🇺🇬 The Independent Uganda
Uganda · EN · https://www.independent.co.ug
About The Independent Uganda
The Independent Uganda was founded in 2007 by Andrew Mwenda, who also owns, edits, and publishes the news magazine through Independent Publications Limited. Andrew Mwenda has family connections to the Ugandan government, with a brother serving as a Lieutenant General in the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and a sister as a Minister of State.
Uganda's media environment is classified as 'not-free' by Freedom House and ranks 143rd out of 180 countries on Reporters Without Borders' (RSF) World Press Freedom Index, indicating that journalists face intimidation and violence. The government employs legal and extralegal means, including restrictive laws and internet shutdowns, to suppress critical reporting, leading to self-censorship among journalists. While The Independent Uganda is privately owned, the broader media landscape is subject to severe government pressure and crackdowns, as exemplified by recent military-ordered shutdowns of other independent outlets. No specific media bias assessments from organizations like Media Bias/Fact Check or AllSides were found for The Independent Uganda. The outlet's headline sample includes coverage of opposition figures and government actions, suggesting an attempt at broad reporting within this constrained environment.
Reading context
Media systems vary by law, ownership, and editorial custom. We preserve each outlet's framing and add context so readers can compare coverage without treating one country as the default.
History repeats itself as Gen Muhoozi’s son graduates at Sandhurst
- Ruhamya Kainerugaba, son of Uganda's CDF General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, graduated from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. - General Kainerugaba attended the ceremony and received a Sandhurst Alumni…
MTN Uganda extends maternal health campaign to western region
- MTN Uganda has expanded its maternal and newborn healthcare campaign to western Uganda. - The initiative focuses on strengthening services at primary-care health centers in Bunyangabu District. - Th…
Competency Based Learning: How misinterpretation and poor implementation are driving up education costs
- Uganda introduced a competence-based curriculum (CBC) to shift learning from memorization to practical application and problem-solving. - Years into implementation, teachers and ministry officials r…
Bell Lager celebrates 75 years with gold at the 2026 Monde Selection Awards
- Bell Lager, Uganda's original beer, has won a Gold Quality Award at the 2026 Monde Selection Awards. - The award coincides with the brand's 75th anniversary, highlighting its consistent quality sinc…
Uganda Wildlife Authority Launches Influencer Campaign to Boost Domestic Tourism
- The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) launched the 'Open Park Days Influencer Campaign' to encourage more Ugandans to visit national parks. - Social media influencers and bloggers will share authentic…
DTB Uganda, Universal Multipurpose Enterprise partner to boost housing finance
- Diamond Trust Bank Uganda (DTB) and Universal Multipurpose Enterprises Limited partnered to improve housing finance access. - The collaboration aims to make property acquisition more affordable and …
FIRST OIL: EACOP hosts Bank of Uganda Governor, Judiciary heads
- Bank of Uganda Governor Michael Atingi-Ego visited EACOP's Pump Station One, emphasizing the pipeline's critical role in Uganda's economic future. - The Governor expressed strong satisfaction with t…
U.S. Health Aid Meets Resistance Across Africa
- Seven American aid workers entered a U.S. isolation facility in Kenya, defying local protests and court orders. - The action occurred under Washington's "America First Global Health Strategy," which…
Atinoi Basil still carries dreams, not just golf bags
- Atinoi Basil, a caddie at Uganda Golf Club, competed in a tournament organized for caddies. - Basil has worked as a caddie for 12 years, supporting himself and financing his education through the jo…
KACITA: Traders fear formalising businesses over tax burden
- Ugandan traders are hesitant to formalize their businesses due to fears of immediate taxation, according to the Kampala City Traders Association (KACITA). - KACITA argues that the government's appro…
Uganda posts first monthly fiscal surplus in six months on strong tax collections
- Uganda recorded its first monthly fiscal surplus in six months in June, with government operations ending the month with a surplus of approximately 517 billion Shillings. - This turnaround was drive…
Mandela Day inspires unity between South Africans and migrants against xenophobia
