Sources say Gondodyo, who is set to be buried on Tuesday in Bugiri, suffered severe injuries and internal bleeding after being repeatedly assaulted by a group reportedly made up largely of boda boda riders.”The gang rounded him up and thoroughly beat him. They accused him of snatching a handbag of one of their clients,” a source familiar with the incident revealed.

However, investigators have not officially confirmed the circumstances that triggered the attack, and multiple voices on social media are raising the possibility that Gondodyo may have been a victim of mistaken identity. “The mob just descended on him and beat him repetitively,” another source said.What makes the tragedy even more chilling is that Gondodyo had reportedly just attended a birthday celebration for his son in Lugogo shortly before the attack.

Witnesses say police arrived after the mob had already inflicted devastating injuries on the rugby star. Footage circulating online appears to show officers placing Gondodyo onto a police pickup truck. Many Ugandans have reacted angrily to the images.”He was thrown on a police truck like a sack of lumonde. That is our professional PoliceUg,” posted X user Wounded Ugandan.

The gruesome death has triggered an emotional national conversation about mob justice, public safety and the growing power of boda boda gangs in Kampala. One social media user summed up the anger being felt across the country.”A national team star murdered in cold blood by a rowdy mob on the streets of Kampala in the 2pm sun! We’re at a point of lynching a national team player with stones, pavers, wood and metal on the streets of the capital? Where exactly did we go wrong as a country?”

DID HE REALLY SNATCH A BAG?

As police investigations continue, fierce debate has erupted online over the allegations that Gondodyo was involved in a handbag snatching incident. Many of those who knew him insist such claims are impossible.

Ronald Atugonza wrote: “He wasn’t your usual street kid. He grew up in one of the rich families in the heart of Mbale City. He worked and played professional rugby on salaries and stipends. What would be in the bag that would interest Sydney to steal it? He was no thief in the first place.” Another user, One Conrad T, echoed similar sentiments. “No he didn’t and could never according to those who know him. What I know is that boda guys are using this same tactic to rob many people. Some survive and others actually succumb to immense injuries. I pray the recordings expose the real culprits.”

Questions are also being raised about the mysterious woman whose bag was allegedly stolen.”Who is the girl whose bag was allegedly snatched? I think the investigation should start from there,” wrote Mr Zecco. Others suggested the entire incident may have been a setup.Ray posted: “They say it was a woman’s bag but why do you think it’s a man asking for it? They set bro up to steal from him.” Enock David Kabonge added: “I think they took advantage of his looks, called him a snatcher and then stole his car.”

MOB JUSTICE OR MURDER?

Regardless of whether Gondodyo was innocent or guilty of any offence, many Ugandans are unanimous on one point: nobody deserves to be beaten to death by a mob. King Dickse condemned what happened as “trial without jury.” “They beat you to death only to discover later that they’re beating the wrong culprit,” he wrote.

Frank Kagabo was equally furious. “Even if he did, does anyone have a right to extrajudicially kill a suspect? Or any human being whatever the case? Such a mentality is what leads to this.”Sesan also argued that law enforcement institutions must work harder to restore public confidence. “Even if he did, nobody has a right to inflict pain on another person. Police must become professional to listen to all people with fairness and care. This will reduce mob justice.”

SPORTS COMMUNITY IN MOURNING

The death has sent shockwaves through Uganda’s rugby fraternity. Friends, teammates and supporters describe Gondodyo as a cheerful and talented athlete whose future was still bright.One supporter wrote: “Man that can’t be involved in such acts. He was a jolly guy, a national rugby player known by many.”

Another added: “Please respect him by not asking stupid questions just for clout and likes. He was a national treasure in many ways you’ll never comprehend.”Many supporters have also pointed to Gondodyo’s recent rugby engagements and questioned why an established national athlete would suddenly resort to petty crime.

“Why would he get out of a luxury car to snatch a pedestrian’s bag?” asked Ndawula Jonathan-Juuko. The unanswered questions surrounding the incident have only deepened the mystery.

