Mail & Guardian
Mail & Guardian
Robert Kigongo

Creator

Robert Kigongo

Robert Kigongo is a sustainable development analyst and social and political pundit

Democracy: Zambia's recently concluded 2026 elections have raised fears of democratic backsliding, particularly following the arrest and subsequent treason charges against Brian Mundubile, the main challenger to President Hakainde Hichilema. Photo: Mutinta Hichilema

From hope to fear: A tale of Zambia's democracy in contrast with other States

An analysis of Zambia's democratic trajectory following the 2026 elections, contrasting its civic space and challenges with governance trends across Africa.

The plight of Erias Lukwago and the price of dissent in the Pearl of Africa

Former Kampala mayor Erias Lukwago's court appearance has gone viral, showing him pleading for bail to seek urgent medical attention as his health declines. Despite his desperate…

Gagged: UPDF soldiers deployed at the Daily Monitor’s headquarters in
Namuwongo after a June 28 military raid. Photo: Supplied

Independent media freedom under siege

Uganda's only boldly independent media institutions, Daily Monitor and NTV Uganda, were forcibly shut down by military operatives on orders from General Muhoozi Kainerugaba. This…

Daily Monitor and NTV Ordeal: It’s Either Press Freedom or Nothing

The ongoing siege against Daily Monitor and NTV Uganda has sparked concerns about press freedom and independent journalism in the country. A recent meeting involving National…

Daily Monitor and NTV Closure: When independent media and press freedom is under siege, what happens next?

In the mid night hours of 28th June, 2026, the military operatives of Uganda people’s defense forces raided premises of the Daily Monitor newspaper publications on plot 29/35,…

Pope Leo is calling upon our African youth to be more vigilant about AI’s risks to humanity, to use it responsibly and institute AI governance tenets to avoid getting lost in agendas of transhumanism and post-humanism.

‘Magnifica Humanitas’: What Pope Leo XIV’s theological document about AI means to Africa’s Gen Z

Pope Leo XIV's first encyclical, "Magnifica Humanitas," released in May 2025, is sparking global debate. This theological document, a new social doctrine of the Catholic Church,…

Black-on-black persecution: An Operation Dudula demonstration in the Eastern Cape. Photo: Operation Dudula

In a world of Afrophobia, be Malema

With his presidential ambitions at stake, the EFF leader opts to preach equality, black solidarity, repatriation and a united Africa

As we celebrate the Africa Day, it’s high time to practically reimagine Chiekh Anta Diop’s (above) concept ‘African renaissance’ as the world gradually restructures into a new world order.

Reimagining ‘African renaissance’ in a New World Order

as we celebrate the Africa Day, it’s high time to practically reimagine Chiekh Anta Diop’s concept ‘African renaissance’ as the world gradually restructures into a new world order.

Fellow Africans, patronage is not patriotism

In a country where leadership fears dissent and where the spoils system defends itself through intimidation and force, patronage is often mistaken for patriotism. It is therefore…

Barbie Kyagulanyi’s ordeal reveals how love can become a powerful, non-violent force driving resistance, courage and conviction in Uganda’s struggle for meaningful democracy and good governance

Barbie Kyagulanyi Ordeal: How love is animating the struggle for meaningful democracy and good Governance

Barbie Kyagulanyi’s ordeal reveals how love can become a powerful, non-violent force driving resistance, courage and conviction in Uganda’s struggle for meaningful democracy and…

The EU resolution condemning Uganda’s current oppressive and repressive government regarding the 2026 elections was adopted by 514 votes in favour, three against with 56 abstentions.

EU holds Uganda to human rights standards, good governance

Nations must abide by the international instruments and agreements principles and values like democracy, human rights observation and good governance to enjoy international…

Power grip: Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, 81, was declared the winner of the 2026 presidential race for a seventh elective term, taking his
tally from 40 to 45 years in power. Photo: Government of the Republic of Uganda

Uganda poll reflects Africa’s fragile democracy

If nations continue with election malpractices, it is only a matter of time before they face the same fate as Libya and Sudan

Bobi Wine (born Robert Kyagulanyi Sentamu), the pop star who became the leading political opposition figure, is challenging President Yoweri Museveni

‘A new Uganda’ is not Bobi Wine’s personal project; it’s that of all Ugandans seeking change

The leader of the National Unity Platform party and presidential candidate has started his campaign for the 12 January 2026 general elections

In times of turmoil Nelson Mandela’s legacy is a reminder to succeeding generations about his human-centred principles and values. (Photo: Per-Anders Pettersson/Liaison Agency

Nelson Mandela’s legacy is now our responsibility

‘Nelson Mandela showed how one can transform oppression, struggle and subjugation into reconciliation, social justice and unity’

The Communications Authority of Kenya ordered that the commemoration of the 2024 protests not be covered. Photo: File

Kenya protests: When press freedom is under siege courageous journalists enlighten the world

The Communications Authority of Kenya ordered that the commemoration of the 2024 protests not be covered