Police has summoned Benedict Sekabira, the Director Financial Markets Development at Bank of Uganda and others for their role in the concealing of land titles and later the seize of the land titles.
In a letter dated July 27, 2020, to the Governor Bank of Uganda, Criminal Investigations Directorate seeks permission from the governor to release Mr Sekabira so that he can be prosecuted. He was asked to appear on July 30. However we learnt that Mr. Sekabira didn’t report to police on the slated date but EagleOnline has established that the governor has since released him from the bank.
“This is to inform you that the Director public Prosecution sanctioned the matter for the suspect to appear in Court and the purpose of this communication is to request you release Mr. Benedict Sekabira to report at CID headquarters on July 30, 2020, such that he can be produced in court for the charges of concealing titles deeds under sections 278 of the penal code” reads the letter to the governor.
It further adds “The Directorate has been investigating the above matter that arose from the Committee of Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE) with directive to the Inspector General of police t immediately upon adoption of Special Audit Report on defunct banks seize all the land titles in possession of JN Kirkland and Associates and MS SIL Investment arising from the loan portfolio sold to Ms Nile River Acquisition Company BY bank of Uganda”
The MPs on the Parliamentary committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE) probing banks then tasked Mr Sekabira, who became a controversial figure during the probe on the closure of seven banks, to prove that he had been properly appointed liquidator of the banks.
The location of the inventory reports on the closed banks became a source of controversy with Mr Sekabira who was the liquidator of the said banks indicating that he filed the said reports and submitted them to three former BoU officials including Justine Bagyenda, Margaret Matovu and Apollo Obo who were supposed to submit them to the governor.
The half year 2020 report indicates Standard Chartered PLC has registered tremendous progress despite the outbreak of #Covid-19 in all major business areas in the world.
This is alluded to a number of management actions since the start of the year, including enhancing our monitoring of facility drawdowns, improving the Group’s position through reducing exposures where required or strengthening its collateral positions in the Commercial Banking and Corporate and Institutional Banking portfolios.
Total deposits increased driven by growth in stable and current savings account balances which was offset by a decrease in term deposits, as they sought to manage liquidity more efficiently. While asset growth has slowed, the Group continues to focus on improving the quality of its funding mix and remains committed to supporting its clients during these uncertain times. The increase in overall deposits also drove a decrease in the Group’s advances-to-deposits ratio which reduced to 62.7 per cent (2019: 64.2 per cent).
The loans and advances increased by $11.9 billion compared to 31 December 2019, largely driven by an $8 billion increase in lending to Governments, with $1.9 billion increase in Commercial real estate and $1.5 billion increase in Financing, insurance and non-banking. Retail Products fell by $3.4 billion primarily within CCPL and unsecured lending as #Covid-19 related lockdowns suppressed card spending and in Secured wealth products.
Bill Winters, Group Chief Executive Said; “We are feeling the acute impact of the #Covid-19 pandemic across our markets and in our business. This and the related fall in both interest rates and oil prices created extremely challenging operating conditions in the first half of the year. I am pleased we came through that period with a clean bill of operational health and with higher income, lower costs and therefore significantly better pre-provision operating profit compared with last year.”
“We remained profitable despite higher impairments, which together with our strengthened capital position enabled us to build substantial reserves in the face of the heightened uncertainty and tougher conditions. I am encouraged by how well my colleagues are coping in the crisis and that many clients in some of our larger markets are recovering strongly and already operating at close to their pre-pandemic capacity.” He said
Andy Halford, thru Group Chief Financial Officer said there was a significant impact from the economic environment on the Group’s loan portfolio in the first half of 2020, primarily reflecting the impact of #Covid-19.
“There is a weaker outlook in many of the markets in which the Group operates, with negative global growth expected for 2020 and what is likely to be a volatile and uneven economic recovery. In the second quarter of 2020 the credit quality of the portfolio remained under stress with a further deterioration in short-term macroeconomic forecasts, albeit the pace of deterioration slowed compared to the first quarter.” He said
Since the outbreak of covid-19, the Group continued to support client’s in crude oil markets, such as our Aviation and Oil and Gas exposures who they believed are experiencing temporary issues due to #Covid-19.This has led to a $9.1 billion increase in early alerts in the first half of the year.
