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Azerbaijan welcomes UAE diplomat’s nomination for UN Secretary-General

Azerbaijan has welcomed the initiative to nominate Lana Zaki Nusseibeh, Minister of State of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), for the position of Secretary-General of the United Nations.

Aykhan Hajizada, spokesperson for Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, made the statement in response to a media inquiry concerning Nusseibeh’s nomination.

Hajizada emphasised that Azerbaijan attaches particular importance to ensuring that the selection of the next UN Secretary-General is conducted in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter.

According to the spokesperson, the selection process should be guided by candidates’ professional qualifications, diplomatic experience, impartiality and ability to build consensus among UN member states.

“We hope that this process will culminate in an outcome that contributes to the formation of a stronger, more efficient United Nations capable of responding agilely to modern challenges,” Hajizada said.

Nusseibeh’s diplomatic background

Lana Zaki Nusseibeh is an experienced Emirati diplomat who currently serves as the UAE’s Minister of State.

She previously represented the UAE as its Permanent Representative to the United Nations from 2013 to 2024, playing a prominent role in the country’s multilateral diplomacy.

During her tenure, Nusseibeh held several senior positions within the UN system, including Vice-President of the UN General Assembly and President of the Executive Board of UN Women.

She also presided over the UN Security Council on two occasions during the UAE’s membership in the Council in 2022-2023.

Masussuka: Katsina Police Launch Manhunt For Fleeing Killers

The Police have launched a manhunt for the killers of prominent Islamic scholar, Sheikh Yahaya Ibrahim Masussuka, and his friend, Adamu Abubakar.

Daily Trust reports that the duo were killed outside the cleric’s home in Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area of Katsina State on Monday evening.

In a statement issued and signed by the state’s command PPRO DSP Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu, two armed men on a motorcycle opened fire on the two men in front of the scholar’s residence, then fled.

It explained that the Divisional Police Officer for Dutsin-Ma led a team of officers to the scene after the incident was reported. Both victims were rushed to the nearest hospital, where a doctor pronounced them dead.

It further stated that the state Commissioner of Police Ali Umar Fage has ordered tactical and operational teams into the area and an investigation is underway, as police say they are intensifying efforts to track down and arrest the suspects.

The statement said the police commissioner offered condolences to the families, friends and followers of the deceased and to the people of Dutsin-Ma, and he vowed that the command ‘will not relent’ until the perpetrators are brought to justice.

Meanwhile, Governor Dikko Umaru Radda has condemned the killing, assuring that those responsible would be brought to justice.

In a condolence message issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, the governor expressed shock over the incident and extended his condolences to the deceased’s family, the Islamic community and others affected by the loss.

Radda described Sheikh Masussuka as a voice for peaceful coexistence and interfaith harmony, noting that the cleric was known for his Qur’an-centred teachings and opposition to violent extremism and radicalisation.

The governor said security agencies would intensify efforts to investigate the circumstances surrounding the killing, identify the perpetrators and ensure they faced the full weight of the law.

‘Those behind this heinous act must be brought to justice. I urge the relevant security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure that the perpetrators face the full weight of the law,’ he said.

Radda appealed to residents to remain calm, cooperate with security agencies and provide credible information that could assist the investigation.

He cautioned against actions capable of escalating tensions or undermining public peace, urging residents to allow security agencies to carry out their responsibilities.

The governor also urged the bereaved family to remain steadfast in their faith, praying that Almighty Allah would grant them the strength and patience to bear the loss.

Syria closes Nasib border crossing with Jordan amid escalation in Daraa

Syria has closed the Nasib border crossing with Jordan due to the security situation in Daraa province, the SANA news agency reported, citing the Syrian General Authority for Border Crossings and Customs.

The decision suspends all passenger and commercial traffic in both directions to ensure the safety of travelers and border crossing personnel, the authority said.

The agency added that it continues to monitor developments in the region.

