Kenya and Uganda look to youth, technology to boost tourism  FORT PORTAL, Uganda | THE KRC 1O2 FM| East Africa’s tourism industry is set to take center stage as Uganda and Kenya prepare to host the 4th Uganda-Kenya Coast Tourism Conference and Exhibition from 27th to 28th October 2025 at Ocean Beach Resort and Spa in Malindi, Kenya. With the theme “Leveraging Youth Innovation and Technology for Responsive and Inclusive Tourism,” the conference promises to spotlight how young innovators and digital solutions are reshaping the tourism landscape, creating more inclusive, resilient, and globally competitive destinations. The conference builds on the Memorandum of Understanding on Tourism Cooperation signed on 30th July 2025, which provides a framework for joint promotion, knowledge sharing, and capacity building. During the launch in Kampala, Ambassador Paul Mukumbya, Consul-General of Uganda in Mombasa, welcomed media and stakeholders in Kampala, emphasizing tourism as a strategic flagship initiative. “Tourism is one of the strongest bridges connecting Uganda and Kenya. By collaborating on promotion and marketing, we enhance global visibility while reinforcing the social and economic ties of our region. This conference ensures both countries complement, rather than compete, in showcasing their unique attractions,” Amb. Mukumbya stated. Representing the Permanent Secretary […]

In July this year, investigative journalist, Canary Mugume of NBS Television, was attacked on his way home from work. It was late at night when a group of men approached his car, pulled him out, and assaulted him, focusing their blows on his face. They took only his mobile phone, leaving behind his laptop and other valuables. “It looks like that was their goal, just to take the phone because I had the laptop in the car and it wasn’t taken and they seemed to be interested in the phone and also destroying my face,” Mugume told The Independent on Aug.9. He says this was the second time he had lost his phones in such a manner.  “Both times, the phones seemed to be the main target.” Two months earlier, in May this year, Mugume tweeted a warning he received via email from his phone manufacturer of a possible hacking attempt into his iPhone. “Apple sent this notification to me, indicating that I am being targeted by a mercenary spyware. Most of these are used by Governments to hack into the phones of journalists, high-profile figures and activists. They last sent this (report) in 2021; there’s a pattern – electoral season,” Mugume […]

Vendors Abandon Kabundaire Market Over Garbage Crisis A growing sanitation crisis at Kabundaire Farmers Market in Fort Portal Tourism City has forced several vendors to abandon their stalls over fears of disease outbreaks caused by decomposing garbage. The vendors, mainly selling fresh produce and second-hand clothes, complain that despite paying market dues, the council has failed to maintain hygiene in the market. Heaps of uncollected garbage have made the area unsafe for both sellers and customers. Elizabeth Kengonzi, the Female Councillor for Rwengoma Ward, blamed the situation on poor supervision from the Mayor’s office, despite funds being allocated for sanitation under the health department. Mayor Muhumuza Richard acknowledged the problem and said the council is struggling due to limited funds. “Even though vendors pay local revenue, most of it goes to the central government,” he said. He promised a long-term plan to pave and improve the market environment. Health inspection officer Muhumuza Michael admitted that garbage has increased with the city’s growth. He urged vendors to raise their stalls off the ground to avoid disease and warned against selling food directly on the soil. Kabundaire Market, situated in Nyakimya Swamp, has grown rapidly and without boundaries — now posing a […]

Pregnant women in Kyenjojo District are facing life-threatening challenges due to the district’s poor road network. Residents in Kyebamba-Kogoba village, Kyarusozi Sub-county, say long distances to health centers and lack of transportation are placing mothers and babies at serious risk. Lucy Kabatebezi, a resident, explained that poor access to hospitals forces many women to rely on traditional herbalists — often with tragic results. Elder Beatrice Kabahenda added that women walk long distances to reach health centers in Kaihura, Mukunyu, and Rwaibale, with some not making it in time. LC1 Chairperson Kiiza Mwesige said the community has lost lives while trying to transport patients to hospitals due to poor road conditions. Residents are now appealing to the government to improve road infrastructure and ensure that health services are accessible in rural areas to prevent maternal and infant deaths.

Uganda Red Cross Strengthens Community Protection in Fort Portal In a renewed effort to promote public health and safety, the Uganda Red Cross Society, with support from UNICEF, has launched a major awareness campaign in Fort Portal Tourism City and Kabarole District. The campaign focuses on preventing the spread of diseases like Ebola and Mpox, and tackling sexual exploitation and abuse, particularly in schools and communities. Uganda Red Cross Strengthens Community Protection in Fort Portal “We are engaging school communities, media, health workers, and local leaders. Everyone must become a community surveillance camera,” said Asiima Samantha, a Red Cross project officer. Local leaders have echoed the need for community involvement. Kansiime Gladcy, a school inspector, condemned the abuse of young girls and boys in schools and called for action to stop it. Night Rose, a senior woman teacher, emphasized the role of parents, urging them to take responsibility for their children’s screen time and behavior. Health officials are also playing a key role. Kahunde Lucy, a senior health inspector, said they are training teachers and students on disease prevention. She stressed the need for schools to have handwashing stations and temperature guns, although some schools say they lack such equipment. […]

KRC TV logo KRC Uganda to Launch KRC TV, a Groundbreaking Local Television Station Fort Portal, Uganda – July 21, 2025KRC Uganda is set to unveil a new milestone in regional media with the upcoming launch of KRC TV, a television station dedicated to promoting local content and cultural heritage in the Tooro region. Slated to go on air officially on August 1, 2025, KRC TV will be the first regional TV station available on the StarTimes platform. According to Mr. Derrick, the station manager and key force behind the initiative, KRC TV aims to become a powerful voice for local storytelling, education, and development. “Our goal is to develop rich, authentic content that speaks to the values, traditions, and aspirations of the people of Tooro and surrounding regions,”he said. The launch event will be graced by Hon. Alex Ruhunda, the Member of Parliament for Fort Portal City and the founder of KRC Uganda. His continued commitment to grassroots development, youth empowerment, and cultural preservation has shaped several transformative projects under KRC Uganda. The TV station adds to a growing list of initiatives that reflect his vision for a prosperous Tooro. KRC TV is expected to focus on community-centered programming, […]

Diane Rwigara, an outspoken critic of Rwandan President Kagame, has been barred from standing in next month’s presidential election. Only Kagame and two other politicians – Frank Habineza of the Democratic Green Party and independent Philippe Mpayimana – were cleared by the electoral body. Ms Rwigara, who was also disqualified from the 2017 poll, took to X, formerly Twitter, to express her disappointment to Mr Kagame. “Why won’t you let me run? This is the second time you [have] cheat[ed] me out of my right to campaign,” she said. The 42-year-old, who is the leader of the People Salvation Movement (PSM), had earlier told media-BBC’s Newsday programme that she had hoped to be able to stand this time round. “Rwanda is portrayed as a country where the economy has been growing. But on the ground, it’s different. People do lack the basics of life, food, water, shelter.” But on issuing its provisional list of candidates, the electoral commission said Ms Rwigara had failed to provide the correct documentation to show she had no criminal record. It also said she had failed to show she had enough support nationwide to stand. Another reason the commission gave was that Ms Rwigara had […]