news and current affairs.
NDA seizes Shs125 million in illegal medicines across Northern Uganda
Ugandan pharmaceutical regulators seized medicines worth 125 million shillings during enforcement sweeps across five northern districts that resulted in the closure of 45 unlicensed medical facilities. Authorities confiscated 189 cartons of assorted pharmaceutical products and detained seven people accused of illegally possessing government medical supplies, according to Abiaz Rwamwiri, who handles public relations for the National Drug Authority. The weeklong operation spanned Kitgum, Kwania, Amolatar, Pader and Gulu, where inspectors identified violations through community tips and monitoring activities. Regional supervisor Zablon Igirikwayo warned that unregulated distribution channels compromise medication integrity and threaten...
Kenyan activists freed in Uganda after diplomatic talks
Two Kenyan civil society advocates returned home on Saturday following diplomatic efforts between Nairobi and Kampala after their disappearance in Uganda sparked cross-border concerns. Foreign affairs official Korir Sing'Oei announced that Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo crossed into Kenya late on Friday after government representatives escorted them to the Busia checkpoint, where local administrators received them. The pair had become subjects of legal proceedings in Ugandan courts after reports indicated security personnel detained them in Kampala's Kireka district. A judge classified them as missing individuals and directed attorneys to pursue police investigations after military and law enforcement agencies denied holding them...
ICG Magazine to close after nearly 100 years of publication
The International Cinematographers Guild has informed members that its executive board voted to discontinue ICG Magazine after nearly a century of publication, according to guild president John Lindley. The decision reflects efforts to pursue alternative methods for member engagement as traditional print formats face sustainability challenges in the current media landscape. The periodical originally debuted in 1929 under the title The International Photographer before evolving into its current form. The December edition will mark the final issue for the monthly publication, which has served approximately 10,000 guild members throughout its lengthy existence. Uncertainty remains regarding the future of associated programs, including a...
Aliko Mohammad Dangote to visit Zimbabwe for US$1 billion investment deal
Nigerian industrialist Aliko Mohammad Dangote plans to finalize investment agreements valued at $1 billion during meetings with Zimbabwean authorities on Wednesday, according to presidential adviser Paul Tungwarara. The commitments encompass cement manufacturing facilities, limestone extraction operations, coal development, and electricity generation infrastructure. Discussions with President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa will address mineral rights, taxation frameworks, foreign personnel authorization, and investment protections for the proposed ventures. Dangote Industries operates across 17 African nations through diversified holdings in construction materials, agricultural processing, energy, and petrochemicals. The conglomerate...
Zimbabwe sets record with 640,000 tonnes of wheat harvested
Zimbabwean wheat production reached an unprecedented 640,000 metric tons this season, marking the third consecutive year the southern African nation achieved self-sufficiency in the grain, according to agricultural officials. Permanent Secretary Obert Jiri confirmed on Sunday that yields from 124,000 planted hectares exceeded domestic consumption requirements of 360,000 tons, positioning the country to pursue export opportunities within regional markets. Enhanced irrigation systems, mechanized equipment access, and expanded smallholder participation through presidential subsidy programs contributed to average field yields of 5.2 tons per hectare. The Agricultural and Rural Development Authority delivered over 300,000 tons from 60,000...
VP Mohadi urges business growth, government support at Beitbridge summit
Vice President Kembo Mohadi reinforced government backing for private enterprise during the Sundrive Business Summit and Awards held in Beitbridge on Friday, stating that entrepreneurial activity remains essential to achieving the nation's economic development targets by 2030. Permanent Secretary Benson Martins Dube delivered remarks on behalf of the vice president, highlighting regulatory reforms that eliminated or reduced various licensing fees affecting small and medium agricultural producers, water abstraction charges, and export documentation costs. Mohadi characterized Matabeleland South province as strategically positioned for regional commerce through border infrastructure while offering investment potential in extractive...
Zimbabwe public sector workers to receive double bonuses starting Friday
Zimbabwe's government employees will receive their standard year-end compensation alongside an additional $150 presidential allowance beginning on Friday, with half distributed this month and the balance in December. Authorities structured the payments in two installments to prevent strain on financial institutions and reduce congestion at withdrawal points, prioritizing security personnel before health and education workers. Permanent Secretary Simon Masanga confirmed the treasury approved both disbursements following labor council negotiations, while union leader Cecilia Alexander acknowledged the administration's support for workforce welfare. The compensation package coincides with restored vehicle benefit programs and the...
Great Zimbabwe project nears completion with new visitors' centre
A multimillion-euro renovation of the Great Zimbabwe World Heritage Site will conclude by year-end with completion of an upgraded visitor reception complex, according to regional museum authorities. The facility features stone-walled entryways, parking infrastructure and dining amenities designed to international hospitality standards. French Development Agency funding supported the three-year initiative launched in June 2022 by President Mnangagwa, implemented through collaboration between United Nations project offices and national antiquities administrators. Restoration efforts encompassed archaeological preservation, establishment of a reconstructed Shona heritage village displaying traditional craftsmanship, and marketing...
Highlanders' survival hopes take a hit in draw with Manica Diamonds
Highlanders relinquished a first-half advantage to settle for a 1-1 stalemate against Manica Diamonds on Sunday at Barbourfields Stadium, jeopardizing their Premier League survival prospects. Melikhaya Ncube converted in the 31st minute to put the hosts ahead, but goalkeeper Ariel Sibanda's error allowed substitute Evans Katema to equalize during the 65th minute. The outcome left both squads alongside Dynamos and Chicken Inn at 38 points with one fixture remaining. Coach Pieter de Jongh expressed disappointment after his team dominated possession and generated multiple scoring opportunities, including a stoppage-time miss by Reason Sibanda. Highlanders will face local rivals Chicken Inn in the final round, with both clubs facing...
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