His nomination, which took place on Tuesday afternoon, marks the beginning of a campaign grounded in promises of responsive leadership, infrastructural revival, and equitable access to government programmes.

Baite, the son of renowned Busoga political figure Baite Munobwa, hails from Ivukula Town Council and brings with him a blend of technical expertise and generational political legacy.

His entry into the race has been met with considerable enthusiasm, particularly among constituents eager for change from what many describe as years of marginalisation and unfulfilled promises.

Addressing a crowd of supporters shortly after his nomination, Baite spoke with conviction about the growing disconnect between the people of Bukono and their current representative. He criticised what he described as a pattern of transactional politics, where constituents are pacified with handouts rather than empowered through sustainable development.

“There is a widening gap between leaders and the people,” Baite said. “Many residents have been reduced to recipients of stipends for survival. We must correct that and rebuild trust in leadership through tangible service delivery.”

At the heart of his campaign is a commitment to fighting poverty, which continues to affect more than half the population in the constituency.

Baite also highlighted the acute need for access to clean water and affirmed that he had successfully lobbied for a piped water project. In the education sector, he pledged to establish global partnerships to elevate the quality of learning and improve performance in schools across Bukono.

A strong advocate of the Parish Development Model (PDM), Baite expressed concern over what he called the politicisation of the initiative. He said access to PDM funds should not be based on political allegiance, and pledged to champion broader access to ensure all qualifying residents benefit.

The PDM, a flagship government programme aimed at transforming subsistence households into income-generating entities, was recently endorsed by President Yoweri Museveni during a tour of Busoga. While addressing residents in Namutumba District in January 2025, the president urged beneficiaries to “guard the programme” and invest in productive ventures that could guarantee long-term returns.

Baite’s campaign also enjoys the quiet but influential backing of his father, Baite Munobwa, whose long-standing service in Busoga kingdom affairs and national politics remains a source of credibility. That connection is seen by many as an asset in consolidating local support ahead of the high-stakes NRM primaries scheduled for July 16, 2025.

The Bukono Constituency, which comprises three town councils — Nangonde, Ivukula, and Kibale — and four sub-counties — Nangonde, Ivukula, Kibale, and Nabweyo — is poised for a competitive race.

The contest for the NRM flag has drawn notable names, including the incumbent Member of Parliament and State Minister for Lands, Hon. Persis Namuganza, as well as Hajji Siraj Kirya Gusongoire and Emmanuel Maganda Katoko.

“This is not politics as usual,” one supporter remarked after the nomination ceremony. “People are tired of being spoken at. Baite speaks with us, and more importantly, he listens.”

As the primaries approach, all eyes will be on Bukono to see whether Baite’s message of inclusion, service, and disciplined leadership will translate into political momentum strong enough to unseat an entrenched incumbent.

For now, the campaign trail in Namutumba has grown more spirited, and expectations among the electorate are rising.

The post Can Baite Unseat Namuganza? Bukono Boils As Paul Baite’s Entry Stirs Political Earthquake appeared first on The Standard News (Uganda).

In a statement issued Wednesday, Mr. Kyeswa made a clarion call to party delegates, urging them to rally behind a vision of reform, transparency, and inclusivity. Framing his campaign as a return to the movement’s founding values, he described the current moment as one of “moral reckoning” for the NRM.

“This is not just an election—it is our generational duty,” Mr. Kyeswa wrote. “Every sunrise brings us closer to victory. Every step we take moves us toward reclaiming the NRM we believe in—a party rooted in the people, guided by its cadres, and responsive to the grassroots.”

While he refrained from naming his opponents, Mr. Kyeswa’s message implicitly criticised the current leadership for drifting from the party’s original ethos. He condemned what he termed as “the old ways” that have stifled participation and marginalised loyal members, particularly in the Central Region.

“We will not be defined by the old ways. We will not be silenced by doubt. Together, we will rebuild an NRM that listens, that delivers, and that stands strong—because its foundation is the people,” he added.

