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Panic as Ugandan student dies in China

By
Simon Kabayo
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A Ugandan student has reported been found dead at Shenyang in Shenyang city in Chine the capital of Liaoning province.

According to Acting Ambassador to China, Philip Kanyoonzi, Mbogo Shafiq and holder of passport number B0981623 was found dead outside his hostel yesterday 27th February 2020 at about 2:00 PM.

“Initial information indicates that Shafiq had died after he fell off from the balcony of his hostel.” Philip said adding that the ministry has contacted the management of the university and the public security bureau who confirmed his demise.

He said investigations are underway to establish the actual cause of death. Public security bureau has however ruled out homicide. Shafiq according to his travel documents, was a 22 year old, hailing from Mbale district.

He was fourth year private student undertaking his bachelor’s degree in international business and trade. His mother known as Dorothy Wagalinda currently lives in United Kingdom. The school revealed that they had already communicated to her about the death and her desire is to have a proper report about his death and have the body returned for decent burial.

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Museveni appoints three deputy  directors of public prosecutions

By
Isaiah Mwebaze
-

 

 

President Yoweri  Museveni has appointed Mr. James Odumbi Owere, Mr. Vincent Wagona, and Ms. Alice Komuhangi Khauka as deputy directors of Public Prosecutions.

The appointments are in line with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP)’s efforts to implement its revised structure in order to respond to improved service delivery requirements. The new ODPP structure provides for four directorates, three of which have not been having substantive heads. These are the Directorate of Management Support Services, the Directorate of Inspections, Quality Assurance, Research and Training, and the Directorate of International Affairs.

According to the new structure, the Directorate of Management Support Services is responsible for coordinating and managing administrative, logistical and other support services essential for the operations of the institution.

The Directorate of Inspections, Quality Assurance, Research and Training is responsible for enforcement of performance standards, measures, systems and practices to promote efficient and effective management of public prosecutions and fair administration of justice. And, the Directorate of International Affairs is responsible for management of cross-border crimes, international crimes and international cooperation in criminal matters.

The three directorates will be headed by the three appointees, who have accepted their appointments.

Mr. James Odumbi Owere, Mr. Vincent Wagona, and Ms. Alice Komuhangi Khauka are long serving career prosecutors with over 20 years work experience in the ODPP. Mr. Odumbi James Owere has been a Principal Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions caretaking the Directorate of Inspections, Quality Assurance, Research and Training.

Mr. Wagona has been a Senior Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions care-taking the Directorate of Management Support Services and serving as the Accounting Officer. Ms. Khaukha has been a Senior Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions heading the Anti-Corruption Department.

The ODPP celebrates the appointments and looks forward to experiencing improved leadership, inspections, quality assurance, research, training, and international cooperation.

 

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Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby jets in to grace enthronement of Archbishop elect Stephen Kazimba Mugalu

By
Geoffery Serugo
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Most Reverand, Lord Archbishop Justin Portal Welby, the 105th archbishop of Canterbury and the most senior bishop in the Church of England is welcomed to State House Entebbe by President Yoweri Museveni.

 

The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby has jetted into the country to grace the enthronement ceremony of the Ninth Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Dr. Stephen Kazimba Mugalu.

According to government Chief Whip, Ruth Nankabirwa, head of the committee set aside to organise the enthronement of the new Archbishop, Archbishop of Canterbury is one of the many guests scheduled to grace the function.

Justin Portal Welby is the 105th archbishop of Canterbury and the most senior bishop in the Church of England. He has served in that role since 2013. Welby was the vicar of Southam, Warwickshire, and most recently was the Bishop of Durham, serving for just over a year. As Archbishop of Canterbury, he is the primate of all England and the head primus inter pares of the worldwide Anglican Communion.

Welby was educated at the University of Cambridge where he read History and Law. Later in life, he received an ordination at St John’s College, Durham. After several parochial appointments, he became the Dean of Liverpool in 2007 and the Bishop of Durham in 2011.

Welby’s theology is reported as representing the evangelical tradition within Anglicanism. Having worked in business before his ordination, some of his publications explore the relationship between finance and religion and, as a member of the House of Lords, he sits on the panel of the 2012 Parliamentary Commission on Banking Standards.

