The Democratic Party (DP) President and Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Nobert Mao, has proposed a new policy to encourage young people to get married by offering them favorable mortgage repayment conditions.
Nobert Mao
Mao believes that this initiative will motivate young couples to settle down early and improve their financial stability.
“Marry young, get a house,” he stated, emphasizing the need to support young families in acquiring homes.
The proposal aims to make home ownership more accessible by introducing flexible repayment plans for newlywed couples.
Mao argues that this will not only promote marriage but also boost economic growth by strengthening family units.
While the policy has received mixed reactions, supporters say it could help young people achieve financial security, while critics question its feasibility and implementation.
The government is expected to review the proposal before making a final decision.
Marry young, get a house – government proposal
Justice Minister Norbert is proposing a policy to encourage young people to get married by offering them the opportunity to acquire mortgages on favourable repayment conditions. #NTVNews
Ugandan songstress Vinka has shared details about her relationship with her fiancé, Nelly Witta, revealing how their love story evolved over time.
Vinka and fiancee Nelly Witta
Speaking about their past, Vinka stated that she and Nelly were friends even before she rose to fame. However, their relationship faced challenges, leading to a temporary breakup.
“We were friends even before I became a superstar. But some things happened, and we broke up. However, he later showed up when I was still single,” she said.
Vinka also recalled how Nelly reacted when she informed him about her decision to pursue a music career. “I told him that I was going to start singing, but he didn’t believe me. He got scared after finding out how serious I was about joining the music industry. However, he persisted in pursuing me,” she explained.
Despite the uncertainties, Nelly never gave up on his feelings for her. “For years, he secretly took me as his girlfriend, but I didn’t know until I asked him about his intentions,” Vinka revealed.
Rising singer and songwriter Fyno has opened up about his struggles with drug addiction and how he managed to overcome it.
Fyno
Speaking about his past, Fyno revealed how drug use led him into depression and affected his social life.
“You hear inner voices asking for more drugs,” Fyno explained during his interview on Galaxy TV.
“You see your friends gazing at you all the time. They seem to want to tell you something, but they can’t, making you feel uncomfortable.”
Despite facing addiction and struggling for over ten years to break into the music industry, Fyno finally achieved success this year with his hit song “Che Che.”
His story is a true testimony of overcoming addiction and fighting for one’s dreams.
Fyno’s breakthrough serves as an inspiration to many young artists and individuals battling drug-related challenges, proving that perseverance and self-discipline can lead to success.
Prepare for an electrifying evening at the Uganda Dance Nights, featuring the sensational Valentino! Scheduled for March 22, 2025, at the luxurious Kampala Serena Hotel, this highly anticipated event promises a memorable celebration of music and dance with an incredible cast.
The lineup includes Honourable Rachael Magoola, a distinguished Ugandan musician known for her captivating voice and cultural heritage. With multiple awards, her presence will showcase her musical talent while celebrating Ugandan culture.
Joining her is Winnie Nwagi, a popular contemporary artist renowned for her powerful vocals and energetic performances, ensuring a vibrant atmosphere that resonates with audiences of all ages.
Adding to the excitement are Anne Kansiime, a beloved comedian and actress celebrated for her humor and engaging stage presence, and Sam Bagenda aka Dr. Bbosa, a prominent figure from the comedy group The Ebonies, known for his comedic timing and musical talent. Their unique contributions will enhance the overall experience of Uganda Dance Nights, making it a night filled with laughter and entertainment.
The cast is in the middle of intense rehearsals, ahead of the event this Saturday, preparing to put on an incredible, unprecedented show that will challenge their incredible talents.
Don’t miss this chance to join us for an enchanting evening on March 22, 2025. Tickets are available at www.tagticketing.com, with prices set at 100,000 UGX for ordinary tickets, 350,000 UGX for VIP tickets, and 3 million UGX for a table.
This event is proudly organized by Talent Africa Group, ValRich Arts, the Ministry of Tourism, and other partners. For exclusive experiences, contact +256 777 564997.
Prominent Ugandan comedian Anne Kansiime has opened up about her difficulties in conceiving, which she believes were caused by her past decisions to terminate pregnancies.
Anne Kansiime and her son Selassie
Kansiime revealed that she struggled to have a child despite several attempts.
She attributed this challenge to what she described as a punishment from God for undergoing abortions during her university years.
Johannesburg – The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has taken legal action against reality TV star and businesswoman Zari The Boss Lady, born Zari Hassan, for failing to settle her outstanding tax debt.
