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  • Shakira Shakiraa responds to mockery over friendship with the late King Oyo

    Shakira Shakiraa responds to mockery over friendship with the late King Oyo

    Shakira Shakiraa has responded to social media users who mocked her after she revealed that she was friends with the late King of Tooro, Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV.

    Following the King’s passing, Shakira joined many Ugandans in mourning and shared that she had known the late monarch personally. She revealed that the two were gym buddies and that she also had a friendship with the Queen Mother, Best Kemigisa.

    However, her remarks attracted criticism from netizens, with some accusing her of exaggerating the relationship and trying to “tie” herself to the late King for attention and relevance.

    Addressing the criticism, Shakira explained that her friendship with King Oyo developed naturally after they met at the gym. She said she was using one of the machines when it malfunctioned, prompting the King to step in and help her.

    People just made fun of the whole process but he (King Oyo) was my friend. I already told you he was my gym buddy because I found him in gym and how we met was that I was on one of the machines and it refused to work and he came he helped me out, from there we started hellos and then it matured into a friendship.

    Shakira clarified that their friendship never went beyond their interactions at the gym and insisted that she had no intention of using her connection to the late King to gain publicity.

    Tooro subjects told to suspend farming, intimacy and loud music during King Oyo’s nine-day mourning

    She said she is not concerned about being in the spotlight and remains focused on her businesses and music career.

    I am the kind of person that doesn’t care whether I’m trending or not, whether my music is played or not… I focus on my businesses that’s all but when they asked me about him, I shared my experience because that stood out in my friendship with him.

    Her comments come as the Tooro Kingdom continues its mourning period following the passing of King Oyo, who died in the United States on August 27, 2026, aged 34.

    The post Shakira Shakiraa responds to mockery over friendship with the late King Oyo appeared first on MBU.

  • She liked me – Kid Fox speaks up on romantic affair with Straka Baibe

    She liked me – Kid Fox speaks up on romantic affair with Straka Baibe

    Singer Kid Fox has barely settled back in Uganda after spending 14 years in Japan, but his return to the local entertainment scene has already been surrounded by controversy.

    Since his return, the singer has repeatedly found himself making headlines with blunt comments about fellow musicians, with names such as Ziza Bafana, Mikie Wine and Bobi Wine featuring prominently in his remarks.

    Straka Mwezi during her early days at the Late Night Show on WBS TV.

    Kid Fox has often appeared unimpressed by the direction of Uganda’s music industry, questioning the creativity and talent of some of the artists who rose to prominence during his long absence.

    He has even suggested that, after returning to the country, he has not seen much that is particularly new or different from what existed before he left for Japan.

    Away from the music-industry jabs, Kid Fox was also reminded of his past relationship with former celebrated media personality Straka Mwezi, popularly known as Straka Baibe, and how the two were related in the day.

    Looking back at their connection, Kid Fox described Straka as a good fan and friend, while openly admitting that he enjoyed the attention he received from women.

    Straka Baibe was my good fan, friend, and she liked me. In fact, I feel good and love it when ladies hit on me. I’m yet to have children because I first wanted to make money.

    The singer explained that his decision to delay having children was largely driven by his desire to first achieve financial stability.

    He also hinted that his return to Uganda is not necessarily permanent, revealing that he could head back to Japan if his financial ambitions do not work out locally.

    Dokta Brain planned to quit the music industry due to intense personal struggles

    If I fail to make good money here, I will go back, work, and hunt for the money afresh.

    Meanwhile, Kid Fox appeared equally dismissive when asked about fellow singer King Saha, making it clear that he does not intend to spend his time chasing other musicians.

    Instead of going to read the Bible, how do I spend my time looking for King Saha? I know him as a musician and my brother, that’s all and enough.

    With his unapologetic interviews already generating debate, Kid Fox’s return appears to be turning into more than just a musical comeback—it is quickly becoming a fresh chapter in Uganda’s ever-dramatic entertainment scene.

    The post She liked me – Kid Fox speaks up on romantic affair with Straka Baibe appeared first on MBU.

