In a landmark agreement, France and Rwanda have committed to a €400 million development partnership set to advance until 2028. Signed in Kigali by French Foreign Affairs Minister Stephane Sejourné and his Rwandan counterpart, Dr. Vincent Biruta, this alliance earmarks substantial investments for the health and environmental sectors alongside youth training initiatives. The collaboration, hailed as a significant step in the strengthening ties between the two nations, also encompasses an air services agreement, enhancing connectivity with RwandAir's tri-weekly flights to Paris. This move is seen as an extension of the flourishing relationship, underscored by France's ongoing support through the French Development Agency (AFD), particularly in nurturing small and medium-sized enterprises within the realms of renewable energy and digital transformation. Read also: France Seeks new equitable and balanced Partnerships with African Nations This partnership not only underscores the mutual commitment to bolstering Rwanda's developmental strides but also reaffirms France's support in judicial processes related to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, ensuring justice for survivors. With a historical backdrop of France mobilizing €500 million between 2021 and 2023 for Rwanda's developmental endeavors, this new pact promises to further solidify the foundation for sustainable and inclusive economic growth within the region . Continue Reading Full Article By Author Name Author Name Home Comment Apr 8, 2024 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: France's top diplomate Stéphane Séjourné exchanges documents with Rwandan counterpart Dr Vincent Biruta in kigali In a landmark agreement, France and Rwanda have committed to a €400 million development partnership set to advance until 2028. Signed in Kigali by French Foreign Affairs Minister Stephane Sejourné and his Rwandan counterpart, Dr. Vincent Biruta, this alliance earmarks substantial investments for the health and environmental sectors alongside youth training initiatives. The collaboration, hailed as a significant step in the strengthening ties between the two nations, also encompasses an air services agreement, enhancing connectivity with RwandAir's tri-weekly flights to Paris. This move is seen as an extension of the flourishing relationship, underscored by France's ongoing support through the French Development Agency (AFD), particularly in nurturing small and medium-sized enterprises within the realms of renewable energy and digital transformation. ADVERTISEMENT Read also: France Seeks new equitable and balanced Partnerships with African Nations ADVERTISEMENT This partnership not only underscores the mutual commitment to bolstering Rwanda's developmental strides but also reaffirms France's support in judicial processes related to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, ensuring justice for survivors. With a historical backdrop of France mobilizing €500 million between 2021 and 2023 for Rwanda's developmental endeavors, this new pact promises to further solidify the foundation for sustainable and inclusive economic growth within the region . Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Policy and Reforms Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Government Announcements Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Job & Opportunity South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances . Elections Monitoring Popular Today ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Tags

Researchers are tracking a deadly split among Kibale’s Ngogo chimpanzees. Researchers are focusing fresh attention on Kibale Forest National Park after an NTV Uganda report highlighted deadly violence within the Ngogo chimpanzee community, one of the largest known wild chimpanzee groups. The conflict has drawn international scientific interest because researchers say the once-cohesive group split into Western and Central factions before years of lethal attacks followed. The University of Texas at Austin said the case is the first clearly documented permanent fission in wild chimpanzees, based on nearly three decades of field observations. Reuters reported that the violence began after the split, with coordinated attacks targeting adult males and infants. Researchers documented 24 deaths through 2024, with the toll later rising to 28. Scientists are treating the Ngogo case cautiously. Lead researcher Aaron Sandel warned against loosely calling it a “civil war,” while noting that the violence shows how former group members can become rivals after social bonds break down. The events have also increased attention on Kibale as a major site for primate research, conservation monitoring and wildlife tourism. Researchers are expected to continue tracking the rival groups to understand how the conflict affects chimpanzee behavior, territory and long-term population stability. Continue Reading Full Article MEDICAL RESEARCH Kibale Chimpanzee civil war Puts Uganda at Center of Global Research By Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Political Analyst Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Home Comment May 11, 2026 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Researchers are focusing fresh attention on Kibale Forest National Park after an NTV Uganda report highlighted deadly violence within the Ngogo chimpanzee community, one of the largest known wild chimpanzee groups. The conflict has drawn international scientific interest because researchers say the once-cohesive group split into Western and Central factions before years of lethal attacks followed. The University of Texas at Austin said the case is the first clearly documented permanent fission in wild chimpanzees, based on nearly three decades of field observations. ADVERTISEMENT Reuters reported that the violence began after the split, with coordinated attacks targeting adult males and infants. Researchers documented 24 deaths through 2024, with the toll later rising to 28. Scientists are treating the Ngogo case cautiously. Lead researcher Aaron Sandel warned against loosely calling it a “civil war,” while noting that the violence shows how former group members can become rivals after social bonds break down. ADVERTISEMENT The events have also increased attention on Kibale as a major site for primate research, conservation monitoring and wildlife tourism. Researchers are expected to continue tracking the rival groups to understand how the conflict affects chimpanzee behavior, territory and long-term population stability. Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Policy and Reforms Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Government Announcements Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Job & Opportunity South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances . Elections Monitoring Popular Today Health News Uganda HIV Self-Test Assembly: Prices, Jobs and Exports . Banking and Finance Absa Dubai Office: Services, Eligibility and Contacts . Business & Investment 5 Best Citizenship by Investment Programs for Africans . Scholarships 120 EAC Master’s Scholarships Open to EAC Students — How to Apply . Scholarships UCT Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2027 Opens to Africans . ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Health News Uganda HIV Self-Test Assembly: Prices, Jobs and Exports Mukono factory assembles OraQuick kits, but the UGX 7,000 price remains a target . Banking and Finance Absa Dubai Office: Services, Eligibility and Contacts What African businesses and Gulf investors need to know about Absa’s new DIFC office. . Business & Investment 5 Best Citizenship by Investment Programs for Africans Compare five Caribbean second-passport programs, their investment costs, family benefits.... . Scholarships 120 EAC Master’s Scholarships Open to EAC Students — How to Apply Up to 120 EAC Master’s scholarships are open to nationals of eight East African countries, . Tags Africa Africa Uganda Uganda Xtrafrica News Xtrafrica News African Union African Union

Read Juma Jux’s biography, including his age, wife, son, albums, hit songs, AFRIMA win and rise as a leading Tanzanian R&B singer. Juma Jux , born Juma Mussa Mkambala, is a Tanzanian singer, songwriter and entrepreneur whose smooth Swahili love songs helped give R&B a durable place inside Bongo Flava. He began as a teenage rapper before discovering that melody suited him better, then built a catalogue around romance, emotional openness and polished East African pop. He also uses his official X account to share music and career updates. Albums such as The Love Album and King of Hearts , collaborations with Diamond Platnumz, and his 2026 AFRIMA victory have expanded his audience from Tanzania to the rest of Africa. Who is Juma Jux? Juma Jux is a Tanzanian R&B and Bongo Flava singer known for romantic Swahili songs, albums including The Love Album and King of Hearts , and collaborations across East and West Africa. In 2026, AFRIMA named him Best Male Artiste in Eastern Africa. Early Life and Creative Roots Jux was born Juma Mussa Mkambala on September 1, 1989. Apple Music lists his birth date , while his official YouTube biography confirms his full name and Tanzanian identity. He is 36 years old as of July 22, 2026, and will turn 37 on September 1, 2026. Reliable profiles place his upbringing in Dar es Salaam, the city that became the centre of both his music and business career. He started making music in 2005, at about 16, initially as a rapper. Music In Africa’s early profile records that he joined Cyril Kamikaze and Giga Flow in the group Wakacha in 2008. His decisive change came after A.M Records and producer Manecky encouraged him to develop his natural singing voice. Jux later explained that transition during a YFM Ghana interview . His explanation was simple: “I was a better singer than a rapper.” That choice shaped his career. Jux concentrated on R&B melodies and Swahili storytelling. “Nimedata” and Wakacha songs including “Facebook Gal” and “Mimi Na Wewe” helped him build a style around feeling rather than bravado. Public information about Jux’s parents remains limited. He has discussed family support, but strong original sources do not consistently establish their names. His education is better documented: in 2025, he described himself as a multilingual Computer Science graduate. He later expanded the African Boy identity beyond performance into business. Continue Reading Full Article AFRICAN CULTURE Juma Jux Biography: Age, Wife, Songs and East African R&B Rise By Neema Asha Mwakalinga Travel & Culture Expert Neema Asha Mwakalinga Home Comment Jul 22, 2026 Jul 22, 2026 14 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Juma Jux , born Juma Mussa Mkambala, is a Tanzanian singer, songwriter and entrepreneur whose smooth Swahili love songs helped give R&B a durable place inside Bongo Flava. He began as a teenage rapper before discovering that melody suited him better, then built a catalogue around romance, emotional openness and polished East African pop. He also uses his official X account to share music and career updates. Albums such as The Love Album and King of Hearts , collaborations with Diamond Platnumz, and his 2026 AFRIMA victory have expanded his audience from Tanzania to the rest of Africa. Who is Juma Jux? Juma Jux is a Tanzanian R&B and Bongo Flava singer known for romantic Swahili songs, albums including The Love Album and King of Hearts , and collaborations across East and West Africa. In 2026, AFRIMA named him Best Male Artiste in Eastern Africa. Early Life and Creative Roots Jux was born Juma Mussa Mkambala on September 1, 1989. Apple Music lists his birth date , while his official YouTube biography confirms his full name and Tanzanian identity. He is 36 years old as of July 22, 2026, and will turn 37 on September 1, 2026. Reliable profiles place his upbringing in Dar es Salaam, the city that became the centre of both his music and business career. He started making music in 2005, at about 16, initially as a rapper. Music In Africa’s early profile records that he joined Cyril Kamikaze and Giga Flow in the group Wakacha in 2008. His decisive change came after A.M Records and producer Manecky encouraged him to develop his natural singing voice. Jux later explained that transition during a YFM Ghana interview . His explanation was simple: “I was a better singer than a rapper.” That choice shaped his career. Jux concentrated on R&B melodies and Swahili storytelling. “Nimedata” and Wakacha songs including “Facebook Gal” and “Mimi Na Wewe” helped him build a style around feeling rather than bravado. Public information about Jux’s parents remains limited. He has discussed family support, but strong original sources do not consistently establish their names. His education is better documented: in 2025, he described himself as a multilingual Computer Science graduate. He later expanded the African Boy identity beyond performance into business. Breakthrough and Rise to Fame Jux’s breakthrough was gradual. Singles including “Napata Raha,” “Sipati Karaha,” “Uzuri Wako” and “Nitasubiri” established him as a romantic voice in Tanzania. His restrained delivery joined longing and uncertainty to the rhythmic character of Bongo Flava. Collaborations increased his regional reach. “Sugua” with Diamond Platnumz, “Regina” with Kenya’s Otile Brown and work with Vanessa Mdee connected him to audiences across East Africa. His first studio album, The Love Album , arrived in 2019 with appearances by Diamond Platnumz, Nyashinski, G Nako and Joh Makini. The 2022 follow-up, King of Hearts , confirmed