As of 30 June 2020, approximately 8 per cent of total Retail exposure has had relief measures approved, of which 71 per cent is compulsory and 79 per cent is fully secured. The bank made longer-term improvements in Retail Banking through tightening its underwriting standards and rolling out enhanced digital capabilities across our footprint.
Credit grade 12 balances have decreased slightly to $1.5 billion (2019: $1.6 billion) due to outflows to non-performing loans which were partially offset by inflows from early alerts, half of which were due to the impact of #Covid-19. Gross stage three loans and advances to customers were up 19 per cent to $8.8 billion (2019: $7.4 billion), primarily in Corporate and Institutional Banking.
According to the report, retail banking portfolios have remained stable and resilient, with 96 per cent of loans in stage one, the same proportion as the previous year. The majority of Retail products continue to be fully secured loans which are stable at 85 per cent. The overall average loan-to-value of the mortgage portfolio remains low at 45 per cent.
The macro-economic environment remains challenging for the majority of the markets in our footprint and we are cognizant of the potential longer-term impact, especially once relief measures are eased. The group continues to assess these situations on an ongoing basis, utilising our stress testing framework and portfolio reviews to analyse the potential impact and appropriate risk management actions.
Average Group value at risk (VaR) in the first half of 2020 was 157 per cent higher than the previous six months at $82 million (H2 2019: $32 million), driven by the extreme #Covid-19 market volatility which particularly impacted the Treasury Markets portfolio. Trading activities remain primarily client driven. There were three regulatory VaR backtesting exceptions in the first half of 2020, all of which occurred in March as a result of #Covid-19 volatility.
The Group has remained resilient and kept a strong liquidity position. The Group liquidity coverage ratio increased to 149 per cent (2019: 144 per cent) driven by a reduction in net outflows due to a change in our funding mix.
Total net exposure to vulnerable sectors reduced by $5.1 billion compared to 31 December 2019 and represents 29 per cent of the total net exposure in Corporate & Institutional Banking and Commercial Banking. The reductions were largely due to increased levels of collateral and reduced undrawn commitments, particularly in the Aviation, Commercial Real Estate and Oil & Gas sectors.
As the country prepares to go to polls next February, momentum is building across the boundaries for voters to choose amongst the many aspirants who their leaders will be in the 11th parliament.
One such area which is already boiling is the Elgon zone popularly known as Bugisu or the ‘Land of Bamaasaba’.
The area has been dominated with its Members of Parliament since the 6th and 7th parliament and hence the need for change for fresh blood to come in and implement whatever they failed.
Mbale City
Mbale City, after being elevated to the city status this financial year, the town was divided into two constituencies, Northern Division and Industrial Division. Ambassador Wamanga Wamai, the outgoing legislator opted not to run again and give chance to new entrants.
Northern Division
The Northern Division is the upscale or the leafy area of the town which is dominated with who is who in Mbale City and therefore, the area is considered a very key division that whoever leads the area must be of heavy weight.
Paul Wanyoto
The flamboyant city lawyer from WEB Advocates and Solicitors who doubles Minister of Foreign Affairs in the institution of the Izu Ya Masaaba is the leading contender for the seat on the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party card. Mr. Wanyoto presents the future of the city and the statesman because of the networks he has built and the national connections that he comes along with to represent the division. Wanyoto awaits party primaries that are due.
Ambassador Charles Madibo Wagidoso
Amb. Wagidoso
The ex-Uganda’s Ambassador to China for over 15 years and also former legislator for Bulambuli County then in Mbale District in the 6th parliament is back. Although this time not in Bulambuli which is now a district of its own, Amb. Wagidoso is battling for the Northern Division too. Wagidoso made a name for himself as an orator in the 6th parliament under the Movement System. He presents himself under the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party and he is yet to tussle it out in the party primaries. However, Eagle Online has reliably learnt that Wagidoso is under pressure from certain sections of his party to give way to young blood since he has been around in many ventures.
