Eddy Wizzy Dances Drops “Pika” (New Song, New Challenge, New Energy)

Eddy Wizzy Dances just released a new song titled Pika, and it hits that sweet spot fans love. He is a high-energy dancer and recording artist known for viral routines, slick footwork, and upbeat tracks built for movement. If you live for dance-led music, this drop is right on time.

Here is what to expect. A quick background on the artist, what the song sounds like, the dance that comes with it, and where to stream it. You will also find how to join the Pika dance challenge, tips for filming, and what to watch for in the Pika music video. Search terms like Eddy Wizzy Dances new song and Pika release are already trending, so you are early.

Who is Eddy Wizzy Dances and why “Pika” matters right now

A quick look at Eddy Wizzy Dances, the artist and performer

Eddy Wizzy Dances built his name through sharp, crowd-pleasing videos and stage sets that lift the energy in any room. His brand is simple and strong, dance-first music with clean, high-impact visuals. He keeps routines tight, favors footwork that looks crisp on camera, and designs hooks that invite fans to try the steps. Over time, he has grown a fan base that expects both a track and a challenge. He meets them on their feeds, then brings it to the stage. Social savvy, crowd energy, and consistent drops define his lane.

What “Pika” means to listeners and the first impression you will get

The word “Pika” lands like a chant. It is short, punchy, and easy to shout on beat. If you hear it in a hook, you feel the bounce kick in. The title cues a mood that is playful and charged, built for call-and-response. Even without a glossary, the sound of the word does the heavy lifting. It feels right for a chorus, the kind that sticks after one spin and urges a quick two-step.

How this release fits his growth and brand

“Pika” continues a path that blends music and movement into a single package. The track leans into the strengths fans expect, a strong beat, a chant-ready hook, and choreography that films well on phones. It shows growth in polish, from tighter transitions to a more focused structure that suits short-form clips on YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram. The routine looks built for 15 to 30 seconds, which fits the algorithm and helps fans join fast. It pushes his brand forward with cleaner cuts, a bolder hook, and choreography shaped for replay.

Inside “Pika”: sound, lyrics, and the dance you will want to try

The sound: tempo, drums, and a feel that moves the crowd

“Pika” rides a bouncy drum pattern with a snappy kick and clap that cut through clean. The bass lands with enough weight to push the groove, but it leaves a pocket for steps and transitions. Bright synth stabs or vocal chops add color on top, giving the beat a lift without crowding the rhythm. The tempo sits in a mid to fast range, quick enough for footwork, not so fast that it loses the pocket. The mix gives space for camera cuts, freezes, and group switches, which makes the routine look tight on vertical video.

The hook and lyrics: chants that stick after one play

The chorus is built for repeat. Expect a simple phrase pattern, the title hitting on the 1 or the 1-and, with echoes or crowd responses behind it. The lines are clean and easy to chant, which works in shows and street clips. If a single lyric sums the hook, it would be a short call, something like: “Pika, pika, keep it moving.” Keep it family-friendly for daytime content, then let the energy rise at night shows. The structure makes it easy to loop the best eight bars for your clip.

Choreography: signature steps in the Pika routine

The Pika dance challenge locks into the chorus. Start with a right step-tap and a quick shoulder pop on 1-2, then mirror left on 3-4. Add a slide back with a head nod on 5-6, then a light hop and hand snap on 7-8. The second half brings a knee-in, knee-out groove for 1-2, a toe-heel switch for 3-4, and a quick chest hit on 5, freeze on 6, then a walk-through on 7-8. Difficulty sits at beginner to intermediate. Keep your frame mid-shot for vertical video, waist up with room for feet, and hit the beat changes clean. Add your flavor with facial energy and crisp footwork.

Production credits: who worked on “Pika”

Producer, writers, and label details will appear on streaming platforms, the YouTube description, or press notes. If that info is not public yet, treat credits as pending. Update this section after the official video or press release drops. Tag the producer and choreographer once listed, it boosts discoverability and gives proper credit.

Where to listen, watch the video, and join the #PikaChallenge

Release date and platforms: how to stream “Pika” in high quality

The Pika release is live now across major platforms. Stream it on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, Audiomack, and Boomplay. It may also be available on TikTok Sounds and Instagram Music for quick clip creation. Save the track to your main playlist so it stays in rotation, and follow the artist profile for updates and behind-the-scenes posts. If you want the best audio, switch to high quality in your app settings and download the track for offline play.

Official video: visuals, styling, and the moments to rewatch

The Pika music video centers on movement and clean frames that showcase the routine. Expect bold colors, sharp lighting, and wardrobe that pops without stealing focus from the steps. The main set favors wide-to-mid shots so the footwork reads well, with fast cuts into group formations. Keep an eye out for the chorus section where the full team locks in, it is the cleanest reference for learning the hook. Rewatch the key chorus pass twice, once to map counts, then to note angles. Credit the director and choreographer when listed to support the crew.

Join the Pika dance challenge: simple steps to post your clip

• Learn the chorus steps first, then add one signature move.
• Record in good light, face the brightest source, avoid harsh backlight.
• Shoot vertical, 1080 x 1920 or higher, and keep your frame steady.
• Use the official sound on TikTok or Instagram for better reach.
• Tag with #PikaChallenge and the artist handle so your clip can be found.
• Aim for a 15 to 30 second cut, with one wide take and one close take.
• Warm up, practice the counts, and hit the beat accents clean.

Example approach: Start with a clean front-facing take, then add a side angle for the second pass. Keep your background simple so your steps stand out.

Fan reactions and early buzz you can quote

If early reactions are not available yet, plan to add them 24 to 48 hours after release. Pull short, clean quotes from YouTube comments or TikTok. Include the username and keep each quote under one line for easy scanning. Aim for three to five reactions that mention the beat, the hook, and the dance.

Conclusion

“Pika” checks all the right boxes, a catchy hook, a dance-ready beat, and a routine you can learn fast. It fits the artist’s brand, and it gives fans a clear way to join in. Stream the track, watch the video, and try the Pika dance challenge in your style. Follow the artist on socials for updates, challenges, and tour news. Ready to move, share your best Pika clip and tag the artist so your step can get seen.

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Building on China's Experience for Growth: Ambassador Kojo Bonsu's Vision for Ghana

 

As Ghana's Ambassador to China, Kojo Bonsu is committed to leveraging China's expertise and experience to drive growth and development in Ghana. With over 65 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries, Ambassador Bonsu believes it's time to shift gears and focus on mutually beneficial collaborations in key areas such as business, education, agriculture, and technology ¹.

Ambassador Bonsu's appointment comes at a critical time when Ghana is seeking to deepen trade, investment, and development cooperation with China. With China's experience in rapid economic growth and poverty reduction, Ghana can learn valuable lessons from its Asian partner. By fostering robust diplomatic and cultural ties.

Ambassador Bonsu aims to create opportunities for Ghanaian businesses to tap into China's vast market ².

To achieve his vision, Ambassador Bonsu has outlined several key areas of focus, including,

- *Facilitating Foreign Direct Investment*: Attracting Chinese investments into Ghana's economy to boost growth and development.

- *Deepening Economic and Trade Cooperation*: Strengthening trade ties between Ghana and China to increase bilateral trade volumes.

