FREEMAN NEWS-UG

From MP-Elect Hon. Metrine Nanzala Musufwa. Dear People of Namisindwa County, On this important occasion of Labour Day, I extend my warmest greetings and heartfelt appreciation to each and every one of you for your hard work, resilience, and unwavering commitment to building our community. Today, we celebrate the dignity of labour and recognize the invaluable contributions of farmers, teachers, health workers, traders, youth, and all workers who continue to shape the growth and progress of Namisindwa County.  Your dedication, often under challenging conditions, is the backbone of our local economy and a source of pride for our nation. As your MP-Elect, I am committed to advocating for improved working conditions, better access to opportunities, and policies that empower our people economically.  Together, we shall focus on promoting agriculture, supporting small businesses, creating employment opportunities for our youth, and ensuring that government programs reach every corne...

  Happy LABOUR DAY 1ST MAY 2026 "I extend my warmest wishes to the hardworking people of Butiru County, the great Manafwa District, and all Ugandans across the nation.Today, we celebrate your dedication, resilience, and the invaluable contribution you make toward building our communities and our country. Your efforts are the backbone of our progress and the foundation of a brighter future.Let us continue to work together in unity, determination, and hope for sustainable development and prosperity for all.Wishing you a joyful, peaceful, and fulfilling Labour Day! HON. WAKOOLI GODFREY MATEMBU LEADER | BUTIRU COUNTY As Uganda joins the rest of the world in commemorating International Labour Day today, Hon. Wakooli Godfrey Matembu, the Member of Parliament for Butiru County, has issued a heartfelt message of appreciation to the hardworking citizens of his constituency, the greater Manafwa District, and the entire nation. In a vibrant Labour Day flyer released on this occasion, Hon. Ma...

A Ugandan man has been sentenced to death after being found guilty of murdering four toddlers at a daycare centre in what the presiding judge described as an unprecedented crime in the country. Justice Alice Komuhangi Khaukha handed down the sentence against 38-year-old Christopher Okello Onyum on Thursday, telling him directly: “I hereby sentence you to suffer death for the murder of Gideon Eteku, Keisha Agenorwoth Otim, Ignatius Sseruyange and Ryan Odeke,” referring to the four counts against him. The judge said the prosecution had proved beyond reasonable doubt that Okello carried out the killings. Okello has 14 days to appeal his conviction and sentence. The case dates back to April 2, when a man walked into the Ggaba Early Childhood Development Programme and stabbed four children, all aged between one and two and a half years old, to death with a kitchen knife. Okello was arrested at the scene, and the attack triggered nationwide outrage. President Museveni directed the Judiciary ...

Nairobi, Kenya: On the sidelines of the Connected Africa Summit 2026, Uganda, together with fellow Northern Corridor Integration Project (NCIP) Partner States, held a high-level Inter-Ministerial Meeting to fast-track the development of a Regional Communication and Broadcasting Satellite. The meeting was chaired by Dr. Aminah Zawedde, Permanent Secretary of Uganda’s Ministry of ICT and National Guidance. It brought together ministers and technical teams from Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, and South Sudan to align on a shared vision for enhancing regional connectivity and digital resilience.Key outcomes of the meeting include:- Adoption of a Ministerial Resolution to guide the initiative. Approval of a funding mechanism to kick-start a comprehensive feasibility study. Endorsement of a project roadmap for the proposed satellite. This regional initiative is expected to significantly expand broadband access, strengthen broadcasting capabilities, and support critical sectors such as education, heal...

The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has issued a stern warning to media houses and pastors against distorting information related to ongoing court proceedings at Mengo Court. Due to pastor Robert Kayanja’s failure to attend to their sermon after his complaint against KTV and Top Tv news broadcast claiming that it was fake, UCC gives him and Channel 44 TV one week to defend themselves against their alleged news representation in their news broadcast and church service. The caution came during a high-stakes harmonisation meeting held at the UCC headquarters in Bugolobi, which brought together three prominent pastors: Pr. Robert Kayanja of Miracle Centre Cathedral, Pr. David Kiganda, and Pr. Jackson Ssenyonga of Life Christian Church. What You Need To Know:- Pr. Kayanja had earlier petitioned the UCC, accusing top media houses and Kingdom Media of running defamatory stories against him. However, two weeks later, Prs. Ssenyonga and Kiganda filed counter-petitions against Pr. Kayanja...

