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IGP Ochola calls for amicable and peaceful solution of political conflicts

WARNED POLICE OFFICERS AGAINST TORTURE: IGP, Okoth Ochola.

The inspector general of Police (IGP) Martin Okoth Ochola has called for amicable and peaceful solution of conflicts saying it is high time we all learn to respect and embrace laws.

Ochola was reacting to yesterday’s riots in Mityana that led to death of one Sekiziyivu Samuel who was travelling in a commute tax for ‘masaza cup’. He said they have opened up a general inquiry file about CPL Kefa Moshi and PC Cheptai over allegations of shooting dead Sekiziyivu Samuel in yesterday’s riots in Mityana.

The crowd was demonstrating over the ailing condition of their MP Francis Zaake Butebi who was brutally arrested and tortured in Arua over allegations of smashing president’s car wind screen that was in procession after holding their final rally. Zaake is currently receiving medical attention after he was reportedly dumped at Rubaga hospital.

“We got reports that the two officers discharged their guns at the scene of crime leading to their investigations on the offence of murder and attempted murder. Upon completion of investigation, they will be produced in court to answer the charges all alleged charges,” he remarked at Naguru police headquarters.

The fracas led to injury of Jingo Lawrence, Jalia Nakiryowa, Ssengooba Derrick, Muwonge Reagan and Asiimwe David who are currently receiving Mulago National Referral Hospital. However said Ssengooba Derrick was discharged last evening.

Ochola cautioned members of the public to desist from violent confrontations, said Police will continue with the core mandate of protecting life and property, preserving law and order as well as detecting and preventing crime.

Earlier there were sporadic protests across the country demanding for unconditional release of Kyadondo east MP Robert Kyagulanyi who is currently facing charges of illegal passion of fire arms and rounds of ammunition the were reportedly recovered from his hotel room in Arua.

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MTN’s licence extension in Uganda hinges on local listing

By Fred M. Mukhwana

Uganda has asked MTN Uganda to list some of its shares on the Uganda Securities Exchange (USE) as a condition for renewing its operating licence, a top official has said.

The Executive Director of the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), Godfrey Mutabazi, said recently that Ugandans should be able to own a stake in the company which has operated in the country for 20 years.

“We are evaluating the conditions of (licence) renewal and that’s one of the points we are discussing,” he said referring to listing shares on the local Uganda Stock Exchange (USE).

According to Mutabazi local listing is one of the conditions for renewing MTN’s licence.

“They have not shown any resentment to that proposal at all,” he said. MTN Uganda’s licence expires in October this year.

The company some months ago hinted it had plans to list on the USE.

It has dominated the market in Uganda for the two decades. It is the largest telecommunications firm by subscribers, followed by a subsidiary of India’s Bharti Airtel and other smaller players.

According to the financial results last year, MTN Uganda has a subscriber base of 10.7 million while its revenues for the year surged 10 percent to US$356.34 million.

Recently, MTN Uganda has faced criticism on social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook from some subscribers about data bundles getting used up quickly and the firm not responding to their complaints.

In May UCC said it would investigate MTN after criticism on social media about its mobile money policies.

An extra headache for MTN and other telecoms in the country is also coming from a new tax measure on access to use of popular social media platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp which some analysts think will hurt growth in the sector.

“MTN is an investor here and they have been here for 20 years…to go beyond, I would argue that they have been here long enough they should be identified as Ugandans and the only way to do that is to list so that Ugandans can have a stake in that company,” Mutabazi said.

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Bad day at social media office for President Museveni

President Museveni

President Museveni’s attempt at weighing in on the current political situation and demand for the release of the “People Power. Our Power” movement leader, Bobi Wine pushed Ugandans on social media to give 75 year old leader a piece of their mind.

Many Ugandans were taken aback by the president’s arrogance, aloofness and out of touch attitude to the situation and his failure to condemn torture of suspects but instead praised the army for torturing suspects and called it professional.

It was his claim that tortured Mityana MP, Francis Butebi Zaake, who spent two days on oxygen at Rubaga hospital after being dumped there, had escaped from police cells and was being hunted by police.

Journalist Andrew Mwanguhya tweeted: “Zaake escaped from custody. Police is looking for him,” @KagutaMuseveni. Now, how on earth is one supposed to respect presidency, let alone the person? This is beyond cruelty. #FreeBobiWine #QuickRecoveryZaake #RIPyasin”

The ailing MP was on Thursday dumped at Lubaga hospital following his deteriorating health condition after he was brutally beaten and tortured during their arrest a head of the just concluded Arua Municipality by-elction that was held on Wednesday last week.

