Blaise Kamugisha, the national coordinator of crime preventers in Uganda, discussed the role and significance of crime preventers in an interview with journalist Baker Batte Lule. Kamugisha emphasized that crime preventers should not be disbanded following the dismissal of Gen Kale Kayihura, the former inspector general of police. He outlined the responsibilities of crime preventers, which include working with the police on security matters and engaging in economic activities to combat the root causes of crime, such as unemployment. Kamugisha also addressed the contention over the number of crime preventers, claiming there are 11 million across the country. He denied allegations that crime preventers are armed or that they are used as political tools by the state, asserting their support for the president is voluntary. The interview also touched on the recent sacking of Kayihura and the future of crime prevention in Uganda.

The article discusses the I-Growth Accelerator event organized by Uganda Development Bank Limited and the Resilient Africa Network, which is an agricultural innovation awards program aimed at promoting local start-ups in Uganda's agricultural sector. The Innovation Consortium, a group of young individuals, created a hybrid hay and silage machine that won them runner-up position and a prize of Shs 10 million. The article features an interview with Byron Ssemalago, the group's leader, who explains the process of making silage and hay, the cost of their machine, and the benefits it offers to farmers. The machine is unique in its dual functionality and affordability compared to imported machines. Ssemalago and his colleague Brian Atuhaire, who also holds a degree in accounting and business management, aim to improve the machine with the prize money and cater to the specific needs of Ugandan farmers before expanding to other countries.

Michael Kabaziguruka, the Nakawa MP, despite recovering from a recent accident, participated in a parliamentary debate on a controversial age limit bill, which has now become law. The law eliminates the upper age limit for presidential candidates and lowers the minimum age to 18, while also extending MPs' terms from five to seven years. Kabaziguruka, who opposes the bill, views it as an illegal attempt to prolong President Yoweri Museveni's tenure. He criticizes the process as fraudulent and the amendments as self-serving for MPs. Despite the challenges, he believes it was important to defend the Constitution and be on record opposing the bill. He also expresses hope that the judiciary will rule against the parliamentary decision and that the people of Uganda will resist any constitutional overthrow.

The article discusses the controversies surrounding Jolly Kaguhangire, the former executive director of the Uganda Investment Authority (UIA). Kaguhangire, known for her previous work at the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), was interdicted by the UIA board due to allegations of corruption, abuse of office, and nepotism. The article explores her attempts to restructure UIA, which led to internal resistance and accusations from staff. It also touches on the history of UIA, mentioning previous directors and the challenges they faced, including political sensitivities and vested interests. The article suggests that the infighting and scandals at UIA could deter investors, which is problematic for Uganda's economic growth.

Retired Supreme Court judge John Wilson Tsekooko discusses his life after retirement and reflects on the state of the judiciary in Uganda. He expresses concern over corruption within the judiciary and the influence of the executive on judicial decisions. Tsekooko recalls his time as a judge, including his rulings against President Yoweri Museveni in the 2001 and 2006 presidential election petitions. He also comments on the retirement age for judges, suggesting 75 years as ideal, and touches on the recent constitutional amendment that removed presidential age limits. Tsekooko calls for honesty and respect for human rights from Uganda's leaders and criticizes the exaggeration of achievements and promotion of ethnicity.

Dr. Zac Niringiye, a retired assistant Anglican Bishop of Kampala and now an activist, has criticized Ugandan religious leaders for their silence and complicity in the face of political manipulation by President Museveni. Niringiye, who campaigned for free and fair elections in 2016, reflects on the violence post-elections, the compromised electoral system, and the removal of presidential age limits. He acknowledges the vulnerability of religious leaders to state power, citing instances where they accepted gifts like cars from the president, which he believes undermines their moral authority. Niringiye calls for repentance among religious leaders and a united stand against the current regime's tactics. He also discusses media self-censorship, the breakdown of security in Uganda, and the need for a national dialogue to renegotiate the country's future, emphasizing that Museveni and his team must be pushed to the negotiating table.

The funeral of Dr Livingstone Mpalanyi Nkoyoyo, the retired Archbishop of Church of Uganda, was marked by a public disagreement between two prominent Muslim leaders, Prince Kassim Nakibinge Kakungulu and Sheikh Shaban Ramathan Mubajje. The event, held at the Anglican Martyrs’ shrine in Namugongo, was attended by various religious and political figures. Mubajje, who chairs the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda, ignored Nakibinge during his speech, while Nakibinge recognized Mubajje's rival as the true Muslim leader. The funeral also became a platform for religious leaders to address the tension between the Church and the State, with Archbishop Cyprian Kizito Lwanga urging the government to see the Church as a partner rather than an adversary. The article also touches on the political climate in Uganda, particularly the criticism of parliamentarians for voting to lift presidential age limits and extend their terms.

The article by journalists Alon Mwesigwa and Baker Batte Lule examines the budgetary allocations for the Ugandan presidency, highlighting the costs associated with President Museveni's office. Despite Museveni's claim of serving without material benefit, the presidency's budget is substantial, with significant funds allocated to facilitate the president, his activities, and his family. The article details various expenditures, including the president's salary, travel costs, hosting of delegates, and maintenance of State House facilities. Comparisons are made with other government departments' budgets, and comments from officials like Frank Tumwebaze and Hebert Okworo Ariko provide context to the president's remuneration and institutionalized benefits. The piece suggests that while Museveni's salary may appear modest, the overall cost of the presidency to the nation is considerable.

The article discusses the initiative taken by a group of nine unemployed Ugandan youths who formed 'Youth Agripreneurs', an online agribusiness network to market vegetables. Despite their initial reluctance due to the challenges associated with agriculture, they were supported by organizations like the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Makerere University, and the National Agricultural Research Institute with disease-free seedlings and pest control products. They created an online application to connect with customers, eliminating middlemen and ensuring better prices for their produce. The group now works with 21 farmer groups and has a customer base of 1,200, but faces challenges such as transportation and customer responsiveness to emails. The leader of the group, Becky Nakabugo, emphasizes the importance of using the internet for development activities rather than social quarreling.

The article discusses the impending decision by the Constitutional Court of Uganda, which could influence the country's political landscape for the next decade. The court's ruling is on the legality of the 2017 constitutional amendment that removed presidential age limits and extended political office terms from five to seven years, potentially benefiting President Museveni. The amendment has been challenged as unconstitutional by opposition leaders, including Winnie Kiiza. The article provides background on the amendment's passage, marked by violence and controversy, and profiles the five justices who will deliver the verdict. It also touches on the possibility of an appeal to the Supreme Court, regardless of the outcome. The author, Baker Batte Lule, provides insights into the judicial history and tendencies of the justices involved, offering a glimpse into how the ruling might unfold.