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Greedy MPs insist ‘we don’t care’ we need money to supervise #COVID-19

By
Our Reporter
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Minister for East African Community Affairs, Rebecca Kadaga

The under firm greedy Members of Parliament have insisted that they need each Shs20 million to monitor fund released by government to curb Coronavirus.

Through a press release, the MPs say they must be given money in order to monitor and play their oversight role.

“It is important to note, at this point, that the Constitution of Uganda, under Article 164(3) gives Parliament the mandate to oversee/monitor expenditure of all public funds. As such after the approval of the Supplementary of Shs304 billion, it was only automatic that oversight is provided because the large amount of funds are to be expended in a short span of time”.

This comes after Speaker Rebecca Kadaga banned legislators from debating the matter in the media.

Below is the statement 

THE OVERSIGHT ROLE OF PARLIAMENT DURING THE #COVID-19 PANDEMIC

The public at large, through the media and other avenues, is up in arms over media reports that the Parliamentary Commission was allocated Shs10 billion during the disbursement of supplementary funds intended to facilitate the fight against #Covid-19 in Uganda.
The Supplementary budget, which was passed by Parliament last week, was intended to facilitate different organs of Government (publicly funded entities) to provide emergency response services to the pandemic.

Parliament, from the onset, came out strongly to participate in the fight against #Covid-19, through first of all, taking precautionary measures as an institution; providing a fleet of official vehicles with drivers to the Ministry of Health to transport health workers all over the country; highlighting, debating and adopting a well prepared report on the impact of #Covid-19 on the Economy; nominating Members of Parliament to serve on the National Task Force on #Covid-19 and provision of private vehicles (ambulances) by some Members of Parliament to the Ministry of Health at their
own cost.

Mid last month, after Government raised the red flag on the #Covid-19 pandemic, the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga, named a Parliament Technical Taskforce on #Covid-19, comprising of Members of Parliament to support the National taskforce, and provide oversight to the management of the pandemic countrywide. This is necessary, given the substantial amount of public funds allocated in the Supplementary.

It is important to note, at this point, that the Constitution of Uganda, under Article 164(3) gives Parliament the mandate to oversee/monitor expenditure of all public funds. As such after the approval of the Supplementary of Shs304 billion, it was only automatic that oversight is provided because the large amount of funds are to be expended in a short span of time.

It is a fallacy, therefore, to state that Parliament must wait until an exercise has been completed before they can conduct their oversight mandate. Otherwise, this would mean closing Parliament until July or some other time at the end of the financial year or even only after the Auditor General has done his work. Parliamentary oversight is continuous.

The Parliament Technical Task Force on #Covid-19, has in the course of its work, visited and assessed the readiness of health facilities to manage #Covid-19. Additionally, during the visits, it has assessed awareness levels of the district leadership and communities about #Covid-19; interacted with different teams in the areas they have visited to sort out underlying issues which may affect managing health crises; assessed the impact of funds allocated to different districts to the needs
on the ground, and assessed the readiness of health facilities to ably handle cases of other longstanding and pre-existing health conditions which are not necessarily Covid-19.

The Parliament #Covid-19 Technical Taskforce will also assess the state and welfare of the medical workers as they deliver the essential services and ensure that all medical workers across the country are catered for in as far as Personal Protective Equipment goes.
To date, the Committee has already been to Busia, Malaba, Kabale, Ntungamo, Mbarara, Jinja and Tororo. The Committee is expected to give regular reports to Parliament about the assessment visits. The Parliament Technical Taskforce will obviously not be able to visit all areas, but will rely on their colleagues to gather information on what is happening on the ground.

Lastly, about 200 Members of Parliament voluntarily offered their private ambulances, to be used by the Ministry of Health to transport patients and health workers to different health facilities around the country during the #Covid-19 crisis. The Speaker of Parliament has widely spoken about this matter.

It should be noted that this is not the first time in which special circumstances dictate that MPs are facilitated to intervene in circumstances, given their mandate. In the past such facilitation has been given. This is not new, and should not be politicised.
It is no open secret that MPs are the first point of call before any government interventions are implemented in constituencies. Members of Parliament are under so much pressure to deliver and need to respond to issues raised in their constituencies before government reaches them, and is exactly what is happening with the #Covid-19 pandemic. The interventions being handled by Members of Parliament go way beyond the Shs20 million that has been deliberately misunderstood.

Lastly, for Parliament to sit and conduct business under the current circumstances is a service to ensure that the country functions. Demonising Parliament and its Members of Parliament will not solve the issues at hand now. However, standing together as a country to fight #Covid-19 will.

