The article by Ignatius Bahizi, East Africa Editor for The African Gazette, discusses a series of suicide bombings that occurred in Kampala, Uganda, which were attributed to the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), now known as IS-Central Africa Province (ISCAP), an offshoot of the Islamic State. The bombings took place near key government buildings, including the National Assembly and the Central Police Station. Ugandan President Museveni addressed the nation, acknowledging security complacency and detailing the government's response, including the arrest and killing of several ADF members. The article also explores the history of the ADF, its transformation into ISCAP, and its regional impact, particularly in the Great Lakes region of Africa. It highlights the challenges faced by regional security and the need for a robust mechanism to combat terrorism.

Nakivale Refugee Settlement in Uganda has been a sanctuary for refugees from the Great Lakes Region and the Horn of Africa for over 60 years. It has nurtured individuals who have become influential in various sectors and facilitated resettlement through UNHCR programs. Despite challenges like water shortages, the settlement thrives with agricultural and business activities, contributing significantly to Uganda's economy. The settlement has also influenced regional politics, serving as a hub for political planning and liberation movements. Refugees and locals coexist harmoniously, sharing resources and engaging in trade, although many refugees have little hope of returning to their home countries.

The article by Ignatius Bahizi discusses the end of the 42-day lockdown in Uganda and its economic impact. President Museveni lifted the lockdown citing a drop in positivity rates and hospital admissions, but deaths remain high due to late hospital presentations. The government considered three options for managing the pandemic, ultimately choosing partial reopening to balance economic needs with health risks. The lockdown severely affected businesses, with many appealing for government intervention. The World Bank's report indicates Uganda's economy has experienced its slowest growth in three decades due to the pandemic. Uganda's vaccination efforts are lagging, with a small fraction of the population fully vaccinated. The article also compares Uganda's COVID-19 situation with other East African countries, noting that many may not have accurate infection data due to insufficient testing.

Journalist Ignatius Bahizi discusses Uganda's plan to invest over USD300 million in road construction in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to boost trade, investment, and security. The investment, which has a projected return higher than the World Bank's standard, is seen as a positive step for regional integration, addressing insecurity, and economic development. Poor road infrastructure has been a barrier for peacekeepers combating insurgencies and has limited access to DRC's markets. The roads are expected to facilitate trade, with Ugandan products already finding demand in DRC. Bahizi, with personal ties to the border area, highlights the potential for increased trade and improved security, and notes the diplomatic significance of the project given past tensions between Uganda and DRC.

Samia Suluhu Hassan, the first female President of Tanzania and the East African Community (EAC), has been actively engaging with neighboring countries to strengthen regional ties and explore business opportunities. Unlike her predecessor, John Pombe Magufuli, who prioritized domestic economic development and was hesitant about foreign travel, Suluhu has visited Uganda, Kenya, Burundi, and Rwanda, focusing on projects such as the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) with Uganda, and a gas pipeline deal with Kenya. These visits aim to enhance trade, access to the sea for landlocked countries, and to provide alternatives to the traditional route through Kenya's Mombasa port. Suluhu's diplomatic efforts come at a time when the EAC is facing internal disputes, and her neutral stance may help in resolving conflicts between member states.

Uganda has begun hosting Afghan refugees following an agreement with the United States, with the first group of 51 evacuees arriving this week. Uganda is expected to host 2000 refugees, including former diplomats and NGO workers. The US-backed Afghan government was recently overthrown by the Taliban, prompting many to flee. Uganda's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, John Mulimba, confirmed the arrangement, which is part of a broader tradition of Uganda hosting refugees. The country currently hosts the largest number of refugees in Africa. A Ugandan analyst suggests that Uganda's willingness to host refugees is a strategic political move by President Museveni to appease Western countries. The US has agreed to cover the costs of the refugees' stay in Uganda. However, some Ugandans have mixed feelings about hosting Afghan refugees, citing security concerns. The UNHCR reports that millions of Afghans are displaced, with the majority residing in Pakistan.

Ignatius Bahizi, the East Africa Editor for The African Gazette, discusses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on refugees in Uganda. He highlights the reduction in international support from the UNHCR due to strained economies in Europe, which has led to a decrease in cash aid for refugees. The Ugandan government's lockdown measures have exacerbated the situation, leaving refugees without the means to work or access sufficient aid. Despite Uganda's unique policy of providing land for farming to refugees, the pandemic has made self-reliance difficult. The UNHCR is conducting assessments and providing one-off cash assistance, but the future remains uncertain as the lockdown nears its end, with concerns about whether refugees will receive adequate support to prevent starvation.

The article by Ignatius Bahizi discusses the joint military operations between the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) against the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) insurgents in North Eastern DRC. The ADF, now linked to the Islamic State, has been responsible for numerous civilian deaths and kidnappings. The recent bomb attacks in Kampala have accelerated the collaboration between Uganda and DRC. The international community, including the EU, USA, and UN Security Council, has shown support for the operations. The article also covers the broader implications for trade and infrastructure development in the region, highlighting efforts to build roads and improve security to foster economic growth. The UPDF's strategy includes military action, infrastructure development, and community relations to combat the insurgency and promote regional stability.