Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Finance Trust Bank will transition from a Tier I commercial bank to a Tier II credit institution effective April 1, following approval by the Bank of Uganda (BoU). The downgrade from a Tier I commercial bank to a Tier II credit institution followed a strategic …

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Makerere University has announced plans to gradually reduce its undergraduate student intake while increasing enrollment at the graduate level, as part of a long-term strategy to reposition the institution as a research-focused university. The Vice Chancellor, Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, said the shift is aimed …

Rukungiri, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party has ended a 40-year opposition hold on Rukungiri Municipality after its candidate, Boaz Kansiime Matita, was declared the duly elected mayor. According to the Rukungiri District Electoral Commission Returning Officer, Abbass Namara, Matita won the mayoral race …

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities is seeking for Shs10 billion to procure a helicopter which they say will strengthen surveillance and conservation efforts in the national parks. According to the Undersecretary, Godfrey Sseremba, the aircraft will ease aerial patrols, wildlife surveillance, animal …

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The Ministry of Education and Sports has warned that sharp budget reductions for the 2026/2027 financial year threaten key commitments in education and sports, including teacher salary enhancement, preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Presenting the Sub-Programme Budget Framework Paper to the …

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The Army Council has elected ten representatives of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) to Parliament, with Deputy Chief of Defence Forces Lt. Gen. Sam Okiding emerging top after securing 340 votes. According to results declared by the Electoral Commission Returning Officer, Diana Tumusiime …

Alebtong, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Government Chief Whip Denis Hamson Obua has conceded defeat in the Ajuri County parliamentary race, bringing to an end his 15-year tenure in Parliament. His decision sealed one of the most dramatic political upsets in northern Uganda. In a press statement dated January 28, …

Kitgum, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Every morning, 78-year-old Justino Okello sits alone on a wooden stool outside his grass-thatched hut in Oryang Ojuma B, in Labongo Amida Sub-County, Kitgum district, watching passersby head for their various activities. Okello’s wife died 5 years ago, his four children, all girls, have …

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The Electoral Commission (EC) has asked the Supreme Court to dismiss with costs a presidential election petition filed by former candidate Robert Kasibante. The Commission, chaired by Justice Simon Byabakama, insists that the January 15, 2026, presidential election was conducted in substantial compliance with …

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Concerns emerged during voting in Nakawa Division after children were seen engaging in campaign-related activities near several polling stations, particularly in Ntinda and Kigowa–Kalinabiri areas. From the early morning hours, groups of minors—some appearing to be of primary school age—were observed near polling centres …