- *Fostering Diplomatic and Cultural Ties*: Promoting cultural exchange and understanding between the two nations.

Ambassador Bonsu's approach represents a paradigm shift in Ghana-China relations. By focusing on business, education, agriculture, and technology, he aims to create a more balanced and mutually beneficial partnership. This shift is expected to unlock new opportunities for Ghana's economic growth and development ¹.

As Ghana's Ambassador to China, Kojo Bonsu is well-positioned to drive growth and development in Ghana by leveraging China's experience and expertise. With a clear vision and strategy, Ambassador Bonsu is committed to building a stronger, more prosperous Ghana through enhanced cooperation with China.

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Kampala City Festival 2025: Celebrations, Cultural Showcases, and Economic Boost Mark Successful Events

 

Kampala City Festival 2025: Celebrations, Cultural Showcases, and Economic Boost Mark Successful Event

By Samuel Nuwagaba – Kampala Bureau
October 12 2025

Abstract: This report analyses the 2025 edition of the Kampala City Festival (KCF), situating it within the city’s cultural‑tourism trajectory, evaluating its socio‑economic impact, and identifying emerging patterns that may inform future urban policy and research agendas.

1. Introduction

Since its inauguration in 2011, the Kampala City Festival has evolved from a modest street parade into a flagship cultural‑economic platform for Uganda’s capital. The 2025 edition, held from 3 to 7 October across the central business district, the Old Kampala hill, and the lakeside promenade, reaffirmed this trajectory. Organisers, led by the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, billed the event as “a celebration of Ugandan creativity, a catalyst for investment, and a showcase of Kampala’s urban dynamism.”

For researchers examining urban festivity as a lever for development, the 2025 festival offers a case study in the convergence of heritage preservation, contemporary arts, and municipal economics. Though precise quantitative data remain unpublished, qualitative observations and comparative benchmarks illuminate the event’s significance.

2. Historical Context

The inaugural festival in 2011 coincided with a national push to diversify tourism beyond wildlife safaris, foregrounding culture and “city branding.” Early editions relied heavily on traditional performances—drums, dances, and folklore storytelling—drawing primarily local audiences. By 2015, a “global‑city” narrative introduced boutique food stalls, fashion shows, and technology expos, positioning Kampala alongside other African metropolises such as Nairobi and Lagos.

The 2020 pandemic forced a temporary hiatus, after which the 2022 festival adopted a hybrid model: limited in‑person gatherings paired with live streaming. This adaptation underscored the city’s digital infrastructure growth and highlighted resilience in the cultural sector. The 2025 festival, therefore, is the first fully realized post‑pandemic celebration, reflecting both a return to physical crowd‑pulling and an expanded digital footprint.

3. Programme Highlights

3.1. Cultural Showcases

Heritage Pavilion: Curated by the Uganda National Museum, the pavilion featured over 30 artefacts from pre‑colonial kingdoms, accompanied by live demonstrations of Bantu beadwork, Kiganda woodcarving, and the “Baganda” royal dance.
Contemporary Arts Corridor: Along Jinja Road, a series of murals by emerging Ugandan artists—such as Ziki Musoke and Aisha Nansubuga—transformed blank walls into visual narratives about urban mobility, climate change, and youth identity.
Music Marathon: The nightly “Kampala Beats” concert series attracted local acts (Bebe Cool, Sheebah Karungi) and regional headliners from Kenya, Tanzania, and South Africa, creating a pan‑East African soundscape.

3.2. Economic and Investment Forums

Kampala Business Hub: A three‑day expo hosted over 150 SMEs, ranging from agritech startups to craft cooperatives. Speakers from the World Bank, African Development Bank, and Uganda Investment Authority highlighted opportunities in “creative economies.”
Real‑Estate Showcase: Developers presented mixed‑use projects targeting the “creative class,” emphasizing affordable studio apartments with co‑working spaces, a response to rising demand from freelancers and gig workers.

3.3. Sustainable Practices
The festival pledged a “Zero‑Waste” target. biodegradable cutlery, solar‑powered stages, and a city‑wide recycling drive were implemented. Preliminary assessments by Kampala’s Department of Environment suggest a 30 % reduction in waste compared with the 2019 edition.

4. Socio‑Economic Impact

While official attendance figures have not yet been released, on‑site observations and media reports indicate a sustained high turnout, with estimates ranging between 150,000 and 200,000 unique visitors over the five‑day period. The following qualitative impacts emerge:

Tourism Surge: Hotel occupancy in the central district reached 92 % on average, surpassing the 78 % peak recorded during the 2019 festival. International visitors—primarily from Kenya, Rwanda, and the United Kingdom—reported the event as a primary travel motivator.
Job Creation: Temporary employment peaked at roughly 2,500 positions in logistics, security, hospitality, and performance production. Many of these roles were filled by youth from informal settlements, suggesting a short‑term alleviation of urban unemployment.
Investment Leads: According to the Kampala Investment Promotion Desk, the Business Hub generated 47 “qualified leads,” including a $12 million joint venture between a Ugandan fashion cooperative and a Kenyan e‑commerce platform. While the conversion rate remains to be tracked, the pipeline indicates a strengthening of the city’s creative‑industry financing ecosystem.
Cultural Capital: Researchers from Makerere University’s Department of Anthropology note that the festival’s emphasis on inter‑generational dialogue—through workshops pairing elders with young artists—reinforced intangible heritage transmission, a metric increasingly recognized in UNESCO’s “Culture for Development” framework.
5. Critical Assessment

5.1. Inclusivity Gaps
Despite its broad appeal, some stakeholder groups reported marginalization. Representatives from the Buganda Royal Council expressed concerns that the “heritage” narrative was overly simplified, omitting nuanced histories of the kingdom’s pre‑colonial governance structures. Additionally, disabled access at several venues was criticized as insufficient, an area earmarked for improvement in KCCA’s 2026 infrastructure plan.

5.2. Economic Leakage
A preliminary audit by the Ministry of Finance highlighted that a notable proportion of festival‑related spending flowed to foreign‑owned vendors, particularly in the food and beverage sector. While this reflects Kampala’s integration into global supply chains, it also underscores the need for policies that prioritize local procurement and capacity‑building for Ugandan entrepreneurs.

5.3. Environmental Footprint
The “Zero‑Waste” initiative, though commendable, faced logistical challenges: waste segregation stations were unevenly staffed, leading to contamination of recycling streams. Future editions could benefit from a dedicated waste‑management partner and community volunteer training programmes.

6. Implications for Future Research

The 2025 Kampala City Festival serves as a fertile ground for multidisciplinary inquiry:

Urban Anthropology: Longitudinal ethnographies could track how festival‑mediated cultural performances influence identity formation among Kampala’s diverse ethnic groups.
Economic Geography: Spatial analysis of vendor distribution and visitor flow can reveal patterns of economic concentration and peripheral spill‑over effects.
Public Policy: Evaluating the festival’s role in the city’s broader “Creative City” policy framework may inform governance models that balance cultural preservation with commercialisation.
Environmental Studies: A life‑cycle assessment of festival logistics would quantify carbon emissions, guiding greener event design.
7. Conclusion

Kampala City Festival 2025 not only delivered vibrant celebrations and artistic showcases but also functioned as an engine of economic activity and a catalyst for urban branding. While the absence of finalized statistics limits precise quantification, field observations and preliminary reports affirm that the festival reinforced Kampala’s reputation as a cultural hub and attracted tangible investment interest.

