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Severe drought leaves many at risk of hunger in Uganda

A recent spell of prolonged drought across several parts of the country threatens to plunge millions of Ugandans into a severe food crisis after scorching sunshine caused widespread crop failure.

Farmers in the worst-affected areas say they have lost much of their harvest, with the situation leading to higher food prices and uncertainty over the second planting season.

In south-western Uganda, the prolonged dry spell, which persisted between May and July, has taken a heavy toll on farmers, livestock keepers and rural communities.

It has contributed to declining crop yields, drying water sources, rising food prices and increasing transport costs. Coffee farmers say the prolonged dry spell has had both positive and negative effects on production.

Mr Alex Bahikiriwa Nyakatete, a coffee farmer from Mpaama Village in Ntungamo District, said that while the sunny weather had been ideal for drying harvested coffee beans, improving their quality and reducing post-harvest losses, the dry conditions are now threatening the next harvest.

He explained that after harvesting, coffee plants naturally begin to flower in preparation for the next production cycle. However, the flowers have been drying up before developing into coffee cherries because of the prolonged drought.

‘With this prolonged dry spell, many flowers are drying up, and if the rains delay further, next season’s harvest will be much lower. That will be a double tragedy because in the previous season, I had lower coffee harvests as the coffee berries dried immediately after flowering due to a dry spell,’ he said.

Farmers growing tomatoes, watermelons, passion fruit, oranges and vegetables say they are struggling to keep their crops alive because of a lack of water. Those without irrigation systems have watched their crops wither before harvest, while those with irrigation face high pumping and fuel costs.

Mr Joshua Mujuni, a tomato farmer, said the reduced supply of fresh produce during the dry spell has driven up market prices.

He added that farmers who irrigate during the dry season must do so consistently because if irrigation is interrupted, crops that had begun recovering often wilt and dry up under the intense heat.

‘When you irrigate today and fail to water again because, for example, the water source has dried up or fuel has become too expensive, the crops suffer even more. The soil becomes too hot and hard, making it difficult for the roots to access moisture. Consistent watering is necessary to keep the soil moist and cool,’ another farmer said.

Mr Felix Tusiime, an agronomist, advised that irrigation should be accompanied by practices such as mulching, which helps the soil retain moisture, reduces evaporation and keeps it cooler, enabling crops to withstand prolonged dry conditions. Adding subheadings will improve readability without changing the story. Here’s Phase 2 with appropriate newspaper-style subheadings.

Climate change effects bite

Agricultural experts and United Nations agencies warn that extreme weather conditions caused by climate change are likely to worsen food insecurity and push thousands of people who depend heavily on rain-fed agriculture deeper into poverty.

Mr Jimmy Owiny Eron, the agricultural officer for Alango Sub-county in Otuke District, said climate change is no longer a distant threat but a persistent reality affecting farming communities in different ways.

‘Climate change is real and it is affecting the farming community in different ways. Last year, during the first planting season, there was a lot of drought, and most of the crops that farmers planted dried up.’ Mr Owiny added that the beginning of this year’s first planting season was no different, with rainfall lasting for only about two weeks. ‘From June to July, it was totally dry in Otuke, which greatly affected all the crops.’

Karamoja faces worsening hunger crisis

An acute food crisis is unfolding across several parts of the greater Karamoja Sub-region following widespread crop failure caused by prolonged drought. In Rengen Sub-county, Kotido District, scores of people are reportedly surviving without proper meals after their households ran out of grains and cereals.

Mr Elijah Lokoribok Lobur, the LC3 chairperson of Rengen Sub-county, said several elderly people and children had died from hunger because there was nothing left for residents to eat.

‘All the sorghum and maize fields, as well as the local cucumber used as sauce, which were planted in early April, were scorched by the relentless heat,’ he said.

Mr Lobur confirmed that parish chiefs were compiling data on the reported deaths before submitting it to the district, which would then forward it to the Office of the Prime Minister.

Mr Paul Lotee Komol, the LC5 chairperson of Kotido District, said they had briefed the central government on the situation on the ground and that some relief supplies had already been delivered.

He confirmed that grain fields and other crops had been scorched, warning that the district expected even more difficult times ahead.

