FREEMAN NEWS-UG

Bugisu Cooperative Union (BCU) has cautioned farmers against the habit of electing leaders who do not own or grow coffee in their respective societies.   BCU Treasurer, Nathan Mabonga, urged farmers to elect leaders who are active coffee farmers to help boost patronage and attract more services from the union. Mabonga made the remarks while responding to concerns raised by farmers over the lack of representation at the Annual General Meeting (AGM), during a zonal meeting held on Friday at Nyondo PTC Main Hall in the Lower Central Zone.   Mabonga questioned how a Growers’ Cooperative Society (GCS) with over 11 committee members could fail to deliver even 10 kilograms of coffee to the union. He noted that many farmers are influenced to vote for individuals who do not own coffee gardens, only to later complain about the lack of services from the union.  He stressed that access to union services is strictly based on patronage. For a member to qualify for a bursary, ...

Bugisu Cooperative Union (BCU) has launched a plan to renovate and enhance its affiliated primary societies across all nine zones. The announcement was made by John Musila, the Union’s Vice Chairman, during the Lwakhakha zonal meeting at Chebukube Guesthouse on Sunday afternoon.   Musila, who is also the MP for Bubulo East, informed delegates that management intends to renovate at least two primary societies per zone starting next financial year. He added that the number could increase depending on the volume of coffee delivered to the union. The renovations will be funded from profits generated through coffee sales. He encouraged farmers to entrust their coffee to the union in order to access services and enjoy more benefits.  Musila also emphasized that priority will be given to fully patronized societies. Additionally, he cautioned sub-counties and police units currently using union properties to start seeking alternative arrangements.   Wanzusi Robert, a coffee f...

For years, MPs and other notables from Teso sub region have opportunistically portrayed themselves as loyal to either the Speaker Anita Among’s camp or that of Vice President Jessica Alupo. Ministers like Jeje Odongo, Musa Ecweru, Hellen Odoa and others were for some time perceived to be Alupo’s as the likes of Peter Ogwang were branded Anita Among’s. At some point, the quarreling became so heightened to the extent that admins on the Teso MPs’ whatsapp groups had to remove some of the most belligerent members. These are members who had opted to become too belligerent towards VP Alupo; ostensibly to appease Speaker Among and increase their acceptability to her. Fast foward as of today, sanity is beginning to prevail after leaders realising that some of these wars are imaginary and the handwork of poverty-stricken and fortune-hunting cadres who thrive on quarrel mongering and antagonising national leaders in order to get facilitated to fight back and defend those who give them something ...

Drama was in Butiru County yesterday, during the ongoing distribution of Maize seeds to farmers by state house official, Keffa Mafumo, as one of the area LC3 chairman, identified as Kinyata attempted to block the distribution.  According  to this area LC3, he alleged that Mafumo had not written to his office, seeking permission to distribute seedlings to the residents of Mayanza, Butiru County. In this process of a scuffle, the angry  residents threatened to thump the area LC3 for failing a Government program, aimed at fighting poverty at house level.  The angry residents were forced to chase away the LC3 in order of getting free maiz seeds distrubuted by Keffa Mafumo. "We need the maize seeds, we are not doing well and we would not wish to see leaders like him sabotaging a government programme. Actually, the internal security organs must investigate on this LC3, these are people who have opted to fail president M7's Government" -one of the residents made a call....

The Government of Uganda, in partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), has officially launched the Project for the Development of an Irrigation System in the Atari Basin Area. This transformative initiative aims to boost rice production, enhance food security, and improve livelihoods in Eastern Uganda. The ground breaking celemony was held at  Atari Project Site on thursday afternoon.  According to Frank Tumwebaze, the Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries (MAAIF), the contract for the project was signed in November 2018 but faced delays due to land disputes, which he described as outright corruption caused by inflated compensation claims. He emphasized that the two-year project will benefit local communities by promoting year-round farming, enhancing climate resilience, and fostering economic growth. H.E. Sasayama Takuya, the Ambassador of Japan to Uganda, highlighted that the project is part of the Coalition for African Rice Develo...

Yesterday, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, Dr. Amina zawedde engaged with ATC Uganda (American Tower Corporation) to explore avenues for collaboration in advancing digital skilling and the Digital Transformation Roadmap (DTR) agenda. Key discussion points included: Accelerating the Digital Transformation Roadmap, ATC Uganda’s role in digital skilling initiatives,  Infrastructure development. Dr. Zawedde emphasized the importance of collaboration in driving Uganda’s digital agenda, highlighting that strong partnerships are key to accelerating digital transformation, enhancing connectivity, and equipping Ugandans with essential digital skills.

