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MTN cuts sending rates as customers transact Shs30trn mobile money

By
Our Reporter
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Christopher Ssali

The MTN Mobile money (MoMo) service has close to 9 million customers and has transacted Shs30 trillion since its launch 10 years ago, according to Enid Edroma, General Manager Corporate Services.

“We have close to 9M subscribers using MTN mobile money and we have seen 30 trillion shillings transacted since inception. The service has also worked as the catalyzer for financial inclusion much to the delight of government,” Ms Edroma said today at Kampala Serena Hotel where the company announced that its customers will now send the money at half price in the promotion to run for two months.

“We are very pleased to announce an exciting new offer for our customers. Starting today, customers will send money at half-price,” she said.

“You can now send money at half price everywhere you go. People have been giving money to ‘Bodabodas’ in order to reduce the cost of sending money. But now from as low as 50shs, you will be able to send money using mobile money,” said Christopher Ssali, MTN’s Senior Manager Mobile Financial Services.

In the promotion, customers will have to be sending from MTN to MTN by simply dialing *165*1# to send money.

We have reduced the sending rates to appreciate our customers who have supported us through the years by using MTN MoMo, she said.

An analyst said the promotion will help clients save some money during the period as they have been paying 0.5 percent tax at withdraw since July 1, 2018 when government imposed the mobile money tax

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UNBS gets ISOlution system and video conferencing facilities

By
George Mangula
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Eng. Dr. Ben Manyindo, Executive Director of UNBS, and Marc Shiman, Chief of Party of the USAID Hub, signed the paperwork to hand over the system and videoconference facility.

Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) has received an ISOlution and Video Conferencing facilities from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the East Africa Investment Hub.

The facilities will help UNBS increase efficiency of the process of standards development by improving the public enquiry process, enhancing transparency, openness and awareness on new standards and to facilitate information and documents disseminations to national experts as well as reducing cost of participation in standardization at regional and international level.

UNBS secured the in-kind grant from USAID, through the East Africa trade and Investment Hub. The grant included; Payment of ISOlutions’ subscription fees to ISO/CS for the 1st year of ISOlutions acquisition, facilitation to the consultant from the ISO/Cs to travel to UNBS to undertake local system configuration and initial training, procurement and installation of ICT equipment including one unit of video conferencing facility and seven laptops and support towards training of the larger stakeholders (TC members) in ISOlutions application.

The ISOlution system and Video Conferencing facilities were received by the UNBS, Executive Director, Dr. Ben Manyindo.

While handing over the facilities, Marc Shiman, Chief of Party of the USAID Hub, said the facilities are part of the Uganda’s participation in the World’s standards development initiative. He also noted that the facilities will add value to the implementation of standards.

Speaking at the handover ceremony held at UNBS headquarters, Dr. Manyindo thanked USAID Uganda Mission and the East Africa Trade Hub for the support given towards the accomplishment of the project.

“UNBS would like to thank the American People for supporting the economic growth of Uganda through various initiatives. We also would like to thank the East Africa Trade Hub for the effective coordination that guaranteed the success of the project. We trust that the cooperation already established will continue to grow and look towards to many more engagements as we deliver services to the people of Uganda,” he said.

UNBS is committed to ensuring that the ISOlution system remain working to facilitate standards development process to deliver better quality standards.

The handover was officiated by officials from USAID and East Africa Development Hub.

ISOlution is a web-based global system used by International Standards Organization (ISO) members to develop standards that facilitate international trade. With access to the system and a videoconference facility, Uganda will be able to comment remotely on international standards that are up for revision or creation, saving the country money from travel expenses and increasing the ease and efficiency of its participation.

In addition, Uganda’s adoption of ISOlution opens the possibility of introducing a regional ISOlution platform. Uganda is the second EAC Partner State to use the system, following Kenya, and Rwanda is set to follow. With three countries using the system, the EAC can explore the benefits of establishing a regional platform that will encourage other Partner States to participate in international standards development and allow the submission of regional positions.

Since February 2015, with the signing of the U.S.-EAC Cooperation Agreement, the USAID Hub has worked hand-in-hand with EAC Partner States to build their capacity to meet international commitments on technical barriers to trade (TBTs) and sanitary and phytosanitary measures (SPS) in an effort to promote safe and transparent regional and international trade.

