Bullisa, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The Ministry of Health has allayed fears of a looming lockdown following viral social media claims around a purported surge in COVID-19 infections in Uganda. Speaking to URN in an interview on Tuesday, Dr Col Henry Kyobe, the COVID-19 incident commander in the ministry, …
Read More »Religious leaders revive push for national health insurance
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The Inter-Religious Council of Uganda (IRCU) has raised concern that the country’s continued failure to implement a National Health Insurance Scheme could result in severe consequences, especially as international donors withdraw funding from critical health programs. Speaking at the launch of the upcoming Family …
Read More »The legacy of Cedric Babu
How this dynamic Ugandan combined a talent for sports with business, politics and entertainment THE LAST WORD | Andrew M. Mwenda | Last week, Uganda lost one of its most dynamic citizens, Cedric Babu Ndilima, to a heart complication. On social media, opposition activists, who claim to be humane, went on …
Read More »Botswana leads the way in eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV
Botswana has approximately 360,000 people living with HIV, with 98% of pregnant women living with HIV receiving treatment ANALYSIS | AGENCIES | In an historic global health milestone, Botswana has been validated as the first high HIV-burden country in the world, and the first in Africa, to reach the World Health …
Read More »Bill Gates pledges most of $200bn wealth to Africa’s health, education
The foundation is also investing $40 million to help several African manufacturers produce new messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines on the continent Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | THE INDEPENDENT | Bill Gates, co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, announced plans to allocate the majority of his estimated $200 billion fortune over …
Read More »Aggressive online baby formula campaigns must end
ANALYSIS | A global resolution on digital marketing of breast milk substitutes must be rigorously enforced, writes Afshan Khan, Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations and coordinator of the Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Movement. Breastfeeding saves lives. It is one of the most powerful, proven investments in child survival, development …
Read More »Gulu City students trained in mental health first aid
Gulu, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Thirty secondary school students in Gulu City, were on Saturday trained to provide Mental Health First Aid, to spearhead mental health clubs within their schools. This training, which took place at the Gulu University Multifunctional Laboratory, was championed by Mind Body and Soul (MBS), …
Read More »The hidden menstrual hygiene crisis among middle-class women
COMMENT | SHEILA KASABIITI | When menstrual hygiene is talked about, most times, it’s framed as an issue exclusive to underserved or rural communities. However, even middle-class girls and women who may not struggle with access or affordability face significant challenges, particularly when it comes to safe and dignified …
Read More »DEAR PLASTIC… IT’S OVER — Signed UGANDA
Toxic. Clingy. Everywhere. Uganda needs to break up with plastic! COMMENT | Sarah Musumba | Once upon a dusty Saturday in Kampala, a Fuso truck rumbles past, stacked high with buveera (plastic paper bags), water containers, soda bottles, and jerry cans. Now imagine 120 of those rolling in every single …
Read More »Ululation and dance as Lugazi Diocese makes grand entry into Namugongo
Namugongo, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Ululation and dance filled Namugongo on Sunday as the animating diocese made its grand entry at the Catholic Martyrs’ Shrine. Pilgrims from the four districts that make up Lugazi Diocese had earlier gathered at Park Leo—formerly known as All Sisters Garden in Sonde—before proceeding …
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