POLICE SWING INTO ACTION

Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke confirmed that arrests have already been made. “We have made some arrests in respect to this wanton act. More will be made to bring all the perpetrators to book. A detailed statement will be issued in due course,” he posted on X. The announcement has been welcomed by many Ugandans, although others insist that every person involved in the attack must be identified and prosecuted.As detectives sift through videos and witness accounts, pressure is mounting on authorities to establish exactly what happened in the moments leading up to the fatal beating.

NATION DEMANDS ANSWERS

The death of Sydney Gondodyo has once again thrust the issue of mob justice into the national spotlight. For many Ugandans, the tragedy is about more than the death of a rugby player. It is a warning about a society where accusations can quickly turn into death sentences before investigations are conducted.

Whether Gondodyo was an innocent man caught in the wrong place at the wrong time or whether there was another chain of events leading to the attack, one fact remains undeniable: a father, son, friend and national athlete is dead. And as mourners prepare to lay him to rest in Bugiri, a grieving nation is left asking one haunting question: Who will be held accountable for the mob that turned a busy Kampala street into a killing ground?

The controversial exercise was conducted under court orders by a team of forensic experts led by Assistant Inspector General of Police Dr. Moses Byaruhanga. Samples were collected and are expected to be analyzed by both the Government Analytical Laboratory and the Uganda Police Forensic Laboratory.The DNA exercise follows claims by more than 20 individuals who believe they are biological children of the late singer and are entitled to a share of his estate.For many Ugandans, the exhumation marks a dramatic chapter in the story of a man widely regarded as the greatest Kadongo Kamu musician Uganda has ever produced.

From Village Boy To Music Royalty

Born in Nkokonjeru, Buikwe District in the 1970, Prince Paul Kafeero rose from humble beginnings to become one of Uganda’s most celebrated musicians.His unique voice, storytelling ability and mastery of the Kadongo Kamu genre made him a household name throughout the 1980s and 1990s.Kafeero’s music reflected the struggles and aspirations of ordinary Ugandans. He sang about love, betrayal, politics, family conflicts and social injustice, earning him admiration across generations.Among his most memorable songs were “Walumbe Zaaya,” “Tusuubira Omutanda,” “Ddala Nfuna,” “Agenze Pawulo,” “Mukyala Mulungi,” and “Sibalya Kuloza.” Many of these songs remain staples on local radio stations years after his death. Veteran Kadongo Kamu fans still describe him as the benchmark against which all other artists are measured.

The Women In His Life

Away from the stage, Kafeero lived a colourful and often controversial life. Friends say the singer enjoyed fame, women and the finer things of life. Over the years he reportedly fathered children with several women from different parts of Uganda.One of the relationships that attracted public attention involved a European woman, often referred to by fans as “the Muzungu wife.”The relationship became a subject of fascination among fans and tabloid newspapers such as Red Pepper and Bukedde at the time. However, those close to the singer say managing multiple relationships eventually created tensions that continued even after his death.Today, different branches of the family continue to disagree over who qualifies as a legitimate heir to the singer’s estate.

Alcohol’s Grip On A Legend

Despite his enormous success, Kafeero struggled with alcoholism for much of his later life. Friends and fellow musicians have previously spoken about how alcohol gradually affected his health and career. Several performances were reportedly disrupted by excessive drinking while close associates watched helplessly as the star battled personal demons.

Some critics argue that alcoholism shortened the singer’s life and robbed Uganda of many more years of his artistic brilliance.Others insist he was a victim of the pressures that often accompany fame. Whatever the truth, many believe alcohol played a significant role in the decline of one of Uganda’s greatest musical talents.

A Shocking Death

When Kafeero died in 2007, Uganda mourned deeply. Thousands of fans, politicians, musicians and cultural leaders paid tribute to the fallen icon. Radio stations dedicated hours of programming to his music while mourners described him as a cultural treasure whose songs had shaped Uganda’s musical identity.His burial was attended by huge crowds, many believing the singer would finally rest in peace. Few imagined that years later his grave would be reopened amid a bitter family dispute.

