Norbert Mao addressing the press at Democratic Party headquarters. Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Norbert Mao, the President General of the Democratic Party (DP) and Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, has officially entered the race for Speaker of the 12th Parliament. The Laroo-Pece MP-elect framed his candidacy as a strategic necessity rather than personal ambition, arguing that his …

Kampala, Uganda | Patricia AKANKWATSA | As Uganda’s nightlife continues to expand, attention is turning to a group of professionals whose influence stretches far beyond the bar counter. Bartenders often unseen architects of the drinking experience are increasingly recognised as tastemakers, brand ambassadors and custodians of responsible consumption. There is more to a cocktail than its garnish or glassware. At the heart …

KAMPALA, UGANDA | Xinhua | The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), a state-run conservation agency, has seized 10 pieces of raw elephant ivory weighing 154 kg after arresting a suspected trafficker in the northern district of Nwoya. In a statement issued late Monday, the UWA said the suspect, identified as Francis Opiro, was apprehended during an intelligence-led operation. He is expected …

Norbert Mao addressing the press at Democratic Party headquarters. Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Norbert Mao, the President General of the Democratic Party (DP) and current Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs, has officially announced his candidature for Speaker of the 12th Parliament of Uganda. Speaking at a press conference on Feb 24, Mao declared that his extensive “consultation …

Dr. Lina Zedriga in the dock Gulu, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The Deputy President of the National Unity Platform (NUP) for Northern Uganda, Dr Lina Zedriga, has been granted bail by the Gulu Chief Magistrate’s Court. Dr Zedriga was released on Tuesday afternoon on a cash bail of one million Shillings after appearing before Chief Magistrate Augustine Alule Koma. …

People line up to collect ballot papers at a polling station in Wakiso district, Uganda, on Jan. 15, 2026. (Photo by Mary Kansiime/Xinhua) Brussels, Belgium | THE INDEPENDENT | The European Parliament has stepped up scrutiny of Uganda’s political path after the disputed January 15, 2026, elections, issuing a resolution condemning post-election violence and expressing concern over threats to opposition …

The Late Cedric Babu Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Plans by Kenya Commercial Bank to auction the home of the late Cedric Ndilima Babu have suffered a setback after the High Court in Kampala issued an interim order blocking the sale of his Kololo residence, pending a full hearing of a dispute over a mortgage insurance policy. The order, issued …

President Yoweri Museveni and First Lady Janet Museveni wave to the crowd during the reception of the newly acquired aircraft a few years ago. Uganda’s national airline confronts the limits of scale, strategy and state control   COVER STORY | THE INDEPENDENT | Uganda Airlines, the national carrier relaunched in 2019 to reconnect the country to international markets, has temporarily …

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The Uganda Reach the Aged Association (URAA) and several partners have called on the government to take immediate action to ensure the full, equal, and meaningful participation of older persons in the development and negotiation of a strong and ambitious UN Convention on the Rights of Older Persons. “The development of a UN Convention …

Bushenyi, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Police in Bushenyi are holding two suspects in connection with alleged human trafficking. Apollo Tayebwa, the Greater Bushenyi Police spokesperson, said ten girls aged between 18 and 22 — most of them Senior Four leavers — were rescued on Friday night. The suspects have been identified as Innocent Agaba, 24, a resident of Nyakashaaru …