The USAID Hub’s partnership with UNBS, in particular, has been successful. Following a USAID Hub training in 2017 where UNBS staff learned how to use ISOlutions, UNBS made a commitment to implement ISOlutions in the country. The handover ceremony marked the achievement of this commitment.

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Gov’t technocrats fight over Chinese firm set to establish oil refinery in Tororo

By
Our Reporter
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Crude oil pipeline

Senior government technocrats in the oil and gas sector are up in arms against each other over a Chinese firm that signed a dubious deal to produce electricity yet in reality the firm plans to process fuel and other products, using crude oil from Bunyoro.

“The deal was signed under the pretext that the Chinese would use crude oil to produce electricity but in reality, they intend to produce petrol and other items,” says a source who adds that machinery has started arriving in the country for the construction the facility in Tororo. Works are expected to start in September.

It should be recalled that Uganda’s major oil refinery will be built on a 29 square kilometres near the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo, along the eastern shores of Lake Albert. This will be close to Uganda’s largest oil fields in the Kaiso-Tonya area. The strategy is to build a refinery that meets the petroleum products needs of Uganda and its regional neighbours, with any remaining to be exported.

Two intake pipelines and one distribution pipeline, with a total construction bill of over US$200 million, are planned to bring crude to the refinery and distribute the finished products to a new terminal in Buloba on the western outskirts of Kampala.

The cost of the refinery is estimated to cost US3 billion to 4.3 billion, with 70 percent of that amount to be borrowed and the remaining 30 percent coming from shareholders.

In early April, 2019, Uganda signed an agreement with a consortium, including a subsidiary of America’s General Electric, to build and operate the refinery.

Members of the consortium are Albertine Graben Refinery Consortium (AGRC) include Nuovo Pignone International SRL, a General Electric subsidiary in Italy.

Others include YAATRA Africa and Lionworks Group Ltd both from Mauritius and Saipem Spa also from Italy.

Initial efforts to secure an investor for the refinery collapsed after talks with Russia’s RT Global Resources broke down.

However, the project framework agreement that was signed will “ensure development, design, financing, construction, operation and maintenance” of the planned 60,000-barrel-a-day refinery.

Uganda has proven crude oil reserves of 6.5 billion barrels, about 2.2 billion of which is recoverable.

But the start of production has been repeatedly delayed by disagreements with field operators UK’s Tullow Oil, China’s CNOOC and France’s Total over taxes and development strategy.

A lack of associated infrastructure such as a crude transportation pipeline and a refining facility have also hampered the start of production now planned for around 2023.

Uganda is aiming to both refine domestically and also export some of the crude via the pipeline through neighbouring Tanzania.

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2019 Afcon: Cranes depart Abu Dhabi for Egypt

By
George Mangula
-

The Uganda Cranes team and officials have departed Abu Dhabi for Egypt today ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations that kicks off on 21st June.

The delegation is being led by the FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo.

The Cranes played two build-up games. The first was a goal-less draw against Turkmenistan at the New York University Stadium and a 1-0 win over Ivory Coast, Farouk Miya scoring the lone strike via a well taken kick from the penalty spot.

The team is expected to arrive at Cairo International Airport at 7:30 PM and will be received by CAF officials as well as the FUFA Advance party that left the country on Saturday, 15th June 2019.

The FUFA advance party was led by the third Vice President, Hon. Florence Nakiwala Kiyingi with two Executive Committee members Hamid Juma and Hajji Abdul Ssekabira as well as the FUFA Finance Director Decolas Kiiza. They will also be at the airport to welcome the team.

Uganda will face DR Congo on Saturday, 22nd June 2019 in the first game at Cairo International Stadium. On 26th, they will take on Zimbabwe before winding up with the hosts Egypt on 30th June 2019.

 

Officials:

FUFA President: Eng. Moses Magogo

Executive Committee Members: Issa Magola & Rogers Byamukama

Head coach: Sebastien Desabre

Assistant coach: Mathias Lule

Goalkeeper coach: Fred Kajoba

Team Doctor: Dr. Ronald Kisolo

Physiotherapist: Dr. Ivan Ssewanyana

Team Chiropractor: Dr. Charles Sebwana

Media: Ahmed Hussein

Physical Fitness trainer: Gerome D’Antonio

Kit Managers: Lawrence Kizito and Ayub Balyejusa

Attachments area

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CAF names seven African legends as Ambassadors for Afcon

By
George Mangula
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The Confederation Africaine de Football (CAF) has chosen seven legends as ambassadors for the impending Total Africa Cup of Nations, Egypt 2019.

