Why his papacy mattered for the continent – and for the world’s poor and marginalised COVER STORY | STAN CHUN IIO | The death of Pope Francis at his residence on April 21 marks the end of a significant era for the Vatican and the global Catholic following of 1.3 billion …
Read More »The Great Lakes region has an ‘illegal minerals’ problem
Attracting ‘proper’ mining companies could bring peace, say experts COVER STORY | RONALD MUSOKE | Barrick Gold Corporation was until 2019 the largest mining company in the world. With operating revenue of US$12.922 billion (Uganda’s GDP is about US$50 billion), Barrick Gold is the kind of mining company that experts …
Read More »Is AGOA gone with Trump’s new tariffs?
Analysts say the new tariffs suggest that the renewal of the initiative is extremely unlikely COVER STORY | THE INDEPENDENT & AGENCIES | In what has been described as one of the most disruptive moments in trade history, U.S. President Donald Trump on April 02 unleashed sweeping tariffs on nearly all …
Read More »Trump eyes DR Congo minerals
President Tshisekedi, visiting American senior advisor, discuss minerals-for-security deal COVER STORY | IAN KATUSIIME | Finally, African countries know that unlike in his first term where they hardly mattered, U.S. President Donald Trump this time has the continent on his agenda. Just as in his first term, President Trump has delayed …
Read More »Gen. Muhoozi’s first year as CDF
Playing roulette with nation’s security COVER STORY | IAN KATUSIIME | In the one year that Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba has been Chief of Defence Forces, he has become mainly known for playing Russian roulette on his X account—-sometimes raising heightened fear among opponents, engaging in light banter with the public, or …
Read More »UPDF wrong on South Sudan deployment
Experts say Uganda’s involvement inflames tensions COVER STORY | THE INDEPENDENT REPORTERS & AGENCIES | The entry of soldiers of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) into South Sudan in support of the government of President Salva Kiir Mayardit has inflamed tensions there. That is according to expert observers, civil society …
Read More »Guns silenced as people power wins in Kawempe
Opposition win in chaotic poll leaves NRM shabby ahead of 2026 COVER STORY | IAN KATUSIIME | After two weeks of chaotic campaigning where baklava masked soldiers dragged and arrested candidates from nomination booths, beat up journalists, and fired live bullets at civilians, Kawempe North Constituency is calm. And it …
Read More »Fear of renewed war in South Sudan
Juba tense after arrest of opposition politicians, army generals COVER STORY | THE INDEPENDENT & AGENCIES | The political situation in South Sudan’s capital, Juba, is tense following the arrest of politicians and to army generals aligned with First Vice President Riek Machar. The unrest comes amid growing concerns over instability …
Read More »Ugandans happy with NRM, Museveni – poll
But Afrobarometer finds issues they want fixed COVER STORY | THE INDEPENDENT | The first poll linked to the 2025-26 election year is out. On Feb.26, Afrobarometer, the Pan-African non-profit and non-partisan survey research network that provides reliable data on Africans’ experiences and evaluations of democracy, governance, and quality of life, …
Read More »Kizza Besigye’s trial, Museveni’s pressure
Why the state changed charge sheet again Kampala, Uganda | IAN KATUSIIME – COVER STORY | The saga of Dr Kizza Besigye’s trial has taken another twist after he was on Feb. 21 sneaked into Nakawa Chief Magistrates Court and charged with treason and misprision of treason which, on conviction, carry …
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