Orange online, Kampala (2026)

10/12/2025

CALVINS ECHODU READY FOR SOROTI WEST CONSTITUENCY.

The CEC chairperson for Eastern Region and also the flag bearer for Soroti West Constituency has declared his intentions for not only being the CEC representative but also the MP for Soroti West while addressing Journalists at Soroti Hotel on Monday, John Enomu, the Soroti City NRM Chairperson,who happens to be his chief campaigning person in the region,said the preparations were complete and the party expects a strong turnout.
“Tomorrow is an important day for Soroti City West.
Echodu has shown commitment to the people through years of community work, even before expressing interest in elective politics,” Enomu said.

Residents interviewed in Pamba,Orwadai and Camp Swahili told this publication that they expect the campaign season to sharpen focus on key service delivery issues, including access to clean water, unemployment among youth, poor drainage, and the state of community access roads.

At the centre of the campaign launch is Echodu’s record of involvement in local development activities, which Enomu said has earned the candidate goodwill across several wards.

“People know the work he has been doing in the division. That is why we are confident his message will resonate with residents,” he added.

However, the launch comes at a time when concerns about internal cohesion within the ruling party are emerging.

Enomu issued a stern warning to NRM leaders who are quietly backing independent candidates, saying such actions undermine the party’s structures.

“If you are an NRM leader and you are supporting independents, you must step down. You cannot hold a party position and campaign against the official flag bearer,” he said.

He also dismissed rumours circulating in some parts of the division suggesting that Echodu had stepped aside from the race due to national duties tied to his position on the NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC).

“That information is misleading. Echodu will be at Pamba tomorrow

29/10/2025

STOP CONSUMING INORGANIC FACE TROUBLE
OTAI JAMES
Pelum expo has today kick started
at Africana in Kampala with the call for farmers,to put into practices that don't harm the environment yet earn the local farmer money.
The fourth Agroecological markets systems expo under, theme,promoting youth women led improved incomes in Uganda.
Started with cautoned farmers against using products that have an effect on the environmemt and human health.
The Executive Director Nogamu Chariton Mamuwuzi,told participants most farmers use products that have affect on the environment,but could also have an effect on Human life
In solution to this problem the Noguma and pelum uganda have worked with UNBS so that get can get certification get products at a cheaper cost.
The biggest problem he noted with the farmers is because of lack of funds to access search markets.
The Execitive Director,of Nogumu,Josephine Akia Luyimbazi,said there is renewed sense of hope ongoing, excluding and gender sensitively of how to live with people envinroment.
There is a need for the youth to have a sense of quality of service.
About reweable she said, its there to solve farmers problems
Every story has a story of quality of produce,every market is accesible and fair and is line with Agriculture.
Eating inorganic food, especially produce with high pesticide residues, has significant negative health and environmental effects in Uganda. The rise in the use of agrochemicals in conventional farming, driven by a desire for higher yields, has led to a silent food safety crisis with widespread consequences.
Effects on human health
Increased cancer rates: Reports from the Uganda Cancer Institute show a dramatic increase in the number of patients over the past decade, and experts have raised concerns that this could be linked to the increased use of pesticides. Long-term exposure to certain pesticides is known to be carcinogenic and can damage DNA.
Neurological damage: Chronic exposure to pesticide residues.

12/09/2025

SUDHIR RUPERALIA TURNS
FORMER CRANE BANK INTO A SUPERMARKET.

