President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni recently extended the term of Justice Simon Mugenyi Byabakama, maintaining him as the chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC). This decision, outlined in a letter to Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among on January 5, signals the president’s confidence in Byabakama’s leadership.

Hajjati Aisha Lubega was also reappointed as the deputy chairperson, and Stephen Tashobya will continue to serve as a commissioner.

Additionally, the president made new appointments, introducing four commissioners to the Electoral Commission. Among them are Dr. Sallie Simba Kayunga, a lecturer at Makerere University, Robert Kasule Ssebunya, former Nansana Municipality MP, Anthony Akol, former Kyoga County MP, and Pamela Etonu Okudi, the former acting head of administration at the Electoral Commission.

To complete the process, both the retained and newly appointed commissioners will present their CVs to Parliament for thorough vetting and confirmation.

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has shared a heartening update on social media regarding his wife, Janet Kataaha. Following her recovery from COVID-19, the president and the First Lady reunited for a walk at their home in Rwakitura before heading to Kampala.

Museveni emphasized the importance of regular walks, especially uphill, for Janet’s overall health, noting that it contributes to improved oxygen circulation in the body.

This reunification comes after President Museveni announced that Janet Museveni had tested positive for COVID-19 a few days after Christmas celebrations. The couple’s shared commitment to physical well-being and resilience is evident in their post-recovery activities.

In a recent development, the Local Council elections have witnessed an extension of their term of office by an additional 180 days, effectively prolonging their tenure until early July 2024. This decision was reached following the presentation of statutory instruments on the floor of the House, a move orchestrated by the Minister for Local Government.

The Speaker, Anita Among, chaired the session during which the Minister for Local Government was tasked with laying out the statutory instruments for House approval. Notably, these instruments had received Cabinet’s secondment before the initial term of office for the Local Councils I and II and Women Councils expired on January 5.

The Speaker emphasized that the government had initially proposed a six-month extension on July 28, 2023, citing a lack of funds as the primary reason for not conducting elections for new office-bearers at that time. With the 180-day extension set to conclude on January 5, 2024, the Minister for Local Government issued this additional extension on December 29, 2023, ensuring compliance with the timeframe. The documents have been fully gazetted and laid on the table for retrospective approval.

Government Chief Whip, Hamson Obua, and Minister for Gender, Labour and Social Development, Betty Amongi, played crucial roles in tabling the new statutory instruments for the extension of the term of office for the Local Councils and Women Councils, respectively.

However, this decision faced opposition from Busiro County East MP Medard Sseggona, who challenged the new statutory instruments, arguing that under no circumstances should a statutory instrument amend the principle legislation. Sseggona asserted that the term of office for Local Councils is fixed at five years.

In response to these concerns, the Attorney General, Kiryowa Kiwanuka, clarified that the amendment allowing for the statutory instruments was in line with provisions in the Local Government Act Cap 243. This highlights the legal basis for the extension and attempts to address reservations raised by critics of the decision.

In a remarkable turn of events, Mathias Mpuuga, the outgoing Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, has officially handed over the reins to Joel Ssenyonyi, the Nakawa East Member of Parliament. This significant transition comes as part of the National Unity Platform’s commitment to a peaceful transfer of power and a rejuvenation of leadership within the party.

As the National Unity Platform (NUP) charts its course in Ugandan politics, they continue to advocate for principles that stand against overstaying in power, dictatorship, and the challenges posed by the long-serving NRM party. The party, led by President Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, has been vocal in its pursuit of a political landscape characterized by fairness, accountability, and a commitment to the well-being of the people.

In line with their commitment to democratic values, the NUP has implemented a constitutional amendment limiting members of parliament to only two terms. This move has led to the departure of experienced figures like Mathias Mpuuga Nsamba, making way for fresh perspectives and new leadership.

The newly appointed Leader of the Opposition, Joel Ssenyonyi, takes on this responsibility with a pledge to continue the fight for human rights and address pressing issues in Parliament, particularly those concerning political prisoners. His vow to strike a balance among opposition parties reflects a commitment to unity in the face of shared challenges.

