Bell Obafest returns to celebrate East African culture with three-day extravaganza
Bell Lager has announced the return of the Bell Obafest following a successful debut last year.This year’s festival will extend to three days, from October 18 to 20, at Jahazi Pier Munyonyo, promising an even bigger celebration of East African culture.In an exciting expansion, this year’s edition of Bell Obafest will span across East African countries, including Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and South Sudan, offering an unforgettable celebration of the region’s rich cultural diversity.“We intend to deliver a more memorable experience that showcases the rich culture of East Africa, allowing customers to experience how we do music, food, and beer. Bell Obafest is back, bigger and better, thanks to the overwhelming positive reception the festival received last year, attracting attendance from over 5,000 people,” said Matilda Babuleka, Marketing Manager, Beer Portfolio at Uganda Breweries Limited.The festival remains committed to its core pillars of positioning itself as a beacon of African optimism by highlighting East African culture through food, music, beer, and showcasing each participating country’s unique cultural identity under a grand campaign titled “This is How We Do.”This year’s Bell Obafest will feature four stages: the main stage, a second stage for cultural and alternative acts, a DJs arena, and a newly introduced Nexters Stage, open to the public to showcase their skills and provide a platform for undiscovered talent.“In line with our ambition to be Uganda’s most inclusive and sustainable festival, we are pleased to announce our continued partnership with Light for the World Uganda, with whom we will collaborate to curate experiences that cater to persons with disabilities. Bell Lager has championed this agenda towards shaping a more inclusive society,” Babuleka added.ImpactBell Obafest aims to celebrate culture while making a positive impact across all touchpoints. As the title sponsor, Bell Lager is committed to providing a premium and authentic beer experience that complements the celebration of East African culture. This year’s festival will also feature the brand’s flavorful variant, Bell Citrus.The event will foster entrepreneurship and creativity by providing opportunities for food vendors to showcase their culinary talents. The festival will include a food market with vibrant stalls representing diverse cuisines from all East African countries.The festival’s lineup features a wide range of artists, including emerging talents, promoting the region’s music and dance culture and providing artists with a platform to shine. Additionally, the event offers a space for content creators to display their creativity and earn from their talent.With an inclusive and diverse program, Bell Obafest is set to make a lasting impact while celebrating the unique cultural heritage of East Africa.https://www.ugbulletin.co.ug/bell-obafest-returns-to-celebrate-east-african-culture-with-three-day-extravaganza/
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Ugandan Citizen Abducted, Held in Secret Detention for Three Months, Sparks Outrage and Calls for Justice
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.
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
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