For more than ten years, Hon. Lydia Wanyoto the Chairperson NRM Women’s League has been supporting the Muslim Community especially during the Holy Month of Ramathan. Tens of hundreds have been benefiting from items like maize flour, sugar soap and other items. This year isn’t exceptional, Hon. Lydia Wanyoto has already injected over 50 million shillings in ensuring that she improves the welfare of the Muslim community during Ramathan She has delivered items like sugar, soap, mineral water, maize flour, cash and maize seeds to plant during this rainy season. The Muslim twales of Nakaloke, Bukonde, Lwasso, Mutoto, Bugema and Mbale City Central have all benefited from this initiative. After the above initiatives, this weekend on Saturday, she has invited the Muslim community for a dinner as they mark the end of the holy month. The invited Muslims shall also walkway with a similar or even a bigger package than the previous ones. The Muslim community has on several occasions applauded her c...

Mr Allan Damulira (with yellow book), his lawyer Joseph Ndawula, and affected residents of Wankwale village in Njeru Municipality The Lugazi Chief Magistrate, HW Nabende Moses, has set 9th May 2025 at 2pm as the date and time he will move court to visit GM Sugar factory in Lugazi II, Njeru Municipality. He will then visit the surrounding villages through which River Bulumagi/Kinywa flows before joining with River Mubeeya at Wankwale  to empty its waters into Lake Victoria.  This after a criminal case was filled by Mr Damulira Allan John against GM Sugar Limited and its dorectors Mr Akash Pareshbhai and Mr Rajeev Singhal, alleging that they empty dangerous effluent from the factory, which has caused fatally damaging side effects to people, animals, crops, and especially fish in organized aquacultural eatablishments that depend on River Kinywa for water.  Area residents, through Mr Allan John Damulira, allege that people have been injured, two cows and 3 goats have died aft...

Few days ago, Parliament approved request for The Ministry of Energy to borrow US$190Million (Shs699.938Bn) from Stanbic Bank for the buyout it out UMEME, and this was confirmed by minister Nankabirwa. Today, Speaker of Parliament Anita Among has announced that the Auditor General's final report has valued the buyout of Umeme at 118 million USD.  Among stated that Parliament will rely on the Auditor General’s recommendations regarding the buyout, not the Ministries request.  This comes after Parliament previously approved a 190 million USD loan from Stanbic Bank for the purchase of Umeme.  Among made these remarks while receiving a special audit report on Umeme’s asset investments conducted by the Auditor General.

A heartbreaking incident in Mbale City, Uganda, has led to the arrest of a guesthouse manager after a 15-year-old student was found dead in one of the rooms. The victim, Sumaya Binti Edrisa, was a bright and humble student at Nakaloke Secondary School. On Sunday, March 23, 2025, a man only identified as “Iman” checked into Grace Guest House along the Mbale-Soroti highway. The receptionist, Peter Nabende, showed him different rooms before he settled on Room 11. The suspect claimed his “girlfriend” would arrive soon. Later, Sumaya entered the room. By 1 PM, the receptionist discovered Sumaya’s lifeless body—naked, with her hands and neck tied with a mosquito net. Shockingly, the suspect then called the manager using Sumaya’s phone, telling him to “check your things” in Room 11 before vanishing. Police arrested the guesthouse manager for negligence. Authorities say he failed in his duty by allowing an underage girl into the lodge with an adult man. “Allowing a 15-year-old girl to enter a ...

The Speaker of Parliament of Uganda, Rt. Hon. Anita Among has this evening confirmed the swearing in of the recently Kawempe North elected member of parliament, Nalukoola. Among confirmed the Nalukoola’s swearing ceremony via her official X platform.  "I have received official communication from the @UgandaEC along with a copy of the gazetted results. I will proceed to swear in the Member of Parliament-elect for Kawempe North in my chambers tomorrow at 12:00 noon. I would like to congratulate Erias Nalukoola Luyimbazi on his victory"- Speaker Among via x-platform  What You Need To Know: Elias Luyimbazi Nalukoola won the Kawempe MP by-election Yesterday, the Electoral Commission finally gazetted the results of the Kawempe North Member of Parliament by-election after maximum pressure from the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP), some opposition Members of Parliament and members of the general public. The NUP candidate Elias Luyimbazi Nalukoola was announced by the Electora...

