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Kabira, Speke Resort Munyonyo back to business

By
Our Reporter
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The place to be for Easter Carnival for families .

A select group of galaxy hotels owned by tycoon Sudhir Ruparelia are now fully open and ready to serve customers and help to ease the stresses of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Some of the group hotels and restaurants that will open include Kabira Country Club, Speke Apartments, Bukoto Heights, Boulevard Apartments, Speke Apartments-Kitante and Speke Resort Muyonyo.

Speke Hotel, Forrest Cottages and Dolphin Suites are being prepared and the plan is to have them open soon.

The opening of Hotels and restaurants by Ruparelia will inevitably offer relief to Ugandans who have been locked down in their homes for months and will now be able to order for their favourite cuisines.

The Kabira Country Club is one of Kampala’s favourite high-end relaxing getaway, offering a world class restaurant, gymnasium, accommodation and a heated swimming pool.

President Museveni in February announced the closure of hotels, restaurants and other entertainment places to contain the spread of the Corona virus.

However, with no deaths registered in Uganda, the government has been partially easing the lockdown with hotels and restaurants now allowed to open for customers to pick cuisines on takeaway.

The restaurants and hotels are operating in accordance with World Health Organisation guidelines and observing social distancing for both clients and employees. Employees are wearing face masks and distance between tables has been increased.

 

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Manifesto Week: How the Agriculture sector fared

By
Simon Kabayo
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Smallholder coffee farmers

During the 2016-2021 period, the Agriculture sector remained the main thrust of Uganda’s economy, with agriculture-based products accounting for about 45% of exports in FY 2018/19, underlining why agriculture remains one of the four key sectors highlighted in the Uganda vision 2040.
Modernization of Agriculture remains one of the key components of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Manifesto and President Museveni has severally highlighted the need to use the sector as a base of improving our balance of payments constraints.

Improving Uganda’s Balance of Payment would provide the much-needed foreign exchange to the country.
To achieve that key goal, the development and growth of the sector is anchored on four strategic objectives, as outlined in the National Development Plan 2 (NDP2) and the Agriculture Sector Strategic Plan (ASSP) 2015/16 – 2019/20.
The four goals are to; increase production and productivity of agricultural commodities and enterprises; increase access to critical farm inputs; improve access to markets and value addition and strengthen the quality of agricultural commodities; and strengthen the agricultural services institutions and also create an enabling environment for the sector to grow.

In the past year the Agriculture sector contributed 22% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and registered improved growth rates from 2.8% in FY 2015/16 to 5% in FY 2018/19.
On the employment front, the Agriculture sector was also very important as it employs about 64% of all Ugandans (and about 72% of all youths) highlighting its importance to household income growth and consumption, and thereby stimulating growth in the other sectors.

In the 2016 NRM Manifesto, President Museveni committed to support key strategic commodities to ensure greater impact on household incomes and national export earnings.
The emphasis of these interventions put emphasis on commodity value chains, focusing on: research; extension; pest, vector and disease control; provision of inputs; promoting sustainable land use and soil management; post-harvest handling; improving market access and infrastructure; and value addition.
In the past year, some of the other key achievements in the Agriculture sector included the increase of the value of agriculture exports from $1.326 billion to $1.5 billion representing a growth of 20% in the past four financial years.

The 2014 Population and Housing Census figures also indicated that close to 80% of the households in the country are involved in agriculture, a further improvement for the sector.owever, it was not all plain-sailing in the Agriculture sector as some challenges were registered.
Some of the main challenges that the Agriculture sector faced over the past year included prevalent pests, vectors and diseases, the outbreak of desert locusts in Karamoja, Teso, Lango, Acholi and Eastern Uganda.

The outbreak of desert locusts stretched the sector in terms of technical personnel and other resources.
There was also a challenge of weak linkage between provision of agricultural inputs and provision of agricultural extension services; as the extension service in Local Governments is still constrained by low staffing in some areas and mobility to reach out to all farmers.
Changing weather patterns also affected timely distribution of planting materials sometimes resulting into wastage of planting materials and low crop survival rates while excessive rainfall in some parts of the country affecting seasonal crops especially le

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Manifesto week: A sneak peek into Defence, Security high points

By
Simon Kabayo
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soldiers at work at Luwero industries.

The defence and security Forces successfully managed to ensure that Uganda remained peaceful and stable over the past year, providing a base for the socio-economic transformation of the country.
Maintaining peace and stability was one of the key promises in the National Resistance Movement (NRM) manifesto that is running from 2016-2021.