Tribunal orders URA to unseal tobacco company’s premises

A tax dispute between Continental Tobacco Uganda and Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has laid bare tensions between negotiated tax settlements and continued enforcement action, with a case before the Tax Appeals Tribunal revealing contradictions in the handling of a multi-billion shilling assessment. The dispute, according to documents before the Tribunal originated from an initial tax liability exceeding Shs10b.

Tribunal records show that Continental Tobacco had been assessed Shs2.2b in Value Added Tax (VAT) and Shs7.89b in Income Tax, forming the basis of URA’s enforcement actions. However, the dispute took a significant turn on January 30, 2026, when both parties entered into an Alternative Dispute Resolution agreement executed by the URA Commissioner Legal Services, which substantially altered the company’s tax position.

Under the settlement, the VAT liability of Shs2.2b, documents show, was vacated to nil, while the income tax assessment was revised from Shs7.89b to Shs2.14b. Despite the revised obligations, Continental Tobacco argues that URA continued to enforce recovery measures that were premised on the original, higher assessments. According to filings before Tribunal, these actions included the issuance of agency notices to banks, sealing of business premises, and placement of caveats on properties belonging to the company and its directors. The company contends that these enforcement measures remained in place even after the Alternative Dispute Resolution agreement had redefined its tax liabilities, raising questions about the legal effect of such settlements within the tax administration framework.

Under the Tax Procedures Code and Alternative Dispute Resolution Regulations, a settlement agreement is recognised as binding and enforceable. Continental Tobacco argued that once the January 2026 agreement was concluded, URA was obligated to adjust its enforcement actions in line with the revised figures, including lifting restrictions tied to the initial assessments. URA, however, defended its actions by pointing to new information that allegedly undermined the the settlement.

Tribunal records indicate that URA informed Continental Tobacco that it had received intelligence suggesting that the Alternative Dispute Resolution agreement may have been concluded based on misleading disclosures. In particular, URA claimed that Continental Tobacco disclosed only one bank account held at KCB Bank, while allegedly maintaining additional accounts in Centenary Bank and Stanbic Bank that were not revealed during the Alternative Dispute Resolution process.

Following these findings, URA initiated further investigations and, in April 2026, formally notified Continental Tobacco while requesting additional documentation covering a review period from 2014 to 2022. The move reopened scrutiny of the company’s tax affairs, signalling URA’s position that settlement agreements may be revisited where fraud or misrepresentation is suspected. The dispute, however, presented a series of legal questions for determination, key among which included whether the Alternative Dispute Resolution agreement remained valid and binding, and whether URA’s continued enforcement actions, despite the revised tax figures, were lawful.

Continental Tobacco argued that allegations of fraud had to meet a high evidentiary threshold, insisting that such claims could not be presumed and must be pleaded and proven. The company further contended that URA lacked the statutory authority to unilaterally revoke or disregard a concluded settlement agreement, describing the continued enforcement as an abuse of process. Continental Tobacco also maintained that the persistence of enforcement actions, such as business closures, despite compliance with the revised obligations, amounted to a breach of its rights to fair hearing.

Tribunal settles the dispute

In its ruling, the Tax Appeals Tribunal found URA’s actions unlawful and upheld the integrity of the settlement agreement, affirming that the Alternative Dispute Resolution was valid, binding and enforceable, and ruled that the revocation letter issued on May 26, 2026 was null and void. It further held that the continued sealing of the company’s premises and the maintenance of caveats were unlawful, ordering URA to immediately unseal the business premises and directed URA to remove and vacate all caveats, effectively restoring the company’s control over its properties.

In addition, the Tribunal issued a permanent injunction restraining URA from taking any further enforcement action in respect of the liabilities covered under the settlement agreement, unless the agreement is set aside by a competent court or the Tribunal itself. The Tribunal also awarded the company general damages of Shs50m with interest at 6 percent per annum until payment in full, and granted costs of the application to Continental Tobacco. URA is also expected to submit a report to the Tribunal by August 15, 2026, detailing the execution of the orders, but in the event that it wishes to challenge the settlement agreement, it must formally apply to the Tribunal, where the matter would be considered in accordance with the law.