- South Africans and migrants commemorated Nelson Mandela International Day by participating in community service events across the country. - Activities included cleaning neighborhoods, serving meals…
Spain wins FIFA World Cup 2026
- Ferran Torres scored the winning goal in extra time as Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup. - Argentina played with 10 men for most of extra time after Enzo Fernandez was sen…
Former Deputy Prime Minister Gen. Moses Ali dies at 87
- Gen. Moses Ali, a long-serving Ugandan military commander and politician, has died at the age of 87. - He held numerous high-ranking positions under various governments, including during Idi Amin's …
Lancet Review: mRNA Vaccines Proven Safe and Effective
- A review published in The Lancet confirms mRNA vaccines are safe and effective for preventing infectious diseases. - The review synthesizes evidence from laboratory research, clinical trials, and re…
World Cup Final: Spain and Argentina Set for Title Clash
- Spain and Argentina will compete in the World Cup final on Sunday at New York New Jersey Stadium. - Argentina, ranked first, and second-ranked Spain are the reigning continental champions. - The mat…
China champions AI development for global well-being
- China is promoting the development and governance of artificial intelligence for global well-being. - President Xi Jinping will deliver a keynote speech at the 2026 World AI Conference in Shanghai, …
Equity Bank Uganda Expands Insurance Access, Ranks High in Bancassurance
- Equity Bank Uganda ranked fourth among bancassurance providers, generating UGX 6.69 billion in Gross Written Premiums in Q1 2026. - Bancassurance is transforming Uganda's insurance sector by distrib…
NCBA targets Uganda SMEs with faster loans
- NCBA Bank Uganda has launched a new business banking initiative offering unsecured loans up to Shs500 million within 48 hours. - The program aims to revive lending to small and medium-sized enterpri…
Why Africa’s traditional mediation model is breaking down
- Africa's traditional peace mediation model, focused on ceasefires, power-sharing, and national dialogue, is showing signs of breakdown. - This established framework helped resolve numerous complex c…
Alvarez, Martinez send Argentina into World Cup semifinals
- Argentina defeated Switzerland 3-1 in extra time to reach the World Cup semifinals. - Goals from Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez secured the win after Switzerland equalized. - Argentina will fac…
Bellingham's brace helps England edge Norway to reach World Cup semifinals
- Jude Bellingham scored twice to lead England to a 2-1 victory over Norway in the World Cup quarterfinals. - England came from behind after Norway took the lead in the first half, with Bellingham equ…
Why Besigye's Petition Against Justice Baguma Failed
- Uganda's Judicial Service Commission dismissed a complaint against High Court Judge Justice Emmanuel Baguma. - The complaint was filed by jailed opposition politician Dr. Kizza Besigye. - The commis…
Why do Americans keep electing politicians who fail to deliver?
- Americans repeatedly elect politicians who fail to deliver on promises for better lives, higher wages, and safer streets. - U.S. elections are heavily influenced by big money, with a small share of …
Uganda Embassy Taps Ethiopia's Running Culture to Promote Rwenzori Marathon
- The Ugandan Embassy in Addis Ababa is promoting the 2026 Tusker Lite Rwenzori Marathon to boost tourism and economic diplomacy. - The promotional campaign includes a run at Entoto Park, aiming to st…
East African states push Kiswahili into AI push as digital language gap widens
- The East African Kiswahili Commission urges investment in AI and digital language tools for Kiswahili. - The call comes ahead of World Kiswahili Language Day celebrations and an international confer…
Uganda's lottery operator exits business amid industry boom
- ITHUBA Uganda Limited has exited the National Lottery business, ceasing operations on July 1 due to financial and operational difficulties. - Uganda's National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board …
Iteso Cultural Union asks Museveni for fair treatment, health consideration for Anita Among
- The Iteso Cultural Union (ICU) has urged President Yoweri Museveni to ensure fair treatment for former Speaker of Parliament Anita Among. - The union requested special consideration for Among's heal…
French agency, Pearl Bank finalize plans for sh64 billion boost to Ugandan agriculture
- Pearl Bank and the French Development Agency (AFD) finalized a partnership to boost Ugandan agriculture. - The deal includes a €15 million concessional credit line and €1 million in technical assist…
Uganda's PLU: A hostile takeover of the NRM?
