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Ugandan jazz legend Isaiah Katumwa is once again proving that world-class music knows no borders after landing two coveted nominations at the 10th Mzantsi Jazz Awards, Africa’s premier celebration of jazz excellence.

The internationally acclaimed saxophonist has been nominated in the Best International Jazz Album/Artist category for his critically acclaimed album New Days, placing Uganda among the continent’s finest jazz talents. Winners will be unveiled on August 15, 2026, during a star-studded ceremony at the Drama Theatre of the South African State Theatre in Pretoria.

For Katumwa, the nomination is more than another accolade—it is the latest chapter in a remarkable career that has transformed him from a Ugandan saxophonist into one of Africa’s most respected ambassadors of jazz.

Released earlier this year, New Days has resonated with audiences through its uplifting themes of hope, healing and new beginnings. Built around Katumwa’s unmistakable Afro-smooth jazz style, the album blends rich saxophone melodies with contemporary arrangements that speak to both seasoned jazz lovers and a new generation of listeners.

The project has already made international waves after breaking onto the Billboard Smooth Jazz Airplay Chart, a rare feat for an African instrumentalist and a milestone that further cemented Katumwa’s place on the global jazz stage.

The road to victory, however, will be anything but easy.

Katumwa will battle for the Best International Jazz Album/Artist title against an elite field that includes celebrated British jazz violinist Daniel John Martin, acclaimed South African vocalist Tutu Puoane, and a British-Nigerian soul-jazz singer-songwriter, making the category one of the most fiercely contested at this year’s awards.

Adding to Uganda’s excitement, New Days has also secured a second nomination in the Best African Jazz Album/Artist category, where Katumwa will compete alongside some of the continent’s most accomplished musicians, including Christine Kamau, Dotun Bankole, Ola Onabulé, Berima Amo, Apiwe Bubu, Sibusiso Lerole, Siyangoba Mthethwa, Bonginkosi Innocent Yeko, Kabelo El Chen Mogale, and Fanie Sandile Dick.

Both categories will be decided by public vote, giving jazz fans across Africa an opportunity to help crown this year’s winners. Supporters can vote for Katumwa by sending “ZaJazz BF2” to (+27) 40439 in the Best International Jazz Album/Artist category and “ZaJazz BA8” to (+27) 40439 in the Best African Jazz Album/Artist category.

Organisers say nominees are judged on more than commercial success. Creativity, technical brilliance, innovation, contribution to jazz, popularity within their fan base and longevity all play a key role in identifying Africa’s outstanding jazz artists.

This year’s ceremony carries added prestige as the Mzantsi Jazz Awards celebrate their 10th anniversary. The milestone edition ushers in a bold new era with an expanded programme, the launch of a continent-wide African jazz category and a move to the iconic South African State Theatre—signalling the awards’ growing influence across Africa’s music industry.

Speaking about the vision behind the awards, organiser Mogezi Makalima said jazz deserves greater recognition within Africa’s evolving music landscape.

“We recognize the role of jazz music as a genre that deserves special attention in the evolving South African music industry. The purpose is to celebrate, appreciate and venerate jazz as a musical form that not only entertains but also uplifts and heals the artist and the listener alike.”

For Uganda, Katumwa’s double nomination is more than personal recognition—it is a celebration of the country’s growing footprint on the international music scene. As the countdown to Pretoria begins, the acclaimed saxophonist carries not only the hopes of Uganda’s jazz community but also the pride of East Africa onto one of the continent’s biggest jazz stages.

 

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Speke Resort Munyonyo has earned international recognition after being nominated for Best Luxury MICE Resort at the Luxe Global Awards 2026, one of the world’s leading honours for excellence in the luxury hospitality industry.

The nomination highlights the resort’s reputation as one of Uganda’s premier destinations for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE), thanks to its world-class facilities, luxury accommodation and exceptional guest experience.

Owned by the Speke Group of Hotels under the Ruparelia Group, Speke Resort Munyonyo has established itself as a preferred venue for international summits, government events, corporate conferences and high-profile social functions.

The five-star resort boasts the largest conference capacity in East and Central Africa, featuring 19 fully equipped conference halls and five outdoor event venues capable of hosting events of various sizes.

