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NRM CEC approves lining-up for internal elections

By
Trevor S Baleke
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NRM National chairman who doubles as President of Uganda Gen. Yoweri Museveni.

The Central Executive Committee (CEC) of the ruling National Resistance Movement – NRM on Saturday, Feb 16, 2019 agreed to recommend to members and other organs of the party the amendment of the Party Constitution to provide for lining-up as a mode for all internal elections.

CEC is the highest policy organ of the NRM after the National Delegates’ Conference (NDC).

The NDC which is set to sit in November this this year, has a standing committee called the National Executive Council, which deals with policy matters on its behalf.

Below CEC, in respective order, are the district conference, sub-county conference, parish conference, the branch and the cell. According to the NRM constitution, the NRM CEC is mandated to perform 11 functions.

They include providing and exercising political leadership in the country, formulating policy for consideration by NEC, supervising the day-to-day conduct of the organisation’s activities, appointing organisational functionaries from amongst members of NRM, propagating the NRM policies, and recommending to NEC, NRM candidates seeking nomination for the offices of national chairperson, vice chairperson, secretary general, deputy secretary general and national treasurer and presidential candidate for NRM.

Others are advising the chairperson and the National Executive Council in the performance of their functions; implementing the decisions of the National Conference and NEC; ensuring that all organs of NRM function properly and implement the policies and decisions of NRM; as well as prescribing rules and regulations for the functioning and operation of special organs and caucuses.

The five day retreat at Chobe Safari Lodge in Nwoya district is running under the theme; Building on Solid Achievements, Consolidating the Unity of NRM and the Transformation of Wananchi, towards achieving Vision 2040’.

On agenda are discussions on ideology and strategy, the economy, constitutional amendments and resource mobilization chaired by party chairman, president Yoweri Museveni.

Uganda Vision 2040 provides development paths and strategies to operationalize Uganda’s Vision statement which is “A Transformed Ugandan Society from a Peasant to a Modern and Prosperous Country within 30 years” as approved by Cabinet in 2007. It aims at transforming Uganda from a predominantly peasant and low income country to a competitive upper middle income country.

CEC has also set up a Sub committee to enhance resource mobilisation for the party and it is expected to report back to CEC within a period not exceeding one month, according to Rogers Mulindwa the senior manager of communications at the party Secretariat.

“The Committee will be chaired by the 1st National Vice Chairman of NRM Hajji Moses Kigongo with the National Treasurer Hon Rose Namayanja Nsereko as its Secretary,” said Mulindwa in a message.

Other members on the committee are Hon. Sam Engola (Northern), Maj. Gen. Jim Muhwezi (Veterans), Hon. Mike Mukula (Eastern), Dr. Robert Rukari (Entrepreneurs) and the Deputy National Treasurer Dr. Kenneth Omona.

This Sunday 17th February 2019, CEC will consider the papers on the economy of Uganda with emphasis on how to transform the lives of the 68 per cent households who have not emerged out of the Subsistence Production.

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South Africa ex-ambassador seized over MTN dealings

By
Agencies
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Yusuf Saloojee

South African police arrested a former ambassador to Iran on corruption charges related to the award of a mobile-phone license to MTN Group Limited. after it was initially given to Turkcell Iletisim Hizmetleri AS.

The case has been the subject of legal claims for several years by the Turkish company, which accuses Johannesburg-based MTN of paying bribes to South African and Iranian officials. MTN secured 49 percent of Irancell Telecommunication Co. Services in 2005, which gave it a license to operate in the country, after the stake was originally awarded to Turkcell. MTN has always denied the bribery charges.

Yusuf Saloojee, 75, was seized by the Hawks, a South African anti-corruption police unit, over allegations he facilitated the cancellation of the Turkcell license by the Iran government, which was then awarded to MTN. Saloojee, now retired, is accused of earning 1.4 million rand ($99,170) for his role in the process, which was then used to buy a house in Pretoria, according to a Friday statement by the Hawks.