 

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#COVID19: ChildFund Uganda releases Shs1.4B to 29,000 households

By
Geoffery Serugo
-
ChildFund International (JPG Web-MSOffice)
ChildFund Uganda has disbursed funds worth Shs1.4 billion to nine local partners to implement cash transfers to 29,000 enrolled households.
The funds are peddeld at empowering people during the outbreak of #COVID 19. Currently Uganda has 55 confirmed cases of #COVID19.  So far 12 patients have been discharged after being diagnosed with COVID19
The Country Office decided to reprogram its available funds to respond to the emerging needs of vulnerable enrolled households in the communities it serves in
the 28 districts in the country.
The transfers will be made through mobile money, banking and other appropriate platforms available to families to access the cash.
Rural households will receive Shs50,000 while urban households will receive up to Shs100,000.
This contribution to vulnerable households is intended to enable families access immediate hygiene kits including hand washing facilities, as well as meet the basic
needs in the households.
ChildFund has also been supporting awareness efforts on prevention and control of #COVID19 through messages aired on different media platforms across the country.
“The endeavors are part of our response to complement the government of Uganda actions in responding to #COVID19 including supporting the most vulnerable families.” ChildFund Uganda Country Director Moses Otai said.
ChildFund continues to monitor the situation and will make additional response mechanisms as the situation evolves, he added
“This pandemic requires a concerted response and cooperation from all stakeholders,
every preventive, control and mitigation measure is valuable, and every person and entity can make a difference to stop the spread of this virus and protect our children and communities.” Otai said.
In addition to national partners, ChildFund will continue to work closely with the nine local implementing partners: Acholi Child and Family Program in Gulu, Masindi Child Development Federation in Masindi, Lango Child and Community Development Federation in Lango, Community Efforts for Child Empowerment in Kiboga, Kampala Area Federation of Communities in Kampala, Jinja Area Communities Federation in Jinja, Partners for Children Worldwide in Soroti, Mbale Area Federation of Communities in Mbale and Busia Area Communities Federation in Busia.
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Absa Bank Uganda introduces COVID-19 customer payment relief

By
Geoffery Serugo
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Mumba Kalifungwa
As Uganda and the rest of the world confront the public health, financial and economic implications of the #COVID-19 pandemic, Absa Bank Uganda is rolling out an extensive payment relief programme for eligible customers that have been directly or indirectly impacted.
Under the programme, customers in sectors that have been directly or indirectly affected by the disruption presented by #COVID-19 will be offered payment relief to ease their financial burden.
“While we appreciate the measures put in place globally to curb the spread of this pandemic, we are also cognizant of the effects they have had on individuals and the business community. Currently, some of the sectors that have been adversely impacted include hotels and restaurants, tourism and hospitality, wholesale and retail trade, transport and logistics, among others. In light of this, we are therefore aware that some of our customers will experience difficulty meeting their financial obligations and we have introduced a comprehensive customer, business and corporate relief programme to help them navigate this difficult time,” said Mumba Kalifungwa, Managing Director of Absa Bank Uganda.
Customers will be offered payment holidays of up to six months, with needs being determined on a case-by-case basis and solutions tailored on individual circumstances; through proactive engagement with our customers.
“Support for corporate and business banking clients will entail solutions based on their unique requirements and operations. Businesses and corporates are encouraged to contact their relationship managers for further details,” Mr Kalifungwa added.
In the case of salaried customers, the bank will proactively engage with the employers through the Relationship Managers or directly to determine the support to be offered.
These measures will be implemented with immediate effect. Additionally, eligible customers who are in need of relief can apply and qualify at no additional administration fees.
Mr Kalifungwa said “The unprecedented nature of the pandemic means that we are all adapting to the situation as it changes. We reiterate our commitment to our customers and to Uganda to ensure that our livelihoods are secure with minimal disruption. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and adjust our relief programme where necessary.”
To allow benefits to reach more customers, Absa Bank Uganda encouraged those who can fulfill their obligations to continue making payments.
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#COVID-19: Letshego donates assortments worth Shs38m to police

By
Isaiah Mwebaze
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GIVING BACK TO SOCIET: AIGP Asan Kasingye receiving a donation from Letshego Uganda CEO Giles Aijukwe at their head office in Kololo.

Kampala, Uganda- Thursday 16th April 16, 2020: Letshego Holdings Limited, under its subsidiary Letshego Uganda has today handed over a consignment worth $10,000 (Shs38 million) towards the Uganda Police Force as a compliment to their efforts in sustaining the rule of law as well as guiding the population in adherence to guidelines from Ministry of Health and the president’s office.

