Browsing: News

Following the tragic landslide at the Kiteezi dump site and recent leadership changes, Uganda is actively searching for a new head for the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA). The next leader will face significant challenges, from infrastructure crises to budget constraints, as Kampala strives to meet the demands of its growing population.

As Uganda pushes to end HIV/AIDS by 2030, the country has made significant progress, reducing new infections from 68,000 to 38,000 and AIDS-related deaths from 30,000 to 20,000. However, key vulnerabilities remain, particularly among women and adolescent girls, with 22,000 new cases reported in females aged 15-24. With campaigns like the upcoming national HIV/AIDS symposium and the “Wear the Red Ribbon” initiative, Uganda is stepping up its fight, but continued efforts are essential to meet the 2030 goal.

The Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) is grappling with a growing backlog of 1,521 pending cases, exacerbated by severe budget shortfalls and the withdrawal of development partner funding. The Auditor General’s report highlights regional disparities and the government’s underfunding, raising concerns over the Commission’s ability to deliver justice. Recommendations for alternative dispute resolution and increased government support are critical to resolving the crisis.

As Uganda prepares to celebrate International White Cane Day, the government, along with civil society, is spearheading efforts to raise awareness and funds to provide 10,000 white canes for persons with visual impairments. The initiative, themed “A White Cane for Every Blind Person,” aims to enhance independence, mobility, and access to essential services for Uganda’s visually impaired community. A marathon, “Run for the Blind,” will headline the event, calling on the public to “walk the talk” in supporting accessibility and inclusion for all.

The lecturers’ strike at Makerere University has entered its fifth day, leaving many students stranded as key colleges remain shut. With exams approaching, students express growing frustration over missed classes and uncertain futures. While some colleges continue with lectures, others remain closed, creating a stark divide on campus.

Dr. Crispus Kiyonga’s tenure as Makerere University Chancellor began amidst turmoil, as the Makerere University Joint Staff Associations initiated a strike over unresolved salary harmonization issues. The withdrawal of labor has disrupted lectures and other university operations, casting a shadow over the new chancellor’s installation. Staff demand full payment of UGX 12.6 billion in salary adjustments and protest against what they view as unfair demotions. The standoff threatens to escalate tensions on campus, affecting students and staff alike.

The Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) has extended the deadlines for submission of Continuous Assessment (CA) scores for UCE and UACE candidates. Heads of schools are urged to submit the required scores by October 30, 2024, for Senior Four and November 15, 2024, for Senior Three. UNEB emphasized that candidates without CA scores will not be graded, underlining the critical importance of meeting the new deadlines.

President Yoweri Museveni hailed Dr. Crispus Kiyonga as an outstanding NRM leader during his installation as the 8th Chancellor of Makerere University. The ceremony also marked the reopening of the refurbished Ivory Tower, which had been destroyed by fire in 2020. Dr. Kiyonga, a Makerere alumnus, pledged to strengthen the university’s ties with the government and drive transformation in Uganda.

At the International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI) commemoration, held at Makerere University, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi emphasized the critical need to bridge information gaps between the Ugandan government and its citizens. He announced the launch of a new TV program, “The FrontPage,” aimed at educating the public on the roles of various ministries. The event also highlighted concerns about restricted access to information, the role of journalists, and the digital transformation’s impact on public engagement.

Uganda’s Cabinet has approved the National Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) Policy, which aims to position the country as a leading outsourcing destination in Africa. This groundbreaking policy is expected to generate 100,000 new jobs, offering a significant boost to youth employment and driving economic growth.