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Mobile Money amendment bill referred to finance committee

By
Geoffery Serugo
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Speaker Jacob Oulanyah

Excise Duty (Amendment) No.2 Bill 2018 that is seeking for reduction of one per cent tax levied on withdraw of cash using mobile money, has been referred to the Committee on Finance, Planning and Economic Development for consideration.

Before presenting the bill for first the reading, the minister for finance planning and economic development Matia Kasaijja given in and apologized to August house over allegations that he was disguising that he doesn’t know about the one per cent mobile money tax yet he signed the proposal endorsing it to Parliament.

“I did not say that the House passed the taxes in error, I applauded Parliament for passing the budget and apologies for the statement by the media attributed to me,” he said in parliament.

Leader of opposition in parliament (LOP) and Kasese woman MP Winnie Kiiza demanded that Kasaijja produces a written apology however the house chaired by Deputy Speaker Jacob Oulanya said his apology is admitted.

The Deputy Speaker asked the Committee to conclusively consider the different petitions that were filed by Mobile money vendors and Makerere University students before deferring it for the second reading.

Kawempe north MP Latif Ssebaggala asked the Speaker to give a time frame in which the committee will handle the bill saying the House cannot wait for the 45 days. However Oulanya said the matter will be handled quickly as possible.

In an effort to have self-sufficiency in budget, Excise Duty Bill, 2018 was passed by Parliament on May 30 with Social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Twitter, Facebook, You Tube, Viber and Skype among others were subjected to a daily levy of Shs200 as mobile money transaction were subjected to 1 per cent excise duty.

Following various protests against both taxes, Last week President Museveni said 0.5 per cent of the tax incurred while transacting on Mobile money will be refunded to all people who were deducted one per cent on mobile money transaction. Museveni contended that he mistakenly ratified the law without proof reading.

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Mandela was a true symbol of Pan Africanism— Busoga Kyabazinga

By
Our Reporter
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The Kyabazinga of Busoga (In black Suit) being welcomed to Mvezo by the Chief of Mvezo, Zwelivelile "Mandla" Mandela(Right)

By Maria Nassiwa

The Kyabazinga of Busoga has hailed the late South African leader, Nelson Mandela as a true icon of Pan Africanism.

Speaking from South Africa where he is attending celebrations commemorating 100 years since Nelson Mandela’s birth, His Royal Highness, William Nadiope IV said, it was worth being a part of the contrary celebrations because Madiba represented not only the African traditions as a royal but the true spirit of Pan Africanism.

“Mandela was a global icon as manifested in his deeds. No wonder the UN General Assembly, in appreciation of what he did for humanity, declared July 18 an International Mandela Day.

“He managed his own lane at a pace worth pursuing. He lived true to his word and his legacy will live forever,” the Kyabazinga told Eagle Online.

The King of Busoga, HRH William Nadiope(Right) meeting up with South Africa’s President, Cryil Ramaphosa on the sidelines of the Mandela Centenary Celebrations in Mvezo, Eastern Cape, South Africa.

The Kyabazinga was invited to the celebrations by the head of the Royal House of Mandela, the Royal Highness Nkosi Mandela.

The celebrations in Mvezo in Eastern Cape, the birth place of Mandela were done by the royal house of Mandela and the Universal Peace Federation under the theme, “ The Liberation, The Icon, The Stateman, The Humanitarian The legacy.”

His Royal Highness Mandela said his grandfather did what was of his duty as he advocated for peace, progress, and prosperity for all.

“When a man has done what is considered to be his duty to his people and his country he can rest in peace,” he said, encouraging South Africans, Africa and the entire world to carry on his grandfather’s message of freedom.

“We are duty bound to carry such message to the entire African content to which we owe our freedom and the entire world,” Nkosi said.

South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa narrated Nelson Mandela’s journey from the time he was in prison till he came to power.