Kampala, Uganda – Frustrated traders in downtown Kampala, whose businesses were devastated by devastating floods last year, have intensified demands for the immediate release of Shs20 billion in compensation that President Yoweri Museveni personally pledged and realised to them. The traders, mainly operating in arcades and shops around the Nakivubo Channel area, lost millions of shillings worth of merchandise when heavy rains caused massive flooding on October 31, 2025.  Following the disaster, a delegation of affected traders met President Museveni at his Kisozi farm, where he directed the government to provide Shs20 billion as ex-gratia support to help them recover. Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, through the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), was tasked with overseeing the process. The government later confirmed that the funds had been secured and the disbursement process was underway based on a verified list of beneficiaries. However, months later, many traders claim they are...

Mbale, Uganda – Fresh controversy has erupted within the Bamasaba community after remarks attributed to Umukuka Jude Mike Mudoma and cultural figure Maserejje appeared to distance the Bamasaba living in Kenya from their counterparts in Uganda, sparking accusations of self-contradiction and undermining long-standing cultural unity. The Bamasaba (also known as Bagisu or Bamasaaba) are a Bantu ethnic group primarily residing on the slopes of Mount Elgon in eastern Uganda, with a significant related community  the Bukusu living across the border in western Kenya.  The two groups share deep historical, linguistic, and cultural ties, including traditions such as the Imbalu circumcision ceremony. However, recent statements by Umukuka III Jude Mike Mudoma, the recognised cultural leader of the Bugisu Cultural Institution in Uganda, and Maserejje have ignited debate.  In separate engagements, the two leaders reportedly asserted that the “Bamasaba of Kenya” are not part of the Bama...

MBALE DISTRICT – Stakeholders in Mbale District have been challenged to eliminate internal tribalism and embrace a pan-African mindset to fully realize the benefits of the East African Community (EAC) integration. The call was made today during a high-level sensitization engagement held at the Maluku District Council Hall organized by the Ministry of East African Community Affairs. The Chief Guest,  State Minister for EAC Affairs, emphasized that district leaders are the frontline ambassadors of the integration agenda. He noted that periodic engagements are vital for stakeholders to understand the EAC agenda in depth, enabling them to popularize and facilitate intra-EAC trade within their local communities. The  Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Mbale, Mr. Bayole Stanley , highlighted the tangible link between regional security and economic prosperity.   "As Ugandans, we are already benefiting. Our security forces are assisting in the DRC, and where there is pe...

This is how Advocate Masereje wanted to implement his resolution that was once passed in a meeting in Sironko District. Once upon a time in a meeting in Buhugu, where Magistrate Namondo was the Chair and Masereje was Secretary/Chief Advisor, discussed several issues amongst them;That they should resist from being called Bamasaaba under IYM but Bagisu. Discussed why they should continuously go to Mutoto for Imbalu and not start theirs in Mutufu. E.T.C In 2020 March, Masereje petitioned court to scrap away Inzu Ya Masaba (IYM) and the titles of Umukuuka I and II. Before the case was concluded, after the death of Umukuuka II, Masereje manipulated the MOG for change of name, in accordance with the Attorney General's response. In 2025 April, under Masereje's influence, the MOG caused a Corrigendum. Now, Masereje is struggling to be part of this civil suit only to defend his fraud. We appeal to our brothers and sisters from Mwambu not to let these fraudsters divide us, we are one fam...

The allegations by Masaka Resident City Commissioner Washaki Ahmad appear to have incorrectly linked Hon. Biara Emmanuel Wepukhulu to the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA). Hon. Biara has issued a strong rebuttal, setting the record straight. In a firm response to the claims made in a recently circulated video, Hon. Biara Emmanuel Wepukhulu categorically denied any affiliation with NEMA.  He clarified that he served with distinction as the Regional Wetlands Coordinator for Central Uganda under the Ministry of Water and Environment, where he oversaw 32 districts. See Video:-  https://youtu.be/bGDfeuf5MJ8?si=scooB4BDZ6jqAqxK Hon. Biara highlighted his exemplary service record, recalling how he reminded the President of his contributions during a session at Kyankwanzi when given the microphone to speak.  He emphasized that he voluntarily resigned from the position to venture into active politics. Expressing deep commitment to his cultural heritage, Hon. Biara ...

