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52 South Sudanese to benefit from Africa entrepreneurship programme

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Editorial
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TEF PROGRAMME 2019

By Julius N. Uma

March 22, 2019 (ABUJA/JUBA) – 52 South Sudanese are among the 3,050 African entrepreneurs selected to join the fifth cycle of Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) $100million entrepreneurship programme.

This year, TEF said in a statement, over 216,000 applications were received, a rise from last year’s 151,000. Also nearly 90,000 were submitted by female entrepreneurs, an increase of 45 per cent, illustrating the foundation’s strategy to achieve greater gender balance.

The selected entrepreneurs will each receive non- refundable $5,000 of seed capital, access to mentors, and a 12-week business training programme, directly focused on the needs of African entrepreneurs.

“Every year, we face an almost impossible task – to select 1,000 entrepreneurs, from the hundreds of thousands that apply. Our entrepreneurs are hungry to effect change. We know we are only scratching the surface, we see the depth of entrepreneurial talent, that all of us – government, business indeed African society, must harness to transform our economies and livelihoods,” TEF founder, Tony O. Elumelu, said during Friday’s announcement of the winners.

He added, “We must rally together to empower them and accelerate the change we want on the continent”.
Ifeyinwa Ugochukwu, TEF’s incoming CEO said the foundation entrepreneurship programme has so far successfully empowered 7,520 entrepreneurs in the first five years of the 10-year programme.
Meanwhile, Aisha Buhari, the wife of the Nigerian President commended the programme’s impact on the continent, charging the selected entrepreneurs to contribute to Africa’s advancement.

“Indeed, I am confident that these Tony Elumelu entrepreneurs will inspire deep confidence and be of immense value not just to Nigeria but to the entire continent,” she said.
Founded by African investor and philanthropist, Tony O. Elumelu, TEF is the leading African philanthropy committed to empowering African entrepreneurs. The foundation is reportedly guided by the philosophy, Africapitalism, which proposes that the private sector holds the key to unlocking the sustainable development of Africa.

The Foundation’s growing list of partners include, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Federal Republic of Benin (Seme City), the Anambra State Government, Indorama, the Government of Botswana and African Development Bank (AfDB).
Since its inception in 2015, at least 7,520 entrepreneurs have been empowered by the foundation, with support from its partners.

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General Court Martial remands Kitatta to Luzira prison amid protests

By
Geoffery Serugo
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Abdu Kitata in the dock

The chairman of General Court Martial, Lt Gen Andrew Gutti, has ordered for transfer of the embattled patron of Boda-Boda 2010, Abdullah Kitatta to Luzira maximum prison over allegations that the facility was putting his life in danger.

His transfer followed a request made by army’s prosecutor Capt. Samuel Masereka who informed court that it’s now safe to remand Kitatta to Luzira prison as his case is coming to an end.

Capt. Masereka revealed that Kitatta was transferred to military detention facility following previous attempt on his life however, said that he will be safe since security has been boosted at Luzira prison.

Kitatta’s lawyer Shaban Sanywa argued the decision to transfer his client without guaranteeing him safety saying Kitatta was transferred form Luzira prison for his safety.

He objected to the transfer of his client however, Court chairman insisted and remanded him to Luzira till April 8, 2019 when his will came up for hearing.

Conversely, prosecution closed its case after three of their witnesses declined to testify against Kitatta. The witnesses included; Sargent Allan Matsiko, one of Kitatta’s bodyguards, Private Kenneth Okello who was reportedly in charge of the Armory where the said guns were obtained and the Manager of Vine Hotel where Kitatta was allegedly nabbed from.

Speaking journalist Sanywa said his client would be safe if he was remained in military detention facility other than any other facility.

Kitatta was in January arrested by a joint force of Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and Internal Security Organization (ISO) and is currently facing five counts including failure to protect war material and being in unlawful possession of military stores contrary to the UPDF Act.

