Donation Amount. Min £2

East Africa

The government shelved a key part of its controversial Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill just 90 minutes before the vote.

Keir Starmer was dealt a significant blow to his leadership, despite winning the vote on his government's benefits cuts.. (Getty) (WPA Pool via Getty Images)

Sir Keir Starmer was forced into a humiliating climbdown in order to push through his government’s controversial welfare reforms in farcical scenes in the House of Commons on Tuesday night.

The government won by 335 votes to 260 after making a series of concessions, including one less than two hours before the vote took place.

Faced with the prospect of a humiliating defeat, the government confirmed at around 5.30pm it would shelve key changes to personal independence payments (PIP) until a review into the proposed changes had been completed sometime next year.

It means PIP claimants will no longer have to score four points or more in a single category of their assessment to qualify for the benefit until the review is complete. 

Work and pensions secretary Liz Kendall insisted the Labour Party was “100%” behind Starmer, but admitted there were “lessons to be learned”

Some 126 Labour backbenchers had previously threatened to vote against the legislation, enough to block its passage through the Commons, but in the end only 49 did so.

The full list of Labour rebels who voted against the bill are: Diane Abbott, Rosena Allin-Khan, Paula Barker, Lee Barron, Lorraine Beavers, Olivia Blake, Richard Burgon, Ian Byrne, Irene Campbell, Lizzi Collinge, Stella Creasy, Marsha De Cordova, Peter Dowd, Neil Duncan-Jordan, Cat Eccles, Clive Efford, Mary Kelly Foy, Tracy Gilbert, Mary Glindon, Chris Hinchliff, Imran Hussain, Terry Jermy, Kim Johnson, Ian Lavery, Brian Leishman, Emma Lewell, Clive Lewis, Rebecca Long Bailey, Rachael Maskell, Andy McDonald, Navendu Mishra, Abtisam Mohamed, Grahame Morris, Margaret Mullane, Simon Opher, Kate Osamor, Kate Osborne, Richard Quigley, Bell Ribeiro-Addy, Marie Rimmer, Cat Smith, Euan Stainbank, Graham Stringer, Marie Tidball, Jon Trickett, Derek Twigg, Chris Webb, Nadia Whittome, Steve Witherden.

Sir Stephen announced the climbdown in the middle of the debate on the legislation as the government faced the prospect of an embarrassing defeat, despite having majority of 165 and after just under a year in office 

He acknowledged “concerns that the changes to Pip are coming ahead of the conclusions of the review of the assessment that I will be leading”.

He said the government would now “only make changes to Pip eligibility activities and descriptors following that review”, which is due to conclude in the autumn of 2026.

MPs were openly critical of the government's last-gasp measures to win over critics, with Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch branding it an "utter capitulation".

Labour’s Andy McDonald asked, “What are we supposed to be voting on?” as key reforms in the bill were shelved, while leading Labour rebel Rachael Maskell said the bill was "unravelling and is a complete farce".

The move will also cause a headache for Chancellor Rachel Reeves, who has seen a forecast £4.8 billion saving from the welfare budget whittled away, leaving her to seek extra money through spending cuts, tax hikes or borrowing to balance the books. By 

 

Explore the financial pressures faced by men and discover six practical strategies to enhance financial literacy and secure a stable future for your family. Image: Alex Green /pexels 

Men are often seen as the backbone of their families, expected to be the primary financial providers, breadwinners, and protectors who ensure their households never go without. But in fulfilling these roles, who supports them?

Who equips them with the financial literacy they need? Do they know how to invest, save, and budget effectively to keep their families stable, or are they left to shoulder these expectations alone? When occasions like Father’s Day or birthdays come around, do we truly honour men for the vital role they play in our families?

Or do we take the time to check in by asking if they’re coping, if they’re okay, and if they have access to the resources and support systems they need, such as financial education?

In recognition of July as Men's Month, here are six practical ways men can lay the groundwork for a financially secure future.

