Daily Informs

World’s Youngest Reigning King Dies at 34

One of Uganda’s traditional rulers, who became the world’s youngest reigning king, has died at the age of 34.

King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV of the Tooro Kingdom, one of Uganda’s most influential traditional institutions, died on Thursday night, according to the kingdom’s Prime Minister.

King Oyo spent more than three decades on the throne after he was crowned king at just three years old following the death of his father in 1995.

The Tooro Kingdom uses a hereditary system to select its king.

At the time of his death, King Oyo had not officially married. However, Tooro Kingdom Prime Minister Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki assured the people that the institution would continue.

The Prime Minister said the late king left behind a prince who is expected to become his heir, although the prince’s identity will be formally announced at the appropriate time in accordance with the traditions and customs of the Tooro Kingdom.

The cause of King Oyo’s death has not been disclosed.

More Than 900 People Missing After Massive Flash Floods in Nepal🇳🇵

More than 900 people are still missing following devastating flash floods in Nepal, with 517 foreign nationals reportedly among those unaccounted for.

According to an army spokesperson, rescue teams have so far rescued 50 foreign nationals, including 30 Indians, eight Chinese, eight South Koreans, two Americans and two Italians.

South Africa’s Foreign Ministry has also confirmed that six of its citizens are among those missing after the heavy flooding.

Rescue and search operations are continuing as authorities work to locate those still missing and provide assistance to people affected by the disaster.

“WE ARE IN BIG TROUBLE” — KAIFALA WARNS OVER EXAM MALPRACTICE

Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Commissioner Francis Ben Kaifala has raised serious concerns over the growing level of examination malpractice in Sierra Leone.

Speaking at the Government’s Special Civic Town Hall Meeting in Freetown on August 26, Kaifala warned that the country faces a serious problem if examination cheating is not urgently tackled.

«“We are in big trouble as a country.”»

Kaifala said examination malpractice is no longer limited to individual students but has allegedly developed into an organised practice involving parents, teachers, school authorities and others connected to the examination system.

«“There is a demand and there is a supply.”»

He cited recent ACC monitoring in Kenema, where 107 mobile phones were reportedly recovered from candidates, alongside other suspected forms of cheating.

The ACC Commissioner also stressed that teachers cannot use poor working conditions as a justification for compromising examination integrity.

«“If you are called to do it, you either do it or you don’t. And if you cannot, you leave.”»

Kaifala called for government institutions, schools, parents, examination bodies and security agencies to work together to protect the credibility of Sierra Leone’s examinations.

«“We all need to work together… pull resources together… and ensure that the integrity of exams are maintained and protected at all levels.”»

Kaifala says protecting examination integrity is a shared national responsibility.

Government Moves to Toughen Laws Against Examination Malpractice

FREETOWN, SIERRA LEONE — The Government is advancing plans to strengthen the legal fight against examination malpractice, with Basic and Senior Secondary Education Minister Conrad Sackey confirming that work is ongoing on a new WAEC Bill to replace the existing 1984 legislation.

Sackey made the disclosure on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, during a Special Civic Town Hall at the Miatta Civic Conference Centre in Freetown.

The proposed law is expected to provide stronger measures against examination malpractice and criminalise certain forms of misconduct.

The announcement follows the withholding of 1,927 NPSE results. However, the Minister clarified that the figure does not mean all 1,927 candidates were accused of malpractice. Reports indicate that 1,640 results were withheld over missing Continuous Assessment Cards, while 326 candidates were linked to alleged malpractice.

Sackey said:

«“Certain people do not understand that the 1,927 candidates are not all suspected of examination malpractice.”»

He also stressed that malpractice cannot be tackled by targeting pupils alone, pointing to adults and others who may facilitate cheating.

The Government says the proposed reforms are aimed at protecting the credibility of Sierra Leone’s examination system and ensuring greater accountability for those involved in examination fraud.

Should examination malpractice be treated as a criminal offence for everyone involved?

AYV Digital Platforms Hit by Reported Cyberattack

AYV Media Empire has reported a cyberattack affecting its website and news application amid heightened public attention surrounding the search for Jos Leijdekkers and Umarr Sheriff.

AYV Managing Director Umaru Fofana disclosed the incident during Thursday evening’s State of the Nation programme, saying unidentified individuals had compromised the organisation’s digital platforms.

Fofana said AYV’s technical teams in the United Kingdom and elsewhere are investigating the incident and working to restore the affected services.

He described the attack as a serious concern for press freedom and said AYV intends to report the matter to relevant authorities for investigation.

