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Landfill fire in Koutsoventis could go on for weeks, Loizides tells CNA

The Technical Environmental Committee has been “on high alert” since the day the fire broke out at the Koutsoventis landfill, in the Turkish-occupied part of Cyprus, and its co-chair, Michalis Loizides, told CNA that he has been in contact with scientists specialising in the field, who are monitoring the situation, but the options are very limited.

“We have a fire that is still burning. Unfortunately, fires in garbage dumps are not just about what you can see burning on the surface. The good news is that this is a surface fire; it is not deep within the landfill, but even so, it cannot be brought under control within a few hours” he said.

It will take a few days, perhaps even weeks, to contain it and reach a point where the smoke emissions stop, he said.

Loizides noted that this particular site has been funded as a sanitary landfill using EU funds, and the EU office that monitors funding to the Turkish Cypriots ‘could intervene and support structural improvements to ensure that there is no possibility of such situations recurring.’

The EU could also state that the protocols are not being adhered to and demand that the Turkish Cypriot side undertake a new phase of planning and rectifying the problem, in which the EU could also be involved, he added.

Michalis Loizides proposed the development, on both sides, of an early warning system for residents, so that in such cases they can monitor the concentration of specific toxic, hazardous gases – and, when these exceed a threshold that could affect the general population, a warning could be issued advising people to stay indoors, “as we do with dust.”

He added that if the phenomenon is severe, then areas should be evacuated; noting that, in the case of this particular fire, this might have been necessary on the first day of the fire (on Sunday) for areas very close by, within 2-3 km of the rubbish tip.

These simple measures, which we could implement on our own part, would be quite significant for the public, he said, noting that many people “are trying to work out what they can do themselves to protect their families.” Here, he noted, the issue of cooperation with the Civil Defence of the Republic of Cyprus also comes into play, saying that this presents a ‘brilliant opportunity to create better structures for keeping residents informed.’ Since we have the early warning system, he continued, there is no reason not to link it to such incidents as well.

Loizides said that it might take weeks to contain the fire because no one knows how deep the thermal damage extends or what conditions are required to extinguish it, given the extent of the damage caused at the rubbish tip. He also said that there will be an effort using bulldozers and other equipment to extinguish the fire. He pointed out, finally, that similar fires in Kotsiatis had raged for weeks.

From cost centre to growth enabler: How smarter business mobility is transforming corporate transport in Nigeria

ROYAL IBEH had a chat with Isaac Iroko, country manager, Bolt Business Nigeria, about how businesses are rethinking corporate transport, the role of technology in making business mobility more efficient, and how smarter mobility solutions can help companies manage costs while supporting growth in a changing business environment.

Business transportation can be a high cost and administrative burden for companies. What are you seeing in the Nigerian market today?

Businesses are becoming much more deliberate about how they manage mobility. Transportation is no longer simply about getting employees from point A to B; it has a direct impact on productivity, operating costs, and employee experience.

What we are seeing is a growing demand for solutions that give businesses more flexibility and visibility over their transportation spend, without requiring them to build and maintain their own transportation infrastructure.

Companies want to be able to move employees, clients and teams efficiently while still having control over how much they spend and how that spend is managed.

How does Bolt Business address these challenges?

Bolt Business brings the convenience of Bolt’s mobility platform into a corporate environment. Businesses can manage work rides, payments and employee travel from a centralised dashboard, giving them greater visibility and control over their mobility spend.

For example, companies can set spending limits, organise employees into groups and access automated ride reports, which removes much of the manual work associated with expense management. This means businesses can focus less on tracking individual trips and reimbursements and more on their core operations.

Cost efficiency is a major concern for businesses. How does Bolt Business help companies manage their transportation costs?

Cost efficiency is really about having visibility and control. When businesses have a centralised system for managing work-related transportation, they can see how their teams are using mobility and identify opportunities to optimise spending.

Bolt Business allows companies to establish spending controls and access detailed reports on their rides. This helps businesses move away from fragmented transportation arrangements and gives them a clearer picture of their overall mobility spend.

Flexibility is another major consideration, particularly for businesses with employees working across different locations or schedules. How does Bolt Business support that?

