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

By
Our Reporter
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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!

 

 

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The Arcadia Experience: the massive party by Lake Bunyonyi

By
Our Reporter
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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

 

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URA names top taxpaying professional firms

By
George Mangula
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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.

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Know your health: Allergic Rhinitis

By
Guest Writer
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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.

 

 

 

 

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

By
Our Reporter and Agencies
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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.”

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EU envoy urges government to open farmers’ bank

By
George Mangula
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ESTABLISH FARMERS' BANK: Outgoing EU Ambassador to Uganda Kristian Schmidt

The out-going European Union (EU) Ambassador to Uganda, Kristian Schmidt has advised the government to establish a state-owned agricultural bank that would lend out to farmers at cheap interest rates.

Ambassador Schmidt made the call late at State House, Entebbe as the EU representatives in Uganda met President Yoweri Museveni.

Ambassador Schmidt’s call comes at the time farmers are complaining about the high interest rates offered by commercial banks even as government has injected money in the Uganda Development Bank (UDB) for established farmers to borrow at a lower interest rate.

During the Entebbe meeting, the EU representatives and the President discussed a wide range of issues including the national budget, jobs, investments, trade and business opportunities.

President Museveni on his part noted that there was a need to lower the cost of production for private sector led growth to yield positive results. He also said that the lowering the of cost of production is crucial in attracting foreign investments into Uganda.

“The Government’s strategy is to have a private sector -led economy. You must talk about the low costs of production. In order for the private sector to grow, we need to have roads, a railway network, electricity supply and look for cheap money through the Uganda Development Bank,” he said.

Mr. Museveni further said that government has enhanced health care by ensuring effective immunization and hygiene on top of promoting prevention of diseases rather than treatment.

On the oil resource, President Museveni said funds from the sector would be dedicated to further development of infrastructural developments including electricity generation.

Recently, in the budget, the Minister of Finance Matia Kasaija said that the roads construction component was a big contribution towards enabling the farmers to access the market for their produce, and also crucial to the development of agriculture in the country.

 

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Mayiga calls for establishment of ‘special land court’

By
Geoffery Serugo
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Buganda Katikiro Charles Peter Mayiga.

The Katikkiro of Buganda Charles Peter Mayiga has called for the establishment of a ‘special court’ to investigate land wrangles and also prosecute land grabbers within a period of 90 days.

According to Katikiro Mayiga upon formation of any such court, many Ugandans will be relieved because of the speedy prosecution and conviction of culprits.

Of recent different parts of the country have experienced land clashes leading to deaths, the most prominent being the clashes in Kasese, Tororo, Apaa and parts of the central region.

Subsequently, a Commission of Inquiry into land matters chaired by Justice Catherine Bamugemereire was formed, and since then several names of alleged land grabbers have surfaced.

And last week a constitutional amendment bill was tabled before Parliament, aimed at enabling government acquire land for infrastructure development including construction of hospitals, roads in lieu of pending compensation.

But Katikiro Mayiga, who was addressing a Lukiiko meeting that had converged for the reading of the 2017/18 Budget for Buganda kingdom at Bulange Mengo, said acquiring land from tenants without their consent ‘is a threat to government and will result in insecurity’.

‘’It is not that we don’t want a public facilities, tenants should be compensated,” Mayiga stressed adding that several government officials and other land grabbers will abuse any such laws to take grab people’s land.

He also faulted the Uganda Land Commission for giving multiple land titles for one piece of land, leading to wrangles and claiming of people’s lives.

He also urged the anti-corruption court to ensure the speedy trial of corrupt suspects, saying this would help develop the country.

Meanwhile, Katikkiro Mayiga has lauded singer Eddy Kenzo and entertainment guru Dauda Kavuma for taking care of Ghetto Kids who were recently in America for a special performance.

 

 

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Kasubi Tombs the top priority in Buganda’s Shs74bn budget

By
Badru Kasadah
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Kasubi Tombs in Kampala, Uganda
Kasubi Tombs in Kampala, Uganda

Buganda Kingdom has prioritized the completion of the Kasubi Royal Tombs in its forthcoming financial year, whose budget is estimated at Shs74 billion.

The revelation was made during the reading of the Kingdom’s budget for the financial year 2017/2018 during the Lukiiko session at Bulange today.

The tombs have been under reconstruction since 2013 and have been the key deliverables in the kingdom’s five-year strategic plan, which is ending in 2017/2018.

“The work at Kasubi is not only tedious; we must follow all the cultural norms. This takes a lot of time. We expect, nevertheless, to complete this process during this financial year,” Owek. Robert Waggwa Nsibirwa, the kingdom Treasurer and Minister of Finance and Investments, has said.

Health, agriculture and education are the other key priorities, which will help Kabaka’s subjects get out of poverty.

In agriculture, a lot of emphasis has been put on coffee and matooke where Shs6million and 4,400 seedlings respectively will be given out to Kabaka’s subjects across the Kingdom.

“Agriculture is the cornerstone of our economy and therefore we are prioritizing the Emwanyi Terimba campaign,” Nsibirwa explained. “We will be working together with the Uganda Coffee Development Authority and other partners to deliver this.”

