Tanzania President Dr Samia Suluhu with her daughter Wanu Hafidh Ameir ….Photo /courtesy
REGIONAL & NATIONAL NEWS ROUNDUP — NOV. 17, 2025
DODOMA,TANZANIA
Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan has named her daughter, Wanu Hafidh Ameir, as Deputy Minister for Education and appointed her son-in-law, Mohamed Mchengerwa, as Minister of Health in a new cabinet announced after last month’s disputed election.
Hassan also named Ridhiwani Jakaya Kikwete, son of former President Jakaya Kikwete, to the cabinet and appointed Mahmoud Thabit Kombo as Minister for Foreign Affairs.
JOHANNESBURG
U.S. to Block G20 Declaration; South Africa Decries ‘Leadership Vacuum’
The United States plans to block adoption of a joint Leaders’ Declaration at the upcoming G20 Summit, arguing that deep geopolitical divisions make consensus impossible.
Washington is instead pushing for a non-binding Chair’s Statement.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa criticized the move, saying the refusal to back a joint declaration represents a “loss” for the U.S.
He said South Africa will symbolically hand over the G20 presidency to an “empty chair” to signify Washington’s absence from global leadership.
DRC — Mines Minister Escapes Plane Fire at Kolwezi Airport
Democratic Republic of Congo Mines Minister Louis Watum Kabamba escaped unhurt after the plane he was traveling in burst into flames shortly after landing at Kolwezi Airport in Lualaba Province.
The aircraft, carrying about 20 passengers, reportedly overshot the runway before catching fire on Nov. 17.
All passengers, including the minister, evacuated safely before the plane was engulfed.
UGANDA NATIONAL BRIEFS
NUP’s Peter Mpaka Quits Party, Drops Mbarara City North Bid
Peter Mpaka has quit the National Unity Platform and withdrawn his bid for the Mbarara City North MP seat, accusing party president Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine) of “lies.”
Mpaka told reporters on Monday that Bobi Wine allegedly convinced him to bankroll construction of a new party office in Mbarara but has refused to refund the money needed for his campaign.
Lukwago Accused of Vandalizing Beatrice Mao’s Campaign Billboards
Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago is facing accusations from Democratic Party candidate Beatrice Mao, who claims his supporters vandalized her campaign billboards worth more than UGX 50 million.
Mao said in a Nov. 17 press statement that the orchestrated vandalism was intended to derail her mayoral campaign.
Lukwago faces competition from Mao, Ronald Balimwezo (NUP), Kizito Moses Nsubuga (NRM), Ibrahim Kasozi (FDC) and independent candidate Nabila Nagayi.
Impostor Posing as State House Major Arrested in Kampala
Police have arrested Franco Mugumya, an alleged serial fraudster who posed as “Major Hannington” from the State House Investors Protection Unit.
Mugumya, who also used the alias SP Hannington Banda, was arrested in a joint SHIPU–police operation after a complaint from Fiona Ariho, who sought assistance at the actual SHIPU offices and exposed the scheme.
Karuma–Kamudini Road Section Closed for Emergency Repairs
The Ministry of Works has temporarily closed the Karuma Junction–Kamudini Town road section for urgent repairs.
The closure affects a key transport corridor connecting Kampala to northern Uganda.
Authorities advised motorists to use the Olwiyo–Anaka route for Kampala–Gulu travel and the Masindi Port ferry for the Lira–Kampala route.
ARUA — NUP’s Ayivu East Aspirant Arrested Over UGX 30 Million Debt
Police in Arua have arrested Ayikobua Isaac, the NUP parliamentary candidate for Ayivu East Division, for allegedly failing to comply with a court order requiring him to pay UGX 30 million in compensation.
Ayikobua is contesting the seat against Anguyo Godfrey, Feta Geofrey and Tiyo William.
NWOYA — New Sleeping Sickness Case Confirmed in Purongo
Health officials have confirmed a new case of sleeping sickness in Purongo Town Council, Nwoya District.
The patient, a 46-year-old man, tested positive after presenting with fever, chills, body pains and anemia.
This is the district’s second recent case, following the 2024 death of a resident from Puran Village.
BUIKWE — Gravel-Loaded Sinotruck Crashes Into SUV; No Fatalities
A Sinotruck loaded with gravel crashed into an SUV on the Katosi–Nyenga Road Monday morning, spilling its load and partially burying the smaller vehicle.
The crash occurred at 6:30 a.m. in Kabal Cell, Nyenga Division.
Police reported no serious injuries and towed both vehicles to Nyenga Police Station for inspection.
KAYUNGA — RDC Orders Probe Into Shoddy Contracts
Kayunga Deputy RDC Solomon Trevor Baleke has ordered an investigation into alleged corruption in district contract awards.
Councilors on Monday raised concerns over substandard projects, including a UGX 400 million maternity ward at Kayunga Regional Referral Hospital and poorly made school desks.
They accused officials of awarding contracts to unregistered “briefcase” companies.
