Jubilee vice-chairperson David Murathe has dismissed Deputy President William Ruto’s 2022 presidential bid and called on Rift Valley to produce another candidate.
Murathe, who is a close ally of President Uhuru Kenyatta, said Ruto has served his term and should prepare to exit in 2022.
“Huyu mtu ukimuachia dakika kidogo unaona kile anafanya. Sasa ukipatia yeye hii kiti si kutakuwa kubaya? (You can see what this man can do with the little time he has been given. It will be bad if he is given the seat),” Murathe told the Star on phone yesterday.
The former Gatanga MP was referring to the DP as he responded to calls by Ruto allies that the party should conduct elections to “have a leadership with a legitimate mandate.” Last week, Murathe urged Western Kenya leaders to unite and “give Central Kenya someone they can work with” in the 2022 presidential elections.
The remarks seemed to suggest that Jubilee was no longer keen on Ruto as Uhuru’s successor. Ruto allies have criticised Murathe saying his remarks could rock the party.
Leaders, including Kirinyaga governor Anne Waiguru, called for Party elections to replace Murathe.
“These kutanga tanga people should stop blackmailing me because I will not change my mind. I’m a leader who serves Kenyans and not individuals with selfish interests,” Murathe said.
He asked leaders to support the government’s Big Four agenda and avoid making statements that undermined national unity and development. Murathe asked Ruto and his allies to forget intimidation and blackmail to have their way. “Leading a country is not easy. We want a person who will take over from where Uhuru shall leave and continue with the transformation agenda,” he said.
Read: You can have my job – Murathe tells Waiguru on fresh party elections call
WIN PARTY TICKET
He said Ruto’s mandate was tied with that of Uhuru and that the DP has to go in 2022. “He had a mandate with the president for 10 years and now he wants another 10 as a president. It’s not tenable.”
He defended his opinion saying he has a democratic right to comment on issues affecting the party and the nation.
He asked Ruto to focus on winning the Jubilee party ticket before launching campaigns. “If he wins, I will support him. But he should first convince delegates to endorse him as flag bearer,” Murathe said.
Somalia has expelled the UN’s top envoy, Nicholas Haysom, accusing him of “shaming” the world body by acting like the country’s ruler.
Mr Haysom had raised concern about the killing of protesters allied with ex-militant Islamist Mukhtar Robow.
Security forces were allegedly involved in the deaths of about 15 of the protesters and the detention of about 300 people, the UN says.
Somalia’s government is heavily dependent on foreign aid.
The UN provides training, uniforms and stipends to its security forces, who are battling militant Islamist group al-Shabab.
Mourning the dry cleaner of Mogadishu
Who are al-Shabab?
Mr Robow, a former deputy leader of al-Shabab, defected from the group in 2017.
He announced last October that he intended to run for the presidency of Somalia’s South West state.
However, the security forces banned him from contesting the poll and arrested him in early December, saying he had not “relinquished his extremist ideologies”.
‘Sovereignty violated’
Mr Haysom wrote to the government on 30 December, questioning the legal basis for Mr Robow’s arrest and the subsequent crackdown on his supporters demonstrating in Baidoa, the capital of South West state.
It is unclear whether the government replied to Mr Haysom’s concerns, but Foreign Minister Ahmed Isse Awad said the UN envoy was “no longer welcome” in the country.
“Mr Haysom has violated diplomatic rules, and acted as though he is the head or the ruler of Somalia. He is a shame to the conduct of the UN and has violated the sovereignty and independence of Somalia,” he told BBC Somali.
Mr Haysom is a South African and was a legal adviser to the country’s first black President Nelson Mandela.
He later served as a UN envoy to Afghanistan, Sudan and South Sudan.
He was appointed as UN chief Antonio Guterres’ special representative for Somalia in September 2018, and was assigned the task of helping to achieve peace in the country.
Somalia has been unstable since the fall of the Siad Barre regime in 1991.
Is Kasekende recommending Kagugube for Mutebile’s job?
The struggle to replace bank of Uganda Governor, Emmanuel Tumusiime Mutebile is tense with reports indicate that Deputy Governor Dr. Louis Kasekende is now backing Centenary bank’s Simon Kagugube to replace his boss.
Mutebile’s contract runs out next year and given his health status, he is likely not going to take another shot and this directly would leave his deputy in position to run BoU. However, the latest is that given the ongoing investigation on Bank of Uganda by Parliament’s committee on Commissions Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (Cosase), hopes of Kasekende succeeding Mutebile are zero because his name has been heavily tainted in the scandal. And that is why, he has reportedly zeroed on Kagugube who hails from Buganda like him.
