More African countries are making progress on gender equality. From Benin to Botswana, new data shows gains in political inclusion, economic participation, and leadership. SPECIAL REPORT | BIRD AGENCY | A new report shows many African countries are setting their own priorities on gender equality, especially in political inclusion and …
Read More »How Equity Bank’s financial literacy has empowered young entrepreneurs in rural Uganda
As Equity Bank Uganda and the Mastercard Foundation continue their partnership, these youth are not just beneficiaries—they are changemakers. Their call for ongoing training and increased loans reflects their ambition to grow further. Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Across Uganda’s diverse communities, young entrepreneurs are transforming their …
Read More »NATO’s Trump Dilemma
ISTANBUL | AHMET DAVUTOGLU | NATO’s just-completed summit in The Hague came at a time of extraordinary tension. Since returning to the White House, Donald Trump has repeatedly accused Europe of free riding on US defense spending, raising serious concerns about the health of the Atlantic alliance. His decision to …
Read More »Can America end 30-year DR Congo conflict?
Why new diplomatic moves could hit same old roadblocks ANALYSIS | THE INDEPENDENT & AGENCIES | The Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda have signed a preliminary peace deal that paves way to signing a final agreement scheduled on June 27, according to a joint statement issued by the U.S. State …
Read More »‘Uganda’s tax system is a drain on small businesses’
ANALYSIS | Adrienne Lees, a Researcher at the Institute of Development Studies of the UK, in collaboration with the Uganda Revenue Authority, shows how to set them free Uganda is one of the countries most exposed to recent cuts in international aid, particularly with the dissolution of the US Agency …
Read More »EU’s billion-dollar illegal wildlife trade exposed
Bloc remains a major wildlife trafficking hub, with 86% of seized contraband intended for destinations within the member states ANALYSIS | RONALD MUSOKE | When two Belgian teenagers appeared before a Nairobi court with over 5,000 ants in their possession in April this year, the case initially seemed like a harmless …
Read More »Uganda, Tanzania and Zanzibar ink oil pact
The cooperation agreement comes as Uganda faces questions over the readiness of its domestic oil infrastructure, particularly the proposed refinery in Hoima District Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Uganda signed a tripartite agreement with Tanzania and Zanzibar to deepen regulatory cooperation in the oil and gas sector, as the East …
Read More »Big budget, bigger promises
Uganda’s Shs 72 trillion budget bets on wealth creation and growth in election run-up for next financial year ANALYSIS | JULIUS BUSINGE | As Uganda prepares to enter a heated election season in 2026, the government unveiled an ambitious Shs 72.1 trillion budget for the 2025/2026 financial year. Presented at Kololo …
Read More »Inside Uganda’s speed-limit regulation U-turn
How divergent interests emerged in the country’s latest road safety rollout Kampala, Uganda | RONALD MUSOKE | The government’s recent rollout of the “EPS Auto” speed limit regulations—and their swift suspension amid public backlash—has exposed the conflicting interests of the Ministry of Works and Transport, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, road …
Read More »How Zimbabwe’s health system profits from the dead
A shortage of pathologists and a culture of corruption have made mortuaries sites of extortion and grief. Harare, Zimbabwe | Linda Mujuru Global Press Journal ZIMBABWE | Blessing Mucharambei’s uncle was just having lunch when he stood up, then collapsed. “[He] started bleeding from the nose,” she says, “and died on the spot.” …
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