President Museveni Urges Army Officers to Reject Identity Politics , Promote Prosperity and Strategic Security
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has called on the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) officers and students undergoing various courses at the Armoured Warfare Training School – Karama, Mubende District to protect Uganda from the divisive politics of identity, which he believes undermines national unity, and urged them to engage in the country’s socio-economic transformation by promoting prosperity through the production of goods and services. Delivering a lecture of opportunity on Tuesday 10thJune 2025, at State House Entebbe, President Museveni who is also the Commander In Chief of the UPDF, cited the harmful impact of identity politics in most African Nations, notably citing the historical fall of Africa to Colonialists that resulted in a significant political and economic decline. “In the last 500 years, Africa has been through so many problems, slave trade, colonialism, and neo-colonialism. All this was happening because the governance of Africa was weak and lagged, consequently allowing Europeans to take control.” The President expressed satisfaction at the gathering, stating the importance of discussing the UPDF’s role as an instrument of revolution in Uganda and Africa, emphasizing the need for attendees to understand this mission. Taking them through the historic European colonization of Africa, the President hinted at its negative impact on African economic development, Uganda inclusive, and urged them to focus on national interests. Recalling how Africa had gone through neo-colonialism, causing economic collapse, President Museveni pointed out that upon coming to power, the NRM Government introduced three historic missions (prosperity, strategic security, and brotherhood) and four ideological principles (Patriotism, Pan-Africanism, Socio-Economic Transformation, and Democracy) resulting in the revival of the economy. The President also urged the army officers to rethink prosperity through self-sufficiency, saying that true economic growth does not depend on aid but on local production and entrepreneurship (producing a good or service and selling it with ekibaro), communities can generate income, improve living standards, and access essential resources like housing, transport, electricity and clean water. “You can’t get prosperous from aid, if we were to get prosperous, Africa would be rich, even other countries like Latin America have been getting aidbut they are very poor. The only way you can get prosperous is to produce a good or a service and you sell it with ekibaro and this will help you to get good money to live a better life.” President Museveni further warned the officers against tribalism and emphasized the need to expand markets beyond Uganda to ensure economic prosperity, advocating for a Pan-African and patriotic approach. He cautioned that producing similar products without sufficient market creation could lead to oversaturation and devalue those goods. “For instance, if you go to Orom, you’ll find that everyone is producing simsim. However, Opio cannot buy from Ochen, and Ochen cannot buy from Opio. So, who will rescue them? The people of Kampala, who do not produce simsim,” he said. “Currently, Uganda is producing 700,000 metric tons of sugar, yet the entire country consumes only about 300,000 metric tons, leaving a surplus of 400,000 metric tons. This means that the sugar market is more of a Ugandan market than solely a Busoga market, where sugarcanes are produced.” Similarly, the President said that dairy production is at 5.4 billion liters, with domestic consumption of only 800 million liters, resulting in a surplus of 4 billion liters. He encouraged the participants to work towards a deeper appreciation for Uganda, East Africa, and Africa in order to create a wider market and seize opportunities within the continent. “The milk we are producing within Uganda is 5.4 billion litres, consuming 800m litres, having a surplus of 4 billion litres” he said. However, he was happy to note that the country has exported 2,100 metric tons of high-quality powdered milk to Algeria, highlighting its growing market potential. He further clarified that It is important to avoid tribalism much as tribes are significant and focus on unity rather than identifying themselves as Ekyetu, Ebyaffe, Abanambi, or Mewa, etc, because the idea that prosperity for all comes from tribal affiliations is a misconception. “While tribal groups can collectively produce high-quality products, they may struggle to purchase large volumes.” On the issue of sustainable development, the President noted that as Uganda’s economy advances, the call for innovation and progress should become increasingly crucial to foster economic transformation. In addition, President Museveni said families must transition from relying on manual labour and embrace skilled work and machinery, emphasizing sustainable development likening it to a pregnancy that involves change and growth. “All families in Uganda must undergo an economic transformation, from using human manual muscle to do work, which is the problem in Africa. We need to shift from muscle power to mental labour of skilled and machine work.” “Here in Africa, you hear people saying sustainable development, without transformation? Can you have a sustainable pregnancy? Life goes through change; pregnancy must transform, you cannot stay the same all the time.” President Museveni used this