ARTICLES 2008-2015

By Haggai Matsiko Loopholes expose Uganda to terror threats On Oct.15, the US Embassy in Kampala issued an unexpected security alert to its citizens with a warning that it was “assessing reports that a Westgate-style attack may soon occur in Kampala.” “Embassy officials are sharing all information with the Ugandan …

By Ronald Musoke Arid Karamoja’s dream to become water secure becomes real with new innovations Forget about Moses who in biblical times performed a miracle in the desert by getting water from a rock. In drought-stricken Karamoja, people are now also tapping water from rocks without much ado. In Motany …

By Ronald Musoke Anxious times as NRM camp claims that Ruranga is coming along with other FDC big wigs When Maj. (rtd) Rubaramira Ruranga, the former head of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Electoral Commission, announced his defection to NRM late last month—the ruling party celebrated.  But many opposition …

By Peter Nyanzi Optimism as Uganda is ranked second most peaceful country in Great Lakes Region If you want to live in peace in the Great Lakes region, go to Tanzania. If not, Uganda is the second option, that is according to the Global Peace Index 2013, which measures the …

By Andrew M. Mwenda Why the president openly bribes voters at public functions and gets away with it and what can be done about it When we had just started The Independent, a particular problem confronted me. Each time a member of staff fell ill at office and was rushed …

By Joan Akello Population experts, ministers disagree on need to control population growth As Uganda’s population continues to expand, there does not seem to be an agreement between population experts and politicians about the need to put a brake on it. However, the population experts though not entirely counting on …

By Stephen Kafeero The Grameen Foundation is applying innovative ICT systems to spur smaller holder subsistence agricultural practice in Uganda. Sean Krepp, their country director in Uganda, spoke to Stephen Kafeero about their operations. How are you applying mobile phone technology in agriculture, health and financial services in Uganda? We …

By Julius Businge This is the second straight month the Central Bank of Uganda is staying its policy interest rate, the central bank rate (CBR) unchanged at 12%, Governor Emmanuel Tumusiime Mutebile told a news conference in Kampala on Nov. 4. The policy rate stood at 11% in August before …

By Ronald Musoke Following Total E&P Uganda’s donation of an assortment of safety glasses to Owiny Primary School in Pokwero, Nebbi District on Oct.31, the pupils will be among thousands of curious Ugandans and tourists who will view the eclipse on Nov. 3. The health ministry is cautioning people who …

By Independent Team New report names those failing Uganda’s anti-corruption war A new report by the international rights group Human Rights Watch has sparked new debate on the monster of corruption, a vice that has sent Uganda on its knees in recent years by indentifying the entities responsible for failing …