Key among the bastions of success in the Defence sector was continuing with the professionalization and modernisation of the Defence and Security Forces which included acquisition and maintenance of equipment.
The Ministry of Defence also ensured that defence and security infrastructural systems were developed.
Under the construction of defence and security infrastructural systems, the Ministry put particular focus on the construction of a National Military Referral Hospital in a phased manner, this will go a long way in maintaining the health of officers and militants.
The Ministry also ensures that provision of safe office and housing accommodation was provided for its militants and officers, setting the foundation for level-headed working and sleeping environments.

Another key component under the development of defence and infrastructural systems was the moving of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Air Force from Entebbe to Nakasongola, in line with directives of the Commander-In-Chief (CiC).
In order to ensure that the security forces remain in sync with the latest technologies, the Ministry concentrated on strengthening research and development, setting the pace for Forces that can ably respond to changing security threats in the technology sector.
The sector has consistently acquired, refurbished and maintained equipment in the bid to equip the Force with efficient, effective and technologically advanced capabilities to professionalise and equip the Forces.
To set a base for security Forces that can decently maintain their families, the Ministry also put in efforts in promoting production for wealth creation and self-sustainability, avoiding scenarios where Forces would not be economically self-sustaining.
Under the component of promoting production for wealth creation and self-sustainability, the Ministry put in efforts to ensure that Luweero industries are given funds to buy the equipment needed to enable production of some of the supplies of UPDF.
The Ministry also ensure that Uganda’s internal and external security was strengthened.

To beef up the maintenance of security in Uganda’s urban areas, the Ministry recruited over 26,000 Local Defence Units (LDUs) to complement the regular Force in sustaining peace and stability across the country.
LDUs have been very efficient in helping the security agencies to stamp out criminal agents in the city and its environs, making it safe for Ugandans to engage in meaningful economic activities without having to watch over their backs.
In the health sector, the Ministry has committed to provide preventive, curative and rehabilitative services to officers and militants, their immediate families and surrounding community in all its medical facilities.

The Ministry of Health is on record praising the efficient and professional work of medical personnel from the Ministry of Defence.
The Ministry of Defence has also supported the Ministry of Health in containing any form of epidemic outbreaks, this was very particular in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.

Some of the unfulfilled commitments in the Defence sector included the introduction of a National Service Scheme, establishment of a National Defence College, establishment of the Institute of Security Studies.
For the Police Force, the construction and rehabilitation of Barracks infrastructure and the establishment of a Police Academy were key among the successes of the Police Force.
The Police Force also managed to maintain Law and Order.

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Ministers Moses Kizige, Isaac Musumba and MP Watongola deliver 20m to Kamuli CAO

By
Trevor S Baleke
-

Moses Kizige the Karamoja affairs state minister and member of parliament for Bugabula North constituency this week returned the controversial shillings 20 million COVID-19 cash. As guided by government, Kizige delivered all the money to Kamuli District Chief Administrative Office (CAO), Elizabeth Namanda. CAO is the chief accounting officer of a district.

The minister delivered the money in the presence of the entire District Taskforce (DFT) on corona virus chaired by the Resident District Commissioner, Hajji Moses Dumba.

Kizige who has on several occasions provided fuel to the DTF, pledged even more support to the district team to ensure that the pandemic is prevented from entering the district.

This website has established that Kizige has since the lockdown was announced by government been providing relief items to households in his Bugabula North constituency.

Namanda thanked the minister for the big heart.

He was followed by Kamuli Municipality MP, Hajat Rehema Watongola.

On top of the 20m, Watongola donated maize flour to the DFT which she guided that it should be given to the taxi operators in her constituency.

A day later, actually on Friday May 22, the urban development state minister, Isaac Musumba – the MP represents Buzaaya County too delivered his 20 million to the CAO.

The function took place at 3:45PM at the district headquarters.

He asked the task force to ensure that people of Buzaaya receive relief food bought out of the money.

The CAO issued receipts and letters of appreciation to each of the three legislators.

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EDUCATION GIANTS: Kampala Parents Starts Full Online Classes, Teachers to be accommodated

By
Our Reporter
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Pupils of Kampala Parents who scored aggregate 4 celebrate their results at school.

Kampala Parents School has started full Online classes from Kindergarten to Primary with teachers set to be fully accommodated at School to avoid potential transmission of the Corona virus.

The Online classes will begin on Monday.
The move has been welcomed by parents and pupils as the country tries to move back to normalcy following disruptions caused by the Covid pandemic.

In a circular dated May 22,Ms Daphne Kato, the Kampala Parents Principal, indicated that Online learning will begin with completion of the Term One syllabus.

