The Air Force Chief General Kigundu has tragically passed away in a bathroom incident, confirms the Uganda People’s Defense Forces officials.

The Ugandan military community is mourning the unexpected loss of Brigadier General Stephen Kiggundu, the Deputy Commander of UPDF Air Force. According to an announcement made by Defence and Military spokesperson Brigadier General Felix Kulayigye, Gen Kiggundu tragically passed away in a bathroom accident at his official residence in Entebbe.

Reports suggest that Gen Kiggundu was in good health throughout the day until the evening when the unfortunate incident occurred. Although details surrounding the accident are still unclear, sources indicate that it may have been an electrocution accident while he was taking a shower. The circumstances of the accident are under investigation.

Brigadier General Kiggundu, who previously served as the commander of the Soroti Air Force wing, was promoted to his current position in November 2022. His appointment as Deputy Chief of the UPDF Air Force came during a reshuffle that saw significant changes in the leadership of the Air Force, including the promotion of Major General Charles Okidi to the rank of Lieutenant General as the new Air Force chief.

Gen Kiggundu’s tenure as Deputy Commander of the UPDF Air Force coincided with efforts to address challenges faced by the national defense, including reducing the number of crash accidents and strengthening air force capabilities. Despite the tragic loss, there has been a notable decrease in the frequency of crashes under his leadership.

Brigadier General Kulayigye expressed the profound impact of Gen Kiggundu’s passing on the UPDF fraternity and the Uganda Peoples Defence Forces Air Force. He noted that Gen Kiggundu’s services were invaluable, especially during a time when his leadership was essential for enhancing air force capabilities.

The sudden demise of Brigadier General Stephen Kiggundu has left a void in the Ugandan military community, and his contributions to the UPDF Air Force will be deeply missed. As investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding his untimely death, the military community mourns the loss of a dedicated leader and extends its heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues.

In the latest updates from President Museveni’s reshuffling of Cabinet Ministers, the Parliamentary Appointments Committee appears reluctant to proceed with vetting the newly appointed ministers. This reluctance stems from delays in receiving their documents and concerns that the allotted time for processing these ministers is insufficient.

Among the newly appointed ministers slated to appear before the parliamentary panel is Gen Wilson Mbasu Mbadi, who assumes the role of Minister of State for Industry and Cooperatives, responsible for trade, alongside Phiona Nyamutoro appointed as State Minister for Mineral Development.

Others include Balam Byarugahara appointed as the Minister of State for Gender, Labour and Social Development (Youth and children Affairs), Lilian Aber will serve as Minister of State Office of the prime minister in charge of Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees the prime Minister.

Minister Phiona Nyamutooro appointed as the designated Minister of State for Energy and Mineral Development (Minerals) by the Appointments committee.

However, a conflict has arisen regarding the processing of these new ministers, with members of the parliamentary processing committee openly stating that they were not afforded sufficient time to conduct adequate research on these incoming members.

Kalungu West legislator Joseph Gonzaga Ssewungu, along with fellow opposition members of the Parliamentary Appointments Committee, has declared their intention to abstain from the ruling process. They cite insufficient time allotted for ministerial investigations as the primary reason for their decision.

“The letter was written on a Saturday, a day when Parliament does not convene. Drawing from my experience in Parliament, I promptly contacted the clerk to inquire why I was being summoned to a session and where the reports and documents pertaining to the newly appointed ministers were located.”

“He mentioned that there hasn’t been any documentation received thus far, emphasizing the need for us to collect all necessary documents within four days for thorough scrutiny and analysis to verify their authenticity,” expressed Ssewungu.

Furthermore, he expressed concern over the prospect of parliament members approving the ministers’ names without ensuring the proper legal processing of their documents.

Ssewungu highlighted that the parliamentary committee has repeatedly requested documentation for the appointment of new ministers, yet they consistently fail to receive them promptly. This recurring issue has led to a situation where committee members approve the new ministers without proper procedures, similar to their recent handling of Electoral Commission members.

