President Uhuru Kenyatta of the Republic of Kenya.
President Uhuru Kenyatta might remain in power, but in a different capacity, after the expiry of his presidential term in 2022, former Jubilee Party vice-chairman David Murathe told the Nation on Sunday, opening a controversial front on the Uhuru succession debate that will raise political temperatures in the coming days.
Mr Murathe said that once the new political dispensation envisaged in the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) report comes into force, Mr Kenyatta will have the right to vie for any post since he will remain the de facto leader of Jubilee Party, and could even claim the proposed post of Prime Minister.
BBI REPORT
His argument was that the political alignments that will arise once the BBI proposals are implemented will see the leader of the majority party in the National Assembly form the government, in a coalition with other parties, and that this has the potential to ensure President Kenyatta does not disappear from the radar after the 2022 polls.
“The only thing the President can’t do is to run for Presidency but, under the new political dispensation envisaged by the BBI team, we anticipate new political formations that will be all-encompassing and inclusive,” said Mr Murathe.
“Nothing stops the President, as the leader of Jubilee, to head the government as the Executive Prime Minister as long as the party remains the largest in Kenya.”
RUTO’S AMBITIONS
His comments, coming just a day after Jubilee Party Secretary-General Raphael Tuju said corrupt members of the party will not be allowed to vie for leadership positions in the New Year, could be interpreted to mean that President Kenyatta intends to retain control of the party and oversee its transition beyond his presidential term.
That, also, will be viewed by politicians allied to Deputy President William Ruto as a blow to his presidential ambitions.
Mr Murathe was categorical about that, saying “sorry” to the Tangatanga brigade that has been clamouring for Jubilee Party elections and cautioning them that the party leader’s post will be reserved for Mr Kenyatta.
It is not clear yet as to whether Mr Ruto wants to assume leadership of Jubilee next year, even though his lieutenants have given that indication in informal gatherings and addresses across the country.
“Why is the clamour for elections coming from them?” asked Mr Murathe. “Them” in his question referring to Ruto allies.
“Let them know and understand that the President will remain the party leader come rain or shine and, if they have plans to contest that, let them bring it on. The earlier, the better.”
LAWSUIT AGAINST RUTO
Mr Murathe resigned from Jubilee Party leadership in January this year in the wake of intense infighting after he vowed to do everything possible, including going to the Supreme Court, to stop Mr Ruto from becoming the country’s fifth President.
His sentiments will be interpreted as a continuation of that hardline stance against the Deputy President.
When he resigned, he cited conflict of interest in his bid to block Mr Ruto’s presidential bid.
He explained at the time that it no longer made sense for him to attack the DP, then sit around the same table with him.
“I now find that it is no longer tenable to stay on as the party vice-chairman, given that I will have to sit in the same National Executive Council with a man I am taking to court to block from running for president,” he told journalists at his Garden Estate home in Nairobi at the time.
His views, however, are likely to be taken seriously by both camps within Jubilee as he remains a close ally of President Kenyatta.
ATWOLI’S REVELATION
After his exit from the Gatanga parliamentary seat, Mr Murathe has been a campaign strategist for Mr Kenyatta and is said to have played an integral part in the President’s 2013 and 2017 races.
His interview with the Nation came just a month after the President told Mt Kenya leaders at Sagana State Lodge that he would not mind if a constitutional amendment was done and he became the Prime Minister.
“I do not know the contents of the BBI report yet,” President Kenyatta said in Sagana.
“I hear people claiming I want to become the Prime Minister of Kenya. I wouldn’t mind being in leadership in such a post, although we should deal with the current situation first.”
This is not the first time leaders allied to the President are speaking about the possibility of him remaining in power after the expiry of his term.
Central Organisation of Trade Unions (Cotu) Secretary-General Francis Atwoli was the first to test the waters when he said President Kenyatta will be the next Prime Minister after his term ends in 2022. He was echoed by Nominated MP Maina Kamanda.
FORMIDABLE SUCCESSOR
But former Presidential candidate and long-standing Member of Parliament for Gichugu, Ms Martha Karua, warned President Kenyatta against taking up the PM role, saying that would be unconstitutional as the two-term limit set by the 2010 Constitution was designed to ensure that no leader stays in government for more than 10 years.
“As a good friend, I’m telling the President to not be tempted to preside over an unconstitutional post. Finish your term and let somebody else take the mantle,” Ms Karua, an advocate of the High Court and a former Justice minister in the Mwai Kibaki government, said.
Political analyst and former Ol Joro Orok MP John Muriithi Waiganjo said the fresh push by Mt Kenya leaders allied to President Kenyatta for the creation of a powerful PM post underpins the dilemma the region faces due to lack of a “clear and strong” presidential candidate in the 2022 race.
BROKEN PROMISE?
The region feels it could be locked out of power when Kenyatta’s term expires, he said.
Although the law is clear on the presidential term, Mr Waiganjo notes that it is silent on governance structure and whether one can serve as a prime minister or deputy prime minister after being President.
The Mt Kenya region, considered the President’s backyard, is divided on who to back for the presidency in 2022, with the Tangatanga team allied to DP Ruto calling on President Kenyatta to reciprocate his number two’s support in 2013 and 2017 and back him for the top seat.
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni together with the first lady and Minister of Education and Sports Janet Museveni join the academic staff of Makere University Bussiness School led by their Principle Wasswa Balunywa shortly after their meeting at the President’s country home in Rwakitura on December 28, 2019.
President Yoweri Museveni has called on Makerere University Business School (MUBS) and other public universities in the country to use their academic disciplines for creation of wealth.
The President made the call over the weekend at his country home in Rwakitura, Kiruhura District in a meeting with a delegation of MUBS administration, the Academic Staff Association, the Ministries of Education and Sports, Finance and Economic Planning and Public Service. The meeting was convened to look at issues pertaining to remuneration of academic staff.
“Your academic disciplines should be used to promote the struggle to create wealth. MUBS administration should assess the market of employment for the students who graduate from the institute. You need to improve the quality of students at the institute. If you are an educationist, you must start with science for survival,” he said.
The President reminded educationists that the NRM Government policy is science led education. He, therefore, encouraged them to promote Information Communication Technology (ICT) and other science based courses. He reiterated to the meeting that there should be no limit for scientists because they will always be in demand adding that education in public universities must be mission led.
Mr. Museveni, who further reminded them to concentrate on quality, said that while there is scarcity of resources, Government would start with the remuneration of academic staff. He assured the non-academics staff that theirs would be addressed as soon as funds are available reiterating that “all staff would be catered for when the conditions improve.”
He pledged a donation of Shs50 million to boost the MUBS Savings and Credit Cooperative Organization (SACCO).
The First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Museveni, thanked officials of her Ministry, of Finance and Economic Planning and that of Public Service, for their cooperation to solve the challenge of remuneration of MUBS staff. She thanked the staff of MUBS for the patience as Government moves to address their remuneration challenges.
Public Service Minister, Muruli Mukasa noted that the required finances regarding MUBS’ wage bill will go a long way in addressing the challenge of remuneration at the institution.
The MUBS Principal, Prof. Waswa Balunywa, said that an allocation of Shs25 billion in the national budget would empower the institution to utilize internally generated financial resources to handle remuneration issues.
MUBS Chairman of Academic Staff Association, Brian Mayomba saluted President Museveni for his support to the institution to address remuneration issues.
Bank of Uganda regulates all commercial banks in the country
The year 2019 had its good and bad in as far as the business side of the Ugandan economy was concerned. Many business events and news happened, creating public debate in sectors like banking, oil & gas, aviation, industry, energy, services, ICT, trade, hospitality, tourism and agriculture, to name but a few. Eagle Online brings readers a recap of some of the key business news that dominated the local media.
Uganda Airlines back in skies after 20 years of inactivity
New Uganda Airlines plane after touching Entebbe International Airport
Uganda Airlines once again flew to the skies above Africa, restoring its status as the country’s national carrier after nearly 20 years of slumber due to poor revenues. Commercial services resumed on August 27, 2019 with a flight from Entebbe to Nairobi in neighbouring Kenya that the airline hoped will usher in a profitable new era for the formerly debt-ridden company. The company’s fleet of twin-engined Bombardier CRJ-900 regional jet have had destinations to Dar-es-Salaam in Tanzania, Mogadishu in Somalia and Mombasa and Zanzibar.
Tullow farm-down terminated as deadline for negotiations expires
Tullow Oil
In August 2019, Tullow announced that this farm-down was terminated, following the expiry of the Sale and Purchase Agreements (SPAs). The termination of the transaction was a result of being unable to agree all aspects of the tax treatment of the transaction with the Government of Uganda.
Tullow has now initiated a new sales process to reduce its 33.33% Operated stake in the Lake Albert project.
In January 2017, Tullow announced that it had agreed a substantial farm-down of its assets in Uganda to Total. Under the Sale and Purchase Agreement, Tullow agreed to transfer 21.57% of its 33.33% interest in Exploration Areas 1, 1A, 2 and 3A in Uganda to Total for a total consideration of US$900 million. CNOOC Uganda Limited (CNOOC) subsequently exercised its pre-emption rights under the joint operating agreements to acquire 50% of the interests being transferred to Total on the same terms and conditions.
Joint Venture Partners Total and CNOOC pull out EACOP
CNOOC sign
In September Total and CNOOC pulled out of the planned construction of US$3.5 billion East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP). This followed failure by the Joint Venture Partners (JVPs) and the government to agree on the tax treatment of the transaction.
Subsequently, Total indicated the suspension of activities on EACOP project supposed to transport crude oil from the export hub in Hoima in Uganda to the port of Tanga in Tanzania.
Ministry of Energy officials admitted that Tullow’s action affected contractors and sub-contractors whose services are equally suspended. The developments affected the taking of the Final Investment Decision (FID) for the Tilenga and Kingfisher Projects (Upstream) and EACOP Project which was expected in the course of this year. Reports indicate government has identified some other companies interested in EACOP.
First UNOC CEO resigns under unclear circumstances
Dr. Josephine Wapakabulo on May 13, 2019 resigned her position as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC), three years into the job.
