Land within Uganda has always been an issue as it is being grabbed with in different parts of the country and bloodshed in certain areas.
Over the years, it has been reported that Namboole land had more than 200 encroachers who had been helped by the unavailability of the land title which in 2006, had been reported missing by the lands commission.
However today, the stadium has acquired its land titles from the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development.
“Today (24th August, 2020) Mandela National Stadium, Namboole finally gets it’s land titles after years of protracted pursuit. The land around the stadium was facing encroachment from various people.” State Minister for Sports Denis Hamson Obua tweeted.
Today(24th August, 2020) Mandela National Stadium,Namboole finally gets it's land titles after years of protracted pursuit.The land around the stadium was facing encroachment from various people. pic.twitter.com/9xS5kvUcpH
Kireka Veterans Group, Kasumba Warehouse, Prayer Palace, former Kiira Town Council mayor Mamerito Mugerwa, Samsuding Night Parking, Byakuleka Lodge and Inn, Terazone Construction, who claim to be renting from Mugerwa and Brig. Hudson Mukasa, Capt Haruna, and Bweyogerere Central Market were last year listed as some of the encroachers.
Namboole National stadium was opened in 1997, has a capacity of 45,202 and was built with a grant from the People’s Republic of China.
Acquiring the title ownership will now guarantee the authorities to develop the land.
Phase two of the sports complex that includes an Olympic size swimming pool, sports halls, and outdoor grounds, has never taken off after the first phase was completed.
Police on Sunday night arrested and detained seven partiers who were caught holding a house party in contravention with Covid19 guidelines that were issued by President Yoweri Museveni.
The seven were picked up from an apartment located in Balintuma village, near Firidina road in Kiwatule, Kampala.
According to Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Luke Owoyesigire, the operation was carried out by the Kira Road Police station after being alerted by complaints from neighbors of the apartment.
“A lot of people would gather in the apartment, drinking with loud music. There was fear that their inconsiderate behavior could spread Covid19 in their village,” he said.
“Our officers managed to access the apartment and arrested seven suspects who are currently being detained at Kira Road Police station on charges of disobeying lawful orders and doing a negligent act that is likely to spread Covid19.”
Since the presidential directive on opening of bars, people had resorted to hosting house parties where they invite their friends and drink alcohol.
The trend grew more common following the re-opening of public transport and extension of curfew from 7:00PM to 9:00PM.
In a related incident, Kabalagala Police also carried out an operation in Bunga at Nomads Bar where 49 people including the owner of the bar, Fred Kamau, and his eight managers were arrested.
arrested partiers
All are detained at Kabalagala Police Station on allegations of doing a negligent act likely to spread an infection of a disease.
Over the weekend, Uganda confirmed 318 cases, the highest number of cases confirmed in a single day in the country and the President is expected to address the nation this week.
Reigning Uganda Premier League Vipers Sports Club has confirmed that various players are leaving the club on mutual consent as Head Coach Fred Kajoba shapes his squad in readiness for the upcoming 2020/21 season.
Leading the list of departures is midfielder Brian Nkuubi who has been at Kitende for five years establishing himself as a vital cog within the team before injuries left him out of favour. Vipers SC confirmed all the departures on their website on Monday morning.
With no offer of an extension to his contract following the arrival of David Bagoole from Busoga United, Vipers can now confirm the midfielder’s exit from the club.
The 26 year old is unlikely to be short of offers now that he is a free agent due to his experience with almost 8 seasons under his belt since making debut with Kira Young in 2012.
He is not the only one leaving St Marys stadium, there are other twelve players departing during this transfer window as Kajoba endeavours to fill all yawning gaps.
Goalkeeper Derrick Ochan whose contract still had two years to wind up, mutually consented with the club on his departure to seek for more playing time elsewhere.
Left back Dan Birikwalira who impressed when Vipers won the 2014/15 league title, is also on his way out, having seen the recent loan with Kyetume United hampered by injury.
Janjali Joseph who was on loan at Bright stars together with Dickens Okwir (Paidha Black Angels), Ibrahim Kiyemba (Wakiso Giants), Duncan Seninde (Wakiso Giants) and Farouk Musisi are also leaving after mutually terminating their existing contracts.
Tom Masiko just like Nkuubi, Steven Mukwala and Tito Okello, saw off their contracts to the end so is Fred Atuhwera as well as Baden Mujahid who are all exiting as free agents.
The Venoms will also see out Brian Kalumba on loan to yet to be confirmed club and its possible others will follow later as negotiations for their destinations continue.
