Blog

KAMPALA: A woman who allegedly masqueraded as a powerful operative from President Yoweri Museveni’s Office has landed in police custody after allegedly conning newly appointed State Minister for Defence and Veteran Affairs and Kisoro Woman MP Grace Akifeza Ngabirano out of UGX 60 million in a sophisticated fake State House deal has been exposed.

The suspect, Hope Tumwebaze, 53, a businesswoman and politician from Kamukuzi in Mbarara City, is accused of convincing the minister that she had the influence to fast-track government programmes and funding for Kisoro District.

Police say Akifeza, who only joined Cabinet last month, reportedly transferred the money in instalments between June and November 2025 after Tumwebaze allegedly claimed she was working from the Office of the President and needed facilitation to unlock government projects.

But the promised government programmes never materialised.

When the minister became suspicious, she reported the matter to police, triggering investigations that ended with Tumwebaze’s arrest in Kampala.

According to the charge sheet, Tumwebaze has been charged with obtaining money by false pretences under Section 285 of the Penal Code.

Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke said investigators believe the minister may not be the only victim.

“The MP sent the money in instalments believing it would help her constituency benefit from government programmes. The suspect claimed to be from the Office of the President and convinced the complainant that the money was needed to expedite service delivery,” Rusoke said.

Police have now appealed to the public and government officials to verify anyone claiming to represent State House before handing over money.

“We urge all citizens and public officials to be vigilant. If someone claims to act for the Office of the President in fundraising, communication or transactions, first verify with the authorised offices,” Rusoke warned.

OLD SCANDALS RETURN

As news of her arrest spread, fresh claims resurfaced linking Tumwebaze to an earlier multimillion-shilling deal in Mbarara.

Sources allege that in 2018 she convinced a local businessman, identified only as Bogere, that she could help him secure a lucrative State House deal.

The businessman is said to have mortgaged property worth more than UGX 300 million to raise the money, only for the promised deal to collapse, leaving him allegedly bankrupt after losing both the cash and the building.

Investigators are also looking into claims that Tumwebaze’s alleged son, identified only as Mark, has been moving around claiming to be a soldier attached to State House.

Those allegations have not resulted in any publicly known conviction, but investigators are now expected to examine whether there is any connection between the previous complaints and the current case.

POWERFUL NRM MOBILISER

Before her arrest, Tumwebaze was widely known in Mbarara’s political circles as a prominent NRM mobiliser.

She previously served as Mbarara District Women Council Chairperson and, despite losing her elective position, remained active in party mobilisation.

She is also known as a businesswoman and used to operate a boutique on Mbaguta Street in Mbarara City and was frequently seen at NRM meetings, where she was perceived by some as having strong links to influential figures in State House.

Police investigations are continuing as detectives seek to establish whether other politicians, businesspeople or members of the public may have fallen victim to the same alleged scheme.

Grace Akifeza Ngabirano is the Woman Member of Parliament for Kisoro District and serves as the State Minister of State for Defence and Veteran Affairs in Uganda’s cabinet.

She won the Kisoro District Woman MP by-election in late 2024 to replace the late Sarah Mateke Nyirabashitsi.

She was re-elected with an overwhelming majority, securing 74,700 votes to represent the region for the 2026–2031 parliamentary term.

She was officially appointed to President Yoweri Museveni’s cabinet in May 2026.

---

GOT A HOT STORY? LET US KNOW!

Got breaking news, explosive secrets, or hard evidence?

Email us: redpeppertips@gmail.com

We accept tips, documents, videos, photos, and recordings—the more evidence you have, the better.

CONFIDENTIALITY IS OUR TOP PRIORITY. SOURCES ARE ALWAYS PROTECTED!

About Post Author

The body of a Kyambogo University student who went missing last week has been found at City Mortuary in Mulago, leaving the university community in mourning and raising fresh concerns over the safety of students living off campus. The body of Okia Aaron, a third-year Bachelor of Business Administration student, was found at City Mortuary in Mulago on Monday, six days after he disappeared.

One of his university classmates, George Okasio, told URN that the deceased, who was also a resident of Bweyogerere, was attacked in the early hours of Thursday last week while on his way to work. Okasio said the deceased was accosted by a group of thugs who hit him with an object suspected to be a paver and left him for dead. He said Aaron was on his way to work when he was hit on the head with a paver at around 5:00 a.m. and left unresponsive.