Dr. Wapakabulo in a surprise resignation letter sent to UNOC Chairman, Dr. Emmanuel Katongole said she would leave the organisation effective August 31, 2019 to focus on family and new opportunities.
“Chairman, it has been an honour to work with you, the Board and the entire staff of UNOC as we set up the company to handle the state’s commercial interests in the Oil & Gas sector. I am proud of the work we have done. However time has come for me to focus on my family and other opportunities,” she wrote in her resignation.
Dr. Wapakhabulo was replaced by Proscovia Nabbanja who had been serving as UNOC’s Chief Operating Officer – Upstream.
Bank of Uganda currency scandals tarnish institution’s image
BoU senior staff being paraded at Anti Corruption Court.
In August police and army officer arrested three staff of Bank of Uganda (BoU) in Mbale who were reported smuggling old currency in sacks which was against BoU regulations. Eagle Online was told then that a combined team of security operatives from police, intelligence and military stormed the currency centre after a tip off from an internal staff who said it had become a norm for money which
In June, this year a source who whose firm is hired by BoU headquarters told Eagle Online that his staff whose was among those hired to offer cleaning services was expelled from BoU headquarters after he questioned why money was mixed with rubbish.
In June State House Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) and police arrested several BoU officials in charge of currency. In June, this website broke a story on how State House, police and other agencies were investigating BoU over the extra Shs90 billion that was printed separately and shipped into the country without the knowledge of the governor Emmanuel Tumusiime Mutebile. It later on turned out that it is indeed Mutebile himself who had petitioned Lt. Col. Edith Nakalema to investigate the scandal of extra printing of money.
The director of Currency department at Bank of Uganda, Charles Malinga was arrested and arraigned before Anti-Corruption Court in Kololo over the extra printing of money before his appearance, Francis Kakeeto, a branch manager at Mbale and Fred Wanyama were charged with abuse of office and in alternative corruption which they have both denied before Magistrate Herbert Asiimwe.
Prosecution informed court that on April 26, 2019 between France, Belgium and Entebbe airport, the duo while on assignment by their employer to carry out a pre-shipment inspection of printed materials in France, in abuse of the authority to offices did an arbitrary act prejudicial to the interest of their employer and allowed the inclusion of unauthorized case on a cargo plane fully chartered by BoU.
Hardly a month after, Uganda Police detectives were reported to be investigating Shs400 billion that the Bank of Uganda (BoU) officials transferred and stored in BoU Masaka Currency Centre in a room without CCTV cameras, meaning the money could be stolen without tracing it.
The huge money is said to have been transferred to Masaka on June 14, 2019, the time when investigators started probing BoU and other officials over the anomaly in the consignment of the 20 pallets packed with Uganda Shillings notes that were delivered at Entebbe International Airport by BoU chartered plane on April 26, even though, extra 5 pallets were onboard and their whereabouts is unknown.
Bank of Uganda has eight currency centres across the country. And to stem out stealing of notes by staff, BoU would later issue stringent rules related to accessing currency departments and units.
COSASE probe report urges BoU’s Mutebile and Kasekende be removed from board
ON THE FIRING LINE: Governor Mutebile and his deputy Kasekende.
In late February, the report of parliament’s Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE) on Auditor General’s special audit report on the closure of seven commercial banks in Uganda urged that the Bank of Uganda (BoU) Governor Emmanuel Tumusiime-Mutebile and his deputy Dr Louis Kasekende be sacked from the Central Bank’s Board of Directors if the institution is to run its operations efficiently in the future.
MPs on COSASE made the recommendation in their report to parliament following the probe of BoU on the irregular closure of seven banks such as; Teefe Trust Bank, Greenland Bank, International Credit Bank, Cooperative Bank, National Bank of Commerce, Global Trust Bank Uganda and Crane Bank Limited. The banks were controversially closed between 1993 and October 2016.
The MPs in their report said that much as Article 161 (4), provides that the Governor and deputy Governor shall be Chairperson and Vice Chairperson respectively, good governance principles would require that the position of the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson of the board is separated from the position of the Chief Executive Officer. “It is the recommendation of this committee (COSASE) therefore, that Article 161 (4) be reviewed to separate the offices the leadership of the Board and top management of BoU,” the report partly said.
The MPs say the separations of the two positions is a good practice which can help achieve an appropriate balance, increase accountability and improve the board and capacity of decision making and independent management. Interestingly Tumusiime-Mutebile and Kasekende still sit on BoU board as Chairman and Vice Chairman.
Court dismisses Crane Bank In Receivership case against Sudhir
Mr. Sudhir and his son, Rajiv Ruparelia listening to the ruling.
In August, Kampala businessman Sudhir Ruparelia and his Meera Investments Limited won a case in after BoU/Crane Bank in receivership sued them on allegations of fleecing Shs397 billion.
Commercial Court Judge, Justice David Wangutusi, dismissed the case, agreeing with the submissions of Sudhir’s lawyers and ordered that BoU pays costs of the suit.
During the hearing, Joseph Matsiko, one of Mr Ruparelia’s lawyers, argued that on October 20, 2016, Bank of Uganda (BoU) took over the management of Crane Bank pursuant to Sections 87 (3) and 88 (1) a & (b) of the Financial Institutions Act and that on January 20, 2018, BoU placed it under receivership. “The suit was filed on the 30th day of June 2017 when Crane Bank Ltd was in receivership. The issue, therefore, is whether a suit can be filed by a financial institution in receivership, Matsiko submitted.
He further argued that the Supreme Court has since ruled in a similar case that it would be wrong for any court to confer the right to sue when Parliament did not find it necessary to do so.
Mr Ruparelia, in an affidavit, also contended that under Uganda’s Constitution and the Land Act, Crane Bank in receivership could not own or hold freehold property and was, therefore, not capable of holding the suit property in its names.
Dr Joseph Byamugisha, who represented Crane Bank in receivership, had argued that when a financial institution is placed under receivership, it does not lose powers to commence or continue with lawsuits.
Sudhir was happy with the ruling saying that what the judged ruled on what was not new since parliaments’ committee on Commissions State Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE) had faulted BoU on giving CBL freely to its rival DFCU Bank and has been making huge profits as a result of the acquisition.
On June 30, 2017, BoU filed a suit against Sudhir and his Meera Investments Limited, which the businessman says was in breach of clause 12 of the Confidential Settlement and Release Agreement (CSRA) that was reached by both parties after BoU closed and liquidated CBL for allegedly being undercapitalized.
The clause stipulates that, “Without prejudice to the immediate forging should any legal or administrative proceeding of any kind ensue against SR [Sudhir Ruparelia] as defined in the agreement, the agreement stands voided and BoU shall immediately return to SR the value of the settlement.”
Court throws out Sebalu & Lule Advocates out of Ruparelia Group cases
ONE OF THE PROPERTIES TAKEN OVER BY DFCU: Former Crane Bank Ntinda branch which DFCU took over and rebranded in its name
The High Court on April 29, 2019 put a permanent injunction on law firm Lule & Sebalu Advocates meaning the firm cannot now participate in cases involving the Ruparelia Group of Companies since the law firm at one time was employed by the company.
The High Court made the ruled on the case in which city tycoon Sudhir Ruparelia was seeking that Sebalu & Lule Advocates be declared conflicted, and therefore unfit to represent the parties in a longstanding commercial dispute between Dfcu bank with Uganda’s richest man.
The ruling was delivered by Justice Paul Gadenya Wolimbwa. Ruparelia also wanted the court to issue a permanent injunction, restraining Sebalu & Lule Advocates from appearing as defence counsel for Dfcu Bank in the other court case that the two principals are battling out.
UBA holds bankers’ conference to boost agriculture financing
Uganda Bankers Association (UBA) held the Annual Bankers Conference under the theme “De-risking the financing & investment in agriculture to promote youth employment and inclusive growth”. The one-day conference took place on July 16, 2019 at Kampala Serena Conference Center.
The conference aimed at facilitating a focused discussion among key players & stakeholders around making financing of agriculture attractive to financial service providers, leveraging on several perspectives for mitigating risk including market incentives, technology, insurance, research, specific policy frameworks & a wider support & collaborative framework to ensure sustainable growth & investment in the agriculture sector of Uganda.
Despite its relative importance, agriculture only attracts 12.5 percent of the total credit from formal financial institutions compared to 35.8 and 51.7 percent advanced to industry and services respectively, it was said. The conference therefore aimed at encouraging financial institutions and investors to further develop agriculture credit risk mitigants, to support increased funding towards sustainable agriculture & value chains therein. UBA has a membership of over 20 commercial banks.
UMA holds Uganda Trade Expo to showcase products and services
President Museveni shares a light moments with people at the 2019 trade fare.
Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA) in October 2019, held UGANDA TRADE EXPO, a well-established multi-sector trade event that has provided a unique platform for marketing products and services. The 27th edition of the expo, just like those in the past, enabled participants from overseas to introduce new and improved technologies on the Ugandan and East African markets. The expo featured items like machine & garden tools, home furnishings & home textiles, architecture & designing, real estate agents, and household services industries. About 800 exhibitors and 60,000 visitors were registered at the UMA Show Grounds in Lugogo, Kampala. The next edition of the expo is likely in October 2020.
Finance Minister reads Shs40.5 trn budget as more money goes to infrastructure
Finance Minister; Matia Kasaija
The Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Matia Kasaija, on June 13, 2019, presented to Parliament Shs40.5 trillion budget for 2019/2020 financial year revealing that Uganda would finance 74.5% of the budget national development. The budget was presented under the theme, ‘Industrialisation for Job Creation and Shared Prosperity’.
Kasaija revealed that Uganda Revenue Authority would collect Shs.18 trillion out of which Shs.14 trillion would be raised from non-tax revenue, Shs445 billion from the Petroleum Fund, Shs201 billion from local governments, Shs8.5 trillion from domestic borrowing while Shs10 trillion will be from external financing.
The Ministry of Works and Transport took a lion’s share of Shs6.4 trillion, that of Defence and Security Shs3.6 trillion, Education and Sports Shs3.4 trillion, Energy and Minerals Shs3 trillion, Health Shs2.6 trillion, Local Government Shs2.8 trillion and Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries Shs1.556 trillion.