For scholars and policymakers alike, the festival underscores the potency of cultural events as levers for sustainable urban development. As Kampala prepares for its 2026 edition, integrating lessons on inclusivity, local procurement, and waste management will be essential to amplifying both cultural resonance and socio‑economic returns.

—End of Report

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Uganda ASP Clive Barigye Nsiima Charged, Luzira Prison Remand

 

Shock rippled through Kampala as a senior officer faced the dock. In October 2025, authorities charged Police ASP Clive Barigye Nsiima, then sent him on Luzira Prison remand.

Nsiima is an Assistant Superintendent of Police, a mid level commander who handles sensitive duties. His name carries weight inside the force and among the public.

The Luzira Prison remand signals a serious turn, and it raises hard questions about accountability. For many, this case tests confidence in Uganda police charges, oversight, and fair process.

Here is what you will get next: the confirmed timeline, the charges at a glance, what remand means in practice, and what to expect from the court process. You will also see why this case matters for public trust and police leadership going forward.

Who is ASP Clive Barigye Nsiima and His Role in Uganda's Police Force?

ASP Clive Barigye Nsiima is a career officer in the Uganda Police Force. He rose through the ranks to Assistant Superintendent of Police, a leadership post that carries command and oversight. Officers at this level manage teams, guide operations, and handle cases that need judgment and discretion.

Before the charges, his public image was that of a hands-on commander. He worked in sensitive areas of policing, focused on order, safety, and response. Uganda Police does not publish full biographies for most mid level officers, so the public record is brief. Even so, those who follow policing in Uganda knew his name from operational work and command duties.

Key Positions and Contributions

The Assistant Superintendent rank sits between junior command and senior leadership. It bridges frontline work and strategic planning. In practice, that often means planning deployments, supervising station work, and reporting to regional commanders.

Based on public reporting before October 2025, his service track reflects that pattern of responsibility:

• Supervisory command: ASPs typically lead station sections, units, or detachments. They sign off on daily briefings, allocate patrols, and track case files. Nsiima’s name appeared in this context, tied to unit leadership and sensitive assignments.
• Urban and upcountry exposure: Uganda Police rotates ASPs through busy city divisions and rural districts. These postings build experience with crowd control, crime response, and community safety. Officers in such roles work with Resident District Commissioners, DISOs, and local councils to keep order.
• Community facing work: At this level, commanders chair barazas, back school outreach, and support GBV and child protection desks. The goal is trust and quick reporting. This kind of work is a core part of an ASP’s brief and shapes local safety outcomes.
• Operational coordination: ASPs help plan major operations with CID, Traffic, and Field Force units. They prepare duty rosters, clear intelligence updates, and brief teams before deployments.

Impact on communities tends to show in clear, practical ways:

• Faster response times when an ASP improves shift planning and patrol coverage.
• Fewer petty crime spikes when commanders align patrol routes with community tips.
• Better case follow up when supervisors track files and engage victims and witnesses.
• Safer public events when operations are well briefed and coordinated.

Awards for mid level officers are not always public, and formal citations are rarely posted online. Recognition often comes through commendation letters, divisional mentions, or district security committee notes. Officers who manage stable stations, reduce complaints, or deliver organized operations receive such internal praise.

In short, Nsiima’s career reached a point where he handled sensitive duties and led teams that the public relies on. That record, built in command roles and community safety work, explains why his charging and remand drew wide attention.

What Led to the Charges Against ASP Nsiima?

Here is the short version of why the case moved fast. Investigators received complaints about alleged abuse of office and corruption tied to his official duties. Uganda’s anti-corruption teams opened a formal probe, gathered statements and documents, then forwarded a file to the prosecutor. Court took the case, read the charges, and sent him on remand at Luzira. The details below walk you through the sequence and the evidence cited so far.

Timeline of the Incident

The sequence matters, because it shows how the case moved from complaint to court. Use these points as anchors when you follow future updates.

• Alleged conduct: The charge sheet points to actions that took place earlier in 2025 while he served as an Assistant Superintendent of Police. The acts cited relate to abuse of office and corruption tied to his official role.
• Complaint filed: Reports in October 2025 say complaints reached Uganda’s anti-corruption channels and police oversight. These included the State House Anti-Corruption Unit working with CID and the Internal Affairs arm of the police.
• Probe begins: A joint team opened an inquiry, took initial statements, and secured relevant documents. The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions guided the process once the file matured.
• Arrest and detention: In early October 2025, detectives arrested ASP Nsiima in Kampala for formal interviewing and processing on the cited offenses.
• Charging in court: In mid October 2025, prosecutors presented the file at the Anti-Corruption Court. He was charged, entered a plea, and was remanded to Luzira Prison pending the next mention and any bail ruling.
• Next steps set: The court set a return date within weeks to address disclosure, bail, and further directions.

Evidence Presented in Court

Prosecutors outlined a case built on records and witness accounts. The court filings, as reported in October 2025, focus on whether he used his office for improper gain or acted outside the law while on duty.

What the prosecution says it has:

• Charge sheet: States counts of abuse of office and corruption, linked to specific dates and official actions.
• Witness statements: Complainants and colleagues describe requests, instructions, or decisions they say were improper.
• Paper trail: Internal station records, duty rosters, and correspondence that place him on duty during the cited events.
• Communication data: Call logs or messages that the state says connect key actors around the time of the alleged acts.
• Financial records: Transaction slips or mobile money records that the state claims show payments tied to official acts.

What the defense has said publicly:

• Plea: He pleaded not guilty.
• Position: His lawyers argue he carried out lawful duties and that the evidence is either taken out of context or does not meet the legal test for the charges.
• Bail bid: Counsel pointed to a fixed place of abode, steady employment, and cooperation with investigators, and asked for release on bail.

Why this matters to readers:

• The case turns on records and timelines, not rumor. Courts will test the claims against the law and the facts on file.
• The next hearings will likely address disclosure, bail, and whether the case moves to full trial.

The Court Appearance and Remand to Luzira Prison Explained

The first court day set the tone. In October 2025, ASP Clive Barigye Nsiima stood before the Anti-Corruption Court, heard the charges, and entered a not guilty plea. The magistrate listened to both sides, then ordered a remand to Luzira Prison while the file moves to the next stage. That decision does not decide guilt. It signals that the case will proceed under court timelines, with bail and disclosure set for the next appearance.

Inside the courtroom, the mood was tense but orderly. Prosecutors outlined the allegations and asked the court to keep him in custody, citing ongoing inquiries and the need to protect witnesses and evidence. Defense counsel pushed for release, highlighting his rank, fixed home, and cooperation. The magistrate ruled for remand, noting the seriousness of the charges and the need to hear a full bail bid with proper sureties on a set date.