During the handover ceremony at Letshego offices in Kololo, Letshego Uganda’s Ag Chief Executive Giles Aijukwe presented their donation to AIGP Asan Kasingye (on behalf of IGP Martin Ochola) amidst cheer and applause. Comprising of water, sanitizers and food rations, Letshego Uganda’s retrospection is premised on the robust, agile and supportive role that the Police continues in and around the country.

“The role of the Uganda Police Force can never be understated. If anything, it is their diligence, round-the-clock supervision that has enabled adherence to the lockdown procedures, maintaining peace and sanity in the country. We are therefore cognizant of their work and we appreciate and encourage them to keep doing their best as we fight to eliminate the deadly Corona virus,” Acting Chief Executive Giles Aijukwe amplified.

“We have purchased sanitizers, safe drinking water and food rations (Sugar, cooking oil and rice) to assist the police force. Our contribution as Letshego Uganda is part of Letshego Group overall commitment of investing more than $251,538,63 as a group wide intervention across its 11 markets,” he clarified.

Mr Aijukwe went on to state that collective efforts by the private sector to support the government to stem the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic will go a long way in enabling us humble this deadly disease. “As a company, we firmly believe in safety of our staff and the citizenry within which we operate, so it is this obligation and duty that has enabled our participation.”

“The dramatic spread of #COVID-19 has disrupted lives, livelihoods, communities and businesses worldwide. However, our people are operating to support our customers during the lockdown, leveraging technology and secure digital infrastructures. Our branch networks are in operation to assist those visiting the outlets but please note that filling of forms, assistance with inquiries and client support are also being handled using our online platforms to ascertain an efficient flow of work,” Aijukwe stressed.

Letshego Uganda and the Ministry of Health continue to appeal to the general population to remain calm but vigilant and practice these preventive measures: wash your hands with soap and water or use an alcohol based sanitizer at least three times a day, maintain a social distance of at least four meters and if you have flu like symptoms, cover your nose and mouth with a mask.

Around half of the planet’s population is under some kind of lockdown as governments struggle to contain the spread of a disease that has now infected more than 1,287,095 people while over 70,523 are known to have died and 271,882 have recovered according to a Johns Hopkins University tally. To date, as per reports from the Ministry of Health, Uganda has 53 confirmed cases of Coronavirus that are being quarantined, observed and reviewed and kept away from the general population to eliminate contamination.

The Letshego Group is an African multinational, originated, headquartered and listed in Botswana while maintaining its focus on delivering inclusive finance solutions to underserved populations across 11 Sub Saharan Markets.

With a staff compliment of over 3,000 – including both direct and indirect sales agents – and more than seven hundred thousand customers, Letshego leverages innovation and technology to improve the lives of individuals who have limited access to traditional financial services.

As Letshego celebrates more than 21 years of supporting regional communities, the Group remains focused on being a world class retail financial services organisation.

 

 

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Police arrests a thug with a toy gun

By
Trevor S Baleke
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The suspect and his toy gun

 

 

Police in Wandegeya have arrested a thug with a toy gun and a teargas canister.

Haruna Kasirye, a resident of Lugala Masanafu, Rubaga Division, Kampala was found in possession of government stores.

Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesman, Patrick Onyango has in a statement said that the suspect was on Wednesday found a UPDF Identity Card, a teargas canister and a black toy gun (pistol).

Kasirye who was driving is a private motor vehicle Reg. No. UEB 038V Toyota Wish landed in trouble at a police checkpoint in Wandegeya while the police was enforcing Presidential directives intended to curb the spread of COVID19.

“One of our officers, D/CPL AMANYA BRUCE while at Wandegeya traffic lights checkpoint stopped the car a view of establishing if the driver had a sticker allowing him to drive since use of private vehicles was banned.

Cpl Amanya searched the vehicle and found the driver in possession of government stores.

The police say, the suspect claimed he was heading to give relief to the National Task Force insisting that he should be allowed to proceed to Prime Minister’s office.

This made the detectives to interrogate him further and a team of detectives proceeded with the suspect up to his residence.

A lawful search was conducted where other items such a uniform similar to that of the UPDF (army green in colour) and other tools used in house  breaking in were recovered,” reads the statement.

The suspect is currently detained at Wandegeya Police Station on two counts of being in possession of Government stores and possession of breaking implements.

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#COVID-19: Kyabazinga donates Shs85m

By
Trevor S Baleke
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Busoga kingdom official and Ms Karooro during the handover.

Kyabazinga of Busoga, William Gabula Nadiope IV, Kyabazinga has donated Shs85 million to the National Response Fund in the fight against Coronavirus (COVID-19) in an effort to curb the spread of the deadly virus.

