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KAMPALA, UGANDA — Kawempe Division, one of Kampala’s five administrative zones, is defined by its vibrant energy, dense population, and bustling trading hubs stretching from Bwaise to Kazo, and Mpererwe to Makerere. Yet, rapid urban growth brings complex urban challenges: petty theft, burglaries, domestic violence, drug abuse, and the vandalism of public property.

In response, communities across Kawempe have embraced an ancient yet powerful tool for grassroots security: the Neighborhood Watch. Locally championed as “Beera Mbega wa Munno” (Be Your Neighbor’s Spy), this is not a rogue vigilante group or a formal police unit. It is a structured, community-driven initiative where residents partner to deter crime, share real-time information, and support law enforcement.

Out of the 120 villages in Kawempe Division, my office has successfully rolled out this initiative in 63 villages so far. Over the last six months, the transformative impact on how residents live, trade, and sleep has become undeniable.

1. Drastic Reduction in Opportunistic Crime

The primary objective of Beera Mbega wa Munno is prevention. Historically, dark alleys and limited police presence made areas like Bwaise, the Wandegeya outskirts, and parts of Kyebando hotspots for night break-ins and phone snatching.

Today, residents have taken back their streets. By organizing voluntary night patrols, deploying community whistles, and setting up localized WhatsApp groups for instant alerts, opportunistic crime has plummeted. In Kalerwe and Mulago markets, watch groups coordinate directly with market chairpersons for late-night rounds. Criminals now face a high-risk environment where residents are highly vigilant, organized, and ready to raise the alarm.

For years, a deep-seated mistrust existed between urban communities and security agencies. Residents feared retaliation or corruption, while police lacked timely, actionable intelligence.

Neighborhood Watch has bridged this divide. Kawempe’s LC1 Chairpersons and Defense Secretaries now work hand-in-hand with Division Police Commanders (DPCs) and the Kampala Metropolitan Police. Watch members are strictly trained to gather intelligence without taking the law into their own hands, virtually eliminating cases of mob justice. Through regular community barazas (town halls), police and residents sit together to share security feedback, turning law enforcement into a collaborative effort.

3. Reviving ‘Obuntu’ and Social Cohesion

Beyond policing, the initiative has restored the spirit of Obuntu (humanity) in highly congested neighborhoods where people previously lived as strangers.

Watch meetings have evolved into valuable platforms for community dialogue. Boda boda riders, market vendors, parents, and youth now collaborate on local issues. Idle youth at risk of criminality are instead engaged as watch volunteers, while women’s groups utilize the network to safely report domestic violence. This collective ownership has even spurred community development; residents in several zones have pooled resources to install solar streetlights and clear overgrown footpaths.

4. Direct Economic Dividends

Security and economic prosperity are inseparable. Because residents feel safe, shop owners in Kawempe and Kalerwe markets open earlier and close later without the fear of losing stock to night thieves. Boda boda riders navigate late hours with confidence, and landlords find it easier to retain tenants. A secure neighborhood directly fosters a productive local economy, allowing small businesses to thrive and scale.

Addressing the Vulnerabilities

Despite these achievements, sustaining grassroots security requires addressing structural bottlenecks:

• Logistical Deficits: Patrol teams lack basic gear like torches, heavy-duty raincoats, and reflector jackets.

• Sustaining Volunteerism: Relying solely on contributions from residents hit by the high cost of living risks volunteer fatigue.

• Preventing Misuse: There are isolated risks of individuals using the watch to settle personal vendettas, highlighting the need for continuous oversight from my office and the police.

The Strategic Way Forward

To cement these gains, Kawempe Division must fully institutionalize the Beera Mbega wa Munno framework through:

1. Continuous Training: Equipping members with structural knowledge on human rights, conflict resolution, and legal crime-reporting channels.

2. Resource Mobilization: Seeking partnerships with the central government, NGOs, and the private sector to provide essential patrol tools.

3. Digital Integration: Standardizing verified WhatsApp networks and community radio alerts to combat misinformation.

4. Youth Incentives: Providing formal certificates or skills training to youth volunteers to enhance their future employability.

Security is not a static project; it is a permanent pillar of socio-economic progress. Kawempe is growing rapidly, and new challenges will emerge. However, by proving that safety begins at the doorstep, the residents of Kawempe have shown that when a community unites, it becomes its own best defense.

“Security is everyone’s responsibility” is no longer just a slogan in Kawempe—it is our daily reality.

South African music star Makhadzi has added another major accolade to her growing collection after winning Best Dancer of the Year at the TRACE Awards.