love music as more than a promotional nickname. The 16-track album featured Bien, Mbosso, Zuchu, Marioo, Gyakie, Patoranking, Konshens and other guests. NotJustOk’s release coverage described it as a long-awaited second studio effort. Its guest list also showed Jux’s strategy: retain a clear Tanzanian centre while making the sound travel through carefully chosen continental partnerships. ADVERTISEMENT “Enjoy,” his 2023 collaboration with Diamond Platnumz, introduced a more dance-oriented side. He later told The Citizen that songs such as “Nice Kiss,” “Shugga Daddy,” “Pipi,” “Enjoy” and “Ololufe Mi” reflected a move toward more energetic production. Readers can also explore XTRAfrica’s page on the later Diamond collaboration “JOY” featuring Jux . Achievements and Artistic Innovation Jux has kept R&B recognisable while allowing it to live inside Bongo Flava, Afropop, Afrobeats and Amapiano-influenced production. Clean melody, conversational Swahili and emotional accessibility make romantic music his signature without forcing every song into the same tempo. His 2025 EP A Day to Remember showed that flexibility. The seven-track project included “Si Mimi,” “My Shayla,” “God Design” featuring Phyno and “Ex Wa Nani” featuring D Voice. Audiomack identifies it as a 2025 African Boy Records release . It is an EP, not his latest studio album; that distinction leaves King of Hearts as the correct entry in the Artist Profile box. Major verified achievements include: Winning Best R&B Song at the Kili Music Awards for his work in Tanzanian R&B. Releasing two studio albums: The Love Album (2019) and King of Hearts (2022). Extending his catalogue through collaborations with Diamond Platnumz, Bien, Zuchu, Gyakie, Patoranking, Phyno and other African artists. Winning Best Male Artiste in Eastern Africa at the 2026 All Africa Music Awards . Reaching listeners in West Africa through “Ololufe Mi,” A Day to Remember and Nigerian collaborations. Continuing his 2026 run with “Kipepeo” featuring Mbosso, released on July 1 and covered by XTRAfrica . The AFRIMA award became an important confirmation that Jux’s patient, cross-border strategy was working. Speaking after the ceremony, he told Vanguard : “Winning AFRIMA changed a lot for me.” Heritage, Identity and Vision Jux’s artistic identity is firmly Tanzanian. Swahili remains central to his writing even when he collaborates with English-, Pidgin- or French-speaking artists. Rather than treating Bongo Flava as a sound that must be hidden to enter wider African markets, he presents it as part of the continent’s shared pop vocabulary. In a Punch interview about his global ambitions , Jux argued that East African artists should bring Swahili and Bongo Flava into the broader Afrobeats movement. This vision can be heard in collaborations that link Dar es Salaam with Nairobi, Accra and Lagos. XTRAfrica’s report on his “Halima” collaboration with Ekunrawo is one example of that bridge between Tanzanian R&B and Nigerian Afro-fusion. His cultural vision also appears in fashion. Jux founded African Boy, a clothing brand built around African identity and locally rooted style. In 2025, The Citizen reported the launch of an African Boy clothing factory in Dar es Salaam. The move expanded the brand from retail and outsourced production toward local manufacturing, turning a stage persona into a more substantial creative business. Personal Life and Confidence Journey Jux married Nigerian influencer and entrepreneur Priscilla Ajoke Ojo in 2025. Their celebrations included an Islamic wedding in Tanzania and ceremonies in Nigeria, reflecting both Tanzanian and Yoruba family traditions. The Citizen confirmed their February 2025 Islamic marriage , while later ceremonies made the relationship one of the year’s most visible East–West African entertainment stories. ADVERTISEMENT The couple welcomed their son, Rakeem Ayomide Mkambala, on August 24, 2025. Punch reported the birth after the family shared the news publicly. The marriage joined Jux’s Tanzanian profile to a visible Nigerian entertainment family. Jux’s confidence journey is clearest in his long move from teenage rapper to singer, label executive and entrepreneur. He did not abandon his early experimentation; he used it to identify the voice that felt most natural. He now measures success less by hype than by the emotional response of listeners. In the Punch interview, he explained: “For me, success is when I see people feeling good because of my music.” Key Events in Juma Jux’s Journey Year Event Significance 2005 Began making music as a teenage rapper Marked the start of a career that later shifted decisively toward singing. 2008 Joined Wakacha and recorded “Nimedata” Gave Jux group experience and helped establish R&B as his strongest direction. 2015 Won Best R&B Song at the Kili Music Awards Provided major national recognition for his place in Tanzanian R&B. 2019 Released The Love Album Turned years of romantic singles and collaborations into his first studio album. 2022 Released King of Hearts Strengthened his continental network through a 16-track, collaboration-rich second album. 2023 Released “Enjoy” with Diamond Platnumz Expanded his dance-oriented sound and reached a larger digital audience. 2025 Released A Day to Remember and married Priscilla Ojo Joined a new creative phase with a highly visible cross-cultural personal chapter. 2026 Won AFRIMA Best Male Artiste in Eastern Africa Confirmed his growing status beyond Tanzania after two decades in music. Legacy and Impact Jux helped prove that a Tanzanian male singer could build a long career around emotionally direct R&B without leaving Swahili or Bongo Flava behind. He has kept romantic R&B visible within Tanzania’s fast-changing popular music market. He has used Swahili as an export language rather than treating it as a limitation. His collaborations connect East African Bongo Flava with Afrobeats, Afro-R&B and Caribbean sounds. African Boy links music, fashion and local manufacturing under one Tanzanian creative brand. His 2026 AFRIMA win gives younger East African R&B singers a stronger continental reference point. XTRAfrica’s Diamond Platnumz biography offers another view of Tanzania’s international music growth. Jux has a different temperament, but both careers show the value of Swahili identity and African collaboration. Looking Ahead Jux entered the second half of 2026 with renewed momentum. “Kipepeo,” featuring Mbosso, extended his romantic catalogue, while his AFRIMA win and recent collaborations strengthened his position outside Tanzania. His Spotify profile showed 458.2K monthly listeners in July 2026, a figure that will naturally change as new releases move through playlists and audiences. His next phase may combine music with African Boy’s growth, grounded in recent releases, factory investment and his mission to push East African sound globally. XTRAfrica’s feature on “Thank You” captures the warm style that remains his centre as production trends change. Juma Jux FAQs What is Juma Jux’s real name? Juma Jux’s real name is Juma Mussa Mkambala. He performs under the shorter stage name Jux and is also associated with the “African Boy” identity used by his fashion brand and record company. How old is Juma Jux? Juma Jux is 36 years old as of July 22, 2026. He was born on September 1, 1989, and will turn 37 on September 1, 2026. Where is Juma Jux from? Juma Jux is Tanzanian and grew up in Dar es Salaam. The city is central to his recording career, fashion business and African Boy manufacturing plans. Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Policy and Reforms Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Government Announcements Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Job & Opportunity South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances . Elections Monitoring Popular Today Government Announcements Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Elections Monitoring South Africa Election 2026: ANC Leads, MK Wins KZN Councils . Technology and Innovation Tanzania Appliance Standards: Dates, Labels and Buyer Guide . Transport and Logistics Tanzania’s Kaliua–Mpanda Rail Upgrade: Progress and Delivery . Transport and Airlines Tanzania Water Access: Same–Mwanga–Korogwe Explained . ADVERTISEMENT When did Juma Jux start music? He began making music in 2005, when he was about 16. He started with rap, joined Wakacha in 2008 and then moved toward R&B after discovering that singing felt more natural. What are Juma Jux’s biggest songs? His best-known songs and collaborations include “Sugua,” “Nitasubiri,” “Regina,” “Enjoy,” “Ololufe Mi,” “God Design,” “Thank You,” “JOY” and “Kipepeo.” Popularity varies by country and platform, so no single song permanently defines his catalogue. What is Juma Jux’s latest album? His latest verified studio album is King of Hearts , released in 2022. A Day to Remember , released in 2025, is an EP rather than a full studio album. Who is Juma Jux’s wife? Juma Jux’s wife is Nigerian influencer and entrepreneur Priscilla Ajoke Ojo. They married in 2025 through ceremonies held in Tanzania and Nigeria. Does Juma Jux have a child? Yes. Jux and Priscilla Ojo welcomed a son, Rakeem Ayomide Mkambala, on August 24, 2025. Which awards has Juma Jux won? His verified honours include Best R&B Song at the Kili Music Awards and Best Male Artiste in Eastern Africa at the 2026 All Africa Music Awards. What genre of music does Juma Jux make? Jux mainly makes R&B, Bongo Flava and Afropop. Some newer releases also draw from Afrobeats and Amapiano, but romantic Swahili songwriting remains his artistic centre. How tall is Juma Jux? Juma Jux’s height is not publicly verified by a strong direct or institutional source. Celebrity-height websites offer conflicting estimates, so no figure is presented as fact. What is Juma Jux’s net worth? Juma Jux’s net worth is not publicly verified. Online estimates are not supported by audited accounts, filings or credible financial reporting, so they should not be treated as facts. ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Government Announcements Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next Signed environmental grants put local delivery, community ownership and accountability in focus. . Elections Monitoring South Africa Election 2026: ANC Leads, MK Wins KZN Councils Early results show MK Party victories in KwaZulu-Natal and a Service Delivery Party breakthrough. . Technology and Innovation Tanzania Appliance Standards: Dates, Labels and Buyer Guide Reported November and December enforcement dates put appliance efficiency and compliance in focus. . Transport and Logistics Tanzania’s Kaliua–Mpanda Rail Upgrade: Progress and Delivery Local sleeper production supports the 210km rehabilitation, but service gains still need measuring. . Tags Tanzania Tanzania Juma Jux Juma Jux African Culture African Culture

Learn how to claim UIF unemployment benefits online, who qualifies, the 12-month deadline, required documents and how to fix missing employer records. Recently unemployed workers can submit a claim for Unemployment Insurance Fund benefits through the official UIF Online platform. The new application system asks claimants for personal and contact details, banking information, employment records, work-seeker registration information and documents supplied by the employer, including the UI-19 form and salary schedule . New employee benefit claims are no longer processed through the old uFiling claims facility. Official application portal: https://uifonline.labour.gov.za/uifOnline/ Quick Answer Benefit: UIF unemployment benefits Application method: Online through UIF Online Claim deadline: Within 12 months after termination of employment Main employer documents: UI-19 and salary schedule Work-seeker registration: Required Continue Reading Full Article SOCIAL SERVICE UIF Unemployment Benefits: How to Claim Online By Wilson Munezero Government Services & Opportunities Expert Wilson Munezero Home Comment Aug 5, 2026 Aug 5, 2026 26 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Recently unemployed workers can submit a claim for Unemployment Insurance Fund benefits through the official UIF Online platform. The new application system asks claimants for personal and contact details, banking information, employment records, work-seeker registration information and documents supplied by the employer, including the UI-19 form and salary schedule . New employee benefit claims are no longer processed through the old uFiling claims facility. Official application portal: https://uifonline.labour.gov.za/uifOnline/ Quick Answer Benefit: UIF unemployment benefits Application method: Online through UIF Online Claim deadline: Within 12 months after termination of employment Main employer documents: UI-19 and salary schedule Work-seeker registration: Required Application fee: None UIF call centre: 08000 30007 Call-centre hours: 07:30–16:00, Monday to Friday Old claims platform: New employee claims are no longer processed through uFiling Employer declarations and contributions: Continue through uFiling during the migration period Who May Qualify? UIF unemployment benefits provide short-term financial support to qualifying workers who contributed to the fund and then lost employment. A person may qualify when: The employer terminated the employment A fixed-term contract expired The business closed or retrenched the worker The worker lost income because working time was reduced The worker accepted a qualifying voluntary severance package or early-retirement arrangement and supplies the additional form required by UIF Constructive dismissal was proven through the