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Uganda Taps Indian Tech—Is UPI the Next Global Game-Changer?

April 12, 2025, 6:23 pm

Uganda is making a big leap towards digitalization by planning to roll out an Aadhaar-like identification system and looking at India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) to transform digital payments. The decision is part of a larger trend among African countries to embrace tried-and-tested Indian technology to improve governance and financial inclusion.

The East African state is implementing the Modular Open-Source Identity Platform (MOSIP), a technology created by the International Institute of Information Technology, Bengaluru (IIIT-B). Uganda National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) CEO Rosemary Kisembo confirmed the development and noted the platform’s flexibility.

“We have had an immense year of interactions. We’ve had IIIT B (International Institute of Information Technology, Bengaluru) on speed dial, working towards understanding the platform. But more importantly, customizing it to the law of the land. And it has been a very enriching, very enriching experience. It has been a very enriching experience, one that we look forward to deepening across sectors and communities,” Kisembo said.

The system will be rolled out in five modules, addressing new registrations, renewals, correction of errors, replacement of IDs, and issuance of IDs for the first time. The pilot is already underway, and in the next few months, Uganda will connect its ID system with essential records like birth and death certificates.

Kisembo further added, “The immediate benefit of UPI will be a reduction in the cost of transactions. It creates a free wallet for every citizen, enabling seamless money movement.”

Uganda Also Plans to Explore UPI for Affordable Transactions

In addition to the digital ID system, Uganda is also exploring India’s UPI (Unified Payments Interface) to develop a low-cost, seamless digital payments infrastructure. This is a big shift in Uganda’s financial technology plans.

The UPI system presents an immediate benefit of decreasing transaction costs and financial access, according to Kisembo. “The direct advantage of UPI will be a decrease in the cost of transactions. It provides a free wallet for each citizen and facilitates ease of money movement,” she said.

India’s UPI has already received worldwide acclaim for its zero-cost, real-time digital payment system. Now, Uganda’s interest further underscores the increasing cross-border uptake of Indian digital systems.

As it enters its digital era, Uganda’s partnership with India not only marks a significant milestone but also presents a strong model for South-South cooperation in technology and governance.

Uganda Battles Ebola: Second Death Sparks Fresh Outbreak Fears

March 3, 2025, 5:23 pm

Uganda is facing another wave of the deadly Ebola virus, with the country confirming its second fatality in the latest outbreak. The health ministry announced that a four-and-a-half-year-old child succumbed to the disease, marking another tragic loss. With rising cases, authorities are scrambling to contain the spread of the Sudan Ebola strain—a variant with no approved vaccine.

The Current Situation

The outbreak was first declared on January 30, 2025, with 10 confirmed cases, including a nurse from Mulago National Referral Hospital who later died. The young child who recently passed away was linked to the initial cluster of infections. Despite initial optimism about containment, authorities have detected an additional positive case at Mulago Hospital, signaling continued risk.

A total of 265 individuals who came into contact with infected patients have been quarantined for monitoring in Kampala and Mbale. The government and healthcare workers are on high alert, as the Sudan Ebola strain has previously led to devastating outbreaks in the country.

What is Sudan Ebola Strain?

Ebola virus disease (EVD) is caused by different strains of the Ebola virus, with the Sudan strain being one of the most lethal. Unlike the Zaire Ebola strain, for which an approved vaccine exists, the Sudan strain has no known licensed vaccine, making outbreaks more difficult to control. The virus spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids, including blood, saliva, vomit, and feces of infected individuals. It has an incubation period of two to 21 days, after which symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and internal bleeding emerge.

Previous Ebola Outbreaks in Uganda

Uganda has battled multiple Ebola outbreaks in the past. The previous one, between 2022 and 2023, lasted four months and claimed 55 lives. The country has witnessed six outbreaks of the Sudan Ebola strain, making it a hotspot for repeated flare-ups. The most devastating Ebola epidemic occurred in West Africa between 2013 and 2016, killing over 11,300 people. More than 15,000 individuals have died of Ebola across Africa in the past 50 years.

