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Charles Barugahare, the Makerere University Secretary has appealed to the High Court in Kampala to throw the university’s Vice Chancellor (Prof Barnabas Nawangwe) in jail for reportedly removing him from top financial managers’ Whatsapp group as well as for contempt of court.

Barugahare has also accused Prof Nawangwe of keeping him out of office despite completing the his 3 months “illegal leave” which ended on September 30^th 2020.

Barugahare has compiled a bundle of complaints including his removal from the Whatsapp forum of top financial managers of Makerere (MAK CM FINANCE). Apparently, Nawangwe personally removed him with the aim of depriving him of access to classified information relating to the management of financial affairs of the University which he is entitled to as an accounting officer.

According to court documents, Nawangwe is expected to appear before the judge on Tuesday 3rd November. The lawyers want Nawangwe to explain himself why he shouldn’t be sent to prison for contempt of court in addition to having all his personal property sold off in order to recover UGX 900M.

“It is just and equitable that the respondents be ordered to pay compensation of UGX 800,000,000/= (Uganda Shillings Eight Hundred Million only) for the contumacious conduct and in order to purge the contempt.” Part of the document reads.

“It is just and equitable that the respondents pay a fine to the tune of UGX 100,000,000/= (Uganda Shillings One Hundred Million only) to purge his contempt.” The statement adds.

Nawangwe is expected to appear in court alongside Yusuf Kiranda, the official who took over Barugahare’s job.  

Barugahare claims that Nawangwe and other officials have continued to harass and keep him out of office contrary to clear court orders. It is said that Prof Nawangwe constituted a committee headed by Prof Sarah Kiguli to investigate Barugahare over misconduct allegations.

The now bitter Barugahare wants court to send Nawangwe to prison in case he fails to pay the compensation amounting to UGX 800M as well as a fine of UGX 100M, which totals up to UGX 900M.

“The respondents are in contempt of the court orders and should be committed to civil prison for unpurged contempt.” The document reads further.

Barugahare also claims that Nawangwe caused his official Makerere email address cbarugahare@admin@mak.ac.ug to be deactivated and his name removed from staff mailing list.

According to  Barugahare’s lawyer James Akampumuza, a former law professor at Makerere, Nawangwe should be severely punished for carrying out activities aimed tarnishing employees’ reputations.

Ugandan medical doctor and content creator Solomon Kimera has stirred conversation online after opening up about his dating preferences.

Kimera says he is intentional about the kind of partner he wants, setting himself apart from the fast paced social and nightlife culture common among many public figures in Kampala.

In a recent post on his X account, he made it clear that alcohol consumption is a deal breaker for him when it comes to relationships.

Kimera stressed that he does not judge people who drink, pointing out that he has friends who do.

However, he maintains a firm stance when choosing a life partner.

He explained that his concern centers on safety and vulnerability, saying alcohol can lead to a loss of control, something he is not comfortable with in a serious relationship.

A girl who drinks alcohol is a red flag to me. I have many friends who drink alcohol. I do not judge them. Alcohol is alcohol, whether you make it look fancy or local it is still alcohol, and they all get drunk in the same way. I would not settle with someone who drinks because they can easily become vulnerable.

His comments have since drawn mixed reactions, with some supporting his right to choose, while others see his views as controversial or out of touch.

As the debate continues, his remarks reflect wider conversations around personal values, relationships, and lifestyle choices in today’s social scene.

Kataleya and Kandle have joined a growing list of Ugandan artistes weighing in on the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Amendment Bill, 2025.

Ugandan Parliament passed the bill on March 19, 2026, but it is not yet law and still awaits presidential assent before it becomes legally binding.

Even so, the singing duo see it as a major shift for musicians who have long relied on live performances as their main source of income.

In an interview on Galaxy TV, they shared hope that the bill could open up new earning opportunities for artistes who invest heavily in their music.

Every musician dreams of earning from the music they create, not just from stage shows. We invest a lot, time, effort, and money, into our music, and often the returns do not match our investments. If this law allows us to earn through other channels, it is a huge win for us.

They also admitted that many musicians still do not fully understand how the system will work, and they called on industry leaders to provide clear guidance.

The pair urged the Uganda National Musicians Federation and other stakeholders to organise workshops to explain royalties, licensing, and how payments will work.

At the same time, they cautioned fellow artistes against unrealistic expectations, especially around instant earnings.

There is a misconception that every time your song is played publicly, payment should happen instantly. It is important to understand how royalties and licensing actually work.

