Paparazzi Express

By Kundu Ronald, Education Correspondent Uganda, September 30, 2023 - The Ministry of Education and Sports recently imposed a compulsory requirement that every teacher in the nursery and primary section must possess a minimum of a bachelor's degree by the year 2030. While this directive is aimed at elevating educational standards, it has been met with criticism from the teaching community. Many teachers argue that this requirement fails to consider other critical factors, such as salary increments, and could lead to a shortage of qualified primary teachers. Traditionally, individuals interested in becoming primary school teachers in Uganda would complete their Ordinary Level education and then join Primary Teacher's Colleges (PTCs). However, this same requirement has led to the government scrapping 22 PTCs, leaving aspiring teachers with an alternative path. Now, those wishing to teach in primary schools are compelled to complete their Advanced Level education and ...

Nakasero - The results of the 2021 Grade III Teachers’ Certificate in Primary Teacher Education Examinations were announced last Friday at the State House in Nakasero, revealing a mixed performance by students compared to the previous year. Professor Elly Katunguka, the Vice Chancellor of Kyambogo University, presided over the announcement and shared insights into the examination outcomes. While the overall performance showed a decline in 2021 when compared to 2020, it's important to highlight that all subjects in the 2021 exams achieved an impressive pass rate of 97 percent. One standout improvement was observed in English Language Education, where students achieved a remarkable pass rate of 99.80 percent, a substantial increase from the 94.7 percent recorded in the 2020 Grade III Exams. However, there was a concerning decrease in the performance of students in Mathematics education, with a pass rate of 75.24 percent, down from a robust 96.0 percent in the previous ye...

Uganda, September 30, 2023 - In a significant development, Janet Kataha Museveni, Uganda's First Lady, and Minister of Education and Sports, has issued fresh directives concerning the timeline for educators to obtain a minimum bachelor's degree qualification. This announcement represents a crucial moment in Uganda's education sector and is a response to the evolving challenges faced by educators. The Emergence of Uganda's Teacher Policy in 2019 In 2019, the Ugandan government introduced a transformative teacher policy aimed at revolutionizing the nation's education system. A central component of this policy was the phasing out of lower qualifications for teachers. According to this new directive, teachers at all educational levels, from those instructing nursery to primary students, were required to hold a Bachelor's degree. However, the full implementation of this groundbreaking policy did not occur immediately. Educators were granted a ten-year gr...

Kampala, (UG): The Ministry of Education in Kampala announced on Friday that the government has taken the decision to discontinue operations at 22 Primary Teacher Training Colleges (PTCs) nationwide. These institutions will now be repurposed to offer different educational programs. According to Education Minister Janet Museveni, this move to phase out these institutions comes after extensive consultations with various stakeholders. She emphasized that the actual transformation of these colleges will depend on the availability of financial resources. Among the affected colleges, one will be transformed into a senior secondary school, five will become health training institutions, six will serve as campuses for different public universities, three will focus on TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) skills, one will become a TVET Agro-Vet institution, two will be designated as health tutors’ training institutions, and four will become instructor training instituti...

By Kundu Ronald President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has unleashed his wrath on money lenders in Uganda, expressing outrage at their exorbitant interest rates of 20% per month. This scathing condemnation came during the NRM Caucus meeting held at Entebbe State House on Thursday afternoon, where Museveni directed the Minister for Finance to take immediate action by issuing a statutory instrument regulating the interest rates charged by money lenders. Museveni's fiery statement left no room for ambiguity: "These moneylenders who are causing suicide among our young people, who allows them to operate? Why should someone charge 20% interest on a loan per month? This must stop," he declared. The Ugandan President's comments reflect growing concern over the practices of money lending institutions in the country, particularly their impact on vulnerable borrowers. High-interest rates, often coupled with aggressive debt collection tactics, have pushed many Ugandans to t...

Mityana, Uganda - September 28, 2023 - Territorial police in Mityana are intensifying efforts to unravel the mystery behind a suspected mass food poisoning incident that left over 100 pupils at the Golden Learning Centre Nursery and Primary School in Namungo Central Village in critical condition. The distressing incident unfolded on September 27th when scores of pupils, some as young as 6 years old, began displaying symptoms of stomach ache, headache, and vomiting shortly after partaking in their midday meal of posho and beans, which was served around 2 pm. Alarmed school staff quickly rushed the affected children to nearby medical facilities, including Namungo Health Center III and MUKJ Medical Clinic, for urgent treatment. In response to the alarming situation, police spokesperson SP Kawala Racheal stated that detectives from Mityana swiftly arrived at the scene to gather vital evidence and record statements from witnesses. Two school cooks, identified as Kule Alfred and ...

