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Janet Museveni Launches New TVET Council to Boost Uganda’s Skills and Jobs

Uganda’s vocational education sector is set for major transformation following the inauguration of the Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Council and Assessment Boards by First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Museveni.

Speaking during the ceremony held at State House, Nakasero, Hon. Museveni described the move as a vital step in modernizing vocational education to meet current workforce demands and advance Uganda’s economic development.

“TVET is vital for preparing our people for a rapidly changing job market,” she said. “The TVET Act 2025 is a key instrument for aligning vocational education with national goals and Sustainable Development Goal 4 for inclusive and equitable education.”

The newly formed TVET Council, chaired by Mrs. Allen Kagina, will play a central role in shaping the future of vocational education. Its responsibilities include setting policies, overseeing financing, licensing private training institutions, and ensuring quality assurance.

Other members of the council include Mr. Sikander Lalani, Mr. Douglas Opio, Eng. Ziria Tibalwa Waako, Dr. Tonny Tumwesigye, Ms. Jean Byamugisha, and Mr. Diriisa Ssekitoleko.

Additionally, the TVET Assessment Boards will focus on standardizing and evaluating training programs to meet national and global benchmarks.

The inauguration ceremony drew stakeholders from across the education sector, including Permanent Secretaries, education leaders, and private sector representatives. The event underscored the importance of collaboration in driving TVET reform.

Students and educators can now expect market-driven training programs tailored to high-demand industries such as technology, agriculture, and hospitality.

These reforms aim to improve training quality, increase access for marginalized groups, and strengthen the connection between learning and employment.

Despite this progress, Hon. Museveni acknowledged that funding and infrastructure remain critical areas that require close attention to ensure the success of the reforms.

The new TVET structure promises a robust and inclusive skills development system, offering young Ugandans practical career paths and promoting job creation.

This reform is expected to expand training centers, raise quality standards, and enhance private sector involvement. It also prioritizes innovation and the inclusion of women, youth, and rural communities.

Hon. Museveni urged all stakeholders to remain engaged and committed to ensuring that the reforms deliver measurable results and help build a skilled, competitive workforce.

Kenya Edges Uganda in Rugby Thriller to Book Africa Cup Semifinal Spot

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The Kenya Simbas edged past Uganda’s Rugby Cranes with a hard-fought 32–24 win on July 8, 2025, at Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, securing a place in the Rugby Africa Cup semifinals and keeping their 2027 Rugby World Cup dream alive.

The fiercely contested East African derby delivered explosive action, with both teams pushing their limits in front of a roaring crowd. The match carried high stakes, as the winner advanced closer to qualifying for the 2027 World Cup in Australia.

Kenya struck first when Griffin Chao broke through Uganda’s defense for a 20th-minute try. Barry Young followed with a second, converted by Jone Kubu, putting Kenya up 12–0. Uganda responded through Aaron Ofoyrwoth, and Joseph Aredo’s conversion narrowed the gap to 12–7 at halftime.

In the second half, Young added a drop goal to extend Kenya’s lead. Captain George Nyambua powered through Uganda’s forwards for Kenya’s third try before Chao added his second, making it 29–10.

Despite trailing, Uganda refused to fold. Philip Wokorach delivered a stunning solo effort and added the conversion to bring the score to 29–17. Byron Oketayot then executed a brilliant chip-and-chase try, reducing the deficit to 29–24. However, a final drop goal from Young sealed the win for Kenya.

Kenyan fans celebrated online. “Simbas win 32–24 against Uganda! We’re in the semifinals! #RACUG25,” tweeted @ItsBilaso. @FanakaStudios added, “Simbas roar loud to reach the semis! Amazing job! #RugbyKE.” @KBCChannel1 confirmed, “Kenya Simbas beat Uganda and face Zimbabwe next!”

Ugandan supporters, though disappointed, applauded the team’s resilience. @UgandaRugby posted, “Cranes fall 24–32 to Kenya. Proud of the fight!” while @EdwinKyleKule said, “Kenya 32–24 Uganda. Simbas move on, but Cranes showed heart.”

Kenya’s disciplined start and clinical finishing, especially from Chao and Young, were key to their victory. Their recent training camp in South Africa improved their set pieces and attacking sharpness, which paid off in Kampala. However, late-game defensive lapses nearly opened the door for a Ugandan comeback.

Uganda showed grit and flair, with Wokorach’s performance and crowd support inspiring a late rally. But early handling errors and slow starts again proved costly.

