FREEMAN NEWS-UG

   Sad News on our desk indicates that a prominent Business man in Nabumali Town Council, Bungokho Central in Mbale District has passed on. According to late's wife Jenifer Nandutu, the late died of high blood pressure.  "He was in the car with the driver on their way from Mbale town, the car got tire blowout, this shocked him and he collapsed, the driver immediately took him to the hospital but he was pronounced dead by the Dr. "- Jenifer Nandutu. The body in in the mortuary pending burial arrangements.

Coffee farmers in the Buginyanya and Bumgibole sub-counties of Balambuli district have expressed concerns over the increasing prevalence of coffee pests and diseases, negatively impacting their coffee yields. These grievances were aired during an event organized by Bulambuli Kwigate Coffee Limited in partnership with Darley Investments Limited, where the best farmers of the season were awarded, with the top farmer receiving a motorcycle and various gifts. The event was organized to build relationships between farmers, suppliers, local leaders and other stakeholders. Farmers reported that the coffee cherries change colour from red to black due to Coffee Berry Disease (CBD). Gimei Justine, a coffee farmer from Buginyanya Sub-County, mentioned that pests and diseases have significantly affected their expected output. She added that the pesticides are expensive and urged the government to moderate the prices. Bwoyilisa Beth, another farmer from Bumugibole Sub-County, highlighted those dise...

It was a regular Tuesday morning at the bustling headquarters of NBS TV in Naguru, Kampala’s leading television station. The sun shone brightly, casting a warm glow over the office as the employees settled into their routines. Little did they know; that the day would soon turn tumultuous. Amidst the hum of computers and the clatter of coffee cups, a tweet from one Ninye Tabz hit social media and started spreading like wildfire. What Everyone Earns!” Curiosity piqued, employees were all on Tabz’s timeline, their eyes widening in disbelief as they scrolled through the contents. It was a comprehensive list of salaries for every employee at NBS TV, from the top executives to the entry-level interns. Whispers and murmurs spread like wildfire across the office. The typically composed newsroom was now a hive of speculation and gossip. Some employees wore expressions of shock and indignation, while others exchanged glances of smug satisfaction. The once-cohesive team was now divided by envy, r...

Kampala traders have threatened to close their shops starting Wednesday, July 31, after President Yoweri Museveni, through the Minister for Kampala, cancelled a scheduled meeting. The meeting was intended for traders to voice their grievances, including concerns about unfair taxation and a disorganised business environment. The Kampala City Traders Association (KACITA) spokesperson, Isa Ssekitto, expressed their disappointment, stating that they were initially scheduled to meet the President on July 31. However, the Minister for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, Hajjat Minsa Kabanda, informed them via WhatsApp that the meeting had been cancelled due to renovations at Kololo Independence Grounds, the intended venue. Isa Ssekitto criticised the minister’s use of WhatsApp for such important communication, calling it disrespectful to the traders, who are significant contributors to the country’s economy. He further noted that they were informed that the President would meet th...

In a show of support for the local business community, Hon. Nathan Nandala Mafabi met with the Mbale Central Market executive and vendors today 30th July, 2024, he supported them with 10 million shillings to their Savings and Credit Cooperative Organization (Sacco). This generous contribution aims to empower the market vendors, enhancing their financial stability and growth prospects. Hon. Mafabi's commitment to the community's economic development is truly commendable. Why soaking to this publication, Ali Gizamba on behalf of the SACCO thanked Nandala for the great financial boost. "We extend our sincere gratitude to Hon. Nathan Nandala Mafabi for his kindness and dedication to the people of Mbale and Bugisu at large"-  Ali Gizamba Mbale Central market, was commissioned in  April 2014  by President Museveni, is one of the 19 markets established in Uganda under the Markets and Agriculture Trade Improvement Programme (MATIP) with funding from the African Development Ba...

The Sino-Uganda Mbale Industrial Park is transforming the economy of the Bugisu region, shifting from a focus on agriculture to a reliance on manufacturing. Industrialization has brought numerous positive characteristics, including economic growth, a more efficient division of labor, and a surge in technological innovation.  This shift is typically associated with higher average incomes and improved living standards, which have been observed in Mbale City. The Sino-Uganda Mbale Industrial Park has increased labor specialization and allowed Mbale City to support larger populations, prompting a rapid demographic shift. Many people have left rural areas in large numbers, seeking jobs in the industrial park. This industrial revolution has led to unprecedented expansion in wealth and financial well-being for some.  A larger middle class has emerged as consumer demand for more goods and services grew, and business creation boomed to meet this demand. The Sino-Uganda Mbale Industrial...