analogy to emphasize that just as a pregnancy involves change and growth, so too must the approaches to economic and social development evolve. During the discussion advocating for strategic security through regional integration, President Museveni emphasized the need for Africa to draw upon its historical resilience against slave trade, colonialism, and neo-colonialism and secure itself from contemporary threats. Reflecting on the failed attempts in 1963 to create an East African Federation, he noted that despite the hesitance of leaders like Obote and Kenyatta, who were influenced by European powers, figures like Mwalimu Nyerere and Karume of Zanzibar successfully moved forward to establish Tanzania, which has succeeded for over 60 years. President Museveni pointed out that had the federation been realized, many subsequent issues, such as the rise of Idi Amin, might have been avoided. He stressed that the existence of national borders has created limitations on regional cooperation, often leaving neighboring nations like South Sudan and Congo vulnerable to crises that require collective action. “It is unfortunate that these leaders preferred to remain as big fish in a small pond,” President Museveni remarked. “We are committed to engaging with our neighbours to ensure our strategic security and shared prosperity through political integration.” He further articulated
New York Red Bulls Announce Promotion of NYRB II Head Coach Ibrahim Sekagya to Full-Time First Team Assistant Coach
The New York Red Bulls have announced today that New York Red Bulls II Head Coach Ibrahim Sekagya has been promoted to a full-time First Team Assistant Coach. “We are pleased to add Ibra [Sekagya] to our first team coaching staff on a full-time basis,” said Head of Sport Jochen Schneider. “He has led the development of many great players at NYRB II and have led the team to a great start to the 2025 MLS NEXT Pro season. He has earned this opportunity, and we are grateful to have him as a part of this organization.” Sekagya replaces former Hoffenheim striker Vedad Ibisevic who has been serving as the club’s assistant coach for the past 18 months. Sekagya will assume full-time responsibilities as a First Team Assistant Coach immediately. Sekagya’s last match in charge of NYRB II will be on Saturday, June 15 against Chattanooga FC at MSU Soccer Park. A new NYRB II Head Coach will be announced at a later date. Sekagya has served as NYRB II Head Coach since February 6, 2023. In his first full season at the helm, Sekagya led NYRB II to the MLS NEXT Pro Eastern Conference semifinals, the club had a record of 14-8-6 and finished fourth place in the Eastern Conference. Prior to being head coach, Sekagya served as an assistant coach for NYRB II since their inaugural season in 2015. This season, Sekagya has led NYRB II to their best start in franchise history through 12 games played with an 8-2-2 mark and 27 points accumulated. NYRB II currently rank in first place in the Eastern Conference of MLS NEXT Pro with a league-high 27 goals scored. Sekagya has also helped develop the likes of Omar Valencia, who currently leads the first team in assists with five, and Mohammed Sofo, who has contributed seven goals across all competitions this season. The former Arsenal De Sarandi defender played for the New York Red Bulls for two seasons in 2013 and 2014, where he made 41 appearances across all competitions and was a member of the 2013 Supporters Shield winning team. He also played for Red Bull Salzburg from 2007 to 2013, where he made 225 appearances for the club.
Funeral row causes chaos for mourners of Zambia’s ex-president
Arranging a funeral can be testing at the best of times – let alone for a former head of state. Amid that intense, initial stage of grief, loved ones must juggle cost, the wishes of the deceased and numerous other factors in order to throw a fitting send-off. Add the clashing desires of a national government and its political opponents into the mix, and things become doubly complicated. Edgar Lungu, who led Zambia from 2015 to 2021, died last Thursday. His death at the age of 68 has shocked Zambians – and there is genuine sense of grief with all radio stations playing gospel music for the man who had remained influential in Zambian politics despite being barred from contesting next year’s election. Zambia is officially a Christian country – and most people take their religion and periods of mourning seriously. But a standoff between his family, the government and Lungu’s political party, the Patriotic Front (PF), has left mourners confused about how exactly the former president should be honoured. The government announced there would be a state funeral and declared that the official venue for mourning would be a lodge it owns in the capital, Lusaka, but the PF dismissed this plan, directing mourners to its headquarters instead. As for Lungu’s family, they have said they are not opposed to a state funeral, but have insisted on choosing who will preside over it, family lawyer Makebi Zulu has told the Centenary Radio. Then there is the official book of condolence, in which mourners can pay tributes to Lungu. The government has set up an official book – at the lodge – but the PF has urged people to sign theirs instead – at their headquarters. The government wanted to repatriate his body from South Africa last week – Lungu died there after receiving treatment for an undisclosed illness. However, the PF and Lungu’s family intervened, wanting to organise the safe passage of the ex-leader