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Debate on contentious age limit report set for Monday

By
Priscilla Alma
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Speaker Rebecca Kadaga.

The shenanigans surrounding the debate and passing of the Presidential Age Limit Bill have apparently metamorphosed after Speaker Rebecca Kadaga announced that the long awaited report by the Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee is set to be tabled on Monday, November 18, 2017.

The pronouncement follows the ping pong between Government and Parliament that kept people guessing for the whole week, as to when the Age Limit Bill.

Kadaga acknowledged receiving both the majority and minority reports from MPs on the Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee report yesterday and set Monday as the day for Parliament to scrutinize those reports.

“So I am giving notice that we shall convene on Monday at 9:00am in the morning so that we can have sufficient time for the debate. I am now directing the Clerk to upload the reports so that members can study them through the weekend ready for Monday,” Kadaga said.

It should be recalled that the public was ready to witness the debate on the report on Tuesday, but their eagerness was shattered after Parliament failed to feature the report on the Order Paper for the three days the August House has been holding plenary sittings.

Instead, the item only featured as notice on ‘Business to Follow’.

The bill tabled by Igara West MP Raphael Magyezi has come under serious criticism from opposition MPs and sections of the public, with many arguing that it is aimed at paving the way for a ‘Museveni life presidency’.

President Museveni, who has been in power for 31 years is now 73, and failure to expunge Article 102 (b) will mean that he does not appear on the ballot in 2021 because he will be above the constitutionally-mandated age of 75 years.

 

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UK firm to partially finance Kabaale International Airport construction

By
George Mangula
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An artistic impression of Kabaale International Airport

The UK Export Finance (UKEF) is lending €270 million to the Uganda government to help finance the construction of a new international airport at Kabaale in Hoima District to boost oil activities in the region.

According to UKEF, the money will help support work on the construction of the runway, taxiway and cargo terminal that will be carried out by UK infrastructure company Colas.

“With huge untapped natural resources, rapid urbanisation and attractive demographics, the requirement for investment in infrastructure to support continued regional development is clear, and this aligns well with the outward-looking international element of the Colas strategy, which seeks to expand our activities in East Africa,” Carl Ferguson, the Director of strategic projects at Colas UK, says.

The Kabaale Airport undertaking is the first major project in Uganda supported by UKEF and the export credit agency’s largest-ever loan to an African government, and additional financing for the project will be provided by Standard Chartered, which acted as the lead arranger for the deal.

Kabaale will be the country’s second international airport and will open access for the delivery of equipment, materials and services for the nascent oil industry.

With large-scale infrastructure and energy projects planned in the area, the airport which is due for completion in 2021, is expected to have significant long-term benefits for the country’s developing economy and energy independence.

A second phase of development is planned to improve the airport’s capacity to support tourism and international trade at a later stage.

 

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Migrants Day: Africa must reject modern-day slavery

By
Guest Writer
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Ms. Rosa Malango UNDP country representative.

By Rosa Malango

As the world marks International Migrants Day, on behalf of the United Nations family in Uganda, I would like to draw renewed attention, and call for each one of us to commit to a sustainable solution to the problem of modern-day slavery.
Every 18 December, the United Nations stops to reflect on the contribution of, and constraints pertaining to the enduring reality of human mobility. This year’s Migrants Day theme, “The Challenges and Promises of Migration”, is particularly apt.
It is timely because the day comes at a time described by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres as a time in history when we are witnessing some of, “the most egregious abuses of human rights [that] may amount to crimes against humanity”. I am talking here about reports of the kidnapping, selling and buying of mostly African youths in Libya today in 2017.

Human mobility is as old as our presence on this planet. Historical records indicate the displacement of humans across regions, empires and nations looking for work, for trade or for political alliances to be established. Ensuring the dignified right of human mobility is critical in this era in which all Member States of the United Nations have pledged to implement the Sustainable Development Goals in their countries. Attaining the 2030 Agenda requires a focus on people regardless of gender, ethnicity or religion to ensure inclusive and sustainable development; this is what leaving no one behind means.