Businesses today need mobility solutions that can adapt to the way they operate. An employee may need to travel to a client meeting in the morning, another may need transportation after a late shift, while a company may need to arrange rides for guests or clients.

The flexibility of Bolt Business allows companies to manage these different needs through one platform. Businesses can also schedule rides in advance, manage teams, and set different spending rules depending on their requirements.

How important is scalability for businesses using a mobility solution?

It is extremely important. A mobility solution should work whether you are a small business with a handful of employees or a large organisation managing transportation for hundreds of people.

That is one of the advantages of a platform-based approach. Businesses can start with what they need and expand their usage as their operations grow, without having to make significant investments in vehicles, drivers or transportation infrastructure.

What kind of impact are you seeing Bolt Business have on its clients?

The impact goes beyond simply providing rides. We help businesses reduce the administrative burden associated with transportation, improve visibility over spending, and give employees a more seamless way to travel for work.

For many companies, transportation can involve multiple processes, arranging vehicles, managing payments, tracking expenses, and reconciling receipts. Bringing these elements together through one platform can make a meaningful difference to how efficiently a business operates.

What do you think the future of business mobility looks like in Nigeria?

I think we will see businesses increasingly move away from traditional, fixed approaches to corporate transportation and towards more flexible, technology-enabled mobility solutions.

The future is about giving businesses the ability to move their people when and where they need to, while maintaining control over costs and having the data to make better decisions. As Nigerian businesses become more dynamic and distributed, mobility will increasingly be viewed not just as an operational expense but as an enabler of productivity and growth.

Why should a Nigerian business consider Bolt Business today?

Businesses should consider Bolt Business if they are looking for a simpler and more flexible way to manage work-related transportation. It gives companies the tools to control spending, centralise payments, automate reporting, and manage employee mobility from one place.

Ultimately, our goal is to take the complexity out of business transportation so companies can spend less time managing mobility and more time growing their businesses.

Does Bolt for Business also provide payment flexibility for companies managing their cash flow?

Yes, and this is particularly important for businesses. Eligible companies can use Bolt throughout the month and pay for all their rides at the end of the billing period through one consolidated invoice, subject to the agreed payment terms.

This means employees do not have to pay personally and request reimbursements, while the business does not need to fund every ride individually. It supports better cash-flow management and also makes reconciliation easier because all the company’s rides are captured in one place. Companies that prefer to pay by card can also use automatic card payments.

Can Bolt integrate with a company’s existing systems?

Yes. Bolt for Business can integrate with supported expense-management systems, helping companies reduce manual work and manage ride expenses within their existing processes.

For businesses with larger or more complex operational needs, we can also understand their workflow and explore the integration options available. The idea is to make Bolt fit into how the business already operates, rather than introduce another process for the company to manage.

Can businesses also use Bolt for deliveries?

Yes. Through Bolt Send, businesses can arrange same-day deliveries for eligible items such as customer orders, documents, and other small or medium-sized parcels.

This is useful for businesses that need a flexible delivery option without maintaining their own fleet. They can see the estimated cost and delivery time before confirming and track the delivery in real time. For businesses with higher delivery volumes or those that require an integration with their platform, we can review their specific needs and determine the most suitable solution.

60 wars now active, highest since WWII: UN Rights Chief

United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Trk told the UN Human Rights Council’s 63rd Session that more than 60 wars involving at least one state are currently active, the highest count since World War Two, warning of declining respect for international law and a weakening commitment to the UN Charter.

He flagged renewed US-Iran hostilities as destabilising the Gulf region, calling the crisis avoidable and urging an immediate return to negotiations. On Ukraine, now in its fifth year of Russian invasion, Trk cited rising civilian casualties and intensifying energy-infrastructure strikes, and voiced concern over reports that Russian autonomous drones killed three Ukrainians last month, noting Kyiv has also tested similar systems. He renewed calls for an international ban on weapons that can kill without human decision-making.

‘There is only one way out of this madness: peace negotiations that respect the UN Charter,’ Trk said.

He urged governments to strengthen domestic accountability, back the International Criminal Court, and expand use of universal jurisdiction to prosecute atrocity crimes where national courts cannot or will not act. ‘The tragedy of conflict has touched almost all our lives,’ he said, citing lasting effects on displacement, public health and the environment.