Vipers has already acquired Disan Galiwango (Express), Ibrahim (Mbarara City), Jamil Kalisa (Bright Stars) and David Bagoole (Busoga United) to beef up the team ahead of a demanding season.
More than five people have declared their bid stand for Kawempe South parliamentary seat in the fourth coming 2021 general elections.
The six aspirants include; the incumbent MP Mubarak Munyagwa, Solomon Mayanja (National Resistance Movement ‘NRM’), Kazibwe Bashir Mbazira (National Unity Platform ‘NUP’), Sebuliba Mutumba (Democratic Party ‘DP’), Roy Sembogga (National Unity Platform ‘NUP’) and Tenywa Edirisa National Resistance Movement ‘NRM’).
The five are seeking to unseat Munyagwa who has been in parliament for the last five years. Munyagwa is also the Chairperson, Public Accounts Committee (Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises).
Solomon Mayanja is the current lord councilor representing Kawempe at Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) City hall. He was born and raised in Kawempe.
Mayanja
Kazibwe Bashir Mbazira is the former NBS television show host and Bukedde FM radio presenter. He is the current president of the Uganda Journalists Association (UJA). He last month announced his bid to stand for elective politics “Yes, I am offering myself to stand as a member of Kawempe South in upcoming polls. Details about our program, agenda and manifesto will be availed in the coming days.”
Kazibwe Bashir
He is not the only journalist offering himself for elective politics in the fourth coming election, NTV’s Agnes Nandutu picked National Resistance Movement (NRM) nomination forms. She intends to stand as the Woman MP for Bududa District.
The former MP Kawempe South Sebuliba Mutumba is also in the race to represent that same constituency. Mutumba was an MP from 2001 till 2016. He was also an opposition shadow minister for works and infrastructure development in 2011.
Sebuliba Mutumba
Roy Sembogga, the 82nd guild president of Makerere University is also in the race. He comes with new ideas aimed at elevating people from poverty and improving their lives.
The Coca-Cola team led by Special Events and Promotion Manager, Newton Lee Ogong, during the handover to the Kalungu District Officials.
To help curb the rising spread of COVID-19 across Uganda, Coca-Cola Beverages Africa has so far established 2,063 Public Hand Wash Stations across the country.
The Public Hand Wash Stations, handed over by Century and Rwenzori Bottling Companies, have so far been distributed to various communities in Kampala, Mukono, Mbarara, Buikwe and Kalungu Districts.
While receiving the latest installation in Kalungu District, Dr. Daniel Sentamu, Kalungu District Health Officer, lauded the company for the initiative and urged the general public to make use of the Public Hand Wash Stations as often as possible.
“Thank you, Coca-Cola, for the consignment given to Kalungu District. We shall be preventing infections by enabling our communities to access handwashing points to wash their hands properly, as this is one of the guidelines stipulated by the Ministry of Health. This donation will help us increase sanitation stations and fight infections. If we all do our part, the world will be safer,” he said.
The Public Hand Wash Stations include Five (5) 5,000-litre Hand Wash Tanks and more than 3,000 20-litre Hand Wash Jerrycans all being installed countrywide for public use.
The intervention is part of Coca-Cola Beverages Africa’s UGX1.3billion contribution to the Government of Uganda through the Ministry of Health, to fight the spread of COVID-19.
Coca-Cola Beverages Africa General Manager in Uganda, Melkamu Abebe, said the company would focus the interventions on areas susceptible to congestion and where there is a shortage of options for hand washing. These include urban and peri-urban areas that serve food and where people congregate in large numbers for convenience.
In Kalungu, the Public Hand Wash Stations have been placed at the Lukaya Transport hub where most public transport stops for passengers to pick up refreshments. Other hubs that have received Public Hand Wash stations include; Buikwe District’s Najjembe, Namawojjolo, Ssenyi and Kiyinda areas, along the busy Jinja Road Highway, Mbarara municipality and border areas.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) and Ministry of Health advise that, to avoid COVID-19, people should wash their hands frequently for at least twenty seconds each time with soap and water. Uganda, however, faces a challenge with access to clean water.
Special Events and Promotion Manager, Newton Lee Ogong officially handover the consignment to the Kalungu District officials.
Melkamu Abebe also applauded the government on its efforts in managing the spread of the virus and reaffirmed the company’s commitment in support the government in whatever way possible.
“Our government has done a tremendous job in mitigating the spread of the virus right from the start and has continued to do so. It is my hope that as individuals we shall take on individual responsibility to follow the guidelines and stay safe. As a company, we are very committed to continue championing this cause and support the government in different capacities,” Abebe said.
