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Police in Kampala have recovered 723 suspected stolen mobile phones during an operation at Cooper Complex in the city centre.

On Tuesday, security operatives raided 12 shops. According to the police, the stolen phones had allegedly been tampered with, including the alteration of their serial numbers, before being sold across borders, making it extremely difficult for the rightful owners to trace and recover them.

Police also recovered more than 460 used MTN and Airtel SIM cards from one of the shops, as well as machines suspected to have been used to alter mobile phone serial numbers.

During the operation, three of the recovered phones received calls from individuals who identified themselves as the rightful owners. The callers reported that the phones had been stolen from them in the Makindye area of Kampala, providing investigators with immediate leads.

A General Inquiry File has been opened to establish the lawful ownership of all the recovered phones and facilitate their return to the rightful owners where appropriate.

A total of 13 suspects were arrested during the operation and are being screened as investigations continue.

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ENTEBBE, UGANDA – The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government, Mr. Ben Kumumanya, has urged newly elected leaders of Entebbe Municipality to uphold the rule of law, enforce orderly trade, avoid unnecessary political conflicts and prioritise quality service delivery as the municipality strives to become a model urban centre.

Mr. Kumumanya made the remarks on Tuesday while closing an induction training for Entebbe Municipality’s political leaders at Peniel Beach Hotel.

The induction brought together councillors, municipal leaders and technical officers to deepen their understanding of local government laws, governance systems, accountability and their role in implementing government programmes. The Head of Trade, Industry and Local Economic Development, Mr. Stephen Mulindwa, also delivered a presentation on trade, local economic development and the use of data in planning and decision-making.

Addressing the participants, Mr. Kumumanya said effective leadership begins with respect for the law and strong collaboration between political leaders and technical staff.

“Follow the law. There are many laws governing local governments, and there is no way you can successfully run a council without following those laws,” he said.

He reminded the leaders that local governments are the closest level of government to the people and therefore have a duty to ensure efficient delivery of public services.

The Permanent Secretary urged councillors to respect each other’s mandates and work harmoniously with technical officers, warning that unnecessary conflicts only undermine service delivery.

“Uganda is looking for leaders who can accommodate others, build consensus and focus on delivering services to the people instead of engaging in unnecessary political fights,” he said.

Enforcing Trade Order

Mr. Kumumanya also emphasised the need to enforce trade order in Entebbe Municipality, saying organised business operations are essential for a modern and well-managed urban centre.

He said all traders operating within the municipality should comply with government guidelines aimed at promoting proper planning, cleanliness and discipline in trading areas.

According to the Permanent Secretary, orderly markets benefit both traders and consumers by creating a safe, organised and conducive business environment.

Using a simple analogy, he explained the importance of order in everyday life.

“I always tell people, why do you have sitting arrangements in your homes? It is to maintain order and know where everything is placed. The market must also be arranged in the same way,” he said.

He cited Kitooro Market as a good example of organised trade, where traders operate in designated spaces while supporting efficient urban management.

Mr. Kumumanya stressed that enforcing trade order should not be viewed as restricting business but as creating an environment where commerce can flourish.

Recruitment Must Follow the Law

The Permanent Secretary also warned local governments against irregularities in the recruitment of public servants, insisting that all appointments must strictly follow established legal procedures.

He said recruitment should be guided by merit, transparency and professionalism rather than personal interests or political influence.

Mr. Kumumanya revealed that cities and districts without functional District Service Commissions have been given until 30 August 2026 to address the gaps in accordance with Ministry of Local Government guidelines.

He noted that functional service commissions are critical to ensuring competent personnel are recruited into public service.

Entebbe’s Strategic Importance

While closing the induction, Mr. Kumumanya reminded the leaders that Entebbe occupies a unique and strategic position in Uganda and therefore demands exemplary leadership.

He described the municipality as a historic town, an international gateway and the home of key national institutions, including State House Entebbe and Entebbe International Airport.

“Entebbe is not just another municipality. It is Uganda’s gateway to the world, a historic town and home to State House. It has the privilege of being one of the country’s model urban centres, and that privilege comes with responsibility,” he said.

He further urged the leaders to focus on delivering tangible results rather than criticising their predecessors.

“Do not spend your time bragging about how others have failed. The people elected you to deliver results, not to assign blame. Work hard, remain focused and always seek wisdom,” he advised.

Municipality Targets Improved Service Delivery

Meanwhile, the Entebbe Municipality Town Clerk, Mr. Emmanuel Gakyalo, revealed that the municipality has so far collected approximately Shs5 billion in local revenue from taxi operations and other revenue sources.

He said the improved revenue collection has enabled the municipality to undertake key infrastructure projects, including the ongoing construction of Kiwafu Road near Kitooro Senior Secondary School, while also supporting improvements in health services and other essential public programmes.

