#Update: Kenyan Senior Counsel and former Justice Minister Martha Karua was today, Monday, denied entry into Uganda upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, in a move that has dealt a fresh setback to the defence team representing opposition politician Dr. Kizza Besigye and co-accused Hajj Obeid Lutale.
#NbsUpdate #NilePostNews
Before becoming one of Uganda’s most recognizable female musicians, Sheilah Nvannungi built a strong presence in the media industry as a radio and television presenter. She worked with CBS FM, Bukedde FM, and Bukedde TV, where her engaging personality and connection with audiences made her a popular broadcaster. She also showcased her acting talent in the renowned Diamonds Ensemble drama series.
Born in 1982, Sheilah Nvannungi also known as Princess Sheila Nvannungi or Sheila Cinderella Nvannungi is a princess of the Buganda Kingdom, musician, actress, and media personality. She rose to national fame in the early 2000s through her music career, releasing hit songs such as Obwomu Buluma, Doctor, Eriiso, Omutima Gw’Omukyala, Bifekeera, and Nze Mukyalawo.
Her powerful vocals and strong cultural identity earned her widespread recognition, including the Pearl of Africa Music (PAM) Award for Female Artist of the Year in 2004.
While music brought her national acclaim, Nvannungi successfully balanced her singing career with broadcasting and acting. In recent years, she has focused more on her spiritual journey and family life, stepping away from mainstream secular music while remaining a respected figure in Uganda’s entertainment industry.
Before becoming one of Uganda’s most celebrated musicians, Juliana Kanyomozi took a bold chance that changed her life. Fresh out of high school and with no radio experience, she walked into Capital FM in 2001, asked for a job, passed a voice test, and was hired on the spot.
Born on November 27, 1980, in Kampala and hailing from Fort Portal in the Toro Kingdom, Juliana quickly became one of Capital FM’s most popular presenters. She started reading weekend news before hosting major shows such as the Mid-Morning Show, Late Date, and the Evening Drive alongside Gaetano Kagwa. Her distinctive voice and warm personality made her a household name during her six years at the station.
At the same time, her music career was taking off. She first gained recognition in the late 1990s as part of the duo I-Jay with Iryn Namubiru before launching a successful solo career with hits such as “Mama Mbire” featuring Bobi Wine and “Kibaluma.”
As her music career grew, balancing radio and music became increasingly difficult. Faced with an ultimatum from her employer, Juliana chose music over a secure salary and benefits—a decision that transformed her into one of Uganda’s most successful and award-winning female artists.
#Profile : At just 32, Hon. Phionah Nyamutoro stands out as one of Uganda’s youngest and most dynamic leaders, rising rapidly from youth activist to key government figure.
Born December 9, 1993, in Nebbi District, she earned a first-class degree in Arts (Luganda & Sociology) and a Master’s in Public Administration from Makerere University, where she served as Vice Guild President.
She previously represented youth nationally in the 11th Parliament and now serves as Woman MP for Nebbi in the 12th.
Appointed Minister of State for Minerals (Energy & Mineral Development) in 2024 and retained in the 2026 Cabinet, she focuses on harnessing Uganda’s natural resources for economic growth and sustainable development. A rising NRM star, she blends youthful energy with commitment to national service.
#Profile : From replacing Amama Mbabazi as NRM Secretary General in 2014 to becoming Uganda’s Minister of ICT and National Guidance in 2026, Rt. Hon. Justine Kasule Lumumba has built a reputation as one of the ruling party’s most influential and resilient political figures.
Born on November 22, 1972, Lumumba began her career as a teacher before serving as an education officer in Bugiri District. She later represented Bugiri District as Woman MP and served as Government Chief Whip from 2011 to 2014. She was appointed NRM Secretary General in 2014, a position she held until 2021. She subsequently served as Minister for General Duties in the Office of the Prime Minister before her appointment as Minister of ICT and National Guidance in 2026.
A graduate of Makerere University with a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Diploma in Education, Lumumba is known for her disciplined leadership, political loyalty, and long-standing influence within the National Resistance Movement (NRM).
A former Ugandan mayor and lawyer Erias Lukwago representing detained opposition figure Kizza Besigye, who is on trial for treason, has himself been charged with a treason-related offence.
https://t.co/41lEOVf9aB
Appointed Leader of the Opposition in Parliament in January 2014 at the height of internal divisions within the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), Philip Wafula Oguttu emerged as a key figure tasked with holding the party together while strengthening parliamentary oversight of the government.
Born on December 21, 1952, in Butaleja District, Oguttu is a veteran journalist and politician best known as a co-founder of the Daily Monitor. He transitioned from journalism into active politics, bringing with him a reputation for accountability and sharp scrutiny of public affairs.