“It would be the second instance of committing errors,” remarked Ssewungu, “as the parliament has approved Simon Byabakama as the Chairman of the Electoral Commission without proper procedural validation. Unfortunately, members of the parliament only cited their personal relationships, stating, ‘These individuals are our close acquaintances, and we have been in close association with them.'”

Before assuming the role of Minister of State for Industry and Cooperatives (Trade), Gen Wilson Mbasu Mbadi served as the Commander of Uganda Army forces (CDF), holding the position for three years starting in 2021. Prior to his CDF tenure, he served as the deputy commander of Uganda forces from 2017 to 2021. Between 2007 and 2012, he acted as President Yoweri Museveni’s personal bodyguard.

Minister Phiona Nyamutooro held a position representing the youth in the Ugandan parliament after serving as the deputy guild president of Makerere University from 2015 to 2015. Balam Byarugahara, appointed as the Minister of State for Gender, Labour, and Social Development (Youth and Children Affairs), is recognized as a businessman and organizer of events. Lilian Aber serves as the Woman Member of Parliament representing Kitgum.

Ministers who have been transferred from various roles will no longer be required to appear before the parliamentary Appointment committee as they have already undergone scrutiny during their initial term.

Tragedy struck Lake Bunyonyi as two women and an infant lost their lives in a devastating boat incident over the weekend. Racheal Naturinda and her precious 5-month-old baby, known affectionately as Grant, along with Lehonelia Kesande, perished when their boat capsized during a violent hailstorm.

The heart-wrenching incident unfolded on Saturday, with witnesses recounting how the small vessel, carrying five occupants, was engulfed by hailstorms and buffeted by fierce winds around 3 pm. Steven Kabarebe, a witness to the tragedy, described the harrowing scene of the boat struggling in the tumultuous waters. Despite his valiant efforts to aid in the rescue with another canoe, it was a race against time, and tragically, they arrived too late to save Naturinda, Grant, and Kesande.

Local communities in Kabale District, joined by the Police Marine Unit, mobilized a search operation on Sunday, initially holding out hope for a miraculous rescue. Elidad Kalanzi, the chairman of Murandi Village, received the distressing news and confirmed the loss of three lives in the ill-fated boat journey.

The beauty of Lake Bunyonyi, nestled within the south-western districts of Kabale, Rubanda, and Kisoro, is renowned, cherished not only by Ugandans but by the nation as a whole. Adorning the nation’s currency from 2004 to 2009, its tranquil waters and picturesque islands weave tales of serenity and wonder.

Yet, beneath its serene facade lies the reality of peril, as locals navigate its waters for survival. George Asiimwe, a concerned resident, appealed to the government for essential safety measures, emphasizing the critical need for life jackets and reliable engine boats. For those dwelling along its shores, traversing Lake Bunyonyi is not merely a journey but a lifeline fraught with peril.

Echoing Asiimwe’s plea, Kigezi Sub-region police spokesperson, Elly Maate, affirmed ongoing efforts to locate the victims, underscoring the collaborative spirit between law enforcement and local communities. Sadly, such tragedies are not uncommon on Lake Bunyonyi, where lives are lost, and livelihoods hang in the balance.

As the search continues, the haunting reminder of the fragility of life resonates across the tranquil waters of Lake Bunyonyi. Amidst its breathtaking beauty lies a call to action, urging authorities to ensure the safety of those who rely on its waters for sustenance and survival. Only through concerted efforts and unwavering commitment can the shores of Lake Bunyonyi truly offer solace and security to those who call it home.

Kakwenza Rukirabashaija, a Ugandan novelist and lawyer born on October 1, 1988 and his writtings has earned him many stances of recognition. These includes, “The Greedy Barbarian” and “banana republic: Where Writing is Treasonous”. His satirical writing has earned him recognition, including the prestigious English PEN 2021 Pinter International Writer of Courage Award.

Two years have elapsed since the renowned Ugandan author Kakwenza Rukirabashaija fled from Uganda. A legal practitioner, advocate for freedom, and skilled poet, Kakwenza attained global acclaim when one of his literary works secured the prestigious accolade for outstanding writers worldwide.

