Blog

The recent siege, shut down and pressure directed at Nation Media Group (NMG) Uganda have sparked an important national conversation about the relationship between state power and independent institutions. Public attention has understandably focused on the media house and its leadership. In my view, however, the bigger issue is not NMG itself. It is the enduring contest between power and truth.

A professional newsroom exists for one principal reason, to gather, verify and publish information that is in the public interest. That responsibility is rarely comfortable for those in authority.

Governments everywhere prefer favourable headlines, yet the role of journalism has never been to protect governments from criticism. Its responsibility is to protect the public’s right to know.

Uganda’s democratic journey has been marked by both achievements and serious challenges. Currently the public debate has increasingly centered on concerns about civic freedoms, increasing abductions, arbitrary arrests, torture, restrictions on political activity and the growing pressure placed upon independent institutions. These concerns have been raised by citizens, lawyers, religious leaders, civil society organisations and international human rights bodies.

Whether government officials agree with every report is beside the point. A constitutional democracy is strengthened when such concerns are answered through transparency and lawful accountability rather than pressure on institutions that report them.

The greatest danger for any government is not criticism. It is becoming convinced that criticism itself is the enemy. Nations seldom decline because people speak freely, they decline when leaders refuse to listen.

Every administration makes mistakes. The difference between strong governments and weak ones lies in whether they acknowledge those mistakes and correct them or attempt to silence those who expose them.

History shows a remarkable consistent lesson that no government has secured a lasting victory by turning its power against its own citizens. Military force may impose temporary order. Political influence may reshape institutions for a season.

Fear may silence individuals for a time. But none of these has ever permanently defeated public opinion or extinguished the human desire for justice, dignity and accountable leadership. And therefore, silencing the messengers will never silence the massage.

This is why what has happened around NMG should concern every Ugandan, regardless of political affiliation. If an independent media institution can be pressured because of the stories it publishes, then the issue extends beyond journalism. It becomes a question about the resilience of every independent institution in the country.

The Constitution envisions institutions that serve the nation, not personalities. Their independence is essential because it protects the public from arbitrary power.

To Ms. Suzan Nsibirwa the MD and the journalists, editors and staff of Nation Media Group Uganda, I offer my appreciation for the difficult responsibility that accompanies professional journalism. Editors are not appointed to satisfy governments or opposition politicians.

Their duty is to ensure that facts are carefully verified, ethical standards are upheld and citizens receive reliable information. Public confidence in journalism depends upon that commitment.

Justice may sometimes appear delayed, but history repeatedly demonstrates that institutions and decisions are never beyond review. Time often becomes the final court before which every exercise of power is judged.

General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, your office as Chief of Defence Forces carries extraordinary responsibility.

Military leadership earns lasting respect not simply through operational effectiveness but through unwavering respect for constitutional governance and civilian institutions.

A strong military protects the nation; it should never be perceived as replacing or overshadowing the institutions upon which constitutional democracy depends.

Leadership is ultimately measured not by the ability to command obedience but by the willingness to tolerate scrutiny. Those who welcome accountability strengthen their legacy.

Those who suppress it may achieve temporary compliance, but they rarely secure enduring respect. Every generation leaves behind a record by which history evaluates its leaders.

The Country deserves institutions that are independent enough to question authority, journalists who can report without fear and leaders confident enough to answer criticism with facts rather than intimidation.

These are not signs of national weakness. They are the hallmarks of a mature and confident republic.

“He who shows himself at every place will someday look for a place to hide.” African proverb!

Power is temporary. Truth is resilient. Institutions endure only when they are defended, and nations prosper only when leaders recognise that criticism is not an act of betrayal but an opportunity to build a more just, accountable and united country.

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

Email; [email protected]

Do you have a story in your community or an opinion to share with us: Email us at Submit an Article

WAKISO, Uganda — For nearly eight years after Horizon Media Uganda ceased operations, little was heard publicly from its founder, Ssekaayi Simon. The media entrepreneur who had established the company in 2008 watched as the business faded from Uganda’s media landscape, eventually being removed from the national companies register after years of inactivity.

On Thursday, Simon returned to the spotlight with the launch of Uganda National Media Group (UNMG), a new media holding company that he says draws on the lessons learned from the rise and fall of his earlier venture.

Speaking at the relaunch in Naggalabi, Wakiso District, Simon described the new organisation as an opportunity to rebuild rather than simply revive a company that had failed.

