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World leaders commit to bold targets and urgent action to end TB

By
Agencies
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Uganda's 2018 delegation to the UN General Assembly led by Prime Minister, Dr. Rugunda.

World leaders meeting at the United Nations (UN) General Assembly have committed to ensure that 40 million people with tuberculosis (TB) receive the care they need by end 2022. They also agreed to provide 30 million people with preventive treatment to protect them from developing TB.

“Today is a landmark in the long war on TB,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization. “These are bold promises – to keep them partnership is vital. WHO is committed to working with every country, every partner and every community to get the job done?”

Heads of state and government attending this first-ever UN High-level meeting on TB agreed to mobilize US$ 13 billion a year by 2022 to implement TB prevention and care, and US $2 billion for research. They committed to take firm action against drug-resistant forms of the disease; build accountability and to prioritize human rights issues such as the stigma that still prevails around TB in many parts of the world.

They acknowledged that the current rate of progress was endangering prospects of meeting global targets to end TB. Today, TB remains the world’s deadliest infectious disease: it killed 1.6 million people in 2017, including 300 000 people with HIV. In the same year, 10 million people fell ill with TB.

“The political declaration proposed for this meeting sets a roadmap for accelerated action to end TB in line with the vision and targets for 2030,” said H.E. Ms Maria Fernanda Espinosa Garcés, President of the 73rd Session of the UN General Assembly. “We have before us the opportunity for a clear win – a chance to save the lives of millions, to preserve billions in resources, to demonstrate the success of the Sustainable Development Goals, and to reaffirm the utility, efficacy and necessity of multilateralism and the UN System. Let us not miss this opportunity.”

The political declaration is the culmination of recent leadership commitments at global and regional level – including the 2017 Moscow Declaration to End TB – to drive universal access, sufficient and sustainable financing, intensified research and innovation, and accountability across all sectors.

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Sadolin launches wallguard paint on Ugandan market to address high humidity concerns

By
George Mangula
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Ugandans will now do away with worries of the bad effects high humidity to buildings and other structures as Sadolin Paint, first founded in 1907 has launched a new exterior paint-Wallguard that provides the best protection against the damaging effect of humidity and mould.

The first of its kind on the Ugandan market, Sadolin Wallguard, unlike other brands, offers the smooth finish and colour expected from high quality paint but also features unique Mouldex Moisture Resist technology.

Developed by an international task team to meet the harsh local climatic requirements, Sadolin Wallguard’s Mouldex Moisture Resist has a dual purpose. The paint now available in hardware stores countrywide allows harmful trapped moisture to escape while creating an impermeable barrier that stops outside moisture from getting in. “This breakthrough technology makes Sadolin Wallguard’s performance superior to other paints and provides the assurance that the paint work will resist mould attack for longer.

Commenting on the new product, Nathalie Sweeney, Marketing Director AkzoNobel Sub-Sahara Africa said the company was thrilled to launch the new paint on the market. “We are thrilled to launch Sadolin Wallguard, leading to a comprehensive range of protective paint for walls, roofs and exterior surface preparation to address the damaging effects of humidity,” she said.

Sweeney added: “Humidity and mould can really make a house look old before it’s time but now with the new Sadolin Wallguard with Mouldex Moisture Resist, walls will look cleaner and mould-free for longer.”

Deon Nieuwoudt, the Commercial Director East Africa at AkzoNobel said that as Grand Masters of Protection since 1907, Sadolin does not only provide exceptional colour and finish to customers but also meets the modern exterior protection needs required from premium paint products.
“The new Sadolin Wallguard with Mouldex moisture resist specially made for Uganda offers ultimate protection and it gives longer lasting protection in extreme humidity,” said Mr. Nieuwoudt.
The new range of exterior paint products also boasts Sadolin Roofguard, a pure acrylic paint that offers roof tops excellent protection and durability; Sadolin Rainshield, a flexible, fibre-reinforced water and crack reistant surface preparation waterproofing product for areas prone to water leaks and Dampshield, a low-odour, quick drying water based preparation product that stops the destructive effect of rising and penetrating damp.

These four new specialist exterior products together with well-known Sadolin Weatherguard take exterior protection in harsh and humid climates to a whole new level.

AkzoNobel-previously known as Nobel Industries –acquired Sadolin& Holmbland in 1987 and is the proud custodian of the Sadolin brand in East Africa and across multiple markets internationally. The company produces other paint brands like; Dulux, Sikkens, International, Interpon and Eka.