In a message delivered by Special Events and Promotion Manager, Newton Lee Ogong, he urged the general public to focus more on public safety than comfort or convenience.
“We can all see that the case count is rising in Uganda, and we should all be serious about public health and safety at all times. It’s in your hands to ensure that safety – none of us should look to the Government or WHO to save our own lives. Again – it’s in your hands, so keep washing those hands with soap and water. Wear a face mask when in public. Follow the guidelines. The Covid-19 outbreak is a challenging time for all of us and has already had a significant impact on the economy as a whole, let’s now allow things to get worse,” he said.
Uganda’s corona virus community cases have been on the rise since the lifting of the lockdown. So far, 1,750 coronavirus have been registered with 19 deaths and 1,194 recoveries. Lifting of the lockdown placed greater responsibility on individuals to observe their own safety and also be more vigilant when socializing in public places by following the health guidelines issued by the government.
The District Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Careb Tukaikiriza encouraged Coca-Cola to continue with its long-term community spirit.
“The hand that gives is more blesses than the hand that receives. When your clients are affected, it means the market is affected. Thank you for going the extra mile to take care of your people. Once all this is behind us, we shall remember you for standing with us, your customers,” he said.
Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, Coca-Cola Beverages Africa has provided several interventions including; food relief worth UGX390million from The Coca-Cola Foundation, distributed through the Uganda Red Cross Society to vulnerable families affected by the lockdown; UGX85million to the Ministry of Health to buy medical equipment and sundries; public awareness worth UGX460million and three pick-up trucks for the Ministry of Health COVID-19 Task Force. So far the total contribution during this period is UGX1.3billion.
Kampala International University is setting a pace in delivering world class education as seen in its recent achievements.
As it held its 22nd graduation, it made history by holding it entirely online becoming one of the very few universities to have achieved this.
This according to Dr Muhammad Mpezamihigo was achieved through, “using online resources and re-tooling the academic and research staff for online delivery, research and innovations.”
These resources have helped the university stay on schedule with the academic syllabus throughout the Coronavirus pandemic lockdown since March 2020.
This resilience saw the university recently being ranked by a webometrics ranking world universities as the number private university in Uganda and East Africa, and the 3rd overall best university in Uganda only behind Makerere University and Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
In fact, Mpezamihigo added that inspite of the fact that access to internet, gadgets and data to access online services is not an easy fit for many students, the university has seen the percentage of uptake by students and staff increased from below 30% to well over 70%.
This is true as the Vice Chancellor noted that “as we speak, the percentage has even increased and we are now facing serious demand from out students and staff to upgrade our infrastructure in order for us to be able to deliver even better services.”
The university also has a robust Teaching and Research Hospital at the Western Campus that according to Mpezamihigo, “remains among the top 10 and competitive general hospitals in the country, and has been gazetted to handle any cases of Covid-19 Pandemic, in collaboration with the MOH and the Bushenyi District, Uganda, Task Force against Covid-19.”
To top this, the university is currently involved in “undertaking more than 23 research projects related to the Covid-19 Pandemic, which makes KIU senior academics and researchers relevant to the current pandemic situation,” says the Vice Chancellor.
Furthermore, KIU in conjunction with other partners across Africa in s Ethiopia, Nigeria, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Netherlands and Tunisia installed the first global Fair Data point (FDP) successfully to assist in data collection to understand patterns of disease outbreak using patient data.
This it did under the VODAN (Virus Outbreak Data Network) Africa Project, which it currently chairs. The objectives of this data collection is, “to verify it, in order to make it Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Re-usable,” says the Vice Chancellor.
All this is geared towards making KIU a world class research institution as also seen in its recent appointment of their new Chancellor, Prof Mahmood Mamdani who is reknown for his research work world over.
City Businessman Hamis Kigundu has hit back at the Uganda Bankers Association(UBA),telling them to stop lying to Ugandans about the state of the banking sector and why many banks continue selling off prime properties of wealthy entrepreneurs at the cheap.
In a detailed opinion piece, Kiggundu urged the Uganda Bankers Association to approach the issues affecting banking “with soft hearts, pure clean hands and open minded rather than being simply defensive because the call for reforms was raised with clean intentions in the interest of developing our motherland Uganda”
Kiggundu revealed that the ED of Uganda Bankers Association tries to highlight the role played by the different players within the financial sector in general and specifically the role played by the commercial banks in the financial sector.
