Ssemaganda Moses Hope

National

July 15, 2026

Hon. Asha Nabulo Mafabi Calls for Updated Malaria Data and Better Treatment of Learners During Parliamentary Debate

 SIRONKO – Sironko District Woman MP Hon. Asha Nabulo Mafabi has called for the use of updated malaria statistics and improved treatment of learners, saying the country’s malaria response should be guided by current data and timely medical intervention.Hon. Mafabi made the remarks during Parliament’s debate on a statement presented by Minister of Health, Hon. Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, following alarming reports of deaths among learners in Kampala schools that had sparked concerns over a suspected new strain of malaria.    In her submission, Hon. Mafabi clarified that the malaria prevalence figure of 10 percent cited during the debate is outdated.“What I need to clarify is that the prevalence is no longer 10 percent. Those are statistics of 2019, and it has actually increased,” she told Parliament.She noted that malaria continues to affect many learners in both primary and secondary schools and stressed that the challenge goes beyond infections to the way sick learners are managed.  According to Hon. Mafabi, many learners presenting with malaria symptoms are only given Panadol or paracetamol for headaches instead of receiving proper medical assessment and prompt malaria treatment, a practice she said needs to be addressed. She also informed the House that people with blood group O positive are believed to be more susceptible to mosquito bites and malaria, emphasizing the need for stronger prevention measures and increased vigilance among schools and parents.Earlier, Hon. Dr. Chris Baryomunsi assured Parliament that investigations had found no evidence of a new malaria strain despite the reported deaths of four learners. He explained that the deaths were caused by malaria and were linked to low acquired immunity among learners from low-transmission areas, rather than the emergence of a new strain.

News

July 15, 2026

Lt. Gen. Samuel Kavuma Raises Alarm Over Self-Medication and Misdiagnosis, Calls for Investigation into Uganda’s Healthcare System

 KAMPALA – UPDF Representative in Parliament, Lt. Gen. Samuel Kavuma, has called for urgent action to address what he described as two of the biggest contributors to Uganda’s growing disease burden—self-medication and inaccurate diagnosis in both public and private health facilities.Speaking during plenary, Lt. Gen. Kavuma questioned why Uganda continues to lose many people, including prominent citizens, to diseases despite the country having abundant food and a favorable environment for healthy living.  According to the legislator, the biggest challenge is that many Ugandans do not seek preventive healthcare, choosing instead to treat themselves whenever they fall ill.“About 90 percent of Ugandans do not go for regular medical checkups. Someone simply walks into a pharmacy, buys medicine and starts treatment. Many of us have even created mini pharmacies in our homes,” Kavuma told Parliament.  He warned that this culture of self-medication leads to late diagnosis, allowing diseases to progress to critical stages before patients seek professional medical attention.Lt. Gen. Kavuma, however, said the problem does not end there. He expressed concern that even the small percentage of Ugandans who make the effort to undergo medical checkups often fail to receive accurate diagnoses.According to him, there are many cases where a patient is tested for the same illness at different hospitals in Uganda—both government and private—and receives conflicting results, creating confusion and delaying proper treatment.  He noted that some Ugandans who later seek treatment abroad, including at specialized hospitals in neighboring countries, are able to receive accurate diagnoses and appropriate treatment after previous tests in Uganda had failed to identify the correct illness.The UPDF MP said such experiences raise serious questions about the quality and consistency of diagnostic services in the country.  Speaking to journalists shortly after the parliamentary sitting, Lt. Gen. Kavuma called on the Government to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the country’s diagnostic system.He said the review should establish whether the challenge lies in the medical equipment being used or in the competence of some health professionals interpreting test results.“We need Government to intervene and establish where the problem is. Is it the machines, or is it the people operating them? We must ensure Ugandans receive accurate diagnoses because proper treatment starts with getting the right diagnosis,” he said. Kavuma further appealed to Members of Parliament to return to their constituencies and intensify public sensitization on the importance of routine medical checkups instead of waiting until illnesses become severe.He stressed that preventive healthcare remains one of the most effective ways of reducing disease-related deaths and lowering the financial burden families incur while seeking treatment.The legislator maintained that improving diagnostic accuracy,  strengthening professional standards in the health sector, and encouraging regular medical screening would significantly improve health outcomes and save countless lives across Uganda.His submission has added momentum to the ongoing national conversation on improving the quality of healthcare services and ensuring that every Ugandan has access to reliable diagnosis and timely treatment.

