Local celebrities, Irene Ntale, Anne Kansiime and Maurice Kirya have joined an anti-poaching campaign dubbed “Poaching Steals from Us All”.

The three stars were unveiled as the campaign ambassadors on Monday and they will be instrumental in spreading the message of wild conservation among the masses.

“They will not speak for themselves. Let’s speak for them.” Irene Ntale noted.

The campaign is an initiative by Uganda Wildlife Authority which aims to create more awareness to millions of Ugandans on dangers of poaching. It is also supported by Uganda Conservation Foundation and Wild Aid, a non-profit organisation that seeks to end illegal wildlife trade.

Staff Writer

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By Andrew Mwenda

So Bobi Wine issued a “letter to Young Ugandans” in which he claims that colonialism marked Uganda’s golden age. This is the problem with President Yoweri Museveni’s critics – always ignorant and emotional and their arguments always lack substance in both matter and manner.

I really don’t want to defend Museveni because I personally disagree with him on many issues. For example his alliance with multinational capital has led him to a blind and naive embrace of foreign investors, a keenness to control inflation at 5% and an obsession with international competitive bidding. This may have given Uganda allocative efficiency (good for the short term) but it has undermined structural transformation that lies at the heart of development.

I will address Museveni’s deficiencies another day – how his policies have benefited international capital and displaced or stifled the growth of local (Ugandan) capital. As a result they have kept our country as an agricultural nation with little manufacturing.

The real danger to Uganda today is not Museveni but an extremist and fanatical wing of the opposition led by FDC cult leader and opposition presidential candidate for life, Kizza Besigye, and lately joined by Bobi Wine. These are emotional desperadoes without any clue of where Uganda has come from, where it is and where it should go.
Let us address Bobi Wine’s hare brained uninformed assertions. He claims that colonialism left behind a well functioning education. In 1961, only 343 students were unrolled in S5 and S6 in a country of 7m people. If such a rate was maintained Uganda today would have 2,225 students in A Level. We have 235,000. And he claims colonialism was the golden age of Uganda.

Bobi Wine also claims colonialism left behind great infrastructure. In 1960, Uganda had only 268km of tarmac after 72 years of colonial rule. The short lived DP government led by Kiwanuka added 210km in one year. Obote added 1,000km in eight years 1962-71. In spite of his government incompetence and corruption, Museveni has in the last 8 years added 4,000km of tarmac. So what is this Bobi Wine really talking about?

This “leader” of the youth of Uganda even claims that under colonial rule a child in a rural primary school would fairly compete with one in the city. But there were no schools in rural areas under colonial rule. If he meant in towns outside of kampala, he should check the 2016 PLE results. The ten best performing districts or towns in order of their performance were: Fort Portal, Entebbe, Ntungamo, Rukungiri, Jinja, Kabale, Masaka, Mbarara, Lira and Masindi. Many of these are far away from Kampala, a city that is not one of them.

Many Ugandan elites are lazy. They don’t want to read and know about their country. They prefer to sit in their homes and imagine things and then hope that such imagination is reality. In the modern age of science, it is sad that those who want to replace Museveni think that they can rely on hallucinations to inform public policy. Our country deserves better. Bobi Wine may be a good singer and dancer. But his “letter to young Ugandans” shows that he lacks the basic competences to even manage a village.

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Cindy Sanyu in a scene from the movie, “Bella”

Musician Cindy Sanyu is set to make her debut as an actor.

We have learnt that the singer will star in an upcoming movie dubbed “Bella”. In the movie, Cindy plays the role of a homeless young woman who sings to survive on the streets of Kampala.

Cindy co-stars in the movie alongside Stella Nantumbwe and Symon Kalema.

The movie premiere is scheduled for Sunday, October 22 at Kampala Serena Hotel.