Earlier on, in Johannesburg, former USA president Barack Obama delivered the 16th Nelson Mandela Lecture where he considered him as an icon despite the heavy burdens he carried.

“It is important to remember nelson Mandela as an icon because of his humor despite the heavy burdens he carried, he loved Africa and we learn so much from him,” Obama said.

The King of Busoga, HRH William Nadiope(Right) meeting up with former South Africa’s President, Jacob Zuma on the sidelines of the Mandela Centenary Celebrations in Mvezo, Eastern Cape, South Africa.

Also as part of the celebrations, Kenyan Law Scholar Patrick Loch Othieno Lumumba delivered a Nelson Mandela Lecture at Walter Sisulu University in Mthatha, South Africa.

“I want to remind us that nelson Mandela was an icon and icons never die. He was larger than life and larger than death itself,” Lumumba said of Mandela.

Nelson Mandela was South Africa’s first black president having ascended to power in 1994 after serving 27 years at Robben Island jail for fighting against apartheid.

He died in 20013 aged 93. This year makes 100 birth years of Africa’s liberation icon and different activities, including opening a Nelson Mandela museum in London, have been organized around the world to commemorate his life.

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Nusura Tiperu declared NRM flag bearer in Arua by-election

By
Geoffery Serugo
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Nusra Tiperu, the NRM flag bearer for the Arua Municipality By-Elections

The National Resistance Movement’s (NRM) Electoral Commission Chairperson, Dr. Tanga Odoi has declared Nusura Tiperu as the flag bearer in the coming Arua by-election.

Tiperu has was declared after winning seven candidates in a hotly contested NRM election primaries.

She polled 1798 votes followed by Swadik Angupale 1443 votes, Jackson Atima 1362 votes, Aluma Muhamad 183 votes, Simon Ejua 118 votes, Godfrey Obiga 91 votes, and Khalifan Mohamad 59 votes as John Lematia garnered 20 votes.

She applauded supporters for rallying behind her vowed to win the by- election that will be held on 15th August.

Mr. Jackson Atima said the exercise was not free and most of his electorates were denied chance to participate in the exercise.

Arua municipality parliamentary seat fell vacant after the gun down of National resistance movement (NRM) MP Ibrahim Abiriga, executed by unknown hooded men travelling on motorcycles on the fateful day of June 8,208.

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Museveni to be awarded with the Global Leadership Peace Award

By
Geoffery Serugo
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President Museveni

President Museveni will in August be awarded with Global Leadership Peace Award following his contribution to towards the attaining of regional peace in Somalia and neighboring countries.

Speaking about the fourth coming two days global peace and leadership Conference (GPLC) scheduled on August 1st and 2nd Global Peace Foundation country Director, Milton Kambula, said Museveni is one of the few leaders who thinks towards the attaining of global peace and development, “His intervention was witnessed in South Sudan, Somalia, and Burundi,”

Under the theme: Moral and Innovative Leadership, new models for sustainable peace and development, Minister for public service Mukasa Muruli said the summit will be held at Munyonyo Resort.

He said the conference will be accessed upon registering with a fee of USD50 or UGX180, 000 for two-days. “Local payments can be made in advance of registering directly with Global Peace Foundation Uganda’s bank, account Bank Name: Stanbic Bank, Account Number: 9030010906295 or Mobile Money System,” he said.

Muruli revealed that the summit will present strategies for action in areas of education, security, economy, health, environment, leadership at all levels of society, youth productivity, women’s empowerment, presidential and Parliament of Uganda round table meeting on Peace building.

He said attendants will have a critical role to play in enhancing security in the country and internationally. We expect to make practical resolutions and make sure they are put in place.

Organisers expect delegates from the neighboring countries of Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, Kenya, South Sudan, DRC and Somalia.

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Goons kill girl at Makerere

By
Our Reporter
-

The killing of girls and women in Uganda seems to continue unchecked. The latest is the murder of an unidentified girl last night near Makerere University Livingstone Hall in Makubira Zone-Wandegeya.

