Stanbic Bank
Stanbic Bank
19.1 C
Kampala
Stanbic Bank
Stanbic Bank
Home Blog Page 1786

Ugandans embrace Jamafest as it returns with a fun-filled programme

By
Badru Kasadah
-
A singer entertains crowds at the Jamafest

Kicking off Saturday on a low note that was characterised by criticisms of low publicity for the event, Ugandans have finally embraced the East African Cultural Festival, Jamafest.

This turnaround was evidenced by the multitudes at the three venues; Kololo, National Theater and Hotel Africana, that are hosting the week-long event.

Troupe members entertain crowds at the Jamafest

Indeed after realising the fun they had been missing out, it turned out yesterday was the biggest day of the festival in terms of entertainment and attendance.

The day started with wrestling, traditional board games like Omweso and ludo. Next was screenings of local films, drama and storytelling before winding down with performances from dance troupes including Triple Mars, Nyenya Cultural troupe, Pride Performers Africa and Crane Hill School.

At the main stage were performances from Jekaki band and Jinong’ite band among others, leaving revellers sweating after pulling out their best strokes.

In what appears to maintain or even better the pace set yesterday, the organisers have lined up a yet fun-filled program for the second straight day.

The festival returned today with a continuation of the symposium that began yesterday. It closes today at Hotel Africana with key resolutions. Sessions will delve into; Cultural and culture industries for regional and national development; Harnessing the legal and policy frameworks for cultural development; Fostering and developing languages for regional cultural exchange and development.

At Kololo: exhibitions and open market continue, kids games, ekigwo (wrestling), traditional board games (mweso, ludo, cards), storytelling (tontoma), performances by Kiconco cultural troupe of Uganda, Tasuba band from Tanzania, Sengenya Asili from Kenya, Karo Karungi Troupe of Uganda, Masai Mara cultural troupe from Kenya, Burundian drummers, Pawindi Larakaraka of Uganda, Nsisi band of Kenya, Milege music band of Uganda, and guest artist Swahili Ally. Venue opened at 10am and closes at 7pm.

At National Theatre: Film screening of Gito L’lngrant by Leonce Ngabo from Burundi at 12pm, and another film from Kenya at 2pm. At 7pm, we shall have the comedy night live featuring Pablo of Uganda, Vitimbi of Kenya and performances by bands from Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania (mwela theatre).

Free entry for all events besides the symposium.

 

Stories Continues after ad

Mongers clinch 5th Leg of National Rugby Sevens Series at Makerere

By
Badru Kasadah
-
Action during one of the Rugby Sevens Series

Makerere University Rugby Grounds played host to the 5th Leg of the 2017 Guinness National Rugby Sevens series over the weekend.

With the Kobs seeking to seal their title defence, it turned out to be a weekend for the Entebbe Mongers, who fended off the Kobs in the finals to win the 5th Leg 21-15, inspired by playmaker Daniel Ladu.

Earlier, the semifinals were a show of might as Mongers defeated the Rhinos 21-5 while Kobs defeated the Rams 15-5.

Meanwhile, the 6th and final Leg of the 2017 Guinness National Rugby Sevens series will be played at Legends Rugby Grounds, home of the Kobs on the 16th September. Gates open at 8am and the games will be played all through the day.

Speaking after the games, Estella Muzito, the Head of Beers at Uganda Breweries Limited said; “We have come a long way and the teams are showing all vigor to fight till the last day. As we go into the finals, we hope the best team wins. As Guinness, we shall continue supporting rugby and we continue to prepare for the coming Rugby Africa 7s Cup in October.”

Guinness joined the rugby fraternity to help support and build the sport in the country as well as pivot the national sevens team to greater heights.

The new sevens format has ten core member clubs and two invitational teams at each circuit. There is a weekly ranking of teams based on their performance during the circuits.

The rugby 7s series is taking place in six venues around the country with twenty-two teams and an estimated 2,000 participants that are expected to take part.

 

Stories Continues after ad

NRM MPs adopt motion to amend age limit

By
Geoffery Serugo
-
Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni

Members of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) meeting at Parliament have today passed a motion to amend the presidential age limit.