One Emmanuel Mckesar who reacted of the post asked how ailing person can person escape from police in Gulu and come to Rubaga hospital. He said if the self-proclaimed ghetto president Robert Kyagulanyi wasn’t beaten severely why he was not allowed to be brought before camera during his judgment in Gulu, “enough is enough Mr Museveni we are sick and tired of your greedy ideas,” he added.

David Mabonga said president’s politicking has reached to a point of hyena, when it wants to eat its young ones, it starts by accusing them of smelling like Goats. “His Excellency you are doing more harm than good, please free Bobi wine, your people are giving you false information, sometimes it’s good u go and look at the two Hon members of parliament, there is too much false statements in your post that doesn’t make sense,” said one Bogere Alan.

Francis Zaake was arrested along with the ailing Kyadondo east MP Robert Kyagulanyi who currently detained at Makindye military barracks over illegal position of ammunitions, Ntungamo Municipality MP Gerald Karuhanga, Jinja East MP Paul Mwiru, and former MP Michael Mabikke, MP elect for Arua municipality Kassiano Wadri and these are held at Gulu prison, journalists and others over allegations of smashing president’s car wind screen that was in procession after holding their final rallies.

In his third social media justifying for the nabbing of the political group of people, Museveni said he will not allow groups to be formed under the cover of elections, where illegal processions in built-up in heavily populated areas, carrying stones, up-rooting side walk pavers to use as missiles, to attack defenseless women, children and other civilians.

Museveni said Robert Kyagulanyi is fine and has already been seen by doctors and he was no injured as he was earlier informed.

“The indiscipline of some of these Opposition MPs was displayed in Parliament during the Age Limit debate. Instead, of arguments and logic, they attacked other MPs, threw chairs, up-rooted microphones etc. This was in Parliament with cameras and everybody watching,”

Muhwezi Sam implored him to desist from acting against constitution, “stop that nonsense of decreasing yourself our grandfather. A good grandpa can never kill his son or daughter,”

Zachary Githaiga wrote said the whole world is talking about Bobby Wine, “you have created a monster and it shall consume you,”

Justifying why security forces used excessive forces which led to death of Kyagulanyi’s driver Yasin Kawuma, Museveni said he has the capacity, either alone or in company with his personal security, to defend himself, not only against stone throwers but against any attacker.

Kareem Ssenyonga Haruun said residents of Arua are naturally crazy, “first did u witness what happened during the late Ibrahim Abiriga’s body, it wasn’t Bobi wine, again did you hear about what happened when that so called Brian white, took thing to them, they distorted everything including chairs, was that Bobi wine. A lot must be done to bring up dialogue among the government n oppositions than merciless beating of MP by security operatives. Thank you,”

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TMEA extends its stay in Uganda for six more years with Sh196 billion funding

Minister Okello Oryem and TMEA CEO, Frank Matsaert at the signing of the agreement

Trademark East Africa (TMEA) and the Government of Uganda have signed a Host Country Agreement (HCA) extending the agency’s partnership to the year 2023.

In the agreement, the two have sides committed to support interventions that will lead to creation of at least 100,000 jobs in Uganda, poverty reduction and increase trade for Uganda.

The HCA marks the commencement of TMEA’s US$ 53 million (about Shs196.1 billion) second phase of interventions which will be implemented between 2018-2023. This value expected to reach US$100 million (about Shs370 billion) by 2023.

Uganda’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in Charge of International Affairs, Henry Okello Oryem, represented the Government of Uganda. TradeMark East Africa (TMEA) was represented by its CEO, Frank Matsaert.

In its second phase, TMEA commits to work with Government and private partners to support development of Trade Logistics Clusters in Jinja and Busia, construction of the Gulu Logistics Hub, construction of the Goli/ Mahagi One Stop Border Posts (OSBP), decentralization of standards testing and Phase II of the Uganda Electronic Single Window.

It will also extend its work in supporting quality standards in key export sectors like tea, coffee, meat and horticulture, automation of trade processes and work in facilitating trade nationally and beyond Uganda’s borders.

The agency will also support green growth and climate change mitigation and resilience, while creating equal opportunities for all, and endeavouring to incorporate and protect the communities where we work. It will also deepen its support for women in trade with a focus on building capacity of women traders.

The group CEO Matsaert said: TMAE will contribute to creation of additional employment opportunities as investors capitalise in the transport and manufacturing sectors and export growth. Our second phase – will consolidate successes achieved by our partners and innovate around lessons we have learned so far. What we will have is a leaner, more efficient programme that will deliver at least 100,000 jobs for the people of Uganda in 6 years.”

Speaking at the event minister Oryem said, “TradeMark East Africa is one of our valued partners. We commend it for its speed of implementation and willingness to listen to and respond to our priorities. TMEA’s new strategy augers well with government plans of raising Uganda’s profile and increasing our export competitiveness.”

