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New Anthoney’s Group returns as official poultry supplier for MasterChef Sri Lanka Season 2

New Anthoney’s Group has confirmed its return as the Official Poultry Supplier for MasterChef Sri Lanka Season 2, extending a partnership that began with the show’s historic debut season. When the search begins again for the country’s finest home cooks, the chicken in the MasterChef kitchen will carry the same guarantee it always has: raised without antibiotics, verified by science, and produced by the company that has built Sri Lanka’s most rigorous poultry standard over four decades.

Masterchef Sri Lanka Season 1 premiered on 14 February 2026 on ITN under the theme ‘Sri Lanka on a Plate,’ the inaugural edition ran across 25 episodes and drew contestants from every corner of the island. Sanjula Manoj from Hasalaka emerged as the first-ever MasterChef Sri Lanka winner on 9 May 2026, earning the title through a competition that tested creativity, composure, and the ability to translate Sri Lankan culinary heritage into dishes of genuine refinement.

The judges, led by internationally acclaimed chef Peter Kuruvita alongside Savindri Perera, Rohan Fernandopulle, and Kapila Jayasinghe, set a standard of critique that matched the ambition of the format. As the 71st international adaptation of a franchise broadcast across 72 countries, MasterChef Sri Lanka proved in its first season that Sri Lankan food culture had more than enough to say on a global stage.

The decision to continue into Season 2 is not a formality. New Anthoney’s Group was the natural choice for Season 1 because no other producer in Sri Lanka can make the same claim: every bird raised without antibiotics at any stage of production, independently verified through a landmark five-year Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Peradeniya’s ISO/IEC 17025-accredited Food Safety and Quality Assurance Laboratory. That commitment does not change between seasons. If anything, Season 2 arrives with the standard better established and the audience better informed about what it means for what ends up on the plate.

‘We were proud to be part of Season 1 from the very beginning, and we are proud to be back for Season 2. MasterChef Sri Lanka has done something important: it has shown this country that its food is worth taking seriously, and that the ingredients behind the food matter just as much as the skill of the cook. New Anthoney’s has always believed that. This is exactly the platform where that belief belongs,’ said New Anthoney’s Farms Executive Director and Business Development Manager Eranga Kurukulaarachchi.

The partnership arrives at a moment of considerable momentum for the Group. Earlier this month, the International Finance Corporation, the private sector arm of the World Bank Group, announced an investment of up to $ 10 million in New Anthoney’s Farms Group, backing the company’s plans to expand production capacity, strengthen its smallholder farmer network, and scale its export operations.

For Season 2 contestants, the kitchen starts with a material advantage: produce that is certified to FSSC 22000, ISO 22000, HACCP, and GMP standards, with international Halal certification and a GHG Verification Statement under ISO 14064-1:2018, certified by Control Union Netherlands. New Anthoney’s is also the only poultry company in Sri Lanka with that environmental credential.

Across its retail portfolio, the Group operates the HarithaHari antibiotic-free range in Sri Lanka’s first fully compostable poultry packaging, the Crizzpys ready-to-eat frozen range, the Chicken Havens HORECA line for professional kitchens, and the Meatlery luxury meat retail network. Season 2 contestants will be working with a product that the country’s most discerning chefs and its most ambitious export buyers have both signed off on. That is not a sponsorship talking point. It is simply what the standard requires.

I’m Above Social Media Controversies – Adu Safowah

Internet sensation, Adu Safowah, has warned rumour mongers on social media spreading unverified news about her brand, stating that she will not engage in such controversies.

According to her, over the past week there have been comments about her concerning a wig vendor, but she is in no position to respond to those allegations.

‘With the current controversy surrounding me now, I know a lot of people are expecting me to come on TikTok Live and explain myself to the world, but that will not happen. Guess what? Where I have gotten to now, I am above controversies because it won’t benefit me.

