Uganda Roundup: ICC hearing on Kony, AI factory, $325 million airport upgrade

ICC opens first in absentia hearing against Joseph Kony

Prosecutors at the International Criminal Court (ICC) on Tuesday, September 9, began presenting evidence in the court’s first-ever in absentia hearing against fugitive Ugandan rebel leader Joseph Kony. The ICC accuses Kony, leader of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), of 39 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity. The militia terrorised northern Uganda from the 1980s before expanding attacks into Congo, the Central African Republic, and South Sudan, and was notorious for using child soldiers, mutilating civilians, and enslaving women. Some Ugandans, including lawyer Okello Herbert, welcomed the proceedings, saying victims are deeply invested in the case. Judges will determine whether to confirm the charges, but Kony can only be tried if taken into custody.

Uganda Cancer Institute trains oncology super specialists

The Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) has graduated 28 fellows from its two-year fellowship programme, designed to address the country’s shortage of highly skilled oncologists. UCI Director Dr. Jackson Orem described the graduates as “super specialists” with advanced training in oncology after completing prior specialisation in fields such as gynaecology, internal medicine, and paediatrics. He noted the milestone would improve access to high-quality cancer care and strengthen the nation’s healthcare system.

Uganda to host Africa’s first AI factory at Karuma

Uganda will host Africa’s first artificial intelligence factory inside the 600MW Karuma Hydropower Plant. The Aeonian Project, a 100MW hyperscale facility supported by global partners including Germany’s GIZ, Finland’s HAUS, and the EU Development Fund, will roll out in stages from 2026 to 2028. The first phase includes a 15MW AI module and a 10MW supercomputer, both fully powered by renewable energy. Oladele Oyekunle, CEO of Synectics Technologies, said the initiative will allow Africa to retain control of its data backbone and enable researchers to build AI models grounded in local languages and data.

Entebbe Airport enters final phase of $325m upgrade

Uganda is moving forward with the last phase of its $325 million expansion of Entebbe International Airport, aimed at transforming it into a modern regional hub. The project, which has already completed its first $200 million phase, includes terminal upgrades, new baggage handling systems, and increased passenger capacity. The second phase, worth $125 million, is now underway after COVID-19 delays. Authorities say the modernisation is part of Uganda’s Vision 2040 strategy to enhance tourism, boost trade, and strengthen international connectivity.

Uganda and South Korea launch rice seed project

Uganda and the Republic of Korea have launched a five-year, $3.9 million rice seed project under the Korea Rice Belt Program. The initiative, based in the Tochi Irrigation Scheme in Oyam District, aims to boost yields, improve farmer incomes, and reduce Uganda’s reliance on rice imports. Agriculture Minister Frank Tumwebaze called it a timely intervention for food security. The project will rehabilitate 50 hectares of farmland, provide over 13,000 metric tons of high-quality rice seed, and train farmers in sustainable production practices.