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Source: https://lifestyleuganda.com/feed/

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<title>After Hotel Africana pulls out, Dax Vibez moves maiden concert to UMA Show Grounds</title>
<link>https://lifestyleuganda.com/after-hotel-africana-dax-vibez-moves-maiden-concert-uma-show-grounds/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Bwetunge Ivan]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Wed, 02 Jul 2025 23:21:38 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Entertainment]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://lifestyleuganda.com/?p=19054</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Singer Dax Vibez has relocated his debut concert to UMA Show Grounds after Hotel Africana abruptly pulled out, citing no official reason. The all-white-themed event will go ahead on 29 August.
The post <a href="https://lifestyleuganda.com/after-hotel-africana-dax-vibez-moves-maiden-concert-uma-show-grounds/">After Hotel Africana pulls out, Dax Vibez moves maiden concert to UMA Show Grounds</a> appeared first on <a href="https://lifestyleuganda.com">Lifestyle Uganda</a>.
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" width="1440" height="810" src="https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/dax.jpg" class="attachment-full size-full wp-post-image" alt="Dax Vibez will now host his first solo concert at the UMA Show Grounds." style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;" />
Singer Dax Vibez, born Ivan Bugembe Ssentamu, has shifted his debut solo concert to the UMA Show Grounds after <a href="https://lifestyleuganda.com/dax-vibez-hotel-africana-has-cancelled-his-debut-concert/">Hotel Africana cancelled</a> his booking without explanation.
The concert, which was originally set for August 29 at Hotel Africana, will now take place at the new venue on the same date.
“Same date, better location, new generation tugenda ku UMA,” Dax posted on X (formerly Twitter) on July 2, alongside an updated promotional poster.
The decision to relocate comes after what Dax described as a surprise cancellation by the hotel, with no formal communication from the management.
<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img decoding="async" width="576" height="1024" src="http://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/uma-show-576x1024.jpeg" alt="Dax Vibez has rebranded his upcoming show as an "All White Party" after Hotel Africana withdrew its venue." class="wp-image-19053" srcset="https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/uma-show-576x1024.jpeg 576w, https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/uma-show-169x300.jpeg 169w, https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/uma-show-768x1365.jpeg 768w, https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/uma-show-864x1536.jpeg 864w, https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/uma-show-860x1529.jpeg 860w, https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/uma-show.jpeg 1152w" sizes="(max-width: 576px) 100vw, 576px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo/X/Daxvibes</figcaption></figure></div>
Appearing on NBS TV’s After5, the singer said he was told the hotel’s owning family intervened to stop the event.
“I wasn’t given any official explanation,” he said. “But from the WhatsApp audios I heard, it seems like a personal decision from the family behind the hotel.”
He added that someone close to the matter told him the family felt he “doesn’t deserve” to hold his concert there — a comment that left him both stunned and hurt.
Still, Dax says he’s not letting the change derail his plans. Instead, he’s rebranded the show as an All White Party, encouraging fans to dress in white for the event.
Ticket prices remain unchanged — UGX 20,000 for ordinary access and UGX 50,000 for VIP.
“This is still my moment,” Dax said. “We’re not stopping.”
Dax Vibez is known for his Afro-pop sound and collaborations with some of Uganda’s top artists. His music often blends catchy rhythms with messages about unity and social issues. He is also the younger brother of Bobi Wine, a musician and political leader.
In 2024, Dax saw chart success with tracks like Tabbu (featuring Ava Peace) and Believe (with Vinka). His other songs include Good Idea with Elijah Kitaka, At My Door, Ku Sure with <a href="https://lifestyleuganda.com/priscilla-zawedde-about-azawi/">Azawi</a>, and Vibe Kyekyo.
With a new venue and a message of resilience, Dax says he’s focused on making his first solo concert a celebration — not just of music, but of perseverance.
The post <a href="https://lifestyleuganda.com/after-hotel-africana-dax-vibez-moves-maiden-concert-uma-show-grounds/">After Hotel Africana pulls out, Dax Vibez moves maiden concert to UMA Show Grounds</a> appeared first on <a href="https://lifestyleuganda.com">Lifestyle Uganda</a>.
]]></content:encoded>
</item>
<item>
<title>Five Dead After Ugandan Military Helicopter Crashes Near Mogadishu Airport</title>
<link>https://lifestyleuganda.com/five-dead-ugandan-military-helicopter-crashes-mogadishu-airport/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Ssendaza Ismail]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Wed, 02 Jul 2025 22:00:46 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[International News & Politics]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://lifestyleuganda.com/?p=19048</guid>
<description><![CDATA[The UPDF aircraft was approaching Mogadishu airport from Baledogle base when it crashed and exploded, according to military and AU officials.
The post <a href="https://lifestyleuganda.com/five-dead-ugandan-military-helicopter-crashes-mogadishu-airport/">Five Dead After Ugandan Military Helicopter Crashes Near Mogadishu Airport</a> appeared first on <a href="https://lifestyleuganda.com">Lifestyle Uganda</a>.
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<img decoding="async" width="1207" height="739" src="https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/mogadishu.jpeg" class="attachment-full size-full wp-post-image" alt="Deadly helicopter crash near Mogadishu airport kills five Ugandan troops." style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;" />
A Ugandan military helicopter crashed Wednesday morning near Mogadishu’s international airport, killing five soldiers and injuring three others, including civilians, according to officials.
The Mi-24 attack helicopter, operated by the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), went down around 7:30 a.m. local time while on a routine combat escort mission. The aircraft, tail number AUO-015, was approaching Aden Abdulle International Airport from the Baledogle military airbase when it suddenly crashed roughly 200 meters east of the airport’s North Ramp.
Maj. Gen. Felix Kulayigye, spokesperson for the UPDF, confirmed the incident in a statement on X, formerly Twitter.
“This morning at approximately 0730 hours, a Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) Mi-24 helicopter, aircraft tail number AUO-015, crashed approximately 200 metres East of the North Ramp at Mogadishu International Airport,” the statement read in part.
The crash triggered a violent explosion due to onboard munitions. The force of the blast damaged nearby structures and left three civilians injured, according to officials.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="720" height="540" src="http://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/crash.jpeg" alt="Ugandan military aircraft crashes in Somalia, five dead." class="wp-image-19045" srcset="https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/crash.jpeg 720w, https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/crash-300x225.jpeg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo/X/Afrika_Stories</figcaption></figure>
The African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), which oversees the Ugandan military’s operations in the country, confirmed the helicopter was carrying eight people.
“On Wednesday at around 7.30 a.m., an African Union helicopter operated by the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) contingent crash-landed just before touching down at the Aden Abdulle International Airport in Mogadishu, while enroute from the Baledogle military airbase,” AUSSOM said in a statement.
“Three of the eight passengers on board were immediately rescued and rushed to the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) Level II hospital in Mogadishu for medical attention. Search and rescue operations are currently underway to retrieve the remaining crew and passengers,” the statement continued.
UPDF officials later confirmed that five personnel had died on impact. The pilot, co-pilot, and flight engineer survived but suffered severe burns and critical injuries. All three were evacuated to the AUSSOM Level II hospital in Sector 1 for emergency treatment.
The explosion injured three civilians who were also taken to the same facility.
A joint emergency team, including firefighters from the airport and the United Nations, as well as African Union explosive ordnance specialists, responded to the scene. Efforts to secure the area and conduct rescue operations continued throughout the day.
The names of the deceased have not been released, pending notification of their families.
Maj. Gen. Kulayigye expressed condolences on behalf of the Ugandan military. “Quick recovery to the injured and may the souls of the deceased comrades rest in peace,” he wrote.
The cause of the crash remains unknown. A formal investigation is underway.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="720" height="404" src="http://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/helicopter.jpeg" alt="Five killed as Ugandan helicopter crashes during Somalia mission." class="wp-image-19046" srcset="https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/helicopter.jpeg 720w, https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/helicopter-300x168.jpeg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo/credit/BBC</figcaption></figure>
Uganda is one of the largest troop contributors to the African Union force in Somalia, which includes more than 11,000 personnel supporting Somali forces in the fight against al-Shabaab.
The al-Qaeda-linked group, which emerged in 2006, has waged a prolonged insurgency aimed at toppling Somalia’s government and imposing a strict form of Islamic law. It remains active in many parts of the country and continues to pose a threat to regional stability.
The post <a href="https://lifestyleuganda.com/five-dead-ugandan-military-helicopter-crashes-mogadishu-airport/">Five Dead After Ugandan Military Helicopter Crashes Near Mogadishu Airport</a> appeared first on <a href="https://lifestyleuganda.com">Lifestyle Uganda</a>.
]]></content:encoded>
</item>
<item>
<title>Ugandans Travelling to US to Give Birth Face Visa Crackdown</title>
<link>https://lifestyleuganda.com/ugandans-travelling-us-to-give-birth-face-visa-crackdown/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Jacob Mugwana]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Wed, 02 Jul 2025 06:54:55 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Travel/Culture]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://lifestyleuganda.com/?p=19035</guid>
<description><![CDATA[The US Mission in Kampala says travelling to America to give birth and claim citizenship for children is a violation of immigration rules—and could lead to visa denial.
The post <a href="https://lifestyleuganda.com/ugandans-travelling-us-to-give-birth-face-visa-crackdown/">Ugandans Travelling to US to Give Birth Face Visa Crackdown</a> appeared first on <a href="https://lifestyleuganda.com">Lifestyle Uganda</a>.
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2048" height="1152" src="https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/tourism-scaled.webp" class="attachment-full size-full wp-post-image" alt="US Targets ‘Birth Tourism’ in Uganda Visa Warning." style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;" />
The US Mission in Uganda has issued a warning to Ugandans seeking to travel to the United States to give birth, calling it a violation of immigration rules.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) on July 1, the embassy said travelling to the US primarily to secure citizenship for a child born there—often referred to as birth tourism—is not permitted.
<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">
“Using your visa to travel for the primary purpose of giving birth in the United States so that your child will have U.S. citizenship is not permitted,” the statement read.
“Consular officers will deny your visa application if they have reason to believe this is your intent.”
</blockquote>
The embassy added that some Ugandan parents use tourist visas to enter the US and later rely on public funds to cover medical costs.
<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">
“Many Ugandan parents with tourist visas travel to the United States for the purpose of giving birth, and they use government assistance to pay for their medical care.
These costs are passed on to the American taxpayer, and those parents may not be eligible to renew their visas in the future.”
</blockquote>
The statement comes amid growing scrutiny of visa misuse by US immigration authorities, especially in cases where short-term visas are believed to be used for long-term or permanent benefits.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="http://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Birth-visa-1024x576.jpg" alt="The US Mission warns Ugandans that giving birth in the US for citizenship violates immigration law." class="wp-image-19037" srcset="https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Birth-visa-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Birth-visa-300x169.jpg 300w, https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Birth-visa-768x432.jpg 768w, https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Birth-visa-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Birth-visa-860x484.jpg 860w, https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Birth-visa.jpg 1600w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo/credit/Nepyork</figcaption></figure>
Concerns Over Immigration Abuse
“Birth tourism” has long been a point of contention in US immigration debates. Critics argue it places strain on public services and weakens immigration control systems.
The Trump administration, under whose policies the current measures were shaped, pushed for stricter immigration enforcement—including targeting countries with high visa overstay rates.
