World Health Organization Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has praised Miss World Uganda Muhoza Trivia Elle for using fashion to highlight the realities of Caesarean section childbirth and celebrate mothers who have undergone the procedure.
Tedros shared his praise in a post on X, pointing to the medical importance of C-sections while acknowledging the risks and recovery that can come with the procedure.
When medically necessary, caesarean sections can make the difference between life and death for mothers and babies.
He noted that although C-sections have become much safer in many parts of the world, they remain complex medical procedures that can involve risks and a challenging recovery.
But even though caesarean sections have become very safe in many parts of the world, they remain complex medical interventions, with risks and a recovery that can be challenging.
Against that backdrop, Tedros singled out Muhoza’s ‘Layers of Life’ gown for turning the realities of C-section childbirth into a powerful fashion statement.
Miss World Uganda Muhoza Trivia Elle’s “Layers of Life” gown tells that story in a unique and powerful way: raising awareness of the realities of caesarean section childbirth while celebrating the strength of mothers who have experienced it.
The gown, designed by Ugandan couturier Keesha Abdallah, took centre stage during the World Designer Award segment of the Miss World Festival in Vietnam. Its layered design represents the seven anatomical layers involved in a Caesarean section, translating the physical journey of childbirth into colour, texture and movement.
The concept has drawn international attention for giving a medical subject an unexpected place on the fashion stage.
Beyond its visual appeal, the gown uses couture to tell the story of childbirth and pay tribute to the mothers who go through C-sections.
Tedros’ recognition adds another high-profile voice to the attention surrounding Muhoza’s striking pageant look.
Joeboy has revealed that he could quietly tie the knot and keep it from the public until he has already welcomed several children.
The 29-year-old Nigerian singer said he would actually prefer to marry early, especially if he finds someone he genuinely loves.
Speaking in an interview with British media personality Madame Joyce, he explained that Nollywood star Timini Egbuson’s admission that he wished he had married earlier made him rethink the idea.
Egbuson has previously described himself as a “ladies’ man,” which made his comments about wanting to settle down early particularly interesting to the singer.
I saw an interview of Timini. He’s like the ideal playboy; almost all the girls claim to love him, and he was like, he wished he got married early. I was like, if you’re a playboy and you can say this, that means marrying early might actually be nice.
The idea has since grown on Joeboy, who said there is something appealing about being relatively young while raising teenage children.
That is not the only identifier for me. But marrying early to someone who you genuinely love is going to be cute. Being 40 and having a 16-year-old kid is cute.
He stressed that marriage should not happen simply because someone thinks the timing looks right. For him, genuine love matters more than age.
But marriage is not really about whenever it feels cool. If it just feels right to you and you love the person, do it.
And if that moment comes for him now, Joeboy says he will keep the news away from the spotlight.
Personally, I would rather get married early. But if I get married right now, nobody is going to know.
He even has an idea of how long he could keep the secret.
Maybe when I have like three kids, people will now find out that Joeboy has a whole family somewhere.
KAMPALA – Uganda has secured a massive $1.7 billion (about Shs6.42 trillion) health financing package from the United States to strengthen the country’s health sector over the next four years.
The deal was sealed on Thursday through a Strategic Objective Agreement (SOAG) covering the period 2026 to 2030, opening a new chapter in the longstanding health partnership between Uganda and the US.
The agreement gives Uganda direct access to US government support for the prevention, detection and response to emerging and existing infectious disease threats.
It also marks a major shift in how American health assistance will be delivered, with more funding expected to flow directly to the Government of Uganda rather than predominantly through non-governmental organisations, private charities and community groups.
The agreement operationalises the Memorandum of Understanding signed on December 10, 2025, under which the US committed the $1.7 billion support package.
Finance Minister Henry Musasizi welcomed the new funding arrangement, saying it fits Uganda’s push for greater country ownership of development programmes.
He said the government wants external assistance better aligned with national priorities while improving the effectiveness, sustainability and accountability of development cooperation.
