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Legal professionals have urged government to scale up investment in legal aid services to bridge the access to justice gap in the country.

This call was made at Parliament on Friday, 06 March 2026 during the Parliamentary Women’s Day breakfast meeting in commemoration of this year’s International Women’s Day.

Justice Catherine Bamugemereire, the Judge of the Supreme Court, who was the keynote speaker at the meeting said it is pertinent that government invests in access to justice through provision of legal aid services.
“Access to justice is not just a loafy idea; we need the Legal Aid Act as soon as yesterday. We must urgently confront the complexities in our legal systems,” Justice Bamugemereire said.

She added that there are still rampant cases of women losing land due to limited access to legal services and therefore, the implementation of legal aid would come in handy to provide free or low-cost legal services for the marginalised and vulnerable people.

Justice Bamugemereire also urged all stakeholders to champion a shift towards gender equity through structural commitments, not polite gestures.
“We must demand a standard where merit is the only currency. Every Ugandan woman deserves to be in an environment that empowers her, where her character is her only strongest credential,” she said adding that, ’we need to build a nation where talent does not know gender boundaries, and stand as we advocate for a future defined by integrity, excellence, hard work and merit’.

Principal Judge, Justice Jane Frances Abodo, who was the guest speaker could not agree more with Bamugemereire on the urgency of legal aid services.

She said that the law is so distant and intimidating for many women and girls and can only be remedied through administration of free legal services.
“We need to scale up investment in state-supported legal aid by enacting the Legal Aid Act, champion paralegal programmes and community legal education,” Abodo said.

According to Justice Abodo, access to justice should not be reduced to mere existence of courts, but rather calls for a proactive approaches that require compelling governance and economic interventions.
“When women and girls cannot access justice, violence goes unreported, unpunished and this creates impunity,” she said.

AUDIO Justice Abodo

During the plenary sitting on 23 May 2023, the National Legal Aid Bill, 2022 was tabled for Second Reading but collapsed after the Committee on Legal and Parliamentary Affairs in its report, recommended that it is stayed because it has a huge financial implication on the Consolidated Fund.

According to the committee report, government requires at least Shs47.6 billion annually to roll out legal aid services across the country. The bill was then returned to the committee for further scrutiny.

AUDIO Speaker Among

At the same event, as an intervention to tackle menstrual hygiene among girl children which leads to school absenteeism, Speaker Anita Among advocated that local companies are supported in the production and distribution of reusable sanitary pads across the country.
“As Parliament, we urge the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development to consider some tax incentives for local manufacturers of reusable sanitary pads in the tax proposals for the financial year 2026/27. Once presented, we shall approve accordingly. This will ensure mass production and affordability,” she said.

Over 1.2 million girls aged 12–18 in Uganda have limited access to sanitary products, water, and private sanitation, leading to high school absenteeism.
Similarly, about 50-70 per cent of school girls use unhygienic materials like rags, soil, or banana fibres, causing infections and stigma.

Like other presenters, Speaker Among acknowledged that despite the milestones registered towards attaining women emancipation in Uganda, there are some of the underlying realities that women leaders must confront through appropriate legal, policy and institutional reforms, behaviour change and attitude reforms.

She noted that women still lag behind on parameters such as, employment, financial inclusion, literacy, school completion rates and access to justice among others.
“Addressing these realities requires responsive and servant leadership. Our gathering here today is part of the process of re-affirming and refocusing our energy as women leaders in improving the plight of women and the girl-child,” she said.

Uganda will celebrate the International Women’s Day on Sunday, 08 March 2026 at the Kololo Independence Grounds under the theme, “Scaling up investment to accelerate access to justice for all women and girls in Uganda”.

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Musician Dax Vibez has expressed doubt about the amendment of the copyright law bill, which has been pending in Parliament for more than two years.

While speaking during an interview on a local television station, the singer laughed off the possibility of the law being amended anytime soon, joking that it might only happen after the return of Jesus Christ.

“I don’t think the copyright law will come anytime soon. In fact, Jesus might return before musicians ever see it working,” he said.

The singer further claimed that even if the law is eventually amended, it may only benefit a few individuals due to political influence.

