news and current affairs.
Trump Cuts Aid and Ugandan Health Research Crumbles
US aid cuts forced Peter Waiswa to end his Ebola research in Uganda. His team studied why people avoided quarantine during outbreaks. The five-year project between Makerere University and UC San Diego stopped after President Trump canceled foreign aid on January 20. Many researchers lost their jobs as funding disappeared across Africa. America funded 283 research programs worth $240 million in Africa during 2024. Uganda had 13 programs receiving nearly $700,000 before the cuts. Health researchers worry about participants in clinical trials who can no longer be tracked. Dr. Andrew Kambugu had to return the money for mental health integration with tuberculosis treatment. Tuberculosis patient Enock Tibihwa faced depression when neighbors...
Uganda Digs Into Data with Three Massive Surveys
The Uganda Bureau of Statistics collaborates with several government ministries on three major data collection projects: a Baseline Education Census, an Aquaculture Census, and a Labour Market Survey. UBOS Director Dr. Chris Mukiza promised that all information would remain confidential. The projects aim to gather accurate statistics for national planning purposes. The education census covers all learning facilities across Uganda. It started on April 7 and runs through June 30, beginning in Greater Kampala. Officials want to count every student accurately and assess school infrastructure nationwide. Parents must provide their children's correct birth dates and identification numbers. Fish farming comes next on the agenda, with the...
NIC Boss Folayan Bids Farewell After 13 Years
NIC Holdings Limited announced that Bayo Folayan will retire as Managing Director on April 30 after 13 years with the company. He joined NIC in 2011 but plans to remain on the Board as a Non-Executive Director. During his leadership, Folayan restructured operations, improved corporate governance, and expanded the insurance businesses. He led digital innovation efforts that helped grow the company nationwide. Before NIC, he worked in senior roles across Nigeria's insurance industry. The Board named Elias Edu as Acting Managing Director to handle the transition. Edu brings over 20 years of experience to the position, including previous stints as Acting Managing Director. He holds advanced degrees in both Law and Business Administration...
USE extends Umeme trade freeze as dispute lingers
Uganda Securities Exchange added another 30 days to Umeme Limited's trading suspension. The halt came as the power company disputes what the government owes after their 20-year contract ended. Trading first stopped March 31 for two weeks but will continue until May 14. Umeme formally notified finance officials about the disagreement on April 11. The exchange wants to protect investors from market swings during this uncertain period. Money remains the central issue between both sides. Umeme claims the government should pay $234 million for equipment investments. Government auditors calculated only $118 million, which officials had already paid. Umeme took the money but disagreed with the amount. Both parties have 30 days to find common...
Murkomen tours coast finds gangs and land disputes
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen toured six coastal counties last week. He held town halls called Jukwaa la Usalama with local officials, security teams, business owners, youth groups, and civil society representatives. These meetings across Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi, Lamu, Tana River, and Taita Taveta aimed to gather public input on security issues. Murkomen promised the feedback would shape future policies. He encouraged everyone to speak freely about their concerns. Eight major problems emerged during these discussions. Juvenile gangs terrorize the Mombasa, Kwale, and Kilifi communities. Land disputes cause tension throughout the region. Many residents feel left out of national development plans. Border conflicts between...
US backs Kenya taskforce to tame Haiti gangs
The United States backs the Kenya-led security mission helping Haiti. Officials made this clear Monday after Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Caribbean Community Chair Mia Mottley. America stands with CARICOM against forces trying to destabilize Haiti further. The State Department expressed full support for both regional partners working to restore peace. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce confirmed American backing for international efforts to confront Haiti's criminal gangs. The United States continues talking with governments across the region about the crisis. About 800 Kenyan police officers arrived in Haiti in June 2024 as part of the security mission. The UN Security Council approved this operation last October...
Ruto hails clerics as moral backbone of country
President William Ruto praised religious leaders for their societal contributions and stated that the nation needs unified leadership across all sectors to achieve transformation. These comments came after he met with faith leaders from the Kiambaa, Kabete, and Thika areas within Kiambu County. The president emphasized how religious figures help maintain moral values throughout communities and noted that their work extends beyond spiritual guidance. Ruto specifically highlighted the religious community's impact on education and healthcare services. He called these efforts proof of their dedication to national progress. The president described their role as invaluable to Kenya's social fabric. This meeting represents one of several...
Somaliland Swaps Berbera Port for US Nod
Somaliland seeks recognition as an independent nation from President Donald Trump. The breakaway region offers to lease its Berbera port facilities to America in exchange. The media reported these developments on Saturday. Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud previously tried preventing US recognition of breakaway regions through similar port access offers. Berbera International Airport contains the longest airstrip in Africa, stretching more than 2.5 miles. The Soviet Union built this massive runway during the 1970s. US officials confirmed talks with Somaliland about potential recognition terms. America reportedly considers the area for resettling Palestinians from Gaza. The international community currently recognizes only the...
Culture Crushes Boring Office Life
Workplace culture goes beyond company picnics. It includes values, attitudes, and behaviors that drive an organization forward. Companies with engaged workers see better results across all metrics. A Gallup study shows that disengaged employees cost organizations $3,400 for every $10,000 in salary due to higher absenteeism and lower productivity. Organizations with highly engaged staff enjoy 21 percent higher profit and fewer safety problems. Leaders often underestimate how culture affects their bottom line. The South African concept of Ubuntu offers guidance through collaboration, inclusivity, and shared success. This approach helps create workplaces that attract and retain top talent. African values, despite being overlooked in the...
Top