His co-accused include Sowali Ngobi, Amon Twinomujuni, Joel Kibirige, Matia Ssenfuka, Hassan Ssebata and Johnson Kayondo. The others are Hassan Ssengoba, Sunday Ssemwogerere, John Ssebandeke, Hussein Mugema, Fred Bwanika and Ibrahim Sekajja.

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Magogo despises Cranes performance against Tanzania amid match-fixing claims

By
Geoffery Serugo
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Moses Magogo

The President of Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA), Moses Magogo has expressed his disappointment over Uganda cranes’ defeat against the Taifa stars of Tanzania in the last game of 2019 Afcon qualifiers.

Coming into the game, Uganda had already qualified for Afcon but was humiliated 3-0 with goals from Saimon Happygod Msuva, Erasto Nyoni and Aggrey Morris at the Taifa National Stadium.

The result left many Ugandan football fans on social media saying the match was allegedly fixed to help neighbours Tanzania qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time in 39 years.

But Eng. Moses Magogo took his disappointment on his Facebook account saying FUFA ought to understand why cranes team was beaten when all allowances and outstanding bonuses were fully paid before the match.

“This is the worst result of the Uganda Cranes in my administration. No one can feel more disappointed than me. As administration, we provided everything the technical team and players wanted.” Eng. Magogo wrote.

“The coach asked for a camp in Egypt, we provided it. Bonuses of 2500 USD per player for the win and 1500 USD for a 0-0 draw were announced before the match of Tanzania,” reads part of the statement.

Magogo said he will listen to any explanation why it is not the coach and the team responsible for this dismal performance but the FUFA President and/or the administration.

“We are as football fans are hurt by the bad results. We are also football fans sometimes in disagreement with the decisions of the coaches but we support them because they are the most technical. Now is the time for the coaches to explain their selections and tactics but not before the match.” He said.

He said FUFA will wait for the technical explanations from the technical team of the match. “Now is the time for the coaches to explain their selections and tactics but not before the match. We will wait for the technical explanations from the technical team of the match. It is Our Game, It is Our Country” He concluded.

This is the first time East Africa will be represented at Afcon by four nations; Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi and Kenya. The tournament will be played from 21 June to 19 July in Egypt.

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Uganda marks World TB day

By
Geoffery Serugo
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Tuberculosis

Uganda has joined the rest of the world to commemorate World TB day aimed at raising public awareness about the devastating health, social and economic consequences of Tuberculosis (TB) and to step up efforts to end the global TB epidemic.

The date marks the day in 1882 when Dr Robert Koch announced that he had discovered the bacterium that causes TB, which opened the way towards diagnosing and curing this disease.

According to minister of health Jane Ruth Acheng, Uganda is one of the 22 high TB burden countries in the world however said, it’s the responsibility of every to prevent the spread of TB

Recently, World Health Organization (WHO) launched a joint initiative dubbed ‘Find, Treat, All, End TB’ with the aim of accelerating the TB response and ensuring access to care, in line with WHO’s overall drive towards Universal Health Coverage.

She said the day avails opportunity to reflect on the advances that have been made in recent years but also on what remains to be done to end the scourge of TB in Uganda, Africa and the rest of world.

“TB remains the world’s deadliest infectious killer. Each day, nearly 4500 people lose their lives to TB and close to 30,000 people fall ill with this preventable and curable disease,”

The day was marked in Ruhama Sub County in Ntungamo district under the theme ‘It’s time for Uganda to End Tuberculosis. It starts with me’.

“Ending TB means 10 or less cases per 100,000 population. Currently, TB prevalence stands at 201/100,000 however Stigma remains a big impairment to TB health care seeking in Uganda,” she said.

Global efforts to combat TB have saved an estimated 54 million lives since the year 2000 and reduced the TB mortality rate by 42 per cent.

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Kagame accuses Uganda of non-tariff barriers, says politics affecting integration

By
Our Reporter
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Rwanda President Paul Kagame.

Rwandan President Paul Kagame on Monday accused Uganda of erecting non-tariff barriers to trade in the region, which he said are detrimental to integration.