Estate Wars Erupt

Almost immediately after his death, disputes emerged regarding his property and beneficiaries. Questions about land ownership, royalties and inheritance quickly divided family members.As years passed, more individuals emerged claiming to be Kafeero’s biological children. The claims triggered legal battles, accusations and counter-accusations that have persisted for nearly two decades.The uncertainty has reportedly delayed the proper administration of parts of his estate and left family members locked in endless conflict.

Balaam Speaks Out

Outgoing State Minister for Youth and Children Affairs Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi, who describes Kafeero as a personal friend, says the DNA process is intended to establish the truth once and for all.”As I prepare to hand over the Youth and Children Affairs docket, I wish to inform the public that the long-standing paternity dispute involving over 20 young people allegedly fathered by my friend, the late Prince Paul Kafeero, will soon be resolved,” Balaam said.He praised the court, forensic experts and police for facilitating the exercise and said he personally funded the process in the interest of justice and family harmony.According to Balaam, scientific evidence will finally provide answers where speculation and family disagreements have failed.

What Fellow Musicians Say

Several leading Kadongo Kamu artists have expressed sadness that one of the genre’s greatest pioneers continues to dominate headlines because of family disputes rather than his musical legacy. Some artists argue that the DNA exercise, though painful, is necessary to provide closure.Others fear the exhumation may further deepen divisions among relatives. Fans interviewed by this publication expressed mixed reactions. Some supported the process, saying every child deserves to know their biological roots. Others questioned whether disturbing the remains of a respected cultural icon was necessary.

Will DNA End The Drama?

Forensic experts say DNA testing remains one of the most reliable methods for establishing biological relationships.Once results are released, they could significantly influence inheritance claims and help determine who qualifies as a legal beneficiary of Kafeero’s estate.Yet even as the scientific process begins, observers warn that the family feud may not end overnight.

Questions regarding property distribution, royalties and management of the singer’s legacy could still generate fresh disagreements.For now, Uganda waits. The man whose songs united millions in life has become the centre of one of the country’s most dramatic inheritance battles in death.Will the DNA finally settle the protracted family feud?Or will new revelations trigger yet another chapter in the saga surrounding the King of Kadongo Kamu?

Watch this space.

Millions On The Table

Kabonge, who has managed the young content creator’s brand during his rise to fame, insisted that revenues generated from Tenge Tenge’s content have not been hidden from the family.According to him, earnings from skits and promotional deals have been shared with the influencer’s father throughout their working relationship.”From money we earned from the skits we have been sharing it with Tenge Tenge’s father,” Kabonge revealed during the livestream.

The Shs60m Deal That Sparked Questions

The manager further disclosed details of a lucrative commercial arrangement reportedly involving Simbaland, a deal that has now become a focal point in the growing dispute.Kabonge claimed that the six-month contract was expected to bring in Shs60 million but that only Shs30 million was eventually received. “The Simbaland deal was supposed to give us Shs60 million on a six-month contract…”

Father Defends His Share

Tenge Tenge’s father did not deny receiving money from his son’s earnings. Instead, he openly defended his decision, saying the money was used to support his large family. “I am a family man with 10 children in my household and my family is my responsibility…”

Fans Demand Accountability

The father’s comments have divided public opinion. While some sympathize with the financial pressures facing a family supporting many children, others argue that money generated by a child star should be carefully managed and invested for the child’s future.

History Of Child Stars Being Cheated

Many observers say the Tenge Tenge saga mirrors similar stories that have played out across the world, where talented entertainers generated huge revenues only to discover later that they had little control over their earnings.One of the most famous examples is the actor who starred as Xi in The Gods Must Be Crazy.Despite the movie becoming a global sensation and earning millions internationally, reports over the years suggested that the actor received only a small fraction of the wealth generated by the film.