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DFCU workers in mass exodus

By
Our Reporter
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William Sekabembe Dfcu-Bank-Uganda’s-Chief of Business and-Executive Director-William-Sekabembe

All isn’t well at Dfcu bank as the restructuring by management has seen more employees are fleeing the bank.

Sources within the bank told Eagle Online that at least over 70 workers in the last two months have left the bank under unclear circumstances. They further say even the human resource department that used to announce entry and exists at the bank have this time refused to announce exist because it is alarming.

Most those leaving are reportedly joining Housing Finance Bank and KCB bank.
“The situation is tense as you cannot tell who is next but we are only made aware that so and so has left when they don’t report for duty. The problem is that we aren’t allowed to discuss anything concerning what is happening.”
This website understands that what prompted the mass exists is that ongoing shakeups where seasoned managers and employees are being demoted and instead the young ones who are elevated to supervise their former bosses as heads of units. However, this come in with pay cuts which several employees are against and instead of waiting to be ‘humiliated’ most managers have opted to leave.
The restructuring was hired by the board after Dfcu tookover Crane bank. Dfcu started by firing all employees who had previously worked with Crane bank before moving in to downgrade in an effort seen as trying to get the old guards out.

However, other sources told Eagle Online that another reason why Dfcu is reducing on many power could be in line to downgrade and make saving of the huge salary so that the bank can realize liquidity. The abnk recently announced that it had run out of liquidity.
This development also comes at the time when Deepak Malik who has been a director on the board of the bank resigned and left the board.

Malik’s resignation as a non-Executive Director means the Dfcu board is now left with five other non-executive directors led by All Elly Karuhanga as Chairman. Others directors are; Albert Jonkergouw, Winifred Tarinyeba- Kiryabwire, Frederick Kironde Lule and Michael Alan Turner.

Analysts say the Malik’s decision to resign confirms reports that Arise B.V. intends to leave especially that Britain’s Commonwealth Development Corporation (CDC) Group intends to exit, following Dfcu Bank’s controversial acquisition of Crane Bank Limited in January last year at only Shs200 billion yet Crane Bank had assets worth over Shs1 trillion.

Reports indicate that CDC is leaving for various reasons which include poor economy but some sources say CDC wants to dodge paying taxes on its dividends.
Financial analysts say with the revelation by Auditor General that Dfcu acquired Crane Bank Limited and yet it was the valuer and at the same time a buyer could land top Bank of Uganda executives in trouble as big shareholders of Dfcu are spending sleepless nights. The situation is made worse as the case is also in court.

DFCU Shareholding percentages
Arise BV 58.71 per cent
CDC Group of the United Kingdom 9.97 per cent
National Social Security Fund (Uganda) 7.69 per cent
Kimberlite Frontier Africa Naster Fund 6.15 per cent
2 undisclosed Institutional Investors 3.22 per cent
SSB-Conrad N. Hilton Foundation 0.98 per cent
Vanderbilt University 0.87 per cent
Blakeney Management 0.63 per cent
Retail investors 11.19 per cent
BoU staff retirement benefit scheme is 0.59 per cent

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PHOTOS: Vipers SC launch refurbished St. Mary’s stadium

By
Our Reporter
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Vipers President Lawrence Mulindwa officially opened the ‘new’ St. Mary’s stadium ahead of the 2018/19 StarTimes Uganda Premier League season that kicks off this Friday 28th September.

The stadium was refurbished with a newly laid artificial turf, improved stands and seats for the fans, a media tribunal and class dressing rooms for both the home and away teams.

Dressing rooms

Last season, CAF deemed the St. Mary’s stadium unsuitable for continental or international games, and this prompted the club to improve on the stadium before the Caf continental competitions start in November.

It becomes the third Astroturf stadium in Uganda after Njeru technical Center in Jinja and the StarTimes stadium in Lugogo.
Playing turf

Vipers will open their 2018/19 Uganda Premier League season campaign at the facility against newcomers Ndejje University and it will be live on TV.

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Kampala International School to hold Blood Donation camp

By
Our Reporter
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Flashback: KISU proprietor Sudhir Ruparelia joined by parents at the School's Open Day.

Kampala International School Uganda will hold its first ever Blood Donation Camp which will take place this Friday on 28th September 2018.
The blood drive will start at 9 am in the morning onwards in the School Auditorium. Teachers, students, auxiliary staff, parents and all members of the public are invited to save a life.