- The Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), led by Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, is consolidating power within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM). - Kainerugaba, son of President Yoweri Museveni, r…
Uganda takes culture and tourism drive to Germany in huge Munich festival
- Uganda has launched its first cultural and tourism festival in Munich, Germany. - The three-day event is described as the largest Ugandan public event held abroad. - Organizers aim to promote Uganda…
Ebola cases in DRC top 1,200
- The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has recorded 1,203 confirmed Ebola cases and 321 deaths since a mid-May outbreak declaration. - While 148 patients have recovered and contact tracing is im…
Uganda confirms new Ebola case linked to Congolese national
- Uganda has confirmed a new Ebola case, bringing the total to twenty and linking it to a Congolese national. - The Ministry of Health describes the outbreak as under control, with no local community …
Concern grows over Anita Among’s health
- Concerns are mounting over the health of former Ugandan Speaker of Parliament Anita Among. - Reports suggest she is experiencing significant health issues, including swollen feet. - A local MP has c…
Burundi to host World Swahili Day celebration as AI shapes regional language push
- Burundi will host the World Swahili Language Day celebrations and a conference on Kiswahili's future in the age of AI. - The event aims to discuss the role of African languages in emerging technolog…
Ainamani wins MTN Pro Tees Golf Series opener; Bagalana records hole-in-one
- Abraham Ainamani won the inaugural MTN Pro Tees Golf Series Leg 1 at Entebbe Club. - Ainamani finished with a 4-under par 280, securing a 2-stroke victory and the largest share of the prize money. -…
Uganda transport union launches affordable sanitary pads campaign
- Uganda's transport sector Union has launched 'Kili Clear,' a campaign to make sanitary pads accessible and affordable. - The initiative aims to address barriers faced by girls and women in accessing…
Uganda's Union launches 'Kili Clear' sanitary pads for greater accessibility
- Union, a Ugandan transport sector alliance, has launched 'Kili Clear,' a new line of affordable and high-quality sanitary pads. - The initiative aims to address the persistent challenge of menstrual…
Justice Madrama defends Law Development Centre standards
- Justice Christopher Madrama defended the Law Development Centre's (LDC) stringent academic standards, emphasizing their importance for Uganda's legal profession. - He stated that lowering standards …
Africa CDC: Nearly 90% of DRC Ebola contacts untraceable
- Nearly 90% of contacts traced in the Democratic Republic of Congo's Ebola outbreak are untraceable, according to the Africa CDC. - Major gaps in contact tracing systems are hindering containment eff…
Integrating indigenous knowledge in District Climate Change Action Plans strengthens climate justice
- Integrating indigenous knowledge into District Climate Change Action Plans is crucial for climate justice. - Traditional beliefs, like warnings against sitting at doorways during rain, offer insight…
Makerere University again loses bid to reclaim Katanga Land
- Makerere University lost a bid to reclaim land in Kampala's Katanga informal settlement. - The High Court ruled the university's suit was an abuse of process, as it was similar to an ongoing appeal.…
Xi’s visit set to deepen China-DPRK ties
- Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit North Korea from June 8-9 at the invitation of Kim Jong Un. - The visit aims to strengthen ties and chart a new course for relations between the two countries…
Solar Energy transforming education in Kilulu-Mbale
- Good Journey Nursery and Primary School in Mbale, Uganda, has installed a solar power system to overcome frequent electricity outages. - The solar system enables students, particularly Primary Seven…
Matia Kasaija's Colorful Legacy as Finance Minister
- Matia Kasaija is retiring after a decade as Uganda's Finance Minister, leaving a legacy of colorful remarks and economic stewardship. - Known for his candid and often humorous public statements, Kas…
Uganda breaks ground on Kidepo International Airport to boost Karamoja tourism
- Construction of Kidepo International Airport has begun in Uganda's Karamoja sub-region. - The airport aims to boost tourism, attract investment, and create jobs, with over 1,600 Ugandans already emp…
Why Uganda’s Ebola fight will be won in communities
- Uganda's Ebola response relies heavily on community-based interventions rather than solely on border controls. - The Bundibugyo strain of Ebola lacks an approved vaccine, making prevention, early de…
Winning The Arteta - Arsenal Way: A Tribute to Frank Muthusi
- This is a tribute to Frank Muthusi, a devoted Arsenal fan who passed away before seeing his team win the Premier League. - The author, Shirley Birungi, writes this piece in memory of Muthusi's passi…
Uganda records three new Ebola cases, total now five
- Uganda has recorded three new cases of Ebola virus disease, bringing the total confirmed cases to five. - The new cases include a Ugandan driver who died, a health worker, and a Congolese woman who …
Uganda's Oil Boom: Opportunity Knocks, But Will Local Firms Have the Cash to Answer?
- Uganda is on the verge of producing 230,000 barrels of oil per day, shifting its narrative from future potential to present production. - Local Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) face significant f…
Coca-Cola Uganda partners with Joe Walker Foundation for road safety campaign
- Coca-Cola Beverages Uganda (CCBU) has partnered with the Joe Walker Foundation to support the 2026 Joe Walker Road Safety Campaign. - The collaboration will fund nationwide road safety activities in…
MAKANO: More like a Basquiat ‘protégé’
- Ugandan artist MAKANO, aged 25, is showcasing his debut solo exhibition, "Red Flags 2026," in Zambia. - The artist, compared to Jean-Michel Basquiat for his style, draws inspiration from his experie…
Joint US-Ugandan Committee to Steer Multi-Billion Dollar Health Support
- The U.S. and Uganda launched a Joint Health Steering Committee to oversee a five-year, $2.3 billion health partnership. - The committee, co-chaired by the U.S. Ambassador and Uganda's Health Ministe…
Uganda Airlines’ Airbus returns to London after repairs
- Uganda Airlines' Airbus A330-800neo has resumed its London Gatwick route after nearly three months of maintenance. - The aircraft underwent unscheduled maintenance due to Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engi…
Visually impaired student’s journey and the impact of girls empowering programme
- Joseline Namutebi, a visually impaired student in Uganda, had her education transformed by the Girls Empowering Girls (GEG) program. - The program provided financial assistance for her school fees a…
