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  • HEALTH PROJECT MESS! Report Unmasks Tax Blunder, Idle Equipment & Millions Lost in KCCA’s CDC Project

    HEALTH PROJECT MESS! Report Unmasks Tax Blunder, Idle Equipment & Millions Lost in KCCA’s CDC Project

    A health project funded by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has come under heavy scrutiny after the Auditor General exposed a string of financial, contractual and operational failures that left taxpayers counting losses and critical project activities hanging in the balance.

    The findings are contained in the Auditor General’s Closure Audit for the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Urban Health Project (KCCA-CDC) covering the six-month period ended 31st March 2024.

    Although the project received an unqualified audit opinion, the Auditor General documented several serious weaknesses that point to poor planning, weak oversight and failures by those entrusted with implementing the project.

    One of the biggest red flags concerns the handling of staff severance payments.

    The audit reveals that UGX 421 million was paid out as severance packages to project staff. However, instead of remitting the correct amount of tax to the Uganda Revenue Authority, only UGX 25 million was paid despite the actual tax obligation amounting to UGX 144 million, leaving a massive tax gap.

    The report also faults KCCA over the management of consultancy contracts during project closure.

    According to the Auditor General, despite receiving formal notice from the funders that the project was coming to an end, KCCA neither terminated nor revised the consultancy contract for the baseline survey of the KCCA Urban Health Strategy. As a result, unpaid consultancy arrears amounting to UGX 43 million accumulated.

    The audit further paints a picture of a project that was closed without proper transition planning.

    The Auditor General found that KCCA had not put in place critical sustainability measures before winding up the project. These included the failure to appoint a liaison officer with Reach Out Mbuya (ROM), failure to prepare a proper handover report and transition plan, and failure to develop long-term strategies to guarantee that the project’s achievements would continue after donor funding ended.

    Funding gaps also emerged as another major concern.

    At the time the project closed, the CDC Urban Health Project had received only USD 2.53 million out of the expected USD 3.91 million, creating a funding shortfall of USD 1.38 million.

    Out of the money received, the project spent USD 2.13 million, leaving an unspent balance of USD 0.40 million. The Auditor General notes that activities which had not been implemented by the time of closure were transferred to Reach Out Mbuya for subsequent implementation.

    The audit also uncovered serious shortcomings in procurement and asset management.

    Equipment valued at USD 58,000 remained idle for nine months after delivery because there was no bunker constructed to receive waste from the equipment as originally planned.

    To make matters worse, the conveyor supplied together with the equipment did not even meet the recommended technical specifications, raising fresh questions about contract management and acceptance procedures.

    Despite these glaring shortcomings, the supplier was paid in full.

    According to the Auditor General, the contractor received full payment even though one of the contractual obligations—training project personnel on the operation of the equipment—had never been carried out.

    Inspectors also found another bizarre situation at the intended installation site.

    At the time of inspection, the facility where the equipment was supposed to be installed had instead been taken over by a private operator. Consequently, KCCA was forced to depend on this private operator to replicate black soldier fly production, undermining the project’s intended implementation arrangements.

    The Auditor General’s findings expose glaring weaknesses in financial management, project supervision, contract administration and sustainability planning within a project intended to strengthen urban health systems.

    Instead of delivering a seamless transition and ensuring donor-funded investments continued benefiting the public, the audit reveals tax underpayments, consultancy arrears, delayed implementation, idle equipment, questionable procurement outcomes and a project that ended without adequate sustainability mechanisms.

    The findings are expected to pile pressure on KCCA officials responsible for managing the CDC Urban Health Project to explain how a donor-funded public health programme ended with unpaid tax obligations, incomplete contractual deliverables, expensive equipment gathering dust for months and critical transition arrangements left undone despite advance notice that the project was coming to an end.


