Uganda targets 10,000 Japanese tourists by 2027 after Nagoya expo

Uganda aims to attract at least 10,000 Japanese tourists by June 2027, up from fewer than 1,000 last year, following a renewed marketing push at the Aichi Tourism Expo in Nagoya.

The four-day event, held from September 25 to 28, drew over 115,000 visitors and 1,300 exhibitors from 80 countries.

Uganda’s delegation included officials from the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), the country’s embassy in Tokyo, Buganda Kingdom, and several tour operators.

Speaking at the Uganda stand, Ambassador to Japan Tophace Kaahwa said the embassy is working with Japanese travel associations to position Uganda as a long-haul destination.

‘Last year, according to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics, Uganda received close to 1,000 tourists from Japan. Our anticipation is to grow these arrivals to 10,000 tourists by June 2027. We are targeting the Japanese middle class with disposable income and appetite for cultural, wildlife and nature-based experiences,’ she explained.

UTB Chief Executive Officer Juliana Kagwa highlighted the importance of consistent market visibility saying: ‘We are grateful to our embassy for championing this showcase. The synergy will greatly enable us to increase visitor numbers to Uganda.’

At the expo, Uganda showcased its coffee, the shoebill stork, mountain gorillas, and cultural heritage.

Omulangira (prince) Joseph Mulondo, representing Buganda Kingdom, urged the use of immersive tools such as virtual and augmented reality to appeal to Japan’s tech-savvy tourism market.

Tour operator Sam Mugisha of Bic Tours highlighted Uganda’s safari and cruise experiences.

‘A combination of the big five safari and the boat cruise experience in Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls National Parks under the picturesque sunsets is an unrivalled experience in the whole world. We must promote this to Japanese tourists,’ he said.

Officials said the initiative aligns with Uganda’s Economic and Commercial Diplomacy Strategy, launched last year, which prioritises tourism promotion in overseas markets.

UTB projects that such partnerships will help Uganda achieve its long-term ambition of growing tourism arrivals 25-fold by 2040.

Man found dead in Bushenyi lodge, police investigate

Police in Bushenyi District are investigating the death of a man discovered in a lodge in Ishaka-Bushenyi Municipality on Monday night.

Darius Nyehangane had booked a room at Addex Bar and Lodges in Ishaka Division on Monday evening but was found lifeless on Tuesday afternoon, lodge staff said.

‘We were shocked to find him dead when we went to clean the room,’ said Brenda Kyomugisha, a lodge employee.

Local leader John Patrick Matovu, the Ishaka Division Councillor, urged lodge and hotel owners to verify the identities of guests. ‘

‘If a person does not have proper identification, they should not be accommodated. This helps prevent such incidents,’ he said.

Greater Bushenyi regional police spokesman SP Apollo Tayebwa confirmed the discovery. ‘On Tuesday afternoon, at about 1pm, the body of Darius Nyehangane was found after the lodge owner could not get him to open the door and alerted police,’ he said.

Police investigators, including the homicide team and scene-of-crime officers, recovered financial credit cards in the name of the deceased, SP Tayebwa added.

The circumstances surrounding Nyehangane’s death remain unclear as a postmortem has not yet been conducted. His body is at Kitagata Hospital mortuary awaiting examination.

A case of sudden death has been registered at Bushenyi Central Police Station, and statements have been recorded from lodge management, SP Tayebwa said.

He warned accommodation providers to follow regulations, including maintaining registration books for all guests.

‘Investigations are ongoing. We urge the public to travel with valid identification and act responsibly,’ he said.

The investigation highlights the need for stringent guest verification procedures in lodges and hotels across the region, as authorities seek to determine the cause of Nyehangane’s death.

Lwengo District boss charged with attempted murder, granted bail

The Chief Magistrate’s Court in Masaka on Tuesday charged Lwengo District Chairperson Ibrahim Kitatta with four counts including attempted murder and robbery.

Kitatta appeared before Chief Magistrate Simon Ntoroko and pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Prosecution led by Mariam Njuki said the charges stemmed from events that occurred on July 14, 2025, ahead of the recently concluded National Resistance Movement (NRM) primaries.