Horizon Media Uganda began as a production and online news company headquartered in Old Kampala. At its peak, the business employed about 15 people and became known for producing video content before financial difficulties forced it to suspend operations in 2018.

The collapse marked a turning point in Simon’s entrepreneurial journey.

Rather than immediately returning to the media business, company officials said the years that followed were spent reassessing the company’s structure and exploring options for a more sustainable model. The process culminated in the formation of Uganda National Media Group, which was officially unveiled this week.

UNMG will initially focus on digital publishing through National Horizon, an electronic newspaper expected to be distributed on commercial e-paper platforms before expanding into print.

Chief Executive Officer Ssentamu Derrick said the organisation intends to build its reputation on factual reporting while complying with Uganda’s media regulatory framework.

The company’s headquarters are located in Kibibi Town Council, Gombe, with operational offices in Naggalabi. Its leadership also includes Board Director Wasemi Sylvia and Non-Executive Director Isaac Ssegawa.

Guests attending the launch included Busiro East Member of Parliament Emmanuel Magoola and MK International Schools Director Bamulopa Sulaiman.

For Simon, the relaunch represents more than the introduction of a new media company. It is an attempt to prove that a business setback does not necessarily end an entrepreneur’s ambitions. Whether UNMG succeeds will depend on its ability to establish credibility, adapt to Uganda’s changing media landscape and build a sustainable business in an increasingly competitive industry.

As the company begins its next chapter, Simon’s own story mirrors that of many entrepreneurs whose first ventures did not succeed but who chose to return with a different strategy and renewed ambitions.

 

 

Do you have a story in your community or an opinion to share with us: Email us at Submit an Article

Special Investment & Policy Feature

By Brian Mugenyi

Watchdog Uganda | [email protected]

KAMPALA, UGANDA — The words of Mr. Fred Ssenoga are always few, but they carry the confidence of a man whose vision stretches far beyond the traditional boundaries of business.

As a collected, measured, and deeply passionate leader, the Managing Director of Union Transport Alliance (UTA) is on a mission to transform Uganda’s transport sector into a robust economic force. For Ssenoga, transport is not simply about moving vehicles on roads; it is about creating opportunities, connecting communities, and building a foundation for national wealth.

“Uganda’s transport sector should not only be viewed as a system of roads, vehicles, and passenger movement. It must be seen as an economic ecosystem that supports manufacturing, trade, job creation, and enterprise development.”

— Fred Ssenoga, Managing Director, Union Transport Alliance

A New Transport Investment Conversation

Every dawn, before Kampala’s streets transform into a battlefield of engines and horns, thousands of economic transactions are already underway. From the suburbs of Kamwokya to the furthest rural trading centres, individual journeys drive the national economy.

Yet, for decades, Uganda’s transport discourse has been limited to traffic congestion and infrastructure. Ssenoga is changing the narrative by asking a pivotal question: Can transport become a strategic economic artery connecting production, investment, and consumers?

With Uganda’s population exceeding 45 million and its strategic positioning within an East African Community market of over 300 million consumers, the untapped economic power of movement is staggering.

The Transport-to-Economy Vision

At the core of UTA’s strategy is a brilliant cross-merchandising model. The company utilizes existing transport networks as distribution highways to deliver critical daily commodities directly to communities.

UTA’s integrated ecosystem includes:

• Union Oil: Available affordably at Shs 40,000 to keep vehicles running smoothly.

• Essential Community Products: Union Water, Union Jerry, and Union Sanitary Pads.

• The Student Package: An innovative school-focused package combining water, jerricans, and sanitary pads ranging between Shs 2,000 and Shs 20,000 for a full year.

“Our vision is to use transport networks as platforms that connect products, businesses, and communities. Transport can become a pathway for economic empowerment.”

— Fred Ssenoga

Under this model, a boda boda rider or taxi operator ceases to be just a driver—they become vital links in the supply chain and active participants in Uganda’s industrialization.

Why Investors and Policymakers Must Step In

For investors, UTA presents a structured ecosystem capable of multiplying job creation across mechanical maintenance, fuel supply, logistics, and retail. The question shifts from how many vehicles are on the road to how many businesses can grow because those vehicles exist.

For policymakers, achieving Uganda’s Vision 2040 requires moving beyond just paving roads to fostering private-sector innovation. Ssenoga emphasizes that the government remains central to scaling this impact through:

• Investor-friendly regulations and safety standards.

• Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) and affordable financing.

• Integrating transport with local manufacturing.

