eNovaStories

Cricket Cranes Pull Off Stunning Comeback Against Lions Sports Desk | September 17, 2025 U ganda’s Cricket Cranes staged a dramatic fightback in Pretoria, turning a disastrous start into a thrilling victory over the Lions. Chasing 160, Uganda slipped to 20/5 inside the powerplay, but resilience and teamwork brought them home with just four balls remaining. Key Partnerships Captain Riazat Ali Shah (41 off 31) and Dinesh Nakrani (54 off 30) built a crucial 76-run stand that revived Uganda’s hopes. Later, Juma Miyaji added a quickfire 29 from 16 balls, sealing the comeback with support from the lower order. Bowling Contributions Earlier, the Lions had been held to 159/7 thanks to Joseph Baguma (3/19), Frank Nsubuga (1/16) and Juma Miyaji (2/45). Their efforts ensured the target stayed within reach despite Uganda’s early collapse. Coach & Captain React Head Coach ...

Govt Launches Investigation into Dubai Deaths Following BBC Exposé National Desk | Updated September 17, 2025 T he Ugandan Cabinet has directed relevant authorities to provide a report on the deaths of two women in Dubai, after a BBC documentary alleged they were victims of a sex-trafficking network. The investigation was officially ordered following the documentary’s wide circulation. What the BBC Documentary Found The film, titled *Death in Dubai: #DubaiPortaPotty*, claims there is a Ugandan-led operation that lures women with promises of legal jobs abroad, only to force them into degrading, illegal labour. Among those featured was a man alleged to be behind this network, who is under scrutiny. Cabinet Seeks Answers Cabinet wants a detailed update on what investigators have found so far. They are particularly interested in whether the claims made in the documentary are substantiated, ho...

Omega 256 Clears Rumours About Tattoo Portrait Entertainment | September 17, 2025 S hamping Murerwa, known on stage as Omega 256 or “Queen of the West,” has spoken plainly about a large tattoo on her back that many believed was in tribute to a romantic partner. She set the record straight: the design actually honours her father. Why It’s Her Father, Not a Partner Omega 256 rejected the speculation, saying she would never make the error of tattooing a man’s face on her body. She joked that men are complicated and fears the risks that come with putting one’s heart openly like that. A Tribute to a Father’s Role In her remarks, she described how her father took on parenthood after her mother passed away, raising her and her siblings alone. The tattoo, she says, is about honoring his sacrifices and constant support — not about public display, but personal recognition of his love. Career...

UEDCL Hooks Up Over 648,000 New Connections Since Taking Over from Umeme Business Desk | September 17, 2025 I n the six months following its takeover of distribution duties from Umeme in April 2025, the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) has successfully added **648,404** new connections to the grid, according to statements made by Managing Director Paul Mwesigwa. 0 Surge in Grid Reach & Capacity Connected households rose from **1,782,085** to **2,430,489**, while grid-served homes increased from about **1,687,267** to **2,327,898** during the same time. The length of the electricity grid was extended from **3,431 km** to **5,140 km**, and total generation capacity jumped from **1,362 MW** to **2,049 MW**. 1 Efficiency Gains & Other Highlights Energy losses dropped noticeably, from **19.1%** down to **16.8%**, while UEDCL also pointed to smoother proce...

Govt Undergoes Job Restructuring; Director Posts to Be Phased Out National Desk | September 17, 2025 I n a sweeping move aimed at reducing redundancy, Uganda’s government is moving to eliminate the title of Director across public service entities. Letters sent to all ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) mandate this change, which will also affect commissioners and equivalents in functions such as planning, policy, human resources, procurement, and administration. 0 Cabinet Decision & Implementation Timeline The directive follows approval by Cabinet back in **February 2021**, specifically under Minute 190 (Cabinet-Ticket 2022). Under the new arrangement, many duties currently held by directors will be absorbed into a unified Department of Finance and Administration, reporting to an Undersecretary. 1 Who’s Affected The changes will touch positions in HR management, administrati...