The Rt. Rev Bishop, Samuel Stephens Kazimba Mugalu, was in August 2019 elected the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda succeeding Rt. Rev. Archbishop Stanley Ntagali who retires in March 2020.

The Archbishop elect is currently in a three days treat a head of his enthronement at Namirembe cathedral church on Sunday.

Kaziimba was born to Mr. Besweri Kaddu and Ms. Jessica Nanyonjo on August, 15 1962 at Gulama-Najja Kyaggwe and the first son of Jessica and Besweri.

Stephen grew up with his mother at Katwe who took the responsibility of his primary education in Gakuwebwa Munno Nursery and Lusaka Primary School. Life was a real challenge that he almost failed to get fees for his primary.

Leadership

Kazimba was trained as a Lay-Leader at Baskerville Theological College Ngogwe in 1985 and posted to Lugazi St. Peter’s Church.

1988 – 1990 trained at Uganda Martyrs’ Seminary (Provincial Certificate), and ordained in December 1990 by Bishop Livingstone Mpalanyi Nkoyoyo. He served as Assistant Vicar at Nakibizzi Parish in 1990 – 1994.

In 1994 – 1996, he completed his Diploma in Theology at Bishop Tucker College, and posted to Katente Parish as Parish Priest (1997 – 2000).

 

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EU avails €10m for locust fight in East Africa

By
Geoffery Serugo
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Desert-Locust

The European Commission has announced €10 million contribution to respond to Desert Locust outbreak in East African region. Desert locusts are currently in three east Africana countries of Kenya, Uganda and South Sudan.

The outbreak is averred to cause devastating consequences on food security in an already vulnerable region where 27.5 million people suffer from severe food insecurity and at least 35 million more are at risk.

The EU’s €10 million contribution announced today is in addition to the €1 million already mobilised from humanitarian funds. The EU will follow a joint humanitarian-development approach to tackle the crisis and protect livelihoods.

Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jutta Urpilainen, said this crisis shows, once again, how fragile food systems can be when facing threats. The EU’s approach, in line with the Green Deal, puts sustainability at its heart.

“We must enhance the capacity to collectively respond to these threats and we also have a responsibility to step in now with resolve to avoid a major crisis, tackle the root causes of this natural disaster, and protect livelihoods and food production.” He said

The UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has formulated a response plan, but country interventions must be rapidly scaled-up to support national governments of the affected countries. A narrow window of opportunity exists now to contain this disastrous outbreak and protect the livelihoods of millions of vulnerable people across East Africa and beyond.

The EU response, working alongside partners in the Global Network Against Food Crises, has been swift. This partnership includes the EU, FAO, the World Food Programme and other stakeholders and was created to facilitate sustainable solutions to food crises across the globe.

The Desert Locust is considered the most destructive migratory pest in the world. Crop and food losses in affected areas can be enormous, generating direct dramatic negative impacts on agriculture and livelihoods.

The situation has rapidly deteriorated over the past month in East Africa. The long rainy season which will start in March, will bring with it a new wave of breeding and further spreading in the region. Damages to crop and pasture are already being reported across Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia, the three most affected countries, but losses may quickly spread to other neighbouring countries, particularly Djibouti, Eritrea, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda. Yemen, Sudan, Iran, India and Pakistan are also at risk.

The FAO’s response plan estimates that around €70.3 million will be required for the most urgent activities for both Desert Locust control and agricultural livelihood protection and recovery. With today’s announcement of €10 million, a total of €29.4 million has been committed to the plan to date by the EU and international partners.

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WHO steps up action to improve access to safe blood

By
Agencies
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NSSF Managing Director, Richard Byarugaba donates blood during the 2018 edition of the NSSF Blood Drive- the fund's social initiative that has raised 21,425 since 2012. This year, the fund aims to raise at least 15,000 units so as to end the cyclic blood shortage in the December-January period.  

The World Health Organization’s new action plan to speed up universal access to safe blood and blood products pulls together existing recommendations and recommends new improved ways of working. It’s the start of a four-year collaborative effort to improve blood transfusion and blood-based therapies in all countries.

