Stanbic Bank
Stanbic Bank
16.6 C
Kampala
Stanbic Bank
Stanbic Bank
Home Blog Page 1815

Kagame retires two Generals, arrests four Colonels

By
Francisco Adongo
-
RETIRED: Major General Jack Nziza

The Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF) Commander-in-Chief Paul Kagame has retired 800 senior and junior officers among them Lieutenant General Emmanuel Karenzi Karake and Major General Jack Nziza.

The retired officers were seen off at a function presided over by the Defence Minister General James Kabarebe, and attended by among others the Chief of Defence Staff General Patrick Nyamvumba.

Both Lt. Gen. Karenzi Karake and Maj. Gen. Nziza, the two topmost officers retired, have served the RDF/RPA in different capacities including the in the military intelligence services for over 20 years.

For most Ugandans, Maj. Gen. Jack Nziza (then Brigadier) is most remembered for splitting President Yoweri Museveni’s 40-car convoy into two, as the Uganda leader headed to Kigali to attend and also hand over the chairmanship of COMESA to his Rwandan counterpart Paul Kagame in June, 2005.

Meanwhile, reports indicate that the Kigali regime has arrested four senior officers suspected of having aided in the escape from Rwanda of former External Security Organisation boss Colonel Patrick Karegeya (RIP), ten years ago.

Col. Karegeya was killed in South Africa on January 1, 2014, and the four senior officers arrested recently over his escape are colonels Emmanuel Rugazora, Gishaija, Mugabo and Kalimba.

Reports also indicate that the RDF Spokesperson Lt. Col. Rene Ngendahimana was also relieved of his duties.

Stories Continues after ad

Calvin Da Entertainer ‘laughs last’ as Kazoora gets the ice cubes at Magic HD TV

By
Badru Kasadah
-

Former Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC) TV’s Calvin Peter Kalule aka Calvin Da Entertainer is having the last laugh as the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information, Technology and National guidance, Waiswa Bagiire put all activities sanctioned by the new Board at the government – owned broadcaster on hold.

Kalule, the former manager of UBC Magic HD was kicked out by the new management and replaced by renowned TV personality, Dave Kazoora, giving rise to bad blood between the two hitherto prominent media personalities.

Their beef is said to have peaked when Calvin picked an award won by the station but refused to hand it over to Kazoora, with the former saying the award was a reward for his sweat.

The duo has since been involved in several verbal exchanges, but sources say that following Bagire’s directive, this is likely to come to an end.

Meanwhile, all employees brought in by the new management have been told to re-apply, and worse still, applications to work for UBC Magic HD have been put on halt on grounds that the station is not yet a registered TV station of UBC.

Kazoora, who claims to have injected about Shs150million into the station on becoming its manager is now worried he might be headed for one of the biggest losses of his life. Perhaps the directive, given last week is a sigh of relief to veteran journalist and former manager of Star TV, Tony Owana.

Owana was reportedly worried Kazoora who had come as a ‘content supplier’ to the station had since ‘grabbed the station’ and had even started to forcefully kicking out all of the people he found at UBC Magic HD.

Owana had even reportedly written to President Yoweri Museveni raising the same concerns and his prayers appear to have been answered.

 

 

 

Stories Continues after ad

Opposition demands explanation over shooting involving former Cranes captain Massa

By
Priscilla Alma
-
Former Cranes captain and lead striker Massa celebrates after opening the scores at Namboole Stadium

Rukungiri Municipality MP Roland Mugume Kaginda has hailed former Uganda Cranes captain Godfrey Massa as a hero, demanding a statement from Government explaining the circumstances surrounding the shooting fracas in which the star was involved in last week.

Taking to the floor of Parliament this afternoon, Mugume who spoke on behalf of Leader of Opposition Winfred Kiiza, expressed disgust over Government’s failure to come up with a statement on what transpired for the shooting to occur.

