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Millions of people around the world continue to bear the physical, emotional and financial burden of cancer, a disease that claims more than 26,000 lives every day, according to a report released on Wednesday by the World Health Organisation.

With an estimated 20.6 million new cancer cases and nearly 10 million deaths each year, cancer remains the world’s second leading cause of death after cardiovascular disease.

The report warns that reversing this trend will require a fundamental shift to a people-centred approach that addresses the health needs and lived experiences of individuals, families and communities affected by cancer. Without urgent action, annual cancer cases are projected to rise to nearly 35 million by 2050.

The WHO Global Status Report on Cancer 2026, produced jointly with the International Agency for Research on Cancer, provides a comprehensive assessment of progress in political commitment, cancer prevention, including tobacco control and vaccination programmes, as well as investment in diagnosis and treatment.

However, the report highlights persistent and widening inequalities in access to prevention, early diagnosis, treatment and supportive care, leaving millions without the services they need. It notes that while 87 per cent of women diagnosed with breast cancer survive for at least five years in high-income countries, the figure drops to about 42 per cent in low-income countries.

Fewer than one in three countries currently include cancer care within their universal health coverage packages.

“Cancer is a deeply personal disease that touches nearly all of us. But whether a person survives cancer should never depend on where they were born or what they earn,” said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “The inequities documented in this report are not inevitable; they are the consequence of choices, and they can be reversed through stronger and unified action.”

The report notes that most people will be affected by cancer at some point in their lives, either through their own diagnosis or that of a close family member. Beyond its health consequences, cancer remains one of the most financially and socially devastating challenges households can face.

WHO’s first-ever survey of people affected by cancer found that at least 45% experience financial hardship, more than half report mental health challenges, and nearly all caregivers experience significant strain, including unpaid caregiving responsibilities and social isolation.

The report also shows that the global cancer burden varies significantly by region. In 2024, Asia accounted for the largest share of cases, representing an estimated 50.7 per cent of all new diagnoses and 56.5 per cent of cancer deaths, largely reflecting its population size.

Europe, meanwhile, carried a disproportionately high burden, accounting for 21 per cent of global cancer cases and 20 per cent of deaths despite having only about 9 per cent of the world’s population. In contrast, many countries in Africa and parts of Asia recorded lower cancer incidence but disproportionately higher mortality rates.

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Among men, lung, prostate and colorectal cancers are the most commonly diagnosed, while breast, lung and colorectal cancers account for a substantial share of the disease burden among women.

Nearly four in ten cancer cases globally are linked to preventable risk factors, including infections such as human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B and C, and Helicobacter pylori, as well as tobacco use, alcohol consumption, excess body weight and physical inactivity, underscoring the critical importance of prevention.

“While we are seeing reductions in some cancer rates in countries that have implemented prevention policies, progress has been too slow,” said Elisabete Weiderpass. “The cancer profile is evolving, increasingly driven by rising rates of obesity, physical inactivity, unhealthy diets and air pollution. Cancer prevention must remain a political priority.”

Despite the challenges, the report points to notable progress in several areas. Global tobacco use has declined by 27 per cent since 2010, contributing to reductions in lung cancer incidence and mortality in some regions. Infection-related cancers are also decreasing, driven by expanded vaccination programmes, improved water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), and stronger infection prevention and control measures.

Political commitment has also strengthened. The report shows that 82 per cent of countries now have national cancer control plans, up from 50 per cent in 2010. In high-income countries, early detection programmes identify most breast cancer cases at treatable stages, while 74 per cent of women have been screened for cervical cancer. Scientific innovation is also advancing rapidly, with registered clinical trials increasing at an average annual rate of 7.3 per cent between 2005 and 2021.

However, the report cautions that these gains are not translating into life-saving outcomes quickly enough. Essential cancer medicines remain out of reach for many people, with the availability of the 20 priority cancer medicines ranging from just 9 per cent to 54 per cent in low- and lower-middle-income countries, compared with 68 per cent to 94 per cent in high-income countries. According to WHO, the consequences of these disparities continue to be borne most heavily by people living with cancer and their families.

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By Brian Musaasizi

NCBA Bank Uganda has launched its new Business Banking offering alongside the “Ku NCBA Kiggwa Ku Bwerere” campaign, reaffirming its commitment to empowering Ugandan businesses with accessible financing, innovative digital banking solutions, and strategic business support. The new proposition is designed to support businesses across every stage of growth by providing faster access to finance, dedicated relationship management, and practical solutions that address the evolving needs of Uganda’s business community.

