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  • Research, Not Speculation, Will Grow Uganda’s Businesses – Minister Sanjay Tanna

    Research, Not Speculation, Will Grow Uganda’s Businesses – Minister Sanjay Tanna

    KAMPALA – Trade, Industry and Cooperatives Minister Sanjay Tanna has challenged Ugandan businesses to abandon guesswork and embrace research and data-driven decision-making, saying evidence-based planning is essential for sustainable growth and industrial competitiveness.

    Speaking during a high-level engagement with the Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA) board, management and members at the association’s headquarters in Lugogo on July 9, the minister said many local enterprises continue to make critical investment decisions without adequate market intelligence.

    “No business can grow without research. The problem with most Ugandan businesses is we speculate and we do not base our decisions on research. We need this kind of data to take decisions and understand the sector better,” Tanna said.

    The minister described the collection and management of reliable data as one of his ministry’s immediate priorities, revealing that efforts are underway to digitise government databases to support evidence-based policymaking and improve service delivery.

    He said stronger data systems would enable government and the private sector to make informed decisions, identify industry trends and develop policies that respond to the realities facing manufacturers.

    The meeting formed part of the ministry’s ongoing consultations with key industry players aimed at strengthening collaboration in implementing Uganda’s industrialisation agenda.

    During the engagement, UMA members presented several policy concerns, including calls for a review of the Employment Act—particularly provisions on severance pay—high excise duties, multiple taxes, and the Uganda Revenue Authority’s requirement that taxpayers deposit 30 per cent of disputed tax assessments before lodging appeals with the Tax Appeals Tribunal.

    Tanna assured manufacturers that the ministry would engage relevant government agencies to examine the concerns through structured dialogue backed by credible data.

    Private Sector Experience

    Appointed Trade Minister in mid-2026, Tanna brings extensive private sector experience to the docket, having built a successful business career before serving as Member of Parliament for Tororo Municipality.

    His appointment has been widely viewed as an opportunity to strengthen government engagement with the business community as Uganda seeks to accelerate industrialisation, expand exports and create jobs through initiatives such as Buy Uganda, Build Uganda (BUBU).

    Since assuming office, the minister has consistently advocated stronger partnerships between government and industry, increased value addition, technology transfer and revitalised cooperatives as key drivers of economic growth.

    Why Data Matters

    Economists argue that stronger research and data systems could significantly improve Uganda’s investment climate by providing businesses with reliable market intelligence, reducing investment risks and enabling government to formulate more targeted industrial policies.

    The renewed emphasis on evidence-based planning comes as Uganda pushes to increase local manufacturing, strengthen value chains and reduce dependence on imported goods, particularly in agro-processing and other strategic sectors.

    The ministry’s engagement with manufacturers signals a shift towards closer collaboration with industry players as government seeks practical solutions to the challenges constraining the country’s manufacturing sector.

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  • Why Uganda’s MICE Industry Should Rally Behind Speke Resort’s Bid for Global Luxury Award

    Why Uganda’s MICE Industry Should Rally Behind Speke Resort’s Bid for Global Luxury Award

     

    By Watchdog Uganda Correspondent

    KAMPALA – Uganda’s meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) industry has an opportunity to earn global recognition as Speke Resort and Conference Centre Munyonyo competes in the prestigious 2026 LUXE Global Awards.

    The lakeside resort is appealing to Ugandans, tourism players, corporate organisations and hospitality stakeholders to cast their votes and help position Uganda among the world’s leading luxury tourism destinations.

    For many in the tourism sector, this is more than a competition for one hotel. It is a chance to market Uganda’s growing reputation as a destination capable of hosting world-class international conferences, exhibitions, luxury leisure travel and major business events.

    Over the years, Speke Resort has become synonymous with some of Uganda’s biggest regional and international gatherings, state functions, business summits, weddings and entertainment events. Its modern convention facilities, accommodation, restaurants and picturesque location on the shores of Lake Victoria have made it one of East Africa’s flagship conference venues.