152 HIV New Infections Recorded In STMA

An estimated 152 new HIV infections were recorded in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly (STMA) in 2025.

The Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE), Frederick Faidoo, who disclosed this, noted that available statistics indicate that currently about 4,198 persons are living with the disease in the metropolis.

He revealed that the figure makes the area, the district with the highest number of people living with the condition in the Western Region.

He said it comprised 1,344 males aged 15 years and above, 2,623 females aged 15 years and above, and 231 children between zero and 14 years.

The STMA mayor was speaking at the opening of the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan HIV and AIDS Stakeholders’ Review Meeting.

The meeting was aimed at providing stakeholders with an opportunity to review the implementation and progress of HIV-related activities, assess achievements against planned targets, identify challenges and service delivery gaps, as well as share experiences and lessons learnt.

The stakeholders were to discuss emerging issues affecting the HIV response and identify practical strategies to improve the effectiveness, coordination and sustainability of interventions within the metropolis.

He decried the 152 new infections recorded last year as a worrying concern that required renewed commitment and collective action from all stakeholders.

‘According to the 2025 Ghana AIDS Commission National and Sub-national HIV and AIDS Estimates Report, the total number of people living with HIV in Ghana is estimated at 337,435.

‘Of the figure, 21,922 were children below 15 years, while 315,513 were adults aged 15 years and above,’ he added.

Mr. Faidoo also disclosed that the Western Region recorded an estimated 23,548 people living with HIV, placing it fifth among the regions with the highest population of persons living with the condition in the country.

He said Greater Accra recorded the highest population of people living with HIV with 77,512, followed by Ashanti with 68,505, Eastern with 42,953 and Central with 24,468.

The STMA has the highest number of persons living with HIV in the Western Region, followed by Tarkwa-Nsuaem with 3,536, Prestea-Huni Valley with 2,248 and Wassa Amenfi East with 2,112.

Mr. Faidoo said the statistics underscored the need for stronger collaboration among the Assembly, Ghana Health Service, civil society organisations, development partners, community groups and other stakeholders.

Josiah Kwofie, an Educationist and Counsellor, called for a revolutionary approach to curbing the spread of the virus.

Francis Anthonio, the Acting Technical Coordinator for the Ghana AIDS Commission in the region, stressed the need for prudent choices to reduce the death burden associated with HIV and AIDS.

‘Ghana plans of eliminating the condition by 2030, which calls for improved strategies and sustained actions to reach that goal,’ he indicated.

He said, ‘Though you can buy sex, buy with your health and safety in mind, use the condoms, and let’s kill new infections, particularly among the youthful population.’

NFF crisis: FIFA orders immediate suspension of Nigeria football electoral process

World football governing body FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) have instructed the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to suspend its ongoing electoral process with immediate effect, putting an end to the elective congress scheduled for September 27, 2026, in Lafia, Nasarawa State.

The decision comes as the two football governing bodies begin a joint assessment of the legal, governance, administrative and electoral implications of the leadership crisis engulfing Nigerian football.

In a letter dated September 7 and addressed to NFF Deputy General Secretary Emmanuel Ikpeme, Elkhan Mammadov, FIFA Chief Member Associations Officer, said FIFA and CAF were reviewing communications relating to the resignations of NFF President Ibrahim Gusau, General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi and members of the Executive Committee.

The intervention effectively halts all further steps in the electoral process until FIFA and CAF complete their assessment.

FIFA, CAF review NFF crisis

FIFA and CAF said their review would consider the relevant facts, the NFF regulatory framework and positions communicated by various stakeholders.

‘We refer to the various communications recently received by FIFA and CAF concerning developments within the Nigeria Football Federation, including the notifications relating to the resignation of the NFF President, members of the Executive Committee and the General Secretary,’ Mammadov said.

The two bodies also referenced a September 1 meeting at FIFA’s headquarters in Zurich involving FIFA, CAF, the NFF administration and representatives of the Federal Government.

The Nigerian delegation was led by National Sports Commission Chairman Shehu Dikko.

