They say a party is only as good as the energy in the air. On Saturday night, the Bbosa Hostel courtyard made sure that energy was nothing short of legendary as the Smirnoff Fiesta reached Nkozi.
From the early evening, the ground became a Smirnoff Fiesta playground in a space dedicated to self-expression and party. Strangers became teammates over ping pong and foosball, while squads claimed their moment with the photo props and photo booths.
Speaking in Nkozi, Smirnoff Brand Manager, Raymond Karama said, âItâs moments like these that remind us why the fiesta keeps raising the bar. The energy, the music and the crowd as they made this all theirs. Thatâs the âWe Do Weâ spirit in motion.â
Early birds were treated to a smooth entry into the Fiesta spirit as DJ Nelly took up the decks with MC Ursh Trey handling the hype policy. Nkoziâs very own TrellyOnset then joined MC Ursh Trey as the home crowd loved every moment with Kachumbali getting some airplay as  the party crowd danced in formation to celebrate the song by a local icon.
Revellers shared shots of Smirnoff and toasted with chilled Smirnoff ice, the line between spectator and participant completely blurred.
The atmosphere peaked when Josh MC gave the rallying call for âEtania⌠We Wanna Party.â What happened next was pure cinema. Hundreds of students who had been watching from the hostel balconies (as the ultimate VIP section) rushed downward in a massive wave to have a closer look to the star who represents their collective audacious spark.
And Etania delivered. For the next hour, her mix mastery was perfectly matched by her footwork and dance routines, but the real show was the crowdâs synergy. The singing in unison and shared rhythm really defined the night.
As Etania left the stage, the crowd took her âno leaving the venueâ mantra to heart. DJ Wiz J and Josh Mc then slid into the driverâs seat and kept the party going.
The night energy kept popping off well into the early morning with giveaways to Etaniaâs upcoming show, âBecoming the Life of the Party.â Winners were announced, sending fresh bursts of excitement through the crowd and reminding everyone that the party doesnât stop here; it just moves to Lugogo on April 4th.
The fiesta rolled on with the twin duo of DJ Kibs and MC Khurts till streaks of daylight started to fall on the grounds. With one on the decks and another on the mic, they tag-teamed the night away and proved that even the music moves better when you share the load. If the wave in Nkozi is any indication, Makerere is in for quite the treat as the Fiestas return to Kampala on the 28th of March.
They say a party is only as good as the energy in the air. On Saturday night, the Bbosa Hostel courtyard made sure that energy was nothing short of legendary as the Smirnoff Fiesta reached Nkozi.
From the early evening, the ground became a Smirnoff Fiesta playground in a space dedicated to self-expression and party. Strangers became teammates over ping pong and foosball, while squads claimed their moment with the photo props and photo booths.
Speaking in Nkozi, Smirnoff Brand Manager, Raymond Karama said, âItâs moments like these that remind us why the fiesta keeps raising the bar. The energy, the music, and the crowd made this all theirs. That’s the ‘We Do We’ spirit in motion.”
Early birds were treated to a smooth entry into the Fiesta spirit as DJ Nelly took up the decks with MC Ursh Trey handling the hype policy.
Nkoziâs very own TrellyOnset then joined MC Ursh Trey as the home crowd loved every moment with Kachumbali getting some airplay as the party crowd danced in formation to celebrate the song by a local icon.
Revellers shared shots of Smirnoff and toasted with chilled Smirnoff ice; the line between spectator and participant was completely blurred.
The atmosphere peaked when Josh MC gave the rallying call for âEtaniaâŚÂ We Wanna Party.â What happened next was pure cinema.
Hundreds of students who had been watching from the hostel balconies (as the ultimate VIP section) rushed downward in a massive wave to have a closer look at the star who represents their collective audacious spark.
And Etania delivered. For the next hour, her mix mastery was perfectly matched by her footwork and dance routines, but the real show was the crowdâs synergy. The singing in unison and shared rhythm really defined the night.
As Etania left the stage, the crowd took her âno leaving the venueâ mantra to heart. DJ Wiz J and Josh Mc then slid into the driver’s seat and kept the party going.
The night energy kept popping off well into the early morning with giveaways to Etaniaâs upcoming show, âBecoming the Life of the Party.â Winners were announced, sending fresh bursts of excitement through the crowd and reminding everyone that the party doesn’t stop here; it just moves to Lugogo on April 4th.
The fiesta rolled on with the twin duo of DJ Kibs and MC Khurts till streaks of daylight started to fall on the grounds.
With one on the decks and another on the mic, they tag-teamed the night away and proved that even the music moves better when you share the load. If the wave in Nkozi is any indication, Makerere is in for quite the treat as the Fiestas return to Kampala on the 28th of March.
