NEWS ANALYSIS

By Independent Reporter AMISOM responds late to al Shabaab re-organisation and tactics On July 23, Stratfor – the American-based intelligence firm- issued an optimistic analysis of the African Union force in Somalia, AMISOM, effort against the militant group, al Shabaab. The analysis was titled, `In somalia, African forces make gains …

By Agather Atuhaire Why Besigye has its vote, Muntu its heart Weeks after Uganda’s main opposition party voted retired Col. Dr. Kizza Besigye to be its flag-bearer in the 2016 presidential elections, members remain divided over the likely implications of the decision. Within the FDC, The Independent has been told, …

By Haggai Matsiko Security experts raise alarm over rise of ‘militias’ It is 2:30am and a truck carrying bunches of matooke has just got involved in a serious accident with a small car at a main junction in the Rubaga suburb of Kampala city.  The Kabusu area is a favourite …

By Flavia Nassaka An evening of juggling regulators, advertisers, and audiences What a day it has been! I sigh as I put the key into the lock at my house. The warm air from inside hits me first, competing with smells from the fruit basket and the newly cleaned carpet.  …

By Haggai Matsiko When on Aug.14 Research World International released an opinion poll showing that majority or 55 percent of the respondents would vote President Yoweri Museveni if elections were held, many were quick to dismiss it.  Patrick Wakida, RWI’s executive director says that this shows two things—that people do …

By Haggai Matsiko But they now want Shs6.6 trillion. What for? Buyende town is not really a town. It is a collection of a few scattered buildings, has no electricity, no hospital, no commercial bank, and no fuel station.  Still, it is the main town of Buyende district, one of …

By Independent Team Investors, gov’t moot $450m plan as experts warn on turbulent skies Uganda has recently been considering some quite dramatic developments in its aviation sector but, analysts warn, it could be flying into some foul weather without a risk-management plan. In July, Parliament approved a request by the …

By Agnes E. Nantaba You can pay it, but don’t expect a refund At Namirembe Cathedral where Jessica Wanyana and her fiancee Moses Loku plan to take their vows on their wedding dayscheduled for Sept. 6, one of the crucial requirements is a customary marriage certificate tabled as consent letter …

By Agather Atuhaire President Uhuru Kenyatta and President Yoweri Museveni’s talks during the former’s three-day visit cleared huddles that could make trade between the two countries smoother.The major outcome of the talks was the agreement between the two presidents over the route of the planned oil pipeline expected to cost …

By Edgar Tushabe Muhairwe Rallies reveal opposition leader’s plan for 2016 On July 24, Kizza Besigye, had a rally in Masaka town. Normally there is excitement when Besigye who is the de facto leader of the opposition to President Yoweri Museveni visits an area. He has drawn mammoth crowds, especially …