1. Set clear financial goals

As the head and leader of your household, you carry the responsibility of guiding your family toward a secure future. You have a vision and a clear picture of the life you want to build for yourself and your loved ones. To bring that vision to life, it is essential to set clear, realistic, and attainable financial goals. Without specific goals, it’s easy for money to be spent impulsively or mismanaged, leading to missed opportunities and financial stress.

Begin by categorising your goals into three main types:

  • Short-term goals: These are those you aim to achieve within the next year. These might include saving for your children’s school fees, paying off minor debts, or building an emergency fund. These are immediate needs that require focused budgeting and quick action.
  • Medium-term goals: They typically span one to five years. These could involve buying a reliable family car, renovating your home, or saving for a significant family holiday. Medium-term goals often require consistent saving over time and a bit more planning.
  • Long-term goals:  Such goals look beyond five years and include major milestones such as purchasing property, building a retirement fund, or securing your children’s higher education. These goals often involve strategic investments and a long-term financial plan. 

Write down your goals and make a habit of reviewing them every month. This consistent review process helps you track your progress, make adjustments when necessary, and stay aligned with your overall vision. When your goals are clearly defined and regularly revisited, they serve as a powerful source of motivation and discipline. They remind you why you’re budgeting, saving, and making sacrifices today for the security, comfort, and legacy of tomorrow. 

2. Create and stick to a budget

It's important for everyone to shift the way they view budgeting. Often, people associate budgeting with restriction or the denial of enjoyment, but in reality, budgeting is not about limiting your life; it's about taking control of it. A well-thought-out budget gives you the power to make informed financial decisions, rather than simply reacting to unexpected expenses or falling into debt.

This practice not only helps you identify wasteful spending but also reveals opportunities to save, invest, or work toward your financial goals. Tools as simple as a handwritten ledger or a spreadsheet can be just as effective for tracking compared to fancy software.

By consistently monitoring and adjusting your budget, you empower yourself to stay financially balanced and resilient, no matter your income level. 

3. Start saving, no matter how small

Discipline and consistency are two of the most important traits when it comes to building financial stability and long-term success. It’s not always about how much you save, but how consistently you do it. Even small steps, taken regularly, can lead to significant progress over time. One of the simplest yet most effective ways to start is by starting small, like saving just R50. While that may seem like a small amount, the key is in the habit. Over time, those small deposits accumulate and form a financial cushion.

This growing savings buffer can become a lifeline during emergencies, help with school-related expenses, or provide the foundation for seizing opportunities. The earlier you begin and the more consistent you are, the more powerful the compounding effect becomes because in the end, it’s not about how much you start with, it’s about starting, staying disciplined, and staying consistent.

4. Understand and manage debt wisely

One of the major setbacks many people face is not having a sufficient understanding of debt, which prevents them from managing it properly. Without a clear grasp of how debt functions, including the different types of debt, interest rates, payment schedules, and the consequences of missed payments, individuals can struggle to make informed financial decisions. This lack of knowledge can lead to accumulating unmanageable debt, falling behind on payments, and incurring additional fees or penalties. Moreover, misunderstanding debt limits the ability to create effective repayment plans to improve financial standing. As a result, poor debt management can cause long-term financial instability and stress. Therefore, improving education and awareness about debt is essential to ensure it is handled responsibly and efficiently. 

5. Build credit, don’t fear it

A good credit record opens doors to future opportunities. Pay accounts on time, avoid defaulting, and check your credit status annually. Having a positive credit profile can help you access better loan terms and grow your financial reputation. 

6. Invest in financial education

Knowledge is financial power. Understanding how money works equips you to make smarter decisions that can improve your financial well-being. Make it a habit to read up on money matters regularly, which can include books, reputable websites, articles, and financial news that cover topics such as credit scores, interest rates, retirement planning, and the latest savings products. Staying informed about current financial trends and tools helps you adapt your strategies to meet your goals effectively.

Another crucial step is to consult with reputable and accredited financial advisors. These professionals can offer personalised guidance tailored to your unique financial situation. Whether you need help managing debt, choosing the right savings accounts or investment products, or improving your credit health, advisors can help you navigate complex financial decisions and avoid common pitfalls. Ultimately, true empowerment starts with education. When you take control of your financial learning journey, you gain confidence and clarity, enabling you to make choices that secure your financial future.