Safe blood saves lives in all sorts of circumstances, not least in emergency and epidemic settings. Blood transfusion and blood products are critical for birth delivery for both the mother and baby; the survival and quality of life of patients suffering from life-threatening conditions such as haemophilia, thalassemia, immune deficiency and cancer; treating severe injuries and carrying out medical and surgical procedures.

But progress in blood safety and availability has been slow in many parts of the world, placing patients’ safety at risk and putting undue pressure on health workers. Progress is also mostly restricted to developed countries. Out of the approximate 118 million blood donations collected globally, 42% are collected in high-income countries, home to 16 % of the world’s population. And one out of four low-income countries do not test all donated blood, while 54% of countries do not have surveillance systems to securitise the supply chain from blood donor to patient.

Challenges include: slow implementation of national blood policies and weak blood regulatory systems; insufficient number of voluntary blood donors (who are considered the safest donors); poor quality management of screening tests, blood grouping and compatibility testing; inappropriate clinical use of blood; insufficient national funding for blood safety.

In a bid to address challenges of blood shortage, WHO urged all countries and in particular those with weak blood systems to ensure effective implementation of patient blood management to optimize transfusion practices.

The Organization looks forward to working with partners worldwide to implement the plan, improve blood supply particularly in the low and middle-income countries where this is so urgently needed, and save lives. The plan will run from 2020-2024.

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Sovereign debt challenges require innovative approaches

By
Guest Writer
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Ms. Siwisa

 

By Simi Siwisa

 

For the IMF, the rapid debt accumulation in more than 40% of African economies is a key concern. This is particularly troubling given limited appetite to implement another debt forgiveness initiative, such as the Highly Indebted Country (HIPC) Initiative, by major creditor countries.

The HIPC Initiative resulted in debt reduction packages for 36 countries, 30 of them in Africa, providing $76 billion in debt-service relief over time. This included Ghana, Zambia, Uganda, Nigeria and Mozambique. In addition, Seychelles restructured its sovereign debt in late 2016.

Some commentators, including the former African Development Bank (AfDB) President Dr Donald Kaberuka, have argued that average debt-to-GDP ratios in African countries are lower than those of developed countries and thus sovereign debt challenges remain manageable. However, this analysis fails to consider country-specific dynamics in some key African countries – where debt service costs as a percentage of government revenue have been the fastest rising budgetary item. Debt service costs have started to crowd out investment and social services expenditure in many African countries.

Related to this, some countries in debt distress have limited economic diversification, exchange rate fluctuations and are vulnerable to commodity cycles. The increase in foreign currency denominated debt, including Eurobonds, will also impact debt repayment profiles.

Similarly, the IMF correctly states that “with several countries facing increased foreign exchange and refinancing risks, it is critical to enhance debt management frameworks and transparency”.

The other challenge is that, historically, there have been some repeated incidence of debt distress in some countries. A country that has experienced debt forgiveness is likely to fall into debt difficulties again.

In 2020, Mozambique, Zambia, Ghana, Kenya and South Africa are facing debt-related pressures. The link between sovereign debt, economic growth and bank profitability means that consideration must be given to innovative approaches to support operations and customers.

Debt dynamics, as with other challenges in our environment, remain a key consideration and will require considered responses, innovative solutions and agility. Maximising client value creation and strengthening risk management approaches to limit the impact on operations is key.

Simi Siwisa

Head of Public Policy

 Absa bank group 

Attachments area

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State owned media managers to face a year in jail for denying presidential candidates coverage

By
Isaiah Mwebaze
-
Justice and Constitutional Minister, Ephraim Kamuntu.

 

State owned media managers face a year in jail or a fine of up to Shs10 million for denying presidential candidates coverage.

In 2016, Dr Kizza Besigye, then Forum for Democratic Change Presidential candidate, paid for a slot on the state-owned Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC) television, subsequently he was airtime on the station and this forced him to seek redress in court  because the programme was never conducted and neither was his money refunded.

Section 7 of the Presidential Elections (Amendment) Bill 2019 that was passed yesterday prescribes the punishment. According to the law, An officer responsible for a state owned media house who contravenes subsection(1) commits an offence and is liable, on conviction, to a fine not exceeding 24 currency points or imprisonment not exceeding one year or both.

