M23 Rebels Declare Ceasefire in Eastern Congo as International Pressure Mounts.
The M23 rebel group announced a unilateral ceasefire in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo starting February 4, 2025. The rebels cited humanitarian concerns for their decision.
The announcement came after South Africa pledged to send more troops to the region. It also followed warnings from Western nations to Rwanda about its alleged support of the rebels.
M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka said the group aims to address "the humanitarian crisis caused by the Kinshasa regime." The rebels operate under the name Alliance Fleuve Congo.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa had earlier condemned attacks that killed 14 South African soldiers. He...
Uganda Named Most Promising Tourism Destination at Indian Travel Expo.
Uganda won top honors at India's Outbound Travel Market Expo in Bombay last week. The nation earned the "Most Promising New Destination" award, presented to High Commissioner Joyce Kakuramatsi Kikafunda.
The Indo-Asia Tourism Expo ran from January 30 to February 1, 2025, drawing major tourism buyers and sellers. Nine Ugandan travel companies, including Busunga Tours, Moments Beyond Borders, and the Uganda Safari Company, showcased the country's attractions at the event.
Uganda's pavilion emerged as the most visited and highest-rated display among tourism market participants. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said this success highlights Uganda's unique offerings -...
UPDF Communications Chief Arrested in $300,000 Military Radio Scandal.
Military authorities have detained Colonel Peter Ssemakula, the UPDF Chief of Communications and IT, over corruption allegations linked to a $200 million radio procurement deal.
The case centers on a 2023 proposal from Namibian company Satcom to supply Uganda's military with Leopard 1 Wideband military Software Defined Radios. Satcom's local representative, Ambrose Mutafungwa, facilitated the deal.
Former Chief of Defence Forces Gen Wilson Mbadi and Col Ssemakula visited Namibia to inspect the radios. The military contracts committee, led by Gen Mbadi, approved the $200 million purchase despite earlier concerns about the radios overheating in jungle conditions...
Uganda Gazelles Dominate Kenya in FIBA Zone V Afrobasket Opener.
The Uganda Gazelles secured a commanding 78-56 victory against Kenya in their opening match of the 2025 FIBA Zone V Afrobasket Qualifiers in Cairo on Monday.
Despite missing key players Melissa Akullu and Jamilah 'Zama' Nansinkombi due to visa issues, the Gazelles displayed strong control from the start. Through stellar offense and defense, they established an early lead of 23-11 in the first quarter.
Kenya struggled with shooting, making only 2 of 16 field goals under intense pressure from Uganda. Jane Asinde and Paige Robinson led Uganda's attack, scoring 17 points on 7 of 8 shooting in the opening period.
The second quarter saw equal play from both teams, though...
NARO Partners With Two Universities to Boost Agricultural Research in Uganda.
The National Agricultural Research Organization signed new research agreements with Ndejje and Busitema universities Tuesday at its Entebbe headquarters.
NARO Director General Dr. Yona Baguma joined Vice Chancellors Prof. Olivia Nassaka Banja of Ndejje and Rev. Can. Prof. Paul Waako of Busitema to formalize the partnerships through Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs).
The agreements focus on joint research projects, training programs, and resource sharing. Both universities will work with NARO on basic and applied research to create business opportunities in agriculture.
"These agreements will help us combine our expertise and infrastructure to improve...
Drug Agents Seize Major Ecstasy Haul at Banjul Airport.
Gambian drug enforcement officers seized 128,745 ecstasy pills at Banjul International Airport this month. The Drug Law Enforcement Agency (DLEAG) caught Saikou Krubally, a Gambian with Spanish residency, carrying the drugs in three suitcases.
Officers arrested Krubally near Sukuta Traffic Light on February 2, 2025, after he arrived on SN Brussels Airlines. This marks the largest single ecstasy seizure at any airport in the region.
The suspect flew from Barcelona to Amsterdam, where he collected the pills. He then traveled to Banjul through Brussels for a payment of 10,000 euros.
Earlier successes include a December 2024 operation that caught three Nigerian nationals with...
Contractor Admits Paying D100,000 Bribe to Local Council Officials.
A Gambian builder told officials he paid bribes to win government projects worth over a million dalasi.
Lamin Y.F.A. Mboge of Mbulmano Construction made this admission Monday at a Local Government Commission hearing. His testimony revealed widespread corruption at the Kuntaur Area Council.
Mboge said councilor Wally Ndimbalang pushed him to pay kickbacks after linking him with council leaders. He tried to resist the pressure but later gave in to their demands.
"It is a collective thing," Mboge said. "The chairman, the CEO, and all others are involved. Lamin Kujabi stands at the front, but everyone took part."
The contractor said these bribes hurt his work. He had...
Road Project on Track for 2025 Completion, Contractor Says.
Cornerstone Construction has promised to finish the Lot 2 road project by its deadline. The announcement came during a site visit by the Minister of Transport, Works, and Infrastructure.
Engineer Jonas Agymang from Cornerstone Construction spoke to reporters at Reneru Wollof. He said work began in 2023 on the 50-kilometer project. The routes connect Karantaba, Reneru, Tabanani, Demfaya, and Fitu Fulla.
The Karantaba-Reneru section shows major progress with finished concrete structures. At Laminkoto, crews have started earthworks at the base level, and concrete work begins this week.
"The project moves forward well without major challenges," Agymang said. He expects...
Civil Service Workers See Major Pay Boost.
The Gambian government rolled out broad salary increases for civil servants on Friday. Public Service Minister Baboucarr Bouy announced the raises at a town hall meeting, citing the need to keep skilled staff from leaving.
Speaking at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara Conference Centre in Bijilo, Bouy revealed details of the compensation package. Base salaries will rise 30 percent across the board. Transport allowances will double, and housing benefits will increase by 105 percent.
"We lost over 200 civil servants to other sectors in two years," Bouy said during the Mansa Kunda forum. The new pay scales aim to close gaps between civil service wages and those at independent agencies.
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