NEWS ANALYSIS

United Nations, United States | AFP | The United States on Wednesday circulated a draft UN Security Council resolution that threatens to impose an arms embargo on South Sudan and to take “all appropriate measures” against those blocking peace efforts. The draft text obtained by AFP demands an end to …

EAC leaders push for mega deals amidst concerns of limited funds, slow integration progress Kampala, Uganda | JULIUS BUSINGE | Amidst big talk on how to raise over US$78 billion for regional infrastructure projects, Tanzania’s President John Pombe Magufuli Magufuli had tough questions for the East African Community Council of Ministers. …

Critics say he is entrenching FDC contradictions he seeks to cure Kampala, Uganda | IAN KATUSIIME | Former Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) President Maj.Gen. Mugisha Muntu is growing more resolute in his pursuit for a solution to what he calls internal contractions in the party despite criticism that his approach …

More students are joining technical institutions, many more might be simply falling off Kampala, Uganda | RONALD MUSOKE | A growing number of students is increasingly opting out of Advanced Level education stirring mixed reactions amongst educationists and officials at the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB), The Independent reveals. Speaking during …

The new move will see the lender venture into non-banking business Kampala, Uganda | ISAAC KHISA | Uganda’s largest lender, Stanbic Bank Uganda, is finalising plans to become a Bank Holding Company (BHC), a step that would enable it access funding more easily but also tighten capital requirements and regulatory oversight. …

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | AFP | Ethiopia’s governing coalition is facing an unprecedented tussle behind closed doors as it seeks a new prime minister after Hailemariam Desalegn’s shock resignation from the helm of Africa’s fastest growing economy. With opposition parties enfeebled, the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) coalition wields …

NMS innovates as critics call for improved forecasting drug needs Kampala, Uganda | FLAVIA NASSAKA | A Feb.12 Ministry of Health announcement that expired drugs to the tune of 1500 tons in stores at 6619 health facilities across the country would be incinerated has incensed many. Critics wonder how such a …

The government is yet to decide on whether or not to terminate the motor vehicle inspection deal Kampala, Uganda | JULIUS BUSINGE | The Uganda government is in a fix. Suspend and cancel the contract awarded to the Switzerland based firm, SGS, to carry out a motor vehicle inspection and possibly …

Niamey, Niger | AFP | Tens of thousands of supporters of Nigerien President Mahamadou Issoufou marched in the capital Niamey on Sunday after a number of opposition protests against the 2018 budget, which they say favours big business. Wearing t-shirts and brandishing banners in the colours of the ruling party, …

Finance under attack over Shs.750 bn fresh borrowing, faces tough IMF Kampala, Uganda | HAGGAI MATSIKO | Matia Kasaija and his team at the Finance Ministry find themselves in a very tight corner as they look for Shs29.2 trillion to finance a new budget. Previously, finding cash did not present …