Despite the uncertainty, Kataleya and Kandle remain optimistic that the bill could change how artistes earn if it becomes law.

They believe it could help musicians build long term value from their work while also supporting future generations.

This is a fresh start for Uganda’s music industry. With clarity and the right guidance, we can finally see the value of our work reflected in earnings, and not just applause.

More creatives continue to weigh in on the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Amendment Bill, 2025, as debate grows across the industry.

Ugandan Parliament passed the bill on March 19, 2026 and it now awaits presidential approval.

Since then, the development has sparked mixed reactions, with some creatives questioning its practicability while others welcome it as long overdue progress.

Singer Khalifah AgaNaga, whose real name is Mukiiza Kalifah, stands among those celebrating the move.

He sees the bill as an important step for both musicians and the wider creative sector.

Speaking to Daily Soup, he described the law as a major breakthrough that could benefit many people across the arts.

We need the copyright law. It is good, and a very big step in the right direction for Uganda’s music industry and the arts in general.

His view adds to a growing list of voices backing the bill, even as discussions around its details continue.

Khalifah AgaNaga has revealed a surprise joint album with Weasel Manizo, one half of the Goodlyfe Crew.

AgaNaga shared the news during a chat with Daily Soup, confirming that the project is already underway, with “Jangu Remix” out as the first release.

I have new songs with Weasel. We did a combination and made an album of five songs. We are going to shoot videos. We have already released one, the remix of Jangu.

Beyond the music, AgaNaga also spoke out on the criticism surrounding Weasel.

The Goodlyfe star has faced ongoing scrutiny over his conduct and music career since the death of his partner, Mowzey Radio.

Some critics have questioned his ability to stand alone, with claims that Radio carried the group’s success.

AgaNaga pushed back on that narrative, describing Weasel as talented and capable.

Weasel is okay. When I am with him, I do not focus on his negatives. I focus on what I can get from him that can push me forward. If I combine his talent with mine, we make hits, and we are already making hits. Our songs will dominate.

He also addressed concerns about Weasel’s conduct, insisting that the public often misreads him.

Weasel has no problem, he is a normal person. It is the public that sees him in a negative way and provokes him.

The collaboration now puts focus back on the music as fans wait to see what the duo delivers.

Three Days to Go: Free Eye Camp Set for Bukedea as Communities Urged to Turn Up

BUKEDEA – With just three days remaining, thousands of Ugandans with eye-related complications are being urged to take advantage of a major free eye health camp scheduled to take place at Bukedea Teaching Hospital this week.

The three-day outreach, organized by the Ruparelia Foundation in partnership with Mulago National Referral Hospital and C-Care, will run from March 27th to 29th, 2026, offering critical eye care services at no cost.

The camp, held in honour of Rajiv Ruparelia, is expected to provide a lifeline to patients suffering from untreated eye conditions across the Teso sub-region and beyond.

According to organizers, services to be offered include eye check-ups, cataract screenings, provision of reading and children’s glasses, and cataract surgeries for selected cases.

Health experts have consistently warned that many Ugandans suffer preventable blindness due to lack of access to affordable eye care services, making such camps crucial interventions in underserved communities.

Residents from Bukedea, Soroti, Mbale, Gulu, Lira, Tororo, and Kapchorwa have particularly been encouraged to attend in large numbers.

“This is a rare opportunity for communities to receive specialized eye care services free of charge. We call upon all those experiencing eye problems to turn up and benefit,” organizers emphasized.

The initiative underscores growing private sector involvement in supporting public health services, especially in rural areas where access remains limited.

As anticipation builds, local leaders and health workers are mobilizing communities to ensure maximum turnout.

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Uganda’s primate tourism sector has received a timely boost following a major announcement by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), introducing discounted low-season permits for gorilla and chimpanzee tracking alongside a revised tariff structure that will take effect in mid-2026. This development goes beyond pricing. It reflects a strategic effort to reshape travel patterns, attract more visitors during quieter months, and strengthen Uganda’s position as one of Africa’s premier primate destinations.

Introduction of Low-Season Permit Discounts

At the center of this announcement is the introduction of reduced permit rates during the low season months of April, May, and November. During this period, gorilla tracking permits have been lowered to 600 dollars for foreign non-residents and 500 dollars for foreign residents. Chimpanzee tracking permits have been set at 200 dollars for foreign non-residents and 150 dollars for foreign residents.

