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HON. MIN. BYAMUKAMA ISSUES ONE‑WEEK DEADLINE FOR NORTHERN BYPASS REPAIRS

Transport Minister Fred Byamukama, on July 6, 2026, gave China Communications Construction Company (CCCC), the contractor repairing Kampala’s Northern Bypass one week to finish works after inspecting the Namungoona–Bwaise section. The project, funded with UGX 67 billion since February 2026, has faced delays causing traffic congestion. Byamukama warned that failure to meet the July 13, 2026 deadline would attract government action, stressing accountability in road infrastructure.

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GEN KAINERUGABA DISCUSSES DEFENCE COOPERATION WITH CHINESE AEROSPACE GIANT

UPDF Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba met a delegation from China Aerospace Long‑March International Co. Ltd (ALIT) on July 6, 2026, in Fort Portal to strengthen defence cooperation. ALIT, a subsidiary of the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, specialises in air defence systems, precision‑guided weapons, and coastal surveillance technologies. The delegation, led by Dr. Chen Yan, Mr. Liu Yin, and Mr. Teng Yaze discussed joint product development, co‑production, and technology transfer, reflecting Uganda’s preference for direct engagement with original manufacturers.

SEVEN SENIOR PARLIAMENT OFFICIALS FURTHER REMANDED OVER GRAFT

The Anti-Corruption Court on July 7, 2026 further remanded seven senior parliament officials namely Chris Obore Ariko, Daniel Adilo, Leonard Okema, Rajab Kaaya Ssemalulu, Emmanuel Emuron Okwi, Vincent Otebata, and Methods Murebe to July 27, 2026 over corruption-related charges. The officials are accused of embezzlement, causing financial loss to government and the alleged misappropriation of UGX 27–37 billion from Parliament. The accused, who deny all the charges, are expected to return to court later this month as investigations continue.

KABALEGA PETRO-BASED INDUSTRIAL PARK OFFICIALLY LAUNCHED

The Kabalega Petro-Based Industrial Park was officially launched on July 7, 2026, at Next Media Park, marking a major step in industrialisation through oil and gas. The park will host petrochemical manufacturing, fertilizer production, gas processing, and other value-addition industries, creating over 35,000 jobs and attracting both local and foreign investments. Once developed, it will complement the Uganda Oil Refinery, Kabalega International Airport, and the East African Crude Oil Pipeline, positioning Uganda as a regional hub for energy and industry.

NUMBER PLATES CRISIS TO END BY AUGUST 30, 2026

Motorists facing long delays in getting vehicle number plates have received relief following the Works and Transport Minister Hon. Fred Byamukama’s announcement on July 6, 2026, that all number plate issues will be fully resolved by August 30, 2026. He assured that vehicles purchased from the bond will be fitted with number plates immediately upon clearance, with no further delays.

GOVERNMENT LAUNCHES SAFETY AND LEGAL COMPLIANCE DRIVE FOR NAMAYINGO GOLD MINERS

The government began a four‑day campaign on July 6, 2026, in Namayingo District to enforce safety and legal compliance among artisanal gold miners. Led by the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development with support from NEMA, the Police, and UNBS, the drive targets unsafe practices, illegal mining, and child labour Occupational hygienist Dalton Bakisuula explained that the initiative builds on a national chemical safety programme. Authorities warned that unlicensed sites will be closed, while miners are urged to adopt safe chemical handling and lawful operations.

GOVERNMENT BEGINS REHABILITATION OF REPATRIATED UGANDANS

The government began rehabilitating citizens repatriated from South Africa at the National Leadership Institute in Kyankwanzi on July 6, 2026. The program followed the arrival of 166 returnees on the fourth evacuation flight, raising the total to 730. Led by the Office of the President, the initiative provides counselling, skills training, and reintegration support to help victims of xenophobic attacks rebuild their lives. Officials stressed the country’s duty to protect its citizens, though challenges remain with stigma, economic strain, and long‑term trauma.