A shocking audit into the operations of the Electoral Commission has laid bare a catalogue of financial and administrative failures that have thrown the countryâs election managers into fresh controversy.
The explosive findings from the latest report by the Office of the Auditor General for the financial year 2025 reveal that the electoral body has been operating under weak policies, questionable financial decisions and delayed reforms, raising concerns about whether those entrusted with managing Ugandaâs elections are properly doing their job.
The audit shows that the Commission entered the financial year already weighed down by domestic arrears amounting to UGX10.49 billion as of July 1, 2024. Although the Commission managed to settle UGX9.28 billion, representing 88 percent of the arrears, a balance of UGX1.21 billion remained outstanding by June 30, 2025, raising fresh questions about financial discipline within the institution responsible for managing the countryâs democratic process.
The report indicates that despite receiving significant funding for its strategic objectives, serious governance gaps persist. The Commissionâs Strategic Plan, whose cost estimate stood at UGX1.77 trillion, was funded at 95 percent, with UGX1.76 trillion realised during the implementation period. Yet auditors say the Commission had still not finalised a new draft strategic plan aligned to the National Development Plan IV by its commencement date of July 1, 2025, resulting in delays in aligning the institutionâs operations with national priorities.
âThis delayed alignment undermines effective planning and implementation of the Commissionâs mandate,â the Auditor Generalâs report states.
Even more alarming was the discovery that the Electoral Commission lacks a formal policy to guide the management of election materials, an issue that experts say could expose the countryâs electoral process to risks ranging from logistical confusion to accountability gaps.
Auditors also uncovered serious weaknesses in the Commissionâs technology governance. According to the report, the draft Information Technology policy had remained unchanged since 2013, leaving the institution operating with outdated digital management guidelines.
The policy, auditors say, only offers general IT planning guidelines and lacks detailed procedures for task execution, does not provide guidance on data retention periods, fails to outline protocols for archiving and accessing historical election data, does not establish technical criteria for onboarding IT vendors, and lacks provisions related to environmental considerations.
âThese weaknesses limit the Commissionâs ability to properly manage its information systems and safeguard electoral data,â the audit notes.
The report also raised concerns about how the Commission handled funds allocated to political organizations. During the financial year, the Commission transferred UGX44.99 billion to fund activities of political parties across the country. However, auditors found that there was no standard reporting guidance on how the parties should submit budgets and accountabilities, making it difficult to ensure transparency or compare financial information among the beneficiaries.
Another troubling revelation concerned delays in procurement approvals. Auditors discovered that four procurements worth UGX2.16 billion took between 27 and 32 days to receive clearance from the Solicitor Generalâs office after submission.
In an even more controversial development, the Commission paid UGX26.2 billion to the National Housing and Construction Company Ltd without a contract or proportionate deliverables, raising red flags about accountability for public funds.
Auditors further noted that no contract manager had been appointed to supervise the works that had already been paid for, leaving billions of shillings exposed to possible misuse.
Financial management within the Commission also came under scrutiny. Out of total warrants amounting to UGX556.37 billion, the Commission spent UGX470.64 billion, representing an absorption level of 85 percent. While seven outputs worth UGX89 billion were fully implemented, six outputs worth UGX325.78 billion were only partially implemented, raising questions about whether taxpayers received value for the massive expenditure.
EC GAMBLES ON KAMUGISHA AS SECRETARY
These audit revelations emerge against the backdrop of years of turbulence inside the Electoral Commissionâs leadership.
Ahead of the 2021 General Elections, the institution was rocked by a major purge when the government dismissed its long-serving Secretary Sam Rwakoojo following corruption allegations.
President Yoweri Museveni reportedly ordered the removal not only of Rwakoojo but also several other senior officials including Jotham Taremwa, Pontius Namugera, and Godfrey Wanyoto, in a dramatic shake-up at a time when the country was preparing for national elections.
Rwakoojo was later succeeded by Leonard Mulekwah, but the controversy did not end.
In October 2024, Mulekwah was sent on forced leave amid similar corruption allegations after the Inspectorate of Government reportedly implicated him and other senior officials in questionable financial practices, further eroding public confidence in the Commission.
The crisis deepened in January 2025, when Mulekwah and five other senior election officials were suspended to pave the way for investigations into alleged financial mismanagement and irregular utilization of funds.
But as the dust settled, it became clear Mulekwahâs days at the Commission were effectively over.
In a fresh leadership twist, the Electoral Commission has now gambled on a new secretary.
