The Government of Uganda has successfully coordinated the safe evacuation of 42 Ugandan nationals and two diplomatic staff from the Islamic Republic of Iran to Turkey amid escalating hostilities in the region.

The evacuation follows the outbreak of hostilities between Iran and Israel on June 13, 2025 which heightened security concerns in the area. The move was spearheaded by the Uganda Embassy in Tehran with strategic logistical support from the Uganda Embassy in Ankara, Turkey. An Emergency Evacuation Coordination Centre was promptly established in Turkey to oversee registration, coordination and the safe movement of the Ugandan nationals.

In a swift response, Turkey agreed to issue visas on arrival to facilitate the urgent transit of the evacuees. Ground transportation arrangements from Tehran to Turkey were put in place and the first group of evacuees crossed the Bargarzan border on Wednesday, June 18, 2025.

Currently, the evacuees comprising students and embassy staff are en route to Istanbul, where they are scheduled to board a chartered commercial flight back to Uganda.

The operation is being led by Amb. Matata Twaha, Chargé d’Affaires who is overseeing the Emergency Evacuation Coordination Centre assisted by Mr. Oscar J. Edule, Minister Counsellor and Mr. Agaba Mark, Financial Attaché. The centre remains active until all Ugandan nationals in Iran are accounted for and safely repatriated.

Ugandan diplomatic officials on the ground including Mr. Julius Malinga (Second Secretary), Ms. Zainah Nabirye from the Uganda Embassy in Tehran and Mr. Mubarak Daka from the Uganda Embassy in Ankara played vital roles in receiving and supporting the evacuees at the border.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reassured the public that efforts are ongoing to locate and assist any remaining Ugandans still in Iran. Coordination teams continue to stay in contact with those registered and are facilitating their safe exit and return home.

Relatives and members of the public with information regarding Ugandan nationals still in Iran are urged to contact the relevant officials promptly to assist in the ongoing evacuation efforts.

Briens Robert Lukumbuka, a prominent Democratic Party (DP) candidate for the position of National Publicity Secretary has raised concerns about threats to his life and ongoing intimidation in Mbarara City. Lukumbuka who posted in various party fora this morning alleges that he received a threatening call from the Resident City Commissioner Mr. Robert Kanuusu last night at 10:43 PM. Kanuusu reportedly claimed he had instructions from all security organs to arrest the candidate following reports submitted by the Democratic Party’s Vice President for Western Region, Imam Makumbi and a team of unmentioned people.

The democratic Party, Uganda’s oldest surviving political party has a delegates conference at Asamar Hotel in Ruti Mbarara city effective Friday May 30 to June 1 where they will among others choose party leaders to steer the party for five years.

Lukumbuka who previously contested to be the party’s Deputy Secretary General is involved in a case before the General Court Martial, identified as Uganda Vs LUKUMBUKA BRIENS ROBERT, Case No. 50 of 2019. The case was transferred to the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for further handling after the Supreme Court of Uganda quashed all civilian trials related to the matter, effectively discontinuing all proceedings.

Despite these legal developments, Lukumbuka reported being surrounded by security personnel in Ruharo, Mbarara City raising fears of political persecution. In an emotional and defiant statement, he accused the Democratic Party leadership of betrayal claiming that they are sacrificing him in a bid to suppress his potential victory in the upcoming internal elections.

He expressed outrage over what he perceives as inconsistency questioning why he was not arrested earlier during the Gulu delegates conference held in 2020 warning that if he were to die in prison, his blood would be on the hands of those responsible. He emphasized his commitment to the DP and clarified that his bid for the position of National Publicity Secretary is driven by a desire to serve the party, not personal ambition.

The candidate also questioned the loyalty of Imam Makumbi who had previously been his surety in court but is now reportedly involved in actions against him. He accused the DP leadership of using intimidation tactics to silence dissent and accused them of abusing members’ fundamental rights.

