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Malaysians marvel over Uganda’s beauty and hospitality as they tour country

By
George Mangula
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Malaysian tour operators pose for a photo at the Kayabwe Equator in Masaka.

The Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) in collaboration with the Uganda High Commission in Malaysia are currently hosting a group of 10 Malaysian tour operators including one journalist, a representative from the Ethiopian airlines and one official from the Uganda High Commission in Malaysia to a tour experience of Uganda.

The group jetted in earlier in the week and will be in the country until February 25, 2019. The group has so far visited, the Uganda Wildlife Education Center in Entebbe, Chimpanzee Sanctuary on Ngamba Island, Igongo Cultural Center in Mbarara, and Queen Elizabeth National Park in Kasese and are now enroute Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Kigezi for the Mountain Gorilla encounter and experience.

According to one of the visiting tour operators from Malaysia, Mr. Athman A. Aziz, Uganda’s beauty and hospitality is amazing and has never met kinder people than Ugandans. “Uganda is such a beautiful country and is has so much to be seen. I was mostly amazed by the beautiful sceneries, the chimpanzee sanctuary on Ngamba Island, the amazing stories of the diverse cultures of the people of Uganda and the abundance of food. Ugandans too are warm and kind people. The trip is so far a delight and I cannot wait to encourage Malaysians to visit,” Othman said.

Speaking on behalf of UTB, outgoing CEO, Stephen Asiimwe said that this trip speaks into the country’s efforts to continuously market Uganda as Africa’s premier destination. “As the Uganda Tourism Board expands marketing efforts to Asia, this trip comes as a great opportunity to showcase Uganda to Malaysian travel agents; with the aim to increase travel trade between the two countries and ultimately the number of visitors coming to Uganda from Malaysia and the Asian continent at large,” Asiimwe said. He added, we also anticipate that this trip will result into more visitors from Malaysia.

“Last year, Malaysia was the host country for the Miss Tourism World pageant; which saw Uganda’s Miss Tourism Margaret Kankwanzi participate and make it to the top 10 finalists. In collaboration with Uganda’s high commission in Malaysia, Kankwanzi presented Uganda’s tourism to a group of tour operators; which activity led to this trip,”Asiimwe said.

Asia is one of Uganda’s source markets registering more business visits compared to leisure. According to the Tourism Performance Report (2017), Uganda received 71, 169 tourist arrivals from Asian countries. The numbers are poised to grow as the Uganda Tourism Board deepens aggressive marketing campaigns in various Asian countries such as Malaysia, China and Japan.

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40 summoned for trials ahead of 2019 Beach Woodball World Cup

By
Our Reporter
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Beach Woodball

The Uganda Woodball Federation (UWbF) has summoned forty (40) players for Team Uganda trials ahead of the 2nd edition of the Beach World Cup Woodball championship.

Twenty men and twenty women from the 2018 Beach Woodball Circuits were called up to undergo the trials and are expected to start on March 10th, 2019.

Mr. Onesmus Atamba, the Uganda team coach, will conduct the trials which will start on 10th March until 24th of the same month at Spenah Beach Entebbe.

The best six (6) men and six (6) women from the trials will make up the final team Uganda.

The Beach Woodball World Cup will be held between 25th to 31st May 2018 along the shores of Lake Victoria at Spenah Beach.

Indonesia hosted the first edition of Beach Woodball World Cup in 2017.

Players summoned:

Men

Adupa Joel (Ndejje University), Apita Daniel (Makerere University), Bossa Bruno (Ndejje University), Bukenya Godfrey (Kisubi Corporate Woodball club), Byamukama Bridge (Kampala International University), Gwaaka Brian (Kampala International University), Masoabi Aziz (Buganda Land board), Mugumbe Watson (Kampala International University), Mulindwa Ronald (Ndejje Corporate), Munyendoh Joel (Kampala International), Musinguzi Wilson (Kampala International University), Mutibwa Robert (Ndejje University), Muwanguzi Israel (Ndejje University), Opio Emmanuel (Stroke Woodball Club), Towong Geoffrey (Ndejje University), Wabulembo Fazil ( Stroke Woodball), Ssemata Raymond (Kisubi Corporate), Ssensalo Charles (Ndejje University), Tayebwa Rodgers (Kisubi Corporate).