Since his disappearance, family members and colleagues had been searching for him without success after he left his phones at home on the fateful morning. Passersby found him and rushed him to a nearby health facility, but he succumbed to the head injury on arrival. The health facility notified police, who later transferred his body to City Mortuary in Mulago.

His family is expected to collect the body for burial in Pallisa District. “He was staying with another student in Bweyogerere. On that morning, he left for work but left his phone at home because he said people in that area usually snatch phones,” Okasio said. He added: “We believe he was killed for his phone and money. When the family started looking for him, they contacted us, his campus colleagues. That is how we put out the missing person alert. After it circulated, a doctor from the facility where he was first treated called us and said the body had been taken to City Mortuary,” Okasio said.

His colleagues, led by Hill Mutungi, described him as humble, sociable and friendly to everyone. “It is heartbreaking to lose a young man with such a bright future. He was jolly, friendly, and of great character. We are calling on the police to do their job and bring the criminals behind this evil act to justice,” said Mutungi.

Uganda Police Force in Kampala Metropolitan and Kyambogo University officials said investigations into the death are ongoing, and that a statement will be issued in due course. Okia’s death brings to four the number of Kyambogo University students who have died in less than four months under tragic circumstances, including hostel room deaths, fatal fires in rental units and suspected homicides.

His death comes just over a month after Juma Bumba, a first-year, second-semester student pursuing Procurement and Logistics Management, was set ablaze in his hostel room on June 6 this year. Bumba’s death followed another tragic incident involving Brighton Kamugisha, a third-year student pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Design and Textiles.

His death was attributed to hypertrophic heart disease. Over the years, police investigations into the continued deaths of university students in halls of residence and off campus have cited underlying medical conditions, fatal road crashes, electrocutions, mental health struggles and violence.

---

GOT A HOT STORY? LET US KNOW!

Got breaking news, explosive secrets, or hard evidence?

Email us: redpeppertips@gmail.com

We accept tips, documents, videos, photos, and recordings—the more evidence you have, the better.

CONFIDENTIALITY IS OUR TOP PRIORITY. SOURCES ARE ALWAYS PROTECTED!

About Post Author

The countdown to Zahara Totto and Prima Kardashi‘s boxing match has already taken a dramatic turn after the rivals nearly came to blows during a press conference at Paradise Fitness Gym.

The event officially unveiled their September 12, 2026 showdown at the Lugogo Indoor Arena, but the spotlight quickly shifted from the announcement to the heated confrontation between the two.

Their face-off descended into chaos when Zahara appeared to throw a punch that landed on Prima’s chest, prompting security officers to separate the pair before the situation spiraled further.

After the confrontation, Prima rejected claims that the feud revolves around a man.

Most women fight because of men, but that is not the case with us. I can never date a man Zahara has dated. I mean, look at her body. Our tastes are different.

Confident she will leave the ring victorious, Prima predicted an early finish.

I am training very hard, and I will beat Zahara in the first round. I am going to discipline her.

Zahara answered by accusing Prima of repeatedly mentioning her children whenever they clash publicly.

I am tired of Prima always talking about my kids. That is why I want to teach her a lesson and shape her very well inside the ring.

She then dismissed Prima’s prediction with a knockout promise of her own.

She will not manage me in the first round. First of all, with all that body, she will not last. I will knock her out. It will be a knockout.

For Zahara, the talking has run its course.

This is not a battle of words anymore. Let us wait for September 12. Training is already underway.

The press conference may be over, but the rivalry has only intensified ahead of what promises to be one of the year’s most talked-about celebrity boxing matches.

Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith have reportedly taken another step toward rebuilding their relationship.

A source told People that Jada quietly moved back in with Will two years ago after the couple spent years living separately. The insider added that they remain happy together and continue to support each other.

Fans learned in 2023 that the Hollywood couple had quietly separated in 2016, even though they never ended their marriage.

Now, recent public appearances have fueled fresh speculation.

Will and Jada recently attended Paris Fashion Week to support their son, Jaden Smith, before celebrating the Fourth of July together in Philadelphia, where Will performed at the One Philly: Unity Concert for America.

The longtime couple has often described their marriage as unconventional, insisting that divorce has never been part of their plans.

For years, Western Uganda has quietly nurtured one of the country’s fastest-growing communities of musicians, producers and creatives. While the region has consistently produced exceptional talent, it has often lacked a defining body of work that fully represents the quality, diversity and ambition of its sound.

That changes with Instramento SZN, the latest EP from producer Instramento.

More than just another producer project, Instramento SZN serves as a statement of intent from a region whose music scene continues to evolve and demand national attention. It is the culmination of years of collaboration, talent development and sonic experimentation spearheaded by one of Western Uganda’s most respected producers.