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  • TOILET CASH STINKS! Investigation Exposes Shocking Mismanagement in KCCA’s Sh16Bn Sanitation Project

    TOILET CASH STINKS! Investigation Exposes Shocking Mismanagement in KCCA’s Sh16Bn Sanitation Project

    A project meant to improve sanitation for Kampala’s urban poor has instead been plunged into controversy after the Auditor General uncovered a trail of financial discrepancies, unaccounted-for funds, stalled construction works, unsafe working conditions and questionable project decisions under the City-Wide Inclusive Sanitation (CWIS) Programme.

    The findings, contained in the Auditor General’s report on the City-Wide Inclusive Sanitation (CWIS) Programme (Grant OPP1179828) for the year ended 30th November 2023, paint a worrying picture of weak financial management and implementation failures within a programme funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

    The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) implemented the four-year CWIS Programme worth USD 4,430,827, which commenced in January 2019. The programme was designed to upscale faecal sludge management services in Kampala by increasing access to improved sanitation among underserved urban poor households, public institutions, refugee communities and the growing transient population.

    Its ambitious targets included increasing the volume of safely managed faecal sludge across the city, improving sanitation in informal settlements, strengthening regulation, promoting women’s participation in the sanitation sector and developing scalable sanitation technologies that could be replicated across Uganda.

    However, despite receiving an unqualified audit opinion, the Auditor General highlighted numerous weaknesses that raise serious questions about accountability and programme management.

    The audit first discovered discrepancies in the financial summaries themselves. Cash balances reported in the financial summary for 2023 did not match those reported in the corresponding 2024 financial summary, casting doubt on the reliability and consistency of the programme’s financial records.

    The report also revealed that by the end of November 2024, landlords who had benefited under the sanitation financing scheme were expected to have repaid UGX 201 million. Instead, only UGX 135 million had been recovered, leaving an outstanding balance of UGX 65 million.

    Even more troubling was the handling of the money that had already been recovered. The Auditor General found that although the Foundation had collected UGX 168 million from landlords, only UGX 40.5 million remained in the “Weyonje Toilets” collection account at the close of the financial year, leaving UGX 128 million unaccounted for.

    The report further states that after the Memorandum of Understanding expired, no money was transferred from the collection account to the CWIS programme account. To make matters worse, programme management failed to disclose the UGX 168 million as receivables in the financial statement notes, leaving auditors unable to establish the true financial position of the programme.

    Beyond financial concerns, the audit exposed glaring operational failures at sanitation facilities.

    Unlike cesspool emptiers who discharge waste directly into treatment plants, gulper emptiers were forced to manually handle hazardous waste through labour-intensive processes involving dilution, sorting, separate transportation of liquid and solid waste and sterilisation of work areas.

    Despite the dangerous nature of the work, waste handlers reportedly lacked critical protective gear including face shields, waterproof long-sleeved overalls and gas filter masks, exposing them to significant occupational health and safety risks.

    The Auditor General also found there was no waste management strategy for chlorinating, draining and transporting non-biodegradable waste to approved landfills or incinerators designated for faecal waste. As a result, untreated solid waste continued piling up at project sites, creating growing heaps of hazardous material.

    The report also faulted programme management over delayed infrastructure.

    Three toilet structures remained incomplete and non-operational, with plumbing, electrical installations and finishing works still outstanding. Shockingly, twelve months had already passed since the original construction contracts were terminated in April 2024, yet no replacement contractors had been procured to complete the abandoned facilities.

    The Auditor General further questioned management’s decision to construct toilet facilities at the Kyanja Agricultural Resource Center, noting that the area did not exhibit the high-need characteristics that would justify such intensive capital investment.

    Meanwhile, implementation delays continued to cripple the programme. By the end of November 2024, USD 0.44 million remained idle in the programme bank account at the Bank of Uganda, indicating that three key programme activities had not been implemented as planned.

    The audit also highlighted weaknesses in financial record-keeping. Since the CWIS Programme operates through a KCCA project bank account shared with several other KCCA projects, the supporting records, including cashbooks and bank reconciliation statements, lacked sufficient detail to enable auditors accurately trace CWIS-specific transactions or conclusively validate programme balances.