Women

ALela Betty (UNEB), Athieno Mary (Ndejje University), Balemesa Justine (UNEB), Jerotich Sharon (Ndejje Corporate), Katusime Claire (Kampala International), Kirungi Moreen (Kampala International), Mukoova Joan (Ndejje University), Mukoya Florence (Stroke Woodball Club), Mulamba Margaret (Kisubi Corporate), Nabaggala Rose Sandra (Ndejje University), Nagaba Charity (Kampala International), Nakayenga Pauline (Ndejje University), Nalubega Joyce (Ndejje Corporate), Namuddu Sophie (Ndejje Corporate), Nanjeru Denise (Stroke Woodball Club), Nansereko Maria (Ndejje Corporate), Nantege Kyolaba Shamsa (Ndejje Corporate), Nantumbwe Mary (Kisubi Corporate), Ndaula Jackie (Ndejje University), Zawedde Lillian (Ndejje Corporate).

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‘We are tax compliant’ – MTN Uganda rebuffs gov’t

By
Our Reporter
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MTN Chairman, Charles Mbiire.

MTN Uganda has denied accusations by government that it has been under declaring its revenues over the years and said it was tax compliant paying all its taxes.

The company’s denial of the accusation follows the recent deportations of its top executives from the country on allegations of compromising its national security.

“MTN revenues are independently audited and we remain firmly of the view that all revenues have been correctly accounted for and we are compliant on all tax matters,” MTN Uganda explained to news agencies.

The company added that where issues are raised during tax assessments, its officials cooperate with the relevant authorities to resolve the concerns according to the law.

MTN Uganda is the country’s largest telecommunications firm, with over ten 10 million subscribers. It is followed by Bharti Airtel.

MTN Uganda has also been under political pressure to list its shares on the Uganda Securities Exchange like it is doing in other countries in Africa.

The company is the final stages of renewing its 10-year licence with the regulator of the telecoms sector, the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), the latter having demanded for US$58 million, even though President Museveni wants it pay US $100 million.

MTN Uganda earned $373.99 million in revenues in 2017, up 10 percent from the previous period.

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Don’t buy medicine from hawkers – Kadaga tells Ugandans

By
Trevor S Baleke
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The Speaker of Parliament, Rebecca Kadaga has told Ugandans to desist from buying medicines from the streets but buy only from hospitals, pharmacies and clinics.

She made the remarks while officiating at the celebrations of Joint Medical Stores’ 40 years of existence at a function held in Jinja.

“On behalf of government, I would like to congratulate Joint Medical Stores (JMS) for offering quality services, more especially to the less privileged communities,” she said

“I was glad to learn that JMS and its partners have started manufacturing drugs for treatment of common illnesses in Uganda. They have manufactured a new supplement called Replenish, which I am told has helped in the treatment of the Nodding Disease Syndrome,” she added.

Earlier on, JMS officials complained about the increasing sale of fake drugs on Uganda’s market and the low funding to Mission health facilities.

In her response, the speaker undertook to push for increased funding towards mission facilities, working closely with Parliament’s Committee on Budget.

“On fake drugs, we need a massive campaign to uproot this unbecoming practice. The campaign should be able to also address issues of self-medication as well,” she said.
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Brazil accredits envoy to EAC, pledges support

By
George Mangula
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EAC SG Amb. Liberat Mfumukeko and his guest Antonio A.M. Cesar.

The Ambassador of Brazil to Tanzania, Antonio A.M. Cesar yesterday presented accreditation letter to the Secretary General of the East African Community, Amb. Liberat Mfumukeko to also serve as Ambassador to the East African Community (EAC), according to the latest press release says.

Amb. Cesar while presenting his credentials said his country attaches great importance to regional economic groupings such as the EAC and congratulated the EAC Secretary General for the wonderful regional initiatives.

“Count on Brazil support because the goals of the Community are excellent for the prosperity of the people in the region,” said the Brazilian envoy, adding that “regional integration initiatives take time but you need to continue so as to build a strong and powerful bloc.”

He hailed the EAC as one of the fastest growing RECs in the world and said Brazil and the Southern American Common Market (MERCOSUR) of which Brazil is a member had a lot to learn from the EAC.