In a world of rising costs and economic uncertainty, financial literacy is more than a skill; it’s a necessity. For men striving to lead secure and stable households, taking intentional steps towards managing money wisely can shape not only their futures but those of their families. By Thabang Pitso, IOL

Juliana Kagwa takes the helm as CEO of the Uganda Tourism Board. She has been recognized for breaking traditional barriers, redefining industry standards, and leading Uganda Tourism with a clear vision and purpose.

Uganda’s Minister of Tourism, the Hon. Minister, Coll. Tom Butime welcomed the new CEO of the Uganda Tourism Board, Ms. Juliana Kagwa, and communicated the expectations of the Ministry and the sector, urging her to work with stakeholders and ensure that UTB acts as an enabler in increasing tourism numbers and sector competitiveness.

Colonel (Ret.) Tom Butime (born November 15, 1947) is a Ugandan politician. He is the Cabinet Minister of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities in the Ugandan Cabinet.

The news that UTB CEO, Ms. Kagwa, is committed to enhancing the product, increasing organizational performance, broadening public-private sector partnerships, and promoting the destination image. In attendance were the Undersecretary, MTWA, Mr. Geoffrey Sseremba, Commissioner of Tourism Development, Mr. Lyazi Vivian, and other staff of the Ministry.

Juliana is formerly the Group Marketing & Sales Director at Seed Co International, a South African-based Company, having joined them one and a half years ago. She transitioned from Diageo, where she served as Director of Corporate Relations for over 3 years.

Juliana previously served as Marketing Director at UBL, a subsidiary of Diageo PLC, for over 5 years. As a key strategic individual, Juliana managed a vast array of both internal and external stakeholders on behalf of UBL. Juliana has over 2 decades of FMCG experience, both at the strategic and implementation levels. During her tenure as UBL marketing Director, the marketing function she supervised was accountable for 50% of UBL`s strategic goals.

She was directly responsible for the business growth of local brands like Bell Lager, Uganda Waragi, alongside internationally acclaimed brands like Johnnie Walker, Smirnoff, Baileys, among others. Juliana Kagwa has previously held various strategic positions, including Marketing Manager at Spirits Uganda, East African Breweries Ltd. eTurboNews

The family of a 29-year-old fisherman who died in police custody in Homa Bay County wants further investigations into the matter.

This is after postmortem showed that Calvins Onditi died of asphyxiation.  

 

Homa Bay County Medical Services Chief Officer Kevin Osuri, said Onditi suffered strangulation.

The man died in custody at Kipasi Police Post in Mbita Sub-county on June 15.

The deceased’s family members said they were not convinced of the cause of their son’s death. 

His mother Millicent Akoth said Onditi was not wearing trousers when he was arrested from home. He was in a pair of shorts.

“I don’t understand how my son ended up having a pair of trousers in the cell yet he left home in a pair of shorts. Where did the trousers come from? I want police to investigate and explain to us the source of the pair of trousers and how it ended up on his neck,” Akoth said.  

Lawyer Albert Ongoso who is representing Onditi’s family said he was drunk when he was arrested and could not have climbed the roof of the cell to hang himself.

He complained that the body was taken to the mortuary in the absence of the family

“I don’t think Onditi was in a position to climb the roof and tie his pair of trousers,” Ongoso said. 

Achieng Achieng, a family member, appealed to the government to cater for Onditi’s burial expenses.

“He died when he was in the custody of police officers. The government should help us meet his burial expenses,” Achieng said. By James Omoro | The Standard

 
Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka addressing Kenyans during a past rally in Ukambani. Photo Wiper Democratic Movement 

Wiper Democratic Movement party has officially rebranded to Wiper Patriotic Front, the Registrar of Political Parties Ann Nderitu has announced.

In a gazette notice, the Registrar of Political Parties issued a seven-day ultimatum to anyone with objections to the name change to submit memoranda to that effect. 

“In exercise of the power conferred by section 20 (1) (d) of the Political Parties Act, the Registrar of Political Parties gives notice that Wiper Democratic Movement (WDM) intends to change its party name to Wiper Patriotic Front (WPF),” the notice reads.

