Uganda

Ugandan boxer Aziz Abdul, the 25-year-old grandson of former dictator Idi Amin, was disqualified from his Commonwealth Games super-heavyweight bout in Glasgow after appearing to headbutt English opponent Damar Thomas in the third round. Abdul, who was trailing on all judges' scorecards and had received prior warnings, claimed the decision was racially motivated, stating 'I am black African. He is in homeland.' He also alleged Thomas elbowed him and that the head movement was unintentional. Thomas, now guaranteed at least a bronze medal, said it was 'not the way' he wanted to win. Abdul had previously told the BBC he wanted to become the new 'King of Scotland,' referencing Amin's self-declared title in 1976. Amin, a former boxer and brutal ruler responsible for an estimated 500,000 deaths, never met his grandson. Abdul was seeking Uganda's first Commonwealth boxing medal since 1990.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 10:49 PM UTC

Uganda's health authorities declared the country Ebola-free on July 28, 2026, after its last patient completed a 42-day monitoring period without new infections. The outbreak in Uganda resulted in 20 confirmed cases and two deaths. However, the situation remains dire in neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo, where cases have reached 3,262 with 1,437 deaths, nearing the record of the 2018-2020 outbreak. The Africa CDC warned that funding needs have tripled to $1.4 billion, and the WHO reported that cases are still spreading undetected. The U.S. submitted a $1.4 billion supplemental funding request to Congress, while protests in Kenya over a planned U.S.-backed quarantine facility led to two deaths. The WHO also noted that the outbreak could become the worst on record if not contained soon.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 06:45 PM UTC

On World Assisted Reproductive Technology Day 2026, the Merck Foundation announced it has provided 807 scholarships for fertility, embryology, and reproductive care training to healthcare providers from 42 countries across Africa and Asia. The initiative, part of the 'More Than a Mother' campaign led by CEO Dr. Rasha Kelej, has trained the first-ever local embryologists and fertility specialists in countries including The Gambia, Burundi, Guinea, Chad, Niger, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Malawi, Congo, and Mozambique. The foundation has also partnered with 33 African and Asian First Ladies to break infertility stigma, empower women through the 'Empowering Berna' business training initiative, and trained over 4,000 media representatives. In total, Merck Foundation has provided more than 2,650 scholarships across 44 medical specialties in 52 countries.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 01:03 PM UTC

At the 2023 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Indian boxer Jadumani Singh Mandengbam defeated Pakistan's Sumama Rehman via a unanimous 5-0 decision in a high-intensity men's 55kg round of 16 bout. The match was marked by patriotic chants from the crowd. Jadumani, an Army boxer, dedicated his victory to Kargil War heroes and expressed his goal of winning gold. In women's 54kg action, Asian Games bronze medallist Preeti Pawar won her pre-quarterfinal against Malawi's Deborah Mtenje by Referee Stop Contest (RSC) in the second round, putting her one win away from her first Commonwealth Games medal. However, Indian boxer Aditya Pratap lost his men's 65kg opening bout to Uganda's Nuhu Batte by a 2:3 split decision.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 26, 08:46 PM UTC

Gabon's President Brice Oligui Nguema announced the appointment of Alain Giresse as Technical Director and Sébastien Migné as head coach of the national football team during an official dinner at the Élysée Palace hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron. Giresse, a former French international and member of the 'magic square,' returns to Gabon where he began his coaching career in Africa between 2006 and 2010. Migné, who recently led Haiti to their first World Cup qualification in 52 years, has signed a four-year contract. He previously worked in Cameroon as an assistant to Rigobert Song during the 2022 World Cup and knows the African football environment well. The duo's primary task is to qualify Gabon for the next Africa Cup of Nations, with hopes of reaching the World Cup. The AFCON qualifiers begin in September, ahead of the tournament scheduled for June 2025 in Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 11:30 AM UTC

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) officially confirmed that the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will retain its 24-team format, reversing President Patrice Motsepe’s earlier statement about expanding to 28 teams. The tournament, co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda from June 19 to July 17, 2027, will proceed with qualifiers starting in September 2026. Motsepe also announced increased prize money for the Women’s AFCON and addressed the 2025 final dispute. The clarification ended confusion sparked by the initial announcement.