The historic rivalry between the two sides—dating back to the launch of the Elgon Cup in 2004—added intensity to the match. Kenya now leads the all-time head-to-head with 27 wins in 43 matches, including dominant victories in the 2022 and 2024 editions.

Kenya will face Zimbabwe in the semifinals, who advanced after defeating Morocco 43–8. Both teams are vying for their first-ever Rugby World Cup appearance. Uganda will now regroup and aim for a strong finish in the placement rounds.

NCBA Bank Commits UGX 1.45 Billion to Makerere University Marathon as Platinum Sponsor

Makerere University has unveiled NCBA Bank Uganda as the platinum sponsor of the Makerere University Marathon, securing a UGX 1.45 billion partnership over the next five years.

The announcement was made at a press conference held on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at the university’s main campus in Kampala.

The marathon, formerly a fun run, was rebranded earlier this year as the Makerere University Marathon (#MakRun2025) and is now the flagship initiative of the Makerere University Endowment Fund (MakEF).

This year’s edition is set for August 17, 2025, under the theme “Run the Hills for the Future.”

NCBA Bank Commits UGX 1.45 Billion to Makerere Marathon as Platinum Sponsor

MakEF Board Chairperson, Dr. Maggie Kigozi, hailed the partnership as a milestone.

“We are deeply honoured and excited to unveil NCBA Bank Uganda as the Platinum Sponsor of #MakRun2025, with a landmark commitment of UGX 1.45 billion over the next five years,” she said.
Dr. Kigozi emphasized that the funds would accelerate efforts to establish a fully equipped Disability Support Unit and provide sustainable financial support for economically disadvantaged students.

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe makes his remarks

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, applauded NCBA’s historic support, calling it “a powerful gesture of trust in our mission and a demonstration of deep corporate citizenship.”

“The Makerere Marathon is not just a race. It is a movement to build a future for students living with disabilities and for those in need of financial support,” he added.

The Vice Chancellor also urged the Makerere community—including staff, students, alumni, and partners—to rally behind the initiative and help make #MakRun2025 the most impactful edition yet.

NCBA Bank CEO, Mr. Mark Muyobo, echoed the importance of the partnership.

“We are proud to be part of a cause that is shaping Uganda’s future—one student, one community, one strength at a time,” he said.
Muyobo described the marathon as more than a sporting event.
“It is about opening doors, promoting inclusion, and supporting active lifestyles,” he said.
“These are not just upgrades; they are bold steps toward building a world-class international marathon right here in Kampala.”

This year’s marathon will feature—for the first time—a full 42.2km race with international accreditation and professional timing. The race route will be traffic-free to ensure a smooth and competitive experience for runners.

To seal the partnership, Makerere University and NCBA Bank Uganda signed a Memorandum of Understanding, followed by the presentation of a UGX 1.45 billion dummy cheque to Dr. Maggie Kigozi in the presence of university officials and NCBA representatives. The unveiling event concluded with a symbolic evening run, signaling the countdown to #MakRun2025.

Universities Join Forces to Solve Unemployment Through Agro-Innovation

Uganda Christian University (UCU), in partnership with Uganda Martyrs University, Bugema University, and Kabale University, has launched a research project aimed at combating youth unemployment through innovations in the maize agro-food sector.

The five-year initiative, titled “Strengthening University Delivery of Entrepreneurship Skills for Community Engagement and Action Research in Uganda (SUESCA)”, was unveiled at UCU’s main campus in Mukono. The project seeks to empower young people, women, refugees, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups with entrepreneurial skills across all stages of the maize value chain in Bugiri, Buikwe, and Kayunga districts.

Funded by the Mastercard Foundation, SUESCA will be coordinated under the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM) and will integrate technical and vocational institutions, private sector actors, and community organizations to scale up results.

“This is not just another university project,” said Prof. Balyejusa Kizito, UCU’s principal investigator and expert in sustainable agriculture. “This is a movement to restore dignity to employment and transform maize into an engine of opportunity.”

UCU will focus on applied research and innovation in maize-based products through its Nutri-Dense Foods Innovation Program, commercialization activities, and farmer–market linkages using digital platforms such as a Farmer Management Information System (MIS). These efforts will build on UCU’s previous initiatives like the AIRTEA project to fast-track progress and impact.

Mr. David Mugawe, UCU’s Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, who represented Vice Chancellor Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi at the launch, called the project a “timely intervention” for Uganda’s struggling youth job market.