The Commission recently announced the appointment of Richard Baabo Kamugisha as the new Secretary effective March 4, 2026, after he had been serving in an acting capacity since late 2024.
âThe Electoral Commission has appointed Richard Baabo Kamugisha as its new Secretary effective 4th March 2026,â the Commission said in a statement issued on March 10, 2026.
As Secretary, Kamugisha becomes the Accounting Officer and head of the Commissionâs technical wing responsible for overall management of the institution.
âAs Secretary to the Commission, Kamugisha is also the Accounting Officer and the Head of the Technical Wing (Management) of the Commission,â the statement explained.
Kamugisha is no stranger to the Commission. Having joined the institution in 1999, he has risen through the ranks serving as District Registrar and District Returning Officer, Head of Field Operations Department and Director of Operations.
âA very experienced and distinguished election management expert, Kamugisha has served the Electoral Commission since 1999,â the Commission noted.
Under the Electoral Commission Act, the Secretary serves a five-year term renewable once.
Yet his appointment has already stirred debate within governance circles.
Sources within the election management fraternity say Kamugisha was part of the previous management teams under both Rwakoojo and Mulekwah, raising concerns about whether the Commission is genuinely reforming or simply recycling insiders.
âSome people feel the Commission should have looked outside the institution for new leadership,â one source familiar with the internal dynamics told Red Pepper. âThe new Secretary has been part of the previous corrupt system.â
In the aftermath of the 2026 general elections, analysts warn that the issues highlighted by the Auditor General must be addressed urgently if the Commission is to restore public confidence.
âThe Electoral Commission sits at the heart of Ugandaâs democracy,â a governance expert observed. âIf the institution managing elections struggles with policy gaps, financial management and internal accountability, the implications are serious.â
For now, all eyes are on the Commissionâs new leadership to see whether the latest gamble on Kamugisha will stabilize the institution â or whether the storm exposed by the Auditor General will deepen.
Ugandaâs largest and most luxurious resort- Speke Resort and Commonwealth Resort Munyonyo, has unveiled special Easter Weekend staycation packages with discounted accommodation and access to a wide range of leisure facilities.
The offers shall run from Holy Thursday- April 2, till Easter Monday- April 6, will offer families, couples, groups of friends and individuals a chance to enjoy a relaxed Easter getaway.
During this period, Deluxe rooms will go for $139 (about Shs 523,000), Executive Rooms at $250 (about Shs 941,000), and Double Deluxe Rooms at $188 (about Shs 707,000).
Other accommodation options will also be available at special rates. The Garden Villa is priced at $399 (about Shs 1.5 million), the Studio Room at $225 (about Shs 847,000), and the Superior Room at $250 (about Shs 941,000).
Guests can also opt for the Executive Suite at $436 (about Shs 1.6 million) or the Junior Suite at $330 (about Shs 1.2 million).
For those seeking a more premium experience, the resort is offering its top-tier options, including the Presidential Cottage, at $498 (about Shs 1.9 million) and the Presidential Suite at $684 (about Shs 2.6 million).
All packages are inclusive of taxes and are offered on a full-board basis, meaning guests will receive breakfast, lunch and dinner. Visitors will also have access to the Easter Sunday Brunch, as well as facilities such as the swimming pool, gym, steam and sauna.
For bookings or inquiries, guests can contact the resort management via +256752711714 or +25641422711, or email reservations@spekeresort.com
The Centre for Integrated Community Development Uganda has launched a new initiative aimed at accelerating community livelihoods and tourism development in Buhweju District.
The Livelihood Development Accelerator (LDA) Program was unveiled during the BuhwejuâKampala Networking Dinner held at Kingdom Kampala on Saturday, March 7, 2026. The event attracted hundreds of participants from across Uganda, as well as representatives from Algeria, under the theme âAmplifying Buhweju to the World through Sustainable Growth and Community Empowerment.â
Speaking as chief guest, Benard Mujuni Makuba, a Commissioner for Equity and Human Rights at the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, urged communities to harness their cultural heritage and natural resources for economic transformation.
âWe have a rich history in Buhweju and Uganda as a whole. We should monetize our ecology and heritage. Buhweju can be opened up for tourism if we package it well for the international market,â Makuba said.
He also encouraged innovators and local entrepreneurs to take advantage of government programs supporting the creative industry.
âThere is growing government support for creative industries. Communities must prepare themselves and take advantage of these opportunities. Gatherings like this create networks that can open greater opportunities for success,â he added.
Benard Mujuni Makuba- Commissioner at the Ministry of Gender Labour and social development
The keynote speaker, Arinaitwe Deo Rugyendo, who was also appointed to the CICD-Uganda board during the event, commended the organizationâs Chief Executive Officer Jonan Nduhuura for his efforts in promoting tourism and community development in Buhweju.