He is accused of robbing Liyaada Nakanwagi of her mobile phone, attempting to kill David Ssebuguzi, the LC1 chairperson of Kanakulya Zone, robbing him of his mobile phone, and stealing Shs900,000 from one Musa Kataze.

Through his lawyer, Eddie Sansa, Kitatta presented three sureties in court: Vincent Birimuye, the Lwengo District Vice Chairperson; Peregrino Ssenozi, the District Speaker; and Abdul Musa Mpagi, the Town Clerk of Kinoni Town Council, who is also his brother.

However, Njuki objected to the bail application, arguing that Kitatta could interfere with witnesses and evidence.

Magistrate Ntoroko overruled the objection, saying the accused was a responsible public official with a fixed place of abode and had presented credible sureties.

He granted Kitatta cash bail of Shs1 million, while each surety was bonded at Shs10 million non-cash.

The magistrate also urged the prosecution to expedite the case.

‘The state must ensure timely justice for all parties involved,’ he said.

Meanwhile, the complainants expressed dissatisfaction with the decision to grant Kitatta bail, claiming their lives remained at risk due to ongoing threats.

The case has been adjourned to November 20, 2025.

Simeone Gets One Match Ban For Liverpool Fans Clash

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has been given a one-match ban for ‘unsporting conduct’ by UEFA following his clash with Liverpool supporters at Anfield earlier this month.

After Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk scored a 92nd-minute winner in Atletico’s 3-2 defeat, Simeone reacted after he appeared to be goaded by a small number of home fans.

The Argentine complained to the fourth official with a number of stewards positioned between him and the Liverpool supporters.

Simeone had to be dragged away from the scene and continued his protests before he was sent off and walked down the tunnel.

His ban lasts for one competitive UEFA fixture, meaning he will miss his side’s home game against Eintracht Frankfurt on Tuesday (20:00 BST).

Speaking in the news conference after the Liverpool match, the 55-year-old said: ‘Firstly I regret the part I played. It’s clear we are in a position where we do not have the right to react and it is not good when we react.’

Simone said he ‘could not remember exactly’ what had been, but he took issue with the ‘insults throughout the whole game’ from the home supporters.

‘We [managers] are in a position where we are protagonists/standard bearers, so in the same manner that we fight against racism and insults in stadiums today, we could also fight on behalf of the managers, against the insults we receive throughout the whole game.

‘It’s not easy to be in the position we are in and receive insults for the whole game. I saw it from far away after the third goal. I saw the third goal go in and I turned, the insults continued, and well, I’m a person.’

Liverpool, meanwhile, have been fined 4,000 euros for the throwing of objects.

Ghana-US Deepen Ties Ahead Of World Cup 2026

As the days to the 2026 World Cup get closer, the Ghana and the United States are exploring various fora of mutual benefits as the two nations take steps to foster and strengthen existing relationships.

As part of measures, the National Sports Authority and the US Embassy in Ghana have engaged journalists and stakeholders in sports as the days to the World Cup which will be held in the US, Canada and Mexico draw nearer.

Held under the theme ‘Countdown to World Cup 26: ‘Bridging the Cap: Fostering Connections between the United States and Ghana through Soccer Culture,’ the programme highlighted opportunities available through sports.

It also highlighted rivalries between the Ghana Black Stars and the US Men Soccer team which have faced each other in three successive Worl Cup tournaments-2006, 2010 and 2014, with Ghana winning the first two and the US winning the third meeting.

Director General of the National Sports Authority, Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, in a presentation highlighted various collaborations between the two nations and how various Ghanaians have benefited and continue to benefit from these programmes.

He was hopeful that Ghana will qualify for next year’s World Cup thereby providing an opportunity for Ghanaians to experience the US as well explore opportunities for themselves.

Mr. Ampofo also disclosed that the NSA is putting in place measures to unearth talents across the country – not just in football but in various sporting fields.

He also indicated that despite financial challenges, the NSA is doing its best and pointed to government’s commitment to national development through sports.

Mathew Asada, Press Attachè at the US Embassy in Ghana said the US is ready to welcome people from all over the world ‘for this mega sporting event.’

He hoped that Ghana will qualify for the tournament, nothing that ‘once it does qualify, we can think about what we can do together.