While receiving the Brazilian Ambassador, Amb. Mfumukeko hailed the existing cordial relations between the EAC and Brazil. He welcomed the support from the Brazilian government geared towards enabling the economic bloc achieve its ambitious integration agenda.

Mfumukeko briefed his guest on the progress being registered by the Community so far that include implementation of Protocols on the Customs Union, Common Market, East African Monetary Union and Political Federation.

He further disclosed that the EAC Partner States had started drafting Constitution for EAC Confederation which is the model for a Political Federation that had been adopted by the Heads of State Summit.

He said EAC has close working relationships with other regional economic communities (RECs) in Africa which are all geared towards promoting the African Union’s vision of an African Economic Community.

Present at the accreditation occasion were the EAC Deputies Secretary General in charge of Planning and Infrastructure, Eng. Steven Mlote and Christophe Bazivamo of the Productive and Social Sector.

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Trade Minister Amelia Kyambadde appoints NSC for three years

By
Our Reporter
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Minister Kyambadde (in Kitenge dress) and the members of NSC

The Minster of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, Amelia Kyambadde, has appointed 10 members of the eighth National Standards Council (NSC) for a period of three years.

The NSC is the supreme governing body of Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) that is responsible for providing oversight and policy guidance to management to ensure effective service delivery. The council is responsible for approval of draft standards as national standards.

The ten members of the Council were sworn in on Friday at an inauguration ceremony at UNBS Head Office in Bweyogerere. Speaking at the ceremony, Kyambadde congratulated the Chairperson and members for their re-appointment to serve on UNBS Board for the next three years.

She noted that there were delays in appointing the NSC because of the proposed restructuring of government agencies. “The delay in the appointment of the 8th NSC was due to discussions within government on the restructuring processes of Departments and Agencies but due to the critical nature of the Council in the implementation of UNBS mandate, Cabinet agreed, after consultation with the Attorney General, to reappoint the 8th NSC,” Hon. Kyambadde added.

Hon. Kyambadde acknowledged the achievements and challenges of the 7th Council as detailed in their report and encouraged the members to find innovative ways and solutions to resolve them.

She added that work such as standards to be approved had accumulated and urged them to adhere to good governance practices as they provide oversight to UNBS activities and programmes.

“I would also wish to see better policies and strategies put in place in supporting various Government programs and the private sector while delivering UNBS services,” she said.

In her inaugural address, the Chairperson of the National Standards Council, Eng. Masitula Munyaami Male pledged to work with government and UNBS management to ensure that the institution delivers on its mandate.

NSC Members Include:

Eng. Masitula Munyaami Male, Chairperson

Dr. Ben Manyindo, Executive Director, Secretary to the Council

Prof. Jackson Mwakali

Mr. Afidra O. Ronald

Mr. Al-hajji Lule Umar Mawiya

Ms. Mary Sepuya

Mr. Kachope-Kato Benedict Abooki

Dr. James Kaboggoza Ssemwanga

Eng. Peter Balimunsi

Ms. Daphne Rutazaana

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Uganda, Serbian parliaments sign trade deal

By
Trevor S Baleke
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The Parliaments of Uganda and Serbia have this Friday Feb 22, 2019 signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish collaboration between the two legislatures.

Speaker Rebecca Kadaga signed on behalf of the Parliament of Uganda and her counterpart, Her Excellency. Maja Gojkovic, signed on behalf of the Parliament of Serbia.

The signing has taken place in Kampala.

Kadaga says the deal would help to open market for Uganda in the Europe.

“I welcomed the call from the Serbian Speaker for Uganda to take advantage of the free trade area in Serbia to reach other markets in the European Union. This is something we are going to take up very urgently with the Minister of Trade and the Chamber of Commerce,” the speaker said in a post on her official Facebook page.

Uganda is already exporting fruits to Serbia and will increase on the quantities and frequencies of exports.

“I commend the government of Serbia for making progress in developing the country, despite the turmoil it faced,” she added.

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Uganda Premier League ranked 24th in Africa

By
Our Reporter
-

The Uganda Premier League has been ranked at 24th in Africa in the last decade by Euro Top Teams.

The ranking was done based on points accumulated by the clubs from respective countries in CAF’s inter-clubs club competitions until February 2019.

Within the last decade, Uganda has had SC Villa, Vipers SC and KCCA FC taking part in the continental competitions. KCCA made the group stages of the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederations Cup in that period.


