The year 2017 has been full of newsworthy stories, and below Eagle Online makes a recap
JANUARY:
Museveni approves Shs6bn ‘oil cash bonanza’
The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) issued a release, indicating that the payment of billions of shillings to government officials involved in a commercial dispute involving two oil companies and the government of Uganda followed standard procedure, including among others, presidential approval.
In August last year, the URA paid out Shs6 billion to 37 senior government officials from different Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) including URA, and the ministries of Finance, Energy and the Attorney General’s chambers.
Ms. Sarah Birungi Banage, the URA Corporate Affairs Manager, said the team brought in a combined total of US$700m into government coffers after a series of Court battles in Uganda’s Tax Appeal Tribunal, High Court of Appeal and High Court of London, Court of Appeal of UK and two international tribunals.
Presidential hand shake was awarded to them in appreciation to work done in that case.
Justice Kavuma blocks debate on 6bn handshake bonanza
Justice Steven Kavuma of Court of Appeal issued an interim order restraining Parliament and any other citizen from investigating or inquiring about the Shs6 billion ‘oil cash bonanza’ aka ‘handshake’ shared out among 42 top government bureaucrats.
Justice Kavuma’s order followed a petition in filed by one Eric Sabiti seeking to stop any discussion on the share loot.
Mumbere re-arrested outside Court
Rwenzururu King, Charles Wesley Mumbere was re-arrested hours after Justice Eva Luswata of the Jinja High Court had released him on bail.
Omusinga was re-arrested and bundled on a waiting police van outside Jinja High Court gate.
Mumbere, who was on remand in Luzira Prisons since last year, was charged with treason, terrorism and murder among others. He is currently out on bail.
Museveni appoints Kyabazinga as Ambassador
President Yoweri Museveni appointed the Kyabazinga William Wilberforce Gabula IV as the Ambassador Special Duties. However, Gabula didn’t take up the job.
MARCH:
Mayanja Nkangi dies, honored by Parliament
The body of veteran politician and statesman Joash Sebakyalyawo Mayanja Nkangi lay in Parliament, where several Members of Parliament led by First Deputy Prime Minister General Moses Ali, eulogized the fallen former Katikiro of Buganda.
Nkangi, who served in various positions including at the ministries of Justice and Constitutional Affairs and Finance and Economic Planning, died at Nakasero Hospital on March 6, 2017 at the age of 85, following a battle with pneumonia.
Police Spokesperson Kaweesi assassinated
Uganda Police Spokesperson, Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIGP) Andrew Felix Kaweesi, his driver Godfrey Wambeewo and bodyguard Kenneth Erau at Kulambiro were killed by unknown assailants in a shootout at Kulambiro the outskirts of the city.
Since then over 40 suspects were arrested by police and prosecuted in courts of law.
Rwenzururu Premier granted bail
The Prime Minister of Rwenzururu kingdom Thembo Kitsumbire was granted bail by Justice Eva Luswata at Jinja High Court and instructed to pay Shs75 million later.
He was arrested on December 15, 2016 following the massive killings in the Kasese region. The premier followed his king who had already been arrested and remanded in Luzira prison. It is alleged that he was arrested by flying squad from the office of the District Internal Security Organization (DISO) and taken to Rwenzori police headquarters for interrogation.
On his arrest, the police said Kitsumbire is the one who commanded the attack of police officers in the Kasese saga.
AIGP Kasingye appointed police spokesperson
The Uganda Police made changes in its command structure, with Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIGP) Asan Kasingye being named Chief Political Commissar and Police Spokesperson, replacing the late AIGP Andrew Felix Kaweesi who was killed by assassins on the March 17.
APRIL:
Former DP President Ssebaana Kizito dies
Former Democratic Party (DP) President General John Ssebaana Kizito passes on after succumbing to a stroke at Nakasero Hospital.
Ssebaana was the first Ugandan to pursue a master’s degree in arts at the University of Oregon in USA, and together with his business associate Joseph William Kiwanuka, set up the first private insurance company in Uganda, known as Statewide Insurance Company of Uganda (SWICO).
Minister Herbert Kabafunzaki arrested
The State Minister for Labour Herbert Kabafunzaki was in April arrested and charged with corruption for allegedly soliciting a Shs5 million bribe from AYA Group Chairman Muhammad Hamid.
The Minister was subsequently granted cash bail of 50 million and a non-cash bail of an equal amount by anti-corruption court chief magistrate Agnes Alum.
Since then nothing much is known about the case.
Museveni aide Rwakakamba resigns
Morrison Rwakakamba, the head of the Government Citizen Interaction Centre (GCIC) in the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, resigned.
In a letter dated April 18 addressed to President Yoweri Museveni, the youthful Rwakakamba, the Special Presidential Assistant on Research and Information who joined the Public Service in 2013, indicated he had decided to join the private sector.
