These are Our travel recommendations are based on our personal experiences and research, written by locals and travel experts with deep familiarity with the destination. Despite being one of the smallest countries in Africa, Burundi is home to a wide variety of breathtaking ecosystems. The total land area of the country’s 16 provinces is just more than 28,000 square kilometers, or about the same size as the state of Maryland in the United States. Burundi is known for its diverse ecosystems, which include a wide variety of plant and animal life. Burundi may not have a coastline, but that doesn’t mean there…
Author: Julees
By Julius Mugaga Tukacungurwa/Umoja Standard. Kampala, Uganda: Starlink’s high-speed internet is now operational in Burundi following a presidential decree that paved way for the satellite-based internet provider to acquire operating license in May 2024. The permit was granted under the Telecommunications Regulation and Control Agency (ARCT) of Burundi, which will be charged with execution of the decree under the office of its Director General. This milestone has significantly enhanced internet access for Burundi’s residents, allowing countrymen and women leverage the opportunity to do vast things using this high-speed internet. By doing this, Burundi joins the movement of other fourteen African…
The world football governing body, FIFA, has officially certified Hamz Stadium Nakivubo War Memorial’s artificial turf under its prestigious “FIFA Quality Programme for Football Turf” standard. This certification follows the successful installation of the state-of-the-art Duofilament Mono football turf by Nurteks Hali (link unavailable) Tic. A.S, a globally renowned company specializing in artificial sports surfaces. Businessman Hamis Kiggundu, popularly known as Ham, made the announcement on Monday, October 7, marking the stadium’s readiness to host high-calibre football matches. The turf was approved by FIFA on Friday, October 4. After extensive testing and inspection, FIFA awarded Hamz Stadium turf a clean…
By Julius Mugaga Tukacungurwa/Umoja Standard. Kampala, Uganda: Approximately 809 million acres of Russia is covered with forests, while only 15.2% or 2.9 million square acres of Uganda is forested, indicating a significant ecological difference. Only 22.7% of the entire African continent is covered in forests, showcasing the limited forest resources available in Africa. On healthcare, Uganda Bureau of Statistics recently released census 2024 data, citing great need for upgrading services and investment. In comparison, the US uses about 1 million megawatts of electricity annually, highlighting the disparity compared to Africa in energy production. Emphasis need to be put on maintaining…
By Julius Mugaga Tukacungurwa/Umoja Standard. VIDEO 👇👇👇 https://www.instagram.com/reel/DA1Dn4ps3n9/?igsh=YzljYTk1ODg3Zg== Jinja, Uganda: The climax event on Saturday, will forever be etched in the memories of the thousands of young revelers who descended upon Across the Nile Resort in Jinja, Eastern Uganda, for the inaugural International Youth Festival! Organized by International University of East Africa (IUEA) in partnership with Rosatom and Alliance Brics, this explosive celebration of youth culture, music, and fashion drew in students from across the Central region, Jinja’s institutions of higher learning, and even international delegations from Africa and beyond! L-R: Artiste Nina Roz, IUEA Vice Chancellor, Prof. Emeka…
By Julius Mugaga Tukacungurwa/Umoja Standard. Kampala, Uganda: H.E William W Popp, the US Ambassador to Uganda, recently highlighted the crucial role of higher education in fostering active citizenship and promoting democracy and the significance of international education and collaboration. He made these remarks during ‘The Senteza Kajubi Fulbright Memorial Lecture’ at Makerere University that ran under theme ‘The Role of Higher Education in Building Active Citizens’ “The International Day of Democracy reminds us of the value of freedom and the importance of citizen engagement in supporting democracy,” Ambassador Popp noted. With over half of the world’s countries holding elections this…
By Julius Mugaga Tukacungurwa/Umoja Standard. Kampala, Uganda: Representing the Chairperson Hon. Mariam Fauzat Wangadya, Commissioner Hon. Simeo Nsubuga highlighted the significance of access to information in democratization processes. “An informed and knowledgeable citizen can express their will and consent to be governed through regular, free, and fair elections,” Nsubuga stated. He acknowledged the support of partners, including the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), and the role of academia in sharing knowledge. The UHRC presented its report on human rights to the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights, which was reviewed on October 20th, 2023. Key concerns included media…
By Julius Mugaga Tukacungurwa/ Umoja Standard. Kampala, Uganda: A recent study by Twaweza reveals that Ugandan citizens’ media habits are diverging, with radio remaining the primary source of news for many, while online conversations dominate for others. According to the research brief, “Who’s engaged, who’s excluded?”, 56% of citizens rely on radio for news, down from 79% seven years ago. The study, based on data from Sauti za Wananchi, Africa’s first nationally representative high-frequency mobile phone survey, collected responses from 2,741 citizens between January 9th and February 13th, 2024. It found that poorer citizens, rural residents, older individuals, and those…
In a resounding triumph for Uganda’s economic landscape, the Ugandan Cabinet has ratified the groundbreaking National Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) Policy, paving the way for the nation to emerge as Africa’s preeminent outsourcing destination. This comprehensive policy, curated by the National BPO Council under the stewardship of the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, is set to revolutionize Uganda’s BPO ecosystem, catalyze unprecedented economic growth, and unlock a myriad of employment opportunities for the nation’s thriving youth populace. The story of Jane Nakimuli (name altered to safeguard identity), a recent university graduate, echoes the plight of countless young Ugandans. With…
By Julius Mugaga Tukacungurwa/Umoja Standard. Kampala, Uganda – While facilitating at ‘Health Reporters and Senior Journalists Training ‘ organized by UGANET, Ritah Kabasomi, Program Manager at Reproductive Health Uganda, urged the media to prioritize gender-responsive reporting on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) and HIV interventions. Kabasomi emphasized the critical role media plays in shaping public perceptions and influencing policy discussions. “The media has the power to amplify marginalized voices, challenge harmful gender stereotypes, and promote inclusive storytelling,” Kabasomi said. She highlighted the persistent gaps in SRHR and HIV reporting, including; Inadequate representation of women’s experience, Stigmatization of marginalized…