Responding to a question by CCN Correspondent Ellen Giokos, at the African CEO Forum in Kigali on whether the closure of the Gatuna border point was impacting economic integration in the East African Community, Kagame referred to past incidents in which Ugandan authorities allegedly held goods in transit over unclear reasons.

“Mineral containers from Kigali to Mombasa were held in Uganda for five months…Kenyans who bought milk from Rwanda had containers held in Uganda for days until tens of thousands of litres were spoilt. Politics is behind this rather than anything else,” he said.

Last year, Ugandan authorities impounded two trucks belonging to Mineral Supply Africa transporting 40 tonnes of tantalum and tin valued at about $750,000 while on their way to Mombasa, claiming that the transporters were using forged tracking certificates.

The trucks were later cleared and allowed to continue their journey to Mombasa after three months.

Kagame also told the delegates, among them Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and Ethiopia’s Sahle-Work Zewde, that Uganda had imprisoned hundreds of Rwandans and denying them consular services.

“We have our people imprisoned in Uganda in places that are not known. We have brought this up with Uganda for the past two years and are getting nowhere,” he said.

“We have three border points that connect us with Uganda and it is only one that is not working at full capacity, it is at 20, 30 per cent because of construction works, and we hope that it in the next few weeks it should be working.”

Rwanda has also accused Uganda of supporting rebel groups and dissidents opposed to the Rwandan government.

Rwanda has barred its citizens from crossing into Uganda, citing possible arrest, torture and deportation.

But President Yoweri Museveni in a letter to the Rwandan leader last week, denied the claims.

On its part, Uganda says that Rwanda is the one that imposed trade barriers, affecting the flow of goods in a key transport channel that runs from Mombasa through Uganda, serving both countries and others such as Burundi, Eastern Congo and South Sudan.

“What is wrong is for Rwandan agents to try to operate behind the government of Uganda. I get a lot of stories, but I will never raise them unless I have confirmed them,” President Museveni said in his letter to President Kagame.

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Police to hold a memorial service for Christine Alalo

By
Geoffery Serugo
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AMISOM Deputy Police commissioner, Christine Alalo perished aboard the Ethiopian plane.

Police has announced that it will tomorrow hold a memorial service for the Commissioner of police, Christine Alalo, who perished in the Ethiopian Airlines flight on Sunday, March 10.

Police Commissioner Christine Alalo was aboard Ethiopian Airlines flight ET302 from Addis Ababa to Nairobi which crashed a few minutes after taking-off from Bole International Airport on Sunday.

The memorial service will be held at All Saint’s Cathedral Nakasero where police officers will gather to pray for the fallen officer.

According to police Spokesperson Fred Enanga, police dispatched a team of professionals with the deceased children to Ethiopia in a bid to help in identification process of its fallen hero who died in a plane crash. He said the team returned last Wednesday without the body nor and the ashes of the heroine.

“The process of getting Alalo’s remains may take up six month since officials of Ethiopian government officials are conducting DNA test from blood sample obtained from deceased’s relatives,” said Mr. Enanga.

He said upon the identification process and establishing of Alalo’s remains, her family, and relatives will be informed about burial arrangements.

Today police officers and other mourners are expected to gather at the Alalo’s home in Seeta where they will sign a condole

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Uganda Premier League resumes on Tuesday

By
Our Reporter
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StarTimes UPL logo

After the international break, the 2018/19 StarTimes Uganda Premier League season resumes tomorrow with two matches of match day 24 to be played.

The Red Eagles of Express will be visiting the Tax Collectors URA FC at Namboole.

Express drew their last game 0-0 with Mbarara City at home and have no win in their last 3 league games such an unwanted statistic need to be erased even against a tough opponent like URA away from home.

The tax collectors through coach Sam Ssimbwa believe they can finish second in the league behind winners KCCA or Vipers and will need to win any game which comes their most especially at home. They drew their last game at home 1-1 with BUL.

URA have conceded only 10 goals this season the lowest in the league even better than top teams KCCA and Vipers.