Adithya and Lavidu in cracking form

Major upsets highlighted the semi-final stage of the Rukmini Kodagoda Trophy Junior Golf Championship at the Royal Colombo Golf Club, with the tournament being sponsored by Perera and Sons for a record 10th consecutive year.

The biggest surprise came in the Boys Gold Division, where Lavidu Premarathna stunned tournament favourite Reshan Algama to book his place in the final. In the other semi-final, Adithya Weerasinghe defeated Jacob Norton in another unexpected result, setting up an exciting title clash between Premarathna and Weerasinghe.

The Girls Gold Division final will feature Kaya Daluwatte against Deepika Ganesan. Daluwatte continued her impressive form to reach the final, while Ganesan also produced a solid performance to earn her place in the championship match.

In the Silver Division, Udeera Bandara and Adli Azemi progressed to the Boys final, while Genali Weerakoon will meet Mashifra Muzzamil in the Girls final.

The Bronze Division finals will see Hesandi Gayansa take on Dilkini Kangara in the Girls event. In the Boys category, Jaeden Sathasivam advanced to his third successive final, having progressed from the Copper Division to the Bronze Division over the years. He will face the in-form Yuvan Ratjikanth as both players battle for the championship title.

Colo Colo Secure Special Permission For Cape Verde Star Vozinha

The Chilean Football Federation (ANFP) has granted a special exemption allowing Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha to wear his famous nickname on the back of his Colo Colo shirt despite league regulations requiring players to use their legal names.

The 40-year-old, whose full name is Josimar Jose Evora Dias, signed a six-month contract with the Chilean giants on Monday following his outstanding performances at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. ANFP rules generally prohibit the use of nicknames on playing shirts, but Colo Colo successfully appealed for an exception.

Speaking at his unveiling, Vozinha explained the personal significance of the name, which means ‘little granny’ in Portuguese.

‘It is the name I have used my entire life. In Cape Verde, it holds great significance and a rich history, and now it does globally as well,’ he said. ‘If my grandmother were alive today, I think she would be proud. I hope to keep using it for the rest of my career as a tribute.’

Vozinha has become one of football’s most inspiring stories after helping Cape Verde enjoy a remarkable World Cup debut. The veteran goalkeeper played a key role as his country earned their first-ever World Cup point against Spain and reached the knockout stages, where they pushed eventual finalists Argentina to extra time.

His heroic displays earned him a place in FIFA’s Team of the Tournament and sparked a surge in popularity, with his Instagram following growing from around 50,000 to nearly 30 million.

After spells in Slovakia, Angola, Moldova, Cyprus and Portugal, the experienced shot-stopper described his move to Chile’s most successful club as the pinnacle of his club career.

‘The decision was very clear,’ he said. ‘The World Cup was the best thing that ever happened to me in football, but that is in the past now. Representing Colo Colo, a massive club with a rich history, is the highlight of my club career.’

Beyond the Numbers: Lessons from SARMAAN for Maternal and Child Health in Nigeria

Yet, 102 deaths per 1,000 is still more than four times the Sustainable Development Goal target of 25. For policymakers and stakeholders gathering to shape the next phase of maternal and child health in Nigeria, the question is less whether progress is possible and more what it takes to make it routine.

One part of the answer lies in how the country has delivered child-survival programmes at scale. More than 16 million children have now been reached through the SARMAAN (Safety and Antimicrobial Resistance of Mass Administration of Azithromycin in Children) Project across northern Nigeria, a milestone that says as much about system strength as it does about operational scale.

SARMAAN, is a child-survival initiative that delivers supervised azithromycin to children aged 1-59 months in high-mortality communities, through trained health workers and state primary health-care systems, as part of a wider child survival package that still includes immunisation, nutrition, clean water and basic care. Its experience offers practical lessons for the wider maternal, newborn and child health agenda.

The first lesson is that saving children’s lives is a systems task, not just a clinical one. The improvement in under-five mortality and service indicators is happening in a context where Nigeria’s health system remains fragmented, with federal, state and local authorities sharing overlapping responsibilities that can lead to duplicated efforts and disjointed delivery. SARMAAN’s operations show what it looks like when that fragmentation is managed rather than ignored. In the second quarter of 2026 alone, nine states successfully implemented house-to-house administration. Those rounds were only possible because procurement, logistics, financing, data systems, regulatory oversight, health-worker training and state-level coordination were aligned in advance.