  • JULIUS BUKYANA: General Muhoozi’s 2031 Presidential Ambitions and the Future of Uganda’s Global Stance

    JULIUS BUKYANA: General Muhoozi’s 2031 Presidential Ambitions and the Future of Uganda’s Global Stance

    KAMPALA, Uganda – The declaration by General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces and head of the Patriotic League of Uganda to contest the presidency in 2031 has firmly anchored a new chapter in the nation’s political trajectory. Coming after years of calculated positioning, grassroots mobilization, and intense domestic debate, the announcement brings the question of long-term succession into sharp focus.

    Beyond Kampala’s domestic political arena, the prospective leadership transition carries profound implications for Uganda’s foreign policy, regional diplomacy, and international economic standing.

    For years, Gen Kainerugaba’s diplomatic footprint has been unique. Rather than operating strictly through traditional diplomatic channels, his approach has frequently blended military diplomacy with direct, high-level personal networking across the African continent and beyond.

    Having interacted extensively with an array of African heads of state, regional powerbrokers, corporate executives, managing directors, and international military commanders, his diplomatic style is distinctively personal and pragmatic. In regions marked by complex security dynamics from the Great Lakes to the Horn of Africa, these direct relationships have often served as backchannels to ease regional tensions, mend fractured interstate borders, and align strategic defense cooperation.

    Continuity Meets Pragmatic Realpolitik

    For international partners, foreign investors, and multinational corporations, a prospective transition anchored by a seasoned military chief signals a deep commitment to state security and regional stability. Projections suggest that Uganda’s core foreign policy pillars such as active participation in regional peace missions, counter-terrorism frameworks, and open-door trade policies will remain steady.

    Economic Diplomacy and Investment Confidence
    The extensive network Kainerugaba has built with corporate CEOs and managing directors provides an intriguing lens for future economic projections.

    Business communities look for predictability and security. A leadership focused on solidifying commercial ties, infrastructure development, and cross-border trade through personal rapport with Africa’s economic leaders could translate into more aggressive public-private partnerships and foreign direct investment.

    Strategic Autonomy and Regional Influence
    With strong ties to diverse military and political heads across the continent, a future administration under Kainerugaba would likely maintain Uganda’s role as a formidable anchor of regional security. Kampala’s strategic weight in multilateral blocs like the East African Community (EAC) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) would continue to prioritize assertive, defense-backed diplomacy.

    As the road to 2031 unfolds, the intersection of domestic political mobilization and an established network of continental alliances will heavily define how Uganda projects its influence outward balancing traditional statecraft with a modern, networked approach to leadership.

    ……..
    The writer is a Public Relations Manager at Victoria University, a foreign affairs analyst, senior journalist and career diplomat.

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  • Muslims Conduct National Prayers for Rain

    Muslims Conduct National Prayers for Rain

    Muslims across Uganda on Friday conducted special prayers for rain, beseeching Almighty Allah to forgive their sins and bless the country with beneficial rains to revive crops, vegetation and water sources for people and livestock.
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    The prayers, held in different parts of the country, came amid prolonged hot and dry weather that has affected communities and raised concerns over water availability and agricultural production.
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    ‎At Gaddafi National Mosque in Old Kampala, the main prayers were led by Sheikh Imran Abdnoor Ssali, the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) Secretary for Religious Affairs, shortly after the Friday congregational prayers.

    ‎‎The prayers were preceded by a sermon delivered by Sheikh Hussein Juma Bulafu, who urged Muslims to strengthen unity and brotherhood among believers. Sheikh Bulafu cited verses from the Holy Quran and sayings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), emphasising the importance of faith, repentance and solidarity among Muslims.
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    ‎The supplications were followed by reports of light rainfall in several parts of the country, including Kampala, Wakiso, Jinja and Mbale, offering relief from the hot and dry conditions.
    ‎‎The prayers brought together senior Muslim leaders from various UMSC structures, government officials and other faithful.
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    ‎The UMSC Mufti of Uganda, His Eminence Dr Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, was unable to attend the prayers as he travelled to Cairo, Egypt, where he is attending an international conference.
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    The Deputy Mufti, Sheikh Muhammad Ali Waiswa, and the Second Deputy Mufti, Dr Sheikh Hafiz Muhammad Haruna Bukenya, were also absent due to urgent official engagements.
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  • Beyond the Ballot: How Oscar Francisco Mutebi is Redefining Leadership in Masaka

    Beyond the Ballot: How Oscar Francisco Mutebi is Redefining Leadership in Masaka

    By Brian Mugenyi

    KAMPALA — While the 2031 general elections may seem distant, Oscar Francisco Mutebi is already laying the groundwork for a different kind of leadership in Masaka district. The Private Secretary to Vice President Emeritus Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi believes that driving grassroots economic development—and placing humanity at the core of governance—cannot wait for an election year.