According to sources, one of the NRM MPs will table ‘a private members bill’ before Parliament, seeking to change the age cap from the constitutional 75-year limit as enshrined in Article 102(b) of the 1995 Constitution.

At meeting chaired by MP for Bubyangabu county Adolf Kasaija Mwesige, the motion was moved by Kyaka County MP Jackson Rwakafuzi, and adopted by all present, except the Kumi Womam legislator, Monica Amoding.

“Chairperson, when you invited us here, I didn’t know the meeting was about article 102. I believe this is a pompous discussion” Ms Amoding reportedly said, adding that Kumi they need some time to consult Ugandans. She also said that the few NRM MPs should not decide for more than 37 million Ugandans.

If passed by Parliament, the bill might see President Yoweri Museveni rule beyond May 2021, when his last 5-year constitutional mandate expires.

The debate to lift the age cap has elicited sharp criticism, with the Democratic Party recently launching the ‘Kogikwatako’ campaign urging Ugandans to resist any attempts to remove the presidential age cap from the Constitution.

In power for 31 years now, in 2005 President Museveni rallied NRM MPs to change the 1995 Constitution, removing the two-year term limit.

Earlier, Museveni had the National Resistance Council (NRC) extend his rule that was backed by ‘Legal Notice No. 1’ of 1986, beyond 1990, a time line that had been set to hold elections.

Stories Continues after ad

Tanzania to ‘nationalise’ US$15m impounded diamonds

By
Agencies
-
TOUGH: Tanzania President John Pombe Magufuli

A British mining company whose impounded multi-million dollar diamonds are to be ‘nationalised’ has become the latest casualty of Tanzanian president John Magufuli’s nationalist drive to take on what he believes is corruption and international exploitation of its mining industry.

Late last month (Aug. 31), Tanzanian authorities seized $15 million worth of diamonds at Dar es Salaam airport, which were set for export to Antwerp, Belgium. The diamonds were being exported by Williamson Diamonds, a local mine majority owned by British mining firm, Petra.

While the London-listed Petra Diamonds claims it has not been given a reason for the seizure, Tanzania’s government has alleged the miner had under-declared the value of the exports.

Tanzania has valued the seized diamonds at $29.5 million—double of the Williamson’s $14.7 million valuation. In a statement, the government says it will nationalize the diamonds having determined that “there was cheating involved in declaring the actual value of the mineral.”

Tanzania has also ordered a criminal investigation against officials involved in declaring valuing the diamonds and issuing its export permits. Tanzania’s finance minister has claimed the country likely loses ‘ more than $46 million’ annually to under-cleared diamond exports.

Petra owns a 75% stake in Williamson Diamonds while Tanzania’s government own 25%. But even that ownership stake has come under question as the government has claimed there were “irregularities” in the process that saw the government’s stake reduced to 25% from 50%. Petra has denied any wrongdoing and says valuation of exports are typically carried out by a government agency.

But regardless, news of the seizure has resulted in a sharp slide in Petra’s share price. At a point yesterday (Sept. 11), Petra’s shares fell 28%—the biggest single-day slump in 16 years.

Petra has also temporarily shuttered operations at its Williamson mine citing “health and safety and security reasons.”

The seizure of the diamonds is the latest episode in Tanzania’s continued focus on alleged wrongdoing in its mining industry under President John Magufuli.

 

Stories Continues after ad

Coca-Cola Uganda launches Coke Studio Africa 2017

By
Badru Kasadah
-
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.

 

Stories Continues after ad

Incoming EU head of delegation to Uganda presents credential to Kutesa

By
Geoffery Serugo
-

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.

 

Stories Continues after ad

Uganda targets one million Chinese tourists

By
George Mangula
-
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.

 

Stories Continues after ad

Health ministry to offer free Yellow Fever vaccination

By
George Mangula
-
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.

 

Stories Continues after ad

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

By
Francisco Adongo
-
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”

Stories Continues after ad

Kutesa bids farewell to outgoing Ambassador of Sudan

By
Isaiah Mwebaze
-

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.

 

Stories Continues after ad
1...1,7851,7861,787...2,418Page 1,786 of 2,418

© Eagle Online. All rights reserved.

About Us

Popular Category

Editor Picks