Beyond its conference facilities, the resort offers 477 guest rooms and suites spread across nine accommodation categories, along with five restaurants, two bars and a wide range of leisure and recreational amenities, making it a top choice for both business and leisure travellers.

The Luxe Global Awards recognise outstanding achievement across the luxury travel, hospitality, wellness, restaurant and lifestyle sectors. The awards honour hotels, resorts, spas, restaurants and tourism businesses that consistently deliver exceptional service, memorable guest experiences and the highest standards of quality.

Winners are selected through a combination of guest feedback, industry assessments and performance evaluations, with awards presented at regional, continental and global levels.

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The Rotary Club of Kampala Early Bird has installed I&M Bank Executive Director and Chief Operations Officer- Sam Ntulume, as its seventh president, succeeding Victoria Kayagga Kigundu.

Ntulume will serve a one-year term, in line with the Rotary tradition that mandates all club presidents at both the local and international levels to hold office for strictly one year.

The leadership transition marks a renewed commitment by the club to community service and transformational impact.

In his inaugural address, Ntulume reflected on the biblical story of the Walls of Jericho- Joshua Chapter 6, to draw parallels with the club’s seven-year journey.

He noted that just as the Israelites marched around the walls of Jericho for six days, before the walls came down on the seventh day, the Rotary Club of Kampala Early Bird is entering what he described as a season of victory.

Ntulume said the seventh year symbolizes God’s blessings and expressed confidence that the club is poised for greater achievements.

He urged members to focus on projects that save lives, restore hope, and improve the well being of communities. He also pledged to align the club’s activities with the priorities of Rotary District 9136.

“The District 9136 priorities are well articulated. They include strengthening membership, empowering the youth, supporting The Rotary Foundation, improving public image, building leadership and capacity, and delivering impactful community service,” Ntulume said.

Members of the club who gathered to witness the handover of leadership, expressed confidence in Ntulume’s ability to steer the club well into its next chapter. They tasked him with further elevating the club’s profile to inspire more individuals and organizations to join and support its community initiatives.

Outgoing president Victoria Kayagga Kigundu, highlighted some of the club’s achievements. Among the most notable, was the completion and handover of a classroom block at St. Dennis Ssebugwawo Primary School, in Lukumbi, Nakaseke district, a project that has expanded access to education for children in the area.

The installation ceremony attracted officials from the Buganda Kingdom, clergy, Rotarians from various clubs, members of the I&M Bank Board, the Bank’s executive leadership, and other distinguished guests.

Photos from the event

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In homes and schools across Uganda, children are growing up surrounded by love, hope and high expectations. Parents aspire to give them the best opportunities, teachers work tirelessly to shape their futures, and communities invest in their success.

Yet amid the emphasis on academic performance, discipline and achievement, one important question is often overlooked:

How is the child feeling?

That question lies at the centre of a new Africa-wide campaign by SereniMind, a youth-focused mental health technology platform whose initiatives have reached more than 100 million people across over 25 African countries.

The campaign, titled “The Child Behind the Smile: Every Behaviour Has a Story,” seeks to encourage parents, teachers, caregivers and communities to look beyond children’s actions and understand the emotions that often drive their behaviour.

Understanding the Message Behind Behaviour

According to SereniMind, children communicate through their behaviour every day, yet many adults are not equipped to recognise the emotional messages behind those actions.

A quiet child may be labelled withdrawn. A restless child may be considered stubborn. A learner struggling in class may be dismissed as unserious, while a child who cries frequently may simply be told they are too sensitive.

SereniMind argues that behind each of these behaviours is often an emotional story that a child may not yet have the language or confidence to express.

“A child’s behaviour is often a form of communication,” said Ridwan Oyenuga, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of SereniMind.

“Sometimes children do not have the words to explain fear, pressure, sadness, confusion, loneliness or insecurity. That is why adults must learn to observe, listen and respond with understanding—not only correction.”

Why the Campaign Matters in Uganda

With one of the youngest populations in Africa, Uganda’s future depends largely on the wellbeing and development of its children.

SereniMind believes that children who receive emotional support are more likely to perform better academically, build healthier relationships, develop confidence and grow into resilient, responsible citizens.

