U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi visited the Nyumanzi Transit Center in northern Uganda, where he encountered South Sudanese refugees living in poor conditions and facing food shortages. The refugees, who fled violence in South Sudan since last July, shared their struggles with Grandi, including inadequate food, lack of basic supplies, and fears of moving to a new settlement named Bidibidi due to concerns over infrastructure and safety. Despite the Ugandan government's efforts to transfer refugees to Bidibidi, some refugees expressed a preference to return to South Sudan over relocating. Grandi praised Uganda's response to the refugee influx but emphasized the need for more international support and resources to maintain aid levels and respond to new waves of refugees. Uganda currently hosts around 570,000 refugees from various countries, with no foreseeable end to the violence in South Sudan.

The article reports on the aftermath of five days of intense fighting in Juba, South Sudan, which has caused many to flee their homes. The main escape route to Uganda is fraught with danger, including ambushes and violent checkpoints manned by soldiers in SPLA uniforms who extort money and belongings from those trying to escape. Edwin Taylor, a Liberian national, shared his harrowing experience of escaping to Uganda. The border post in Nimule is now devoid of traffic, and Ugandan police have prevented their traders from entering South Sudan. An SPLA spokesperson denied knowledge of new checkpoints or violence on the road to Uganda. The Ugandan police have noted an increase in people with gunshot wounds crossing the border, and the U.N. refugee agency has urged Uganda to prepare for more refugees. Uganda has tightened border control and deployed troops to the border to prevent the conflict from spilling over.

In Uganda, domestic workers are increasingly being coerced into undergoing health screenings for HIV and sexually-transmitted infections as a precondition for employment. Lydia Bwiite, a lawyer with the Platform for Labor Action, highlights that the consent for these tests is often not genuine. Clinics confirm the testing practice but are not authorized to speak on the matter. The 2014 HIV and AIDS Prevention and Control Act in Uganda prohibits disclosing an HIV status to anyone but the patient and workplace discrimination based on HIV status. Benon Kisgenyi from the Ministry of Gender, Labor and Social Development notes that mandatory health screenings can be indicative of potential sexual exploitation. The article also shares the story of a nanny named Mariam, whose colleague faced discrimination after testing positive for HIV. Advocates are calling for more legal protections for domestic workers, while those who feel their rights are violated are advised to visit their district labor office.

Tensions in Uganda persist four months after a disputed presidential election. Arrests of military officers and an armed attack on a Gulu police station have raised concerns. The attack aimed to rescue opposition party official Dan Oola Odia, with the National Democratic Alliance claiming responsibility. Police Inspector General Kale Kayihura urged the media not to exaggerate the incident. The attackers reportedly used stolen guns, and several arrests have been made following the clash that resulted in one soldier's death.

Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir, wanted by the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity, war crimes, and genocide in Darfur, attended Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni's inauguration without being arrested, despite Uganda's obligation as a signatory of the Rome Statute. Museveni criticized the ICC as 'useless', prompting a walkout by Western diplomats, including the American delegation. The African Center for Justice and Peace Studies noted a shift in African leaders' stance towards the ICC, with Uganda previously supporting it. The ongoing conflict in Darfur and the plight of IDP camp residents were also highlighted.

Delegates from the U.S., Canada, and Europe walked out of the Ugandan presidential inauguration ceremony due to the presence of indicted war criminal Omar al-Bashir and President Yoweri Museveni's critical remarks about the International Criminal Court. Museveni, who has been in power since 1986, was sworn in for his fifth term amid celebrations and tension, with the government enforcing a social media blackout and police responding to unrest with force. Opposition leader Kizza Besiyge, who finished second in the February election, declared himself the 'people's president' and called for an independent audit of the election results.

Australia's asylum and refugee policy is under scrutiny after two self-immolations by refugees in offshore detention centers. An Iranian refugee, Omid, and a Somali woman, Hadon, set themselves on fire, drawing international attention to the conditions and mental health issues faced by detainees. Despite criticism and offers from New Zealand and a ruling by Papua New Guinea's Supreme Court, Australia maintains its stance on not allowing refugees onto the mainland, with Immigration Minister Richard Dutton blaming advocates for the incidents. Human rights advocates and UNHCR call for immediate action and mental health interventions.

Human rights advocates in Uganda are concerned about violent rhetoric from leaders ahead of national elections. Statements by the Inspector General of Police and the NRM party's secretary-general, which have been perceived as threats, have raised fears of violence. Both officials claim they were misquoted. The Human Rights Network — Uganda and citizens are alarmed by the talk of war and violent imagery in campaign ads. The police refute the potential for violence, citing peaceful political activities. Human Rights Watch has urged President Museveni and officials to promote peace and the right to freedom of assembly, but there has been no comment from the nation's leaders.

Uganda's youth, who make up a significant portion of the electorate, feel marginalized ahead of the national elections. Despite their potential influence, many choose not to vote due to a sense of ineffectiveness and neglect by political candidates. The Interparty Youth Platform's National Youth Manifesto, highlighting key youth issues, has been largely overlooked. Concerns about election fairness and security, including police brutality and vote rigging, contribute to voter apathy. Some, like Moses Egunyu of the International Republican Institute, question the point of voting when past promises on poverty, corruption, and unemployment have not been fulfilled. Others doubt the ability of opposition candidates like Amama Mbabazi and Kizza Besigye to bring about real change. The elections are set for February 18, with 15 million Ugandans registered to vote.

The Ugandan shilling has experienced a significant decline in value, leading to increased rents and reduced salaries. Factors contributing to the devaluation include a stronger U.S. economy and decreased exports to South Sudan. The Bank of Uganda has intervened to stabilize the currency, countering media claims of non-intervention. The bank's research director, James Opolot, cited falling commodity prices as a contributing factor. Communications director Christine Alupo emphasized the bank's role in addressing excessive volatility. Foreign workers like Jenny Smith are facing financial challenges due to the weaker shilling and rising costs. Officials suggest that maintaining calm and normal investment behavior could stabilize the situation, despite concerns about the upcoming elections.

In Uganda, President Yoweri Museveni has called for the arrest of individuals responsible for spreading a hateful audio message about the Bahima people via Whatsapp, sparking debate over social media policing and free speech. The president's response, a video in Runyankole, has received mixed reactions, with some supporting a clampdown on ethnic hate, while others fear it could set a dangerous precedent and be used against political opponents. Uganda's law against sectarian hate is contentious and has never led to a conviction, with enforcement on social media posing significant challenges.

In Uganda, the availability of government data is transforming journalism and community empowerment, fostering a new level of accountability. Data platforms provide insights into budgets from various sectors, aiding data journalists and tech experts. The Hub for Investigative Media, founded by Edward Sekyewa, leverages the Access to Information Act to hold authorities accountable, as demonstrated by a recent case against the Uganda Forestry Authority. IT professionals are developing tools like Ask Your Government Uganda to enhance citizen engagement with government agencies.