I am in #Uganda, where the government has mounted a prompt and capable response to the outbreak of #Ebola.
Screening at the borders helped detect cases arriving from neighbouring #DRC, and the country’s surveillance, testing and case management systems are doing steady work. Of the 19 confirmed cases so far, 14 were among people who entered from DRC and five are Ugandan nationals. Sadly, two people from DRC have died, and our thoughts are with their families.
@WHO is supporting Uganda, alongside @AfricaCDC and partners across the region, as the country leads this response.
With continued collaboration, I am confident this outbreak can be brought under control.
Jurriën Timber misses the 2026 World Cup.
The 24-year-old defender has not recovered sufficiently from a groin injury to take part in the World Cup in a medically responsible manner. In consultation with the medical staff, it has therefore been decided that Timber will leave the national team’s pre-camp in New York after the game against Uzbekistan.
We’re with you, Jurriën. 🧡
LONG READ:
The MEGA FM questions - Benson Ongom
To be fair,
Over the past years, MEGA FM has done a tremendous job; in peace building, reconciliation, recovery and even entertainment. One very informative program I vividly remember listening to was "DWOG PACO” by Lacambel. This program offered encouragement to those in the LRA rebellion to denounce their engagements with this outfit and return home.
I strongly believe that hundreds of the former LRA captives who peacefully returned home was partly because of the MEGA FM show. They did their part; all the names and voices did their part.
Not many people have the exact or all the facts on what is happening to MEGA FM; including me. Many are thinking and asking questions, some of which deserve answers, others need clarity and others, we need to honestly reflect on our TRUTH.
The new Media Dilemma…….
For the past 10 years, I’ve worked in the media; from radio to TV, I’ve come to realize that the media industry is a tough one. Many challenges, opportunities, road blocks and competition. No doubt, we have seen the exodus happening in the Ugandan MEDIA. People leaving for greener pastures, some being forced to resign, some because of blackmails at work places; the list is endless
For any radio to survive now, you have to be on top of your game. MEGA FM has been doing that for the past decades. For avoidance of doubt, MEGA FM makes more money in advertisement and shows than any other radio station in northern Uganda. May be ARUA ONE in Arua which makes either more or equivalent to what MEGA FM generates.
To this, more is expected, from the corridors of the newsroom, one would be bothered if;
1- Mega FM is not paying its staff
2- If it’s not remitting NSSF
3- If it’s not paying URA
4- If it’s not paying rent, that’s if they have rent to pay
All these are questions which involve management. And from the grapevine, URA came by, a few NSSF monies where not remitted in time to “some” staffs. But again, which media house in Uganda pays NSSF in time! To my knowledge-None.
The real Questions to be asked……
Not even the UBC question. I have read and seen arguments related to why we should deal with UBC first. Well, maybe we should or shouldn’t.
Before reacting, we need to understand MEGA FM in detail and with absolute honesty and truth to what has been happening. But then, this can only be clarified by MEGA FM management, and not an individual. In this case, who is the management of MEGA FM to clarify? Yes, Mego Atek Irene has been at the helm, and yes, a petition can be signed to salvage the situation, but can we have an honest conversation on the reality of events? Of the many questions asked, can we get clarity on;
1- A brief background on how MEGA FM has been operating
2- How has it been making decisions
3- Level of involvement of the Board
4- Some resolutions taken as Management and if so, what are they?
5- Who/which person/institution does MEGA FM report to?
6- How has/are some investment decisions reached at?
7- Etc.
These many questions can help Acholi Parliamentary Group-APG and locals and for the petition to sail through. Our chest will be out to defend MEGA FM, but personally, MEGA FM should not and must never go down this way.
MEGA FM investment initiatives;
Again, many questions on consultation or direction have been raised but generally on some of its investments. I personally enjoy both MEGA FM 102 and MEGA 100, but as a programmer, what is the choice or decision to have two LUO speaking radio stations in the same space, what is the justification, how can two radios in the same premises compete for listenership from seemingly the same audience? These are some of the concerns raised that need clarity.
Mega FM is undertaking another investment in AMUDAT (Hopefully, I’m right on the location). If MEGA FM did not have a board, how did they arrive at such a huge investment decision. It’s a good thing to invest, but we need to ask, what is our risk, opportunity in that region and does it still serve the purpose of why MEGA FM was established? Let’s honestly answer these questions.
What we need to do….
Let’s get this clarity and we all contribute to make MEGA FM stand tall, MEGA FM cannot be exhausted in a crisis which can be solved. But we need to avoid reacting without facts, even for UBC, we need to ask them some questions for which answers should be given.
If all we have seen in the socials are true, then we need some clarification from them as well.
With all due respect, I have huge admiration for Hon. Akol Anthony and Odong Latek who are my personal friends. These names appear as directors now. However, Hon. Akol has disclaimed this. I’ll bet you’ll become directors if you want, but can you allow clarity to reign, you are mixing us a lot, let’s deal with one thing at a time.
For Mego Atek Irene, they say, if you allow rumors, allegations to go unanswered, they become facts, please come out to give us clarity, all we need is clarity to give a direction on how “KAKA”-the clan can help. Otherwise, this petition, phones calls, meetings won’t gather pace.
We want to support something we have clarity on. Long live MEGA FM.
@GifterAber, receive your flowers ma'am! #Gulu Main #Market Vendors are pleased with your move to install Cctv camera at all main entrance points.
You're living to our votes!
Gulu is proudly associated with your focus! @nbstv@MegafmGulu
He is done for sure. Bringing racism as if he is of another race not African.
He is taking it personal with Hon. Tayebwa as if the Deputy Speaker works alone, he should direct his frustration at parliament as an institution.
His whole argument is baseless. Wonder how he got the Doctorate 😊
What will the President say today during the Uganda 🇺🇬 State of Nations Address (SONA)
- 1986 at 92%
- Bazukulu at 78%
- My oil at 65%
- Corruption at 41%
- Pigs 🐖 at 23%
- Arsenal at 1%
What will the President say today during the Uganda 🇺🇬 State of Nations Address (SONA)
- 1986 at 92%
- Bazukulu at 78%
- My oil at 65%
- Corruption at 41%
- Pigs 🐖 at 23%
- Arsenal at 1%
What will the President say today during the Uganda 🇺🇬 State of Nations Address (SONA)
- 1986 at 92%
- Bazukulu at 78%
- My oil at 65%
- Corruption at 41%
- Pigs 🐖 at 23%
- Arsenal at 1%
JUST IN: Scientists say AI has decoded communication patterns in mice, dolphins, apes, birds, whales, & cuttlefish — could eventually lead to humans communicating directly with animals.
John 16:33
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”