Fame, Money And Trouble

In recent years, internet sensation Tenge Tenge has become one of Uganda’s most recognizable digital personalities.His humorous videos and unique style have attracted millions of views across TikTok and other social media platforms, turning him into a sought-after brand ambassador.The success brought sponsorships, appearances and endorsement opportunities.

Who Owns The Brand?

However, fame and money often bring conflict. As the young creator’s popularity grew, so did questions about who controls the accounts, who negotiates deals and who receives payments on his behalf. The latest public exchanges have only intensified those concerns.

Child Influencers Need Protection

Critics argue that child influencers are particularly vulnerable because they depend on adults to make financial and business decisions for them.Without clear contracts and transparent accounting systems, disagreements can easily escalate into public battles.

A Wake-Up Call For Uganda’s Digital Industry

The controversy has also highlighted the absence of strong regulations governing earnings generated by child influencers in Uganda.Unlike some countries where a percentage of a child actor’s income must legally be preserved in protected trust accounts, Uganda’s digital creator industry remains largely unregulated.

The Battle Is Far from Over

Meanwhile, fans of Tenge Tenge have flooded social media with calls for transparency.Some are demanding independent oversight of the young star’s finances, while others believe all parties involved should sit down and resolve their differences away from the public eye.For many observers, the controversy is about much more than the missing millions. It is about ensuring that the next generation of child stars does not become another chapter in the long history of talented entertainers who made others rich while struggling to secure their own future.

By Staff Reporter

Despite the growing interest, anyone hoping to unseat Magogo faces significant hurdles.According to the FUFA Electoral Code, a candidate seeking the presidency must have served as a member of the FUFA Executive Committee or an executive member of one of FUFA’s recognized associations for at least four years within the previous eight years before the election. In addition, aspiring candidates are required to present nomination endorsements from a top-flight football club, a special interest group, and a regional football association.These requirements proved difficult for Kabushenga during the previous election cycle, where his reported interest in the top seat failed to materialize because he did not meet the eligibility criteria.

Sources within football circles suggest that those pushing for change would only stand a realistic chance if government intervened and suspended the current FUFA leadership. However, such a move could attract sanctions from FIFA, which strongly opposes government interference in football administration.“It would be risky for government to suspend Magogo and his executive at a time when Uganda and its East African neighbours are preparing to host AFCON under the PAMOJA bid,” a source noted.

The same source added that, in the event of pressure mounting on Magogo, authorities could instead opt for an internal transition by elevating one of his executive members. FUFA First Vice President Justus Mugisha has been mentioned as a possible replacement should circumstances force Magogo out.Mugisha previously served in an acting capacity when Magogo was temporarily suspended by FIFA following the ticket resale scandal that implicated the FUFA president several years ago.Nevertheless, Kabushenga reportedly remains confident that he can rally support from key stakeholders and convince decision-makers that he is capable of restoring stability and professionalism to Ugandan football administration.Kabushenga has previously been involved in efforts aimed at supporting and reviving the Uganda Cranes during challenging periods, a factor his supporters believe strengthens his credentials for football leadership.

While most taxes are financial, sometimes a social limitation exacts a spiritual and social toll from a country. This is the case with content piracy and illegal streaming. The theft of Africa’s creative work drains the continent of its artistic expression; its very ideas.

Creative expression is a human urge, but it can only become a full-time career when it is financially viable. Because of its fundamental importance, entire industries have been built around the sharing of artistic work. In today’s economy, this tends to take the form of digital content steaming – music, movies, series, and live televised entertainment. However, for the same reason that over-the-top (OTT) digital platforms are convenient for sharing content, they also become targets for piracy and content theft. Much-loved entertainment providers like MultiChoice, a Canal+ company, are prime targets for this type of exploitation, which often takes the form of illegal streaming.

A fundamental violation of intellectual property, illegal streaming may come free or extremely cheaply for users. It also generates significant income for the criminal syndicates that prey on the work of Africa’s artists. However, this theft of copyrighted material functions as a tax on the legitimate artists and businesses producing it. Every time a series is pirated, legitimate producers and rights-holders are robbed of fair payment. This means the series itself becomes less attractive to business investment. The threshold at which a show is worth producing becomes that much higher.