The statement has been widely interpreted as a rallying cry for party renewal, particularly among disaffected youth wings, historical cadres, and local council leaders who have long voiced concern about exclusion from the party’s central decision-making structures.

Mr. Kyeswa also addressed growing voter apathy within party ranks, warning that the NRM risks losing its political vitality unless internal democracy is revitalised.

“Your vote is your voice. Your voice is your power. Do not let anyone steal it. Do not let anyone silence it,” he urged delegates.

Observers say the race for NRM Vice Chairperson for Central Region is shaping up to be a litmus test for the party’s internal cohesion and its ability to re-engage with its base ahead of the 2026 general elections. The Central Region, once a bastion of NRM strength, has seen growing electoral pressure in recent years.

Sources within the party say Mr. Kyeswa’s message has begun resonating with influential blocs, including youth mobilisation teams and veteran party members who feel disillusioned by the perceived centralisation of power.

While the race is expected to attract seasoned politicians, Mr. Kyeswa is presenting himself as the face of generational transition, promising a new style of leadership grounded in openness, accessibility, and principled service.

“The time is now. The mission is clear. Let us move forward—united, bold, and unstoppable,” he concluded.

As campaigns heat up, all eyes remain on how candidates will navigate internal tensions and whether Mr. Kyeswa’s message of reform will translate into broad delegate support.

The post Top Story! Youth, Cadres Rally Behind Hakim Kyeswa’s Bid to Rebuild NRM From the Ground Up appeared first on The Standard News (Uganda).

Filed on June 20 before the Constitutional Court, the petition raises two critical concerns: the expanded jurisdiction of military courts over civilians, and structural malapportionment in Uganda’s electoral framework, which the petitioner argues undermines the legitimacy of the Parliament that passed the law.

At the core of the suit is Section 3 of the new amendment, which grants military courts the power to try civilians in certain circumstances.

Dr. Ssemugenyi contends that this provision offends the Constitution, specifically Article 28(1), which guarantees every citizen the right to a fair hearing before an independent and impartial civilian court.

He further invokes Article 44(c), which prohibits derogation from the right to a fair hearing even during times of emergency, as well as Articles 119, 120, and 126, which enshrine prosecutorial independence and judicial impartiality.

“This petition is not political, it is constitutional. It is a quiet but resolute appeal to protect the rule of law, justice, and civilian oversight in Uganda,” Dr. Ssemugenyi stated in a statement shared with UG EXCLUSIVE.

He argues that the UPDF (Amendment) Act is not only unconstitutional but also amounts to a legislative reversal of previous Supreme Court rulings, thereby breaching the principle of separation of powers.

Electoral Imbalance Questioned

Beyond the content of the law, the petition raises broader questions about the constitutional validity of the Parliament itself. Dr. Ssemugenyi challenges Uganda’s current constituency structure, citing Article 63(3) of the Constitution, which requires near-equal population distribution across constituencies.

Based on Uganda’s projected population of 51.4 million and 353 constituencies, the average population per Member of Parliament should be around 70,000.

However, the petition highlights stark population discrepancies, with some constituencies, primarily opposition strongholds, hosting more than double the average, while others, mostly aligned with the ruling NRM party, fall significantly below the threshold.

According to Dr. Ssemugenyi, this malapportionment allows for an artificial parliamentary majority that does not reflect the principle of equal suffrage, thereby enabling contentious laws to be passed without genuine national consensus.

“The skewed constituency sizes breach constitutional requirements and subvert democratic representation,” he argues.

He is seeking declarations from the Court that:

• The UPDF (Amendment) Act, 2025, is unconstitutional and void.
• Military trials for civilians are inconsistent with constitutional guarantees.
• Uganda’s current constituency demarcation violates the Constitution and enables unfair legislative outcomes.

Legal scholars say the petition raises foundational constitutional questions that could reshape both Uganda’s civil-military dynamics and the legitimacy of its legislative processes.