Instramento has built a reputation that extends far beyond the region. His polished production has earned him recognition across Uganda and beyond, with collaborations involving artists from the Central, Northern and Western regions of the country.

One standout collaboration remains “Meg Wa” with Northern Ugandan artist Akisa, a record that showcased his ability to blend regional influences into music with broad appeal.

That same vision runs throughout Instramento SZN.

The opening track, “I’m Finished,” featuring Agaba Banjo, is an Afrobeat love song that captures the overwhelming emotions of falling deeply in love. Banjo once again proves why he is regarded as one of the finest contemporary users of the Runyankore language in music.

His songwriting is rich with imagery, while his vocal performance displays patience, precision and confidence. Rather than settling into a single delivery, he constantly shifts between different flows and melodies, keeping listeners engaged from beginning to end.

Track two, “Nitwe Turiho,” featuring Truth 256 and Mark Siima Kanimi, immediately shifts gears. Blending hip-hop, Afrobeats, dancehall and EDM with unmistakable Caribbean influences, the record highlights Instramento’s remarkable versatility as a producer.

The fusion never feels forced. Instead, it demonstrates how comfortably Western Uganda’s artists are embracing international sounds while maintaining their own identity. It is a powerful example of the region’s growing confidence and musical maturity.

Another highlight is “Nagaruka,” featuring Ambroy. Long admired for his unique ability to merge dancehall with hard-hitting Runyankore rap, Ambroy delivers exactly what listeners have come to expect: energy, charisma and authenticity.

The record is highly danceable while remaining lyrically grounded in his signature style. Credit must go to Instramento for including Ambroy on the project, although anyone familiar with the producer’s ear for talent will hardly be surprised by the decision.

The standout record on the EP, however, is “Omurongo,” featuring Bowman Aremwaki, Riddim Selekta and Juke BØX.

Aremwaki delivers what is arguably the strongest hook on the entire project, combining excellent songwriting with exceptional vocal control. His performance elevates the song into an undeniable anthem, while the chemistry between all the featured artists creates a record that feels effortless yet impactful.

It is the kind of song that naturally compels listeners to nod along, dance and hit the replay button. For this reviewer, it is easily the most replayed track on the EP.

What makes Instramento SZN particularly significant is that it is bigger than any single track. It reflects the remarkable growth of Western Uganda’s music ecosystem.

The project showcases artists from different backgrounds, styles and musical philosophies, all brought together through one producer’s vision.

At a time when conversations about Ugandan music often revolve around Kampala, Instramento SZN is a timely reminder that innovation is happening across the country.

Western Uganda is no longer simply producing promising talent. It is producing complete bodies of work capable of competing on the national stage.

If there is one figure who embodies this movement, it is Instramento. Through years of refining his craft, collaborating across regions and consistently introducing fresh voices, he has positioned himself as one of the architects of Western Uganda’s new wave.

Instramento SZN is not just an EP.

It is a declaration that Western Uganda has arrived.

Goodlyfe Magic Limited, the company behind the legendary music duo Radio & Weasel, has terminated its mandate with the Uganda Performing Rights Society (UPRS), saying a royalty payment of just UGX 285,498 over an 18-month period does not reflect the continued popularity of the duo’s music.

In a legal notice dated July 7, 2026, the company accused UPRS of gross mismanagement, lack of transparency, and suspected fraud in the collection and distribution of royalties relating to its works.

This action is taken due to gross mismanagement, lack of transparency, and suspected fraud in the collection and distribution of royalties relating to our works.

At the heart of the dispute is what Goodlyfe Magic Limited says UPRS reported as royalties from the Radio & Weasel catalogue.

Over a period of 18 months, our catalogue was reported to have earned only UGX 285,498 in royalties. This amount is wholly inconsistent with the extensive broadcast, public performance, and commercial use of our music across Uganda via radio, television, public events, and all other platforms.

The company argues that the figure falls far short of the catalogue’s continued commercial use and popularity across the country.

As a result, Goodlyfe Magic Limited ordered UPRS to immediately stop licensing, collecting royalties, representing, or administering any works released under the Radio & Weasel name. It also instructed the society to remove the catalogue from its databases and public listings.

The company further demanded a verified audit, a complete statement of all royalties collected on its behalf, payment of all outstanding funds, and copies of all records relating to its catalogue within 14 calendar days.

The letter ends with a warning that the dispute could soon move to court if UPRS fails to comply.