    Industry experts say international recognition for such facilities boosts confidence among event organisers, investors and tourists considering Uganda for future business and leisure travel.

    The recognition would also strengthen Uganda’s ambitions of becoming a leading MICE destination in Africa—a sector that generates significantly higher visitor spending than traditional leisure tourism.

    Beyond the hotel itself, a strong performance in the LUXE Global Awards would shine a spotlight on the country’s wider tourism value chain, including airlines, tour operators, transport providers, event planners, cultural attractions, restaurants and local suppliers that benefit whenever Uganda hosts major international events.

    Speke Resort is nominated in the Hotel category, while its signature Nyanja and Lake Terrace Restaurant is competing in the Restaurant category.

    The LUXE Global Awards recognise excellence in luxury hotels, restaurants, spas and hospitality establishments across the world through a public voting process.

    Tourism stakeholders say every vote sends a message that Uganda is ready to compete with established global destinations and deserves greater visibility on the international tourism map.

    Ugandans wishing to support the campaign can vote through the official LUXE Global Awards platform.

    • Vote for Speke Resort and Conference Centre Munyonyo in the Hotel category.
    • Vote for Nyanja and Lake Terrace Restaurant in the Restaurant category.

    The voting links and QR codes are available on Speke Resort’s official digital platforms.

    As Uganda continues investing in tourism infrastructure and promoting conference tourism, stakeholders believe supporting internationally recognised facilities is ultimately an investment in the country’s brand, competitiveness and economic growth.

    For an industry seeking to attract more international delegates, tourists and investors, every vote is also a vote for Destination Uganda.

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  • Uganda Police Clarifies Mbuya Eviction, Says Exercise Followed Court Order

    Uganda Police Clarifies Mbuya Eviction, Says Exercise Followed Court Order

    The Uganda Police Force has clarified circumstances surrounding an alleged illegal eviction at Mbuya in Kampala, stating that the exercise was conducted in accordance with a valid court order arising from a civil dispute over ownership and possession of the property.

    In a statement issued on its official social media platforms, the Force said it had taken note of a video circulating online in which a woman alleged that she had been unlawfully evicted from her property by police officers.

    The Police explained that the eviction took place on 13th July 2026 at Plots 55 and 56, Ismael Road, Mbuya, following a court process that determined ownership of the contested property.

    According to the statement, the High Court, in a judgment delivered on 28th February 2024, declared the rightful owner of the property and issued an order for vacant possession. The Police added that after unsuccessful attempts to enforce the court order, a valid warrant of execution was issued, paving the way for the eviction.

    “The exercise was carried out by court-authorised officers, while police officers from Jinja Road Division were deployed to maintain law and order and ensure that the court process was executed peacefully and in accordance with their mandate,” the statement read.

    The Force further revealed that during the exercise, one Agaba Prossy, who was found at the premises, allegedly became hostile and assaulted the officer leading the police team. She was subsequently arrested and charged accordingly.

    The Police also dismissed claims that property structures were demolished during the operation, clarifying that no demolition was conducted in the presence of the police team.

    “The structures on the land remained intact at the time police concluded their role in maintaining order during the execution process,” the statement noted.

    The Force emphasised that its role in the matter was limited to providing security and ensuring that the court-sanctioned process was carried out peacefully and lawfully.

    It advised any parties with grievances arising from the execution of court orders to seek redress through the appropriate legal channels.

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  • Following the MLB Season: Game Schedule, Live Scores, and Key Matchups

    Following the MLB Season: Game Schedule, Live Scores, and Key Matchups

    A Season Built on Daily Stakes

    There’re few sports calendars in the world with the sheer volume, rhythm and daily stakes that a full MLB season carries. Every stretch of the schedule is no longer treated as a simple list of fixtures — instead it’s framed as a running story, one shaped by division races, individual milestone chases, and the grinding accumulation of 162 games across six months. What a lot of people don’t realize is the reality is, broadcasters, analysts and betting communities likedbbet track MLB games practically every single night, treating even a midweek series between two non-contenders as worth watching closely. The result is a sport in which attention isn’t generated by a handful of marquee dates, but by the sheer density of the schedule itself.

