Author: Brian Musaasizi

Mbale City, Republic of Uganda and Guiyang City, Guizhou Province, People’s Republic of China today signed a Letter of Intent to Establish Friendly Exchange and Cooperation Relations, paving the way for a future sister-city partnership. The Letter of Intent was signed by Her Worship Joyce Matuka Kidulu, the Mayor of Mbale City, and Mr. Wang Hong, Deputy Secretary of the CPC Guiyang Municipal Committee and Mayor of the Guiyang Municipal People’s Government. The Ceremony was witnessed by Amb. Judyth Nsababera, Consul General of the Republic of Uganda in Guangzhou and Head of the Ugandan Delegation, and senior officials from both…

Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has reduced mountain gorilla tracking fees for international tourists from $800 to $600, while Ugandans and East African nationals will pay Shs300,000, as the authority seeks to boost domestic tourism and increase the benefits of conservation for communities. The $200 reduction comes ahead of the inaugural Mountain Gorilla Festival, scheduled for November 19–22, 2026, in Kisoro District under the theme, “Protecting Gorillas, Empowering Communities”. UWA Executive Director James Musinguzi said the festival aims to strengthen the link between wildlife conservation, tourism and community livelihoods, arguing that conservation cannot succeed unless communities living alongside protected areas benefit…

South African financial services group Nedbank has completed the acquisition of a 66% controlling stake in NCBA Group, marking a major shift in the ownership of one of East Africa’s established banking groups. The transaction, which followed the receipt of the required regulatory approvals, makes NCBA a subsidiary of Nedbank Group Limited. NCBA will, however, retain its listing on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE), with public shareholders holding the remaining 34% stake. The acquisition gives Nedbank a strategic foothold in East Africa, while positioning NCBA to expand its regional operations and strengthen its financial services through the backing of a…

Electric motorcycle company Spiro Uganda says expanding its battery swapping network and supporting riders with maintenance and spare parts will be key to meeting rising demand as more Ugandans switch to electric two-wheelers. Bruce Mucunguzi, the Deputy Country Director Spiro Uganda said the company is integrating solar- and grid-powered mega swapping hubs into its network, with a huge capacity to charge a minimum of 200 batteries to at the same time. Mr. Mucunguzi was speaking at the recently concluded Renewable Energy Conference and Expo 2026 at Kampala Serena Hotel, held under the theme “From Systems to Scale”, organised by the Ministry…

Joyce Nabbosa Ssebugwawo, Minister of State for ICT and National Guidance (Information), on Wednesday officially launched Uganda’s National Data Strategy 2026/27–2030/31 at Mestil Hotel in Kampala, describing the document as more than a policy paper – a shared national direction for managing, protecting, sharing and using data to drive development. “Today, we are not simply launching a document. We are setting a shared direction for how Uganda can better manage, protect, share and use data to drive national development,” the Minister told the gathering of government officials, development partners, private-sector leaders, academia and civil society. She stressed that data is…

dfcu Bank and Rotary have partnered to provide free healthcare services to residents of Kamwokya, Kampala, in a medical camp targeting up to 1,500 beneficiaries, with the initiative combining treatment and screening with efforts to raise awareness about preventable and chronic illnesses. Jimmy Mugerwa, board chairman of dfcu Limited, said the partnership reflects the bank’s commitment to improving people’s lives beyond providing financial services. “At dfcu our purpose is to transform lives and for our customers but also for the businesses in Uganda,” Mugerwa said. He said working with Rotary and healthcare providers offered an opportunity to extend that commitment…

The Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, has urged nursery and primary schools to invest in qualified teachers and safe learning facilities, saying the foundation for producing responsible and productive citizens begins in early childhood. Mayiga made the remarks on Saturday at BackBay Primary School in Kira-Kitukutwe, where he officially opened the institution. “ The people who will contribute meaningfully to the development of our country must be prepared well, starting with the foundation they receive in nursery and primary school,” Mayiga said. He arrived at the school at 11am and was welcomed by the Katikkiro of Busoga, Dr Joseph…

For many Ugandan entrepreneurs, the challenge is no longer finding capital, it is proving that their businesses are ready for it. As financial institutions place greater emphasis on transparency and business performance, the quality of a company’s records is increasingly shaping its ability to secure financing, attract investment and pursue growth opportunities. At the Annual Uganda Social Entrepreneurship and SMEs Conference and Expo in Kampala, financial sector leaders argued that many businesses struggle to access financing not because capital is unavailable, but because they are unable to present a clear and credible picture of their financial position. Speaking during a…

The UTel–Rowad Capital controversy raises questions that deserve answers, but Uganda must distinguish between a failed investment commitment and proven fraud. The recent reports surrounding Rowad Capital Commercial (RCC) and its proposed investment in Uganda Telecommunications Corporation Limited (UTel) have generated strong reactions. But amid the headlines, one important principle risks being forgotten: a commercial dispute should be examined through evidence, contractual obligations and due process—not public anger alone. RCC entered this arrangement with an ambitious proposition: a reported US$225 million investment intended to help revive a national telecommunications company that has struggled for years. The government publicly announced…

The Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (UNCST) has appointed seasoned public relations and communications practitioner Jonan Kiiza as its new spokesperson, placing him at the helm of public communications for the country’s central research and innovation coordinator. Mr Kiiza steps into the role following a prominent tenure at the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL), where he served as the Head of Corporate and Stakeholder Affairs. His public profile rose significantly in 2025 as he managed public engagement during the state-run distributor’s high-stakes transition and takeover of national power distribution from Umeme. Speaking on his transition to the…