These rates take immediate effect and are intended to encourage travel during months that have traditionally seen lower tourist numbers. However, the condition that these permits cannot be rescheduled introduces an important consideration for both tour operators and travelers. Planning must be precise, and commitments must be firm.

A Strategic Move to Balance Tourism Throughout the Year

Uganda’s tourism industry has long experienced seasonal imbalances, with peak travel occurring during the dry months while the rainy season sees fewer visitors. By introducing discounted permits, UWA is actively working to redistribute tourist flows across the calendar year.
This approach not only helps increase occupancy in lodges and maintain business for guides and transport providers during the low season, but it also enhances the overall sustainability of tourism. A more balanced flow of visitors reduces pressure on popular parks during peak periods while ensuring steady revenue streams for conservation and community development.

What It Means for Tour Operators

For tour operators, the discounted permits present an opportunity to rethink how Uganda is packaged and sold to the global market. The reduction in gorilla permit costs significantly lowers the overall price of a Uganda safari, making it easier to attract a wider range of travelers.

Operators can now position Uganda as a more accessible destination while maintaining its premium appeal. This is particularly important for mid-range clients who may have previously viewed gorilla trekking as financially out of reach. With lower permit costs, operators can design more competitive itineraries that combine gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park with chimpanzee tracking in Kibale National Park, creating well-rounded primate experiences at a reduced cost.

At the same time, the non-rescheduling policy means that operators must pay closer attention to logistics. Travel plans must be carefully timed, and clients must be fully informed about the importance of adhering to their itinerary. This places greater emphasis on professionalism, planning, and clear communication.

Opportunities for Creative Low-Season Packages

The discounted permits open the door for more creative and attractive low-season travel packages. Accommodation providers often lower their rates during these months, which, when combined with cheaper permits, results in significantly more affordable safaris.
Tour operators can take advantage of this by offering longer itineraries, more inclusive experiences, or specialized packages tailored to niche markets such as photographers, researchers, or adventure travelers. The lower overall cost also makes Uganda an appealing option for group travel, educational tours, and extended stays.

Benefits for Tourists

For travelers, the discounted permits represent a rare opportunity to experience some of the world’s most sought-after wildlife encounters at a more affordable price. Gorilla trekking, often described as a once-in-a-lifetime experience, becomes more accessible, allowing more people to include it in their travel plans.

The savings can be used to enhance other aspects of the trip, whether by upgrading accommodation, extending the itinerary, or adding new activities. Chimpanzee tracking, now more affordable, becomes an easy addition to most safaris, both guided trips and Uganda self-drive experiences, offering a dynamic and engaging wildlife experience that complements gorilla trekking.

A Different Kind of Experience in the Low Season

Traveling during the low season offers a unique perspective on Uganda’s natural beauty. The landscapes are lush and vibrant, with forests appearing greener and more alive. Water sources are replenished, and the overall atmosphere feels fresh and rejuvenated.

Fewer visitors mean less crowded parks and a more intimate experience. Trekking groups are often smaller, and the pace of travel is more relaxed. For many travelers, this creates a deeper and more personal connection with the environment and the wildlife.

Implications for Self-Drive and Car Rental Travel

As the overall cost of primate tracking decreases, travelers are likely to reallocate part of their budget toward other aspects of their journey. One area that stands to benefit is the Uganda self-drive and car rental sector.

Uganda’s diverse terrain and scenic routes make it ideal for self-drive safaris, and the reduced cost of permits makes this style of travel more attainable. Visitors can explore the country at their own pace, combining wildlife experiences with cultural encounters and scenic drives. This trend is likely to increase demand for reliable 4×4 Uganda car rentals, well-planned routes, and flexible travel options.

The Trade-Off Between Cost and Flexibility

While the benefits of discounted permits are clear, they come with a trade-off in flexibility. The inability to reschedule means that travelers must commit fully to their travel dates. Any delays or disruptions could result in missed trekking opportunities.

This makes careful planning essential. Travelers are encouraged to build buffer time into their itineraries and consider travel insurance to protect their investment. Tour operators also play a key role in ensuring that clients understand these conditions before booking.

Revised Tariff Structure from July 2026

In addition to the low-season discounts, UWA has announced a revised tariff structure that will take effect on 1st July 2026. Gorilla tracking will be priced at 800 dollars for foreign non-residents and 700 dollars for foreign residents, maintaining its premium status while remaining competitive.

Other activities, including chimpanzee tracking, habituation experiences, and guided walks, have also been adjusted to reflect their value and demand. These changes demonstrate a balanced approach that combines affordability during the low season with strong pricing during peak travel periods.