    The findings represent a significant setback for a programme whose core mission is to improve public health by expanding access to safe sanitation services for Kampala’s most vulnerable residents.

    Instead of showcasing a model that could be replicated across Uganda, the programme is now facing uncomfortable questions over financial accountability, stalled implementation, worker safety and project planning.

    The Auditor General’s findings are likely to pile pressure on KCCA management and officials responsible for implementing the CWIS Programme to explain how millions of shillings became unaccounted for, why essential facilities remain incomplete long after contracts were terminated, why hazardous waste continues to accumulate without a disposal strategy, and why vulnerable workers were left exposed without adequate protective equipment while implementing a project specifically designed to improve public health and sanitation in Uganda’s capital.


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  • Sh93BN LUWERO ROAD HITS COMPENSATION SNAG! Land Disputes Slow Final Stretch as Dott Services Nears Finish Line

    Sh93BN LUWERO ROAD HITS COMPENSATION SNAG! Land Disputes Slow Final Stretch as Dott Services Nears Finish Line

    The long-awaited Sh93 billion Luwero–Kiwoko–Butalangu Road is edging closer to completion, but unresolved government compensation claims by a handful of Project Affected Persons (PAPs) are threatening to push the project beyond its revised completion deadline.

    The 29.72-kilometre road, being constructed by Dott Services Limited, was commissioned by government in July 2023 with an initial completion period of 24 months. The deadline was later revised to August 16, 2026 to allow additional time for execution.

    Despite the looming deadline, the contractor says the overwhelming majority of the work has already been completed, with the remaining delay largely beyond its control.

    According to Isaac Ssebuliba, the Measurement Engineer at Dott Services Limited, the contractor has already laid asphalt on 26.86 kilometres of the road and is currently carrying out the final stages of road marking and installation of speed humps.

    Only 2.86 kilometres remain to be completed.

    However, Ssebuliba explained that construction has stalled on 1.6 kilometres because sections of the road corridor remain inaccessible after some landowners declined to vacate, citing delayed government compensation for their property.

    The affected sections are located in Luwero Town Council, Kiwoko and Wansalangi Village in Nakaseke District.

    Ssebuliba emphasized that Dott Services can only undertake works on sections that have been officially handed over free of encumbrances and appealed to the Ministry of Works and Transport to expedite compensation or negotiations with the remaining affected persons.

    He noted that once the outstanding land issues are resolved, the contractor is ready to complete the remaining works.

    The Ministry of Works and Transport has acknowledged the challenge.

    Principal Communications Officer Susan Kataike confirmed that land acquisition has slowed progress on the final stretch of the project but assured the public that government is working to compensate all the remaining Project Affected Persons within the current quarter.

    She said the ministry is satisfied with the progress achieved so far, pointing out that most of the road has already been completed.

    According to the ministry, a total of 589 Project Affected Persons were identified along the Luwero–Butalangu Road corridor.

    Most of them have already received compensation, leaving only those occupying the remaining 1.6-kilometre section where construction cannot proceed until compensation issues are resolved.

    The ministry also revealed that compensation for a fuel station, which had previously stood in the way of construction, has since been completed, removing one of the project’s major bottlenecks.

    To prevent similar delays on future road projects, government has introduced new guidelines requiring that at least 50 percent of the road reserve be secured before construction contracts are awarded.

    The ministry is also engaging development partners to finance civil works and land compensation concurrently while maximizing the use of existing road alignments to reduce acquisition costs and minimize displacement.

    The project has also attracted political attention.

    Recently, Katikamu North Member of Parliament Denis Sekabira raised the matter on the floor of Parliament, urging the Ministry of Works and Transport to fast-track completion of the road to spare residents from prolonged dust, traffic disruptions and the economic hardships associated with the unfinished sections.

    The construction is being financed with support from the OPEC Fund for International Development, which extended an US$11.5 million loan to the Government of Uganda in 2018 to co-finance the project.