Despite the challenges, he remains optimistic about winning the election asserting that he will do so even if under arrest. He has notified his family, supporters from Rwenzori and key party officials including DP National Organizing Secretary, Herbert Rutagwera and Presidential candidate Norbert Mao. He called on his supporters to stand firm and continue their campaigns and has made a solemn request to be buried in Masha, Isingiro District if he dies in custody.

He appealed to Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs who is also DP’s President General, Norbert Mao to intervene and ensure his rights to liberty and democracy are respected.

The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) is currently reviewing a complaint against the Democratic Party’s Secretary General, Siranda Gerald Blacks amid allegations of subversion of electoral democracy within the party. The complaint comes as the IEC considers suspending the upcoming DP National Delegates Conference scheduled for May 30, 2025.

Julius Ddumba, a former contender for the party’s leadership who withdrew citing irregularities has petitioned the IEC to halt preparations for the conference. Ddumba alleges that Siranda who is also a candidate in the ongoing internal elections is involved in a conflict of interest that amounts to abuse of office, violating the legal principle of ‘nemo judex in causa sua’ (no one should judge their own case).

In his petition, Ddumba also challenges the alleged unlawful amendment of the DP constitution. He claims that Siranda’s attempt to alter the party’s rules which include resurrecting a rejected Management Committee and centralizing financial control in the Secretary General was done unconstitutionally and without proper delegates’ approval. Ddumba contends that these changes undermine the party’s democratic processes and violate the party’s internal rules.

Additionally, Hon. Richard Lumu, DP’s Deputy Legal Advisor filed a separate petition against what he describes as fraudulent amendments and abuse of the electoral process. He criticized the unilateral changes to the party’s constitution which he says were driven by narrow personal interests rather than democratic principles. Lumu also condemned the exclusion of youth provisions from the amendments.

Ddumba expressed concerns that Siranda’s actions aim to entrench himself in power citing clauses in the 2025 gazetted constitution that were not ratified at the 2020 delegates’ conference. He called for an investigation into Siranda’s conduct for breaching the party’s Code of Conduct and urged the Inspector General of Government (IGG) to investigate and potentially prosecute him for breaches of leadership and anti-corruption laws.

Attempts to contact Siranda for comment have so far been unsuccessful. It remains unclear whether the DP National Delegates Conference will proceed as scheduled amid the ongoing allegations and legal challenges.

Incarcerated veteran opposition politician Dr. Kizza Besigye has called off his hunger strike following his arraignment before the Nakawa Chief Magistrate’s Court on Friday, February 21, where he was charged with treason. His charges stem from an alleged abduction from Nairobi, Kenya, in November last year.

The four-time presidential contender had initiated the hunger strike over a week prior to protest his continued detention without a remand warrant. This move came after a landmark Supreme Court ruling on January 31, which halted the General Court Martial from trying civilians including Besigye and his aide, Hajj Obeid Lutale. The Supreme Court ordered an immediate transfer of civilian cases from military courts to regular courts.

However, delays in the government’s implementation of the Supreme Court ruling prompted Dr. Besigye’s protests. Speaking on behalf of Dr. Besigye, his lawyer and Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago stated, “Now that Dr. Besigye has been formally arraigned before the magistrate’s court on charges of treason, he has decided to call off the hunger strike since there’s now a valid remand warrant from this honourable court.” He added that Dr. Besigye was protesting against what he deemed illegal incarceration as there had been no pending charges against him until his recent arraignment.

Dr. Besigye, along with his aide Lutale and UPDF Capt. Dennis Oola were charged with treason and face an alternative charge of misprision of treason. The prosecution alleges that between 2023 and November 2024, the trio along with others still at large conspired to overthrow the Ugandan government by force, with locations including Geneva, Athens, Nairobi and Kampala cited in the charges.

In addition to his legal troubles, there are concerns for Dr. Besigye’s health prompting his legal team to proceed with a bail application. “We want the application to be filed today so that the ailing Dr. Besigye can access better medical care outside prison,” Lukwago confirmed.