On October 26, the Royal Jordanian Air Force carried out strikes against several sites in Daraa province in southern Syria. According to the regional health authority, five civilians were killed, while two others were injured. The Jordanian military said the targets were hideouts used by terrorist groups.

The Syrian government said the operation had been conducted without prior coordination with Damascus. Syrian authorities launched an investigation into the circumstances of the incident and established direct contact with the Jordanian side, stressing the need to coordinate operations in border areas.

Meanwhile, Jordan’s Petra news agency, citing the country’s armed forces, reported that the strikes were part of an operation dubbed “Jordanian Deterrence – Khmoud,” targeting hideouts of terrorist organizations in southern Syria.

According to the Jordanian side, the operation was coordinated with the Syrian government and carried out in response to an attack on the Khmoud church in Karak. The individuals involved in the attack were reportedly linked to the terrorist organizations targeted in the strikes.

Price Tracker: Oil, fuel monitor for Oct. 27 – Nov. 2, 2026

Motorists can expect a rollback in gasoline prices this week but more expensive diesel and kerosene products.

The Department of Energy announced on Monday, October 26, that oil and fuel product prices are again moving in mixed directions, albeit at smaller increments than industry forecasts suggest late last week:

Diesel – up P1.20 per liter

Gasoline – down P0.30 per liter

Kerosene – up P0.50 per liter

The energy department said domestic prices are directly affected supply pressures linked to ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia recently announced a partnership with Singapore to store crude at the latter’s Jurong Rock Caverns in mid-2027 and enhance the oil supply chain in Southeast Asia.

The new price adjustments will be effective starting 6 a.m on Tuesday, until Monday next week, November 2. Prices may still vary depending on locations and gas stations.

Here are the estimated new prices of local oil and fuel products for October 27 to November 2, 2026.

Govt pledges to increase funding for anti-malaria fight

The government plans to increase its share of malaria financing from 28 percent to 50 percent by 2030, as the country battles a rise in malaria prevalence and growing uncertainty over external funding.

The commitment is part of the Uganda Malaria Elimination Strategic Plan 2026-2030, which requires about Shs4.2 trillion over five years, with government seeking additional contributions from the private sector and other domestic sources.

The financing drive comes as malaria prevalence among children under five has risen from 10 percent in 2018 to 13 percent in the 2025, according to Uganda Malaria Indicator Survey, reversing some of the gains made in the fight against the disease.

The Minister of Health, Dr Chris Baryomunsi, said government will continue to lead national response but called for greater participation by businesses and other non-state actors to mobilise resources.

Speaking during the inauguration of the 2026-2029 board of directors of Malaria Free Uganda (MFU) in Kampala on Friday, Dr Baryomunsi said the country needed broader support to finance malaria elimination.

‘Malaria is not only a health problem; it is an economic problem. …we have committed to raising our own share of malaria financing to half of the total by 2030. But a challenge of this scale cannot be carried by government alone. This board widens the circle of those who carry it,’ Dr Baryomunsi said.

MFU, a Ministry of Health-led public-private partnership platform and Uganda’s End Malaria Council, are expected to mobilise resources from the private sector, communities and other non-state actors to complement government financing.

The push for additional funding follows a shortfall under the previous malaria strategic plan, which required $1.01 billion, but mobilised only $741 million.

Donors provided 62 percent of the funds mobilised under that plan, exposing the country’s malaria response to changes in external financing. The suspension of the US government funding in 2025 further highlighted the risks associated with heavy reliance on external support.

Under the new plan, the End Malaria Council will work with the Ministry of Finance and the National Malaria Elimination Division to mobilise sustainable financing.

MFU stated that households reportedly bear more than 70 percent of these costs, with families in the highest-burden districts spending up to a quarter of their income managing the disease.

Globally, the World Health Organisation estimated 282 million malaria cases and 610,000 deaths in 2024, with Africa accounting for about 94 percent of cases and 95 percent of deaths.