But since the coming of George Ssimwogerere, the Red Eagles have also greatly improved in defense. They have only conceded twice in one game, the 2-0 loss against Vipers at Kitende. They have kept 5 clean sheets, 3 in the league and 2 in the Uganda cup that’s 5 clean sheets in 8 games.

The team news from Express FC are; they will be without striker Eric Kambale who aggravated his harm string injury and expected to be back after one week.

Frank Zaga Tumwesigye recovered from his hamstring injury but may not be match fit and may not be involved in the game on Tuesday.

Defender Hamisi Batega is also under medication suffering from a hamstring injury.

Other squad members are fit to play and a further update will be got from the manager George Ssimwogerere in his pre match interview on Monday evening.

The previous meeting ended 0-0 at Wankulukuku in the first round of this season’s UPL.

Defender Mbowa Patrick is suspended for the Tax collectors but they will rely on their captain Shafik Kuchi Kagimu to set up for attackers Charles Sempa, Cromwell Rwothomio. Moses Sseruyidde and Joachim Ojera are other dangerous players who will need to be watched.

URA are 4th with 39 points, ten ahead of their opponents Express who lie in 11th position with 29 points.

In the other game on Tuesday, Tooro United will host BUL FC in Wankulukuku.

Defending champions Vipers SC and table leaders KCCA will be in action on Wednesday against Maroons and Kirinya Jinja SSS respectively. Onduparaka will also be hosting SC Villa at the Greenlight Stadium in Arua.

KCCA still lead the 16-table log with 49 points, 4 ahead of second-placed Vipers with 7 matches left to play. Ndejje University, Nyamityobora and Paidha Black Angels are the bottom three in the relegation zone with 20, 16 and 12 points respectively.

Tuesday, 26 March

URA vs Express FC, Mandela National Stadium, Nambole.

Tooro United vs BUL FC, Betway Mutesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku.

Wednesday, 27 March

Vipers SC vs Maroons, St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende.

Kirinya Jinja SSS vs KCCA FC, The Mighty Arena, Jinja.

Onduparaka vs SC Villa, Greenlight Stadium, Arua.

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WHO urges international community in push to end Ebola outbreak in DRC

By
Our Reporter
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Congolese officials and the World Health Organization officials wear protective suits as they participate in a training against the Ebola virus near the town of Beni in North Kivu province of the Democratic Republic of Congo, August 11, 2018. REUTERS/Samuel Mambo

As the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) approaches 1000 cases amid increased violence, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has reaffirmed its commitment both to ending the outbreak and working with the government and communities to build resilient health systems in the country.

Since the outbreak was declared in August 2018 there have been 993 confirmed and probable cases and 621 deaths in North Kivu and Ituri provinces.

“We use words like ‘cases’ and ‘containment’ to be scientific, but behind every number is a person, a family and a community that is suffering,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “This outbreak has gone on far too long. We owe it to the people of North Kivu to work with them in solidarity not only to end this outbreak as soon as possible, but to build the health systems that address the many other health threats they face on a daily basis.”

More than 96 000 people have been vaccinated against Ebola in DRC, along with health workers in Uganda and South Sudan. As of 21 March, 38 of 130 affected health areas have active transmission. More than 44 million border screenings have helped to slow the spread of Ebola in this highly mobile population. No cases have spread beyond North Kivu and Ituri provinces, and no cases have crossed international borders.

However, the risk of national and regional spread remains very high, especially when episodes of violence and instability impact the response.

“As we mourn the lives lost, we must also recognize that thousands of people have been protected from this terrifying disease,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa. “We are working in exceptionally challenging circumstances, but thanks to support from donors and the efforts of the Ministry of Health, WHO and partners, we have saved thousands of lives.”

WHO has more than 700 people in DRC and is working hard with partners to listen to the affected communities and address their concerns and give them greater ownership of the response, particularly in the current outbreak hotspots of Katwa and Butembo.

“The communities affected by this outbreak are already traumatized by conflict,” said Dr Tedros. ”Their fear of violence is now compounded by fear of Ebola. Community engagement takes time. There are no quick fixes. But we are learning and adapting to the evolving context every day.”

