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President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni yesterday met the outgoing Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Uganda, H.E. Frederieke Quispel, who paid a farewell courtesy call on him at his Kisozi farm in Gomba District.

During the meeting, President Museveni commended Ambassador Quispel for her dedicated service and the significant role she played in strengthening the bilateral relations between Uganda and the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

The President wished Ambassador Quispel success in her next assignment and appreciated her contribution towards promoting cooperation and partnership between the two countries.

President Museveni also encouraged the outgoing envoy to continue promoting Uganda as an attractive investment destination, urging Dutch investors to take advantage of the country’s favourable investment climate and the numerous opportunities available across key sectors of the economy.

Ambassador Quispel presented her credentials to the Government of Uganda in August 2024 and has since worked to deepen bilateral cooperation between Uganda and the Kingdom of the Netherlands in areas of mutual interest.

 

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Mathew Knowles has pushed back against the long-standing belief that his daughter, Beyoncé, made him wealthy.

Speaking in a resurfaced interview with TS Madison, Knowles said he and his former wife, Tina Knowles, had already built a million-dollar fortune years before Beyoncé became a global superstar.

We made our first million in 1985.

Knowles said the family’s wealth came from business ventures, including Tina’s successful Houston hair salon, long before he managed Destiny’s Child and Beyoncé’s solo career.

He has shared the same story before. In a 2024 interview with The Record Business, Knowles said he built his career in corporate sales before helping Tina grow the salon into a thriving business.

Beyoncé has also addressed her upbringing, previously telling Vanity Fair that her family lived comfortably, owned a nice home and cars, employed a housekeeper, and sent her to private school.

Uganda has officially been admitted into the Invictus Games community, becoming the 26th participating nation and the first East African country to join the global movement that uses sport to rehabilitate wounded and injured service personnel.

The announcement was made on July 7, 2026, during the 14th Invictus Games Foundation Conversation at Chatham House in London. The event, titled “From Policy to Practice,” brought together experts, policymakers, and members of the Invictus community as part of the one-year countdown to the 2027 Invictus Games in Birmingham.

The Invictus Games Foundation Patron, Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, welcomed Uganda’s admission, saying that he was incredibly pleased to welcome another nation into the Invictus Community.

“Growth has never been about numbers. It’s about reaching those who need us most. Building partnerships that last. And ensuring that no one feels they’re making this journey alone,” Prince Harry said.

The he Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka, expressed gratitude to the Invictus Games Foundation and its Patron, Prince Harry, for welcoming Uganda into the community.

“This milestone reflects our shared commitment to wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women who have sacrificed greatly in service to our nation,” said Hon. Kiwanuka.

Hon. Kiwanuka highlighted that the partnership affirms Uganda’s belief that “those who have borne the burdens of service deserve every opportunity to rebuild their lives with dignity, purpose, and hope”.

“They are our living heroes,” he added.

The minister credited President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for his visionary leadership and the Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, for championing Uganda’s entry into the Invictus community during the Invictus Games Foundation leadership visit to Kampala on October 10, 2025.

“Uganda’s admission as the first East African nation to formally engage with the Foundation is both an honour and a responsibility,” the minister said.

“We look forward to learning from other member nations while contributing our own experience to the global Invictus movement.”

Hon. Kiwanuka confirmed that Uganda will compete at the Birmingham Games in 2027.

The partnership follows a formal agreement signed between the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces and the Invictus Games Foundation in October 2025 to enhance rehabilitation services for wounded soldiers. The Foundation had previously conducted a visit to Uganda to assess existing sport recovery facilities and meet with wounded service personnel and their families.

The Invictus Games Foundation has previously visited veterans at the Mubende Defence Forces Rehabilitation and Vocational Centre and provided them with sports equipment.

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KAMPALA — The Head of the State House Investors Protection Unit (SHIPU), Col. Edith Nakalema, on Tuesday 7th July, 2026 launched a book titled My Father and I: The Power of Intentional Fatherhood, in honour of her late father, Rev. Eliasaph Sserwadda.