“We must create systems and ambassadors that live beyond the project’s five-year life span,” Mugawe said. “As UCU, we are committed to long-term community engagement and transformation.”

The project includes short skilling programs for job creation, post-harvest and climate-smart agricultural training, business incubation, value chain development, and digital entrepreneurship. SUESCA also plans to establish satellite entrepreneurship hubs in hard-to-reach areas to expand impact.

The consortium targets:

  • 1,700 university students
  • 200 TVET students
  • 918 out-of-school youth
  • 5,000 jobs created
  • 19 startups and 11 spin-offs launched
  • 250,000 trees planted

Seventy percent of all beneficiaries will be young women under the age of 35, with a strong emphasis on inclusivity for persons with disabilities and displaced individuals.

Maize was selected as the project’s focal commodity because it is Uganda’s most widely grown and consumed crop. SUESCA aims to unlock its full economic potential by engaging participants in everything from input supply to agro-processing and export logistics—contributing to Uganda’s National Development Plan IV and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

“We should no longer produce just graduates as universities,” Prof. Kizito emphasized. “We must raise innovators, community transformers, and job creators who will lead Uganda into a future of dignity, sustainability, and shared prosperity.”

4 Ways to Style the Girl With Curves Tunic Sweater

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4 Ways to Style the Girl With Curves Tunic Sweater

Polished, practical, relaxed but refined.

4 Ways to Style the Girl With Curves Tunic Sweater

One of the best ways to determine if a garment is worth adding to your wardrobe, is making sure it can be styled multiple ways. I apply this to rule when shopping, as well as when I’m designing Girl With Curves collection, so it should be no surprise that every style within the collection is really versatile.

The Oversized Tunic Sweater just dropped today, and it’s one of my all-time favorite pieces because it’s seriously so versatile, pairing back to leggings, jeans and even skirts!

Here’s 4 ways to style it:

 

 

#StyleHasNoSize: Belted Cardigan, Pleated Trench, Plaid Coat

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#StyleHasNoSize: Belted Cardigan, Pleated Trench, Plaid Coat | Girl With Curves

Different size women, equally fab in the same outfits.

#StyleHasNoSize: Belted Cardigan, Pleated Trench, Plaid Coat | Girl With Curves

Today’s #StyleHasNoSize features another round of me and my little sister, Jazmen, wearing some of our favorite GWC collection looks.

Remember, these posts aren’t meant to focus on who wore it best – they’re meant to inspire you to wear what you love and feel amazing in, regardless of height, weight, shape or size!

Here is the video I posted on instagram, and images of each look are below.

This Sundress is a Must-Have for Summer

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This Sundress is a Must-Have for Summer | Girl With Curves

Available in sizes XXS-5X, petite and regular lengths.

This Sundress is a Must-Have for Summer | Girl With Curves

I’m a big fan of sundresses, but most of the time the straps aren’t wide enough to cover my bra strap, and I’m not a fan of strapless bras. Enter this ruffle strap sundress, with ruffle straps wide enough to cover any type of bra strap!

This sundress is a lightweight chiffon fabric with a knit lining and elastic at the waistline for waist shape. It’s a classic midi length, available in petite and regular lengths, and of course it has GWC signature pockets. It’s available in this polka dot print as well as a statement red-orange solid, in sizes XXS-5X.

Taking a Pause from GWC

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And focusing on something new…

It’s been over a year since my last blog post, which is the longest I’ve gone without posting, EVER. It’s crazy to think this blog used to publish content almost every day of the week during the heyday of blogs!

With the workload and success of Girl With Curves collection over the past two years, a gnarly car accident, and the loss of a family member, I needed some time away from this space to focus on my mental health. In the midst of brainstorming all the ways I was going to come back to this space stronger than ever, I’ve developed a craving for something fresh and new – a place where I can continue sharing all the things I’m passionate about, without the clutter of social media’s algorithm, or having to upload to a website; a place where I can truly build a community outside of a comment section, where discussions can dive deeper than ever before, adding the type of value I personally seek in my own day-to-day life.

All of this said, I’m excited to share a new chapter, venturing into your inbox with style inspiration, noteworthy fashion finds, discussions on self-acceptance, my pursuit of wellness and more via Newsletter. My hope is that we can share experiences, form friendships, as I continue to share fashion and personal style, as well as all the things that always weigh so deeply on my heart.

As for this space, I’m still figuring out what it should be, and whether it’s still meant to be.

In the meantime, can find me posting on my Newsletter and Instagram.

Thank you so much for the love and support, always!
x Tanesha