He fled Uganda, purportedly passing through Rwanda en route to Germany, where he remains to this day.

Among his literary works are “Greedy Barbarian,” “Banana Republic,” and “Savage Avenger,” which allegedly led to his frequent detentions and mistreatment by Ugandan authorities. Law enforcement apprehended him and coerced him into elucidating the content of his writings.

On April 13th, 2021, Kakwenza faced arrest subsequent to publishing his book titled “Greedy Barbarian,” which authorities in Uganda deemed as targeting and defaming certain leaders. Although initially freed, he was once more detained on September 18th, 2021, by security forces following the release of his subsequent work, “Banana Republic where writing is deemed treasonous.”

Kakwenza Rukirabashaija, upon his release from incarceration, immediately denounced the Ugandan authorities, alleging that he had been subjected to torture in clandestine detention facilities.

Subsequently, he resumed his online activism via various social media platforms, including Twitter. However, on December 28, 2021, he was apprehended on charges related to sharing inappropriate quotations and directing insults towards the President of Uganda and his eldest son, Muhoozi Kainerugaba.

“He’s alleged that on 24th, Rukirabashaija using his twitter handle without any purpose of legitimate communication, repeatedly abused the president” police spokesperson Enanga said.

Kakwenza initially endured imprisonment in undisclosed locations, but eventually faced charges in court. During his trial, he recounted being subjected to severe torture by security personnel.

“I suffered brutal beatings, torture, and mockery at the hands of the security forces. I am constantly gripped by intense fear; at times, merely encountering an army officer makes me want to flee. Even when I’m driving and spot a drone, I feel compelled to abandon my vehicle,” Kakwenza revealed.

He recounted being drugged while in the safe houses, stating, “The medical report indicates numerous bodily issues. It’s unclear whether I was poisoned, as they administered injections every six hours along with seventeen tablets and capsules. I’m unsure of the substances they injected, so I need to seek medical attention in either Germany, USA, or Canada.”

During his time in the safe houses, he encountered government officials who attempted to convince him to cease his writing endeavors. They urged him to retract his statements and issue an apology.

“I knelt down and I apologized though I apologized on gunpoint, it was not from my heart, but it was lipsticked but not a real apology from me, Kakwenza added.

During that time, he expressed that his family experienced a pervasive sense of anxiety. He recounted how his children pleaded with their mother to enroll them in boarding schools out of concern. Consequently, he was granted bail by the court, yet when he requested his passport from the judge, it was denied. His intention was to travel to Germany to collect the prestigious Pen Penta International award, which he had earned as the top writer of 2021.

He explained to the court the importance of obtaining complete medical treatment in Germany for the injuries he sustained.

He mentioned that the judge declined to return his passport, indicating a possible alliance between the judge and the individuals who subjected him to torture.

The court’s unexpected response was that Kakwenza would receive adequate medical treatment for all his required medications in Uganda, a proposition Kakwenza strongly opposed.

In a swift turn of events, the media was taken aback by the news of Kakwenza’s departure from Uganda and his subsequent journey to Germany via Rwanda.

Currently, the prevailing question on everyone’s lips pertains to the method by which Kakwenza successfully evaded capture and made his way to Germany despite lacking his passport.

It was astonishing! Not even his legal advisors were aware of the expedition. In spite of all the challenges he endured, he recommitted himself to documenting the atrocious methods of torture in Uganda and the poor governance prevalent in the country.

“I am going to write more books even I have one in my head about this previous torture. I still have my hands, I still have my brains I have my knowledge so no one can stop me from writing what I want to write against injustice, against impunity, he says.

Recently Kakwenza in an exclusive interview with American channel news called the Voice of America, he explained what made him ran away from Uganda. “I decided to leave the country illegally so as to get medical attention,” Kakwenza lamented.

On Voice of America, when questioned about the allegations of impunity and brutal forms of torture, Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni stated that while he was aware of the reports, investigations into the matter were ongoing.