5 reports · 4 sources · Updated Jul 23, 08:15 PM UTC

The Assam state government informed the Assembly that 2,089 foreigners were deported from January 2016 to June 2026 for illegal entry or stay, with 2,023 from Bangladesh. Other nationalities deported included 39 from Myanmar, 18 from Nigeria, two each from Afghanistan, Russia, and Ukraine, and one each from Kenya, Pakistan, and Uganda. Additionally, the government disclosed that of 172,673 foreigners detected in Assam as of May 31, 2026, 111,414 were Muslims, 61,189 were Hindus, and 70 were Christians. Minister Atul Bora noted that 1,572 illegal foreigners were sent back from 2025 to June 30, 2026, and 117 were expelled, with repatriations to Bangladesh following a May 2025 Home Ministry directive.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 02:23 AM UTC

CAF President Patrice Motsepe gave an interview covering several key topics in African football. He confirmed the Africa Cup of Nations will expand from 24 to 28 teams starting with the 2025 tournament co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. For the Women's Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, prize money has been increased to $2 million for the champion. Motsepe expressed satisfaction with African teams' World Cup performances and stated his firm belief that an African nation will eventually win the World Cup. Regarding the 2025 AFCON final dispute, he noted that Senegal's appeal is now with the Court of Arbitration for Sport and CAF will respect the verdict. On proposed reforms to CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup formats by the Egyptian FA, Motsepe said the Executive Committee is studying the proposals. He also confirmed continued support for Somali referee Omar Altan, who missed the World Cup due to U.S. visa restrictions.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 08:09 PM UTC

Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote has proposed building a $17 billion, 700,000-barrel-per-day oil refinery on Kenya's Lamu Island. The facility would process crude for Kenya, Uganda, South Sudan, Rwanda, Burundi, and the DRC, addressing East Africa's complete dependence on imported refined fuel since the region's last refinery shut down in 2013. The planned capacity exceeds East Africa's current demand of 450,000 bpd, allowing for exports to other African markets. The project is situated along the LAPSSET Corridor and has already attracted a $100 million investment pledge from Tanzanian billionaire Mohammed Dewji. It would test intra-African industrial integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Construction and operation are projected to create over 60,000 jobs, making it one of the largest industrial employers ever proposed for Kenya's coast.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 08:00 PM UTC

Patrice Motsepe, president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), expressed confidence that the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, will be a 'huge success' despite ongoing challenges. Speaking at a press conference in Johannesburg, Motsepe praised the work of the three host countries' heads of state but did not elaborate on specific difficulties. Concerns remain over the construction of the new 60,000-seat Talanta Sports Stadium in Nairobi and renovation of the Moi International Sports Centre, as CAF has not yet officially confirmed the venues. Qualifying matches begin in September and conclude in March, with 24 teams competing. This will be the last AFCON under the current format, as the tournament will shift to a four-year cycle starting with the 37th edition in 2028. Bids for 2028, 2032, and 2036 are open, with Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso jointly expressing interest in hosting the 2032 edition.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 01:20 PM UTC

As South Sudan's political crisis deepens and the risk of renewed civil war grows, the government is betting on gold as an economic engine. However, the article warns that without robust safeguards, ramping up gold production could fuel corruption, money laundering, and conflict. Gold is found in five of ten states, but mining is dominated by artisanal miners and smuggling is rampant. Newly approved gold refineries and a $2 billion gold-backed infrastructure deal present high risks for illicit financial flows. Oversight institutions are weak, and senior officials often co-own mining companies, ignoring conflict-of-interest rules. The article draws parallels to Sudan, where gold has become a financial lifeline for war. Expanding production without accountability reforms is likely to intensify corruption, tensions between large corporations and artisanal miners, and environmental degradation.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 01:05 PM UTC

The article examines South Korea's engagement with Africa following the 2024 Korea-Africa Summit, where Seoul pledged $10 billion in ODA and $14 billion in export financing by 2030. Despite skepticism about implementation and accusations of resource diplomacy, the initiative has survived a political transition. As a test case, the article highlights a KOICA-funded vocational training project for persons with disabilities in western Uganda. The project, supporting 146 students across three institutes, exceeded its second-year targets. It argues that such modest, inclusive development projects represent a credible translation of South Korea's own development experience, contrasting with the resource-focused agendas of major power competitors. The article notes Uganda's progressive disability legislation but wide implementation gaps.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 03:49 PM UTC

