NEWS ANALYSIS

Versailles, France | AFP |  President Emmanuel Macron on Monday promised a “profound transformation” of French politics, proposing to slash by a third the number of MPs, and telling lawmakers he would call a referendum if they do not agree. In his first address to members of the National Assembly …

Why President told world leaders not to undervalue his hospitality Kampala, Uganda |Ronald Musoke| When President Yoweri Museveni successfully convened a meeting of world leaders in Kampala for the first ever UN-backed Refugee Solidarity Summit on June 22-23, his mission was half accomplished. Top on the summit agenda was how …

Doha, Qatar | AFP | A deadline was approaching Sunday for Qatar to accept 13 demands by several Arab states in return for lifting a de facto blockade. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Bahrain, cut ties with Qatar on June 5 and issued their demands on June …

ANALYSIS: Anger, anxiety, unease over Buganda monarch’s fights over land Kampala, Uganda| Andrew S. Kaggwa | Buganda kingdom Prime Minister, Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga could be punished with a sacking over court cases over land involving his boss, Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Muwenda II. At least that is what some of …

Defiant members plot to oust party president Kampala, Uganda |Agather Atuhaire| It appears nothing and nobody is these days simple or innocent in Uganda’s biggest party, the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC). But it is a reality that the leaders; from Party President Mugisha Muntu to Secretary General Nandala Mafabi …

Hong Kong, China | AFP |  A landmark visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping to Hong Kong left little doubt that Beijing views the city as a destabilising hotbed of unacceptable political dissent that must prove its loyalty, analysts said Sunday. His three-day trip to celebrate 20 years since Hong …

  Kampala, Uganda | Michael O’HAGAN | AFP |  For the last decade Ugandans have known two presidents: Yoweri Museveni, the country’s long-time ruler, and musician Robert Kyagulanyi a.k.a. Bobi Wine, a.k.a. His Excellency the Ghetto President. But in a surprising turn the 35-year-old music superstar — who was just three when Museveni took …

Manila, Philippines | AFP | With abusive tirades against critics and light-hearted comments about rape, Rodrigo Duterte cemented himself as one of the world’s most outspoken leaders during his first year as Philippine president. As Duterte marks one year in office on Friday, here are some of his more memorable …

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | AFP | Michel Temer is the first Brazilian president to face criminal charges while still in office. Yet here are four reasons why — for now — he may save his job. – Scandals the new normal – Temer is charged with receiving bribes from …

Slow insurance growth, but Industry executives expect business to pick up Kampala, Uganda| Isaac Khisa| Uganda insurers recorded a 3.6% growth in premiums in 2016, their slowest growth rate in five years, citing harsh economic environment, slow implementation of infrastructural projects and reduced private sector credit. Full year industry performance …