Eagle Online has been informed that among the names being fronted for Mutebile’s job include that of Kagugube and that lobbying has intensified on religious and tribal grounds given that the top considerations are a key in most appointments in Uganda.
Kasekende is under probe by Inspectorate of Government and on October 18, 2018, the IGG wrote to Kasekende informing him of the decision to verify his assets, which she said was according to the Leadership Code Act, 2002.
“Mr. Victor Acidri, a Senior Principal Inspectorate Officer and Ms. Doreen Tusiime, an Inspectorate officer, have been authorized to conduct the verification exercise and obtain information in respect of this matter,” read part of the letter.
According to the leaked document, Kasekende’s properties, 20 in number, range from medium to high class residential establishments enjoying the special amenities that come with their strategic location within the proximity of the city centre.
The document shows that Kasekende owns plots of land in Lukuli Makindye (2), Makandwa, Sentema and Bira (2), each measuring below an acre.
The IGG asked Kasekende to cooperate with the officers as they seek to establish the truth. Kasekende and other top officials at BoU are currently in the spotlight as parliament’s Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (Cosase) quizzing them over the controversial liquidation and sale of seven commercial banks. Some of the officials are alleged to have benefited from the deals.
A leaked document shows that The Bank of Uganda (BoU) deputy governor Dr. Louis Kasekende transferred 12 plots of land into the names of his driver Moses Musitwa in an effort to dodge the scrutiny of the Inspector General of Government (IGG).
The IGG among other mechanisms used the Leadership Code Act 2002, to catch senior public officials who may have involved in corruption to grow wealth. The officials are required by the Act to declare their properties for purposes of accountability and transparency.
According to the document, Dr. Kasekende transferred the properties to the names of his driver on January 31, 2018.
The document says Kasekende has 35 properties in his names yet he only declared to IGG six properties.
The leaked documents show that much as Kasekende transferred the properties into names his driver Musitwa, there is no evidence to show that the deputy governor sold the plots to the latter.
The plots are located in Busiro on Block 314. They are plots No. 6090, 6091, 6092, 6093, 6094, 6095, 6096, 6097, 6098, 6099, 6100 and 6101. The plots range from 0.0450-0.0590 hectares.
Aruu County South legislator, Odonga Otto last year tabled what he referred as evidence against Dr. Kasekende in COSASE but in his response to the Speaker of Parliament, Dr. Kasekende has denied all the allegations saying most of what was table by Otto are manipulated bank statements and land titles meant to tarnish his name.
The year 2018 is a year that many of us have to remember because of the many funny, disastrous, sorrowful and happy events have happened in this country. I will try to be brief and make sure I categorize the events as they have happened this year;
Politics
To start with, politics is something we can never avoid in the day to day life and indeed it made headlines on all kinds in the media inside Uganda and out of the country, but let’s first define politics, the definition is somewhat simple that it is often loosely used or applied. And when it is watered down in its usage and application it is often called politicking.
But first, politics is about winning and using of power to govern society. Secondly, politics is a personal belief about how a country or a state should be governed. And thirdly, a study of the art of governing or the government of the state; it means the administration of the state affairs.
The second meaning of politics is more applicable at a situation like what Bobi wine is looking forward to in all his antagonistic moves. That is the general election. To put it comprehensively, it is about how well a country should be governed and so the self- assessment comes, a certain person would think for himself as the best person to have a shot at the position of governing, so comes the campaigning and the politicking.
That aside, Uganda has this year experienced a lot of politicking and this has been the politics of bitter exchanges between the ruling party and those from the opposition who think their main role is to always oppose whatever the government does. Just this year many political figures have come on the limelight attracting both local and foreign media attention not by mistake but by design and this is not something new but some trick that has been used by many opposition politicians all over the world.
Still under politics, many by-elections took place and the ruling party took the lion’s share and the other parties also took their small fractions in some parts of the country where they managed to mobilize for support and that is good for the democracy of the country like Uganda if all parties are being represented in the parliament.
Passing on of eminent Ugandans
The country this year lost many important people that made all of us shade a tear. They included Mr. Ibrahim Abiriga, who was shot dead with his brother at Kawanda when he was heading back to his home, Afande Muhammad Kirumira was also gunned down in his car as he was heading back home and here still the assailants were riding on Boda Boda bikes in a similar attack like that Abiriga and many others. The country also lost a good number of citizens on Lake Victoria due to the boat that capsized leaving many dead.
Many deaths on the highways especially Masaka road and Gulu highway, the landslides in Bududa once again killed a good number of Ugandans and this made this year a sorrowful one for us.
Some of the memorable events
In April this year, Uganda received some very good news that made everyone proud of their country no matter the political ideology, The likes of Stella Chesang, Mercyline Chelangat, Joshua Kiprui Cheptegei, Chekwe and others managed to bring us here three gold, one silver and two bronze medals and that rounded up to six medals for Uganda at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Australia’s gold coast.