Mbale, Uganda – The Chairman of the Mbale District Service Commission has been summoned to appear before the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) on Wednesday, 28th April 2026 at 10:00 a.m. for allegedly failing to comply with the Commission’s orders halting the recruitment process for the position of District Education Officer.  The summons, dated 27th April 2026 and signed by Hon. Habibu Sseruwagi, Presiding Member of the EOC, references complaint EOC/ER/085/2026 filed by Khauka Paddy against the Mbale District Local Government and its District Service Commission. According to the official letter from the EOC, the Commission issued lawful directives under Section 15 of the Equal Opportunities Commission Act, Cap. 7, directing the District Service Commission to halt interviews and/or recruitment for the District Education Officer position pending the determination of the complaint.  The EOC expressed concern over the alleged non-compliance with these orders. The summons warns...

The Bank of Uganda has warned Parliament against passing into law The Protection of Sovereignty Bill, 2026 in its current form arguing that it will lead to economic sabotage through weakening of Uganda’s shilling, reduce financial inflows and make it hard for Uganda to service its public debt. BoU Governor, Atingi-Ego says, “a country without reserves is not sovereign.The potential of this Bill to destabilize Uganda’s balance of payments is our primary concern as a central bank.  The moment you tamper with these inflows, we risk running down our reserves, and that is economic disaster for a country,” For example, last financial year the overall balance of payment surplus was USD 1.5 billion. That’s how we were able to increase our reserve coverage by USD 1.5 billion. Today as we speak our reserves are close to USD 6 billion. Why? Because these inflows have been coming in.

Musevenis blue eyed girl Hajjati Hadijja Namyalo, head,Office of the national chairperson ushered in Musevenis swearing in as the new ugandan president upon the 71% victory in the just concluded 2026 presidential election at kyambogo The swearing in event slated for the 12 th May 2026 is expected to attract thousands of ugandans as more than 50 heads of state are expectedd to attend at the historical national ceremonial grounds in Kololol. While ushering in the swearing in ceremony, the tested lioness of mobilisation noted that the 5 year term is strictly limiited to effecting service delivery to improve the economic, social and political livelihood of every ugandan. Namyalo castigated the current eviction of ugandans in the urban centers without sufficient notice as an act aimed at tainting the newly elected president Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the greater NRM government.

Nairobi – April 28, 2026.-Uganda took a significant step forward in its digital transformation journey today as the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance officially launched a three-day stakeholder engagement workshop at the Innovation Hub Uganda to refine the country’s much-anticipated Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies Strategy. The workshop brings together key stakeholders from government, private sector, academia, civil society, and the tech community to review and strengthen a draft strategy developed through nationwide consultations.  Officials say the goal is to produce a final document that is inclusive, realistic, and fully aligned with Uganda’s broader digital transformation agenda. Speaking on the importance of the process, Ministry officials emphasized that the strategy will provide a clear roadmap for harnessing artificial intelligence and emerging technologies to drive innovation, improve service delivery, create jobs, and boost economic growth. Meanwhi...

Mbale-Uganda — In a fiery address that has sent ripples through Bugisu cultural circles, prominent elder and Mbale RCC Ahamada Washaki has issued a stern warning to any police or military officers who might be hired by Umukuuka Jude Mike Mudoma to “beat people” in Mudodo as Bamasaba near the official opening of Imbalu.  Speaking amid ongoing tensions within the Inzu Ya Masaaba (Bamasaba cultural institution), Washaki declared that such officers would face a traditional and humiliating consequenc,  forced circumcision by local surgeons. “Any police or military officers hired by Mudoma to come and beat our people in Mudodo, we are warning them clearly the surgeons will circumcise all of them,”- Washaki said according to accounts circulating in local media and social platforms.  The remarks come against the backdrop of deepening divisions in the Bamasaba cultural leadership.  Umukuuka Jude Mike Mudoma, the recognised cultural leader of the Bamasaba (also known as t...