As early as April this year, the UN Migration Agency known as IOM highlighted for the first time the scandal of ancient-style slavery in modern-day Libya. The reaction by the international community was muted. It is unthinkable that in the year 2017, on the continent that gave us Ubuntu, people are bought and sold, beaten and raped, and sometimes even murdered – for money. Families are being ordered to pay or lose their loved ones. The situation is an affront to our shared humanity and to our dignity as human beings. We cannot talk about sustainable development and inclusive economic growth without ensuring the protection of all people in particular young African people.
Before April, IOM highlighted the perils of the Saharan route, where migrants were bypassing decomposing remains of Africans abandoned on the treacherous trek to Libya. To think that those who survive this journey end up being traded like voiceless slaves is beyond tragic.
And it is not just Libya. Slavery continues to manifest itself in new forms around the world. Uganda has had its own share of stories of mostly youthful labourers being held and treated like slaves in the Middle East, their passports confiscated, their fate resting with the recruitment agents who took them to find ‘well-paying jobs’. Some of the Ugandans who have returned from Libya are too traumatized to talk about what they endured. We commend the Government for recent steps taken to try to streamline the recruitment of Ugandan nationals as migrant workers, by reaching out to governments in the Arab world and updating policies governing this movement. This is an example of the international cooperation UN Secretary General Guterres is calling for.

Let me reiterate that as IOM and the broader UN often state, migration in itself is not a problem to be solved, rather a reality to be managed as a contribution to sustainable development & innovative approaches to economic transformation. Migration only becomes a problem when it is clandestine, unofficial and inhumane.
That is why under Sustainable Development Goal 10, target 10.7 urges United Nations Member States to “facilitate orderly, safe, regular and responsible migration and mobility of people, including through the implementation of planned and well-managed migration policies.”
In his recent statement on the Libyan slave scandal, UN Secretary General Guterres said: “This also reminds us of the need to address migration flows in a comprehensive and humane manner: through development cooperation aiming at addressing its root causes, through a meaningful increase of all the opportunities for legal migration and through an enhanced international cooperation in cracking down on smugglers and traffickers and protecting the rights of their victims.”
But we need more of this in a concerted manner. The people on this humane continent need their leaders to say a big ‘NO’ to the disguised slave traders that promise jobs and lead youths into slavery cells instead. This point was made in November by Dr Alpha Conde, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, when he urged Libyan authorities to identify and prosecute all perpetrators of slavery and their accomplices. Holding those responsible for this criminal and inhuman treatment accountable in a court of law will require robust coordination between Governments, civil society and security entities.
But beyond Libya, let our governments strengthen existing agreements on the free movement of people and goods as well as on job creation in order to increase the opportunities for young people in their home countries. Let’s transform migration into a choice and avoid it from being undertaken due to lack of choice. The New York Declaration adopted in September 2016 at UN Headquarters, includes a pledge by Member States to develop a comprehensive global compact on migration. Let this tragic moment serve to energize further ongoing consultations on an African common position on migration that will help ensure that the new global compact enshrines the principles and best practices to ensure migration is safe, orderly and humane for all.

As we commemorate migrant’s day, let us all take time to think about the plight of thousands of migrants from this continent and around the world and let us identify action that we will take in our communities and place of work to promote respect for anyone working or pursuing work opportunities around us. Let us also commit to teach our children to respect and empower others regardless of their status, gender, religion or ethnicity. Together we can ensure that no one is left behind as we pursue a shared vision of attaining sustainable and inclusive development.
Happy International Migrants Day!
____________________
Rosa Malango is the UN Resident Coordinator and the UNDP Resident Representative in Uganda

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DP case on ‘Parliament raid’ deferred to February

By
Geoffery Serugo
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MADE ANNOUNCEMENT: High Court Deputy Registrar Sarah Langa

High Court Deputy Registrar Sarah Langa has today deferred to February 7, the hearing of Democratic Party’s cases, in which the party sought declaration that what happened in Parliament on September 27 is an illegality.

On that day the Inspector General Police (IGP) Kale Kayihura ordered the Special Forces Command (SFC) to storm the parliamentary chambers, evicted the opposition MPs and in the process injured Mityana Municipality legislator Francis Zaake Butebi and Soroti Woman MP Angelina Osegge.

Subsequently, the Speaker Rebecca Kadaga suspended 24 opposition MPs and one National Resistance Movement stalwart, the Water Resources State Minister Ronald Kibuule, from Parliament for three consecutive sittings.

At the time Parliament had become a theatre of blows following allegations by Kira Municipality MP Ibrahim Semujju Nganda that Minister Kibuule had sneaked a gun into the parliamentary chambers, in contravention of the rules.

The suspended opposition MPs were against lifting the presidential age limit that is capped at 75 years, with arguments that it is aimed at paving the way for a (Yoweri) Museveni life presidency.

It is against such a background that the DP sought court interpretation, and announcing the adjournment today, Ms. Langa told the DP lawyers led by Alex Waiswa that Justice Stephen Musota to whom the case was allocated, is indisposed and could not hear the case.

However, speaking after adjournment, counsel Waiswa said suspending the legislators for what transpired in Parliament was in contravention of the parliamentary rules and procedures.