“If it is ever amended, musicians might first need to go to Rwakitura or even Gulu to affiliate with those in power before benefiting from it,” he added.

His comments come just days after musician and presidential advisor Eddy Kenzo once again promised that the amendment of the copyright law will be delivered this year.

MTN Uganda, through the MTN Foundation and in partnership with Alur Kingdom and leading corporate partners, has commissioned and handed over a newly constructed and fully furnished women and children’s ward at Alwi Health Centre III in Pakwach District.

The investment, valued at over UGX 156.6 million, was delivered through a collaborative effort involving Huawei, GDE, Rak, Enetworks, Soliton, Rontech, Quavatel, Fireside, Coolwave, MTN SACCO, Dynamo, Pavicon, Seagate and Nubly, with several partners contributing both financial and in-kind support.

The project was undertaken in response to a critical need identified during the 2025 21 Days of Y’ello Care initiative, when it emerged that men, women and children were sharing a single inpatient ward due to limited infrastructure. At the time, the facility had only six beds serving between 700 and 800 patients monthly, posing significant health and privacy risks, particularly for mothers and children.

The newly commissioned ward provides dedicated space for women and children and is fully equipped with 16 patient beds and mattresses, IV stands, bedside lockers, privacy screens, wheelchairs, stretchers, oxygen concentrators, suction machines, pulse oximeters, examination couches, refrigerators and other essential medical equipment. The investment significantly strengthens both the capacity and quality of inpatient care at the facility.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Thomas Motlepa, Chief Technology & Information Officer at MTN Uganda, reaffirmed the company’s long-term commitment to strengthening health systems in last-mile communities.

“This ward is about dignity, safety and quality of care,” he said. “When a mother is in labour or a child is admitted for treatment, they deserve an environment designed specifically for their needs. Our commitment as MTN Uganda goes beyond business. It is about enabling progress and investing in the foundations of human development.”

The expansion has already had a measurable impact. Alwi Health Centre III now serves between 2,000 and 2,500 patients per month, reflecting renewed community trust and improved service delivery. The separation of wards enhances infection control, privacy and patient outcomes, while modern equipment enables quicker diagnosis and more targeted treatment.

Given its strategic location along the Pakwach–Arua highway, the facility is now better positioned to stabilise accident victims before referral to higher-level health centres, strengthening emergency response capacity across the district.

The women and children’s ward builds on earlier interventions implemented during the 21 Days of Y’ello Care campaign. In 2025, MTN Uganda and its partners renovated the health centre’s kitchen and sanitation facilities, installed a water-harvesting system to improve access to clean water for expectant mothers, provided internet-connected computers to enhance patient record management, and deployed solar lighting to ensure uninterrupted services during power outages.

District leaders and health officials welcomed the investment, noting that the improvements have significantly enhanced service delivery and strengthened the facility’s relationship with the surrounding community.

Through initiatives such as this, MTN Uganda continues to support the country’s health sector by addressing critical infrastructure and equipment gaps, particularly in underserved communities. Past interventions include the construction of Lela Obaro II Health Centre II in Gulu, alongside material and financial support to health facilities such as Kawempe National Referral Hospital in Kampala, Aroi Health Centre III in Arua, Amach Health Centre IV in Lira, Naboa Health Centre III in Budaka, Kigorobya Health Centre III in Hoima District, Kijura Health Centre III in Kabarole District, and Kamukira Health Centre IV in Kabale, all aimed at strengthening access to quality care.

As part of its corporate responsibility agenda, MTN Uganda remains committed to partnering with the government, development partners, and local communities to deliver sustainable impact and improve livelihoods countrywide.

The MTN Uganda Foundation is a not-for-profit legal entity that was inaugurated in July 2007 as a vehicle through which MTN Uganda implements its corporate social investments (CSI). The Foundation strives to improve the quality of life in communities where MTN Uganda operates in a sustainable way. Its purpose is to bring about meaningful, measurable, and sustainable change that helps disadvantaged and rural communities to become self-sufficient.

With a focus on innovative technology, we aim to uplift communities towards independence in this bold new digital world. The Foundation invests resources for social redress, thus economic empowerment, education, health, and humanitarian response. The Foundation implements projects that are highly enabled by ICT solutions.