Movie Synopsis: 

Bella is a homeless young woman who has to sing to get something to eat in order to survive on the streets of Kampala. One evening while going about her business, she walks in on a serial rapist on the verge of raping Sharon, a city prostitute. She helps Sharon fend off the rapist, and the two become friends. Their friendship picks up when Sharon later discovers Bella’s ability to sing. She introduces Bella to her client and friend Baby Cakes who is a failing musician and producer to try and produce some songs for her. Realizing what they have, they see this as an opportunity to straighten their lives out if they can get Bella to sing for crowds to which she has a phobia for.

Staff Writer

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Judith Babirye is one of the leading gospel artistes in Uganda

By James Propa

It is evident from several digital music selling platforms that comparatively gospel music is one of the most selling genres of music in the world. However it is evident in Uganda, most gospel artists tend to lock themselves in serving ‘the converted’ than serving the entire market.

It is also true that however much there is too much politics in the music industry, there is equally too much politics in the churches and this further reduces the audiences to which the gospel artists promote their music. This also affects the turn up at their concerts.

With this kind of politics hitting you up from both angles, there is absolutely little room to shine and benefit from your career.

Don’t you find it quite terrible that in 2017, we have only had 2 gospel artists staging relatively big concerts? Hon Judith Babirye and Levixone at the Museum. What is common about these 2 is the way they tapped into the radio stations and opportunities that are not driven by religion.

It is time for other gospel artists to start creating universal content using simple language that even non-believers can understand and like. This is when they will become happy and also have an opportunity to own mansions and sleek cars like their counterparts doing other genres of music.

Get out of your shell and shine!

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Musician turned politician, Bobi Wine has been blocked from holding a show in Mukono.

According to a police letter addressed to the promoter of the show, the show can not take place as scheduled because the singer incited the public at his most recent concert and is now under investigation.

While performing at the Busabala Fest that was held at One Love Beach on Sunday, Bobi Wine fired up crowds with his politically charged performance. This after he changed lyrics in some of his songs to hit out on the current political situation.

Police has now decided to block his subsequent shows claiming he was inciting the masses.

Staff Writer

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By Staff Writer

On Sunday singer Zanie Brown was at Lubya based Georgina Gardens for her final show for Muyaye Live Concert and with no doubt it was a sellout.

Zanie received a massive turn up by her fans despite the venue being far from town,she put up an energetic performance throughout the night that got everyone on their feet and most of them singing along with her

We had our snoops on the venue and here are the photos we managed to get you

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By Our Reporter

Lions Club of Kampala Central has donated several items to Salvation Army – Home of Joy, a centre for the physically  disabled.

The team lead by Rizwah Qadri, the Governor, Lions Club district 411-B(Uganda & Tanzania) delivered the different items including food stuffs and reading material to the centre in Ku Bbiri, Kampala on Wednesday.

Speaking during the handover, Rizwah Qadri noted that these children also need  love and also called on other organisations to support this centre.

“All children are a blessing from God, and they require our love and so much support.” He stated.

The charity drive comes as part of the organisation’s build up to the 5th annual Lions Marathon which will take place this Sunday, October 22 at Kololo Independence Grounds. The marathon will raise funds which will go towards conducting five eye camps (cataract surgeries) in different parts of Uganda.

The marathon is organized by Lions Club of Kampala Central and sponsored by Kingdom Rice. Tickets are on sale at 20K(adults) and 10K(students).

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The “King of the Turntables” returns for its 3rd edition this Saturday.

This year’s edition which will be held under the theme “All Stars” will feature eight of Ugandan top DJ’s namely; Kasbaby, Naselow, Selector Jay, duo Roja & Slick Stuart, Mr Silverback aka Apeman and Deejay Jo.

The highly anticipated deejay showcase hosted by celebrated disc jockey, DJ Aludah, will be held at the Square located on 3rd Street in Industrial area.

The entrance fee is only UGX 20,000 to be paid at the gate. Early bird tickets go for UGX 30,000 for two tickets available at Definition shop Acacia and Yujo Restaurant/Talent Africa.