Zari Hassan
The tax authority obtained a default judgment at the Johannesburg High Court last week, ordering her to pay a staggering R5 million.
According to court documents, Tlale initially owed SARS just under R3 million in personal income tax. However, penalties and interest charges amounting to R2.1 million increased the total to more than R5 million.
Final Warning Ignored
Before resorting to legal action, SARS issued a final letter of demand to Tlale on August 9 last year, instructing her to either settle the debt or arrange a payment plan.
The tax authority warned that failure to comply would lead to asset attachment and auctioning.
“You are requested to make full payment within 10 days from the date of this letter of demand,” SARS stated in the document.
It also advised Tlale to apply for instalment payments or a suspension of the debt if she planned to dispute the amount.
However, despite these warnings, Tlale did not meet the tax authority’s demands, forcing SARS to seek relief from the court.
Potential Consequences
With the default judgment in place, SARS now has the legal authority to seize and sell Tlale’s assets to recover the unpaid taxes.
The court papers also indicate that SARS may instruct third parties, such as banks or business partners, to redirect any funds owed to Tlale towards settling the tax bill.
“If you are a natural person, you may apply for a reduction of the amount to be paid to SARS based on your and your dependants’ basic living expenses,” the documents read.
Not the First Celebrity to Face SARS Scrutiny
Zari The Boss Lady, who is set to return for Season 3 of the popular Netflix series Young, Famous & African, is not the only celebrity to be targeted by SARS for tax issues. Other high-profile personalities who have faced hefty tax bills include:
Major League DJZ – R9 million
Tumi Masemola – R1.4 million
Bonang Matheba, AKA (Kiernan Forbes), Black Coffee, and Makhadzi, among others.
Songstress Naava Grey had golfers singing along to her melodious jams on Saturday as she headlined the I&M Bank Katogo Golf Series 2025 season opener 19th hole experience at Entebbe Club.
Naava took to the stage shortly after the prize-giving ceremony where outstanding performers from the course got rewarded with trophies and prizes that included air tickets and nights at the Serena hotels.
There were vivid cheers, especially from the ladies, when comedian Salvador, the event host, announced that Naava was next on stage.
After two songs, Naava descended from the stage and went around the audience dancing and sharing the mic with the guests.
Her performance list included some of her most beloved songs like Soka Lami, which had the audience sing along so loudly. The energy soared even higher when she performed Nteredde and Ninga Omuloge, to which the fans asked for an encore.
It was evident that the crowd loved Naava’s performance, and she spiced up the evening.
The party went on even after Naava’s performance, with a visiting Dj, who took attendees on a musical journey till the wee hours of Sunday morning.
I&M Bank Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications, Annette Nakiyaga, noted that Naava Grey’s performance set an exciting tone for what is to come this year.
“This is just the beginning,” she said. “I am excited for what is to come at each edition of this year’s I&M Bank Katogo Golf Series. I can promise you that golfers will have a unique and memorable experience, both on and off the course, for every edition.”
Meanwhile, Team P&B, comprising of Bob Matisiko and Peter Atwine, and Fairway Zokka, comprising of Edith Wamala and Suzan Achieng, emerged as the overall winners in the men’s and women’s categories, respectively, at the first round of the 2025 I&M Bank Katogo Golf Series season.
Played under the newly introduced ‘Rejected’ format, the series’ season opener attracted over 150 golfers. Under this format, golfers paired up and teed off normally, but the opposing team decided where their opponents would play their second shots for twelve holes out of the 18 holes.
On the holes where the pair played from the position chosen by their opponents, the team entered their best net score, but on the six holes where the team chose to play from their preferred position, they had to enter their worse score as the team’s score. The pairs had to strictly be of the same sex.
The second quarterly edition of the series will take place on May 31, while the third edition will be held on August 9, and the grand finale on November 29.
The Smirnoff Fiesta is back, bigger and bolder, promising a wholesome celebration of creativity through the unstoppable force of togetherness.
The announcement was made during a networking media and influencer mini-fiesta experience, hosted by MC Casmir and Etania on the decks, that gave a sneak peek of the new and vibrant world of Smirnoff with showstopping decor, expertly made Smirnoff cocktails, trendy music mixes, and more.
Set to take place on the 31st of May at Sheraton Gardens, the third edition of the long-awaited Smirnoff Fiesta will serve as a platform for the grand unveiling of the new brand campaign, “We Do We”- an embodiment of the magic created when we bring our uniqueness to the collective, we.