AYV has not identified those responsible, and there is currently no confirmed evidence linking the reported cyberattack to the search for Leijdekkers and Sheriff.

Despite the disruption, AYV said it remains committed to journalism, press freedom and keeping the public informed.

DEADLY FLOODS HIT NEPAL🇳🇵 –TIBET BORDER

A catastrophic flash flood has devastated communities along the Nepal–Tibet border, leaving at least 165 people dead and nearly 1,500 missing across Nepal and China’s Tibet region.

The disaster, triggered by a massive glacial ice and rock collapse, sent torrents of water, mud and debris through mountain valleys, destroying homes, roads and bridges.

🚁 Rescue teams are working around the clock to find survivors, while damaged roads and difficult terrain continue to hamper rescue efforts. Authorities warn that the death toll could rise as more affected areas are reached.

Proposed School Item Prices for 2026/2027 Released

📚 PARENTS & GUARDIANS, TAKE NOTE!

The Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE) has released a proposed list of prices for school items for the 2026/2027 academic year.

The proposed prices cover approved school items for Junior Secondary School (JSS) and Senior Secondary School (SSS) students in public schools across Sierra Leone, with different requirements listed for boys, Muslim girls and Christian girls.

👔 Boys — JSS & SSS

- Pocket badge — Le 20
- Neck tie — Le 50 (not mandatory)
- JSS sewn uniform, two sets with badges — Le 450
- SSS sewn uniform, two sets with badges — Le 500

🧕 Muslim Girls

- Hijab — Le 75
- Pocket badge — Le 20
- Sewn uniform, two sets with badges — Le 450

👒 JSS Christian Girls

- Beret and crest — Le 90
- Belt — Le 90
- Pocket badge — Le 20
- Sewn uniform, two sets with badges — Le 450

🎓 SSS Christian Girls

- Felt hat and band — Le 210
- Belt — Le 90
- Pocket badge — Le 20
- Sewn uniform, two sets with badges — Le 450

⚠️ Important: These figures are presented as proposed prices, meaning parents and guardians should await any final confirmation, amendments or implementation guidance from the Ministry before making purchasing decisions.

📌 Parents and guardians are encouraged to keep this information in mind as preparations begin for the new academic year.

Hawa Fefegula’s Marriage Dispute Reaches Court as Husband Reportedly Seeks Restraining Order

FREETOWN, SIERRA LEONE — August 26, 2026: The ongoing marital dispute between former House of Stars winner Hawa Fefegula and her husband, Simeon Fefegula, has reportedly taken a legal turn.

Australian blogger Emkay TV, who reportedly attended Hawa’s recent court hearing, claimed that Simeon is seeking a two-year restraining order against his wife.

According to the report, allegations presented during the proceedings included claims that Hawa damaged Simeon’s car, which she had reportedly given him as a gift several months ago.

The hearing also reportedly involved claims that Hawa contacted police and showed marks on her body, alleging that she had been physically assaulted by her husband.

The allegations have not been independently verified, and it remains unclear whether the reported restraining order has been granted.

The case adds another chapter to the highly publicised dispute surrounding the couple’s marriage, which has generated considerable discussion on social media.

The matter remains before the court, with further developments expected.

Connaught Hospital Announces Free Thoracic Surgery Programme for September

FREETOWN, SIERRA LEONE — August 25, 2026: Connaught Hospital is set to provide free thoracoscopic surgery to eligible patients from September 1–4, 2026, offering access to specialised chest procedures without the usual financial burden.

The four-day programme will focus on minimally invasive thoracic procedures, including video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS), which allows surgeons to operate through small incisions rather than using traditional open-chest surgery.

Hospital officials said the initiative is designed to expand access to advanced surgical care and support patients who may otherwise struggle to afford specialised treatment.

Dr. Ibrahim Mark Kapuwa, Care Manager at Connaught Hospital and leader of the programme, said the initiative forms part of efforts to strengthen specialised healthcare services and improve treatment opportunities for patients.

Thoracoscopic surgery can be used to diagnose and treat a range of conditions affecting the lungs and other organs within the chest. For suitable patients, minimally invasive techniques may result in smaller incisions, less surgical trauma and faster recovery compared with conventional open surgery.

The hospital is encouraging members of the public who may require thoracic surgical care to contact Connaught Hospital for details on eligibility, screening and registration before the programme begins.

The initiative is expected to give selected patients an opportunity to receive specialised surgical care free of charge during the four-day programme.