President Yoweri Museveni has appointed Ayeranga Michael Christopher as Senior Presidential Advisor for Mobilisation of Bunyoro area.
The appointment underscores the President’s ongoing efforts to solidify political support and drive development in the historically strategic Bunyoro area.
In a letter dated September 23, 2024, Museveni officially announced Ayeranga’s new role, stating, “By the copy of this letter, I direct the State House Comptroller and Lawyer Kyichooncho to generate the necessary instruments for my signature, appointing you as Special Presidential Assistant for Mobilisation in the Bunyoro Region.”
Ayeranga’s appointment follows his letter dated August 30, 2024, in which he expressed his interest and capability in taking up the mobiliser role. Museveni’s decision to elevate Ayeranga to this prestigious advisory position indicates the importance of Bunyoro in Uganda’s political landscape, as well as Ayeranga’s potential to further the government’s agenda in the region.
The position comes with a substantial salary of six million Ugandan shillings per month, reinforcing the importance attached to the mobilisation efforts in the region.
Museveni congratulated Ayeranga on his new role, affirming, “Congratulations,” in the final lines of the appointment letter, which was also copied to the State House Comptroller and Commissioner Legal, Kyichooncho Flora.
President Museveni and senior officers after the meeting.
President Yoweri Museveni has urges Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) retirees to embrace wealth-creation activities in a safe and sustainable manner.
Museveni said during the retirement ceremony of Army Generals; Silver Kayemba, Charles Kisembo, Godard Busingye, Fred Karara, and CA Kasaija.
Museveni said the service of the retired officers has been so valuable to the country.
“We worked hard to ensure that our soldiers retire with a good package. In line with this commitment, we established a casualty unit in Mubende. It is essential that soldiers who have been injured or disabled while serving in the army are not left in vulnerable situations upon their return to their villages, especially considering the low salaries they receive,” he said on X, formerly Twitter.
“Now that people are retiring, they must do so with something reasonable. It is crucial for our fighters to have what they need to prosper. You should not gamble with your future but invest wisely in durable opportunities. I congratulate them and wish them good luck as they move forward,” Museveni said.
Lt Gen Peter Elwelu, Senior Presidential Adviser (SPA) and Head of the Karamoja-Teso Governance Monitoring Mechanism, has launched a comprehensive field monitoring of ongoing water infrastructure projects in Karamoja Sub-region.
The initiative kicked off in Napak district on Tuesday after a meeting with officials in Moroto district, where the local water officer presented a detailed report on the area’s water situation.
Lt Gen Elwelu highlighted the importance of teamwork, comradeship, and accountability in delivering essential social services to the people of Karamoja.
“All of us in authority and power are mandated to serve our people whom we are accountable to both on earth and in heaven,” he said.
He further praised President Yoweri Museveni for his efforts in transforming Karamoja and urged local leaders to follow his example in fulfilling the government’s objectives.
During the meeting, the SPA requested clarification from the water officer on how funds for sensitisation, non-wage expenses, monitoring, and project commissioning would be allocated. He raised concerns about discrepancies in the costs of two water projects in Naturum village and questioned why the water department had not conducted an in-house design. Lt Gen Elwelu promised to conduct on-the-ground inspections to verify the accuracy of the project reports.
Moroto Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Mrs Jane Francis Amongin Okili, expressed gratitude for Gen Elwelu’s “watchman” approach, welcoming his return to the district to ensure transparency in water project management. She pledged full support for monitoring government programs and upholding security.
Mr Koryang David, Moroto district LC V chairperson, noted that the district receives 400 million shillings annually for water projects and remains committed to improving water access. He acknowledged the challenges posed by the region’s nomadic lifestyle, migratory patterns, and difficult topography, which complicate water distribution.
District Water Officer, Mr Lowot Musa, revealed that the total project cost is approximately 313.7 million shillings, with work being completed in phases due to budget constraints. Phase two will address solar and electro-magnetic systems and extend water to nearby villages in Rupa Sub-county.
He also explained that community requests had led to two designs for Tapac Sub-county, aimed at serving a larger population, including Kalemengole village, Kalemengole Health Centre, and Kosiroi trading centre. Mr Lowot added that the water department now conducts in-house designs to save money for future projects and prevent duplication of efforts by development partners.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs has summoned Rugiirwa Katatumba to report to its offices in Kampala over possession of a diplomatic passport for which he’s not entitled to.