Seth Wambede
He is a former legislator in the 6th parliament representing Bungokho North constituency. He rose to national fame for his brilliance in the house at the time when parliament was still dominated with seasoned parliamentarians like Ben Wacha, Aggrey Awori and Bidandi Ssali. He came in under the Movement System then since political parties were banned.
Mr. Wambede has previously tried to reclaim the Bungokho North seat. NRM party primaries remains the only challenge to him and if he wins, he brings on table experience and exposure of good legislation for a sub-region lacking great debaters.
Industrial Division
Industrial Division is a home to hustlers in the city and it presents itself as the home to upstarts. The division is also considered a hub for opposition politics in the city given the previous experiences.
Madanada Wokuri aka Mama FDC
Margaret Wokuri Madanda.
The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party diehard has shifted her goalposts from Mbale District Woman Member of Parliament aspirant to Industrial Division. Ms Wokuri known for her assertiveness she is a leading contender in FDC camp. She faces Isaac Warela Nabende and others in the new division.
John Wekesa Wambogo
Another aspirant for the Industrial Division under the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party ticket isn’t stranger to Mbale politics having unsuccessfully contested in the byelection to replace the late former Speaker James Wapakhabulo. He subsequently contested in other elections but the people of Mbale haven’t given him a chance to represent them. He awaits his party primaries to determine whether he will be NRM flag bearer in the division.
Mbale Woman MP race
Connie Galiwango
Connie Galiwango, she is the current holder of the seat and a likable woman by all standards, she has held the seat for two terms and ‘if’ she retains it, it will be her third term as a woman representative of the sitting room of Masaaba house. Ms Galiwango has previously stood with her people. In the heat-up to the creation of cities when Mbale was pushed to the next financial year, she led a one-woman demonstration with a few of her supporters that resulted in her being arrested. It looks like her demands were heard by authorities and in turn President Museveni directed that Mbale be included on the list.
EagleOnline also understands that although she voted No in the Age amendment in parliament to give way for Mr. Museveni to rule without any hinderance, she seem to have represented the true picture of her constituents.
Lydia Wanyoto Mutende
Lydia Wanyoto
The National Resistance Movement (NRM) party head of Women’s League is back again to tussle it out with her former opponent, Connie Galiwango. The two yellow girls of Mbale faced off in 2016 and Ms Galiwango carried the day. The race between the two ladies is a tight one given that Ms Wanyoto is said to be enjoying the endorsement of the state.
Ms Wanyoto could easily tap in the support structures of her late husband Dr. James Mutende Shinyabulo, the ex-Minister of Trade and Industries. Dr. Mutende had created a network of mobilizers around Mbale town.
Annet Musuya Soobi
She is also vying on the National Resistance Movement party ticket and is a seasoned administrator. She is currently the National Coordinator of Share an Opportunity Uganda a Non-Governmental Organisation. She previously worked with Uganda Women Concern Ministry as Executive Director for two years. She also worked with TASO-Uganda for seven years as a counselor.
Other entrants in the NRM party primaries are Miriam Mukhaye Wangisi and seasoned educationalist Agatha Wambi Wanyenya
Bungokho Central
This is a new constituency which was curved out of the bigger Bungokho South Constituency which has been in the armpits of State Minister for Industries Michael Kafabusa Werikhe since 1996.
Michael Kafabusa Werikhe
Minister of State for Industry.
He has represented Bungokho South since 1996 and he still wants to represent new constituency of Bungokho Central. Sources say one of the reasons they curved Bungokho Central out of Bungokho South is the fear by Minister Werikhe that was destined for a loss if the constituency wasn’t divided. He is left with nothing to offer apart from the need to be in parliament. He is among those old guards targeted by the young generation.
Eric Stephen Mukhwana
He is the outgoing Deputy Prime Minister in charge of Culture, Tourism and Communication in the Izu Ya Massaaba institution. He is resulted oriented person under whose leadership, the IZu has seen increased awareness about its activities amongst the Bamaasaba in Uganda, Kenya and Diaspora.
He previously worked at the New Vision as senior advertising Executive before venturing in private. He is contesting as an Independent and comes at the time when there is fatigue of Werikhe.
