COMMENT | Gertrude Kamya Othieno | I have received a great deal of interest regarding my previous article on the “Honourable and Ow’ekitiibwa” debate, which has prompted me to delve deeper into the origins of Ow’ekitiibwa in Uganda’s political corridors of power. The title Ow’ekitiibwa, commonly translated as Honourable in Luganda, …
Read More »Honourable or Ow’ekitiibwa? The evolving meaning of titles in Uganda’s political landscape
The evolution of “Honourable” suggests a deeper issue in how political titles are perceived and used COMMENT | Gertrude Kamya Othieno | The title “Honourable” was introduced to Uganda’s Parliament as an import from British tradition. In the UK, “Honourable” denotes a person of high integrity, and failing to meet these …
Read More »Why most consequential relics of Uganda Martyrs return home
The Uganda Martyrs are the first black saints of modern times, and the first people south of the Saraha desert to be canonized COMMENT | PROF DEREK R PETERSON | This is a hugely important moment in Uganda’s church history. The relics of the Uganda Martyrs that are being …
Read More »Rethinking the physical bank branch in a digital world
Kampala, Uganda | Michael Jjingo | In the recent past, several Ugandan commercial banks are slowing down the opening of new branches. More than 75% of retail banking transactions are now digital. The bank branch growth is indeed “going south.” Brett King wrote, “And there’s no reason to assume we’ll see …
Read More »Willingness to pay for water
By adopting market-based approaches, organisations can create new water markets that provide essential services COMMENT | MATT HANGEN | Willingness to pay, or WTP, refers to the maximum amount an individual is willing to spend to procure a good or service. In the context of water, it is influenced by several …
Read More »Why I refuse to mourn Fr Damian Grimes
Grimes, especially, subjugated timidity, ignorance and lack of exposure out of me. If the Grimesian spirit so still dwells in me who was only a teacher on the Namasagali staff, I guess it must dwell even much more in his former students EULOGY | Alfred Geresom Musamali | By refusing to …
Read More »Kamala Harris and foreign policy
Other than Biden, Americans must go way back to 1989 to find a president who would take office with more experience COMMENT | HEATHER HURLBURT | Freshman U.S. senators, presidential candidates, and sitting vice presidents are frequently advised to say as little as possible about foreign affairs, in order not to …
Read More »The truth behind coffee farmer registration
What Ugandans need to know before jumping onto coffee COMMENT | Gertrude Kamya Othieno | Uganda is at a critical point where the lack of clear and credible communication from the government is fuelling public distrust. Too many citizens feel excluded from key decisions, leading to confusion, incomplete information, and dangerous …
Read More »China Town in Uganda: A grim echo of global capitalism’s dark side
COMMENT | Gertrude Kamya Othieno | Following my recent essay on China Town and local enterprise in Uganda, reactions have been mixed. While some welcome the availability of affordable goods, it’s crucial to consider the long-term impact on Uganda’s economy and society. The rise of China Town in Lugogo, Kampala, echoes …
Read More »Raila Odinga is a blessing for Africa
Kenya’s rejection of the Pan-Africanis may have been God’s plan to ensure he becomes chairperson of the AU Commission COMMENT | DAK BUOTH RIEK GAAK | On 27 August 2024, former Africa Union High Representative on Infrastructure and Former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga launched his candidature for the chairman …
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The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price