The Kings of Turntables event is powered by Talent Africa, DJ Association of Uganda, RadioCity 97FM and Uganda Waragi.

Staff Writer

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As the second edition of Patrick Idringi Salvado’s one-man show dubbed “Man From Omokolo” draws closer, we have learnt that the comedian has received tremendous support from his Nigerian star friends.

Salvado has just concluded the Glo Lafta Fest tour in Nigeria and he made a couple of celebrity friends who are backing his show.

Top Nigerian stars like Kanayo Okanayo, Basket Mouth, Usouofia, and Clit the drunk, among others have shared video drops endorsing Salvado’s show slated for Friday, October 27 at Imperial Royale hotel.

When we contacted Salvado on whether some of these Nigerian stars will be in attendance, he insisted that he was not comfortable letting out such info to the public. “These are my friends and they wanted to support me, we have a personal understanding that I wouldn’t want to betray,” the comic told us.

Salvado’s show is sponsored by Singleton whisky. Tickets go for 100k and tables will cost Shs3m.

Staff Writer

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By Our Reporter

Black Creations Collection, a new clothing line is set to be officially be launched in Uganda under the theme “Uganda’s Fashion Renaissance”.

The launch will be held in partnership with the Presidential Initiative on Skilling the Girl Child Project  at an invite only, high end fashion extravaganza that will take place this Friday, October 20 at Imperial Royale Hotel.

The brand aims at spearheading Pan Africanism not only in Uganda but to also the entire African continent and overseas.

This will be the maiden launch and it will be held annually to celebrate the different cultural norms and anything that promotes culture and festivities in Uganda plus also get a taste of the sundry cultures within our nation and learn to appreciate the degree of diversity with ourselves.

The major vision and objectives of the launch for BLACK CREATIONS COLLECTION will be to majorly bring all the colors and cultures of Uganda and the entire African continent at the one platform to be a symbol of cultural harmony and the rich cultural diversity across the entire global fashion world.

The target audiences for BLACK CREATIONS COLLECTION brand is mainly all people that appreciate rich African culture and heritage, plus sophisticated, sass and glamour not forgetting timeless Afro-centric Fashion.

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President Yoweri Museveni recently launched the Pearl of Africa Hotel, which is now the biggest hotel in Uganda.

In his remarks, the President noted that the facility will reinforce the tourism sector as he lauded the Aya brothers for their contribution to Uganda’s economic growth.

The 5-star hotel was officially launched at a gala dinner which was attended by several dignitaries including ministers, city businessmen among others.

The 20-storey luxury hotel which is managed by South Africa’s Sovereign Hotels stands tall on Nakasero Hill and boasts of 253 rooms and 42 suites.

Here are some photos from the launch ceremony:

Staff Writer

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The Miss Tourism Uganda 2017 finalists during their boot camp.

The search for the next Miss Tourism Uganda beauty queen is finally coming to an end.

After traversing the country for the past three months selecting regional winners, the ultimate Miss Tourism beauty queen will finally be unveiled this Saturday, October 21, to replace the reigning queen Eildad Epiaka Odongkara.

Twelve beauty queens each representing one of the regions of Uganda will battle for the coveted crown and also a chance to walk away in a brand new car.

The pageant, which aims to promote Uganda’s tourism by showcasing Ugandan beauties as the pearls of Africa, is being held under the theme “Let the pearl shine” this year. The grand finale ceremony is scheduled to take place Kampala Serena Hotel.

Staff Writer

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It is never a dull the Sunday at the SkyBeach Freedom city rooftop.

The hangout which was officially opened early this year hosts the fun-filled Carribean pool chills party every Sunday.

Last Sunday, the event attracted  a host of revellers who indulged in several fun activities till late in the night. The party kicked off early in the day with revelers first enjoying a fun time in the swimming pool, before later taking to the dance floor in the evening as deejays Alza, StarBoy and Mickey took over the turntables.

