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Coca-Cola Uganda launches Coke Studio Africa 2017

By
Badru Kasadah
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Participants at the Coke Studio 2017

Influencers, journalists and well-wishers were treated to a magical evening of free drinks, dinner and entertainment during the event to officially launch the 5th consecutive season of Coca-Cola’s flagship show, Coke Studio.

Hosted at Fame Bar and Lounge in Kololo, the event was also attended by two of Uganda’s Coke Studio representatives – Bebe Cool and Lydia Jasmine, as well as representatives from Century Bottling Company Limited, the official bottler and distributor of Coca-Cola products in Uganda.

Titled Coke Studio Africa 2017, this season marks the first time that the beverage giant has merged Coke Studio Africa and Coke Studio South Africa into one, bigger and better show, consequently increasing the number of participating countries to 16, up from 11 in the previous edition.

Rodney Nzioka, the Coca-Cola Uganda Brand manager thanked the guests for showing up in large numbers and for their continued support over the years.

“As you all know, fusing the diverse musical influences in Africa while providing a platform for renowned as well as upcoming and less mainstream artists to collaborate musically is the backbone of Coke Studio,” he said.

“Coke Studio Africa is Coca-Cola’s pledge to the development and support of both the African and Ugandan music industry. Through productions such as Coca-Cola Pop Stars, Coca-Cola Real Stars and Coca-Cola Rated Next, we have played an active role in harnessing the talent in our country,” Nzioka added.

During the launch event, Coke Studio representatives Lydia Jasmine and Bebe Cool were given an opportunity to share their experiences in the studio and the impact this show has had on their personalities and music careers.

Guests were also given the opportunity to watch the first episode of the Coke Studio Africa 2017 season that officially aired on Saturday, September 9, 2017.

 

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Incoming EU head of delegation to Uganda presents credential to Kutesa

By
Geoffery Serugo
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Ambassador Attilio Pacifici, the New European Union Ambassador to Uganda has presented working copies of his credentials to the Minister of Foreign Affairs Sam Kutesa.

The ceremony held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kampala on September 11, 2017 and Amb. Pacifici replaces Kristian Schmidt whose tour ended in July 2017.

Kutesa congratulated Mr. Pacifici on his new appointment in Uganda.

Amb. Attilio Pacifici thanked the Minister for welcoming him stating that he was looking forward to working with the government of Uganda to strengthen further relations between the European Union and the Republic of Uganda.

The Ambassador-designate said he was glad to be in Uganda again, a country he last visited 25 years ago.

The two discussed various issues including EU strategies for strengthening the Private Sector in Uganda as a catalyst for development.

Amb. Pacifici has over 25 years career experience as a permanent staff member the European Commission mainly focusing his work on Africa and African Affairs. He worked as the European Union ambassador to Liberia from November 2009 to December 2014.

Prior to His appointment he worked as a senior advisor to the Managing Director European External Action Services for Africa.

Meanwhile Ambassador designate of Uganda to Democratic Republic of Congo, Amb. James Mbahimba presented credentials to President Joseph Kabila on Saturday September 2, 2017 at State House Kinshasa.

Amb. Mbahimba was accompanied by his spouse Ms. Catherinne Mbahimba and the Mission’s  Minister Counselor Brig. Gen. Julius Chihandae.

Amb. Mbahimba passed on warm greetings from President Yoweri Museveni to President Kabila, emphasizing that he would ensure that relations between Uganda and the DRC were strengthened even more.

President Kabila expressed his pleasure at the arrival of the new Ambassador. He informed him that he wished to pursue the management of shared natural resources, observing that both Uganda and the DRC needed to enhance implementation of the already adopted agreement.

President Kabila observed that Uganda and the DRC are brothers who must depend on one other. He appreciated Uganda’s proposal of extending electric power to Beni.

 

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Uganda targets one million Chinese tourists

By
George Mangula
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Tourism minister Prof. Ephraim Kamuntu gives a snapshot of the tourism industry in Uganda while in China

The Minister for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Prof. Ephraim Kamuntu, has said Uganda is targeting four million tourists by 2020 among them one million from China.

Prof Kamuntu is leading a delegation of government and private sector players at the China Guangdong International Tourism Expo as part of promotional efforts to woo tourists from China, one of the world’s emerging sources of tourists. The China Guangdong International Tourism Expo was attended by over 500,000 people.