Long-Term Impact on Uganda’s Tourism Industry

The introduction of discounted permits alongside revised tariffs signals a more dynamic approach to tourism management in Uganda. By encouraging travel throughout the year, UWA is helping to stabilize the industry, support local communities, and ensure the sustainability of conservation efforts.

This strategy also strengthens Uganda’s global reputation as a destination that offers exceptional wildlife experiences across all seasons. With iconic locations such as Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Kibale National Park continuing to attract international attention, the country is well-positioned for continued growth.

Conclusion

The introduction of discounted gorilla and chimpanzee permits marks a significant milestone for Uganda’s tourism sector. It provides new opportunities for tour operators to innovate and expand their offerings while giving travelers greater access to some of the most extraordinary wildlife experiences on the planet.

By balancing affordability with strategic planning, Uganda is not only making its iconic primate encounters more accessible but also ensuring that tourism remains sustainable and beneficial for years to come.

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Background

Many years ago, a one Veronika Cejpkova driven by compassion and passion for humanitarianism birthed a dream which was to improve and advance the livelihoods of the less privileged and more particularly to create an impact on healthcare for the millions of people who couldn’t access standard,excellent and emergency healthcare at the time. This seemed quite impossible but with determination, resilience and belief this could see her dream turn into reality and most excitingly actualized in the pearl of Africa.

On the 19th of March 2016, very excited, she took a bold step which was one of the boldest moves she had ever taken by the time and that was to single handedly lead and open the first children’s hospital that was not government owned not only in Jinja city but the Eastern region of Uganda at large. This hospital was birthed with a vision of “Changing health care through love and happiness in Uganda and around the world “This was the first of a kind in the country basing on its idea, mission , vision and style of approach to medical care and it was located in the heart of Jinja city at Ninzam road
This was first of a kind because people would receive standard healthcare solutions at very little or completely no pay at all . With very many overwhelming challenges that came with offering free services and operating in a foreign society , the dream bearer and brain behind this establishment that saw and touched tens of thousands of lives in the hospital’s first year considered quitting but the fire in her couldn’t stop burning. This was fueled further and further and in just a period of two years, the premises of the facility were nolonger enough to support the big numbers of people that were being served and the impact of the hospital was expanding and this time was nolonger in only the Eastern region but the country at large. This forced the hospital to shift from its original premises to newer and larger premises still in Jinja city but this time on plot 32 along Madhvani road.

Growth and Expansion

This also came with larger demands and a hospital that was only working on children had to expand to maternity hence the birth of the name “Whisper’s Magical Children’s Hospital and Maternity “. This did not come as just a name but it came as a landmark setter in the fields of peadiatrics , maternity and fertility. The hospital over the years grew solving lots of complicated situations concerning children and maternal health at a very small cost, performing sophisticated medical procedures amongst children and women
The hospital became very instrumental in tackling malnutrition amongst various children, dealing with and eliminating sickle cell amongst thousands of children in the country through various programs in its specialized sickle cell clinic plus saving lives through other specialized clinics like the infectious diseases clinic(TB, HIV) and other specialized services
Their dedication to standard and professional medical precision led to the evolution into a modern facility that not only serves the underprivileged but also the corporate class through many medical insurance and direct billing plans forexample (ICEA, APA, CIC,Britam,Jubilee,Minet,Prudential Allianz, GA, BOU, KIBO) to mention but a few. This further triggered the expansion and birth of the hospital’s first branch in the capital city Kampala (Kyanja, Kumbuzi road, opposite Premier Bet)
They are not stopping here but further driving their mission into other areas and parts of the country

Tenth year anniversary
(Rebranding to Whisper hospital in a magical rebirth)

On excatly the 19th March 2026, the hospital celebrated the end of its first decade and commencement of the second,this was so memorable . On this date, the hospital held a match led by Mbiiko Brass band around Jinja city and this was joined by some of their partners ,service providers , former patients, staff members and several other people from the general public

Speeches were said by some of the partners and other stakeholders but were concluded by the COO and the CEO who in detail talked about the hospital’s history and shared its short term and long term plans

This date also marked the launch of the following;
Opening of a modernized and fully advanced VIP lounge
Launch of a state of the art intensive care unit
Opening of new specialities like neurosurgery, plastic surgery, physician department being an addition to the formerly opened like ENT general surgery, orthopedic surgery to mention but a few

The COO Dr. Emem Offong emphasized their plan of expanding further and incorporation of new modernized services like laparoscopy, endoscopy, colonoscopy as the hospital moves forward in the new decade

The hospital has further rebranded, implementing a new look , elevating customer care and improving customer experience at both branches thus being made ready to serve their clients in the new decade with quality and compassionate healthcare

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After more than two decades of setting the pace for Uganda’s style scene, the Uganda International Fashion Week (UIFW) is back, this time bigger, bolder, and with a deeper purpose.