Athletics aside, Uganda Cranes also qualified again for the African Cup of Nations and we are to compete in the upcoming African Cup of Nations competitions in Morroco this year 2019 and this was also good news for us this year.
We hosted Kim Kardashian a celebrated American Model and the husband Kanye West one of America’s celebrated rappers in Uganda at Chobe Safari Lodge where they spent some time and also donated a lot of stuff to a number of camps and orphanages, this did not only benefit those who got donations but it also marketed Uganda in the world as one of the best Tourism destination.
And to seal it all was Ugandan beauty queen Quiin Abenakyo performing very well at the Miss World competitions and finally being crowned Miss Africa in the stiff competitions that were held in China, she made us very proud as Ugandans and with that our flag was raised high all over the world.
That stated, a lot more has been done reached at by government not forgetting the infrastructural development where many roads have been completed making transport easy and all in all Uganda now has the very first cable bridge in Jinja that has attracted many Ugandans to the Eastern part of the country and a lot will be done by government according to the signs but all in all as a citizen of Uganda I would like to thank government and all Ugandans for being abiding to the laws governing this country and together we will fight corruption which has remained as a serious vise in the country, Tribalism and nepotism plus the usual disease of unemployment which is all over the country .May this year 2019 be a wonderful one for everyone.
A repeat of last year, the three players will be hoping to begin the year with the crown of Player of the Year for their exploits in 2018.
Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and 2015 winner Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, have made the final top three for the most prestigious individual accolade in African football.
Gabonese icon Aubameyang, maintains his familiar status amongst the top three finalists since 2014, thus five times in a row and equaling the record of Ivorian legend Yaya Toure and Ghanaian midfield supremo Michael Essien.
Four-time Player of the Year, Toure, achieved the feat (2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015) and Essien (2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009). The 29-year old will be hoping to lay his hands on the enviable crown a second time.
Liverpool forward Salah made history becoming the first Egyptian to be decorated Player of the Year since the inception of the awards scheme in 1992. It is the second time, he has made the final three and Salah has his eyes set on joining the elite league of players to win the honour back-to-back.
Senegalese El Hadji Diouf (2001, 2002), Samuel Eto’o of Cameroon (2003, 2004) and Toure (2011, 2012) are the only three to win successive titles.
Sadio Mane came third in 2016 and second in 2017. He will be hoping to be third time lucky and become the second Senegalese to win the topmost individual honour after Diouf.
The final three man shortlist involved votes from CAF Media Experts, Legends, Coaches of the quarter-finalists of the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup, and Coaches & Captains of the 54 Member Associations.
The Awards Gala, to honour footballers and officials who distinguished themselves during the year will be held on Tuesday, 8 January 2019 in Dakar, Senegal.
Mityana Municipality MP, Francis Zaake in pain after he was tortured by Special Forces in Gulu.
As the year 2018 comes to a close we can’t help but notice the tale tell signs that keep reminding us of this year near summation.
We take a look back at this year’s biggest and most memorable events and which lessons we should carry with us into the New Year and what it means for the future of Ugandans.
From the tragic death of one of Uganda’s greatest musical icons to the much needed win by Quinn Abenakyo as she was crowned Miss Africa in the recent Miss World competitions, the list is endless when it comes to the news that rocked our country’s headliners. Eagle online sat down to look back at this year and what events made it significant.
One of the major signs of the fast approaching festive season is the annual mass urban-rural migration that takes place in early December as thousands travel back to their various villages in anticipation of the coming festivities and New Year. To mark this we start off with one achievement that makes this migration possible:
The construction of the Jjinja
The new 525 metre bridge in Jjinja that was commissioned by President Yower kaguta Museveni this year was one of the biggest highlights of 2018. The newly constructed Nile bridge called ‘the source of the Nile Bridge’ cost a staggering $12million and will not only open up various business opportunities for both citizens and foreign businessmen but it will also greatly improve the transportation services for both farmers and tourists looking to visit the source of the Nile. A sight to behold; the Bridge stands gloriously above the River Nile as it lights up the night sky with colors beaming with pride of the accomplishments this year brought for Uganda.
Social Media\Mobile Money Tax:
Earlier in July the president Museveni sanctioned into law new taxes that would require citizens of Uganda to pay a certain fee in order to access social media. The social media and mobile money tax were considered rather regressive and thus were met by a strong uproar form social media users who felt that the new laws were highly exploitative. Although the president explained the need for such taxes in order to boost the country’s economy in order reduce the amount of debt accumulated from foreign loans and investments, Ugandans still hold reservations concerning the particular management of these funds given the poor track record of the Ugandan government in the past when handling government resources and its corrupt officials.