The organisation stresses that emotional wellbeing—the ability of a child to feel safe, valued, heard and understood—is not a luxury but a fundamental pillar of healthy development.

“Discipline is important,” Oyenuga noted. “But discipline should not replace understanding. When we respond only to behaviour without asking what may be behind it, we risk overlooking the child’s deeper emotional needs.”

The campaign is calling upon families, schools, teachers, faith leaders, healthcare professionals and child-focused organisations across Uganda to join the conversation and foster environments where children feel safe to express themselves.

A Growing Continental Movement

The Child Behind the Smile is the first instalment of SereniMind’s 12-month Africa-wide wellbeing campaign series, with a different child and youth wellbeing theme being highlighted each month throughout 2026.

The initiative has already received significant media attention, including front-page coverage in the Standard Times of Sierra Leone and features in the Sierra Leone Telegraph and several other media outlets across West Africa. It builds on SereniMind’s Africa Wellness Voices Initiative, which generated more than 100 million media impressions earlier this year.

As the campaign expands into Uganda, it seeks to inspire a broader movement of parents, educators, policymakers and community leaders who believe that Africa’s children deserve more than survival.

They deserve to be seen.

They deserve to be heard.

And above all, they deserve to be understood.

About SereniMind

SereniMind is a youth-focused mental health technology platform founded in Lagos, Nigeria. Its awareness campaigns have reached more than 100 million people across over 25 African countries. The organisation’s founder, Ridwan Oyenuga, is a Harvard Aspire Leaders Fellow, a ForbesBLK member and a member of the West Africa Peace Advisory Council.

SereniMind’s work has been featured by Premium Times, ThisDay, The Guardian, MSN Africa, AllAfrica, the Sierra Leone Telegraph and more than 37 media outlets across over 10 African countries.

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At Kampala Parents’ School (KPS), education goes far beyond textbooks and exams; it is built on a foundation of mutual respect, community, and genuine affection. This was beautifully demonstrated recently when the campus erupted into celebration to welcome the school’s Chairman, Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia.

The atmosphere was electric as pupils gathered, their faces lighting up with pure joy. The love of the pupils truly spoke volumes as they greeted the Chairman with a vibrant wave of smiles, enthusiastic cheers, and heartfelt affection.

A Legacy of Care and Excellence:

Dr. Sudhir has long been a pillar of the KPS community, championing a nurturing environment where children can thrive both academically and socially. This memorable moment highlighted the deep bond between the school’s leadership and its students. It wasn’t just a formal visit; it was a heartwarming reunion that captured the true spirit of the KPS family.

“The genuine smiles and warmth from our pupils are the greatest testament to the supportive environment we strive to cultivate every day at Kampala Parents’ School,” one of the school administrators said.

Why KPS Stands Out:

Moments like these remind us why Kampala Parents’ School remains a premier institution. By fostering an environment where children feel valued and loved, KPS ensures that learning is accompanied by happiness and personal growth.
When pupils love their school and respect their leaders, excellence naturally follows.

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Makerere University’s Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, has issued guidance to newly admitted students on how to access their admission letters, alongside the official schedule for Semester One of the 2026/2027 academic year.

Picking Up Admission Letters

Students admitted under government sponsorship have been directed to pick up their admission letters from their respective colleges.

Self sponsored students, on the other hand, will need to download their provisional admission letters directly from the student application portal at apply.mak.ac.ug. The steps are as follows:

1. Log in to the application portal using the email address or telephone number and password used at the time of application.
2. Click on Admission Status/History.
3. Click Download Provisional Admission Letter.

The university has laid out the following key dates for the start of the semester:

• Saturday 1st August to Friday 7th August 2026: Orientation Week (7 days)
• Monday 3rd August 2026: Central orientation programme at Freedom Square, starting at 9:00 AM
• Tuesday 4th August to Friday 7th August 2026: College/school-specific orientation programmes
• Monday 10th August 2026: Lectures begin
• Registration: Must be completed within the first two weeks from the start of the semester

The university has also released Freshers Joining Instructions, which new students are encouraged to review ahead of reporting, as they typically contain essential details on what to bring, where to report, and other requirements for settling in.