Mpuuga, who served as the Leader of the Opposition for one and a half years, graciously handed over the office to Ssenyonyi. The transition was met with cheers and applause from both opposition and government legislators, acknowledging Mpuuga’s contributions to the parliamentary proceedings during his tenure.

In his parting words, Mpuuga expressed his support for Ssenyonyi and urged him to navigate the intricate political landscape with wisdom and fairness. The atmosphere within the parliament was one of camaraderie and respect, as members from across the political spectrum lauded Mpuuga’s service and welcomed Ssenyonyi to his new role.

With this seamless transfer of leadership, the National Unity Platform continues to shape a narrative of political maturity and commitment to democratic ideals. The eyes of Ugandans remain on the evolving political landscape, as Ssenyonyi steps into his role with a determination to champion the cause of human rights and address pressing issues facing the nation.

Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia founder and chairman of the Ruparelia Groups, has once again secured the top among Uganda’s wealthiest entrepreneurs, as per the latest 2023 ranking.

Despite facing significant economic challenges such as commodity price, inflation, global monetary tightening, and international supply chain disruption, Uganda’s entrepreneurial activity is rapidly regaining momentum.

The World Bank’s growth, despite substantial challenges, has been driven by increased entrepreneurial endeavors. The individuals with business acumen are notably, leveraging the rapid advancement of ICTs.

This article delves into Uganda’s top-tier entrepreneurs who are spearheading the economy’s ascent to high growth levels. Affluent individuals have made substantial contributions to the country’s economic ways:

They possess a diverse portfolio of large enterprises that employ a significant number of Ugandans, thus alleviating unemployment pressures and enhancing the lives of many by providing job opportunities.

Some of the employees have utilized a portion of their earnings to initiate their ventures, thereby broadening the country’s Indus-trial foundation. Furthermore, the substantial venture owned by these high-profile entrepreneurs contribute significantly to government tax revenue, thereby augmenting the state’s income sources.

Below are the Uganda’s top Wealthiest entrepreneurs as 2023.

1. Sudhir Ruparelia

Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia, the founder of the Ruparelia Foundation, has invested predominantly in banking, insurance, education, broadcasting, real estates, floriculture, hotels and resorts.

He has consistently topped this list, renowned for everlasting his wealth from a $ 25,000 savings accured during his time hustling in the United Kingdom.

Upon returning to Uganda in the mid-1980’s, initially as a beverages merchant  and later as a foreign currency dealer, he assumed the role of chairman at the Ruparalia Group, a conglomerate overseeing Kampala’s most effluent businesses.

2. John Bosco Muwonge

A discreet billionaire, Muwonge prefers operation behind the scenes, maintaining a low profile and rarely making public appearances.

3. Karim Hajri

As the CEO of Imperial Hotels and the pivotal figure behind the Dembe Group of Companies, Karim Hirji holds the distinction of being Uganda’s third wealthiest individual.

His Dembe Group of Companies has merged as a significant conglomerate in Uganda, surprising observers through its subsidiaries, notably the imperial Groups of Hotels. Karim Hirji’s estimated net worth stands at $ 750 million.

4. Hamis Kiggundu

Popularly known as Ham, is the CEO and founder of Ham Enterprises ltd, which boasts ownership of Ham Tower and Ham Shopping Grounds in Kampala. He has solidified a multi-million dollar empire by engaging in extensive real estate’s holdings, all aimed at fostering prosperity.

Ham also stands as Uganda’s foremost philanthropist, largely through his charitable organization, Ham foundation. He has reinvested proceeds from his business ventures into constructing additional commercial buildings and luxury housing complexes.

Notably a $ 49 million redevelopment project is underway at the magnificent Nakivubo stadium in Kampala. Ham owns a $ 5 million mansion on Lake Victoria’s shores, reported as one of equipped with impressive amenities such as a helicopter pad, swimming pool, basket court, indoor cinema, and twenty-five bedrooms.

Ham is dedicated to realizing his vision of Ham Agro Bank, alongside establishing the agro-processing industry headquarters at his industrial complex on AK right Entebbe Road.

Additionally, he is developing ‘Ham Palm Villas,’ a luxury residential estate spanning 500 fully serviced modern houses across approximately 200 acres of land, positioning it as Uganda’s largest luxury residential community.