‘You don’t know the office you will be visiting for a favour, and the person you were having an exchange of words with on TikTok may be working at that office. That is the twist about life, so let us be mindful of what we say,’ she cautioned.

What Museveni’s second visit to Tanzania this year means for Dar and Kampala ties

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni begins a two-day working visit to Tanzania today, as the two countries seek to strengthen bilateral ties.

The August 5-6 visit marks President Museveni’s second trip to Tanzania this year, coming six months after his February working visit during which he and President Samia Suluhu Hassan pledged to fast-track a series of strategic infrastructure, transport and energy projects.

‘The discussions will focus on strengthening bilateral cooperation in a range of areas, including trade and investment, infrastructure and transport, energy, tourism, defence and security, and regional integration,’ the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation said in a statement yesterday.

The visit aims to further strengthen the longstanding historical, fraternal and diplomatic relations between Tanzania and Uganda, it said, adding that the two leaders will also review progress in implementing strategic projects and discuss measures to remove barriers affecting trade, investment and economic cooperation between the two countries.

Analysts speculate that the leaders will focus on accelerating key cross-border infrastructure projects and reviewing progress on the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), among other things. The flagship EACOP project has moved significantly closer to completion. During an inspection of the project in Tanga on June 29, Energy Minister Deogratius Ndejembi announced that construction had reached 86 percent, with completion expected this month. He also said the first crude oil shipment from Chongoleani Port is now expected in January 2027, replacing the earlier target of July 2026.

‘The minor challenge we identified is that electricity lines have not yet reached the project site. I have directed the contractor, through TANESCO, to ensure the work is completed before the contract deadline,’ he said.

The $6 billion EACOP project stretches about 1,443 kilometres from Hoima in western Uganda to Chongoleani in Tanga and is expected to become the world’s longest heated crude oil pipeline. According to the government, construction has already created about 10,000 jobs, with approximately 7,500-equivalent to 75 percent-going to Tanzanians.

Beyond EACOP, the two governments are also pursuing a proposed natural gas pipeline from Tanzania to Uganda, a refined petroleum products pipeline to Tanga, expansion of the ports of Dar es Salaam, Tanga and Mtwara, and railway projects intended to improve regional connectivity and lower transport costs.

An economist at the University of Iringa, Mr Samson Rutashobya, said the visit is likely to concentrate on ensuring the remaining work on EACOP and other strategic projects is completed on schedule. He added that the talks could also culminate in the signing of new agreements on other bilateral projects, particularly the proposed natural gas pipeline and the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) connection between the two countries. ‘The relationship between Tanzania and Uganda has increasingly shifted from political goodwill to implementation of large economic projects. This visit offers an opportunity for the two leaders to assess progress, resolve remaining bottlenecks and ensure the agreed projects deliver the expected economic benefits,’ he said.

He added that successful completion of EACOP would strengthen investor confidence while positioning Tanzania as a major regional energy and logistics hub.

The Executive Director of the Research on Poverty Alleviation (Repoa), Dr Donald Mmari, said regular high-level engagements demonstrate both countries’ commitment to translating bilateral agreements into measurable economic outcomes.

‘Major infrastructure projects require continuous political oversight because they involve multiple institutions and cross-border coordination. The visit provides an opportunity to review implementation while discussing wider trade, investment and industrial cooperation,’ he said.

According to him, improved transport and energy infrastructure could significantly reduce business costs and stimulate trade throughout the East African Community.

Foreign policy analyst and political scientist at the University of Dar es Salaam, Mr Salbinus David, said the visit also carries important diplomatic significance.

‘Tanzania and Uganda are among the region’s most influential countries. Frequent consultations between their leaders strengthen cooperation not only on bilateral projects but also on regional peace, security and East African integration,’ he said.

Mr David noted that the second visit within a single year reflects the strategic importance both governments attach to their partnership, particularly as major infrastructure projects approach completion.

A public administration and political analyst at the State University of Zanzibar, Prof Makame Ali Ussi, said presidential diplomacy has become increasingly important in ensuring regional flagship projects remain on course.

