Uganda Boosts Border Security After Goma Prison Break.
Uganda sent more troops to its Congo border Friday after rebels emptied a prison in the captured city of Goma.
The Uganda People's Defence Force said Ugandan inmates escaped from Munzenze Prison when M23 rebels took the city Monday. Some might be fighters from the Allied Democratic Forces rebel group, said Major Kiconco Tabaro.
"We must stay alert for ADF members hiding among refugees," said Tabaro, the army's regional spokesman.
Life continues as usual in Uganda's Kisoro District near the border. Tourists visit parks, farmers tend crops, and local markets stay busy despite fighting next door.
Yet dozens of trucks sit idle at Nyakabande, waiting to enter Goma through the...
UN Staff Flee Eastern Congo as Rebels Takes Major City.
More than 1,000 UN workers and civilians escaped to Uganda Thursday after rebels forced them from Goma, eastern Congo's largest city.
The group included UN peacekeepers, aid workers, and Congo government officials. They crossed the border in a long convoy through Katuna and Kyanika checkpoints, heading for flights from Entebbe airport.
"The convoy stretched for kilometers," a Ugandan border officer at Katuna said. "UN staff, aid workers, and Congolese officials brought their families. Many looked scared and tired."
M23 rebels seized Goma days earlier, backed by Rwandan forces. The capture marks a major setback for Congo's control of its eastern region.
UN deputy mission chief...
Museveni Rejects Court Ban on Military Trials of Civilians.
Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni reacted Saturday to a Supreme Court ruling that bars military courts from trying civilians.
"Judges do not govern the country. The people govern it," Museveni said after returning from regional tours. He ordered changes to let military courts handle civilians caught with illegal guns.
The court had ruled all civilian cases must move to regular courts. Past convictions stand unless under appeal. Military personnel charged with civil crimes also face transfer to civilian courts.
Museveni defended military courts as vital for security. "The Military Courts helped us to discipline Karamoja. We cannot abandon this useful instrument for...
Uganda Top Court Explains Three-Year Delay in Key Military Trial Ruling.
Chief Justice Alphonse Owiny-Dollo cited building damage and staff changes for the long wait before Thursday's ruling that military courts cannot try civilians.
A 2022 fire destroyed the chief justice's office at the Supreme Court. Two justices retired, and two others died during the case. The court had to move buildings and name new judges before it could hear the appeal.
The case began in 2016 when lawmaker Michael Kabaziguruka challenged his trial in a military court. He faced firearms charges and accusations of plotting to overthrow the government.
The Constitutional Court ruled in 2021 that trying civilians in military courts broke the law. The attorney...
Uganda Plans $15 Billion Budget, Targets Growth Without New Taxes.
Uganda set a $15.2 billion budget for 2025-26, focusing on debt control and higher tax collection. Finance Minister Henry Musasizi told Parliament the plan marks phase one of the country's latest development vision.
The budget aims to boost factory growth, tourism, mining, and science projects. It includes funds for defense, power supply, roads, and village development schemes.
"We must balance funding vital projects with keeping our debt in check," said Budget Committee Vice Chair Remegio Achia. He noted Uganda's debt hit $25.1 billion last June, eating up a third of domestic income.
The government wants to raise $8.9 billion in taxes next year, up from $8.5...
Uganda Cuts Audit Office Budget, Limiting Government Oversight.
Uganda's national audit office faces a $8.5 million budget cut, which will force it to skip checks on most government spending next year.
The Office of the Auditor General will examine only 40% of state agencies and local governments in 2024-25. The cuts remove 60% of funds needed for field work.
"This affects how many reports we can produce," said Stephen Kateregga, Assistant Auditor General for Corporate Services. The office's total budget stands at $29 million.
The changes limit oversight as new programs, including a rural development initiative, called the Parish Development Model, need review.
Parliament pledged support after meeting Auditor General Edward Akol...
Burundi President Warns of Regional War Over Rwanda Crisis.
Burundi's president accused Rwanda Friday of fueling unrest across East Africa, warning the region risks sliding into war.
"Rwanda must be stopped for its meddling," President Évariste Ndayishimiye told diplomats in Bujumbura. "We will defend our sovereignty and our people."
The sharp words came at a New Year gathering with foreign officials. Ndayishimiye said Rwanda backs rebel groups in eastern Congo, including RED-Tabara fighters who launch raids into Burundi.
Burundi closed its Rwanda border last January over these claims. Rwanda denies supporting any rebels.
Rwanda's Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe fired back, accusing Burundian forces of working with militias...
Uganda's Top Judge Maps Military Court Reforms.
Uganda's Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo ruled Thursday that military courts cannot try civilians. He called for major changes to the nation's court system.
The Supreme Court head advised turning the General Court Martial into a High Court division. This move would let it handle serious crimes by soldiers and select civilian cases.
Owiny-Dollo said military tribunals should focus on discipline issues, not jail terms. He asked the government to use civilian courts for other criminal cases.
The ruling found that parts of Uganda's military law clash with the constitution. These sections allow lower military courts to imprison people.
"Make appeals from military courts match those in...
Uganda Opens Voter Registration for 2026 Elections.
Uganda's Electoral Commission launched a nationwide voter registration drive ahead of the 2026 elections. The update allows new voters to sign up and current voters to check their information.
Citizens aged 18 and above can register at local parish centers through February 10, 2025. The process requires personal appearance for photos, signatures, and fingerprints.
"You must be on the National Voters Register to exercise your rights," said Commission spokesperson Julius Mucunguzi. Registration lets citizens vote, run as candidates, serve as party agents, or file election petitions.
Registered voters need not sign up again. They can visit parish centers to verify their details or...
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