‘Emmwanyi Terimba’ is a campaign launched by Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga this year to restore coffee farming in the Kingdom.

Shs16bn (22%) of its budget has been allocated to Education. “We are going to increase bursaries to enable children from poorer families access high quality education,” Nsibirwa said.

One of the biggest beneficiaries from this is Muteesa I Royal University which is also expected to get its charter during this financial year and start on construction of a multipurpose building at its Kakyeeka-Mengo campus.

On health, Nsibirwa revealed that Kabaka Ronald Mutebi has endorsed a proposal to acquire a water ambulance for the people of Ssese Islands. “The Kabaka has instructed us to acquire a water ambulance so that his people in Ssese Islands can easily get to health facilities whenever there is need,” Nsibirwa said.

A modern mobile clinic, bigger than a 40-feet container, has also been procured and it is currently being shipped. It is expected to arrive in Uganda soon and boost health service delivery in the vast Kingdom.

Nsibirwa also revealed that the Kingdom received Shs313m from the Kabaka’s Birthday Run 2017 of which Shs59million was spent on organizing the function.

Of the Shs254million proceeds, Shs110million has been given to the Central Public Health Laboratories of the Central Government who are the qualified experts in sickle cell testing. The balance will be used to test and treat people during the health camps the Kabaka organizes for his people.

The activities of the Clan Heads Council (Olukiiko lw’Abataka Abakulu b’Obusolya) would be supported financially and a new motor vehicle will be acquired for them so that they can easily perform their duties across the Kingdom.

On tourism, Nsibirwa said that the Kingdom is going to start a Royal Trail Tour in Lubaga Division where tourists would be able to visit the different attractions to learn more about the Kingdom. This new tourism trail is expected to improve the income of the Kingdom. Working with the Private Sector Foundation, the Kingdom is due to publish a royal tourism book that details all tourism attractions in Buganda.

Sub counties starting with Makindye will get new buildings to supplement their income so as to improve service delivery to Kabaka’s people.

However, the Kingdom’s income has been affected by the failure of the Central Government to pay its debt obligations. Buganda had expected to receive Shs8billion as debt payment in the previous financial year. However, no money was received from the Central Government at all.

This shortfall in revenue is expected to be bridged by implementing laws regarding land management by improving ground rent collections as well as continued investments in media, communications, and telecommunications.

 

 

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FDC vows to revive ‘my land campaign’

By
Geoffery Serugo
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ANNOUNCED REVIVAL OF CAMPAIGN: FDC Deputy Secretary General Harold Kaija

The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has vowed to revive the ‘my land campaign’ the party officials say is aimed at deterring the ‘massive grabbing of land by business entrepreneurs and government officials’.

The ‘anti-land grabbing exercise’ was announced by the FDC in May this year but had stalled due to ‘unforeseen circumstances’, a senior party official speaking on condition of anonymity, told the EagleOnline.

However, addressing the media at FDC party headquarters in Najjanankumbi, Deputy Secretary General Harold Kaija said the party is going to revive the exercise and then use its structures to resist ‘the agents of poverty, unemployment that have turned Ugandans into beggars’.

Last week a bill to debate the compulsory acquisition of land for infrastructure development projects in lieu of payment was tabled in Parliament, drawing strong criticism from very many Ugandans.

Mr. Kaija disclosed that the party had collected mobile phone numbers of all MPs and published them on social media in a bid to deter the lifting of the presidential age limit.

“At least every member has received a call from his constituency barring him/her from supporting the amendment of article 102 (b) of the Constitution,” he said.

The contentious bill on land came in the wake of reports that Parliament was also about to debate the amendment of the Constitution to remove the age limit cap, another thorny issue that has given rise to heated debates across Uganda.

“Amending Article 26 of the Constitution where the governments wants to acquire people’s land and without pay and Article 102 (b) about lifting the presidential age limit can only be compared to terrorism,” Mr. Kaija said.

Giving an example of the Shimoni land that was taken under the pretext of building a hotel, Mr. Kaija said: “Since then nothing has been put up.”

Meanwhile, the FDC Chief Electoral Commissioner Dan Mugarura Bakaaki has officially called urged aspirants for the party presidency to pick nomination forms for the exercise beginning July 14 to August 15.

The nominees are supposed to pay a non-refundable fee of Shs 5m, produce a National ID and FDC party card, with 20 supporters including four from all the four regions of the country.

 

 

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BBS TV’s Joe Kigozi pleads with workers to stay as they threaten to quit over pay

By
Badru Kasadah
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DON'T LEAVE: BBS TV Joseph 'Joe' Kigozi

Joseph ‘Joe’ Kigozi, the previously-embattled CEO of Buganda’s TV station, the Buganda Broadcasting Services (BBS) TV has pleaded with his employees who are threatening to quit over non-payment of salaries, to stay.

Last month Kigozi was suspended on allegations of misappropriating company funds, but returned to office early this month following an investigation, and his first assignment was to assure his employees that they would finally to get their money.

According to sources, the BBS TV employees haven’t received their salaries for the last three months “despite the money to pay employees having been availed by the station’s top directors.”

 

 

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