Efforts to Contain the Outbreak

Authorities are working tirelessly to curb the spread of the virus. A vaccination trial for the Sudan strain was recently launched in Uganda, and the World Health Organization (WHO) has commended the country for rolling out the fastest vaccine trial in the midst of an epidemic.

The Ugandan government has also implemented strict monitoring measures, with healthcare workers tracking potential cases, quarantining those exposed, and conducting rigorous contact tracing. Hospitals have ramped up screening protocols, and isolation wards have been set up to prevent further infections.

Why is Ebola So Dangerous?

Ebola’s high fatality rate, ranging from 40% to 90% depending on the strain and medical response, makes it one of the deadliest viruses. The Sudan strain has a mortality rate of around 50%, meaning half of those infected do not survive.

One of the biggest challenges is that Ebola can easily spread through close contact, making it a serious threat in healthcare settings and among families. The lack of an approved vaccine for the Sudan strain adds to the difficulties in controlling the outbreak.

Global Concern and Lessons from Past Outbreaks

Ebola outbreaks are not just a concern for Uganda; they pose a threat to neighboring countries and beyond. The 2013-2016 West African outbreak highlighted the risks of unchecked transmission, as cases spread across multiple nations, leading to a global health emergency.

Experts stress the need for:

Rapid response teams for immediate containment
Strengthening healthcare systems in affected regions
Continued research on effective vaccines for all Ebola strains
Community engagement to raise awareness and promote preventive measures

With the latest Ebola outbreak claiming two lives in Uganda, authorities are racing against time to prevent further casualties. The lack of a licensed vaccine for the Sudan strain makes this outbreak particularly dangerous. Swift action, medical preparedness, and global collaboration will be key in controlling the virus before it spirals into a major health crisis.

Uganda Declares Victory Over Ebola: Last Patients Discharged, No New Cases

February 19, 2025, 2:30 pm

Uganda has reached a significant turning point in its battle against the deadly Ebola virus. On February 18, 2025, the Ugandan government announced that the last eight patients infected with Ebola had recovered and were discharged. The country has reported no new deaths or infections, signaling a possible end to the latest outbreak.

The World Health Organization (WHO) praised Uganda’s rapid and coordinated response, stating that the milestone demonstrates the effectiveness of the country’s health infrastructure in managing the crisis. Most of the Ebola patients received treatment at Kampala’s main referral hospital, and all known cases have now been resolved.

The Outbreak and Its Impact

This outbreak, which was officially declared on January 30, 2025, took the life of a male nurse—the first and only confirmed fatality. His relatives were later hospitalized after contracting the virus. The swift action of Uganda’s health officials in tracking and isolating suspected cases played a crucial role in preventing further spread.

Health Minister Jane Ruth Aceng confirmed that at least 265 individuals were identified as possible contacts of infected patients. Of these, at least 90 have already completed their mandatory quarantine period and showed no symptoms of the virus. This is a crucial step in ensuring that Uganda can fully eliminate the risk of further infections.

Ebola: A Persistent Threat in Africa

Ebola is one of the most feared infectious diseases due to its high fatality rate and rapid spread through bodily fluids. The virus can be transmitted through direct contact with an infected person or contaminated materials such as clothing or medical equipment.

Symptoms of Ebola include:

High fever
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Muscle pain
Internal and external bleeding in severe cases

The Sudan strain of Ebola, which was responsible for Uganda’s recent outbreak, currently has no approved vaccine. However, Ugandan health authorities have initiated clinical trials for a vaccine to evaluate its safety and effectiveness.

Uganda has faced multiple Ebola outbreaks in the past, with the most recent major one occurring in September 2022. That outbreak resulted in at least 55 deaths before being officially declared over four months later.

The Role of Contact Tracing in Controlling the Virus

One of the primary reasons Uganda has successfully contained this outbreak is its aggressive approach to contact tracing. This method involves identifying individuals who may have come into contact with an infected person and closely monitoring them for symptoms. By isolating and treating cases early, the health system prevented widespread transmission.

The WHO has frequently emphasized the importance of such measures in stopping outbreaks before they spiral out of control. Uganda’s experience highlights how a strong surveillance system can be the key to combating deadly diseases.