    Once completed, the upgraded road will provide a critical transport link connecting Nakaseke District to Luwero District and the Kampala–Gulu Highway, significantly improving the movement of people, agricultural produce and other goods while boosting trade and economic growth across the Greater Luwero sub-region.

    With more than 90 percent of the road already completed, attention is now firmly on the government’s ability to conclude compensation for the remaining affected landowners so that Dott Services can finish the final stretch and deliver the much-anticipated road.


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  • From Muddy Grounds to a Modern Marketplace: How Kitooro Market Is Transforming Traders’ Lives Amid Lingering Challenges

    From Muddy Grounds to a Modern Marketplace: How Kitooro Market Is Transforming Traders’ Lives Amid Lingering Challenges

    On a chilly Tuesday morning in the Entebbe suburbs, Kitooro Market was already bustling with activity as traders prepared for another day of business.

    Fresh produce vendors carefully arranged tomatoes, pineapples, watermelons and other fruits and vegetables, while customers moved through the market’s clean, organised walkways. In the fish section, traders welcomed buyers with smiles, displaying fresh fish selling for between Shs10,000 and Shs20,000, depending on size.

    For Ms Fatuma Nalwadda, one of the fish vendors, the modern market represents a remarkable transformation from the days when traders operated in muddy, unplanned spaces.

    “We thank President Museveni for establishing this market. We are now working in a good environment. Before, we operated in muddy areas, but today we have a proper place where we can do business,” Ms Nalwadda said.

    Nearby, Ms Fatuma Najjita, the Vice Chairperson of Food Sellers at Kitooro Market, echoed similar sentiments, saying the facility has restored dignity and improved hygiene standards for traders.

    “The market is good, and we thank President Museveni for establishing it. We are now operating in a clean and organised environment that has improved the way we serve our customers,” she said.

    However, Ms Najjita believes that improving infrastructure alone is not enough. She appealed to the Ministry of Local Government to support food vendors with modern cooking equipment, particularly cooking pots and bowls.

    “Our biggest challenge is that we lack adequate modern cooking equipment. We request the Ministry to support us so that we can improve our businesses and serve our customers better,” she said.

    Despite the improved working environment, traders say customer traffic remains lower than expected and called for more efforts to attract businesses, investors and shoppers to the market.

    Their concerns raise an important question about public investment: Can infrastructure alone guarantee sustainable livelihoods, or must it be complemented by measures that stimulate business growth and market activity?

    Located in Entebbe Municipality, home to Uganda’s international gateway, Entebbe International Airport, Kitooro Market has become a symbol of organised urban development and economic empowerment.

    The market recently hosted officials from the Ministry of Local Government during a monitoring visit led by Mr Ben Kumumanya, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Local Government.

    Mr Kumumanya described the market as a strategic government investment aimed at creating economic opportunities for ordinary Ugandans.

    “Kitooro Market is a great facility for both government and the ordinary people. Entebbe hosts Uganda’s international airport, making it a strategic location for investment and business growth,” he said.

    He noted that Entebbe’s unique position presents enormous opportunities for trade, tourism and investment, with facilities such as Kitooro Market playing a critical role in supporting local economic development.

    “We Are Building an Empire of Business”

    According to Mr Emmanuel Gaakyalo, the Town Clerk of Entebbe Municipality, Kitooro Market is more than just a trading centre—it is the foundation of a stronger local economy.

    “We are building an empire of business. The interests of local people have been prioritised through our by-laws,” Mr Gaakyalo said.

    He explained that effective management of the market remains essential to ensuring residents fully benefit from the opportunities created by the government’s investment.

    Supporting Hundreds of Small Businesses

    According to Ms Christine Damalie Nassozi, Deputy Senior Assistant Town Clerk of Entebbe Municipality and Market Administrator, the market has significantly improved the livelihoods of many residents by providing secure, organised trading spaces.

    “Many business owners are now thriving. We have tailors, perfume sellers, banana traders, meat sellers, fruit vendors, clothing shop owners and many other businesses operating from this market,” she said.

    Kitooro Market comprises 288 lock-ups distributed across the ground floor, first floor and mezzanine floor, in addition to 20 shops.

