The Minister of Works and Transport, Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala, has told Parliament that road works across the country have been constrained by a Shs 585 billion debt to contractors.
Gen. Edward Katumba-Wamala the Works and Transport Minister
“The Uganda National Roads Authority told the Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises that we owe contractors Shs 585 billion, and this has affected even emergency repairs,” said Katumba Wamala.
He was responding to the communication from the Speaker, Anita Among, who raised concern over the recurrent flooding of the Karuma-Pakwach Bridge during plenary sitting on Wednesday, 17 November 2022.
“The problem is not that we do not want to repair the roads, but we do not have the money yet. If we get the release, we shall fix the roads,” said Katumba Wamala.
Following the Speaker’s guidance, Katumba Wamala reported to the House that his counterpart in the tourism ministry had waived access fees through the Murchison Falls National Park to enable movement of travellers, goods and services as the government finds a permanent solution to fix the bridge.
The Speaker asked the minister to present a report on actions that have been taken on all the roads in the country.
MP James Niringiyimana (NRM, Kinkizi County West), however, proposed that the government should consider acquiring concessional loans to enable road works to continue.
“I remember the declaration by the President in 2017 when he wrote letters telling the Ministry of Works, UNRA and Ministry of Finance to work on roads which are critical to the government. What happened to these letters?” he asked.
Zombo District Woman MP, Esther Afoyochan, called for special consideration for roads in West Nile, saying that the major roads in the region are impassable.
“The President is expected in Zombo tomorrow [18 November] for the coronation anniversary. If he were to use the road, I am so sure he would never make it to Zombo. I am also hopeful that as he goes there tomorrow, we shall have clear information from him regarding this issue.
MP Atkins Katusabe (FDC, Bukonjo County West) urged the government to urgently intervene and fix the Karuma-Pakwach Bridge.
Alarm bells are ringing for customers and business partners of the Tata Group after one of its flagship technology companies was hit by a major cyber breach, raising fears that confidential data belonging to some of the world’s biggest corporations may have fallen into the wrong hands.
The cyber incident has sent shockwaves through the Indian multinational conglomerate, whose operations stretch across more than 100 countries—including Uganda, where Tata companies have played key roles in technology, infrastructure and business services.
At the centre of the latest scare is Tata Electronics, which confirmed it recently detected a cybersecurity incident affecting some of its systems.
Although the company insists its business operations remain unaffected, cybersecurity researchers say a ransomware group known as World Leaks has published more than 200,000 files allegedly stolen from Tata’s systems on the dark web.
The leaked documents reportedly include confidential engineering drawings, manufacturing specifications, emails, employee records and files linked to global technology giants Apple and Tesla, both key Tata customers.
The breach has triggered investigations amid fears that sensitive commercial information and intellectual property could have been compromised.
While investigators are still establishing the full extent of the attack, the incident has reignited concerns over the growing threat posed by cybercriminals targeting multinational corporations.
For Uganda, the development is attracting particular attention because Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)—the Tata Group’s technology arm—has previously maintained a significant presence in the country.
TCS was contracted by the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) to design and implement the Integrated Tax Administration System, a multi-million-dollar digital platform that modernised the collection of income tax, VAT, withholding tax and other government revenues.
The project, worth about UGX 42 billion, was financed by the governments of the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Belgium and Uganda.
Although TCS is understood to have exited the URA project last year under circumstances RedPepper is still verifying before publication that remain unclear, it is not yet known whether any systems linked to its Ugandan operations were affected by the latest cyber incident.
Sources say internal assessments are ongoing to establish whether the breach was isolated to Tata Electronics or whether it may have wider implications across the Tata Group.
The Tata Group’s footprint extends far beyond information technology.
The conglomerate owns interests in automobile manufacturing through Jaguar Land Rover and Tata Motors, steel production, power generation, telecommunications, financial services, consumer products, aviation and hospitality.
Security experts warn that cyber-attacks against such interconnected global businesses can have ripple effects across suppliers, customers and government agencies worldwide.
The latest attack also comes barely a year after another cyber incident disrupted production at Jaguar Land Rover, another Tata-owned company, for several weeks.
Cybersecurity analysts say the growing sophistication of ransomware groups means organisations handling sensitive government and corporate information must continuously strengthen digital defences.