‘Large cross-border investments require sustained political commitment. Regular meetings between heads of state help maintain momentum, resolve emerging challenges and reinforce confidence among investors and development partners,’ he said.

Breaking the Myth: Governance as an Enabler, Not a Barrier, in FinTech

Businesses, corporations, and institutions perform best when they are properly governed and effectively managed. This is especially important in Ghana’s FinTech industry, which is still young and expanding. Strong governance is essential for ensuring sustainability, maintaining public trust and confidence, and supporting the overall stability of the financial ecosystem. Accordingly, promoting a well-governed FinTech sector remains a key priority for the regulator.

In Ghana, past financial sector reforms, particularly those that led to the resolution of several banks, savings and loans companies, and numerous microfinance institutions, were largely driven by underlying weaknesses such as poor governance practices, inadequate risk management, and overly complex, unsustainable business models.

Similarly, on the global stage, events such as the 2008 financial crisis, which officially began in December 2007 and ended in June 2009, and the 2023 banking turmoil, which saw the collapse of several US regional banks and Credit Suisse in Europe, have also been linked to weak risk management and unsustainable business models. These are clear examples of the consequences of poor governance.

Despite clear evidence of the importance of sound governance, some FinTech companies have yet to fully appreciate its value in their operations. Founded by technology-native entrepreneurs, these companies often perceive strong governance frameworks and practices as restrictive, believing they hinder innovation, introduce unnecessary bureaucracy, and reflect outdated approaches that do not align with the fast-paced nature of FinTech. As a result, good corporate governance is sometimes viewed as a barrier rather than an enabler.

This perception stems from a limited understanding of the purpose and practical value of governance practices. In reality, effective governance supports sustainable growth, strengthens risk management, and enhances credibility with stakeholders.

Against this backdrop, this article seeks to provide practical insights into key corporate governance practices that can add value to FinTech firms within the Ghanaian ecosystem and support their long-term success.

To begin with, it is important for start-ups to establish a Board of Directors that is appropriate to their size and stage of growth. The Board is responsible for setting the strategic direction of the company, providing effective oversight, and ensuring sound risk management. The presence of a Board, as the highest decision-making body to which Management is accountable, introduces an important system of checks and balances, thereby strengthening accountability and governance.

Although appointing a Board may be challenging, particularly for founders who built their businesses independently, it is a critical step towards building a strong and sustainable institution. There should be a formal and structured arrangement to ensure that the Board meets regularly to deliberate on key matters affecting the company, including its operations and financial performance. These meetings also serve as a platform for holding the Board accountable for its oversight responsibilities. It is for this very reason that, for regulated entities, the regulatory framework often mandates the establishment of a Board of Directors.

Furthermore, the roles of Board Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) should be held by separate individuals. Combining these roles can undermine the purpose of the Board, as it limits independent oversight and concentrates too much authority in one person. Separating them, however, helps to ensure effective governance by enhancing accountability and promoting balanced decision-making.

Another important area for FinTechs is the establishment of strong and resilient internal control systems. These controls help provide assurance that operational and financial information is reliable, timely, and accurate. Effective internal controls also help identify weaknesses or gaps in processes early, allowing Management to take corrective action to address them. In addition, they support compliance with regulatory requirements, reduce the risk of fraud and errors, and enhance overall operational efficiency.

It is important to note that remuneration structures in FinTech companies should be aligned with the size of the business, its financial position, and the roles and responsibilities of employees. Although aligning pay structures with industry rate benchmarks is useful, start-up founders who pay themselves disproportionately high compensation may place financial strain on the company and reduce its available resources. A well-designed and balanced remuneration framework helps promote fairness, control costs, and ensure that resources are used prudently. Ultimately, a sound remuneration structure supports the long-term sustainability and growth of the business.