The ministry has occasionally denied issuing a diplomatic passport to Mr Rugiirwa Katatumba, son of the late Honorary Consul of Pakistan, Boney Katatumba, following a viral social media photo of him carrying this high-rank document.
The Ministry’s Public Relations Officer, Simon Mundeyi addressed the growing public outcry during a press conference held at the Police Headquarters in Naguru on Monday, emphasizing the strict eligibility criteria for obtaining a diplomatic passport.
“There was a public outcry recently after a social media post by Mr Rugiirwa Katatumba claiming to hold a diplomatic passport. The post went viral, and many of you contacted me for comments,” Mundeyi said.
He added, “We want to assure the public that we have never issued a diplomatic passport to Mr. Rugiirwa Katatumba. He has been summoned to explain whose passport he displayed on social media because it was not issued by the Ministry of Internal Affairs.”
The Ministry went ahead and shared specific details about Mr Katatumba’s passport history, noting he applied for an ordinary passport on April 10, 2021, and collected it from the Ministry’s Passport Center in Kyambogo on November 22, 2021.
Mundeyi said, “His current passport, which was issued in 2021, is valid until October 15, 2031, and it is the only passport we have on record for him,” Mundeyi explained.
The lost passport Mr. Katatumba replaced in 2021 was also an ordinary passport with no diplomatic status, as he has never held any position that would qualify him for a diplomatic passport.
The Ministry used the occasion outline to provide a detailed explanation of who is entitled to a diplomatic passport, which is red in colour and highly restricted. According to the Ministry, diplomatic passports are issued only to individuals holding the highest offices in Uganda, including:
“To get a diplomatic passport, you must meet the legal qualifications. Diplomatic passports are reserved for top government officials and diplomats. This is a serious matter, and the public must understand that it’s not easy to obtain one,” he stressed.
Service Passport Eligibility
In addition to diplomatic passports, the Ministry of Internal Affairs issues service passports which are green in colour. These passports are also limited to specific categories of individuals, including Chancellors and Vice Chancellors of private universities, such as Uganda Christian University (UCU), Kampala International University (KIU), and Victoria University, Members of Parliament, Heads of government departments, such as commissioners. Members of Permanent Commissions, including the Electoral Commission, Judicial Service Commission, and Health Service Commission, religious leaders, including the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, the Archbishop of the Roman Catholic Church, the Archbishop of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, the Patriarch of the Orthodox Church, and the Supreme Mufti of the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council and other individuals authorized by the Minister of Internal Affairs.
“The Ministry of Internal Affairs can only have the powers to issue a service passport, ladies and gentlemen, not the diplomatic passport and any other person as the Minister of Internal Affairs may authorize,” he said.
Ordinary Passport for Citizens
The ordinary passport, which is blue in color, is available to all Ugandan citizens and is meant for personal travel.
He added, “It is the most common passport, issued to every eligible Ugandan citizen for travel abroad, it is blue in colour, electronic in nature, and it costs Shs250,000 the service passport costs Shs400,000 and the diplomatic passport costs Shs500,000 only.”
He further explained that obtaining an ordinary passport requires a valid national ID or national identification number (NIN), highlighting that even if one loses the physical ID card, knowing the NIN is sufficient to apply for a passport. The system, integrated with the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA), ensures that the identification process is seamless.
However, Mundeyi emphasized that the Ministry follows strict regulations when issuing passports, particularly diplomatic passports, which are reserved for specific individuals.
He noted, “The public should be rest assured that we do not simply issue diplomatic passports. Only those who qualify under the law can receive them.”
The Electoral Commission Strategic Plan (2022/23-2026/27) seeks to consolidate the conduct of free, fair and credible elections, and promotion of good governance and security before, during and after elections.
In the Electoral Commission Annual report 2024, Justice Byabakama Mugenyi Simon, Chairperson EC said that the plan will help the Commission in improving performance in respect of its mandate over the next five years.
Byabakama said that the preparation of the Electoral Commission Strategic Plan (2022/23 – 2026/27) provided an opportunity for the Commission to design programmes, strategies and actions for continuous improvement in the management of elections, noting, “This Strategic Plan runs from FY 2022/23 – 2026/2027 and will guide the conduct and administration of the 2025/2026 General Election.”
“This Strategic Plan seeks to build on the successes of the preceding plan to consolidate the conduct of free, fair and credible elections, and promotion of good governance and security before, during and after elections. The plan will help the Commission in improving performance in respect of its mandate over the next five years,” Byabakama said.