“We are going to embark on an aggressive marketing campaign in this very important market. To this end, the government is looking at the Chinese outbound tourism market contributing greatly to its aspiration,” said Prof. Kamuntu indicated in a statement.

The Minister is accompanied by Stephen Asiimwe, the Chief Executive Officer of the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB); staff of the Guangzhou Consulate led by Ambassador Solomon Rutega, Uganda’s Consul General in Guangzhou; and officials from the Uganda embassy in Beijing.

“In this year’s budget, we have included a budget for market representation and public relations. We hope that this will help bolster our presence in the Chinese market, increase visibility and awareness of the destination,” UTB boss Asiimwe said.

The Expo and conference, was held at the Pazhou Exhibition Complex in Guangzhou, the capital Guangdong, China’s richest province, with a GDP of US$ 1.15 trillion, and a population of over 110 million people. The side event was organised as part of ongoing activities by the Consulate to create further awareness of Uganda as a favourable tourist destination in Africa.

Asiimwe informed tour and travel operators of the peace and stability that Uganda has enjoyed over the years and reassured them of unforgettable experiences. He called on tour and travel operators to establish links with their counterparts in Uganda to develop itineraries that suite the Chinese outbound market.

Ambassador Rutega said since the establishment of the Consulate, trade, investment and tourism had increased tremendously. “One of our core result areas has been tourism. We hope that these engagements will ensure the government targets are met,” he said.

The Tourism Administration of Guangdong Province was represented by Mr. Liang Yongzhong, who expressed the readiness of the Government of China to support Uganda’s efforts to attract Chinese outbound tourists.

Kamuntu is expected to attend the General Assembly of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation in Chengdu, Sichuan Province. He will also preside over another Consulate-organised conference on promoting Uganda’s investment and tourism opportunities in Nanning City, Guangxi Province on September 14, 2017.

 

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Health ministry to offer free Yellow Fever vaccination

By
George Mangula
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Yellow fever mosquito

In a rare move, the Ministry of Health in partnership with the National Medical Stores (NMS) will offer free Yellow Fever vaccination to Ugandans from September 27-29.

According to a statement, the exercise at Kololo Independence Grounds will be part of the activities during the Taxpayers’ Appreciation Week, organised by the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) to recognize best taxpayers in the country. During the vaccination, there will also be free screening for sickle cells.

Yellow fever is a risk in Uganda, and the vaccine is administered to people of over 9 months, at a fee.

But according to the statement, the free vaccination against Yellow Fever will save people between Shs80, 000 and Shs200, 000, depending on where one gets it.

Currently, most Ugandans do not go for vaccination against the disease due to the costs involved. It is only those on foreign travel that go for vaccination for clearance purposes.

The Taxpayers’ Appreciation Week expected to be officially opened by President Yoweri Museveni, will have government ministries, departments and agencies give and explain their services to the public especially to inform the public of the importance of the taxes they pay.

 

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Sudhir adduces evidence against city lawyers in the conflict of interest case

By
Francisco Adongo
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PETITIONED: Sudhir Ruparelia,

City businessman, Sudhir Ruparelia has adduced evidence against city lawyers whom he dragged to court over conflict of interest in the BoU, Crane Bank saga.

Mr Ruparelia dragged David Mpanga of AF Mpanga Advocates and Timothy Kanyerezi Masembe of MMAKS Advocates to Court last week. He accuses the two for professional breach of trust and conflict of interest when they accepted to represent Bank of Uganda in a case where BoU is the complaint against Ruparelia.

Affidavit in reply – 1063 of 2017

In an affidavit on September 11, 2017, says In reply to paragraph 7 of the Affidavit “I know that the shareholding in Crane Bank is directly and substantially in issue in HCCS 493 of 2017 and the results of the MMAKS opinion will be wholly relied upon to dispute the allegations contained in the Plaint”. He adds “In further reply, MMAKS did not just do a search as Mr. Sembatya claims but went ahead to advice about any shareholding anomalies and propose corrections. The manner of and even legality of some of the transfers are fundamentally in issue in HCCS 493 of 2017”.

David Mpanga, will have to convince court that has never worked for Sudhir as person.