Uganda Police Spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke has confirmed A group of thirty-six (36) Ugandans, including three (03) females, is currently in our custody after being arrested in Kisumu, Kenya, and subsequently handed over to Ugandan authorities on the night of July 24, 2024. According to Rusoke, they were engaged in covert activities that are suspected to be subversive, drawing the attention of Kenyan security forces. “We are collaborating closely with our Kenyan counterparts to thoroughly investigate this matter.An inquiry is ongoing and once concluded, the DPP will guide on the matter and the suspects will be presented in court, at which point we will provide further details.” Rusoke confirmed in a statement. “In the meantime, we discourage the practice of some political actors who are organizing and facilitating individuals/groups of their supporters to travel discretely and operate in outside countries without their authorization.” He added.

NBS TV's Luganda News Anchor and Talk show host,  Zambali Burasio Mukasa has refuted claims that despite funny jokes with his workmate Isabella Tugume in front of the screen, they don't go further for intimacy. Zambali says they are only friends with Isabella and they've never talked about sexual issues. The two are always making funny jokes behind the scenes, which is at times posted on their TikTok accounts.  Source has it that the waterlogged Isabella Tugume is single, while Zambali is married with three children. It should be noted that before doing the funny sexy jokes with Zambali,  Waterlogged Tugume used to do it with workment Canary Mugume, who was happily married.  Tips told us that Mugume got a serious Warning from the wife to back off the silly jokes with waterlogged Isabella .

  “I have only one term to serve , after I hand over to Rt Hon Tayebwa,”  the Speaker of Parliament Rt. Anita. Among said this statement today afternoon during thanksgiving prayers and 80th birthday celebrations for Mzee Daudi Bangirana, the father to Tayebwa in Mitooma. Speaker Among has served as deputy speaker for 7 years and.  “We also want to thank the people of Mitooma for giving us a leader in Hon.  Thomas Tayebwa, h e is a very disciplined leader. As a Deputy speaker, he knows what his role is. He is so down to earth and I was even worried that he was going to make everyone laugh here because that is what he is,” Anita praised her deputy, “and we want to request people of Mitooma to kindly bring back Rt. Hon. Tayebwa to Parliament.” “I only have one [more” term to serve and when I finish serving my term, I will give it to Rt. Hon [Tayebwa], Jolly Anita told cheerful congregants, explaining, “you don’t need to cling to power. I have one term to go then I hand ...

Authorities in Mbale City are looking into a heartbreaking accident that happened on Saturday evening in Nakaloke, along the Mbale-Soroti Highway.  A speeding vehicle, allegedly owned by the Boys of Charity, hit two pedestrians who were crossing the road.  The mother died at the scene, while her child was transported to Mbale Regional Referral Hospital for medical care. The accident led to residents blocking the road in protest, demanding that UNRA install speed bumps to enhance safety. The mother's body was taken to the Mbale City Mortuary for an autopsy as investigations proceed.

From having successful rallies in Soroti, Mbale and Kasese, FDC took their tour to West Nile in Arua City where the continued their Digital Membership campaign. So far so good for the Najjanankumbi team who have had serious disagreements with their founding father Dr. Kizza Besigye who was embraced with an empty Pitch in Mbale City the last time he attempted a rally at Mbale Cricket Grounds. This left the masses doubting whether FDC really had support from the people.  However Party General Secretary Nathan Nandala Mafabi and His President Patrick Oboi Amuriat have proved wrong to the doubters. Her are some of the pictures From Arua City rally. FDC Via X-Platform: Today, we successfully concluded our countrywide mobilization and recruitment caravan in Arua City, West Nile sub-region, with an overwhelming reception. Thousands of FDC supporters gathered at Arua Primary School playgrounds to demonstrate their commitment to our revolutionary cause and witness the historic launch of our...