Previously, Dr. Besigye and Lutale had been arraigned before the General Court Martial where they were charged with treachery and illegal possession of firearms. They declined to take a plea arguing that the military court lacked jurisdiction over civilians. The Supreme Court ruled in their favor leading to the current arraignment in civilian court.

In reaction to the Supreme Court ruling, President Yoweri Museveni and his son who is also the Commander of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, condemned the decision. Gen. Muhoozi has made inflammatory remarks on social media, calling for severe consequences for Dr. Besigye.

Dr. Besigye and Lutale had allegedly been abducted in Nairobi after attending a book launch for opposition leader Martha Karua. They were reportedly driven back to Uganda and detained at Makindye Military Barracks before being later charged.

Uganda has initiated a clinical trial for a vaccine against the Sudan strain of Ebola following the recent outbreak that resulted in the death of a nurse in Kampala. The trial commenced just four days after Uganda reported the nurse’s death with health workers and individuals exposed to the virus being prioritized for vaccination.

The outbreak has already confirmed two additional cases involving relatives of the first victim. This marks the sixth occurrence of the Sudan strain in Uganda, a variant for which there is currently no licensed vaccine available. Of the five other known Ebola strains, only one has an approved vaccination.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has highlighted the urgency of the situation, with WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus noting, “This vaccination trial was initiated with record speed.” A system for candidate vaccines had been established during a previous outbreak of the Sudan Ebola virus in Uganda in 2022, facilitating swift action this time around.

The vaccination strategy employs a “ring” approach where initial doses are administered to all contacts of confirmed Ebola cases including secondary contacts. The first group targeted for vaccination includes 40 individuals directly related to the health worker who succumbed to the virus.

Ebola is transmitted between humans through body fluids with key symptoms including fever, vomiting, bleeding and diarrhea. Uganda has faced eight previous outbreaks of the Sudan strain, with five occurring within its borders and three in Sudan.

In contrast, the Democratic Republic of the Congo has experienced over a dozen Ebola epidemics with the most severe outbreak resulting in 2,280 deaths in 2020. The ongoing efforts in Uganda underscore the need for rapid responses and effective vaccination strategies to combat the spread of this deadly virus.

The General Court Martial sitting in Uganda’s capital, Kampala, has remanded opposition leader Col.(rtd) Kizza Besigye to Luzira Prison following controversial charges against him. Besigye appeared in court presided over by Brig. Gen. Robert Freeman Mugabe and was charged with endangering the security of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) under the UPDF Act.

According to his wife, Winnie Byanyima, Besigye was reportedly kidnapped while in Nairobi, Kenya as he attended the launch of Kenyan Opposition figure Martha Karua’s book. His detention was only revealed late Tuesday. This resulted into increased activity by Ugandan security forces including a failed press briefing by the Defence spokesperson, Brig. Gen. Felix Kulayigye.

The military court heard allegations that Besigye alongside his friend Hajj Obed Lutale and others still at large held meetings in Geneva (Switzerland), (Greece) Athens, and (Kenya) Nairobi to solicit logistical support and identify military targets in Uganda potentially threatening UPDF security.

Additionally, the court claimed that on November 16, Besigye and Lutale were found in possession of two pistols and eight rounds of ammunition, weapons typically restricted to the Defence Forces.

Besigye’s lawyer, Erias Lukwago, contested the court’s jurisdiction to handle the matter, arguing that the alleged offenses occurred outside Uganda. He asserted that such acts do not constitute violations under the UPDF Act. He emphasized that the court lacked universal jurisdiction.

After considering Lukwago’s arguments, Gen. Mugabe adjourned proceedings until December 2 for further mention.

Besigye’s arrest follows the earlier abduction of 36 activists associated with the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) in Kenya, who were later charged with treason-related offenses.