The naked body of the girl aged between 22-25 was discovered this morning by passersby who were going to work.

The area LC1 Moses Ssekatebe, upon being informed of the murder contacted the police who immediately rushed to the scene and took the body to Mulago Hospital for a postmortem. Investigations into the murder continue.

The observations showed the late was first raped before being killed. A polyene bag thought to belong to her was found nearby containing chips and juice.

The head of security at the university, Enoch Abeine could not ascertain whether the deceased was a student at the university as there was no any identification document found at the scene of crime. The university’s guild and administrators are carrying out an exercise to establish if the late was a student of the institution.

Luke Oweyesigyire, The Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson has confirmed the crime, saying that so far two arrests. Those arrested are Umar Shaban and Anthony Wagawuli. They two suspects were found sleeping a short distance away from the crime scene. They are to help the police with its investigations. Oweyesigire has urged people whose female relative of that age to crosscheck with the city mortuary at Mulago Hospital.

Ssekatebe said he has on many occasions requested the authorities to boost security in the area but all in vain, adding that lack of security has led to an increase in crime. He at the same time blamed the crime in the areas on the youth who take drugs.

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Survey shows sharp drop in Social Media and Mobile Money usage

By
George Mangula
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RESTORED: Social media applications

As parliament prepares to debate 0.5 percent tax on mobile money withdraws and Shs200 daily tax on social media, results of the latest survey that was carried out to evaluate the impact of the recent taxes were released. However, they indicate a sharp drop in the number of users – as well as the frequency of usage – for both services.

The survey which took place from July 13- 16, 2018, shows that at least 85 percent of the respondents hadn’t used social media since the tax came into effect.

“96 percent of respondents had used social media in the past 6 months,” the report pointed out. However, noting that “this number [had] dropped to 85% when asked if they had accessed social media since July 1st,” the report says. The taxes were effected by government on July 1st

Similarly, Mobile Money usage suffered a decline according to the survey, with 93 percent of
respondents reporting that they had used Mobile Money in the last 6 months. 44 percent were transacting less money in July and 47 percent reported that they had completely stopped transacting Mobile Money after the implementation of the new tax.

The survey was carried out by PR Company, Whitehead Communications, and collected information from 3015 respondents. “Results were collected both online and through face-to-face interviews across the country, gathering 3,015 responses.

Most of the participants in the survey were located in the central region. 72 percent were resided in Central Uganda, 15 percent in Western Uganda, 8 percent in Northern Uganda and 5 percent in Eastern Uganda, with 93 districts represented overall.

The majority of the respondents were youths between 18 to 35 years of age and at least at a bachelors degree level of education. 74 percent of respondents were male and 26 percent were female.

According to the findings, a sizeable number is accessing social media using VPN application. While an equally impressive number is paying the tax to access the same services.

“Of those who reported as using social media since the new tax was introduced, 40 percent said they paid the OTT tax; 57 percent were using VPN; 38 percent were using WiFi or Hotspot.

Other noteworthy findings of the survey are the impact the taxes have so far had on the businesses and lives of the respondents.

For instance, the mobile money tax has led to the delay in payments, general inconvenience, increased cost of doing business, increased risk, loss of income, reverting to banking and cash payments” as some noted in their responses.

While those using social media for business or as individuals pointed out that it had led to delays in conducting business, disrupted payments, general inconvenience, increase in the cost of doing business, loss of income, reduced access and a smaller online audience.

The essence of the survey, according to Whitehead Communications, was to serve as a resource in a consultative and evidence-based review of social media and mobile money taxes.

Cabinet has reviewed the two taxes slapping 0.5 percent tax from the earlier 1 percent on mobile money withdraws while maintaining Shs200 daily as social media tax. Parliament is yet to approve Cabinet’s decision.