“MTN has consistently denied that there is any credible evidence that it promised Ambassador Saloojee any money, or that Ambassador Saloojee accepted money from MTN,” the carrier said in an emailed response to questions. “The allegations against MTN and Ambassador Saloojee appear to be based on the evidence of a single witness, Mr Chris Kilowan, a disgruntled former employee of MTN.”

Legal Action

The ex-ambassador’s arrest may have implications for the outcome of Turkcell’s latest attempt to sue MTN, which was filed in South Africa’s High Court in Johannesburg in 2017. The Istanbul-based company is demanding $4.2 billion in damages, based on profit the carrier says it could have made had it been able to keep the license, plus interest.

MTN shares reversed gains and traded 1.8 percent lower at 84.50 rand as of the close in Johannesburg, valuing the company at 161 billion rand. The stock has slumped more than 34 percent over the past 12 months.

Iran is MTN’s second-biggest market, with 44.5 million subscribers at the end of March. The country has been a thorn in the carrier’s side of late, as U.S.-led sanctions prevent MTN from being able to repatriate funds from the nation. The company is also facing legal claims in Nigeria, its biggest market, over the alleged non-payment of $2 billion of back taxes, while the head of MTN’s Uganda division was deported earlier Friday.

Turkcell first sued Johannesburg-based MTN in the U.S. in 2012, though was later forced to withdraw the claim after the Supreme Court ruled that it couldn’t be heard in the country. The case was later filed in South Africa in 2013, but was delayed following objections by MTN and subsequent amendments.

Saloogee was granted bail by the Johannesburg Specialised Commercial Crimes Court and his case will be heard on April 17.

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Shock as Nigeria’s electoral body postpones general elections on polling day

By
Our Reporter
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Some of Nigerian presidential candidates.

The last-minute delay of Nigeria’s general elections by a week carries dangers for both President Muhammadu Buhari and his main opponent, Atiku Abubakar.

While the electoral commission said the postponement just over five hours before polls were due to open Saturday was for logistical reasons, it reinforces opposition criticisms that state institutions under Buhari aren’t independent and are incompetent. The threat to Abubakar’s campaign is that the delay will discourage voters in areas where he needs a high turnout to win. Millions of Nigerians had traveled to their hometowns to vote.

The decision early Saturday may heighten tensions in what has been a tight race in Africa’s biggest democracy between Buhari, a 76-year-old former military ruler, and businessman and ex-vice president Abubakar, 72. Analysts were split down the middle over who would win. Both Buhari’s All Progressives Congress and Abubakar’s People’s Democratic Party condemned the delay.

“There is a possibility that popular anger and the manner of the postponement could galvanize more people to come out to vote,” said Cheta Nwanze, head of research at SBM Intelligence in Lagos, the commercial capital. “If there is a higher turnout then, the PDP will win the election. But if the turnout is successfully repressed, the APC will win.”

Buhari is leaving his hometown of Daura, in Katsina state, where he had traveled to vote, to return to the capital, Abuja, his personal assistant Bashir Ahmad said on Twitter.

Buhari Disappointed

The president said he was “deeply disappointed” with the postponement after the electoral body’s “assurances, day after day and almost hour after hour that they are in complete readiness for the elections. We and all our citizens believed them.” In a statement, he urged the commission to “ensure a free and fair election.”

His opponent Abubakar described the delay as part of a plot by Buhari’s APC party to ensure a low turnout.

“I call on all Nigerians to be patient,” Abubakar, who had traveled to his northeastern hometown of Yola, said in a statement. “We have tolerated the maladministration of this government for four years. We can extend our tolerance a few more days and give them our verdict via our votes.”

Investor Concern

An expectation that the vote would go smoothly bouyed Nigerian equities and bonds in recent weeks. The stock market is up 7.1 percent this month, the second-best performance globally, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. Investors may turn bearish next week if they think the delay was down to political machinations, according to Robert Omotunde, head of investment research at Lagos-based Afrinvest West Africa Ltd.

Independent National Electoral Commission Chairman Mahmood Yakubu announced the postponement at about 2:45 a.m., saying “proceeding with the election as scheduled is no longer feasible.” He said INEC would hold a meeting with the parties at 2 p.m. and refused to answer questions about the commission’s decision.