MOROTO-Commissioner Hellen Seku on Monday commissioned 737 student Patriots at Moroto High School, urging them to embrace their cultural heritage and exercise caution in the digital age.   Addressing the newly commissioned Patriots, Commissioner Seku drew on the richness of Karamojong culture, noting that its profound values and norms provide a foundation for daily life. She called upon the students to honour their heritage and take pride in their identity, stating that embracing these cultural roots would help them navigate and avoid many challenges faced by urban youth today.   “We must sustain our spirit of patriotism and remain steadfastly guided by its core values at all times,” Seku said.   With first-term holidays approaching, the Commissioner encouraged the graduates to resist peer pressure and use their time constructively to support their families.   She further cautioned the learners about the rapid development of technology. “While we ...

The Ministry of Internal Affairs has arrested 231 illegal immigrants, during two major enforcement operations against irregular migration in Kampala City and Adjumani district as part of a nationwide commitment to national security and the rule of law. According to the ministry spokesperson Mundeyi Simon Peter, the operation carried out by the National Citizenship and Immigration Control (NCIC), followed credible intelligence, which led to enforcement teams arresting 62 Nigerian nationals in Adjumani District on Monday. “The group was found operating illegally, specifically without valid work permits, while engaged in activities that included the operation of a church” he said. Mundeyi further noted that during another intelligence-led operation conducted on the night of April 27/28, 2026, in the Bukoto-Ntinda area of Kampala, NCIC officers detained 169 foreign nationals residing in an apartment complex in Bukoto without valid immigration status. “This group, which included 36 women, w...

Talks between Rotary International leaders and Speaker of Parliament Anita Among have explored the creation of a maternal and child health endowment fund aimed at strengthening Uganda’s health interventions. Speaker of Parliament Anita Among has confirmed discussions with Rotary International on the possible establishment of a maternal and child health endowment fund that could be associated with her name. The development followed a meeting between the Speaker and a delegation that included District 9214 Governor Kyeyune Kawooya, Rotary International Director-Elect Emmanuel Katongole, and Kin Kariisa, President of the Rotary Club of Kigo Seven Lakes Golf. According to Among, the talks also covered her formal engagement with Rotary and an invitation to the All Africa Zone Meeting. “I had the honour of hosting a delegation from Rotary International… for briefings on formalising my membership, discussions on a proposed endowment fund in my name dedicated to maternal and child health, and ...

KAMPALA – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on Monday held a strategic engagement with the National Resistance Movement (NRM) National Treasurer, Ambassador Barbara Nekesa Oundo, and other senior party officials, as the ruling party intensifies preparations ahead of the 2026 general elections. The meeting, described as a key “Strategic NRM Engagement,” focused on party coordination, resource mobilization, and alignment of leadership structures to advance the NRM’s long-term agenda.  It comes amid the party’s ongoing national leaders’ retreat at the National Leadership Institute (NALI) in Kyankwanzi, where officials have been reviewing the NRM Manifesto for 2026–2031 and harmonizing priorities across government ministries, departments, and agencies.  Nekesa, has played a prominent role in recent party activities, including commending Members of Parliament for their discipline and unity during the Kyankwanzi retreat.  She has highlighted the retreat’s success in orienting le...

"We No Longer Produce Boys – We Lack Manpower": Umukuka Modoma Accused of Stealing  Imbale gods. By Freeman News UG | April 26, 2026MBALE – Traditional elders in the Masaba land community have leveled shocking allegations against His Highness Umukuka III Jude Mike Mudoma, the cultural leader of the Bagisu, claiming he has stolen sacred artifacts linked to the Imbalu (circumcision) gods, resulting in a mysterious decline in the birth of boys across the region. The elders, speaking on condition of anonymity due to fear of reprisal, assert that the disappearance of certain powerful "Imbale gods"  believed to be spiritual forces responsible for fertility and the production of male children has triggered a crisis.  They point to a noticeable shift in birth patterns, where families are reportedly "producing more girls than boys," leading to what they describe as a severe "lack of manpower" for future generations."We no longer produce boys. We lack...

Gender Minister Betty Amongi has hit back at Health Minister Jane Ruth Aceng over allegations of witchcraft in the Lira City Woman MP race, escalating a political feud marked by claims of electoral interference, misuse of security forces, and deepening divisions within Lango’s leadership. The Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development Betty Amongi Akena, has sharply criticised her health counterpart Jane Ruth Aceng over remarks suggesting that Amongi relied on witchcraft during the recent Lira City Woman Member of Parliament (WMP) election. In a strongly worded statement, Amongi described Aceng’s comments as “reckless” and accused her of trivialising national discourse by introducing superstition into political debate. The remarks attributed to Aceng were reportedly made during a birthday dinner for Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, where she framed her victory as divinely ordained while casting aspersions on her opponent. “My opponent chose to walk with witc...