appropriate legal process The applicant must also: Have UIF contribution credits available Register as a work seeker Be capable of and available for work Submit the application within the required period Provide truthful employment and banking information Inform UIF if employment resumes Approval is not automatic. UIF must verify the applicant’s employment history, contribution record and reason for termination. Who Normally Does Not Qualify? The official UIF guidance says unemployment benefits are normally not payable when a worker: Resigned voluntarily Absconded from work Was suspended from receiving benefits because of fraud Continued working while improperly collecting unemployment benefits Does not have qualifying contribution credits Applies outside the permitted period without an accepted legal basis A resignation may be considered only when constructive dismissal has been proven. The UIF Online form asks whether the termination involved constructive dismissal and requests a CCMA code where applicable. Claim Deadline Submit the unemployment-benefit application within 12 months after termination of employment. Workers should apply as soon as possible rather than waiting until the final months. Delays can make it harder to obtain: Employer declarations Salary records Termination information Work-seeker registration evidence Correct bank verification Assistance when the employer has closed The official guidance says benefits are payable from the date after termination, subject to eligibility, contribution credits and UIF processing. Documents to Prepare The current UIF Online unemployment application asks whether the applicant is submitting the UI-19 and salary schedule . Applicants should prepare the relevant information and supporting documents before starting. Main Documents South African identity document, passport or accepted foreign-national identity document UI-19 employer declaration Salary schedule Banking information Proof of work-seeker registration Employment termination information Active cellphone number Active email address Residential and postal address Qualification and occupation information CCMA information when claiming constructive dismissal Voluntary severance or early-retirement documentation where applicable Additional Documents That May Be Required Depending on the claim, UIF may request: UI-2.1 unemployment-benefit application form UI-2.8 banking-details form UI-6A continuation-of-unemployment-status form UI-2.11 form for voluntary severance or early retirement Termination letter Retrenchment letter Fixed-term contract Payslips Service certificate Proof that the employer has closed Additional declarations correcting missing employment records Upload only genuine, complete and readable documents. What Is the UI-19 Form? The UI-19 is an employer declaration used to record employee information with the UIF. It can include: Employer details Employee identity information Employment start date Employment termination date Reason for termination Remuneration details Hours worked UIF contribution information Employers are responsible for submitting accurate employee declarations to UIF. The official UI-19 form states that an employer must inform the UIF about employee details, including appointments, remuneration changes and termination of service. Official UI-19 form: https://www.labour.gov.za/DocumentCenter/Forms/Unemployment%20Insurance%20Fund/UI-19%20-%20Gazetted%204%20November%202019.pdf What Is the Salary Schedule? The salary schedule records the worker’s remuneration and UIF contribution information over the relevant employment period. It may include: Salary periods Payment frequency Salary amount Hours worked Employee UIF deductions Employer UIF contributions Employer signature Company stamp Dates of salary changes The current UIF Online system allows the applicant to upload the salary schedule with the UI-19. ADVERTISEMENT Official salary schedule: https://www.labour.gov.za/DocumentCenter/Forms/Unemployment%20Insurance%20Fund/Salary%20Schedule%203.pdf Employer Responsibilities The employer should: Register employees for UIF Deduct and pay the required contributions Submit monthly employee declarations Record the correct employment dates Declare the correct salary information Submit the correct termination reason Provide the UI-19 and salary schedule Correct inaccurate or missing declarations Respond to requests from UIF A claimant’s application can be delayed when the employer’s declarations are missing or inconsistent. How to Register for UIF Online Step 1: Open the Registration Page Go to: https://uifonline.labour.gov.za/uifOnline/registration Step 2: Select Individual Registration The registration page asks the applicant for: Identity number First names Surname Cellphone number Email address Step 3: Complete Verification Follow the official instructions to verify the account and create login credentials. Use an email address and cellphone number controlled by the applicant. Step 4: Save the Login Details Keep the username and password secure. Do not allow an unofficial person to control the account. How to Claim UIF Unemployment Benefits Online Step 1: Open UIF Online Go to: https://uifonline.labour.gov.za/uifOnline/ Check that the website ends in labour.gov.za . Step 2: Register or Log In New users must create an individual profile. Returning users can use the login page: https://uifonline.labour.gov.za/uifOnline/loginJsp Step 3: Select Unemployment Benefit Open the unemployment-benefit application. The system will guide the applicant through several sections. Step 4: Enter Personal and Contact Details Provide: First name and surname Identity number Cellphone number Email address Residential address Postal address Region Relevant labour centre Check every detail before continuing. Step 5: Enter Banking Details The application requests: Account-holder name Bank name Branch code Branch name Account type Account number The current portal states that banking details cannot be changed directly on the system after submission. Applicants needing a banking change must visit a labour centre and submit a completed UI-2.8 form . Use an account belonging to the claimant. Step 6: Upload the UI-19 and Salary Schedule The portal asks whether these documents are being submitted with the application. Upload clear copies of: UI-19 Salary schedule The portal also provides options to download the forms or capture images using a device camera. Step 7: Enter Occupation and Qualification Information Select the occupation and qualification information requested by the system. ADVERTISEMENT Step 8: Complete Work-Seeker Information The portal asks: Whether the claimant is registered as a work seeker The relevant region The labour centre Whether the claimant is capable and available for work Whether the claimant has returned to work The date work resumed, if applicable Whether constructive dismissal applies The CCMA code, where applicable Answer truthfully. Step 9: Accept the Declaration The claimant must agree to inform UIF when employment resumes. Receiving unemployment benefits while working and failing to disclose the employment can constitute fraud. Step 10: Submit and Save the Reference Number Review the entire application and submit it. Save: Claim reference number Submission date Screenshots Uploaded documents Employer information Status messages How to Register as a Work Seeker The official UIF guidance requires an unemployment claimant to register as a work seeker with the Department of Employment and Labour. Applicants may be asked to identify the labour centre connected to their registration. Work-seeker services are available through the Department’s employment-services system and labour centres. Department online services: https://www.labour.gov.za/online-tools Applicants should complete the work-seeker registration honestly and keep any confirmation or reference information. How to Check Claim Progress Log back into UIF Online using the same account. Look for: Application submitted Verification underway Documents outstanding Employer declaration missing Application approved Application rejected Payment processing Continuation form required Additional information requested Keep screenshots of status updates. When contacting UIF, have ready: Identity number Claim reference Date of termination Employer name Benefit type Date of application Copies of the UI-19 and salary schedule Screenshots of errors How Long Does Processing Take? An official UIF rights guide states that the target turnaround time to approve or reject a normal unemployment claim is 15 working days . It also states that payment is made 30 days from the date of termination of service, subject to the claim being successful and all requirements being met. These are official target periods, not a guarantee for every case. Processing may take longer when: The employer did not submit declarations Employment dates do not match Salary information is missing Banking details cannot be verified Documents are unclear The claim is under investigation The claimant has multiple employers UIF needs additional information What to Do If the UI-19 Is Missing Ask the Employer Request that the employer: Complete the UI-19 Provide the salary schedule Confirm the termination date Use the correct termination reason Submit missing declarations through uFiling Correct inaccurate employee information Keep Written Proof Save emails, messages and letters showing that the documents were requested. Contact UIF Explain that the employer has not provided or submitted the required information. Visit a Labour Centre Take: Identity document Employment contract Payslips Termination or retrenchment letter Employer contact details Proof that the employer was asked for the documents Any available UIF reference information The UIF will determine what additional evidence is acceptable. What If the Employer Has Closed? Applicants should still contact UIF or visit a labour centre. Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Policy and Reforms Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Government Announcements Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Job & Opportunity South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances . Elections Monitoring Popular Today SASSA Payment Dates SASSA Change Banking Details Link: Official Guide . Tax and Revenue How to Check if You Must Submit a SARS Tax Return . Tax and Revenue How to Book a SARS Appointment Online . Social Service How to Check UIF Claim Status Online . Local Government How to Replace a Lost South African ID . ADVERTISEMENT Prepare any available evidence of employment, including: Payslips Bank statements showing salary deposits Employment contract Tax certificates Termination correspondence Company details Former manager or owner contact information Proof that the business closed Previous UIF contribution records Do not invent an employer declaration or alter a UI-19. Why Employer Data May Not Appear Possible reasons include: The employer never registered the worker Monthly declarations were not submitted The identity number was captured incorrectly The employment start or end date is missing The employer used the wrong UIF reference Contributions were paid without correct employee records The employer recently submitted information that has not yet reflected Records need manual correction The employer should check its declaration history through uFiling. Employer uFiling portal: https://ufiling.labour.gov.za/ What If Banking Details Are Wrong? The current UIF Online unemployment application states that banking details cannot be updated directly on the system after submission. The applicant must visit the nearest labour centre and submit a completed UI-2.8 banking-details form . Do not send new bank details to an unofficial email address or WhatsApp number. Continuation of Payments UIF may require the claimant to submit a continuation-of-unemployment-status form for later payments. The official guidance identifies the UI-6A form as the periodic continuation form. The claimant must continue to: Be unemployed Be capable of and available for work Report any return to employment Follow the date or instruction issued by UIF Submit required continuation information Benefits can stop when the claimant returns to work or no longer meets the conditions. How Much Will UIF Pay? The amount depends on: Previous remuneration Available contribution credits The benefit calculation under the Unemployment Insurance Act The period of unemployment Other income relevant to the claim The official vacancy does not publish one flat amount for every claimant. The official guidance states that, subject to credits, unemployment benefits can be paid for a maximum of 365 days . Do not rely on a third-party calculator as a guaranteed payment amount. What If the Claim Is Rejected? Read the reason shown by UIF. Possible issues include: Resignation Absconding No qualifying contributions Late application Employer information mismatch Missing documents Unverified banking details Incorrect termination reason Claimant returned to work Fraud concern The Department publishes an official notice-of-appeal form, UI-12. Official UIF forms page: https://www.labour.gov.za/DocumentCenter/Pages/Forms.aspx Follow the appeal or review instructions provided with the decision. Application Fee and Scam Warning Applying through UIF Online is free. XTRAfrica verification warning: Never pay anyone to submit, approve or accelerate a UIF claim. Use only UIF Online, uFiling for employer services and official labour centres. Do not share: UIF password One-time PIN Banking password Card PIN Full login details Identity documents with unknown agents No person can guarantee approval or payment in exchange for money. Official Contacts UIF call centre: 08000 30007 Call-centre hours: 07:30–16:00, Monday to Friday UIF Online: https://uifonline.labour.gov.za/uifOnline/ Registration: https://uifonline.labour.gov.za/uifOnline/registration Login: https://uifonline.labour.gov.za/uifOnline/loginJsp Employer uFiling: https://ufiling.labour.gov.za/ Official forms: https://www.labour.gov.za/DocumentCenter/Pages/Forms.aspx Department online tools: https://www.labour.gov.za/online-tools Official Sources UIF Online portal: https://uifonline.labour.gov.za/uifOnline/ Online unemployment application: https://uifonline.labour.gov.za/uifOnline/uBenefits UIF rights and obligations guide: https://www.labour.gov.za/DocumentCenter/Publications/Unemployment%20Insurance%20Fund/KNOW%20YOUR%20UIF%20RIGHTS%202022.pdf UI-19 form: https://www.labour.gov.za/DocumentCenter/Forms/Unemployment%20Insurance%20Fund/UI-19%20-%20Gazetted%204%20November%202019.pdf Salary schedule: https://www.labour.gov.za/DocumentCenter/Forms/Unemployment%20Insurance%20Fund/Salary%20Schedule%203.pdf UIF forms directory: https://www.labour.gov.za/DocumentCenter/Pages/Forms.aspx Employer uFiling: https://ufiling.labour.gov.za/ Verification Official authority: Unemployment Insurance Fund and Department of Employment and Labour Benefit: Unemployment benefit Application platform: UIF Online Claim deadline: Within 12 months after termination Main employer documents: UI-19 and salary schedule Work-seeker registration: Required Application fee: None Date checked: 5 August 2026 Portal status: Active Verification status: Confirmed Official application link: https://uifonline.labour.gov.za/uifOnline/ XTRAfrica is not affiliated with the Unemployment Insurance Fund or the Department of Employment and Labour. Claimants should rely on UIF Online, official labour centres and Department notices for final requirements, decisions and payment information. ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles SASSA Payment Dates SASSA Change Banking Details Link: Official Guide Use the official SASSA link to change your SRD banking details safely. Follow the steps and avoid . Tax and Revenue How to Check if You Must Submit a SARS Tax Return Use the official SARS checker and 2026 rules to see if you must file an ITR12. . Tax and Revenue How to Book a SARS Appointment Online Book a SARS branch, video or phone slot on eBooking, MobiApp, SMS or 0800 00 7277. . Social Service How to Check UIF Claim Status Online Use UIF Online, free USSD *134*843#, or call 0800 030 007 to track your claim. . Tags South Africa Gov Services South Africa Gov Services South Africa South Africa

DR Congo and M23 rebels resume Qatar talks as violence escalates. UN experts say Rwanda backs the rebellion, fueling displacement and mass killings. Delegations from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the M23 rebel movement have resumed talks in Doha, Qatar, as fighting continues to devastate the country’s east. According to Qatar’s foreign ministry, the two sides met this week to review the truce signed in July. The deal was supposed to stop hostilities and lead to a full peace agreement, but deadlines for progress in early August passed without results. Qatari spokesman Majed al-Ansari said the discussions now include creating a system to monitor the ceasefire, as well as a possible exchange of prisoners. The United States and the International Committee of the Red Cross are also involved in supporting the process. The Qatar initiative followed an earlier Washington agreement signed in June between the DRC and Rwanda, the main backer of the M23 rebellion. The rebels rejected that deal, insisting on direct negotiations with Kinshasa. US President Donald Trump has claimed credit for ending the conflict, calling Congo “the darkest, deepest part of Africa.” He even suggested that nine million people were killed with machetes before he “stopped it.” Human rights groups, however, dismissed his words as misleading. Christian Rumu of Amnesty International stressed that “people on the ground continue to experience grave human rights violations, some amounting to crimes against humanity.” In reality, violence has only intensified. This year alone, more than two million people have been forced from their homes in North and South Kivu. Human Rights Watch has accused the M23 of carrying out ethnically targeted massacres. United Nations experts have confirmed that Rwandan troops play a “critical” role in supporting the rebel offensive. Rwanda continues to deny involvement, but the facts on the ground tell a different story. The M23’s capture of large areas, including the key city of Goma earlier this year, shows how Kigali uses the rebellion as a proxy to destabilize Congo. For Kinshasa, the talks in Qatar are another attempt to restore peace, but the real challenge remains Rwanda’s hidden hand in the conflict. Continue Reading Full Article DRC PEACE EFFORT DR Congo, M23 Rebels Resume Qatar Talks Amid Escalating Violence By Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Political Analyst Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Home Comment Aug 27, 2025 May 15, 2026 3 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Delegations from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the M23 rebel movement have resumed talks in Doha, Qatar, as fighting continues to devastate the country’s east. According to Qatar’s foreign ministry, the two sides met this week to review the truce signed in July. The deal was supposed to stop hostilities and lead to a full peace agreement, but deadlines for progress in early August passed without results. ADVERTISEMENT Qatari spokesman Majed al-Ansari said the discussions now include creating a system to monitor the ceasefire, as well as a possible exchange of prisoners. The United States and the International Committee of the Red Cross are also involved in supporting the process. The Qatar initiative followed an earlier Washington agreement signed in June between the DRC and Rwanda, the main backer of the M23 rebellion. The rebels rejected that deal, insisting on direct negotiations with Kinshasa. ADVERTISEMENT US President Donald Trump has claimed credit for ending the conflict, calling Congo “the darkest, deepest part of Africa.” He even suggested that nine million people were killed with machetes before he “stopped it.” Human rights groups, however, dismissed his words as misleading. Christian Rumu of Amnesty International stressed that “people on the ground continue to experience grave human rights violations, some amounting to crimes against humanity.” Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Policy and Reforms Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Government Announcements Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Job & Opportunity South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances . Elections Monitoring Popular Today Policy and Reforms DRC Assembly Backs $625m for Schools, Businesses and Health . Economic Policies DRC Creates Deposit Guarantee Fund to Protect Bank Customers . Social Service DRC Moves to Bring More Public Workers Onto the Payroll . Development DRC Plans $440 Million for Rural Water, Electricity and Infrastructure . Opposition Politics Why C64 Plans a July 8 March to Demand Tshisekedi's Resignation . ADVERTISEMENT In reality, violence has only intensified. This year alone, more than two million people have been forced from their homes in North and South Kivu. Human Rights Watch has accused the M23 of carrying out ethnically targeted massacres. United Nations experts have confirmed that Rwandan troops play a “critical” role in supporting the rebel offensive. Rwanda continues to deny involvement, but the facts on the ground tell a different story. The M23’s capture of large areas, including the key city of Goma earlier this year, shows how Kigali uses the rebellion as a proxy to destabilize Congo. For Kinshasa, the talks in Qatar are another attempt to restore peace, but the real challenge remains Rwanda’s hidden hand in the conflict. ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Policy and Reforms DRC Assembly Backs $625m for Schools, Businesses and Health Lawmakers back four financing bills supporting entrepreneurs, primary education, maternal health . Economic Policies DRC Creates Deposit Guarantee Fund to Protect Bank Customers DRC approves FGADEC, a national deposit-guarantee fund designed to protect eligible savings, . Social Service DRC Moves to Bring More Public Workers Onto the Payroll DRC plans to make salary inclusion a 2027 budget priority, aiming to progressively bring eligible . Development DRC Plans $440 Million for Rural Water, Electricity and Infrastructure DRC plans more than $440 million in its 2027 budget for rural water, electricity and basic . Tags DRC Politics DRC Politics Rwanda Rwanda DR.Congo DR.Congo Qatar Qatar DR Congo News DR Congo News

UDC and Pamoja Packaging break ground on a Shs29 billion Namanve factory to cut Uganda’s packaging imports and create over 1,000 jobs. Uganda Development Corporation (UDC) and Pamoja Packaging Industrial Solutions have broken ground on a packaging factory at Namanve Industrial Park, a Shs29 billion investment aimed at cutting Uganda’s heavy reliance on imported packaging. State Minister for Industry David Bahati officiated at the ceremony on Thursday, November 5, alongside Special Presidential Adviser Amelia Kyambadde, as covered by ChimpReports and confirmed by UDC on its official X account . UDC took a 49% stake in Pamoja Packaging in 2024 through ordinary and preference shares valued at Shs29 billion, ChimpReports reported. The plant is due to produce recyclable and biodegradable plastic and paper packaging for food, beverage, agro-processing, pharma, healthcare and retail clients. Jobs, capacity and import substitution Bahati said Uganda imports about $500 million a year in polymers and packaging roughly Shs2 trillion and that local production keeps jobs and foreign exchange at home, according to Nilepost's report on the groundbreaking . The factory is expected to create more than 1,000 jobs, with priority for nearby communities, and to run within about 12 months. Roughly 90% of the machinery is already on site, board chair Moses Abindabizemu said. Planned lines include PET preforms, flexible printed packaging, cartons, shopping bags and industrial bags. Design capacity cited for PET preforms is up to 38,800 units an hour. Why it matters Packaging has been a bottleneck for Ugandan manufacturers: high import costs, delays and weak presentation hurt both domestic sales and exports. A large local plant at Namanve sits inside the government’s import-substitution and Buy Uganda Build Uganda push, and feeds into the Uganda Industrialisation Conference 2026 later this month as UDC marks 10 years since its re-establishment. Who is affected and what comes next Coffee, sugar, milk, soap and other processors that buy packaging, plus job-seekers around Mukono/Namanve, stand to gain if the plant opens on schedule. Construction completion and first commercial output within 12 months are the next milestones. UDC has signalled it could put in more capital as the project advances. Continue Reading Full Article INDUSTRY UDC Breaks Ground on Shs29bn Packaging Plant at Namanve By Otieno kevin News Editor Otieno kevin Home Comment Nov 5, 2026 Nov 5, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Uganda Development Corporation (UDC) and Pamoja Packaging Industrial Solutions have broken ground on a packaging factory at Namanve Industrial Park, a Shs29 billion investment aimed at cutting Uganda’s heavy reliance on imported packaging. State Minister for Industry David Bahati officiated at the ceremony on Thursday, November 5, alongside Special Presidential Adviser Amelia Kyambadde, as covered by ChimpReports and confirmed by UDC on its official X account . UDC took a 49% stake in Pamoja Packaging in 2024 through ordinary and preference shares valued at Shs29 billion, ChimpReports reported. The plant is due to produce recyclable and biodegradable plastic and paper packaging for food, beverage, agro-processing, pharma, healthcare and retail clients. ADVERTISEMENT Jobs, capacity and import substitution Bahati said Uganda imports about $500 million a year in polymers and packaging roughly Shs2 trillion and that local production keeps jobs and foreign exchange at home, according to Nilepost's report on the groundbreaking . The factory is expected to create more than 1,000 jobs, with priority for nearby communities, and to run within about 12 months. Roughly 90% of the machinery is already on site, board chair Moses Abindabizemu said. Planned lines include PET preforms, flexible printed packaging, cartons, shopping bags and industrial bags. Design capacity cited for PET preforms is up to 38,800 units an hour. ADVERTISEMENT Why it matters Packaging has been a bottleneck for Ugandan manufacturers: high import costs, delays and weak presentation hurt both domestic sales and exports. A large local plant at Namanve sits inside the government’s import-substitution and Buy Uganda Build Uganda push, and feeds into the Uganda Industrialisation Conference 2026 later this month as UDC marks 10 years since its re-establishment. Who is affected and what comes next Coffee, sugar, milk, soap and other processors that buy packaging, plus job-seekers around Mukono/Namanve, stand to gain if the plant opens on schedule. Construction completion and first commercial output within 12 months are the next milestones. UDC has signalled it could put in more capital as the project advances. Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Policy and Reforms Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Government Announcements Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Job & Opportunity South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances . Elections Monitoring Popular Today Industry UDC Breaks Ground on Shs29bn Packaging Plant at Namanve . ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Industry UDC Breaks Ground on Shs29bn Packaging Plant at Namanve Pamoja factory targets 1,000+ jobs and Uganda’s $500m packaging import bill . Tags Uganda Economy Uganda Economy Uganda Uganda Uganda Business & Investment Uganda Business & Investment Uganda Jobs & Opportunities Uganda Jobs & Opportunities

