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Kampala, Uganda, 20th July, 2026 – More than 800 learners from across Uganda converged at Kampala Parents School for the inaugural KCB Schools Chess Tournament, a first-of-its-kind competition with the largest number of participants ever recorded in Uganda. 

The tournament, organised by KCB Bank Uganda in partnership with the Uganda Chess Federation, Duya Discoveries,School Pay, ICEA Lion, Rupharelia Foundation and Brand Chess Life Academy, attracted participants aged between six and 20 years competing in the Under-6, Under-8, Under-10, Under-12, Under-14, Under-16, Under-18 and Under-20 categories. Today’s rapid chess format had every player play for just 10 minutes, with a 3-second increment per move.

The competition brought together some of the country’s top junior chess talent from schools including Kampala Parents School, Delhi Public School International, Rainbow International School, Wanyange Girls Secondary School, Gayaza Junior School, Namiryango High School, Gulama, Seroma Christian High School, Manifest International School, Caltec Academy, The North Green School, Shree Jee and several others from across Uganda.

While learners played across the 64-square board and battled for honours in their respective categories, the tournament also highlighted the growing role of chess in equipping young people with critical life skills that extend far beyond competition.

Edgar Byamah, the Managing Director KCB Bank Uganda, while speaking during the tournament, said the event reflects the bank’s commitment to investing in initiatives that prepare young people for success in school, business and everyday life.

“Chess teaches young people how to think critically, solve problems, make informed decisions and remain composed under pressure. These are qualities that define strong leaders and responsible citizens. Through this tournament, we are creating a platform where young Ugandans can sharpen these skills while showcasing their talent.”

He added that the tournament expands KCB Bank Uganda’s investment in sports as a vehicle for youth empowerment.

“Our commitment to young people extends beyond today’s tournament. Through our products like the KCB Cub Account, we are encouraging families to invest in their children’s future from an early age. We believe that when children develop both strategic thinking and sound financial habits, they are better equipped to seize opportunities and succeed in whatever path they choose.”

The tournament featured a full day of competition across the various age categories, with learners demonstrating remarkable tactical awareness, discipline and determination. 

Treasurer of the Uganda Chess Federation, David Muwanguzi, welcomed the partnership, describing it as a significant boost for junior chess development in Uganda.

“This tournament is an important milestone for chess in Uganda. We have seen outstanding talent from learners across the country, and that is a clear indication that the future of the sport is bright. We commend KCB Bank Uganda for investing in a platform that gives children the opportunity to compete, learn and grow while helping us identify the next generation of national champions.”

He noted that expanding access to competitive tournaments is essential in strengthening Uganda’s chess ecosystem and exposing young players to higher levels of competition.

The inaugural tournament concluded with Wanyange Girls Secondary School and Gayaza Junior School being crowned the overall champions after exceptional performances across the various competition categories, earning each school a solar panel system as the tournament’s top prize. 

The competition brought together 830 learners from 77 schools across Uganda, with every participant receiving a certificate of participation, while each participating school was presented with chess boards to support the continued growth of the game. Individual winners across the different age categories were also awarded trophies and prizes in recognition of their outstanding displays of strategy, discipline and composure, bringing the championship to a fitting close while highlighting the remarkable depth of Uganda’s emerging young chess talent.

The tournament forms part of KCB Bank Uganda’s broader commitment to empowering young people through initiatives that develop talent, build character and create opportunities. The competition will become an annual fixture on Uganda’s schools’ sporting calendar, providing a platform for identifying future chess champions while encouraging more learners to embrace a game where success is earned one well-calculated move at a time.

 

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With just over a month to go until the fifth edition of the Tusker Lite Mt Rwenzori Marathon, anticipation and excitement is gathering pace after a section of runners turned out for a community activation run in Kasese on Sunday, 19 July 2026, giving participants a preview of the race experience ahead of the main event on August 22.