By Kundu Ronald Kampala – In a recent development, officials from the Federation of Ugandan Football Associations (FUFA) announced their plans for the upcoming AFCON 2027 games, sparking a wave of discussions and concerns about the suitability of Nakivubo Stadium. The stadium's slow redevelopment progress and potential safety issues have drawn criticism from stakeholders, including security and safety officer Dixon Adol Okello. FUFA officials revealed that Akii Bua Stadium, set to be constructed, and Namboole Stadium are the chosen venues for AFCON 2027. However, Nakivubo Stadium, which boasts an artificial turf, failed to meet the standards required by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for hosting AFCON games. This revelation has left Nakivubo's future in question, as it may only be suitable as a training facility. Mixed Reactions on Social Media The news of Nakivubo Stadium's unmet standards has ignited a storm of social media discussion...

By CNN In a stunning revelation that has sent shockwaves through China's property market, a respected former official has exposed a housing surplus so vast that even the nation's staggering population of 1.4 billion cannot fill it. This revelation serves as a stark reminder of the formidable challenges plaguing China's real estate sector, stemming from the catastrophic 2021 default crisis instigated by China Evergrande Group. Historically hailed as the linchpin of the Chinese economy, the property market began its descent into turmoil following Evergrande's debt default and intensified with the Chinese government's crackdown on excessive borrowing. In a grim twist of fate, prominent developers like Country Garden Holdings continue to hover perilously close to default, perpetuating a climate of uncertainty that has stifled prospective homebuyers. The most recent data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), as of the end of August, paints an alarming...

By Kundu Ronald Mitooma County, Western Uganda - Today, the Parish chiefs of Mitooma County in Western Uganda received a generous donation of brand new laptops from their Member of Parliament and Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of Uganda, Rt. Hon. Timothy Tyebwa. The handover ceremony, which took place on the 24th of September 2023, was met with enthusiasm and gratitude from local leaders. Rt. Hon. Timothy Tyebwa stressed the importance of these laptops in enhancing the efficiency of Parish chiefs in supervising the Parish Development model. In his address, he emphasized the significance of effective record-keeping and streamlined information processing in government projects. He urged the Parish chiefs to fully embrace this initiative to improve service delivery and accountability. "These gadgets are going to help improve record-keeping and processing of required information from the beneficiaries; kindly let's embrace this government project by all means,"...

Kilimanjaro, Tanzania - In a story that has captured the imagination of many, a retired police officer has taken an extraordinary and attention-grabbing step by meticulously crafting an extravagant grave and investing in a costly coffin as part of his preparation for the inevitable eventuality of his passing. This captivating tale unfolds in the picturesque Kilimanjaro region of Tanzania, where a retired police officer, Mr. Sabasita, devoted two years of his life to meticulously creating his own final resting place. Mr. Sabasita's chosen location for his grave is on the outskirts of his homestead, enclosed by a stone wall for added privacy and distinction. The surroundings of this extraordinary grave site are adorned with an array of photographs, including images of the retired officer in his military uniform and portraits of Tanzanian presidents. This unique touch creates an unconventional and thought-provoking ambiance around the burial site. Adding to the intrigue, ...

By Kundu Ronald Kayunga District, Uganda - A tragic incident unfolded today, shocking the local community as it was revealed that the deceased, Charles Kakonge, aged 58, had been impersonating UMEME staff when he was electrocuted at Namagabi Secondary School in Kayunga Town. This revelation has added a layer of complexity to the already heart-wrenching incident. The shocking revelation came to light following an initial report of the tragic electrocution. Authorities soon discovered that Charles Kakonge, a long-serving Physics and Mathematics teacher at Namagabi SS, had been masquerading as a UMEME (Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited) employee at the time of the accident. Kayunga District Police Commander, Rosette Sikahwa, expressed deep concern over the impersonation, emphasizing that this deceptive act had resulted in the tragic loss of life. She conveyed her condolences to the family and colleagues of Charles Kakonge, while simultaneously highlighting the n...

Kayunga District, September 23, 2023 - In a move set to reshape the educational landscape in Kayunga District, State Minister for Finance and Ntenjeru North MP, Amos Lugolobi, has officially inaugurated 12 state-of-the-art school buildings. These structures, totaling a remarkable 2 billion Ugandan shillings, were unveiled in a ceremony attended by jubilant parents, enthusiastic students, and dedicated teachers. The dire state of school infrastructure in Kayunga District had been a growing concern for parents and educators alike, casting a shadow over the quality of education in the region. Responding to these concerns, Minister Lugolobi embarked on an ambitious mission to secure funding to revamp the ailing education sector. A decisive victory came when Minister Lugolobi successfully lobbied for the allocation of 2 billion shillings, channeled through the District Education Department, to rejuvenate schools in Kayunga. This substantial investment aimed to provide students ...