Here are some photos from the party:

Staff Writer

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Lillian Lwantale, senior manager Advisory, Strategy and Operations Deloitte Uganda Limited

Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) are an important segment in Uganda’s economy. According to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, the SME sector employs over 2.5 million people (90% of the entire private sector) and generates 80% of manufactured output which contributes 20% of the gross domestic product (GDP).

Even though SMEs play a significant role in the economy, most have limited access to financing. “Less than 40% of SMEs in Uganda have access to bank loans and approximately 80% of the SMEs are unserved or underserved by financial institutions. SMEs are typically deemed riskier than large corporations due to lack of credit history, poor financial backing and governance structures, less business experience, and low business diversification,” explained Lilian Lwantale, senior manager Advisory, Strategy and Operations Deloitte Uganda Limited.

Today, these needs are inadequately addressed by Uganda’s financial ecosystem. Although the SME loan size is growing, the amount of loans SMEs receive is still disproportionately less than corporates despite their more significant contribution to gross domestic product (GDP) and employment. The current state of SME financing
remains both a sizeable gap to fill and opportunity to serve. SME loan volumes in Uganda constitute less than 20% of total loans, presenting a sizeable opportunity for banks to target and increase lending to the SME market.

Lack of financing is consistently cited by SMEs as one of the main barriers to growth. However, several key factors impede SME lending. “Financial infrastructure such as low SME coverage by credit reference bureaus increases the cost of SME credit risk assessment, inadequate distribution channels limit banks from reaching out and serving SMEs in either the physical or digital space- not to mention lack of cash flow visibility which forces banks to adopt stringent collateral-based credit risk models hindering lending,” she emphasized.

These impediments are not unique to Uganda but also prevalent in more advanced economies where SMEs have easier access to loans. In those countries, we see banks, financial technologies (FinTechs) and e-commerce providers seeking to fill the SME financing gap by adopting innovative business solutions. So what opportunities are ripe for Uganda’s case study?

“Research shows that there is a disparity between what SMEs want and expect from banks and what banks can deliver. They require access to unsecured credit and are willing to pay a higher interest rate to obtain it through reliable, convenient channels such as branches, ATMs, and internet banking. At Deloitte, on top of providing SMEs with financial oversight, we offer business advice on how to lower their business costs, improve productivity and be better prepared for the global market,” Lwantale added.

Lwantale further mentioned that in the advent of the digital age, financial institutions in Uganda have to rethink the role of banks in the SME banking space to address the financing gap and capitalize on the SME banking opportunity.
“Given the importance of SMEs to Uganda’s economy, a strong well financed SME base is key to local and regional economic growth. With sufficient financing and access to business advisory services to foster continual improvement of operational efficiency and productivity, SMEs can become more competitive and resilient, drive innovation and be sustainable in today’s competitive economic landscape.”

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Media personality and events emcee, Dave Dash is well on his way to recovery.

The former NTV presenter who has been admitted in rehab for over a month now, has revealed that he is feeling alive once again.

He made the remarks while speaking about his experience at the rehabilitation centre.

He posted: “It’s been 4 weeks already and I have never felt alive in my entire life for the first time, first of all I want to thank everyone that has been with me and still holding your hearts down for me plus those that have extended so much Love and Care to me before I go any further i want to take this great opportunity to express complete ground breaking love and care at Butabika Hospital team and Doctor squard and for meeting my New Master and Teacher Mr Mwebiha Amatos the only person vowed to meet my Bills and delivered as promised this guy is a special man from God himself to preserve my second chance on earth in simple detail that is to say as you’re yet to witness.”

Dave Dash was checked into rehab after he shocked the nation when he was spotted running on the streets stark naked in one the Kampala suburbs in a video that went viral on social media. Sources revealed that Dave had been a longtime user of drugs, and it is believed that the odd behaviour was due to drug abuse.

Staff Writer

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Musician turned politician, Bobi Wine has finally spoken out on Police barring him from holding any concerts.

This after Police denied him clearance to hold a show in Mukono. According to a police letter addressed to the promoter of the show, the show can not take place as scheduled because the singer incited the public at his most recent concert and is now under investigation.