National

July 15, 2026

Lt. Gen. Sam Kavuma Calls for Regular Medical Checkups to Reduce Uganda’s Disease Burden

 KAMPALA, July 15, 2026 – UPDF Representative in Parliament, Lt. Gen. Samuel Kavuma, has called on Ugandans to embrace regular medical checkups and abandon the culture of self-medication, which he said is significantly contributing to the country’s high disease burden.  Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Tuesday, Lt. Gen. Kavuma expressed concern that many Ugandans only seek medical attention when illnesses have reached advanced stages, making treatment more difficult and costly. He noted that preventive healthcare remains one of the weakest links in Uganda’s health-seeking behavior.  According to the senior military officer, more than 98 percent of Ugandans do not undergo routine medical examinations despite the growing prevalence of both communicable and non-communicable diseases.  “Many of us have a mini-clinic in our bedrooms,” Kavuma observed, referring to the widespread practice of keeping and taking medicines without professional medical guidance. He warned that self-medication often leads to delayed diagnosis, incorrect treatment, and the worsening of health conditions.  The legislator emphasized that regular health screening can help detect illnesses at an early stage, allowing medical professionals to intervene before conditions become severe. He argued that early diagnosis not only saves lives but also reduces the financial burden on families and the national healthcare system. Lt. Gen. Kavuma’s remarks come at a time when Uganda continues to face increasing cases of non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, cancer, and heart-related complications, alongside infectious diseases that require timely diagnosis and treatment. He urged citizens to prioritize preventive healthcare and make routine medical checkups part of their lifestyle.  The UPDF MP further underscored the importance of public awareness campaigns aimed at educating communities about the dangers of self-medication and the benefits of seeking professional healthcare services. He said a healthier population is essential for national productivity and socio-economic transformation.Lt. Gen. Kavuma, a seasoned military officer and legislator, has previously served in several senior positions within the Uganda People’s Defence Forces and represented the military in Parliament. He has also held key leadership roles in regional peacekeeping operations and national development initiatives.   His submission adds to ongoing parliamentary discussions on strengthening Uganda’s healthcare system and promoting preventive health measures as a way of improving the wellbeing of citizens across the country.

Featured

July 15, 2026

Makerere University Strengthens Academic Excellence with Massive Staff Recruitment, Infrastructure Expansion Ahead of New Academic Year

 KAMPALA – Makerere University has announced a series of landmark developments that underscore its commitment to academic excellence, research, innovation and infrastructure development as preparations for the 2026/2027 Academic Year gather momentum.  Speaking during a press conference held at the Vice Chancellor’s Board Room on Wednesday, Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe said the University is steadily implementing its Strategic Plan 2025–2030, which seeks to position Makerere as a leading institution driving Uganda’s and Africa’s development through quality teaching, cutting-edge research, innovation and societal transformation. Prof. Nawangwe revealed that the University has made significant investments in strengthening its human resource capacity through strategic recruitment and promotions. Over the past year, Makerere recruited 240 new staff members, comprising 88 academic staff and 152 non-academic employees, while 81 members of staff were promoted in recognition of their academic and professional achievements.  Among the academic promotions, 16 Assistant Lecturers advanced to the rank of Lecturer, 16 Lecturers were promoted to Senior Lecturer, 25 Senior Lecturers became Associate Professors, while eight Associate Professors attained the rank of Professor. The Vice Chancellor said the appointments reflect the University’s commitment to merit-based recruitment, academic excellence and creating an enabling environment that attracts, develops and retains highly qualified professionals capable of delivering quality education, research and public service. He noted that although the institution continues to experience staffing challenges arising from retirements, resignations and specialised staffing needs, these have consistently been addressed through targeted recruitment, post-retirement contracts for senior professors and continuous staff development programmes.  The Vice Chancellor also announced that Makerere University is fully prepared to receive students for the 2026/2027 Academic Year. Freshers’ Orientation Week will run from 1st to 7th August 2026, followed by the commencement of Semester One on 8th August, which will run until 5th December 2026. Semester One examinations are scheduled between 16th November and 5th December, while the University’s 77th Graduation Ceremony will take place from 11th to 15th January 2027 before Semester Two begins on 16th January 2027. He added that provisional admission letters for both undergraduate and graduate students are already available through individual application portals and encouraged admitted students to complete the necessary financial requirements early to facilitate smooth registration. As part of its continued infrastructure expansion, the University announced the commencement of the comprehensive renovation of the historic CCE (Complex) Hall of Residence, a project fully funded by the Government of Uganda at a cost of UGX 12 billion. The renovation works have been handed over to the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC) and are expected to be completed within 12 months.Built in the 1950s, the female hall of residence will undergo extensive structural rehabilitation and modernization aimed at improving accommodation standards and enhancing students’ welfare. Prof. Nawangwe expressed confidence in NEC’s ability to deliver quality work, noting that the corporation has successfully undertaken previous projects at the University, including the renovation of Lumumba Hall, Mary Stuart Hall and the University’s perimeter wall.  Makerere University will also host the East African Universities Debate Championships (EAUDC) 2026 from 26th July to 1st August 2026, bringing together leading university debaters from across the region. The event is expected to promote intellectual exchange, leadership development and regional academic collaboration while reinforcing Makerere’s position as one of East Africa’s premier institutions of higher learning.  Prof. Nawangwe further highlighted the University’s growing contribution to public health through the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI), which has emerged as a key institution supporting Africa’s response to the current Ebola outbreak. He noted that on 26th June 2026, Makerere hosted the launch of the Joint Continental Incident Management Support Team (IMST), a partnership between Africa CDC and WHO Africa, at the IDI McKinnell Knowledge Centre.