Byabakama called upon all stakeholders to support the implementation of this Strategic Plan.
“The vision of EC is to be a model institution and centre of excellence in election management. This Strategic Plan is aligned to National Development Plan III in content and to the Governance and Security Programme Implementation Action Plans (GSP-PIAPs),” he said.
The process of developing this Strategic Plan involved a comprehensive review of the previous plan, election reports, recommendations from observers and courts, extensive engagement with staff of the Commission, as well as stakeholders’ validation engagements.
A review of the EC Strategic Plan (2015/2016 – 2021/2022) indicated improved services and performance in management of elections, voter participation, inclusive stakeholders’ outreaches, political party activities, deployment of innovative tools and systems, as well as improvement in delivery of election materials.
Byakama said, “There are, however, certain noticeable constraints and challenges, including inadequate office and storage space, late enactment of enabling laws, failure to adhere to the deadline for creation of Administrative Units, the Covid-19 pandemic, voter apathy resulting into low turn up, inadequate and late release of funds, inadequate tools and equipment for mobilizing citizens to participate in elections, and misinformation by some sections of the public on electoral activities.”
He added that during the implementation of the Strategic Plan, the quality of internal and external communication will be improved by enhancing coordination among the directorates and departments of the Commission and between the Headquarters, Regions and District/City Offices, as well as between EC and other stakeholders in the electoral process.
“Special attention will be given to the deployment and use of ICT and new media platforms in the entire electoral process for efficiency and effectiveness. The Commission will strengthen digitization, research and development in order to innovate and develop projects. A key step towards building trust and ensuring effectiveness, credibility and accountability of the Strategic Plan, is the development of a Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Framework and System,” he revealed.
This will be accomplished through routine data collection, surveys, progress monitoring, management reviews, stakeholder meetings and annual, midterm and end term reviews.
The Strategic Plan contributes towards transforming the country from a peasant to a modern and prosperous society within a period of 30 years and achieving the overall national development goal of increased Household Incomes and Improved Quality of Life of Ugandans by 2040, as articulated in the Uganda Vision 2040.
“Over the next five years, EC shall ensure that citizens and stakeholders are adequately empowered to actively participate in governance and democratic processes,” Byabakama cited.
The Ministry of Gender Labor and Social Development (MGLSD) and the Private Sector Foundation Uganda, with support from the World Bank have rolled out Generating Growth Opportunities for Women (GROW) project in Owino, Downtown Kampala, marking a significant step forward in empowering Uganda’s women entrepreneurs.
Owino, a bustling hub for commerce in Kampala, is home to thousands of traders, many of whom are women striving to grow their businesses.
Through dfcu Bank, government has recognized the unique challenges faced by these women and through GROW, is offering a tailored financial solution aimed at supporting women traders who are eager to expand their businesses.
dfcu Bank’s Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer, Kate K. Kiiza, highlighted the critical role that women entrepreneurs play in Uganda’s economy.
“We understand that women traders have distinct challenges, such as limited access to funding and financial services, including loans and grants, which often hinders women’s ability to start or expand their businesses. As an implementing financial partner with the nationwide GROW Project, we will strive to address those challenges.”
“Through dfcu, women business owners across Uganda will get access to affordable interest rates, flexible payment plans, and comprehensive financial literacy programs which we will provide through our Women in Business Program,” Kiiza noted.
“When we announced our participation in the GROW initiative a few weeks back, we made a commitment to fostering an inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem for female entrepreneurs. Today, as we interact with women entrepreneurs, we are honored to say that dfcu is proud to be the bank that women traders in Uganda can rely on,” Kiiza added.
GROW builds on dfcu’s longstanding commitment to women operating Small and Medium Businesses, through its Women in Business (WiB) program, which has supported 80,000 women across Uganda with not only financial support but also crucial business skills. Kiiza also noted that women business owners will not only access loans, but also benefit from business mentorships and access to the dfcu Women in Business’ extensive network of successful women entrepreneurs.
dfcu Bank Women Business Advisory Council Member, Rosemary Mutyabule said, “Women traders are the lifeblood of Uganda’s commerce. dfcu is here to ensure they have the financial resources and support to overcome those challenges and thrive. GROW will allow women traders to access capital through dfcu and give them the opportunity to create self-sustaining businesses.”
With Uganda ranking among the top countries for female entrepreneurship, dfcu’s GROW initiative comes at a crucial time.