Kasaija reported that the economy performed well in the previous financial year registering a growth of 6.2 percent despite challenges like unemployment, income inequalities especially between the urban and rural communities, malnutrition and unhealthy life, among others.
In his address to Parliament shortly after the budget was presented, President Museveni strongly appealed to all leaders: political, religious, cultural and civic, to use their proximity to the population and educate them on how to work and create wealth.
He said leaders needed to clearly educate the masses that modern life had raised new demands that require people to have money and that there was not place in the world for anyone living outside the money economy.
The 2020/2021 budget whose framework of about Shs35 trillion is already in circulation is likely to be ready in June 2020.
Museveni commissions controversial 183 MW Isimba hydropower dam
Isimba dam
On March 21, 2019, President Yoweri Museveni commissioned Isimba Hydropower dam, one of the most important hydropower projects that the Ugandan Government has embarked on, to ease power shortages in the country and accelerate the development of the local economy.
The 183MW Isimba Hydropower project is 4km downstream of Isimba Falls on the River Nile and about 50km downstream from the source of the Nile. The project site is about 21km from Kayunga, the nearest town and about 65km from Jinja town.
Isimba was expected to generate hydroelectric power at 68 cents per kilowatt, the lowest in East Africa. Main features Isimba dam, which cost US$568m (about sh2.1 trillion), was financed by a loan from China Export-Import Bank (85 percent funding), while the Uganda government contributed 15 percent. Isimba hydropower plant was expected to boost the electricity generation with 183MW, pushing the country’s electricity generation to 1,158MW. However, reports say the completion of the whole project is not yet over as Shs24 billion for the construction of the bridge over the dam is said to have been swindled without trace.
In January, Museveni launched the 20MW Kabulasoke Solar Power Plant pushing electricity generation from 955MW to 975MW.
Museveni launches inaugural ICT Expo, pledges more financial support
Outgoing ICT Minister Frank Tumwebaze and PS, Vincent Bagire are credited for the developments and innovations in the ICT sector. In the middle is incoming ICT Minister Judith Nabakooba.
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on December 17, 2019 officially launched the ICT Innovations Expo 2019 at Uganda Institute of Communication and Technology, Nakawa . He pledged to support local innovators by pouring more money in the sector he said is one of the sectors where job creation and wealth creation can be realised.
Museveni said the country would stop importing ICT solutions that can be made from within, after it emerged that Uganda spends about Shs50 billion annually on ICT imports. “Technology is no longer a choice but a necessity, I would, therefore, like to assure Ugandans that we will work towards eliminating import solutions in the ICT sector, such money should be diverted to local innovators,” he said.
The expo was organised by the Ministry of ICT & National Guidance (MoICT & NG) which is the overall government institution responsible for all matters of policy, laws, regulations and strategy for the ICT sector in Uganda.
The outgoing ICT Minister Frank Tumwebaze advocated for more funding of the local ICT innovators but also stressed the importance of ICT in fighting corruption in the country. “Why should people line up for passports, search for land titles or obtain a permit? Why not take it online for efficiency? The more you automate, the more you reduce human contact hence addressing corruption,” he said, he said procurement process in the country should be automated, a suggestion Museveni said he would enforce.
The above business events and news made headlines in 2019 and Eagle Online expect more to emerge in 2020 especially in the areas of oil and gas, energy, transport and works.
Commercial sugarcane grower Aliira wins Shs30m in NSSF Friends with Benefits Season 3
Simon Aliira
Commercial sugarcane grower, Simon Aliira won of Shs30 million prize in the 2019 National Social Security Fund (NSSF) Friends with Benefits Season 3 (NSSFWB3). Aliira worked for Kinyara Sugar Works Limited from 1993 to 2012 and retired into sugarcane plantation farming in Kinyara, Masindi district after he received Shs85 million as his NSSF retirement benefits in 2013. His business has gone to create jobs for those within his community.
Martin Owako was first runner- up used his NSSF benefits to set up a poultry farm, re-invest in his rental property as well as launch a successful tour and travel company.
Edson Mwine was the second runner- up and walked away with Shs 10 million. He used his NSSF Exempted Benefit of less than Shs 700,000 to start a welding business.
Sarah Mubiru walked away with a cheque of Shs 5 million having emerged as the Judges’ choice for NSSFFWB3. Sarah used her NSSF Withdrawal Benefit to make honey made sweets.
NSSFFWB campaign, now in its third year, is a TV show designed to encourage a savings culture in Uganda as well impart financial literacy among savers, by showcasing stories of NSSF beneficiaries who received their savings and did something lie changing.
The show profiles former NSSF members who received and invested or used their NSSF benefits to improve their lives, those of their families and even the communities they live in.
NSSF unveils high-end apartments to Ugandan market with promise to build more
In December NSSF unveiled ‘The Citadel Place, Mbuya’ which, comprises of 40 high-end apartments each with a gross area of 170 square metres, served by amenities including a swimming pool, fully equipped gym, a club house and 24-hour CCTV surveillance.
NSSF Managing Director Richard Byarugaba said that the Fund in partnership with the government of Uganda aim to construct offices for selected ministries and government agencies. Under the partnership, the Fund will develop the campus and then transfer to after completion.
Byarugaba shared that the Fund remained committed to supporting the government efforts to provide the best and most competitive retirement benefits to fellow Ugandans.
The Chairman Board of Directors NSSF, Patrick Kaberenge in his remarks during the launch of The Citadel Place, said that “The Citadel Place is a testament that the market for real estate products exists in Uganda.”
Minister of State for General Duties, Gabriel Ajedu in his speech at the launch of The Citadel said that, “It gives Government pleasure to see the Fund growing in leaps and bounds – now worth about 11.5 trillion shillings in Assets under Management.”
Umeme sources Shs258b loan for grid expansion
Umeme Managing Director, Selestino Babungi at the breakfast media dialogue.
Uganda’s electricity distributor Umeme Limited secured US$70 million (about Shs258 billion) in a syndicated loan to finance infrastructure upgrades and national grid expansion. The loan secured in December was agreed with the World Bank’s private lending arm International Finance Corporation (IFC), South Africa’s Standard Bank and Dutch development bank FMO.
Company officials said investments will be carried out within three years and will involve revamping sections of the distribution network, increasing grid connections and boosting supply reliability. “This financing will enable us to mobilise and deploy the much-needed long-term capital expenditure urgently needed to evacuate the new generated power,” the company said in a statement.
Uganda’s national electricity grid currently reaches just 26 percent of the nation’s 44 million people. When Karuma is operational, Uganda’s total power generation is expected to hit nearly 2000MW. Umeme said the funding will also help it connect more of its customers to prepaid meters, a strategy it began rolling out in 2011 to help cut rampant customer defaults and power thefts.
Gov’t moves to introduce 980 buses to ease traffic flow in Kampala
Minibuses, or taxis, are stuck in a traffic jam in late December in Kampala, Uganda. During the Christmas season, people from across the country come to Kampala to shop leading to a rise in vehicle use. (Nakisanze Segawa, GPJ Uganda)
Government is planning to introduce 980 buses to ease traffic and congestion in Kampala and surrounding areas. Code named, Tondeka Metro buses are expected to start operating before the end of 2020. The busses will operate 24 hours a day and 7 days a week on a cashless mode of transaction which will be managed by Hinduja Group, the manufacturers of the Leyland brand. They will avail services in a radius of 25KM in and around Kampala on specified routes of Kampala-Mukono on Jinja Road, Kampala- Nsangi on Masaka Road, Kampala- Buloba on Mityana Road, Kampala- Wakiso on Hoima Road , Kampala-Matugga on Bombo Road; Kampala – Entebbe and Kampala- Ggaba.
As 2020 sets in, things are not well for troubled Deputy Governor Louis Kasekende as his stay at the Bank of Uganda comes to an end.
According to reliable source at BoU, Dr. Kasekende is supposed to leave the number two slot at the central bank mid January 2020. However, it is understood that given that the board hasn’t renewed or given him an extension of the contract, this has forced Dr. Kasekende to lobby the powerful figures within government without success.
Eagle Online has reliably learnt from credible sources that forced with no clear position on his contract, Kasekende over the weekend sent emissaries and led by former Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Monitoring, Gerald Ssendawula and Catholic clerics to President Yoweri Museveni’s country home of Rwakitura over the weekend to lobby the president with a view of retaining him Kasekende at BoU.
The delegation which is reported to have been dominated by male clerics argued that it is true BoU needs urgent changes but the changes must be uniform and implemented at a given time without necessarily targeting some individuals. It is common in Uganda for politicians and technocrats to run back to religious leaders for protection or seeking job promotion. And given that Kasekende is faced with uncertainty in his contract, an awkward situation with little assistance but rather to fall back to religious and political leaders to lobby the president.
Earlier on, reports emerged that Kasekende had unsuccessfully tried to meet President Museveni in an effort to try and explain himself before the appointment authority. Kasekende could have resorted to lobbying the religious leaders after his key contacts in State House were reshuffled and therefore, it complicates matters for him.
Eagle Online has also been informed that Kasekende over the weekend was in Kabale meeting the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Finance and Secretary to the Treasury Keith Muhakanizi.
Parliament recommended changes at BoU after the Commissions, State Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE) investigations recommended that there is leadership deficit at BoU.
President Museveni donated Shs370 to William Ruto Leadership Institute
The year 2019 was full of interesting events and news that spread across the country. They covered politics, education, science, religion and so much more. Eagle Online gives a recap of some of the stories that made headlines.
January
LDC Court remands DP activist Moses Bigirwa to Luzira prison
Democratic Party’s political activist Moses Bigirwa, who is also affiliated to people ‘Power Movement’, a political pressure group was remanded to Luzira prison. Bigirwa was arrested from Top Radio offices in Makerere Kavule and whisked off to Kawempe police station. He was with other people on a radio show dubbed Negwozadde moderated by Stephen Busuulwa.