The Road Ahead

Economic history proves that nations thrive when they bridge rural production with urban consumption. For Union Transport Alliance, the future is clear. Uganda’s transport revolution will not just be measured by the miles of asphalt laid, but by the commercial value created along every single route.

There is excitement in the family of opposition honcho Bobi Wine and his partner in passion, Barbie Kyagulanyi, after their eldest daughter, Shalom Namagembe, achieved another impressive academic milestone in the United States.

Shalom has officially qualified as a certified phlebotomy technician, marking an important step in her journey toward a career in the healthcare profession.

The achievement has drawn admiration from supporters, friends and well-wishers, who have flooded social media with congratulatory messages, applauding her commitment, discipline and dedication to her studies.

A proud Barbie Kyagulanyi took to Instagram to celebrate her daughter’s latest accomplishment while reflecting on the parenting lessons she inherited from her own father.

“What are you going to do with yourself this holiday?” Barbie recalled her father asking every December before enrolling her in challenging but useful holiday classes.

She revealed that when Shalom was asked how she wanted to spend her long summer break, she chose to enroll in a course related to the degree she is currently pursuing.

“I am super proud of you, Namagembe. You can now go back to university more knowledgeable and skilled,” Barbie wrote.

She also expressed gratitude to her parents for exposing her to valuable holiday programs, including computer classes and French lessons, saying those experiences shaped the way she now raises her own kids.

Shalom’s latest achievement has also sparked praise for Bobi Wine and Barbie Kyagulanyi, with many commending the couple for nurturing hardworking, focused and ambitious kids who continue to excel academically and professionally.

As Shalom prepares to resume her university studies, her newly acquired certification adds another milestone to what many believe is a bright and promising future in the medical field.

Enock Mugabi aka iWitness is a Journalist, Seasoned Writer and Music Analyst with a passion for sports.
Connect with him on social media using the links below in bio.

The Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has commissioned a new fleet of aircraft into the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Air Force, marking a major step in the nation’s military modernisation.

The newly commissioned fleet includes the Let 410 transport aircraft that will enhance logistical efficiency by streamlining the movement of personnel and supplies.

The multipurpose aircraft can be deployed as an air ambulance carrying up to six stretcher patients and three seated patients, a passenger aircraft with capacity for 19 people, a VIP transport for eight, a cargo carrier, or a paratrooper platform.

The event was attended by the Commander Air Force, Lt Gen Charles Okidi, the Chief of Staff Air Force, and the OMNIPOL delegation led by Chairman Ondrej Panenka, alongside Mr. Valentin and Mr. Humphrey Nzeyi.

Gen. Kainerugaba urged the UPDF Airforce team to maintain the new assets to the highest standards. He also expressed appreciation to OMNIPOL for facilitating the acquisition, which was delivered two months ahead of schedule.

The commissioning underscores Uganda’s commitment to strengthening its national defence and its ongoing partnership with international allies to secure its airspace against emerging threats.

Do you have a story in your community or an opinion to share with us: Email us at Submit an Article

KAMPALA — Prominent Ugandan journalist and political commentator Timothy Kalyegira has revealed a dramatic sequence of events behind his recent arrest, including a bizarre interrogation over his alleged “hatred” for the First Family and a surprise prison visit from President Yoweri Museveni’s son-in-law.

Kalyegira, who was recently granted bail from the high-security Luzira Prison, took to social media platform X on Friday to detail his multi-week ordeal, sparking a fierce political firestorm and exposing widening cracks within ruling circles.

According to Kalyegira, his troubles began on June 26 when he was arrested and whisked away in a notorious Special Forces Command (SFC) “drone” van to an undisclosed basement.

During his incommunicado detention, the veteran analyst alleges that state operatives repeatedly interrogated him, demanding to know: “Why do you hate the First Family?”

The licensing trap

He was subsequently charged with operating online media platforms, including his analytical site The Uganda Records, without a valid broadcasting license from the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC)—a charge local rights groups frequently criticize as a weaponized tool to suppress independent journalism.

However, the narrative took an unexpected turn inside Luzira Prison.

Kalyegira revealed that on July 1, he received an unexpected visitor: presidential son-in-law Odrek Rwabwogo. Rwabwogo, a powerful figure within government circles, is married to Museveni’s daughter, Pastor Patience Rwabwogo.

“He conveyed greetings from her,” Kalyegira wrote, concluding his post with a poignant, “So, there we are.”

The stark contrast between being abducted by elite presidential guards for “hating” the First Family, only to be comforted by a core member of that same family, has sent shockwaves through Uganda’s political landscape.