    Mutebi’s political philosophy centers on continuous community engagement rather than seasonal campaign promises. Through targeted interventions spanning local commerce, youth sports, educational technology, and agriculture, his strategy prioritizes immediate service delivery over partisan rhetoric.

    “It is better to deliver services to people than to walk the grapevine of politics,” Mutebi says. “Politics comes and goes, but service remains. The most important thing is whether people’s lives are improving.”

    At the Diimo Landing Site, a vital economic hub on the shores of Lake Victoria, Mutebi’s approach translates into direct engagement with traders, fishermen, and small-business owners. Rather than treating the landing site as a mere political venue, he views it as a micro-economy requiring practical support for household income generation, youth opportunity creation, and enhanced service access.

    His youth empowerment strategy expands to the sports arena and local schools. Through the Buddu County football team structure under Jude Muleke, Mutebi provided essential sports equipment to aspiring athletes at the Buddu County Arena. He framing youth talent not as a charity case, but as a critical socio-economic investment.

    “Young people have talent, but talent needs support. When you give young people opportunities, you give society a better future,” Mutebi explains.

    This philosophy extends directly into the classroom. At St. Mugaga Secondary School, Mutebi donated a flat-screen television, allowing students from St. Mugaga and nearby Molly and Paul Schools to watch major international events together. Beyond providing recreation, the initiative serves as a tool for digital exposure and global awareness. Deo Ssembatya, Head Prefect at St. Mugaga, noted that the gesture broadened the students’ horizons beyond traditional textbooks, helping them feel connected to global affairs.

    In the broader Greater Masaka region, Mutebi’s economic blueprint focuses heavily on commercial agriculture, specifically encouraging communities to scale up coffee farming to achieve sustainable household wealth. Coffee production, he emphasizes, remains the primary engine for funding health care, education, and long-term security across local homesteads.

    While Mutebi continues to participate in National Resistance Movement (NRM) mobilization and grassroots political structures, his overall campaign strategy redefines how political success should be evaluated ahead of 2031. For Mutebi, effective representation is measured by tangible improvements in local livelihoods, expanded youth opportunities, and sustained community presence long before voters return to the ballot box.

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  • Elijah Kitaka Opens Up About the Unwritten Rule Behind His Songwriting

    Elijah Kitaka Opens Up About the Unwritten Rule Behind His Songwriting

    Elijah Kitaka is not the kind of artist who believes every song has to come from his own pen.

    For him, a good song is a good song, regardless of who wrote it, and he sees no problem stepping into the booth to record material that came from another songwriter.

    After all, even some of the biggest names in music have built hits from songs they did not write themselves.

    During an interview on Galaxy TV, the Swangz Avenue star pointed to Burna Boy, Chris Brown, and Original Koffee as examples of major artists who have had songs written for them.

    As long as the song is good. Everyone cannot be an island. Even the likes of Burna Boy, Chris Brown and Koffee have songs written for them.

    That perspective hits closer to home when it comes to “Dawa,” the song he considers his biggest record yet.

    Kitaka previously revealed that Ugandan producer and singer Daddy Andre wrote the track, giving a real-life example of the kind of collaboration he is talking about.

    After spending years writing and challenging yourself, there can come a point when another creative mind brings something you cannot get on your own, which is where he believes outside songwriting can make a difference.

    Sometimes you reach a point where you need a hand because you have written a lot of material and challenged yourself, and now you also need to try and figure out a way how you can bond with our people to see that you move forward.

    The interesting part is that the relationship works both ways.

