Author: Patrick Amoah
At least seven supporters of Uganda’s opposition were killed overnight under disputed circumstances, as preliminary results from Thursday’s presidential election show President Yoweri Museveni taking a commanding lead. Opposition figures say the deaths occurred after security forces stormed the home of a member of parliament in Butambala, around 55km south-west of the capital, Kampala. Police, however, have blamed the violence on opposition supporters, saying officers acted in self-defence. Figures released by the electoral commission on Friday afternoon show Museveni leading with 75% of the vote, based on results from 60% of polling stations. His closest rival, opposition leader Bobi Wine,…
Ballot counting is underway in several parts of Uganda following presidential and parliamentary elections held amid an internet shutdown and allegations of electoral manipulation by the opposition. Opposition presidential candidate Bobi Wine alleged widespread fraud, claiming on social media that there had been “massive ballot stuffing everywhere,” though he did not provide documented evidence to support the accusation. Authorities have yet to respond to these claims or to Wine’s assertion that numerous polling agents and supervisors affiliated with his National Unity Platform (NUP) party were abducted or forced out of polling centres. Voting across the country was disrupted by long…
When the leaders of the United States, China and Russia look at Africa today, they see immense opportunity: vast reserves of natural resources, a rapidly growing economy in parts of the continent, and a young, skilled population with huge long-term potential. But as global superpowers compete for influence, investment and strategic advantage, a critical question remains — what does this growing interest mean for Africa itself when its leaders open the door to external power? Throughout this week, we are collaborating with our BBC sister podcasts to examine how global power dynamics are changing. The series explores which nations are…
A large-scale security operation targeting armed kidnapping gangs in central Nigeria has reportedly resulted in the deaths of more than 200 suspected criminals, according to officials in Kogi State. The multi-agency offensive, which began on Saturday, involved coordinated efforts by Nigeria’s security and paramilitary forces. Kogi State’s Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, said the operation also led to several arrests, although he did not disclose exact figures. Aerial footage released by the Kogi State Police shows one of the suspected gang camps engulfed in flames within a densely forested area. The camps, hidden deep in the forests, were believed to…
The death of 21-month-old Nkanu Nnamdi, the son of acclaimed novelist Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, has reignited intense public debate over patient safety and deep-rooted failures within Nigeria’s healthcare system. His case is one of several recent allegations of medical negligence that have shocked the country and brought long-simmering concerns into sharp focus. Adichie’s family says the toddler died last week at a private hospital in Lagos after a brief illness. According to the family, the child was denied oxygen and excessively sedated, actions they allege led to cardiac arrest. The hospital has expressed its “deepest sympathies” to the family but…
As Ugandans head to the polls, they are confronted with a defining choice: extending one man’s rule into a fifth decade or backing a challenger seeking to harness growing calls for political change. President Yoweri Museveni, now 81, has been in power since 1986 and is contesting the presidency for a seventh consecutive term. Standing against him is Bobi Wine, a 43-year-old musician-turned-politician who has vowed to radically overhaul governance and introduce sweeping reforms. On Tuesday, authorities suspended internet access for much of the population, citing concerns over public safety and the spread of false information. Bobi Wine strongly criticised…
Uganda’s communications authority has ordered all service providers to suspend internet access ahead of Thursday’s general election. The move is justified as a public safety measure to prevent “online misinformation, disinformation, electoral fraud, and the incitement of violence.” Earlier this month, the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) dismissed reports of a potential blackout as “mere rumours,” emphasizing its role in ensuring nationwide connectivity. However, during the 2021 elections, internet access was cut for at least a week amid widespread protests that left dozens dead. The UCC instructed providers to implement the suspension from 18:00 local time (15:00 GMT) on Tuesday, without…
Across North Africa, the Amazigh people have been celebrating the start of the year 2976. No, they haven’t discovered time travel. The number comes from their traditional calendar, which begins in 950 BC, the year King Sheshonq ascended the throne of Egypt. The Amazigh new year, called Yennayer, falls between 12 and 14 January, depending on the region in Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, and Libya. Over the past few days, families have marked the occasion with lavish feasts, bonfires, and traditional music. Calls of “aseggas ameggaz”—meaning happy new year—echo through villages and bustling city streets, while people wear colorful, intricately embroidered…