Sudhir Ruparelia,Uganda's self made billionaire and Business magnate has repurposed one of his former Crane Bank properties into a supermarket under a new retail brand, Crane Shoppers Ltd, move into Uganda’s fasts growing consumer market.
Images circulating on social media this week show the once-iconic red-and-white Crane Bank building undergoing renovation, now bearing fresh signage for Crane Shoppers Ltd. The development signals Ruparelia’s official entry into the competitive retail sector, dominated by foreign chains such as Carrefour.
Ruparelia, 69, whose net worth Forbes Africa estimates at US$1.2 billion, has built his reputation across real estate, hospitality, education, and finance through the Ruparelia Group. But his pivot into retail marks a new chapter in an empire that has weathered both spectacular growth and prolonged legal battles.
Uganda's Business magnate,Sudhir Ruperalia has turned the former,Crane Bank into a supermarket,under a new retail brand, Crane Shoppers Ltd.
going on. After nine months I met a gentleman called Mr Gandesha; he was big property owner he liked me and said: ‘I have a shop for you come and see me tomorrow.’ The next day we agreed the rent he gave me the keys and I started my first business. I opened my first shop. The first business we started was selling salt and after a few times I moved into selling beers. It turned out to be really good for me,” the Ruparelia Group Chairman recalls.
“Within time we got to know a few people who were actually importing directly. One of them approached me and said look I have a truckload why don’t you buy my beer? I said I don’t have all the money that you are asking me, but I can pay you half now and half at four o clock after two days. He said, OK, I am trusting you and he sold me the whole truck – about 250 cases of beer – I paid him his fifty per cent and when he came after two days the money was ready.

09/09/2025

PRESIDENT YOWERI MUSEVENI HAILS MUSIC AS A TOOL OF CULTURAL EXPRESSION AND VITAL PILLAR FOR SOCIAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
OTAI JAMES

President Yoweri Museveni has hailed Music as a powerful tool of cultural expression and a vital pillar for social Economic development.
Musevenis speech was delivered by the Minister,of the State Minister,for Youth and Children Affairs,Balaam Baraguhaire,who represented the President,as chief Guest at the Ekepukulu Pro Max Music festival at kololo Independent grounds in Kololo
The president said,Music plays a key role in preservation of the National heritage and Independence.
Involvement of Music player can boost the tourism sector.
The President applauded Abitex promotion Abey Musinguzi,for his role in promoting local talent in Uganda and also abroad.
The President said,Music is a greener pasture than ever before,emphasising the role of the National Resistance Movement in the Providence of an enabling for the Music business to expand
Festivals live Ekyapukulu,he continued is made possible by the peace of the Nrm,government.
He pinpointed the advancement of Technology and infrastructure growth in ICT,Improvement in production, is a clear sign of the National Movement Government.
He used the platform to preach the gospel of the Wealth.
He said,the National Resistance Movement has been working for the transformation of the Economy from a peasantry one to a modernized and prosperous.
The President concluded by reminding the rest of the population to rally behind his party.

07/09/2025

SUDHIR RUPERALIA A PROPERTY MOGUL AWARDED LIFE ACHIEVERS AWARD.
OTAI JAMES

Sudhir Ruperalia the propriator of Ruperalia group of Companies and Meera Investments Uganda limited, was yesterday awarded life Achievers Ward for his contribution in the Real estate Business and providing affordable accommodation for the Ugandan community.
Dr. Edwine Musime,addressing participants during the awards,of companys that had gone a mile storm in bettering accommodation and living standard at an invent in Kampala,told participants.
Sudhir has lived a life of bettering the standard of living of many Ugandans.
He has not only provided affordable living conditions of many Ugandans,but contributed to health Education,recreation among other remarkable contributions.
Sudhir properties" refers to the real estate portfolio of Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia, Uganda's wealthiest individual, which includes iconic properties like the Speke Resort Munyonyo, Kabira Country Club, One-10 Apartments, and commercial developments such as Pearl Tower. His business group, the Ruparelia Group, focuses on real estate, but also has interests in hospitality, banking, and education.
Key Sudhir Properties and Ventures
Real Estate:
His portfolio includes a variety of residential and commercial properties, such as the luxury One-10 Apartments and high-rise projects like Pearl Tower.
Hospitality:
He owns well-known hotels and resorts, including Speke Resort Munyonyo and Kabira Country Club.
Residential:
Ruparelia has invested in upscale residential real estate, such as the One-10 Apartments in Kololo, one of Uganda's largest luxury condominium projects, according to CEO East Africa,.
Ruparelia Group:
This is the conglomerate that owns and manages these various properties and ventures, with a broad focus on investments across multiple sectors, according to the Forbes magazine.
As a young man in England, Ruparelia successfully established a number of small businesses before returning to Uganda in the 1980s to take