Opposition Blocks Loan Approval, Tayebwa Adjourns House National Desk | September 17, 2025 T he Ugandan Parliament was thrown into tension on Tuesday, September 16, when the Opposition obstructed a motion for government borrowing, forcing Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa to adjourn the session until the following day. The loan in question would finance “Strategic Towns Water Supply and Sanitation Project – Phase II” (STWSSP II), but concerns over its terms triggered strong resistance. What’s Being Borrowed The government seeks to borrow approximately **€183,309,947.16** from Standard Chartered Bank, plus **UGX 120,395,249,259** via 6-month Treasury Bills. The amount is intended to fund water supply and sanitation infrastructure in strategic towns across Uganda. 0 Opposition’s Red Flags Though the House Committee on National Economy, chaired by John Bosco Ikojo, raised sever...

How Separation of Powers Failed in Uganda Special Report | September 17, 2025 T he principle of separation of powers was written into Uganda’s 1995 Constitution to safeguard democracy by creating checks and balances among the three arms of government — the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary. Three decades later, critics say the arrangement has collapsed, with one arm consistently overshadowing the others. Executive Dominance Analysts point to repeated constitutional amendments as evidence of executive overreach. The removal of presidential term limits in 2005, and later the scrapping of the presidential age limit, cemented the presidency’s grip on power. Parliament, instead of acting as a counterweight, has often aligned itself with executive interests, particularly in budget approvals and policymaking. A Weakened Legislature Parliament’s oversight role has dimi...

Israel-Palestine War: Gaza Death Toll Rises as Hunger Deepens International Desk • Updated August 26, 2025 T he humanitarian crisis in Gaza has intensified, with reports confirming that three more Palestinians have died from starvation within the past 24 hours. The latest deaths bring the number of people killed by hunger-related causes since the start of the war on October 7, 2023, to at least 303, including 117 children . Rising Casualties Amid Continuous Strikes Alongside the worsening famine, Israeli air and ground assaults continue to claim lives. In the same 24-hour period, at least 75 Palestinians , including 17 civilians who were waiting for humanitarian aid, were killed. This surge in fatalities underscores the dual threat of direct violence and hunger that residents in Gaza are facing. “The enclave is trapped between bombs and famine, leaving civilians with nowhere to turn.” — Human rights moni...

NRM Delegates Conference: Key Results and Strategic Withdrawals Kololo Ceremonial Grounds — August 18–28, 2025 The NRM Delegates Conference is currently underway at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, having kicked off on August 18 and running through August 28 . Party elections to fill leadership positions for the upcoming term are in progress—some already concluded, others paused or deferred. Notable Victories Ofwono Opondo , former government spokesperson, was selected as the NRM flagbearer for MP Older Persons (Eastern Region) , overcoming incumbent Dominic Gidudu Mafabi , the sitting State Minister for the Elderly. In the NRM Veterans League , Retired Lt. Moses Mushabe defeated Security Minister and Rukungiri NRM Chairperson Gen. Jim Muhwezi to claim the chairperson role. Contested and Suspended Races The Entrepreneurs League contest was halted by President Museveni after serious allegations of bribery an...

Uganda Airlines London Route Fully Booked Within Three Months Uganda Airlines has achieved full-capacity flights on its Entebbe–London Gatwick service within only three months of launch, signaling a major breakthrough in the airline’s long-haul expansion. Launched on May 18, 2025, the route has consistently operated at maximum passenger levels—surpassing internal expectations and drawing surprise from officials at London Gatwick Airport. CEO Jenifer Bamuturaki noted that the route’s strong demand has strengthened liquidity, thanks to earlier booking windows and higher revenue inflows. Cargo has also taken off: what started with minimal loads from London has now grown into regular full shipments in both directions, adding further profitability. Reasons Behind the Success: Direct flights cut stopovers, saving passengers time and cost. Early promotions, such as up to three free bags, boosted initial bookings...

Uganda Launches First Catfish Processing Plant in Mpigi Masheda Foods has inaugurated Uganda’s first catfish processing factory in Buyala, Mpigi District. The plant emphasizes sustainability, community empowerment, and premium product development, aiming to boost local aquaculture and serve international markets. Situated on a 25-acre site just 15 km from Kampala, the facility is part of Masheda Foods’ vertically integrated production model. The factory enables large-scale production of items like smoked fillets, catfish burgers, sausages, and powder while maintaining food safety and traceability. The company sources over 80% of its inputs locally and supports rural farmers through an out-grower scheme. Masheda’s products are distributed in more than 60 outlets in Kinshasa, with plans to expand to Nairobi and international markets including the UK, Belgium, and France. Beyond business, Masheda Foods has empowered communities by...