The African Union (AU) has announced the deployment of an election observer team to South Africa to oversee the highly anticipated general elections scheduled for May 29, 2024. This observer mission, led by former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, consists of 60 short-term observers who will monitor the elections from May 21 through June 3. The mission, officially known as the AU Election Observation Mission (AUEOM), aims to ensure transparency and fairness in the electoral process. The AUEOM plans to engage with various electoral stakeholders, overseeing the final stages of the election preparation and the actual polling process. South Africa's upcoming national and local government elections are expected to be exceptionally competitive. According to the nation's electoral management body, this year's elections will feature more than 14,000 candidates competing for 887 seats across national and provincial legislatures, marking it as potentially the most contested election in the country's history. Following the elections, the AUEOM will compile and issue a preliminary report based on their observations to provide insights into the electoral process's integrity and fairness. This deployment underscores the AU’s commitment to promoting democratic processes across the continent. The outcome of these elections is keenly awaited, not only by South Africans but also by international observers and stakeholders aiming to support democratic stability in Africa. Continue Reading Full Article By Author Name Author Name Home Comment May 1, 2024 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: A woman casting her vote in previous elections in South Africa The African Union (AU) has announced the deployment of an election observer team to South Africa to oversee the highly anticipated general elections scheduled for May 29, 2024. This observer mission, led by former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, consists of 60 short-term observers who will monitor the elections from May 21 through June 3. The mission, officially known as the AU Election Observation Mission (AUEOM), aims to ensure transparency and fairness in the electoral process. ADVERTISEMENT The AUEOM plans to engage with various electoral stakeholders, overseeing the final stages of the election preparation and the actual polling process. South Africa's upcoming national and local government elections are expected to be exceptionally competitive. According to the nation's electoral management body, this year's elections will feature more than 14,000 candidates competing for 887 seats across national and provincial legislatures, marking it as potentially the most contested election in the country's history. ADVERTISEMENT Following the elections, the AUEOM will compile and issue a preliminary report based on their observations to provide insights into the electoral process's integrity and fairness. This deployment underscores the AU’s commitment to promoting democratic processes across the continent. The outcome of these elections is keenly awaited, not only by South Africans but also by international observers and stakeholders aiming to support democratic stability in Africa. Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Policy and Reforms Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Government Announcements Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Job & Opportunity South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances . Elections Monitoring Popular Today ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Tags

Miss Uganda fuels tourism and business, with StarTimes broadcast and Elle Muhoza’s win boosting Uganda’s global image and regional inclusivity. Uganda’s entertainment world lit up on September 20, 2025, when Elle Trivia Muhoza , a 22-year-old from Bukomansimbi District, was crowned Miss Uganda 2025/26 at the elegant Sheraton Hotel Kampala . The evening was packed with live performances by stars like Grace Nakimera , Aziz Azion , and Tracy Melon, making it a true celebration of East African music and fashion. Yet the spotlight quickly shifted from the glamour to a heated conversation: Elle’s Rwandan ancestry. Social media erupted with praise, pride, and unfortunately some criticism. Let’s break down the facts, the reactions, and why her victory is bigger than the controversy. Who Is Elle Trivia Muhoza? Age : 22 Home District : Bukomansimbi, Uganda Cultural Heritage : Ugandan–Rwandan generally known as Bavandimwe Platform : Women’s empowerment and cross-cultural unity Next Step : Representing Uganda at Miss World 2026 . Continue Reading Full Article ENTERTAINMENT Miss Uganda 2025 with Rwandan Descent Sparks Heated Media Reactions By Witty Pascal Entertainment Editor Witty Pascal Home Comment Sep 21, 2025 May 15, 2026 8 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Uganda’s entertainment world lit up on September 20, 2025, when Elle Trivia Muhoza , a 22-year-old from Bukomansimbi District, was crowned Miss Uganda 2025/26 at the elegant Sheraton Hotel Kampala . The evening was packed with live performances by stars like Grace Nakimera , Aziz Azion , and Tracy Melon, making it a true celebration of East African music and fashion. Yet the spotlight quickly shifted from the glamour to a heated conversation: Elle’s Rwandan ancestry. Social media erupted with praise, pride, and unfortunately some criticism. Let’s break down the facts, the reactions, and why her victory is bigger than the controversy. Who Is Elle Trivia Muhoza? Miss Uganda 2025 Elle Trivia Muhoza (center) Age : 22 Home District : Bukomansimbi, Uganda Cultural Heritage : Ugandan–Rwandan generally known as Bavandimwe Platform : Women’s empowerment and cross-cultural unity Next Step : Representing Uganda at Miss World 2026 . ADVERTISEMENT Elle is celebrated for her warm personality and advocacy for youth development. She’s fluent in both English and Luganda, with conversational Kinyarwanda something she proudly highlights as part of her identity. The 2025 Miss Uganda Grand Finale Venue: Sheraton Gardens , Kampala Date: September 20, 2025 Entertainment Line-Up: Grace Nakimera, Aziz Azion, Tracy Melon Special category winners added extra sparkle: This production was one of the most polished in Miss Uganda history, building on recent successes like Natasha Nyonyozi’s 2024/25 reign, which spotlighted autism awareness . Social Media Reacts: Pride and Pushback Within hours, hashtags like #MissUganda2025 and #ElleMuhoza trended across X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and TikTok. ADVERTISEMENT Reactions split into three camps: 1. Celebratory Voices Many Ugandans and Rwandans celebrated Elle as a symbol of East African unity. Fans praised her poise and cultural pride, calling her win “a victory for the entire region.” 2. Nationalist Critiques A small but loud group questioned whether someone with Rwandan roots should represent Uganda on the Miss World stage. Critics claimed the pageant should highlight “pure Ugandan heritage,” sparking debates about nationality and identity. 3. Peacemakers Influencers and fellow contestants quickly countered the negativity, reminding everyone that Elle was born and raised in Uganda. They emphasized that Ugandan citizenship is defined by law and community, not ancestry alone. Why Heritage Should Unite, Not Divide Uganda and Rwanda share deep historical and cultural ties. Families often straddle the border, blending traditions and languages. Elle’s story mirrors the lives of thousands of East Africans who navigate mixed heritage daily. Her win highlights an essential truth: beauty, talent, and national pride are not limited by ancestry a sentiment many observers expressed after the crowning. The Business of Pageantry Miss Uganda is more than a beauty contest it’s a multi-million-shilling entertainment enterprise backed by major sponsors, television networks, and tourism boards, with StarTimes as the official broadcast partner. The pageant pumps money into Uganda’s economy through hotel bookings, fashion designers, makeup artists, and countless local vendors, while international media attention draws visitors eager to experience the country’s vibrant culture. By selecting Elle Trivia Muhoza as the 2025/26 queen, the organizers send a clear signal that Miss Uganda is a forward-looking brand embracing regional inclusivity, a move that strengthens both tourism appeal and corporate sponsorship opportunities. Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Policy and Reforms Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Government Announcements Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Job & Opportunity South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances . Elections Monitoring Popular Today African Culture Vyroota Biography: Age, Real Name, Songs & Rise from Kireka . Entertainment Seputla Sebogodi Dies: Cause of Death and Biography . Investment Deals Burundi-Washington Nickel Deal Signals Great Lakes Strategic Shift . Afrobeats Ekunrawo and Jux Release New Afro-R&B Collaboration ‘Halima’ . Musics Bobi Wine Declined 10% Stake Offer in Uganda’s Galaxy FM . ADVERTISEMENT Uganda’s Strong Miss World Legacy Elle follows an impressive lineage: 2023/24: Hannah Karema Tumukunde – Top 8 at Miss World 2024/25: Natasha Nyonyozi – Beauty With A Purpose (Africa) winner Uganda’s back-to-back global performances prove that the Miss Uganda platform produces world-class ambassadors. Elle now carries this momentum toward Miss World 2026, where expectations are high. While Elle enjoys overwhelming support, the online negativity presents challenges: Media Pressure: Constant scrutiny about her heritage. High Expectations: Matching Uganda’s recent strong Miss World track record. Advocacy Balance: Transforming public debate into meaningful community projects. How she handles these hurdles will shape her reign and could inspire a new generation of young East Africans. Lessons for Uganda’s Entertainment Industry Elle’s victory exposes bigger lessons for Uganda’s entertainment and media landscape: Digital Influence: Social media can amplify both celebration and hate in minutes. Regional Identity: The East African entertainment market is naturally cross-border; inclusivity sells. Brand Strategy: Pageants and sponsors must craft positive narratives quickly to manage public discourse. ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles African Culture Vyroota Biography: Age, Real Name, Songs & Rise from Kireka Discover Vyroota’s age, family roots, breakthrough songs, award and journey from Kireka. . Entertainment Seputla Sebogodi Dies: Cause of Death and Biography Veteran Generations actor Seputla Sebogodi died after complications related to diabetes . Investment Deals Burundi-Washington Nickel Deal Signals Great Lakes Strategic Shift Burundi’s Washington nickel agreement sharpens Great Lakes competition over critical minerals. . Afrobeats Ekunrawo and Jux Release New Afro-R&B Collaboration ‘Halima’ Nigerian singer Ekunrawo partners with Tanzanian star Jux on the cross-border single ‘Halima’. . Tags African Entertainment African Entertainment Uganda Uganda Culture & Entertainment Culture & Entertainment