While making the announcement, Judie Nandekya, the UBL Brand Manager—Smirnoff highlighted the grand purpose of the new brand campaign to the media.
“We are rallying our consumers to be the audacious spark that ignites the collective. As a brand fuelled by transformation, Smirnoff is championing a more vibrant, inclusive, and ingenious world that leads with boldness through new ways to inspire and create desire,” she noted.
Nandekya also revealed that they are leading the charge by crafting the Smirnoff Fiesta, an exciting platform where individuality, uniqueness, and authenticity merge into a wholesome collective of celebrations.
“At the heart of this campaign, the Smirnoff Fiesta is targeting the vibe shifters, the ones who dare to stand out in any space and audaciously inspire others to discover more joy and vibrancy through expressions like art, music, fashion, and more,” Nandekya added.
The Smirnoff Fiesta promises a fun-filled musical experience where art and community highlighted by some of Uganda’s top DJs and creatives.
The singer, who has often been compared to some of Uganda’s top female artists, went even further by referring to herself as “Uganda’s Beyoncé.”
Beyond music, Jowy Landa also opened up about her personal life, revealing her plans for motherhood.
She mentioned that she is giving herself three years to make the right decision while also carefully evaluating her options in choosing the right partner.
Cindy Sanyu has given fellow artist Winnie Nwagi her flowers, recognising her as one of the top five female artists in the country.
Despite admitting that she does not pay much attention to other musicians, Cindy believes that Nwagi possesses unmatched potential in the music industry.
Speaking about her top female artists, Cindy stated that, from what she has observed, no one else currently exhibits as much potential as Winnie Nwagi.
She acknowledged Nwagi’s talent, describing her as a strong performer and a great singer who has all the fundamentals needed to thrive in the industry.
“I feel like there’s so much potential in the music industry, but I don’t see anyone with as much potential as Winnie Nwagi. I just failed to go past her bad manners and all that, but I still see her potential,” Cindy shared.
According to Cindy, Nwagi has all it takes to succeed further in her career but needs to make better use of the resources available to her.
She emphasized that while Nwagi has the “gold” in her, certain behavioral issues may be holding her back.
Ugandan singer Ykee Benda has opened up about one of the most challenging moments in his career—performing for an empty venue after his concert in Gulu district flopped in 2019.
Speaking about the experience, Ykee Benda revealed that the concert was poorly organized, with little to no promotion in the area.
According to him, his team sensed trouble upon arriving in Gulu when they realized there were no posters or advertisements for the event.
To make matters worse, the event’s organizer, who was a woman, did not attend the concert herself. Instead, she sent representatives to oversee the event.
As the night unfolded, it became clear that the turnout was disappointing. The empty venue was a harsh reality for the artist, who had high expectations for the show.
His frustration grew when his friends, who had traveled with him, began joking about the concert’s failure.
Ykee Benda admitted that he almost lost his temper and nearly got into a physical altercation with them.
The singer also shared how the experience left a deep emotional scar, saying it took him a long time to recover from the disappointment.
Despite this setback, Ykee Benda has since risen to greater heights in the Ugandan music industry, proving his resilience and determination to succeed.
L-R: Sally Jepkorir, a Shareholder, Equity Group Chairman, Prof. Isaac Macharia, Equity Group Managing Director and CEO, Dr. James Mwangi and Daniel Kimotho, a Shareholder, during the Full Year 2024 Investor Briefing event.
By Our Reporter
Equity Group Holdings Plc continues to deliver solid financial results, underpinned by the Group’s strategic focus on diversification, innovation, and regional expansion. With strong liquidity, capital buffers, and robust regional businesses, the Group is poised to maintain its leadership position in the region and continue driving sustainable growth.
While releasing the full year 2024 results, Dr. James Mwangi, Equity Group Holdings Plc Managing Director, and CEO said, “We are proud of the resilience demonstrated by the Group amidst a challenging global economic landscape. Our financial strength gives us the flexibility to seize opportunities as the regional economy presents diversified levers for growth. The Group’s liquidity and capital position remains strong, positioning us to better support our customers in the years ahead.”
In FY 2024, Equity Group Holdings Plc achieved a Profit After Tax (PAT) of Kshs 48.8 billion, reinforcing the continued success of the Group’s diversified business model and prudent financial management. The Group’s Profit Before Tax (PBT) grew by 17% to Kshs 60.7 billion, while Earnings Per Share (EPS) rose by 11% to Kshs 12.3, signifying the Group’s robust financial performance.