5. Charles Mbire

Charles Mbire spends sleepless nights thinking about how to make an abnormal dime and it is for this reason that he is on this list.

His major dealings are in cement manufacturing, transportation agribusiness, Pharmaceuticals, telecommunications, real estates, energy and finance.

6. Sikander Lalani

Dr. Sikander Lalani a prominent businessman, serves as the managing director at roofing’s Group. Initially a histopatholigst in Uganda, he shifted his focus to become an industrialist known for his thriving investments in steel manufacturing.

In 1994, due to the outbreak of genocide in Rwanda, he abandoned his business there and sought refuge first in Tanzania and later in Uganda. Leveraging support from the World Bank and syndicated loans, he rapidly established a steel manufacturing conglomerate in Uganda.

His conglomerate, which includes Roofings Limited (1995), Roofings Rollings (2009), and Roofings Polypipes (2010), produces a wide range of steel products across the East and Central African region.

7. Drake Lubega

Known for owning a vast array of high-end businesses and commercial buildings in down town Kampala, Drake Lubega is renowned for continuously building or acquiring properties valued at $ 7 million or less every six months, solely for rental purposes

Among his properties are Qualicel Bus Terminal, Total Building, Kikuubo Buildings, Nakivubo Blue Buildings, Mini price Buildings and Elite Secondary School in Bwebajja.

8. Gordon Wavamunno

Most of Gordon Wavamunno’s wealth is believed to have originated from his automotive business, particularly associated with the ownership associated with the ownership speer house and speer motors, his automotive company.

9. Patrick Bitature

He is the founder and CEO of the Simba Group of Companies primarily based in East Africa. Patrick Simba Telecom Ltd, holds the distinction of being Uganda’s primary MTN airtime distributor.

His current estimated net worth is around $ 100 million, with interests spanning hospitality energy, real estates, procurement, logistics, and other sectors.

10, Mukesh Shukla

Originally from Arua, Mukesh is the proprietor of the Shumuk Group of Companies, a conglomerate consisting of over 10 entities.

His estimated net worth stands at $ 100 earned through various individual companies in sectors such as aluminum cooking utensils, milk processing, money lending, and stock exchange bureaus.

Surprisingly involved in politics, Mukesh sustains his wealth through investments in real estates, manufacturing transportation and agriculture.

Pastor Aloysius Bugingo of House of Prayer Ministries International has reportedly been shot in Kampala.

It has been reported that Bugingo has been attacked by gunmen along Bawalakata Road in Namungoona, a Kampala suburb Tuesday night. The attack has left his bodyguard assistant Muhumuza Richard dead.

The Uganda Police has released a press release confirming the incident and has said that unidentified assailants opened fire on Pastor Bugingo’s vehicle, registered as PRAIZ GOD, along Namungoona, Zone 2, Kasubi, Rubaga Division, Kampala at Bwalakata Junction along National Housing Road.

According to the Uganda Police officials, Bugingo sustained little bruises and was rushed to Mulago National Referral Hospital on Tuesday night where he is receiving treatment.

The Senior Presidential Advisor in charge of Special Operations, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has demanded a swift investigation into circumstances under which his close friend and supporter was attacked.

While twitting on his X-media, Muhoozi said, “Once again we urge the law enforcement agencies to quickly investigate and bring these criminals to justice.”

“Who are these criminals? Is it ADF or some other shadowy group? We need answers to these questions,” he emphasized.

The Director of Salt Media Group of Companies regularly uses his pulpit to criticize the opposition while at the same time rallying support for President Museveni and presidential hopeful Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba.

“The case of the cold-blooded murder of Isma Olaxess is still unresolved. Once again we thank God that Pastor Bugingo survived this heinous attack,” he added.

Muhoozi said Bugingo was recovering from injuries sustained in the attack.

“We praise the Lord that our strong supporter, Pastor Bugingo, survived an attempt on his life last night as he was driving home. I have spoken to him and he is well,” said the former Land Forces commander.

He got slightly wounded in his left shoulder. A friend and member of his church was killed by the assassin.”