For Ugandan businesses that rely on international technology providers, the incident serves as another reminder that cyber threats are no longer distant problems but real risks capable of disrupting services, exposing confidential information and undermining public confidence.
As investigations continue, customers and business partners across the Tata ecosystem—including those in Uganda—will be watching closely for answers on whether the breach was contained or whether the damage runs deeper than initially disclosed.
TATA’S GLOBAL EMPIRE
The Tata Group is one of the world’s largest multinational conglomerates, operating in more than 100 countries through dozens of companies across technology, manufacturing, finance, telecommunications, aviation, hospitality, energy and consumer products.
Some of its best-known subsidiaries and businesses include:
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) – India’s largest IT services company and the firm’s technology arm that previously implemented Uganda Revenue Authority’s Integrated Tax Administration System (ITAS).
Tata Motors – Manufacturer of commercial vehicles, buses and passenger cars.
Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) – Luxury vehicle brands Jaguar and Land Rover.
Tata Steel – One of the world’s leading steel manufacturers.
Tata Power – India’s largest private electricity producer.
Tata Communications – Global telecommunications and digital infrastructure provider.
Tata Electronics – Electronics manufacturing company at the centre of the latest cyber breach.
Air India – India’s national airline, now owned by the Tata Group.
Air India Express – Low-cost international airline.
Taj Hotels – Luxury hotel chain operating worldwide.
Titan Company – Owner of Titan watches, Tanishq jewellery and Fastrack.
Tata Capital – Financial services, lending and investment company.
Tata Consumer Products – Owner of Tetley Tea, Tata Tea, Tata Salt and other consumer brands.
Tata Digital – Digital commerce and technology business.
BigBasket – Online grocery platform.
Tata 1mg – Digital healthcare and pharmacy platform.
Voltas – Air conditioners and home appliances.
Trent Ltd – Retail chain operating Westside, Zudio and Star Bazaar.
Tata Advanced Systems – Defence and aerospace manufacturing.
Tata Projects – Engineering and infrastructure company.
Tata Chemicals – Chemicals, fertilizers and industrial products.
TATA IN UGANDA
The Tata Group has maintained a footprint in Uganda primarily through Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), which designed and implemented the Uganda Revenue Authority’s Integrated Tax Administration System. Tata companies have also supplied commercial vehicles, power solutions, industrial equipment, ICT services and engineering expertise to various public and private sector projects in Uganda over the years.
The breadth of the group’s operations means cybersecurity experts are closely watching whether the breach was confined to Tata Electronics or could have wider implications for other Tata companies and their customers worldwide.
GOT A HOT STORY? LET US KNOW!
Got breaking news, explosive secrets, or hard evidence?
Kalifah AgaNaga believes good music never goes out of style.
The singer has breathed new life into his hit song Nassanga, assembling an all-star cast that includes Winnie Nwagi, Weasel, Lil Pazo, and Eddy Kenzo for a fresh remix.
According to AgaNaga, the collaboration began with a simple phone call.
He approached each artist with the idea, and they immediately embraced the project before coming together to shoot the official video.
I called all of them and told them I had a remix of Nassanga. They all liked the idea and came together to shoot the video.
The renewed attention surrounding Nassanga, fueled by social media challenges, has convinced AgaNaga that timeless songs always find their way back to listeners.
Old songs do not die. People bringing back Nassanga and doing challenges on social media is their way of thanking me for making good music and also feeling pity for me because they stole my votes during the elections.
Lil Pazo also lifted the curtain on how the remix came together, revealing that the final lineup emerged from a much larger pool of artists.
We were over 100 artists who were considered for the Nassanga remix, but some of the vocals did not fit the song, so we remained with a few.
With the remix now out, AgaNaga has turned his attention to August 1, when he will headline the Nassanga Festival Mukibira, a concert he hopes families will enjoy together.
He says the event will offer more than music, encouraging parents to attend with their children for what he describes as a full day of entertainment.
Top Ugandan celebrities have spearheaded a campaign to fundraise for Davido UG, whose real name is Ibrahim Muwonge, a renowned Kampala Bar Host and Events Videographer, who is bedridden due to high blood pressure and kidney disease.
Davido UG isn’t a stranger to many in the Kampala social spheres due to his striking resemblance to Nigerian singer Davido and his lively aura and friendly nature, which make any event feel memorable.