For small and growing shows, illegal streaming essentially taxes this content out of existence. Content theft means shows are not commissioned, and the crews – directors, camera operators, make-up artists, sound engineers, among others are robbed of jobs and opportunities. London-based piracy monitoring and content protection firm MUSO has found that unlicensed streaming is the predominant source of TV and film piracy, accounting for 96%. TV piracy is by far the predominant form of content piracy, and the organisation detected 229.4 million visits to pirate websites in 2023, a 6.7% increase on the year before.

Piracy is a “hidden tax” paid by creators, crews, sports bodies and customers via lost revenue. It’s also a tax on audiences, through degraded services. Globally, it’s been estimated that digital video piracy costs the entertainment industry up to $71 billion in annual losses. This impact translates into reduced taxation incomes for government, which leaves less budget for social services. IP theft at this scale is therefore a drain on the quality of life of all citizens.

For users, there are numerous risks to using illegal streaming services. Besides contravening copyright law, people subscribing to such services open themselves up to credit-card fraud. Software and devices can become infected with malware, and you run the risk of having your identity stolen. To try to remove this tax on the entertainment sector, law-enforcement authorities launch raids, issue take-down orders and even shut down infringing pirate streamers. Unfortunately, as soon as one platform is taken down, another often appears to take its place.

As Africa’s most-loved storyteller, MultiChoice operates at the nexus of the streaming ecosystem. MultiChoice creates the content that catches the imagination of Africa’s people, it supports thousands of creators who work as staff and suppliers, and it is therefore at the heart of the fight to protect that content. MultiChoice cybersecurity business Irdeto has developed sophisticated tracing and watermarking technologies, which allow them to protect more than six billion devices around the world. The company secures 7.2 -billion streams in a single month, and supports legitimate content through more than 17-billion DRM license transactions.

As a leader of the Partners Against Piracy campaign, the organisation has also helped raise awareness of the impact of illicit streaming, and how to fight it. But to ultimately lift the tax that undermines the functioning of Africa’s creative economy, to free the stories, the ideas and the cultural energy, it’s up to African audiences to take the ethical path, and to support the creators they profess to love. By making the right choices, and paying the affordable subscriptions to legitimate streaming services, we invest in Africa’s storytelling economy. It is only through our own actions that illicit streaming has the power levy such prohibitive taxes on our industry. And it is the actions of the African audiences that can remove those taxes. When users say no to pirated content, they set African creativity free.

The writer is the PR and Communications Manager, MultiChoice Uganda.

Of the total contribution, the Rotary Uganda Districts will be receiving UGX100 million each, while UGX80 million has been allocated to support the Rotary Africa Zone Conference. The funding is expected to facilitate the conferences’ activities, strengthen collaboration among stakeholders, and enhance Rotary’s capacity to deliver impactful community programs.

The contribution was announced by the Managing Director of Centenary Bank, Dr. Fabian Kasi during the official launch of this year’s conferences, gatherings aimed at inspiring, connecting, and energizing Rotarians for greater impact. Kasi said that Centenary Bank is proud to be one the longest-standing partner in Rotary Uganda’s programmes having contributed over UGX 5 billion towards Rotary initiatives since 2011 with a significant focus on cancer awareness and treatment.

Together, Centenary Bank and Rotary have supported the establishment of the Rotary-Centenary Bank Cancer Ward, led cancer awareness parades and public education campaigns, served as a main sponsor of the Rotary Cancer Run for the past 13 years, contributed to the installation of cancer bunkers, distributed cancer testing kits to health facilities across the country and supported medical camps to extend services closer to communities.

“Beyond cancer, our partnership spans several impactful areas such as support to the Mengo Blood Bank, youth empowerment through Vijana Powa, support for school construction and hospital equipment, financial literacy initiatives, tree planting and environmental conservation efforts, supporting presidential installations, among others,” Kasi said.

