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Gov’t does not have money to recruit more judicial officers –Museveni

By
Geoffery Serugo
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President Museveni making a remark during the Judicial officers' conference.

President Yoweri Museveni has revealed that government does not intend to recruit more judicial officers due to lack of resources to facilitate them in the execution of their duties.

Museveni’s remarks followed Chief Justice Bart Katureebe’s a point of concern that, there is a lot of case backlog which he said was due to under staffing, poor pay and lack of finance to facilitate all the activities of the judiciary.

Katureebe said he continues to receive reports of corruption at different levels, adding that what remains true is that corruption in whatever form undermines the efficiency of the judiciary.

“When you talk about under staffing, you are not the only ones. Look at our police, if we choose to increase the man power in all sectors, we shall have no money to do other things and in the end, we shall have a crisis,” Museveni said during Judicial officers conference held at Serena hotel.

Museveni said, according to the world policing standards, Ugandans should have one policeman for every 500 peopl, he however, said Uganda with the population of over 40 million people, the country needs a police force of 8000 but currently has only have 430.

“I support the idea of enhancing salaries of judicial officers because their role in society is crucial. We shall do it in tandem with the improvement of the economy. You cannot convict me that I only pay salaries and leave roads, electricity and other services, I can’t agree because it is suicide. We should work according to the need of society as opposed to one who is near the pond,” he said.

Under the theme ‘Integrity and Accountability’, judiciary has also launched electronic payment and toll free customer feedback numbers, a strategy aimed at tackling various challenges and softening the operations within the judiciary.

The toll free numbers are 0800111900 and 0417892900, under this strategy, toll free lines are intended to improve on the Judiciary’s accountability through consistent provision of accurate information.

With the e-payment system, judiciary will partner with Uganda Revenue Authority, pay way machines, mobile money, and commercial banks to pay court fees.

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South Sudan to host its 2019 international fixtures in Uganda

By
Our Reporter
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South Sudan national team

South Sudan’s Football Association (SSFA) has announced that the country’s national teams will host all their 2019 international matches in Kampala, Uganda.

It comes after the national stadium in Juba began reconstruction work on Saturday, which could take up to a year to complete.

According to BBC Sport, Francis Amin, the SSFA President said, “It is cheaper and nearer for us to play in Uganda than moving to Khartoum in Sudan.

“Besides, we also have several South Sudanese who stay in Uganda and can always come to cheer the teams,” Amin added.

Delegates from football’s world body were in Juba to oversee the start of the renovations, which are being aided by a Fifa development programme.

Amin said South Sudan’s shift to Uganda for ‘home’ matches would start in March when they are scheduled to host Tunisia in a 2019 U-23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match which also serves as an Olympic qualifier.

He said they will also be organising several international friendly matches in 2019 which will also take place in Kampala.

South Sudan achieved independence from Sudan in 2011 and was voted into full membership of Fifa at the world body’s annual congress in the Hungarian capital Budapest in 2012.

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Uganda to host over 2,000 delegates at 20th African Water Association congress

By
Our Reporter
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NWSC MD, Dr. Silver Mugisha .

Uganda through the National Water and Sewerage Cooperation (NWSC), will host the 2020 African Water Association (Afwa) Congress, which is expected to attract more than 2,500 delegates from national water and sewerage utilities across the continent.

The official launching ceremony of the dual event took place on Friday January 25, 2019 in Kampala, Uganda, in the presence of AfWA president Abderrahim El Hafidi, NWSC MD Dr. Silver Mugisha, AfWA Executive Director Sylvain Usher and AfWA coordinator and NWSC Director Dr. Rose Kaggwa.

Speaking at the launch of the Congress, the NWSC Managing Director, Eng. Dr Silver Mugisha, said that the Congress is expected to attract over 2,500 delegates cross Africa.

“The Congress will bring together a diverse range of practitioners, scientists, development partners and industry representative, working across different areas of water and sanitation sector across the world,” said Dr. Mugisha.

Dr. Silver Mugisha also assured the delegates that Uganda is one of the most hospitable countries if not the best, they will all feel at home and many of them might end up making Uganda their second home.

“We can promise you the hospitality of Ugandans. Uganda is the most hospitable Country in the world whether you agree or not. So tell everyone coming for the AfWA2020 that they’re welcome.” He said.

The NWSC MD added, “The aim of the #AfWA2020 is to improve water productivity in Africa through bench marking and sharing information at the conference come 2020.”

Mr Muhamood Lutaaya, the regional manager NWSC, revealed that during the 20th congress, AFWA will also celebrate 40 years of existence and launch the first ever African water and sanitation academy.