The Group’s total deposits grew to reach Kshs 1.4 trillion with the customer base growing to 21.6 million, showcasing the scale and reach of the deposit franchise. The Group’s liquidity position remains strong, with cash and cash equivalents rising by 19% to Kshs 345 billion, while investment securities grew to Kshs 512 billion, contributing to an overall liquidity ratio of 57%. This positions the Group to effectively underpin the Groups’ Africa Recovery and Resilience Plan (ARRP), a private sector led development plan championed by Equity aimed at catalyzing, capacitating, connecting, and financing enterprises and households across Africa.
Beyond providing financial and technological tools, it empowers individuals, businesses, and communities through a clear framework for development, by building capabilities and mitigating risks, enabling them to leverage these tools effectively and efficiently to achieve their social, environmental, and economic ambitions. The ARRP aspires to drive long-term transformation across the continent, relying on the support and active participation of diverse stakeholders.
Strategic partnerships with Development Finance Institutions (DFIs), global implementation partners, and social institutions have been instrumental in delivering a wide range of social and commercial outcomes with lasting, sustainable results. As part of these efforts, the Group has also partnered with AfDB, Microsoft and Mastercard Corporation to digitize 10 million farming customers under the Community Pass initiative for the delivery of the MADE Alliance, further enhancing financial inclusion and digital accessibility across Africa; and with the World Food Programme to further capacitate small-holder farmers into agribusiness.
The Group demonstrated commitment to its shareholders by proposing a dividend of Kshs 4.25 per share, a payout ratio of 34.5%, reinforcing its track record of delivering value to its shareholders. This is supported by a return on equity (ROE) of 21.5% and a return on assets (ROA) of 2.8%, both of which are well above industry averages.
Equity Group has adopted a tri-engine approach, integrating commercial, social, and sustainability priorities to foster sustainable economic growth and create meaningful societal impact. The Group continues to build on its legacy of resilience, strong governance, long track record of execution, self-disruption, agility, and scalability of its business model to thrive in the different markets it operates in. It has continued to grow the value it creates for its customers and stakeholders, becoming a regional systemic financial services provider in position one or two in three of the six markets it operates in, Kenya, DRC, and Rwanda.
The Group’s strategic focus on regional expansion and product diversification continues to drive growth with the Group’s regional subsidiaries contributing 49% of total assets, 48% of total loans and 54% of profit before tax, further diversifying the revenue base. The Kenya subsidiary, while still a major contributor, accounted for 46% of total revenue. Equity Bank Rwanda revenue grew YoY by 36%, Tanzania by 20% and DRC by 9% while PAT for Equity Bank Rwanda grew by 30% YoY, Tanzania by 107%, Uganda 186% and DRC by 29%, signaling increasing contributions from regional operations.
Equity Bank Kenya has in the past six months cut its base lending rate three times, sending a clear signal of its intent to grow its loan book as the Kenya’s economy shows signs of recovery. The lowering of interest rates will reduce the cost of borrowing, offering businesses access to more affordable credit while for households it means increased disposable income thus stimulating consumer spending.
Due to the global operating environment characterized by unprecedented geopolitical shifts, the Group’s defensive and prudent approach to risk management was evident in its loan loss provisions, which amounted to Kshs 20.2 billion. The Non-Performing Loan (NPL) ratio remained below industry average at 12.2%, significantly lower than the 16.4% published industry average. NPL coverage stands at 71%, reinforcing the Group’s strong asset quality.
The Life Assurance business continues to register impressive performance with YoY Profit before tax growing by 58% to Kshs 1.5 billion from Kshs 934 million. Further, the robust strategy for investment of policyholder funds resulted in a gross declared return of 13.5%, signaling Equity’s Group capabilities to provide value to the over 14 million policies issued since inception in March 2022.
With an eye on long-term value creation, the Group’s acquisition of a general insurance license, in addition to its existing life assurance license, marked an exciting milestone. This move enhances the Group’s ability to offer a comprehensive suite of insurance solutions ensuring that customers across all segments; corporate, SME, and retail, can access integrated solutions that protect their life, health, and wealth.