Moses Bigirwa
Director police band passes on
The Commissioner of Police (CP) who doubled as Director of Uganda Police Band the Josephine Kakooza passed on after being admitted to Namirembe Hospital. CP Kakooza breathed her last at Namirembe Hospital where she was admitted due to pressure complications developed when she visited her home in Mukono.
Josephine Kakooza
LDC Court orders for unconditional release of DP activist Bigirwa
Law Development Center (LDC) Court Grade One Magistrate Roselyn Nsenge directed for unconditional release of Democratic Party’s (DP) and people power activist Moses Bigirwa from Luzira prison after being charged under repealed law.
Lilly Ajarova named UTB Executive Director
Lilly Ajarova
Ms Lilly Ajarova was named the new Executive Director of Uganda Tourism Board prior to the restructuring process that had nearly taken two years.
The new ED beat Dr. Andrew Seguya and B Radford Ochieng Robbster to replace Stephen Asiimwe She is deputized by Ochieng who replaced Mr John Sempebwa.
Two foreigners deported over compromising national security
Olivier Prentout, a French national and Annie Tabura, a Rwandan national.
Government deported two foreign nationals, Olivier Prentout, a French national and Annie Bilenge Tabura, a Rwandan national over their involvement in acts of compromising national security.
Both Prentout and Tabura were workers of MTN Uganda. Prentout, the company’s Chief Marketing Officer, was on deported on January 19, 2019 after he was arrested by police upon his arrival at Entebbe airport from a business trip abroad.
On January 21, 2019, Tabura, the MTN Uganda Head of Sales and Distribution, was arrested by unidentified security personnel upon arrival at the MTN headquarter offices, in Kololo, Kampala.
Makerere University suspends MUASA chairman, Deus Kamunyu Muhwezi
Deus Kamunyu Muhwezi
The Chairperson of Makerere University Academic Staff Association (MUASA), Dr. Deus Kamunyu Muhwezi was suspended from the University for allegedly taking part in actions that disrupted and tarnished the reputation of the institution.
His suspension came at a time when President Yoweri Museveni had just lauded Makerere University administrators for expelling and suspending lecturers over indiscipline and participation in unlawful activities.
Entebbe women murders: Three acquitted of all charges
Kampala High Court Judge, Wilson Kwesiga acquitted three people of murder charges which were brought against them following sporadic killing of women in Entebbe, Wakiso district.
Ivan Katongole, a businessman dealing in fish maws at Kasenyi landing site in Katabi town council in Wakiso District, Andrew Kizito and Hellen Nabaggala were on trial over the murder of one Rose Nakimuli, a hairdresser in Entebbe, Wakiso District.
FEBRUARY
MP who encouraged men to beat their wives, weds
Onesimus Twinamasiko and his wife
Kakumiro County Member of Parliament, Onesimus Twinamasiko who recently encouraged men to beat their wives as a form of punishment, is off the hook after wedding Ms. Kyarikunda Florence.
The wedding took place at Damasiko Parish Church of Uganda in Kyekado village, Kakumiro district superintended by the arch Archbishop of Church Uganda the Rt Rev. Stanley Ntagali. The function was graced by the Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Kadaga, State Minister of Finance David Bahati who was also the best man, Robina Nabbanja, Mwine Mpaka among other legislators.
Journalist Solomon Sserwanja,s wife temporary arrested NBS TV’s investigative reporter, Solomon Sserwanja’s wife’s Vivian Sserwanja who works at the Ministry of Health and three others were arrested and freed on police bond. The three journalists Godfrey Badebye, Shafiq Kisame, Rashid Kisame, and Vivian Nakaliika were nabbed for illegally acquiring government drugs allegedly recovered from Sserwanja home situated in Mukono. It was later established that the group was investigating the selling of government drugs.
Bishop Cyprian Bamwoze dies
President Yoweri Museveni, paid tribute to former Busoga Bishop, Cyprian Bamwoze who succumbed to cancer at Uganda cancer institute (UCI), Mulago.
In a plenary sitting chaired by the Speaker of Parliament, Rebecca Kadaga, Prime Minister Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda moved a motion for parliament to pay tribute to the Bishop Cyprian Bamwoze for his contribution towards the development of Uganda.
Buganda kingdom drops Mpanga, as Attorney General
David Mpanga who was dropped out of Buganda cabinet as AG
David FK. Mpanga was dropped as Attorney General of Buganda Kingdom in changes made by the Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II.
In document released by Peter Mpanga, the private secretary of Kabaka, maintained Charles Peter Mayiga as the Katikiro of the kingdom deputized by Twaha Kigongo Kaawasa and Robert Wagwa Nsibirwa.
Major Gen. (rtd) Matayo Kyaligonza harass police traffic officer, Sgt Esthers Namaganda
Maj. Gen. Matayo Kyaligonza assaulting the traffic officer.
Uganda’s Ambassador to Burundi Major General (rtd) Matayo Kyaligonza’s driver and his bodyguard allegedly assaulted police traffic officer, Sgt Esther Namaganda Esther in Seeta.
Sgt. Namaganda faced it rough when she stopped Gen Kyaligonza’s vehicles that were wrongfully making a U-turn in the middle of the road at Seeta junction. She was wrapped up by his body guards, RA/221607 L/CPL Bushindiki Peter and RA/230927 Okurut John Robert.
MARCH
Rwanda accuses Uganda of supporting exiled Gen. Kayumba Nyamwasa
Rwanda’s State Minister for East African Affairs, Olivier Nduhungirehe accused some key elements in Ugandan security agencies of helping South African-based dissident Lt. Gen. Kayumba Nyamwasa and others whose aim is to destabilize his mother land. Rwanda would later close its border at Katuna banning the entry of Ugandan goods in its borders but also stopped its nationals from entering Uganda after it said those already in Uganda were being tortured by security agencies. The issue is yet to be resolved as Uganda has denied the accusations.
Makerere University lifts Dr. Kamunyu’s suspension
Makerere University lifted the suspension of the Chairperson of Makerere University Academic Staff Association (MUASA), Dr. Deus Kamunyu Muhwezi after both parties agreed to amicably settle their differences out of court.
Gen. Museveni slams to Gen. Kyaligonza for harassing female traffic officer
President Yoweri Museveni implored Major General (Rtd) Matayo Kyaligonza to seek for permission and be deployed in Somalia other than causing chaos and barking at women.
Museveni was responding to Seeta fracas where Sgt. Esther Namaganda, the traffic police officer was assaulted by Major General (Rtd) Matayo Kyaligonza aides RA/221607 L/CPL Bushindiki Peter and RA/230927 Okurut John Robert.
Gov’t dispatches poisoned food samples to Kenya and South Africa for testing
The government and World Food Program (WFP) dispatched samples of super cereal, a fortified blended food to Intertek Kenya LTD, a laboratory based in Mombasa and Intertek testing Services S.A. LTD in Johannesburg South Africa for analysis, according to Health Minister Dr Ruth Jane Aceng. That was after reports emerged that the food had been poisoned and killed about three people in Karamoja. The food was being supplied by WFP.
Policeman kills welder for following minister Nantaba vehicle
Late Ronald Ssebulime.
A police officer attached to Naggalama police station, David Ssali, admitted that he gunned down the handcuffed suspect, Ronald Ssebulime, saying he did so in order to save State Minister of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Erios Aida Nantaba’s life. Ssebulime left behind children who were depending solely on him for survival.
APRIL
Barclays Bank staffer arrested for stealing Shs135m from client’s account
The police in Katwe arrested Bar clays bank employee Naigaga Nansamba for allegedly stealing Shs135 million from a client’s account. Ms Nansamba aged between 20-30 years was a cashier at Barclays Bank (ABSA), Ndeeba Branch.
NWSC awarded with utility distinction Water leader accolade
Eng. Silver Mugisha, NWSC Managing Director who is credited with the latest innovations.
One of Uganda’s successful parastatals, National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) was awarded with utility Distinction Water Leader accolade during the Global Water Awards 2019 held at the Natural History Museum London, United Kingdom.
Security agencies arrest kidnappers of American tourist
A joint security team that led to the rescue and subsequent arrest of kidnappers of Ms. Kimberly Sue Endicott.
The joint security team arrested some of the suspected kidnappers of an American tourist Ms. Kimberly Sue Endicott and a senior tour guide, Jean Paul Mirenge- Remezo, who were rescued.
“The intelligence led operation which was calculated and tactical, in the early stages is now progressing unhindered, with raids and extensive searches in Kanungu district, where the suspects were arrested and the neighboring areas,” said Police Spokesperson Fred Enanga in a press statement.
Besigye arrested as police switches off Mubende FM
Former FDC President and four-time presidential candidate, Col.(rtd) Dr Kiiza Besigye, was arrested after police broke into 106 Mubende FM Radio studios as he argued about the current political tensions and alleged impunity in Uganda police force.
The incident happened barely a week after Jinja Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Erick Joseph Sakwa ordered for the switching off of 88.6 Kiira FM for hosting Besigye, current FDC President Patrick Amuriat and other party members.
MP Catherine Lamwaka narrates her ordeal with horny KIU student James Omara
Omoro District Woman Member of Parliament, Catherine Lamwaka shocked many Ugandans as she disclosed her ordeal with Kampala International University (KIU) student, James Omara, who was arrested and remanded to Luzira Prison over offensive communication.
Omara, a third year student pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science was arrested by the Parliamentary Police, after the female legislator lodged in her complaint, referring to Omara’s love messages as irritating, especially that the defendant knows she is happily married.
Security guard kills IHK doctor
Instead of keeping securing Dr Catherine Agaba’s home, Ronnald Kenny Obony, a security guard, committed murder by killing her and dumping her body in the septic tank located within the premises. The murder shocked the nation that President Yoweri Museveni said the suspect in the murder of International Hospital Kampala doctor, should not have the luxury of going to prison. Before Obony was identified as the murderer, focus was on her alleged boyfriends.
MAY
Bobi Wine unveils Joel Ssenyonyi as spokesperson for People Power
Joel Ssenyonyi being unveiled
Kyadondo East Member of Parliament, Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine, unveiled former NTV journalist, Joel Ssenyonyi as the spokesperson for People power, a political pressure group. Ssenyonyi who r quit his NTV Uganda job, first appeared in protest against social media tax of Shs s200 daily as well as mobile money transactions were been subjected to a 0.5 per cent excise duty.