It has been alleged that Nicholas Opio's Chapter Four, a Ugandan based NGO, has received substantial funding from the Ford Foundation, which Kenyan President William Ruto has accused of fueling protests in Kenya. According to a leaked document (see below), Chapter Four received close to UGX 400,000,000 from the Ford Foundation to support various activities, including provision of legal services for protesters. Observers have noted striking similarities between the Ugandan protests, ostensibly against corruption, and the anti-tax protests in Nairobi. Nicholas Opio and others have been actively mobilizing youth on social media to participate in protests, promising free legal services and representation in court. A highly placed source told this publication a Head of State cannot just accuse foreigners without a basis. "When a President says the so-called protests are organised and supported by foreigners, the evidence is there," a source that preffered anonymity noted. Both...

  Comedian Obed Lubega, also known as Reign, who was recently detained for alleged of  social media misuse, has been granted bail. Reign, famous for his work with the comedy duo "Maulana & Reign," was charged with attempting to commit hate speech after appearing before Mwanga II Magistrate's Court, presided over by Principal Magistrate Adams Byarugaba, who read the charge to him on Thursday.  The comedian, who is also a strong supporter of the National Unity Platform (NUP), denied the charge of attempting to commit hate speech, which is contrary to the Computer Misuse Act. Byarugaba granted him a cash bail of Shs1 million, while his sureties received a non-cash bond of Shs10 million. According to the charge sheet, Reign attempted to incite the public through a video on social media platform. Shortly after his release, Reign thanked his legal team and supporters who worked tirelessly to secure his release. "I thank my president HE Kyagulanyi ...

  President Museveni has sacked the jailed Permanent Secretary Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, Geraldine Ssali. Ssali has now been replaced by the former Ministry of Education P.S, Alex Kakooza. Mr. Kakooza was introduced during the Ministry of Trade top management committee meeting on Friday morning. The top management meeting was convened by Francis Mwebesa, the Minister of Trade and attended by the Ministers of State, under secretaries, directors and commissioners of the Ministry. Ssali, was apprehended and charged on July 18, 2024, by the Anti-Corruption Court for allegedly causing financial loss and colluding with Members of Parliament to embezzle cooperative societies’ funds. She has since been remanded to Luzira Prison together with Michael Mawanda of Igara East, Ignatius Mudimi of Elgon county and Paul Akamba of Busiki county. Alex Kakooza In October, 2023, the Secretary to the Treasury, Ramathan Ggoobi, suspended Ssali as the Ministry’s accounting officer on ...

PRESIDENT Yoweri Museveni has reversed his earlier position where he had given a ‘no-objection’ to the re-appointment of Prof. Elly Katunguka as a Chairperson of the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE). He now wants a due process to be followed.  In a letter seen by this media house, the President has advised Prof. Okwakol that the process of selecting the chairperson for NCHE’s Board should follow the guidance of the Attorney General. He wants the NCHE to select two members, from whom he will appoint the Chairperson.   Prof. Elly Katunguka, had, according to the Attorney General, “irregularly”, written to President and the Minister of education and sports and the First Lady Mrs. Janet Museveni; seeking to be re-appointed for the second term as Chairperson of the Board.  Much as the President and the Minister had told Katunguka they had no objection, Mrs. Museveni later sought the guidance of the Attorney General and realized that Katunguka had flouted the p...

Yesterday, 24th July 2024, the speaker of the  Parliament of Uganda, Rt. Hon. Anita Among joined the NRM leadership and other mourners at the Party headquarters to sign a condolence book in honor of the late Hon. Simon Peter Aleper, the NRM Vice Chairperson for Karamoja and former MP for Moroto Municipality. The Speaker eulogized the late Aleper as a passionate leader who prioritized the well-being of the people of Karamoja and Uganda at large.  She also thanked President Museveni for according the late Aleper an official burial. Tomorrow, July 25, his body will lie in state, and later in the afternoon, Parliament will hold a special sitting in his honor. Simon Peter Aleper, died in a motor accident along Iganga-Tirinyi Road. Sources with in NRM have disclosed that the deceased was travelling for the ruling party's Central Executive Committee meeting. The accident happened on the 23rd of July, 2024.  Busoga East Region Police, in a statement, said the accident occurre...