Musasizi described the agreement as another major milestone in the Uganda-US partnership, which has supported the country in fighting HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria, as well as responding to emerging and re-emerging diseases, including viral haemorrhagic fevers.
“These interventions have saved lives, strengthened communities and enhanced Uganda’s capacity to respond to public-health emergencies,” Musasizi said.
The new arrangement, however, is expected to go beyond individual diseases.
According to the Ministry of Finance, the partnership will strengthen national health systems and institutions, build workforce capacity, improve accountability and enhance Uganda’s ability to plan, finance and deliver quality health services.
US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Mikael Cleverley said the agreement was more than a financing mechanism, describing it as a demonstration of Washington’s goodwill and confidence in Uganda’s leadership and health sector.
He said the government-to-government approach is intended to give Uganda greater leadership in managing its public-health priorities.
Health Minister Dr Chris Baryomunsi also welcomed the shift away from predominantly off-budget assistance towards direct government-to-government financing.
Baryomunsi said Uganda still faces a significant burden of both communicable and non-communicable diseases and therefore requires sustained investment in the health sector.
He pointed to improvements recorded over the years, including a decline in HIV prevalence from 18.5% in the late 1980s and early 1990s to 5.9%, alongside an increase in life expectancy from about 43 years to 68 years.
The government says the new partnership will build on these gains while strengthening Uganda’s ability to finance and manage its own health priorities.
The $1.7 billion package is therefore expected to play a major role in supporting disease prevention, surveillance, health-system strengthening and emergency preparedness between 2026 and 2030.
The government-to-government financing model also puts greater responsibility on Uganda to demonstrate strong financial management, accountability and measurable results in the utilisation of the funds.
GOT A HOT STORY? LET US KNOW!
Got breaking news, explosive secrets, or hard evidence?
KAMPALA — The Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (Central) has called for a forensic audit of government’s Shs3.49 trillion contingent liabilities following concerns over possible double recording, duplicate budgeting and alleged collusion in some cases involving government entities.
The committee, chaired by Hon. Patrick Oshabe, made the call on Thursday, September 3, 2026, when officials from the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, led by Permanent Secretary Robert Kasande, appeared before the committee to respond to a query raised by the Auditor General regarding the government’s contingent liabilities.
Committee members questioned the sharp increase in the liabilities despite the Ministry of Justice having lawyers mandated to defend government in court.
A contingent liability is a potential financial obligation arising from a past lawsuit, dispute or investigation, whose final financial impact depends on an uncertain future event.
Kasese Municipality MP, Hon. Ferigo Kambale, raised concerns that some cases involving government could be lost due to alleged collusion between government officials and claimants, calling for greater scrutiny of the circumstances surrounding such losses.
“How do you foresee losing cases to a loss that will come to us to a tune of Shs3.4 trillion?” Kambale asked, while demanding a detailed list of the cases underpinning the reported exposure.
However, Kasande explained that the Ministry of Justice does not determine the outcome of court cases and said the bulk of the contingent liabilities arise from cases involving other government ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs).
He said the ministry’s mandate is to represent and defend government in court, adding that successful legal representation had helped save government more than Shs4.4 trillion in potential financial losses.
“99 per cent of these liabilities come from other ministries, departments and agencies. Our role is to go to court and defend government,” Kasande said.
He explained that the reported liabilities arise from a wide range of cases before domestic courts, international arbitration tribunals, the East African Court of Justice and other regional jurisdictions.
Oshabe, however, questioned whether some of the liabilities could have been recorded more than once, particularly in cases where claims against institutions such as the Uganda Police Force, Parliament and the Electoral Commission are initially filed against the Attorney General.
“An effort needs to be done to ensure that there is no double recording. I think the Auditor General will be required to do a special audit on these contingent liabilities. We will see how to make a recommendation about that,” Oshabe said.
The committee directed the Ministry of Justice to submit a comprehensive schedule of all cases contributing to the Shs3.49 trillion exposure.