The Age-limit Ruling:
In July the petition to amend the constitution that pertains to the age-limit beyond which one cannot rule was passed. The petition that would see the current incumbent president: President Museveni rule beyond 75 years has had quite a rocky, even violent build up since it was first presented to parliament by a one M/s Evelyn Anite, State Minister of Investment and her colleagues. The petition has since been vehemently rejected not only by the people of Uganda but also Member of opposition climaxing into a full on physical confrontation with special forces inside the parliamentary chamber in front of millions tuned in. this however, was not enough to stop the amendment of the constitution and this year in July, the presidential age limit was scrapped with a majority vote from four judges out of the five who had presided over the case in Mbale. On the other hand the petition to extend the terms of office for Member of Parliament from five to seven years was rejected and pronounced null and void.
MP Abiriga’s ill fated Beetle Volkswagen at the scene where he was killed.
Abiriga and Kirumira Assassinations:
A blanket of insecurity enveloped the country earlier this year as two government officials were mercilessly gunned down in the middle of the street by yet to be discovered/revealed assassins, despite the government’s attempt to curb these assassination style killings since the death of former Assistant Inspector General of Police Felix Kaweesi and Joan Kagezi last year. Whilst the former Arua Municipality MP was renowned for his vocal and robust support of the ruling party, the former Buyende District Commander Muhammed Kirumira gained fame and popularity after he publicly came out to criticize the government and police’s methods of administration, even going as far as attempting to defy court orders on several occasions. The death of both these contrasting men shed a little bit more light onto the motives of these killers. Although no particular organization has come out to take responsibility of the assassinations, security officials claim to have a lead and are working around the clock to ensure that these killers are brought to justice; Ugandans recently saw the arrest of many top ranking officials in the police who were behind the killings of Former AIGP Felix Andrew Kaweesi. The Government has further gone ahead to install more security measures such as security cameras in a bid to reduce on the crime in and around the city.
Kale Kayihura Arrest.
On June 13, tension gripped the nation as police and security operatives embarked on a man hunt for a one Kale Kayihura, the former Inspector general of Police. The chase that was closely followed by Ugandans across the nation saw the waste of many government resources in this endeavor including a missed helicopter flight and the thorough search of popular Courtyard Hotel in Lyantonde where he was discovered nearby, at his home in Kashagama. The former IGP who was sacked on the 4th March together with his rival, the then Minister of Security, Henry Tumukunde, one of the main officials behind the demise of the former Police Don albeit his own impromptu sacking. Initially arrested for the murder of his former AIGP, Felix Kaweesi, these charges had to be dropped prematurely due to faults in the evidence presented and a new charge sheet typed up, this time implicating the general on three accounts, mainly: i) failing to protect war materials, ii) failing to supervise police officers and iii) abetting and kidnap of Rwandan refugees and officials. The news of Kayihura’s capture came as a celebration for many but more so for opposition members who felt that the former IGP was in fact partisan official despite government offices requiring a modicum of objectivity and also a saboteur of many political arrangements that went against the ideals of the incumbent president.
Arua riots-Bobi Wine:
The artist turned politician begun his journey not shortly after his One-love beach had been repossessed by the Buganda Kingdom. In 2017, the young celebrity had already dropped his shaggy dreadlocked appearance for a more refined, professional demeanor coupled with his zeal to fight corruption in the halls of governance. Whilst most artistes looked forward to sharing the profits of the ‘Tubonga nawe’ initiative, the former ghetto president was already aligning himself next to the then opposition leader, Dr.Kizza besigye, a clear indication for those paying attention that rogue musician had ideas of his won and on a mission to correct that which the government had failed-free the people of Uganda from tyrannical oppression. Little did he know the price he would have to pay for such a dream, including risking his own life and that of his driver’s Yasin kawuma who lost his in the Arua riots to a stray bullet during the fracas that ensued shortly after? What was supposed to be a peaceful election turned into a blood bath when youths turned riotous provoking police and the military to take action? Captured in his Hotel and detained in an undisclosed location for about two weeks, the young politician and his colleagues suffered a series of torture at the hands of security operatives and were later charged with treason along with other members of the opposition. Like the old adage goes, what doesn’t kill you make you stronger, so was the case for Bobi wine; after his capture and torture the popular politician garnered a lot of fame and support not only locally but internationally as his plight brought to light the oppressive nature of this regime and its lack of respect for human rights. Human rights organisations have also since called for action from both the United Nations and African Union as many advocated for the impeachment and trial of President Museveni due to his abuse of office and democratic façade, a feat few artistes have achieved in this lifetime.
RIP Mose Ssekibogo aka Moze Radio.