Kasi noted that this year, the bank has committed 1.5% of its previous year’s profit to corporate social responsibility initiatives that aim to uplift the community in areas of education, health, environmental stewardship, the social mission of the Church and broader community development initiatives.

“We remain committed to strengthening this partnership and to continuing our contribution towards building healthier, more empowered, and more sustainable communities,” he added. The Rotary District 9213 Governor, Geoffrey Martin Kitakule welcomed thecontribution highlighting its significance in advancing Rotary’s mission.

“We are deeply grateful to Centenary Bank for this generous support. This contribution will go a long way in ensuring the success of the upcoming conferences and strengthening our ability to deliver sustainable, community- driven impact. Partnerships like this are essential in helping us reach more people and create lasting change,” Governor Kitakule said.

The 2026 Rotary District 9213 Conference will take place from 15 th to 18 th April at Protea Hotel, Entebbe, the Rotary District 9214 Conference from 23 rd to 25th April at Speke Resort Munyonyo, while the Rotary Africa Zone Conference will take place from 29 th September to 3 rd October also at Speke Resort Munyonyo.

The emerging profitable and job creating social media industry in Uganda is under threat from several fronts. These include, but not limited to; the traditional media gurus, regulatory bodies and security, especially police being used as a bait for settling inner players` mini squabbles.

Whereas the official regulatory body, Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) might have all the good intensions of trying to streamline the fast-growing new media space, others like the police cyber-crime department desks at various police stations, are being used by many to settle personal scores.

This has nothing to do with players like Dean Saava Lubowa of TV 10 Gano Mazima, but rather a chicken ego fight between Tamale Mirundi Jr and Shalom Kaweesa of Shalom 256, a YouTube channel. For starters, it is public knowledge that the once best of friends turned foes, have had a long history of orchestrating hallucinated bickering in order to secure a following using crude localized guerrilla marketing strategies.

Initially ignored as pranks by many in the industry and the thousands that follow them, this trend has since taken an ugly twist with the emergency of the Cyber Harassment Desks, most especially, allegedly, that of Katwe Police Station.

The sacred torn but ‘prestigious’ white paper is embroiled with Ref; Katwe Police SD; Ref :70.04.12.2025. Cyber Harassment, Hate Speech and M-Information are the supposed charges.  The suspect, Kaweesa Shalom, the young and ‘powerful’ lad, ran a Shalom finding maze, which zeroed on a location on Kulambiro ring road.

Gone are the sane legal days in which a suspect is summoned to any relevant authority to make a statement in regard to any issue at hand. It’s now official that people like Tamale Junior, have taken over the role of CID, IO’s, commanders and now, use self-styled clout of ‘money’ and throwing around names to hoodwink officers into pursuing suspects under an illegal command.

Cry for the overseers of these once cleaned up agencies that even president Museveni said had been penetrated by ‘Kawukuumi’ aka bean weevil! Sad as it is, reality is that some unscrupulous ‘celebrities’, ‘socialites’ have turned running with security personnel as their bag ‘boys’ and ‘girls’.

Do you remember Brian White’s SFC fellows, Sipapa’s camouflaged party, the Gashumba’s detail or that of today’s lost pastors complete with lead cars? These are the same fellows who now are bogged on using both the security agencies and police to conduct illicit businesses and also settle scores. It’s high time that the IGP and Command 1 reigned on these errant officers while others like the Police Standards Unit (PSU) must act on the same like yesterday.

Uganda’s film industry is at a turning point. Once considered a creative niche space, it is now emerging as a vibrant sector with rising talent, improved production quality and growing commercial potential. Yet behind the glitz on screen lies a complex business ecosystem that stakeholders say needs deliberate investment, strong regulation and recognition of film as both an economic driver and a cultural pillar.