In conclusion, strong corporate governance should not be seen as a constraint but as a critical enabler of sustainable growth and innovation within the FinTech sector. For a young and rapidly evolving industry such as Ghana’s, the long-term success of FinTech firms will depend not only on technological superiority but also on the strength of their governance frameworks.

The lessons from both local and global financial sector challenges are clear: weak governance, poor risk management, and unsustainable business practices ultimately undermine confidence and lead to failure. FinTechs that embrace sound governance practices through effective boards, clear accountability structures, robust internal controls, and prudent remuneration frameworks are better positioned to build resilient, credible, and scalable businesses. As the industry continues to grow, stakeholders must recognise that trust is the foundation of financial services. Good governance builds trust, attracts investment, strengthens regulatory compliance, and ensures stability within the broader financial ecosystem.

Ultimately, FinTech firms that embed governance at the core of their operations will not only meet regulatory expectations but will also gain a competitive advantage, ensuring they remain innovative, resilient, and sustainable in the long term.

Jinja highway crash death toll rises to five

Three more people have succumbed to injuries, increasing the death toll from Thursday’s early morning road crash at Kakira Junction along the Jinja-Iganga Highway to five.

The victims were receiving treatment at Jinja Regional Referral Hospital following the crash that occurred after a taxi carrying passengers returning from overnight markets rammed into the rear of a moving trailer.

The trailer reportedly did not stop after the collision and continued with its journey, leaving the badly wrecked taxi at the scene.

Emergency responders rushed the injured to Jinja Regional Referral Hospital, where doctors battled to save the victims.

Dr Pius Otim, the officer in charge of the hospital’s emergency ward, said 17 critically injured patients and two bodies were brought to the facility shortly after the crash.

“We received 17 critically injured patients and two bodies. Unfortunately, three more patients later succumbed to their injuries, bringing the death toll to five,” Dr Otim said on Thursday.

He added that three survivors remain in critical condition and will be referred to Mulago National Referral Hospital for specialised treatment.

Among those who died was Birungi Robinah, a vendor at Jinja Central Market.

Mr Charles Busuulwa, the general secretary of Jinja Central Market, said many of the victims were returning from night markets where they earn their livelihoods.

“We rushed to the hospital after receiving news of the accident and found that several of the victims were our vendors returning from work,” he said.

Following the tragedy, Sheikh Badru Mpaso of Mafubira urged the government to strengthen emergency healthcare services by expanding emergency wards and improving their capacity to respond to mass-casualty incidents.

The damaged taxi was towed to Kakira Police Station pending inspection.

Pakistan avoid series whitewash with consolation win

DAMBULLA: Pakistan started the tour with a win in the first WODI at Hambantota and ended it also with a win in the third and final WT20I which they won by four wickets at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium yesterday.

In between, Sri Lanka won two matches to take the WODI series 2-1 and repeat that success by the same margin 2-1 in the WT20I series. What was quite evident in all six wins by both Sri Lanka and Pakistan in the two series was the team that batted first won the contest.

On a slow track Sri Lanka’s batting faulted against Pakistan’s spin attack and managed a paltry 113-6, a target which Pakistan chased down to win with 10 balls to spare.

Ayesha Zafar’s 39 off 31 balls (6 fours) was enough to see Pakistan through and end their tour of Sri Lanka on a winning note. Zafar was unable to last till the end, but by the time she fell – missing a wild heave off Chamari Athapaththu – the game was virtually won. Her match-winning knock brought the equation down to just 9 off 23, and there were no late jitters as Tuba Hassan and Saira Jabeen knocked off the remaining runs.

Unlike the first two games, where the bat had dominated, the difference here was with the ball. Whereas Pakistan’s spinners showed guile and discipline, Sri Lanka’s bowlers erred far more often in their lines and lengths and it was this that allowed Pakistan’s chase to flourish.