‘FIFA and CAF are currently assessing the legal, governance, administrative and electoral implications arising from the current circumstances within the NFF,’ the letter said.

September 27 election put on hold

FIFA and CAF instructed the NFF not to take any further steps or decisions relating to the electoral process until further notice.

The directive is intended to preserve the status quo while the two governing bodies engage stakeholders and assess the circumstances surrounding the leadership crisis.

The NFF had previously suspended preparations for its September 27 elective congress following the resignation of Gusau, Sanusi and members of the Executive Committee. It had said a fresh electoral process would begin after comprehensive reforms in consultation with FIFA and CAF.

FIFA stressed that the suspension should not be interpreted as an endorsement of any of the developments within the NFF.

‘At this stage, FIFA and CAF have not reached any conclusions regarding the matters under review, and no determination has been made with respect to any potential next steps,’ Mammadov said.

FIFA, CAF plan Abuja mission

FIFA and CAF will send a joint assessment mission to Abuja to meet key stakeholders and gather information on the crisis.

The mission is expected to engage the NFF administration, members of the NFF Congress, electoral bodies and the National Sports Commission.

According to FIFA, the visit will help the two organisations understand the circumstances surrounding the recent developments and identify issues requiring further consideration under FIFA, CAF and NFF regulations.

Following the assessment, FIFA and CAF will determine whether recommendations or proposals should be submitted to their respective decision-making bodies.

The two bodies, however, cautioned stakeholders against assuming what action they may eventually take.

Leadership crisis deepens

The FIFA and CAF intervention follows the resignation of Gusau on August 27, 34 days before the scheduled end of his four-year tenure.

Sanusi and members of the NFF Executive Committee subsequently resigned, creating a leadership vacuum at the federation.

Ikpeme was appointed to oversee the NFF Secretariat as interim General Secretary, while Ademola Olajire became interim Deputy General Secretary.

The crisis followed mounting criticism of Nigeria’s football administration after the Super Eagles failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the Super Falcons missed the 2027 Women’s World Cup.

The Federal Government subsequently called for comprehensive reforms of Nigerian football, with the NSC engaging FIFA and CAF on the way forward.

Major Club 50-over semi-finals SSC pip defending champions CCC by one run to enter final

In a high scoring semi-final played at the NCC grounds, SSC dethroned defending champions CCC by one run (DLS method) in a nail-biting finish to enter the final of the Major Club 50-over tournament.

In the other semi-final played at the P Sara Oval, Moors SC beat Colts by 51 runs to join SSC in the final which will be played on 11 September at a venue yet to be decided.

Skipper Avishka Fernando’s career best knock of 160 (129 balls, 15 fours, 5 sixes) set the tone for SSC’s challenging total of 336-4 after they choose to bat first. It was Fernando’s 17th hundred at this level and he surpassed his previous highest of 139, and also completed 5000 runs in the process.

A feature of the SSC innings was the double century (202 off 181 balls) stand between Fernando and Nipun Dananjaya who also went onto score a century (101* off 107 balls, 8 fours, 2 sixes). Left-arm seamer Vishwa Fernando was CCC’s most successful with figures of 3/57.

CCC took up the challenge and their openers Nishan Madushka (148 off 132 balls, 9 fours, 5 sixes) and Lasith Croospulle (67 off 63 balls, 5 fours, 4 sixes) posted a stand of 129 off 111 balls. CCC had their target revised to 332 off 49 overs when a sharp burst of rain halted play for 25 minutes when they were 81-0 after 10.4 overs.

On resumption Dhananjaya de Silva (58 off 62 balls, 3 fours, 1 six) and Ashen Bandara (37 off 20 balls, 2 fours, 2 sixes) kept CCC in the hunt although they kept losing wickets at regular intervals. When it came to the final over CCC required 19.

With four required off the final ball Bandara was run out going for a third which would have tied the match, forcing the match to go into a super-over which may not have been possible as the light had already faded.

For SSC to qualify for the final it has been a fantastic turnaround for them. A year ago, they were relegated to play in Tier B, but they have fought their way up the ladder and are one step away from clinching a Major Club title.

