The infection, which jumps between people through close contact, can cause symptoms such as fever, muscle aches and lesions across the body
August 14–Mpox, the high infectious disease that used to be called monkeypox, has been declared a public health emergency in Africa by the continent’s top health body.
Scientists from the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) say they are alarmed by the speed at which a new strain of mpox has been spreading.
WHO says vaccines to help curb an escalating mpox outbreak in Democratic Republic of Congo and neighbouring countries may still not reach the central African country for months.
“It is important to declare an emergency because the disease is spreading,” said Jean-Jacques Muyembe-Tamfum, head of Congo’s Institut National pour la Recherche Biomedicale (INRB). He said he hoped any declaration would help provide more funding for surveillance as well as supporting access to vaccines in Congo.
Since the beginning of the year, more than 13,700 cases and 450 deaths have been recorded in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The virus, which can cause lesions across the whole body, has spread to other African countries, including Burundi, the Central African Republic (CAR), Kenya and Rwanda.
The declaration of a public health emergency will help governments co-ordinate their response and potentially increase the flow of medical supplies and aid into affected areas.
Africa CDC head Jean Kaseya warned that the disease could spiral out of control if immediate steps were not taken to contain it.
“This declaration is not merely a formality. It is a clarion call to action. It is a recognition that we can no longer afford to be reactive. We must be proactive and aggressive in our efforts to contain and eliminate this threat,” he said.
Health chiefs outside Africa will also be monitoring the situation to assess the risk of the outbreak spreading further.
On 29 July, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control said the risk from the mpox virus was “very low” in Europe.
Mpox spreads from animals to humans and between people through close contact with someone who is infected – including through sex, skin-to-skin contact and talking or breathing close to another person.
It can cause symptoms such as fever, muscle aches and lesions across the body. If left untreated, mpox can be deadly.
There are two main strains of the virus known to exist. The milder one caused the global outbreak in 2022 that affected Europe, Australia, the US and many other countries – and was mainly spread through sexual contact.
The second more deadly strain, endemic in central Africa, is behind the new recently discovered variant in DR Congo.
There are three vaccines that exist but only people at risk or who have been in close contact with an infected person are usually able to have it.
Dr Kaseya said there were plans to secure about 10 million doses to limit the spread of the disease in Africa.
News
Gen. Muhoozi’s Provocative Rhetoric Undermine Uganda’s Diplomatic Future with Regional Partners.
By Amiri Wabusimba.
In recent years, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the first son and Chief of Defense Forces (CDF), has gained notoriety for a series of provocative remarks posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account. These tweets, often laced with humor, have sparked controversy and made headlines for their alarming content, including claims of capturing neighboring cities such as Nairobi in Kenya within 24 hours. More recently, his rhetoric has extended to threats against South Sudan, raising significant concerns about Uganda’s diplomatic future and its role on the global stage.
Uganda, as a UN member state, is bound by the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which upholds the sovereignty of all nations and prohibits threats or acts of aggression. Despite the informal nature of Gen. Muhoozi’s remarks, they undermine these principles, jeopardizing Uganda’s relations with neighboring countries. Such statements, even when presented in jest, have the potential to destabilize diplomatic ties and provoke unnecessary tensions, especially if left unaddressed.
Gen. Muhoozi’s tweets may not constitute formal declarations of war, but they breach several international laws and Uganda’s own Constitution. The United Nations Charter Article 2(4), prohibits threats or the use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state. Article 3 of Uganda’s 1995 Constitution obliges government to safeguard the nation’s independence and territorial integrity while respecting other states sovereignty. His comments suggest military action against neighboring countries, which directly contravenes these constitutional and international obligations. Persistent threats against neighboring countries could trigger a diplomatic crisis, eroding trust and damaging Uganda’s ability to foster strong relationships regionally and internationally.
Diplomatic engagement relies on mutual respect, adherence to norms, and a commitment to peaceful coexistence. Gen. Muhoozi’s rhetoric creates an image of Uganda as a volatile and unpredictable state, deterring potential investors and straining international cooperation. Recently, the United States issued a warning after one of Gen. Muhoozi’s tweets targeted the U.S. Embassy in Uganda. Although the tweet was later deleted, the damage to Uganda’s reputation was already done. This incident exemplifies the dangers of public officials using social media irresponsibly. Strained relations, sanctions, or even diplomatic expulsions could result from such behavior.
In 2019, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte made public threats against Canada over a waste disposal dispute. Although his remarks were intended to pressure Canada diplomatically, they were widely perceived as undermining international norms and relations. While the conflict did not escalate militarily, it created a diplomatic rift and tarnished the Philippines’ global reputation. A parallel can be drawn with Gen. Muhoozi’s provocative tweets, which risk creating a lasting diplomatic fallout and damaging Uganda’s standing with its neighbors and broader international community. The global landscape increasingly demands adherence to international law and peaceful conflict resolution.