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When Ugandan singer songwriter Joshua Baraka stepped into the studio in 2024 to record a new track, he had no idea that a last minute title suggestion would later feel almost prophetic.

The song was finished. The vibe was right. But it had no title.

According to Baraka, the recording session had stretched late into the night and everyone was ready to call it a day. As the team prepared to leave the studio and get some sleep, producer Axon casually suggested they simply name the track “Morocco,” even though the word appears only once in the entire song.

“We made Morocco in 2024. In the whole song I only say ‘Morocco’ once. When we were closing the project to go sleep, Axon suggested we call it Morocco since we were stuck on the title,” Baraka explained.

At the time, the choice felt random, just a quick decision to wrap up the session and move on.

Months later, however, it was announced that the next edition of the Africa Cup of Nations would be hosted in Morocco, turning what seemed like a simple studio moment into an eerie coincidence.

For Baraka, the unexpected connection made the story of the song even more memorable. What began as a spontaneous title suggestion suddenly felt like fate.

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A series of daring night operations across the Kampala Metropolitan area has led to the arrest of 90 suspects suspected of robbery, theft, narcotics trafficking, and other criminal activities, sending shockwaves through the city’s crime underworld.

SP Kawala Racheal, Police spokesperson for Kampala Metropolitan Police (KMP), said the operations were intelligence-driven and strategically coordinated across multiple hotspots in the city and surrounding districts.

In Mukono District, residents of Bajjo can now breathe a little easier after police swooped in on an unfinished house at around 3:00 a.m. on 5th March 2026. The operation targeted a gang allegedly attacking locals both day and night. Police recovered six motorcycles believed to have been used in recent robberies and arrested nine suspects, including six who were found hiding inside the house.

“The residents had reported repeated attacks, and intelligence revealed the gang was hiding in an abandoned building. Our team acted swiftly to prevent further crimes,” SP Kawala said.

Meanwhile, in Kira Division, officers swooped on suspected narcotics dealers in Mbalwa, Namugongo. Three suspects were caught red-handed while processing opium into sticks, allegedly preparing the narcotics for sale to criminal elements.

In Katwe Division, along Salama Road and the Kisangani slums, police operations netted 64 suspects. The crackdown targeted areas notorious for robberies, thefts, and other criminal activity. SP Kawala noted that the operations focused on deterring repeat offenders and disrupting organized criminal networks.

On 4th March, officers faced heavy rains and traffic congestion but remained undeterred while patrolling Mukwano Roundabout and the Punjani stretch. The deployment aimed at catching thieves who exploit traffic jams to snatch phones, bags, and car parts from motorists and pedestrians.

Operations in Nakawuka, Entebbe, added another 14 suspects to the growing list of apprehensions.

In total, 90 suspects were arrested in these coordinated night raids. All are in police custody pending prosecution, as authorities continue investigations into their involvement in criminal networks.

SP Kawala Racheal said the importance of community cooperation in the success of these operations.

“These arrests are a clear message to criminals: we are watching, and we will act decisively. The public’s intelligence has been key in helping us locate these offenders and recover stolen property,” she said.

Police are now urging residents to remain vigilant, report suspicious activity, and support ongoing security efforts, assuring that proactive policing will continue to safeguard communities across Kampala and its neighboring districts.

“The operations show that Kampala Metropolitan Police is committed to fighting crime head-on. We will continue to pursue criminals relentlessly to ensure that our city is safe for all residents,” SP Kawala added.

As the world marks International Women’s Day, Uganda joins the global community in celebrating the women with the theme  “Scaling up Investment to Accelerate Access to Justice for all Women and Girls in Uganda,” Over the past decades, Uganda has made notable progress in promoting women into positions of authority from Parliament and cabinet ministries to district leadership and public institutions. These gains were not accidental, they were the result of deliberate policies, advocacy by women’s movements, and the determination of generations who believed that women must have a voice in shaping the future of the nation.

However, celebrations such as International Women’s Day also offer a moment for reflection. As Ugandans celebrate women’s achievements, an important question emerges towards how effectively are women in leadership using their positions to advance justice, peace, and the protection of citizens’ rights?