Kiggundu, who is also the author of Success and failure Based on Reason and Reality, argued most highly educated people are limited to thinking, never stretching up to reason. We think to survive but reason towards prosperity. Thinking is basic but reasoning is deep. Most highly educated people don’t think behold mere written principles or policies.
“Dominance by foreigners in top management position, current discriminative policies against Ugandans on Interest rates as we are given higher rates compared to foreigners, discrimination on Loan amounts disbursed as Ugandan are under Financed compared to foreigners, lack of transparency of Banks to customers, inadequate legal frame work and structures when it comes to Banking laws that tend to protect these Banks at the cost of their customers,” Kiggundu wrote.
On the issue of ownership of banks, Kiggundu argued that out of the top 10 banks that made a profit of Ugx- 852billion and out of the top 10 banks, only 2 are Ugandan owned banks.
“The remaining 8 top banks which are foreign owned together made a total profit of Ugx- 675billion in 2019. And therefore the concern is on where all this Ugx- 675billion was taken to. (Bank investors’ country of origin),” Kiggundu wrote.
The Kabaka of Buganda Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II has paid a courtesy visit to the President of Kenya Uhuru Kenyatta at State House Nairobi. His visit casts out doubt that he is critically ill.
“The two discussed subjects of mutual Interest with President of Kenya Uhuru Kenyatta among them the central role of culture in regional integration and peaceful communal co-existence.” State House Kenya tweeted
Kabaka was last seen during the celebrations to mark his 27th coronation ceremony at Mengo on July 31st. Reports indicate that he went to Kenya for routine medical checkups.
Last week there were claims that the king is critically ill and needs people’s prayers. This prompted the Katikkiro of Buganda Charles Peter Mayiga to come out and discard all claims saying that the reports are made by the enemies of the Kingdom. He urged whoever spreading all what he called fake news to stop.
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Justice Jane Abodo has rejected requests from top city lawyers to remove former Bank of Uganda Deputy Governor Louis Kasekende and the former Director for Commercial Banks Supervision Justine Bagyenda from a charge sheet.
The charge sheet already has Benedict Sekabira, BoU’s Director for Financial Markets Development Coordination (FMDC).
Lawyer Timothy Masembe and Robert Kirunda are reported to have met the DPP and pleaded that their clients Kasekende and Bagyenda be removed from the charge sheet, pleas that were rejected by the tough Lady Justice.
Instead, it is reported that she has directed Grace Akullo, the director of the Criminal Investigations and Intelligence Department (CIID) to speed up investigations.
There have been queries over why the (CIID) has not initiated investigations on Sekabira, despite the DPP giving them a go ahead.
On July, 2020 , Akullo wrote to the BoU Governor Emmanuel Tumusiime Mutebile informing him that Director Sekabira would be charged in court over illegally possessing land titles belonging to closed banks.
“This is to inform you that the Director public Prosecutions 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 title deeds under Sections 278 of the Penal Code,” reads Akullo’s letter to Mutebile.
The DPP further wrote to the CIID directing that a forensic audit be carried out on the homes of Sekabira, forever Deputy Governor Louis Kasekende and Justine Bagyenda, the former BoU director for commercial banks supervision.
The Auditor General should be asked to carry out a specific forensic audit to establish whether or not the continued charging of interest on loans when the banks are in liquidation is irregular since the banking business stops at the time of closure,” directed the DPP.
The above processes, explained the DPP, would help in establishing the current position of the titles.
However, despite the above orders, the CIID is yet to act and, to make matters more suspicious, it emerged this week that a senior police detective who has been handling the files was summarily dropped without reason.
Uganda has registered 98 new cases of Covid-19, the highest number ever recorded in a day bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 1,848.
75 of the confirmed cases are from Kampala, 6 from Luwero, 3 from Jinja, 2 from Tororo and 4 from Adjumani, Buikwe, Kasese and Ntoroko.
Five are truck drivers who returned from Kenya and three are returnees from Kenya, DRC and South Sudan.
Eleven foreign truck drivers who tested positive at the border points of entry were not permitted into the country.
Earlier today, the Minister of Kampala Capital City (KCCA) Betty Among revealed that 58 shopping risk closure for failure to observe standard operating procedures (SOPs).
She expressed concern over a number of people not seeking medical help when showing COVID 19 symptoms. “This delayed access of medical help has led to some being confirmed to have the disease after death. This poses a risk to relatives who participate in the burials.” she said
KCCA noted that there is a high violation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s) especially in public transport and places of work, including the recently opened arcades. Slums like Kisenyi, Nakulabye are believed to have a rise in the community-based cases.