Five Katakwi Forum For Democratic Change (FDC) leaders Have Cross To National Resistance Movement (NRM). The team was warmly eelcomed by Captain Mukula, the Eastern Region Vice Chairman at his home in Bugolobi. Mukula confirmed the news via his official X platform this evening. "I have just received cross over @FDCOfficial1 team from Katakwi District who have crossed over to NRM party lead by Mr Martin Omedo Odaka former district leader and madam AGUTI stella Jane accompanied by the NRM district chairman ODEKET opio Richard and lawyer Okiror.  Speaking to this publication, Mukula said FDC team is disenchanted and loosing direction, and focus is now shifting towards new political alignments and in the east they are reigniting our political momentum. He also noted that UPC has lost power twice since then its support is limited to some parts of lango but the NRM is going to restore full political control in lango.

keffa Mafumo, a state house official and aspiring MP for Butiru county, on 24th March, 2025, has gives tips on Food Systems Resilience to the people of Butiru Town Council, in Manafwa District. Keffa made the call during the the distributes Maize seeds to the locals in the constituency. "Manafwa is unique, most especially our cositituency Butiru and should have no problem with food. We have a high altitude near the hills. Food grows easily on our soil and can be the center for food production. If there is any problem in food production, it is due to lack of sensitization,” -said Keffa Keffa also advised residents to embrace government programs like the presidential initiative known as the PDM as well as telling them to use natural waters to irrigate crops.  “Irrigation is a challenge in the dry season we are now lucky that rain is back let us use this chance to plant enough food, I know that We are also faced with the challenge of bad farming practices. Good farming practices yiel...

Saturday, 22nd March 2025 Saturday, 22nd March 2025 was a special occasion of Visitation Day and Class level meeting in Teso College Aloet. The parents expressed their heartfelt congratulations and deep appreciation to the Headteacher, the teaching staff, and the entire administration of Teso College Aloet for the progressive students’ academic performance, particularly in science subjects in the recently released Advanced Level (UACE) examination results, 2024.  The analysis of UACE reflected an upward trend in academic performance at Teso College Aloet, with many students achieving high grades. For instance, in 2024, notable performance was registered in the following areas: 11 As & 8 Bs in Physics; 5As & 8 Bs in Mathematics; 6Bs in Chemistry; 5Bs in Biology; and 4 As in Technical Drawing, among others. Overall, 121 (61. %) out of 198 students qualify for university education. This achievement was a clear reflection of the dedication, hard work, and commitment demonstrate...

Re: To NRM, West Nile is a vote plantation—cultivated during elections, abandoned thereafter.    By Oguzu Lee We welcome you to West Nile, a region with long stolen future. I take this opportunity to remind you that the people of West Nile have consistently turned out in large numbers to vote for the NRM, driven by hope for tangible progress. However, post-election periods reveal a troubling pattern: health centers remain understaffed and unequipped, schools lack textbooks and qualified teachers, and communities still trek kilometers for murky water from contaminated sources. Electricity access is a luxury reserved for few, while crumbling roads and bridges isolate entire villages. These are not mere oversights but systemic failures that betray the region’s trust.   The people of West Nile have long been sold a dream. A dream of roads that connect, clinics that heal, schools that empower, and lights that illuminate. A dream enshrined in your manifesto, echoed in your...

The Eastern Region NRM Vice Chairman, and Businessman, Captain Mike George Mukula has praised Kenya’s President, HE William Ruto and rival, Raila Odinga for exercising mature politics, leading to the development of Kenya Economically. Mukula made the remarks while on his three days visit in Nirobi Kenya.  "I have a lot of respect for the Kenya dynamic political landscape and I admire President ⁦Williams Ruto⁩ for his foresight and flexibility in driving the political narrative forward with Baba ⁦Raila Odinga, Kenya is an economic powerhouse in the region"- Mukula. Mukula further noted that he admirers Kenyan Politics and the direction it’s taking. "Just look all their gridlock in politics is resolved by leaders choosing to talk to each other and agreeing to work together on issues that unite them through dialogue"- Mukula.  What You Need To Know: The Ruto-Odinga alliance was sparked by the 2024 protests in Kenya, where youth-led demonstrations against tax hikes and ...

Wamono George Bweri, the 2026 Aspiring mp to be Bungokho central has once again demonstrated his commitment to supporting the people of Bungokho Central.  Today 21st March the determined politician visited Nyondo Subcounty, Bubetsye Parish, Muruba Village, where 60 families were affected by devastating landslides late last year. During his visit, Wamono George donated relief items, including posho, sugar, and soap, to the 60 affected families. This timely intervention brought hope and relief to those struggling to recover from the disaster. The people of Muruba village and nyondo at large vowed to continue giving maximum support to wamono on  his journey to parliament.   