CAF has named Mahmoud El Khateeb (Egypt), Samuel Eto’o (Cameroon), Yaya Toure, Didier Drogba (Both Cote d’Ivoire), Rabeh Madjer (Algeria), Nwankwo Kanu (Nigeria) and El Hadji Diouf (Senegal) as ambassadors for the continent’s flagship competition, that kicks off on 21 June 2019 and lasts till 19 July 2019 in the Egyptian cities of Cairo, Alexandria, Ismailia and Suez.

Ambassadors are volunteer representatives and unofficial spokespersons for a tournament in the geographical area they represent and/or at large. Their primary responsibility is to promote and grow the sport with others.

Mahmoud El Khateeb

Ranked among the best African players of all time, El Khateeb was the first Egyptian to win African Player of the Year in 1983. “Bibo” as he is fondly called among Egyptian supporters won the Africa Cup of Nations with Egypt at home in 1986.

Samuel Eto’o

Eto’o is widely regarded as the greatest players of all time in the history of African. A four-time CAF Player of the Year (2003,2004,2005 & 2010), he also won the Africa Cup of Nations with Cameroon in 2000 and 2002.

 

Yaya Toure

The Ivorian enforcer ranks amongst the best in his native, Africa and rest of the world. Toure was crowned CAF Player of the Year for an unprecedented four times in a row (2011, 2012, 2013 &2014), and ultimately guiding Cote d’Ivoire to the Africa Cup of Nations in 2015.

Didier Drogba

Two-time CAF Player of the Year – 2006 & 2009, Drogba ranks amongst the foremost forwards of his generation. Besides successes at club level, he appeared in five AFCONS (2006, 2008, 2010, 2012 & 2013) reaching the final in 2006 and 2012.

 

Rabeh Madjer

Madjer was part of the squad that won Algeria’s AFCON title, 1990 on home soil. He is revered by all and is famous for his stint with Portuguese side Porto. He also won the Ballon d’or Africain in 1987.

Nwankwo Kanu

‘Papilo’ as he is fondly called featured six AFCON editions from 2000 to 2010. The highlight of his career was his coronation as CAF Player of the Year in 1996 and 1999.

El Hadji Diouf

He remains the only Senegalese to have been crowned CAF Player of the Year, decorated in 2001 and 2002. Diouf was a key member of the Teranga Lions golden generation that made headlines across the world in the early 2000’s.

Attachments area

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2018 best farmers off for tour of Netherlands

By
Geoffery Serugo
-

The 2018 best farmers in Uganda Sunday left for the Netherlands for a tour that will also see them train in best farming practices.

The 13 lucky farmers were flagged off by the permanent secretary in Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), Pius Wakabi Kasajja.

The team comprised winners in last year’s edition of the ‘Uganda Best farmer’s competition’ which celebrates best framing practices nationally as part of efforts to encourage farmers to take up commercial agriculture methods. The competition that has been running since 2014, is a partnership between DFCU Bank, Vision Group under the New Vision, KLM and the Netherlands Embassy.

Mr. Wakabi who was also the guest of honor, urged farmers to take advantage of the study tour to improve their skills and further transform the country’s socioeconomic status.

“Choose want to be what you want to be after the training, pick on experience and pass it to the rest of the Ugandans for the sector to thrive,” he said adding that agriculture is a business that requires experience and time.

He said government is committed to investing in agriculture through infrastructural development in term of roads and electricity for agro- processing industries.  He commended all the partners whose commitment has led to the continued success of the competition.

The CEO of DFCU Bank, Matthias Katamba applauded the initiative’s partners whose efforts have made it a resounding success. He congratulating the winners, wishing them a fruitful learning experience.

“Uganda’s agricultural capacity is almost unmatched. At full utilization, we can cater to the food needs of almost 200 million. This sector also gives us the opportunity to transforming the economy through improved production, productivity, post-harvest handling and marketing.”

Katamba noted that the competition’s last theme, ‘‘Farming as a business’ was a reflection of the current state of agriculture in the country.”

The CEO of Vision Group, Robert Kabushenge, urged the farmers to embrace time and go along with some of their projects for advice from agricultural experts.

