Ugandan Parliament Shake-Up, Record Budget, and Influencer Boxing Match Dominate Headlines
A dramatic week in Uganda sees political irony, a massive national budget, and celebrity sports entertainment capturing public attention.
Zaake to Chair Committee Overseeing Former Speaker Among
In a striking political twist, Uganda’s Parliament has appointed National Unity Platform (NUP) lawmaker Francis Zaake as the new Chairperson of the Committee on Government Assurance and Implementation. This committee holds the government accountable for fulfilling promises made during parliamentary debates.
Perhaps most notably, Zaake’s predecessor and longtime adversary, former Speaker Anita Among, has been named as a member under his chairmanship. Among, who served as Speaker from 2022 to 2026, had suspended Zaake multiple times during her tenure. Zaake will be deputized by Anna Adeke.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Zaake expressed gratitude to NUP leader Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine) for the trust placed in him. He couldn’t resist a pointed remark about the new dynamics, writing: “Your Ssabazoganyi chairing with Honorable @AdekeAnna, while my former tormentor now sits as a member under me. Life! 😊”
Online reactions have been swift, with many noting the irony of the situation and calling for both leaders to exercise humility and focus on their oversight responsibilities over the next two-and-a-half years.
Government Unveils Record Shs84.39 Trillion Budget
In economic news, Finance Minister Henry Musasizi has outlined Uganda’s ambitious Shs84.39 trillion budget for the 2026/27 fiscal year—a staggering Shs12 trillion increase from the previous year.
Speaking at the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) National Post-Budget Dialogue in Kampala, Musasizi detailed a budget prioritizing agriculture, industrialization, services, digital transformation, and market access. A key highlight was the launch of the URA Client Service Charter, aimed at simplifying tax compliance and enhancing digital support for taxpayers.
The government is targeting Shs45.96 trillion in domestic revenue collection, with the goal of reaching 20% of GDP and reducing national debt. Panels at the dialogue also addressed proposed tax reforms, including VAT changes and penalties related to the Electronic Fiscal Receipting and Invoicing Solution (EFRIS).
Experts at the forum urged stronger compliance measures, intensified anti-corruption efforts, and sustained infrastructure investments. The event marks the first of nationwide dialogues intended to build stakeholder unity around the national budget.
Social Media Feud Settled in the Ring: Zahara Totto vs. Prima Kardashi
In a lighter but equally captivating development, Ugandan influencers Zahara Totto and Prima Kardashi are set to settle their long-running public feud with a sanctioned boxing match.
The rivalry escalated dramatically at a Lugogo Arena boxing event last Saturday, catching the attention of Uganda Boxing Federation (UBF) president Moses Muhangi. Following the public clash, Muhangi officially sanctioned a semi-professional bout between the two social media personalities.
At a press conference on Tuesday, July 7, Zahara declared herself a natural fighter ready to defeat Prima, while Prima shot back that she would gladly take both the payday and the victory. The announcement has sent fans into a frenzy, with social media buzzing with bets, memes, and jokes about the spectacle.
While no official fight date has been set, anticipation is already high, with many praising Muhangi for transforming online drama into an organized sporting event.
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