    The ground floor has 79 lock-ups, of which 77 are occupied. The first floor contains 158 lock-ups, with 90 currently occupied, while the mezzanine floor accommodates 51 lock-ups.

    These figures illustrate both the achievements and the remaining challenges of the investment.

    The market has created hundreds of formal business opportunities, enabling traders to move from roadside vending into a safer and more organised commercial environment. However, with 121 lock-ups still vacant, authorities face the challenge of increasing occupancy and ensuring the facility achieves its full economic potential.

    Behind the impressive infrastructure lies a continuing task: attracting more traders and customers to transform the market into a vibrant commercial hub.

    Challenges Hindering the Market’s Full Potential

    While acknowledging the market’s positive impact, Ms Nassozi said several operational challenges continue to affect its performance.

    One of the most pressing concerns is the absence of an independent sewage system. The market currently depends on the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) sewer network, which increases operational costs.

    “The market lacks its own sewage system, which raises our water bills because National Water charges additional fees for sewer services,” she explained.

    She also identified political interference as a challenge, saying it occasionally affects the implementation of technical decisions required for effective market management.

    Another concern is delayed payment of market dues and rent by some vendors, which affects maintenance, service delivery and the long-term sustainability of the facility.

    “Some vendors do not have a culture of paying their rent and market dues on time. This affects the smooth running and maintenance of the market,” Ms Nassozi said.

    She added that high rental charges for some lock-ups make it difficult for certain traders to meet their financial obligations.

    Electricity is another challenge. According to Ms Nassozi, some vendors do not have individual Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) meters or sub-meters, forcing them to rely on costly third-party electricity arrangements.

    Despite these challenges, Kitooro Market remains one of the government’s significant investments in urban market infrastructure, offering hundreds of traders a cleaner, safer and more organised business environment. Traders and local leaders now hope that addressing the remaining operational constraints will unlock the market’s full potential as a thriving commercial centre that creates sustainable livelihoods and drives local economic growth.

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  • Jackie Chandiru Says Steve Jean Inspired Her Music Career

    Jackie Chandiru Says Steve Jean Inspired Her Music Career

    Before Blu*3 recorded hit songs or collected awards, Jackie Chandiru was a young singer searching for one opportunity to meet the producer she admired most.

    That opportunity arrived in 2004 when Coca-Cola Popstars announced Steve Jean as one of its judges.

    Jackie had spent years hoping to work with him after hearing his hit song “Fever” while she was still in Senior Four.

    Entering the competition became less about appearing on television and more about standing in front of the man whose music had inspired her.

    She refused to leave anything to chance.

    Rather than selecting a popular ballad or another contestant’s favorite audition song, Jackie walked onto the stage with “Fever.”

    The truth is, I wanted to do that before I ever worked with him. I went for the competition specifically because of Steve Jean.

    She believed the performance would introduce her far better than words ever could.

    I was like, ‘I am going to sing his song, Fever,’ and I just hoped he would notice me.

    Steve Jean offered no obvious reaction, leaving Jackie to wonder whether she had achieved what she set out to do.

    He does not really show when he is happy about something, but I kept pushing.

    The answer came later in the competition.

    Steve Jean selected Jackie Chandiru, Lilian Mbabazi and Cinderella Sanyu to form Blu*3, then produced and managed the trio as they established themselves among the biggest names in Ugandan music.

    For Jackie, the partnership had started years earlier in her mind.

    I always told myself, ‘I want to work with him.’ That is something I had dreamed about since I was growing up.

  • RDCs Tasked on new Anti-Corruption Drive, Public Projects monitoring

    RDCs Tasked on new Anti-Corruption Drive, Public Projects monitoring

    KAMPALA — The Government has intensified its nationwide campaign against corruption, directing Resident District Commissioners (RDCs) and Resident City Commissioners (RCCs) to take a more proactive role in protecting public resources, strengthening accountability and ensuring that every government programme delivers tangible results to Ugandans.