A soldier from the elite Special Forces Command (SFC) is currently eluding capture after allegedly shooting dead three civilians and inflicting critical injuries on three others in Agago District. The suspect has been identified as Private RA/249451 Bony Ameny, a 45-year-old resident of Ocini Tetulu village, located in Kamdini Sub-county within Oyam District. He had been stationed at the Pakor Dungu detachment in Parabongo sub-county, Agago District.

Security officials reported that Ameny discharged his firearm against the civilians around 12:30 am on Monday while in Ngora East village situated approximately 15 kilometers from his designated area of deployment. Local authorities identified the victims as Florence Ajalo, 16; Akidi Santina, 52; and Santina’s 19-year-old daughter, Sunday Apio.

The injured parties comprise Charles Kidega, 45, who was struck in both legs along with Janet Apio, 20, and her one-and-a-half-year-old daughter, Blessing Agenorwot. All those injured are presently receiving medical care at Dr. Ambrosoli Hospital in Kalongo Town Council.

George William Kilama, the LC3 Chairperson for Lai Muttu Sub-County revealed that the incident arose from a tumultuous relationship between the suspect and his spouse. Kilama elucidated that Ameny’s wife who had been residing in Oyam District recently returned to Paimol Sub-county and rekindled her relationship with the father of her child. Following his discovery of his wife’s new affair, Ameny departed from his post on Sunday evening and camped in Ngora East village reportedly compelling a local man at gunpoint to act as a guide.

Kilama remarked that when witnesses reported the abduction and attempted to intervene, the suspect opened fire targeting those who approached in response to the gunshots.

James Nabinson Kidega, the Agago Resident District Commissioner and chairperson of the district security committee confirmed the incident and denounced the actions of the suspect emphasizing that his role was intended to safeguard community members.

Kidega stated that both the police and military are conducting investigations into the incident and are actively pursuing the fugitive.

The suspect is among a contingent of elite soldiers from the SFC who were deployed two years ago in Agago District to combat the persistent cattle rustling perpetrated by suspected Karimojong warriors.

The bodies of the deceased have been transported to Dr. Ambrosoli Memorial Hospital where they await postmortem examinations. A case of murder by firearm has been formally registered by the police at Kalongo Police Station under SD03/21/10/2024/CRB160/2024.

The UPDF Commander Land Forces, Lt Gen Kayanja Muhanga, presided over the passing-out ceremony for 165 military officers at the School of Infantry in Bihanga, Ibanda District. After a comprehensive four-months training program for middle-level commanders, which included five officers from Burkina Faso, the ceremony celebrated their successful completion on Friday September 20th.

In his address, Lt Gen Muhanga commended the training school for transitioning the officers into capable commanders equipped to handle evolving battlefield dynamics. He highlighted Uganda’s strategic and Pan-African relationship with Burkina Faso expressing gratitude to the allied officers for their strong performance during training.

He emphasized the necessity of discipline within the UPDF and the importance of valuing one’s role for the effective execution of military tasks. He warned against indiscipline, which can hamper career progression, and stressed that maintaining health is vital for success.

Brig. Gen. Godfrey Golooba, commandant of the School of Infantry explained that the company commanders’ course is designed to enhance knowledge in leadership, tactics, and operations at the middle command level. The program included classroom instruction, field exercises, and guided tours of specialized military units such as the Air Force and Artillery Division.

Brig. Gen. Golooba thanked the formation commanders for their organization and for imparting valuable knowledge unto the officers during their study tour which helped familiarize them with various military assets.

He encouraged the officers to cultivate trust within their teams, prioritize their responsibilities, and maintain open communication. Golooba further advised them to uphold military doctrine as a guiding principle, maximize resource utilization to avoid corruption, and remain steadfast in their commitment to the mission and vision of the UPDF.

The course which comprised 18 female officers of the 165 total participants successfully equipped them with the skills necessary for effective decision-making as military commanders.

The ceremony was attended by several high-ranking military officials and community leaders, underscoring the significance of this event in enhancing the capabilities of the UPDF.