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 …

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The Buganda Road Chief Magistrates Court has granted a one-million-shilling cash bail to Dr Sarah Bireete, the Executive Director of the Centre for Constitutional Governance, who has been on remand for three weeks over alleged violations of the Data Protection and Privacy Act of …

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | There were disagreements at several polling stations in Kampala and other parts of the country after Biometric Voter Verification Machines (BVVK) rejected some cast ballots during vote counting. The BVVK machines, which are being used for the first time in the 2026 election cycle, …

Kasese, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Voter turnout in Kasese District was notably low during Thursday’s local council elections, with many citizens expressing concerns over alleged election manipulation and dissatisfaction with last week’s parliamentary results. Several voters criticized the way results were announced by the district returning officer on Saturday morning, …

Sembabule, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The Electoral Commission has been challenged to consider conducting a public evaluation of the 2026 general elections, as a way of identifying weaknesses and developing better strategies for future polls. On January 15, the Electoral Commission conducted presidential and parliamentary elections, followed by local …