Dr. Rugyendo described Buhweju as a region with strong cultural and ecological significance, noting his own historical connection to the area.
âMy connection to Buhweju is sentimental. My grandparents migrated from Rubanda to this region over 200 kilometers away. Buhweju is not just a gold corridor but also an ecological treasure with forests and rivers,â he said.
He called on communities and leaders to rethink how tourism resources are managed and promoted.
âTo transform tourism in Buhweju, we must move beyond being objects of resource extraction and become active drivers of development. This requires deliberate marketing, awareness and collective branding of our heritage,â Rugyendo said.
Dr. Rugyendo giving a key note address
Human rights expert and social entrepreneur Nathan Mwesigye Byamukama also reflected on Buhwejuâs development prospects, noting that despite its natural wealth, the district has remained relatively isolated for many years.
He highlighted past community efforts to improve infrastructure such as public roads and urged leaders to safeguard community investments.
âLocal leaders must remain accountable for public and civic achievements. Roads and other social services that have been developed through community contributions must be protected and maintained,â Byamukama said.
Former Woman Member of Parliament aspirant for Buhweju District Alison Ayetoraniire Byamukama, who previously served on the CICD-Uganda board, praised the initiative and pledged continued support toward the districtâs transformation.
âBuhweju is richly blessed with natural resources. With unity and consolidated efforts, we can transform tourism and other sectors. However, identity politics, religious divisions and tribalism have slowed progress. If we want meaningful development, these divisions must stop,â she said.
Former NRMWoman MP flag bearer-Alison Ayetoraniire Byamukama
In his remarks, CICD-Uganda CEO Jonan Nduhuura thanked partners and community members who have supported the organizationâs work over the years. He noted that although Buhweju has enormous tourism potential, progress has been slowed by limited investment and community engagement.
During the event, Nduhuura officially announced the appointment of Dr. Rugyendo to the board of the organization, re-affirming commitment to boost marketing, branding and media engagement of CICD-Uganda towards transforming the tourism sector.
He also raised a concern on transforming local communities from the grassroots.
âWe call upon government, civic organizations and citizens to invest back home and support inclusive development not only in Buhweju but across Uganda,â Nduhuura said.
The Centre for Integrated Community Development Uganda is a non-profit and non-governmental organization operating in Buhweju District. It was founded in 2016 by Jonan Nduhuura and other associates as a grassroots initiative aimed at supporting underprivileged rural communities.
The organization focuses on empowering children, youth, and women through programs in poverty alleviation, education, environmental protection, and human rights advocacy. CICD-Uganda also champions tourism and cultural promotion, including the Buhweju Ecotourism and Cultural Initiative, launched in 2023 by Martin Mugarra Bahinduka.
The recently launched Livelihood Development Accelerator Program is expected to support initiatives in tourism, entrepreneurship and community empowerment as part of efforts to position Buhweju as a growing development hub in western Uganda.
Ugandan singer Rickman Manrick has revealed that his relationship with media personality Sheilah Gashumba is now largely professional following their past romantic relationship.
Speaking in a recent interview, Rickman said the two still communicate from time to time, mainly when it involves work opportunities.
He cited a recent incident when someone preparing to open a bar on Good Friday approached him seeking Sheilah Gashumbaâs contact so she could host the event.
Rickman said he reached out to her to relay the request, after which she shared her hosting fee and he passed the information back to the interested party. He explained that such interactions now define the nature of their relationship, which he described as mostly business-related.
Despite their breakup, the singer said he remains grateful for the role Gashumba played in shaping his career.
Rickman noted that the events host supported and guided him during the early stages of his music journey, helping him access major entertainment platforms such as Blankets and Wine.
According to him, Gashumba was among the people who encouraged him and helped him navigate opportunities in the industry.
Asked whether he would still perform at an event organized by her, Rickman said he would be open to the idea if the opportunity came up.
Media personality Prim Asiimwe says she would be open to dating singer A Pass, but there is one obstacle she wouldn’t bypass.
In August 2023, netizens were left in total confusion after photos that seemed to suggest singer A Pass and radio presenter Prim Asiimwe had held a pre-marriage ceremony went viral.
Netizens believed that the two, after continued rumors of them dating, had finally decided to make it official.
That, however, wasn’t the case after it was revealed that the photos were taken at A Passâs sister, Maureen Asiimwe’s traditional marriage ceremony.
Uganda is updating its copyright laws with the new Copyright and Neighbouring Rights (Amendment) Bill 2025 to better protect artists and creators.