The second lesson is that the ‘unseen work’ is as important as the visible outputs. Public-health success is often narrated in terms of bottles distributed or children reached. SARMAAN’s numbers are impressive on those terms, but the deeper value lies in how doses get from a central warehouse to a child’s mouth without eroding trust. Behind each round are state alignment meetings, last-mile route planning, community dialogues, information materials, safety and pharmacovigilance systems, and fast feedback loops on rumours and concerns. Those are the same ingredients required for better antenatal care, safer births and stronger newborn care, which means the systems ‘muscle’ built for one intervention can strengthen the MNCH agenda.

Finally, SARMAAN raises a constructive challenge for all of us: what happens when a child-survival intervention proves it can be delivered at scale? Does it remain a time-bound project, or does it become part of the permanent toolbox? As Nigeria’s under-five mortality continues to decline, and as national plans and guidelines for maternal and newborn health are updated, the experience from SARMAAN suggests three collaborative priorities. First, integrate proven child-survival tools into routine primary health-care and child-health strategies, so they are planned and budgeted for alongside immunisation, nutrition and WASH. Second, strengthen domestic financing so that continuity does not depend solely on external support. Third, keep investing in community trust, safety monitoring and data, so scale never outruns science or consent.

The improvements in child survival, breastfeeding, antenatal care and skilled birth attendance show that change is possible when policy, practice and partnership line up. SARMAAN’s delivery record is one piece of that picture, not the whole answer but a practical example of what coordinated, country-led effort can achieve.

As Nigeria determines its next strategies for maternal and child health, the most powerful signal we can send is that programmes that work, and the systems that support them, are not temporary successes but building blocks for a future where mothers and children survive as a matter of course, not of chance.

Katsina Hisbah Board orders warrants before hotel, home searches

The Katsina State Hisbah Board has directed its officers to obtain valid court orders or arrest warrants before entering hotels or residential premises in the course of their official duties.

The directive was contained in a circular dated August 4, 2026, addressed to all local government commanders and headquarters personnel. The circular was signed by the Commander-General of the board, Dr Abu Ammar.

The board said the decision was reached at its regular meeting held on June 6, 2026, and takes immediate effect.

According to the circular, officers must obtain appropriate legal authorisation before entering any hotel or residential premises, except where the Commander-General or applicable law expressly permits otherwise.

The board said the directive was aimed at ensuring compliance with existing laws, regulations and the provisions of the Constitution governing law enforcement activities.

It urged officers to respect the constitutional rights of citizens and discharge their duties in accordance with due process and the rule of law.

The circular warned that any commander or officer who violates the directive could face disciplinary action, in addition to any legal consequences arising from the breach.

‘All commanders are directed to communicate the directive to personnel under their command and ensure strict compliance,’ the circular stated.

Kandy Royals bow out timidly, Colombo Kaps win Eliminator

Chasing a 200-plus score in the fourth innings on a wicket where three teams had passed the 200-run mark was certainly going to be tricky and so it proved when Kandy Royals collapsed in a heap losing seven wickets for 42 to be bowled out for 135 against Colombo Kaps who won the LPL Eliminator by 68 runs in the second match played at the R Premadasa International Cricket Stadium yesterday.

Colombo Kaps will meet Galle Gallants in Qualifier 2 tomorrow (7) for a place in the final.

Lahiru Udara the tournament’s leading run-getter once again set the tone for Kandy Royals’ chase with a rapid 50 off 36 balls (5 fours, 2 sixes), but once he fell it was a procession of wickets tumbling resulting in Kandy Royals’ elimination from the tournament. It was the spell by Player of the Match Wanuja Sahan (2/8 off 4 overs) that resulted in the downfall of Kandy Royals. Their middle order was once again found wanting and with a captain who was hampered by injuries it proved too much of a task to chase down such a tall target.

Colombo Kaps came with the intention of batting the opposition out and when the toss went in their favour they had no hesitation of taking first lease of a wicket where 470 runs had been scored.

Ben McDermott, son of former Australian fast bowler Craig McDermott smoked seven sixes and a four in a 39-ball blitz for 71 which laid the foundation for the big-hitters like Janith Liyanage (32 off 19) and James Neesham (42* off 23 balls, 6 fours, 1 six) to provide the perfect finish to help Colombo Kaps to 203-7.