TMEA’s first phase (2010-2017) in Uganda through its US$ 100 (about Shs370 billion) programme supported among others construction and operationalisation of the Four One Stop Border Posts at Busia, Mutukula, Mirama Hills and Elegu; The upgrade of 37Km Ntungamo-Mirama Hills Road from gravel to tarmac.

It also upgraded customs management systems for Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) improving efficiency, reducing time and cost associated with customs processes; Implementation of Uganda Electronic Single Window, facilitating trade by reducing costs and time for import and export processes.

Private Sector support to national logistics platform, improving logistics standards and advocacy; Improved Standards and testing capacity by UNBS, testing time reduced from 19 days to 3 days and NTBs elimination, facilitating reporting and removal of NTBs thought the Ministry of Trade. A recent evaluation of TMEA’s first phase of programming in Uganda indicates a 14% return on investment (ROI) and that the interventions induced US$ 52 million (about Shs192.4 billion) worth of trade.

As a result, there has been a 5.7 per cent reduction in transit time between Kampala and Mombasa, with US$50m worth of new trade recorded in the country between 2015/2016. Reduction on the average time on tested items (19 days – 8 days) – 58 per cent drop with testing cost reducing by 71 % – (from US$350 – US$100) with goods exported to the region taking only 30 days compared to the previous 35 days reflecting a 14 per cent drop;

Customs modernization

Uganda Revenue Authority has recorded an increase in revenue by 48 per cent as of June 2015 with customs processing time reducing significantly by 30 per cent – 120 hours to 84 hours; Electronic Cargo Tracking System.

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#FreeBobiWine protests extend to Jinja

Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine

Business came to a standstill Monday afternoon along Wanyama road in Bugembe town council, Jinja district as protests erupted over MP Robert Kyagulanyi’s continued detention by the army.

The protesters who burnt tyres in the middle of the busy road temporarily blocked traffic until police quickly swung into action.

In fear, business owners especially women, closed down their shops as they saw armed men [putting on plain clothes] taking strategic positions.

The Eagle Online later established that these were officers from Bugembe police station.

Villagers in Bugeme lighting up a feeder road.

In this operation no protestor was arrested as the scampered on arrival of the police. But later the angry youth regrouped and spoke to the media.

Monica Nabirye one of them said they cannot sit back when the government is detaining and torturing people.

“We are not happy with the way this regime has started treating us,” she said.

“Even if Bobi [Wine] has cases to answer, it is wrong and unbearable for him to be tortured,” shouted some man.

The protest against Bobi Wine detention were first reported on Friday in Kamwokya, a Kampala suburb. Here several protestors were arrested.

The residents were netted in a swoop overseen by Kampala North regional police commander Michael Musana.

Sunday afternoon the protests were also in the eastern border town of Busia.

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Army moves to quash riots in Kampala over Bobi Wine arrest

Member of Parliament, Kyagulanyi Ssentamu aka Bobi Wine, tussling it out with Police during the 'this tax must go' peaceful demonstration.

The military and police have deployed in Kampala’s central business district to quash any demos against the arrest of Kyandondo East Member of Parliament Robert Kyagulanyi a.k.a Bobi Wine who is detained at the Makindye Military Barracks with bruises on some parts of his body.

Some of the policemen are camped at the Constitutional Square or City Square which is on Jinja Road and neighbouring the High Court.

Bobi Wine and others were arrested on Monday night in Arua as he campaigned for the winner of the recently Arua Municipality Member of Parliament Kassiano Wadri (now in prison). He is being accused of illegal possession of firearms, a charge he has denied.

The brutal arrest of Bobi Wine and other MPs including Francis Zaake now fighting for his life at Rubaga Hospital has been condemned by the international community such as the United States Embassy and the European Union as well as human rights activists, artists, religious leaders, traditional leaders and Musicians.

The protests against the arrested legislators and civilians by the security forces have spread to foreign lands such as in Canada where the demonstrators are calling for the freeing of Bobi Wine from the Makindye Military Barracks.

Meanwhile former President Museveni’s senior advisor on media John Nagenda says “it might have been the President’s warmth to ordinary people which could have played part in in the breakdown of order” in Arua as supporters of rival candidates clashed on Monday evening. “He has always wanted to walk freely among them,” he wrote on Saturday, adding that the opposing sides should have been strictly kept apart.

Nagenda in his Saturday column doubted whether MP-elect Wadri participated in the pelting of one of Museveni’s vehicles in convoy that Monday evening as supporters of rival candidates left campaign grounds to their homes.

“He is very good company, a friendly soul. But I would be lying if I said he didn’t have a quick temper! But throw stones at the President? Rubbish!” Nagenda wrote, concluding that as soon Wadri is freed, he will take his seat in Parliament.

Wadri and several others were charged with treason.

