NEWS ANALYSIS

Freetown, Sierra Leone | AFP |  It was a time for smiles and handshakes as the delegations from Sierra Leone and China Exim Bank sealed a loan to provide the impoverished West African state with a new airport. Just months later, the much-trumpeted Mamamah International Airport scheme, estimated to cost …

New strategy of pay-out boosts confidence Kampala, Uganda | ISAAC KHISA | Uganda’s National Social Security Fund (NSSF) seems to be determined to bring more savers to its portfolio, its statistics show. The Fund’s latest Transparency Statement reveals that though it recorded growth in income from Shs788.6bn to Shs1.34trillion, with nearly …

Soweto, South Africa | AFP | In a classroom in the South African township of Soweto, girls listen carefully, knowing they need to learn how to avoid the threat of rape that hangs over their daily lives. “You are going to pretend that it is the rapist’s testicles,” says trainer …

And the secret formula needed to accelerate GDP growth Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Uganda’s economy is likely to grow by 6.5%, according to central bank governor Emmanuel Tumusiime Mutebile. That would be about 12% higher than last year and the highest rate in years. But there is a problem; …

But focus on export poses unexpected challenges Kampala, Uganda | ANDREW S. KAGGWA | Uganda’s organic farming scene could change dramatically if a new model introduced by the government catches on. To see the model first hand, one must travel 56 kilometres west from the capital, Kampala, to Kampiringisa in Mpigi …

Museveni fight with oil firms threatens major project Kampala, Uganda | HAGGAI MATSIKO | President Yoweri Museveni’s dream of Uganda getting first oil by 2020 has been hit by a double blow from two international oil companies; Total E&P Uganda and Tullow Oil Uganda. Museveni is battling the two companies on …

Just how far can the former FDC leader go with his ‘New Formation’? Kampala, Uganda | IAN KATUSIIME | “They have gone finally!” Brian Atuheire Batenda, a member of the defiance team posted on Facebook immediately a statement came out on Sept. 25 announcing the exit of Maj. Gen. Mugisha Muntu, …

Why security agencies are finding difficulty catching the killers Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Almost a month after the gruesome murder of Muhammad Kirumira on Sept.8 there is little hope security agencies can find the killers of the former Buyende District Police commander. Part of the problem is that elements …

Supporters of young politician shouldn’t treat Besigye as worthy of their insults and not important anymore Kampala, Uganda | ABBEY KIBIRIGE SEMUWEMBA | It is a story with all the makings of a blockbuster novel: a brilliant composer/ politician, an attractive woman, and a mystery that has lasted for years …

Twaweza report shows the government needs to rethink how it pulls the poor from poverty Kampala, Uganda | FLAVIA NASSAKA | President Yoweri Museveni likes to hand out cash. He splashes on anyone lucky enough to cross his path. It could be a person or group in the low income settlements …