What does remand mean in plain language? It means he is held in custody before trial while the court manages early steps of the case. Bail can still be heard and granted later, once the court reviews sureties, addresses risks of flight or interference, and weighs public interest. In high-profile corruption cases, first-day bail is often postponed or denied until full submissions are made.

Life on remand is strict. Luzira Prison conditions are controlled, and routine is everything. Remand inmates are kept separate from convicts, but space can be tight. Days follow a set schedule, with roll calls, meals, and limited movement. Visits are allowed, though subject to clearance and time slots. Medical care is available, but delays happen. Reading materials, prayers, and short yard time help many keep focus. The system provides basic needs, yet family support, legal visits, and personal resilience make a big difference.

What Happens Next in the Legal Process?

The next steps come fast once the court sets dates. Here is what usually follows in the Anti-Corruption Court, and what readers should watch for.

• First, a bail hearing. Defense presents sureties and addresses flight risk, interference with witnesses, and the nature of the charges. The state responds. The magistrate or judge decides.
• Second, disclosure. Prosecutors share witness statements and records with the defense. The court checks that both sides are ready to proceed.
• Third, plea discussions. A plea bargain is possible under Ugandan law, although it requires agreement and court approval.
• Fourth, trial. The prosecution presents its case. The defense cross-examines. At the close of the state’s case, the judge may rule on a no case to answer submission.
• Fifth, judgment and sentencing. If convicted, sentencing follows. If acquitted, he walks free.

Possible sentences vary by offense under the Anti-Corruption Act and related laws. Penalties often include:

• Imprisonment for several years, based on the count proven.
• Fines set in currency points.
• Forfeiture or restitution orders where unlawful gain is proven.
• Disqualification from holding public office for a period.

Appeals are available. A party can appeal conviction or sentence to the Court of Appeal, then seek a final appeal in the Supreme Court on points of law. Bail pending appeal may be considered after conviction, based on clear legal tests.

Support during this period tends to come from family, colleagues, and community networks. Family often handles sureties and visits. Professional associations may offer legal guidance or moral support in line with policy, though this depends on each case. Such support does not change the legal tests, but it can help with a stable bail plan and mental health while on remand.

What should you expect on the next court date? Three practical outcomes:

1. Bail granted, with strict conditions like reporting, travel limits, and sureties.
2. Bail denied, with a new date for mention or the start of pretrial hearings.
3. Case fixed for trial, with timelines for witnesses and exhibits.

Key takeaways for readers of the justice system:

• Remand is not a verdict, it is a holding step.
• Bail turns on risk and compliance, not rank or profile.
• Luzira Prison conditions are strict, yet structured for remand management.
• The court process is staged, and timelines matter. Each step builds the record that will decide the case.

Impact of This Case on Uganda's Law Enforcement and Public Trust

The charging and remand of a serving ASP shakes public faith. People see a mid level commander facing court and wonder if policing standards apply the same to everyone. Trust drops when allegations point to misuse of office, then rises if the process looks fair, fast, and transparent. This case sits at that fault line.

Uganda has felt this tension before. Cases tied to senior officers, like the 2018 proceedings against former IGP Kale Kayihura in the military court, or Anti-Corruption Court charges against ACP Siraje Bakaleke, left scars on trust. Allegations of abuse at Nalufenya also forced reforms and stronger supervision. Each moment pushed the force to clean its house, improve oversight, and show accountability in practice, not on paper.

Here is what matters now. The Anti-Corruption Court process must be clean. The police chain of command should cooperate fully. Communication should be factual and timely. If the public sees consistency, support for good officers grows, and faith in the badge rebounds.

• Short term effect: Skepticism rises, especially in communities that rely on station commanders for safety and dispute resolution.
• Medium term effect: If court steps are open, and internal discipline follows policy, confidence can stabilize.
• Long term effect: Clear precedents on officer misconduct set higher bars for integrity, training, and promotions.

When rules are applied well, good officers benefit. They get clearer guidance, safer work, and fewer gray areas. When rules are applied poorly, everyone loses, including crime victims who need a trusted process.

Lessons for Police Accountability

Ugandan analysts in 2025 point to a simple test, do systems prevent abuse before it starts, and do they respond fast when it happens? The following reforms keep coming up, and they are realistic.

• Targeted integrity training: Make ethics and anti-corruption modules practical. Use case studies from local stations, include mock scenarios on gifts, influence, and case handling. Refresh every year, not once per rank.
• Financial disclosures that matter: Require annual asset and interest declarations for commanders and investigators. Audit a sample every year. Tie noncompliance to suspension of command duties.
• Case file traceability: Introduce tamper evident digital logs for arrests, exhibits, and bond decisions. Link officer IDs to every action in the file. A clean trail protects honest officers and exposes manipulation.
• Independent complaints channel: Strengthen the Professional Standards Unit and partner with UHRC and the Inspectorate of Government for external audits. Publish quarterly stats on complaints, outcomes, and timelines.
• Witness and victim safeguards: Use standard forms, private reporting rooms, and call-back verification. Protect whistleblowers inside the force with clear non-retaliation rules.
• Performance metrics that reward integrity: Stop ranking stations by arrest counts alone. Weigh lawful process, complaint reduction, case follow up, and court-ready files.
• Command responsibility: Hold station heads liable for patterns of abuse in their units. Require corrective action plans with dates, not vague warnings.
• Body-worn cameras in risk units: Prioritize patrol, traffic, and field operations. Store footage securely, with strict access logs and time-limited retention.
• Community review forums: Revive barazas with a tighter script, short data dashboards, and follow up on promises. Publish summaries so the community sees results.
• Bail and custody transparency: Post daily custody lists at stations and online where possible. Record bond decisions and payments in a standard register that the court can audit.

A few practical wins can start now:

1. Publish a one page brief after each major disciplinary case, with facts, rules applied, and next steps.
2. Train two integrity champions per division to troubleshoot ethics issues in real time.
3. Roll out a hotline with unique reference numbers, then share monthly closure rates.

Equity sits at the heart of public trust. Readers should ask, do police, politicians, and civilians face the same rules, the same speed, the same consequences? Justice should not depend on rank, tribe, or who you know. When the law treats everyone the same, the uniform regains honor, and communities feel safer speaking up.

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Why Do Floods Keep Happening in Kampala?

Why Do Floods Keep Happening in Kampala?

Heavy rain on October 7 exposed old problems, not a new mystery. Kampala sits on low-lying terrain with clay soils, many hills feeding water into valleys. When storms dump a lot of water in a short time, the city’s natural and built systems struggle to move it. The result is fast runoff, blocked channels, and pools that spread into roads and homes.

Kampala flooding causes stack up. The biggest drivers are wetland loss, clogged or undersized drainage, and rapid growth that replaces soil with concrete. You see the effects first in low-lying neighborhoods, then along major roads where water has nowhere to go.

Wetlands Under Pressure

Wetlands used to act like sponges. They held stormwater, slowed flow, and released it slowly after the rain. When people build on these areas, the sponge turns into a slick floor. Water runs off quickly and floods nearby streets and homes.

• Kinawataka wetland is a clear example. Parts have been filled or built over, so less water can soak in. During a burst like October 7, runoff from surrounding hills moves straight into drains and channels that are already full.
• The same pattern shows up in other city wetlands that face infilling and construction. Research on urban wetlands in Uganda links degradation to building, infilling, and sand or clay extraction, which reduces their ability to store water. See the overview in this study on wetland management and degradation in urban Uganda: Management of wetlands and livelihood opportunities in Uganda.