    Following MLB games doesn’t require constant excitement to stay meaningful. Think about it this way: a sport built on daily competition creates its own momentum simply by never stopping.

    Understanding the MLB Schedule

    The MLB schedule is unlike almost anything else in professional sports. Thirty teams play 162 regular-season games apiece, spread across roughly six months from late March through early October. That density means the schedule isn’t just a list of dates — it’s a structural backbone that shapes everything from bullpen usage to trade deadline decisions.

    Series-scheduling forms the core of the MLB game. Teams are known to play anywhere between three to four games in succession against one team, thereby forming series within a larger season – that is, a team can lose in its first game, change its strategy, and win in the subsequent series. It is evident that series scheduling gives the benefit to those who track the MLB game schedule well, because what happens in individual games is not important as much as what happens in the series.

    Inter-league play, divisional rivalry, and sometimes an international series spice up the monotony. In a 162-game season, there are certain games in the schedule that hold more importance than the rest, and it is necessary for one to know about it.

    Baseball Scores as a Daily Habit

    Contrary to many sports that play one match per week, baseball scores keep getting updated all through the week, as there will be at least 12 games being played each night of the week. This is an entirely new form of fan experience where the viewers get involved in the scores through frequent updates during the day rather than one fixed three-hour session of watching the game.

    You want to know something? This is precisely why baseball scores work just like a whole other dimension to the sport. The fans check box scores in real time, track pitch-by-pitch live score on their cellphones and keep forming an idea about the leagues, all this while just watching the games half-heartedly. Tracking platforms for baseball scores have become equally important for the fans as the broadcasts themselves.

    Even a routine Tuesday night slate carries meaning within this system. A pitcher working on a scoreless streak, a team quietly building a winning streak, a rookie putting together a strong week — these storylines often get discovered through scores and box scores before they show up in mainstream sports coverage.

    Division Races and the Long Game

    No single game defines an MLB season, but the accumulation of games across a division race absolutely does. Because the schedule is so long, the standings shift gradually rather than dramatically — a team a few games back in June can find itself leading by Labor Day, and a team that looked dominant in April can fade entirely by August.

    Seriously, this is part of what makes following the MLB schedule so rewarding for engaged fans. Platforms includingkazino uz and other regional sports and entertainment outlets track division standings closely throughout the summer, since the margin between a playoff spot and an early offseason often comes down to just a handful of games decided months earlier.

    And oh yeah, division races don’t just matter to the teams directly involved. They shape trade deadline behavior across the league, influence how front offices value their own rosters, and determine which September series suddenly become must-watch baseball games for casual fans who weren’t paying attention in May.

    Star Storylines Within the Long Season

    Individual performances take on outsized meaning across a 162-game season. A hitter chasing a milestone, a starting pitcher building toward a career year, a young call-up forcing his way into everyday playing time — these storylines develop gradually and get tracked closely by fans following daily baseball scores rather than just weekend highlights.

    Star players become protagonists within a much longer narrative than any single game can capture. A multi-hit night against a division rival, a scoreless outing against a lineup that’s been raking all month, a defensive play that swings a tight game — these moments get dissected extensively in daily coverage, especially during stretches when a player is clearly locked in.

    Guess what? Even role players and bullpen arms get elevated within this system. A middle reliever stringing together scoreless appearances becomes part of the team’s broader story, especially during a tight playoff race where every single one of those 162 MLB games carries weight in the standings.