The newly inaugurated board, chaired by Mr Kenneth Mugisha, urged members to translate their appointments into practical commitments in curbing the disease.

‘Let us not leave this room with good intentions alone, but with firm commitments to act. Every malaria death is a future stolen, a child’s dreams cut short, a family left grieving, and a loss to our nation. The board will promote long-term corporate partnerships, expand workplace malaria programmes under the national Malaria Smart Companies initiative,’ Mr Mugisha said.

Mr Bernard Feni, the chief executive of Euro Gold Refinery Uganda and a board member, said businesses should participate in malaria elimination rather than leave the responsibility to government and international partners.

‘The purpose is not only to depend on international funding but also on indigenous Ugandans, communities and all social networks to support this initiative.

This is part of our corporate social responsibility and other businesses should contribute,’ he said.

MFU says it has mobilised more than $6.2 million in cash and in-kind contributions over the past five years while engaging more than 100 organisations. Its interventions have supported malaria advocacy, communications, and the Uganda Blood Transfusion Services, including the procurement of equipment worth Shs1.32 billion.

In the 2025/2026 financial year alone, contributions reached Shs8.886 billion, according to the organisation.

Dr Denise Njama-Meya of the African Leaders Malaria Alliance said End Malaria Councils were most effective when they were locally led, and the private sector actively participated in the response.

Despite previous progress in reducing malaria deaths, the disease remains a major public health and economic challenge. National malaria incidence currently stands at 274 cases per 1,000 people, above the strategic target of 185 cases per 1,000.

Why govt must invest in affordable housing

The streets of major European cities; Paris (France), Brussels (Belgium), Lisbon (Portugal), Rome (Italy), Tirana (Albania) and Madrid (Spain) are still smoldering following weeks of protests over economic hardships.

Back home in Uganda, the looming housing crisis that is about to strike us, is still making push-ups.

About a month ago, at a friend’s insistence, I reluctantly agreed to ‘check out’ as millennials and Gen Z’s love to say, his favourite spot.

One of things that nudged me to go was that I wanted to establish for myself and empirically so, whether ‘froth’ tastes better at upscale nightspots. Located in the leafy Kololo suburbs, the place sits close to a diplomatic installation belonging to an emerging global power.

Beyond the sassy and classy clientele and the fuel guzzlers lining the route to this haven of happiness, patrons are also welcomed by fresh air.

But it was the surroundings that caught my eye. Nearby stood a building of five or so storeys, tucked inside a gated, tiled compound and boasting some of the most attractive terraces I have seen in a while.

An askari told me the building houses rental apartments. Judging by its appearance, I figured out that a single unit must be going for well over Shs1 million. Which still sounds as an understatement in my ears.

Across Kampala, posh rentals are sprouting up everywhere like mushrooms while high-rise apartments continue to pierce the skyline.

However, this construction boom is not matched by a corresponding expansion in affordable housing for low-income earners. Consequently, Uganda’s cities risk witnessing a proliferation of slums and slum-like settlements and a rise in homelessness.

Regarding the latter, I do not mean street kids or people living with mental health challenges, but hardworking citizens who simply cannot earn enough to put a roof over their heads.

Going by figures National Housing and Construction Company (NHCC) Chief Executive Officer Kenneth Kaijuka supplied to the House Committee on Lands chaired by Edson Rugumayo, on August 5, Uganda’s housing deficit stands at seven million units when calculated solely on the basis of permanent houses, defined as those with a lifespan of at least 50 years.

When semi-permanent houses, with a lifespan of 15 to 49 years, are included, the deficit drops to five million units.

Including temporary housing units, which have a lifespan of up to 14 years, further reduces the estimated deficit to about 2.4 million units.

Using his own words, Kaijuka said all the projects they have developed over the years have been financed by commercial loans at interest rates ranging between 18 and 25 percent. A situation he said had led to small and costly products.