themselves. “The state was saying, ‘We are giving him full military honours, therefore we’re taking over from here’ – as if to say that ‘you have no say over what happens,’” Mr Zulu said. Plans for returning Lungu’s remains are still unclear, though the family are now engaging with the government on this issue. There has also been confusion over the “official” mourning period when all forms of entertainment like big football matches and concerts are stopped. The government declared a seven-day national mourning period starting last Saturday, even though the PF announced one days earlier. This chaos is, in short, a continuation of the tumultuous relationship between Lungu and his successor, President Hakainde Hichilema. The pair are long-time rivals – in 2017, when Lungu was president, he had Hichilema locked up for over 100 days on treason charges after Hichilema’s motorcade allegedly refused to give way for him. It took the intervention of the Commonwealth for Hichilema to be released. Four years later, and after five attempts at the presidency, Hichilema defeated Lungu. Now, the PF and the Lungu family’s lawyer are accusing Hichilema’s government of being partly responsible for the former president’s death. Lungu returned to frontline politics in 2023, frequently accusing Hichilema’s government of victimising him and other PF members. Now, after Lungu’s death, his party allege that Lungu was banned from leaving the country for years and that if he had been allowed to travel to seek medical treatment sooner, he might still be alive. The government has vehemently denied any responsibility for Lungu’s death, with spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa insisting that the ex-president was never prohibited from travelling. Mr Mweetwa told our reporter that the PF was trying to use Lungu’s death as a “springboard” for a “political comeback”. It is not the first time conflict has broken out following a Zambian leader’s death. In 2021, the family of Kenneth Kaunda, the country’s first post-independence president, said he wanted to be laid to rest next to his wife and not at the site designated by the government. Despite this, the government went ahead and buried Kaunda at Embassy Memorial Park in Lusaka. “The High Court ruled that national interest takes precedence over individual or family preferences because there is a designated burial place for former presidents, and there is a designated set of protocol to handle those proceedings that are conducted by the state, not a political party,” Mr Mweetwa said. This argument – about the state’s rights to a dead president’s body – has played out numerous times across Africa. In 2019, Robert Mugabe died almost two years after being unseated as Zimbabwe’s president by his former right-hand man, Emmerson Mnangagwa. Mugabe’s family refused to allow him to be buried at the national Heroes’ Acre, arguing that he had been betrayed by his former colleagues. After a bitter feud, the man who had led Zimbabwe to independence was laid to rest after his state funeral in his home village. But a legal row rumbles on over his burial site, with some still wanting him to be interred at Heroes’ Acre, where a mausoleum has now been completed for him. And loved ones rarely won such disputes. The relatives of Angola’s José Eduardo dos Santos and various Ghanaian presidents have clashed with the government over post-death arrangements, but all eventually had to yield to the state. In Lungu’s case, the government has the constitution – the supreme law of the land – behind it, but the PF has significant clout as the former leader’s long-time political home. In an attempt to break the standoff, the government has sent envoys to South Africa to negotiate with Lungu’s family, where a private memorial service was held at Pretoria’s Sacred Heart Cathedral on Tuesday – organised by the PF. This was attended by his widow and daughter and where it was announced to the congregation that the former president’s body would not be flown home on Wednesday as had been expected. So for those in Zambia, there is still no clear direction on how to
Carlo Ancelotti earns first win as Brazil book World Cup spot
Brazil qualified for the 2026 World Cup with a 1-0 win against Paraguay in South American qualifying to give Carlo Ancelotti his first win as manager. Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr scored from close range in the second half, finishing after fine work from Manchester United-bound playmaker Matheus Cunha. The victory, Ancelotti’s first after a 0-0 draw against Ecuador on his debut last week, means Brazil have now qualified for every edition of the World Cup. “We needed to win and qualify for the World Cup,” said Vinicius Jr. “Now the coach will have more time to work. Of course today wasn’t one of our best performances, but the important thing is always to win. “Now it’s time to celebrate qualifying.” Elsewhere, World Cup holders Argentina played out an entertaining 1-1 draw with Colombia in Buenos Aires. Liverpool winger Luis Diaz opened the scoring with a fine individual goal, dancing through three defenders before finishing past Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. Argentina were reduced to 10 men with 20 minutes remaining when Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez was sent off for a high-boot challenge on Colombia’s Kevin Castano. But Lionel Messi’s side found an equaliser nine minutes from the end through Lyon’s Thiago Almada, leaving Colombia four points clear of seventh-placed Venezuela. Ecuador, Argentina’s nearest challengers, booked their spot at next summer’s tournament in Canada, Mexico and the United States after a 0-0 draw away at Peru