He also pointed out that the Donald Trump administration is interested in ensuring that anyone that visits the United States abides by the US immigration laws, describing it as something that is ‘common sense.’

‘Each country has the ability to control who enters and stays and leaves that country,’ he said. ‘So, the United States right now, we want to ensure that we are facilitating that legitimate trade and travel and that people are abiding by the terms of their visa,’ Mr. Asada added.

Bryan Could Force Runoff In NPP Primaries – Group

A recent survey by the Independent Media Caucus for Development (IMCD) suggests that Dr. Bryan Acheampong could trigger a runoff in the New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential primaries if the election were held today.

The report, presented by Independent Media Caucus for Development (IMCD) Convener, Nana Abeiku Baiden, said 34,736 delegates were from all 16 regions of the country.

According to the group, the findings indicate a closely contested race, with none of the leading candidates poised to secure the required 50% majority to win outright in the first round.

It stated, ‘Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the former Vice President, leads with support from 10,901 delegates 31%, Dr. Bryan Acheampong, former Minister for Food and Agriculture, follows with 8,091 delegates 23%. Assin Central MP, Kennedy Agyapong, secured 5,569 votes 16%. Former General Secretary Kwabena Agyei Agyapong was backed by 390 delegates (1.1%).

The rest are former Education Minister, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum garnered 128 votes 0.3%. A significant number of delegates 9,657, representing 28% of the total sample, remain undecided.

The IMCD noted that the large undecided bloc and the relatively even distribution of support among the top aspirants indicate a likely second-round vote unless a major shift occurs.

’Revamp Western Rail Line’

The President of Western Regional House of Chiefs, Nana Kobina Nketsia V, has called on the government to prioritise revamping the Western Rail Line.

He mentioned that investing in the Boankra Inland Port in the Ashanti Region is not a bad idea but ‘The government should first revamp the Western Rail Line’.

The Regional House of Chiefs’ President who is also the Paramount Chief of Essikado Traditional Area was addressing stakeholders at the Western Regional Development Retreat in Takoradi.

The Regional Development Retreat, an initiative of the Western Regional Coordinating Council, was to facilitate dialogues on solutions that will address the numerous developmental challenges facing the Western Region.

He said developing the Western Rail Line would not only boost the economy but also create jobs and enhance food security in communities along the rail lines.

‘The initiative will also facilitate the transportation of foodstuffs to Sekondi-Takoradi and beyond’, he added.

He bemoaned the fact that successive governments have failed to honour their promises of developing the rail sector.

‘We were promised railway development using oil revenues, but later, nothing materialized,’ he said.

The Western Region Minister, Joseph Nelson noted that the challenges confronting the rail sector would not only affect the region’s transportation network but also hinder community development and deprive residents of livelihoods.

He assured that the government would redevelop the rail sector to aid in the transportation of bulk goods such as bauxite, timber, cocoa, manganese, among others.

The Minister appealed to traditional leaders to prioritise conflict resolution on pending chieftaincy disputes.

‘I am appealing to you Nananom to prioritise peace. I am concerned about the numerous chieftaincy disputes in our region’.

‘Please utilise the judicial committees of traditional councils and the Chieftaincy Act to resolve the conflicts’, he added.

He said he envisioned a region free of chieftaincy disputes, to enable the government revamp industries, promote sustainable mining, create jobs, and preserve cultural heritage.

GHS To Roll Out HPV Vaccination

Ghana Health Service (GHS) in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) is introducing the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination for girls between the ages of 9 and 14 years nationwide.

The HPV Vaccination is to fight against cervical cancer, particularly in girls starting from October 7, 2025.

Speaking at a media training, the country representative for WHO, Dr. Fiona Braka explained that cervical cancer is among top most cancers that affect women globally.

She stated that about 1,600 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer daily globally, with about 50% losing their lives due to this illness.

She stressed that cervical cancer is the second most common cancer affecting women in Ghana, adding that about 3,000 new cases and about 1,700 deaths are recorded every year.

According to Dr. Braka, about 70% of the cases are detected late, emphasising that the cost of treatment contributes to the devastation that affects women.

She stated that HPV affects 80% of sexually active individuals by the age of 45, noting that the HPV vaccines offer protection against the disease.