News

July 14, 2026

Government Sponsoring More Students Through District Quota Than Previously Reported – Acting Minister Muyingo

 KAMPALA: The Acting Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Dr. Chrysostom Muyingo, has reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to expanding access to higher education, revealing that more students are benefiting from state sponsorship under the district quota system than previously indicated.  While responding to a motion moved by Hon. Oscar Mapenduzi during plenary, Dr. Muyingo clarified that the Government has gone beyond the 896 students mentioned in the motion through the implementation of the Higher Education Students’ Financing Scheme.  “Under the enactment of the Higher Education Students Financing Scheme, a greater number of students have been sponsored. In the current academic year, 1,228 out of 2,048 students selected to benefit under the scheme were admitted using the district quota system,” Dr. Muyingo told Parliament.The Acting Minister explained that the financing scheme has significantly strengthened the Government’s efforts to ensure that academically qualified students, particularly those from disadvantaged districts, are able to access university education regardless of their financial background.  His remarks came as Parliament debated a motion seeking to review and strengthen the district quota admission policy to promote equitable access to higher education across the country.The Government has continued to prioritize investment in education as a key driver of Uganda’s socio-economic transformation. Through programmes such as Universal Primary Education (UPE), Universal Secondary Education (USE), the district quota admission system, and the Higher Education Students’ Financing Scheme, thousands of learners have been enabled to pursue higher education.  The district quota system was introduced to promote regional balance by ensuring that students from every district have an opportunity to access public university education based on merit. The Higher Education Students’ Financing Scheme has complemented this initiative by expanding sponsorship opportunities, particularly for students pursuing programmes that contribute to national development.  The latest figures presented by Dr. Muyingo demonstrate the Government’s continued efforts to widen access to higher education and ensure that more qualified Ugandan students can realize their academic aspirations through state support.

Agriculture

July 13, 2026

PDM Beneficiaries Honour Their Commitment to Repay the Revolving Fund

 The Ministry of Local Government has documented encouraging progress in the recovery of the Parish Development Model (PDM) revolving fund following beneficiary interviews carried out in Mubende Municipal Council, Mubende District Local Government and Mityana District Local Government.  The engagements highlighted how beneficiaries are using income generated from their enterprises to honour their repayment commitments, ensuring that the revolving fund remains sustainable and continues benefiting more Ugandan households.In Zigoti Town Council, Mityana District, Joan Nachazi, a member of the Kawalaga Coffee Enterprise Group, invested her UGX 1 million PDM funds in dairy farming after supplementing the funds with proceeds from the sale of pigs. Her dairy cows have provided manure that has improved coffee production, while the increased income has supported her household needs, including payment of school fees. Joan has already started repaying the revolving fund and remains committed to completing repayment.  Matia Kakumba, also a member of the Kawalaga Coffee Enterprise Group in Zigoti Ward, invested his PDM funds in fertilizers for his coffee plantation. His coffee harvest increased from about one sack per season to between five and six sacks, enabling him to expand his farming activities, acquire livestock and continue making repayments towards the revolving fund. Mubiru Abdul of Zigoti North Cell invested his PDM funds in poultry farming, starting with 100 birds. Through producing his own poultry feeds and improving his management practices, he has expanded his enterprise and can earn up to UGX 1.5 million from a sales cycle. He has also taken on the role of training fellow farmers and is committed to meeting his repayment obligations.  In Mubende Municipal Council, John Kasasira of Mijumwa Parish invested his PDM funds in goat rearing and fencing his land. His two goats have multiplied to nine, while manure from the goats has improved his coffee plantation. Through proceeds from coffee farming, he successfully repaid the UGX 1 million revolving fund.Rose Nandita of Mijumwa Ward invested her PDM funds in fertilizers for her coffee plantation, increasing her harvest from less than two sacks to about five sacks per season. The improved earnings enabled her to expand into goat rearing, where she now owns 17 goats, and she continues to make repayments from her farming income. The beneficiaries cited challenges such as limited access to water for livestock and occasional mobile money network disruptions during repayments. However, they acknowledged that the Parish Development Model has improved household incomes, increased agricultural productivity and created opportunities for sustainable livelihoods.The Ministry of Local Government continues to encourage all PDM beneficiaries to honour their repayment commitments so that the revolving fund can continue supporting more households across the country.