Former Buganda Lukiiko Speaker, Hajj Musa Kaddu Sserunkuuma passes on
The former Speaker of Buganda Lukiiko, Hajj Musa Kaddu Sserunkuuma passed on, with the Kingdom confirming his demise. Hajj Sserunkuuma was appointed Speaker after the demise of Sulaiman Lubega Kaddunabbi during Katikiro Eng. JB Walusimbi’s reign in 2012 and 2013.
Court Martial finds Abdallah Kitatta, bodyguard guilty as it acquits others
Abdallah Kitatta with his co-accused in the dock at Makindye
The patron for Boda-Boda 2010 Abdallah Kitatta and his bodyguard Ngobi Sowali were found guilty of two counts of unlawful possession of firearms contrary to the firearms act and they were convicted. They are serving jail terms.
“Court finds Amon Twinomujuni, Joel Kibirige, Matia Ssenfuka, Hassan Ssebata and Johnson Kayondo, Hassan Ssengoba, John Ssebandeke, Hussein Mugema, Fred Bwanika and Ibrahim Sekajja innocent of all charges,” said Gen Guti, Chairman of the Court Martial.
Former Buganda minister Arthur Bagunywa passes on
Late Arthur Bagunywa appearing on NBS TV, one of his last appearances. Photo Credit, NBS TV.
The former minister in Buganda kingdom, Arthur Bagunywa Nkalubo passed on at Platinum Hospital along Buganda Road. Bagunywa served Buganda kingdom in many ministerial capacities and these include that of Education, Local Government among other positions.
UK Prime Minister Theresa May resigns
U.K. Prime Minister Theresa May announced her resignation, putting an end to months of speculation over her future because of her handling of Brexit. She was replaced in June by Boris Johnson who wants the UK out of the European Union next year.
Gov’t launches operationalization of five cities
Republic Street in Mbale town
Government announced the upgrade of five municipalities into cities effective July 2020. The earmarked cities include Arua, Mbarara, Gulu, Fort Portal and Jinja. But it would create uproar as residents of municipalities like Mbale, Masaka demanded that they also be considered as cities in financial year 2020/2021 and not in 2021/2022 financial year as proposed by government. Government would later concede and award city status to Masaka and Mbale in financial year 2020/2021. However, some leaders and residents of Kabale Municipality also want city status. On May 20, 2019, Cabinet approved the phased operationalization of nine cities which will be spread over three financial years.
JUNE
Former Prime Minister Prof. Nsibambi passes on
RIP: Prof. Apolo-Nsibambi
The former Prime Minister Prof. Apolo Nsibambi died. President Museveni while eulogized the late for being incorruptible and serving his country with due diligence. Museveni said in condolence message delivered by his vice, Edward Kiwanuka Sekandi at Namirembe cathedral where mourners convened to pray for the late academician who was known for timekeeping.
Kasese leaders again threaten to drag Museveni to ICC over mistreatment of King Mumbere
Kasese MPs led by Winnie Kiiza address a press conference.
Kasese leaders, including the former Leader of Opposition in Parliament (LoP) who doubles as the Kasese woman MP, Winnie Kiiza, threatened to reconsider the dragging of president Museveni, Maj. Gen peter Elwelu and Assistant Inspector General of Police Asuman Mugenyi to International criminal Court (ICC) over the attack of Rwenzururu kingdom in 2016 and blocking of king Charles Wesley Mumbere from attending the burial ceremony of his mother.
In December 2016, a group of members of parliament from the Rwenzori sub-region, petitioned ICC, requesting for investigations into the infamous Kasese killings. Over 100 civilians were killed during the assault and scores left injured, with the king currently facing terrorism prosecution.
Court finds businessman Ssebuwufu guilty of murdering his client Donah Katushabe
NABBED: Pine Car Bond boss Muhammad Sebuwufu in court
High Court judge, Flavia Anglin Ssenoga, found the proprietor of Pine Car Bond, Muhammad Ssebuwufu and seven others suspects guilty of murder, kidnap and robbing of businesswoman Donah Katusabe.
According to evidence adduced by 26 witnesses, Flavia Anglin Ssenoga ruled that the accused unlawfully picked Donah Katushabe from Bwebajja over a loan of Shs 9 million before torturing her, which eventually led to her death. Ssebuwufu was handed 40 years in jail. The convicts were also ordered to compensate family of the late with Shs 100 million.
MP Zaake acquitted of charge of escaping from lawful police custody
MP Zaake
Arua Grade one Magistrate, Mr Swaleh Asiku, acquitted Mityana Municipality MP Francis Zaake Butebi of charge of escaping from lawful police custody during the Arua Municipality by-election fracas where different opposition politicians were arrested included People Power leader Bobi Wine whose drive Yasin Kawuma was killed by security operatives.
Rwenzururu Kingdom woes: Omusinga Mumbere strips his brother Kibanzanga of traditional title
State Minister for Agriculture Christopher Kibazanga who doubles as chief prince of the Rwenzururu kingdom.
The King of Rwenzururu Kingdom, Charles Wesley Mumbere, withdrew the title of Chief Prince from his brother, State Minister for Agriculture Christopher Kibanzanga, “for abusing the rights and responsibilities of his title and watering down the integrity that befits the position.”
In a suspension letter dated June 25, Mumbere said, “By the virtue of powers entrusted to me by the constitution of Obusinga Bwa Rwenzururu and the royal family and Abanya Rwenzururu, I hereby suspend your position and title of the Chief Prince that you have been holding in the royal family until further notice.”
Museveni assents to Uganda Wildlife Act 2017
President Yoweri Museveni signs the visitors book as Speaker of EALA, Rt Hon Daniel F. Kidega and Speaker of the Parliament of Uganda, Rt Hon Rebecca Kadaga look on
President Yoweri Museveni assented to Uganda Wildlife Act 2017 that was passed by parliament early this year. When caught poachers involved in killing endangered species will face life imprisonment or pay fine of Shs20 billion or both.
The law entails wildlife User Rights: hunting, farming, ranching, trading, and educational and research and general extraction use rights. This program is based on the principle that economic benefits from wildlife can lead to better custodianship of wildlife resources.
Catholic Church consecrates Msgr. Severus Jjumba as the new bishop of Masaka diocese
Msgr. Severus Jjumba being consecrated as the new Bishop of Masaka Diocese. Photo credit, CBS radio online.
Msgr. Severus Jjumba was consecrated as the new Bishop of Masaka Diocese following the resignation of his Lordship Rt. Rev. John Baptist Kaggwa who attained the retirement age of 75 years.
On April 16, Pope Francis has appointed Rev. Msgr. Severus Jjumba the new Bishop of the Catholic diocese of Masaka. His appointment was announced by Archbishop Luigi Bianco, the Apostolic Nuncio to Uganda. Until his appointment, Rev. Msgr. Jjumba was serving as Vicar General for Masaka Diocese. He replaces Bishop John Baptist Kaggwa, who resigned
The ceremony was led by the outgoing Bishop Rev. John Baptist Kaggwa at the arena grounds of Kitovu in Masaka District.
Former IGP Kisembo passes on
Late John Kisembo
Former Inspector General of Police John Kisembo passed away. The deceased was the IGP from 1998 to 2001. Kisembo died at Platinum Hospital where he was admitted for treatment. He replaced John Cossy Odomel and joined Police in 1980 as a graduate.
Kabaka calls for revival of cooperative unions as a move to fight poverty
The Kabaka of Buganda, Ronald Muwenda Mutebi, called for revival of cooperative societies/unions in Uganda saying the move would play a significant role in a fight against poverty among Ugandans. He said this during his 26th coronation ceremony at Nkumba University, Wakiso district. Started way back in 1913, the Kabaka said cooperative unions originated in Buganda region and they boosted people’s earnings and later they gave birth to now defunct Cooperative Bank in 1964.
AUGUST
Besigye scoops continental award
The Former presidential candidate, Dr. Kiiza Besigye, was recognised with African Hero Award over his courageous struggle for political freedom in Uganda.
Uganda’s strongest opposition leader, was recognized by the Voice Achievers Award at Loius Leakey Hall, national museum in Nairobi, Kenya’s capital. He has been President Museveni’s opponent since 1999 when he exited Movement system and stood against former commander of 1981-1986 bush war.
Church of Uganda announces new Archbishop
The Archbishop- elect Kazimba was announced by dean of the province who doubles as the Bishop of Kumi Diocese Rt. Rev. Thomas Edison Irigei at the Provincial Office of the Church of Uganda, Namirembe. The new archbishop was elected under secret ballot by the house of bishops that comprised 33 of the 37 active Diocesan and Assistant Bishops who were eligible to become archbishop. Bishop Kazimba will be installed on March 1, 2020. About One billion shillings is needed for his enthronement.
Goons kill NGO staff Maria Nagirinya
Late Maria Nagirinya
The staff of a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Community Integrated Development Initiatives (CIDI), Maria Nagirinya, was reportedly kidnapped from the gate of her Lungujja home and murdered. Her body was dumped at Nakitutulu village, Nama sub-county in Mukono district. It is said the deceased was kidnapped by two men who reportedly trailed her as she returned home. According to her family members, assailants accessed her vehicle registration number UBA 570V, Spacio, moments after her young sister had just opened her gate. The matter is not yet concluded.
DPP drops murder charges against Nantaba, three police officers
The Director Public Prosecution (DPP), Mike Chibita dropped murder charges against State Minister for ICT Aida Nantaba and other suspects who were implicated in the extrajudicial killing of Ronald Ssebulime. According to withdrawal letter addressed to Mukono Chief Magistrates Court, DPP said his office has resolved to discontinue with the murder charges against some of the suspects.
Standards Court convicts city businessman Drake Lubega for dealing in substandard products
Drake Lubega
The Standards and Utilities Division of the High Court convicted City Businessman, Drake Francis Lubega, who is also the owner of Jesco Industries Limited, for manufacturing plastic bags commonly known Kaveera that do not meet standards. Lubega was found guilty on two counts of producing goods that do not conform to standards of plastic bags and for making a false representation on a commodity.