“As we continue to expand our financial services ecosystem, our Bancassurance unit remains a vital component of our growth strategy. The 6% increase in premium collections, despite the current market challenges, underscores the unit’s potential. To unlock further growth, we invested heavily in the unit’s repositioning, focusing on talent development, digital transformation, and process enhancements. This medium-to long-term strategy will allow us to deliver a more integrated, customer-centric experience, where insurance is a key layer in our customers’ overall financial well-being. Encouragingly, our insurance premium financing solution has seen a significant 50% increase in uptake, reflecting our dedication to supporting customers through uncertain times as they prioritize protecting their health, life and assets,” said Dr. Mwangi.
As part of its ongoing transformation, Equity Group has continued to invest in technology, infrastructure, and diversification. The Group has modernized its digital channels, which now process 86% of all transactions, enabling customers to access a seamless, digital-first experience.
Furthermore, ONE Equity, the Group’s integrated digital platform, allows customers to access a wide range of products and services under a single umbrella, enhancing cross-selling and customer engagement.
The value of business processed through Equity Mobile YoY increased by 67% from Kshs 1.895 trillion to Kshs 3.174 trillion while Equity Online for business (EazzyBiz) increased by 21% from Kshs 3.165 trillion to Kshs 3.841 trillion and the interoperable Pay With Equity (PWE) for merchants increased by 14% from Kshs 1.884 trillion to Kshs 2.149 trillion, ATM increased by 21% from Kshs 398.6 billion to Kshs 481.4 billion as customers and Kenyans embraced the newly introduced Cash Deposit Machines to ease the pain for businesses looking to access their cash after banking hours while Branches are evolving to be more SME, large enterprises and corporates focused, with transaction volumes increasing by 21% from Kshs 4.176 trillion to Kshs 5.046 trillion.
Brand Finance ranked the Bank as the 2nd strongest banking brand in the world in 2024 and as the most valuable brand in East and Central Africa its value rising to USD 450 million (KES 64 billion).
In all franchise segments, Equity Bank has been a front runner, emerging as the best bank in several categories according to Think Business Banking awards. The Bank earned top honors, including recognition as the Best Bank, Best in Digital Banking, Best in Trade Financing, Best in Agriculture and Livestock financing, Best in Product Innovation, and Best in SME Banking, among others.
Equity Group’s insurance arm was also celebrated as the Best Insurance Provider, while its investment services were recognized for excellence in Wealth Management. These accolades reflect Equity Bank’s unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and leadership across diverse financial services, solidifying its position as a market leader.
The Equity Leaders Program (ELP) continues to make a significant impact, with 113 scholars having received full scholarships to pursue university education in top global universities. The program has already produced over 970 global scholars on full scholarship distributed across various sectors, having attended 233 different universities in 37 countries and 6 continents.
204 scholars have attended the Ivy League universities, contributing to the region’s human capital development. The ELP program recently admitted a new cohort of 750 scholars into the pre-university internship program, bringing the total number of ELP scholars supported by the Group to date to 29,515. Cumulatively, the program has facilitated 9,700 paid internships and provided opportunities for 3,979 TVET scholars.
The Group remains a leader in climate action, having planted over 35 million trees and extended more than USD 200 million in climate finance to support climate resilience initiatives. In promoting the clean energy transition, Equity Group Foundation has championed the distribution of 466,975 clean energy products to households and institutions.
Equity’s commitment to sustainability is further highlighted by its focus on nature restoration and its adoption of the Taskforce for Nature Finance Disclosure (TNFD) and African Natural Capital Alliance (ANCA) frameworks. International Finance Corporation, IFC, ranked the Group the global leader with the highest number of climate related transactions among 258 institutions worldwide.
In promoting economic empowerment, 2,477,358 women and youth received training in financial education with 634,059 MSMEs receiving capacity building in entrepreneurship. Under the Young Africa Works Program, Kshs 340.8B has been disbursed to 323,303 MSMEs.
The Group’s social protection programs have reached 5.79 million individuals, with Kshs 164.2B disbursed via cash transfers. In health, the Equity Afya Clinics have cumulatively recorded 3,343,889 patient visits across 132 outpatient medical centers. This holistic approach underscores Equity Group’s commitment to fostering sustainable development and improving livelihoods across the region.
Dr. Mwangi concluded, “Equity Group remains committed to driving positive change. Our focus on financial inclusion, regional expansion, and sustainable growth will enable us to continue being a catalyst for economic empowerment and resilience across Africa. As we move forward, we remain optimistic about the future and will continue to leverage our strengths to create long-term value and impact for our customers and shareholders.”