National

July 13, 2026

Parliament to Debate Motion Thanking President Museveni for State of the Nation Address as House Handles Key Financial Business

 Parliament is expected to debate a motion expressing gratitude to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for his State of the Nation Address delivered on 4 June 2026, during Tuesday’s sitting of the 12th Parliament.  According to the Order Paper for the 9th Sitting of the 1st Meeting of the 1st Session of the 12th Parliament, the motion will be moved by the Prime Minister and Leader of Government Business, Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, and seconded by Hon. Henry Kamya Makumbi (Mityana County South) and Hon. Mary Kamuli Kutesa (Mwenge County South). The motion seeks a resolution of Parliament expressing appreciation to President Museveni for what the government describes as a clear and precise exposition of government policy contained in his State of the Nation Address. Members of Parliament are expected to debate the motion for up to two hours.  Before taking up the motion, the House will consider several other items on its agenda, including the laying of the Petroleum Fund Semi-Annual Report for the period ending 31 December 2025 by the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development.  The Finance Minister will also seek Parliament’s approval to waive outstanding tax obligations for three entities. These include PAYE arrears of UGX 1.026 billion for Ankole Western University, tax arrears amounting to UGX 13.95 billion for Uganda Printing and Publishing Corporation, and UGX 1.864 billion in tax arrears for K-ROMA.Parliament will also consider and approve the Verification Committee for the forthcoming by-election of members to the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA). In addition, legislators are expected to debate a motion seeking to reinstate parliamentary business that lapsed following the dissolution of the 11th Parliament. The motion will be moved by Parliamentary Commissioner Hon. Faith Nakut Loru and seconded by Parliamentary Commissioner Hon. John Baptist Nambeshe and Hon. James Kakooza, the MP representing Older Persons for Central Region.  The House will further debate a private member’s motion urging the government to review the undergraduate government sponsorship programme and increase the number of slots allocated under the district quota system. The motion is sponsored by Hon. Martin Ojara Mapenduzi, MP for Bardege-Layibi Division, and is supported by Hon. Ben Koryang Baatom and Hon. Lillian Obiale Paparu.Tuesday’s sitting is scheduled to commence at 2:00 p.m. with prayers, followed by communication from the Chair before the House proceeds with the day’s legislative and oversight business.

News

July 13, 2026

Early Preparations for AFCON 2027 Qualifiers

 FUFA President Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim led a two-day inspection tour of Hoima City Stadium and Kabalega International Airport in preparation for the AFCON 2027 qualifiers set to begin in September 2026.Uganda was drawn in Group G alongside Tunisia, Libya and Botswana.The tour focused on assessing access, stadium facilities like the pitch, dressing rooms, floodlights, media facilities and fan areas to ensure compliance with CAF standards for hosting qualifier matches.  Speaking after the inspection, Hon. Magogo said:‘It has been a fruitful assessment period. The Government has done a great job here in Hoima.  We shall align with all key stakeholders because we have a dream to host all our qualifiers here in Hoima. Although Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania have already qualified automatically as co-hosts for AFCON 2027, all three nations will participate in the qualifiers to remain competitively active. 