“What happened at Parliament was an illegality; Kadaga (Speaker) came out in writing to show that she was not in charge of Parliament yet its decorum is in her hands. Therefore, in this case they just have to consent and accept to withdraw the Bill,” Waiswa said.

The MPs suspended by Kadaga at the time include Ssemujju Nganda, Allan Ssewanyana, Robert Kyagulanyi, Monica Amoding, Sam Lyomoki, Moses Kasibante, Betty Nambooze, Francis Zaake, Ibrahim Kasozi, Nzaavu, Gilbert Olanya, Muhammad Nsereko, Odonga Otto, and Winfred Nuwagaba and Nandala Mafabi.

Others are Medard Lubega Sseggona, Joseph Sewungu, Gerald Karuhanga, Gaffa Mbwatekamwa, Florence Namayanja, Moses Kasibante Theodore Sekikubo, Barnabas Tinkasimire and Ms. Angelina Osege.

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Former Miss Uganda Kimbugwe suffers heart attack

By
Benjamin Gavara
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Former Miss Uganda Barbara Kimbugwe with her hubby

Former Miss Uganda Barbara Kimbugwe between 2004 and 2005 has suffered a heart attack at her home in Palm Beach Florida USA, this morning.

Barbara Kimbugwe’s house in Palm Beach Florida, USA.

 

Barbara Kimbugwe’s in her Collections shop

Sources said that Ms. Kimbugwe, the CEO Diva Fashions in Kabalagala and President Kimbra Foundation, was subsequently rushed to a Los Angeles Hospital by her husband Dr. Al Sears.

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De Gea’s Real Madrid move scattered by CR7’s imminent departure

By
Benjamin Gavara
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WANTS TO LEAVE REAL MADRID: Ace striker Cristiano Ronaldo

Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea’s move to Real Madrid may have been affected by Christiano Ronaldo’s insistence on leaving the Los Blancos at the end of the season.

Available information indicates that De Gea, 27, was set to join the Spanish giants but that his agent, Jorge Mendes, who also acts as agent for Ronaldo had put on hold the Man U goalkeeper’s imminent move to first sort out the Portuguese international’s issues.

And, while it is said De Gea was headed for Real Madrid to replace 30-year old Keylor Navas, Ronaldo, who is said to be ‘unhappy’ in the Spanish capital Madrid, is reportedly headed for Manchester United, where he played for two seasons between 2003 and 2009.

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Singer Latinum up in arms against ‘detractors’

By
Benjamin Gavara
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Tonny Mbangira aka Latinum

Singer Tony Mbangira aka Latinum has dispelled reports that he did not sit for the Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) this year, with his ‘detractors’ saying he only stopped in Senior Three.

However, according to Latinum, he sat for his UACE at Windows International School in Mbarara, offering Divinity, Economics and Art.

But his detractors are not done; and are now saying they are waiting for the results next year.

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Minister Opendi confirmed Tororo Woman MP

By
Geoffery Serugo
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ENGAGED IN HOT ARGUMENT: Health State Minister Sarah Opendi

The Court of Appeal has today overturned a ruling by the Mbale High Court that nullified the election of Sarah Opendi as the Woman Member of Parliament for Tororo Municipality.

A panel of three justices led by Deputy Chief Justice Alphonse Owiny Dollo, Stephen Kavuma and Richard Buteera ruled that the petitioner Ms. Jacinta Ayo has no substantial evidence linking Opendi, who is also the State Minister of Health for General Duties, to non-compliance with electoral laws.

The three appellate judges said they had re-evaluated the evidence in respect of each of the issues Ms. Ayo raised and found that the nullification of Opendi was erroneous.

They ordered Ayo to pay all costs that Opendi has incurred in both courts.

Last year, Mbale High Court Judge Margaret Oumo Oguli nullified the election of Sarah Opendi following electoral petition that filed by her political rival Ayo on grounds that the election was marred with voter bribery, rigging and declaring of wrong results in some sub counties.

 

 

 

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Coca-Cola calls for government support in recycling plastics

By
Badru Kasadah
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The workers packing the finished recycled plastics at Plastic Recycling Industries (PRI) in Nakawa

Coca-Cola Beverages Africa Uganda has today hosted Dr. Elly Twineyo Kamugisha, the Executive Director of Uganda Export Promotions Board (UEPB), at the Plastic Recycling Industries Nakawa, where the company recycles plastic waste.

CCBA Director Public Affairs and Communication Simon Kaheru (L), explaining to Dr. Elly Twineyo (R) some of the recycling processes

Simon Kaheru, the Director Public Affairs and Communications who spoke on behalf of CCBA Uganda said the company is committed to environmental stewardship.

