Kenya

Raila: The Dealmaker Who Redefined Power In Kenya

Raila Odinga was Kenya’s enduring political force – a rebel, reformer, and dealmaker whose influence spanned more than five decades. Raila was born in 1945 to Jaramogi Oginga Odinga and Ida Odinga. He rose from detention after the 1982 coup attempt to become the face of the country’s struggle for democracy. From declaring “Kibaki Tosha” in 2002 to shaping the 2010 Constitution and engineering the 2018 Handshake, Raila redefined opposition as both a principle and a strategy. Though the presidency always eluded him, he remained the nation’s most consequential political figure, a master of reinvention who turned defeat into leverage and protest into policy. His imprint endures in Kenya’s restless, democratic spirit.

(Source: Daily Nation)

Uganda

Kabuleta’s NEED Joins ‘Opposition’ Parties Backing Museveni Re-election

The National Economic Empowerment Dialogue (NEED), founded by former presidential candidate Joseph Kabuleta, has joined a coalition of eight political parties in formally supporting President Museveni’s re-election bid for 2026. NEED has experienced internal divisions since its inception, including disagreements over Kabuleta’s leadership style and financial management, which have weakened the party. Recently, coalition members met with Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja to express their support, citing constitutional rights and appreciation for Museveni’s developmental record. The move represents a significant shift for NEED, which had previously characterised itself as an opposition voice.

(Source: All Africa)

Tanzania

CUF’s Manifesto Makeover and Its Importance To Tanzanians

The Civic United Front (CUF) has launched an ambitious election manifesto, promising significant changes across Tanzania. Its core focuses include constitutional reforms aimed at strengthening institutions and civil liberties through a new people-driven constitution, an independent judicial appointments process, and an empowered human rights commission. The party also highlights rapid economic growth targeted at 10 per cent annually, with major investments in infrastructure, agriculture, industry, and increased support for SMEs, youth, and women. Job creation remains a priority, with a goal of one million new jobs each year, alongside a shift in education towards innovation, vocational training, and technological skills. CUF commits to reforming revenue collection, especially from mining, simplifying taxation, and redirecting public resources to health, education, and governance. The manifesto provides a clear, measurable roadmap; however, its success will largely depend on political will and the capacity to implement these plans.

(Source: Daily News)

Rwanda

Land Authority Suspends Use of Power of Attorney In Land Transfers

Rwanda’s National Land Authority (NLA) has temporarily halted the use of powers of attorney for land transfers to address increasing cases of fraud involving forged documents. The decision, announced by NLA Director General Marie Grace Nishimwe, takes effect immediately and applies to all powers of attorney issued within Rwanda. However, those issued abroad will remain valid if they meet all legal requirements. The suspension will be in place until the launch of a new electronic notary system, developed by the Ministry of Justice, which will enable digital notarisation using secure electronic signatures and seals. The NLA noted that exceptional cases will be reviewed through the Office of the Registrar of Land Titles or the authority’s headquarters in Kigali. Officials say the measure aims to improve transparency, protect genuine landowners, and reduce exploitation, emphasising that decentralised land services make in-person transactions accessible across all administrative levels.

(Source: New Times)

Ethiopia

Ethiopia Won’t Be Pressured into Abandoning Its Right to Utilise Nile Water: Ministry of Water and Energy

Ethiopia’s Ministry of Water and Energy has rejected Egypt’s renewed criticism of the Nile and the GERD, reaffirming that Ethiopia’s development is unavoidable. The ministry accused Egypt of clinging to a colonial-era mindset and using divisive tactics instead of pursuing cooperation. It emphasised that Ethiopia, which supplies 85% of the Nile’s flow, has the right to utilise the river for its development and will not succumb to pressure. The statement called for genuine African solidarity based on fairness and equal rights among Nile Basin nations, while reaffirming Ethiopia’s commitment to diplomacy and responsible water management.

(Source: ENA)

Somalia

Somalia and Azerbaijan Sign Visa-Free Travel Agreement for Diplomatic Passport Holders

Somalia and Azerbaijan have signed a Memorandum of Understanding granting mutual visa exemptions for diplomatic passport holders, marking a key milestone in strengthening relations between the two nations. The agreement was signed in Kampala by Somalia’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Ali Mohamed Omar, and Azerbaijan’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Samir Sharifov, on the sidelines of the 19th Intersessional Meeting of NAM Foreign Ministers. The new arrangement enables diplomats from both countries to travel visa-free, reflecting a shared commitment to deeper cooperation and stronger bilateral engagement. Officials from both sides also discussed expanding collaboration and exploring new areas of partnership, underscoring the growing diplomatic relationship between Somalia and Azerbaijan.

(Source: SONNA)