A constitutional law lecturer at Makerere University, speaking anonymously, said, “If the Court rules in favour of the petitioner, it could lead to a major recalibration of how Uganda balances security interests with constitutional safeguards.”

By press time, neither the Ministry of Defence nor the Attorney General’s Chambers had commented on the matter. However, civil society organisations have welcomed the petition as a vital step toward reclaiming constitutional order and democratic accountability.

The post UPDF Act ‘Void from Start,’ Says Legal Expert in Game-Changing Court Filing appeared first on The Standard News (Uganda).

The just-concluded youth council elections have sent a clear message to the nation: the National Resistance Movement (NRM) remains the dominant political force in Uganda, especially among the youth.

With an overwhelming 81% victory at the village level, the results have exposed the weakening grip of the National Unity Platform (NUP) and reaffirmed that the so-called “NUP wave” of 2021 will not be repeated in 2026.

Since the last general elections, where NRM’s support in Buganda faced an unexpected challenge, political parties have been strategizing—opposition groups hoping to seize power, and the NRM working to consolidate its gains.

However, the latest youth council elections have revealed a harsh reality for NUP: their influence is fading, even among the very demographic they claim to champion.

NUP’s Failed Youth Appeal

NUP built its brand on the promise of representing the youth, yet in these elections, they failed to secure even 20% of the votes. This is a stunning indictment of their disconnect from young Ugandans. Many youths are now realizing that NUP’s leadership has little to offer beyond rhetoric.

After being used for protests and political agitation, some find themselves abandoned—either politically sidelined or left to languish in prison. Meanwhile, the NRM has focused on delivering tangible programs that empower young people economically.

Government Programs Winning Hearts and Minds

Initiatives like the Parish Development Model (PDM) have been a game-changer, directly addressing poverty and unemployment.

Unlike NUP’s empty promises, these programs provide real opportunities for the youth to improve their livelihoods. It is no surprise, then, that young people are choosing to engage with government initiatives rather than follow opposition leaders who offer nothing but chaos.

NRM Dominance Even in Opposition Strongholds

The most telling sign of NRM’s resurgence is its performance in traditional opposition strongholds. In Kampala, Mukono, and Wakiso—areas once considered NUP bastions—NRM won with nearly 90% of the vote. If the youth at the grassroots, who play a crucial role in shaping electoral outcomes, are overwhelmingly supporting NRM, then the 2026 general elections are already tilting in favor of the ruling party.

The 2021 Wave Will Not Be Repeated

The 2021 election was a wake-up call for NRM, but the party has since recalibrated its strategy, reconnected with the youth, and delivered results. The opposition’s momentum has stalled, and NUP’s failure to make inroads in these youth elections proves that their influence was a temporary protest vote rather than a sustained movement.

As we approach 2026, NRM leaders must capitalize on this momentum. The party should continue engaging the youth, expanding poverty-alleviation programs, and countering opposition propaganda with facts. The message from the villages is clear: Ugandan youth trust the NRM, and that trust will translate into another decisive victory in the next elections.

The writer is the Head of Digital Media, Office of the National Chairman, NRM.
Email: hakimkim255gmail.com
Contact: 0781009000

The post OP-ED: NRM’s 81% Victory in Youth Councils Proves NUP Wave is Over appeared first on The Standard News (Uganda).

The state-of-the-art facility, constructed by Vcon Construction, a subsidiary of the Ruparelia Group, was officially unveiled ahead of its opening for the 2026/2027 academic year.

The new faculty is equipped with modern laboratories, lecture halls, technical workshops, and a 500-bed hostel to support engineering students from across Uganda.

Sudhir: Education Is Key to National Transformation

Dr. Ruparelia, who was accompanied by his wife Jyotsna and daughter Sheena, described the project as a game-changer for regional development. “This facility will empower future engineers and bridge the development gap in Northern Uganda,” the billionaire businessman said. “Education is the most powerful driver of national transformation. We are proud to be part of this.”