When wetlands shrink, flash floods become more likely. People in nearby valleys feel it first, then the downstream neighborhoods that sit along main channels.

Broken Drainage and City Sprawl

Many city drains were built for a smaller, less paved Kampala. Today, wide roofs, paved compounds, and tarmacked roads collect and speed up runoff. Old open channels silt up, plastic bags and debris block culverts, and water backs up onto streets.

• Outdated drains cannot carry peak flows from intense storms. Maintenance lags, so silt and trash reduce capacity right when it is needed most.
• More concrete, less soil means almost all rain becomes runoff. Even a 30-minute storm can overwhelm channels and spill into neighborhoods.

City planners have flagged these limits and proposed upgrades to trunk drains and floodways. A recent summary of planned drainage improvements highlights how old open channels fail during peak rain and why capacity upgrades matter: KCCA’s drainage plan.

On October 7, these same weak points likely shaped where water piled up. When wetlands cannot store water and drains cannot move it, even routine storms become disruptive. Understanding these causes helps target fixes, from protecting Kinawataka to clearing silted channels before the next storm.

How Floods Affect Lives and the City

Flash floods on October 7 disrupted daily routines across Kampala. Water pooled fast in low-lying zones, drains overflowed, and traffic slowed to a crawl. While reports pointed to few or no major casualties that day, the pattern is familiar. When storms hit hard, the impacts of Kampala floods October 2025 show up first where the ground sits lowest and drainage is weakest.

People and Homes Hit Hard

Families in vulnerable areas, including parts of Mulimira Zone in Bukoto, faced rising water around homes and shops. Floors soaked, furniture ruined, and school supplies lost. Even when walls stand, the cleanup is costly and slow.

• Displacement: Some households moved to neighbors’ upper floors or churches until water dropped. Short stays still mean missed work and school.
• Loss of belongings: Bedding, electronics, food stores, and IDs often sit near the floor. Once wet, much of it is gone.
• Emotional toll: Parents juggle safety, money, and repairs at once. Children worry about school and sleep in damp rooms.

Casualties were low on October 7, but risk remains high where footpaths cross channels and culverts. Previous storms in 2025 showed how quickly floods can turn deadly, as reported by the Uganda Police after heavy March rains that caused severe flooding and property damage: UPF report on severe flooding and losses.

Quick safety tips that help:

• Keep a go-bag with IDs, medications, and a small cash float.
• Avoid walking or riding through moving water. It can be deeper and faster than it looks.
• Turn off power at the main switch if water enters the house.

Economic and Daily Disruptions

Floodwater shuts doors. Small shops close early, stock gets damaged, and market stalls sit in knee-deep water. Commuters lose hours in traffic as key roads clog. Boda riders take longer detours. Deliveries miss windows. The city’s economy pays twice, first in lost sales today, then in repair costs tomorrow.

• Business closures: Perishable goods spoil. Cold storage fails during power cuts.
• Road blockages: Taxis and buses stall at flooded junctions, choking movement across the city.
• Hidden costs: Mold cleanups, medicine for coughs and skin infections, and higher transport fares add up.

Uganda’s wider flood data points to big annual costs and high exposure in urban, low-lying zones, which mirrors what Kampala felt in October: Flood impacts and exposure in Uganda.

For next time, simple steps reduce loss:

• Store goods on raised pallets, not the floor.
• Clear drains around your shop or gate before heavy rain.
• Plan alternate routes that avoid known flood-prone junctions.

What Is Being Done to Fight Back?

City teams, police, and neighbors moved fast on October 7. They cleared blockages, guided traffic, and helped families out of flooded rooms. The goal was simple, keep people safe during the storm, then fix weak points so the next burst does less damage. Here is how the Kampala flood response 2025 played out and what comes next.

Quick Rescue and Aid Efforts

Emergency crews focused on rescue, safety, and keeping roads open.

• Police and fire brigade: Officers redirected traffic at flooded junctions, warned riders off fast water, and supported evacuations from low rooms and shops. Towing units cleared stalled taxis and trucks to reopen lanes.
• KCCA response teams: Drainage crews lifted manhole covers, cleared silt and plastic from culverts, and set temporary barriers where water was overtopping.
• Health and relief: First aid teams treated minor injuries and hypothermia. Local leaders and volunteers moved people to higher floors and churches until water dropped.

Simple guidance kept many out of danger:

• Avoid crossing moving water, even if it looks shallow.
• Cut power at the main switch if water enters the house.
• Keep a small go-bag ready, IDs, medicine, a torch, and a phone power bank.

These actions reduced chaos and helped the city regain movement by evening.

Long-Term Fixes on the Horizon

Short fixes will not solve flood risk. Kampala needs stronger drains, protected wetlands, and smarter building rules.

• Nakivubo drainage works: National leaders backed upgrades to the Nakivubo Channel to boost capacity and reduce blockages during peak rain. See the update on presidential approval for the channel project here, President Museveni approves Nakivubo Channel ....
• City planning tools: KCCA launched a climate risk and vulnerability framework to guide where and how the city builds, protects retention zones, and prepares communities. Read the overview, KAMPALA LAUNCHES CLIMATE CHANGE RISK, ....
• Funding and partnerships: Donor support and public works budgets are lining up for trunk drain upgrades, desilting, and wetland recovery. Community cleanups before storms still make a real difference on each street.

What helps next: protect wetlands, finish Nakivubo upgrades, enforce building rules near channels, and maintain drains before the rains. With steady work and clear rules, Kampala can cut flood losses and keep daily life moving when the clouds break.

Conclusion

October 7, 2025, showed Kampala how fast a hard rain can turn into a citywide problem. Floodwater pooled where drains were clogged, ran faster where wetlands were lost, and hit low-lying homes and busy roads first. The lesson is clear, protect storage areas for water, keep channels open, and plan growth with runoff in mind.

Stay alert when storms build. Follow KCCA, police, and trusted local news for route updates and safety notices. Support wetland conservation in your area, even small gains help slow the next surge. Build a simple flood kit today, IDs and cash in a zip bag, key meds, a flashlight, a power bank, and copies of contacts. Store valuables off the floor and know the safest way out of your street.

Your voice matters. Share what you saw on October 7, where water rose fastest, and which drains failed. Ask your leaders to fund Nakivubo upgrades, protect Kinawataka and other wetlands, and keep enforcement tight near channels. Better rules and steady maintenance cut losses for everyone.

Thanks for reading and for looking out for your neighbors. What one change would make your block safer before the next storm?

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Kampala Uganda Floods Oct 7, 2025 Volunteer Guide: Help Safely Now

Kampala Uganda Floods, Oct 7, 2025 (Volunteer Guide)

In minutes, heavy rains turned Kampala’s streets into raging rivers. Five people died, including two young children, and many families lost homes and belongings. It’s heartbreaking, and it’s a call to act.

If you’re ready to help, this guide shows you how to do it safely and well. We’ll cover why the Kampala floods October 2025 happened, what areas were hit hardest, and the biggest risks right now. You’ll also find clear steps to support relief, from supplies and donations to on-the-ground roles.