Richard Wanda
Richard Wanda
Others tussling it out with Minister Werikhe in National Resistance Movement (NRA) party primaries are Richard Wanda and Andrew Mauso.
Bungokho South
Having curved out Bungokho Central out of Bungokho South and leaving Minister Werikhe in Central, this means that Bungokho South will have its own representative.
Mzee Bernard Mujasi
The aging out going Mbale District Chairman has declared intentions to run as a candidate in the NRM primaries. Mujasi bitterly contested for the then larger Bungokho South constituency. Werikhe won the said 2001 election amidst claims of vote rigging triggering off a legal battle that was eventually won by Werikhe. Mujasi’s undoing will be his age and overstaying as LCV.
Bungokho North
This is a constituency that votes an MP once and never to return him or her again. It is on the suburbs of Mbale City in the northern direction bordering Bukedea and Sironko districts and it is predominantly cosmopolitan.
Gershom Sizomu, the current legislator who is vying for the second term under his party Forum for Democratic Change.
Others in the NRM party primary race former legislator Yahaya Gudoi who served in the 9th parliament. Gudoi is remembered a legislator who was conned most at parliament.
The Ministry of Health has confirmed death of fourth #Covid-1
According to details from the ministry, the deceased was a 61-year-old female resident of Kiyimbi, Nakulabye, a Kampala suburb.
“She had symptoms consistent to COVID-19 which include cough, fever, chest pain and difficulty in breathing,” the Ministry of Health said in a statement on Saturday.
She first sought treatment at Mengo Hospital on July 29, 2020 before she was referred to Mulago National Referral Hospital on July 30 where her samples were taken for testing before she died the following day.
The ministry has also said 22 new infections had been confirmed registering cases to 1,176.
Muslim leaders have held prayers for retired army general and presidential aspirant Henry Tumukunde ahead of campaigns.
The prayers were led by Kampala District Khadi Edrisi Lwuswabi who dedicated the retired army officers to God. They prayed that God enable him to go through the 2021 general election and be announced as the new president of Uganda.
“We pray that God usher you to the State house and pray that you avail us people who will be of great importance and look into our challenges as Muslims” they prayed on Friday which was Edi day at his Kololo office.
The former Security Minister urged all Muslims to raise their voices against all challenges they face in the country. Tumukunde said during Eid Al-Adha prayers held at his offices in Kololo.
The District Khadi applauded Gen. Tumukunde for inviting them to pray with him. He said the Tumukunde exhibits good leadership skills and is compassionate to people of Uganda.
In his remarks, Tumukunde urged them to always raise up and seek a solution to all their challenges. “Muslims have a number of challenges however not taken steps to take them to those who decide on policy and direction of this country. I have implored them to always communicate their thoughts especially to those who want to take up leadership in this country. ,” he said.
The presidential hopeful who is currently out on bail granted by High Court, Justice Wilson Kwesiga in May. He is grappling with allegations of treason charges and unlawful possession of fire and rounds of ammunition. He was on March 12, 2020 arrested at his Kololo offices by a joint force of police, Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI) and Special Forces Command operatives (SFC).
Gen. Tumukunde however, maintains that treason charges are fabricated and meant to curtail his presidential ambitions. Tumukunde isn’t the first challenger to President Museveni to face treason as former presidential candidate Kizza Besigye and new aspirant Bobi Wine have all been slapped with similar charges.
President Yoweri museveni has reshuffled the army and made changes in key positions.
Army Spokesperson, Brig. Richard Kalemire has been posted as Defence Liasion Officer at the East African Community Secretariat and replaced by Brig. Flavia Byekwaso, Former Deputy Chief of Chieftiancy of Military Intelligence Charles Asiimwe has been take to head National Counter Terrorism Centre and replaced by Brig. Richard Otto.
Below is a full list
1.Maj Gen Sam Kiwanuka- Chief of Production&Welfare.
2.Maj Gen Moses Ddiba Ssentongo_ Chief Mubende Rehabilitation Centre.
3.Maj Gen Hudson Mukasa_Chief of Staff Reserve Forces
4.Maj Gen Francis Okello_Comdt National Defense College.