The Origins of Ebola and Its Impact on Global Health

The Ebola virus was first discovered in 1976 during simultaneous outbreaks in South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The virus was named after the Ebola River, near the site of its discovery. Scientists believe that the first human infections occur through direct contact with infected animals, such as bats or non-human primates. Eating raw or undercooked meat from infected animals is another suspected transmission route.

Ebola has repeatedly resurfaced in Central and West Africa, causing devastating outbreaks. The most severe outbreak occurred between 2014 and 2016 in West Africa, claiming over 11,000 lives and overwhelming healthcare systems in Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone.

The global community has since made significant strides in developing vaccines and treatments for Ebola, but challenges remain, particularly with the Sudan strain. Uganda’s current success in containing the virus without a vaccine underscores the importance of early intervention and robust public health measures.

The Future of Uganda’s Ebola Response

Although this outbreak appears to be under control, Ugandan authorities are remaining vigilant. The country has increased investments in disease surveillance and healthcare infrastructure to prevent future outbreaks.

Key steps Uganda is taking include:

Strengthening laboratory testing capabilities
Training more healthcare workers in infectious disease management
Expanding vaccination trials for future outbreaks
Raising awareness about Ebola prevention among communities

The government, in collaboration with international health organizations, is also working on strategies to improve early detection and response mechanisms. Given Uganda’s history with Ebola outbreaks, continued vigilance will be necessary to prevent future health crises.

A Global Health Win, But Continued Caution Needed

Uganda’s successful containment of the Ebola outbreak is a positive development, not just for the country but for global public health. It serves as a model for how rapid response, effective contact tracing, and community engagement can limit the spread of highly infectious diseases.

While this outbreak has ended with minimal casualties, health experts warn that Ebola remains a serious threat. As new variants emerge and global travel increases, the risk of future outbreaks cannot be ignored. Continued investment in research, surveillance, and health infrastructure will be key to keeping Ebola and other infectious diseases under control.

For now, Uganda can celebrate a hard-fought victory, knowing that its healthcare system has proven resilient in the face of a deadly virus.

Ugandan Opposition Leader Kizza Besigye Hospitalized After Deteriorating Health From Hunger Strike

February 17, 2025, 1:53 pm

Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye was rushed to the hospital after his health severely deteriorated due to a hunger strike. A longtime critic of President Yoweri Museveni, Besigye has been in detention at a high-security facility in Kampala since November. His lawyers allege that he was “kidnapped” in Kenya and forcibly returned to Uganda. Besigye faces multiple charges in the military’s General Court Martial (GCM), including illegal weapons possession.

Health Condition Worsens

Besigye’s ally, Francis Mwijukye, confirmed on social media that he was taken to a clinic at Bugolobi Village Mall under heavy security. Mwijukye reported that Besigye was being wheeled into the clinic. Local broadcaster NTV also reported that the area was under tight security, and a family member said, “He is not in a good situation, the situation is bad.”

Government Response

In response, Information Minister Chris Baryomunsi stated that the government was expediting Besigye’s case transfer to civilian courts. This decision came after Uganda’s Supreme Court ruled that civilians should not be prosecuted in military courts, calling such trials unconstitutional.

Public Outrage and Calls for Release

Public anger has been mounting over Besigye’s treatment. Opposition leader Bobi Wine and the Ugandan Medical Doctors Association voiced their concern and demanded his release. The outcry intensified after Besigye appeared frail in court on Friday, struggling to walk and speak. His lawyers had previously expressed concerns about his deteriorating health.

Uganda General Threatens Military Action In Congo As Regional Tensions Escalate

February 15, 2025, 11:18 pm

Uganda issued a harsh ultimatum to the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) town of Bunia, threatening an attack unless “all forces” lay down their arms within 24 hours. The ultimatum was issued by General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Uganda chief of defence forces and son of President Yoweri Museveni, in a X post on Saturday.

Kainerugaba said that he had permission from his father for the operation, but a Ugandan military spokesman said he had nothing to say. His comments came after unconfirmed reports that members of the Bahima tribe are being killed in Congo. “No one on this earth can kill my people and think he will not suffer for it!” Kainerugaba wrote, later claiming that “Bunia will soon be in UPDF hands,” referring to the Uganda People’s Defence Force.