Despite the challenges, most communities accept response interventions. More than 90% of those eligible for vaccination accept it and agree to post-vaccination follow-up visits. Independent analysis of vaccination data indicate that the vaccine is protecting at least 95% of those who receive it in a timely manner. More than 80 per cent of people also accept safe and dignified burials, a key to preventing onward transmission.

“Despite the increased frequency of attacks by armed groups, WHO will stay the course and will work with communities to end this outbreak together with the Ministry of Health and partners,” said Dr Tedros. “We need redoubled support from the international community, and a commitment to push together to bring this outbreak to an end.”

For the next 6 months, the combined financial need for all response partners is at least US$ 148 million. As of 19 March, US$ 74 million had been received.

“We count on donors to help close the funding gap so we can end this outbreak as soon as possible,” said Dr Tedros. “We will still be in DRC long after this outbreak has finished, working with the government and communities on the road to universal health coverage. We are committed to improving the health of the people of DRC now and in years to come.”

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UMEME customers jump 14.8% in 2018

By
George Mangula
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UMEME CEO Selestino Babungi says company is investing in new technology to reduce technical costs further

Uganda’s electricity distributor, Umeme had the number of households connected to the grid go up by 14.8 per cent to 1.3 million customers,according to its latest financial statement for the year ended 2018.

“Over the seven year period to 2018, Umeme exceeded the regulatory customer base target by 0.3 million customers (30 per cent),”said the company’s Managing Director Celestino Babungi.

The increase was partly attributed to the new policy launched by government through the Rural Electrification Agency in which it rolled out a free electricity connection policy to customers in distances which require one or none poles.

“We have seen an increase in applications from 600 to 1000 per day since the introduction of the program,” said Umeme Chief Operations Officer, Florence Nsubuga.

Officials says despite an overall increase in the number of individual households for the distribution company, the biggest growth has been realized among industries.

Babungi attributed it to stability in the neighboring countries including Kenya, DR Congo and South Sudan where Uganda sells some of her goods.
“The number of goods we sell to those countries has increased and because industries are as good as markets, the production has gone up and a high production means more demand for electricity.”

The Umeme boss also commended government for its policy that encourages industrialization that he said has seen the demand for electricity go up due to a sprout out of a number of industries.

Meanwhile, officials said said they had reduced the power losses from 17.2 per cent in 2017 to only 16.6 per cent, a thing they said is good for both the industry adding that this had fallen from 27.3 per cent in 2011.

“We invested over US $60 million last year and one of the main drivers of the investment was reduction in power losses. We have invested in transformers which reduce technical losses and also in technology,”

said Umeme Chief Operations Officer, Nsubuga. She explained that because their biggest power consumers contribute to over 70 per cent of the Umeme sales, they cannot allow power to be
stolen adding that they have invested heavily in their biggest power consumers to close any gaps of power losses.

“We have installed the automated metre reading where we are able to detect in real time if an industry is stealing power. It is important we invest in large power users through technology.”

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Ugandan entrepreneur on list of ‘20 New Wealth Creators’ in Africa

By
George Mangula
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Brenda Katwesigye

Forbes’s first list of ’20 New Wealth Creators’ in Africa, has Brenda Katwesigye as the only Ugandan to make the cut.

According to the list that is dominated by Nigerians, the 20 women were selected because they have made a significant impact in their respective sectors by transforming a market or company, or innovating a product / providing a service, and are pioneering their organization(s) in generating new untapped streams of income.

The financial magazine adds that, they may be wealth creators but their businesses, ironically, did not stem from a need to make money, but rather from the need to solve Africa’s persisting socio-economic challenges.

Ms Katwesigye is the Founder and CEO of Wazi Recycling Industries that produces affordable eco-friendly eye glasses by collecting, shredding and molding the plastic from water bottles and plastic bags.

Speaking in an interview Ms Katwesigye said being a new wealth creator is about creating revenue or value from unconventional places whilst making an impact.

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