He, however, isn’t able to share his infectious vibe with his family, friends, and associates at the moment as he languishes in the hospital over a few health issues.
We spoke to Allan Buyinza, a.k.a Genius Levy, a close friend of Davido Ug’s, and he revealed some facts about his condition and the ongoing fundraiser.
Here Is What We Know:
What is Davido UG suffering from?
Davido is currently in the ICU suffering from high sugar levels, high blood pressure, kidney problems, intense bacterial infection, a swollen leg that is at risk of being amputated, and too much acid in his body.
When did the condition start?
He has had HBP and diabetes for like 3 years, but the situation worsened two weeks back.
What hospitals has he been taken to?
We first took him to Kiruddu, but we were referred to Nsambya, then Medipal. Due to the high costs at Medipal, we are looking at transferring him to Mulago Hospital.
What is his condition now?
He is still in the ICU and in an unconscious state. He is unable to talk currently.
How much money is the fundraiser aiming to raise?
We need over Ugx50M because the more time he spends in the ICU, a lot of money is being spent. The dialysis process is also a long-term process and very costly.
Which celebrities have so far fundraised?
Celebrities have been receptive to the cause because he is friends with most of them. Sheilah Gashumba, Tashi Hubby, and all the rich Munyonyo boys are doing whatever they can. Others like Lydia Jazmine have also shared awareness on their social media pages.
A call for help
Any kind of support from kind souls is much appreciated because, as guided by the doctors, his condition is very critical, so he may stay in the ICU for some time. Thank you to everyone who has so far come through.
Kalifah AgaNaga has explained the decision behind remixing his revived hit song Nassanga, saying the collaboration is aimed at taking the song beyond Uganda and promoting unity within the music industry. The track recently enjoyed a resurgence on TikTok, introducing it to a new generation of listeners and returning it to the airwaves years after its original release.
The remix features Eddy Kenzo, Winnie Nwagi, Weasel, and Lil Pazo, a move that has attracted mixed reactions from fans.
While some have accused the singer of ruining the original version, AgaNaga insists the collaboration was inspired by the way Nigerian artists unite to push hit songs onto the international stage.
Many people have been saying I have spoiled the song by doing the remix, but I see Nigerians coming together on a hit song to push it beyond their country.
We have spent a lot of time fighting in the industry and being disunited. I want to bring that one love back. We won’t do the big songs alone. Nassanga has hit Uganda, but now we want it in Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and across East Africa.
AgaNaga added that achieving that vision alone would have been difficult, making the remix a necessary step despite the criticism.
He also revealed that Lil Pazo was not part of the initial plan but was added after overwhelming public demand.
According to the singer, several artists were approached to feature on the remix, but many turned down the opportunity, paving the way for Pazo to join the project.
Michael Kitanda, a Ugandan sax maestro, is gearing up to drop a brand new soulful 3-step Amapiano EP, blending groovy rhythms, deep emotion, and rich jazz influences into one unforgettable sound.
Kitanda is celebrated for his saxophone skills and sits with the greats on the Ugandan music scene.
Speaking about his forthcoming EP, he revealed that, to him, it is a great experience and a safari of good vibes – more than just music.
This is more than music — it’s a whole safari of good vibes.
Every track tells a story and proves that Michael Kitanda’s voice through the sax is louder than words.
The project is produced by Batundi, the powerhouse producer who gained international prominence as a collaborator on global superstar Drake’s 2021 Afrobeats track “Fountains” from the Certified Lover Boy album.
He has also produced for Wizkid, Fally Ipupa, Da Capo, and Lokua Kanza, among others.
Fans already have a taste of what’s coming with Three Steeps to Saxess, the first single off the EP, now streaming on all platforms.
Kalifah AgaNaga has shared his belief that artists should focus on creating timeless hit songs instead of flooding the market with numerous releases. The “Nassanga” hitmaker says he would rather be remembered for one major song than have a long catalogue of tracks that fail to make a lasting impact.
Speaking on NBS After 5, Kalifah argued that Uganda’s music industry is currently struggling because many artists are releasing songs that lack quality and staying power.
According to him, the rush to constantly put out new music has resulted in fewer songs becoming genuine classics.
Artists are releasing many songs but lack music in them. I would rather have one mega song because it has been hurting me that we lack mega hits at the moment.