The Congolese government, in response through Prime Minister Judith Suminwa at an African Union summit, refused to comment. Nevertheless, Kainerugaba’s remark has generated concerns that the current fighting between Congolese troops and Rwanda-backed M23 rebels could escalate into a wider regional war.

Previous reports are that Uganda sent more than 1,000 soldiers to the east of Congo, purportedly to fight against Islamist extremists. But UN officials believe Uganda has been assisting the M23, which is a rebel group led by Tutsis.

Kainerugaba showed sympathy for the M23 previously, referring to them as “brothers of ours” back in 2022. The analysts think that his latest words are an indicator of Uganda’s wider economic and strategic interests within Congo’s Ituri province where Bunia serves as the capital.

Onlookers have compared the situation to the 1998 Second Congolese War, when Uganda and Rwanda shared power in eastern Congo. Kainerugaba, whose instigative social media comments have made him a thorn in the flesh, is no stranger to making provocative remarks, including previous threats to Kenya and Uganda’s opposition leader Bobi Wine.

Uganda Launches Groundbreaking Clinical Trial for Sudan Strain Ebola Vaccine

February 5, 2025, 12:57 pm

Uganda has initiated a critical clinical trial for a vaccine targeting the Sudan strain of the Ebola virus, a strain responsible for the recent Ebola outbreak in the country. This development marks a significant step forward in global health efforts to combat the deadly disease, as there is currently no approved vaccine specifically for the Sudan strain of Ebola.

The Ebola outbreak in Uganda was first reported in the capital city, Kampala, where a nurse who had been infected with the virus tragically passed away on January 29, 2025. The case triggered immediate public health alerts, as the highly contagious nature of the disease quickly became a source of concern. Since the first case was confirmed, the number of individuals infected has risen to three, with two additional cases now identified within the deceased nurse’s family. According to the Ministry of Health, the affected individuals have been isolated, and contact tracing efforts are ongoing to limit the spread of the virus.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has closely monitored the situation in Uganda, providing assistance to the country as it ramps up its response to the outbreak. WHO’s regional director for Africa, Matshidiso Moeti, took to social media to highlight the ongoing efforts, announcing that Uganda has begun clinical trials for the Sudan strain of Ebola. The vaccine, developed by the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI), was delivered to Uganda in a total of 2,460 doses, with trials now being conducted in a controlled, monitored environment. This marks an important milestone in the race to develop a vaccine that could potentially prevent future outbreaks of the Sudan strain, which has previously been harder to control due to the lack of a specific vaccine.

Sudan Strain Ebola: A High-Fatality Disease with No Current Vaccine

Ebola is a viral hemorrhagic fever with a high fatality rate. Symptoms of the disease include fever, severe headache, muscle pain, weakness, and sore throat, followed by vomiting, diarrhea, and in some cases, internal and external bleeding. The virus is primarily spread through direct contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person, including blood, vomit, urine, and saliva, as well as through contaminated surfaces or objects.

There are currently approved vaccines for the Zaire strain of Ebola, which has been responsible for several large outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and other parts of West Africa. However, the Sudan strain, which is behind Uganda’s most recent outbreak, has historically lacked a specific vaccine or treatment option. The availability of a potential Sudan strain vaccine represents a significant advancement in the global response to the disease and could help to reduce the fatality rate of future outbreaks.

The new vaccine, which is being tested in Uganda, is based on cutting-edge vaccine technology developed by the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative. This collaboration between local Ugandan research organizations, international health bodies, and global pharmaceutical partners aims to not only address the current outbreak but also to establish a long-term solution to the recurring threat of Ebola in the region.

Clinical Trial and Vaccination Strategy

The vaccine trial in Uganda is focused on individuals who have had direct contact with the confirmed cases of Ebola, including family members, healthcare workers, and others who may have been exposed to the virus. This targeted approach helps to quickly vaccinate those at the highest risk of developing the disease and could prevent further spread of the virus within the community.