Moors SC came up with a splendid all-round performance with both bat and ball to outplay Colts. Half-centuries from Sithara Gimhan (92 off 91 balls, 13 fours, 1 six), Sohan de Livera (59 off 62 balls, 6 fours, 1 six), Sadeera Samarawickrama (64 off 53 balls, 8 fours) and Janishka Perera (59 off 54 balls, 3 fours, 1 six) saw them post a demanding total of 344-7.

Colts could not get their momentum going after losing their first four wickets for 122 in 23 overs where Sangeeth Cooray made 50 off 66 balls (6 fours, 2 sixes). Despite a 98-run stand between Angelo Mathews (89 off 89 balls, 10 fours, 2 sixes) and Muditha Lakshan (52 off 47 balls, 6 fours, 1 six) Colts were always behind the required rate.

The continued fall of wickets didn’t help their cause and they were eventually bowled out for 293 in the 48th over. A combination of seam and spin brought the desired result for Moors SC. Right-arm pacie Shiran Fernando even though expensive was the pick of their bowlers with 3/67.

Exhibition dedicated to 120th anniversary of Latif Karimov opens in Almaty

An exhibition titled “Spirit of Time in Folk Art”, dedicated to the 120th anniversary of prominent Azerbaijani scholar, carpet artist and People’s Artist Latif Karimov, has opened at the National Central Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Almaty.

The exhibition was organized by the Azerbaijan Culture Ministry, the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation, the Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum and the National Central Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

National Central Museum Director Serzhan Sarov, Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation Project Manager Serik Nurmoldaev, Head of the Almaty Office of the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Kazakhstan Vusal Rajabali and Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum Director Amina Malikova attended the opening ceremony.

In their speeches, the participants stressed the importance of developing cultural cooperation between Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan, preserving and promoting the shared historical and cultural heritage of the two peoples, and passing traditional arts on to future generations.

Before the ceremony, guests listened to a performance by the Otyrar Sazy Orchestra of the Kazakh State Academic Philharmonic and watched video presentations about Azerbaijan and the collection of the Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum.

The official opening was then marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony, after which guests viewed the exhibition.

The exhibition, based on the collection of the Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum, features carpets and examples of folk art dating from the 19th and 20th centuries. Its main section presents carpets from Guba, Baku, Shirvan, Karabakh, Gazakh and Ganja, reflecting the regional characteristics and artistic diversity of Azerbaijan’s rich national heritage.

The display includes pile carpets such as “Pirabadil”, “Gabistan”, “Surakhani”, “Fakhrali”, “Salakhli”, “Khanlig” and “Mir”, as well as flat-woven carpets, including kilims, shadda, varni and zili.

A special section of the exhibition is dedicated to the work of Latif Karimov, founder of the Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum. It features his carpet designs, along with the “Second Spring” and “Khatai” carpets.

The exhibition also presents carpet-related items such as mafrash, khurjun and chul, as well as examples of embroidery, jewellery and artistic metalwork, together with traditional Azerbaijani women’s clothing.

As part of the event, the Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum and the National Central Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan signed a memorandum of cooperation. The document provides for expanded exchange of expertise between the two museums, the implementation of joint projects, and closer cooperation in the study and promotion of cultural heritage.

A roundtable titled “Decorative and Applied Arts of the Kazakh and Azerbaijani Peoples: Historical Roots, Ethnocultural Continuity and Modern Development Trends” was also held as part of the exhibition programme to mark Latif Karimov’s 120th anniversary.

The exhibition will remain open until October 4, 2026.

Baku to host World Aquatics Swimming World Cup

Baku is getting ready to host the World Aquatics Swimming World Cup 2026, with tickets for the city’s stage now on sale.

The competition will take place from October 1 to 3 at the Aquatic Palace, marking the opening stage of the World Aquatics Swimming World Cup’s Silk Road Tour.

Some of the world’s leading swimmers are expected to compete in Baku. Fans will have the opportunity to watch prominent athletes including Cameron McEvoy, Haiyang Qin and Siobhan Haughey.

Tickets are available in both QR-code and paper formats. Paper tickets can be purchased at ticket offices operating across the city, while QR tickets will be activated on the day of the competition and can be used through the iTicket.AZ mobile application.