Currently, Kakwenza’s legal team remains unconvinced about his return to Uganda, citing that it ultimately depends on his willingness to come back. Meanwhile, in Germany, Kakwenza continues to utilize his platforms to denounce the oppressive Ugandan government and its cruel methods of torture.

Currently, the cartoonist continues to highlight and expose corrupt sectors within the Ugandan government. Most recently, Kakwenza has been depicting individuals involved in the mabaati scandals, where roofing materials intended for distribution in Karamoja were instead misappropriated. It’s in this context that Kakwenza has coined the moniker “Mabaati thief” for Annet Anita Among, the Speaker of the Ugandan Parliament.

Presently, he is accompanied by Jim Spire, a fellow university educator who also dabbles in cartooning. Spire took the lead in organizing the “Kampala Pothole exhibition” in Kampala. However, Spire’s journey is far from over, and it remains uncertain whether he is aware of or has familiarized himself with Kakwenza’s plight.

Might be he learnt nothing and forgot nothing about Kakwenza’s ugly forms of torture!

The former Leader of Opposition in Parliament (LoP), Mathias Mpuuga, has declined the National Unity Platform’s (NUP) call to resign his position as parliamentary commissioner.

Robert Kyagulanyi Sentamu, the leader of the National Unity Platform, acknowledged during a press conference in the party courtyard that he had been browsing X, formerly known as Twitter, when he came across the trending hashtag #Parliament Exhibition.

The exhibition unveiled and brought to light corrupt government officials, including Speaker of Parliament Annet Anita Among and other NRM lawmakers implicated in the misappropriation of public funds.

Kyagulanyi revealed that he was taken aback by the involvement of his deputy and the vice president of the National Unity Platform, Mathias Mpuuga Nsamba, who previously held the position of Leader of the Opposition and serves as the legislator for Masaka Mukungwe, in corrupt activities.

The total sum of 500M UGX was a real tribute that was sent personally to Mpuuga. Kyagulanyi says when he asked Mpuuga about the scandal, Mpuuga accepted and said he involved in the corruption scandal.

He proceeded to disclose that he convened with his fellow party leaders, including the Party General Secretary, to deliberate on Mpuuga’s affairs. Subsequently, they initiated an investigation and determined that Mpuuga had been found guilty as charged.

Kyagulanyi consequently summoned his colleague to elucidate the unfolding scandals, prompting Mpuuga to disclose his involvement in the corruption debacle. Subsequently, Kyagulanyi and his associates expressly counseled Mpuuga to judiciously consider the trio of options presented to him;

1-To take back the money which was equivalent to 500M UGX back to the government.

2-To stand in front of their supporters and humbly seek forgiveness from them.

3- To resign from the seat of Parliament commissioner.

According to the recent communication from the NUP, it appears that Mpuuga has opted for the third choice of stepping down. However, what has added an amusing twist to the situation is that in his formal response to his party’s letter, Mpuuga refuted the accusation of resigning from his position.

“I decline the cowardly call on me to resign- Mpuuga alerted.

Recently, there has been a shift in leadership within the LoP, with rumors swirling around the departure of one personality and the ascension of Joel Ssenyonyi to take their place.

My attention has been drawn to an unsigned document purportedly attributed to my party, the National Unity Platform, calling for my resignation, inter alia, based on falsehoods and terrible misapprehension of facts, including basic ones,” Mpuuga said.

“I accordingly decline the cowardly call on me to resign as a parliamentary commissioner, based on spite, envy, and deliberate misrepresentation. The general public is aware and alive to the internal intrigue and machinations unfortunately within this young party over the last two and a half years, during my occupation of the coveted office of the LOP. It became the official style of different party leaders to undermine my work, including the hiring of bloggers to abuse and insult my person,” he said.

The Bukoto South MP Twaha Kagabo blames NUP leadership for mishandling Mathias Mpuuga’s issue, saying it should have been kept private

According to Twaha Kagabo a member of NUP who of these days move with the new Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), says, what NUP did in dismissing Mpuuga was childish.