“We have so far collected approximately Shs5 billion in local revenue, and our goal is to make Entebbe Municipality a model local government in service delivery, accountability and sustainable urban development,” Mr. Gakyalo said.

He commended the Government of Uganda under the leadership of President Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for its continued investment in social services and support to local governments.

Speaking at the same event, Entebbe Municipality Mayor Fabrice Rulinda called for inclusive leadership, urging elected leaders to serve all residents regardless of political affiliation.

He noted that although the municipality’s leadership is predominantly from the National Resistance Movement (NRM), every resident deserves equal access to public services and development opportunities.

The Ministry of Local Government said the induction forms part of its broader efforts to strengthen the capacity of political leaders and improve governance and service delivery across local governments.

As Entebbe pursues its vision of becoming a model urban centre, the message from the Ministry remained unequivocal: uphold the law, enforce orderly trade, safeguard public resources, and translate leadership commitments into measurable improvements in the lives of citizens.

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The Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs (MoDVA) has concluded its annual Defence Strategic Retreat, with the Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Jacob Oboth Oboth Kiryowa Kiwanuka, presiding over the closing session on Monday.

He was joined by the Minister of State for Defence, Hon. Grace Akifeza Ngabirano, and the Minister of State for Veteran Affairs, Hon. Dr. Huda Abason Oleru.

The three-day retreat was officially opened on Saturday by the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, at the Defence Intelligence and Security Headquarters in Mbuya.

Gen. Kainerugaba chaired the first two days of the retreat, guiding senior military commanders, ministry officials and civilian leaders through performance reviews, strategic assessments and coordination discussions aimed at strengthening the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF).

Reflecting on the UPDF’s performance during the 2025/2026 Financial Year, the CDF acknowledged the force’s achievements but stressed the need to improve efficiency and accelerate implementation of key strategic priorities.

“The overall picture is that we are steadily moving in the right direction, even though we must work a little bit faster,” Gen. Kainerugaba said.

He urged commanders and departmental heads to adopt SMART priorities—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time-bound—to enhance planning, improve resource utilisation and strengthen accountability.

“Priorities that are SMART provide value for money, improve our efficiency and enable us to rigorously assess whatever we set out to achieve,” he noted.

At the conclusion of the retreat, Gen. Kainerugaba presented the consolidated strategic priorities to Defence Minister Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka, marking the beginning of the implementation phase for the new planning cycle.

In his closing remarks, Hon. Kiryowa reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to building a modern, professional, affordable and sustainable UPDF capable of effectively safeguarding Uganda’s sovereignty while contributing to national development.

He also underscored the importance of increasing public awareness of the UPDF’s achievements, observing that many of the force’s successes remain largely unknown despite their significant impact.

“So much is being done, but so little is known,” the minister said, adding that “it is about time someone started blowing their own trumpet.”

Hon. Kiryowa pledged his full support for the UPDF’s budget priorities and called for a sustained public communication strategy to showcase the force’s contribution to national security, regional stability and socio-economic transformation.

The minister further commended Gen. Kainerugaba for the progress made in transforming the UPDF within a relatively short period and encouraged other government ministries, departments and agencies to emulate the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs’ results-oriented approach, anchored on prudent and efficient use of public resources.

The annual strategic retreat serves as a key planning platform for the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, aligning institutional priorities, resource allocation and operational objectives with Uganda’s broader national security agenda.

Other senior defence officials who participated in the retreat included the Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, Lt. Gen. Sam Okiding, the Chief of Joint Staff, Lt. Gen. Jack Bakasumba, and senior commanders from across the UPDF.

They were joined by top ministry technocrats led by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Rosette Byengoma, and the Under Secretary for Finance and Administration, Ms. Edith Butuuro, whose technical input will help shape the Ministry’s priorities and defence expenditure for the forthcoming financial year.

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Uganda’s next generation of cities must be built to withstand the growing pressures of climate change, with housing developments designed around resilience, sustainability and inclusiveness, the government has said.

Speaking during the 20th anniversary celebrations of Akright City off Entebbe Road, Lands, Housing and Urban Development Minister Judith Nabakooba, who represented President Yoweri Museveni, said Uganda’s urban future depends on creating communities capable of adapting to environmental shocks while supporting economic growth.

The Minister warned that Uganda’s cities are increasingly exposed to climate-related threats, including floods, droughts, heatwaves, landslides, water shortages and other environmental challenges linked to climate change and rapid urbanisation.

“Uganda’s cities, like other global cities, are at the forefront of urban crises, facing unprecedented threats from floods, droughts, heatwaves, landslides, water scarcity and other climate-related disasters,” Nabakooba said.

She said the challenge presents an opportunity for Uganda to rethink urban development by prioritising sustainable infrastructure, environmental protection and communities that can thrive despite climate pressures.

