Author: Michael Wandati
BEIJING, CHINA — President Xi Jinping has emphasized the critical need for China to “overcome” the hurdles in developing fundamental artificial intelligence technologies, including advanced semiconductors, according to reports from state media on Saturday. This directive comes as Beijing intensifies its efforts to establish itself as a global leader in the rapidly advancing AI sector. China’s ambition to dominate the artificial intelligence landscape faces complexities arising from its trade friction with Washington, which carries the potential to further restrict the access of Chinese industries to crucial technological components. The world’s two leading economies are currently engaged in an escalating reciprocal…
HELSINKI, FINLAND — Finnish telecommunications equipment manufacturer Nokia reported a net loss of 68 million euros for the first quarter, attributing the downturn to ongoing tariff disputes and a “rapidly evolving global trade landscape.” The company indicated that tariffs imposed by the United States could lead to “some short-term disruption” in its operations. “We are not immune to the rapidly evolving global trade landscape. However based on early customer feedback, I believe our markets should prove to be relatively resilient,” stated Justin Hotard, President and CEO of Nokia, in an official release. Hotard further commented on the immediate financial impact, saying,…
KAMPALA, UGANDA — Benon Mugumbya, a prominent Ugandan music producer and co-founder of Swangz Avenue, has publicly addressed the enduring mystery surrounding Irene Ntale’s departure from the record label. In a recent interview, Mugumbya acknowledged that Ntale’s exit had a significant and lasting impact on the Swangz Avenue team. Irene Ntale, a celebrated vocalist in Uganda, ended her four-year association with Swangz Avenue in January 2017. Her decision at the time came as a surprise to many, and Benon Mugumbya’s recent comments indicate that the reasons behind her departure were never fully understood within the label. Speaking on Galaxy TV’s Deep…
KAMPALA, UGANDA — The National Enterprise Corporation (NEC), the commercial arm of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), has collaborated with STREIT (U) Ltd to inaugurate their inaugural armoured vehicle showroom outside of their primary manufacturing facility in Nakasongola. NEC-STREIT, a joint venture established in 2022 between the two entities, was initially focused on producing armoured vehicles for security forces. However, their scope has since broadened to include vehicles for civilian applications. The newly opened showroom, strategically located in Abayita Ababiri along the Kampala-Entebbe road, aims to improve accessibility to their products, particularly for civilian clients. This location is more convenient…
KYIV, UKRAINE — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky abruptly cancelled a portion of his trip to South Africa on Thursday following a devastating barrage of missiles and drones launched by Russia against Kyiv. The attacks resulted in the deaths of at least eight people, with others trapped beneath the rubble of destroyed buildings. While Ukraine has endured relentless aerial assaults throughout Russia’s three-year invasion, such lethal strikes on Kyiv, a city with stronger air defenses compared to others, have been less frequent. These attacks have further complicated already delicate efforts by the United States to encourage a ceasefire agreement between Russia…
KAMPALA, UGANDA — Renowned media personality and digital influencer Sheilah Gashumba has officially embarked on a career in music, making her debut as a DJ under the moniker DJ Lil Stunner. At the age of 29, Gashumba is set to infuse dance floors across the African continent and internationally with her characteristic energy and deep appreciation for African music. Gashumba has been a prominent figure in the public eye since childhood, commencing her media career at the age of eight. Over the years, she has solidified her position as a highly recognizable personality, celebrated for her significant brand collaborations and consistent…
KAMPALA, UGANDA — Uganda will not have a representative participating in the upcoming conclave to elect a new pope following the passing of Pope Francis on Easter Monday. According to the papal envoy to Uganda, Archbishop Luigi Bianco, the Church Code established by Pope Paul IV in 1559 stipulates that any cardinal who has reached the age of 80 is ineligible to cast a vote in the election of a new pontiff. Currently, Uganda’s sole surviving cardinal, His Eminence Emmanuel Wamala, is 98 years old. While cardinals over the age of 80 are not permitted to vote in papal conclaves, they…
KAMPALA, UGANDA — The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) of Uganda, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has announced the appointment of Brigadier General Alex Opolot Olupot as the new Commandant of the National Defence College Uganda (NDC-U) located in Jinja. Brigadier General Olupot, who previously served in the Joint Staff Training and Doctrine, succeeds Major General Francis Okello who is scheduled to retire later this year after a distinguished career. He has held the position of founding Commandant since the NDC-U’s establishment in 2022, marking the inauguration of this advanced military education and strategic training institution. In a related development, the CDF also…
ROME, ITALY — The Vatican has announced that Pope Francis’ coffin will be sealed during a liturgical rite held within St. Peter’s Basilica on Friday at 8:00 PM, as reported by Vatican News. This ceremony will precede the papal funeral, scheduled for Saturday, April 26th, in the morning. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, will preside over the ceremony, known as the Rite of Sealing of the Coffin. Several Cardinals and Holy See officials are expected to attend the liturgical rite, which will also be broadcast across Vatican News’ various channels. This event will mark the conclusion…
NAIROBI, KENYA — Mwalimu Mohammed Abduba Dida, a two-time contender for the Kenyan presidency, has been released from custody in the United States after serving three years of a his initial seven-year jail sentence. Dida, who was originally projected to be released on April 3, 2029, was granted parole, a conditional release that allows an inmate to serve the remainder of their sentence outside of prison under supervision. According to records from the Big Muddy Correctional Facility in Illinois, the 50-year-old was released on March 3rd and will now be required to provide philanthropy services in the US for the duration…