This call to action dominated discussions on the first episode of The Ugandan Podcast Season 4, organised by the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance in partnership with MultiChoice Uganda. Brian Mulondo, Local Content Manager at MultiChoice Uganda, highlighted the industry’s transformation over the past six years, crediting sustained investment in local productions. “Since the launch of Pearl Magic channels, we’ve seen a boom across all aspects of the industry,” Mulondo said. “Uganda has moved from having only a handful of professional cinematographers and sound engineers to a thriving ecosystem of skilled talent thanks to initiatives like the MultiChoice Talent Factory.” Today, Uganda can support multiple large-scale productions simultaneously with no shortage of competent crews. Mulondo added that MultiChoice’s commissioning model has empowered independent filmmakers to produce high-quality content now recognized on continental platforms such as the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards. Through commissioning and content acquisition, filmmakers earn, grow and retain ownership of their work after licensing periods.

From a regulatory perspective, Ruth Kibuuka, Manager of Content Development at the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), stressed that the industry cannot thrive without structural and policy support. “Twelve years ago, UCC introduced local content quotas for broadcasters, but we quickly realized that while broadcasters were willing, the available content lacked quality,” she said. This prompted UCC to invest in capacity building, training over 10,000 filmmakers in directing, producing, scriptwriting and cinematography. Kibuuka emphasized film’s economic and cultural significance, noting its potential to employ millions while preserving Uganda’s heritage. She underscored the need for strong regulatory frameworks for quality assurance and intellectual property protection, citing UCC’s collaboration with the Uganda Registration Services Bureau and the Uganda Film Festival as key milestones.

Judithiana Namazzi, a TV host and producer, pointed to professionalism as a persistent challenge. “Many entrants lack training, which affects execution,” she said, urging creatives to embrace research, continuous learning and constructive criticism. “Excellence matters. If you accept a job, do it well because you never know who is watching,” Namazzi advised, adding that spotlighting women in film is critical to inspiring more female participation.

Award-winning filmmaker Loukman Ali noted that while Uganda’s creative talent is growing, the business ecosystem remains underdeveloped. Drawing comparisons with Nigeria, he observed that brands there actively seek product placement opportunities because they understand film’s commercial value. “In Uganda, brands still view film with skepticism, which forces filmmakers to self-fund, a cycle that affects quality and distribution,” Loukman said. He called for accelerated policy processes, warning that bureaucratic delays often render regulations outdated in a fast-evolving industry. “Technology is shaping the industry quickly and by the time policies come to light, the industry has already moved a step further,” he added.

Uganda’s film industry is brimming with potential, but unlocking its full value requires more than talent. It demands investment, robust policy frameworks and a mindset shift among brands and stakeholders to view film not just as art but as a business capable of driving economic growth and cultural influence.

Dj Spinny brings back the memories of past DJs who played jams the way they MUST be played. He is in the same legendary  league of the  once club entertainment hubs in Uganda, with signature names like the late DJ Berry, Alex Ndawula,  Bangi and or the living RS Elvis.  He currently drafts even DJ Lota, Dj Nimrod, Roja, Baby Love or the new female wannabes like Lil Stunner, Etania and the rest.

His is a forte when playing, which assures the crowd of pure sound entertainment that mingles with the glitz and glamor of the sophisticated urban party animals. For DJ Spinny, it isn’t that party hoping type from one rendezvous to another, unless he delicately chooses to. His address is where he has chipped investment with a couple of private business partners in the name of top notch club, Mezo Nior, premised on Somero road, in the leafy urban exclusive Kololo, Kampala, as a co-director.

His introvert and laid back persona whilst away from the decks would fool many a people. His record awe  plans of celebrating his 10-years-DJ journey. DJ Spinny, against all odds, set out to let the music do the talking and indeed it did at his ‘DJ Spinny and Friends’ themed exclusive event that was held at Mestile Hotel in Bugolobi, last October, with a cover charge of 375K ($100) and 3M for a table that sold out.

His brief curtain raising ensemble included people he had natured into the craft like. The likes of Dj Jazz Worx, ThukuThella, GL_Deejay, Lil Stunner,EDwizzy, FemDeeJay, Selector,Dash,  and Kash Pro, saving the best for last. Never, in Uganda’s event history has a DJ excelled in an event that feature them, only as the signature entertainer. Others like DJ Shiru or Roja have just been tip show-offs at the same.

