Author: felix@elixnews.co.ug
The Minister for Science, Technology, and Innovation, Dr. Monica Musenero Masanza, has urged African Nations to leverage engineering and innovation as key catalysts for socio-economic transformation. Speaking to media in Kampala, Dr. Musenero described engineering as “the backbone of any robust STI (Science, Technology, and Innovation) ecosystem,” adding that the upcoming summit will spotlight homegrown innovations and help position Uganda as a key player in Africa’s transformation agenda. “In an era defined by rapid change and complex global challenges, it is engineering that provides the bedrock for sustainable solutions,” she said. “This event will not only shine a spotlight on…
The Electoral Commission (EC) has directed all presidential aspirants to submit 100 signatures of voters seconding their nomination within two weeks before nomination day. Addressing journalists about adjustments to various election nomination positions, Justice Simon Byabakama, Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, announced that presidential aspirants can start picking nomination forms next week and will have one month to return them. According to Byabakama, aspiring presidential candidates have 30 days to collect at least 100 signatures from supporters in 98 districts of Uganda to support their candidacy. Unlike previous elections, where aspirants would submit signatures on nomination day, this time around,…
In abid to prevent future rigging of votes,Nrm Party is considering introducing smart voters cards. Currently, voting in the party is conducted using paper ballots and voters mark their choice by ticking the name and picture of their preferred candidate on the ballot, then place it in a box for counting later. The method, however, has been cited as a root cause of internal party wrangles due to the perception that powerful party members abuse the system to rig for themselves or their allies through multiple voting. The current method, according to party officials and members, has bred internal disagreements…
Airtel Africa Foundation in partnership with Tertiary DNS have launched a new initiative for Women designed to boost female participation in the technology sector. Dubbed “Tech For Her” program aims at providing young women in Uganda, Zambia and Kenya with high-demand digital skills. Resty Ayona, Head of Performance and Rewards at Airtel Uganda the five-weeks online program will offer over 100 hours of intensive training in areas such as Linux administration, cybersecurity and data analytics. It will also feature a flexible learning model with weekend classes for working professionals and weekday sessions for other participants. “We live in a world…
The Electoral Commission (EC) has announced major adjustments to the nomination schedules for various elective positions ahead of the 2026 General Elections, citing the need to streamline the electoral process across different levels of government. Addressing the media at the EC headquarters in Kampala on Thursday, August 7, 2025, EC Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama said the changes affect local government, parliamentary, and presidential nominations, including those representing Special Interest Groups (SIGs). The nomination period for local government candidates, which was initially set to run from September 3 to 12, 2025, has now been dis aggregated to allow for separate nomination…
The East African Community (EAC) has officially launched the EACBond, a groundbreaking regional customs guarantee instrument designed to streamline the movement of goods across member states. Unveiled Monday in the Ugandan capital of Kampala, the EACBond replaces multiple national customs bonds with one unified system, allowing traders to secure their cargo journey under a single guarantee. The EAC said the initiative is expected to significantly reduce trade costs, minimize border delays, and unlock capital previously tied up in bond deposits. The high-level launch event brought together government officials, logistics firms, financial institutions, and customs representatives, said the statement. The pilot…
By Felix Oketcho In a bid to promote Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) and road safety among riders, Reach A Hand, Uganda and United Boda Boda Riders Cooperative Union (UBBRCU) have launched a campaign to advance SRHR and curb road safety among boda boda riders. The campaign, called “Kwatamu Awo – You Only Live Once” was launched on 6th August 2925 at Reach A Hand offices, Lungujja. This partnership campaign entails mobile outreach providing HIV testing, counseling, blood pressure checks, and health education; traffic rule and protective gear sensitisation; distribution of condoms and safe sex advocacy around boda boda…
With Uganda progressing on its journey towards becoming a technology-enabled economy, connectivity has emerged as a key driver of economic and social growth. To maintain this momentum and unlock the opportunities that come with it, these connectivity solutions must be inclusive. Essentially, connectivity bridges distance and access. It provides individuals, businesses, and institutions with the opportunity to participate meaningfully in the digital economy. Whether it’s a farmer using mobile money to receive payments, an entrepreneur selling handmade crafts on online marketplaces, or an emerging fintech expanding its online footprint, connectivity removes barriers that once kept markets and opportunities out of…
By Amiri Wabusimba Uganda’s co-hosting of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) is a milestone moment, symbolizing the country’s ambition to position itself as a strategic player in sports diplomacy. As one of three East African nations selected to co-host the prestigious tournament alongside Kenya and Tanzania, it is a defining moment to project national prestige, attract regional tourism, and affirm Uganda’s ability to host global events. Yet as matches kicked off at the Mandela National Stadium in Namboole on Monday, the narrative quickly collapsed under the weight of confusion, silence, and administrative dysfunction. CHAN 2024 in Uganda is a…
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has pledged to buy off Mayuge Sugar Factory and hand it over to Busoga’s sugarcane outgrowers as part of government’s long-awaited intervention to address exploitation by millers and manufacturers. Speaking on Wednesday, August 06, during a meeting with sugarcane growers and processors at Kityerera State Lodge in Mayuge District, Mr Museveni confirmed that the owners of Mayuge Sugar Factory had approached him with an offer to sell, which he now intends to pursue for the benefit of farmers. “I pledged to build a sugar factory for you. Recently, the people of Mayuge Sugar Factory came and…