By Kundu Ronald In a compelling address to the General Assembly during the High-level week, President William Samoei Ruto of Kenya issued a fervent call for the reform of the United Nations Security Council. He decried the institution as "dysfunctional, undemocratic, non-inclusive, un-representative," marking a resolute stance on the need for change in the highest echelon of global governance. President Ruto minced no words when he criticized the Security Council's current state, asserting, "If any confirmation was ever needed that the United Nations Security Council is dysfunctional, undemocratic, non-inclusive, un-representative and therefore incapable of delivering meaningful progress in our world as presently constituted, the rampant impunity of certain actors on the global scene settles the matter." His impassioned address struck a chord with many world leaders and diplomats in attendance, sparking a renewed debate on the Council's effective...

By Kundu Ronald KAMPALA - In a significant political development, Mr. Okitoi Robert Erisat, the General Secretary of the Uganda People's Congress (UPC) in Amuria district, officially crossed party lines today to join the National Resistance Movement (NRM). This move was warmly welcomed by the NRM Secretary General, Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong, during a ceremony held at the NRM headquarters on Plot 10, Kyadondo Road in Nakasero. During the event, Secretary General Todwong handed over key NRM documents, including the party's constitution, manifesto, and branded shirts, symbolizing Okitoi's official induction into the ruling party. The gesture was accompanied by an encouraging message from Todwong, urging Okitoi to thoroughly acquaint himself with the NRM's core principles. "The items I am offering you confirm that you are a full member of the NRM, and I ask you to read and understand our ideology well," stated SG Todwong. He further congratulated Okito...

By Kundu Ronald In a recent statement, His Excellency President Yoweri K. Museveni of Uganda revealed the successful airstrike carried out by the Ugandan Air Force against the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) terrorists operating along the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The President addressed the nation, emphasizing the importance of coordinated efforts with neighboring countries to combat this menace. The operation, which took place on Saturday, September 16, 2023, saw the Ugandan Air Force target four ADF terrorist positions located between 100 and 150 kilometers from the Ugandan border, specifically on the Ntoroko side. These targets were identified with the assistance of Special Duties Regiments (SDR) equipped with advanced reconnaissance assets. According to intelligence reports, the airstrike resulted in significant casualties among the terrorists, including the notorious figure, Meddie Nkalubo. Nkalubo was allegedly responsible for orchestrating v...

By Kundu Ronald New York - Colonel Mamadi Doumbouya, the leader of Guinea's junta and interim president, has presented a robust defense of recent military coups in Africa, arguing that these actions are an attempt by militaries to rescue their nations from presidents' "broken promises." Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly, Doumbouya challenged the West's perspective on these coups and called for a deeper examination of their underlying causes. "The putschist is not only the person who takes up arms to overthrow a regime," Doumbouya asserted to a global audience in New York. "I want us all to be well aware of the fact that the real putschists, the most numerous, are those who avoid any condemnation - they are those... who cheat to manipulate the text of the constitution in order to stay in power eternally." Guinea is just one of several West and Central African nations that have witnessed eight coups since 2020, includin...

Nansana, Uganda - In a significant development in the case of the tragic murder of Godwin Ninsiima, the 47-year-old school director and owner of Victoria Secondary School in Nansana, his body has been exhumed from a cemetery and will finally receive a proper burial. Ninsiima was brutally killed earlier this month under mysterious circumstances at a guesthouse in Nansana, and his body was later discovered dumped in a bush in Kakiri, 18 kilometers away. The breakthrough came after a DNA test confirmed the identity of the deceased, matching the samples taken from Ninsiima's relatives. The initial burial took place in a cemetery in Bukasa when no one had come forward to claim the body. Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson, Patrick Onyango, explained the process, stating, "Since the body had been buried in a cemetery waiting for relatives, when they appeared, we took DNA samples from them and from the body. Results have come out showing the samples were matching. T...

By Kundu Ronald Kampala, Uganda : Erias Lukwago, the current interim president of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) and Kampala Lord Mayor, has introduced an eight-step plan to rejuvenate Uganda's once-dominant opposition party. Lukwago, formerly associated with the Democratic Party (DP), assumed leadership during an extraordinary national delegates' conference held on Tuesday, replacing the suspended Patrick Oboi Amuriat as FDC's head. This conference, organized by FDC Chairman Wasswa Birigwa, also saw significant changes within the party hierarchy. Nathan Nandala Mafabi, the party's secretary-general, and Geoffrey Ekanya, the treasurer-general, were suspended and replaced by Harold Kaija and Francis Mwijukye, respectively. Furthermore, the party decided to form an interim Electoral Commission tasked with overseeing impartial internal party elections, suspending the current FDC electoral commission head, Boniface Toterebuka Bamwenda, for allegedly condu...