The Uganda Parliamentary Press Association (UPPA) leadership, comprising President Samuel Ibanda Mugabi, Secretary General Arthur Wandero, and Print Media Representative Sarah Nabakooza, were honored to attend the Francophonie Day celebrations at the French Residence in Kampala.  The event, held on March 20, 2025, was hosted by French Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Xavier Sticker. Francophonie Day is an annual global event that promotes the French language and Francophone culture, fostering cooperation between French-speaking nations and their partners.  Despite being an English-speaking country, Uganda maintains strong ties with the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), which comprises over 80 member states and governments, including several African nations. The invitation of the UPPA leadership to this prestigious event highlights the media's role in fostering dialogue and promoting engagement with Francophone nations. UPPA remains committed to enhancing the visi...

Kampala – A woman identified only as Martha has died under unclear circumstances after being taken to the management office of Mezzo Noir, a popular nightclub in Kampala, on Wednesday night. According to preliminary reports, Martha had entered the office of a man identified as Eddie, the brother of the nightclub’s owner, Grace. Moments later, she reportedly collapsed under mysterious circumstances. Witnesses say Eddie rushed out of the office seeking help from friends, who quickly transported Martha to a nearby hospital. However, medical personnel pronounced her dead upon arrival. The exact cause of Martha’s collapse remains unknown, and details surrounding the incident are still scanty. Authorities have yet to confirm what transpired inside the office before she fell unconscious. Kampala Metropolitan Police have acknowledged the incident and are expected to issue a formal statement soon. Header advertisement Investigations are ongoing, and law enforcement is likely to conduct intervie...

In a bid to cement its relationships with academic institutions, Centenary Bank embarked on a visitation and donation exercise in Mbale.  The bank's staff from the head office joined forces with their counterparts from the Mbale branch to engage with several schools, academic institutions, and universities in Mbale city and district. The team visited Nyondo Secondary School, Nabumali High School, and St. John Bosco PTC Nyondo in Mbale district, as well as Mbale Secondary School and Islamic University in Uganda in Mbale city. During these visits, they interacted with administrators, donated essential items, and promoted financial literacy as part of Centenary Bank's social corporate responsibility initiative. While at Nyondo SS, the Bank donated T shirts & dust bins and other items. the banks also promised to installa cente Agent point at school to easy fees banking and other transactions. Annet Nandelenga Wabweni, Manager of Centenary Bank's Mbale branch, revealed that ...

On March 18, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja shared an amusing moment at a Bunyoro event, revealing that one time she called First Lady Janet Museveni, only for President Yoweri Museveni to answer the phone. Nabbanja, speaking during President Museveni’s Parish Development Model (PDM) tour, explained how she had been looking to discuss a matter “quietly” with the First Lady, without the President overhearing. However, it was President Museveni himself who picked up the phone instead. Nelson Bwire Kapo, State House online editor, shared the light-hearted moment on X, writing: "PM Nabanjja cracks the audience, says one time she was stressed and was looking for the Education Minister ( First Lady Janet Museveni ), to discuss something “quietly” without going through Pres M7’s ears. She called the First Lady tu tu .. 📞 and it’s Pres M7 who picked 🙆🏻‍♂️" President Museveni, who is currently in Bunyoro, yesterday commended the swift progress of the Hoima City Stadium’s construct...

Earlier today, the the speaker of the Parliament of Uganda, Rt Hon. Speaker Anita Among met the Rt. Hon. Madala Mhlanga, Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of Eswatini, and Hon. Timothy Matsebule, Auditor General, at Parliament.  Their visit followed the successful conclusion of the 5th African Organisation of Public Accounts Committees (AFROPAC) Assembly, which the Parliament of Uganda was privileged to host. Discussions focused on strengthening inter-parliamentary collaboration, exchanging best practices in legislative oversight, and enhancing accountability mechanisms.  The Speaker also took the opportunity to interest them in Uganda’s rich tourism and renowned coffee, which she described as a true symbol of the country’s vibrant agricultural heritage.

As part of his commitment to community support and unity, Biara Foundation has contributed 301 cartons of energy drinks, soda, and water worth 5 million UGX towards the Kampala Street Iftar Dinner happening today, March 20, 2025, at Buganda Road (City Square - KPC). The drinks truck was handed over to the organisers by the foundation CEO, Mr Wepukhulu Biara, the former Bulambuli constituency Mp candidate who is vibrant on the ground and showing interest in contesting again in the furrowing 2026 general elections. While addressing the media Biara noted that as a foundation, they believe in sharing, most especially to the needy. "We believe in sharing, giving, and uplifting our communities, especially during this blessed month of Ramadan. We commend the organizers for bringing people together in faith and generosity. May this event strengthen the spirit of togetherness and compassion in our society. Ramadan Kareem"- Biara noted. What You Need To Know:- Office of the National Ch...