The book launch, held at Protea Hotel Kampala, was presided over by the Vice President of the Republic of Uganda, H.E. Jessica Alupo, who commended Col. Nakalema for preserving her father’s legacy and celebrating his contribution to faith, family and community service.

Rev. Sserwadda (1949–2025) was a distinguished Anglican priest and community leader who served as a lay reader for 53 years before being ordained as a priest. He dedicated his life to serving God, the Church and his community.

Proceeds from the sale of the book will support the completion of All Saints Church, Kanyeganyegye, Kashari, which is being constructed in memory of Rev. Sserwadda.

H.E. Alupo praised Col. Nakalema for being a good daughter and a reflection of the values instilled in her by her father.

“In Africa, when one says you are a good child, it demonstrates maturity, responsibility and, most importantly, steadfastness in maintaining humanity through relationships with others and through what you do for society,” the Vice President said.

She commended Col. Nakalema for finding strength after the loss of her father, noting that faith provides comfort during difficult moments.

“I am happy that we stood with you during the difficult time when you lost your father. Thank you for coming to terms with it and allowing God to do what He can. A life lived in faith in God will never be in vain,” H.E. Alupo said.

The Vice President described Rev. Sserwadda’s life as an example of dedicated service and thanked him for raising children who continue to contribute positively to society.

“The book brings out the chronicles of the illustrious life of Rev. Sserwadda. We thank God for his life because he dedicated himself to serving God and the Church. He did not only preach the gospel; he lived by it,” she said.

H.E. Alupo also conveyed greetings from President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to Col. Nakalema and her family and announced the President’s pledge of Shs20 million towards the completion of the church.

She further commended Col. Nakalema for her dedication to public service, describing her as a committed servant of the nation.

“Due to her incorruptible character, Nakalema saved me from losing an election. If it was not for her, I would have lost that election in the past,” the Vice President said.

In her remarks, Col. Nakalema said the book was a tribute to her father, whom she described as a source of inspiration, faith and discipline throughout her life.

“My father was, in every sense, an extraordinary man to us as a family and to many communities that he served. He was not only a provider but also a nurturer, protector, teacher and guide,” she said.

Col. Nakalema said her father taught her that parenthood is a sacred responsibility and that love, faith and service are the foundation of a meaningful life.

She recalled growing up in Kashari, Mbarara District, in a home with limited resources but abundant love, discipline and faith.

“My siblings and I were raised in a home that had little money but never, for a single day, felt poor. What we had was love, intentional presence, confidence and faith in the saving grace of Jesus Christ,” she said.

She noted that despite his limited resources, Rev. Sserwadda prioritised education and ensured that all his five children attained university education and became responsible citizens.

“Taata gave opportunities where others saw burdens. His life proved that generosity is not measured by the size of one’s income but by the size of one’s heart,” she said.

Col. Nakalema also highlighted her father’s commitment to hard work and humility, recalling how he engaged in various forms of labour to support his family.

“To earn our school fees, Taata fabricated metal beds for schools, made water gutters and worked with his hands. He served with humility and dedication and never allowed us to despise honest labour,” she said.

She revealed that the idea of establishing the Rev. Sserwadda Foundation was conceived after her father’s death as a way of preserving his legacy and continuing his service to humanity.

According to Col. Nakalema, the Foundation has supported the construction of the new All Saints Church, Kanyeganyegye, which is now nearing completion.

“Proceeds from this book and auction will be directed towards the completion of Omuburizi-Taata Rev. Eliasaph Sserwadda’s church,” she said.

Col. Nakalema also expressed appreciation to President Museveni for his mentorship, guidance and trust in assigning her responsibilities in public service.

“The trust H.E. the President put in me shaped my public life and gave me a deeper understanding of patriotism, discipline and commitment to dedicated service to my country,” she said.

She also thanked First Lady Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni, whom she described as her second mother.

Former Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Dr. Henry Luke Orombi, urged children to honour and respect their parents, saying that parents play an important role in shaping the lives of their children.