“The School has invested heavily in the structure to enable this learning. After completion of Term One material, we are to embark on Tern Two sylabbus.During the first week of the Online learning, there will be induction and revision of holiday work,” Ms Kato’s circular reads.

Ms Kato said the School will issue a timetable for the online learning.
Online classes will also kick off on Tuesday 26th May for Primary Three and Four while Top Class, Primary One and Two will begin on June 4th.

Registration of new students is also ongoing.

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Former director of political intelligence at ESO Col. Kazoora dead

By
Isaiah Mwebaze
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Late Col. Kazoora.

One of External Security Organisation (ESO) longest serving staff -Lt Col. Benon Kazoora has died.

He died on Thursday 21st May 2020 at Nakasero Hospital after a two year battle of cancer of the tongue. He has been in and out of Hospital in both Uganda and India for the last two years. According to a family friend Albert Mugumya, Lt Col Kazoora will be buried at his home in Rutooma, Kashari on Saturday 23rd May.

He is survived by two sons. The 65 old army veteran was a Moscow university graduate. He joined ESO in 1986. He did his military training in Cuba and served in many capacities at ESO.He also served as a Minister Counsellor at Uganda’embassy in Moscow from 1990 to 1994.

He was born in 1954 to Enoka and Manjeri Kazoora and was brother of the well known politician Major John Kazoora. His wife passed on in the early 1990s. popularly known as uncle amongst Bugolobi’s residents he is mourned by many as a down to earth person.

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Electoral Commission should give guidance on the fate of 2021 Elections

By
Guest Writer
-
Mr. Deus Mukalazi

By Mukalazi Deus Mubiru

The unprecedented Covid19 control measures that included suspension of public meetings like political rallies, conferences and other related meetings, disrupted the core activities of the Electoral Commission (EC). Road map activities which include display of tribunal recommendations for deletion or inclusion on the National Voters Register (NVR), gazetting and publishing of candidates’ nomination dates and venues, Elections of Special Interest Groups (SIGs), including older persons, Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and youth at village and parish levels and internal political party candidates identification processes.

The EC is yet to come out with an official communication regarding the road map. Separate decisions regarding the suspension of the SIG elections have been haphazardly communicated through the press but a visit to the EC website shows little or no activity. No formal statement was ever issued by the EC regarding the road map. One would therefore be right to assume that the road map still stands.

An article published in the Daily Monitor of 15th May 2020, says the EC at the moment cannot tell whether the country will go to polls in February 2021 or not. The article quotes the EC Secretary Mr. Sam Rwakoojo saying it would be speculative to tell when this virus is going away and that the EC has not yet come up with the dates of resuming the roadmap although EC admits it is not too late and insists the elections that were affected will have to take place.

Whereas the EC has come out to offer this anecdotal guidance, it’s important to note that it’s not enough. EC should not wait for the press to go them nine weeks after the lock down to be able to say something. An official statement ought to have been issued and periodic updates given depending on the situation. The continued silence and lack of official guidance by the EC just helps to confuse the citizens more. This confusion is not helped by calls for extension of elections to 2023 as was proposed by the two East Africa legislative assembly members, Dennis Namara and Paul Musamali. President Museveni also recently said it would be madness to think of holding elections in January.

According to the roadmap, nomination of candidates for Local Governments was slated for 20th July 2020. Nomination of Candidates for Parliamentary elections is August 12th, 2020, about 88 days from now. Its important to note that as per Section 116(5) of the Local Government Act, civil servants and public officers wishing to contest for elections as guaranteed by the constitution under Article 38(1), must have resigned their offices at least thirty days before nomination day in accordance with the procedure of the service or employment to which he or she belongs. Article (4)(2) of the Parliamentary Elections Act has a similar condition of ninety days for those intending to contest for parliamentary conditions. Although there is still time for local government aspirants, parliamentary aspirants working with government agencies should have resigned their positions on 13th May to fit within the 90 days requirement. Such scenarios call for constant revision of the road map, so citizens are not caught off guard and unfairly stripped of their right to contest for leadership.

The current uncertainty of covid19 notwithstanding, and there is no guarantee anything will get certain in their near future, given that the EC activities have a far bearing implication on our constitutionalism, it’s important for the commission to constantly engage the citizens and keep them updated because elections are at the centre of our democracy and Article 1(4) is clear on how people shall exercise their will and consent on who shall govern them and how they shall be governed , through regular, free and fair elections. This is one of the provisions of the constitution that can not be amended without a referendum as per Article 260(2)(b).