    The renewed anti-corruption drive was unveiled by the Minister for the Presidency, Hon. Babirye Milly Babalanda, in a ministerial statement delivered on behalf of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni at the Uganda Media Centre Thursday. Speaking to the media, Minister Babalanda reaffirmed Government’s unwavering commitment to eliminating corruption, improving service delivery and entrenching a culture of integrity, transparency and accountability across the public service.

    “The President has made it unequivocally clear that corruption remains one of the greatest threats to Uganda’s socio-economic transformation,” the Minister said. “He has therefore directed all Government institutions to intensify the fight against corruption and ensure that every public official is fully accountable for the resources entrusted to them.”

    She emphasized that corruption is not merely an administrative weakness but a direct assault on national development, denying citizens quality public services and undermining Government’s investments in roads, schools, hospitals, water systems, electricity, markets and wealth creation programmes.

    The Minister noted that despite substantial Government investment in development programmes, corruption, negligence, weak supervision and poor accountability continue to manifest through inflated contracts, abandoned projects, ghost workers, ghost beneficiaries, fraudulent payments, diversion of public funds and substandard works.

    She said such practices will no longer be tolerated, warning that Government is strengthening oversight mechanisms to ensure that every public official upholds the highest standards of integrity and professionalism.

    RDCs Ordered to Lead Corruption Fight
    Recognising RDCs and RCCs as the President’s representatives in their respective districts and cities, Minister Babalanda directed them to become the frontline defenders of accountability by closely monitoring every Government project from planning and procurement through implementation, completion and commissioning.

    She instructed all RDCs to maintain comprehensive district project monitoring registers capturing project progress, contractor performance, implementation challenges and recommendations, with regular reports submitted to the Office of the President.

    The Minister further directed RDCs to work closely with Chief Administrative Officers, District Engineers, District Planners, Community Development Officers and other technical officers to ensure that Government funds are utilised strictly for their intended purposes.

    She warned that bribery, procurement fraud, ghost workers, ghost projects, inflated contracts, diversion of public funds, collusion between public officials and contractors, and certification of incomplete works constitute serious acts of corruption that must be detected early, investigated thoroughly and reported without delay.

    To strengthen citizen participation in the anti-corruption campaign, the Minister directed all RDC offices to prominently display the Government’s toll-free anti-corruption hotline (0800-320-320), encouraging members of the public to report cases of bribery, misuse of public resources, abuse of office and poor-quality Government projects.
    She stressed that accountability is a shared national responsibility requiring vigilance from both public officials and ordinary citizens.

    Strengthening PDM Oversight
    The Minister also announced that the Ministry for the Presidency will shortly commence nationwide monitoring of the Parish Development Model (PDM) to ensure that funds are reaching intended beneficiaries and delivering meaningful improvements in household incomes.

    RDCs were instructed to work closely with local government technical teams to verify beneficiary records, monitor enterprise performance, oversee extension services and strengthen loan recovery mechanisms.
    She further directed full utilisation of the Parish-Based Management Information System (PBMIS) to improve transparency, data accuracy and accountability throughout programme implementation.

    Highlighting Government’s commitment to wealth creation, the Minister cited data from the Ministry of Agriculture and the African Development Bank showing significant growth in agricultural production under Government interventions, with banana production increasing by more than 140 percent, root crops by 67 percent, cereals by 34.5 percent and oil crops by 32 percent.

    She also noted that Government has doubled PDM funding from UGX 100 million to UGX 200 million per parish as part of efforts to accelerate wealth creation and support Uganda’s long-term objective of growing the economy to USD 500 billion by 2040.

    Public Officials Urged to Support Local Production

    Meanwhile, the minister expressed concern over Uganda’s growing trade imbalance with Tanzania, noting that according to the URA 2024/25 Databook, Uganda imported goods worth UGX 12.46 trillion from Tanzania while exports stood at between UGX 602.25 billion and UGX 675.25 billion.
    She challenged public officials to champion local production by supporting Government programmes aimed at increasing agricultural productivity and reducing dependence on imported commodities that can be competitively produced within Uganda.