Held in partnership with the Kasese community, the activation saw running enthusiasts and marathon partners take part in the 5km and 10km runs, joined by representatives from government agencies, including security officials, who assured participants of a safe and secure race experience.

Starting and finishing at Rwenzori Auto Spa, participants took part in 5km and 10km runs.

The Kasese activation was the first to be held in the host district as part of this year’s build-up to the marathon. In recent months, the Tusker Lite Mt Rwenzori Marathon has staged activations at many events across the country while also promoting the event at major running events in South Africa, Tanzania and Kenya to grow regional and international participation.

Speaking during the Kasese activation, Tusker Lite Mt Rwenzori Marathon representative Collins Masiga said the engagement reflected the growing excitement within the host community ahead of the milestone fifth edition.

“The business community in particular is excited for the fifth edition of the Tusker Lite Mt Rwenzori Marathon. Most of them have elevated the standards of their operations in anticipation of visitors from across the world. We are encouraged by the enthusiasm from the community and look forward to welcoming runners to an unforgettable experience in Kasese,” Masiga said.

Tusker Lite, which has established itself as a strong supporter of Uganda’s running community, will offer an enhanced race-day experience on race day.

“This edition is special because five years is no small milestone. As a low-carb beer, Tusker Lite has consistently championed active lifestyles, and over the years we have curated memorable experiences for runners and our consumers. This year, we’re taking that experience a step further as we celebrate five years of the Marathon,” said Sandra Againe, Tusker Lite Brand Manager at Uganda Breweries Ltd.

By press time, runners from more than 20 countries had registered for this year’s marathon, highlighting the event’s growing international appeal. Organizers are anticipating 8,000 runners this year.

Registration for the 2026 Tusker Lite Mt Rwenzori Marathon remains open via https://www.rwenzorimarathon.com/registration

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Kalifah AgaNaga believes few current Members of Parliament can match his high school academic record.

The singer and aspiring politician made the claim during an interview on Sanyuka TV while reflecting on his academic background.

AgaNaga argued that people often underestimate entertainers, yet many have the intelligence to lead the country.

He added that his own academic record proves the point.

I bet if there is any Member of Parliament in the Ugandan Parliament who was brighter than me while in high school.

AgaNaga has repeatedly expressed interest in public office and says he has the knowledge and vision to serve Ugandans beyond the entertainment industry.

The comments add to his growing list of bold political statements as he continues to position himself for a future in leadership.

After losing businesses, jobs and property in South Africa, 1,030 Ugandans who came back home following xenophobic attacks have been handed a fresh lifeline.

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has dished out millions in direct support and billions to help them rebuild.

Meeting the returnees at the National Leadership Institute (NALI) in Kyankwanzi, where the group has been camped for weeks, undergoing counselling, skills training and rehabilitation Museveni announced that each returning family will receive Shs2 million, while their SACCO will be injected with Shs2 billion to help them restart businesses and create sustainable livelihoods.

The 699 adult Ugandans who returned home after fleeing xenophobic attacks in South Africa are set to receive a financial boost from President.

The returnees include 438 men, 261 women and 331 children aged up to 16 years.

Museveni told the returnees that the financial support was meant to help families meet immediate needs while the SACCO funding would allow them to rebuild through collective investment.

He encouraged them to use Government wealth creation programmes, including the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga, to establish income-generating activities. He also advised them to explore the four sectors including ICT, Services ,Agriculture and Manufacturing.

The President said Uganda has opportunities for citizens to create wealth and improve household incomes without being forced to seek survival abroad under difficult conditions.

Museveni directed the returnees to document all businesses, property and investments they lost during the attacks. He said Government would engage South African authorities to pursue compensation for the affected Ugandans.

The President said proper documentation of losses would be critical in helping Government present their cases. This is after Museveni revealed details of a telephone conversation with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, where he expressed disappointment over attacks targeting Ugandans and other Africans.

He said he reminded Ramaphosa of Uganda’s historical support for South Africa during the struggle against apartheid.