Many citizens hoped that increasing the number of women in positions of power would bring stronger advocacy for social justice and human dignity. Women leaders are often viewed as voices for families, communities, and vulnerable populations. They carry the expectation that their leadership will reflect empathy, fairness, and courage when national challenges arise. Yet during times when the country faces serious political and social concerns, many citizens feel that these voices are not always as strong or visible as expected.

Uganda continues to face complex political and social realities that affect ordinary families. In some cases, families struggle with the consequences of prolonged legal and political disputes that leave parents detained for extended periods while awaiting resolution through the justice system. When a parent is absent due to imprisonment without timely judicial processes, the impact extends beyond the individual to children, spouses, and entire communities. Women leaders, many of whom understand the role parents play in holding families together, are uniquely positioned to advocate for fairness, transparency, and efficiency within legal systems.

At the same time, broader political tensions have, over the years, shaped Uganda’s social and economic landscape. Citizens often look to leaders especially those trusted to represent marginalized voices to encourage dialogue, fairness, and accountability in governance. Women leaders can play a critical role in strengthening public trust by standing firmly for justice and promoting peaceful engagement when national disagreements arise.

International Women’s Day is also a reminder of the everyday struggles faced by many women across the country. Workplace harassment, insecurity in communities including domestic violence, and limited access to legal protection remain challenges that affect girls, Women’s dignity and economic independence. When such issues persist, the presence of Women in leadership becomes even more significant. Their voices can influence laws, shape policies, and push institutions to respond more effectively to the concerns of Girls Women and Families.

The experiences of Women working in informal sectors further illustrate the importance of responsive leadership. In urban centers such as Kampala, many street vendors are Women who rely on small-scale trade to support their families. A significant number are single mothers or young mothers striving to provide food, education, and stability for their children. While city authorities must manage urban order and regulation, policies that affect livelihoods should also consider social realities. Women leaders have the opportunity to advocate for balanced solutions that protect both city planning goals and the survival of vulnerable families.

Ultimately, the question is not whether women are present in leadership positions, Uganda has made clear progress in that regard. The real question is how these positions are used to strengthen justice, defend human rights, and build trust in public leadership. Representation alone is not enough, meaningful leadership requires courage, independence of thought, and a willingness to speak when society faces difficult moments.

International Women’s Day should therefore be more than a celebration. It should also be a reminder of responsibility. Women in leadership hold to transform governance by promoting fairness, and accountability. Their voices can help bridge divisions, protect vulnerable citizens, and strengthen confidence.

As Uganda celebrates International Women’s day, the country also looks to its women leaders with hope and expectation. By standing up for justice, peace, and the protection of families, they can reinforce the values that inspired the struggle for gender equality in the first place. In doing so, they will not only honour the spirit of International Women’s Day but also help build a balanced and trusted leadership for the future of Uganda.

The author is a social development specialist and CEO Bridge your mind Centre.

Email: bwani.jose@gmail.com

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Jamaican dancehall star Vybz Kartel has publicly denied any involvement in the rumored May 2026 East African tour that had been circulating in various reports and promotions.

The alleged tour, which was being promoted as the Talanta East Afrika Festival, was expected to take place in Kampala, Kigali, and Nairobi.

In a lengthy statement shared on social media, Kartel dismissed the reports as unauthorized and potentially fraudulent, urging fans to only trust information released through his verified platforms.

“It has come to my attention that a post is circulating claiming that I will be embarking on an East African tour in May 2026.
Let me be absolutely clear: neither my management nor I have any knowledge of, or involvement in, any such tour. No East African shows have been announced or confirmed by my team.
Any individuals, promoters, or platforms claiming to be booking or advertising these shows are acting without authorization and are misleading the public. Fans, promoters, and venues are strongly advised not to engage with or send money to anyone making such claims, as these may be scams,” he wrote.

The dancehall singer further emphasized that all his concerts and appearances are only announced through his official channels.

Kartel also warned that anyone fraudulently using his name to promote events will face serious consequences.

“For the avoidance of doubt, all official announcements regarding Vybz Kartel appearances and tours will come directly from my verified platforms or from my authorized representatives only.
As a reminder, the only individuals authorized to speak on my behalf are my manager, Linton T.J. White, and my attorney, Jason Mitchell. Anyone falsely using my name to promote unauthorized events will be dealt with accordingly,” he added.