Man City confirm £46.5m signing of Reijnders
Manchester City have confirmed the signing of AC Milan midfielder Tijjani Reijnders for an initial fee of £46.5m on a five-year contract. The Netherlands international is Pep Guardiola’s fourth summer signing with Rayan Ait-Nouri, Marcus Bettinelli and Rayan Cherki having also joined. Reijnders, 26, was signed in time to be eligible for this month’s Club World Cup in America and could make his debut on 18 June against Wydad FC. “I am ecstatic to be signing for Manchester City,” Reijnders said. “City are one of the biggest teams in the world, with the best coach, world-class players and outstanding facilities. “Under Pep Guardiola, City have won so many titles and I want to help keep that going with a lot more success in the coming years.” The midfielder has been capped 22 times by the Netherlands but was left on the bench during Tuesday night’s 8-0 thrashing of Malta. He scored 15 goals in 54 matches across all competitions for Milan last term and was named Serie A’s midfielder of the season. With Kevin de Bruyne departing the club, Reijnders will strengthen the centre of the pitch for Guardiola as they look to improve on their third-placed Premier League finish last season. City boost squad for Club World Cup A question being asked in the lead up to the Club World Cup was how seriously teams would be taking the expanded competition. Manchester City have emphatically answered that question by moving quickly to bolster a wounded squad that will now hope to go far in the competition in the United States. With De Bruyne departing and a hole left in attacking midfield, City were eyeing up Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz but decided not to pursue a deal. Instead, they have boosted the side with the signings of midfielder Reijnders and Cherki and left-back Ait-Nouri for a total of around £108m, which is less than the reported 150m Euros (£127m) asking price for the Germany international. All three, plus new goalkeeper Bettinelli, are available for selection for the Club World Cup with City facing Moroccan side Wydad AC in Philadelphia first on 18 June.
Man City sign goalkeeper Bettinelli from Chelsea
Manchester City have signed English goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli from Chelsea for a nominal fee on a contract lasting until 2026. The move for the 33-year-old former Fulham stopper comes after the announcement on Monday that veteran keeper Scott Carson would be leaving City at the end of the month. He will be City’s second signing of the summer after capturing left-back Rayan Air-Nouri from Wolves for £31m. Bettinelli said after his arrival at the Etihad Stadium: “It’s an honour to sign for City. I have admired from afar what this club have achieved since Pep Guardiola arrived and now, I am excited to be a part of building on that success. “I can’t wait to work with Pep, Xabi Mancisidor and the excellent goalkeepers already here and see their methods up close. “Hopefully I can contribute in training, the dressing room and on the pitch as we look to win more silverware over the next year.” Bettinelli, who had one year remaining on his contract at Stamford Bridge, joined Chelsea in 2021 but went on to make just one appearance. He is expected to be a part of the City squad who fly to America for the Club World Cup this month.
Jobe Bellingham joins Dortmund for initial £27m
Jobe Bellingham has joined Borussia Dortmund from Sunderland on a five-year contract until June 2030. Sunderland say the fee is a club record, believed to be 32m euros (£26.96m) plus 5m euros (£4.2m) in add-ons. The 19-year-old midfielder has played for the Black Cats since 2023, making 90 appearances, and helped them secure promotion to the Premier League last season. Bellingham began his career at Birmingham City, coming through the academy before playing two years of senior football for the club. In a statement, Bellingham said he is proud of the “strong” relationship he has with Sunderland supporters. “I will always represent Wearside in all that I strive to achieve for the rest of my career, wherever that may be,” he said. Bellingham was named Championship young player of the season for his performances during Sunderland’s promotion-winning campaign. With the deal being completed by 10 June, Bellingham can play for Dortmund at the Club World Cup, which begins on Sunday. Dortmund’s opening group game is against Brazilian side Fluminense on 17 June at 17:00 BST. Bellingham has been named in the England squad for the European Under-21 Championship, to be held in Slovakia from 11-28 June. But head coach Lee Carsley has said he will release players so they can compete at the Club World Cup in the United States. Bellingham is following in the footsteps of older brother Jude by moving to the Bundesliga, as the England midfielder – who also came through the Birmingham City youth system – spent three years with Dortmund before joining Real Madrid in 2023. He added in his farewell to Sunderland fans: “I hope that I have made you proud along the way, and in return, you have made me the player that has reached the heights I find myself at today. “I will love and remember you fondly for the rest of my life.” Dortmund, who have won eight German league titles, secured Champions League qualification by finishing fourth in the Bundesliga last season.