Death of Mowzey Radio.
His unique voice and style of music not only take Uganda’s music to the next level where him and his partner Douglas Mayanja aka Weasel won numerous accolades including a nomination for best International act at the Black Entertainment Television awards in 2013. Since their debut album that featured their hit singles ‘nakudata’ and ‘breadnbutter’ the duo has been unstoppable. Until this year, when a drunken brawl with bouncers in a popular hangout in Enttebe claimed the life of Mowzey radio (born Moses Nkintije Ssekibogo) leading to the untimely end of the musical maestro that had become the Goodlyf crew. The tragedy that befell this talented musician broke the hearts of many fans both here and across the globe but it also called into question the reckless lifestyle of not only Mowzey radio but most celebrities and artists in Uganda. A musical genius like never seen before, Mowzey’s melodic voice will forever sing on in our hearts, a stark reminder of the consequences of our actions.
BEFORE AND AFTER: Qute Kaye
Qute kaye.
Another artist who almost reached the brink of ruin, Kavuma Ivan aka Qute Kaye, made headlines this year when he was grabbed red handed stealing car headlights. Some Ugandans would refer to him as a veteran artist and one of the pioneering acts behind the ‘slay king’ era long before social media was even a thing and Maurice Mugisha still roamed the streets with his angels. As all one hit wonders go, Qute kaye came on the spot light in the early 2000s, serenading his many fans with his emotional and captivating voice that carried across messages of love and romanticism but then disappeared not shortly after that only to return as a gospel artist albeit its lack of popularity. In 2011 false rumours of the ‘Ginkese’ singer’s death begun circulating the media but it was later revealed that the artist had in fact been ill for some time. Although it is not clear what transpired in the artist’s life thereafter, it was clear for all that the struggling artist was not going to be releasing music anytime soon. A drug addict and failed musician forced to revert to petty crime to survive, 2018 did not find Qute kaye looking his best, nonetheless this did not stop Ugandans and hardcore fans from reaching out to lend a helping hand including Mama Fina and Captain Mike Mukula. We wish him a quick recovery and quick return to the studio. Quiin Abenakyo
Miss Uganda win.
Despite a rough start due to poor mismanagement and funding, in addition to a grueling training program, Quinn Abenakyo showcased the utmost resilience and grace when she boldly braved the challenges both here in Uganda and China to go on to be the first ever Ugandan to be crowned the Miss Africa 2018. A Makerere business school graduate, Abenakyo has not only made Ugandans around the world proud but also paved a way for many young black girls to dream big and set out to achieve those dreams even though they might seem impossible or far-fetched. The African Beauty who hails from the land of Busoga managed to secure the title of ‘Miss Africa’ by wowing not only the judges but the audience as well by sharing her ‘beauty with brains’ initiative that aims to fight underage pregnancies that force many young girls to drop out of school. Although many girls have gone on to represent Ugandan at the Miss World contests, Abenakyo makes history as the first Ugandan to make it to the final rounds and wining among the top five finalists.
Lake Victoria boat cruise accident.
This heart wrenching incident that took place on the very waters of Lake Victoria claimed the lives of about 30 people including some of the first responders to the rescue. The ill-fated boat that ferried more than 100 revelers and celebrities across the Lake was owned by Templar Bisasse who also succumbed to the boat accident alongside his wife and many other youths. Although details aren’t clear on what caused the boat to sink, it is clear that the boat exhibited technical difficulties from the very word go; Singer Irene Namubiru was among the few survivors and her tales of the ordeal indicate that the boat had been flooding before it went under. Other survivors who shared harrowing details of the boat accident expressed a clear lack of safety measures on board as some survivors and victims were found without any life jackets or safety precautions. The boat accident not only shed light into the need for stronger safety measures but also a need for more regulatory maritime policies around water bodies in Uganda as the resucue operation was found to not only be short staffed highly inadequate.
IPOD summit:
On Wednesday Uganda held its Inter-party organisation for dialogue (IPOD) where different political figure heads including the President met and sat down to tackle a number of issues concerning the Nation. This comes as great news for many Ugandans given the political tension that is ever prevalent in Uganda’s internal affairs and also goes ahead to provide a platform through which all political parties can come together to prioritise the needs of Ugandans. The last time Mr Museveni gave such an audience to his rivals was in 2016 when he sat down with different candidates in a presidential debate at the serena hotel. He chastised the absecence of his arch rival party-Forum for democratic Change (FDC)
People in the Democratic Republic of Congo are voting for a new president in an election delayed for more than two years.
Close to 40m people are eligible to vote for a replacement for President Joseph Kabila – in power since 2001.
But the run-up has been hit by violence and controversy over the decision to exclude almost 1.3m people from voting.