Recent statistics show that over 40% of businesses in Uganda are owned by women, yet many struggles to access the capital needed to scale. GROW aims to bridge this gap by providing loans that are flexible, accessible, and designed with women in mind.
“We believe that by empowering women entrepreneurs, we are empowering families, communities, and the entire nation,” concluded dfcu’s Executive Director.
“dfcu Bank is committed to standing with Uganda’s women traders as they work to grow their businesses, improve their lives, and drive economic development.”
The GROW project arose out of the need to respond to the needs of women entrepreneurs who want to grow their businesses, sustain their self-employment and create more jobs.
Over the next few weeks, dfcu’s will continue to implement the program across the country, relying on its extensive network of physical branches to reach thousands of women with the solutions embedded within the GROW Program.
The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) in collaboration with the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) successfully rescued 38 abductees from the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) terrorists during a daring operation on Monday, September 23, 2024.
The abductees, including women and children born in captivity were freed following a meticulously planned and intelligence-led assault in the eastern regions of the Ibiena River in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The joint effort is part of Operation Shujaa, an ongoing campaign aimed at eradicating the ADF’s influence in the region.
According to UPDF spokesperson, Brig. Felix Kulaigye, the operation inflicted “significant casualties and demoralization for the enemy forcing the militants to flee while abandoning their weapons. The operation also led to the recovery of eight submachine guns (SMGs) and one PK machine gun, further crippling the ADF’s operational capacity.”
He added, “As we pursue the ADF terrorists, we congratulate our generals, officers, and men who participated in Operation Shujaa and wish the combined forces many more successes in the defense of our territorial integrity.”
He emphasized that the operation’s success was a testament to the strength of the UPDF-FARDC partnership in restoring peace and security in the region.
The UPDF and FARDC have reaffirmed their commitment to eliminating terrorist threats and protecting civilians from harm. The rescue of the 38 captives is seen as a significant step forward in the ongoing fight against terrorism, as the combined forces continue their pursuit of the ADF and their operatives.
Uganda Airlines will launch inaugural flights to Lusaka, Zambia, and Harare, Zimbabwe tomorrow, September 25, 2024. This expansion follows approval from the two countries earlier this year.
The new routes bring the national carrier’s total destinations to 16 across 10 countries. Flights to Lusaka and Harare will operate four times a week, on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday.
The airline’s Chief Executive Officer, Jennifer Bamuturaki, said the new routes align with the company’s expansion strategy. “This is phase two of our expansion program, aiming to build an efficient regional market to support long-haul operations.”
Uganda Airlines will operate a two class CRJ900 aircraft on the route, configured with business class – 2×1 seating – and economy class – 2×2 seating – for the comfort of passengers.
Uganda Airlines commenced flights to Abuja, Nigeria, on September 12. The Abuja route will have two weekly flights, on Thursdays and Saturdays.
According to Adedayo Olawuyi, Chief Commercial Officer, the new routes are expected to increase revenue by at least 10%.
The airline has secured landing rights at London’s Gatwick Airport and plans to commence flights in Q4 2024. Additional routes in the works include Jeddah and Riyadh in Saudi Arabia, Cape Town via Harare, and Abu Dhabi.
With a fleet size of six jets, Uganda Airlines plans to acquire 10 more aircraft in the next 10 years, bringing the total to 16.
Following the findings of the Inspector General of Government (IGG) concerning the Kiteezi Landfill disaster, President Yoweri Museveni has dismissed the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) Executive Director, Dorothy Kisaka and two other top officials.
The move, announced in a press release dated September 24 by the Presidential Press Unit, follows an investigation that revealed criminal negligence and oversight failures within the KCCA, leading to the disaster.
The other officials dismissed officials; Engineer David Luyimbazi, the Deputy Executive Director, and Dr. Daniel Okello, the Director of Public Health.
The dismissals come under Article 172 (1(a) of the 1995 Constitution, which grants the President the authority to act in the public interest.
“In a decisive response to the findings of the IGG report concerning the Kiteezi Landfill disaster, H.E the President has exercised his constitutional authority under Article 172 (1)(a) to dismiss several key officials of the KCCA in the public interest due to significant evidence of criminal negligence,” the statement read.
The IGG’s report, which led to this unprecedented action, outlined severe oversights by these officials, implicating them in the mismanagement that led to the landfill disaster. The report specifically pointed to negligence that endangered public health and the environment.