“Some of it is incompetence, frankly,” said Amaka Anku, Africa analyst at Eurasia Group. “You put someone in charge of something and they say yes everything is fine until they can’t cover up anymore.”

Nigerian elections are regularly postponed. A week before the 2015 presidential and parliamentary vote, it was moved back by more than a month. Buhari went on to win and become the first opposition candidate to take power through the ballot box in Africa’s biggest oil producer. The vote four years before was delayed after balloting had already started.

Heightened Distrust

The postponement “will almost certainly create an environment of heightened anxiety and distrust,’’ Ronak Gopaldas and Ryan Cummings, directors of Cape Town-based Signal Risk, said in an emailed response to questions. “Allegations of vote-rigging and electoral manipulation will inevitably follow, with opposition threats to boycott the vote possible.”

U.S. Secretary of State Michael Pompeo spoke to Buhari and Abubakar on Friday, telling them that “the conduct of the elections is critical for the future of democracy in Nigeria and across Africa,” according to the State Department.

Polling centers were initially meant to open Saturday at 8 a.m., with more than 84 million registered voters across 36 states and the federal capital.

“This thing would have dampened people’s optimism,” said Peter Eduwaye, a 55-year-old doctor in Lagos. “I think we will get a lower voter turnout next week compared to what it would have been today.’’

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‘Endemic’ sexual violence surging in South Sudan: UN human rights office

By
Agencies
-
South Sudan President Salva Kiir, left and opposition rebel leader Riek Machar.

Despite the signing of a peace deal between belligerents last September, UN investigators found that at least 175 women and girls have been raped or suffered other sexual and physical violence between September and December 2018.

If we go by the main road we are raped, if we go by the bush, we are raped. I was raped among others in the same area repeatedly – testimony to UN investigators

The actual level of violence is likely to be considerably higher, OHCHR spokesperson Rupert Colville told journalists in Geneva on Friday.

“Obviously (it is) not the whole picture, but they found 175, women and girls who had been either raped, gang-raped or sexually assaulted or physically harmed in other ways,” he said. “And 49 of those girls who were raped, were children.”

According to a joint report by OHCHR and the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), attacks against women have decreased significantly since the peace accord was signed on 12 September.

Nonetheless, it warns that such incidents are “endemic” in northern Unity state, on the border with Sudan, creating a sense among communities that it is normal to be a victim of sexual violence.

Victim’s testimony recalls recurring attacks

Citing the testimony of one victim, Mr. Colville explained that many women are raped while fetching firewood, food or water – often more than once – as they lack any protection.

“She said, ‘If we go by the main road we are raped, if we go by the bush, we are raped. I was raped among others in the same area repeatedly on three separate occasions.”

The surge in conflict-related sexual violence is attributed to many factors including the breakdown in the rule of law, the destruction of livelihoods, forced displacement and food insecurity, after years of civil war.

Large numbers of armed young men, a ‘toxic mix’

But one of the main reasons is the large number of fighters in the area, who have yet to be reintegrated into the national army, according to the peace deal.

Most of the attacks are reported to have been carried out by youth militia groups and elements of the pro-Taban Deng Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition, SPLA-IO (TD), as well as South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF).

In a few cases, attacks were perpetrated by members of the group affiliated with reinstated Vice President and peace deal participant, Riek Machar, Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO (RM), the UN report says.

“Particularly in this area, there are essentially three main groups who…are involved in these rapes, including the National Government force,” said Mr. Colville. “And a lot of these young men who are heavily armed, are just waiting around…This is a very toxic mix, and there are also youth militia which some of these official groups ally with and you don’t know exactly who they are; they’ve been heavily involved as well.”

Rule of law ‘just not applied’

A key challenge is tackling the prevailing impunity throughout Unity state, which is linked to the volatility of the situation across the country, OHCHR maintains.

“There’s been very little accountability in South Sudan for what is chronic, endemic problem of sexual violence against women and girls,” Mr. Colville said. “Virtually complete impunity over the years, as a result, very little disincentive for these men not to do what they’re doing. The rule of law has just not been applied.”