The Ministry of Health has worked with local and international health agencies to ensure that the trial is conducted safely and ethically. It is essential that the vaccine undergoes rigorous testing to ensure its safety and effectiveness before it can be widely used. Bruce Kirenga, who heads the Makerere Lung Institute in Uganda and is overseeing the vaccine trial, explained that this is a critical moment in the fight against Ebola, especially for countries in sub-Saharan Africa that face recurring outbreaks of the virus. Kirenga emphasized the importance of collaboration in ensuring that health systems are better prepared to respond to health emergencies in the future.

The trial is also supported by the World Health Organization, which has praised the initiative as a major milestone in public health. According to Moeti, the clinical trial represents a major achievement for global health security, particularly for the millions of people living in regions where Ebola outbreaks are a frequent threat. If the vaccine proves to be effective in preventing infections, it could be a game-changer in the way that Ebola outbreaks are managed in the future.

A Collaborative Effort for Global Health Security

The Sudan strain of Ebola is not the first time Uganda has faced an outbreak of the deadly virus. In the past, the country has had to contend with both Zaire and Sudan strains of Ebola, both of which pose significant public health challenges. In response to these outbreaks, Uganda has developed a robust system of health surveillance, contact tracing, and quarantine measures. However, with the rise of new Ebola variants and increasing global connectivity, the need for vaccines and treatments has become more urgent than ever.

Uganda’s decision to begin clinical trials for the Sudan strain vaccine comes at a time when global health agencies are putting a greater focus on preparedness for viral outbreaks. The World Health Organization has been working closely with governments and international partners to ensure that countries are better equipped to handle emerging infectious diseases. In addition to vaccines, there is a growing emphasis on the development of rapid diagnostic tools and therapeutic treatments that can be deployed quickly in response to an outbreak.

For the people of Uganda and the broader East African region, the development of an Ebola vaccine specifically targeting the Sudan strain is a beacon of hope. The trial represents not just an immediate response to the current outbreak, but a proactive step in preventing future outbreaks. Uganda’s swift action in implementing this vaccine trial demonstrates the importance of research and innovation in protecting public health. The ongoing efforts will likely lead to a greater understanding of how to best tackle Ebola, not only in Uganda but across Africa and beyond.

This vaccine trial is a testament to the power of international collaboration in the face of public health challenges. Researchers, healthcare providers, and global organizations such as the WHO are working together to bring new solutions to the table, and the Ugandan government’s willingness to embrace these efforts is commendable. If successful, the vaccine trial could pave the way for similar initiatives in other countries at high risk of Ebola outbreaks, ultimately contributing to a stronger global health security framework.

Uganda’s launch of the clinical trial for the Sudan strain Ebola vaccine is a major step in the fight against one of the world’s most deadly diseases. The trial, which is targeting individuals who have had direct contact with confirmed Ebola cases, aims to prevent the further spread of the virus and provide a long-term solution to future outbreaks. With the support of international health organizations, research institutions, and local communities, Uganda is demonstrating leadership in addressing the Ebola crisis and strengthening global health security. If the vaccine proves effective, it will be a critical tool in the fight to protect vulnerable populations from the devastating impact of Ebola outbreaks.

Uganda On High Alert As First Ebola Death Of 2025 Confirmed In Kampala

January 30, 2025, 10:27 pm

Reports of the first Ebola-related death of this year have surfaced, following the confirmation of a deadly outbreak of the Ebola virus in Kampala, the capital, by health authorities on Tuesday. This will be the ninth recorded case of the disease in East Africa since a single case was reported way back in 2000.

He presented himself to several health facilities, including Mulago and a traditional healer, with symptoms similar to fever. The male nurse died of multi-organ failure on January 29, according to Uganda’s Ministry of Health. Post-mortem tests confirmed that he was infected with the Sudan strain of Ebola.

Health officials identified 44 people who had come into contact with the victim, including 30 healthcare workers. However, it is difficult to trace all the possible contacts as Kampala, a city with a population of over 4 million, is a major transit hub for travellers going to South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and further afield.

Ebola is a very contagious haemorrhagic fever that causes infection through direct contact with body fluids from the infected. It presents with headache, muscle aches, and vomiting blood or internal bleeding.