However, Masembe told a local daily that he wasn’t representing Ruparelia as an individual but rather he represented his companies Mr Ruparelia has interests in.

“I am familiar with that consent judgment and I want to say that I still work for it but Sudhir is Sudhir not those business entities,” Masembe was quoted.

Again Mr Ruparelia in his affidavit says “In further reply to the said paragraphs I know that MMAKS advocates have acted for Crane Bank and the Board (on which I sit) in the matters in issue in HCCS 493 of 2017 and have obtained knowledge as a result of acting as lawyers. Some of these matters in issue include but are not limited to; issues of shareholding, issues on the duties of directors; issues to do with Infinity Investments Limited and issues to do with Technology Associates. MMAKS Advocates will further be required as witnesses regarding the day to day running of the 3rd Respondent.”

Despite evidence adduced by Sudhir,Timothy Masembe Kanyerezi says he has worked for companies where Sudhir has interests but denies working for Sudhir the person.

Ruparelia says that the assertion that MMAKS Advocates have never been his personal lawyers or lawyers for companies in which he has interests is manifestly false.

In support of his affidavit, Mr Ruparelia has adduced evidence in form of receipt under which the two lawyers were paid their professional fee.

“ln further reply to the said paragraph, I know that MMAKS Advocates was instructed to represent Crane Bank Limited, Meera Investments Limited, Rosebud Limited and Speke Hotel (1996) Limited, . Companies in which I have an interest in a dispute regarding memorandum and articles of Association of the said companies and a law firm Joel Cox Advocates. A consent judgement was subsequently entered and signed on behalf of Crane Bank Limited, Meera Investments Limited, Rosebud Limited and Speke Hotel (1996) Limited by Mr Timothy Masembe Kanyerezi of MMAKS Advocates. The allegation by Mr Sembatya that MMAKS has routinely acted against me is patently false”

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Kutesa bids farewell to outgoing Ambassador of Sudan

By
Isaiah Mwebaze
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Minister of Foreign Affairs Sam Kutesa bid farewell to the outgoing Ambassador of Sudan Abdelbagi Hamad Kabeir today September 11, 2017 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Kutesa thanked Amb Kabeir for the improved and good working relations with the Uganda government over the period he has been in Uganda particularly for the mutual interest both countries have had in regional stability through Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD).

The outgoing Ambassador also commended the good working relations with the government of Uganda and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in particular, throughout his tenure of service, the highlight of which of which saw a historic visit of Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to the Republic of Sudan after a period of almost two decades.

Amb. Kabeir has served as Ambassador of Sudan in Uganda since March 2015.

 

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Okello Oryem calls for increased funding in technology, research

By
Our Reporter
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Henry Okello Oryem MSFA/IA. Photo Credit: MoFA Uganda

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in charge of International Affairs, Henry Oryem Okello, has called upon the OIC Summit on Science and Technology to increase funding in Science and Technology Research and Development in Universities and Institutions funded by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), including Islamic University in Uganda.

Oryem who is leading a 9-person delegation is attending the First Summit of the Organisation of Islamic Conference on Science and Technology which runs from September 9-11th, 2017 in Astana, Kazakhstan. He made the remarks during the inaugural and first working session during which heads of high-level foreign delegations and international organizations delivered their statements.

The Astana Summit has been described by various quarters as a historic event for the entire Islamic world and, which will help to establish a framework to hold Science and Technology Summits on the regular basis. The Astana Summit is meant to ensure a clear understanding of the necessity to completely reduce scientific and technological gaps between Muslim Ummah and developed countries and it will also contribute to the earliest implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and promote the principles of cooperation and solidarity among all OIC Member States.

It is envisioned that it will mark beginning of a new process aimed at rethinking the historical role of the Muslim Ummah in the area of scientific and technology modernization of the world community and, as a practical step. The outcome of the Summit is expected to be the adoption of an OIC Science, Technology and Innovation Agenda 2026 and the Astana Declaration.

Mr. Oryem who was accompanied by EliodaTumwesigye, Minister of Science and Technology and officials from the Ministries of Science, Technology and Innovation and Foreign Affairs expressed concern to the Summit that there was a need to reduce scientific and technological gaps in the member states. He informed the Summit that Uganda’s challenge, which was not much different from others in the developing world, was in the current education system, which emphasizes theoretical academic work with little depth on applied science, engineering and technical skills which are central to technological innovations.