One of the key objectives of the AfWA2020 is to provide a forum for young water professions, students and early career researchers and practitioners to engage with international experts thus helping to educate the next emerging leaders.

“There will be every excellent exhibition to bring research and practice together in a way to come up with solution and innovation to address the water and sanitation challenges that Africa is facing,” He said.

The Congress will increase the visibility of Uganda and promoting tourism potential and bring a diversity of economic implication to the country.

The 20th AfWA International Congress and Exhibition which will be held from 24th to 27th February 2020 at Kampala Serena Hotel under the theme “Breaking new grounds to accelerate access to water and sanitation for all in Africa.”

This will be an opportunity to present the roadmap of activities that will take place until 2020, in preparation for the next World Water Forum to be held in 2021 in Dakar, Senegal.

Uganda last hosted the Congress in 2010, followed by Morocco in 2012, Kenya 2014 and lastly was in Mali in 2018.

The African Water Association (AfWA), formerly known as Union of African Water Suppliers (UAWS), is a professional association of establishments, enterprises and utilities operating in the areas of drinking water, sanitation and environment in Africa. AfWA has over 100 utilities members from over 40 countries across Africa

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2019 Afcon dates changed due to Ramadan

By
Our Reporter
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Afcon trophy

The Confederation of African Football (Caf) has changed the kick off date of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) slated for Egypt.

The 32nd edition of the continental show-piece was initially scheduled for June 14th to July 13th, but has now been moved to June 21st with the final to be played on July 19th.

The decision was made on January 26, 2019 at Cairo, Egypt, when the Emergency Committee of the Confédération Africaine de Football held a meeting chaired by CAF President Mr. Ahmad Ahmad.

It has been pushed by a week to cater for the holy month of Ramadan. The decision was taken following requests from the Maghreb countries of Morocco, Tunisia and Algeria who want their players to have time to rest after the end of period.

Ramadan will this year be observed from the start of May until the beginning of June.

The group stage draw will take place the Friday 12th April 2019 on an historic place facing the Sphinx and the Pyramids.

The 2019 Africa Cup of Nations will for the first time this year take place in June/July and feature 24 teams rather than sixteen.

Fourteen nations already booked their slot; Kenya, Ghana, Uganda, Madagascar, Tunisia, Senegal, Morocco, Nigeria, Mali, Guinea, Algeria, Mauritania, Ivory Coast and hosts Egypt.

The other ten places will be decided during the final qualifiers in March.

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New African Delivery Units Network launched

By
Our Reporter
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Participants at the launch of New African Delivery Units Network

The African Delivery Units Network, a unique platform for government delivery units across the continent, has been launched in the Senegalese capital Dakar.

The new network, spearheaded by the African Development Bank was launched mid-January at a ceremony held on the sidelines of the International Conference on the Emergence of Africa. Its purpose is to provide a unique platform for peer learning and sharing of best practices and expertise in the field.

Delivery units are small highly skilled teams working at the center of government to help line ministries accelerate delivery of top priority programs and initiatives – have become increasingly popular in recent years.

In Uganda the Office of the Prime Minister runs the delivery unit headed by former Finance minister Ezra Suruma. The unit coordinates ministries in the delivery of government plans and programmes.

The launch in Senegal was preceded by a lively panel discussion in which delivery unit heads from Benin, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, Togo, and Idris Jala, CEO of the Performance Management and Delivery Unit of Malaysia (PEMANDU), shared insights and lessons on setting up and running delivery units within the context of ambitious economic transformation targets.

Jala presented PEMANDU’s delivery model: “Big Fast Results,” generating rich discussion about its relevance to the African context and circumstances. Panel members also shared their experiences, achievements and challenges in tracking and reporting results, organizing delivery labs and instilling a high performance culture.

The panel also highlighted the critical success factors to establishing delivery units, including: strong leadership focused on a limited set of top level priorities, tight budget alignment with key priorities, relentless focus on execution through routine tracking and reporting, strong analytical capability and effective relationship management.

Government delivery units are critical in driving high impact flagship programs and reforms in support of national development plans.

“Delivery Units respond to rising public expectations for faster results, tangible benefits, effective accountability in the use of resources and greater value for money, official said.

The African Delivery Units Network is made up of government delivery units established on the continent and development partners.

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Egypt and Iran accredit Envoys to EAC

By
Our Reporter
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Amb. Liberat Mfumukeko, received credential from the Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to the United Republic of Tanzania H.E Mohamed Gaber Abulwafa

The Secretary General of the East African Community (EAC), Amb. Liberat Mfumukeko, over the weekend received credential from the Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to the United Republic of Tanzania Mohamed Gaber Abulwafa, who is also assigned as the Permanent representative of Egypt to EAC.