Nigeria’s Ramsey Nouah addresses guests during the unveiling as Humphrey Nabimanya and Joe Kigozi look on.
By Our Reporter
Sauti Plus Media Hub, a leading social behavioural change communications agency and audiovisual production house, has unveiled Kwiso TV – a new streaming platform designed to showcase quality Ugandan and East African films and TV series.
The announcement was made during the premiere of five short films produced under the Ikon Awards Young Filmmakers Fellowship at Reach A Hand Uganda’s headquarters in Lungujja. The launch marks a significant milestone in Uganda’s creative industry, providing a dedicated platform for local filmmakers to share their stories with both regional and global audiences.
The platform comes at a time when the country is experiencing a shift in media consumption habits, with a sharp decline in traditional pay TV subscriptions. Between January 2023 and September 2024, major pay TV providers, including MultiChoice Uganda (DStv & GoTV), Zuku TV, Azam TV, Star Times, and Kwese TV, lost approximately 1.3 million subscribers due to rising costs and challenges in accessing specific content. This represents a 45.8% drop in pay TV subscriptions over 21 months.
Speaking at the launch, Humphrey Nabimanya, CEO of Sauti Plus Media Hub, emphasised the platform’s role in fostering local talent and storytelling.
“Kwiso TV is more than just a streaming service; it is a movement to nurture the next generation of East African filmmakers and storytellers. We believe that by creating an avenue for our creatives to distribute their work, we are helping shape a more inclusive and sustainable film industry in the region,” he said.
The event was graced by renowned Nigerian actor and filmmaker Ramsey Nouah, who commended the initiative for its potential to elevate Ugandan content. “This is a bold and necessary step in giving Ugandan and East African content a fighting chance on the global stage. With the right support, local filmmakers can tell authentic stories that resonate both within the region and internationally. Kwiso TV is a game-changer in this regard,” he remarked.
Kwiso TV will feature a diverse selection of content, including drama, documentaries, short films, and original productions, all focused on themes that reflect the realities, aspirations, and creativity of East African communities.
In addition to providing a streaming service, the platform will offer monetisation opportunities for filmmakers, allowing them to earn from their content while reaching a wider audience.
Kwiso TV will be accessible via web and mobile applications, ensuring seamless viewing experiences for audiences both locally and internationally.
Action movie lovers, get ready for an action-packed ride with our curated list of action films on Showmax that promises to keep you glued to the screen. Whether you’re a fan of high-stakes missions, monster battles, or vengeance narratives, there’s something here for every action lover.
1. The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes
This prequel to the iconic trilogy tells the intriguing origin story of a young Coriolanus Snow, set 64 years before his reign as Panem’s ruthless president. It’s a gripping tale of ambition, survival, and the dark beginnings of the Hunger Games.
Starring: Tom Blyth, Rachel Zegler, Hunter Schafer
IMDb rating: 6.7/10
2. Godzilla x King Kong: The New Empire
The epic battle between titans continues! This time, Godzilla and King Kong must put aside their legendary rivalry to face a colossal and undiscovered threat lurking beneath the planet’s surface. Expect jaw-dropping action and stunning visual effects.
Starring: Rebecca Hall, Brian Tyree Henry, Dan Stevens
IMDb rating: 6.1/10
3. The Beekeeper
Jason Statham delivers another high-octane performance in this revenge thriller. Playing a former operative of a clandestine organization known as the Beekeepers, he embarks on a brutal mission of vengeance, leaving destruction in his wake.
Starring: Jason Statham, Emmy Raver-Lampman, Bobby Naderi
IMDb rating: 6.3/10
4. The Killer
Directed by the legendary John Woo, this action-packed thriller follows a feared contract killer who refuses to take the life of a young blind woman. His act of mercy turns him into a target, as old colleagues and a relentless detective hunt him down.
Starring: Nathalie Emmanuel, Omar Sy, Sam Worthington
IMDb rating: 6.7/10
5. Bad Boys: Ride or Die
Will Smith and Martin Lawrence return for the fourth installment of this legendary buddy cop franchise. This time, they find themselves on the run after being framed, leading to another action-packed adventure filled with humor and explosive chases.
Starring: Will Smith, Martin Lawrence, Vanessa Hudgens
IMDb rating: 6.5/10
6. Wrath Of Man
Guy Ritchie and Jason Statham team up again to deliver this gritty action film. A mysterious and fierce new cash truck security guard has a hidden vengeful agenda.