Uganda has previously been mentioned alongside Nigeria, Tanzania, and Sudan in discussions around potential travel restrictions. In June, the US Department of State said it was reviewing travel policies for Ugandans, citing concerns about birthright citizenship abuse and immigration fraud.
New Social Media Rules for Student Visas
In a separate move last month, the <a href="https://lifestyleuganda.com/us-embassy-uganda-requires-student-visa-applicants-social-media-accounts-public/">US Embassy in Uganda announced that all applicants for student visas</a>—under F, M, and J categories—are now required to make their social media profiles public as part of enhanced security screening.
The embassy warned that failure to comply or providing false information could result in a visa being denied.
Why Ugandans Are Travelling to Give Birth
In Uganda, giving birth in the US has become increasingly popular, especially among the urban middle class and political elite. For many, the draw lies in the potential benefits for their children—such as dual citizenship, better healthcare, and access to American education and job opportunities.
There have been several high-profile cases. Music executive Bebe Cool’s wife, <a href="https://lifestyleuganda.com/zuena-kirema-bebe-cools-wife/">Zuena Kirema</a>, has had multiple children in the US. It is unclear, however, whether those children hold US citizenship.
Daniella Atim Mayanja, the former wife of <a href="https://lifestyleuganda.com/jose-chameleone-biography-age-voice-that-shaped-uganda-music/">musician Jose Chameleone</a>, reportedly gave birth to their daughter in Georgia, US, in April 2018.
Ugandan Presence in the US
There are estimated to be over 30,000 Ugandans living in the United States, making up one of the most active diaspora communities. Ugandans consistently rank among the top contributors to remittances back home.
While many travel for education or healthcare, the US government is now drawing a firm line when it comes to those attempting to secure benefits—such as citizenship—through what officials describe as misleading visa use.
The embassy’s message is clear: be transparent about your travel plans or risk being denied future entry.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="1024" src="http://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/birth-1024x1024.jpeg" alt="Planning to give birth in the US." class="wp-image-19038" srcset="https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/birth-1024x1024.jpeg 1024w, https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/birth-300x300.jpeg 300w, https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/birth-150x150.jpeg 150w, https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/birth-768x768.jpeg 768w, https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/birth-860x860.jpeg 860w, https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/birth.jpeg 1080w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo/X/usmissionuganda</figcaption></figure>
The post <a href="https://lifestyleuganda.com/ugandans-travelling-us-to-give-birth-face-visa-crackdown/">Ugandans Travelling to US to Give Birth Face Visa Crackdown</a> appeared first on <a href="https://lifestyleuganda.com">Lifestyle Uganda</a>.
]]></content:encoded>
</item>
<item>
<title>Standard Chartered Uganda Launches ‘Jaguza ne Standard Chartered’ Campaign With Dubai Trip Prize</title>
<link>https://lifestyleuganda.com/standard-chartered-uganda-launches-jaguza-campaign-with-dubai-trip-prize/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Musasi Isaac Christopher]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Wed, 02 Jul 2025 06:06:55 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Money & Finance]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://lifestyleuganda.com/?p=19027</guid>
<description><![CDATA[The "Jaguza ne Standard Chartered" campaign offers prizes for clients who maintain deposits and use their debit cards, as the bank pushes for a stronger savings culture.
The post <a href="https://lifestyleuganda.com/standard-chartered-uganda-launches-jaguza-campaign-with-dubai-trip-prize/">Standard Chartered Uganda Launches ‘Jaguza ne Standard Chartered’ Campaign With Dubai Trip Prize</a> appeared first on <a href="https://lifestyleuganda.com">Lifestyle Uganda</a>.
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1080" height="719" src="https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/jaguza.jpeg" class="attachment-full size-full wp-post-image" alt="Ugandan savers to win Dubai trips in Standard Chartered campaign." style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;" />
Standard Chartered Bank Uganda has launched a new deposit campaign, “Jaguza ne Standard Chartered,” aimed at encouraging a savings culture while rewarding clients for transacting and maintaining deposits.
The three-month campaign, which runs from 1 July to 30 September 2025, gives clients a chance to win shopping vouchers, household appliances, and a grand prize—an all-expenses-paid trip to Dubai for five winners.
Clients earn entries into monthly draws for every UGX 1 million they deposit and maintain in their accounts. Prizes include smart televisions, refrigerators, cookers, microwaves, and washing machines.
The campaign also offers shopping vouchers for clients who make at least 10 payments monthly using their Standard Chartered debit cards, either in-store or online.
Those who maintain UGX 100 million or more in deposits by month-end will be eligible for the grand prize draw.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="678" src="http://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/charter_3667046190886381614-1024x678.jpg" alt="Standard Chartered launches new savings drive in Uganda." class="wp-image-19029" srcset="https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/charter_3667046190886381614-1024x678.jpg 1024w, https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/charter_3667046190886381614-300x199.jpg 300w, https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/charter_3667046190886381614-768x508.jpg 768w, https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/charter_3667046190886381614-860x569.jpg 860w, https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/charter_3667046190886381614.jpg 1080w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo/X/StanChartUGA</figcaption></figure>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">‘A Reflection of Our Commitment’</h3>
Speaking at the launch event at the bank’s head office on Speke Road, Sanjay Rughani, CEO of Standard Chartered Uganda, said:
<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">
“We’re celebrating 112 years of growth made possible by our loyal customers. Jaguza ne Standard Chartered is a reflection of our achievements and a renewed commitment to support Ugandans in pursuing their dreams.”
</blockquote>
He also addressed recent developments concerning the bank’s operations:
<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">
“Despite our recent announcement to exit our Wealth and Retail Business (WRB), I want to assure our clients, partners, regulators and the general public that we remain firmly committed to this market.”
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">
“Uganda is, and will remain, a strategic priority for Standard Chartered, and we will continue to operate in this market as a corporate and investment Bank.”
</blockquote>
He added:
<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">
“We remain here for good, as our brand promise attests.”
</blockquote>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Encouraging a Culture of Saving</h3>
Paul Sefa Badu, Head of Wealth and Retail Banking, said the goal of the campaign is to promote financial discipline:
<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">
“The goal is to promote a savings culture while rewarding consistent savers with shopping vouchers, home appliances, and for the top 5 savers, a fully paid trip to Dubai.”
</blockquote>
He said the campaign was designed to reward loyalty and trust.
<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">
“Saving requires planning and unlocks financial security, as it enables someone to look forward to the future without worrying about sudden expenses and to attain their desired financial goals.”
</blockquote>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="678" src="http://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/dubai_3667046191372742157-1024x678.jpg" alt="Standard Chartered offers prizes to boost savings culture." class="wp-image-19030" srcset="https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/dubai_3667046191372742157-1024x678.jpg 1024w, https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/dubai_3667046191372742157-300x199.jpg 300w, https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/dubai_3667046191372742157-768x508.jpg 768w, https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/dubai_3667046191372742157-860x569.jpg 860w, https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/dubai_3667046191372742157.jpg 1080w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo/X/StanChartUGA</figcaption></figure>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Open to New and Existing Clients</h3>
Lydia Nakamya, General Manager for Affluent Banking and Wealth Management, said the campaign is open to all:
<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">
“The campaign is open to both existing and new clients. You can open an account today and still participate.”
</blockquote>
She also highlighted the bank’s continued investment in digital solutions and client-focused services:
<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">
“We continue to invest in digital infrastructure, innovation and client-centric solutions to improve the banking experience and better serve our clients.”
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">
“One of our strategic priorities is to grow the affluent, and for us to do that, we need to grow with our clients’ wealth and allow them to expand their wealth.”
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">
“We believe that with the right focus, extraordinary agility, the right synergies and curated solutions, we are the best bank to protect our clients’ portfolios and grow their wealth.”
</blockquote>
The campaign is open to clients with current, savings, and term deposit accounts, in both local and foreign currencies.
Standard Chartered remains one of the leading digital banks in Uganda, despite its planned restructuring.
The post <a href="https://lifestyleuganda.com/standard-chartered-uganda-launches-jaguza-campaign-with-dubai-trip-prize/">Standard Chartered Uganda Launches ‘Jaguza ne Standard Chartered’ Campaign With Dubai Trip Prize</a> appeared first on <a href="https://lifestyleuganda.com">Lifestyle Uganda</a>.
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<title>SC Villa appoints Serbian coach Kovacevic Zeljko to lead club rebuild</title>
<link>https://lifestyleuganda.com/sc-villa-appoints-serbian-coach-kovacevic-zeljko-lead-club-rebuild/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Ssendaza Ismail]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Tue, 01 Jul 2025 22:20:23 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://lifestyleuganda.com/?p=19013</guid>
<description><![CDATA[SC Villa have confirmed the appointment of Kovacevic Zeljko as head coach, with the former defender expected to bring tactical discipline and fresh direction to the 17-time league champions.
The post <a href="https://lifestyleuganda.com/sc-villa-appoints-serbian-coach-kovacevic-zeljko-lead-club-rebuild/">SC Villa appoints Serbian coach Kovacevic Zeljko to lead club rebuild</a> appeared first on <a href="https://lifestyleuganda.com">Lifestyle Uganda</a>.
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2048" height="1342" src="https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Kovacevic.jpg" class="attachment-full size-full wp-post-image" alt="SC Villa Appoints Kovacevic Zeljko as Head Coach Ahead of New Season." style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;" />
SC Villa has named Serbian tactician Kovacevic Zeljko as its new head coach, ending weeks of speculation around the club’s top job.
The announcement came Tuesday, July 1, through a statement on the club’s official social media platforms.
“SC Villa, Uganda’s record football champions, is delighted to announce the appointment of Kovacevic Zeljko as the new club head coach,” read part of the statement posted on X (formerly Twitter).
The club described Zeljko as “an exciting prospect,” praising his “unique understanding of the game.”
It added:
<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">
“The Club has no doubt that he will, in the fullness of time, turn around its fortunes and make it the best Club on the Continent.”
</blockquote>
Zeljko, a former defender known for his discipline and leadership during his playing days, arrives with more than a decade of coaching experience. He is widely respected among his peers as one of modern football’s sharpest tacticians.
Though he played at the back, the club says his approach reflects a keen understanding of attacking formations and contemporary styles of play.
“Zeljko brings to the Club some of the unique qualities that it has sought after for a very long time,” the statement noted.
The club has promised to back him fully.
According to the statement:
<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">
“SC Villa undertakes to fully support him and ensure that he meets his targets and the Club’s aspirations within the shortest time.”
</blockquote>
Zeljko’s arrival follows the breakdown of earlier negotiations with fellow <a href="https://lifestyleuganda.com/sc-villa-name-serbian-nemanja-milincic-new-head-coach/">Serbian coach Nemanja Milincic</a>.
SC Villa finished sixth last season under coach Morley Byekwaso. With Zeljko now in charge, officials say they’re optimistic about pushing back into title contention.
Club leadership also addressed fans directly, saying there is “serious work” happening behind the scenes to prepare for the upcoming season.
SC Villa has already begun preseason training at East High School in Ntinda. The new Uganda Premier League season is expected to kick off on September 26, with fixtures scheduled to be released on August 26.
