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RICHARD KIZZA LUGOBWA

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Richard Kizza Lugobwa
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News & Trending

Museveni’s coffee Act a poverty tool and testament of corruption

  By RICHARD KIZZA LUGOBWA A controversial law dubbed the National Coffee (Amendment) Act has since its first reading in March, passing in November, and assent in December 2024 continues to provoke questions and contention regards the government’s ulterior motive. The government framed the bill as part of its RAPEX (Rationalization of Agencies and Public Expenditure) policy, launched in February 2021 to reduce redundancy and rein in administrative costs. Proponents of the law argued that the amendment aimed at streamlining government and cutting costs by integrating the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) into the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF). Agriculture Minister Frank Tumwebaze emphasized that embedding UCDA within MAAIF would “streamline operations, and eliminate bloated structures and functional ambiguities”. However, growing opposition from MPs, farmers and analysts suggests deeper motives at play, raising fierce accusations that President […]

admin July 13, 2025

Richard Kizza Lugobwa
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News & Trending

How Politics Has Undermined Mainstream Media in Uganda

By RICHARD KIZZA LUGOBWA In Uganda, once regarded as a beacon of media freedom in East Africa, mainstream media now stands on increasingly fragile ground. What was once a vibrant press landscape, known for bold journalism and public engagement, has in recent years been marred by political interference, intimidation, clobbering and battering journalists and arrests which has constrained media operations. The very harsh and unbearable working environment for journalists has created a climate of fear and extreme self-censorship leading to a drastic fall in the quality of information, and journalism in general as a profession. As the 2026 general elections draw nigh, questions grow louder about the role of Uganda’s press and whether it can still fulfill its democratic mandate. The recent years have seen a dramatic change in radio and television programming with a great increase and focus on […]

admin June 28, 2025

Richard Kizza Lugobwa
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Anger fuels Ugandans’ celebration of opponents’ deaths

By RICHARD KIZZA LUGOBWA LONDON. Since time immemorial death has been seen as a unifying factor as it brings unanimous sorrow and grief to all members of the community. Death as well brought reconciliation and cohesion as its reality provides the ripest time to see emptiness and the absurdity of life. Condolence messages like "my/our deepest condolences to the family.”, “heartfelt sympathies”, “thinking and praying for you in this difficult time” and so many others express the love and sympathy, and a gesture of sharing pain in time of death. Sadly, the situation has changed in Uganda. A new trend of a cross section of Ugandans deriving joy and celebrating death of opponents is increasing day by day. This widely criticized phenomenon which mainly targets leaders, supporters and enablers of the NRM ruling government is very shocking, inhumane and contrary […]

admin June 6, 2025

Richard Kizza Lugobwa
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News & Trending

East Africa’s Dangerous Climate for Political Dissent

By RICHARD KIZZA LUGOBWA LONDON. East African states, often praised for their economic potential and regional cooperation, are increasingly creating hostile environments for political dissent. Governments in Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya—despite their democratic pretenses—have perfected tactics of repression, ranging from trumped-up charges and enforced disappearances to brutal crackdowns on opposition voices. The region’s leaders appear to be taking cues from one another, creating a disturbing pattern where dissent is met with state-sanctioned violence, legal persecution, and media suppression. In Tanzania, President Samia Suluhu Hassan, initially welcomed as a breath of fresh air after the authoritarian rule of John Magufuli, has shown that political repression remains deeply entrenched. Opposition leader Tundu Lissu, who survived an assassination attempt in 2017, returned from exile only to face fresh politically motivated charges. Accusations of sedition and incitement have been slapped against him, ahead of […]

admin May 25, 2025

Richard Kizza Lugobwa
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Religion: An institution used by dictatorship to massage despotism

By RICHARD KIZZA LUGOBWA LONDON: Religion and politics have since time immemorial been intertwined institutions as both thrive on systems of beliefs, values and practices which shape people’s lives and attitude, and guide collective action. Molarity takes center stage in religious teachings which as well is one of the strongest pillars in politics. Religious ideologies shape political movements, religious leaders influence political decisions, and political actors often use religious rhetoric to amass support which aids their firm grip to power. Mahatma Gandhi once said that “those who believe religion and politics aren't connected don't understand either”. Uganda’s case has not been any different. Since independence, politicians have explicitly showed inclination to religious factions directly or indirectly as a way to capture and keep power. Napoleon Bonaparte was once quoted saying, “Religion is excellent stuff for keeping common people quiet”. However, […]

admin May 20, 2025

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Gen Muhoozi’s recklessness likely to lead Uganda into crisis

BY RICHARD KIZZA LUGOBWA LONDON. The Uganda’s army chief who also is the president’s son has for a long time been an X  mania continuously making controversial posts and commentary increasing tension among citizens. Then unapologetic General (nicknamed the tweeting General) uses sarcasm and seemingly lighthearted statements to communicate to the public his support to the current regime and readiness to “crush” opposition. General Muhoozi speaks with great authority which has raised questions as to whether his father, General Museveni is still in charge of the country’s security. Notable among Gen Muhoozi’s posts was a response to the parliamentary committee which summoned him with regard to his behavior on social media, early this year. The Defense and Internal Affairs committee wanted Muhoozi to explain his involvement in partisan politics following a series of social media posts which the constitution forbids […]

admin May 13, 2025

Richard Kizza Lugobwa
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Museveni using corruption as form of repression

By Richard Kizza Lugobwa The recent controversy surrounding the alleged Shs 100m bribe given to legislators has brought to light the deep-seated corruption in Uganda's parliament. The money, reportedly given out by the Speaker of Parliament, Rt Hon Anita Among, was intended to thank legislators for passing the coffee bill and as an advance payment for the UPDF amendment act. The opposition leader, Hon Joel Senyonyi, released a video showing NRM legislators sneaking into parliament at night to collect the bribe, sparking widespread criticism and public outrage. The controversy highlights the extent to which corruption has permeated Uganda's parliament, with legislators more interested in serving their personal interests than those of their constituents. This is not the first time President Museveni has used bribes to achieve his objectives. In 2017, MPs were given Shs 200m to scrap the presidential age […]

admin April 20, 2025

Richard Kizza Lugobwa
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Perspective

State Censorship, Commercialization Crush Uganda’s Radio Dramas

By Richard Kizza Lugobwa LONDON. Radio drama, a potent blend of entertainment, education, and cultural preservation, has historically shaped societies worldwide. In Uganda, its roots trace to the colonial era, when British authorities introduced radio broadcasts in the early 20th century. These early audio plays were not merely entertainment but tools of colonial control, designed to suppress local traditions, propagate foreign values, and mobilize communities for state-driven projects like commercial farming and bulungi bwansi (communal labor). Post-independence in 1962, radio dramas retained their significance, evolving into a medium for nation-building under Uganda’s fledgling government. Despite the advent of television, radio’s affordability and reach ensured its dominance, particularly through the state-owned Radio Uganda (now the Uganda Broadcasting Corporation- UBC Radio), which monopolized airwaves until the 1990s. For over three decades, Radio Uganda’s dramas, broadcast in languages like Luganda, Runyakitara, and Luo, […]

admin March 24, 2025

Richard Kizza Lugobwa
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Perspective

Art silenced by Power’s grip

Eddie Kenzo who was the darling of young people became the most hated and criticized musicians. He turned into an NRM advocate. He had for many years represented Uganda in international awards and had won many of them but ever since he sided with the dictator he lost all endorsements and has never been nominated anywhere.

admin March 10, 2025