Set for June 22nd–27th at the Kampala Serena Hotel, the 2026 edition is not just about glamour and runway moments. It signals a powerful shift: fashion as a serious business and a tool for economic transformation.

At the heart of this evolution is a newly launched Creative Economy Program (2026–2028), an ambitious initiative targeting nearly 10,000 young people, most of them women and girls.

Backed by the Mastercard Foundation, the program aims to turn raw talent into real opportunity through hands-on training, mentorship, and direct access to markets.

Founded in 2003 by designer Santa Anzo, UIFW has long been a gateway for Ugandan creatives to step onto the global stage. But now, it’s going beyond the spotlight into workshops, production lines, and boardrooms.

“We don’t just exhibit fashion, we build livelihoods,” Anzo says, a vision that comes alive through a program designed to touch every layer of the fashion value chain, from design and modeling to manufacturing and business development.

This year’s showcase will still deliver the signature flair UIFW is known for, but with a sharper edge, connecting designers to buyers, creatives to investors, and ideas to income.

Organized by ARAPAPA in partnership with the International Trade Centre and Bayimba Foundation, UIFW 2026 is positioning Uganda not just as a fashion destination but as a rising force in Africa’s creative economy.

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As the dust settles on the 10th anniversary of Roast and Rhyme, one thing is becoming clear: Uganda’s festival experience is quietly undergoing a transformation—and it has little to do with the music.

At this year’s edition, organized by Swangz Avenue, the biggest shift wasn’t just on stage. It was in how people moved, paid, and experienced the event itself.

Powered by Stanbic Bank Uganda through its FlexiPay platform, the festival introduced a smoother, largely cashless environment that many revelers are still talking about days later.

For an event long associated with long queues and slow service, this edition felt different.

From buying tickets online to paying for food, drinks, and merchandise in seconds, festivalgoers spent less time waiting and more time immersed in the experience. The difference was subtle but powerful—shorter lines, faster service, and a more relaxed flow across the venue.

And it didn’t go unnoticed.

“It just felt easier this time,” said one attendee, echoing a sentiment shared across social media in the days following the event.

That ease extended beyond convenience. For vendors, the shift to digital payments reduced common headaches—from handling fake notes to scrambling for change or worrying about cash security at the end of the night.

“At events, cash can be stressful,” one vendor explained. “But with digital payments, all those worries disappear.”

The impact reflects a broader trend in Uganda’s events space, where technology is no longer just an add-on—it is becoming central to the experience.

Beyond transactions, FlexiPay introduced timed discounts and happy hour deals, subtly shaping how people spent and interacted within the festival. It wasn’t just about paying; it was about enhancing the overall vibe.

According to Diana Kahunde, Ag. Marketing and Communications Manager at Stanbic Bank Uganda, the bank’s involvement goes far beyond sponsorship.

“Our presence here today is in line with our purpose, ‘Uganda is our home, we drive her growth,’ through powering what is crucial to our clients. Experiences like Roast and Rhyme give us an opportunity to provide solutions that make life easier, more convenient, and more enjoyable,” she explained.

Meanwhile, on stage, the energy remained unmistakably Roast and Rhyme.

Held under the “Reggae Nyam Nyam” theme, revelers showed up in bold crochet fits splashed in red, green, and yellow, setting the tone for a day that blended culture, music, and lifestyle.

Performances from John Blaq, Kalifah Aganaga, and King Saha kept the crowd on its feet, while DJs and live bands carried the momentum from afternoon into the night.

Even threatening rain couldn’t dampen the mood.

But as the music faded and the crowds dispersed, it wasn’t just the performances people remembered. It was how effortless everything felt.

And that may be the bigger story.

Because as Roast and Rhyme celebrates a decade of bringing people together, this year’s edition may also mark the beginning of something else—the rise of a new kind of festival experience in Uganda, where convenience, technology, and entertainment blend seamlessly.

If this is the future, then the days of long queues and cash-only chaos may soon be a thing of the past.

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