Why East Africa tops Africa’s 2026 economic projections [Grapghics: Hope Muakmi] The UN expects East Africa to lead Africa’s growth in 2026, powered by Ethiopia’s reform push and Kenya’s diversified economy. Big infrastructure bets are lifting the outlook, but high debt costs and tight global finance remain key constraints.   SPECIAL REPORT | BIRD AGENCY | East Africa is expected …

EC officials display one of the Biometric Voter Verification Kits (BVVKs). Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | There were disagreements at several polling stations in Kampala and other parts of the country after Biometric Voter Verification Machines (BVVK) rejected some cast ballots during vote counting. The BVVK machines, which are being used for the first time in the 2026 election …

Butambala MP Muwanga Kivumbi in court. He was charged with terrorism.   Remand of MP and Bobi Wine ally revives fears of MP Ssegirinya’s torture and death COVER STORY | IAN KATUSIIME | Fears for the life of outgoing Butambala County MP Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi have intensified after he was charged with terrorism and remanded to Kitalya Prison, a move that …

Centenary Bank Managing Director Kasi speak to youth af the conference at Nakulabye Parish Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Centenary Bank has reaffirmed its commitment to youth empowerment and sustainable development as it actively participated in a Youth Conference organized by Our Lady of Fatima Shrine, Nakulabye Parish Youth Apostolate. The conference is an engagement platform bringing together young …

Voting exercise in many polling stations in Hima town council delayed due to absence of voters Kasese, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Voter turnout in Kasese District was notably low during Thursday’s local council elections, with many citizens expressing concerns over alleged election manipulation and dissatisfaction with last week’s parliamentary results. Several voters criticized the way results were announced by the …

Electoral Commission boxes whose covers where fixed with stones at polling station in sembabule district. such is one of the many irregularities Sembabule, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The Electoral Commission has been challenged to consider conducting a public evaluation of the 2026 general elections, as a way of identifying weaknesses and developing better strategies for future polls. On January …

Namisindwa, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Namisindwa Police are holding a presiding officer and hunting another for alleged electoral malpractice. The suspects include Saulo Nanongo, a parish chief who served as presiding officer at Lushu Centre polling station in Tsekululu Sub-county, and David Bwayo, the Tsekululu Sub-county supervisor. During Thursday’s local government elections, Nanongo allegedly inflated votes in favour of Wilson Walimbwa. …

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Uganda has made significant political and economic gains over 40 years, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has declared, citing a $60 billion economy, 7% growth, local production expansion, and upcoming oil exploitation during National Liberation Day celebrations. Speaking at Kololo Independence Grounds under the theme “A Tribute to the Patriots Who Ushered in the Fundamental …

Mbale, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | At least three people have died, and one person has been hospitalized following an accident on Sunday evening in Mbale City. The incident occurred around 6:00 PM in Nakaloke, opposite Ideal Girls High School along the Mbale–Soroti Highway. Eyewitnesses said the accident happened during a car chase involving two vehicles allegedly belonging to individuals engaged …

Kimome Ruben Araali Kabarole, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The National Resistance Movement (NRM) has retained control of local government leadership in the Tooro Sub-region after winning all District Local Council V chairperson seats in elections held on Thursday. Ugandans voted in another phase of the 2026 General Elections, electing district chairpersons, city mayors, and councillors. Across the Tooro Sub-region, NRM …