The project, executed within two years, demonstrates Vcon’s growing footprint in delivering large-scale academic infrastructure.

On her part, Ambassador Nusurah Tiperu lauded the partnership between the Government of Uganda and the Islamic Development Bank (IDB), which financed the $13.5 million project through a concessional loan. “This engineering faculty is a beacon of equity, bringing science and innovation closer to regions that have historically been underserved,” Tiperu said.

She also praised IUIU for fostering inclusion through its #BridgingCommunities initiative, which seeks to expand access to quality education in remote regions.

A Boost for West Nile and Uganda’s Engineering Sector

The IUIU Faculty of Engineering becomes the university’s ninth faculty and will offer undergraduate programs in civil, electrical, mechanical, and computer engineering, addressing the rising national demand for technical professionals.

IUIU’s Rector, Dr. Ismail Simbwa Gyagenda, hailed the facility as “a game-changer” that will save West Nile students the burden of relocating to Kampala or Mbale for engineering degrees.

“This is more than a faculty, it’s an engine for innovation, job creation, and economic transformation in West Nile,” Dr. Gyagenda said.

Meanwhile, we understand that admissions for the new programs are expected to begin in 2026, with the faculty projected to attract students from across Uganda and neighboring countries. The facility is also anticipated to catalyze further investment in infrastructure and skilled labor in the region.

The post Dr Sudhir, Ambassador Tiperu inspect UIU’s $13.5M Engineering Faculty in Arua appeared first on The Standard News (Uganda).

Scheduled for September 14–20, 2025, the prestigious event will bring together thousands of engineers, innovators, policymakers, educators, students, and researchers from across the continent. It will run under the theme “Leveraging Engineering Innovations and Technology to Accelerate Africa’s Socio–Economic Transformation.”

The Uganda Institution of Professional Engineers (UIPE) will organize the conference, with support from the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) and other key stakeholders.

The week-long programme will feature keynote addresses, technical sessions, exhibitions, and public engagement activities aimed at promoting engineering and STEM across Africa.

Uganda Tourism Board CEO Juliana Kagwa said the event’s award to Uganda highlights the country’s rising stature in the global conference tourism space.

“Hosting this prestigious event aligns with our efforts to position Uganda as a leading destination for conferences and events. We are confident that attendees will experience the beauty and hospitality of Uganda while contributing to important discussions in engineering,” Kagwa said.

MICE Sector on the Rise

Uganda’s successful bid comes amid a sharp upturn in its MICE sector. According to the 2025 Tourism Statistical Abstract, the country hosted 491 MICE events in 2024, attracting 32,693 international delegates and over 69,700 domestic participants. These generated an estimated USD 27.6 million—accounting for 6.1% of total tourism earnings.

UTB now targets 980 MICE events annually by 2026, over 60,000 foreign delegates, and revenue of up to USD 50 million from this niche. Uganda also aims to attract at least 15 high-level global conferences every year and increase international MICE arrivals to 10% of all tourist traffic.

The upcoming UNESCO conference is being positioned as a strategic step towards these goals and is expected to spark additional high-impact engagements in engineering, innovation, and infrastructure.

SRCC: Uganda’s World-Class Venue

The venue, Speke Resort Convention Centre (SRCC), is Uganda’s largest events facility and a major driver of the MICE strategy. Since its commissioning in January 2024, it has hosted several high-profile events, including: the 19th Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit, 3rd G77 + China South Summit, Uganda–EU Business Forum, 2024 ITU Global Symposium for Regulators and recently the Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo (POATE 2024).

Set on the shores of Lake Victoria, the centre boasts over 56,000 square metres of event space, a 4,400-seat auditorium, 476 guest rooms, and multiple recreational and meeting facilities. Its international-standard infrastructure, combined with proximity to Entebbe International Airport and Kampala, makes it ideal for hosting global conferences.