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Tunisia joins COMESA as 20th member state

By
Our Reporter
-

The membership COMEA has risen following the admission of Tunisia as the 20th member of the regional bloc at the ongoing Summit of the COMESA Heads of State and Government. Tunisia was admitted after having fulfilled the COMESA terms and conditions of accession to the COMESA Treaty.

Tunisia Minister of Foreign Affairs Hon. Khemaies Jhinaoui signed the accession instruments.

Tunisia first applied for observer status in COMESA in 2005 but the matter was not concluded. In February 2016, the country formally wrote to the Secretary General making enquiries on joining.

Article 4 of the Treaty provides that the COMESA Authority may admit a country which is an immediate neighbour of a member State upon fulfilling conditions set forth including acceptance of the COMESA aims and objectives, compliance with the general undertakings and fundamental principles and wishing to co-operate with the regional bloc.

The Summit is also expected to admit the State of Somalia before it concludes its business on Thursday, July 19, 2018

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Two 2 trillion first of their kind Airbuses for Uganda Airlines

By
George Mangula
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CEO Uganda Airlines, Mr Ephraim Bagenda(Right) with Eric Schulz, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer

Uganda Airlines, the national carrier of Uganda, has signed a memorandum of understanding for two A330-800neo aircraft as it prepares to relaunch in the skies after spending almost 20 years hibernating.

The new aircraft, according to the airbus website cost $259.9M (shs971.4 billion) a piece.

The agreement was announced at Farnborough airshow by Ephraim Bagenda, CEO of Uganda Airlines and Eric Schulz, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer.

Uganda Airlines plans to use the A330-800neos to build its international long-haul network with the aircraft offering cutting-edge technologies along with most efficient operations. The aircraft will feature a three-class cabin layout comprising 20 Business, 28 Premium Economy and 213 Economy seats.

“This agreement demonstrates our ambition for economic growth supported by a robust aviation industry. The A330-800neo combines low operating costs, long range flying capability and high levels of comfort. We are looking forward to launch operations and offer our customers best-in-class service, ”said Ephraim Bagenda, CEO of Uganda Airlines.

“We are delighted to welcome Uganda Airlines among our A330neo customers, the A330neo will bring a range of benefits offering unrivalled efficiencies combined with the most modern cabin. We look forward to see the A330-800neo flying in the colours of Uganda”, said Eric Schulz, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer.

The new version of the best-selling A330 widebody airliner, features new wings new Rolls-Royce’s latest-generation Trent 7000 engines, new systems and a new Airspace cabin interior.According to the Airbus website, the jetliner is a more efficient aircraft that will generate savings through its reduced fuel burn.

The signing of the second agreement means Uganda has now procured six aircraft, having yesterday also signed a deal with Bombardier Commercial Aircraft to procure four new CRJ900 regional jets at US$190 (about Shs712.5 billion) with Uganda National Airlines Company that operates Uganda Airlines.

“We congratulate the Government of Uganda for the revival of its national flag carrier, and are thrilled that the new airline has selected Bombardier and the CRJ900 regional jets for its upcoming debut,” said Jean-Paul Boutibou, Vice President, Sales, Middle-East and Africa, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “Recognized for its superior economics and efficiency, the CRJ Series aircraft have enabled airlines worldwide to serve communities with better connectivity, and we look forward to supporting the development of Uganda’s regional air travel with these CRJ900 regional jets.”

Uganda Airlines will operate the CRJ900 in dual-class configuration with 76 seats, including 12 first class seats.

“We are delighted to have ordered the world’s leading regional jet, and we look forward to providing the most modern passenger experience in regional aviation to the people of Uganda and across Africa,” said Bagenda.

“As we were establishing Entebbe as a strong hub in East Africa and building more connectivity in Africa, we thoroughly reviewed our needs. With its proven track record in Africa and other regions of the world, we are confident that the CRJ900 aircraft will help us succeed,” he said.