    “We should be producing sufficient food for our domestic market while exporting surpluses to the region instead of importing commodities that Ugandans are capable of producing,” she said.

    Citizens Called Upon to Join the Fight
    Minister Babalanda concluded by urging all Ugandans to become active partners in safeguarding public resources by reporting corruption, bribery, misuse of Government funds and poor workmanship on public projects.

    She also directed RDCs to mobilise communities for the forthcoming Women Councils, LC I and LC II elections scheduled for July 23, July 28 and August 10, while ensuring peace, security and adherence to the law throughout the electoral process.
    “Let your offices become centres of accountability, transparency and responsiveness. Let every Government project receive your close supervision from commencement to completion,” she told the RDCs.

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  • Guinness Smooth Partners With Speedball Summer To Champion Uganda’s Next Generation Of Creatives

    Guinness Smooth Partners With Speedball Summer To Champion Uganda’s Next Generation Of Creatives

    Guinness Smooth has partnered with Speedball Summer for the second edition of Kampala’s fast-rising fashion and cultural showcase, taking place on 1August 2026 at Motiv, Bugolobi. The collaboration brings together two brands united by a shared commitment to championing youth creativity, self-expression, and cultural innovation through an immersive experience that blends fashion, music, and art.

    Anchored in Guinness Smooth’s Make It Yours campaign, the partnership will transform the runway into a celebration of individuality, giving Uganda’s next generation of creatives a platform to express themselves boldly and inspire others to do the same.

    Hosted by Kampala-based streetwear collective Speedball Mag, Speedball Summer has grown into one of Uganda’s most exciting youth-led cultural experiences. More than a fashion show, it is a celebration of streetwear, music, art, and community, providing a platform for emerging designers, stylists, models, photographers, musicians, and other creatives to showcase their talent. This year’s edition promises an unforgettable experience, featuring a groundbreaking fashion runway fused with a live orchestra, creating a bold intersection of fashion, culture, and performance.

    The partnership aligns seamlessly with Guinness Smooth’s “Make It Yours” campaign, a platform dedicated to inspiring young people to embrace their individuality, express themselves authentically, and turn their passion into opportunity. Through collaborations with creative communities and cultural platforms, Guinness Smooth continues to invest in spaces where talent can thrive and new voices can be celebrated.

    As part of the experience, Guinness Smooth will deliver an immersive runway takeover that places the audience and creatives at the centre of the show, transforming the traditional runway into an interactive celebration of style, originality, and culture.

    Speaking about the partnership, Denise Paula Nazzinda, Guinness Uganda Brand Manager, said:

    “At Guinness Smooth, we believe creativity has the power to shape culture and inspire new possibilities. Through our ‘Make It Yours’ campaign, we are committed to creating opportunities for young creatives to express themselves boldly and showcase their talents on platforms that matter. Partnering with Speedball Summer is a natural fit because they have built a movement that celebrates authenticity, community, and fearless self-expression. Together, we are creating an experience that encourages every creative to own their story, own their style, and truly Make It Yours.”

    Speedball has established itself as far more than a streetwear label. Founded with a vision to create world-class Ugandan street fashion while building a vibrant creative community, the brand has become a cultural movement that champions local craftsmanship, youth entrepreneurship, and authentic Ugandan storytelling. Through its events, networking opportunities, and creative collaborations, Speedball continues to inspire a new generation to create boldly and proudly represent Ugandan culture.

    The partnership underscores Guinness Smooth’s ongoing commitment to supporting Uganda’s creative economy by investing in experiences that inspire innovation, collaboration, and cultural expression. By joining forces with Speedball Summer, Guinness Smooth reinforces its belief that when young people are given the right platforms, they can redefine culture and create experiences that are uniquely their own.

    Guests attending Speedball Summer on 1 August at Motiv, Bugolobi can expect an electrifying evening where fashion, music, art, and culture collide, culminating in one of Kampala’s most immersive creative experiences of the year.