About UNESCO Africa Engineering Week

The UNESCO Africa Engineering Week is an annual platform for promoting the role of engineering in Africa’s sustainable development. It brings together governments, academia, civil society, and the private sector to exchange ideas, showcase innovations, and inspire the next generation of STEM professionals.

Uganda’s hosting of the 2025 edition is expected to boost its innovation ecosystem, professional development platforms, and global visibility as a knowledge economy hub.

Preparations are now underway under the stewardship of UIPE, supported by UTB and other government agencies. Organizers expect a significant multiplier effect on tourism, education, infrastructure, and youth-focused initiatives.

The post Speke Resort Convention Centre Set for 2025 UNESCO Africa Engineering Week appeared first on The Standard News (Uganda).

The announcement was made by URA Commissioner General John R. Musinguzi Rujoki during a high-level stakeholder engagement convened at Hotel Africana in Kampala on Tuesday, June 17, 2025.

The meeting brought together customs officials, freight agents, and members of the Kampala City Traders Association (KACITA) to address persistent grievances over groupage cargo clearance inefficiencies.

Musinguzi said the authority’s decision was informed by widespread abuse of the groupage system, where intermediaries entrusted with consolidated cargo, commonly known as container leaders, have allegedly engaged in under-declaration and falsification of goods.

“Let us agree that the time has come to do away with container leaders. The level of under-declaration we are seeing is unacceptable and poses a significant risk to compliant traders and national revenue,” Musinguzi stated.

He urged traders to explore direct clearance as a fairer and more transparent option, assuring the business community of continued reforms to make self-declaration easier and more cost-effective.

Despite surpassing its collection target in the 2023/24 financial year—realising Shs 25.2 trillion against a target of Shs 24 trillion—URA estimates it still loses more than Shs 5 trillion annually due to smuggling, tax fraud, and illicit financial flows.

Musinguzi issued a stern warning to URA staff and clearing agents involved in unethical conduct, revealing that internal purges were already underway. “No one has a place in URA if they are engaging in fraud or colluding with smugglers. We are cleaning house,” he warned.

Hajj Asadu Kigozi Kisitu, Acting Commissioner for Customs, admitted to operational gaps within URA, noting that some customs officers have been part of rackets that delay cargo clearance or inflate charges.

“While some traders manipulate the system, we also acknowledge that some of our officers have not upheld the values we expect,” Kisitu said. “Both sides must change.”

He also took the opportunity to clarify the recently revised import duty on textiles. Under the current policy, T-shirts and similar garments now attract a tariff of USD 3.5 per kilogram or 35% of the customs value, whichever is higher. The adjustment, he said, is aimed at safeguarding Uganda’s textile industry and promoting local production.

The trader community, represented by KACITA Chairman Dr. Thaddeus Musoke Nagenda, welcomed the dialogue but demanded faster and more predictable customs procedures. “Many of our members’ shops are currently empty. The delays in clearing goods are hurting trade,” he said.

KACITA spokesperson Issa Sekitto echoed the sentiment, calling for sustained dialogue to mend relations between URA and business owners. “What we need is fairness, trust, and consistency,” he said.

An internal audit conducted by URA recently confirmed that groupage containers have been a major source of revenue leakage, leading to renewed enforcement measures and policy revisions.

Musinguzi concluded by reaffirming URA’s role as a facilitator of trade, not just a collector of taxes. “Our goal is a tax system that supports national development while allowing businesses to grow,” he said. “We can only achieve that through partnership and mutual accountability.”

The authority pledged to intensify taxpayer education, enhance transparency, and modernise customs operations to streamline cargo clearance and rebuild public confidence.

The post Clearing Chaos Ends as URA Moves to Take Down Corrupt Cargo Cartels appeared first on The Standard News (Uganda).

The account, operating under the handle @RupareliaSudhi, was flagged after Sudhir issued a public warning distancing himself from it.

In a statement on Thursday, Sudhir stated that he does not own or operate any account on X.