This has seen Uganda earning 353 points and lying 24th out of the 55 African leagues.

The list sees the Tunisian Ligue 1 topping all other leagues on the continent.

Egypt Premier League is in the second place with Morocco, Algeria and DR Congo following in that order.

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Chelsea given two transfer window ban

By
Agencies
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English Premier League side Chelsea Football Club has been handed a transfer ban by Fifa in relation to the international transfer and registration of players under the age of 18.

The West London has been given two transfer window ban by world’s football governing body for breaking rules around transfers of 29 minor players.

The Blues will be banned from signing new players in the coming summer window in July and August 2019, as well as January 2020.

A statement today from Fifa read: ‘The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has sanctioned the English club Chelsea FC and The Football Association for breaches relating to the international transfer and registration of players under the age of 18.

Chelsea was found to have breached art. 19 of the Regulations in the case of twenty-nine (29) minor players and to have committed several other infringements relating to registration requirements for players. The club also breached art. 18bis of the Regulations in connection with two agreements it concluded concerning minors and which allowed it to influence other clubs in transfer-related matters.

The Disciplinary Committee sanctioned Chelsea with a ban on registering new players at both national and international level for the next two (2) complete and consecutive registration periods. This ban applies to the club as a whole – with the exception of the women’s and futsal teams – and does not prevent the release of players.

Additionally, the club was fined CHF 600,000 and given a period of 90 days to regularise the situation of the minor players concerned.

The Football Association was also found to have breached the rules in connection with minors. It was fined CHF 510,000 and given a period of six months to address the situation concerning the international transfer and first registration of minors in football.

The protection of minors is a key element in FIFA’s overall regulatory framework relating to the transfer of players and effective enforcement of these rules is paramount, as also confirmed on various occasions by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

The decisions issued by the Disciplinary Committee were notified today and can be contested before the FIFA Appeal Committee.’

Chelsea will again be able to sign players again in the 2020 summer transfer window.

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COSASE Report: Mutebile and Kasekende be sacked from BoU for failure to supervise staff

By
Our Reporter
-
ON THE FIRING LINE: Governor Mutebile and former deputy Louis Kasekende.

The report of the out-going 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 has 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 following a recent probe of BoU on the 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 say 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 (Tumusiime-Mutebile) and his deputy (Kasekende).

“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 says.

It adds: “In line with G20/OECD Principles of Corporate Governance 2015 it is observed that in countries with Single Tier Board systems, objectivity of the board and its independence from management may be strengthened by the separation of the Chief Executive Officer and Chair.”

For instance, MPs in their report note that at the time of writing it, the BoU board had never asked for any report as regards the closure of the seven defunct banks and they tag this weakness to Tumusiime- Mutebile and Kasekende heading that board despite being top managers of BoU.

Under the arrangement above, the MPs said the board failed to supervise the banking sector, particularly the closure of the seven banks which was done by BoU officials without adhering to guidelines laid down in the Financial Institutions Act 2004.

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.

Commenting on the report former minister Captain Francis Babu said Tumusiime-Mutebile and Kasekende should take responsibility for the mess at BoU, saying their juniors could have done things the wrong way without the two principals knowing their staff had acted out of the law. “A regulator cannot work without laws to govern them,” he said.

Babu said government has not done enough to strengthen BoU so as to regulate the banking sectors.

Meanwhile the committee has recommended that Secretary to the Treasury Keith Muhakanizi or his representative not below the rank of Commissioner be a non- voting member on the board. “This will be a good safeguard against any likely compromising of the Bank of Uganda independence guaranteed under Article 162 (2) of the constitution,” the report notes.

Further the report blamed government for creating a contradiction in the appointment of the governor of BoU and his deputy to the board. For instance, the MPs in the report noted that whereas Article 161(2) of the Constitution provides that the Board shall consist of the Governor, Deputy Governor and nor more than five other members, the BoU Act in section 7 provides that the Board of Directors shall consist of the Governor, Deputy Governor, Secretary to the Treasury and not less than four nor more than six other directors.

The MPs in the report advise that the above contradiction be addressed.

The report which was presented to MPs in parliament yesterday now awaits to be debated with the MPs expected to make further recommendations on how BoU are appointed but also how they will improve their performance in the regulation of the local banking sector.

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