31/08/2025

STABIC BANK HOLDINGS REGISTERS A PROFITS OF 278.4 BILLION,PAYING TAXES OF MORE THAN 427 BILLION.
OTAI JAMES

Stanbic Uganda has posted a profit margin of after tax of sh278.4b for the six months to June 2025, an 18% increase from sh235.5b a year earlier.
The growth in profitability was driven by higher revenues and a sharp reduction in credit impairments.
This was a statement by the Executive Director,Francis Karuhanga,while addressing members of the Press at Stanbic head offices in Kampala this morning.
“Our results are more than numbers they’re a catalyst for national progress,” Karuhanga,said By delivering Shs 273 billion in taxes and facilitating Shs 5.8 trillion in tax payments through our banking channels, we’re fueling infrastructure, social services, and Uganda’s bold development vision.”
At the heart of this success is Stanbic Bank Uganda, the group’s anchor subsidiary, which posted impressive growth across its core segments. Corporate and Investment Banking led the charge with a 17% spike in lending and a 52% boom in deposits. Personal and Private Banking, alongside Business and Commercial Banking, also saw strong gains, showcasing Stanbic’s knack for serving Uganda’s diverse economic needs. “Our focus on innovation and customer-first solutions has paid off,” said Mumba Kalifungwa, Chief Executive of Stanbic Bank Uganda. “We’re not just growing; we’re enabling Uganda to thrive.”
Financial discipline underpinned these gains, with Chief Financial Officer Ronald Makata highlighting a cost-to-income ratio below 50% and credit losses at a mere 0.2%. “Our diversified model and prudent management deliver a 27% Return on Equity, positioning us to exceed our 2025 goals while creating value for all stakeholders,” Makata noted.
Stanbic’s commitment to Uganda’s entrepreneurial spirit shone brightly, with Shs 288 billion in new capital injected into local businesses, swelling the SME loan book to Shs 968 billion. This infusion is empowering youth and women-led enterpr

31/08/2025

11 UNESCO AFRICA ENGINEERING CONFERENCE TO KICK START IN SPEKE RESORT FROM 14-20 AT SPEKE RESORT MUNYONYO KAMPALA.

OTAI JAMES

Uganda Institute of professional Engineers in partnership with the science and Technology and innovation Secretariat of the Presidents office,Ministry of Works,United Nations among others will be hosting the 11 UNESCO Africa Engineering Week and the 9 African Engineering Conference,from 14_20,2025_at Speke Resort Munyonyo,Kampala.
The overarching theme event is,leveraging Engineering Innovations and Technology to accelerate Africa's Social Economic Transformation,reflecting the pivotal role of Engineering in the advancing Africa's Agenda 2063,and the United sustainable Development goals.
The Minister of Science and Technology Musenero Monica,while officiating during the Launch at Media Centre,said,80%of the products in the Market are a result if Engineering,and that Engineering has a great role to play in the development of the Country.
The week long conference is expected to convene more than 1000 Engineering Professionals,Researchers,policy Makers,Academics,Innovations,Innovators,and the Youth
The Chair Board ,Zimbabwe Iorn and steel Company,Martin Munuwahwa,said,engineering is the key to unlock the African potential.
Saying the meeting will be an opportunity for the different professionals to meet learn from one another and network.
The guest of honour will be HE.the President of Ugabda, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
Who said,he is happy to host the invent in Uganda.
The conference is aimed at Uganda to show case,its
engineering abilities.
Africa should instead be the lead in Innovation to meet the 30 trillion Dollar In