    Broadcast Coverage and the Second Screen

    Modern MLB consumption extends well beyond watching a single broadcast from first pitch to final out. Highlight clips, real-time score alerts, and detailed pitch-tracking data transform each night’s slate into a multi-platform experience. A walk-off hit, a no-hitter bid broken up in the eighth, a bench-clearing moment — these circulate within minutes across social platforms, reaching fans who weren’t watching live.

    Discussion around MLB games unfolds constantly across apps and forums, with box scores updating in real time throughout the evening as fans track multiple games at once. This fragmented, always-on coverage style suits baseball particularly well, given how many games are being played on any single night during the heart of the season.

    The sport exists everywhere at once — on television, on phones, and across every platform tracking baseball scores throughout a long summer.

    Why Even Ordinary Games Feel Worth Following

    Not every game on the MLB schedule carries playoff implications or historical weight. Yet the structure of a 162-game season ensures that few games feel entirely disposable. Division standings, individual milestone chases, and emerging storylines around younger players frame even midweek series as meaningful steps within a longer campaign.

    Even a lopsided loss gets contextualized within a team’s broader season — a chance to test bullpen depth, evaluate a struggling hitter’s adjustments, or get a look at a prospect earning his first real opportunity. This interpretive layer keeps the daily rhythm of MLB games from feeling repetitive, even across six months of near-constant baseball.

    Meaning is built through context and accumulation, not just through marquee matchups — and that’s exactly why fans keep checking baseball scores night after night, long after the excitement of Opening Day has faded.

    Conclusion: The Season Is the Story

    The patience required for following MLB is greater than any other sports league. This league is all about density, tempo, and the gradual building of 162 individual stories to make up one big story. This league is able to turn an entire season of six months into an interesting one through the use of daily scores and division races.

    In this system, individual MLB games are never truly isolated events — they’re data points within a season-long story that only fully makes sense in hindsight. And oh yeah, the sheer volume of games, the gradual nature of division races, and the daily habit of checking baseball scores extend the appeal of this sport far beyond any single highlight-reel moment.

    The staying power of MLB lies in understanding that attention isn’t captured by a handful of big nights alone. It’s built through rhythm, repetition, and the quiet accumulation of meaning across an entire season.

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  • Akon Reveals Why He Chose Wizkid Over Drake in 2008

    Akon Reveals Why He Chose Wizkid Over Drake in 2008

    Akon has revealed that he passed on the chance to sign Drake in 2008 because the Canadian rapper wanted $1 million before putting pen to paper.

    The Senegalese-American singer and music executive shared the story during an interview with The Shade Room, explaining that Drake was still an emerging artist at the time and had not yet found the sound that would later make him a global sensation.

    Rather than meet Drake’s demands, Akon turned his attention to Nigeria, where Banky W introduced him to a young Wizkid.

    The moment he heard the singer, Akon said he knew he was looking at a future star.

    Banky W discovered Wizkid. That is how that collaboration went. I went to Nigeria, and Banky brought me Wiz, and I’m like, ‘Bro! This kid is a star.’

    Akon said Banky W and Empire Mates Entertainment had done the hard work of discovering and developing Wizkid, but lacked the resources to take him beyond Nigeria.

    That partnership, he explained, gave Wizkid access to the American market and helped launch his international career.

    They had limited resources, so when I signed Wiz, that was what broke him into the United States.

  • King Michael Builds Momentum Ahead of Serena Hotel Concert

    King Michael Builds Momentum Ahead of Serena Hotel Concert

    King Michael continues to reach new milestones, and his supporters have been there every step of the way.

    As his career grows, so does the confidence people have in what he is building.

    That confidence was evident when businessman Fugita recently gifted the singer a luxurious car, a gesture that many saw as recognition of his growing influence in the music industry.

    Now, King Michael is preparing for his next big moment.

    On August 1, the singer will take the stage at Serena Hotel for a live concert that promises an evening of great music and entertainment.