The post <a href="https://lifestyleuganda.com/sc-villa-appoints-serbian-coach-kovacevic-zeljko-lead-club-rebuild/">SC Villa appoints Serbian coach Kovacevic Zeljko to lead club rebuild</a> appeared first on <a href="https://lifestyleuganda.com">Lifestyle Uganda</a>.
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<title>Kampala Restaurant Week 2025 returns with bold flavors, local flair and global ambition</title>
<link>https://lifestyleuganda.com/kampala-restaurant-week-returns-flavors-local-flair-global-ambition/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Jacob Mugwana]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Mon, 30 Jun 2025 00:22:29 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Food & Restaurant]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://lifestyleuganda.com/?p=19005</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Food lovers in Uganda’s capital are set to enjoy special menus from 30 venues as Kampala Restaurant Week 2025 returns, spotlighting local cuisine and global culinary trends.
The post <a href="https://lifestyleuganda.com/kampala-restaurant-week-returns-flavors-local-flair-global-ambition/">Kampala Restaurant Week 2025 returns with bold flavors, local flair and global ambition</a> appeared first on <a href="https://lifestyleuganda.com">Lifestyle Uganda</a>.
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="934" height="525" src="https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Kampala.webp" class="attachment-full size-full wp-post-image" alt="Kampala’s top restaurants unite for 10-day food festival." style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;" />
Kampala Restaurant Week is back.
Running from July 3 to 13, the 2025 edition brings together 30 restaurants and hangout spots, from longtime favorites like Yujo Izakaya, Mediterraneo, and The Lawns, to newcomers like Orexi, Brisk, The Choate and Tehila’s. For ten days, diners will get access to curated menus priced between UGX 20,000 and UGX 40,000.
It’s not just about the food, though.
“This is more than just a great dining deal,” said Isaac Langoli, from The Pearl Guide, the event’s organizer. “It’s our way of promoting Kampala as a rising culinary destination on the continent.”
Langoli said the team worked with a mix of “beloved staples and exciting new entrants” to craft menus that “push boundaries while celebrating our local identity.”
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="939" height="552" src="http://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Restaurant.webp" alt="Kampala puts its food scene on the map." class="wp-image-19004" srcset="https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Restaurant.webp 939w, https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Restaurant-300x176.webp 300w, https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Restaurant-768x451.webp 768w, https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Restaurant-860x506.webp 860w" sizes="(max-width: 939px) 100vw, 939px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo/courtesy</figcaption></figure>
The event was officially launched with a tasting luncheon at Aldea Restaurant and Lounge, where journalists and food lovers previewed some of the dishes. The menu leaned into local influences with three main courses: cowboy-style cow heart in a sweet and sour sauce, roasted chicken breast on pumpkin mousse with bacon and a white wine malakwang sauce, and loaded bacon with sweet potato croquettes and red wine eshabwe-peppercorn sauce.
Dessert was no less ambitious — a tropical “Nganda medley” of roasted coconut, pineapple, mango mousse, honeycomb, and homemade coffee syrup, created by Chef Ernest Kayondo.
The event also introduces a Digital Foodie Passport, a reward program accessible through The Pearl Guide website. Diners can register, track visits, and win instant vouchers. It’s designed to get people moving — and eating — across the city.
The week’s timing isn’t accidental. Culinary travel is on the rise globally, and Langoli says Kampala is ready.
“Globally, travellers are seeking authentic, taste-driven experiences,” he said. “Kampala is well-positioned to deliver just that.”
The campaign is backed by Coca-Cola Beverages Uganda, Uganda Breweries Limited, and Stanbic Bank Uganda. Each is offering perks — from free drinks to cashback on Stanbic FlexiPay, the official payment platform.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="819" height="1024" src="http://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/food-819x1024.jpeg" alt="Uganda’s capital hosts annual celebration of food and culture." class="wp-image-19002" srcset="https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/food-819x1024.jpeg 819w, https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/food-240x300.jpeg 240w, https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/food-768x960.jpeg 768w, https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/food-860x1075.jpeg 860w, https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/food.jpeg 900w" sizes="(max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px" /></figure>
Beyond the food and deals, organizers say the event reflects something deeper — a belief that food tells stories, and that Uganda’s story deserves to be heard on plates.
Events like this, they argue, also support local farms and businesses, promote sustainability, and build community. The emphasis on locally sourced ingredients reflects the region’s agricultural roots and future potential.
Restaurant Week has always been about more than the meals. This year, it’s making a case for Kampala as a serious food capital — one bite at a time.
The post <a href="https://lifestyleuganda.com/kampala-restaurant-week-returns-flavors-local-flair-global-ambition/">Kampala Restaurant Week 2025 returns with bold flavors, local flair and global ambition</a> appeared first on <a href="https://lifestyleuganda.com">Lifestyle Uganda</a>.
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<title>Fertility Struggles Among Ugandan Couples Linked to Mental Health, Experts Say</title>
<link>https://lifestyleuganda.com/fertility-struggles-among-ugandan-couples-linked-mental-health/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Lifestyle Uganda]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Sun, 29 Jun 2025 11:10:43 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Health & Living]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://lifestyleuganda.com/?p=18999</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Stress and anxiety are emerging as silent contributors to infertility in Uganda, experts warn, with both men and women affected in nearly equal measure.
The post <a href="https://lifestyleuganda.com/fertility-struggles-among-ugandan-couples-linked-mental-health/">Fertility Struggles Among Ugandan Couples Linked to Mental Health, Experts Say</a> appeared first on <a href="https://lifestyleuganda.com">Lifestyle Uganda</a>.
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1620" height="1080" src="https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/doctor.jpeg" class="attachment-full size-full wp-post-image" alt="Dr. Muhumuza outlines the causes of primary and secondary infertility in women." style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;" />
In Uganda, a growing number of couples are silently grappling with infertility—an issue that doctors say is increasingly linked to mental health and lifestyle stress.
Dr. Joseph Muhumuza, a fertility specialist at Roswell Women and Children Hospital in Kampala, says stress is often the first barrier couples encounter when trying to conceive.
<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">
“The pressure is usually big,” he says. “And stress alone is enough to affect a woman’s ability to conceive.”
</blockquote>
He was speaking at the Bride & Groom Expo 2025, held from June 27 to 29 at the UMA Multipurpose Hall in Lugogo, Kampala. His session was titled Managing Fertility.
Muhumuza advises couples not to panic if conceiving becomes difficult. Staying calm, he says, is the first step. The next is seeking expert help.
<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">
“Even when you do tests and results indicate everything is okay, it is important to avoid anxiety,” he adds.
</blockquote>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Understanding Infertility</h3>
Fertility refers to the ability to conceive and carry a pregnancy. Infertility is typically diagnosed after a year of trying without success.
Dr. Muhumuza breaks it down into two main categories:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Primary infertility — when a woman has never conceived.</li>
<li>Secondary infertility — when a couple who previously conceived can no longer do so.</li>
</ul>
According to him, about 20% of couples who visit his clinic struggle with infertility. In roughly 35% to 40% of those cases, the problem lies with the woman. Men account for a similar proportion.
But for about 10%, no clear cause is found, even after thorough testing.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="682" height="1024" src="http://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/fertlility-682x1024.jpeg" alt="Dr. Joseph Muhumuza from Roswell Women and Children Hospital breaks down the types of infertility and what steps couples can take next." class="wp-image-18998" srcset="https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/fertlility-682x1024.jpeg 682w, https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/fertlility-200x300.jpeg 200w, https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/fertlility-768x1152.jpeg 768w, https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/fertlility-1024x1536.jpeg 1024w, https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/fertlility-860x1290.jpeg 860w, https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/fertlility.jpeg 1045w" sizes="(max-width: 682px) 100vw, 682px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo/X/newvisionwire</figcaption></figure>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The Role of Blocked Fallopian Tubes</h3>
For women, one major cause of infertility is blocked fallopian tubes. These tiny passageways play a key role in getting an egg and sperm to meet. If they’re damaged or obstructed, fertilization becomes difficult.
Infections such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), poorly done surgeries, and recurrent miscarriages are often to blame. So are conditions like:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Endometriosis, which causes painful growths on reproductive organs.</li>
<li>Hormonal imbalances</li>
<li>Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)</li>
<li>Age, which affects egg quantity and quality.</li>
</ul>
“Sometimes, medics check the uterus for fibroids,” Dr. Muhumuza said. “They’re a common finding lately.”
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Male Fertility Also a Factor</h3>
Dr. Castrol Kasuule, a fertility expert at Alexandra Medical Centre, says male infertility is becoming more common.
<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">
“Out of ten couples struggling to conceive, about three have issues related to male infertility,” he said.
</blockquote>
Top among those issues: low sperm count and poor-quality sperm.
“When it gets to conception, we want sperms that are normal, that are of good number and looking very well,” Dr. Kasuule said.
“In addition, the sperm should be able to swim very well,” he added, describing it as purposeful forward movement.
According to World Health Organization guidelines, a single ejaculation should contain at least 15 million sperm cells.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Hope Through Treatment</h3>
Despite the growing cases, fertility experts say help is available.
Dr. Muhumuza outlined some of the most common options:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Egg stimulation</li>
<li>Artificial insemination</li>
<li>In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) – where eggs and sperm are fused outside the body and later transferred into the womb.</li>
</ul>
“Infertility has been simplified,” he said. “Every couple should be able to have a child either naturally or through assisted reproductive therapy. The only limitation is the cost.”
The post <a href="https://lifestyleuganda.com/fertility-struggles-among-ugandan-couples-linked-mental-health/">Fertility Struggles Among Ugandan Couples Linked to Mental Health, Experts Say</a> appeared first on <a href="https://lifestyleuganda.com">Lifestyle Uganda</a>.
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<title>Dax Vibez says Hotel Africana has cancelled his debut concert just weeks before the show</title>
<link>https://lifestyleuganda.com/dax-vibez-hotel-africana-has-cancelled-his-debut-concert/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Bwetunge Ivan]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Sat, 28 Jun 2025 21:51:57 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Entertainment]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://lifestyleuganda.com/?p=18991</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Dax Vibez has announced the cancellation of his first concert, blaming a last-minute decision by the venue. The show, set for 29 August, was meant to be a career milestone for the fast-rising singer.
The post <a href="https://lifestyleuganda.com/dax-vibez-hotel-africana-has-cancelled-his-debut-concert/">Dax Vibez says Hotel Africana has cancelled his debut concert just weeks before the show</a> appeared first on <a href="https://lifestyleuganda.com">Lifestyle Uganda</a>.
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1290" height="991" src="https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/dax.jpg" class="attachment-full size-full wp-post-image" alt="Dax Vibez maiden concert in Kampala has been cancelled, with no clear reason given." style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;" />
Singer Dax Vibez, younger brother of opposition leader Bobi Wine, says his debut concert at Hotel Africana has been cancelled with no clear explanation.
The concert, originally scheduled for August 29, 2025, was expected to mark a major milestone in the singer’s career. But on Saturday evening, Dax Vibez—real name Ivan Bugembe Sentamu—took to social media to break the news to fans.
<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">
“After 9 months of advertising and all,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “Hotel Africana has cancelled my show. I don’t know what to do next.”
</blockquote>
The announcement came as a shock to fans, many of whom had followed months of build-up and promotional efforts. The artist said preparations had been ongoing for nearly a year, with considerable resources already committed.
