Court halts trial as Suspect in Ggaba Child Killings Claims Sickness
Proceedings in the trial of Christopher Okello Onyum, the prime suspect in the murder of four children at Ggaba Early Childhood Development Centre, were abruptly halted after the accused told court he was unwell. “I am unable to proceed with the current session because I am not feeling well,” Onyum
Pearl Bank Surges as Wendi Wallet Hits Ushs 240.5 Billion in Deposits
A quiet but meaningful shift is unfolding in Uganda’s financial sector, one that is beginning to redefine what a local bank can become. Pearl Bank’s results for the year ended December 2025 point to a strong growth story. Profit after tax rose by 34 percent to Shs 47.3 billion, customer
UPDF, Leaders Convene to Strengthen Peace Efforts in Karamoja
The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), through its 3rd Infantry Division in collaboration with the Directorate of Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC), has convened a four-day engagement with community, civil, and political leaders from the Karamoja sub-region. The seminar, which opened in Soroti, aims to formulate practical strategies to strengthen peace and
VFS Global opens Entebbe centre to expand UK visa services
Residents seeking visas to the United Kingdom can now submit applications from Entebbe following the expansion of services by VFS Global. The company announced that Ugandan applicants are now able to book appointments at its Premium Application Centre in Entebbe, in response to growing outbound travel demand. The UK Premium
Qualcomm selects 10 African startups for 2026 Make in Africa programme
US technology firm Qualcomm has announced the selection of 10 startups for the 2026 edition of its Qualcomm Make in Africa Mentorship Programme, an equity-free initiative aimed at strengthening Africa’s deep-technology ecosystem through mentorship, training, and intellectual property support. The programme is part of the Qualcomm Africa Innovation Platform and
Amendment expands powers to demolish illegal buildings — Bwire
Sweeping reforms in Uganda’s construction sector are set to tighten enforcement of building standards following the President’s assent to the Building Control (Amendment) Act, 2026. The amendments, which came into force on March 19, 2026, are aimed at strengthening regulation, supervision, and compliance within the country’s building industry. According to
Uganda Flags Off Distribution of 2.3 Million Malaria Vaccine Doses
The Minister of Health, Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng Oceroh, has flagged off the distribution of 2.278 million doses of malaria vaccines to 105 districts with high and moderate malaria transmission. This marks a significant milestone in Uganda’s fight against malaria. The vaccine rollout will eventually extend to the entire country.
Regional Stakeholders Call For Joint Action On Peace And Climate Resilience
The Commander of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces 3 Infantry Division, Brigadier General Michael Walaka Hyeroba, has called for joint peace and climate action among Uganda, South Sudan and Kenya to address insecurity driven by environmental challenges in cross-border pastoral communities. “We cannot secure peace without addressing the climate. And
Imam Seyyed Ali Khamenei’s foresight on the Strait of Hormuz
Introduction The Islamic Republic of Iran, under the decisive leadership of Imam Khamenei, is asserting its maritime sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz. It is critical for the transport of diesel, which keeps the whole world economy functioning and producing real wealth. Iran’s assertion has disrupted that functionality and productivity.
Wendi launches Shs100,000 weekly rewards campaign to boost digital transactions
Pearl Bank’s mobile wallet, Wendi, has launched a promotional campaign offering customers cash prizes, fuel vouchers, smartphones and household appliances in a bid to encourage more Ugandans to embrace digital financial services. Dubbed Wendi Ku Win, the campaign rewards customers who make transactions worth more than Shs10,000 through the mobile
Shilling makes dramatic recovery, gains 5% against dollar
The Uganda shilling has staged a strong recovery against the US dollar, appreciating by about five per cent in a week as increased foreign currency inflows and subdued corporate demand eased pressure on the local currency. The shilling, which opened the week at Shs4,243/4,353 against the dollar, strengthened steadily to
Muhoozi signals end of his tenure as army chief
Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba has signalled his intention to leave the military’s top command, but wants to secure a Shs 2 million monthly basic salary for ordinary soldiers before handing over office. In an announcement that raises questions about the future leadership of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), Muhoozi said
Magoola’s Shs 723bn venture faces fresh storm as bank moves to sell his properties
A 20-acre industrial establishment in Matugga, an operational wheat milling plant in Luzira, a hospital in Kitende and several commercial and residential properties belonging to businessman Dr Mathias Magoola and companies associated with him are facing sale over unpaid bank loans. The proposed disposal has brought renewed attention to the
Pearl Bank wins two gold awards at 2026 FiRe Awards
Pearl Bank has won two top awards at the 2026 Financial Reporting (FiRe) Awards, securing recognition for its integrated reporting and performance in the banking services category. The bank received the Gold Award for Integrated Report of the Year and recognition in the Financial Services Reporting category for Banking Services
UPDF, Security Agencies Harmonise Security Operations In South Karamoja
The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) 3 Infantry Division convened an inter-agency security meeting in Moroto to review the security situation in South Karamoja and strengthen joint efforts to consolidate peace. The meeting, chaired by the Division Commander, Brig Gen Michael Walaka Hyeroba, focused on livestock and illegal firearms recovery,
Ronaldo bids emotional farewell to Portugal after 23 years
Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to a 23-year journey with Portugal in which he rose from a teenage footballer to the country’s most celebrated player and record goalscorer. In an emotional farewell letter addressed to Portuguese supporters, the 41-year-old forward said the time
Govt starts Shs 98bn construction of new Karuma Bridge
The government has commenced construction of a new bridge across the River Nile at Karuma, in a Shs98 billion project expected to improve road safety, ease traffic flow and strengthen trade links between Uganda and its neighbours. The 245-metre bridge, which will replace the ageing structure built in 1963, is
