Browsing: News

The Makerere University Guild elections have taken an unexpected turn with the entry of Moses Mufakinanye, an Assistant Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Mbarara District and law student. Running under the slogan “The Tsunami: A Solution-Based Government,” he promises to restore the Guild’s integrity, challenge tuition policies, advocate for higher living-out allowances, and push for political inclusivity. His candidacy has sparked debate over his government ties, but he remains confident in his leadership credentials. “My appointment as RDC was a vote of confidence in my abilities. Makerereans should embrace me,” he asserts.

A new study by the Economic Policy Research Centre (EPRC) exposes major gaps in Uganda’s government-supported care services. Despite significant infrastructure investments, access to childcare, healthcare, and disability support remains limited due to long distances, high costs, and entrenched social norms discouraging their use. The report highlights the underutilization of government childcare facilities, with less than 7% of households accessing them, while gender norms continue to place the burden of care work on women. Although the P.O.W.E.R. intervention model helped shift public attitudes toward government-supported care, actual service uptake remains low. Experts stress that policy reform, behavioral change campaigns, and increased affordability are essential for progress.

Uganda’s tourism potential is surging, thanks to remarkable wildlife recoveries and a thriving biodiversity sector. The mountain gorilla population in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park now exceeds 500 individuals, reinforcing Uganda as a top gorilla trekking destination. Elephant numbers have rebounded from a drastic low of 1,900 in 1995 to 7,975 by 2020, while Uganda Kobs have skyrocketed to 175,590, surpassing their 1960 population levels. These successes, coupled with Uganda’s rich biodiversity of over 53% of the world’s mountain gorillas and 11% of global bird species, cement its status as one of Africa’s premier eco-tourism destinations. However, poaching, habitat encroachment, and climate change remain key challenges, underscoring the need for sustainable conservation financing.

The 2024 Annual Performance Report from Uganda’s Directorate of Forensic Services (DFS) reveals a year of technological growth, increased crime scene investigations, and biometric advancements. With over 42,416 crime scenes processed and 2.1 million biometric records handled, the DFS has strengthened its role in supporting Uganda’s criminal justice system. However, persistent challenges such as latent print backlogs, DNA report delays, and staffing shortages highlight the need for further investment in forensic infrastructure. The report also shows a 21% increase in expert court appearances, reflecting the growing importance of forensic science in judicial processes.

Emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) are becoming increasingly popular among Ugandan university students, particularly in institutions like Makerere University. While affordability and accessibility drive usage, experts warn that overuse may lead to serious health complications, including infertility and hormonal imbalances. A recent study highlights the urgent need for improved reproductive health education and peer-led initiatives to bridge knowledge gaps.

The United States’ withdrawal from the Paris Agreement under President Donald Trump has sent shockwaves across the globe, but its impact is especially severe in vulnerable regions like Africa. Uganda, which relies heavily on international climate funding to achieve its 24.7% emission reduction target by 2030, now faces uncertainty in financing crucial environmental projects. The loss of U.S. leadership and funding threatens Uganda’s agriculture sector, a critical part of the economy employing over 70% of the population, while increasing the risks of food insecurity and climate-related disasters.

Uganda’s Supreme Court has delivered a landmark ruling declaring that military courts lack the constitutional authority to try civilians, ending years of legal and political debate. The court found that the structure of military tribunals—where judges lack legal training, have no security of tenure, and operate under executive influence—violates fundamental principles of justice.

The National Drug Authority (NDA) has released its Annual Report for FY 2022/23, highlighting a stellar performance in healthcare regulation. Achieving a 95% impact performance rate, licensing over 14,700 drug outlets, and strengthening drug safety measures, the NDA’s efforts underscore its commitment to ensuring quality healthcare products in Uganda. The report also addresses challenges like stakeholder engagement gaps and outlines a strategic vision for future growth.

Major (Rtd) Gertrude Njuba’s story is one of remarkable courage and resilience. From evading death at a roadblock to playing a key role in the National Resistance Army (NRA), Njuba’s sacrifices during Uganda’s liberation struggle remain a powerful testament to her unwavering dedication. As Uganda marks its 39th Liberation Day, Njuba urges the youth to reflect on the peace they enjoy today, cautioning against taking it for granted. She reminds us that peace is fragile, hard-won, and worth safeguarding, as the lessons of history teach us to cherish every moment of stability.

Unpaid care work in Uganda, including cooking, cleaning, and caregiving, is overwhelmingly performed by women, who dedicate an average of 7 hours daily compared to 5 hours for men. Entrenched social norms, especially in rural areas, reinforce this imbalance, limiting women’s economic opportunities and perpetuating inequalities. While education and urbanization show promise in challenging these norms, the report emphasizes the urgent need for interventions like the POWER model to redistribute responsibilities, engage men as change agents, and improve infrastructure.