The Secretary General briefed the Egyptian diplomat on the current achievements in the pillars of the regional integration and development process. He described Egypt as an important trading partner for the EAC and praised its outstanding role in promoting negotiations for the Tripartite Free Trade Area (FTA) between the EAC, COMESA and SADC.

Mfumukeko and the Egypt envoy discussed several issues including the status of the EAC-EU Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) and also explored areas of collaboration in trade and investment.

On his part, Abulwafa said his country was eager to boost trade and technical cooperation with the EAC Partner States. He informed the Secretary General that Egypt has committed to improve areas of cooperation with the East African Community.

The EAC Secretary General also received the credentials from the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Mousa Farhang who also serve as representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the East African Community.

The Iranian envoy expressed delight at the accreditation commenting that Iran has very good relations with the EAC member states.

“In spite of the good relations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the EAC Partner States, I believe a lot of the potential has not yet explored noting that untapped opportunities abound in trade and investment,’’ remarked Farhang.

Mfumukeko on his part, informed the Iranian Envoy that EAC is open to investment in areas of infrastructure, especially in roads, railways, ports and energy as well as technical and financial support from the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Also present at the accreditation ceremonies was EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge of Political Federation, Mr. Charles Njoroge and officials at the EAC Secretariat.

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2019 Mo Ibrahim Governance Weekend to attract African policy makers

By
Our Reporter
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Mo Ibrahim

The Mo Ibrahim Foundation (MIF)’s flagship annual event, the Ibrahim Governance Weekend (IGW), will be held from April 5-7, 2019, at the Sofitel Hôtel Ivoire in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

The IGW brings together a coalition of decision makers from across the continent and beyond, encouraging informed and frank discussion about leadership in Africa, while celebrating progress in governance.

According to a press statement, the theme of the 2019 IGW will be the subject of African migrations, featuring an African-led conversation about the challenges and opportunities it poses, and its relationship with youth, mobility and jobs.

Key moments at the 2019 IGW will include the Ibrahim Leadership Ceremony, Ibrahim Forum, Now Generation Forum and Ibrahim concert. The 2018 IGW took place in Kigali, Rwanda.

Ibrahim Leadership Ceremony

On Friday, 5 April, we will dedicate an evening to African leadership and explore challenges to governance during the Ibrahim Leadership Ceremony. This year’s ceremony will feature a celebration of the life of Kofi Annan.

Ibrahim Forum

On Saturday, 6 April, a high-level Forum will focus discussion around this year’s theme: African migrations. Migration, whether referring to economic migrants, or refugees and related issues, is often the subject of much political discussion and debate, especially outside the continent. The conversation is often fragmented or overlooks the real dynamics.

Published ahead of the IGW, the annual Forum Report compiles the most relevant and recent data and insights on the selected topic. With facts and figures on migrations, youth, mobility and jobs in Africa, the Report will provide an evidence-based picture on the reality on the continent and will present the African perspective on these topics, thus offering a different narrative. The Report will analyse the specificity of Africa’s context.

Now Generation Forum

Ahead of the Ibrahim Forum, and following its success in 2018, emerging African leaders and young professionals convene for the Now Generation Forum (NGF) on Friday, 5 April. The NGF seeks to gather youth perspectives around the theme of the Ibrahim Forum. Outcomes from these discussions will be actively shared at the Ibrahim Forum by selected representatives from the group.

Ibrahim Concert

The weekend will conclude on Sunday, 7 April, with a live music concert featuring various African artists, such as Fally Ipupa.

Guest events

During the Ibrahim Governance Weekend, the Foundation will also welcome a number of global and African guest organisations. Various events will be hosted by the likes of the International Crisis Group (ICG); Open Government Partnership (OGP); The Africa Report (TAR debates); The B-Team; The School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) Residential School; and the EU/Africa High-Level Group.

The 2019 IGW promises to be a memorable occasion and we look forward to welcoming you in Abidjan.

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Contractors of URA Tower to sue for Shs3b damages

By
Geoffery Serugo
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URA Tower

The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) could be dragged to court for failing to pay Shs3.2 billion in damages to five consulting firms that combined efforts to erect the Shs139 billion 22-floor head office in Nakawa Kampala.

On January 24 notice of arbitration to URA Commissioner Corporate Services, the firms’ consultants through Ms Milton & Co. Advocates claim URA breached the contract vide procurement ref No. URA/CSD/SRVCS/13-14/00002 for the provision of consultancy services for supervision of the building that Museveni opened a week ago.

The firms demanding URA the money are; J.E. Nsubuga Associates Limited, M&E Associates Limited, Kaburu Okello Consulting Engineers, Bikandema &Partners and Project Management &Engineering (Promo) Consultants Limited.