The schedule is expected to indicate the entities involved, the status of each case, the amounts claimed, the potential government exposure and measures being taken to minimise further financial losses.
The committee also tasked the ministry with clarifying whether any of the liabilities had been recorded or budgeted for more than once by the Ministry of Justice and other government entities.
The proposed forensic audit is expected to establish the accuracy of the reported liabilities, identify any cases of duplication or irregular recording and provide Parliament with a clearer picture of government’s potential financial exposure arising from litigation.
Do you have a story in your community or an opinion to share with us: Email us at Submit an Article
Davido has pushed back against Nigerian rapper Erigga’s praise for musicians who made it without family money, arguing that coming from wealth does not stop an artist from grinding for success.
The disagreement started after Erigga took to X to salute musicians who had to build their careers without financial backing from their families.
Shoutout to all the musicians who don’t come from family money and had to grind for every single dollar they earn.
Davido was quick to challenge the idea, pointing out that musicians from wealthy families can also put in the work to reach the top.
No be we say make your pops no guard o. Shoutout to the ones that came from family money and still grind to the top.
The “Risky” hitmaker then took aim at Erigga’s message, branding it “useless motivation” and calling him an “imbecile.”
Davido then turned the conversation to his own financial ambitions, revealing that music may not be his forever plan and that he intends to pursue bigger financial goals.
No worry o I go soon leave their music for una go make my billions… then that shit gonna be boring AF.
KAMPALA – Uganda is staring down a potentially turbulent rainy season after the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) warned that El Niño is set to intensify into a very strong event, raising the risk of floods, landslides, extreme heat and other weather disasters into 2027.
The WMO says there is an “exceptionally high likelihood of nearly 100%” that El Niño will persist through February 2027, with the phenomenon expected to strengthen further before reaching its peak towards the end of this year.
The warning comes as Uganda prepares for increased rainfall between September and December, with the Ministry of Water and Environment forecasting near-normal to above-normal rains across most parts of the country, accompanied by warmer-than-average temperatures.
The Ministry has warned that the intensifying El Niño, combined with an expected shift to a positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) around October, could enhance rainfall particularly across central, northern and eastern Uganda.
And while the rains could boost agriculture and water supplies, authorities are warning that the same downpours could unleash havoc.
The Ministry has flagged floods, flash floods, landslides, mudslides, lightning and violent storms as major threats, particularly in the Rwenzori, Kigezi and Elgon sub-regions, the Lake Kyoga basin and parts of Kampala and other urban centres.
Several rivers have also been identified as potential flood hotspots, including Nyamwamba, Manafwa, Namatala, Kafu, Awoja and Onyama.
The rains are expected to peak between late October and November, although in some parts of Uganda they could stretch into January 2027.
The WMO warning has heightened concerns because the latest climate models point to an unusually strong El Niño developing over the tropical Pacific.
According to the UN weather agency, exceptionally warm ocean conditions are fuelling the phenomenon, with sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific already well above average and continuing to rise.
Even more extraordinary warmth has been detected beneath the ocean surface, with subsurface temperatures in some areas recorded at more than 8°C above average during July and early August.
WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo warned that the strengthening phenomenon could deliver a major blow to communities and economies around the world.
“El Niño in Spanish means boy child – but it has the potential to deliver a massive blow to communities and economies across the world,” Saulo said.
She warned that droughts and floods already disrupting communities could intensify as El Niño strengthens.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres was even more dramatic, saying: “El Niño is being supersized before our eyes.”
Guterres warned that rising temperatures and sea surface temperatures were placing the world in a danger zone of extreme weather, calling for urgent climate action and preparation.
For Uganda, however, the biggest immediate concern is not drought but too much water arriving too quickly.
The Ministry’s forecast indicates that the interaction between El Niño and the positive IOD could enhance rainfall, creating favourable conditions for agriculture while simultaneously increasing pressure on drainage systems, roads, bridges, homes and other infrastructure.