To deliver affordable housing, Kaijuka said NHCC needs about Shs500b over the next five years. While I doubt whether our government which recently splashed Shs166.8b on cars for MPs would readily commit such a sum to a national priority, either way, our leaders have no option.

Because, as they will soon discover, it is foolhardy to leave the housing sector entirely in the hands of private players who can increase rent whenever they wish. Secondly, few city dwellers can afford the growing number of apartments, save for those holding heavily-salaried jobs in public and private sectors.

The situation becomes even more worrying when one factors in surveys such as the 2021 National Labour Force report conducted by the Uganda Bureau of Statistics which showed that half of the country’s employed population earns a median monthly cash wage of just Sh200,000. This is the reality for many Ugandans who brave the daily traffic jams to get to work early every morning.

The situation is hardly any better for professionals, such as primary school teachers, some healthcare professionals and security personnel, as well the other segment eking out a living in the private sector, many of whom earn between Sh500,000 and Sh1.5m a month.

It is public knowledge that whereas incomes have largely remained stagnant over the years, the cost of living has steadily risen. School fees, for instance, has risen exponentially over the past five years. So much so that kindergarten going kids have to part with a Shs1million to learn doodling.

Similarly, a one-kilogram bar of soap that cost Shs3,500 five years ago now goes for Shs6,000. For motorists, a litre of petrol that cost about Shs3,900 five years ago is now approaching Shs8,000.

The money traps we fall into

Financial mistakes are not confined to the young, the old, the wealthy or the struggling. Anyone can fall into habits that make money disappear faster than it comes in. In Nigeria, where food prices, transport fares, rent and utility bills can change quickly, managing money takes more than earning a decent income. It requires clear priorities and habits that can withstand both good times and unexpected hardship. Nigerian Banking Launch

One common mistake is having no emergency savings. It is easy to assume that a steady job, a supportive family or a promising side hustle will always be there. But a medical bill, car repair, delayed salary or sudden job loss can disrupt even a carefully planned month. Without savings, people may turn to expensive loans or borrow from relatives at a stressful time. An emergency fund does not have to appear overnight. Setting aside a small amount regularly can gradually build a cushion for essential expenses.

Another trap is spending first and saving only what remains. After receiving a salary or payment, someone might buy new clothes, replace a phone or join friends for an expensive outing, intending to save later. By the end of the month, little is left. A more reliable approach is to save as soon as income arrives, even if the amount is modest. Treat savings like a bill that must be paid, rather than a leftover that may or may not exist.

It is also easy to spend more whenever income increases. A promotion, a better-paying contract or a profitable business month can bring welcome relief. But it may also lead to a more expensive apartment, frequent restaurant meals and purchases made mainly to impress others. This is lifestyle inflation: expenses rise alongside earnings, leaving little progress despite making more money. Enjoying a higher income is reasonable, but putting some of the increase towards savings, debt repayment or investment can make the improvement last.

Social pressure can make this harder. Online, people display holidays, designer goods and celebrations, but rarely show the loans, family support or financial strain behind them. Trying to match appearances can leave anyone overstretched. A relatable example is accepting every invitation to an expensive restaurant because friends are going, even when rent or school fees are due. It is possible to maintain friendships without copying every purchase. Suggesting a less expensive outing is not a failure; it is a sensible choice.

Many people also postpone planning for retirement, assuming there will be time to think about it later. Yet the earlier someone begins saving or investing appropriately, the more time their money has to grow. This does not mean neglecting today’s needs or putting money into every scheme advertised as an investment. It means learning about available options, understanding the risks and making regular contributions where possible. People in countries such as the United Kingdom and Canada are encouraged to plan for retirement over many years; the same long-term thinking can benefit Nigerians, whatever their age or income. Buy Maps

Debt is another area that demands care. Borrowing can sometimes be useful, especially for productive purposes, but using credit to fund everyday spending or maintain an image can become costly. A person who repeatedly borrows to cover bills may find that repayments consume the next month’s income, leading to more borrowing. Before taking a loan, understand the interest, fees, repayment period and consequences of missing payments. If several debts are already causing pressure, listing them and making a realistic repayment plan is a practical first step.