Germany deported a 23-year-old lesbian Ugandan woman, identified as Angel, to Uganda on July 21, 2026, despite Uganda having one of the world's harshest anti-LGBTQ laws. Angel, who fled to Germany in 2025, faced severe violence, state persecution, and possible death penalty in Uganda. Her asylum application was rejected by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (Bamf), which deemed her homosexuality unproven. A second application was rejected as 'manifestly unfounded.' Despite a petition with over 12,000 signatures, warnings from human rights organizations and Bundestag members, and an urgent motion by her lawyer, the deportation proceeded. Angel was taken from deportation detention to Munich Airport and flown via Istanbul to Uganda. Her partner Consolate reported Angel was crying and scared. A Ugandan lawyer for Angel's family confirmed the danger for LGBTQ individuals in Uganda.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 02:48 PM UTC

The Karnataka state government is actively monitoring epidemic diseases such as malaria, dengue, and COVID-19, while maintaining strict vigilance for Ebola. Health Minister U.T. Khader chaired a review meeting on July 20, 2026, where it was reported that passengers arriving from African countries including Congo and Uganda are being screened and sampled. No Ebola cases have been detected among arrivals, and about 150 passengers have completed the mandatory 21-day quarantine. The state is also watching border districts near Andhra Pradesh and Telangana for potential COVID-19 transmission. Officials noted that epidemic disease cases are lower this year compared to last year, with malaria down 70% and dengue down 33%, and no COVID-19 deaths since January 2026. The government is hiring contract doctors for Primary Health Centres in Kodagu, Chikkamagaluru, and Chamarajanagar districts where posts are vacant. Drug availability across the state was found satisfactory.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 03:36 PM UTC

Nicholas Thompson's newsletter covers multiple stories: the persecution of Cuban independent journalist Abraham Jiménez Enoa, who fled to Spain after being harassed for reporting reality; Anne Neuberger's account of her parents' rescue from Ugandan terrorists on July 4, 1976, and her family's history of surviving the Holocaust and communism; a story about a couple refusing medical treatment for their newborn due to religious beliefs; an investigation into a hiker allegedly leaving his girlfriend to die on a mountain; and a revisit to David Grann's story about building a third water tunnel under New York City. The piece ties these narratives together with themes of freedom, truth, and resilience.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 12:00 AM UTC

Germany plans to deport a 23-year-old Ugandan lesbian woman, referred to as Angel, to Uganda on Monday, July 20, 2026. She has been in deportation detention in Hof, Bavaria, since late May. Uganda has one of the world's harshest anti-LGBTQ laws, enacted in 2023, which can lead to violence, imprisonment, or the death penalty for homosexual acts. The Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) rejected her asylum claim, stating she did not credibly demonstrate her sexual identity during the hearing. Advocacy groups criticize the high burden of proof for queer asylum seekers. Angel's partner, Consolate, fears for her life if deported. The article highlights the risks faced by LGBTQ individuals in asylum procedures and the dangers awaiting them in Uganda.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 19, 10:05 AM UTC

Germany plans to deport a 23-year-old Ugandan lesbian woman, referred to as Angel, to Uganda on Monday, July 20, 2026. She is currently in deportation detention in Hof, Bavaria. Uganda has one of the world's harshest anti-LGBTQ laws, enacted in 2023, which can impose the death penalty for homosexual acts. The Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) rejected her asylum claim, stating she did not credibly prove her homosexuality during the hearing. Advocacy groups criticize the BAMF's criteria as arbitrary and traumatizing. Angel's partner, Consolate, fears she may never see her again. The case highlights the dangers faced by LGBTQ asylum seekers in Germany's asylum process.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 19, 10:05 AM UTC

A series of news reports indicate that the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is escalating, with safety concerns severely limiting the response. Over 12 attacks on healthcare workers and facilities have been recorded, hindering containment efforts. The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that the outbreak is outpacing the response, while neighboring Uganda has reached a milestone in its own preparedness. The situation is described as getting out of control, with the phenomenon of 'walking Ebola'—where infected individuals travel while symptomatic—complicating containment. The outbreak involves the Bundibugyo virus strain, adding to the challenges faced by health authorities.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 18, 05:02 PM UTC

The beach of Paço de Arcos, Oeiras, Portugal, will host the 1924 Pharoes Beach Sprints International Trophy from July 24 to 26, 2026, a top coastal rowing competition. The event features 250 athletes from 31 countries, including Portugal, and serves as a key milestone two years before Beach Sprints debut at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. Races involve a sand run, 500-meter slalom, and beach finish. Portuguese athletes won three gold medals in the 2025 edition, highlighting the nation's rising prominence. The Portuguese Rowing Federation, led by Luís Faria, emphasizes the event's international significance. The competition is supported by the Portuguese Navy and the IOC, which is using the event to aid seven developing nations in the sport. The 2027 Beach Sprints World Championship is also scheduled for Oeiras.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 10:14 PM UTC