What comes to your mind fellow Countrymen!

The National Unity Platform (NUP) has asked Masaka Municipality MP Mathias Mpuuga to resign from his position as parliamentary commissioner following his admission to receiving 500 million shillings.

On Thursday, President Robert Kyagulanyi, the NUP Party president convened a meeting with senior party leaders after corruption allegations surfaced against several NUP officials, including Mpuuga, the former Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, and other commissioners, according to a statement released by the NUP secretariat.

The allegations implicated Mpuuga and other commissioners in irregularly allocating large sums of money to themselves under the guise of service awards, with Mpuuga reportedly receiving 500 million shillings.

The NUP press statement, indicated that the senior legislator Mpuuga admitted to have been part in the said allocation of money and apologized for the same.

“At the meeting, Rt. Hon. Mpuuga admitted that he indeed took part in this wrongdoing and apologized for the same. In light of this, he was strongly advised that the moral thing to do in the circumstances is to step down from his role as parliamentary commissioner with immediate effect,” reads part of the statement.

“The nation will recall that the values of the National Unity Platform are discipline, reliability, inclusiveness, integrity, patriotism, and service. All actions of corruption and abuse of office go contrary to these values.”

For the past four days, internet has been awash with an online protest led by Makerere Don, Dr. Spire Ssentongo, and other activists using the hashtag #Uganda Parliament Exhibition to expose the abuse of office and gross management of public affairs in Parliament.

In the exhibition, several allegations have been made against the speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, and Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, as well as the ruling NRM Members of Parliament and the opposition MPS.

Among the allegations made include these top officials fraudulently lobbying for their relatives to secure jobs in Parliament and engaging in corruption deals to unlawfully enrich themselves.

On Monday, Chris Obore, Director of Communication and Public Affairs said that Parliament had acknowledged the exhibition and said that they were actively studying the specific concerns raised.

“Parliament acknowledges concerns raised in the ongoing #UgandaParliamentExhibition on the institution. Though the discussion is laden with distortions, in the spirit of openness, accountability, and transparency, we are duty-bound to study the specifics of all concerns and conclusively address them.” reads a statement Obore posted on X (Former Twitter).

The Minister for State for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Oryem Henry Okello, and Her Excellency Mrs. Fatima Fernandes Juarez, non-resident Ambassador of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela held a bilateral meeting on February 29, 2024.

The meeting, held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kampala, marked a pivotal moment in fostering bilateral relations between Uganda and Venezuela, their mutual commitment to enhancing diplomatic ties and exploring avenues for collaboration across various sectors.

Minister Okello and Ambassador Juarez expressed optimism about the prospects of deepening cooperation between Uganda and Venezuela. Their discussions were centered on areas of potential cooperation, with a focus on agriculture, security, culture, tourism, and oil and gas. Both sides acknowledged the significance of leveraging their respective strengths to promote sustainable development and mutual prosperity.

In particular, they highlighted their intention to establish a Joint Permanent Commission later this year, underscoring the importance of regular high-level engagements to advance shared interests.

They emphasized the importance of fostering robust partnerships that contribute to the socio-economic advancement of both nations and underscored the role of diplomacy in addressing global challenges.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to further strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation between Uganda and Venezuela. Both parties look forward to the forthcoming Joint Permanent Commission and the opportunities it presents to deepen bilateral engagement and explore new avenues of collaboration.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) ordered a total of €52 million (about Shs 221 billion) compensation towards the thousands of victims of former Lord’s Resistant Army (LRA) rebel commander Dominic Ongwen.

In an amended decision made on Wednesday, the judges at the Trial Chamber IX noted that the reparation will be made collectively to the victims given the magnitude of the atrocities and the number of victims.

The judges noted that an estimated 49,772 direct and indirect victims of Ongwen’s atrocities will benefit from the reparation order.

Ongwen was convicted by the ICC to a 25-year jail term in 2021 for a total of 61 crimes comprising crimes against humanity and war crimes, committed in Northern Uganda between July 1, 2002, and December 31, 2005. He is currently serving his jail term in Norway where he was transferred in December last year.