On Saturday, rival candidates also failed to agree on a statement aimed at reducing tension before the poll.
Voting began at 05:00 (04:00 GMT) and ends at 17:00.
What’s the context for these elections?
If everything passes without incident, this will be the first peaceful transition in DR Congo since it gained independence from Belgium in 1960.
The current president took over from his assassinated father Laurent in 2001, but he is barred from running for another term under the constitution.
Outgoing President Joseph Kabila
Five things to know about DRC
He was supposed to step down two years ago, but the election was postponed after the electoral commission said it needed more time to register voters.
The decision triggered violent clashes, as the opposition accused Mr Kabila of trying to cling on to power.
Then last week, the election was delayed again, for seven days, because of problems deploying voting materials to polling sites.
This all came after thousands of electronic voting machines – being used for the first time – were destroyed in a fire in the capital, Kinshasa.
There are 21 candidates, but three frontrunners:
Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary, a former interior minister and Kabila loyalist, who was hit by European Union sanctions for his role in the violent suppression of opposition protests in 2017;
Martin Fayulu, a former oil executive who has promised “a dignified and prosperous Congo”, but who poor Congolese feel may not advance their cause;
Felix Tshisekedi Tshilombo, the son of a late veteran opposition leader who has promised to make the fight against poverty his priority.
EU observers not invited
The three leading candidates and electoral officials met in a Kinshasa hotel on Saturday to, as Mr Fayulu said, “sign an agreement which ensures we will all behave correctly during and after the electoral process”.
But in the end, he and Mr Tshisekedi wanted amendments and refused to sign the text.
This week, voting in three districts was postponed until March, with the electoral commission blaming insecurity and an Ebola virus outbreak.
About 1.2m people will not be able to vote on Sunday as a result.
The decision in effect cancelled their votes, as the new president is due to be sworn in by mid-January regardless.
A crowd attacked an Ebola clinic in the east of the country after the announcement.
Regional observers will be keeping a close eye on voting, but European and American observers, who had concluded previous elections in the country had lacked credibility, have not been invited.
What is the significance of DR Congo?
The vast central African state is rich in mineral resources and is the world’s leading producer of cobalt, used to power mobile phones and electric cars.
However, it has high levels of poverty, bad infrastructure, and a political and business elite accused of enriching itself at the expense of the poor.
It has also been at the centre of what some observers call “Africa’s world war”, between 1997 and 2003.
The conflict, which dragged in regional states, claimed up to six million lives, either as a direct result of fighting or because of disease and malnutrition.
As the year 2018 draws to a close, we look back at some of the most notable sports events that took place in Uganda and all-over the world;
ATHELTICS: Joshua Kiprui Cheptegei completed the double by winning the men’s 10,000m after his 5,000m gold at the ongoing Commonwealth Games in Australia in April.
Cheptegei became the third in history to win the double at the Commonwealth Games. The last Ugandan to achieve the feat was Moses Kipsiro at the Delhi Games in 2010.
Stella Chesang is another Ugandan who won Gold in the women’s 10000m (25 laps) final after clocking a time of 31:45.30. Mercyline Chelangat picked up Bronze after finishing third in the same race.
NETBALL: The She Cranes qualified for 2019 Netball World Cup in August. They beat Zambia 64-52 at the International Youth Olympic Center in Lusaka in August to book the third African slot. They went on to win the 2018 Africa Netball Championship undefeated.
Uganda will be making her third appearance at the Netball World Cup after 2015 and 1979 appearances. The tournament will be staged at the Echo Arena in Liverpool, England in July 2019.
In September, Uganda won the World University Netball title. Uganda hosted the tournament and edged South Africa 44-43 in the final minutes of the tension packed final at Makerere University’s new indoor facility.
Joshua Cheptegei
RUGBY: The Black Pirates side won all the silverware available in the 2017/18 season, winning the Uganda Cup, National rugby league and the National Sevens. They defeated Betway Kobs to be crowned the Nile Special Premier Rugby League champions with a 27-12 score line.
FOOTBALL: On 17th November, Uganda Cranes qualified for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations after beating Cape Verde 1-0 in Kampala. Uganda had spent nearly 40 years failing to qualify for the Nations Cup, but will now contest back-to-back tournaments for the first time since the seventies.
On March 17, KCCA FC beat Ethiopia’s St. George 1-0 at the StarTimes Stadium to advance on a 1-0 goal aggregate and become the first Ugandan club to ever advance to the group stages of the Champions League. Muhammad Shaban scored the only goal.
Uganda-netball-she-Cranes
In May, Vipers SC won the 2017/18 Uganda Premier League with a 4-1 win over army side UPDF FC at the St Marys Kitende stadium. KCCA FC who needed a win to retain the trophy finished second after they could only manage a two all draw against police FC. SC Villa finished third.