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A budget can help prevent many of these problems, yet some people consider it restrictive or too complicated. In reality, a budget is simply a plan for where money should go. It can be written in a notebook, tracked in a spreadsheet or recorded with a phone app. Start by noting income and regular costs, such as rent, transport, food, airtime and school expenses. Small purchases matter too: frequent snacks, unplanned rides or unused subscriptions can quietly add up. Tracking them helps reveal where adjustments are possible.

Good money management is not about denying yourself every pleasure. It is about choosing what matters, preparing for setbacks and avoiding decisions that create unnecessary stress. Income levels and responsibilities differ, so there is no single plan that suits everyone. But at any age, knowing what comes in, deciding what must go out and saving consistently can improve financial confidence.

Start with one manageable change: record your spending, save a small amount on payday or review a recurring expense. A modest habit, repeated over time, can be more powerful than a grand plan that is never put into practice. Your future self may be grateful you began today.

Higher airfares as fuel surcharge rises in November

Travelers flying in and out of the Philippines in early November may need to pay more for tickets, as airlines will raise the allowable fuel surcharge to its highest level since May.

In an advisory on Tuesday, the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) raised the fuel surcharge to Level 17 for Nov. 1 to 15, up one notch from Level 16 during the second half of October.

At Level 17, airlines may collect between P559 and P1,635 per passenger for domestic flights and between P1,846.10 and P13,726.58 for international flights.

These are higher than the rates under Level 16, when surcharges ranged from P525 to P1,535 for domestic flights and from P1,733.76 to P12,891.29 for international flights.

Airlines add fuel surcharges to base fares to offset fluctuations in fuel prices

How proposed US visa reforms will reshape sponsoring foreign talent

?The United States (US) government is planning to introduce its biggest change in over 20 years to its work visa rules, making it harder for foreign workers to get permanent work visas (green cards) through their employers.

A comprehensive regulatory proposal designed by the US Department of Labor (DOL) has cleared the review by the federal Office of Management and Budget (OMB).

The move paves the way for formal publication in the Federal Register, marking the first major structural revision to the Permanent Labor Certification (PERM) program since 2005.

At its core, the Permanent Labor Certification (PERM) program, which derives its name from the Program Electronic Review Management system used to process applications, is a mandatory Department of Labour process that allows American employers to sponsor foreign nationals for a permanent employment-based green card, granting them lawful permanent residency.

The impending policy shift strikes at the heart of this corporate labor pipeline, particularly affecting international professionals seeking residency through the EB-2 and EB-3 visa classifications.

By resetting how American businesses recruit domestic workers before sponsoring foreign talent, the regulation threatens to lengthen processing timelines, raise compliance burdens, and restrict employment pathways for foreign workers including large pools of high-skilled talent from countries like India and Nigeria.

The mechanics of the PERM shift

Under current immigration statutes, a US employer seeking to sponsor a foreign worker for a permanent role must first conduct a rigorous labor market test.

This requires demonstrating that no qualified, willing, and available American worker can be found to fill the position.

The proposed PERM reform focuses on three primary operational pillars designed to protect the domestic workforce. First, the Department of Labor intends to revise recruitment baselines by raising the mandatory minimum standards employers must meet when testing the domestic job market for qualified American candidates.

Second, the proposal establishes stricter layoff protections, creating tighter guidelines and sponsorship restrictions for companies that have recently executed workforce reductions among their US employees.

Finally, the regulation enhances non-discrimination mandates, placing greater obligations on employers to demonstrate strict compliance with federal hiring rules throughout the recruitment phase.

While the explicit regulatory text remains confidential pending its publication in the Federal Register, its release will trigger a mandatory 30- to 60-day public comment period. This window will allow corporate sponsors, immigration attorneys, and advocacy groups to submit formal feedback before a final, enforceable rule is codified.