Discover 8 hidden Seychelles islands perfect for off-the-grid escapes in 2025 think wild beaches, giant tortoises, and no tourist crowds. Seychelles may be famed for its headliner isles Mahé, Praslin, La Digue but venture further and you’ll find secret islands where time slows and nature runs the show. These are places where you can play Robinson Crusoe (with a few extra perks), far from the selfie-stick crowds. From wild tortoise sanctuaries to castaway-chic resorts, here are eight off-the-beaten-path Seychelles islands that will tickle your inner off-the-grid traveler. Pack your sense of adventure (and reef-safe sunscreen) paradise has some surprises in store. 1. Silhouette Island Tucked 20 km off Mahé’s coast, Silhouette feels like the Seychelles that time forgot. Fewer than 200 people live on this mountainous isle, leaving most of its jungle-clad interior untouched . Hiking trails wind under giant palm fronds and orchid-draped trees, leading to deserted coves where your footprints might be the only ones. It’s an island of lore, too locals whisper that pirate treasure from the notorious Jean-François Hodoul lies buried somewhere beneath these hills. Imagine a beach so hidden it feels like nature’s best-kept whisper that’s Grand Barbe on Silhouette Island. Just a short trek past the island’s sleepy settlement, this wild stretch of sand is all tangled palms, sugar-soft shoreline, and a reef that glows turquoise on a good day (which is every day). As shared by @visitseychelles . With just one eco-luxe resort here, nights are gloriously quiet: just you, the chorus of tree frogs, and a sky full of stars. Practical magic: Silhouette is a 45-minute boat ride from Mahé (keep an eye out for wild dolphins en route ). The island is 93% national park, brimming with rare birds and endemic plants . Accommodations come mainly via the Hilton Labriz Resort think spacious villas tucked between beach and rainforest. Rates start around SCR 5,500–7,500 (about $400–550 ) per night, including breakfast. Continue Reading Full Article TRAVEL GUIDE 8 Lesser-Known Seychelles Islands for Your Inner Off-the-Grid Traveler By Neema Asha Mwakalinga Travel & Culture Expert Neema Asha Mwakalinga Home Comment Oct 24, 2025 May 15, 2026 23 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Seychelles may be famed for its headliner isles Mahé, Praslin, La Digue but venture further and you’ll find secret islands where time slows and nature runs the show. These are places where you can play Robinson Crusoe (with a few extra perks), far from the selfie-stick crowds. From wild tortoise sanctuaries to castaway-chic resorts, here are eight off-the-beaten-path Seychelles islands that will tickle your inner off-the-grid traveler. Pack your sense of adventure (and reef-safe sunscreen) paradise has some surprises in store. 1. Silhouette Island Tucked 20 km off Mahé’s coast, Silhouette feels like the Seychelles that time forgot. Fewer than 200 people live on this mountainous isle, leaving most of its jungle-clad interior untouched . Hiking trails wind under giant palm fronds and orchid-draped trees, leading to deserted coves where your footprints might be the only ones. It’s an island of lore, too locals whisper that pirate treasure from the notorious Jean-François Hodoul lies buried somewhere beneath these hills. Imagine a beach so hidden it feels like nature’s best-kept whisper that’s Grand Barbe on Silhouette Island. Just a short trek past the island’s sleepy settlement, this wild stretch of sand is all tangled palms, sugar-soft shoreline, and a reef that glows turquoise on a good day (which is every day). As shared by @visitseychelles . With just one eco-luxe resort here, nights are gloriously quiet: just you, the chorus of tree frogs, and a sky full of stars. Practical magic: Silhouette is a 45-minute boat ride from Mahé (keep an eye out for wild dolphins en route ). The island is 93% national park, brimming with rare birds and endemic plants . Accommodations come mainly via the Hilton Labriz Resort think spacious villas tucked between beach and rainforest. Rates start around SCR 5,500–7,500 (about $400–550 ) per night, including breakfast. There’s a tiny local village, but no ATMs or big stores, so plan accordingly. Insider tip: Rise early for a guided hike to Silhouette’s highest peak, Mont Dauban, for jaw-dropping sunrise views and perhaps a tale or two from your guide about the island’s legendary hidden loot. 2. Curieuse Island Once a leper colony (yes, really) and now a protected nature reserve, Curieuse has reinvented itself as a living museum of Seychelles wildlife. Giant Aldabra tortoises roam freely here, plodding between mangrove forests and red-earth trails while happily posing for your GoPro. Hike from Baie Laraie’s mangrove boardwalk to Anse St. José and you’ll pass ruins of the old leprosarium and a restored colonial doctor’s house poignant reminders of the island’s past. Today, Curieuse’s story is one of resilience and renewal: from isolation to an island teeming with life . It’s a favorite day-trip for travelers seeking wild encounters (and selfie ops with hundred-year-old tortoises). Want to meet the island’s true VIPs? On Curieuse Island, it’s the giant tortoises who steal the show — slow, steady, and full of personality. As captured by @matealusbo via @visitseychelles , strolling among these gentle giants feels like entering a prehistoric paradise. No fences, no rush just leafy snacks, shell scritches, and big tortoise energy under the mangroves. Practical context: Curieuse lies just off Praslin’s north coast a quick 15-minute boat hop from Praslin’s Anse Volbert or Baie Sainte Anne. As a marine park, visitors must pay an entry fee (about SCR 300 , ≈ $20 per person ). ADVERTISEMENT There are no hotels, restaurants, or even shops on Curieuse , so it’s strictly a day affair bring water, snacks, and snorkel gear. Most people visit on guided excursions that include a Creole beach BBQ grilled by park rangers. Insider tip: Don’t skip the post-lunch snorkel at nearby petite St. Pierre islet its coral reefs are a Technicolor dream of reef fish. And if you’ve got sturdy shoes, the hike across Curieuse (watch for giant tortoises blocking the path!) offers up close encounters you won’t forget. 3. Bird Island Bird Island delivers exactly what it says on the tin and so much more. This tiny coral cay at Seychelles’ far northern tip is a wildlife sanctuary where coconuts lie where they fall and the sand stays blissfully un-manicured . During breeding season, over a million sooty terns take over the island, their cacophony and whirling silhouettes straight out of a BBC nature doc. The lone lodge here consists of simple wooden chalets tucked under old coconut palms no TVs, no AC, no stress . By day you’ll share the beach with nesting sea turtles and noddy terns; by night, stroll under the Milky Way with only hermit crabs for company. Robinson Crusoe vibes: maximum . From above, Bird Island looks like something straight out of a screensaver but it’s all real and all wild. This clip by @seyvillas captures the island’s untouched magic: blinding white sand, reef-bright shallows, and a horizon that never ends. Here, the loudest thing you’ll hear is birdsong and maybe your own sigh of bliss. Practical context: Bird Island sits about 100 km north of Mahé, reached via a 30-minute light aircraft flight from the main island . The island’s eco-lodge offers off-grid charm – power is solar, Wi-Fi is sparse, and cell signal nonexistent (enjoy the digital detox!). Nightly rates start around SCR 6,100 (≈ $450 ) per villa, which can accommodate a couple or small family. All stays are full-board, featuring fresh-caught fish and homegrown island produce at communal meals. Insider tip: Seek out Esmeralda , Bird’s most famous resident a 300kg tortoise thought to be over 170 years old . He’s the world’s heaviest free-roaming tortoise, and you might just find him plodding by your porch looking for snacks He’s the world’s heaviest free-roaming tortoise, and you might just find him plodding by your porch looking for snacks. Also, if you visit between May and October, prepare for a feathered frenzy: millions of sooty tern chicks blanket the ground, so wear a hat (bird poop happens) and revel in one of nature’s great spectacles . 4. Denis Island If your idea of paradise is barefoot luxury on a private coral isle, Denis delivers in spades. This 375-acre island hides 25 idyllic beachfront cottages among coconut palms and bougainvillea, each just steps from powdery sands. The vibe is castaway chic: no keys, no shoes, no news just ocean breezes and farm-to-table feasts. Wildlife abounds too. On Denis Island, your to-do list is refreshingly simple: wake up, snorkel with turtles, sip sundowners, repeat. This dreamy underwater clip by @trauminselphilipp via @denis.private.island shows just how close the coral wonders are and how easy it is to lose track of time in that crystal-blue blur. Island life really doesn’t get more blissed out than this. Like neighboring Bird, Denis has wild giant tortoises and nesting sea turtles, but minus the raucous bird colonies (here, nature is a bit more polite). Low-key indulgence is the order of the day . Think morning snorkels on vibrant house reefs, followed by a nap in your hammock and an outdoor shower under the stars. At Denis, you can play island monarch without ever putting on a pair of shoes. Practical context: Denis lies about 95 km north of Mahé a scenic 30-minute flight on a small prop plane is the only way in or out . It’s run as an all-inclusive private resort with rates roughly SCR 13,000 (~ $1,000 ) per person, per night , covering your meals and island activities. Pricey, yes but that covers line-fresh sashimi, house-made cheeses, and even handcrafted coconut ice cream from the island’s own farm. In fact, Denis is impressively self-sufficient: guests can tour the onsite farm and see how they produce everything from organic veggies to bacon and goat cheese . There’s no mobile signal and Wi-Fi only in the library, encouraging you to unplug and savor the moment. Insider tip: Join the resident conservation team on their morning rounds. You might help transplant a baby coral, check a sea turtle nest, or spot the rare magpie robins re-introduced here a feel-good island activity that pairs well with that sunset cocktail later. ADVERTISEMENT 5. Félicité Island (Six Senses Zil Pasyon) If La Digue had a glamorous, reclusive cousin, it would be Félicité. This private island is a tumble of granite boulders and jungle rising from turquoise seas and home to one ultra-exclusive hideaway, the Six Senses Zil Pasyon resort. With just 30 contemporary villas blending into tropical foliage, the ambiance is equal parts Swiss Family Robinson and high-end chic . Welcome to paradise literally. On Félicité Island, the Six Senses Zil Pasyon resort delivers barefoot luxury with cinematic flair. This dreamy snap by @ travelask.world sets the tone: plush villa beds, powder-white beaches, and sunsets that burn brighter than your inbox. With just 30 villas, it’s private, posh, and perfectly off-grid the kind of place where your hardest decision is “spa or snorkel?” By day, you can kayak beneath towering cliffs, visit the resort’s organic garden, or hop to neighboring islets that feel like your own discovery. By night, indulge in a Creole culinary feast or catch a classic film at the outdoor cinema under palm fronds (popcorn in a coconut shell, of course). Félicité’s name means “happiness,” and here you’ll find it in every sunrise swim and sun-dappled nap. Practical context: Félicité sits just 4 km from La Digue (or about 55 km northeast of Mahé). Most guests arrive by helicopter from Mahé (20 minutes of wow-factor views) or via speedboat from Praslin or La Digue. This private-island resort doesn’t come cheap villas start around SCR 26,000 (~ $1,900 ) per night for two, often including breakfast and butler service. In return, you get your own infinity pool, wine cellar, and panoramic ocean views. The island has no village or public facilities, so non-guests generally can’t visit freely (privacy is part of the allure). Insider tip: Ask the resort to arrange a sunset excursion to nearby Coco Island, a tiny granite outcrop ringed by reefs. It’s a snorkeling paradise where you’ll drift among turtles and reef sharks the kind of magical memory that doesn’t require an Instagram filter. 6. Desroches Island Floating in the remote Amirantes group, Desroches is a private paradise where rustic wilderness and five-star comfort go hand in hand. The entire 6 km-long island is managed by Four Seasons, but don’t expect a blingy scene the vibe is barefoot and nature-focused. With 14 kilometers of talcum beaches encircling lush coconut groves, you can always find a stretch of sand entirely your own . Days here might include cycling down sandy paths to the giant tortoise sanctuary (yes, Desroches has its own colony of Aldabra tortoises) or hand-feeding baby rays at sunset in the shallows. The resort’s villas and bungalows meld into the scenery, each with its own plunge pool and garden. It’s luxe living, but with a decidedly Cast Away twist – except your “Wilson” might be a friendly gecko on the ceiling. Practical context: Part of the far-flung Outer Islands, Desroches is accessible via a 35–40 minute flight from Mahé’s domestic airport . The Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island is the sole accommodation, offering 70+ villas and suites that cater to both romance seekers and families (kids’ club and all). Expect rates from around SCR 20,000 (~ $1,500 ) a night for a pool villa in low season including hearty breakfasts and endless ocean views. Despite the lux trappings, the island ethos is eco-conscious: think farm-to-fork dining (they grow fruits and herbs on site) and low-impact activities like guided nature walks and reef-safe diving . Insider tip: Grab one of the complimentary bikes and pedal to the old lighthouse on the island’s southern tip at dusk. You’ll catch a technicolor Indian Ocean sunset, and likely have a few giant tortoises as your only onlookers. On your way back, peek up Desroches’ isolation makes for phenomenal stargazing on clear nights. 7. Aldabra Atoll Welcome to the edge of the world . Aldabra isn’t just off the beaten path it’s nearly off the map, sitting 1,000 km southwest of Mahé in a world (and time) of its own . This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the world’s second-largest coral atoll and utterly uninhabited save for a handful of scientists and rangers. Picture a vast turquoise lagoon ringed by four islands, where 150,000 giant tortoises hold Jurassic-level dominion and coconut crabs scuttle under prehistoric-looking palms. Getting here is a quest (see below), but those lucky few describe it as stepping into an earlier epoch – wild, silent, otherworldly . Turtles nest undisturbed on powdery beaches, and seabirds rule the skies. There are no resorts, no bars, no footprints Aldabra is the Seychelles’ greatest treasure, fiercely protected and gloriously untamed. By the way while we’re all dreaming of off-grid bliss, there’s a stark reminder from @celinaxchien : even paradise needs protection. Aldabra, one of Earth’s last untouched atolls, is under threat from luxury development. If we want wild places to stay wild, it’s not just about visiting responsibly it’s about speaking up, too. Practical context: Independent travel to Aldabra is nearly impossible visits are strictly controlled by the Seychelles Islands Foundation. The most feasible way in 2025 is to join an expedition cruise or private charter. Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Policy and Reforms Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Government Announcements Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Job & Opportunity South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances . Elections Monitoring Popular Today Travel Tips 6 most known rivers of Angola and how to actually experience them . Luxury Travel 8 Best Spots to Watch Movies in Luanda 2026 . Travel Tips How to Tour the Namib Desert Like a Local (Angola Side) . Food and Travel Top 6 Public Libraries in Luanda (City & Suburbs) 2026 . Luxury Travel Top 8 Festivals and Events Celebrated in Luanda, Angola . ADVERTISEMENT For example, a 13-day Indian Ocean voyage that includes Aldabra (plus nearby Astove and Cosmoledo atolls) can run upwards of SCR 140,000 (about $10,500 ) per person a price as epic as the journey. Such trips typically depart Mahé by sea or include a small-plane hop to Assumption Island (Aldabra’s nearest neighbor) where a research station is based. There are no visitor facilities on Aldabra itself you’ll sleep on your ship or vessel and make daytime landings guided by rangers. Insider tip: Plan at least a year (or two) ahead and aim for the calm weather windows (March–April or Oct–Nov) when ships can safely anchor. And if you make it here, leave nothing but footprints Aldabra’s purity is its magic. For a vicarious taste, drop by the National Museum in Victoria when back on Mahé, where they have an exhibit on Aldabra’s unique ecology it’s a small consolation prize if you haven’t yet scratched this ultimate adventure off your list. 8. Platte Island Platte is the new kid on the block in Seychelles travel a once-remote coral island now home to a swanky retreat, yet still wonderfully wild at heart. This pancake-flat islet (its French name literally means “flat”) sits about 85 miles south of Mahé, surrounded by a thriving reef and lagoon. In 2024 it welcomed the ultra-luxurious Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island, which brought 50 stunning private pool villas to its secluded shores . Champagne, sunshine, and serious yacht energy welcome to Platte Island, Waldorf Astoria style. As @stupiddope shows, this is where barefoot luxury meets private-island prestige in the middle of the Indian Ocean. Think ultra-secluded villas, ocean-deck parties, and sunset clinks with not a soul in sight (except maybe your private chef) But don’t let the glam fool you: Platte remains a tiny, low-lying world unto itself, where seabirds vastly outnumber people and you can kayak through luminescent shallows without another soul in sight. The appeal here is the contrast castaway serenity with a side of gourmet dining and spa treatments. It’s as off-grid as you can get with 24-hour room service. Sunsets just hit different on Platte Island especially when viewed from a luxury perch like the Waldorf Astoria. As @arzoodina shows, it’s not just about the golden glow over the Indian Ocean; it’s about soaking it all in with tropical palms swaying and not a single to-do list in sight. Paradise found? Absolutely. Practical context: Getting to Platte is an adventure of its own. Guests take a 55-minute private flight from Mahé directly to the island’s tiny runway, arranged by the resort. There is no village or public transport your hotel buggy will be waiting. Nightly rates at the Waldorf Astoria Platte start around SCR 22,000 (~ $1,600 ) for a villa with private pool, putting it firmly in splurge territory. All meals, non-motorized water sports, and even a personal butler are typically part of the package. When you’re not luxuriating in your villa, explore Platte’s nature: the island’s surrounding sand flats and coral channels are famed among fly-fishermen (think bonefish and trevally galore), and the resort offers guided fishing as well as snorkeling and sunset cruises. Insider tip: Ask the staff about the bioluminescent plankton on certain nights, a stroll in the wet sand reveals a galaxy of glowing blue sparks at your feet. And don’t miss a night sky viewing: with zero light pollution, Platte offers a mind-blowing star show that will make you feel blissfully marooned in style. Island Hopping for the Daring Seychelles’ lesser-known islands aren’t just places they’re experiences . These specks of land will challenge you to trade convenience for adventure, and crowds for true connection (to nature and maybe to yourself). Expect fickle ferry schedules, tiny planes, maybe a missed connection or two – it’s all part of the story. But the reward? Your own slice of paradise that you’ll reminisce about for years, long after the sand is out of your shoes. A savvy local would tell you: slow down and embrace island time. “ la pas bat la tet ,” as we say in Kreol no worries, no stress. Chat up the fishermen, try the street-side coconut nougat, learn a few Creole phrases, and always carry small rupee notes for that impromptu roadside fruit stand. In short, don’t just visit Seychelles explore it. The best stories start where the paved roads end, whether it’s spotting a decades-old tortoise named Esmeralda plodding by your porch or sharing a home-brewed toddy with islanders under palm trees. These eight islands are the Seychelles’ hidden soul. Go find them and happy off-grid travels! ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Travel Tips 6 most known rivers of Angola and how to actually experience them From the Kwanza to the Zambezi, discover Angola’s most famous rivers and how to explore them . Luxury Travel 8 Best Spots to Watch Movies in Luanda 2026 Luanda’s luxe movie spots, from 4DX thrills to velvet VIP lounges your 2026 cinema guide is here. . Travel Tips How to Tour the Namib Desert Like a Local (Angola Side) Tour Angola’s wild side: desert tribes, starlit dunes, and eco-adventures few tourists ever reach. . Food and Travel Top 6 Public Libraries in Luanda (City & Suburbs) 2026 From grand archives to under-bridge gems, Luanda’s libraries are where the city’s soul shelves itself. . 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US sanctions on Rwanda’s army may hit military-linked business networks as Washington raises pressure over eastern DRC. The latest report on U.S. sanctions against Rwanda’s military points to a wider question than battlefield pressure alone: how far the financial and commercial fallout could extend across Rwanda’s security-linked networks. The U.S. Treasury said on March 2 that it had sanctioned the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) and four senior officers over support for M23 in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. According to the Treasury statement , the sanctions block property and interests in property under U.S. jurisdiction and generally prohibit transactions by U.S. persons involving designated entities. Treasury also warned that entities owned 50% or more by blocked persons can themselves be treated as blocked, a point that helps explain why analysts are watching Rwanda’s military-linked commercial ecosystem closely. That is the significance of the Egmont Institute analysis cited by the original report. Egmont’s March 27 publication argues that the sanctions could ripple into sectors such as construction, agriculture, finance, industry and health because of the RDF’s role as an important institutional and economic actor in Rwanda. The article lists firms and structures said to be directly or indirectly connected to the military sphere, suggesting that even where companies are not formally named by OFAC, international banks, suppliers and partners may still adopt a more cautious compliance posture. The broader U.S. message is also political. Treasury linked the sanctions directly to Rwanda’s alleged support for M23 and said the armed group’s offensives in eastern DRC would not have been possible without RDF backing. The State Department framed the move as part of Washington’s effort to enforce the December 2025 Washington Accords and push for the withdrawal of RDF troops, weapons and equipment from eastern Congo. That means the sanctions are not just punitive. They are also a signal that Washington is prepared to use financial pressure in support of its regional diplomacy. If that pressure holds, the real test may be less about the wording of the sanctions themselves and more about how international financial institutions, contractors and trading partners recalculate their exposure to Rwanda’s defence-linked structures in the weeks ahead. Source: EGMONT instute JUSTICE & CRIME HOW US sanctions on Rwanda’s army reach beyond security To civilians By Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Political Analyst Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Home Comment Mar 30, 2026 May 15, 2026 3 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: The latest report on U.S. sanctions against Rwanda’s military points to a wider question than battlefield pressure alone: how far the financial and commercial fallout could extend across Rwanda’s security-linked networks. The U.S. Treasury said on March 2 that it had sanctioned the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) and four senior officers over support for M23 in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. According to the Treasury statement , the sanctions block property and interests in property under U.S. jurisdiction and generally prohibit transactions by U.S. persons involving designated entities. Treasury also warned that entities owned 50% or more by blocked persons can themselves be treated as blocked, a point that helps explain why analysts are watching Rwanda’s military-linked commercial ecosystem closely. That is the significance of the Egmont Institute analysis cited by the original report. Egmont’s March 27 publication argues that the sanctions could ripple into sectors such as construction, agriculture, finance, industry and health because of the RDF’s role as an important institutional and economic actor in Rwanda. ADVERTISEMENT The article lists firms and structures said to be directly or indirectly connected to the military sphere, suggesting that even where companies are not formally named by OFAC, international banks, suppliers and partners may still adopt a more cautious compliance posture. The broader U.S. message is also political. Treasury linked the sanctions directly to Rwanda’s alleged support for M23 and said the armed group’s offensives in eastern DRC would not have been possible without RDF backing. ADVERTISEMENT The State Department framed the move as part of Washington’s effort to enforce the December 2025 Washington Accords and push for the withdrawal of RDF troops, weapons and equipment from eastern Congo. That means the sanctions are not just punitive. They are also a signal that Washington is prepared to use financial pressure in support of its regional diplomacy. Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Policy and Reforms Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Government Announcements Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Job & Opportunity South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances . Elections Monitoring Popular Today Health News Uganda HIV Self-Test Assembly: Prices, Jobs and Exports . Banking and Finance Absa Dubai Office: Services, Eligibility and Contacts . Business & Investment 5 Best Citizenship by Investment Programs for Africans . Scholarships 120 EAC Master’s Scholarships Open to EAC Students — How to Apply . Scholarships UCT Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2027 Opens to Africans . ADVERTISEMENT If that pressure holds, the real test may be less about the wording of the sanctions themselves and more about how international financial institutions, contractors and trading partners recalculate their exposure to Rwanda’s defence-linked structures in the weeks ahead. Source: EGMONT instute ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Health News Uganda HIV Self-Test Assembly: Prices, Jobs and Exports Mukono factory assembles OraQuick kits, but the UGX 7,000 price remains a target . Banking and Finance Absa Dubai Office: Services, Eligibility and Contacts What African businesses and Gulf investors need to know about Absa’s new DIFC office. . 