    Tickets for Speedball Summer are now available, with Front Row tickets priced at UGX 125,000 and Standardtickets available for UGX 85,000. Tickets can be purchased online on www.quicket.co.ug

  • Tusker Lite Joins NCBA Auto Show as Official Beverage Partner

    Tusker Lite Joins NCBA Auto Show as Official Beverage Partner

    Tusker Lite has been unveiled as the Official Beverage Partner of the NCBA Auto Show, further strengthening the brand’s commitment to premium lifestyle experiences and cementing its position as Uganda’s leading lite beer.

    The three-day motoring showcase, scheduled to take place from 17th to 19th July at Kololo Independence Grounds, is expected to bring together thousands of automobile enthusiasts, adventure seekers, families, and lifestyle lovers for one of the country’s biggest automotive exhibitions.

    As part of the partnership, Tusker Lite will introduce the Pitstop Lounge, a premium brand experience designed to give attendees a place to unwind, recharge, and enjoy an ice-cold Tusker Lite in between exploring the latest vehicles, automotive innovations, and entertainment on offer.

    The lounge will serve as more than just a refreshment point. It will embody the Tusker Lite lifestyle, bringing together music, great company, and memorable experiences in a vibrant setting that complements the energy of the Auto Show.

    The partnership reflects Tusker Lite’s continued strategy of aligning with experiences that resonate with today’s consumers. From music festivals and nightlife experiences to fitness events and cultural moments, the brand continues to create platforms where consumers can connect over shared passions while enjoying a refreshing lite beer.

    The NCBA Auto Show offers another opportunity for Tusker Lite to engage consumers in a dynamic environment where innovation, performance, and lifestyle intersect. By becoming the event’s Official Beverage Partner, the brand is extending its footprint into Uganda’s growing automotive culture while enhancing the overall visitor experience.

    Visitors to the event can look forward to experiencing the Pitstop Lounge throughout the three-day exhibition, enjoying premium hospitality and the refreshing taste of Tusker Lite as they take in the excitement of the NCBA Auto Show.

    The NCBA Auto Show, will open its gates daily from 9:00 a.m., bringing together automotive enthusiasts, families, industry players, and lifestyle consumers for three days of adrenaline-fuelled experiences.

    This year’s edition promises an immersive celebration of motoring culture, featuring an impressive display of luxury dream cars, timeless vintage classics, cutting-edge automotive technology, and the latest vehicle models from leading dealers. Visitors will have the opportunity to get behind the wheel through exclusive test drives, witness thrilling drifting and gymkhana demonstrations by professional drivers, and explore the latest innovations shaping the future of mobility.

  • Why Ray G Says Mowzey Radio’s Legacy Proves Music Is Not About Money

    Why Ray G Says Mowzey Radio’s Legacy Proves Music Is Not About Money

    Ray G has said many music fans judge artists without understanding the sacrifices they make to sustain their careers, insisting that passion, not money, drives most musicians.

    Speaking on Galaxy TV, the Western Uganda-based singer explained that many artists dedicate their lives entirely to music, often reinvesting their earnings into creating more songs instead of pursuing other business ventures.

    The reason audiences judge artists so harshly is because many of them dedicate their entire lives to music.

    He added that most musicians prioritize their craft over financial gain, choosing to reinvest their earnings into making more music for their fans.

    They keep making money and putting it back into their music to keep pleasing their fans. Many artists are driven by passion more than money.

    Ray G argued that if money were the main motivation, many artists would channel their time and resources into other, more profitable ventures.

    Ray G Jubilate

    If it was all about money, many artists would be doing different things.

    To illustrate his point, Ray G pointed to the late Mowzey Radio, saying the legendary singer’s enduring legacy came from the music he left behind rather than the wealth he accumulated.

    For example, if Radio had left behind buildings and other possessions without leaving his legendary hits, his legacy would never have been as great as it is today.

    For Ray G, Radio’s legacy proves that an artist’s greatest investment is the music they leave behind.

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