Mobile courts provide glimmer of hope for victims

Among the practical measures taken to a bid to help vulnerable communities in Unity state, UNMISS has cleared roadsides to prevent attackers from hiding from potential victims.

A mobile court system is also operational in towns, including Bentiu, which has had “some success” in bringing perpetrators to trial, OHCHR’s Mr. Colville said, noting nonetheless that “this is just a drop in the ocean”.

“There are thousands and thousands of perpetrators, there are officers involved, there are commanders who’ve got command responsibility who instead of being investigated and brought to book…have been promoted, and are still in charge of groups operating in this area who are still raping women,” he concluded.

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Vatican defrocks former US cardinal over sex abuse

By
Agencies
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Cardinal Theodore McCarrick

Pope Francis has defrocked former U.S. Cardinal Theodore McCarrick after Vatican officials found him guilty of soliciting for sex while hearing Confession and sexual crimes against minors and adults, the Holy See said Saturday.

The punishment for the once-powerful prelate, who had served as the archbishop of Washington, was announced five days before Francis is to lead an extraordinary gathering of bishops from around the world to help the church grapple with the crisis of sex abuse by clergy and systematic cover-ups by church hierarchy. The decades-long scandals have shaken the faith of many Catholics and threatened his papacy.

Defrocking means McCarrick, 88, who now lives in a friary in Kansas after he lost his title of cardinal last year, won’t be allowed to celebrate Mass or other sacraments.

The Vatican’s press office said that on Jan. 11, the Holy See’s doctrinal watchdog office, the Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith, had found McCarrick guilty of “solicitation in the Sacrament of Confession, and sins against the Sixth Commandment with minors and adults, with the aggravating factor of the abuse of power.”

The officials “imposed on him the penalty of dismissal from the clerical state.”

The Sixth Commandment regards sexual behavior. In addition, McCarrick, when he was ordained a priest in 1958, took a vow of celibacy, in accordance with church rules on priests.

McCarrick appealed the penalty, but the doctrinal officials earlier this week rejected his recourse, and he was notified on Friday, the Vatican announcement said.

The pope “has recognized the definitive nature of this decision made in accordance with (church) law, rendering it as ‘res iudicata,'” the Vatican said, using the Latin phrase for admitting no further recourse.

That meant McCarrick, a one-time “prince of the church,” as cardinals are known, becomes the highest-ranking churchman to be laicized, or dismissed from the clerical state. It marks a remarkable downfall for the globe-trotting powerbroker and influential church fundraiser who mingled with presidents and popes but preferred to be called “Uncle Ted” by the young men he courted.

The scandal swirling around McCarrick was even more damning because it apparently was an open secret that he slept with adult seminarians.

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Uganda’s economy to expand at 6.3% in 2018/19, says IMF

By
George Mangula
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Fish at one of Africa's markets

Uganda’s economy is expected to grow 6.3 per cent in the 2018/19 fiscal year, slightly higher than the 2018 rate of 6.1 per cent, boosted by robust activity in sectors such as manufacturing and construction, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said as its staff concluded a mission to Uganda.

Inflation is expected to climb but flatten out around the central bank’s target of 5 percent over the next 12 months, according to IMF.

“Credit to the private sector has improved, helped by a supportive monetary policy stance. Growth is projected at 6.3 per cent in FY18/19, as manufacturing, construction, and services continue to expand,” an IMF statement said.

Uganda needs a high and sustained economic growth rate to help generate required revenues to fund its development agenda and public debt.

The Finance Ministry says Uganda’s debt stands at 41.5 per cent of GDP but the central bank has said it believes public indebtedness has already topped 50 per cent of the nation’s economic output. The Auditor General is also concerned of the country’s increasing debt.

The IMF said growth could rise to 7 per cent over the next five years if infrastructure and oil sector investments go on as planned, and private sector credit remains supportive.

Uganda expects to start pumping crude oil by 2022 at the latest from fields in western areas near the border with Democratic Republic of Congo. However IMF said that could happen in 2023.

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AMISOM commanders reach consensus on military operations

By
Our Reporter
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Simon Mulongo, the Deputy Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission.