Scores:

Colombo Kaps 203-7 (20) (Ben McDermott 71, Kamindu Mendis 28, Janith Liyanage 32, James Neesham 42*, Shaheen Afridi 2/39, Nuwan Thushara 2/31, Zahir Khan 2/32) vs. Kandy Royals 135 (18.4) (Lahiru Udara 50, Pawan Sandesh 21, Shahnawaz Dahani 2/16, Mujeeb Ur Rahman 2/41, Wanuja Sahan 2/8, Malsha Tharupathi 2/23, Milan Rathnayake 2/23)

Sultan seeks probe of Colonel Ude’s killing

The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has called on the Federal Government and the Nigerian Armed Forces to conduct a thorough investigation into the killing of Colonel Abdulrasaq Abdussalam Ude in Abuja.

The Sultan, in a statement issued by his media team on Wednesday, also condemned what he described as persistent hate campaigns against minority Igbo Muslims in the South East, saying such actions undermine efforts at national unity and peaceful coexistence.

Colonel Ude was killed on July 27 while returning to his residence in the Kurudu area of the Federal Capital Territory after gunmen reportedly attempted to abduct him.

His driver and security guard sustained gunshot injuries during the attack, while his wife was also caught in the incident and is receiving treatment.

A relative of the deceased had described the attack as a calculated assassination rather than a failed kidnapping attempt.

Reacting to the killing, the Sultan said no Nigerian life should be taken without those responsible being identified and brought to justice.

‘As Muslims, we continue to act by showing love and encouraging peaceful coexistence, tolerance, unity and restraint as enjoined by the Holy Qur’an,’ he said.

He urged the Federal Government and the Armed Forces to ‘get to the root of the circumstances’ surrounding the alleged close-range shooting of the officer, whom he described as a distinguished military intelligence operative admired by both the Muslim community and traditional institutions, especially in the South East.

‘To allow the killing of any single Nigerian without uncovering the cause and bringing the culprits to justice is not the hallmark of a serious country, particularly when the victim is a serving soldier of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

‘The cause of this killing and the attempt on the lives of members of his family must be uncovered, and the appropriate authorities should do the needful,’ the Sultan said.

BoardPAC appoints Chrishan Fernando as Vice President – Sales and Marketing

BoardPAC has appointed Chrishan Fernando as Vice President – Sales and Marketing, bringing onboard one of the region’s most respected ICT and business transformation leaders.

With more than 25 years of executive leadership experience across Fortune 50 companies, Chrishan has built a distinguished career leading high performing sales, marketing, and business development teams. His track record includes driving multimillion dollar growth initiatives, forging strategic partnerships, and consistently delivering exceptional business outcomes across diverse industries.

An MBA holder in Marketing, Certified Professional Marketer (Asia Pacific), and Certified Director from the Sri Lanka Institute of Directors, Chrishan blends academic rigor with hands on leadership excellence.

Chrishan began his international career at Compaq Computer in Singapore, managing South Asian markets. Following the HP merger, he returned to Sri Lanka and played a pivotal role in strengthening Hewlett Packard’s market presence. His leadership journey continued as he was headhunted by IBM to serve as Country General Manager, where he spearheaded the launch of new business verticals including software solutions and IBM Global Business Services.

At Dell Technologies, Chrishan served as Country Manager for Sri Lanka and Maldives, leading the company to market leadership across both consumer and commercial segments. He later expanded his enterprise expertise as Director Sales at Fiserv, deepening his capabilities in enterprise sales strategy, channel development, and regional market expansion.

Beyond his corporate leadership roles, Chrishan is a sought-after consultant in B2B sales enablement, advising organisations on strategic account management, contract and proposal development. He is also passionate about coaching teams and strengthening competitiveness in evolving markets.

Deeply committed to advancing Sri Lanka’s talent landscape, Chrishan brings a unique blend of global business insight and local market understanding to help organisations grow, innovate, and build trust across regions.

Commenting on his appointment, Chrishan Fernando said he is eager to leverage his international experience to support BoardPAC’s continued growth and expansion in key markets.

