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By Chipo Brenda Cybercrimes are a growing concern in Uganda, particularly targeting women. A recent report by the Uganda Media Women’s Association (UMWA) reveals that women are three times more likely to experience online misogyny, a form of cyber violence, than men. The report highlights the alarming rise of digital violence directed at women on social media platforms like Twitter. This includes harassment, threats, and other forms of abuse. Call for Action Sylvia Biraahwa, Commissioner from the Ministry of Information Communication, Technology and National Guidance, called for increased vigilance and technological literacy to combat cybercrimes. She emphasized the need for…
Members of Parliament’s on Foreign Affairs Committee have urged their counterparts in DR. Congo to address the plight of Ugandan nationals detained in Congolese prisons. During their interface with a delegation of legislators from DR. Congo that took place at parliament of Uganda today, MPs on the Foreign Affairs Committee expressed concern over the arrest of Ugandan fishermen on Lake Albert and their subsequent detention without access to legal assistance. The Ugandan MPs highlighted the poor living conditions in Congolese prisons, which they said violate human rights. They also questioned why Ugandans are still required to pay visa fees to…
Sarah Opendi, the Woman MP representing Tororo District, has presented the Contentious Marriage Bill 2024 to Parliament’s joint committee Legal Affairs and Gender . The bill aims to provide a comprehensive legislation on matters relating to marriage, repealing some provisions of the current Marriage Act Opendi urged MPs on the Legal Affairs Committee and the Gender Committee to pay close attention to the bill, especially the clause that makes it compulsory for couples to obtain parental consent. However, NGOs strongly opposed this section, arguing that individuals who enter marriage are of a certain age and do not deserve parental permission.…
Arua MP Seeks EALA’s Intervention in Cross-Border Tariffs and Security Arua Central Division City Member of Parliament, Jackson Atima Buti Lee, has submitted a petition to the Speaker of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), Joseph Ntakirutimana, urging the East African Community (EAC) to address obstacles impacting cross-border trade among Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and South Sudan. The petition highlights critical issues hindering trade, such as the need for improved infrastructure in high-traffic border areas, particularly roads linking Uganda with the DRC and South Sudan. Lee also called for harmonized telecommunication networks to reduce the high cost…
The shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs, Muwada Nkunyingi, has expressed concerns over Uganda’s diplomatic challenges and the plight of Ugandans in the diaspora. Addressing the press at parliament on Monday, he congratulated U.S. President Donald Trump on his re-election, emphasizing the importance of continued partnership between Uganda and the United States in advancing the rule of law, human rights, and democratic values. “President Trump returned to office at a time when Ugandans are demanding fair treatment within their own country. We trust that the U.S. will stand with us in our pursuit of democracy, the rule of law, and respect…
By Kajjubi Fred In an interview at Hotel Africana in Kampala, Kilak North MP Anthony Akol finally addressed the physical altercation that took place in Parliament with Mityana Municipality MP Francis Zaake. Akol expressed regret over the incident but placed the blame squarely on Zaake, claiming that he was attacked while attempting to reclaim his seat. Akol denied any responsibility for Zaake’s hospitalization, suggesting that others took advantage of the ensuing chaos to inflict harm on the Mityana MP. He also revealed that he had received threatening messages in the aftermath of the brawl and lamented the racial undertones that…
In a bid to strengthen community ties and promote transparency, the Area Member of Parliament for Obongi Constituency, Hon. Dr. George Didi Bhoka, today continued his village mobilization efforts with a Baraza meeting in Foligo Parish, Ewafa Sub-County. The gathering aimed to update residents on the progress of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) manifesto implementation and key government programs, including Emyoga, the PDM (Parish Development Model), and Youth Livelihood initiatives. During the meeting, the MP stressed the importance of community participation in shaping local development projects. He highlighted the achievements made so far under these initiatives and outlined future plans…