“Massa is an important man in this country; he is role a model, we were told he was involved in a shooting, we are just reading newspapers. We need a statement from Government,” Mugume said, sending the House into laughter.

Ruth Nankabirwa, the Government Chief Whip fired back at Mugume saying the matter is being investigated by Police and there was no need for a statement, before investigations are finalized.

“Regarding Massa being role model, I know he role models for you, but the case of Massa is already with police,” Nankabirwa said.

It should be recalled that last week, Massa was involved in a cat and mouse game with Police when they allegedly found him with a female friend in a car at 2am in Bweyogerere.

On seeing Police, Massa is said to have driven off fast, which prompted Police to shoot at his car, aiming at deflating the car tyres but the bullets instead hit the lady.

 

Stories Continues after ad

dfcu Bank supports EA schools’ games with cement worth Shs30m

By
Badru Kasadah
-
The dfcu team handing over the cement to Gulu district officials

The dfcu Bank has today handed over 1,000 bags of cement valued at over Shs30million towards the rehabilitation of Pece War Memorial Stadium in preparation for the 2017 edition of the East African Secondary School Games.

The handover was made to representatives of Gulu District at the Pece Stadium, and over 1,000 schools are expected to take part in the 16th edition of the Games that will jointly be hosted by St Joseph College, Layibi and Sacred Heart Girls School.

The students are expected to take part in a variety of indoor and outdoor games including football, rugby, netball, basketball, volleyball, handball, hockey, chess, swimming and badminton.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, the dfcu Bank Northern Regional Manager Christopher Kinyera said the contribution to the renovation of the stadium was a display of the Bank’s commitment to the development of the communities in which it operates.

“dfcu Bank holds the growth of our communities in high regard- we believe that we have a responsibility to help our society make socio-economic advancements that in turn, benefit us all,” Kinyera said.

“This contribution is going to help with the renovation of Pece Stadium where these regional games will take place, and we are honored to be part of this because we understand the power of sports in Uganda.      We are aware that the people of Gulu are passionate about sports- partnered with their great hospitality, we are confident that this is the perfect venue for an activity of this magnitude. We are excited to be a part of this,” he added.

The games are scheduled for August this year.

 

 

Stories Continues after ad

NSSF nets Shs100b in June monthly contributions

By
George Mangula
-
Richard Byarugaba, NSSF boss.

The National Social Security Fund (NSSF) campaign to encourage workers save for the future has started yielding positive results, with more than Shs100 billion in June 2017.

According to the NSSF Managing Director Richard Byarugaba, that is the best collection in the Fund’s history; Shs15 billion more compared to Sh85 billion that the Fund collected in June 2016, just a year ago.
“2016/17 has been a challenging financial year, but we have come through with yet another collections’ milestone that is above our monthly collections target of Shs77 billion,” Byarugaba said.
The NSSF is mandated by an Act of Parliament to collect monthly contributions from companies employing five people and above, with each employee contributing 5 percent of his monthly salary while the company makes a 10 percent contribution, making it 15 percent.
And, according to Byarugaba, he is optimistic the NSSF will improve last year’s overall financial performance, despite of the economic challenges that the country faced in the just concluded financial year.
“We have started appraising our overall performance for the just concluded financial year and we will communicate to our members after completion of this process. But going by our reviews over the last 12 months, I am positive that we have created value for our members,” Byarugaba says.
Last year, despite realising a good return for the year 2015/16, Byarugaba says their performance was affected by the decline of stock markets in the East African region that contracted the Fund’s equity portfolio.

NSSF has diverse investments such as fixed income, real estate and equities. It is the largest institutional investor on the Uganda Securities Exchange (USE) and one of the largest domestic holders of Government of Uganda debt, trading in treasury bills and bonds.
Meanwhile, the planned liberalisation of the pension scheme, according to analysts will enable participating pension schemes collect more money from workers but first the schemes have to wait until Parliament passes the pension bill into law. The law is expected to open up the pension market.