Former Supreme Court judge Justice Tsekooko passes on
Justice Tsekooko
Former Supreme Court judge, Justice Wilson Tsekooko passed on at Norvik Hospital. The retired judge had been unwell for some time. He served for over 15 years Supreme Court, Two years at Court of Appeal and five years at High Court.
CCEDU boss Crispin Kaheru resigns after nine years at helm
The Coordinator of a non-government organisation (NGO), Citizens’ Coalition for Electoral Democracy in Uganda (CCEDU), Crispin Kugiza Kaheru, tendered in his resignation letter after serving for nine years.
Assuming that role, at the age of 26, Kaheru, a journalist by profession, made a personal commitment to serve in this position for a maximum of nine years. Kaheru has made great strides in ensuring that CCEDU recruits and retains enthusiastic professional staff, who are capable of delivering on the Coalition’s mandate.
Over 18 million children immunized against Measles-Rubella and Polio
Uganda immunized about 18 million children against Measles and Rubella. In the recent past, the country has experienced Measles and Rubella outbreaks in over 60 districts. At the same time, Polio remains a big threat given evidence of wild and vaccine-derived strains circulating in neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan. However, at the immunisation exercise some reports emerged that the medicines had caused defects on some children.
Ethiopia plane crash: Remains of late Commissioner of Police Christine Alalo identified.
The remains of the departed Commissioner of Police, the late Alalo Christine, who perished in the Ethiopian Airways, have been identified.
The officer was returning from Italy to Mogadishu, Somalia and was one of the victims in the Ethiopian Flight ET 302, which crashed on March 10, 2019 killing all occupants aboard.
At the time of her death, CP Alalo Christine was serving as the Acting Police Commissioner, AMISOM, and her tour of duty was expected to end in June, 2019. She joined the police as a Cadet/ ASP on 18/08/2001, and served in various capacities of command. She was a highly respected member of the force who loved her job.
Rev. Bukomeko James elected 5th Bishop of Mityana Diocese
Rev. Dr. Bukomeko James has been elected the 5th Bishop of Mityana Diocese. He will be consecrated and enthroned as bishop on February 2, 2020 at St. Andrew’s Cathedral. Rev. Bukomeko will succeed the Rt. Rev. Dr. Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu who was elected the 9th Archbishop of the Church of Uganda and will automatically become the Bishop of Kampala Diocese.
NOVEMBER
Minister Kasaija appoints new Road Fund boss
Dr. Eng. Andrew Naimanye
The Minister of Finance Planning and Economic Development, Matia Kasaija has appointed Dr. Eng. Andrew Naimanye as the Acting Executive Director of Uganda Road Fund effective November 1, 2019.
Dr. Eng. Andrew was appointed on the recommendation of the Fund’s board of directors who convened and deliberated to second him for the post.
Bobi wine listed among the next 100 influential people in the world
Bobi Wine
Kyadondo East MP, Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu aka Bobi Wine has been listed among the next 100 rising and most influential stars shaping the future of business, entertainment, sports, politics, science, health and more.
The MP has been listed by the USA Magazine time.com under the category of ‘phenoms’. Phenoms Recognize people who achieve a lot very quickly and Bobi Wine is listed alongside Kenyan filmmaker Wanuri and South Sudanese model Adut Akech.
Court grants 20m cash bail to five Total Uganda staff members
Five senior members of staff of a petroleum firm, Total Uganda were granted 20million cash bail after spending four days in jail. The company dragged its staff to court on allegations that they caused a financial loss of Shs 28 billion stolen through collusion between company staff and the fuel dealers during a period of two years at total head office and other offices in Mukono, Wakiso and Kampala.
Gov’t receives bodies of Ugandans shot in Rwanda
Bodies of Ugandans killed by Rwandan authorities
The government of Uganda received two bodies of Ugandans who were shot dead as they tried to make their way into the country. Ugandan team was led by Prikeria Muhindo Mwiine, the Rukiga Resident District Commissioner (RDC) and the Rwandan side, was led by the Mayor of Nyagatare district David Claudian Mushabe. The handover took place at Buziba border post, at Kamwezi Sub-County, where officials from both sides signed documents confirming receipt of the bodies. The two men are identified as Job Ebindishanga and Bosco Tuheirwe were shot dead in Tabagwe Sector, Nyagatare district, Eastern Province.
Tycoon Mohan Kiwanuka floors his doubted son in court for second time
Mohan Musisi Kiwanuka
Disgraced Jordan Sebuliba Kiwanuka, who claims to be a biological son of Kampala businessman Mohan Musisi Kiwanuka, has for the second consecutive attempt, lost the case which he filed against his alleged father at High Court Family Division where he sought orders to run the defendant’s line of businesses.
According to the petition, Jordan Sebuliba Kiwanuka, alleged that Mohan Kiwanuka was suffering from a debilitating and degenerative condition of Alzheimer’s or dementia, which is presumed to have been progressive over the last six or so years but has become quite severe and imposing on the respondent’s health in the recent past.
UHRC boss Medie Kaggwa passes on
Late Meddie Kaggwa
Medie Kaggwa, the Chairperson of Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) died in his vehicle as he was driving to work. Kaggwa died near Mulago round about. Kaggwa was praised for championing the observance of human rights in Uganda.
Tycoon Wavamuno earmarks Shs1b for new television channel
Gordon Wavamuno
The founder of the defunct Wavah Broadcasting Services (WBS), Gordon Wavamunno, has put a side about Shs1billion for setting up a new television station in Uganda.
In 2016, Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) placed a local television station, WBS under receivership over Shs7.2b tax arrears. This process was to ensure that the tax arrears are paid. The station later on December 14, 2016 ceased to operate as a public broadcaster.
The TV was reportedly sold off to Kwese Sports, a continental sports TV owned by Zimbabwean businessman, Strive Masiyiwa and it was renamed ‘Kwese Sports’.
DECEMBER
DPP Mike Chibita, two others appointed to Supreme Court
Justice Mike Chibita
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Justice Mike Chibita and two other judges were appointed to the Supreme Court after being shortlisted along 13 other judges and individuals.
In a letter addressed to the Speaker of Parliament, Rebecca Kadaga, President Yoweri Museveni appointed Justice Chibita, Ezekiel Muhanguzi and Percy Tuhaise to Supreme Court under the powers vested in him in the 1995 Constitution of Uganda.
“I hereby forward their names and CVs for approval by the appointments Committee of Parliament,” Museveni wrote.
Court sentences Chicken Tonight security guard for assaulting local musician Angela Katatumba
The Chief Magistrate’s Court in Makindye sentenced Chicken Tonight security guard, Okirot Denis to one and a half years in jail for assaulting local musician Angela Katatumba and the visiting Jamaican artiste commonly known as Kuzi Kz.
The ruling was made by Magistrate, Allan Gakyaro after Prosecution proved that at Chicken Tonight, Denis unlawfully caused grievance harm and robbed her Shs6 million in April 2018.
FDC marks 15th year anniversary
The leading opposition political party, Forum for democratic Change (FDC), marked 15 years anniversary at Mandela National Stadium Namboole, Kampala.
The event according to the party spokesperson who also doubles as Kiira Municipality MP, Ssemujju Nganda, will help reinvigorate its members ahead of the anticipated 2021 general elections.
FDC was founded as a merger of various pressure groups has established itself at the centre of the pro-democracy fight in Uganda, and its first leader Col Kizza Besigye is still one of Uganda’s leading opposition figures.
Church of Uganda launches Archbishop Janani Luwum Foot Pilgrimage
COMMEMORATION: The late Archbishop Janan Luwum
The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, The Most Rev Stanley Ntagali and Prime Minister Dr Ruhakana Rugunda launched the first ever Archbishop Janani Luwum Foot Pilgrimage. The Pilgrimage will begin on January 29, 2019 at Namirembe Cathedral and end on February 14, 2019 in Mucwini Kitgum ahead of Janani Luwum Day, commemorated every year on February 16th, since 2015. The pilgrimage is aimed at evoking spiritual and historical milestones of the late bishop, remembrance and thanksgiving for the extraordinary life of Archbishop Luwum. It is also an opportunity for renewal and deepening of faith of Christians in Uganda.
The newly released United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Human Development Report the in Uganda, indicates that new dimensions of inequalities are opening up around education, technology and climate change pushing the wealthiest ahead, undermining further progress and making it harder for those left behind to catch up.
According to the report, the new face of inequality is not beyond solutions and warns that climate change will affect the poor and widen existing inequalities.
These inequalities extend to essential services like education and health, 42 percent of adults in low human development countries have primary education compared with 94 percent in very high human development countries. Similarly, “Only 3.2 per cent of adults in low human development countries have a tertiary education compared with 29 percent in developed countries.
The report also shows that in most cases, inequality begins before birth, grow and may be passed across generations. To that end, it recommends that measures to address inequalities must start at or before birth from pre-natal care, to education, to the labour market and retirement.
“Between 2030 and 2050 climate change is expected to cause an additional 250,000 deaths a year from malnutrition, malaria, diarrhea and heat stress. Hundreds of millions more people could be exposed to deadly heat by 2050, and the geographical range for disease vectors such as mosquitoes that transmit malaria or dengue will likely shift and expand.” reads in part of the report launched by David Bahati, the State Minister for Planning today at the Golf Course Hotel
The report adds that, Climate change will hit the tropics harder first, and many developing countries are tropical.
In agreement with the report findings, Ms. Elsie Attafuah, the Resident Representative UNDP said, “What is clear is that inequalities, once they exist among people, regions and several divides, tend to be intergenerational and extremely difficult to break. The poor have higher chances of remaining poor. Once ill-educated, with poor health standards, the off- springs and their descendants will most likely follow the same path.”
She said the report gives us a message of hope; that inequalities can be addressed if action is taken now before imbalances in economic power become entrenched.
According to the report, Africa has experienced one of the most significant improvements in human development as measured by Human Development Index (HDI). Between 1990 and 2018 life expectancy increased by more than 11 years.