URA has been given seven days to respond to the notice from date of receipt.

“Should we not hear from you within the said time, we shall proceed to file an application for mandatory appointment of an arbitrator in accordance with section 11 (3)(b) of the Arbitration and Conciliation, Act Cap 4, Rule 13 of the Arbitration Rules, laws of Uganda. Should you consider an amicable settlement please let us know in your response,” notice reads in part.

At 22 floors, the Tower, fully funded by the government, has a maximum sitting capacity of 1,700 staff.

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Kenya asks UN to finance Somalia war against Al-Shabaab

By
Agencies
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Al-Shabaab

Kenya has urged the United Nations to finance the continental counter-terrorism mission in Somalia, arguing that this will stop the country from falling back to Al-Shabaab control.

Foreign Affairs Chief Administrative Secretary Ababu Namwamba said there is need to plug funding gaps and boost counter-terrorism efforts.

“The promotion and maintenance of peace and security in the world is the primary mandate of the United Nations,” Mr Namwamba told a gathering of diplomats from the African Union and the European Union in Brussels on Tuesday.

“Unfortunately, the African Union Mission in Somalia (Amisom) continues to suffer insufficient and unpredictable funding,” he said.

TROOPS

Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, Djibouti and Burundi have jointly contributed troops to the 22,000-strong force, initially meant to last only six months in 2007, but which is still engaged in a dogged fight with the terrorist group.

Mr Namwamba, who represented Cabinet Secretary Monica Juma, spoke as Foreign Affairs ministers met in Brussels to buttress AU-EU relations just a week after the DusitD2 attack in Nairobi in which 21 people were killed.

Al-Shabaab took responsibility for the attack.

LUKEWARM SUPPORT

Although he begged more partners to come on board, he criticised UN’s lukewarm support for the Amisom.

With 3,664 soldiers in Amisom, Kenya has previously called for more predictable funding for Amisom.
But the UN Security Council, the global body’s decision-making organ, declined AU’s request to have Amisom benefit from UN funding through assessed contributions.

AMISOM

One of the reasons advanced by the Council’s members is that Amisom is a counter-terrorism force while the tradition at the UN is to fund peacekeeping missions.

If the UN agrees to fund the soldiers, there are fears a precedent will have been set to mix up combat and non-combat troops.

The UN funds Amisom only by recompensing its equipment and other logistical expenditure. Yet Nairobi and peers have complained in the past that the money is usually delayed.

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Ugandans continue to boycott OTT tax, transact less mobile money

By
Isaiah Mwebaze
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Social media logos

A substantial number of Ugandans on the internet have refused to or withdrawn from paying Over the top (OTT) or social media and mobile money taxes which were introduced at the beginning of the 2018/19 financial year, a ‘third-quarter communication industry report’ indicates has revealed.

According to the report, when a daily OTT tax of Shs200 per sim card was introduced in July 2018, over 8 million people paid the tax, but this number, in August, reduced by 1.2 million people to about 6.9 million then to about 6.8 in September.

The decline in the number of OTT taxpayers also meant a drop in the revenue collected. The report shows that the government collected over Shs4 billion in August of 2018 but the figure dropped to 3.9 billion in September. In July, over 5 billion had been collected.

In the last three months of the quarter under review, both the number of OTT taxpayers and figures for OTT revenues declined. 50.4 percent of the internet subscribers used OTT services by the end of September 2018.

According to UCC, 50.4 percent of the internet subscribers used OTT services by the end of September 2018.

The report shows that the Uganda internet market is dominated by mobile internet compared to fixed internet, with mobile internet subscription standing at about 13.6 million up from about 9.9 million reflecting a growth of 38 percent. According to the report, Internet penetration now stands at 35 percent.

Internet subscriptions
The Uganda internet market is dominated by mobile internet compared to fixed internet. The mobile internet subscription now stands at 13.6 million up from 9,855,034 reflecting a growth of 38 percent. Internet penetration now stands at 35 percent.

Mobile money

Regarding mobile money transactions, while the amount of money deposited in digital wallets has grown, people have reduced on the number of transactions they make. The behavior has been brought about by the introduction of 0.5 percent mobile money tax on withdraw of money.

The report shows people still prefer mobile money for deposits since they are not charged for keeping their money with mobile network operator like it is in banks. But they’ve reduced on the number of transactions in order to avoid paying more taxes.

According to the report, the value of mobile money transactions significantly dropped from Shs19.3 billion in the second quarter of 2018 before the introduction of mobile money tax to Shs14.8 billion after introducing the tax in the third quarter. Authorities had earlier registered Shs18.1 billion in the fourth quarter of 2017, then Shs18.8 billion in the first quarter of 2018.

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