The Limpopo-born performer beat a strong field of nominees from across the continent, including Kamo Mphela (South Africa), Dancegod Lloyd (Ghana), Incredible Zigi (Ghana), Ikorodu Bois (Nigeria), Telminho (Angola), Ordinateur (Côte d’Ivoire) and Isaac Kalonji (DR Congo), underlining her reputation as one of Africa’s most electrifying live performers.

Makhadzi, who was also nominated for Best Female Artist, celebrated the victory with an emotional message to her fans, thanking them for standing by her throughout her journey.

Congratulations Khadzinators. God did! You made it for me. Thank you for your love and support.

She also thanked the TRACE Awards for recognising her work, revealing that she travelled for hours to collect the award in person.

Known for high-energy performances that combine music, dance and traditional influences, Makhadzi has built a loyal following across Africa with hits such as Ghanama, Murahu and Number 1.

Her energetic stage presence has become one of the defining features of her career, making her a regular headliner at festivals and concerts across the continent.

The latest award adds to an impressive run of achievements for the singer, who has grown from performing at local events in Limpopo to becoming one of Africa’s biggest music exports.

As her international profile continues to rise, Makhadzi’s latest triumph reinforces her status as one of the continent’s premier live entertainers.

By Brian Mugenyi

MASAKA, Uganda — The long-running ownership dispute surrounding Bukakata Seed Secondary School in rural Masaka District has taken a significant turn. Dr. John Chrysostom Muyingo, the Acting Minister of Education and Sports, has clarified that the institution was established to serve the community as a public school, urging all stakeholders to prioritize the interests of learners over competing claims.

Speaking in an interview, Dr. Muyingo acknowledged that while there may have been administrative errors during the school’s initial establishment, the government’s core intention has always been to run a community public school that expands access to secondary education for children in Bukakata and surrounding areas.

“It was an error initially, but the spirit was that the people wanted the school to belong to the community. It has been operating as a community public school,” Dr. Muyingo stated.

His remarks come amidst an ongoing ownership row that has drawn the attention of education authorities, community leaders, and religious stakeholders. The minister emphasized that protecting learners and ensuring uninterrupted access to education must remain the top priority.

Protecting the Right to Education

Dr. Muyingo explained that government policy mandates public schools to remain accessible to all children, warning against arbitrary financial demands that could push students out of the classroom.

“We do not want to discourage learners from attending school,” the minister said. “If parents are required to make any contribution, it must be in accordance with the law and should never be used to keep learners out of school.”

He further clarified that the governance of the school rests under its legally constituted Board of Governors, as provided by Uganda’s education framework. “It is the Board chairperson who is responsible for the governance of the school,” he said, cautioning external entities against unauthorized fundraising. “The church should not solicit money from parents in a manner that discourages learners from accessing education.”

Infrastructure Challenges and Vandalism

Addressing concerns over school facilities, Dr. Muyingo noted that the government’s Seed Secondary School Programme was designed to provide comprehensive infrastructure, including perimeter fencing to safeguard public investments. However, he expressed deep concern over the rampant vandalism of school property, including computers and laboratory equipment.

“The project plan that brought us this far included fencing Seed Secondary Schools. I am sorry about the acts of vandalism that have affected facilities such as computers and other school property,” he said.

The minister explained that while the Ministry of Education and Sports routinely submits funding requests for maintenance and asset replacement each financial year, budgetary constraints limit their interventions.

“Ugandans are good at destroying what has already been created,” Dr. Muyingo lamented. “Much of our budget is spent repairing and replacing damaged facilities. Whenever a school loses essential equipment, we give it priority for repair, subject to the availability of funds.”

Despite these challenges, Dr. Muyingo commended the Greater Masaka region for its consistently strong academic performance, highlighting institutions like St. Henry’s College Kitovu, which is earmarked for government-funded renovations.

Roots of the Dispute and Community Support

The 3.5-billion-shilling school facility was constructed during a period of high demand for secondary education in the area. However, its history is deeply intertwined with the Catholic Church, which donated the 6-acre piece of land upon which the school sits.

Efforts to reach Mr. Kamulegeya, the Head of Schools Welfare for the Masaka Diocese, were unsuccessful by press time. However, Ms. Mary Lule Ssenkungu, the former Resident District Commissioner (RDC) for Masaka District, provided clarity on the school’s origins. She noted that the school was founded by the government with the full blessing and support of the late Bishop John Baptist Kaggwa.

“It was the Catholic Church that donated the land to the Bukakata Seed School administration as a way of giving back to the community, but the church doesn’t own the school at all,” Ms. Ssenkungu clarified.