The donation was delivered by the kingdom Premier also Executive Director of the National Planning Authority, Dr. Joseph Muvawala flanked by his 2nd Deputy Osman Noor and two ministers Yudaya Babirye and Hellenah Namutamba.

Muvawala informed the minister of General Duties, Mary Karooro that His Majesty the Kyabazinga is concerned about the situation Ugandans are facing now and has responded to the call by President Museveni to support national efforts.

“His Majesty is also concerned about the impact #COVID-19 could have on his subjects in Busoga and has set up a kingdom #COVID-19 Task-force headed by Owekitiisa Osman under Busoga Royal Concept (BRC) Ltd,” he said.

In her remarks the Speaker of parliament, Rebecca Kadaga thanked Kyabazinga and government for the efforts and requested for quick rural response.

Karoro thanked the Kyabazinga for the support and pledged to inform the president on requests made by the Speaker.

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#COVID-19: Sheraton hotel, Ndejje University send workers home as there is no salary

By
Geoffery Serugo
-
Sheraton-Kampala Hotel

 

Ndejje University and Sheraton Hotel have sent workers home as three weeks of the lockdown start.

According the memos seen by Eagle Online,  the two institutions cite hardship that came with the lockdown, as there are no revenue sources for continuation of two institutions to pay salaries.

“This message seeks to caution and implore all of us to use money sparingly since there is no likelihood that salaries of April and subsequent months will be available given that university derives its revenue from students who were unfortunately sent home on March 20, 2020 on account of #COVID-19. Reads staff memo signed by Elijah Kiyingi, the University Secretary.

For Sheraton Hotel, all associates will consume all accrued leave until April while employees on probation have been stopped and paid their allowance and sent home. The hotel further said the affected employees will be first to be considered when the situation normalizes.

“That all employees shall receive full salaries for the month of March 2020 and some employees will be selected by Sheraton Hotel Management to maintain essential activities of the hotel. All other employees will receive 50 per cent of salary for the month of April and should the business position not have improved, all staff will be sent on unpaid leave from May 1,2020 until further notice” reads the memo from director human resources.

Meanwhile Verma Company Limited on April 14, 2020 suspended employment contracts with all its employees.

“As you are aware, the country is under extended quarantine as per the president’s directives of April 14, 2020. It is also in your knowledge that the country closed operations since March 26, 2020, which means we are generating no income and hence it is increasingly becoming impossible for the company to shoulder expenses including salaries” reads an internal memo.

It further adds “In view of the above, management has resolved to suspend all contract obligations of the company and your work obligations as stated in your respective employment contracts effective April 14, 2020 until such a time when the government lifts the quarantine/ or announces that the situation is  safe for reopening  and operation of business”

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God should punish those who want to benefit at the expense of Ugandans

By
Guest Writer
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Mr. Mafabi

 

By Nathan Nandala Mafabi

 

I wish to clarify on the alleged Shs20 million given to Members of Parliament as follows;

I will start by informing the public that I have personally not received any Shs20 million. If some Members of Parliament received the money, then it must have been a selective process which the Budget Committee and Parliamentary Commission need to clarify.

If it’s true as alleged that each MP has been given Shs20 million, then it is very unfortunate and I will add that Uganda is doomed with such leadership!

Those who have been following my views on this #Covid-19 situation, I have been and will continue advocating for equipping health units, protecting health workers and paying health workers better. I was very clear on this when i featured on NTV’s “On The Spot”

During the supplementary budget for #Covid-19, I argued that all this money ought to be managed by Ministry of Health and stated that it was an opportunity for us as a country to equip hospitals and health units.

As usual, being the minority voice, we lost to the majority view.

I want to pledge afore that If at all am paid Shs20 million which am hearing about I promise to add Shs10 million and send it to Buwalasi Health unit to have it equipped with PPE’s and basic health needs of the sick.

Luckily for me, while many people are crying out to their MPs for food, I want to thank my people of Budadiri West who are sending me bunches of Matooke and Bogoya.

They are all concerned that am locked down and I might die of hunger. They know that if am not locked down am always at their service.

With the little I have, I have continued sharing with my neighbours under distress and want to urge each of us to do so. This is not time for greed and self-aggrandizement, I will retaliate that God should punish those people who are stealing items for distressed people and that God should also punish those who want to benefit at the expense of Ugandans.

Let’s share what we have with those that don’t; let’s keep the social distancing; let’s wash our hands. We shall defeat this #Covid 19.

 

Stay safe. Stay home

 

 

 

 

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Too much greed exhibited by Ugandan MPs

By
Editorial
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Chaos in Parliament of Uganda over age limit debate.