Uganda’s Delegation to the Summit.

He emphasized that the government of Uganda had given high priority support to the Science, Technology and Innovation sector in its overall development strategy by establishing the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (UNCST) as the overall sector coordination agency. He said that the UNCST has developed and reviewed that National Science, Technology and Innovation policy which the government formally adopted. To implement this policy the government later created a fully-fledged Ministry of Science and Technology.

The second and final day of the Summit, (September 11), will be devoted solely to searching new methods and tools to develop science and cross-sector international cooperation, in order to strengthen the technological capacity of the OIC member states.

The Astana Declaration is a political document, the adoption of which will be a clear sign of determination of the OIC member states to support science and technology as a priority, including in the framework of the OIC 2025: Programme of Action and the Outcome Document of the Astana Summit.

The Declaration will reflect the importance of developing and implementing initiatives and programs, as well as inferential research in the field of education, professional skills, basic and applied sciences, primarily aimed at resolving urgent social problems.

 

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Zimbabwe: The state, the security forces, and a decade of disappearing diamonds

By
Agencies
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EMBATTLED AND IN TROUBLE? Former Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe

Global Witness has uncovered and published on September 11, new evidence linking Zimbabwe’s state and partisan security forces to a decade of disappearing diamond wealth.

Despite offering early promise and hope, diamonds have failed to benefit the Zimbabwean people. Instead, they have provided secret off-budget funding for state security forces consistently implicated in their oppression. As elections and a divisive presidential succession struggle loom, this has serious implications for Zimbabwe’s democratic future, and casts serious doubt on President Mugabe’s claim that private investors are solely to blame for billions of dollars of missing diamond revenues.

“We have not received much from the diamond industry at all (…) I don’t think we’ve exceeded US$2 billion or so, and yet we think that well over US$15 billion has been earned in that area. (…) There has been quite a lot of secrecy (…) and lots of swindling, smuggling (…). The companies that have been mining have virtually robbed us, I want to say, of our wealth (…). You cannot trust a private company in that area. None at all,” – President Robert Mugabe, interview with Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation on the occasion of his 92nd birthday.

Mismanagement of the diamond sector has also had devastating consequences for Zimbabwe’s development. With nearly three quarters of the population living beneath the poverty line and an estimated four million people in need of food aid in 2017, the need for a complete overhaul of the industry has never been greater.

‘An Inside Job’ examines five of the major mining companies that have recently operated in the Marange diamond fields and so continue to hold a stake in its future: Kusena, Anjin, Jinan, Diamond Mining Corporation (DMC), and Mbada. It details the steps companies have taken, in some cases, to conceal their finances, shield their operations from public scrutiny, and hide their ultimate beneficiaries and owners.

Global Witness’s key findings include:

  • Secret documents indicating that Zimbabwe’s feared spying agency, the Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO), may hold a stake in a Marange diamond mining company, Kusena Diamonds. The company’s diamonds have been traded in Antwerp and Dubai, circulating freely on international markets, despite the risk they may have funded human rights violations. This risk is set to continue, with the company now reportedly folded into the new government-led Zimbabwe Consolidated Diamond Company (ZCDC).
  • Significant links between another Marange diamond company, Anjin, which was set up with a private Chinese investor, and Zimbabwe’s highly partisan and oppressive military. Evidence indicates Anjin’s diamonds were sold in Antwerp on at least three occasions, likely in violation of EU sanctions against the military company that holds a significant stake in Anjin.
  • Mbada Diamonds held the largest concession in Marange, yet the identity of the owner of a 25 per cent stake in this lucrative asset has remained a closely guarded secret. Global Witness has found mounting evidence to suggest that Robert Mhlanga, a retired member of Zimbabwe’s security forces, ally of the ruling party, and alleged former Presidential pilot, stands behind the hidden share.
  • Diamond Mining Corporation (DMC) was formed as joint venture by the Government of Zimbabwe with a private investor. This is despite evidence suggesting that the individuals behind the company were involved in extensive smuggling of Marange diamonds for several years before diamonds could be legally exported under the Kimberley Process.