She also credited past community efforts—including work by the late Jjuuko Alo to construct drainage systems to prevent flooding—as foundational to the school’s survival. She noted that while the initial construction committee led by Mr. Peter Ssenkungu (former Deputy RDC from 2003 to 2008) faced delays, the school has ultimately grown to become a cherished local landmark.

Current Leadership and the Road Ahead

The school is currently under the stewardship of Mr. Emmy Kasule, an experienced headteacher and Makerere University alumnus. Mr. Kasule, known as a staunch supporter of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), is reportedly focused entirely on boosting the school’s academic performance.

Ms. Ssenkungu lauded his leadership, noting that “the school today is experiencing great progress,” despite her initial administrative recommendation to the Ministry of Education to deploy a headteacher originally hailing from within Masaka District.

The school also continues to attract high-level government attention. Mr. Oscar Mutebi, a Private Secretary in the State House and Personal Assistant to Vice President Emeritus Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi, recently visited the institution. Mr. Mutebi, who even participated in a school sports tournament to promote youth talent, pledged to advocate for further government interventions, including lobbying the Ministry of Education for additional scholastic materials, computers, and stable grid electricity.

According to Mr. Archilles Mawanda, the Speaker of Masaka District, Bukakata Seed Secondary School remains the benchmark for the government’s Seed School initiative in the region, with its student enrollment rapidly climbing toward the 1,000 mark. As the government firmly maintains that the school belongs to the public, local stakeholders remain hopeful that learning will continue smoothly without further ownership distractions.

Veteran Nollywood actor Charles Awurum believes today’s comedy films are making people laugh but failing to leave a lasting impression.

The actor, who built his career during Nollywood’s golden era, says older comedy productions entertained audiences while delivering meaningful lessons.

In contrast, he argues that many modern productions focus on attracting attention rather than telling memorable stories.

Speaking in a recent interview, Awurum said classic Nollywood films balanced humour with messages about family, society and everyday life.

The old comedies had deeper messages than what we see today.

According to the actor, filmmakers from his generation wanted audiences to leave the cinema with more than laughter. Every joke, he said, served a purpose within the story.

Awurum believes social media has changed the industry, encouraging many producers to chase viral moments instead of creating timeless films that people will remember years later.

Despite his criticism, the veteran actor welcomed the growth of Nigeria’s film industry and praised younger filmmakers for improving production quality. He, however, challenged them to combine technical excellence with stronger storytelling.

For Awurum, the best comedy does more than entertain. It leaves audiences laughing, thinking and remembering the lesson long after the credits roll.

Special Political Feature

By Brian Mugenyi | [email protected]

MASAKA CITY, UGANDA — In political science, victories are celebrated under bright lights, but institutions are sustained in quiet corridors where discipline and accountability determine whether promises become reality. As the saying goes, the engine powering the vehicle is rarely seen, but without it, the journey comes to a halt.

Lately, the corridors of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) have echoed with a singular name whispered in respect by party stalwarts: Ambassador Barbara Nekesa Oundo. Across grassroots structures, “Nekesa, Nekesa!” has become the appreciative chant of mobilizers.

But who is Ambassador Nekesa, and how did she become the financial anchor of Uganda’s ruling party?

Appointed National Treasurer by NRM National Chairman President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in 2021, Nekesa assumed responsibility for one of the party’s most demanding portfolios—overseeing the financial administration of a political giant stretching from remote villages to national headquarters.

During the high-stakes 2026 General Elections, her office transformed into the busiest nerve center at the Secretariat. Financial facilitation for nationwide mobilization, timely support to flag bearers, and the intricate coordination of special interest groups—including youth, women, older persons, and persons with disabilities—required meticulous planning. To many at Kyadondo Road, Nekesa’s work rarely seeks the flashbulbs of headlines. Yet, like the foundation of a house, it carries the weight of the entire structure.

A Journey Forged in Public Service

Long before managing the NRM treasury, Barbara Nekesa built a formidable career in public service. Born in the border district of Busia, she studied at Bubulo Girls School and Mbogo High School before graduating from Makerere University with a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management—a discipline that defines her structured approach today.

Her national political journey accelerated in 2011 when she was elected Woman MP for Busia District. Recognizing her potential, President Museveni appointed her State Minister for Karamoja Affairs, where she spearheaded development programs until 2016. Her career then took a diplomatic turn as Uganda’s High Commissioner to South Africa, representing the nation in Pretoria and neighboring Southern African states, before her recall to party leadership in 2021.