While performing at the Busabala Fest that was held at One Love Beach on Sunday, Bobi Wine fired up crowds with his politically charged performance. This after he changed lyrics in some of his songs to hit out on the current political situation.

This is what he had to say about Police blocking his shows:

“Throughout history, when dictatorships realize that the people have resoundingly rejected them, they resort to all forms of unreasonable and autocratic laws to silence dissent. So far they have cancelled three of my shows one in Kasese, another in Kamuli and now in Mukono. For the past two shows we had obtained all the clearances, only to be told on last minute that I would not be allowed to perform in the fear that I would utter some ‘political statements’!

Now, I was planning another music concert in Mukono on 21st October, and the Kampala Metropolitan Police Commander, one Frank Mwesigwa illegally denied us permission to proceed with the concert. Reason? That I uttered inciting statements to the public at Busabala! Last evening I received a letter summoning me to Kibuli Police today to record a statement in respect to these same trumped up charges.

While at One Love Beach Busabala last Sunday, people in their thousands turned up and we had fun all night. During my performance, as always WE THE PEOPLE took off some time to talk about the future of our country in word and song. Although I had been ‘warned’ by some unpatriotic elements within the police not to talk about the constitution during the show, I could not accept self-censorship in order to please some anti-people elements!

The regime now wants to write for me lyrics for what I sing. What a shame!

As they listened to music and danced the night away, the throngs of people- young and old, consciously made it clear that they want a better Uganda, and that to achieve that, dictatorship and life presidency must be resisted and rejected.

Let me say this to my music fans and all Ugandans- We are on the right side of the law and most importantly, we are on the right side of history. As everyone knows, this is not prosecution. It is simply persecution. To them, I must sing in support of the dictatorship or not be allowed to sing. In fact, I have always been approached by some of these people with requests that I sing in support of the dictatorship or at least keep quiet. Several offers have been made to turn me into one of their puppets. But I rejected them flat. They told me recently that they will block my shows and frustrate my businesses until I run broke. Too bad for them, they have been made to believe that money is everything. They wrongly think that by stopping my shows they impoverish me, break my firmness and compromise my values.

I have said this to them in private and I repeat it in public- I Kyagulanyi Ssentamu – Bobi Wine, shall never sell my soul to the devil. I shall never use my voice to sing for a dictatorship that is running our country to hell. I shall never sing to console the enemies of the people. I shall never use my voice to betray my country. And yes, I shall always sing about the plight of our people. Their voice shall be my voice. I shall always sing for a better Uganda, because friends, this is the only home we have- whatever is still left of it, we are Ugandans.

You notice that when some of my colleague artists sing political songs in support of the regime- the real inciting songs because they get most people angry, the police doesn’t come out to stop them. In fact, they are given police protection! You can perform ‘tubonga naawe’ anywhere, anyday without restriction. But the dictatorship gets worked up over any song which exposes their evil. The regime can’t take it any longer. They call it incitement, hateful! They forget that they are already exposed and such acts work to expose them more.”

Staff Writer

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By Stuart G-Khast

When the dancehall hits Pull Up and Cheza Mama first hit Uganda’s airwaves, many thought the Voltage duo of Kent and Flosso, were Jamaicans. This was partly because of the exotic beats that were produced by a talented Ugandan audio producer.

Today we introduce to you this dynamic producer who has quickly risen to become one of Uganda’s most sough-after dancehall producers.

Vad is a 26-year old producer signed to Sound Prints, the same recording and distribution label where Voltage music is signed. On top of producing Pull Up, Cheza Mama and Sampo for Voltage music, he has done Olwalero for Bebe Cool and Chizzo; Onetoloza for Eddy Kenzo; Njabala for B2C; Mbawe for Jose Chameleone among other tracks.