Businessman Desh Kananura acquitted of murder
The High Court acquitted city businessman and rally driver Andrew ‘Desh’ Kananura of murder charges that had been brought against him, his brother Raymond Kananura and three others.
The group had been accused of killing Kananura’s former employee Badru Kateregga at his Ntinda-based Panamera bar on September 31, 2012, following claims that the deceased was in possession of Shs30. 000, against the rules of his workplace.
However in May 2017 the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) appealed against the acquittal of Kananura and his co-accused and wants the Court to revisit the ruling.
MAY:
Parliament approves IGP Kayihura
The Parliament Appointments Committee approved the three-year re-appointment of General Edward Kale Kayihura as the Inspector General of Police (IGP).
The new contract was announced by President Yoweri Museveni early this year.
Government switches off unregistered Sim cards
Government, through the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) switched off unregistered sim cards despite a resolution of Parliament that suggested that registration be extended by a year ahead.
JUNE:
State of the Nation Address
President Museveni makes State of the Nation Address (SONA)
Apaa land conflicts resume
The Woman Member of Parliament for Adjumani Jessica Ababiku accused the government of being complicit in the Apaa land clashes involving the Madi and Acholi, which had started all over again.
In the same meeting Gilbert Olanya, the MP for Kilak county in Amuru district, accused the First Deputy Prime Minister and MP for East Moyo county in Adjumani district, Gen. Moses Ali of being ‘the Godfather of all the chaos between the Acholi and the Madi.’
The land was later given to the Madi people.
Robert Kyagulanyi elected Kyadondo East MP
Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine was announced as the duly-elected Member of Parliament for Kyadondo East after garnering 25,659 votes, beating NRM’s Mike Sebalu.
The seat fell vacant after the nullification of Apollo Kantiti’s election on grounds of noncompliance with electoral laws.
Prof. Nawangwe elected Makerere University VC
The Makerere University Council approved Professor Barnabas Nawangwe as the Vice Chancellor of Uganda’s most prestigious and oldest institution of higher learning.
The Makerere University Search Committee had earlier issued a report to the University Senate, which put Prof. Nawangwe in the lead ahead of other contestants with 77 per cent. He was followed by Prof. Edward Kirumira with 70 per cent and Prof. Venansius Baryamureeba with 64 per cent.
JULY:
DP’s Mao launches ‘Kogikwatako’ campaign
Democratic Party (DP) President Norbert Mao was arrested on his way to the City Square after launching the Togikwatako campaign, aimed at denouncing any amendment to the Constitution to remove the age limit cap that stands at 75 years.
The age limit clause has since been expunged from the Constitution.
AUGUST:
Tabliq leader Kamoga sentenced to life imprisonment
Tabliq leader Amir Ummah Sheik Mohammed Yunus Kamoga and three others were in August sentenced to life in prison for terrorism by a three-judge panel of Justices Ezekiel Muhanguzi, Jane Kiggundu and Percy Tuhaise.
The accused conspired to murder Sheikh Mustafa Bahiga and Sheikh Hassan Kirya, and also attempted to attack Prince Kassim Nakibinge, Haruna Jjemba, Swidiq Ndaula, Haji Ssonko and Mahmoud Kibate.
SEPTEMBER:
NRM MPs adopts motion to amend presidential age limit
NRM MPs while in a meeting chaired by MP for Bubyangabu county Adolf Kasaija Mwesige, (with the exception of Kumi Woman legislator Monica Amoding) adopted the motion to amend the presidential age limit.
This followed the tabling of ‘a private members bill’ before Parliament by Igara West MP Raphael Magyezi, seeking to change the age cap from the constitutional 75-year limit as enshrined in Article 102(b) of the 1995 Constitution.
Mubajje calls for referendum on age-limit removal
The Chairman of the Inter-religious Council of Uganda (IRCU) Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubajje said that the removal of age limit cap from the Constitution should be subjected to a referendum.
Gen. Muntu urges MPs to resist age limit removal
Former Forum for Democratic Change party president, Gen Mugisha Muntu urged Members of Parliament from across the political divide to use all legal means to obstruct or defeat any attempts to have the Age Limit bill from being debated or passed in parliament.
Blows as opposition MPs accuse Minister Kibuule of entering Parliament with gun
There was tension when opposition Members of Parliament accused the State Minister for Water Resources Ronald Kibuule of smuggling a gun into the parliamentary chambers.
This led to a fist-fight and climaxed with suspension of 22 opposition legislators on October 22, 2017
OCTOBER:
Grenades thrown at MPs Kyagulanyi, Sewanyana homes
Five man-made explosives were thrown at the homes of Kyadondo East MP Robert Kyagulanyi Sentamu and his Makindye East counterpart Allan Sewanyana.