Meanwhile, Fund managers have embarked on the countrywide campaign to encourage voluntary contributions from members of the public, more so, the informal sector, a development that will see farmers, bodaboda riders, welders, mechanics and other categories of workers save for the future.

Stories Continues after ad

‘Prophet’ Mbonye and religious men and women with monster rides

By
Our Reporter
-

As the scramble for ‘flock’ intensifies, Ugandan pastors have spared no time to woo more people to their sects, and if it’s not about miracles or big churches, then at least it has to be luxurious cars.

In fact owning expensive cars is the latest trend practiced by city pastors. Initially, this was popularized by the now jailed ‘Pastor’ William Muwanguzi aka Kiwedde, the first Ugandan to own a Hummer. His record mark has now been embraced by almost all pastors.

Last year ‘Pastor’ Imelda Namutebi imported a Range Rover eVogue, at the time the latest model. The car that left many in the country speechless is said to have cost her close to Shs500million.

It wasn’t long after that ‘Pastor’ Samuel Kakande took it a step higher by landing his miracle ride, a 2017 customized Lexus LX 570, thanks to the proceeds from the sale of hisa ‘miracle rice’. The car cost him Shs600million.

Other city pastors like Irene Manjeri have also since acquired luxurious rides, but it’s ‘Pastor’ Elvis Mbonye’s car that has left tongues wagging. The car, a Range Rover Sport 2016 that has now gone viral on social media, is said to have cost about Shs400million.
Mbonye doesn’t have a permanent place for his church but has previously operated from Malls in town, expensive hotels like Serena Hotel, Imperial Royal, Kololo Airstrip and currently holding prayer sessions at the Kyadondo Rugby grounds.
Mbonye boasts of performing miracles in addition to having met and spoken to God. Well, ‘his visit to heaven’ might have finally paid off!

 

 

Stories Continues after ad

The Arcadia Experience: the massive party by Lake Bunyonyi

By
Our Reporter
-

By Cynthia Tumwine

Lake Bunyonyi is one of the most beautiful sites in Uganda. And true to its name, Bunyonyi, which means ‘little birds’, is a home to many different beautiful bird species. From the scenery of the lake itself, the amazing different birds and the peaceful serenity it provides, Lake Bunyonyi is a sight to behold.

Located in south west Uganda between Kabale and Kisoro, the Lake also closely borders Rwanda. It is believed to be the second deepest lake in Africa. If anyone was ever thinking about taking a swim in it, that is something to consider carefully before taking the dive. Good swimmers encouraged only! If you are taking a trip to Uganda for the first time, this is definitely one of the sites to check out. It’s serene and amazing view is worth the three hour trip down South.

Now go ahead and imagine the combination of such a beautiful site with great company and fun activities, which is what the Arcadia Experience aims to provide. The Arcadia Lodge strategically located by the lake has decided to give people a chance to experience Lake Bunyonyi in a whole new different way.

Dancing the night away with the lake just a short distance away, dinner after a boat ride, laughs and a good time is what this event promises to be. The pure air and the breathtaking view is bound to wipe all your stress away! Happening on the 5th and 6th of August 2017, this is a must attend.

With several activities planned including a silent disco, boat rides as well as Simples Entertainment in conjunction with guest djs will entertain the crowd. The Arcadia experience is the perfect plan for couples and groups of friends and family alike. A quick browse to the Jumia Travel page and as it celebrates 5 years, this is currently the package the company has to offer. So, one click and boom all you have to do is show up. Transport, Accommodation, Meals and all the activities that will be happening will be covered with one payment.


Personally, I can’t wait to experience this because I always complain about the hecticness of planning a trip and I greatly appreciate these kinds of trips where all I have to do is show up and I’ll be catered to! So get booking, the offer is on till 31st July and only a few slots left!
Stay Adventurous!