Starring Jason Statham, Holt McCallany, Josh Hartnett, Jeffrey Donovan, Scott Eastwood, Andy Garcia
IMDb rating: 7.1/10
7. Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning
Tom Cruise is back for a thrilling seventh instalment. Ethan Hunt and the IMF team embark on a deadly global race to locate a terrifying new weapon before it falls into the wrong hands.
Starring Tom Cruise, Ving Rhames, Hayley Atwell
IMDb rating: 7.6/10
8. The Three Musketeers
A gripping retelling of a classic tale. The king’s musketeers join forces with an eager recruit to protect France from a deadly plot. 2023
Starring James Cosmo, Malachi Pullar-Latchman, Preeya Kalidas
IMDb rating: 6.7/10
9. Dune: Part Two
The second instalment in an epic two-part adaptation of Frank Herbert’s acclaimed novel. Paul Atreides unites with Chani and the Fremen while on a warpath of revenge.
Starring Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson
IMDb rating: 8.5/10
10. Kandahar
Another Gerard Butler action spectacle, this war thriller follows a CIA operative and his translator who find themselves on the run from elite special forces in Afghanistan after exposing a covert mission.
Starring: Ali Fazal, Bahador Foladi, Gerard Butler
IMDb rating: 6.1/10
Shaka Ssali, the celebrated journalist and former host of Voice of America’s (VOA) flagship weekly program Straight Talk Africa, has passed away at the age of 71.
Fondly known as “the Kabale Kid,” Ssali died in Virginia, United States, on Thursday, March 27, 2025. His death comes just two weeks before what would have been his 72nd birthday.
VOA issued a heartfelt statement mourning the loss of the revered broadcaster: “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Shaka Ssali, the longtime host of VOA’s Straight Talk Africa. Ssali, a revered journalist and broadcaster, passed away at the age of 71, leaving behind an indelible legacy in African journalism. For more than two decades, Ssali was the face and voice of Straight Talk Africa, where he engaged African leaders, analysts, and citizens in critical discussions on democracy, governance, and development. His insightful interviews and unwavering commitment to press freedom earned him widespread respect across the continent and beyond.”
Shaka Ssali’s illustrious career was marked by his passion for journalism, his dedication to amplifying African voices, and his commitment to promoting democratic ideals across the continent.
Born in Kabale, Uganda, Ssali’s nickname, “the Kabale Kid,” reflected his deep roots and pride in his heritage.
Bebe Cool recently shared his views on infidelity and forgiveness in relationships, offering insight into how he would handle being cheated on.
Speaking openly, Bebe Cool made it clear that forgiving a cheating woman would be a tough call for him, depending on the context of the relationship.
Bebe Cool emphasized that his stance is shaped by personal experience, noting that his wife, Zuena Kirema, has never cheated on him as far as he knows.
However, he explained that forgiveness in such a situation would depend heavily on how a man treats his partner.
“If you treat your woman well, feed her, and take good care of her, and then she goes and cheats, why would you forgive her?” he asked rhetorically.
According to Bebe, forgiving a cheating partner under those circumstances could set a dangerous precedent. He argued that a woman who is forgiven for infidelity might be tempted to repeat the behavior, knowing she will continue to be pardoned.
Drawing from his own life, Bebe Cool revisited the time when Zuena temporarily left him. He stated that if he had discovered she had cheated during that period, he would not have taken her back.
State Minister of Finance for Investment and Privatization, Evelyn Anite, has heaped praise on celebrated comedienne Anne Kansiime, hailing her as the epitome of talent utilization and commercialization.
Anite, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), commended Kansiime’s ability to fully capitalize on her God-given talent and confirmed that she will be attending the comedian’s upcoming show, The Comedy Grill of Anne Kansiime, scheduled for May 9, 2025, at Sheraton Gardens Kampala.
“Ugandan entertainer and comedian sweet @AnneKansiime is a true definition of full utilization & commercialization of God-given talent. I love you. I will join you in the Comedy Grill on 9th May 2025. I want to be Kansiime in my next life!”
The Comedy Grill of Anne Kansiime is expected to attract comedy lovers from across Uganda and beyond.
Big news! Maxxie Kizito has been nominated for the prestigious African Art & Entertainment Award for Best Entrepreneur, Talent Manager, Brand Ambassador, and Best Events Host in East Africa!
This is a huge moment for Uganda’s entertainment industry, and now it’s time to VOTE.