31/08/2025

PRICE INDEX IN AUGUST REMAINS STEADY AT
3.8%
OTAI JAMES

The price Index for the Months of August remains steady at 3.8 percent same rate recorded in in July 2025.
And this was attributed to the increase in the transport costs which rise to 3%from 2.5% in July.
Accommodation and restaurants also rose from 6 to 6.5% in July,Insurance and financial services rose 16.5%from 15.7% in July.
Good and services decreased to 3.2 from 3.7 in July.
Rice and other items decreased to 4.1%, from 7.3%,dried fish,which recorded in a negative 5.7%,change as compared to 2%in July,maize increased an increase to 11.5 % from 13.5% the previous Month.
The Head of Macro Economics,Samuel Echodu,UBOS attributed the food and crops,and related items to the inflationary changes.
Inflation of 3.7 % in the Country is related to specific food items,including Mangoes,which recorded a price change of 6.1% as compared to 14.1 in July,and fresh beans ,which had a price change of minus 12.9% as compared to 2.2% in July.
Regarding Energy,fuels,and utilities,Echodu,said,Inflation,increased due to 11%in August from 0.0percent in July.
The percentage increase was attributed to change in charcoal price by 8.3 % in August as compared to 5!5 % in July.
Additionally prices of petrol changed to minus 4% as compared to 6.2% last Month,and diesel, price changes,was minus 2%as compared to minus 3.4percent in July.
UBOS is the principal data collecting, processing, analysing and disseminating agency responsible for coordinating and supervising the National Statistical System.

The Uganda Bureau of Statistics, formerly known as the Statistics Department under the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, was transformed into a semi-autonomous body by the Uganda Bureau of Statistics Act No. 12, 1998.

The decision to establish the Bureau arose from the need for an efficient and user-responsive agency that would meet the growing demand for statistics on the social, economic and political developments

31/08/2025

HAM KIGUNDU TO MODERNISE NAKIVUBO CHANNEL
OTAI JAMES

The Nakivubo Channel originates at the foothills of Makerere Hill in Kampala, Uganda.
It is a major drainage channel that runs for approximately 9 kilometers through the city, ultimately discharging into Murchison Bay of Lake Victoria.
The channel serves as a vital drainage system for the city, but it also faces challenges due to pollution and illegal dumping.
In the very heart of Kampala lies the Nakivubo Drainage Channel, a channel meant to safeguard the city from floods but which has instead become a dark symbol of pollution, insecurity, and preventable tragedy.
For decades, Nakivubo has remained wide open, collecting sewage, industrial effluent, and heaps of dumped solid waste.
During Kampala’s heavy rains, the channel clogs and floods spill into the streets, crippling economic activity in one of the city’s busiest commercial corridors. Traders lose goods, businesses close, and movement stalls.
The Nakivubo Channel today: wide open, polluted, and flood-prone in the heart of Kampala. Beyond flooding, the open trench has also become a refuge for idlers and petty criminals who use its hidden nooks as camps for wrongdoing. Safety concerns grow worse as unsuspecting pedestrians slip and fall in, tragically, over 100 lives have been lost in the channel’s waters in recent years.
A Matter of National Image The channel’s state is not only a local crisis but now a continental concern. During their inspection of Kampala’s sports infrastructure, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) praised the state-of-the-art Hamz Stadium but noted that the open Nakivubo Channel stood as the last major obstacle to Uganda’s readiness for AFCON 2027.
For Nakivubo to host the CupCAF’s directive was clear: the channel must be covered and modernized if the facility is to host Africa’s most prestigious football tournament. A Call for Unity in Development The urgency of the channel’s redevelopment cuts across political, tribal,

16/04/2025

OVER 5000 PEOPLE FOR MASHARIKI CONFERENCE 2025.