Rifts in the ruling camp

The revelation has directly exposed intense factional rivalries within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) and allied camps, particularly those aligned with the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), led by Museveni’s son, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba.

Reacting with fury on X, Daudi Kabanda—a Member of Parliament for Kasambya County and the Executive Secretary in the office of the National Chairman of PLU—fiercely attacked Rwabwogo, branding him a “serious enemy.”

“What was his business in Luzira with Kalyegira? Was he the one behind the insults?” Kabanda questioned publicly. “I hear he even went to Mzee [President Museveni] asking to take me to court. Let him go ahead. We now know his clique and how they operate. We shall handle them decisively.”

Political analysts note that Kabanda’s aggressive rhetoric underscores deep-seated anxieties and elite divisions over succession politics and how to handle high-profile government critics.

Outrage and Irony

Online, the irony was not lost on Ugandans. Social media users quickly pointed out the systemic dysfunction of state machinery arresting a citizen on behalf of a family, while the family itself breaks ranks to offer solidarity.

Kalyegira’s brief disappearance had initially triggered widespread alarm. Leading opposition figure and National Unity Platform (NUP) leader, Bobi Wine, had earlier raised red flags over what he termed the “abduction” and state-engineered disappearance of the journalist.

This is not Kalyegira’s first run-in with the state. As a veteran tracker of Ugandan history and contemporary politics, his sharp-penciled commentary has historically drawn the ire of security agencies.

Media watchdogs say the incident highlights the ongoing precarity of press freedom in Uganda, the selective enforcement of digital media regulations, and the highly personalized, unpredictable nature of power surrounding the First Family.

Kalyegira is currently out on bail and has vowed to continue his analytical work.

Many people want to invest in real estate, but the amount of money required to invest in the sector scares many. More so, how to manage the business is another challenge all together. However, there is one man who never stops to invest in real estate. Every year, Sudhir Ruparelia, oversees a new project on his table, and there, he has a secret many dreamers don’t know.

Ruparelia Group founder is the king of real estate in Uganda. No Ugandan alive has built so much commercial properties like him. When Sudhir Ruparelia talks business or real estate, everyone listens. His investments are mainly in the areas of banking, insurance, education, broadcasting, real estate, floriculture, hotels, and resorts.

That is why when talks at Uganda Revenue Authority tax events where a number of prominent guests discuss matters of national tax policies everyone listens.

Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia, recognized by Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) as Uganda’s top Tax Payer has shared his hindsight on why he believes Real Estate is the real deal which has perseverance through all seasons.

He cautions investors against borrowing to start the real estate business, instead to grow organically.

“Allow some form of organic growth. So long as you have a good amount of cash flow coming in, you mainly need to focus on the right location and the right plan, that’s all,” Sudhir says adding, ”just invest and plan right.”

The point is, Sudhir says start from where you are and grow upwards.

“First, try and grow according to the cash flow you have and are creating. It is probably the best option. Because the truth is said, opportunities come all the time, especially when you have good cash flow. Take those opportunities.”

URA awarded dozens of companies, individuals and government agencies in different categories and the billionaire was a highlight speaker.

Sudhir remains the highest property tax payer in the country and URA has year after year recognized his efforts to create a robust real estate empire. The billionaire’s property companies own more than 300 commercial buildings and continues to be a developer adding to Kampala’s growing skyline each passing year.

 

 

Do you have a story in your community or an opinion to share with us: Email us at Submit an Article

Kampala, Uganda – Speke Resort Convention Centre, Uganda’s leading integrated convention, events & exhibition destination, has further strengthened its international meetings industry credentials after being admitted as an IAPCO Convention Centre Partner.

The partnership with the International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO) marks an important milestone in Speke Resort Convention Centre ambition to become one of Africa’s leading destinations for international congresses, association meetings, exhibitions and major business events.

Through IAPCO, Speke Resort Convention Centre gains access to a global network of professional congress organisers, meeting planners, association executives and business events decision-makers who influence where major international events are hosted.

Reinforcing International Credibility

The global meetings industry is highly competitive, with international associations and congress organisers increasingly seeking venues that demonstrate professional standards, operational excellence, technical capability and strong industry partnerships. The IAPCO partnership reinforces Speke Resort Convention Centre commitment to these expectations and strengthens its visibility within the global business events marketplace.

The membership also complements Speke Resort Convention Centre growing international affiliations, including ICCA and AIPC, creating a stronger platform for engagement with the international meetings community.