No official reason was given by Hotel Africana for the cancellation. Dax Vibez, who had spoken publicly about choosing the venue due to its accessibility and atmosphere, did not confirm whether a new location was being considered.
<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="693" height="1024" src="http://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/vibe-693x1024.webp" alt="The singer said Hotel Africana pulled the plug despite months of preparation and investment." class="wp-image-18990" srcset="https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/vibe-693x1024.webp 693w, https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/vibe-203x300.webp 203w, https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/vibe-768x1134.webp 768w, https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/vibe-860x1270.webp 860w, https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/vibe.webp 1040w" sizes="(max-width: 693px) 100vw, 693px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo/courtesy</figcaption></figure></div>
In a February 2025 interview, he had praised the venue:
<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">
“The concert is a celebration of how far I have come,” he said at the time. “I chose Africana because I have a good relationship with them, and it’s also a comfortable place for my fans.”
</blockquote>
The cancellation mirrors a similar incident earlier this year. In February, <a href="https://lifestyleuganda.com/alien-skin-iganga-chaos-musician-attacked-car-vandalised-show-turns-violent/">singer Alien Skin</a> also had his concert pulled from the same venue under unclear circumstances.
Since the news broke, fans have flooded Dax Vibez’s Instagram, Facebook, and X accounts, expressing disappointment and calling for more transparency from the hotel.
At the time of publication, Hotel Africana had not issued a public statement.
The post <a href="https://lifestyleuganda.com/dax-vibez-hotel-africana-has-cancelled-his-debut-concert/">Dax Vibez says Hotel Africana has cancelled his debut concert just weeks before the show</a> appeared first on <a href="https://lifestyleuganda.com">Lifestyle Uganda</a>.
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<title>‘Squid Game’ Season 3 Marks Final Chapter of Global Phenomenon</title>
<link>https://lifestyleuganda.com/squid-game-season-3-marks-final-chapter-global-phenomenon/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Bwetunge Ivan]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Sat, 28 Jun 2025 13:28:01 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Entertainment]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Latest Movie & Trailers]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://lifestyleuganda.com/?p=18980</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Squid Game bows out with six intense episodes that push familiar characters to the edge. Creator Hwang Dong-hyuk delivers a tense finale to the series that sparked a global phenomenon.
The post <a href="https://lifestyleuganda.com/squid-game-season-3-marks-final-chapter-global-phenomenon/">‘Squid Game’ Season 3 Marks Final Chapter of Global Phenomenon</a> appeared first on <a href="https://lifestyleuganda.com">Lifestyle Uganda</a>.
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1280" height="720" src="https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/game.webp" class="attachment-full size-full wp-post-image" alt="Squid Game season 3 premieres on Netflix Friday." style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;" />
Squid Game Season 3 premiered on Netflix on June 27, bringing the hit South Korean survival thriller to its conclusion.
The final season, created by Hwang Dong-hyuk, spans six episodes and picks up directly after the events of Season 2. It centers once again on Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae), who returns to the deadly arena of games. This time, he’s driven not by survival—but revenge.
“He’s not the same man,” a Netflix press release noted. “He’s haunted, and he’s not just playing to win. He’s trying to end the game.”
The series deepens its psychological tension, forcing characters into choices that blur the lines between sacrifice and survival. Each round pushes players to the brink, physically and morally.
In-ho, also known as the Front Man (Lee Byung-hun), resumes control of the games. His brother, Jun-ho (Wi Ha-joon), remains on the run and is still searching for the island where the games are held. But he’s not alone—and not everyone he trusts is who they appear to be.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" src="http://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/squid-1024x683.webp" alt="Watch Squid Game Season 3 – Final Season Now Streaming." class="wp-image-18979" srcset="https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/squid-1024x683.webp 1024w, https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/squid-300x200.webp 300w, https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/squid-768x512.webp 768w, https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/squid-1536x1024.webp 1536w, https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/squid-330x220.webp 330w, https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/squid-420x280.webp 420w, https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/squid-615x410.webp 615w, https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/squid-860x573.webp 860w, https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/squid.webp 1581w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Lee Jung-jae reprises his role as Gi-hun in the last season of Squid Game, as fan-favourites return and shocking choices unfold in the most psychologically brutal round of the games yet. Photo/credit/RollingStone</figcaption></figure>
A major subplot follows Geum-ja (Kang Ae-sim) and her son, Yong-sik (Yang Dong-geun), both new entrants in the game. In one of the season’s most brutal turns, Geum-ja kills her own son to protect a newborn child.
The moment, played without music or dramatic buildup, left many viewers shaken. One fan wrote on social media: “I paused the episode and didn’t go back for hours.”
Another scene that stirred conversation: the return of Player 230, nicknamed “Thanos” (played by Choi Seung-hyun, known as T.O.P). Though killed off in <a href="https://lifestyleuganda.com/squid-game-season-2-on-netflix/">Season 2</a>, he appears briefly in a hallucination. His drug-laced necklace resurfaces and influences a critical decision made by another player.
“People kept asking if Thanos would come back,” one fan commented on Reddit. “Well… he did. But not like anyone expected.”
Much of the original cast returns: Lee Jung-jae, Lee Byung-hun, Wi Ha-joon, Im Si-wan, Park Gyu-young, Park Sung-hoon, Kang Ha-neul, Jo Yu-ri, and others.
The season was directed by Hwang Dong-hyuk, who also helmed the first two installments. His return ensures stylistic consistency—but the tone has grown darker.
While many critics praised Season 3 for its emotional weight and ambitious storytelling, audience reactions have been mixed. Some fans described “closure,” while others expressed fatigue from the show’s unrelenting violence.
“Squid Game had me for two seasons,” one viewer wrote. “This one just wore me down.”
Still, the finale delivers. Major arcs are resolved. Cameos surprise. And the games—however bloody—reach their end.
Netflix confirmed no future seasons are planned. Squid Game is over.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" src="http://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/director-1024x683.jpg" alt="The season is positioned as the definitive end to the Squid Game saga, with no further seasons planned." class="wp-image-18977" srcset="https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/director-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/director-300x200.jpg 300w, https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/director-768x512.jpg 768w, https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/director-330x220.jpg 330w, https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/director-420x280.jpg 420w, https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/director-615x410.jpg 615w, https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/director-860x573.jpg 860w, https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/director.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo/credit/Netflix</figcaption></figure>
The post <a href="https://lifestyleuganda.com/squid-game-season-3-marks-final-chapter-global-phenomenon/">‘Squid Game’ Season 3 Marks Final Chapter of Global Phenomenon</a> appeared first on <a href="https://lifestyleuganda.com">Lifestyle Uganda</a>.
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<title>Rwanda and DRC Sign U.S.-Brokered Peace Deal Amid Praise, Criticism</title>
<link>https://lifestyleuganda.com/rwanda-drc-sign-us-brokered-peace-deal-praise-criticism/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Lifestyle Uganda]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Sat, 28 Jun 2025 11:49:29 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[International News & Politics]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://lifestyleuganda.com/?p=18970</guid>
<description><![CDATA[A peace agreement between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo has been signed in Washington, but ex-President Joseph Kabila questions its legitimacy, saying the DRC was never at war with Rwanda.
The post <a href="https://lifestyleuganda.com/rwanda-drc-sign-us-brokered-peace-deal-praise-criticism/">Rwanda and DRC Sign U.S.-Brokered Peace Deal Amid Praise, Criticism</a> appeared first on <a href="https://lifestyleuganda.com">Lifestyle Uganda</a>.
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="600" src="https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/peace-1.jpg" class="attachment-full size-full wp-post-image" alt="US hosts landmark Rwanda-DRC accord amid criticism from ex-Congo leader." style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;" />
The Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of Rwanda have signed what officials described as a landmark peace agreement, following decades of tension and proxy conflict in eastern Congo.
The deal was signed Friday at the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C., with Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe and Congolese Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner representing their governments. U.S. Secretary of State Marco A. Rubio hosted the ceremony.
President Donald Trump, who pushed for the agreement during months of closed-door diplomacy, is expected to meet with both ministers. Trump has linked the breakthrough to his broader push for global peace recognition.
“In a few short months, we’ve now achieved peace between India and Pakistan, Israel and Iran, and the DRC and Rwanda,” Trump said in a statement from the Oval Office. “Today, the violence and destruction come to an end, and the entire region begins a new chapter of hope.”
Vice President JD Vance said the administration had helped bring an end to decades of bloodshed.
“Under President Trump’s leadership, we’ve taken what was 30 years of killing and war… and now we’re on a pathway to peace.”
The agreement contains a wide range of provisions: mutual recognition of territorial integrity, cessation of hostilities, disarmament and integration of armed groups, the establishment of a joint monitoring body, and plans for refugee return, humanitarian access, and regional economic cooperation.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="http://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/deal.webp" alt="Rwanda and DR Congo ink US-brokered peace accord as doubts emerge." class="wp-image-18968" srcset="https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/deal.webp 1024w, https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/deal-300x169.webp 300w, https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/deal-768x432.webp 768w, https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/deal-860x484.webp 860w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo/courtesy</figcaption></figure>
At the center of the deal is a Joint Security Coordination Mechanism. Its first major task: neutralize the FDLR — the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda — a group made up in part of those responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
“FDLR is no ordinary militia,” Nduhungirehe said. “It is the remnant of the forces which committed the Genocide… in which a million people were killed.”
“The commitment made here today is for an irreversible and verifiable end to state support for FDLR and associated militias. That is the bedrock of peace and security in our region.”
Foreign Minister Wagner called the signing a turning point.
“Thank you and congratulations indeed for this remarkable milestone, which is putting an end to 30 years of conflict and of suffering,” she said.
Rwanda and the DRC have also agreed to begin facilitating the return of refugees on both sides, with support from the UN Refugee Agency.
“Creating the conditions for the safe and dignified return of refugees is vital to achieving lasting peace,” Nduhungirehe said.
Qatar, which hosted early mediation rounds in Doha, was also acknowledged for its role. Rwanda credited Minister of State Mohammed Al-Khulaifi and the Qatari Foreign Ministry with helping to restart talks between Kinshasa and <a href="https://lifestyleuganda.com/goma-violence-m23-rebels-and-drc-forces-clash-ceasefire-breach-claims/">the M23</a>/AFC rebel movement. Those talks remain ongoing.
The African Union was also represented at the ceremony, with AU Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat and President Faure Gnassingbé of Togo both playing key roles in the background.
The agreement takes effect immediately. Oversight will come from the joint mechanism and the African Union, with continued support from the U.S. and Qatar.
But not everyone is convinced.
Former Congolese President Joseph Kabila was sharply <a href="https://x.com/josephkabila01/status/1938799266413117763" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">critical in a post on X</a>, formerly Twitter.
“They’re talking about a peace agreement… But between which belligerents, exactly?” Kabila wrote. “The DRC has never been at war with any of the states represented in this photo.”
He added: “What was signed on June 27, 2025, at the White House is nothing more than a trade agreement. Nothing more.”
“We must stop distorting the facts to mask a propaganda agenda. The Congolese people deserve the truth, not a diplomatic spectacle.”
Others voiced concern that the U.S. administration had oversimplified the conflict. Ugandan journalist and BBC Africa Daily host <a href="https://lifestyleuganda.com/bbc-alan-kasujja-signs-off-from-africa-daily/">Alan Kasujja</a> weighed in on social media.