Call for Further Investigation
President Museveni also directed the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and other crime management agencies to further probe the matter. The President emphasized the need for thorough investigations to ensure accountability and prevent future incidents.
“In light of these findings, the President has called upon the CID and other crime management agencies to thoroughly investigate the matter further,” the press release added.
The Kiteezi Landfill disaster, which has caused widespread damage, continues to raise serious concerns about the management of waste disposal in Kampala. The government’s swift response to the IGG’s report signals a firm stand on accountability and governance, especially in areas where negligence threatens the safety and well-being of the public.
To maintain stability and ensure a smooth transition in leadership, President Museveni has tasked the Public Service Commission with advertising the now-vacant positions of Executive Director, Deputy Executive Director, and Director of Public Health. The goal is to have these roles filled within three months.
The President also directed the Minister for Kampala to provide interim appointments for these critical positions to ensure that KCCA’s operations continue uninterrupted until permanent replacements are appointed. The Minister is expected to work closely with the President to ensure that qualified candidates take over the vital roles.
Museveni reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to accountability and governance, especially in the wake of such serious events. The President’s actions send a clear message that negligence and poor management will not be tolerated in public service.
“The President remains committed to upholding accountability and maintaining the highest standards of governance for the benefit of all citizens,” the press release concluded.
The Archbishop of Church of Uganda, The Most Rev Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu has commended famous businessman Ben Mugasha, alias BEMUGA for his substantial contributions to the Church and its ministers.
Archbishop Kaziimba made these remarks at St. Mark Church of Uganda Kyeibare in West Ankole Diocese, while preaching at the thanksgiving Service for Mugasha and commissioning of a house he built for the priest.
“I came to know Mugasha through my elder brother, Archbishop Emeritus Henry Luke Orombi. Mugasha is very well known for his love for the Church, supporting its development and its ministers.” Archbishop Kaziimba said.
He added, “It’s a very big challenge for a priest sleeping in a leaking house to give you a blessing while you sleep in a posh house. The priest is walking on foot or on a bicycle and you have a fleet of cars. That blessing will most likely come with sorrow.”
In his sermon, while referring to the proverbial scripture in Luke 17:15-17 about how the ten lepers were healed, but only one returned to express gratitude, Archbishop Kaziimba Mugalu referred to Mugasha as the one leper who returned to Jesus to give thanks.
“Always ask yourself this question: If I had not been born, what would the world have missed in my absence? Whenever there is a call to support the building of churches and affiliated projects, it’s a golden opportunity for you to give back to God a part of what He has given you,” Bishop Twinomujuni said.
Mugasha said that when God healed him, he acknowledged that God had given him a second chance to live, because there was unfinished work for him.
“A few years ago, at one of the prominent functions, my liver burst. I was taken to Nairobi for specialized treatment. Doctors gave me 5% chances of recovery but God gave me 100%. They had even tied a ribbon on my right hand to identify me properly in the mortuary but when they returned, they found me taking tea.” Mugasha said.
He added, “God instructed me to build a Church of the priest. He was living in a dilapidated house. I was touched. I don’t want this house to be named after me, but after God.”
In his testimony, Mugasha said, “In 2020, I was at a giveaway of a daughter of one of my friends in Rukungiri after lunch when my liver was medically reported to have burst into two. My blood pressure was reading 235/190.”
He added, “As part of medical specialist’s findings during the theatre process in Nairobi, my gallbladder was rotten, I had a tumor the size of a tennis ball, and it had to be cut out and this left me with a lot of clots, which made Doctors doubt my chances of survival but my God’s grace, I survived.”
“As we celebrate today’s function, it is exactly 1,694 days (4 years, 7 months and 20 days, I am alive and still counting. As my 62nd Birthday gift, I offer this token of thanksgiving, the vicarage.” Mugasha said.
The Minister of Works and Transport, Gen Edward Katumba Wamala who attended the function commended Mugasha for considering to give thanks to God.
“When I survived the unfortunate shooting incident involving 50 bullets, I realized the hand of God. There is no military nor physical tactic I applied but God’s miraculous protection. Since then I offered my life fully to His service. It’s always important to give thanks.” Gen. Wamala said.
According to the Church of Uganda Communications Officer Sadiiki Adams Mugume, during the service, over Shs132 million, two hundred bags of cement and two cows were collected to support the completion of St Mark Church of Uganda Kyeibare.
The colorful function was attended by retired Bishops Yona Katonene and Eng George Bagamuhunda, Members of Parliament, and local government officials and several dignitaries.