Speaking at the launch, NCBA Bank Uganda Chief Executive Officer, Mark Muyobo, said the initiative reflects the bank’s purpose of Banking on Belief, Empowering Ambitions by standing alongside entrepreneurs as a trusted growth partner.

“SMEs account for over 70% of Uganda’s private sector activity, yet many continue to face challenges including limited access to finance, cash flow constraints, and the need for digital transformation. Through our new Business Banking proposition, we are providing businesses with financial solutions, expertise, and partnerships they need to grow with confidence,” Muyobo said.

The Business Banking proposition offers tailored financing solutions, including unsecured invoice discounting of up to UGX 500 million, unsecured LPO financing of up to UGX 180 million, unsecured business loans of up to UGX 200 million, education finance of up to UGX 500 million, and asset financing of up to 90% of invoice value. Customers will also benefit from free banking with zero transaction and loan arrangement fees for the next six months, as well as a commitment to receiving credit responses within 48 hours.

To further strengthen business growth, NCBA has partnered with MAT Abacus to roll out a complimentary Enterprise Development Programme for all SME customers for free. The programme will provide practical training, mentorship, and advisory support in financial management, governance, tax compliance, business planning, succession planning, and sustainable growth.

The bank highlighted its enhanced digital banking platforms, NCBA Now and NCBA ConnectPlus, as key enablers of seamless business banking, allowing customers to securely manage accounts, make payments, approve transactions, and monitor cash flows anytime, anywhere.

The “Ku NCBA Kiggwa Ku Bwerere” campaign launched alongside the Business banking customer value proposition reinforces NCBA’s commitment to making business banking simpler, faster, and more accessible, while encouraging entrepreneurs to seize opportunities with confidence.

Additionally, Abel Mwesigye, CEO of KACITA, welcomed the launch, noting that “the growth of Uganda’s private sector depends on strong partnerships and financial institutions that understand the realities of doing business. NCBA’s Business Banking proposition is a timely intervention that combines accessible financing, digital innovation, and business development support to help SMEs scale sustainably.”

As part of the regional NCBA Group, the bank will continue leveraging its East African footprint to support businesses engaged in cross-border trade and regional expansion, reinforcing its commitment to driving Uganda’s economic transformation through a thriving private sector.

NCBA Bank Uganda Limited is a subsidiary of NCBA Group PLC, East Africa’s largest bank by digital customer numbers. With an asset base UGX 1.2T and a strong liquidity profile, NCBA bank combines extensive corporate and retail banking experience with leading innovations, offering products from mobile banking, asset finance to tailored investment solutions. Focused on relationship management and customer success, NCBA empowers clients to achieve financial goals while supporting regional economic growth.

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A Pass and producer Kaboo have found themselves at the center of an online debate after music fans began comparing their song Miracles to M83‘s hit Midnight City.

The discussion gained momentum on X after user @emiriatjames1 defended Kaboo, arguing that the Swiss-Ugandan producer’s creative process had been documented in several videos showing him building the beat from scratch rather than copying another record.

The post quickly divided opinion.

Some users argued that even if a sample had been used, sampling is a common practice in modern music, provided the necessary clearances are obtained.

Others insisted that similar melodies or production styles do not automatically prove that one song sampled another.

Kaboo’s supporters also pointed to his well-known production process, saying he often creates music by recording and manipulating original sounds instead of relying on existing recordings.

The producer has previously spoken about drawing inspiration from everyday sounds, instruments, and his surroundings while blending Ugandan musical influences with contemporary production techniques.

As the debate continues, neither A Pass nor Kaboo has publicly addressed the comparisons to Midnight City.

People are claiming @kabootweet sampled that track for the ‘Miracles ft @IamApass’ beat, but we watched 100 videos of him making the sound from scratch. Frustrating!!💔 pic.twitter.com/GsOb8UdS4e

— 𝗝𝗮𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗘¹ (@emiriatjames1) July 9, 2026

The Stanbic National Schools Championship (NSC) has reached a crucial stage as appraisal visits get underway involving the 12 regional finalist schools which emerged from the highly competitive one-week bootcamp hosted by Gayaza High School during May.

More detailed assessments are being carried out on the relevant school projects to determine which qualify for the grand finale in August.

Held annually since 2016, the Championship organised by Stanbic Bank, helps identify Uganda’s most promising young entrepreneurs and innovators with the underlying goal of nurturing problem-solvers.

Diana Ondoga, the Manager Corporate Social Investment (CSI) said, “We see this programme as our contribution to building Uganda’s next entrepreneurs, employees and leaders.”

