On Tuesday, May 20, 2025, Uganda’s parliament passed a controversial bill allowing military tribunals to try civilians, despite a January Supreme Court ruling banning such trials for lacking fairness and legal competence. The opposition, rights groups, and critics condemned the move as unconstitutional and a threat to democracy ahead of the 2026 elections. The law, in use for two decades, has been criticised by opposition leaders and Human Rights Watch for failing international judicial standards, using torture-extracted evidence, and targeting government critics. The military denies these claims. Opposition Slams New Law as Unconstitutional The new bill permits civilian trials in…
Author: Muindi
Muindi
Experience working on communication and marketing departments and in the broadcast industry. Interested in sustainable development and international relations issues.
Absa Bank Uganda has appointed David Wandera as its new managing director, following regulatory approval from the Bank of Uganda. The appointment, effective May 5, 2025, marks a historic milestone as David becomes the first Ugandan to hold this position in the bank’s over 90-year history in the country. David Wandera is a seasoned banker with over 20 years of extensive experience in business leadership, financial management, strategy, and stakeholder engagement. Before this appointment, he served as executive director at Absa Bank Uganda, where he was responsible for driving operational efficiencies and leading the bank’s Financial Markets division. David is…
Kenya’s high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) are recalibrating their property investment strategies, from lifestyle-driven purchases and offshore holdings to income-generating, domestic assets, in response to global economic uncertainty and local fiscal pressures. Strategic Shift: From Lifestyle to Liquidity The latest Knight Frank Wealth Report 2025 reveals a marked decline in foreign homeownership among Kenya’s wealthy. Only about 10% now hold property abroad, down from 14% in early 2023. HNWIs increasingly prioritise investments that offer liquidity and stable returns, such as real estate investment trusts (REITs), treasury bonds, and money market funds, over luxury or lifestyle properties. The share of wealth allocated to…
Remittance inflows to Kenya reached record highs in April 2025, underpinning current account stability and supporting the foreign exchange market. According to the Central Bank of Kenya, inflows in April 2025 totalled USD 422.9 million (KSh 63.4 billion), representing a 6.4% year-on-year increase from USD 397.3 million (KSh 59.6 billion) in April 2024. Cumulative remittance inflows for the 12 months to April 2025 rose by 12.1% to USD 4,997 million (KSh 749.6 billion), up from USD 4,457 million (KSh 668.6 billion) during the corresponding period in 2024. Year Month North America Europe Rest of World Total Remittances (USD ‘000) 2025 1 243,337.16 71,003.74 113,033.72 427,374.62 2025 2 215,577.36 70,853.91…
Real estate developer Superior Homes Kenya has signed an agreement with KCB Bank Kenya to bolster the mid-income and premium housing market segments. Under the agreement, KCB Bank will provide mortgage financing for Superior Homes Kenya’s mid-tier and premium housing projects, offering structured repayment plans, extended tenure options, and dedicated customer support to streamline the application and approval process. The partnership leverages the Kenya Mortgage Refinance Company (KMRC) facility, enabling up to 105% borrowing to cover mortgages and closing costs. “Whether you’re a first-time buyer, an investor, or living abroad, this partnership makes homeownership more accessible and financially sustainable while…
Radisson Hotel Group’s expansion in East Africa, particularly in Tanzania, marks a key milestone in its regional growth strategy. Over the past 15 months, the group has expanded into Tanzania, a vibrant East African market with growing tourism and business potential. This strategic entry enhances the group’s diverse portfolio, which now spans 100 hotels across more than 30 African countries. The move aligns with Radisson’s broader goal of geographical diversification while capitalising on East Africa’s economic and tourism growth. “Tanzania represents a pivotal step in our East African expansion,” said Ramsay Rankoussi, Vice President, Development, Africa and Türkiye, Radisson Hotel…