Chipo Brenda Stakeholders focused on protecting media rights in Uganda have expressed growing concern over the rising impunity against journalists in the country. According to recent statistics, 15% of journalists in Uganda have not received justice when faced with challenges from authorities. This issue is not unique to Uganda but is a recurring problem across many East African countries, as highlighted by Misako Ito, the Regional Advisor for African Communication and Information at UNESCO. In a multi-stakeholder dialogue on ending impunity against journalists in Uganda, Misako Ito attributed the continuing impunity to lawmakers who fail to take the issue seriously.…
By Chipo Brenda The newly inaugurated fifth Pharmacy Board of Uganda will continue its crucial role under the Pharmacy and Drug Act of 1971. Led by newly appointed Chair Dr. Henry Mwebesa, who also serves as the Director General of Health Services, the board regulates pharmaceutical practices and manages medicines. The members, including Dr. Mwebesa, were sworn in for a three-year term, with the oath administered by His Worship Ayebare Tumwebaze. During the ceremony at the Ministry of Health, Tumwebaze highlighted the oath’s significance as both a legal and moral commitment. He emphasized that it requires members to perform their…
By Chipo Brenda The U.S. Mission in Uganda, through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has delivered over 5,000 MPOX testing reagents to help curb the spread of the virus in the country. The consignment was presented by U.S. Ambassador to Uganda, William W. Popp, as part of efforts to prevent the further spread of MPOX. “This is one of the larger initiatives by the U.S. to help track MPOX and prevent it from becoming widespread in various regions,” Ambassador Popp explained. The donation is aimed at supporting the Ugandan Ministry of Health, particularly in areas at higher…
By Kajjubi Fred SEATIN has urged EALA to enact policies safeguarding indigenous seeds from extinction, threatened by industrial seeds. Addressing the EALA Agriculture, Tourism and Natural Resources Committee, they emphasized GMOs’ inability to withstand climate change, advocating for government support in developing resilient indigenous seeds. Members of civil society organizations, led by the Southern and Eastern Africa Trade and Negotiations Institute (SEATIN), appeared before the East African Legislative Assembly’s (EALA) Agriculture, Tourism, and Natural Resources committee on Monday. They urged the committee to take immediate action to safeguard indigenous seeds, which are facing extinction due to the proliferation of industrial…
Wakiso Woman Representative Betty Naluyima has called on the leadership of Uganda Parliamentary Women Association (UWOPA) to actively engage all Members of Parliament, local leaders and the communities on roles of the Marriage Bill 2024 in order to protect the marriage and family institution. The Marriage Bill recently tabled before parliament emphasizes equal property rights,protection of minors and provides for recognized marriages in the country. Speaking during a training session for journalists on the provisions of the bill in Kampala organized by (UW0PA) in partnership with Stand for Her land Campaign—a global initiativ , Naluyima also UWOPA Member expressed her…
By Julius Adiga Uganda’s Parliament has dismissed accusations that Speaker Anita Among made tribal comments against the Baganda during Thursday’s heated debate on the National Coffee Amendment Bill 2024. According to Mr. Chris Obore, Director of Communication and Public Affairs, a video circulating online shows the Speaker consulting with the Clerk at the microphone during the debate. However, Obore claims that the video does not capture the full context of Speaker Among’s remarks, and some individuals are misinterpreting her words. During the debate, some MPs argued that the National Coffee Amendment Bill 2024 was an attempt by the government to…
Madi-Okollo MP Joanne Okia backs UCDA dissolution, citing benefits for coffee cultivation Madi-Okollo Woman MP Joanne Okia (NRM) has voiced her support for the dissolution of the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA). The National Coffee (Amendment) Bill 2024 aims to abolish the UCDA and integrate its functions into the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries (MAAIF). Despite controversy surrounding the decision, with some Buganda MPs alleging it seeks to economically undermine their region, Okia dismissed these claims in an interview. “The question of why the people of Northern Uganda are not supportive of the rationalization of UCDA doesn’t arise…
Parliament has rejected the National Tribunal Bill, 2024, which sought to establish a single tribunal and dissolve various existing tribunals, including the Tax Appeals Tribunal and the Electricity Disputes Tribunal. The rejection was primarily based on concerns that the bill contravenes Article 152 (3) of the Constitution. During the plenary session on October 24, 2024, the Committee on Legal and Parliamentary Affairs presented its report, followed by a minority report highlighting constitutional ramifications. Hon. Jonathan Odur (UPC, Erute South) emphasized the importance of the Tax Appeals Tribunal as a constitutionally protected entity, arguing that the framers of the 1995 Constitution…