MPs also called for similarity in prominence for presidential candidates. On independently sponsored presidential candidates, MPs shot down a proposal to limit such candidates with requirements such as proof of having been discharged by their parties.

Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister, Ephraim Kamuntu, was left to defend the proposal alone.

“The system of political governance is multiparty; consequently, if you take it together with article 83, you will realise the importance of this provision; this clause is controversial so I beg that you give us time,” said Kamuntu.

The original clause had suggested a minimum period of 12 months within which an individual seeking to run for president as an independent candidate should have relinquished the membership of a registered political party.

MPs rejected the proposal.

MP Jonathan Odur termed the proposal unconstitutional. “What if your political party says he is still ours? Both proposals [from the government and the committee] are unconstitutional and the House should reject them,” he added.

Military and police installations have been barred from hosting polling stations, pursuant to modifications MPs made on clause 10 of the Bill.

The bill opens the door for several amendment of laws touching on elections, popularly dubbed ‘Electoral Reforms’ and includes the Parliamentary Elections Act and the Local Government Act.

With the nomination dates for presidential and parliamentary elections drawing closer, government has been under pressure to present  amendments to the laws relating to elections, especially after defaulting on the Supreme Court recommendations in the Amama Mbabazi Vs Yoweri Museveni & others Presidential election petition No1 of 2016.

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Doris Akol reshuffles top URA officials

By
Geoffery Serugo
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Dicksons Kateshumbwa

The Commissioner General of Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), Doris Akol has made several changes in the tax collection body.

According to Akol, the transfers are in line with the rotational framework approved by URA’s board of directors in 2015. Akol said changes take effect from 1st march 2020.

In the reshuffle, Abel Kagumire, who has been serving as URA’s Assistant Commissioner Customs Audit has been appointed to replace Dicksons Kateshumbwa as the Commissioner Customs in acting capacity.

Dicksons Kateshumbwa who has been Commissioner for Customs has been appointed to Head Domestic taxes as Henry Saka, the Commissioner in charge of Domestic Taxes (CDT) moved to become the Commissioner Tax Investigations.

Herbert Rusoke who has been working as the Commissioner in charge of Corporate Services (CCS) has been named the Commissioner for Internal Audit and Compliance (CIAC). Patrick Mukiibi, the Commissioner in charge of Tax Investigations (CTI) has been named the Commissioner Corporate Services (CCS).

In the same changes, Patience Rubagumya retained her position as the Commissioner Legal Services and Board Affairs.

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The fall and fall of Louis Kasekende

By
Guest Writer
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Former BoU Deputy Governor, Dr. Louis Kasekende.

By Capulet King 
Disgraced former Bank of Uganda Deputy Governor Louis Kasekende’s tumble from the top echelons of the banking sector to a troubled man was always a matter of when and not if, going by the manner in which he handled affairs at the central bank.
Under the tumultuous reign of Kasekende, the central bank dubiously closed four banks, with all the closures directly linked to the Deputy Governor.

Between 1999-2002, when Kasekende first served as Deputy Governor, Bank of Uganda controversially closed Greenland Bank and The Co-operative Bank, actions that sent the economy into tailspin as the two banks were critical to the sector then.

It is important to note that when Kasekende was first fired from the central bank in 2002, no commercial bank was closed up to 2010 when the bespectacled economist found his way back at the central bank through the back door.

When Kasekende came back as Deputy Governor in 2010, three banks were closed in a period of six years.
In 10 years as Deputy Governor between 2010-2020, Kasekende presided over the closures of National Bank of Commerce (2012), Global Trust Bank (2014) and Crane Bank Ltd (CBL) in 2016.

The closure and sale of Crane Bank to DFCU was the final nail in the coffin for Kasekende as separate audits by Parliament, the Inspectorate of Government and State House squarely laid the blame over the closure of the then largest commercial bank in the country at the feet of Kasekende.
As unanswered questions over the illegal closure of Crane Bank swirled in 2018, a furious President Museveni summoned BoU officials led by Kasekende, to explain why a commercial bank with a clean bill of health like Crane Bank would suddenly-and inexplicably, be in turmoil.