“By prioritising sustainable urban development, we can unlock our cities’ potential to drive economic growth, create jobs, improve livelihoods, promote social cohesion and reduce pollution,” she added.

Climate-Smart Housing Becomes Economic Priority

The Minister said future housing developments must go beyond physical structures and incorporate climate-smart solutions that protect communities from environmental risks.

She argued that urban planning must consider resilience through sustainable infrastructure, efficient land use, environmentally friendly construction materials and inclusive access to housing.

“Urbanisation will drive the socio-economic and structural metamorphosis of Uganda through innovation, cultural exchange, resilience building, the creation of urban jobs and the provision of sustainable infrastructure,” she said.

The remarks align with broader continental ambitions under the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which identifies urbanisation as a driver of Africa’s economic transformation.

Akright Model and Uganda’s Urban Future

The government praised Akright City as an example of planned urban development, describing its two-decade transformation as a model for Uganda’s expanding real estate sector.

Nabakooba said the country’s economic growth and rising middle class present opportunities for developers to create modern neighbourhoods that respond to changing housing needs.

“As the economy continues to grow by leaps and bounds, I urge all players in the real estate sector to tap into the new middle-income cohort to develop more affluent neighbourhoods, thereby changing the skylines of our cities,” she said.

She noted that housing has significant economic linkages through construction, manufacturing, employment creation and industrial development.

Uganda’s housing deficit remains a major challenge, estimated at about 2.4 million housing units, according to government figures.

Nabakooba encouraged low-income earners to organise into savings cooperatives and housing cooperatives as a pathway towards expanding access to decent housing.

Real Estate Sector Eyes New Growth Era

Nabakooba said Uganda’s growing economy provides a foundation for expanding the housing and construction industries, noting that the country’s exports and industrial capacity have significantly increased.

She highlighted Uganda’s transition from dependence on imported construction materials, citing growth in local manufacturing, including ceramics production.

According to the Minister, Uganda’s economy is projected to continue expanding, creating demand for modern housing developments and urban centres.

She challenged investors to move beyond land subdivision and embrace planned developments that create productive, sustainable communities.

“Let us develop concrete actions and solutions to address the most urgent housing challenges facing our country. Let us work together to nurture and grow our housing sector by making it inclusive, sustainable and prosperous for all,” she said.

As Uganda’s urban population continues to rise, the government says the future of housing must balance economic opportunity with environmental responsibility.

The call for climate-resilient cities places housing at the centre of Uganda’s development agenda — not only as shelter, but as an investment, an economic engine and a foundation for sustainable communities.

“The future of Uganda is housing as a fundamental right, and also an investment, and that future is now,” Nabakooba said.

 

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A Country is not tested when its citizens agree with those in power. It is tested when those who disagree can still expect equal protection under the law. That is the question Uganda must answer today. If abductions, torture, enforced disappearances and political violence continue to surface without credible accountability, how long can any society continue believing that justice will eventually prevail?

When lawful justice appears absent, some people begin to lose faith in the institutions meant to protect them. No responsible citizen should wish for an “eye for an eye” society. Yet every government should recognize that impunity, if left unchecked, can erode public trust and deepen divisions. The greatest threat is not disagreement itself, but the belief that the law protects some people while failing others.

Uganda has lived through tragedies whose wounds have never fully healed. The conflict in Northern Uganda left generations carrying unimaginable trauma. The Mukura railway wagon killings remain a painful reminder of lives lost and questions that many believe have never been fully answered. The Kasese operation of 2016 continues to generate debate about accountability and justice. Different regions of the country have experienced political violence, contested security operations and grieving families searching for answers. Although these events differ in context, they share one lesson: unresolved injustice rarely disappears. It is carried from one generation to the next.

Perhaps the most remarkable story is not the violence itself but the restraint shown by millions of Ugandans. For decades, citizens have continued to petition courts, appeal to Parliament, engage religious leaders, document abuses, and seek constitutional remedies instead of abandoning peaceful means. That patience should never be mistaken for permanent acceptance. Public confidence is not an unlimited resource. Every allegation that goes unanswered weakens it further.

Governments often measure stability by the absence of protests. Citizens measure stability differently. They ask whether they can speak freely without fear, whether a missing relative will be found, whether the law applies equally regardless of political affiliation, and whether justice depends on influence or evidence. These are the questions that determine whether people trust the state.

The responsibility for preventing deeper divisions lies first with those entrusted to govern. Every credible allegation of torture, enforced disappearance, unlawful detention or excessive use of force deserves an independent, impartial and transparent investigation. Accountability should not depend on rank, political loyalty or public office. Justice loses its meaning the moment it becomes selective.