Uganda has now gained experience in handling Ebola cases, as infrastructure for laboratory testing, patient care, and contact tracing has become robust. Its last outbreak occurred for nearly four months and was declared over on January 11, 2023, when 143 people were infected, and 55 died, six of whom were healthcare workers.

The health department is set to launch a mop-up spree on those with direct contact with the deceased due to this latest case. To date, there is no registered Ebola vaccine for Sudan, although some doses of the experimental vaccine had been assigned to Uganda last year during a different outbreak, the Ugandan health authorities who are not relenting in their heightened vigilance over the dreaded further spread of the virus.

102 Kids, 12 Wives, 578 Grandkids: This Ugandan Man Has Family Like No Other | WATCH

December 26, 2024, 9:18 am

In a somewhat bewildering story from Mukiza village in eastern Uganda, 70-year-old Musa Hasahya Kasera has fathered 102 children with 12 wives. His journey into fatherhood began at a young age, and now, after years of raising a large family, he has become a grandfather to 578 grandchildren. Despite the immense joy that his large family brings, Musa’s life has not been without its struggles.

A Growing Family and the Challenge of Names

As his family grew larger, Musa faced the challenge of keeping track of all his children’s names. The sheer number of offspring eventually led him to create a register, where he carefully recorded the names of his children to avoid forgetting any. With each wife, he fathered an average of eight to nine children, which resulted in a sprawling family that Musa was committed to providing for, but found increasingly difficult to support.

The Struggle to Provide

Musa’s challenges were not just limited to remembering names. Raising 102 children and supporting 12 wives has placed a significant strain on his resources. Despite his best efforts, he struggles to provide enough food for his large family. Hunger and limited resources have been a constant challenge throughout his life.

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A Solution Amidst Overpopulation

In an attempt to manage the rapid growth of his family, Musa resorted to giving contraceptive pills to his wives, hoping to control the number of children he fathered. Musa admits that he never considered how he would manage such a large family when he first began fathering children.

A Legacy of Family and Responsibility

Musa’s story raises awareness about the complex issue of overpopulation, particularly in regions where resources are scarce. His dedication to his family despite the hardships reflects the larger challenges faced by many in similar circumstances.

Ex-Boyfriend Accused Of Killing Ugandan Athlete Rebecca Cheptegei Dies Of Burns After Fatal Attack

September 10, 2024, 4:16 pm

The former partner of Ugandan marathon runner Rebecca Cheptegei, accused of killing her in a horrific attack, has died from the burns he sustained. The tragic incident occurred on September 1, when Cheptegei, a 33-year-old athlete who competed in the marathon at the Paris Olympics, was doused in petrol and set on fire by her ex-boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema Marangach. Cheptegei, who suffered severe burns covering over 75% of her body, died four days later.

Marangach succumbed to his injuries on Monday at 7:50 p.m. local time, according to Daniel Lang’at, spokesperson for Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, Kenya. The same hospital had treated Cheptegei before she passed away. “He died from his injuries, the burns he sustained,” Lang’at confirmed.

Cheptegei, who finished 44th at the Paris Olympics, is the third elite female athlete to be killed in Kenya since October 2021, raising serious concerns about domestic violence in the country. Her death has shone a spotlight on the risks female athletes face, particularly those with prize money that surpasses local incomes. Rights groups warn that women in Kenya’s running community are especially vulnerable to exploitation and violence from men attracted to their financial success.

According to 2022 government data, nearly 34% of Kenyan women aged 15-49 have experienced physical violence, with married women at higher risk. The report highlighted that 41% of married women in Kenya have faced violence, illustrating the country’s pervasive issue of domestic abuse. Globally, the scale of violence against women remains stark—UN Women’s 2023 study revealed that a woman is killed by a family member every 11 minutes.

Cheptegei’s death has sparked further outrage and grief in Kenya, prompting renewed calls for action against domestic violence and greater protection for women, especially those in high-risk communities.

Uganda, Death Toll Rises to 13 in Kampala Garbage Dump Landslide

August 11, 2024, 5:24 pm

The death toll from a devastating landslide at a large garbage dump in Uganda’s capital, Kampala, has climbed to 13, police confirmed on Sunday. Rescue operations continue as search teams dig through the debris, hoping to find more survivors.