The powerplay brought a healthy 44 runs, the same as Sri Lanka’s effort but where Pakistan bettered the hosts was through the middle overs. Sri Lanka lost five wickets in this period, as Pakistan’s spinners throttled the game giving away just 47 runs between the sixth and the 16th over. Spinners Umme-e-Hani, Momina Riasat, Nashra Sandhu, Tuba and Zafar picked up all of the six Sri Lankan wickets to fall.

At one point Sri Lanka were coasting at 72-1 at the start of the 12th. They were well set for a total in the region of 140 which would have been quite competitive given the conditions. Athapaththu (34 off 33) and Sanjana Kavindi (20 off 18) were in the middle of a 35-ball 36-run stand. But in the space of four deliveries both were back in the dugout and Sri Lanka never recovered from those losses.

Over the next eight overs they struggled to maintain the same tempo, and despite losing just three more wickets were only able to muster a further 40 runs to close out the innings; the death overs alone brought just 22 runs. Pakistan to their credit showed much better handling of the pitch particularly Player of the Match Ayesha Zafar. – [ST]

Scores:

Sri Lanka Women 113-6 (20) (Chamari Athapaththu 34, Sanjana Kavindi 20, Momina Riasat 2/18) vs. Pakistan Women 115-6 (18.2) (Shawaal Zulfiqar 21, Ayesha Zafar 39, Chamari Athapaththu 2/20, Kavisha Dilhari 2/24)

FSP dismisses judges’ retirement age extension as ‘not a move to catch thieves’

The Frontline Socialist Party (FSP) yesterday challenged the Government’s justification for increasing the retirement age of all judges by two years, arguing that the proposed constitutional amendment was not intended to bring wrongdoers to book or reduce court delays, but instead undermined judicial independence.

Speaking at a media briefing, FSP Secretary (Education) Pubudu Jayagoda said the Government’s argument that extending the retirement age of judges would help end corruption-related cases was misleading, as such cases are not heard in the Supreme Court in the first instance.

He noted that the majority of judges hearing these cases in the Magistrates’ Courts and High Courts are between the ages of 30 and 50, making it unlikely that retirements would interrupt ongoing proceedings.

Jayagoda also rejected the suggestion that only the current judges could ensure accountability, saying it was an insult to the judiciary to suggest that newly appointed judges would be unwilling or unable to uphold the law.

‘This move by the Government is not to catch thieves but is breaching the rights of the people,’ he claimed.

He argued that delays in the judicial process could be addressed by filling long-standing vacancies in the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal, appointing additional judges to lower courts, increasing judicial staff, and removing procedural bottlenecks.

Jayagoda accused the Government of citing delays while failing to fill key judicial vacancies.

He said increasing the retirement age of judges and retaining the existing cadre for a longer period would not resolve the delays and backlog of cases.

According to Jayagoda, the Government was citing delays in the judicial process while failing to address existing vacancies in the higher courts, including four vacancies in the Supreme Court and four in the Court of Appeal, which have remained vacant for a long period.

He also pointed out that there were around 50 vacancies in pre-trial courts and another 50 in Small Claims courts, while only 33 Magistrates had recently been recruited on the grounds that no funds had been allocated.

He said President Anura Kumara Dissanayake had the authority to fill these vacancies and improve the efficiency of the judicial system.

Claiming that the Attorney General’s Department was facing a shortage of around 200 officers, Jayagoda further questioned the Government’s rationale for focusing on extending retirement ages while failing to address these critical shortages.

The FSP also criticised both the Government and the Opposition, claiming that successive administrations had compromised judicial independence through politically motivated appointments to the office of Chief Justice.

The FSP called on the public to oppose the proposed amendment and urged them to form an independent people’s movement outside Parliament rather than relying on either the Government or the Opposition. (SS)

UNBS orders mandatory weighing of cement bags to curb fraud

The Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) has announced new measures requiring cement dealers to install verified weighing scales at their outlets and urged builders to verify the weight of every cement bag before purchase following reports of underweight products on the market.

The move comes in response to public concern triggered by viral social media videos showing cement bags labelled as 50 kilograms allegedly weighing between 40kg and 42kg.