The fake account had been actively posting content, including misleading information and emotional messages, some of which reportedly followed the recent death of his son.

“It has come to my attention that a fake account impersonating me has been created on X (formerly Twitter) under the handle @RupareliaSudhi,” Sudhir stated in a recent public notice. “I would like to categorically state that I do not own or operate any account on X. Any communications or posts from that account should be disregarded as fraudulent and misleading.”

The Ruparelia Group chairman urged the public to exercise caution and report the impersonating account to the platform for immediate action.Sudhir, 69, is a Ugandan business magnate and investor with holdings in banking, insurance, education, broadcasting, real estate, floriculture, and hotels.

Forbes and other sources have estimated his net worth at $1.2 billion, making him one of Uganda’s wealthiest individuals.

The post X Finally Suspends Fake Account Impersonating tycoon Sudhir appeared first on The Standard News (Uganda).

Branded as “Freaky Fridays”, the theme nights will now grace every Friday evening from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM, bringing together live music lovers, culinary enthusiasts, and weekend travelers to one of Uganda’s most luxurious lakeside destinations.

Set against the scenic backdrop of the lake, the experience blends live band performances with gourmet dining, offering guests a whole barbecue chicken served with roasted potatoes and vegetables at UGX 65,000.

Whether enjoying dinner under the stars or dancing to the rhythm of live instruments, visitors are promised a vibrant and soulful start to the weekend.

The Nyanja/Lake Terrace Restaurant, known for its rich mix of international and local cuisines, continues to serve as a culinary anchor at the expansive Speke Resort complex.

Beyond dining, Speke Resort Munyonyo is a premier hospitality establishment with 477 rooms across nine categories, 19 conference halls, and a wide range of leisure and business amenities.

Guests also have access to five restaurants, two bars, two swimming pools, a fully equipped gym, steam and sauna rooms, a squash court, a business center, and unique recreational activities such as boat rides and horse riding.

With its live entertainment now back in full swing, Speke Resort Munyonyo is positioning itself once again as the go-to destination for relaxation, celebration, and unforgettable Friday evenings.

The post Live Music Returns as Speke Resort Munyonyo Revives ‘Freaky Fridays’ with Culinary Delights by the Lake appeared first on The Standard News (Uganda).

Speaking on June 14, 2025, during the swearing-in ceremony of newly elected National Resistance Movement (NRM) structural leaders in the region, Mr. Egole acknowledged the ONC’s continued efforts in monitoring and supporting the delivery of public services.

He noted that their interventions have significantly improved the effectiveness of government initiatives at the grassroots level.

“We appreciate the ONC team for ensuring that government projects are delivered in an accountable and impactful manner. Their presence and support have made a visible difference in our communities,” the RCC said.

Mr. Egole encouraged closer collaboration between the NRM leadership and the ONC in Lango, highlighting the contributions of ONC regional coordinator Ms. Langol Prossy. Her leadership, he added, has been central to the success of many service delivery interventions.

He urged party structures to deepen their engagement with Ms. Langol and her team to sustain development gains and accelerate socio-economic transformation in the region.

“Working hand-in-hand with the ONC under Ms. Langol’s guidance will position us better to address the needs of our people and advance the NRM’s development agenda,” he stated.

Ms. Langol Prossy has earned praise from both local leaders and residents for her energetic leadership style and commitment to ensuring that government programs reach the intended beneficiaries.

Under her coordination, the ONC’s outreach in Lango has expanded, focusing on community mobilization, accountability, and performance monitoring.

Stakeholders at the event welcomed the RCC’s appeal for strengthened partnerships, viewing it as a timely call to consolidate progress and build a unified front for development.

The RCC reaffirmed the government’s commitment to inclusive growth, saying that coordinated action between political structures and oversight bodies like the ONC remains critical to achieving meaningful transformation.

“We look forward to deepening our cooperation with both the NRM and ONC as we work to build a better future for the people of Lango,” Mr. Egole concluded.

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