Maxxie has been in Uganda for over 20 years and dedicated nearly 10 of does years to growing the music and entertainment scene in Uganda. He learned from the legendary Jose Chameleone and built Maximize Entertainment, a company that has helped many African artists rise to the top.
He’s also a businessman, running KUBO Street Fashion, farming ventures, and forex trading.
Now, he’s stepping into the spotlight as an artist, working on his debut album “Chasing Midnight”, featuring ZEX BILANGILANGI, NAVIO, PALLASO, Jose Chameleone, Black Sherif, and Tito M. This nomination is not just for him—it’s for all of Uganda!
“This is for our industry, for Kampala! We have achieved so much, and there’s so much more to come. Let’s win this together!”
VOTE NOW at https://vasslink.com/eaea/ and let’s bring this award home!
The awards will take place on 6th April in Nairobi.
In the wake of Martha Ahumuza’s tragic death, allegedly caused by drink spiking, socialite Bad Black has shared her own harrowing experiences with drink spiking in bars.
Through her Snapchat account, she recounted instances where she fell victim to this silent but rampant issue, adding her voice to the urgent conversation about safety in social spaces.
Bad Black revealed a frightening incident that happened last year. “I was drugged at Molecule around September and couldn’t drive because I was blacking out,” she shared.
“I had to go to Jinja Police Station, park my car, and ask the officers for help.” She explained that she had gone to dinner with Sheila, who invited some Nigerian friends to join them, but after that, things turned blurry. She couldn’t recall how Sheila left, and to this day, she still questions what happened that night.
This wasn’t her first encounter with drink spiking. Bad Black recalled a distressing incident involving a man named Kim Swagga, who allegedly spiked her drink in a club with sinister intentions.
“He spiked my drink so he could sneak into my bed at Speke Hotel opposite Sheraton,” she said. She described waking up naked, disoriented, and unaware of what had happened until other women began sharing similar stories about him.
Bad Black also recounted troubling experiences with women who spiked her drink and took advantage of her. Between 2010 and 2013, when she was only 21 years old, she says she faced exploitation by older women she used to hang out with.
One woman, nicknamed Barbie, allegedly manipulated her while pretending to be a friend. Melissa, another woman in her social circle, also took advantage of her in vulnerable moments when she was unable to resist due to drugging.
“I would feel dizzy, with a heavy head, unable to see clearly,” she said. At one point, she became suspicious and decided to pretend to be asleep in order to catch one of the women in the act. What she discovered shocked her: “Omwana yali serious,” she remarked, describing the seriousness of the predatory behavior.
Bad Black emphasized how challenging those years were for her. She described herself as a young, local girl who had just started making money and was being taken advantage of by those she trusted.
“I was only 21 in 2010. The girls were older than me and taught me things like how to hunt rich white men and how to rock places like Garden City,” she explained. Despite her generosity toward her friends, she says they continued to exploit her.
Reflecting on her painful experiences, Bad Black called for increased protection for women in bars and clubs.
“If you’ve never been a victim, silika (stay quiet),” she said. “I’ve been a victim of both men and women. I don’t mind people having fun with me, but on my terms—not by spiking my drink.”
She also shared her strong stance against drug use, stating that she has never used any substances beyond alcohol and rejected friends’ suggestions to try drugs that were supposed to enhance her mood.
Bad Black ended her message with a powerful call for change. “We need protection and active cameras in places,” she said, emphasizing the importance of security measures to prevent more people from falling victim to the dangers of drink spiking.
Elijah Kitaka recently shared his thoughts on the hurdles faced by local artists aiming for global recognition.
Speaking during UBC’s Calvin Da Entertainer Horizon Vibe TV interview, Kitaka emphasized the limitations within Uganda’s music industry that prevent many talented musicians from breaking into the international arena.
According to Kitaka, while it is possible for Ugandan musicians to achieve local stardom, they often encounter a “ceiling” that blocks further growth on a global scale.
He noted that the country lacks the structures necessary to propel artists to greater heights beyond national borders.
“Uganda is not the ground that grooms musicians to go international,” Kitaka said, highlighting the systemic challenges within the local industry. He added, “This place has its limits, and no matter how good an artist is locally, the opportunities to move beyond those borders are scarce.”
Kitaka pointed out that for Ugandan artists to achieve international success, they often need to seek opportunities outside the country.
“The truth is, Uganda does not have opportunities that move its singers to greater heights. If you want to go beyond, you need to leave and look for opportunities abroad,” he explained.