“I supported the African National Congress for 60 years and you chased away my grandchildren,” Museveni said he told Ramaphosa.

The President questioned the use of the term “foreigners” to describe Africans living in another African country, saying xenophobia has no place on the continent.

He argued that those involved in the attacks were not only harming fellow Africans but also undermining the image and values of the African National Congress (ANC), which benefited from support across Africa during the liberation struggle.

Museveni also conveyed condolences to the families of the three Ugandans who lost their lives during the attacks.The Acting Minister for Foreign Affairs Hon. Haruna Kasolo noted that the government had given 10 million shillings to the families of each of the deceased.

The Prime Minister Rt. Hon Robinah Nabbanja who was in attendence also clarified that efforts are still underway to evacuate another six hundred Ugandans currently in Pretoria, via the Uganda Airlines.

The 1,030 returnees who completed their programme at NALI are returning to their respective districts, equipped with skills, psychosocial support and Government assistance to begin rebuilding their lives.

President Yoweri Museveni will tomorrow join Members of Parliament for a special sitting to honour the late Gen. (Rtd) Moses Ali, as Uganda prepares to give the veteran statesman his final send-off.

The special parliamentary sitting will bring together MPs and national leaders to pay tribute to a man whose political journey stretched for more than five decades.

Government Chief Whip Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng announced that President Museveni would attend the sitting on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at 9:00am.

She called on legislators to report early to complete security checks before the President’s arrival.

“Members are requested to come early by 8:00am and conclude security checks on time,” Dr. Aceng said.

After Parliament pays tribute to Gen. Ali, his body will be flown to Adjumani District, where family, friends and residents will receive him before his burial on Wednesday at his ancestral home.

Gen. Ali died on Saturday at Nakasero Hospital, closing the chapter on one of Uganda’s most remarkable political careers.

The former First Deputy Prime Minister served the country as a soldier, Cabinet minister, Member of Parliament and senior government leader, earning recognition as one of the longest-serving figures in Uganda’s political history.

Few Ugandan leaders have lived a life as dramatic or served as long as Gen. Moses Ali.

By the time he died on July 18, 2026, aged 87, the veteran politician had worn almost every hat imaginable: soldier, Cabinet minister, rebel commander, peace negotiator, Member of Parliament, Deputy Prime Minister, lawyer and farmer.

Born in Adjumani in 1939, Moses Ali first rose to prominence as a military officer before becoming one of Idi Amin’s senior ministers in the 1970s. After Amin’s government collapsed, West Nile descended into turmoil, and Ali became leader of the Uganda National Rescue Front (UNRF), a rebel movement formed by many former soldiers from the region.

The rebellion eventually gave way to peace, and in one of Uganda’s most remarkable political comebacks, Ali reconciled with President Yoweri Museveni’s government after 1986 and joined the very administration he would help serve for the next four decades.

His journey was not always smooth. In 1990, he was arrested on security-related charges and spent more than two years in prison before being acquitted. Instead of disappearing from public life, he returned stronger, gradually reclaiming his place at the centre of government.

Over the years, he became one of President Museveni’s most trusted lieutenants, serving in several powerful ministries before rising to First Deputy Prime Minister and later Second Deputy Prime Minister. Few politicians remained in Cabinet as long as Moses Ali.

Even after leaving Cabinet in May 2026, ending more than half a century of government service, he continued representing the people of Adjumani West in Parliament until his death.

Away from politics, Ali was admired for promoting commercial farming in West Nile. President Museveni frequently pointed to him as proof that modern agriculture could transform livelihoods and create wealth.

Perhaps one of the most inspiring chapters of his life came in old age. While many of his peers were retiring, Moses Ali returned to university, earned a law degree and qualified as a lawyer, fulfilling a lifelong dream. Friends say he often joked that he wanted to “die a lawyer,” a dream he realised before his passing.