As corporate legal teams and foreign professionals await the official publication of the PERM rules, the direction of travel is clear: obtaining permanent residency through US employer sponsorship will require navigating far higher legal hurdles and stricter domestic workforce protections than at any point in recent history.

Are we really cyber safe?

In October, organisations are busy with vibrant posters, hosting webinars, sharing security tips, organising conferences and reminding us to be cautious online. The messages are familiar: Think before you click. Guard your password. Watch out for fraudsters. Keep your PIN private. Stay safe online.

But what happens when October ends?

In the hidden corners of the internet, cybercriminals might be quietly watching our awareness efforts, waiting for the banners to come down before they resume their activities. Unfortunately, these criminals do not follow our corporate schedules. They do not take breaks for public holidays, budget cycles or the end of a successful awareness campaign. Unlike some of our organisational efforts, their operations do not need fresh approval each financial year.

To be fair, Uganda has made significant progress in promoting cybersecurity awareness. Government bodies, financial institutions, telecom companies and professional organisations continue to invest in public education and digital safety. These efforts deserve recognition, especially as mobile money, digital banking, online government services and social media become more ingrained in daily life. However, the visibility of awareness campaigns does not necessarily mean better cybersecurity.

An organisation might hold several webinars, distribute numerous posters, achieve full staff participation and still have employees using weak passwords, sharing credentials or approving suspicious transactions without proper verification.

The awareness report might look impressive and attendance registers might be complete, but the cybercriminal is not interested in attendance statistics. Their focus is whether the door is still open. Increasingly, that door does not need to be opened through a suspicious email full of spelling errors.

Artificial Intelligence makes it easier to craft convincing messages, mimic voices and create deceptive content. A WhatsApp message requesting urgent financial help from a known contact or a notification threatening to block a mobile money account can prompt someone to act without verifying.

Cybersecurity awareness must therefore extend beyond memorising security slogans. People should understand how threats appear in everyday interactions and how to respond when faced with them. Knowing about phishing is one thing; recognising a convincing fraudulent message and resisting the urge to act is another.

Nonetheless, cybersecurity is not solely about individual behaviour. It equally concerns organisational governance, accountability, investment and operational resilience. Even the most cautious employee cannot compensate for outdated systems, excessive access privileges, unresolved vulnerabilities or inadequate monitoring. Awareness alone cannot fix an unpatched server or prevent the exploitation of a known vulnerability.

Policies may be approved, assessments conducted, risks documented and recommendations presented. Yet their true value depends on what happens afterward. Identified weaknesses must be addressed, recurring incidents must be analysed and security controls must be continuously evaluated. A vulnerability does not vanish simply because it has been noted in a risk register.

Instead of primarily measuring success by campaigns conducted, posters distributed or employees trained, more focus should be on whether awareness is influencing behaviour and strengthening security practices.

For individuals, this means developing everyday security habits: using strong and unique passwords, enabling multifactor authentication, keeping devices updated, verifying financial requests and reporting suspicious activities.

For organisations, it means integrating cybersecurity into daily operations rather than treating it as a periodic compliance task. Access rights should be reviewed, vulnerabilities addressed and incident response and recovery capabilities tested rather than just documented. Awareness should be reinforced year-round through practical exercises and lessons from real incidents.

Equally important, awareness initiatives must reflect how Ugandans interact with technology. A market vendor using mobile money, a student managing social media accounts, a parent making online school payments and a small business owner receiving digital orders face different risks.

Offering everyone generic advice about complex passwords may tick the awareness box without tackling their most pressing vulnerabilities.

The real value of Cybersecurity month lies in turning awareness into action and action into lasting habits and stronger controls.

Come November 1, the banners may come down, the webinars may end and communication teams may move on to the next campaign. Cybercriminals, however, will still be at work.