However, only people above the age of seventeen will be encouraged to donate the blood.
Those interested can receive a physical contract from the reception desk at the school, or confirm attendance through this website: (https://www.wejoin.com/sheets/zzwtr).

Kampala International School is located along Kyebando – Kisalosalo Road, Kampala in the neighborhood of Bukoto. It was formerly named Kabira International School of Uganda.
Uganda has of late faced blood shortage and this has sometime led to rationing of blood to patient that are dare need.

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IGG saves Shs25b from corrupt officials

By
George Mangula
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UHRC Chairperson Mariam Wangadya.

The Office of the Inspectorate of Government has prevented the loss of Shs25 billion that would have been swindled by corrupt public officials in connivance with those in private sector, Mariam Wangadya the Deputy Inspector General of Government (IGG) said Wednesday in Kampala during the opening of this year’s Tax Appreciation Week 2018 organised by the Uganda Revenue Authority at Kololo Independence Grounds.

Wangadya did not reveal the culprits who had intended to swindle the money but added that her office has also traced Shs5.2 billion by tracking the illicitly acquired assets and as well recovered extra Shs2.2 billion.

However, the official said the court litigation is not helping her office (IGG) to recover billions of shillings as the culprits are convicted and only sentenced to serve jail terms. She gave an example of businessman Apollo Senkeeto and others who were involved in the Katosi road scam where they are said to have defrauded government of Shs24.7 billion.
The Anti-Corruption Court towards the end of August sentenced Senkeeto also known as Mark Kalyesubula to 10 years imprisonment for theft, three years imprisonment for each of the six charges of uttering false documents and five years for obtaining execution of a security by false pretence.

Senkeeto was the country representative of Eutaw Construction Company, which is accused of fleecing Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) in the Katosi contract scam.
The Court also sentenced former UNRA director of finance and administration Joe Semugooma to five years for abuse of office and also imprisoned him jointly with his former junior, Wilberforce Senjako to another five years for corruption.
The court acquitted former works minister, Eng Abraham Byandala, former UNRA Acting Executive Director Eng Berunado Sebugga Kimeze, Mr Marvin Baryaruha (former legal counsel) and former Housing Finance employee Isaac Mugote.

Justice Lawrence Gidudu faulted the prosecution led by the Inspectorate of Government for failing to present evidence in the case of causing financial loss and as such declined to make an order for compensation to the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA), claiming that there was lack of road engineering audit to quantify the loss.

The official has therefore urged government of Uganda to learn from neighboring Kenya whereby those who steal public money and assets are forced to refund. That way, she said, would be a deterrent to those who want to engage in corruption and embezzlement.
Some of the ongoing cases where IGG has dragged culprits to court
Ug Vs Butamanya Moses, Tushabomwe Clare, Ruth Abonga And Natukwatsa Fausta –
Acd Cr Case No 0050/2015.

In 2015, the Inspectorate of Government charged the Court Clerk of Mukono Court Butamanya Moses, for soliciticiting and receiving gratification. While Butamanya was being arrested, Tushabomwe Clare, Ruth Abonga and Natukwatsa Fausta obstructed the arrest and were later charged for Obstruction of investigations.

For drawing lessons, the three officers were charged with obstruction of investigations because they deliberately hindered the arrest of the court clerk who has solicited and received gratification, and during the scuffle that ensued the camera belonging to the IG was damaged.
Some of the reasons given by the trial Magistrate were that it was not clear to court whether the camera was damaged or had just run out of battery (The state needed expert testimony on the state of the camera which has been damaged). Secondly, there were challenges with identification of the individuals who took part in the obstruction and their specific roles. The matter is still under prosecution.

Ug Vs Bernard David Wandera, Former Director Soroti Flying School, Soroti. -Acd No. 33/2014
Embezzlement and diversion of funds

One of cases concluded case
Ug Vs Kansiime Frank and another, Engineering Officer and Engineering Assistant –
Offence committed: Abuse of office, embezzlement, false accounting

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Seven keys to improving the odds on your new idea success

By
Guest Writer
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Martin Zwilling

By Martin Zwilling

In my experience, consummate entrepreneurs tend come up with more startup ideas than they can ever implement, and some of the ideas may not even make business sense. But how does any entrepreneur know which ideas to implement, and which ones are best left behind?