Failure to cease management of our catalogue and remove our works immediately will result in legal proceedings being instituted against UPRS for copyright infringement, breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty, and fraud, without further notice.

The dispute places one of Uganda’s most celebrated music catalogues under fresh scrutiny.

Years after Radio’s death, the duo’s music continues to dominate airwaves, concerts, and public events across Uganda.

Goodlyfe Magic Limited argues that the catalogue’s enduring popularity makes the reported royalties impossible to reconcile with its continued commercial success.

Weasel Manizo, born Seguya Douglas Mayanja, signed the notice in his capacity as a director of Goodlyfe Magic Limited, formally notifying UPRS of the company’s decision.

The Ugandan rugby fraternity on Saturday united in a powerful stand against mob justice during the Memorial Walk, held in honour of the late Sydney Gongodyo, the Stanbic Black Pirates and Uganda Rugby Cranes player who was brutally killed in a mob attack in Bukoto last month.

Held under the theme “Sydney Is Me: Stop Mob Action,” the memorial walk attracted hundreds of rugby players, coaches, fans, administrators, corporate partners and members of the public. The procession began at Kampala Rugby Grounds before winding through the city to Kings Park Arena in Bweyogerere, the home of Stanbic Black Pirates Rugby Club.

Participants carried placards bearing messages such as “Every Life Matters,” “Justice, Not Violence,” and “Stop Mob Action,” calling for an end to the growing vice that has claimed the lives of many innocent Ugandans.

Speaking at the event, Stanbic Black Pirates Head Coach Mervin Odongo described Gongodyo as a committed player whose dedication and humility made him a role model to many.

“Sydney was more than a rugby player. He was family. He represented discipline, resilience and selflessness every time he stepped onto the field. Today, we are not only mourning a teammate but sending a clear message that no Ugandan should lose their life to mob justice. Justice belongs to the courts, not to angry crowds,” Odongo said.

Journalist Moses Echodu also Executive Director of Uganda Child Cancer Foundation urged communities to embrace peaceful ways of resolving disputes.

“Rugby teaches respect, discipline and teamwork. Those are the same values we want society to embrace. Sydney’s death is a painful reminder that mob justice destroys lives, families and communities. We call upon every Ugandan to reject violence and allow the law to take its course,” the representative said.

As one of the long-standing supporters of Ugandan rugby, Stanbic Bank Uganda joined the fraternity in honouring Gongodyo’s legacy and advocating for safer communities.

Speaking on behalf of the bank, Marketing Manager Diana Kahunde reaffirmed Stanbic’s commitment to initiatives that promote unity, justice and community development.

“For 35 years, Stanbic Bank has stood alongside Ugandans in driving growth and building stronger communities. Today, we stand with the rugby fraternity to honour Sydney’s memory and remind everyone that every life matters. Together, we can build a society where disagreements are resolved peacefully and justice is left to the institutions mandated to uphold it,” Kahunde said.

The walk also resonated with ordinary rugby enthusiasts who turned up in large numbers to show solidarity with Gongodyo’s family and teammates.

Daniel Abaasa, a rugby supporter who participated in the procession, said the campaign should inspire Ugandans to rethink how they respond to crime and suspicion.

“Sydney’s story could have been anyone’s story. That’s why I joined this walk. Mob justice has no winners it only leaves families grieving. I hope today’s message reaches every Ugandan that no one has the right to take another person’s life,” Abaasa said.

Throughout the walk, participants repeatedly chanted “Sydney Is Me”, symbolising that anyone could become a victim of mob violence. The campaign is intended to spark a nationwide conversation on the dangers of mob justice while encouraging citizens to trust the country’s justice system.

The event concluded with a candle-light tribute and a minute of silence in Gongodyo’s memory as participants pledged to continue advocating for justice, compassion and respect for human life.

About Post Author

Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC) has launched investment opportunities at the Kabalega Industrial Park (KIP), inviting local and international investors to participate.

The Kabalega Park has been described by the government as a cornerstone of the country’s strategy to transform its petroleum resources into broad-based industrial and economic growth.

The virtual launch showcased the investment potential of the 29.57-square-kilometre petro-based industrial park in Hoima District, which will support Uganda’s refinery project while hosting a wide range of manufacturing, agro-processing, logistics and commercial enterprises.

Speaking during the launch, UNOC Chief Executive Officer Proscovia Nabbanja said the industrial park is central to the company’s mandate of maximising value from Uganda’s petroleum resources across the entire value chain while contributing to the country’s socio-economic transformation.