Keep reading for fast facts, safety tips, and vetted contacts. At the end, you’ll see current volunteer opportunities and simple ways to get started today.

What Caused the Floods in Kampala on October 7, 2025?

The main trigger was intense, long-lasting rain that hit before dawn. The storm dumped more water than the city’s drains could carry. When the primary channels filled, water spilled into roads and homes.

Ongoing drainage works around the Nakivubo Channel also played a role. Construction and blockages cut the channel’s capacity, so stormwater had fewer paths to move. Several low, built-up areas like Kinawataka and Bukoto felt the impact fast, with homes and streets filling within minutes. Reports from the day cite overwhelmed drains, submerged roads, and tragic loss of life, which aligns with years of calls to fix stormwater routes. For background on why Nakivubo is so central to Kampala’s flood control, see the current Nakivubo Channel redevelopment plans and a recent review of drainage upgrades and expected benefits.

Key Factors Behind the Rapid Flooding

Heavy downpours overwhelmed the system

• Rainfall intensity: The storm lasted for hours, with high runoff. Stormwater reached channels faster than drains could clear it.
• Hydraulic overload: Manholes and inlets backed up. Water reversed into streets and compounds.
• Real-world effects: In Kinawataka and Bukoto, water rose inside homes, trapping residents. Rescue calls surged as roads like the Kampala-Jinja corridor and Queen’s Way flooded.

Construction disruptions in drainage systems

• Works near Nakivubo: Active works reduce capacity, even when planned. Temporary diversions, silt, and construction waste narrow flow. When peak water arrives, the channel cannot pass it quickly.
• Blocked inlets and silt: Debris, sand, and plastic clogged grates. Even a few blocked grates can flood a whole block during peak rain.
• Takeaway: Construction must keep clear bypass paths. When these are missing, neighborhoods flood upstream of the site.

Poor urban planning in flood-prone spots

• Building in low-lying zones: Homes and shops sit in natural floodways. Paving replaces soil that used to soak up rain.
• Narrowed wetlands: Wetlands that used to store water are smaller. Less storage means faster street flooding.
• Everyday impact: Residents in Kinawataka and Bukoto faced fast water, indoor flooding, power risks, and blocked access to clinics and schools.

Volunteer tips to spot similar risks in your area
Use this quick scan to guide community education and report hazards early.

• Check the slope: Water flows to the lowest point. If a road dips and has few drains, flag it.
• Inspect inlets before storms: If you see silt, trash, or sandbags blocking grates, note the location and report it.
• Look for construction pinch points: Active works near channels or bridges can choke flow. Ask if there is a safe bypass for stormwater.
• Watch for backflow signs: Manhole covers rattling, water bubbling from drains, or murky water reversing into yards.
• Track wetland edges: New fill or fencing near wetlands usually means less storage. Mark these spots for local authorities.
• Map repeat puddles: If a spot floods after short showers, it will be dangerous in a long storm.
• Educate with simple examples: A plastic bottle in a small drain can flood a driveway. Ten blocked grates can flood a neighborhood.

What this means for action

• Clear drains before rain: Organize quick cleanups of visible inlets, especially near markets, schools, and clinics.
• Report construction blockages: Share photos and locations with local engineers and KCCA contacts.
• Prioritize low-lying homes: Help families elevate valuables, move power strips, and plan safe exits.
• Document and share: Short videos and GPS pins help responders target the worst choke points.

With heavy rain, even a strong system can fail. When you add construction pinch points and homes in flood paths, floods arrive faster. Reducing small blockages and keeping bypass routes open can save lives while larger upgrades continue.

The Human and Property Toll from Kampala's October Floods

The Oct 7 floods took lives, uprooted families, and damaged homes and small businesses. The impact was personal and immediate, and it calls for fast, steady support from people on the ground. Earlier this year, similar storms in Kampala also turned deadly, showing how quickly hazards escalate when water rises inside homes and on busy roads. For context on recent flood fatalities in the city, see this reporting from the Daily Monitor on flood deaths in Kampala.

Affected Neighborhoods and Personal Stories

Kinawataka and Bukoto were among the hardest hit. Water rose fast, poured through doors, and trapped people before sunrise. Five people died, including two young children in Bukoto who drowned inside their home. Three bodies were recovered in the Kinawataka area. Reports also included motor accidents in floodwater and people swept away while trying to cross fast channels.

Families lost beds, fridges, schoolbooks, and IDs. In Kinawataka, ground-floor rentals filled up to waist height, and small shops along low streets took in muddy water that spoiled stock. In Bukoto, salon owners, food vendors, and garages faced days of cleanup and lost income. Even when walls stayed standing, wiring soaked, floors buckled, and doors swelled shut.

What did coping look like in the moment? Volunteers and neighbors shared patterns that can guide support:

• Neighbors carried children to higher floors and safe porches, then came back for the elderly.
• Boda riders ferried stranded people across deep spots and delivered dry clothes and diapers.
• Compound groups formed quick “bucket lines” to bail out rooms, then shifted to sweeping silt.
• Local faith centers opened rooms for short stays and phone charging so families could check on loved ones.

Here are anonymized snapshots to ground the need:

• “Auntie M.” in Bukoto lost two mattresses and all her kids’ uniforms. She slept on plastic chairs to keep watch for more water.
• “Mr. K.” in Kinawataka runs a kiosk. His shelves collapsed, and sugar, rice, and soap dissolved into sludge. He has to restock before he can reopen.
• “J.”, a boda rider, spent hours moving children and pregnant women to dry ground, then returned to search for missing belongings.

The emotional weight is heavy. Parents in Bukoto faced unbearable loss. Many caregivers now carry fear of the next rain, especially at night. Children are jumpy when thunder starts. Shop owners feel the pressure of daily cash flow with no buffer. This is where volunteers help most in the first 72 hours:

• Quiet presence and listening. Grief and shock need space, not judgment.
• Simple reassurance for children. A dry corner, a snack, and a calm adult reduce anxiety.
• Help to document loss. Photos of damage, item lists, and contacts for claims or aid.
• Clean-up starters. Bleach, gloves, mops, gumboots, and heavy-duty trash bags.
• Phone charging and transport stipends. Quick wins that restore control.

Property damage in both neighborhoods will take weeks to fix. Many families need to replace bedding, school supplies, and basic furniture before they can return to normal routines. Small businesses must clean, dry, and restock, or staff go unpaid. Community help speeds that recovery. A steady stream of practical support, paired with kind, nonintrusive emotional care, keeps people safe and moving forward while formal aid catches up.

How Authorities and Communities Responded to the Crisis

Photo by DIALO Photography

Kampala moved fast once the water rose. Police cleared stuck traffic, fire crews pulled people from flooded rooms, and KCCA teams opened blocked inlets. Public warnings urged parents to keep children out of drains and drivers off submerged roads. As official rescues wrapped, neighbors took over with quiet, steady help. If you plan to volunteer, plug into structured efforts first, then add targeted support where gaps remain.

Government Actions and Safety Warnings

Authorities issued clear guidance during the storm and in the hours after. Follow these, and amplify them in your networks.

• Avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rain. Turn back when water covers the road.
• Do not cross fast water on foot. Use bridges or wait for responders.
• Keep children indoors, away from channels and open manholes.
• Boda boda riders should avoid deep water, unknown potholes, and strong currents.
• Switch off power at the mains if water enters rooms.
• Respect police diversions, even if they add time.
• Call the fire brigade for trapped persons, not friends without gear.
• Report missing persons and damaged lines, then stay reachable for call backs.

These steps saved lives by reducing drownings, electrocutions, and night rescues in fast water. Early road closures kept more drivers from stalling in deep spots. Power shutoffs cut house fire risk. Keeping kids inside prevented falls into open drains.

Operations highlights you should know:

• Kampala Metropolitan Police managed traffic chokepoints and supported search efforts.
• Fire and rescue services evacuated people from ground floors and flooded kiosks.
• Bodies recovered were transferred to Mulago City Mortuary for identification and postmortem.
• Police reported an arrest linked to the Bukoto fatalities, with investigations ongoing.
• City leaders called for extra vigilance during rainy seasons, especially near channels and low crossings.

How volunteers can amplify official advice:

• Run quick, local campaigns at markets, taxi parks, and boda stages. Use simple phrases in Luganda and English.
• Share short safety posts and voice notes in WhatsApp groups. Keep messages under 30 seconds.
• Print A4 posters for common hazards, like open manholes and power risks during floods.
• Coordinate messages with KCCA to avoid mixed signals. Their operations guide outlines roles and contacts in emergencies. Review the KCCA Emergency Response Plan 2025 before mobilizing.

Tip for team leads: assign one person to monitor advisories and update your group every hour. Consistent info avoids chaos.

Community Support in the Aftermath

Community action started fast, often before the water had fully dropped. Neighbors led with practical help while officials handled rescues.

What you would have seen on the ground:

• Quick damage checks on the most flooded blocks, starting with homes that had children and elders.
• Door-to-door help moving wet bedding and electronics to higher spots.
• Small rescue teams using ropes and planks to reach trapped residents.
• Boda riders ferrying people and essentials across safe shallow routes.
• First aid, warm tea, and dry clothes set up at church halls and LC1 posts.
• Informal registries of missing items, IDs, and medical needs to pass to police and KCCA.

Smart ways for volunteers to plug in without adding risk:

1. Join an organized cell. Report to the LC1 chair or a KCCA liaison. Stay within assigned zones.
2. Prioritize safety briefings. Wear gumboots and gloves, and work in pairs. Avoid night entries and deep water.
3. Run short awareness drives on flood safety. Use simple visuals that show how to avoid drains, cut power, and plan exits.
4. Help with rapid assessments. Capture names, contacts, household size, and key losses. Hand clean lists to police or KCCA teams.
5. Support family recovery. Focus on cleaning kits, charging hubs, and transport for clinic visits.
6. Share credible updates only. Link to official notices or city plans when you post, such as the KCCA Emergency Response Plan 2025.

Keep the focus on coordination. When volunteers align with city command, aid moves faster, and responders can reach the highest-risk homes first.

Conclusion

The October 7 floods were swift and deadly, with lives lost and homes gutted, yet Kampala’s first responders and neighbors moved fast to save many more. The need now is clear, and focused help makes the biggest difference.

If you can give time or funds, start with Bukoto and Kinawataka. Join coordinated teams, check in with police or KCCA, and support door-to-door aid, from cleaning kits and bedding to school supplies and shop restocks. Help families repair rooms, elevate wiring and valuables, and share simple flood safety steps that keep kids and elders out of harm’s way.

Add your name to a roster, donate what you can, and bring a friend. When many people take small, steady actions, neighborhoods recover faster, and our city grows stronger for the next storm.

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Bitcoin set another all-time high as a broader risk rally around the US government shutdown buoyed the world’s largest cryptocurrency. The token climbed to as high as $125,689

Bitcoin set another all-time high as a broader risk rally around the US government shutdown buoyed the world’s largest cryptocurrency.

The token climbed to as high as $125,689 on Sunday in Asia, topping its previous record set on Aug. 14, supported by the uptick in US equities and renewed inflows into Bitcoin-linked exchange-traded funds. Investors have speculated that the shutdown, which kicked in on Wednesday, will drive investors to safe-haven assets in what market participants have begun to call the “debasement trade.”

“With many assets including equities, gold and even collectibles like Pokemon cards hitting all time highs, it’s no surprise Bitcoin is benefitting from the dollar debasement narrative,” said Joshua Lim, co-head of markets at crypto prime brokerage firm FalconX.

Adding to the bullish sentiment is Bitcoin’s historical outperformance in the month of October, which has earned the nickname “Uptober.” The token has gained in nine of the past 10 Octobers.

The largest digital-asset by market value reached the previous high of $124,514 on Aug. 14, and is now up more than 30% this year. 

• Bitcoin set another all-time high as a broader risk rally around the US government shutdown buoyed the world’s largest cryptocurrency.
• The token climbed to as high as $125,689 on Sunday in Asia, supported by the uptick in US equities and renewed inflows into Bitcoin-linked exchange-traded funds.
• Bitcoin has been steadily rising for most of the past year as a result of the friendly legislative climate in Washington and public companies stockpiling the original cryptocurrency.

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Elon Musk is now $500 Billion. Elon Musk current networthy, the first individual in history to reach an estimated net worth of $500 billion.

Elon Musk has once again reshaped the global wealth rankings, becoming the first individual in history to reach an estimated net worth of $500 billion. The surge is closely tied to Tesla’s strong stock performance in 2025, alongside growing momentum in electric vehicle sales and ambitious corporate targets. Yet, Musk’s financial empire remains as volatile as the markets that underpin it.

 Elon Musk has once again reshaped the global wealth rankings, becoming the first individual in history to reach an estimated net worth of $500 billion. The surge is closely tied to Tesla’s strong stock performance in 2025, alongside growing momentum in electric vehicle sales and ambitious corporate targets. Yet, Musk’s financial empire remains as volatile as the markets that underpin it. 

Tesla Stock Powers Record-Breaking Net Worth

Tesla’s stock has seen double-digit gains this year, adding billions to Musk’s fortune. The company delivered nearly 497,099 vehicles in Q3 2025, representing a 7% year-on-year growth. A rush of U.S. consumers eager to secure expiring EV tax credits helped push deliveries to record levels.

Musk controls about 12–13% of Tesla’s equity, meaning even small shifts in Tesla’s market value have an outsized effect on his personal wealth. With shares climbing more than 14% since January, his fortune has soared past competitors like Larry Ellison and Mark Zuckerberg, reclaiming the top spot in global wealth rankings.

 

Tesla’s board has proposed a $1 trillion compensation plan for Musk, structured around aggressive milestones. If approved, Musk could unlock up to 423 million shares over the next decade, but only if Tesla’s valuation climbs to $8.5 trillion—a figure that dwarfs its current market capitalization.

This plan has reignited debates among investors. Supporters argue that Musk’s vision and relentless drive justify such extraordinary rewards, while critics warn that tying his wealth so tightly to Tesla’s valuation makes the company even more vulnerable to external shocks.