 

 As Uganda and the rest of the world gamble on how to fight Coronavirus code named #Covid-19 in form of resource mobilization and budget support, Uganda’s legislators better known as Members of Parliament (MPs) have reported asked and already paid Shs20 million ($5,500) for alleged mobilization in their constituencies.

However, the demand by MPs is far beyond greed as the country struggles to mobilize resources to combat the deadly virus. How can they ask for money when the country’s leaders have asked the population to contribute assistance to the taskforce to fight #COVID-19?

The Ugandan legislators are among the best paid in Africa and secondly, how would the MPs who are under lockdown like the rest of the members of society mobilize the population when they cannot travel? What is urgent that they must be engaged in the #Covid-19 fight?  Ugandans in their humble ways of survival have heeded to the call by President Yoweri Museveni to contribute whatever they can to the Taskforce and thanks to those that have already done so including a Boda-boda rider, a teacher and police woman who donated their earnings.  Whereas it is not a must that everybody must contribute, but is also a good example for leaders like MPs who earn above Shs25 million to donate to the Taskforce.

However, these MPs have instead turned round and are try to grab the little from the government to pocket it in the form of #COVID-19 fight and yet the government is asking the poor to contribute.  Based on the above, shouldn’t Ugandans ask for a referendum on whether we still need the services of MPs?

The leadership of Parliament led by the Speaker Rebecca Kadaga should come clean on the matter than play hike and seek with the population. Kadaga and the Parliamentary Commission should not hide behind #COVID-19 to mobilize resources for their future political campaigns?  You should not hide behind #COVID-to do your usual ways looting the country in form of ‘mobilization’.

Why don’t you have hearts for the poor? Whereas leaders in other parts of the world are either donating their full/half salary, the Ugandan legislator is busy trying to grab the little that would have been used to equip the health worker with protective gears and possibly an increase in her/his allowances. Otherwise your extravagant spending may one day lead to another revolution and we hope you all remember the French revolution.

Leadership must be seen in a leader by demonstration and taking the lead role but for Ugandan legislators, you are using the leadership position to fleece the country of the little resources that would go to the vital area of need. Why too much greed?  In a situation like this where even the head of state has postponed all the activities and locked down the country, what would use that money for?  STOP THE GREED; DON’T PRESS MUCH FROM THE POOR.

 

 

 

 

 

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EU delegation to give Uganda Shs120b grant in the face of #COVID-19

By
Ronard Shabomwe
-
Amb. Attilio Pacifici

 

The European Union delegation to Uganda has said it will release Euros 30 million about (Shs120 billion) in budget support to Uganda amidst #COVID-19 pandemic.

In a press statement, EU said their priority is to save lives and heal the sick but above all support health and economic systems.

“To help Uganda address both the health emergency caused by the #Covid-19 pandemic and its longer-term socio-economic impacts, the European Union (EU) Delegation to Uganda is re-focussing its existing cooperation and mobilizing additional funding. The EU will disburse a total grant amount of Eur30 million (around Shs120 billion) to Uganda’s National Treasury. This sum will be made available by urgently speeding up budget support disbursements due later this year. Part of this amount will be directed to support the short-term response of the Ministry of Health to the pandemic” reads the statement sent to newsrooms.

The European Union further said that its Member States are working to contain the spread of the Coronavirus both in Europe and beyond. “Our joint priority is to save lives, heal the sick, protect the vulnerable, and strengthen research, support health systems and economies”.

It adds “The European Union stands by Uganda in the fight against Covid-19. The Coronavirus pandemic requires united, global action in response. This is a global fight that we will either win or lose together,” said EU Head of Delegation to Uganda, H.E Ambassador Attilio Pacifici. “The re-focussing of our support to Uganda is part of a global exercise that the EU is undertaking to help address this crisis in Africa and beyond.” Additional support to the work done by the Ministry of Health to implement the #Covid-19 Preparedness and Response Plan will also be provided through civil society:

The delegation said that the EU Delegation will reorient some of the existing programmes and launch new calls for proposals amounting Eur2 million (about Shs8 billion) for example to raise awareness on hygiene and to curb domestic violence. “Furthermore, the EU in Uganda is also well aware that private sector, the biggest job provider in Uganda, is being hit very hard by the #Covid-19. In follow-up to the highly successful Uganda-Europe Business Forum on 9-10 March 2020, we will bring Ugandan private sector access to finance,” said Ambassador Pacifici.

“More will follow in the coming weeks in partnership with the government of Uganda and the EU Member States.” additional grants and guarantees to contribute, facilitate and broaden European and Ugandan private sector access to finance,” said Ambassador Pacifici.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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