    While Kitaka is happy to take a song from another writer, he can also pick up the pen for someone else, although he has no plans to turn that talent into a songwriting business.

    When the right connection is there, he will write, but he does not sell the songs he creates.

    I can write a song for someone else, but I do not sell songs. I just want to feel someone and write a song for them. It is according to my feeling.

  • Shawa Claims Chicken Chicken’s Proposal Was a PR Move to Cover His Boxing Loss

    Shawa Claims Chicken Chicken’s Proposal Was a PR Move to Cover His Boxing Loss

    Shawa has changed his tune about Chicken Chicken‘s proposal to Menisha, now claiming the romantic gesture was partly a calculated move to take attention off their boxing fight.

    The comedian’s latest comments come just days after he congratulated his former rival for proposing to Menisha, his baby mama, and said the public could finally stop speculating about Chicken Chicken’s private life.

    That reaction came after Shawa missed the August 25 proposal, explaining that he had not received an invitation and would not attend an event without one. At the time, he also said he had forgiven Chicken Chicken and held no grudge over being left out.

    Now, he sees the proposal very differently.

    During a recent interview on Rewind, Shawa linked the timing of the engagement to the fallout from their boxing fight, arguing that the content creator needed something that would push the loss out of the spotlight.

    I beat him, so in his attempt to fade out that news, he made a proposal out of pressure. Losing a boxing fight, yet earning his daily bread from the media, he looked for a way to cover it up but could not find one, so he decided to make the proposal to overshadow all this. So, it will not come as a surprise if they separate.

    The boxing feud had already given the pair plenty of attention before the proposal entered the picture.

    On August 6, Shawa and Chicken Chicken faced off at Supremacy Lounge, where the fight initially ended in a draw before organisers later declared Shawa the winner.

    Less than three weeks later, Chicken Chicken turned the spotlight to his relationship with Menisha, proposing to her on August 25, and she said yes.

    Shawa had welcomed that moment when he first spoke about it, saying he was happy for the couple and viewed Chicken Chicken’s decision to publicly introduce Menisha as his wife-to-be as a positive development.

    His latest comments now put a very different spin on the proposal, with Shawa describing it as a public relations strategy to overshadow the boxing loss and suggesting that the relationship may not last.

  • Kid Fox Wanted Money First, Then Children, But Time Had Other Plans

    Kid Fox Wanted Money First, Then Children, But Time Had Other Plans

    Kid Fox spent years putting one condition ahead of marriage and fatherhood: he wanted to be financially ready first.

    The veteran Ugandan singer, who has lived in Japan for the past 16 years, recently opened up about his decision to delay starting a family, explaining that he did not want to bring children into a situation where they would struggle financially.

    He had hoped to build enough wealth first, but time moved on without the financial security he was waiting for.

    When it came to having children, I wanted to do it when I was financially stable. I did not want to have children and see them struggle. Unfortunately, time passed and the money had not accumulated. So that was my story. Even if I do not have money now, I will just take the chance and have children.

    With that hesitation seemingly behind him, Kid Fox is now also thinking more openly about marriage and the kind of woman he wants beside him.

    He is looking for someone patient, wise and knowledgeable, while admitting that physical attraction also matters to him. He even has a preferred age range.

    I want a woman who is patient, wise and knowledgeable. I am looking for a wife, and physically, I want someone with a good body shape and a pretty face, preferably between 20 and 35 years old.

    A woman who already has children would not necessarily be out of the running.

    Kid Fox says he could marry a single mother, provided she is financially stable and willing to contribute to building a life together rather than leaving him to carry the entire burden.

    I can still be with a single mother as long as she is beautiful and good-looking. If you are a single mother, financially stable, and not going to be a burden to me, and you are ready to help me, then we can make it work.

    For someone who once wanted money in place before taking the leap into family life, Kid Fox now sounds much more willing to take the leap and figure things out along the way.

  • Tooro Kingdom Begins Nine-Day Mourning for King Oyo

    Tooro Kingdom Begins Nine-Day Mourning for King Oyo

    The Tooro Kingdom has begun its official nine-day mourning period for the late Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV following the arrival of his body at Karuzika Palace in Fort Portal.