Betty Mbazira from Isingiro district was the overall winner in 2018 farming competition, earning herself Shs50 million. She is the first woman to win the annual competition since it started five years ago.

Other farmers who made it to the list of  top 10 include Patrick Ssekimpi from Luwero district, Deo Mugisa Bunyangabu District, Shamim Napakol Osekeny Bukedea, Moses Kiptala, Kween District, Vincent Ojok Lira District, Faridah Lutale Arua District and Joyce Acan, from Gulu District.

Aloysius Lubega from Wakiso District emerged the second followed by Julius Bataamye from Kamuli district who received cheques worthy Sh30 million and sh20 million respectively.

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Bajjo Events CEO Mukasa likely to face treason charges over plans to oust Museveni-Fred Enanga

By
Geoffery Serugo
-
Mr. Abby Musinguzi aka Abtex the proprietor of Abtex promotions and Andrew Musaka, the CEO of Bajjo events interact with their lawyers led by Erias Lukwago.

The Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) of the Uganda has started investigating Andrew Mukasa, the proprietor of Bajjo Events and Marketing Agency Limited, over allegations of planning to overthrow President Yoweri Museveni’s government.

Mukasa was arrested on Saturday moments after addressing the press over their plan to hold a marathon in a bid to raise funds to facility Kyadondo East MP Robert Kyagulanyi in the 2021 presidential elections.

Mukasa and Abbey Musinguzi, the CEO of Abtex Productions claim that the current government has since blocked them from working after they declined Bobi wine from holding music shows. Mukasa is currently charged with case of incitement to violence through social media.

Speaking at police headquarters, the spokesperson Fred Enanga said the case relates to the comments he made in ‘Luganda’ local language and circulated online. “When translated, Andrew Mukasa of Bajjo events warns The President of their plans to oust him before the year 2021, and further warns the military of similar plans to oust the President, and indicates with confidence how he had people backing him,” he said.

“The suspect consciously face the risk of being charged for inciting violence, treason or misprision of treason, since the law protects the honor of the President as a democratically elected leader,” Enanga said.

He urged members of the public to desist from sharing indenting videos, saying:  “As law enforcement agencies, we also pledge to work constructively with all stakeholders to understand the dangers of incitement to violence.”

Enanga said police is aware of attempts by those who patronize the suspect to divert the attention of the public and investigators from the major investigation, by dragging the person of the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP), into the arrest of Andrew Mukasa.

“We want to put it clear that the private car number plates indeed belong to our sister agency who logistically supported the police operation. Such number plates when the situation demands, can be used to achieve tactical or operational results. The DIGP last used those number plates in May, 2018, while appearing before the Parliamentary Appointments Committee,” noted.

He said DIGP has since been allocated an official police vehicle and now has no attachment to those private numbers plates. The investigations will continue and the suspect will be handled in accordance with the laws of the country.

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Gashumba blasts Martha Kay, others over nudes, says has no sympathy for city celebs

By
Our Reporter
-
Frank Gashumba

Local businessman and critic, Frank Gashumba, has castigated Ugandan girls who allow their lovers to take photographs and videos of their naked bodies, saying that the girls are stupid and idiots who have themselves to blame when the same nudes start making rounds on social media.

Gashumba in recorded a short video he posted on his Facebook account, warning young girls to stop posing naked for men all in the name of love, said he does not feel sorry for socialist Martha Kay who had her nudes go viral on social media weeks ago.

“I will not feel sorry for any girl who takes photos or makes a video of herself while naked and sends them to her lousy boyfriend,” he said, adding that girls who do that are fools and idiots.

Gashumba blasted those who have been standing with Martha Kay since her nudes came out, arguing that he could only do if the socialist had been kidnapped and photos of her naked body taken without her consent.

He warned that he would help hunt for anybody who takes and releases photos of naked girls on social media without their consent. Any person who takes photos of naked girls without their consent, that we shall hunt him down,” he said, adding that girls who pose naked for the cameras shouldn’t expect sympathy from the public when the nudes find their way to social media platforms like it has happened to other city celebrities like Desire Luzinda, Judith Heard, Cindy and Angela Kalule, among others like Anita Fabiola.

Gashumba said it was surprising that the educated girls in town as opposed to the illiterate girls, are the ones having their nudes on social media.

Gashumba urged girls to respect their parents, saying that when nudes appear on social media, parents as well as clans get ashamed.