Reckless rhetoric not only isolates nations from international forums, trade opportunities, and collaborative ventures but also fosters a perception of unpredictability among officials, which can lead to severe economic and political consequences. To safeguard Uganda’s future, diplomatic dialogue with neighboring countries should be urgently initiated to clarify Uganda’s stance and prevent misunderstandings. Gen. Muhoozi’s aggression rhetoric contravene international laws, breach Uganda’s Constitution, and threaten the country’s diplomatic standing. Government must prioritize peaceful diplomacy and respect for sovereignty as outlined in the Vienna Convention and Uganda’s Constitution. By addressing these issues decisively, Uganda can secure a stable and prosperous future on the global stage.
Author is a diplomatic Scholar, Journalist, political analyst and Human Right activist
Tel: +56775103895 email: [email protected]
Gen. Muhoozi’s Provocative Rhetoric Undermine Uganda’s Diplomatic Future with Regional Partners.
News
NUP Condemns Attack on Headquarters by NRM Funded Alien Skin and Gang
The National Unity Platform (NUP) has condemned an alleged attack on its headquarters in Kavule, Makerere, reportedly orchestrated by controversial singer Alien Skin and his associates. According to a statement released by the party, the incident occurred in the early hours of the morning at approximately 3:15 a.m.
The statement alleges that Alien Skin’s group unlawfully entered the party’s premises, threatened the security guard on duty, and vandalized the walls with provocative graffiti. NUP expressed deep regret over these actions, describing them as reminiscent of tactics used by individuals deployed in the past to destabilize efforts for political reform in Uganda.
“It is regrettable that these brothers have learned nothing from those who the regime and other detractors have used against the people in the past, including Sipapa, Sobi, Zebra, Kitatta, among others,” the statement read.
The party noted that such incidents tend to spike as Uganda approaches elections, suggesting that certain groups are allegedly being used to derail the opposition’s agenda through acts of provocation and violence.
NUP urged Alien Skin and his associates to reflect on their actions, warning that history has repeatedly shown how individuals used to disrupt political struggles often face repercussions and lose public favor over time.
“The struggle for a better Uganda cannot be derailed by such antics. We call upon all Ugandans to remain vigilant and united in the face of intimidation and provocation,” the statement concluded.
This attack has sparked widespread condemnation from opposition supporters and human rights activists, who see it as part of a broader campaign to stifle dissent in the lead-up to elections. Meanwhile, calls for accountability and an impartial investigation into the incident are growing louder.
Alien Skin has yet to comment on the allegations, and efforts to reach him for a statement were unsuccessful at the time of publication.
NUP STATEMENT
This morning at 3:15am, a team led by musician Alien Skin attacked the National Unity Platform Headquarters at Kavule. They violated the premises, threatened the security guard on duty and used graffiti to draw provocative things on our walls. It is regrettable that these brothers have learnt nothing from those who the regime and other detractors have used against the people in the past, including Sipapa, Sobi, Zebra, Kitatta, among others. It is sad that each time we’re approaching elections, there is always a group willing to be used to engage in crimes against the people. We hope they will do some introspection before time catches up with them.
NUP Condemns Attack on Headquarters by NRM Funded Alien Skin and Gang
News
NUP : Museveni Apologist Alien Skin and Gang Target Uganda’s Main Opposition Party Head Officers
The National Unity Platform (NUP) has accused popular musician Alien Skin of leading an attack on its headquarters in Kavule early Saturday morning.
“This morning at 3:15 a.m., a team led by musician Alien Skin attacked the National Unity Platform Headquarters at Kavule. They violated the premises, threatened the security guard on duty, and used graffiti to draw provocative things on our walls,” read the statement issued by NUP.
NUP released a cctv video footage showing Alien Skin’s gang emerging from three cars to attack the party’s offices.
The party condemned the attack, describing it as a recurring tactic used by detractors to destabilize opposition activities, particularly during election periods.
Drawing parallels to controversial figures associated with past political violence, NUP stated:
“It is regrettable that these brothers have learnt nothing from those who the regime and other detractors have used against the people in the past, including Sipapa, Sobi, Zebra, Kitatta, among others. It is sad that each time we’re approaching elections, there is always a group willing to be used to engage in crimes against the people. We hope they will do some introspection before time catches up with them.”
Incidents
The alleged vandalism comes just weeks after Alien Skin and his entourage were accused of storming Nsambya Hospital.
In that incident, hospital operations were disrupted, and staff reportedly faced threats and intimidation, sparking widespread condemnation.
Alien Skin was jailed over the violence meted out against doctors at the hospital before being released on bail.
Alien Skin, once celebrated for his contribution to Uganda’s music industry, has increasingly been linked to politically motivated aggression.
While Alien Skin has not responded to the allegations, the incident has reignited debate about the role of artists in Uganda’s politics.
Authorities have yet to comment on the matter, but pressure is mounting for a swift and transparent investigation.
As the 2026 general elections approach, incidents like this raise concerns about the political climate and the potential for heightened tensions in the coming months.
NUP : Museveni Apologist Alien Skin and Gang Target Uganda’s Main Opposition Party Head Officers
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Gen. Muhoozi’s Provocative Rhetoric Undermine Uganda’s Diplomatic Future with Regional Partners.