5.Maj Gen Innocent Oula_Deputy MD NEC.
6.Maj Gen Don Nabasa_Contingent Commander-AMISOM.
7.Brig Gen Emanuel Rwashande _Chief Civil Military Cooperation
8.Brig Gen Stephen Oluka- deployed to OWC
9.Brig Gen George Etyang-OWC
10.Brig Gen Jeff Mukasa_ Director Counter Terrorism
11.Brig Gen William Beinomugisha- 2/ic 2 Division
12. Brig Gen James Kaija_Defense Advisor UK
13. Brig Gen Fred Karara_ DA Sudan
14. Brig Gen Christopher Bbossa_DA China.
15. Brig Gen Mike Kisame_ DA Kenya
16. Brig Gen Joseph Balikudembe 3 Div Commander
17. Brig Gen Simon Ocan- DA Switzerland
18.Brig Gen Michael Kabango_Seconded to AU Peace Support Operations Department.
19.Brig Gen Felix Kulayigye- OWC.
20.Brig Gen Mathew Gureme- Chief of Training
& Recruitment.
21.Brig Gen Richard Karemire _ Defence Liaison Officer(DLO) EAC Secretariat Headquarters.
22.Brig Gen Flavia Byekwaso-Defence Spokesperson
23. Brig Gen Tingira Irumba_ Chief of Policy& Plans
24. Brig Gen Charles Asiimwe _ Commander National Counter Terrorism Centre.
25.Brig Gen Richard Otto_ Deputy CMI
26.Brig Gen James Nambale_ DA Turkey.
27.Brig Gen Robert Ocama-OWC
28. Col Bahoku Barigye- DA Cuba
29. Col Keith Katungi_ Commandant Military Police.
The Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Jane Frances Abodo has clocked 100 days in office as DPP since she assumed office in April.
On April = 2, 2020, Justice Jane Frances Abodo was appointed as the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in Uganda. Before her current assignment she served as a High Court Judge, in the court’s Criminal Division, from February 2018 until April 2020.
On taking oath, she pledged to consolidate the gains registered by my predecessors and to meet planned targets, in particular, internal structural re-organization and staffing, re-tooling and re-skilling staff, among others.
Reflecting on the first 100 days, Abodo said together with the Top Management, Senior Management and staff, the office has registered a number of achievements in spite of the challenging times, particularly, in the face of the #Covid-19 pandemic.
“Specialized Units have been established and existing ones re-organized and their reporting mechanism streamlined in order to ensure that the institution has the right skills placed in the right places. Special assignments and Task forces have been created to handle and execute urgent assignments, and improve efficiency” She said
She said during the months of June and July 2020, the ODPP was involved in plea bargaining camps at Masindi, Nakasongola, Gulu, Mbarara and Masaka Prisons. The plea bargaining sessions resulted into 503 convictions from all the five regions visited.
“A new performance reporting template was created for reporting on performance under each departmental objective and target under MPS, SIP, JLOS, Cross cutting issues, other activities etc. This will ensure that all reports including session reports are received, utilised and acted upon.” She said
The ODPP has revamped the electronic mail system to a unified messaging and communication system whose services include email, messaging, chats and calls, tasks, work groups, drive, calendar, time and report, workflow, meeting and briefings. The system will act as a secure platform to protect official communications among the staff of the ODPP.
She lauded members of the Top Management, Senior Management and the staff for their cooperation.
“I thank our stakeholders for their contributions to the realization of the mandate and vision of the ODPP. Together we can make it. Provision of Criminal Justice requires concerted effort. The ODPP cannot effectively execute and deliver on its mandate in the absence of the Executive, Parliament, Judiciary, the Police, the Prisons, and Advocates among others.” She applauded.
Sources within the justice sector told EagleOnline that whereas under her predecessor some cases considered political would sail through without enough evidence, under her leadership, it is becoming hard to propagate a case without substantial evidence.
President Yoweri Museveni who doubles as the Commander in Chief has appointed Brig. General Flavia Byekwaso as Spokesperson of the Uganda Peoples’ Defense Forces (UPDF).
Brig.Byekwaso is one of the 10 army representatives in Parliament.