“The purpose is to create value for generations,” Nabbanja said, noting that the park forms part of UNOC’s expanding midstream portfolio, alongside the refinery, East African Crude Oil Pipeline, Kampala Storage Terminal and other strategic petroleum infrastructure.

She said the Kabalega Industrial Park, located about 50 kilometres west of Hoima City near Lake Albert, was handed over to UNOC by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development in 2018 and is managed through its subsidiary, the Uganda Refinery Holding Company.

The park has been planned around six development zones comprising heavy industry, light manufacturing, agro-processing, business and logistics facilities, residential estates and an administrative centre with a one-stop business centre bringing together key government agencies.

According to Nabbanja, the heavy industrial zone will host the refinery, petrochemical complex, fertiliser plant, polymer production facilities, bonded warehousing and a free trade area.

Other zones will accommodate industries such as textiles, automotive parts, biofuels, food processing, hospitality, warehousing and housing developments.

She said all development within the park is guided by a master plan completed in 2017 and approved by the National Physical Planning Board in 2018, providing the project with a clear legal and planning framework.

Nabbanja said environmental and social safeguards have been integrated into the project from the outset, with a strategic environmental and social impact assessment completed during the planning stage and approved by the Ministry of Water and Environment in 2023.

She added that while the overall park has received environmental approval, every individual project established within it will still be required to undertake separate environmental impact assessments before construction begins.

To ensure transparency in investor selection, Nabbanja said UNOC has established a structured stage-gate process that includes technical evaluation, due diligence, governance approvals and lease execution before land is allocated.

She also outlined an infrastructure development programme estimated at about US$814.46 million, to be implemented in three phases.

The first phase, costing approximately US$120 million, includes internal roads, water and wastewater systems, electricity distribution, ICT infrastructure, security installations and a business facilitation centre.

She revealed that Cabinet has already approved financing for the phase, while construction of key facilities has commenced.

Among ongoing works are the construction of UNOC’s site offices, an 86-kilometre internal road network expected to be completed by August 2027 and a 240-megawatt electricity substation that is already about 85 per cent complete.

At full operation, Nabbanja said the industrial park is projected to contribute US$4.9 billion annually to Uganda’s Gross Domestic Product, create more than 35,000 jobs, and host over 31 investors across multiple sectors.

Speaking at the same event, Petroleum Authority of Uganda Director for Legal and Corporate Affairs Ali Ssekatawa described the park as a flagship national project that demonstrates the government’s commitment to using petroleum resources to drive industrialisation and economic diversification.

Ssekatawa said the decision to place the project under UNOC’s management, following discussions held during the sector’s early planning stages, has proved to be the right one.

“This remarkable achievement is a clear demonstration of government’s commitment to leveraging Uganda’s petroleum resources as a catalyst for industrialisation, economic diversification and sustainable national development,” he said.

He described national content as being at the centre of Uganda’s oil and gas strategy, saying UNOC has become the country’s leading vehicle for ensuring Ugandans directly benefit from petroleum sector investments.

According to Ssekatawa, the Kabalega Industrial Park represents a shift beyond crude oil production towards value addition, manufacturing and private sector development.

“It represents the next phase of Uganda’s oil and gas journey, one where investments in petroleum become a foundation for industrial growth, value addition, private sector development and broader economic transformation,” he said.

He noted that unlike conventional industrial parks, KIP was specifically designed as Uganda’s premier oil and gas industrial hub, drawing lessons from internationally recognised petroleum industrial parks in countries including Norway, South Africa and Vietnam.

Ssekatawa said the government has already invested heavily in enabling infrastructure around the park, including roads, electricity, water supply, internet connectivity and Kabalega International Airport, creating conditions that position the area to attract both domestic and foreign investment.

Beyond petroleum activities, he said the park is expected to stimulate investment in agriculture, hospitality, logistics and other supporting services, taking advantage of the Bunyoro region’s agricultural potential and improving access to export markets.

He added that as Hoima continues to develop into Uganda’s oil and gas hub, early investors stand to benefit from opportunities that will extend well beyond the petroleum sector for decades to come.

---

GOT A HOT STORY? LET US KNOW!

Got breaking news, explosive secrets, or hard evidence?

Email us: redpeppertips@gmail.com

We accept tips, documents, videos, photos, and recordings—the more evidence you have, the better.

CONFIDENTIALITY IS OUR TOP PRIORITY. SOURCES ARE ALWAYS PROTECTED!

About Post Author