“As a responsible company, we focus on constantly reducing the impact of our packaging on the environment through the light weighting of our packaging material and supporting recycling efforts. In Uganda, we were the first company to construct PET collection centers across the entire country when we first launched plastic packaging in 2010. Right now, our recycling plant here in Nakawa collects between 7- 10 tonnes of plastic per day, ridding the environment over 300 tonnes of plastic per month. Through our processes, we are able to create employment for over 1500 Ugandans especially the urban poor,” Kaheru said.

According to Kaheru, 80% of the collectors are women who earn at least about $17 per week.

“We also export the flake which is the end result of our recycling process, and earn the country the much-needed foreign exchange,” Kaheru further noted.

Plastic products collected at Plastic Recycling Industries-Nakawa

He pointed out to Dr. Twineyo the current challenge to the plastic recycling industry, citing the changing landscape of plastic imports in the Western World as well as China, which was the biggest consumer of plastic waste, and urged the UEPB to explore ways of supporting the recycling efforts.

In response, the UEPB Executive Director Dr. Twineyo pledged to spearhead a discussion with government over installing an extruder at PRI. “Coca-Cola group is doing a good job collecting waste that would be clogging our water ways and soils. They are also creating jobs and adding value to waste while doing this,” he said.

Not only does Plastic Recycling Industries recycle plastic, but water as well and uses 90% of it back into the system.

“This is really impressive and as UEPB, we shall support them to get to the next level” he added.

Dr. Twineyo was also amazed at the value chain and the number of people that are touched along the way in a sustainable manner.

Coca-Cola Beverages Africa has been investing in Africa for 90 years, since 1928 and is proud to be present in every African country with over 70,000 employees across 145 bottling and canning facilities.

The company has a presence in 9 countries in sub-Saharan Africa: Kenya, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Tanzania, Uganda, Namibia, Ghana, Mayotte and the Comoros.

Swaziland, Botswana and Zambia will be integrated into CCBA’s operations in the second phase.

 

 

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KIU basks in ‘Beer Olympics’ glory with beer!

By
Badru Kasadah
-

Kampala International University (KIU), winners of the inaugural Black Bell Beer Olympics, on Sunday December 10, 2017 finally to got to savour their victory.

 

The Kansanga-based team humbled other universities during the games in October and November 2017 to emerge victors and, as a result of their exploits, were rewarded a cash prize of Shs1million and also promised a ‘mega’ party fully sponsored by Black Bell at a venue of their choice.

The team opted for the KIU Parking Lot and that’s where the plot was on Sunday and by 6:30pm, the venue, including the nearby basketball court had been filled by students in jovial mood.

In true ‘Olympic Solidarity’, the KIU team had extended a free invite to students from other universities as well as the general public and it wasn’t surprising that the venue became a beehive of activity hours before the event kicked off.

AND THE BEAT GOES ON! Revellers enjoy a DJ’s vibe

Entertainment was provided by a host of DJs and upcoming artistes, some of who were students and later on at around 9pm, the tempo was upped with the introduction of the silky-voiced Bruno K.

His Nkooye Okulowooza hit sent ladies into a frenzy as they tried to outcompete each in singing along to the chorus.

The hit which got warmest reception was Bruno K’s award winning single ‘One for the road,’ a song which praises the prowess of beer.

In this case, we are not very sure whether the students were excited because the song spoke to them or because the melody was groovy. All we know is that it really ‘touched’ them.

As soon as he exited the stage, in came Vamposs (Vampino) and as expected, the area next to the stage is where everyone wanted to be.

Vampino’s energy is captivating and he seems to pass it on to whoever comes closer to him. At least that’s what we observed.

He kicked off his performance with hits from back in the day; ‘I love you,’ a duet he did with Radio and Weasel, quickly following it up with Kwekunyakunya, another hit from his earlier days.

Vampino then upped the ante with Linda then A wah do dem before wrapping up his performance with Smart Wire; he had to redo Smart Wire a number of times because the crowd kept on asking for more.

As they danced, the students consumed all the Black Bell beer that had been brought to the venue.

Perhaps they were rewarding themselves for successfully concluding their exams. Another stock had to be brought in to quench their thirst.

Paul Rwandekeye, the Innovations Manager at Uganda Breweries Limited, said that the victory party at KIU would be followed by an end of semester party at The Hive in Mukono and then conclude with another fete at ‘Your’ Hostel in Nkozi on December 15, 2017.

‘Babes’ do ‘their thing’

He also disclosed that during these parties, new games and activities will be unveiled so as to give consumers an idea of what they should expect in the next edition of the Black Bell Olympics tournament.

The games that were played during the just concluded Black Bell Beer Olympics included Beer Checkers, Beer Pong and Take the Shot, and in all games participants played by their own rules.

 

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