*OTAI JAMES*

Over 5000 People,are converged at the Kololo Ceremonial grounds, to attend the 2025 International Kiswahili Conference
The three days invent at the heart of Kampala City,is aimed at promoting,Swahili,as a language that unifies people,in all spheres of life,Social,Economic,Political,and Political spheres of life.
Swahili originated from the Bantu languages spoken by communities along the East African coast. It developed through interactions with traders and settlers from the Middle East, particularly Arabs, and later with Europeans. This blend of African, Arabic, and other influences shaped the language's unique grammar, vocabulary, and cultural identity. Swahili became a lingua franca for trade, commerce, and communication across the region, and its use spread inland from the coastal areas. Today, Swahili is an official language in several East African countries and is widely spoken as a second language across the region.

Swahili, also known as Kiswahili, is a Bantu language with a rich history. It originated from the interactions between Bantu-speaking peoples and traders from the Middle East and Asia along the East African coast. Swahili developed as a lingua franca, blending African grammar with Arabic vocabulary and influences from other languages like Persian, Portuguese, and English.

Swahili's growth was fueled by trade, cultural exchange, and Islamization in the region. Today, it's a widely spoken language in East Africa, serving as an official language in several countries, including Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Its unique blend of cultures and languages has made Swahili a vital part of the region's identity and heritage.
The Executive Director,of Mashariki Africa,Hon.Dr. Ronex Kisembo,said,without adopting the Swahili language,the African continent will fail to integrate,integration means elimination of trade barriers which colonial masters have planted

14/04/2025

*MASHARIKI CONFERENCE 2025 OPENS AT KOLOLO.*

*OTAI JAMES*

Thousands of delegates,this Morning, from the East African Community are converging at the Kololo Independence grounds in the outskirts of Kampala city in Uganda to attend the 2025 International Kiswahili Conference.
The three days invent at the heart of Kampala City is aims at,promoting dialogue and Business in the East African region.
The Executive Director,of Mashariki Africa,Hon.Dr. Ronex Kisembo,said,without the Africa adopting the Swahili language,the African continent will fail to integrate,integration means elimination of trade barriers which colonial masters have planted to frastrate the integration process.
Professor,Patrick Lumumba,told, participants the Ugandans are adopting the language,now that the language is being taught in most Educational Institutions,Countywide.
Professor,Patrick Lumumba,told, participants the Ugandans are adopting the language,now that the language is being taught in most Educational Institutions,Countywide.
The meeting will be graced by his Excellence the President of the Republic of Uganda.

27/02/2025

UGANDAN HERBAL FORMULAS CLEARED TO HANDLE RESPIRATORY COMPLICATIONS

OTAI JAMES

The Government of Uganda has cleared two made Herbal, namely, Tazcov and Kasizire for treatment of respiratory complications.

The local herbal according to the Minister, of science and Technology, Monica Musenero,the herbals can address, respiratory illness like Cough, Influence type A and B.

The clearance follows a recent clinical trial by Makerere Lung Institute, where the Medicines demonstrated that are safe and could be used for Human consumption.

She said,are the leading cause of death among children under five years of age and are estimated to be responsible for between 1.9 million and 2.2 million childhood deaths globally. Forty-two percent of these ARI-associated deaths occur in Africa.

Despite its importance in regard to morbidity as well as childhood mortality, the epidemiology and pathogenesis of LRTI, particularly in Africa, remains understudied and consequently underappreciated. Although structured management programs coordinated by the World Health Organization (WHO) made some strides during the 1980s and early 1990s toward reducing childhood mortality from LRTI, the HIV epidemic in many countries of Sub-Saharan Africa has reversed many of these gains .

The reduction of morbidity and mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa requires a multifaceted approach that includes addressing risk factors associated with increased susceptibility to LRTI among children. These factors include lack of access to basic amenities, such as adequate housing, electricity, and running tap water. Availability of these amenities would help to reduce exposure to such risk factors as indoor smoke pollution and overcrowding in households. Reducing these risk factors may take some time, but recent advances in medical science hold promise in regard to preventing morbidity and possibly mortality from the most common perceived causes of severe LRTI—those due to bacteria, such as Haemophilus influenzae.

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