By Weswa Ronnie  A section of Bamasaba community members yesterday Friday peacefully demonstrated in Mbale city streets carrying placards with writings of denying Mudoma, demanding that him to vacate the Inzu Yamasaba headquarters located at Malukhu ,Industrial City Division in Mbale city . According to some Bamasaba, Mudoma's five year term of office expired last year but has deliberately refused to vacate the office and handle it to Umukuka 4. The protesters accuse Mudoma of refusing to relinquish the offices despite being the Umukuka of Bugisu Kingdom and having disbanded Inzu Yamasaba.  They want him to make way for the Umukuka IV of Inzu Yamasaba and relocate Inzu Yabugisu offices elsewhere outside Masaba land. The demonstration coincides with ongoing reconciliation talks between Inzu Yamasaba and Mudoma at Mbale High Court.  The protesters warn they will forcibly remove Mudoma from the premises if he refuses to comply with this protest/ demonstration.

OPINION : In a significant shift for Uganda’s government communication machinery, veteran broadcaster and former BBC lead presenter Allan Kasujja has stepped in as Executive Director of the Uganda Media Centre, injecting fresh energy, international polish, and strategic vision into an institution long viewed as reactive and defensive.  Appointed by President Yoweri Museveni in late 2025 and having officially assumed office in early 2026—succeeding Ofwono Opondo, who retired to pursue elective politics—Kasujja brings over three decades of media experience, including 13 years at the BBC World Service where he hosted flagship programmes and told Africa’s story with credibility and depth.  His arrival has marked more than a routine leadership change. It signals a deliberate effort to modernise how Uganda communicates both domestically and globally, especially as the country pursues an ambitious 10-fold economic growth agenda—from a $50 billion economy to $500 billion by 2040. From...

Mbale, Uganda – April 25, 2026 — The Head Teacher of Mbale Secondary School (Mbale SS), Mr. Moses Buyera, has strongly condemned the escalating cases of insecurity affecting students in Mbale City, describing the trend as a serious threat to the safety and academic focus of learners. Speaking during a recent address, Mr. Buyera expressed deep concern over the growing incidents of student-on-student violence, assaults, and robberies within the city, particularly as students move to and from school.  He warned that such acts of hooliganism risk derailing the progress of education in the region and called for immediate intervention by parents, schools, and security agencies. The head teacher’s remarks come against the backdrop of a recent high-profile incident in which six Senior Two students from Nkoma Secondary School were arrested by police in Mbale City’s Northern Division.  The suspects were captured on video allegedly assaulting and robbing a Senior Four student from Mbale ...

Mbale City authorities have closed Le Cottage Hotel along Masaba Road in the Industrial City Division over failure to pay hotel tax. Several other establishments, including Elgon Heights Hotel and Wimpy Hotel, were also shut down on Friday tax arrears. Officials said a number of hotels have defaulted on their tax obligations for an extended period, prompting enforcement action.  They added that several other businesses across the city have similarly been closed over outstanding tax liabilities. Authorities warned that tax evasion attracts serious consequences, including business closure, heavy penalties, legal action, and possible prosecution.

In a significant boost to Uganda’s aviation sector, 241 students graduated today from Capt. Mike Mukula’s Uganda Aviation Academy.  The colourful ceremony took place at Protea Hotel in Kampala and attracted a host of aviation industry stakeholders, proud parents, and guests from across the country. The graduation was graced by the Government chief Whip, Hon. Hamson Obua who delivered an inspiring keynote speech. He congratulated the graduands on their achievement and encouraged them to be ambassadors of professionalism and excellence as they step into the global aviation space. “You are entering an industry that is both competitive and vital to global connectivity,” he remarked. “Carry the Ugandan flag high and always remember that safety, customer service, and discipline are at the heart of aviation.”Capt. Mike Mukula, the academy’s founder and a seasoned pilot and statesman, also addressed the graduates. In his speech, he urged them to embrace integrity, continuous learning, and ...