Analysts hail UNOC’s ambitions but reality of fuel business complex COVER STORY | ISAAC KHISA | The decision by the government of Uganda to directly enter the oil importation and cut out middle players has blown a cloud of uncertainty in the US$2 billion business that is the heartbeat of the …
Read More »How hybrids are affecting seed sovereignty of small-scale farmers in Acholi
Gulu, Uganda | JULIUS OCUNGI | On a bright Sunday morning in Rwot Obilo village, Owor Sub-County in Gulu district, Justine Nantume, a small-scale farmer is busy weeding her one-acre rice garden, some 18 km outside the bustling Gulu city. Adjacent to this rice garden is Nantume’s maize farm sitting …
Read More »Bill Gates gives $40m in science funding
Talks gene drives, mRNA at Grand Challenges meeting ANALYSIS | NONTOBEKO MLAMBO | Infectious diseases are major causes of deaths in Africa. The burden of existing, emerging and re-emerging diseases like malaria, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, cholera, schistosomiasis, lymphatic filariasis, sleeping sickness, Ebola and SARS continues to grow – and once you move …
Read More »EACOP: First batch of 100km of pipes ready
Petroleum Authority bosses visit China to verify and validate quality Kampala, Uganda | RONALD MUSOKE | Panyu Chu Kong (PCK) Steel Pipe Co., Ltd, the Chinese company contracted to supply line pipes to the East Africa Crude Oil pipeline (EACOP) has said the first batch of 100 kilometres of pipes are …
Read More »Africa snubbed at global AI safety summit
Experts cite asymmetrical advancement in use and purpose of AI technologies between the developed and developing countries Kampala, Uganda | IAN KATUSIIME | War and combat capabilities of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology were at the back of some people’s minds at the just concluded global summit on safety in the UK …
Read More »Africa poised to be a world fashion leader – UN report
A growing, worldwide interest in African cultural and fashion events supports the findings of a new report showing that Africa holds all the cards to become a global leader in fashion. SPECIAL REPORT | BIRD AGENCY | Africa’s young, innovative, and growing population, a rising middle class, rapid urbanization, and …
Read More »When life serves you lemons… a Zimbabwean tale
When COVID-19 hit Zimbabwe in 2020, the country went into lockdown. Marlvin Chieza was one of those who returned to his home in the countryside, with no income apparently, no future. That is until he noticed the apples lying around. SPECIAL REPORT | BIRD AGENCY | For someone who only …
Read More »Ambassador of dreams: one young woman represents a new generation of girls finding their voices
A love for art, the influence of a musician mentor, a thirst for political expression and finally, her role as an ambassador of DREAMS kept this young women’s thoughts off a lifetime of abuse and firmly focused on the future. SPECIAL REPORT | BIRD AGENCY | “Where I grew up, …
Read More »Behind the new number plate saga
Why is security scheme being promoted as transport project? COVER STORY | THE INDEPENDENT | The new vehicle number project is pushing ahead despite opposition from many quarters, including at the highest level of government; in the cabinet. On Nov. 01, the Minister for Security, Maj. Gen. Jim Muhwezi flanked by …
Read More »African fashion takes off
UNESCO report at Lagos Fashion Week highlights successes Kampala, Uganda | RONALD MUSOKE | Africa’s fashion sector has “finally taken off” according to the latest report unveiled on Oct. 26 in Lagos, Nigeria, by Audrey Azoulay, the Director General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The …
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