Oguttu contested parliamentary seats several times. In the 2006 General Election, he ran for Bukhooli County Central on the FDC ticket but lost to the NRM’s Fred Mukisa. He later won the seat in the 2011 elections after defeating NRM candidate Hajji Siraji Lyavala, serving as MP from 2011 to 2016.
As Leader of the Opposition, Oguttu focused on maintaining party cohesion, managing the shadow cabinet, and strengthening Parliament’s oversight role. He served in the position until early 2016.
In the 2016 General Election, he lost his parliamentary seat to NRM’s Solomon Silwany.
Although he never sought higher offices such as the FDC presidency, Oguttu remains an influential voice within the party and a respected commentator on governance and public affairs.
Appointed Leader of the Opposition in Parliament on August 3, 2018, Betty Aol Ochan became the face of Uganda’s parliamentary opposition during a period marked by intense political contestation, governance debates, and demands for greater accountability.
Born on November 28, 1958, Ochan is a teacher, development worker, and seasoned politician. She holds a Diploma in Education from Makerere University, a Bachelor of Development Studies from Gulu University, and a Master of Development Studies from Uganda Martyrs University.
Before joining national politics, she taught at Layibi College and Awere Secondary School between 1981 and 1990.
She later worked as a rural development worker with ACORD-Gulu and served as a Program Officer at St. Mauritz Catholic Parish. From 1997 to 2006, she represented her community as a Gulu District councillor.
Ochan entered Parliament in 2006 after being elected Gulu District Woman MP on the FDC ticket and went on to serve multiple terms, including as Gulu City Woman MP.
As Leader of the Opposition, she focused on holding government accountable, addressing governance concerns, challenging electoral irregularities, and amplifying the voices of ordinary citizens.
From serving as the first Director General of the Internal Security Organisation (ISO) to becoming one of Uganda’s longest-serving security and political figures, Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Jim Muhwezi Katugugu has played a central role in the country’s security establishment for nearly four decades.
Born on August 23, 1950, in Rukungiri District, Muhwezi is a lawyer, retired military officer, and veteran politician. He holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from Makerere University and received further training at the Law Development Centre and the Tanzania Senior Police Officers College.
A former guerrilla commander in the National Resistance Army (NRA) during the Bush War, Muhwezi became the first Director General of ISO, serving from 1986 to 1996. He has also represented Rujumbura County in Parliament for several terms since 1986 and secured re-election in the 2026 General Election.
Over the years, he has held several key ministerial positions, including Minister of State for Primary Education, Minister of Health, Minister of Information and National Guidance, and Minister for Security. In 2026, he was sworn in as Minister in the Office of the President in charge of Security for the 2026–2031 term.
In 2017, Jacob Marksons Oboth-Oboth rose to national prominence as Chairperson of Parliament’s Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee when he spearheaded the committee’s endorsement of the Constitutional Amendment Bill that removed the presidential age limit under Article 102(b). The controversial amendment enabled President Yoweri Museveni to seek office beyond age 75 and triggered widespread debate and protests. Before his election as Speaker of the 12th Parliament in 2026, Oboth-Oboth served as MP for West Budama South and later West Budama Central from 2011. He also chaired several influential parliamentary committees, earning recognition for his expertise in legislative procedure, constitutional affairs, governance, and parliamentary oversight.
On 27 September 2017, Betty Nambooze was brutally assaulted during chaotic scenes in Parliament as security personnel moved to quell opposition protests against the proposed removal of the presidential age limit under Article 102(b) of the Constitution.
As Mukono Municipality MP and a leading figure in the “Togikwatako” (“Don’t Touch the Constitution”) campaign, Nambooze had been at the forefront of efforts to block the amendment.
She sustained serious injuries, including a broken back, which required prolonged medical treatment and resulted in lasting health complications.
Despite fierce resistance from opposition lawmakers and widespread public criticism, Parliament passed the amendment in December 2017.
In 2021, Ugandan socialite and businesswoman Zari Hassan began a relationship with businessman Shakib Cham Lutaaya after the two connected in South Africa through mutual friends. Their romance later attracted widespread public attention, with the couple openly sharing aspects of their relationship on Netflix’s Young, Famous & African.
Despite a 12-year age gap, they remained together for several years, navigating long-distance challenges, public scrutiny and personal insecurities.
In April 2023, they formalised their union in a Nikah ceremony in Pretoria before holding a white wedding.
On June 12, 2026, Zari announced their amicable separation, citing irreconcilable differences and requesting privacy as they move forward independently while remaining friends.