Leader Of Opposition Petitions Gov’t Over Traffic Penalty System as Works Ministry Signals Possible Reforms
The Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Joel B. Ssenyonyi, has written to the Minister of Works and Transport demanding an urgent review of Uganda’s Electronic Penalty System (EPS), describing the current enforcement as “punitive and exploitative.” In a strongly worded letter dated June 10, Ssenyonyi said the automated system — introduced to enforce traffic regulations and improve road safety — is instead triggering widespread confusion, financial hardship, and fear among motorists. He cited a surge in complaints about excessive fines, inconsistent speed limits, lack of public sensitization, and a lack of transparency in how the system operates. Drivers have described the EPS as punitive and exploitative, rather than corrective or educational,” Ssenyonyi wrote, urging the Ministry to recalibrate the system and engage stakeholders in order to restore public confidence. Schedule 2 of Uganda’s Traffic Regulations caps the maximum speed for most vehicles, including passenger cars, motorcycles, and goods vehicles, at 30 km/h in urban areas, and 50 km/h on highways traversing urban zones. For certain categories like tractors and engineering plants, the speed limit remains 30 km/h regardless of road type. Ugandans took to social media where they expressed frustration over the abrupt enforcement and high fines, especially given the lack of visible road signage. They also called for better public sensitization, a review of the penalty rates to match economic realities, an extension of the payment window to 28 days, and clearer road markings to help motorists comply with the law. Poor communication The opposition leader today warned that poor communication about the system has left many road users unaware of how to verify or contest penalties. He also raised concerns about enforced low-speed zones exposing motorists to security threats such as ambushes, conflicting directives between traffic lights and officers during rush hours, and the risk of travel restrictions or license renewal blocks due to pending or disputed fines. While Parliament is currently in recess, Ssenyonyi said he found it necessary to raise these matters formally, emphasizing the need for a just and transparent enforcement framework that respects the rights and safety of Ugandans. Ministry Responds, But EPS Remains in Force Responding to the mounting public uproar, the Ministry of Works and Transport on Tuesday issued a brief statement acknowledging the concerns raised by stakeholders, including those related to speed enforcement and red-light violations under the EPS. “In light of feedback received from various stakeholders regarding the implementation of the Automated Express Penalty System, particularly on speed enforcement and red-light violations, government is reviewing these views and will provide guidance on the next steps in due course,” the ministry said via its official X account. However, the ministry clarified that the implementation of the EPS remains in effect, and urged all motorists to continue observing traffic regulations as efforts to improve road safety continue. The statement signals that while government is open to reviewing aspects of the system, there will be no immediate suspension — a position likely to keep the pressure on officials as complaints continue to surface.
Museveni, First Lady Renew their National Identity Cards
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the First Lady also Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Museveni have this afternoon participated in the ongoing mass registration and renewal exercise of the National Identity cards at State Lodge, Nakasero. The project is being implemented by the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) and the renewal exercise was efficiently conducted by a team from the authority, led by the Executive Director, Ms. Rosemary Kisembo. The registration of citizens is regarded as a crucial component of national security, ensuring that every individual is accounted for within the nation’s identity framework. Enhanced biometric technology associated with these ID cards provides a reliable and unalterable means of establishing identity. This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to strengthening national identity systems and fostering socio-economic transformation. NIRA Executive Director, Rosemary Kisembo recently said only 27.4 million Ugandans are currently registered, of the 45.9 million according to last year’s census.
Massive Russian drone attack slams Kyiv and hits maternity hospital in Odesa, Ukrainian officials say
Russia launched 315 drones at Ukraine overnight into Tuesday, in what Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said was “one of the largest” attacks on the capital Kyiv, as officials said a maternity ward in the southern port city of Odesa had been hit. Seven districts of the capital were damaged by the Russian attacks, which burned high-rise buildings, homes, cars and warehouses, according to Tymur Tkachenko, head of the Kyiv city military administration, who said it was a “tough night for all of us.” Russian drone strikes wounded four people, according to Kyiv mayor Vitaliy Klitschko. “Today was one of the largest attacks on Kyiv,” Zelensky wrote on X. “Russian missile and Shahed strikes drown out the efforts of the United States and others around the world to force Russia into peace.” Air raid sirens blared for hours and Kyiv residents heard regular explosions through the night, and air defense systems have been working non-stop in the city center, a CNN producer said. At least two men were killed and nine wounded in the strikes on Odesa, according to a Telegram post from the region’s Prosecutor’s Office. Earlier, a Russian attack struck a maternity ward, according to according to Andriy Yermak, Chief of Presidential Staff. Russia also launched two KN-23 ballistic missiles and five Iskander-K cruise missiles in the overnight attack, Ukraine’s Air Force said. The overnight attacks follow Russia’s biggest drone strike on Ukraine on Monday, where Russia fired 479 UAVs in an overnight aerial assault, surpassing the highest number of drones Moscow has launched in a single day for the second consecutive weekend.