After all, most great breakthroughs, like a computer in every home, seemed like a crazy idea before Steve Jobs and Bill Gates made it happen. Now we are starting to see a computer on every wrist.

That doesn’t mean that entrepreneurs should ignore business and market realities, under the assumption that success is a random phenomenon. Passion, optimism, and determination are necessary but not sufficient to assure a successful startup.

Some analysis and due diligence along the following lines should be performed on every idea, as a reality check, before committing your efforts and other people’s money to building a business:

Look for places where competitors are few. Even if the idea sounds unique to you, it’s worth your time to do a few Internet searches using relevant keywords. If you find more than a dozen solutions that loosely match your idea, it may be time to skip that one and try another. Don’t forget to consider customer alternatives, like trains versus airplanes.

Check for intellectual property barriers in your way. These days, you can find existing patents and trademarks through Google and the US Patent Office online site without spending thousands of dollars with your favorite patent attorney. Of course, existing patents don’t stop you from innovating, but charging ahead into a wall is no fun.

Find a recognized billion dollar and growing market. If you will be looking for professional investors to help you along the way, recognize that they expect to see data from credible market analysts on the size and location of your solution opportunity. Look for double-digit growth data from Nielsen, J.D. Power, Frost & Sullivan, or others.

Separate nice-to-have ideas from ones solving painful problems. All your friends may love your idea on how to find the nearest bar or gym, but how many others are willing and able to pay money for your solution? Even good social causes need to bring in revenue to continue their worthy efforts. Ask domain experts to quantify value for you.

Choose projects with financial resources within your reach. These days, you can build a new e-commerce website to sell home-made wares for a few hundred dollars. New smartphone apps cost only a few thousand, if you have the programming skills. Unless you have a rich uncle, it’s probably not smart to challenge Intel for the next computer chip, which would require several million dollars in investment.

Minimize infrastructure dependencies. Sometimes your solution is impressive, but mass acceptance requires a big culture change, a large support system, or government legislation. For example, the Segway personal vehicle was proven technology 15 years ago, but is still constrained by right-of-way laws, liability issues, and charging stations.

Availability of necessary skills and team members. Most startup projects require special skills and a motivated team. Entrepreneurs with ideas may not have access to the support skills required, or the ability to put together a motivated team. A successful startup is more about the right people and the right execution than the right idea.

Despite what you hear from some Internet spammers, there are no slam-dunk entrepreneur ideas that can make you rich with no risk and minimal effort. In fact, from painful experience, every real entrepreneur I know could probably add at least one item to this list of reality-check items. Thus I’m suggesting that you do your due diligence carefully, and pick the right idea before you start.

Sometimes I have to tell wannabe entrepreneurs that their million-dollar-idea is actually worth very little, in their own hands. It may indeed be better to freely donate your idea to a more qualified entrepreneur or team, rather than foolishly running it into the ground or sitting on it. One hundred percent of zero is still a small number.

The writer is a veteran startup mentor, executive, blogger, author, tech professional, and Angel investor. Published on Forbes, Entrepreneur, Inc.

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FDC to Muntu: You are not the first to leave the party

By
Geoffery Serugo
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Patrick Oboi Amuriat

Forum for Democratic Change party president, Patrick Oboi Amuriat has scoffed at his predecessor, Maj. Gen. Mugisha Muntu saying his quitting isn’t the first but again, it creates room for youngsters.

Amuriat said Gen. Muntu is leaving a strong party, creating a vacuum and opportunity that will later be filled by other members. Amuriat said Muntu shouldn’t give excuses about his nonperformance.

Yesterday, the former Army Commander Gen. Muntu and other leaders announced their departure, a year after conceding defeat in the intra party presidential elections. Muntu argued that, the party has declined to build its structures from grass root, intrigue and branding him as amole for the ruling party, National Resistance Movement (NRM).

Amuriat notes that, nobody stopped Gen Muntu from exercising his roles as a member for prosperity. “In his conceding speech, he vowed to back me for the good of the party and declare his political future. He went on for consultation which culminated into formation of a report and breaking away,”
According to FDC leaders, the Gen. Muntu declared his stand when he contested for the party presidential elections saying when they defeat him, he will definitely quit. They believe that Muntu took a wrong decision since he was one of the strong supporting pillars of the party.
“Our party is not built on individuals; it is well ground and has been around for 14 years. FDC has overcome the storms; Muntu’s exit will not affect us,”
Adding “The rtd general is not the first person to leave, founder members left and the party is still in existence. Beatrice Atim Anywar, Betty Kamya and other members existed the party; however, most of them were swallowed by the ruling party, NRM”.