The 2026 World Aquatics Swimming World Cup will feature a three-stop Silk Road Tour, with Baku hosting the opening stage, followed by Tashkent on October 8-10 and Astana on October 15-17.

The Baku stage will mark the first World Aquatics event to be held in Azerbaijan. The Aquatic Palace has previously hosted major international competitions, including events at the 2015 European Games, the 2017 Islamic Solidarity Games and the 2019 European Youth Summer Olympic Festival.

More than 750 athletes from over 50 countries are expected to compete across the three-stop tour.

Why your NIN is replacing your TIN

For years, Ugandans have had to keep track of two different identification numbers for two closely related purposes. The National Identification Number (NIN), issued by the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA), identifies an individual as a citizen or resident, while the Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), issued by the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), identifies a person for tax purposes.

Cabinet has approved the use of the NIN as the tax identification number for individual taxpayers, marking a significant shift in how Uganda identifies and manages taxpayers. The decision is part of government’s broader effort to integrate public databases, improve the accuracy of taxpayer information and strengthen domestic revenue mobilisation.

At first glance, the change may appear to be a simple administrative adjustment: one number replacing another. But its implications are much broader.

The reform means that an individual’s identity for national purposes and their identity for tax administration will increasingly be tied to the same number. Rather than obtaining and maintaining a separate TIN, an individual taxpayer will use their NIN when interacting with the tax system. This should make tax registration and administration simpler. It also has the potential to reduce duplication and inconsistencies in government records.

Where different institutions previously held separate information about the same individual, linking systems through a common identifier can make it easier to verify and update taxpayer information.

For government, that integration has a more important benefit: visibility. A tax system works best when the authority can accurately establish who is earning income, conducting business and carrying out taxable transactions. A common identifier makes it easier to connect information held across different government systems and, in turn, gives the tax authority a clearer picture of economic activity. That is particularly important as Uganda moves towards digital tax administration.

URA has already been requiring taxpayers to update their registration details with their NIN or Business Registration Number (BRN).

The latest Cabinet decision, therefore, builds on a transition that has already been taking place rather than introducing a new concept. There is, however, an important distinction for businesses.

The NIN applies to individual taxpayers. Companies and other non-individual entities will be identified using the Business Registration Number (BRN) within the new framework. A company therefore does not become an individual taxpayer simply because its directors or shareholders have NINs.

The company remains a separate legal entity with its own tax obligations and identification. This distinction matters for entrepreneurs who operate businesses in their own names as well as those who have incorporated companies. The way a business is legally structured will continue to determine how it is registered and taxed.

For individuals already registered with URA, the change should not be interpreted to mean that their previous tax records, obligations, or history disappear.

Existing taxpayer information will need to be aligned with the new identification framework. Taxpayers should therefore ensure that their NIN is correctly reflected in their URA records rather than assuming that no action is required because they already possess a national ID.

The reform also raises an important issue that businesses often overlook: the quality of their information.

As Government systems become increasingly integrated, inconsistencies in taxpayer records can become more significant.

A taxpayer whose name, telephone number, physical address, business activity, or identification details are outdated may face difficulties when accessing tax services or completing transactions.

Review records

Businesses should, therefore, treat this transition as an opportunity to review their records across the board.

Are the details registered with Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) accurate? Does the taxpayer information correspond with the business registration records?

Are changes in ownership, address, or business activity properly reflected? Are the records used for invoicing and other tax compliance processes consistent with the information held by Government?

Uganda’s tax administration is no longer operating solely through traditional paperwork.

Digital systems such as the Electronic Fiscal Receipting and Invoicing Solution (EFRIS) are creating more electronic records of business transactions. When these systems are combined with more integrated taxpayer identification, the government gains greater capacity to connect taxpayers with the economic activities associated with them.

Better identification and more accurate information can contribute to a tax system that is easier to administer and potentially more transparent. For taxpayers who operate informally, under-declare income or maintain inconsistent records, the implications are different.

A more connected system can make it increasingly difficult for economic activities to remain disconnected from the individual or business responsible for them.