    Preparations are already underway, with exclusive invitation cards making their way to invited guests. If you plan to attend, dress for the occasion and get ready for a memorable night.

    King Michael says he is ready to give fans a performance they will not forget when he steps onto the Serena Hotel stage.

  • Simi and Adekunle Gold Expand Family With Arrival of Twins

    Simi and Adekunle Gold Expand Family With Arrival of Twins

    Nigerian music stars Simi and Adekunle Gold are celebrating a major family milestone after reports confirmed the arrival of twins.

    The news has spread quickly across social media, surprising fans who expected baby number two but were delighted by the double blessing.

    The couple has kept details private, staying true to their quiet approach to family life.

    Despite the silence from the pair, reactions online have been full of love.

    ans and fellow artistes have shared warm messages, celebrating the couple’s growing family and their long admired love story.

    In a space often filled with drama, the news has brought a rare moment of shared happiness.

    Many see it as a reminder that good news still has the power to bring people together.

    As Simi and Adekunle Gold begin this new chapter with a bigger family, well wishes continue to pour in.

    Twins mean more love, more joy, and a new season for one of music’s most admired couples.

  • Chosen Becky’s Father Clarifies His Mission, Defends Daughter Against Criticism

    Singer Chosen Becky‘s father has spoken out to clarify his intentions and defend his daughter against criticism.

    He explained that his goal was never to ride or promote motorcycles. Instead, he said his dream has always been to build a ministry and dedicate his life to serving God.

    At the same time, he made it clear that Chosen Becky, real name Rebecca Kukiriza, has done nothing wrong and that he has no negative words to say about her.

    According to him, his daughter chose a career in music, while God called him into ministry. He believes they are simply following different callings.

    He also appealed to the public not to twist or misrepresent his statements in ways that could hurt Chosen Becky.

    Insisting there is no conflict between them, he urged people to stop spreading narratives that could damage her reputation.

    He ended by asking the public to respect both his calling and his daughter’s career, reminding them that people can pursue different purposes in life while continuing to support one another.

    The post Chosen Becky’s Father Clarifies His Mission, Defends Daughter Against Criticism appeared first on Nile Scoop.

  • Pharrell’s ‘Poked the Bear’ Speech Fuels Speculation About JAY-Z’s Next Move

    Pharrell Williams has sparked fresh speculation about JAY-Z‘s future after delivering a cryptic message during the final night of the rap icon’s “Extra Innings” concert at Yankee Stadium.

    After joining JAY-Z on stage for performances of classics including “Frontin‘,” “Excuse Me Miss,” and “Allure,” Pharrell praised the hip-hop legend before making remarks that quickly caught fans’ attention.

    They poked the bear, and then the bear cut his hair. Now he got on his helmet and he getting ready to go to work. I hope you kill all them…

    The comments immediately fueled speculation online, with some fans interpreting them as a hint that JAY-Z could be preparing to release new music. Others viewed the speech as a sign the rapper may be returning to the competitive mindset that defined some of his biggest records.

    However, neither Pharrell nor JAY-Z explained the meaning behind the remarks or confirmed that a new project is on the way.

    The moment came during the closing night of JAY-Z’s three-show Yankee Stadium run, which celebrated milestones in his career and featured surprise appearances from Rihanna, Beyoncé, Usher, Pharrell, and several longtime collaborators.

    The concert itself began hours later than scheduled after hundreds of people without tickets breached security outside the venue, forcing organizers to temporarily close entrances.

    Once on stage, JAY-Z apologized to fans, saying he delayed the show to ensure everyone could enter safely.

    Pharrell’s reference to “the bear cut his hair” also drew attention because JAY-Z recently debuted a closely cropped hairstyle during the concert series.

    The haircut was featured in a pre-show video showing Beyoncé shaving his afro, a symbolic moment that many fans linked to the beginning of a new chapter in his career.

    While fans continue to debate whether Pharrell’s comments point to a new album or future lyrical responses, no official announcement has been made. JAY-Z’s last solo studio album remains 4:44, released in 2017.