“Vice President J.D. Vance stated that Rwanda and the DRC have been at war for 30 years. Really?” Kasujja wrote. “Does he know what he’s talking about? It’s clear that President Trump’s administration, like those before it, does not understand the DRC.”
The post <a href="https://lifestyleuganda.com/rwanda-drc-sign-us-brokered-peace-deal-praise-criticism/">Rwanda and DRC Sign U.S.-Brokered Peace Deal Amid Praise, Criticism</a> appeared first on <a href="https://lifestyleuganda.com">Lifestyle Uganda</a>.
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<title>TikTok Rolls Out LIVE Fan Club as Daily Live Streaming Surges to 130 Million Creators</title>
<link>https://lifestyleuganda.com/tiktok-rolls-out-live-fan-club-daily-streaming-surges-creators/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Lifestyle Uganda]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Fri, 27 Jun 2025 14:56:21 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Mobile and Telecommunication]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Technology & Science]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://lifestyleuganda.com/?p=18962</guid>
<description><![CDATA[The social media platform says over 130 million creators now go live each day. The new Fan Club feature offers exclusive perks to viewers who stay active and send virtual gifts.
The post <a href="https://lifestyleuganda.com/tiktok-rolls-out-live-fan-club-daily-streaming-surges-creators/">TikTok Rolls Out LIVE Fan Club as Daily Live Streaming Surges to 130 Million Creators</a> appeared first on <a href="https://lifestyleuganda.com">Lifestyle Uganda</a>.
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1260" height="800" src="https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/live.webp" class="attachment-full size-full wp-post-image" alt="TikTok adds Fan Clubs to boost live content community." style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;" />
TikTok is introducing a new feature called LIVE Fan Club, giving creators a way to build tighter relationships with their fans — and possibly earn more money.
The rollout comes as TikTok says more than 130 million creators now go live every day on the app.
Fan Clubs are designed for TikTok LIVE creators and their most loyal followers. The feature lets fans join private chat rooms, get notified when creators go live, and complete small “missions” like watching streams, commenting, or sending gifts — all in exchange for digital rewards.
If a fan sends a “Heart Me” gift during a livestream, they’re automatically added to that creator’s Fan Club. But membership isn’t permanent. To keep their spot, fans need to stay active — they have seven days after a livestream to engage again.
Inside the Fan Club, fans can earn points and unlock perks, from exclusive badges and gifts to level-up celebrations announced live during a stream. They also get “entrance spotlights” — special recognition when they join.
TikTok says the new system expands its monetization tools, especially as livestreaming becomes a bigger part of its platform.
The feature is launching alongside Community Fest 2025, a global, three-week promotional campaign running through July 5. TikTok is pitching the event as a kind of prelude.
“Think of it as the warm-up act to LIVE Fest 2025 — TikTok’s months-long global festival celebrating all things LIVE,” the company said.
It’s a push to help creators “grow their audiences, deepen real-time engagement, and celebrate the power of connection,” TikTok added.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="http://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/fan-club.jpg" alt="TikTok unveils Fan Club feature as livestreaming surges." class="wp-image-18959" srcset="https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/fan-club.jpg 1024w, https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/fan-club-300x169.jpg 300w, https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/fan-club-768x432.jpg 768w, https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/fan-club-860x484.jpg 860w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo/credit/TechPolicyPress</figcaption></figure>
Adam Wang, Head of TikTok LIVE, said the goal is simple:
<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">
“With TikTok LIVE, our mission is to help creators and viewers connect, grow, and thrive in real time.”
</blockquote>
He called Community Fest
<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">
“a celebration of the incredible talent and generosity we see every day on LIVE, where creators turn moments into movements and viewers into communities.”
</blockquote>
“We’re proud to support this initiative,” he said, “and can’t wait to see what our LIVE community across the globe builds together next.”
TikTok is also starting to promote the new Fan Club feature in markets where livestream commerce is already thriving — including parts of Asia. Social Media Today reports that the platform is testing it in regions where shopping via livestreams has taken off.
Creators who go live regularly have already seen results. TikTok pointed to a baker named Vanessa (@deliciousnessbakery) who increased her monthly rewards sixfold within six months.
The company is scaling livestream campaigns globally, with events like the LIVE Grand Prix in Japan and LIVE Legends in the Middle East and North Africa.
TikTok’s announcement lands as the creator economy keeps expanding. The live streaming market was valued at $38.87 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow to $256.56 billion by 2032, according to Custom Market Insights.
Big names have joined the movement too. In February 2021, Justin Bieber performed the platform’s first-ever single-artist, full-length LIVE concert.
The post <a href="https://lifestyleuganda.com/tiktok-rolls-out-live-fan-club-daily-streaming-surges-creators/">TikTok Rolls Out LIVE Fan Club as Daily Live Streaming Surges to 130 Million Creators</a> appeared first on <a href="https://lifestyleuganda.com">Lifestyle Uganda</a>.
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<title>MultiChoice Uganda Offers Free Upgrades for DStv and GOtv Subscribers in New ‘We Got You’ Campaign</title>
<link>https://lifestyleuganda.com/multichoice-uganda-offers-free-upgrades-dstv-gotv-subscribers-we-got-you-campaign/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Jacob Mugwana]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Fri, 27 Jun 2025 12:56:05 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Entertainment]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://lifestyleuganda.com/?p=18955</guid>
<description><![CDATA[DStv and GOtv subscribers in Uganda will be bumped up to higher packages at no extra cost — but only if they pay on time. MultiChoice Uganda says its latest campaign, We Got You, offers free content upgrades from 16 June to 31 July as a thank-you to loyal customers.
The post <a href="https://lifestyleuganda.com/multichoice-uganda-offers-free-upgrades-dstv-gotv-subscribers-we-got-you-campaign/">MultiChoice Uganda Offers Free Upgrades for DStv and GOtv Subscribers in New ‘We Got You’ Campaign</a> appeared first on <a href="https://lifestyleuganda.com">Lifestyle Uganda</a>.
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="630" src="https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/packages.jpg" class="attachment-full size-full wp-post-image" alt="DStv and GOtv Subscribers to Receive Free Content Boosts in Uganda." style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;" />
MultiChoice Uganda is rolling out a new campaign that gives DStv and GOtv subscribers more content for the same price — a move aimed at rewarding customer loyalty.
Starting Monday, June 16 through Thursday, July 31, 2025, subscribers who pay for their current package will be automatically upgraded to the next higher tier, at no extra cost.
“This is not just a content upgrade,” said Rinaldi Jamugisa, PR and Communications Manager at MultiChoice Uganda. “It’s a viewing experience upgrade and a way of saying thank you to customers for staying connected.”
The company says the promotion — dubbed We Got You — is part of a broader effort to make premium content more accessible at a time when many Ugandans are tightening their household budgets.
“We are not just upgrading your package, we are upgrading your entire viewing experience,” Jamugisa said. “Our customers deserve to feel every moment — whether it is the thrill of blockbuster movies on M-Net, the drama of <a href="https://lifestyleuganda.com/kampala-creme-returns-with-new-faces-bigger-ambition-for-season-3/">Kampala Creme</a> on Pearl Magic Prime, or the joy of a kid’s show on Disney Channel.”
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="1024" src="http://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/rinaldi-1024x1024.jpg" alt="MultiChoice Offers Free TV Package Upgrades for Ugandan Viewers with the “We Got You” campaign." class="wp-image-18954" srcset="https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/rinaldi-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/rinaldi-300x300.jpg 300w, https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/rinaldi-150x150.jpg 150w, https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/rinaldi-768x768.jpg 768w, https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/rinaldi-860x860.jpg 860w, https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/rinaldi.jpg 1080w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Rinaldi Jamugisa. Photo/instagram/dstvuganda</figcaption></figure>
Customers on lower-tier packages stand to benefit the most. A DStv Access subscriber, for instance, will be moved up to DStv Family, while GOtv Plus subscribers will be upgraded to GOtv Max — gaining access to additional channels and shows they wouldn’t normally get at their current level.
“We know our customers live dynamic lives, balancing work, family, and entertainment,” Jamugisa said. “By upgrading their packages, we’re ensuring they get the best content tailored to their needs — on us.”
Even those using the <a href="https://lifestyleuganda.com/multichoice-introduces-ka-weekie-plan-dstv-gotv-demand-grows-flexible-viewing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">7-day Ka Weekie</a> option qualify for the offer, according to MultiChoice.
Customers are encouraged to pay or reconnect within the campaign window to take advantage of the free upgrade. Those who do will see the new package automatically activated once payment is confirmed.
MultiChoice is also pushing for more digital engagement, urging subscribers to manage their accounts through the MyDStv and MyGOtv apps. Both are available on Android and iOS.
The post <a href="https://lifestyleuganda.com/multichoice-uganda-offers-free-upgrades-dstv-gotv-subscribers-we-got-you-campaign/">MultiChoice Uganda Offers Free Upgrades for DStv and GOtv Subscribers in New ‘We Got You’ Campaign</a> appeared first on <a href="https://lifestyleuganda.com">Lifestyle Uganda</a>.
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<title>Forest Whitaker’s Nonprofit Teams Up With Intelsat to Bring High-Speed Internet to Remote Communities in Africa</title>
<link>https://lifestyleuganda.com/forest-whitaker-nonprofit-teams-intelsat-bring-high-speed-internet-remote-communities-in-africa/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Lifestyle Uganda]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Fri, 27 Jun 2025 11:35:47 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Technology & Science]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://lifestyleuganda.com/?p=18949</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Satellite firm Intelsat has partnered with Forest Whitaker’s peace initiative to bring high-speed internet to remote learning centres in South Sudan and Uganda. The project aims to boost digital access and education in communities with limited infrastructure.
The post <a href="https://lifestyleuganda.com/forest-whitaker-nonprofit-teams-intelsat-bring-high-speed-internet-remote-communities-in-africa/">Forest Whitaker’s Nonprofit Teams Up With Intelsat to Bring High-Speed Internet to Remote Communities in Africa</a> appeared first on <a href="https://lifestyleuganda.com">Lifestyle Uganda</a>.
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="800" src="https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/peace.jpg" class="attachment-full size-full wp-post-image" alt="Intelsat is working with a nonprofit founded by actor Forest Whitaker." style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;" />
Intelsat, a multinational satellite services provider, is expanding internet access to underserved areas in South Sudan and Uganda through a new partnership with actor Forest Whitaker’s nonprofit organization.
The company is equipping 10 community learning centers operated by the Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative (WPDI) with high-speed internet. Seven of the centers are in South Sudan and three are in Uganda.
The initiative was announced Wednesday at an event in New York attended by Intelsat CEO David Wajsgras and Forest Whitaker.
“We’re upgrading the communications profile that exists today and improving speed, the quality of the communications, and equally as important, the reliability,” Wajsgras said. “It’s much more real-time information — think of video processing and communicating in different ways.”
The project includes the installation of equipment, managed connectivity, and ongoing technical support. Wajsgras said the improvements will boost the centers’ communication capacity by four to 10 times.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="768" src="http://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/development-1024x768.jpeg" alt="Intelsat is expanding broadband access to ten rural centres in South Sudan and Uganda." class="wp-image-18946" srcset="https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/development-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/development-300x225.jpeg 300w, https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/development-768x576.jpeg 768w, https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/development-860x645.jpeg 860w, https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/development.jpeg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
Whitaker, who founded WPDI in 2012, spoke about the personal experiences that shaped his decision to create the organization.
