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The European Union (EU) is making available grant financing to Uganda to the tune of EUR 40 million (shs167 billion) to tackle the root causes of deforestation in the country while promoting reforestation and sustainable economic development.The grant-financing was announced during the occasion of the high-level visit to Uganda by  Virginijus Sinkevičius, the EU Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries.During his visit, Commissioner Sinkevičius met Uganda’s President Museveni and together launched the new EU Forestry programme with Uganda which is based on the extensive experience of the EU in the forestry sector in the country.‘‘With these milestones which are a demonstration of common aspirations, we envision achieving the European Green Deal’s objectives and the Global Gateway – the EU’s sustainable connectivity strategy. This includes enhancing the role of forests in the bio-economy and nurturing our trade flows of wood material,” said Sinkevičius.President Museveni welcomed the new EU support to the sector and offered the Government of Uganda commitment to its successful implementation.“This is a good initiative because it will help us protect our forests and also deal with those who want to encroach on the forests,” said  Museveni.Sinkevičius noted that together with the government of Uganda, the EU had laid the groundwork for commercial forestry in the country, particularly in the last 15 years, accumulating collective experiences and efforts to identify and implement inclusive solutions that strike a balance between different land uses, reduce deforestation, forest degradation and unsustainable conversion of natural ecosystems.He  congratulated Uganda for being among the first five countries in the world to sign a Forest Partnership Agreement with the European Union at the COP 27 in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, where European Union Commission President, Ursula Von der Leyen ratified a Memorandum of Understanding on November 8, 2022.Following that signing, Uganda successfully developed and validated a Forest Partnership roadmap on June 29, 2023, within the set six months as committed globally.The new Forest programme launched at the State House Entebbe will work to  increase inclusive investments and decent job opportunities for women and men in sustainable forestry and forest-based value chains, increase  forest cover by both decreasing deforestation & forest degradation and promoting forest restoration and community support to preservation efforts and enhance  effectiveness of forest resources governance, protection and management.The implementation of the new forestry programme through partners including Food and Agriculture Organisation of the UN (FAO), Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), United Nations Office for Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and Ministry of water and Environment (also overall coordinator `of the Forestry Programme and Forest partnership) is closely aligned with the roll-out of the EU Forest Partnership.The Forest Partnership aims to enable forests to fulfil their economic, social, and environmental roles and a common responsibility posed to forests by human, social and development needs.Previously, the European Union last year committed €40 million  (over 164 billion) to boost  government’s activities to help in restoration of Uganda’s forest cover.https://www.ugbulletin.co.ug/eu-gives-uganda-another-shs167bn-to-tackle-deforestation/

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Ugandan Citizen Abducted, Held in Secret Detention for Three Months, Sparks Outrage and Calls for Justice

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A disturbing new case of unlawful detention has surfaced, highlighting the ongoing human rights crisis in Uganda. A Ugandan citizen was reportedly abducted and held in a secret facility, known as a “safe house,” for three months, only to be released without charge or explanation. This incident, reported by NTV Uganda, has sparked widespread condemnation and renewed calls for accountability regarding human rights abuses in the country.
While the details surrounding the abduction remain unclear, reports indicate that the individual was taken without due process and held incommunicado—an action that has long been condemned by human rights organizations. The victim’s release, with no charges filed and no clear justification, has angered activists and citizens, who view this as yet another case of egregious abuse of power by the state.
“This is a recurring pattern,” said one human rights activist. “Abductions, secret detentions, and unexplained releases have become all too common in Uganda. These acts violate fundamental human rights and erode public trust in the justice system.”
The use of “safe houses,” unregistered detention facilities reportedly operated by security forces, has been a focal point in numerous allegations of torture and illegal imprisonment. Despite repeated calls from both local and international organizations for their closure and accountability for those involved, little action has been taken to address these violations.
This case underscores the urgent need for reform within Uganda’s security apparatus and greater accountability for human rights abuses. Observers hope that drawing attention to these injustices will spur concrete action to bring those responsible to justice and ensure the protection of basic human rights.
As frustration mounts, calls for both domestic and international pressure to hold the government accountable for such crimes grow louder. “One day, there must be accountability for all these crimes against our people,” stated one social media user, reflecting the sentiments of many Ugandans.

Ugandan Citizen Abducted, Held in Secret Detention for Three Months, Sparks Outrage and Calls for Justice

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NUP Gathering Disrupted: Kyagulanyi Alleges Security Force Harassment and Arrests

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National Unity Platform (NUP) President Robert Kyagulanyi has accused Ugandan security forces of using excessive force to disrupt a planned NUP gathering. The allegations were detailed in a statement shared on Twitter, following an event held to honor children of NUP supporters who were killed, disappeared, or detained for their political beliefs.
According to Kyagulanyi, security personnel, under the command of an officer identified as Asiimwe, carried out a preemptive operation early in the morning upon learning of the NUP’s plans. The forces allegedly stormed the premises, arrested workers, and deployed tear gas to disperse those present.
“The criminals under the command of one Asiimwe deployed early morning, arrested our workers, and threw tear gas into our premises. They’ve cordoned off the premises and blocked all people from accessing the place,” Kyagulanyi wrote.
Among those reportedly arrested were Saava Peter, Mudenya Samson, and Turyasingura Samson. Kyagulanyi claimed the detained workers were subjected to beatings and interrogated about their political affiliations, with security operatives labeling them as terrorists.
“These JATT operatives asked the workers who they support politically, branding them terrorists and criminals—their only crime being that they work with us. You can imagine the indignity!” Kyagulanyi lamented.
This incident adds to the growing tension in Uganda’s political climate, where opposition parties frequently accuse the government of stifling dissent. Despite the challenges, Kyagulanyi ended his statement with a message of defiance and optimism, proclaiming, “UGANDA WILL BE FREE.”

NUP Gathering Disrupted: Kyagulanyi Alleges Security Force Harassment and Arrests

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Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum

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Sudan has demanded an official apology from Uganda over “offensive and dangerous” comments made by the chief of Uganda army staff, who threated to invade Khartoum, the Sudan Tribune has reported.
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and CDF of the Ugandan army, posted two comments on the X platform on Tuesday in which he threatened “to capture Khartoum” with the support of the US President elect Donald Trump after he takes office. The posts were deleted later.
“The government of Sudan demands and official apology from the Ugandan government for the offensive and dangerous comments of the army commander,” Sudan’s foreign ministry said in a statement that the Sudan Tribune said it has seen.

Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum

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