To supporters, he was a loyal patriot, a bridge between West Nile and the central government, and a respected Muslim elder. To historians, he was one of the few Ugandan leaders whose career stretched from the Amin era through the Obote years and into the Museveni administration, making him one of the country’s longest-serving public figures.

His death closed a remarkable chapter in Uganda’s political history one defined by conflict, reconciliation, resilience and more than 50 years of public service.

The rare tribute was revealed on Sunday by Third Deputy Prime Minister Rukia Nakadama during funeral prayers for the veteran politician.

“This is the first time Cabinet is holding a special session to honour someone who has passed on. Usually, such sessions are reserved for Parliament,” Nakadama said.

She described Gen. Ali as a leader who united Ugandans across political, religious and ethnic lines and whose counsel was highly valued by President Museveni.

“Whenever he spoke, the President listened and responded to his suggestions with immediacy,” she said.

Nakadama also shared one of Gen. Ali’s personal ambitions that often amused fellow ministers.

“He wanted to die a lawyer,” she recalled, saying Cabinet members frequently joked with him after he enrolled to study law later in life.

On Sunday, thousands of mourners attended separate funeral prayers at Naguru, Kibuli Mosque and Gaddafi National Mosque.

The Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Ramadhan Mubaje, described Gen. Ali as a courageous Muslim leader who never compromised his faith and faithfully represented Muslims in government.

He also revealed that Gen. Ali once sought his guidance before reporting some officials to President Museveni, but later chose forgiveness after reflecting on verses from the Holy Qur’an.

Prince Kassim Nakibinge described the late General as one of Uganda’s most level-headed Muslim politicians and thanked President Museveni for keeping him in Cabinet even during his illness before granting him a state burial.

Gen. Ali’s son, Ismael Musa Ali, remembered his father as a loving family man who never failed to check on his children every Saturday and remained passionate about educating girls and promoting sports.

Nollywood actress Annie Idibia has dismissed rumours claiming she has reunited with her estranged husband, music star Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Face.

The speculation gained momentum after videos surfaced online showing the former couple dancing together inside a nightclub. Many social media users interpreted the clips as a sign that they had reconciled.

Annie, however, rejected the claims in a post shared on her Instagram Stories on Monday.

Old videos circulating everywhere, false news everywhere.

Her statement clarified that the videos currently making the rounds online do not reflect recent events.

Annie and 2Baba ended their marriage in January 2025 after spending more than a decade together.

King Michael says fans will never find him unveiling a new mansion on social media, even if he buys one tomorrow.

His remarks followed Zuena Kirema‘s post showing off the luxury mansion Bebe Cool bought for her in Bwebajja.

In the post, she thanked her husband for the gift and praised Allah as she celebrated the family’s latest milestone.

The home, reportedly worth $1 million (about Shs3.7 billion), quickly became one of the biggest celebrity stories online.

As congratulatory messages poured in, King Michael offered a different perspective.

Speaking to Galaxy TV, the dancehall singer said he no longer sees any value in putting his wealth or family life on display because doing so only creates unnecessary enemies.

Even so, he congratulated Bebe Cool on the milestone.

Personally, I am way past posting my assets for people to see because, at the end of the day, you create enemies and annoy people. I congratulate Big Size Bebe Cool.

King Michael believes Bebe Cool’s new mansion has finally answered people who spent years claiming the Gagamel boss did not own a home.

He admitted that he understands exactly what it feels like to have people judge your financial status by what they see, or no longer see, on social media.

During the early 2000s, King Michael became one of Uganda’s flashiest entertainers, often making headlines for expensive cars, jewellery and his lavish lifestyle.

When he eventually stopped putting that side of his life in the public eye, many people assumed his fortunes had taken a hit, an assumption he says could not have been further from the truth.

According to King Michael, the lifestyle never changed. He simply reached a point where he no longer felt the need to put every achievement on display.

Those around me know I am living a good life. I thank God the life I am living is what I dreamed of. I do not have to prove it to anyone.