 

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UNDP calls for heightened efforts against environment degradation

By
Francisco Adongo
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Ms. Rosa Malango Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative addresses delegates at ISNC

A three-day Inclusive and Sustainable New Communities (ISNC) Implementation Workshop and Global Project Meeting has commenced today, with the UN Resident Coordinator and Resident Representative (RCRR) Rosa Malango calling on partners to strengthen efforts against environmental degradation.

According to the RCRR, the UNDP partners with people at all levels of society to help build nations that can withstand crisis, and jointly generate local solutions to help empower lives and build resilient nations.

The South Korean Ambasador to Uganda Park Jong-Dae  addresses the delegates to the ISNC

With funding from the UNDP, the Korean and Ugandan governments, the ISNC project promotes community-based local development through the Saemaul Undong (SMU) model, largely used in Korea.

‘At the UN, we believe development should not be at the expense of development. Sustainable Development Goal 13 (Climate Action) enjoins us to protect the environment and natural resources. We need to support the restoration of these vital wetlands, educate the communities and help the encroachers find alternative livelihoods. The consequence of all these is droughts, hunger, disease and displacement’ the RCRR said.

He said that the pilot phase of the ISNC project ends this year, and that over the next three days, delegates will share success stories, best practices, knowledge products, and challenges from the implementation.

‘… These examples to show you how ISNC project is helping reverse this onslaught on the environment. You have taught communities the importance of protecting the environment, hygiene, saving and working together. You have encouraged beneficiaries to use energy saving cook stoves and the sustainable briquettes,’ Ms. Malango said.

The meeting has drawn delegates from Bolivia in Central America; Myanmar, Vietnam and Lao People’s Democratic Republic all in South east Asia and from East Africa, hosts Uganda and neighbouring Rwanda.

 

 

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Tanzanian star Eaton Angel wins Uganda Ladies Golf Open

By
Badru Kasadah
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UBL-Marketing-Director-Mark-Ocitti-right-hands-over-the-trophy-to-Eaton-Angel-C-with-Uganda-Ladies-Golf-Union-president-Maxi-Byenkya

Tanzanian golfing sensation Eaton Angel put up a hard fought battle to win her third Uganda Ladies Golf Open at the Kitante Golf Course.

Eaton Angel being congratulated by her team manager and fellow Tanzanians

Eaton returned a score of 235 gross (76, 81, 78) to win the Ladies Open after three days of grueling challenge. She had previously won the 2012 and 2013 Uganda Ladies Open titles.

Uganda’s Irene Nakalembe, who plays with the Entebbe Golf Club, came in second with a gross of 237 (78, 80, 79).

In third place was Iddy Madina also from Tanzania who had a score of 238 (77, 80, 81). Iddy had gone into the final day of the Ladies Open as the leader but was unable to maintain her lead as Eaton and Nakalembe piled up the pressure to go on top.

Having been unable to keep up the pressure on day two, Kenya’s Agnes Nyakio had slipped into fifth place but was able to pull back and return a score of 239 (77, 82, 80) to end the Open in fourth position.

The 2017 Tusker Malt Uganda Ladies Open gave way to one of the future bright stars to come in Babirye Martha, who surprised many on her debut as she battled with experienced golfers and was able to maintain her position in the pressure group. Although she cracked under pressure, Babirye managed to finish in seventh position with a gross score of 243 (77, 81, 85).

Commenting on her win, Eaton Angel said: “This has been a tough competition for me and the challengers were even tougher. But I thank God for having been able to help me pull through and play well.”

The Tusker Malt Uganda Open attracted golfers from countries such as; Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Kenya and Tanzania. 64 ladies played in this year’s open at the par-72 Kitante course.

Speaking during the prize giving ceremony, Mark Ocitti, the Marketing Director of Uganda Breweries Limited, said: “We congratulate all the ladies that took part in this year’s Open and we would like to thank the Uganda Golf Union for having prepared and managed a successful Ladies tournament. As Uganda Breweries, we believe that Tusker Malt Lager embodies the spirit of the game of golf and we shall continue to support the sport.”

The Tusker Malt Uganda Open will resume this week on September 13 for the amateurs’ category at the Kitante Golf Course.

Tusker Malt Lager has injected over Shs500 million into this year’s tournament as assurance to show its support for the development of the game golf in Uganda. There has been an increase in the cash sponsorship from UGX 230 million to Shs250 million.

Tusker Malt Lager embodies the spirit of the game of golf.

 

 

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