“You Don’t Own Busoga,” Museveni Rebukes Kadaga During an NRM NEC meeting held last evening, President Yoweri Museveni rejected First Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Kadaga’s suggestion that she holds exclusive sway over the Busoga region. Kadaga, a long-serving party stalwart who began her political career as an LC-I chairperson in 1999, expressed frustration that her decades of loyalty to the NRM seem overlooked in favor of Speaker Anita Among, whom she noted has only been active in the party for three years. “If this position goes to a contest, it will cause serious problems in my community … People here might think you are fighting a bigger community, not an individual.” Museveni responded sharply, cautioning against portraying Busoga as beholden to a single leader. “Rebecca, you do not own Busoga. It isn’t correct to suggest that the Basoga owe their loyalty to you alone. That’s misleadin...

Foreign Entities Without Local Registration Can Now Sue in Uganda The Court of Appeal has held that foreign entities—including partnerships—may bring suits in Ugandan courts even if they are not registered locally, as long as they are not conducting ongoing business in Uganda. Background The case arose from Vantage Mezzanine Fund II Partnership , a South African partnership, which sued businessman Patrick Bitature to enforce obligations tied to a USD 26 million loan agreement. In pursuing enforcement, the fund sought to transfer shares in companies within the Simba Group through the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB). In 2022, the High Court (per Justice Musa Ssekaana) struck out Vantage’s action for lack of legal capacity, reasoning that, under the Partnership Act and the Business Names Registration Act , a partnership must be registered in Uganda to sue or be sued. Court of Appeal’s Decision On appeal, Justice E...

UNOC Rejects Numerous Job Applicants Over Simple CV Error The Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC) has revealed that many applicants were disqualified from recent job applications due to a basic but critical mistake in their CV submissions. The company, which advertised positions across sectors including finance, civil and mechanical engineering, and product trading, noted that several applicants, despite strong qualifications, failed to meet a key requirement specified in the adverts. According to Tony Otoa, UNOC’s Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, the most common error is the failure to provide true certified copies of academic documents such as transcripts and certificates — a step clearly outlined as mandatory in the job announcements. “This is not a minor detail,” Otoa emphasized. “If an applicant does not submit true certified copies of their academic documents, the system automat...

Natasha Nyonyozi Opens Up About Her Worst Dates Miss Uganda 2025, Natasha Nyonyozi, has spoken candidly about her dating life—saying she’s currently single and that not all past experiences have been pleasant. During an appearance on the It’s Never That Serious podcast, the 24-year-old beauty queen explained that she is not in a committed relationship at the moment and prefers to be clear with anyone she meets about what she wants. According to her, honesty helps avoid unnecessary confusion about expectations. Nyonyozi described most of her past relationships as fairly ordinary, but she also revealed that she has endured a few bad moments. She recalled one date in particular, which she labelled as her “worst experience.” The incident happened in the United Kingdom with a Ugandan man, and it left her with lessons she feels others should take seriously. Without giving too many details, she advised women t...

Among, Kadaga Cleared to Face Off for NRM Second National Vice Chair (Female) Slot The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) has resolved that Speaker Anita Annet Among and First Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga will both contest for the powerful position of Second National Vice Chairperson (Female). Key Points • CEC met for two days at State House Entebbe and cleared both candidates. • President Museveni urged a single candidate, offering an alternative senior role to the one who stepped down—neither did. • 19 aspirants in other races withdrew; some voluntarily, others after guidance. • Moses Kigongo is now unopposed for First National Vice Chairperson. • CEC recommendations move to NEC, then the National Delegates Conference (Aug 27–28). The decision followed a two-day meeting of the party’s Central Executive Committee (CEC) held at State House Entebbe this wee...

Judge Frank Caprio dies at 88 after battle with pancreatic cancer Judge Frank Caprio, celebrated worldwide for his empathy, fairness, and unique approach to justice, has died at the age of 88 following a battle with pancreatic cancer. Caprio gained international fame as the star of the reality TV series Caught in Providence , where viewers witnessed his compassionate courtroom decisions and personal interactions with defendants. Caprio’s approach to justice went beyond strict enforcement of the law. He became known for giving people second chances, understanding personal circumstances, and treating everyone with respect and dignity. His courtroom became a place where justice met humanity, and his actions inspired millions online. Many referred to him as "the nicest judge in the world" for his unwavering kindness. Throughout his career, Caprio handled thousands of cases, often reducing fines for individuals struggling financially or giving advice an...