After the flagship local show, he exported his expertise to  FINNS beach club, the best in Indonesia where he played to a full house on the 24th of 0ctober 2024. Dj Spinny will also host Andre Parris aka DJ Puffy of Barbadian Origin, currently the coveted title holder  of RedBull Music 3Style World Champion at Mezo Nior come 19th December, dubbed live at Mezo Nior.

]]> https://theinvestigatornews.com/2025/10/centenary-bank-joins-thousands-at-the-2025-kampala-city-festival-filled-with-glitz-and-glamo-to-celebrate-enterprise-and-innovation/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=centenary-bank-joins-thousands-at-the-2025-kampala-city-festival-filled-with-glitz-and-glamo-to-celebrate-enterprise-and-innovation Wed, 15 Oct 2025 09:25:46 +0000 https://theinvestigatornews.com/?p=7881 Kampala, Uganda – October 12, 2025: Centenary Bank, Uganda’s leading microfinance bank, joined thousands of Kampala residents to celebrate this year’sKampala City Festival under the theme “Celebrating Enterprise and Innovation in Kampala.”

The annual festival, organized by the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), has grown into one of Uganda’s biggest cultural and social events, attracting thousands of locals and international visitors. It provides a vibrant platform to showcase the city’s diversity through music, art, dance, and food, while also promoting local entrepreneurship and innovation.

As a proud partner of the 2025 edition, Centenary Bank reaffirmed its commitment to driving inclusive economic growth by supporting small businesses and community-based initiatives. Speaking at the event, Mr. Fabian Kasi, Managing Director of Centenary Bank, commended Kampala residents for their entrepreneurial spirit and resilience, noting that the bank’s success is deeply intertwined with the city’s growth.

“At Centenary Bank, we have had the privilege of growing with this city for four decades,” Mr. Kasi said. “We’ve walked with market vendors and traders. We’ve backed innovators who started small and scaled their dreams. We’ve supported families who wanted something better for their children. And every step of the way, we’ve believed in the power of enterprise to transform lives.”

He added that the bank continues to invest in initiatives that empower youth and small businesses, particularly those driving innovation within Uganda’s informal and SME sectors. “Every year, we dedicate 2% of the previous year’s profit to corporate social investment for initiatives such as health, education, environmental stewardship, the social mission of the Church, and other community programs,” he noted.

With over 77% of Kampala’s population under 35 years, the city remains one of Africa’s youngest and most dynamic urban centers. This year’s festival served as a key platform for young entrepreneurs, innovators, SMEs, and creatives to showcase their talent, market their products, and connect with new business opportunities. Through exhibitions, performances, and innovation showcases, the event highlighted Kampala’s energy, creativity, and resilience.

KCCA Executive Director, Ms. Sharifah Buzeki, applauded Centenary Bank and other corporate partners for their commitment to supporting youth-led enterprise. “Kampala’s young innovators and entrepreneurs are the engine of this city,” Ms. Buzeki said. “Through partnerships like this, we are creating opportunities, opening doors, and celebrating the creativity that drives our capital forward.”

In line with the festival’s sustainability agenda, Centenary Bank continues to advance its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives. The bank has transitioned 10 branches to full solar power, distributed over 80 waste bins,conducted community clean-ups, provided water and sanitation loans, and planted over 100,000 trees in the past two years. It is also working toward waste separation within its branches and reducing plastic usage across operations.

On the social front, the bank actively participates in cancer runs, medical camps, and financial literacy programs, while also supporting schools with computer donations and infrastructure development.

As a longstanding champion of community development, Centenary Bank continues to empower Ugandans through financial inclusion, SME financing, and digital innovation. With sustained focus on enterprise, sustainability, and youth empowerment, the bank remains a key player in shaping Kampala’s economic and social transformation.