The championship also aligns with Uganda’s competence-based curriculum by promoting Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and problem-solving skills that prepare learners for the future of work.

She said the appraisal visits are not solely about selecting finalists, but also about measuring the impact of the programme on learners’ ability to solve real-life community challenges through innovation.

The first visit to Western Region showcased a farming innovation developed by Kyebambe Girls’ Secondary School.

The school team demonstrated an enabled smart irrigation system. It automatically sends alerts to users, showing how students are applying emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence to improve agricultural productivity.

Ondoga said, “This is exactly the kind of innovation we want to see. Young people are developing practical solutions using technology to address challenges within their communities. When we expose them to opportunity and nurture their confidence, they can achieve extraordinary things.”

She said the championship helps learners to discover their potential, develop confidence. “They are realizing that even with smallest capital, they can build sustainable businesses that create value within their communities,” she said.

Headteacher,  Ruth Kwesiga, expressed appreciation to Stanbic Bank for organising the championship, and allowing students innovate and exercise their skills.

She said, “I want to appreciate Stanbic Bank for being pioneers of change and transformation to this generation. We have participated in the National Schools Championship since 2018 and our students have not remained the same.”

“Back in my home, I do farming, and I also have an irrigation system that is solar but not automatic. And when the students came up with an automated smart irrigation system, it amazed me, and I have supported them. That’s why I want the school to also be one of the customers,” Kwesiga said.

Apart from the 12 schools, six student-led businesses were also selected to advance.

Ondoga said this year’s championship introduced a new approach that significantly expanded the programmer’s reach.

“Instead of training only selected teachers through regional workshops as in previous editions, Stanbic Bank engaged 913 participating schools through a nationwide innovation challenge,” she said.

She said, “Schools were tasked with solving practical problem scenarios alongside their learners before the boot camp selection process. As a result, approximately 90 to 95 percent of participating schools benefited directly from entrepreneurship and innovation learning, regardless of whether they advanced to the bootcamp.”

According to Stanbic Bank, the new model has enabled the programme to reach more schools in a cost-effective manner while significantly improving the quality of innovations presented by learners.

Ondoga said as the appraisal visits continue across the country, Stanbic Bank remains committed to equipping Uganda’s youth with the knowledge, confidence and entrepreneurial mindset required to drive sustainable economic growth and shape the country’s future.

Background

The appraisal visits will assess the 12 regional finalist schools to determine which innovations will advance to the Stanbic National Schools Championship Grand Finale in August.

The schools include Aga Khan High School, which developed a circular economy innovation that transforms plastic waste mixed with sand into durable, eco-friendly bricks and pavers; Bishop Dunstan Nsubuga Memorial Secondary School, with a smart recycling machine that encourages proper plastic waste disposal while rewarding users.

St. Kizito High School, Namugongo, whose agribusiness innovation promotes sustainable food production, value addition and reduced food waste within the school ecosystem; Comboni College, which designed a conservation solution aimed at preventing wild animals from escaping protected reserves, and COTN Mirama Hills High School, whose environmental innovation captures carbon dioxide from polluted air and releases cleaner, breathable air.

Also in contention are Lira Town College, with a wearable seating solution that enables people to sit anywhere, anytime. Sedes Sapientiae Academiae Secondary School, which developed an affordable multi-purpose poultry feed-making machine to reduce production costs for poultry farmers. Kyebambe Girls’ Secondary School, with a smart irrigation solution for smallholder farmers.

St. Theresa Girls’ Secondary School, Nsenyi, whose wearable health technology helps women manage menstrual pain. Ngora High School, which developed an AI-powered mobile application for early livestock disease detection. Iganga Secondary School, with an affordable post-harvest storage innovation to reduce vegetable spoilage and losses, and Kakira Secondary School, which created an affordable and efficient seed-planting solution for small-scale farmers.

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For years, fans have debated whether Swangz Avenue‘s leading female stars secretly compete behind the scenes.

Vinka says they have been looking at it all wrong.

Speaking about life at the record label, the singer dismissed claims of rivalry between herself, Azawi, and Winnie Nwagi, insisting their real competition lies far beyond Swangz Avenue.

This is a record label. I do not see it as competition among my labelmates. It is competition with the rest of the world.

Vinka said the artists intentionally support one another because every individual success strengthens the entire label.

We support each other here.

To illustrate that point, the “Bailando” singer revealed that Azawi wrote her latest single, Love Panic, a sign of the collaborative culture she says exists behind the scenes.

She also disclosed that she and Winnie Nwagi have already recorded four songs together.