Zanzibar President Hussein Ali Mwinyi, speaking at the 63rd convocation of IIT-Madras in Chennai on July 17, 2026, praised India's commitment to knowledge investment as a model for national development. He highlighted the partnership between Zanzibar and IIT-Madras, noting that the IITM-Zanzibar campus has become a hub for global higher education in East Africa with 130 students from Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, Zambia, and India. During the ceremony, 3,518 degrees were awarded to 3,106 graduates. Ashwin Subramanian Murugan received the President of India prize and the Bharat Ratna M. Visvesvaraya Memorial Prize. The event featured the Tanzanian national anthem, Tamil Nadu's state song, and Indian national songs, underscoring the bilateral cultural ties.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 02:26 PM UTC

At least 20 children and one adult were killed when a school bus crashed in eastern Uganda on the night of July 16, 2026. The bus, belonging to King David Junior School in Kampala, was returning from an educational tour to Sipi Falls waterfalls in Kapchorwa District. According to Uganda Police, the driver lost control, causing the bus to veer off the road, strike a rock, and overturn. Survivors, including three adults and several children, were taken to local hospitals; the exact number of injured was not immediately provided. A police photo showed the bus on its side with the roof ripped off. Road accidents are common in Uganda, often attributed to poorly maintained vehicles, speeding, and poor road conditions. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 08:54 AM UTC

Uganda's High Commissioner to India, Joyce Kakuramatsi Kikanfunda, speaking at the United Economic Summit 2026 in Coimbatore, invited foreign businesses to set up manufacturing facilities in Uganda. She highlighted Uganda's abundant iron ore and cotton, encouraging investment in steel plants and cotton spinning mills. Uganda permits 100% foreign ownership of projects and offers zero import duty on raw materials not available locally. The country aims to export processed, value-added raw materials. Other bankable projects include fruit processing, cocoa processing, and coffee processing. Uganda is also set to become an oil and gas producer. Currently, it exports agricultural produce, gold, and raw materials to India, while importing textiles, machinery, automobiles, pharmaceuticals, and iron and steel.

1 reports · 1 sources

Uganda discharged its last Ebola patient on July 16, 2026, starting a 42-day countdown to be declared Ebola-free by the WHO. Health Minister Chris Baryomunsi confirmed that all 20 cases in Uganda were imported from neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo, with only two deaths. In contrast, the DR Congo outbreak is worsening, with over 2,000 confirmed cases and more than 700 deaths. The virus, a rare Bundibugyo strain, has spread to multiple provinces, including Haut-Uélé and Tshopo, near borders with South Sudan and the Central African Republic. The WHO classified the outbreak as an international health emergency in May. Dilapidated healthcare systems and ongoing armed conflicts in the region complicate containment efforts. Genetic analysis shows that vaccines and treatments for this strain are still under development.

1 reports · 1 sources

A new Ebola outbreak caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain has emerged in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Ituri province, resulting in at least 80 deaths and 246 suspected cases. The virus has crossed borders, causing a death in Uganda. Response efforts are severely hampered by the lack of specific vaccines for this strain, ongoing militia conflict, and high population mobility due to mining. The WHO and Africa CDC are coordinating emergency responses and cross-border surveillance to contain the spread amidst significant security and logistical challenges.

151 reports · 84 sources · Updated May 30, 12:32 PM UTC

Health officials have declared a new Ebola outbreak in the Ituri province of the Democratic Republic of Congo, reporting 246 suspected cases and 65 deaths. Preliminary tests suggest a non-Zaire strain, complicating response efforts as existing vaccines target only the Zaire variant. The Africa CDC is coordinating with Uganda and South Sudan to enhance cross-border surveillance amid concerns over rapid spread due to high population movement and ongoing armed conflict. This marks the DRC’s 17th outbreak since 1976, occurring just five months after the previous epidemic ended, straining local resources and infrastructure.

