By Ronald Musoke Since she hit the Ugandan music scene with her single, `Nakowa emikwano’, in 2006, Desire Luzinda has possibly been the most photographed celebrity. When another renowned musician and celebrity, Isaiah Katumwa, hosted her on his TV show, `Jazz with Isaiah” and told her that it appears people …

By Dave Jenkins Here is why Andrew Mwenda could try being a Christian pastor instead On Sept.15, my good friend, Andrew Mwenda wrote in The Independent “AHA: A reply to “Christian” critics”.  He raises many good points that are both Biblical and represent historic Christian teaching.  Yet, I think a …

By Joan Akello Victoria Balyejusa Sekitoleko, former Director and Representative of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), minister, and MP speaks to Joan Akello about her career and retirement. Anything we do not know about you? I’m a republican by birth and faith; I don’t treasure monarchies because I don’t …

By Ronald Musoke Frustration as `top Uganda government officials’ are implicated in trafficking poached elephant tusks In the last two years, about 12 tonnes of ivory from poached elephants has been seized in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi; and all of it came from Uganda.  John Okot Emitchell, the field officer …

By Joan Akello Hajji Nsereko Mutumba, 60, PRO Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC), speaks to Joan Akello about Islam and business. Anything we do not know about you? I founded the Kampala Cattle Traders and Butchers Association (1982) and Foundation for Islamic Development (1986), was among the youths in Kampala …

By Joan Akello Muntu: We have resolved internal conflicts, ready to roll-out Maj. Gen. Mugisha Muntu, President Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) talked to The Independent’s Joan Akello about the party’s plan to build internal cohesion and its road map to the national elections in 2016. What is happening in …

By Peter Nyanzi For 100 new buses to rot away in the city is a gross national shame and embarrassment for all Ugandans What emotion do you get at the sight of a mass of Pioneer buses rotting away in the parking lot of Namboole Stadium? Every time I see …

By Dickens Kamugisha Common woman is greatest loser in judicial-political battle in Uganda The  High Court ruling in September that faulted the Africa Institute for Energy Governance (AFIEGO) for bringing an application on behalf of those displaced by the government oil refinery in Hoima casts a dark shadow on the …

By Flavia Nassaka MPs earn big, but are deep in debt Cash flow equals income minus expenses. Some members of Uganda’s parliament clearly skipped that personal finance management class. Among them are Felix Okot Ogong, Nakato Kyabanji Katusiime, Florence Kintu, and Simon Peter Aleper. All of them earn quite a …

By Flavia Nassaka Progress made on immunisation but maternal, child health lagging Starting next year, the Ministry of Health is to introduce a new polio vaccine for children, according to the Uganda National Expanded Programme on Immunisation (UNEPI) Programme Director, Dr Robert Mayanja. Dr Mayanja was speaking to The Independent …