Khunjerab , Pakistan | AFP |  Finishing nearly 5,000 metres above sea level after hundreds of kilometres winding past blackened glaciers and snow-capped peaks: a new Pakistani race presents a world-class challenge for cyclists — climbing towards the “Roof of the World”. The Tour de Khunjerab — its name a homage …

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT |  Buganda Golf Association and the Kingdom’s leadership announced the roster of sponsors for The Kabaka Coronation Golf Tournament, one of the activities to mark the 26th Coronation anniversary of Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II. The tournament to be held at Kitante Golf Course on July …

Dubai, United Arab Emirates | AFP | A surprise UAE troop drawdown in war-torn Yemen aims to restore the Gulf country’s reputation, but may strain ties with key ally Saudi Arabia at a time of heightened tensions with Iran, experts say. “The political, reputational and operational risks Abu Dhabi incurred in …

Vatican City, Holy See | AFP | The Vatican will dig up two graves Thursday after an anonymous tip-off that they may contain the remains of an Italian teenager who went missing 36 years ago. Emanuela Orlandi, the daughter of Vatican employee, was last seen leaving a music class aged 15, …

Salé, Morocco | AFP |  The trial of the suspected jihadist killers of two Scandinavian women hikers beheaded in Morocco’s High Atlas mountains last December neared its close Thursday as lawyers prepared to deliver their final arguments. Prosecutors have called for the death penalty for the three main jihadist suspects behind …

OURTZAGH, Morocco | AFP |  Beautiful handcrafted pottery made by Mama Aicha rarely sells in Morocco anymore, but thanks to social media her ancient techniques are drawing students from around the world to the foothills of the Rif mountains. “When I heard about the workshop on Instagram, I signed up immediately …

Cairo, Egypt | AFP |  William Troost-Ekong’s late winner sent Nigeria through to the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations on Wednesday after a tense 2-1 victory over South Africa in Cairo. Samuel Chukwueze fired the Super Eagles ahead in the first half in front of a healthy, largely pro-Nigerian …

Silverstone, United Kingdom | AFP |  Lewis Hamilton is aiming to bounce back from a rare weekend of disappointment by winning his home British Grand Prix for a record sixth time this weekend — and in front of the biggest crowd at the historic Silverstone circuit in nearly three decades. …

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT |  Amirali Karmali, the proprietor of Mukwano Industries Uganda Limited is dead. The entrepreneur died quietly on Wednesday evening in Fort portal, according to reports.  Karmali, born in the 1930s is the father to Alykhan Karmali, who is currently running the family business empire that spans …

Kayunga, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The Kabaka of Buganda Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II has said government should provide improved health services in Kayunga District.  On Wednesday, Mutebi started his two-day visit to Bugerere County, Kayunga District. Launching a health camp at Kawongo Health Centre III, the Kabaka noted that the …