During the meeting at State House Entebbe, an agitated Museveni asked Kasekende to explain how Crane Bank, with a   paid-up capital of Shs 210bn, almost ten times the BoU Minimum Capital Bank requirement of Shs 25bn, would be in trouble. Kasekende and his team had no ready answers.
The President also quizzed Kasekende over how Crane Bank, with a portfolio of 500,000 customers, the biggest market share in the banking industry then, would be in dire straits. Again, Kasekende had no response.
To compound Kasekende’s troubles, the President further interrogated him regarding dubious transactions that had been made under his name.

Kasekende was asked regarding a $1m (about Shs3.7b)transfer to his wife- Ms Edith Kasekende’s account by a Chinese firm,  Shs1.9b from MMAKS Advocates and $71,000 (Shs262 million) that was wired to Kasekende’s account by Tororo District Local Government. Still, he had no answers.
Multiple sources that attended that meeting-from BoU and Ministry of Finance, told this website that Kasekende was inconsolably distraught and left State House cocksure that his scandal-ridden tenure at the central bank had come to an end.
In a last-ditch attempt to save his position and somehow either secure a contract extension or join the race to replace Emmanuel Mutebile as Governor, Kasekende secured the services of the Catholic Church and some officials in Mango to help him with the lobbying.

However, senior clerics from the Catholic Church and Mengo failed to secure an appointment with President Museveni on several occasions, leaving Kasekende with no option but to disgracefully bow out of the Central Bank.

With all options of securing a contract extension hitting a dead hit, the tainted Kasekende resigned to his fate and wrote a letter on January 19th, thanking the President for appointing him to the position and bade farewell to the central bank staff.

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TOTAL Chan 2020: McKinstry Names Provisional Squad of 34 Players

By
Our Reporter
-
Johnathan McKinstry and Ahmed Hussein

 

Uganda Cranes head coach Johnathan McKinstry has named a provisional team of 34 players to start preparations for the Total 2020 Championship of African Nations (Chan) Tournament.

Flanked by the FUFA Communications Director, Ahmed Hussein, McKinstry also released the detailed training programme that will involve a three nation tournament (Mali and Zambia have already confirmed).

This tournament will take place 17th -21st March 2020 in Kampala. Virtually three thirds of the team that won the 2020 CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup in Kampala has been maintained.

“There is a balance in the team. We have defensive resilience and options in attack. We can do better than at the previous Chan tournament. We have enough fire power in the squad. We want to do better. The target is first to move beyond group stages then, who knows we shall progress beyond. We have planned a three nation trial tournament in late March 2020 where already Mali and Zambia have confirmed” McKinstry stated.

The team training sessions will be conducted at GEMS Cambridge School in Butabika. The team will assemble on 1st March 2020.

34 Man Uganda Cranes Provisional Team:

Goalkeepers: Charles Lukwago (KCCA), Joel Mutakubwa (Kyetume), Nafian Alionzi (URA), Saidi Keni (SC Villa), Edwin Kiwanuka Bbule (Bright Stars)

Defenders: Mustafa Kizza (KCCA), Derrick Ndahiiro (SC Villa), Herbert Achai (KCCA), Paul Willa (Vipers), Ashraf Mandela (URA), Geofrey Wasswa (Vipers), Halid Lwaliwa (Vipers), Paul Patrick Mbowa (URA), John Revita (KCCA), Samuel Kato (KCCA), Musitafa Mujjuzi (Proline)

Midfielders: Shafik Kagimu (URA), Saidi Kyeyune (URA), Bright Anukani (Proline), Paul Mucureezi (Vipers), Mike Mutyaba (KCCA), Abdul Karim Watambala (Vipers), Hassan Ssenyonjo (Wakiso Giants), David Owori (SC Villa), Ibrahim Orit (Mbarara City), Julius Poloto (KCCA)

Forwards: Samson Kigozi (Police), Viani Ssekajugo (Wakiso Giants), Milton Karisa (Vipers), Joackim Ojera (URA), Fahad Bayo (Vipers), Steven Mukwala (Maroons), Crowmwell Rwothomio (URA), Brian Aheebwa (Mbarara City)

 

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