“Any person with written submissions concerning the intended change by the political party shall, within seven (7) days from the date of this publication, deposit them with the Registrar of Political Parties.”

The party affiliated with former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka was founded in 2006 as Orange Democratic Movement–Kenya (ODM–Kenya) following the 2005 Kenyan constitutional referendum. It later adopted the name Wiper Democratic Movement - Kenya in 2011 to differentiate itself from Raila Odinga's ODM party.

In 2021, the party had yet another rebrand, dropping the Kenya tag, and going on to be called Wiper Democratic Movement. The latest change of name is seemingly tied to the upcoming 2027 General Election, where a specific focus has been put on promoting voter registration, especially amongst the youth.

In a past campaign tour, Kalonzo revealed that the change of name was to honour Gen Zs who lost their lives during the deadly 2024 anti-Finance Bill protests.

Kalonzo’s move to change his party’s identity follows in the same footsteps of his fellow opposition leaders, Martha Karua and Rigathi Gachagua, who both unveiled new political outfits as the country’s political temperatures rise.

Karua rebranded the National Rainbow Coalition-Kenya (NARC-K) party to the People’s Liberation Party. In the raft of changes, Karua’s PLP saw a shift in party slogan, colours and symbol. 

The party changed its party colours from luminous, red, and white to lilac, white, and purple.

In the complete rebrand, the party’s symbol would change to a purple rose from a rose flower. The changes would also see the party rewrite its slogan to 'Unite, Liberate' from 'One Kenya, One Nation, One People'.

Meanwhile, former Deputy President Gachagua unveiled a new party, the Democracy for Citizens’ Party (DCP), after he was officially kicked out of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

The party’s symbols include a neon green and white emblem with an engraving of 'Skiza Wakenya' and a logo depicting fingers holding on to an ear.

Senior DCP leaders include former Bungoma Senator Cleophas Malala, former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi and former Lakipia Senator Cate Waruguru. By Walter Ngano, Kenyans.co.ke

About IEA Media Ltd

Informer East Africa is a UK based diaspora Newspaper. It is a unique platform connecting East Africans at home and abroad through news dissemination. It is a forum to learn together, grow together and get entertained at the same time.

To advertise events or products, get in touch by info [at] informereastafrica [dot] com or call +447957636854.
If you have an issue or a story, get in touch with the editor through editor[at] informereastafrica [dot] com or call +447886544135.

We also accept donations from our supporters. Please click on "donate". Your donations will go along way in supporting the newspaper.

Get in touch

Our Offices

London, UK
+44 7886 544135
editor (@) informereastafrica.com
Slough, UK
+44 7957 636854
info (@) informereastafrica.com

Latest News

Human rights activists accuse police of intimidation over protests

Human rights activis...

Muhuri director Khalef Khalifa says they are moving to court to challenge the police for stopping l...

Blencowe funding milestone payment set the scene for further material progress in Uganda

Blencowe funding mil...

Blencowe Resources PLC (LSE:BRES) has received a further $750,000 in grant funding from the United S...

Kenyans among ‘top admirers’ of the US as global image under Trump declines

Kenyans among ‘top a...

The reputation of the United States around the world has dropped sharply under President Donald Trum...

What you need to know as emergency alarm set to alert millions of phones

What you need to kno...

The government is set to test the emergency alert system on UK mobile phones this year. (Stock imag...

For Advertisement

Big Reach

Informer East Africa is one platform for all people. It is a platform where you find so many professionals under one umbrella serving the African communities together.

Very Flexible

We exist to inform you, hear from you and connect you with what is happening around you. We do this professionally and timely as we endeavour to capture all that you should never miss. Informer East Africa is simply news for right now and the future.

Quality News

We only bring to you news that is verified, checked and follows strict journalistic guidelines and standards. We believe in 1. Objective coverage, 2. Impartiality and 3. Fair play.

Banner & Video Ads

A banner & video advertisement from our sponsors will show up every once in a while. It keeps us and our writers coffee replenished.