    The mourning period started on Friday, September 4, when the remains reached the royal palace, and will run until his burial at the Karambi Royal Tombs on September 12.

    The nine-day period follows traditional Tooro customs that come into effect after the death of a reigning Omukama. Although Batooro had been mourning since news of King Oyo’s death broke, the kingdom had earlier clarified that the official traditional mourning period would begin once his body returned to Karuzika Palace.

    Royal symbols mark the mourning period

    Several visible changes have taken place across Tooro as the kingdom observes the traditional rites.

    Tooro Kingdom flags now fly at half-mast, while royal regalia inside Karuzika Palace, including the royal drum, royal stool and spears, now sit upside down.

    The kingdom has also covered lion statues around Fort Portal, including those at the palace entrance and the Fort Portal roundabout, with barkcloth. The lion represents the Omukama and his authority, while the covered statues symbolise the absence of a reigning king.

    The kingdom has also suspended the singing of its anthem and the playing of royal drums during the mourning period. The anthem will resume after the installation of a new Omukama.

    Mourning brings restrictions on public activities

    The kingdom has issued several cultural guidelines for the nine-day period.

    Married couples have been asked to abstain from sexual relations, while subjects have been advised to suspend digging and major agricultural work. The kingdom has also put public celebrations such as weddings and traditional introduction ceremonies on hold.

    Entertainment venues and bars have received instructions to avoid loud music during the mourning period. The kingdom has encouraged tree planting in recognition of King Oyo’s interest in environmental conservation.

    For Batooro who cannot travel to Karuziika Palace, the kingdom has encouraged communities to observe the mourning rites locally by lighting communal fires and gathering around them.

    King Oyo’s final journey

    King Oyo’s body arrived at Entebbe International Airport on September 4 before travelling through western Uganda to Fort Portal. Thousands of mourners lined the route before the remains reached Karuzika Palace later that day.

    At the palace, traditional ritualists received the remains before the royal family formally took charge of the body.

    The funeral programme will culminate on September 12 when King Oyo is laid to rest at the Karambi Royal Tombs. The date also marks 31 years since he ascended the Tooro throne as a three-year-old in 1995.

  • Bryan White Granted Bail After Spending 293 Days on Remand

    Bryan White Granted Bail After Spending 293 Days on Remand

    Kirumira Bryan, popularly known as Bryan White, is set to leave Luzira Prison after the High Court in Kampala granted him mandatory bail following 293 days on remand.

    Justice Gadenya Paul Wolimbwa ordered the socialite’s release on a cash bail of Shs10 million after finding that he had spent 113 days beyond the constitutionally prescribed 180-day period without securing committal to the High Court for trial.

    Bryan White appears stunned by release

    Bryan, whom police arrested on November 13, 2025, appeared in court under prison escort as his bail application came to an end.

    Deputy Registrar Samuel Twakyire read Justice Wolimbwa’s ruling, after which Bryan appeared surprised by the decision and struggled to take in the news.

    It is not that I am not hearing, but it is as if I have not been granted bail. It is like I am not understanding.

    Court rejects prosecution’s objections

    The prosecution had opposed the application, arguing that the seriousness of the charges, the possibility of witness interference and the risk of Bryan absconding justified his continued detention.

    Justice Wolimbwa, however, held that Bryan had met the requirements for mandatory bail because he faced an offence triable only by the High Court, had spent more than 180 days on remand and had not yet secured committal for trial.

    The judge further emphasised that mandatory bail becomes a constitutional entitlement once an accused person meets the required conditions. He said the court could address the prosecution’s concerns through strict bail conditions.

    Six charges remain against him

    Bryan still faces six charges, including human sacrifice, manslaughter, rash and negligent acts, possession of a narcotic drug, conspiracy to commit a felony and giving false information.

    The human sacrifice charge carries a maximum penalty of death, making the High Court the appropriate court to try it.

    The case follows the death of 25-year-old Carol Nalubwama, who allegedly suffered severe burn injuries at Bryan’s residence in Kyamula, Makindye Division, before later dying at Kiruddu Hospital.

    Although the bail ruling gives Bryan his freedom from remand, it does not amount to an acquittal. The charges remain pending as the judicial process continues.

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