Masaka Leaders Credit Her Stewardship

Hundreds of kilometers from Busia, NRM leaders in Masaka City bear firsthand testimony to Nekesa’s efficiency during the 2026 electoral cycle. Masaka City NRM Chairman, Rogers Bulegeya, emphasizes that the National Treasurer’s office ensured local structures received vital logistical backing on time.

“Whenever we needed resources for mobilization, we received them promptly,” Bulegeya stated. “This enabled us to facilitate flag bearers, youth, PWDs, older persons, and councilor candidates, boosting grassroots morale at a critical time.”

Masaka’s leadership ties this seamless backing directly to their performance during the 2026 elections, citing President Museveni’s Liberation Square rally in December 2025 and NRM candidates securing a resilient 37% in a traditionally competitive region. For these managers, elections are won through quiet planning and reliable funding.

Beyond the Politics

In personal interactions, Nekesa strikes one as a receptive leader defined by professional administration rather than loud political theater. “Thanks for voting for Mzee, and I am sure he is very happy with Masaka City’s performance,” she remarked warmly.

Mr. Emmanuel Dombo, the NRM Secretariat’s Director of Communication and Publicity, recently commended this corporate synergy. “The timely logistical facilitation from her office signaled success down to our sister villages and their nominated candidates,” Dombo recollected.

For the NRM leadership, the verdict is clear: they see Barbara Nekesa not as the loudest voice in the room, but as the steady hand driving the ruling party’s machinery—proving that while the spotlight belongs to those on stage, lasting institutions are built behind the curtain.

For more than two decades, Alikiba has remained one of East Africa’s most respected musicians.

While many artists have struggled to adapt to changing trends, the Tanzanian star believes one decision has kept him at the top: never staying the same.

Speaking in a recent radio interview, the Bongo Flava icon said every generation of music comes with new tastes and expectations.

Instead of resisting change, he has consistently adjusted his sound to connect with younger audiences while remaining true to his identity.

You have to understand your audience. If you don’t evolve, people move on.

Alikiba admitted that maintaining relevance becomes more difficult with every passing year, especially as new artists emerge with fresh ideas and sounds.

He said musicians who fail to adapt often find themselves left behind, regardless of how successful they once were.

The singer also reflected on retirement, acknowledging that every career eventually comes to an end.

However, he insisted he is not thinking about stepping away from music just yet.

The time will come, yes, but only God knows when.

Instead of focusing on an exit date, Alikiba says his priority remains making quality music that can compete with the best on the continent and beyond.

He believes African artists have earned greater international recognition because they have raised production standards and embraced global competition.

After more than 20 years in the industry, Alikiba continues to prove that longevity is about more than hit songs.

For him, survival depends on knowing when to evolve without losing the sound that made fans fall in love with the music in the first place.

After two decades at the top of African music, Fally Ipupa is celebrating the milestone the best way he knows how: with a new album.

The Congolese superstar has released XX, an ambitious project that marks 20 years since he launched his solo career.

Rather than looking back, Ipupa uses the album to showcase how his sound continues to evolve while remaining rooted in Congolese rumba.

Released through Warner Music France, XX features an impressive lineup of collaborators from across Africa and Europe, including Wizkid, Angélique Kidjo, DJ Maphorisa, Calema, Joé Dwèt Filé, TRESOR, KeBlack, SDM, Guy2Bezbar, and Lokua Kanza.

The project blends Afrobeats, R&B, pop and Congolese rumba, reflecting Ipupa’s vision of creating music that appeals to audiences across continents.

The album’s lead single, “Jam,” featuring Wizkid, has emerged as one of its standout tracks, while songs such as “Cinéma” and “Doucement” have attracted millions of streams since their release.

For Ipupa, XX is more than another album. It represents a celebration of a career that has taken him from Kinshasa to some of the world’s biggest stages.

Over the past 20 years, he has built one of Africa’s strongest international fan bases, selling out major venues across Europe and accumulating billions of streams and video views.

The album also comes after another historic achievement.

Earlier this year, Fally Ipupa became the first African artist to debut at No. 1 on France’s SNEP Albums Chart, underlining his growing influence beyond the continent.

To celebrate the milestone, the singer staged two career-defining concerts at the Stade de France, becoming one of the few African artists to headline the iconic venue.

With XX, Fally Ipupa is not simply marking 20 years in music. He is making a statement that Congolese music continues to command a place on the global stage.

Indian music has lost one of its most celebrated voices.

Legendary playback singer S. Janaki, affectionately known as the “Nightingale of South India,” has died at the age of 88 after suffering age-related health complications.