Born Vad Namanda, the young and dynamic producer was raised in Mengo and Kawempe. At the tender age of 14, Vad started playing piano in church, where he later met and worked with gospel music icons like Levixon, Coopy Bly, Exodus, Pastor Bugembe among others. This early start equipped Vad with the necessary skills that keep him busy today.

Securing time with Vad was indeed an arduous task as he was busy putting final touches on Voltage music’s next mega hit song, Stamina. When we managed to catch up with him, the calm producer also mentioned that he was working on several projects, including with Nigerian stars Skalez and DJ Spinna.

Vad opened up to BigEyeUG that he is inspired by international music geniuses like Dr Dre, American producer Ryan Rasley and Jamaican Sound Engineer Don Caleon.

We thought we had heard the best of his work, but after the studio visit, we believe the best of this young man is still ahead of him. Watch out for him.

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Musician turned politician, Bobi Wine has run to the courts of law seeking redress after Police barred him from holding concerts.

Bobi Wine has been denied permission to hold music shows because he has allegedly turned the concerts into an avenue to extend his political agenda.

This is according to a letter that was addressed to the promoter of Bobi Wine’s  show that was scheduled to take place at Colline Hotel in Mukono this Saturday. Police said that the show can not take place as scheduled because the singer incited the public at his last concert that was held One Love Beach on Sunday and is now under investigation.

We have learnt that the singer has now filed a suit in the High Court and wants Ugx 300 million in compensation and a court order preventing the police from blocking his future shows.

Staff Writer

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Songstress Sheebah Karungi has made her debut on Africa’s biggest music platform – Coke Studio Africa 2017 and impressed with her lead on an all East African cocktail of music produced by Malawian born music producer based in South African: Gemini Major. On the show, Sheebah was paired alongside Asegnew Ashko from Ethiopia to create wonderful music fusions cutting across authentic Ethiopian music and the best of Uganda dancehall. The two also collaborated with Tanzanian rapper Bill Nass on a hip-hop remix of his smash hit single “Chafu Pozi”.

“My dream is to become an international artist not just locked in Uganda and to be the biggest super star I can ever be,” Sheebah says of the opportunity Coke Studio Africa has presented to her, adding: “Being on Coke Studio Africa this year is one of the things that make me feel like am on my way now. I am so honored to be here and that Coke Studio has recognized me. Africa is recognizing me and I am happy to be working with talented producers and musicians. I am going to use this opportunity to do everything I can to go the next level.” Sheebah confirms that she is already in talks with Bill Nass on new collaborations post Coke Studio. Since her Coke Studio recording, Sheebah has also released a song with Coke Studio Nigeria artist Runtown.

Sheebah asserts that to remain on top of the music industry, all artists must be “on time, wake up early to do work,” adding, “I will do this for the rest of my life and push every day until I make it to the top.” In the past few years, Sheebah’s career has been on an upward trajectory, with 2017 being her peak so far. Formerly a member of Obsessions, the sensational all-girl Ugandan group music group, was this year crowned the Female Artist of the Year at the prestigious awards HiPipo Awards this year. Her release of the remix of her song “Nkwatako” featuring Nigerian artist Solidstar and “Weekend” with Runtown are two of Sheebah’s top hit songs released this year. She talks on her Coke Studio original song collaboration with Asegnew Ashko: “I love women empowerment and was very happy we got to write a song that touches on early or forced marriages. This is a must listen!”

Other top Ugandan acts featured on On Coke Studio Africa – 2017 include returning artists: Eddy Kenzo and Lydia Jazmine alongside first timers: Bebe Cool and Ykee Benda.

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Musician Aziz Azion is a father again!

The “Am Bad” hitmaker and his wife Deyby Wadsen recently welcomed a bouncing baby girl. The couple has since christened their bundle of joy Daneen Zoha Mukisa.

Aziz Azion is proud of his offspring and could not wait to show off the new addition to the family on social media. The photo of his newly born baby was received with lots of congratulatory messages to the singer.

Aziz Azion and his wife are now blessed with three kids.

Staff Writer

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