For the first time this year, an African country, Seychelles –has moved into the very high human development group. Four countries Botswana, Gabon, Mauritius and South Africa are also now in the high human development group, while 12 countries Angola, Cabo Verde, Cameroon, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eswatini, Ghana, Kenya, Namibia, Sao Tome and Principe, Zambia, and Zimbabwe are in the medium human development group. Botswana enjoys the region’s highest increase in HDI rank between 2013 and 2018, rising 11 places in the rankings.
While poverty rates have declined across the continent, progress has been uneven. If current trends continue, the report asserts that, nearly 9 of 10 people in extreme poverty more than 300 million will be in Sub-Saharan Africa in 2030.
And among countries that are off track to achieve the SDGs by 2030, most are in Africa. South Africa experiences the highest rate of income inequality in the world with over half the country’s income is held by the richest 10 percent.
The report puts Uganda’s HDI value for 2018 to 0.528 which places it in the low human development category positioning it at 159 out of 189 countries and territories. The rank is shared with Tanzania. Between 1990 and 2018, Uganda’s HDI value increased from 0.312 to 0.528, an increase of 69.1 per cent.
Uganda’s 2018 HDI of 0.528 is above the average of 0.507 for countries in the low human development group and below the average of 0.541 for countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. From Sub-Saharan Africa, countries which are close to Uganda in 2018 HDI rank and to some extent in population size are Madagascar and Tanzania, which have HDIs ranked 162 and 159 respectively.
In terms of HDI indicators, between 1990 and 2018, Uganda’s life expectancy at birth increased by 17.1 years, mean years of schooling increased by 3.3 years and expected years of schooling increased by 5.6 years. Uganda’s GNI per capita increased by about 131.0 per cent between 1990 and 2018.
The publication also reports on the performance of nations in Gender Inequality Index (GII), which reflects gender-based inequalities in three dimensions reproductive health, empowerment, and economic activity. Reproductive health is measured by maternal mortality and adolescent birth rates; empowerment is measured by the share of parliamentary seats held by women and attainment in secondary and higher education by each gender while economic activity is measured by the labour market participation rate for women and men.
According to the report, Uganda has a GII value of 0.531, ranking it 127 out of 162 countries in the 2018 index. The report says that 34.3 per cent of parliamentary seats in Uganda are held by women, and 27.4 per cent of adult women have reached at least a secondary level of education compared to 34.7 per cent of their male counterparts.
On the other hand, for every 100,000 live births, 343.0 women die from pregnancy related causes; and the adolescent birth rate is 118.8 births per 1,000 women of ages 15-19. Female participation in the labour market is 67.2 per cent compared to 75.0 for men.
The report also goes beyond income and reports on the deprivations that people face using a
Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) which identifies deprivations suffered by individuals in health, education and standard of living and 10 indicators. The report shows that 55.1 per cent of the Ugandan population are multidimensionally poor while 24.9 per cent are vulnerable to multidimensional poverty.
If the deprivation score is 33.3 per cent or greater, the household (and everyone in it) is classified as multidimensional poor. Individuals with a deprivation score greater than or equal to 20 per cent but less than 33.3 per cent are classified as vulnerable to multidimensional poverty.
Prof. Pamela Mbabazi, the Chairperson National Planning Authority said that most of the report findings align with observations made in Uganda’s national planning frameworks and its prescription of areas for redress align with development priorities identified in Uganda’s third National Development Plan now in its final stages of design.
These include improving the quality of education, jobs creation, reducing dependency on subsistence economy, combatting climate change cover, enhancing value addition in key growth opportunities, digitization of the economy and reducing vulnerabilities.
Today, there are more refugees in the world than directly after World War II. That is almost 26 million people who have been forcibly displaced from their homes and fled across borders from situations of fragility, conflict and violence (FCV).
This week, the Global Refugee Forum has highlighted what the global headlines often miss: that 85 percent of all refugees are hosted by developing countries, and three quarters of refugees are still displaced after five years. Such long displacements can be devastating.
All refugees, especially women, are exposed to higher levels of violence and exploitation. Those seeking work often find few opportunities and may be forced to work illegally or in dangerous conditions. A ‘lost generation’ of refugee children may miss out on good health, education and a stable childhood, and are left with few productive skills or job prospects.
Access to jobs, opportunities and long-term health and education for refugees are among the reasons our shareholders are asking the World Bank to get more closely involved in addressing forced displacement. They recognize that development investments can take a long-term approach and complement the immediate humanitarian responses to crises, helping reduce the damaging impact of prolonged displacement. Moreover, this approach is aligned with the needs of host communities in developing countries, many of whom are calling for comprehensive approaches that consider their needs along with those of refugees.
The World Bank has therefore been scaling up its support to refugees and host communities for several years, in response to the growing global crisis of forced displacement. At the Global Refugee Forum this week, I announced that the IDA19 replenishment includes a dedicated window for host-communities and refugees (WHR) of $2.2 billion over the next three years, a further increase compared to the $2 billion allocated under the previous IDA cycle.
While the WHR is the principal source of financing for refugees and host communities in IDA, it is complemented by up to $1 billion from other IDA resources like the dedicated FCV allocation, which was doubled to $14 billion under IDA18. Looking ahead, the new IDA19 package increases this allocation to $18.7 billion in support for countries affected by fragility, conflict, and violence. These countries are also expected to receive a large part of a new $2.5 billion funding window to boost the private sector and create jobs.
Moreover, the World Bank’s Global Concessional Financing Facility (GCFF) that provides concessional financing to middle income countries hosting large numbers of refugees has also ramped up its financing. Grants made to middle income countries have doubled over the same period from $160 million to $320 million.
As well as helping refugees and host communities directly, by addressing the underlying drivers of fragility and conflict the World Bank aims to reduce the factors that can cause people to flee their homes. The IDA19 package will address several areas that are most critical for long-term focus, including:
Education – because over half of refugees are children, we want to do all we can to prevent a lost generation;
Jobs – because they are key to self-reliance and dignity, for both host communities and refugees who often live in lagging regions;
Gender – because of the terrible ordeal many women and girl refugees are going through;
Prevention and preparedness – because we ought to reduce these crises and better manage them; and
Data and evidence – because this helps ensure our interventions reach the right people and have the desired outcome. For example, to measure better the impact of refugee inflows on their hosts and inform our responses we have established the Joint Data Center on Forced Displacement with UNHCR.
This expanded focus reflects our commitment to shared responsibility, ensuring that that we are doing our part to support the longer-term needs of refugees. It also reflects a broader recognition at the World Bank that our mission of ending extreme poverty will lead us to implement more operations in situations of fragility, conflict and violence – by 2030, almost half of the extreme poor worldwide are likely to live in these places, and our financing will follow.
The World Bank is already more actively engaged in support of refugees and host communities as part of its development mission. We have already evolved to address conflict and fragility before, during and after crises, and to ensure support and inclusion for the poorest and most vulnerable. Moreover, our support is designed to complement humanitarian efforts and tackle the medium-term economic and social dimensions of the crisis.
Early next year, we expect to finalize our draft World Bank Group strategy for Fragility Conflict and Violence. This will systematize our institutional commitment on FCV through financing, policy dialogue, analytics, operational shifts and partnerships. Our focus on refugees, host communities and vulnerable people in fragile countries is here to stay.
The Writer is World Bank Managing Director of Operations
2019 has been a busy sports year and Eagle Online looks back at some of the most notable sports events that made headlines in Uganda and all-over the world.
The 2018/19 StarTimes Uganda Premier League season was won by KCCA FC who were crowned champions for the 13th time. Nyamityobora, Ndejje University and Paidha Black Angels were relegated to the Fufa Big League while Kyetume, Proline and Wakiso Giants were promoted to the top tier.
Proline FC walked away with their first-ever domestic double, winning the FUFA Big League and the Stanbic Uganda Cup. They edged Wakiso Giants 1-0 in the Big League final and fought back to win 5-4 in post-match penalties against Bright Stars in the Uganda Cup after a one-all draw in normal time
Uganda Cranes defeated Eritrea 3-0 to win a record 15th regional 2019 CECAFA senior Challenge Cup on 19th Decmber. Bright Anukani, Mustafa Kizza and Joel Madondo scored for the Cranes. The tournament was hosted at STartTimes stadium in Lugogo, Kampala.
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Cranes qualified for the 2020 TOTAL Championship of African Nations (Chan) finals after humbling Burundi in the qualifiers. The tournament that features only home-based players will be played in Cameroon.
Acholi Province were crowned champions of the 2019 FUFA Drum Tournament. The land mark feat was achieved after winning against Bukedi 5-3 in the post-match penalty shoot-out following a goal-less draw in normal time.
Allan Okello and Juliet Nalukenge were crowned as the best Airtel Male and Female respective most valuable players of the year, 2019 during a glamorous awards night held at the Speke Resort Munyonyo in Kampala. Both players were rewarded by Shs 1M, a trophy, medal and drove home with a car each.
FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo was elected as the new Caf Executive Member for the East and Central zone. Magogo obtained 33 votes out of 54 defeating the President of Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) Tenga Leodegar who received 19.
FIFA suspended Magogo for two months and fined him Swiss franc CHF 10,000 (approximately 37M Ugshs) after investigations into the 2014 FIFA World Cup ticket saga. He returned to office on 10th December.
Desabre Sebastien in the middle training with Cranes players.
On July 7, Sebastien Desabre resigned as the Cranes head coach after Uganda suffered a 1-0 loss to Senegal in the Africa Cup of Nations round of 16 match.
On September 30, Northern Irish UEFA Pro licensed football manager Johnathan McKinstry was appointed the new Uganda Cranes head coach on a three year contract.
McKinistry
Uganda finished ninth overall out of the forty-three nations at the 2019 IAAF World Athletics Championships in Doha, Qatar with two gold medals. The first gold medal came in women’s 800m race when Halimah Nakaayi clocked a time of 1:58.04, a national record. Afterwards, Joshua Cheptegei won the last event of the World Athletics Championships, taking gold in the 10,000m race with 26:48.36.