The singer recently revived his hit song Nassanga with a remix featuring Eddy Kenzo, Winnie Nwagi, Lil Pazo, and Weasel.
Kalifah explained that the project is not meant to replace or bury the original version but to give the song a fresh appeal and help it reach audiences beyond Uganda’s borders.
He added that creating a great song takes patience and dedication, something he believes many artists are unwilling to invest today.
In his view, one well-crafted hit can achieve far more than several ordinary releases, making it a smarter long-term strategy for musicians.
Alfonso Andrew Mukasa, popularly known as Bajjo Events, believes one of his biggest advantages as a concert promoter came from the classroom.
Bajjo says the knowledge he gained at university continues to shape the way he organizes events, including Irene Namatovu‘s upcoming “Strong Woman” Live in Concert.
He also credits his internship at promoter Balaam‘s company for teaching him the value of professionalism, lessons he says still guide him whenever he plans a major event.
One of those lessons, according to Bajjo, involved sourcing the official concert tickets directly from China to reduce the risk of counterfeit tickets.
Some people say university education is useless, but I disagree. The knowledge I gained at university has helped me in the events business. That is why I personally sourced Irene’s concert tickets directly from China to protect fans from counterfeit tickets.
He wants every fan who attends the concert to walk through the gates with a genuine ticket purchased from an authorized outlet.
If you need authentic tickets, you can get them from MoMo, Papaz Spot, Serena Hotel, and other official outlets that we will announce soon. Do not buy from fraudsters.
Bajjo also promised giveaways for his online followers as excitement builds ahead of the Friday, August 21, 2026 show, saying every fan deserves a safe and memorable experience from the moment they buy a ticket.
Kim Kardashian has offered fans another glimpse into her relationship with Lewis Hamilton, sharing new photos of the Formula 1 star spending time with her children during a family getaway.
The reality television star posted a series of pictures from a lakeside vacation in Idaho, including a selfie featuring Hamilton and her daughter, Chicago.
She captioned the post, “Summers at the lake with my favorite people.”
The photo carousel also included moments from the Fourth of July celebrations with Kim’s children, North, Saint, Chicago and Psalm, whom she shares with ex-husband Kanye “Ye” West.
Her sister Khloé Kardashian also joined the trip with her children, True and Tatum Thompson.
In another photo, Kim and Khloé wore Lewis Hamilton merchandise while playing pickleball, sporting sweatshirts featuring the words “Hamilton Crew” and the seven-time Formula 1 champion’s racing number, 44.
The latest family photos come months after Kim and Hamilton made their relationship Instagram official, adding to a series of public appearances that have included the Monaco Grand Prix and other high-profile events.
Hamilton has also spoken publicly about Kim’s support during his first season with Ferrari.
When asked whether a “fast car or new girlfriend” had contributed to his recent success, the seven-time Formula 1 world champion jokingly replied, “Of course, Kim,” prompting laughter before crediting the team’s hard work for its improved performances.
Another of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie‘s children has taken legal steps to remove “Pitt” from her surname.
Court records show that Zahara Jolie-Pitt has filed to legally change her name to Zahara Marley Jolie, marking the latest move by one of the former couple’s children to distance themselves from their father’s surname.
Under California law, the filing includes a public notice before the court can approve the request.
Zahara is not the first of the couple’s six children to make such a change.
In 2024, Shiloh legally dropped “Pitt” from her surname after turning 18. Vivienne has also appeared professionally as Vivienne Jolie, while reports indicate that Maddox has begun the legal process to change his name to Maddox Chivan Jolie.
The latest filing has renewed public interest in the long-running family dispute that followed Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie’s separation in 2016.
Jolie filed for divorce after an incident aboard the family’s private jet. She later accused Pitt of abusive behavior during the flight, allegations he has consistently denied.
The FBI and the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services investigated the incident but closed their inquiries without bringing criminal charges against the actor.
Neither Brad Pitt nor Zahara has publicly commented on the latest name-change filing, and the court documents do not give a reason for her decision.
The petition is expected to be considered by a California court following the completion of the required legal notice process.
About UGNEWS24
UGNEWS24 is a Uganda local news service, a product of
SOLAVIA GROUP LIMITED,
Reg. No. 80048169153974.