Uganda’s young population is watching closely. Many were born long after some of the country’s darkest chapters, yet they continue to witness reports of political confrontation, disappearances and allegations of abuse. They are asking whether their future will be governed by institutions or by fear. That question deserves an answer not in speeches but through consistent actions that uphold constitutional rights and equal justice.

The warning is straightforward. No society remains peaceful indefinitely if significant numbers of its citizens lose confidence that lawful institutions can deliver justice. The answer, however, is not retaliation. The answer is restoring trust through accountability, transparency and equal application of the law. Preventing an “eye for an eye” mentality requires ensuring that every Ugandan regardless of political belief, ethnicity, religion or social status can expect the same protection and the same access to justice

General Muhoozi once justice sleeps revenge begins to whisper, how long do you think it will take the Population to ignore their Wounded State? Uganda still has that choice. The country’s future can be shaped by constitutionalism rather than resentment, by accountability rather than impunity, and by reconciliation rather than recurring grievance. But every day that legitimate questions remain unanswered makes that choice more difficult. The cost of justice may appear high today, yet ignoring it is far greater.

The Author is a social development specialist and CEO Bridge your mind centre.

Email; [email protected]

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Zari Hassan‘s latest appearance has set social media buzzing, with Ugandans split over what they believe has changed about her face.

The businesswoman and reality tv star is currently in Uganda spending time with family and friends, but much of the online conversation has shifted away from her visit and onto her appearance.

Photos and videos from her trip have sparked a wave of speculation, with some social media users suggesting she may have undergone a facelift, while others insist makeup, lighting, camera angles, or even a different hairstyle could easily explain the change.

The debate has spread across X, TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram, where bloggers and fans continue comparing recent photos with older ones.

One X user, @MrsBluey6, wrote:

Having so much money sometimes is bad because what kind of facelift is this?

Another, @Acholi_goddd, added:

She underwent a facelift.

A third user, @BlackQuinn, questioned the change altogether.

Who gave Zari the idea of changing her face like this?

The conversation has been just as lively on TikTok, where one video comparing Zari’s appearance has circulated widely after attracting thousands of reactions.

Others, however, have urged caution, arguing that social media images can be misleading and that there is no evidence Zari has undergone any cosmetic procedure.

Zari has not addressed the speculation, leaving the online debate to continue without any confirmation from the socialite herself.

Disney’s long-running strategy of turning its animated classics into live-action blockbusters is facing renewed scrutiny after Moana opened below expectations at the global box office.

The live-action remake debuted with $43 million in North America and $95 million worldwide, topping the weekend box office but falling short of expectations for a film reportedly made on a production budget of around $250 million.

The performance has prompted fresh debate over whether Disney’s remake formula is beginning to lose momentum.

For more than a decade, the studio enjoyed enormous success by reimagining animated classics such as Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, The Lion King and, more recently, Lilo & Stitch.

However, recent remakes including Snow White and now Moana have struggled to match the commercial heights of their predecessors.

Industry analysts point to several possible reasons behind Moana‘s softer opening. Unlike many earlier remakes, the original 2016 animated film remains one of Disney+’s most-streamed titles, while Moana 2 crossed the $1 billion mark worldwide less than two years ago.

Some believe audiences simply felt the story was still too recent to warrant another version.

Competition also played a role. Moana entered cinemas alongside family titles including Toy Story 5 and Minions & Monsters, while major sporting events such as the FIFA World Cup also competed for viewers’ attention.

Despite the underwhelming opening, audience reactions have been considerably stronger than critics’ reviews. The film earned an A- CinemaScore and a 90% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, suggesting positive word of mouth could help its performance in the coming weeks.

The bigger question now is what comes next for Disney.

The studio still has several live-action projects in development, but Moana‘s early performance has intensified discussions about whether audiences want faithful remakes of relatively recent animated hits or are looking for something new from one of Hollywood’s biggest studios.

Many expected Dr. Lawrence Muganga to dwell on his failed ministerial appointment.

He says he has already moved on.

The Victoria University Vice Chancellor insists the rejection of his nomination by Parliament’s Appointments Committee left him with no regrets, arguing that the career he has built already gives him both professional fulfilment and financial security.

As I speak, I am very happy with the job I have. I am paid so well. No minister gets the amount of money I earn every month. In fact, I earn more than double their salary.

His nomination as State Minister for Internal Affairs dominated public discussion after Parliament’s Appointments Committee declined to approve it over questions surrounding his citizenship.

For Muganga, however, the outcome did not become a reason to look back.

He says he remains focused on leading Victoria University and has no reason to compare his career with those serving in government.

The ministerial controversy also put him on a collision course with Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa, who chaired the Appointments Committee during the vetting process.

Even so, Muganga says he harbours no personal resentment toward the Deputy Speaker and would welcome the chance to resolve their differences through dialogue.

I do not wish him any bad. I believe one day we shall sit down together and sort out these issues because I would like to understand why he said what he said about me.