Urban areas such as Kampala could be particularly vulnerable to flash floods where drainage systems are overwhelmed.
Mountainous areas including Rwenzori, Kigezi and Elgon face additional risks from landslides and mudslides triggered by prolonged or intense rainfall.
The WMO has nevertheless cautioned against assuming that a very strong El Niño automatically means the same type or severity of weather everywhere.
Its impact varies by location and season and can be modified by other climate drivers, including conditions in the Indian and Atlantic Oceans.
The expected positive IOD is therefore an important piece of Uganda’s weather puzzle.
WMO forecasts indicate that the IOD could reach a seasonal mean of about 0.9°C during September-November 2026, potentially altering rainfall patterns across East Africa.
The global agency says its forecasts show an increased likelihood of above-normal temperatures across almost all land areas between September and November, while rainfall patterns are expected to reflect the atmospheric response to the strong Pacific El Niño.
The equatorial Atlantic is also expected to remain generally warm, with sea surface temperatures in both the North and South Tropical Atlantic above normal.
Scientists say these different climate drivers can reinforce, weaken or modify the typical effects associated with El Niño, making locally specific forecasts particularly important.
El Niño is one of the two opposite phases of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), a powerful natural climate pattern.
It occurs when ocean surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific become unusually warm and typically develops every two to seven years, lasting about nine to 12 months.
The phenomenon can influence weather patterns thousands of kilometres away from the Pacific, affecting rainfall and temperatures in regions far from where it originates.
For Uganda, authorities are therefore urging communities, farmers, local governments and disaster-management agencies to pay close attention to updated forecasts and early-warning information.
The WMO says national meteorological agencies remain the authoritative source of official warnings and locally relevant information.
With the rainy season approaching and El Niño expected to strengthen, Uganda now has several weeks to prepare for what could become a very wet and potentially dangerous end to 2026.
The message from climate experts is clear: the rains may bring relief to farmers and water systems, but without adequate preparation, they could also bring floods, landslides and destruction.
GOT A HOT STORY? LET US KNOW!
Got breaking news, explosive secrets, or hard evidence?
KAMPALA — Health-technology firm Chil Group has launched a platform aimed at easing the shortage of specialist doctors in rural health facilities, allowing consultants based in urban hospitals to join ward rounds for rural inpatients by video.
The company said many of the facilities it works with lack specialists such as cardiologists, neurologists and intensivists, leaving patients admitted outside major towns without ready access to the expertise their conditions may require. Its E-Ward Round Platform, it said, is designed to close that gap by connecting rural clinical teams with urban-based specialists in real time.
According to Chil Group, 67% of its partner facilities have inpatient capacity, amounting to more than 260 wards. The firm said the platform would run alongside its free electronic medical records (EMR) software, enabling specialists to take part in multidisciplinary rounds without patients being transferred long distances. UG Standard was not able to independently verify the company’s coverage figures.
“Patients should not have to travel hundreds of kilometres to access specialised medical care when technology can bring that expertise directly to them,” said Dr Shamim Nabuuma Kaliisa, founder and chief executive of Chil Group.
She said the company’s business-to-business telemedicine services had focused mainly on outpatient care over the past six years, and described the platform as an effort to extend that model to inpatients. “The E-Ward Round Platform represents the next step in our mission to make quality healthcare more accessible across Africa,” she said.
Chil Group said the platform connects to bedside medical devices, giving remote specialists access to patients’ vital signs, diagnostic data and health records during virtual rounds. It said the system also carries an AI-powered triage tool that analyses patient data to help clinicians prioritise urgent cases, though the company did not release independent evaluation data on the tool’s performance.
On data protection, the firm said the platform uses what it described as a “zero-knowledge” architecture, assigning each inpatient bed a cryptographic token so that clinical data can be processed without exposing patient identities. It said personal information would be accessible only to authorised clinicians.
The company said the module was available immediately for deployment across its partner facilities with inpatient capacity.