The Head of the State House Investors Protection Unit (SHIPU) Col. Edith Nakalema has today held a fruitful meeting with youth leaders. During the meeting that was held at the unit's offices in Kampala, Col. Nakalema and the youth leaders discussed how they can fight corruption in the country through the right procedures. The National Youth Council of Uganda Chairperson, Mr. Jacob Eyeru thanked Col. Nakalema for her strong fight against corruption. He also requested her to engage the President on the issue of the youths who were arrested on 23rd July, 2024 as they tried to march to Parliament in protest against corruption. “As the Chief fighter of corruption, we request you to talk to the President to pardon them. The President has been at the forefront of the fight against corruption, even arresting some of his own,” Mr. Eyeru noted. He also pledged their willingness to work with President Yoweri Museveni and the government to deal with corruption in the right way. “We request...

  Renowned TV Presenter Samson Kasumba has been suspended from his duties at Next Media after sending out tweets warning protesters of potentially lethal consequences during the #March2Parliament protests against corruption. Full credit: MBU Before Tuesday’s #March2Parliament protests against corruption, Samson Kasumba sent out a series of tweets in which he seemed to warn the protestors about what would happen. “Send me a video of yourself marching to parliament tomorrow. I dare you to follow through with this potentially lethal endeavor. You will find out a few things in the process of your march. Good luck because you will need some. I have been alive long to know. This is Uganda,” Kasumba commented in response to a tweet by fellow media personality Collins Emeka who vowed to be part of the protests. In another tweet, Kasumba wrote; “When I anchor news tomorrow I hope we do not have pictures of blood and tear gas. In Uganda, we all know what it means to march whe...

  Uganda’s Speaker Anita Among has suspended parliamentary plenary sessions just a day after MPs returned from recess The suspension is until Tuesday next week, with no reason given for the decision The move comes amid mounting pressure on the parliament, including protests against corruption in the legislative arm of government. Hon Among on Thursday directed the Parliamentary Clerk, Adolf Mwesigye to communicate the suspension. Plenary will resume on Tuesday next week according to the communique published by the Clerk. “I have been directed by the Rt Hon Speaker that Plenary has been called off until Tuesday 30 July 2024 at 2:00 pm” Mwesigye announced on Wednesday. The speaker gave no reason for the house suspension. It however comes amid mounting pressure on the parliament, which peaked yesterday with the arrest of dozens of youth who attempted to march to the parliamentary building to protest against corruption in the legislative arm of government. The House ...

  Joe Biden has pulled out of the presidential race, saying it is “in the best interest of my party and the country”. In a development that sends the contest into unchartered territory, the US president announced that he will no longer be seeking a second term. Instead, another Democrat will now need to be chosen to face off against Republican nominee Donald Trump in November in a race that has already been marked by tension, division and an assassination attempt. In a letter addressed to “my fellow Americans”, he said it had been the “greatest honour of my life to serve as your president”. “While it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as president for the remainder of my term.” He has endorsed Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee, saying: “Democrats – it’s time to come together and beat Trump.” In the letter posted on X he wro...

  Its a mourning moment in Uganda. Mathew Bukenya, the former Executive Secretary of the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB), has passed away. His death marks the end of an era for the UNEB, where he served with distinction for over 17 years. Bukenya’s tenure at UNEB was marked by significant developments and improvements in Uganda’s national examination system. His leadership contributed to the board’s reputation for integrity and efficiency. He was a pivotal figure in shaping the educational assessment landscape in Uganda. Bukenya’s Contributions to UNEB Key Contribution Description Modernization of Exam Systems Introduced computerized marking and data management systems. Improved Examination Integrity Implemented measures to reduce cheating and enhance fairness. Expansion of Exam Centers Increased the number of examination centers to accommodate growing student numbers. Educational Reforms Played a role in various educational reforms to align with global...

  MENGO: The entire Kingdom of Buganda and Uganda at large is in a jolly state upon having their traditional ruler back to his kingdom after missing him for good month while on treatment. On arrival, HRH Ronald Mwenda Mutebi II was received by top Mengo leaders lead by Katikkiro MAYIGA at the Entebbe International Airport. Upon seeing his pictures, Buganda subjects and Ugandans at large were excited upon realizing, he has greatly improved. This comes at the time when the Kingdom will be celebrating 31 years this month in 30th since it’s restoration in 1993 by the ruling NRM Government. SEE PHOTOS