𝐄𝐗𝐏𝐋𝐎𝐑𝐄𝐑 𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒 𝐑𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐃𝐔𝐏 *𝐈𝐒𝐒𝐔𝐄 1148* 🅢🅤🅝🅓🅐🅨 🅔🅓🅘🅣🅘🅞🅝 *February 23, 2025* 🇺🇬🇺🇬🇺🇬 https://explorer.co.ug/ 🇺🇬 *MultiChoice petitions UCC over illegal streaming decoders on the market* 📌MultiChoice Uganda, the operator of DStv and GOtv services in the country, has formally petitioned the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) to address the escalating issue of illegal internet streaming devices and decoders flooding the market. The company claims these unauthorized devices are being used to broadcast premium content, including SuperSport and beIN Sports channels, in violation of its exclusive broadcasting rights and copyrights thereby undermining its business model and causing significant financial losses estimated in the billions of shillings. 🌍 *ROME: Pope Francis in critical condition as Vatican reports respiratory crisis* 📌Pope Francis, the 88-year-old leader of the Roman Catholic Church, remains in critical condition at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital following a severe health setback, the Vatican announced late Saturday, February 22, 2025. The pontiff, hospitalized since February 14 with a complex respiratory infection, suffered a “prolonged asthmatic respiratory crisis” that morning, requiring high-flow oxygen to stabilize his breathing. This alarming development has heightened global concern for his well-being as he battles double pneumonia and related complications. 🇺🇬 *Top Qatari influencers embark on 7-day journey to showcase Uganda’s wonders* 📌A group of prominent Qatari influencers are in Uganda for a week-long familiarization trip, aimed at spotlighting the country’s rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and unique tourism offerings. The initiative running from February 18-25, 2025, seeks to position Uganda as a must-visit destination for travelers from the Gulf region and beyond. The delegation includes some of Qatar’s most celebrated social media personalities, known for their influence in travel, lifestyle, and adventure content. “We’re showcasing Uganda’s unparalleled wildlife, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality to a global audience,” said Amb. Mohammed Kezaala. 🇺🇬 *Gov’t launches Shs70 billion road upgrade project in Makindye-Ssabagabo* 📌Residents of Makindye Ssabagabo Municipality in Wakiso District have reason to celebrate as the government has officially signed contracts to kick off a long-awaited road improvement project valued at Shs 70 billion. The initiative, announced on February 22, 2025, aims to transform the municipality’s crumbling road network, promising smoother travel, reduced dust, and a boost to local commerce. According to officials, the upgrades will cover 56.6 kilometers of key roads within the municipality, addressing chronic issues like potholes, poor drainage, and unpaved surfaces that turn into muddy traps during the rainy season. 🇺🇬 *BUIKWE: Residents rejoice as upgraded health facilities transform care in Ngogwe, Nkokonjeru Town Council* 📌Residents of Ngogwe Sub-county and Nkokonjeru Town Council, Buikwe District, are rejoicing over significant improvements in healthcare services following the recent upgrades of two local health facilities. The Ministry of Health has elevated Ngogwe Health Center III to Health Center IV and Nkokonjeru Health Center II to Health Center III, marking a transformative step in addressing the region's healthcare needs. The upgrades, valued at Shs 1.4 billion, include new theater blocks, spacious waiting sheds, and a fully equipped delivery ward, among other critical improvements. 🇺🇬 *Educationists mourn Elizabeth Gabona, esteemed leader and advocate* 📌The education community is reeling from the sudden passing of Elizabeth K.M. Gabona, a towering figure in the sector, who died on the night of February 21, 2025, at International Hospital Kampala (IHK). Gabona, the recently retired Deputy Chairperson of the Education Service Commission (ESC) and former Director for Higher Education at the Ministry of Education and Sports, leaves behind a legacy of dedication, reform, and unwavering commitment to improving education across the nation. “Maama Gabona was a moving encyclopedia on education matters,” said Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa. 🇺🇬 *KAMWENGE: Police retrieve body of man who drowned in dam after swimming while drunk* 📌The police in Kamwenge District have retrieved the body of a 45-year-old man who drowned in a dam in Mutwe Cell, Nkoma Ward, Kamwenge Town Council (NKTC), on February 22, 2025. The deceased, identified as Rwankyari John, reportedly drowned after attempting to swim in an 18-feet-deep dam while intoxicated. According to eyewitness accounts, the tragic incident occurred at around 1:00 pm when Rwankyari, who was visibly drunk, forced himself to swim in the water-filled dam. Attempts to rescue him were unsuccessful due to the depth of the water and the strong currents. 🇺🇬 *MOYO: Body of missing man recovered in South Sudan Jungle after family dispute* 📌The body of Andruga Peter, a 45-year-old man who went missing on February 16, 2025, following a domestic misunderstanding with his wife, has been discovered in Aligo Jungle, across the border in Litoba Payam, South Sudan. The recovery of the body brings a tragic end to a week-long search that left the community in Pacuawi Village, Vura Parish, Moyo Sub-county, in distress. Andruga’s body was discovered on February 22, 2025, in Aligo Jungle, Ndindiro, a remote area across the border. *ACROSS BORDERS* 🌍🌍🌍 🌍 *NAIROBI: Sudan's RSF and allies sign landmark Charter to form parallel Govt* 📌Sudan’s rebel Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and allied groups have signed a landmark charter in Nairobi, establishing a parallel government to administer areas under their control. The closed-door signing ceremony, led by RSF deputy commander Abdel Rahim Dagalo, aims to create a "secular, democratic, and decentralized" state with a unified national army, amid the ongoing civil war in Sudan. The charter, signed on February 23, 2025, outlines the formation of a government of "peace and unity" in RSF strongholds such as Darfur and parts of Kordofan. 🌍 *BERLIN: Merz’s Conservatives triumph in German Election, ousting Chancellor Scholz* 📌Friedrich Merz and his center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU), alongside its Bavarian sister party, the Christian Social Union (CSU), have emerged victorious in Germany’s national parliamentary election held today, February 23, 2025, unseating incumbent Chancellor Olaf Scholz and his Social Democratic Party (SPD). Exit polls project the CDU/CSU alliance securing 29% of the vote, a decisive lead that positions Merz as Germany’s likely next chancellor. Scholz’s SPD slumped to 16%, finishing third behind the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD), which surged to 19.5%.