This is why the NIN reform should not be viewed merely as a change of numbers. It represents a broader change in Uganda’s approach to tax administration, from a system that relies heavily on separate registrations and records towards one that increasingly uses integrated digital information.

For ordinary Ugandans, the immediate practical message is straightforward: keep your national identification details accurate and ensure that your tax records are properly updated.

For entrepreneurs and companies, maintaining accurate registration information, keeping proper financial records and ensuring consistency across government systems are becoming equally important.

The number may be changing, but the underlying responsibility remains the same: taxpayers must understand their obligations, keep accurate records, and ensure that the information held by government reflects their actual economic activities.

For individuals, the NIN is becoming the key to that system, and for businesses, the BRN will serve the same purpose.

For everyone operating in Uganda’s formal economy, the future of tax administration will be more digital, more integrated, and far more data-driven.

Govt clears Shs249b Mbarara-Ishaka Road contract

Government has cleared a Shs249 billion contract for the construction of the Mbarara-Ishaka Road, Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa has announced.

Tayebwa said the contract had been cleared by the Solicitor General and that China Railway 18th Group would undertake the project.

He made the remarks on Tuesday during the burial of former Gender Ministry pioneer Edna Kentaro Kaisho Baryaruha in Bushenyi.

‘People have talked a lot about the Mbarara-Ishaka road and I can assure you that the contract has been cleared by the Solicitor General and the China Railway 18th Group will be working on the road,’ Tayebwa said.

He said government was also working on the Mbarara-Ibanda road, while the Mitooma-Rukungiri road would be considered later because many other roads also require attention.

Tayebwa also announced two major industrial projects for Ankole. An industrial hub will be established on 70 acres provided by Bushenyi District in Kyeizooba, while a five-square-mile industrial park for food processing will be developed in Ruhengyere.

He said the projects were intended to create employment opportunities for young people who have been demanding government jobs.

On the tea sector, Tayebwa said government would remove Shs39 billion in taxes affecting tea farmers in Bushenyi.

He also criticised the management of some tea factories, accusing them of paying shareholders to vote for them as directors despite the positions being voluntary.

Tayebwa said government had increased the health budget from Shs1 trillion to Shs2.7 trillion and was expanding specialised healthcare services.

He said Uganda records between 34,000 and 36,000 new cancer cases annually, with about 85 per cent coming from outside Kampala.

Government plans to establish five regional cancer centres with at least 80 beds each. The Gulu centre is already operational, while centres in Mbale and Arua are under construction. The Mbarara centre requires a Shs39 billion loan, which Tayebwa said must be approved by Parliament.

He added that government was constructing a 250-bed Heart Institute in Naguru and was working to elevate Kitagata Hospital to a regional referral facility for Greater Bushenyi. Plans are also underway to expand Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital to a level comparable to Mulago National Referral Hospital.

The deceased’s son, Marvin Baryaruha, described his mother as patriotic, incorruptible and a strict disciplinarian who strongly believed in her children.

He said the family went into exile several times in Kenya and Morocco before returning to Uganda during the term of former President Yusuf Lule, when his father, the late Azarias Baryaruha, was appointed a minister.

Marvin also spoke about his mother’s long illness, saying she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005 and underwent surgery in 2018. He said she later lost three siblings in one month in 2020 and her husband in 2021, events that affected her health.

He said his mother fell during an evening walk three weeks before her death and later lost her appetite. She was admitted to Nsambya Hospital’s intensive care unit before being referred to Nakasero Hospital because of limited ventilators.

Marvin criticised the handling of her treatment and called for improvements in the health sector. He thanked President Museveni for financially supporting his mother during her illness and asked him to continue supporting her children.

Bushenyi District Woman MP Annet Katusiime Mugisha described Baryaruha as an important contributor to the Gender Ministry, particularly in promoting women’s emancipation, development programmes and the welfare of the girl child.

She also said government had started projects in Bushenyi, including the PIBID banana project in Nyaruziinga and an irrigation project expected to benefit 100 people in its first phase and more than 300 in the next phase.

She appealed to government to increase funding for roads in the district ahead of the rainy season.

Edna Kentaro Baryaruha served as Uganda’s first Director of Gender and was the widow of former Industry Minister Azarias Ndiira Baryaruha.