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Ghana targets a weekend university return, but GAUA consultations and campus notices remain key. Here is what UG and KNUST students should check. ACCRA, October 13, 2026 — Ghana’s Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has asked the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission to prepare public universities for a possible weekend reopening following talks on October 12. The government wants academic work to resume on October 19, but students still need confirmed instructions from their universities as administrators consider whether to suspend their strike. The immediate question for families is when students should actually travel. A ministerial expectation does not itself provide a reporting date for every campus, programme or year group. When will Ghana’s universities reopen? The government wants universities ready for a weekend return and academic work on October 19, 2026. GAUA is consulting its members, while UG and KNUST have postponed their earlier reopening dates. Students should use a revised notice from their own university before arranging their return. Government sets out its preferred timetable According to MyJoyOnline’s account of the minister’s remarks , the discussions involved the Ghana Association of University Administrators, the Technical University Senior Administrators Association of Ghana and GTEC. Iddrisu asked GTEC to have public universities announce reopening dates towards the weekend. His stated aim was to protect the academic calendar and allow teaching to resume the following Monday. “It is my expectation that the universities can reopen towards the weekend,” he said. The wording is significant for students: it describes the timetable the minister wants to achieve. It does not establish that all arrangements for returning students have been completed. The outcome still depends on the labour discussions and subsequent institutional announcements. GAUA must consult its members GAUA’s position after the meeting was that its leadership would take the outcome to members before deciding whether to suspend the industrial action. MyJoyOnline reported that a decision was expected after Tuesday, October 13, without a specific consultation date being announced. Continue Reading Full Article EDUCATION Ghana University Reopening: What Students Should Know About GAUA Talks By Kamau Bahati Entertainment Editor Kamau Bahati Home Comment Oct 13, 2026 Oct 13, 2026 5 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: ACCRA, October 13, 2026 — Ghana’s Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has asked the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission to prepare public universities for a possible weekend reopening following talks on October 12. The government wants academic work to resume on October 19, but students still need confirmed instructions from their universities as administrators consider whether to suspend their strike. The immediate question for families is when students should actually travel. A ministerial expectation does not itself provide a reporting date for every campus, programme or year group. When will Ghana’s universities reopen? The government wants universities ready for a weekend return and academic work on October 19, 2026. GAUA is consulting its members, while UG and KNUST have postponed their earlier reopening dates. Students should use a revised notice from their own university before arranging their return. Government sets out its preferred timetable According to MyJoyOnline’s account of the minister’s remarks , the discussions involved the Ghana Association of University Administrators, the Technical University Senior Administrators Association of Ghana and GTEC. Iddrisu asked GTEC to have public universities announce reopening dates towards the weekend. His stated aim was to protect the academic calendar and allow teaching to resume the following Monday. “It is my expectation that the universities can reopen towards the weekend,” he said. The wording is significant for students: it describes the timetable the minister wants to achieve. It does not establish that all arrangements for returning students have been completed. The outcome still depends on the labour discussions and subsequent institutional announcements. ADVERTISEMENT GAUA must consult its members GAUA’s position after the meeting was that its leadership would take the outcome to members before deciding whether to suspend the industrial action. MyJoyOnline reported that a decision was expected after Tuesday, October 13, without a specific consultation date being announced. That leaves an important step between the meeting and a return to work. Students should not read the holding of talks as confirmation that the strike has ended. The same report describes the dispute as concerning differences in the Interim Market Premium paid to teaching and non-teaching senior members. Its account of the union’s position concerns remuneration; it does not record a completed settlement accepted by members. The Ghana News Agency’s report on the talks also described the Education Ministry’s appeal for constructive engagement through established negotiation mechanisms. That appeal explains the purpose of the meeting, rather than proving an agreement was reached. What KNUST has formally announced KNUST’s official October 9 notice postponed reopening for the 2026/2027 academic year. The university had originally planned to reopen on October 13. ADVERTISEMENT The University Relations Office explicitly linked the decision to the GAUA strike and its effect on operations and administration. It said management would communicate a revised reopening date later. For KNUST students, the practical next step is to look for that replacement announcement. An old academic calendar or previously issued travel plan should be checked against the postponement before it is used to organise a return to Kumasi. The indefinite postponement does not supply an alternative date. It also does not mean the academic year has been cancelled. UG registration remains a separate task The University of Ghana’s October 10 notice postponed its planned October 12 reopening, with a revised date to follow. Graphic Online reproduced the university’s notice , which also instructed students to complete online academic registration using its earlier procedure. UG said registration would secure places for classes and eligibility for the forthcoming random bed allocation exercise. Eligibility to participate should not be mistaken for a confirmed room allocation. The notice did not state a reason for postponement. That distinction should be preserved even though the broader disruption to university administration has been widely reported. Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Policy and Reforms Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Government Announcements Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Job & Opportunity South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances . Elections Monitoring Popular Today Business Trends Lwazi Bam Named to MTN Nigeria Board From 1 December . | Appointments Dapo Akande Elected ICJ Judge: UK-Nigerian Lawyer's 2026 Win . Biography Dapo Akande Biography: Nigerian-British Lawyer Elected to ICJ . Energy and Power Africa Energy Bank Explained: Funding, Purpose and Projects . Technology and Innovation NCC Device Checker Guide: Check Your Phone Safely . ADVERTISEMENT Students can therefore have registration work to complete while still awaiting permission or instructions to report physically. Anyone experiencing a problem should retain the relevant confirmation or error message when seeking help through university channels. Check the notice for your own institution The situation is not identical across Ghana’s universities. In Daily Graphic’s October 12 reporting , University of Health and Allied Sciences Vice-Chancellor Professor Lydia Aziato said her institution had not postponed reopening. That was the position described in that report; students should still check for subsequent institutional instructions. Before making a journey, confirm the notice’s issue date, the students it covers, the reporting date and any separate accommodation arrangements. Families considering tickets should check change conditions while final instructions are outstanding. The next useful announcements are GAUA’s membership decision and revised university notices explaining when students should report and when academic work will begin. ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Business Trends Lwazi Bam Named to MTN Nigeria Board From 1 December MTN Group's chief risk officer joins four other appointees in a November board announcement. . | Appointments Dapo Akande Elected ICJ Judge: UK-Nigerian Lawyer's 2026 Win Oxford professor Dapo Akande wins a nine-year ICJ term as Britain returns to the World Court. . Biography Dapo Akande Biography: Nigerian-British Lawyer Elected to ICJ Dapo Akande’s Nigerian education, Oxford career, international cases and 2026 ICJ election. . Energy and Power Africa Energy Bank Explained: Funding, Purpose and Projects Africa's new energy lender: funding, project plans, leadership and the expected 2027 start. . Tags Nigeria News Nigeria News Breaking News Breaking News Nigeria Nigeria

Nollywood actress Tonto Dikeh says she quit smoking, alcohol and other habits after prayers at a church service led by Pastor Jerry Eze. Popular Nollywood actress Tonto Dikeh has spoken publicly about overcoming smoking, alcohol use, masturbation and anger issues, which she attributed to prayer and spiritual intervention. Dikeh shared the testimony during a Sunday service of the New Season Prophetic Prayers and Declarations (NSPPD) at Streams of Joy International Church, led by its founder, Pastor Jerry Eze. A video of the service was shared on YouTube by DCLImagery. Addressing the congregation, the actress said she began smoking at the age of 13 and struggled for years with alcohol use and masturbation. She said these challenges ended after what she described as divine intervention. “I smoked since I was 13. God healed me from masturbation too,” she told the congregation, adding that she had experienced long-standing spiritual struggles. Dikeh said her decision to speak publicly was an act of thanksgiving, despite concerns about public perception. She stated that her participation followed what she described as a turning point after attending the Ghana Prayer Conference. She also spoke about dealing with severe anger, which she said had negatively affected her relationships and personal life. According to her, consistent prayers through NSPPD brought a sense of peace she had not previously experienced. “I am 40 years old, and I can tell you I have never known peace until now,” she said. The actress disclosed that her smoking habit lasted about 27 years and linked its onset to early exposure at home, urging parents to be mindful of habits children may emulate. Dikeh said she no longer experiences urges for cigarettes or alcohol, describing the change as permanent. During the service, Pastor Eze prayed for her and declared that she had been restored and commissioned for a greater purpose. She later shared photos from the church service on Instagram, describing herself as “a living testimony of mercy.” Continue Reading Full Article NOLLYWOOD UPDATES Tonto Dikeh recounts recovery from smoking, addiction struggles By Witty Pascal Entertainment Editor Witty Pascal Home Comment Dec 15, 2025 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Popular Nollywood actress Tonto Dikeh has spoken publicly about overcoming smoking, alcohol use, masturbation and anger issues, which she attributed to prayer and spiritual intervention. Dikeh shared the testimony during a Sunday service of the New Season Prophetic Prayers and Declarations (NSPPD) at Streams of Joy International Church, led by its founder, Pastor Jerry Eze. A video of the service was shared on YouTube by DCLImagery. Addressing the congregation, the actress said she began smoking at the age of 13 and struggled for years with alcohol use and masturbation. She said these challenges ended after what she described as divine intervention. ADVERTISEMENT “I smoked since I was 13. God healed me from masturbation too,” she told the congregation, adding that she had experienced long-standing spiritual struggles. Dikeh said her decision to speak publicly was an act of thanksgiving, despite concerns about public perception. She stated that her participation followed what she described as a turning point after attending the Ghana Prayer Conference. ADVERTISEMENT She also spoke about dealing with severe anger, which she said had negatively affected her relationships and personal life. According to her, consistent prayers through NSPPD brought a sense of peace she had not previously experienced. “I am 40 years old, and I can tell you I have never known peace until now,” she said. The actress disclosed that her smoking habit lasted about 27 years and linked its onset to early exposure at home, urging parents to be mindful of habits children may emulate. Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Policy and Reforms Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Government Announcements Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Job & Opportunity South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances . Elections Monitoring Popular Today Biography Poco Lee Biography: Age, Real Name, Dance Career and Songs . Biography Eric Omondi Biography: Comedy, Activism and Public Life . Biography Who Is Snit Habteab, Eritrea’s Miss World Trailblazer? . Entertainment Poco Lee UK Case Sparks Consent Debate Among Nigerian Stars . Entertainment FOLA Leads 2026 Headies Nominations Ahead of Toronto . ADVERTISEMENT Dikeh said she no longer experiences urges for cigarettes or alcohol, describing the change as permanent. During the service, Pastor Eze prayed for her and declared that she had been restored and commissioned for a greater purpose. She later shared photos from the church service on Instagram, describing herself as “a living testimony of mercy.” ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Biography Poco Lee Biography: Age, Real Name, Dance Career and Songs Inside the Nigerian dancer’s rise from Ojo street shows to Afrobeats stages, music and global fame. . Biography Eric Omondi Biography: Comedy, Activism and Public Life How Eric Omondi rose through Churchill Show and became a prominent Kenyan activist. . Biography Who Is Snit Habteab, Eritrea’s Miss World Trailblazer? The neuroscientist and educator became Eritrea’s first Miss World entrant and reached the Top 6 . 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