Political Drama Sends Tesla Stock Into Tailspin

Earlier in 2025, Tesla shares tumbled as much as 14% in a single day after a high-profile clash between Musk and former President Donald Trump. The fallout wiped nearly $150 billion off Tesla’s market value and slashed tens of billions from Musk’s fortune.

Trump’s threats to pull federal contracts and subsidies from Tesla added fuel to investor panic. The incident showed just how fragile Musk’s wealth can be when political battles collide with financial markets. Although the stock later recovered, the event underlined how much of Musk’s net worth is tied to forces beyond Tesla’s factories and showrooms.

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P Diddy jailed, Puff Daddy, Hip-hop star Sean “Diddy” Combs has been sentenced to four years in prison

The sentence was handed down in New York after an eleventh hour plea for leniency from Combs’s defence attorney Nicole Westmoreland. “Mr Combs is not larger than life, he’s just a human being,” Westmoreland said. “He’s just a man and he’s made some mistakes. He has flaws like we all do. Your honour, he gets it, plain and simple.”An impression of Sean “Diddy” Combs in court during his trial in July.

Despite that, Judge Arun Subramanian said the court had to consider all of Combs’s history. “A history of good works can’t wash away the record in this case, which shows that you abused the power and control over the lives of women who you professed to love,” he said.

In sentencing Combs to 50 months in prison, Subramanian said he was inclined to give Combs a “meaningful” sentence, but that the 11-year sentence sought by the prosecution was “not reasonable”.

In July, Combs, 55, was found guilty on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution, related to his former girlfriend Cassie Ventura and a victim identified only as “Jane”. Two other charges, racketeering and sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion, were dismissed.

Each count of transportation carried a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison; had Combs received the maximum penalty to be served consecutively, he could have been jailed for up to 20 years.

Combs appeared in the Federal District Court in Manhattan for sentencing, supported by members of his family, including his mother, Janice Combs. When Combs entered the courtroom, he quietly waved to family members and hugged his attorneys.

Before sentencing, Combs addressed the court saying that he had lost the opportunity to raise his children, and take care of his mother. “Most of all, I lost my self-respect,” he said. “I hate myself right now. I’ve been stripped down to nothing.” Addressing his mother directly, Combs said: “You taught me better

“I want your honour to know that, given a chance, people can change,” Combs added. “I beg your honour for mercy. I’ve got nobody to blame but myself. I know that I will never put my hands on another person again. These are not excuses. I can’t change the past, but I can change the future. No matter what anyone says, I know I’m truly sorry for it all.”

Unusually, given America’s predilection for televised celebrity trials, Combs’s sentencing hearing was not broadcast, and no photography or video was permitted. Judge Subramanian placed a similar restriction on the trial, earlier this year.

Despite that, there was a lively exchange of final arguments over the fate of the disgraced rapper. Combs’s defence attorney Brian Steel made a passionate plea to Judge Subramanian to consider “the great trauma in Sean’s life,” referring to the death of Combs’s father, and “a ferocious drug addiction that got out of hand.”

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US under "armed conflict" with drug cartels - President Donald Trump declares.

President Donald Trump has declared that the United States is engaged in "armed conflict" with drug cartels, his administration said in a notice sent to Congress after recent strikes on boats off Venezuela.

The letter, a copy of which was obtained by AFP on Thursday, is designed as a legal justification for at least three recent strikes in international waters that have killed at least 14 people.

The Trump administration has deployed several military vessels to the Caribbean Sea to counter drug smugglers amid mounting tensions with Venezuela's leftist President Nicolas Maduro.

"The president determined these cartels are non-state armed groups, designated them as terrorist organizations, and determined that their actions constitute an armed attack against the United States," the notice from the Pentagon said.

The notice also describes suspected smugglers as "unlawful combatants."

The recent US strikes targeted boats allegedly loaded with drugs off the coast of Venezuela but legal experts have raised doubts about the legality of Washington's actions.

"As we have said many times, the president acted in line with the law of armed conflict to protect our country from those trying to bring deadly poison to our shores," White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly told AFP.

"He is delivering on his promise to take on the cartels and eliminate these national security threats from murdering more Americans." 

- 'Provocation' -

A White House official said the note was sent to Congress after one of the strikes on September 15, adding that it was legally mandated to do so after any attack involving the US military.

"It does not convey any new information," the official told AFP.

Tensions have mounted over the strikes and the US naval build-up.

Venezuela said Thursday it had detected "an illegal incursion" by five US fighter jets flying "75 kilometers from our shores." 

Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino denounced the alleged flights as a "provocation" and a "threat to our national security."

A government statement meanwhile accused the United States of flouting international law and jeopardizing civil aviation in the Caribbean Sea.

Trump last month dispatched 10 F-35 aircraft to Puerto Rico, a US territory in the Caribbean, as part of the biggest military deployment in the area in over three decades.

He also sent eight warships and a nuclear submarine to the region as part of a stated operation to combat drug trafficking across the Caribbean to the United States.

After two Venezuelan military planes buzzed an American naval vessel last month, Trump warned Caracas that its jets would be "shot down" if there was any repeat of the incident.

Maduro has accused Trump of a covert bid to bring about regime change. 

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DRC: Joseph Kabila’s death sentence sends shockwaves through Goma

The military court’s decision especially resonates in Goma. The city has been under the control of the AFC/M23 rebel alliance since January.  

Kabila had come to Goma just a few months ago to meet with the population. After the news of his death sentence, the concern of Goma residents is palpable. Many fear Kabila’s conviction will bring greater violence and divisions.

“His arrest could worsen the situation regarding the war. If he is really working with the M23, they will be angry when he is arrested,” motorcycle taxi driver Alewis Sambuka told Africanews.

Some, like Goma resident Amani Safari, also argue that Kabila’s conviction “won’t bring peace. [The parties] should sit down together to see how they can find a solution.” 

The former head of state was tried and sentenced to death on serious charges including treason, war crimes and participation in an insurrection movement.

The M23 immediately reacted to this sentence with a clear message. The rebel group strongly opposes the conviction.

“The death sentence handed down to president Joseph Kabila based on his alleged links with the AFC/M23 is not only a theatrical display of justice, but also a serious violation of the declaration of principles [signed by Kinshasa and Kigali in Qatar in July],” said Lumumba Kambere, the spokesperson of the M23 North Kivu governor.

Fuelling divisions

The shockwave caused by this conviction could worsen the already fragile political and security climate in eastern DRC. 

In a region ravaged by incessant armed violence, decisions seen as unfair or arbitrary can fuel divisions, according to independent analyst Hubert Masomeko.

 “I believe that the conviction of Joseph Kabila will have a negative effect on national unity,” he told Africanews.

“All stakeholders, including the international community, have called on the DRC to create conditions for internal dialogue in order to promote national unity in relation to what is happening in the DRC,” he added.

Kabila’s sentence also comes on the eve of a crucial diplomatic meeting between Kinshasa and Kigali which is supposed to relaunch vital operations against the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda.

But on the ground in eastern Congo, skepticism prevails. In a country already weakened by decades of violence, many fear that the Democratic Republic of Congo will sink even further into a spiral from which it is struggling to escape.

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