KCCA defeated Vipers 1-0 in the Stanbic Uganda Cup final to be champions in a game that was played at Emokori ground in Bukedea district. Julius Poloto was the hero of the day heading in from an Allan Okello cross.
Vipers Sports Club midfielder Moses Waiswa beat KCCA FC’s Allan Okello and Onduparaka’s Vianey Ssekajugo to be crowned Male Footballer of the year in the 2018 Airtel FUFA awards.
Uganda women’s football team, The Crested Cranes, emerged third at the 2018 COSAFA Women’s Championship after registering a hard fought 1-0 win over Zambia at Wolfson stadium in South Africa.
Uganda’s under 17 football team known as ‘Cubs’ won the CECAFA U-17 tournament to qualify for the 2019 Total CAF U17 Africa cup of nations to be played in Tanzania. They are in Group A alongside Tanzania, Angola and Nigeria.
vipers won league
Cameroon lost the 2019 AFCON hosting rights due to unpreparedness. The new host nation will be chosen between South Africa and Egypt on 9th January 2019.
CRICKET: In October, the Uganda Cricket Association were awarded the hosting rights for ICC World T20 Africa regional finals for qualification towards ICC World T20 2020 global qualifiers in May 2019. Six teams will compete at the 2019 ICC World Twenty20 Africa Regional Finals in Kampala. The top 2 teams will advance to global qualifiers for 2020 ICC World T20 in Australia.
USPA: Patrick Kanyomozi was elected president of Uganda Sports Press Association (USPA). Kanyomozi has been serving as USPA secretary-general before competing for the association’s top position. He garnered 64 votes, accounting to 55% of the total votes cast. Aliguma got 36 votes and Mpoza was voted 16 times.
Patrick Kanyomozi
INTERNATIONALLY: In July, France won the 2018 Fifa World Cup overcoming Croatia 4-2 in a bold challenge in a thrilling final in Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium, Russia.
On April 20, Arsene Wenger made a surprise announcement that he will leave Arsenal Football Club at the end of the season after almost 22 years at the club having won three Premier League titles and a record seven Football Association Cups.
Real Madrid’s Croatia midfielder Luka Modric was named the winner of the 2018 Ballon d’Or breaking Cristiano Ronaldo’s and Lionel Messi’s decade-long hold on the prestigious award.
On 18th December, Manchester United announced that they parted company with their manager Jose Mourinho after two-and-a-half years in charge leaving them in sixth on 26 points after 17 matches, their worst start to a PL campaign.
GULU-The Acholi Paramount chief, David Onen Acana the II has warned members of the public in Acholi to stop engaging in domestic violence as the New Year begins.
His Highness made this remark while delivering his new year message from the Acholi cultural headquarter in Gulu town.
He said domestic violence is still highly prevailing in Acholi among both women and men resulting from poverty, lack of respect, and denial of property rights among others.
He urged that as the people usher in to the New Year they should stop domestic violence which is leading to high family breakdown and contributing to high levels of child neglect to day.
However, reports say many issues have caused women to continually come second place after men , one of the reason hurting women is domestic violence .this is according to research by the United Nation sustainable Development goal program in address to domestic Violence .
More than 1 in 15 women aged between 15 – 49 which is approximately 22 per cent report that they have experienced violence at some point in time as compared with only 1 in 10 (8 per cent) of men cases reported .
The vice has been higher in rural areas than in Urban with highest reported cases for women in Bukedi Region with 39.8 per cent and 12.5 per cent for men in south Central Regions of Uganda.
The Executive director for Uganda bankers association (UBA) Wilbrod Owor (Centre) said the newly introduced Mobile Money Tax risks reversing the inroads made in promoting financial inclusion
UBA holds second annual banker’s conference
Uganda Bankers Association (UBA) held its second Annual Bankers Conference (ABC) 2018 on July 17, under the theme: Financial Sector Stability: Managing Risk in a Growing and Fast Changing Environment”. The conference was held at Kampala Serena Conference Center.
The conference aimed to deliver constructive discussions and recommendations on a range of subject matters affecting the performance and stability of the banking industry at the global, regional as well as domestic level benchmarking on recent bank resolution experiences. It focused on the changing nature of risk and management therein, bank resolution experiences, banking sector reforms, regulation, legal frameworks and safety nets in place.
Other discussion areas included the challenges faced by banks including credit risk, Government fiscal and monetary policy frameworks required for facilitating financial sector stability and investor confidence as well expectations from the wider spectrum of stakeholders on how the banks should drive growth across the economy anchored on stability benchmarks. The conference was expected opened by the Prime Minister, Dr Ruhakana Rugunda. Speakers included the Governor Bank of Uganda, MasterCard’s Division President for Africa, Standard Bank’s Regional Economist for East Africa, Zimbabwe’s Deposit Protection Corporation CEO.
