Kenya 

County Workers Set for New Pension Scheme Under 2026 Bill 

More than 226,500 county employees could be transferred to a new retirement scheme if the County Governments Retirement Scheme Bill, 2026, is approved by Parliament. Sponsored by National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, the Bill seeks to establish a dedicated retirement fund for eligible county state officers, public officers and employees of county governments, agencies and associated organisations, while repealing the Authorities Provident Fund (Cap. 212). The proposed changes would significantly reshape how retirement benefits for county workers are managed. 

(Source: Daily Nation) 

Uganda 

Musuuga Takes Charge of Oyo’s Funeral and Succession Rites 

Charles Kayondo Kamurasi, head of the Babiito royal clan, has been placed at the centre of cultural arrangements following the death of Tooro King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV. As Musuuga, Kamurasi will oversee the King’s funeral rites and succession process, including preparations for the burial and the identification and announcement of Oyo’s successor. A 21-member committee of Babiito elders will support the succession process, while the late King’s body is expected to remain at Karuziika Palace during the traditional nine-day mourning period. 

(Source: Monitor) 

Tanzania 

Tanzania’s Political Tensions Deepen Divisions Among Diaspora 

Rising political tensions in Tanzania following the disputed 2025 General Election are increasingly dividing Tanzanians living abroad, with disagreements over the government’s handling of the post-election unrest, opposition and democratic reforms spilling into diaspora communities. The tensions have intensified as the country continues to grapple with the political fallout, including the detention of opposition leader Tundu Lissu and the recent resignation and expulsion from the ruling party of Vice-President Emmanuel Nchimbi. 

(Source: The Citizen) 

Rwanda 

Rwanda and Uganda Reaffirm Commitment to Border Security Cooperation 

Senior commanders from the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) and Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening military cooperation and addressing security challenges along the Uganda-Rwanda border. The three-day Proximity Commanders’ Meeting in Mbarara focused on information sharing, combating cross-border illegal activities and maintaining peace among border communities, with both sides stressing the importance of sustained communication and collaboration. 

(Source: The New Times) 

Ethiopia 

Observers Raise Concerns Over Restrictions at Ethiopia’s National Dialogue 

The Consortium of Ethiopian Human Rights Organisations (CEHRO) has raised concerns over restrictions faced by observers during key sessions of Ethiopia’s recently concluded National Dialogue. The consortium said its 10-member monitoring team was barred from sensitive discussions, including deliberations on Addis Ababa’s administrative status, and had limited access to the compilation of minutes and decisions. It also cited concerns over facilitator influence, delayed information sharing and limited coverage of dissenting views. At the same time, the National Dialogue Commission maintained that it would organise recommendations transparently and share them with the public. 

(Source: The Reporter) 

Sudan 

Sudan Military Intelligence Detains Doctors’ Union Leader 

Sudanese Military Intelligence has detained Dr. Attiya Abdallah, secretary-general of the Preliminary Committee of the Sudan Doctors’ Trade Union, after he was arrested in Gedaref while conducting infectious disease fieldwork. Authorities later transferred him to Khartoum but have not disclosed the reasons or charges behind his detention. The doctors’ union and allied professional groups are calling for his immediate release and urging international organisations to intervene, amid growing concerns over the detention and harassment of medical and humanitarian workers during Sudan’s ongoing conflict. 

(Source: Sudan Tribune) 

Somalia 

Somalia and Belgium Seek to Strengthen Bilateral Cooperation 

Somalia and Belgium have discussed ways to deepen bilateral relations and expand cooperation in areas of mutual interest. The engagement reflects Somalia’s efforts to strengthen diplomatic and economic partnerships with European countries, while Belgium continues to support initiatives linked to Somalia’s development, humanitarian needs and institutional strengthening. Belgium has also contributed more than $1 million through the FAO’s anticipatory action programme for Somalia, highlighting its wider development cooperation with the country. 

(Source: SONNA)