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Juventus confirm Maurizio Sarri as manager

By
Agencies
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Maurizio Sarri

Juventus have formally announced the arrival of Maurizio Sarri as manager from Chelsea, confirming that the Italian has joined them on a three-year deal.

Sarri, 60, joins the Seria A champions after spending just one season at Chelsea, where he guided the team to third in the Premier League as well as winning the Europa League title.

Juve have reportedly agreed a compensation fee of around £5 million ($6.2 million) with Chelsea, as Sarri called time on what was a tepid relationship with fans at the club.

In announcing the move, Juventus detailed Sarri’s experience with Seria A clubs Empoli and Napoli, adding that “now the adventure begins for him in Turin: welcome to Juventus!”

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WHO boss camps in Uganda to assess Ebola response

By
Geoffery Serugo
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Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus

Ministry of Health received the World Health Organization (WHO) Director General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who came to assess Uganda’s response to the current Ebola outbreak in Kasese District, Western Uganda.

Dr. Tedros made a stopover in Uganda while on his way from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) where he visited the Ebola hotspots, Butembo and Katwa. This is his third visit to Uganda since the Ebola outbreak was declared in August 2018 in DRC.

He was received at Protea Hotel by the Minister of Health, Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng and her technical teams, Mrs. Rosa Malango the UN Resident Representative, Dr Yonas Tegyn the WHO country Rep. Uganda and Dr Lisa Nelson, the Director CDC Uganda.

In his remarks, he pledged continued support to Uganda to contain this outbreak. “From our side, I would like to pledge that we will continue mobilizing global and regional support to control this outbreak as soon as possible. It is not clean until the outbreak in DRC is finished” Dr Tedros commented on the seemingly declining trends in Butembo and Katwa.

He said, “There appears to be a decline in Butembo and Katwa areas. However, in my discussions with my colleagues, we agreed to be very careful with optimism but very cautious optimism because the Ebola situation in DRC has been very unpredictable with up and down trends. He further said that Mabalako where the Ebola outbreak was first confirmed in August 2018 has once again become a hot bed of new infections. “Mabalako is now the hottest place where cases actually came from to Uganda”

Dr Tedros noted. Dr. Tedros explained that “I have accepted the assessment of the WHO Emergency Committee that although the Ebola outbreak in DRC is an emergency in the country and the region, it does not currently constitute a Public Health Emergency of International Concern(PHEIC).”

He also revealed that in December 2018, WHO requested MERCK to produce more doses of the ‘Ebola-rVSV’ vaccine, to continue supporting the outbreak.

In her remarks, the Minister of Health, Dr. Aceng said that, the transition from a preparedness mode to a response mode was not difficult given that Ministry of health and partners had invested heavily in ten months of preparations to handle any eventualities.

However, she said, “the challenge is that we now have to again mobilize resources for the response phase. She appreciated the WHO for the support with the Ebola vaccines during the preparedness phase, where over 4,200 frontline health workers and other workers were vaccinated in Uganda. “During this response phase, we have received a total of 3400 doses of the vaccine.

A donation of 400 doses from the DRC as a quick initial measure to kick start vaccination of contacts, frontline health workers and other workers who were not vaccinated, and an additional 3,000 doses sent in by WHO. All these arrived very timely and vaccinations commenced last Saturday, 15th June 2019 where over 20 contacts were vaccinated. Today, we expected to vaccinate over 70 people and the process will continue.”

Dr Tedros is expected to meet the President of Republic of Uganda H. E. Yoweri Museveni on Monday, for a bilateral on the current Ebola outbreak that has spilled over to Uganda. Dr Aceng appreciated the efforts and contributions of all partners in Uganda towards the containment of the Ebola outbreak. The UN resident Coordinator, Rosa Malango appreciated the political commitment of Government in responding to emergencies. “I have discussed with Dr. Yonas, and agreed to meet on Monday 17th June 2019, to once again analyze the gaps and identify where support is needed in terms of financial resources” she said. As of now, Uganda has no confirmed case of Ebola.

Two suspect cases were under isolation in Bwera Ebola Treatment Unit as of 16th June. One of the suspect cases tested negative for Ebola and has been discharged, while results of the other suspect cases is pending. Ministry of Health remains on high alert and appeals to the population to remain calm and cooperate with the response teams on the ground.

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