Azawi wrote “Love Panic” for me. I have four collaborations with Winnie… there shouldn’t be unhealthy competition.

For Vinka, Swangz Avenue succeeds when its artists move together instead of against one another.

We all roll as a movement because we must make it together as a unit.

Parliament has granted leave to Buyaga West County Member of Parliament, Hon. Dennis Namara to introduce a Private Member’s Bill seeking to reform the election, accountability and removal of the Leader of the Opposition (LoP).

The motion was approved during plenary chaired by Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa on Wednesday, 8 July 2026.

The proposed Administration of Parliament (Amendment) Bill, 2026 seeks to have the Leader of the Opposition elected by all Opposition Members of Parliament, rather than being designated by the largest opposition party. It also proposes additional grounds for removing the LoP from office, approval of the Shadow Cabinet by opposition MPs, and wider consultation when appointing opposition representatives to parliamentary leadership positions.

Moving the motion, Namara said the amendments are intended to strengthen democracy, accountability and inclusiveness within the opposition.

He argued that although the law provides for the election of the Leader of the Opposition, the position is currently designated by the opposition party with the greatest numerical strength, denying other opposition MPs an opportunity to participate.
“Currently, the Leader of the Opposition is designated by the party with the highest numerical strength among opposition parties in Parliament and is simply imposed on members of the opposition without their will and consent,” Namara said.

He added that the Bill would also require the Leader of the Opposition to consult all opposition political parties, organisations and independent MPs when appointing opposition representatives to parliamentary leadership positions. It further proposes that the Shadow Cabinet be approved by opposition MPs through a resolution.

The Bill introduces new grounds for removal of the Leader of the Opposition, including misconduct, incompetence and inability to perform official duties due to infirmity of body or mind. If enacted in its current form, the law would require the current Leader of the Opposition to vacate office three months after it comes into force, followed by a fresh election under the new framework.

Seconding the motion, Kibanda North County MP, Hon. Linos Ngompek said the reforms would allow wider participation in choosing the Leader of the Opposition.

However, Hon. Patrick Nsamba Oshabe (Kassanda North, NUP) questioned the need to revive a proposal that failed in the previous Parliament, while Hon. Ethel Naluyima (Wakiso District, NUP) argued that the Constitution provides for the opposition party with the highest numerical strength to appoint the Leader of the Opposition.

Soroti District Woman MP, Hon. Anna Adeke said the proposal undermines the principles of multiparty democracy.

Responding to concerns, Tayebwa reminded Members that Parliament was only considering leave to introduce the Bill and not debating the merits of the proposed Bill
“The member is saying, give me permission to go and prepare a Bill; we are not discussing a Bill,” Tayebwa said before putting the question, which was carried by the House.

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Paraguayan Senator Celeste Amarilla has found herself at the centre of another social media storm after claiming her Instagram account had been hacked, only days after her racist remarks about French football star Kylian Mbappé triggered international outrage.

Posting on X, formerly Twitter, Amarilla told followers that she had lost access to her Instagram account and urged them to ignore any suspicious activity until she regained control.

Instead of sympathy, many social media users responded with sarcasm.

One widely shared reply read:

If they post anything racist, we’ll know you have your Instagram back.

The joke quickly gained traction as users linked the hacking claim to Amarilla’s recent comments about Mbappé, which sparked widespread condemnation around the world.

The controversy began after France knocked Paraguay out of the FIFA World Cup. Amarilla responded by posting racist and xenophobic insults aimed at Mbappé on X.

Mbappé publicly condemned the senator, calling her “a despicable woman” who was “unworthy” of holding public office. He also said her comments did not represent the people of Paraguay.

The fallout quickly spread beyond social media.

The French Football Federation announced plans to file a criminal complaint, French prosecutors opened an investigation, and Paraguay’s government publicly distanced itself from Amarilla’s remarks, saying they did not reflect the country’s values.

Amarilla later apologized before making further critical remarks about Mbappé, keeping the controversy alive.

Her latest claim about losing access to her Instagram account has now generated another wave of online reactions, with many users refusing to separate the hacking announcement from the controversy that has dominated headlines throughout the week.

The Speaker, Jacob Marksons Oboth, has unveiled a comprehensive plan to strengthen the performance and independence of Parliamentary Oversight Committees, with the Parliamentary Commission prioritising full internal funding of committee operations to safeguard their independence, improve institutional efficiency and strengthen public trust.

The strategy was highlighted during a collaborative courtesy meeting between the Speaker and the leadership of the Leadership Code Tribunal led by Chairperson Dr. Roselyn Karugonjo-Segawa, on 8 July 2026.