“God is the blessing giver, but parents are the source of your blessings,” Bishop Orombi said.

He commended Rev. Sserwadda for raising responsible children and described Col. Nakalema as a person who keeps her word.

“Your father has remained a father because he is not dead; he is still alive in his children,” he said.

The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, urged parents to make a positive impact in the lives of their children so that their legacy continues beyond their lifetime.

He praised Rev. Sserwadda for his decades of service to the Church and community.

The Secretary of the Rev. Sserwadda Foundation, Senior Counsel Francis Gimara, thanked guests for attending the launch and commended Col. Nakalema for documenting a story that promotes intentional fatherhood.

“The book speaks directly to our theme: the power of intentional fatherhood. When fathers lead with good intentions, families flourish and societies grow stronger,” he said.

On behalf of the Rev. Sserwadda family, Eng. Daniel Tayebwa thanked friends, supporters and well-wishers for standing with the family in establishing the Foundation and supporting the completion of the church.

The event was attended by senior government officials, religious leaders, members of the diplomatic corps, private sector representatives and other distinguished guests.

 

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After 16 years at the helm of Centenary Bank, Fabian Kasi handed over the top leadership position to Godfrey Byekwaso on 1st July 2026. Fabian leaves behind a financial institution that has grown significantly in scale, reach and impact, while remaining grounded in its founding purpose of serving ordinary Ugandans.

Speaking during a farewell engagement with members of the media, Kasi reflected on a journey that has seen Centenary Bank evolve from a largely branch-based institution serving around 850,000 customers into Uganda’s largest commercial bank by customer numbers, serving more than 3.4 million Ugandans. 

The occasion was not only a moment of reflection, but also a celebration of succession and institutional continuity.

“We are here to celebrate succession because what is most important is not the change of leaders, but rather the continuation of the vision of the institution,” Kasi said. “The bank is here to stay.”

His remarks reflected a leadership philosophy that has consistently placed the institution ahead of the individual. Throughout his tenure, the focus remained on building a resilient organization capable of delivering value to customers, communities and the wider economy for generations to come.

When Kasi assumed office in 2010, Centenary Bank operated 37 branches, managed a loan portfolio of approximately UGX 400 billion and served about 850,000 customers. Today, the bank boasts 81 branches across Uganda, more than 9,000 agent banking points and a customer base exceeding 3.4 million people.

The growth has been equally evident in the bank’s financial performance. Customer deposits have grown from approximately UGX 700 billion to over UGX 5.2 trillion, while the loan book has expanded to more than UGX 4.1 trillion. Total assets now exceed UGX 8.6 trillion, while profit after tax reached UGX 424.2 billion in 2025. These figures position Centenary Bank among the most significant financial institutions in the country.

Asked to describe his leadership journey in three words, Kasi chose growth, transformation and impact.

Those words are reflected not only in the bank’s financial results, but also in the deliberate investments made to modernize service delivery and expand access to financial services.

“When I joined, the bank was mainly known for long queues,” he recalled.

Addressing that challenge became one of the defining priorities of his leadership. Under his stewardship, Centenary Bank invested heavily in technology and alternative banking channels, enabling customers to access services through mobile banking, internet banking, agency banking and digital platforms.

Today, agent banking accounts for 49% of all transactions processed by the bank, significantly reducing geographical and cost barriers for customers across the country. The institution’s footprint now stretches from major urban centres to some of Uganda’s most remote communities.

Despite the remarkable growth in numbers, Kasi remains most proud of something less tangible.

“The only commodity we sell is trust,” he said. For him, trust has been both the foundation and the measure of success.

The confidence entrusted to Centenary Bank by millions of customers is reflected in the growth of deposits, the expansion of lending and the enduring partnerships forged with government, development agencies, community organizations and private sector stakeholders over the years.