Any talk about extension of the elections must take into consideration what our laws say because covid19 aside, we must follow the law and our constitutional provisions regarding how to handle such a situation. At the moment, without a state of emergency, there is no reason why the EC should not be exploring alternative ideas on how to hold the elections to avoid a constitutional crisis. Section 50(1) of the Electoral Commission Act gives the EC special powers in situations including emergencies, by particular or general instructions, extend the time for doing any act, increase the number of election officers or polling stations or otherwise adapt any of those provisions as may be required to achieve the purposes of holding elections. It’s time for EC to step up and provide guidance as mandated by the Constitution and other relevant laws of Uganda. Silence is not helping matters at all.

Research Associate, Democracy and Rule of Law

Great Lakes Institute for Strategic Studies (GLISS)

deusmukalazi@gmail.com

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Hundreds storm Pr. Senyonga’s church demanding for food relief

By
Ronard Shabomwe
-
pastor Senyonga

Several people have stormed Christian Life church this evening demanding for relief food that was being given to members and people in neighboring areas of the church.

Pastor Senyonga the senior Pastor at Christian life church Kavule Bwaise gave out relief food to members of the church and other people from around. Over 10,000 people have received 5Kgs of maize flour, 5kgs of beans, a bar of soap, a basin and 1kg of sugar.

However, many people from neighboring areas and those by passing when they heard that food was being given to people at Christian life church, they came and gathered demanding to be given food too.

According to some of the people that Eagle online talked to, they came with the hope of getting relief food, but to their dismay, they were chased by the police stopping them from accessing the premises telling them that food was over.

The church official who preferred anonymity informed this website that they were giving out food to people who were given coupons. However, many people even those with no coupons showed and they also wanted food yet the items given out were on plan.

According to Michael Mubiru a church official, they have a plan of giving out relief food next week to the people who missed out the chance of getting food.

Abdu Musoke a resident of Bwaise says he was given a coupon and he came hoping for relief food but when he reached he found they were not allowed to enter. The police told them the food over.

He says they planned poorly, because if they had planned for the coupons given out. How come, there were many people with coupon who did not get food.

Imelda Ssonko a church member who missed out says that she was informed by the neighbor who saw many people receiving food and when she came, she found the police stopping people and telling them that food is over.

Ahmed Semakula a resident in Kavule told Eagle online that for him he appreciates pastor Senyonga for the food he gave out, even if he did not get food, saying that he has done his best and he could not manage the big numbers of people who showed up.

Sarah Ndagire a church member and a resident of Bwaise says she really had hopes of getting food because she is going through hard times of starving since she never received food when government was giving out relief food because it found her attending to her daughter in the hospital.

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MPs start move to amend BoU Act today

By
Our Reporter
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Bank of Uganda

MPs will this afternoon debate a motion seeking to amend the BoU Act.

Key among the proposed amendments to the BoU Act is a clause to trim the powers of the Governor and Deputy Governor.

World Bank last year demanded that the BoU Act be amended to reduce the powers of the Governor and Deputy Governor.

Some other reforms were also proposed by Parliament’s Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (Cosase).

The Committee faulted Bank of Uganda officials over the closure of seven banks, including Crane Bank which was the largest commercial banks then.

Debate on the proposed BoU Act will re-ignite calls by the World Bank to punish BoU officials over the closure of Crane Bank

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Letshego Uganda Limited’s Position on a Story Carried by the New Vision Newspaper Under the Headline “5000 Teachers, Policemen Cheated in Loans Scam”

By
Our Reporter
-

Regarding the article in the New Vision newspaper of Thursday 21st May 2020 titled- 5000 teachers and policemen cheated in Loans Scam where it is alleged that Letshego Uganda customers (teachers and policemen) are fraudulently compelled to refund money lent to them is UNTRUE.
In 2015, through our branches, we received complaints related to loan disbursements where applicants from districts like Iganga, Jinja and Luwero were raising queries pertaining to deductions being made from their salary and yet they hadn’t applied for the loan (s).

Letshego reported a case at Jinja road police station, vide Police Ref/CRB2979/2015 and Gef 29/2019. Letshego continues to cooperate with the Police to ensure these cases are logically concluded.

We wish to emphasize that Letshego is the victim because it is the institution that lost money and not a beneficiary of the fraud.
At Letshego, we are bound by Customer Protection guidelines issued by UMRA (Uganda Microfinance Regulatory Authority) which embody transparency and integrity. We cannot cheat customers who we open doors every day to serve and the ONLY reason we exist.
For any further clarity, reach out to:
Roger Mugisha- Head of Corporate Communications Letshego
Mob: 0786-590859
Email: rmugisha@letshego.com

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