By Kundu Ronald Tororo District, Uganda - President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, accompanied by First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Museveni, delivered a heartfelt message to the citizens of Uganda, particularly politicians and public servants, during an event held today in Tororo District. The occasion marked the inauguration of the new Tororo Cement vertical rolling mill plant and served as a platform for President Museveni to stress the pivotal role of investors in Uganda's pursuit of industrialization. In his address, President Museveni underscored the importance of comprehending and bolstering investors, emphasizing that obstructing their endeavors would impede Uganda's progressive path toward industrialization. He implored, "Let us not squander their time. Wasting their time is counterproductive; we should assist them in progressing swiftly because we have everything to gain and nothing to lose." The President's words extende...

By Kundu Ronald New York City, September 21, 2023 - In a bold move, President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has urged his government to accelerate the withdrawal of the United Nations peacekeeping mission, MONUSCO, from his country. President Tshisekedi made this announcement during his speech at the United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday. MONUSCO, which took over from a previous UN operation in 2010, was initially deployed to address security concerns in the volatile eastern region of the DRC. This area has long been plagued by armed conflicts and disputes over land and resources among various militia groups. However, the presence of MONUSCO has faced growing criticism in recent years, particularly for its perceived failure to protect civilians from militia violence. These criticisms have led to deadly protests against the UN mission. President Tshisekedi expressed his disappointment with the peacekeeping missions, stating, "It is t...

By Kundu Ronald New York City - The ongoing United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has witnessed an unexpected clash between Vice President, HE Rt. Major Jessica Alupo, and Prime Minister Nabajja Robinnah of Uganda. This dispute arose as Uganda sent a staggering 70 delegates to the assembly, securing its position as the country with the most substantial representation. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni appointed Vice President Jessica Alupo as Uganda's representative to the UNGA. However, tensions escalated when Prime Minister Nabajja arrived in New York with a substantial delegation of over 60 delegates from Uganda, creating uncertainty about the official spokesperson for the nation. UNGA 78 is significant as it hosts the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Summit, where global leaders convene to reaffirm their commitment to the SDGs, marking the midway point to 2030. Additionally, the Climate Ambition Summit, which commenced on September 20, provides leaders with an o...

By Kundu Ronald Najjanankumbi, Uganda - The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) electoral commission, under the leadership of Chairman Toterebuka Bamwenda, has officially nominated key contenders for the party's top positions. The nominations took place on Thursday afternoon at the FDC party offices in Najjanankumbi, drawing a crowd of enthusiastic FDC supporters. The incumbent FDC President, Mr. Patrick Amuriat, and the Secretary-General, Mr. Nandala Mafabi, were both nominated to contest for their respective positions. Amuriat, who has held the presidency, made his intentions clear by stating, "I am still here, not going anywhere," after his nomination. However, the FDC's electoral commission also put forth Moses Byamugisha as a candidate for the party president's role. This development signals a competitive internal election for the party's leadership. Moreover, former Member of Parliament for Rukiga County, Hon. Jack Sabiti, and former Makindye ...

By Kundu Ronald Kampala, September 20, 2023 - The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), one of Uganda's prominent political parties, has been plunged into a crisis of unprecedented magnitude. Tensions within the party have escalated dramatically following an Extraordinary Delegates Conference held in Kampala, resulting in the suspension of key party leaders and the appointment of an Interim President. Amidst this turmoil, Eng Patrick Oboi Amuriat, the outgoing party President, declared his readiness to be nominated as the FDC President once again, while the party's Secretary General, Nathan Nandala Mafabi, announced his intention to run for the presidency in the 2026 elections. These developments have created a deep divide within the FDC and cast uncertainty over its future direction. The Extraordinary Delegates Conference: A Pivotal Moment The FDC's Extraordinary Delegates Conference convened in Kampala with high expectations, but it quickly turned into a battleground for...

By Rosette Gladys Nandutu Over the centuries, developed societies have carefully crafted systems to protect and guide the growth of young minds. Adolescence, the transitional phase between childhood and adulthood, is typically a period marked by significant physical and mental changes, posing unique challenges. However, in Uganda, the turbulent waters of adolescence are further clouded by a concerning increase in teenage pregnancy rates. The reported numbers are alarming, necessitating crucial discussions and decisive actions. According to Ministry of Health data, Uganda currently faces the highest teenage pregnancy rate in East Africa, standing at 25%. These pregnancies bring serious health risks, with complications during pregnancy and childbirth being the leading global cause of death among 15–19-year-old girls, as noted by the World Health Organization (WHO). This disturbing statistic is not an isolated problem. Several contributing factors could potentially fuel this s...