She lauded Ghana for introducing the vaccines, add that the HPV vaccines will join the list of immunsations in the country in order to support the global and national goal to eliminate cervical cancer by 2030.

Dr. Fiona highlighted that the strategy recommended by WHO to tackle the disease is the 90-70-90 strategy ? 90% of the girls will be vaccinated by the age of 15 with 70% of the women screened for cervical cancer by age of 35 and 45 and the other 90% of women who will be found with precancerous lesions will receive timely treatment which will eliminate the disease by the said time.

She stressed that the HPV vaccine is not new since it has been in use globally since 2006 with over 140 countries around the world using it, including 28 African countries.

She stated that WHO is remains committed help the country in the fight against cervical cancer.

Extended Programme on Immunisation Manager of GHS, Dr. Selorm Kutsoati, xplained that HPV is the necessary cause for the development of cervical cancer, stating that about 99% of the cases are caused by the high-risk HPV.

She emphasised that the early age of cervical cancer is quite asymptomatic thus women do not develop symptoms at all but will have signs such as unusual vaginal bleeding, pain during intercourse, weight loss, increased or foul smelling vaginal discharge and tiredness at the advanced stage.

She urged the media to educate the public and counter misinformation and disinformation regarding the HPV vaccination.

Kome – Shime Paramount Chief Warns Against Substance Abuse

The Paramount Chief of Kome-Shime Traditional Area, in the Volta Region, Togbi Amey Zegu II, has made a passionate call for a united front against rising youth drug abuse.

Togbe Amey Zegu was speaking at 2025 Klefe Yam Festival packed durbar attended by dignitaries, including the Chief of Staff at the Office of the Vice President, Alex Segbefia.

Togbi Zegu blended the festival’s cultural celebration with an urgent message of collective responsibility.

He warned that substance abuse threatens the very future of the region’s young people.

‘The same spirit of togetherness that sustained our ancestors must guide us in overcoming today’s challenges invoking the Ewe people’s historic migration from Notsie to the Volta plains,’ he said.

He pointed out that ‘Unity is our greatest inheritance and our greatest weapon.’

Togbi Zegu underscored the pivotal role of the younger generation, describing them as ‘today’s energy, innovation, and hope.’

He commended community projects such as the construction of dormitories at the Klefe Technical Institute, calling vocational education ‘the cornerstone of independence and entrepreneurship.’

Citing recent surveys, the chief revealed alarming statistics: more than half of secondary school students admit to drinking alcohol, nearly one in five report using marijuana, and more than five percent have experimented with amphetamines.

Cases of tramadol and opioid abuse, he warned, are steadily climbing.

‘These are our sons and daughters. If we lose them to drugs, we lose our future,’ he warmed.

To counter the crisis, Togbi Zegu outlined an ambitious response, urging a regional alliance of traditional leaders, parents, educators, and law enforcement to confront the menace through education, family mentorship, counselling and rehabilitation, tighter controls on illicit substances, and expanded opportunities for youth employment and skills training.

He called on the people of Volta to draw strength from their shared history, envisioning future festivals that celebrate not only rich harvests but also the triumphs of empowered, drug-free youth. ‘Let us stand united in history, purpose, and action.’

The 2025 Klefe Yam Festival was on the theme ‘Youth Empowerment: The Future of Our Community.’

I Love Shatta Wale Than My Family – Adu Safowah

Ghanaian socialite, media personality, and actress Adu Safowah, known for her outspoken nature and involvement in controversies, has declared that her love for Dancehall artist, Shatta Wale, outweighs that of her own family.

Her public display of affection, which has sparked mixed reactions on social media, comes days after Shatta Wale’s star-studded performance at the Rapperholic Homecoming concert at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi.

Adu Safowah shared a photo of Shatta Wale on Instagram with the caption: ‘All I do is to pray for you, you will live long Shatta in good health. I love you than my own family members and they know #Iloveyou.’

Responding to a fan who questioned her declaration, she replied, ‘Listen to nobody bigger than God and you will understand my post better. His music keeps some of us going. Street crown oooo mine, I love Shatta.’

Her connection with Shatta Wale appears to stem from admiration rather than romance. She has previously described him as ‘the best’ following his performance at the 2025 President’s Cup, praising his originality and impact on Ghana’s music industry.