Addressing journalists on Thursday, UNBS Executive Director James Kasigwa said investigations had established that certified cement manufacturers comply with national quality and weight standards, with most cases of underweight cement resulting from tampering by unscrupulous traders after the products leave the factories.

“We will require that all outlets have verified weighing scales so that a kilo is a kilo. We also encourage consumers to demand that whatever they are buying is verified for weight before purchase,” Mr Kasigwa

said.

He urged consumers to buy cement bearing the UNBS Quality Mark as proof that it meets the country’s quality standards.

According to UNBS, the recent allegations stemmed from videos showing what appeared to be Tororo Cement bags weighing significantly less than the labelled 50 kilogrammes. The footage sparked concern among contractors, engineers and members of the public, prompting the bureau to investigate.

Mr Kasigwa said routine inspections conducted at certified cement manufacturing plants found that all sampled products met the requirements of the Weights and Measures Act.

The bureau said major manufacturers, including Tororo Cement, Simba Cement, Hima Cement, Yaobai Cement, Metro Cement and Old Continent Group, undergo regular scheduled and unannounced inspections, with samples collected directly from production lines and tested in accredited laboratories.

“The recent factory inspection results confirmed that all sampled cement bags from the manufacturers complied with the quality and weight requirements prescribed under the Weights and Measures Act,” Mr Kasigwa said.

However, UNBS market surveillance during the 2025/2026 financial year uncovered three hardware outlets in Mukono, Mbale and Nakasongola districts selling underweight cement.

Investigations established that suspects collected empty cement bags from construction sites, opened genuine bags, siphoned out part of the cement, resealed the packaging and resold the products to unsuspecting buyers.

“The warehouses were sealed off, the suspects were arrested and are being prosecuted for their illegal actions,” Mr Kasigwa said.

UNBS said such cases are linked to illegal tampering during transportation, storage and at points of sale rather than malpractice by certified manufacturers.

To strengthen consumer protection, the bureau directed all hardware dealers to install verified weighing scales to enable buyers to confirm the weight of cement before purchase.

Consumers were also advised to inspect cement bags for signs of tampering by checking labels, manufacturing dates and batch numbers.

Construction site supervisors were urged to destroy empty cement bags after use to prevent their reuse by fraudsters, while manufacturers were encouraged to establish systems for collecting used packaging materials to reduce opportunities for counterfeiting.

UNBS called on the public to report suspected cases of underweight or adulterated cement to the bureau or other relevant authorities to support enforcement efforts against fraudulent traders.

DemocracyUnderAttack: Afenyo-Markin Slams Government Over Neglect of Flood Victims

Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has criticized the government over what he described as the neglect of victims of the June 29 floods, during the ongoing #DemocracyUnderAttack demonstration.

Addressing journalists, he said nothing had been said about the hundreds who lost lives and property in the floods because they were not public officials.

‘Many people lost their lives when we had the flood situation. The following year, the government was holding a Thanksgiving service. As we speak, no government official has even visited those who lost their loved ones.

We have not seen the government declare a state of mourning for the people who lost their property and the hundreds who lost their lives. Nothing has been said about them because they are not public officials,’ he stated. The Minority Leader also explained why the NPP embarked on the ‘Democracy Under Attack’demonstration. He cited concerns over what he described as selective justice, alleged inaction on corruption claims, and the need for state institutions to uphold accountability and the rule of law.

Parliament approves UPDF troops deployment to Gaza stabilisation mission

Parliament of Uganda on Thursday approved a motion authorizing the deployment of a Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) contingent to the Gaza Strip. The troops will join an International Stabilization Force (ISF) following an invitation extended by the United States.

The plenary session, chaired by Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, supported the decision of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to contribute to the international effort aiming to monitor ceasefire arrangements, eliminate terrorist elements, and protect civilians in the conflict-torn region.