That trust has enabled the bank to deepen its impact among Uganda’s underserved populations. By the close of 2025, more than 2.39 million customers, representing 77.6% of the bank’s customer base, belonged to underserved communities. Through its Mission Critical Portfolio, the bank has extended access to finance for smallholder farmers, women entrepreneurs, youth, refugees and rural businesses across Uganda.

In 2025 alone, the bank supported more than 58,500 smallholder farmers, served over 122,800 microfinance clients and disbursed 118,766 loans to women entrepreneurs. Its agriculture and MSME portfolio has grown to UGX 1.76 trillion, reinforcing Centenary Bank’s position as a key partner in Uganda’s economic development agenda.

Beyond the numbers, Kasi believes leadership is ultimately about people.

One of the greatest lessons from leading a workforce of more than 3,400 employees has been understanding how to inspire, support and lead people from different backgrounds and generations.

“It is important to understand people, we have staff from different generations, including the Gen Z, so you must know how to handle everyone accordingly, ” he noted, reflecting on one of the most significant leadership challenges he encountered during his tenure.

That understanding helped shape a leadership approach centered on inclusion, empowerment and shared purpose.

As he left office, Kasi’s advice to young professionals remained grounded in competence and continuous learning. “Be competent, be result-oriented and know what you are talking about,” he said. “Be able to create solutions and give value.”

He encouraged young people to embrace curiosity and humility, noting that effective leaders do not have all the answers but must be willing to learn from those around them.

For Centenary Bank, the next chapter will be written by a new generation of leaders. For Fabian Kasi, the legacy is already visible in the institution he leaves behind, stronger, larger and more impactful than when he first walked through its doors sixteen years ago.

It is a legacy built on growth, transformation and impact, but above all, on trust.

 

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MATUGGA, Uganda — The ministries of Finance and Health have backed the Dei Biopharma drug manufacturing plant in Matugga, Wakiso District, to grow into a new engine for the economy and close the gap on a medicine import bill that has drained the country’s foreign exchange for years.

Dr. Ramathan Ggoobi, the Secretary to the Treasury, Ministry of Finance on Monday toured the facility alongside Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary Dr. Diana Atwine, as well as officials from the National Drug Authority and the National Medical Stores.
Government has invested more UGX 700 billion shillings, or about $190 million into the plant, and more money has been allocate to the facility in the new budget under the Science and Technology budget.

On Monday Dr. Ggoobi called the site one of the largest facilities of its kind he has seen and noted that the joint government visit served as a fact-finding mission to assess the scale of the development and ensure value for money.

“People ask if Dr. Matthias Magoola is serious, if he can actually produce the medicine and medical supplies he talks about,” Dr. Ggoobi said, referring to the company’s founder.
“So far, it is always a good surprise when you come here. We are on the right track as far as emerging sectors in our economy, especially manufacturing and the knowledge economy, are concerned.”

Dr. Ggoobi said Uganda spends heavily every year importing medicine it cannot yet make itself. Dei Biopharma already produces around nine generic drugs, including paracetamol and capsules used in cancer treatment, and plans to move into insulin, vaccines and cardiovascular medicine.

If successful, Dr. Ggoobi said, the plant could replace nearly half of Uganda’s medicine imports, keeping money in the country and creating jobs. Thousands of young people are already employed at the site.

He stressed the investment is not a blank check. “The Auditor General audits the project regularly because the government holds a stake in it as a co-investor.” He said a newly appointed panel of about six bankers and scientists, approved by the president, will now vet future rounds of funding before more money is released.

He also pointed to the fiscal prudence of his ministry, noting that the last financial year closed on June 30 with every submitted invoice paid and a balance remaining.

“We cannot develop Uganda by simply growing more potatoes and maize,” Dr. Ggoobi said. “We need emerging sectors of the economy that offer a high return on investment. Science, technology, and innovation is an accelerator industry, and this campus is by far the leader in taking Uganda to another level.”

Dr. Atwine committed her ministry to purchasing what the plant produces. Under the government’s Buy Uganda, Build Uganda policy, she said, the ministry will procure from Dei Biopharma alongside other local manufacturers, giving the company a guaranteed customer as it scales up.