Top military commanders of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) have agreed on key operations and activities to be executed under the Mission’s new Concept of Operations (CONOPS), approved late last year by the Military Operations Coordination Committee (MOCC).

The MOCC comprises of Chiefs of Defence Staff and designated representatives of Troop and Police Contributing Countries, the Federal Government of Somalia, the UN, development partners, and the AU Peace and Security Council.

Military activities which include targeted operations against Al-Shabaab, to flush them out of their hideouts, will be implemented in phases.

“The activities will consist of comprehensive operations in support of the Somalia Transition Plan and will include stability operations targeting Al-Shabaab hideouts and enhancing protection of population centres,” Simon Mulongo, the Deputy Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (DSRCC) for Somalia explained, at the end of the five-day meeting of the military commanders.

The meeting, which ended yesterday, was also attended by representatives of the Somali National Security Forces and other stakeholders.

The Somalia Transition Plan will be implemented in three phases. Activities to be undertaken under the plan, includes the phased and conditions-based troops’ withdrawal and handing over of priority locations in Mogadishu to the Somali Security Forces, in the short term; degrading of Al-Shabaab and securing Main Supply Routes in the medium term; and support to the Somali National Security Forces as they take full charge of the country’s national security responsibilities, in the long term.

“This CONOPS is going to be achievable because I see a lot of clarity in our thoughts and the way we have tried to explain it in the plan,” Mr. Mulongo said while urging the military commanders to work closely with their Somali counterparts to ensure its successful implementation.

The commanders who are leading contingents from Troop Contributing Countries to AMISOM also agreed to reconfigure some of the Forward Operating Bases (FOBs), to ensure the protection of population centres. AMISOM is committed to safeguarding the gains made in securing the country, despite the planned cutbacks in troops.

Lt. Gen. Tigabu Yilma Wondimhunegn, the AMISOM Force Commander called for greater involvement of Somalis in finding a lasting solution to the problems facing the country.

“We should also work on getting the Somalis involved in these operations to enable us to succeed in our plans,” Lt. Gen. Tigabu stated.

Major General Charles Tai Gituai, AMISOM Deputy Force Commander-in-Charge of Operations and Plans, underscored the importance of teamwork amongst the military commanders, in the successful implementation of the CONOPS.

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Newly deployed AMISOM military officers complete induction training

By
Our Reporter
-

Military officers deployed to Somalia have been asked to observe discipline and respect the local culture to help strengthen relations between the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) staff and the civilian population.

The plea was made at the end of a four-day induction course for military staff officers from Troop Contributing Countries held in the capital Mogadishu, today.

“You need to apply the knowledge that you have acquired during the induction course judiciously and effectively in order to complement the functions of the Mission headquarters and help stabilize Somalia,” AMISOM Chief CIMIC Officer, Col. Francis Kangwanda told the participants.

Col. Kangwanda said the aim of the course was to enable staff officers fully understand the environment they will be working in during their one-year tour of duty.

Major Gavin Kasyoka, a military officer from Kenya, said the course has given him an insight on the operations of the AU Mission, Somalia’s cultural norms and the international laws that are crucial in peacekeeping.

“The course has given us a good understanding of our work environment and also what we need to do to help AMISOM fulfil its mandate,” Major Kasyoka added.

His sentiments were supported by Warrant Officer, Sahr Philib Soukenah, from Sierra Leone, who underscored the importance of induction training for officers deployed in conflict environments in the continent.

“I have learnt that it is important to understand the culture of Somalia and the way AMISOM operates. I thank the organizers of the training,” Officer Soukenah said.

The officers were taken through the AMISOM code of conduct and standard operating procedures, Concept of Operations (CONOPS), rules of engagement, prevention of sexual abuse and exploitation, the law of armed conflict and International Humanitarian Law and Somali culture among others.

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AfDB pledges to support $985m EAC 5th development strategy

By
Agencies
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AfDB President Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina.

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has pledged to support the East African Community (EAC)’s 5th Development Strategy, which requires US $985 million over a period of five years.