Launched in July 2014, the A330neo Family is the new generation A330, comprising two versions: the A330-800 and A330-900 sharing 99 percent commonality. It builds on the proven economics, versatility and reliability of the A330 Family, while reducing fuel consumption by about 25 percent per seat versus previous generation competitors and increasing range by up to 1,500 nm compared to the majority of A330s in operation.

The A330neo is powered by Rolls-Royce’s latest-generation Trent 7000 engines and features a new wing with increased span and new A350 XWB-inspired Sharklets. The cabin provides the comfort of the new Airspace amenities.

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Controversial Mobile Money Bill back in House today

By
Geoffery Serugo
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Finance Minister: Matia Kasaija.

Cabinet is today expected to table mobile money tax amendment bill that is advocating for lowering of one per cent tax that is levied on withdraw of cash using mobile money service.

The development follows a caucus meeting of National Resistance Movement (NRM) MPs that was held at state house. Legislators unanimously agreed that bill be presented before parliament for endorsement.

According to a source that attended the meeting, president Museveni who was the chairman of the meeting found hard to convince MPs to support the maintaining of mobile money tax saying that little money will be used in the improvement of service delivery.

In a long and winding lecture to the legislators, Museveni said social media tax does not affect education and research so it is imposed on all who wanted to use social media platforms. In research that was presented before MPs, Museveni said in 2016/ 2017 over Shs63 trillion was transacted via mobile money and that is a double of Uganda’s budget.

MPs contended that both taxes be discarded saying they have become a burden to citizens and will block the long term yearned for financial inclusion and attaining of middle status income.

The also said the minister for financial Matia Kasaijja was directed to apologize before parliament over allegations of disrespecting legislators. MPs told president Museveni that he been disguising that he doesn’t know about the one per cent mobile money tax yet he signed the proposal endorsing it to Parliament.

Social media and mobile money tax were this financial year introduced in an effort to have self-sufficiency in budget, Social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Twitter, Facebook, You Tube, Viber and Skype among others were subjected to a daily levy of Shs200 as mobile money transaction were subjected to 1 per cent excise duty.

Following various protests against both taxes, Last week President Museveni said 0.5 per cent of the tax incurred while transacting on Mobile money will be refunded to all people who were deducted one per cent on mobile money transaction. Museveni contended that he mistakenly ratified the law without proof reading.

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Uganda contracts Canadian firm to deliver four aircraft

By
George Mangula
-
A bombardier jet in air

Uganda has signed a contract with Canadian plane manufacturer Bombardier for four new CRJ900 jets, underling its desire to have back a national airline operating aircraft in the region competitive aviation industry.

The deal will cost the Uganda National Airlines Company US$190 million (about Shs 712.5 billion)

Speaking after signing the contract, Ephraim Bagenda, CEO, Uganda Airlines said, the company was delighted to have ordered the aircraft.

“As we were establishing Entebbe as a strong hub in East Africa and building more connectivity in Africa, we thoroughly reviewed our needs. With its proven track record in Africa and other regions of the world, we are confident that the CRJ900 aircraft will help us succeed,” Bagenda said.

Jean-Paul Boutibou, Vice President, Sales, Middle -East and Africa Bombardier Commercial Aircraft said lauded the government of Uganda for reviving the national airline

“We …are thrilled that the new airline has selected Bombardier and the CRJ900 regional jets for its upcoming debut, “he said.

Bombardier has supplied planes of the same range to Uganda’s neighbours like Rwanda. Uganda Airlines is expected to operate the CRJ900 in dual-class configuration with 76 seats, including 12 first class seats.

The deal comes after finance minister Matia Kasaija confirmed in the 2018/19 budget that it was finalizing plans to acquire the aircraft. Uganda is the only country in the region without a national carrier.

However, as the country embarks on reviving the national carrier, regional statistics show that some of the airlines are making losses.

When operations start, the national airline will have to compete with others like Kenya Airways, Ethiopian Airways, Rwandair.

Uganda Airlines Corporation was liquidated in May 2001 due to many debts that chased away investors.

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