ecosystem.

“Filatom represents the growing innovation coming out of Uganda’s tech ecosystem,” says the Co-founder & Lead App Developer Wandera Emmanuel Were. “We built this to solve a real Ugandan problem using modern technology. It makes property search faster, smarter, and more transparent for everyone involved.”

The platform utilizes artificial intelligence to match users with their ideal properties based on specific preferences, budgets, and behaviors. This eliminates the traditional guesswork and saves users valuable time and money.

Key Features of the Filatom App

1. a) All-in-One Ecosystem: Connects buyers, sellers, landlords, vetted agents, and other key Real Estate service providers in one place.

1. b) AI-Powered Search: Uses smart algorithms to deliver highly accurate, personalized property recommendations.

1. c) Enhanced Transparency: Reduces fraud by creating a structured space where users can verify listings and connect with genuine providers.

1. d) User-Friendly Interface: Tailored specifically for the Ugandan market, making navigation simple for tech-savvy youth and older property owners alike.

Beyond Real Estate, Filatom stands as a beacon of inspiration for local tech entrepreneurs and innovators. It proves that Ugandan developers have the capacity to build world-class tech solutions that address local market gaps.

As the real estate sector continues to grow alongside Uganda’s urban population, digital transformation is no longer a luxury—it is a necessity. Filatom is leading that charge, ensuring that the future of property acquisition and management in Uganda is digital, secure, and accessible to all.

The Filatom app is now available for download on the Google Play Store.

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By Michael Jjingo.

True, every company dreams of building a high-performing team. Annual reports celebrate teamwork, mission statements praise collaboration, and leaders routinely declare that “our people are our greatest asset.” Yet if every organisation values teamwork, why do only a handful consistently outperform their competitors? Why do some teams repeatedly achieve extraordinary results while others, despite possessing talented individuals, struggle to fulfil their potential?

The answer lies in a simple but profound truth: exceptional organisations are rarely built by exceptional individuals alone. They are built by exceptional teams. Talent may win admiration, but teamwork wins championships. As the familiar idiom reminds us, “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.”The greatest competitive advantage in today’s economy is not merely having brilliant people; it is creating an environment where brilliant people think, collaborate and execute brilliantly together.

Peter Drucker observed that, “The leaders who work most effectively never say ‘I’. They think ‘we’; they think ‘team’.” This mindset distinguishes outstanding organisations from average ones. Super teams understand that individual brilliance is valuable only when it contributes to collective success. Personal achievement is celebrated, but never at the expense of organisational purpose. Ego gives way to shared ambition.

This philosophy explains why many teams composed of highly intelligent professionals underperform. Expertise alone does not guarantee excellence. Without trust, communication and alignment, talent often pulls in different directions. Patrick Lencioni, in The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, identifies trust as the foundation upon which every successful team is built. He writes, “Teamwork begins by building trust.” Trust allows people to disagree honestly, admit mistakes openly and challenge ideas without fear of damaging relationships. In its absence, collaboration becomes superficial and innovation quietly disappears.

Equally important is clarity of purpose. Simon Sinek wrote in Start With Why, “People don’t buy what you do; they buy why you do it.” The same principle applies internally. Great teams understand not only what they are expected to achieve but why their work matters. Shared purpose transforms ordinary tasks into meaningful contributions. It creates emotional commitment that extends far beyond contractual obligation.

Discipline is another distinguishing feature. Jim Collins, in Good to Great, observed, “Greatness is not a function of circumstance. Greatness, it turns out, is largely a matter of conscious choice and discipline.” High-performing teams are remarkably consistent. They execute the fundamentals exceptionally well. They prepare thoroughly, communicate clearly, follow through on commitments and continuously refine their performance. Excellence is never accidental. It is the cumulative result of disciplined habits repeated over time. As the saying goes, “Practice makes perfect.” More accurately, disciplined practice makes excellence sustainable.

Perhaps the greatest misconception about super teams is that they avoid conflict. In reality, they embrace constructive conflict because they understand that robust debate strengthens decisions. Patrick Lencioni reminds us that healthy teams engage in passionate discussion without allowing disagreement to become personal. They challenge ideas while preserving respect for one another. Their focus remains firmly fixed on finding the best solution rather than protecting individual pride.

Leadership also plays an indispensable role. John Maxwell wrote  in The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, “Everything rises and falls on leadership.” Super teams do not emerge by chance. They are cultivated by leaders who model humility, encourage accountability and create environments where everyone can perform at their best. Such leaders spend less time seeking recognition and more time enabling others to succeed. They recognise that leadership is not about being the most important person in the room but about ensuring everyone else performs at their highest level.

This philosophy is beautifully reflected in Stephen Covey’s observations in The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: “Strength lies in differences, not in similarities.” Diversity of thought is one of the greatest assets of exceptional teams. People with different experiences, perspectives and expertise approach problems differently. Rather than viewing these differences as obstacles, super teams treat them as strategic advantages. Diverse thinking broadens perspective, reduces blind spots and produces more robust decisions.

What truly distinguishes these teams, however, is their unwavering commitment to continuous learning. They celebrate victories but analyse failures with equal honesty. They understand that yesterday’s success does not guarantee tomorrow’s relevance. Markets evolve, customer expectations change and competitors improve. Learning therefore becomes part of their culture rather than an occasional activity. Curiosity replaces complacency, and improvement becomes a daily discipline rather than an annual initiative.

Therefore, what sets super teams apart is not that they possess fewer problems or more gifted people. It is that they have learned to transform individual excellence into collective greatness. They understand that success is rarely the work of one remarkable person. It is the product of many committed people moving in the same direction, inspired by the same purpose and united by the same standards.

The writer is the General Manager Commercial Banking at Centenary Bank.

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