The landslide occurred late Friday night after weeks of torrential rain caused a section of the city’s only landfill, Kiteezi, to collapse. The massive pile of garbage broke off and buried several homes on the edge of the landfill while residents were asleep.

Initially, the Kampala Capital City Authority reported eight fatalities on Saturday. However, police spokesperson Patrick Onyango updated the figure, saying, “The latest count is 13 dead, but rescue services are still underway.” So far, at least 14 people have been pulled from the wreckage alive, though the exact number of those still trapped remains unclear.

The Uganda Red Cross has set up tents nearby to provide shelter for those displaced by the disaster. The Kiteezi landfill, which has been Kampala’s primary garbage dump for decades, has grown into a towering hill of waste. Local residents have long expressed concerns about the hazardous conditions at the site, warning of the environmental dangers and risks to human life.

Efforts by city authorities to secure a new landfill site have been delayed for years. The tragedy in Kampala is not an isolated incident; similar disasters have occurred in other parts of Africa due to poorly managed waste disposal sites. In 2017, a landslide at a garbage dump in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, claimed at least 115 lives, and in 2018, a similar event in Maputo, Mozambique, resulted in 17 deaths.

Footage from NTV Uganda showed residents walking across the landfill, which had collapsed onto parts of a house, while images from UBC Uganda depicted an excavator working to clear the debris. Heavy rains have caused flooding and landslides in several areas of Uganda in recent weeks, though no other fatalities had been reported until this incident.

Uganda’s President Museveni Warns Against Protestors, Calling Them “Playing with Fire”

July 23, 2024, 2:24 pm

On Tuesday, President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda issued a stern warning to citizens planning anti-corruption protests, stating that they are “playing with fire.” The warning follows a series of deadly anti-government demonstrations in neighboring Kenya, where at least 50 people were killed in clashes with security forces, according to figures from the National Commission on Human Rights.

Museveni, 79, who has ruled Uganda with an iron fist for nearly four decades, declared in a televised address on Saturday that the planned anti-corruption march would not be permitted.

“What right do you have to seek to generate chaotic behavior? We are busy producing cheap food while people in other parts of the world are starving, and you here want to disturb us. You are playing with fire because we cannot allow you to disturb us,” Museveni said during his three-hour-long, wide-ranging address.

Protest Plans Amid Government Opposition

Despite Museveni’s warnings, many young Ugandans have taken to social media to express their determination to proceed with the march to the country’s parliament, even though the police have refused to grant a permit for the protest. The Uganda Police Force labeled the planned protests as “potentially anarchic” in a statement on Monday, cautioning that it “shall not tolerate disorderly conduct.”

Defiant youth protesters have started sharing their photos on social media, urging fellow citizens to remember them if they do not return home safely. “Just in case I get abducted or I die in the march, you can use this photo for creating awareness. Otherwise, tell mum I played a fundamental role in saving my country! I know she will be happy!” said one activist, Ashiraf Hector, on X (formerly Twitter).

Another activist wrote: “Tomorrow, very early in the morning, I will join my fellow young people as we march to parliament against escalating corruption in Uganda. We will come face to face with murderers, and in case things go south for me, this is my official portrait.”

Legal and Civic Reactions

A group of lawyers and activists stated in a letter on Sunday that the police do not have the legal authority to stop peaceful protests. “The police cannot prohibit a demonstration from proceeding but have powers to regulate it to ensure it takes place within the confines of the law,” the letter read, urging President Museveni to “ensure that the constitutional right to assemble and demonstrate peacefully is not violated with impunity by security agencies.”

The tension surrounding the planned anti-corruption protests highlights the growing dissatisfaction among Ugandans, particularly the youth, with the current government and its handling of corruption. As the situation unfolds, the international community will be watching closely, mindful of the recent violence in Kenya and the potential for unrest in Uganda.