The writer is the PR Manager at Jumia Travel Uganda

 

Stories Continues after ad

URA names top taxpaying professional firms

By
George Mangula
-
URA Commissioner General Doris Akol.

The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has named Uganda’s top 20 taxpaying professional firms for the past financial year 2016/17, and releasing the list, the Commissioner General Doris Akol said the move was aimed at encouraging more professional firms to meet their tax obligations.

According to Akol most of the firms are located in Kampala and these include those specializing in accounting and auditing, legal services, management consultancy, architecture and engineering.

Some of the firms named which paid and remitted taxes worth over Shs1billion in FY 2016/17 include PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), KPMG, Ernst and Young, Kampala Associated Advocates, Sebalu and Lule Advocates, Aclaim Africa Ltd. and Engineering Solutions of Uganda Ltd.

“By deploying your professionalism and integrity, many of you dutifully honour your tax obligations, act as withholding tax agents and in many ways influence attitudes that engender a tax paying culture,” Akol said, adding: “Professional firms play a big role in Uganda’s economy through the provision of specialised and consulting services and in doing so influence a strong and robust economic ecosystem built on prudent professional practice,” Ms. Akol said.

Further, the URA boss said she was optimistic the companies would contribute more revenue in FY 2017/18, in which tax agency is targeting Shs15 trillion collections.

Stories Continues after ad

Know your health: Allergic Rhinitis

By
Guest Writer
-

Definition:

Allergic rhinitis is a medical condition linked to a group of symptoms affecting the nose. These symptoms arise when you breathe in something you are allergic e.g. dust, animal dander, pollen or food that you are allergic to e.g. fish.

Causes:

When you suffer from allergic rhinitis and you breathe in an allergen, the body will release chemicals that give you allergy symptoms.

Immediate symptoms

  • Itchy nose, mouth, throat, skin and any area that was in contact with the allergen;
  • Problems smelling anything within your surrounding
  • Sneezing
  • Runny nose
  • Watery eye

Symptoms that may develop later;

  • Stuffy or blocked nose
  • Sore throat
  • Puffiness under the eyes
  • Headache
  • Coughing
  • Dark circles under the eyes
  • Clogged ears
  • Decreased sense of smell

Diagnosis

Normally done by physical examination where the healthcare provider will ask you about the symptoms you are experiencing, whether they vary by the time of the day or season, exposure to pets or other suspected allergens.

Skin testing is the most common method of allergy testing though special blood tests may be used to help with diagnosis such as the IgE RAST test to measure levels of allergy related substances, eosinophil count may also help with diagnosing allergies.

Treatment

Non pharmacological treatment

The best is to avoid the allergen as far as possible if known though in most cases it is quite difficult to identify one prior to diagnosis.

For mild allergic rhinitis, a nasal wash helps to remove mucus from the nose.  A nasal wash is a saline (salt) solution that you can buy at a local pharmacy or supermarket or you can make one at home using 1 cup (240ml) of warm water, half a tea spoon of salt (3g) and a pinch of baking soda. Use as a nasal wash as you wish. The mixture should be used within 24 hours of preparation.

If symptoms do not improve after 5 days, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

A warm compress can be used to relieve nasal congestion by placing a warm cloth on the fore head. Ensure that is not too hot to burn your skin.

 

Pharmacologic treatment

 

Your doctor or pharmacist may prescribe medicine to treat the allergic rhinitis which depends on the symptoms and how severe they are, age, if you have other medical conditions that should be considered for example asthma.

 

Medicines used include;

  1. Antihistamines: Chlorpheniramine,cetirizine,loratadine e.t.c

These work well for allergy symptoms that do not happen so often or do not last for a long period of time. They can be taken by mouth as tablets or capsules or as a nasal spray.