MAJOR GENERAL BIRUNGI REMANDED ON TREACHERY CHARGES

The General Court Martial in Makindye on July 6, 2026, remanded Major General James Birungi, the former Chief of Military Intelligence, on charges of treachery. Birungi appeared alongside three co‑accused, and the court ordered that they remain in custody at Makindye Military Barracks until August 3, 2026, when the case will return for hearing. The details of the treachery allegations were not disclosed during the session.

FAMILY COURT INTENSIFIES MEDIATION TO REUNITE FAMILIES

The Family Division of the High Court in Kampala on July 6, 2026, intensified its mediation program aimed at reuniting families and reducing litigation. The initiative comes in response to a surge in succession disputes following amendments to the Succession Act, which introduced expiry periods for letters of administration. As a result, nearly 70% of mediation cases now involve applications to extend these grants. The court emphasized that mediation provides a faster, less costly, and more reconciliatory path compared to prolonged litigation. Led by judicial officers, the drive seeks to ease family tensions, promote dialogue, and reduce the backlog of cases in the division.

KALANGALA RECORDS ZERO MATERNAL DEATHS

Health officials in Kalangala District reported on July 6, 2026, that six mothers gave birth safely at Kalangala Health Centre IV, with no maternal deaths recorded. District health officer Dr. Edward Ssebuwufu credited the achievement to enhanced maternal health services, including better-equipped facilities, trained medical personnel, and increased community awareness on antenatal care. The milestone reflects ongoing government and partner efforts to reduce maternal mortality rates in island districts, where access to healthcare has historically been limited.

HEIFER INTERNATIONAL UGANDA UNVEILS AYUTE AFRICA CHALLENGE SEASON 5

Heifer International Uganda launched Season 5 of the AYuTe Africa Challenge in Kampala on July 6, 2026, under the theme “Go Big. Go Bold.” The program targets youth innovators aged 18–35, offering funding, mentorship, and business acceleration to scale agritech solutions. This edition introduces two tracks; the National Agritech Innovation Track for nationwide solutions and the Busoga Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Track for regional enterprises. Consolate Acayo, Commissioner for Agricultural Extension and Skills Management at the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), emphasized the importance of youth-driven innovation in shaping Uganda’s agricultural future.

THREE NGORA DISTRICT OFFICIALS ARRESTED OVER IRRIGATION FUND EMBEZZLEMENT

Police in Ngora District on July 6, 2026 detained Patrick Okiring Omoding, Jacob Oluka, and Richard Esait Okurut for allegedly embezzling UGX 22.4 million allocated to irrigation projects during the 2022/2023 financial year. District chairperson James Robert Otim, who assumed office in May 2026, ordered the arrests after the contractor failed to account for the stalled projects. Police confirmed that the suspects face embezzlement charges, remaining in custody until formal arraignment in court.

POLICE HUNT SUSPECT AFTER FATAL FAMILY DISPUTE IN KIBAALE

Police in Kibaale District on July 6, 2026 launched a manhunt for Ronald Byaruhanga, who allegedly stabbed his brother Denis Byaruhanga to death during a violent family dispute. The quarrel began after Denis accused Ronald of stealing a bag of beans belonging to their mother. The confrontation escalated into a fight, during which Ronald fatally stabbed Denis before fleeing the scene. Police have since intensified investigations and appealed to the public for information that could lead to the suspect’s arrest.

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STRAIT OF HORMUZ TENSIONS RISE AFTER MISSILE ATTACKS ON COMMERCIAL SHIPS

Tensions escalated in the Strait of Hormuz on July 7, 2026, after reports that commercial vessels were targeted in the strategic waterway, with U.S. officials accusing Iran of carrying out missile attacks that damaged ships operating near the Gulf of Oman. The incidents reportedly included damage to at least two commercial vessels, raising concerns over the safety of international shipping routes and global energy supplies.

RUSSIA SENDS WEAPONS TO MALI AS REBEL PRESSURE GROWS

Russia has sent weapons and military equipment to Mali as the country’s military government faces increasing pressure from armed groups seeking to expand their influence , as reported on July 7, 2026. The move follows recent attacks by insurgents, including al-Qaeda-linked militants and Tuareg separatists, who targeted several military positions and challenged government control in parts of the country. The Russian support is intended to strengthen Mali’s armed forces as they attempt to contain the worsening security crisis.