The engagement focused on fostering strong institutional synergy to promote transparency across public sectors.
“Our goal is to ensure our committees are fully equipped and seamlessly supported by the Parliamentary Commission,” Oboth said emphasising that robust internal funding guarantees the absolute integrity of legislative work.

He said that by utilizing Parliament’s expanded Shs1.2 trillion budget, the Parliamentary Commission will fully facilitate all committees to do their work.
This financial framework ensures that committees remain entirely self-reliant and distinct from the Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) they evaluate, allowing for objective and well-facilitated reviews.
Drawing on his extensive legislative background, Speaker Oboth reaffirmed Parliament’s commitment to cultivating “leaders who stand above reproach.”
To support Members of Parliament in maintaining high standards of compliance, the Speaker proposed an innovative partnership with the Leadership Code Tribunal.

Under this framework, the tribunal will host proactive legal orientations and informational briefings for members, designed to serve as an educational resource, guiding lawmakers smoothly through the legal technicalities of declaring income, assets and liabilities.
“The Tribunal is a valuable partner for our lawmakers,” the Speaker observed, noting that proactive education will ensure all public representatives remain fully compliant with national frameworks.

He further pledged support to help the Leadership Code Tribunal achieve greater operational independence.

In response to reports that the tribunal currently spends an annual Shs734 million in commercial rent, Speaker Oboth encouraged the body to explore permanent office solutions within the Ministry of Justice complex, offering Parliament’s full advocacy to help them establish a permanent home.
The Speaker offered his commitment to champion policies that uplift national governance and support its strategic partners.

Dr. Karugonjo-Segawa expressed deep appreciation for Parliament’s open-door policy and progressive leadership.

Reaffirming the tribunal’s alignment with national goals of efficiency and transparency, she pledged that the tribunal would continue to discharge its mandate with the highest levels of integrity and impartiality.

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KABAROLE— In a major push to revive environmental conservation and boost local tourism, a high-level delegation of political and technical leaders from Kapchorwa District recently concluded a study tour and engagement at the Kibale Conservation Area (KCA) in Kabarole District.

The engagement focused heavily on strategies for environmental restoration, sustainable conservation, and fostering a peaceful human-wildlife relationship.

The delegation—which included the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Mr. Bayole Stanley, LCV Chairperson Mr. Chelimo Vincent, the Deputy CAO, the District Speaker, and several district councilors—was received by the Chief Warden of Kibale Conservation Area, Mr. John Justice.

Addressing the leaders, Mr. John Justice emphasized that successful environmental restoration begins with a mindset shift. He noted that communities must first learn to appreciate and love tourism.

“It is through a genuine love for tourism that local communities will find the true motivation to restore game reserves and protect our environment, ultimately bringing direct revenue into their societies,” the Chief Warden educated.

Mr. DS Tugume, the CEO of the Kibale Conservation Area network, the Kapchorwa leaders toured Isunga Village Isunga Parish, Kasenda Sub-county Kabarole district to see community-led conservation in action.

During an interaction with the locals, Mr. Karusigarira Bernard, the LC1 Chairman of Isunga Village, praised their thriving partnership with the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). Which included Reliable defense against wild animal incursions, Funding and support for building local churches and water tanks , Access to mobility through provided motorcycles. Increased income through Paid labor in the forest, craft-making, and cultural dance groups for tourists.

The delegation also visited key ecological sites in the region, including the Kanyachu Kibale Tourism Center and the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, both renowned hubs for eco-tourism.

Impressed by the tangible benefits witnessed in Kabarole, Kapchorwa LCV Chairperson Mr. Chelimo Vincent committed to mirroring these exact strategies back home to elevate Kapchorwa’s tourism landscape.
sensitizing the public to plant trees for long-term economic benefits without cutting them down, aiding forest restoration. Organizing routine regional workshops so local communities receive first-hand information on conservation and safe human-wildlife co-existence and Pushing for better road networks to ensure tourists have easy access to Kapchorwa’s unique attraction sites.

The Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Mr. Bayole Stanley, extended his gratitude to UWA for organizing the study tour, noting that it opened their eyes to the immense value of forest preservation.

Mr. Bayole strongly advocated for a long-term approach, urging UWA to help lobby for and provide free tree seedlings to Kapchorwa residents. He also stressed the importance of catching the next generation early.

“Educating our young ones at an early age about conservation and human-wildlife relationships will create a lasting impact in the region,” Mr. Bayole Stanley noted.

The RDC closed by promising full administrative support to ensure these restoration ideas are actively taught and implemented across Kapchorwa District.

 

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