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Follow local media for updates for safety—UK tells its citizens in Uganda

Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine

The UK has asked its citizens travelling to and living in Uganda to be vigilant, desist from associating with large crowds and public demonstrations following political tension that broke out last week.

Since last week, the world has witness various sporadic protests emerging from ailing MP for Mityana municipality Francis Zaake and detained MP for Kyadondo east Robert Kyagulanyi who was brutally arrested and tortured by security forces hours after holding the final rally a head of the just concluded Arua municipality by-elction.

“The arrest of a number of opposition Members of Parliament following violence around the Arua by-election on the 15 August 2018 has led to heightened political tension. There is an increased likelihood of protests, which may turn violent, across Uganda,” Published the government of United Kingdom (UK).

They (UK government) asked their citizens to follow local media for updates for safety in the pearl of Africa.

Earlier police engaged in running battles as people protested in Kisekka Market, Old Kampala, and Mukono, Kabalagala, Katanga demanding for unconditional release MP Robert Kyagulanyi.

According to his wife Barbra Kyagulanyi, security forces damaged legislator’s kidney, ribs and he can’t not sit nor walk without being supported.

Kyagulanyi who is currently held at Makindye military facility is grappling with charges of illegal possession of fire arms and rounds of ammunitions and is due to re-appear in general court martial on Friday.

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African legislators tasked to prioritize security in their countries

Speaker of Parliament, Rebecca Kadaga(centre) in a group photo with legislators

By Maria Nassiwa

The legislators across Africa have been urged to embark on security in their respective countries to make laws that govern defence and security sector in the African continent.

The 49th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (Africa Region) Conference taking place in Gaborone, Botswana under the theme, ‘The role of African Parliaments in fostering national and regional security’.

The CPA Africa Region Conference that started on 13 August will close on 22 August 2018.

This intends to foster accountability and disclosure on the deployment of the military as well as developing guidelines to ensure achievement of security.

“There is need for respect of human rights, justice and rule of law for a peaceful and secure Africa.

“Issues of security by their nature, require concerted effort and parliaments as pivotal democratic institutions, have a bigger role to play in terms of providing direction and what can be done to foster and promote international security,” said the Vice President of Botswana, H.E. Slumber Tsogwane during the opening of the conference.

The Chairperson of the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) Hon Angel Didiza said gender based violence continues to pose challenges towards peace and security for women in homes and society as a whole.

“It is incumbent upon us Parliamentarians to find solutions in which we can actually deal with this challenge. I know that women together can make a difference,” Didiza said.

In relation to that, the Parliament of Uganda will be hosting the Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC) which brings together Members of Parliament from former British colonies.

Addressing the sub-regional meeting for Eastern Africa region, Kadaga said that Uganda has started the preparations for the meeting in Kampala.

“We want to assure you that the committees have been set; we have proposed some dates in September which awaits confirmation from the headquarters. You are all welcome,” Kadaga said.

Uganda’s delegation to the conference includes, Hon Elijah Okupa, Akello Franca, Patrick Nsamba and Anna Adeke. The others are Felix Kulayigye, Henry Kibalya and Jalia Bintu.

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Which medical school did Obuku attend that UPDF doctors didn’t?

UMA chairperson Dr. Ekwaru Obuku

By Ben Mugisha

If I may ask Dr obuku Ekware and his useless UMU which combination did they take at A level that Col. Dr. Musinguzi did not take?

Which medical school did they attend that updf and police medical teams never attended? Jobless obuku has been servicing on blackmailing government but ever since the cuban doctors and Uganda government signed a memo ,he has no job.

Important to note is that updf doctors are more exposed, more knowledgeable than these street and media attention seeker doctors like obuku and co..he prefers being cheap than professional …he’s of no value and he must desist from making sweeping statements about medical officers of updf

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I haven’t resigned-IGP Okoth Ochola

WARNED POLICE OFFICERS AGAINST TORTURE: IGP, Okoth Ochola.

The Inspector General of Police, Martin Okoth Ochola has denied social media claims that he had resigned from his post.

Ochola has dismissed the claims as falsehood and says he can not resign because the security situation in the country had greatly improved.

“There are rumours circulating in the social media that I tendered in my resignation & the President refused, that information is false. The public should disregard that falsehood. Why should I resign when the security situation in the country is calm. Criminality has greatly reduced”

claims of Ochola resigning hit social media soon after he held a presser castigating torture within security agencies. Ochola said that he would not sit and watch civilians being tortured within the police force which he leads. He warned his officers against torture and said those that will be caught in the act will have to face criminal charges.
“I have been in police and CID for 10 years and i have never tortured anyone. However, should you be caught torturing, we will not send to these human right agencies but rather charge with criminality” IGP is quoted to have said.

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