Presenting the motion, Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs Kiryowa Kiwanuka cited Uganda’s constitutional framework and international peacekeeping legacy as primary drivers for the mission.

“Uganda has a strong army with capable organisation structures which have enabled Uganda to successfully support peace operations, notably the African Mission in Somalia-now African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM)-South Sudan, Central African Republic, and various United Nations peacekeeping missions,” Mr Kiwanuka stated, referencing the text of the motion.

The Defence Minister highlighted that the deployment aligns with UN Security Council Resolution 2803 (2025) and President Donald Trump’s diplomatic outreach to President Museveni. The mission aims to support a transitional administration-the Board of Peace (BoP)-working alongside partners like Morocco to operate in areas outside Israeli military control.

Mr Kiwanuka emphasized the broader strategic goal of the deployment: “Uganda’s participation as part of the International Stabilization Force will aid in preventing further conflict in the region… guarantee an ample opportunity for the antagonizing sides to plan for ushering in peace, [and] contribute to the elimination of terrorist cells that have greatly contributed to international terrorism.”

He assured the House that the UPDF will adhere strictly to international legal standards. “Throughout its period of deployment, the UPDF will remain neutral, comply with International Humanitarian Law, protect civilians without taking sides in political disputes, and operate under clearly defined rules of engagement,” the motion noted.

The decision drew strong reactions across the political divide in the House. UPDF Representative Maj. Gen. Henry Masiko welcomed the resolution, framing it as a moment of national pride.

‘We are not going there to dance; we are going there to confront threats against society and humanity. We should be proud of this,’ Maj. Gen. Masiko told the House, describing the mission as an honorable humanitarian task.

However, opposition lawmakers raised concerns regarding parliamentary procedure, operational transparency, and troop welfare.

Mr Joseph Ssewungu, the Shadow Minister for Defence, criticized the timing of the proposal, describing the motion as an “ambush” and requesting additional time to properly digest and respond to the details.

Acting President of the National Unity Platform (NUP) and Manjiya County MP John Baptist Nambeshe voiced conditional support, insisting that Parliament must evaluate past deployments before embarking on new ones.

‘We need to know whether we are doing well before we release our troops to the risky Gaza Strip,’ Mr Nambeshe urged, calling for a comprehensive performance report on previous UPDF peacekeeping missions.

Troop welfare and financial facilitation also dominated the floor debate.

MP Peter Okot (Tochi County) cautioned against past administrative missteps: ‘Our sons and daughters need to be treated well after such international deployments. Previously, they have complained about their facilitation package being withheld.’

Echoing these concerns, Mr James Waluswaka (Bunyole West) issued a sharp warning against any financial mismanagement regarding the peacekeepers: ‘We want to warn those people who will attempt to tamper with the emoluments of the UPDF soldiers deployed to the Gaza Strip that it won’t be business as usual.’

Despite the floor debates, the House voted to adopt the motion, officially granting parliamentary authorization under Section 38 of the UPDF Act for the troops to prepare for deployment.

UPDF peace missions

UPDF have a long-standing history as one of Africa’s most active troop-contributing militaries to peace support, peacekeeping, and regional stabilization missions, predominantly under the auspices of the African Union (AU) and the United Nations (UN).

Uganda’s most prominent peacekeeping commitment remains in Somalia, where UPDF soldiers serve under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) and the United Nations Guard Unit (UNGU). Ugandan contingents protect critical infrastructure in Mogadishu and conduct operations against Al-Shabaab insurgents to foster long-term stability. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), UPDF forces are deployed in joint stabilization and counter-insurgency operations, most notably Operation Shujaa, aimed at neutralizing the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebel group in the volatile eastern region.

Meanwhile, Ugandan military personnel maintain a security presence in South Sudan under bilateral and regional peace initiatives designed to restore stability and protect key trade corridors. Beyond East Africa, the UPDF maintains a military training and mentoring mission in Equatorial Guinea and has previously contributed to peacekeeping missions in the Central African Republic.