“Growing up in South Central Los Angeles, conflict between gangs impacted my community in a deep, dark way,” he said. He also recalled the effect of a cousin who served in Vietnam. “You can’t work in peace and development without having partnerships. People rely on each other and give each other the tools to share.”
WPDI’s centers serve communities with little or no digital infrastructure. According to the group’s executive director, Caroline Descombris, the lack of internet access has long hindered education and training programs.
“We were relying on traditional ways to connect. But because it’s very remote, it was not reliable or functional,” Descombris said. “It’s bringing an amazing change for the community.”
The upgraded internet access allows trainees to complete advanced technology courses that were previously inaccessible due to connectivity issues.
“Intelsat has been a game-changer,” she said. “We have IT labs within the centers where community members have access to online training that we designed with MIT and Ericsson. With strong connectivity they are able to finish the entire cycle of training, which was not the case in the past.”
One of the new programs enabled by the satellite link is a virtual exchange between a center in South Sudan and a classroom in Los Angeles.
Wajsgras said work at the 10 centers is nearing completion. Once finished, the level of connectivity will be comparable to what’s found in large enterprises, such as banks.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="800" height="451" src="http://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/WPDI.jpg" alt="Ten learning hubs in South Sudan and Uganda are being upgraded to deliver faster, more reliable digital training." class="wp-image-18948" srcset="https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/WPDI.jpg 800w, https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/WPDI-300x169.jpg 300w, https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/WPDI-768x433.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo/credit/WPDI</figcaption></figure>
Since its founding, WPDI says it has trained more than 1,000 peacemakers and supports over 1,000 youth- and women-led businesses across its regions of operation.
“The education and programs and tools that we give to the community are elements that continue to move forward,” Whitaker said. “We’re now working with 1,000 businesses — those businesses go into the community and build the other businesses as they continue to grow in a ripple effect outward.”
He added, “Working with people to bypass trauma, people are able to bring that back into their communities, back into their ordinary lives. It’s really important.”
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">Yesterday, I was thankful to attend an event launching a new partnership between <a href="https://twitter.com/INTELSAT?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@INTELSAT</a> and my NGO, <a href="https://twitter.com/connectWPDI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@connectWPDI</a>. Together, we are providing high-speed satellite connectivity to WPDI learning centers in South Sudan and Uganda, helping young people access online education. <a href="https://t.co/6uclDdfHg1">pic.twitter.com/6uclDdfHg1</a>— Forest Whitaker (@ForestWhitaker) <a href="https://twitter.com/ForestWhitaker/status/1938319121621418037?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 26, 2025</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>
The post <a href="https://lifestyleuganda.com/forest-whitaker-nonprofit-teams-intelsat-bring-high-speed-internet-remote-communities-in-africa/">Forest Whitaker’s Nonprofit Teams Up With Intelsat to Bring High-Speed Internet to Remote Communities in Africa</a> appeared first on <a href="https://lifestyleuganda.com">Lifestyle Uganda</a>.
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<title>U.S. Embassy in Uganda Requires Student Visa Applicants to Make Social Media Accounts Public</title>
<link>https://lifestyleuganda.com/us-embassy-uganda-requires-student-visa-applicants-social-media-accounts-public/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Jacob Mugwana]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Thu, 26 Jun 2025 21:10:45 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Education]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://lifestyleuganda.com/?p=18940</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Applicants for US student visas from Uganda are being told to disclose their online activity as part of security vetting. The move follows resumed processing of F, M and J category visas.
The post <a href="https://lifestyleuganda.com/us-embassy-uganda-requires-student-visa-applicants-social-media-accounts-public/">U.S. Embassy in Uganda Requires Student Visa Applicants to Make Social Media Accounts Public</a> appeared first on <a href="https://lifestyleuganda.com">Lifestyle Uganda</a>.
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1215" height="810" src="https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/ambassador.jpg" class="attachment-full size-full wp-post-image" alt="US embassy in Uganda requires visa applicants to disclose social media handles." style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;" />
The U.S. Embassy in Kampala is now asking student visa applicants to make their social media accounts public — or risk being denied entry to the United States.
In a post shared Tuesday, the Embassy said this is part of identity and admissibility checks required under U.S. law.
“Starting now, if you’re applying for a student visa (F, M, or J category visa), make sure your social media accounts are set to public,” the Embassy posted on X, formerly Twitter, on June 24. “This helps with the identity and admissibility checks required by U.S. law.”
The statement went on to warn applicants:
<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">
“Not including this info could result in a visa denial or make you ineligible for future visas. Be honest, double check your application, and make sure everything is accurate before submitting.”
</blockquote>
Applicants are required to list every social media handle used in the last five years on the DS-160 visa application form. Before submitting, they must certify that the information provided is complete and true.
This change comes just days after the U.S. resumed processing student visa applications.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="819" height="1024" src="http://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/visa-819x1024.jpeg" alt="Failure to disclose social media could lead to US visa denial, embassy warns." class="wp-image-18939" srcset="https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/visa-819x1024.jpeg 819w, https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/visa-240x300.jpeg 240w, https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/visa-768x960.jpeg 768w, https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/visa-860x1075.jpeg 860w, https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/visa.jpeg 1080w" sizes="(max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo/X/usmissionuganda</figcaption></figure>
In an <a href="https://ug.usembassy.gov/visas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">earlier notice posted</a> Monday, the Embassy wrote: “Effective immediately, all individuals applying for an F, M, or J nonimmigrant visa are requested to adjust the privacy settings on all of their social media accounts to the public to facilitate the vetting necessary to establish their identity and admissibility to the United States under U.S. law.”
The move is consistent with broader efforts by the <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-administration-resuming-student-visa-appointments-state-dept-official-says-2025-06-18/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trump administration to tighten</a> oversight of U.S. visa programs.
Last month, the administration ordered consulates worldwide to pause new interviews for student and exchange visitor visas. At the same time, officials voiced concerns about lax background checks under the Biden administration — claiming the system had been “loosely vetted” and vulnerable to fraud.
Now, consular officers are being directed to look more closely at online activity — searching for signs of hostility toward American values, institutions, or citizens.
The Department of State says this form of “social media vetting” will play a larger role going forward. It includes scanning platforms like Facebook, X, LinkedIn, and TikTok to determine whether an applicant poses any concern.
The U.S. government argues that reviewing social media helps enhance national security. Since 2019, both immigrant and nonimmigrant applicants have been required to provide their social media identifiers.
The policy targets three types of student visas:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>The F visa, for academic students attending universities or other higher education institutions.</li>
<li>The M visa, for students at vocational or trade schools.</li>
<li>And the J visa, for cultural and educational exchange visitors.</li>
</ul>
The recent policy push follows a year marked by widespread pro-Palestinian protests on U.S. college campuses — demonstrations that officials say prompted renewed scrutiny of who is allowed to study in the country.
The post <a href="https://lifestyleuganda.com/us-embassy-uganda-requires-student-visa-applicants-social-media-accounts-public/">U.S. Embassy in Uganda Requires Student Visa Applicants to Make Social Media Accounts Public</a> appeared first on <a href="https://lifestyleuganda.com">Lifestyle Uganda</a>.
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<title>Uganda to Host Pearl of Africa T20 Cricket Tournament After Three-Year Pause</title>
<link>https://lifestyleuganda.com/uganda-to-host-pearl-of-africa-t20-cricket-tournament/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Ssendaza Ismail]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Thu, 26 Jun 2025 11:52:38 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://lifestyleuganda.com/?p=18931</guid>
<description><![CDATA[The Pearl of Africa T20 tournament returns to Uganda with matches scheduled at the Entebbe Oval from 18 to 28 July, drawing teams from across Africa and the Gulf.
The post <a href="https://lifestyleuganda.com/uganda-to-host-pearl-of-africa-t20-cricket-tournament/">Uganda to Host Pearl of Africa T20 Cricket Tournament After Three-Year Pause</a> appeared first on <a href="https://lifestyleuganda.com">Lifestyle Uganda</a>.
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2048" height="1366" src="https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/t20.jpeg" class="attachment-full size-full wp-post-image" alt="Cricket Cranes set for T20 test as Uganda hosts five nations." style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;" />
The Pearl of Africa T20 Cricket Tournament is set to return next month after a three-year hiatus, with Uganda once again playing host.
The Uganda Cricket Association (UCA) confirmed Wednesday that five nations will participate in what officials now call the inaugural series of the Pearl of Africa T20. The games will be played at the Entebbe Cricket Oval from July 16 to 28.
UCA Chairman Jackson Kavuma said the event is part of the national team’s buildup to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier, slated for September in Zimbabwe.
“We are glad to be hosting this tournament,” Kavuma told reporters in Kampala. “It’s a precursor for the T20 Cricket World Cup qualifiers to take place in Uganda in September this year.”
He added that the tournament is about giving the Cricket Cranes meaningful match experience.
“We want our team to have quality game time before the World Cup qualifiers,” Kavuma said. “We’ve invited strong teams to ensure a competitive environment that promotes growth and interest in the sport.”
Kenya, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Namibia (A) are expected to arrive in Uganda on July 16. While all matches will count toward ICC T20 ranking points, Namibia (A) is exempt due to its higher classification.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="740" height="494" src="http://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/cricket.jpg" alt="Entebbe to host international T20 series featuring Kenya and UAE." class="wp-image-18929" srcset="https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/cricket.jpg 740w, https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/cricket-300x200.jpg 300w, https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/cricket-330x220.jpg 330w, https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/cricket-420x280.jpg 420w, https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/cricket-615x410.jpg 615w" sizes="(max-width: 740px) 100vw, 740px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo/courtesy</figcaption></figure>
Kavuma acknowledged the work of former UCA Chairman Bashir Badu, crediting him with rekindling ties with the Emirates Cricket Board that helped revive the tournament.
Funding had previously been a barrier. Kavuma said UCA has invested $150,000 (UGX 539 million) to stage the event.
He also named new sponsors—<a href="https://lifestyleuganda.com/lycamobile-uganda-bundles-and-rates/">Lycamobile</a>, Hisense, and Pepsi Cola—whose backing helped make this year’s edition possible.
Preparation is underway. Head coach Abbay Sharma said 30 players are training in Entebbe, though the final squad has not been selected.
“My philosophy is built on preparation, planning, and execution,” Sharma said. “The boys are in good shape and ready for the challenge.”
Adonia Waibale, the tournament chairman, said all matches will be held in Entebbe, about 35 kilometers from the capital, for ease of travel and logistics. Teams will train on July 17, with competition starting the next day. All games will be broadcast live.
Uganda will open the series against Kenya.
The format mirrors the Indian Premier League. After a round-robin phase, the top two teams will meet in a qualifier. The third- and fourth-ranked teams will play an eliminator, with the winners from each match advancing to the final.
The winning team will take home a trophy and a cash prize—though the prize amount has yet to be disclosed.
The post <a href="https://lifestyleuganda.com/uganda-to-host-pearl-of-africa-t20-cricket-tournament/">Uganda to Host Pearl of Africa T20 Cricket Tournament After Three-Year Pause</a> appeared first on <a href="https://lifestyleuganda.com">Lifestyle Uganda</a>.