His statement comes just a day after allegations spread online claiming he would be touring East Africa in May this year.

The Minister for Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Judith Nabakooba, has raised concern over persistent challenges surrounding land registration in Uganda, urging churches and other institutions to prioritise surveying and formal registration of their properties to prevent disputes and encroachment.

Speaking during Uganda’s national observance of the Women’s World Day of Prayer at St. Nicholas Orthodox Cathedral, Nabakooba said many religious institutions across the country continue to face risks of losing land due to a lack of proper documentation.

The global day of prayer, marked by Christian women in more than 150 countries, was this year led by Nigeria. In Uganda, the event was hosted by the Uganda Orthodox Church under the umbrella of the Uganda Joint Christian Council (UJCC), which brings together the Orthodox Church, the Roman Catholic Church and the Church of Uganda.

While addressing the gathering, Nabakooba emphasised that beyond spiritual reflection, the event also presented an opportunity to address pressing national challenges, including land management and the protection of church property.

Nabakooba said the Ministry of Lands has increasingly received complaints involving church land being encroached upon, illegally occupied, or contested in courts due to inadequate documentation.

According to the minister, many churches historically acquired land through donations from communities or traditional leaders, but never completed the formal processes required to secure legal titles.

“This has left several church properties vulnerable to encroachers and opportunistic land grabbers who take advantage of the absence of proper land documentation,” she said.

She explained that surveying and registering church land would provide legal protection and ensure such properties remain available for community services such as schools, health facilities, and worship centres.

“Proper land documentation is essential in protecting church property from encroachment and disputes. When church land is surveyed and legally registered, it safeguards the heritage of the church and ensures that these assets can continue serving communities for generations,” Nabakooba said.

Government–Church Partnership

The minister noted that the government values its partnership with religious institutions, which she described as critical in promoting social transformation, peace and unity in society.

She said the church has historically played an important role not only in spiritual guidance but also in education, healthcare and community development.

Because of this influence, Nabakooba urged church leaders to actively support government initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of citizens.

“Government remains committed to working with religious institutions to improve the well-being of our people. The church has always been a strong partner in promoting values of unity, peace and social transformation,” she said.

In addition to land issues, Nabakooba encouraged churches to mobilise their congregations to embrace the government’s Parish Development Model (PDM), which aims to transition Ugandans from subsistence livelihoods into the money economy.

The program supports income-generating activities at the parish level through financial assistance and community development initiatives.

Nabakooba said churches can play a major role in creating awareness about the program and encouraging participation among members.

“The church has a powerful influence within our communities. By encouraging members to participate in the Parish Development Model, the church can help many families access financial support, start small enterprises and improve their livelihoods,” she said.

She added that economic empowerment at the household level strengthens families and ultimately contributes to national development.

Addressing Challenges Facing Women

The minister also used the occasion to acknowledge the challenges faced by many women and families across the country, including gender-based violence, economic hardship and limited opportunities.

She said the Women’s World Day of Prayer should inspire not only spiritual reflection but also practical actions aimed at addressing these challenges.

“As we gather in prayer and reflection, we must also acknowledge the challenges that many women and families across our country continue to face. Events such as this remind us that faith must inspire action,” she said.

Nabakooba commended the Orthodox Church mothers’ group for using the platform to highlight issues affecting women and mobilise support for empowerment initiatives.

She described the effort as a demonstration of faith translated into meaningful action.

“I am particularly encouraged to learn that the Orthodox Church Mothers Uganda are using this platform not only for prayer but also to highlight critical issues affecting women and to mobilise support for women’s empowerment initiatives,” she noted.

Meanwhile, Nabakooba urged believers to use the gathering as a moment for spiritual renewal and renewed commitment to serving others.

She said the day’s reflection was guided by the Biblical message from Matthew 11:28, which calls on those who are weary and burdened to seek rest in faith.

“These words speak to all of us, especially women who often carry many responsibilities within our families, communities and places of work,” Nabakooba said.

She called on Christians to translate the spirit of prayer into practical efforts that promote justice, peace and prosperity in Uganda.

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