She passed away at a private hospital in Mysuru on July 11, bringing to an end a remarkable career that shaped Indian cinema for nearly seven decades.

Janaki’s family confirmed the news, prompting an outpouring of tributes from across the entertainment industry. Actors, musicians, political leaders and millions of fans took to social media to celebrate a woman whose voice became part of generations of movie memories.

During a career that began in the late 1950s, Janaki recorded more than 48,000 songs in about 20 languages, including Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Hindi, Bengali, Punjabi, and Odia.

Her extraordinary versatility allowed her to perform everything from romantic ballads and devotional songs to folk music and children’s melodies, making her one of India’s most prolific playback singers.

She received four National Film Awards and dozens of state honours throughout her career, earning admiration from generations of composers and fellow artists.

Despite her achievements, Janaki remained known for her humility and famously declined the Padma Bhushan in 2013, saying she believed her contribution to Indian music deserved greater national recognition.

Following news of her passing, tributes poured in from stars including Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, Chiranjeevi, Mohanlal and Mammootty, all of whom described her as a once-in-a-generation talent whose songs will continue to inspire audiences for decades to come.

The Karnataka government announced a state funeral in honour of the singer, as thousands of admirers gathered in Mysuru to pay their final respects to the woman whose voice became the soundtrack to countless lives.

Disha Patani may be preparing for her Hollywood debut, but the Bollywood actress says landing international roles requires much more than acting ability.

The actress, who stars in the upcoming fantasy action film Holiguards Saga: The Portal of Force, says many Indian actors underestimate what it takes to build a career in Hollywood.

According to Patani, talent alone is not enough. Actors also need to be physically present, build the right connections and have international representation.

Speaking ahead of the film’s release, Patani explained that trying to audition from India presents several challenges, including visa restrictions and the lack of opportunities to meet casting directors in person.

You can’t sit here and crack roles there. You have to be present.

She added that actors hoping to succeed internationally must spend time in markets like Los Angeles, where networking and face-to-face auditions remain an important part of the casting process.

Holiguards Saga: The Portal of Force marks Patani’s first major Hollywood production.

The supernatural action film is directed by Kevin Spacey and features an international cast that includes Dolph Lundgren, Tyrese Gibson, Brianna Hildebrand and Eric Roberts.

Patani also praised Spacey’s approach behind the camera, describing him as a director who encouraged actors to explore their characters through workshops before filming began.

She said the collaborative atmosphere helped her feel more comfortable on an international set.

The film represents another milestone for Indian actors seeking opportunities beyond Bollywood.

While several stars have crossed over into Hollywood in recent years, Patani believes success still depends on persistence, preparation and being in the right place when opportunities arise.

Troops of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) serving under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), alongside the Somali National Army (SNA), have conducted a joint security patrol in the Barawe Sub-Sector as part of efforts to enhance peace and stability in the coastal town and surrounding areas.

The joint operation, conducted on Saturday, was commanded by the Battle Group 45 Commander, Colonel Justus Musenene, together with his SNA counterpart, the 66 Brigade Commander, Colonel Abdurahman Elmi.

Col Musenene said the patrol was aimed at strengthening security, reassuring local communities, and denying space to Al-Shabaab militants operating in the area.

“Today’s patrol shows teamwork, comradeship, and what we can achieve when we work together,” Col Musenene said.

He noted that, as part of AUSSOM’s mandate, the forces are committed to mentoring their SNA counterparts, strengthening local security structures, and building trust with the civilian population.

The Battle Group Commander also warned Al-Shabaab fighters to abandon violence and surrender to government forces and AUSSOM troops.

“We know where you are and we’re coming for you. The better option is to surrender yourselves if you want to be safe,” Col Musenene said.

Col Abdurahman Elmi echoed the message, calling on residents of Barawe to continue supporting security efforts by sharing information with the authorities.

“This joint patrol with our UPDF comrades proves that together we are stronger. To the people of Barawe, your safety comes first. To the enemy, know that SNA and AUSSOM are united and we will not allow the enemy to disturb the prevailing peace in the region,” he said.

Residents who interacted with the patrol team welcomed the joint security presence and pledged to continue working with security forces by providing relevant information to support peace and security.

The commanders from both forces said similar joint operations will continue to be conducted in the Barawe Sub-Sector to maintain pressure on security threats and create a conducive environment for peace and development.

The operation was attended by the Commanding Officer of the 145 Infantry Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Geoffrey Ochan; Embresko Forward Operating Base Commander, Major Francis Odede; Battle Group 45 Military Information Officer, Major David Akandwanaho; alongside other UPDF and SNA officers and troops.

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