Author: kajarbi54

The budget of Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has been reduced by more than $50 million for the 2026/2027 financial year, prompting concern from the outgoing Lord Mayor of Kampala, Erias Lukwago. Lukwago said the funding reduction could delay key infrastructure projects, including efforts to address chronic flooding in the Ugandan capital. Speaking to reporters, the outgoing Lord Mayor noted that KCCA had requested Shs1.9 trillion (about $500 million) under its 2025-2030 strategic development plan to tackle major urban challenges such as drainage systems, road upgrades and market redevelopment. However, the government approved about Shs720 billion (around $190 million) for…

The Gambia generated D33 billion (about $449 million) in revenue in 2025, up from D25.85 billion ($351 million) in 2024, according to Finance and Economic Affairs Minister Seedy Keita. Keita presented the figures on Monday during the government’s 2025 budget execution and monitoring report to lawmakers at the National Assembly of The Gambia. The report reviews how funds approved under the 2025 Appropriation Act were raised, managed and spent during the fiscal year, while assessing the government’s fiscal performance against planned budget targets. According to the minister, the increase in revenue was driven mainly by higher tax and non-tax collections,…

Police in Uganda have arrested five suspects believed to be behind a series of motorcycle robberies in areas south of the capital Kampala, authorities said. The arrests were made following an intelligence-led operation targeting thefts reported between June 2025 and March 6, 2026 in the Lubowa and Ndejje areas. The robberies mainly targeted motorcycles used for transport services. Speaking at the Uganda Police Force headquarters on Monday, police spokesperson Rachael Kawala said investigators linked the suspects to a string of attacks on motorcycle riders. The suspects were identified as Kamoga Sharif, also known as Mugisha, 20; Byagaba Liberty, 20; Ssempungu…

Mali has launched activities marking the observance of International Women’s Day, with authorities reaffirming the country’s commitment to advancing the rights and empowerment of women and girls. This year’s national theme, “Women’s and Girls’ Rights: Acting for a Secure and Equitable Future in a Resilient, Unified and Sovereign Mali,” highlights the government’s focus on strengthening gender equality as part of broader national development and stability efforts. The official launch ceremony was held in Bandiagara and presided over by Prime Minister Abdoulaye Maïga. Speaking on behalf of the Head of State, Assimi Goïta, Maïga reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting initiatives…

A lawmaker in The Gambia has called for expanded opportunities for women and girls in education, politics and the workplace, stressing that gender equality is essential for sustainable development. Suwaibou Touray, the National Assembly Member for Wuli East and Secretary General of the People’s Democratic Organisation for Independence and Socialism (PDOIS), made the remarks while marking the 2026 observance of International Women’s Day. Touray said the country should continue to promote policies that improve access to education for girls, increase women’s participation in elections, strengthen workplace protections and uphold women’s rights to make personal decisions about their lives. “No society…

Rwandan President Paul Kagame has announced conditional measures to lift Rwanda’s “defensive measures” related to the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo if Kinshasa fulfills its obligations under the Washington peace accord. The president made the remarks on Friday while addressing diplomats accredited to Kigali at a dinner he hosted. Kagame told diplomats that the Washington agreement laid out a ceasefire framework, acknowledged the security concerns of both countries and provided steps for implementing the deal. However, he argued that developments on the ground had raised concerns, citing what he described as a growing military buildup involving pro-government…

Iran’s ambassador to Nigeria, Mahdavi Raja, has rejected accusations by the Israeli government that Tehran supports Islamic groups in Nigeria, describing the claims as unfounded and part of a broader propaganda effort. Speaking in an interview, Raja dismissed allegations made by Michael Freeman, Israel’s ambassador to Nigeria, that Iran sponsors Islamic movements such as the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) and other groups in West Africa to spread terrorism. Freeman’s comments came as protests by members of the IMN erupted in several Nigerian states following the killing of Iran’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, following the recent US-Israeli military strikes on…

The African Union has called on member states that have yet to ratify the continent’s Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls to take swift action in order to strengthen efforts aimed at protecting women and girls. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, said in a statement that Africa has established one of the world’s most progressive frameworks for women’s rights, adding that the entry into force of the Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls marks a key milestone in safeguarding women and girls across the continent. Ali Youssouf made the remarks following the…

President Yoweri Museveni has called on African nations to stand united amid a changing global geopolitical and economic climate. The Ugandan leader made the call on Saturday when he assumed the rotational leadership of the East African Community (EAC), taking over from William Ruto of Kenya. Museveni emphasized the need for African countries to remain united as the continent navigates shifting global dynamics. He urged African nations to build their own internal market through deeper regional integration. “The East African Community and continental integration are therefore not optional. Prosperity comes from production and markets. Fragmented markets keep Africa poor,” Museveni…

The Gambian parliament will on Tuesday receive a comprehensive report on the inquiry into the sale and disposal of assets identified by the Janneh Commission as properties belonging to former President Yahya AJJ Jammeh. The development is contained in the approved order paper issued by the Office of the Clerk, which will be presented before the proceedings of the first Ordinary Session of the Gambian legislature in the 2026 Legislative Year. Chairperson of the Special Select Committee, Hon. Abdoulie Ceesay, will present the report for legislative scrutiny, consideration and adoption. The adoption of the presentation followed a motion raised by…