Chil Group describes itself as a provider of business-to-business telemedicine and health infrastructure serving close to 400 health facilities. Kaliisa, a Ugandan entrepreneur, has previously been named to the Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 list for her work in digital health.
Do you have a story in your community or an opinion to share with us: Email us at Submit an Article
KAMPALA – The long-delayed construction of Parliament’s new chambers has entered a decisive phase after Speaker Jacob Marksons Oboth gave ROKO Construction a strict 10-month deadline to complete the project.
The Speaker announced the ultimatum during Wednesday, September 2nd plenary sitting, saying the Parliamentary Commission had resolved to enforce June 30, 2027 as the final completion date.
The decision followed a comprehensive inspection of the new parliamentary chamber site by the Parliamentary Commission on August 26, 2026.
ROKO officials who attended the meeting with the Commission and project consultants reportedly committed in writing to deliver the project within the new deadline.
“The completion of the Chamber shall be achieved by June 30th, 2027. The contractor has made a commitment in writing, and we shall closely monitor execution to ensure this deadline is strictly honoured,” Oboth said.
The Speaker said the Commission had reviewed the causes of the delays, including structural design modifications introduced by Parliament and cash-flow challenges faced by the contractor.
However, Oboth made it clear that Parliament would no longer tolerate further slippage on the project.
The new chamber is part of a modern parliamentary complex intended to expand Parliament’s working space and improve facilities for legislators, staff and other users.
The Speaker’s tough stance comes as the 12th Parliament marks its first 100 days in office, with the new leadership seeking to project an image of stronger oversight, openness and fiscal discipline.
During the first 100 days and 25 plenary sittings, Parliament constituted the Parliamentary Commission and committee leadership, administered 553 oaths, passed two Bills, adopted two reports and passed 15 resolutions.
The House also handled 233 questions during Prime Minister’s Time, answered 123 urgent questions, considered 19 ministerial statements and received six statements from the Leader of the Opposition.
Parliament has also reopened its gates and doors fully to journalists, allowing media practitioners unhindered access to cover proceedings and parliamentary business.
In another move aimed at strengthening parliamentary oversight, the Speaker directed accountability committee chairpersons and members to remain operational during the parliamentary recess.
While ordinary plenary sittings will pause, the accountability committees have been instructed to continue working to clear a backlog of financial and legislative business.
The Speaker’s directive is intended to ensure that the parliamentary recess does not bring oversight activities to a halt.
GOT A HOT STORY? LET US KNOW!
Got breaking news, explosive secrets, or hard evidence?
Kampala, Thursday, 3 September 2026 – As part of activities to mark 35 years of operating in Uganda, Stanbic Bank has today kicked off ESG Client Readiness series and introduced a free-to-enrol Sustainability Academy designed to equip local enterprises with the sustainability capabilities required to access investment, strengthen competitiveness and seize emerging growth opportunities.
The inaugural ESG Readiness forum hosted today in Kampala was attended by business leaders, clients and industry stakeholders to discuss how stronger environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices can help unlock financing, expand market access and build more resilient enterprises.
The initiative forms part of Stanbic Bank Uganda’s Positive Impact Agenda, the Bank’s framework for supporting sustainable economic development through five pillars, including climate resilience and environmental sustainability.
Speaking at the forum, Stanbic Bank Uganda Chief Executive Mumba Kalifungwa said the Bank’s 35-year presence in Uganda has reinforced the importance of sharing knowledge and capabilities that enable businesses to grow alongside the country.
“As we mark 35 years in Uganda, we are reflecting on how best to give back to the clients and communities that have been central to our journey. Through the Sustainability Academy, we are sharing knowledge, practical tools and expertise that can help businesses strengthen their competitiveness, attract investment and position themselves for long-term growth.”
Kalifungwa noted that sustainability is increasingly becoming a prerequisite for accessing international capital, participating in global supply chains and winning the confidence of investors and business partners.