This was reached at two days ago as the EAC Secretary General Amb. Liberat Mfumukeko met AfDB’s President, Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina at the bank’s headquarters in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.

Mfumukeko specifically sought support in the areas of Agriculture and Industry but especially agri-industrialisation. During the meeting, Adesina noted that it was critical to link infrastructure projects with agriculture development and industrial development for the benefits to reach the common citizenry in EAC.

Dr Adesina also agreed to support establishment of an AfDB coordination and capacity building unit at the EAC HQs noting that the AfDB portfolio has grown and therefore need for more coordination, strategic and analytical capacity;

He said the Bank is committed to present EAC bankable projects to the AfDB coordinated African Investment Forum in November 2019 in South Africa. A joint team of EAC and AfDB will work on preparing bankable projects for presentation to that effect.

The EAC Secretary General during the meeting with Adesina highlighted the progress in the 4 pillars of integration and articulated the support needed from the bank and appreciated the great support provided by AfDB especially in the area of Infrastructure Development and the financial sector.

He also requested support for the implementation of the EAC Heads of State approved infrastructure projects during their Retreat in Kampala in February 2018. The EAC Heads of State approved a list of 286 infrastructure projects which are estimated to cost US 78 billion to implemented over a period of 10 years.

Adesina appreciated the visit by the EAC Secretary General, noting that the EAC is the most active and dynamic regional economic bloc with very clear results and a very high level of political momentum.

He lauded the EAC for the great gains made in the implementation of the Customs Union and the Common Market. He specifically commended the progress in free movement of people and increased trade. He noted that EAC Countries are now issuing the East African e-Passport.

Other officials that added the meeting in Abidjan were: Dr. Khaled Sherif, AfDB Vice-President for Regional Integration and Business Delivery, Dr. Caleb Weggoro, AfDB Executive Director responsible for East Africa; Dr. James Njagu, EAC Chief de Cabinet and Ms. Beata Mukabaranga, EAC Principal Resource Mobilisation Officer.

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NRM Constitutional amendments, infighting key on CEC retreat agenda

By
Trevor S Baleke
-
President Museveni being received at the retreat by SG Justine Lumumba.

The five-day retreat of the Central Executive Committee (CEC) of the ruling National Resistance Movement – NRM party has formally kicked off this Saturday morning under the chairmanship of President Yoweri Museveni – the party’s national chairman.

Museveni who arrived at Chobe Safari Lodge in Murchison Falls National Park – the venue for the retreat yesterday and was received by the party Secretary General, Justine Lumumba is expected to present two papers on ideology and strategy.

CEC, the top most organ of NRM is set to discuss the future of the party, and as well pave way for the continuation of Yoweri Museveni’s presidency.

“The national chairman, President Museveni shall be here for two days, reminding members the ideology and strategy of the mighty NRM,” said Rogers Mulindwa the Senior Communications Manager of the party.

Among CEC members present are; the NRM Secretary General Justine Kasule Lumumba, Hajji Moses Kigongo (1st National Vice Chairperson), Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Kadaga (2nd National Vice Chairperson), Prime Minister Ruhankana Rugunda (Historical Member), Maj Gen Matayo Kyaligonza (Western Region), Mike Mukula (Eastern Region), Sam Engola (Northern Region), Simon Peter Aleper (Karamoja) and Maj. Gen. Jim Muhwezi (Veterans representative) Gen. Kahinda Otafiire,

Others are; Godfrey Nyakana (Kampala Region), Gabriel Kato (PWD Representative), Gidudu Mafabi (Elderly representative), James Tweheyo (Workers representative), Huda Oleru (Special Nominee) and Hajji Nasur Gadafi (Youths). plus a host of others.

During this retreat, the CEC members are expected to agree on a number of proposals for the amendment of both the party and national Constitutions for the continued stability and prosperity of Uganda, according to an insider.

The retreat is expected to come up with proposals that will make NRM primaries more credible and minimise cases of losers in the party primaries running as Independents.

It is expected that the NRM chiefs will come up with proposals for amending the party constitution to replace secret ballot in the party primaries with lining up behind candidates.

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