The continent’s rising food festivals are putting flavor at the heart of tourism and trade. Experts say the boom reflects Africa’s growing investment in gastronomy as a driver of growth, identity, and soft power SPECIAL REPORT | BIRD AGENCY | Visitors at the AfroGastro Festival swallowed morsels of fufu and watched …
Read More »South Africa’s energy transition goes big
Africa’s largest CO2 emitter has unveiled an ambitious plan that could redefine how the region tackles climate change. SPECIAL REPORT | BIRD AGENCY | Pretoria’s R2.23 trillion (approx. $128 billion USD) Integrated Resource Plan 2025 sets out to halve the country’s reliance on coal and add more than 100 gigawatts of …
Read More »More African countries are embracing the yuan
Ethiopia and Kenya may become Africa’s first countries to repay Chinese loans in Beijing’s currency. It’s the latest in a wider de-dollarization trend that is sweeping across the continent. SPECIAL REPORT | BIRD AGENCY | Ethiopia and Kenya are turning to the Chinese yuan, seeking relief from the high cost …
Read More »🔴 Anthony Natif notes from Court: Uganda Vs Molly Katanga and Others 03/November/2025
SPECIAL REPORT | ANTHONY NATIF | As recorded in court, in the case Uganda Vs Molly Katanga and adapted from @TonyNatif on X. **** Yesterday, the defense closed their cross-examination of DSP Bibiana Akong, who is the 23rd witness in this case that has now clocked two years. Sunday, 2nd November …
Read More »Kigali facility revs up Africa’s vaccine self-reliance
Backed by fresh European financing, BioNTech’s Kigali facility is emerging as the cornerstone of Africa’s mRNA vaccine ecosystem, bridging the gap between ambition and large-scale production. SPECIAL REPORT | BIRD AGENCY | A new European financial backing of BioNTech’s mRNA vaccine facility in Kigali marks a defining step in Africa’s …
Read More »For sale, citizenship to Botswana, starting at just $75,000
In a bold move to attract investors, Botswana is rolling out one of the world’s most affordable citizenship-by-investment programmes, positioning its passport as a resource for economic empowerment. It marks an ambitious strategy to help protect the country’s future as its emblematic diamond sector faces insecurity. Furthermore, it could define …
Read More »Uganda’s rising debt, shrinking lives
How government’s borrowing spree is leaving citizens bearing the cost Kampala, Uganda | Julius Businge | At dawn, the roar of engines rises above the quiet streets of Entebbe as David Tumusiime, 47, prepares for his daily commute to Kampala. Like thousands of other motorists, he joins the line snaking toward the …
Read More »Emirates, Qatar competition heats up in Uganda
How the rivalry between the two Gulf carriers has contributed to the growth of the local aviation industry NEWS ANALYSIS | IAN KATUSIIME | Emirates and Qatar Airways, the two Gulf carriers dominating the global aviation industry are flexing muscles over the fast growing Ugandan market. Every week thousands of …
Read More »Paris peace conference faces harsh realities in eastern DR Congo
KINSHASA | Xinhua | In the lead-up to a high-level peace conference on Africa’s Great Lakes region held on Thursday in Paris, firearms were still roaring in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), as diplomacy struggled to keep pace with a war it seeks to end. Despite the recent …
Read More »Mapping Uganda’s climate future
Why climate vulnerability data could be the compass for country’s resilient food system Entebbe, Uganda | RONALD MUSOKE | On a breezy October 22 morning in Entebbe, a mix of scientists, policymakers, and agricultural experts gathered in a lakeside resort conference room with a shared sense of urgency. Maps …
Read More »
The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price