Her ambitions for the plant extend beyond Uganda’s borders. Approval from the National Drug Authority is only a first step, she said. The real goal is for the company’s products to be prequalified by the World Health Organization and other international regulators, opening up markets across Africa and beyond.

Dr. Atwine said it is still too early to expect that everything is working at full capacity, pointing to future increases in human resources, product approvals and the domestic production of active pharmaceutical ingredients, or APIs, alongside localized research and development.

“Dei Biopharma needs to be given the opportunity to grow,” she said, and “it must be supported to ensure it achieves its goals.”

Dr. Magoola said he has filed more than 100 patent applications with the US Patent and Trademark Office, covering treatments for cancer, HIV, malaria, tuberculosis, sickle cell disease, diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease. The work has drawn praise from President Yoweri Museveni.

Among the filings is a cancer immunotherapy patent published in February, which the company says targets genetic mutations shared across tumor types rather than a single patient’s own genes. The company claims this approach could eventually bring treatment costs below $100, compared to more than $500,000 for some existing therapies. There is also a patent for a foot-and-mouth disease vaccine for livestock published in January, and two further applications accepted by the US patent office in July.

The company says it also wants to make cheaper generic versions of patent-protected drugs, including the HIV prevention medicine lenacapavir, once it is able to. Uganda’s National Drug Authority has already licensed it to manufacture a handful of biological medicines, among them filgrastim, erythropoietin and trastuzumab.

Dr. Magoola, however, said the site can only run three or four of its eight completed production blocks at a time because it does not have enough electricity. Running at full scale will eventually take up to 80 megawatts.

The plant also uses up to 2 million liters of water a day, with demand growing, and still has no connection to the National Water and Sewerage Corporation utility network.

“We are requesting that the government provide us with stable and sufficient power to run this facility,” Dr. Magoola said, adding that an extension of the national water grid to the site is also necessary.

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Nigerian music star Davido has revealed he would still have built a career in the entertainment industry even if music had not made him famous.

Speaking during an interview with PlayKisstra, Davido said his passion for entertainment would have led him to run a record label or a media company instead of becoming a performer.

I would probably be a label owner or have a media house because I have always loved entertainment. Even if I was working in my daddy’s office, I can see myself having a side business like a music label just because I love music.

He also revealed that he holds a degree in Business Management and believes he could have pursued a corporate career if he needed to.

I have a degree. I have a BSc in Business Management, so I can go to Barclays here and try to get a job. You know what I am saying? I could get a job. I can actually get a job. I got a résumé.

Davido shot to fame in 2012 with his hit single “Dami Duro,” which appeared on his debut album, Omo Baba Olowo.

Since then, he has become one of Africa’s biggest music stars and has built his own record label, Davido Music Worldwide (DMW).

As debate over the Kadongo Kamu legend Paul Job Kafeero‘s DNA findings continues, Mathias Walukaga says his confidence in DNA testing comes from a painful personal experience.

The singer revealed that DNA testing once showed that several children he believed were his were not biologically related to him, a revelation that completely changed the way he views paternity.

According to Walukaga, that experience convinced him that scientific evidence carries far more weight than assumptions, emotions, or public opinion.

It also explains why he has joined a growing number of Ugandan musicians backing the forensic findings in the Kafeero paternity case.

DNA cannot lie because it is done in three different laboratories. I believe the results 100 percent.

Walukaga said his personal experience taught him that fatherhood should never rest on blind trust alone.

Instead, he believes DNA testing offers certainty in situations that might otherwise leave families divided for years.

Reflecting on the controversy surrounding Kafeero’s paternity case, Walukaga urged those unhappy with the results to accept the evidence rather than challenge the science behind it.

He believes the truth may be difficult to accept, but it ultimately gives families the clarity they deserve.

For Walukaga, DNA testing is no longer just a scientific process. It is something that reshaped his own life, which is why he continues to defend it whenever questions of paternity arise.