29 reports · 25 sources · Updated May 16, 03:02 PM UTC

A new outbreak of the deadly Ebola virus is spreading across parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo, with health officials reporting 246 suspected cases and 65 deaths so far. Preliminary lab results have confirmed Ebola in 13 of 20 tested samples. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has expressed concern about rapid spread due to regional instability, poor resources, and challenges in contact tracing within remote areas. An urgent meeting involving health authorities from Congo, Uganda, South Sudan, and the United Nations is being convened to discuss containment strategies. The report highlights significant challenges in the international response, noting that USAID, traditionally a key supporter of Ebola control efforts, faced substantial dismantling and funding cuts under the Trump administration and subsequent Department of Government Efficiency led by Elon Musk. Experts warn that reduced funding and the loss of high-risk outbreak specialists have hindered testing and screening capabilities in neighboring regions like Uganda. Ebola, which has a mortality rate of up to 90%, spreads through body fluids and remains difficult to combat in vast, resource-limited countries despite the existence of FDA-approved treatments and vaccines for specific strains.

1 reports · 1 sources

Yoweri Museveni has been sworn in for his seventh consecutive term as President of Uganda, marking 40 years in power. The inauguration in Kampala was attended by prominent regional leaders, including counterparts from Tanzania, the DRC, and Nigeria, underscoring Museveni's diplomatic standing in East Africa. While his administration is credited with maintaining political stability and achieving significant economic growth—with GDP rising from $3.9 billion in 1986 to over $53.9 billion in 2024—critical challenges remain. Uganda faces a demographic surge, with a median age of 17 and high youth unemployment, which critics describe as a potential 'time bomb.' Despite the economic metrics, many citizens report feeling disconnected from this growth, citing corruption, embezzlement, and inadequate support for traders and entrepreneurs. The election results, showing Museveni winning nearly 72% of the vote, were marred by reports of opposition intimidation and abductions. As the 81-year-old president begins this new term, questions regarding succession and the future of leadership loom large, while citizens demand greater accountability and tangible improvements in service delivery, job creation, and infrastructure.

1 reports · 1 sources

An Ebola outbreak in the Ituri province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has resulted in 65 deaths, with 246 suspected cases reported so far. African health officials, including the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), are urgently coordinating efforts to contain the spread of the virus. Concerns are heightened by preliminary indications that this outbreak may involve a new strain of Ebola, distinct from the typical Zaire strain for which vaccines are available, though full genetic sequencing results are pending. The affected region, bordering Uganda and South Sudan, presents significant containment challenges due to high population mobility in mining towns. An urgent meeting involving authorities from the DRC, Uganda, South Sudan, the World Health Organization, and pharmaceutical companies has been convened to address the crisis. Experts cite factors such as close contact with animal reservoirs, tropical climate, and movement between rural and urban areas as contributors to the recurring outbreaks in the DRC, which has experienced 16 such events since 1976.

1 reports · 1 sources

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has confirmed a new Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s remote Ituri province. As of May 15, 2026, authorities have recorded 246 suspected cases and 65 deaths, primarily within the Mongwalu and Rwampara health zones. Preliminary laboratory tests detected the Ebola virus in 13 out of 20 samples, with four deaths confirmed among laboratory-verified cases. Additional suspected cases are being investigated in Bunia, the provincial capital near the Ugandan border. The Africa CDC, serving as the continent’s leading public health body, has called for an urgent cross-border meeting to coordinate containment efforts and prevent regional spread. Ebola is a severe, often fatal disease transmitted through bodily fluids such as blood, vomit, and semen. This outbreak emerges approximately five months after the previous epidemic in the region was declared over, highlighting ongoing vulnerabilities in public health infrastructure. Health workers are currently deploying protective measures in affected areas to manage the highly contagious virus and mitigate further transmission risks among local communities.

1 reports · 1 sources

A new Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has resulted in at least 65 deaths, with approximately 246 additional probable infections reported by the Africa CDC. The African Union's health organization is urgently convening emergency coordination meetings with officials from Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan, alongside other international partners, to address the escalating crisis. The majority of cases have been identified in Ituri Province, a remote region in northeastern Congo bordering Uganda. Response efforts are significantly hampered by the area's poor road infrastructure, which complicates the delivery of vaccines and medical supplies. This development follows a previous outbreak that ended just five months ago, killing 43 people, and comes after a period of relative decline in fatalities since the major 2018-2020 epidemic that claimed nearly 2,300 lives. Ebola, a severe infectious disease characterized by high fever and internal bleeding, has a mortality rate of approximately 50 percent and spreads through contact with bodily fluids. The virus also possesses the ability to remain dormant in survivors for years, posing ongoing public health challenges for the region.

1 reports · 1 sources