“The opportunity is significant. Standard Bank Group recently secured USD 800 million in sustainability-linked funding from international investors, with demand exceeding USD 1 billion. This capital is available to support businesses across markets such as Uganda. The challenge is that many organisations are still building the governance frameworks, reporting systems and sustainability capabilities required to fully access these opportunities.”
The forum underscored the growing alignment between sustainability and Uganda’s national development ambitions, particularly the goal of expanding the economy from approximately USD 50 billion to USD 500 billion by 2040 through agro-industrialisation, tourism development, mineral beneficiation, and science, technology and innovation (ATMS).
Speakers noted that attracting the levels of investment required to support this transformation will increasingly depend on businesses demonstrating strong governance, responsible environmental stewardship and sustainable operating practices.
Cathy Adengo, Head of Sustainability at Stanbic Bank Uganda, said the Sustainability Academy was established to help businesses translate sustainability ambitions into practical action. “Sustainability is no longer a future consideration. It is a business imperative. Through the Sustainability Academy, we are providing businesses with practical knowledge and tools to better understand the risks and opportunities shaping today’s operating environment.”
Nicholas Kiiza, Acting Head of Client Coverage, Corporate and Investment Banking, said stronger sustainability capabilities will help local enterprises access international financing and integrate more effectively into regional and global value chains.
The forum also featured insights from Katlego Mogoba, Standard Bank Group Head of Environmental and Social Risk, Corporate & Investment Banking, who highlighted the role of sustainability in strengthening risk management, improving investment readiness and building resilient businesses.
Additional perspectives were shared by Atacama Consulting and corporate practitioners including Roofings Limited.
Accessible free of charge via mobile phones, tablets and computers, the Sustainability Academy offers self-paced learning modules covering Renewable Energy, Climate-Smart Agriculture, Water and Wastewater Management, Carbon Markets, and core sustainability and ESG principles.
Through initiatives such as the Sustainability Academy, Stanbic Bank says it is a demonstration of commitment to its purpose of driving Uganda’s growth by helping businesses build the capabilities needed to compete, attract investment and contribute meaningfully to the country’s next phase of economic transformation.
Do you have a story in your community or an opinion to share with us: Email us at Submit an Article
Linus Tattoo Studio was buzzing with excitement and intense music as some of Kampala’s top DJs and artists were unveiled to perform alongside Dread Lazer at the second edition of his turn up tomorrow the 4th of September at Kati Kati grounds.
The event organizers dropped the news at a lit pre-game party hosted by Smirnoff, attended by the media, and some of the confirmed acts.
DJs, Bugy, City Girl, Etania, Kash Pro, and Linus Sydney have been unveiled to turn up the heat with bomb music mixes, hosted by the queen of the mic, Viana Indie.
The rave will get an extra burst of energy as Saint Trevor, Josh Mc, and Benjhi build up the heat from start to finish.
During Dread Lazer’s sample set, every party banger smoothly transitioned into the next, building up FOMO and excitement within the room. He promised a bigger and memorable rave and encouraged all party people to secure their tickets if not yet.
At the heart of the pre-game party was a vibrant Smirnoff takeover that gave the black themed creative studio a pop of flavor and bold red character.
Raymond Karama, the Smirnoff Brand Manager emphasized how Smirnoff will release the party spirit come the 4th of September.
Raymond Karama the Smirnoff Brand Manager at the Dread Lazer Turn Up pre-game party at Linus Tattoo Studio.
“Smirnoff is the ultimate party vodka and we are bringing the entire flavor experience to the turn-up, not forgetting the new Smirnoff Spicy Tamarind whose sweet and spicy flavour will perfectly match your vibe”, noted Karama.
Tickets are still on sale at Shs35k and each ticket comes with a free Smirnoff vodka of your choice to kickstart the parrrreee.
Related
About UGNEWS24
UGNEWS24 is a Uganda local news service, a product of
SOLAVIA GROUP LIMITED,
Reg. No. 80048169153974.