Mutebile sacks Justine Bagyenda as he mad staff changes
BoU Governor Emmanuel Tumisiime-Mutebile
As he made changes in his staff, the Bank of Uganda Governor Prof. Emmanuel Tumusiime-Mutebile in February sacked the then executive director in charge of bank Supervision, Justine Bagyenda, Dr Tumubweine Twinemanzi who was formally working with the Uganda Communications Commission. Ms Bagyenda would later run the IGG protesting her dismissal which came a few months before her official retirement. It would later cause a public spat between Tumusiime-Mutebile and IGG Irene Mulyagonja and was only cooled by president Museveni.
The other staff appointed: Mary Katarikawe as Executive Director Operations. Joyce Okello was made the new Executive Director and Personal Assistant to the Governor. Richard Mayebo was appointed Executive Director Risk and Strategic Management. The then director in charge of Communications Christine Alupo was shifted to head the Board Affairs Department and was replaced by Charity Mugumya. Hannington Waswa posted to head Commercial Banking Department and Ben Sekabira as head of Financial Markets Development Coordination while Edward Mugerwa will serve as director IT Operations Department.
Hot seats, Kasekende consults Mutebile in the COSASE committee.
Parliament starts probing BoU on Controversial Closure Of seven banks
The Parliamentary Committee of Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (Cosase) in late October started the process to investigate queries raised by the Auditor General John Muwanga’s special audit report of Bank of Uganda on seven defunct banks namely; Teefe Trust Bank, Greenland Bank, International Credit Bank, Cooperative Bank, National Bank of Commerce, Global Trust Bank Uganda and Crane Bank Limited.
The committee headed by MP Abdu Katuntu as Chairman probed BoU Board and senior staff. The probe whose process is still on-going has unearthed the rot in the central bank where officials were found to be disorganized to the extent that they have failed to avail some of the required documents relating to the sale of banks. Cases of fraud have not been ruled out. Worse still the officials have failed to account for some of the money used. For instance they have failed to account for Shs478 billion ploughed into Crane Bank Limited during the takeover period. The probe also established that Tumusiime-Mutebile was not in full control of his senior staff and takes the biggest blame.
PROMPT SUCCESS: Dr-Josephine-Wapakabulo-the-CEO-of-The-Uganda-National-Oil-Company
UNOC holds 2nd annual general meeting of shareholders.
The Uganda National Oil Company Limited (UNOC) on December 11, held the second Annual General Meeting (AGM) of shareholders at its Head Offices in Nakasero, Kampala. The shareholders of the company fully owned by the government, approved and adopted the Annual Financial Statements for the years ended 30th June 2017 and 30th June 2018, including the reports of directors and external directors. The shareholders also resolved: UNOC invests and holds 15 percent equity in the East African Crude Oil Export Pipeline (EACOP); UNOC invests and holds up to 40 percent equity in the Refinery Project to be developed in Kabaale, Hoima district; UNOC invests and holds at least 51 percent equity in the Kampala Storage Terminal (KST) to be located at Namwabula village in Mpigi district as well as manage and operate it; UNOC operates and manages the Kabaale Industrial Park (KIP) to be located in Kabaale, Hoima district; and UNOC commences and engages in petroleum exploration activities within the boundaries of the Republic of Uganda to ensure sustainability of the oil and gas development.
Nuclear power plant in Sudan
Uganda hosts Africa nuclear experts meeting
In August experts from several African countries were in Uganda to review the status of radioactive waste management, update national inventories and develop the work plans and implementation strategies for strengthening radioactive waste management among member countries.
The meeting at Hotel Africana in Kampala was also attended by experts from International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which supports safe and peaceful use of atomic technology.
Honey Malinga, representing the Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, while opening the meeting on Monday, said proper radioactive waste management is essential for a healthy environment. He said that the energy ministry was developing specific objectives for radioactive waste management adding that “We should create awareness on proper radioactive waste management to ensure that both people and the environment are healthy and safe.” The mention of nuclear energy raises fear about nuclear and Atomic weapons and threats to the environment but some participants at the meeting insisted that the nuclear, and atomic technology, once safely applied, can be used to address a range of problems especially energy.
First Deputy Prime Minister Gen Moses Ali, at the Energy Review Week
Uganda hosts Energy week
In September, Kampala was once again host to the annual Energy week bringing together various stakeholders in the renewable and energy sub sector.
The convergence being held at the KCCA groups is being anchored under the theme Transforming Uganda’s Energy sector through increased innovation investment and integration for future sustainability.