The changes aim to modernise the law and bring it in line with international standards, ensuring that people who create music, art, and other content can benefit fairly from their work.
The bill recognises how technology has changed the way creative content is made, shared, and sold. It includes new rules for digital platforms and telecommunications services, giving artists more ways to earn money from their work.
For example, the bill introduces a revenue-sharing system for caller ringback tonesâthe music you hear instead of a regular ringing sound when calling someone. Under this system, 60 percent of the money earned goes to the creators, while telecom companies and service aggregators receive smaller shares.
Another proposal would obligate broadcasters to pay extra royalties to artists whenever their music or audio-visual works are used for commercial purposes.
The law also expands the powers of the High Court to handle copyright disputes and introduces a quasi-judicial process to resolve issues more efficiently. This is designed to tackle long-standing problems like piracy and the unauthorised use of creative works, which have made it hard for Ugandan artists to earn a fair income.
Officials from the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) believe these reforms will strengthen the creative industry by giving creators stronger legal protection and more opportunities to monetise their work. The government sees the creative sector not just as culture and entertainment, but also as an important contributor to the economy, providing jobs and encouraging innovation.
Overall, the bill is a step toward ensuring that artists and creators in Uganda can fully benefit from their talent in a modern, digital world.
Bell Citrus has officially launched its Bell Zesty Tours, kicking off the nationwide campus party series with an electrifying event at Garden Courts Hostel in Kikoni, near Makerere University.
The launch marked the beginning of a tour aimed at bringing the refreshing taste of Bell Citrus together with campus entertainment, as the brand seeks to connect with university students across Uganda.
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The Zesty Tours will travel to several universities, introducing students to a mix of music, games, and interactive experiences while promoting the citrus-flavoured beer.
Students at the Garden Courts launch were treated to live performances, DJ sets, and product sampling, setting the tone for what organizers say will be a season of vibrant campus events.
According to Lillian Kansiime, the Brand Manager of Bell Citrus, the tour is designed to celebrate the bold energy of student life.
âWith the Zesty Tours, we are creating a space where students can discover and enjoy a beer that fits their bold and fun lifestyles,â Kansiime said during the launch.
She added that starting the tour at Garden Courts helped the brand tap into the lively atmosphere that defines Kampalaâs university culture.
DJ Search targets rising campus talent
A major highlight of the tour is the Bell Citrus DJ Search, which invites aspiring student DJs to showcase their talent at different tour stops.
Participants will perform during open deck sessions, where students and partygoers will help identify the best talents. Winners will receive mentorship opportunities and potential brand affiliation.
Kansiime said the search aims to discover DJs who embody the brandâs âFlavour for your Flavourâ spirit.
Music and entertainment light up the launch
The Garden Courts event featured energetic performances from Ugandan artists Ffefe Busi and Dax Vibez.
The night also saw electrifying DJ sets from Dreadlazer, Nyowe, and DJ Bugy, giving students a taste of the kind of music experience expected throughout the tour.
Beyond music, attendees also participated in immersive games and video challenges, with several students walking away with prizes during the sampling sessions.
Next stop: Nkozi
After the high-energy launch at Makerere, the Bell Zesty Tours will continue to other campuses across the country.
The next stop is scheduled for Nkozi on March 28, with additional university destinations expected to be announced soon.
Organizers say the tour aims to create a movement that blends campus culture, music, and social experiences, giving students a platform to celebrate creativity while enjoying the brandâs signature citrus flavor.
Police in Adjumani District have arrested a prison warder following the death of a colleague after a controversial herbal treatment at Openzinzi Prison.
The arrested officer, Kibedi Yese, is helping police with investigations into the death of 30-year-old Wegumba Mathaeus, a fellow warder at the facility.
According to North West Nile Regional Police Spokesperson SP Collins Asea, the incident is linked to a stolen motorcycle belonging to another warder, Ogwok Daniel, reported earlier in May 2026. To identify the alleged thief, Ogwok reportedly brought a witch doctor, Emmanuel, into the prison on March 12 around 1:00 PM.
Police say the witch doctor administered herbal medicine to several warders as part of a ritual aimed at uncovering the culprit. The treatment, however, caused severe reactions in three officers, who were rushed to the prison clinic for emergency care.
Two warders recovered, but unfortunately, Wegumba Mathaeus did not survive the complications and died at the prison.
Following the death, police were notified and responded promptly. Kibedi Yese was arrested, and the body of the deceased was taken to Adjumani General Hospital mortuary for a postmortem.
Authorities confirmed that both Ogwok Daniel and the witch doctor Emmanuel are currently at large, and a manhunt has been launched to apprehend them.
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