Long distance athlete Joshua Cheptegei won the final 5,000m race of the IAAF Diamond League in Zurich, Switzerland. Cheptegei set a new personal best of 12.57.41 to win a Diamond Trophy at the prize money of $50,000 (Sh184 million). Ethiopia’s Hagos Gebrhiwet came second within a time 12:58.15.
algeria
Algeria were crowned Africa Cup of Nations champion for only the second time in their history, edging past Senegal 1-0 thanks to Baghdad Bounedjah’s early deflected goal.
Tunisia’s Esperance were declared winners of the African Champions League by CAF following a long legal battle after Wydad Casablanca stormed off in protest during the second leg of the final in May due to a fault with the Video Assistant Referee.
Barcelona forward Lionel Messi has won the Ballon d’Or award for the world’s best player for a record sixth time. It is the 32-year-old Argentine’s first Ballon d’Or since 2015 and comes after he scored 54 times for club and country in 2018-19, in which Barca won La Liga.
Lionel Messi also took home the leading honour for The Best FIFA Men’s Player after his outstanding 2018/19 campaign which saw him scoop club silverware and individual accolades.
Eliud Kipchoge
Eliud Kipchoge became the first athlete to run a marathon in under two hours, beating the mark by 20 seconds. The Kenyan, 34, covered the 26.2 miles (42.2km) in one hour 59 minutes 40 seconds in the Ineos 1:59 Challenge in Vienna, Austria
Gianni Infantino was re-elected in June as the president of football’s world governing body FIFA for the next four years. The 49-year old Swiss-Italian was re-elected unopposed at the 69th Fifa’s annual congress in Paris.
Tiger Woods
Tiger Woods showed he still has claws as he tore through the field on the final round at the Masters on April 14 to win his first major in 11 years. The 43-year-old Woods started the final day clad in his famous Sunday red and two shots behind Francesco Molinari. Woods held his nerve as he won his 15th major and fifth Masters.
liverpool-super-cup-win
Liverpool did not walk alone as they won Europe’s top club competition for the sixth time. A tepid final in Madrid was effectively settled by a controversial penalty award in the second minute (2-0 in fulltime). The most memorable moment came at home at Anfield in the semi-final on May 1 when the Reds, trailing 3-0 from the first leg deficit, beat mighty Barcelona 4-0. The Kop roared and their team responded.
South African players lift Rugby World Cup trophy
South Africa outmuscled, out-thought and outplayed England to confound the pundits and win their third Rugby World Cup 32-12 in Yokohama on November 2nd.
Spain beat Argentina 95-75 to win the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup in Beijing Wukesong Arena, their first title in 13 years.
The year is ending soon and since I have written from the start, I have to make sure I end it with some piece that shows my discomfort with some of our leaders in this good country. When 2019 started, I thought it was a year of friendship, hard work and development but to my surprise it hasn’t been as expected because of a few characters who have taken politics everywhere spreading lies and creating a a bad image for our country.
In this country, people are, for the most part, relatively well educated and prosperous which of course is good for all citizens as the president has always advised that children should be taken to school but just this year I have seen how important and less important education has done for this country. It’s this very year that I have seen people with too many books speaking in tongues and on topics that totally do not concern us as Ugandans, many have also moved around the world spreading bad gospel about Uganda which maybe beneficial to them in one way or the other.
It is a paradox of our modern democracy that we have the conditions and tools to enable our political system to work better than ever before, yet all that seems to be discussed today is its dysfunction. In politics, as in other aspects of life, abundance can be good but excess is often harmful. You can end up with too much of everything, and I think that’s what we’ve got in Uganda’s politics today.
People talk too much of nonsense just to make sure they win some hearts and its becoming unpredictable especially as we get to the electioneering year because a lot of lies are being spread on social media by some politicians and to my surprise many Ugandans are believing in the lies just because we don’t take time look at issues as they are, but we look at issues as they are presented to us by others.
I wish this could reach the Speaker of our parliament before she rests back in Kamuli for Holiday, I know she knows and has heard about information concerning the adults that she mans at Parliament, a good number of them have been so disrespectful this year and the past years and I personally think this should be left in this year.
Uganda has had several opposition members of parliament but their conduct hasn’t been so nasty like for the few members in today’s opposition. The other day a member of parliament attacked Professor Nawangwe on camera and I wondered whether that’s what the Acts of parliament say.
Let me say this, the matter of respect is core in politics all around the world. From there we can consider Trust as the other powerful issue to consider in our politics. So if our politicians look at the two as useless then we are heading for hell years to come. Some of our Politicians behave badly and thanks especially to the all-pervasive media for televising parliamentary sittings because this has really helped the ordinary people to hear and see how their representatives behave while in the house.
It’s a source of perennial wonderment to me that MPs are aware they are disgusting and infuriating the public by often conducting themselves, especially in parliament, like out of control adolescents, but they fail to curb this conduct. We regard them as responsible people but at times we look at them from afar and describe them according to how they behave and conduct themselves.
Whatever drives MPs, behaving in a manner that would be unacceptable in almost any other workplace is costly to them and to the political process in our country and could be easily changed by a bit of collective restraint. Sure, parliament will always have its moments, but chaos and insult-throwing should not be the norm at all time during sessions and even out in the corridors of parliament.
It’s usually a different picture in the public arena. Voters would like to see some acknowledgement from time to time that the other side has had a good idea, and more co-operations on worthy projects but what happens in our parliament madam speaker is that we always see you mediating encounters, statement exchanges and fights in parliament just because one side doesn’t believe whatever the other says. For the opposition side, all they do in parliament is mainly to disagree with their fellows on the other side of the ruling party and that’s the real description of opposition in Uganda.
All this said madam speaker, I wrote this just to alert you of what has been happening in your parliament and to also report to you that do something to make sure your members are respective because each day the country is experiencing many ugly scenes of your members misbehaving especially one who has literally taken the award of being the most disrespectful opposition politician who doesn’t even give any respect to the president. He has composed songs attacking the president calling him names and not even honoring him in anyway which is so disrespectful, I have seen politicians here but I have never seen any like this one who totally shows total disrespect to the fountain of honor just because he has a few people out there praising him and enchanting people power our power. Mukulu funa kumpisa next year.
A maize garden: The EA region is leading other African regions in agriculture development.
By Evelyn Lirri
Universities in Africa need to take a lead role in harnessing the power of technology and innovation as a way of improving the continent’s agricultural systems, experts have said.
With over 60 per cent of the continent’s population engaged in agriculture, the sector is expected to remain a key source of employment and livelihood for majority of the young people.
Yet without prioritising research and innovation spearheaded by institutions of higher learning, much of the agriculture remains rudimentary. Currently, despite comprising a quarter of the world’s arable land, Africa remains a net importer of agricultural products.
“Advancement in knowledge and skills is shifting how agriculture value chains are organised. Africa’s success to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) will depend on the commitment to address these challenges,” said Dr Abebe Haile-Gabriel, the assistant director general and regional representative for Africa at the UN Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO).
Speaking at the recent annual general meeting of the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Africa (RUFORUM), held at the University of Cape Coast in Ghana, Dr. Haile-Gabriel said the African continent still lags behind in terms of generation and application of innovation and knowledge systems.
Climate change and post-harvest loses, he said continue to remain big challenges for the continent, a problem which could be addressed if universities invested in finding solutions and the right technologies. Experts say incorporating innovation to agriculture could help boost food security and combat rural hunger and poverty.
“Our universities and research institutions must be motivated to research more in the agriculture sector for sustainable growth,” said Haile-Gabriel.
He added that FAO and RUFORUM are currently undertaking an initiative to place graduate students in six-months community based field attachments as a way of fostering knowledge transfer between the students conducting research and rural host communities.
RUFORUM is a network of 121 African universities in 38 countries, which is coordinated by a secretariat hosted by Makerere University, to build capacity in agricultural research and development.
Prof. Adipala Ekwamu, the executive secretary of RUFORUM noted that with universities increasingly being seen as a catalyst for agricultural transformation, training scholars with the relevant skills is critical.
RUFORUM, he said, is currently leading four initiatives aimed at strengthening higher education and Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) in Africa by promoting digital technologies for agricultural transformation, strengthening staff capacity and increasing pool of women scientists in African universities, increasing innovation and entrepreneurship capacity and building sustainable innovative technologies.
Dr. Irene Annor Frempong, the Director of Research at the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) said promoting agriculture, science and innovation is crucial in achieving the African Union’s Agenda 2063 economic and development plan.
Through the 2063 Agenda, the AU hopes, among other things to strengthen the quality of higher education on the continent by making it relevant to the needs of the population.
Prof. Amon Murwira, the Minister for Higher and Tertiary Education, Science, Technology and Innovation in Zimbabwe said the African education design must include elements of research, teaching, innovation and industrialization for the continent to develop.
“We must ensure that the education system causes industrialization in its basic form. This therefore means that if we want to develop as a continent, we must reform our education system to meet these aspirations,” said Prof. Murwira.
He said young African scientist should also be mentored and encouraged to take on innovative research projects that have the potential to transform and develop the continent.
Dr. Kwesi Atta-Krah, the Director, Country Alignment and Systems Integration, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture said universities should do more to make agriculture appealing as a profession and with business orientation, not just as a course of study.
Dr. Brian Mushimba, the Minister for Higher Education in Zambia noted that as the continent’s population continues to grow, currently estimated at about 1.5 billion people, the need to educate and skill young people and find innovative solutions to improving agriculture as an engine of growth for most African countries is critical.
“We must invest in higher education. It is the answer to addressing our problems today and the challenges of tomorrow. Higher education is the key driver in developing human capital,” said Dr. Mushimba.
Rwanda’s State Minister for East African Affairs, Olivier Nduhungirehe accused some key elements in Ugandan security agencies of helping South African-based dissident Lt. Gen. Kayumba Nyamwasa and others whose aim is to destabilize his mother land. Rwanda would later close its border at Katuna banning the entry of Ugandan goods in its borders but also stopped its nationals from entering Uganda after it said those already in Uganda were being tortured by security agencies. The issue is yet to be resolved as Uganda has denied the accusations.