  • Who writes the laughs? Exploring the hidden world of Uganda’s comedy writers

    Article by Watum P’Oceng

    Comedy writing is one of the most versatile forms of creative writing, appearing across stand-up comedy, television, film, satire, blogs, and digital content. While audiences often focus on performers, the writing behind the humour is a craft that combines storytelling, timing, character development, and social observation.

    At its simplest, comedy writing is material designed to make audiences laugh, and it takes different forms depending on the medium. Stand-up relies on voice, timing, and observation-driven jokes; sketch comedy depends on strong premises and escalating situations; while scripted comedy such as television and film leans on storytelling, character development, and narrative humour.

    Ugandan comedy writing reflects these approaches through writers working across stage, screen, print, and digital media. Among them are Timothy J. Nyanzi, Catherine Bagaaya, Joseph Opio, Ernest Bazanye, and Spire, each representing a different dimension of the craft.

    Timothy J. Nyanzi, whose work spans television, stage, and animation writing, describes comedy writing as the “nervous system” of comedy, suggesting it drives performance. He has been part of Anne Kansiime’s creative team, serving as head writer for The Comedy Grill of Anne Kansiime and contributing roast material. He has written for Kan-See-Me, worked as writer and supervising director on Don’t Mess With Kansiime, and collaborated with Katoto Studio on Cartoons from the Source of the Nile. He is also a writer for Dumb Questions For Cool People and has further contributed to the Nairobi International Comedy Festival’s Highly Debatable Show.

    While Nyanzi frames comedy writing as the system behind performance, Catherine Bagaaya highlights its foundation in storytelling, where humour is built through structure rather than isolated jokes.

    A graduate of Drama from Makerere University, Bagaaya has worked across television, film, radio, and digital production. Her writing credits include The Hostel, 5@Home, Girl from Mparo, Mpeke Town, Jangu Tulye, Kan-See-Me, and Popi, where she served as head writer at Fun Factory Uganda. She has also contributed to story development and mentored emerging writers. As she explains, “Storytelling is at the core of comedy writing because it involves the idea, the characters, the beginning, middle and end, as well as the premise, conflict, and payoff.”

    A further dimension of comedy writing is satire, where humour extends into social commentary. This is reflected in the work of Joseph Opio.

    A trained lawyer and accountant, Joseph Opio is a writer and comedian whose work has reached international audiences. He has written for The Daily Show, contributing to more than 1,200 episodes, and has received a Writers Guild of America nomination and two Emmy Awards in 2024. One of these was for The World According to Football, a documentary narrated by Trevor Noah, showing how comedy writing extends into long-form storytelling and global commentary beyond just political satire.

    Beyond stage and screen, comedy writing appears in print and digital publishing. This is reflected in the work of Ernest Bazanye. A journalist, author, and scriptwriter, his work includes Ernest Bazanye’s Bad Idea, What’s Up Africa, Business Unusual, the comedy panel show Muwawa Club and his latest book The Girl Child Has Seen Days.

    Another form of comedy writing is visual, taking shape in editorial cartoons, where humour is communicated through imagery, symbolism, and satire rather than dialogue or performance. This is reflected through cartoonists such as Fred Senoga Makubuya (Snoggie) and Jimmy Spire Ssentongo, whose illustrations comment on political and social issues.

    Besides these individual contributions, Ugandan comedy writing is supported by a wider network of writers working across emerging platforms. Writers such as Uncle Mark, who writes for Uncle Mo’s skits, and Okello Okello, who has written for the Senkyu Boss television series, reflect the growing range of spaces in which comedy writing is practised.

    Comedy writing in Uganda spans performance, screen, print, and digital media. From performance and storytelling to satire and visual commentary, it is a craft that brings together function, structure, and impact, revealing a depth and complexity that extends far beyond the punchline.

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