A World-Class Convention Destination

Located on the shores of Lake Victoria within Speke Resort Munyonyo and Munyonyo Commonwealth Resort, Speke Resort Convention Centre is Uganda’s largest integrated convention and hospitality destination. The centre offers:

• 34 meeting, conference and exhibition venues
• Over 10,000 square metres of indoor meeting space
• The flagship Rwenzori Convention Centre
• Extensive outdoor event and exhibition spaces
• 476 guestrooms and suites within the integrated resort complex
• Multiple restaurants, advanced audiovisual technology, parking and security infrastructure

This integrated model allows organisers to host conferences, exhibitions, accommodation, dining, networking events and leisure activities within one destination, providing a seamless experience for delegates and event organisers.

Proven Capability and Future Growth

Speke Resort Convention Centre has already hosted high-profile international events, including the 19th Non-Aligned Movement Summit, the G77+China Third South Summit, the Commonwealth Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers, the Uganda–European Union Business Forum and the AFRAA Annual General Assembly and Summit.

Through its IAPCO partnership, Speke Resort Convention Centre will gain greater exposure to international congress organisers and professional event planners, creating new opportunities to attract conferences and business events to Uganda. The partnership also provides access to industry knowledge, best practices, professional development and valuable networking platforms.

Looking Ahead

The addition of IAPCO to Speke Resort Convention Centre portfolio of international partnerships is another important step in the centre’s vision to become East Africa’s premier convention destination and one of Africa’s most respected venues for international meetings and events.

By combining world-class facilities, integrated hospitality infrastructure, international industry affiliations and a proven track record of hosting major global events, Speke Resort Convention Centre continues to strengthen its position as Uganda’s gateway to the international meetings industry.

Do you have a story in your community or an opinion to share with us: Email us at Submit an Article

Government will verify and process compensation for families of Ugandan soldiers who died while serving in Somalia, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja has told Parliament.

The Prime Minister made the commitment during Prime Minister’s Question Time in Parliament on Thursday, 9 July 2026.
The sitting was chaired by the Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa.

Premier Nabbanja was responding to a concern raised by Kilak South County, Member of Parliament, Hon. Gilbert Olanya (FDC), over unpaid arrears and delayed compensation for soldiers serving under the African Union mission in Somalia.

Olanya said many Ugandan soldiers had continued to serve diligently in Somalia, but some returned home without receiving their full payments, while others died in the line of duty.

“We have our sons and daughters who work diligently in Somalia. Others are brought back. Unfortunately, others were killed. I would like to know the government plan in paying the arrears of those ones who were not paid from Somalia up to now,” Olanya said.

Nabbanja said government had engaged the African Union (AU) and international partners to address the issue of delayed payments to Ugandan troops serving in Somalia.

“In February this year, I was delegated by the President to go to Ethiopia, meet the African Union, because, as you are aware, we had taken a long period of time when our soldiers were not being paid,” Nabbanja said.

She said the intervention had yielded results, with the AU and partners supporting Uganda to clear outstanding payments owed to soldiers.

“I am happy to report that African Union and our partners have since supported the government of Uganda to pay our people,” she said.

However, the Prime Minister asked Parliament to provide details of soldiers who died while serving, saying this would help government properly handle compensation claims.

“I would like to get the names of those people who were affected, especially those who died while on duty, so that the process of compensation can be done properly,” Nabbanja said.

Meanwhile government is also preparing emergency interventions to address a looming famine in parts of the Greater North and water shortages affecting cattle corridors across the country, the Prime Minister said.
Agago County MP, Hon. Edward Makmot warned that communities in the Greater North were facing a serious hunger crisis, with some people already starving.

Nabbanja said Karamoja had experienced severe drought, with some areas receiving no rainfall since April.

She said government had prepared a Cabinet Paper on the situation and would expand its assessment after receiving reports that the crisis was affecting more areas.

The Prime Minister added that government was working with the Ministry of Agriculture and local governments on interventions, including promoting quick-maturing seeds to support food production.

Meanwhile, the Older Persons Representative, Hon. James Kakooza raised concerns over the effects of climate change on cattle corridors, warning that water shortages were threatening livestock and dairy production.

In response, Nabbanja said she had organised a meeting involving the ministries of Water, Agriculture and Local Government to address the crisis.
She said government would deploy available water bowsers to support water-stressed communities and pastoralists during the dry period.

“The few water bowsers in the country will be provided so that the communities… can survive during this period,” Nabbanja said.

 

Do you have a story in your community or an opinion to share with us: Email us at Submit an Article