Care should be taken when using antihistamines as they can cause; dry mouth, sleepiness (if at work , operating machines or driving),

  1. Corticosteroids:prednisone,prednisolone,fluticasone,fexofenadine

Nasal corticosteroids sprays are the most preferable and effective treatment for allergic rhinitis when used for a long period of time though can also be beneficial in  short term use for both children and adults.

Oral corticosteroids should be avoided unless when indicated and prescribed by your doctor or pharmacist as they pose a lot of risks with long term use.

  1. Decongestants: Oxymetazoline, phenylephrine

These can be used to reduce nasal stuffiness/ blocked nose but should not be used for more than 4 times a day as they can block the nose or more that 3 days as they can cause nose bleeds.

Some cold and flu medications contain an antihistamine and phenylephrine or pseudoephedrine that can help with the blocked nose.

  1. Other medicines: Leukotriene inhibitors

These are prescription medicines that block leukotrienes, chemicals in the body released in response to an allergen.

  1. Allergy shots: Immunotherapy

In this type of treatment, regular shots of the allergen is injected , with each dose of the allergen slightly higher than the dose before until such a dose when the symptoms are controlled thus allowing the body to adjust to the allergen causing the reaction. Sublingual immunotherapy treatment can be used where the allergen is placed under the tongue instead of an injection

 

By Johnson Mwebaze Nabyoma

Bachelor of Pharmacy (UL-MEDUNSA), Mmed.clinical pharmacy (UL-MEDUNSA), MBA (NWU)

Department of Health, Northwest Provincial Government.

 

 

 

 

Stories Continues after ad

ICC to screen LRA’s Dominic Ongwen trial in northern Uganda

By
Our Reporter and Agencies
-

The International Criminal Court (ICC), will screen the trial of Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) rebel commander Dominic Ongwen at 23 locations where he is said to have committed war crimes and crimes against humanity in northern Uganda.

According to a release, ICC Field Office in Kampala will provide video screening equipment at the 23 locations; create and maintain interactive radio programmes and listening clubs through which the affected population could follow and discuss the trial; facilitate travels for cultural and religious leaders as well as journalists to attend trial proceedings at the seat of the Court in the Hague; and facilitate sharing those leaders’ experiences related to the trial proceedings with affected communities.

Yesterday, the ICC Registrar of the Mr Herman von Hebel, and the Ambassador of Denmark to Uganda, Mr Mogens Pedersen, launched the Euros 210,000 ‘Access to Justice’ project in Kampala, Uganda, to facilitate ‘the ICC’s continuous efforts to respond to the information demands of the communities affected by the conflict in northern Uganda’.

According to the release, the Project, funded by the Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA), will enhance the capacity of the local population in Northern Uganda, where the crimes were allegedly committed, to follow the proceedings against Dominic Ongwen in the trial currently ongoing in The Hague. The project will also strengthen capacity of the religious and cultural leaders to further engage the members of their respective communities on issues related to the Court.
“This Project that we are inaugurating comes as a response to an enormous amount of interests that the victims and affected communities, as well as the other stakeholders, have shown in following the proceedings of the Dominic Ongwen trial . It is our purpose, to transform these local interests into popular participation and ownership of the processes, and to strengthen local confidence in the Court’s work and in justice and accountability in general. It is our profound confidence, that this project will help us to bring the ICC courtrooms to every single member of the affected community,”
the ICC Registrar Mr von Hebel noted.

On his part Ambassador Mogens Pedersen said: “Our support to the ICC project that we are signing today on this day when we also commemorate the International Day of Justice, is in our opinion bringing justice closer to the people who have suffered violence for more than two decades and want to see justice done and those responsible for the atrocities held accountable. We are optimistic that the activities that will be implemented by the ICC under this project will make international justice more accessible and relevant to the communities in northern Uganda who have been affected by the war.”

Stories Continues after ad
1...1,8141,8151,816...2,398Page 1,815 of 2,398

© Eagle Online. All rights reserved.

About Us

Popular Category

Editor Picks