Author: Robert Atuhairwe

People have rushed into the real estate business in the oil-rich Hoima district hoping to reap big from workers attracted by the oil and gas sector and other offshoot industries. As a result, there has been an increase in the prices of construction materials. A mini survey by The Albertine Journal indicates that construction materials prices have risen, some by 50% for the past three years, higher than they were in October 2018. The rise in prices has been attributed to the increased demand due to construction and real estate development since 2019 when oil and gas sector activities peaked again after…

On a fateful night of November 12 in 2024, in Bufuma sub-county, Bududa district, eastern Uganda, landslides swept away homes as terrified villagers scrambled to safety. Among them was Joan Kamoti, 38, clutching her infant as the earth beneath her disintegrated. The disaster buried homes and crops such as maize, cassava, bananas, and coffee, leaving 120 people dead. Flooding on the banks of Rivers Nyamwamba in Kasese and Mpongo in Kakumiro, as well as along Lakes Victoria and Albert, underscores Uganda’s vulnerability to unpredictable weather patterns. Violent rains and severe droughts continue to ravage livelihoods dependent on rain-fed agriculture, painting…

Hundreds of people, mainly the elderly, were screened for various eye-related ailments during a free eye camp held at Kikoboza Primary School in Kyabatalya Parish, Buhimba Sub-county, Kikuube district. The camp, organised to provide free treatment to those suffering from eye conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, and allergies,among others, also aimed to raise awareness about diseases that cause vision loss. In addition to free consultations, the camp offered free eyeglasses and, for those with minor conditions, prescribed eye drops at a subsidised cost. The event was organised by the Itaza Development Foundation in partnership with the Office of the Area…

Residents who are affected by the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) project, are calling for an immediate halt to its construction. The 1,443-kilometre crude oil export pipeline, which will transport Uganda’s crude oil from Hoima in western Uganda to the Tanga port in Tanzania, has sparked widespread protests due to concerns over land acquisition, environmental degradation, and social impacts. “We want the project stopped immediately to allow adequate time for our grievances to be heard and addressed,” said Joan Kaahwa (not real name), who, along with other over 90 Project Affected Persons (PAPs), protested on December 8, 2024, near…

President Yoweri Museveni has praised the Catholic Church for its efforts in providing youths with not only spiritual guidance but also ideological orientation, which he believes is crucial for Uganda’s socio-economic transformation. He emphasised that this approach is essential for the country to achieve it’s long-term development goals. Speaking at the closing ceremony of the five-day National Youth Conference at St. Andrea Kaahwa College Grounds in the Bujumbura-Hoima Catholic Diocese, Hoima City, on Sunday, Museveni expressed his support for the mentorship of young people. He pointed out that the youth, who represent the majority of the population, are key to…

In 1974, North Bunyoro and South were created. The were later merged into Hoima district in 1980. In 2010, Hoima was elevated from a town council to Municipality and then to a City in 2020. Hoima City, which is located 203 kilometres from Kampala, east of Lake Albert, hosts the main Karuzika (palace) of Bunyoro King Solomon Gafabusa Iguru. The City, which comprises two divisions-east and west, has an area of 228 square kilometres with a road network of 606 kilometres. The oil-rich Bunyoro’s capital has been experiencing a steady increase in population growth, mainly driven by migration growing at…

Each village with a water source is required to form a nine-member committee to manage and monitor water resources. Led by the village chairperson, these committees are authorised to collect a monthly fee of sh1,000 from each household, which is reserved to cover maintenance costs, such as purchasing spare parts in case of breakdowns. This community-led initiative aims to foster local involvement in maintaining water infrastructure, helping improve access to safe water. However, many communities lack these committees, leading to neglected water sources, including boreholes and shallow wells, which often fall into bad shape. Most of them have abandoned their…

Dressed in designer leaves and grass, Joram Asiimwe (not real name) screams-huu, barks and grunts as a playful greeting to children gathered to witness the final match of the Ekiteera (Chimpanzee) Cup. The tournament aims to empower youth as conservation agents, particularly for chimpanzees, and features competition among clans that regard the chimpanzee as their totem. Excited pupils from Kiziranfumbi Primary School in Kikuube district, western Uganda, respond with chuffs, mimicking the sounds of chimpanzees as part of a campaign to raise awareness about co-existing with these primates. The Ekiteera football tournament is organised by The Cross-Cultural Foundation of Uganda…

Stanbic Bank Uganda recently donated essential medical equipment to St. Benedict’s Butende Health Centre III in Masaka City. The donation, valued at approximately sh15m, includes two maternity beds, one suction machine, and 100 Mama Kits. This initiative is part of Stanbic Bank Uganda, a key subsidiary of Stanbic Uganda Holdings Limited, ongoing community support during the October L.O.V.E month, which underscores the bank’s commitment to corporate social investment. During the handover ceremony, Stanbic Bank’s Head of Marketing, Daniel Ogong, expressed his excitement, stating, “Today, I’m thrilled to celebrate the Stanbic L.O.V.E month with you. This is a time for us…

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Uganda are being encouraged to adopt risk management tools, including digital solutions and strong financial practices, to better anticipate and mitigate potential threats. The call comes in light of the increasingly volatile business environment, particularly in high-stakes sectors like oil and gas. The message was delivered at an event organised by the Stanbic Business Incubator Limited (SBIL) over the weekend at SBIL Kololo in Kampala themed “Risk Management and Resilience: Leaving No One Behind.” The event attracted hundreds of participants, including entrepreneurs, industry experts, and key stakeholders, all focused on developing adaptive strategies for…