Earlier, a grenade was thrown at MP Moses Kasibante’s house in Rubaga Division.
At the time MP Kyagulanyi Sentamu said the three explosive devices were brought to his home a day before following several death threats from unknown people over the anti-age limit removal campaign now dubbed ‘Kogikwatako’.
According to Bobi Wine grenades threats castigated wave of fear in his family however he vowed not succumb to intimidations.
‘Magyezi Bill’ referred to Legal Affairs Committee
The controversial bill by Igara West MP Raphael Magezi seeking the removal of the 75-year age cap for presidential eligibility was referred to the Legal and Parliament Affairs Committee for consideration following the first presentation before Parliament.
The bill was seconded by MPs Moses Balyeku, Jackson Karissa and Doreen Amule, was granted a 40-day leave by Speaker Kadaga to prepare the ‘Private Members Bill’ seeking the amendment of Article 102 (b) of the 1995 Constitution, something that is viewed by many Ugandans as an attempt to pave the way for President Museveni to stand for presidency in 2021 when aged 77 years, two years over the cap. The bill has since been passed.
Kanyamunyu granted Shs10m bail
Mathew Kanyamunyu, the prime suspect in the November 2016 murder of social worker Kenneth Akena, was granted a ten million cash bail by High Court Judge Wilson Kwesiga.
Kanyamunyu, his brother Joseph Kanyamunyu and his girlfriend Cynthia Munangwari are accused of shooting Akena on November 12, 2016 around Lugogo by pass. A day later Akena died at Norvik Hospital along Bombo.
The Aga Khan awarded Uganda’s highest civilian honor
His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan was awarded the highest civilian honour in Uganda, the Most Excellent Order of the Pearl of Africa, Grand Master medal, in recognition of his exceptional efforts towards economic development in the country.
The Aga Khan IV, was also the special guest at the 55th Independence Day celebrations that were held in Bushenyi district on October 9.
DPP officers resume strike
Prosecutors resumed their strike after the elapse of three months when they voted to suspend the industrial action following government’s pledge to increase their salaries and improve on their working conditions.
UAP President David Baxter Bakibinga said they had to go on strike again till government address their concerns including the improvement of their welfare, salary increments among others.
Court orders for compensation of Kaweesi murder suspects
Lady Justice Margaret Oumo Oguli of the High Court ordered for compensation of Shs 80 million to each tortured suspect in the AIGP Kaweesi murder.
Sheikh Kamoga applies for bail
Tabliq leader Amir Ummah Sheik Mohammed Yunus Kamoga applied for bail as he waits for hearing of an appeal against the life sentence accorded him in August by a three-judge panel of Justices Ezekiel Muhanguzi, Jane Kiggundu and Percy Tuhaise.
MP Kyagulanyi sues Kampala police boss for Shs300m
Kyadondo East legislator Robert Kyagulanyi sued Kampala Metropolitan Police Commander Frank Mwesigwa and the Attorney General William Byaruhanga, claiming damages and punitive measures of Shs300 million for banning his music shows that were supposed to take place on October 21 at Colline Hotel in Mukono.
MP Abiriga fined Shs40, 000 for urinating on Kampala Street
The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) court under Grade One Magistrate Beatrice Kainza fined Arua Municipality legislator Col. Ibrahim Abiriga Shs40, 000 for easing himself in public.
Abiriga pleaded guilty, paid the fine and was released.
MP Kyagulanyi among other legislators returns Shs29m ‘bribe’
Kyadondo East legislator Robert Kyagulanyi directed his bankers to return the Shs29 million ‘facilitation for consultations’ that was credited on his account by the Parliamentary Commission on October 24.
Among other opposition MPs who returned the money include Muwanga Kivumbi (Butambala), Medard Lubega Sssegona, William Nzoghu (Busongora) Moses Kasibante (Lubaga North), Robinah Ssentongo (Kyotera Woman) and Opposition Chief Whip Ibrahim Semujju Nganda (Kira Municipality), Gerald kalihanga, Angelina ossega, Ronald Mugume, LoP Winnie Kiiza
Igara West MP Magyezi granted leave to table age-lifting bill
Igara West legislator Raphael was granted leave to introduce a private members’ bill aimed at removing presidential age.
Gashumba arrested by CMI
Political activist and vociferous political and social critic Frank Gashumba was arrested and held by the military on charges of impersonating an official in the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and obtaining money by false pretense.
The army said Gashumba was picked on October 31, 2017 night by CMI agents and taken to their headquarters in Mbuya for interrogation in respect to a US$28 million deal he allegedly procured illicitly in August 2011, after impersonating the then Permanent Secretary in the internal affairs ministry, Dr. Stephen Kagoda but he was later released on bail.