Third South Summit: MoS V Mureleedharan communicates with Indian diaspora in Uganda

January 22, 2024, 11:36 am

Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan met with the Indian diaspora in Uganda during the Third South Summit, praising them for their noteworthy contribution and the unwavering trust and confidence they receive from the leadership.

Taking to X, the minister shared about his interaction, saying, “Good to reconnect with Indian community in Uganda. What sets the community apart in Uganda is their significant contribution and the unlimited trust & confidence they enjoy from the leadership. Encouraged them to continue their valuable efforts.”
During the event, the members of the community also performed cultural dance and a young child gifted a pencil sketch to the minister.

“Commend young Soorya for the beautiful pencil sketch and appreciate community members from Uganda for splendid cultural performances,” the minister posted on X.
Separately, the minister also held a meeting with the foreign minister of Equatorial Guinea, Simeon Oyono Esono Angue and both leaders affirmed their desire to expand bilateral relations between the two countries.

The minister took part in diplomatic talks yesterday on the fringes of the third South Summit, which was held in Kampala, Uganda. Muraleedharan provided details about his meetings with important officials from Somalia, Oman, and Botswana in a series of social media posts. Salah Ahmed Jana, Somalia’s deputy prime minister, and the minister had a “good meeting.” Emphasizing Jana’s love for Hindi and India, Muraleedharan talked about a number of topics meant to improve bilateral relations between the two countries.

Deliberate, pre-meditated act, says Uganda police after Indian national shot dead by off-duty constable

May 16, 2023, 1:37 pm

An off-duty police constable in Uganda shot and killed an Indian national, with the police describing his actions as “deliberate” and “premeditated.”

The Uganda Police Force took to their official Twitter handle and wrote a statement on Tuesday. The statement reads that “The findings so far, clearly indicate that the actions of our officer were deliberate, planned and pre-meditated.”

The findings so far, clearly indicate that the actions of our officer were deliberate, planned and pre-meditated.https://t.co/VwwpdEjeBC

— Uganda Police Force (@PoliceUg) May 15, 2023

The murder of 39-year-old money lender Uttam Bhandari on 12 May by 30-year-old Ivan Wabwire with a stolen AK-47 assault rifle and over a monetary dispute between the two, in which Wabwire owed some money to a Bhandari-run financial services firm, was caught on CCTV.

While expressing condolences to Bhandari’s family on May 13, Uganda President Yoweri K Museveni questioned the security forces. Museveni said on Twitter “The answers to these questions may help us to plug the gaps in the security system.”

The Indian High Commission in Kampala, Uganda, also expressed condolences to the victim’s family.

The Indian High Commission in Kampala, Uganda’s capital city, also expressed condolences to the victim’s family.

Wabwire had a history of mental instability, according to police, and he was barred from possessing firearms five years ago. Officials added that he committed the crime with the AK-47 of a colleague who is also his roommate.

MEA: EAM Jaishankar will travel to Uganda and Mozambique next week

April 9, 2023, 12:57 pm

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will visit Uganda and Mozambique from April 10-15 to further develop India’s “strong bilateral relations” with the two nations, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Sunday.

The EAM will be in Uganda from April 10 to April 12. During his visit, he is due to hold delegation-level talks with his Ugandan counterpart, General Jeje Odongo, as well as call on the country’s leadership and meet with other ministers, as per the announcement. During his visit, Jaishankar will launch the National Forensic Science University (NFSU) transit campus in Jinja. During the visit, a bilateral memorandum of understanding (MoU) between India and Uganda for the establishment of the first NFSU campus outside of India is expected to be signed.

Jaishankar will also be in Uganda for the groundbreaking ceremony of a solar-powered water supply project. According to a MEA press release, he will also address Uganda’s commerce and business community and connect with the Indian diaspora.

While from April 13-15, Jaishankar will visit Mozambique. “This will be the first-ever visit by an External Affairs Minister of India to the Republic of Mozambique,” the MEA noted.
During the visit, he will meet Mozambique’s top leadership and co-chair the 5th Session of the Joint Commission Meeting with Mozambican Foreign Minister Veronica Macamo.
The EAM is expected to meet several other Ministers and representatives of the Assembly of Mozambique. He will also interact with the Indian diaspora in Mozambique, the MEA added.