Featured

July 12, 2026

Local Government Minister Balaam Raises Alarm Over Shocking UGX 73 Million Pit Latrine, Intensifies ExposeTheCorrupt Campaign

 Uganda — The Minister of Local Government, Hon. Balaam Barugahara, has intensified the ongoing ExposeTheCorrupt campaign after raising concern over a public pit latrine reportedly constructed at a cost of UGX 73 million, describing the project as unacceptable and a reflection of the need for stronger accountability in local governments.  In a message shared on his X account, Hon. Balaam questioned how taxpayers’ money could be spent on what he described as an incomplete pit latrine project, saying such cases undermine public confidence in government service delivery and deny citizens the quality infrastructure they deserve. The minister said the incident demonstrates why the ExposeTheCorrupt campaign must continue, stressing that public officials entrusted with government resources have a duty to ensure every shilling is used for its intended purpose.Hon. Balaam warned that individuals who misuse or divert public funds should be prepared to face public accountability, emphasizing that corruption deprives communities of essential services and slows development. He called on local government leaders across the country to strengthen transparency, accountability, and value for money in the implementation of public projects, noting that local governments play a critical role in delivering services directly to citizens.The minister also applauded the efforts of the District Internal Security Officers (DISOs) of Mbale and Bulambuli, officers from the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID), the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, Resident District Commissioners (RDCs), District Police Commanders (DPCs), Crime Intelligence officers, Members of Parliament, and other patriotic Ugandans who have supported the anti-corruption campaign.  He further appealed to officials in the Office of the President, the Internal Security Organisation (ISO), local government leaders, security agencies, and members of the public to actively support the ExposeTheCorrupt campaign by reporting suspected corruption and safeguarding public resources.

Featured

July 11, 2026

The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) Executive Director Sharifa Buzeki has led the team to clean up Kawempe

The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) Executive Director_Sharifa Buzeki has led the team to clean up Kawempe one, Kawempe Division in Kampala. However, residents raised concerns about the limited number of tracks. And she promised that they are going to add on five tracks in kampala .  "We were starting this initiative, some people said that we shall would stop in a days because the garbage in Kampala is too much. I request those responsible in correcting the garbage, not to leave any garbage behind, but to take it all. To all local leaders; Ugandans want service delivery. When we leave this place, please, continue with this initiative even when we have left. Sanitation is so essential for everyone", she said. "Regarding the channel, we have limited funds. However, we are going to start with the major drainage channels in kampala. About bed bugs in the various, we put aside a special budget for that. And we shall start this year. We urge therefore local leaders to identify those zones, such that when we kickoff with the process, we start with those areas. I want to encourage those who are not in the markets, to do so. ", she said. Adding that about unemployment in the division, KCCA, soon will be advertising for these jobs and encouraged them to apply" Buzeki said. Director Public Health and Environment_ Dr. Sarah Zalwango, has urged the public to maintain the spirit of cleanness since the division was the best in the recently organised weyonje competition. "We urge you the general public to always keep your household clean even when we have left", she said.

National

July 11, 2026

Greater Luweero Leaders Unite to Accelerate Service Delivery and Reclaim the Region’s Development Agenda

 KAMPALA: Leaders from the Greater Luweero sub-region have agreed to work together to improve the lives of their communities through a coordinated development and mobilization agenda.  The resolution was reached during a meeting held at Arirang Hotel in Kampala, attended by ministers, Mps with NRM Flag ,district leaders, and other stakeholders from Luweero, Nakaseke, and Nakasongola districts.The meeting was led by NRM Deputy Secretary General Rt. Hon. Rose Namayanja Nsereko, who called on leaders to put aside differences and work collectively for the benefit of the people of Greater Luweero.  Among the leaders present were Hon. Alice Kaboyo, Minister for the Luweero Triangle; Hon. Cissy Mulondo, Minister of State for Finance (General Duties); and representatives of several other leaders, including Hon. Dr. J.C. Muyingo, who was represented by his Political Assistant, Wasswa Abdulkarim Tamale.During the discussions, leaders emphasized that unity is necessary to:* Strengthen service delivery in health, education, roads, water, and agriculture.* Follow up on the implementation of the NRM Manifesto and ensure government commitments reach communities.* Speak with one voice on the development priorities of Greater Luweero.* Mobilize communities for government programs, including wealth-creation initiatives and parish-level interventions.* Improve accountability and coordination among leaders at national and local government levels.* Preserve and advance the gains of the Luweero struggle through inclusive development.* Reclaim Luweero’s development momentum by attracting more investment, infrastructure projects, and social services to the sub-region.Rt. Hon. Namayanja urged leaders to remain accessible to the people and regularly monitor government programs to ensure that citizens receive the intended benefits.  Participants reaffirmed their commitment to working together across districts and political structures to deliver tangible results for residents of Greater Luweero and to strengthen the region’s contribution to Uganda’s national development agenda.