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<title>Uganda Breaks Coffee Export Record, Surpasses Ethiopia</title>
<link>https://lifestyleuganda.com/uganda-breaks-coffee-export-record-surpasses-ethiopia/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Musasi Isaac Christopher]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Thu, 26 Jun 2025 11:07:03 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://lifestyleuganda.com/?p=18923</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Monthly export figures show Uganda has become Africa’s top coffee exporter for the first time, driven by rising global demand and improved farming practices.
The post <a href="https://lifestyleuganda.com/uganda-breaks-coffee-export-record-surpasses-ethiopia/">Uganda Breaks Coffee Export Record, Surpasses Ethiopia</a> appeared first on <a href="https://lifestyleuganda.com">Lifestyle Uganda</a>.
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1600" height="1200" src="https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/export.jpg" class="attachment-full size-full wp-post-image" alt="Uganda leads Africa in coffee exports amid global surge." style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;" />
Uganda’s coffee industry has hit a new high.
In May 2025, the country exported a record 47,606.7 tonnes of coffee—surpassing Ethiopia and securing its position as Africa’s leading coffee exporter.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) released the figures in a statement from Kampala.
“Uganda’s coffee industry has reached a historic milestone,” the ministry said. “In May 2025, Uganda emerged as Africa’s leading coffee exporter, delivering a record 47,606.7 tons and surpassing Ethiopia’s previous achievements.”
Uganda’s monthly coffee exports hit 793,445 60-kg bags in May, a sharp increase from 552,569 in May 2024. That’s a jump of 43.59%.
The export value for that month alone was $243.9 million, pushing the total value for the 12-month period between June 2024 and May 2025 to just over $2 billion.
During that same period, Uganda exported 7.43 million bags—up from 6.08 million the year before.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="640" src="http://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/coffee-farmer-1024x640.jpeg" alt="Uganda tops African coffee exports for first time." class="wp-image-18926" srcset="https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/coffee-farmer-1024x640.jpeg 1024w, https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/coffee-farmer-300x188.jpeg 300w, https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/coffee-farmer-768x480.jpeg 768w, https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/coffee-farmer-860x538.jpeg 860w, https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/coffee-farmer.jpeg 1080w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo/credit/Business Times Uganda</figcaption></figure>
Italy remained Uganda’s top coffee buyer, accounting for 39% of the shipments. Europe overall took in 67%. African and Asian markets followed with 18% and 13% respectively.
The ministry noted, “In May 2025, Uganda’s volume exceeded Ethiopia’s 43,481.02 tons, signifying a decisive shift in the continent’s coffee trade dynamics.”
Much of the growth is being attributed to better quality control, farmer training, and access to improved inputs—initiatives spearheaded by MAAIF.
These reforms are part of Uganda’s broader “Coffee Roadmap,” which aims to hit 20 million bags by 2030 and generate $1.5 billion annually in revenue.
This week, Uganda is taking its success story to Geneva, Switzerland, where it’s participating in the World of Coffee expo from June 26–28 at Palexpo SA.
The event brings together global coffee professionals for competitions, workshops, and industry showcases.
Uganda will host a national pavilion (booth 2371), with daily cupping sessions at 11:00 a.m. and a featured Coffee Cupping event on June 26 at 2:30 p.m.
Uganda is also joining panel discussions and engaging with buyers and investors.
Hon. Bwino Fred Kyakulaga, Minister of State for Agriculture, emphasized the strategic importance of the event.
“Uganda reaffirms its ambitious commitment to transform its export trajectory—from US$50 billion to US$500 billion—through strategic value addition,” he said.
“Coffee will be one of the primary drivers to achieve this export target. As highlighted in the May coffee report, Italy remains our primary consumer, while Switzerland stands as the epicenter of global coffee trade.”
Ambassador Arthur Kafeero, Uganda’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, also reflected on the country’s presence in Switzerland.
“This week, as we unite in Switzerland, I am profoundly grateful for the collaborative spirit that has brought our team together,” he said.
“Only 164 Swiss citizens—amidst a vibrant community of 8 million—travel to Uganda annually. It reminds us of the untapped potential and the many bridges yet to be built.”
He added that Geneva—where over 50% of green coffee trade is transacted—is not just a venue but a symbol of what Uganda hopes to achieve.
“In Geneva, we witness a fusion of centuries-old trade traditions and modern innovation,” he said. “This city not only optimizes the economic value of coffee on a global scale but also exemplifies our capacity to bridge communities.”
Robert Byaruhanga, president of the Uganda Coffee Federation, is leading the exporters’ delegation.
“At this expo, our exporters embody the spirit of Ugandan coffee—each bean a testament to our rich heritage and our resolute pursuit of excellence,” he said.
“The World of Coffee conference and expo is more than an event; it is a celebration of meaningful partnerships.”
Byaruhanga said Uganda is using the platform to strengthen its global brand through storytelling, strategic marketing, and direct engagement.
The mix of strong export performance, quality improvements, and international exposure marks a defining moment for Uganda’s coffee sector.
As the country continues its push toward higher export targets, stakeholders say the momentum is real—and just beginning.
The post <a href="https://lifestyleuganda.com/uganda-breaks-coffee-export-record-surpasses-ethiopia/">Uganda Breaks Coffee Export Record, Surpasses Ethiopia</a> appeared first on <a href="https://lifestyleuganda.com">Lifestyle Uganda</a>.
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<title>Ugandan-born Zohran Mamdani declares victory in mayoral primary</title>
<link>https://lifestyleuganda.com/ugandan-born-zohran-mamdani-declares-victory-in-mayoral-primary/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Lifestyle Uganda]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Thu, 26 Jun 2025 10:42:14 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[International News & Politics]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://lifestyleuganda.com/?p=18917</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Ugandan-born Zohran Mamdani wins the Democratic primary for New York City mayor, making history as a potential first Muslim and Indian American leader.
The post <a href="https://lifestyleuganda.com/ugandan-born-zohran-mamdani-declares-victory-in-mayoral-primary/">Ugandan-born Zohran Mamdani declares victory in mayoral primary</a> appeared first on <a href="https://lifestyleuganda.com">Lifestyle Uganda</a>.
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="800" src="https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Zohran.webp" class="attachment-full size-full wp-post-image" alt="Zohran Mamdani — the son of Mira Nair and Mahmood Mamdani." style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;" />
Zohran Mamdani was a little-known state lawmaker when he launched his bid for New York City mayor last October.
On Tuesday night, he stood on a rooftop in Queens and claimed victory in the Democratic primary. Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo had just conceded.
The race isn’t officially over — a ranked-choice vote count is scheduled for July 1 — but Mamdani, 33, has already made history. If confirmed, he could become New York’s first Muslim and Indian American mayor. He would also be the youngest in generations.
Born in Kampala, Uganda, to Indian parents, Mamdani moved to the U.S. when he was 7. Before that, his family had spent time in Cape Town, South Africa.
He became a U.S. citizen in 2018, not long after finishing college.
His mother, Mira Nair, is a filmmaker known for Monsoon Wedding and Mississippi Masala. His father, Mahmood Mamdani, teaches anthropology at Columbia University.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" src="http://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/NYC-1024x683.jpeg" alt="Zohran Mamdani, whose parents include Ugandan academic Mahmood Mamdani and filmmaker Mira Nair." class="wp-image-18915" srcset="https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/NYC-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/NYC-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/NYC-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/NYC-330x220.jpeg 330w, https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/NYC-420x280.jpeg 420w, https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/NYC-615x410.jpeg 615w, https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/NYC-860x573.jpeg 860w, https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/NYC.jpeg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo/credit/Yahoo!News</figcaption></figure>
Earlier this year, Mamdani married Syrian American artist Rama Duwaji. The two met on Hinge. They now live in Astoria, Queens.
At the Bronx High School of Science, Mamdani helped launch the school’s first cricket team. At Bowdoin College, he majored in Africana studies and co-founded a chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine.
After graduation, he worked as a foreclosure prevention counselor in Queens. That job — helping New Yorkers stay in their homes — is what he says first pushed him toward public service.
He also rapped under the names Young Cardamom and Mr. Cardamom. During his first campaign for state office, he described himself as a “B-list rapper.”
His 2019 track “Nani,” a tribute to his grandmother, resurfaced during the mayoral race and drew new listeners. But it wasn’t the only song getting attention.
Critics pointed to lyrics from “Salaam,” a 2017 song about being Muslim in New York, to argue Mamdani’s views were too radical for the city.
He got his start in politics working for Democratic campaigns in Queens and Brooklyn. In 2020, he unseated a longtime incumbent to win a seat in the State Assembly. He’s since been reelected twice.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="http://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Mamdani-1024x576.jpg" alt="Zohran Mamdani, the son of Ugandan scholar Mahmood Mamdani and Indian filmmaker Mira Nair." class="wp-image-18914" srcset="https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Mamdani-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Mamdani-300x169.jpg 300w, https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Mamdani-768x432.jpg 768w, https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Mamdani-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Mamdani-860x484.jpg 860w, https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Mamdani.jpg 1600w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo/credit/SkyNews</figcaption></figure>
As a Democratic Socialist, his signature legislative win has been a pilot program that made five city bus routes free for one year. He’s also introduced a bill targeting nonprofits that support Israeli settlements without authorization.
Cuomo and other opponents have called Mamdani unfit to run a city as complex as New York.
Mamdani disagrees. In a mayoral debate, he said: “I’m proud I don’t have Andrew Cuomo’s experience of corruption, scandal and disgrace.”
His campaign has leaned heavily on social media and bold visuals — including videos with Bollywood nods and multilingual TikToks. He’s spoken to voters in Bangla, Spanish and Arabic. On New Year’s Day, he jumped into the freezing ocean at Coney Island, fully dressed, to unveil his rent-freeze proposal.
He later walked the full length of Manhattan — more than 13 miles — posting videos of his conversations with residents along the way.
His policy proposals are sweeping: free child care, more affordable housing, free public buses, and a rent freeze for regulated apartments. The money, he says, would come from higher taxes on the wealthy.
That message has resonated with the party’s progressive wing.
He won endorsements from Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Bernie Sanders.
But Mamdani’s outspoken support for Palestinian rights has stirred controversy throughout the race.
He has called Israel’s war in Gaza a “genocide” and said the country should not be a Jewish state but “a state with equal rights.” Those remarks have angered some Jewish groups while energizing many of the city’s roughly 800,000 Muslims — the largest Muslim population in any U.S. city.
During an appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert the night before the election, Colbert asked if he believed Israel had a right to exist.
“Yes,” Mamdani said. “Like all nations, I believe it has a right to exist — and a responsibility also to uphold international law.”
He has also faced criticism for refusing to denounce the chant “globalize the intifada” during a podcast interview. The phrase, common at pro-Palestinian protests, has been condemned by other candidates and some Jewish advocacy groups.
In his victory speech, Mamdani addressed the tension directly.
“While I will not abandon my beliefs or my commitments, grounded in a demand for equality, for humanity, for all those who walk this earth,” he said, “you have my word to reach further, to understand the perspectives of those with whom I disagree, and to wrestle deeply with those disagreements.”