NOVEMBER:
Kaweesi murder suspects granted bail
Nakawa Grade One Magistrate Noah Sajjabi granted a non-cash bail of Shs50 million to seven suspects implicated in the murder of the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIGP) Andrew Felix Kaweesi.
Two of the suspects, Ahmed Senfuka and Umar Maganda, were however, rearrested.
AIGP Kasingye replaced as police spokesperson
Inspector General of Police General Kale Kayihura replaced spokesperson police spokesperson Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIGP) Asan Kasingye with Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Emilian Kayima, and assigned the former to put in place a team of competent officers in an effort to set up a school for political education for the police force.
AIGP Kasingye was also redeployed as the Chief Political Commissar.
Red Pepper directors arrested
Five Directors and three Editors of the Red Pepper Publications arrested after allegedly publishing a story indicating the Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni was hatching plans to oust the government of his Rwandan counterpart Paul Kagame.
The Red Pepper Publications officials include Arinaitwe Rugyendo, Richard Kintu, James Mujuni, Patrick Mugumya, Richard Tusiime, Johnson Musingunzi, Ben Byarabaha and Francis Tumusiime.
The eight were charged with among other crimes, publication of information prejudicial to national security and ‘disturbing the peace’ of President Museveni, his brother General Caleb Akandwanaho aka Salim Salem, and Security Minister Lt. Gen. Henry Tumukunde.
Museveni threatens to dismiss striking doctors
President Yoweri Museveni, while addressing a rally at Karambi sub county headquarters in Kabarole district, threatened to sack striking medics, saying government is soon getting ‘good doctors’ to replace them.
DECEMBER:
Victoria University launched alumni association
Victoria University launched its Alumni Association that is aimed at strengthening the bond between the institution and its former students.
The launch at Munyonyo Speke Resort Hotel was graced by the university’s Promoter Rajiv Ruparelia.
Nurses and midwives call off strike
Uganda Nurses and Midwives Union (UNMU) called off a strike following a meeting with President Yoweri Museveni at State House Entebbe, during which it was resolved that their concerns would be addressed, the UNMU Secretary General Paul Bukenya said
Doctors call off planned strike after talks with finance minister
Doctors suspended the industrial action after the government, through the Ministry of Finance, committed itself to a supplementary budget to address the chronic lack of medical supplies, the Uganda Medical Association chairman Dr. Ekwaru Obuku said.
However, Dr. Obuku vowed that doctors under UMA will go on strike again in April 2018 if government doesn’t address their grievances in the budgetary allocations.
Court declines to halt Age Limit proceedings
Assistant court registrar of High Court Joy Kabagye dismissed an application filed by former presidential candidate Abed Bwanika, Asuman Basalirwa, president general of the Truth and Justice Forum (JEEMA) and former legislator for Rubaga South John Ken Lukyamuzi.
The three had asked court to block the amendment of Article 102 (b) and instead take it through referendum.
The bill has since been passed.
Former Police PSU boss Aguma denied bail
The former head of the police Professional Standards Unit (PSU) Joel Aguma was on December 18, 2017Commissioner of Police (CP) Aguma and other suspects including SSP Nixon Agasirwe were this year arrested in relation to the alleged 2013 kidnap of Lt Joel Mutabazi, a former presidential guard in Rwanda, and Jackson Karemera who were reportedly deported back to Rwanda.
Red Pepper journalists granted bail
Five Directors and three Editors of the Red Pepper Publications who were arrested in November after allegedly publishing a story indicating the Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni was hatching plans to oust the government of his Rwandan counterpart Paul Kagame, were granted bail by the Buganda Road Chief Magistrate James Eremye Mawanda.
The Red Pepper Publications officials include: Arinaitwe Rugyendo, Richard Kintu, James Mujuni, Patrick Mugumya, Richard Tusiime, Johnson Musingunzi, Ben Byarabaha and Francis Tumusiime.
The eight were charged with among other crimes, publication of information prejudicial to national security and ‘disturbing the peace’ of President Museveni, his brother General Caleb Akandwanaho aka Salim Salem, and Security Minister Lt. Gen. Henry Tumukunde.
Suspended MPs drag Kadaga to court and denied entry to Parliament
Six legislators suspended on December 18 by the Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Kadaga on December 20 petitioned High Court seeking redress against her decision as the house debates the controversial age limit bill.
Jonathan Odur (Erute South), Allan Ssewanyana (Makindye West), Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda (Kira Municipality), Gerald Karuhanga (Ntungamo Municipality), Anthony Akol (Kilak North) and Mubarak Munyagwa (Kawempe South), who are expected to miss the next six plenary sittings, want court to stop the Speaker from suspending opposition MPs without ‘clear reasons’.