BoardPAC warmly welcomes Chrishan to its leadership team and looks forward to the global perspective, strategic depth, and transformative energy he brings as the company continues to strengthen its presence and deliver exceptional value to customers worldwide.

Sri Lanka to host global and local insurance leaders at SLIIS 2026

The Insurance Association of Sri Lanka (IASL) is set to host the Sri Lanka International Insurance Summit (SLIIS) 2026 from 10 to 12 August 2026 at Cinnamon Life, Colombo.

Held under the theme, ‘Insurance as a Catalyst for Economic Confidence in a Complex Risk Landscape,’ the summit will bring together international and local insurance leaders, regulators, policymakers, business representatives, and industry specialists.

As one of the most significant events in the Insurance Association of Sri Lanka’s annual calendar, SLIIS 2026 is expected to further strengthen Sri Lanka’s position as a regional platform for international insurance dialogue, professional development, and industry collaboration.

Building on the success of its inaugural edition in 2024, the summit will provide a unique opportunity for the local insurance sector to engage with global thought leaders, explore emerging trends, and gain insights into innovative approaches to risk management, while fostering stronger regional and international partnerships.

The three-day program will commence on 10 August with the official inauguration and a networking cocktail reception, providing participants with opportunities to exchange insights, build professional relationships, and foster cross-border collaboration.

The inauguration will be graced by the Chief Adviser to the President on Digital Economy Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya, as Chief Guest, Insurance Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka Chairman Dr. Ajith Raveendra De Mel and Director General Damayanthi Fernando as Guests of Honour.

The summit program on 11 and 12 August will feature keynote presentations and panel discussions examining the most significant trends and challenges shaping the future of the insurance industry.

Discussions will cover a diverse range of timely and highly relevant themes, including climate and catastrophe resilience, financial inclusion through microinsurance, the future of motor insurance, technology and digital transformation as strategic differentiators, evolving insurance business models, the reinvention of life and health insurance, IFRS-driven transformation, and the integration of ESG principles into insurance strategy.

IASL President Lasitha Wimalarathne said: ‘As the apex body representing Sri Lanka’s insurance industry, IASL is proud to once again present the Sri Lanka International Insurance Summit. Building on the strong foundation established in 2024, SLIIS 2026 further elevates Sri Lanka’s position on the global insurance map as a centre for thought leadership, professional exchange, and industry collaboration.

He added: ‘At a time when economies and businesses are navigating unprecedented complexity, it is important that the industry comes together to share knowledge, challenge conventional thinking, and identify solutions that strengthen resilience. Through the summit, IASL remains committed to fostering the growth and advancement of the insurance sector while contributing to broader economic confidence and sustainable development.’

IASL Marketing and Sales Forum Chair Roshan Pieris said: ‘As the organising body behind SLIIS 2026, the IASL Marketing and Sales Forum is proud to spearhead an initiative that has become a premier platform for knowledge sharing, networking, and industry advancement. This year’s programme has been carefully curated to address the realities shaping the insurance industry today, from changing customer expectations and evolving distribution models to digital transformation, emerging risks, and the growing need for financial inclusion.

‘As customer behaviours continue to evolve and the pace of disruption accelerates, insurers must continually adapt their strategies, products, and service models to remain relevant and create meaningful value. Through the diverse range of speakers and discussions featured at the summit, we aim to provide delegates with practical insights, fresh perspectives, and innovative ideas that can help drive sustainable growth, strengthen customer engagement, and support the continued development of a more resilient and future-ready insurance industry,’ Pieris said.

SLIIS 2026 Project Chair Mahen Gunarathna said: ‘One of the defining strengths of SLIIS 2026 is its ability to bring together global expertise and regional opportunity on a single platform. As we welcome distinguished speakers and delegates from around the world, the summit offers a unique opportunity to gain first-hand insights into Sri Lanka’s evolving insurance landscape and the broader growth potential across South Asia.

He added: ‘The summit serves as a valuable gateway for international stakeholders seeking new partnerships, business opportunities, and market insights in this part of the world. Beyond the conference, we are equally proud to showcase Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage, warm hospitality, and growing appeal as a destination for international business engagement. We hope every delegate leaves with meaningful professional connections, new perspectives, and a lasting appreciation of our country and its potential.’