The judges however in the reparation decisions noted that Ongwen is not in a position to pay the victims and asked the Trust Fund for Victims to foot the compensation cost.

The ICC registry has since been ordered to start the identification and registration of the victims for reparation in Northern Uganda within 30 days of the reparations decision.

The judges also rallied the ICC member state countries and well-wishers to financially support the Trust Fund for Victims which is currently cash-strapped.

Ongwen is the first senior LRA commander among the five indicted by the ICC in 2005 to have been captured, tried, and sentenced to jail over war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Northern Uganda. LRA leader Joseph Kony remains in hiding.

ICC prosecutor Karim Khan last year however asked judges for authorization to hold a hearing to confirm the charges against Kony in his absence. Kony is suspected of allegedly committing 36 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity between 2002 and 2005 in northern Uganda.

The ICC has however terminated proceedings against Raska Lukwiya, Okot Odhiambo, and Vincent Otti who were involved in the arrest warrants.

The recent torrential rainfall at Kyambogo University not only drenched the campus but also brought down a venerable symbol of Uganda’s educational heritage: a majestic Canarium tree, affectionately known as Muwafu in central Uganda. This tree, steeped in over 150 years of history, held a profound significance as the site where pivotal moments in Uganda’s educational and cultural evolution unfolded.

Legend has it that beneath the sprawling branches of this ancient Muwafu tree, the 30th King of Buganda, Walugembe Muteesa I, once convened with the renowned American explorer Henry Morton Stanley. It was here that a historic letter was penned, extending an invitation to Anglican missionaries, a missive that would ultimately shape the trajectory of formal education in Uganda.

The fall of this historic tree not only marked the loss of a tangible link to the past but also stirred reflections on the importance of preserving cultural heritage and fostering critical thinking. For archaeologists at Kyambogo University, the felling of the Muwafu tree served as a poignant reminder of the fragile yet enduring connections between the past and the present.

In 1877, inspired by Muteesa’s letter, the first cohort of Christian missionaries embarked on a journey to the Buganda Kingdom under the auspices of the Church Missionary Society (CMS). Their arrival heralded a new era of educational enlightenment, as they introduced both Christian teachings and formal schooling to the region.

The significance of the Muwafu tree extended beyond its role in facilitating historical meetings and correspondence. Situated within the grounds of the Banda Palace, the tree bore witness to pivotal moments in Uganda’s history, including the famed encounter between Muteesa I and European explorers John Speke and James Grant in 1862.

Recognizing the profound cultural and educational legacy embodied by the Muwafu tree, stakeholders at Kyambogo University rallied to preserve its memory. Plans to construct a Teacher Technical Education Building were reconsidered, with calls for the site to be commemorated as a symbol of Uganda’s educational roots.

Prof. Elizabeth Kyazike, an archeologist at Kyambogo University, underscored the tree’s significance, emphasizing its role as a beacon of educational heritage. “We are proud of this tree because it is the beginning of our formal education,” she remarked, advocating for the preservation of its legacy.

Dr. Stephen Kasumba, who bore witness to the tree’s collapse, echoed these sentiments, calling for the establishment of a museum to honor its memory and safeguard its historical significance. His plea was echoed by Mr. Moses Jjuuko, President of the Kyambogo University History, Archaeology, and Heritage Students Association, who emphasized the tree’s broader cultural importance.

As efforts to preserve the memory of the Muwafu tree gain momentum, the university administration has pledged to replant a new sapling in its place. Additionally, plans are underway to study the fallen tree’s remains and collaborate with the Buganda Kingdom to ensure that its legacy endures.

In reflecting on the loss of this venerable symbol, Buganda Kingdom Prime Minister Charles Peter Mayiga remarked, “That is the tree under which Kabaka Muteesa I sat when he was writing the letter to Queen Victoria in 1875.” His words serve as a poignant reminder of the enduring legacy of the Muwafu tree and its pivotal role in shaping Uganda’s cultural and educational landscape.