The appointment of the first ever female army spokesperson was announced by the outgoing Spokesperson of UPDF Brig. Richard Karemire. Nalweyiso has become the first female spokesperson of UPDF.
“Pse join me to welcome Hon Brig Gen Flavia Byekwaso appointed the Defence Spokesperson following the end of my tour of duty. I have been assigned to EAC Secretariat as Defence Liaison Officer.I look forward to working on Integration as the solution for our strategic security”. Brig. Karemire tweeted
The Kabaka of Buganda, Ronald Mutebi II has urged all Ugandans to continue observing all guidelines put in place to curb the spread of the deadly Covid-19 pandemic.
Kabaka said during the celebrations to mark his 27th coronation ceremony at Mengo. The 65-year-old monarch’s reign of the biggest kingdom in Uganda began in 1993, upon enthronement as Kabaka of Buganda on July 31, 1993.
The guidelines include; Covering your mouth and nose with tissue or a handkerchief when coughing and sneezing, Washing hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand rub immediately after using the tissue or handkerchief, Maintaining a distance of two meter from anyone who is coughing or sneezing and remind them that they need to have a face mask to avoid infecting others.
The others include; avoiding touching in the eyes, nose and mouth at all times. Hands touch many surfaces including money which can be contaminated with the virus and you can transfer the virus from the surface to yourself, avoiding hand-shakes and hugging at all times and avoiding unprotected contact with dead animals.
He applauded all individuals who have contributed towards the fighting of the virus and urged the government to put emphasis on other diseases like Aids, pressure, Sickle cells, malaria asserting that they too are killing Ugandans.
He expressed his dismay over security officers especially from the Local Defence Unity (LDU) who were recently brutalizing and killing Ugandans in the name of enforcing presidential directives peddled at stopping the spread of Covid-19.
“Everyone has a right, if he/she disobeys the law, it is better to drag him/her to courts of law. It is bad for security officers to punish them with death,” he said
The also noted that Hussein Walugembe, a man who set himself on fire at Masaka Central Police Station (CPS) indicates that youth have lost hope and pledged that his Kingdom will continue to work towards reinstating hope among the youth.
The Kabaka also awarded Dr. Kawanga Semwogerere, Sheikh Hussein Rajab Kakooza, prof Josephine Nambooze Kiggundu, Rev. Canon Samuel Kasujja (he baptized Kabaka), John Yakuze for their distinguished services towards the development of Uganda and Buganda.
International Netball Federation (INF) has announced that due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Netball World Youth Cup will no longer take place in June 2021.
INF, in consultation with the host country Fiji, considered the factors that would need to be in place for the international event to go ahead in June next year. Given the uncertainty regarding factors such as the control of the COVID-19 pandemic and risk to health, closures of borders to visitors, consideration of quarantine requirements and restrictions on global travel, the decision was made to postpone the event based on its June date.
The announcement comes after the recent decision that the Netball World Youth Cup qualifying events, which were due to take place in Africa, the Americas, Europe and Oceania before October 2020, be cancelled and that INF World Rankings be used to determine the qualifying teams for those regions affected.
The INF will now consult with the netball associations with qualified teams regarding the options for re-scheduling including dates towards the end of 2021 and early 2022.
The Fijian Government have re-confirmed their commitment to hosting the event. The Minister for Youth and Sports, Honourable Praveen Kumar Bala said:
“We remain committed to the sporting aspirations of girls and young women in Fiji and across the netball world. We look forward to hosting this event at an appropriate time when the world is a lot safer, international travel restrictions have eased and when all teams, and Fiji as your host nation, are certain of reaping a just return on their investment into the NWYC 2021.”
The INF Board made the decision in June 2020 to determine the remaining 12 qualifying countries based on INF World Rankings.
Uganda She Pearls were due to take part in the qualifiers for the Netball World Youth Cup 2021 alongside countries like Australia, England, Fiji, Jamaica, Malaysia, Malawi, New Zealand, Samoa, Scotland, Singapore, South Africa and Wales among others.
The She Pearls came seventh at the Youth World Cup 2017 in Botswana while New Zealand were the champions.