Amuriat says as a party leader, the last thing any leader would want to witness is a section of the party to move and form another party. Muntu is tomorrow expected to clear his stand of either forming his party or remain independent.

According to Budadiri West MP Nathan Nandala Mafabi who doubles as Secretary of General for FDC, Muntu’s exit doesn’t hurt the party. “When one joins, we hope that they will stay but if they choose to leave then that means they joined with an agenda different from what we stand for and believe in as a party,”
He says they intervened for reconciliation; but Muntu has insisted on his ideologies and decided to quit.

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Desabre names provisional squad for Lesotho doubleheader

By
Our Reporter
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Uganda Cranes head coach desabre.

Uganda Cranes Head coach Sebastien Desabre has summoned a 33 man Squad for the AFCON Qualifier match between Uganda and Lesotho to be played on 13th October, 2018 at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.

The Squad consists of 16 foreign based players and the rest are stars from the Uganda Premier League with some coming from the National U-20 team.

The local based players will start training on 5th October before the rest of the squad joins three days later for the residential camp ahead of the back to back ties against Lesotho to be played in a space of four days.

The final squad of 24 players for the residential camp will be named by the head coach on 7th October, 2018.

Cranes are still on top of Group L with 4 points from two matches played. Lesotho are second with two points, on level with Tanzania while Cape Verde are bottom with no point.
The 2019 AFCON tournament will be hosted in Cameroon. The competition will be held in June and July 2019 to move it from January/February for the first time. It will also be the first Africa Cup of Nations expanded from 16 to 24 teams.

Players summoned:

Goalkeepers: Denis Onyango (Mamelodi Sundowns), Jamal Salim (El Meriekh), Charles Lukwago (KCCA FC) and Nicholas Sebwato (Onduparaka FC).

Outfield players: Isaac Isinde (Kirinya Jinja SS), Murushid Juuko (Simba SC), Timothy Awanyi (KCCA FC), Denis Iguma (Kazma FC), Nicholas Wadada (Azam FC), Bashir Asiku (Vipers SC), Musitafah Kizza (KCCA FC), Musitafa Mujuzi (Proline FC), Bernard Muwanga (KCCA FC), Godfrey Walusimbi (Kaizer Chiefs) FC, Isaac Muleme (Haras El Hodood), Joseph Ochaya (Lusaka Dynamo), Hassan Wasswa (El Geish), Khalid Aucho(Church Hill Brothers, India), Ibrahim Saddam Juma (KCCA FC), Tadeo Lwanga (Vipers SC), Allan Kateregga (Cape Town City), Faruku Miya (Gorica ), Ambrose Kirya (Sc Villa), Allan Okello (KCA FC), Julius Poloto (KCCA FC), Moses Waisswa (Vipers Sc), Milton Karisa( MC Oujda), Allan Kyambadde (KCCA FC), Emma Okwi (Simba SC), Edrisa Lubega (SV Ried), Derrick Nsibambi (Smouha), Patrick Kaddu (KCCA FC), Nelson Senkatuka (Bright Stars FC)

Group L 2019 AFCON qualifiers

Uganda Cranes Vs Lesotho, 13th October 2018 – Namboole, 4pm
Lesotho vs Uganda, 16th October 2018 – Maseru.

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David Obua joins Maroons

By
Our Reporter
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David Obua

Former Uganda Cranes winger David Obua has joined StarTimes Uganda Premier League side Maroons FC as the assistant head coach, the club have confirmed.

Obua played for Ugandan side Express FC, South Africa’s Kaizer Chiefs and Hearts of Midlothian in Scotland. He also enjoyed stints in the United States and Mauritius before retiring in 2015.

The Uganda Cranes legend will deputize Goerge ‘Best’ Nsimbe who took over Asaph Mwebaze at the end of last season.

George Nsimbe has previously handled giants KCCA FC, Vipers SC, Victors, Tusker FC in Kenya, Azam FC in Tanzania and recently at Express FC as technical director.

Maroons FC will open their 2018/2019 Uganda Premier League campaign away at Bright Stars FC on September 28.

Maroons finished in tenth last season with 37 points under Coach Asaph Mwebaze, who has since joined Onduparaka FC.

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