Lake Victoria's First Roll-on/Roll-off Cargo Ship Begins Service.
A new freight vessel launched this week promises to cut cargo travel times across Lake Victoria from four days to 18 hours. The M.V. Mpungu, built in Uganda, can carry 21 trucks loaded with up to 1,000 tonnes of cargo.
East Africa Marine Transport owns the ship, and Grindrod Logistics Africa—Uganda handles operations. The $20 million project earned recognition from FAST Infra for its sustainable design.
"This vessel marks a milestone for East Africa," said Uganda's Prime Minister, Robinah Nabbanja, at the launch ceremony. She spoke on behalf of President Yoweri Museveni.
British funding helped build the ship through the Private Infrastructure Development Group. "This...
Uganda Election Chief Defends Early Voter Registration Deadline.
Uganda's election chairman said cutting off voter registration a year before the 2026 elections helps ensure proper planning and accurate voter counts.
Justice Simon Byabakama addressed criticism about the February 10, 2025, registration deadline. Some say it blocks young people who turn 18 between the cutoff date and election day from voting.
The voter update started on January 20. It lets new voters register, and current voters check their information. Uganda plans to hold presidential and parliamentary elections in early 2026.
Byabakama said the commission needs firm voter numbers to arrange ballot printing and other supplies. "You must plan, you must budget," he...
Rwanda Rejects SADC Claims of Military Action in Eastern Congo.
Rwanda issued a strong response Sunday after southern African leaders accused its forces of attacking troops and civilians in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) summit in Harare condemned recent attacks by M23 rebels and Rwandan forces on Congolese troops and SADC peacekeepers. The attacks violated a July 2024 ceasefire agreement, SADC leaders said in their final statement.
Rwanda's Foreign Ministry denied the accusations. It claimed SADC forces had joined a coalition planning to attack Rwanda and overthrow President Paul Kagame's government. The ministry said SADC troops were "fighting citizens of that country and...
M23 Rebels Near Key Congo City, Raising Regional War Fears.
Rwandan-backed M23 rebels have advanced within 20-25 kilometers of Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, sparking fears of expanded conflict.
India warned its citizens in Bukavu to leave immediately through available routes, including airports and border crossings. The embassy advised them to keep identity documents ready and prepare emergency supplies.
The rebels' approach to Bukavu threatens both Congo's stability and peace across the Great Lakes region. Military experts warn that capturing the city would enable M23 to link with RED-Tabara rebels, who launch attacks into Burundi from South Kivu bases.
Burundian President...
Uganda's Museveni Orders Arrest of Officials in Aid Program Scandal.
Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni has ordered police to revoke bail for local officials accused of stealing from a poverty relief program in the Lango region.
The suspects, released on police bond after their January 25 arrest, allegedly extorted money from recipients of the Parish Development Model aid initiative.
"I have directed the IGP to cancel those police bonds and make sure they face trial," Museveni wrote Sunday on X, formerly Twitter. He warned that officials who fail to prosecute "will be held accountable."
This order follows Museveni's December 31 ban on police bonds for "village thieves," claiming lenient treatment encourages crime. He threatened...
ZANU PF Moves to Replace Gutu East MP Amid Party Discipline.
Zimbabwe's ruling party, ZANU PF, has begun preparations for a potential by-election in Gutu East following the disciplinary action against MP Benjamin Ganyiwa.
Party officials held meetings in several wards last week, including Chinyika, Mandeya, and Makudo, to inform supporters of Ganyiwa's removal. The MP remained unavailable for comment, and calls went unanswered.
Ward 4 Councillor Philip Tagwirei Garirai confirmed provincial committee visits but said his area had not hosted any meetings. Party spokesperson Pepukai Chiwewe stated these visits aimed to discuss national congress resolutions from Bulawayo.
Provincial chairman Rabson Mavhenyengwa clarified that Ganyiwa...
War Veteran Launches Verbal Attack on Zimbabwe Minister.
A senior ZANU PF member has made stark claims about Local Government Minister Daniel Garwe's mental state, sparking tension within the ruling party.
Blessed Geza, a war veteran and central committee member, told The Standard he believes Minister Garwe shows signs of mental instability. He threatened physical confrontation at the minister's office.
"I can prove that in court," Geza said regarding his claims about Garwe's mental health. "I will go to his office and thoroughly beat him."
Geza, known for his role in former President Mugabe's 2017 removal, accused Garwe of stealing council lands. He claimed the minister would face imprisonment at Chikurubi Maximum Prison.
"He...
Red Cross Zimbabwe Leadership Contest Faces Election Rigging Claims.
Members of the Zimbabwe Red Cross Society have raised concerns about alleged irregularities in recent board elections. The December assembly in Kariba saw David Chaliyanika elected as the new board president.
According to internal sources, former president Edson Mlambo reportedly orchestrated Chaliyanika's victory. The new leadership team includes Emmaculate Chuma and Bennard Sharara as vice presidents, with Paradzayi Dakwa serving as honorary treasurer.
Defence Ministry official Tendai Chilowa observed the election, representing Minister Oppah Muchinguri Kashiri. The International Committee of the Red Cross sent southern Africa head Jules Amoti. However, the...
Zimbabwe Reports Stable ARV Supply Despite U.S. Aid Cuts.
Zimbabwe has sufficient antiretroviral drugs for its 1.2 million HIV patients, the National AIDS Council announced this week. The statement addresses public concerns after recent U.S. funding changes threatened treatment programs.
The United States froze support through USAID as part of broader cuts to the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief. PEPFAR stands as Zimbabwe's largest HIV response funder, pledging US$210 million for 2024 and US$200 million for late 2024 through September 2025.
"The nation has enough ARVs in stock," NAC chief executive Bernard Madzima told The Sunday Mail. "Anyone needing medication should visit their regular facility. Services remain...
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