Features catergory

By Séverine Koen Breakdancing and skateboarding suffer from bad reputations as they are commonly associated with foreign influences in Uganda. Yet, they are now being used as forces for good by two groups, Breakdance Project Uganda and the Uganda Skateboard Union. A look at these groups and how they were …

By S©verine Koen The arrest, on January 18, of about 35 women who were protesting at the Electoral Commission (EC) headquarters in Kampala, is just one recent example of the difficulty and danger of staging a demonstration in Uganda. Yet, in this pre-election year, the ability to voice ones opinions, …

By Mubatsi Asinja Habati Two weeks ago Makerere University held its 60th graduation ceremony in which some 13,766 students graduated in various disciplines with different degrees. One thing that got many people talking is the high number of first class degrees doled out at this graduation ceremony – 220 in …

By Ariel Rubin In the office-cum-waiting room of the African Prison Project (APP) house in Luzira, a big green poster board is plastered with photographs of groundbreaking ceremonies and newspaper clippings extolling the many achievements of the NGO and its 24-year-old founder and Director General, Alexander McLean. Also, emblazoned is …

By Rukiya Makuma For nine long months, 27-year-old Francis Nkugwa was convinced his wife was pregnant. Like an ardent parent who was expecting a child, he took it upon himself to look after the expecting mother till her due date. However this hope made a U-turn on Tuesday, January 8, …

By John Njoroge Bunyoro kingdom ruling by old rules? In 1999, Fred Atugonza of Hoima town, left his home in the wee hours to pray at a church near the palace of the Bunyoro king Rukirabasaija Agutamba Solomon Gafabusa Iguru I. The good Christian he was and an ardent follower …

By Rukia Makuma Each one of us has lost a relative, parent, spouse, sibling or friend to HIV/AIDS. December 1 was World AIDS Day and people from all walks of life came together to commemorate the day and to think of a way forward about the pandemic. The commemoration is …

By Bob Roberts Katende Loss of a dear one is one thing that different people react to differently. Not even the mighty on earth can easily come to terms with this somber moment. The awakening I received in Primary 5 at only 11 years was rude enough to make me …

By John Njoroge Journalist tells how Afewerkis regime abuses press freedom Yonas Embaye smiles softly as he tells his story in the calmest of voices. He sounds like someone talking about sweet fond memories. Only his emotionless brown eyes and his unkempt mane of shaggy hair offer the first hint …

By Mubatsi Asinja Habati John Okumu was recently recruited as a guard with Saracen Uganda Limited, a private security firm. Okumu says his financial situation has been harsh ever since he began his job. After the six weeks of training Okumu and his colleagues spent  footing the rent and feeding …