The post <a href="https://lifestyleuganda.com/ugandan-born-zohran-mamdani-declares-victory-in-mayoral-primary/">Ugandan-born Zohran Mamdani declares victory in mayoral primary</a> appeared first on <a href="https://lifestyleuganda.com">Lifestyle Uganda</a>.
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<title>Standard Chartered Exits Tanzania Retail Banking in Access Bank Deal</title>
<link>https://lifestyleuganda.com/standard-chartered-exits-tanzania-retail-banking-access-bank-deal/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Musasi Isaac Christopher]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Wed, 25 Jun 2025 13:52:12 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Money & Finance]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://lifestyleuganda.com/?p=18908</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Nigeria’s Access Bank has taken over Standard Chartered’s consumer operations in Tanzania, as part of the UK lender’s retreat from select African markets.
The post <a href="https://lifestyleuganda.com/standard-chartered-exits-tanzania-retail-banking-access-bank-deal/">Standard Chartered Exits Tanzania Retail Banking in Access Bank Deal</a> appeared first on <a href="https://lifestyleuganda.com">Lifestyle Uganda</a>.
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1600" height="900" src="https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/standard.jpg" class="attachment-full size-full wp-post-image" alt="The sale is part of a broader restructuring by Standard Chartered, which is exiting five African markets amid a global repositioning strategy." style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;" />
Access Bank PLC has finalized the acquisition of Standard Chartered Bank’s consumer, private, and business banking operations in Tanzania, marking a significant step in the Nigerian lender’s expansion across the continent.
The transaction, completed on June 20, 2025, is part of a broader strategic repositioning by Standard Chartered, which began exiting select markets in Africa and the Middle East in 2022.
The deal was signed in London at Standard Chartered’s headquarters, with senior leaders from both institutions present. Sunil Kaushal, Regional CEO for Africa and the Middle East at Standard Chartered, and Roosevelt Ogbonna, Group Managing Director of Access Bank PLC, were among the signatories.
“This strategic decision allows us to redirect resources within the AME region to other areas with significant growth potential,” said Kaushal. “Ultimately enabling us to better support our clients.”
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="918" height="629" src="http://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/access.webp" alt="Access Bank finalises Tanzania deal as StanChart cuts African presence." class="wp-image-18906" srcset="https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/access.webp 918w, https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/access-300x206.webp 300w, https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/access-768x526.webp 768w, https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/access-860x589.webp 860w" sizes="(max-width: 918px) 100vw, 918px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo/courtesy</figcaption></figure>
Access Bank will now assume responsibility for providing full banking services to Standard Chartered’s clients in Tanzania. The transition is expected to take up to 12 months, during which the two banks plan to work closely to ensure continuity and minimize disruption for employees and customers.
“This agreement is in fulfilment of the Bank’s promise to ensure easier and safer access to financial services for every Tanzanian,” said Ogbonna. “As an institution driven by innovation, we will deliver better outcomes for customers in terms of speed, security, and service.”
The Tanzanian deal is part of a larger regional exit strategy by Standard Chartered. In addition to Tanzania, Access Bank has agreed to acquire the British lender’s operations in Angola, Cameroon, The Gambia, and Sierra Leone. All deals remain subject to regulatory approval in each country and from Nigerian authorities.
Ogbonna described the acquisition as a strategic step in Access Bank’s ambition to “be the World’s Most Respected African Bank,” adding: “We are dedicated to reshaping the global perception of Africa and African businesses.”
Access Bank has also signed a separate agreement to acquire a majority stake in African Banking Corporation (Tanzania) Limited (BancABC), a commercial bank that has operated in the country for more than two decades. The move is expected to help consolidate Standard Chartered’s former business onto Access Bank’s platform.
Clients will gain access to a broader range of services, including trade finance, international payments, and digital banking tools. The bank said its wider East African network will enhance service delivery and support cross-border trade in key corridors.
“We look forward to working closely with Access Bank’s team over the coming months to achieve a successful conclusion to this transaction while safeguarding the interests of our valued clients and prioritizing our employees,” Kaushal added.
The agreement reflects an ongoing trend of consolidation in Africa’s banking sector, as institutions reposition for growth in a shifting economic landscape.
The post <a href="https://lifestyleuganda.com/standard-chartered-exits-tanzania-retail-banking-access-bank-deal/">Standard Chartered Exits Tanzania Retail Banking in Access Bank Deal</a> appeared first on <a href="https://lifestyleuganda.com">Lifestyle Uganda</a>.
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<title>Ex-Uganda Cranes star Ibrahim Kizito remembered after death at 54</title>
<link>https://lifestyleuganda.com/ex-uganda-cranes-star-ibrahim-kizito-remembered-after-death/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Ssendaza Ismail]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Wed, 25 Jun 2025 13:05:22 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://lifestyleuganda.com/?p=18897</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Ibrahim Kizito, known as 'Kizota', played for some of Uganda's biggest clubs before moving into coaching. He died on Tuesday following a period of illness.
The post <a href="https://lifestyleuganda.com/ex-uganda-cranes-star-ibrahim-kizito-remembered-after-death/">Ex-Uganda Cranes star Ibrahim Kizito remembered after death at 54</a> appeared first on <a href="https://lifestyleuganda.com">Lifestyle Uganda</a>.
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<content:encoded><![CDATA[<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="940" height="788" src="https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/breaking-2.png" class="attachment-full size-full wp-post-image" alt="breaking news in uganda today." style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;" />
Ibrahim ‘Kizota’ Kizito, a former Uganda Cranes striker and longtime fixture in local football, has died. He was 54. Kizito passed away on Tuesday, June 24, at Kiruddu National Referral Hospital after a period of illness, according to family and friends. Born on March 30, 1971, Kizito’s football journey cut across some of Uganda’s biggest clubs. He played for Kampala City Council FC (1991–1992), Spear Motors, UEB until 1996, SC Villa, and Express FC in 1997. He also had a stint at Police FC. Away from football, he was also known to have played handball during his school days in Lugogo. In 2015, he took his career beyond Uganda’s borders, managing Rwandan top-flight side Etincelles FC. He led them to their first win of the season that year, against AS Muhanga.
News of his death has drawn tributes from across Uganda’s football community. Many shared memories and condolences on X, formerly Twitter.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="682" src="http://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/burial-2.jpeg" alt="Uganda mourns death of football icon Ibrahim 'Kizota' Kizito." class="wp-image-18899" srcset="https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/burial-2.jpeg 1024w, https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/burial-2-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/burial-2-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/burial-2-330x220.jpeg 330w, https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/burial-2-420x280.jpeg 420w, https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/burial-2-615x410.jpeg 615w, https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/burial-2-860x573.jpeg 860w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo/X</figcaption></figure>
The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) issued a statement:
“The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has learnt with deep sorrow about the death of former Uganda Cranes player Ibrahim ‘Kizota’ Kizito who passed away on Tuesday 24th June, 2025.”
KCCA FC, one of his former teams, also posted a tribute: “We are deeply saddened to learn about the passing of one of the club and country’s greats Ibrahim Kizito alias Kizota. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends and colleagues he played with.” Police FC, where he once played—and where his nephew Ryan Figo Kizito now features—shared:
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of our former player & Ex-international, Kizito Ibrahim, fondly known as ‘Kizota.’ Mr. Kizito, uncle to our player Kizito Rayn Figo, was a true servant of the game whose passion inspired many.”
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to Figo, family, friends & all who had the privilege of knowing him.”
Kizito is expected to be laid to rest today, Wednesday, in Kikunyu, Buyega, at the home of Sheik Abudallah Aziz Ssematimba.
He leaves behind a legacy not just in club history books, but in the lives of players he mentored—including his nephew, who carries the family name and boots into the next generation.
The post <a href="https://lifestyleuganda.com/ex-uganda-cranes-star-ibrahim-kizito-remembered-after-death/">Ex-Uganda Cranes star Ibrahim Kizito remembered after death at 54</a> appeared first on <a href="https://lifestyleuganda.com">Lifestyle Uganda</a>.
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<title>After Years of Trying, Socialite Bad Black Celebrates Pregnancy in Maternity Shoot</title>
<link>https://lifestyleuganda.com/socialite-bad-black-celebrates-pregnancy-maternity-shoot/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Jacob Mugwana]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Wed, 25 Jun 2025 11:59:43 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Entertainment]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[News In Picture]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://lifestyleuganda.com/?p=18882</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Shanita Namuyimbwa says her son Jaasiel comes after three years of failed attempts to conceive, sharing emotional details of her pregnancy journey online.
The post <a href="https://lifestyleuganda.com/socialite-bad-black-celebrates-pregnancy-maternity-shoot/">After Years of Trying, Socialite Bad Black Celebrates Pregnancy in Maternity Shoot</a> appeared first on <a href="https://lifestyleuganda.com">Lifestyle Uganda</a>.
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2048" height="2048" src="https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/maternity-1-scaled.jpg" class="attachment-full size-full wp-post-image" alt="Bad Black stuns in maternity shoot." style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;" />
Socialite Shanita Namuyimbwa, widely known as Bad Black, has shared her excitement about becoming a mother again, revealing she is expecting a baby boy after three years of trying to conceive.
In a series of photos from a recent maternity shoot, Bad Black appeared calm and glowing in a blue-themed setup—often associated with boys. She later disclosed the baby’s name will be Jaasiel.
“God still made away after 3years of failed conceive attempts,” she wrote in a caption on Instagram. “I prayed For this little Man n middle of night, cried to the Lord i needed to bless slim daddy with a child after raising my 4kids. I will forever be greatful.”
This will be her first child with longtime partner Asha Panda.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="577" height="1024" src="http://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/black4.jpg" alt="Bad Black prepares to welcome baby after years of trying to conceive." class="wp-image-18889" srcset="https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/black4.jpg 577w, https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/black4-169x300.jpg 169w" sizes="(max-width: 577px) 100vw, 577px" /></figure>
Earlier this year, the <a href="https://lifestyleuganda.com/bad-black-asha-panda-expecting-first-child-together/">socialite revealed she was pregnant</a> and since then has documented parts of the journey on social media, updating her followers with glimpses into her life as she prepares for motherhood once more.
The maternity shoot, styled in soft blue tones, was produced by <a href="https://lifestyleuganda.com/photographer-daville-marks-first-wedding-anniversary-lavish-gift-wife/">Daville Pictures</a>. Her hair was styled by PheryHairs, makeup by Agaba Keith, and wardrobe by HERS UG, a local fashion shop. The setup offered a more serene image of the socialite, who is known for her outspoken online presence.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="576" height="1024" src="http://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/bad-576x1024.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-18885" srcset="https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/bad-576x1024.webp 576w, https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/bad-169x300.webp 169w, https://lifestyleuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/bad.webp 738w" sizes="(max-width: 576px) 100vw, 576px" /></figure>
Bad Black, who already has four children, expressed pride in raising boys and joy in expecting another son. She hinted at her due date in a recent birthday post, saying she expects to give birth before the end of July and plans to take a vacation once the baby is a month old.
The post <a href="https://lifestyleuganda.com/socialite-bad-black-celebrates-pregnancy-maternity-shoot/">After Years of Trying, Socialite Bad Black Celebrates Pregnancy in Maternity Shoot</a> appeared first on <a href="https://lifestyleuganda.com">Lifestyle Uganda</a>.
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