With orientation week set to begin on 1st August, newly admitted students, particularly those joining Makerere for the first time, are advised to secure their admission letters early, go through the joining instructions, and plan to be on campus in time for the central orientation programme at Freedom Square on 3rd August.

Students should also keep the two-week registration window in mind, as late registration can affect participation in early semester activities.

CampusBee will continue to share updates on registration and orientation as they are released by the university.

The long-running feud between Nigerian rappers Blaqbonez and Odumodublvck has taken a dramatic legal turn, with Blaqbonez demanding ₦2 billion in damages after accusing his fellow rapper of making defamatory statements about him.

A pre-action legal notice served on Odumodublvck accuses the rapper of publishing and repeating statements that Blaqbonez says damaged his reputation and subjected him to harassment and intimidation. The allegations contained in the notice have not been tested in court.

At the centre of the dispute are claims that Odumodublvck referred to Blaqbonez as a “sexual abuser” and a “sexual abusing bastard” on social media.

Through his lawyers, Blaqbonez maintains the statements are false, malicious and defamatory.

The legal notice demands that Odumodublvck immediately retract the statements, remove the disputed posts from all his social media platforms and publish an unreserved apology on his verified accounts for 30 consecutive days.

Blaqbonez is also seeking ₦2 billion in general damages, ₦500 million in aggravated damages and ₦50 million to cover legal costs.

His lawyers are further asking Odumodublvck to publicly direct his supporters to stop allegedly harassing, threatening or intimidating Blaqbonez, while also seeking an undertaking that no further defamatory statements will be made against the rapper.

The notice gives Odumodublvck seven days to comply with the demands. If he fails to do so, Blaqbonez says he will proceed with formal legal action.

The latest development marks a major escalation in the public fallout between the two rappers, shifting their dispute from social media exchanges to a potential courtroom battle.

At the time of publication, Odumodublvck had not publicly responded to the pre-action legal notice.

For decades, Kadongo Kamu earned its reputation through storytelling, life lessons, and songs that often stretched well beyond today’s standard running time.

Veteran musician Fred Sebbaale believes that changed the moment radio and television transformed the way Ugandans listened to music.

Speaking to YouTubers Shalom 256 and Frank Ntambi, Sebbaale said broadcasters rarely played Kadongo Kamu songs from beginning to end because they mainly aired them during program breaks.

During their programs, songs were played during breaks and not entirely.

He said that approach worked against a genre built on detailed storytelling.

Kadongo Kamu was mostly about teaching, storytelling and entertainment.

Sebbaale recalled that songs often lasted around 10 minutes, especially during the cassette era when artists planned albums around the 30-minute limit on each side of a tape.

A tape had 60 minutes with 30 minutes on each side. So you had to make sure that each song was at least 10 minutes long so that you had three songs on both sides.

He also argued that radio and television gradually took control of deciding which artists reached audiences by repeatedly playing selected musicians, even without listener requests.

Someone would be sitting somewhere and they play an artist’s music even under no request.

Sebbaale believes those changes gradually pushed Kadongo Kamu out of the spotlight.

Afrobeats superstar Davido has revealed how a last-minute casting change led to one of the most memorable moments in the music video for his hit song, “Aye.”

Speaking during an interview with Capital Xtra, the singer recalled that the woman originally selected to play the video’s lead role had to withdraw just before filming because of contractual obligations tied to a beauty pageant.

According to him, the production team was ready to shoot when the model’s manager received a call informing them that she could no longer appear in the video.

The girl that was meant to be the main girl, she was in some pageant thing. So we were about to shoot and the manager said they called from the pageant that she’s under contract and we can’t use her for the video.

With no time to postpone the production, Davido said his team had to make a quick decision.

Instead of cancelling the shoot, they cast the woman’s makeup artist as the lead.

We couldn’t reschedule so we had to use her make-up artist.

The unexpected switch turned into one of the most talked-about stories behind the video.

Released during Davido’s early career, “Aye” became one of his biggest hits and remains one of his most celebrated music videos.

Davido also revealed that the video’s success had an unintended consequence for the two women involved.

The video got so huge that they fell out.

Although he did not go into further detail about what caused the fallout, the singer’s story offered fans a rare glimpse into how an unexpected last-minute decision helped shape one of the defining visuals of his career.