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Author: rowan

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Arbitrary arrest and pre-trial detention of eight environmental rights defenders

Written by rowan on . Posted in Christmas, Updates.

The Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders, a partnership of the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) and the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT), has received new information and requests your urgent intervention in the following situation in Uganda.The Observatory has been informed about the latest judicial developments regarding the bail applications of eight young environmental and climate justice defenders, namely Mses Dorothy Asio, Teopisita Nakyabande and Shammy Nalwadda, and Messrs Noah Katiti, Akram Katende, Ismail Zziwa, Shafik Kalyango, and Ali Keisha. These eight defenders are among a group of 12 environmental activists who were initially arrested on 1 August 2025.

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Uganda says to cut budget support by 84% in next financial year

Written by rowan on . Posted in Updates.

KAMPALA, Jan 29 (Reuters) – Uganda plans to cut external budget support by 84.2% year-on-year in the next financial year starting July, the finance ministry said late on Wednesday, amid efforts to ramp up domestic revenues.In a post on social media platform X, the finance ministry said external budget support, which typically comes in the form of loans and grants, was projected to fall to 330.9 billion shillings ($92.72 million) in the financial year starting July, down from 2.1 trillion shillings a year prior.The ministry did not give a reason for the reduction but said in the next financial year the government was keen on “implementing strategies to boost domestic revenue mobilisation.”

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Jinja district integrates hygiene education into schools under new partnership with dettol.

Written by rowan on . Posted in Updates.

Dettol Hygiene Quest Uganda, in partnership with the Jinja District Local Government, has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to permanently integrate hygiene education into the local school curriculum.Signed on January 8, 2026, the agreement marks a transition from donor-funded programming to sustainable, locally owned implementation, ensuring long-term improvements in child health and school attendance beyond the initial funding from Reckitt.The partnership adopts a “Sustainability through Integration” model, prioritizing community-led ownership over short-term aid.

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Ugandan leader extends 40-year rule after winning contested poll..

Written by rowan on . Posted in Updates.

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has been declared the winner of Thursday’s election extending his four decades in power by another five years. He gained 72% of the vote, the election commission announced, against 25% for his closest challenger Bobi Wine, who has condemned what he described as “fake results” and “ballot stuffing”.Wine has not provided any details and the authorities have not responded to his allegations, but African Union election observers said they saw “no evidence of ballot stuffing”. Wine has called for non-violent protests.Museveni, 81, first came to power as a rebel leader in 1986 but since then has won seven elections.

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Uganda approves twice-yearly HIV prevention injection in major AIDS fight breakthroughs.

Written by rowan on . Posted in Updates.

Uganda has approved the use of Lenacapavir, a twice-yearly HIV prevention injection, marking a major milestone in the country’s fight against HIV/AIDS.The bi-annual HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) injection, developed by US-based Gilead Sciences, provides a long-acting, highly effective alternative to daily oral medication.With just two injections per year, the drug, endorsed by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in July 2025 and prequalified in October, offers a convenient option for individuals who struggle with adherence, face stigma or have limited access to healthcare services. ROWAN is looking into this for our future care, although much research needs to be done in order to confirm this is the best way forward.

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 Uganda signals possible social media shutdown ahead of 2026 polls.

Written by rowan on . Posted in Updates.

Uganda’s authorities are mulling imposing strict controls on internet use, including the possible blocking of major social media networks, if the spread of false election information continues.The Acting Secretary-Commissioner of the Electoral Commission, Ronald Kamugisha, revealed the potential measures on Friday while speaking to reporters in Kampala.Platforms under review include TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram, all of which could face restrictions ahead of the general elections scheduled for mid-January 2026.

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SUMMARY OF THE MINING PROJECT STATUS BY CLOSE OF 2025

Written by rowan on . Posted in Mining Crisis.

Progress registered

Strategic partnerships expanded and collaborations emerged to wit; a memorandum of understanding with Bentley motors, Wrightbus, the British Geological Survey (BGS) and US Government.

A change in International Market as China’s heavy rare export restriction thereby escalating China-US trading tension. This is believed to have shifted the world’s attention to Makuutu as an alternative to bridge the supply gap.

Human rights concerns

The near expiry of the Land Access Agreement’s (LAA’s) between the mining company and land owners caused widespread anxiety as renewal remains unclear. That notwithstanding, the mining company to date continues accessing community land, raising critical legal and ethical concerns. The Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) equally remains concealed and inaccessible. Fear of possible evictions has gripped the project affected communities.

Debate Over Legislator Qualifications Sparks Calls for Reform

Written by rowan on . Posted in Politics, Updates.

In Kampala today, MP Muhammad Nsereko of Kampala Central raised sharp concerns over Uganda’s academic requirements for parliamentary candidates. He highlighted a stark inconsistency: while a primary school headteacher must typically hold a Master’s degree, a prospective Member of Parliament needs only a Senior Six certificate. Nsereko likened the gap to devaluing the legislative role, and urged scrutiny of whether higher education standards would enhance governance credibility and policymaking capacity.

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Weather: Kampala’s Air Quality Spike Raises Health Alerts

Written by rowan on . Posted in Updates.

Kampala has recently ranked among the most polluted cities globally, as reported on September 2, 2025. The city’s air quality has been compromised by factors including low humidity, weak winds, and temperature inversions that trap pollutants near ground level. While improvement is expected later in the evening, significant health precautions—especially for individuals with respiratory issues—remain crucial.

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Wildlife: Rhino Population at Ziwa Sanctuary Reaches New Heights

Written by rowan on . Posted in Updates.

Conservation at Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch continues to deliver hope: the Southern White Rhino population has climbed to approximately 48 by July 2025, up from 33 in late 2021. The sanctuary, spanning ~70 km², remains Uganda’s only site where these rhinos can be seen in a natural habitat. Powered by a partnership between private stakeholders and the Uganda Wildlife Authority, the sanctuary supports a growing ecosystem—including antelopes, hippos, crocodiles, tortoises, and over 40 other species. With around 78 dedicated rangers and security personnel, the facility ensures round-the-clock protection and offers guided trekking, bird-watching, shoebill sightings, and luxury lodging for visitors.

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